Doug takes a deep dive into the usefulness of the Strava subscription and gives us an update on his new running belt. Mathias talks about gondolas and UTMB, of course. Peak Week is happening.
Neither of them talk about IPAs.

Enjoy this random picture of a bonfire on the beach to match the randomness of this episode. Douglas tries on a new running belt, Mathias wins a shirt, both are in a running low as summer is slowly turning.

Peak Week starts Monday – come and join us!

Are we seriously talking about the Enchantments again? Yes, yes, we are. We also share stories about running away from thunderstorms and into sunrises. Rock Candy hats are finally in stock and books are ready to ship. Get some!

The most famous building in Olympic National Park isn’t found on a park road or an easy to get to trail. Instead, it is buried deep in the rainforest along the Quinault River. Thirteen miles from the nearest parking lot, the Enchanted Valley Chalet has been a backpacking destination for generations. For many, a trip to the Enchanted Valley Chalet is an annual backcountry journey, a rite-of-passage for outdoor enthusiasts in the Evergreen State. But that tradition may not last too much longer.

Skating where the puck is going to be, your hosts discuss local sports news ad nauseam, say ‘farewell and good riddance’ to John Muir, and take a deep dive into their respective weekend adventures. Doug climbs the stunning Elephanthead Mountain in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area and Mathias explores a sneaky little trail linking up the Ellinor trail system with the Mt. Rose summit loop in the Olympics.

Mathias climbs Mt. Skokomish above Lake of Angels, well, almost, with Brent Miller for the Summer of Vert Vertical K+ Challenge.
Doug shares stories of bear encounters and becomes a Local Legend, thanks to a new Strava feature. This, and so much more in today’s episode of your favorite trail, mountain and adventure running podcast.

Doug scrambles on ridge lines, Mathias hosts another virtual race and tries to find a route to run himself. Socks are tested and shoes are evaluated. Good times.

More big races are cancelled for the year. The Enchanted Valley Chalet’s final fate is being decided. The Enchantments are overrun, again. Oh, and Hamilton is on Disney+.

On June 29th, 1938, Olympic National Park was officially designated as a National Park by President Franklin Roosevelt, forever changing the landscape of the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. For the past 82 years, Olympic National Park has been captivating the hearts and imaginations of wilderness explorers of all ages, enticing a deeper connection with the great outdoors. Today, we get to wish it a very Happy Birthday. 

Seeing a bear in Yellowstone is a highlight for many, helping to cement the first National Park as a favorite place to return year after year. There is nothing quite like rounding a corner and seeing one of North America’s most magnificent creatures roaming through the sage or forests. The one thing that is often overlooked when we think of these bear sightings is that we won’t be the only people on the scene. More often than not, when you see a bear, you’ll encounter a bear jam.