A month of records: Liam O'Sullivan claims new speed record

Less than a month after Justin Merle broke the speed summit record of Mount Rainier from Paradise to Columbia Crest and back, Liam O'Sullivan, a mountain guide employed by International Mountain Guides (IMG), raised the bar once again, beating Merle's time by 3 minutes with a new record of 4 hours, 46 minutes and 29 seconds (FYI: Both Merle and O'Sullivan had small amounts of supplies cached at Camp Muir and dropped crampons on the descent). O'Sullivan left the upper Paradise parking lot at 4:20:08 a.m. and arrived at Camp Muir 1 hr 24 minutes later, putting him well on the way to a new record. O'Sullivan then beat his own personal time to Columbia Crest by 5 minutes, with a one way time of 3:11:22. On a previous attempt this month, O'Sullivan had been on pace to beat the record, but then faced fierce cramps on the descent which prevented him from setting a new record. This was almost the case again, but he was able to pull through this time.

"Any long or awkward step (which the Cleaver has plenty of by now) would cause me to cramp, so I descended cautiously to Muir, by which time I had lost all but 1 minute of the lead I had gained on Justin Merle's pace. I descended the (unfortunately) still firm Muir Snowfield, reaching Pebble neck-and-neck with Justin's time. Then battling the rocky, stepped trail, I commenced. Below Glacier Vista I kicked, breaking away from the pace, opted for the more direct east side of Alta Vista (complete with skin-shredding steep asphalt descent), and reached the trailhead in 4:46:29!"

Climbing conditions on Disappoinment Cleaver (DC) are some of the best conditions seen in years, which could account for the recent trend of speed ascents this month, including record attempts by O'Sullivan and Alpine Ascents International (AAI) Guide Michael Horst, and an amazing combination bicycle ride and speed ascent by Randall Nordfors. Despite the phenomenal conditions on the DC all summer, the season is moving along and things are beginning to break up, so future speed ascent attempts may be more difficult due to less direct route and slower climbing conditions. However, this may not stop would-be record breakers like Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa, a guide with Alpine Ascents International (AAI) and previous Everest record holder. Check out a recent article by The Seattle Times, covering this new competition for the "Rainier Speed Summit".

In addition to his record breaking climb, O'Sullivan has had a pretty good month - he made his 100th summit of Rainier on a tough Kautz route in less than ideal conditions, he guided Nordfors' Puget Sound to Summit trip and now begins a new path: medical school. After 10 years of mountain guiding on Mount Rainier and around the globe, we wish Liam the best and look forward to hearing more great things from him in the future.

Trail running with nature in the Laurel Highlands

Here we are it's already August. Hopefully this blog post won't be my longest...

I've run some miles and enjoyed hikers' smiles...

The highlight of my week was a venomous treat!

Here's it is with fangs that are hollow. After this photo my post will follow...

Another "local" trail lover from the Laurel Highlands

Since my last post I've put in a few days. The running I've done has been training efforts to get ready for a 5K coming up next weekend and anattempt at completing a LHHT double (140 miles) this fall or at the latest next spring. I've been doing a little speed conditioning for the Laurel Hill 5k (my only "race" this year) as well as some quality trail time with my son (now that he's home for a couple of days). Training for both efforts doesn't seem to be meshing well. My trail legs can barely turn over the necessary amount to produce even a 6:45/mi. 5k. I'd like to do well in my one and only race this year, although I highly doubt I will. The cool thing is that it's a mellow road race (through the woods). The proceeds help support the park which in turn indirectly helps the LHHT.




RECENT TRAINING:




8/2/13 Mt. Pleasant Coal and Coke Trail

Basic tempo run on a local rail trail that seems to be growing in popularity. It's not the most scenic, but does contain nice habitat which usually provides me with some good birding while running. 10k in 44:40




8/4/13 Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT)SOBO

It was Saturday night and the weather for Sunday was predicted to be amazing. Mid 70°'s with a 10% chance of rain. It would be perfect day for a long run. I was feeling the "after burn" in my quads from that tempo run on Friday, but couldn't resist these prime conditions. Laura mentioned that Sunday would be a rest/non running day for her and I kindly asked if she would mind supporting me for a long point to point run. She said she'd be happy to help and we set off to prepping and planning.

