Out There Monthly May 2012 by Out There Outdoors

VOL.8 // NO.9 // MAY 2012

MAY 19

WITTER POOL WWW.SPOKANESPORTS.ORG

THE INLAND NORTHWEST GUIDE TO OUTDOOR RECREATION FREE

News: BMX Weekly Races Are a Go / PG.9 Roadtrip: Three Cool Desert Waterfalls / PG.14 Sustainability: Permaculture in West Central Spokane / PG.12 Interview the Founder of the Pacific NW Trail / PG.26 Health: You Can Prevent Paddle Shoulder / PG.10

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Out There Monthly / MAy 2012

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25 W. Sprague, Spokane, WA 509-325-9806

509.625.6601 | spokaneriverfrontpark.com May 2012

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MAY

E N A K O SP H T N O BIKE M bikes.net

Featuring Week Bike to Work

MAY

20- 26

Out There Monthly / MAy 2012

spokane

In This Issue p.6 / From the Editor

MONTHLY

Open Letter To The Soccer Gods By Jon Snyder

www.outtheremonthly.com

p.9 / Out There News BMX Races, Spokane Master Bike Plan Updated

Out There Monthly / May 2012 Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

Jon Snyder jon@outtheremonthly.com Art Director

Kaitlin Snyder Managing Editor

p.10 / Health & Fitness

Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

You Can Prevent Paddle Shoulder

Health & Fitness Editor

By Dr. Bob Lutz

Dr. Bob Lutz senior writers

Jon Jonckers, Derrick Knowles

p.11 / Sustainable Living West Central Event Touts Permaculture In Spokane By Carolyn Connelly

p.12 / Roadtrip Three Cool Desert Waterfalls By Jon Jonckers

p.13 / What’s Your Gear? Heather La Friec: Distance Running By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

p.14 / Punish Stuff Hurley All-Purpose Shorts By John Speare

p.15 / Everyday cyclist Getting In Sync On A Tandem

enonation.com

Contributing Writers:

Carolyn Connelly, Ben Greenfield, Hank Greer, Tod Marshall, John Speare Distribution Coordinator

Barbara Snyder To request issues please call 509 / 534 / 3347 Ad Sales

Bill Bloom: 509 / 999 / 8214 Out There Monthly

Mailing Address: PO Box 559 Spokane, WA 99210 www.outtheremonthly.com, 509 / 534 / 3347 Out There Monthly is published once a month by Snyderco DBA/Out There Monthly. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 2012 Snyderco DBA/Out There Monthly. The views expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily Snyderco DBA/Out There Monthly. Disclaimer: Many of the activities depicted in this magazine carry a significant risk of personal injury or death. Rock climbing, river rafting, snow sports, kayaking, cycling, canoeing and backcountry activities are inherently dangerous. The owners and contributors to Out There Monthly do not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless they are experts or seek qualified professional instruction and/or guidance, and are knowledgeable about the risks, and are personally willing to assume all responsibility associated with those risks.

Printed on 50% recycled paper with soy based inks in the Inland Northwest PROUD MEMBER OF

By Hank Greer

p.16 / MAy INLAND NW OUTDOOR CAlendar &

Out There Monthly also supports

6 Month Training Calendar p.18 / Paddling Upper priest A Canoe Adventure As Easy As 1,2,3 By Tod Marshall

p.21 / Photo of the month And Roadtrip DJ By Ben Greenfield & Charlie Abrahamson

p.22 / Last Page Meet The Founder of The Pacific Northwest Trail

On the cover: Paddlers enjoy the scenery at Upper Priest Lake, in Northern Idaho. // Photo Amy Sinesterra.

By Derrick Knowles

May 2012

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2012

June 16

www.nic.edu/op (208) 769-7809

June 3

Out There Monthly / MAy 2012

From the Editor: Open letter to the soccer gods My daughter scores a hat-trick in a soccer game. Girl on the other teams says to her, “You’re gonna need those goals.” My daughter wants to know, “Was that girl being mean to me?” How do you explain trash talk to a seven-year-old? Or that her best teammate from last year was “poached” by a rival coach who’s trying to make a seven-year-old girls super-team? For three years in a row my son’s club soccer team has been dismantled by parents not satisfied with the coach, the players, the league, or all of the above. Each year we start from scratch. Do we go with a rec team or a club team? Premier or Select? Does he play his age or play

up? A traveling team or local team? Sanctioned by US Youth Soccer or US Club Soccer? Indoor in the winter or futsal? A team that practices near home or one that practices in Coeur d’Alene? Should he be a Scottie, a Breaker, a Shadow, a Cobra, a Puma, or join simple-sounding FC Spokane? (Formerly River City). When I began playing soccer in Spokane there was only one game in town: SYSA. I started in the mid-seventies and some of my teammates and I played together for ten years or more, including high school. Today new leagues seem to form all the time. They splinter, they merge. They resplinter. Today some club teams even forbid their

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players from playing high school soccer. Our family loves the outdoors. We love hiking, camping, biking, paddling, and even climbing when we can. But we also love soccer. I want to give my kids a chance to experience team sports and individual outdoor sports, but sometimes it seems easier to rebuild a bottom bracket than figure out what soccer team they should be on. When all else fails we follow coaches we like. If they change teams we do too. If they change leagues, we do too. Even if it means games in Cheney and practices in Idaho. But I sure wish it were simpler. I wish higher level Spokane teams played each other more often so there was less

travelling to do. And I wish there were less complaints about coaching style, less arguments with the refs, and less concerns about future soccer scholarships. When all else really fails we can always hike, bike, or camp whenever we want to. We don’t need a club for that. // ----------------------------------------------------JON SNYDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF editor@outtheremonthly.com P.S. Check out the online browser edition of OTM at issuu.com. Just search google “Out There Monthly issuu.com.”

Windermere Marathon SPOKANE USA Saturday, May 19 2012

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West Central Neighborhood Resiliency Convergence Ready to make a change?

May 6 Bloomsday

May 27 CdA Marathon

more info at

www.runnersoul.com Spokane's only running specialty store.

221 N. Wall St. 509.624.7654

Then attend one of our workshops, movies, community service projects or training sessions and become more self-reliant. Join us Sunday, May 13th at 5pm at Salem Lutheran Church to sign-up or learn more.

The 2012 (MAY 13-19) West Central Gathering:

A Convergence of Ideas & People to Promote Neighborhood Resiliency Though Sustainable Food, Water, Energy, Exchange & Transportation Systems in Inner-City Spokane communitybydesign@hotmail.com or www.wcgathering.org May 2012

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Beginning May 16 at Riverside State Park 7 Mile Airstrip

WA Discover Passes required – They will be available for purchase on-site May 16.

Registration opens at 5 pm • Races start at 6:30 pm

The RIDE

un, R R o e Rid s Each evening is sponsored by a local bike 4 Race shop; and each has donated great prizes to ou a y s t ge be given away randomly at the end of ‘their’ FRee evening.

FREE cold refreshments will also be provided at the end of each race.

t! R i H s t-

May 16 ………………………… Two Wheel Transit May 23 ………Mtn. View Cyclery & Fitness May 30 ……………………………… Fitness Fanatics June 6 …………………………………… Vertical Earth Mid-Season Party (NEW!) (June 6 after the races) ………………Terra Sports June 13 ……………………………………The Bike Hub June 20 ………………………………… Bicycle Butler June 27 …………………… Two Wheeler Dealer End-of-Series Party (June 27 after the races) … North Division Bicycle

The RUN

A different course each week — distances will vary but there will always be one-lap or two-lap options. Competitors can expect great giveaway prizes from numerous sponsors, including:

• Escape Outdoors • Road ID • Jacob’s Java

• Gemelli Coffee • The Bike Hub • Fitness Fanatics

For more RUN information, call (509) 435-1304 or e-mail info@2g1devents.com

Brought to you in part by:

For more RIDE information, call (509) 242-8568 or e-mail eric@milliseconds.com Just type “Wednesday Night Mountain Bike Races” in the search window. 8

Out There Monthly / MAy 2012

Douglas, Eden, Phillips, DeRuyter & Stanyer, P.S.

Out There News BMX Racing cranks up at Merkel Gate Practice on Wednesday Night

Racing at dwight merkel in spokane. // Photo courtesy spokane bmx.

As the weather warms, the BMX track at Dwight Merkel Sports Complex is getting busier. The track, while owned by the City of Spokane, is maintained by “Spokane BMX,” a non-profit organization run by a passionate group of volunteers who host USA BMX races. On June 2nd the group will host a national Redline Qualifier race. When races or practices are not being held, the track is open to all ages free of charge. Gate practice on Wednesday nights, 6:00-10:00 pm, costs $3 and is open to anyone with a USA BMX membership. During gate practice, the starting gates are set up on the track and riders can practice their starts. On Friday and Saturday nights, the track hosts USA BMX races. Race registration begins at 6:00 pm. Any rider can race his or her first race for free by signing a waiver. A rider will start by racing

other riders close in age and at a beginner level. As the rider gains points for placing at the races, he or she then advances to intermediate and then to expert. There is also a cruiser class, for those racing a bike with 24” or larger wheels, which often has mountain bike riders giving it a go. An annual USA BMX Racing membership costs $45.00. Each race costs between $8.00 and $10.00 depending on the night. All profit goes towards the awards and track operating expenses. The track at Dwight Merkel is a national caliber racing track. It has a concrete starting hill and a full lighting system for night races. The Spokane BMX group hopes to lure a national championship BMX event at the track later this summer or in 2013. //

JUNE 9th

Check out JABMX.com for more information.

