Field Notes 42 Unexpected Turns of Events

That photo in the header? That's Cindy Werhane (swimming) and crew on Lake Memphremagog. Photo by Phil White.
Three fantastic and diverse stories about how adventure helps us cultivate resilience and agency. The first a story about swimming the Willamette River through Portland, OR. That's followed with a story about pack rafting in the crater of a volcano to escape the smoke just outside of Bend, OR. The final story is about events that led to taking up ice climbing in the Canadian Rockies.

Storytellers: Cindy Werhane, Chris Paterson, Andrea Rist

Listen Now

Today's the day! Patreon is now live!

What's this?

It's a membership platform that makes it easy for creators to get paid.
If you think what we’re creating is valuable, and you want it to continue, now you can show your support in small and big ways.
And we're giving you things in return. Check it out! Clicking on the become a patron isn't committing you to anything.

Exclusive bonus content added this week:

AdventShorts podcast. Interview with Connor Bloomfield
First free preview of our upcoming book, called "Dirtbag's Guide to Life."

Cindy Werhane: "I was a threat to the Navy Ships."

Cindy Werhane, Open Water Swimmer. Photo by Phil White.

Cindy Werhane swimming Lake Memphremagog

"Sometimes I look back at the photos just to remember the magic of what really happened. 4 weeks out from my In Search of Memphre swim, and I no longer feel so amazing, special, talented, hardworking, strong, powerful, focused, driven - any of the adjectives people used to describe my quest for Memphre. I simply feel small and weak in comparison to that day, barely a swimmer. I'm embarrassed to voice it, because I had my moment, my success story. Like making it through the windstorm and cold to the sunrise, I thought I had gotten through the hardest part of the swim. There is always a new challenge, and post swim depression has always been mine." ~ Cindy Werhane

"Swimming with friends always makes the water feel warmer." ~ Cindy Werhane. Photo by Kristin V.

"I never thought a photo could capture how I feel in the water. @swimcrest nailed it with this □snap. After 6+ hours in the dark, air temps in the low 40s and water temp 65, I could not have felt more blessed by the sight of the rising sun. It was pure beauty." ~Cindy Werhane

"If it wasn't for others, I wouldn't be swimming right now. Lacking motivation for myself, I'm finding it in friends." ~Cindy Werhane

Cindy Werhane, open water swimming, Great Salt Lake State Park

We can see what's above, but only Cindy knows what's below.

More info: Swimming the Kingdom and Lake Mephremagog

Did you know we're writing a book?
It's about being a dirtbag. Be one of the first to find out when it comes out. Get on our mailing list.

Yes, tell me when the book's out.

Chris Paterson: Beating the Smoke

I’ve got my buff on my face. My eyes are burning a little bit. I’ve got my dog with me. We’re going really slow through the smoke, taking our time, don’t want to breathe in too hard. ~ Chris Paterson

South Sister, Bend, OR wildfire smoke 2017.

Chris Paterson's smokey climb up South Sister.

Tear Drop Lake, South Sister crater, Bend, OR.

Crystal blue water on the summit of South Sister in Tear Drop Lake.

Tear Drop Lake in the crater of South Sister, Chris Paterson packraft

Chris Paterson packrafting and relaxing above the smoke in Tear Drop Lake in the crater of South Sister. Also picture: Chris's dog.

Listen to another of Chris's stories:

Andrea Rist: "Life's What You Make of It."

Listen to Andrea's story about shouting down jackals and check out her mountain gorilla photos on Instagram.

Music: Free Music Archive

Ryan Little. West Coast.
Jahzzar. Roads that Burned Our Boots.
Josh Woodward. Shadows in the Moonlight.
Pictures of the Floating World. Sometimes it Shines.
Scott Holmes. Shine Bright.

Get music playlist free!

Like this? Like us!

Our valued sponsors and partners:

If you want to challenge yourself while swimming non-competitively with others, then Say Yes to Life Swims' escorted open water swim adventures are for you.

Free stuff and discounts!

Bend, OR

Helping people along their journey to reach their full potential by delivering accessible, affordable, and professional athletic recovery & performance.
20% off a day pass or punch card purchase.

Send me the 20% Off voucher!

Portland, OR

Visit the high altitude room. Get prepared for your high altitude explorations, or just enhance your regular performance.
25% off your first 10-pack altitude training purchase.

Send me the 25% off code!