Out There Monthly March 2016

PEOPLE'S PARK | TEAM OTM CHALLENGE | HIKE OF THE MONTH MARCH 2016 // FREE

THE INLAND NW GUIDE TO OUTDOOR ADVENTURE, TRAVEL AND THE OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE

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Features

19 | A Fat-Bike Desert Odyssey From Seattle to Spokane on the John Wayne and Columbia Plateau Trails

19 Special Sections 26 | On The Mountain Special Ski/Ride Section

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departments 12 | Climbing 15 | Out There Spotlight 19 | Running 20 | Gear Room

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21 | Outdoor Living 24 | Buzz Bin 25 | Hiking 35 | Urban Outdoors 37 | Health & Fitness

in every issue 7

| From the Editor

8

| Out There News & Events

10 | Hike of the Month 13 | Everyday Cyclist 14 | Out There Kids 17 | Food & Fuel 36 | Outdoor Calendar 38 | Last Page

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MONTHLY

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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 2016 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.

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On The Cover: A trip to the Snake and Salmon river canyon country near Riggins, Idaho, is an early spring ritual for many Inland Northwest hikers.

Backpackers pause to take in the big views of Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.

Photo: Kyle Merritt

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OutThereMonthly.com / March 2016

From The Editor: Time for a Challenge Running alone at night through North Idaho neighborhoods and farm fields, I finally understood what I’ve been missing by avoiding organized races ever since my last Bloomsday experience decades ago. It was my second leg of the Spokane to Sandpoint Relay last August, and despite the fact that I’m an introvert who often runs, hikes and bikes alone, I was loving it.

Which got me thinking as I plodded along. Why haven’t I done this before?

Somewhere along the S2S course north of Coeur d’Alene – I remember the spot because I had just passed a herd of sheep staring at me from the darkness of a roadside pen – I started thinking about how to encourage more OTM readers to sign up for the gazillion awesome races, rides,

triathlons and fun runs that happen every year around the Inland Northwest.

This year, we are launching the Team OTM Challenge: a new program that’s all about motivating others who, like me, have had some barrier to signing up for more races and other non-competitive events to challenge themselves to do at least one of our over 30 featured races and events every month for six months (May-October). For some, that will mean pushing their physical and social comfort zones with 5k runs and events like the Dad’s Day Dash 5k and Happy Girls Run or bike rides like the CHAFE 150 and Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration. For others it may mean trying something totally new, like a community multisport event like the Rathdrum Adventure Race,

the Emory Corwine 50 Mile Ruck Race relay or a half or full trail marathon. Other seasoned, hardcore athletes can challenge themselves by signing up for as many badass races as they want, such as the Kootenay Sufferfest, Priest Lake Smokechaser 30K or the Trail Maniacs Jackass Hill Climb. You can sign up for the Team OTM Challenge as an individual or team (group of four). Participants score discounts on all races as well as killer swag, kick-off and wrap-up parties and a Team OTM tech shirt and opportunities to connect with a bigger community (see page 19 for details).

The Team OTM Challenge will make it harder to put off getting or staying in shape because you will have made a personal commitment (or in this case, six months of commitments). That’s my

main reason for taking the Team OTM Challenge myself this summer; it’s a way to fight back from too many hours glued to a computer and office chair. And, for as much as I’d usually rather be wandering the wilds in solitude, last summer I re-discovered the joy of sharing sweat, joy, exhaustion and a sense of accomplishment with others, whether it was with my team mates, strangers along the race course or a band of bleating sheep on the side of some highway. See you at the starting line in May! // Derrick Knowles, Editor editor@outtheremonthly.com

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Out ThereNews&Events Wild & Scenic Film Festival (April 28) The Spokane Riverkeeper, Mountain Gear and Patagonia are bringing back the Wild & Scenic Film Festival as a benefit for the Spokane Riverkeeper on Thursday, April 28 at the Garland Theater. Because Spokane is really a river town, say organizers, the festival will recognize that connection by featuring several prominent river films along with fun shorts covering other themes and topics. The festival will also provide an opportunity to sample the newly released 2016 River City Brewing Riverkeeper IPA. A portion of the proceeds from all Riverkeeper IPA sales are donated back to Spokane Riverkeeper.

“Although Spokane has a rich assortment of opportunities to watch films,” says Spokane

Riverkeeper Jerry White, Jr., “this festival really stands out from the crowd because of its cutting edge and innovative environmental films.” The festival’s stop in Spokane has been made possible by support from Mountain Gear as well as a number of local partner organizations and businesses such as Riverside State Park Foundation, Spokane Falls Trout Unlimited, the Inland NW Land Conservancy, ROW Adventures, Silverbow Fly Shop, King Beverage, River City Brewing and Out There Monthly. Doors at the Garland Theater open at 6 p.m. for beverages and conversation and the films start at 7. Tickets are $12 online and $15 at the door. More info at Facebook.com/ SpokaneRiverkeeper.//

Skiers and Snowboarders rally for a Cause The eighth annual 24 Hours of Schweitzer is an all-day, all-night fundraiser held in honor of 9-year-old Hank Sturgis of Sandpoint and others suffering from the rare, fatal disease cystinosis. This year’s theme “Rock Around The Clock” will feature DJs and bands from around the area that will play throughout the event while skiers and snowboarders ride around the clock. The event has two categories: the 24 Hour Challenge category with three or four person teams participating in fun “challenge” activities and the Endurance category, which is an all-out solo or 2-4 person team attempt to ski or ride as many runs as possible in 24 hours. Teams will ski and ride for prizes, bragging rights and most importantly, fundraising for cystinosis research and Hank’s future. The event starts at 8:30 a.m.

on Friday, March 25 and runs until 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 26. Skiers and snowboarders raise pledges and donations and see if they can endure a full 24 hours of skiing. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome.

“Back in 2008, after recovering from our initial shock and despair, we had a single goal in mind – find a cure for Hank and others suffering from this devastating disease. After much discussion with family and friends, the idea of an all-day, allnight ski fundraiser was born,” says Brian Sturgis, Hank’s dad and one of the event organizers. “We never dreamed that seven years and thousands of ski runs later, more than half a million dollars would be raised toward the cause and that Sandpoint would become a nationwide leader in cystinosis fundraising.” More info at 24hoursofschweitzer.com. //

Velofix Mobile Bike Shop Offers Convenient Service and Support

Velofix is a new mobile, full-service bike shop that’s equipped with all the tools and technical expertise to service all kinds of bikes including road bikes, mountain bikes, commuters, tandems and even kids bikes. This service eliminates driving your bike to the shop, leaving it there for a few days and having to return once again to pick it up.

Customers simply go online, schedule their service and a Velofix technician arrives to service your bike.

Wade Pannell, who owns the Spokane area’s two Fleet Feet Sports locations, is proud to bring this new progressive franchise to town. “Since opening Fleet Feet Sports in 2012, we have helped hundreds of people learn to enjoy running and supported their goals and desires to become fit. Many of our customers who want to try cycling, or want to become triathletes, have asked us for years to expand our services into cycling and bring our customer service and inclusive culture to the cycling community of Spokane,” Pannell says.

Velofix was founded in Canada by four passionate cyclists. The company’s primary goal is to streamline bike repair and eliminate as many bike obstacles as possible. “We felt the best path to expand our current business was to focus on the service side of the industry and to choose a model that would be more convenient,” Pannell says.

“What could be better than mobile bike service and support?”

Obviously, if you can save time you can ride more.

Admittedly, Velofix does not sell bikes or bike apparel, so cyclists should visit bike shops whenever they can. But this service model definitely fills a niche in the local bike community.

For more information, visit www.velofix.com.

Also, keep your eyes open for the big red Velofix van at Bloomsday, the Bike Swap, the Troika Triathlon, Coeur d’Alene Ironman events and the Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival. (Jon Jonckers)

Mt. Spokane Ski Area Expansion on Hold Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park’s plans for a new chairlift and seven runs on the mountain’s backside are once again on hold, and, if the latest round of challenges are successful, the expansion could be halted altogether. Earlier this winter, the ski area and other project proponents believed they had overcome the last hurdle in a 10-year process after Thurston County Superior Court affirmed a land classification decision made by the Washington Parks and Recreation Commission back in 2014 approving the expansion. Last month, Spokane County also issued the ski area a grading permit giving the green light for work to begin on the new ski runs and chairlift as soon as this spring.

Yet after an injunction was issued by the Washington State Court of Appeals in late January 2016, the ski area’s expansion plans face an uncertain future. The injunction, which was requested by expansion opponents, effectively halts logging for the new chairlift and 80 acres of groomed runs while an appeal of the Washington Parks and Recreation Commission’s earlier approval of the project is being considered by the appeals court.

Adding to the uncertainty, the Spokane Tribe, which has concerns that the project infringes on areas that are of historical and religious significance, joined with The Lands Council and several other environmental groups earlier this winter to call on Washington Governor Jay Inslee to step in and stop the project. To date, the only public response from the governor has been from staff explaining that his office will not comment on a case that’s being appealed.

“Right now, MS 2000 has to have all permits to start the expansion,” says Laura Ackerman, the Mt. Spokane Coordinator for The Lands Council.

She points out that the state decides if and when all the permits are in place and when construction can start. “They can’t move forward because

they need a permit from the state Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation to work near the traditional summit trail to the top of Mt. Spokane. The trail is an archeological site and goes through parts of three proposed ski runs,” Ackerman says.

At press time, the appeals court case had not been scheduled. “The case is based on our position that state parks ignored their own natural resource policy,” Ackerman adds. Meanwhile, The Lands Council has also appealed the timber harvest permit the county had already issued.

The county hearings examiner is set to hear that appeal April 13.

When asked about the Spokane Tribe’s opposition to the expansion, Brad McQuarrie, Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park General Manager, noted that he is disappointed and surprised.

“We’ve met and toured the area with representatives from the tribe during this process. For more than a decade, MS 2000 [the non-profit organization that manages the ski area] has been working to expand, with a vision to provide a strong community benefit by balancing public safety and recreation with environmental preservation and stewardship.”

McQuarrie is adamant that the current ski area acreage does not support the demand and that adding new runs and a lift on the backside is necessary. “In recent years we’ve observed a trend in the region’s youth becoming more active outdoors, and that’s led to the explosive popularity of the mountain,” McQuarrie says. He also notes that timing for the expansion couldn’t be better after an exceptionally busy year. “This season we’re bursting at the seams with more skiers and riders than ever – in fact, this season’s strong snowfall has escalated skier visits to record-breaking numbers.” (Brad Naccarato)

March 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Y I D

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The Dishman Hills Natural Area is a fantastic close-in hike at any time of year, but it is never more beautiful than in the early spring as the wildflowers begin to emerge. This year the Dishman Hills Conservancy celebrates half a century of working to preserve public open space in Spokane Valley. The partnerships that have been forged here as private individuals joined together to form the Conservancy, then worked alongside Spokane County Parks and the Department of Natural Resources for management of the trail system, are an excellent example of how farsighted individuals can create something that generations will treasure.

For one of the numerous loop options that provides a good sample of the varied landscape within the Natural Area, start from the main entrance at Camp Caro. Take the main trail that accesses the Natural Area by walking through the Camp Caro breezeway and up the steep hill. At the top of the hill the outdoor amphitheater offers a place to rest. Then follow the trail as it contours slightly to the left and downhill, past numerous rock outcroppings. At the first trail junction, take the slight right through Enchanted Ravine. The rock walls on either side close in the farther up the ravine one travels, until at the upper end the trail becomes a series of rock steps. It’s worthwhile to watch the Dishman Hills Conservancy website for one of their group hikes with a geologic focus, but even without a geologist along it’s easy to imagine how the ice age floods of Glacial Lake Missoula carved out the rock features along this route, leaving behind metamorphic rock that has been dated at up to 1 billion years old.

After Enchanted Ravine the grade lessens somewhat and the understory shrubs thin out, leaving an excellent spot to watch for early season wildflowers like buttercups, grass widows and camas. At the next intersection take the slight left toward Lost Ponds, through a recently rerouted section of trail. At the following intersection, continue toward Lost Ponds by turning right, climbing a short hill, and turning right again. As the name implies, the ponds sometimes disappear due to summer evaporation. In March the ponds are usually full, and they are also home to a thriving population of frogs. Hike in the late afternoon for the best of the frog chorus.

Beyond the ponds, watch for the right-hand turn at an unmarked intersection. Here the trail climbs to Nimbus Knob, a high point with an impressive vista of the Spokane Valley and one of the best places in the Dishman Hills for catching the sunset. From here it’s all downhill to Camp Caro. Turn right at the first intersection, joining the East/West Pond trail, then left beyond the ponds to follow the main trail back to the start.

The roundtrip distance is 3 miles. Leashes are required for dogs, and bikes are not allowed in the Natural Area.