Spokane Master Bike Plan Remains a Work in Progress Since the City of Spokane’s Master Bike Plan (MBP) came to fruition in June 2009, it has guided development of Spokane’s bicycle infrastructure. From the beginning, the plan was being eyed to see what works and what is feasible given the existing infrastructure. The Comprehensive Plan, of which the MBP is a part, says “streets, pedestrian paths and bicycle paths should contribute to a system of fully connected routes to all destinations.” Drew Meuer, Chair of Spokane’s Bicycle Advisory Board, said the MBP “identifies key routes for cyclists and allows the city to look for funding sources to complete routes throughout the city. A great example is the downtown bike loop, which has five miles of bike paths developed in the last couple of years. We need more successes like this.” The emphasis on revising the MBP is to make cycling more attractive to less experienced cyclists. Spokane’s Bicycle Advisory Board has been analyzing the present plan, looking at routes that may need to be rethought, with an eye toward developing a more complete network. Meuer says, “Unfortunately our beautiful sys-

tem of parks is challenging to access by bike.” Marked bike lanes can improve this access and the overall quality of life by calming traffic, reducing congestion and pollution while building a richer economic foundation. He adds that “Studies show walkable, bike-able neighborhoods boost home values and local economies by creating desirable places to live and work.” Revisions will be vetted in a series of open houses that are part of the Comprehensive Plan revision process. “My hope is that revisions do not dilute the intent of the plan, which is to provide a high quality network of paths that allow cyclists to access key destinations throughout Spokane,” Meuer says. This concern is shared by previous BAB Chair Bob Lutz who said the MBP might not overcome the institutional inertia within the city when difficult choices are faced. Barb Chamberlin, another former BAB chair, describes herself as being optimistic that the MBP will have meaning since bike infrastructure is highly cost-effective and contributes to improved quality of life and economic activity. //

Vintage Cars • Vintage Bikes Live Music • “Swamp Meet” at the

Swamp Tavern 10AM til ?

For Car Show Questions Contact Josh: 499.5422

Third Annual Spokane Vintage Bicycle Swap & Show 9AM - 3PM near

The Swamp Tavern

Banquet room available! Northern Lights Brewing Co. and Pub

For Bike Swap info contact Jeff: (509) 991-1292 • taylorj@gonzaga.edu May 2012

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Health andFitness Stamp out paddling shoulder Exercises Can Help / By Dr. Bob Lutz

and the lattisimus dorsi. The four rotator cuff muscles are the infraspinatus and supraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor. These small muscles are located on the upper and lower surfaces of the shoulder blade and work to rotate the humerus, as well as move it away and across your trunk. Their tendinous insertions onto the humerus create the “cuff ” overlying the humeral head and function to center and compress it into the socket. There are many exercises that work these dynamic stabilizers, and I’ve included a few Web sites below for starters. These can be done with

Market’s Open - May 12th! Serving the Spokane Community with more space, great vendors convenient parking and Live Music every Market Featuring Spokane’s finest Local, Natural and Organic: bountiful farm-fresh produce, fresh baked bread & pasteries, beef, pork, lamb, poultry, eggs, honey, fruit, and much, much more!

Open Saturdays through October 27th Wednesdays June 13th through October 31st 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (509) 995-0182 www.spokanefarmersmarket.org We accept: Visa/Mastercard, Food Stamps (EBT), WIC

I See Atticus & Boo Radley’s in your future (509)747-0336 Downtown Spokane (509) 456-7479 10

Out There Monthly / MAy 2012

Shoulder from gray’s anatomy.

Whether you’re kayaking, paddling or rowing, a little prevention is key—ask anyone who has spent a lot of time on the water and they’ll tell you that training goes a long way to making sure there’s no payback for the fun of being out there. I’ve talked about core strengthening in the past, and every outdoor and/or fitness magazine you read provides any number of exercises and routines. Likewise, yoga and Pilates are two practices that will help in this area. So this month, let’s consider the engine behind your stroke—the shoulder. Starting with a little anatomy, the primary shoulder joint is formally known as the glenohumoral joint (there are actually four shoulder articulations—can you identify the other three? See the answer below). It’s often compared to a golf ball on a tee because there’s very little bony contact between the head of the arm bone, the humerus, and the socket (known as the glenoid). This design maximizes mobility at the expense of bony stability. Static stabilizers—such as ligaments (structures that connect bone to bone) and the glenoid labrum (a piece of cartilage like the menisci in the knee), as well as dynamic stabilizers that include the four rotator cuff muscles and muscles that move the shoulder blade (scapula), such as the trapezius and the rhomboids—provide the essential structural elements that prevent the glenohumoral (GH) joint from dislocating every time it moves through its range of motion. While you can’t do much about the former, you can proactively strengthen the dynamic stabilizers. This will go a long way to ensuring your shoulders will be able to weather the repetitive movements of paddling or kayaking. Scapular stabilization is a fundamental component of shoulder strengthening, as it’s essential that all movements occur across the GH joint on a solid foundation. Muscles that attach along the medial border of the scapula include the trapezius, rhomboid major and rhomboid minor, and the serratus anterior. The middle portion of the trapezius and rhomboid muscles function to retract the scapula (think squeezing your shoulder blades together). The lower portion of the trapezius draws the scapula down the trunk, while the serratus anterior secures it medially. Other important shoulder muscles include the deltoids

You can proactively strengthen the dynamic stabilizers. therabands, hand weights or cable pulleys, and for more functional strengthening, can include use of equipment such as physioballs and rocker boards. For exercises working on scapular stabilization, a combination of strength and endurance is your goal, so plan on combining high reps with progressively increasing resistance workouts. Your goals for working on the rotator cuff muscles are similar with one caveat. These are small muscles (remember the four of them sit on your shoulder blade), and a common mistake is using too much weight or resistance. Using 1-5 lb. dumbbells or similar resistance will provide the strength component, and 2-3 sets of 20-30 reps will give you the endurance. Of course, all exercises should be done without pain, and if this occurs, consider decreasing weight or reps and make sure your technique is solid. In regards to flexibility, while strength is undoubtedly important, being able to move your shoulder blades through their full range of motion will increase the overall function of your shoulders. Last month’s introduction to one form of yoga practice lends to mentioning a few fundamental postures, such as Downward Facing Dog, Headstands and Shoulder stands that provide functional strength as well as flexibility (www. yogajournal.com/practice/792). This complements the more traditional resistance training discussed above, and combining strength with flexibility is a good preventive approach to the overuse and traumatic injuries that may occur. // (Answer: The other three articulations are the acromioclavicular, sternoclavicular and scapulothoracic joints.)

Online Resources: pamf.org/sports/king/ShoulderInstability.pdf orthodoc.aaos.org/drmoola/Scapular%20 Stabilization%20Exercises.pdf paddling.net/guidelines/showCategory. html?category=26 bodyresults.com/E2RotatorCuff.asp bodyresults.com/e2paddlingexercises.asp sportsinjuryclinic.net/anatomy/shoulder-anatomy paddling.net/guidelines/showArticle.html?148

GoGreen: Sustainable Living

There’s A Permaculture Convergence Coming West Central Neighborhood Hosts Event This Month / By Carolyn Connelly

a place where these principles can be effective in promoting change quickly,” Malone says. “The best investment we can make is retro-fitting residential and commercial properties in West Central to make them more energy efficient.” West Central has many old homes, and about 65 percent are not owner-occupied. “The transitory nature of the community makes long-term goals of neighborhood change more difficult, but these old homes are often for sale on large lots with room for a garden and inexpensive enough that energy efficient improvements would be affordable,” he says. “The neighbors I meet, who do live in West Central, are very involved and deeply care about the fate of their neighborhood.” While the Gathering will focus on Spokane’s West Central neighborhood, anyone is welcome and encouraged to attend, regardless of where he or she lives. Organizers hope people can take the principles they learn back to their own neighborhoods to help create change. Bethany Haynie, of the Spokane Time Exchange, says, “We want this event to start a movement.” //

WestCentralConvergence.

Greenhouse at Riverfront Farm, located in urban Spokane’s West Central neighborhood. // Photo courtesy of Riverfront Farm.

Spokane’s West Central neighborhood is hosting a week-long event, May 13-19, called “West Central Gathering” that hopes to be a catalyst for building a stronger, more resilient local network. Grassroots activists and volunteers from Project HOPE, the Spokane Time Exchange and the West Central Neighborhood Resiliency Convergence are organizing this event, which is described as “A Convergence of Ideas and People to Promote Neighborhood Resiliency Through Sustainable Food, Water, Energy, Exchange & Transportation Systems in Inner-City Spokane.” “The focus…is localization,” says Event Coordinator Patrick Malone, a West Central resident and co-owner of the sustainability consulting firm Community-By-Design. “[This event] is made up of a collection of workshops that are designed to empower a neighborhood—workshops designed to create real change through the process of learning by actually producing a product at the end that can be used.” Workshops are intended to teach practical steps toward self-reliance—“Not individual self-reliance but community reliance,” he says. The idea that you can count on your neighborhood for support, borrow a cup of flour, and have more of your needs met locally will be explored at the Gathering in many creative ways. According to local food activist Dave Weber, “Localism is the most effective way to democratize our necessities.” The event is organized into five systems of self-reliance, taught over five consecutive days: Monday is Economic systems, Tuesday is Energy Systems, Wednesday is Food Systems, Thursday is Water Systems, and Friday is Transportation Systems. “What will be addressed is how these systems can be changed in a way that makes a more selfresilient community,” says Malone. The Gathering will incorporate fun and play into its experimental education, and will start and

end with a celebration. “There is an expectation that education [should be] heavy…We want to make this fun for everyone,” Malone says.

Workshops are intended to teach practical steps toward self-reliance—“Not individual self-reliance but community reliance,” he says. To kick-off the week, an Opening Gathering will take place at Salem Lutheran Church (1428 W. Broadway) from 3:30 to 6:00 pm on Sunday, May 13. This is the public’s opportunity to sign up for workshops, and talk and meet with the instructors. As soon as workshops are selected, a block party on Broadway Avenue begins—featuring music and entertainment, including Spokane’s own fire spinnin’ hula hoop troupe, Visual Vortex. While permaculture is one theme for this event, it’s not just about permanent agriculture systems; it’s about the long-lasting community that is intrinsically linked with local and resilient systems that work with the natural environment rather than against it. For example, you will not be just an audience member learning how to make raised beds for your garden vegetables. Instead, you will learn by doing—wiping sweat from your brow and seeing what you’ve created at the end of the week: a garden bed to fill with vegetables, and maybe flowers, to share with your community. In addition, when the topic is energy conservation, discussion will include how it affects community building. “The West Central neighborhood is

For more information on the West Central Gathering, visit www.facebook.com/

SUSTAINABLELIVINGCALENDAR (Saturdays - May 5 - October 20) N.E.W. Farmers Market. When: 9 AM – 1 PM. Where: Main & Astor, downtown Colville, WA. Fresh, local fruits and vegetables in season, bedding plants and garden starts, artisan baked goods, gifts and crafts. 509-738-2089, johnpogar@yahoo.com. (May 5) Cheesemaking Workshop. When: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. Join Trish Vieira of Spokane Family Farms as she demonstrates cheese-making techniques. Cost: $20/person. Preregistration Required - only 15 spaces available. Info: 509-368-9378, sunpeopledrygoods.com (May 12) Garden Expo 2012 - “Adventures in G--rrr-dening!” When: 9 AM – 5 PM. Spokane

Community College Lair. Over 250 garden-related vendors. Plant sellers - nursery plants, garden stores, suppliers and manufacturers, unusual perennials, heirloom vegetables, tomato plants, bulbs, hosta, succulents, annuals, trees, garden artists and crafters, organizations. Enjoy educational and fun gardening seminars; grab a bite to eat, relax and listen to live music. Free Admission/Parking. Door Prizes, Seminars, Demos. Presented by The Inland Empire Gardeners. Info: gardenexpo@comcast.net, tieg.org.

