tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41718126593429085342024-03-17T20:07:38.066-07:00That's What She SaidMarcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.comBlogger1078125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-41698660135406160122024-03-12T10:12:00.000-07:002024-03-12T10:12:12.129-07:00Running, randomly<div style="text-align: left;">Training and entertaining ourselves - some pictures of what we've been up to recently around southern Arizona.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While poking around on some of the lower Catalina peaks we found another ammo can with a little robot. I wonder how many of these guys are up in the mountains:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguLKWOeHiWb-Py_L9_qH3CZZZbhlyzPoTb0ZTMsIqT-Kxj3gC20c16kjWSxSzjeB67FYkQjgH2wo9V7Igzm8kfxwiAjPObFHlwsTB494mY9gazr1t9SAxdgbk4MUpUajOLxPQdv2kCLZmPIWRMW4iMeYyx1LwcyagfEttlO4ZT_BZXwMUFu5SAQH37mU/s2048/IMG_0442.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguLKWOeHiWb-Py_L9_qH3CZZZbhlyzPoTb0ZTMsIqT-Kxj3gC20c16kjWSxSzjeB67FYkQjgH2wo9V7Igzm8kfxwiAjPObFHlwsTB494mY9gazr1t9SAxdgbk4MUpUajOLxPQdv2kCLZmPIWRMW4iMeYyx1LwcyagfEttlO4ZT_BZXwMUFu5SAQH37mU/w400-h300/IMG_0442.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We've had fun off-trail exploring this winter (staying out of the Bighorn closure area, of course):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLD9t7xTqCG9ErhRH4l6uLZd5BWMnEIrOmEwq-KsO937qQtp3BTYY4eD9t1nxb4Yw9bLxJKZLJJuk9xk0f5-sVlerQuzbxlqLKsl3FRZgj4kVLPQ-2BTaSHjISnYqZ11A611Wf3WHePmImhS-V6a1ASJTiUtZJQssSmfVLG_QJ71CDsg4m4faPeyOTro/s2048/IMG_0444.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLD9t7xTqCG9ErhRH4l6uLZd5BWMnEIrOmEwq-KsO937qQtp3BTYY4eD9t1nxb4Yw9bLxJKZLJJuk9xk0f5-sVlerQuzbxlqLKsl3FRZgj4kVLPQ-2BTaSHjISnYqZ11A611Wf3WHePmImhS-V6a1ASJTiUtZJQssSmfVLG_QJ71CDsg4m4faPeyOTro/w400-h300/IMG_0444.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Ooooh, there's snow higher up and especially on the north side, that's good to know!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPONhtEU_z8L2wkCM3etSslwpsvJ5ZOX5v9eKMkgiV2l9KunxYae8xnruRl1FQaIxYY6-9CymmMhVFYHNstefI9Ov2LUQZJbZaLWYI_sxzSsTnvEOlVWxz5gS1K2IKUOH0YReZb7kIUEITW1v5IZ0o7fkLjkp5F10AFtW9L5T7LK1zLvIlvFxnsLe-SQs/s2048/IMG_0447.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPONhtEU_z8L2wkCM3etSslwpsvJ5ZOX5v9eKMkgiV2l9KunxYae8xnruRl1FQaIxYY6-9CymmMhVFYHNstefI9Ov2LUQZJbZaLWYI_sxzSsTnvEOlVWxz5gS1K2IKUOH0YReZb7kIUEITW1v5IZ0o7fkLjkp5F10AFtW9L5T7LK1zLvIlvFxnsLe-SQs/w400-h300/IMG_0447.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So it's not a surprise that some of the creeks are flowing, yay! In other areas of the country it would not be news that there is moving water. In Tucson it means that it's time to check out the normally-dry creek beds and waterfalls.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamlS9-HkNpaG2Whyphenhyphen3wdYfMuFgHikp0g8djW0ABlpL4mIMjHHXfg3RxwrZ9V6nxTqjaA3C44yetxsE7sIDoEtRLs3Oe_VnPCkCX3tJtHUmGSX0K-BeJhgyDvHzqxcrkwxj2DRmAL35_R_buWTHJ8iZEGNWzPtW9xl2WK0MPaix82Pw5pWvpMUzR0ysMfY/s2048/IMG_0469.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamlS9-HkNpaG2Whyphenhyphen3wdYfMuFgHikp0g8djW0ABlpL4mIMjHHXfg3RxwrZ9V6nxTqjaA3C44yetxsE7sIDoEtRLs3Oe_VnPCkCX3tJtHUmGSX0K-BeJhgyDvHzqxcrkwxj2DRmAL35_R_buWTHJ8iZEGNWzPtW9xl2WK0MPaix82Pw5pWvpMUzR0ysMfY/w400-h300/IMG_0469.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes (well, a lot of times) I don't realize just how many saguaros there are around here. Until I look at my pictures later:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFCABxOpVtHypT5SaOeOv8hAugX4-yinOwO7zzIOkWwnH5VKQEyCYXc805FWbX5sBgREVsCBBkEkdwbKa5975yWRkOdyws1Dcb_CMhhfm1-r9WHJTwOP-eMqT3_g5mxabtEBynPYWT0o0UlqVqwFrF0GvkSZvlMyL1lbrxj36lL7iRb8pHzpfg91__Qg/s2048/IMG_0476.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFCABxOpVtHypT5SaOeOv8hAugX4-yinOwO7zzIOkWwnH5VKQEyCYXc805FWbX5sBgREVsCBBkEkdwbKa5975yWRkOdyws1Dcb_CMhhfm1-r9WHJTwOP-eMqT3_g5mxabtEBynPYWT0o0UlqVqwFrF0GvkSZvlMyL1lbrxj36lL7iRb8pHzpfg91__Qg/w400-h300/IMG_0476.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So many that they are coming out of our ears!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pQSt79Kpf8roOKd-TSZVEK3hZiRyCz0RnOIVd4g3xULA3fwJaMIoEx3uqs6JrZyfuydedPw_f01_HHKzTXw8OP4mwIslATwW_hDmO9taoEIgUstFhYq3W1E8G9-4eMvMEVYARpeEERdbLC0TririQ6J0s4Mrp7RaOzrgeufG7MrVkey0LORgsVaIw3M/s2048/IMG_0487.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pQSt79Kpf8roOKd-TSZVEK3hZiRyCz0RnOIVd4g3xULA3fwJaMIoEx3uqs6JrZyfuydedPw_f01_HHKzTXw8OP4mwIslATwW_hDmO9taoEIgUstFhYq3W1E8G9-4eMvMEVYARpeEERdbLC0TririQ6J0s4Mrp7RaOzrgeufG7MrVkey0LORgsVaIw3M/w400-h300/IMG_0487.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Tanque Verde creek is rushing over rocks right now:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoBzRKaX5SPjxmUOlrsKfDvxOtWUiHbQGd0z7yeYaDr-JyJUPhbnPIru3TYLncT1GcXihflk9WG3v9GCQ2VkDduPl1yAkNCbEsNznnTlByQ-Vrizm9i0asKmsbZ1t4hXRi0dWRjQefAB77kKfIxHMmN3p3awaCDInjczqwWJ1kQUJDJPmFnisbE3GogQ/s2048/IMG_0489a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoBzRKaX5SPjxmUOlrsKfDvxOtWUiHbQGd0z7yeYaDr-JyJUPhbnPIru3TYLncT1GcXihflk9WG3v9GCQ2VkDduPl1yAkNCbEsNznnTlByQ-Vrizm9i0asKmsbZ1t4hXRi0dWRjQefAB77kKfIxHMmN3p3awaCDInjczqwWJ1kQUJDJPmFnisbE3GogQ/w400-h300/IMG_0489a.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Even the Santa Cruz wash occasionally sees rain runoff - I just happened to catch it slowly moving toward me after a downpour (it was dry again not long later):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_-lvGNXtVtzrYmpz4aKGD3FVBGiRxyMT8TcohZ6w8wjvn6HmLE_olR71jnop0BYNPBWtGDuDCHMyGoAgYEftEJ6n0kKN2MPau_UNg6oACqm3v24kWYEcsz-IjvzJLms7PDI4zJeBxJBHeKhib4XDGYkvni0c0EKPgDzXvODxcBOBqoDz5fdHVA6fEWM/s2560/IMG_0489b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_-lvGNXtVtzrYmpz4aKGD3FVBGiRxyMT8TcohZ6w8wjvn6HmLE_olR71jnop0BYNPBWtGDuDCHMyGoAgYEftEJ6n0kKN2MPau_UNg6oACqm3v24kWYEcsz-IjvzJLms7PDI4zJeBxJBHeKhib4XDGYkvni0c0EKPgDzXvODxcBOBqoDz5fdHVA6fEWM/w400-h300/IMG_0489b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Driving out to an orienteering meet west of Phoenix, I captured this pretty sunrise image in the side mirror:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzbvo39x3CPKPKKAd3yu0m7tMH0kRbqIbtyPA65F2uG0TuJETxgTJzmhqJ5WMgrKTnM-xIvurduwUbLIZeVO8qrbLffTg9rXhtMWwLoi_vqpT8mfqzBHcnSpPCKEWWUxGF7V6Rgt_1Z-ev3-1wJTFFEcTUjF8tRWeHKmXWM9bTL7KGwyPHC-lDSdatok/s2560/IMG_0490a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzbvo39x3CPKPKKAd3yu0m7tMH0kRbqIbtyPA65F2uG0TuJETxgTJzmhqJ5WMgrKTnM-xIvurduwUbLIZeVO8qrbLffTg9rXhtMWwLoi_vqpT8mfqzBHcnSpPCKEWWUxGF7V6Rgt_1Z-ev3-1wJTFFEcTUjF8tRWeHKmXWM9bTL7KGwyPHC-lDSdatok/w400-h300/IMG_0490a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Admiring the sticker-covered dinosaur near our charging station in Gila Bend:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgf3ae-BmMotjo3pkGNQZwGxg_WpcfSMIAiN_v4tpabhNsloDN8oLzUsOMeTGU0KURb0hzxiCcnzK62Isj4zJm0O_3iaNX6BP0JnvG0fBSdvxnBnNCqPT03IKD0nQuAIYhq3-Q7wM7NXpoCdrIuacrEfMFRC5rvGyaDE5XCjEYfDnGCdn4ZoIEoJPWO5o/s2560/IMG_0490b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgf3ae-BmMotjo3pkGNQZwGxg_WpcfSMIAiN_v4tpabhNsloDN8oLzUsOMeTGU0KURb0hzxiCcnzK62Isj4zJm0O_3iaNX6BP0JnvG0fBSdvxnBnNCqPT03IKD0nQuAIYhq3-Q7wM7NXpoCdrIuacrEfMFRC5rvGyaDE5XCjEYfDnGCdn4ZoIEoJPWO5o/w400-h300/IMG_0490b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I signed up for the Black Canyon 100k just in case I (again) needed a qualifier for Western States. Good news - Gordy Ainsley pulled my name from the lottery bucket! I get to run after trying for 10 years to get in!</div><div><br /></div><div>Black Canyon is still an excellent training race. It can be good heat training too, but not this year. With rain and snow in the forecast, we headed north of Phoenix to see what would happen.</div><div><br /></div><div>The inside of our "Winnebunko" AirBnB travel trailer - just the right size for us and a comfortable pre/post race place to sleep:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaq48aehVncPVxqsk9FBptDu7KTt8Z3FK4BOzUlBQAC7KHxn54DlPe4MD9unEBQxtNNZwolx1EvGZ35IsVIhNzl_1Gflznw1e6ceZ9rsNjkRmQT4kEqLiBAom0Ylm5Lt6A6nEnnGg8NGzk_LQWzlKqRVRQ1OIYQUqtkTgl_LyGqmBv3mTnoz_ARx-RLM/s2312/IMG_0490c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1736" data-original-width="2312" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaq48aehVncPVxqsk9FBptDu7KTt8Z3FK4BOzUlBQAC7KHxn54DlPe4MD9unEBQxtNNZwolx1EvGZ35IsVIhNzl_1Gflznw1e6ceZ9rsNjkRmQT4kEqLiBAom0Ylm5Lt6A6nEnnGg8NGzk_LQWzlKqRVRQ1OIYQUqtkTgl_LyGqmBv3mTnoz_ARx-RLM/w400-h300/IMG_0490c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The race start was delayed 2 hours, I assume to make sure the roads were cleared off from the previous night precipitation. We hung out in the truck (with heat, kettle, breakfast food, WiFi) until it was time to walk to the starting line. It sure was a pretty - and somewhat chilly - morning!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdeIV4mYzB4gHt8BEcQXyK1KdwmeU-8t1wxtgKwaItl3LssI2i9vtG4RmzU9rLMh42fJwNy9moHGh4aiSksrp0DhB6oS2OFU-47qO-lXYRSZAq0-7D_ZGijQKmNp8sVjAhV_88J3Lzyx7p3ZDa7AlrJyze87merUjqFmZI0pBw8E9zQYiqaOZpd3-js8/s2047/IMG_0490d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1397" data-original-width="2047" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdeIV4mYzB4gHt8BEcQXyK1KdwmeU-8t1wxtgKwaItl3LssI2i9vtG4RmzU9rLMh42fJwNy9moHGh4aiSksrp0DhB6oS2OFU-47qO-lXYRSZAq0-7D_ZGijQKmNp8sVjAhV_88J3Lzyx7p3ZDa7AlrJyze87merUjqFmZI0pBw8E9zQYiqaOZpd3-js8/w400-h272/IMG_0490d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally we're off:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1B5RTvl-3RqenyJ-esMKvYrih7Ado5B3D9j36SwXsKCUKrI-C31Ok1YokAhYabkCJKYIqMHiRHVq7y8q2IROA7lQ5fol0SA6EZzP9-rEO51KrqqfNMFIxz2TjsYjQ6XIGAV8MPk0VtbWXrAkxEEiv9mypKmbnrKUKo7VOXIOmIHGPiOQgSbsPil3gBXk/s2312/PXL_20240210_163334889.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1736" data-original-width="2312" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1B5RTvl-3RqenyJ-esMKvYrih7Ado5B3D9j36SwXsKCUKrI-C31Ok1YokAhYabkCJKYIqMHiRHVq7y8q2IROA7lQ5fol0SA6EZzP9-rEO51KrqqfNMFIxz2TjsYjQ6XIGAV8MPk0VtbWXrAkxEEiv9mypKmbnrKUKo7VOXIOmIHGPiOQgSbsPil3gBXk/w400-h300/PXL_20240210_163334889.