June 2017 Out There Monthly

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COntents

Features

17 | Highway 20 Solo 18 | Burn to Run 21 | Outdoor Dog Contest Winners 25 | Deep Creek Ravine

31 Special Sections 31 | Summer Adventure Guide

columns

departments

12 | Everyday Cyclist

19 | Buzz Bin

14 | Eatology 16 | Out There Kids 20 | Leaf, Root, Fungi, Fruit

24 | Health & Fitness 26 | Dispatches 27 | Biking 28 | Race Report 29 | Watersports

in every issue 7 | Intro 8 | Out There News & Events 11 | Hike of the Month 22 | Urban Outdoors 23 | Nature 53 | Outdoor Calendar 54 | Last Page

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Derrick Knowles: 509 / 822 / 0123 derrick@outtheremonthly.com Out There Monthly

Mailing Address: PO Box #5 Spokane, WA 99210 www.outtheremonthly.com, 509 / 822 / 0123 FIND US ON FACEBOOK Out There Monthly is published once a month by Out There Monthly, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. ŠCopyright 2017 Out There Monthly, LLC. The views expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily Out There Monthly, LLC. Disclaimer: Many of the activities depicted in this magazine carry a significant risk of personal injury or death.

Rock climbing, river rafting, snow sports, kayaking, cycling, canoeing and backcountry activities are inherently dangerous. The owners and contributors to Out There Monthly do not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless they are experts or seek qualified professional instruction and/or guidance, and are knowledgeable about the risks, and are personally willing to assume all responsibility associated with those risks.

Printed on 50% recycled paper with soy based inks in the Spokane Valley

PROUD MEMBER Of

On The Cover: Jake Hagadone and Nicole Black multi-sport fun hogging on Lake Pend Oreille.

Photo: Woods Wheatcroft 6

OutThereMonthly.com / June 2017

Intro: Bears Ears or Bust Getting lost on the way to the trailhead was the first sign that this wasn’t going to be your typical Utah spring break backpacking trip. Eventually we got back on the right road up towards Bears Ears Pass. When the road started to deteriorate into a snowy, muddy mess a few miles below the summit, and we had to stop to help another vehicle out of the ditch, we should have questioned the wisdom of our objective: a 40-mile, multi-day loop hike through the Dark Canyon Primitive Area. Instead, we parked off the side of the road, and started hiking towards the Bears Ears, a landmark that back in the late ‘90s felt like it was off the map, but has since gained national attention from recent political fighting over the Obama administration’s designation of a 1.35 million acre National Monument by the same name.

With hopes that the snow would dissipate

on the other side of the pass, we kept walking up the road on a frozen layer of snow. It was easy hiking and our spirits were high, but a few miles below the pass, our luck took a turn for the worst. The frozen layer softened, and soon we were postholing through knee-deep drifts.

We made camp early, still four miles from the trailhead, and got up at first light to hike while the snowpack was still frozen. Soon the temps rose and we were wading through slush once again. Eventually we did make it to the trailhead and even a short ways down snow-filled Woodenshoe Canyon, but with our painfully slow pace and a limited number of days for the trip, we were forced to turn back.

With 70 degree spring temps, there was no more strolling on top of frozen snow. It took another day and a half to walk the eight or so

miles back to where we started. And it would have taken us longer, had we not stopped to fashion snowshoes for ourselves out of old plywood signs we commandeered from a roadside corral. After running ecstatically down the last half mile to the van, we were exhausted, sunburnt, stinking, and cut up from repeatedly plunging our legs through the icy snow. Thank god for wild places like the Bears Ears that are vast enough to get lost in, untamed enough to challenge us in ways that are tough to plan for, and beautiful and inspiring enough to keep us coming back for more.

We need more wild places like these to maintain an essential spirt that makes our country unique and great, not less. Earlier this spring, the Trump administration signed executive order 13792 mandating a review of

dozens of the largest National Monuments that have been designated by the last three presidents under the authority of the Antiquities Act. The list of prize public lands up for review, which the president has said could include turning some federal public lands over to states with questionable conservation records, includes national treasures such as the Grand Staircase-Escalante, Upper Missouri River Breaks, Hanford Reach, Bears Ears and many more. Hopefully the public outrage from the majority of Americans who recognize the folly in rolling back protections for our spectacular, natural landscapes will be great enough to put the brakes on this outlandish executive order. Learn more and weigh in by July 10 at Regulations.gov. // Derrick Knowles, Editor

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June 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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More than just an event… it’s a Lifetime Experience!

Out ThereNews&Events

Spokane climber completes guantlet Ridge In late April, Jess Roskelley and Clint Helander

descended Mount Huntington in Alaska after climbing a new route up the mountain. Several alpinists from around the world consider their Gauntlet Ridge route one of the boldest mountaineering achievements in recent years. Shortly after he returned to Spokane, Roskelley received some deserved recognition, and has been featured in numerous climbing journals and websites.

Mount Huntington is a striking rock pyramid eight miles southeast of Denali. In the 1980 American Alpine Journal, Jeff Thomas wrote “The South Ridge of Mount Huntington is ‘not so much a ridge as five separate serrated peaks, each increas-

ingly higher.” A handful of climbers made previous attempts, but none of them made it very far.

“I’ve never done a big ridge like this,” says Roskelley. “It’s hard to traverse all that way. It was a different mindset. Usually you can just rappel off.

In this particular case, up was the way down. The safest way back to camp [on the Tokositna Glacier] was up and over the summit of Mount Huntington.”

Helander says climbing the 8,500 foot ridge “was like negotiating a sawblade made of granite.” The route has been nominated for the prestigious, international Piolet D’Or mountaineering award. With any luck, both climbers will be traveling to France next year to accept it. (Jon Jonckers)

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“Cycling has been a passion for me for a long

time,” says new Wheel Sport co-owner Mark Neupert. Wheel Sport has been a fixture in the Spokane cycling community for decades, and when the business came up for sale, Neupert and his partners (including his wife Sarah and longtime friend and business associate Nick Salisbury) jumped on it. “25 years ago, Nick and I talked about opening a bicycle store,” says Neupert.

“With this acquisition, we realized that dream.”

Dennis LeKander and an associate from the Seattle area opened Wheel Sport in 1972. In 1986, LeKander sold the business to Terry Solinsky, who grew the business to its existing three locations.

“We are excited to continue the legacy that has been established by the former owners in this community,” says Neupert. “Wheel Sport has great name recognition in Spokane, loyal customers, and some of the best employees in the business.”

Being avid cyclists, the new owners plan to engage Wheel Sport in supporting the local cycling community any way they can, including backing efforts to expand cycling participation, access, safety, and infrastructure. As an example, Neupert

cites the move by the cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake, in conjunction with the Spokane Regional Transportation Council, to place a greater emphasis on bike infrastructure, including dedicated lanes, shared lanes, and paved trails.

“There is always more to do, but great strides have been made in recent years to make our community more bike-friendly.” Neupert also calls out the miles of trails for mountain bikers that are being built by Washington Trails Association, Evergreen East Mountain Bike Alliance, and local riders, as well as the lands procured by the Spokane County Conservation Futures program that are providing new riding areas.

Wheel Sport will continue to operate out of its existing locations on Grand Ave. on the South Hill, Sullivan Road in Spokane Valley, and Division Street downtown, where the shop sells bikes from Specialized, Pivot, Fuji and Salsa, among other brands. Pay them a visit at one of their shops and come demo one of their bikes at the Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival July 8 at Camp Sekani Park. (Jon Jonckers)

Spokane local Javier Pita celebrating his Windermere Marathon win. // Photo: Jon Jonckers

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OutThereMonthly.com / June 2017

Ferry County Rail Trail Under Attack Back in 2009, northeast Washington’s Ferry County residents voted on the Ferry County Rail Trail, and 61% of the voters made it clear they wanted a non-motorized community trail.

More importantly, in a survey conducted by the Ferry County Rail Trail Partners of 196 adjacent landowners, 86% of the respondents indicated a preference for a non-motorized trail. Time and again, research shows that paved non-motorized paths lower crime, raise property values, and reduce traffic by providing commuter alternatives. Everybody wins.

Since 2010, seven successful grants have been received that provided for development of the Curlew Lake trestle decking and surfacing of over half of the 25-mile long rail trail. But right when it seemed the trajectory for completing the trail in the coming years was right around the corner, the Ferry County Commissioners, led

by Commissioner Mike Blankenship, made an unscheduled surprise proposal on May 1 to dissolve the Rail Corridor Committee that oversees the project. Blankenship is a major advocate of ATVs and other motorized recreational vehicles and has resisted the development of the trail from day one.

Bobby Whittaker, chairman of the Ferry County Rail Trail Partners, is dumbfounded.

“The community has worked tirelessly on this rail trail project for over 10 years,” he says. “We had clear community directive from a super majority

vote, then worked hard and won a planning grant from the National Parks, then spent two years gathering public input creating our rail trail plan that outlines grants to be sought and developments to be made. The community is very proud of that process, the document, and the progress.”

“Since January the commissioners have drifted from the public-adopted plan, and have not supported our grants, to the detriment of the plan and the progress of the trail,” says Whittaker. “For obvious reasons, these recent developments have upset the Rail Corridor Committee and the community.” Over 100 concerned Ferry County Rail Trail supporters showed up to make public comments on the issue at a commissioner’s meeting in May, only to have their concerns dismissed by the commissioners, says Whittaker. After blowing off a room full of his constituents at the meeting, Commissioner Blankenship referred to the Ferry County Rail Trail supporters as “gray haired sheep” in a Facebook post.

As of press time, the issues regarding significant non-motorized grants for the Ferry County Trail have not been resolved. At this point, the most current news for this project can be found on the Ferry County Rail Trail website at Ferrycountyrailtrail.com. Rail trail supporters around the Inland Northwest can send letters of support for the trail to the Ferry County Commissioners. OTM will provide more updates online as they become available. (Jon Jonckers) //

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Left: Before the rail trail improvements. Right: New trail bridge.

Photos courtesy of Ferry County Rail Trail Partners

Summer Parkways on the South Hill The streets of Spokane’s Manito and Comstock

neighborhoods will be closed to motorized traffic from 6-9 p.m. on June 21 as Spokane Summer Parkways descends on the otherwise vehicleheavy roadways. Summer Parkways Spokane is modeled after a similar event in Colombia called Ciclovia, meaning “bike path,” and encourages all ages to get on their bicycles and be more physically fit and active. Yoga, Zumba, Tai Chi,

hula hooping and more will be offered along the course, and participants are encouraged to bring their own favorite outdoor games and activities.

Leave the cars at home, and get to know the people in this friendly South Hill neighborhood by walking, biking, or skating through the neighborhood.

For more information visit Summerparkways. com. (Siobhan Ebel)

Spokane Local Wins the Windermere Marathon For several years, the Windermere Marathon has attracted a significant field of runners. The flat course frequently gives veteran runners a new personal record, and it’s the perfect start to the summer race season. But this year’s race is extra special for Spokane’s Javier Pita.

“Running on the Centennial Trail with the river to the side made for spectacular views, and finishing in the iconic Riverfront Park is always special,” says Pita.

“If you’re from out of town then you get to see the

beauty that Spokane has to offer, and if you live here, well, then this race makes you feel right at home with all the support you get along the way.” Pita won the marathon with a time of 2:52, almost three minutes ahead of second place. Although this wasn’t a PR for him, this was his very first marathon victory. Sadly, he just announced he is relocating to California to be with family. Pita has been a common fixture at most Flying Irish events, and he will be sorely missed. (Jon Jonckers)

Explore summer fun with our river recreation maps.

Boating, swimming, fishing, camping…our region offers lots of outdoor recreation. That includes along the rivers and reservoirs where Avista operates hydropower dams. It’s why we’re committed to protecting and enhancing these waterways for everyone to enjoy. But remember: please play it safe above and below dams and always obey posted warning and closure signs. To find recreation access sites and public facilities, visit avistautilities.com/rivermaps.

June 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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TOUGHS IT OUT WHILE TAKING IT IN. all out blaze 2

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OutThereMonthly.com / June 2017

HikeOfTheMonth Kootenai Falls // By Holly Weiler

All out blaze 2 EXCLUSIVELY AT MERRELL .COM AND THESE PARTICIPATING RETAILERS Come for the falls, but don’t miss the foot bridge! // Photo: Holly Weiler

The Pacific Northwest has been setting precipitation records since last October, leaving normally dry

trails muddy and damaged by erosion. Avoid those trails, and seek out a trail where water is the main attraction. As the largest undammed waterfall in Montana, Kootenai Falls is well worth a visit in any season; however, the spring run-off makes its churning water especially scenic right now.

From a paved parking area along Highway 2, the trailhead boasts a seasonal ice cream stand, several picnic tables, outhouses, and interpretive signage about the history of the area. The narrow hiking trail is paved for the first tenth mile, then begins a series of switchbacks down the slope to a railroad crossing. A set of stairs and a concrete walkway takes hikers up and over the train tracks. If you hear a train whistle in the distance, train buffs in the group may want to linger as the pedestrian overpass provides an excellent viewing platform to watch the thundering trains.

A short distance beyond the train tracks, the trail forks. Take the trail to the right first for the best view of the falls. Keep close watch on small hikers when approaching the rocks near the river. Kootenai Falls boasts a wide series of cascades rather than one dramatic drop, and there are excellent vantage points from several points along the river’s edge.

When you return to the trail junction, continue downstream for the impressive swinging bridge. The signs warn that no more than five people should be on the bridge at one time, and crossing is sure to raise the heart rate of anyone with a fear of heights. The narrow bridge allows just enough room for two hikers to squeeze past one another should they meet while crossing. There are additional rocky viewpoints on the far side of the bridge, and several spots that are popular with local fisherman. Take in the view, then

retrace your steps to return to the parking lot, or extend the hike by continuing up FS trail #218 to Koot Creek Canyon. // Round Trip Distance

1.5 miles with 200’ elevation gain.

Take Highway 2 eastbound through the Idaho Panhandle and into Montana. Continue three miles beyond Troy (past the intersection with Highway 56) to Kootenai Falls County Park.

No parking pass required. //

Holly Weiler can often be found wandering Inland Northwest trails with a crosscut saw or other trail maintenance tools in tow on the Washington Trails Association trail maintenance projects she leads.

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Everyday Cyclist

SIP BACK AND RELAX

Time to Close the Gap

Taking it easy with friends, or just taking a daycation.

// By Erika Prins Simonds

Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival July 8th 10:00am-6:00pm at Camp Sekani Park

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Look no further than Spokane streets, bike shops and riding clubs for evidence of the massive gender imbalance across the nation in bicycling.

Why don’t more women ride? Well, it’s complicated. Yet, it’s everyone’s problem. When fewer women bike, public health, the bike industry, infrastructure and all cyclists’ safety suffer.

The most oft-referenced study on why women bike less than men comes from, believe it or not, the Evergreen State. In 2012, Anne Broache published her University of Washington Master’s thesis in urban planning exploring barriers to riding for women. “Even in Seattle, which has earned accolades for bikefriendliness [sic], men compose more than 70 percent of bike commuters,” writes Broache, who now works on communications projects for the Washington State Department of Transportation at public relations firm PRR. In survey responses from 365 Seattle women — about two thirds of whom rode daily — 79 percent cited safety concerns as the primary barrier to riding.

Broache’s study echoes data from other Washington bike groups, national studies and big-city bikeshare programs: U.S. women represent only a quarter of total cyclists. Far more women bike for recreation than for transportation, reifying accounts of road hazards like distracted driving deterring commuters.

Portland planning professor Jennifer Dill found that just like adult women, girls stopped biking due to safety concerns at around 11 years old. Even then, safety concerns top the list of barriers.

A different study co-authored by Dill found women’s actual bike routes were similar to men’s, indicating they weren’t more likely to go out of their way to avoid dangerous routes. That may mean girls and women are simply more likely to articulate safety concerns than their male counterparts, and the actual reasons for gender disparity in bicycling lies beneath the surface.

A lack of biking companions came second in teenage girls’ concerns — and though that’s not often mentioned for adults, the dearth of other female riders in cycling groups and on the road makes anecdotal sense. Other factors, like expectations for women’s physical appearance, kid-shuttling and grocery shopping responsibilities, street harassment, and economic disparity all arise in Broache’s and other studies on why some women don’t ride. Women are twice as likely to hold minimum-wage jobs, introducing additional challenges like access to bikes and irregular shifts that require commuting at odd hours.

Data from the Netherlands shows responsi-

The most oft-referenced study on why women bike less than men comes from, believe it or not, the Evergreen State.

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of bike trips in the U.S. are shopping trips, a quarter of rides in the Netherlands include shopping.

In an industry dominated by men, women report feeling less welcome in bike shops, and most bikerelated companies are owned by men. More and more, women are taking bike fashion and function into their own hands, creating products that meet their needs, but that’s not enough. Women comprise nearly 40 percent of bike-related spending, and that number increases every year. Failing to include women in the industry as a whole continues to stifle its money-making potential.

Creating better communities for women cyclists, and thereby boosting their confidence when it comes to skill and safety, starts with womenspecific resources. Skills classes, riding groups and women-only races provide an approachable entry point to the sport. But for lasting change, all bicycling spaces — from shops to bike clubs to the street — need a culture shift. //

SOMETIMES MORE SCIENCE SOMETIMES JUST ART

Matthew Larsen Wheelbuilding

12

bilities like child care and road safety can impact women’s ridership numbers. It’s the bike-friendliest country on Earth, and also one in which kids become independently mobile at a younger age. In the Netherlands, more women ride bikes than men.

The League of American Bicyclists offers five “C’s” that need improvement to get more women on bikes: comfort, convenience, consumer products, confidence and community.

Increasing comfort means creating more bike paths and bike lanes. “Bike facilities and low-stress roads, like bicycle boulevards, can play an important role in this transformation — with pronounced impact on the number of women riders,” according to the League’s 2013 “Women Bike” report. And it works: Portland increased its female ridership by 10 percent from 1992 to 2012 by investing heavily in bike infrastructure.

Convenience and consumer products go hand in hand. The report identifies availability of cargo and kid-toting gear as a key factor in the Netherlands’ high rate of women cyclists. While only five percent

June 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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GearRoom summer adventure gear //

By Derrick Knowles

3

5

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7 at NW Outdoors

Whether your summer will be full of hiking, biking, paddling, camping, or hanging out at the beach and music festivals, there’s something here that will make those 13 weeks a little more fun.

1 Osprey Talon Tempest Pack

One of the best technical day hiking or backpacking backpacks on the market comes with new features, including a lighter, more breathable back panel and more comfortable lumbar-to-hipbelt wrap system. These light, close-hugging, suspension-stabilizing, and extremely comfortable packs come in low-volume and lighter sizes like the 11 and 22 liter options, as well as the 33 and 44 liter packs for go-light, multi-day trips. MSRP: $100-$160 2 HydraPak 3L Seeker Water Bottle

This high-capacity, three liter water bottle is a durable, ultra-light hydration storage system for long, thirsty hikes, backpack trips, climbs or floats. The feather-light, abrasion resistant thermoplastic polyurethane construction stands up to everyday outdoor use and collapses down to the size of a crushed beer can when empty, making it a great choice for thirsty hikers with tight packs. It’s BPA and PVC free, top-rack dishwasher safe, and compatible with most water filters. MSRP: $20 3 CamelBak CRUX Hydration Reservoir

For hikers, runners, skiers, and cyclists, the CamelBak name is synonymous with quality

hydration delivery for people on the move. You may still be happily using the same one you bought when George W was President. So why upgrade to the new “CRUX” technology reservoir now? For starters, although you might not want to admit it, your old one might not be leaking, but it’s likely a little funky smelling if you stick your nose down in there and give it a good whiff. And the second, maybe more important reason, is that the technology has changed just a bit in the last decade and the new CRUX reservoir system delivers 20% more water with every sip, which means you’ll spend less time fiddling with your reservoir valve for sips and more time staying hydrated for the outdoor adventures you love. Options include 1.5, 2 or 3 liter capacity reservoirs. MSRP: $30-35 4 ENO Nomad Hammock Stand

Every wanted to pitch your ENO hammock on a dock, out in the desert, on the beach, or in your backyard or some other tree-less natural wonder?

With ENO’s Nomad hammock stand, you can.

The stands are durable and light weight, fast to set up (no tools required), and easy to use with any ENO hammock—and they pack up into a custom carrying case. MSRP: $249.95 5 Crazy Creek Beach/Festival Chair

Headed to a festival like Spokatopia or your favorite lake beach this summer? Sit low and comfy on the sand, park grass, or festival or concert meadow with the Crazy Legs Quad Beach/Festival

Jerry Johnson Hot Springs

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OutThereMonthly.com / June 2017

Chair from Montana-based Crazy Creek. It comes in several designs, but why not go for the tie-dye pattern? This comfy, dynamic little chair also doubles as a middle seat in a canoe, which means, if you don’t already have one, that you really need to pick up a canoe. MSRP: $47 6 Bridgedale TrailBlaze Hiking Socks

Bridgedale is the global market leader in the manufacture of technical socks for hiking, mountaineering, running, skiing and walking for good reason. The company’s factory in Northern Ireland has been knitting socks since WW1, so you might say they know what they’re doing. The TrailBlaze “CoolFusion” technology means you’re buying a burly, yet breathable hiking sock with hybrid construction (a mix of merino wool, nylon, polypropylene, and Lycra) that provides excellent pad-

6

ding where needed with maximum ventilation.