Laura writing the itineraryand helping me pack

Trail Love - typical drop can containing a couple hours or more of fueling

My last long run was northbound, commonly calledNOBOin trail lingo. Last week I ran from Ohiopyle to Hickory Flats Road (38 miles), stopping due to bruising on the ball of my left foot. This time we would switch it up. Laura would drop me off in Seward at the northern terminus of the LHHT and I would run in a southbound direction or SOBO. We've found running the trail in this direction makes it easier to crew one another. We usually put drops of food and water at Rt. 271 (highway not parking lot) on the way up and another at Rt. 30 while the crew person is on the way home to kill about 6 hours. This prevents having to meet the runner until over half way at (39miles) Rt. 31 parking lot. The distance from the main trail to the parking area is very short and favorable to meet crew and resupply. From there we take it as it goes. I'll get into that shortly.




The alarm went off at 4:15AM. We were basically packed and ready to hit the road. I pressed some kick ass coffee for the road while Laura made PB&J's for the drop cans and out the door we went. We placed the Rt. 271 resupply and headed to the trail head in Seward. On the drive over we were treated to star filled skies and a crescent moon just as the forecast predicted. We were there by 5:45AM. Just enough time for a 6:00 start. I quickly got ready and received a loving send-off at 6:00 sharp.

Putting on my headlamp for the start

A few minutes to start

Its GO time, out like a bullet slug ;)

I was definitely feeling the tightness in my legs for the first couple miles. My tempo workout wasn't the best prelude to a long or possible thru-run. I wasn't feeling optomisitc or fast out of the gate and figured I'd at least get in a 50k training run on a beautiful day. I ran/hiked a couple sub 12's up the intial climb. I stopped at the power line crossing to snap this quick photo.

The power line crossing out of Seward on the LHHT

Shortly after my photo, the brief glimpses of sky through the canopy in the Northwest looked ominous. Where was my sunshine filled happy morning? 10% chance of rain? By the gravel road at mile 6 it was bucketing rain. What's worse than the gravel road section of the LHHT? Running it in a cold, hard, rain... For two hours it rained. Thankfully mother nature provided plenty of wet weather training last month and I was well prepared for the soaking I received. Here's the radar image that Laura texted me not long before the rain started. The only storm around and it was on track with me!

Laura's image and text. "Sorry, hope you stay dry"

Looking up at the Ridge from the West near Rt. 30, photo L. Hahn

Thankfully I ran out of rain somewhere between Rt. 271 and Rt. 30. Both resupplies went well. Both stops combined cost me about 7min. I ate PB &J's from drops while I ran. Each drop can contained a handful of M&M's, a PB&J sandwich in foil (I find the foil acts as a "plate" while eating and running), gels, and Elete rehydration tablets.

Rt. 30 drop in place thanks to Laura

When eating solid foods while running I try to adopt the same practices as when eating a gel on the run. Small bites over a mile or two, sipping water to help wash it down. I was making good time and right on track with my estimations despite resupply stops and 1 call to nature. Hydration was going great. I was urinating regularly and clearly. I was averaging one handheld (21oz.) of Gatorade per hour supplemented by plain water and Elete Tablytes, and a gel (GU,Cliff, etc.) both at about 1tab and gel per hour).

I still smile every time I cross the NEW turnpike bridge.

During the 15 miles from Rt. 30 to 31 I started to bonk from dehydration and not enough calories. I realized and started the process of hydrating and fueling. I was well on my way to better pulling into Rt. 31 trail head to meet Laura for the first time of the day. I was still on schedule, but noticed a slight pain on the top of my foot. I believe this was due to an overtightned shoe lace while sliding around in the rain. Aware but not overly concerned, I loosened my lace areas affecting the sore spot to minimize the pressure and further issues. My break at 31 with Laura wasmuchlonger than my 4 minutes at the Rt. 271 and 3 minutes at Rt. 30 drop. I basically stopped and had a picnic. I just want to point out that this is why training runs are so much cooler than high dollar races! No crowds, no pressure, just pure fun and running for the love of it.

Mid run picnic anyone?