(May 10) Intro to Xeriscaping. When: 4 - 6 PM. Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. Local botanist and experimental horticulturist Diane Stutzman will guide you through the benefits gardening & landscaping with native

plants. $15. Preregistration required. Info: 509368-9378, sunpeopledrygoods.com

(May 17) FREE Film Showing of “Inside Job”. When: 4 PM. Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave. The film looks at the spectacular rise and cataclysmic fall of deregulation in the United States and the systemic corruption of the financial services. Info: 509-368-9378, sunpeopledrygoods.com

(May 19) Intro to Herbal Medicine Making. When: 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM. Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave. Learn about growing and collecting herbs for teas, tinctures, salves and more. This is an intro to the series starting in June. FREE. Preregistration required. Info: 509368-9378, sunpeopledrygoods.com

(May 26) Intro to Beekeeping Workshop. When: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave. Learn all aspects of sustainably keeping bees. An introduction for people who are interested but aren’t sure how to get started. $20. Preregistration Required. Info: 509-368-9378, sunpeopledrygoods.com.

(May 26) Worm Composting Workshop for Kids! When: 1 - 3 PM. Where: Sun People Dry

Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave. Learn about the world of worms, then make your own worm compost bin to take home! Fee includes materials. $30. Preregistration required. Ages 6-12. Info: 509-3689378, sunpeopledrygoods.com // May 2012

/ Out There Monthly

Road Trips

Three Cool Desert Waterfalls Visit Them While You Can / By Jon Jonckers

April showers not only bring May flowers—they also contribute to local desert waterfalls. Admittedly, Palouse Falls is the most well known central Washington waterfall. But it isn’t necessarily the closest to Spokane or the most unique. Here are three beautiful waterfalls that are semi-obscure yet worthy of a half-day adventure. HOG CANYON FALLS empties into the northern inlet of Hog Lake near Fishtrap Lake. While the falls aren’t terribly high, dropping perhaps

The lush green plants that survive off the mist of the falls create beautiful, stunning scenery.

View of Hawk Creek Falls. // Photo by Jon Jonckers

Pedal the CHaFE 150, a magnificent ride through the lake and river valleys of Idaho and Montana. Or do the 80mile 1/2 CHaFE. Pick your challenge!

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Out There Monthly / MAy 2012

50 feet in all, the multi-tiered stairstep formation is set against a very well-formed outcrop of columnar basalt jointing. At the very bottom of the falls lie wide breadths of rocks and boulders that have broken off the adjacent cliffs and piled up so deep that the stream appears to vanish suddenly at the base of the falls, only to emerge in Hog Lake a few hundred feet downstream. This could be the most distinct and the most fickle of all three of these desert waterfalls. While it’s only 45 minutes from downtown Spokane, the falls do dry up by late spring. WHEN YOU GO: From I-90, take Fishtrap Exit 254. Turn south, cross over I-90, and drive 2 miles. Turn left on first road after passing through a railroad underpass. Drive 1.5 miles on gravel road. Turn south (right) at BLM access area. Drive 1-3/4 miles on rough road to an obvious parking area. From the car, pass through a fence, and follow a trail/old road through Ponderosa pine, until it joins an obvious path toward Hog Canyon Lake. If you turn towards the lake, and otherwise miss the main path, you can’t miss the lake. From the rim of the lake, just contour downhill to the unmistakable Hog Canyon Falls. TOWELL FALLS on Rock Creek requires a sixmile investment, but the payoff includes hiking through basalt mesas rising 150 to 200 feet, as well as great views of the Escure Ranch buildings across the creek. The waterfall itself only drops about 15 to 20 feet, but it happens at a braided portion of the creek and during peak flow it creates a series of waterfalls in a neat diagonal row. Reaching the trailhead may require a highclearance vehicle, but the trailhead is obvious and offers plenty of parking. The falls are at the end of a 3.2-mile dirt road, which is flat for the first half and rolling hills for the second half. After a mile, the trail angles away from

the creek, but then rejoins it again after another mile. As you approach the falls, it’s tough not to notice how much they appear like an oasis in the scabland environment. The lush green plants that survive off the mist of the falls create beautiful, stunning scenery. The brief history of these falls begins with John and Marcus Escure, Basque immigrants from Spain who brought their sheepherding skills to Washington shortly before World War II. While working as hired labor on others’ sheep ranches, the Escures managed to build their own flock. Then, in 1940, they acquired a ranch on which they started the Escure Sheep Company. Four additional Basque sheepherders from Jaurrieta, Spain, arrived in the early 1950s to assist the brothers in their centuries-old lifestyle of raising sheep. But ever since the BLM acquired the ranch in 1999, the rustic farm buildings have rested vacant. WHEN YOU GO: Take the Sprague exit off I-90. Go about 12 miles south on State Highway 23 and at a sharp left turn in the paved highway, turn right onto the gravel Davis Road. Continue about 6.5 miles south, staying on Davis Road past the Revere habitat management area. Turn left onto Jordan-Knott Road, cross the bridge over Rock Creek, and continue nearly 3 miles to the Rock Creek Management Area sign (or the Escure Ranch access road, as it appears on some maps). Follow this road to the trailhead. While HAWK CREEK FALLS might be the furthest away, it’s also the easiest to approach. Located on the Hawk Creek arm of Lake Roosevelt, this waterfall sprays out of an outlandish corner in an otherwise rust-red basalt wall. While the total drop exceeds 40 feet, a bend in the corner of the wall partially shrouds a portion of the waterfall. Depending on flow and sunlight, rainbows can reach both walls while yellow marsh grass waves in the breeze. If the water is low enough, one can wade across the creek for better views and better pictures. WHEN YOU GO: Directions to the waterfall couldn’t be simpler. Take Highway 2 to Davenport. Follow Highway 25 north towards the mouth of the Spokane River. Before you reach Fort Spokane, take a left on Miles-Creston Road. Follow Miles-Creston for about 8 miles until you see a sign to turn right for the Hawk Creek Campground. Hardly another mile further and you arrive at the primitive campground— basically, a 20-yard flat walk along the creek brings you to the waterfall, or you could just follow the noise. In case you’ve never been before, certainly consider a detour to Fort Spokane. In 1880, the U.S. Army established a fort above the confluence of the Spokane and Columbia Rivers. In 1898, the military fort was closed, but the buildings eventually became an Indian boarding school and tuberculosis hospital. The grounds are open year round. The Visitor Center and Museum are open in the summer and by request during the fall, winter and spring. //

What’s Your Gear: Heather Le Friec (Distance Running)

“Running is my life,” says 40-year-old Heather Le Friec. For some runners, this might be an exaggerated self-assessment, but for her it’s not. As she explains, “My husband, Andy, is an avid runner. I’m a Fitness & Health teacher and girls’ cross-country coach [at Lewis and Clark High School], president of the Spokane Swifts running team, a run ambassador for the ‘Inspire Daily’ program for Brooks Running, and a run ambassador for Lululemon. Most every day of the week I’m involved in a running commitment or activity.” Nicknamed “race junkie,” Heather loves to compete. “When you race, you see the benefits of your training,” she says. Her best performance, so far, was a third place finish at the Portland Marathon in 2002, with a

time of 2:56. At Bloomsday that same year, she won $500 for being the third place Washington finisher, with a time of 45:13. This year marks Heather’s 23rd time competing in the Lilac Bloomsday Run. She will toe the start line for the elite women’s wave, which begins at 8:45 am. She says she most enjoys “the black vulture at the top of Doomsday Hill—once I get to him, I know the hardest part is over and it’s time to drop it down a gear to the finish.” On Bloomsday morning, she will complete her usual pre-race rituals. This means eating toast with peanut butter, drinking black coffee, and listening to “Jock Jams” on her iPod. When training for a marathon—her favorite race distance—Heather builds her mileage to a peak of 70 per week. “In any given week I include one speed interval on track, a tempo run on the road, and a long easy run,” she says. “My other days are ‘recovery runs,’ and I always take a whole day off from running [each] week.” She has completed 35 marathons. “I’ve ‘hit the wall’ every time,” she says, “[but] I love the distance because it comes down to finding the physical and mental toughness to run through ‘the wall.’” Her favorite local training runs include the trails below the South Hill’s High Drive bluff and “mixed relays” on the track with the Spokane Swifts and Spokane Distance Project—two local running clubs. Heather’s other recreation interests include tennis, triathlon, rollerblading, skiing and rock climbing. In fact, before she became a runner during her junior year of high school (she grew up on Whidbey Island, in western Washington),

By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

Heather was a committed tennis player. “Once I started, I instantly was hooked and discovered I was much better at running than tennis.” She ran for Gonzaga University’s cross-country and track teams—earning West Coast Conference

“I love the distance because it comes down to finding the physical and mental toughness to run through ‘the wall’.” All-American honors in 1992 and 1993. A bone spur during her freshman year made her miss that year’s track season as well as most of her sophomore XC season because it was not properly diagnosed in the beginning. She describes this experience as her “greatest setback.” Still, there is nothing she doesn’t enjoy about running. “I love the challenge. I love to see how fast and far I can push myself,” she says. “It never gets easier, and whoever thinks it does isn’t pushing [herself] hard enough.” Heather’s enthusiasm makes her a natural coach. “I love coaching girls and women, because I feel that running is so empowering for anyone. When you experience the challenge of running, it makes you a stronger person and a more confident person in life,” she says. “My advice for [the female high school runners I coach] is to never underestimate yourself. Your mind is very

powerful, and your self-talk can help you or harm you. When races get hard I tell my athletes to give themselves positive self-talk—to start reminding themselves of all the hard workouts they’ve completed, that their bodies are not tired, it’s just their minds trying to tell them that. I believe what makes someone faster than another person has a lot to do with her mental toughness.” As a devoted runner now for more than 20 years, Heather says the sport has taught her three significant lessons. First: “The most important thing, when you have a bad race, is to remember that you had the guts and courage to finish. Second: “Sometimes it’s not about where you finished but about what you learned during the process of getting there.” And third: “Running is like ‘ebb and flow’—you will have good days and bad days. It’s all about sticking with it.” ------------------------------------------------------SHOES: Brooks Launch and Brooks Racer ST ------------------------------------------------------SOCKS: Fitsok ankle socks ------------------------------------------------------SHORTS: Brooks Infiniti ------------------------------------------------------SHIRT: Brooks Infiniti tank or Brooks Equilibrium LS ------------------------------------------------------RUNNING PANTS: Lululemon Run Spirit Tight ------------------------------------------------------WATCH: Garmin Forerunner 305 ------------------------------------------------------MISC. GEAR: Lululemon no-slip headband and Brooks Seamless Arm Warmers. //

Free to Spokane County businesses!