Pick up or order a pair from Hyperspud Sports in Moscow, Winthrop Mt. Sports in the Methow, or Alberg Sports in Wenatchee.

7 Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Shoe

You can expect out-of-the-box comfort with this highly ventilated trail shoe. So why not say “yes” to that 25 mile backpack trip in the Bitterroot Mountains you’ve been invited to join next month? Merrell’s MOAB 2 Ventilator is built with durable leathers, a supportive footbed, and Vibram traction, all in a tough, light-weight hiking shoe package. If you’re looking for something with a little more support, Merrell’s Moab collection (which stands for Mother of All Boots) includes several more supportive, tough-trailtackling options. MSRP: $100. //

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, & Save Money on Outdoor Gear NW Outdoors, Spokane’s outdoor gear and apparel consignment store selling gently used hiking, biking, paddling, skiing, camping and other outdoor gear, is constantly adding new items, so stop in often to see what’s new. Here are a few of the deals that were up for grabs at the end of May at the NW Outdoors store in the old Wintersport building (3220 N. Division).

• Stillwater 11’ x 32” x 4” Stand Up Paddleboard, $499 ($900 retail) • Scott Plasma LTD TT/Tri road bike, carbon everything, weighs just 17lbs! $3,000 (Approximately a $10,000 build) • A set of Feathered Friends -35 Degree down sleeping bags, $300 each ($650 retail) • Yakima Fullswing 4 Hitch bike rack, $250 ($500 retail)

Eatology

Foodphobia: Why Your Friends Don’t Cook For You // By Ammi Midstokke

People generally want to be good and gener-

mother on Crisco. Crisco! Plus, TV dinners and all ous. I know this truth because when they invite me those microwave casseroles you could feed a family over, they say kind things like, “Is there anything of eight while you were pouring yourself a happyyou don’t eat?” This is not the language of “Lord hour cocktail and swallowing Valium. Because in of the Flies.” the ‘60s, raising a family was stressful and justified martinis before the kids came home from school.

These days, there is a social awareness of specialized diets, and it is almost a welcome challenge to Yes, those diets were not optimal. My other the hosts to create free-of-everything food for their grandmother ate Egg Beaters and margarine and guests. But they are going to tire of us soon, and we cubes of MSG soup stock for 30 years and was still cannot blame them. golfing and kickin’ ass at bridge club when she What began as a heightened awareness of crossed sides. health, and a return to eating whole foods, has The moral of the story is: lighten up! It is one become a downright dogma of food phobia and thing to be conscious of your health and strive to diagnosable disordered eating. We’re non-GMO eat well. It’s another thing to be afraid of food or be and gluten-free and we don’t eat cane sugar, but the only one not invited to the Super Bowl party we do eat coconut sugar as long as it comes from a because your pretentious vegetable and hummus place that showcases their Fair Trade labeling. Some of us are grain-free and others only do raw, pastured dairy. We’ve got vegans and I-don’t-eat-fishfrom-the-Pacific-ans. There are those who avoid cruciferous vegetables (do you have any idea how much raw broccoli you’d have to eat to impact your thyroid?) and those who heard nightshades are bad for autoimmunity, and those who just threw their arms up in the air and say, “screw it!”

They are probably really enjoying that burger they are eating right now while the rest of us food-righplatter isn’t welcome. teous folk with empty bellies and reduced cancer Of course, I’m not suggesting we go out and risk are basking in our misery. It’s like a religion: wittingly cause ourselves harm (I’m talking to the resist temptation now, and sometime in the great gluten-free crowd — we are a special breed and that afterlife of geriatric intestines we’ll all be grateful stuff is our kryptonite). I’m saying too many carbs or a cocktail made with corn syrup is not going to that we skipped the chip bowl at the barbecue. Our cause diabetes tomorrow. only consolation is that any time the carefree eatA good rule of thumb is this: Eat clean at home, ers get sick, injured, complain of being tired or go through a divorce we think (but don’t say out loud), make sure most of your meals are made in your ‘If only they ate organic, kitchen with ingredithis all could have been ents you recognize, and avoided. I’m sure glad I enjoy yourself when have kale for breakfast you go out. If someone every day.’ offers you spray-can cheese, it’s not going Here’s the reality to be what gives you though: If you obsess cancer. Chronic stress about your food, you about what not to eat are the one with the problem. Yes, we should might though. // have a diet mainly of whole foods, fruits and When Ammi Midstokke is not chasing her first vegetables, nutrientlove (trails), she is dense sources of carbopreaching her second hydrates, clean proteins, (food) as a Nutritional and rich in healthy Eat the Burger. This one is Therapist. If you missed fats. Scroll back a few gluten free from Cole’s it, she wrote about poop decades though. My Bakery & Café on Spokane’s northside. // Photo: Shallan in the May issue. grandmother raised my

What began as a heightened awareness of health, and a return to eating whole foods, has become a downright dogma of food phobia.

Gluten-Free Beer & Bites Tasting Night (June 30) Ground Breaker Brewing, a dedicated gluten-free brewery based in Portland, Oregon, is hosting a tasting night at Spokane’s only 100% gluten free restaurant, Cole’s Bakery & Café, on June 30 from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Come taste the entire line-up of Ground Breaker Brewing’s award-winning gluten-free beers made from chestnuts, lentils and brown rice. Coles Bakery & Cafe will provide complimentary bites, both savory and sweet, made with Ground Breaker beers. There will be door prizes and giveaways while supplies last too. Check out all of GBB’s beers at Groundbreakerbrewing.com, and Cole’s Bakery & Café’s full menu at Colesfinefoods.com.

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Kids

fresh air parenting // amy silbernagel mccaffree

Boulevard Park along Bellingham bay. // photo Amy silbernagel mccaffree

Fresh-Air Parenting, coined by outdoor writer Katie Arnold in a May 2015 “Outside Magazine” article, asserts that “Letting [children] embrace freedom involves a fair amount of hovering,” and lies along the spectrum between helicopter parenting and free-range parenting.

Fresh-air parenting wavers in the middle of these two extremes – somewhat free-range but hovering as needed to guide, teach, and protect from harm. In my family, this is what it looks like: I hover close on the alpine ski runs, but this past season, with my son nearing age 7, he was allowed to ride the bunny-hill chairlift by himself to meet-

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up with his dad. My kids climb our magnolia tree, but not our fence. They can never, ever bike, ski, scooter or skateboard without wearing a properlyfitted helmet. Usually I’m outside with them when they’re riding bikes, but sometimes I have jobs to do inside, like cook dinner. In public, as long as they use the buddy system and stay together, I let them walk without me to the restrooms, if it’s a store we know well.

Fresh Air Parenting in Practice

Here are some ways to practice more fresh-air parenting this summer. These adventures allow my

children to challenge their bodies and psyches in new ways and further develop confidence and grit.

• Climbing trees. Our family rules are: climb only on branches strong enough to support your weight, and climb only as high as you can safely climb down. Like all outdoor activities, pay attention to what you’re doing (I read somewhere that it’s better to remind a child to “Pay attention” rather than chide with the fear-based phrase, “Be careful.”)

• Playing outside unsupervised. You choose the time and place. My kids are now in the 6-7 age range, so for our family this means playing in our backyard and front yard with conditions:

plastic “green guy” with “slow” sign and holding neon orange flag is out by the street; they wear helmets whenever biking or scootering, look both ways before entering the road, and don’t go farther than two houses down.

• Riding or hiking ahead on the trail. As long as kids stay on the trail, they can’t get lost (hopefully). Let your son pedal ahead and come back to you. Let your daughter venture around the corner to experience the silence and solace of the forest. This is an easy way for children to build confidence and skills of responsibility and independence on trails that don’t pose significant dangers (like cliffs, bears, cougars, rattlesnakes, etc.)

• Jumping into the deep end. Whether in a pool or lake, jumping off a dock or off the bow of a boat, let kids leap and relish that cold splash.

Let them swim around the boat. Whether they can swim independently or must still wear a PFD (required for boating for all children age 12 and younger), let them feel adventurous. Look for opportunities for them to practice bravery – doing something even though it’s scary. This is different for every kid. “Deep-end” can also be a metaphor – what is something your child has been too timid to try? Ziplining? Waterskiing? River tubing? How about doing that together this summer? If you’re not willing to try something, don’t expect your child to do it.

• Venturing away and coming back (in groups of two or more) – and venture solo when old enough (10-12 and older). Perhaps geared with a cell phone or 2-way radio, or no communication device at all, let children venture beyond the “home borders.” My personal example is that, when camping, my children are allowed to bike the looped-road, as long as they make visual eye contact and/or otherwise “check-in” with a parent every time they pass by, and my two kids must stay together. Campgrounds generally have a 5 mph speed limit, and the best campground communities have watchful eyes of other parents, grandparents and all-around good people to create a safe, caring “village” atmosphere.

• Daring greatly. Let your kids do it. Do it together. This means different things for different ages and abilities, as well as your own family lifestyle and comfort level. For McCaffrees, daring activities include: biking at night in Central Oregon with bats flying into the sides of our helmets, skiing an unlit intermediate run after dark (with a headlamp), and tubing upper sections of the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River. //

Adventures along Washington’s Iconic Cycling Route // By Sarah Oscarson Modern day life often dictates that time and

money are limited, and therefore we seek out adventure on the weekends, or in short bursts of time. In order to minimize travel time and maximize destination time, many times we board a plane (or boat, or bus, or car) and rush off to a faraway wonder. Traveling at such a rapid rate allows us to experience so much beauty; but are we truly seeing it all as it zips by the window?

I’ve long been enamored by the adventures beginning from my doorstep. The idea that adventure is not a trip detailed on the pages of a guidebook or the events that occur only after you step onto an established trail, but instead includes every moment of the experience— from planning, preparation, to execution. The bucket list destination is merely a brush stroke in an enormous mural of experience, enriched by the landscapes, people, and stories found along the way. Even though I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to countless amazing places, something has always been missing – as if I skipped a step in the experiential process.

Last year, I began searching for that missing piece, and decided to embark on a solo, self-supported adventure. I planned to step out my front door, jump on my bicycle, and just ride - Forrest Gump style - across the wilds of Washington. My destination: the cool Pacific shores of Anacortes. My route: north on Highway 395 to Kettle Falls, then rambling across the Cascades via Highway 20. My method: madness.

In the wee hours of a warm September morning, I took one last look back at my house, my cat, and my husband, and I rode off with doubt in my heart and fear seizing my muscles. I never expected to feel so scared. Although help was merely a phone call away, I felt like I was venturing into the unknown. Ahead of me lay 400 miles, four mountain passes, and boundless solitude. I doubted I’d even make it out of Spokane, let alone

finding pit stops, supplies, and welcoming people was easy in the quaint mountain towns dotting the route.

For nine days I pedaled, experiencing some of the best and hardest moments of my life; my moods ebbed and flowed with the topography. I felt a rhythm to my riding, and a sense of calm, even during times of hardship. Even when I got a flat tire in the pouring rain. Even when the grueling, relentless 25-mile climb up Sherman Pass with a broken odometer nearly broke my spirit. Even when I lay awake in my tent, camped in the woods near Republic, trying to decide which way I’d rather die: being gnawed on by a bear or being hacked to pieces by a psychopath.

Eventually, I processed the Top: Climbing 5,477 feet to Washington Pass. // Goodbye, beauty around me in a visAnacortes. Hello, Vancouver island. // Camping Solo near Republic. Photos Sarah Oscarson ceral way. As I rode into North Cascades National Park and climbed Washington Pass, the morning fog dissipating to reveal the Early Winters Spires standing like sentinels protecting my ascent, I barely noticed the difficulty of the climb. A grin crept across my face, and it remained as I rode along the misty shores of the Skagit River, the golden dawn sunlight filtering through moss-covered cottonwoods.

Then, it seemed like my heart might explode with joy when the brackish tidal flats of Anacortes came into sight. I knew I was home free.

As with any adventure, there was a feeling of accomplishment when I reached my destination.

But having made the physical journey from my home using just the strength of my legs, mind, and heart helped me gain a new sense of place and connection. The road was an extension of my own backyard, the people I’d met were neighbors. For this I credit the magic of human-powered adventure, and more, the enchanting beauty of Highway 20. //

across the state.

While Highway 20 is a popular destination ride and is friendly to bicycle tourists, it isn’t without its challenges and dangers. The road is often narrow and without a shoulder. Drivers are frequently rubber-necking at the scenery and not watching for cyclists. Logging trucks hustle to get their loads to the mill. Sasquatch are lurking just around the next corner (I could feel it). But Highway 20 also offered some of the best sights these eyes have beholden from a bicycle seat. From the grand Columbia River to the pastoral Methow Valley to the majestic Cascades, I felt like the star of a Washington State tourism ad. There were ample places to camp, and

After pedaling over 430 miles in nine days last September, Sarah Oscarson met up with her husband in Anacortes for some much-needed rest. This is her first article in Out There Monthly.

SUM M ER LOV I N’

Highway 20 Solo

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BU r n t o R u n

Beyond Thunderdome: Burners run too, but it’s not your orthodox ultra.

Picture an XY line graph. The X axis is

labeled “Runner Extremes,” and the Y axis is labeled “Cultural Extremes.” Plot an intersection point at the far ends of each axis, and you have the Burning Man 50K Ultramarathon, which I chose as my first foray into ultrarunning.

BURNING MAN

At the end of every summer, 70,000 people from all over the world descend upon the desolate salt flats of the Black Rock Desert in northeastern Nevada.

They create Black Rock City, a temporary civilization that, for the eight days of Burning Man, becomes Nevada’s third-largest city.

Burning Man attracts a decidedly counterculture, nontraditional, free-spirited personality type, the kind who finds the event’s “10 Principles” (radical inclusion, gifting, decommodification, radical self-reliance, radical self-expression, communal effort, civic responsibility, leaving no trace, participation, and immediacy) pretty natural to practice and preach – at least for a week.

RUNNING MAN

AT

BURNING

Running at Burning Man is like running on the set of Mad Max. Fine playa dust covers everything, thanks in part to the frequent desert winds, so that no matter what one’s skin or hair color is, everyone ends up the same shade of head-totoe taupe.

Running on the playa is like running on the set of Mad Max. Fine playa dust covers everything, thanks in part to the frequent desert winds, so that no matter what one’s skin or hair color is, everyone ends up the same shade of head-totoe taupe. In addition, the enthusiastic costume culture at Burning Man creates a post-apocalyptic-steampunk meets Halloweencostume-stash aesthetic, which just adds to the 18

creative and logistical challenge of running in the desert. Once you’ve run long enough to raise your heart rate, breathing on the playa is similar to when you accidentally inhale powdered sugar, except it’s not tasty.

In the “default world” (i.e., where burners spend the other 51 weeks each year), lube is a runner’s best friend. At Burning Man, vinegar replaces lube as the go-to substance, neutralizing the alkaline dust and preventing “playa foot,” the chemical burn that can turn skin into cracked leather within hours.

OutThereMonthly.com / June 2017

PINK LIGHTNING, HASH HOUSE HARRIERS, AND LAKE LAHONTAN

I’m camping with Pink Lightning, the folks who put on the ultramarathon and other running events.

Early in the week, I ride the course on my bike alongside Cherie Yanek, founder and race director of the Burning Man 50K Ult ramarat hon .

She talks about her experiences as a race director.

She’s not reluctant exactly, but I get the idea that the exposure she’s received as a result of the race – her gift to the Burning Man community – has caused her to become wary of interviews. Yanek is a spunky little firecracker. Unsurprisingly, she’s always wearing pink, including as a hair color.

By Janelle McCabe She’s increasingly flighty and spontaneous and entertaining as the 50K approaches.

In addition to the ultramarathon, Pink Lightning hosts an easy 5K run, a yoga session, a 5K race, and a beer mile throughout the week.

Participants in the beer mile alternate pounding a can of beer and running a quarter mile until they either pass out or complete a full mile.

Being gluten free and averse to public puking, I help record finish times. One of my campmates commandeers the mic and heckles runners as they stumble into and out of the staging area. Finishing times range from eight to 35 minutes, and it’s amusing to see perfectly sober people get completely sloshed within just a few minutes, and all before noon.

Other groups facilitate running events at Burning Man, too. The Hash House Harriers host one of their infamous Red Dress Runs. I show up ready to run along with 200 other burners in red, and it soon becomes evident that they are more interested in bar hopping than running. This is Burning Man, after all.

Another group hosts the Burning Man Triathlon, an event that welcomes 75-200 participants every year, “depending on the number of random first timers [we] entice to join in with the bullhorn,” says race co-director Ron Lane. The triathlon includes all three traditional events: “The ‘swim’ takes place in historic Lake Lahontan [which has been dry for the past 8,000 years]. The bike ride is a loop around The Man, and the run is an out-and-back around some art and cones on the playa. Each year the distances vary depending on the hangover status and ambition status of those setting up the course,” Lane says.

off my headlamp and pick up my gaiters after shaking the crumbles and scraping the mud out of my shoes and socks.

The sun has just risen at the start of my second loop, and it makes the whole desert floor glow a soft pink-orange. The race organizers provide two official aid stations that runners encounter every 3.5 miles on the loop course. However, pop-up aid stations begin appearing where other burners offer us drinks -- sometimes water but more often booze -- to help or hinder us in the Burning Man spirit.

After several runners drop out, the course is noticeably less populated on the third loop, making the miles out in the deep playa especially quiet. During the fourth loop, runners’ facial expressions harden from excitement and playfulness to grit and determination. Latent running injuries become more obvious and visible, and we exchange words of encouragement as we pass each other. We’ve been spoiled by cool temps and a calm breeze throughout the race, but during the final 2.5-mile out-andback, the temps rise and a white-out sandstorm ensues, reducing visibility to 10 feet and giving us a mighty headwind for the last mile.

The finish line is celebratory, if a bit dazed. I’m one of 160 burners who finish, with final times ranging from three-and-a-half hours to almost 12.

Since this is my first 50K, I get an automatic PR. But Burning Man ultrarunners seem to apply the same rule to their race results as the Burning Man Triathlon folks do: “All event results should be considered inaccurate, completely wrong, and purely for entertainment purposes.” I take a shot and then a solar shower and then a nap.

The Black Rock Desert is surrounded by tall, spiny hills that rise a couple thousand feet from the desert floor. As the evening sun shines its last before slipping behind the hills, coloring everything fluorescent pink and orange, the entire city breaks out in howls. The temperature immediately drops, and there’s a lull in the action as burners rest, eat dinner, and start dressing for the nighttime festivities. This moment is a great time to take your bike out on the town, which is exactly how I begin my post-race celebration. //

THE 50K ULTRAMARATHON

The big race starts at 5 a.m. on Tuesday — Tutu Tuesday, as it’s celebrated by burners, so many of the runners arrive dressed with various amounts of frill around their waists. It’s totally dark, but the high cloud cover overnight has kept the temps relatively warm for a pleasant 55-degree start.

More than 300 runners show up with a more noticeable level of body odor than your typically starting line. Most runners wear some sort of costume befitting the host city, including their birthday suits. I’ve run the Bare Buns Fun Run enough times to know that 3 miles naked is one thing; 31 miles naked is another. That doesn’t stop at least one man from not only running nude but also covering himself entirely in silver body paint, anchoring his race bib to his nipple rings.

The race comprises four 7-mile loops plus an out-and-back at the end to bring the mileage to 31 miles, or 50 kilometers. The first loop is in the dark, so we wear headlamps. There are lots of people still out partying from the night before, and they shout in bewilderment, encouragement, and disdain as we run by. The playa surface ranges from hard, cracked, and bumpy to fine dust dunes several inches deep. The harder surfaces are preferable, because the dust does to our shoes (or in the case of some runners, bare feet) what it does to every other interior and exterior surface: It completely engulfs them. When it rains on the playa, the dust turns to clay and then hardens into crumbly rocks.

When sweat mixes with playa dust, the same phenomenon occurs, which is what takes place inside my shoes. So before I start the second loop, I drop

Above: Running toward The sunrise. Bottom: The author at mile 26, just 5 miles to go. // Photos: janelle mccabe.

BuzzBin No-Li Ioane Coconut Porter Only 120 total cases made the cut to be

Honey Spirits. Photo: Carrie Scozzaro // bar at up north distillery Photo: Teuvo Orjala

Up North Distillery When it comes to starting a distillery in North Idaho, there is no shortage of hoops you have to jump through with the state and the feds. Still, the owners of Up North Distillery wanted to give it a try. Hilary and Randy Mann plus Dan and Danielle Beckius are four brave souls who have been successfully producing honey and apple spirits since 2015. Earlier this year, they won three gold medals at the Denver International Spirits Competition for their Honey Spirits, Barrel-Aged Honey Spirits, and original Apple Brandy. Also, their Honey Spirits was named the most unique

in Idaho by Playboy.com.

