Golden Joe's Adventures

Monday, December 26, 2016

The Munra Experience

Located in the distant upper reaches of the Columbia River Gorge, near Eagle Creek, rests a landmark which very few have experienced; and for good reason. Munra Point is a destination not easily accessed due to its difficult-to-follow rocky trail, tricky incline and serpentine path. Once arriving , the courageous explorer is rewarded (on a clear day) with beautiful views overlooking the historic "Gorge".

Munra Point, Columbia River Gorge

Saturday, June 11, 2016

Lolo Pass to Eagle Creek - 32 Mile Solo Hike

An adventure in preparation for my next ultra-marathon race

June 9-10, 2016

Tunnel Falls on the Eagle Creek Trail

Continuing my resolve to train for another ultra-marathon - and coming to the close of my vacation, brought me to the decision to hike the Lolo Pass to Eagle Creek route. Lolo Pass is a milestone for many explorers traveling the Pacific Crest Trail. It is situated about 10 miles northwest of Mt. Hood and there is a 2800 feet elevation loss to the Columbia River, near the Eagle Creek Trailhead.

So, Jen drove me to the intersection of the Pacific Crest Trail at Lolo Pass Road and the adventure began. The weather was true to early June in Oregon - a hodgepodge of rain, sun, fog and clouds.

The Pacific Crest Trail near Lolo Pass

It felt great to be on the trail. My pack weighed-in at 45 pounds prior to departure. I hiked 15 miles in about 5 hours and another 17 miles the next day. Though not an actual ultra-marathon, I travelled the distance of a 50k ultra and as I type this the next day...can definitely feel the physical impact of the hike.

Eagle Creek Trail is an all-American hike. Beauty abounds this amazing country. Nearly every turn brings the sight of wonderful waterfalls, deep blue pools and lush old-growth forests.

Here is a short video of my adventure...

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

2016 Disneyland Trip - A Goldenjoe Vlog

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Golden Joe's Adventures - Episode Number 1 (Renewed) - May 15, 2016 "A Return to the Ultra Marathon"

A favorite trail on the east side of Mt. Hood

After a few weeks of wonderful weather, Oregon rain returned this past weekend. Although there are salmon in local rivers, yesterday I opted for a day of tennis with Emma before taking care of a few honey-do's around the house. However, this afternoon, I came across this wonderful video:

(click this link)
The Hard Way, An Ultra Runner Pushes 90

A strong winter produced many fallen trees along this forest service road near Mt. Hood

Inspired by the video to at least lace-up the La Sportiva trail runners and run a few laps around the pasture (which fortunately spans 400 yards), I happened upon one of my favorite podcasts, Trail Runner Nation (Trailrunnernation.com). In this week's episode, Byron Powell of IRunfar.com was interviewed. Byron's book Relentless Forward Progress (2011, Breakaway Books) was my go-to manual for training for the 2012 Rainier to Ruston 50 Mile Solo ultra-marathon (http://goldjoe.blogspot.com/2012/06/2012-rainer-to-ruston-50-mile.html).

Listening and watching these provided some much needed motivation that I've been waiting for...seeking really...to return to long-distance running that I fell in love with several years ago. For now, I'll rely on creating a weekly blog to aid in the pursuit of my next ultra-marathon race. What ultra-race?...That's a question for another day. I'm going to hold that thought until I can establish a solid aerobic base during the next couple of months and log a number of decent long-runs along the way.

Though tennis with Emma, fishing or other commitments will likely come into play...my resolve to run long distances is restored today. So, with my previous seldomly updated "Golden Joe's Adventures" blog, this effort must also translate into a commitment of another sort...writing. So, I'll try to share some thoughts, photos and an occasional video blog which I will start below. I'm not certain where this blog will take me...but the hope is that it will bring a renewed sense of "play" that once was and to perhaps inspire some of you to lace-up as well - to experience the joy and adventure that comes with a long trail run.

Click Here for Video Commentary: