tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50095262058064853242011-08-02T12:36:55.785-07:00Words, pictures, adventures!Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.comBlogger721100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-47718665049543443482010-05-23T17:29:00.000-07:002010-05-23T18:42:23.084-07:00

I originally registered for the half marathon, but the PF injury from 5 weeks ago is still an issue, so I changed to the 10K and walked it this morning. A very good walk! I met Bill, who's in the 85-90 age group (but doesn't look that age) and we chatted the whole way about his walking adventures. He prefers ultras to shorter races, but supports the races in the Salem area.The weather was dry to

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-42197707981364611592009-10-13T18:17:00.000-07:002009-10-14T09:44:49.236-07:00

This is a beautiful marathon! We drove down to Susanville by way of Crater Lake on Saturday, met my sister and brother-in-law at the Susanville Depot to pick up our race numbers (Harold was doing his first marathon, I was doing marathon #33), and went to bed early. Sunday morning, we went to the Depot to the line of bus coaches that drove the runners to the start - nice coaches, and warm inside.

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-35727826593715004292009-07-19T19:12:00.000-07:002009-07-19T22:40:50.136-07:00

This is a beautiful, flat 1/2 marathon! It runs around Coburg, Oregon, and it really is running in the country. I rode to Wendy's house with Michael on Saturday evening, and Michael and Wendy did the early walker start at 6:00 a.m., and I did the runner start at 7:00 a.m., so I got in a couple extra miles before my start.Here are some pics, getting ready for the walker start:And they're off! I

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-47920982367503180322009-07-12T20:44:00.000-07:002009-07-12T22:32:26.399-07:00

What better thing to do on a 4th of July anniversary on the weekend than do a long dayhike? We drove to Elk Lake in the Cascades to start a big loop with an out-and-back in the middle. We climbed Battle Axe Mountain to where the fire lookout foundations are for lunch, then down to Twin Lakes and back to Elk Lake on the other side of Battle Axe Mountain. I took hundred of pics, but blogspot is

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-66865085720010041662009-06-09T14:34:00.001-07:002009-06-10T19:39:32.520-07:00

June 7 was the seventh annual North Olympic Discovery Marathon, that goes point-to-point from Sequim, WA to Port Angeles, WA. It is named for the North Olympic Discovery Trail system that is the second half of the race course, ending at Port Angeles at the city pier.The Olympic Peninsula is the NW corner of Washington, where it’s rain forest on the ocean side, but Sequim is in a rain shadow. They

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-28498402123876648722009-05-31T18:30:00.001-07:002009-05-31T22:33:42.178-07:00

Dog Mountain is on the Washington side of the Gorge, upriver from Stevenson. It's a steep and hard hike, with several flatter and shaded areas. And the flowers were fantastic!

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-55861915072718425552009-05-07T22:23:00.000-07:002009-05-08T13:01:23.262-07:00

There were so many, many people this year, that I actually started on the sidewalk. We could almost hear the national anthem, and the canon start was a big boom! Those of us on the sidewalk merged into the people flow, and it took me almost 8 minutes to cross the start line! The marathon was fantastic! The rain held off, and got warmer, and I was noticing the humidity. I know there’s more rain

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-4592342232948631582009-05-07T18:53:00.000-07:002009-05-07T22:21:28.472-07:00

This was a full, fun weekend! I flew out of Portland early Thursday morning, getting to Cincinnati late afternoon. Gerry picked me up at the airport, and drove me to his and Tonya’s house. I got to meet KiKi, the new and really little kitten!Friday we went to the Creation Museum in Kentucky. This is a beautiful historical museum, with a huge developing botanical garden and petting zoo and

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-1613534126855924282009-03-16T09:09:00.000-07:002009-03-16T09:36:59.639-07:00

Wet and windy! So even though I carried the camera, I didn't take very many pictures. But even with all the rain and wind, they announced that over 20,000 had registered for the 4 events: 15K, 8K, 5K, and 3.5 mile fun walk.I picked up a 5K-running friend, and the 5K started 35 minutes before the 15K. So I did some easy run/walking, just to stay warm, along the waterfront path. Tailwind going

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-41057920152539820652009-03-13T19:33:00.000-07:002009-03-13T21:34:07.868-07:00