It’s easy to pass over such uncommon spirits in favor of gin, vodka, or whiskey. However, the moonshine quality that is the foundation for both the Apple Brandy and Honey Spirits makes them easy to mix, pour, sip, and even shoot. First, the brandy is crisp and clean with just a hint of fresh, tart apple on the end. It has a simple flavor profile, which makes it ideal for cocktails. I stirred it into a Persephone, which calls for 1 ounce of apple brandy, 3/4 ounce of sweet vermouth, a splash of unfiltered apple juice (optional), and 1/2 ounce each of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Pour over ice, stir, and strain for a refreshing sipper.

The Honey Spirits, which start as 100% local Inland Northwest honey, are brewed into a mead wine, then distilled into a delicate liquor with a warm, soft finish on the tongue. Surprisingly, it isn’t overly sweet but balanced in flavor and body.

You can try it in a Pomegranate Moscow Mule at the Up North Distillery bar.

Bottles of Up North’s award-winning spirits can be found at Idaho liquor stores, as well as a small shop in its bar and distillery in Post Falls. The bar serves seasonal drinks, classic cocktails, in-house liquors, and a comprehensive selection of local and regional spirits and whiskey. (S. Michal Bennett)

hand-bottled. This is truly an extra special and limited release from No-Li Brewhouse. Basically, if you have an opportunity to purchase the Ioane Coconut Porter, then do it.

“John Ioane Coconut Porter is a tribute to family, sacrifice and the journey,” says John Bryant of No-Li Brewhouse. “John Ioane, Senior Vice President of Odom Corporation, is a pivotal leader in the development of No-Li craft brands and the beer industry in the hometown market of Spokane.”

Beginning with roasted malts, this coconut porter delivers hints of toffee, mild coffee, and just enough Zeus hops to provide black pepper, licorice, and curry notes. At 6.1% ABV and 22 IBUs, it’s easy to drink at any occasion, such as backyard barbecues or following a memorable mountain bike ride.

Overall, the flavors work really well together.

There’s only a hint of coconut hidden behind the dark rich porter. Whereas some porters have an earthy aroma, the Ioane Coconut Porter smells hoppy and sweet. Obviously, it’s a dark brown beer, but it doesn’t have a malty aftertaste. Even if I wasn’t a fan of dark beers, I would enjoy this beer.

No-Li Brewhouse was awarded 2016 Washington Brewery of the Year, and No-Li has won 21 international awards. Without a doubt, the Ioane Coconut Porter only underscores No-Li’s ability to create complex and deliciously wonderful Inland Northwest beers. (Jon Jonckers) //

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Leaf, Root, Fungi, Fruit Ballhead Waterleaf // By Kelly Chadwick Some plants ‘speak’ louder than others, stand-

ing out in an eye-catching way. The first time we walked into a patch of flowering camas, I said to my partner, “that must be camas!” They were a caricature of themselves — vibrant, distinct, and attention calling, as if projecting their role as a primary starchy food source. In Eliot Cowen’s “Plant Spirit Medicine,” he recounts a Mexican tribe laughing at him for taking notes of their uses for plants. They told him, “you don’t need to remember what we are saying, the plant will tell you.” This is a departure from the scientific realm, and I am not suggesting you ask plants if they are edible. I am suggesting they have varied personalities, some of which can be particularly appealing.

Waterleaf was like this when I encountered it hiking on Mount Spokane in the disputed northwest slope expansion area. Its fuzzy lobed leaves and purplish blue flowers drew me in. I had to know what it was, and soon found it was a historic common edible for native peoples.

Ballhead waterleaf, Hydrophyllum capitatum, grows spring till early summer in shadier spots on rocky, moist soils from the foothills to tree line. In more arid locations, look under rock outcroppings or near taller foliage. Sometimes a single plant sits above a path. Other times they verge on being a weed. My stepfather’s “lawn” in Tum Tum sports them like dandelions.

This herb is easily recognized due to its long,

pinnately-lobed leaves (pinnate means the leaf looks like several leaves coming off a central rib) and single globose lavender flower, almost like a little thistle head sitting low in the center of the arching stems. The roots branch into a cluster of small fingers and are the preferred part to eat— crunchy and a bit earthy. The sweet carrot-tasting leaves can be eaten raw or cooked but are best when young. If collecting the flower, wait until it is fully opened to avoid unsavory furriness. It is neutral in flavor and texture, so use as a garnish or entertainment while hiking.

According to ethnobotanist Nancy Turner, a number of tribes in the region collected the roots.

Nowadays, tubers, corms, and rhizomes are referenced in books of foraging, but few bother to harvest them. Leaves, flowers, and berries are pluckable. Roots must be dug out, often in rocky soil requiring a stick or, ideally, shovel. In addition, it’s hard for us nature lovers to kill the whole plant for one morsel. The charming verdant waterleaf most definitely fits this category and could be decimated if singled out by the beast of human consumption. However, by sampling occasionally, one can get acquainted with a plant and not dishonor the species. Identifying Attributes: The finely hairy— almost pinnate leaves—and low, globose flower are fairly distinct but to correctly identify, look at the picture in OTM and when you find it in the wild, double check with a knowledgeable person.

Ballhead Waterleaf flowering by a vernal stream in Tum Tum // Photo: Kelly Chadwick

Cautionary Points: Though Hydrophyllum has no dangerous close look-alikes, plants can be difficult to identify from written description and should be verified by an expert.

Culinary Attributes: All parts are edible.

The blossom is a perfect little garnish. The root is savory and has substance. Leaves taste more appealing and sweeter than the flower and stems,

which are mild and reminiscent of alfalfa.

Wine Pairings: Washington dry Cabernet Franc Rose is refreshing yet refined with vegetal notes that will tolerate raw flavors. Amavi makes a good one. //

Kelly Chadwick is an arborist and owner of Spirit Pruners. He wrote about the Snowbank Mushroom in April.

1,102 “Tastes great! Keeps for a long time. Good for camping, preppers, boats, etc. Just add hot water, zip it closed for 7-8 minutes, then eat! My family loves the lasagna, chicken teryaki, and beef stew.” - CF

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Best in Show

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“Lucy takes a flying leap” Photo: Joanie Christian

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“Take my photo!” Photo: Bethany Medina “Where’s the deep end?” Photo: Courtney Kelly

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I can climb too, get the harness. Dog: Pricilla. Owner: Hollie Rice

“the great urban outdoors.” Dog: Helen. Photo: Rachel Toor

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UrbanOutdoors Summertime Rolls

Have Way Too Much Fun Riding to a Community Festival // By Derrick Knowles Why do children always seem to be smiling on

their bikes? Maybe it’s because they haven’t forgotten how much fun it is, and they know this truth: Hopping on a two-wheeled, pedal-powered vehicle means relishing in the simple, joyous freedom of rolling off in the great, wide expanse of buzzing life outside of the stuffy confines of buildings and cars. With the sun and wind on our faces, the rush of everyday life, exposed and moving at a more civilized speed, zips along a few feet beyond the handlebars, making everything seem more alive.

How could riding a bike not make everyone smile?

Summertime is prime time for getting out on a bike for a mellow, urban roll, and it also happens to be the best way to transport yourself to a concert, festival, farmers’ market, art event or other festivity in or near your neighborhood. Even if you’re not a regular cyclist, dusting off the old set of wheels in your garage for a fair-weather ride to one of the many cool events likely happening within a few miles of your abode may end up being one of the more memorable things you do this summer.

Ride Your Bike to These Festivals & Events June 2-4: Artfest. An arts festival in Coeur

d’Alene Park in Spokane’s Browne’s Addition neighborhood with vendors selling arts and crafts for all tastes, plus live music, food, and an adult beverage garden.

June 2-3: Inlander’s Volume Music Festival.

Two days, 10 venues, and 100 bands showcasing musical talent from around the Northwest and beyond in downtown Spokane.

June 9-11: Elk Fest. Three days of killer bands, sun, beer, and way too much fun in Spokane’s historic Browne’s Addition neighborhood.

June 17: Bazaar presented by Terrain. A marketplace full of booths from emerging artists, artisans and craftspeople downtown Spokane. And there’s a beer garden, food trucks, music and creative entertainment. //

Downtown Spokane Urban in nature

Get outside at downtownspokane.org

Sunday

July 30, 2017

Family Nudist Park

You’ve Always Wanted To...

The Original Bare Buns Fun Run

5K

An Entire Weekend of Fun!

Saturday 2pm: Hash Run/ 8 pm Dance Sunday 9am: The 33rd Running of the “Original” Bare Buns Fun Run

Sport Arena Pickleball Bocce Volleyball KIds Pavillion Playground Hot Tub Sparkling Pool Camping RV Sites Amazing Food

Register at: www.kaniksufamily.com 22

OutThereMonthly.com / June 2017

After a fun night of festivals, feel the wind in your helmet as you make your way home safely. // Photo: Shallan Knowles

Before you ride Nothing can kill the buzz on a ride to an outdoor concert or festival you’re super stoked to get to like having your bike break down on the way there. Except maybe a crash or returning to where you left your trusty bike to find the remains of your lock with your bike nowhere to be seen. Here are a few tips to help make sure you’ll still be smiling when your ride ends back at your house.

• Get your bike tuned up at a local shop first. If you’re pinched for time, try a mobile bike repair and maintenance service like VeloFix Spokane that will show up at your home or work to wrench on your bike.

• Wear a helmet and bright/reflective clothing, and set your bike up with a headlight and taillights in case you don’t make it home until after dark.

• Invest in a quality bike lock to help deter theft.

• Don’t over-imbibe while enjoying the festivities at your destination—you may not get a DUI, but your odds of crashing greatly increase with your blood-alcohol level.

Nature A Bird and a Baby

Confessions of a Sage Grouse Conservationist // By Crystal Atamian

Greater Sage Grouse are native to 11 western states, including Washington and Nevada// Photo: Crystal atamian

Why are the things that leave us shaking and wide-eyed with fear or adrenaline the very things that define us and that we often love with a vengeance? Oddly, this describes my relationship with greater sage grouse.

My first experience with that chicken-like resident of sage brush country left my husband and I curled in the broken glass and twisted metal of my Bronco II, bloody, bruised, and wondering how the hell we were going to get help in the land of stray cows and few people. After spending the night north of the Black Rock Desert, Nevada, amid coy-

ote calls and crystalline stars, we decided we had no choice but to hike the 20 miles back to the nearest ranch house, and hope we made it before the gunmetal clouds overhead dumped their load of snow.

We got lucky. If you’d told me in that moment that 10 years later that damn bird would define my life, I’d have screamed in your face.

Yet one year later, there we were again, with Hubbie volunteering to spotlight-trap grouse with the Nevada Department of Wildlife, and me again offering to count male sage grouse on their flat strutting grounds, or lek. I said I needed to do this,

to prove that I belong in that backcountry again without getting hurt. More than one person told us we were masochists.

Another year passed and Hubbie decided to accept a Master’s position studying the effects of a power transmission line on greater sage grouse in Eastern Nevada. More grouse, more remote. What’s not to love?

Basin and range became a road we travelled regularly over jagged aspen-tipped mountains into flat expanses of sage and rabbit brush. Trapping, banding, radio tracking, and following sage hens with chicks became as commonplace as doing dishes and checking email. In spite of my teaching load in the English department at the university in Reno, I still found myself driving to the field site most weekends. I said it was because I missed being with my other half, but that was only partly true. I craved the warm, pungent smell of sage that permeated my Levis; I found the adrenaline rush of walking through the midnight brush to slap a net over another grouse addictive. It was a challenge, and the adverse conditions brought out a side of myself I wanted to get to know better. Then, in the land of little water and many pit toilets, we found out we were pregnant.

At first, we joked about naming our daughter Artemesia or Sage. Then panic set in. Was this the point where I stayed home as a single mom while Hubbie finished his field work? Or did he give up the project and come home? Could we support three on graduate student income and my small salary? Finally, what happened to the adventurous, sage-loving heart developing inside me?

So, we made a choice. With more help from family than we’ll ever be able to reciprocate, we created a village that cared for me and a baby girl for that fourth trimester while I taught and Hubbie trapped more grouse. Then, at four months old, we drove deep into the sagebrush basins and jagged mountains. We traversed across the aspen and phlox, barbed wire, gold mines, and lonely highways that had come to define those years before her birth, and we did so with no regrets.

Did I mention the few faces that watched me go, wondering if they should call Child Protective Services? I didn’t think of them much on the drive, to be honest.

I did think about the knowing smiles I had received from several older moms. They told me to trust myself. They didn’t say much more except to give tips about what to use to keep the bugs away, or how to keep the baby cool in the heat. But their eyes hinted at what I soon found out. Being with a baby in the wilderness, while challenging, is one of the most liberating and confidence-building things you can do as a new mom.

I will never forget walking up to a sage grouse hen and watching her brood her chicks, protecting them in a clump of sage brush while I settled quietly on a nearby rock to nurse my small girl. Sometimes the things that scare you, the limits you push, and those places you didn’t think you could go are the very things you find you love most deeply. // Crystal lives with her husband and two children in Spokane, where she works as a copyeditor for several academic journals.

DISCOVER WHAT’S POSSIBLE hzcu.Org June 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Health&Fitness Harvests to Improve Your Health // By Suzanne Tabert

Arnica flowers are beautiful and useful. Photo: Suzanne Tabert

ulcerations, mild burns, and fungal infections. One of the constituents in arrowleaf balsamroot is caffeic acid, an antioxidant which acts as a chaperone to help counteract destructive effects in tissues, promoting the repair of damaged proteins in cells.

Notice how ceanothus and arrowleaf balsamroot can work together to strengthen both the structure and function of the immune system, respectively.

Arnica spp. Arnica excels at speedy healing of bruised tissue caused by falls, sprains and strains, or any outdoor activity that leaves you hunched over with aches and sore muscles. Harvest the flowers before they’re pollinated to insure strong medicine.

Please keep in mind, it’s important to be 100% certain of your identification before doing ANY harvesting. There are look-a-like plants in the wild, which can be confusing to both the novice

One of the constituents in arrowleaf balsamroot is caffeic acid, an antioxidant.

2017 Trail Runs Idaho / E. Washington 6/17/17 SPS #2 Heyburn 7/8/17 Up Chuck Challenge 7/22/17 SPS #3 Mt. Spokane 8/5/17 7-Summits MTB vs Trail Runners 8/19/17 Jackass Hill Climb

After a long winter, the lushness of late spring has arrived, and it is breathtaking here in the Pacific Northwest. The leaves of plants are fully grown, flowers abound, and the rapid growth is astounding. Where snow, dirt, dead sticks and leaves rested, there is now flamboyant beauty and plant medicine.

As we swap jackets for shorts and t-shirts, curiosity about the local plant population is piqued.

Whether it’s your backyard or a forest, let’s explore a few of my favorite wild medicinal plants.

Ponderosa Pine – Pinus ponderosa. This is one of my top three favorite trees of all time. The bark smells like vanilla to some, strawberry or chocolate to others. What’s not to like about that? Pick off the resin that dries outside of the tree on the bark; it’s known for its ability to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi—truly an amazing trick of immunity. Plants can’t migrate from an area that might be affected by parasites, environmental damage, or fungi, but they do have immune systems, and they are amazingly talented at self-preservation.

Red Root – Ceanothus velutinus. Crushing the leaves produces a spicy scent that just says Pacific Northwest to me. The medicine is strong, and goes right to the blood and lymph as it stimulates the production of cells that make up the lymph pathways. It also aids in mitigating sore, swollen lymph nodes. The harsher the environment red root lives in, the stronger its medicine. More than a survivor, it’s a thriver. Think about how that would translate to you if you took in its medicine.

Arrowleaf Balsamroot – Balsamorhiza sagittata.

Balsamroot has similar properties to echinacea, containing flavonoids and immune stimulating polysaccharides in the leaf stem and root. The root stimulates the loosening of congestion in the sinuses and lungs, and assists in clearing your airways. Additionally, it promotes immune function and white blood cell formation. The leaves, used in a salve or wash, will stimulate the healing of sores,

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9/9/17 SPS #4 Riverside 10/28/17 SPS #5 Halloween at Hell's Gate

and experienced. Knowing your plants is the difference between healing and harming. Research the intended plant before harvesting to make sure that you are harvesting the right plant for the right intent. Examine its habitat and your impact on the stand, and take only what you can process in one sitting. Plants that are sitting in a bag or basket on the porch awaiting processing are plants that are swiftly losing their medicinal and nutritional value.

Happy harvesting! // Suzanne Tabert is a bioregional herbalist and director of herbal education at the Cedar Mountain Herb School, which offers workshops and programs, including plant walks, harvest intensives, and herbal medicine. Visit Cedarmountainherbs.com for more details.

“Idaho’s Prettiest Town” MSN.com, May 2017

Wallace, Idaho wallaceidahochamber.com 208-753-7151 24

OutThereMonthly.com / June 2017

Deep Creek Ravine

Tracking a Jailbreak Flood

By Tim Connor

I first encountered Deep Creek the way I suspect most people do: in a car. As

Highway 2 makes a beeline west out of Spokane, it passes the main gate to Fairchild Air Force Base. Then, in about the time it takes to peel an orange, the highway dips abruptly into a ravine, crosses a bridge, and continues past a sign announcing the small community of Deep Creek.

As for the creek itself, for most of the year there is barely any water at this crossing. This is a noteworthy riddle. The discernible headwaters for Deep Creek are only a few miles away, in a maze of wetlands west of Four Lakes. Although the creek sometimes floods dramatically during a rain on snow event in late winter—or in a spring as relentlessly wet as this one—it’s too small and ephemeral to attract kayaks or canoes. Indeed, hiking along and across the creek bed is the best way to explore the ravine from the trailhead off Seven Mile Road, about a half mile west of the Spokane River. So it is curious as to how such a trickle of water could create such an extraordinary crease in the earth.

The answer is: it didn’t. It’s just a geologic mind trick. The farther you head downstream, to the north and east, the more magnified the natural ruse becomes. You begin to encounter massive basalt outcroppings. As the creek approaches its confluence with the Spokane River, it passes below enormous basalt cliffs, reaching upwards of 400 feet above the floor.

The towering cliffs display contours and shapes seen in many of the more familiar coulees in eastern Washington’s channeled scablands, with rounded thumbs, occasional spires and massive teardrops of basalt. This only makes sense because these distinctive creations were formed by the same torrents of late Pleistocene epoch floodwaters, the largest of which, from ancient Lake Missoula, flowed through the Spokane valley before turning southward, eventually blasting through the Columbia River gorge to the Pacific.

The basalt forms in the impressive rimrock heights above Deep Creek bear a striking resemblance to those exposed at Northrup Canyon, just east of Grand Coulee, where, with less tree cover, you can better imagine what the power of the ancient Lake Missoula flood waters would have looked like. Good luck trying to imagine the sound, it had to have been deafening. At what is now Deep Creek, the flood waters overwhelmed the landscape, exploited a weakness in the underlying, fractured basalt, and simply smashed a pathway out to the west plains and beyond.

Perhaps the best-known instance of the ancient Missoula floodwaters doing the excavation for a present day stream is the Palouse River canyon, 80 miles south of Deep Creek. Near the small town of Hooper in southwest Whitman County, the Palouse River makes a sharp left turn. It is at this point that the Palouse leaves behind the now

Top: Deep Creek comes to life. Middle: Scablands vulcanology.

Bottom: Deep Creek climber. // Photos Tim Connor

dry river course it used to follow, heading west and then south before it reached the Columbia River near Pasco.

Today the Palouse makes a shortcut down to the Snake, a shortcut created entirely by the almost unimaginable flood waters that hammered through a divide and then carved the canyon that now bears the name of the river that appropriated it.

After the famed scabland geologist J Harlan Bretz did his early field work on the Palouse River canyon in the 1920s, he discovered something amazing about the Snake River. He not only found enormous sand and gravel bars in the Snake upstream from where the Palouse empties into the Snake, but he noticed by their composition and shape that they could have only been created by water moving east.

Again, this is at a place where the Snake River is actually headed west.

The extraordinary flow reversal could only be explained by a c c ou nt i ng for the enormous inflow of Lake Missoula floodwaters from Palouse and nearby Devils Canyon, literally causing the flow of the Snake to temporarily reverse itself for several miles.

Deep Creek isn’t remotely comparable to the Snake, nor the Palouse.

But if there’s an

added dash of geophysical humor to Deep Creek, it is that today it weaves and tumbles northward in the same canyon carved by ice age floodwaters that were headed the other way.

I’m surprised at how narrow it is in places, and intrigued with the variety of metamorphic and igneous rocks that litter the ravine and form enormous deposits on its margins.

There are also places where the basalt seems to come alive with ornate fractures and fists of suddenly cooled lava that were formed under dynamic conditions, clearly through interactions with water. I’ve even found glossy black shards of obsidian which (thankfully for those of us who climb on the basalt outcroppings) are rare in eastern Washington’s lava fields.

The main part of the canyon is within Riverside State Park, and is well-known to rock climbers. Actually, whether you are a serious climber or not, there is a near irresistible temptation to climb these rocks, especially on the large outcrops of exposed basalt near the creek’s confluence with the Spokane River. You don’t have to be a geologist to marvel at what you’re climbing on. As a photographer, I’ve come to appreciate the Deep Creek ravine as a texture garden in the variety of rocks, plants, water, ice and wood that is stripped, scoured and sunbleached. In the rocks alone, there are signs of spasms and large erupting gas bubbles, explosions of shape and color that got frozen in time and then uncovered by the catastrophic floodwaters blasting through from Montana.

In such moments of discovery, it’s as though timescales merge. The basalt floes are roughly 15 million years old. The flood waters that ripped the top layers off the basalt were unloosed roughly 15,000 years ago.

Preposterously, I can’t help but bring my time—human time—into the equation, and it’s usually measured in a few very precious hours that I can be away from all the other places I’m expected to be. Just like the rest of the world, there’s no shortage of reminders and enforcers that our clocks reign supreme. What a blessing it is to be in a natural setting that so quietly and profoundly refutes this illusion.

All of this means I can offer the very highest compliment to the Deep Creek ravine—as with other such sanctuaries, it makes me lose track of time altogether. // This is Tim Connor’s first article in Out There Monthly June 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Spokane neighborhood maps

25 Starting at

$

Find us at

Dispatches 1-Sandpoint, Idaho—Outdoor Gear for Rent

As the year’s epic snowpack recedes from Inland Northwest mountain peaks, it’s time for summer adventures. A new Sandpoint-based outdoor gear rental business wants to make enjoying the outdoors easier by limiting some of the barriers that keep many people from doing the trips they’ve always wanted to do. Wanderlust Outfitters offers a solution to anyone who wants to go camping, backpacking or hiking but doesn’t have all the gear: the ability to rent single gear items or full packages that include the things you need enjoy the region’s trails and campsites safely and in comfort.

Owner Jen Fehlman points out that good gear can be really expensive, and that many people who want to get outside more don’t want to pay for outdoor equipment they may only use once or twice a year. At Wanderlust Outfitters, you can rent a twoperson weekend backpacking kit including a tent, packs, sleeping pads and bags, cookset and more for $150 for the first night, and the company will even deliver gear to your house, workplace, or camping spot to get you out there quicker.

Fehlman fell in love with the outdoors after spending a couple of summers living and working in Grand Teton National Park. In 2011 she moved to Sandpoint, and knew she wanted a job involving outdoor recreation. Lack of professional experience in the outdoor recreation industry prevented her from getting a job, but instead of giving up, she decided to launch her own business. “My main goal is to inspire people to get outside and experience the restorative nature of nature,” Fehlman says. “I know first-hand how therapeutic camping, backpacking, and hiking adventures can be.” Wanderlust-outfitters. com. (Siobhan Ebel) 2-Southeast Washington— Palouse Falls State Park

spokaloo.net Palouse falls in spring glory. // Photo: S. Knowles

OutThereMonthly.com / June 2017

Exploring Cody Caves with the family. // Photo: Kyle Giesbrecht

3-Whitefish, Montana— Two Bear Marathon

Experience Whitefish, Montana, near the west entrance to Glacier National Park, while running the scenic backroads around this beautiful mountain town. The Two Bear Marathon, September 10, has an all-new, all-road course this year for both the full and half marathon distances. The race starts and ends at Depot Park in downtown 4

1

5

2

Spring trips to Palouse Falls State Park during peak river flows in recent years often include crowds and traffic, with visitors coming from around the Northwest and beyond to check out Washington’s official state waterfall.

But as summer wears on, and the water flows over the falls diminish and temperatures rise, you can often experience the majestic site, especially on weekdays, with a little more elbow room. Palouse Falls is the result of the Missoula Floods, which carved out the landscape during the last ice age, leaving a chasm in the basalt through which the Palouse River now flows.

Visiting Palouse Falls means around a two-hour drive along back highways and country roads from Spokane. Once you enter the park, the pavement ends, and it’s hard to believe the rolling landscape is hiding a nearly 200 foot tall waterfall. Less than half a mile from the parking lot, the land abruptly falls away to reveal the river cascading over the edge of

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dramatic basalt cliffs. A system of well-maintained interpretive trails offer great views of the upper and main falls. If you’re feeling more adventurous, there are more challenging and often exposed unofficial trails worthy of exploring. Watch for rattlesnakes, and be cautious near the rim of the canyon and on steep, rugged trails. Parking is limited and can become backed up on weekends, so plan accordingly. There are restrooms, picnic facilities, and limited camping on a first-come basis. Parks.state. wa.us/559/Palouse-Falls. (Siobhan Ebel)

Whitefish, where a free barbeque awaits finishers as part of the post-race party. Find full race details and travel planning info at Twobearmarathon. org. (OTM) 4-Nelson, B.C.—Cody Caves Provincial Park

Ainsworth, B.C., north of Nelson, is known for its hot springs and access to Kootenay Lake, but lesser known is Cody Caves Provincial Park, located just north of Ainsworth. Cody Caves is a system of limestone caves in the Selkirk Mountains formed around an underground stream. More than 170 million years of erosion have left stalagmites, stalactites, soda straws, and other natural wonders that visitors can see on a guided tour. Adults and children ages 5 or older can experience the cave’s central chambers while learning about the unique formations. More adventurous tours also offer the chance to climb ladders and squeeze through narrow spaces between rock formations.

Visitors to the cave can also get the chance, if they choose, to rappel 40 feet to the bottom of Cody Falls. Tours are offered May through October and include basic safety gear as part of the tour.

Codycavetours.com. (Siobhan Ebel)

5-Riverside State Park—Wednesdays in the Woods

Experience the great outdoors on the edge of the city while enjoying live music, educational presentations, and entertaining programs at Riverside State Park. REI and the Riverside State Park Foundation are sponsoring another season of “Wednesdays in the Woods,” a series of free programs at the Bowl & Pitcher in Riverside State Park. The series kicks off June 14 and continues on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8 p.m. through August, with a diverse and exciting set of 3 program topics for all ages and interests.

• June 14: Justine Sherfey & Rye River Bluegrass.

Enjoy bluegrass music and free ice cream courtesy of Riverside State Park Foundation.

• June 21: Camp Skills 101. REI staff will offer practical, hands-on tips for making camping easier and more fun.

• June 28: Hiking with Kids.

Learn how and where to hike with kids of all ages with members from Hike It Baby Spokane.

• July 5: Moose, Cougars, and Bears, OH MY! Find out how to safely enjoy the outdoors when you’re in moose, cougar or bear country.

• July 12: Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Start planning everything from a weekend hike to an extended trip along the PCT with expert advice from REI staff.

• July 19: Dog First Aid. Join experts from SouthCare Animal Medical Center to learn to care for your outdoor adventure dog.

• July 26: Women’s Backpacking Basics. Connect with other women hikers and learn the basics of planning a backpacking trip.

• August 2: Birds of Prey Presentation. The West Valley Outdoor Learning Center HOOT show explores the world of owls and hawks, including a chance to meet a live bird of prey.

• August 9: Sasquatch Leaves No Trace. Learn about Leave No Trace principles and outdoor ethics with Washington Trails Association.

• August 16: Women in the Wilderness. Join a panel of some of Spokane’s most amazing outdoor women for a Q&A about being a “woman in the wilderness.”

• August 23: Gourmet Camp Cooking. Make your camp cooking extraordinary with tips, tricks and techniques from a camp-cook pro.

• August 30: Smackout Pack Concert. The final Wednesday in the Woods program is a live concert featuring rock music reminiscent of Bob Dylan and the Black Keys. (OTM) //

Biking The Whitefish Flow // By Skye Schillhammer

It’s not often you find a place as perfect for a

mountain bike trip as Whitefish, Montana. It’s not unlike something a group of riders would dream up around a campfire after a long ride. There would be trails from the high alpine all the way down to the lake, with every type of trail possible. Steep descents from rocky peaks, jump trails through tall trees, and meandering trails through wildflowers. To top it off, there would be a town at the trailhead, with like-minded individuals and a place to kick back, enjoy some cold beverages, and laugh about the dirty sock line on your legs.

Well, all of those things are in one place, and that magnificent place exists only a few hours northeast of Spokane.

Last autumn, I ventured east to experience Whitefish for myself. The leaves had all turned yellow, and the bike park lifts were making their last rounds for the season. Despite the chilling wind, Whitefish was all time. I quickly made my way through town and headed up to the Hibernation House, located at the Whitefish Mountain Resort.

fully engineered bikes available today.

This meant some trails were being constructed or modified to allow more speed, which required adding width, which lead to the removal of some of the slower speed, technical features that may have previously existed. This progression of trail design allowed a rider to maintain speed for the entirety of the descent, and added new features such as Experience the jumps, berms, rollers and drops. This type of trail flow at Whitefish is also highly favorable for newer riders, who are Mountain Resort. looking for terrain to ride as they work on their Photos: Skye skills. However, this was unfavorable by many ridSchillhammer ers who prefer the technical features, which caused I had heard about the riding in Whitefish from the vilification of the word ‘flow.’ While it’s impossible to make a trail that pleases everyone, there is many different sources, and all the accounts kept certainly a balance to be found in this spectrum of mentioning one word: flow. In mountain bike cultrail design, and I was itching to unload the chair ture, that word has become somewhat polarized, so and experience the Whitefish flow for myself.

I was unsure what to expect as I loaded up my bike and began the ascent on the chairlift. Building trails From the chairlift, it is overwhelmingly apparent with flow was a revolution kicked off by mountain the amount of work and vision that went into the trails on the mountain. I spotted open singletrack bikers building trails specifically for bikes, and more specifically, for the current array of beaution ridgelines; large, sweeping bermed corners; tabletops; and trails leading Best place to stay: For $80/night, the Hibernation House offers a place to stay into steep rock along with a lift ticket and breakfast. Can’t beat that! Camping is available nearby sections that at the Whitefish State Park or Whitefish Bike Retreat if that suits you better. almost looked better suited for Best place to eat/drink: Bonsai Brewing Project. This place features outa climber. As my standing beer and food, a relaxed outdoor seating area that is pet/dirty mountain feet touched the biker friendly, with upbeat music happening inside. unloading deck, I was kindly met Other trails nearby: The Whitefish Trail: This is a multi-user trail system with my bike near Whitefish Lake. Spencer Mountain: Mountain bike specific bike park with a that rode up on variety of trails. No lift access. the lift in front

of me. I quickly threw a leg over and pedaled off the windy mountaintop. One flat tire, two watering eyes, over 25 miles, and countless chair lift rides later, I had ridden nearly everything the resort had to offer. From the jump trails such as Kashmir and Overflow, to the long technical descent of Runaway Train, this park is a blast. I had ridden the Whitefish flow, and it’s good — really good. Despite the varying skill difficulty and intended style of each trail on the mountain, they all perfectly intertwined with the landscape, finding a balance of speed and difficulty that meshed with the terrain. This leads to a riding experience with less harsh braking, allowing you to open up, relax, and navigate the trail ahead of you. If the trail turned steeply downhill and your speed increased, the route would naturally absorb the excess speed to guide you over the next rise or into a large berm before entering the next section.

From the smoother green circle trails to the rough black diamond trails, although the balance is tough to find in trail building, the Whitefish Mountain Resort built a masterpiece.

The next morning, I met with the first taste of winter as flakes of snow dusted the hillside above the lodge. This prevented a few more runs, but I don’t feel as though I missed out. Whitefish is a rare gem of a place, and any amount of time spent there is memorable. No doubt riders somewhere are daydreaming of the perfect riding town. Thankfully, Whitefish is already there, waiting for you to experience it. // Skye Schillhammer explores the Northwest by foot and by tire. He wrote about backcountry skiing and snowshoeing on Mount Spokane last winter.

“Idaho’s Best Small Town” Wallace, Idaho

USA TODAY 2017 Readers Poll

wallaceidahochamber.com 208-753-7151 June 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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RaceReport Flathead Swim Series (July 14-16, 2017)

The Flathead Lake Swim Series is in a class of its own. Launched in 2014 by marathon swimmer, Emily von Jentzen, this weekend-long event offers serious swimmers several race options to test their limits. Many compete in all four races: 5k (Friday evening), 10k (Saturday), 1 mile and ½ mile (Sunday morning). The unpredictability of race conditions is what makes each open water race unique and so much fun. Last year’s windy 5k was followed by a sunny, calm 10k on Saturday, but I was just happy to make shore on Friday night, wrap up in a large, warm quilt and feast on delicious barbecue fare.

Serious, seasoned, and trained open water swimmers shot away from me within a few strokes, many completing the 5k course in little over an hour. The water was a chilly 65 degrees with offshore winds increasing as the sun neared the horizon over this spectacularly beautiful lake. I chose to skip the feeding station on the first leg of the race, a mistake not to be repeated this year.

Winds that sped us away on our first leg became menacing as we turned back toward shore for the second half. Buoys bobbed out of sight in high waves; kayakers pointed the way with paddles held high. At least one buoy blew off course in the strong winds and had to be retrieved by ready boaters. More experienced competitors triangulated on landmarks, avoiding the glare of the setting sun.

Note: On sunny days, wear dark goggles if possible.

This summer, I’ll be back for the 5k, anticipating challenges and hoping to finish sooner. Then it’s on to Coeur d’Alene for the Steve Omi Memorial race, Sunday, July 16. For anyone not ready for the Flathead Lake Swim Series, or just seeking to ease into the season, the Omi is just right, with water temps in the low 70’s and a short one mile course never far from shore. Hope to see you there! (Susan Hales)

8 Lakes Leg Aches (August 5, 2017)

The little voice in my brain replayed the same phrase like a broken record, “You can leave. No one will know.” Easing my car into the parking area for the 8 Lakes Leg Aches bike tour, I seriously considered heeding that advice, but instead opened my door and got ready. Although committed, I was still unsure as to which was causing more anxiety, the fact that this would be the longest ride of my fledgling bicycling career, or that I was wearing skintight clothing in public. Figuring it was a little of both, I forced a smile and joined my fellow cyclists in the assembly area.

The ride, coordinated by Lutheran Community Services Northwest, is a superbly organized scenic tour, the proceeds of which provide assistance to thousands in our community. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to collect pledges before taking on one of three route options that cover 30, 45 or 75 miles of roads and paved trails that wind through the outskirts of Spokane.

My riding group, feeling ambitious, had selected the 45-mile route that would take us around six area lakes before returning to the start. Setting off, the pack quickly thinned and soon we had the road to ourselves. With each mile, my anxiety gave way to tranquility as the rhythmic cranking lulled me into a state of riding Zen. Even my skintight kit became less worrisome as we toured around lakes, over hills, through forests and fields. The diverse beauty that is our “backyard” was on full display.

Lost in the ride, I didn’t even notice that we were covering distances that had, for me at least, previously required some kind of engine to achieve, and altogether too soon we were back at the starting area.

As our group shared celebratory high fives and indulged in well-earned post-race refreshments, I realized that my worries had been unfounded, transformed by a fantastic event shared with great friends. Even the little voice in my brain was no longer concerned by anxieties or skintight clothing.

(Adam King) //

Photo courtesy of 8 Lakes Leg Aches

28

OutThereMonthly.com / June 2017

Watersports Whitewater Mentors

A Conversation with Two River Paddlers // By Summer Hess

Sierra Jo Sans on the New River. // Photo: Mike Dailey

Leah Hillbrand and Sierra Jo Sans charge whitewater in very different ways that both leave me clutching the arms of my chair. Both also hail from Eastern Washington University, where Hillbrand is a whitewater instructor and Sans is a student in the outdoor recreation program. But those aren’t the only things they have in common.

“You’re hard to keep up with, but in a good way,” I found myself saying to Sans while trying to sketch

7TH ANNUAL

2017

a snapshot of her life. She takes classes on a parttime basis from Eastern Washington University’s outdoor program so that she can spend her spring and summers as a climbing guide and video boater on the other side of the country. I caught up with her in Washington between visiting with family in California and gearing up for another season on the Upper Gauley River in West Virginia.

My first thought was, Why West Virginia? Sans

quickly corrected my ignorance. “There are hidden outdoor gems that people who have never been don’t even know are there.” The Upper Gauley is a world-renowned class 5 river. Rafting companies describe it as gut-wrenching, heavy, intimidating, high adventure, and world class in their promotional materials.

San’s work on the river is not restricted to trip preparation and the expected guide/client interactions. She offers video boating services, which is a sport unto itself. Here’s how it works: She paddles ahead of commercial rafting groups in a kayak, eddies out in class 5 rapids, and films clients on the most exciting sections of the river. Then she charges ahead to edit footage, put the content to music, and render the video. Clients have the chance to purchase the video if they wish.

When I talked to Hillbrand, Sierra San’s whitewater instructor, she emphasized how impressive San’s video boating work is. The Upper Gauley is “second in the country and seventh in world in commercial kayaking,” Hillbrand explains. She knows because she guided that river for nearly a decade before moving to Spokane for a program manager position at EPIC Adventures.

The interesting thing about Sans following in Hillbrand’s footsteps is that she didn’t, really. Sans knew about the Upper Gauley scene because of Hillbrand, but did not tell her when she applied to the same company. Sans wanted to get the gig on her own merits without a contact pulling strings.

Plus, Hillbrand intimidated her at first. “She was a woman I would like to become one day. I was almost afraid to open up and try to get to know her. But through a couple of trainings, the walls

got broken down, and I found her to be an awesome mentor.”

I know the feeling. I also used to work at EPIC Adventures, which is what EWU calls its outdoor recreation program, and Hillbrand’s reputation preceded her. I still remember how the former director described her river boarding. She sounded as proficient in the water as an eel, finding her lines with only a small paddle in her hand and a wetsuit against her skin. It’s the kind of thing that makes most land-dwelling mammals want to pluck her out of the water. The athletes look so vulnerable as they navigate rapids without boats and oars. But then I learned about the decades she’s spent guiding and instructing whitewater, mountain biking, and caving, and I realized that’s how Hillbrand rolls.

“In my mind river boarding is a lot safer than kayaking because you’re not trapped if you go upside down. Plus swimming comes natural to me…I enjoy the full immersion piece,” she explains.

I still think she’s gutsy and just a tiny bit crazy.

Another thing Hillbrand and Sans have in common is being a minority in their sport. “My first raft guide training was me and nine guys who all thought they knew what they were doing, and I was a small female. I had to prove myself,” admits Sans.

Now, she is the only member of that cohort guiding on a world-class river.

The relationship between this veteran and emerging whitewater athlete calls to mind one of the best parts of learning a new sport—finding our mentors who give us a reference point for what’s possible. Like Sans, we all draw inspiration from those who have gone before us, even as we choose and run our own lines. //

Join us for this community bike ride that explores the beautiful areas of Liberty Lake, Post Falls, Green Bluff and Spokane Valley. Cyclists of all ages and ability levels are welcome. Clearly marked routes will have food stops, medical, and mechanical support. Proceeds from this event support various Rotary Club and community outreach projects.

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ultimate SUmmer Your summertime Adventure Guide!

Hiking paddling historic Tours Festivals fossil digging Running Cycling Paddleboarding swimming Scott Knowles on the seven Summits trail. Photo: Derrick Knowles June 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

31

5 ways to play in the water

this summer

By S. Michal Bennett

This is really downtown Spokane? Yes. Go check it out with Fun Unlimited under the Division Street bridge. // Photo: Cara Quien

The beach, whether it’s on a river or one of the

superb lakes that dot the Inland Northwest, is one of the most popular places to be when temperatures climb. But there is much more fun to be had in the water than simply swimming. Think outside the beach buoys and discover some fantastic water adventures to diversify your summer.

Stand Up Paddleboarding

Whether you have your own board or rent one from a local shop, paddle boarding is one of the quietest and most enjoyable ways to explore our waterways. Many people paddle out on the lakes, because you don’t have to deal with a current when you’re heading back to shore. If you decide to paddle a river, consider starting upstream first, or park a second vehicle at your landing spot. Otherwise, you’ll discover just how much stamina you do have at the end of the day with the water working against you. For a unique urban river paddling experience, rent a board from Fun Unlimited right downtown Spokane along the Centennial Trail. The new board and boat launch facility provides access to an incredibly scenic and lake-like stretch of the Spokane River just upstream from Riverfront Park.

Rafting and Floating

Our rivers and streams have a wealth of adventure hiding in their waters, from rafting and kayaking to tubing. Try a mellow DIY float on more tame stretches of the Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, or Blackfoot rivers, or hire a guide to take you down a wilder stretch of river. Several local outfitters offer guided trips in Idaho, Washington, and Montana.

Cliff Jumping

This is certainly not a quiet sport, but it is highly enjoyable if you are looking for a natural thrill.

There aren’t any local ordinances against cliff jumping in the area, but there are usually restrictions on installing ropes and rope swings on bluffs, and some cliffs are on private property and should be avoided. If you decide to jump, always put safety first. Never jump in an area where the water is shallow, and don’t jump alone. Know where you are going to get out of the water, and have a board, life jacket, or other floating device readily available.

Here are a few places that have moderately elevated rock faces where you can jump into the water: 32

OutThereMonthly.com / June 2017

Loon Lake, Long Lake, Tubbs Hill in Coeur d’Alene, and Green Bay Campground on Lake Pend Oreille.

Locals may also recommend a few spots, if they’re willing to give up their secret spots.

Snorkeling

Somewhere in between swimming and scuba diving, snorkeling is an inexpensive way to explore shallow waters, like beaches, streams, bays, and docks. Aside from the stuff that people tend to just drop into the water, you might catch sight of some of the fascinating aquatic life that lives in our waterways.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is a captivating pastime that requires awareness, training, and certification. According to Jake Powlison of Jake’s Scuba Adventures in Coeur d’Alene, scuba diving is a healthy hobby. “It lets us get away from the world as we know it and gets us down into the depths of our own world and environment.”