Getting there: From Sprague (one-way westbound) or Appleway (one-way eastbound), turn south on Sargent Road, then right into the Dishman Hills parking lot. The upper Camp Caro parking lot is closed until May, but the lower lot remains open year-round. //

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Climbing

To Bolt or Not to Bolt

Time for a Conversation on Local Climbing Ethics? // By Summer Hess My throat itched and I could feel a thin layer of soot building in my nose from a nearby wildfire as we wound through a smoky canyon at McClellan Conservation Area. We hiked toward a moderate crack my friend Kevin Klim was in the process of developing as a new route. He had spent hours clearing the moss, breaking off loose holds, and deliberating whether to place an anchor at the top or to allow climbers instead to use the easy walk-off. As we neared the route at the south end of the main canyon holding Crisis Wall, an expletive snapped from his usually softspoken mouth. A fresh set of shiny bolts had been installed on the wall he was developing, and no one had talked to him about it before drilling.

For non-climbers or those new to the scene, the small pieces of metal drilled into rock may seem innocuous or, at worst, are an eyesore. But for climbers, the debate over whether or not to provide permanent protection points to arrest a potential fall is divisive. Within the Spokane climbing community, the conflict over whether “to bolt” or “not to bolt” is grounded in the issues of access, safety and ego.

Access has been a big theme this year. I chatted with Craig Anderson, a local physical therapist who has been working hard with a few friends to develop some stellar routes in Tum Tum, including a five-pitch 5.10b climb called Orion.

Besides cleaning and bolting pitches, these guys are weed whacking thorny bushes and poison ivy

12

OutThereMonthly.com / March 2016

and building trails so that people can get to the new routes.

They have also initiated a conversation with the landowner to continue development on friendly terms. Anderson has chosen to bolt the routes in such a way that people can climb at their grade and “any fall would be safe.” In other words, Anderson and his friends are investing time and labor so the rest of us can show up and A climber traverses an unprotected face at Vantage. // Photo: Summer Hess have fun.

Of course, access to good climbing and fun are Klim, who teaches climbing courses at Eastern not the only considerations; how to make climbWashington University, is skeptical of the idea that ing safe is also a controversial concept. If you purbolting makes climbing safe. He points out that if chase any climbing equipment, you will see the you peruse the annual publication “Accidents of North American Mountaineering,” few climbing disclaimer: Climbing is inherently dangerous. It is the responsibility of the climber to learn proper accidents are the result of not having enough bolts techniques and practice good judgment. We may on a route; instead, the data show that most accidents and fatalities are the result of human error recycle the disclaimers in gear packaging as easily as we accept the terms on our iTunes updates, but or inexperience. Klim is concerned that bolted of course the stakes are much higher. routes may “lower the bar and create opportuni-

ties for more human error.” Ultimately, he continues, “bolting does not make climbing safe because nothing makes climbing safe.”

His point is that for everything climbers gain, there is always a trade off. As access to climbing increases, and as throngs of climbers move from the gym to the outdoors, new climbers may be seduced into believing that as long as there are bolts, climbing is safe. New climbers are not learning to inspect bolts for age or improper installation, nor are they equipping themselves to exercise their own judgment.

We need climbers creating access and providing new places to climb, and we need people to teach the knowledge and advanced critical thinking skills necessary for recreating in high-risk environments. What’s missing from Spokane and many climbing areas, in my opinion, is a forum that provides the opportunity for route developers operating under different philosophies to collaborate. Instead, routes are developed on a whim and the bolts subsequently chopped out of anger, thereby increasing tensions, overinflating egos, and further alienating the possibility for conversation.

I’m uncertain how consensus building could or should work. John Shields, another climber and colleague at EWU, states that years ago, an organization called the Spokane Climbers Council created a localized management plan. Perhaps it is time to revisit this idea. //

Everyday Cyclist

Youth Mountain Bike Racing Is Here

New Spokane-Area Program Launched for Middle and High School Kids // By Hank Greer

Ciara MacDonald of Pullman is cheered on by her teammates at a race in Cle Elum. // Photo: Bryan MacDonald

Mountain biking is fun. It promotes a healthy lifestyle. It’s a sport you can do your entire life. So doesn’t it make sense to start when you’re young so you can enjoy the fun for years?

Now is an excellent time to get your middle or high schooler into mountain bike racing, thanks to the efforts of local volunteer coaches who got a program rolling in 2015.

Brad Hamby, Travis Coleman, and Alec Josephson were looking for a way to promote cycling and give back to the sport. Josephson coached the middle schoolers and Coleman coached the high school kids. Hamby was the glue that held them together and worked everything out with the Washington Student Cycling League. Interest has grown, so this year there will be two teams. Hamby and Coleman will coach the Spokane team. Chris Andreasen, a former pro downhill racer, and Josephson will head up a Spokane Valley team.

The Washington Student Cycling League (WSCL) is the governing league for the state.

Because most of the Idaho high school mountain bike racing takes place in the southern part of the state, North Idaho kids can also participate in the Washington league.

The mountain bike-racing season begins with practices in March or when the snow melts, whichever happens first. Along with their twice-a-week practices, the teams will have the opportunity to participate in the Wednesday Night Mountain Bike Races that begin in May. Teams have only four league races to participate in between April and the end of the school year.

They cap off the year with the state championship races, which will be held in Spokane at Camp Sekani/Beacon Hill.

Parents and adult volunteers can ride during practices as long as they are registered with the WSCL. Last year, after seeing how much fun it was and how mountain biking can be a family activity, some parents took up the sport themselves.

The coaches found that having parents ride along at practices was especially helpful for the middle school kids because of the wide range of both skill level and equipment among them.

Practices are held twice a week. Wednesday is a skills day and Saturday focuses on endurance.

Generally, the practice for the high school kids is faster and more technical, but they regroup often so nobody is left behind. A typical skills session involves demonstrating and discussing a trail section and then observing or following a rider and critiquing or advising them as they navigate it. For the endurance session, the coaches will have the riders do something fun. One rider is sent out and the rest of them catch her. Then a different rider is sent out and everyone chases that one down.

Five to 10 members on each middle and high school team is ideal. Hamby says the long-term goal is to grow large enough to create an Eastern Washington division, which would require 100150 kids. A local division would allow the kids to race without having to travel to the west side, and it would provide an opportunity to compete in more than just the state championship. Races for the middle school and beginner high school kids last about 40 minutes. Intermediate and junior varsity go for 70-90 minutes. A varsity race can be two hours long.

As with any sport, there are financial and time demands for team members, volunteers and parents. Bikes, shoes, helmets, league fees, racing kits, and travel to practices and races can add up. There’s an annual fee for WSCL membership and insurance for each rider, but the league offers scholarships for those who need financial assistance. Local sponsorship has been helpful as well. Last year the River City Red Cycling Team, along with The Bike Hub, Two Wheel Transit, and Wheel Sport bike shops, chipped in for fee support and subsidized the costs of racing kits.

Travel to the races requires parental involvement as coaches are not allowed to transport team members. To help reduce travel costs, races are usually held in places where camping is allowed, which in itself makes for a fun family outing.

Cool people ride mountain bikes. Kids want to be cool. Follow the logic. Sign your young person up and watch how big they smile while they’re riding. For more information about joining a team, contact The Bike Hub, Wheel Sport, or Two Wheel Transit bike shops. You can find information about the league at www.washingtonleague. org/program. //

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Kids

Visit the Spokane Fish Hatchery & Story Trail // amy silbernagel mccaffree Tucked away off Waikiki Road in northwest Spokane County is one of Washington state’s many fish hatcheries owned and operated by Department of Fish and Wildlife. It is here that more than nine million rainbow trout eggs are incubated every year, to eventually be released into lakes around the state for recreational fishing. All but 2.5 million of those trout eggs are shipped from the Spokane Fish Hatchery (2927 W. Waikiki Road) to others run by the state.

Five other types of game fish are also raised at the hatchery, which is located strategically near Griffin Spring, one of the Spokane Aquifer’s natural discharges. The cool, clean water supplies the hatchery’s fish tanks. Visitors are welcome daily, 7 a.m. to 4p.m., for self-guided tours. An educational kiosk display introduces facts about the watershed, trout species and the hatchery functions. Additional display boards on the outer wall of the main building illustrate the fertilization and incubation process.

Without the meticulous breeding process to provide a sustainable wild stock of trout – and to compensate for lost natural habitat – recreational fishing would likely diminish. Ninety percent of all rainbow trout fertilized eggs survive in the hatchery, whereas only 1 percent survive in the wild, according to the Spokane Fish Hatchery.

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OutThereMonthly.com / March 2016

When the hatchery building is open, you can see where the science happens. There are also restrooms and a water fountain inside available for the public.

Children will enjoy observing the hundreds of fish in the circular outdoor pools where young trout wait to grow large enough for the wild. Bring quarters to buy small handfuls of fish food for the adult rainbow trout. Kids will be delighted by the feeding frenzy of fins as the trout compete for morsels. And bring along snacks for your family to enjoy at the picnic area.

Before or after touring the hatchery, visit the Story Trail at St. George’s School (facebook.com/ StoryTrail.SGS), which is open to the public yearround from dawn to dusk (when the school’s main gate is open). Created in 2012 by fifth-grade students, the trailhead begins near the school’s gate and is clearly marked with a large sign.

How the Story Trail works is simple: You hike along the ¼-mile but mildly steep trail and read different laminated pages of a storybook displayed at reading posts along the way. “There are new books every month from March until November,” says Jennifer Smith, an art and ceramics teacher at St. George’s School. She helped create the Story Trail and selects the storybooks. For March, the featured book is “Frederick” by Leo Lionni.

Up c om i n g t it l e s include “A House for Hermit Crab” by Eric Carle for April and “If Kids Ran the World” by Leo and Diane Dillon for May, according to Smith.

There is also a “Little Free Library” at the end of the trail and a comment book for kids to sign.

At both locations, dogs on leashes are welcome. If you’re seeking a longer hiking adventure for your family, there is an access point to the Little Spokane River Natural Area and its hiking trail on your way to the school.

A Discover Pass is required, and neither pets nor bikes are allowed. //

Plenty to see at the Spokane Fish Hatchery. // Photo: Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

OutThereSpotlight

Dishman Hills Historical Highlights Tom Rogers, Conservation Pioneer // By Michael Hamilton

Look, I can see our house from here! Photo: // Charlie Gurchie

It was a cool, spring day in early March 1966, when more than 70 people assembled on the east side of the Dishman Hills in the Spokane Valley to start a campaign to save this spot as a natural area for public enjoyment. These hikers were winter-weary and looking forward to stretching their legs while planning a new organization to do the job. Tom Rogers led the group. He was a biology teacher at Central Valley High School who had a deep appreciation of the beautiful natural settings in the Hills. With the prevailing spirit of the ‘60s to conserve our natural heritage, a great community success was starting in the Dishman Hills.

Rogers grew up on a western Montana farm.

Early on, he was fascinated by nature. Bird watching and butterfly collecting were hobbies of his, which his family encouraged. Rogers’ earliest recollection, from only 4 years old, was his amazement upon finding a batch of eggs left behind by an imprisoned swallowtail butterfly. His interest carried into college, where he earned degrees in zoology from the University of Montana, Washington State University and Indiana University. Part of Rogers’ work was to catalog all the species involved when the Columbia Valley was flooded behind Grand Coulee Dam. Teaching biology was his calling, first on the prairies in eastern Montana, then in the western Montana mountains, and finally on to Spokane in 1957.

His first impression of Spokane was that Sprague Avenue seemed to run on forever. Right away, he joined the Audubon Society. That same year he stepped out of his valley house one day and spotted the wooded Dishman Hills to the southwest. Curiosity drew Rogers to the Hills, and he found a wondrous natural area with trails and a fascinating collection of plants and animals.

In the early 60s, Rogers started to formulate a plan to save the Hills. He wrote articles to newspapers and letters to the local government advocating a plan to set the Hills aside as a Natural Area.

Much more was needed, and a grassroots effort was launched that spring day in March 1966.

Rogers was the first president of the new nonprofit organization, the Dishman Hills Natural Area Association. A hat was passed at the first meeting to start the long process of procuring the land to be saved. To celebrate this new beginning, a hike was announced, a hike that was well timed to the arrival of a new season of life in the forest.

It was called the “Buttercup Hike” after the small yellow flower that heralds the beginning of spring.

Fifty years later, the Dishman Hills Conservancy still celebrates the work and the vision of Tom Rogers with the Buttercup Hike to keep the wonders of nature as part of our lives.

In 1974, Rogers remembered overlooking the city from a Dishman Hills high point and seeing the World Expo in the distance. The contrast between the carpet of civilization before him and the surrounding peaceful forest drove home to him the value of the Hills. During the next 20 years, Rogers observed and listed every living thing that makes up the ecology of the growing Natural Area. He continued tirelessly on his project until his death in 1999. Rogers worked with an optimism that he was doing what we all knew was right. But we were often too distracted to see what really mattered. //

to 5/1/ 16

Editor’s Note: This is the first of a series of articles on the history of the Dishman Hills. To learn more about efforts to continue the legacy of conservation of this unique natural area, visit the Dishman Hills Conservancy at DishmanHills.org.

Buttercup Hike (April 9)

Join the annual Buttercup Hike to celebrate 50 years of saving the Dishman Hills. Meet at Camp Caro off Appleway Blvd. Saturday, April 9 at noon. Details and hike registry at DishmanHills.org.

March 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

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OutThereMonthly.com / March 2016

IT’S STILL

Food&Fuel

Macronutrients and the ThreePiece Pie // By Ammi Midstokke One of the easiest ways to start a brawl between nutritionists and trainers and athletes is to make a statement about how many carbohydrates a person ought to consume in a day.

