Tag: Hike

• Lena Lake – Getting My Feet Wet

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on April 19, 2017

  Lately my hiking adventures have taken me places I’ve already been before. There’s nothing wrong with this, but I have missed the excitement that comes with seeing a new trail for the first time. When I go on solo hikes I prefer going to trails I am familiar with, but sometimes a hike with a friend is what the soul needs.

  

  My favorite way to catch up with friends is by submerging ourselves in the woods. Jessica and I headed to the Olympic Mountains a couple weeks ago and hiked our way to Lena Lake. This trail is popular, due it its gentle elevation gain (only 1300′) and beautiful lake, but I was jazzed to find it wasn’t overly packed.

  

  The hike is 7.2 miles RT, and thanks to the ease of the climb it only took us about three hours. I enjoyed the hike so much I went back the following weekend for a solo hike. What I love most about the Olympic Mountains is that even when you find yourself at a popular trail, you are fully submerged in the woods and can go miles without seeing anyone else.

  

  These are a common find in the Olympics. Not sure what the story is. 

  

  I was amazed to find how much the trail changed in one week. When Jessica and I went there was water covering nearly 80% of the trail. I was fortunate for my waterproof shoes, although they gave me a gnarly blister. Nothing a bunch of ferns can’t help.

  

  When I went back for my solo adventure the water was nearly gone, and the areas of rushing rapids had completely dried up. This makes me so excited for summer hikes. The perfect trail for getting back in hiking shape, this trail allowed me to get my feet wet literally and metaphorically.

  

  

  This is from the first hike, on the second hike all that water was GONE. Like magic.

  The first half of the trail brought us on a winding series of switch backs. The colors of green were so intensely vibrant and lush, thanks to our long and wet winter here in Washington. I was in awe of the freshness they provided the air, my lungs couldn’t get enough.

  

  Once we passed this bridge (which I was obsessed with) the switchbacks became less prominent as we climbed closer and closer to the lake. A handful of people were at the lake each time I went, and when I’m on a solo hike the sight of other humans is appreciated.

  The first trip to the lake we found snow atop the far off trees. 

  

  

  

  The following week the snow was nearly gone. Seven days later, seven days closer to summer, seven days worth of higher temperatures. Above photos are the first week, below shot is the following week.

  

  Oh look, no snow! 

  Jessica and I spent a solid chunk of time at the lake while we waited for her Jet Boil to heat some water. While we waited, we made friends with the locals. I’ve only ever had a Grey Jay close to my hands once, and there was an apple core between us.

  

  This time, I tried to let them land on my palm, but I panicked and they flew off. The result was an extremely flattering photo of me. We can’t all be modern day Snow White’s.

  Maybe next time. 

  

  I felt the talons wrap around my fingers, and I impulsively screamed. I had no control over the sounds. Or this face.

  

  This hike was great, definitely one to add to the list for all types of hikers. Perfect balance of nature and sweat. I’ll be back for both solo and accompanied hikes. For real adventure seekers, the trail continues onto Upper Lena Lake, a 14 mile RT (3900′ gain) trail, as well as to The Brothers, a 13.2 RT (6050′ gain – woof) trail.

  Next time I go I’d like to camp at Upper Lena. Stay tuned for that adventure. 

  

  

  Q: Would you let a Gray Jay land on your hand? 

  

  | 56 Comments Tagged Explore, Gray Jay, Hike, Lena Lake, Olympic Mountains

• Poo Poo Point – A Place to Purge your Thoughts

  Posted at 6:45 AM by Brittany, on March 3, 2017

  Last week I found myself on another solo hike. Over the last couple years my confidence in hiking alone has gone down, something my parents will surely appreciate. I’ve noticed that while I still very much enjoy going alone (as in without any personal friends), I enjoy having other people around.

  It makes me feel safer, it makes me feel less isolated, and it makes me feel connected.

  

  What I love most about hiking alone is that I don’t have to engage in conversations. In my day to day life I talk to people a lot, and this can be quite draining. I relish in the moments of silence. I’ve always been the one that friends come to when they need to vent, and I enjoy being that support for people, but sometimes it can be too much.

  

  I’m burned out on being the ear for people to blab at, and aside from my mom and hired professionals I don’t really know how to be the one venting to others. I have empathy for most situations I get myself into, but my meter of open mental space has been pushed past the full line.