Jake’s Scuba Adventures is one of several dive shops in Spokane and North Idaho that offer scuba diving instruction, certification, and diving opportunities. Diving in open waters is no small matter, and joining a group dive not only increases safety, but is also a great way to meet new people who are into the sport.

Diving to shipwrecks and other ruins in Lake Coeur d’Alene and Lake Pend Oreille is a popular diving activity. After Lake Coeur d’Alene’s steamship era ended, many of the old boats were stripped, used to launch fireworks, and then sunk. The lake is a veritable steamboat graveyard. Lake Pend Oreille has a wider variety of wrecks and rubble on its bottom, some of which are legendary. Many sites are inaccessible because of the lake’s extreme depth in places. YouTube has an abundance of videos of shipwreck dives in North Idaho, but one of the best resources for diving information is the Inland Northwest Divers organization. You can find videos, discussion, and contact info on the group’s Facebook page.

Whatever water recreation you decide to pursue this summer, do it safely and have fun! // S. Michal Bennett wrote about advocates Art Manley and Scott Reed in the April issue. Read more of her writing at www.shortandtasty.blogspot.com.

Explore mining history in North idaho’s Silver Valley

By Crystal Atamian

Panning for gold. // Photos: Crystal Atamian

The Silver Valley was settled when miners

came looking for gold near the south fork of the Coeur d’Alene River in the late 1870s. After a few years, it became clear that where the real jackpot lay was in galena and other silver and lead deposits found in the area. This small stretch of Idaho became the largest silver-producing area in the world, and still ranks among the top 10 mining districts in world history. The numbers are impressive. After only 100 years of mining,

the valley had produced over 1 billion ounces of silver, and significant amounts of lead, zinc, and copper totaling 5.5 billion dollars according to the Idaho Geological Survey. The area boasts the largest underground mine in the U.S. as well as the deepest. Of the 90 mines historically operated in the area, only two are still in operation.

Historic Silver Valley Mine Tours

Hidden and preserved until 1996 when it was

opened as a tourist attraction, Crystal Gold Mine in Kellogg, Idaho, is a buried treasure—literally. It was one of the first hardrock mines in the Silver Valley and has a great collection of geology and local history.

Ever wondered about a winze or explored a stope? Maybe you’ve never seen trout happily swimming underground. Owner and former miner Ray Cropp offers a spectacular tour full of local history, mining terminology, and an obvious love for the unique site he stewards. I got to watch him use a single jack, or mining hammer, to dig a hole that would have been used for dynamite 140 years ago.

Turning it a quarter turn with each strike, he talked about how miners worked by only candlelight to dig drifts off the main tunnel and follow the quartz vein until it pinched out.

The inside is a treasure trove where you can see the huge quartz vein, small spots of gold, and wire silver. You can also see where the water and minerals, practically untouched for 100 years, have begun to grow rock formations normally found only in undisturbed caverns: calcite formations called ribbons or “bacon” and stalactite straws on the ceiling. The calcite dripping down the walls has been tinted purple or blue from the manganese, copper, zinc, and other minerals in the rock. The mine is a geologist’s dream.

Looking at the underground aquifer-fed springs, it is fun to imagine these minerals sifting to the bottom of a shallow, Precambrian sea where they were compressed, heated, and folded to become the metals that have shaped the history of this valley for so many decades.

Sierra Silver Mine Tour in Wallace regularly opens May 1. The underground tour begins and ends with a trolley ride that is used to give a 15-minute history of the town of Wallace. The Sierra Silver Mine and the Crystal Gold Mine tours both are led by former miners who are extremely knowledgeable about mining techniques and the area’s history. The temperature underground is a constant 50°F so make sure you bring a light jacket. Mine tours average a little over one hour, and both mines are open seven days a week.

Admission for the Crystal Gold Mine is $14/ adults, $8.50/ages 4–16, and free for children under 4. The cost includes a chance to pan for gold after the tour. The Sierra Silver Mine Tour charges $15/ adults, $13/seniors, $8.50/ages 4–16, and free for children under 4. If possible, definitely visit both.

After spending a couple hours underground, many visitors like to spend a couple hours up in the trees. Definitely check out the Silver Streak Zipline Tours, located near Wallace. They offer a total of 10 zips on 250 acres of privately-owned, mountainous terrain. //

June 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

33

TRail running on the east side of

Glacier National Park

By Katie LeBlanc

People need experiences in nature, and runners truly value new scenery to beat-feet. Early summer

is the best time to run in Montana’s Glacier Country; foliage blooms, trails dry out, waterfalls surge, and tall, snowy peaks offer a grand show. An adventurer’s paradise, Glacier is sure to earn first-place in a runners’ heart.

So many trails and not enough time, so kick it up a notch and run to cover more ground. Some of the best runs around Glacier National Park are hiking trails that are rated as easy and moderate. The East Side of Glacier is equally scenic with less traffic than the west side of the park. On Glacier’s east side, there’s usually a lingering high-elevation snow-pack in early summer, but Glacier’s lower elevation running routes are typically dry and the early morning air is cool. Montana’s 2017 snowfall was significant, which translates into early summer trail runner views of the snowcapped Northern Rocky gems just as low-alpine wildflowers begin to bloom.

Recommended Trail Running/Hiking Trails

There are many trails to choose from, but here are a few recommendations to get you started. Take the Lubec trailhead as a quick and scenic three mile out-and-back run. Finding the trailhead can be difficult as there are no signs on the road. From US Route 2 East, find mile marker 203 located between Summit and the Firebrand Food & Ale restaurant. Park in the gravel turnout near the railroad tracks on the northwest side of the road. Cross the rails to the trailhead, marked by a Park Service sign. Run to the Autumn Creek South trail junction and turn around; continue to Firebrand Pass for a longer trek or head towards Marias Pass via Autumn Creek Trail South.

Top: trail running Firebrand Pass trail to Continental Divide Trail // Bottom: Running 49 near Two Medicine Lake. Photos: Katie LeBlanc

Another excellent option is exploring the trails out of the Two Medicine Campground in Glacier National Park. North Shore Trail is a moderate hike, and a joy to run since the path is so easy.

Find the trailhead from Loop A of Two Medicine Campground, marked for “Oldman Lake and North Shore Trail.” North Shore Trail winds through forested areas, over avalanche chutes, and along the lake shore. Take the North Shore Trail to Upper Two Medicine Lake Trail for more mountain views, through meadows of flowers and berries. Making it to Upper Two Medicine Lake is a strong 10 mile out-and-back. Modify the quest and take a side trip to view Twin Falls, or create a loop by taking the South Shore Trail back. Research the many excellent trails of Two Medicine, and ask a ranger about routes and specifics for camping before your adventure.

National Park Vacation Races

Summer in the Northwest is calling, as are the many races vying for your registration dollars, including the Glacier Half Marathon (June 24, 2017). As destination races increase in popularity, one half marathon race company, Vacation Races, works tirelessly to corner this growing market. Vacation Races hit-the-ground running in 2012, taking road racers to some of the most

beautiful and protected places on Earth — US National Parks. The company’s half marathon series now offers eleven race locations throughout the country. Northwest runners have easy access to several of these races being offered in the Northern Rockies, including near Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

Race routes align outside National Park boundaries, providing runners with an eye-full of the shockingly-beautiful Rocky Mountains. Most races are scheduled close to park shoulder seasons to avoid peak visitation dates, while helping to boost the economy for slower times within destination gateway communities. Additionally, the events are eco-minded, featuring cup-free races to eliminate unsightly waste from hydration stations by excluding disposable water cups.

As a bonus, a percentage of the race registration fees is donated to the National Park Foundation, to help preservation efforts within U.S. national parks. Vacation Race organizer Dehn Craig says that a two-year partnership with the National Park Foundation promised to raise $150,000 and has been a proven fundraising success, exceeding $250,000 so far. Learn more about the Glacier Half Marathon and other Vacation Races events at Vacationraces.com. //

Be Aware: Recreating in Glacier Comes with Rewards and Responsibility There’s nothing like the feeling of feet pounding the trail at running speed. It’s the earth-beat known well by trail runners. Smells of plant life and melodies heard only in nature collide while zooming by under the open sky. Scanning the natural landscape during a run is a fulltime job for the senses and a time to be nothing but fully aware, especially in wild country where grizzly bears and cougars and spotted regularly. So take the ear buds out and enjoy the flow!

Awareness becomes a priority while traveling in Glacier Country at higher speeds while running or biking. Humans are not the top of the food chain in Northwest Montana. Be adventurous with caution. Don’t go alone if possible, carry bear spray, slow down around corners and use your senses to scan for wildlife. // 34

OutThereMonthly.com / June 2017

HOw to book a Perfect vacation

RENTAL

By Bradley Bleck

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Banff. Bend. Playa del Carmen.

Top: Vacation rentals can often accommodate large groups for sometimes less than a hotel. Right: The kitchen in a vacation rental opens the opportunity to cook up local delicacies, this one at westport, ORe. Bottom left: Tropical vacation rentals with a pool turns into a private paradise. // Photos: Shallan Knowles

Leavenworth. Whistler. These are among the places we have visited while staying in vacation rentals thanks to our family travel planner, my wife Rachel Peters.

While she’s not available to be your travel planner, keep reading and learn some of what she knows about the vacation rental market gleaned from managing our condo outside Sandpoint.

One example of her handiwork is a recent trip to Whistler-Blackcomb. We spent five nights in a three-bedroom condo the week before Christmas. It was a five-minute walk to the village and the kitchen was better stocked than our home. One drawer held more Keurig pods than I’d seen in one place outside of Costco. There was laundry, television, indoor parking, and a hot tub. The cost: $12 a night.

That’s a bit deceptive since we traded a week’s stay at our condo. However, the others have yet to take us up on the trade, so maybe it will stay at $12 a night.

That summer we spent a week near Leavenworth.

Rachel found an A-frame on a wooded bluff above Peshastin Creek for just over $100 a night. While the cabin was on the rustic side, it had wi-fi (but no cell service). The dogs romped in the creek while we drank our morning coffee or afternoon beer.

Barbecuing overlooking the creek meant homecooked meals with a view. The only thing missing was laundry, so we used the kitchen sink.

I could keep going, but you get the picture. This is the age of Airbnb, Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO), FlipKey, HomeAway, HomeToGo,

HomeExchange and more apps and websites than one can track. One of these may be the way to book lodging for your next trip.

Vacation rentals offer flexibility whether you book a room, condo, or house. You can choose between the heart of the city, a quiet neighborhood, or the boondocks. Plus, no staff to tip as you schlep your baggage and take out the trash.

Vacation rentals are not for everyone or every trip. If you want your bed made-up or would rather dine out, you can probably book a hotel or motel for about the same price as an Airbnb room. Vacation rentals often work better for larger groups, people traveling with kids or pets, those wanting functional kitchens, and people who stay more than a few days.

If you are embarrassed by clothing and gear lying about, or empty bottles filling the trash, consider a vacation rental.

Whistler-Blackcomb readily illustrates the many options. A search for the second week in July (hiking, golf, or mountain biking anyone?) pulls up more than 200 Airbnb listings, from $100 a night to over $900. The cheaper listings on Airbnb are often a single room, but you never know.

A VRBO search for Whistler during that time brings up over 300 options with prices starting near $200. Both sites calculate cleaning and service fees so you know the full cost up front. Unlike hotels, taxes are generally included in the base fee. The one fee that rarely changes is the cleaning fee, whether it’s one night, one week, or one month. Next time you are planning time away, consider a vacation rental. Chances are, you’ll be glad you did. //

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Dude, where’s the trail? Photo: Aaron Theisen

Seemingly out of place amongst the skyscraping skier’s paradise of the Canadian Purcells and Rockies, the Upper Columbia Valley of eastern British Columbia is a spring escape for Calgarians itching for early-season tee times and wine tastings. But it’s also nurturing a quietly intense mountain biking community from a base in the Bavarian-inspired tourist town of Invermere. The same dramatic topography and warm weather that benefits grapes and golf makes for a long riding season. From warm Wandermere Lake to Panorama Ski Area, riders can start early in the year and follow the snow line.

Although many of the Upper Columbia Valley’s trails have been seemingly blasted from bedrock, the tread itself is never terribly rocky. This is not the slick, root-strewn steeps of, say, Rossland; rather, the buffed, crushed-rock surfaces and snaking layouts emphasize high-speed turn work. That said, the consequences of a blown turn can be harsh on these steep sidehills; pads and full-face helmets are not out of place here. These three stunning trail systems sample the best biking in the Great Green North.

downstream, where open sagebrush grassland replaces the tight trees of the Johnson.

The Johnson, Lake Lillian

Panorama Ski Area

Swansea Mountain trails

There’s a reason Swansea Mountain has a paragliding launch platform: this rough-hewn rock east of Invermere attracts plenty of gliders, hikers and gawkers for its view of Wandermere Lake. Mountain bikers, however, will be focused on their front wheels in this technical trail system, where ladder-like launch platforms and rock steeps demand dialed in riding. Swansea’s system is a mix of single-use and shared trails; first-timers should consult a local for the best riding options.

Swansea’s summit requires a rough, high clearance

The same dramatic topography and warm weather that benefits grapes and golf makes for a long riding season.

The Lake Lillian trail system west of Invermere emphasizes the key features of Upper Columbia Valley riding. It’s a tight-turns test-piece where riders can work on early-season technique.

Although a crisscrossing network of trails departs from near the primitive picnic area of Lake Lillian, the signature ride is the six-mile figure-eight loop known locally as the Johnson. Riders can practice their sidehill technique with real stakes above the steep stream cut of Toby Creek. Numerous bailout points can make for shorter loops; riders looking for a longer ride can connect to the Kloosifier trail

vehicle for shuttle-assisted descents; however, the on-trail climbing directly out of the lower parking lot at least gives riders excuses to savor the views.

Panorama Ski Area, west of Invermere, constructed many of its 30 k of downhill trails during the peak of the lift-served downhill era, a resortbased arms race that chased bigger and bolder lines. Riders at Panorama (open June through early September) can expect a parade of technical features, from drops to gaps on runs such as Crazytrain. Recently renovated entries and exits embrace the flow-friendly modernized size of resort riding, and beginners can wade in on Let It Ride, a 3k, top-to-bottom beginner-friendly flow trail. //

fossil digging

at StoneRose interpretive center

By S. Michal Bennett Nestled in the Okanogan Highlands of north-

eastern Washington, the Stonerose Interpretive Center and Fossil Site brings a modest amount of notoriety to the small former mining town of Republic, Wash. It is also a unique place to visit and become a paleontologist for a day.

First discovered along Knob Hill Road in 1977 by artist and paleobotonist Wes Wehr and paleontologist Kirk Johnson, the Boot Hill Fossil Site is now owned and operated, along with the Stonerose Interpretive Center, by the non-profit group Friends of Stonerose Fossils. While you aren’t likely to uncover a mammoth tusk (wrong timeframe), the Eocene Epoch fossils found are significant to the natural and geological history of the area.

Initially, the site revealed that Republic and its surroundings were once covered by an ancient lake.

The structure of this fossil bed is referred to as an “upland lacustrine bed,” the result of a lake filling with encroaching sediment, which settles in layers and stays when the lake empties. In the case of Republic, the lake’s bottom was saturated with coats of volcanic ash, which hardened into sedimentary rock, eventually developing into shale.

Shale is perfect for preserving fossils and is fairly easy to split open, because of its defined strata, caused by the past layering of sediment. As the sediment settled, it caught a variety of plant and insect life in its weight, including insects, fish, leaves, twigs, and bird feathers. Some of these fossils are of species that are now extinct, but the most compelling fossils found at the site embody the earliest known evidence of the Rosaceae (rose family) and Aceraceae (maple family). gsi_2017_Camper_OutThereMonthly_5.2017_r.1.pdf 1 In July 2002, “National Geographic” magazine

Tools for the adventure-check. now go Find ancient history in the rocks. Photo: S.Michal Bennett

pictured a Stonerose fossil of an extinct flower species called Florissantia quilchenensis in the article “The Big Bloom,” bringing significant attention to this modest site. The pretty little specimen is also the Stonerose logo, even though it is not from the rose family. Rather, it is from an extinct cocoa tree 3/27/2017 1:06:52 PM and was chosen for its unique beauty.

While it is small, the Stonerose Interpretive Center and its fossil dig are an interesting way to spend an afternoon. The center and museum not only house consequential specimens found at the site, but also a wealth of other awe-inspiring fossils found around the world. The Interpretive Center sits one block off the main avenue in historic down-

town Republic, and the dig site is just a two-block walk from the front door.

Without a doubt, the best part of your visit is unearthing your own fossils. With a chisel, a small hammer, and a $10 admission fee, you can wade through the rocks, choose a few that catch your eye, and split them open in search of your own fossilized souvenir. The center has tools that you can rent for a small fee, if you don’t bring your own. Each person can keep up to three of the fossils they find, but Stonerose retains the right to any specimen that is critical to the relevance of the site.

The center is open all year, with limited days October through May. The fossil dig, however, is only available to the public the first week of May through the end of October. If you visit outside of this timeframe and it’s not covered in snow, you may be allowed to search through a pile of shale that is heaped behind the center. Also, make sure you read all the instructions and recommendations on the website before visiting.

The Friends of Stonerose Fossils operate and maintain both the center and the site. Travis Wellman, Operations Manager, is usually at the center and is the “go-to” person for questions and information. Andy Brockett, their seasonal aide during the warmer months, is an enthusiastic young man who is readily available to help visitors identify their fossils and learn about everything the center has to offer. If you are looking for something different to do with your family on a weekend this summer, go dig up some fossils, and bring home a peculiar memento to place on your mantle. Find out more and plan your trip at Stonerosefossil.org//

June 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

37

Colville Discover Our Good Nature

2017 Northwest

Music, Food, Arts, B

By Amy Silberna

The heart of summer is short: only 13 weekends. Try to fit in some community festival fun in with your outdoor adventures. Here are some of our favorite regional festivals worthy of a road trip or local staycation.

ArtFest (June 2-4, Spokane)

Free outdoor festival, organized by the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, with more than 150 art vendors, a “Make it Art Kids Fair,” live performances from local bands, and food trucks and vendors – all happening at Coeur d’Alene Park in Spokane’s Browne’s Addition neighborhood. artfestspokane.com Bavarian Bike n’ Juice Festival (June 10, Leavenworth)

Visit us online for trail maps & outdoor recreation information: Colville.com Colville is a hub of activity for agriculture, manufacturing and timber industries. Located in a broad valley surrounded by the Colville National Forest, just minutes away from Lake Roosevelt, this four-season playground abounds with outdoor recreation.

• Camping • Fishing • Hiking • Hunting

• Wildlife watching • Mountain biking • Road biking • Scenic drives

A children’s bike racing event at the Leavenworth Ski Hill, featuring various race obstacle courses, from a X-Short Course (up to age 7) to a Long Course (up to age 12), as well as clinics and bike decorating events. $10 registration fee includes race, lunch, juice and cookies for kids ages 4-12 (kids age 3 and under only $1). bikenjuice.com Gyro Days Carnival & Lead Creek Derby (June 15-18, Wallace)

Carnival rides, BBQs and more in downtown Wallace in the heart of North Idaho’s Silver Valley. wallaceidahochamber.com Burlington Berry Dairy Days (June 16-18, Burlington)

The oldest festival in Skagit County, considered the western gateway to North Cascades National Park. A great add-on event to a western Washington camping and sea kayaking adventure. burlington-chamber.com Sam Steele Days (June 15-18, Cranbrook, B.C.)

Live singing, dancing, parade, kids’ zone, food from regional chefs, handcrafts market, and more with friendly Canadians north of Idaho. samsteeledays.org Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival (June 17, Walla Walla, Wash.)

986 South Main St, Ste B Colville, WA 99114 (509) 684-5973

This annual event features live music, onion bowling, sack races, 5k race, and more. Camp overnight among old-growth trees at the Lewis and Clark Trail State Park in Dayton, Wash., along the Touchet River (parks.state.wa.us). sweetonions.org/festival Molly B’Damn Days (July 1-2, Murray, Idaho)

Carnival, car show, parade, Molly Look-alike contest, and more to celebrate this old mining town’s history and the infamous Molly, “a big-hearted hooker who nursed miners through an 1880s smallpox epidemic,” as described by “People” magazine. silvervalleychamber.com Wallace Blues Festival (July 7-9, Wallace, Idaho)

Dance and party to live music from musicians who flock here from around North America. wallaceidahochamber.com Roslyn Canine Festival (July 7-9, Roslyn, Wash.)

Premier Canine Aquatic Competition, brought to you by Puget Sound Dock Dogs, in this charming Cascade mountain town west of Ellensburg. facebook.com/plumcrazyevents McCleary Bear Festival (July 7-9, McCleary, Wash.)

