Weekend Hike - Paradise Found! Cedar Flats, Oregon

Yes, we found paradise...at least one version...and it's at Cedar Flats, Oregon!
 

River along the Cedar Flats Trail. #nofilter

The Adventure

After numerous hikes and planned backpacking trips we found the right trail - I left at least one trip out of my posts because it was getting a bit embarrassing. (I like to look at the attempts as lessons rather than fails...even if it's just to make myself feel better! Fail/lesson one, fail/lesson two.)

I'm not sure if it is on purpose (now that I know how to get to Cedar Flats, I'm not sure I want to give this jewel away, too), but all of the instructions and maps that we used to find Cedar Flats are either misinformation or out-of-date.

Finally, with a day pack, flashlights and our water filter (in case it took us all day), bear spray (after three years of camping and hiking around Mt. Hood, my wife and a friend recently saw our first bear in the area!), and a mentality of we were going to make it this time or quit (and we hate to quit - obviously, since we tried five times to find this place) we set off last Saturday on our final attempt.

We knew where the Cedar Flats trail started - according to the maps - because we found it the prior weekend (the untold story of 8.5 miles with full backpacks and full intentions of sleeping at Cedar Flats).  And covering the Kopetski Trail portion was becoming routine... But it's still shocking to me that the trail is covered up with tree logs and brush, hidden from us during the previous trips!  (We walked by it dozens of times in our prior searches.)

Making our way past the blockage (the trail opens up again after awhile), we headed straight for the river crossing.  Here is where we stopped the last trip.

Oh, we forded the river the last time, no problem there.  We were prepared for the crossing, as this is mentioned in the directions we had (though we were not prepared for a dropped shoe, making the trip back a little unpleasant and sloshy), and we easily crossed again this time. But...right after the river, the trail disappears!

Tree logs, branches, brush - covered so much that you have to go off-trail and dig your way through the underbrush.  I forgot to mention that this is also on the side of a hill, with one side going straight down to the river!

This time, we were going around, regardless of the cuts, falls, and bugs...

Turns out...we didn't have to go far!

We made our plan and took the dog off of her leash and collar, to make sure she didn't get caught in the brush. To our surprise, she ran straight up the left side of the hill!  (We were surprised by the next sentence...not the fact that she went running off - bad dog!) About 40 feet up, she stopped and turned around, looking at us like "here's the trail, what's next?"

There was another trail! She had found another trail!

Another trail that eventually met up with the trail we were on (we studied this afterwards). This wasn't even on the right side of the river! According to the maps we had...

Obviously maintained, this had to be the new trail to Cedar Flats - we had taken the hard way!  (This point was discussed on our hike out - we took the 'new' trail to the entrance to explore, yes, we like to try new paths!  Turns out our original side is probably easier and shorter, but definitely rougher then the 'new' trail.)

I recommend either path (or both!), there is one on both sides of the Opal Pool bridge. (P.S. At the time of our find, a bridge to Jawbone Flats was out and it was recommended to use the Kopetski Trail - an easier hike would be to use the Jawbone Flats trail to Opal Pool.)

Regardless of how (or what we should have done), we made it to Cedar Flats!

Cedar Flats!

Huge trees!  Beautiful, crystal clear water!  Waterfalls and pools to swim in! And even a couple of nudists soaking up the sunshine!

After some exploring, we found what looked like a great waterfall to wade under and off-trailed it down the side of a hill. (I wouldn't recommend this to everyone.)

The perfect location for a lazy afternoon!

Our waterfall! #nofilter

Turns out there was a pretty deep pool directly under the waterfall.  After some talking-up (the water was freezing!) we both (plus dog) plunged into the pool and scrambled out several times.

With the blue skies and sunshine, we warmed up immediately...all while savoring Mother Earth!

This was definitely worth the multiple attempts and was forever captured by our gorgeous camera-woman...even with covering over 11 miles in one day.

With every adventure we came closer and closer to our goal, but no success! We were tempted to give up, but we prevailed!

Hopefully we can apply this thought to other areas of our lives too!

