Weight Update

I am down to 228. I am a little disappointed, even though I still blame the little crack dealers. Hopefully this week I can convince myself to start eating better. The good news is that I have now gone 3 weeks without a soda.

11 Degrees

Hiked Mount Si today with Donal and Natasha. 8 miles round trip. Total elevation gain 3,150 feet. Temperature at the bottom: 25 degrees. Temperature at the top: 11 and snowing. I didn't get a chance to build my dolman this trip. It was a little hard to find any stones under 4 feet of snow at the summit. I had a chance to try out my new Yak Tracks and they were great. There was snow on the trail all the way up, so the extra traction was helpful. Overall, it was a difficult hike, but rewarding at the end. I would have to say I would bring warmer gloves next time. My fingers were numb at the top. With all the snow, trekking poles were a must. I am glad I stopped at REI on the way to grab some. Black Diamond compact with shock absorb. Super light.
I have Rattlesnake Ledge to look forward to next week. I have been told it is a much easier hike. Hopefully the temperature climbs a bit. It would be nice to finally go on a hike where the temperature is north of freezing

Si of Relief

I thought I wasn't going to get to go hiking this weekend, but in a last minute change of fate I will be hiking Mount Si with Donal and Natasha tomorrow. Hopefully the 20 degree temperatures won't be too rough.

Those Damn Girl Scouts!

If I don't lose any weight this week, I am going to place all the blame on the Girl Scouts and the crack that they sling, aka Samoas and Thin Mints.

Donation Update

Thank you to Chad and the rest of the group at Magnum Scaffolding for their very generous donation! I have now jumped all the way to 61% of my target of $3,750! Keep those donations coming!

Training Shirt

I am trying to find a good quality, non-cotton, shirt to wear on my training hikes and for my climb. I found this one, and it seems like a good price. Any suggestions?

We Could Have Used These Yesterday

These received great reviews from rei.com, so I picked up a pair for Justin and I. After I have had a chance to use them a couple of times I will post what I think.

Sacrifices...

I have decided to give up drinking soda until after the climb, and perhaps beyond. It won't be easy. I normally drink 8-12 a day. I have made it one week so far, and it hasn't been too bad. Irish tea has satisfied my caffeine fix.

This Weekend

I wish I had a better idea what the weather was going to be like this weekend. I know it is going to be cold, but how much snow will be on the ground, and where? It makes it hard to plan our next hike.

Mount New Year

Caitlyn asked me today, "Daddy when are you going to climb Mount New Year?"

Starting Weight

I have decided that I am going to post my weight through the course of my training. As of this morning, my starting weight was 230 pounds. My goal is 195 by the time I summit.

And so it begins...

Today was my first real step towards achieving my goal of reaching the summit. Justin and I went on our first of many training hikes. Today we hiked to the top of Tiger Mountain West Summit #3. The total hike was 6 miles, with an elevation change of 1,100 feet. The hardest part was dealing with icy conditions for the last mile. We both felt like fools for leaving our trekking poles at home. It was so slippery that we could have used a set of crampons. My favorite comment of the day came from a hiker going in the opposite direction that could sense we were having trouble with our footing. He stopped to show us his nifty traction devices on his boots. "$15 bucks at Shoes 4 Less." Thanks a million. That really helps out our current situation. A couple of sticks foraged from the underbrush worked just fine. "Hey buddy, these were free!".
Weather was great. Sunny and blue skies as far as you could see. It was a little chilly, only making it into the mid 30's in the shade, but it felt good once we got going.

Updated Fundraising Total

As of today, I have raised $1,735 toward my goal of $3,750. Thank you for your donations! I still have a long way to go, so please keep it up! Anything helps! To make a donation, visit my personal donation page at tinyurl.com/keggert.

Climb For Clean Air 2011

My brother, Justin, and I are joining the Climb for Clean Air 2011, an event put on by the American Lung Association, where we will be climbing Mount Rainier! We each have to raise $3,750 by July, but there are only 72 spots, and the first 72 to raise the money are the only ones guaranteed a spot. Please help me climb for the cure by making a donation by visiting tinyurl.com/keggert! Thank you so much for your help!