Let us show you how to reduce your trash disposal bill while becoming a better recycler Pacific Materials Exchange, in partnership with Spokane Regional Solid Waste System, is offering free assessment services to Spokane County businesses that are interested in reducing their disposal bills and increasing their recycling efforts. The services are provided completely without charge and all collected data is confidential. Several levels of assessment are available, ranging from a packet of information to an in-depth on-site consultation and survey.

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www.TalkTrashSpokane.com Recycling Hot Line 625-6800

Partial funding provided by a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology. May 2012

/ Out There Monthly

Bicycle Racing in Wallace, Idaho! 2012 Silver Spokes Wallace Omnium Downtown Historic District!

Friday, July 6 and Saturday, July 7 2012

Over $1500$ Cash & Prizes +Medals! 3 Races 2 days, Street Fair, Shops, FAMILY FUN!

Novices Ok! 1 day USCF license, helmet, proper equipment required

Punish Stuff All-Purpose Shorts

The Hurley Phantom Walkshorts Are Tough / By John Speare Hurley Phantom Walkshorts • Price: $60 • Pros: stretchy, quick drying, durable, no cargo pockets • Cons: women’s version is girly (is that a con?); pricey? • Website: www.hurley.com It’s May. It’s been shorts season for a solid month now. Last year, in April, I visited San Diego and only brought one pair of shorts. My wife went to a local surf shop and picked up these Hurley Phantom Walkshorts. These are not bike shorts! They’re just “walking

Hercules TimeTrial 2.4 mi(fast!) Fri July 6@7:00pm Dobson Pass Hill Climb 5mi to the top! Sat July7@10:45am Downtown Wallace Criterium $$$ Sat July7@ 3:45pm

DURABILITY: I’ve had my initial pair for over a year now. I’ve ridden at least 1,000 miles in them. I’ve swam in them. I’ve camped in them. They are well-used and abused. They show very little wear. Most shorts that I ride a full summer in usually start thinning or tearing at the seat bones, but these shorts are holding up fine. There are no loose threads and no tears or rips. It’s worth noting that I’ve blown out many shorts and pants over the years in much less saddle time. In fact, aside from bike-specific shorts, I can’t think of another pair of pants or shorts that have held up as well as these Hurley shorts have in the sit bones.

ENTER 1,2, or 3 Races! $Prizes for Races & Omnium (race2+ Races) - Net Proceeds to bene�it Friends Of The Coeur d’Alene Trails More Info: www.friendsofcdatrails.org Race Director stevepro65@gmail.com www.usacycling.org u.s.c.f. permit pending

HURLEY PHANTOM WALKSHORTS. // Photo courtesy of hurley.

shorts.” And they are hands down, the best shorts I’ve ever had. Here’s why I love them: COMFY: These shorts are made from a stretchy poly blend with 85% poly and 15% spandex. So they’re just silly comfortable and stretchy wonderful. I wear them almost every day in the summer. I can cycle in them for hours a day over many days with no bunching or binding or other weirdness. NORMAL LOOKING: I’m really tired of the cargo pant thing. It seems that most shorts today

Out There Monthly / MAy 2012

have cargo pockets, and I don’t want them or need them. These shorts are a welcome change from the cargo style: they have normal “trouser” style pockets and straight legs. Generally, these shorts are SoCal in their styling, which happens to suit me just fine. I like the clean lines and sort of fuddy-duddy, almost-butnot-quite Bermuda short vibe. Even though they’re “spandex’y,” they hang nicely and don’t feel or look form fitting. They even have normal belt loops, instead of the ubiquitous internal webbing belt thing that so many shorts now include. Style-wise, they seem like shorts my father would’ve worn growing up in Downey, California, in the early 60s.

DRY QUICK: In the summer, I try to plan rides around swimming destinations. I don’t want to swap between riding shorts and swimming shorts, so I always try to find a good short that works well for riding and hopefully dries reasonably quick. I tend to just wear the same shorts all day while riding and swimming—and if I’m camping, I’ll just keep wearing them to bed. These shorts work well for this scenario because they dry in an hour or so. THE CONS Both of these cons are questionable. The first has to do with the women’s version of this short. Men are allowed to be fuddy-duddy. And in this case, there is sort of a cool ironic element to that fuddy-duddiness. To be clear, the authority a dorky 40-year-old white dude like me wields in the realm of “cool” and “ironic” are highly-suspect. That fact is not lost on me. That said, I find the women’s version of these shorts to be equally “SoCal” in their styling. I like them, but with their low-back, short-short cuts, they’re not at all similar to the men’s version in styling. I have to wonder how versatile they’d be to wear all day while riding and swimming. If it’s not clear so far, one huge benefit I see to these shorts is the fact that I rarely take them off. The final con is the price. Which is silly. Yes: you can buy shorts way cheaper. But you can also spend a bunch more on much less durable shorts. And I have. These shorts are a value if you buy them to wear them all the time. //

advertisement is correct. Phone: (206) 418-0747; Fax (206) 418-0746. Thank you.

Everyday Cyclist GetTing In Sync On A Tandem Ride Easy With These Tips / By Hank Greer

cy cl e

te s

ry to ac kf

them. My stoker is my wife of nearly 32 years so it’s understandable why my communication skills are so well developed. She has trained me well. And I value my kidneys. “Stopping.” The stoker has responsibilities, too. The stoker pedals. The stoker can sight see and take pictures of the scenery. (Don’t forget to tell your captain your hands are off the bars.) The stoker stays upright and centered, because leaning to one side or the other throws the bike off balance and makes the captain unhappy. The stoker does not get on or off the bike until the captain says she’s ready for you to do so. “Coast.” A tandem is great for riders with different strengths who want to ride together, which was the reason my wife and I got the bike in the first place. The tandem bike is also great for allowing children and disabled people to enjoy riding. If you’d like to learn more about tandem riding, I recommend reading the late Sheldon Brown’s web page on the topic (http://sheldonbrown.com/ tandem.html). “Shifting down.” Just because you have two engines, it doesn’t mean you have to go fast on a tandem. There is something to be said for those slow pleasure cruises through the neighborhood. By the way, a good opportunity for that is coming up with two events in June for Summer Parkways. (Go to summerparkways.com for details.) “Ready, go!” //

There are common commands or you can make up your own, but the point is you must work them out. tre

come without some cautions. When my wife and I got our bike twelve years ago, the owner of the local bike shop referred to it as a marriage validation device. It didn’t take very many mistakes on my part for me to understand why. “Ready for you to get on.” Tandem riders consist of a team: the captain and the stoker. The captain not only pedals but also is responsible for steering, gear selection, braking and keeping the bike upright when it’s stopped. The stoker—the namesake of those who tended to steam locomotives many years ago—is responsible for supplying power. The captain sees the path ahead while the stoker sees the captain’s backside. The captain has complete control and must earn the stoker’s trust. The stoker relinquishes control and can thump the captain’s back when the captain makes a bone-jarring mistake. Yes, it’s quite likely I’m speaking from personal experience. “Slowing.” The key to riding a tandem is effective communication. The captain must tell the stoker what is going on and give the stoker enough time to prepare for what the captain is about to do. The unexpected makes riding a tandem unpleasant for the stoker. And if the stoker is not happy then the fun of riding a tandem is over. For example—and this is a critical one—if you’re riding a single bike and you’re approaching a speed bump, what do you do? Most people stop pedaling just before the bump and raise their seat off the saddle so the bump doesn’t jar them. Once over the bump they sit back down and resume pedaling. This technique works just as well on a tandem, but consider it from a stoker’s perspective if the captain forgets about her. “Right turn.” You’re riding along and enjoying the warm sunny day when suddenly the captain stops pedaling. Since your pedals are connected with a synchronized chain, the leg that was just pushing down meets sudden, unexpected resistance. Your legs have jarred to a stop and you barely have

Riding at summer parkways. // Hank Greer

time to think, “What the…?”, when the rear wheel passes over the bump. Bam! With your legs frozen in mid-stroke and your full weight on the saddle, the bump propels the saddle upwards connecting to your backside with the force of a batter who was given the sign to swing away. Ouch! Do that one too many times and the captain’s kidneys suffer retaliatory blows from the stoker’s fists and it’s time to put the bike away. “Sitting up to take pictures.” That example alone should be enough to clue you in on the necessity for effective communication. There are common commands or you can make up your own, but the point is you must work them out together and ensure you have a common understanding. Taking the speed bump example, when I see a bump or pothole that I can’t avoid, I give my stoker the warning, “Bump!” Once I give the warning, we pedal one complete revolution before we stop and raise our backsides off the saddles. That last bit of pedaling gives my stoker enough time to process my warning and prepare to stop pedaling. In order to give the warning in enough time I have to keep a close eye on the road ahead. My stoker trusts me to either avoid bumps and potholes or give ample warning about

fre

I’m reminded of how much fun riding a tandem bicycle is every time I see a couple riding one. It’s like synchronized strolling through the park or synchronized running on a road, which is essentially the best thing about a tandem— you ride together. But riding a tandem does not

TEST RIDE factorydemo LOCATION: Riverside State Park / Bowl & Pitcher Area DATE / TIME: Saturday, May 19th & Sunday, May 20th 10AM - 3PM 4427 N Aubrey L White Parkway, Spokane, Washington 99205 Please note a Discover Pass will be required to enter park.