  

  I’ve started to put in the work it takes to expand my circle of people. I want people in my life that ask me how I am doing, how I am feeling, and genuinely want to understand what I am experiencing. Relationships are so important to our existence, but only if they are of good quality. Think about the last time you had a conversation with a good friend that left you feeling warm inside.

  Those are what we need in life.

  

  I have no problem ditching people that suck more than they give, and I’ve gotten quite good at it over the years. My tolerance for this negativity is nearly nonexistent. There are a handful of people that have slipped through the cracks though, and it’s taken a myriad of health problems for me to realize who needs to stay and who needs to go.

  I simply do not have the extra energy it takes for these kinds of people.

  

  He can stay. I don’t know him, but if he can carry that parachute up a mountain he’s good people.

  

  When I opened my computer to write this hike recap I did not intend for it to go this way. I don’t often think about what I am going to write, I just go with whatever my fingers start typing. I think the bottom line for what I’m trying to say is that it’s easy to get sucked into black hole friendships. It’s not always clear, but I challenge you to become more aligned with your gut feelings.

  As for me, I won’t be feeling bad when I decline hiking with a friend and want to go alone. Not that I ever really do…

  

  I’ve hiked this trail a handful of times – it’s close (in relation to other places I go, but this one is still an hour and a half drive away) it’s short (4 miles RT and takes me about 2 hrs), and it’s a butt burner (just under 2k eleveation for just under 2 miles up.) Despite having been here multiple times I hadn’t seen the paragliders take off, until this trip.

  

  

  I don’t know if this is something I could do, but it was sure fun watching other people. The weather was great, bouncing between sun and clouds, with the perfect amount of wind for these brave souls. Some guys were going up multiple times carrying their packs on their back. Talk about motivation to get into shape.

  Although it would be terrifying to take that jump off the edge, I can only imagine the solitary feelings that comes with floating alone in the sky. 

  

  Being alone in the woods gives me time to process my thoughts, and hot damn there can be a lot at times. I’ve recently discovered I have ADD, which makes a whole heap of sense for some of my tendencies and traits. I’m always working hard to quiet my mind, and solo hiking is one of my outlets for this. And meditation – a constant work in progress.

  In sum, it’s not necessarily personal if you want to be alone. Don’t feel bad about turning down invites, telling someone you’d rather be alone, or anything of this nature. When a roaring fire starts to die we casually add more fuel. This allows a steady balanced burn with minimal work. If the fire is complete burned out it takes a lot more energy to get it started again. People are the same. Don’t burn yourself out.

  Also, yes – the trail is seriously called Poo Poo Point. Imagine the irony if this were the trail I was on when this happened.

  Q: Would you paraglide?

  

  | 59 Comments Tagged Hike, Poo Poo Point, Solo Hike

• The Grand Forest – Making Friends with Ferns

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on February 2, 2017

  I arrived at the forest around 10 am. I would later discover this time was comparable to the third bowl of porridge that Goldilocks tasted-not too hot, and not too cold. This arrival time was not too early, and not too late.

  

  Arriving at 10am meant there were other cars in the lot, but still a few spaces left. The parking is minimal here, and although I wouldn’t mind parking on the street, I do enjoy securing a space within the confines of an area where fast moving cars cannot nick the side of my vehicle. Other cars in the lot meant there were other people exploring the woods, which is a comforting sign for a solo adventurer.

  Cars in the lot, but a space left for me. Not too hot, not too cold. 

  

  I’d not yet explored this forest, but upon my arrival I was immediately overcome with feelings. Feelings of joy, feelings of excitement, feelings of energy, feelings of adventure. How had I lived so close to this forest, yet never stepped foot on its soil?

  

  These woods provided the illusion of being deep within the heart of a forest nestled below the mountains, but with a close proximity to the nearby roads. A common fear of solo adventurers is being so secluded that if something were to happen no one would know. These woods engulfed my being, but provided the comfort of safety should I need it.

  

  I arrived to the forest planning to walk, but the abundance of energy I received provoked me to run. Not hard, and not far, a simple thirty minutes, which turned out to be one of the best runs I have had in a long time. The depths of the forest has a way of slowing down time. I didn’t focus on pace, I didn’t focus on distance, I simply focused on movement. What felt good, what didn’t? Time moved quickly and slowly all at the same time.