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I've decided this race is a combination of an easy half marathon plus a moderately tough 50-miler. Except this year the "easy" part wasn't quite so much. As soon as we reached the trails, we discovered a bunch of mud. Slippery mud. There wasn't anything to do but find a way through. Hey, at least it wasn't still raining.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was more work than normal for a few miles. Then almost immediately after the first aid station the trails dried up. Phew! Back to running like normal. Thank you desert.</div><div><br /></div><div>John met me at Bumble Bee aid station after the first section, thanks John! I quickly moved out to get started on the next part of the course:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBTJt6lVadrgckzAmrWxmX3n-NQrDh73h5_VrzIzSbx0QpzljMZl68q8KemjbtKE4tub8m8QDx4a7fkslWoBuv4-Y8sl0TIsXH1DXqwR3Y65NsFrN5ZxnaVAbh_QUviGkFMY2ATgJx-NtX1JHl7Vp4PRLyEj4TjQ0fbJCfOCuJPHqj-eTqN_eoeVrPLo/s1747/PXL_20240210_202623701.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1219" data-original-width="1747" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBTJt6lVadrgckzAmrWxmX3n-NQrDh73h5_VrzIzSbx0QpzljMZl68q8KemjbtKE4tub8m8QDx4a7fkslWoBuv4-Y8sl0TIsXH1DXqwR3Y65NsFrN5ZxnaVAbh_QUviGkFMY2ATgJx-NtX1JHl7Vp4PRLyEj4TjQ0fbJCfOCuJPHqj-eTqN_eoeVrPLo/w400-h279/PXL_20240210_202623701.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It helped having seen the course before, although the miles before Black Canyon City were still long and slow. The next big aid station was moved to a new location and John got a photo of all the room available now (plus some dark clouds that threatened but didn't drop anything):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNp2-bSRPGdBnRYCbT32jOjknM5CLCwPE0RgEAoG4tvCZnmf-jkgOZbZga_DntVP0UyPxhTHbl38wAYUR2ZViVPHjDPL8qWxKvJWokQaE05l0xWUmLu9BJfAu7QsYiPSc2RJlUKnZdMt2nIdHhlAX-jaCc5Pu5loBRwcfm-tZ53wCobxW-cv0SwpXSNDs/s1555/PXL_20240210_210409195.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1555" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNp2-bSRPGdBnRYCbT32jOjknM5CLCwPE0RgEAoG4tvCZnmf-jkgOZbZga_DntVP0UyPxhTHbl38wAYUR2ZViVPHjDPL8qWxKvJWokQaE05l0xWUmLu9BJfAu7QsYiPSc2RJlUKnZdMt2nIdHhlAX-jaCc5Pu5loBRwcfm-tZ53wCobxW-cv0SwpXSNDs/w400-h278/PXL_20240210_210409195.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I felt a bit worked over coming into the aid station, but at least this year we weren't overly hot. I'm still wearing long sleeves and tights because I didn't see any reason to take them off:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qz1O8UHEouKLQp4FOf6rjjxGshv0iU1OE9G9LdrOZ_orieny_E_Uotqg3_9G0CLY7_xXjTF0xsWofDb_Sy932MalfWOdK29B1QlxJk0BKTEk5JulpApDrKca0D4nASUDhQvMqNu-FhZVvTmvIjhHoH9VSOVV5FckIqD5tKFGlYQ1ShrMaHm3zPOoGhA/s2312/PXL_20240210_233535817.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1736" data-original-width="2312" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qz1O8UHEouKLQp4FOf6rjjxGshv0iU1OE9G9LdrOZ_orieny_E_Uotqg3_9G0CLY7_xXjTF0xsWofDb_Sy932MalfWOdK29B1QlxJk0BKTEk5JulpApDrKca0D4nASUDhQvMqNu-FhZVvTmvIjhHoH9VSOVV5FckIqD5tKFGlYQ1ShrMaHm3zPOoGhA/w400-h300/PXL_20240210_233535817.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Plus it will be getting dark and cold soon. It felt like I was running 2 hours late compared to my previous time here. I had to keep reminding myself that the race started that much later.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDc65cRKlsr2yE7n_xIelN3UI7A4f8C1CnUJCg3Bxacq8MENoFz3vFJMhuQUFkpXBoN6Z_PBENui02apzVjoIbG8lobvzqrsmUWb1Z0hUsd5vY6MrL-PyPgoLyqKleNBcZ-YcYHBzkvzY8UAzyt9Ve4GLT2hlFPP0W5mAngqv2Uw1FSoVIRLE3cRonUho/s1854/PXL_20240210_234555780.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1854" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDc65cRKlsr2yE7n_xIelN3UI7A4f8C1CnUJCg3Bxacq8MENoFz3vFJMhuQUFkpXBoN6Z_PBENui02apzVjoIbG8lobvzqrsmUWb1Z0hUsd5vY6MrL-PyPgoLyqKleNBcZ-YcYHBzkvzY8UAzyt9Ve4GLT2hlFPP0W5mAngqv2Uw1FSoVIRLE3cRonUho/w400-h276/PXL_20240210_234555780.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My main goal was to maintain a consistent, moderate effort. Never let up, never surrender.</div><div><br /></div><div>The river crossings had plenty of water in them this year. Not so much as to feel challenging, just no way to avoid wet feet. Lower leg cramps started up like usual so I had to be careful with foot placements on the river rocks. I still haven't found a solution for that. And they still eventually go away if I run long enough.</div><div><br /></div><div>John took a lovely picture of the moon at sunset:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEtFcsRd-61xRrS7eVL04M8m2gal_jTHLC2l73zwgVxnVj673BNbb25rZANFmu9CZJD-uhhSCXpLRkgE7xQpmamkFpGUWWBIUxZy1C-hnxKwQ8IkPJe0tLMyG7ZjS3vetXDKv9cPxRoq0Nw_7LamIsTYpgzPgL0y4iK7DXA91Fqk8R44be7TFCWUneGo/s3257/PXL_20240211_015457323.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2408" data-original-width="3257" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEtFcsRd-61xRrS7eVL04M8m2gal_jTHLC2l73zwgVxnVj673BNbb25rZANFmu9CZJD-uhhSCXpLRkgE7xQpmamkFpGUWWBIUxZy1C-hnxKwQ8IkPJe0tLMyG7ZjS3vetXDKv9cPxRoq0Nw_7LamIsTYpgzPgL0y4iK7DXA91Fqk8R44be7TFCWUneGo/w400-h296/PXL_20240211_015457323.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I was really happy to (mostly) know the last miles of the course and to keep a steady pace/effort through all the climbs and runnable sections. It was fun to pass a few people here and there, just for kicks and internal motivation.</div><div><br /></div><div>Crossing the finish line within 1 minute of my prior finish time (I tried but couldn't quite beat it):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCCFpXVrwkHJ0-uiWQt_lflG9aYL8OPiNc3_QCmie3ogaJHLwZAW4lyDJHa3V5Hgu7q3X3bzPAKCaE69lpIkphJTJSaJ7KKPkMqFO_VQlQVXP5gdbNpOgjHkzbl9goRUK-CnLAscnwHJdEib214SqwKsC_BRUioz1gg2f_YGdXtULLvIdK3vtZ0uzFeA/s2649/PXL_20240211_082033848.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1913" data-original-width="2649" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCCFpXVrwkHJ0-uiWQt_lflG9aYL8OPiNc3_QCmie3ogaJHLwZAW4lyDJHa3V5Hgu7q3X3bzPAKCaE69lpIkphJTJSaJ7KKPkMqFO_VQlQVXP5gdbNpOgjHkzbl9goRUK-CnLAscnwHJdEib214SqwKsC_BRUioz1gg2f_YGdXtULLvIdK3vtZ0uzFeA/w400-h289/PXL_20240211_082033848.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Very happy with the effort! A picture with the finisher awards (that I didn't take home because we live in a small space):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRTxdQJnLmvG_bbkGGCcVY0A0NY2D2TdEkU86kviog0oQTQzaAu5YJNvgdRSVTG_Oor8B1OYHbvlBxvx8eT-PesD24dsqwwPmtadIQ833TpWvrKD4mHsULh3Mdi9t_WE1bO_3OjIVKqjpS8_5hs3GgmS1Mcrh0IaOMGS4akhd72bwqS0OUY7zVxM2FSA/s2292/PXL_20240211_082116896.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2292" data-original-width="2280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRTxdQJnLmvG_bbkGGCcVY0A0NY2D2TdEkU86kviog0oQTQzaAu5YJNvgdRSVTG_Oor8B1OYHbvlBxvx8eT-PesD24dsqwwPmtadIQ833TpWvrKD4mHsULh3Mdi9t_WE1bO_3OjIVKqjpS8_5hs3GgmS1Mcrh0IaOMGS4akhd72bwqS0OUY7zVxM2FSA/w398-h400/PXL_20240211_082116896.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you Aravaipa, y'all put on excellent races!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a random picture - I took our truck to the Rivian service center in Phoenix for some routine maintenance and they got me a rental car for a couple days. I asked Enterprise if they might have an EV option? They told me they had a Nissan Leaf but it wasn't taken out very often. I would like that one please.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even having owned one before, I still had to refer to the user manual multiple times to figure things out. Not the most intuitive of vehicles (and with more limited charging options). I still prefer the Chevy Bolt when given a choice. That's OK, we made it work, and the range is way better now compared to the 2012 version we had (it was our "starter EV" back in California). Charging and using WiFi at the library for a couple hours:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotthdiNIc1IY90sz7fQr9GciczcBvxEFMcIIDh6WrkhzGl7ee79ybmAWMRaYZHlYGeG1yW5e_bSDKrU58k5FoP3NwSilmm5EW5kjih2eGyiQz8wDk-Eq7_fhbHkpzGySGI7KmufZMXcNNJTdXFBLLT-HQkjr93hGQo0tUYzUqw5W8Eu1w7si9ruemXLk/s2560/PXL_20240213_190643118.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotthdiNIc1IY90sz7fQr9GciczcBvxEFMcIIDh6WrkhzGl7ee79ybmAWMRaYZHlYGeG1yW5e_bSDKrU58k5FoP3NwSilmm5EW5kjih2eGyiQz8wDk-Eq7_fhbHkpzGySGI7KmufZMXcNNJTdXFBLLT-HQkjr93hGQo0tUYzUqw5W8Eu1w7si9ruemXLk/w400-h300/PXL_20240213_190643118.MP.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Back in Tucson (and happily back with our truck), I made it over to Saguaro National Park East one day to run on the fun trail network over there. Wow, there is still a ton of snow up high in the mountains around here:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6Z6h5JoC7TyQmjuUNZVHjRtit7qVvB9yJdTKCLVObO6SBSBCYcRrC00pYZrNbhkLRIpvd0g9Xf0rtFgozt-NaqPDEDkiiDtufvjTwigZZehXGFwrASZVuXUhZjzGRD-lms-ZI0tnrdxbGkjX5ysgczNH5hkcNBr3bHyx-XaEjte5YHYBOr5UQ-8aa5c/s1635/z%20IMG_0656.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1635" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6Z6h5JoC7TyQmjuUNZVHjRtit7qVvB9yJdTKCLVObO6SBSBCYcRrC00pYZrNbhkLRIpvd0g9Xf0rtFgozt-NaqPDEDkiiDtufvjTwigZZehXGFwrASZVuXUhZjzGRD-lms-ZI0tnrdxbGkjX5ysgczNH5hkcNBr3bHyx-XaEjte5YHYBOr5UQ-8aa5c/w400-h289/z%20IMG_0656.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It seemed like a good time to check out Bridal Wreath Falls - a picturesque spot when the water is falling:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTNG8FO3bATJBTFNRYxf310sK5im0DavngoTJS4zLUELg-T7Ukiv0em5m847WWPuIHdYNq5zr7Kzv6GxIhsc-3f2XH0otvT6Df6FzxzC-tsm2wZMnR_QvOTNKCZi-PtqTUieQzQ9RQbgF8qlGpyacaZ7CsDLi9N7oDPi6T13XJiY2crlr6T516Ucp0vs/s2048/z%20IMG_0692.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTNG8FO3bATJBTFNRYxf310sK5im0DavngoTJS4zLUELg-T7Ukiv0em5m847WWPuIHdYNq5zr7Kzv6GxIhsc-3f2XH0otvT6Df6FzxzC-tsm2wZMnR_QvOTNKCZi-PtqTUieQzQ9RQbgF8qlGpyacaZ7CsDLi9N7oDPi6T13XJiY2crlr6T516Ucp0vs/w400-h300/z%20IMG_0692.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The saguaros are beginning to grow new limbs after all the recent rains:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPx5T_Phx3AiS3mgiQNJOvrgm5eyt5wtYrIHqiFHzplYRBh0LNfhfrzhy7pX9ZJKzEXOxG4JZeS5rcMYkdjH2gD2h9vbVcMYo4dJY2_d5fKdyYIBAdNhU0D1VGTf9YI2WzHhO4NlUI1YrOXw3cUI2ajaCqxDj9R9ntKaRjr3glbVxONDhm2rWiobUsbc/s2048/z%20IMG_0694.