April Update & Mariner's Tickets!

As May approaches, we find ourselves less than three months away from our summit attempt. While exhaustion and anxiety are byproducts of our training and anticipation, we realize now more than ever that all the hard work is paying off.

McClellen Butte, Mailbox Peak, Mt. Pilchuck… there are so many fantastic trails here in the Northwest, but due to avalanche danger, snow drifts, and poor trail conditions we have been unable to climb them. Warmer weather conditions can’t come soon enough- so until then, we hike Si...

Two weeks ago, we went to Mt. Si without any goals other than to summit. As we climbed we realized that we were keeping a record pace. So…we climber faster, we climbed with more direction, we climbed with focus. Another couple in front of kept this ideal speed until mile 2.5 when they ask us to pass them. I mentioned to them that they had kept a perfect pace for us. With sweat dripping down their brow they said they’d love for us to now pace them. We took the challenge and by mile three our legs were burning, heart racing, and determination pressing ever more. At the summit we looked at the clock… 1:55. We made it in less than two hours with 20+ lbs on our backs. A goal we have had set for ourselves since February. We did it!

The couple behind us ascended shortly after. They thanked us for pacing them and we responded with a like sentiment. It turns out that they too are training for Rainier. After a quick snack, we made our way back down and left the mountain proud and accomplished.

This past weekend, we met with the CFCA team to hike *surprise* Mt. Si. (I cannot wait to cease training on this mountain!) The weather was far from ideal, but the rain couldn't dampen our spirits. Around mile 3 the rain turned to snow and before we knew it was passed into a winter wonderland. It really was quite magical. The summit was much colder than it had been the week prior and we had to make sure to put on some warmer layers and break for a shorter period of

time. My friend Brett was nice enough to lend me his outer shell as my fleece wasn’t keeping me warm enough. I did look like a big blue snow monster, but at least I was a warm one.

It was the last hike before we start training on the real mountain… Rainier. Starting in two weeks, we begin our training at Pebble Creek and Muir. We are feeling stronger and much more physically ready to attempt this climb in July. Aside from the physical preparedness, we are also making progress in the other aspects of preparations for this climb. Our gear list is over ten pages… baselayers, soft shells, outer shells, light gloves, medium gloves, heavy weight gloves, sun protections, wind protections, food, etc… but we are slowly whittling it down and getting ready to train and summit with this gear.

We have now raised $5,522.00! We are only $1,478 away from our financial minimum set by the ALA to do this climb. We are so close!

My brother, Dustin and his wife Bekah, have graciously donated two tickets to the Mariners! The game is Sunday June 20th at 1:10pm. The seats are right behind Ichiro and can be yours! EVERY donation through May 30th will be entered to win these tickets. Thank you Dustin and Bekah!

Thank you to everyone for your continual support. There’s just no way we could do it without you.

♥k&m

91 Days!

Mandy and I met with the CFCA team 8:45am this past Saturday for the Tiger 3 trail. The trail is approximately 5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2100 feet. Although working until nearly midnight most Friday nights limits my enthusiasm Saturday mornings, I've found that being so warmly welcomed by the other climbers in the CFCA group changes my attitude quickly. It has been a wonderful way to train, seeing my team members and catching up at these hikes every other week. The solidarity and cohesive nature of our cause has created some unlikely but unique friendships.

As we ascended the trail, we were passed by

many other hikers forewarning us of the

precarious trail conditions ahead. The last mile was supposedly extremely icy. As we approached the snow line, our team stopped to chain-up. Yak Traks... one of the most ingenious ideas, are basically chains bound by an elastic barrier that cling to the bottom of our shoes. They are super easy to slip on and off and something I even used to walk around my iced-over parking lot two winters ago. While getting up a slippery slope can be done, Yak Traks make the almost impossible decent doable. Most of the team members had them, and the ones that didn't certainly looked on with envy as their feet skated on the ice.

The summit was lovely- we had sun, blue sky, and great snacks! Mandy and I have found complete joy in cheese, crackers, and apples at the summit:)

The Thursday before the hike was our monthly CFCA meeting. I wasn't able to go so Mandy represented our team and even got to speak that night about her grandfather's battle with emphysema and why it was so important to her to climb in his behalf.

As we continue on with our training and fundraising, I continually find myself in awe of the faith people have had in our team and this cause. Our family, our friends, and even completely strangers have supported us to an extent that leaves me without words at times. We are so blessed.