A beautiful day for a long run - 30F to start, upper 40Fs when done. Mixed-up winds, but not too strong. Here are some pics from this morning...First one is looking over the Chehalem Valley:Next is a barn near the top of the ridge, then some pics of looking towards the coast range: Several of the neighborhood horses were out in their pastures...When we first moved to the neighborhood, we rented

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-11718550171016903922009-02-20T21:16:00.000-08:002009-02-20T22:20:22.504-08:00

I did 15.8 miles for a long run today, Friday. That's because checking the long range forecast was showing a very wet weekend and next week. And today, it was beautiful!I did the first 6 miles up on the ridge and back, stopping long enough at home to shed the jacket, then the last 9+ was several out and backs near the school. The first of the spring flowers are blooming!!! Even though the flowers

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-51067748254602684962009-02-09T11:56:00.000-08:002009-02-09T21:13:26.429-08:00

Saturday, the 7th of February, Reggie and I climbed Beacon Rock with our special friend, Sharyl. Turns out it was Sharyl's first time up! It was a beautiful, windy day in the Columbia Gorge. Driving to Beacon Rock, there are several turnouts for admiring the view on the Columbia River.Here's the view looking up Beacon Rock from the parking lot area, near the trailhead:The trail is very well

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-50520233301377664812009-02-01T17:48:00.000-08:002009-02-01T19:54:49.233-08:00

February is the month where we often get hints of spring. It was sunny today, but still chilly, so I wouldn't call it a hint of spring yet. Just nice to have clear weather instead of freezing fog to start the new month!One thing I noticed when I first started out this morning, was how much moss is growing right on the road. Not just on the damp edges of the road, but all over the road!It was

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-17753109629090144502009-01-18T14:15:00.000-08:002009-01-18T16:34:53.009-08:00

Yesterday, Reggie and I hiked Saddle Mountain near Seaside, Oregon. Here's what Oregon Parks and Rec. Department website says about Saddle Mountain:"Two and a half miles. That's all it is from the parking lot (elev. 1,650') to the summit of Saddle Mountain (elev. 3,283'). Be prepared to marvel at the sheer volume of natural beauty packed onto the mountain, from a mature forest setting to fields

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-66658710743089719082009-01-16T15:44:00.000-08:002009-01-16T16:45:57.549-08:00

...but the roads were dry, and that means no ice! It was so nice to have sun from the start of the day! It was cold enough that the frost lasted a little while once the sun hit it, with beautiful, sparkly crystals! A beautiful day in the neighborhood...

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-27833498849540469202009-01-11T16:40:00.000-08:002009-01-12T11:33:21.592-08:00

This morning was one of my favorite races - the Cascade 1/2 Marathon in Turner, OR. It supports the Tigers at Cascade Middle School, and is a wonderfully flat, rural course. I ran the very first one in 2000, the day of our worst winter storm! I know after running in that (horizontal sleet and ice, winds 40mph gusting to 65mph) that I can run in anything! Today was quite a bit different from the

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-49587575845072905962009-01-06T18:58:00.000-08:002009-01-06T19:39:28.438-08:00

January started out in pouring rain. I did not carry my camera till January 4. And I intended to carry it on a race, but the roads were way too icy all day. Heavy, heavy hoarfrost, and even the gravel road was slick! I'm thankful for roads with little traffic and gravel for a little traction for the running shoes!

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-37608929956850052172008-12-22T16:21:00.001-08:002008-12-22T17:23:29.563-08:00

More snow fell last night -- a lot more! I'm thankful for Goretex hiking boots and gaiters. Here are some more pics:Check out the icicles on the eaves over the door above... Can you tell which way the wind blew the snow/freezing rain?

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-83825306630274513102008-12-21T16:31:00.000-08:002008-12-21T18:09:58.969-08:00

It's snow on top, then 1/2" thick ice from last night, then the 10" or so of snow on the bottom. Breaking through the ice every step leaves some bruises on the shins! This is the vineyard behind us. They have a cute little shop/cellar/picnic area near our fence... Back up the hill...Laura likes snow!

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-9755783853622423832008-12-19T14:25:00.000-08:002008-12-19T16:28:03.393-08:00

...similar to other ones this week, since I run the same road when it's icy or foggy!

