Back to Pebble Creek

Sunday was our last mini-mountain climb before three Muir climbs and then our summit attempt. Mandy went solo, as our friend Brett was climbing Hood and I am nursing a hamstring injury. I believe I strained my muscle a couple of months ago and unfortunately it has gotten increasingly more painful as I continued to train. I am now under the care of wonderful doctor who is helping me with physical and cold laser therapy. I have taken the last 5 days off from all training and exercise which is driving me mad, but I am beginning to feel the benefits to the rest and treatments. I plan to resume training this week and hopefully be fully healed in the next two weeks.

Mandy headed out by 5am to first pick up a few rentals at Whittakers in Ashford and then onward up to Paradise. It was freezing at 3,000 feet and the snow was falling hard as Ashford neared. She followed fellow climber Ron and told him that if she flashed her lights, she'd need him to pull over so she could ditch her car and ride in a more snow-suitable vehicle. A few slips and slides but she made it safely and departed with the group by 9am. Compared to just a few weeks ago, the weather had completely done a 180. CFCA team member Kevin posted the following before and after photo showing the drastic difference between last Pebble Creek climb and this Sunday's.

Mandy said she couldn't see more than five feet in front of her, let alone the mountain's peek.

Because of the temperature difference and heavy snowfall, the climbers got to train for the first time with warmer gear, more layers and considerably less visibility. As far as July's concerned, we really could experience both types of conditions (snow or sun) Ultimately it was a good thing for everyone to train conversely to our last climb- adding to our comfort and education as novice climbers.

We have hit almost $7,600! It is a really exciting time for us as we have have 51 days until our summit attempt and get even closer to reaching our goal of $10,000 for the ALA.

Don't forget:

*Every donation through June 10th will be entered to win 2 tickets to the Mariner's June 21st.

*The largest donation will win a wine-paired dinner for two to the Bellevue Purple Cafe.

Special thanks to my Aunt Barbara, Kay Spikes, Jill Thompson, and Aaron DeFeyter who supported us this past month!

k&m

1st training on Rainier

Getting up at 4am was certainly not easy, but the excitement behind Sunday's conditioning climb on Rainier made it easier. We got our packs packed, gear together, lunch packed, and were ready to go by the time Brett picked us up at 5 that morning. The roads were almost vacant making the drive fast and care-free- the gorgeous sunrise didn't hurt either.
By 7am we were in Ashford. Along with about 10 others from our team, we gathered at Whittaker's mountaineering rentals. We got our plastic boots, gaiters, glacier glasses and then walked next door to my aunt and uncle's, Jasmers, to borrow two pairs of snowshoes. It took us another 45 minutes but before we knew it we were at Paradise and at the foot of this amazing mountain. It felt like my first day of school with a mix of anxiety and excitement pumping through my veins.

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. The sun was bright and Rainier seemed to glow in the turquoise sky. While we geared up more of our team arrived and by 9 am we stood with the entire group talking the day's schedule and strategy. It was many of the team's first time wearing the plastic mountaineering boots and climbing in the snow with 30lbs on our backs.
Our first stop on the climb was right before the avalanche shoot where our guides taught us about pressure breathing and the rest stop step, both mountaineering techniques that help regulate breathing at altitude and enable your muscles to climb for both endurance and grade. By the time we reached our summit for the day, many of us climbers were surprised with the ease of that day's hike.

As we sat on the backs of our packs, ate our lunch and adjusted our boots, our guide announced that our team was looking in great shape. He explained to us that collectively, our team, was one of the stronger teams he had guided before and that while we should not get cocky we should be seriously proud of the training we have put in thus far as it clearly indicated to him that this was a team to be reckoned with. The day was simply amazing and it is clear that I am falling madly in love with this mountain :)

Thanks to a generous donation by Mr. and Mrs. Mattson, we have raised the minimum needed to secure our summit date. July 16th it is. It was such exciting news to hear that we have reached $7,000 in donations. How cool is that?! While we are pumped to have met the minimum, we still have every intention of getting to the goal we set for our team at the beginning of all of this... $10,000.

Every donation through June 10th, will be entered into a raffle to win to Mariner's tickets for the June 20th game at Safeco Field. Win those tickets!

k&m

All Star Suite

Monday morning, Mandy received a call from Carna our event coordinator, "Congratulations, you won this month's incentive from the ALA..." Because our team raised the most throughout the month of April we a were awarded four tickets to the All Star Suite at the Mariner's game. Mandy, myself, my brother Dustin, and his wife Bekah met downtown Wednesday evening and made our way the ramp to the suite level of the stadium. We were met by the suite host we guided us down the hallway to our room. There we were haded off to Linda, who welcomed us to the game and began her tutorial on what our suite offered. It went a little like this, "The refrigerators are stocked and everything in there is your to take... the buffet on the left has a fantastic blacken cod special this evening... the dessert bar on the right has cheesecake, cookies, ice cream, ever topping you could ever want... in the middle there is some of the ballpark favorites: hot dogs (with every garnish imaginable), popcorn, peanuts... we are here for you... what can I start for you?" We were well taken care of and enjoyed watching the game in that capacity. It truly was a wonderful prize!

