Jazmín Ortega

A few notes from LA and farther afield.

[jazminortega]

[lavernecox]

On May 29, 2014, the issue of timemagazine magazine which proclaimed the “Transgender Tipping Point” was revealed with me on the cover. June 1, 2015 a year and 3 days later, Caitlyn Jenner’s vanityfair cover was revealed proclaiming #CallMeCaitlyn I am so moved by all the love and support Caitlyn is receiving. It feels like a new day, indeed, when a trans person can present her authentic self to the world for the first time and be celebrated for it so universally. Many have commented on how gorgeous Caitlyn looks in her photos, how she is “slaying for the Gods.” I must echo these comments in the vernacular, “Yasss Gawd! Werk Caitlyn! Get it!” But this has made me reflect critically on my own desires to ‘work a photo shoot’, to serve up various forms of glamour, power, sexiness, body affirming, racially empowering images of the various sides of my black, trans womanhood. I love working a photo shoot and creating inspiring images for my fans, for the world and above all for myself. But I also hope that it is my talent, my intelligence, my heart and spirit that most captivate, inspire, move and encourage folks to think more critically about the world around them. Yes, Caitlyn looks amazing and is beautiful but what I think is most beautiful about her is her heart and soul, the ways she has allowed the world into her vulnerabilities. The love and devotion she has for her family and that they have for her. Her courage to move past denial into her truth so publicly. These things are beyond beautiful to me. A year ago when my Time magazine cover came out I saw posts from many trans folks saying that I am “drop dead gorgeous” and that that doesn’t represent most trans people. (It was news to be that I am drop dead gorgeous but I’ll certainly take it). But what I think they meant is that in certain lighting, at certain angles I am able to embody certain cisnormative beauty standards. Now, there are many trans folks because of genetics and/or lack of material access who will never be able to embody these standards. More importantly many trans folks don’t want to embody them and we shouldn’t have to to be seen as ourselves and respected as ourselves . It is important to note that these standards are also infomed by race, class and ability among other intersections. I have always been aware that I can never represent all trans people. No one or two or three trans people can. This is why we need diverse media representstions of trans folks to multiply trans narratives in the media and depict our beautiful diversities. I started #TransIsBeautiful as a way to celebrate all those things that make trans folks uniquely trans, those things that don’t necessarily align with cisnormative beauty standards. For me it is necessary everyday to celebrate every aspect of myself especially those things about myself that don’t align with other people’s ideas about what is beautiful. #TransIsBeautiful is about, whether you’re trans or not, celebrating all those things that make us uniquely ourselves. Most trans folks don’t have the privileges Caitlyn and I have now have. It is those trans folks we must continue to lift up, get them access to healthcare, jobs, housing, safe streets, safe schools and homes for our young people. We must lift up the stories of those most at risk, statistically trans people of color who are poor and working class. I have hoped over the past few years that the incredible love I have received from the public can translate to the lives of all trans folks. Trans folks of all races, gender expressions, ability, sexual orientations, classes, immigration status, employment status, transition status, genital status etc.. I hope, as I know Caitlyn does, that the love she is receiving can translate into changing hearts and minds about who all trans people are as well as shifting public policies to fully support the lives and well being of all of us. The struggle continues…

[jazminortega]

Back in L.A. after a weekend at session II of the Absolute Day Zero PCT Kick-Off (ADZPCTKO, for short, mercifully). Or Woodstock for hikers (#Hikestock, #hikeapalooza?) if you prefer.

The tent city was a motley mix of campers and RVs, from traditional dome tents, to cuben fiber ultralight tents and tarps. It was visible from the road leading up to the Lake Morena campsite, on the foggy and drizzly Friday evening.

I was able to walk around the vendor area and see first-hand the tents, tarps, and ultralight backpacks that I had only seen online. It was good to hold them, weigh them, and see if this is something worth investing in. They’re not cheap, and the cuben fiber and other lightweight fabrics seem delicate, so I’m not yet convinced that some of it would survive a storm or prolonged use. It was good to see this gear for myself.

