Overlooking Berkeley Park From Lower Burroughs Trail Junction

Grassy valley of Berkeley Park, Sunrise, Mt. Rainier Ntl Park

 

 Michael and Carrie snowball showdown! Paradise parking lot, be there or be square... 😂 ❄

These Marmots sure have a beautiful home. 
 

 Peaking Pika Carrie selfie with the marmot (back left near a cluster of rocks). These plump little furballs are very accustomed to hikers.

These guys came out of the thicket of trees about 3 feet from my trail descending through Berkeley Park, Mt. Rainier Ntl Park.

Tarns of Emmons Glacier, Sunrise, Mt. Rainier Ntl Park

 

 

 

Emmons Moraine Trail

 David taking in the view of Emmons Glacier, Sunrise, Mt. Rainier National Park

 Climbing up the 9' lava spill wall at Ape Caves

 Edith Creek, Paradise Valley, Mt. Rainier National Park

 

 Peaking Pika Alli, she's about to cross over Van Trump Creek on her way to Comet Falls. 

 Peaking Pika Michael, she's crossing Frying Pan Creek on her way to Summerland. 

Ape Canyon, St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. SE perspective, Mt. Adams is pictured due East. This trail is a connector to the Plains of Abraham (216D) and June Lake (#216B) also, very much looking forward to continuing through those someday!

 

 Trail to Ape Canyon, SE St. Helens Volcanic National Monument.

Left: Syline Divide, Mt. Baker in the distance    Right: Wildflower meadows of Mt. Rainier, near Edith Creek, Paradise Valley

Photos by Carrie Carriveau

 

Photograph by Carrie Carriveau

 

My new logo, I drew it myself! 

 

Preparing For Your Adventure & Peaking Pika Pack...

• An inclusive and adventurous attitude
• Choose a location to explore

Where you decide to adventure will determine what goes in your pack and on your body. What is the terrain/elevation like? What is the weather forecast for that specific geographical location? 

Need some inspiration? YouTube is a great resource to check out potential hikes. Hikers of all skill levels, shapes, and sizes post videos of their hikes. I live in Washington state, so I often use the Washington Trail Association as a reliable and invaluable hiking resource, especially the Trip Reports tool. In addition, many apps will help you find an excellent spot and feel well informed. 

• The 10 Essentials of hiking

The original 10 Essentials list was developed in the 1930s by The Mountaineers. Depending on your activity or where you're heading exactly, they will vary slightly. Still, overall, experts agree these items are consistently helpful and will likely save your life during an emergency situation.

🛑 Tell Someone Where You'll Be Going/Check-In With Them Along The Way If Possible

🛑 Know Your Limits

🛑 Understand how each of these items works, practice using them and keep backup batteries 🔋

The 10 Essentials
-Navigation(Map/Compass/GPS (🔋))

-Hydration

-Nutrition

-Rain Gear and Insulation

-Fire Starter

-First Aid Kit

-Knife/Multitool

-Illumination/Headlamp (🔋)

-Sun Protection

-Shelter

❇️ I also find duct tape to be super helpful in repairing snapped boot laces and gear and makeshift first aid items, such as crafting a tourniquet. I cut long strips and wrap them around objects in my pack (lighters, trekking poles, water bottles, etc.) or keep a whole role depending on the space/weight available.

Other things to consider:

-Research. Knowledge is everything when it comes to general survival; the more you know, the better off you'll be. For instance, I know my limits, and in my experience and at this point in my physical fitness, I'm sensitive to prolonged exposure to heat, so I have made it a point to prepare for this actuality. I did some research on human body temperature. As a result, I better understand why my body is reacting to my environment in the way it is, what signals it's giving me, and how to respond. As a result, I am more prepared and calm when listening to my body and giving it what it requires before things escalate. Take some time to research the mental and physical effects of hiking on the body; it's incredible!

-Take A First Aid Class

-Cooling Towels

-Instant Ice Packs

-Filtration & Purifying Waterbottle/Life Straw

-Hydration Electrolyte Multiplier Packets

-Camera

-Mace/Pepper Spray

-Air Horn

-Extra Socks

-Moleskin 

-Hiking Buddy

Some Catching Up To Do...

Alli and I have been hiking together for nearly 10 years now (🙀). What we haven't been doing for nearly 10 years is blogging about it.  

What's my point? 

Well, this blog won't really be a chronological depiction of our experience on the trail; how would that be helpful to anyone, right?

Peaking Pika are helpful and serve a purpose.

We'll be using a mix of past and present adventures and professional expertise to strike a spark in you... awakening your inner Peaking Pika... setting you free on the wild and rocky slopes of your hiking potential! 

So, are you ready to embrace your inner Peaking Pika? Go places no Peaking Pika has gone before? Conquer self-imposed limitations and really, truly, feel alive and in control of your life again? 

Gather round for a Peaking Pika hand stack... ONE 🐾, TWO 🐾, THREE 🐾,  PIKA PEAK! 🏔🌲

 

 

Hi, we're Alli and Carrie of Peaking Pikas! We're best friends and adventure buddies dedicated to empowering Peaking Pikas everywhere to discover the impressive health and functionality of the human body through hiking. 

All the photographs and images you find here were taken or created by me, Carrie Carriveau, unless otherwise noted. I hope you love them! 📸 💜 

At this point, you might be asking yourself, "What is a pika and what does it have to do with me or hiking?" 

Well, a pika is nothing short of extraordinary. The pika is a small mountain mammal residing in high-altitude regions of North America and Asia. They're tenacious, resourceful, and conspicuously CUTE! Resembling their cousin, the rabbit, the pika has large short round ears and a stout body covered in a thick coat of fur and no visible tail. (Photo by Derek Ryder on Unsplash) If you're lucky you may spot a pika while hiking.  

A Peaking Pika strives to possess the fine character qualities of a pika listed above in addition to the following:

• Understands and respects body inclusivity
• Love and respect for one's self
• Love and respect for nature and our environment

Meet The Peaking Pikas:

 

Carrie

Alli