4XTREMES

About six months ago, my father proposed what sounded like a suicide pact to me. The term he used was the "4XTREMES." My dad concocted this adventure out of what I assumed was a mid-life crisis. I figured it was a bunch of bologna as I nodded and smiled. However, plane tickets, California hiking permits, ice axes, hotels, and surf lessons are all in the works and it seems that the 4XTREMES is legitimate. The mayhem begins May 8th and runs through the 14th. The week kicks off with skiing/snowboarding at Arapahoe Basin, Colorado (XTREME1). Then we fly to California to hike the highest point in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney, in Lone Pine, California (XTREME2). Following the highest point, we'll hit the lowest point in the contiguous United States, Death Valley, California (XTREME3). And finally, we push our bodies to the limit with a surf sesh at Pismo Beach, California (XTREME4).

Despite these lovely scenic photos, I am mildly concerned for our well-being. Don't get me wrong. I'm super stoked to hit up A-Basin. I recently impulsively bought a new board while window shopping online: $500 Roxy Envi C2 BTX board in just my size for $299, no shipping or tax...yes please!

But I digress...back to fearing for my life. After shreddage at "the Beach," our flight takes off later that night around 9:00pm, destined for Santa Ana, California. After a night in a hotel, we head east for about four hours by car to Lone Pine where I presume our demise awaits us: Mount Whitney. I have purchased some new hiking boots for the occassion...as well as mini ice cramps for my boots and an ice axe. This isn't my first rodeo when it comes to fourteeners, but I feel like I need a license for this. Assuming we survive Whitney, we'll follow up with a leisurely stroll down to Death Valley, a quick trip according to Dad. Then to Pismo Beach for a little R&R before we hit up the surf for a day or two. Hopefully drowning as a result of exhaustion won't be problem. Finally we burn rubber down the coastal highway for the John Wayne Airport and fly back to the CO.

I'm not sure if my dad has death wishes for the both us or what, but hey, you only live once. I am actually pretty excited despite my fears and pessimism related to death at XTREME2. I will have one week of summer break between this trip and my summer teaching practicum so I'll try to write a post-adventure blog. If you don't see an update...send a search party up Whitney to find our frozen remains :/

Namaste.
Kins

PS: Blast from the past...papabear hiking Whitney back in the '80s.