After setting up camp, walking around and generally getting the lay of the land, I went into the pavilion for Pepper’s talk on hiking the PCT in winter. He was generous with his time and tips, and the takeaway from his talk is that there is no substitute for experience. One thing is to spend a lot of time online and in events like ADZPCTKO, and another to go out there and learn by putting in the miles and enduring whatever the trail throws at you. Knowing what you don’t know (conscious incompetence) is not a bad place to be. Conscious competence is a better place to be, in due time.

With all the thinking and reading about the PCT, finally getting on the trail on Saturday morning was apex of the weekend. The Southern Terminus marker seemed smaller in person that what I had imagined. And the border fence brought home the reality that we are here, walking on this path in the wilderness, out of choice and not necessity. The migrants who come across the border are not doing it out of anything other than survival.

And so, after being brought to the border by trail angel Cindy, and getting our first trail magic in the form of mini Snickers (breakfast) from another volunteer, a group of about six of us set out downhill, walking north. There is no arrow pointing the way, we just follow the dirt road until an inconspicuous marker, nothing more than a thin slab of metal bearing the PCT logo, appears.

The first mile is the most confusing in terms of following the trail. Once past that first mile, however, the path is well marked. The reality of being on the PCT sinks in, and the miles start ticking away.

Around mile 7, the remains of an old fire begin to appear on the trees. A mile later, fog settles over the charred trees, turning the landscape into a black and white image. It felt like a dream.

  TO BE CONTINUED…

[jazminortega]

 I finished the Wilderness Travel Course on March 10. Though it is not really over, since I’m already planning my summer Experience Trips to meet the graduation requirements by October. Snow Camp was a challenging, beautiful experience. Here’s what I wrote about that weekend for the WTC Group 5 blog.

[jazminortega]

Beer & Gear night at Golden Road Brewing! We had an entire section away from the crowds to unpack and share what we're taking to snow camp. Amy brought gear to sell (I snagged an inflatable pad, a day pack and down booties); Scobie, Anne and Homer gave us tips on what to bring and what to leave at home. Great idea for socializing and getting ready!

[jazminortega]

The Snow Travel Day That Really Was

It didn’t look very promising as we drove up the Angeles Crest Highway. The morning was crisp, but there was no sign of snow on the road. Beth had joked in class that it would be "Travel Day" without the snow.

Earlier, the WTC Group 5 crew had gathered at La Cañada,where the road began its climb into the mountains. We inspected each other’s boots. Some had applied waterproofing wax or spray. I brought my Sundance snow boots, that I had only worn once for four days, three years ago. I was afraid they would be too heavy and snug to go hiking. One thing was certain: they were warm.

We carpooled to the trailhead, with Ben driving, Abby riding shotgun, and Jordana and me in the back. We talked movies (50 Shades of Gray), careers, people we knew in common, the hiking we’ve done or hope to do. It was exciting to know that the Pacific Crest Trail snaked its way along these mountains. At less than an hour from home, this may be the closest point to access the PCT, and I’m already planning on hiking there as soon as I’m able.

Just beyond the Buckhorn campground, we stopped and unloaded our packs. Some of us got snowshoes to strap on our packs. I got a snow shovel to carry. After a quick bathroom break at the vault toilet (which in these parts is a luxury), the bundled-up crew gathered to answer the inevitable questions from Homer or Scobie: “So… where are we?”

The better navigators amongst us settled on a spot on a map before a bend in the road, and decided to meet the trail through a gully just in front of us.

That first mile carrying a pack was the toughest. The altitude coupled with the weight made my breathing more labored than I expected. It was a good moment to recall the Whitaker Wheeze. Stopping along the way to adjust layers and check the map were more than welcome respites from trudging along the fire road. No sign of snow yet.

But once it did arrive, as we spread out for lunch along a clearing, the snow fell softly adding layers of white along everything it touched: the trail, the branches, the creek, our jackets and packs. It was beautiful to be in a snow globe, so close to home.

The snow was also the backdrop for an exercise in wilderness first aid. Our resident nurse, Annie, was our injury victim, feigning a broken leg for us to practice our first responder skills. Luckily Denise had recently gone through a NOLS wilderness medical workshop and handled the situation beautifully. My best hope in an emergency is to do no harm and be of help to someone who does know what to do.