58th annual festival south of Olympic National Park near the Capital State Forest that includes a fun run, live entertainment, parade, and more. mcclearybearfestival.org Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival (July 8, Spokane)

A must-attend event for all outdoorsy folks and their families, offering recreation activities and adventure clinics ranging from paddleboarding and kayaking to disc golf and rock climbing; over 40 outdoor recreation oriented exhibitor booths; demos for bikes, paddleboards, canoes and kayaks; free slacklining and parkour clinics; a 5k or 1-mile trail run/walk; a mountain bike jump jam; a free morning yoga session; and a beer garden, live music, and food trucks. Free general admission, although some activities have a nominal fee. spokatopia.com Timber! Outdoor Music Festival (July 13-15, Carnation, Wash.)

Tolt-Macdonald Park is the location for this epic festival celebrating music, nature, camping, and outdoor adventures. In addition to live performances, there is a 5k trail run/walk, Bob Ross painting party; mountain biking, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding; adult flashlight tag, and much more – such as a campfire sing-along to Violent Femmes songs. Children under age 12 are free and can join “Camp Timber!” for morning kids’ concerts, arts, crafts and science experiments. timbermusicfest.com Cascadia NW Arts & Music Festival (July 13-16, Granite Falls, Wash.)

One-hour north of Seattle at the Masonic Family Park is where this 3-day festival of music, art, workshops, performances, and artisan vendors gathers. Festival tickets include camping accommodations. cascadianw.com Kootenai Highland Gathering Celtic Games (July 14-16, Libby, Mont.)

Whether you’re competing or just want to watch good ol’ Scottish games and men wearing kilts, outside the small town of Libby is where the fun takes place. facebook.com/kootenai.highlanders Northwest Wine Fest (July 15-16, Sandpoint, Idaho)

Come on up for two days on the Schweitzer Village lawn. Great bands, great wine, great food and great fun. This year features 20 regional wineries with 80 wines, a craft beer tent, BBQ, arts and crafts vendors and activities for the whole family. schweitzer.com Rhubarb Days (July 15-16, Sumner, Wash.)

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OutThereMonthly.com / June 2017

t Festival GuidE

Beer, Wine and More

agel McCaffree

In addition to boasting more than 25% of the nation’s growing acres for rhubarb, that pretty tart vegetable that grandmas like to use for pies and Jello salads, Sumner also has spectacular views of Mount Rainier.

Family-friendly activities take place in and around the city’s historic Main Street. rhubarbpiecapital.com Kimberley Julyfest (July 21-23, Kimberley, B.C.)

The 44th annual event in Canada – northwest of Bonners Ferry (off Hwy 95) – celebrates music, food, dancing, and sports, including bocce ball (and the Canadian Bocce Championship), invitational soccer tournament, extreme downhill longboard racing, and kids festival. kimberleyjulyfest.com Renton River Days (July 21-23, Renton, Wash.)

Attracting both local residents and Puget Sound tourists, this city’s downtown area – located near the south end of Lake Washington – hosts this annual family festival. Stage entertainment, parade, recreation, arts and crafts vendors, KidZone, and more at two locations – Liberty Park and Cedar River Park. If you go, be sure to also visit Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park and enjoy Ivar’s clam chowder al fresco, and explore the 4.5-mile Cedar River Trail. rentonriverdays.org Watershed Festival (July 28-30, George, Wash.)

A three-day country music and camping festival at the Gorge Amphitheatre. watershedfest.com Testy Fest (August 2-6, Rock Creek, Mont.)

One of the “most unpredictable” festivals around the region is The Testicle Festival at the Rock Creek Lodge, to celebrate Rocky Mountain Oysters – aka bull testicles. Bands, sideshows, DJs, testicle eating contests, and more, with limited on-site camping. therockcreeklodge.com The Festival at Sandpoint (August 3-13, Sandpoint)

This 35th annual summer concert series features eight nights of live music along the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, including headliner country music star Jake Owen. festivalatsandpoint.com Art on the Green (August 4-6, Coeur d’Alene)

Family-friendly summer tradition on the campus of North Idaho College, featuring a marketplace for 190+ artists, live performances, and a beer and wine garden. Ride the free shuttle bus between the festival grounds and downtown Coeur d’Alene, or park your bike for free at the bike corral. artonthegreencda.com Kaslo Jazz Etc. Summer Music Festival (August 4-6, Kaslo, B.C.)

On the west side of Kootenay Lake north of Nelson, the village of Kaslo hosts this annual festival featuring live performances of jazz, blues, folk, world music and more. It all takes place at Kaslo Bay Park, a “natural green amphitheater” where the “music [reverberates]” over the lake, as listeners “dance in the sand, swim around the stage, or relax in the grass,” according to the festival website. Children age 12 and under are free, and Kindermusik Kids Tent is open daily. kaslojazzfest.com Wapiti Music Festival (August 11-12, Fernie, B.C.)

The Elk Valley welcomes Canadian indie artists and veteran performers to Riverside Park, near downtown Fernie. Kids’ craft tents, beer, food, and other vendors are available. Tickets required for adults; kids and seniors are free. wapitimusicfestival.com Pend Oreille Arts Council’s Annual Arts & Crafts Fair (August 12-13, Sandpoint)

City Beach’s lawn is flush with artist booths, live entertainment, food vendors and more (8 a.m.-5 p.m.). artinsandpoint.org/events/arts-crafts-fair Huckleberry Festival (August 18-19, Wallace, Idaho)

Live music, dancing, raffles, pancake breakfasts, street vendors, children’s games on the lawn of the Northern Pacific Railway Depot grounds, dunk tank, and 5k walk/run – all celebrating the beloved huckleberry. wallaceidahochamber.com National Lentil Festival – Food & Brew Fest (August 18-19, Pullman, Wash.)

When 18% of the world’s lentils are grown on the Palouse, of course this unpretentious legume deserves its own festival. Festivities include a 5k fun run, the Tour de Lentil Bike Ride, the world’s largest bowl of lentil chili (over 350 gallons), Lentil Land Kids’ area, beer and wine garden, food court (serving everything imaginable showcasing lentils), lentil cook-off, cooking demos, lentil pancake breakfast, grand parade, and more. lentilfest.com Chief Seattle Days (August 18-20, Suquamish, Wash.)

Three-day festival started in 1911 to honor the leader of the Suquamish Tribe. Includes powwow, 5k fun run, craft and food vendors, royalty pageant, and more. suquamish.nsn.us Brewsfest (August 19, Kellogg, Idaho)

Craft Beer and Music Festival at Silver Mountain Resort. silvermt.com Washington State International Kite Festival (August 21-27, Long Beach, Wash.)

37th annual week-long celebration and competition, hailed as “the greatest, grandest, Kite Festival on the North American continent!” according to KiteLife.com. kitefestival.com Nelson Fat Tire Festival (August 24-27, Nelson, B.C.)

22nd annual event featuring races for women, men, and children (age 2+), and bike decorating and parade at Rosemont All Wheel Bike Park. nelsonfattire.com Kelowna International Dragon Boat Festival (August 26-27, Kelowna, B.C.)

Watch the action at Tugboat Bay in Waterfront Park Kelowna. kelownadragonboatclub.com June 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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100 sum adve 27 10

24 Top Left: Huckleberry Bounty. Photo: Shallan Knowles // Bottom Left: Grab your family and hop in a boat at Spokatopia. Photo: Rachael Becker // Right: Stoked to fly down another trail at silver mountain. // Photo: Shallan Knowles

@MANITOTAP HOU S E MA N I TO T APHOUSE .C O M

1. June 4 is National Trails Day – go for a hike! Check out Indian Painted Rocks, a 6.8-mile

3011 S. GRAND BLVD. | (509)279-2671

round-trip loop trail within the Riverside State Park Little Spokane River Natural Area. Wta.org/gohiking/hikes/little-spokane-river.

11AM -11PM SUN.- THURS. | 11AM - MIDNIGHT FRI. & SAT.

2. June is Great Outdoors Month and National Camping Month. In fact, June 25 is National

Backyard Campout Day – an easy “staycation.”

I help you overcome physical limitations that keep you from enjoying a fun and active lifestyle, no matter your age.

3. Play flashlight tag – fun for children and adults. nwf.org/activity-finder/outdoor-activities/

flashlight-tag.aspx

4. National Fishing and Boating Week is June 4-12. Stand-up paddleboard or kayak on a local lake or river. Rent SUP equipment from Fun Unlimited at their Spokane River location under the Division Street bridge access point. Cdasports.com.

5. Watch outdoor movies on a big screen at Riverfront Park – Wednesday evenings, June 14-July 19. This year’s Outdoor Movies series starts with “Grease,” and includes “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (July 5) and “Moana” (July 12). $5 entry fee; kids 5 and younger are free. Seating opens at 7 p.m., with food vendors and entertainment. Movies start at dusk.

6. Take your kids to Mike’s Old-Fashioned Donuts (9219 E. Sprague, Spokane Valley), open

Balance Strength Flexibility Pain Relief Stephanie Theisen, 67 Year Old Retiree, Went From Living With Constant Pain In All Of Her Joints, To Zero Pain And Training For A Marathon In Under 6 Months.

CALL, EMAIL, OR TEXT TO SCHEDULE YOUR NO OBLIGATION, 30-MINUTE COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION TO HELP YOU DISCOVER HOW QUICKLY YOU CAN START ENJOYING LIFE AGAIN. d o n n i e k i s s i c k . c o m / 509-999-0734 / coaching@donniekissick.com 40

OutThereMonthly.com / June 2017

Tuesday-Saturday, 6 a.m.-noon. Then go hiking at Dishman Hills Natural Area. There’s also a playground near the trailhead parking area. The first Friday of June is National Doughnut Day.

7. National Get Outdoors Day is Sunday, June 11. So get out there and have fun! It could be as

simple as biking around your neighborhood or hiking to the Rocks of Sharon in the Dishman Hills. Wta. org/go-hiking/hikes/big-rock.

8. Visit a National Park – there are five national parks within a 5-8 hour drive from the Spokane area: Olympic, North Cascades and Mount Rainier National Parks in Washington; Glacier in northwest Montana; and Yellowstone in southern Idaho and Montana. June 21 is Fee-Free Day at all national parks.

9. Bike-ride or walk in the annual Spokane Summer Parkways event on June 21, 6-9 p.m.

– a fun summer solstice evening in the Comstock-Manito park neighborhoods. Summerparkways.com.

10. Demo bikes, paddleboards, canoes and kayaks and try rock climbing, kayaking, geocaching or stand-up paddleboard yoga at Spokatopia, the 3rd annual outdoor adventure

festival that takes place Saturday, July 8, at Camp Sekani Park and Boulder Beach along the Spokane River off of East Upriver Drive. Register for an outdoor adventure clinic online at spokatopia.com.

11. Plan a visit to Harrison, Idaho, located on Lake Coeur d’Alene’s west side. Get there by boat, bike (via Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes) or car. Don’t miss the Harrison Creamery and Fudge Factory Ice Cream Parlor (open only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, noon-7:30 p.m.). Swim at the city beach.

12. Paddle the Little Spokane River in a canoe or kayak, and use Spokane Parks & Recreation’s shuttle service to take you from the 9 Mile take-out site (Discover Parking Pass required) to the put-in at St. George’s. Shuttles run Saturdays only, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., from July 5 through Aug. 30, for $8 per person one way (ages 8 and up). PFDs are required and swimming in the river, tubes, pets, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Pre-register at spokaneparks.org.

mmer entures

By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

18

The Route of the Hiawatha— mountain biking that just about anyone can do. // Photo courtesy of the Route of the Hiawatha.

13. Look for wildlife along the Latah Creek or Spokane River at People’s Park or trails in

Riverside State Park. Keep your eyes alert for: river otter, porcupine, coyote, marmot, osprey, and more.

14. Go adventuring in British Columbia, Canada. Nelson is a small Victorian town on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake (nelsonkootenaylake.com) that offers hiking trails, Ainsworth Hot Springs resort, and all imaginable lake sports. Rossland, B.C., offers epic fun as well, from mountain biking to golf. (tourismrossland.com).

15. Float the Spokane River with a ROW Adventure Center’s half-day (3.5 hours) guided trip – season begins June 19. Rowadventurecenter.com.

16. Learn about the Channeled Scablands, considered one of the seven wonders of Washington State. Visit any of the state parks that showcase the geological evidence left behind from

these Ice Age mega-floods, including: Palouse Falls, Steamboat Rock, Sun Lakes-Dry Falls, Potholes and Sacajawea. Parks.state.wa.us.

17. Attend one of the fun summer festivals in North Idaho’s Silver Valley, such as the

Huckleberry Festival in Wallace.

18. Bike the historic and exciting 15-mile Route of the Hiawatha trail with family and friends.

19. Tube the Spokane River with FLOW Adventures – daily equipment rentals and shuttle service,

starting in July.

20. Paddle the 2.5-mile Thorofare to Upper Priest Lake.

21. Gather your family or a group of friends for a Mica Moon Zipline Tour in Liberty Lake,

Wash. Micamoon.com.

22. Kayak or paddle the St. Joe River, starting from Heyburn State Park’s Rocky Point Marina. Look

for moose on the riverbank.

23. Boat or paddle to one of the three islands on Priest Lake: Kalispell, Bartoo or Fourmile

islands. Stay and play for the day or camp overnight. Fs.usda.gov.

24. Ride the gondola to the top of Silver Mountain and mountain bike or hike back down.

25. Go boating, paddling, swimming, waterskiing, tubing and camping at Lake Roosevelt

National Recreation Area. Nps.gov/laro.

26. Enjoy a cruise aboard the Lady of the Lake (ladyofthelake.com) across Lake Chelan to a back-

country hike-in camping stay at Stehekin, located within the North Cascades National Park.

27. Pick huckleberries – ask your grandma or someone else’s grandparent who has lived in the area

for many years about where to find wild stashes of this petite, succulent, much-desired berry of the Northwest. Hint: Mount Spokane and Priest Lake are good places to start.

28. Enjoy one of the many outdoor festivals happening throughout the summer. There are community festivals celebrating music, food, nature, recreation, art, wine, beer, and more unique and obscure things like sweet onions, lentils, and a mining-town “lady of the night” named Molly.

29. Participate in a fun run, relay race, bike race or community fun ride. Check out Out

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June 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Paddle Splash & Play

There Monthly’s 2017 Race, Ride & Event Guide for a huge list of possibilities. Outtheremonthly.com/ inland-nw-race-ride-event-guide.

A free kid’s event - August 5th, 2017 For details visit sckc.ws and click “events”

30. Explore and imbibe along the Inland Northwest Ale Trail. Inlandnwaletrail.com.

31. Backpack into the Eagle Cap Wilderness in the Wallowa-Whiteman National Forest in north-

east Oregon. Fs.usda.gov.

32. Join a relay race, such as the Spokane to Sandpoint Relay or Centennial Beer Chase.

33. Ride the Great Escape high-speed quad chairlift to the summit of Schweitzer Mountain and hike around the trails. Pack a picnic and enjoy the expansive 360-degree views of Lake Pend Oreille, western Montana, southern British Columbia, and northeastern Washington. Summer chairlift rides begin June 25.

34. Play disc golf at Farragut State Park, near Athol, Idaho, and visit The Museum at the Brig, Photo Credit: Siobahn Ebel

which tells the story of Farragut Naval Training Station during WWII.

35. Visit Bayview, Idaho, and rent a houseboat for a vacation afloat on Lake Pend Oreille.

36. Go on a family camping trip and play camping games with your kids. Blog.nwf.org/2016/07/

camping-games-for-kids.

37. Hike the trails around Fishtrap Lake in Lincoln County’s channeled scablands west of Spokane.

SCKC SPOKANE CANOE & KAYAK CLUB

32 38. Swim in Medical Lake at the city’s Waterfront Park (20 minutes west of Spokane) and bike or walk along the paved, forested trail along the lake. Medical-lake.org/parks-trails.

39. Bike along the Centennial Trail between Liberty Lake, Wash., and Post Falls, Idaho – crossing

the Washington-Idaho border along the way. You and your kids can boast that you literally biked all the way to another state. Spokanecentennialtrail.org and Itsmytrail.com.

40. Visit the Spokane Farmer’s Market to buy organic fruit and vegetables directly from local farm-

ers. Purchase regionally-produced breads, meats, honey, and lavender soap and lotion. Bring a blanket and relax on the lawn to enjoy live music and snack on your fresh food.

41. Enjoy a sweet, healthy treat from Fannie’s Ice Pops bike-cart. You’ll find these fresh, seasonal, small-batch popsicles at a few Spokane area farmer’s markets as well local grocers, including Main Market Co-Op and the soon-to-be open My Fresh Basket in Kendall Yards. Try creative concoctions like raspberry-basil, strawberry-watermelon-mint, lemonade-lavender, and chocolate-avocado (“Chocado”).

42. Go on a bike tour of all the river bridges in and around Riverfront Park, starting from the bridge at Gonzaga University where the Centennial Trail crosses to the south riverbank and head west.

Some bridges are closed due to park renovation. Stay on the Centennial Trail and go under the Monroe Street Bridge to Kendall Yards to enjoy a rest break and cold treat from Brain Freeze Creamery.

43. Tour the flower gardens at Manito Park on Spokane’s South Hill. Bring along a book and a blanket to Duncan or Rose gardens, and lounge around like you’re a character from a Jane Austen novel.

44. Mountain bike the Empire Trails in Spirit Lake, Idaho. Learn more: Outtheremonthly.com/ exploring-spirit-lakes-new-empire-trails-singletrack.

45. Take a walking tour of Gonzaga University’s campus. Check out the outdoor art sculptures,

enjoy the many flowers and landscaping, play catch with a Frisbee on any of the large grassy areas, walk the trail around the small lake on campus, pat the head of the enormous brass Bulldog sculpture that stands guard outside McCarthey Athletic Center. To beat the heat, step inside the Jundt Art Museum or Bing Crosby Museum. Walk or bike the Riverfront Park-Gonzaga 2.2-mile loop trail.

46. Bike or walk along Fish Lake Trail. The trailhead west of downtown is located at Government

Way and Milton Street.

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Opposite page: S2S gets wild. photo Derrick Knowles // This page: hike the summit of mt. Spokane. Picnic at the top, and bring water for the dog.

Photo: shallan knowles

49

47. Swim, fish or paddle at Fish Lake Regional Park (spokanecounty.org), located off the Cheney-

Spokane Road.

48. From Fish Lake Park, you can also access the Columbia Plateau Trail State Park,

which has nearly 5 miles of trail that passes through Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, outside Cheney.

Discover Parking Pass required. Parks.state.wa.us/490/Columbia-Plateau-Trail.

49. Go hiking or mountain biking at Mount Spokane State Park. Eat a picnic lunch at the

summit’s Vista House (bring windbreakers and warm layers, since it’s typically chilly there even on hot summer days). Bring a bucket to pick huckleberries during July. Watch out for moose!

50. Take a day trip or camp overnight at Kamiak Butte County Park, near Pullman, Wash.

Whitmancounty.org.

ennial Trail! t n e C d Spokane River an

51. Bike tour around the Palouse cities of Pullman, Wash., and Moscow, Idaho. Afterwards,

rest and relax while enjoying artisan pizza and craft beer from Porch Light Pizza in Pullman or Slice & Biscuit in Moscow. Or enjoy artisan-made comfort food from South Fork Public House in Pullman.

52. Go glamping at Mary Jane’s Farm Bed & Breakfast in Moscow, Idaho. Maryjanesfarm.org/bb.

53. Hike to the 3,612-foot summit of Steptoe Butte at its namesake State Park Heritage Site.

Cool fun fact: the butte “marks the border of the original North American Continent,” according to Washington State Parks.

54. Visit the Wenatchee River Valley, with final destinations of Leavenworth, Lake Wenatchee State

Park, or Peshastin. Take your kids to visit Smallwood’s Harvest Petting Zoo. Smallwoodsharvest.com

55. Road-trip to Superior, Montana (I-90 exit 47), surrounded by the Lolo National Forest, which

boasts many hiking trails and backpacking destinations – including Heart Lake, the largest alpine lake in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana. Located within the proposed Great Burn Wilderness along the Idaho-Montana Divide, it’s a 6-mile round-trip hike to Heart Lake. You can also camp overnight at the rustic National Forest Service Trout Creek Campground. Superior itself is a small city with 3 parks, including Eva Horning Park, which includes a swimming pool, playground and more. A number of whitewater rafting outfitters are based here, offering summer rafting trips down the Clark Fork River (for ages 5+).

56. On your drive to Superior, be sure to make time to stop at Lincoln’s World Famous 50,000 Silver

Dollar Bar (off exit 16, Haugan; 28 miles east of Wallace, Idaho), which has a massive gift shop filled with quirky trinkets and souvenirs – the self-described “Montana’s largest gift shop.” It also includes a restaurant, motel, free RV parking, casino and more.

57. Outdoor summer concerts at Northern Quest Casino features Sammy Hagar (June 30),

Sublime (July 6), Toby Keith (Aug. 3), and Willie Nelson (Aug. 8). Northernquest.com/outdoor-summerconcerts.

58. Mountain bike Camp Sekani and Beacon Hill. Evergreeneast.org/trails/campsekanibeaconhill.

59. Hike the trails of your favorite ski mountain and explore the trails without snow.

60. Attend a mountain top festival at Schweitzer Mountain Resort or Silver Mountain Resort.

61. Hike or backpack to and swim in an alpine lake within the Colville, Lolo or Idaho Panhandle

National Forest.