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPx5T_Phx3AiS3mgiQNJOvrgm5eyt5wtYrIHqiFHzplYRBh0LNfhfrzhy7pX9ZJKzEXOxG4JZeS5rcMYkdjH2gD2h9vbVcMYo4dJY2_d5fKdyYIBAdNhU0D1VGTf9YI2WzHhO4NlUI1YrOXw3cUI2ajaCqxDj9R9ntKaRjr3glbVxONDhm2rWiobUsbc/w300-h400/z%20IMG_0694.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">One last random picture - greetings everyone!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwwjoXIx-TRjtgSWRukeJnFd14ni5U8er4bdXXAL6KNOVpUs-aoZhD4Zo_fkfG8NdZApIaPdqduHK2Fm_SHFrR-GihHN3gfilda1L79_LsOvvMNNmGTqqH60RKsOW0mv-uVPDfSqXTmdqdYtRD4acjrqHFKH0gQW7devVjU7wZpPuzecRSPaYfeyBGXs/s1797/z2%20IMG_0525.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="1797" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwwjoXIx-TRjtgSWRukeJnFd14ni5U8er4bdXXAL6KNOVpUs-aoZhD4Zo_fkfG8NdZApIaPdqduHK2Fm_SHFrR-GihHN3gfilda1L79_LsOvvMNNmGTqqH60RKsOW0mv-uVPDfSqXTmdqdYtRD4acjrqHFKH0gQW7devVjU7wZpPuzecRSPaYfeyBGXs/w400-h334/z2%20IMG_0525.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-75882795986806550012024-02-27T14:16:00.000-08:002024-02-27T14:16:14.143-08:00The last Big Chill<div style="text-align: left;">We used to do more adventure races, many of them in Texas, and especially Too Cool Racing's events. When we heard that Too Cool was putting on one last Big Chill race (the 20th edition) almost exactly on John's 60th birthday, it sounded like something we needed to do.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After all, we were <a href="http://marcy-twss.blogspot.com/2014/01/happy-big-chill-birthday-john.html" target="_blank">there 10 years ago</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So we borrowed a bike rack and drove to Lake Somerville in central Texas for the weekend. Dave was happy to join us, but sadly our friend Jason got Covid the week before and had to stay home :( We missed you, Jason!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hello from Team Vignette (one more time racing together!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFLVRlHRmYCeOl_DCKAZtn5JRT-_QTIM9X5T2P6FaQ5w98FTqffJHBhtbr7Rmh1JZoPXDK0ya-qWXnk_KfSVbAlfdTBEfrmcD498hs0pqn82vPH_vBpOg6LVgrMGsao3I4SHzyCuAKlDe5lxa15cuxZKSl7APHmxiZ-ZVmhdXidTopoNk3RNoTMLaZ6Y/s4032/1%20IMG_3196.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFLVRlHRmYCeOl_DCKAZtn5JRT-_QTIM9X5T2P6FaQ5w98FTqffJHBhtbr7Rmh1JZoPXDK0ya-qWXnk_KfSVbAlfdTBEfrmcD498hs0pqn82vPH_vBpOg6LVgrMGsao3I4SHzyCuAKlDe5lxa15cuxZKSl7APHmxiZ-ZVmhdXidTopoNk3RNoTMLaZ6Y/w400-h300/1%20IMG_3196.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Photo credits to Jillian Cook, David Bogle, and Danny Ballard</i></div><div><br /></div><div>One of the most delightful aspects of the trip was getting to see friends and fellow racers we haven't seen in quite some time. Getting prepped for the race was a balancing act between talking with everyone and making sure our gear was in order. Even better, John's parents drove down from East Texas to experience an adventure race first-hand. Thanks for being there, Jenny and Jerry!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0x344HTdvAaHqD62-_4ImcpSOgzR19gt7P1b90fA6bRSlsEysHIdSx39R3f45xIUfz81A5hh2a699a_AyaTbVnE32wYbH59bpJ-KLPqUjTll-RPDxuf8PPMoKsCHTNd_jGNAfN4vtIzpzZYZ9C1buS9sGi5C_i_klYzNmqhtZLyelbPkrH_zC493_TLE/s1687/2%205893549160713805911.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1687" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0x344HTdvAaHqD62-_4ImcpSOgzR19gt7P1b90fA6bRSlsEysHIdSx39R3f45xIUfz81A5hh2a699a_AyaTbVnE32wYbH59bpJ-KLPqUjTll-RPDxuf8PPMoKsCHTNd_jGNAfN4vtIzpzZYZ9C1buS9sGi5C_i_klYzNmqhtZLyelbPkrH_zC493_TLE/w400-h321/2%205893549160713805911.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Dave also <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EH6upJl9Q_jjV1IrYSH_qA7PY1H6g4FZRMSbDS8YkXY/edit" target="_blank">wrote a race report</a> - double documentation! (And more pictures plus the maps - thanks Dave!)</div><div><div><br /></div><div>The race started with a quick run around a park loop, with a brief pause to pick up a poker chip (manned by our friend Danny) along the way. Tom and John got assigned chip pickup duty:</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQ8WkgP8PhkodOQYnRjPseEeN2u1A7eYwLXmhpCdVGvdfeAMMU1g6cErLx5l7M2PCDTlzlvjKhTq8oEOAIYefLquy71a_uJn7-zB5RNUR4KpfuoTyxXIPvIpnZ0kGLRVLIONnG3cOvsaPc0tZmvo3sNGg-ue8HXsP3GhjQwsOfGkJBshRmqyZ_b2Hi3U/s853/3%20Jillian%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="713" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQ8WkgP8PhkodOQYnRjPseEeN2u1A7eYwLXmhpCdVGvdfeAMMU1g6cErLx5l7M2PCDTlzlvjKhTq8oEOAIYefLquy71a_uJn7-zB5RNUR4KpfuoTyxXIPvIpnZ0kGLRVLIONnG3cOvsaPc0tZmvo3sNGg-ue8HXsP3GhjQwsOfGkJBshRmqyZ_b2Hi3U/w334-h400/3%20Jillian%201.jpg" width="334" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We trotted back to the TA and turned in the poker chip in exchange for our first punch card. The first leg involved biking on roads (close to our AirBnB lodging, as it turned out) and pausing to find checkpoints along creeks and near the lake shore. Despite a lack of bike training for me and especially for John, we managed to hit this one pretty hard and maintain some semblance of speed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Race temperatures worked out great - only slightly chilly standing around before the start, then perfect weather for racing in tights and long sleeves, never too hot. </div><div><br /></div><div>The downside to the weather was the wind, which only affected the paddle leg. But boy, did it affect it. I wasn't really keen on sitting in the middle seat of a Kevlar canoe in the middle of a windy lake. We put on rain jackets and pants to stay warm and went down to the boat ramp to get this over with...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqG1t1Msp9cnM1ClcZdX2OrHLwDx6FLzeQUY6gLdx4jxSM4Zfva-m0utgC9MBr4r0l-F__GEO-np9_exDuwgUGnNNXmUSFfbVr8kdj83b4Ueo2G7aYr0Xc6TMtkcoBZv7kPZkcVbDqVoYYVpvjmHFXoQ8cUzmbf0hp5HOf9bdph1V9pfFPNZTPirWttsg/s1080/4%20Jillian%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqG1t1Msp9cnM1ClcZdX2OrHLwDx6FLzeQUY6gLdx4jxSM4Zfva-m0utgC9MBr4r0l-F__GEO-np9_exDuwgUGnNNXmUSFfbVr8kdj83b4Ueo2G7aYr0Xc6TMtkcoBZv7kPZkcVbDqVoYYVpvjmHFXoQ8cUzmbf0hp5HOf9bdph1V9pfFPNZTPirWttsg/w400-h266/4%20Jillian%203.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> At least the launch was into some reeds for a ways so we didn't have any immediate waves:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBwqxpZI4Il1B0wdPaO7CMpjBlkDBIeDgQVKAy5ddw1BL_dpRFJ7mVKREpJvmT0eH4cFJqg5vn4Ca2agXJevStLVX24luM8Sw1vMdXmqjJW_Z1IhW1p2tkhWgtpQPeNy8yTsWk7OOArhmHb0cWXgKtqdU61sKk6eI5UVnNUbIP4Cru8Fw-WhyphenhyphenZ_jrj9A/s763/5%20Jillian%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="711" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBwqxpZI4Il1B0wdPaO7CMpjBlkDBIeDgQVKAy5ddw1BL_dpRFJ7mVKREpJvmT0eH4cFJqg5vn4Ca2agXJevStLVX24luM8Sw1vMdXmqjJW_Z1IhW1p2tkhWgtpQPeNy8yTsWk7OOArhmHb0cWXgKtqdU61sKk6eI5UVnNUbIP4Cru8Fw-WhyphenhyphenZ_jrj9A/w373-h400/5%20Jillian%204.jpg" width="373" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once we broke out of the reeds, we had to deal with a side wind. Not great. We've certainly had worse conditions so we had some idea how to stay balanced (even though it's more difficult with 3 people in the boat). We watched a couple other boats ahead of us and I tried to sort out what I was seeing vs. the map. Finally I figured out where we had come from (behind a map fold) and realized we had a fairly wide crossing ahead of us.</div><div><br /></div><div>The closest paddle checkpoint was on the south shore, and the wind was blowing from the north, while we were paddling east. We decided to tack northeast instead and aim for the boat drop on the north shore. There were several trekking checkpoints on the north side and we really wanted to get those.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once we made it over to the north shore, we tucked behind a jut-out and found much calmer waters. That made it easy to reach the boat drop, phew. We could see other teams getting the first paddle point and heading further east to the far points, but it didn't look like much fun.</div><div><br /></div><div>Glad to be out of the boat for the time being, we chatted briefly with Art and then started out on foot. The checkpoints were scattered along trails and roads, with one off-trail option to cut off distance. Mostly straightforward nav. Dave has been dealing with knee issues, so we alternated walking and running.</div><div><br /></div><div>Along the way we discussed the big upcoming trekking leg, the last two short legs (with quite a few checkpoints between them), and the 3 paddle checkpoints on the south side of the lake. Was it worth attempting to do the entire paddle or should we just return to TA? We knew we could easily fly downwind to the other shore, but then what? Sideways waves all the way back?</div><div><br /></div><div>Since that didn't sound like fun, we took the "skip it" option and started talking about the best way to get back. The protected north shore was obviously a good place to start. Once we rounded the jut-out, we aimed northwest to get back into protected waters for as long as possible. Then we turned south and scooted directly across and downwind to the TA.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yay, we made it!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBABrpGXIiiroojitMrTAtUKf6FhJ6Ew17-t6DNxNGYofiUGe5VOwkAN7F6xUx023BS_LVVm0rD2GUoISxLxtQLsqiiBRNvbQwzNkM-w7sotvOGCAm9BERfOprJlrXUpwCrIob56EcilU9qTNMICvihyphenhyphenlNUWMrIC7uNffqPooHRAOVAMvWBq_N5h401tY/s789/6%20Jillian%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="719" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBABrpGXIiiroojitMrTAtUKf6FhJ6Ew17-t6DNxNGYofiUGe5VOwkAN7F6xUx023BS_LVVm0rD2GUoISxLxtQLsqiiBRNvbQwzNkM-w7sotvOGCAm9BERfOprJlrXUpwCrIob56EcilU9qTNMICvihyphenhyphenlNUWMrIC7uNffqPooHRAOVAMvWBq_N5h401tY/w365-h400/6%20Jillian%207.jpg" width="365" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Time to get out of all those waterproof clothes and go for a walk. We grabbed water and more snacks (hello wonderful crew!) and then started up the road.