tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56337588995984807222024-03-18T00:03:20.035-06:00Banff Trail TrashStories of time spent on the trails in Banff National Park.Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.comBlogger358125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-40598963329922045172014-12-13T19:56:00.000-07:002014-12-13T19:56:38.676-07:00Life is One Big AdventureAdventure - it's always been my favorite word.<br />
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Exciting and unusual experiences! Outcomes unknown! New Trails!! New places! New people! Life! It's always one giant question mark. Isn't<i> life</i> the biggest adventure of all?!?<br />
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My adventures and life are rolling by at warp speed, in a good way. Keith and I, we're live-ers. Do-ers. Lovers of Life. It's always been this way.<br />
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Our PCT adventure was Grand. Keith and I didn't kill each other, had a fabulous time, made new friends, walked ridiculous miles and ate huge amounts of food.<br />
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My big Summer adventure involved some quality time with my mom and some adventures with her. Of course, there were also some amazing local adventures in my beautiful backyard. Big or small, any adventure is a good adventure!<br />
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Our fall adventure involved a trip to Vermont, a failed attempt on the Long Trail, and a 5,000km bonus trip to New Mexico. Our somewhat spontaneous roadtrip was over 12,000km's in total!!! My ass is growing just thinking about that trip.<br />
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Highest Point in Texas!</div>
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Fall Colors in Vermont</div>
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White Sands, New Mexico</div>
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The next adventure on the horizon is a Work Adventure in a beautiful place. I'll be working in the Cariboo Mountains for the next 4 and a half months at a high-end Heli-Ski Lodge. Keith's been working there for a couple of years and adores the place and the people. So, it's time for me to join in the fun. Why not clean rooms at age 45? I'm hopeful there will be plenty of time for adventure. And skiing. And food. And good people.<br />
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Commuting!</div>
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<i><br /></i>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-17970844404646169222014-05-20T17:11:00.001-06:002014-05-20T17:11:16.408-06:00How Could I Forget How Awesome This Is??*Day off in Big Bear: another awesome mountain town*<br />
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We're still hangin' with Scott and Jason. The boys have been fine company and have been keeping us motivated and smiling. Together, we've enjoying (and working VERY hard) with some longer days and longer mileage than we expected early in this trip. Jason is blogging - <a href="http://jasonreamy.blogspot.com/">http://jasonreamy.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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It's all good! Epic scenery, fun company and some Racoon Shenanigans have been the highlights of this section. From desert to Mountain to desert to Mountain has been the theme as well with huge elevation changes. Keith has been a superstar and has been having a good time (did I mention working hard?!?) and is sleeping like a baby while I toss and turn all night while we "cowboy camp" and sleep on our tarp under the stars.<br />
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Scott with his Hiker breakfast in Big Bear. Oh yeah. It's the little things that make you smile.<br />
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We are supposed to be hitchhiking here. It didn't work. Instead I got on the phone and called a Trail Angel who came and picked up 6 OF US SMELLY DIRTY-ASS HIKERS and took us direct to Sizzler for a mid-afternoon Sizzler Salad Bar Bender. Oh yeah.<br />
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The desert is Astounding.<br />
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Jason and Keith enjoying some trail magic. Cold soda's on the trail! (this post is beginning to sound heavily food orientated...)<br />
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This section of trail has been particularly astounding because of it's diversity. We went from 9,000 feet on Mount San Jacinto, to the Palm Desert at 1,000 feet. Then we regained all of the elevation to Mount San Gorgonio at 8,000 feet. Note: the desert is NOT flat. But it is sooooo Amazing. The descent down to the Palm Desert was hard, hard work (12 miles of descending) to the bottom of the desert floor where it was 100F. Wow.<br />
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A little perspective. Keith and Mount San Jacinto.<br />
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We saw the Sunrise.<br />
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And the sunset!!<br />
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And then there was fragrant high alpine forests with amazing trees!<br />
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There are some crazy things growing in these mountains.<br />
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We are enjoying a well earned day off, feet up and relaxin'. I've been to Big Bear 3 times in my life, and love this town. Real people.<br />
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Next up: 3 days to Cajon pass. We're feeling rested and ready. It's a whole new hike for me: the scenery feels and looks completely different, there are people and socializing on the trail (shocking for someone who spent 104 days hiking by herself) and we're loving it. <br />
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Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-74857143451732509012014-05-20T16:40:00.002-06:002014-05-20T16:43:32.140-06:00Idlin' in Idyllwild<i> *Post Retroactive* Day off in Idyllwild: A great mountain town, with great mountain people like our friend Ken "Backwoods" Campbell....thanks to good people in good places our trip has been none to short of amazing.</i><br />
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<b>The Keith and Leslie Adventure has started off on the right note. Thanks to friends in good places, things have been amazing for our first week on the trail.</b><br />
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Phil and Callie in San Diego took care of us and we got to meet The Desert Tortoise!<br />
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Phil and Callie sent us down the trail excited and we were off.<br />
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Day 1: all Smiles at Lake Morena<br />
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The desert in bloom.<br />
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It was cold in Lake Morena. I got these "Party Pants" out of the "free to Hikers" box. The kept me warm in the early morning as we started hiking before 6AM.<br />
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Amazingly, there was an Ultra marathon going on in the region. I met Scotty Mills the San Diego 100 Miler on trail! We share a few mutual friends in the Ultra world.<br />
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Dave Super took care of us in Mount Laguna - a bed, a shower and fine company are ALWAYS appreciated! Thanks Super Dave!<br />
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We made it to Scissors Crossing where my friend Special D took the time to help us out. It was amazing. He engineered a great place to stay and even took our packs for the day and met us down the trail as we hiked. Awesome. He even took us off the trail and played tour guide! Amazing. Thanks Special D.<br />
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We've picked up a few awesome friends. Jason and Scott have been frickin' awesome good company. We have 2 new best friends, in true Keith and Leslie style.<br />
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The desert has amazed us - every day has brought us out-of-this-world beautiful scenery and as a bonus: the desert in bloom. There is so much life in these hills!<br />
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Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-55104540031262870612014-05-06T23:02:00.000-06:002014-05-06T23:02:02.315-06:00PCT Dreamin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Did you know?<br />
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We're off on another adventure! <br />
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It's been a helluva' couple years of great adventures. While we love and adore this incredible place we call home, we keep continuing to mix it up. Whether at home or afar, Adventures are the stuff of Living. We aspire to keep on, keepin' On. Living that is. And so we're off again.<br />
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What's been on our mind the last 2 months?<br />
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That would be the Pacific Crest Trail.<br />
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Yes, THAT trail.<br />
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Who says you can't do the same thing twice?<br />
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Ohhhhhh, the adventures we will have! The Places We'll Go!!<br />
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Keith and Leslie are going hiking. <br />
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This time last year: a hitchhike with a bicycle on the Navajo Reservation.</div>
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Keith Selfie: Ski touring above Bow Lake</div>
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I've been busy organizing, packing boxes of food, buying some gear. We are so ready to hit the trail. Keith's been working hard at the lodge all winter, eating too much good food and drink, being a Powder Pig and skiing up a storm. It's going to be a shock going from winter in the Canadian Rockies to spring heat in the desert. I'm ready. He's ready. We're Ready.</div>
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For an Adventure!!</div>
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Keith's winter job: <a href="http://www.canadianmountainholidays.com/lodging/cariboos.aspx">CMH Cariboos</a> Backcountry Heli-ski bliss!!</div>
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Really? He calls this work.<br />
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Home Sweet Home: Me making turns in the Sunshine Village backcountry</div>
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We fly tomorrow.<br />
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To San Diego.<br />
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We'll visit friends, who will take us to the trail.<br />
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We'll put on our packs. <br />
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And we'll start hiking.<br />
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In the desert.<br />
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Being an Ass in Utah</div>
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I LOVE THE DESERT!!<br />
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These Canadian cheeks are going to be red.<br />
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Or pink.<br />
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I'll get SWASS.<br />
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*Sweaty Ass*<br />
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Home: Tunnel Mountain Trail</div>
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We'll forget about winter.<br />
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We're soooo done with it.<br />
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Although we love it. <br />
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Monument Valley on the bikes</div>
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We shall sweat our Arses off in the desert!!<br />
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On the very beautiful Pacific Crest Trail...<br />
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If you recall.<br />
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I hiked that little trail in Aug-Sept-October of 2012.<br />
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A Very Remote Corner of Banff National Park</div>
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I LOVE OUR HOME!!!</div>
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I love Hiking.<br />
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I love my hubby.<br />
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I love to travel.<br />
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I love trails.<br />
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I love adventure!!<br />
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Our Pet Elk Mittens - our front lawn</div>
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I LOVE OUR ELK!!</div>
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Too bad we can't take Mittens.<br />
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Our Guard elk.<br />
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He's out with his Harem right now.<br />
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Life is Good.<br />
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Especially if you have a Harem of ladies.<br />
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Or are going hiking for 2 months in Southern California.<br />
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The Place Where Adventure Ideas Are Born: our Kitchen</div>
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I LOVE COFFEE HERE!!</div>
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We will hike in beautiful places, on a beautiful trail, day after day after day! Through desert and mountains and magical pine forests. Mmmmm.<br />
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Before you know it, I'll be sitting here back in my kitchen dreaming of the next adventure.<br />
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But for now, there is the Pacific Crest Trail - for the next 2 whole months!<br />
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I can't wait for the adventure to begin.<br />
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Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-17298025368002218832014-03-02T13:54:00.001-07:002014-04-09T17:41:31.611-06:00New ZealandAaaah, New Zealand.<br />
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I always knew I would love New Zealand, without ever having set foot on this magical island. In my mind, it's always been my kind of place. A place where mountains meet ocean, where trails and beaches abound, where the mountains are huge, wild and rugged and the forests are lush, thick and unpenetrable. I've always envisioned it as the type of place I could move - sight unseen.<br />
