tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70277640403815963392024-03-19T02:52:32.931-07:00KOLIfit Adventure Fitness ClubKOLIfithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05692353452080901186noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027764040381596339.post-48081340138686427572019-02-07T08:09:00.001-08:002019-02-07T12:11:20.764-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">We are now into our first month of training for the Haute Route ski trip planned in March 2020. The Haute Route is a 7 day backcountry ski trip from Chamonix France to Zermatt Switzerland. Each day we will be expected to travel over several miles and about 5000 feet of vertical touring which is equivalent to hiking to the top of the Snowbird Tram 2 times. The group guide has instructed us to be prepared for 5+ hours of touring each day, making transitions from skiing to bootpacking in steep terrain, and be able to ski variable snow conditions. To physically prepare for this event we have been meeting as a group every Tuesday night for a few hours making as many laps possible in the frigid night air from the Alta parking lot to the top of Sunny Lift. In addition to our weekly tours we have scheduled Saturday tours that gradually increase our endurance to the Haute Route requirements. T</span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-9714b439-7fff-20bc-7fb4-c9ace23d6a55"><br /></span>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This last Saturday was our first 5 hour tour out of bounds from the ski resort in the Wasatch backcountry. We started at 7am from the the Red/White Pine parking lot with the intention of skiing Scotty’s Bowl. The sky was dark as we prepared our equipment for the 2000 foot vertical tour, except for a </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">rutilant iceblink</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> above the Monte Cristo Ridge line. We all paused for a moment as recognized the beauty we were witnessing. The conditions were not the coveted 12” of fresh powder since it had been over 5 days since our last snow storm. So we sought out for the shaded North face slopes offering silky condensed powder. The approach to the top of Scotty’s Bowl was a bit more difficult than anticipated. There was a rime crust on the west facing slope combined with a </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">pawky</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> thin layer of fine snow that became very slippery, making up hill touring difficult (2 steps up, one step slide back). There were several times we wished we had a support line to grab on to to help us over steep sections to prevent us from sliding backwards, but we able to </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">bootstrap</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> up the steep skin track to the 10,200’ ridgeline. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We found some epic untouched lines through the trees of Scotty’s Bowls.</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The Wasatch backcountry is becoming an increasingly popular place to ski and it's difficult to ski an entire bowl to yourself like I used to when I started in 1993. As I look back at those days of boot packing to the top of the peaks across the street from Snowbird and Alta Resorts, I have to shake my head in disbelief that I am still alive. From 1993-1997 I skied everything, Mt Superior, Flagstaff, Days Fork without any avalanche training and equipment. We spent several hours inefficiently bootpacking for one long epic untouched 2000-3000 vertical foot run down untouched powder. It was worth every exhausting foot </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibimvudD2A6FUe2RNCrrB7CwArZQmN4XJ_FLKnphvWlNV6vTdrK1714ezq0nW_5ZDcx2ex7MnN2mD_uzlgSLIZereTY69Djhl9r5XudKeTAwIsLf6WHt13mOAMRPs3edbcdpzlDTe2gKhV/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="1410" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibimvudD2A6FUe2RNCrrB7CwArZQmN4XJ_FLKnphvWlNV6vTdrK1714ezq0nW_5ZDcx2ex7MnN2mD_uzlgSLIZereTY69Djhl9r5XudKeTAwIsLf6WHt13mOAMRPs3edbcdpzlDTe2gKhV/s320/a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
step. Until one day we were passed by a telemarker on a 3 pin binding system, and ankle high leather boots. I immediately transitioned to telemark equipment but never developed the ability to confidently ski in the leather boots. So I transferred over to the Alpine Trekers, which evolved to Fritschi free heel binding, and now I am on the Dynafit system allowing for efficient travel and multiple runs down 2000-3000 vertical foot slopes. Backcountry skiing became my winter passion. My life revolved around skiing. I remember my college professor, for stress management, shaking her head at me when I stated I had a stressful week because I could only ski a couple of times that week. I continued to ski this way until 1997 when I took a avalanche course and my chin dropped to the ground as I realized the risk I was taking. I immediately changed the way I skied, and started utilizing the skills I learned from my class to minimize my risk of being caught in a avalanche.<br />
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have spent years learning to </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">prognosticate</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the signs of avalanches. Listening for sounds, identifying snow types, observing the wind, digging pits, and daily reading of the avalanche reports (big shout out to our local avalanche forecasters who do amazing work to keep us safe). There is an instinctual alertness that you learn to attune yourself while you're backcountry skiing. I am sure it’s similar to the same instinctual alertness the plains animals use watching out for predators. You are fully alert the whole time. It’s a an experience of stepping out of your comfort zone and developing skills that </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">adrenalize</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the return of skiing confidently after the next storm </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Backcountry skiers need to commit to a disciplined temperament. There is an inherent risk of death and serious injury with the beckoning </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">sirenic </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">slopes all around you. Each skier is responsible for setting their risk boundaries and having the courage not to cross them (easier said than done). Many times I have had to say “not today” as I am drooling at the epic untouched run. This is something that has developed with time and more parental responsibilities. So, I was relieved to see Saturday's avalanche report showed “Low Danger” on all aspects so that this first time group would not be tempted to ski something beyond that boundary. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNvnPGpE2eTlBqVKGRW8RSDOUs1JK5TKt6AuggUfKgvnWAuPPChEk18Mms5bew4jL26_1jGKTaH7YjPrUwxD6KhVapXKNVSwH743okl6wJpg5ZIEDPre7gDK9Um8763YOvh-RPC4Av2kj/s1600/IMG-2873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNvnPGpE2eTlBqVKGRW8RSDOUs1JK5TKt6AuggUfKgvnWAuPPChEk18Mms5bew4jL26_1jGKTaH7YjPrUwxD6KhVapXKNVSwH743okl6wJpg5ZIEDPre7gDK9Um8763YOvh-RPC4Av2kj/s320/IMG-2873.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After our first run down Scotty’s Bowl we ventured off to some steeper terrain in the Temptation Chutes area</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> During our </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">gibble-gabble</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to the top of the ridge line the people in our group were having epiphanic moments of how challenging uphill touring could be. But the effort was worth every amount of exhausting step ups, backward slides, off balance falls, and awkward switchbacks. Especially after skiing the untouched line down through the chutes of trees.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The objective of backcountry skiing is to be energy-efficient so that you can ski as many downhill turns as possible. You must relax your arms, glide instead of lift your skis, manage your breathing, and channel every available calorie of energy to downhill turns. Many of the people in our group have been revving their heart rates up to zone 4 and zone 5 trying to keep up with each other during the uphill touring. This equates to the heart working at 80-90% of its maximum effort. The rules of endurance only allow you about hour of activity at this heart rate level. I was excited to observe after Saturday’s tour that our group quickly learned that muscling through backcountry skiing will not allow them to accomplish our ultimate goal of touring for 7 days. They are going to have to learn the art of </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">sashaying</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> efficiently up and down the slopes. Hence, this is why we started our training a year and half before our event.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is another realization among the group, and that is they're going to have to sacrifice some of their </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">hygge</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> environment and dedicate time to fitness training to enhance the backcountry skiing experience to its fullest potential. There is really only one way to get in shape for backcountry skiing and that’s getting outside and touring. But most of us don't have the time to spend touring everyday, and must supplement our fitness in the gym. Many of the people who are going on the Haute Route trip, train with me 2-3 times a week at the gym doing a variety of workout modalities. And those who are committing to these workouts are already seeing the benefits of training. This is really what I am trying to show people, the greater the effort the grander the experience. I really believe that you enrich your life experiences when you put effort into physically preparing for them. I truly love the recreational adventures and walks along the beach that do not require preparation and training. But the experiences I am referencing are those challenges that are out of our comfort zone. Experiences that provoke self reflection and development, and reaching beyond what you thought was possible. Look at Alex Honnold who spent years training to free solo El Capitan, and Killian Jornet who spent several month preparing to set the world record for the fastest ascent/descent to Everest. Their experience was enhanced as they reflected on all the work it took to achieve that one great moment that would have not been possible unless they trained for it. My aspiration with the individuals I work with is to inspire them to want to self improve from their current state to reach something greater, giving deeper meaning and reward to their outdoor experiences. </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
</div>
KOLIfithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05692353452080901186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027764040381596339.post-79755217017794174482018-09-25T14:19:00.000-07:002018-09-27T11:34:07.094-07:00I wish...<b>I wish I could do that.</b> Arguably one of the most common phrases I've heard in my 20 years as a fitness professional. The examples are nearly endless: I wish I could climb that, ski, that, run that, float that. I wish I could go there, see that, cook like that, and lose that kind of weight.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrsK_D2xn_ztrV9AsKw_hR0k3rtlPjKuM-De5c8QLrtVij1cgh3kmH9icYxRNYQKXvEI2djrDnO3ym3m1DVAb_oqMmIGOgjKHSa4Ifq4R9q9zDu3aDfNo8Rx0BuFVUYP8ayMOpjaUeXA/s1600/IMG-2926+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrsK_D2xn_ztrV9AsKw_hR0k3rtlPjKuM-De5c8QLrtVij1cgh3kmH9icYxRNYQKXvEI2djrDnO3ym3m1DVAb_oqMmIGOgjKHSa4Ifq4R9q9zDu3aDfNo8Rx0BuFVUYP8ayMOpjaUeXA/s200/IMG-2926+%25281%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
It's a seemingly endless list of wishes, some unrealistic, but many of them are well within your reach. The common theme, the one that keeps wishes just that, wishes, is change. In order to achieve and make your wishes, your dreams a reality, is accepting that you must change. And, let's be clear, change is hard, it fundamentally means something in your life is going to be different. Often times our perception is that making that change is to give something up, to lose something. Sometimes it's true, but more often than not it means gaining something far more than what we lost.<br />
<br />
Often times change does require us to give something up:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Bad habits</li>
<li>Poor choices</li>
<li>Unhealthy behaviors</li>
<li>Stress</li>
<li>Negative self talk</li>
<li>and a whole host of other traits that keep us from accomplishing our endless list of wishes</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEElrSO_vnPvp5SVD9dszltggKClDGHWqKfJA-ky2jo2ey0G2u7574wlEJVFS3s6DfWal4KEfHTHCx3ubyFvAyvriq2dWW8cumgJZXIqkVtY28LW85R1cAjyG1WTy1BmZ5aJzn1Bw974/s1600/37718575_1766047803487635_2476058954065510400_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEElrSO_vnPvp5SVD9dszltggKClDGHWqKfJA-ky2jo2ey0G2u7574wlEJVFS3s6DfWal4KEfHTHCx3ubyFvAyvriq2dWW8cumgJZXIqkVtY28LW85R1cAjyG1WTy1BmZ5aJzn1Bw974/s200/37718575_1766047803487635_2476058954065510400_o.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
Change also requires us to evaluate our life, our choices, and our perspectives. In order to make our wishes come true, we need first to believe that what we want is possible. Often, when I present a challenge to someone, their first response is: "I could never do that." And, with that attitude, they're right, they can't. More often than not we've given up before we've even started, or even considered starting!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We like the idea of something, but seldom believe we have the ability to do it. We present ourselves a host of self created obstacles as to why what we most want is not attainable.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>I don't have time</li>
<li>I don't know how to do that</li>
<li>I don't know how to start</li>
<li>I wouldn't be any good</li>
<li>I'm too (fill in the blank)</li>
</ul>
<div>
I get it, it's easy, way easier than committing to the process and making the changes that will allow you to stand in awe of something you once thought impossible. It can be terrifying, the thought of putting yourself out there, risking what you know, risking failure.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNwUKTYCA0w9UAEPtZr3flrYWr2qpDI70x4Lqpe-xS2xPJ6M0xl9kk9jRtx_C0LS8c0SGL2gAEQ0AuHvSuk0J5Fyz-ww5-PdGTI-3xBBhrF2Ck12PCqRb0RU6ZOs2cUKKuiXcb0w8mc4/s1600/559426_386712864707760_2093329082_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="218" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNwUKTYCA0w9UAEPtZr3flrYWr2qpDI70x4Lqpe-xS2xPJ6M0xl9kk9jRtx_C0LS8c0SGL2gAEQ0AuHvSuk0J5Fyz-ww5-PdGTI-3xBBhrF2Ck12PCqRb0RU6ZOs2cUKKuiXcb0w8mc4/s200/559426_386712864707760_2093329082_n.jpg" width="132" /></a>I've stood at the starting line, legs shaking, nauseous, terrified that after what seemed like a lifetime of training that ultimately I might fail. That's the risk! However: at the end of day, goal accomplished or not, I always knew I could stand proud because I was willing to take a chance, to challenge myself, and to dream big. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I challenge you, write down your wish list, say them out loud, and once you've done that, take the next step. Tell yourself, out loud, that it's possible, that your possible. Once you've committed to believing what you want is possible, start making the changes you need to make your wish list a list of accomplishments. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some simple steps to get you started:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Understand your goal, if it's a marathon, triathlon, or other sporting event, get an understanding of what's involved in participation. Talk with other participants, trust me they'll be more than happy to share their experiences (often in more detail than you want). If it's a hiking, outdoor, or travel adventure, seek out those who've been there and get their perspective on their experience. </li>
<li>Respect that your goals will require work, plain hard work. Fitness professionals snapshot their lives so everything we do looks easy, but it's always been a product of dedicated hard work. There are no short cuts.</li>
<li>Acquire the skills necessary, learn and establish a solid foundation of the skills you'll need to accomplish your goal.</li>
<li>Commit to the process. This seems like an easy one, but often times it's one of the most difficult. Committing to the process requires trusting that what you're doing will actually work.</li>
<li>Don't give up. When things go south, and yes, they will go south, keep moving forward. Forging ahead through difficult periods is unfortunately a necessary part of the process. These hard times is what you'll draw on when you're out on your adventure, they create the realization that you can persevere when the road is dark.</li>
<li>Build a trusted support network. Surround yourself with people who understand what you're trying to do and will support you.</li>
<li>Communicate to your loved ones, family, and support network. Open and honest communication can solve many problems that creep up, especially when things aren't going quite as planned.</li>
<li>Embrace the change and savor the experience. The experience is so much more than the end product, it's the whole process, the life changes you made, the training, new friends, new places, good days and bad, it's everything. </li>
</ul>
<div>
I challenge you, KOLIfit challenges you: <b>Wish Hard, Dream Big and Live Your Story!</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsL5D4Ha2pxZJ_kdxk8vNJNiuakvLsZIFa6yemxf4iV6ag_XGAfNSdGn_mIfBBrCOwn9eEusJsHTiolbxigoyc369Xopwa1UT3Wq4MULlGNVNLAVWVoGHWPUXym4fvRZUlsieBhdRFdX8/s1600/40211760_1822827024476379_6919850088097382400_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsL5D4Ha2pxZJ_kdxk8vNJNiuakvLsZIFa6yemxf4iV6ag_XGAfNSdGn_mIfBBrCOwn9eEusJsHTiolbxigoyc369Xopwa1UT3Wq4MULlGNVNLAVWVoGHWPUXym4fvRZUlsieBhdRFdX8/s200/40211760_1822827024476379_6919850088097382400_o.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
KOLIfithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05692353452080901186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027764040381596339.post-91907387434336947902018-07-18T13:11:00.000-07:002018-07-20T06:11:52.180-07:00Top 5 Nutrition Mistakes You May Be Making<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The Top 5 Nutrition Mistakes You May Be Making- <o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScaVv7y_r-p1ORBjd97JTdKVELP4koU_dISWswKYJS76aUeOSa8eVlTZHyI8405HW-MomrqQeChn_RsclgBZPXg-NyyiDS2pgCR0zlpeSTJyzIVkHl_zvH5R5wMHcUJl1zcOjHY-xgyQ/s1600/18738661_814947945338945_8160340068049106034_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScaVv7y_r-p1ORBjd97JTdKVELP4koU_dISWswKYJS76aUeOSa8eVlTZHyI8405HW-MomrqQeChn_RsclgBZPXg-NyyiDS2pgCR0zlpeSTJyzIVkHl_zvH5R5wMHcUJl1zcOjHY-xgyQ/s200/18738661_814947945338945_8160340068049106034_o.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Isn’t losing weight simply a matter of being in the deficit of
calories out minus calories in?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems
so simple and logical. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately,
weight loss takes a lot of discipline and intention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to the Center of Disease Control
