It's a love story

So once upon a time, like the end of May 2012, Drew and I were hiking on a mountain in South Dakota. We talked about the future, did we want the same things etc. All those things couples talk about at a certain point to see if they'll make it in the long run. Then we took a break on the descent and sat on a rock looking at the views of the Black Hills, and Drew asked if I would marry him. I said yes and he gave me a rock. Literally it was a quartz rock we smuggled home from the hike. 

Soooooo why am I just telling you this now? Well we kept it to ourselves until now. We've finally made the rounds, told family and friends that yes indeed. We are getting married. We're doing a planned "elopement" in Montana, September 2013. We still haven't picked a date quite yet, but we're getting there. I'm not really into the whole wedding planning thing so don't expect a ton of wedding updates. Buttt if you don't hear anything about it for a while, maybe inquire about it. So I get my ass in gear. :) 

And of course here is the obligatory ring photo. It belonged to me Grandmother. I don't believe in wasting a ton of money on jewelry and also I don't support the diamond industry. Also I am all about heirlooms. 

Mountain weddings y'all.

Marisa 

25 Days of Birthmas Day 2: Stuff I Want

Okay so normally I'm not one to ask for a lot of presents because, I feel bad asking for them. I would much rather people donate to the ARL (Animal Rescue League), participate in Toys for Tots or make donations to the local food bank. However, since I need to fill up 25 Days of Birthday stuff, I suppose I can share with you some crap that I wouldn't mind having.

(Kindle Fire)

Yes I want the Kindle Fire. Don't try to sell me on your iPad. Drew has one. It's neat, but this does everything I need it to and only costs $199. Please donate the extra money it would have cost to buy an iPad to one of the above mentioned charities.

(North Face Denali Jacket)

Mine is sadly about to bite the dust. I have worn the shit out of this coat and I love it to death. Also I can wear a child's size XL. They're cheaper.

(New Balance 1520 Gore-Tex Trail Shoes)

I hope to run up a mountain in August so these would be very much appreciated. 

And last but not least

(The North Face Terra 35 Pack)

I also would like to start doing multi-day hikes. So this is necessary. 

What? You were expecting sparkly pretty pageant girl things? Sorry. I'm quite diverse as you now know. Also, I love The North Face. Don't hate. 

Stay tuned for more Birthmas fun!!!!!!!

Cheers!

Marisa

Longs Peak

So my vacation/adventure in May involves hiking a mountain. Longs Peak to be exact, at least that is the plan for now. I've never hiked a mountain, before. Actually I've never been in the mountains before. The highest elevation I've ever been at is the elevation of Broomfield, CO plus 10 floors up in my room at the Omni (which by the way I loooooovvveee. I fully intend on eating brunch there. ) So needless to say I"m excited/scared and more importantly I'm exhausted. Because apparently you can't just be like, I'm going to climb a 14,259ft mountain today! (The summit of Longs Peak) It's hard work, it can be dangerous, and you have to be prepared. So my preparations started last weekend with the purchase of my pack and boots and hiking at Ledges State Park in Madrid Iowa. It may come as a surprise to you, but I'm no outdoorsman....outdoorswoman. I have a North Face jacket and I thought that gave me some outdoors cred. Turns out The North Face is the brand preferred by people who don't spend a lot of time outdoors. Sads for me. So I tried to branch out, ask the advice of real outdoor people on packs and boots to see if I could at least look legit while stumbling up a mountain and wishing for sea level grade oxygen. Turns out, I'm just a yuppy at heart.

(The North Face Jester Daypack )

To my defense, I tried various other packs, but I kept coming back to this one as it was most comfortable and met my requirements and I didn't get it in pink. I'm trying to look like a serious mountain hiker here. As far as boots go, I tried many different ones too, at a local outdoorsy place, Sports Authority, Scheels and finally ended up at Bass Pro Shops where I met a nice guy who broke my heart when he informed me the Columbia boots I had my heart set on were not sturdy enough for Colorado mountain hiking. I can't hate him though, as he ran back and forth many times getting a zillion different pairs of boots for me and finally helped me pick them.  

(sorry, crappy BlackBerry pic taken at the store.)

I finally settled on these Mountrek boots as they were super comfortable and again met the requirements. Apparently. I wanted the pretty Columbia ones :( I also picked up a pair of SmartWool hiking socks. I am in love.

So I've got the gear, now I've just been working my ass off to get in shape for this little expedition. I don't do things half assed and I reallllly want to get to the summit. Although I am fully aware that 1. weather will be a determining factor 2. I have absolutely zero high altitude experience and oh yeah have never actually been on a mountain before. and 3. The scramble to the summit is one of the most difficult of the Colorado fourteeners. Wikipedia told me so. So don't worry Mike I will accept the limitations as they come but that doesn't mean I'm going to set the bar low.

So stay tuned as I continue to prepare for my trip. Only 9 weeks left!

Mountain Man Cheers!

Marisa