Because, just as fat once had the bad reputation in the three’s-a-crowd table of macronutrients, it has since been heralded as the answer to all our health and weight woes. And now instead of fat shaming people who eat butter, we stare in shock at someone holding a sandwich. Really? Who even eats bread anymore?

Thankfully, we have science to give us a clear statement on how we should eat for optimal fitness. The problem is that most of us are not sitting in a laboratory eating calorie-rationed meals and walking miles on a treadmill. And then there’s this little thing called bio-individuality. So science cannot really be clear at all.

As much as we’d like to hide behind our genetic makeup and assume we are victims of the unseen code that makes us inefficient calorie burners, this logic does not appear to be valid. Nor does the idea that calories in < calories out = weight loss.

Numerous studies show that factors ranging from gut bacteria to hormone imbalance can have a significant impact on how your particular body metabolizes. So how the hell do we know what we should eat?

First, we need to know what macronutrients are: carbohydrates, fats and protein. Carbs and protein are 4 calories to the gram and fats are 9 calories to the gram. While it is true that fat does not make you fat, excess calorie intake does – and that’s easy to do with butter. Your body can turn all of those nutrients into glucose for energy.

Carbohydrates are the most simple to convert, then protein, then fat.

How many nutrients you should eat in a day depends on several unique factors: who you are, what you are doing, and what you want to achieve.

And always, always there are exceptions. Look at those amazing vegan athletes out there defying all weight-training advice and pumping iron on falafel, for example.

Who you are: This is the most unique part of understanding your nutrition. A diabetic person

cannot take the same nutritional path as a person without diabetes. A person with autoimmune disease cannot (or most certainly should not) eat grains as their source of carbohydrates. History must also be taken into account. Is there a history of previous drastic weight loss? This can permanently lower metabolism. Is there a history of drug or antibiotic use that has impacted the gut micro biome? Knowing these things and understanding how they impact your nutritional needs helps you assess the next key element.

What you are doing: This is always a moment for blatant honesty and can be uncomfortable. I recently weighed out what I thought was a tablespoon of peanut butter. It turns out, I’ve been eating more like a quarter cup for YEARS and wondering why my jeans keep getting tighter.

There is a measure of accountability in this. My clients absolutely loathe this part, and I usually get an explosion of hateful text messages when I ask them to track their food for a week. How many carbohydrates are they really getting? Where are their best protein sources? Are they undereating in the morning then gorging at night?

(By the way, I like using MyFitnessPal or other apps to track calories and assess macronutrient intake for about a week. Usually that’s enough to get an idea of how much peanut butter and cocktails are hurdles to our goals.)

What you want to achieve: If you want to create a change, let’s say drop a few pounds for a race or increase lean muscle mass, then you’ll want to change your macronutrient ratios. Look at where they are and make small shifts based on your goals. Want to lose weight? Reduce your fat intake slightly and increase your protein. Want to gain muscle? Increase your protein intake drastically and eat enough carbs to keep your muscle from breaking down.

The simple reality is that we need nutrientdense foods to stay healthy, and an excess or deficiency in any of the macronutrients will cause imbalance. Make your body the science lab and find out what works best for you. Chances are, the solution is as unique as you. //

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Running A Challenge to Run With

Team OTM Offers Race Discounts, Camaraderie and Plenty of Personal Challenge // By Janelle McCabe

Get active and fight hunger all at the same time!

Saturday, April 2, 2016 Timed 5K run and walk begins at 9 a.m.

Mirabeau Meadows, Spokane Valley, WA Registration, packet pickup and race information available online:

thehungerrun.org Team OTM taking a break from the trail at the Riverside 24 Hour Relay // Photo Courtesy of Janelle McCabe

In the last issue, Out There Monthly announced a new program, the Team OTM Challenge, which encourages our readers to complete at least one participating race each month from May through October. We’re working with race directors of more than 30 events (and counting) in 2016 to provide a diverse selection of runs, rides, triathlons and other adventure races.

Since announcing the program, we’ve received enthusiastic feedback as well as a few questions.

We’d like to address a few perceived participation hurdles.

Hurdle 1: I’m not sure I want to do six events / I’m not available to participate all six months. No worries! Create a modified challenge for yourself instead. For example, you might choose to participate in a couple of events as an athlete and then a couple others as a spectator or volunteer. The number of races you actually do is up to you; we just encourage you to challenge yourself over those six months as best you can. This program is perfect for people who want to work their way up to more challenging races or distances over the course of six months.

Hurdle 2: I want to do more than six events. Good for you! As a Team OTM Challenge participant, you’ll receive discount codes to ALL of the participating races, and you can use as many of them as you like throughout the six-month program.

Hurdle 3: I’m more comfortable running on roads than trails. Our program has plenty of both. Pavement pounders can enjoy the Windermere Marathon and Half Marathon, Dad’s Day Dash 5K, Foothills Scenic Five, and Spokane to Sandpoint Relay. And if you’re a triathlete, check out the Troika Triathlon, Wunder Woman Triathlon and Valley Girl Triathlon.

Hurdle 4: I never want to run on pavement again. This is a great opportunity to try a trail race, such as one of the Trail Maniacs events, the Priest Lake Multisport events, the Kaniksu 50 Ultra, the Kootenay Sufferfest events, the Happy Girls Run Spokane (mix of dirt and

paved trail) and several more — even the Bare Buns Fun Run is on packed dirt rather than pavement!

Hurdle 5: I’m not sure it’s worth the money. In addition to your swag bag, which includes more than $200 in free passes, samples, services and coupons, as well as a gender-specific tech shirt, you’ll receive discount codes to more than 30 local events for 10-30% off registration prices. For big races like the Spokane to Sandpoint Relay, as long as at least three team members are Team OTM participants, you’ll save up to $450. Or explore the trails to the north with the Priest Lake Spring Run, Marathon and Smokechaser 50K and save up to $50. Or experience the excitement of the Trail Maniacs and save up to $30. (And that’s only a few of the footraces – never mind the bike and triathlon events!) We’ll also treat you to a kick-off event in April and a wrap-up event in November, and we’ll buy you beer both times. Ultimately, one of the most priceless benefits of the Team OTM Challenge is the encouragement and motivation you’ll receive on the course from your friends and teammates.

Hurdle 6: I’m not sure I want to try this by myself. Then gather some friends, sign up as a 4-person team, and save an additional 25% while you’re at it. But rest assured: Even if you arrive at the kick-off event without knowing anyone, you won’t leave that way.

Hurdle 7: I’m intimidated by crazy outdoorsy people. Our enthusiasm for being active in our beautiful Inland Northwest outdoors is hard to contain sometimes, it’s true.

However, our enthusiasm for introducing new people to an active, outdoor lifestyle is even greater, and you won’t find a friendlier, more welcoming group than Team OTM. By the time our first race starts in May, you’ll already be in shape for – or inspired by – Bloomsday.

Keep your momentum going and join the Team OTM Challenge! For more information, email TeamOTM@outtheremonthly.com or visit www. outtheremonthly.com/team-otm-challenge. //

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Register at: www.kaniksufamily.com March 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

19

GearRoom gear to cure spring fever

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN PRESERVING YOUR PIECE OF SPOKANE COUNTY OR KNOW OF SOMEONE WHO MIGHT BE? Spokane County Parks, Recreation & Golf Department is accepting new property nominations February 1st through April 30th, 2016 to be considered by the Conservation Futures Program and potential future purchase at fair market value.

For more information about the Conservation Futures Program, how we buy land, and how you can nominate your property for consideration, visit: www. spokanecounty.org/parks or call (509) 477-2188.

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OutThereMonthly.com / March 2016

Garmont Nagevi Women’s Hiking Shoe If you are looking for quality footwear that is always pushing the boundaries of comfort, fit and function, you can’t go wrong with Garmont. The popular Nagevi women’s hiking shoe is back and better than ever. This fast, light hiker features vegan construction and a sleek, beautiful design.

Garmont’s Anatomically Directed Design (a.d.d.) promises a high performance fit and all day comfort. What does that mean exactly? A.d.d encourages the foot to use its own natural ability to stabilize absorb shock and propel with efficiency. It also offers a better fit by more closely matching the features of typical feet.

Expect more room for the big toe, a thicker tongue that limits tongue drift, asymmetrical heel pads that provide better fit around the ankle bones and other intelligently designed features. Our reviewer immediately loved the color (Steel/Raspberry) and put in several dozen miles in her Nagevi hiking shoes on mostly snow-free winter trails. She raved about the traction that kept her glued to sometimes slick, frozen trail and the snug construction around the ankles that kept mud and snow out. She added that they were surprisingly comfortable and slim looking for her wide yoga toes. MSRP: $125.

Garmontnorthamerica.com. (OTM)

Prana Mojo Short There have been weeks where I’ve worn my Prana Mojo shorts more days in a row than I care to admit. They are oh-so comfortable, quick drying and breathe so easy that you may catch yourself feeling like you’re not wearing shorts at all the first few times you put them on. The thick elastic waistband hugs your hips tight enough to keep them where they belong through trail runs; yoga workouts; manic, bluegrassfueled housecleaning sessions – pretty

much whatever you want to throw at them.

The Mojo Short, of course, is built with recycled polyester microfiber and has two mesh-lined pockets and one rear cargo pocket.

The cool, relaxed style will make you look like you should be dangling from a hammock somewhere beautiful. MSRP: $50. Find the Mojo Short and other Prana shorts, shirts, pants and other climbing-inspired activewear at Mountain Gear in Spokane or at Prana.com. (Derrick Knowles)

Gobi Gear SegSac You might think you don’t need another stuff sack, but that’s because you haven’t tried the Gobi Gear SegSac. This light and compact little sack has four internal compartments to keep whatever you put in it exactly how you packed it. I used the SegSac this winter on ski trips to keep my ski socks, other socks, bandanas and undies all tucked away in their own separate areas, so there was no digging for dry ski socks at 6:30 a.m. on a powder day.

I’m looking forward to using the SegSac for spring hiking and camping trips where I’ll still likely be packing a stocking cap, warm socks and some light gloves along with the usual hiking socks, synthetic base layers and other trail effects. Cinch it up with drawstring closures and stow the SegSac in your pack or travel bag for easy unpacking. The ultralight nylon SegSac is available in 15 and 20 liter sizes.

MSRP: $20. Gobigear.com.

(Derrick Knowles)

Oboz Sundog Hiking Shoe Bozeman-based Oboz makes boots and shoes for just about any type of hiking you can imagine. The Sundog hiking shoe is a light (around 11 oz.), comfortable and well-breathing hiking companion that I have kept by the front door all winter for everything from walks through the neighborhood that may dip down along the river trail to full-on day hikes. With excellent traction, it’s at home on the trail, and the running-shoe look and light

weight feel may inspire you to take off running through the woods. It’s a great shoe for any hiker who may be flirting with trail running and doesn’t want to look like a hiker. Speaking of looks, the Sundog is a smart looking shoe that you won’t want to leave at home for a night on the town, especially if you’re hoofing it to your neighborhood pub or pizzeria. MSRP: $100.

Find them at Mountain Gear in Spokane or at Obozfootwear.com.

(Derrick Knowles)

OutdoorLiving

Experience

Get a Jump Start on Your Garden

the

Idaho Wilderness

When to Plant Indoor Starters and Other Tips // By S. Michal Bennett

Take Notes Keeping a garden log or journal may sound cute, but if you want to maximize your garden growth and yield year after year, it helps to have a record of what you did before.

Choose Your Starters Not everything grows well in the Inland Northwest. For example, you wouldn’t want to become an avocado, citrus or coffee grower, since these fruits don’t tolerate freezing temperatures and are primarily grown in tropical and subtropical climates. Still, there is an abundance of vegetables, berries and flowers that flourish here. One of the most comprehensive sources for knowing what to grow and when is The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Its comprehensive website www.almanac.com has a gardening calendar, online planner, growing guides, last frost dates and much more. You should also know what plants need to be started indoors and which can be planted directly into the ground (see sidebar for suggestions).

Actually Start Indoor start times differ with each plant, and seed companies provide rather vague instructions on packages. A good rule is to start warmweather plants about six weeks before the last

projected frost, and start cool-weather plants (like cruciferous veggies) about three weeks prior. Here’s where that log book will really come in handy. One thing everyone agrees on when starting seeds: Do not use potting soil. Seedling starts need plenty of air and water circulation, and potting soil restricts root growth and can promote house plant gnats. So annoying.

Instead, use peat moss and plant in something breathable, like paper egg cartons, which are also biodegradable. If you are a first-time gardener, pre-made starter packs from your local garden store or greenhouse come with instructions and moss pucks ready to go. Just add seeds and water and be sure to mark them so you know what is growing when they sprout.

Finally, temperature and sunlight are essential for growth speed and seedling strength. Cooler temperatures slow seedlings’ growth, but if you forget and plant a bit closer to May, a warm spot in the sun, after seedlings have broken through the moss, will make them grow like weeds. Partial sun is great when you first plant, but daylight as they grow tall will promote chlorophyll, leafing and hardiness.

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Seeds to Start and Seeds to Sow

By Crystal Atamian As the snow begins to fade and cabin fever sets in, my gaze shifts from the mountains to my garden.

