Packed and Ready

I just finished packing for my weekend trip. Everything I need is either in my pack or attached to the outside. Warm clothes, pots, water, and everything else. The total weight is 65 pounds; 20 more than I've been training with. Good thing I don't have to walk far.

I'm not entirely sure what's in store for me, but new experiences are always the catalyst for growth, and this one won't be an exception.

I've never made New Years resolutions, but I can't help but see the coincidences with this trip. It begins on January first and starts my official trips. This will be my first trip since turning 18. And, like I said in an earlier post, my first trip in winter. I can't wait.

One Week 'Till Camping

I will be camping next weekend from Friday through Sunday. I will be spending the weekend with a group of people I've never met in a place I've never been at temperatures I have yet to sleep in. We will be camping on Frazier Mountain, and though it is in the same mountain range as where I live, I have never been there. The trip was organized by Naturalist For You (http://www.naturalist-for-you.org/), a local organization and guide service aimed at promoting environmental appreciation and protection.

I have spent the last several weeks gathering all the needed items in order to have a successful and warm weekend. Though I had many of the components necessary for backpacking, I lacked a compact tent, stove, and cookware. I borrowed all three items from a friend, who backpacked often in his younger days. However, he hadn't used any of them in over a decade. As a result, there was a bit of re-education needed to use them. The tent was very simple to put together, with similar construction to the large 4 person tent my family used on our car camping trips, but I had to do some troubleshooting for one simple and minor problem, but a problem that would take away from the experience greatly. Since the tent hadn't been used in several years, it picked up a peculiar odor that was very uncomfortable to be around. The musty smell resembled old cheese. It was an easy fix, but took me a little while to think of. In the end, I built the tent in my garage and sprayed it with a largess coating of Febreeze to hopefully remove the smell entirely. This worked amazingly and the tent now has a much more pleasant smell. However, it is still airing out, as I'd prefer to smell the crisp winter air and the pine trees over the smell of Febreeze.

The next problem came when I lit the small MSR stove for the first time. The stove burns liquid propane through a hand pump which attaches to the canister. Given the small size of the pump, I felt that it needed several pumps to build adequate pressure. I pumped it nine or ten times, then lit it as the instructions dictated. It lit with ease, but the amount of fuel that I had forced into the fuel line quickly escaped and leaked in a liquid to directly under the stove. The excess fuel then caught fire. The small, controlled burn turned to a large fireball on my stove. Even after I had turned the fuel off, it continued to burn as a result of the fuel that had leaked underneath for 10 minutes until it had all burned off. I then returned to visit John, the friend who loaned me the equipment, to figure out the problem. We encountered the same situation. After some trial and error we solved it. Three pumps seems to be the proper amount to ensure no fireballs followed.

In the next few days I will be buying the last of the things on my list. Namely food and a pair of snow pants. Following those final purchases, I will be packing everything into the 85 liter pack that I've been using to train with. My first winter camping experience is just days away. I hope my feet stay warm.

I'll Post More Soon

Hey. I just wanted to apologize for not posting anything recently. I'm taking finals. I'll be finished this week, and when I am I'll post more again. If you're new, read the earlier posts to see my plans.

Climbing Season Over

Climbing season is officially over, here on the mountain. Last night, we got pounded with 4 inches of snow in the lightest of a series of storms to take place throughout the week. I have no doubt that my bouldering spots, all hovering around 8,000 feet, are now unclimbable.

This is another of winters bittersweet aspects. I love the incredible beauty of fresh powder on the ground, but I'm a summer sports kind of guy. I have never gone skiing or snowboarding, in favor of spending my money on climbing and mountain biking gear.

I am realizing, though, in a nice twist, that I am going to gain experience with winter hiking and mountaineering as I continue my training through the cold months.