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I had an irresistible invitation from some like-minded friends: Come for a visit and we'll show you the trails. I always say you have to take opportunities when you get them, so I decided to make this trip happen. For one glorious month, I went on an honest-to-goodness-Leslie-trail-bender. My kind of holiday! I also got to relax for the moments-in-between with some wonderful friends, who happen to live in a very beautiful place and have life figured out. Like attracts like, yes? <br />
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I was based out of Nelson, which to my delight is surrounded by epic scenery, mountains, beaches and incredible trails. We christened it the "top of the South" tour and with the help and company of my friends, I got to see 530 glorious kilometers of trails in this corner of the South Island. I hiked and ran and explored to my hearts content. 530km!! I saw <i>a lot</i> of spectacular trails. I only saw a teeny-tiny corner of this country and it blew my mind - as I knew it would!<br />
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I'm not quite sure how to even write about this adventure, each hike, run and trip was an adventure in itself. I squeezed in a lot! Maybe I'll just start off with some photos and tell you about some of these amazing places. Honestly, every single one of these trips could be a blog post in itself.<br />
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The top of the South is steep! The <i>Cradle Bay Walkway</i> was my first hike/run for my pale Canadian Arse. My first thought was: "is everything this steep?!?" It was a straight up march from the bay which strained and stretched every muscle in my legs. The mighty Leslie quads were quivering from the grade of descent. I was putting on "the brakes" every stride. And then there were things like tussocks to trip over. Whoa. Eyes opened. The trail itself passed through a fascinating mix of land use: from natural bush, to pasture and sheep grazing, to tree farms. This is New Zealand.<br />
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Sheep!</div>
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Eyes also opened to beautiful scenery! We got great views of the ocean and my first taste of New Zealand bush - lush, think and sub-tropic with man-eating ferns. And some bits were runnable! <br />
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Next day, we jumped on a ferry and did a walk/run of a lovely 32km section of the <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/nelson-tasman/golden-bay/abel-tasman-coast-track/">Abel Tasman Coast track.</a> It was a beautiful day and I felt a little shell-shocked to be straight off the plane and running by the OCEAN! WOW! SUNSHINE! T-SHIRTS! PALM TREES! My little heart damn near exploded with the joy. The Abel Tasman is super popular and is a non-stop tour of white sand beaches and turquoise seas. It's the perfect running trail with it's easy rolling terrain, water access and gorgeous scenery. The most wonderful thing about the Abel Tasman track is that it is very accessible and achievable for most folks. You can hike short sections or long sections with the help of a water taxi. And to my great surprise, there were treats on the trail! Second breakfast? Yes, please.<br />
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My running muscles were sore, so Michael and I set off on an adventure on the Dunn Mountain Trails. You can access this trail network right from Nelson! There are tons of purposefully built Mountain Bike trails here as well - it's a mecca for off-road adventure.<br />
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I got a taste of how quickly the weather can change - it went from a sweaty day to a blustery day very quickly. From this vantage point I could see Michael and Tamara's office on the bay in Nelson! They are smart people my friends and I think that moving to New Zealand was pretty much the Best Thing Ever. They've created a great life for themselves. <br />
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After my 3 day trail "warm-up" we decided to jump in with a multi-day adventure in the Richmond Ranges. Michael pieced together an impressive section of trail that he had long wanted to complete - a 120 kilometer traverse through the mountains, ending right in Nelson. He said it would have bragging rights if we pulled it off.<br />
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For part of our track, we hiked a notoriously challenging section of the
Te Araroa trail. Now that it's a month later and I can clear my head
to the enormity of this trail, I can tell you it was a Monster. In a
good way. This little 4 day trip re-defined what I would call a "trail"
and forever changed my perspective on what is a rough, rugged and
technical trail. It made every mile of the PCT look like an easy,
cruisy, super highway. The trail went straight-the-fuck-up
and straight-the-fuck-down. It also featured rocks, roots and ankle
swallowing tussocks. Fortunately it also featured some epic ridge
walking, crystal clear streams and thick lush green forests. It also
gave me a taste of the unpredictability of New Zealand weather. There
were a few days where my camera never came out, due to sideways rain and
storm action. Certainly some parts of the trail were easier than
others, but all and all this one was physically taxing because of the ridiculously steep nature of most of the ups and downs. I was quite shattered by the end of my 4 days, but happy and delighted simultaneously.<br />
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Here's what I had to say about it on Facebook:<br />
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<i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">"A
good time was had traversing the Richmond Ranges for 4 days in the New
Zealand bush. This is one of the toughest sections of the Te Araroa
"trail" more of a marked "route". Weather, ruthlessly steep ups and
downs, tussocks, slippery rocks, the luxury of huts instead of tents,
un-penetrable New Zealand bush, high traverses, sharp pointy rocks (as
my knees and elbows can attest) and the fine company of Michael made for a grand adventure! The most awesome part? We ended our 120km
adventure on a trail that ended literally out the back door of the
house. A fine ending to a most awesome adventure!</span>" </i><br />
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The Richmond Ranges traverse was an amazing taste of New Zealand wilderness and also a great introduction to the joys of hut-to-hut travel. What? I don't need a tent? Or a sleeping matt? Amazing! For a girl who likes to travel light, run and travel long distances the benefits and pleasures of enjoying a roof over your head is tremendous. There are over <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/hut-breaks/">950 backcountry huts</a> all over New Zealand!! If I lived here, I could disappear for days, weeks, months on the trails and enjoy a roof over my head daily. How awesome is that? A 12 month pass is around $120 bucks. $120!!!! What a deal, yo.<br />
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The wind and weather hammers these ridges. On this day, we almost got blown off. After the blowy-windy-storm we got hit hard with the REAL weather. A sideways deluge which forced us to put on all of our layers of clothing and continue moving forward at a frantic pace to fend off hypothermia. We were both borderline, but at the end of the day you get to light a fire in the comfort of a hut and dry out your clothes. That's pretty sweet if you ask me.<br />
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By far the coolest thing about this trip was that we marched through the wilderness for 4 days and finished right in the city. More specifically, we finished at the back door of Michael and Tamara's home. The trail took us right to the back door of their hilltop home. Amazing. <br />
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Finishing of our Epic near the <a href="http://www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz/leisure/recreation/parks-and-reserves/centre-of-nz/">Centre of New Zealand Walk</a> right in Nelson</div>
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We were considerably smellier than most of the tourists taking in the view.</div>
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After a few days of downtime, I was chomping at the bit for more. My body enjoyed a well deserved break, but my mind was anxiously wanting to do more and see more! After much pondering over maps and destinations we plotted a new adventure. The <a href="http://www.newzealand.com/ca/feature/heaphy-track/">Heaphy Track</a> was the start of my 6 day adventure and is a popular Great Walk. Michael and I drove out to the trailhead and stayed the night at Brown's Hut before starting off early the next morning. Michael decided to challenge himself with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mcartwright/media_set?set=a.10151985304553795.1073741851.591548794&type=1">his own epic run </a>along the Heaphy - an out and back for a cool 50 miles. I decided that this would be the start of a longer adventure linking together a glorious horseshoe of 3 trails in Kahurangi National Park. The Heaphy Track, the <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/nelson-tasman/motueka/wangapeka-track/">Wangapeka Track</a> and the<a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/nelson-tasman/motueka/leslie-karamea-track/"> Leslie-Karamea Track</a> are a great way to get a taste of this amazing region. As a bonus, I was going to finish with an epic traverse across the ridges of <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/nelson-tasman/motueka/mount-arthur-tableland-tramping-tracks/">Mount Arthur</a> and the surrounding peaks. I could hardly wait.<br />
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At Brown's Hut</div>
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The <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/heaphytrack">Heaphy Track</a> was a crazy, ridiculously well maintained trail - almost a double track in places. They iron out most of the rocks, roots and bumps with a much more manicured feel for trail design. The Department of Conservation heavily markets all of the Great Walks and as such they are loaded with great huts, immaculate trails and people. From my perspective, these hikes are an accessible and achievable wilderness experience for the masses. From a trail runner's perspective they are sweet: a perfectly graded trail to enjoy with great scenery, water access and huts along the way. For a seasoned ultra-runner, many are achievable as a long day outing. The well maintained trail allows you to run safely and move quickly. <br />
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I did all 82km of the Heaphy Track in a day and a half! I loved the diversity of this trail, from hilly green forest, to sprawling tussock grasslands, through thick semi-tropic coastal forest and then an incredible stretch of coastline and beach as a Grand Finalee. Dreamy. But it's not a hard trail, it was fun to walk fast and make miles easily and enjoyably. I think it would make a great long run in a day.<br />
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Grasslands of the Heaphy</div>
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No Wet Feet</div>
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The descent down to the Heaphy River, was classic Kahurangi National Park. The bush was wild and lush and thick green, with plants growing out of plants and water flowing everywhere. Fern palms, lush and massive fanned the shady trail into an abyss of lush green New Zealand bush.<br />
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<a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01826/Kahurangi-National_1826702c.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="irc_mut" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01826/Kahurangi-National_1826702c.jpg" height="287" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 53px;" width="460" /></a> </div>
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The Heaphy River</div>
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Coastal section of the Heaphy</div>
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From the trail's end, I got a lift into the town of Karamea where I lounged, stayed a night and did a quick resupply. The next day, I happily headed out with a full pack into the great unknown of the Wangapeka and the Karamea river valley. These trails were like Night and Day compared to the Heaphy Track. I saw few people, the trails were rugged and the huts were empty. I had the whole place to myself. I loved the solitude and the wildness of the place.<br />
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On Day 3, I marched up this valley. For 6 hours, I hiked/clawed/clambered up the valley of the Little Wanganui river through the thick forest. It was a beautiful sunny day, but mostly I was hiking under the canopy of trees. This photo shows the saddle where I was heading far off in the distance. It was hot, sweaty and the trail was wet, muddy and tricky. At the hut, I got to bunk with 3 Indian men from Figi who were cooking up a curry feast with fresh produce when I arrived. Their packs were enormous, they were exhausted and it had taken them days to walk to this hut. They snored loudly and slept soundly and marveled out loud at me and my little pack. :)<br />
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Breaking out of treeline.</div>
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Speargrass</div>
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Little Wanganui Saddle</div>
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Stag Flats</div>
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On day 4, I set off early and made some miles to get to the junction of the Leslie-Karamea Track. How could I resist the irresistible pull of the Leslie trail? It was a trail that I just had to do. <br />
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The Karamea River valley was amazing - turquoise pool after pool of water of incredible clarity. In the bottom of those pools were huge trout - I know this because I saw them! Evidently, I had stumbled across a world-class-fly-fishing destination. Most of the fisherman fly in to this remote region by helicopter to fish the Karamea and it's tributaries. I only saw a handful of fisherman and a handful of hikers all day on Day 4.<br />
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The ubiquitous New Zealand Swinging Bridge</div>
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At Crow Hut, I enjoyed this view and had the hut all to myself! All this for $5 bucks a night.</div>
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The reality of the Karamea Valley was that while the river was gorgeous, I spent a LOT of time marching through the forest with limited views. Also the only other inhabitants of the valley were swarms of Canadian-hungry Sandflies.
Whenever I popped out of the green forest for a river view, they would
find me. It made swimming in these natural swim holes challenging!