  

  The trails of dirt wove in and out of each other, reminding me of my childhood reading. I used to read books that allowed me to choose my own ending. “Go to pg. 167 for this kind of ending, or go to pg. 285 for this kind.” It allowed me to read and reread these books with a new story each time. The paths of this forest gave options that allowed me to cross similar paths from different angles, providing the continued illusion that this forest was larger than it really was.

  

  I crossed paths with a few people, but there was so much space between us all that it was easy to feel alone. My favorite. This came in handy for me when my run took a turn for the worse. Everything felt great, but I had consumed a beautifully balanced cup of coffee before arriving at the trail. I gave no extra thought to this decision as I allowed the full bodied notes of cocoa and nuts slide off my tongue. It was a harmony of flavor I tend to get lost in.

  It had been a while since coffee and running decided to scheme against me, but on this day they had. 

  

  There I was in the heart of this forest, with nothing but my car keys and a sense of endearment for my surroundings when the stomach discomfort hit me like a ton of bricks. I had no where to go but deeper among the trees. I prayed that the corner of earth I chose to stake claim of would provide me with enough privacy to release the demon within my gut.

  Runners trots are no joke my friends, there is no shame in this game. 

  

  I grew a new appreciation for ferns this day, we bonded on a level I hope never to bond with them on again. I can still feel the spores on my skin. I left a piece of me in the forest that day, and we are forever tied together in a way I’ll remember forever. Thankfully for the forest, ferns have the ability to absorb pollution. I love plants.

  

  Post expulsion I wandered the woods for another hour before calling it quits. I came upon abandoned sheds, the above tiny house nestled in the bushes, trails I didn’t get time to step foot on yet, and the below viewpoint. As I approached my car, others were waiting to claim my spot. Others had arrived to partake on their own adventure, I wondered if theirs would be similar to mine.

  I look forward to my next adventure in the Grand Forest, the trees and winding paths quickly became a local favorite, but next time I think I’ll finish my coffee before I leave.

  

  Q: Have you ever become one with the forest this way? Insert the *laughing with tears* emoji.

  

  | 32 Comments Tagged Adventure, Explore, Hike, PNW, Running

• Early Morning Confessions

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on January 20, 2017

  1. My skin has been an absolute troll this winter, but I cannot blame my largest organ alone for it’s rebellious ways. By avoiding sugar and grains I’ve been able to begin balancing out the dryness, along with some help from a superlative skin balm.

  I’ve also been doing weird things like blending carrots and broccoli and lathering it all over my face. Ain’t nobody got time for chemical laden face masks.

  

  2. Two of my bathrooms are currently being renovated, leaving the showers in both of them inaccessible. I dabbled in the idea of not showering for a few days, but decided this was not the best approach for making friends. I’ve had to shower at the gym, which is fine, but I was not aware that they do not provide regular towels (they charge $2 – hard pass).

  Instead I gathered multiple mini towels to dry myself off because, free. 

  3. My hair has reached a length I quite enjoy. Showering at the gym is easy because I wash it maybe once a week and feel like I’m winning at life being able to do this. Also, I find my lazy eye to be prominent when I make the below face. No shame.

  

  4. In my last post I mentioned how I was in my second to last semester of school. Well, things changed and I decided to adjust my schedule from full time to part time this semester. To help balance my stress out this was the right move. I have seven classes left, but I’m in no rush.

  5. I report with a heavy heart that my dear friend Gizmo is peacefully being sent onto his next adventure today. He has reached a time in his life where he is having multiple health issues and due to his age and suffering, his dad decided it was time to bring him to peace. I spent one final weekend with him last week, and am so thankful I was able to go on one more walk with him.

  We were still matching. Rest in peace my friend, you’ve brought much joy to my life even when you were too needy. What can I say, dogs love me.

  

  6. Despite the above loss, I’ve been having the best week. This has been the kind of week where you spew happiness and positive vibes onto every one around you. Shout out to yoga, meditation, and avoiding grains and sugar.

  Ohh to have an autoimmune disorder. 🙂 

  7. I’ve been fascinated by frosted plants lately. The way the frost accentuates the life lines of leaves is like natures x-ray, helping the human eye get a glimpse of such a complex food making machine.