May 2012

/ Out There Monthly

Outdoor Calendar CLIMBING (Ongoing Mondays & Wednesdays) Spider Monkeys Climbing Club. When: 5 – 7PM. Where: Wild Walls,

202 W. 2nd Ave. For kids ages 4 – 10 years. Please call ahead. Come climb and meet new friends! Info: 509-455-9596.

(May 5) Rise and Conquer Climbing Competition. When: All day. Where: Wild Walls, 202 W. 2nd Ave. More than just a local climbing competition, it promises to be a day of fun for all ages. Info: wildwalls.com.

(May 9 & 23) Discover Rock Class. When; 6 - 8 PM. Where: Mountain Gear 2002 N. Division. Everything you need to harness up, tie in and belay with confidence. This class is for those who wish to get into climbing, as well as for parents wishing to get their young ones climbing safely $20. Info: (509) 325-9000.

(May 10) Climbing Gear–The Nuts & Bolts. When: 7

PM. Where: Mountain Gear 2002 N. Division. An informal-informative presentation about climbing gear by Black Diamond expert Eddie Whittemore. How it is manufactured, how it is tested and the standards; then a bit about care and retiring with a Q & A session to follow. Bring your gear and your questions to this fun informative evening. Info: (509) 325-9000.

(May 12) Youth Intro to Rock. When 1 – 3PM. Where: Where: Mountain Gear 2002 N. Division. Get your child ready for climbing! The class will introduce them to climbing safety, belaying techniques and knots, all taught by a certified instructor. We want to build their confidence so lots of climbing time will be involved. All equipment provided. Mountain Gear Ages 7-11. $20. Info: 509-328-9900. (May 31) Discover Rock Women. When: 6 – 8 PM.

Where: Mountain Gear 2002 N. Division. This fun filled all women’s class is your introduction to safety, knot tying, belaying and of course climbing techniques on the wall. You will be taught by certified and experienced instructors what you need to know for climbing at an indoor climbing gym. All equipment supplied for class. $20 Info: 509-328-9900.

Where: Spokane and vicinity. Spokane BOMB (Believers On Mountain Bikes) is a non-denominational Christian fellowship leading monthly group rides starting in April. Everyone welcome, helmets required. Info: spokanebomb@yahoo.com, spokanebomb.com.

(Ongoing Saturdays) Weekly Urban Bike Races.

Submit your event at www.outtheremonthly.com

SIXMONTHTRAININGCALENDAR CYCLING (Ongoing - August 2012) Baddlands Cooper Jones Twilight Series Races. When: Tuesday evenings at 6

When: 6 - 7 PM. Where: Cda Park. Bike Races, Format by Popular Vote at time of Race. Formats are : Relay, Picture hunt, Follow the clues, Sticker slap race. Road bikes Suggested. Prizes! Info: 313-7571888, facebook.com/event.php?eid&3050340401358

PM. Where: Cheney, Spokane, Rathdrum, Liberty Lake, Steptoe Butte. USAC Sanctioned bicycle racing. Road races and crits. A, B, C, and Wms Packs. Info: 509-456-0432, baddlands.org.

(Ongoing) WOW Cycling Spokane. WOW is excited that Spring is here! Check our FaceBook page for upcoming rides and activities! Tailwinds to you! Info: 509-951-6366, wowcycling.com.

When: 8 AM - 2 PM. Where: Various. A series of road races and criteriums on fast, fun courses throughout the Inland area. Info: 509-868-8604, spokanerocketvelo.com.

(Ongoing) Belles and Baskets. Whatever style your

cycle, join other Spokane women for no-drop rides, treats, and friendship. Info: 509-951-4090, facebook. com/bellesandbaskets.

(Ongoing) Spokane Bicycle Club. S.B.C. offers eight

weekly rides of various lengths and difficulty for members and non-members. Check the web site for ride details. Info: 509-747-5581, spokanebicycleclub. org.

(May 1 - August 31) Coeur d’Alene Commuter Challenge. When: Anytime. Where: All throughout

Coeur d’Alene. Several local businesses have joined together to provide special discounts on selected items to bicycle commuters who pedal to participating shops and stores. Info: 208-667-8969, facebook. com/pages/Coeur-dAlene-Commuter-Challenge

(May 3) Bike Commuting Basics. When: 7 PM. Where: REI, 1125 N Monroe. REI Outdoor School instructors will teach you what you need to know to use your bike as transportation. Register at rei.com/ Spokane. Info: 509-328-9900, rei.com/spokane. (May 16, ending June 27) Wednesday Night Mountain Bike and Trail Run Series. When: 5 PM. Where:

(Ongoing - August 2012) Inland Road Race Series.

(June 9-10) Mountain Bike Skills Clinic. $40 plus

10 mile trail runs guaranteed to challenge! Info: smtrailrun.com

(August 18) Strides For Strong Bones 5k Fun Run/ Walk. Info: 509-953-9924, emdesports.com. (August 25) Dwight Dash 2012- 5k & 10k Run. The Dwight Dash is a unique 5k and 10k urban trail run. $19 early registration, $29 day of. Info: 509625-6546, bit.ly/dwight_2012 (September 1) 7K at Seven Bays. Seven Bays, WA. Info: 7K at Seven Bays Facebook page.

(September 8) Fairhaven Runners Waterfront 15K in Bellingham. Info: 360-778-7000, cob.org/ser-

variable membership dues. Info: Mtb-clinic@spokanemountaineers.org, spokanemountaineers.org.

vices/recreation/races.

(June 10) Mad Dash. Farragut State Park. 4 & 8

Info: 509-982-2281

hour lap race for solos and teams. Info: 208-6640135, adventuresportsweekidaho.com

(July 14) Cool Water Bikes Poker Ride and Run! Info: CoolWaterBikes.org, 509-838-8580. (July 16) 34th Annual Pioneer Plod Fun Run. 5k

and 10k; runners, walkers, and wheelchairs welcome. Davenport, WA. Info: 509-944-1430, info@ pioneerdays.org.

(July 21) Jedermann Gran Fondo. Cheney. Ride as

(September 15) Odessa Dueschesfest Fun Run. (September 16) Scenic Half Marathon, Sandpoint, ID. Info: 208-263-2161, scenichalf.com. (September 29) Wild Moose Chase Trail Run. Info: 509-994-0616, wildmoosechasetrailrun.com

(October 13) Sekani Trail Run 2012- 5k & 10k Run.

Info: 509-625-6546, bit.ly/sekani_2012

TRIATHALON

an individual or on a 2-Person Relay Team. Info: 509-326-6983, emdesports.com

(June 24) Ironman, Coeur d’Alene. Info: iron-

(July 21) Purpleride: Spoke d’ Alene. 4, 15, 36 or

(July 21) Tiger Triathlon. The Tiger Triathlon

56 miles or 5K walk. Benefits Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Info: 509-990-9119, purpleride. org.

(July 22) Gran Fondo Mt Bike-50 Miles at the Pass. 4th of July Pass-Nordic Ski Trailhead. A Gran Fondo Mountain Bike ride-10,17,35,50 mile distances,5 aid stations. Info: 208-667-8969, bicycleservice.com/4thJuly.

mancda.com.

course takes place within the Colville National Forest and surrounding areas. 1k Swim 40k. Info: 509-684-6037, tigertri.com

(August 19) West Plains WunderWoman Triathlon.

The 6th Annual Sprint Distance and new this year, Olympic Distance Women’s only triathons. Info: 509-953-9924, emdesports.com.

(September 8&9) Bike MS 2012. Cycle 150 miles in

CYCLING

Riverside State Park, 7-Mile Airstrip. New this year with the MTB Series, trail running! Running Courses different than the Bike Courses, new course each week. Fun for all abilities! Info: 509-435-1304, 2g1devents.com.

2 days. Info: 509-482-2022, bikeMSnorthwest.org.

Moran State Park Orcas Island. Info: 360-3763111, info@friendsofmoran.com

(Ongoing) Mountain Bike Rides. When: Varies.

(May 20) Tour de Cure. Four routes, 100, 50, 25, and

MARATHONS

MULTI-SPORT / ADVENTURE RACING

(June 9) Farragut State Park. 1/2, marathon, 50k & 52 trail runs. Info: 208-664-0135, adventuresportsweekidaho.com

Farragut State Park. Info: 208-664-0135, adventuresportsweekidaho.com

Win this. TrueBody Facial natural soap only has 5 ingredients and no artifical ingredients or animal byproducts.

Photo of the Month Send your outdoor photo, 3 meg or less, with caption to editor@outtheremonthly.com. Deadline for May 5/15/12. Winner gets TrueBody facial soap.

Congratulations to Charlie Abrahamson, who won April’s photo of the month and recieves a Selk Bag. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. By entering the contest you grant non-exclusive rights to Out There Monthly to publish your photo in our Photo of the Month feature. See page 21 for more details. 16

Out There Monthly / MAy 2012

(June 10) St. Joe River Marathon, 1/2 Marathon and 5K Run. Info: 208-582-0898, stjoerivermarathon.com.

RUNNING (June 23) Justin C Haeger 10 Miler. When: 8 AM. Where: Spokane Falls Community College. 10 mile race to celebrate the life of Justin Haeger. Over the years, this race has raised over $18,000 for Daybreak Youth Services. Info: 509-991-9779, jchtenmiler.com

(July 17, 24 & 31) U District Summer Series. 5k

and 1 mile fun run Tuesday nights. Kids are FREE! Info: 509-458-7686, kirsten@udistrictpt.com

(July 21) Schweitzer Mountain Trail Run. 3.5 and

(September 2) Steve Braun Memorial Triathlon.

(June 9 & 10) Crux and Crucible Adventure Race.

(June 16) Dirty Dash. & Peak 7 Adventures partner! Enter promo code: ‘PEAK7’ and the Dirty Dash will give back 1/2 of your registration fee to local outdoor charity Peak 7 Adventures! Info: 509-3853123, www.peak7.org.

