Mount St. Helens Skin

Nik and I had the opportunity to go with a bunch of his friends to hike Mount St Helens on skis. We drove up to the mountain after I got off work on Saturday, where we set up our tent and joined the guys at the campfire for some good ole' camping times. We didn't want to stay up too late, because we had to get up early to start our hike. 

The next morning we got up with the sun to get a fresh start on our ascent ahead. We left the parking lot with our skins attached to our skis and we barely had to walk 100 ft before we were able to put them on and start skinning up the hill. The first part was beautiful. We were below the tree line and it seemed so quite and serene.

Once we got above the tree line the terrain became much steeper and we really had to work hard to make a few slides on the skis. At this point I started to feel a major pressure on my shins. (My boots were given to me when I first came back to skiing a couple years ago. They have worked ok until now). Finally the terrain was so steep we had to take our skis off and hike with our poles in one hand and the skis over our shoulder in the other. This was about half way up the mountain (about 3000 vertical ft) from where we started. Once I took my skis off the pressure was too much to handle. My shins were throbbing and I couldn't handle the pain. Taking steps forward into a steep incline was killing me. I told Nik I was not able to continue and that he should go on. He didn't want to leave me along, so he gave up his ego and helped his injured fiance down the mountain. Skiing down was very difficult on the shins as well. I was practically in tears, but I knew that was the only way I was getting back to the car. I was really bummed we didn't make it and I know Nik was too. We both are competitive people and not achieving something like that struck my ego a bit.

At the bottom we took all of our gear off and headed home. My shins throbbed for most of last week and I wasn't able to wear any socks. I am feeling much better now, and realize I am glad I turned around that day. If I was injured anymore it really could have affected me at work.

While driving home we got a call from our friends, Andrews and Wanda. They invited us out on their boat for the first ride this year. We had to do it. Hiking and skiing in the morning to boating in the afternoon. It was a must! We didn't waterski or do any sports, we just lounged and laid in the sun. It was a perfect way to end such an adventure filled weekend.

Asa Pet of the Month

Look who's the Pet of the Month in our apartment building. Everyone loves our little Wanda!!!

Mom and Ben come to visit!

It is always nice to have family come and visit. This week we were fortunate enough to have Mom and Ben to Portland. I made sure to plan out the days while they were here, so we always had something fun to do. The first couple days the weather constantly threatened to ruin our fun, but we made sure to not let it stop us. The last day they were here the weather was perfect! Many of the activities included a Best of Portland Tour, a movie, trying the many restaurants around town, hiking in Forest Park, going to First Thursday (an evening of activities in our neighborhood) walking, walking and even more walking.

On the tour in downtown Portland

Posing next to the smallest city park in the world... only in Portland
Also in the middle of an intersection

The tour was great because we all learned a lot about the city. There was so many things I didn't know about the place I have been calling home for over a year now. I didn't even care I was the only local on the tour.

Experiencing one of the thousands of Happy Hours in the city

Nik and I love our cities Happy Hours. Cheap food, but always good and worth eating early. Now that Mom and Ben have experienced them they know why we rave about them. We took them to one of our favorites in NW Portland called North 45.

In the lobby of our building

 We joined in on the festivities for First Thursday. This is when the Pearl District's art galleries and some stores open their doors to guests and invite them in with wine and appetizers. We didn't make it very far, because our building was having a party and we enjoyed talking to the neighbors, including Tommy Heath of the band Tommy Tutone. We did however walk the streets and enjoyed the street fair of goods. 

First Thursday

 On Friday it was a beautiful day, so before heading up into the hills for a hike we stopped and had a fantastic breakfast at Besaws (one of our favorite breakfast spots). The hike was gorgeous and the smells made me feel like we were way out in the wilderness. When actually, we were 2 miles from our downtown home.

Hike in Forest Park

We had so much fun with you guys and are so thankful you were able to make the trip. Thank you for everything. We had an amazing time and look forward to the next time.