62. Visit the Inland NW Rail Museum, in Reardan (west of Spokane, off Highway 2), Wash.

Open Fri-Sun. Admission $5-8, and includes one narrow gauge train ride; children under 5 are free.

Inlandnwrailmuseum.com.

63. Paddle the Pend Oreille River.

64. Explore a cave. Crawford State Park Heritage Site (parks.state.wa.us/492/Crawford), near Metaline Falls, Wash., offers guided tours of Gardner Cave – the state’s 3rd longest limestone cavern. The nearest campsite is the Seattle City Light one at Boundary Dam, which you can also explore with a guided tour (seattle.gov/light/Boundary/tours.asp).

65. Go fishing at Williams Lake, near Cheney, Wash. It’s annually stocked with rainbow and cutthroat

trout. Wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/washington/200.

66. Visit the wild country around the Yaak Valley in remote northwest Montana. Theyaak.com.

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79 67. Explore Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. Fws.gov/refuge/Turnbull.

68. Go paddling, fishing, swimming, hiking or camping at Round Lake State Park, near

Sagle, Idaho. Parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/round-lake.

69. Paddle on Lake Chatcolet and look for beaver dens and white pelicans. Launch your canoe, SUP or kayak from Hawley’s Landing campground.

70. Bike the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. Parksandrecreation.idaho.gov.

71. Tour the Grand Coulee Dam and enjoy a free, 30-minute nighttime Laser Light Show at Grand

Coulee Dam. Shows are nightly throughout the summer, starting at 10 p.m. through July 31. During August, shows begin at 9:30 p.m., and then 8:30 p.m., Sept. 1-30. Grandcouleedam.com.

72. Explore the length of the Lochsa River and stop for a visit at the Lochsa Lodge off Highway 12 over Lolo Pass on the Idaho-Montana border, southwest of Missoula, Montana. Stay overnight in the lodge or a cabin. Explorers Lewis & Clark once camped nearby, and part of the historic Lewis & Clark Trail passes through the lodge area and travels 8 miles along the Lochsa River.

73. Explore a Spokane County Conservation Futures area – undeveloped, protected public

land for bird-watching, hiking and picnicking.

74. Tour the Crystal Gold Mine in Kellogg, Idaho. Goldmine-idaho.com.

75. take your bike on a sunset ride and celebrate with a picnic dinner. Take bike lights and head-

lamps to make it back to your starting point.

76. Whatever hiking trail or backcountry campsite you choose to visit this summer, take along

plastic garbage bags and collect any discarded recyclables, granola bar wrappers, beer bottles or other refuse left behind.

77. Splash, swim, and play at City Beach in Sandpoint, Idaho.

78. Visit Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park. Parksandrecreation.idaho.gov.

79. Swim and play at Liberty Lake. Hiking trails and overnight camping also available.

80. Visit the Fort Spokane Museum and Visitor Center at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation

Area.

81. Explore the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, which runs through Idaho, Wash.,

Montana, and Oregon (as well as many other states).

82. Tour the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum. Valleyheritagecenter.org.

83. Go adventuring in Pend Oreille County – a quiet area north of Newport, Wash., that runs along

the Washington-Idaho border all the way to Canada. Make time to stop at The Ram restaurant for a softserve huckleberry ice cream that’s nearly as tall as a toddler.

84. Visit the Bird Aviation Museum & Invention Center in Sagle, Idaho. Free admission.

Birdaviationmuseum.com.

85. Make friends with your campsite neighbors. Offer them a cup of fresh-brewed coffee from your percolator or a Bloody Mary. Ask them to join your group around your site’s campfire – pass them a stick and marshmallow.

86. Take your dog hiking or along while paddling. Have them wear a cute canine backpack or

doggy personal flotation device.

87. Visit the historic Oasis Bordello Museum in Wallace, Idaho. Facebook.com/oasisbordello-

museum.

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OutThereMonthly.com / June 2017

75

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Opposite page: Car camping at libertly lake. photo: Shallan knowles // This page left: Lewis and CLark trail sign in Oregon. Photo: Shallan Knowles. // Top: Mountain Top celebrations.

Photo courtesy of Lauren D’Arenzo. // Bottom: Samantha Silvas hikes The liberty lake trails

79

88. Hike trails within an old-growth forest, such as the Hobo Cedar Grove Trail of old-growth cedars in the St. Joe National Forest; DeVoto Memorial Cedar Grove of old-growth western red cedars in the Clearwater National Forest, at Lolo Pass, Idaho; or Hoodoo Canyon (Trail #17) in the Kettle Range of the Colville National Forest near Kettle Falls, Wash.

89. Visit the Libby Dam Visitor Center, located on Highway 39, 17 miles north of Libby, Montana.

One-hour guided public tours through the dam and powerhouse are available during the summer at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. (photo ID required for adults); 15-minute check-in required prior to start time. Nws.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Locks-and-Dams/Libby-Dam/Information.

90. Plan an adventure in Hells Canyon National Recreation Area – the deepest river gorge

in North America. You can paddle on the Snake River with an outfitter and go camping, hiking, fishing, and swimming at multiple locations within the canyon. Fs.usda.gov.

91. Cross the Continental Divide by car or bike.

92. Read the mythical and beautifully weird novel “The Sasquatch Hunter’s Almanac”

by Spokane novelist Sharma Shields, whose settings are based on local places, including Rathdrum, Spokane (called Lilac City in the novel), the Palouse, Pullman, and more. Even better: read it while camping or backpacking in North Idaho.

93. Read other literature written by local authors, such as the poetry and prose books written

by Tod Marshal (Washington State Poet Laureate and OTM contributor), Laura Read (Spokane’s current Poet Laureate), Thom Caraway (Spokane’s first-ever Poet Laureate), Maya Jewell Zeller, Ellen Welcker, Jonathan Johnson and Shann Ray.

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94. Enjoy a thrilling zipline experience with Timberline Adventures near Beauty Bay in

Coeur d’Alene.

95. Enjoy a Rocket Market outdoor summer concert in Spokane’s upper South Hill neighbor-

hood, near the High Drive Bluff trails. Facebook.com/rocketmarket.

96. Take a leisurely cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Cdacruises.com 97. Bike or drive the scenic International Selkirk Loop that connects Washington, Idaho and

British Columbia, Canada. Selkirkloop.org.

98. Road-trip to Missoula, Montana – less than a 4-hour drive east of Spokane. Lots to do and see

in this Big Sky city.

99. Have fun at the Paddle, Splash and Play, a free children’s event on Saturday, August 5 (10 a.m.-

2 p.m.) organized by the Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club and sponsored by Avista. It takes place at Nine Mile Creation Area, where parents can paddle with children. Everyone needs to bring his/her own PFD, and a Discover Parking Pass is required. All other equipment is provided, including canoes, sea kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Experienced paddlers are there to help. Sckc.ws/events.

905 N. Wasington St. The Old Broadview Dairy 509.381.BIRD (2473) info@theblackbirdspokane.com BlackbirdSpokane @TheBlackbirdGEG

100. Take a picture of yourself enjoying one of these or another summer adventure, while holding up a copy of “Out There Monthly.” Post your photo to OTM’s Facebook page,

facebook.com/OutThereMonthly. Use a hashtag to indicate your location, such as #MtSpokaneOutThere

June 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

45

5 classic missoula Hikes

By Aaron Theisen

Home to the University of Montana in the

whole-foods-and-hiking-boots heart of the state, Missoula is a community of fit free spirits—consider it a cross between Bend and Bellingham. In recent years, the city’s running and river surfing communities have put it on the adventure-sports map, but hiking remains king here.

But full parking lots belie quiet footpaths, with dozens of miles of trails around the city dispersing trail runners and toddler-toting strollers. And its location in a miniature banana belt means that Missoula’s hiking season gets into full swing in spring, when the region’s high-country hiking opportunities still lie encased in snow. These five classic Missoula treks will introduce hikers to Missoula’s many charms.

Mount Sentinel

The large white “M” on above the University of Montana campus is the most immediately visible of the city’s landmarks, the short trail leading up to it a favorite destination for students showing visiting relatives around. But it’s merely the public face of a sprawling trail system that connects forested Pattee Canyon on the east side of town with the letter-stamped Mount Sentinel. Named after an early Bitterroot Valley settler, the Pattee Canyon trail system crisscrosses gently sloping meadows and old-growth ponderosa and larch groves. From the Crazy Canyon trailhead—one of the primary portals into Pattee Canyon--the 3.5mile hike to Sentinel’s summit stitches together a crazy-quilt collection of spur trails and skid roads through old-growth ponderosa forest. Snags surround a wind-swept summit; bluebirds can often be spotted flitting among these gray perches.

Views abound, of the forested lower reaches of

Invest in memories, not things 46

OutThereMonthly.com / June 2017

Rattlesnake Recreation Area to the north and the broad granite defiles of the Bitterroot Valley to the south.

Stuart Peak

A century ago, travelers up the Rattlesnake Creek drainage north of Missoula would have found a bustling community, complete with a school, post office and hundreds of homesteaders. Today the Rattlesnake bustles with the sound of running shoes slapping gravel and mountain bikes clattering down high-speed trails.

Protected because it was the municipal water supply, the Rattlesnake drainage remained in private hands until the early 1980s, when Congress set aside 61,000 acres in the Rattlesnake drainage to foster watershed, recreation, wildlife, and education: 28,000 acres were designated a National Recreation Area; the remaining 33,000 acres were designated wilderness. Today the Rattlesnake is one of the closest Wilderness areas to a major metropolitan area in the United States.

The origin of the Rattlesnake appellation is unclear: some historical sources claim it’s in honor of a homesteader who succumbed to a rattlesnake bite in the drainage; other sources states it’s in echo of the Salish word for “rattlesnake.” Either way, hikers need not worry about snakes, which don’t live this far up the creek valley. But black bears and cougars should be top of mind; sightings of both are common.

The granddaddy of Rattlesnake hikes is the 18-mile roundtrip trek to Stuart Peak. Don’t be put off by the mileage: outside of Glacier National Park, few trails in Montana match the Rattlesnake’s penchant for pleasantly graded and buffed tread.

Determined hikers and trail runners can easily do

Stuart Peak as a day hike. A procession of shallowgrade switchbacks gain elevation in lazy loops like a fledgling bird; in late spring, lupine garland larch in the open, fire-prone forest. Wind-stunted whitebark pine surround the summit, a gray and granite dome that overlooks no fewer than a half-dozen lakes in the interior of the Rattlesnake Wilderness.

Worthy based solely on its scenic merits, Stuart has added appeal as an exemplar of urban wilderness: where else can you find a nearly 20-mile subalpine summit hike with a trailhead accessible by city bus?

Sawmill-Curry Loop

Before the Forest Service acquired the land that now comprises the Sawmill-Curry portion of the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area in a land exchange with a private landowner in 1986, a century of ranchers and ax-swingers made their homes and livelihoods here. Connecting old timber skid roads and livestock driveways, the 6-mile Sawmill / Curry loop visits moldering homesteads and ancient orchard trees, which mingle with old-growth ponderosa pines spared the saw. It’s a hike rife with history, but there’s lots of life here, thanks to a profusion of open-forest blooms— lupine, balsamroot, buckwheat and more. Be sure to pick up a brochure at the trailhead; the seventy or so miles of trail in the Rattlesnake can bewilder newcomers, nowhere more so than this portion of the recreation area.

Mount Jumbo

A myriad of user-created paths wind toward the Loyola High School “L” on broad, grassy Mount Jumbo, which, with the “M” on University Mountain, bookends Hellgate Canyon.

Balsamroot and bunchgrass blanket the broad,

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south-facing slope that overlooks the confluence of Rattlesnake Creek and the Clark Fork River.

Speaking of rattlesnakes: although they don’t dwell in the eponymous recreation area farther up the creek, the snakes do inhabit Mount Jumbo; it’s not uncommon to encounter a rattler sunning itself in the middle of the trail come late spring.

Beyond the L, hikers can continue up to copses of firs surrounding Jumbo’s flat summit, from which the views down the Bitterroot Valley are unmatched.

South O’Brien Creek

Ask an avid Missoula hiker about South O’Brien Creek, and—assuming they don’t respond with a blank stare—their reply will likely be “Is that the one with all the ceramic angels?” Yes, it is—courtesy of a homeowner with a whimsical sense of style along the gated gravel right-of-way that constitutes the first part of this 7-mile hike. But there’s no shortage of earthly delights in this drainage that abuts Blue Mountain Recreation Area on the southwest edge of Missoula. From the usuallyempty trailhead, the South O’Brien Creek loop passes private property on the lush O’Brien Creek drainage before ascending sunbaked, south-facing slopes of ponderosa and wildflowers. The grassy ridges afford unobstructed views of Blue Mountain and its lookout tower to the south and Missoula and Mount Sentinel to the east. With only modest elevation gain and the option of tacking on nearly 3 miles in figure-eight fashion on the adjoining North O’Brien Creek loop, South O’Brien Creek makes for a pleasant early-season conditioner. //

June 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

47

3rd annual outdoor adven

1 Day, A Whole Summ

Saturday, July 8 at Camp Seka

Indoor/Outdoor Rugs recycled plastic (from milk jugs, soda bottles etc) won't fade in the sun · easy care · durable

AWESOME!!!!

The 3rd annual Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival Saturday, July 8 at Camp Sekani Park on the Spokane River has grown into one of the biggest and most fun events of its kind in the region. The outdoor-recreation oriented festival with live music, a beer garden, and over 50 exhibitor booths, is one of the biggest bike and paddle sports demo events in the Northwest. General admission is free, although some of the activities have a modest cost to sign up.

“The idea behind Spokatopia is to let people try all sorts of different outdoor activities, from demoing bikes and paddleboards to rock climbing, disc golf, slacklining, kayaking and canoeing, yoga, trail running, geocaching and more all in one place in a safe, welcoming environment,” says Shallan Knowles, one of the event organizers.

Try Different Outdoor Activities at an Adventure Clinic

Festivalgoers can try out many different outdoor recreation activities, all in the Camp Sekani/ Boulder Beach area. Activities include stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, SUP yoga, rock climbing, geocaching, disc golf and other fun outdoor sports. Prices range from $10-20 per person depending on the clinic and include equipment and instruction. More info at: Spokatopia. com/excursions. Space is limited, and these clinics sell out, so don’t wait to sign up.

Intro to Rock Climbing: Learn rock climbing basics on mellow routes in the crags behind the festival grounds in a friendly, encouraging atmosphere, sponsored by Mountain Gear. Learn rock climbing techniques to reach the top of a rock face.

All the gear and equipment is provided for this exciting and challenging sport. Multiple sessions.

Cost: $20 per person.

Fair Trade Earth Friendly Local 48

OutThereMonthly.com / June 2017

www.kizurispokane.com 35 west Main, Spokane Mon-Sat: 10 am - 5:30 pm

Voyageur 8 Person Canoe Tour: Take a guided voyage with Spokane’s Canoe & Kayak Club in this historic 22-foot voyageur canoe that will hold up to eight people. Rides leave Boulder Beach for several 30-45 minute long tours. All equipment is provided and no experience is necessary. Cost: $15 per person.

Stand Up Paddleboard Lesson: Join Spokane Parks and Recreation for a stand-up paddleboard

tour. Stand up paddleboarding, or SUP, is a great workout and balance tuner and a fun way to share the summer sun and water with others. No experience is necessary and all equipment is provided.

Multiple sessions. Cost: $15 per person.

Tandem Kayak Tour: The best way to experience the Spokane River is with a paddle in your hands and sun on your skin. No experience is necessary, only the desire to paddle. All equipment is provided. The 60-minute trips led by Spokane Parks & Recreation begin with a 10-minute warm up and instruction. Multiple sessions. Cost: $15 per person.

Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga: Kick off your Spokatopia experience with a tranquil SUP yoga sequence with SUP Spokane. This amazing cross-training sport is low impact on the joints and is used to improve balance and core strength.

Multiple sessions. Cost: $20 per person.

Inflatable Kayaking: Join FLOW Adventures on an inflatable kayak adventure down the Spokane River. Inflatable kayak trips make a terrific alternative to hard-shell kayak tours for those wanting to try something new. They are incredibly fun and easy to paddle and maneuver. Individual and tandem kayak options are available. Multiple sessions.

Cost: $20 per person.

Disc Golf Intro Lesson: Team up with an experienced player from Disc Golf Uprising for a 1-hour lesson. Learn about different types of discs and how they fly, proper stance and grip, disc golf terms, and more. Cost: $10 per person.

Intro to Geocaching: Come and experience this high-tech scavenger hunt. Cache-Advance instructors will teach you the tricks of the trade in the geocaching world as well as sharing new strategies for locating skillfully-hidden caches and basic GPS skill and equipment tips. Cost: $15 per person.

The Biggest Bike Demo and Sales Event of the Year

Local bike shops, including Wheel Sport, North Division Bicycle Shop, Mojo Cyclery and The Bike Hub, will be offering demos and selling bikes from

spokatopia nture festival

mer’s Worth of Fun

Specialized, Pivot, Yeti, Trek, Rocky Mountain, Santa Cruz and other brands. Come check out full suspension, front suspension, hardtail, and downhill mountain bikes; fat bikes; hybrids; 29ers; and road and commuter bikes. This will be the biggest bike demo and sales event in the Inland Northwest this year, so don’t miss out if you’re thinking about buying a new bike or want to see what’s out there for the future. Demo bikes can be checked out and ridden on Camp Sekani single-track, forest roads or on Centennial Trail pavement at the festival.

Bring your helmet, bike shorts, gloves, water and whatever else you need to be ready to ride. A current photo ID is required.

Water Sports Demos

Try inflatable SUPs with Fun Unlimited and canoes, kayaks and paddle boards with Mountain Gear at Boulder Beach below the central festival grounds on the lake-like waters of the Spokane River behind Upriver Dam. Bring your board shorts or swimsuit, sunscreen, and a towel to Spokatopia to take advantage of this fun opportunity to try different paddle sport toys!

Beacon Hill (1,000 feet of elevation gain). There’s also a 1.5 mile version for runners and walkers to the top of Camp Sekani. The race is timed on the up only, with another 2.3 mile run or walk back to the start for the 5k, and a half mile walk/ run back down for the Up Chuck Lite 1.5 miler.

Pick up your race bandana back at the start at the Spokatopia festival.

Enjoy craft beers from the Inland Northwest and beyond in the pine-shaded beer garden located in the central festival grounds while watching live music from Wyatt Wood and headliners Flying Spiders and grooving to KPND 95.3 FM in between sets. Proceeds from the beer garden and the festival benefit Evergreen East Mountain Bike Alliance – drink up and support your local mountain bike club! Several new food trucks have confirmed this year, so there will be plenty of festival grub on hand.

Festival Parking

For one day only, you can ride your choice of Sekani trails without having to pedal or push your bike to the top in the July heat unless you want to! Bring your own mountain bike or take a demo bike for a spin down your choice of Camp Sekani trails, from easy, intermediate to expert or insane. And then catch a ride back to the top in the Evergreen East sponsored shuttle vehicle and do it again!

Additional festival parking and park and ride locations are in the works (check the website for updates), but plan on either parking at nearby Pasadena Elementary (1-mile east on Upriver Drive) and catching a van shuttle or walking/biking to Camp Sekani from there. Or take advantage of the more fun option and ride your bike to Spokatopia from your neighborhood or a nearby “park and bike” location (details coming soon at Spokatopia.com). A free, secure bike coral will be available for parking your ride while you enjoy the festivities.

Mountain Bike Jump Jam

Finding the Festival at Camp Sekani Park

Free Sekani Mountain Bike Shuttles

Watch talented local riders fly through the air on bikes, pulling off tricks and launching off huge gapped jumps that few mountain bikers can execute and land. Follow the signs to the Camp Sekani bike park through the trees a few hundred yards to the east of the main festival grounds. This free event promises to be an awesome experience for spectators.

5K & 1.5 Mile Up Chuck Challenge Trail Run

The Up Chuck Challenge trail run starts at Camp Sekani Park on the Up Chuck Trail for a fun, nearly all single-track 5k climb to the top of

Cruiser E-Bike

Beer Garden, Music & Food

Camp Sekani Park is located between downtown Spokane and Spokane Valley on E. Upriver Drive.

For more details, visit Spokatopia.com and follow the festival on Facebook.

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ani Park on the Spokane River

LEARN TO ROW

Have you seen “The Boys in the Boat“. And you thought, “… that looks really cool, I’d like to try it, but how?”.

Now is your chance!

More Details

For more information about all festival activities, adventure clinics, parking, shuttles, park and bike locations, the band line-up, bike and paddle sports demos and other activities, keep checking back for updates at Spokatopia.com or follow the festival on Facebook. // (OTM)

First session starts July 10th with a total of 4 sessions available through August. Classes are 2 weeks each, Morning Classes: $175 Evening Classes: $200. Includes Free T-Shirt.

Register at: spokaneriverrowing.org

Above Photos: Rachael Becker

June 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

49

Rock Climbing

COME

LL

in spokane’s

RIDE

R

RE

Dishman Hills

IN

By Summer Hess

ROSSLAND

B.C. DEVINCI, GIANT ROCKY MOUNTAIN SANTA CRUZ, YETI

Left: Eric Lawson extracting bolts at Dishman Hills. // Right: Arden Pete inspects the cliff face. Photos: Summer Hess.

The summer in my mind is always perfect— 1990 COLUMBIA AVE. ROSSLAND B.C. 1-888-296-5688 WWW.REVOLUTIONCYCLES.CA

Photo: Ollie Jones

5K & 1.5 mile as fast as you can

to the top of BEACON

Trail Run

Beer Garden

Up Chuck Bandandas

Live Music

Starts on the Up Chuck Trail out of Camp Sekani for a fun, flowy climb up Beacon Hill to kick off the 3rd annual Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival.

July 8 - 9:30 a.m.

more info: www.spokatopia.com 50

OutThereMonthly.com / June 2017

obliging weather, tons of time off from work, and a lineup of great partners ready to hit the road at a moment’s notice. Tis the season for setting audacious goals and finally crossing off some of the items on the tick list. But if you do plan to spend a lot of time local this year, there’s a new spin on a favorite crag that worth your time. It’s fixed up with shiny new hardware and ready for pulling your first hard 5.9 or hangdogging a new project.

Dishman deserves a second look thanks to its interesting history, brilliant accessibility, and the fine introduction it provides to technical climbing.

The shiny new hardware comes by way of a dedicated crew from the Bower Climbing Coalition (BCC) which made Dishman its first big project.

Board member Eric Lawson estimates he spent 40 hours removing the first 35 unsafe bolts. Bolt extraction is tedious because the group is trying to remove and replace bolts rather than chop them, which would further scar the rock. When I visited the cliffs to catch a glimpse of their progress, Arden Pete, another board member and local developer, was rappelling down the face after replacing a rusty, old anchor.

Pete and Lawson consider Dishman a great summer crag because it’s shaded all morning. The BCC hosted an Earth Day clean up earlier this year, so the fun climbing is surrounded by a tidier environment. Other perks include a short approach and close proximity to just about anywhere in Spokane.

The hiking trails extending into the Dishman Hills Conservation Area are also worth exploring. But the major selling point for Dishman is the diverse array of climbs that challenge your technique and

strength. Here are a few recommended Dishman routes: Chicken Spread (5.9) A warm-up route that will give you a taste of how challenging the climbs at Dishman can be.

Free Installation (5.11a) A true classic and local’s favorite. Mountain Project contributors agree: “Probably the best 11a here. Starts up a left facing flake and turns the roof to the left. This climb starts out crimpy and hard, then juggy and overhanging mid-way. finishes with some good, balancy slab climbing.”

Touch of Gray (5.11c) A challenging start leads to “awesome” climbing up high. “It’s steep high up and technical. Not like other climbs around. It’s a subtle little dance to get up there,” says Pete.

Rock 106 (5.11b-12.c) A brilliant climb with sustained difficulty. The rating is contested since a huge flake fell off nearly a decade ago. It was named for graffiti about a local radio station.

Of course, the best thing about urban climbing isn’t just the clever names derived from the whims of the first ascensionist. Easy access to safe climbing brings the community together. “In the old days,” says Pete, “people would talk and tell stories. They didn’t like to go to bars; they liked to hang out here.”

I suspect this season of climbing at Dishman will see a throwback to those good ol’ days. // Summer Hess is a writing instructor at Eastern Washington University and manages special projects for the Community Building. She wrote about Jon Snyder in the April issue.

Bower Climbing Coalition The BCC maintains, expands, and preserves Inland Northwest climbing. As the climbing scene in the Spokane area continues to grow, the BCC plays an important role in helping climbers voice their concerns and create community-based solutions to a range of issues. Right now, they are focused on replacing severely corroded bolts at Dishman to honor local climber Andrew Bower. Bower fell from the top of the main cliff as he was preparing to replace bolts, a form of community service he carried out to improve safety for other climbers. The hardware replacement is a legacy project in his memory.

The BCC will also explore other aspects of its mission in the coming months and years. Climbing coalitions are important forums for discussions about access, stewardship, and education. They can also partner with national groups such as the Access Fund to advocate for climbing areas. The BCC invites community requests and suggestions for gear replacement via their Facebook page. Also, it documents hardware updates such as anchor replacements on the website Mountain Project. //

an invitation to

Open water

Swimming

By Susan Hales

Calling all open water swimmers. We know

you are out there. The ones who pull off I-90 for a dip at the Vantage boat ramp. The ones who hastily shed backpacks to plunge into glacial alpine lakes. There is no body of water that does not tease you, no water too cold, too rough or too wild to challenge you. You swim the lakes, rivers and coasts, testing your limits with the cold, chop, and distance. You meet up at open water races in the Coeur d’Alene, Pend Oreille and Flathead, hungry to learn of other nearby events.

Open water swimming (OWS) is growing rapidly, especially since joining the Olympics in 2008. If you haven’t tried it yet, or if you’re bored swimming laps, this could be a great opportunity to explore a new athletic frontier. OWS is not just for the Diana Nyads and Olympic hopefuls.

Whether you swim a race to say, “I did it!” or strive to beat your record (or sister, like me), everyone can connect through common race strategies.

On race day, we check-in, attend the pre-race meeting, then crowd the beach, impatient until, finally, the starting horn.

We plunge in, an excited mass of arms and feet in frothy water. Heading off, we sight the first race buoy and look beyond to more buoys marking the course.

Kayakers and paddleboarders make sure we don’t stray, and help anyone in distress. Nearing the end, buoys direct us to a well-marked finish line and a cheering crowd. Electronic or volunteer time keepers note our time. At the closing ceremony after the race, awards are presented to the winners.

Races in our snow-fed lakes are not warm pool parties. Hearty adventurers wear just swimsuit, goggles and cap. They train in very cold water, sometimes putting on a few pounds for insulation. The rest of us appreciate specialized gear. Fortunately, we have come a long way since swimmers crossed the English Channel wearing aviator goggles and a thick layer of bear grease for warmth.

The most basic piece of OWS equipment is the neoprene, triathlon wetsuit. These come in full body, short sleeve and leg, and farmer john sleeveless styles. They are designed for warmth and speed and add buoyancy. Thickness varies from 5mm,

wonderful for very cold water, to the more popular 2 and 3mm varieties. Thinner arms and shoulders provide stroke flexibility. Fit is crucial for comfort and safety, so it is best to try out a wetsuit before buying. The perfect wetsuit is snug and may require some psychological adjustment to get used to, but it will protect you for hours in our northern lakes and extend your swim season by many months.

The first rule of swimmer safety is to swim with a buddy. The addition of a bright, safety float makes us visible to any boaters. Mine is a drysack, handy for a space blanket, snacks, and bringing home a newspaper from across the bay. Preparing for your first open water race also means getting used to no lanes, no flags, and no clock over the swimming pool. With practice, breathing normally and sighting along the surface become second nature.

Open water swimmers train for distance endurance and finish speed. I recommend beginning in the late spring or early summer with one mile swims in Medical Lake or Liberty Lake. As Pend Oreille warms, I take two, then three mile and occasional

Training swims are aesthetic, sensory experiences of pulling, turning and gliding through space and time. longer swims, broken up by shorter one mile swims.

Every open water swim trains us for the unusual and unexpected cold, wind, sun, rain, waves and currents on race day. For me, training swims are aesthetic, sensory experiences of pulling, turning and gliding through space and time. Eagles fly overhead, deer glance up from the shore, fish dart away, submerged fallen trees reach up with shaggy branches and underwater boulders create the remarkable sensation like you’re flying over mountains. You’ll never know how much fun it can be unless you give it a try. // Susan Hales has a ritual of swimming across the bay to pick up the Sunday paper. It’s only a 1.9-mile swim from her cabin on Lake Pend Oreille to Odie’s Bayside Grocery.

A SCENIC RIDE WITH 3 ROUTES 30, 45 & 75 MILE

FOR MORE INFO

www.lcsnw.org/8lakesride 509.343.5020 cmckee@lcsnw.org

Saturday August 5th, 2017 Spokane, WA

Presented by Kaiser Permanente & LCS Northwest to benefit vital programs for children & families

open water swimming events Looking to give open water swimming a try? Sign up for one of these events around the Inland Northwest this summer.

• • • • •

July 14-16, Flathead Lake Swim Series, Flathead Lake (10k, 5k, 1 mile, or .5 mile) July 16, Steve Omi Memorial Swim, Coeur d’Alene Lake (1 mile) August 5, Long Bridge Swim, Lake Pend Oreille (1.76 mile) August 13, Coeur d’Alene Crossing, Coeur d’Alene Lake (1.2 mile or 2.4 mile) September 9, Lake Chelan Swim, Lake Chelan (1.5 mile).

July 8th

Camp Sekani June 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

51

full ma & r lf

hons at

ha

september 10, 2017 SPOKANE VALLEY

CRAVE!, a unique culinary event showcasing the creative talents of visionary chefs and highlighting flavors of the great NW.

at CenterPlace Regional Event Center in Spokane Valley

Starts at Depot Park, downtown Whitefish

GET INFO & REGISTER @ TWOBEARMARATHON.ORG The Wave is a 501(c)(3) corporation and 100% of event proceeds benefit The Wave Scholarship Fund!

FESTIVAL OF MILES – JUNE 10 DAD’S DAY DASH – JUNE 18

221 N. Wall St. 509.624.7654

10208 N. Division 509-468-1786 52

OutThereMonthly.com / June 2017

OutdoorCalendar RUNNING

Washington. Info: Trailmaniacs.com/sps

(June 10) Festival of Miles. Where: Mead High

(June 18) Dad’s Day Dash. Where: Manito Park, Spokane. When: 9 a.m. Superhero costumes encouraged! Info:Snap.Wa.org

School Track. When: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Family oriented track races for all age groups. Info: brrc.net

(June 17) Trail Maniacs State Park Series #2. Where: Heyburn State Park. SPS is a trail run series, including 5 mile and half marathon distances that takes place at six state parks in Idaho and

BIKING (June 17) CHAFE 150. The 150 mile route with no mountain passes or long sustained climbs starts and

finishes in beautiful Sandpoint, Idaho, on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille after winding into the nearby river valleys of Montana. The ride is a benefit for local students on the autism spectrum. Chafe150.org

(June 17) Silver Valley Ride to Defeat ALS. Ride solo or as part of a team through the historic Silver Valley on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes to help fight Lou Gehrig’s disease. Several lengths to choose from.

Info: alsa.org

SIXMONTH TRAININGCALENDAR RUNNING (July 8) Up Chuck Challenge Trail Run. Where: Camp Sekani Park, Spokane. When: 9:30 a.m. Kick off the day at the Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival with a 5k or 1.5 mile trail run to top of Beacon Hill or Camp Sekani. Both distances include an untimed run, trot or walk back to the festival grounds. Complete the race and sport your Up Chuck bandana at the Spokatopia beer garden! Info: Spokatopia.com (July 15) Kaniksu 50 & Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race. Where: Colville National Forest. A non-profit 50 mile ultra run & a 50 mile fast pack relay. For the fast pack relay, 1-5 participants each complete one of five legs carrying a minimum 35lb pack for men and 25lb pack for women. Runners have 14 hours to complete the course featuring 7,800 feet of elevation gain and the fast packers have 20 hours. All proceeds go The SERE Association’s memorial scholarship fund.

(July 22) Trail Maniacs State Park Series #3.

Where: Mount Spokane State Park. SPS is a trail run series, including 5 mile and half marathon distances that takes place at six state parks in Idaho and Washington. Info: Trailmaniacs.com/sps

(August 19) Taste T Lentil 5k Fun Run. Where: National Lentil Festival, Pullman, Wash. Eat tasty lentils. Drink good beer. And kick it all off with a fun 5k run or walk. Info: Lentilfest.com

(September 9) Trail Maniacs State Park Series #4. Where: Riverside State Park. SPS is a trail run series, including 5 mile and half marathon distances that takes place at six state parks in Idaho and Washington. Info: Trailmaniacs.com/sps

(August 7-11) Glutes in the Koots Trail Running Camp with Jen Segger. Where: Sol Mountain Lodge, BC. Cover the fundamentals of mountain running with trail running camp host Jen Segger, including technique, efficiency, safety and adventure.

Info: Glutesinthekoots.com

(August 18-19) Spokane to Sandpoint Relay.

Where: Spokane/Sandpoint. Cover 200 miles in teams of up to 12 runners on this overnight relay largely on trail and country roads. Info: Cascaderelays.com.

at spokaneparks.org.

Park. When: 6 am packet pickup. 100 mile, 68 Mile and 45 Mile ride options. All rides fully supported.

Info: Blazing100.org

• Find your balance with paddleboard yoga

National Lentil Festival, Pullman, Wash. A 50k, 100k, or 150k bike ride (not a race) through the scenic Palouse held in conjunction with the National Lentil Festival. The event begins at the WSU Lighty Student Services Building and rolls out Wawawai-Pullman Road, through Colfax to Palouse, past Kamiak Butte, and back to Pullman. Three rest stops along the way will provide water and snacks. Info: Lentilfest.com

• Paint a masterpiece

(September 23) Spokane Happy Girls Run.

(September 11) WACANID Ride. Where: Start in

Where: Where: Spokane. Women’s half marathon, 10k and 5k runs with great post-race festivities and fabulous goody bags. Info: Happygirlsrun.com

BIKING (July 5, 12, 19, & 26) 4 in July MTB Race Series. Where: Farragut State Park, Idaho. When:

(July 8) Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival. Where: Camp Sekani Park, Spokane.

Where: Kaniksu Ranch, Loon Lake, Wash. You’ve always wanted to, so why wait another year? This clothing-optional 5k fun run along gravel country road should be on every Inland NW runner’s race bucket list. Info: Kaniksufamily.com

(August 5) Blazing Saddles. Where: Colville City

Where: Whitefish, Montana. Run the scenic backroads around this beautiful mountain town on an all-new, all-road course with full and half marathon distances. The race starts and ends at Depot Park in downtown Whitefish, where a free barbeque awaits finishers as part of the post-race party. Info: Twobearmarathon.org.

(September 19) Two Bear Marathon.

(July 24-28) Glutes in the Koots 100 Mile Training Week. Where: Nelson, BC. This trail run-

(July 30) The Original Bare Buns Fun Run 5K.

City of Spokane Parks & Recreation offers hundreds of camps, classes and excursions — plus four golf courses, six aquatic centers, and more than 80 parks.

Check out our activity guide

• Camp under the stars

Races start at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday night MTB racing in July at Farragut State Park. Riders can choose one or two 8-mile laps, and there’s a new single-track course each week, with proceeds benefitting local youth sports programs. An Idaho State Park Pass is required.

ning camp with 2016 Hardrock Co-champion Jason Schlarb covers heart rate, hills, strength, diet and mindset. Info: Glutesinthekoots.com

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE.

(August 19) Tour de Lentil Bike Ride. Where:

Where: Deer Park, Wash. Walk or run the 5k course through the Deer Park that includes the town’s two roundabouts. A Leukemia and Lymphoma Society benefit event. Info: Roundabout5k.com

(July 23) Round About 5K.

Centennial Trail Head across from Mirabeau Point Park. T-shirts, refreshments, and an after-party celebration included. Info: Cyclecelebration.com

find m l a c r you

When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Try different bikes; sign up for adventure clinics to learn new sports like climbing, kayaking, geocaching, paddleboard yoga and other outdoor activities; demo paddleboards and other watercraft; watch live music or the mountain bike jump jam; and check out over 50 exhibitors. Info: Spokatopia.com.

(July 22) Blue Goose Chase Free Family Bike Ride. Where: Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge, Colville, Wash. Ride the 11-mile gravel Auto Tour Route through northeast Washington’s scenic wildlife refuge, sponsored by Friends of the Little Pend Oreille NWR and Clark’s All-Sport. There will be prizes, food and music at this fun, family event.

Info: Refugefriends.com

(July 30) Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration.

Where: Mirabeau Point Park, Spokane Valley. Spend the day exploring the scenic beauty in and around Spokane Valley on your choice of 10-mile, 25-mile or 50-mile bike ride. All bike rides start at the North

• Kayak at sunset

Sandpoint, Idaho. Fully supported 6 day ride through Washington, Idaho and Canada. Info: wacanid.org

(September 16) RIM Ride 5-Mile Family Bike Ride. Where: Liberty Lake, Wash. This familyfriendly ride bike ride takes you on the trails in the beautiful City of Liberty Lake. Safe ride for families and kids. Info: Rotaryinmotion.com

(September 17) RIM Ride. Where: Liberty Lake, Wash. A community cycling event for all ages and abilities, with 15, 25, 50 and 100 mile routes on scenic backroads that explores the beautiful areas of Liberty Lake, Post Falls, Green Bluff and Spokane Valley.

Info: Rotaryinmotion.com

TRIATHLONS/MULTISPORT (July 9) Valley Girl Triathlon. Where: Liberty Lake village beachfront. When: 7:45 a.m. Women’s sprint distance triathlon. Info: www.valleygirltri.com (JULY 15) Tiger Tri. Where: Gillette Lake (Beaver Lodge). When: 6 a.m. Swim in water temperatures around 70 degrees. Bike along State Highway 20 through Colville National Forest with substantial elevation loss. Run through Dominion Meadows golf course on packed gravel, asphalt and grass.

Info:TigerTri.com (September 9) Rathdrum Adventure Race.

Where: Rathdrum, Idaho. The premier “alternative” triathlon in North Idaho, experience a mountain bike ride on Rathdrum Mountain or along a beautiful treed path, paddle Twin Lakes in a kayak, and then run the trails back to Rathdrum’s charming City Park. Participate as a team or individual, and choose between a long or short course. Info: Rathdrumadventurerace.org

SpokaneParks.org Call 311 or 509.755.2489

June 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Last Page Climbing Walls or Community Action?

Finding a Balance Between Activism and Athleticism // By Summer Hess

Play hard and be the change you want to see in the world. // Photo: Summer Hess

I took a deep breath before plunging under the

overpass on my way back to work after a session at Wild Walls climbing gym. The smell of human excrement and unwashed bodies clogged the back of my throat, as did the bursts of exhaust from the heavy traffic that whizzed by. It seemed rude to pull the collar of my shirt over my nose, so I breathed slowly and shallowly. Two still bodies wrapped in dirty blankets were pressed against the graffitied wall, and they elicited the usual gutlevel feelings of sadness and shame, followed by an

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immediate tamping down of said emotions.

I was late for a meeting. I did not have time to think about the health and safety of those two individuals, nor the system that cast them aside as disposable. I filed the conundrum aside in the ‘tothink-about-later’ corner of my brain, while also knowing that I would likely not think about them again until the next time I was confronted with a similar scene. The truth is, after working, commuting, and training for peak physical performance, it’s hard to find energy to keep caring.

I hate the way this sounds, that somehow I don’t have time to think about homelessness since I have a full-time job and want a fit body. But today I’m finally pausing to reflect on the tension I regularly experience between athletics and activism. As a climber, I want to get better and exceed my expectations. As an engaged member of the community, I have committed to do more than pay attention to disparities around me—I’d also like to do something about them. Yet I still don’t know how to balance my civic participation with my pursuit of long approaches over diverse terrain on my way to remote climbs. How can I fit training in my schedule when there are multiple community events I feel the urge to support each week? Plus, how do I go to the mountains with all the marches, fundraisers, and additional events on weekends?

The people sleeping under the bridge aren’t asking themselves these questions because they are the questions of a privileged person. My answer, if I examine my life so far, is patchwork activism and a scattered climbing resume. I go to community events when I can, and I don’t climb as often as I’d like. This spring I solved certain problems by getting back to the basics after a winter of sickness and injury. I can manage long runs on weekends and light weights and cross training after work. But soon I’ll be making tough choices again and feeling like I can’t get it right. I’ll engage less than I want while meeting fewer of my personal goals.

I suppose the most obvious way to think about

this internal conflict is to accept I am a finite being with limited resources, including time. But this also feels like the easy way out. It releases me from the hard questions of how I spend my hours, and what the allocation of my time says about my values. If a budget is a moral document, as we are fond of reminding politicians, could not the reserves of my time be measured in much the same way?

The balance I’m leaning toward is not very sexy, but I think it will work for me. If I’m honest with myself, it’s not how hard I’m crushing my goals that gives me pleasure in the mountains. Yes, I am a different person when I spend time in wild places. I am calmer, my attention is more refined, and my generosity more abundant. But I am not a better person when I cross the plateau from 5.10 to 5.11 climbing. Besides, no matter how hard I trained, my mark on the world would never be the rating of my routes. Admitting this makes me willing to sacrifice performance for something more important and less measurable. My legacy, as it were, will hopefully be the ways I stepped out of my privilege to engage in causes that are not directly related to me and my quality of life.

Hopefully, I’ll be well enough to go to the climbing gym for many more decades to come. With any luck, when I pass those people under the bridge, I’ll be able to banish the shame, knowing that there’s more work to do, but I am doing what I can to be a part of it. //

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GSI Halulite MicroDualist Cookset $54.95

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MSR TrailShot Microfilter $49.95

Marmot Tungsten 3 Reg $259.00 SALE $199.98

June 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com Above the Rapid River, Payette National Forest, ID

Photo: Jim Rueckel

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