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
Friday, March 25, 2011
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
we always find room for a bottle of wine :)
our campsite was right along the river
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
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.
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, Jeremy, and Aiden
At the finish line!!!
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
Justin, Suzanne, Nicki, Jeremy, Tiff, Migdalia, me, Vanessa
Aiden, Luis, Wendy
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Keep Portland Weird #4
Round 4 of Keep Portland Weird is dedicated to "The Church of Elvis". The Church of Elvis is in NW Portland and is a fun pit stop on your walk through downtown. It claims to be "the world's first 24 hour coin operated art gallery". Only Portland could call this art. It is a conglomeration of weirdness. There is actually very little to do with a church, and even less to do with Elvis. For a mere 25 cents you can get three miracles (the normal price of one!). A quarter will also buy you a 3 minute peek into the Barbie gym or a fortunetelling. Sound too good to be true? Check out the pics!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Romp to Stomp 2011
Justin and I have once again accepted the challenge of participating in Tubbs Romp to Stomp out Breast Cancer Snowshoe Series® on February 26th at White River Sno Park on Mt. Hood. I’m excited to get outside and go snowshoeing this winter, but I’m also participating in this event because I’m committed to the fight against breast cancer. As many of you know, cancer has continued to affect my family this year. My sister Lorie is continuing her battle with cancer as it has returned for the third time. My Aunt Mary was also diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer this year. We need your help in putting a stop to this disease!
Would you be willing to support my fundraising efforts with a donation? Your tax-deductible gift will make a difference in the lives of many!
It is faster and easier than ever to support this great cause - you can make your donation online by simply clicking on the link at the bottom of this message.
We greatly appreciate your support!
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://register.tubbsromptostomp.com/site/TR?px=1020193&pg=personal&fr_id=1134&et=2nKRUy76VBURDX5qn0mf_g..&s_tafId=2507
Click here to view the team page for The Breast Intentions
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://register.tubbsromptostomp.com/site/TR?team_id=4201&pg=team&fr_id=1134&et=qxYabV6XyFzyzXmE_PJuEg..&s_tafId=2507
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Big Changes for the New Year
Resigning my teaching position with Portland Public Schools was not a decision that I took lightly. My principal made sure that I thought it was my only option. My union fully backed me and expected to drag this to mediation (very costly for the school district). I had no intention of fighting so hard to work for someone who doesn't want me in his building. There are many details of continued harassment apart from the never ending meetings/observations/evaluations describing my faults as a teacher that wore on me emotionally.
Teaching students with emotional/behavioral needs is a job that requires a certain dedication and consistency; and three new classrooms in four years is not the ideal situation. I was balancing working a difficult job in a difficult situation and going to graduate school. I was barely keeping my head above water, in fact it was under for most of each week with only two days to breathe. This also affected more than school and work, it affected my family as well.
My union rep negotiated to get me on the substitute teaching list for PPS and I also am working on finalizing plans to do behavior consulting for a friend at Willamette ESD. I look forward to focusing on my goal of school psychology.
Thank you to everyone for all of the support, and most of all to Tammy for trusting me with a life changing decision. I love you.
Teaching students with emotional/behavioral needs is a job that requires a certain dedication and consistency; and three new classrooms in four years is not the ideal situation. I was balancing working a difficult job in a difficult situation and going to graduate school. I was barely keeping my head above water, in fact it was under for most of each week with only two days to breathe. This also affected more than school and work, it affected my family as well.
My union rep negotiated to get me on the substitute teaching list for PPS and I also am working on finalizing plans to do behavior consulting for a friend at Willamette ESD. I look forward to focusing on my goal of school psychology.
Thank you to everyone for all of the support, and most of all to Tammy for trusting me with a life changing decision. I love you.
Monday, December 13, 2010
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