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next nav question was how to get one of the trek checkpoints. It was along a trail, but the trail ended at a creek and apparently the bridge was out. Earlier in the week the area was hit with big rains, enough to refill a once-low lake and make all the creeks rise. Art and Robyn told the teams to not even try to cross them.</div><div><br /></div><div>OK, then how best to reach the checkpoint? There was a small road that ended not far from it, so we figured we could try jumping in from there and bushwhacking down. When we reached a "no trespassing" sign, we paused. A truck drove up - good timing! - and we talked to one of the landowners who told us it wasn't possible to do what we were thinking (private property and all that).</div><div><br /></div><div>Guess we'll go around and figure out that checkpoint on our way back. Sometimes our ingenious shortcuts don't work out, but it's (usually) worth a try. So we returned to the main road and hoofed it down another road toward the trail system.</div><div><br /></div><div>Along the way the road crossed over the creek, and the creek looked really low and calm. Hmm, maybe something to keep in mind for the return trip. For now, it was time to circumnavigate the large Flag Pond.</div><div><br /></div><div>We found the doubletrack leading to the trails and started picking off CP's. Dave was still moving great, a mix of running and walking at a solid clip. I had volunteered for "punch card duty" on this leg - although that was before I knew one of the checkpoints was water-based. Here's Robyn hanging the control before the race. Apparently this tree was on the shoreline before the recent big rains:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPz1pdpJHYKrHgjztWHm6cuJqj9WP2_SeXPbACfbBE7HNcStzzIU6wmrfOOsFcVzg2iE7dIqIzgDo_E78a5seGe0AzHu0enI_W-XYbb98IxTlqGhUHl0K_OicjaRWAVgGNc5iS-Zu9Dqx2uOPrUv5ElRqvE6hlI7tSX9oFqa1keQjpnO7R2pScEFJ6V4/s1418/7%20421567605_924122815826003_8737397668247923717_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1418" data-original-width="1171" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPz1pdpJHYKrHgjztWHm6cuJqj9WP2_SeXPbACfbBE7HNcStzzIU6wmrfOOsFcVzg2iE7dIqIzgDo_E78a5seGe0AzHu0enI_W-XYbb98IxTlqGhUHl0K_OicjaRWAVgGNc5iS-Zu9Dqx2uOPrUv5ElRqvE6hlI7tSX9oFqa1keQjpnO7R2pScEFJ6V4/w330-h400/7%20421567605_924122815826003_8737397668247923717_n.jpg" width="330" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Another checkpoint was noted as being up in a tree so we sent John over to climb it. Sadly for John, the punch was accessible from the ground:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARm_yAClk4qxB2rs6VaClLmFdtw-GxrQGKa5p5M2o5cfMVRLRHjUwpYmc6Ymc1THA5bO7AhUCdGEYHGJAOylYZ2UUrn3EoP_teasNrN2fmxgGBV6vh6dND4v2kaFH1ezVUOREhl6p8_Es5HtjoV8ZWG6yffIcZdLibYxWkZEerY7KN1l_OJuaMmyktjI/s2929/8%20PXL_20240127_214530201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2929" data-original-width="2267" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARm_yAClk4qxB2rs6VaClLmFdtw-GxrQGKa5p5M2o5cfMVRLRHjUwpYmc6Ymc1THA5bO7AhUCdGEYHGJAOylYZ2UUrn3EoP_teasNrN2fmxgGBV6vh6dND4v2kaFH1ezVUOREhl6p8_Es5HtjoV8ZWG6yffIcZdLibYxWkZEerY7KN1l_OJuaMmyktjI/w310-h400/8%20PXL_20240127_214530201.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This seemed like a good location to sit for a couple minutes and eat something:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQf5xbVdZkI86tT96QW0TbuGzrQfyj7R-dd2XA2AKJe-E35SuP6f5rKmeMKoFJTJproEbRReeov5SVsY_-cGHv-Ax-keWGG9Np8dPbmrbXnMO8MjmT_SRDnuu_YSmXv0FEcK4YrqN9Hap8Tjz_SChk-llM_eIrjRciqfV13sGlibVRZ97kfvWWFcriK8/s3840/9%20PXL_20240127_215109064.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQf5xbVdZkI86tT96QW0TbuGzrQfyj7R-dd2XA2AKJe-E35SuP6f5rKmeMKoFJTJproEbRReeov5SVsY_-cGHv-Ax-keWGG9Np8dPbmrbXnMO8MjmT_SRDnuu_YSmXv0FEcK4YrqN9Hap8Tjz_SChk-llM_eIrjRciqfV13sGlibVRZ97kfvWWFcriK8/w400-h225/9%20PXL_20240127_215109064.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After an out-and-back to the far CP, we continued our Tour de Flag Pond and found a new structure (Dave has been here a couple times and hadn't seen it before). Fun location for a checkpoint:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhprfdWv5hHHoB5rpJ_BmTFHpf48xlQ-y-BxQzUTTSjOeTHQf1XL3jnUpOSdRiqhsd8ohIRFGK2StreT59xk0MdV8WHeVrSmLR-Xv1kCNW-BSNbdYOc1M44i09CajEPvqQFg1a93tLJgrw3zDj8dgC7Gzd1J4f2LvzxIpE1NgRvLBjd7SGeCk3LDvjXbs/s2481/10%20PXL_20240127_224137909.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2481" data-original-width="2243" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhprfdWv5hHHoB5rpJ_BmTFHpf48xlQ-y-BxQzUTTSjOeTHQf1XL3jnUpOSdRiqhsd8ohIRFGK2StreT59xk0MdV8WHeVrSmLR-Xv1kCNW-BSNbdYOc1M44i09CajEPvqQFg1a93tLJgrw3zDj8dgC7Gzd1J4f2LvzxIpE1NgRvLBjd7SGeCk3LDvjXbs/w361-h400/10%20PXL_20240127_224137909.jpg" width="361" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We walked for a bit with a local fisherman and chatted about his adventures with friends. The guy got in his boat on the canal outlet from the lake, and I'm guessing Dave might have enjoyed a ride back but we continued on by foot and Dave never complained.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, we've got to finish up this leg with CP21 on the other side of the creek. Just in case the creek was actually crossable (somewhere other than over the road bridge) we jogged over to take a look. It would have cut off some distance if that had worked.</div><div><br /></div><div>The creek itself didn't look bad, just lazy and brown. The problem turned out to be the steep and deep muddy banks on both sides. Getting down would have been slippery (and probably uncontrolled) and getting up the other side looked really messy and challenging. Fine, we'll go around!</div><div><br /></div><div>Back to the road, over the bridge, and then along the side of the hill until we reached the bank on the other side of the creek from where we recently were. From there the trail was easy to follow, just twisty back-and-forth and up-and-down.</div><div><br /></div><div>The good thing about it was that once we got the last trek checkpoint, we were soon following the course of the next bike leg. We put eyes on a couple of those checkpoints and also had a chance to see the trail while it was still daylight. There were muddy and wet sections, also some places we'd be able to ride faster. For me especially, this scouting would prove helpful.</div><div><br /></div><div>We saw several teams out on the next bike leg, a couple who were on their way to clearing the course and others who had skipped some points. No idea where we stood in the pack but it didn't matter - we were there for fun, of course!</div><div><br /></div><div>Once we got back to TA (not long after sunset) and back on the bike, I had less fun but I'm guessing Dave and John were a lot happier. Dave took over the nav and we started hitting CP's right and left. It works out when John and Dave can pause to punch the card while I catch up and pass them briefly, and then let them by when they ride back to me. Mostly I was just pleased that I rode the whole first section without getting off.</div><div><br /></div><div>That changed when we rode south for the last couple bike points in a new area. That trail was horrendously muddy. If I'd known that, I would have left my bike at the trailhead and run (much faster for me at least). We reached an intersection where we expected to find a checkpoint but it wasn't there. Thinking that it might be missing, we took this picture to show we were there:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlC-ZUVAXD1eZ3jH83F4xAwBoHjzgcWFM9kRbGtIPOmRImQ5-AaTG4aljctnoqQrtPjBSepAno6ABfLeKpEWBTu17MDXRXKEX7as6u15ugqQnZ_uVdp3hZUIOyNJ0t0dZR6S26eLBx_gslqHQPVExBJXKT5gYTColQQaYXV0o1NcFPNaDrUsjZINKIb_w/s2625/11%20PXL_20240128_013319321.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2625" data-original-width="2243" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlC-ZUVAXD1eZ3jH83F4xAwBoHjzgcWFM9kRbGtIPOmRImQ5-AaTG4aljctnoqQrtPjBSepAno6ABfLeKpEWBTu17MDXRXKEX7as6u15ugqQnZ_uVdp3hZUIOyNJ0t0dZR6S26eLBx_gslqHQPVExBJXKT5gYTColQQaYXV0o1NcFPNaDrUsjZINKIb_w/w341-h400/11%20PXL_20240128_013319321.jpg" width="341" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then we heard from another team that it was actually further along. If we'd paid attention to the park trail map instead of just the topo map, we might have figured it out. Instead there was some biking back and forth, finally punching both remaining bike CP's.</div><div><br /></div><div>And finally we were back out on the paved park road, glad to be out of the mud!</div><div><br /></div><div>We hustled back to the TA and did a quick transition to the final trekking section. It was short but had 5 checkpoints, a leg we didn't want to miss. Dave said he wasn't used to racing the clock to finish within a time limit, while John and I have had plenty of rogaine orienteering experience recently. I was pretty confident we could collect all 5. Dave was motivated to do some running to make sure. Works for me!</div><div><br /></div><div>We took off, me still wearing my helmet and bright headlamp and not carrying a Fenix hand light - not my normal night nav setup, to be sure. No matter, we worked well as a team and ran around the nearby trails to get those checkpoints.</div><div><br /></div><div>A quick picture of the one on the peninsula, where the punch was missing (and the moon was rising):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowWlEwt8hrlQDYcd3PgFsUhsxna9mzXAmPTMcTc4cdCMMmAI6szO1GjP5rIsS1PT6hcR1ixGhsGBhP2XZkwjgV82f8Df-HFrOusmxj0OuzvSZqOpnWp7S9HBeHC-8f6WmjLfAv0raZs8jdP7DZQj2IPJlueSnYdstjWvfQzEQyTKflQnojgR2rtQOkNU/s3273/12%20PXL_20240128_022910855.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2259" data-original-width="3273" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowWlEwt8hrlQDYcd3PgFsUhsxna9mzXAmPTMcTc4cdCMMmAI6szO1GjP5rIsS1PT6hcR1ixGhsGBhP2XZkwjgV82f8Df-HFrOusmxj0OuzvSZqOpnWp7S9HBeHC-8f6WmjLfAv0raZs8jdP7DZQj2IPJlueSnYdstjWvfQzEQyTKflQnojgR2rtQOkNU/w400-h276/12%20PXL_20240128_022910855.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We hustled to the last overlook and then back to TA. Made it with 13 minutes to spare, yay!