Out There Monthly May 2017 by Out There Outdoors

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

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OutThereMonthly.com / MAY 2017

UNEXPECTED IN THE BEST WAYS Ride the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park in spring, when the road is serene and reserved for bikers and pedestrians. Next door, in Whitefish, wind down from your long adventure-filled days with world-class dining options, breweries, distilleries, and live music. When you’re ready to put your feet up, sleep will come easy at any one of the numerous welcoming accommodations— whether in town, along the lake, or on the mountain.

Photo © ChuckHaney.com

MAy 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

OutThereMonthly.com / MAY 2017

COntents

Features

STILL CRAZY After 30 Years!

18 | Riding to Virginia 26 | Adventure Commuting 26 | Paddling Paradise 26 | Classic Inland NW River Trips

1987

2017

niversary! 30th An

Join us as we celebrate our 30th Anniversary providing great chairs and gear to people all over the world...from the mountains to the seas, and everywhere in between! #stillCrazy

26 columns

departments

12 | Everyday Cyclist

17 | Outdoor Living

14 | Eatology

20 | Watersports

16 | Out There Kids

23 | Fishing

33 | River Rambles

24 | Running 25 | Hiking 27 | Urban Outdoors

In honor of Bike Everywhere Month...

28 | Race Report 29 | Biking 32 | Buzz Bin

All Electric Assist Bikes and Trek FX bikes are on Sale thru May 27th

Get out and ride!

Remember Spokane County law requires everyone to wear PFDs on moving water, not just children (county code 6.03.020). Also, be sure everyone wears snug-fitting waterproof sandals (no flip-flops). MAy 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

MAY 2017 www.outtheremonthly.com Publishers

Shallan & Derrick Knowles Editor-in-chief

Derrick Knowles Managing Editor

July 8 Camp Sekani

Kids/family section editor

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Contributing Writers:

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EXHIBITORS

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Jon Jonckers Amy Silbernagel McCaffree Digital Editor

Siobhan Ebel Copy Editor

Andrew Butler

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SEKANI ON THE

SPOKANE

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BIKE DEMO &SALE EVENT OF THE SUMMER

TRY AWESOME OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES ◉ Paddleboarding ◉ SUP Yoga ◉ Kayaking ◉ Geocaching ◉ Rafting ◉ Disc Golf ◉ Canoeing ◉ Rock Climbing

Crystal Atamian Hank Greer Jon Jonckers Derrick Knowles Janelle McCabe Amy Silbernagel McCaffree Harley McAllister Ammi Midstokke Peter Wayne Moe Brad Naccarato Erika Prins Simonds Aaron Theisen Brad Thiessen Nick Thomas Holly Weiler Jerry White Jr. Contributing photographers:

Craig Goodwin Jon Jonckers Derrick Knowles Shallan Knowles Katie Laughlin Kyle Merritt Art + Production

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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. ©Copyright 2017 Out There Monthly, LLC. The views expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily Out There Monthly, LLC. Disclaimer: Many of the activities depicted in this magazine carry a significant risk of personal injury or death. Rock climbing, river rafting, snow sports, kayaking, cycling, canoeing and backcountry activities are inherently dangerous. The owners and contributors to Out There Monthly do not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless they are experts or seek qualified professional instruction and/or guidance, and are knowledgeable about the risks, and are personally willing to assume all responsibility associated with those risks.

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On The Cover: Rafting the spokane river with row adventures

Photo Courtesy of ROW Adventures 6

OutThereMonthly.com / MAY 2017

Intro: What the River Says The night after celebrating my son’s second birthday along the swift, milky-emerald current of the Spokane River, a bout of insomnia had me phone surfing about rivers, and in particular, the one that runs through our city. The late-night search was inspired by wondering why spending time along a free-flowing stretch of river always leaves me feeling the same way: calmer, introspective and musing about the significance of everyday things in nature. With this feeling still nagging my sleep-starved psyche, I’m awake in the middle of the night, scrolling through historic images of the Spokane River, wondering what the riverbank and beaches looked like 200 years ago; what the water smelled like before dams cut off the upstream flow of fleshy, saltwater-dwelling salmon that swam here, reproduced, and died. The pondering and Googling surged and

split off into more obscure tributaries: What did the Native American river camps look and sound like? What types of now extirpated animals roamed the shoreline, attracted by the smell of fish? I searched unsuccessfully for historical references of grizzly bear encounters by local tribal people or early pioneers, then wandered off to another search topic—my ongoing quest to find frogs on summertime floats down the Spokane (I’ve yet to see one or hear of any other frog encounters). I finally start to drift off toward sleep, but manage to blearily open another window on my phone, intending to search for any mention of amphibian populations along the river before mining and other pollution, I assume, wiped them out or pushed them up into more pristine waters. Before finding any relevant search results, my heavy eye-

lids drop and the phone falls from my hands, smacking me in the face. Sometimes, if you spend enough time floating down or simply sitting within earshot of a swift moving river, the sound of water pouring over and around smooth stones and gravelly river bottom can start to sound like whispering words that are just beyond our linguistic grasp. Which leaves me wondering as my mind takes a final plunge toward sleep. If the Spokane River could speak to us, what would it say? An expletive-laced tirade about PCBs, TMDLs, in-stream flows, heavy metals and the need for better fish passage? Or maybe a lyrical lullaby advising us to slow down, chill out and spend a little more time on and along a river this year. It certainly could be both. // Derrick Knowles, Editor

Remington explores the riverbank with his friend gus.

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MAy 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Out ThereNews&Events Projects Would Enhance Recreational Access along the Spokane River Two projects in the works along the Spokane

River downstream from the lower falls and downtown Spokane would dramatically improve the way rafters, anglers, paddlers and other river users start and end their trips. Right now, the popular put-in along Water Avenue in Peaceful Valley is often overcrowded on hot summer days, raising concerns from local residents, and there isn’t a proper boat launch facility and no public restroom. And the three official river access sites where most floaters and paddlers get off the river, two near the T.J. Meenach Bridge, and a third just downstream from the city’s wastewater treatment plant, all have similar issues: limited facilities, no bathrooms, parking limitations, and access challenges for drift boats and rafts. Yet over the next several years, a series of improvements on both ends of Spokane’s increasingly popular stretch of the lower Spokane River could make float and fishing trips a muchimproved experience.

Glover Field River Access Project: The Spokane River Forum recently announced a partnership with the City of Spokane and the Spokane Conservation District to take the Glover Field Water Trail access in Peaceful Valley through permitting and construction-ready design that will eventually, if all goes as planned, turn the site into a prime river gateway for anglers, rafters and paddlers. The 2015 Spokane Parks and Recreation preferred concept plan for the Glover Field project includes parking for river users, a boat launch, an interpretive overlook near the river, a new park building with restrooms, a new playground, a trailhead for the planned 5-kilometer South Gorge Trail loop, and other amenities. Since then the city has worked on shoreline planning, geotechnical studies, habitat management planning and cultural resource surveys to keep the project moving forward. In March, the Spokane Conservation District stepped up to support design, engineering and cultural resource surveys for a put-in slide to make launching rafts and drift boats easier, as well as shoreline restoration and development of the area leading up to the slide. Adding to that momentum, the capital budgets passed by the Washington State Senate included funding to support project construction. “If we use the happy assumption that these dollars are preserved in the final budget that passes the legislature and is signed by the Governor, construction would occur in summer of 2018,” says Spokane River Forum Executive Director Andy Dunau. The city is also leveraging resources to bring Glover Field and a 5-kilometer South Gorge Trail loop to fruition. In addition to river access, the site would serve as a trailhead for the proposed loop hiking trail. Heading west, the trail would extend through Peaceful Valley, go north across Sandifur Bridge, head east through Kendall Yards, and then swing back around through Riverfront Park before reconnecting with the Glover trailhead. Enhanced parking in the works will also help relieve congestion, a neighborhood issue the city has been working on. The city is also looking at ways the project

can celebrate the importance of this location for the Spokane Tribe of Indians. Aubrey White Parkway River Access Improvements: This last-chance take-out spot

near the city’s wastewater treatment plant on Aubrey White Parkway allows floaters and paddlers to avoid the more consequential whitewater in the Bowl and Pitcher and Devil’s Toenail rapids downstream, and whitewater boaters a launch spot to tackle the Spokane’s biggest rapids. With added amenities that are in the planning and funding stage, the site would also serve as an improved boat launch for rafts and drift boats. On-the-ground progress on this Spokane River Water Trail access site has already been made. “The access had become a degraded ankle and axle breaker,” says Dunau. The Conservation District worked with Spokane River Forum and the city to design and implement restoration of this access site, and the work has made the launch and takeout spot safer for people and better for the river by reducing erosion. If all goes as planned, additional access improvements will move forward in the coming years. The Spokane Conservation District received funding to do the design work for a new boat launch, says Lindsay Chutas with the Spokane Conservation District. And permitting and construction should move forward as additional funding is secured, she says. The final boat launch and take-out facility will look similar to the new slide launch at the Islands Trailhead on the Spokane River in Spokane Valley. The extremely limited parking situation could also be upgraded as part of the city’s multi-million dollar next level of treatment plant improvements, explains Mike Taylor with the City of Spokane. A staging area in the works across the street from the treatment facility for workers and equipment during the construction of the new state-of-the-art wastewater filtration facility, which will be happening over the next several years, is being considered as a possible weekend parking area for boaters, floaters and anglers once the construction project is finished several years down the road. Under that proposal, the lot would also be used by city employees during the work week. The parking area could also link into existing hillside trails that connect up to the Audubon and Downriver neighborhoods. If the Glover Field and Aubrey White Parkway river access and recreation projects are fully funded and implemented, says Silver Bow Fly Shop owner Sean Visintainer, it will be a huge boost to the Spokane region in many ways. “I feel with more user groups like ours and other rafting outfitters out there it adds eyes on the river. Like minded folks that are interested in cleaning, protecting, and preserving the Spokane River, the trout, wildlife and habitat, is what the river needs. Completing these projects will do just that by connecting the core of Spokane, the falls, and the river to the people who pride themselves on such a great place to live.” For more information about these projects and the Spokane River Water Trail, visit Spokanewatertrail.org. (OTM)

cascaderelays.com Aubrey White Parkway access

OutThereMonthly.com / MAY 2017

Big Water Blowout River Festival on the Salmon River Enjoy peak waves at the 19th annual Big

Water Blowout River Festival held Saturday, June 3, in Riggins, Idaho. This day-long event allows visitors to experience class III and IV rapids along the Salmon River. Grab your raft or kayak to surf some of the best whitewater in the Pacific Northwest and the second deepest river gorge in North America, or, if you don’t own a boat, outfitters and guides will be onsite offering discounted trips. If whitewater isn’t your thing, there’s plenty to do while staying dry. Watch the action from the shore or bridge or enjoy live music and a Dutch oven cook-off in Riggins City Park. Cooking

begins 4-5 p.m., and judging starts promptly at 7 p.m. Sample plates are $5. In addition to worldclass whitewater, Riggins boasts some great local hiking spots, including the Wind River Trail located 23 miles east of Riggins up the scenic Salmon River. The Wind River Trail is 9.5 miles and has an elevation gain of 2,500 feet, although hikers can turn around at any point along the trail, making it suitable for families. For more information about the Big Water Blowout River Festival and outdoor recreation opportunities in the Riggins area, visit Bigwaterblowout.com or Rigginsidaho.com. (Siobhan Ebel)

Go Big. Don’t stay home! Courtesy of Rubicon Outfitters

Restoration Planned for Unauthorized South Hill Bluff Road On April 10 and 11, a contractor removed trees

and built a dirt road on Spokane’s South Hill “Bluff ” below High Drive along the bank of Latah Creek, sparking outrage from the many hikers, runners, mountain bikers and neighbors who regularly use the Bluff trails. The road sits on private and park land and crosses an Avista utility easement corridor. The understandably emotional response from trail users, conservationists and neighbors is captured well in this excerpt from an April 13 letter from the Friends of the Bluff group to the City of Spokane: “The unauthorized road construction on High Drive Bluff that occurred in the last few days is shocking to behold. Over a mile long, scores of trees downed, and huge amounts of earth moved, some on steep terrain, some less than 100 feet from the creek bank. This road was for a project not yet fully approved and was completely unnecessary because there is an existing road from the Qualchan driving range

to the adjacent site of the proposed 3-hole golf course. This unauthorized act may exceed, in terms of human-caused destruction, anything to befall City park land in modern times.” The city had issued a permit for tree removal for a pending project in the area, but reportedly there was never mention of a road. According to an April 17 presentation to Spokane City Council from parks and recreation department director Leroy Eadie, there will be significant mitigation and restoration. Experts and stakeholders planning to contribute to the restoration include Friends of the Bluff, Spokane Riverkeeper, The Lands Council, Department of Ecology, and several neighborhood groups. In the meantime, hikers, riders and trail runners are urged to stay off the road until all assessments have been completed, and the parties involved have concluded their analysis for potential litigation. (Jon Jonckers)

