EP353: Hikin' with Jake

·1 hr 9 min·5 clips

Jake battles a bizarre two-week illness with daily changing symptoms and crushing fatigue that leaves him questioning if it was COVID.

Jake opens the solo episode by apologizing for the late release, explaining that Geoff couldn't record due to scheduling conflicts. He shares that he's been sick for over two weeks with a strange illness featuring daily changing symptoms and severe fatigue, wondering if it might have been COVID. Jake discusses the challenges of returning to a five-day office workweek at the Social Security Administration, arguing that telework doesn't inherently reduce productivity. He then shifts to a rant about a 'raise lions not sheep' bumper sticker he saw, criticizing it as a toxic co-opting of stoicism by people who are actually just rude. Jake announces the main topic: a curated list of his favorite hikes near Portland. He breaks them into easy, medium, and hard categories, plus three non-hike viewpoints. For easy hikes, he recommends Allawa Falls for its accessibility and lower crowds, Falls Creek Falls for its stunning waterfall despite a rough drive, and Coldwater Lake for its flexibility and beauty. He adds Mosier Plateau as an honorable mention for wildflowers. Medium hikes include Ramona Falls for its length and unique waterfall, Hamilton Mountain for its tough climb and best gorge views, and Coyote Wall for its unique, shire-like environment and wildflowers. Hard hikes feature Dog Mountain as the most challenging with incredible wildflowers, McNeil Point for its proximity to Mount Hood's summit, and Zigzag Mountain as his personal favorite due to its transformative role during the pandemic. Non-hike spots are Cape Disappointment during king tides, Lava Butte for Mount St. Helens views, and Horsethief Lake Butte for sunset vistas. Jake invites listeners to join him on hikes and promises a return to the regular schedule.

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