</div><div><br /></div><div>It turned out that skipping those 3 paddle points was the best decision we made all race. It gave us time to (barely) finish all of the remaining legs. Sometimes you get lucky - by maximizing the number of CP's we were able to collect plus minimizing our time on the windy lake.</div><div><br /></div><div>Top co-ed team and 4th overall, pretty good for some "vintage" racers! Art and Robyn seem to agree, or maybe they just like messing with us:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPdK-SgfMySxn1qLvVV4tEYR2NCKQkdSSvJ5fvK1J-TD8m0v647cESbiCjvPZMvd9rzVVdlBON7bI3eniaqREx2LzTDimOIwOXFuoWvh7Wc1J7m8HxV9qiCFO9ezRhBQrkAwObI3rfK__mZU4CWGP8B13K_6IoPFeGmGYrVm1v-SyywU5X-p2mfBikPM/s3023/13%20IMG_3233.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3009" data-original-width="3023" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPdK-SgfMySxn1qLvVV4tEYR2NCKQkdSSvJ5fvK1J-TD8m0v647cESbiCjvPZMvd9rzVVdlBON7bI3eniaqREx2LzTDimOIwOXFuoWvh7Wc1J7m8HxV9qiCFO9ezRhBQrkAwObI3rfK__mZU4CWGP8B13K_6IoPFeGmGYrVm1v-SyywU5X-p2mfBikPM/w400-h399/13%20IMG_3233.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you Art and Robyn for all the wonderful, fun, challenging races you have put on over the years! We were so pleased to participate in the final Big Chill, it was another good one.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some other somewhat-related pictures...</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy birthday John! (with Louisiana King Cake to celebrate, his parents in the mirror and a fire extinguisher at the ready)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXh0H0qQd93MdM7IuVcasBF0WS5i9iIijhbzG_A3eP68ZtpdF0b1XnHUYby9UQRJsqaslssdR-mAFrNqXJbXMPR9pjOOh29qwsJpSjLKN8ebgZSAfde9jNJVoK3H1bKCuHKOC-QaVIBJABYsghCKw30I7OjV8OpXiAAEnIVl-JZymopByPmqswtGhjUQ/s3361/14%20PXL_20240127_012759296.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2249" data-original-width="3361" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXh0H0qQd93MdM7IuVcasBF0WS5i9iIijhbzG_A3eP68ZtpdF0b1XnHUYby9UQRJsqaslssdR-mAFrNqXJbXMPR9pjOOh29qwsJpSjLKN8ebgZSAfde9jNJVoK3H1bKCuHKOC-QaVIBJABYsghCKw30I7OjV8OpXiAAEnIVl-JZymopByPmqswtGhjUQ/w400-h268/14%20PXL_20240127_012759296.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One of two roadrunner statues we saw on our drive to/from Texas:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNl0iOaUWjBhhHEVGm0_fHFuL9gPFqUNGmW0vIllBDftQQfVfS6cIWLkHBcZHguJ8HP6OhqojYqkXpHeMo4hfEtUmohqpDG8mZ6OpfFe7KNXRVNT_9CMdSYl3q3WnMxYuM6yxv6yu1BHQDi8UQs8d5lzdVMDcmtz1X0j7EWtg8-1kTUm8MqwFOT8Muw-A/s2048/15%20IMG_0460.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNl0iOaUWjBhhHEVGm0_fHFuL9gPFqUNGmW0vIllBDftQQfVfS6cIWLkHBcZHguJ8HP6OhqojYqkXpHeMo4hfEtUmohqpDG8mZ6OpfFe7KNXRVNT_9CMdSYl3q3WnMxYuM6yxv6yu1BHQDi8UQs8d5lzdVMDcmtz1X0j7EWtg8-1kTUm8MqwFOT8Muw-A/w400-h300/15%20IMG_0460.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And the other one (in New Mexico) - love it!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_-VJmLVazCq0PbnK1Bve5GgqMcaRgxW09kf4zvy8EIzETYJUSrMfbbf3y6RmQEK6j4YGZYn3SpOZFsdmYvVQ2IKb1TLOayMpTtgoqQ5n7huExN2MgvSUJ0w0wZT_qyleC2SUKizWE4vVQwfPgQ-WG_InNOqaU5J4hhsj0LIYjKE5VlgcuUGe6aUX9hw/s2048/IMG_0453.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_-VJmLVazCq0PbnK1Bve5GgqMcaRgxW09kf4zvy8EIzETYJUSrMfbbf3y6RmQEK6j4YGZYn3SpOZFsdmYvVQ2IKb1TLOayMpTtgoqQ5n7huExN2MgvSUJ0w0wZT_qyleC2SUKizWE4vVQwfPgQ-WG_InNOqaU5J4hhsj0LIYjKE5VlgcuUGe6aUX9hw/w400-h300/IMG_0453.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And finally, a picture to summarize how much we enjoyed hanging out with friends and family, thank you Danny, Jillian, and everyone else who was there!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6htV_X9cNIK03ALIoQmDNix1Yeqdjxoqhdfdv4XpU96UjxOLAWu4I5168ynblxRPSvrSVN4AVlkclmug5T-FwZGVyJh5eUaos1ZCri1hF-DeQ2QONnb3FvBrnfn0I5rDOtrWkbUHxg7jW-uxTNxKxE18kHVoLFQagjOpIu6R7fZeAO9-60C1ajq8ZlY/s2560/Resized_20240126_123116.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6htV_X9cNIK03ALIoQmDNix1Yeqdjxoqhdfdv4XpU96UjxOLAWu4I5168ynblxRPSvrSVN4AVlkclmug5T-FwZGVyJh5eUaos1ZCri1hF-DeQ2QONnb3FvBrnfn0I5rDOtrWkbUHxg7jW-uxTNxKxE18kHVoLFQagjOpIu6R7fZeAO9-60C1ajq8ZlY/w400-h180/Resized_20240126_123116.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-11178412968234148892024-02-19T15:19:00.000-08:002024-02-19T15:19:19.673-08:00Relay Around Tucson<div style="text-align: left;">When I heard about the RAT (Relay Around Tucson) I was intrigued. It's a race on The Loop bike path, which I know well (at least in our neighborhood). A team of up to 10 would take turns running segments of the path, starting at Rillito racetrack, making a loop around the entire city, and ending up where they began.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've always liked the idea of a group relay (maybe eventually something longer like Ragnar or Hood-to-Coast). Sounds like a fun time with friends interspersed with a bit of running in interesting places.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So we put the idea to the Tucson Orienteering Club, and when we got a bunch of interest, we suddenly had a team - yay! We called ourselves "O Rats!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Photo credits include Alan Craig, Yvonne Poe, and Cristina Luis, plus <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheDamionAlexanderTeam" target="_blank">Damion Alexander</a> on bike - thank you all!</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Gathering at the start with some semblance of a plan for the day:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaiAr7rTYsKa_u8adAZ1OBvKIHvea08u4m7X845AofZZk15gliajDTbuJMCNdDtNG1GesRJLks0EiISMUrZSW-zaCEhw2w6eUmx-uki_esciqeUi1Ka3cKTihQlvOjDYag0wOKmqj2Iij17RiLzSjbiV6dKT0G7FdGP_w4IEBI4yND2fsO1DPrAVLZno/s4032/0%2020240106_075029.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaiAr7rTYsKa_u8adAZ1OBvKIHvea08u4m7X845AofZZk15gliajDTbuJMCNdDtNG1GesRJLks0EiISMUrZSW-zaCEhw2w6eUmx-uki_esciqeUi1Ka3cKTihQlvOjDYag0wOKmqj2Iij17RiLzSjbiV6dKT0G7FdGP_w4IEBI4yND2fsO1DPrAVLZno/w400-h300/0%2020240106_075029.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Alan is ready to tackle the first, and coldest, leg of the race:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jKoyxFS0bATeN9mo-b_KgQPOwRpC01FF0p2e566FERpIHMG6rUBtjmEdeW0vHAnFFzFiGmQFgHw-jkBBgQPh10rQuS5-IOpBDpJm-l4CNeMpbpNJl5wzoSa7d8znhZRbQplepmtmHTxAd5mpz8VBgv1YOIy_127rUM-l_wOOFH2AsJB7XDKD_c9J3NY/s2048/IMG_0385.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jKoyxFS0bATeN9mo-b_KgQPOwRpC01FF0p2e566FERpIHMG6rUBtjmEdeW0vHAnFFzFiGmQFgHw-jkBBgQPh10rQuS5-IOpBDpJm-l4CNeMpbpNJl5wzoSa7d8znhZRbQplepmtmHTxAd5mpz8VBgv1YOIy_127rUM-l_wOOFH2AsJB7XDKD_c9J3NY/w400-h300/IMG_0385.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Go RATs!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppd_WQZ0CR8yJNMlkHcWLBF5A9ni7MbcaFiLNQW_fbYZm1s26gI2h2LJ5k4mLdjdt7ntIleNXz9MrZNMsgFhsVLPRwks_OHKMtGUxPltxleJx3WzOvj5Spz8tsMbYtxOn3CXTxAdMlMAWco0az7VObAd0-DHNKCrjy0UjgciVZqAVSUoU6jZZZGMXLkU/s1775/IMG_0387.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1316" data-original-width="1775" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppd_WQZ0CR8yJNMlkHcWLBF5A9ni7MbcaFiLNQW_fbYZm1s26gI2h2LJ5k4mLdjdt7ntIleNXz9MrZNMsgFhsVLPRwks_OHKMtGUxPltxleJx3WzOvj5Spz8tsMbYtxOn3CXTxAdMlMAWco0az7VObAd0-DHNKCrjy0UjgciVZqAVSUoU6jZZZGMXLkU/w400-h296/IMG_0387.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Looking good, Alan!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNEgDhCzKYzLYHpLQhjUb6YfHm2UUhWLbhAO4Z-_98nZqlwKGTqqaglu0aZezA7KwLGOC-NxUfLsqac0O6NR7XTa-3jzXCpyT0Oo0wwGaUlFRqtqT4tHc0upn3auPdytSXm9vkDzvkd-3OfxVMth8ESAKEXs-nxv2Nh4ccagqzECdNvg2QdBEU1WcKUE/s3313/IMG_0387a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3313" data-original-width="3023" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNEgDhCzKYzLYHpLQhjUb6YfHm2UUhWLbhAO4Z-_98nZqlwKGTqqaglu0aZezA7KwLGOC-NxUfLsqac0O6NR7XTa-3jzXCpyT0Oo0wwGaUlFRqtqT4tHc0upn3auPdytSXm9vkDzvkd-3OfxVMth8ESAKEXs-nxv2Nh4ccagqzECdNvg2QdBEU1WcKUE/w365-h400/IMG_0387a.jpg" width="365" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Early on we noticed Team Shrek, with their fun Shrek-wear and face paint:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSJXmS3vMfaXvBqw1XT_QhzFnAe5GXmj0wiPr-3jzWl3qSYy64mKqz-lnpEHRzjLYtRBqfw3UTlFLIQ7N5UNPeR8H0IRV78otJ6XHBK6TnB3o4vTQa7yTXEjfzl8mgKWB5M1drCYmkKM1e1jQzDveVr6CITnGuiW10MQUC-oCoB7qI6tfsZrnWqdQIME/s2117/IMG_0387b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2117" data-original-width="1881" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSJXmS3vMfaXvBqw1XT_QhzFnAe5GXmj0wiPr-3jzWl3qSYy64mKqz-lnpEHRzjLYtRBqfw3UTlFLIQ7N5UNPeR8H0IRV78otJ6XHBK6TnB3o4vTQa7yTXEjfzl8mgKWB5M1drCYmkKM1e1jQzDveVr6CITnGuiW10MQUC-oCoB7qI6tfsZrnWqdQIME/w355-h400/IMG_0387b.jpg" width="355" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>They were definitely in the running for best costumes:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdiW3QjZ2hackud2qrjVFJYAujVEp4eHG7DN7hwmRcXJU3HwJLrm5vLvaHQgEpwCC8FqDC6mClLB0OHBvDV1BDfMuGr47VGb2UM10YDsXnTzS789AQdIXvpNBXbVRwYyIbb5KvHpuvpDoMrcgR8xEqHYQMMeKn82tBHIMnctHccqB368oJUiu3HDkaRo/s2048/IMG_0388.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdiW3QjZ2hackud2qrjVFJYAujVEp4eHG7DN7hwmRcXJU3HwJLrm5vLvaHQgEpwCC8FqDC6mClLB0OHBvDV1BDfMuGr47VGb2UM10YDsXnTzS789AQdIXvpNBXbVRwYyIbb5KvHpuvpDoMrcgR8xEqHYQMMeKn82tBHIMnctHccqB368oJUiu3HDkaRo/w400-h300/IMG_0388.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Alan approaching the first exchange, with the Catalinas on the horizon:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Lqogo14AXuTdeHYqGw_1VuFtto3y2lI3e9kT7hfLhCExV1pNJ_TYQUzGdIEnsPE0MjRYeA78ZABUf1bEONtwenaxtM_g2yynaEzAv9Ku6ADo90T5WW_n_SxcDLOH18hPxMvDoDOSzsyOqBNby_5I4g0Mhi65MbAl6exbEtqbBCBQDB-nnyWMEgBc9rM/s1699/IMG_0390.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1247" data-original-width="1699" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Lqogo14AXuTdeHYqGw_1VuFtto3y2lI3e9kT7hfLhCExV1pNJ_TYQUzGdIEnsPE0MjRYeA78ZABUf1bEONtwenaxtM_g2yynaEzAv9Ku6ADo90T5WW_n_SxcDLOH18hPxMvDoDOSzsyOqBNby_5I4g0Mhi65MbAl6exbEtqbBCBQDB-nnyWMEgBc9rM/w400-h294/IMG_0390.