I want to thank the following people for making our financial goal closer this past week:

• Grandma Flo, our highest donor yet! But more importantly, an amazing lady in my life.
• Aunty R., one of the coolest women I've ever known ;)
• Grandpa Don, one of my biggest cheerleaders in life! Thank you for supporting me in yet another adventure:)
• Matterhorn Man... yeah, I figured out who you are! My amazing brother Travis.
• Margaret Petrich, a wonderful friend who has always been there for me.
• Marc DuCharm, for being so gracious! He sent out a letter to his interior design clients asking for item donations to my upcoming garage sale. He has continually supported me throughout this. Marc, you are simply fantastic!
• Sarah Kanter
• John Capone
• David Butler

k&m

Half way there!

We are almost at the $5,000 mark, nearly half-way to our goal of raising $10,000 for the American Lung Association. So, while you are working hard to help us meet this amazing goal- we are working hard to get ready to climb. To train, we are spending time at the gym, taking weightlifting classes, running, sprints up hill, and hiking every weekend.

Last weekend we had our sights set on McClellen Butte, a 5162' peak off I-90's exit 42. As we were literally getting our gear in the car, the radio caught our attention with, "The Cascades expect at least 2 feet of new snow starting early this evening..." I gave Mandy the look: lip down, forehead wrinkled, and eyes full of question, "Do we do it?" I asked. It was only 8am and had projected a round trip time of approximately 4 hours- well before the snow we to begin falling.

Following the old muddy logging road, my car dipped and jolted by the unrelenting pot-holes. We reached our destination and an intelligent decision to turn around, as the McClellen parking lot was completely vacant... we needn't be those hikers we often hear about on our early Monday morning commutes, "two hikers have failed to return from what was a weekend hike in the Eastern Cascades. Searches have been delayed due to snow..." We told the horn-shaped summit we'd be back in the near future and back west we went. Driving away from snow-capped mountains, Snoqualmie Point at the Rattlesnake Mountain Trail beckoned us. This trail begins on the Eastern side of Rattlesnake Ledge, where we hiked with the CFCA team last month, and connects to Rattlesnake Lake via an 11 mile route. There are two vantage points, Stan's Overlook (2.5 miles) and Grand Prospect (4.9 miles) on the way to Rattlesnake Lake.

We made it about a mile past Grand Prospect, then turned around. The weather held out for us the entire 12 mile trip and only started raining as we descended into the parking lot. The trail, well maintained, had very few other hikers and a lovely mix of views, terrain, grade, and forest. After our eye-opening pace that our guide held at the Little Si training hike, we kept focus on our speed. In the coming weeks, we aim to hike the entire traverse, parking one car at the east end for drop off and the other at the west end for pick up.

This coming weekend we have custody of Big Si and Tiger Mountain. Saturday we’ll be joining our fellow team members as we train on Tiger and Sunday, we plan to quicken our pace up Si. Our intensity increases as we count down to our July summit. 100 days.

The weekends of never-ending hiking have been exhausting but as we drive away from our trails and back to our homes, we see Rainier watching over us from the distance and whispering… “my turn’s next.” There’s no stopping now.

k&m

and the winner is...

Congratulations Bekah Osterhaus! For her generous donation, she was entered into this month's raffle, and is now the winner of a $100 gift certificate to the fabulous Purple Cafe and Wine Bar.

Thank you Purple Cafe for providing this awesome prize!

This month we have been given 2 tickets to the Seattle Repertory Theater's An Iliad. Every $20 donation will enter you into a raffle to win these tickets to see An Iliad. You pick the date, playing through May 16th. Drawing to be held April 19th.

We have been so blessed the past two weeks with so many donations and want to take a moment to thank the following people:

Evan Boulanger
Stacia Davis
Stephanie Kramer
Patrica Robert
Laura Robert
Pricsilla Grochowski
Linda Tran
David Butler
Nick Nageli
Diana Slater
Lindsay Leisner
Alison Wright

A couple of people who have gone above and beyond...

Dave and Teresa Osterhaus, who have offered to hold a benefit garage sale on behalf of our team and graciously offered to match whatever is made at the sale!

Paul Whiteside, a KIRO listener, who heard our story on The Ron and Don Show and donated $200 without even knowing us! What an amazing statement of faith in our climb and an example of how a complete stranger can make a difference in someone's life.

Jessica Gottsman, the KIRO news reporter who met us in studio. She had never met us before and more than likely will never see us again, but heard our story, told us that she believed in us and donated.

Michelle Bagley, she offered this month's incentive (see above), 2 tickets to the Seattle Rep. Theatre. What an amazing gift!

Don't forget, the highest donor will receive a wine-paired dinner for two to the Bellevue Purple cafe and Wine Bar!

We keep saying this, but it's so true... WE COULDN'T DO THIS WITHOUT YOU!

Thank you to everyone who continues to inspire, motivate, challenge, amaze, support, and encourage us.

k&m