and Prevention approx. 40% of Americans are finding themselves obese with the
rate rising.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can avoid being a part
of this statistic by consistently avoiding 5 mistakes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Giving it
all back on the weekend</b>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does this
sound familiar?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Monday-Thursday I track
my calories and macros religiously, I drink water all day long, I work out
consistently and I leave sugar alone.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The weekend rolls around and the story changes “I go out for pizza wash
it down with a few soda’s or beers, I sleep in so I skip my workouts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hit a family BBQ and maybe go to a movie
snacking on popcorn and candy…and then it’s Monday morning and I am back where
I started or even up on the scale.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
I have found that if clients eat clean all
week they can usually still lose weight after “one” weekend indulgence…but not much
more than that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay consistent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Exercising for Weight loss: </b>“I ran for
2 miles this morning so I can eat what I want today”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all know the benefits of exercise are
endless! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My advice to clients is to
exercise with the intent of building and strengthening muscles, working on cardio
vascular endurance and cuing increased dopamine, serotonin and endorphins. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nutrition is for weight loss; exercise so that
you want to eat the right food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
really can’t outrun your fork.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Midnight
snacking</b>: I estimate that 95% of my clients mention that they usually snack
on either Popcorn or Ice-cream before heading to bed or even in the middle of
the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition study suggests <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2014/01/28/how-grazing-affects-your-digestive-function" title="Link: https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2014/01/28/how-grazing-affects-your-digestive-function"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">nighttime
eaters</span></a></span></span> ate 12 percent more calories than those who ate
only throughout the day and International Journal of Obesity study found,
nighttime eaters participated in more binge-eating behaviors than those who
didn’t eat after dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most dietitians
recommend not eating after 7:00-8:00 at night so that individuals have 2 or
more hours to digest food before going to sleep. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Miscalculating calories/macro nutrients:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>I am a huge fan of restaurants that are
transparent about their nutrition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have changed my mind on what to order several times at a restaurant based on
this information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tracking can be
laborious, but helps us get a realistic idea of what we are consuming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Find an app you like and track your food for
a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Popular apps include:
Myfitnesspal, Food, Fitbit, MyPlate, and even your KOLIfit app.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eating a
“healthy” bar</b>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most bars aren’t what
they claim to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often bars marketed as
“healthy” are full of hidden sugars and unwanted fat. I have found this especially
with food marketed to children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
important to understand food labels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
I figure macro nutrient percentages on most protein bars it turns out they are
really “fat” bars or “sugar” bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know a protein bar is convenient; but I
always recommend eating a protein bar with something like mini carrots, sugar
snap peas or cucumbers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let KOLIfit help you with your nutrition and fitness goals,
we offer an array of options to help you achieve the results you’re looking
for.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/bdd43251f843/kolifitnutrition">Find
out more about our services here:</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<br />KOLIfithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05692353452080901186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027764040381596339.post-50873075630549012172018-06-01T16:15:00.001-07:002018-06-01T16:15:48.048-07:00The Life of Enrichment on the Bruneau River <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I begin to write this adventure story I fret over how to
write the details that express our experience without too much over
embellishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This story has it all,
fencing, fighting, romance….wait, that’s from “Princess Bride.” This story has
even more, improvisation, broken vehicles, astounding countryside, Class III
and IV rapids, good food, and wonderful people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let us begin.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1GTKIQBxSrr6ktvWnQwdO1qJqUuORe-_6BFFftvj2FaZ6mlH2HqLzXbdiS4yfccQBBZU7JrH6YNF-OiAELVSzhM2ghW9ElI6rhgcpa8fGda44-8CBnJyZq3knMTLU4gQ6L7yEoPvZ7U/s1600/Photo+May+19%252C+8+57+28+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1GTKIQBxSrr6ktvWnQwdO1qJqUuORe-_6BFFftvj2FaZ6mlH2HqLzXbdiS4yfccQBBZU7JrH6YNF-OiAELVSzhM2ghW9ElI6rhgcpa8fGda44-8CBnJyZq3knMTLU4gQ6L7yEoPvZ7U/s320/Photo+May+19%252C+8+57+28+AM.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descent to the mouth of Neon Canyon on the Escalante River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The story starts in late fall of 2017 in Escalante, Utah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had just finished a 2 hour cross country
approach to mouth of Neon Canyon with 3 other friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were preparing our canyoneering equipment
when all of a sudden I saw some people packrafting down the Escalante
River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was highly intrigued and
started a conversation on where they had started, and where they were
going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end our farewells, I had
already planned an Escalante packrafting trip for the next Memorial Day
weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had it all planned out, leave Thursday
morning, hit Neon and Ringtale canyons, float 35 miles of the Escalante River
and explore the side canyons along the way, and then hike out Coyote Gulch on
Memorial Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eight months was going to
be an unbearable wait.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the next few months I started studying maps, reading
blogs, and doing my home work to plan to most epic adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then extended the invitation to friends and
KOLIfit members, and 10 people jump on board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This was going to be a strenuous and physically demanding trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would have to carry heavy backpacks
weighing from 40-50lbs; hike over 20 miles across challenging desert terrain
and slot canyons; and paddle over 10 miles each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was not an adventure for the faint of
heart, and I wanted to be very clear that whoever committed to this adventure
had to commit to a KOLIfit fitness training program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Utah experienced a mild 2017/18 winter, especially in
Southern Utah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every week I would visit
KSL.com and look at the snowpack for the Escalante drainage, and it did not
look good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the end of March the
snowpack was about 20% of normal. Feelings of despair inundated me over the
next few days as my gut feeling told me that my epic adventure was not going to
happen this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started looking for
blogs with reports of the lowest amount of water in the Escalante River and a
favorable paddle experience. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made a
choice that 1.5’ would be our threshold. Not being optimistic that the river
would reach that high, I developed plans “B” and “C.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The month of April did not improve the snowpack, and by the beginning
of May the Escalante River was fluctuating between 1-1.2 feet of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was time to make the decision to go with
plan “B” and run the Bruneau River in Southwestern Idaho. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujQYaSpcTwrKCs0L5Dv1gXHTyUueNPj-KSjW0oDZlNMa_JnBnu0WJqQ8AZntqFdygjHA1z4jfKoL31rpITrV1_teNIhkmjKJBv9SSS9wGTOub31HB_5b1EqXo4l0_Fp0PuqD372fobRI/s1600/GOPR0494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujQYaSpcTwrKCs0L5Dv1gXHTyUueNPj-KSjW0oDZlNMa_JnBnu0WJqQ8AZntqFdygjHA1z4jfKoL31rpITrV1_teNIhkmjKJBv9SSS9wGTOub31HB_5b1EqXo4l0_Fp0PuqD372fobRI/s320/GOPR0494.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginning of the gorge on the Bruneau River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Bruneau River is a tributary of the Snake River,
receiving its flow from the Jarbridge Mountains in northern Nevada and running
north to its confluence almost halfway between Twin Falls and Boise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would be paddling a deep canyon gorge over
40 miles in 2 days, with 1000’ towering walls on each side of the river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The river walls would be the perfect setting
for a fantasy movie with its chossy brittle rock and eerie grottos and caves
where goblins and gules could hide during the day planning their hunt on
innocent river runners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I started doing my homework on the Bruneau River rapids.<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dC8SG6qqbhtpxVR8WMb_gG99GqmjJ1Jw/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">(Click here to view Boneyard Rapid)</a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The river is narrow and choked with several
Class III and IV rapids at 1000cfs and above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our group had dwindled down to 4 people including myself, but we would
be joining 10 others with prior experience on the Bruneau.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I spoke with Spence,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>our 71 year group leader, about the rapids I developed feelings of apprehension about
taking people down a river without any personal prior experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Class III and IV rapids demand respect, and
if anything were to happen it would be challenging to obtain help due to the
remoteness of the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I struggled many
hours wondering if I was making the right decision to join this group of people
I did not know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to trust their
judgment, which was difficult for me, because from my perspective there was a lackadaisical
approach to running difficult rivers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
as I continued to read and watch videos on the Bruneau rapids it confirmed what
Spence had said, that the best way to scout the river is to “read and run.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scouting rapids is an essential skill to managing your risk
on challenging rivers. To scout a rapid
you exit the river just before the rapid and assess the best route for avoiding,
holes, snags, rocks, and other obstacles that could jeopardize your
safety. The “read and run” technique is
used when it is difficult to scout from the shoreline, or when you have a prior
knowledge of a rapid. To read and run a
rapid you quickly look downstream from your boat and assess the safest route. I am comfortable with the read and run
technique, for an experienced paddler this adds to the element of fun. There are quick instinctual decision made in
a matter of moments that bring a great satisfy feeling. But when you are the only paddler with
extensive whitewater experience with a “rookie” crew, I was uneasy about
reading a river and making quick decisions, and then relaying that information
verbally, as opposed to reacting instinctually, and then relying upon my crew
to react with precision to avoid harmful obstacles. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FnSB_wtqPlQ7cQihNZ_CEVBeSyM45sJ6/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">(Click here to view Class IV rapid)</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To prepare my rookie crew, I requested that we do a training
run down a Class II section of the Weber River 2 weeks prior to our trip in the
same boat we would be paddling down the Bruneau River. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My apprehension shifted to feelings of
confidence as Ryan and Syndi quickly synchronized with may paddling
commands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point I made the
decision that we were a 100% go for the Bruneau trip and if we did not feel
confident that we could run a rapid that we would portage it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That never happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcUSgCxJbpqWX1wHx6xphFd4I15DeMWpdrEvVesW2rGvxWq4SFZ98ioKwC_wU9KxtWxJCI4_qgBLqS-aH2ovuM_jC-f5p5dtNd1dIUA4clGxUT9fsBNHq-8uhcKo6PM01D00bZsouLQo/s1600/img_3003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcUSgCxJbpqWX1wHx6xphFd4I15DeMWpdrEvVesW2rGvxWq4SFZ98ioKwC_wU9KxtWxJCI4_qgBLqS-aH2ovuM_jC-f5p5dtNd1dIUA4clGxUT9fsBNHq-8uhcKo6PM01D00bZsouLQo/s320/img_3003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Mining Truck near deserted Jasper mine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The rookie crew consisted of Martin who is an adventurer
with an amazing resume of outdoor experiences. One being the first person in
the world to summit the 7 major summits and to sail the 7 major seas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ryan and Syndi are mother and son who shared
the same enthusiasm as I did when I announced the Escalante packrafting
trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Syndi has many world traveling
experiences, but is a novice when it comes to packrafting and river running as to
with her son, who is a student at the University of Utah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of life’s great experiences is when unlikely
people are brought together by an adventure and have a life enriching experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was our experience on the Bruneau
River….it just took a little hard work to earn the enrichment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday Noon: Text from Syndi, “we are running a little
late.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My philosophy on a river trip is
that there is no time schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You wake
up when you want to, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you get to your
destination when you want to, you eat when you are hungry, and you go to sleep
when you are tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>River life is the
epitome of relaxation and leaving your cares behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This trip had a few exceptions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWYTn2RwiJ8WtTo0otiEEPbBBT_xJAzIHnqmv_s4ibY9sSN7mcH1ak-NOiy6YXI3xs93rIgUl6JcusRsWpbtsVE9tlTsQ1gwGr4LsQ3R-HBW3DcJIdnp5fNYde8slxX71S04EAw0RY5w/s1600/GOPR0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWYTn2RwiJ8WtTo0otiEEPbBBT_xJAzIHnqmv_s4ibY9sSN7mcH1ak-NOiy6YXI3xs93rIgUl6JcusRsWpbtsVE9tlTsQ1gwGr4LsQ3R-HBW3DcJIdnp5fNYde8slxX71S04EAw0RY5w/s320/GOPR0453.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruneau River put in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Friday 4pm: Half of the group wanted to spend the night
camping at the river instead of camping on the front lawn in Hagerman ID. So 7
of us consolidated our gear into Spence’s old Dodge diesel truck, which was a
comparable feat to building an Egyptian pyramid. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rafting trips are not like backpacking trips where
you are concerned with the weight you carry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On river trips we bring “glamping” luxuries and lip-smacking food,
i<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>bowel
plugging <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>freeze dried food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This requires a big vehicle that can handle
rugged terrain and carry a lot of equipment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can usually spot a river trip caravan several miles away.<br />
nstead of thin therma-rest pads and <br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday 5pm: River camping group leaves for the 70 miles of dirt
roads to the put in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Driving to the
Bruneau River is an adventure itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
requires a durable vehicle, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>good
navigation skills, and patience as you drive over miles of baby head sized lava
rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is my understanding that this
region of Idaho was one of the prehistoric lava flows of the supervalcano in
Yellowstone National Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far as you
can see in any direction there are rolling hills of lava rock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roads that are built on lava rock are not
super highways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The overall average
speed for the next 3.5 hours was 20mph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, for the last 6 miles it was faster to travel by foot than by
vehicle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the last 2 miles requires a
good competent driver down a steep narrow, rock infested road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all opted to walk down the road to help
navigate over rocks and steer clear of the vehicle grave yard at the bottom of
the ravine.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiLZ1HwXMYPaUJtLzvW8XjnyyaOce1mAK9rnfDUSxUe7GbaHDH7wY9EBUvIC2w7fxBoPT7LFmhQzMse29Lw40zMpGlq51LY3KdTr3-23BcW9mfw-MoJlyhExx4BCkWMrjvHZSJd3ak1Q/s1600/IMG-3079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiLZ1HwXMYPaUJtLzvW8XjnyyaOce1mAK9rnfDUSxUe7GbaHDH7wY9EBUvIC2w7fxBoPT7LFmhQzMse29Lw40zMpGlq51LY3KdTr3-23BcW9mfw-MoJlyhExx4BCkWMrjvHZSJd3ak1Q/s320/IMG-3079.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruneau River Country</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Friday 9pm: River life began with our arrival at the put in.
