Last fall my boyfriend Jeff and I took a much anticipated camping trip to Yosemite National Park to get a good dose of nature in our system. Our big plan was to ascend the southwest face of Half Dome via Snake Dike, an easy, technical 8-pitch trad climbing route! The weeks prior to this trip was filled with route laps at the gym as well as more one-day outdoor climbing trips. In preparation, I lead my first (sport) routes, learned to lead belay, practiced more anchor building, climbed my first multi-pitch on El Cajon Mountain in San Diego County and explored the crags within Holcomb Valley near Big Bear Lake--all of this outdoors (I've never even lead indoors, haha). I was definitely psyched--in a good and.... semi-scared way. As for Jeff? Well, he had already climbed Snake Dike the year before and he is already quite familiar with trad and sport climbs. So, I was am seriously fortunate to have a great mentor as a partner (TY Jeff!)!

Before I begin reviewing, I just want to highlight some of our goodies that really helped make this a somewhat successful trip (we'll get to the "somewhat" part later.) A few of these are new--see photo below--while the rest are part of our usual car camping basics!

Goodies & Gear!

• Patagonia Capilene baselayers
• 3L Hydrapak hydration system (which now replaces my very dated & not so great Camelbak bladders)
• 32 oz soft water bottle, the Nalgene Cantene
• UCO Original Candle Lanterns
• Neo-Air All Season Therm-a-Rest inflatable sleeping pad
• Neo-Air XLite Therm-a-Rest inflatable sleeping pad
• Two burner propane stove! (CAR CAMPING AIN'T THE SAME WITHOUT THIS, SEE THAT BACON?)

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It was early November; a perfect time and way to celebrate both of our birthdays (his on the 8th and mine on the 27th). Unfortunately, this is also the time of the year when temperatures begin to really drop, and on top of that, we had arrived just after a major storm.

Surely, we had the sufficient clothing and gear, and we didn't have to pitch our tent in snow, but that did not take away from the fact that the lows of mid 20°(F)'s and highs of 50°'s chilled our San Diego bones. Aside from beers and campfires, to keep warm we layered up A LOT--on hikes and especially while sleeping. Having the right type of clothing, base layers specifically, really made a difference between getting some actual shut eye, and calling the trip quits after night one!

KEEPING WARM:
I have a three-season down sleeping bag (Marmot Angel Fire) rated to 26°F and Jeff has a synthetic blend sleeping bag rated to 20°F (Kelty Light Year XP). We also brought along a three-person, three-season MSR tent (Thanks to Adventure 16, Jeff's employer) for a bit of roominess. Would that alone stop us from being cold at night? Nope. Our set up was kind of hilarious to look at, but it kept us warm! We laid out two crashpads (perfect for the tent!), then laid our sleeping pads, one thick blanket, our sleeping bags, then 2 more comforters--all atop one another in that order. I felt like the Princess and the Pea! We also hung up our UCO Candle Lanterns and let that burn throughout the night (they last for hours). At first, the idea of leaving a burning candle unattended seemed so sketchy, but after reading other users' reviews (aka evidence of their survival, haha) and methods for keeping warm, we decided to try it out. Some nights, we just let it burn for a little bit, enough to warm the tent, then blew out the flame before sleeping. It was pretty handy.

I brought along both my Patagonia Capilene 2 and Capilene 3 tops and bottoms. The Cap 2 is an extremely comfy lightweight baselayer which I like to use under hiking pants and sweats when it's a a little chilly out, around the high 40s-50s. I sometimes wear them at home like regular leggings/PJ's, too! I tend to get pretty overheated around my upperbody, so I don't wear the Cap 2 or Cap 3 tops unless I will be in a very cold, windy or snow-filled environment for hours at a time. For the past year and a half, I have been using my Cap 2's during nearly all my southern California winter/fall (outdoor) activities, but I picked up the Cap 3's right before this trip to test it out. I didn't think I would notice much of a difference between the lightweight Cap 2 and the midweight Cap 3, but the upgrade was just right for this. The wind didn't pierce through the Cap 3's material too much nor was it too stifling.