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Fishtrap Lake Loop Trail Closer to Completion After two seasons of work, including help from volunteer crews from Washington Trails Association, Backcountry Horseman of Washington, the Washington Conservation Corps, and Northwest Youth Corps, approximately 4 miles of the new Fishtrap Lake Loop west of Cheney, Wash., in the channeled scablands, is now built and open to the public. The entire segment connecting the trailhead on Fishtrap Lake Road to the Farmer’s Landing Trailhead is finished, as is part of the route

to Farmer’s Landing and along the lakeshore. Work will continue this spring and summer to wrap up the loop, which will be approximately 9 miles in length when completed. The trail is open to hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking and connects to the nearby Folsom Farm and Hog Canyon trail systems, giving visitors the option of even longer routes. For more information about volunteering for trail projects like the Fishtrap Lake Loop, visit www. Wta.org. (Holly Weiler) MAy 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Don’t expect this much water, if any, in Deep Creek during a typical late spring hike. // Photo: Holly Weiler

For many people in the Inland Northwest, finishing Bloomsday is a rite of passage. As a former road runner with several Bloomsday finishes, I understand the allure of the race and the festival atmosphere on that first Sunday in May. As a person who much prefers trails and never much liked crowds, I often aim to find trail versions of Spokane’s signature running and walking event: loops that mimic the 12k distance and highlight Spokane’s “Near Nature, Near Perfect” motto. The Deep Creek Loop is one of these routes. Until this year, I’ve never noticed flowing water in Deep Creek. Generally, it’s a dry creek bed, a place with interesting rocks and sandy soil. On my most recent visit, Deep Creek was transformed into a torrent by all of the snowmelt and spring rain. It will no doubt return to dry creek bed later this spring, but if you visit and find it’s still flowing, plan to hike a short segment of this route on the road to take advantage of the bridges over the creek. From the trailhead on State Park Drive, enter the trail system through the gate on the closed road. This route takes hikers directly to the Deep Creek Overlook and provides an impressive look into the canyon. Check to see if Deep Creek is flowing or if it has returned to its subterranean route, as this will affect route options later in the loop. Beyond the overlook, the trail gradually descends until intersecting with the Centennial Trail at approximately the 1-mile mark. Turn left and follow Centennial Trail, parallel with the Spokane River, to the Deep Creek bridge. Cross the bridge and immediately turn left on trail 411. Trail 411 intersects trail 25 at the 1.7-mile mark. Turn left and continue on trail 25 at each of several marked intersections. At the 2.7-mile mark, trail 25 parallels Carlson Road for approximately .5 mile, then gradually begins the loop back. Again, there will be several intersecting trails, some of which provide options for shortening the loop. For the full 12k, remain on trail 25. The route climbs through basalt canyons with beautiful rock walls, passes through pine and Douglas fir stands, and includes overlooks of the Spokane River and the city in the distance. At the 5.8-mile mark, trail 25 crosses West Pine Bluff Road. If you noted water in the creek while back at the Deep Creek Overlook, this is the point to abandon the trail in favor of taking the road back to the trailhead (West Pine Bluff to a left on Seven Mile Road, to a left on State Park Drive to the parking lot). If Deep Creek is dry, cross the road to continue on trail 25 to cross Coulee Creek. When trail 25 crosses Seven Mile Road toward Bowl & Pitcher, stay left and parallel to Coulee Creek to make your way back to the parking lot. // Round Trip Distance

Up to 7.4 miles for the loop, with shorter options available. From Highway 291, turn west on Seven Mile Road. Take the second right on North State Park Drive to the trailhead. Discover Pass required.

Holly Weiler is the race director for the Foothills Scenic Five fun run every June that supports a scholarship fund and community events. 10

OutThereMonthly.com / MAY 2017

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MAy 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

Everyday Cyclist Bike Everywhere in May with Friends // By Erika Prins Simonds

Spokane Bike to Work Week Kickoff Breakfast.

May has long been nationally recognized as

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“Bike Month” thanks to the League of American Bicyclists. This includes Bike to Work Week, Bike to School Day, and a whole host of bike-centric activities. Cyclists who hang up their spokes for the winter months, the bike-curious and seasoned, all-weather riders get a chance to bump helmets and swap routes over pancakes or pints. Or, naturally, on wheels. Spokane’s celebration of Bike Month is no longer just about bike commuting. The month-long Bike Everywhere Month celebrates all reasons for biking, whether for transportation or recreation. Still, the goal remains the same: To get as many people on bikes as possible. “We’re trying to be a little more inclusive,” says organizer Sally Phillips, who is treasurer of Spokane Bicycle Club. “Let’s count all the mileage, not just the biking to work.” Phillips hopes this change will engage people who otherwise wouldn’t have participated because they cannot ride their bike to work. Many beloved Bike to Work Week events will remain, and riders can still participate in a monthlong mileage challenge. The National Bike Challenge, where riders log miles, compete with friends and vie for status, will run its nationwide commute challenge through Strava this year. To participate, visit the Spokane Bikes website and follow the links to sign up. Spokane County riders logged about 50,000 miles last year, Phillips says. The Riverfront Park pancake breakfast, the event that has kicked off Spokane’s Bike to Work Week for a decade, will be held on May 1 this year, marking the beginning of Bike Everywhere Month. That’s not the only change: Breakfast will be served on the north end of the park at the picnic shelter to steer clear of park construction, instead of the usual location at Gondola Meadows. Rides, clinics and activities throughout the month will offer riders many participation options. Events organized by the Spokane Bicycle Club and other groups in Spokane County are listed on the Bike to Work Week website. Spokane Bicycle Club

will host several group rides specifically geared toward bicyclists who are just starting out. “We’ve got a bunch of little, short, sometimes quirky rides that we’re putting on during the month, under 10 miles,” Phillips says. “They’re kind of intended to be for casual riders and maybe people who are not used to riding in groups.” Highlights include a Mother’s Day park loop at Comstock Park, a downtown bicycle tour with public officials, and a women-only Kendall Yards Centennial Trail ride. A “Pub & Grub” ride will feature a short downtown jaunt with stops at Liberty Ciderworks and Soulful Soups, where patrons on bikes will receive a discount. “Bike & Hike” on the final day of Bike Everywhere Month meets at Ferris High School and tours three southside natural areas. Newcomers to the world of biking can learn the basics at two clinics: “Getting Started Biking” at the East Side Library and a flat tire-fixing clinic at REI. During national Bike to Work Week, May 15-19, the Spokane Bicycle Club will host morning energizer stations with coffee and snacks along popular commute routes. There’s also a Ride of Silence in memory of local traffic collision victims, and a pizza party with door prizes at River City Brewing to celebrate riders’ achievements. Kids also get to participate in Bike Everywhere Month. Kidical Mass, organized by the Spokefest Association, gathers kids for a 3-mile Chief Garry Park ride. Bolts Bike Festival at Spokane Public Montessori offers families a fun way to learn about bike safety. Phillips hopes the diverse options will encourage people to ride more regularly and provide more options for people who encounter barriers to participating in Bike to Work Week. “A week is sometimes not enough,” she says. “Maybe you’re doing something else that week or maybe the weather is terrible that week.” Find more information about Bike Everywhere Month at Spokanebikes.org // Erika Prins Simonds bicycles as her primary mode of transportation. You can find more of her writing at erikaprins.com.

BIKE everywhere month calendar

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OutThereMonthly.com / MAY 2017

Monday, May 1 - Kick-off Breakfast Sunday, May 7 - Bloomsday Bike Corral Wednesday, May 10 - Bike to School Day Thursday, May 11 - Pub & Grub Ride Saturday, May 13 - Kidical Mass Ride Sunday, May 14 - Mother’s Day Park ‘n Cookies Ride Tuesday, May 16 - Energizer Stations Wednesday, May 17 - Ride of Silence Thursday, May 18 - Bike Lanes and Downtown Trails Ride Friday, May 19 - Bike Everywhere Day Celebration at River City Brewing Tuesday, May 23 - Ben Burr Trail and Iron Bridge Ride Sunday, May 28 - Ugly Industrial Ride Tuesday, May 30 - Women-only Kendall Yards Ride, REI Flat-fixing Clinic Wednesday, May 31 - Hike & Bike in Southside Natural Areas

MAy 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

Our City

Eatology

What goes in must come out // By Ammi Midstokke

IS BETTER THAN

Their City kombucha on the shelf makes it easy to get your probiotics. Photo: Shallan Knowles

Let’s just begin by addressing the reality that

Spokane neighborhood maps

Illustrated icons of our great city

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OutThereMonthly.com / MAY 2017

I never thought I would grow up to be a professional analyzer of poop. In fact, when I was a child, no one even told me that was an option or I might have begun my education earlier, seeing as I had an outhouse most of my childhood. We spend a lot of time talking about what we put into our bodies and how it transforms into our structure and function. The topic of digestion beyond that seems to be an awkward black hole of vague suggestions with a few poorly placed puns. The fascinating world of feces (yes, I just wrote that), however, applies to all of us. In fact, the mystery of commensal bacteria and probiotic function is unfolding around us every day as technology such as genome mapping uncovers new information about what those trillions of bacteria do. So here’s a little primer on poo, and more importantly, gut health. Your body has about 30 trillion cells that make it up. Your microbiome has about 100 trillion cells. Let that sink in for a minute - you are outnumbered by your bacteria three fold. In fact, you have three to five pounds of bacteria in your gut right now. Roughly half the weight of your morning constitutional is estimated to be transient bacteria. It is considered healthy and normal to have a daily BM, though some people have post-meal routines. What is not considered normal or healthy is every-other-day routines or less. Or significantly more. Many people come to my office, claim to be once-a-weekers and state, “Yeah, but I’ve always been that way.” That does not mean it is healthy. It indicates slow transient time, and that can increase the growth of opportunistic pathogens, decrease probiotic count, and a host of other uncomfortable things we are loathe to experience or discuss. Other rare conversation topics: consistency. We ought to be pitching that proverbial loaf on a regular basis. Loose stool can indicate poor fat and protein absorption or bacteria overgrowth. Compact

stool can indicate poor fiber consumption, poor probiotic count, or dehydration. So how do we create and sustain healthy digestion from top to bottom? Here are a few tips: • Take probiotics and eat probiotic foods (kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha). These transient bacteria such as lactobacillus and bifida strains are responsible for a host of tasks in your gut. They make digestive enzymes, they aid significantly in the development of our immune system, vitamin synthesis, and serotonin production. Numerous studies correlate specific strains to everything from UV protection to blood pressure regulation. • Eat more fiber. No, really: EAT MORE FIBER. I’m not just talking about whole grains here but the fantastic fibers and resistant starches that we find in vegetables and some uniquely prepared foods. It is often that people tell me they eat plenty of vegetables but their bacteria analysis indicates otherwise. “Plenty” of vegetables means that about half your plate every meal is vegetable. Also, corn and potatoes, surprisingly, are not vegetables. • Limit the consumption of foods that disrupt gut bacteria, cause inflammation, or inhibit absorption. Hard alcohol is a good start - it can promote the growth of pesky bacteria and decrease probiotic count. Over-consumption of starchy foods can feed bacteria that create microfilms making it difficult for probiotics to colonize. Too much sugar can promote the growth of yeast forms in the intestine, making absorption of nutrients a challenge. For the most part, eating a rich, nutrient-dense diet with probiotic foods should do the trick. But if you’re not sure where you are, the next time you’re reading the paper over the toilet you might just take a moment to ponder the health of your production. After all, the proof is in the pudding. // When Ammi Midstokke is not chasing her first love (trails), she is preaching her second (food) as a Nutritional Therapist. She wrote about microbiomes in April.

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back it—all of our products are covered by our lifetime Got Your Bak™ guarantee. CamelBak.com MAy 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

Kids

easy thrills: tubing the spokane river // amy silbernagel mccaffree

PARENTS AND KIDS TUBING THE SPOKANE RIVER WITH FLOW ADVENTURES. // PHOTO: AMY SILBERNAGEL MCCAFFREE

Parents like to feel in control, but you can’t

control a river. Which is why I was a little nervous to take my young son, 6 years old at the time, tubing on the Spokane River last July. The trip with outfitter FLOW Adventures, two hours long with class I and II rapids, was as thrilling and fun as it

was easy to manage. I didn’t have to worry about gear or transportation. Along with friends, for a total of 3 adults and 3 children – ages 8, 6 and 5, at the time – we met friendly, easy-going guides at the river take-out point near the TJ Meenach Bridge. After receiving an overview of river safety,

Opening Day Saturday May 13 Wednesday Market Starts June 14th.