  

  From my Instagram on the above photo: Today feels like an intensified October morning. The sun is shining bright, but frost cloaks over the land like a tight squeeze from your grandma. The cold air bites my face with a sharpness similar to well aged cheese, but without the fear of what’s to come in winter because winter is already here. The cold air today brings no angst like it might in October, just excitement for what’s to come in the spring. I can’t imagine living somewhere without all four seasons, I love it here.

  

  8. I did some more planning for my Ireland trip this week. Aside from Clifs of Moher another outdoor highlight will be stepping foot onto Skellig Michael, an island off the southwest end of the country. Aka where Luke and Rey are in the final scene of The Force Awakens. I can’t, I just can’t.

  9. I got a new phone, which meant I needed a new phone case. This is in no way sponsored by Caseapp, I just legit love that I can take one of my own photos and put it on a case. I took a photo from this adventure and now whenever I look at my phone I am reminded of this weekend getaway.

  

  10. Speaking of the above camping trip, the girl that convinced me to go that weekend, my tried and true hiking partner, has started a blog! I could not be more thrilled. Her first post chronicles an attempted camping trip to the Brothers, a twin peaked mountain in the Olympics.

  Her story telling is great, and I felt like I was with her on the adventure. My favorite line from her story is, “At 5:30pm, I rolled back over to face my dad. It was still raining and he was passing the time by sitting there with his reading glasses on, reading his bible. I began laughing hysterically. I had known his pack was heavy but now visible saw why. He had packed his whole room…”

  Go check it out, and give her some blogland love!

  Q: What’s your confession?

  

  | 43 Comments Tagged Adventure, Early Morning Confessions, Gizmo, Hike, Ireland, Winter

• S-NOOOOO

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on November 24, 2016

  My hiking adventures are coming to a stand still. Not permanently, but I can’t say I’m a fan of the snow and the white blanket of death is upon us.

  

  

  He loved it. I did not. Snow was not expected when we ventured to the mountains last week, but neither was getting stuck in the mud. The weather was dreary, but that’s not enough to stop me from an adventure. The plan was to explore a new trail, but plans quickly changed.

  The gravel road to the planned trail head was in terrible condition. We’re talking multiple mini lake like potholes, and soft mushy earth. This spells disaster when driving a car not equipped for the mountains. Fear swept through my body the entire time we attempted to find the trail head, fear we wouldn’t get past the mini lakes, fear we would glissade in the soft earth losing control of the vehicle and plummeting down the narrow side of the mountain, and fear the car would get stuck.

  Then, the latter happened. 

  

  After ten-ish minutes of heightened driving, the car got stuck in the mud. Momentary panic passed through our bodies, and after a few pedal to the metal attempts we were able to slip and slide out of the mud. We decided it was best to go to a trail we knew would be less sketch. With Jesus music blasting, and only a few external screams (with many, many internal screams) we made it back to the main road.

  Praise. 

  A tried and true trail, Mount Zion is not a difficult climb. 4.6 miles RT and a mere 1300′ gain, with the max elevation at 4274′. Typically I find that snow hits around 4500′ and above, but I stand corrected. Among all the snow was an abundance of Usnea, aka Old Man’s Beard. Known for its effects against certain bacterium, it can be used to fight sore throats, skin infections, inflammation, and more.

  So we ate some, because why not? 

  

  and yet, he’s wearing shorts.

  Quick and to the point, this trail provided just the right amount of burn. The snow covered the top completely (more so than in these photos), but there was only about an inch. Nothing we couldn’t trudge through. Any higher in elevation and a change of shoes would have been necessary. I begrudgingly accepted that winter is here.

  One perk of winter – my Friday evening commute, which gives me the below view. 

  

  We shall see how many more hikes I attempt above 4k’ this winter. Never say never.

  Q: Do you like snow? 

  

  | 70 Comments Tagged Hike, Mount Zion, PNW, Winter

• Navigating November

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on November 7, 2016

  With the blink of an eye here we are on November 7th. I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween, I stayed home and handed out handfuls of candy to needy children. I did wear black and orange striped tights to work on Halloween — tights that belonged to my sister, my significantly shorter than me sister, they ripped. In an uncomfortable location.

  I hated my commute that day. 

  

  Just because jack o lantern season is over doesn’t meant it’s time to put the pumpkins away. I found a place that honors October, November, and December all in one spot. We’re talking pumpkins in the front, Christmas tree’s in the back.

