Yosemite Backpacking Trip

My BFF, Faylene, has gone on a ladies backpacking trip with some of her cousins and other ladies for several years.  I have wanted to go along for several years. 

Last year I was supposed to go along but there were so many fires in Northern California that most of the park was closed and even if we had gone the smoke was so bad that we wouldn't have seen much.

So instead, Faylene, two other friends and I went backpacking in the Jefferson Wilderness in Oregon.  We had a great time and I got my first taste of backpacking.

This year there were no fires, no smoke and no reason that the trip couldn't happen.

Except for myself.

I almost didn't go. 

August got really booked up with activities and adventures.  Part of that was taking my youngest daughter to college right after we were scheduled to be back from Yosemite.  We were planning to drive and it was going to take a couple of days down and back.  Then, almost immediately, I would be heading back to work.  This is not a schedule that leads to me feeling rested and recharged before my summer is over.

I also had not been working out consistently so I was worried about not being able to keep up.

Towards the end of July I had pretty much decided I wasn't going to go.  But I hadn't said anything yet to Faylene because I knew she would be really disappointed that I wasn't going.

On top of everything else, I hadn't been able to get into my classroom to get things set up.  I moved classrooms so that I now have windows and a door to the outside.  Yay!  But that means sorting, hanging things on the walls, figuring out computers, moving whiteboards, etc.  I usually like to have everything all set up and ready before I officially go back to work.  We really don't get much time to prep and get ready for school, most of our first week is involved in professional development and meetings.

Needless to say, I was getting a little stressed about managing to get everything done and not be a complete basket case.  Which I have felt like I am already there most of the summer so I didn't see the point in making it worse.

But I still couldn't bring myself to tell Faylene.

We decided to fly to Costa Mesa to get Meighan to college instead of driving.  One of her friends that goes to the same college was driving down early and was willing to take some of her big bulky things.  We each would check two full suitcases when we went and she would pack all her clothes in those and then we would buy sheets and towels when we got down there.

This gave me more time between the Yosemite trip and the California trip.  It also meant I could fly home and have a day to recharge before I go back to work.

I still was really unsure if it was a good idea but I decided to go to Yosemite.

I worried about if it was the right decision right up to the day we left on the trip.

I worried about if it was the right decision the entire first day we were driving.

I literally sat in the back seat with my sunglasses on spontaneously crying throughout the day.

I was going to miss five days of hanging out with my daughter before she left for college.

I was going to not get anything accomplished in my classroom.

I wasn't physically ready to do this.

I didn't know all the other ladies (there were five more besides my friends Faylene and Wendie) and I could feel my shy side and insecurities growing.

I was very overwhelmed.

Even when I was packed up and in the car heading out on the trip I was still having second thoughts. 

We drove to Tahoe the first day to meet up with Faylene's cousin April.  We were going to spend the night in Tahoe and then load up April's backpack and head out to Yosemite the next morning.

I have never been to Tahoe and it was breathtaking.  Loved the drive around the lake to Incline Village to meet up with April.  April and her husband had made an awesome dinner together and we went down and ate by the lake.  Both April and Jon were so friendly and we had the best time talking and laughing at dinner. 

Having April and Jon greet me with giant hugs like they have known me forever helped some of my worries and insecurities go away. 

April lead us up to the VRBO she had arranged for us to stay at.  We unloaded the car and got ready for bed.  We were sitting on the porch enjoying the evening and chatting.  There was a little glow of light behind the hill and I wondered what lights those were.  A few minutes later Faylene said it was the moon!  We got to watch a beautiful moon rise.  Not quite a full moon but so incredibly bright!

The next morning we did some organizing.  We would be leaving some bags at April's house so that we didn't have to worry about trying to store things in a bear locker while we were backpacking.  We headed back to April's house and got a little breakfast and when April had her backpack ready we loaded up again. 

Because I had never been to Tahoe before Faylene stopped at a viewpoint so we could get out and I could take some pictures.  (She takes good care of me!) 

Lake Tahoe

The ant was dragging this feather.  He was very determined!

We were fascinated with the ant and the feather.  lol

This time it was destination Yosemite. 
We had a lot of fun talking and singing in the car.  The other three did a lot of remembering past trips and talking about the different places they had hiked to on their Yosemite adventures. 

