Jul 15, 2011
Jul 14, 2011
RIP Dana
Name – Dana Matney / Our Hamster (male hamster)
Age – 3 or 4 years old…who keeps track
Residence – The office, in our house
Place of death – See above
Time of death – Last couple days…but she/ he had a full bowl of food and water
Cause of death – Little Dana was old…just plane old.
Our little Dana comes from a foggy background, her/ his heritage is uncertain, but somehow ended up for sale at Animal Kingdom (Superstition Springs Mall location) during Claire’s tenure at the store. Dana passed away, while asleep in her favorite spot…the upper balcony of her multi-level condo. She is survived by her human family, Claire and Tyler, and her other siblings, Bentley, Topo, Tinker, Lily and Tommy…and the clown fish. Dana enjoyed the finer things in life; seeds, grains, fresh water…a nice walk on her wheel. When Dana was feeling adventurous she would go for a stroll in her clear ball…and run into Bentley (who could have eaten her with out even chewing). She/he laughed in the face of danger.
Dana will be sorely missed, and her memory will live on as a funny little blonde hamster with a girl’s name…and a definable set of nuts (which we didn’t notice at first).
Jul 9, 2011
Paddle for Pints Trip
Tyler and I bought a Groupon for Paddle for Pints! It was a great trip with a few of Claire Co-workers from LifeLock (Brandon, Laura, Michele, Phil). Definitely worth doing again, so we will be keeping this in mind for any out of town visitors!
Combine a Verde River kayak trip with a cold frosty brew for a Fun & Adventurous Verde Valley Experience
There will be just enough excitement on the river to make it fun, but you don’t need to be an experienced kayaker. Our inflatable Ducky Kayaks are wide and stable and perfect for beginners.
After your Verde River adventure you can take a leisurely cruise (in your own vehicle) to the Rendezvous restaurant and beer and wine bar in Old Town Cottonwood. The Rendezvous features an eclectic, delicious menu and is located at the “Gateway to Old Town Cottonwood” the newest, hippest scene in the area. The setting is intimate, social and casual with over 20 micro brews and 25 wines from Arizona and around the world. It is the perfect way to end an epic river day in the high desert, in the beauty of the lush Verde Valley with a place to relax, socialize and enjoy a frosty brew.
Essential Tour Information:
Tour Time:
Approximately 3 hours from start to finish.
• 9:00 – Trip Launches for fun and sporty sections of the Verde River, such as Treasure Island, Clear Creek Rapid, Rocky Drop, Tunnel of Love and more!
• 11:00 to 11:30 – Verde River Trip takes out at Beasley Flats. (Time depends on season and water flow conditions). Snacks & water provided. Now in the comfort of your own vehicle you can leisurely make your way to the Rendezvous for great beer, wine and food!
• 12:00 to 12:30 Arrive at the Rendezvous at the “Gateway to Old Town Cottonwood” for a well deserved frosty pint, chilled glass of wine and lunch.
http://www.sedonaadventuretours.com/river-trips/paddle-to-pints-adventure/
Combine a Verde River kayak trip with a cold frosty brew for a Fun & Adventurous Verde Valley Experience
There will be just enough excitement on the river to make it fun, but you don’t need to be an experienced kayaker. Our inflatable Ducky Kayaks are wide and stable and perfect for beginners.
After your Verde River adventure you can take a leisurely cruise (in your own vehicle) to the Rendezvous restaurant and beer and wine bar in Old Town Cottonwood. The Rendezvous features an eclectic, delicious menu and is located at the “Gateway to Old Town Cottonwood” the newest, hippest scene in the area. The setting is intimate, social and casual with over 20 micro brews and 25 wines from Arizona and around the world. It is the perfect way to end an epic river day in the high desert, in the beauty of the lush Verde Valley with a place to relax, socialize and enjoy a frosty brew.
Essential Tour Information:
Tour Time:
Approximately 3 hours from start to finish.
• 9:00 – Trip Launches for fun and sporty sections of the Verde River, such as Treasure Island, Clear Creek Rapid, Rocky Drop, Tunnel of Love and more!