My trip list was expanded this week to my first winter camping experience. I will be spending New Years weekend on Frazier Mountain with Naturalist For You, a nonprofit organization aimed at creating a broader appreciation of nature. The trip is a three day two night training trip, during which time I will become a certified naturalist guide. Naturalist guides volunteer their time to teach the public about nature, while on hikes or otherwise. I will be posting more information as I receive it.

My First Solo Alpine Ascent

Me with my pack with 45 pounds of weights. I can't wait for spring.

I asked my friend to take this picture of me more for the purposes of my profile, so the reader can get a better idea of who I am. However, it showcases my first mountain. My first dream and obsession and, as of last summer, my first alpine style ascent.

The mountain in the center of the background is Sawmill Mountain. The 8,818 foot peak is relatively small compared to some of my other mountain obsessions such as Mount Whitney and Mount Everest, however it was a major personal movement forward.

I moved to Pine Mountain Club, California during the summer before seventh grade. Sawmill Mountain immediately caught my eye. The scree gully, which later became my route up the mountain, was so reminiscent of the classic peaks of the world. Its jagged, exposed face was captivating. I had to climb it.

I had made several plans with different friends to climb it, but every time one thing or another prohibited us from doing so. For 5 years, I had the mountain calling me. I had to answer it. I couldn't wait any longer.

I knew where I was going and what I needed to do it successfully. Hours of starring at the map gave me confidence that I could do it. I could stand it no longer. I left my home in the early afternoon and began walking. I packed a day pack with 1 liter of water, trail mix, and my 5.10 rock shoes.

The first mile and a half are on very easy trail with less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The final half mile, however, were a trial of everything I had. The slope is a very choss scree slope. For those of you who don't know, choss is very crumbly rock.

I continued up the route that my planning and speculating had shown. I was quickly scaling the face, occasionally turning to check the view. 100 feet, nice view and comfortable height. "I can't believe this," I thought as I reached 300 feet. 500 feet, incredibly exposed, I'm so glad I brought those rock shoes, I hope this next hold stays. After passing the more exposed section, the forest again explodes out of the mountain. I thought My main troubles were over.

As I continued through the trees, still on steep ground, I encountered a new problem: natural rose bushes and shorts. By the time I plowed all the way through the thicket, my legs were bloody and shaky.

The accomplishment I felt when I reached the summit was more than ever before. As I stood overlooking where I had come from, I realized how late in the afternoon it was. It would be dark in an hour and a half, returning by the way I had come was too dangerous and staying the night was not an option. I had to find the trail that runs along the top of the mountain and head east until I reached the road and would be able to hitchhike home. I started walking again at a hasty pace.

The trail seemed endless as I walked totally exhausted and out of water. "Shouldn't there be another hiker?" I wondered as I watched my shadows grow longer. There wasn't another hiker until I reached Mount Pinos where I was able to convince a departing family to give me a ride home. I was incredibly grateful for their ride and they seemed to enjoy me recounting my day.

I arrived home exhausted, hungry, and cut, but I arrived intensely satisfied that I had accomplished this goal. This first alpine ascent was the first of many to come. My life as a climber was undeniable. This is what I was supposed to do.

Old Friends, New Experiences

View from my back deck.

Yesterday was a very nice change of pace in my training. I love training solo, because it brings me closer to nature than most other things. However, nothing compares to new stories from an old friend.

My great friend, Christian, graduated last year (a year before I will) and began attending Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, California. Since he moved away the only way we've been able to talk is through Facebook and only for short periods of time. He came home for Thanksgiving and was up for the weekend.

I had just finished a fairly large lunch of the left over burritos from a few nights earlier and began organizing my pack and the warmer clothes I needed for my walk when he called. "Hey," he said when I answered. "What's up?" I asked. He told me he was bored at home, so I invited him to come with me.

We walked somewhere between 3 and 4 miles. I'm not sure, because I'd never walked that way before and hadn't mapped it out. We talked about life as we walked.