It was a clear beautiful night with a ¾ moon drowning out most of the celestial
stars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waterfalls from the natural
hot springs, a few hundred yards to the South, were a refreshing steam bath. We
explored the area for natural pools to soak in, but they were extremely shallow
and very hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a makeshift hot
tub with room for one if you were the early bird.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
camp, Spence played on his harmonica, danced the Irish Jig, and recited poetry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is not a dull moment with Spence as the
head of river entertainment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has
an infectious energy, and I dare you to catch him without a smile, even when
things are awry.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday 11pm:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we
retired for the evening we reviewed tomorrows plan to meet the rest of the
group at 8am, put on the river around 10am, explore Cave Canyon, and float
20 miles to our camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I have to laugh that we even put a time schedule on our river trip because we never stick to it. We are on the river, who cares what time it is.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday 12am:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still
awake because of my idea of a sleeping in a Lamzac as a sleeping pad did not
work. It only holds air for about an hour before you feel the hard ground. Good
thing the constant white noise of the river distracted my disgust and I finally
drifted off to sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Saturday 7am:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate
breakfast and started rigging the 2 of the 3 rafts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rigging a raft is a mastery skill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every boat captain has their own style for
stowing gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For most it is prioritized
on what you need to access quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Generally Bluetooth speakers, Oreo Cookies, and beverages (this was a
non alcoholic group) are stored for quick access, while tooth brushes, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pots and pans, and trip itineraries are buried
deep in the bottom of dry boxes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
finished rigging our rafts around 8am and started looking to the horizon
waiting for the rest of our group.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmLncjHGoGpbI0Wr1stBx66yQ9lM0cRqedEglmXBFpFR7ipfMMbI7eVJqAj2v1AAO2Bw3E5O1DxuU3E6MgnmBBEvOw21kKwpeENkzWVULYOyaNTA5b3EQX9JBGEBA1N6fn7cyDbiWaDk/s1600/GOPR0493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmLncjHGoGpbI0Wr1stBx66yQ9lM0cRqedEglmXBFpFR7ipfMMbI7eVJqAj2v1AAO2Bw3E5O1DxuU3E6MgnmBBEvOw21kKwpeENkzWVULYOyaNTA5b3EQX9JBGEBA1N6fn7cyDbiWaDk/s320/GOPR0493.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nap time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Saturday 11am: Still waiting for the rest of the group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As stated, river trip itineraries are more of
a guideline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is essential that you
keep yourself entertained until river time and real time synchronize as one. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For about 3 hours people tinkered with
equipment, took naps, ran to the top of hills, and revisited the hot springs.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday 1pm: At last, it was time to launch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boat number 3 was rigged and everyone was
ready to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as we were ready to
launch one of the shuttle drivers who had left about 30 minutes ago, trying to
avoid a heavy thunder storm and to take our vehicles to the take out over 80
miles away, came running down the road to inform us that the old Dodge truck
had broken down a 1/3 of the way up the steep rocky road. Immediately the 71
year old Spence, and his 2 grandsons, ran up the hill to see if they could find
a resolution to the broken down truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
couple hours passed by as we continue to stretch our downtime activities, when Spence
came running back to inform us that he needed everyone’s help to push the truck
back down the steep rocky road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, the truck lost all power due to fluid
loss and was dead in its track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2
vehicles were trapped behind and another, on its way to the river put in, was
trapped in front.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no
possibility of towing the vehicle up the hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The only choice was through man and truck power to carefully coast the old
truck backwards down to the bottom so that the other vehicles could pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we carefully reached the bottom an hour
later, Spence pulled out his harmonica and “Pied Pipered” everyone with a tune
as we followed him back to the boat launch without a care of what we were going
to do with the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That will be
figured out after we are done with the river trip,” he said with a smile on his
face. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlArB_ICzDTmKPfHhc8_cpeeUDMjHKYZkT2BaUdAi3RakRJyvtIvSb4TM1CXlt15Zmlmbp6TRO6RufUlwzfClQKjU1UHuKaBUprdpvt_1CFQfWnW5s9jnRt-t2eVtJNumD83D2BRXihQ/s1600/IMG-3077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlArB_ICzDTmKPfHhc8_cpeeUDMjHKYZkT2BaUdAi3RakRJyvtIvSb4TM1CXlt15Zmlmbp6TRO6RufUlwzfClQKjU1UHuKaBUprdpvt_1CFQfWnW5s9jnRt-t2eVtJNumD83D2BRXihQ/s320/IMG-3077.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pushing the truck back to the put in.<br /> If you could only see Spence's smile through<br />the windshield.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Saturday 4:30pm:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
last, it was time to launch. The initial plan was to run 20 miles on Saturday
and then 20 miles on Sunday making it possible to get home late Sunday afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But with only 4 hours of day light left we
took the rangers suggestion and camped at a beautiful location about 11 miles
downriver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My river anxiety dissipated as we ran several
Class III rapids without any problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Enrichment:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard a
person ask Syndi and Ryan if they were uneasy with all the chaos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not remember their response, but I
remember the person replying back with, “this kind of stuff happens all the
time on river trips, and we are just used to it.” Implying a “no worries”
attitude. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That conversation caused me to
reflect on a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>quote I copied from the
movie “Martian” where the character Mark Watney, who was stranded on Mars for
over a year, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>states to a fresh group
of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>cadets after his rescue <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“At some point, everything's gonna go south on
you and you're going to say, this is it. This is how I end (or how I am going
to quit). Now you can either accept that, or you can get to work. That's all it
is. You just begin. You do the math. You solve one problem and you solve the
next one, and then the next. And if you solve enough problems, you get to come
home (or accomplish your challenge).”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have applied this philosophy to my
adventure outings, especially adventure racing. Adventures offer the
opportunity to face difficult tasks as challenges that need to be mastered
rather than experiences to be avoided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
strive so much to be comfortable in life thinking this will enrich our life,
but from my observation this is not so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meaningful life enrichment comes from hard work to accomplish a goal or challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stated that river life is the epitome of
relaxation, with an asterisk, after you accomplish all the hard things to get
to that relaxation point. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love rigging
a boat, making decision on how to run a rapid, and even problem solving the
best way to get your truck off the mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All the hard work and chaos created an amazing story that will never be
matched by a virtual experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhR2zhZBraORkC1sjH7agwvk1D39HhFWcL-0SbCf9i7eMals_UesNAxVvYxC__sMPoojVXEENjajcwq9n_vooQZkP15xNgHJdc2eiIm19C_LhkWjRNeBt5w-DeoowVq1kcn6SY6K5oTU/s1600/GOPR0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhR2zhZBraORkC1sjH7agwvk1D39HhFWcL-0SbCf9i7eMals_UesNAxVvYxC__sMPoojVXEENjajcwq9n_vooQZkP15xNgHJdc2eiIm19C_LhkWjRNeBt5w-DeoowVq1kcn6SY6K5oTU/s320/GOPR0513.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ascent to the caves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMpHGVkazpYcNRRf1Am5JsnGEoqPHIrsQOuHGZ6lVv-bpvgDE9Sz4r4VMZP73tvIqbnZbM27onEAVelf15oD368czFRtDLANl3KOJbldY7rJUu11HemAxyZi7315vRMqnH56uOOMzBAE/s1600/GOPR0508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMpHGVkazpYcNRRf1Am5JsnGEoqPHIrsQOuHGZ6lVv-bpvgDE9Sz4r4VMZP73tvIqbnZbM27onEAVelf15oD368czFRtDLANl3KOJbldY7rJUu11HemAxyZi7315vRMqnH56uOOMzBAE/s320/GOPR0508.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the view and avoiding poison ivy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The End:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of
the river trip was a quite traditional. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
explored the poison ivy infested Cave Canyon which had Martin and I sprinting
to see what was around each bend, and then finally reaching the caves. The highly
anticipated 5 mile section of Class IV rapids brought a lot of “WOO HOO’S.” At
1100 cfs the river was a perfect level for a rookie crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plenty of rocks to dodge, but not pushy enough
to cause any great alarm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spence
continued with his infectious energy reciting more poetry, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>playing “O Canada” in tribute to the Canadian
Olympic athlete amongst our group, and even fixed his old Dodge diesel truck
and drove it home a few days later. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/19cmJ5wmjEeGkr-Q0Z71YhucdwPdp9Fsw/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">(Click here to view Burro rapid)</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now my mind shifts to next year as I have to wait another 12
months before my “Epic Adventure.”</div>
<br />KOLIfithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05692353452080901186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027764040381596339.post-20639819594201313402018-02-26T16:16:00.003-08:002018-02-26T16:16:31.278-08:00It Was Worth It<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIVBgqB0BzH8YGC5vsNRK8D_cXbdwlxdMPIwmUzYQ9wqP7vRSkQnQ-Hpc9bpwhFP3GpOYzjQtUA8-Y38grhkcxtG5GV9QPAntaOo4w3WznSnDqPMibDZDVEO4ATRhVKXAScoxj2J7R_s/s1600/IMG-2865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIVBgqB0BzH8YGC5vsNRK8D_cXbdwlxdMPIwmUzYQ9wqP7vRSkQnQ-Hpc9bpwhFP3GpOYzjQtUA8-Y38grhkcxtG5GV9QPAntaOo4w3WznSnDqPMibDZDVEO4ATRhVKXAScoxj2J7R_s/s640/IMG-2865.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="text-align: center;">There is a scene from a 1982 movie called </span><i style="text-align: center;">The</i><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><i style="text-align: center;">Man From Snowy River</i><span style="text-align: center;">.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">It is about a group of seasoned Australian mountain
men who are chasing on horse-back a coveted pack of wild horses called brumbies,
free-roaming wild horses.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">These skilled
men are chasing these horses through rugged terrain and wilderness, trying to
be the ones who capture the horses for a large purse.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">The brumbies, however, evade the mountain men
by jumping off an extremely steep down-slope.</span><span style="text-align: center;">
</span><span style="text-align: center;">Too steep for the mountain men to follow, the chase comes to a quick and
abrupt halt.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">Then, suddenly from the
back of the group, the main character in the movie, a rookie mountain man
trying to establish his place in the mountains, cracks of his whip as he leaps
off the steep slope to continue the chase.</span><span style="text-align: center;">
</span><span style="text-align: center;">Eventually, it is the fledgling who captures of the brumbies.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9Msz7FZgEKB_DKC4KpfDMIxIguYzGBm6OC_f-zEKAwlxcpMna2wVoBV7xNVYnG-drezWRCatuNShXO5i-HhVk8kLZDdGhLe90Jqci7XiV8LtI9Ux2iWnAg5_Lmyg-OWHz8zYzvGFnbc/s1600/IMG-2926+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9Msz7FZgEKB_DKC4KpfDMIxIguYzGBm6OC_f-zEKAwlxcpMna2wVoBV7xNVYnG-drezWRCatuNShXO5i-HhVk8kLZDdGhLe90Jqci7XiV8LtI9Ux2iWnAg5_Lmyg-OWHz8zYzvGFnbc/s320/IMG-2926+%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craig Dropping into Bowl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On February 13, 2018, six skilled skiers stood looking over the
edge of the snowy Commissary Ridge in Wyoming Targhee Mountains, examining an
untouched bowl of fresh powder. They had spent 30 minutes sawing off
cornices, in order to determine if the conditions were safe enough to ski
without creating an avalanche. Once the conditions were deemed safe, the six
men peered over the edge wondering who should go first. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> With a crack of a Wahoo!, Craig, the
rookie in the group, exuberantly leapt off the ridge, capturing <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a one-year dream of backcountry skiing in the deep
wilderness. Everyone on the ridge echoed with Wahoo’s and Yipee’s as 62-
year-old Craig carved first tracks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His journey to get here had been one of total dedication and
commitment. He made lifestyle changes to improve his physical
stamina. He learned the necessary skills to ski safely in the
backcountry. And he improved his nutrition in order to decrease his body
weight so he could be more energetic on the uphill portion of touring. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwW2gy3BpHtApZZs1fELNHMoof2lPHj4F7SYWQK7X2iiFQykprnCLv2lsVSP0nyRISWPopj56p4yKArTr0LygSpGdcAVAyfAvfBMKHhpayyECEvT-vYCyBjNLTRkCuY6M_ytwq7TyMajg/s1600/IMG-2930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I write this commentary hesitantly because to explain the details
of Craig’s repetitive efforts would make for a very boring story for most
readers. But, in the story lies the real journey for all those who desire
to conquer their own ‘backcountry.’ Day
after day after day, there has to be this undeviating commitment to goals and
preparation, even overcoming the doubt and wondering if the discomfort will be
worth it. It required months of training to be physically prepared for three
days of leg-burning, deep powder skiing. I cannot tell you how proud I am of Craig and
his unrelinquishing attitude as he prepared for his KOLIfit adventure. </div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The adventure began Sunday afternoon as Craig, Greg, Brandon, and
I drove 4 hours to Driggs Idaho. The time flew by quickly as we
introduced ourselves to each other and talked about our past adventure
experiences. There were stories of climbing Mount Everest, Alaska crab fishing,
traversing ridge lines, and skiing steep n deep narrow canyons. Indiscreetly, we were sizing each other up to
determine how ‘adapted’ each of us was for this adventure.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We pulled into a quiet little Driggs about 9:30 p.m. in frigid conditions.
After we found our trailhead off a shimmering icy Leigh Canyon road, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which made for a fun adventure, we returned to
the Korean Restaurant (pretty much the only thing open on a Sunday night) for
an amazing family style dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we
ate, we were continually sizing each other up as we shared more stories about
our individual adventures and exploits. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqT63d77g55WV8sKVH2amvEBvQmGqwyYWZpkpfS8mpeL-4JAPG0A3Yb9OHqb7WaEhy3X99yolx5b-sdl1W-ODAI-GlAuPnVTIvUB4uZNVO_tCtN9Nk7pOdhEkxP2ZFO_q4b7-GeDNSPFo/s1600/IMG-2858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqT63d77g55WV8sKVH2amvEBvQmGqwyYWZpkpfS8mpeL-4JAPG0A3Yb9OHqb7WaEhy3X99yolx5b-sdl1W-ODAI-GlAuPnVTIvUB4uZNVO_tCtN9Nk7pOdhEkxP2ZFO_q4b7-GeDNSPFo/s320/IMG-2858.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We met the rest of our group and a guide from the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Teton Backcountry Guides</i> on Monday
morning at 9a.m. Our group of six, Craig, Greg, Brandon, Brandon,
Brandon, and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aaron (say that 10 times as
fast as you can), made our final preparations<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>with 40-pound packs full of three days of food and gear. Excitement was
high as we anticipated our adventure in the National Targhee Wilderness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We had a four mile approach to the yurt where we would be staying
with a 1,000-foot elevation gain. As we encountered the trailhead, we
noticed that it was well-packed and could be easily traveled in our
four-wheel-drive vehicle. A plan was proposed to haul all the gear 3
miles up the road. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would save us
some time and conserve needed energy that would be needed to ski the fresh
powder. We cleared the plan with our guide who expressed his approval
with some excitement because he had another opportunity near the City of Rocks
once he guided us to the yurt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Greg had read on the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Teton
Backcountry Guides</i> website that sleeping bags were provided at the yurt for
a fee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a courtesy provided by
the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Teton Backcountry Guides</i> in order
to reduce the amount of gear, and consequently weight, to be packed to the yurt.
Greg had assumed that he could obtain the key to the locker at the yurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consequently, he did not bring his sleeping
bag. I think you have figured out the end of this tale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep! No key.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No sleeping bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And no way to
get one at this point in the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now,
we have a conundrum: six guys and five sleeping bags in sub-zero temperatures
at 8,000 feet altitude in the backcountry miles away from any store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were all thinking the same thing: “There ain’t
no way in h--- I am spooning up in a bag with Greg!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Luckily, our guide saw our plight and took pity on us. Consequently, he called his boss and got us the
key to the locker at the yurt, but with a catch. Someone would have to drive back to Driggs to
pick it up. So, Greg and Brandon #1 got
the job. Meanwhile, Aaron, Craig, and
the guide will drive up the road and drop off the rest of the gear. Craig and the guide would get a head start and
meet us at the yurt. I would drive the
vehicle back to the trail head parking lot and wait for Brandon #1 and Greg to
get back with the locker key. Once we
got everyone and everything to the yurt, we could start skiing around noon.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had not driven more than a ¼ mile down the snow packed road
when I started to feel uneasy about the conditions of the road and felt the
plan needed to change. The road was less solid and firm the further we drove
down it and I could feel the vehicle struggling for traction. The road, however, was too narrow to turn
around. Now, I was left with the reality
of having to drive backwards, by myself, to the parking lot after we dropped
off the gear. My anxiety levels
skyrocketed as I imagined myself backing down a narrow snow-covered road. I went through every “what if” scenario
imaginable. And as I did, my anxiety got
worse. You can imagine what’s going on
in my mind as I visualize trying to back down the road, looking in the rearview
mirror, in the side mirrors, over my shoulder, bumping long, spinning the
tires.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our guide sensed my uneasiness and he, too, was apprehensive about
backing the truck down the road. Craig, however, was all in and encouraged us
to continue down the road. In his mind, this was his ticket to keep from
expending energy and have more time to ski the beckoning white powder. Quickly,
the guide and I established a two-man dictatorship and decided to drop the gear
at about ⅓ mile from the trailhead, despite Craig’s protests. Consequently, I
sent Craig and the guide off to the yurt with their gear and left everyone
else’s gear on the side of the road.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, I still had to drive the truck down the road backwards….by
myself. As I clutched the steering
wheel, I could feel the sweat streaming down my face, especially when the truck
started to slide. Despite the fact,
there were some anxious moments and a few close calls of sliding off the road,
I made it back, safely, to the parking area. As a footnote, when we
returned to the vehicles after our 3-day skiing excursion, there was a sign
posted at the trailhead, “No Vehicles Beyond This Point.” I think our
guide must have reported out predicament to someone and they shut down the
road.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbhXKZOs6Mjli4rsL2TuHkjBuLXvs5iaQkaCfqSofVsYC4LQfPh92JmDGZU0wwT75E56XcI1hQAFPGKvf50IlColQU5P1taguwCeG040LW5Yvf4-hKTxGxPoMdJlEKZ85ODlWyVVXPgU/s1600/IMG-0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbhXKZOs6Mjli4rsL2TuHkjBuLXvs5iaQkaCfqSofVsYC4LQfPh92JmDGZU0wwT75E56XcI1hQAFPGKvf50IlColQU5P1taguwCeG040LW5Yvf4-hKTxGxPoMdJlEKZ85ODlWyVVXPgU/s320/IMG-0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Teton in the Background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Shortly after I returned from parking the truck, Greg and Brandon
#1 returned with the key to open the locker at the yurt for the sleeping bag.
Now, with all our problems resolved and anxieties relieved, we were ready
to cut some track and ski!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had some
great conversations on our four mile tour, from “Should they make the Escalante
area a National Park” to, well, let’s just say that boys will be boys. We
arrived back at the yurt by 12p.m. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stoked
up the stove with wood, and started boiling water for our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mountain House</i> lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we
sat there, enjoying our lunch, we soaked in the beauty of our
surroundings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no way to put
into words what our eyes viewed and what our hearts felt as we were immersed in
the ambience of brightly lit snow-covered peaks with the aroma of fresh pine
all around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was simply one of
those things which could not be described.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It had to be experienced. For me, personally, I was home! The
group kicked back and reminisced like we had all known each other since birth.