• 11:00 to 11:30 – Verde River Trip takes out at Beasley Flats. (Time depends on season and water flow conditions). Snacks & water provided. Now in the comfort of your own vehicle you can leisurely make your way to the Rendezvous for great beer, wine and food!
• 12:00 to 12:30 Arrive at the Rendezvous at the “Gateway to Old Town Cottonwood” for a well deserved frosty pint, chilled glass of wine and lunch.
http://www.sedonaadventuretours.com/river-trips/paddle-to-pints-adventure/
Jul 8, 2011
New pool!
New POOL! Due to our loan type, the pool had to be filled and working, so we were lucky enough that the bank re-plastered the pool as well as all new pool equipment! Cant wait to to go swimming!
Jun 25, 2011
Seattle Half Marathon
The marathon was great! Cate, Diane and Claire walked the Seattle Half Marathon in 3.5 hours. Dustin and Julianna (12 weeks pregnant) ran the marathon in 2.75 hours. It was fun and the weather was great. It was definitely good to do it with a few other people. There were bands all along the way and cheerleaders as well. It felt great to finish it!
Jun 11, 2011
Hike at Woods Canyon Lake
In preparation for Claire doing a half marathon we decided to go for a hike at Woods Canyon Lake. It is normally about a 5.5 mile loop around the lake but there are bald eagles nesting here so there are we think it was about 6 miles. We took Topo and Tinker, but Tinker got a nice backpack ride after about 5 miles because her "house" paws couldn't take the outdoors anymore. It was a great 75 outside and a wonderful hike!
Jun 3, 2011
May 29, 2011
Happy 6 year Anniversay Claire and Tyler!
The wine tasteing crew!
To celebrate our 6 year wedding anniversary, Tyler planned a trip to Arizona wine country! We rode the motorcycle down and stayed at the Duquesne House Bed & Breakfast in Patagonia, Arizona. I would recommend doing this trip to anyone! It was a perfect romantic weekend.
We met a couple there, Mark and Barb, and spent most of the weekend with them. Terrific people...and complete southern Arizona wine experts!
Here is an excerpt from the Arizona wine country website:
The Wine Country is about 55 miles from Tucson, Arizona. The areas you will want to visit are Sonoita and Elgin and the beautiful rolling countryside in between.
The first experimental vineyard was established in 1973. Arizona wines have gained an international reputation. There are 14 vineyards and wineries. According to the Arizona Wine Grower’s Association, climate and soil studies have revealed that this region is similar to Ribera Del Duero, Spain, Southeastern Australia, Southern France and is almost identical to that of Paso Robles, California.
Arizona Wine Country isn’t like Napa or Sonoma Valleys of California. There are no crowds, no in-your-face commercialization and you will drive along windswept plains from winery to winery. Some of them are so simple that they don’t have signs on the tasting room! But as you travel you will find that you have discovered a diamond in the rough. The wine growers in the area know their business and are slowly earning a world-wide reputation.
Winery Map:
http://www.arizonawines.com/southerntrail.html
The Duquesne House Bed & Breakfast:
http://www.theduquesnehouse.com/
Ranee Walker's wine tours:
http://www.winectours.com/
We would like to make a couple of personal recommendations while you are in the area too....
Make sure to try the Naughty Monkey Sweet Reserve at Village of Elgin Winery, and then finish your day off drinking the sangria at Wilhelm Winery until you fall off a bar stool!
Claire and I on the ride home...the bike is riding a little low from the 8 bottles of wine we squeezed in amongst our clothes! :)
To celebrate our 6 year wedding anniversary, Tyler planned a trip to Arizona wine country! We rode the motorcycle down and stayed at the Duquesne House Bed & Breakfast in Patagonia, Arizona. I would recommend doing this trip to anyone! It was a perfect romantic weekend.
We met a couple there, Mark and Barb, and spent most of the weekend with them. Terrific people...and complete southern Arizona wine experts!
Here is an excerpt from the Arizona wine country website:
The Wine Country is about 55 miles from Tucson, Arizona. The areas you will want to visit are Sonoita and Elgin and the beautiful rolling countryside in between.
The first experimental vineyard was established in 1973. Arizona wines have gained an international reputation. There are 14 vineyards and wineries. According to the Arizona Wine Grower’s Association, climate and soil studies have revealed that this region is similar to Ribera Del Duero, Spain, Southeastern Australia, Southern France and is almost identical to that of Paso Robles, California.
Arizona Wine Country isn’t like Napa or Sonoma Valleys of California. There are no crowds, no in-your-face commercialization and you will drive along windswept plains from winery to winery. Some of them are so simple that they don’t have signs on the tasting room! But as you travel you will find that you have discovered a diamond in the rough. The wine growers in the area know their business and are slowly earning a world-wide reputation.
Winery Map:
http://www.arizonawines.com/southerntrail.html
The Duquesne House Bed & Breakfast:
http://www.theduquesnehouse.com/
Ranee Walker's wine tours:
http://www.winectours.com/
We would like to make a couple of personal recommendations while you are in the area too....
Make sure to try the Naughty Monkey Sweet Reserve at Village of Elgin Winery, and then finish your day off drinking the sangria at Wilhelm Winery until you fall off a bar stool!
Claire and I on the ride home...the bike is riding a little low from the 8 bottles of wine we squeezed in amongst our clothes! :)
May 21, 2011
May 2, 2011
Zuma - SOLD
So long little Zuma, it was fun!
ITS FOR SALE:The Zuma just sits these days and it's time to find it a new rider. I bought this little scooter from a friend who had driven it as his primary vehicle for several years. When I got it, I didn't feel safe maxing out at 33-35 mph, so I changed out the exhaust pipe to a Leo Vince ZX, lighter roller weights, and new clutch springs. At the same time, I replace the drive belt, rear tire, brakes, speed cable, mirrors, air filter, spark plug, drive oil, and the entire clutch assembly. This little bike is incredibly reliable, runs up to just over 40 mph with a 185 lb man on it (45+ if you give it enough room). It gets in the neighborhood of 80 - 90 mpg and it's a kick in the butt to run around town on. I have some spare parts to go with it, another set of brakes (that you won't need for a long time) a front tire, spare mirros, some oil, a few tools and two DOT helmets. There is also a commuter luggage box on the back which the helmets fit into, or a brief case, sport equipment, groceries...whatever you want. There is also a lot of storage space under the seat. $900 takes it.
Apr 2, 2011
Emerald Park is Finally Updated!
Emeral Park Disc Golf Course is just north of our house, about 1/2 a mile away. 5 years ago, Tyler started the "Monday Night League" to encourage course etiquette and bring a good beginner league to the valley.
Unfortunately with work and life getting in the way, Tyler has had to hand over the reigns of the league to a few people along the way. But, the league has grown and grown through new leaders and it has turned into one of the best leagues in the valley and a community that I would assume is even rare around the country!
The league has raised enough money over the years to completely revamp the dilapidated course with new baskets, tee pads, and signs.
It looks amazing!
http://www.emeraldparkdgc.com/
Here are the new baskets, tee pads and signs.
Tyler testing out the new teepads!
Unfortunately with work and life getting in the way, Tyler has had to hand over the reigns of the league to a few people along the way. But, the league has grown and grown through new leaders and it has turned into one of the best leagues in the valley and a community that I would assume is even rare around the country!
The league has raised enough money over the years to completely revamp the dilapidated course with new baskets, tee pads, and signs.
It looks amazing!
http://www.emeraldparkdgc.com/
Here are the new baskets, tee pads and signs.
Tyler testing out the new teepads!
Mar 12, 2011
CLU comes to AZ
Candace and Claire went to the CLU alumni baseball game! It was great to see Rachel and be with other CLU alumni!
Mar 3, 2011
Parents Visit AZ
Cate and Wayne visited Arizona 3/3-3/8. We drove down to Bisbee and did a mining tour and????
Feb 25, 2011
Jan 8, 2011
Claire got her wisdom teeth out.
Typically something done as a young child, both Tyler and Claire decided to wait as long as possible to go through the thrills of wisdom teeth removal!