Eventually, I gave up taking any clothing off and just jumped in clothes
and all. The swimming was amazing, a quick dip does such wonders for the brain and body!<br />
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On day 5 when I finally arrived at the Karamea-Bend hut, I was in for a surprise. I had timed it to roll in to the hut for a second breakfast and a quick break. After the solitude of my prior day, I was more thans surprised to find the porch of the hut chocker-block-full of guns and fishing rods. A LOT of guns! Turns out the hut was full of 12 gorgeous New Zealand manly men, on a Stag Party. They had hiked in the day before with a shit-ton of manly-man stuff and were prepping for a big day of huntin' and fishin'. I was the only woman present and welcomed with a roar from the crowd, of which I could barely understand a thing they were saying even though we were speaking the same language. They were all early 30's young fit, great looking outdoorsy guys. As well as my Manly-Man breakfast candy, they fed me some coffee and oatmeal and peppered me with questions. It was a fun way to start my day.</div>
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From there, I said farewell to the Karamea River Valley and started march up the Leslie River Valley. Yes, the Leslie River. On the Leslie Track. :)</div>
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It wasn't long before the trail turned sharply uphill away from the Leslie River to climb steeply uphill to the Mount Arthur Tablelands. I loved this section of open grasslands and sweeping views to the mountains. I knew I would be climbing those mountains the next day. <br />
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Mount Arthur and the tablelands are a super popular day hiking area to explore, and I started to see large groups of people for the first time in the duration of my trip. Through a couple of short conversations, I quickly figured out that it was a long weekend and pretty much every hut within walking distance was full. Oopsy-daisy. I got out my maps and eventually decided to head for a place called the Gridirons. Along the way I passed by 3 different huts, all of which were full. At the Gridirons, I got lucky and found a 3-person hut occupied by an older couple, Connie and Burt. Score! My relief was obvious, when I let out a loud cheer when they told me there was an extra bed. Together, we shared an awesome dinner and then plotted a Most Excellent Adventure for me with the help of my maps and their local knowledge.<br />
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The Gridiron Hut was super cool and was built right into a rock cliff. It was a tiny shelter, with only 3 beds, a stove and a super cool outdoor hanging bench which hung right off the cliff face. It wasn't the most luxurious of shelters, but it was a one-of-a-kind place to stay.<br />
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After a great night's sleep, in the coolest hut ever I set off for a high alpine circuit of the Mount Arthur area. Thanks to the great advice from my new friends, I had a really incredible day. The sun was out, I was above treeline roaming a top incredible ridges and I even bagged a few peaks. My body was strong and humming on this day and I felt like the Super Hero version of myself!</div>
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At the top of Gordons Pyramid, I met up with Marcus a young German who was as giddy and happy as I was. He snapped a few photos for me. To my amazement, he kept up and together we blazed up the ridge directly behind me in this photo. The Mount Arthur summit is popular and achievable for most folks, and the view is awesome. <br />
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After a few days of marching up the bottom of river valleys, it was so enjoyable to spend a day above treeline! Ridges, mountains and views....aaaaaaah. The kind of thing that makes my spirit sing.</div>
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Shortly after we bagged the summit of Mount Arthur, the clouds began to roll in. I spent the rest of the day rambling above treeline and adventuring off trail on some sub-peaks. After 6 glorious days, I was a happy girl. I spontaneously decided to run out to the car park and hopefully get a lift back to the city. The plan was for Michael to pick me up the next morning, but I was ready for a burger. As it was a long weekend, the car park was packed and the first people I asked gave me a lift. Kiwi's are good people. I got them to drop me off at the pub instead of the house in Nelson. :) After 6 days and over 200 kilometers, I was hungry and ready for some real food! I got myself a Burger AND Fish and Chips. Soooooo, good!! It's the little pleasures in life.</div>
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The next day, Michael decided that I need to go running. The sun was out and we couldn't help ourselves. He was feeling fine from his 50 Mile run and I was feeling fine from my 200km, so why not? We drove out to <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/nelson-lakes/">Nelson Lakes National Park</a>, where we had a most excellent run around Lake Rotoiti. It was a holiday Monday, the sun was out and I marveled that there was nobody there. </div>
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It was a super runnable lakeside trail, with plenty of shade. We needed it on this day, it was hot! The great thing about this 25km loop was that you got constant views of the lake AND shade. My legs felt like lead, but it was good to be running!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRgBRKD6XmSpX6kuWjxSEsCmDp17xq3VzmJ1RndPvX3WnZGZeFxo2FtDhTywZ4lwA-U1p6U5R0wKDXJ_oSc6ZnSgqaGjarFqnLlo277NipJgWx8rmfLEuRGsmYhw2JVUCphPgkX4usNH1/s1600/nz15.jpg" height="298" width="400" /> </div>
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Hello. This dock was out front of a hut!! I want to stay HERE.</div>
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Mmmmm, Ginger Beer.</div>
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Well. The weather was good again so we decided on ANOTHER run. This time, Tamara helped us with the long drive out to Marlborough Sound to run the scenic <a href="http://www.qctrack.co.nz/">Queen Charlotte Track.</a> We cherry-picked a section that we thought would be scenic and Tamara was kind enough to pick us up at the other end. Only 10 minutes in to the run, this is the view that we got:<br />
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WOW. I took a gazillion photos, but essentially you just need ONE photo to get the flavor of Marlborough Sound. It was beautiful. And it all looked like this. Our trail mostly followed the crest of the hill, so we pretty much got continuous views for 22km. Here's some more of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mcartwright/media_set?set=a.10151997564928795.1073741853.591548794&type=1">Michael's photos</a> of our delightful day.<br />
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With all of this time spent on my feet, I noticed big improvement in my strength and especially, trail dexterity. It's a funny thing coming from winter trails to summer trails. Be that I was feeling strong and motivated, I decided to pick one last challenge to wind up my holiday. I wanted challenge and I wanted scenery. Michael had been telling me about the wonderous <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/nelson-tasman/nelson-lakes/travers-sabine-circuit/">Travers-Sabine Circuit</a> in Nelson Lakes National Park. We looked at the maps and pieced together a route with a bonus loop to Blue Lake, a bonus ascent up Mt. Cederic and a glorious ridge run across the Mount Robert ridge as a Grand-Finalee. I could hardly wait.<br />
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I started running on the shoreline of Lake Rotoiti and headed up the to the Travers River, the headwaters of Lake Rotoiti. The river was incredible clear and I could see more huge trout lingering in the shady pools. I loved the grassy flats of the Travers Valley and at the end of the valley big grey mountains beckoned <br />
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<i>I wonder if I'm going there!</i> I thought.</div>
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I was excited when a guy came running by who appeared to be wearing the ultra-running uniform and was carrying an impossibly small pack. I definitely overwhelmed him with my over-zealousness when I jumped on his heels and started running and chattering away. Ryan was a local from Blenheim and was planning on a multi-day running adventure and heading my direction. After he established that I wasn't a crazy woman, we ended up spending a fabulous day together in the sunshine.<br />
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From the river, the trail started to turn gradually uphill and eventually straight uphill to Travers Saddle. From the lake, we had climbed from 630m to 1787m! A nice enjoyable elevation gain. It was a beautiful sweaty day. Travers Saddle was amazing: it was the first place in New Zealand that reminded me of the Rockies and even of the Italian Alps. Great big sheer grey rock faces and point grey peaks jutted up in all directions. It was a gorgeous high alpine pass, just like home.<br />
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From there, the trail plummeted back down to the Sabine River and the West Sabine Hut. It was a ridiculously vertical descent, that demanded you pay attention or end up on your ass. It was too steep to run and our quads were quivering in a good way. I loaned Ryan a pole and we clambered down together.<br />
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We took a snack break at the hut, before climbing the trail up to Blue Lake where we would sleep for the night. In the early evening and the waning daylight, we slogged through the most glorious scenery on our way to the Blue Lake Hut.It took us a further 2 hours, for a total of 12.5 hours on my feet! I was excited to see <a href="https://www.google.ca/search?q=blue+lake+new+zealand&client=firefox-a&hs=QhV&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=sb&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=AH0fU_ChKaPSyAH4k4HQCA&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=530&dpr=0.8">Blue Lake</a>, the clearest natural freshwater in the world. <br />
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Aaaaah. Blue Lake. But you can't bathe in it, because it's the
Clearest Lake In the World. I had to settle for a naked splash in the
creek nearby.</div>
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At the hut, it was the usual: everyone was flabbergasted at the distance we had traveled. There was an older couple from Alaska who wanted to see everything that was in my pack. I love this little interactions and sharing some of the accumulated knowledge.</div>
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After a wicked good sleep, I was the first one to stealth out of the hut in the AM without waking the others. I had a ridiculously big day ahead of me and needed to Giddy-Up.</div>
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It took me all morning to run the technical descent out on the Sabine River to Sabine Hut and the headwaters of Lake Rotoroa. From there my plan was to take a break, eat some food and steady myself mentally for the massive 1,300m climb straight out of the hut. After my break, just as I began my climb the sky opened up and started drizzling. I was second guessing my decision to climb up Mount Cederic along an exposed ridgeline with the weather. A sign warned me it would take 6 hours to reach the next hut. </div>
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Fortunately, I was heavily motivated and I charged up and out of treeline very quickly. While the weather prevented me from digging out my camera, I got glimpses of the incredible scenery that was surrounding me in all directions. It was a stunning place to be, and despite the weather I was stoked beyond words to be on that mountain looking at those views. It was one of those crazy moments where the wind was blasting, it was raining sideways and I needed to stay in motion because I was border-line hypothermic. But, the VIEWS! The scenery! The experience! Totally worth it. Awesome. Incredible. Ridiculous. Delightful. Fun in it's silliness.<br />
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I made it to Angelus Hut in 3 hours instead of 6, which was a good thing given that it was late in the day and I still had a long ways to go. The high alpine surroundings of Angelus Hut was so gorgeous, it's understandable why it's one of the top desinations in Nelson Lakes National Park. Angelus Hut was full of people on this night. I would go back there to explore some more in a heartbeat. <br />
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<a href="http://d3.tramper.co.nz/files/objectversions/11106/renditions/carousel/CIMG2599.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="irc_mut" src="http://d3.tramper.co.nz/files/objectversions/11106/renditions/carousel/CIMG2599.JPG" height="266" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 64px;" width="532" /></a></div>
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<img class="irc_mut" src="http://www.nelsonlakesshuttles.co.nz/images/mt_robert_carpark2.jpg" height="393" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="524" /></div>
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After a quick-stop-refuel-and-go at Angelus Hut, I headed up towards the incredible Mount Robert Ridge. While browsing online, as well as these beautiful images of the area I also found this hilarious map of the Mount Cederic to Mount Robert Ridge epic:<br />
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'nuf said.<br />
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Right when I was staggering up the last stretch to reach the Ridge, Michael appeared out of nowhere on top of the mountain. He had run up the other side to come and get me and run me to the "finish line" of my epic 2 day adventure. His timing could not have been better, as I was feeling pretty shattered at that point. I was so glad to see him! In his pack he had my Hoka running shoes, so I could enjoy a change of footwear so we could run, skip and dance our way across this incredible ridge before descending back down to the car. It was an awesome ending to the most epic 2 day adventure. This run was crazy challenging, and crazy beautiful. Definitely one of the highlights of my trip.<br />
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And just like that, it was over.<br />
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It was a Grand Finalee performance to my most amazing trip. I was one exhausted, happy, content, relaxed girl. Thanks to my friends Michael and Tamara Cartwright for the most amazing holiday any runner girl could ask for. You guys Rock. </div>
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<br />Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-3659709835435023452014-01-05T20:38:00.001-07:002014-01-05T22:27:22.413-07:00BluebirdThere's nothing like a Bluebird day in the Rockies. There seems to be some magical co-relation between cold temperatures and clear blue sky's in our corner of paradise. When it's this cold, it's frequently a clear blue sky. This morning, I was solar-powered. <i>It's a beautiful day! The sun is out!</i> I thought to myself. I was dressed and ready to go for my run before I checked the temps. When I opened the front door and got a blast of Arctic coldness, I retreated with my tail between my legs to re-think my wardrobe and add a few layers. <br />
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Still, it was a beautiful day for a run. There's nothing like running in winter to generate heat and warm-up quickly. On this day, I had about 7 minutes of "urban" running before I hit the trails. It was an exceptionally gorgeous day to be outside.<br />
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I love our new bridge. It's a great addition to town and it means I can avoid people and roads and civilization altogether when I'm out for a run. You also get great views of Banff's most famous landmarks: Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain.<br />
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Today I got thinking today about when and why I started this blog. 2007! Holy Crap. Mostly, it was to share this fantastic place with people. <br />
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When I started trail running, my mind was getting blown by Mother Nature on a regular basis. I never carried a camera and I was pretty focused on staying in motion. Picking up a camera changed everything. It slowed me down a whole lot and honed me into the art of observation. I see a lot on my day to day runs. I've been running around the woods and taking photos for 9 years!<br />
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Bliss.<br />
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Despite the cold, it was a good day to commune with Nature. I'm heading off for a month in New Zealand to find some new beautiful trails. But I love me some Banff. It's always good to come home.<br />
<br />Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-28766070119020727112014-01-03T12:46:00.001-07:002014-01-03T12:46:09.611-07:00New Year, New Adventures<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you
didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail
away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore.
