40:40-23 Smith Rock

 

Besides a couple trips to Sisters Oregon I had never really been to Central Oregon before. Last year my sister's youth group invited me to be their camp nurse, and I am so grateful to them that they did and I got to see this amazing place!!!

 

Smith Rock blooms out in between farm lands and desert. It provides a place for adventurous souls to rock climb, hike, explore, camp, ect. In an understatement it is beautiful!

 

For our hike we started from the last viewpoint and parking area onto the Homestead Trail.

After crossing the Footbridge we followed the River Trail then cut up on the paths to walk past the Morning Glory, Christian Bros, and Diehards climbing walls. (The next day we would bring the youth girls back to climb these walls).

 

 

Next came Asterisk Pass. This is a climbing/rock scamble cut-through enabling some great views. We then followed the Mesa Verda Trail, connected with Monkey Face Trail, and then took Misery Ridge Trail back to the Footbridge.

Mesa Verda Trail

 

Monkey Face Rock

I would go back in a second to hike more trails and soak in the beauty of this area!

Compassion

Last week I posted a question on facebook of "What motivates you". It was specifically directed towards what motivates you to eat right and exercise, to be healthy. My firend Melissa posted this:
 "Self-compassion. Not to be confused with pity or selfishness. A few years ago, I was down in a few ways. An injury that forced me to sit for a while capped it off. I had a lot of time to reflect. Developed a gratitude for the ability to move freely that, once I was able again, has never left me. I love to move. The more I do that, the more I want to eat the right fuel. I "cheat" almost every day, but eat well (unprocessed) otherwise. That goes back to the self compassion thing. Back to the injury...while professionals (PT) were caring for me, I had to keep up my end (exercises, stretches etc). Hard to explain and really very simple, but that visceral care taught me/translated to self compassion (I thought I came up with that concept until I just now googled it). Seems obvious in hindsight, but it really was like an epiphany to me at the time. This is how I conceptualized it...Think of someone you love deeply. You want the best for them in every way. When they are hurt, you are too. When they are well, you are joyful. We should have that same compassion for ourselves. When I flipped it around like that, I realized I had been neglecting myself in a way that I would never neglect someone that I love. It was a huge turning point. Yikes. Sorry this is so manic, sappy and disjointed. Also helps a ton to have a fitness buddy. Way more fun and keeps you accountable."
So this past week the word - Compassion- has been on my mind. At first it was in relation to having compassion for myself. In making better eating choices, and exercising. Then on Sunday, after a disastrous lesson where the class just sat there falling asleep or just staring at me not understanding my fumbling words, I realized I needed compassion in my teaching. I also need more compassion at work. Not just compassion for my patients, but for my co-workers.
According to Merriam-Webster the definition of Compassion is: "A feeling of wanting to help someone who is sick, hungry, in trouble, ect". 
I realized that I had not been feeling compassion for myself or others, I felt selfishness. The motivation behind the action or thoughts were not coming from the shiny happy soul of someone wanting to make a place better, but of a dull and hurt emptiness that at times may have wanted others to feel a little bit of the misery too.
For myself I am planning on posting -Compassion- in various places where I find myself at my weakest moments. My work locker, my rear-view mirror, my refrigerator, and my bathroom mirror. I am hoping that as I make this word a bigger part of my life I will be able to feel the difference in my motivation behind my actions. I will be able to make better health and living choices, and will be able to integrate better spiritual and social decisions.
My new word COMPASSION is now on my mind and hopefully burning a little more lightness into my soul.

40:40:22 Sahalee & Koosah Falls

I usually have driven rt 126 in Oregon during the winter. That time of year provides gorgeous views of snow covered evergreens, mountains, and valleys. Last year I had the opportunity to drive it in the summer, and as I rounded a corner I saw a sign for some falls. FALLS??? Why had I not seen this sign for the Sahalee & Koosah Falls before?!!! I immediately veered left and feasted my eyes on some amazing greenery and waterfall! I made a mental reminder to stop here on my way back through and check this place out. I was not disappointed!

 

 

This trail connects two beautiful falls and a lake. The upper fall - The Sahalee "Heaven" can be explored from the top, a straight view from the sheltered path, and explored carefully closer to it's bottom.

 

Sahalee Falls

The lower fall - The Koosah "Sky" can be viewed from it's top and straight on from sheltered paths and viewpoints. 

Koosah Falls

I was overcome by the sweet water smell and the aqua blue color of the cold water.

 

At Clear Lake you can soak your feet and enjoy the tranquility and peace. Here's a great link to help plan your adventure!!!

Clear Lake

 

40:40:21 Oneata Falls

Along the Columbia River Gorge there are little gems of falls that can be reached by car or by foot. In a previous post I talked about my adventure to the top of Multnomah Falls. A little further up the Gorge there is the Oneata Falls.

 

The excitement of this trail is that the end of it, where the fall is located, it only accessibly by trekking through the actual creek bed.

 

It is a popular summertime excursion when the weather is warm. Be prepared to cross a large log jam, and to GET WET!

 

At one point, even in the midst of summer, you are wading up to your chest.

Deb and the Falls

A little motivation please!!!

I have found it hard to keep up with my goals of the C25K. I had some complications with getting my tendonitis in my foot to let me push myself as hard as I wanted, and then this prompted my laziness... I did however find a new friend in my cylinder foam roller. I don't stretch as much as I should, and this has helped with the tension relief. Now to just get a hot tub :) J/K. I do still have the goal to run a 5K by the end of summer. Just need some help in refocusing myself.

I also have had a hard time eating regular food and keeping the weight off, let alone getting rid of some more! (slump shoulders) and endless struggle that I face. Any suggestions out there???