(August 12-18) Expedition Idaho. Kellogg, ID. 7 days, 500 miles, multi-day adventure race. Info: 208-664-0135, expeditionidahorace.com. (August 25) North Idaho Mudfest and Family Adventure Trail Run. Info: northidahomudfest.

com.

(September 15) Mountain Du. Riverside State

Park Mountain Duathlon. Info: 509-326-6983, emdesports.com. //

Outdoor Calendar

(May 20) Spokane Trailquest. When: registration

(May 27) Coeur d’Alene Marathon. Info: 509-979-

& start anytime between 8 & 11 AM. Where: Great Northern Elementary School in Spokane. It’s like a scavenger hunt on a mountain bike. Ride alone or with a partner. $25 each includes a free T-shirt, lunch, & awards. Info: 509-280-5251, spokanetrailquest.weebly.com.

(May 26-27) 24 Hours Round the Clock. “Round the

Clock” is a 24 hour team relay mountain bike race, beginning at noon on Saturday and ending at noon on Sunday. Info: www.roundandround.com.

(June 2) CHaFE 150. Where: Sandpoint, ID. Oneday, 150 or 80-mile ride. Info: 208-290-7148, chafe150.org.

RUNNING/WALKING (Ongoing) Gals Get Going. When: Orientation at

REI, March 7 at 7pm. Training for Bloomsday for all abilities! Meets weekly on Tuesday AM or Wednesday PM for comraderie and a coached workout! Info: galsgetgoing.com, Kirsten@galsgetgoing.com.

(May 5) Brooks Gait Analysis. When: 9:30 AM - 4

PM. Where: REI, 1125 N Monroe. Join Brooks and REI for a free gait analysis and running shoe fit, whether you’re just starting out or gearing up for spring. Info: 509-328-9900, rei.com/spokane

(May 12) Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County Jordan Johnson Memorial Fun Run/Walk. When:

4370.

(June 2) Reardan Mule Chase. When 8 AM. Where:

Joe B. Johnson Field at Reardon High School. Runners kick off the day when Jack sets the pace on the course of the 5K and 10K runs early in the morning. All full entry participants receive a custom designed t-shirt. Info: reardanmuledays.net/forms. html#Run.

(June 2) Glenrose Mountain Goat Challenge. When:

8 AM. Where: Chase Middle School 4747 East 37th Ave. Spokane, WA. Heart pounding 10K with 660+ Elevation Gain. Proceeds will go to the Glenrose Community Association, Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery and Shriners Hospital forChildren. Info: 509-869-0189, mountaingoatchallenge.com.

(June 3) Beaches to Boulders. When: 9 AM. Where: Farragut State Park, 5k, 10k and 9 mile trail runs on one of the most beautiful courses anywhere! Part of Adventure Sports Week. Info: 208-664-0135, adventuresportsweekidaho.com

TRIATHLONS (June 2) Farragut International and Sprint Triathlon. When: Noon. Where: Farragut State Park. Olympic and Sprint distance tri and duathlon on one of the most scenic courses you will ever find! Info: 208664-0135, adventuresportsweekidaho.com

(June 2) Farragut Kid’s Triathlon. When: 10 AM. Where: Farragut State Park, Perfect tri for the youngest racers age 5 - 12! Part of Adventure Sports Week and the Farragut International Tri! Info: 208-6640135. adventuresportsweekidaho.com.

ADVENTURE RACING / MULTISPORT

(May 16 – June 27) Wednesday Night Trail Run and Mountain Bike Series. When: 5 PM. Where:

(May 19) U. S. Navy Seal Fitness Challenge. Info: SpokaneSports.org.

(May 19) Wilbur Wild Goose Bill Chase. Where: Wilbur, WA. Wilbur’s annual fun run is the Wild Goose Chase. It is a 5K run with a T-shirt for everyone who enters and medals for the winners. Info: 509-641-1310. (May 19) Windermere Marathon, Spokane. Info:

windermeremarathon.com.

(May 19) The Running of the Rams 5K. When: 11AM. Where: Riverside High School (back trails). Don’t stop running after Bloomsday! Come join us for this beautiful 5K trail run/walk. Medals for top runners. Only $5. Info: 509-464-8527, sheila.messick@rsdmail.org (May26) Creston Butte or Bust. When: 9 AM.

Where: Creston, WA. The 32nd Annual Butte or

(June 19) NIC Adventure Race. The 8th Annual

NIChallenge will continue to start and finish at the same time allowing racers to optain as many checkpoints as they can in the time provided. This will eliminate the need for a short and long course. Checkpoints will be labeled: Easy, Moderate, and Tough Guy. The point value associated with each checkpoint will reflect its relative difficulty. The team in each division to acquire the most points within the time provided will win. New racers may choose to attain only the “easy” checkpoints while the seasoned vets will find out just how “tough” they really are. Total Race Time: 5 hours. Activities/ Distances: Trail Run: 1 – 8 miles, Mt. Bike: 6 – 20 miles, Paddle: 0.5 – 5 miles, Special Challenges: along the way. Info: nic.edu/op

PADDLING / RIVER SPORTS (May 5) 6th Annual CDA Paddlefest. When: 9 AM - 3

PM. Where: Independence Point, Cd’A. Free and open to the Public. Come see what is new in the paddle world. Try kayaks, stand up paddleboards

(May 8) Mountaineers Kayak Basics. When: 7 PM. Where: REI, 1125 N Monroe. Description: Learn about types of boats, gear and where to go from the experienced paddlers of the Spokane Mountaineers. This class is free to attend. Info: 509-328-9900, rei. com/spokane (May 22) Canoe & Kayak Demo. When: 5:30 – 7:30

PM. Spokane River Boulder Beach. Whether you’re a new boater or want to take your paddling to the next level, come try the latest in kayaking and canoeing with Mountain Gear’s free demos. Conveniently located at the Spokane River’s Boulder Beach, these demos are a great opportunity to try new boat designs. If there is a boat you would like to have brought out, just give us a call the day of, and we will have it waiting for you. Info: (509) 325-9000.

(May 23) Basic Canoeing. When: 5:30 – 9 PM. Location: Call for specifics. This class is designed to get you into your canoe and to your destination with as little effort and stress as possible. Class covers boat types, basic and some advanced strokes, appropriate clothing combinations, safety for both self and others, paddles, storage and rigging. $30. Info: (509) 325-9000.

YOGA (Ongoing - June 22) Iyengar Yoga Classes for Beginners. When: Mon 9:30 AM, Tues & TH at

6 PM. Where: Sunflower Yoga 6413 E. 14th Ave. Iyengar yoga is known for its therapeutic benefits for all levels, use of props and clear instruction. Gentle and intermediate classes also offered. Info: 509-5357369, sunfloweryoga.net.

(Ongoing Tuesdays) All Levels Yoga! When: 5:30. Where: Centennial Distributing 701 W. Buckles Hayden, ID. All levels Vinyassa flow yoga class. $5. Info: hmwpalmer@gmail.com, 206-375-2183.

EVENTS/MOVIES/MISC… (May 2) “The Spider” - Comic signing. When: 5 – 7 PM. Where: Merlyn’s 19 W Main. Local Artist Colton Worley will be doing a signing of his new comic “The Spider” from National comic company Dynamic Comics Wednesday, May 2nd from 5pm - 7pm. We are thrilled and amazed with the new art in his book. Spokane needs to know about how local artists and creators can make it big. Info: 509-624-0957. (May 8) Devi Dance Studio- Bellydance Spring Session. When: Tuesday/Thursday 5:45 - 7:15 PM. Where: Lotus Self Defense Academy. Devi Dance Studio offers an innovative beginning-advanced bellydance program. Come learn this art-form in a supportive environment! No experience necessary. Info: devidancestudio.com.

(May 9) What is My Dog Saying at the Dog Park?. When: 6 PM. Where: REI, 1125 N Monroe. Learn how your dog communicates with Carol Byrnes from Diamonds in the Ruff. Suggested donation fo $20 supports the Dog Park at High Bridge. Info: 509328-9900, rei.com/Spokane.

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

9 AM. Where: Greyhound Park and Centennial Trail, Post Falls. 5k, 10k Run/Walk, kids 1 mile, T-shirts, Vendors, snacks, activities followed by the Ice Cream Challenge. Benefits Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai Co. Info: 208-457-9089. bgc-northidaho. org.

and more. Info: 208-676-1533.

MAY 2012

(May 20) Spokane Trailquest. It’s like a scavenger hunt on a mountain bike. Info: 509-280-5251, spokanetrailquest.weebly.com.

Bust Run is sponsored by the Creston Community Club and benefits their Scholarship Fund. There is both a 3.5 and 6.2 mile race. Creston, WA is located 60 miles West of Spokane on Highway 2 . Info: visitlincolncountywashington.com/CrestonRaceform-2012.pdf

a family ride. All routes are fully supported. Info: 509-624-7478, diabetes.org/tour.

(June 25 - August 24) Mobius Summer Camps. When: All Day. Mobius Kids Children’s Museum and Mobius Science Center. Get Slimed! Fly an airplane! Launch a catapult! Discover while you play. // May 2012

/ Out There Monthly

A moose swims at Upper Priest Lake. // All photos by Amy Sinisterra. 18

Out There Monthly / MAy 2012

It’s a ubiquitous summer phrase in Spokane: “Going to the lake.” For some, the body of water referenced is Coeur d’Alene; for others, Newman or Hayden lakes. For many, though, the “lake” in the phrase is Priest, probably the most popular water destination in the area and certainly the most scenic (apologies to Pend Oreille enthusiasts). As is often the case when those two words (“popular” and “scenic”) inhabit the same sentence, the conflicting energies of access and conservation can conflict. For Priest Lake, this friction is certainly a fact; for nearby Upper Priest Lake, the conflict would probably be better described as a crisis (***more on this later). Still, despite overuse and abuse, Upper Priest Lake remains a beautiful and worthwhile paddle destination, probably one of the premier lakes of this sort in the Northwest. Let’s hope that, in the next decades, this statement can retain some semblance of truth.

