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Well Folks, the day after tomorrow we start up Mt. Rainier for the MS 2010 Climb. And you bet…it’s a scary feeling. I mean, can we really do it? Certainly the weather forecast is looking good. Certainly we’ve trained a lot. Certainly everyone has taken on their fears and conquered them before. But there’s a very wild wildcard in the mix. The wildcard is that the effects of altitude are different for everyone. And who knows if when we get up there I’ll start seeing UFO’s or think right is left. Mt. Rainier isn’t really that high (14,411ft), but it’s still higher than I’ve ever been. So we’ll see.

On a more positive note, George Dunn (the lead IMG Microsoft hired) gave us news this week that when we hit the peak on Saturday morning, that will be his 500^th ascent of Mt. Rainier. And to celebrate, he’s invited some other seasoned climbers, such as Phil and Sue Erschler, to join us on our climb! Phil and Sue are a local Seattle couple, the first couple in history to summit the fabled “7 summits”. (Everest, Mount Kosciuszko, Mount Elbrus, Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua , Denali/McKinley, and the Vinson Massif ). So all around, it’s looking like it’s going to be a momentous climb for all of us – the newbies and the pros!

And for a final mention regarding why Microsoft organized this event: WNPF. The Foundation is thrilled that so many signed up to support them and that we’ve already found so much support from friends and family, even workmates and strangers. Obviously people enjoy the national parks here in Washington, and want to help keep them beautiful and accessible! So far through my site, www.firstgiving.com/markgonealpine, people have contributed $2835 of the $3500 goal, which is stunning. You know who you are, where you came from, and that YOU ROCK!! I thank you, Microsoft thanks you, WNPF thanks you, and if Mt. Rainier could say thanks out loud, who knows if we’d know it. J

Thanks for all the support, See you next week, Markus

A couple things we'd like to do this year 2010: Kings Mt becoming a regular routine - May 8, Tonya and her crew are training on Mt St Helens - May 22, we are heading for a few adventures on Kauai May 25 - June 10, Tonya and a crew set for the weekend of July 24 - 26, followed by Mark is taking on Mt Rainier for MS - July 29, a couple of us are going to take on part of the Portland Marathon events we hope, Mark on the Lake Angeles loop, make a run on the Enchantments in a day on September 15th, and out into the Gorge for an Eagle Creek loop in October, bit of climbing as usual @ Smith and in the Columbia gorge, going to try to tackle a backpacking trip with the fam and friends. And really WHO knows what really 2010 will bring until its over!

Just wait till next year... we have something better in store, just WAIT! (ladies... you might want to stay posted for this...)

If you want to take on a new adventure of your own and not sure how to go about it let us coach you along. We will help evaluate where you are and set a plan to get you where you want to go. We'll help you pick a hike, climb, trip or whatever, set out a training schedule and if you want we will physically take you there. Our on-line email coaching is available as soon as you contact us, we'd love to help you get out there and take on the world in a whole new way.

Click here on Adventure racing and find out more about the races we support!

Because of early influences in life, hiking here in the Pacific Northwest with my family, mud became second nature. My addiction to the mountains I believe is a life long problem, always looking for more, wanting to be able to go anywhere I want to go, the high country is definitely where it's at. I've lead many groups into these mountains via with a pack or on the end of a rope. Climbing and backpacking from the mountains in the PNW and into the depths of hell (Grand Canyon) are a continuous accomplishment. It becomes the solitude and peace that one comes to cherish within the soul, plus it's a killer legal addiction! Gone Alpine is my small contribution to what I feel are some of the most incredible places on earth. If you want to know a bit more about what I've done click on my photo.

For Ken, peace and contentment is found in the depths of the Grand Canyon but... Ken is very well acquainted with the Oregonian hills for which I am becoming more accustomed too. He's been trekking around the Oregon Cascades over the last several years. Mount Adams, the Sisters and Jefferson are but a start of where he has been. Ken likes killing his feet on endurance riding and events like the Hood to Coast as well as others. Time will tell as to how much trouble we will get ourselves into together but so far we've done quite well. If you want to know more about Ken click on his photo.

Tonya is a real inspiration to those who want to do something with their life but have a little weight to loose first. Before she started hiking mountains, running races and swimming triathlons she had to set a few goals to accomplish. Now she's tackled quite a few things as well as boosted her self esteem to new heights. Tonya has become my backpacking buddy... we get each other all hyped up to physically damage ourselves and for some reason we continue to be friends. To read her inspiring story click the photo.

Malcolm is our newest alpine addict and is deserving of a page. He hiked around while he was young with his mom, she showed him a few ropes that he as been rediscovering later in life. Chris has been learning that there is nothing that he can't do. He's been taking himself to new heights and depths and loving every minute of it. Andre', well... he's our "surfer that climbs", both of which he does very well at. We decided to post these guys on a page to recognize who they are, where they come from and where they are going. Click in and you can click in to see what we've caught these guys doing.

We introduce to you someone whom we've come to admire, both in personality and photography. Sabrina's professional photography captures not only beautiful scenery, people and places, but adds the depth of all the feeling, emotion and true appreciation behind each place. To see more of Sabrina's work or need to hire, just click on her photo or go directly to http://www.nwlocalexposure.photostockplus.com/

If you’re interested in contacting us just send us an email by clicking here we check those.