YO! Next week (not this week) we’ve got two big things: A Climb to Camp Muir (base camp to summit Mt. Rainier) and a 10k Row!

What you’re thinking is correct: neither of these is a joke.

Camp Muir: Excerpt from the Washington Trails Association Website:

Friday August 19th, time TBA – early is better 🙂

From the stairs behind the visitors center, follow the Skyline Trail past Glacier Vista and through a hairpin switchback. Shortly thereafter, turn left along a small creek -– a sign points to Pebble Creek and Camp Muir. At roughly two miles, pass through the Pebble Creek drainage. This rocky gully is your last source of water, short of melting snow. In the soft light of dusk or dawn, it is an enchanting spot, filled with the gentle sound of Pebble Creek spilling over the plate-like rocks.

Even in late summer, the trail is snow-covered upon reaching the Muir Snowfield. It is here that the real climb begins. The snowfield undulates, at first quite steeply, over mounded snow. Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood come rapidly into view above the Tatoosh Range to the south. The terrain flattens out somewhat above 8,000 feet, but offers little relief as the air grows noticeably thinner. Camp Muir comes into view around 9,000 feet. It looks so close, yet seems to grow no closer –- the last 250 vertical feet, marked by a rocky ridge to your right, feel interminable, even for strong climbers.

As you reach the respite of Camp Muir, gaze out across the Cowlitz Glacier to the towering mass of Gibraltar Rock, the steep walls of Cathedral Rock, and Little Tahoma, which seems dwarfed by the other features, despite being the third highest peak in the state. A small tent city populated by climbers headed to the summit stretches out onto the glacier.

Two stone structures at either end of the saddle – one a guide hut, one a public shelter for climbers – are every bit as old as they look, having stood here for nearly a century. Camp Muir’s history stretches back even further – once known as “Cloud Camp,” it was re-named for naturalist John Muir after his ascent to the summit in 1888. During his party’s climb, he suggested it as a good spot to camp in the mistaken belief that it would provide shelter from the wind. Following his visit, Muir went on to play a major role in the campaign to establish Mount Rainier as a national park.

From Jesse:

In 4 Miles, you gain 4640 vertical feet. Then you gotta come back down through it, typically falling/slipping A LOT. Mostly in a terribly sunny snow field where you get sunburned and blinded without glasses/goggles. If weather comes in it’s easy to lose your way in the unmarked vastness when foggy leading you naturally towards the Nisqually side (crevasses) so GPS planning is important. No water stops after the creek outside the visitor center. Furthermore, while this is a “Gym” thing, please recognize that this is legitimately hard, and dangerous, and what that means is that I’m not “Dad” for that day. It’s hard for me too! I don’t have extra medical supplies, water, hiking poles, or energy to carry things for you to help out. I do think it’s rad if you come, I’m excited to share the trail with you, enjoy the views, commiserate over cramping, but I can’t be responsible for your safety, guidance, or anything else, it’s hard enough for just me!! So please think seriously about this before deciding to attend. Proper shoes, spikes, GPS, gear, glasses, sunscreen, FITNESS, happy knees, etc. etc. etc. go into this. If you wanna talk with me about it, please email me or pull me aside sometime and we’ll sort it out! HUGS!

10k ROW at C.C.’s House in Edmonds!

Sunday August 21st

This is going to be awesome! C.C. has been kind enough to let us invade his pad for this event. BONUS: he’s got a swimming pool for when you’re done rowing! The rowers all go on his level long patch of lawn, we row with the breeze and scent of summer flowers punctuated by children’s laughter and splashing, while the BBQ flames on Steaks, Burgers and Dogs. Once you’ve completed your 10,000m Row, you stumble from rower into the cool refreshing pool to regain your senses. Upon emerging from your hydrous bivouac, you are greeted with a “good job!” and a burger. The heats of rowers roll on through the afternoon, 10 at a whack, people and families come and go on another idyllic summer row session.

I cant’ wait. Sign-ups, time, address, and what to brings, in the gym, pic your time slots!

Workouts:

Monday: Elizabeth For time: 21-15-9 Power Cleans 135/95, Ring Dips

Tuesday: Overhead Squat Max 5

Wednesday: 3 Rounds for Time of: Run 300m, 21 KB Swings 53/35, 12 Push Jerks 135/95

Thursday: “Erin” 5 Rounds for Time: 15 DB Split Cleans 40/30, 21 Pull-Ups

Friday: Row 2k

Saturday: Partner Workout: Max Rounds in 15 Minutes of: 5 Partner Sumo Deadlifts (Grab the ends of the barbell) 405/315, 10 Synchro Toes to Bars, 15 Buddy Wall Ball Shots 20-10’/14-9′, 20 Buddy Ab Mat Sit-ups w/ Med Ball