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A successful hand-off of our team wristband to Charles:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglNY8dKbNCNkNiNc_9RREtc36tVK_dhalBsh_8DCs2_xQ9l0S4fIpBxuqc7y8zgR6zq6FvgFcUTcNyK7gbdcfVSJo2FOPClq_JqiTAPaER43FwX_o1PEZNlMw0CKG0lVvMPceLHTnI6r7M0wNAPtZ-xXzMiHxgfqkj5Kc4c0Z_MipcNrwEfxmaKU30oU/s2048/IMG_0391.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglNY8dKbNCNkNiNc_9RREtc36tVK_dhalBsh_8DCs2_xQ9l0S4fIpBxuqc7y8zgR6zq6FvgFcUTcNyK7gbdcfVSJo2FOPClq_JqiTAPaER43FwX_o1PEZNlMw0CKG0lVvMPceLHTnI6r7M0wNAPtZ-xXzMiHxgfqkj5Kc4c0Z_MipcNrwEfxmaKU30oU/w400-h300/IMG_0391.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The rest of us drove a couple more vehicles than necessary for the first part of the race, as we didn't realize that most of us were prepared to spend the entire day following along and cheering on our teammates. Eventually we got ourselves into one vehicle as a couple people had to leave to be productive or something.</div><div><br /></div><div>It turned out to be a huge amount of fun driving around together, hanging out and getting to know each other, watching the runners, helping each teammate get ready, and enjoying the beautiful weather:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMst0o6AJpsMOPm8sq463cVojjDLnmgl7_tsnbg_JvTYbhkqofvl0SnsepKsBOoOzOVnSTzopx5zzpwOSDDYG8O2MGuKzsEFWmoRU4pAXrfLTidVws080UVJWYp0I_xpZ9krSobZgICAU3rmTJjdLpngJAtfCRus5Jc5_FJ1Cg5qQXh2pEpTUPo5VNy-o/s3648/IMG_0391a2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMst0o6AJpsMOPm8sq463cVojjDLnmgl7_tsnbg_JvTYbhkqofvl0SnsepKsBOoOzOVnSTzopx5zzpwOSDDYG8O2MGuKzsEFWmoRU4pAXrfLTidVws080UVJWYp0I_xpZ9krSobZgICAU3rmTJjdLpngJAtfCRus5Jc5_FJ1Cg5qQXh2pEpTUPo5VNy-o/w400-h300/IMG_0391a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Charles ran two of the shorter (back-to-back) legs and we popped in at the second exchange to cheer as he cruised past:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRuxOFMx3mkR_JaZKxtz5g9Cuam2HIYAbPkid1BG5C4VUxlm4S1nggWQGv_DD3gdYBr_OEJNCZB4nmAtdD0zAvKX5yA6GX45r5y3GM6Htuw-kxWo9MMXu2javJB4g7NNRtRzCdaEakFQ1RGS2AX-DykXpfmbhe787NtD5escfhFH5XPzKCplREkGcN2w/s4032/IMG_0391a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRuxOFMx3mkR_JaZKxtz5g9Cuam2HIYAbPkid1BG5C4VUxlm4S1nggWQGv_DD3gdYBr_OEJNCZB4nmAtdD0zAvKX5yA6GX45r5y3GM6Htuw-kxWo9MMXu2javJB4g7NNRtRzCdaEakFQ1RGS2AX-DykXpfmbhe787NtD5escfhFH5XPzKCplREkGcN2w/w400-h300/IMG_0391a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Which didn't leave Gavin much time to prepare for the start of his run. He was only slightly late getting the wristband from Charles, then he made up for it with a big effort along the Santa Cruz river (so many underpasses!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile I scrambled to get myself ready. My teammates kept me updated on Gavin's faster-than-expected progress, even letting me know exactly how much time I had to get in and back out of the porta-potty...</div><div><br /></div><div>Gavin approached the exchange with the slap-on wrist band at the ready:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9Yxwn8QKj98Z7w9JaG0K_1wGvAHMdcTek8h_IaDV8n58majnkM_awFWnURrDjqg5DIud3zvEbOEaDt20VNQUzRsmsMlzVpEhbBgOWy0iugns2HY2Ab3vIbVCHiki4N-Ejdz9HiidnvzQ1gkPyz0NykR3sAuqNGAY0bhjWeUmNKi2A2RUHeIs4MRq3Zo/s4032/IMG_0391b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9Yxwn8QKj98Z7w9JaG0K_1wGvAHMdcTek8h_IaDV8n58majnkM_awFWnURrDjqg5DIud3zvEbOEaDt20VNQUzRsmsMlzVpEhbBgOWy0iugns2HY2Ab3vIbVCHiki4N-Ejdz9HiidnvzQ1gkPyz0NykR3sAuqNGAY0bhjWeUmNKi2A2RUHeIs4MRq3Zo/w300-h400/IMG_0391b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Just for kicks, I posed with an outstretched arm, ready for Gavin's perfect hand-off:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvGjZHos1W4zMVF5s1hwGWIMQzbTJkTtN36wDolwkMIJh3dnA2i9knze3sx3MVzTABVj1TmQ84nIt430bRd4g9FdnjkoN7bv8_OGY32uZD_ssoU5EvJ_6Jvf2xX_IiYrqjb31i_bQiZPsQ3QdM5nS48OYVD9cKdjsLhjBunGRkwOWdSGqdrmxlw2t1no/s3745/IMG_0391c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2693" data-original-width="3745" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvGjZHos1W4zMVF5s1hwGWIMQzbTJkTtN36wDolwkMIJh3dnA2i9knze3sx3MVzTABVj1TmQ84nIt430bRd4g9FdnjkoN7bv8_OGY32uZD_ssoU5EvJ_6Jvf2xX_IiYrqjb31i_bQiZPsQ3QdM5nS48OYVD9cKdjsLhjBunGRkwOWdSGqdrmxlw2t1no/w400-h288/IMG_0391c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div>And a couple of our teammates documented the event, too funny:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-tAdicp3wmUnzC7eaJAWdGUMiGXFTuX47JX7ChW9fZwX8oz5KF76yNdvzqNA6GjtJj4k0iEgid6WrMdB4yn2AlgbRd3xrZD3M_WQB0ftAgQVo5kI6MJzrS_xm27MyaHdJNsPx_kic59qUhZOCybHKU0SSDV2Rxnd6x_MzLrHXycjG98FfalfQb54mnE/s640/IMG_0391c2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-tAdicp3wmUnzC7eaJAWdGUMiGXFTuX47JX7ChW9fZwX8oz5KF76yNdvzqNA6GjtJj4k0iEgid6WrMdB4yn2AlgbRd3xrZD3M_WQB0ftAgQVo5kI6MJzrS_xm27MyaHdJNsPx_kic59qUhZOCybHKU0SSDV2Rxnd6x_MzLrHXycjG98FfalfQb54mnE/w400-h300/IMG_0391c2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The reflective vest was required for my leg because of several road crossings. It helped being familiar with these so I could look ahead and judge when the walk signals might start and end. I hit 2 out of 3 of them with no waiting, that was a minor accomplishment.</div><div><br /></div><div>Damion the bike photographer came by on the Ajo Way section, Hi Damion! Hey, can you ride ahead and punch the "walk" button at the next intersection? Many thanks!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSIZUHbA01ie1NNn2vdLmZmExn_J3cTHjWxBO977x-JPhGFW-MyAymi3983vNF_jVnSns07W6UEJtkCewo49y9UYC4aVYHJ_yznYCTjKWwa5gvBy9FhAqm6Z0cnnlfuZDlzaZ6nMCs_JH1-VZfHHpqLaB8xx_MGw5Rhcxac6zAl0BYezoPNSbdLto_Jk/s3281/IMG_0391d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3281" data-original-width="2999" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSIZUHbA01ie1NNn2vdLmZmExn_J3cTHjWxBO977x-JPhGFW-MyAymi3983vNF_jVnSns07W6UEJtkCewo49y9UYC4aVYHJ_yznYCTjKWwa5gvBy9FhAqm6Z0cnnlfuZDlzaZ6nMCs_JH1-VZfHHpqLaB8xx_MGw5Rhcxac6zAl0BYezoPNSbdLto_Jk/w365-h400/IMG_0391d.jpg" width="365" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally done with most of the street crossings, time to focus on just running as well as I could. Our team was setting a precedent of "solid effort" and it was good motivation to run like I was racing.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgC8TrWHombOYNnp9x102lmvSdKj8t2z7naX4rnoV-6XAtz1k4h-W6oJRjuIp08xvMjj4zKQJfJQv5_je3ldMEkRIovGCGHbBsv5xlej_P7H_5VaJB14oqaaq4A4PROlIFJSJMZOGYqxB6K5XcU-YlVJvidOQDwejoE6eryK2mi2_KiPiF93JwLEI7xw/s3265/IMG_0391e.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3265" data-original-width="2991" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgC8TrWHombOYNnp9x102lmvSdKj8t2z7naX4rnoV-6XAtz1k4h-W6oJRjuIp08xvMjj4zKQJfJQv5_je3ldMEkRIovGCGHbBsv5xlej_P7H_5VaJB14oqaaq4A4PROlIFJSJMZOGYqxB6K5XcU-YlVJvidOQDwejoE6eryK2mi2_KiPiF93JwLEI7xw/w366-h400/IMG_0391e.jpg" width="366" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One of the funniest things about the relay was the RaceJoy app that most of us had downloaded onto our phones. It would track each runner so the next person in line could be ready to go on time. Even better, we could send inspirational greetings to our teammates. Once we discovered the extent of those options, the entertainment really began.</div><div><br /></div><div>There were all kinds of canned "way to go!" and "looking good!" cheers available, plus some odd ones and many with hilarious sounds. My favorites involved a Scottish accent. Also, you could type in custom messages and a monotone female voice would read them off to the runner. Gavin started sending Wikipedia facts about random things for no particular reason.</div><div><br /></div><div>I only wished I had turned my phone volume up louder so I could hear them better while running, but I sure could tell that my phone was getting pinged a LOT and it made me laugh. For every runner on our team that got this treatment, they would turn around and start texting harder to the next person, so by the end of the race we were amusing ourselves and admiring each other's creativity.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was pleased to be able to pass a few other teams, including Team Shrek. I was also glad to be finished with those 6.9 miles, time to hand off to speedy Billie - go Billie go!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8VeutB2vKzqS10ZRw1qlRZuxg4IMy2rNdqML7y3yDUx_2HghPxs9pYq85mET4wo1F0Y1lfMw4EI-gaaf_c8TylNu04LOFbgoP4lBNYL7xj5TtnB61GeauqFFJYPUfqCyZdy_x3xLsJchKjxS4JdAncbiD1vAIhZFpiplr9oEZTzv4GdL51woJ-IMSu8/s3017/IMG_0391f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3017" data-original-width="3015" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8VeutB2vKzqS10ZRw1qlRZuxg4IMy2rNdqML7y3yDUx_2HghPxs9pYq85mET4wo1F0Y1lfMw4EI-gaaf_c8TylNu04LOFbgoP4lBNYL7xj5TtnB61GeauqFFJYPUfqCyZdy_x3xLsJchKjxS4JdAncbiD1vAIhZFpiplr9oEZTzv4GdL51woJ-IMSu8/w400-h400/IMG_0391f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Damion rode alongside her for a ways (they knew each other already) and she showed off her athleticism:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvFfchsuGRafZl2Kb18x00uUdxmqgzZ7PxM3ioFVQBGLeJ-rRA_RECCjAaoAz88vVrmx2Uose9kRcMDJ2H5umQgJglZu1Zog-9hKvn23ybQf1qM75_NJWhsY_UMULh9dEynBVTQe4A_TljjMroc1p-J154VtgYyW0HrDfb0wVPx2gu8evtW0gdgrlJsM/s4032/IMG_0391g.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvFfchsuGRafZl2Kb18x00uUdxmqgzZ7PxM3ioFVQBGLeJ-rRA_RECCjAaoAz88vVrmx2Uose9kRcMDJ2H5umQgJglZu1Zog-9hKvn23ybQf1qM75_NJWhsY_UMULh9dEynBVTQe4A_TljjMroc1p-J154VtgYyW0HrDfb0wVPx2gu8evtW0gdgrlJsM/w300-h400/IMG_0391g.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Superman posed for photos while we were waiting at the next exchange:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukQDiKJ8LAPDHT3S0LG-ULLV4hyu3H6pVUaNEyqnzLv8SMBlu7gI-vXODWAofFIZ9vV1NhTLoUtQftw5oJVnCMdq0BqKAKNxizl0J8RYTNyG8vwuBwcbciD2a6LDYAlOCxR5hFRD_o3QwUEV8qE3VSR_Ob1Luw0Cqc-YkfcqlnXpRRnKmiS7knMeKxVk/s1622/IMG_0402.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="1622" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukQDiKJ8LAPDHT3S0LG-ULLV4hyu3H6pVUaNEyqnzLv8SMBlu7gI-vXODWAofFIZ9vV1NhTLoUtQftw5oJVnCMdq0BqKAKNxizl0J8RYTNyG8vwuBwcbciD2a6LDYAlOCxR5hFRD_o3QwUEV8qE3VSR_Ob1Luw0Cqc-YkfcqlnXpRRnKmiS7knMeKxVk/w400-h333/IMG_0402.