Backpacking @ Lower Deschutes River

On Tuesday, we went backpacking at Lower Deschutes State Recreation Area. It's on Oregon's northern border east of the Cascades, so it was a nice escape from the rainy city. Justin and I, along with the dogs, hiked in about 3 miles and stayed the night. Tuesday's weather was a fabulous 55 degrees and sunny. But overnight the temps dropped significantly and even the boys were cuddling in our sleeping bags to stay warm. I definitely should have brought my warmer bag! We still had fun and are ready for our next trip!

we always find room for a bottle of wine :)

our campsite was right along the river

Deschutes River

hiking out

it almost looks like a Bald Eagle

Winter Camping

Justin and I like to think of ourselves as pretty "outdoorsy" people. We love being outside and regularly hike, camp, and backpack when the weather allows us to. A few weeks ago when we were at White River Sno-Park we spotted several backpackers enjoying tent time in the snow. We have read about winter camping in Backpacker magazine and have always wanted to try it. Unfortunately, the price of 4 season tents has always stopped us from attempting it. So when I found out that REI rents winter tents, it needed to happen!
We picked Trillium Lake on Mt. Hood as our destination (since it's practically impossible to get a reservation at the campground in the summer, why not enjoy it in the winter when it's closed to car campers?). We parked at Trillium Sno-park and snowshoed in three miles to the lake. I think we had the (frozen) lake to ourselves which is something few people can say. We set up camp along the south side and we attempted to make a small fire. It turned out to be pretty difficult as you can imagine, but we were somewhat successful. Our zero degree sleeping bags kept us toasty warm in the just above freezing temps and the tent did a decent job of keeping us dry. It was really a great trip and I think we will be doing it again, next time at a higher elevation. I was worried about bringing my Canon along in the cold, so I just brought our old camera which doesn't do so well anymore. Bare with the pictures for a look into the crazy winter camping!

A Frozen Trillium Lake

First flag picture. Love the Madness.

R2S 2011

We had a great time with Romp to Stomp this year! Our team, "The Breast Intentions" had 15 members helping to stomp out breast cancer. Family and friends joined forces and we raised a total of $1780 taking second place for team fundraising! The Oregon event brought in about $24,000 for Susan G. Komen, which is pretty fantastic. Thank you to everyone who supported our team this year and last. We can't wait to do it again in 2012!

off we go!

We did a good job of staying together for the first mile or so.

Made it to the top of the hill!

Tiff and I finishing the 5k!

Tiff, Jeremy, and Aiden

At the finish line!!!

Me and Vanessa

With Nicki and Suzanne!

With Tori the awesome volunteer we meet!

Most of The Breast Intentions!
Justin, Suzanne, Nicki, Jeremy, Tiff, Migdalia, me, Vanessa
Aiden, Luis, Wendy