350

www.350.org

On Saturday, people in 181 countries came together for the most widespread day of environmental action in the planet's history. At over 5200 events around the world, people gathered to call for strong action and bold leadership on the climate crisis.

What is the Deal with 350?

350 parts per million is what many scientists, climate experts, and progressive national governments are now saying is the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere. Scientists have concluded that we are already above the safe zone at our current 390ppm, and that unless we are able to rapidly return to 350 ppm this century, we risk reaching tipping points and irreversible impacts such as the melting of the Greenland ice sheet and major methane releases from increased permafrost melt.

ActivEdge hosted Garrott and I for a CXC/Birke XC Ski Clinic and 350 Campaign

I tried to embed the show on this site, but I couldn't get it to work, So you should check out 350.org to view an amazing slideshow of some of the best '350' photos from around the world yesterday.

I have read on the web that some of the highlights from the day included a planet-scale game of Scrabble, with citizens in Wellington and Sydney forming giant human 3s, London and New Delhi enormous human 5s, and Quito and Copenhagen massive 0s. “The point was you had to put them together across global borders if you wanted to solve the puzzle,” said 350.org media coordinator Jamie Henn. “Just like the climate negotiations set for Copenhagen in December.

Working on 'Dryland' Technique

The sport of cross country skiing depends on snow and we all need to do our part to make sure it continues to fall. As a cross country ski racer I travel frequently and sometimes by plane. Although jets are one of the fastest modes of transportation they are also amongst the most inefficient. One way I do try to limit my CO2 output as much as possible it by organizing my travel to be as direct as possible and to include carpooling, ride sharing, public transportation and hitchhiking. What changes can you make in your lifestyle to reduce CO2?

Getting ready for winter, snow and skis

For more information, visit www.350.org.

Mt. Triumph: Climbing with the Boys

It might be obvious that I love cross country skiing and playing tag on the playground because I do those things a lot. One of my less known passions is climbing. When I was in Junior High I used to climb 1-3 hours every day. I have drifted away from climbing recently so it was a real treat to join my best friends and climb Mt. Triumph in Washington State's North Cascades. It was my first time on rock for the year and just my second real climb in four years. For me a trip into the mountains is very refreshing and a great way for me to recharge.

Me in front of Mt. Triumph. Our route followed the North East Ridge (above right)

It is hard to tell, but I am standing on a big patch of snow which is shaded my a mountain. I have now been 'on snow' every month of the year so far.


Thornton Lake with Mt. Triumph peeking out from behind the Col directly above the lake

The climb took us a really long time, unfortunatly the view from the top was from inside a cloud

Chad and Hons halfway up the ridge with the spectacular Picket Range behind them. The Pickets are considered one of the most remote mountains in the lower 48.

Guess Who is Married Now?

Plenty of people have been telling me congratulations this past week, but they have the wrong twin.

Chad and Alieta were remarried with a Methow Valley wedding last week, hence my trip to Washington. Over 140 guests enjoyed the celebration. Surprisingly, the only repeats from the August wedding were the bride, groom, their parents, Ardis and me. We had a cider press to make fresh apple cider, a live band, home grown pork and great company.

My dog Tilly was the Ring Bearer

The 'Big House' as we call the Gregg Homestead, really looked good for the big event. When I left Wisconsin to fly to Washington someone told me have a great vacation. The trip really was a lot of fun, but certainly not a vacation. We all did a lot of work in the yard to make the place look great. The pond really looks good.

With two wedding there are a lot of pictures. More than I really know what to do with. My favorite is
the ones of me pretending to be Chad. There are some great ones. Below are a few shots from Chad and Alieta's August wedding.

Chad and Alieta are looking forward to their honeymoon in Disney World in November. Congratulations lil' brother and my new lil' sister.