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-72743380637920716512008-12-18T21:54:00.000-08:002008-12-18T22:50:24.058-08:00

...started out snowing heavily.Then it was just gray for awhile, but the sun was shining out on some of the hills.Then is was SUNNY (and too warm for the jacket!)...There's one thing the camera can't do -- and that's take pictures of all the snow sparkles when the sun is shining!

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-78114285327441108292008-12-15T11:25:00.000-08:002008-12-15T11:36:17.580-08:00

...it's cold and sunny and just beautiful!It's cold outside! :)

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-58839561687387532052008-12-14T13:16:00.000-08:002008-12-14T13:38:21.415-08:00

Got in 9.3 miles on my run/walk/hike this morning - staying up on the gravel road, for it was safer with temps right around freezing and forecast for lower...

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-62184433697109194032008-12-01T11:00:00.001-08:002008-12-01T13:40:55.450-08:00

...it was foggy, sunny, both, and warmer than the usual last-day-of-November!One of the neighbors' trees is covered in bright, red berries. And the dew was heavy!Another view, going up towards the ridge...The last of the tansy, and some cider apples in a few rows that haven't been picked yet. We've not had a heavy frost, and that may be what they are waiting for? And the goats were out in the

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-22764937774230798732008-11-29T21:48:00.000-08:002008-11-29T23:43:09.965-08:00

What a fun, fun tradition! This year the tradition was even better, for my friend, Tonya, got to join me! The race starts at the Forestry Center, runs down to the Rose Garden, turnaround at the parking lot of the Japanese Garden, then back UP to finish inside the zoo. There were over 2300 preregistered runners this year, biggest yet. Plus lots more doing the race day registration, for the weather

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-50060278927420049642008-10-22T22:11:00.000-07:002008-10-23T23:11:21.431-07:00

Here are some pics from last Sunday's hike up Eagle Creek trail. I went along with Reggie and his friends, Dave and Jan, and it was a great hiking day that ended with us watching a helicopter rescue up on Mt. Hood. The salmon at the trailhead, which is as far as they can get for spawning, were crowding the last pool. Spawning time! Perfect hiking day!

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-43848227366236630342008-10-05T18:43:00.000-07:002008-10-07T10:31:36.487-07:00

Another fun run - fun for me, anyway. Sarah was hurting, but so determined to finish!We got to the marathon early enough to meet up with Emanuel, a Runners World Beginner Forum friend. He has had a really good training summer, and was going for a 4 hour time. When we went to the start area, they wouldn't let walker bib colors into the same corral as the runners, so I chose to start with Sarah,

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-25807573949569815762008-10-01T20:31:00.000-07:002008-10-01T22:32:15.936-07:00

Today was also the first day of grape harvest, and most of the vineyards had harvest going on. The weather change is coming, for I could feel it in the pins in my ankle this morning, but today was a dry day! The vineyard behind us, they got an early start cutting grapes:The trees are hinting at starting the fall color change, but the poison oak started changing color end of August! Up on the

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-49920301486177989562008-09-15T13:44:00.000-07:002008-09-16T00:04:37.160-07:00

What a beautiful run! :) Last year when Team Karen and Team Elite did this race, it was misty and overcast, and we couldn't see Mt. Hood. This year was sunny and warm (at least after the start - it was a brisk morning!) and clear. Also last year, we did the start/finish at one of the day-use areas along Timothy Lake (13 miles around). This year, the start/finish was at the Clackamas Historic

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-76446846580209502762008-09-09T20:39:00.000-07:002008-09-09T23:12:32.607-07:00

We decided to head for the beach last Saturday afternoon, and on the way, stopped at the Tillamook Forestry Center, a recently opened display regarding the Tillamook Burn fires, and how things are replanted and there's almost no evidence from the old fires anymore.They have a model fire lookout: Inside, there's a gift shop and a theater, with a great film of the fires and interviews with people

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-57008473421432714232008-08-31T22:09:00.002-07:002008-08-31T23:21:18.356-07:00

Here are some pics from the last long run of the summer:

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-68876620545819109962008-08-31T18:10:00.001-07:002008-08-31T22:08:34.884-07:00

Great place for a Sabbath afternoon hike with Pathfinders and friends!A gray/green day, late in the afternoon. The first pic is waiting for everyone to get to the trailhead parking lot, then starting off. A wide, easy trail -- and beautiful! There were some fall flowers out there, too:The trail went past a dammed-up area, with some sort of pumping mechanism -- I'm guessing it's for flood control