Dream. Discover.” – <a href="http://www.cmgww.com/historic/twain/" target="_blank">Mark Twain</a></span></div>
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On The Best Holiday Ever, we had nothing but time. We enjoyed time to talk, time to think, time to read, time to relax and of course, time to plot future adventures. And we've plotted many. <br />
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We came up with all sorts of wonderful ideas and naturally, there's a few we decided to make happen this year.<br />
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We've been making these adventures happen since Keith quit his Big Boy Job almost two and a half years ago. It's important to us. Every day, we hear stories from friends and family of people who no longer can do what they want to do because of illness or injury. We say, Do it Now! Figure out a way to make it happen, and do it. Go. Now. While you can. While your able.<br />
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What's in the cards for this year? First off, I'm heading to New Zealand for a month. I'm leaving on January 12th, my 45th birthday! This is a Leslie trip. Keith is busy having fun of his own at working and playing in the Caribou Mountains this winter. I love that <a href="http://www.canadianmountainholidays.com/lodging/cariboos.aspx">his work and his play</a> have become intertwined.<br />
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I signed up for an Ultra. I haven't been doing much racing these past couple years and I really have missed it. Keith and I did some volunteer duty at the <a href="http://rainshadow-running.blogspot.ca/">Mount Spokane 50k</a> and I earned myself a race entry into any event. I signed up for the Gorge Waterfalls 100k - it's a good excuse to make a trip back to the Columbia River Gorge. The last time I was there, I was Wooooohoo-ing, A LOT.<br />
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And lastly, Keith surprised me with an idea that he would like to pursue. After hearing all of my stories from the Pacific Crest Trail, he wants a taste of his own. I will be returning to the PCT in early May with my hubby, so we can take a little walk together. We're planning on hiking all of May and June, taking it day by day and seeing where it gets us. <br />
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After that, we want to be home in July and August, to enjoy our amazing backyard. There's no place I would rather be in the summer than home in Banff. <br />
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New Year, New Adventures. We'll see what we can dream up for the fall. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">“For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Louis_Stevenson" target="_blank">Robert Louis Stevenson</a></span></div>
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Louis_Stevenson" target="_blank"></a>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-1510507322606270702014-01-03T09:35:00.000-07:002014-01-03T10:23:58.852-07:00On Travel and HomeI'm always finding new places and treasures, even in my own backyard.<br />
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All is Quiet on New Year's Day</div>
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I'm like that.<br />
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I like to poke around in the woods. Even when I'm running. I'm always looking and scanning with eyes wide open.<br />
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The Animals Come-eth.</div>
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On New Year's Day I found this pretty place down off the Marsh Loop Trail. I found it just a little bit off the trail, by following some animal tracks. Evidently, the deer, elk and coyotes had been out partying-it-up on New Year's Eve. <br />
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It's a good spot to party, don't you think? <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/106394870728489074870/BanffTrailTrash11?authkey=Gv1sRgCODhrYuF3rXK4wE#5964708699729448018"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuH4RhxduadIz2N8Q1ZXwt2WR5VcYo90lklZ0qwCvNf_vBuiHINKY0QmFkxq_nnFJsh8bTOYingQrqZtyEGYuSKEoKbZ-ioo9gLKr3Pu6OSGtbDBWc_v8uQltv1n3H7vn8FBFB6K4Ru3HA/s400/199.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center>
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Mount Rundle </div>
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It's important to venture off the trail. You never know what you may find. There are treasure like this to be discovered everywhere! You just have to look. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/106394870728489074870/BanffTrailTrash11?authkey=Gv1sRgCODhrYuF3rXK4wE#5964708787601574978"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpvvLwel5-Jvy6sj3gtNljXwXFtgEHBCGa8vaQ17pqY17kavpAVs-8Lu7bM2cDWQJaVbVboHWWcAGyqvZvW5FVKd6nHXfnJCQID7ErUlt-rpI3SZuCnfBug8NEAoVGgCw-hzkENtc-RDn/s400/198.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center>
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I am Rundle. Here me Roar!</div>
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I like to travel for the same reason. Exploring. Poking around. Finding new treasures.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/106394870728489074870/BanffTrailTrash11?authkey=Gv1sRgCODhrYuF3rXK4wE#5964709056337817794"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YUqL8xtftzukpl7GQUduHOx3SiPagfMQhCSXO8LT_9vn2Ldgsjs_Kc-WVUobWUNM169exCJuvVWMSaIVQHjvtBG-h3T8LKXkNfBkAg5p-3G27-r2JlTOGh8sbJpQtixrHlH7Eiykr2xn/s400/195.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center>
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Reflective for a New Year</div>
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This year, like every year, I'm plotting some new adventures in my own backyard and abroad. There's always, so much to look forward to but I'm a master of enjoying what I've got. Like this place.<br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iTouchLesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-41852228221363580692013-12-23T15:28:00.001-07:002013-12-23T15:32:40.712-07:00Freedom!<span style="font-size: small;">Our fall holiday this year was quite possibly the Best. Holiday. Ever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">How does one begin to describe and share the Awesomeness of being able to roam and wander and eat and hike and camp and stop and relax and drive and run through so many vast beautiful places? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I'm going to go with one word: Freedom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">There's just something magical about a road trip adventure with no fixed agenda, schedule or itinerary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Let me say it again: FREEDOM!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">This latest Keith and Leslie adventure has set a new benchmark of holiday bliss. With our new wheels, we're entering a whole new era of freedom to roam. With the ability to camp wherever and whenever we want, we were Happy Campers out there. </span> </span> <br />
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Mount Whitney in the distance: magical camping in the Alabama Hills</div>
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Glen Canyon Viewpoint: Let's Camp Here.</div>
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Bike race in the shadows of Gooseberry Mesa and Zion National Park? Yes, Please.</div>
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Summit Mount Whitney? Why, not. </div>
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Read a dozen books? Check.</div>
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Hiking in the Sierras: Mono Pass Trail</div>
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The Grand Canyon. Heck, yeah!</div>
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Anniversary beers at Thelma and Louise Viewpoint</div>
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Adventures on the Burr Trail: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument</div>
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Monument Valley's Little Cousin: Valley of the Gods</div>
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Best. Campsite. Ever.</div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-14461126132549543312013-12-23T11:20:00.001-07:002013-12-23T13:02:36.994-07:00The Streak Give-eth!This December, I have run every day in my beautiful backyard. The Streak, was used as a simple motivational tool for me to get outside every day and get some exercise. Everyday, I went for my run and took a few photos and posted them on Facebook. Well.<br />
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It's been so much more than that!<br />
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The Streak reminded me of the importance of a few things in my world.<br />
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Banff is Beautiful. How lucky am I to be living and running in this place?<br />
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Nature Rules: I saw cougar prints, an owl, herds of elk, ravens, coyote prints, moose prints and shy deer. One day, a chickadee landed on my hand. I ran through wind, blizzards, snow, cold and sunshine. It was Awesome.<br />
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Everyday, nature changes. The same places look different throughout different times of the day.<br />
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Winter is incredibly beautiful.<br />
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Getting outside is even more important in winter. Just go. Don't wait for the weather. <br />
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I really love to run. Consistency is crucial to your success with anything you do. Consistency is key to my running. <br />
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I'm stronger than I thought.<br />
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Ice is beautiful.<br />
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It's important for me to connect with Mother Nature on a daily basis. <br />
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I really like to stop and enjoy the view. A lot.</div>
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I'm definitely solar-powered. I never, ever want to miss getting outside on a clear, sunny day.<br />
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You can have an entire conversation with a raven. If you're lucky, they will talk back. <br />
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I love having the Sulphur Mountain Trail out my backdoor! This trail rocks in winter.</div>
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<br />Getting outside makes you feel happy and healthy.<br />
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I need both solitude and sociability. Because I tend to prefer solitude, interaction with like-minded folks is crucial and fun!</div>
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Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-85282189359794841652013-12-02T17:57:00.001-07:002013-12-02T18:06:27.263-07:00The Streak: Motivation Move Your AssEnter the Dark Months. The reality of December in Banff is less daylight and shorter days.<br />
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Enter the Streak. I am going to move my ass every day in the month of December. In particular, I am going to Run. <br />
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Enter Strides Running Store in Calgary. For Motivation. I love the idea - commit to a Mile a Day. Everyday. In December. You can join their Facebook Group if you need a little inspiration this month!<br />
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See: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/220902071419826/?source=1">3rd Annual Strides Run Streak</a><br />
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Feel free to be liberal with this. Don't run? Get out of the house and walk. Every. Day. Enjoy Yoga? Go Yoga your Ass off, honey. Why not start now instead of the January 1st? <br />
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Run #1 in Beautiful Banff:<br />
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The Hoodoos Trail<br />
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Run #2 in Beautiful Banff:<br />
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Fenland Trail<br />
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Now, go move your Ass!!Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-21577001418025647542013-10-01T21:56:00.003-06:002013-10-01T21:56:42.692-06:00Sweet SeptemberSeptember has always been my favorite month of the year. This year we were blessed with 2 crazy beautiful, hot warm weeks. Since then, in a period of days the temperature plummeted, we got frost and then it snowed. It was super late in coming - but the abrupt change of season has arrived. <br />
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I got up to a few great adventures including an awesome night camping on shoreline of Spray Lakes and a quick jaunt up to the Buller Circuit. I'd never been up North Buller Passs and I did the "bonus loop" up a peak with no name. I named it Glory Peak because it was in fact glorious, and I could see the entire frickin' world from up there! <br />
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I've been distracted the past few weeks, namely because I've been working hard all summer and it's time for a bigger adventure. Keith and I are heading off for 7 weeks in our new camper leaving tomorrow! Yiiipee! We're not taking our bikes this trip, just our running shoes. We're heading back to Arizona/Utah, but we're going to take the long way through Washington, Oregon and Northern California. We'll let the weather decide when and where we go - but we're heading South.<br />
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All of these photos are taken from my awesome day on Buller, what a great way to end the summer season.</div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Trails!!</span></i></b></div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-34866342335286898412013-09-08T11:54:00.003-06:002013-09-08T11:54:50.257-06:00Run in the Sun is Fun: the Emerald Lake Triangle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Oh, Emerald Lake. I love your sparkling waters, your surreal color and especially, your immediate access to stunningly beautiful places. Heck, you even have a restaurant to reward myself with at the end of a hard, sweet day on the trails. On a summer's day, you are the bomb. I always enjoy soaking my tired legs in your pristine water to recover from your glorious trails. The Emerald Triangle is a classic: from the shoreline of Emerald Lake you climb to Yoho Pass, across the Wapta Highline to Burgess Pass. A long descent through a cedar forest takes you back to the lake to complete the loop.</span><br />
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Classic Emerald Lake Shoreline</div>
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Every year, the water changes it's course across the alluvial fan.</div>
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I'm going there! Mount Wapta Highline</div>
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Heading up Yoho Pass</div>
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Last chance to splash. The highline is dry in August.</div>
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Looking across at the President's Range and Emerald Basin</div>
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High on Emerald Lake</div>
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Pine Cones are Cool</div>
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Nearing Mount Burgess</div>
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Alpine Fireweed</div>
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Burgess and the Kicking Horse Valley </div>
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Emerald Glacier and the Vice President</div>
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Looking back on the Highline</div>