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>John getting ready while the rest of us clown around (and send encouragement to Billie's phone):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLU5M7ta6aXNXpwD5snQRJZfHukr4AaJIP048Y42QDnHZ8cf-k_nOP-N69AZOl0pg_QeAhFPkV68WUulISeahslFlTqWsNQignIomL1mP_x1cBloEhBDQ_ZK6bdl3VXmWvjqSQBI4v0DiF3HeZGDNoNjTFivDxN1obLgBQqPuarGwbgjgAJnolriEPfuA/s2048/IMG_0403.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLU5M7ta6aXNXpwD5snQRJZfHukr4AaJIP048Y42QDnHZ8cf-k_nOP-N69AZOl0pg_QeAhFPkV68WUulISeahslFlTqWsNQignIomL1mP_x1cBloEhBDQ_ZK6bdl3VXmWvjqSQBI4v0DiF3HeZGDNoNjTFivDxN1obLgBQqPuarGwbgjgAJnolriEPfuA/w400-h300/IMG_0403.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This was a well-designed relay exchange, complete with a chute to make you feel fast and all official-like:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaRYqrhel1IQQlrgOMbrOBZAGubEZmvMCarSLgPOAe5NyOcBFvWa6M0H-xvedC5VPWF9i33OxTv2sDlS-T5OhMK8Aeszyw9zhcQ9REtqL1wgEUYgu_u58vCyXFaeWozdB_RA-wH487pHSk8HcWghKtveuFuf1o08PjcenNMSJe7TOiiByntFJ-p8dOXI/s1661/IMG_0408.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1307" data-original-width="1661" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaRYqrhel1IQQlrgOMbrOBZAGubEZmvMCarSLgPOAe5NyOcBFvWa6M0H-xvedC5VPWF9i33OxTv2sDlS-T5OhMK8Aeszyw9zhcQ9REtqL1wgEUYgu_u58vCyXFaeWozdB_RA-wH487pHSk8HcWghKtveuFuf1o08PjcenNMSJe7TOiiByntFJ-p8dOXI/w400-h315/IMG_0408.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>John ran off for his 5.2-mile leg that turned north across the desert, and the rest of us drove around to the other end. Hey, it's a fellow Rivian adventure person, with an excellent license plate to boot!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BkbcgsLuy3MqOnIGD02Tcg84za5-RiOmJ_dCF0dCx3YTt8rGROsiEQj656eYVNH2qPd8q7IfLTMEkZoZLjfHpOf411SgQri5_ob0PhLOPagfjQs3rwy5YzBguirSRRgQ5znaPeBR2tUfqD7cH9xJ2NZBiyUohcuNUeyPtEt8ZJDGKII5KqGAayrLuFE/s2048/IMG_0409.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BkbcgsLuy3MqOnIGD02Tcg84za5-RiOmJ_dCF0dCx3YTt8rGROsiEQj656eYVNH2qPd8q7IfLTMEkZoZLjfHpOf411SgQri5_ob0PhLOPagfjQs3rwy5YzBguirSRRgQ5znaPeBR2tUfqD7cH9xJ2NZBiyUohcuNUeyPtEt8ZJDGKII5KqGAayrLuFE/w400-h300/IMG_0409.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>John finishing his leg and handing off to Yvonne - go Yvonne!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWaQ226MGZ-GJgcncMHS35hOUw0JKZt-LBhEn0TQjeFSJqRx2nqTV5PXK-dS0Z_wvqri6KePRauCrDSliiLjn-2aQgFMaEmUikL0v8hufyxijy3l4asMlibqyTCvO3ci3gkzgdvi5oCCHuvoOu9GihFvklwZqzRiqt0s0y73yubDrd0Y8znkqOyWi6qw/s1267/IMG_0413.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="1267" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWaQ226MGZ-GJgcncMHS35hOUw0JKZt-LBhEn0TQjeFSJqRx2nqTV5PXK-dS0Z_wvqri6KePRauCrDSliiLjn-2aQgFMaEmUikL0v8hufyxijy3l4asMlibqyTCvO3ci3gkzgdvi5oCCHuvoOu9GihFvklwZqzRiqt0s0y73yubDrd0Y8znkqOyWi6qw/w400-h305/IMG_0413.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I saw the "mer-people" team posing for a picture and couldn't resist snapping one myself - another excellent group of costumes:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-ydu8M-jWPAbNG7fBsbvPA1VDjOiwFRCtqPLC3ktZ_8HzEwe2iq_eBlpR5hHWpuHtGYI8BH2ti-04KCHXxyDGlvYF_2BWhPNQocJw5ztcZKozTrl8rk8ND_fTb6lDANMD88AsAgfIM4aJPkkpBdO_aSgJh_9HiARNb656wn65Sxa8fUOrzajF3t7wfk/s1829/IMG_0415.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1301" data-original-width="1829" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-ydu8M-jWPAbNG7fBsbvPA1VDjOiwFRCtqPLC3ktZ_8HzEwe2iq_eBlpR5hHWpuHtGYI8BH2ti-04KCHXxyDGlvYF_2BWhPNQocJw5ztcZKozTrl8rk8ND_fTb6lDANMD88AsAgfIM4aJPkkpBdO_aSgJh_9HiARNb656wn65Sxa8fUOrzajF3t7wfk/w400-h285/IMG_0415.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Yvonne handing off to Billie for the start of leg 9, as we continue running faster than any of us had expected:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFH9DDE9ATzvaVzPZs6bY0H32VPGlffw69to92tFZzCZvTrDA2I8YfqU_KQUMpUfN5M0yJwXVTEj63RLcQrtm9SI7GUp0MtjHF2j5-sTJ9WVXadlSiaJ52xo0CUqR87XG6xn_VPbmPPvYrWOc5WLpETswpyEAjEKKcyl5eg7oqyDhvbILR_6YPSdgfl4/s1587/IMG_0416.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1257" data-original-width="1587" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFH9DDE9ATzvaVzPZs6bY0H32VPGlffw69to92tFZzCZvTrDA2I8YfqU_KQUMpUfN5M0yJwXVTEj63RLcQrtm9SI7GUp0MtjHF2j5-sTJ9WVXadlSiaJ52xo0CUqR87XG6xn_VPbmPPvYrWOc5WLpETswpyEAjEKKcyl5eg7oqyDhvbILR_6YPSdgfl4/w400-h316/IMG_0416.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Billie was our team's secret weapon - fast AND with a ton of endurance. I could have run a (short) second leg, but nowhere near as quickly as Billie did.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before we knew it, we were at the final exchange (where we discovered a snack table for the first time - it's probably good we didn't see one of those at earlier exchanges). Cristina headed down the path in search of the finish line:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMesuVzX84_kLw_Fg37wtJA9v7BqEmjKccUGsIPguetiYCq96IXRRqRWrI1DdZS4klM5sKPj422l6Zh0tUcNpU4tKaphDmn2c49gmWYMVs0henrESc8ylC2yaXmQgwQL1QSiMbxUBqGHw-atDWyP_DDcDmMSGxJIqqA1hzWSUARjkWJZqIIJtT44-oQO4/s1413/IMG_0420.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="1413" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMesuVzX84_kLw_Fg37wtJA9v7BqEmjKccUGsIPguetiYCq96IXRRqRWrI1DdZS4klM5sKPj422l6Zh0tUcNpU4tKaphDmn2c49gmWYMVs0henrESc8ylC2yaXmQgwQL1QSiMbxUBqGHw-atDWyP_DDcDmMSGxJIqqA1hzWSUARjkWJZqIIJtT44-oQO4/w400-h341/IMG_0420.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Go Cristina!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFbPny9GyNyDX28KGXiWTNAJKvNJPtv2N7Tr517-ThfE0XPxpdrzyswW7Qy5mHJDUu4xukHfa-EuTpAMWoVY1_nXgtM2XPBpcYt-F3pyGTo5YmjsnKi3CoIgQET2kRT5q3Fq-REcB574OO23bpeY_moOBubIG58hMJ3MzmYok9o8pBXRZIbgvtZ2zzdU/s3409/IMG_0420a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3409" data-original-width="2999" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFbPny9GyNyDX28KGXiWTNAJKvNJPtv2N7Tr517-ThfE0XPxpdrzyswW7Qy5mHJDUu4xukHfa-EuTpAMWoVY1_nXgtM2XPBpcYt-F3pyGTo5YmjsnKi3CoIgQET2kRT5q3Fq-REcB574OO23bpeY_moOBubIG58hMJ3MzmYok9o8pBXRZIbgvtZ2zzdU/w353-h400/IMG_0420a.jpg" width="353" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Our team was in high spirits as we drove back to the place we started:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLjGLxA1ewbUEI7gX2yJi3Ou5XBO34mrlRKz8KS74FLxtiz6KVkTLlFHj3RIqQIYUSm8s84MREroEAHUbWs3hx18eU7jv_NN7Y_yYT-BPnjpjqWdxEXyBLsEaFcoLLzow2bFPifV3pqhtiu1paxbZr6UI2lyf5aiqwQLgpepgrnEmosuMuf6gByViSyQ/s2304/IMG_0420b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2304" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLjGLxA1ewbUEI7gX2yJi3Ou5XBO34mrlRKz8KS74FLxtiz6KVkTLlFHj3RIqQIYUSm8s84MREroEAHUbWs3hx18eU7jv_NN7Y_yYT-BPnjpjqWdxEXyBLsEaFcoLLzow2bFPifV3pqhtiu1paxbZr6UI2lyf5aiqwQLgpepgrnEmosuMuf6gByViSyQ/w400-h300/IMG_0420b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We had a few minutes to wait, so Billie got to experience the inside of Tug-E's gear tube (I think she could sleep in there):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54NkiKAGCtELQ_7BQ4Oa1Jt_8lSCKb12ANEv7tOOTIL1ytx-QjP9La_nM8YcVM0MhpSssxAbyecMVJ9hWMmK-P_6iGgpod2PAM6Z2XY0G83wc_EhAr9e_rp_5WRw0MxDy_r6mKH0P-kOcuxy6GtaAaYmqFxUDeNhq_ebeiJjav5SLm1YlozYtoqlrDgg/s2048/IMG_0422.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54NkiKAGCtELQ_7BQ4Oa1Jt_8lSCKb12ANEv7tOOTIL1ytx-QjP9La_nM8YcVM0MhpSssxAbyecMVJ9hWMmK-P_6iGgpod2PAM6Z2XY0G83wc_EhAr9e_rp_5WRw0MxDy_r6mKH0P-kOcuxy6GtaAaYmqFxUDeNhq_ebeiJjav5SLm1YlozYtoqlrDgg/w400-h300/IMG_0422.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Somehow we got all focused on the status of Team Shrek, as we had been back-and-forth with them for much of the race. We figured out how to track their last runner and it looked like maybe they were catching up to Cristina? For some reason, it became urgent that we stay ahead. Billie started sending app messages to Cristina to "keep running, stay ahead of Shrek!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Whether it mattered to Cristina or not, she did run fast enough to reach the finish line before the green team. Yay for the O Rats!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawheliBBs-yIDxmwDa44noBM3uW2jyNZGIn9R7XlGFLIsoqsITC-yExKEooHIBthyphenhyphenIxn-v0vtNJ0GqcLnXdemEcs8U3A9AYSo8H3Kl1zZ2IHHAuw3IeC3rSlSyRKVQszpbgCRKggz6RbnOQZZ1kbAm-VAosymtzgibYDjzYx7CMf8uJbxB9kn-di23ro/s2469/IMG_0422a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2469" data-original-width="2105" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawheliBBs-yIDxmwDa44noBM3uW2jyNZGIn9R7XlGFLIsoqsITC-yExKEooHIBthyphenhyphenIxn-v0vtNJ0GqcLnXdemEcs8U3A9AYSo8H3Kl1zZ2IHHAuw3IeC3rSlSyRKVQszpbgCRKggz6RbnOQZZ1kbAm-VAosymtzgibYDjzYx7CMf8uJbxB9kn-di23ro/w341-h400/IMG_0422a.jpg" width="341" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Woo hoo, we did it! Also, they gave us some really nice jackets:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Dx-g02SylZrY1izSxGO4sYJAE72qx0MwvkQrW18uKw4hwqwfoGfBn7T-DfF0v5ZGvhEgf3FOvGxpG_KEz0vukfj0lczH2bCzKoeRAdsatsyTAd9G-9lUIMAEKczd3uNUWq10qU6oFtUoRXgpoW7mxwqXMG81dp0dD7jcEMX_vvBT89aFneG8zcK_2gQ/s1785/IMG_0426.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1375" data-original-width="1785" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Dx-g02SylZrY1izSxGO4sYJAE72qx0MwvkQrW18uKw4hwqwfoGfBn7T-DfF0v5ZGvhEgf3FOvGxpG_KEz0vukfj0lczH2bCzKoeRAdsatsyTAd9G-9lUIMAEKczd3uNUWq10qU6oFtUoRXgpoW7mxwqXMG81dp0dD7jcEMX_vvBT89aFneG8zcK_2gQ/w400-h308/IMG_0426.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A pile of RAT medals:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0sIUXqokKUY2w-dVkem36EKLzt4oDr7NmETf-AjRfmkp5pUY_AulS24uXdaQNFVM3JORNDX0nVCR7WVyS-V472aceSJiPvpMrokEhyphenhyphenww70-LNhRWzaelv1E2MFs82rsku-B8gi0kpp88Ld4OfYUwuw01NxfY8QAkn8-4ctxBBGsTwNjhRzJV4DU2rnQ/s2048/IMG_0427.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0sIUXqokKUY2w-dVkem36EKLzt4oDr7NmETf-AjRfmkp5pUY_AulS24uXdaQNFVM3JORNDX0nVCR7WVyS-V472aceSJiPvpMrokEhyphenhyphenww70-LNhRWzaelv1E2MFs82rsku-B8gi0kpp88Ld4OfYUwuw01NxfY8QAkn8-4ctxBBGsTwNjhRzJV4DU2rnQ/w400-h300/IMG_0427.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Damion took one last picture of us before we finally had to go our separate ways. It sure was a blast y'all!