Feels like summer

I know it isn’t officially summer yet, but May was a dry month for Seattle, which meant Monday night campfires with friends. A ton of mountain pies were made in our backyard, along with brats and beer. I like to think I’m entering the summer strong after having multiple backyard fires in a month.

Cruising around Seattle's lakes

I run cold and rarely find myself wanting to spend time around Seattle lakes. However, a friend invited me for an after-work boat ride, and I couldn’t say no. Seattle is home to Lake Union and Lake Washington, along with being on the Puget Sound. We putted along on the sailboat using the motor after a storm and triggered a local drawbridge during rush hour. I met new friends as we toasted to the start of the climbing season.

A big training month

Speaking of climbing season, May was the month to pick up my training in hopes for some summer summits in the Cascades. A new gym called Orangetheory FItness opened nearby. I joined and have taken a few classes already to compliment my weekly hiking schedule. In addition to cardio conditioning, I still have been hitting the climbing gym when possible and am happy to say I climbed my first 5.11a in the gym. Next goal it to climb one clean!

First 5.11a gym climb

New stories shared in May:

Most viewed posts in May:

  1. 6 Things to Know Before Camping on Olympic Peninsula Beaches
  2. A Spring Guide to Backcountry Skiing Mount St. Helens
  3. 2 Days in London: An Aggressive Sightseeing Itinerary

Where I traveled in May:

  • Artist Point, Washington
  • Mount Hood, Oregon
  • Vantage, Washington

Outdoor adventures in May:

What’s next for June?

Want to know what I have planned for June? Sign up for my monthly emails for an exclusive update.