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Happy Leslie</div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-67588961235636137552013-08-26T14:55:00.002-06:002013-08-26T14:55:56.635-06:00My Summer: Offline, Relaxing and AwesomeHi friends! It's been an awesome summer and I hope yours has been as well. I've been a busy girl and I've been content with burying my head in the sand and largely ignoring the rest of the world. As such, I've spent practically no time on the computer, I haven't been phoning anybody and I've been filling the days and weekends with fun adventures. It's summertime, my most-est-favorite-est time of year and as you know, I love to spend my time outside. Keith and I bought ourselves a camper - and we've been out adventuring and traveling and enjoying a more leisurely pace.<br />
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It's been a different summer because for the first summer in 9 years, I haven't been doing my usual thing: running on trails through the beautiful mountains of my backyard. While I've been plenty active by all standards, I've been limited in my ability to run partly due to injury and partly due to too damn busy enjoying life and doing other stuff to deal with it. It was sort of an accidental break from running. Hopefully, I'll be back in the saddle soon because it's one of my greatest pleasures and I miss it dearly. Have no fear though, I have been running - it just hasn't been the all-day-mountain-epics that I love to do. Slowly, I'm building up and getting stronger. Patience. And one foot in front of the other.<br />
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I've missed you too, oh-wonderful-online-supportive-like-minded-adventurous-friends! This blog was started to connect with all the wonderful peeps that I was meeting in ultra-running-racing world. It was also started to share my beautiful backyard with you.<br />
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So here you go! Some photo's from the best of Leslie's summer adventures. And bee-yoo-tee-ful places. <br />
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Oh, Montana. I love you. Lake Kookanusa is Awesome. This is Keith, Anna and Myself at the Tour of Kookanusa - 130km of bike riding goodness off-the-couch. Great camping, great swimming, great friends and great scenery around the Libby Dam just South of the border in Libby Montana.<br />
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Our new/used camper! The Palomino. She's been delivering us many weekends of adventures. Keith gets early morning smooches from Anna and Stu. We got a great night sleep and coffee in the morning. Yay for 4 star camping!<br />
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Why Hello! It's cousin Kyle, from Vancouver. We had plenty of adventures. On this day, we took the tandem out to Corey Pass Trailhead, ran to the trail, survived a vicious attack by hungry blood thirsty mosquitoes, hiked up and over Corey Pass and made it back to work on time. Bam. I believe I tired out young Kyle. <br />
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Kootenay National Park. Oh, Kindersley Pass. You are so beautiful that I had to come again and bring my friends Ellen, Magda and Skoki the Dog. Skoki was very well behaved when we ran into a Grizzly Bear digging in the meadows. Parks Canada put up a "travel in groups of 4" hiking restriction on this trail the day after we were there. <br />
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I've missed my fabulous collection of ladies-who-run. On this day, I got to connect with Nicki and Suzy who have been getting up to many adventures of their <a href="http://nickirehn.blogspot.ca/">own!</a><br />
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It's exciting to see old and new friends get into trail running. After 9 summers of trail running, adventure running and competing in the occasional race - it's always awesome to see the level of stoke of newbies and old friends alike.<br />
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Oh, Columbia Lake. Yes, this is the source of the mighty Columbia River. It's also home to some wonderfully scenic rolling mountain bike trails like the Spirit Trail. <br />
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I love this photo. This photo was taken in spring, only a couple of miles up the Spray River Trail right close to the town of Banff. I've seen 2 Grizzly Bears up-close-and-personal this summer. Seeing them is always exciting, terrifying and exhilarating simultaneously. How lucky am I to live where I do? <br />
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Lake Agnes and the Teahouse</div>
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The Lake Louise Teahouse
Circuit is a true Banff National Park classic. It's accessible,
achievable and it allows new hikers to get a taste of the incredible
backcountry scenery in my backyard. I love these trails and I love
seeing new people from all over the world enjoying themselves out on
these trails. On this day, I had a great run up to Plains of Six, the Big Beehive, Lake Agnes and the little Beehive. </div>
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Haaay! It's Lake Louise.</div>
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From the most accessible trails, to the least accessible I love them all equally. Indianhead Lodge is one of the most remote warden cabins in all of Banff National Park. I got to explore brand new territory in a trip up the Clearwater River Valley close to the Northern boundary of Banff National Park with my most-reliable-and-awesome trail buddy Mike.<br />
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The Clearwater River Valley in the morning. This is Clearwater Lakes where there were millions of hungry mosquitoes! <br />
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Mike heading up to North Molar Pass - I love this place. If you've never been, you need to go. The meadows are expansive and amazing, as are the views from the top of the pass. The above treeline hike into Fish Lakes is awesome.<br />
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Pipestone Pass is amazing! The trail from Fish Lakes to Pipestone was one of the best surprises of the summer. We were in awe as we meandered for close to 14km all above treeline blissed out on the views, the glaciers and the Awesome.<br />
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Mike takes great photos, yes? This is me, running towards Drummond Glacier on the Pipestone Highline.<br />
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The Clearwater Valley felt remote because it is remote. We had the place all to ourselves as well. After Devon Lakes, we didn't see anyone else out there. It's wild and wonderful.<br />
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We got rain, cold and mosquitoes on this trip but we still had fun.
We saw massive wolf tracks, bear tracks, cougar tracks and loads of
deer, elk, moose prints. Fortunately, our animal sightings were limited
to only one moose - feeding in one of the valley level lakes.<br />
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Yay for visitors! Lucky for me, I met all sorts of awesome people on the PCT - and a few of them came to visit this summer. This is Cathe, aka. Pounce getting her hike on on the Helen Lake Trail. We did a 3 day hike starting at Dolomite Pass and finishing at Mosquito Creek. We saw a Grizzly Bear in the Siffleur Valley another wild and remote corner of our park that I had never been before.<br />
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Katherine Lake</div>
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So many adventures, so little time. :) <br />
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With this in mind, Keith and I have been busy plotting a few adventures of our own as well. With the help of the Palomino, we will be heading off for a return trip to Southern Utah and the Grand Canyon in a month. We've got lots of ideas that we are putting into action and life really and truly keeps on getting better and better. Stay tuned.<br />
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Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-52118732020351684592013-06-09T17:21:00.004-06:002013-06-09T18:08:37.116-06:00A Keith and Leslie Adventure - Part 2Our morning in Escalante, began with a prompt soaking before we even made it out of town. We ended up waiting out the storm at the local Subway - breakfast and a coffee for $3 bucks! While waiting, we met an ultrarunner from Boulder, who was on his way home after doing the Zion traverse. Naturally, he knew lots of our Boulder running friends. When we finally got back on our saddles, there were lots of aches and pains and moans and groans all-round. The off-the-couch bike tour was taking it's toll on our bodies. My saddle was killing me and Keith's knee was cranky so we opted for a shorter day. It was a tough but enjoyable ride to Boulder, with lots more ridiculous climbing and descending. The desert is not flat in this corner of Utah and our net gain and loss every day was off the charts. We enjoyed a crazy white knuckle descent down the canyons to the Escalante River, followed by a climb back out of the canyon with a 14% grade. <br />
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Going down.</div>
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Keith and the B.O.B</div>
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My Little Pony: Rocky Mountain Hammer 29'er, with touring rims and tires + 25 year old panniers.</div>
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In Boulder, the sun finally came out and we lounged at the Burr Trail Grill. Finally, a place with beer! The beer, sunshine, incredible food and coffee was just what we were looking for. The huge Microbrew list and gourmet burgers hit the spot!<br />
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Our morning in Boulder, was a far more serendipitous than our morning in Escalante. As we were rolling out, we spotted some other cyclists coming down the road fully loaded with gear. I didn't realize how laden they were until I saw the massive Chariot and the small child perched in a seat on the back of the bicycle. Holy. Crap.<br />
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Potty Break for Nesta.</div>
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Heidi and Steven were from Belgium and had just started their North
American Bike Tour which will take them and their 2 year old Nesta
across the States and to Banff, amongst other places. We decided to ride
up the pass together and chatted the entire way with these awesome
folks. We learned that bike touring with a 2 year old requires
patience, lots of breaks for play time and the occasional potty stop.
They carried all the things you would need for a 2 year old, including
toys and a potty! Heidi and Steven were bike touring veterans, and had
ridden their bikes from Hungary to China on a serious adventure tour
pre-Nesta. We stopped for a longer than usual picnic and cracked out
the stove to cook up some coffee, hot food and enjoy the mid-day
sunshine.<br />
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The climb out of Boulder was epic taking us up to snow line and over 9.000 feet. I
was impressed with our new friends, pedaling up the mountain loaded
down with about 100 lbs. of gear each. The subsequent descent down the
other side was fun and gorgeous and we managed to dodge a few more
thunderstorms before the sun came out to stay. We rolled into the town of Torrey after a fabulous day in the Escalante Mountains.<br />
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Torrey is the gateway to Capital Reef National Park which I will confess, I had never heard of. Yay! National Park = guaranteed beautiful scenery. The sun finally came out, we put sunscreen on those white Canadian cheeks and toodled along blissfully on roads devoid of traffic.<br />
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Just outside of Capital Reef, we were flagged down by a nice couple who were dry camping in their RV. As we rode by they shouted: WANT A BEER? So we pulled over, thrilled by this unexpected stop. It was hot out and it was all a little shocking after our Days of Thunder to be dealing with heat and hunkering down in the shade. Beer was in order. We had a nice long break and visit with Peggy and Bill, 2 young retirees who had been living out of their home on wheels for a few years. We discussed life, RV'ing and the realities of desert living and a life on the road. Sign me up for a year or two in the future. From there, we cruised the final miles into Hanksville with a beer buzz. Upon arriving in Hanksville, we met up with Andy at the campground. We popped into the air conditioned restaurant for some ice cold cokes and a visit. Andy was awesome and had been following the<a href="http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/"> ACA's</a> route across the States all the way from Tennesee. We spent a fun night camping with him, socializing and drinking beers.<br />
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Leaving the dirty and dusty town of Hanksville, the scenery looked a lot like this:<br />
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Fortunately for us, it soon looked like this:<br />
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We had been steadily gaining elevation for 27 dry and dusty miles, before we reached the junction of Highway 276. There, we ran into 3 young dudes touring on their bikes who were so exhausted and underfed that they could barely string together a phrase. They said that they had been climbing and working hard all morning, having climbed out of Glen Canyon. I was super stoked to find out that I would be descending for the rest of the day all the way down to Glen Canyon. Yippeee!!<br />
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The descent into Glen Canyon blew my mind. In my Canadian Rocky Mountain brain, the word "canyon" conjures up images of a little rocky canyon with some green stuff growing and a creek running through it. In this corner of the world, the "canyons" are Grand Canyon-esque: massive abysses carved out of the earth. We descended into the bowels of the earth for mile upon mile on this beautiful deserted road. The road was empty and we had this beautiful place all to ourselves, stopping frequently to gawk and take it all in. The landscape was littered with slick rock, red rock, box canyons and other mysteries. We stopped for a lunch break in a little canyon and met some
rafting guides, who told us there was running water and a little oasis
right up the trail. So we took a break and went for an hour long hike mid-afternoon. It was great to get off the saddle for an hour.<br />
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When we finally hit the bottom of the canyon, it was sweltering and surprisingly, Lake Powell was dry. Clearly, they've been letting the water out of Glen Canyon to feed the unsatiable needs of California and Las Vegas. I was surprised to find it so dry in the spring months.<br />
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We had our first major bonk at the bottom of the canyon. After all the excitement of the day and the heat we were tired, out of waster and still had to climb a few miles out to the Hight Marina campground. After crossing the Dirty Devil River, the road looked like a wall in front of us.<br />
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When we arrived at the Hite Ranger Station, we polished off about 2 bottles of sweet cold water and then demolished a tube of Pringles as heavenly a pre-dinner snack. The campground was empty when we arrived, but soon a camper van rolled in and parked. We watched in awe as 2 middle aged ladies got out, set up a wheelchair and then proceeded to hoist the 3rd lady out of the van. After they got settled, we headed over to say hi to the neighbours. The ladies were from Vancouver and had been having a blast traveling and camping all over Arizona and Utah. They were only a few years older than us. The gal in the wheelchair had MS and had very limited mobility. There's no doubt her friends were dressing her, cleaning her and looking after her on this holiday. I asked her how she was coping with the traveling and she said: </div>
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"You've just got to pull on your Depends and go!" </div>
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Shortly after, a solo cyclist rolled in and we met up with Steven,
who was also riding across the States. He was from Toronto, but lived
in San Diego and was even more exhausted and dehydrated than we were.
