Spencer's Butte

While Eugene may be smaller than Portland and offer fewer exciting things to do, I find that one of everyone's favorite spot to go is Spencer's Butte.  Only about a 2 mile trek, most is up hill and the last part involves scaling small rocks, one should prepare to be drenched in sweat.  While on the way up, you may be cursing your decision to have left the car the view from the top is breath taking.

One of the highest points in the area, you get a 360 degree view of Lane County.  To the North, the entirety of Eugene is spread out for you to enjoy.  One can see Autzen Stadium, the University of Oregon campus, as well as Eugene's downtown area.  To the East, South and West views of country homes, forests and farms can be enjoyed.  It is absolutely marvelous.

My favorite part of the trek is always scaling the rocks.  I, like most others, can never find the specific trail that leads around the side to the top.  So we all make our own way over the rocks.  I'm reminded of Lord of the Rings, scaling rocks and mountains and forests to save Middle Earth.

Photo from our first hike up.  Left to Right Nathan, Kathryne and Nyla.

A few years back my wife Nyla (girlfriend at the time), some friends and myself went up on a cold February day.  It was Nyla and I's first time going.  It was muddy but the rain was holding off, and I remember coming upon all the rocks, and noticing it getting colder.  As we began our way up it started snowing little tiny flurries.  Nothing stuck but it just kept coming down.  Once we went back down to the treeline, it stopped.  You've got to love Oregon weather.

Snow Fall from our first hike.

The Trees, they are always so beautiful.

Little Butterfly resting on a Flower

I went last Saturday with a Fraternity brother and his girlfriend.  It was chilly so I brought my sweater, but that was a terrible mistake, as the sweater became soaked with sweat after trekking upward a mile.  The top was sunny and clear.  I was even able to get a squirrel to stop and pose for a picture, as well as a pretty little butterfly.

This little guy kept running up to people.
I was excited he stopped and posed for me.

If you are ever in Eugene, and want to experience the area, Spencer's Butte should definitely be on your list.  All ages can enjoy this hike.  While it is exhausting, it is manageable to young children and the view is more than enough reward.

But be careful though, there have been increased sightings of Rattlesnakes in the area.  A few years ago there weren't any, but they are beginning to populate the area.  But don't worry, I didn't see any while I was there.  (I was freaked out the whole time though, I hate snakes.)

My friends Matt and Karlee
Behind them is a view to the South of Eugene

Relay for Life

I kept forgetting to sit down and write about my experience at Relay this year.  We got there and setup our campsite.  The sun was shining, we were lounging and everyone was excited and running around playing games.  The event started and spirits were high.

One side of the track.

It got dark, but it was still warm and festivities were still going strong.

We started the Luminaria ceremony at 10PM and lined up around the track.
Drip, drop, drip, drop.  The rain started to fall.  I found it funny, right as we begin to reflect the rain begins to fall.  "Oh well, this won't last long."  I thought.

I was wrong.

We end the ceremony and go back to the festivities, but the rain kept falling.  I had searched for my rain jacket at home, but had left it in the trunk of my car.  Oops.

With all of our backpacks under the canopy, there was barely any room for some of the guys to stand under the canopy.

The rain fell and fell, and it looked like it wouldn't stop.  When it did let up, you couldn't sit back on the ground.  People were cold and wet.  We didn't want to run around and play the games.  Being tired, wet and cold sucks.  Everyone got grumpy.  But we still took turns walking.  We still laughed, and we still remembered that this isn't the end, it's just one night and we will be fine.

We thought that once it stopped it would pick up and everyone would be excited again.  But instead it began to pour and pour.  I kept walking, and noticed that I saw less and less tents and people over all. Many people decided to just pack up and leave.  It made me sad.  Tonight was supposed to be about support, but instead people were cold and went home.

I ran into a friends mom and she said this that stood out to me; "If someone can go through chemotherapy and endure cancer, I can endure a little rain for one night."

It wasn't a little rain, but we'll get over it.

In Oregon fashion, the sun rose to a cloudless morning with the birds chirping and fresh morning air.  Of course Oregon, of course.