It wasn't too long, especially after the long drive the previous day, before we were driving up into the mountains. 

All these breathtaking views and they were just from the car.  If it was this amazing, I couldn't imagine what I would be seeing when we hiked in!

We were supposed to car camp the first night and since we would get there first we were supposed to find us a camping spot.  The one that we were supposed to meet at was full but one just a little bit down the road we found two open spots right by the river.  Score!

Then we had to drive a couple of miles down the road in order to get cell service so we could let the other ladies know where they could find us. 

We had a few hours so the ladies decided we should go into the Yosemite Park so that I could see Tuolumne Meadows and also try and find me a National Park Token for my collection.  First we stopped at the little store to get some snacks and look around.  Wendie pulled me over to the side of the store that had the post office.  Yosemite is on the Pacific Coast Trail and the post office is where people can send packages for hikers that are hiking long portions of the trail.  It was fun to see all the different boxes and people's names.  I bet the hikers love getting those packages!!

Tualomne Meadows Post Office, Yosemite

Then we walked across the street and looked at the meadow.  It was so beautiful.  I couldn't get over how much there was to see and we hadn't even left the main road going through the park. 

Faylene, Wendie and April

After many stops at different buildings we finally found my park token at the visitor center.  I can't wait to put it with the rest of our tokens!

Mission Accomplished

While we were stopping at different places we found some of the other ladies!  We were able to tell them where exactly we were camping.  We went to the Visitor Center and then went to join up with them.

My uneasiness had returned.  I wasn't sure what to expect from these ladies.  Once again, I realized I shouldn't have worried.  Every single one of them hugged Faylene, then Wendie, then April and then me.  I felt so welcomed and a part of the group from the moment they met me.  Shay showed up a little while later and suddenly the whole group was there!  Eight ladies in total. 

Faylene, April, Shay, Pam, Me, Vickie, Juana and Wendie (from left to right)

We all brought food that we couldn't bring backpacking and had a shared meal.  Totally took advantage of the one night of car camping! 

I've been trying to decide how best to share about the trip.  I think I am just going to let the pictures do the talking for the backpacking.  So many stories and adventures, too many to tell.   

First night at Ellery Lake Campground.

Home away from home.

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Watching the sun set on the hills.

We saw a coyote on the other side of the river.

We also saw two Bald Eagles fly over us and land in tress across the river.

Backpacking Day One.

Good Morning!

About a mile of the trail looked like this.  Glad I had trekking poles!!

When I am on trails I watch the trail and my feet because I trip if I don't.  Since I don't enjoy falling down I try to pay attention.  However, when you are so busy looking at the trail you sometimes miss the views around you.  Wendie was behind me and every once in a while she would say, "Lisa, look up!" and I would stop and look.  And lose my breath. 

Backpacking Day Two.

I got sick the evening before and didn't feel any better when I got up in the morning.  I opted to stay in camp and just hang out while the rest of the ladies went on a day hike.  It was tempting to try and suck it up but I was pretty sure I would regret that if I did.  I hung up my hammock and took in the view.

The Kitchen

So glad I packed my hammock!!

It was not the day I had planned on or wanted.  I was very disappointed to not go on the day hike.  But it was the day I needed.  I had a lot of time to be still and I very much felt God's presence in the quiet stillness of the mountains.  My heart soaked it up.

The awesome ladies!  Sharing a yummy desert and trying to dodge mosquitoes.

Backpacking Day Three.

Putting our shoes back on after a creek crossing. 

I am beyond blessed to have this amazing woman in my life!

Close examination of a flower (it looked like an elephant's head!)

We met lots of people during our adventure.  I enjoyed chatting with people, hearing where they were from and what they were up to on their adventures.  We met one lovely retired lady the first night named Dori.  She was so funny and friendly. 

The consistent thing I heard was that people thought it was so cool that we were a big group of women backpacking together. 

I thought it was pretty cool too.

I can not even begin to express how much this trip meant to me.  My cup was filled in so many ways that it kept overflowing through my eyes! 