Yours in exploiting life!
Quinn

World Domination Summit 2014 - You're Missing Out!

I feel inspired! Again!

This past weekend we attended the World Domination Summit (for the second year) and walked away with a refreshed drive at life!

If you haven't heard of the World Domination Summit (#WDS2014), then you're missing out.

No, we're not a secret society trying to take over the world (okay, maybe in some small part), but it's great to hear a passerby say something to that affect.

Then, when a participant does try to explain what we're about, it seems to be even more confusing.

It doesn't help that the attendees are from all walks of life and all have a unique reason why they're here (in Portland!) - each only sees it from their own point of understanding.

The bloggers state that it's a conference for bloggers (go figure).

The solopreneurs state that it's a way to location independence.

The cubicle dwellers state that it's a means of inspiration and travel (I still fit in this bucket...for now).

The summit attracts authors, non-profits, CPAs, architects, CFPs, and artists!

The common thread? Something different - creativity in any field - the search for remarkable!

So, what is it?

The theme of WDS is Community, Adventure, and Service.

The question asked to the audience (to the world) is "How to live a remarkable life in a conventional world?"

The host (Chris Guillebeau from The Art of Non-Conformity) and the amazing speakers are all examples of individuals who are living remarkable lives.

Inspiration for those seeking the same.

The conference brings these like-minded individuals together. Sharing stories, techniques, and ideas.

Leading to remarkable lives.

Wait, how many people?!

Another benefit is the networking.

Here are 3,000 individuals who are all on the same wavelength...or close.

Where better to find people who understand your questioning of the status quo...the conventional!

Next steps.

With several notes from presenters and my #bravebot, I'm working on my own quest!

Now I only have to define it...

Pushing myself forward, one step at a time...

Understanding that imperfection is okay, the key...is just starting...

Yours in exploiting life!
Quinn

Unexploited Finances: Who Are You Blaming?

Where do you start your new financial and life journey? With yourself!

Truly, there is no secret. 

You and you alone are accountable for your actions – both your failures and your successes. Once you come to terms with this, you can begin the long process into exploiting life!

This is difficult. It requires a lot of extra effort.

Coasting through life is easy, living life is not! As you’ve probably heard numerous times – if it was easy, then everybody would be doing it!

BUT know this…

You CAN do it!

There is nothing holding you back that you can’t overcome!

If you need help, encouragement, an accountability partner, then find it!

But how does this fit your finances?

Because I’m sure you’ve used every excuse in the book as to why your finances are running your life and you’re not LIVING your ideal lifestyle! 

“My job doesn't pay me enough money.”

“I need the new phone to stay in contact with friends.”

“I need new clothes and a car for my job.”

“They’re just lucky they can afford a vacation, having kids doesn't allow me to do this.” 

Stop blaming others! Start blaming yourself!

Take the first step and take ownership of your life and of your financial decisions.

Once you recognize that YOU are the problem, then you can go about making changes.

Because you CAN change yourself!

Everything is a choice.

I have these words posted on both my work and personal computers. It's a reminder that I've made my current choices and I can make all of my future choices.  These choices include my work, my travel, my finances, and my life!

You too have the choice.  The choice to living your ideal lifestyle, the choice of controlling your finances!

Start now, make the choice!  Stop blaming others!

Yours in exploiting life!
Quinn

My Single-Serving Friend

The other day I took a one-day trip to Oakland for work and had the best conversation with a stranger that I've ever had!

We were sitting next to each other on the airplane and were quickly absorbed in conversation.  He had a energetic and fascinating life, we had a lot in common, and we enjoyed talking about the same current events.

I met a single-serving friend!

A Single-Serving Friend.

If you've seen Fight Club, then you'll recognize the term.  For those that haven't seen (or don't remember) the film, a 'single-serving friend' is one that you meet only once in a public setting (an airplane) and quickly become friends.  You know that you'll probably never see the person again, but you enjoyed the company.

In today's society, it's extremely hard to find single-serving friends!

Everyone is engrossed in their electronics and they don't come up for air.

I-phones, I-pads, headphones, books, Facebook, movies...