Here are a few tips for what to do – and what not to worry about.

• As a general rule, greens (spinach, lettuce, chard, kale, cilantro) and root crops (carrots, beets, parsnips) should be sown directly in the soil.

• Eggplant can be sown indoors between March 1–15; it needs a long time to get started. Harden off and transplant outside around May 15 (with the protection of a row cover until about June 1).

• Melons, cucumbers, pumpkins and squash can be started indoors between May 1–15, and transplanted outside two weeks later. This little bit of time makes them less vulnerable to cold and gives them a running start, ensuring a riper harvest before the frost in the fall.

• Everyone wants to start tomatoes early. Don’t. Big leggy plants are hard to manage and don’t always produce as much. Try planting later, around April 1, and then hardening off and transplanting around May 15 (with protection until the weather warms).

• When transplanting, never grab the tender stem of the seedling. Pry the soil out of the container with a screwdriver or long weeding tool. Gently lay the seedling in the soil and press down around the base.

• Master Gardener Susan Mulvihill has useful planting guides on her website at Susansinthegarden.com that include seed-starting and vegetable-planting charts.

• The Spokane Master Gardeners offer a variety of how-to classes (check their website mastergardener.wsu.edu for details). Click on the 2016 Spring Class Series link to be taken to the list of classes. There are four classes this month, two on March 5 and two on March 19.

Live Life a Whole Lot

Courtesy of Heather Weagant Photography

It’s that time again. Time to start your indoor seedlings and get your green thumb ready for spring. Whether you’re planting your first garden, growing vegetables in pots on your porch or investing in a community garden, here’s some advice to get your starters started.

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March 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

21

A Fat-Bike Desert Odyssey: From Seattle to Spokane on the John Wayne and Columbia Plateau Trails

By Nick Thomas

Last August I spent five days riding my bike on the John Wayne Pioneer Trail and Columbia Plateau Trails from North Bend to Spokane. The dry eastern portion was the most interesting to me. It was the most challenging due to the heat and lack of shade but the most rewarding for the awesome silence and wide-open vistas.

The trail is a fantastic way to see parts of our state that we rarely get to see. Some may call deserts barren wastelands, but if you look closely, you’ll find that all deserts are full of life. Traveling at a bike pace of 10 miles per hour makes it easier to look closely than traveling in a speeding car does. I observed hawks, owls, coyotes, hummingbirds, numerous deer and even two bucks.

The sun-blasted desert landscape is a mix of cropland and scabland used for cattle grazing. The landscape itself changes in subtle ways. East of the Columbia River, the lush Crab Creek is a wonder to behold, even in the hot summer months. The wide, slow-moving creek feeds stands of feathery grasses and wildflowers, and it is a habitat for migrating birds, ducks and herons. To the south, the dramatic Saddle Mountain escarpment rises up like a dragon draped in sand.

The John Wayne Trail is a great way to see some of the rural farming communities scattered throughout central Washington. I rode through hamlets like Smyrna and bigger towns like Othello, Warden, and Lind. Smyrna was busy baling hay, and just outside Othello, I yielded to a convoy of giant combines driving down Highway 26. They honked their horns and waved to me.

After riding in silence on the trail and back roads all day, the noisy, busy highway shocked my senses. Away from highways, there is nothing but wind and light and the crunch of gravel under the tires. I tried not to rush, wanting to appreciate this landscape I so rarely bother to notice. I stopped often to jot notes and take photos.

Yet even on a bike it is possible to get in a rush, and still I rode past places I wished I would’ve stopped and looked more closely at. So on Crab Creek Road (the railroad ties are still present on this section, so you cannot ride the trail) near the end of the escarpment, I got off and walked the bike just to feel the solid ground and take in the haunting stretch on foot. I was exhausted and I’d found that pushing the heavy bike up even the slightest hill effectively conserved my energy when I still had hours left to ride.

With nothing else to do, I rode all day long, usually putting in more than 10 hours per day, riding 60-80 miles a day. I didn’t want to race back home, as I didn’t have anything pressing to get to back to, but it was exceptionally hot out – over 100 degrees. I had been worried about smoke from the record wildfires, but the wind had shifted, and Central Washington was clear of smoke that week.

On the evening of day four, I reached the fabled crossroads, the ghostly intersection of the two former railroads (the Spokane-PortlandSeattle Railroad and the Milwaukee Road). As far as I could tell by the weak signal on Google Maps, I was about 60 miles south of Cheney and half a day’s ride from the town of Lamont. The Columbia Plateau Trail crosses over the John Wayne; the former Milwaukee Road continues all the way to Tekoa on the Idaho border. But here I would hang a left on the CPT and follow the trail 22

OutThereMonthly.com / March 2016

north directly to Spokane.

I unloaded the panniers and carefully picked my way up the steep embankment to the overpass.

Looking up the trail, I discovered with dismay what looked like miles of the dreaded rail ballast.

But this was why I rented a fat bike. Dropping the bags on the rocky trail, I slid back down, hefted the bike on my shoulder, and made my way back up again. At the top I collapsed, breathing heavily and feeling dizzy. I had ridden nearly 14 continuous hours, having left Warden at 6:30 a.m.

I set up my tent on the knobby rock and fired up my camp stove out on the trestle. Nearly out of water, I hesitated before using up the last drops to cook up a celebratory feast of dehydrated Kathmandu curry. On the trail, anything tastes delicious, but the curry ranked as one of the best meals of my life.

The sun was setting a dusty orange and purple as I sat on the trestle, my feet dangling over the edge, the aromatic curry steaming in its foil pouch. I had accidently thrown out my only spoon back in Vantage, so I shoveled the curry into my mouth with a long chunk of ballast rock. Stretched out into the muddled light before me was the trail I had just ridden: the John Wayne Trail. I did it alone, with no support, and I had reached the intersection with the CPT faster than I anticipated, riding through the highest temperatures of the year and with near-constant knee pain. I chewed a mouthful of curry, swallowed, and sighed. As darkness descended over the channeled scablands, I was overwhelmed with an intense satisfaction Under the Saddle Mountain escarpment east of the Columbia River. // Photos: Nick Thomas

that brought me to tears. Out there, no one except the coyotes howling in the distance could hear me, and I doubted they cared. Their howls echoed as the sunset faded to a star-pierced sky. A huge meteor sailed across the horizon leaving a wake of blue stardust. I was overwhelmed and humbled by such beauty and solitude.

The next morning I awoke at dawn and broke camp, nervous about the heat and the chunky ballast. Day five was to be the hottest so far: 106 degrees. I was out of water, and riding on the ballast would slow me down. I set out north on the Columbia Plateau Trail just as the sun was about to peek over the eastern horizon. The ballast was shifty, sliding around like plates under my fat tires. The big tires helped stabilize me but it was still slow going. In places the trail surface was nearly overrun with tall sunflower-like plants and tumbleweeds that the fat bike easily plowed over.

This landscape proved to be one of my favorites. Deep channels had been worn into the basalt leaving high plateaus and mesas. Below the raised rail grade were circular ponds rimmed with lush grasses where cattle lounged in the shady bottoms, though some of the ponds had dried up into sandy flats. This was the channeled scablands, and I imagined the ancient Missoula floods raging through here toward the ocean thousands of years ago.

By 10 a.m. I was parched. I kept my mouth closed as the hot air dried my throat. I sucked on a pebble, which seemed to help, but it made my mouth taste like dirt. Then I found a disposable

bottle of water lying in the middle of the trail. I reached down and picked it up. Though the seal was open, it looked clear. I smelled it, then tasted it. Satisfied it wasn’t urine or poison, I sent it down the hatch. I figured it had fallen out of someone’s bag, a bit of littering I was eternally thankful for.

A couple hours later I pedaled deliriously into the town of Lamont, only to find I had stumbled upon a modern ghost town. It was deserted. The only store – a mechanic shop – was locked up tight. I pedaled up and down the few residential streets, looking for someone in their yard, but not a single soul appeared. I finally spotted a water pump at the memorably named Bug-Tassel Park behind the little cinder block grange hall. I lifted the handle up and cold water gushed out. I knelt under its stream and let it soak me, rinsing three days of salt, sweat and grit off, this being the first such relief I’d had since Vantage. I filled a bottle and drank half of it in one gulp and then topped off the rest. I drenched my straw sun hat and set it on my head, and then sat on some grass in the shade.

I leaned back and breathed deep. I pondered phoning a friend and getting a ride home. I had no desire to ride ballast in the baking 106-degree heat, and I felt all my energy and drive quickly fading. I had run out of aspirin the night before, and my knees were killing me with every turn of the pedals. There were no more stores until Cheney. Suddenly my phone rang. It was my friend Jonathan. I admitted I was nearly done in, and he encouraged me to soldier on, insisting I was only a few hours from Cheney. He offered to

Top: The author at the JWT and Columbia Plateau Trail intersection dawn of day five.

Bottom: Along Lower Crab Creek in the 17,000 acre Crab Creek Wildlife Area with the Saddle Mountains in the background.

State of the John Wayne Trail Thinking about a biking or hiking outing along a section of the John Wayne Trail or a multi-day trip from one end to the other? Here are a few things to keep in mind.

• The John Wayne Trail is one of only two cross-state rail trails in the U.S. (the other is in Missouri), and it is the longest rail trail in the country. The trail was nearly closed to the public without public input after legislation was introduced by two state senators last year.

Thankfully a typo in the legislative language has kept the trail open to public hiking, biking and horseback riding for now.

•Detours: There are eight major detours around closed sections (due to broken trestles or active railroad sections).

ride out on the CPT and ride back with me.

I knew I would regret it forever if I didn’t complete the journey under my own power. I had come so far, and it would be ridiculous to bail half a day from the finish line. I reminded myself it was a mental game. Jonathan said he’d bring me a sub sandwich, and that sealed the deal. I got back on the saddle, my clothes already almost dry, and set off for the trail, though I ended up riding alongside it on Swift Road, the aptly named jeep track, until the ballast ended near the Martin Road trailhead.

A little while later I saw the “Entering Spokane County” sign, and I noticed the first pine trees I’d seen in 200 miles. Then I saw a figure in the distance, shimmering like a mirage. It was Jonathan.

He was the first person I’d seen in three and a half days. We shook hands and he laughed in disbelief.

“You just rode from Seattle! That’s so awesome.”

“Yeah!” I said, “and I’m freakin’ tired!” We rode on a while, Jonathan peppering me with questions

until we reached Amber Lake. We veered off the trail and coasted down to the boat launch and sat down in the shade under a willow. He brought out the sandwich and handed me a blue Powerade, which I guzzled in one gulp. I ate slowly. I had lost 12 pounds in five days, I discovered later – the JWT diet. Then I waded in and swam down to the cold water at the bottom of Amber Lake, rising refreshed and renewed.

The John Wayne Trail will stay with me for the rest of my life – the silence, the wind, the clink of pebbles beneath my tires, and the slow spread of dawn lighting up a vast expanse of desert devoid of people, yet teeming with wildlife even in the heat of August. I didn’t for a moment miss the bustle of city life.

I encourage everyone to summon their true grit and give it a shot. And no matter what, keep pedaling. //

• Columbia River Crossing: Getting across the river presents a problem for cyclists who don’t have support vehicles. Cyclists must ride 10 miles north to Vantage, although there is no public transportation across the bridge. The only other bridge requires a 50-mile detour to the south. Fixing the Beverly Bridge, which was damaged by a recent wildfire, would enable safe passage over the Columbia River without the detour.

• The fate of the long-neglected eastern portion of the state-owned John Wayne Pioneer Trail is still uncertain, but with the overwhelming support of the hundreds of citizens from every corner of the state who have shown up at public meetings in recent months, the future of the JWT bodes well.

• The JWT is the only trail in Washington where trail permits are required and the names and dates of travel of trail users are given to landowners adjacent to the trail. JWT advocates are trying to fix this.

• There are many challenges the JWT must overcome: damaged trestles, poor surface conditions (deep sand/gravel or bumpy rock ballast), rock falls, tunnels and active rail lines, weed control, fence repairs, and lack of camping spots and outhouses. A little investment from the state would go a long way to improving the trail and making it an even more valuable recreation and tourism asset.

•Learn more about efforts to protect and improve Washington’s John Wayne Trail at JohnWaynePioneerTrail.org.

March 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

23

BuzzBin Old-world beer in the new Bellwether Brewing taproom. // Photo: Jon Jonckers

New Belgium’s Glutiny Loud and proud, New Belgium has declared mutiny on gluten. For decades, New Belgium has been a leader in the craft beer revolution, and it just invested several years of its brewery wisdom to craft the new Glutiny beers.

Admittedly, the Glutiny Pale Ale and Glutiny Golden Ale have similar taste notes compared to other beers brewed with Brewers Clarex, such as the Omission Pale Ale and Omission Golden Lager, but Glutiny ales are slightly hoppier and crisper.

In all fairness, the Glutiny beers are not entirely gluten free. A gluten-free beer is one produced using gluten-free raw materials like sorghum, rice, corn and millet. Beer produced using glutencontaining raw materials like wheat, barley and rye cannot be labeled as “gluten-free.” However, these beers start with barley malt and have been “crafted to remove gluten” through the utilization of an enzyme (Brewers Clarex) capable of breaking gluten proteins down into small fragments.

