Klebe Multi Sport - 6/24-29/07

Mike and Cindy Klebe came out from Iowa at the end of June to check out what the Washington hype was all about. We figured a 6-Day Multi-Sport Adventure was the perfect way to show them. Their trip started with an overnight paddle to Blake Island where calm waters, descent weather and abundant wildlife started things off on a good note. They were rewarded with cold beers and good food at Tides Tavern in downtown Gig Harbor where Mt Rainier gave them a spectacular sunset show from their seats out on the deck. After a cozy night at the Maritime Inn, we headed to Exit 38 off the I-90 corridor for a day of rock climbing, where Mike and Cindy each led their first climb. From there we continued east and stayed in the quaint town of Cle Elum at a charming bed and breakfast that has converted old cabooses into playful, unique rooms. The food was amazing and the owners were gracious in making sure everyone felt welcome and at home. The following morning we were off for a day of hiking and drove from Cle Elum up the picturesque valley of the Teenaway River. A 5-mile hike up the drainage brought us to Ingalls Pass, where we were rewarded with stunning, dramatic views of Mt Stewart. A couple of climbers on the rocky faces of Ingalls Peak kept us entertained as we watched their progression through Cindy’s binoculars. Tired legs were given a chance to relax the next day with a fly-fishing float down the Yakima River. The all-day excursion landed them a couple of blue-ribbon trout. We headed north from the tranquil waters of the Yakima to the churning current of the Wenatchee where we contracted with River Riders for a day of white water rafting. A good old fashion BBQ, big waves, and water bucket fights provided the perfect ending to their Washington adventure. Like so many others who visit this great state, they left understanding what all the hype was about.

Chiwawa Range Womens Recon - 6/21-24/07

Women’s Recon – Adrienne, Stephanie, Marissa and Lindsey
I have been in a male-dominated field for the past 10 years and while all of my experiences with the opposite sex have been good ones, they just aren’t quite like an “estro-fest”. So, when one of my fellow ski patrollers said she was looking to get out with some girlfriends, I jumped at the opportunity to explore some new terrain with a few ladies. Our trip took us from the headwaters of the Chiwawa River, up and over the gentle terrain of Chiwawa Mtn, up and around the massive slopes of Fortress Mtn and along the avalanche run-out zones of the Buck Creek drainage. We slogged through snow (lots of it), drank “hottie totties” (whiskey and hot chocolate) while piled in a single tent (with the dog), shared stories (no male bashing, we promise), and enjoyed the solitude of an early season hike (how come no one else was out hiking in knee deep slush?). Our trip was a success and I feel fortunate to have strong women that I can play, explore and push myself with. Oh, and thanks to the men who understand that every now and then us girls just need an “estro-fest”.

John Day Bass Fishing - 6/17-20/07

A whole slew of us, including my Dad and brother Scott got down to the John Day to do a little Bass fishing for 4 days. We meet up at the Condon Hotel for dinner on Saturday night an unfortunately their restaurant was closed so we ate Buffalo buggers in the lounge, tied some flies and called it a night. After a great breakfest across the street we made it to the put in at Twikingham and rigged boats. 3 days of "rigging lips" great food, great company, and great weather and took out at upper Clarno. A few memorable moments would be: Ted "bumping" the wall at Homestead Rapid, Stars around camp, my dad landing a rainbow trout just above Burnt Ranch Rapid, very little wind, Mike Arness hooking an 8 inch bass and having a huge bass eat his 8 incher, and of coarse Mike Deshamaker hooking a huge carp.

Yakima River Fly Fishing - 6/15/07

Lindsey, Tylor, George and I got out and fished the Yakima yesterday. We had comfortable temps in the 60's, light winds, and overcast skies that brought out the PMD's. We consistently moved fish all morning but unfortunetly didn't land many fish over 10" Great company and real nice dry fly fishing.

Cutts Island Kayaking & Problem Solving with Radiance Capital - 6/5/06

Adrienne and I had Meryl Newman the crew at Radiance Capital out for day of kayaking and problem solving at Cutts Island. We all met up at the Horsehead bay boat launch, packed boats then played a quick game of find your partner before leaving the bay. The wind started blowing out of the southwest as we left the shelter of the harbor but we quickly made a pit stop / bathroom break then made our way to Cutts Island. After everyone did the walk around the island and Adrienne and I set up lunch and a few activities we dove into Chipolte and Turkey Wraps. To prevent everyone from falling into a food coma we played a game of circle tag then tied every ones hands together in a circle and had them set up one of our tents. A quick debrief and we were off for the return paddle into small whitecap seas.

Tacoma, Gig Harbor area guided kayaking