Laura ready anxiously waiting to run with me

It was delicious. I ate a ham and chese sandwich, baked potato, a few pretzels, anddrank some chocolate milk and coffee. This was no ordinary aid break. We're talking an hour or so ;) After our picnic, Laura joined me in running about 3 miles before saying goodbye and turning back towards 31. Her next stop would be Rt. 653 trail head. We met there and I picked up a refill on supplies and my headlamp ate some more and hung out longer than normal.

Rt. 653 trail head, a happy trail runner

By this point I was far off my schedule for the time of day, but still on pace as far as speed of travel goes. My foot was getting worse, but It still didn't seem enough to stop and I was enjoying the run. My legs were hanging tough and were feeling great. I took off from Rt.653 trail head and was running smooth. The sun was setting near Cranberry Glade and the lake was like glass. I decided to stop for a photo and to put on my headlamp.

Cranberry Glade at sunset

The rest of the run to Maple Summit Road crossing went well and I met Laura sitting in the dark. By this time the bruising had become enough to call my training run done. I love running in the dark and Maple Summit Road to Ohiopyle SOBO might be my favorite section of the entire trail. A bit of a bummer, but not worth the risk of ruining my training. I need to remember I've only been back running for a short period of time. The run went well and I had the best conditions and support for a 60 mile trainer.

The End

Distance: 60 miles

Run Time (without picnic): 12:36

Pace: 12:36/mi.

Elevation gain 5,000', loss 3,800'










8/6/13Laurel Summit State Park,Wolf Rocks trail loop

Went for a 4.5 mile run with Laura. My instep was still sore from my 60 miler, but the day was beautiful and I couldn't pass up a run with my Sweetie. I laced and tied my shoes very loose for this easy run. A fun run out to the overlook and back on the loop. Lots of mountain bikes out enjoying the weather as well.




Distance: 4.5 miles

Duration:50:55

Pace 11:19/mi.

Elevation - not much






8/7/13 Iwent for a 5.5 mile hike with my son Skyler and we were fortunate enough to see these beauties along the way.

Yellow Phase Timer Rattlesnake

Black Phase Timber Rattlesnake

Someone is seriously excited to see some Rattlers
especially the one behind him... Can you find it?

8/9/13LHHT Route 31 NOBO with Granola the trail dog

I set off yesterday to get in a couple hours running on the trail. I decided it would be a good day to take our trail dog "Granola". He was excited to go and we drove to Rt. 31 trail head. The skies were dismal, but we set off at a decent 9:00/mile pace and only made it out about 2 miles before the rains hit. Once again I found myself plodding along through a downpour, this time with my dog in tow. The trail quickly turned into a stream and in many low areas the water/mud was so deep Granola would bottom in swamp water up to this torso. We kept going a few more miles until enough was enough. We turned around about 3.5 miles out and continued our efforts back to the car. Granola was getting a little tired on the way back, so we slowed pace a little, but still made good time considering trail conditions. He assured me he had a blast once back at the car. We toweled off and made our way home to dry out!






Distance: 8 miles

Duration: 1:10

Pace: 8:45/mi

Help... I've about drowned in a river that didn't exist an hour ago!

The road to 31 trail head after the storm was ending...

8/10/13LHHT Route 653 NOBO

Spent another glorious day our hiking with my son Skyler. We decided to hike north from 653 trail head out to Middlefork overlook. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed a nice relaxing walk out to the overlook, hung out a few minutes and hiked back to the car. Awesome hike with one of my favorite hiking partners.




Distance: 5.4 miles

Duration: 1:35:53

Pace: 17:33/mi.

Littleman at Middlefork over look

Storing It for You

Sometimes readers find it hard to believe when I describe being approached by random people who will comment about my bikes or cycling technique - especially to express concern or give advice. I wonder what you'll make of this note I found zip tied to a pole outside of a Starbucksthis morning.

You didn't lock your bike, so I'm storing it for you. If you want it back, leave your name & number with the Starbucks folks and I'l call you

I am thinking it reads kind of like a ransom note. Can't quite decide whether this is a good deed, or someone not minding their own business. I mean, what if the cyclist left it unlocked intentionally - hoping to get it stolen and buy a shiny new bike with the insurance payoff? I suppose the note could also be an innovative way to get a love interest's number. Or a secret communication channel for spies.Nothing to do with me or my bikes, but an example of what's within the realm of possibilities here in Boston.