Topics ranged from his classes and work, downloading tons of movies and TV shows to the point that he and his roommate received notice letters, and , briefly, the endless high school drama (which always follows the same plot). "The differences," he says, "between high school and college is that there is more work and the writing on the bathroom stalls has proper grammar."

As we walked, and the sun continued on it's westward path behind the mountain, the weather went from a cool, but comfortable sunny winter day to a fairly cold evening. This drop in temperature turned the snowmelt from the day into a thin but smooth sheet of ice. It's always a comical challenge when one is forced to walk on icy, hilly roads with little more than hiking boots. Though, neither of us fell, we definitely struggled to maintain our balance.

To conclude the day, we stopped at our friend Alannah's house. This was a bit of a reunion of our old trio. The summer after my sophomore year (one where I grew immensely) and the school year following was spent almost entirely with Christian and Alannah. The three of us sat around her warm fire and, just like old times, talking about the wonderful minutia of life.

The photos included were taken while walking the hills of Pine Mountain Club on the day of the first annual snowfall.

Writing From My Younger Days

This was written on Friday July 11, 2008. I am posting it, because I feel it gives some insight into my life and thus, the adventurer's heart.

It seems that when I get away from the usual comforts of the home I find a better balance with myself. The daily comforts of a couch, a TV, or even something so simple as a house: that so many enjoy and depend on for personal pleasure. As I walk through nature I find myself questioning whether I truly want to live in this standard of life that I have been so well acquainted. It seems so apparent that those who seek a house and furnishings for that house often become very stressed. Once someone has a "possession" they often fall under the belief that it is actually theirs and they start to guard it. They want to keep it forever or find something better to keep forever. This does not seem healthy.

On the other hand, take a metaphysical look at a tree. A tree starts out as something simple such as an acorn or a pinecone. That simple beginning (not unlike the beginning of a human) leads to a series of events which over time ends with it becoming buried and beginning to grow. Like infant humans, it does not know where it is or how it got there, but it is purely content with simply living. After that initial stage of infancy is when the major difference become noticeable. The sapling is still happy with existing and growing, but a toddler wants more than that. A toddler seeks, not only sustenance, but also physical things. A toddler will see a toy and might not even know what it is, but the toddler does know that he wants it. Why can we not be like the tree or like many animals? Why is it so hard to live with the goal of sustenance and after that simply enjoy the experience of the reality around us? What will lead me to this ability?

While I was sitting by a stream in a natural setting I was very content. I was not seeking to gain property. I was enjoying the beauty of the reality all around me. Is there a reason that I must acquire a house or can I live in nature? There are many who would consider not owning a house a lack in personal quality. I do not believe that not owning a house is a bad thing. Right now, I am seeking two things. The first is a peaceful life and the second is a role in society that allows me to make a difference in the lives of others while allowing me to live the way I want to.

Inspiration

I know I am technically writing this on the 24th of November, but keep in mind that it is 12:14 in the morning. This means that it still feels like the same day. It still feels as though it is Monday. And for many, that is true. The next day doesn't occur until they awaken in the morning. So this is my post for Monday. That noted, I wanted to take a moment and go the the beginnings of my life and share my first experiences with adventure.

I've always loved to climb and am told that I once threw a tantrum when, upon arriving home from shopping, I realized that my parents were not going to get me the ladder that I was asking for. I have no recollection of this, but for those in support of nature over nurture, I guess this can be taken as some evidence. I do, however, remember my first exposure to backpacking and mountaineering. In 1996, the adventure film "Alaska" was released. The movie chronicles a brother and sister in their teens (probably pretty close to the age I am now) as they search for their missing father, all the while battling poachers and growing into strong individuals. I've had a passion for Alaska and everything wilderness ever since. I guess those childhood dreams don't fade easily, because that movie has more or less defined my life.