However, we came to ski, so like bloodhounds on the scent, we set off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had another four hours of daylight left
and we did not want to miss a single ray as we sought the best rideable lines
to ski.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To our surprise, however, there were a myriad of snowmobile
tracks. And many of the rideable lines
we had observed from a distance had been obliterated by skiers and snowmobile
tread. There was a mood of betrayal among us. We had come to backcountry ski in this remote
area, supposing it would be unscathed by man or machine. We had come to
enjoy the silence of the backcountry and hear only the sound our breath as we
climbed, searching for those untouched lines. It was akin to coming to
wildlife preserve and finding all the magnificent creatures left dead by
poachers. All the untouched lines had been obliterated by our “poachers”
on their snowmobiles as they drove up to the top of Beard Mountain to drop off
a skier, and then return for the next one. They could ski four laps to
our one with hardly expending any energy and the price was the destruction of
pristine lines. This was not what we were expecting and it dashed our
dreams. But, we refused to let this setback ruin our trip. We expended the effort to find an area which
was untouched in the trees and skied a couple of lines. It was so
exhilarating that our disappointment quickly turned into our joy as evidenced
by the perma grins across our faces.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a few runs and the long tour to the yurt, a few in the group
were ready to start their days recovery. They wanted to have plenty of
energy for the next day which was Tuesday. Brandon and Craig wanted to
head back to the yurt. But I was in exploration mode, which means rest and
sleep are overrated. I can do that when I get home. I wanted to make my mark and find the goods. So,
rather than return to the yurt by the most direct route, the four of us decided
to head towards Beards Mountain. Even with the plethora of tracks, it was
too tempting to not go have a look. It had snowed about a foot of fresh
snow over the week. The temperatures had dropped into single digits,
sucking the moisture out of the snow and creating very light powder</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwW2gy3BpHtApZZs1fELNHMoof2lPHj4F7SYWQK7X2iiFQykprnCLv2lsVSP0nyRISWPopj56p4yKArTr0LygSpGdcAVAyfAvfBMKHhpayyECEvT-vYCyBjNLTRkCuY6M_ytwq7TyMajg/s1600/IMG-2930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwW2gy3BpHtApZZs1fELNHMoof2lPHj4F7SYWQK7X2iiFQykprnCLv2lsVSP0nyRISWPopj56p4yKArTr0LygSpGdcAVAyfAvfBMKHhpayyECEvT-vYCyBjNLTRkCuY6M_ytwq7TyMajg/s320/IMG-2930.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craig Making First Tracks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we traveled along the Commissary Ridge to find an alternate
route to the yurt, we found what we were looking for. It was difficult not to drool all over
ourselves like Pavlov’s dog as we gazed at a north facing bowl unscathed
by man or machine. It was a perfect blanket of snow illuminated by the
golden rays of the sun as it began to set. As we stood there, gazing upon
this pristine sight, it was all that we could do not to ski off “into the
sunset,” but we knew we would run out of daylight, and the return trip to the
yurt could be precarious if not dangerous in the dark. So, we made mental
notes and anxiously anticipated returning tomorrow to this heavenly place. </div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We arrived at the yurt around 6:30 p.m., satisfied with our
introduction to the Targee Mountains. It was, now, time to rest our weary
bodies in our humble 200 square foot home. Equipped with just enough to
enjoy the simple pleasures of life, e.g. good people , good food, and memorable
times.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, when I tell my children that vacations are to be savored and
that sleep is overrated, I am slightly exaggerating. Sleep is a wonderful
part of life and I value every minute of it. I
have trained myself to live off of about 6 hours of sleep per day. If
it’s not good quality then I need a bit more.
Camping, however, has
never provided the highest quality of sleep for me. Being a side sleeper,
I usually toss-and-turn all night long. I
can never get comfortable on a 1-inch pad. Now, add to it a cacophony of
snoring for 2 nights, by the time I returned home, I will felt like that I
didn’t sleep the whole 72-hour trip. I am adding one more piece of gear
to my equipment---earplugs! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The lack of sleep, however, did not hold back the excitement we
felt as we anticipated skiing the untouched bowl. The whole reason why this
trip was planned was because Craig wanted to experience a backcountry ski trip.
He had his shining moment. Tuesday came and went by with everyone
skiing one of the best days of their life. Everyone made several runs,
making their mark on the North Face of Commissary Ridge. Every time we
finished the 700-foot, 37-degree run, it was instinctive to look up and
see your perfect tracks while crumbs of powder would
melt and dribble down our faces. Craig’s
hard work had finally become worth every drop of perspiration, every stair
stepped, and every leg workout. It was
even worth the sacrificed Mountain Dews.
He realized the benefits of his commitment and hard work. Before
the day was over, he was already talking about and planning next year’s trip. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WmxFLaXeniHLCyhGPNwimloMUTi2QPXMCSn8bglFZpEYPrkhKE6GXQ6tMbOT3KPfY4yaN3f1uIghf5KG-5qjonu4c4mGdXYEzi33XU0P1FfLUIoto2_VnRaYLfntdQN2K0YDc7qB8VA/s1600/IMG-2873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WmxFLaXeniHLCyhGPNwimloMUTi2QPXMCSn8bglFZpEYPrkhKE6GXQ6tMbOT3KPfY4yaN3f1uIghf5KG-5qjonu4c4mGdXYEzi33XU0P1FfLUIoto2_VnRaYLfntdQN2K0YDc7qB8VA/s320/IMG-2873.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It was becoming late afternoon on Tuesday and fatigue
was setting in, but we dug deep to ski another run</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then another. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then another. We had come too far and
expended too much, in time, money, and preparation, not to capture every moment
from our long-awaited adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But,
eventually, the mind succumbed to the body’s cry and Craig had to call it a
day. He had exceeded his expectations and experienced his dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and 2 others went back to the yurt to
relish in their accomplishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">However, I wasn’t quite ready to go back, yet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was still one more thing that I wanted
to do. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my most favorite peaks is
the Grand Teton. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It speaks to my soul
every time I see it and it was a stone’s throw away at the top of Beard
Mountain. The sky was crystal clear and I wanted a picture of unadulterated
view of the Grand Teton. To acquire this view meant traveling
another mile to the summit. But summiting Beard Mountain also meant we could
ski the 2000-foot West Face run back to the yurt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQ63628zL5IGPjpadr7PeU2bg-JgqyPb9vMfu_0D7ZCgvDzQRUE_6lOvQ8z4ToHZO-9TJsMR5D-F0hum_uqrxsM4o_Nw4d90Su_231QCRACs92tIevZeglhw2E-50vTBCHTKyaVy6OMM/s1600/IMG-0011+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQ63628zL5IGPjpadr7PeU2bg-JgqyPb9vMfu_0D7ZCgvDzQRUE_6lOvQ8z4ToHZO-9TJsMR5D-F0hum_uqrxsM4o_Nw4d90Su_231QCRACs92tIevZeglhw2E-50vTBCHTKyaVy6OMM/s320/IMG-0011+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Brandon, Brandon and I made it to the top of Beard Mountain
and enjoyed the view with a pleasing selfie and a soulful chat with the Grand
Teton. Then came a surprisingly amazing 2000’ run back to the yurt. Even though
it was heavily skied we found untouched lines that gave us a rewarding leg
burn.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>It’s adventures like these that change and reinforce a
style of living. Everyone in the group understood the uniqueness of the
experience. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been totally worth
it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I love the drive home from
epic adventures. Bellies are full with burgers and fries from the local cafe.
The analytical chatter of sizing each other up shifts to a quiet ride with
reminiscent memories causing an occasional low chuckle. There’s the heavy
breathing and head bobbing as sleep deprived bodies succumb to a relaxed comatose
state. With Craig at the wheel and me in the shotgun seat, we pulled out of
Driggs, gave each other that look “man that was worth it” and cranked the tunes
and enjoyed the ride home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3QGedBw8huxNTTyGM5vC7HJS-R4X8wKaRScS1KI-a7uUf35w4-yaLEwBU5CUyJHktfAh7vQcCWRSHSxgIIMnvThTyE8M0tt2SqiuIzjEpZDtizTpkCz4sCHIRT8vFBHGOzzNUEBcEPc/s1600/IMG-2915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3QGedBw8huxNTTyGM5vC7HJS-R4X8wKaRScS1KI-a7uUf35w4-yaLEwBU5CUyJHktfAh7vQcCWRSHSxgIIMnvThTyE8M0tt2SqiuIzjEpZDtizTpkCz4sCHIRT8vFBHGOzzNUEBcEPc/s200/IMG-2915.jpg" width="141" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9c5TjBO5V-NDUKqBc9HWL-jq3loxKvHSFw-Dih60ehHen-bYWHkeAnQiR6-9_dFwpE1g7XAam5rRl3FYmC-087XtydxKjlO68WoAi0CgHZ4vp_m-6XkdfjamCHvcxe6Q_e8_cip23TE/s1600/IMG-2914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9c5TjBO5V-NDUKqBc9HWL-jq3loxKvHSFw-Dih60ehHen-bYWHkeAnQiR6-9_dFwpE1g7XAam5rRl3FYmC-087XtydxKjlO68WoAi0CgHZ4vp_m-6XkdfjamCHvcxe6Q_e8_cip23TE/s200/IMG-2914.jpg" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuP1FYUBS4H6we_ODlt5Vp4_2-RGPjKxPi0fR0X4mAQfpUBj3P9WsYOmJ4Acq5mJ2HESN2OGPBgVRU3CgGFqlJY3NuhK3yHjkQ5KW_WzSd5BOKXTBAIVy9UF5549xwtW4PWnuSLF3ZxY/s1600/IMG-2913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuP1FYUBS4H6we_ODlt5Vp4_2-RGPjKxPi0fR0X4mAQfpUBj3P9WsYOmJ4Acq5mJ2HESN2OGPBgVRU3CgGFqlJY3NuhK3yHjkQ5KW_WzSd5BOKXTBAIVy9UF5549xwtW4PWnuSLF3ZxY/s200/IMG-2913.jpg" width="142" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
KOLIfithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05692353452080901186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027764040381596339.post-41737439830499110312018-02-04T19:44:00.000-08:002018-02-06T07:03:12.598-08:00The Worth of Taking a Picture<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">While I was skiing with some friends
in the solitude of the Utah backcountry the other day, I glanced over my
shoulder to check their progress and saw something that awestruck me. It
stirred my soul and I felt a connection! It reminded me of a statement made
by Edward Abbey, “Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human
spirit.” This was the kind of panoramas that inspired poets and writers.
The beauty of the colors and the contrasts in an
environment where the air was crisp and clear culminated in a scene that was
breathtaking. I had to take a picture and post it on social media.
Few people, I thought, have the opportunity to enjoy such raw, pristine
beauty. It needed to be shared.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">As I gazed at the picture, however,
I realized it did not capture what I saw and felt. A picture cannot
capture the sounds or the smells, even the solitude. A picture
cannot capture what the human eye can see, a panorama so beautiful, so spectacular,
it was hard to describe. A depiction cannot produce the feeling of
immersion in the splendor of such beauty. Frankly, most people will
probably scroll past it and say, “Just another sunset picture.” </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7A4p_O-mmMGpxTpWNucBA3dc4w_uUSQ8XPT816ztKnfZc5tmr2iFSCrfXqGwKhCP7k1G8Z-Q-WH5D8loUUJJu1-Bm-g5eUyTlKtk-WC5cvUBF4PFSjbdmppgsKpR7cgB9WYY8qG4_3XU/s1600/craig.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7A4p_O-mmMGpxTpWNucBA3dc4w_uUSQ8XPT816ztKnfZc5tmr2iFSCrfXqGwKhCP7k1G8Z-Q-WH5D8loUUJJu1-Bm-g5eUyTlKtk-WC5cvUBF4PFSjbdmppgsKpR7cgB9WYY8qG4_3XU/s320/craig.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset skiing in Grizzly Gulch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">There
is a reality, however, associated with the picture. It captured a moment
which, when viewed, solicited all the sights and sounds and feelings I
experienced as I stood there immersed in nature. I scroll through my own social
media photos and videos from time to time in order to relive the moments and
recall the effect it had on <i>my </i>“human spirit.” There are times
when I wished I had taken more pictures. They are not only a record of
activities I love, but they conjure feelings which can be lost with the
expiration of time. A picture captures a story and recalls it to life,
again.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">For example, on the day I took this
picture, I was skiing with a small group which include a friend whose name is
Craig. He is a stout, middle-aged man who has a zest for life. He
is a successful businessman who loves Mountain Dew. He is an amazing
athlete who played college football and wrestling. And he has an
insatiable appetite ……..for adventure. Despite his athletic prowess, his
body bears the scars of time with two knee replacements and a fused
ankle. Yet, he will not quit. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Last year, I exposed him to
backcountry skiing. I took him to a spot called “Short Swing” in
Big Cottonwood Canyon. It is an ideal run for a first-time
experienced down hill skier. 1600 vertical feet at 30 degrees
amidst interspersed quaking aspens. Once you ascend to a 9200’
unnamed peak, you glissade down the slope, weaving your way in and out of the
trees. It is wonderful exhilaration. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">It was interesting to observe
Craig’s exuberance and excitement. He was sweating profusely early into
our tour! I was amused that his gushing perspiration might create an ice
hazard for those behind him. Despite the fact he was experiencing a
‘sufferfest,’ with great energy, he bounded forward with gusto, enjoying every
minute of his adventure. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYAmDs_AdgB0o5ASJUheexcpNcv8yz1sP68gRz6dl54Q96XDM1yGGgQr_7ecSGxEi1Rel1FKdEQTRH2wjFpOxtu3hO_qou47nCRQLO_tR3pLLohj6zrWVwx1IxFJLZxzqbidXCqG8aYg/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="1410" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYAmDs_AdgB0o5ASJUheexcpNcv8yz1sP68gRz6dl54Q96XDM1yGGgQr_7ecSGxEi1Rel1FKdEQTRH2wjFpOxtu3hO_qou47nCRQLO_tR3pLLohj6zrWVwx1IxFJLZxzqbidXCqG8aYg/s320/a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaron backountry skiing in 3 pin bindings and leather boots (1995)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">To
put things in perspective, backcountry skiing requires a certain level of
fitness. Because I am a fitness trainer, I don’t really think about
the stress and distress physical activities might create for someone else.
I have been backcountry touring for years and, even when I feel out of
shape, I can comfortably endure 5,000 vertical feet and feel pretty good.
I forget what may be easy for me as a result of years of physical and mental
conditioning could be an excruciating reality for others, such as Craig. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Even though Craig was physically
willing and mentally prepared, after a couple of hours of climbing and losing
10lbs of water weight, he was spent. 200-feet from reaching top he
had to throw in the towel. There wasn’t much energy left in his tank for
the down hill return. Yet, as a result of his skiing expertise, he
gracefully carved his way through the Aspen trees and, despite his
weariness, he could not keep from
smiling. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">For some, this might have been
labeled as horrible experience, e.g. to work yourself into exhaustion, not
reaching the majestic view from the top of the summit. For Craig,
however, it was the impetus for a new obsession, backcountry skiing.
He and his wife purchased backcountry skiing equipment, learned the
fundamentals of backcountry touring, worked on their conditioning, took an
avalanche class, and started touring in the solitude and beauty of the Utah
wilderness.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Shortly after the experience
with Craig, I went to Moab area with some other friends to ski in the La
Sal range at the Geyser Pass Yurt near the base of Haystack mountain. We
skied for three days until our legs had become like puddy. There was
nothing left to hold us up. Yet, these are the experiences for which I
live. I would be happy to survive on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
just to enjoy the majestic beauty of Haystack Peak, Mount Mellenthin, Mount
Peale,and Mount Tukuhnikivatz. There is simply nothing that compares to
the raw beauty of nature in all seasons of the year!</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Upon my return from the La Sal
mountains, I told Craig what we had done with so much excitement that he wanted
to experience it, too. Which brings me back to the picture mentioned
above. It has become one of my missions in life to expose as many people as I
can to things that, perhaps, would currently not be on their radar. Or,
in other words, get people off the ‘freeway’ of life, have them slow down, and
take a two-lane road to some of the most gorgeous country God has created, the
backcountry of Utah. Hike, bike, ski, it does not make any difference.