Tyler had his done late last year and Claire was the latest big winner.
The surgery went well, and despite a little discomfort she powered through it in a few days and was back on her feet in no time at all.
Tyler had his done late last year and Claire was the latest big winner.
The surgery went well, and despite a little discomfort she powered through it in a few days and was back on her feet in no time at all.
Dec 26, 2010
Claire goes to Big Bear
Claire headed to Big Bear for the Lundring Christmas Reunion from Dec 26-29. There was lots of snow and she almost got snowed in! The drive down the hill is one Claire will never forget!
Nov 7, 2010
Tommy's new House
Tommy has become quite the member of our family, and even though we have no idea why, WE LOVE HIM!
A few weeks ago I found a great deal on a HUGE dog house! It's so big I had to rent a u-haul trailer to get it home, and round up 4 buddies to carry it into the back yard. Just this week, I got the shingles all done, added the plexi glass window, door flaps, and built a small framed in area to protect the heater from Tommy (and Tommy from the heater). Tonight will be his first night in his fancy huge new house! Hopefully he will adjust to calling it home. Here are a few photos.
A few weeks ago I found a great deal on a HUGE dog house! It's so big I had to rent a u-haul trailer to get it home, and round up 4 buddies to carry it into the back yard. Just this week, I got the shingles all done, added the plexi glass window, door flaps, and built a small framed in area to protect the heater from Tommy (and Tommy from the heater). Tonight will be his first night in his fancy huge new house! Hopefully he will adjust to calling it home. Here are a few photos.
Oct 12, 2010
My baby sister....get's married!
Claire and I flew out to Cinncinati this week to participate in my baby sister's wedding. We had a great time, at a beautiful wedding! We also both want to welcome Michael Dooley to the family...unless he keeps beating me at disc golf!
Oct 6, 2010
FREAK WEATHER ATTACKS!!
It may not happen often, but Arizona does get it's fair share of extreme weather. This week has taken that to a new level. Yesterday around 3pm, the Phoenix Valley was bombarded with a furious wind and hail storm. Our house sustained over $10,000 in hail and water damage.
Claire came home from work on Tuesday, and from the door to the garage could clearly see that the dogs had made a COMPLETE mess of the house, there was stuff everywhere. Turns out...that was just were Claire's mind took her on an inital visual survey. Upon further inspection...and the feeling of water hitting her on the head (IN THE DINING ROOM!) she looked up to find that we no longer had sky lights. The hail blasted out all 5 of the skylights in our house, and then let a 30 minute down pour come on in. Our roof was heavily damaged, the AC unit sustained damage, our kitchen table and chairs have water damage and the outside of the house has chipped paint on the west and south walls.
Allstate insurance has deemed this a catastrophe, so we will be compensated for all damages...but what a hassel! And of course...this stuff always happens when Tyler is out of town!
Claire came home from work on Tuesday, and from the door to the garage could clearly see that the dogs had made a COMPLETE mess of the house, there was stuff everywhere. Turns out...that was just were Claire's mind took her on an inital visual survey. Upon further inspection...and the feeling of water hitting her on the head (IN THE DINING ROOM!) she looked up to find that we no longer had sky lights. The hail blasted out all 5 of the skylights in our house, and then let a 30 minute down pour come on in. Our roof was heavily damaged, the AC unit sustained damage, our kitchen table and chairs have water damage and the outside of the house has chipped paint on the west and south walls.
Allstate insurance has deemed this a catastrophe, so we will be compensated for all damages...but what a hassel! And of course...this stuff always happens when Tyler is out of town!
Sep 30, 2010
New beginnings
Tyler has accepted a position with GlobalMedia Group in Scottsdale, AZ as "Manager of Training". This position was offered to Tyler several months ago, before the layoff with P1, at the time it was not the correct descion. Funny how things work out! Tyler called back after the layoff, and they had not found someone to fill the position and were eager to get back into negotiation talks with Tyler.
The offer was finalized today, and Tyler will begin the day after tomorrow (they were obviously excited to have him get started!).