Come See Us Every Saturday

we were shuttled in a van to the launch point at People’s Park. Complete your waiver forms online to make the check-in process faster and easier; otherwise, you use FLOW’s tablet to complete electronic forms. FLOW Adventures staff helped carry the large tubes across the Sandifur Bridge, and provided webbing to tether my son’s raft to mine. I used my own rope with large carabiners to connect all six rafts, plus our cooler’s tube, to create a large flotilla. This ensured we would stay together and float at the same rate in order to best enjoy conversation and camaraderie during our trip. I recommend renting FLOW’s tube for your cooler – a convenient, safe storage for your water bottles, snacks, keys and other valuables. Don’t be like the woman I saw tubing the river while holding her smartphone above her head the entire time. And trust me, your kids will want snacks and cold beverages during the two or more hours of tubing. FLOW’s tubes have covered bottoms, and are large and stable enough to float through the mellow rapids with ease – the right mix of excitement without fear of flipping. To test its stability, my son, who weighed about 50 pounds at the time, stood and jumped up and down while holding on to the tube’s side handles and never fell off or flipped. After leaving People’s Park, the river’s first set of rapids provided heart-rushing thrills. Dips, torrents and waves splashed us. My son’s eyes were wide with excitement and perhaps a bit of fear – in a good way. Each set of new rapids was met with

more squeals and cheers. The leisure float sections between rapids provided relaxation for storytelling, watching for osprey overhead and wildlife along the shore, and absorbing the serenity and unique vantage point of the river. A few of us had snorkel masks for dipping heads underwater to spy for trout. We passed people fly fishing along the banks and encountered do-it-yourself tubers who looked with envy at our large, comfortable tubes. Floating the Spokane River should be on every family’s summer bucket list. It’s relatively safe (with the right gear and personal floatation devices), and is appropriate risk-taking for ages 5 and up. Remember Spokane County law requires everyone to wear PFDs on moving water, not just children (county code 6.03.020). Also, be sure everyone wears snug-fitting waterproof sandals (no flipflops). The Spokane River is only safe for tubing when the water level is low and air temperatures are hot enough to make the float through chilly water comfortable. FLOW Adventures founder and owner Jon Wilmot says, “We typically open tubing at about 1,600 CFS [cubic feet per second], as soon as the strainers start to lessen on the shorelines and the islands come out.” This summer he anticipates opening tubing season sometime after July 4 to mid-July. Visit Flow-adventures.com for details about tube rentals and shuttle services (reservations required). Check current Spokane River conditions at Waterdata.usgs.gov/wa/nwis. //

3rd annual

Spokane

Herbal Faire Saturday, May 13th 11-5

Unity Spiritual Center 2900 South Bernard Promoting the Culture of Herbalism to the Spokane Community, via education, vendors & a socially engaging platform Entry upon donation, $5 Artisan Vendors n Herbal Demonstrations Informational Workshops

∙veggies ∙eggs ∙meats ∙breads ∙honey ∙bedding plants

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

5th Avenue between Division and Browne

www.spokaneherbalfaire.org

We accept: Visa/Mastercard, Food Stamps (EBT), WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Coupons

Food & Drinks available, please bring reusable cup & cash for vendors, no ATM on site

www.spokanefarmersmarket.org

` Wildcrafting ` Seed Saving & Starting ` Herb Walks ` Medicinal & Edible Plants of the Rockies ` Harvesting by the Moon ` Self Care & Detoxing

OutThereMonthly.com / MAY 2017

OutdoorLiving building a cattle panel greenhouse // By Nick Thomas

M O N TA N A

T R A I L I L L U S T R AT E D M A P S

R E V I S E D R E G U L A R LY WAT E R P R O O F T E A R – R E S I S TA N T

Strong and within a dirtbag budget. Photo: Nick THomas

It started with the vision of a plant-filled greenhouse at our South Perry urban lot that would produce an abundance of organic food. It continued last fall with finding a house with a large garden space. We’d had small gardens before, but since we were house-hunting now, my wife Alicia and I felt a good, south-facing garden space was equally as important as finding the right house. The next goal was a way to prep the garden to maximize food production with Spokane’s 130 frost-free days. In cold climates like ours (zones 4 and 5) even a simple greenhouse wrapped in poly can provide a jumpstart on the growing season and dramatically extend the harvest. This winter, I hope to heat it passively, via compost, to allow herbs like rosemary and lemongrass to survive, plus other plants that normally won’t make it on their own here. Through late spring, I hope to get an early crop of tomatoes, beans, peas and other climbers I can tie to the cattle panels, essentially a built-in trellis that will help shade the greenhouse and keep it a bit cooler in the summer. Heat-loving plants like peppers will likely thrive. And if the sun gets too intense, I can always throw a shade cloth or opaque plastic over the greenhouse to help diffuse the rays. I needed to build something strong, yet cheap. My budget was $200, a third of the cost of the cheapest greenhouse kits. I stumbled upon the idea for a cattle panel greenhouse on the YouTube channel “EdibleAcres.” I learned the cost was roughly $150 and took a day to build. It took me about two weeks of random evenings to build, and ended up costing about $250. Nothing ever goes as planned in life, especially when the 35-pound roll of plastic is stolen off your front porch. Some jerk ended up with a lot of nice greenhouse plastic.

The building process went like this: I built a wood frame along the ground, then hammered in stakes along the inside at four foot intervals. Next, I arched the cattle panels (fence panels used to keep cattle where they belong) one at a time and tied them to the stakes with wires. Next I screwed them to the stakes and tied the panels together with wire every foot, adding zip ties as a backup. The ends were framed with 2x4’s, featuring a wheel-barrowwidth doorway on one end, and a small, high-up window on the other. I installed an automatic window vent, and built a lightweight door from scrap wood and plastic. Finally, I covered the structure with my re-ordered, fancy clear UV-coated 6 mm greenhouse plastic (the most expensive part), and secured it to the frame with cedar batten strips. The result is an airtight, sturdy, simple structure that will, hopefully, last many years. Just in case, I saved scraps of plastic to patch the inevitable holes. Inside the greenhouse, permanent raised beds live along either side, and I may install rows of narrow shelves above for starting seedlings. Again, this is my first year ever doing something like this, so I admit it’s a trial run. Throughout this garden project I expect to learn something every day, to both fail and succeed. Plus, seeds are cheap, far cheaper than buying dozens of starts in spring, and they’re even free at the Spokane Public Library seed catalog, (or from gardener friends), and this fall I hope to save my own seeds. Even if all my plants get scorched, or they just can’t make it through the next frigid winter, at least I’ll gain experience and have a year-round spot that’s bright, warm and dry, even when the mercury drops and the rains come. If nothing else, I’ve built a solarium for the price of a month of mochas. //

build your own greenhouse with these supplies

Without a doubt, gardeners could spend a ton of money on a cattle panel greenhouse, but here’s a generic list to get you started. There’s a chance you have several of these items in your garage already. • • • • • • •

4 Cattle Panels a dozen 2x4s wood stakes galvanized wire UV coated clear greenhouse poly screws and hinges cedar batten strips

AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL OUTDOOR STORE AND AT NATGEOMAPS.COM NATGEOMAPS

MAy 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

Riding from Oregon to Virginia Without

complaining by Hank Greer

At 6 a.m. on June 3 of this year, Jason Oestreicher will make the first pedal stroke to leave Astoria, Oregon, as he begins the Trans Am Bike Race. The unsupported and unsanctioned race follows a 4,228mile route to the Victory Monument in Yorktown, Virginia. The Adventure Cycling Association mapped out the TransAmerica route back in 1976. The route goes across Oregon into Idaho, northeast into Montana, southeast through Wyoming and Colorado, and basically due east across Kansas, Missouri, the southern tip of Illinois, and then Kentucky and Virginia. The Trans Am Bike Race record, set the first year of the race in 2014, is 17 days and 16 hours. Oestreicher’s goal is a top-five finish in 20 days or less. The rules are simple. The first rule: No complaining about the rules. (That’s a good first rule!) You must ride every mile of the course. Solo riders may not draft. You must do the whole race unsupported except for neutral support available from the Newton Bike Shop in Newton, Kansas. The bike shop is roughly at the halfway point, and they provide a bunkroom, kitchen, and repair services at all hours for all race participants. The intent is for everyone to ride unsupported between towns and function self-supported when in towns. Any services used must be commercially available to all challengers and cannot be pre-arranged. Private resupply and private lodging is not permitted. There are more rules, but you get the idea. Oestreicher’s training regimen has been lengthy and intense. Sundays have been “century” days. In January he began riding 100 miles on a trainer. 18

OutThereMonthly.com / MAY 2017

To help pass the time he would watch two documentary movies during each training session. To simulate his race food stops, he’d stop to refill his water bottles and make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or microwave a sausage and wrap it in a slice of bread. Then he’d take all that back to the bike and eat while pedaling. Oestreicher increased his saddle time to 250plus miles a week in February and 300-plus in March. The lengthy winter weather forced him to do most of those miles while riding on a trainer. On the bright side, he got to watch a lot of documentaries. Oestreicher studied the first three races and learned that the winner’s average speed is about 13 mph, which is not fast by racing standards. But this isn’t a normal race. The key to being a top finisher after 4,200-plus miles is riding for as long as possible each day and keeping the stops to a minimum. To meet his goal of 20 days or less he’ll need to average 210 miles per day. That’s 20 double-centuries in a row. Getting food on the go means eating fast food, which Oestreicher does not eat. In April, he started “conditioning” his body by eating fast food. He was not happy about that but it was necessary. During the race he plans to sleep 3-5 hours a day. Around mid-March Oestreicher transitioned to more tempo and interval workouts around his Sunday centuries. He plans to compete in a few road races to help with his intensity training. Over Easter weekend he will complete a trial run with all his gear to make sure it’s a smooth functioning system. He’ll also see what the physical toll of three

e r u t n e v ad its aw a GET OUT AND PLAY. City of Spokane Parks & Recreation offers hundreds of camps and classes – plus four golf courses, six aquatic centers, and more than 80 parks. Check out our activity guide at spokaneparks.org. • Go canoeing • Take up painting • Join a sports league • Get outdoors

g Top: Jason has big dreams of finishing the 4,200-mile Trans Am Race in 20 days or less. Photo: Katie Laughlin. // Jason pedaling a century on his trainer. Photo: Hank Greer

nights of camping and 600-plus miles will be like. In the last two weeks of May, he plans to taper in order to recover so he’s fresh for the start on June 3. What does Oestreicher get out of this besides allyou-can-stand fast food, physical exhaustion, sleep deprivation, and absorbing an estimated $12,000 in costs? An opportunity to raise money for a local cause: Team Gleason. During one of his Sunday century trainer rides

Oestreicher increased his saddle time to 250-plus miles a week in February and 300plus in March.

Jason watched the “Gleason” documentary and was moved to tears. He was inspired by Steve Gleason’s strength and courage in the face of a devastating disease and thought it was a more-than-worthy cause to support. Jason will set up a page where people can pledge an amount for every 100-mile unit he completes. Pledging five dollars per unit nets Team Gleason $210. One dollar per unit results in a $42 donation. Look for his donation page to be

posted on the Out There Monthly Facebook page and website. On June 3 you can watch Oestreicher’s progress by going to trackleaders.com and clicking on the Trans Am Bike Race link. // Hank Greer is a longtime contributor to Out There Monthly. Whenever he isn’t on a ride, he’s probably thinking about the next one.