At the beginning of that week, we had raised approximately $15,000 of our $38,000 goal.  By the end of the event, we were at $31,000.  The chair of the event shaved her head because they had raised over $4,000 in the night alone.  I got to cut off her pony tail, after breaking a pair of scissors.  With all the excitement of a shaved head, everyone who had endured the night stood around the stage.  I could feel a sense of happiness, and humbleness in the crowd.  As they chatted with us info about the closing of the event, we were reminded what this was about.

It wasn't about the games, or the shaved heads, forget about the rain and the cold.  We were there for support of our friends and family who have fought cancer, to remember those who had lost the battle, and to help prevent the future battles that many of us might face.

Thank you to everyone who donated to me during my 100-mile run.  Thank you to everyone who cheered me on.  The event was wet, but it was an honor to be there and to support those in my life.

Below are some photos of the Luminaria bags that I made.

The Journey Ends

It's done.  It's over.  I did it.

I finished my 100 miles!  It has been a tiring trek, but it feels good to have done this.  Along my fundraiser I have raised $715.  My goal was $1000, but I am happy to have been able to raise this much.

Had a great 3 and 1/2 miles today through Amazon park. Such a great running trail. Thought I would share a couple pictures I took while I ran. Loved the purple flowers in bloom. 

I'm excited to be participating in Relay for Life tomorrow.  My favorite part has always been the Luminaria ceremony.  A time to reflect and remember those who've been effected by cancer.  I'm excited to paint some Luminaria bags for some family members who donated to have a bag in honor of friends and family.


Thank you to everyone who has been ben cheering me on, reading my blog and most importantly been donating to my Relay for Life fundraiser!  You guys are amazing and I couldn't have done this without you.  Hopefully you will continue to read my blog, I promise beautiful cat pictures and food pictures and Mexico Pictures next month  :)

If you would like to donate before Relay tomorrow, you can here:

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/nathanlclark


Thank you everyone!

Friday Blues

Happy Friday Everyone!

As I sit here in a computer lab all morning on this beautiful Friday, I think of all the things I would rather be doing. 

And I'm thinking about this place.

Isla Mujeres everyone.  This beautiful Island will be getting two new visitors in exactly 1 month.

I am beyond ecstatic that we are finally getting to go somewhere for our Year Late Honeymoon.  I am excited to relax, enjoy the sun and most importantly......

Drink one of these!

Well, most likely all of these.  

The Island is only 7 miles long, and they only allow golf carts and bikes.  I cannot wait to bike down the coast and picnic.  Or boat out to Isla Contoy, the bird sanctuary close by. 

This will be the first time that Nyla and I will go on a relaxing, extended and solo vacation.  

Let the drinks commence!

3 DAYS LEFT

I can't believe Relay for Life is on Saturday.  It's been coming up so fast!  I only have four miles left to run, and will definitely reach 100 miles.  I am in shock that I have even ran this much.  

My fundraising goal on the other hand...... I don't think I will be making that goal.  It was set for $1000, and I have currently raised $685.  I am very happy that I have been able to raise this much.  Hopefully, within the next few days I can get closer to my goal.  If you would like to donate, a link to my Relay page will be at the bottom.  

On Sunday we visited Nyla's mom, who had finished her last round of chemo last thursday.  She was happy to be home and start the recovery process.  It was wonderful for Nyla and I to see her.  Had a great run at the beach, but I could barely handle those hills.  Geesh they were tiring.  But was a great way to reflect about the two great mothers that are in my life, and why I do what I can to help The American Cancer Society.

I encourage you to donate just $5 today.  It really makes a difference.

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/nathanlclark

Run and run and run

Hello all,
I am still hanging in there.  I am currently 79 miles and going strong.

I'm on track for my miles, but I am not on track for donations.  My goal is $1000, and I am at $570.

I encourage everyone to donate, even if it is just 5 dollars.  It really means a lot to me and to people fighting cancer, and I know all of you know someone who is going through cancer or has at some point in their life.

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/nathanlclark