Centerfold, Index

Lisa and I climbed up Centerfold, a 4 pitch mixed route at Index (Washington). She snapped this photo on the 3rd belay ledge. It was a hot day; no one was at the cliff.

Many birds which I believe where peregrine falcons were fighting one another. I checked the Peterson guide; the flight pattern and shape was that of a falcon. The range map indicates peregrine is likely; however, I am always a bit hesitant to commit to an endangered species siting. We'll call them UFOs for now.

Better than Midas

Imagine if all you touched turned to gold.
Now imagine if all turned to birds.

Ideally, all the birds wouldn't be gray jays / camp robbers / whiskey jacks.

First All-Animal Ascent of Rainier

A party of five stuffed animals was witnessed to have summitted Mount Rainier, that icon of the Pacific Northwest, on June 20 of this year. Their ascent on the day before the solstice is reported to have supported Washington's National Park Fund.(http://www.wnpf.org)

Microsoft For Parks is an example of a big company doing a good thing.

The climb reflects a display of solidarity amongst a community who recognizes the importance of our national treasures - our national public lands. The commons. All my family and friends who contributed financially enabled this climb. Together we raised over $6000 for the WNPF, and the entire climb team raised over $40000 combined. That's an amazing accomplishment. Thank you.

[ morning alpenglow on Little Tahoma, viewed from Camp Schurman ]


[ sunrise, from Emmons Flats, on the summer solstice ]


[ Camp Schurman ]


[ rope team from Microsoft descending ]


[ summit morning, the moon sets over Little Tahoma ]


[ summit morning, to the north the sun rises over the Stuart Range ]


[ summit shot, 6 adventurous animals ]

Boundary Waters - Velvet Spikes and Kill Beaver

I got back from the Boundary Waters this week. The weather was wonderful and the trip was great: portaging, canoeing, fishing, camping, birding, foraging. I traveled with 3 members of my family. The velvet bull on the right was among the photogenic highlights of the trip.

We traveled through a chain of 11 lakes, crossing over 13 portages. Much adventure was enjoyed. The lands rumbled at night with midwest storms. Strong winds created
chop that wiser fools would have been disinclined to navigate. The morning routine was perfect: up before 5, boil water, watch. Rouse the fellas and eat the oats. Break camp and travel on. What a way to see the country. The BWCA is quite a magical place. What a blessing to see a beaver swimming 15 feet away. White osprey
wings diving in a fight, talons extended. Orange mushrooms in the boreal forest. Blackburnian warbler ("it looks like a tiger!"). A spotted fawn. Bull moose!