SpokaneParks.org Call 311 or 509.755.2489

MAy 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

Watersports Spokane river rafting

Paddling Past Familiar Ground // By Nick Thomas

See the Spokane River and the Bowl and Pitcher from a whole new perspective. // Photo: Courtesy of ROW Adventures

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I’m an armchair sailor, a landlubber at heart. So, on my first run down the Spokane River, with its few yet mighty class-3+ rapids, I opted for a guided rafting expedition with ROW Adventures. Consummate professionals, the guides explained things ahead of time. We practiced rowing in unison on dry land before we jumped into our rafts at the put-in spot, below T.J. Meenach Bridge. “Row, row, row!” our guide, Amber, yelled. I rowed with all my heart, like my life depended on it. I perspired impressively, already overheating in my drysuit. Soon the first rapids approached. We could hear their roar, like a mad crowd at a stadium. We paddled left, then paddled right and plunged into a gap to the left of a basalt boulder. “ROW!” I grew up visiting the Bowl and Pitcher, gazing over the wooden Great-Depressionera suspension bridge at the roaring rapids, so the view from the water would be unique compared to my normal vantage point from dry land. My only previous rafting trips included the Clark Fork a few years back, and the White Salmon 15 years before that. Last summer, I finally tubed the popular stretch of the Spokane River for the first time, and I knew that the river view is unlike any other in Eastern Washington. It was only possible to get that view by being there in the water, constantly moving downstream. The slow stretches between rapids were made

exciting by friendly water fights, a fun way to pass the time in the sluggish parts. I preferred the relaxation of the calm, however, and let my head tilt back and watched the trees glide past upside-down so that their wavering reflections slid by oddly upright. Rafting can bring a kind of mind-expanding kaleidoscope effect brought on by the ever-changing, passing landscape. I enjoyed the unequalled opportunity to closely examine the Spokane River’s sandy slopes contrasting with sections where we felt dwarfed beneath

Rafting can bring a kind of mindexpanding kaleidoscope effect brought on by the ever-changing, passing landscape. towering basalt cliffs. Passing through these sections of our landscape at river level provided a better understanding of the geology and river corridor ecosystem. At Plese Flats, we paddled to shore and hauled the rafts up, peeled ourselves out of our now sloshing “dry” suits and helped ourselves to a cooler of complimentary drinks. //

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Nature North cascade grizzly bears could get a boost // By Crystal Atamian

Left: A Selkirk Mountain grizzly photographed in Northeast Washington. Right: Prime grizzly bear habitat in the North Cascades. Photos courtesy of Conservation Northwest

A century of commercial trapping, habitat

recommendations have been released by the U.S. alternative, Alternative C, calls for the release of 5 loss, and unregulated hunting eradicated grizzlies to 7 grizzlies each year over 5 to 10 years with the Fish and Wildlife Service for mountain bikers in from 98% of their original range in the contigubear country (see sidebar). goal of establishing an initial population of 25 bears. ous U.S. Here in the Northwest, records from the Alternative D is an expedited option that would Hudson Bay Company show that nearly 4,000 Public Process Looks at Grizzly Recovery release enough grizzlies to have 200 bears (includgrizzly bear hides were shipped from trading posts ing reproduction) over 25 years. Options in the North Cascades in a 35-year span. Despite In January 2017, the National Park Service (NPS) For all options, recovery is set at 200 bears withthese grim statistics and the fact that grizzlies have and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in the next 60-100 years. The plan also includes been largely eradicated from Washington State, released a draft environmental impact statement guidelines for human-bear conflict, translocation there have been four confirmed detections of griz(EIS) that proposes releasing grizzly bears into and monitoring protocol, access and habitat manzlies in the Greater North Cascades Ecosystem in the North Cascades Ecosystem (NCE). Of the agement plans, and public education. The initial the last 10 years, all in British Columbia. The bears six grizzly bear recovery zones in the continental deadline was March 15; however, the comments have proven difficult to find, but all sources agree U.S., the NCE is among the largest. It encompasses have been so numerous the deadline was extended the total population is less than 10. approximately 9,565 square miles, 97% of which is to April 28. public land, and it’s the only recovery area outside Biological consensus is that grizzlies in the North the Rocky Mountains. Cascades Ecosystem are unlikely to recover on their Reducing Potential Bear and Human own and need some form of human intervention The draft EIS presents four alternatives. Conflicts is a Priority Alternative A calls for no action, and maintains to avoid local extinction. Joe Scott of the wildlife The NPS and USFWS held eight town hall meetings, four on each side of the Cascades, and conservation organization Conservation Northwest the NCE as a grizzly bear recovery area managed USFWS and Washington Department of Fish and notes the adjacent population in British Columbia for natural repopulation. Alternative B would Wildlife officials say they received a broad range of is small, and in order to move south of the border release 10 grizzlies over two years, monitor them responses with the highest concentration focused on their own, bears would need to cross the Transuntil year 4, and then managing agencies would primarily on human safety, trail access, and liveCanada highway, the Fraser River, and numerous decide whether to release 10 more grizzlies over stock predation. human settlements. Is it impossible? Not really, but two years, or switch to Alternative C. The preferred the chances are exceedingly slim they would ever do so in enough numbers to make a difference in the U.S. In mountain biking in bear country response, wildlife managers are now working on a plan that could include When biking in bear country, especially in grizzly bear habitat, remember the bears live there and moving select grizzly bears into the you are just a visitor. Take precautions and keep yourself and the bears safe in areas where we choose North Cascades to help revitalize the to recreate. struggling population. While a majority of people support Be Vigilant: Do not ride in areas where you see fresh bear sign (scat and tracks). Avoid areas that reintroduction, there is some resisare rich in bear foods, like huckleberries, in late summer when bears are feeding. tance. Scott says much of this comes from fear and uncertainty. “Attacks are Slow Down: Encounters with bears are more likely when riding at high speed and in areas where extremely rare, even in places where you can surprise a bear at close range. Curves in the trail or thick vegetation require slower speeds grizzlies are common. That’s not to and making noise as you ride. say that they aren’t dangerous. All wild animals are. But it’s a danger and a risk Carry Bear Spray: Keep it on your person, not in your pack, and in a place you can reach in a few that we can manage and still enjoy the seconds. Also, riding partners can aid an injured rider by deterring bears with spray. backcountry. One is certainly more likely to be killed or injured driving Make Noise: Surprised bears are more likely to be agitated and aggressive. Make noise by riding to the trailhead unfortunately.” with bells, noisemakers, and/or shouting when approaching areas of thick cover or at blind corners. Grizzly bears made news in outdoor recreation circles last summer Don’t Ride Alone: Single riders are much more likely to surprise a bear; riding in groups of three or when mountain biker Brad Treat more can reduce the chance of a bear attack. If there is an incident with a surprised bear, other riders was killed in Montana. Treat came can help by deterring the bear, offering first aid, and going for help. around a bend and surprised a grizzly, impacting the bear at high speed. Never Ride at Night, Dusk, or Dawn: Low light hampers visibility and bears tend to be more A study conducted in Banff National active at these times, greatly increasing your risk of encountering and surprising a bear. Park concluded that while hikers greatly outnumber mountain bikers Don’t Think, “It won’t happen to me”: This attitude can get you into serious trouble in any activon trails, the number of bear encounity that involves a certain amount of risk. Be prepared and be safe. ters for bikers is disproportionately high. As a result of Treat’s death, new 22

OutThereMonthly.com / MAY 2017

The EIS is clear that only bears with no history of human conflict will be relocated. USFWS bear biologist Wayne Kasworm says biologists will primarily move mostly sub-adult bears, or those who haven’t reproduced, because younger animals aren’t as invested in a specific home range. Conservation Northwest’s Joe Scott adds that because bears have such a varied diet, scientists are careful to move bears from ecosystems with similar food sources. If the plan moves forward, wildlife officials have indicated that the most likely source population for North Cascades grizzly bear augmentation would primarily be the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem around Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness where there is a healthy abundance of bears and highly comparable habitat and food sources. Kasworm notes that with animal transplants there are no guarantees. “They don’t all stay where you put them, and they don’t all live. But there is risk in any project. We believe that [natural] recolonization is unlikely to occur. We, as humans, largely eliminated that population; if we want it back we need to take some sort of action.” //

Fishing Managing frustration while learning to fly fish // By Brad Naccarato receive the fly-fishing glory that I felt the universe owed me. The line curled and unraveled with each stroke as I drew closer to delivery. Then, on the final backcast, a slight miscalculation in timing resulted in an audible “ping.” Fearing the worst, I halted everything and quickly retrieved the line. Sure enough, the errant backcast had popped the fly right off my leader, leaving me dead in the water. I stood there wondering how this could have happened to me for the fourth time that day. I was done with it. I threw my arms in the air, turned and began my exit strategy from the water. With one step left to reach shore, another slight miscalculation resulted in both feet The author well on his way on the fly fishing journey and flying directly out from under happily casting on the Spokane. Photo: Derrick Knowles me, throwing me sideways into the shallow, rocky, river with I remember it like it was yesterday. I was standmy right hip landing squarely on my fly reel. Lying ing in the knee-deep slack water of one of my there in pain, my waders began filling with icefavorite runs on the Spokane River. I was certain cold river water. I caught my breath, pulled myself I had the right fly. I was certain that I was in the upright and examined the reel. Yep, I had bent the right spot. All I needed to do now was execute. aluminum frame of my brand new fly reel, now I started my windup, while counting out loud to ruined beyond repair. It had been the ultimate myself: “one…two…three….forward, one…two… insult-to-injury moment, and what proceeded next three ….back.” After weeks of practicing my castwas even more tragic. I unleashed the fury of an 1:06:52full-on PM ing in the gsi_2017_Camper_OutThereMonthly_5.2017_r.1.pdf back yard, by God I was determined to1 3/27/2017 adult-size, temper tantrum, thrashing wildly

like a 2-year old in the bathtub. I was unhinging all my frustration from that day and I didn’t care who saw it or what they thought. I’ve come a long way since those first ugly days on the river. Had it not been for the guidance of a few seasoned angling mentors, I may have bagged fly fishing altogether. For anyone who’s begun this journey and felt the frustration of the learning curve, here is some advice that helped me manage emotions along the way. It will get better, I promise. I can’t recall how long it took to catch my first fish, but it was a long time. I flailed away endlessly on local creeks, rivers, and lakes to no avail. When it finally did happen, I was fishing stocked cutthroat trout in a high-elevation lake with dry flies. I managed to catch one little fish on that fly over the course of a three-day trip. I used everything I had learned, and it finally paid off. Over the course of the next few months, my skills improved and I started catching more fish. You will too. It’s a journey, not a destination. Whenever you’re learning a complex new skill, the path of discovery

will take you through lows and highs with detours, stops, and starts. Embrace that journey and forget about reaching an imagined level of proficiency. Becoming a seasoned fly angler takes years of practice and patience. Books and videos can never replace time spent on the water. With each fish you catch, you take another step on your journey that never really ends. You will learn and grow and build confidence every time you step into the water. Don’t make it about the fish. It’s all right to want to catch fish; that is the end goal in the grand scheme of all this. Fly fishing is about spending time in beautiful, quiet places. It’s about relaxing and recharging with your friends or by yourself. It’s about taking pride in the skills you have spent the time to learn and leaning on years of knowledge and experience to put it all together. And when that fish finally arrives, it’s the icing on the cake. // Brad Naccarato is a Spokane-based freelance writer who loves to chase snow, waves, trout, sun, dogs, and microbrews. He wrote about being seduced by a wooly bugger for OTM last June.

Fly Fishing Classes in May With rivers raging with snowmelt this year, May is the perfect time to learn to fly fish or brush up on your skills with one of several free fly fishing classes in the works at Northwest Outfitters full-service fly fishing shop in Coeur d’Alene. Fly Fishing 101 teaches beginners how to cast, tie necessary knots, and understand gear terminology. Dates for this free, 2-hour class, as well as some classes for more advanced anglers, are in the works, so check the Northwest Outfitters website for details. Several free Women’s Fly Fishing 101 classes are on the calendar from 9:30 a.m. to noon on two Saturdays in May (May 6 and May 13). Learn more at NWoutfitters.com. (OTM)

MAy 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

Running A run in the hoods part 3 Millwood // By Brad Thiessen

Millwood is a sleepy pocket of houses

wedged between Trent Avenue and the Spokane River and spread about eight blocks in each direction east and west from Argonne Road. It’s here I’ve decided to meet my friend Anna on a cool Saturday morning for the third and last in the series of neighborhood runs. She and her husband lived on the southwest edge of Millwood for several years and moved only a mile across the river after their first daughter was born four years ago, so these are her stomping grounds. Although an estimated 32,000 cars pass along Argonne on a given weekday, it’s surprising how few people know where Millwood is. Even fewer realize this little city of 1,800 people is independent of either Spokane or Spokane Valley, yet it remains a coveted place to live, as a small-town retreat in the wash of suburbia. We start our run at the front entrance of the Rocket Bakery on Argonne. Within the space of two blocks along this main drag, you can pick up a sandwich or ice cream cone, sip a latte or buy a bottle of wine; get your bike fixed, pick up a new putter, or take a yoga class. Plus there’s a small bar, a 7-11 and a mechanic’s shop a block further. Across the street is the iconic Inland Empire Paper Company mill, which gave the town the “Mill” part of its name. Many of the homes were built as residences for the mill’s employees beginning at the turn of the century. We start our run heading south along the strip of shops to the railroad tracks at Empire. Although the tracks are not the border to the city, in many ways, they define it. The Millwood Historical Society website says that up to 75 trains pass through Millwood in a single day. Across the intersection is the small but pretty

Light traffic and quiet streets make for some chill running in the Millwood area. // Photo: Craig Goodwin

Millwood Park, but we have elected to avoid crossing the busy thoroughfare this morning. We turn east on Euclid, then South again, and circle around West Valley high school, eventually making our way to the grassy belt along the Felts Field airport. While technically outside the Millwood boundaries, it is still part of the town’s fabric, occasionally launching exotic biplanes and World War II bombers during the summer months. On our way back we parallel the river, coveting the owners who get to wake up to the shimmer of water beyond their window every morning. Eventually we jog past Millwood Community Presbyterian, the church Anna and I both attend. Down the block, we pass under the canopy of leaves on Dalton Avenue. This will soon be home once again to the Millwood Farmers Market, which runs through mid-September on Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. We end our run back at the Rocket Bakery and meet up with Anna’s husband Brandon and their daughters, sipping our adult drinks while the twoyear-old gulps juice and the five-year-old blows bubbles in her Italian soda. Aside from a few noisy trains, Millwood is a peaceful slice of heaven for urban running. // Brad Thiessen is an avid runner with a special heart for trails and a deep respect for the people who manage them. This is the third installment in his threepart series about urban runs in Spokane.