We decided to join each other for some company in the morning and ride
out of the canyon together. The sunset came quickly, with the sounds of
bird noises and then silence. It was still plenty hot in the bottom of the canyon and we had the luxury of sleeping out on our bags with the tent wide open. </div>
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Happy Keith, after a full day in the sun.</div>
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Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-86564677637918928902013-06-09T09:33:00.000-06:002013-06-09T17:58:18.733-06:00A Keith and Leslie Adventure: Part 1For a long time, I've wanted to explore Southern Utah. I've heard many a story of the glories of Bryce, Zion, Escalante and Canyonlands National Parks. It was decided that we would do an exploratory trip of this desert Mecca and at the same time dust of the cobwebs of our bicycles. The idea of a desert bike tour was born. We knew we wouldn't be able to see it all, but that touring by bicycle would just give us an up-close-and-personal taster tour of this incredible area. Neither of us had done a bike tour in twenty plus years, but we love the idea of traveling by bicycle. Let the adventure begin.<br />
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We loaded up the minivan and aimed South. It was an awesome 2 day drive to Hurricane, Utah where we stashed our car and rolled out of town on loaded bicycles. We hit the first coffee shop we came to in Hurricane for cinnamon rolls and coffee and we were off. It took us the day to get used to riding loaded touring bikes, riding a bike loaded down with gear is slow and feels precarious at best. <br />
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By the time we rolled into the tourist town of Springdale, we were finding our groove and were motivated to just keep riding. The weather was warming up, we were working up a sweat and we were happy. Or maybe it was all that coffee. We had an awesome feast and more coffee before attacking the major climb out of Zion Canyon. <br />
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Coffee and Fish Tacos in Springdale!</div>
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It featured incredible scenery, hairpin bends, a tunnel (which we had to hitchhike through) and as a grand finalee to Day 1: a big hail storm where we took shelter under a tree beside the road. All-in-all we ended up riding across Zion NP to the Easterly border, climbing from 3,248 feet to 8.000 feet in 50 miles. We camped on the Easterly boundary and gorged ourselves on pizza at the Zion Ranch Campground. Day 1 was all about food, crazy beautiful scenery and elevation gain. Pure Awesome. <br />
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Hello, Flash Flood. </div>
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Bike Path Bliss </div>
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Empty Roads in Zion</div>
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Camping at 8.000 feet is cold, even in the desert. It rained and hovered around freezing through the night so we slept in until the sun hit our tent before we got rolling. We hit the Thunderbird Restaurant at Mount Carmel Junction for coffee and Second Breakfast. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Keith likes Ho-Made Pie!</span></td></tr>
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At the junction, we picked up Highway 89 and headed North. The X-factor when you are bike touring, is the mystery of the road. Will there be a shoulder on the highway? Will it be busy? Will it be pretty? Turns out Highway 89 is plenty pretty, but was a double laned busy truck route with no shoulder. While I enjoyed most of my day, this day also found me being paralysed by fear, with frequent death-gripping of my handlebars and watching my non-chalant husband getting nearly creamed by a semi-truck. Oh, and then there was that mid-afternoon hailstorm. Fortunately, there was as gas station at the Long Valley Junction with a miriad of microwaveable treats and plenty of bad coffee. We sat out the storm in luxury and dried out. We ended up in the thriving metopolis of Hatch, Utah - population 133. At the campground, we took a bed in their motel for $55. Our host was a friendly guy with no teeth, who told us that there was no beer to be found in Hatch, Utah - population 133. His wife, also with no teeth - kindly did our laundry for free. The big surprise was the recently renovated luxurious room complete with King Size bed and down duvet. Whoot! </div>
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Next morning we rolled out early to tackle my nemesis, Highway 89. It was a short 12 miles to Highway 12, the gateway to Bryce National Park so we decided to blast out those last 12 miles of the dreaded Highway 89 and reward ourselves with breakfast at the junction. There was fresh snow on the peaks off in the distance and the desert sky was alive with more micro storm systems, black-vicious-coiling clouds threatening in all directions. We somehow got lucky and managed to dodge the storms all day. But, we opted to ride right by Bryce because there was an evil storm lingering right over the park. The weather soon cleared up, and we found ourselves sweating our way through Red Rock Canyon. This canyon was my first glimpse of the crazy geological formations that Bryce is famous for and we enjoyed the luxury of a paved bike path for close to 10 miles. Aaaah. All we had to do is relax, pedal and enjoy the scenery. </div>
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We also climbed back up to 8,000 feet again and then descended back down only to regain the elevation again. By mid-afternoon we had
rolled into the tiny town of Henrieville and the weather started to turn
again. We had already put in a lot of miles, but decided to pedal 34
miles further to the bigger town of Escalante. The micro storms
were still threatening and the wind started to pick up. We put
our heads down and kept grinding. We were working hard, but the scenery
was gorgeous and the highway was empty. At some point, we realized we
had been climbing for a long time and shortly after this realisation, we
saw the road turn skyward and a sign which read 12% grade. We grunted
our way up to the summit and our first glimpse into the immense wilderness that is known as
the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. </div>
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At the
summit, we were greeted by an amazing view and a massive storm system. We
didn't have much choice but to continue, but we could see that the road was
heading right into a giant black abyss. We put on all of our warm layers and started down the descent. The storm hit within seconds. It started as big huge rain drops and turned quickly into sheets of rain. The rain was pummeling us and flooding across the road in big waves. Yet again, we witnessed the desert in flood with water cascading off every rock and accumulating on the road. I was forced to get over my fear of descending with a loaded bike whilst doing battle with the elements. I rode like a crazed woman down that mountain, maxing out at a speed of 50MPH, while hammering the pedals in an effort to stay warm and get to Escalante as fast as possible. I was grinning like a crazed woman, soaked to the bone and having the time of my life. We narrowly missed a hailstorm, but passed through an area with hail on the ground. There, we came across an unfortunate scene: a rollover accident on the Road-turned-River. The unfortunate driver was O.K and being well taken care of, so we continued towards town. The sun came out just outside of Escalante, just in time to warm us up as we were starting to get very, very cold.</div>
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Wet camera. Keith celebrates a crazy descent with a cheap motel room in Escalante.</div>
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So far, our trip was dishing out the incredible scenery, with a side of weather mayhem. It also appeared that our chosen route was popular with the motorcyclist crowd. There appeared to be more motorcyclists than cars traveling this corner of Utah. On this day, we also realised we were celebrating an anniversary of sorts! A year ago, Keith was hit on his roadbike while cycling through Yosemite National Park. I've got to say his speedy and complete recovery has been nothing short of amazing. </div>
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<br />Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-86733519131347645122013-05-03T20:24:00.003-06:002013-05-03T20:24:43.141-06:00Spring Makes Me Smile<br />
It's spring time in Banff.<br />
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It's the time of year when it can rain, snow, sleet or hail all in a day before the brilliant blue sunshine comes out. But only for a moment. <br />
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It's the season of change.<br />
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Spring has many faces in our beautiful backyard. It means ample snow in the high country and signs of spring in the valley bottoms. It means the return of the elk to my front lawn: he is there to graze on the new blades of grass that are growing. These things make me smile.<br />
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This is spring in the Rockies!<br />
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Wintery days spent ski touring, with the *chance of spring* in the valley.<br />
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In the past month my runs have gone from crisp, cool, Rocky Mountain blue sky days....<br />
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....to the emergence of dry trail on the shore of Lake Minnewanka. This is Suzy dusting off the cobwebs of a winter spent ski touring, finding her spring running legs. I don't know about the the rest of my trail running friends, but I stumble <i>a lot </i>in Spring. My trail dexterity is elusive - it takes some mileage to build up that skill again! In the meantime, I stumble and trip and bang my toes on rocks and roots with a big smile on my face. I once was a trail running stud, I swear!<br />
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Just last week, the lake was showing some signs that the ice might break some time soon. It's that time of year. <br />
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I made a drive out to Invermere, B.C to enjoy some dry trails. It's only 2 hours from Banff, but a world away. On this day, I danced along the trails of the Toby Creek Canyon and saw crocus' blooming and different migratory birds stoppping by. I also picked a few ticks off of my legs. I bust out my T-shirt and shorts and just breathed it all in. The change of season just <i>smells good, </i>despite the ticks. <br />
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<br />From there, I picked up <a href="http://nickirehn.blogspot.ca/">Nicki </a>and Claire and we headed off for a spring roadtrip to Ellensburg, Washington. I couldn't resist a return visit to Yakima Canyon to run the <a href="http://yakimaskylinerim.blogspot.ca/">Yakima Skyline Rim 50k.</a> I love this race, this course and the good running folks of Washington. It's always such a good crowd and my experiences have been nothing but stellar in Washington. I injured myself preparing for this run, so had decided in advance to go out and enjoy the scenery anyways. I hiked the 25km, spent some quality time with Claire, enjoyed incredible views in the Yakima Canyon and even paused for a Pabst Blue Ribbon at the aid station. We were DFL and I enjoyed every moment. <br />
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An awesome spring weekend was enjoyed by all! Thanks to James Varner
for hosting such killer events including a keg, live music and the
highlight: hippy chicks making pizza. Yay for good people and good food! And beer. We did some damage to that keg.<br />
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Keith and I have been planning a spring bike tour and all-of-a-sudden-like it's time for our spring vacation! We head off tomorrow to drive to Utah. Keith has mapped out a 1000km ride through Zion, Bryce, Escalante and other desert goodness. I can't wait. It will be a year since Keith's last bike holiday, which had <a href="http://arcticglass.blogspot.ca/2012/05/harsh-end-to-holiday.html"><i>a harsh ending and put him in the hospital.</i></a> His recovery has been nothing short of amazing. I'm looking forward to this holiday for so many reasons, but mostly because I get to hang out with my hubby and enjoy an adventure together for 3 weeks. It's going to be awesome.<br />
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Lastly, I saw this massive Grizzly Bear footy print on Wednesday's run. A true sign of spring in the Bow Valley! I love living in a place where this is reality. Trust me when I say I was happy to see his tracks, but not him. These tracks were<i> huge.</i><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Wishing you all great spring adventures!</span></i></b></div>
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Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-81300043694466133692013-03-23T16:11:00.000-06:002013-03-23T16:11:10.583-06:00Turning myself back into a RunnerTurning myself back into a runner has been a sweaty, heart-pounding, noisy affair. While I certainly have endurance, running is much harder work than hiking. Since the New Year, I have been huffing and puffing my way around the trails of Banff with a big smile on my face. <br />