Rather than let National Geographic televise the wonders of our country,
I want them to get out and enjoy it first-hand. I want to help people
create their own memories and recall the elation as they witness the
spectacular beauty of nature in a way they thought would never be possible.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FWL6Dtp6iTXpsDWNq7B_O0s1drPqnsaBDOQHFdKjW6wfMhaw2UpjF5jH7SRG-jITmJx7SORxlO3p3PHMr7slZHtGQllwuw1AWq8rLrbqob6ufnCgHYzJyqPszzPNXGq0L4a8KVlyMH4/s1600/caig+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1383" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FWL6Dtp6iTXpsDWNq7B_O0s1drPqnsaBDOQHFdKjW6wfMhaw2UpjF5jH7SRG-jITmJx7SORxlO3p3PHMr7slZHtGQllwuw1AWq8rLrbqob6ufnCgHYzJyqPszzPNXGq0L4a8KVlyMH4/s320/caig+1.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Training Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Craig
has committed himself to a training program that we hope will enable him to ski
10,000 vertical feet in a day. To put that into perspective that is like
hiking from the base of Snowbird Resort to the top of the tram……… 3 times.
He will follow an intense training program that encompasses high
intensity weight training, hours on the stair master, and touring every weekend
with me. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">It’s like a scene from Rocky IV.
The music starts as Craig walks into the gym. He screams with pain
and agony as he finishes his squat, leg press, and lunge circuits. He
reaches total exhaustion as he transitions from single step to double step
intervals on the </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">StairMaster</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">, peaking his heart rate at 170 bpm each interval.
And then listens to his incessant coach
bark, “Technique,Technique,
TECHNIQUE!” and “Keep your heart rate under threshold,” </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">as we tour natures training ground.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Craig is so excited for this
adventure. Every training session he expresses how he can barely wait to
go to Moab. He is like a little boy on Christmas Eve enthralled with
excitement to open his presents. He has trained hard for this event.
I can't wait to see the </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">hordes</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> pictures that capture priceless memories, and remind me of
why I love what I do.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />KOLIfithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05692353452080901186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027764040381596339.post-52894928910597155242018-01-08T12:58:00.000-08:002018-01-08T12:58:08.226-08:00Wisdom From a Father<div class="MsoNormal">
My name is Dick Ogden.
I am Aaron’s father. I grew up
hiking and camping in the lush woods of the Midwest, particularly in Indiana<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>. The seclusion was
rejuvenating as I would wander along the creeks, searching for those isolated
‘gardens’ which, simply, touched my soul.
Even though it was hard to leave a paradise I loved, I came to Utah to
go to college. To my surprise, I found
another garden. I discovered the
majestic peaks of the Wasatch Mountains and the glowing sandstone of Southern
Utah.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjQymOM3bC2VGNy6q7WAmlib4MvvjT-I7wY-kmPklJyzv0eO6cBMQ4isIGIUKWNtNpcY1Ebjj-ASaWI_v5tCOyOUkP2dHvUXGOP-ys-BGIE8FKhTTbEP1vXbxw91_qeQ8-ToRTutfmKU/s1600/dad.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1369" data-original-width="912" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjQymOM3bC2VGNy6q7WAmlib4MvvjT-I7wY-kmPklJyzv0eO6cBMQ4isIGIUKWNtNpcY1Ebjj-ASaWI_v5tCOyOUkP2dHvUXGOP-ys-BGIE8FKhTTbEP1vXbxw91_qeQ8-ToRTutfmKU/s320/dad.png" width="213" /></a>My first backpacking trip was in 1971 into an area called
“the little Grand Canyon” located in the San Rafael Swell. I was awe-struck by the towering cliffs as we
made our way down a canyon cut by the meandering San Rafael River. It was exciting to see mountain lion tracks
along our path. I was hooked! From that time until now, 46 years later, I
have frequented on foot and on bike the beautiful land we call Utah.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the last 10 to 12 years, however, I have spent most of my
time roaming over the rocks of the Capital Reef area. In the beginning, it was rare to encounter
other people on foot or in vehicles. Even
though it was a national park, it was a well-kept secret. It was the kind of solitude which I
enjoyed. More recently, however, I </div>
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:rect id="_x0000_s1025" style='position:absolute;
left:18pt;top:116.78pt;width:218.96pt;height:328.72pt;z-index:1;
mso-wrap-distance-left:2.88pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:2.88pt;
mso-wrap-distance-right:2.88pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:2.88pt'
o:preferrelative="t" filled="f" fillcolor="white [7]" strokecolor="#dc5900"
strokeweight="4pt" insetpen="t" o:cliptowrap="t">
<v:fill color2="white [7]"/>
<v:stroke color2="white [7]">
<o:left v:ext="view" color="#dc5900" color2="white [7]" weight="3pt"
joinstyle="miter" insetpen="t"/>
<o:top v:ext="view" color="#dc5900" color2="white [7]" weight="3pt"
joinstyle="miter" insetpen="t"/>
<o:right v:ext="view" color="#dc5900" color2="white [7]" weight="3pt"
joinstyle="miter" insetpen="t"/>
<o:bottom v:ext="view" color="#dc5900" color2="white [7]" weight="3pt"
joinstyle="miter" insetpen="t"/>
<o:column v:ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"/>
</v:stroke>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Aaron\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="narrows"/>
<v:shadow color="#ccc [4]"/>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
<![if pub]><b:otyEscherText type="OplPo" oty="1" oh="286">
<b:FUserChangedFmt priv="200">True</b:FUserChangedFmt>
<b:FMoved priv="300">True</b:FMoved>
<b:Oid priv="C05">(```````````</b:Oid>
<b:OidAssociated priv="D05">(```````````</b:OidAssociated>
<b:Qtf priv="3404">0</b:Qtf>
<b:Ohlinfo priv="3A0E">287</b:Ohlinfo>
<b:DxlMax priv="AA04">2780805</b:DxlMax>
<b:DylMax priv="AB04">4174740</b:DylMax>
</b:otyEscherText>
<b:Filename type="OplFileName" oty="102" oh="287">
<b:SzFileName priv="318">narrows.jpg</b:SzFileName>
</b:Filename>
<![endif]>
</v:rect><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><div class="MsoNormal">
have
noticed a changing trend---more people.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In November, I took a friend who was born and raised, and
currently lives, in Utah to the Capital Reef area which he had never seen. Even though he was awestruck by the view of the
Waterpocket Fold from Strike Valley Overlook, we had encountered five other
vehicles in an area that is generally desolate and off the beaten path. Not so, any longer. In the last several years, I have noticed the
number of <i>increasing </i>tourists to the
area and a partial end of my desired seclusion ‘on the trail.’ And with the increase in numbers comes the
increase in regulations and oversight.
It is understandable in order to keep our state ‘pristine,’ but more governance
means restrictions, either self-imposed or governmentally imposed. They are already considering making the
Escalante National Monument a national park.
There are also discussions about limiting traffic into Arches National
Park by reducing access to reservations only.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a few more years, it may be difficult to access some of
the country without encountering hordes of other people who want to take
advantage of the scenic beauty of our state, people from within and without the
United States. Tourism is good for the
Utah economy, but it may limit access to places we love. My point is “get out and enjoy them
now.” Hike, bike, camp, climb, rappel, even
drive, whatever excites and motivates you.
Make 2018 the year you explore and enjoy the beautiful country we call “home.”</div>
KOLIfithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05692353452080901186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027764040381596339.post-21554595285777112752017-12-16T13:00:00.000-08:002017-12-16T13:00:23.569-08:00Living in a Van Down by the River<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQygTZyWTQKCMDPHNZMo-cEY508pSjRrdMA9NVZ_Xdxha_21yJuYnfdYbna2mATPLJ4uUPHqfwpe7pd0WCf50M0WkD4CNX1HJ6RP8BIuGOqybl7h-2sZMNeqs02olfBWHtzbHh6nckwxU/s1600/AaronPairADice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQygTZyWTQKCMDPHNZMo-cEY508pSjRrdMA9NVZ_Xdxha_21yJuYnfdYbna2mATPLJ4uUPHqfwpe7pd0WCf50M0WkD4CNX1HJ6RP8BIuGOqybl7h-2sZMNeqs02olfBWHtzbHh6nckwxU/s320/AaronPairADice.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">From the ages of 23 to 27, I whitewater kayaked at least 3 days a week during the Spring runoff when the water was running fast and high. Kayaking was an obsession. I schemed how I could escape my responsibilities and go kayaking. It was like a bad sugar craving and I caved in guiltlessly. But it all abruptly changed when I started having kids. Making fatherhood a priority, I had to eventually learn to balance my time between fun, family, and work. Consequently, I had to enter a “rehab facility” to wean myself off the “adrenalin high” I had become accustomed to experiencing---and enjoying. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Recently my daughter handed me a loaded cookie by announcing she wanted to go to Iceland for her Senior trip in 2 years. Little did she know that the “ land of ice and fire” is one of the kayaking meccas of the world. And I selfishly canived how I could benefit from her request. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">“How would you like to learn how to kayak?” I asked manipulatively. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">It was difficult for me to withhold my elation. A place I, too, had dreamed of visiting since my early 20's due to the stunning rivers. Naomi wanted to visit Iceland for its majestic glaciers and awe- struck views (I'm sure the movie Walter Mitty had something to do with that). No matter our reason it was going to be an adventure playground for both of us. And, I would have the opportunity to share one of my greatest passions with the female version of me.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">One of the most gratifying experiences in life is to participate with your children in an activity that is your passion. But, kayaking has an inherent risk that goes against my protective fatherly instinct. I thought to myself, “Could she do it? Could I prepare her to kayak in this paddler’s paradise?” I thought to myself, “She certainly has the athleticism and mental drive developed from her years of competitive swimming. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieh5bU1pVltPkGX2a7mboW26PW4kPdLVBkq82tHiFQixKb3Ha5Tu_EKhBGmXobzvFCg1CsI2FWpq9New0hUWl6kRO81tJxfhIJrE5E2BBxZA-c4Ei7Fi4on8Vw1mKM1VqKJDc2txQfxhE/s1600/naomi+kayak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="1600" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieh5bU1pVltPkGX2a7mboW26PW4kPdLVBkq82tHiFQixKb3Ha5Tu_EKhBGmXobzvFCg1CsI2FWpq9New0hUWl6kRO81tJxfhIJrE5E2BBxZA-c4Ei7Fi4on8Vw1mKM1VqKJDc2txQfxhE/s320/naomi+kayak.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Training started on Saturday at 5 a.m. before the Sports Mall pool opened to the public. We have 5 months before Utah rivers start to cascade with turbulent flows. Front stroke, back stroke, draws, braces, and the highly anticipated Eskimo roll all fundamentally need to be developed in the wee hours of the morning in preparation for her first experience of kayaking.</span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-ed098aff-610b-1d6b-24bb-05e4ea9359e6"></span><br />
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Over the next few months KOLIfit will report Naomi’s training and progress in the pool, the Weber River, and the Snake River (can’t wait for this one). What an honor it is to share the KOLIfit philosphy, insp</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">iring people to improve their health through outdoor adventure, with those who are close me. I just hope I can control myself from “living in a van down by the river.”</span></div>
KOLIfithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05692353452080901186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027764040381596339.post-61628079906314022582017-06-06T14:57:00.002-07:002017-06-08T16:24:08.909-07:00Adventure Countdown (Click on Highlighted Text for Video)<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am turning 45 years old this year. Reality hit not to long ago at the Sports Mall, where I work, when an “ older lady” came in for her scheduled training consultation. During our conversation she stated that she was 45. It then dawned on me, for the first time, that I must look like an “older man.” I have not put much interest into the aging effect, and how it will eventually limit the types of activities I can participate in. But this was a shrewd experience to remind me that I am not invincible and things are beginning to change. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So in my aging years I took time to reflect, during my 5 hour car drive to the Escalante Staircase, on the impressionable adventures of my “younger years”: free soloing in my teens, backcountry skiing before there was the high performance backcountry gear, whitewater kayaking, wildland fire fighting, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu9uxa_g87hQaUWm55QbGjazZFP19PQWVnGwGBpCLo_GNsNgRvoO1M_iNRVUw7_UFZqyZQHSfAz3XfA6MtA55i3GnCdDkdUIALcPmO53x52DdP7AxpHoNURbH-gAzk6nRGlYO0NNorck/s1600/scan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu9uxa_g87hQaUWm55QbGjazZFP19PQWVnGwGBpCLo_GNsNgRvoO1M_iNRVUw7_UFZqyZQHSfAz3XfA6MtA55i3GnCdDkdUIALcPmO53x52DdP7AxpHoNURbH-gAzk6nRGlYO0NNorck/s320/scan.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alaska Backpacking </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
homeless adventure in Alaska, the Utah desert, and many more cherished memories</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During my reflection I felt an odd sense that an adventure countdown has begun. Is it my age, my course of life, my family responsibilities, that are alarming me to an inevitable fate? That one day I will not be able to participate in some of the adventure activities I love. My heart sadden as I realized I'm entering a new chapter of life. So if this is the beginning of the end then I am going to make sure that my adventures are momentous moments. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For my first countdown adventure I decided to go canyoneering in the Escalante Staircase. As you stand overlooking the Escalante Staircase from a nearby plateau you may ask, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz_xI0NqGOk" target="_blank">“What the crap was President Bill Clinton thinking when he made this a monument? It's a barren land of dirt and rock!”</a> It's when you get down into landscaped that you realize the labyrinth of beauty he was protecting. Escalante is chock-full of canyons and washes that are scars of mother nature's power. Ironically these scars are the lifeline to the beauty and spectacular scenery that attracts so many people to this area</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These washes are the feeding grounds for deer and cougar, and house a plethora of rodents and frogs. There are thick “jungles” of grasses, shrubs and willows, aged cottonwood trees, and the undesired tamarisk and russian olive. <a href="https://youtu.be/Jk-MdpzgBvo" target="_blank">This oasis of greenery is something you wouldn't expect in a desert.</a> It is amazing to view the checks and balances of years of nature's creative power. All the more reason to protect this wild beauty.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ironically my momentous Escalante moment starts at a desk. I planned our adventure using the Alltrails app, by downloading topo maps and direct routes to base camp and canyons. I also flagged significant areas and attach vital information to my maps. I love using the Alltrails app for adventures. It allows me to see where I am at, at any given time without cell service. I was shocked how many people were hiking in the Escalante wilderness unprepared. We were asked several times how to find “somewhere.” The only downside to Alltrails is, it’s an electronic map so I have to bring a charging device. But if I put my phone in airplane mode, I can use my phone for 2 days without having to charge it. Of course I am a good Boy Scout and I always print and bring a hardcopy map for “just in case.” </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The trip included 3 canyons in two days. Neon and Ringtail on day 1 and Choprock on Day 2. I personally have experienced Choprock and Neon canyons. My first descent down Choprock took over 14 hours, finishing in the dark around 10pm. The canyon starts with a 2-3 hour approach across primitive wilderness. Good navigation and route finding skills, or using your Alltrails app can save you a significant amount of time since there are no designated trails. The approach is very exposed to the sun and it is HIGHLY recommended that you start just before sunrise. Which can be a little disheartening when you have to cross the frigid Escalante River, thigh deep, that early in the morning when the temperature is about 45 degrees. But totally better than the alternative of nasty sweaty parts due to extreme heat. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Choprock is an adult playground with several 20-40’ Elevator slides using wet suit friction to control your descent. There are a few stemming and bridging sections that if you are like me, a little afraid of heights, make your sphincters pucker. There are plenty of long frigid swims where everything shrivels up even with a 5mm wetsuit. And slots so narrow that anyone who is considered a “Clydesdale” will raise an eyebrow and wonder if they just entered their grave. But will soon find out that they fit just fine as long as they are content with leaving a few chucks of flesh and strips of clothing. Interestingly I repeated Choprock canyon a few years later and we practically swam the entire canyon. Which offered a complete set of new challenges and a fresh adventure experience.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That is one of the great attractions to canyoneering. Canyons are constantly changing due to Mother Nature’s power. Which then offers a unique experience that requires respect each time. I always get canyoneering “jitters” before I enter a canyon, because no matter how much beta I research, there are always unforeseen challenges that require problem solving. Which, also is an appealing element of adventure. Our group, Jared, Adam, Braden,<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_1smPwPZmBisp8pWROGn29vRkAl8vfWRlL_mXu95YvYLb3NBNLKR6_3TN-z3zkkX65baiTZrhjYFM6Mn5NDliOsKesLC3tf0XA-MyIR1AgT2WQUopF6kqmMxypjL9Azo59qqQslP_Bg/s1600/Photo+May+19%252C+7+20+54+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_1smPwPZmBisp8pWROGn29vRkAl8vfWRlL_mXu95YvYLb3NBNLKR6_3TN-z3zkkX65baiTZrhjYFM6Mn5NDliOsKesLC3tf0XA-MyIR1AgT2WQUopF6kqmMxypjL9Azo59qqQslP_Bg/s200/Photo+May+19%252C+7+20+54+AM.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of Escalante Adventure </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