According to the New Belgium website, the gluten content in Glutiny is below the internationally recognized standard of 20 parts per million.

Between the two beers, the Glutiny Pale Ale is a stronger and tastier choice. It features a 6% ABV and 30 IBUs. Like any good pale, it smells as if it will be fairly bitter; however, this one tastes mildly sweet with an assertively-dry finish. Meanwhile, the Glutiny Golden Ale has a slight grapefruit aroma. With 5.2% ABV and 20 IBUs, it’s a tad lighter, and it could easily be mistaken as a lager.

Nevertheless, both beers are ales, and they will certainly become beloved favorites for anyone with a gluten-sensitive diet.

This doesn’t mean these beers are exclusively for gluten-sensitive drinkers. They are both wonderful stand-alone ales that taste fantastic after a trail run or mountain bike ride. Join the uprising and taste the Glutiny. (Jon Jonckers) Roast House Coffee’s Free the Snake Blend When Roast House Coffee commits to a cause, they go all in. Community involvement and engaging in significant causes sit at the top of Roast House’s to-do list, and they’re never crossed out.

Free The Snake coffee benefits Save Our Wild Salmon, and it’s aimed at helping restore the lower Snake River canyons to bring back wild salmon and steelhead to thousands of miles of Inland Northwest rivers and streams in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

Roast House uses 100% Arabica coffee beans to create a beautiful and rich coffee. The aroma has notes of cooked blueberries or dried black cherries. Roast House claims that Free the Snake has a complex body, but that’s only at the start. The second and third cup from a pot is smooth with a slight cocoa aftertaste. As the coffee cools, the sweetness subsides and allows for hearty, delicious coffee to keep you energized.

The brilliant artwork featured on the coffee bag comes from artist Melissa Cole. She writes, “My 24

OutThereMonthly.com / March 2016

husband is an underwater photographer, and I have been lucky enough to swim with wild salmon in the Adams River in British Columbia for an article on snorkeling with salmon. The images of the sinuous salmon swimming upstream with single-minded determination to spawn are forever etched upon my mind. I created this design in an attempt to help restore their environment, so that they may have the chance to swim upstream once more.”

Roast House easily succeeds at creating a hearty and delightful cup of joe, but the real highlight is the conscious intent to give back to a special cause. While other coffees boast about free trade or organic beans, Roast House goes the extra mile.

It’s also passionate about organic, sustainable, delicious coffees, and the local roaster invests in important causes dear to many of us. Visit www. wildsalmon.org to learn more about the critical issue of river and salmon restoration. (Jon Jonckers) Bellwether Brewing Co. “When studying and learning how to brew beer, it was natural for me to learn the history of brewing,” says brewmaster Thomas Croskrey. “I just really enjoy history, especially that of the Celts and Vikings. I gravitated to Old World Celtic and Viking styles, practices and ingredients in particular. I’d love to help make these styles more familiar again.”

Bellwether is a Middle English word for the ram that wears a bell around its neck to help a shepherd lead the flock. In modern times, it has come to mean something along the lines of “leader” or “trendsetter.” Without a doubt, Bellwether Brewing is both.

For starters, Bellwether is instrumental in revitalizing Spokane’s north Monroe Street. Even though it’s located on a major arterial, it still feels like a neighborhood brewery, and parking is always free. Secondly, Bellwether likes to push the flavor index with deliciously smooth beers.

Whereas some craft beer trends include high alcohol content, or extra sweetness, Bellwether innovates with old, even forgotten, styles of ales.

Without a doubt, Bellwether also features plenty of great ales, stouts and blondes. Co-owners Dave Musser and Thomas Croskrey are always testing old methods with modern ingredients to produce uncommonly good beers. Croskrey continues, “The primary historical beers I concentrate on are braggots, heather ales and gruit ales. I dabble in others like graf, but it’s not a major focus.”

All of Bellwether’s creative beers also feature creative names. The Fibber McGee is a delightful IPA. The Second Breakfast is a Hefeweizen that comes straight from the Shire. The Albion is a true Old World beer brewed with heather rather than hops, and it’s arguably the most unique beer in town. Located on 2019 North Monroe, the Bellwether taproom is open from 3-9 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday. Don’t overlook its Tenderfoot Ginger Ale, and the brewers encourage customers to ask about brewing a personal beer. (Jon Jonckers)

Hiking Hiking in Wine Country // Pair Sagebrush Walking with Wine Tasting in the Tri-Cities By Aaron Theisen Sharing the same latitude as the legendary Burgundy and Bordeaux wine regions of France, the Tri-Cities of central Washington have taken advantage of rich soil and sunny, arid conditions to establish a wine-making region of growing renown. But Kennewick, Richland and Pasco have also quietly begun to develop a reputation as an outdoor recreation destination amidst one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the nation, thanks to an impressive, loosely connected network of urban trail systems.

The same qualities that produce award-winning wine entice winter-weary hikers; a scant six to eight inches of rain mist the Tri-Cities each year, most of it in the winter, and ample sunshine sweetens grapes and wildflowers alike.

The multi-user trail system at the 650-acre Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve in Richland anchors the area’s Ridges to Rivers Open Space Network, an ambitious plan to link undeveloped lands. Two primary trailheads access the mountain from the east and west; the western portal is the easiest for out-of-towners to reach and provides convenient access to nearby wineries.

The most popular route is the Skyline Trail, which features impressive ridgeline hiking for minimal climbing effort. This is one of the TriCities’ most popular trail systems, so prepare to share the trail – nearly 200,000 hikers, bikers, dog-walkers and equestrians access the Skyline Trail each year. But the spectacular ridgeline

Sunset in the sage. // Photo: Aaron Theisen

Post-Hike Wine Tasting around Badger Mountain Just south of the Skyline trailhead sits Goose Ridge Winery and its 2,200-acre vineyard – the largest contiguous plot of grapes in the region. Goose Ridge grows grapes on contract for many of the large regional labels, but its small-barrel special reserve grapes are the star of the French farmhouse tasting room, their character reflective of the Columbia Plateau’s landscape: bright and airy. They impart the essence of fruit without being, well, fruity – perfect for spring sipping.

Despite its top-shelf pedigree, Goose Ridge Winery has the laid-back atmosphere of much of the Tri-Cities; go ahead and play bocce ball in hiking boots. Finish with a sunset drive up to nearby Goose Ridge, or taste your way around Badger Mountain with a stop at Kitzke Cellars just to the north of the Skyline trailhead.

route is worth the company, and so are the views of the arid Columbia and Yakima river basins; the pristine Hanford Reach; nearby Candy, Red and Rattlesnake mountains; and, on a clear day, distant Mounts Adams and Rainier, their angular summits in stark contrast to the orderly rows of grapes below.

Near at hand, springtime flowers – lupine, arrowleaf balsamroot, phlox, vetch, larkspur, lomatium and more – punctuate the sweetly pungent sage. And all around is the surprising hum of springtime life on the Columbia Plateau, where raptors perch on vineyard fenceposts, coyotes trot on the skyline, and rodents – and rattlesnakes – move underfoot.

Hikers can connect the Skyline Trail to the popular Trailhead Park trailhead via the Sagebrush Trail for an out-and-back, or they can make a loop around Badger with the Langdon Trail, which stays low on the south side of the mountain. Either way, it’s a round trip just shy of 8 miles – or enough calories to cancel out several glasses of wine.

Getting There: From Interstate 182 in Richland, take Queensgate Exit 3A. Drive south on Queensgate to the intersection at Keene Road.

Turn right and proceed 2.1 miles to Dallas Road.

Drive 1.4 miles to the large trailhead parking area on the left. //

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25

on the mountain Local Resorts

Left: On the dry side of the Slush Cup. Photo courtesy of 49 Degrees North Right: Snow bowling at Lookout Pass. Photo: Jason Bergman, courtesy of Lookout Pass

Spring Skiing

Don’t Miss These Lively, End-of-Season Resort Celebrations

By S. Michal Bennett

While fresh, powdery snow on a crisp, cold morning may seem like the perfect conditions for a ski day, many people look forward to hitting the slopes during the spring when the sunshine is warmer, the snow is softer and the days are longer. March and early April usually bring plenty of powder dumps and cold nights, but during the day, temps often rise, creating windows of excellent, sunny spring conditions.

Spring is often a slow season for Inland Northwest ski resorts. Lift lines are shorter and the slopes are often calmer and less crowded.

That doesn’t mean the resorts go out quietly – they make sure to end winter with a bang. These spirited spring events make an excellent last hurrah to winter.

Lookout Pass Crazy Costume Day, in conjunction with the 10 Barrell Brewfest on March 26, is going to be a fun blast into spring at Lookout Pass. Skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to assemble the most insane outfits they can think of to win fabulous prizes. “We’ll also be hosting a Battle of the Beers for the public to taste test and choose their favorite,” says Jason Bergman, Marketing Director. The Slush Cup Pond Skim on April 2 is “one last splash to end the season on a fun

OnTheMountain Section Sponsored In Part By: 26

OutThereMonthly.com / March 2016

note,” says Bergman. By this time, the pond is getting rather slushy, and the challenge is to get to the pond and hope to get across. In addition, there will be a Big Kahuna Downhill on the Huckleberry Ridge Trail, with prizes for the first woman and man who finish both races. “We’ll also be barbequing on the deck,” says Bergman, “and luau attire is highly recommended.”

Mt. Spokane Saturday, March 12, is not only Retro Day at Mt. Spokane. It is also your last chance to go night skiing. So bust out your straight skis and retro one-piece snow suit! “You know it’s in the back of your closet!” says Brenda McQuarrie, Guest Services Manager. They will wrap up the day with a vintage-style party at the Foggy Bottom Lounge, which will include music and prizes for the best “retro rags.” The Mt. Spokane 7th Annual Slush Cup Pond Skim contest will be hoppin’ with fun on the bunny hill on March 26. The contest will begin at 1 p.m., and entry is only $5 per person – helmets required for all.

Fun prizes will be awarded for the best skim, best costume and more. It’s also Military Ski Free Day and Hawaiian Day, so throw on those flowery shirts, leis and hula skirts, and have a fabulous time!

49 Degrees North “We do spring right here,” says Eric Bakken, General Manager at 49 Degrees North. Their Hawaiian Days event on March 12 kicks off the arrival of warmer weather in northeast Washington. It is a big fundraiser for the ski patrol, and includes BBQ on the deck, several entertaining competitions, and, this year, the possibility of a famous local DJ. “It’s everything that a goofy, super good time, springarea ski event ought to be,” says Bakken. The next weekend, March 19, they are hosting their classic Bavarian Race, sponsored by Lost Falls Brewing.

Teams of four, drawn at random, start on the deck chugging a pitcher of “near beer,” then take the longest chair lift in Washington state to the top, downhill it through a few obstacles back to the mountain house and chug a pitcher of real beer. The team with the fastest time wins. However, one of the coolest spring happenings at 49 Degrees North is the resorts Free Ski Week (April 4-10).

Everybody gets free lift tickets, all day, all week. “It’s a zoo,” says Bakken, “but it is super fun!”

Schweitzer 24 Hours of Schweitzer returns for its eighth year March 25-26. This all-day, all-night fundraiser held in honor of 9-year-old Hank Sturgis of Sandpoint and others suffering from the rare,

fatal disease Cystinosis will feature DJs and bands playing while skiers and snowboarders ride for 24 hours. More information is available at www.24hoursforhank.org. The final weekend of the season, April 9 and 10, Schweitzer will host its Schpring Finale, featuring The Big LeBrewski beer fest, the Ducky Derby, and new this year, a Duct Tape Cardboard Challenge, which will replace their Downhill Dummy event.

Silver Mountain On March 19, Silver Mountain is launching a brand new annual event: The Wardner Peak Uphill Downhill Uphill Downhill Race. “It’s basically a touring race,” says Neal Scholey, Director of Sales and Marketing. The event includes 1,800 feet of climbing split between two ascents over a 2-mile course with three transitions. “Then we have BBQ and beverages at the finish line,” adds Scholey. Set on the signature terrain of Wardner Peak, this is a short, friendly race open to alpine touring, telemark, split board, snowshoe and snowboard. “It will be a fun kick-off to spring,” says Scholey. Silver’s Spring Carnival on April 2 will feature a pond skim, rail jam and an outdoor BBQ with live music. “Usually,” says Scholey, “there is some crazy mayhem, and snowball fights end up happening among everyone!” //

Whitewater Ski Resort. Photo by Doug LePage.

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on the mountain Artifacts

Chewelah Peak Ski Lift Accident (1954)

Left: Chewelah Ski Club instructors. Photo courtesy of Sherry LaVigne

By Chic Burge

“Chewelah Ski Lift Runs Wild, 3 Hurt, Many Leap Off.” This headline introduced an article

by Dick Williams in The Spokesman-Review on February 1, 1954. The article described the accident that occurred at Chewelah Peak (what eventually became 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort) in this subtitle: “Near-Tragedy Occurs When Hoist Fails; Passengers Tumbled into Snow.”