milwood daze 5k Millwood Daze runs the last weekend in August and includes the Millwood Daze 5k, which covers much of the same neighborhood streets described in this article. See the Millwood Daze Facebook page for the route description and more information. //

OutThereMonthly.com / MAY 2017

Hiking 4 waterfall hikes

Where Mountains & Rivers Collide // By Janelle McCabe

Like almond butter and dark chocolate, or

balsamroot and mountain bike tire tracks, rivers and mountains complement each other, and the results of their couplings are waterfalls. Waterfalls are nature’s money shots. First you hear the trickle or rush or roar from a distance. Then you feel the ground responding to the collision between water and rock as you approach. Finally you come around a bend in the trail and experience the watery explosion with all five senses. And no matter how many waterfalls you’ve seen before, you whisper, “Wow.” Beginning in Sandpoint and ending near the Canada border, our quest was to find as many Idaho Panhandle waterfalls as we could in a long holiday weekend. Here are some of our favorites. GROUSE CREEK FALLS

Grouse Creek Valley is 20 miles northeast of Sandpoint on the edge of the Panhandle National Forest. After parking in a pullout off Grouse Creek Road, we hiked a half mile on sometimes rocky and steep trail until the path terminated at a series of overlooks that revealed several broad cascades, each several feet high, and as many large eddying pools below. Grouse Creek is more of a little river than a creek, and the steep rock walls that surround it make it seem even bigger. The several large rock outcroppings make a good place to sit and eat a sandwich as your legs dangle over the rushing water below. This may not be the hike to take small children on due to the rougher trail and lack of guardrails, but adults and older children

will feel as if they’ve discovered liquid gold after negotiating the trail and boulders to get as close to the falls as possible. SNOW CREEK FALLS

By volume and associated din, Snow Creek Falls was the Amazon River of our waterfall adventure. Ten miles north of Naples, Idaho, we drove up the gravel Snow Creek Road and parked near the large roadside sign. The well-maintained trail includes directional signs that ironically proved most helpful when they disappeared at a major crossroads, forcing us to explore both upstream and downstream waterfalls. The payoff is grand: huge, deafening cascades and pools that are easy to access up close. The giant fallen logs across the water make great photo ops, if you can keep the spray off your lens. MYRTLE CREEK FALLS

If you prefer to view waterfalls from above but don’t need to get too close, check this one out. Adjacent to the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge west of Bonners Ferry, Myrtle Creek tumbles down from the same hills as Snow Creek to the south. The trail to the waterfall is well-maintained, with periodic interpretive signs targeting kids who may or may not be distracted from the incline, which is noticeable, if brief. About a quarter-mile up, an overlook provides a pretty view of the thundering waterfall 200 feet below. That’s where families with young kids should turn around and head back, but I wondered if I could scamper

Grouse Creek Falls Photo: // Janelle McCabe

higher and closer to the water source. This was the sole trail we encountered on our road trip that wasn’t dog-friendly, so I hiked alone while my husband and dog napped in the sun at the trailhead. I made my way up an increasingly less-maintained and less-marked trail until arriving at a more level section of the creek above the waterfall. Large boulders and fallen trees crisscross the noisy, rushing creek, and they brought out the wannabe Parkour practitioner in me as I edged as near as I dared to the place where the water disappears over the edge. COPPER CREEK FALLS

If Snow Creek Falls was our Amazon, Copper Creek Falls was our Nile. Just two miles from

the Canada border, we drove on Forest Service road #2517 for a couple of miles and parked at the Copper Falls Trail #20. A short nature trail with signs that identify vegetation along the way crisscrosses the creek and leads to a towering, relatively narrow funnel of water 170 feet high. The trail provides a view near the bottom of the falls. Get as close to the cascade as trail etiquette and your nerves will allow, and the scale of its height will become evident. When it finally shatters on a large, rocky footbed, the water seems to disappear, emerging several yards away as a creek that rushes downhill. // Janelle McCabe wrote about long-distance running with kids in April.

MAy 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Turn Your Boring Ride to Work into

a Cycling Adventure // By Hank Greer When I started commuting to work on my bike,

I focused on finding a route that avoided busy arterials and provided a reasonably enjoyable and safe ride. I don’t recall how long it took, but after settling into a routine my commute grew boring. It wasn’t enough to get some exercise, save money, and be environmentally responsible. Something was missing, and I wanted more. So I began exploring other routes. I randomly turned down residential streets I’d never been on before. I included trails, some I stumbled upon and some I found while peering at Spokane from online satellite maps. I would happen upon stairs, dirt roads, pathways, and dead ends. There were always new sights to see. I call this adventure commuting. Most bike commuters can make this work whether the commute is one or 10 miles. For many years my commute to work was at least nine miles from downtown. Last year we sold our house and moved into an apartment while we looked for a new house. I was half a mile from work. We found a house, and now I’m barely four miles away. When my commute was nine miles, I could easily branch off on other residential roads. Sometimes it lengthened the ride, but I always planned for extra time just in case. Sometimes I’d leave early and purposely take a different but longer route just for the fun of it. I came up with a 26-mile route where I didn’t hit a traffic light until I got to the intersection right next to my work. During my six months living close to downtown, I got to venture out on roads and trails on Spokane’s south side, a

part of town I had rarely biked. I had a blast discovering new, to me, places to ride. The south side of town has an incredible number and variety of roads and trails to make your commute more interesting. At first I was surprised to find as many unpaved roads as I did. Even better, I’m thrilled whenever I find small trails connecting neighborhoods. Another benefit of taking the road rarely traveled is it helps you become more in touch with the city you live in. There are houses whose creative occupants have placed clever, fun, and impressive works of art outside. Parks and ponds beckon you to stop and linger. Lonely steps leading onto an empty lot make you wonder about the house that is no longer there. Also, there’s a segment of humanity you’re probably not that familiar with, such as people sleeping in their cars or encampments in out-of-the-way places. There are murals painted on garage doors, and rundown streets with sparks of revitalization in the middle of the block. The greatest source of enrichment, I discovered,

is the people you meet. There’s the elderly woman who doesn’t know me from Adam yet greets me like an old friend each time I ride by her. I often exchange greetings with people waiting at bus stops, and many times they are the ones initiating the contact. There’s an elderly man with profound hearing loss that basks in the sun in front of his house. Now he smiles and waves at me because I took a moment to say, “Hello.” There are children on bikes who challenge you to race them. Shy children often smile and say “hi” because you’re on a bike, too. A driver whose car is stuck in the snow is grateful for the push you can give them. Sometimes it’s a driver or another cyclist sidelined by a flat tire who thank you for the roadside assistance. My favorite interaction is with children selling lemonade or ice cream on the sidewalk hoping to make a few dollars. I like to make it more fun for them by paying for a couple more and telling them to treat whomever they like. Whether it’s meeting new people or enjoying the variety of taking a difTop: Ben Burr ferent route, I found Trail Bridge. that adventure comBottom: Daily muting always brings maps make a something new. One great reward. // Photos: Hank morning I ran into a Greer friend on the High Drive trails and she asked me where I was going. I told her I was headed to work. She knew I worked downtown and pointed behind me and said, “Downtown is that way.” “Yes,” I replied and I pointed behind her, “But it’s more fun to go this way.” And that is what adventure commuting is all about. //

UrbanOutdoors Critters in the city

Downtown Spokane’s Urban Wildlife Hikes // By Derrick Knowles

River Otters in Latah Creek. Bottom: malards flock to the spokane river. // Photos: Kyle Merritt

Eating sushi or sipping craft cocktails at a city café isn’t the typical start to a wildlife watching hike, but downtown Spokane is unique in that regard. Both the Spokane River and Latah Creek serve as wildlife corridors for a surprising list of species. Miles of lightly developed, forested park and residential land extend the reach of wildlife into the city by providing food, water, and places to escape natural and domesticated threats like dogs and cats. All of this open space and park land mean you can launch an urban hike from within the city limits and potentially see several different types of wildlife if you pay attention, look in the right places, and keep your voices down. Along the Spokane River and Latah Creek, it’s common to see geese, several different kinds of ducks, hawks, osprey, bald eagles, a variety of migratory songbirds, and beaver. Whitetail and mule deer, marmots, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and wild turkeys are also relatively common along the river, on the South Hill Bluff, in Palisades Park, and Riverside State Park. But the list of critters that have been spotted close to the city in recent years is much longer: coyotes, moose, black bear, rattlesnakes, beaver, badger, otter, ermine, porcupine, cougar, and bobcat. Don’t expect to see most of these animals on the short wildlife hikes below, but it’s cool to think they might be out there. Urban Wildlife Hikes

These short hikes are best done as out-and-back walks with the distance regulated to fit the age and abilities of your group. To maximize wildlife viewing possibilities, walk slowly and quietly, and keep an eye out for movement in and along the water, on forested hillsides, and up in the trees. Binoculars can come in handy. My son and I recently spotted a small, camouflaged porcupine eight feet up a Ponderosa pine on the South Hill Bluff after hearing the familiar sound of claws scratching up tree bark, so listen too. Mornings and evenings are the best times for viewing wildlife, but bring a headlamp if you head out late in the day. Unfortunately, illegal camping and trash are too common in a few spots, so do your part and bring a garbage bag along to help keep our urban parks and wildlife habitat clean. For safety reasons, consider bringing a can of bear spray or mace for the unlikely encounter with potentially dangerous, two-legged human “wild life.” It is ille-

gal to camp in any of the parks highlighted here, so please call crime check to report camping and other illegal activities (509-456-2233). Latah Creek/High Bridge Park (Difficulty Level—Moderate): From Browne’s Addition, start near Coeur d’Alene Park and head a few blocks west to the bluff overlooking Latah Creek. Follow the dirt path as it winds several hundred feet downhill to the creek which runs through High Bridge Park. Head up or downstream, then, to make this one a loop, walk along one of the roads on each end of the park over the creek, and continue along the unpaved park road on the west side of Latah Creek. The wide expanse of grass, picnic tables, and playground equipment make a fun diversion from looking for birds and other critters along the creek.

Downtown Spokane Urban in nature

Get outside at downtownspokane.org

People’s Park/Latah Creek & Spokane River Confluence (Difficulty Level—Easy): Park in

the parking lot near the intersection of West Riverside Ave. and West Clarke Ave., on the west end of Peaceful Valley, or walk down from Browne’s Addition (see the previous hike description) or Kendall Yards (via the Centennial Trail and Sandifur Bridge). There are several dirt trails to explore on the east side of the confluence of these two streams that once ran thick with wild salmon. This place was also a significant gathering spot for Native Americans that is still an important cultural site for several tribes. While you won’t see any salmon, you may encounter birds and other wildlife on this short walk in the woods.

SPOKANE VALLEY

Herbert M. Hamblen Conservation Area/ Spokane River (Difficulty Level—Easy): Walk

the Centennial Trail west from Kendall Yards and follow the paved path down towards the Sandifur Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that crosses the Spokane River to People’s Park and High Bridge Park to the south. Instead of continuing south over the bridge, look for dirt trails dropping down on each side of the paved path. Head up or down stream on dirt trails where you may see eagles, ducks, geese, deer, beaver, porcupine and other animals and wildflowers on a short and flat riverside walk that sometimes feels like you are miles from the city. //

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MAy 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Downtown Spokane & Valley locations

I’m a life-long resident of the Foothills, a rural community that appears on old USGS maps but not on modern maps of Spokane County. Over the years my neighborhood has been alternately known for truck farms, then apple orchards and cabbage farms, and now wheat fields. When the local farmers rotate crops and plant rapeseed (canola), the yellow fields are visible from Mount Spokane and local photographers come to capture their golden glow with a sunrise or sunset backdrop. The Foothills Rural Association is at the core of the local community, hosting a variety of events throughout the year. Some of these events are free for Foothills residents, and others serve as fundraisers to help support the work of the association as well as the annual scholarship fund. One of these fundraiser events is the annual Foothills Scenic Five fun run and pancake breakfast. The run/walk includes three-mile and five-mile route options on an open course featuring a mix of pavement and dirt roads. Since the association didn’t keep close records in the early years, our best guess is that the fun run has been held annually for more than 25 years. I first ran the race when I was still in elementary school, I won it a handful of times when I was in college, and I eventually took over as race director. Even though the run is a fundraiser, we try to keep it small enough to maintain its community-centered character. The run loops through those beautiful wheat and/or rapeseed fields, and the breakfast is served in our 1905 schoolhouse-turned-Community Center. I hand-pick the huckleberries that go into the pancakes, and a local artist hand-paints the award plaques that go to the top finishers in the race. We use recycled pieces of the wainscoting from the old school house for the plaques. We never use chip timing, but if I’m slow to compile the race results, most people don’t mind since the breakfast is all-you-can-eat and the conversation is lively. Please join us this year on June 10. (Holly Weiler)