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-28211217452991973742008-08-11T11:44:00.000-07:002008-08-11T20:56:07.766-07:00

Haulin' Aspen is the hardest, but most beautiful trail race, this year on August 10, in Bend, Oregon. Driving over to Bend, we stopped at headwaters of the Metolius River, and met this little chipmunk on the fence:What a fun event! Reggie and I got into Bend just before 8:00 Saturday night, got checked into the Motel 6 (cheapest I could find), got penciled in for a 1:00 pm checkout time, and

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-23252962315456074492008-07-23T20:35:00.000-07:002008-07-25T20:21:52.274-07:00

Last weekend, four of us drove out to Lincoln City, to catch the tidepool at low tide. It was fantastic! The tide was lower because of the full moon, and we saw so many starfish and anenomes. It was amazing how full of life the tidepools were. Last pic, from the Tanger Outlet Mall -- a wall full of Crocs!

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-65514687149257965402008-07-14T15:10:00.000-07:002008-07-14T17:10:40.581-07:00

Busy weekend!On Saturday afternoon, we took the Pathfinder kids from church up to "Stub" Stewart State Park -- and it was beautiful! It was hot, and not easy for everyone, but just gorgeous up there. The flowers were amazing! Daisies were everywhere. Foxglove, like the above pic, taller than me! Went to bed early that night, for the next morning was Run Like a Girl 10K!Run Like a Girl 10K had

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-46888370300016766802008-07-06T17:58:00.000-07:002008-07-06T22:32:38.201-07:00

Saturday, July 5, was a gray day at the Columbia Gorge.Reg and I drove up to Beacon Rock State Park, to climb Hamilton Mountain. We've climbed Beacon Rock many times, but this was our first time up past the waterfalls to Hamilton Mountain. It's basically uphill to the top! 4 miles up, and the wildflowers were amazing. It was super muggy when we were out of the wind, and it never really rained,

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-31409026326650481502008-06-23T21:03:00.000-07:002008-06-23T22:07:51.018-07:00

Last weekend was Neah-kah-nie District Pathfinder Clubs summer jamboree campout at Cape Lookout, near Tillamook. It was beautiful -- and all kinds of weather!

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-28717975817263928702008-06-16T18:19:00.000-07:002008-06-16T20:49:59.794-07:00

Mt. Hood was beautiful last Saturday! Here are some fun pics!

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-75512092624356479232008-06-03T20:30:00.000-07:002008-06-03T22:27:42.615-07:00

June is starting out gray and damp -- and very, very green. That's the good part about damp! :)There are bright color spots where the flowers are -- here are some pics from my ridge run, snow earlier this year, now a mix of green and gray...

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-38314891928583900402008-05-26T11:37:00.000-07:002008-05-26T20:36:02.284-07:00

Last Tuesday, I turned 50, a half century of years! So, for my b'day week, I did two big things: I ran over 50 miles for the week, plus did yesterday's Forest Park 50K trail run. And what a trail run!Leading up to the race, it was rain Friday. Then warm and muggy on Saturday, which led into downpours and lightning and thunder most of the night, leading to misty and drizzle Sunday morning. Forest

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-66926999754038885252008-05-06T06:29:00.000-07:002008-05-07T08:14:09.221-07:00

Flying Pig is not just the marathon, it’s the whole weekend!Friday morning, Tonya and I went to deliver race flyers for the September race that she’s co-race director for. One of the running stores is called Runners Depot, and it’s on the Loveland hike/bike trail – a beautiful location! Next stop – the Flying Pig Marathon expo. I picked up my race packet (and souvenirs, of course!) and we

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-39347664724831743712008-04-21T11:40:00.000-07:002008-04-21T22:06:40.439-07:00

Wenatchee Marathon, April 20, 2008We woke up to SNOW! It was in the forecast, but I was hoping for the mid-70s of the weekend before. Crazy weather! So long wind pants and long sleeve shirt. I wore the memorial photo of Rachel on my back, daughter of dear friends who'd been killed in a car wreck the first part of March. She's going on my back every race this year! These two sculptures are in the

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-64829599974903400012008-04-09T21:12:00.000-07:002008-04-15T22:16:06.077-07:00