The hike back was under a steady snowfall, pairing up in twos and threes, we carried on conversations, then fell under the quiet spell of our surroundings. The ski lift area, a drab brown only a few hours ago, was now a bright white. It was here that Alex delivered his delayed Lightning Lecture, and after this break under a pine tree, we began hiking again. There were no other hikers on this trail, so it was surprising to see a Subaru Outback making its way uphill, then back less than 10 minutes later.

We could see the road from that point. After we turned a corner, the roadblock told us we were done. Almost. Homer took a moment to show us how to tamp down a camping spot in the snow, and how to bury snow stakes. After another quick restroom break, it was off to pizza and beer!

It’s safe to say we got lucky this weekend and were able to practice snowshoeing, self arrest and post-holing under better conditions than anticipated. It was also a more realistic practice run with our snow camp gear. It still feels daunting to do this over three days, but I’m definitely better prepared!

[jazminortega]

Scobie, Amy and Brett give us a snow camp packing demo. We’ll be practicing during snow travel day a week from Sunday. Let’s hope for snow.

[jazminortega]

Tuesday night's class focused on our weekend trip to #JoshuaTreeNP. Logistics included how to pack, what to pack, and most importantly, Don't miss the bus! #TakeMeBackpacking #scwtc #2015wtcgroup5 #wtcgroup5 #backpacking 🚶#hiking #thegreatoutdoors (at Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church)

[mtwhitney-blog]

Let’s chat about a few things I will do differently next time…

Altitude: I will take take Diamox. I took a natural supplement that is supposed to help with altitude sickness for two weeks prior to the trip. I am not sure if it worked or not but if I attempt any trip with this type of immediate gain, I will for sure take Diamox. 

Food: I will pack tons of yummy soft food. I lose my appetite over 12,000’. I ate next to nothing over the entire 14 hours. The past few trips I have packed items like coffee cake, Twinkies and brownies… real healthy I know, but its what I can get down and anything is better than nothing.

Hydration:  I will take 2 liters of water, 1 liter of gatorade and something to filter in case needed. I brought electrolyte powder but did not have the energy to make it and I really needed electrolytes. 

Gear: I will take more layers. I will wear my warmer tights, my lightweight down jacket, warm fleece, base layer and moisture wicking tank. I was a little cold at summit so bringing some extra layers is key. Feet, I wore my favorite trail runners… if you have a narrow foot, this is the shoe for you. 

Pace:  I will take a food/hydration break once an hour and slow down before AMS makes me slow down.

Training: I will not cram all the major training into the 8 weekends prior to the trip. We did the “So Cal Dirty Dozen” which included Backbone Trail, Mt. Lukens, Cucamonga Peak, Mt. Baden, Mt. Wilson Fire Road and Mt. Wilson from Chantry Flats, Mt. Baldy from Old Baldy Trail and Baldy Village, San Jacinto, San Bernandino Peak, San Gorgonio and ends with Mt. Whitney. This was a ton of waking up early on Sunday morning and even more driving. I loved it but some members of our crew got burnt out and we all started to get on each other’s nerves… with that said these 12 hikes made me experience Los Angeles is a totally unique way and pushed us so hard. I am grateful for some run-ins with crazy weather (wicked wind, miles of post holing in 2’ of snow plus back country hail storms) and a few physically and mentally challenging experiences that taught me how to recover when I hit the wall. Long story short… if I was under 13,000’ I felt great on this hike, super strong… I ran the last two miles. On average I spin and do weights twice a week and hike 8 to 12 miles every Sunday… in that kind of shape it took me 14 hours. If I did not get sick it would probably have taken me 12 hours. I met a 70 year old man named “Crazy Jack” who summits Mt. Whitney several times a week in under seven hours. Two other members of our crew took over 16 hours. They trained hard on the hikes but spent less time at the gym. It seems like there are plenty of people on the trail that did not train at all and did just fine. Long story short… training is unique to everyone.   Permits: I will stress less on permits. We stressed out so hard about permits and there was no need. To increase your odds have each member of the group enter the lottery. You will have a better shot if you choose a weekday vs a weekend. If you do not win the lottery it’s no big deal. Call up the rangers and find out the drop dead date for the lottery winners to pay their fees. On that date a bunch of people will not pay their fees and the system will start releasing permits at 12:00am and you can take your pick. In 2013 it seemed like a ton of permits, both weekend and weekday were available for about 72 hours following the permit fee due date… so stay on top of it and there is a great chance that you will get your permit!