Kaniksu 50 & Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race (July 15)

Picture a 50-mile trail run across some of Eastern Washington’s most gorgeous, remote terrain. Now, imagine it with friends. Oh, and a backpack weighing 25 to 35 pounds. The Kaniksu 50 Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race — the relay version of the Kaniksu 50 ultra marathon — has been the highlight of my summer for the past two years. (In full disclosure, Out There Monthly sponsors the event, though my lovey-dovey feelings about it are my own.) The ruck race can be tackled solo or in teams of up to five. A tough course and heavy pack eliminate all hope for, and therefore all pressure of, a record-breaking pace. What’s left is the challenge to push yourself to new limits and meditate through an entirely different kind of pain than the usual race fatigue. Founded in memory of Air Force survival instructor Emory Corwine, who died in a motorcycle accident in 2012, the event begins with a somber moment of reflection. Camaraderie strengthened by shared physical agony persist throughout the race in Corwine’s honor. Competitive spirit makes way for mutual support on the trail, at baton hand-off points, and in the main camp, where recovering runners and those waiting for their turn sit around the fire swapping stories. In 2015, I raced most of my leg with a competitor, each keeping the other adrift. When we arrived at our finish line, we bee-lined into the lake together to cool off. Last year’s race day was chilly with intermittent rain, so our team pitched a tent and played board games to pass the time. Many racers camp nearby the night before and wake up at the crack of dawn to make it to Frater Lake for the 5:40 a.m. race briefing. Yes, there is coffee. And a keg. Aid stations appear only at hand-off points and are well-stocked with all the important things, like cake and flat Coke. The organizing crew sets up a base camp with food, fire pits and shelter, which begins to feel like a big party as the race progresses into the evening. (Erika Prins Simonds) //

Biking River Rides for wheels of any size // By Ammi Midstokke from Priest River toward Nordman. The road turns to dirt and becomes Forest Road 302 for two miles, then follow Forest Road 1013 for approximately 12 miles. Trailhead #308 is on the left side.

Pend Oreille River—Roadie: The section of

Pend Oreille River. // Photo: Ammi Midstokke

It is hard to determine which kind of rides one

loves most when anything on two wheels seems to emit a perma-grin across my face. That being said, I have a particular affinity for riverside rides. There is something magical about moving along the water, as if our journeys of direction are a commonality. Here are three of my favorite riverside rides in Idaho - all for different reasons.

American Falls—MTB: Located north of Priest Lake, this sweet single-track trail runs the length of Upper Priest River and stops just shy of the Canadian border (in case you and your bike want

to make a run for it). Eight miles of rolling trail meanders along this noisy river, through old cedars and over wooden tracks, finishing at an impressive waterfall. There is camping near the waterfall if you’re up for some bike packing. One can also drive nearly to the falls, drop a rider, and complete a one-way descent. The trail is, for the most part, neither steep nor technical, with a few rocky/root sections. Precautions: I always see wildlife out here – moose, bear, and the like. Wear a bear bell or make some noise. Getting There: Follow Idaho State Highway 57

this river to the west of Sandpoint can be ridden in both directions for entirely different, serene views or even in a loop that includes some miles on Highway 2. If riding out and back, the distance is up to you. A complete loop is approximately 50 miles and includes about 4 miles of a hard pack and gravel dirt road. The almost entirely paved route is a winding riverside road that navigates the shoreline and North Idaho farmlands with incredible views for miles. You’ll be cranking up hills past a sun-greyed and leaning barn, coasting through emerald-green landscapes reminisce of Ireland, and listening to the water lap at the rocky shore as you approach Priest River. Beginning in Sandpoint, ride south on the Long Bridge and turn left onto Lakeshore Drive. There is an underpass to save anyone from risking his or her life crossing the highway here. Riding a fancy carbon ultra-light and seeking to avoid dirt? Just turn around when you reach the gravel section and head back for something like a 22-mile ride. Feel like a cycling adventure through some history of Idaho? Stay on Lakeshore until it meets Dufort Road, and keep pedaling. You’ll ride through the countryside and reach the shore again in a few miles, then show up on the south side of the town of Priest River after approximately 30 miles. It’s a

perfect place to stop for pancakes and roll onto Highway 2 for a loop, or simply turn around and enjoy a new perspective on your way home. Moyie River (Sidehill Trail #415)—MTB: If you

are looking for some little-known trails with some sweet terrain, I recommend you pick up a copy of Brian Anderson’s “Idaho Panhandle Mountain Bike Trail Guide.” I discovered many of my favorite rides on those pages. This trail involves some significant climbing and some downright mountain bike adventure with views of the Moyie River, potentially a little hike-a-bike, and, depending on the water levels, some creek crossings. It winds in and out of tall timber and peeks out for views of the Moyie River now and again. Some cool things about this ride: There is good camping in the area, you can ride it as a loop or as a shuttle, and you will experience little traffic. There are a few different loop options that make this ride anywhere between 6- and 10-plus miles. You can drop into other trails for a dip in Bussard Lake and stop at the saloon for a beer on your way out to make a day trip out of it. Getting There: Take Highway 95 north of Sandpoint for 46 miles, then turn right on Forest Service road 2022. Less than a mile later, you’ll see the trail #415 signs and the parking lot. You can get a copy of the trail guide either by visiting Greasy Fingers Bikes N’ Repair on your way through Sandpoint or just call the shop and they will mail you a copy. //

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Paddling Paradise

Support the Spokane River Water Trail Join us as we launch our most ambitious river access and restoration effort yet at Glover Field.

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Chateau Rive at The Flour Mill 621 W Mallon Ave http://spokaneriver.net/events/water-to-wine-auction/ 30

OutThereMonthly.com / MAY 2017

trary, the common phrase I heard used to describe Following an unplanned disembarkation Cranbrook’s paddling and other outdoor activities from a standup paddleboard into Jimsmith Lake, during my visits there was “something for everysouth of Cranbrook, British Columbia, I found one.” myself sitting, shivering, on the dock of a local Just Liquid Sports is the paddling hub for everyresident I’ve never met. one, beginner to badass. (The shop recently moved “Want a cookie?” one of my paddling companto a larger location in downtown Cranbrook in ions, a considerably more proficient SUPer, asks. April.) Owner Rob Porter, the professional kay“The owner of this dock leaves this plastic tub of aker who watched my wet exit from the SUP, is the cookies out for the paddlers. And,” she smiles, geslocal paddling proselytizer. Although he can claim turing toward a plastic keg that looks like a naval numerous first descents on East Kootenay watermine, “there’s beer too.” falls, including Bull River Falls and Moyie Falls, he’s I just met my fellow paddlers, part of an inforjust as eager to connect with first-timers. mal weekly paddling meetup that cycles through The shop hosts Whitewater Tuesdays every week the Cranbrook area’s dozens of lakes, but I already on the Bull River halfway between Cranbrook and felt like one of the tribe even though I’m an unseaElko. Beginners probably won’t get bucked on this soned SUPer and two of the group are professional 3k class II/III stretch of the rarely raging Bull, but paddlers. Then, in what I come to realize is typical proficient paddlers can get in multiple runs. Cranbrook fashion, even the pros are modest about The Wednesday Community Lake Paddle Nights the city’s many paddling accolades. are more of a happy-hour affair, with participants Set within a broad valley in the rainshadow pairing a nearby lake with its closest après-paddle of the Kootenay Rockies, at the halfway point spot, such as Fisher Peak Brewing in downtown between Spokane and Calgary, Cranbrook always Cranbrook. In addition to Jimsmith Lake, St. Mary’s served as a transportation hub for trains, planes, Lake and the St. Mary River, near Kimberley, are fur traders and fruit growers. Today, Cranbrook also popular Paddle Night destinations. No matter has transitioned from way station to destination. the location, strangers and locals alike, are apt to The city is leveraging its central location on the find a cold beer (whether stored safely on a dock Powder Highway, and its status as the sunshine or stashed in a dry bag) and a welcoming commucapitol of British Columbia, to attract recreationnity. // ists year-round forChateau golf, cycling and skiing at nearby Rive Kimberley and Fernie Alpine Resorts. at The Mill area is qui- Aaron Theisen is a regular contributor to numerIn paddling circles, theFlour Cranbrook 621 W Mallon Ave ous outdoor and lifestyle magazines including Out etly revered for its world-class whitewater; many There Monthly, NW Travel, and Washington Trails. of the sport’s top professionals train here. But it’s not entirely experts-only recreation. On the conhttp://spokaneriver.net/events/water-to-wine-auction/

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The common phrase I heard used to describe Cranbrook’s paddling and other outdoor activities during my visits there was “something for everyone.”

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4225 W Fremont Rd, Spokane WA (509) 326-6638 admin@SpokaneWindSongSchool.org MAy 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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OutThereMonthly.com/Team-otm-challenge 32

OutThereMonthly.com / MAY 2017

Bloomsday Blend Coffee from Roast House

Anyone familiar with the Bloomsday route should also be familiar with the NEW Bloomsday Blend coffee from Roast House. The Bloomsday route is known for its smooth flow, attracts a broad range of people, and is richly connected with the community – just like the Bloomsday Blend coffee. “For many of us, the Lilac Bloomsday Run is a kind of anchor for the year,” says Roast House owner Deborah Di Bernardo. “It’s a motivation to train, a marker of the sweet turn from spring towards summer, a chance to tour the city at a leisurely, or gut-busting, pace. Bloomsday celebrates the spirit of Spokane, and we are happy to now celebrate and support Bloomsday with their own custom blend.” Roast House worked closely with the Bloomsday crew to formulate the perfect companion coffee, and they definitely succeeded. From the very first sip, the familiar, satisfying flavors (chocolatey notes of the best South American beans) combine with a dash of exquisite fruit tones (from high quality Ethiopian beans). I intentionally brewed it extra strong during one tasting, and it maintained a smooth quality without any hint of bitterness. The aroma from grinding the beans always make you excited for your next cup. “Bloomsday champions have come from two of the three countries whose beans are included in Bloomsday Blend,” said Bloomsday Race Director Don Kardong. “That’s not why they’re in the mix, but it’s a fun connection between the event and a very tasty coffee.” All proceeds (beyond production costs) from Bloomsday Blend go directly to Bloomsday, which in turn supports dozens of local charities and youth events. Orders for Bloomsday Blend from Roast House are fulfilled daily, ensuring customers get only the freshest, best, organic beans. (Jon Jonckers) Expo Blend Coffee from Vessel

The Expo Blend from Vessel is named after the Expo ’74 Worlds Fair, and the coffee is just as good as the event was at surpassing people’s expectations. From the home auto-dripper, to a French press, or even a siphon bar, the Expo Blend is consistent and delicious. In proclaiming itself the first environmentally themed world’s fair, Expo ‘74 distanced itself from the more techno-centric world’s fairs of the 1960s. This triggered the downtown revitalization that created Riverfront Park, and ultimately paved the way for the Centennial Trail. Vessel Coffee Roasters

Photos: Jon Jonckers

adopted the name because they wanted a coffee that connected with their community, and resonated with Spokane. The beans are 50% Guatemala Los Humitos and 50% Honduras Guama Danta, which translates to a medium roast flavor with hints of chocolate and dark cherry. Vessel’s flagship coffee shop on Monroe is less than two miles from Riverfront Park. The owners routinely walk or ride through the Park, and they’re continually scheming up new names for some of their other blends. It’s a process they both enjoy. But right now, the Expo Blend remains the most popular. Unlike some other coffee roasters, Vessel’s coffee bags are actually a pound – a full 16 ounces. The wonderful aroma you smell when you open the bag matches the flavor. While Expo ’74 is over 40 years old and rarely remembered, the Expo Blend is fresh and new. Vessel capitalized on the event, and their coffee parallels the ambition and spirit of the famous World’s Fair. I find it particularly fitting that Expo ‘74 settled on the slogan “Celebrating Tomorrow’s Fresh New Environment” and Vessel is upholding that vision with delicious, locally roasted coffee. (Jon Jonckers) //

River Rambles

The State of the Spokane River // By Jerry White Jr.

pollution comes in differnt forms and different ways. Photos courtesy of the Spokane Riverkeeper

