5 Most Memorable Moments of 2023

What a year! A year of first real bike adventures, a year of change as I find myself living in a new part of Oregon, a year of crossing adventures off the bucket list - it has been an adventure. Reviewing my Komoot posts and remembering where I have been this year has been so much fun; what a cool way to close out the year! So what made my "most memorable" list?

Pocket Creek XC Ski Loop (Ski)
We had an epic winter here in Oregon, with lots of snow that stuck around late. While I went on a lot of fun skis, Pocket Creek stood out for the epic conditions, the blue bird skies, and the backcountry nature of the ski. I do enjoy a good groomed track, but put me on a trail, and it doesn't get much better than that!

Hanalei River SUP (Paddle)
I paddled many miles this summer, working on paddling as many miles of the Willamette River as I could and finally getting my SUP out on Lake Tahoe to check out those crystal clear waters. But it was the Hanalei paddle that earned the top spot in my heart, for two reasons. First, the birds we spotted were amazing, with the rare nene and green herons dotting the entire route. But the real highlight was taking the paddleboard out into the ocean and riding the waves - a new adventure that had me giggling like a little kid. I'd love to do more ocean paddling!

Matterhorn Summit (Hike)
I did not have the chance to summit many mountains this year, but the one I did snag in the Wallowas - the famed Matterhorn of "Oregon's Alps" - was most definitely a highlight. The views of the surrounding mountains on a day with windy conditions that sometimes forced us to the ground had me feeling fully alive.

Enchantments Traverse (Hike)
This 18 mile route in central Washington has been on my bucket list for years. Tackling it with my adventure buddy on our annual reunion (she moved away two years ago) was a dream come true, and we had the most beautiful conditions imaginable. The larches were at peak gold, the sky was cerulean blue, and we had the most incredible day. It is the kind of beautiful place where you can't really believe it is real. Highly recommend this traverse if you ever have a chance!

Tumalo Sisters Gravel Loop (Bike)
2023 was the year I finally got on the bike. I purchased a used mountain bike from a friend, and I have to admit, I am HOOKED. I've been using komoot to plan gravel rides obsessively, and I am looking forward to many more bike adventures in 2024. This was my first gravel ride, and it was love at first ride. It did not hurt that the route was gorgeous too.

#bestof2023Komoot