Route: I will backpack over three or four days because I want to experience the unbelievable beauty of this area… and it’s for sure the mountaineers route next time… anybody want to join me?

Note: I really appreciate the many blogs, websites and forums that help me prep for my hikes, climbs and backpacking excursions so I wanted to contribute something as well. I hope you find some of this information useful and I wish you the best of luck on all your adventures!  www.instagram.com/rbrinegar

[jazminortega]

Great advice as our group begins to plan in earnest.

[jazminortega]

Last Friday, the crew and I gathered for a Mt. Whitney clinic, learning the ins and outs of applying for permits, the kind of physical conditioning needed to make the trek, different routes we can take, and what gear we really need (hint: not as much as you think!). The anticipation is building and making it out to Adventure 16 West LA just made this Mt. Whitney challenge all the more real. After dinner at Plan Check we pinned down some dates, and this week we’ll be applying for permits on Recreation.gov. One of the many take-always from Dr. Murray’s presentation is that an unsuccessful permit application doesn’t spell the end of the dream. Like climbing Mt. Whitney itself, there are many routes to get there, if you know where to look.

[jazminortega]

#tent demo. #bw ⛺️#camping #2015wtcgroup5 #scwtc #PeopleStaringatStuff #TakeMeBackpacking ❄️#snowcamp❄️preview. (at Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church)

[jazminortega]

WTC Conditioning Hike

If there was any doubt the WTC would be as much a mental as a physical challenge, I give you Exhibit A, the 12-mile long conditioning hike that took us through Rubio Canyon, up the Echo Mountain incline to the resort ruins, up to Inspiration Point and the East Mt. Lowe trail, down back to Echo Mountain via the old Observatory, before cutting through a more recent trail back to Rubio Canyon. Memories of racing downhill (and falling) on Echo Mountain came back, to be replaced by happier, new memories with Group 5. I was in charge of the weather report, announcing the high of 75 in Altadena and mid 60s on Mt. Wilson, with 25-35 mile and hour gusts of wind, that really only materialized a couple of times. The rest of the day it was hot, especially on the descent from Echo Mountain. That made the pizza and beer taste all the better at the post-hike feast and debrief.

Group photo by Taka Ohyama.

[jazminortega]

@scwtc Conditioning Hike packing begins with the 10 Essentials:

1. Navigation (map and compass) 2. Illumination (headlamp, flashlight) 3. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) 4. Nutrition (extra food) 5. Hydration (extra water) 6. Insulation (extra clothing) 7. Fire (waterproof matches, firestarter) 8. Emergency shelter 9. Repair tools and kit (leatherman tool, duct tape, etc.) 10. First aid kit.

[jazminortega]

Sunday hiking is better with friends and family. #52hikechallenge @52hikechallenge #hiking #sundayfunday #losangeles (at Los Liones Trail)

[jazminortega]

Wilderness Travel Course, Week 2: There was some confusion as to the start time, and I arrived minutes before 7:30p.m., well into a presentation on Mt. Kilimanjaro and what looked like a safari. Luckily I was there for the clothing slideshow, with details on what types of fabric are best and which to avoid (in a word: cotton); how layering works depending on the situation and personal preference; and how to be a savvy shopper (check the tags).

The Group 5 session went into more details about layering, and we got to see examples of the different types of fabrics modeled by Ann and Dom (pictured).

We were quizzed on the Ten Essentials (aced it!), did ankle and balance exercises in the church courtyard, and saw a stove demo (didn't have my phone handy for photos).

We'll be spending a lot of time on navigation skills, and last night was our first time looking at contour lines on topo maps. It all looks like Greek to me, but I soon hope to apply this new knowledge to real-life situations.

The anticipation of going out to the field and get my hands dirty is building. I'll have to wait an extra week to go on the Conditioning Hike, it can't come soon enough!

[jazminortega]

Inspiration. #mtwhitney #whitneyorbust #wildernesstravelcourse #2015wtcgroup5

[jazminortega]

This place has been around for a very long time (since 1962), but yesterday was my first visit, to their West LA store. I have a feeling I'll be spending time and money there. 💸💸💸