You never step in the same river twice, goes the ancient saying. True enough. The Spokane River is an ever fluctuating, complex system that changes with the community around it AND changes the community around it. At one time, the Spokane River was the spiritual center of the native people who lived along the shores. To the new coming settlers, it became something else, a waste way where we poured our sawdust, flushed our sewage and dumped our municipal garbage. Today, like the river, our community is changing its perspective. We now embrace our river as a treasured community asset. We speed along the banks on mountain bikes, walk our dogs, hike, boat, fish, and often just sit and watch the waves with deep satisfaction. The river has become a focal point for parks, and for businesses that recognize their own health is connected to the health of the river. Our goal at the Riverkeeper is to be a river advocate to the public. We work towards the Spokane River becoming and staying “fishable and swimmable.” After all, the river is yours but you may not have time to ensure that the rules guiding river protection are followed. We negotiate with dischargers and government agencies, we patrol the waters and report problems, we get volunteers on the river picking up litter, and we conduct citizen science so that we understand the river’s health. What follows is a snapshot of issues that face our river in 2017. Pollution: In many ways, we are getting much

closer to a cleaner river and the City of Spokane deserves some real credit. In 2017, the city initiated better pollution controls used by those who discharge into the river. The City of Spokane is building large holding tanks in their Combined Sewage Overflow (CSO) system to prevent millions of gallons of raw sewage from entering the river, and dischargers have put high-end filtration in place. In 2016, these CSO tanks captured millions of gallons of runoff that would have mixed with sewage and gone into our river prior to last year. This is exciting! But in spite of this great progress, the city systems still discharge raw sewage and stormwater into

the river during some heavy rainfall events. Further, several large dischargers have outdated permits and discharges that contribute to the nutrient and toxic (PCB) problems in the river. This problem needs fixing, but we feel that by working together, we will get there. One of the largest issues is agricultural and land use pollution. Every spring, we still see the dirty plume in the river at the mouth of Hangman (Latah) Creek. This runoff consists of nitrogen, phosphorus and soil that triggers algae blooms that can reduce oxygen needed by fish and prompts toxic algae warnings. Spokane River tributaries like Hangman Creek and Deadman Creek have, in places, been stripped of their shoreline vegetation which is needed to intercept polluted runoff and soil from the surrounding lands. Some construction projects need to do a better job protecting and restoring shoreline forests that are critical to clean water and a healthy river. Low flows: Remember 2015? Rafts stopped going through the Devils Toenail rapid in early June. Despite new in stream flow rules which help protect flows in the river, summer low-flows continue to decline to the detriment of recreation and wildlife. Our river is vulnerable to climate change, and warm weather means snow can melt more quickly, leaving very low water in the summer. The connection between the river and aquifer means municipal water use also removes water from the river. Again, some great conservation efforts are underway, but more will need to happen to address the issue in the coming years. River Health: Is our river healthy? Yes, sections are very healthy while others need more help. Is it swimmable? Heck Yes! Fishable? You bet. Do we need to be good stewards and work hard to protect it? Yes. At the end of the day, be sure and get out there and have fun on the river. When you do, you will come to understand that the river really is the reason that Spokane exists. //

Jerry White Jr. is the Spokane Riverkeeper.

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OutThereMonthly.com / MAY 2017

Switchblade SUP, Kayak, Canoe Paddle in One

The outdoor industry comes up with a lot of gear “innovations” that, in my opinion, are not all that innovative. Switchblade Paddles is an example of a new piece of gear that solves problems, makes paddling more fun and easy, and can save you money. The fourpiece paddles come in three models (entry level to high-end carbon fiber) that you can easily convert for stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. The adjustable shaft also makes it easy for people of different heights and sizes to use the same paddle. That’s the money-saving part. And here is where these innovative paddles help solve a real problem—paddleboarding when the wind kicks up. Last fall while paddling some challenging swell along a stretch of somewhat protected Costa Rican coastline, the wind did just that and the Pacific

color code each trail system by permitted uses and include the full range of activities, from motorized to non-motorized to non-mechanized, along with popular areas for watercraft and climbing spots. Most campgrounds are also included, whether roadside or backcountry, information on the number of sites available provided. Seasonal trail closures are indicated where applicable, and each trail segment includes mileage. Pair these highly detailed maps with the overview provided by Benchmark Maps’ Montana Road & Recreation Atlas, the gold standard of road atlases for outdoor enthusiasts. Available at select outdoor retail stores and at Natgeomaps.com. (Holly Weiler)

Ocean responded with big, choppy waves that threatened to knock me off my board. I dropped to my knees and resorted to awkwardly using the SUP paddle provided with my rental board as a make-shift canoe paddle. Had I brought my Switchblade paddle, which breaks down small enough to travel with, I could have quickly converted it into a kayak paddle, a much more powerful option than trying to canoe paddle a large board against wind, ocean current and waves. Windy conditions pop up all the time on Inland Northwest lakes too and can turn a fun SUP outing into a sketchy, uncomfortable ordeal with a standard SUP paddle. With a Switchblade paddle, it means it’s time to sit or kneel on your board, take a few seconds to switch to kayak paddle mode, and “kayak” on your SUP for a bit. Paddles range from $174.99-$324.99. Switchbladepaddles. com. (Derrick Knowles)

Relax and Osprey Duro/Dyna Series Trail Running Hydration Vestpacks

Not just for ultra runners, these hydration vestpacks provide light weight, comfortable hydration and compact gear storage solutions for trail runners tackling any distance where aid stations are few and far between or nonexistent. Capacity ranges from 15 liters of storage space and a 2.5

liters of reservoir space in the Duro/Dyna 15 to more streamlined options including the 1.5 liter storage/1.5 liter reservoir Duro/Dyna 1.5. Tired of running with bulky, sloppy hydration packs that were never made for runners in the first place? Or leaving the water, calories and backup jacket at home? Stop doing that. MSRP: $90-$140. Ospreypacks. com. (Derrick Knowles)

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Great Deals on Gently-Used Outdoor Gear

If you’re looking for great deals on outdoor gear and like to give new life to lightly used outdoor recreation gear and clothing, pay a visit to Spokane’s new outdoor gear consignment store, Northwest Outdoors, in the old Wintersport building (3220 N Division). Hours are 10-6 Monday-Saturday, and Sunday from 11-5 (more info at Nwoutdoors.co). Here is a sample of a few good deals that were available in the shop at the end of April: • North Face VE-25 3 person 4 season tent, $475 ($670 retail) • Seda Vida 14’ Sea Kayak with spray skirt and paddle, $900 ($1,990 retail without extras) • A pair of women’s Hoka running shoes, little or no use, $39 ($80 retail) • Acr’teryx Acrux 40 liter backpack, $150 ($400 retail) • Black Diamond Contact Strap Mountaineering Crampons $75 ($130 retail) (OTM)

Bear Bowl by Bear Minimum

Every ounce and square inch counts when you’re backpacking or bikepacking. With that in mind, Spokane startup Bear Minimum has created the Bear Bowl, a small cook bowl that comfortably holds 32 ounces of food or liquid and then wipes clean and folds down into a flat square the size of a sandwich. The Bear Bowl is made of foodgrade PTFEcoated fiberglass that expands into action with a couple of snaps. The aluminum base keeps it durable and lightweight, and nylon cord wraps around the handle, keeping it cool to the touch. I brought a full bowl

of water to a boil in fewer than five minutes over a small camp stove burner. (You’ll want to save the open campfire for hotdogs and marshmallows.) No leaks here: I tested a bowl full of water overnight with nary an errant drop. It also passes the kid test: Three of my nephews easily assembled and disassembled it without a scratch to kid or bowl. Still in its prototype stage, the Bear Bowl is available for preorder on the Bear Minimum website for $25. Bear Minimum Founder Cory Santiago states that his company “will soon complete the family with a Mama Bear and Papa Bear,” which will hold up to a gallon. Bearminimum.org. (Janelle McCabe)

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Lower Salmon Canyon / / Photo: Harley Mcallister

Like many regions of the country, the Inland Northwest is home to wonder-

ful outdoor pursuits, but it is fair to say that we live in the very best part of the United States for multi-day rafting adventures. We have more miles of undammed, free-flowing rivers with a decent gradient than any other part of the nation. The Salmon River in Idaho is the longest of these, and the John Day in Oregon is the second longest. But those are just the tip of the iceberg. Local boaters have a ‘bucket list’ of western rivers to choose from that can keep one occupied for decades. Here I cover three rivers, in increasing level of difficulty, that a new boater could, with further research, hope to tackle as they become more skilled. If you are looking to float one of these rivers with a guide, little to know experience is required. On the other hand, to captain your own private trip, you should have experience successfully navigating a boat around rocks and other hazards and through a sequence of rapids, knowledge of river safety and rescue techniques, and experience camping in the backcountry. The beauty of a multi-day rafting trip is that it allows you to experience some of the most scenic places on earth from a unique perspective and with enough support gear that you can camp in relative luxury compared to a backpacking trip. Trips of this nature use the same style rafts that you may have seen paddled before, with the difference that a metal frame is strapped to the top. This frame replaces the thwarts in the center of the raft to keep the boat structurally rigid, and also provides several bays in which to store needed camping essentials in coolers and dry boxes. It also comes with a tractor style chair and oarlocks so that the raft can be captained by a single rower instead of a team of paddlers. With the forward and aft compartments available for storing a large quantity of drybags, everything needed for a group of people to live outdoors in comfort for 3-7 days can easily be accommodated. Like most outdoor pursuits, the acquisition of this equipment represents a significant investment, but local universities rent out everything you need so that you can try your hand at it before making the larger investment. There are also numerous rafting outfitters in this region, and making an initial trip with professional guides is a great way to sample what this sport has to offer in a way that is both safe and informative for those wanting to get started. If your interest has been piqued, these three rivers offer a progression of trips from easy to more difficult. THE GRANDE RONDE RIVER

The name is French for “big round” river, but the experience is quintessentially American. This river put-in, where you need to fill out a self-issue permit, is located in northeast Oregon’s Blue Mountains, a little over a four-hour drive from Spokane. The raft trip actually begins near

Photo: courtesy of row adventures

OutThereMonthly.com / MAY 2017

Classic inland nw river trips By Harley McAllister

Minam, Ore. on the Wallowa River which drains the Eagle Cap Wilderness and connects with the Grande Ronde just a few miles below the put-in. This mountain stream flows quickly through a canyon with open stands of yellow pine and open grass hillsides that constantly provide pastoral scenery on both sides. Shortly after the intersection of the two streams, all side roads come to an end, and the rest of your trip will be in a roadless portion of the Wallowa Whitman National Forest with the take out near the town of Troy, Ore. The relative remoteness means this river never fails to produce wildlife sightings. Eagles and osprey are common, and during our most recent trip we saw a bald eagle hauling a large fish up the bank on one day only to see another one attack a flock of geese that flushed on our approach the following day. You will certainly see deer and probably bighorn sheep. Once, we even saw a mountain goat right on the river bank. There are ample campsites along the river that are first-come, firstserved, and the only time you may have trouble finding one is during the busy Memorial Day weekend. This is a perfect river for beginners because the scenery is wonderful, the logistics are fairly simple, and the rapids are mostly mild. The rapids on this river are class II at normal flows, and the gradient of the river makes it easy to accomplish the 45-mile run in just 2-3 days during the season, which starts in May and can run through early July depending on river flows. The Grande Ronde River is where our sons learned to captain their own boats for the first time, and you could too.

Photo: courtesy of row adventures

Main Salmon River // photo: Harley Mcallister

Photo: courtesy of row adventures

MAy 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

THE LOWER SALMON RIVER

This section of river begins a few miles downstream from the town of Riggins, billed as the whitewater capital of Idaho. Indeed, this is a great place to catch some really exciting rides through fun rapids on day trips. But if you are looking to extend the fun over a few more days, then start further downstream near the town of White Bird, Idaho, and float 74 miles over the course of 4-5 days and take out at Heller’s Bar near Asotin, Wash., at which point you will have been floating on the Snake River for roughly 22 miles from where the Salmon River joins the Snake in the lower reaches of Hell’s Canyon. This multi-day section requires a self-issue permit available at the Hammer Creek boat launch. The Lower Salmon is larger than the Grande Ronde, and it drains such a significant area that it has enough water for rafting throughout the summer. This is a family favorite because the water is typically warm enough to make swimming a true pleasure, and there are huge white sand beaches for camping. This river is not in a

designated wilderness, but there are so few access points that it may as well be. The canyon in this stretch is quite arid and there is a scarcity of trees, but the scenery is no less stunning because of it. The rapids on this river are a noticeable step up from those on the Grande Ronde. There are numerous class III’s, two of which require careful maneuvering. There is one class IV on the river named Snow Hole because the large reversal created by the submerged boulder creates a frothing, churning mess that is as white as snow. If you enter this rapid correctly, the rapid is rather straightforward, but if you enter too far left or right you will quickly find yourself in a serious situation. This is not a river for beginners, but a boatman with developing Class IV skills would find this a good river a good test.

The Grande Ronde River is where our sons learned to captain their own boats for the first time, and you could too.

