A New Day

June 1. Only a few days now until hard core scouting, long weekend trips and lonely wives become the norm. I would think most of us are close to decent shape by now. I know my routine has kicked up 2 notches since I last wrote about it, in fact, I have been training in some fashion at least 5 days a week for the last month. No rest for the wicked. I will be hard at it tomorrow again with a run and balance training.

Change has been coming to 20sub3. We are in a transition phase ushering in some new folks to help develop the brand further and broaden the market scope. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and the growth we are sure to realize. What's first, however, is serving the customer in the best possible way. Looking forward, we hope to enhance the customer experience, further support the professional community, and build the strongest R&D team out there to continue to deliver great products and innovation.

Plenty to do and think about, but most of all, I find the journey has been the greatest learning experience. You learn a lot in a venture like ours - what works, what doesn't, who you can trust, and those you can't. I appreciate the friendships made, the travels, the experiences, but most of all I appreciate my family for understanding that sometimes things don't work out the way you hoped, for their support never wavered. Regardless of where this journey takes us, most of us can know we were in it for the right reasons.

This might all sound like a strange entry, but it marks my departure from what I hoped would be my last venture in the biz world. Things, and people, change, and for whatever their motives or intentions, it never ceases to amaze me how quickly these events can alter your path ahead. Not sure who will take on this responsibility in the future so hang tight and please support 20sub3 wherever you can.

Night to Remember

This week marked 14 years of marriage to my lovely wife. There are a lot of tumultuous happenings right now, but none that can diminish the value I place on our relationship and the things we have shared and endured. Thanks to you sweetie...

Upon our anniversary approaching I searched for a suitable venue to spend an evening somewhere more urban, engaged in an activity we could both really enjoy and share the kid-void for a few hours. The choice was made easy when I saw one of our favorite musicians was in town this week. Quickly, I snapped up 2 seats to the event in an intimate hall in north Portland.

Sara Watkins is a remarkable fiddle player. Accompanied by her brother Shawn on guitar, bassist Sebastian, Benmont on keys, and a couple of young special guest stars Alex & Tatianna, the night was filled with one of the most incredible displays of musicianship I have experienced. I am truly grateful to have shared such a wonderful evening with my wife in such a wonderful environment.

Oh, Deer...

Three to four times per week I walk my dog Chance around the lake near our house. It's a small lake draped with old growth trees and a beautiful, rugged stream that enters the lake quietly at the north end and roars towards the Columbia at the southern end, driving hard through a shallow canyon and passing numerous falls along the way. The trail along the lake eventually finds itself following the creek, then circles back towards the lake in a wide, 3 mile sweeping bow. The setting for the trails is magnificent. An absolute gem nestled just outside of reach of our small mill town. Lilies are currently blooming a bright blue along the sun soaked slopes, fighting for position against the grasses and the menacing hue of a burgeoning army of poison oak. High above the creek and canyon the trail makes a left turn, avoiding the cascading waterfall and beginning its sweep back toward a service road. The whole loop is probably 3 miles or so, not that long but just enough to entice a lung-busting trail run at sunrise.

I've fished the creek in summer with some success. The browns, bows, and bass all have presence and all make for tricky fishing. The lake offers good fishing and great bank access for families and kids. Lots of fun when I'm not running at pace or throwing a stick for Chance.

Tonight I walked the trail about mid-evening, just prior to dusk and after any threat of a crowd might have subsided, although I think the thunder took care of the faint of heart. After the initial swing around the southwest side of lake, I proceeded along the creek trail for about a half mile, making the previously mentioned left turn up the hill for a rendezvous with a usually vacant service road. As we crested the road, I spied a figure I hadn't seen for some time in the last few months. Positioned about 400 yards ahead, quartering towards me, was a deer. At that distance I could not see it well until it turned and slowly meandered into the thick growth at our left. I crouched and watched the deer, instantly getting my hunter sense (what sense I have is a still in question) activated and my voice lowered to reign in the dog. Holding Chance I just watched for a few minutes as the majestic animal stood unfazed by our presence.

This type of event reminded me of the season ahead. The trail runs need to increase in frequency, as well as the climbs and definitely the stamina. Gotta get my ass in shape if I am to experience any of this when it really counts...