Juana, April, Vickie, Shay, Pam.  All my worries about fitting in and doing okay were a complete non-issue.  I was part of the group and loved getting to know all of you!!  I loved getting to know each of you better learning about the flowers, bees, sharing stories about our kids, singing Hamilton songs and just letting everyone be our true selves.  Such a gift!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Faylene and Wendie.  I love you both so much.  Thank you for being my friends no matter what.  I treasure our friendships beyond measure! 

I'm so glad I didn't let myself miss this experience. 

Can't wait to do it again.  (But is there a way we could do it without the mosquitoes?) 

Tri at the Grove 2019

The Rolf Prima Tri at the Grove was the first triathlon I have been able to do this season.  And it was a great one!  So many fun things going on with people on my Pure Endurance team!  I love being a part of such a great, supportive bunch of people.  We have fun working out together and we have fun racing together. 

Joe and I headed down to the Cottage Grove Reservoir on Thursday with the trailer.  It was nice to have all the prep done, the trailer loaded and just be able to go! 

Our site wasn't on the lake this year and that was a bit of a bummer.  I didn't remember to get reservations soon enough and there weren't a lot of options left when I finally did.  Last year we had complete shade and we were right by the lake.  So even though it was hot, we had a cool breeze off the lake and the trailer never got uncomfortable. 

This year we had shade part of the day and a breeze part of the day.  The trailer gets hot in a hurry in those conditions.  This campground is dry camping so there is no chance to run the air conditioning and cool off for a bit.  So our happy place was not as cozy as it has been on other trips. 

Friday we headed to the Axe and Fiddle Public House for Packet Pick-up.  We got there a little early and ran into one of our teammates, Kelli, who joined us for a bit until we could get our packets.  We got our packets, ordered some dinner and enjoyed people watching.  While we were sitting there a young lady came over and asked if she could join us and ask us questions about triathlons.  Turns out she was doing her first triathlon and she somehow thought we could help her out.  lol  We seem to attract people like that.  Her name was Amelia and she was a lovely person and we had fun chit chatting with her and answering her questions.  We enjoyed our dinner, harassed some of the Best in the West Posse and then headed back to our trailer. 

Our very hot trailer.  We had every window in the trailer open and left both doors open all night. 

Saturday was race day.  Joe and I had both signed up for the sprint triathlon.  But I need to back track just a little. 

The week before our Pure Endurance team had done an open water swim at the Cottage Grove Reservoir and then biked the Olympic course.  A couple of our teammates had never done a race with an open water swim so they were working on getting more comfortable swimming in a lake.  While we were swimming I was talking to my teammate Kari.  She had a lot of worries about the open water swim part of a triathlon.  She doesn't feel confident in her swimming (although she is doing awesome) and was really worried about ever being able to participate in a race situation.  At one point she ended up swimming right at my feet and drafting me and coach got really excited because she did really well when she had me to follow.  We did that a few more times where I took it down a tiny bit and tried to keep an eye on Kari and every time she swam farther before she had to stop.  It was awesome.  We were floating in the water and talking with coach about the swim and I had a thought.  I asked Kari if she was doing Tri at the Grove the next week because I would totally do the swim with her just like we were doing for the practice.  I told her I had absolutely no goal other than finishing since my training has been either non-existent or inconsistent.  So why not help her get through her first race with someone keeping an eye on her and just being a support if something didn't go quite right.  She hadn't planned on doing the triathlon but I encouraged her to sign up and give it a shot.  We would have so much fun! 

That's me!  Looks so official.  😀

Best in the West Events are the Best!!  

I didn't have a chance to bug her all week so it was awesome when I saw her at the transition!  I was so excited!  She asked if I was sure about swimming with her.  I said absolutely!  I was 100% ready and super excited to help her have a successful day! 

I was also really excited to be racing with Kathryn.  We met last year at Pure Endurance Training Camp and hit it off immediately.  We have had several adventures over the past year and she actually got a job in Oregon and moved to Corvallis in May!  So now we get to see each other more and she has the whole team to work out and have adventures with.  SO COOL!!!

One of our newest teammates, Kelli, was going to be doing her first triathlon with us and that was fun as well.  She is the sweetest person and it has been an absolute joy having her around.  I don't think more positivity could be crammed into one person! 

Coach's son Logan was going to be racing in his first sprint triathlon.  Logan is going into 6th grade and is just the neatest kiddo.  He's a fun part of our team and it's fun to see how much he has grown up the last few years. 