GlobalMedia Group is a Telemedical company that manufactures telemedical solutions. Tyler's position will be to expand their training department both inhouse (new hires, and continued training of existing staff), as well as end-user training (nurses, and doctors) on how to use the high tech equipment.
For more info, check out www.globalmedia.com.
The offer was finalized today, and Tyler will begin the day after tomorrow (they were obviously excited to have him get started!).
GlobalMedia Group is a Telemedical company that manufactures telemedical solutions. Tyler's position will be to expand their training department both inhouse (new hires, and continued training of existing staff), as well as end-user training (nurses, and doctors) on how to use the high tech equipment.
For more info, check out www.globalmedia.com.
Sep 29, 2010
So long MINI...Hello Mazda!
Every good thing must come to an end. We traded in our MINI Cooper last night for a 2010 Mazda CX-7. The decision was based mostly on the fact that the MINI needed a host of basic maintance done, and the current new car interest rates are phenomenal right now! So, we have a brand new car, lower payments, far more comfortable for daily commuting, in need of nothing but "breaking in the engine", and when the time comes...room for a baby seat (WHEN THE TIME COMES!).
Aug 20, 2010
Protection One Downsized
For the past several months there has been rumors about the new investment firm that recently bought Protection One. The rumors came true today, and Tyler's 4 years with Protection One Security have ended. The layoff was wide spread and despite the heart brake, Tyler was pleased with the severance package and the nice talk he had with his boss before departing for the last time.
This is the first time in our lives that either of us have had to deal with a lay off, either us or our parents. It's been scary, it's been stressful, but it's also been educational, and we can finally stop worrying.
Tyler has already began the process of seeking out a new job, and has several strong possibilites so hopefully the down time won't be to long term.
This is the first time in our lives that either of us have had to deal with a lay off, either us or our parents. It's been scary, it's been stressful, but it's also been educational, and we can finally stop worrying.
Tyler has already began the process of seeking out a new job, and has several strong possibilites so hopefully the down time won't be to long term.
Aug 4, 2010
D-Backs Game
Thanks LifeLock for these great tickets! We had great company with Jenn and Justin. To bad the D-Backs lost. I am beginning to think I am bad luck when I actually go to the games as we always seem to lose.
Aug 3, 2010
Meed, Month 1
Tyler just started my first batch of Mead (honey wine). Now we just have to sit back and wait....18 months. I can pop a top in 9 monhts, but from what I am readying 18 months makes it best! I will start another batch as soon as I rack mine from the ferm. bucket into a charboy. I want to try some flavored stuff (vanilla, orange, maybe an apple...) we will see.
Jul 30, 2010
Lyons Creek Trail
Tyler and I also headed to Lyons Creek for a day hike. It was great for the dogs as it was an easy trail straight to the creek. Tinker got to swim a ton up stream and Topo got to test out more water. It was a nice day in the mountains!
The trail head is on the Wright’s Lake Road. You go towards Tahoe about 8 miles from the cabin and then there is a little left turn lane. Hang a left and then climb the steep mountain. Once the road levels out it is on the right.
Jul 29, 2010
Dad is Free at last!
From Mom and Dad: So in a nutshell the chief of neurosurgery at Mayo says "Do nothing". The neurologist ordered a new CT which shows a small improvement and I have a normal Neurology exam so why do surgery? So we are off to Mt Rushmore on Monday. Free at last, free at last, Lord Almighty, free at last.
The hospitality in Rochester has been so exceptional, we're almost sad to leave. Almost.
The hospitality in Rochester has been so exceptional, we're almost sad to leave. Almost.