(including morels). In fall, huckleberries can be plucked from their squat bushes. Rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, kayaking and, most importantly for our purposes, canoeing are all viable activities in the area. 2. THE PADDLE If you’re thinking about making this trip before mid-June, then call before you go (208-4432512); the Priest Lake ranger district can give you

help, but the trail is bumpy and demands careful attention. The portage launch is about a half mile upstream from the jetty protecting the Thorofare’s entrance into the main lake. It’s a great option on windy days. The towering trees on both sides of the channel create a watery tunnel about thirty yards across. Varying in depth, the channel is relatively shallow (creating a challenge for some of the larger boats that try to chug, chug up from the main lake—an

you can decide to utilize one of the four developed and numerous undeveloped camping sites that literally surround the lake. The first one, Geisengers, is literally right at the mouth of the Thorofare. It’s a pleasant spot that witnesses a lot of traffic (it’s a first bathroom stop for some), and you should plan on picking up some trash if you stay here and know that every boat and kayak that journeys to the lake will pass within fifty yards of your camp. Does that sound like a buzz-

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I have seen deer, moose, osprey, heron, eagles and a swimming black bear in this short stretch of water. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

information about the strength of the current in The Thorofare—only the most experienced of paddlers should attempt this trip before the end of late spring/early summer snowmelt. Run-off 1. BACKGROUND AND FACTS In 1846, missionary Father Desmet originally makes the usually negligible current quite strong named this body of water Lake Roothan after the and submerged hazards and debris are possibilicontroversial Jesuit Jan Roothan of Amersterdam; ties before the water and channel have stabilized. To be safe, call the rangers to get an accurate estimation of such challenges. The author Tod After the drive to the lake, you need to Marshall paddles Upper Priest Lake. decide your launching point. There are two // Photo Amy possibilities. Both have minor drawbacks. Sinisterra. First, you can park at the main paddle launch onto the beach near Beaver Creek Campground on the northwest corner of the main lake. The beach here is nice and offers a nice place for a swim; the view of the Selkirk crest to the east is splendid. If you’ve gotten a late start driving to the lake, then Beaver Creek campground is a serviceable (if busy) option for a place to pitch a tent, roast some marshmallows, and get a good night’s sleep. In order to use this launch to get to the Thorofare and Upper Priest Lake, though, you have to paddle across about a half mile of Priest Lake; on some days, this is no problem, the clear and smooth water will make for a magical start to the journey. However, if the wind is strong from either the south or the north— and especially from the south—then you might be navigating over huge waves that could, if your boat is laden with gear for an overnight stay at the upper lake, create challenges and potential danger. Be prudent; the main lake is long and the wind can create a hazard. Look for the sandy about twenty years later, Captain John Mullan opening at the west end of the jetty where you can changed the name to Kaniksu, which probably slip-slide a quick portage and avoid paddling all means “black robe,” referring, of course, to the the way to the end of the structure. Remember, garb of the Jesuit missionaries. Over the next you’ll have to paddle this corner of the lake on fifty years, the name was simplified to Priest your way out unless, of course, it’s so violently Lake, probably in reference to the long-standing windy that humping the canoe up the portage history of the Jesuits in the area, as well as the and walking to retrieve your car is a safer option mission on Kallispell bay that dates back to the (do this if the wind is brutal!). Regardless, once you’re in the Thorofare, the paddle up to the lake 1840s and the time of Desmet. The lake is one of the largest in Northern Idaho is mildly laborious (there is a downstream current, (third behind Pend Oreille and Couer d’alene); it of course), but the clear water (where you might is about 19 miles long and 4.4 miles wide; its deep- see huge pike minnows and other fish darting est spot is about 370 feet. The inlet at the north about), overhanging trees and the peaceful scenend of the lake marks the beginning of a chan- ery will make for a calming float (***probably— nel called the Thorofare that connects the main more on this later). If you elect to park your car and use the portage body of water with Upper Priest Lake, a 3.5 mile long body of water that is part of the Upper Priest launch to start your paddle, then you’ll be faced Lake Scenic Area—a designation given in 1968 with, well, a portage: it’s only a quarter of a mile, but, when you factor in gear—paddles and PFDs that provides some protection for the area. Dolly Varden, Lake and Cutthroat trout all and tents and sleeping bags and coolers and etc., inhabit these waters (although the Thorofare is etc.—it’s usually quite a challenge to make it down closed to fishing, and you should check regula- to the launch in one trip. Factor in that a quarter tions on the lakes and tributaries); black and griz- of a mile feels like three miles when you’re carryzly bear, cougar, elk, moose, deer and other mam- ing a canoe; take your time, allow for a few trips mals inhabit the lush terrain. Mushrooms abound up and down the gentle hillside. Canoe carts can

obstacle that doesn’t seem to discourage them). Mosquitoes thrive here early in the season—in fact, early in the summer, this whole trip is one for which you need either strong repellant or a staunch resistance to the pesky bugs. I have seen deer, moose, osprey, heron, eagles and a swimming black bear in this short stretch of water; caribou may or may not haunt about the area; grizzlies are certainly around. The slow paddle to the upper lake can offer a glimpse of wildlife both common and rare to the area; the entire Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area is a rich and relatively intact eco-system rife with diversity. Of course, it helps to paddle along quietly, and it helps if loud motorboats aren’t blaring party music and breaking the five mile-perhour speed limit (***which happens quite a bit— more on this later). After the 45-minute or so paddle to Upper Priest Lake, you can have a picnic, enjoy the scenery, fish, swim, hike on the trails that surround the lake, and then head for home toward the end of the day, or,

kill? Well, it is, but this campground also boasts the best sunset of the four campgrounds. Farther up the eastern side of the lake, Trapper Creek, there is a very popular site where this small creek enters the lake. I have to admit that I’ve never camped at this site; every single time that I’ve paddled to the lake (from June until September), it’s been occupied by a host of speed boats; I have, though, hiked by it while staying at another campground, and I think that this site might exemplify the problem with unchecked motorized usage. Let me explain. Just before Memorial Day weekend—say, the Thursday before—have you ever seen a large pickup truck loaded with “camping gear” rushing out to “reserve” a spot at a popular campground? The bed of the truck is trussed with a propane grill or two, six or eight lawn chairs, a half a dozen tarps, nine bicycles, three dog kennels, fifteen sleeping bags, a wheelbarrow or two, a half a cord of wood, two chainsaws, a boom box (or two), a gas powered

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/ Out There Monthly

parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/ parks/priestlake.aspx (the park’s website with downloadable pamphlets and information on rules and regulations).

-----------------------------------Paddle Routes of the Inland Northwest, Rich Landers and Dan Hansen (the definitive guidebook of the region).

------------------------------------

Sunset at Upper Priest Lake, Idaho. // Photos by: Amy Sinisterra

generator, six Coleman lanterns, four coolers, two propane stoves, and at least eight plastic storage bins containing at least half of everything on sale at the White Elephant store’s outdoor section. Well, the camps at Trapper Creek seem to adhere to that same Memorial Day Weekend principle: they are mini-boat cities. Usually there are two to three large motorboats beached or anchored just off the shore. Six to eight tents create a village where friends have obviously planned to stake claim and gather for several days. Is there anything wrong with this? Well, I’m not going to pass judgment on the aesthetics of different people’s idea of camping, but that this tent city has been staked in the middle of a fairly sensitive eco-system is troubling at best. Every single time that I’ve walked by this campsite, I have encountered mounds of unburied toilet paper and human feces. Perhaps there is no causal connection between the tent city phenomenon and the human waste; perhaps there is (***as you may have guessed, more on this later). The other two developed campgrounds on the west side of the lake are Plowboy and Navigation. Navigation, the site to the extreme northwest, is set back a bit from the lake in the woods; it is near a pleasant stream (Deadman Creek) and affords a good view of the outlet where Upper Priest River flows into the lake—a place that larger mammals often frequent. Plowboy—named after the peak just to the west of the lake—is at the southwest corner of the lake. It receives a bit more foot traffic than the other sites (trail 291 connects it to Beaver Creek Campground on the main lake, which can be a great option for a group of four that only have one boat; two people can hike in on the trail; 20

Out There Monthly / MAy 2012

two can paddle up the Thorofare—and they can all switch roles on the way out). Plowboy has a couple of nice beaches; both of these western shore sites have the luxury of early morning sun on those crisp autumn days. Besides these developed sites that feature fire rings, picnic benches and pit toilets, as well as bear boxes in which to store food, there are numerous undeveloped sites around the lake. Rules prescribe that these sites are to be 100 feet from the lake; they rarely are, although there are a couple of nice areas on the eastern shore about half way up the lake where campers seem to have taken the distance into account. Undoubtedly, crowding has created the “overflow” need for these sites. If you do use one of them (and I’d urge you to try to use an already worn site if you’re forced to because the developed campgrounds are full), then please try to practice “Leave No More Trace” practices. At least leave the areas better than how you found them. The best dynamic, though, would be to use the developed sites, which, leads us to: 3. ***THE MORE ON THIS LATER: IMPRESSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS I first made the paddle to the Upper Priest Lake about ten years ago; on that first trip, my family and I encountered two other paddlers and saw less than ten motor boats, more than half of them small fishing boats with tiny outboard motors. I know that others who had the privilege of paddling up The Thorofare in the 70s and 80s can recount trips even more blessed with solitude, resplendent with wildlife sightings. In the ten years since my first Upper Priest Lake trip, I have hiked and paddled in many times; without

fail, every single time that I’ve gone has been an emotionally mixed experience. Let me try to explain why. Because everyone “goes to the lake,” the Priest and Upper Priest Scenic Area receive a great deal of impact. On weekdays, I have encountered more than thirty boats traversing the Thorofare, several of them obviously oblivious to the 5 mph, no wake, speed limit. On weekends (a time that I try to avoid), the number might be over a hundred. Old timers remark on how erosion from the boat traffic has substantially widened the Thorofare, radically changing the fishery and the navigability of the channels. I have seen skiers, tubers and wake boarders skim across the surface of the upper lake; I have picked up (literally) a complete trash bag full of litter and human waste (while burying many other piles), gathered a dozen or more beer cans and bottles (some broken); I have found cast-off fishing rods, soiled underwear, lost swimsuits and forgotten shoes. And yet, in spite of this horrific overuse, I would still recommend this place—for the beauty, yes; for the possibility (however slim) of solitude, sure; for the chance at wildlife viewing, undoubtedly. On late summer afternoons, I have whimsically decided to head up there, packed the car, made the drive, paddled up the Thorofare and loafed and leaned on a lakeshore with a stunning mountain view. What a blessing. Besides the pleasurable aspects of this paddle, though, I’d recommend Upper Priest Lake as a canoeing destination to other enthusiasts so that they can see the importance of protecting this unique area of the world. I am doubtful that environmentalist and conservation efforts will ever succeed in transforming Upper Priest Lake into a non-motorized haven. Although this saddens me and may ultimately spell ruination for the area—some might contend that it already has—I believe that people can shift toward more responsible usage. Whether this is a naïve attitude or not, those of us who still want to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere that the area can provide (if you walk a hundred yards into the woods, you’ll quickly forget the jet skis and pleasure cruisers that might be marauding the lake) must take on some of responsibility about these efforts: clean up any debris that you find at the campsites and report any boats violating the rules of the Thorofare and lake. These may seem like minor efforts, but barring a radical reversal in legislative practice in the area, these minor efforts may be the only recourse to

100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest, Rich Landers and Spokane Mountaineers (Again, no one knows the area like Rich, and the description of the hikes that head to the lakeshore can provide valuable information and alternatives for bridging together hiking and paddling).