Silver Falls State Park is one of my favorite places in Oregon. Last weekend we hiked the Canyon Trail, from South Falls to Upper North Falls, then the Rim Trail back to the South Falls parking lot. Reggie proposed to me at Upper North Falls, February 1982, so that's our favorite one.These two pics are of South Falls, from the top of the trail:When the trail turns back towards the falls, there's

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-71045980478399248212008-03-17T18:21:00.000-07:002008-03-17T22:04:19.761-07:00

Last Saturday afternoon, Reggie and I went for a hike at John B. Yeon State Park. It's a day use area on the Columbia Gorge Historic Highway near Dodson. The main trails from here will take you to Upper McCord Falls, and the lower Elowah Falls. Looks like someone kicked off a shoe in the parking lot!The trail goes up above the parking lot. It's a noisy trail -- right alongside Interstate 84, that

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-50016869217369279102008-02-21T19:17:00.000-08:002008-02-22T00:15:31.494-08:00

Mid-February, and we're getting Oregon's hint of spring. Warm enough for shorts for running, and real sunshine! This was my 22+ mile long run last weekend -- I carried my camera, and had a good morning!I chose to run to town and back, using several out and back and neighborhoods once I got to town to get the miles in. All good running areas. First, down the hill and turn at the church. The big

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-82494145932079096122008-01-30T23:20:00.001-08:002008-01-30T23:46:17.514-08:00

These pics were from my run/hike on Monday -- same as the other two runs:Yep, it's January!

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-79202567581568087942008-01-24T19:33:00.000-08:002008-01-24T20:08:00.015-08:00

What a difference a week makes! We've had some beautiful sunshine - major windchill, but clear skies and some great views. More pics, same route as the snowy one...Happy January!

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-30718137840387514942008-01-16T20:29:00.000-08:002008-01-16T21:45:18.998-08:00

A new camera, and just in time! We had a little rain, then a dusting of snow, then it froze. Here are some pics:A definite cold morning!Sir Silk, llama, in the front pasture:Clouds and sky kept changing: A favorite old barn: This is looking down Killer Hill #1: Street sign:One of the beautiful old oak trees:Lots of old farmhouses and barns: This is where filberts (hazelnuts) get

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-58140223722441157122007-12-31T18:26:00.000-08:002007-12-31T18:30:18.574-08:00

What an eventful year 2007 was! Christmas with family was very fun, but my camera died on Christmas eve, so I'm waiting for my sis to send me a CD full of pics. So, looking forward to a new camera for 2008!Goals for 2008:1500 miles50K!!!Flying Pig Marathon and Portland Marathon for sure, maybe another?Cascade 1/2 Marathon and Timberline 1/2 Marathon for sure, Haulin' Aspen 1/2 most likely, no

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-90397845414548310132007-11-22T20:35:00.000-08:002007-11-23T15:44:03.246-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Today was clear and cold, and colder with the north winds. But that beats cold and rainy, any day! Portland Turkey Trot is a 4 mile run, starting outside the Forestry Center, running down to the Japanese Gardens, then back up and finishing in the zoo.What a fun way to start the day -- I got there an hour early, because I know how busy the parking lot usually is. And it was,

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-46549577662689602082007-10-31T14:07:00.000-07:002007-10-31T17:41:27.190-07:00

...is L. L. "Stub" Stewart State Park, in the coastal range between Banks and Vernonia. They have some camping areas already done (more being developed), some cabins done, and a walk-in tent camp area. There are many trails (the bike/hike trail that connects Banks and Vernonia, the old railroad grade, goes through the park). Many of the trails on the map are not completed yet, and are closed off,

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-4102325454480101452007-10-31T13:41:00.000-07:002007-10-31T14:03:52.288-07:00

After the threat of rain marathon weekend, and the real rain after, the second half of October has been beautiful. I took my camera on a run last week, just before our first frost, and admired the fall colors. The vineyards are bright yellow green, the maples are a mix of yellows and a few reds, the last of the flowers are out -- this has been a beautiful fall!