Charter Fishin on Lake Tahoe
We decided to embrace our stay at Lake Tahoe since it turned out to be just Tyler and Claire at the cabin. We rented a charter fishing boat! We met the boat at 6:30AM and headed out on the beautiful Lake Tahoe. There was 6 of us on the boat plus the captain and a helper. We had 10 poles in the water and it so so exciting when one got a bite. Overall Tyler caught 3 and Claire caught one. We took Claires to a local pub and they cooked it up for her real nice. The poor fish was a fresh water Salmon and boy was it good :)
Jul 21, 2010
Plan B finalized TRT
Welcome back! Plan B is ready to be put into motion. I will be rejoining the TRT at the Kingsbury North Trail Head (at the parking lot of Heavenly Ski Resort). I will be doing a HUGE one day solo trip to the Big Meadow Trail Head (22 miles) where I will camp for one night. The next morning, Saturday, I will hike the 20 miles around the southern section of the TRT to meet up with Zach, Ann, Dan and Topo at Echo Lakes. This will be stuffing 3 days of hiking into 2...but I'm game! It will also limit my solo nights on the trail to just one night...since some people are worried. I won't say names MOM! My SPOT WILL be working properly, I just wasn't holding the stupid button long enough to activate tracking mode. I will have that ironed out, and I will be knocking out MAJOR back to back day hikes to get caught up.
Tomorrow will be more relaxing at the cabin trying to get ready to do 42 miles in 2 days.
Starting watching that SPOT link early on Friday morning as I will be moving fast.
Until then...
Tomorrow will be more relaxing at the cabin trying to get ready to do 42 miles in 2 days.
Starting watching that SPOT link early on Friday morning as I will be moving fast.
Until then...
Jul 20, 2010
Update on the Tahoe Rim ... area. TRT
Followers,
As you are probably wondering how, I am updating the blog...from the comfort of my families cabin 45 minutes south of Lake Tahoe. Here is how we ended up here...and here is what is coming up next!
Day 1, we started strong, 12.5 miles with lots of elevation as we worked our way towards Watson Lake. Zach starting getting "hot spots" (the beginnings of blisters) less than 6 miles in. We made it safely to camp though, and had a sleepless night because a group of high school kids was throwing a HUGE party on the same lake as we planning our peaceful evening.
Day 2, we started early...no thanks to the lack of sleep. We had a VERY big day ahead of us. 17.5 miles, with the last 11 being a constant climb. We literally climbed NONSTOP! We finally arrived at Gray Lake late in the afternoon and found a very peaceful camping spot! Through out the day Zach was showing signs of major foot fatigue, erratic gate, awkward foot placement, and changing socks mid-day....these are not good signs at this point in a 168 mile hike, but we soldiered on. Topo was also starting to struggle. The temps were in the mid 80's all day and well into the evening. Water was non-existent on the trail and Topo developed a bit of a limp early in the day (could be from his solo whitewater river trip when he jumped in the creek at the cabin...another story altogether).
That brings us to Day 3...today. BIG CLIMB right out of the gate. We lost the trail from Gray Lake back to the TRT, and ended up climbing one mile straight up a boulder field...tough on the legs and feet! Zach's feet were already killing him. We pushed on though, and summited the high point of the TRT on Relay Peak and were high in spirits! Topo was still a wreck, but a good nights sleep and an Ibuprofen seemed to help him out. Once we summited Relay, we knew it was 4 miles down a road to Tahoe Meadows, then another 13 miles to the next camp (and only water source in the area) which made Day 3 a 21 mile day. 2 miles below Relay we came to a trail crossing. We thought the TRT went down the road, but on inspecting the map it actually shot off another direction, which added 3 miles to the 4 mile road and a lot of climbing. We finally popped out on the Mt. Rose highway completely out of water and running nearly 3 hours behind schedule. Zach was in worse shape than ever before. I followed him for the roughly 1 mile from Mt. Rose trail head to the Tahoe Meadows trail head where we were to start the last 13 miles of the day. When we stopped at Tahoe Meadows, I knew we were in trouble. Zach was down to roughly 1 mph, limping, no appetite and shaking uncontrollably. Which brings us to Plan B....which we invented on the taxi ride back to the car from Tahoe Meadows.
Plan B - I would have liked to have left Zach and Topo at Tahoe Meadows to fend for themselves, but it was just to late in the day to make it on my own to the next camp, and damn it...we started this as a team! So Plan B has been hatched.