Without notice, the chairlift at Chewelah Peak bucked once, then suddenly bucked twice and began sliding backward. As the chairs of skiers forcibly rounded the lower bull wheel, many were thrown free. The lift stopped only when some of the chairs tangled around the lower bull wheel. In those terrifying 30 seconds, many jumped from the chairs, fearing a longer and even more terrifying ride backward. A hundred people standing in

line and a hundred more at the ski lodge watched in horror. The last four chairs loaded with skiers were flung as far as 40 feet into a wet snow pack.

Those skiers were uninjured.

Near the upper bull wheel, a 14-year-old babysitter holding a 2-year-old making her first chairlift ride barely missed being grabbed from the chair as it moved backward. Ski patrollers attached climbing devices to their skis and immediately began racing up the slope to aid those injured and to lower the skiers off the lift with ropes. The lift was cleared of skiers in 60 minutes.

Injuries were minor. One fellow suffered a broken ankle while his brother broke several teeth by a runaway ski that hit him in the jaw.

Spokane Mountaineer and Mt. Spokane Ski Patroller Kenneth Henderson was on the lift but was uninjured in the accident. It was estimated

that the dead weight of the 40 chairs of people weighing 6 tons moved backward at about 35 MPH.

30 feet away. Many jumped from the chair while awaiting rescue. (The ski patrol had to climb the runs first to get to the stranded skiers).

Since those days, thankfully, most resorts have installed automatic brake devices to their lifts to guard against such occurrences.

Near the bottom terminal, past President of the Chewelah Ski Club, George Hafer, raced to shut the electric power off while another man applied the hand brake. At the upper terminal, some of the chairs were ripped from the cable and tossed

Damage to the chairs, cable and gear box was estimated at $4,000. Since those days, thankfully, resorts have installed automatic brake devices to lifts to guard against such occurrences. //

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on the mountain Local Resorts

Spring squalls. Photo: Shallan Knowles

Sweet Spring Savings On Season Passes

Buying a season pass from your favorite local mountain at the end of each season is a money-saving spring ritual that long-time skiers and riders never miss year after year. Why? Buying early means saving up to $100 on fall pass sale prices. Several resorts also offer free skiing for the rest of this season if you’re a new pass holder. If cash flow is an issue, some resorts offer layaway options to lock in spring sale prices.

Here are the deals and pass sale deadlines you don’t want to miss.

49 Degrees North Mountain Resort (sale ends May 5) In addition to locking in the lowest price possible on next year’s season pass, taking advantage of 49 Degrees North’s spring pass sale hooks you up with two free lift tickets at these other regional ski areas: Bluewood, Loup Loup, Mission Ridge, and White Pass. These spring sale prices are

good through May 5: adult, $299; youth, $199; college/military, $249. Ski49N.com.

Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area (sale ends April 30) If you don’t already have a season pass at Lookout, this is your chance to ski the rest of this season for free when you buy a pass for next year at all-time-low spring prices. Lookout pass holders also score plenty of other deals and discounts, such as 15% off purchases at the Lookout Gift Shop, $5 off tickets at many other regional resorts, two days of free skiing at Bluewood, and 25% off lift tickets at Red Mountain and Whitewater. Spring sale prices are good through April 30: adult, $199; teen, $149; junior, $139; college, $179; and senior, $129. Skilookout.com.

Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park (sale runs March 2-May 31)

The spring season pass sale at Mt. Spokane guarantees skiers and snowboarders the lowest prices of the year. At Mt. Spokane, it only takes five trips to the mountain to pay off that pass. For those who don’t have a pass this year, for an additional $30 along with your purchase of a 2016/17 pass you get to ski for the rest of this season too.

And renewing adult pass holders who buy next year’s pass before April 15 are locked into last year’s super low price of $229. These spring pass sale prices are up to 50% off the going rate: adult, $299; youth, $199; and returning youth, $149 (before April 15). Mtspokane.com.

Silver Mountain Resort (sale ends April 30) Buying your 2016/17 Silver Mountain season pass early means you get to ski the rest of this season for free (if you’re not already a pass holder). Silver passes come with some other

great perks too: Four day-passes to Silver Rapids Waterpark; one day pass to Silver Mountain Bike Park; and 2-for-1 golf and other benefits. These spring pass sale prices are good through April 30, 2016: adult, $309; youth, $209; mid-week, $209; young adult, $239; family pass (two adults & up to three youth), $999. Layaway options are available. Silvermt.com.

Schweitzer Spring Fling Passes (through the end of this season) Ski Schweitzer from March 14 until closing day, scheduled for April 10, for $119 plus tax. (After March 14, you pay $139.) Ski or ride two sunny spring days and this puppy is paid for. Plus you can apply $119 toward a 2016/17 Schweitzer pass. More details and Schweitzer’s spring pass sale pricing and deadlines at Schweitzer.com. // (OTM)

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Visit www.wsp.wa.gov or call Spokane Recruiter Trooper Kyle Witt for More Info (509-723-6046) March 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

29

on the mountain GEAR

t.j. Sneva showing off the shop. // Photo: Anna Twohig

Sneva MFG

Custom Skis and Snowboards for the Soul

By Anna Twohig As an experienced female skier, I’m sad to report that although it is the year 2016, the women’s ski selection is still very much indicative of a male-dominated industry. True, companies will put out a model or two for women, but most skis are designed to appeal to men. If I hear “Don’t worry, it comes in a shorter size” one more time, I’m going to scream. Especially at the price point we are talking. That isn’t to say that I’ve given up all hope. I haven’t. The good news is there are young companies like Coalition Snow, a for-women, by-women company, popping up on the scene (their sassy catchphrase is “We make women’s skis and snowboards that don’t suck!”).

Even better, Sneva MFG, based right here in Spokane, has been hand-making custom skis for both genders for decades now. I discovered Sneva skis five years ago, and I’ve been riding nothing else since.

I’m ecstatic about my newest pair of Snevas, still warm from the press with my very own design smoldering back at me from the topsheets. I have a particular taste in my boards and frankly, I want a ski that isn’t available on the market for women right now. My ideal ski is large and in charge (180 cm and 106 mm underfoot – I’m 5’5”), but also soft and playful. It has just the perfect amount of tip and tail rocker to float through deep pow turns but also stick to the hardpack between storms.

And unlike the many overly rockered models out there, Sneva ski tips do not flap on the cat track (a personal irritant of mine). Oh yeah, and I want custom blues and yellows on the topsheet that match my bindings and make me grin like an idiot when I look at them. This is everything I want in my ideal all-mountain ski, and that’s what I get in this CCB model ski. It’s about the same retail price as a typical high-end ski (retail is $749 for a custom pair), and mine are made locally, which is important to me.

TJ Sneva owns Sneva MFG. When you open the doorway to his shop you are greeted by the warm, dry smell of wood as well as several rows of racing trophies that wink at you in the shop lights. The floors are spotless and the shop is impeccable. This is where the magic happens.

The trophies are from Sneva’s time as an Indy car racer back in the day and are the inspiration for his recognizable ski logo: a skull bookended by 30

OutThereMonthly.com / March 2016

two checkered race flags. Racing Indy cars runs in the Sneva blood and TJ is a third-generation racer. The racing theme is a nod to Sneva’s heritage as well as his need for speed. He built his first pair of skis in 1994 on a press his grandfather helped him craft, and the walls of his shop are lined with more than 40 templates for all the skis, snowboards, snow skates and wake skates (yes, he makes those too) he offers his customers. Selftaught and industrious, Sneva not-so-jokingly credits high school wood shop as “the best class he ever took.” He makes approximately 1,000 pairs of skis and snowboards a year and yet there are no skis or boards for sale on his website. This is because every single pair is 100% customized to the buyer after a one-on-one consultation with Sneva.

Sneva is passionate about what he does and it clearly resonates through his craft, which you can see firsthand during a shop visit. That’s exactly what 14 lucky ladies (and one cool dad who brought his daughter) were able to do recently at an all-women shop tour and ski build demonstration, co-hosted by SheJumps. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, SheJump’s mission is to increase female participation in outdoor activities. You may have seen SheJumps’s recognizable “Girafficorn” logo around local ski hills. Sneva has been a local sponsor of the nonprofit since it came to the Spokane area, and Sneva MFG was a primary sponsor of the Get The Girls Out event at Schweitzer Mountain in February.

During the shop tour and ski build demonstration, Sneva smoothly navigated our group through an in-depth tour of ski construction as well as the entire ski discovery and customization process. It was especially exciting for me because the skis he used for his demonstration and actually completed in front of us were my newest pair. It’s remarkable to watch a craftsman complete every careful step in creating the ski of your dreams and then have the sensory experience of tracing your fingers over your fresh planks, still warm to the touch, and the air still thick with the smell of them. I can’t think of anything better -other than gliding down the mountain on them once they are mounted up and ready to rip. I’m heading to Revelstoke to break them in. I’ll let you know how it goes. //

on the mountain The Skiing Life

2016/17 Season Pass

Sale Photo: Shallan Knowles

Piste Off Liftie

Ski The Rest Of This Season For Free!

“Not Next Season”

By Brad Northrup

I don’t know about you, but I hate clichés.

Especially the stupid ones. Whoever came up with phrases such as “All good things must come to an end” or “The end is really just a new beginning” has obviously never been skiing. So here we are, with just about a month to go until the end of the season, and no one wants it to end, including your humble narrator. I know, you would think that I would be looking forward to a three-month paid vacation courtesy of unemployment, but the reality is I will miss the warm glow on my face that comes from days spent in the snow-reflected sun and nights downing Milwaukee’s Best tall boys. But before we close the season out and I head back to running the Tilt-O-Whirl, I would like to relate a few things that my fellow lift operators and I would rather not see or hear next season.

1. Court jester hats and helmet covers: This is not the 14th century, and you are not funny. At all. Let me guess, you like to be silly, right? Okay, go be silly somewhere else. Like Canada. Those folks appreciate a good tuke.

2. Snow quality feedback: Good or bad, epic or awful, I don’t get paid to care. You seem to think that because I put your butt on the chair I also serve as a conduit to the snow gods and the GM. Tell ya what, make sure you fill out a comment card and drop it in the box. The marketing dude loves getting comments like “There is too much powder,” or “The sun here is too bright.” Better yet, post those comments on the mountain’s Facebook page – I am sure you will get a ton of “likes.”

3. Powder blue one pieces (specifically on men): Dude, no one, and I mean no one, wants to be witness to male camel toe. Too many people were scarred for life after watching you strut through the lodge this winter. Rumor has it

at least two kids were partially blinded.

4. Complaining about lift lines and chair ride times: Nothing irks me more than someone bitching about how long they stood in line or how long it takes to get to the summit.

Yeah, it’s a real bummer that you had to wait a whole five minutes in line and it takes 10 entire minutes to get up top. Chances are good they needed the rest in between runs of flogging their way down the mountain. You know who never complains? Kids. Methinks something can be learned there.

5. Snowplow straight runners: Once you’ve seen them, you never forget, for it’s not a pretty sight. Straight down the most congested run they fly, skis in a wedge, leaning as far back as possible in an awkward tuck, jacket unzipped and serving as some kind of weird airfoil, totally out of control. If this sounds like you or someone you know, please seek help. And stay off the hill.

6. Snowboarders who camp in the middle of the run: I only bring this up because skiers whine about it every time they load, which takes away from my time spent chatting up the hotties. Do me a favor, bro, and take a pause for the cause on the side of the run or in the trees.

7. Skiers whining about snowboarders: See my comment above about how this cuts into my hottie-chatting time. Oh, and the last time I checked, snowboarders account for about half of a mountain’s lift ticket and season pass revenue, so let’s keep it civil. // Editor’s Warning: Piste Off Liftie, OTM’s tonguein-cheek column exploring the fictional exploits of a quintessential dirt-bag ski lift operator, may contain offensive language, inappropriate innuendo and politically incorrect real-life scenarios.

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on the mountain The skiing life

March 2016 Retro Ski Pass Contest WINNERS!

Ski Bum Advice

People You Meet on a Chairlift

By Brad Northrup

As I approach my fourth decade of skiing, a few truths about the art of sliding on snow come to mind. First, there is no such thing as a bad day of skiing – every day on snow is what you make it. I can still remember having a blast racing giant slalom in a driving rainstorm while wearing a black garbage bag over on the Wetside of the state as a kid. Second, I do not have the knees of a 20-year-old anymore.

Or a 30-year-old for that matter. But I sure am looking forward to knee-replacement surgery. And third, the types of people you might ride with on a chair never change.

Next time you ride with a stranger, see if you can identify them by these characteristics.

1. Fiddler on the Chair: From the moment you load to the second you unload, this person is non-stop activity.

Every pocket in his or her jacket will be opened and closed at least eight times. Lip balm will be applied a minimum of five times, appearing from any one of their 20 pockets. Goggles will be removed, cleaned and replaced twice. For every five minutes on the chair, they will make three phone calls, send 10 text messages and update Facebook twice.

2. The Mute: The utter silent response you receive when you ask the initial “So how’s your day going?” when you first load should say it all. Doesn’t matter how great the conditions are or how amazing the weather is, all you are going to get out of this person is crickets. Even offering a tidbit of beta on your secret stash will not work to provoke conversation. “If you’re looking for some fresh, poke your nose into skier’s left of C5 in the Glades – should still be some turns left.” Chirp… chirp….chirp.