  When your seasons start to blur together.

  

  

  OK, I got my pumpkin patch fix for the year. Moving on.

  Work

  Work has been good, I’m finally at the point where I don’t feel new in my role. This is my first Christmas in the corporate building and they don’t mess around when it comes to celebrations.

  

  Play

  I managed three hikes last week. I’m trying to get them squeezed in before the white sheets of death plague us. I don’t like snow, I’m a Grinch.

  

  

  Don’t get excited, he’s my coworker.

  

  I’m severely out of shape, but can still manage to trudge along on some of the steeper hikes. The more out of breath I am the more of a reminder that I’m not moving enough lately. I’m the most out of shape (and heaviest) I’ve been in years, but the best part about starting at the bottom is there is no where to go but up.

  

  Eat

  Chipotle slapped me with the good karma stick yesterday and gave me so much guac, I surely had the equivalent of at least an entire avocado. Part of it was still in tact. Yes.

  

  I tried a new to me vegan place on the island. I’ve walked past it many times, but never bought a meal until now. It made my face all kinds of hot, but it was worth it.

  

  Life

  I recently watched Leonardo DiCaprio’s documentary Before the Flood. I was enamored by the way he brought this piece to life with information from a myriad of sources. I believe climate change is real, and the devastation that we are causing to this planet is mind blowing. Even if you don’t believe in the science, I encourage you to watch.

  Even if you don’t believe this is happening, if you have a soul you must realize the damage being done to the earth in order to gather fossil fuels, the devastation to our forests (which house the trees to filter the air we breathe!) to make way for new buildings, and the extinction of rainforests that house many species. 

  No change is too small to help reverse atmospheric CO2 emission from fossil fuel use and forest/land destruction. I originally adapted a plant based diet for ethical reasons, however I cannot help but believe this lifestyle to be immensely beneficial for the planet. Factory farms (specifically cattle) produce ungodly amounts of methane (CH4) gas. According to Leo’s film, every molecule of CH4 is the equivalent of 23 molecules of CO2. Insane. 

  I encourage you to think about what small change you can make today to help restore decades of damage. 

  Wednesday I fly off to California for this girls wedding. I’m not sure what shenanigans I’ll get myself into with my free time, but you already know it’ll be posted here sometime the following week. Happy Monday – do something nice for someone else today, and let’s reduce those carbon footprints one step at a time!

  

  Seen on my commute.

  Q: What are your thoughts on global warming? All views welcomed here. 

  

  | 47 Comments Tagged Explore, Hike, Life, Vegan

• Talapus and Olallie Lakes

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on October 27, 2016

  Washington has had rain on the radar for the last week or so, but on the not so rare occasion the forecast is wrong (aka it’s always wrong) I take advantage of the incorrect report. Last weekend, October decided to play nice and remind me why it’s my favorite month.

  Crisp and cold air, with bright shining sun.

  Where’s the best place to go on a chilly yet sunny day? The mountains, for a lake hike. One lake is like a pancake, two lakes is like a waffle. I like waffles more than pancakes so when I find a hike that gives me not only one lake, but TWO within the adventure I’m sold!

  
  

  Social media never ceases to amaze me in its ability to bring people together. After many months of following each other on Instagram, Cailey and I met in real life a few weeks ago. She was just the spunky, upbeat hiking companion I was looking for, and she and I embarked on this quest together.

  

  Did I mention how amazing Washington is during the fall? This trail was very mild, which was a welcomed change from some of my typical hikes. 6.2 total miles and a modest 1,200ft elevation gain allowed my mental focus to soak in the trees around me and digest the conversations about food, dogs, and life.

  

  It didn’t take long to arrive at the first lake, and it showed up sooner than expected. I almost didn’t see it tucked down to the left of the trail, but after walking towards the opening trees I was enamored.

  A horseshoe like view with a dip in the middle of the mountain gave an awe worthy sight. A man and woman were to the left of us, enjoying a snack with their dog. If it weren’t for them, I’d not have realized this was the first lake. Often times on these hikes there are mini “lake like” bodies of water scattered among the trail, and I almost mistook this for one of those.