Topo and Zach are going to lay low at the cabin for the rest of the week. I am going to get back on the trail the day after tomorrow (the only reasonable spot I can pick up the schedule) and solo my way to Echo Summit. At this point Zach and Topo along with Zach's wife Anne, and my buddy Dan are going to join in the fun and we will all hike together through Desolation Wilderness.
So the bad news is that nobody in our group is going to thru-hike the Tahoe Rim Trail this trip. The good news is, we are all ok, Zach's feet will heal...I think. And Topo still loves me...I think.
I have been told the GPS updates weren't coming. MY BAD! I thought I knew how to work that thing, I will get that ironed out and fired up for my solo 2 days on the trail and for the rest of the hike. Thanks for sticking around! Check back in a couple days and I will be back on the trail!
As you are probably wondering how, I am updating the blog...from the comfort of my families cabin 45 minutes south of Lake Tahoe. Here is how we ended up here...and here is what is coming up next!
Day 1, we started strong, 12.5 miles with lots of elevation as we worked our way towards Watson Lake. Zach starting getting "hot spots" (the beginnings of blisters) less than 6 miles in. We made it safely to camp though, and had a sleepless night because a group of high school kids was throwing a HUGE party on the same lake as we planning our peaceful evening.
Day 2, we started early...no thanks to the lack of sleep. We had a VERY big day ahead of us. 17.5 miles, with the last 11 being a constant climb. We literally climbed NONSTOP! We finally arrived at Gray Lake late in the afternoon and found a very peaceful camping spot! Through out the day Zach was showing signs of major foot fatigue, erratic gate, awkward foot placement, and changing socks mid-day....these are not good signs at this point in a 168 mile hike, but we soldiered on. Topo was also starting to struggle. The temps were in the mid 80's all day and well into the evening. Water was non-existent on the trail and Topo developed a bit of a limp early in the day (could be from his solo whitewater river trip when he jumped in the creek at the cabin...another story altogether).
That brings us to Day 3...today. BIG CLIMB right out of the gate. We lost the trail from Gray Lake back to the TRT, and ended up climbing one mile straight up a boulder field...tough on the legs and feet! Zach's feet were already killing him. We pushed on though, and summited the high point of the TRT on Relay Peak and were high in spirits! Topo was still a wreck, but a good nights sleep and an Ibuprofen seemed to help him out. Once we summited Relay, we knew it was 4 miles down a road to Tahoe Meadows, then another 13 miles to the next camp (and only water source in the area) which made Day 3 a 21 mile day. 2 miles below Relay we came to a trail crossing. We thought the TRT went down the road, but on inspecting the map it actually shot off another direction, which added 3 miles to the 4 mile road and a lot of climbing. We finally popped out on the Mt. Rose highway completely out of water and running nearly 3 hours behind schedule. Zach was in worse shape than ever before. I followed him for the roughly 1 mile from Mt. Rose trail head to the Tahoe Meadows trail head where we were to start the last 13 miles of the day. When we stopped at Tahoe Meadows, I knew we were in trouble. Zach was down to roughly 1 mph, limping, no appetite and shaking uncontrollably. Which brings us to Plan B....which we invented on the taxi ride back to the car from Tahoe Meadows.
Plan B - I would have liked to have left Zach and Topo at Tahoe Meadows to fend for themselves, but it was just to late in the day to make it on my own to the next camp, and damn it...we started this as a team! So Plan B has been hatched.
Topo and Zach are going to lay low at the cabin for the rest of the week. I am going to get back on the trail the day after tomorrow (the only reasonable spot I can pick up the schedule) and solo my way to Echo Summit. At this point Zach and Topo along with Zach's wife Anne, and my buddy Dan are going to join in the fun and we will all hike together through Desolation Wilderness.
So the bad news is that nobody in our group is going to thru-hike the Tahoe Rim Trail this trip. The good news is, we are all ok, Zach's feet will heal...I think. And Topo still loves me...I think.
I have been told the GPS updates weren't coming. MY BAD! I thought I knew how to work that thing, I will get that ironed out and fired up for my solo 2 days on the trail and for the rest of the hike. Thanks for sticking around! Check back in a couple days and I will be back on the trail!
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