A few years later I was in 3rd grade and beginning to read bigger, more grown up books. My elementary school annually held a book fair in which students could purchase age appropriate books. This is when I bought my first survival book. I was so excited. I couldn't wait to read it. I tore open the pages and began reading before I even walked out the door. (This seemed to annoy my older brother who was 2 grades above me and had to walk home with me and ensure I made it safely.) This was the first "chapter" book I ever read in it's entirety. Though I can no longer remember the title, I remember fondly reading about how to escape from a sinking car and how to build a proper fire. I even kept a first aid kit in my bedroom.

More recently, the film "Into the Wild" was released, which tells the incredible story if Chris McCandless. I had never seen my dreams so vividly personified. I instantly identified with Chris and my dreams that had been always there, but quieted, exploded to the world. Much to the worry of my parents, and the cause of their current fears. One similarity between Chris and I still interests me, most likely because it is so recent a part of my life, is that Chris was Captain on his cross country team in high school and this year, I served as captain on my cross country team. I first found this similarity when reading Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, though I wasn't captain last year, I had earned Most Outstanding Runner. I do realize that that sounds like a cocky ego stroke, but I add it to better illustrate my life.

I still dream of Alaska (and watch the movie of the same title often). I know I will one day spend time there and will see the Northern Lights in my life.

I'm currently working on a photo journal and that should be ready to share soon. Other upcoming topics, future trips and goals.

New Personal Record

Today was my forth day walking with a weighted pack. The pack was again weighted at 40 pounds. I reached a new personal best. I walked 7 miles today, marking the farthest distance I've traveled on foot. I was surprised again to find that I had the endurance to physically cover this distance with little struggle. Though, the last push (a quarter mile up hill) to make it home was quite hard. The hardest part was my back acting up. I was again surprised, however, to find that a brief break when I could no longer take it enabled me to continue for a few more miles.

All in all, the trek was fantastic. A beautiful sunset and occasional conversations with strangers make for a great day. It looks to me that my biggest obstacle at the moment is my friends and family who are worried. Thanks for caring, but please allow me the freedom I've earned.

Winter

Winter sure feels like it's here. Clouds, low fog, and ice. Time to break out the winter gear. Snow shoes, thermals, and beanies. Can't wait for snow.

Winter, for me, is always a bittersweet time of reflection. I love the beauty of the snow and the cozy warmth of family, hot chocolate, and fire in the fire place. On the other hand, climbing is put to a near stand still. Winter hiking is still in the mix, and some of the most amazing environments can be seen when one finds a snow covered, ice ladened waterfall, but the fast paced lifestyle slows to a crawl.

Goals for the season, continue trekking with progressively heavier packs for progressively longer distances, work out my scrawny upper body, capture natures lovely landscapes with my camera, and stay warm with my amazing friends and family.

Training Day

Today was the second day of training with a weighted backpack. The backpack used was the Supernova 85 (85 liter) weighted to 41 pounds.

I walked a little over 3 miles with an elevation gain of 600 feet from 5,400 feet to 6,000. This was harder than I originally thought. I didn't struggle in the least with endurance. I did however experience back pain as a result of a car accident in the seventh grade. Most of my pain was in my shoulders, I had no problem finishing the walk and after a short break without the pack my shoulders recovered. This gives me great hope that my back will not handicap me from achieving my dreams.

Spring trips are coming fast. I can't wait

I have to give thanks to Mrs. Hardesty. I wouldn't have started this blog if it weren't for her inspiration. Thanks.

Introduction

My first post will be an introduction of who I am and why I'm writing. I am 18 years old and an avid adventurer. As far back as I can remember, I've wanted to travel the world and climb the highest peaks. All the while meeting the amazing people throughout this beautiful planet.

I write this blog as the start of my career in adventure journalism. I will use it as a medium to chronicle my trips and training. I have never been backpacking, so this will be a blog of growth and development. I will write and post photos of my journey into the start of my life. The combination of writing, photography, and climbing is the culmination of my life long passions into a career.