Cathy was doing the Olympic distance but due to lots of things out of her control she arrived later than she would have liked.  But with a team effort we got her all situated and ready to roll in time.  There is more to that story but I think it will stay in the Pure Endurance vault. lol

Glad he tolerates my selfies. lol  Love my guy.  💜

Me and my swimming partner!

We cheered for Cathy starting the Olympic and then the rest of us got ready for the sprint which would start about an hour later. 

Kari and I warmed up in the water for a bit and talked about where we should start and how to stay together.  She was a little nervous but was still smiling so I knew she would be great. 

Talking strategy

It wasn't long before it was go time.  Kari and I were in the last group to start.  We headed out and got around the first buoy.  I stopped and asked how she was doing and she said she was doing really good.  I was able to keep an eye on her as we swam and decided I wasn't going to stop again unless she stopped first.  I'm pretty sure Kari didn't think she could go that far without stopping.

Lisa and the newbies!  Kari and Kelli

Kathryn ready to roll.

Here we go.  

We didn't stop the rest of the swim!!  Kari did awesome!  Seriously, I don't know who had the bigger smile when we came out of the water.  I was (and still am) so very proud of her! 

Smiles for Miles!

The rest of the race was all my own.  I didn't rush through transition and felt good when I got on the bike.  I enjoyed playing bike on this great course.
I slowed down about a mile in to check on a young girl that had stopped.  She had thrown a chain but said to keep going.  I told her I would let the radio people know the next time I saw any.  I felt bad, they were another five miles down the road.  I did tell them but hopefully she got help long before that.  I wish I had stopped. 

I was on the far side of the lake finishing up the last few miles when I saw another person stopped on the side of the road.  I asked if she was okay and she said she had a flat and asked if I had any tools.  I stopped to help her out.  Turns out it was Amelia, the young woman that had joined us for dinner the night before to ask about triathlons.  She said she was learning A LOT in her first triathlon! 

Unfortunately, none of my gear worked for her bike and she didn't have any tools of her own.  My hand pump didn't even work to pump up her tire a little bit.  She sent me on my way and said she would do the best she could.  I felt bad leaving her but she insisted.  I told the next radio people I saw, which was quicker than the last time. 

I finished up the bike ride and switched into my running shoes. 

This is the part of the race where I knew the lack of training was going to be the most obvious.  I had to remind myself of a few things several times as I made my way down the road. 

First, I knew going in that I was not going to have an epic race and bust out personal records. 

Second, I had made the decision when I signed up for the race, in spite of not being 100% ready, that I was going to be happy with being able to finish.  No matter how long it took me to get it done. 

Easy to know ahead of time. 

Not as easy to swallow when it is the day of. 

Didn't help that Amelia, who had the flat, pushed her bike the last mile and half and then passed me at the turn around for the run.  Talk about disheartening!  I was happy that she stuck it out and finished her first triathlon. 

But one of the things I really really don't want to be is the person who brings everyone around them down because things are going quite right. 

Or only focusing on all the parts that I didn't do our couldn't do and not seeing the things I did accomplish. 

So I pretty much walked the entire 5k but was able to keep the pace at a pretty steady quick walk.

I was able to see Kari, Kathryn and Cathy finishing their runs and give them all high fives.  I loved that!!

When I got close to the 3 mile sign I started running.  Well, it was actually a really slow trot.  But I don't finish races walking so I sucked it up and ran to the finish.  My whole team was there cheering me across the finish. 

One advantage of being last, everyone is there to cheer for you at the end.  That was pretty fun. 

Kelli, Cathy, Kari and Joe all placed in their age group and Logan won his age group!  Pure Endurance had a most excellent day!!

Kelli finishing the run, more smiles!

We made this sign for Kelli and Jon held it up for us.  😀

Cathy kicking some triathlon butt. 

I made it!

I love having these ladies on our team! They rock!

Kelli on the podium, far right. 

Cathy on the podium, far right.

Logan's podium picture, he's in the middle! 😀

Joe on the podium on the left.  lol

Overall it was a really great day. 

But I have some work to do.

Both mentally and physically. 

This is where it gets hard because I'm very aware that I'm stuck in the loop in my head. 