I've posted some material comparisons below, if that helps at all. Also, if you're looking into getting these bad boys, here's some size references: I'm 5'0", average build, with some extra love around the hips! Going between the different levels of the Capilenes also may mean a different fit, I guess due to how thick the material is/how much it can stretch. The Cap 2 & 3 tops fit me well in size Small without being too fitted (I like mine slightly looser). I have the Cap 2 bottom in size Small, and it's perfect for me; the length isn't even too bad for my stature! I got the Cap 3 bottom in X-Small because they run a bit big. They seem to fit me decently--until I eat like a pig and I can feel the pressure around my waist more. It also gets a little saggy and loose towards my ankles.

Bottoms: Capilene 2, Capilene 3 (black) - Tops: Capilene 3 (orange striped), Capilene 2 (black)

Capilene 2, lightweight (striped)

Capilene 3, midweight (black)

Most times, I only wear the bottoms under my Prana Halle pants, so the bagginess only concerns me when it's around the thighs and calves! Anyway, these guys saved me when it came to sleeping and just hanging around the campsite.

HALF DOME/SNAKE DIKE

Taking notes of technical parts of climb and mapping out our route

Petzl Elia helmet, Patagonia Down Sweater Vest, draws and webbing

Jeff, getting all the gear all neat and accounted for

Around 5:30 AM on our second morning, we each packed up about 30 lbs worth of water, climbing gear (helmet, shoes, rope, cams, draws etc.), food and other necessities, and started on our approach towards Half Dome/Snake Dike. The Nalgene Cantene was perfect for cutting down some ounces and also for easy "compactibility" when empty. This was just a little over the bare minimum [weight] we should have brought. We had extra snacks just in case, and I brought too many clothes--typical. WE ARE FOREVER LEARNING HOW TO PACK LESS. Jeff wore his Cap 2 top under a shirt and jacket and Cap 2 bottoms under his Prana Stretch Zion pants. He was quite comfy and warm throughout. I, on the other hand, sort of regret wearing so many layers! As cold and crisp as the morning was, trying to hike up quickly with some weight on my back really made me sweat. I wore my Cap 3 bottoms under my Halle pants which was perf. But I also wore a tanktop, Cap 2 top, AS WELL AS the Patagonia Sweater Vest, all UNDERNEATH my Atom jacket (Arc'teryx Atom LT). Safe to say, I was removing layers after 1 hour of hiking.

Handsome! He wore his Patagonia Ascenscion 35L pack, a perfect fit/size (but he had to rig his own hydration system)

Now, for the "somewhat successful" part: after all this layering trouble and my struggle to hike fast, we didn't get to climb. We should have known when we saw the weather report at the Visitor's Center. We should have known when saw visible snow atop Half Dome from our camp site. We were definitely unprepared (and inexperienced) for any ice climbing, and we don't* even have ice axes, yet we decided to try our luck, hoping the ice/snow would melt by the time we made it to the base of the mountain. We had already reached Little Yosemite Valley, just to where our trail would veer off directly for Half Dome, when we finally admitted to ourselves that this wasn't going to happen. The snow was too packed up top and we wouldn't have much sun left for the hike back down (the days were especially short between storms)--it was too sketchy for a wet, icy path... and not to mention THE FEARLESS BEAR ON OUR TRAIL, one that did not get off the path even with 5 of us whistling and clapping loudly.

Fortunatelyyyy (I guess) our path also coincided with the Mist, Vernal Falls, and Half Dome trails, so we did get to take in some amazing scenery--even if we had both hiked these once before. For me at least, it was a pretty good experience and a huge wake up call, urging me to significantly improve my endurance. It was practice, I suppose!

We didn't get to finish what we went there to do. I didn't even touch Half Dome at all! But being in the Valley really feels great on its own. Jeff and I ate yummy food (I cook a mean bacon-filled car camping breakfast!), kept each other warm, bouldered, and just enjoyed what the place had to offer: immense, awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Oh, and did I mention that we actually did get to hang on ropes on a mountain?! On our last day, we broke down camp, packed the car and made one last stop to swing off of El Capitan! Jeff had gone with friends the year before, and I had always hoped to do the same! I never thought I'd get on the swing so soon! I was ecstatic! It was definitely thrilling, amazing, crazy... with an insane view of the Valley. You know we had to do it more than once :)


You know what? I take back the "somewhat" part. This was definitely a successful trip!