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It has not been easy. As well as my cardio being surprisingly poor, in between trying to gulp down air I am finding that running is just plain hard work. The good thing is that I'm having fun. I have way more "Woooo-hooo!!" moments running, than I ever do hiking. While hiking you always get lots of Ooo! and Aaaah! moments with a side of Whoooooa! But rarely am I actually hootin' and hollerin' and wahoooo-ing like I do when I'm running. <br />
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The good news is I'm improving. And I'm improving quickly! Slowly my body and brain are dusting off the cobwebs and I'm learning how to pick up my feet. Finding my stride and the wonderful rhythm of running. Unfortunately, I already got carried away with my Mach-1 Crazy Descending style of mountain running that I love so much and my shins have flared up a bit. Too much Woooohoo, I guess. So, it's back to moderate terrain for awhile and getting my body used to all of that impact. Without a doubt, running is hard on the body. My body had been kind to me - considering I've been running since I was a child, I've been very fortunate on the injury front. The injuries have appeared the past few years, but have been mostly manageable. I now know what it takes to be running happy and healthy. For me, it's all about the other stuff. So, I focus on the rebuilding. Gym. Stretching. Core. Flexibility. It's essential to keep the Leslie Machine working properly. I've been working hard on it all because I know it's the secret to my bliss. Summer is coming soon and I want to be able to go on my all-day adventure runs and have full trust in my body! Plus, when your strong and happy and running healthy - the adventures are just way more enjoyable. You get to focus more on the Wooohoo and less on the pain in your back/butt/hips. <br />
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And so I rebuild a new Leslie.<br />
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It's also good to get reacquainted with the trails in my own backyard. It's like getting to know an old friend. For me, it's all about balancing the suffering with the right amount of Woooohoo. Running these trails gives me a whole lot of pleasure! Even as I'm huffing and puffing and chugging along, I'm enjoying turning myself back into a runner.<br />
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The Fairholme Range</div>
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The Bow River</div>
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The Bow Valley - home!</div>
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Mount Rundle</div>
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Hoodoos Bench</div>
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The ski runs of Mount Norquay </div>
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Tunnel Mountain aka. Sleeping Buffalo</div>
<br />Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-79017893521775173962013-02-27T09:12:00.003-07:002013-02-27T09:12:50.443-07:00In the PresentLately, I've found myself ranting to Keith about how to make future adventures and travels sustainable. How does one continue to finance future trips, travels and adventures? What can we do to make these dreams come true in the future? It's so easy to get distracted with planning for the future and dreaming and scheming of future adventures. In the meantime, I have to frequently remind myself to enjoy the present. I've never had a problem enjoying the present, but I do seem to be much more distracted than usual since returning from my trip. You learn this skill out on the trail: how to be present in the moment. But, we return back to civilization and forget so quickly. Life is busy and confusing and distracting.<br />
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It's an important thing, the ability to focus on the now and this being present thing-a-ma-jiggy. It directly affects your level of
happiness and satisfaction with life. Even the eternally optimistic Leslie's of the world need an occasional kick in the pants to stay motivated and stay present. It's so easy to day dream.<br />
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So, look around you! While dreams are always important, so is this living in the present stuff.<br />
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It just took a quick look at some of my photos since Jan. 1st, to remind myself of that. <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Family Day Weekend</span>: Tunnel Mountain in fresh snow!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Rundle Viewpoint</span></div>
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Another awesome ski on Observation - Bow Summit</div>
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Ptarmigan Glacier and Skoki Lakes with Sarah and Mette</div>
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Leading the charge on Valentine's Day</div>
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Climbing Twin Cairns</div>
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Keith on top of Twin Cairns</div>
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Cold</div>
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Keith and Leslie tracks</div>
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Keith and the Monarch Ramparts</div>
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Running my Backyard Loop</div>
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Tunnel Mountain Cliffs on the Backyard Loop</div>
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The Backyard Loop: Favorite view of the Bow River</div>
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Lazy day at Lake Louise</div>
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The Monarch</div>
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Hail the Monarch!</div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com65tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-48188956113527361152012-12-31T11:46:00.001-07:002012-12-31T12:02:45.250-07:00Happy Trails - Lessons for a New YearI'm not a deeply analytical person, but the trail has a way of teaching you the things that are really important. At the top of the list was Gratitude: to be thankful for what you have, thankful for what you are given and thankful for all things great and small. It's about as good as a life lesson as you can get. As well as Gratitude, the trail also taught me the importance of:<br />
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Humor<br />
Tenacity<br />
Resourcefulness<br />
Self-discipline<br />
Enthusiasm <br />
Question Asking<br />
Spontaneity<br />
Sense of Wonder<br />
Persistence<br />
Courage<br />
Curiosity <br />
Endurance<br />
Resilience<br />
Critical thinking<br />
Self-Awareness<br />
Simplicity<br />
Patience <br />
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<span class="userContent">I've never been on an adventure that I regretted. Mostly, what I have taken away from this experience is that Life is for Living. Yup, I'm a long time believer in that. Create the life you want and then live the heck out of it, friends. Happy New Year!</span>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-56072398133142946922012-12-13T11:34:00.001-07:002013-09-08T11:59:22.428-06:00Trail Magic - Part IHow to put the magic of the Pacific Crest Trail into words? It's challenging.<br />
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For me, much of the joy was in the simple act of submersing myself in nature and putting one foot in front of the other. It's a simple and enjoyable life, really. You know what you are doing every day: walking along a trail through every changing scenery. Every day is a new adventure: <i>where will the trail take me? what will the scenery be like? what will I see? </i>It was exciting and fun to let each day unfold without really knowing what was around each corner.<br />
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Nature is magical! I frequently reminded myself to keep my eyes wide open and look around and just take it all in. Your senses really do awaken in nature. The sound of the world awakening at the crack of dawn is amazing: the bird sounds, a stream flowing, a fish jumping in a lake, a twig snapping (bear! deer! squirrel!). The sound of silence at night was astounding. That such a noisy, busy day could turn into a night so pitch black that you can't see your hand. To experience complete calm, still, absolute silence. My eyes were<i> really</i> wide open! I found myself constantly scanning the trail, observing the nuances and changes of my daily environment and taking it all in.<br />
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Nature is always changing. Observing the subtle and not-so-subtle daily changes on the trail was fascinating. This was one of the most enjoyable things about life on the trail. Nature stimulates, delights and entertains. The constantly changing zones and Eco-systems were fascinating to me. Some of it was obvious: I remember things like where and when I saw my first lizard on the trail, the first place I saw an Oak tree, the exact place I heard a new bird noise or better yet saw a new bird. New flowers, new plants, new trees - these things were constantly changing and entertaining as I walked along. Oddly enough, as my memory of my trip is already becoming blurry, it's these little details that I remember. I often wished I could walk in the company of a biologist, a botanist or a geologist so I could ask all of my questions. I wish I had more time to learn and discover more about these things along the way.<br />
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People are important. As is a good meal. The other half of life on the trail is the time I enjoyed in "civilization". Re-supplying is the life blood of life on the trail: you need to go to town to get more food so you can continue to walk down that trail. My time off trail was essential to my well being and was also really, really enjoyable. As much as I enjoyed my time on the trail, I couldn't help but get excited when I got near a town: the promise of tasty food, a bed, some extra sleep and some human contact were things I <i>yearned</i> for. Because I was spending so much time on the trail all by my lonesome (read: days and days without seeing another soul) the brief social interactions with people were so important to me. I could do an entire blog entry on the kindness of strangers. I could also do an entire blog entry on the meals that I ate and how much pleasure they gave me! I also discovered that I didn't need to spend a lot of time in town, just a little bit of time to come up for breath, eat and socialize before continuing down the trail. Town was sometimes so enjoyable, that I was afraid I just might stop for good. So, I stuck to the theory that "an object in motion stays in motion". Momentum was my friend. As much as I enjoyed my time in town, I also had the need to get out of town as soon as possible.<br />
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It's simple: I also enjoyed living life simply. As well as the simplicity of putting
one foot in front of another, there was a certain amount of pleasure in
having everything you needed on your back. Food, clothing and shelter
all on your back? How liberating! What are you going to wear? No choices! Filthy and dirty? Who cares! I also didn't mind getting dirty, in
fact I rather enjoyed it. Being *filthy is part and parcel of life on
the trail and you need to embrace it. <br />
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Spending an extended period of time living and breathing on a trail, was a real natural thing for me. For a person who already spends a great deal of my leisure time outside, who delights in physical challenge, who loves traveling and seeing new and beautiful places and meeting new people this adventure was surprisingly easy and enjoyable. That's not to say it was an <i>easy </i>hike - it was very physically and mentally challenging. That's to say that I was as good <i>match </i>for the trail. While trail life was certainly a different reality from my day to day existence in Banff , it came easily and I enjoyed it. A big part of the reason for that is simple: I am a simple creature and by nature a very happy, content human being. This gets you a long way, on a long trail. If you approach the trail with an open mind, a flexible plan, the ability to laugh and a joyful sense of adventure good things are bound to happen. <br />
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The simple act of submersing yourself in nature and putting one foot in front of the other is also surprisingly meditative. <i> What did you think of out there? </i><i>Was your mind spinning circles? Did you make yourself crazy?</i> Well, yes sometimes. But, most of the time I was just walking along with a big stupid smile on my face. It seems I have something people are searching for: the innate ability to just simply<i> be. </i>When you take away all that stuff that is swirling around your brain, what was leftover was joy and tranquility. At least that's how it was for me.<br />
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It's all of these things combined that made my adventure so amazing. When do you ever get to experience life like this? Well, you don't. That's what makes hiking the Pacific Crest Trail so magical.<br />
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*With regards to being filthy: big difference between filthy/dirty and unhygienic. Hygiene is important! Dirty salty skin and clothing is not. :)Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-24805711113716146192012-12-07T21:09:00.000-07:002012-12-07T21:14:55.982-07:00Happy Endings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My last week on the trail could not have been more serendipitous.</div>