The one that looks in the mirror or sees pictures and sees that I'm the fat girl....again.  Then I get sad that I am here again and so I don't feel like doing anything.  So I don't workout.  Instead I eat.  Both of which just keep me in the place I'm in or make the situation worse. 

The worst part is that I KNOW IT and I LET IT HAPPEN ANYWAY!!!! 

UGH!

Joe and I will be signing up for events at Best in the West in September. 

Working on deciding what my goals for that will be. 

Tri at the Grove helped me remember two things that will help with whatever goals I come up with for the next race. 

Doing events is fun. 

I really am capable of doing these things.  I need to remember that. 

Thanks to some amazing people:

Joe-This last year has been hard for me and you have done nothing but love on the hot mess that is your wife.  Thanks for being my rock.  Can't imagine doing this life without you.  I love you!💜💜💜💜

Coach-I know it must be frustrating for you to make up workouts and see them not being done.  But you have not given up on me and that means more than you can know. 

Pure Endurance Teammates-Wow!  What an amazing group of athletes!  Not just the ones that raced on Saturday, but the whole team.  The friendships I have gained from being a part of the team are so special and mean more to me than you can possibly know. 

Best in the West-As always, a great day was put together but an exceptionally great group of people.  The race was fun, the pictures are great and the smiles you all have for everyone (and the patience) are appreciated.  Thank you for making the people who don't make the podium feel as special as the ones that do. 

If you are interested in participating in the Best in the West weekend check out their website.  https://www.bestinthewesttriathlon.com/  They seriously have something for everyone, all ages.  If you don't do triathlons they also have running events.  AND if you volunteer you can camp out at the park.  Joe and I will be there all weekend.  Come play with us!

Also thank you to Jon, Ron Krof and Best in the West for the pictures.  😀

Remembering

My last day of work for the school year was last Friday.  I gave myself Saturday to just do nothing.  But that's it because we are moving at the beginning of July and I have a lot to do between now and then. 

I also made a promise to myself that I would make a very real effort to get back into the regular routing of exercising.  That I would make it a part of my normal day again. 

Today is Thursday and I have done some activity every day since Sunday.  With all these different things I did I have been remembering a few things. 

• I remembered that I can do hard things.
• I remembered that being tired from working out is much better than being tired for no reason at all. 
• I remembered that I actually like being sore because I'm pushing myself.  
• I remembered how much fun it is to play on my bike.
• I remembered how much I love swimming.  
• I remembered that I do actually know how to run.  
• I remembered how much exercise helps my mental health.  
• I remembered that even though starting over isn't very fun, I know I can get back to where I was.  As long as I don't give up on myself.  

My first week back to taking care of myself better was busy with a lot of shorter activities.  Best part was being out in the sunshine!!

Sunday I hiked with my husband and my puppy.

So many daisies!

Following my hubby to the top of Bald Hill.

Monday I did a short bike ride in the sunshine. 
Tuesday I ran around the neighborhood where I will be moving to and explored.

Can we go yet Mom?

Wednesday I swam with my coach in an outdoor pool.  

Worth the drive to Corvallis to be able to swim outside!!

Today I did an Open Water Swim with my friend at Foster Lake.

Adventures with Pote. 💜

Foster Lake.  No wind and the water was warm.  Great day for a swim!

I am sore.

I am tired.

I have a lot of ground to make up.

But I am remembering why I started in the first place and why I kept going. 

There are a lot of things out of my control right now. 

This is something I can do for myself and I have complete control over. 

I am remembering that I am a Badass with Sparkle.  Even if it's not as bright as it has been,

It's good to see that sparkle again.

Seasons

Life has a way of throwing us curve balls.

I like to have a plan.

When I get a curve ball, I can adjust the plan as needed.  But I still have a plan.

However, once in a while it feels like a bit more than just a curve ball.

It feels more like I'm getting hit by the ball.

Repeatedly.

Seems like that is how things have been going lately.

Lots of things going on.  Some things are totally out of my control.  Others are because of decisions my husband and I have made a long time ago and the timing just makes it hard.

Last fall I made the decision to dial back my training some and just participate in sprint triathlons for the coming season.

I already knew there was going to be a lot on my plate and that seemed like the smart thing to do.