- Ashley

Hello folks! I just wanted to showcase some Halloween related treats and of course, the DIY Rey costume I mentioned earlier! However, it will not be much of a tutorial. Although I had so much free time to work on the outfit and take photos of the process, I really lagged right until the week of Halloween. Basically, I procrastinated & rushed the heck out of it! I only made the belt, tabard & headwrap -_- Anyway, I bought most of the material at the discount fabric store, while the belt and other accessories were made by recycling old bags and buckles.

This Halloween, I actually had two costumes lined up because our plans entailed a night of dancing & inebriation at a "block party" (reality: club event) within the House of Blues in downtown--Rey's drapey tabard simply wouldn't hold up well! After attending a family-friendly costume party, I changed into yet another super-last-minute DIY Star Wars costume: Padme, "battle" attire. It's an unbelievably easy outfit so I literally bought everything--aside from my shoes--at a thrift store two days before Halloween.

My boyfriend, Jeffrey, had initially planned to dress up as Zero from The Grand Budapest Hotel & we even found the perfect material for his bell boy jacket! However, just a week before Halloween he opted to dress up as Han Solo since Zero was not as recognizable (+ I may have urged him a bit). Boy, his costume & DIY skills seriously surpassed mine!! You'll see in the photos. Anyhow, our friends' costumes were also really awesome! Nearly everyone had made their own costume and had a hint of nerdy flare, too. It was also the first time in ages where plans made in our grouptext thread actually pulled through. Everyone showed up! Anyway, I honestly didn't take as many photos as I wanted, but alas, we were too exhausted from crafting and all we wanted to do was party with friends. Photos should always be secondary.

On that note:



Jeffrey & I made some matcha green tea sugar cookies & I brought them to the OT clinic where I volunteer at! I didn't take photos of the cookies, but I should have because they were so hilariously ugly. We tried decorating them with Frankenstein's Monster, Ghosts & Pumpkins but we have no skill in that department... On a good note, everyone thought they were delicious.







I bought "Gauze" cotton fabric to emulate the kind of flow-y and wrinkled look of Rey's tabard, but it was only recently that I found the materials/fabric list of the original costume. In the movie, it was actually made of viscose! Doi, Ashley. Oh well, this worked just as well.



He made the holster, belt, gun, pants' detail and shirt all on his own! Legit cosplayer or what!? hahahaha.



Geeks. I mean, Han Solo and Rey... Solo?!






These nerds dressed up as Vegeta from Dragon Ball Z and a Titan from Attach on Titan! (the Titan's girlfriend dressed up as Mikasa! D'aww, so cute, they'll always try to annihilate each other)





Star Wars, Dragonball Z, Mario Kart, historical/fictional characters, Attack on Titan, and even a modern hip hop star, the Weeknd--I'd say we all did pretty well this year!

Anyway, now that it's over, I had all this left over fabric & other materials taking up space... I am thinking of actually finishing up Rey's costume and possibly make the props so that I may wear it to the premiere of The Force Awakens. Hahah! Don't judge me. It's a little embarrassing, but I want to dress up! Of all the years of going to Comic Con and being into fandoms, I have never actually dressed in costume--as in "cosplay." It's not much of my thing, but hey, we'll see how that goes come December 17th! :)

This is about my everyday endeavors, while being a woman.

Recently, I completed my first two lead climbs ever--outside at some beginner crag in Mission Gorge. On top of that, just the other day, I realized I could now do full-on pull ups. I was so excited about my progress, however slow it's been.

Now what does this have to do with being a woman? Well there are a number of things, but it's primarily about being recognized for doing these types of feats for what they're worth, WITHOUT comparison to a man or any belittling of [my] efforts. Some comments or reactions I've received concerning my personal "outdoor accomplishments" and everyday deeds have left me perplexed and even a little resentful. For example, upon hearing about my lead climbs this week, some dudes at the climbing gym looked excessively surprised and even had to ask twice if I actually led the route (as in, not on top-rope). Sure, this reaction is not a huge deal in itself. But it never really stops there, does it?