No one looks around and makes eye contact anymore. No one wants to start a conversation

I'm serious.

When you walk down the street, watch how many people have their ear-buds in. How can you start a conversation with someone if they can't hear you. It's the same with the bus/bus-stop, the airplane, and the line at Chipotle.

On my way to the office every morning, I nearly bump into others who are trying to finish the last chapter of their electronic book or trying to write one more Facebook post about the rainy Portland weather.

We Need More Single-Serving Friends!

Why do we need more single-serving friends? Because our conversation skills are going downhill quickly!

The younger generations (and even many older generations) speak in acronyms, text faster then they speak, and cannot write complete sentences. 

Finding single-serving friends is a great way to practice conversation, test our impromptu communication skills, and flex our social muscles.

This helps us grow both as individuals and as societies. We meet others, expand our knowledge and thoughts, and pass this information to the next 'friend'.

Single-serving friends serve a purpose and we need to embrace it!

Find Your Next Single-Serving Friend.

Next time you're in the grocery store line, on an airplane, or riding the bus, take a look around you. Is there someone not in their electronic, noise-making bubble? Say hello. Ask them how their doing. Start a conversation. Find your next single-serving friend.

When was the last time you made a single-serving friend?

Yours in exploiting life!
Quinn

Unexploited Finances: Step Four, Exploit Your Life

Below is part four of a four step series on how to go about Exploiting Your Finances, Exploiting Your Life! (See Step One, Priorities, Step Two, Current Finances, Step Three, Exploit Your Finances.)

And the fun continues with Step Four!

Short and sweet = IF you exploit your finances, THEN you'll reach your priorities AND you'll already be exploiting your life!

If you're able to follow this process...if you're able to get a real understanding of how your finances impact your life, and you can take control of your finances...you'll be exploiting your life before you know it!

Exploit Your Life

You'll feel like you have life figured out!

You'll wonder why you didn't do this earlier!

You'll be:

• Taking weekend trips...every weekend!
• Finding financial freedom!
• Finding time! Yes, time! That unstoppable moving ecstasy!
• Retiring early!
• Taking a gap year! Or a few!
• Not stressing about life! Rather, you'll be living life!

By confronting your finances head-on, with your priorities and a plan leading the way, you can take back your life! Make your own path on your own journey!

Priorities Change

Will your path change along the way? Yes, they will! But this isn't bad, life happens. When you change your path, revisit your priorities, revisit your finances, exploit your finances, and continue on!

With this plan, you'll no longer have to stress about money. You'll no longer have to worry about what the future might bring. You'll be financially prepared for anything!

Priorities also change after you've met your prior ones.  Don't stop! Revisit what is important to you (Step One), decide how you can achieve it, and prioritize!

Best Time to Act...NOW!

If you've just been reading and not acting...start now! Go find a quiet place and determine your priorities!

Start exploiting your finances, exploiting your life!

Yours in exploiting life!
Quinn

Spanish Classes - Be Embarrassed, Have Fun!

My wife and I recently completed ten weeks of Spanish courses!

Learning Spanish has been a goal of ours for a number of years. It was even listed as one of my 2014 New Year's Resolutions!

For all my wanting to learn a second language, somehow not taking any action didn't help!  Go figure! Years later, I still didn't know how to say even the most basic phrases!

We purchased Rosetta Stone awhile ago, but I couldn't seriously commit any time to it.  (Plus, when practicing, it seemed like the same word kept changing...at the time I had no idea about conjugating verbs!!)

Well, after ten weeks...I still don't know much. (Ha!)

But I know a lot more than I did!

Having a native speaker teaching the course, a textbook, and homework really helped!

The course was through Portland Community College (PCC). We found a meeting location near our apartment and a time that fit our schedule.

We can now have some basic conversations and I at least understand why the words keep changing (but mean the same thing - dang the verbs are hard!)

I do think I was behind everyone else in class, but I didn't care!  I was learning and having fun! A little embarrassment here and there comes with learning new things.

This was definitely just the beginning.  We plan to study by ourselves over the summer (maybe we can find others in Portland that want to practice) and take another course in the Fall.  There's so much to learn!