Fast forward six months and I've been struggling with finding balance between all the things I need to do and getting my workouts done for me.

The workouts for me have taken a backseat to everything else.

This totally sucks because I know that when I finally get through all this stuff I will be starting over...again.

When I started running I had this vision of how I would lose weight and feel great.  I had some thoughts to bigger and badder goals to reach by the time I turned 50.  I thought all of these things were totally possible considering the amount of work I was putting in.

Now I am in the year where I actually turn 50.

I have gained back a bunch of weight.

I haven't done any events this year at all and it's already June.

My workouts are practically non-existent.

Not where I thought I would be at all.

Most of this winter has been working my way around to being okay with that.

I don't want to say it's not my fault (because it is).

Or that other things had to become priorities (which they did).

I try really hard to live a No Excuses life.

But sometimes that is just really hard.  (This is being said in the most whiny voice possible.)

I tend to think of my year in seasons, usually starting with fall.  Probably because I'm a teacher and that's when the school year starts.  Fall, winter, spring, summer.  There are beautiful parts of all of those seasons but there are also parts that are not so great.  None of them last forever.  Sometimes it seems like it and then suddenly we are in the next season.

Oregon fall is beautiful.  We tend to nice weather, warm but not too hot, and the leaves start turning.  I love hiking in the fall when the air is starting to have a crisp edge to it in the morning but then it warms up.  But fall is also the time when we start getting more rainy days and it reminders that the damp winter is on its way.

Silver Falls State Park, November 2018

Winter can be lovely in different ways.  It rains a lot in the valley where I live.  I love listening to the sound of the rain on the tin cover that is over our back porch.  I like hiking when it's a light drizzle and everything smells clean and the leaves have a sparkle to them.  We can drive to the coast and watch the waves churn because of a storm or drive to the mountains and play in the snow.  It's nice to be able to change things up when it's feeling a bit dreary.  But it can also be hard to have the relentless gray skies and not have the time to change things up because life gets so busy.

The Sisters, Central Oregon, January 2019

Spring in Oregon is like a roller coaster at times.  Mother nature likes to tease us with amazing days of warmth and blue skies and then slam us with a week of non-stop rain.  Hiking becomes an adventure in spotting wild flowers and baby deer.  It's also the end of the school year and the students are losing their minds and the teachers are losing their patience.

Summer!  Long summer days, sunshine and time for workouts that are followed by naps.  I love summer.  I don't enjoy days where the temperature is over 90 and it's so hot at night I can't sleep.  Luckily we don't get there too often and I know it could be much worse.  My son lives in Arizona and I look at the temperature where he is and think it's just ridiculous!

Much like the different times of the year there are seasons in life.  With each season there are parts that are beautiful and amazing and there are parts that are not as much fun or a struggle.  Sometimes the beautiful and amazing happens at the same time as the struggling season.

This past year has brought on several different seasons in our life happening all at the same time.  As I said earlier, I have felt bombarded and overwhelmed a lot this year.

I have been focusing on all the hard parts and struggles and forgetting to look for the wildflowers.

I was talking with my coach a few weeks ago and he was telling me how I'm going through a season in my life where racing isn't a priority and that is okay.  I need to work at still moving as much as I can and remember that this isn't permanent, it's just a season.

Obviously I have been thinking about that quite a bit.  Funny how the brain clamps onto an idea or word and runs with it.

Two of the seasons in our life that are happening right now are rather significant.  First, we are selling our house and moving.  Downsizing some but getting some awesome features in a home that are going to be exactly what we are wanting in a house for a couple of empty-nesters.

Second, our youngest is graduating high school.  She will be heading off to college in August.  Our other two kiddos are home to see their baby sister graduate.  It has been amazing to have them all home and hear them laughing in the other room or hanging out with us and just visiting.

Graduation is tonight and then Meighan will be off on a trip with a friend for a few weeks.  We will be moving the first week in July, which sounds really far away but I know will be here in no time.

I'm ready for this season to be winding down.

I'm ready to not have so many life changing seasons happening at one time.

I'm ready to take a deep breath and have a moment or two before I regroup and start moving forward again.

Trying to not beat myself up and the work I'm going to have to do just to get where I was last fall.

Trying to remember this is just a season in my life.

No season lasts forever.

Sometimes that's a good thing.