Last week, Jeff and I manufactured our own wooden corn-hole set, and to everyone's delight, it turned out amazing. I mean, of course! We had worked so hard on it. Key word: we. Yet, the common reactions were "Jeff made this thing!... oh, and his girlfriend. Well, she made the bags!" This was a such a peeve because, I will tell you all now, I literally did tons of wood cutting, sanding, drilling and assembly/drilling--in the LEAST. It goes without saying that Jeff did a great and tough job, but so did I. Even he admits I probably spent more time working on it the project. Still, majority of folks' expectations were that I only helped him.* Seriously?

Okay, I know it sounds like a bunch of complaining, but what really triggered this post today was a text from my dad asking how my mini home "fumigation" was going. When I said that everything was going as planned, his response was simple: "Good job, you could be a boy."

Whaaaattt.

This isn't new. I've heard "You're strong enough to be a boy" or "Ashley is the adventurous one, too much for a girl! I think she would be stronger than So-&-So if she was a boy." It goes on.

I mean, okay, I get it. These folks are praising me in their own way. Still, the accumulation all of these microaggressions ultimately insult me, and women like me, doin' our thang. Why must it be so hard to believe I am capable of these things? Why should I be compared to a "boy" because I did something well?

Also, when I post about things--climbing, crafting, hiking/camping, whatever--it is not my intention to just show off an activity I hardly participated in. I understand it can be far too easy to take an image simply for what it is: an easy-going smile after a hike or a climb, an erasure of the struggle I most likely experienced while attempting to ascend. But, really, if I show a photo or tell you about something I've done, you can bet I was not merely "there" in amongst a sort of natural backdrop. That is NOT the backstory to my photos. If there is something I choose to showcase, it is because I am proud of the sincere effort I've put into it.

Personally, performing tasks or even living a certain way that is "unconventional" for a woman has almost always resulted, first, in a slight skepticism. After that, acceptance or "approval" is conditional--"She did it! But she had a lot of help" or "It's easier for her because she's smaller" or even, "It was a just a fluke." I know I'm not alone as a victim of this type of subtle misogyny. There are many other women who can and do much more jaw-dropping, inspiring things, and I'm sure there are those on the sidelines still doubting their efforts.

Why this consistent skepticism is pressed onto me, I can't be entirely sure. In my case, maybe it's just because I am a woman--who can pass for a much younger girl--or maybe because I'm shorter in stature, or because I am Asian or simply because I just don't "look" the part. Or, another "more reasonable" explanation can be that in our culture, we hold specific expectations of women and girls, and we have all been guilty of perpetuating it, unconsciously even: Women are the weaker sex. Men are adventurous. Women who like to explore are manly. Men who are emotional are a bunch of pussies.

Whatever the case, I don't think I need to change or fit anyone's expectations--though admittedly, I need to remind myself of this frequently. A woman can be feminine, shy, demure AS WELL AS strong, or adventurous, or outdoorsy or geeky--and this can change depending our mood. Duh. A woman should be able to be recognized for her accomplishments and not limited to common expectations based on our sex, lifestyle, dress, stature or physique.

You'd better believe [we] put in work. If you're seeing a bunch of exceptional women these days, it's new a phenomena, and it's not necessarily non-conformist. Women have always pushed limits. The mold they say women are breaking could never contain us anyway.

First off, what's new? The last post was about (2013) holiday crafts and it's now... November 2014! So how did my year go? So far, I have checked some things off my Bucket List, started new friendships, lost some, forged new relationships, lost one, camped and explored, stayed at home feeling stagnant, went back to Oahu/Maui, and applied to my first graduate program. Obviously, more has happened, but I can't or don't want to get into too much detail. Instead, let me just do a quick run-through of the first event of 2014: my family trip to Orlando, FL. Or more importantly, our multiple visits to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Childhood dreams do come true!


Hagrid's hut!