Maybe by the time we take our first Latin American trip, we'll be able to have a fuller experience by understanding more of the culture through communication.

Have you studied a second (or third) language? What worked best?

Yours in exploiting life!
Quinn

Unexploited Finances: Step Three, Exploit Your Finances

Below is part three of a four step series on how to go about Exploiting Your Finances, Exploiting Your Life! (See Step One, Priorities and Step Two, Current Finances.) (UPDATE: Find Part 4 here.)

Now the fun starts!

Now you get to BLAME your priorities and exploit your finances!

Exploit Your Income

Cutting your expenses is still the default solution for finding money for your goals, but it doesn't have to be the only solution.  How about your income?!

This may be the time for you to ask about that raise at work. Go in with your accomplishments, what you bring, and why you deserve a raise!

No opportunity for a raise...have you looked at the job market lately? You should always keep your eyes open! If you're not watching for it, your ideal job may pass you by. You may have also boosted your current skills since your last job search. (Don't forget to update your LinkedIn profile.) Go ahead, take a look. Blame it on your priorities!

If time is on your side, just not the income, there is also the possibility of a part-time job or a side business. There are lots of opportunities to make more money, it's just a matter of having a reason! Priorities = Reason.

Adding income is a great tool for exploiting your finances because this money hasn't already been allocated. Fresh money! You can just shovel it into your goals!

Exploit Your Expenses

Okay, now it's time to look at those bills.

After your cash flow statement work in Step Two, Current Finances, you have a starting point for your current budget. So how does it look?

Does it look pretty slim?

Do you already cook your meals at home and cut out the cable bill years ago?

Write down your priorities. With this list next to you, go through your expenses - one by one. What's more important?

Is the daily lunch more important then getting your time back?

Is the cable bill more important then your gap year? (You watch all of your shows on Netflix and Hulu anyways.)

What's left?

You may not be able to cut expenses out if they're all reoccurring debt payments or rent payments (student loan, car loan, credit card debt, rent, etc). If this is the case, look at whether you really need these items. Take a BIG step back. We're making drastic changes here, we're exploiting!

Do you really need two cars? Can you move to a lower rent apartment?

These are painful decisions. But that's where we exploit our finances! Blame your priorities! Is your priority to be debt free? Well...selling the car can not only reduce your current debt, but also remove a monthly payment! You don't have to go car free, get a used car. One that fits your new goals!

(After my last car and paying off all of my debt, I promised myself that I'll never take another loan out on a car!)

If friends start giving you a hard time about your 'used' car, say "I could have a new car if I wanted, but I have this goal to be debt free"...(priority blamed!).

The 'extra' monthly money can go towards the student debt, paying it off early! And so on, and so on. Amazing!

Make sure you don't cut everything out though. Exploiting life means that you enjoy every single day. If having that morning latte is about the best thing that's ever happened to you on a Monday morning, then keep it!

Keep items that make you happy, remove items that are just filler!

Blame Game

Have fun with the 'blame'. Make it a game!

What can I change and blame on my priorities?

Your family and friends will understand and soon everyone will be trying to help you meet your goals!

Using your priorities as scapegoats can have positive side effects - one of which is a conversation starter.

When you decline the next lunch out and blame your priority, coworkers and friends will ask you about it. You can share why being debt free, gaining your time back, and/or traveling the world is important to you. They may even be inspired and start working on their own priorities!

Daily Life

As mentioned in Step One, Priorities, talk about your priorities regularly! Don't be shy. This will help set it in your daily routine! This will help keep you focused! This will help you apply your priorities to all of your financial decisions!

You may still feel uncomfortable talking about finances with strangers. Money is still a taboo discussion in society today, but do it anyways! Showing that you're comfortable with your money is an example of you managing your finances! Those individuals who are uncomfortable talking about money are usually managed by their finances. (I'm not saying discuss your huge salary, no one will want to talk to you...ever. I am saying discuss your financial goals and how you plan to meet them!)

Blame, blame, blame! Use your priorities to exploit your finances!

Yours in exploiting life!
Quinn