Early winter on the Pigeon

Grand Portage State Park, MN - Taken just after this year's first snowfall!

A Year Gone By :: in Review

Well, the year .. is almost history. It's been a great year for me for research, though not so much for blogging. With only 112 posts published, it's been the "worst" year since I started blogging. In fact, this is my first post for December! No excuses, really, but what I've "discovered" is that when I get involved with a project (be it actual research, transcribing documents, or simply standardizing my database) I tend to get really involved - to the point of doing little else until "that project" is completed. I must admit, I have missed the blogging...



January found me traveling westward from Louisiana where I had spent the holidays with extended family. Highlights for the month were a short stop at White Sands National Monument, a meetup with a blog reader who turned out to be a distant cousin, a two-week stay at Lake Havasu City where there was a hot-air balloon festival and where I developed a naming scheme for organizing my digital files.






An Arizona Sunset. January 12th.


February was spent in Salt Lake City where RootsTech was on the agenda. I must admit, I was a little disappointed with the conference but enjoyed seeing old friends again. Of course, there was The Library that was calling my name for the entire month! Among other things while there, I began writing the series on the Hoffman-Huffman family of Ohio and Pennsylvania.



After a few days in Death Valley I made one final stop before heading back to Indiana in March. May came all too quickly along with the NGS Conference in Cincinnati, which was absolutely fantastic. The sessions were (for the most part) outstanding, and being with like-minded friends was priceless.






The Grand Canyon looking north from Desert View. March 15th.


A short sojourn into Kentucky looking for the land of my Bray ancestors, then it was back to Indiana for a few more weeks. In early July I was notified that a seat had opened up in Thomas Jones' class at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh - I had been put on the waiting list in February when I was unsuccessful in registering - and was asked if I was still interested in attending. Of course, my response was a definite "Yes!" and I was shortly on my way to G.R.I.P. and what a "trip" it was - one of the most challenging yet exhilarating experiences of my genealogy journey!



I had thought that I might spend a week in Pennsylvania doing on-site research but after a week at G.R.I.P. my brain was fried. Instead, I returned to Indiana for a few weeks to assimilate what I had learned and to prepare a bit more to research those Pennsylvania Ancestors.



In August I spent about 10 days in Huntsville, Alabama helping a cousin who was recovering from surgery. While there, plans were made with another cousin for spending a few weeks in Maine. A couple days of research in Pennsylvania on the way there, a few more days afterward, a visit with my aunt and cousin in Maryland, then a few more days in Pennsylvania and I made it back to Indiana just in time for the Midwest Geneabloggers .. Fall Meetup (link to Tina Lyons' post) on October 13th.






Northern Maine. September 25th.


Since then I've been looking for more Hoffman and Switzer and Rupert descendants, and found quite a few of them too! But most of the last month has been spent on "cleaning up" and standardizing my genealogy database in preparation for uploading it to ancestry.com or some other online tree site. It's been somewhat tedious and very time consuming. Sources still require a great deal of work and I'm beginning to think that this "clean-up" work could go on for ever!



It has been an interesting and rather satisfying year. A mixture of travel and research and a little of both combined. What could be better?

The Bicycle as Art Model

I try to keep my non-bicycle-related life separate from this weblog. However, I have already mentioned that I am an artist and support myself financially with an academic dayjob. Well, this week the bicycle world and my professional life collided. That is to say, I used a bicycle in one of my art projects. Here is the Co-Habitant dismantling the tripod after a photoshoot on the South Boston waterfront. And that's Velouria in the background, next to the two wooden chairs.

My art is a little difficult to describe. Technically, I am a painter. But before I paint, I create the fictional worlds depicted in those paintings by making series of photographic "tableaux-style" stills. This part is done by both myself and the Co-Habitant as a team: We work together, where he is the technical expert and I am the set designer. We both take the photos, but he is responsible for setting up the technical aspects of the shots and I am responsible for the composition. We use manual film cameras and usually black and white film. But we always have a digital camera along, because it is useful for testing out compositional ideas, getting a sense of the lighting, and so on. So these are some of the pictures off of the digital camera that were taken during the photoshoot. Some were for compositional and light metering purposes, but in others we were just fooling around.