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-80255877876076895622007-10-08T12:05:00.000-07:002007-10-08T14:23:03.529-07:00

Portland Marathon is my 'home' marathon. This year it was going to be a fun run -- and it was!The start is at 7:00 in the morning - before sunrise. I picked up Sarah at her house, and we drove to Portland. There has been major road construction and blockages downtown in the last several months, so we took Naito Parkway exit, hoping to find a parking garage close to the start/finish areas (start

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-32072324445776010792007-10-08T11:09:00.000-07:002007-10-08T12:02:54.307-07:00

Gray Saturday afternoon before the marathon -- forecast is for wet, but so far, so good. We decided to go to Falls Creek waterfall, by way of Highway 14 on the Washington side of the river. First we stopped at North Bonneville Dam power house. The view west, of Beacon Rock, near the front door of the Visitor's Center: From behind the dam on the Washington side, first looking downriver, then

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-1342311061333391612007-09-25T16:27:00.000-07:002007-09-25T18:22:45.193-07:00

How to do a surprise party? With daughters who let their Mom have fun, and some good friends helping the girls! Reggie's b'day is September 19 -- International Talk Like a Pirate Day. So that was how the pirate theme got planned. But the weekend was September 16 -- and it worked out that we were on Mt. Hood from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. We were late getting Reggie home (but I told

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-19889061316180487752007-09-19T14:47:00.000-07:002007-09-24T11:36:23.451-07:00

And what a fun weekend it was! Friday afternoon, Reg and I met up with Mike and Karen at the Rose Garden in Portland. Many, many beautiful roses still blooming. Next, we dodged the Friday afternoon traffic and drove up to Corbett, to take the Old Columbia Highway through the Columbia Gorge, stopping at many of the waterfalls.We stopped at Vista House, with beautiful marble stonework, even the

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-19178739416876016282007-09-13T10:49:00.000-07:002007-09-13T11:28:54.002-07:00

On Labor Day Monday, I was just going to run around my 4 mile block, but stepping out the front door, I could see the hot air balloons were coming our direction for a change. So I went back, got my camera, and chose to chase them for some pictures. I ended up doing over 7 miles instead of 4, and it was a fun chase! Here are the pics: A beautiful morning for chasing a balloon!

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-65599238669770784792007-08-26T15:49:00.000-07:002007-08-26T16:35:45.205-07:00

A very good run in Portland, today. Drove to Hillsboro, rode the MAX train in, and met Lauren at Starbucks in the Pearl District. She has a cool, new Garmin, and we were off to get in 14 miles, her longest distance so far, using the route we did the 9+ miles in back in April.Beautiful summer day for a run - about 60F, 60% humidity, mix of clouds and sun. We first ran down and crossed the

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-9302370510320809812007-08-14T09:20:00.000-07:002007-08-14T17:07:36.582-07:00

The toughest, but most beautiful marathon course! Haulin’ Aspen starts at Shevlin Park in Bend, OR, and loops around on trails and jeep roads in beautiful Ponderosa pine and juniper forest. The race started just 3 years ago – we did the ½ marathon the first year, and I’ve done the full for 2 years now. It makes a great slow training run for Portland, even if it is half up then half down!The

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-28030381666889792312007-07-09T18:26:00.000-07:002007-07-09T23:04:39.463-07:00

Happy Anniversary!25th wedding anniversary – how to celebrate? Turns out our original plans wouldn’t work, either because things were reserved too far ahead for 4th of July, or too expensive, or wouldn’t fit in the middle of the week. But Reggie’s a very good sport – he agreed to do the Flat Half with me, on Sauvie Island just north of Portland.Mind you, Reg hasn’t done any running since last

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-11601906633073481092007-06-12T21:28:00.000-07:002007-06-12T21:31:02.589-07:00

Life is full—very full. Our oldest daughter is home for the summer, already getting work hours at the pool, already planning some house-sitting, already registered for summer classes at a nearby community college. Our younger daughter is finishing homeschool classes, and will be teaching and lifeguarding at the pool this summer, too. Plus taking drivers’ education and assisting with our church

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-90867690052717263742007-06-06T11:20:00.000-07:002007-06-06T21:49:20.784-07:00

Last weekend we had a change in plans, so took advantage of the time for some hiking and sightseeing in the Cascades! First, we stopped at Little Niagara Falls -- a day stop on the way up Highway 22:There was a patch of inside-out flowers near the parking area. The river comes rushing around this corner, and goes into a narrow, rocky canyon. Most of it is blocked off, for too many lives have been

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-9537705180952114622007-05-08T22:19:00.000-07:002007-05-08T22:24:11.316-07:00