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From the moment I spontaneously hitchhiked into Julian, good things were set in motion. It all started with a fantastic lift from the local Sheriff who added a moment of comedy to my day.</div>
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For a girl who had spent 3 months in solitude on the trail<i>,</i>my last days on the trail were wonderfully, amazingly social. What a gift and what a happy ending to my most amazing journey. </div>
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I truly enjoyed my time in Julian, hanging with my new friend Special Delivery. He was the secret ingredient that turned everything into gold. It was so enjoyable to spend my days in good company, relaxing, eating and visiting. We even did some sightseeing in the Cuyamaca mountains and the Mount Laguna area. All thanks to Special D. From a more practical perspective, it was a good thing I got off the trail. As per the forecast, the weather raged pretty hard for 3 days. It would have been terrible to be out there in that weather. Instead, I got enjoy some well needed down time and some rest. </div>
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After my most awesome 3 days, I finally got to hit the
trail again. It was the longest time off that I had on my entire
journey. Special D decided that I needed more special treatment and we
came up with a new plan for my last 3 days. He would take my pack down
the trail and also provide me with support along the way - kind of like a
roving "aid station" just for me! </div>
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My
first day back on the trail was sunny and beautiful and I felt so refreshed. The day started
early with Special D joining me for the first few miles, before leaving
me on my own for the day. He met me half way with a massive picnic, and
then further down the road with more snacks. What a treat! It was so
enjoyable to be out there on the trail with my tiny pack, I even got to
bust out a run for a few miles. This was a real treat and I enjoyed
every moment of my special day. I also arranged to spend the night with
another new friend - Dave Super at Laguna Mountain Sports. He has a
one-of-a-kind log cabin in the National Forest and it was truly
awesome. I arrived in the dark to a log cabin smelling of wood smoke and home made Pea Soup. Happiness is a log cabin in the woods.</div>
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The second last day, I spent the day taking lots of photos, reflecting
and enjoying my last time on the trail. It started with a beautiful
sunrise in Mount Laguna and finished at Lake Morena County Park. There was a little bit of snow at the higher elevations, but mostly it had already melted. Again,
Special D met me along the way with water and treats. I really enjoyed
this last section - the trails around the Cuyamaca Mountains are really
diverse and incredible. </div>
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At Lake Morena, Special D had set up the full car camping spread and brought the giant tent and the Coleman stove. It was so awesome! We cooked up a feast and I got further spoiled with a fantastic dinner, complete with red wine and S'mores on the bonfire. Seriously. What a way to end my trip with such good times. :) </div>
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Special D joined me for my last day of hiking - 20 miles to the border. The day flew by as we chattered along, another beautiful hot and sunny day. I had no expectations for these last 78 miles, and the terrain was surprisingly mountainous, diverse and oh-so-beautiful right until the end. But, it was the company that made these days really enjoyable. </div>
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Just 2 miles from the border, my friends Phil and Callie showed up to walk us to the border. They brought with them, fresh homemade cookies and a bottle of Champagne to celebrate. </div>
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I thought - how lucky am I to finish surrounded by such good people? </div>
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In my mind, it was the perfect ending to my time spent on the trail. My time on the trail has been full of stories of random acts of kindness from strangers. How fitting is it that I finish my journey in the company of a stranger, turned into a friend? My heart is full of gratitude. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIE0A6LffUgQGaH72op-cGBQwh8psqwfTI-tnt8vI-TLIH10vciMdyX18bsGCZvl63CErV1lf6xYY2_x2QOo1K1rnkE5t9WP_c3p3i69EWlM7AmZbmTiLwnMs-QzBN_U3nWkkKQnQ93XJ/s1600/Pacific+Crest+Trail+894.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIE0A6LffUgQGaH72op-cGBQwh8psqwfTI-tnt8vI-TLIH10vciMdyX18bsGCZvl63CErV1lf6xYY2_x2QOo1K1rnkE5t9WP_c3p3i69EWlM7AmZbmTiLwnMs-QzBN_U3nWkkKQnQ93XJ/s400/Pacific+Crest+Trail+894.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Me and Special D</i></b></div>
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<b>Special D, Phil and Callie</b></div>
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<b><i>Happy Endings</i></b></div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-44004494061700526082012-11-09T16:17:00.001-07:002012-11-09T16:17:47.663-07:00It Ain't Over Until It's Over!Hi friends! Greetings from Julian, California - only 78 miles from the Mexican border and the end point of the Pacific Crest Trail. I am almost there!<br />
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I suspected that the reality of keeping a blog on the trail was going to be challenging, but the reality was even more different than I had anticipated. My decision to travel quickly on the trail was the main factor. Basically, I've had no time for any time on the computer. Heck, I've barely had any time for phonecalls to my parents! I've been zoomin' in and out of towns pretty much non-stop on the quick resupply program of eat, sleep laundry and go. And that was a choice that I made. I would love, love, love to do this trip at a slightly more relaxing speed and with some company. That being said, I've had an incredible trip - but the nature of it has felt at times very rushed. But, I wouldn't change a thing. This girl has no regrets! It's been awesome, hard, I've been scared at times, but mostly - I've been happy, smiling and enjoying my time out here on the trail. It's a good life. And, it's felt quite natural for me - I've <br />
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I've been mowing through the miles at a voracious speed and enjoying pushing myself. With only 78 miles to go, I made a spontaneous decision to make one last town stop here in Julian. I was tired, feeling quite exhausted and entirely done with camping. I needed a bed! Also, I liked the idea of enjoying one last taste of "town life" on the trail. I've really enjoyed my town time as hurried as it has been. These little stops in these little places have been one of the biggest pleasures of the trail. Julian is known as a hiker friendly little town and is also a very charming tourist town. So, I stuck out my thumb and got a lift into town.<br />
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I was standing at a desert cross roads in the middle of nowhere and there was no traffic. It's a hitchhikers bad dream - a great big road with nobody on it. I waited 15 minutes and only 2 cars drove by and both were full. So, I was surprised and pleased when the local Sheriff pulled over and gave me a lift. He put me in the back seat where the bad guys sit, behind the glass and bars. His front seat was full of weapons, and bullet proof vests and cop stuff. He said he just had one errand to run before he took me into town. We stopped at a single wide trailer in the desert for a friendly visit with a local while I waited in the backseat. "You want a chilled soda while you're waiting?" asked the Sheriff. He came out with a cold Diet Coke and a Pomegranate. "The pomegranate's a present. Just don't eat it in the back seat. Too messy!" The Sheriff delivered me right to the front door of the local downtown hotel. Nice. Thanks Sheriff!<br />
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In order of "things to do in a trail town" food always takes priority. So, stinky, filthy and wearing tattered running shorts, I hit the local BBQ joint and downed 2 pints of beer, a giant Cobb salad, a pulled pork sandwich and some garlic parmesan fries. Oh. My. I could and might do an entire blog post on food on the trail. I ate, showered and slept like a baby.<br />
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The plan was to head out at 5:30AM, hit the local breakfast joint and hopefully find myself a lift from some friendly local. Breakfast joints are always full of old farts with time on their hands. Well, before I got to breakfast I hit the computer to check in and there were a few dire messages from locals warning me of really bad weather coming my way. And then I looked out the window. It was dark when it should have been light and it was blowing and raining sideways. Jeezus! I was in the desert. The 3 days before had been some of the hottest of my whole trip, I had been hot and bothered and it was slowing me down a bit. When a local sent me the weather forecast I was surprised when it read: "Winter Storm Warning. Dangerous Wind Gusts. Accumulations of 4-6 inches possible". So, with only 78 miles to go I decided to sit tight. The storm is forecast to be a 3 day affair, and so far it's holding true. It's cold and miserable out there right now but not snowing. It's definitely cold enough that it is probably snowing at the high elevations and I would have been truly miserable. Yay for good decisions!<br />
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While pondering my decision at the breakfast joint, a small miracle happened. I met the only guy in town who had hiked the trail. Actually, he had just arrived home from the trail. He had hiked the trail going North, and yes - I had met him in passing. In the course of a 15 minute conversation, not only did I meet a wonderful new friend, but we formulated a new plan for me. I also met another local who said "Go stay at my house! You'll love it. I won't be there". I'll be there tonight and tomorrow night. I've spent the last 24 hours getting to know my new friend Special Delivery. Special D for short. It's his trail name. Forgot what his real name is. He's awesome and generous and kind of spirit. It's been fun taking a mini vacation from my vacation and Special D is fine company and Julian is a fine place. How these things happen to me, I'm always amazed. <br />
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So, I'll hit the trail early on Sunday morning. It's been a grand adventure. I should get those last 78 miles done in about 3 days. I've got some kind folks at the finish line on standby to pick me up at the border. I'll relax for a day or two in San Diego. And then, I'll go home. But, it ain't over until it's over! 78 miles. :) <br />
<br />Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-44018374591723131922012-10-20T16:38:00.001-06:002012-10-20T16:38:14.815-06:00High Mountains and High Desert<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/20/1868.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/20/s_1868.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/20/1869.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/20/s_1869.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/20/1871.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/20/s_1871.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a 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href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/20/1893.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/20/s_1893.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/20/1894.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/20/s_1894.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150418063632737685noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5633758899598480722.post-76539892253344118092012-09-26T14:31:00.001-06:002012-09-26T14:31:30.908-06:00More from the Pacific Crest Trail<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/106394870728489074870/BanffTrailTrash11?authkey=Gv1sRgCODhrYuF3rXK4wE#5792585088557168562'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWYydByNVJuEE3xH4Osw_qRV5Jq5wTo3XwWFKxCHrjh_78D0QRVE9DpCBxuRQisTrqqiQ7LCz_obcIGfwOkWXVr_H1WvzjBtujAMkeE6SAqe6msn5CvVz2Phxn8VgfSujPRb23H03tAj7/s288/55.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/106394870728489074870/BanffTrailTrash11?authkey=Gv1sRgCODhrYuF3rXK4wE#5792585141017532338'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIKurjx5JoiD76oA5S4-Lnpf4-xl1Wf_sxacit2aB0so0X5dNJJwuRZUcO3doJlBFNdz7C3-NQ6iej6Eda9jGU8l8lf0tCZ8YBnyLJxZa4n8Wp5halg3_RO1-FGeZX7klw7byDLhd5vQo/s288/54.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/106394870728489074870/BanffTrailTrash11?authkey=Gv1sRgCODhrYuF3rXK4wE#5792585188095139170'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOW0cYjElATwiR9MTbn1iJb0qVkfbpMVlDiLMywwCZqjzPgNf0DzkgMF4v60ilJDCrisr1_p9kUU0GSh9i2tf-LsA1q3DVf0UqtAurfKrUmM82yGgPU30oE4xCbWlUaIw3Cw9cnJTALzo/s288/53.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/106394870728489074870/BanffTrailTrash11?authkey=Gv1sRgCODhrYuF3rXK4wE#5792585236345373522'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00s1AoXrCj40mpBOtn-AZhyphenhyphenF3utLx6rkjWOl5D-0Fo_Q2v83Pm0m6Rw4S7JKRNoahXj7syt7VdXu0AEztYLyLPZsGFQ2rpCEf4B_zsNIlhyphenhyphenJyKNaikFoS3TxV-afArN4f-wCsFZ1_K7qQ/s288/52.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/26/2033.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/26/s_2033.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br 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