Tiger Traverse

Two Sunday's ago, while I was running in Spokane's annual Bloomsday Race, Mandy joined the CFCA group for a endurance conditioning hike. The Tiger Traverse off of I-90, is a 16 mile trek similar to the Rattlesnake Traverse that we did half of a couple of weeks ago. About 30 poeple came out to enjoy the rainy Northwest weather... oh and the trail too. Mid-way through the hike, the group stopped for a picnic. Actually, it was more even some wine! The tree cover was ample enough to sheild the group from most of the rain and the high spirits endured all 16 miles. It was a great hike.

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

Powered by Purple!

The Purple Cafe and Wine Bar continues in its support of Team Matterhaus! This just in...

Whomever donates the largest donation to our team in this cause, will receive a wine-paired dinner for two, to the new and spectacular Bellevue Purple Cafe location. Now, that's an offer hard to resist!

And don't forget... every $20 donation through April 1st will constitute an an entry into a raffle for a $100 gift certificate to the Purple Cafe and Wine Bar.

Thank you Purple!

"On Air"

This past week we were invited by Don O'Neill to speak about our climb on his show, The Ron and Don Show. Such a generous offer! We were warmly welcomed into the KIRO studios around 5 this past Friday. Mandy and myself were given two chairs in the recording studio and greeted with high fives from Don and simple nod and a smile from Ron. Just as the red light flashed "On Air", the guys picked the headphones from off their necks and covered their ears,

"It's hour two here on the Ron & Don show..." booms Don's voice.

We got to watch the show progress live which was certainly entertaining as both Mandy and myself stifled giggles during Don's story of his former after-school, snack-stealing nanny. As the six o'clock hour approached we were told that our story would be featured at twenty after.

Mandy stepped up, speaking on behalf of our team and explained why her grandfather was the inspiration behind her wanting to climb and what our team's goal was. She did awesome! Overall, it was such a fabulous experience getting to watch Don and Ron doing their show live, tour the KIRO studios, and get to speak to Seattle about our mission to get on the top of this mountain.

Don, thank you so much for graciously inviting into your studio and onto your show. Your support has been invaluable! Thank you to the other KIRO employees: Ron, Jason, and Jessica Gottesman who were so kind to us during our visit.

Check out The Ron and Don Show Blog featuring our story! Second story from the top.

k&m

We just passed the $2,000 mark!

Stacia Davis, Larry Lorenzo and Dustin & Bekah Osterhaus made this possible. What fantastic friends and family!

Only on top can you see the whole view -

can you see what you've done and what you can do -

press on follow your dream! (this quote passed onto me by my Aunt Tanna)

k.

March Update

We want to say thank you again to everyone who has supported us. We are honored to be sharing our stories with you of who and what have inspired and challeneged us to climb.

We have raised $1,842

We have $8,158 to go

There are 70 hopeful climbers. We have to be 2 of the first 40 climbers to raise the minimum set by the ALA to climb on the 2010 Clean Air Team. Help us reach the fundrasing goal and make the team.

THINGS TO KNOW

1. $100 Gift Card to The Purple Cafe and Wine Bar
Donate $20 and you will be entered into a raffle for a $100 gift cirtificate to the Purple Cafe.

Drawing will be held March 31st, 2010.

2. Garage Sale
Katie's parents will be hosting a benefit garage sale.

When: April 3rd

Where: 1459 N. Baltimore Tacoma, WA 98406
How to get involved: Donated unwanted items! For all donated items sold- proceeds go to the Amercian Lung Association on behalf of our team. We will come pick them up! Let us know when and where.

The Purple Cafe and Wine Bar is simply fabulous. Thank you to them for their generous donation for this month's contest. How we love the Purple Cafe!

k&m

Mandy's Story

George S. Butler, died from complications of emphysema. He was a life-long smoker.

He was my grandfather.

My grandfather joined the Army Air Corps in 1942 and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force. He served along many other great men in WWII. To pass the time between combat missions he smoked. Smoking was a part of daily life; something to do, something for reprieve.

During and after WWII smoking was socially accepted. Big advertising promoted cigarette smoking. There was little education about the effect of cigarettes and a general disregard for the warnings of the Surgeon General that came out nearly 20 years after the war.

A habit learned during war time became a habit back at home as my grandfather continued his career with the Air Force and Federal Aviation Administration.

My grandfather made many attempts to quit, never more than when I was born. While smoking around his first and only grandchild would never happen, quitting completely was easier said than done. For me, he was able to turn 40 years of smoking into the occasional sneak smoking, but the damage had already been done.

As emphysema plagued his life I couldn't do more than watch as the breathing became harder. Walking turned into a marathon endeavor, and my grandfather became chained to his oxygen tank.

My grandpa survived a war; he survived combat missions; he survived being shot down over enemy territory, he flew countless hours for the United States Air Force and FAA; he even survived cancer and peritonitis. My grandfather didn’t die from the war; he didn’t die from a plane wreck; he didn’t die from cancer; he died from cigarette smoking.

“I love yous” are rarely spoken, but actions are taken perhaps even more seriously where I come from. My family isn’t good at words. My grandfather wasn’t nor am I.

And now… I am going to climb this mountain to say "I love you, Grandpa".

~Mandy

The "Big" and "Little" Battle

It has been a busy week. We have both increased our training, and significantly refocused on the intensity of this climb. Saturday morning, 8 am, we headed off to Mt. Si in North Bend. The morning commutes of both last weekend's and this weekend's hike sounded similar as I, the non-morning person, couldn't believe we were up at such an early hour. I will take full responsibility for my attitude, eagerness, and energy as I had been visiting friends in Bellingham the night before which led to a bedtime sometime around 4am.

For the record: totally worth it. We reached Big Si by 9ish and took off into the forecasted "...gorgeous day ahead with sun for the morning and afternoon and temperatures of up to 70 degrees..." A recipe filled with Northwest adventurers, boy scout troupes, and families, Big Si was further garnished with the unexpected backpacker, toy dog, and toddler. The climb is 4,167 feet and 4 miles from the parking lot to the summit plateau. Four hours of

sleep and sore

from the previous day's spin and weight session, Big Si provided me with a much more arduous climb than times before. Mandy kept me

motivated and on task as we climbed. The summit, worth it as always, provided a

warm welcome with the warmth of the sun on our skin, fresh air in our lungs, and view of our goal at hand, Mt. Rainier...

The plateau's energy, certainly more than my own, even came with its own soundtrack with a group of young men

enjoying the opportunity to play their fiddle for those that

would stop and listen. Our goal was to summit in two hours. While, the dragging of my feet didn't speed us up by any accounts, we managed a timely accent not far from our goal pace. At the trail head, we were welcomed back by being boxed in by two other cars! Who does that?! Mandy's superb maneuvers behind the driver's wheel and my direction

from outside the vehicle, we managed to 'scrape' by and get on our way home. Big Si down, Little Si to go... Sunday morning was our 2nd training hike with the other Climb for Clean Air team members. We met in the Little Si parking lot that quickly went from being dusted by mist to overwhelmed by rain. Without delay, us hikers threw our packs on the ground searching for rain gear: outer shells, pack covers, gators, etc. One member of the 2010 team is Brett Martin, a friend from college. I had no idea that he was going to be joining this year's team so, the random nature of now seeing him at our training hikes has been really fun. In the true Northwest fashion, we took off, rain and all, to train with the help of Little Si. While, the mud and the rain didn't seem to catch

anyone off guard, the pace our guide kept certainly did. "I felt like I was running. I am a little person, with little legs!" cried Mandy as we took our first break alongside the trail. The pace was indeed fast but it felt good to keep a quicker

pace than we last did at Rattlesnake. Upon reaching trail's end, most of the crew was gasping for air. "That was quite the pace you kept..." One hiker exclaimed. Our guide smirked. I am certain he was thinking to himself, "mission accomplished." Feeling full of the energy I lacked the day before, the physical push felt good. On the other hand it brought up the intensity that will be Rainier. Many of the climbers were faced with their weaknesses. "Well, I certainly know now that I am far from ready," pronounced fellow climber Mark. As we continued on, so did the rain and by the

end of our trek we were all wrapped in the rain's slippery sheen. Little Si is a baby compared to its mama at only five miles round-trip and gaining 1,200 feet. So, in this weekend's the battle of the Si's... which did we favor?

DIFFICULTY: At 4,167 feet and 8 miles round trip, our vote... Big Si
SCENERY: The green moss, sheer walls of grey rock and variance in terrain, our vote... Little Si
SUMMIT VIEW: The peaceful stoop surrounded by grey mist, tree-covered mountain peaks that is Little Si compared to Big Si's stretched view of Seattle, Bellevue, the Cascades and haystack rock, our vote... tie OVERALL: While for training purposes, Big Si is where it's at, but the varying trail grade, flora, and fauna of Little Si offers competition, our vote... tie

Look for our March update out this week via email, letter, and blog...

This week's "AWESOME LIST": Kailyn Sylvester, Uncle Bill, and Professor Brotherton. Thank you thank you for supporting us!

k&m