3. Chatty Cathy: The name here does not denote the gender of the skier at all.

The blathering begins when this person appears next to you in a long lift line right after you yelled “single.” This will turn out to be the longest chairlift ride of your life. Conversation begins with the type of equipment he or she has had for the last 20 years – every single piece, right down to the socks. Next comes the most epic days they have had in the mountains, which is always followed by a long-winded commentary on the worst seasons ever, and their causes. The torture session concludes with a lengthy disserta-

tion of his or her skiing experiences with their respective ex-significant others. You are so exhausted when you do unload that you have to head to the lodge for a shot of whiskey and a nap.

4. Captain Ego: No matter how proficient you may be on skis, this person is going to enlighten you as to just how much more awesome they are. On a powder day, they will point out some perfect tracks clearly visible from the chair as being theirs. “See those there – I put those down this morning since I was on the first chair.” If it is a groomer day, the cleanest set of railroad tracks on the hill will belong to them, and you will be forced to listen to a 10-minute lecture on how they make turns like that. “I guess it all started when I was 10 and almost made the US Ski Team.” You start to wonder how much it would hurt if you hurled yourself off the chair. // Brad Northrup is a former ski industry professional and ski bum. He is no longer allowed to ride with strangers on the chair.

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on the mountain Backcountry

Powder, powder and more powder courtesy of Baldface Lodge and Steller Helliskiing. // Photos: Bob Legasa

Epicenter of Powder

Nelson, B.C.’s Cat & Heliskiing Will Blow Your Mind

By Bob Legasa In the 1800s, Nelson, British Columbia, was a thriving silver and gold mining boomtown, and by the late 1890s it transformed into a refined city. Since then Nelson has blossomed into a thriving arts and mountain sports community.

Nelson has struck gold once again. This time it’s white gold that falls from the sky. The culturally rich town is now known as the epicenter for powder enthusiasts with more than a dozen backcountry ski and snowboard operations within an hour-and-a-half drive. Nelson sits on the shores of picturesque Kootenay Lake, which is surrounded by iconic mountain ranges such as the Kootenays, Bonnigtons, Valhallas, Purcells and the Selkirks.

With that kind of terrain, it’s no surprise that Baldface Lodge located itself only a few miles northwest of town.

Baldface Lodge is the brainchild of college buddies Jim Fraps and Jeff Pensiero, who started the operation in 1999. Since then, Baldface has grown into one of the premiere cat skiing operations in North America that features more than 32,000 skiable acres, three state-of-the-art snowcats, and an impressive timber frame lodge that includes a gathering room, bar, dining area, massage and retail shop. The lodge has numerous single- and double-occupancy rooms on the east wing, and there are seven beautifully appointed mountain chalets just a few yards away.

Baldface offers three- and four-day packages from December through March. All of the guides at Baldface are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and Canadian Ski Guide Association. The guides’ in-depth knowledge will help you take full advantage of the 500plus inches of annual snowfall and some of the best tree skiing on the planet. Pensiero calls the area “God gladed.” “If you’re riding with the fall

line, the trees are always opening up, and you can get incredible flow through the trees here,” he says.

Professional skier and big wave surfer Chuck Patterson is another fan of Baldface. “The tree skiing here is amazing. It’s naturally separated so perfectly that you could ski 90 MPH with a buddy right next to you. Everything is covered -- it’s like big ghost trees!” he raves.

Baldface has soul that’s evident when you visit.

“The vibe at Baldface is really cool. There’s no attitude here. Everybody’s just stoked because we’re all trying to get as much pow as we can under our boards. Whether it’s skiers or snowboarders, everybody has a huge smile on their face. Everybody is sharing the stoke here,” says Patterson.

The hospitality at Baldface doesn’t stop on the hill. “After an insane day of riding, you come in and grab some appetizers, soup and a beer and then get situated for dinner. The dinner is like a five-star restaurant, and half the time I feel like I’m under dressed. Last night we got this beautiful lamb shank with some great wine, and we were able to hang out with friends talking about how great the day was,” says Patterson. No wonder Baldface keeps bringing people back year after year.

If you’re looking for something with a little more horsepower, then just an hour east of Nelson along the shores of Kootenay Lake sits Stellar Heliskiing, which is owned and operated by longtime mountain guide Jason Remple. Remple’s laid-back personality will put you at ease. He grew up in these mountains and has been guiding here for more than 20 years.

Stellar Heliskiing uses an A-Star helicopter, which will hold four guests, a guide and a pilot.

“That’s one of the things that Stellar focuses on:

that small helicopter and small-group heliskiing.

We take people to customized places where we can dial in what they are skiing, whether it is tree skiing, steep chutes or bumps and jumps,” explains Remple.

With a reach of approximately 80,000 acres that stretches into the Selkirk and Purcell Mountain ranges, it’s easy for Remple and his certified heli guides to bring guests back tired and happy after spending a day shredding in their playground.

Dash Kamp, professional snowboarder from Sandpoint, was on our trip, and he had high praise for Remple and Stellar Heliskiing. “The terrain that comes with Stellar Heliskiing is pretty unreal.

There is every type of condition and feature out there. What’s so cool about it though is having a guide like Jason, who knows so much about the area, taking us to these spots,” Kamp says.

Remple loves his job. “I get the enjoyment of showing people a good time in the mountains.

Taking them to the next level, letting them experience what they can do, sort-of pushing the limits when we’re allowed to and when the conditions are appropriate. I like it when guests can challenge themselves,” he says.

Spokane skier Deseri Leipham has ridden with Remple several times over the past five years.

“Jason is one of the best guides I’ve ever skied with,” says Leipham. “He will tell you about the features at the top of the run. He always shows you the goods but more importantly, I always feel safe when I’m skiing with Jason.”

If you’re looking for a place to lay down some epic powder turns this winter, check out the operations near Nelson, BC. This is the year! More info: NelsonKootenayLake.com. //

March 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

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OutThereMonthly.com / March 2016

UrbanOutdoors People’s Park An Oasis of Nature Near Downtown Spokane // By Bea Lackaff For thousands of years people have enjoyed the little peninsula upstream from the confluence of Latah Creek and the Spokane River. The name “People’s Park” says a lot about the long history of this place that separates the Spokane River from the downstream reach of Latah Creek (also known as Hangman Creek).

People’s Park is covered with grasses, wild rose, serviceberry, currant, Oregon grape, and masses of willows along the creek’s edge. There are patches of reed canary grass and scraggly old prune and apple trees. An assortment of deciduous trees – mostly maples and locust – grow under ponderosa pine. On one shore, the stream bank is sandy and muddy while the other is stony. A network of old roadways and braiding trails quilt these diverse patches together. I have seen porcupines, beaver dams, deer poop, bald eagles, and an assortment of birds and water fowl.

Historically, several different salmon species came by the millions up the Spokane River to pool below the barrier of Spokane Falls. Many salmon also travelled up Latah Creek. The peninsula separating the creek and river was an important fishing site for the Upper Spokanes, who created a settlement for weeks while fish were caught and dried for winter stores. Community ethics of fairness, sharing, cooperation, and rituals for keeping the waters clean were presided over by respected Salmon Chiefs. Many fishing techniques were employed: from building stone weirs out into the current to corral giant salmon for spearing to using basket fish gates and traps.

Early white explorers and settlers observed the

Upper Spokanes sharing the abundance of the Latah Creek fishery with other regional tribes, including the Coeur d’Alenes and SanPoils.

In 2005, Eastern Washington University’s Archeological and Historic Services conducted an exploration near the entrance to People’s Park.

Carbon dating of buried fireside hearths, bones, and stone tools verified the site was an established settlement at least 8,000 years ago. (For reference, at roughly that time agriculture was just creeping into Eastern Europe from early farming settlements in the Near East. Writing wouldn’t be invented for another 2,000 years.)

When asked about the astonishing antiquity of human habitation at People’s Park, Spokane Tribal member Buzz Gutierrez was quoted in the December 6, 2006 Spokesman Review as saying, ”The significance to me is: we knew it was there; now you know it is there.”

Native people continued to gather and fish at the confluence in spite of discouragement from some white settlers building up the City of Spokane around them. In 1911, Little Falls Dam on the lower Spokane River blocked further pas-

sage of salmon and steelhead up to Spokane Falls.

As the City of Spokane grew, the peninsula was part of a neighborhood called the West Grove Addition; near above it towered “High Bridge,” the Union Pacific-Milwaukee Road train trestle.

The neighborhood included 80 or more houses – yet the confluence area was still considered part of “River Gorge Park,” a city-wide park envisioned by the Olmsted Brothers in 1907.

When the World’s Fair “Expo” transformed Spokane in 1974 – the West Grove neighborhood, and High Bridge were dismantled, and the peninsula became People’s Park, a designated “Transient Youth Camp” for the homeless and hippies coming to Spokane for the Expo celebration. City Parks anticipated 30 or 40 residents but soon had 400 and then 1,800! This improvised, alternative lifestyle village included a free kitchen, a drop-in health clinic, community gardens, and a marketplace to sell hand-made crafts. The community mostly policed itself and maintained a friendly relationship with local police to help with trouble makers. The values of sharing resources within a peaceful, diverse community, and Expo’s envi-

ronmental theme of respecting the earth, echoed through millennia in this special place.

Since Expo, People’s Park has developed a reputation as a place with the possibility of stumbling across partying, nudity and other illegal activities.

When the Sandifer Bridge was built in 2004, with one end at the entrance to People’s Park, the perceived fringes of society began sharing the park more and more with families, casual hikers, dogwalkers and anglers.

With Spokane Tribal approval, the City of Spokane has plans for a few amenities and interpretive signage to be added near the parking lot with a light touch on the land and no digging or paving.

Take a walk through People’s Park this spring and explore trails in the city that have the feeling of being deep in nature with a somewhat unpredictable environment. You will walk in ancient footsteps, and traditions of sharing, hospitality, fair play, and respect for the earth. But just enjoy your walk and keep an eye out for wildlife and anything starting to bloom. // Editor’s Note: People’s Park is an amazing urban natural area with fun trails for hiking, running and mountain biking, but to keep the area safe and clean for others, please do your part by helping to pick up trash and report any illegal or suspicious activity (including any digging, camping or campfires) to Spokane Parks and Recreation (755-2489) or Crime Check (456-2233).

March 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

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OutdoorCalendar MARCH2016 BIKING (March 21) All About Enduro Clinic. Where:

Wheel Sport East, Spokane Valley. This free seminar will answer all your enduro questions: gear, what to expect, strategy, how to prep, what to eat and more. Evergreen coaches and local race pros will host a Q & A format. Limited to 30 people. Info: Evergreeneast.org/

WINTERSPORTS (March 5) Paws & Poles Race. Where: 49 Degrees North Nordic Area. Bring your dog and skis or snowshoes for a romp in the snow. Proceeds benefit Spokanimal C.A.R.E. Register at Mountain Gear.

(March 6) Spokane Nordic Challenge Loppet.

Where: Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park. Test your mettle with options for 20, 30 or 50 k and your choice of ski technique. This is a timed noncompetitive event so push for a personal best or just enjoy the day. Info: Spokanenordic.org

(March 12) Retro Day. Where: Mt. Spokane Ski

& Snowboard Park. Bust out your straight skis and retro one-piece snow suit. Wrap up the day with a vintage-style party at the Foggy Bottom Lounge with music and prizes for the best “retro rags.” Info: Mtspokane.com

(March 19) Bavarian Race. Where: 49 Degrees

North Mountain Resort. Teams of four take the longest chair lift in Washington state to the top, downhill it through a few obstacles back to the mountain house and chug a pitcher of beer. The team with the fastest time wins. Info: Ski49n.com

RUNNING (April 3) Hauser Lake 10K Ice Breaker Fun Run. Where: Hauser Lake, ID. When: 10 a.m.

Bloomsday Second Seed Qualifier. Race benefits special needs dogs. Info: DoubleJDogRanch.org

(April 17) Spokane River Run. Where: Riverside

Celebrate the green of spring with the Chronic and the Chronic Super Dank. New art

by Josh Quick – same great coffee blends. Available at select retailers, in the DOMA coffee lab and online.

State Park. Annual trail run held through beautiful pine forest along the Spokane River. Courses range from 50K to 5K. Info: SpokaneRiverRun.com

(May 1) Lilac Bloomsday Run.

Where: Downtown Spokane. Spokane’s most famous 12K fun run. Info: BloomsdayRun.org

(May 7) Trail Maniacs State Park Series #1.

Where: Farragut State Park, Idaho. 5 mile and half marathon trail runs. Camping, food, community and lots of fun. Info: Trailmaniacs.com

(May 21) Liberty Lake Trail Run. Where: Liberty

Lake Regional Park, WA. 8-mile trail run loop near Liberty Lake that features waterfalls, a creek bed, bridges, singletrack and switchbacks with canopied cedar groves. Info: Trailmaniacs.com

(May 29) Spring Festival Run. Where: Priest

Lake. Half-marathon, 10K and 5K options. Info: Priestlakerace.com

(March 19) The Wardner Peak Uphill Downhill Uphill Downhill Race. Where: Silver Mountain

Resort. The event includes 1,800 feet of climbing split between two ascents over a 2-mile course with three transitions followed by a BBQ and beverages at the finish line. This is a short, friendly race open to alpine touring, telemark, split board, snowshoe and snowboard. Info: Silvermt.com.

