by Kristina | Jan 4, 2023 | The Mountaineers
This post is an ode to the relationships we forge thanks to – and sometimes in spite of – outdoor adventures. Cheers to our belaytionships, packmances, and nature-loves. As far as blind dates go, meeting at 9,500 feet on Wy’East (Mt. Hood) is about as good...
by Kristina | Sep 27, 2022 | Lists
Today we’re exploring a new category of bailer that didn’t exist before: The COVID Bailer. Naming that COVID is horrible*, it has given us new vocabulary by which to bail and, frankly, better excuses for our own flakiness. Are you guilty of being one of these COVID...
by Kristina | Aug 18, 2022 | Mt. Rainier, Publications
For the summer 2022 edition of Mountaineer magazine, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ananth Maniam (ஆனந்த் மணியம்). He recently completed Mt. Rainier 100 Peaks, over half of which he accessed through public transportation or carpool. He shared many incredible...
by Kristina | Jun 30, 2022 | Advice, Backcountry, Gear
A backcountry poop kit is an essential item for any backcountry traveler. Learn why they’re important and how to make your own. It took a lot of practice, but I finally learned how to poop directly into a dog bag. I’d been getting outside for years – crag...
by Kristina | May 14, 2022 | Life
I had an abortion while desperately wanting to be pregnant. There was no heartbeat. I had no choice. In truth, I did have a choice. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start from the beginning. One I’ve had four miscarriages. The first stole my...
by Kristina | Dec 9, 2021 | Advice
Tired of feeling like emotional garbage? Feel better instantly with this trick for maladies and ailments. Unwelcome. If I had to choose one word to describe Petra, unwelcome would be it. A not-so-pleasant parasite I picked up in Thailand, Petra’s mission in life...
by Kristina | Oct 28, 2021 | Life
I suffer from infertility and PCOS. This story explains how we got pregnant thanks to modern medicine (despite its many shortcomings). I cannot get pregnant on my own. We tried for over a year and suffered two pregnancy losses before Lucca arrived. He has already...
by Kristina | Oct 14, 2021 | The Mountaineers
In this interview, Iranian climber Kiana Ehsani shares why finding belonging in the outdoors is so important, and how those of us with privilege and access can make more space for the historically excluded. Meryl Lassen (she/they) is a 7-year member, Super Volunteer,...
by Kristina | Oct 7, 2021 | Advice, Wedding
Want to elope? Read about how Molly and Ashley pulled off their memorable mountain wedding, and learn how to plan your own elopement. Escape. Flee. Run away. Most likely derived from the 1500s Middle Dutch word lopen, the meaning of the word elope has shifted over...
by Kristina | Sep 2, 2021 | Advice
In the spirit of innovation, I asked you to share your most creative uses for trekking poles. First, my story: The car is locked, and the keys are inside. Having already endured a 3am start, many miles of skinning in tough conditions, and a sporty ski and hike back to...