Walla Walla College 5K Fun Run. It’s a fun run, all right, a small mix of students and staff and alumni and community. It’s where I PR’d last year, 24:58, and placed 2nd woman overall. So I had a goal – place this year, too.Alumni weekend last year was Reg’s 25th reunion, and this year, my 25th reunion. Our daughter is a freshman this year, so we’ve been up to the college more often, and seen

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-78138206054903265822007-04-24T10:58:00.000-07:002007-04-24T17:22:49.080-07:00

Oregon in the spring can be any kind of weather. So when it's sunny and warm, we take advantage of it! I got to take advantage of Monday with a long run in Portland with runner friend, Lauren. The face behind us is a Starbucks wall mural -- he's not a runner!Blue skies, popcorn clouds. We headed down to the river, crossed the Steel Bridge, and headed southward along the east side of the

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-91880580720764485522007-04-16T18:53:00.000-07:002007-04-17T17:16:26.148-07:00

Race for the Roses ½ Marathon!This was a fun race – this year, shorts and long sleeves were fine, and I could’ve gone to short sleeves, but once we stopped that wind was a cold one! I went to the race with my friend, Sarah, and got to meet a new running friend, Maggie. Maggie had met the other half of Team Karen in Little Rock, so Karen D hooked her up with me. That was so fun – we ran and

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-88114352572328624592007-04-04T13:13:00.000-07:002007-04-17T17:17:23.247-07:00

Juggling, that's what it is! I ought to learn to juggle tennis balls – this month it seems like I’ve mastered juggling my schedule!It is so nice to have spring really here – the birds, the spring flowers, earlier sunrises, and (usually) warmer temperatures for running. That all helps to make it easier to juggle the running schedule.Last week and this week, my long runs have had to be run on

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-32624852294234905062007-03-18T14:19:00.000-07:002007-03-18T14:24:39.788-07:00

Checked the temp before getting dressed -- it was 50F! And medium clouds -- with the high today in the 60s, it was going to be a warm run. I wore shorts and my bright yellow shirt, carried my G'ade, and set out for anywhere from 12-15 miles, planning on the 15. The birds were singing, make that SINGING, this morning! Many bird voices I recognize, but still a lot that sound good, but I don't

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-61763512563565298462007-02-25T20:06:00.000-08:002007-03-04T16:51:12.625-08:00

I love running in my rural neighborhood -- seasons change, lots of new vineyards, fun neighbors (and fun neighbors' dogs), lots to see. Here are some photos from a January run:It was a sunny day, not really cold -- what a treat! Going down the driveway, looking back at our barn/shop -- roof is almost done, still lots of finish work to do on the rebuild! Here's the view to the north:Here's the

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-85417886714395077622007-02-22T22:30:00.000-08:002007-02-22T22:37:07.252-08:00

Here it is -- the Portland 97 race report that I wrote for Runners World Beginners Forum. I found it where someone else had posted it on another site about different marathons. :) * * * * * *Karen Maas [Bib # 299], Newberg, ORMy first race report--do you all realize how much I want to say and tell about the Portland Marathon? I know this will be long, so I'll summarize before details ...I was

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-33471020035192169412007-02-22T18:57:00.000-08:002007-02-22T21:11:35.170-08:00

If I can do it, anyone can!Me? A runner? Never. I could play high school and college tennis for hours – I wasn’t a runner. I could backpack for miles and miles – I wasn’t a runner. I was a mom, a housewife, a teacher.But I was surfing one rainy day–- web surfing, following links. I’m not sure how, but I ended up at the Los Angeles Marathon website and found myself gazing at all the athletic

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-38535291780937689192007-02-10T22:03:00.000-08:002007-02-11T16:32:10.800-08:00

It was a dark and stormy night. Really! That's how my miracle story starts out!We were driving towards the Oregon border that December 21, 1988 evening. The plan was to drive to Medford or Ashland, motel it, and drive the rest of the way to California the next day. We were taking our daughter, almost 9 months old, for her first Christmas at Grandpa and Grandma's house. Reg was driving, and we'd

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5009526205806485324.post-36860178214720231852007-02-04T14:55:00.000-08:002007-02-04T15:15:29.775-08:00

Here's the new blog with writing from Karen M!

Karen Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366458537519809004noreply@blogger.com0