  

  In order to get the above photo I had to billy goat my way across a handful of wet logs. I saw my life flash before my eyes multiple times, and by my life I mean my body soaked from lake water. #worthit. I’ve perfected the billy goat, reminds me of this adventure…

  

  Another mile and some change up the path led to the other lake of the day. One thing I love about this area of trails is that there are many paths that intertwine together, making for endless possibilities. I had to laugh when I saw the sign that pointed towards Pratt Lake, also known as “the lake I thought I may die at.” #dramatic

  

  I plan to go back to Pratt Lake someday, but this trip was dedicated to finding Olallie Lake. At no point on this hike did I loose my breath to the point of not being able to speak, but my heart rate elevated a few times and my clothes needed a good wash when I came home.

  I sweat at the drop of a hat.

  

  Sunshine says summer, jacket says fall. 

  

  

  A beautiful day in the mountains with exceptional company. Filling my lungs with the open air and surrounding my sights with green sets me up for a week of success.

  Q: Would you balance on rickety logs to get a better photo?

  

  | 46 Comments Tagged Explore, Hike, Lake, Olallie Lake, Olympic Mountains, PNW, Talapus Lake

• Milestone

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on October 19, 2016

  When I was 19 I purchased my first car (shout out to my dad for helping my buy this.) I didn’t receive my drivers license until I was 18 (oldest kid in drivers ed right here), and by the time I was ready to own a car I was ready to pay cash. Payments don’t exist in my vocabulary, with school, with cars, or with bills – it’s all or nothing for me.

  Another reason I want a tiny home – pay for it all at once. 

  In 2008 I purchased an ’07 Toyota Camry with only 6k miles on her. She has taken me on many wonderful adventures, and this past Sunday we celebrated a Camry milestone. After 8.5 years of exploring we hit 100k miles.

  

  I drive a lot when I want to explore, and often drive 150 miles in one day when I want to go for a hike. Regular readers know I enjoy hiking as often as I can. I love my car, and she treats me well, but I’m ready to entertain the idea of something more Brittany friendly. Something a little less “I’m on my way to Bingo,” and a little more “I’m on my way to tear up some trails.”

  I’m very happy with my grandma persona FYI.

  Washington gets a lot of rain, and sometimes a good deal of snow. In the winter months I’m known to white knuckle my steering wheel when driving down a hill that may or may not have ice. Heaven forbid I slide into a ditch, or unintentionally slam into another vehicle. 

  

  The Camry is safe, like eleven airbags safe, but it’s not all wheel drive and I’ve slipped a few times while driving in the winter. I also find myself pretending I’m at Disneyland on Mr.Toads Wild Ride while driving up the mountains filled with potholes and narrow roads. Four wheel drive would help my resting heart rate stay below 200BPM.

  I’m not going to be purchasing a new ride yet, I can’t abandon my first love just because she has a few grays (actually, shes all gray but that’s beside the point) but I am starting my research journey now. I would love to just bike everywhere, because not only does it save money, but I often make money by finding coins.

  Alas, biking up a mountain to get to a trail head doesn’t appeal to me at this stage of my life. 

  

  This past weekend Washington was prepping for a storm I knew we weren’t going to get (our weather is never predictable, so when I hear storm I don’t believe it until I see it), and I decided to give the Camry a rest from mountain bumps and scrapes just in case there were power lines putting on a fire show in the streets.

  Instead, I used my Chevro-legs and went for a local run while everyone else was bundled inside. 

  

  Fall running is my favorite. 

  I plan to enjoy the rest of my time with my Camry and let her take me on a few more adventures. I have my eyes on a Subaru Outback or Crosstrek, but I can already feel the separation anxiety creeping in for my Camry. #attachementissues #firstlove

  

  Camry snacks.

  Q: What was your first car?

  

  This post was sponsored by Khan Law Firm in Seattle, because new cars aren’t cheap, and neither are law suits when glissading down a hill with a car instead of an ice ax. 

  | 69 Comments Tagged Camry, Hike, Running, Toyota, Washington

• Seattle Life

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on September 23, 2016

  Of all the house sitting gig’s I’ve had, the one I’m doing right now is hands down the best of the best. The bee’s knees. Crème de la crème. Typically my pet-ventures are in my neck of the woods, but this one is in Seattle.

  And I’ve been here for thirteen days, with three more to go.

  

  My excited face.