(March 25-26) 24 Hours of Schweitzer. Where:

Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Ski or snowboard as a team or solo for 24 hours to raise funds for the Cystinosis Research Foundation to help find a cure for this extremely rare, genetic disease. Info: www.24hoursofschweitzer.com

(March 26) Crazy Costume Day & 10 Barrel Brewfest. Where: Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area. Skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to assemble the most insane outfits they can think of to win fabulous prizes. Info: Skilookout.com

(March 26) 7th Annual Slush Cup Pond Skim.

Where: Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park. Fun prizes will be awarded for the best skim, best costume and more. It’s also Hawaiian Day, so throw on those flowery shirts, leis and hula skirts. Info: Mtspokane.com

RUNNING (March 12) O’Grady’s St Paddy’s 5K. Where:

(March 13) St Paddy’s Five. Where: Spokane

Community College. 5 mile run. Info: www.brrc.net

(March 20) Rapid Rabbit Run. East Valley High

School, Spokane Valley. 32nd annual event includes 5 mile and 3 mile distances. Info: Eastvalleyhs.wix. com/rapidrabbitrun

(March 20) Mead Marching Madness 5K. Where: Mead High School, Spokane. A fundraiser for the Mead Bandwagon, a parent group that supports the award winning Mead High School Marching Band and Color Guard. The run starts and finishes at Mead High School. Info: Meadmarchingmadness. com (March 26) Spokane Superhero Fun Run. Where:

Gonzaga University. When: 10 a.m. Third annual run, capes optional, costumes encouraged. Free hot dogs. Procedes benefit CASA Partners for foster children. Info: active.com/spokane-wa/distancerunning-races/spokane-superhero-fun-run. Cost: Starts at $7.50

OTHER (March 20) Living with Grizzly Bears. Where: Wolff Auditorium in the Jepson Center, Gonzaga University. Biologist, photographer and author David Moskowitz will share photos and stories of his work and travels across the landscapes where grizzly bears roam. Info: Conservationnw.org

Sleeping Lady Resort, Leavenworth, WA. The 5K will start and finish at the Icicle River Trail adjacent to O’Grady’s Pantry at the entrance to Sleeping Lady.

Post-race party (beer, food and other refreshments) at O’Grady’s. Info: www.runwenatchee.com

SIXMONTH TRAINING CALENDAR (June 5) Windermere Marathon. Where: When: 7 a.m. Full and half marathons are senic and fast.

Info: WindermereMarathon.com (July 9) Up Chuck Challenge Trail Run. Where:

Camp Sekani Park, Spokane. Start off your day at the Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival with a 5 or 3k run along the Up Chuck Trail to the top of Beacon Hill. Info: Spokatopia.com/up-chuckchallenge-trail-run.

(June 18) Kaniksu 50 & Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race. Where: Colville National

Forest. A 50-mile trail race and a relay race where 5 participants each complete one of 5 legs carrying a minimum 35lb ruck for men and 25lb ruck for women. Info: Kaniksu50.com

(July 31) Bare Buns Fun Run. Where: Deer Lake, WA. 32nd annual clothing optional 5k at the Kaniksu Ranch Family Nudist Park. Info: Kaniksufamily.com

TRIATHLONS (May 21) Troika Triathlon. Where: Medical Lake.

Options include Olympic Course, Long Course and Sprint Course. Info: TroikaTriathlon.com

BIKING (May 28-29) 24 Hours Round the Clock.

Where: Riverside State Park, 7 Mile Airstrip. Relay mountain bike race can be completed as a team or solos. Info: Roundandround.com

(June 18) CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo. Where: Sandpoint. 150, 80 and 30-mile fully supported ride routes along Lake Pend Oreille. Info: Chafe150.org

OTHER (July 9) Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival. Where: Camp Sekani Park, Spokane. Try

paddleboarding, kayaking, climbing, geocaching, canoeing, disc golf and other outdoor activities and demo bikes and other outdoor gear. Over 40 exhibitors, live music and beer garden. Info: Spokatopia.com

Have an Event You Would Like to List? domacoffee.com 36

OutThereMonthly.com / March 2016

Please visit www.outtheremonthly.com and click “Add Event” under the “Outdoor Calendar” tab to get your events listed online and considered for the monthly print magazine calendar. To be considered for the print calendar, events MUST be entered by the 20th of the month to be listed in the following month’s issue. Please follow the instructions for submitting an event using the web form.

Health&Fitness Life in water

What Drives this Local Swimmer to Hit the Lake Whenever She Can // By Summer Hess

Susan Hales in her element. Photo: Summer Hess

Susan Hales describes the details of some of her more memorable swims vividly. She has been attacked by a merganser. She has been inspected by river otters. She has pulled herself out of the water on the brink of storms.

A typical day in the water for Hales is adventurous by most others’ standards. Take, for example, her ritual of swimming across the bay to pick up the Sunday paper. On the 1.9-mile swim from her cabin on Lake Pend Oreille to Odie’s Bayside Grocery, she ties an inflatable dry sack to her waist so that she can stash her coins and keep the paper dry on the return. Depending on the distance, weather and temperature, she may also haul a space blanket, protein bar and a two-way radio that her husband insists she carry in iffy conditions. Her long swims sound like mini-odysseys, especially when you hear her confess that, for lack of a swim buddy, “I always swim alone.”

Despite her safety measures, this statement is jarring for those of us who grew up taking swim lessons from the YMCA. You may as well exhort us to run with scissors or take as much candy from

near a giant body of water and not swim,” she tells me with a smile. “It’s like someone put a giant ice cream sundae in front of you and said ‘don’t eat it’.”

Her metaphor is apt as I consider the cold plunge we are about to take and the inevitable ice-cream headache that will clamp down on our skulls when we first duck under the water.

Hales grew up swimming in the Long Island Sound in New York, which lends to her comfort in open water, but she did not consider swimming competitively until 2006. At first, she swam a 45-minute mile pace in the YMCA pool. After taking lessons to improve her stroke, she is much faster. So much faster, in fact, that she is now winning her age bracket in local competitions.

The race she won last year is perhaps the most popular open-water swim in the region — the Long Bridge Swim, a 1.76-mile race across Lake Pend Oreille. Hales refers to this race as a “water Bloomsday.” Although it does not have as many competitors, it has a similar community feel. She recommends this competition because “it is a feel-good race with Olympic swimmers, firsttime racers, children, and everyone in between.”

Despite Hales’ stellar finishes in local races, I still expected to outswim her in Liberty Lake. I thought for sure I would be stronger than someone who wins the 65-69 age bracket. However, I scrambled out of the water after only a few minutes. My ice-cream headache never subsided, and my surfing wetsuit was not articulated in the shoulders to provide the range of motion necessary for swimming distance efficiently — at least, those were my excuses. The truth is that, although twice my age, Hales is an endurance machine.

As for me, I’ll remain a fair-weather swimmer who floats Fish Lake in the warm summer months, but who knows? Perhaps when I’m Hales’ age, I’ll be leading the pack. //

“I want to be in the water all the time,” she told me on our drive out to Liberty Lake. strangers as possible. While Hales recognizes that swimming with a buddy is preferred, getting in the water — accompanied or solo — is as enticing to her as a delicious dessert.

“I want to be in the water all the time,” she told me on our drive out to Liberty Lake on a sunny but cold October afternoon. The water temperature was 56.7 degrees. Despite the cool water temperature, Hales was excited about suiting up. We chatted as we shimmied into our wetsuits, which for me seemed to be going as well as a snake trying to wriggle back into its skin. “It’s torture to get

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Last Page The R in Washington is Silent // By Janelle McCabe “Pronunciation question: Does ‘Iller’ Creek rhyme with ‘miller’ or ‘miler’?” That’s the unassuming question I posted on Facebook last fall, and it was the moment I learned where my active outdoor friends and my grammar geek friends overlap – and sharply disagree.

Confession: Until adulthood, I thought “awry” was pronounced “AW-ree.” I thought “frigate” was pronounced “fri-GATE.” I thought “segue” was pronounced “SEG-yoo.” (Thank goodness for the Food Network, which gave me an early command of “acai” and “quinoa.”) But pronouncing place names, as with people’s names, is more personal.

Berries and grains are one thing; my hometown is quite another. Our mangy mongrel of an English language mostly follows but frequently violates the phonics we learned in grade school. As a result, people outside of the Inland Northwest often rhyme “Spokane” with “cocaine.” (Alas, even my beloved Indigo Girls rhymed “Spokane” with “Cascade Range” in one of their songs. Et tu, Amy and Emily?)

Many place names of the Inland Northwest that rebel against phonics have roots in French or one of the American Indian languages. In fact, sometimes those place names exist because of historical interaction between French explorers and Native peoples.

The Idaho State Historical Society possesses a photograph from 1928 that depicts three besuited men squinting in front of a monument twice their height that “commemorates the coming of the first white man to Lake Pend d’Oreille” in 1809,

an inscription that compels more of a shudder than a salute. The explorer/geographer/fur trader of note, David Thompson, was actually a Brit by way of Canada, but French fur traders weren’t far behind him. They took one look at the large round earrings that the Native men and women wore and called the people “Pend d’Oreille,” which means “hangs from ears” in French. Incidentally, an aerial view of Lake Pend Oreille shows an earshaped body of water.

Thompson and his fur-trading buddies moved on southward, where they encountered indigenous people who called themselves “Schitsu’umsh,” but who Thompson & Co. renamed “Coeur d’Alene,” which in French means “heart of the awl.” An awl is a sharp tool for making textiles, and the French nickname referred to the keen trading skills and experience that the fur traders noticed in the Native people.

Place names amount to more than an assemblage of letters and characters. Like a person’s name, place names tell origin stories that reveal much about human endeavor, atrocity, and inspiration (or lack thereof; I’m looking at you, Forks, Washington). Even when they’re easy to pronounce, plenty of names on a map of the Inland Northwest will either scrunch or raise your eyebrows: Montana has places called Zero and Pray. Oregon includes Idiotville, Boring, Drain, Zigzag and, for a brief time in the 90s, Half.com.

You’ll find Spuzzum and Salmon Arm in British Columbia, and Idaho features places called Bliss,

Slickpoo, Good Grief and Athol. (“I’m just glad they didn’t name it ‘Penith’,” a friend once joked.)

After a recent map-gazing and roadtrip-fantasizing session, I’d collected several place names that I wasn’t sure how to pronounce – many with hiking and biking trails associated with them.

A good way to get people talking is to ask them about where they’re from, so I approached government employees in several counties about how to pronounce place names in their regions. Perhaps they just appreciated a member of the public asking them anything besides how to reduce their parking ticket, but the voice of every single one of the people I spoke with warmed immediately, if nervously, when I opened with, “I have a pronunciation question for you.”

As for Iller Creek? It’s pronounced EYE-ler, rhyming with “miler,” say both Paul Knowles, Park Planner for Spokane Parks and Recreation, and Jeff Lambert, Executive Director of Dishman Hills Conservancy, which helps protect the Iller Creek Conservation Area. Well, sort-of. “I’m not sure that there is a definitive answer,” says Lambert.

“I have talked to the descendants of Carl Iller for whom the creek was named, and they disagree on the pronunciation.” As one Facebook friend noted, Iller Creek may be pronounced EYE-ler Creek, but “illiterate,” at least, follows the rules of phonics just fine. Well, except for that last syllable.

Because of their prominence in the Inland Northwest, some place names that are challenging to tourists (see Coeur d’Alene, Pend Oreille

and Spokane) are simple enough to navigate for locals. However, once they take blue highways and less beaten paths, even lifelong residents can start sounding like visitors. With apologies to the International Phonetic Association and its timehonored alphabet, here’s a pronunciation guide for some of the less intuitive place names in the Inland Northwest: Palouse (region, city), puhLOOS; Kootenai (city, county and tribe), KOOTnee; Tekoa (city), TEE-koh; Kamiak (butte), KAM-ee-ack; Inchelium (place, tribe), IN-chehLEE-em; Nespelem (place, tribe), nez-PEE-lem; Sanpoil (region, river, tribe), SAN-poil; Entiat (city, tribe), EN-tee-et; Methow (river, community), MEHT-how; Disautel (place, mountain pass), DIS-eh-tell; Aeneas (community), EE-neeehs; Malott (place), mah-LOT; Loomis (place), LOO-miss; Havillah (community), hah-VILLluh; Mazama (community), mah-ZAH-muh; Monse (community), MONZ; Wauconda (community), wah-CAHN-duh; Similkameen (river, trail), SMIL-kuh-meen; Cedonia (community), seh-DOAN-yuh; Wellpinit (community), WELLpin-it; Karamin (community), KAIR-eh-min; Kewa (community), KEE-wuh; Laurier (community), LOR-ee-yay; Wapaloosie (mountain), WAH-pah-LOO-see; Tucannon (river, canyon), TOO-kehn-nuhn; Wenaha (river, trail, national forest), wen-AH-ha; Swakane (creek, canyon), swah-KAIN; Feryn (conservation area), FERN; Manresa (grotto), man-REH-suh; Ymir (town), WHY-mer. //

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