------------------------------------

www.spokesman.com/stories/ 2010/sep/12/priest-proposal (a good article by Rich Landers on the ongoing—and apparently stalled—efforts to enforce more stringent rules regarding motorized usage on the upper lake).

------------------------------------Don’t Forget: • Boat permit for Idaho (parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/recreation/permits/ boating.aspx) • Idaho Invasive Species Fund Sticker (parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/idahoinvasivespeciesfund.aspx) • Mosquito repellant, netting or whatever keeps the critters off of you • To stop at the Invasive Species Checkpoint to show them your sticker • An extra bag for trash • Extra dry clothes • Bear Spray • Map of lake and trails around lake • To look at ruins of a cabin at Plowboy (just up the hill from the campground) • To use the bear boxes for all food and odorous stuff (toothpaste, deodorant, etc.) • Milk shake from Burger Express (our tradition is to get one on the way home; it’s permissible, though, to get one both on the drive to and from the lake. // protect a historically important and scenically stunning part of our region. //

Driving Directions From Spokane, drive north on Highway 2 to Newport; cross the Idaho border (stop at the boat check point) and continue to Priest River, Idaho. Turn north on Highway 57 to Nordman. Turn right on Forest Road 1339; follow the signs to Beaver Creek Campground. Follow the signs to either the boat launch area or the trailhead for the Navigation trailhead parking if you elect to use the portage. Driving time: about 2.5 hours.

Photo of the Month Charlie Abrahamson

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POdcast Edition Unless I’m doing hardcore exercise, I prefer educational, enlightening podcasts to music, especially when driving. Here are my top five: “Planet Money” Financial news can be boring, and a real risk for putting you to sleep while you drive. This NPR show brings financial topics to life in an entertaining way. “WNYC’s Radiolab” I’m a science junkie, and Radiolab produces science stories using a wide variety of audio mediums. Highly recommended for geeks at heart. “Quick & Dirty Tips” Covering everything from nutrition to money to fitness, these podcasts are 5-10 minute snippets that can easily be digested on a quick commute or strung together for a long trip. “This American Life” This is an extremely popular podcast version of the radio show, and covers a variety of stories related to topics in politics, lifestyle, science, culture and more. An hour flies by with this one. “Endurance Planet” For outdoor enthusiasts, Endurance Planet provides entertaining interviews and news in the world of cycling, marathoning, ultrarunning, triathlon and more. //

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Last Page

Meet the founder of the Pacific Northwest Trail Ron Strickland Spent Years Working On This Amazing Route / By Derrick Knowles Imagine throwing on a backpack and walking from Glacier National Park in Montana to Olympic National Park on Washington’s coast in one long 1,200 mile hike. An increasing number of long-distance hikers are making that trek each year. Day hikers who aren’t up for a three- or four-month slog are also ticking off segments of the trail section by section over a period of years. The reason is the recent publicity surrounding the newest of American long trails: the Pacific Northwest Trail (the PNT). In 2009, the PNT, which connects the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) in the Rockies to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in the Cascades, was granted National Scenic Trail status by Congress. This designation, which is reserved for the nation’s Crown Jewel hiking trails, includes a half dozen other long, exceptionally scenic routes like the PCT, CDT and Appalachian Trail (AT). The recent attention from Congress has touched off a wave of publicity and interest in the trail, including great coverage in this year’s March issue of Backpacker magazine. Time will tell if the good PR will translate into more hikers setting off for a 1,200 mile walk on a trail that was nearly four decades in the making. ROOTS OF THE TRAIL DATE BACK DECADES Ron Strickland, an easterner who was drawn

west by the mountains, wilderness and trails after hiking part of the PCT, dreamed up the idea of a new long trail that would become the Pacific Northwest Trail. He began taking steps to make his dream a reality in the early 1970s and spent the next thirty plus years hiking, route finding, promoting, lobbying and writing several additions of a guidebook for the trail. He documents this quest in his new book, Pathfinder: Blazing a New Wilderness Trail in Modern America, which was published last year. Strickland describes his book as a “backcountry stew where the hiker chef has thrown in as many tasty ingredients as possible, not necessarily in any particular order.” That’s an apt description for a text that travels some diverse topical terrain: part memoir; part historical and cultural narrative; and of course plenty of hiking history, trail musings and accounts of the politics involved with such a huge project. The 1968 National Trails System Act set the stage for protecting future trails like the PNT, but as Strickland found out, getting a new trail added to the system required Congressional action and would not be easy. That daunting task wasn’t yet on Strickland’s radar screen as he pieced together the PNT route. “Unbelievable as it seems to me now,” Strickland writes, “I went AWOL from grad school in the

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Hiking Abercrombie Mountain along the PNT. // Photo by Aaron Theisen.

summers of 1970-1973 to begin piecing together an east-west route from Montana, through Idaho to Washington, using everything from bushwhacks to unmaintained abandoned pathways and drovers’ tracks.” Strickland’s path-finding work convinced him that his route across the Pacific Northwest was not only possible but would become a world-class, long-distance classic. In 1976, after locating routes, forming a PNT Club, raising funds, lobbying and pulling a few political strings, a trail study bill was introduced in Congress. Strickland was full of youthful optimism. “I was fully confident that they would urge

“About a half dozen or more people have been thru-hiking the entire trail every year.”

509.455.9596 |wildwalls.com 22

Out There Monthly / MAy 2012

wild walls

spokane’s climbing gym & yoga studio

Congress to add the trail to the National Trails System,” he writes. Unfortunately with little onthe-ground community support and a concept route that “lacked signs, blazes, and, sometimes, even tread,” the trail was shot down, amazingly enough, largely by preservationists who argued against the trail because of perceived impacts to wilderness. ENDLESS PRESSURE ENDLESSLY APPLIED PAYS OFF Instead of giving up, Strickland charged ahead, determined to build the trail himself if he had to. Over the next several decades, he befriended locals, recruited help to get new sections of the trail put in, and, wisely, founded the Pacific Northwest Trail Association (PNTA) to help make the trail real both in peoples’ minds and out on the ground. All of Strickland’s efforts and the grassroots work of the PNTA paid off; it just took a little longer than expected. Today just north of Spokane the PNT meanders west from Montana through many of our favorite places, like the Selkirk Crest, the

Upper Priest area, the Salmo Priest Wilderness, Abercrombie Mountain, the Kettle Range, and onward to the Cascades, beckoning to be hiked. WHAT’S NEW ALONG THE PNT? Earlier this month I called Strickland to find out what’s new with the PNT and how much use the trail is seeing these days. “About a half dozen or more people have been thru-hiking the entire trail every year recently,” he says. “But with the recent Backpacker article, and a new book about the PNT by outdoor writer Chris Townsend coming out this summer, I expect a surge of interest in the trail this year and more people attempting to hike the whole thing.” He also noted that he’s hoping to revise the guidebook again soon, which should also increase interest in the trail. I also had a selfish reason for wanting to interview the founder of the PNT. For the past five years, I’ve been piecing together a new long-distance trail route like the PNT—except it’s a loop trail through the Inland Northwest that starts and ends in Spokane, and I wanted some advice. Strickland was excited to hear about my proposed Inland Northwest Trail (INT) that would share trail miles with the PNT across the Idaho Panhandle and offered this advice: “Tell everyone you meet about your trail. Attract people to hike parts of the trail by getting articles published and other media attention. Form a friends group to support the idea and help build local, grassroots support.” Read more about my INT proposal at www.inwtrail.org. // For more information, visit the Pacific Northwest Trail Association online at pnt.org. Additional PNT Resources: • The Pacific Northwest Trail Guide, by Ron Strickland, 2001, Sasquatch Books, Seattle • Pathfinder: Blazing a New Wilderness Trail in Modern America, by Ron Strickland, 2011, Oregon State University Press • OTM May 2010 article that highlights some PNT hiking trip suggestions (www.outtheremonthly.com/?p=2032)

May 2012

/ Out There Monthly

Salomon Fast Wing III Jacket $89.95

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Petzl Tikka XP 2 Headlamp $54.95

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The North Face Men’s & Women’s Verbera Backpacker GTX $259.95 Marmot Rockstar Pant $94.95

Vibram Men’s & Women’s Spyridon LS $119.95 Scarpa Men’s & Women’s Spark $114.95

Patagonia Puckerware Shirt $68.95

Photo: J Rueckel

Whatever your adventure Stop in today for the latest gear

Kokatat Aries PFD $99.00

Surftech Generator AST Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) $875.00-$920.00 Current Designs Kestrel 120 $799.00

April Events

Classes at Mountain Gear Discover Rock Climbing

5.9, 5.23 6-8 pm

$20

Youth Rock Canoe & Kayak Demo @ Boulder Beach

5.12

6-8 pm

$20

5.22

5:30-7:30 pm Free

Free Women’s Discover Rock

5.31

6-8 pm

Presentation at Mountain Gear on the manufacturing, testing & care of your climbing gear by Black Diamond’s Eddie Whittmore 24

5.10 Out There 7pm Monthly

/ MAy 2012

$20

For a complete list of class descriptions, events and information, contact us: 2002 N Division, Spokane • 509.325.9000

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