and myself had plenty unforeseen issues during our trip. We had broken pack straps, soles detaching off shoes, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge21vdfkfoc&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">we got lost….not really, just cliffed out,</a> , muscle cramps, taking NUUN without water to relieve cramps (not recommended), </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiCW0sHDSKk" target="_blank">protective rope sheath broke</a>, </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">and the normal unexpected canyoneering issues of how to get over, under, through obstacles. It is these unforeseen challenges that create laughter around the campfire and bonding memories for a lifetime.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We arrived at the trailhead at the end of Egypt Rd Thursday night (really Friday Morning) at 2am. It was a chilly 32 degrees with billions of stars giving off there luminescent glow. With a 2 hour hike to base camp in the morning and anticipated 14 hour day in canyons, there was not much chit chat. It was straight to bed on my one inch Therma-rest insulating me from the rocky ground.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The objective of backpacking is to pack the bare minimum equipment so there is less energy spent in carry, and more energy spent in traveling. So, there was careful planning on what equipment to bring for the lightest pack possible. Combining a backpacking activity with a canyoneering activity makes it difficult to carry a light pack. With both activities mandatory gear our packs were weighing about 65 lbs </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Canyoneering equipment</span></div>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wetsuit 3 lbs (dry)</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Two 100’ 8mm rope 3 lbs each</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">300’ 8.5mm rope 15lbs</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pothole escape bag (hooks, shot bags, slings, etc.) 5 lbs</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rappelling equipment (harness, belay device, biners, rapides, etc) 5 lbs</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Canyoneering Backpack 3 lbs</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Backpacking equipment</span></div>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Touring backpack 3 lbs</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Clothes (2 pair of hiking clothes, 1 pair of camp clothes) 5 lbs</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sleeping bag and pad 4 lbs</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Food 5 lbs</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cooking Gear 2 lbs</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hydration equipment and filters 1lb</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Water 5 lbs</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First aid 1lb</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Toiletries 1 lb</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Other (cards, phone batteries, headlamp, etc) 5 lbs</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We rose Friday morning just after a beautiful sunrise and took our bare minimum weight of 65 lbs. into the Escalante wilderness. The Escalante wilderness isn’t really supposed to have designated trails. But because of the increasing popularity to this area social trails have become designated trails. One of the social trails highlighted on our map was a mile shortcut to our base camp. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSWE_jWxysE" target="_blank"> Let me rephrase that, it was supposed to be a shortcut to our base camp</a>. Due to a few degrees off in our bearing we missed our mark by about ½ mile (Sunday School analogy material) and were cliffed out looking for another way down to the river bottom about 500’ below. We found a way that required a 20’ down climb off a rock face. To finalize our commitment to this route I threw my bare minimum pack off the cliff and yelled “I’m committed” and scurried my way down the cliff. This quickly became the theme of our trip, “I’m Committed!”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5A9mjZ35BAxOSa0faIBnzzKPmZvzBrKJxceYAkFhp46EDFQ1WA6QJln6wqK4GV8mwy66Hwgtasu11O4CibuW1rCOiF2nDSaFrCWYbb3db2vXqxCi6n8Z7JV6secMHdRL3ewaRFrm6OQs/s1600/IMG_2302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5A9mjZ35BAxOSa0faIBnzzKPmZvzBrKJxceYAkFhp46EDFQ1WA6QJln6wqK4GV8mwy66Hwgtasu11O4CibuW1rCOiF2nDSaFrCWYbb3db2vXqxCi6n8Z7JV6secMHdRL3ewaRFrm6OQs/s320/IMG_2302.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Base Camp Night 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We attained base camp, in the Escalante River wash surround by aged cottonwood trees, by 10am. No time was wasted setting up camp. We quickly emptied our shoes of the extra pounds of red desert sand, and organized our canyoneering equipment to head off to Ringtail Canyon. Now, Ringtail was the mystery canyon. I searched many canyoneering websites, and the information was vague and non consistent with the images I was seeing. The beta was stating “an easy out and back very dark canyon.” But, many of the images showed narrow dark slots with keeper potholes. The phrase “keeper pothole” kinda puts the fear of God in you, and you would think there would be more information on this canyon if it was going to be difficult. So I search for many days trying to find beta and information about the canyon, but nothing was very helpful. So I made my own plan, using Google Earth, the AllTrails app, and a few blogs, to find a route that would possibly lead us to the technical part of the canyon and avoid an out and back experience. As we started hiking to the Ringtail entrance, my “sense of exploring” euphoria kicked in. I was loving it!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On they way we met some visitors from Montana who were kayaking the Escalante River and were canyoneering each canyon along the way. I was highly intrigued and spoke to them for quite awhile. River running is my favorite outdoor activity. Combining river running with canyoneering would be like George Costanza combining food with his intimate activities, it would be a pinnacle experience.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After coming off my next year's fantasy high we found ourselves <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icFcbAffGI8" target="_blank">at the base of Ringtail Canyon</a>. Using the information I had gathered<a href="https://youtu.be/4toSeyXpkEc" target="_blank"> we found an entrance 1 mile up canyon</a>. Ringtail Canyon did not disappoint. There was plenty of<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFGh-O-_Csk" target="_blank"> narrow slots</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q-GmtJEbog" target="_blank">down climbs</a>, and a couple of potholes. I think the information is so vague to keep it a secret. We had so much fun <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yyj-SJ-iQuw" target="_blank">stemming and bridging</a> through the narrow slots and using some partner assist strategies to get out of the potholes. We even pulled out the grappling hook for one pothole. But it was only used to measure how deep the water was to see if we had to use a swimming escape or a partner assist escape technique. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ringtail canyon was the perfect 3 hour “warm up” to our adventure, that took more of a toll on our bodies than anticipated. Mainly because we did not put on our protective wetsuits until after we had left a few layers of our skin slot walls. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o84EWN9V08" target="_blank">And the beta was right, slots so narrow that the sunlight did not penetrate through the narrow crack above</a>. Creating an attractive element to come back again. Maybe next year during my kayak fantasy trip?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wasting no time again, we set off for Neon Canyon with its much anticipated Cathedral Arch about 1 mile up canyon from Ringtail. Because Neon was so close, we decided to keep our wetsuits on and just roll the top half down to our waist….Mistake! Though the temperatures were a very pleasant 70 degrees, the route to the entrance of Neon is very sun exposed. We quickly were blazing in the sun creating a nasty sweaty environment in the lower half of the body. But the canyon entrance was ensight and we endured the unpleasantries of sweaty male bodies.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As stated before, when repeating a canyon I get the jitters from the unknown due to the changing conditions in slot canyons. Neon has a couple of keeper potholes if the conditions are right. But jitters quickly transitioned to a fun, relaxing, lazy river ride. Neon was full of water, and there were plenty of welcomed swims through narrow slots that cooled the unpleasantries from our approach hike.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv5-OIepd0I&t=22s" target="_blank">Neon’s gift is the last rappel of 80’ from Cathedral Arch</a>. It is an indescribable obeisant double holed arch formed in a fern laden grotto with a pool at its base reflecting a contrasting palette of surrounding colors. People come from all over the world to</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">hike at its foot, and we are privileged have rebirth from its breath.These are the types of experiences that words and pictures do not give justice to how amazing this area is. I have had the conversation many times comparing an experience with looking at pictures and video. Though the pictures and video are amazing, their purpose is to inspire action, and to create your own adventure experience where you get a glimpse of what heaven might be like.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLdvpgWRwT2cVjlad1LBHbE6Ag65hlPZ6rqao97cTbfoWtQuQEtSd7ew4C-wL4HNQj-UuZpdt9B_9knRFki3vdZNyiMBc0i1h9NqYHaK0RqBlOzj0wW4wLuuacpqDiVSxG-S_vI7NuGA/s1600/IMG_2298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLdvpgWRwT2cVjlad1LBHbE6Ag65hlPZ6rqao97cTbfoWtQuQEtSd7ew4C-wL4HNQj-UuZpdt9B_9knRFki3vdZNyiMBc0i1h9NqYHaK0RqBlOzj0wW4wLuuacpqDiVSxG-S_vI7NuGA/s200/IMG_2298.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="150" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With only 4 hours of sleep on my 1” Therma-rest and playing in Nature's playground for 12 hours, we strolled into base camp exhausted and ready to reminisce the day over a 600 calorie Mountain House entree and sipping purified Escalante spring water. Sleep came easy for half the night as I laid comfortably in my daughters hammock. A first time experience for me. I have shied away from hammocking due to the exposure to bugs. But I was desperate in reducing my pack weight and chose a 6oz hammock over a 5 lb tent. And the hords of No-see-um bugs orchestrating fly by maneuvers had no affect on my deep slumber.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The second half of the night was rudely interrupted by some unknown specie of annoying bird that had over 15 different calls. I know, because I counted them. I even tried to determine if there was a pattern to its calls. So, I forcefully enjoyed the moment by listening to the night orchestra of dessert sounds, and gazed at a view in the sky that alludes to something much greater than my puny existence. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ringtail and Neon canyons were great preludes of what was to come in Choprock. We woke early Saturday morning just before the sunrise around 5:30 am. We broke base camp and moved it to a different location crossing the Escalante river, thigh deep, 5 times before we could drop our 65 lbs (now 75 lbs due to wet gear) of bare minimum equipment. We then headed North East parallelling the south fork of Choprock Canyon for an uneventful 2 hour approach hike. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the great privileges to our human existence is how we connect emotions with our experiences. Exuberant joy with the birth of a child, soiled pants fear due to heights, and shouting at the TV anger from a dropped pass in the endzone are just a few examples. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRkRbe0Tw4U&t=12s" target="_blank"> I love experiencing adventures when you feel a gamut of emotions.</a> Then finish with a big grin on your face and with a chuckled voice say “I just did that.” </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This was our 8 hour Choprock experience. There were barbaric yawps as we finished sketchy down climbs. There were stealthy chuckles as we weaved through tight squeezes just big enough to fit our helmets. There were “Oh s#%*” moments like when <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_orA0gHmC4" target="_blank">Adam had to elevator slide 30’ </a>into a pool of water. Another puckering moment was when my backpack, hanging from my harness on a 60’ rappel, got tangled in the rope preventing me from from rappelling down. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPazysnCasc" target="_blank">And the scariest moment was when Braden made the last rappel of 80’ and watched the protective sheath around the rope shear tear exposing the fibrous rope</a>. It was these moments and many more (of course not so scary) that we all smiled and said “I just did that.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> It's a good trip when everyone walks out of the canyon safely, and with their shoes still on their feet. The wear and tear on equipment from canyoneering is pretty harsh. Ripped packs and new holes in the wetsuits become boasting trophies. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ggBvrkWaUY" target="_blank">We even had a voluntary moment of silence for Jared's 15 year old talking shoes</a> during our Sunday morning 3 mile hike, all uphill, with 75 lb packs, back to the car. Yes, 75 POUNDS! Our gear was still wet and there was enough stowaway sand to amount to 10 extra pounds. But likes sand through an hourglass so are the days of our lives, and our adventures must come to an end. It seems that the car ride home is much quieter than the drive down. It might be because we were tired and our bellies were full, or we might have been reflecting on the moments, but we were all in agreement to pencil in the next adventure and add another momentous moment to our lives. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4K2hS5BCW6SAoTGhe2nANv_0jo2-0UN6egqI9JkENDwzQWcJK0mIHjiaPzAkVSdYJe-sgh3QpJoeje58Nsd5f_YVgmF1YEM6TKGgTahD-i1PwKrxohxjMY37h52GNTQV8t6DxnxTN1A/s1600/IMG_0882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4K2hS5BCW6SAoTGhe2nANv_0jo2-0UN6egqI9JkENDwzQWcJK0mIHjiaPzAkVSdYJe-sgh3QpJoeje58Nsd5f_YVgmF1YEM6TKGgTahD-i1PwKrxohxjMY37h52GNTQV8t6DxnxTN1A/s320/IMG_0882.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CHFmBvhhyphenhyphen2STSvGFhvlBAMGlOLLzCvjJQemt4nYhg5-Nhj0i7EYFintQVxJN78SPOc-PsMmf-AYvRGbA8FpLP0Ov__t00mjloYgEWog_aU7my7eYa1s-7liTQKFgveLfFkPBh7OdWG8/s1600/IMG_2301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CHFmBvhhyphenhyphen2STSvGFhvlBAMGlOLLzCvjJQemt4nYhg5-Nhj0i7EYFintQVxJN78SPOc-PsMmf-AYvRGbA8FpLP0Ov__t00mjloYgEWog_aU7my7eYa1s-7liTQKFgveLfFkPBh7OdWG8/s320/IMG_2301.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJPki_tV4SNbQ0LFRJHkYD5VrVWda_31iap7VwoNivJbYiCIvF-GF4iAqNTglrs8P07WF9S4JQdkXMVv7yR0rkIIyFRaTRvmyNPzpnWkbkQRxwOHUfbJG9Ej55u1PoXSIIcdvGl0LxvE/s1600/IMG_0908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJPki_tV4SNbQ0LFRJHkYD5VrVWda_31iap7VwoNivJbYiCIvF-GF4iAqNTglrs8P07WF9S4JQdkXMVv7yR0rkIIyFRaTRvmyNPzpnWkbkQRxwOHUfbJG9Ej55u1PoXSIIcdvGl0LxvE/s320/IMG_0908.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNjTobTo3qVQidRF525-VI8sxMqDVdm05WintfjMiIYUoMEF6RYZuqtj2jtH1aL4bToX9Spmjro45cZGtKYqdumOer9qtEpCvSnhfyq7Uq9t2USBwy-Y64IS9i7DI4KPmvgKhU7DZSN8/s1600/IMG_0871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNjTobTo3qVQidRF525-VI8sxMqDVdm05WintfjMiIYUoMEF6RYZuqtj2jtH1aL4bToX9Spmjro45cZGtKYqdumOer9qtEpCvSnhfyq7Uq9t2USBwy-Y64IS9i7DI4KPmvgKhU7DZSN8/s320/IMG_0871.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-611b4077-7a76-6c20-7238-7a328ed375e9"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
KOLIfithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05692353452080901186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027764040381596339.post-29752365602710086222016-04-25T08:59:00.000-07:002016-04-25T08:59:21.379-07:00Let your fitness make a difference<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKP6EXgz9DD4_kxzJeX_k6r7I9RmtZUvHqIIZTxKOvR7Sd3ue2LW87AoP90toRBnRx_2grvJIT-oUPYiRUaLndkSGfXb2nUDDnhNMadm-2YbG_7otn6AhRG5aFhmd5kieQo1-5eE5AhXM/s1600/6+peaks+poster+3+sponsor.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKP6EXgz9DD4_kxzJeX_k6r7I9RmtZUvHqIIZTxKOvR7Sd3ue2LW87AoP90toRBnRx_2grvJIT-oUPYiRUaLndkSGfXb2nUDDnhNMadm-2YbG_7otn6AhRG5aFhmd5kieQo1-5eE5AhXM/s200/6+peaks+poster+3+sponsor.png" width="154" /></a>It's impacted or will impact all of us at some point in our lives. Whether it's personal, a family member, friend, or acquaintance, cancer will impact your life at some point. Over our lifetimes, we've watched parents, relatives, friends and co-workers fight for their lives to overcome this insidious disease. Some have been fortunate to win the battle, others, we remember and miss everyday. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
This year KOLIfit is dedicating it's 6 peaks challenge to the fight against cancer, and we want you to help make a difference. We're asking all KOLIfit members, family, friends, and co-workers to use their love of fitness and the outdoors to let their fitness make a difference in the lives of others. KOLIfit has paired with <a href="http://healthcare.utah.edu/huntsmancancerinstitute/giving/huntsman-cancer-foundation/events/huntsman-hometown-heroes.php" target="_blank">Huntsman Hometown Heroes</a> to raise money to support their efforts to rid the world of this terrible and often devastating disease. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtvjAVXvxCbEppoePPkfMa3GR7aRmyiBF9IiBy13cWqQd2hVNY4g1kaUe7CGhpBy8c9ctn63oZTG3ruTc4Pml0Z2Pm1_gKGAKU57OY_S2xyCSb-5b2QqJoMrh5FtyMo5urmdjsXALeKk/s1600/hometown_hero_logo_3inch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtvjAVXvxCbEppoePPkfMa3GR7aRmyiBF9IiBy13cWqQd2hVNY4g1kaUe7CGhpBy8c9ctn63oZTG3ruTc4Pml0Z2Pm1_gKGAKU57OY_S2xyCSb-5b2QqJoMrh5FtyMo5urmdjsXALeKk/s200/hometown_hero_logo_3inch.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our fundraising goal:<a href="http://chooseyourownadvent.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=1150003&lis=1&kntae1150003=931D770E30C24C04A7E23E8AB73551D2&supId=0&team=6672060&cj=Y" target="_blank"> <b>$53,739 or $1 for every foot climbed</b> </a>throughout each of the six peaks. Gather your friends and family, and challenge each other to not only accomplish the 6 peaks, but to raise money that really does make a difference for all of us. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are many ways you can participate in the 6 peaks challenge, even without taking a single step (although we want to see you out there on the trails with us.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSV4RjBf6fYMDdOa-OelmUgYAcw8AV46QBHSrd31RRPKV1Ij4Z4J5DV3j7QDdslAcPsY2qZBAoTtcIM6p082dLLgztQWIJT69euCrg-q7ttFKo4ykxs01O8uuKa0-VMyBea7lcAKpTx_A/s1600/10428137_650074378418322_9151024982371227073_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSV4RjBf6fYMDdOa-OelmUgYAcw8AV46QBHSrd31RRPKV1Ij4Z4J5DV3j7QDdslAcPsY2qZBAoTtcIM6p082dLLgztQWIJT69euCrg-q7ttFKo4ykxs01O8uuKa0-VMyBea7lcAKpTx_A/s200/10428137_650074378418322_9151024982371227073_o.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><ul>
<li>For those who are or have been engaged in the battle with cancer, either personally or with a loved one, dedicate the 6 peaks challenge, or even just one peak to your fight or that of your loved one(s). Carry the name(s) of those you represent as you summit each of the 6 peaks. Share your challenge with those who are fighting and cannot climb with you. Or, dedicate your challenge to those who tragically lost their fight, and honor their memory with each step and each peak you climb. </li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzhs_Nlal1cWZ5sBRu_Y5OluXjTNzvPIpodJ9F80Hlivu6KL8UvmIfSe_Vz480M-y2gQexd_Qi29Y4XMxtbUdXNpcURYVUCq9K2qVfDIfiPO06FelcprBqGTOhQ1EgcwE9m6hFcpEB1Q/s1600/10446126_627041640721596_2376619098194599680_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzhs_Nlal1cWZ5sBRu_Y5OluXjTNzvPIpodJ9F80Hlivu6KL8UvmIfSe_Vz480M-y2gQexd_Qi29Y4XMxtbUdXNpcURYVUCq9K2qVfDIfiPO06FelcprBqGTOhQ1EgcwE9m6hFcpEB1Q/s200/10446126_627041640721596_2376619098194599680_o.jpg" width="200" /></a><div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>For those who are active and looking for challenging summer hikes, the 6 peak challenge offers you the opportunity to explore the Wasatch Front in new and unique ways with a group who shares your same passion. At the same time, your passion for outdoor fitness will help make a difference in the fight against cancer and directly impact those who are effected by it. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Not ready, or able to participate in the challenge, you can still make a difference. Sponsor someone who completing the challenge by making a donation to their fundraising page. If you don't know someone, make a donation directly on<a href="http://chooseyourownadvent.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1150003&lis=1&kntae1150003=931D770E30C24C04A7E23E8AB73551D2&supId=435376563&emaillogid=" target="_blank"> KOLIfit's page.</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Here's how it works:</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>In order to qualify for the challenge and receive the benefits and perks, you must be a member of <a href="http://www.kolifit.com/" target="_blank">KOLIfit</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Each month, beginning in May, KOLIfit has selected one peak to summit. Go to <a href="http://kolifit.com/">KOLIfit.com</a> to get a schedule of peaks and dates. You can choose to climb the peak with KOLIfit on the scheduled date (encouraged), but you may also summit solo as well. In order to qualify for the challenge, you will have to upload your GPS track into your KOLIfit account.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Fund raise for the peak(s) you are planning on doing. KOLIfit will send a fundraising packet to each person who joins the 6 peak challenge to help with your efforts. Although there is no minimum required, we are suggesting at least $100 per peak.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Each month for every person who completes the challenge they will be eligible for a drawing of a $100 gift card to the sponsor of that month's challenge. For example: May's sponsor is <a href="http://www.wasatchrunningcenter.com/" target="_blank">Wasatch Running</a>. If you complete the challenge and are chosen in the drawing, you receive $100 to <a href="http://www.wasatchrunningcenter.com/" target="_blank">Wasatch Running</a>. Each month presents a different sponsor and a new chance to win. You can increase your chances of winning by raising additional funds, recruiting friends, and sharing on social media.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>KOLIfit is offering practice hikes each month to help you prepare for the month's challenge peak. The practice hikes are a part of your KOLIfit membership and give you the opportunity to sharpen your skills as well meet people who share your goals.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>For each person who completes all 6 peaks, we have custom swag from Huntsman Hometown Heroes just for you.</li>
</ul>
<div>
For more details and information visit <a href="http://kolifit.com/">KOLIfit.com</a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxQZ_rduhkT1y0ey0nJW0kp6lGZ_ajAxl81HzAo7lqroGrd-vL4w-gmUoabRakirYG5yA04Rl0imyDD5gG7-SmENLpRKakrfNzf3H4pJeqaSCCtGGEHrpL-nxsnG3g-HxWCCrZKTngUY/s1600/12109076_875760562516368_1869502887054901351_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxQZ_rduhkT1y0ey0nJW0kp6lGZ_ajAxl81HzAo7lqroGrd-vL4w-gmUoabRakirYG5yA04Rl0imyDD5gG7-SmENLpRKakrfNzf3H4pJeqaSCCtGGEHrpL-nxsnG3g-HxWCCrZKTngUY/s400/12109076_875760562516368_1869502887054901351_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /><div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
KOLIfithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05692353452080901186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027764040381596339.post-56727075354694536292016-04-06T14:28:00.002-07:002016-04-06T14:28:44.276-07:00Hiking The Unknown!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdokg5i0S1Xr6zur9TSTmEWldsnSB5rsgMo_iwICejZnA_cyRPK94JrF4rTArsWPAgWUiXZWhRs2wqzchEK0igYl0MLGa2-6mYocDQYq2_W6QI4M3MTR9tiflI59ktgp0fNGxgx1UMHh4/s1600/Hiking+The+Unknown+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdokg5i0S1Xr6zur9TSTmEWldsnSB5rsgMo_iwICejZnA_cyRPK94JrF4rTArsWPAgWUiXZWhRs2wqzchEK0igYl0MLGa2-6mYocDQYq2_W6QI4M3MTR9tiflI59ktgp0fNGxgx1UMHh4/s1600/Hiking+The+Unknown+blog.jpg" /></a></div>
KOLIfithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05692353452080901186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027764040381596339.post-14531938704811379152016-02-24T14:48:00.002-08:002016-02-24T14:48:47.811-08:00Know it Live it - A reason to go to the gym<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpo792SJa61nIgYFh4m48BNb4dWcef0fiqFj7ejMghGo9OgHuNsy3gU5xZGipb_Jso6M2334VoY5lS9XiBj0FRZzcJtBTyQP1Pkhp1oPcjQIaDoTpTGdGRwwJqntJJRjiT8ZAkncQqTzA/s1600/523999_520718791307166_103337043_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpo792SJa61nIgYFh4m48BNb4dWcef0fiqFj7ejMghGo9OgHuNsy3gU5xZGipb_Jso6M2334VoY5lS9XiBj0FRZzcJtBTyQP1Pkhp1oPcjQIaDoTpTGdGRwwJqntJJRjiT8ZAkncQqTzA/s200/523999_520718791307166_103337043_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
We all know we are supposed to exercise, we've been given countless reasons and yet somehow the message is just not getting through. The message is getting both lost and distorted, often portraying fitness as unattainable, or even worse, miserable.<br />
<br />
Having worked in the fitness industry for nearly 20 years I am continually surprised by the misconceptions surrounding exercise, and the incredible resistance to starting and maintaining an exercise program. Admittedly I have a bias, and what some would consider and unfair advantage, I'm a trainer and make a living prescribing exercise. But, that's not accurate, I genuinely love to move, I find freedom in movement, especially when it takes me outside and to new places.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxvYqHaZ4L4xcuvTzcje_cD8SXMt_fsWnKgZceqAqUcRXgnX6k-MqwjwsiiLUatV2S-HKZvqGINiJIIY00ojEkcz8TXt4xt9x4ssLHSyK5z5NYbmzpmxO777zRViAKEvavnAYthSf0SY/s1600/12469517_10153920429577754_5611263163291916479_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="91" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxvYqHaZ4L4xcuvTzcje_cD8SXMt_fsWnKgZceqAqUcRXgnX6k-MqwjwsiiLUatV2S-HKZvqGINiJIIY00ojEkcz8TXt4xt9x4ssLHSyK5z5NYbmzpmxO777zRViAKEvavnAYthSf0SY/s200/12469517_10153920429577754_5611263163291916479_o.jpg" width="200" /></a>I see it everyday, we blindly trudge off to the gym and wander, generally aimlessly, from machine to machine with a blank stare that clearly states <i>"when is this going to be over!"</i> Grateful when it finally ends, we head off to live the rest of our day and attend to the" important things in life." This lack of purpose, these feelings of drudgery and obligation are devastating to attaining and maintaining fitness as an important part of increasing health and wellness. I spend hours trying to diffuse these perceptions and provide an outlet that makes the gym not only a place to look forward to, but more importantly give purpose to.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorJN2g2cScX2A8yoAbksuBaaOl72wtDTzdauC5FS9OJX6lq5hyphenhypheneK-X4yXqFvSV6tAohjs4uYvjdJ5afIRJgnBQxIltnGHKVO5wSISeQ3zvWp7hXjaGh2nnIGwUJcbpkRXSrLD-Iqwh68/s1600/10930893_745960272163065_5392077868070890236_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorJN2g2cScX2A8yoAbksuBaaOl72wtDTzdauC5FS9OJX6lq5hyphenhypheneK-X4yXqFvSV6tAohjs4uYvjdJ5afIRJgnBQxIltnGHKVO5wSISeQ3zvWp7hXjaGh2nnIGwUJcbpkRXSrLD-Iqwh68/s200/10930893_745960272163065_5392077868070890236_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>I am a strong advocate that exercise involve being outdoors, but in a world of YouTube and social media we are continuously bombarded with images of people doing extreme sport, losing site that this population represents only a tiny fraction of recreational activities. We set the bar for participation so high we forget that exercise can be an enjoyable and valuable experience in life. It can be enjoyed in many environments without the risk of serious injury or worse, death. We have an endless variety of activities that allow us to interact, not only with our environment, but our communities as well. It can be as simple as walking through a local park, hiking on a nearby trail, a bike ride through your community, or a day on the water with a stand-up- paddle board. We carry this misconception that exercising outdoors needs to involve some extreme element, it has to be hard and only real athletes do it.<b><i> KOLIfit was founded to remove these barriers to participation and provide a path to enjoyable and sustainable interaction with one's environment and community. </i></b><br />
<br />
It's not that the gym doesn't play a valuable role in maintaining health and fitness,it does, <b><i>but I believe it should be viewed as tool to help enhance your experiences in outdoor recreational pursuits. </i></b> Going to the gym with a purpose, one that says this will make what I really enjoy doing even better takes away the dread and drudgery that generally accompanies gym workouts.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdJ3MzlcErErd6UFiNyepu2v1_t0ivbfVUqXRCeupFRynEKMAN3RVwQl8PbC306lli66jjY3eZbZwvEhl1GDjGXKlprlO6fZnVrScMz-RYdvzkUufj8wOoi6TegyrYWNjgaQFsVLqihY/s1600/11888587_853879788037779_2201533851975344635_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdJ3MzlcErErd6UFiNyepu2v1_t0ivbfVUqXRCeupFRynEKMAN3RVwQl8PbC306lli66jjY3eZbZwvEhl1GDjGXKlprlO6fZnVrScMz-RYdvzkUufj8wOoi6TegyrYWNjgaQFsVLqihY/s200/11888587_853879788037779_2201533851975344635_o.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KOLIfit Founders and Professional<br /> trainers Aaron and Scott</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If your not sure how to make the best use of your gym time, consider consulting with a trainer, preferably one that understands integrating gym fitness and outdoor recreation. A qualified trainer can give you the tools and confidence to apply your gym experience to more meaningful outdoor experiences.<br />
<br />
Scott Browning - KOLIfit founder and Professional Fitness Trainer<br />
<br />
<br />KOLIfithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05692353452080901186noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027764040381596339.post-42983118049401463702015-12-02T11:14:00.001-08:002015-12-02T11:15:25.654-08:00How do fitness and multisport skills translate into a better outdoor experience?<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "open sans light"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><b>How do fitness and multisport skills translate
into a better outdoor experience?</b></span></i></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWeWe1yv2EjOGPGS8KcQcSPMPgd-H84ksoj_8aCR9rAVSj80rj6A3opEoYT_UDEsz0tPd46hPSL2P-HawcISZBYZerBfiVmk1XbDq8UU8TPzpUWDTQJ-cgfawUAFo-uJl7uSWc4j141M/s1600/IMG_3461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWeWe1yv2EjOGPGS8KcQcSPMPgd-H84ksoj_8aCR9rAVSj80rj6A3opEoYT_UDEsz0tPd46hPSL2P-HawcISZBYZerBfiVmk1XbDq8UU8TPzpUWDTQJ-cgfawUAFo-uJl7uSWc4j141M/s200/IMG_3461.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "open sans light"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Let’s be honest with
ourselves… whether we like it or not, fitness is the base for everything
active; winter sport, running, cycling, swimming, outdoor adventure, and just
about everything else. Staying active is
so important in helping a person gain the skills needed to attempt challenging
activities in an outdoor setting.
Unfortunately, creating a personal lifestyle filled with physical
fitness isn’t exactly on their list of high priorities. I promise you, if you can create that lifestyle,
and I mean a SUSTAINABLY active lifestyle, you will be happy. You will gain confidence to try new things. You will crave more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "open sans light"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "open sans light"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "open sans light"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">During high school and early
college, I didn’t live a sustainably healthy lifestyle. I KNEW exactly how I was supposed to be
eating, exercising, sleeping, etc. I always
had a passion for fitness, skiing, and particularly cycling. I also loved exploring the outdoor world, but
there was a huge, and I mean HUGE learning curve on my path to creating my sustainably
active and healthy lifestyle. At age 18,
I was 30 pounds heavier than I am now.
On the weekends I stayed up until 3 or 4am eating junk with friends. I was over-scheduled every day of my life
with music rehearsals, homework, and concert performances. My lifestyle was suffocating me, however I
KNEW exactly how healthy my life was actually supposed to be. There was a happy, active me fighting to get
out and live. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "open sans light"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0lwDxaEc3EvZ5t-AZVse0UZpygpMWjjnmd6gmApdXkSaesbqs7r2GvcJksGGBYr-UOzLRUbBHuxaAu2dlaEKiv9OCik5XykCZWHM8ZdrvbL3Faz9FF_bU_HBdWkfVuange0fqWcNPs4/s1600/IMG_2514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0lwDxaEc3EvZ5t-AZVse0UZpygpMWjjnmd6gmApdXkSaesbqs7r2GvcJksGGBYr-UOzLRUbBHuxaAu2dlaEKiv9OCik5XykCZWHM8ZdrvbL3Faz9FF_bU_HBdWkfVuange0fqWcNPs4/s320/IMG_2514.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "open sans light"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">In March of my senior year of
high school, I decided to sign up for my first century 100-mile bike ride. I trained on a hybrid bicycle that weighed
35-pounds and borrowed a road bike for race day. I made a solid playlist to listen to, packed
some snacks and sunscreen, and was on my way.
