Spring Break Volume I

The last few weeks have been pretty crazy as winter term winded down and finals were taken. All in all, an alright term. Didn't lose my head and kept pretty damn healthy throughout but still need to focus up for next term which should be interesting at best. I'm taking vector calculus, my last term of advanced organic chemistry, first term of physics, environmental geology, 10K trail running (woop woop!) along with my research and a credit for outreach events with the chemistry department. I'm really looking forward to my trail running class because that will be a perfect stress release and study break for my weekdays. I just invested in a pair of Brooks Cascadia's and as the box says... I'll be running happy! Spring break has been spent so far in Bend and what a lovely couple days it has been! Greeted by a barbecued tri-tip, Oregon caught crab, brocollini, greens, and mashers my first night back; my family has shown true hospitality. Today, my brother and I explored out at Smith Rock (by far, one of my favorite places on earth) to hike and boulder around. It was a beautiful day filled with sunshine, good conversation, and pumping hearts. On Thursday morning, the family and I are taking off to Pacific City, my favorite surf spot on the Oregon coast to spend a few nights in a rented cabin with lots of surf, beer, and Apple to Apples. Our first vacation in nearly 6 years couldn't come at a better time. Before school ended, Zoe and I checked out Mary's Peak- the highest point on the Oregon coast range. Expecting a hike we were originally disappointed by what seemed to be a 1.5-2 mile walk in the snow to our destination. Leisurely at best, this jaunt rewarded us with panoramic views of the valley below and the Pacific Ocean out west which was pretty epic nevertheless. In the meantime, I've been staying busy with school, working on the blueprints for a home bouldering cave, jamming out to a Led Zeppelin DVD box set my dad has, and preparing for spring term! 

Currently reading: On a Dollar a Day, The Tao of Physics.

Zoe and I on our walk to the top of Mary's Peak.

Haley goofin' on the way to Bend.

Zoe on top of Mary's Peak.

Smith Rock State Park in March.

Haley posin' down by the creek. 

"Little" brother? I think not. 

I found a vertebrate!! :-)