  First and foremost being in Seattle puts me literally 15 minutes from work. Opposed to two hours. Granted I still don’t mind my commute, but hot damn is it nice not having one right now. I’m in for a rude awakening when I go home.

  No commute means more time for running.

  

  My current running spot.

  

  Will run for V/GF cupcakes

  Secondly, being in Seattle puts me only an hour away from some of my favorite hikes. Typically I travel two hours to get here, which I also don’t mind, (clearly my perception of time is much different than most) but again SO NICE to chop off an hour.

  

  

  

  Thirdly, I am so close to ALL THE VEGAN FOOD. Again, I happily travel to Seattle in my spare time JUST TO EAT sometimes, but here I am SMACK in the middle of it all. So many options, so little time. My mind is like a tornado, and my mouth is like a suck hole.

  

  Cafe Flora – Italian burger GF/V

  

  How cute is this restaurant setup?

  

  Portage Bay Cafe – V/GF pancakes with UNLIMITED BERRY BAR

  

  Sugar Plum – V S’mores Brownie

  

  Chaco Canyon Cafe – Quinoa, kelp noodles, tempeh bacon with ginger sesame sauce.

  Disclaimer: I make sure to also eat a vegetable based meal of greens to balance out the above goodness. 

  My housemate is a cat, so my job is not only easy, but enjoyable. I love cats. We just get each other. She is black just like my little, and she roams the land in the daytime like a gypsy warrior. She eats well and runs around to burn it off.

  

  Basically we’re twins. Although she has better self control than I do, I offered her some bread I made and she denied.

  Good, more for me. 

  

  Grain free chocolate zucchini bread. Yusss.

  I’m never bored over here, there is always something to do. So many cafes, so many restaurants, so many people. If anyone wants to move to Seattle and split the $48496438967 rent with me that’d be great.

  Or I’ll just house sit forever. Or I’ll sleep in abandoned churches and lighthouses.

  

  

  That’s all for now. I run. I work. I hike. I eat. I study. I explore. & Repeat.

  Q: City or suburb dwelling?

  

  | 57 Comments Tagged Hike, Mason Lake, North Bend, Running, Seattle, Solo Hike, Vegan

• Altitude Awareness

  Posted at 2:30 PM by Brittany, on September 8, 2016

  I climb a lot of mountains. In fact I find great joy in conquering mountains with high elevations, but what I realize now is that spending more than a few hours at these high altitudes makes for a constant head ache, and runs that leave me looking like road kill.

  

  I spent the last week in Colorado Springs, Colorado and hot damn did my lungs feel like they were being squeezed. I ran three times, and the first time I literally thought my heart was going to beat through my skin. I live at sea level, and gaining 6000 ft was an adventure in altitude awareness.

  

  Post run adventure on forbidden train tracks.

  

  I was spending time with my family at the Air Force Academy, because my younger sister is a freshman there. It was parents weekend, so I gathered some of my hippie belongings and headed south.

  

  

  The campus is beautiful, surrounded by trees at the foot of the rocky mountains. I’d have a hard time studying with all the adventure that surrounded me. Military life is fascinating to me, and it was fun to see my sister in her new element.

  The architecture was great too. 

  

  

  I shamelessly admit I found the above statue extremely attractive. Not to mention the story behind the hero. 

  Post military activities there was one free day to explore. I recently saw an article that shared the “Most Beautiful Place in Every U.S. State” and it just so happened Colorado’s most beautiful spot was Garden of the Gods.

  

  These red rocks formed millions of years ago through a shift in the earth. With over 15 miles of trails I was able to finagle three other members of my family to wander around four of those miles.

  

  

  I discovered I’m not the only billy goat in the family. 

  

  This walk was by no means steep, nor difficult, but the elevation and heat helped bring my heart rate above resting. I enjoyed the views, but I’d argue there are probably other places in Colorado that are more beautiful. I’m partial to blue and green mountains.

  I’d like to make it back to CO someday to explore more of the mountains, and to summit Pikes Peak. I’ll be sure to acclimate myself to the altitude first, it’d be a shame to pass out mid hike.

  

  Pikes Peak off in the distance.

  Q: Do you prefer red rocks, or green trees? I don’t think I need answer this one…

  

  | 50 Comments Tagged Colorado, Garden of the Gods, Hike, Pikes Peak, Running, Vacation

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