I spent the first 10 miles familiarizing myself with the gears on my
borrowed bike, but other than that, the first 40 miles were manageable. Mile 50 on the other hand… I actually thought
I was going to die. I sprawled out on
the ground and almost threw up. When I
began to feel better, I hopped back on my bike and just kept going. When I passed the finish line, a nice lady
behind a snow cone stand handed me a cold, red snow cone and congratulated
me. With a quavering, emotional, “Thank
you,” I sat on the ground and cried. I
finished. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "open sans light"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AEWSP48XsRL95PnUirDySop4OqZEK8PKASVsJbQtkgkQN7Zz-AKrnxdMjamxqeT4swYVi2LoQR0ViSwtiDa63mB8RszWBVDCmA9vyOrqv1IuDSNSoAcON6-bbs9ouPt9wmXjHyqRvnE/s1600/IMG_2464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AEWSP48XsRL95PnUirDySop4OqZEK8PKASVsJbQtkgkQN7Zz-AKrnxdMjamxqeT4swYVi2LoQR0ViSwtiDa63mB8RszWBVDCmA9vyOrqv1IuDSNSoAcON6-bbs9ouPt9wmXjHyqRvnE/s200/IMG_2464.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "open sans light"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The strange thing is how much
I have grown since then. A century ride
turned into a regular, unorganized, weekend event with friends. I gained a desire to eat nourishing
foods. My passion for skiing grew
because my body was happy with me. My
life has grown into a multi-sport bonanza!
I love being active! I have the
confidence to try new sports! KOLIFIT
encourages everyone to join in and try new outdoor activities. The company aspires for its members to choose
a healthy lifestyle and always live it. I
always did KNOW I needed to be healthy to have a better outdoor
experience. I promise… it doesn’t
matter how or where you start being active.
It just matters that you start. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "open sans light"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "open sans light"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Living an active lifestyle is
much more than simply working out and having a poor attitude about it. KOLIFIT invites you to discover your active
potential through adventure and positive outdoor experience with others. You will find happiness in pushing your body
to new limits and setting personal fitness goals for yourself. Try paddle boarding. Rappel down a waterfall. Ride a bike.
Hike a mountain. Hop in a
kayak. Go for a trail run. You already KNOW how you should LIVE. With KOLIFIT, the possibilities for new
sports and outdoor activities are endless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxpD8ZLaR0co66pVS10ED7iC0g3Y3PaXOBsV699xv_OJXPTA8goiNktMcFGvEstkwJXAPeh3mJSul9LSjqX0V11uqw8DvmMhnUxnu91uGDr94r28HqdciO0SZHIKbEEv4zwWdjCSSu40/s1600/IMG_3593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxpD8ZLaR0co66pVS10ED7iC0g3Y3PaXOBsV699xv_OJXPTA8goiNktMcFGvEstkwJXAPeh3mJSul9LSjqX0V11uqw8DvmMhnUxnu91uGDr94r28HqdciO0SZHIKbEEv4zwWdjCSSu40/s320/IMG_3593.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "open sans light"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
KOLIfithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05692353452080901186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027764040381596339.post-44345572861214637462015-11-15T18:41:00.000-08:002015-11-15T18:41:31.343-08:00Why We Do It<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why do we do it, where did KOLIfit really come from, and what drives us to continue exploring?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/WuU9bjmEF-GOqvUhGZ4et1L5H4a5TfF2t3xDNRIMFwOL9bZ2cOuYtzAlZ-agznRNRIS17mYZHvPjCoCiFxmPxokTHdFrDI93T9y3YifWhLU86RnU_SisYtWffdF6n-Gyt1qkdS3jJI-7YbRW" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251px;" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/WuU9bjmEF-GOqvUhGZ4et1L5H4a5TfF2t3xDNRIMFwOL9bZ2cOuYtzAlZ-agznRNRIS17mYZHvPjCoCiFxmPxokTHdFrDI93T9y3YifWhLU86RnU_SisYtWffdF6n-Gyt1qkdS3jJI-7YbRW" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="156px;" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our commitment to fitness has to be for more than our own physical health, more than finishing an event, more than winning a race or setting a personal best. Being fit has to be more than just maintaining health, it has to be more than just doing because you know you should. Fitness is about creating access, about knowing, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">always</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, that things are within reach. Being fit is being able to ascend the mountain, swim the sea, or travel endlessly through unknown roads, without question, without hesitation, and most importantly </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">without doubt</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. It’s easy to lose sight, to make excuses, and altogether miss the bigger picture. We all do it, we all have those moments when we ask </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“why am I doing this?”</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> It doesn’t matter whether you are an elite athlete or just trying to stay healthy, we all inevitably wonder if what we are doing is worth the time and effort, if the perceived sacrifice has any real tangible benefit. The answer usual presents itself in one of two ways. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A missed opportunity that reminds us that staying fit is more than just the gym, more than just our physical health, more than the next big race or event, or</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A moment of pure gratitude recognizing your commitment to fitness gave you access to a special place or moment that would otherwise not been possible.</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-d165f62e-0e1d-cf01-34ee-c0a66b39e3c3" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/yU1w2YYUtiIfQMrEq2QpXA-fQR6p_lFcC1xpBPNYJKPHIGw-SjgpHIBQJsgTzzWNs8sSG3uytecthbGDm7UNWkBwRgp2l8b4YJzMtSVZucylvei_2yjgKSbeY2sZyGF_t6L7PY4so1KRsfrU" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221px;" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/yU1w2YYUtiIfQMrEq2QpXA-fQR6p_lFcC1xpBPNYJKPHIGw-SjgpHIBQJsgTzzWNs8sSG3uytecthbGDm7UNWkBwRgp2l8b4YJzMtSVZucylvei_2yjgKSbeY2sZyGF_t6L7PY4so1KRsfrU" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="147px;" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I grew up as an athlete, it was almost as though I knew nothing else. For the longest time I chased that little black line across the pool, back and forth, hour after endless hour, meter after meter searching for one more second. From there it was riding and racing my bike through western Colorado, back country farm roads to mountain passes, pressing ever harder into the realm of competitive sport. Finally, I settled into long distance running, chasing my dreams down endless roads, over mountain tops and through bottomless valleys. Competitive sport not only set me free, but gave me an outlet and escape from so much of my life, opening doors of opportunity to explore, not only my own limits, but my environment, my surroundings and my community. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Through hundreds of races, tens of thousands of miles, countless injuries, and shattered dreams, I often reflect back on why. What was the driving force really behind these pursuits? Where did my fitness take me, both physically and mentally? What is it I remember most, what do I carry forward with me, and why do I keep coming back?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/LkVtl-c7NvdxHNd6cx5OnjiE0yV9EOMryep3b1OqnySSFvE35M-xRdWTUTAa_BmNPa-mF_DfYJMk1f6uVZ_N2Tt6rXm7hzC8gLuwqHCGnpSy206_FyXrmY1KNK31sieGYGjug_jCPftNjpyN" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144px;" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/LkVtl-c7NvdxHNd6cx5OnjiE0yV9EOMryep3b1OqnySSFvE35M-xRdWTUTAa_BmNPa-mF_DfYJMk1f6uVZ_N2Tt6rXm7hzC8gLuwqHCGnpSy206_FyXrmY1KNK31sieGYGjug_jCPftNjpyN" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="192px;" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It had to be for more than my own physical health, more than winning a race or setting a personal best. No, it was more. Fitness has given me amazing opportunities in life, the ability to explore, to see my world in such a unique light and with such beauty. Through all the racing, the wins, the PR’s, the exhilaration of accomplishing a goal, those memories, as cherished as they are, are not what I remember most. It is the training, the environment, the lifelong friends and community I take with me. The amazing sunrises and sunsets, countless wildlife, wildflowers, exotic locations and city streets, forever etched into my memory. The conversations, laughter, support, and friendship. Picking each other up, supporting one another and sometimes just the rhythmic sound of friends’ feet hitting the pavement in silent solidarity. Fitness has the ultimate ability to bring us together, not just with each other, but to our environment, and our community.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">KOLIfit is rooted in the belief that a commitment to health and fitness is more than just working out because we’ve been told that’s what we should be doing. Our health is about connecting our own physical wellbeing to our mental state, to our environment, and our communities. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reconnect, come to a KOLIfit workout and take what you KNOW you should be doing and LIVE the adventure!</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Know it – Live it = KOLIfit</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/0zR-mn2V3k1D4uJrEXiO5_CcEmeY6lShpVyZ2qCrcji2cdNUTfB5A4FP-085mhFTVcE61TQRHQwqGOmz3TyzBO5_rBEfG6zfKY2d3pUoukUUnYl-y2OUHD_BF14EDJDjZc0wcz-c2RC6hhV9" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225px;" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/0zR-mn2V3k1D4uJrEXiO5_CcEmeY6lShpVyZ2qCrcji2cdNUTfB5A4FP-085mhFTVcE61TQRHQwqGOmz3TyzBO5_rBEfG6zfKY2d3pUoukUUnYl-y2OUHD_BF14EDJDjZc0wcz-c2RC6hhV9" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="225px;" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="224px;" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/t2NAx-NLXUX_B_KW67jOmbYmydDDrwc-NshmdnoIx4Vod5KDzFgB8r26TwX4HIHUAC5R6vTM21DLTPfr05O7_i16bOJ4N981a2bg90TlsBrrPshGWzANZU_5itrGnx2-sVFyu21glmlWB0ZL" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="299px;" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<br />KOLIfithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05692353452080901186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027764040381596339.post-38674647491423123242015-10-19T08:48:00.000-07:002015-10-19T08:48:04.194-07:00Canyoneering!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri;">Canyoneering….What is it? Most people haven’t a clue, so instead of boring you with a Wikipedia definition, I would like to invite you to participate in one of KOLIfit’s Canyoneering workouts. It is a word that is defined and redefined with experience.</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-currency-font-family: Calibri; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Calibri; mso-default-font-family: Calibri; mso-greek-font-family: Calibri; mso-hebrew-font-family: Calibri; mso-latin-font-family: Calibri; mso-latinext-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7QEcA0W_JFNgv6tsyB0EOpwluzKBdKzvZMIuqVRV_-1GLirX0cZsJ4MpLQheW9L41Lg2wOTBlmAM7UQLctMy3e37swCwiis9ga0f-LzBvXmZEKD3nC9gONNQYdljgPz4diEB6NkdZFY/s1600/Aaron+blog+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7QEcA0W_JFNgv6tsyB0EOpwluzKBdKzvZMIuqVRV_-1GLirX0cZsJ4MpLQheW9L41Lg2wOTBlmAM7UQLctMy3e37swCwiis9ga0f-LzBvXmZEKD3nC9gONNQYdljgPz4diEB6NkdZFY/s320/Aaron+blog+1.png" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri;">This mysterious outdoor adventure is one of the most amazing outdoor experiences. People from all around the world come to Utah to experience a slot canyon, and it amazes me how many people that live in Utah have not hiked one of these canyons. Most of us have seen pictures of the beautiful sunlight illuminating the bright orange sandstone walls, ironically taken to encourage us to connect with the outdoors. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-currency-font-family: Calibri; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Calibri; mso-default-font-family: Calibri; mso-greek-font-family: Calibri; mso-hebrew-font-family: Calibri; mso-latin-font-family: Calibri; mso-latinext-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri;">Canyoneering has intrigued me since my youth. My first canyoneering experience was hiking through the Narrows in Zion National Park when I was 16 years old. I remember this trip vividly because my father let me drive he and his friends the whole 5 hours. My aging years have enlightened me on who benefited from this most. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-currency-font-family: Calibri; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Calibri; mso-default-font-family: Calibri; mso-greek-font-family: Calibri; mso-hebrew-font-family: Calibri; mso-latin-font-family: Calibri; mso-latinext-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri;">The Narrows is a 16 mile hike through a relatively easy slot canyon. Our group decided to make it a two day trip by camping at the halfway mark. We were an experienced group of outdoorsmen and thought we would save energy by packing light with a small wool blanket, water bottle, water filter, backpacking stove, and a minimal amount of dehydrated food. I think that was the only time in my life that I voluntarily cuddled up to my dad. SLEEPING (if you want to call it that) WAS SO COLD! I was grateful to see the sunrise in the distant sky so we could start hiking again. Moving would be the only way to keep warm. The warmth of the sun only lasts a brief moment in a narrow canyon. It was hours later before I stopped shaking and I could feel my feet again, but this discomfort did not ruin my experience. Hiking the Narrows was one of my first true connections to nature. The red rock desert is a hallowed place. I understand why people go to the desert to seek refuge and to have spiritual experiences. Something I cherish with my outdoor experiences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri;">If I had to rate canyoneering on a Aaron Ogden Bucket List scale of 1 through 10, I would rate it at a 9.5. Canyoneering is nature’s playground that can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities. It has so many satisfying moments. I have strolled up Lake Powell canyons barefoot in luminescent sand, and I have also stemmed and bridged across crevasse like walls shaking from fear thinking “HOLY @#$% what have I gotten myself into?” Slot canyons have some of the most beautiful unique features the world has to offer. Expedition conversations naturally gravitate toward theories of how canyons were created, or “how that rock got there,” or the power of water. Every canyoneering experience is unique, even if you return to a canyon for a second time. I remember hiking Chop Rock Canyon for my first time, lots of down climbs, stemming, bridging, and squeezing through narrow cracks that shred my clothes to bare skin. Several years later I went back to Chop Rock after a rainy spring and we almost swam the entire canyon. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-currency-font-family: Calibri; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Calibri; mso-default-font-family: Calibri; mso-greek-font-family: Calibri; mso-hebrew-font-family: Calibri; mso-latin-font-family: Calibri; mso-latinext-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri;">I treasure the skills and wisdom I have gained from canyoneering such as, practice your knots in </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7koDjf12s-h53EQOSy4no6pBNaxW7mxGXb_i2TdjSSm3lhRAwJTOCD9v3yW7073NU6I5pUOF66iWnNPq-KHDA18V0Homt8cOTV7WXO81fKRl7pKhgX9ITUrj7IhfM8z5eS4aoBP-_xm0/s1600/Aaron+blog+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7koDjf12s-h53EQOSy4no6pBNaxW7mxGXb_i2TdjSSm3lhRAwJTOCD9v3yW7073NU6I5pUOF66iWnNPq-KHDA18V0Homt8cOTV7WXO81fKRl7pKhgX9ITUrj7IhfM8z5eS4aoBP-_xm0/s320/Aaron+blog+2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
church, always carry a head lamp, and ALWAYS respect Mother Nature<span lang="en-US" style="color: #980000; font-family: Calibri; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-arabic-font-family: Arial; mso-armenian-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-currency-font-family: Calibri; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Calibri; mso-default-font-family: Calibri; mso-greek-font-family: Calibri; mso-hebrew-font-family: Calibri; mso-latin-font-family: Calibri; mso-latinext-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #980000; mso-style-textfill-type: solid;">. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"> The great white shark of canyoneering is flash floods. Before every canyon there is a thorough checklist to ensure a safe adventure. I remember doing my homework before taking a youth group down Granary Canyon in Moab. The weather reported a slight chance of thunderstorms around noon. So we decided to hike half of the canyon and exit before the expected afternoon showers. As we exited the canyon we could see off in the distance dark ominous clouds beginning to accumulate. As we reached the cars it began to rain. As we reached the main road it began to downpour with hail and cracks of lightning and thunder. A great respect for flash floods was developed by the boys that day. It was amazing, hundreds of waterfalls, torrent rivers raging with debris, and a deep sigh of relief that we stuck to our plan. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-currency-font-family: Calibri; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Calibri; mso-default-font-family: Calibri; mso-greek-font-family: Calibri; mso-hebrew-font-family: Calibri; mso-latin-font-family: Calibri; mso-latinext-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri;">I chuckle at amazement of tourists as I watch them react to the towering red rock walls of Zion. Sometimes I have this desire to go up to them and let them know that this is only the tip of the iceberg of the park and to really experience Zion they need to go hike a slot canyon. But, it greats to see people have the same desire I have and that is to connect to something that is so awe-inspiring. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri;">KOLIfit invites you to join us on our next adventure. Go to KOLIfit.com for more information.</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-currency-font-family: Calibri; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Calibri; mso-default-font-family: Calibri; mso-greek-font-family: Calibri; mso-hebrew-font-family: Calibri; mso-latin-font-family: Calibri; mso-latinext-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
KOLIfithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05692353452080901186noreply@blogger.com0