The idea here was to set up an environment that combined notions of indoor and outdoor space.We then enacted a variety of metaphorical scenes using this set-up.

The above picture is an example of "bad composition" that we, thankfully, caught on the digital camera before wasting expensive film on these shots. See how my feet overlap with the bicycle wheel? That's no good; the chair should be further away. For things like that, a quick little digital camera is extremely useful.

A much better composition, for a different scene.

Well, that's enough of the pretentious artsy shots. Here is another one of the Co-Habitant after the photoshoot was done. I was very proud to have captured the full moon here.

And here I am. I really hope that Velouria does not let this shoot go to her head. It's one thing to be featured on a bicycle blog, but being an art model is altogether different!

Yodelin ..

It has been a while. I probably should do a year end recap, or a goals for the coming year before doing a new post for a new year. But that is not how it is going to be.



In a stroke of luck I had some time off. (we were slow at work) And Dan was in between jobs. So I lobbied to get out. Unfortunately, the weather didn't really cooperate and we weren't going to riding 12" of fresh. Bummer.



The forecast was somewhat miserable with sun and above freezing temps for the day prior to us getting out. No measurable snowfall in the previous few days either. This made us fall to the old standby of Yodelin.We both figured that a northern exposure, and trees would have protected what precious snow there might be. And as always, Yodelin never seems to disappoint.













We arrived in the parking lot to a light snow falling. The road in was horrible, an icy packed luge run with a dusting of new snow on it for the minimum in friction coefficient. As we went up, the snow fell harder and the snow underfoot was deeper. We started getting positive vibes. Up near the ridge, the snow was deep, and there was no readily detectable crust. We skinned through the cut and up into the trees to our transition point.







The first run was good. A little choppy and boney in sections where people recently laid tracks. We continued to the second road and really enjoyed the less tracked lower portion. So we skinned up again. Our track from the first run had a fair amount of new snow in it, making it appear a day old. This time we went further on the ridge to get out of tracked snow and had a nicer upper portion consisting of 4-8" of loose snow. (I hesitate to call it powder. But it was not concrete.) We once again continued past the first road and had a really good run through the trees to the final road where both Dan and I fell coming through the ditch by the road. At this point and elevation we were receiving some heavy wet snow and decided to call it a day as we knew the snow wasn't getting any better. We skinned back to the lift hut and transitioned back to ride the road out.

Wordless Wednesday :: Schooldaze ~ Second Grade

Sometimes It Doesn't Seem Like it's Worth the Effort

But you'll never know unless you try!



Monday, August 8th - - After leaving the Keweenaw Peninsula, I headed south (really, the only direction I could go from there!) and, after a few hours, entered Wisconsin. My sojourn in Pure Michigan had come to an end. A beautiful place, but honestly, I was tired of the humidity - I was hot and sticky during the day and cold and clammy at night! Some place with a little less humidity was in my forecast.



My stay in Wisconsin would be brief – one night and parts of two days traveling across the uppermost tip and along the shoreline of Lake Superior. A quick check of the map and I saw that Copper Falls State Park was just a few miles across the Wisconsin state line, southwest of the town of Ironwood. I arrived at Copper Falls early in the afternoon and secured a very nice campsite.



I had gotten some information about trails when I checked in and the lady at the desk told me about two popular hikes. One of the hikes was to an observation tower. Now, she didn't explicitly state that there was a nice view but it was somewhat implied. You know, it's an observation tower so there “has” to be a good view. She did state that there was a flight of stairs with a few steps involved along the trail as well as at the tower itself. My knees do much better on the way up stairs than they do on the way down, but, I thought I could handle what she described. After a short walk along a relatively smooth trail, uphill, I came to this:





It didn't look so bad. Wide steps and each one wasn't very high. Onward I went. This is the view looking down from the top.





And this is what awaited around the bend...





At the top of that stairway was more of the uphill path. And then, this:





I figured, what the heck, I'm there. Might as well go for it. And this is what I saw from the top of the observation tower.





And this is the view in another direction... I think you get the idea!