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OutThereMonthly.com / MAY 2017

THE MAIN SALMON RIVER

The mighty Salmon River is the one that Lewis and Clark chose to bypass because it was considered un-runnable, but fortunately the inflatable boats of today are quite a bit more capable than what they fashioned from logs during their expedition. This is the same

river as the Lower Salmon, only further upstream with a put-in near the town of North Fork, Idaho, and a take-out located about 30 miles upstream from Riggins. This trip, which requires boaters to put in for a lottery-based permit, represents 80 miles of Wild and Scenic River running through the largest designated wilderness in the lower 48 states, the Frank Church ‘River of No Return’ Wilderness. Running this river would be a logical next step in the progression after having completed the Lower Salmon, because the river is more remote and there are numerous Class IV rapids to navigate that are of greater complexity than the single one found on the lower section. The Main Salmon starts at a high enough elevation to be enshrouded in evergreen forest, but over the course of 5-6 days, as you lose elevation, it transitions into the desert canyon climate familiar to those who have been to Riggins. I always enjoy witnessing this transition of habitats and catching glimpses of the different flora and fauna, just as much as I enjoy soaking in the natural hot spring

Opposite page top: Lower Salmon Reflection: photo Harley McAllister // Bottom: Dinner is served. photo: courtesy of Row adventures.

at river’s edge part way through the trip. This river is also noteworthy for the extensive pioneer history at the various old homesteads, which are amazing testaments to the hardy people who first homesteaded this rugged region. A multi-day raft trip through the heart of this wilderness on one of the most iconic rivers of the West will be a memory you and your family or friends will never forget. Each of these rivers has a different character and a different required skill level, so the motivated rafter should be able to find something that is a match. But be careful because once you start rafting you will likely find that it gets in your blood, and you will spend a lot of your spare moments dreaming of your time on the river. // Harley McAllister and his wife Abby are avid river rafters and hikers and are the authors of two books: “Yellowstone National Park with Kids” and “Utah’s Big 5 National Parks with Kids.” Find their books and other resources for outdoors-loving families at www. our4outdoors.com. This is his first piece for OTM.

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This page TOP: the best star show in the northwest. Photo Courtesy of ROW adventures // Middle: perfect sunshine day. Photo Courtesy of ROW adventures // bottom: The Gear Boat. Photo Courtesy of ROW adventures

MAy 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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OutdoorCalendar RUNNING

BIKING

WATERSPORTS

(May 7) Lilac Bloomsday Run. Where: Downtown Spokane. Spokane’s most famous 12K fun run. Info: BloomsdayRun.org

(May 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31) Wednesday Night Mountain Bike Races. Where: Riverside State

(May 21) Solo/Tandem Flatwater Canoe Class.

(May 13) Priest Lake Mother’s Day Marathon. Run along Priest Lake with big views of the Selkirk Mountains in celebration of Mom. Info: Priestlakerace.com

(May 20) Troika Triathlon. Where: Medical Lake. Options include Olympic course, long course and sprint course. Info: TroikaTriathlon.com

(May 20) State Park Series #1 Farragut. Where: Farragut State Park. When: Various Start Times. 50K, 25K and 10K options on single track. Finishing on the lake shore trail. Info:TrailManiacs.com

Park, Spokane. Pedal as hard as you want or casually if you want every Wednesday night in May and June. New course every week. Info: Nomadzracing.com

(May 6-7) Nakusp Road Bike Invitational. Where: Chachman Campground, Nakusp, BC. Various distances, all road biking, aid stations and a soak in the Nakusp Hot Springs. Info: KootenaySufferfest.com

(May 13) Kidical Mass Chief Garry.

Where: Chief Garry Park Spokane. When: 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Family friendly afternoon ride of about 3 miles on anything that rolls. Info: SummerParkways.com

(May 20) Woodrat 25 Mile MTB Race. Where: Priest Lake, Idaho. Choose a 25 mile or 12 mile race division. Double-track and singletrack riding includes sections of low chain ring climbs, some fast downhill, groves of huge cedar trees, and lots of turns. This ride is for intermediate skills or better. Info: Priestlakerace.com (May 27-28) 24 Hours Round the Clock. Where:

(May 27) Nakusp Half Marathon, 10K & 5K. Where: Gazebo Park, Nakusp, BC. When: 9 a.m. Public rest rooms at the start and finish line, but only bushes along the way! Info: KootenaySufferfest.com

Riverside State Park, Spokane. A mountain bike race, beginning at noon on Saturday and ending at noon on Sunday. Teams and solos compete for medals, prizes and bragging rights after riding for 24 hours. Info: Roundandround.com

Where: Medical Lake. Learn paddling techniques, equipment and safety with lots of practice on the water. Info: sckc.ws

OTHER (May 6) Beginning Bird Watching Class. Where: Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. When: 8:45 a.m. - 12 p.m. Cost: $3. Info: fotnwr.org

(May 18) Spokane Edible Tree Project Volunteer Kick-Off Celebration. Where: Saranac Rooftop . When: 6 - 8 p.m.. Community members are invited to learn more about volunteer opportunities and celebrate the start of the harvest season. Cost: Free. Info: SpokaneEdibleTreeProject.org

(May 18) REI at the Movies: Expedition Alaska. Where: Bing Crosby Theater. When 7 - 9 p.m. The 74-minute film tells the story of a 7-day, non-stop endurance event that took place through the Alaskan wilderness in the summer of 2015. Q&A with racers and crew following the film. Info: rei. com/events

(May 19) Water to Wine Auction.

Where: Chateau Rive. When: 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Auction, hors d’oeuvres, local wine and beer and live music to support the restoration effort for river access at Glover Field. Cost: $75. Info:SpokaneRiver.net

SIXMONTH TRAININGCALENDAR RUNNING

(August 7-11) Glutes in the Koots Trail Running Camp with Jen Segger. Where: Sol Mountain

(June 11) Festival of Miles. Where: Mead High School Track. When: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Family oriented track races for all age groups. Info: brrc.net

Lodge, BC. Cover the fundamentals of mountain running with trail running camp host Jen Segger, including technique, efficiency, safety and adventure. Info: Glutesinthekoots.com

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

(July 8) Up Chuck Challenge Trail Run. Where: Camp Sekani Park, Spokane. When: 9:30 a.m. Kick off the day at the Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival with a 5k or 1.5 mile trail run to top of Beacon Hill or Camp Sekani. Both distances include an untimed run, trot or walk back to the festival grounds. Complete the race and sport your Up Chuck bandana at the Spokatopia beer garden! Info: Spokatopia.com.

(July 15) Kaniksu 50 & Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race. Where: Colville National Forest. A non-profit 50 mile ultra run & a 50 mile fast pack relay. For the fast pack relay, 1-5 participants each complete one of five legs carrying a minimum 35lb pack for men and 25lb pack for women. Runners have 14 hours to complete the course featuring 7,800 feet of elevation gain and the fast packers have 20 hours. All proceeds go The SERE Association’s memorial scholarship fund.

(July 24-28) Glutes in the Koots 100 Mile Training Week. Where: Nelson, BC. This trail running camp with 2016 Hardrock Co-champion Jason Schlarb covers heart rate, hills, strength, diet and mindset. Info: Glutesinthekoots.com.

adventure clinics to learn new sports like climbing, kayaking, geocaching, paddleboard yoga and other outdoor activities; demo paddleboards and other watercraft; watch live music or the mountain bike jump jam; and check out over 50 exhibitors. Info: Spokatopia.com.

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

(August 5) Blazing Saddles. Where: Colville City Park. When: 6 am packet pickup. 100 mile, 68 Mile and 45 Mile ride options. All rides fully supported. Info: Blazing100.org

(October 7) Centennial Beer Chase.

(September 11) WACANID Ride. Where: Start in

(August 18-19) Spokane to Sandpoint Relay.

Where: From Spokane to Coeur d’Alene. Run in a group of six people, exchanging at breweries along the way. Info: CentennialBeerChase.com

BIKING (June 17) CHAFE 150. The 150 mile route with no mountain passes or long sustained climbs starts and finishes in beautiful Sandpoint, Idaho, on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille after winding into the nearby river valleys of Montana. The ride is a benefit for local students on the autism spectrum. Chafe150.org (June 17) Silver Valley Ride to Defeat ALS. Ride solo or as part of a team through the historic Silver Valley on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes to help fight Lou Gehrig’s disease. Several lengths to choose from. Info: alsa.org

(July 8) Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival. Where: Camp Sekani Park, Spokane. When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Try different bikes; sign up for

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

TRIATHLONS (July 9) Valley Girl Triathlon. Where: Liberty Lake village beachfront. When: 7:45 a.m. Women’s sprint distance triathlon. Info: www.valleygirltri.com

During May all proceeds from all proceeds from online sales of “good Coffee” will go to our local Waterkeepers ®®

(JULY 15) Tiger Tri. Where: Gillette Lake (Beaver Lodge). When: 6 a.m. Swim in water temperatures around 70 degrees. Bike along State Highway 20 through Colville National Forest with substantial elevation loss. Run through Dominion Meadows golf course on packed gravel, asphalt and grass. Info:TigerTri.com

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OTHER (June 3) Stache Dash. Where: Pavillion Park, Liberty Lake, Wash. When: 9 - 11 a.m. 5k Run/Walk. All ages welcome. Info: ElevationSpokane.org

domacoffee.com MAy 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

Last Page ever changing radius // By Peter Wayne Moe At age 18, to impress a girl on the track team, I

went for my first run. Dressed in a ratty pair of gym shorts and a white t-shirt, I headed out. After a quarter mile, I stopped, turned around, and walked home. Sixty pounds overweight, I couldn’t run far. As I walked, I realized that I’d gone that quarter mile on my own two legs and this astonished me. Since I arrived at college, I had been living a sedentary life with lots of pizza and Office Space. But to go a quarter mile on my own legs, by my own steam? I was hooked! As the year advanced, so did that quarter mile. I began to see my running ability, my health, and my weight loss in direct relationship to how far I could run from my house. The radius grew. By the end of the year, I had a four-mile radius, and I could run that distance out and back in an hour. Out and backs have a certain appeal because they measure, with the unflinching coldness of a clock’s second hand, whether I can get home as quickly, or quicker, than I’d reached the outer edge of my radius. When I began training for a half marathon, and, later, a marathon, the radius moved from four miles to eight to ten. Then Ironman entered my world, and due to the biking, my radius grew to 40, 50, even 60 miles. There was a 125-mile bike ride with my uncle that pushed my radius as large as it will ever be. This radius often fluctuates depending on my fitness and what I’m trying to do as an athlete. When I turned my attention to focus on the 5k, the cycling

OutThereMonthly.com / MAY 2017

stopped and the long run shrank from 20 miles to 10, so my radius reduced to five miles. When I stopped racing and began running recreationally, the radius shrank again, down to about three miles. Wherever I drive, I always consider whether my destination is within my current radius. I think, “This is nine miles from my house. It’s within my radius. I could have run here.” There is a unique l ib e r t y i n t h is knowledge, a bold freedom, a heightened sense that my legs can carry me anywhere I please within my radius. L ast summer, my radius dropped dramatically over the span of a week. I hadn’t been feeling well. I was taking two-hour naps during the day and waking in the night covered in a sweat with soaked sheets. I’d drench my shirts during the day and need to change clothes. I was dizzy, at times delirious, often so weak that I couldn’t walk to the restroom on my own. My wife would lift me up (she’s 120 pounds; I’m 210) and guide me there. I found it ironic that this Ironman triathlete who once had a 60-mile radius could not make it eight feet to the

toilet. When she came home from work to find me on the couch with a 104 degree temperature and a lump three inches wide on my neck, it was time to see a doctor. After bloodwork and some scans, the doctor gave us a diagnosis: lymphoma. Pushed along in a wheelchair, too weak to walk on my own, my radius now zero feet, I returned to the hospital the

There is a unique liberty in this knowledge, a bold freedom, a heightened sense that my legs can carry me anywhere I please within my radius. next day. I had a core taken from my hip to test the bone marrow. After I collapsed and passed out on the way to the next appointment, I was admitted. Preparations began to initiate chemo. My liver was shutting down. My intestines were telescoping in on themselves. The doctor told us that if I had white poop, and if left untreated, I could be dead within 24 hours.

Our pastor was on his way with bread and wine when the doctor came to our room. “I don’t normally give people in the cancer ward good news,” she said, “but the good news is that you have mono.” It was the most severe case of mono the doctors had ever seen. Upon hearing my new diagnosis, I wanted to get out of the hospital bed and go for a walk. I’d been bedridden three days, worrying about what the future would hold, but I now had an urge to move, however feebly. My wife again got under my arms, hoisted me up, and we shuffled to the end of the hallway, looked out the window, and then returned to my bed. I treasured the moment my radius increased to 20 feet. Looking in the rearview mirror, I often think about how to tell this story. One way suggests the doctors are a bunch of incompetent fools who misdiagnosed me. I see this narrative when people tell me I should sue the doctors. But that version of the story is not generous enough. They are, after all, doctors with extensive training. They’re not stupid. Perhaps it’s more accurate to say the body is complicated, and that doctors do the best they can. This version recognizes the complexities of medicine and the good efforts of the doctors. Or, perhaps the story is best told through one of my friend’s reaction to the news. He exclaimed, “Peter, that’s a fucking miracle.” // Peter Wayne Moe’s last piece for OTM, “How to Write about Bikes and Cars,” was back in June 2015.

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