I'm sure that in the fall this would be absolutely gorgeous. Maybe even in the winter or the spring when there are no leaves on the trees. Maybe then you could actually see the surrounding countryside. But in the summer? Not so much.



Not all walks or hikes are going to give you spectacular views. But each one does give you an appreciation for nature and this amazing world in which we live. It's not the destination that matters, but the journey itself, and what happens along the way. So I tell myself when these things happen, which thankfully, hasn't been too often.



I took it slow and easy on the way down. Yeah, the knees were hurting some by the time I got back to the bottom. But once back on level ground the pain eased up and I continued on to another little hike.

Tunnel Cliffs and Sunday School Crag conditions

Winter wonderland... for now

I woke up this morning feeling a little sore from my past several days efforts. Needing a rest day, I decided to go check ice conditions high up on the ridge at the coldest areas in the region as well as get in some winter hiking and views. I loaded a light pack with minimal gear. Tools, crampons, extra gloves a puffy and the normal lid contents. I brewed a pot of elixer for my thermos and set off up the mountain to Tunnel road. The road was maintained part of the way making the driving easy. From there on out to the top of NO DRIVE hill (parking area) the snowmobiles had it packed to reasonable passage. I parked there and hiked down the 1.25 miles to the climbing. It was looking pretty good, but I was surprised that the top outs were still looking very wet and boney. Here's a couple of shots...

Hard to believe this is Tunnel cliffs from the ice farming days circa 1999

I like the no maintenance of the new version...

but liked the natural non tiered version better

Here's the beta on the NEW Tunnel Cliffs. I would suggest only using this area on Sundays and keeping a low profile. Since this is the first year I've been back here in years and this one sucks, I'm not really sure of the potential here. Its basically short benches (30'?) that can be climbed in short "pitches" or linked all together. Its a great place that seeps continually from a natural spring and parts are in full shade. It is one of the highest crags as far as elevation goes and comes in quicker than most other areas. This should be a great location with lots of moderate climbing. I don't expect to be climbing here that often, so this is my effort to share with fellow ice climbers an area. I would expect that it will become a good asset for both local and visiting climbers. You can find Tunnel Cliffs in Griz's Ice climbing Pennsylvania guidebook. It'll help get you there, but the routes are obviously different. Unlike the old days of serious efforts required to "farm" ice and climb here, TC has now been transformed into an ice making machine that requires no maintenance. Climbing at Tunnel back in those years was not a problem and could be accessed at any time. Now given its current condition going on days other than Sunday may ruin it for all. Please don't be "that climber" and lets keep this place climbable. Thanks and enjoy! I snapped a couple pics and left quickly as not trying to be the person I just mentioned. I wanted to get a couple pics with it a little thicker than I've seen it thus far and to gauge what it takes for this place to come into shape to help y'all out. I've always enjoyed the walk down into and out of Tunnel cliffs. Its a long gradual hill that goes through some beautiful forest. Its quickly contrasted by the new climbing area as you will see if you visit (some Sunday). Keep this one on your hit list if leading WI3ish climbs is what your after. Keep in mind if not leading that there's not much in the way of anchors (trees, etc) for easy top roped climbing. In addition the ice may be hard to reach from the top and may not offer easy access for screw anchors either.



After my hike up out of Tunnel Cliffs I visited Sunday School Crag. The conditions there look promising. If the cold weather continues it'll be fat by next weekend. If it warms up its going to be very unstable. Unfortunately the forecast is calling for a warm up and rain. I spent a couple hours walking around checking out the climbs enjoying our brief winter experience. Here's what it looked like and a few random shots for your enjoyment.

60 meters of chossy alpine fun

South Park Wall

Near where New Years Revolution once stood.

Looks harder than WI4+ though.

It's waiting for us when you're ready Matt!

New Years Reunion WI?

Dumbfounded self portrait. It was a wonderful 13°

and felt good in the sun

Pennsylvania Alpine? Who remembers the approach?

Another 60meters of more strenuous fun.

Who's coming with me man?

There you have it the ice is looking better than it has yet, but has some building to be considered FAT. Lets hope for some mercy on the warm fronts and colder temps hit the area with fury. I know I'm ready to get some serious climbing done. Mother nature has a different plan. Hard to believe its 44° and raining now just hours later. What a bitch!