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnH9RvSJXekXpGDTb7Bv8JIRtIo3af6YxqtdPOOQZZAK89Puvo3L3yKJN600Z47jta3UaRJrPJsPwMly9W5c37m3ve1nCYVImmwQTAfO6rTYsodLX8rmEdD5qtwhPczZ16akzCJzjo18KjQ0_hqRlPu2lqsiLCgzlPniX0QAo0pJmou5iGOhPux30acO4/s3193/IMG_0427a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2789" data-original-width="3193" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnH9RvSJXekXpGDTb7Bv8JIRtIo3af6YxqtdPOOQZZAK89Puvo3L3yKJN600Z47jta3UaRJrPJsPwMly9W5c37m3ve1nCYVImmwQTAfO6rTYsodLX8rmEdD5qtwhPczZ16akzCJzjo18KjQ0_hqRlPu2lqsiLCgzlPniX0QAo0pJmou5iGOhPux30acO4/w400-h350/IMG_0427a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-15401675272916030142024-02-16T08:43:00.000-08:002024-02-16T08:47:01.737-08:00New Year's in Vegas<div style="text-align: left;">Last blog post about 2023, finally! Time to return to Las Vegas for a couple days (one main reason is detailed below). We did some reminiscing about past races with friends. My favorite experiences in any city is time spent doing urban races. The "good old days", from our perspective.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The theme of this particular visit was something new, however. There's this Sphere thing there now, and you really can't miss it:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic717L7Yd0XkD5qJj96qvqsLKuCFc2sHTW1gvRRyGJWLwQN2wYVbn-M8M7LeNaq_AfQQcIsVNVy1TfdWWLHj61hHjLzCYrgO3_JqSWAGfA__lgBKn_IJK2pCCC7XXw0dQBw3P8Le-ZoVOAkYFaDPALccmMPWdb82QpRTD9c0L9RN6jXlHJ755UShU7c3M/s1896/IMG_0353.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="1896" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic717L7Yd0XkD5qJj96qvqsLKuCFc2sHTW1gvRRyGJWLwQN2wYVbn-M8M7LeNaq_AfQQcIsVNVy1TfdWWLHj61hHjLzCYrgO3_JqSWAGfA__lgBKn_IJK2pCCC7XXw0dQBw3P8Le-ZoVOAkYFaDPALccmMPWdb82QpRTD9c0L9RN6jXlHJ755UShU7c3M/w400-h271/IMG_0353.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The display is always moving and changing - sometimes it has giant eyeballs:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsJFGDqV6x0fK0uFobNPgzdzkcIIFS8lEAFLxNcBcwbIU_5dPm-ewAO_rM6UgF3xqitIxV3soQnK9-r4ii65oajmEBXqyP42bB6eVuDmCQYUhU7jcUa7optnfdWeNyQ_WCTGWbWhqRSmA0yv-Ixy0ECXNFnVNMy1rgQjgEV9ZfF5XFe6yy7o3ejrgF2k/s2048/IMG_0356.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsJFGDqV6x0fK0uFobNPgzdzkcIIFS8lEAFLxNcBcwbIU_5dPm-ewAO_rM6UgF3xqitIxV3soQnK9-r4ii65oajmEBXqyP42bB6eVuDmCQYUhU7jcUa7optnfdWeNyQ_WCTGWbWhqRSmA0yv-Ixy0ECXNFnVNMy1rgQjgEV9ZfF5XFe6yy7o3ejrgF2k/w300-h400/IMG_0356.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We briefly looked at ticket prices for an inside-the-sphere experience (ex-sphere-ience?) and decided to watch from the outside instead.</div><div><br /></div><div>An up-close look at a small fraction of the gagillion LED lights:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-VDUEQ_uoymvFxXUOFLOcHUKOt1RbQ1EpK71KHxcFIZ8SO_d4yE82BMJUCkrj1o2PsyeG7ARrrXp8wxj3xYas6YdkP1LMocXtzpPsKCL_quwkRAGpNNknAWGUF3_DXyfCOhkeVg6GheIH6S_-0IljJ0ZHpOjMSN6BzdpBmDZ7UWEWZKWzpweFD-_Ozo/s2048/IMG_0358.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-VDUEQ_uoymvFxXUOFLOcHUKOt1RbQ1EpK71KHxcFIZ8SO_d4yE82BMJUCkrj1o2PsyeG7ARrrXp8wxj3xYas6YdkP1LMocXtzpPsKCL_quwkRAGpNNknAWGUF3_DXyfCOhkeVg6GheIH6S_-0IljJ0ZHpOjMSN6BzdpBmDZ7UWEWZKWzpweFD-_Ozo/w400-h300/IMG_0358.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>You know I rarely take pictures of our food. This lunch, at Down 2 Earth, was deliciously photo-worthy (and close to a Rivian charging station):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIdYlfbrGkTqjfmXSD1gdEd5BX6LxepnA2fSVS6ZbLjj770xxRAHfc7pOVwlu6GW4Xgiyx9kZ7VOv8n2HZMKa_cWtB2bxahLcLYj9K9cINw5jdSMfpjpx_JNDmabKhw-1UuTvGPbesvDIOmFGgvgT7mI4zi_zD0CsHZZ2Jai0XOXcMI5M6N7vNVZZFmI/s4032/IMG_0358a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIdYlfbrGkTqjfmXSD1gdEd5BX6LxepnA2fSVS6ZbLjj770xxRAHfc7pOVwlu6GW4Xgiyx9kZ7VOv8n2HZMKa_cWtB2bxahLcLYj9K9cINw5jdSMfpjpx_JNDmabKhw-1UuTvGPbesvDIOmFGgvgT7mI4zi_zD0CsHZZ2Jai0XOXcMI5M6N7vNVZZFmI/w400-h300/IMG_0358a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Um, sure... but what about when I make this face?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwmPNUMu0LkQbsV6ETnq8pHH-AS3aD3DmKLW88v_ouwkX-U6oDWHVti1jflgnGpO9rWLPysmeqa66Vy_A4d4o_b6ts07wUy3MDhK3Mw1tQp4sNhXogrALx9Ut0stghzheztPlxqid-lgbe83AKek1TafWvnee5aN0cezdFNFpWPrasBD_AEZHKyiB8YE/s3280/IMG_0358b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2464" data-original-width="3280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwmPNUMu0LkQbsV6ETnq8pHH-AS3aD3DmKLW88v_ouwkX-U6oDWHVti1jflgnGpO9rWLPysmeqa66Vy_A4d4o_b6ts07wUy3MDhK3Mw1tQp4sNhXogrALx9Ut0stghzheztPlxqid-lgbe83AKek1TafWvnee5aN0cezdFNFpWPrasBD_AEZHKyiB8YE/w400-h300/IMG_0358b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We walked up and down the Strip, remembering mad dashes in various directions for checkpoints and selfies:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho31765uMgK-CUTg9QIb86YqcJ39ViddEfVqiant40Zb-WkbnXSzKjfzgCs-2f1Or5aiH99FGBvPyLbqx6nlBTRo5nqwsWLwmZj_CkBZi7cTL8jyVuxAPZrb50OqRpOPu23GXxiDGK9iNr296iRzq3CuzO8DpIYaZ3sUA9yF5oTRZG1dC3CVCzLhaFyAw/s2048/IMG_0359.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho31765uMgK-CUTg9QIb86YqcJ39ViddEfVqiant40Zb-WkbnXSzKjfzgCs-2f1Or5aiH99FGBvPyLbqx6nlBTRo5nqwsWLwmZj_CkBZi7cTL8jyVuxAPZrb50OqRpOPu23GXxiDGK9iNr296iRzq3CuzO8DpIYaZ3sUA9yF5oTRZG1dC3CVCzLhaFyAw/w400-h300/IMG_0359.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We saw a couple fun shows - Potted Potter (all 7 Harry Potter books condensed into 70 minutes of silliness and lively use of props) and RuPaul's Drag Race (with a lovely host and talented "competitors"). Shows like these are excellent reasons to go into casinos, for those of us who rarely gamble.</div><div><br /></div><div>Something else new and also tall (maybe not quite as tall as the Sphere though) - she's near the Vegas Arena, and she's quite stunning:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEbMTROlz_XRguFNq6C6kA9ua1UxOmVmrPf2OHzg7td9jV4FBlIyYFXctiY1u9mV26hTAz7rZopM1c81JK4Y-LQ3DUyUJg5zkHOq6astuaPjUo6jvFc6NruAJdeT4a79BwaAq3Fxgi8CHb2lEvEErLtIr198N0PA43B3lOKiwqs_VZEUmQJmWTpiZ0zw/s1961/IMG_0361.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1961" data-original-width="1519" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEbMTROlz_XRguFNq6C6kA9ua1UxOmVmrPf2OHzg7td9jV4FBlIyYFXctiY1u9mV26hTAz7rZopM1c81JK4Y-LQ3DUyUJg5zkHOq6astuaPjUo6jvFc6NruAJdeT4a79BwaAq3Fxgi8CHb2lEvEErLtIr198N0PA43B3lOKiwqs_VZEUmQJmWTpiZ0zw/w310-h400/IMG_0361.JPG" width="310" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We didn't manage to capture the fountain show at Bellagio...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoweQcCkhntWWskUyb6AmV6cTMJOWtlq4MNJL0TfG8yTSGW4ZQ2byucCp6z6Sk7ANV-nDGUZz_rh3LxtF-qkPSM4MogdRNGgZ8Agy_C8ChuIXrgzAIfRICoM5RMYpHzySOIJTQE5I6otxK70_TwbbcBgn3JRCK5IZ4O0HY-ht61Dzpcs90PZcVaxAQE-8/s2048/IMG_0362.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoweQcCkhntWWskUyb6AmV6cTMJOWtlq4MNJL0TfG8yTSGW4ZQ2byucCp6z6Sk7ANV-nDGUZz_rh3LxtF-qkPSM4MogdRNGgZ8Agy_C8ChuIXrgzAIfRICoM5RMYpHzySOIJTQE5I6otxK70_TwbbcBgn3JRCK5IZ4O0HY-ht61Dzpcs90PZcVaxAQE-8/w400-h300/IMG_0362.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So instead, here's a picture <a href="https://www.kipley.com/uc/vegaspictures.html" target="_blank">from 2002</a>:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDWWoCZcwIuyKY7XXRaHJnECPvRzuIOJWtukAo1dkpdexfaMhvWBVge7ujC_m5ivFXTyK1NM8tuni1pg4mezvgtxkWIluTERdm6tBXghlP7580NJmvkfoGNq5sA0uMp0Ih8OrVGPW2tC4HleovR3W1B2TpKS3qsvQTzUuOicCDUITc60h0dqAOgcEoBc/s640/2609.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDWWoCZcwIuyKY7XXRaHJnECPvRzuIOJWtukAo1dkpdexfaMhvWBVge7ujC_m5ivFXTyK1NM8tuni1pg4mezvgtxkWIluTERdm6tBXghlP7580NJmvkfoGNq5sA0uMp0Ih8OrVGPW2tC4HleovR3W1B2TpKS3qsvQTzUuOicCDUITc60h0dqAOgcEoBc/w400-h300/2609.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Ducks!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWS6Ak64qCZ_QASdX6kPdqUBSFwvpA3mT6esnj3lbuHBE_WYDUTdO6RjQf4tJEwJZCQmNvU3w4GcmO7NnO-cBr37IEz0-nfnGqIA17RC7dWRvyuMbD1KnUrS9WmzRwnxIZgzSpAX8FUs3Y3nZ7m9RymsO_eNF7zBK7LI-VLCvcvfXjXUZkZpM2crLqSDo/s2048/IMG_0365.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWS6Ak64qCZ_QASdX6kPdqUBSFwvpA3mT6esnj3lbuHBE_WYDUTdO6RjQf4tJEwJZCQmNvU3w4GcmO7NnO-cBr37IEz0-nfnGqIA17RC7dWRvyuMbD1KnUrS9WmzRwnxIZgzSpAX8FUs3Y3nZ7m9RymsO_eNF7zBK7LI-VLCvcvfXjXUZkZpM2crLqSDo/w400-h300/IMG_0365.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A global (and rotating) Sphere scene:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXi7jtJ_KBBdopFmvwhfccdjTfjnIk70frpNS0iuNxZNGniku084aZ11rJkGyEo43PU1ommd7bdWxQaobIOregRdKmD8SJCKvnUJlMI6w1OYPwRJE0-YUuJI1cFNGsDCf7Tw01Tf2XUDmRrax8cM2sF5uz_JukNRP6Q9KWotavBzOoRo-9yIPorhyphenhyphenmVI/s1883/IMG_0369.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1327" data-original-width="1883" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXi7jtJ_KBBdopFmvwhfccdjTfjnIk70frpNS0iuNxZNGniku084aZ11rJkGyEo43PU1ommd7bdWxQaobIOregRdKmD8SJCKvnUJlMI6w1OYPwRJE0-YUuJI1cFNGsDCf7Tw01Tf2XUDmRrax8cM2sF5uz_JukNRP6Q9KWotavBzOoRo-9yIPorhyphenhyphenmVI/w400-h283/IMG_0369.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Ah, here we are at the "reason for Vegas" - a New Year's Eve show with John Oliver and Seth Meyers! We heard the announcement for it while listening to the Strike Force Five (explosion!) podcast, and it didn't take long to throw together a little trip to Nevada.</div><div><br /></div><div>We attempted way too many pictures trying to get a decent selfie on the way into the show, most of which were like this (or worse):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IfHgrWdVJ-TJTb3TtVNxx9Ft4jqHmjjAzr7BgoeWKC_FdawUUOUGUrWkUhZovs-MpvQ4FrTc66KwhEyZJ5sOE6rJbpTwwAWe7Ji3f8R17GaQB4kOXNb_jrAvGytYZh88MXQGFcJTVyI4MnfBko-H06AglPYLy4UerkuAKvC0t7mNdrWv_ZkIPB4WqEQ/s2048/IMG_0370.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IfHgrWdVJ-TJTb3TtVNxx9Ft4jqHmjjAzr7BgoeWKC_FdawUUOUGUrWkUhZovs-MpvQ4FrTc66KwhEyZJ5sOE6rJbpTwwAWe7Ji3f8R17GaQB4kOXNb_jrAvGytYZh88MXQGFcJTVyI4MnfBko-H06AglPYLy4UerkuAKvC0t7mNdrWv_ZkIPB4WqEQ/w400-h300/IMG_0370.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the only shot that halfway works, although even our mimicry was rather lacking:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnGIu12ZvgMzQpTp3p4SAdvUr3io8wTG7v1asrJbJCSDOZ9S1hNSKLjpjo_DW6FDY6RkFyfLulNVVuIl8pYXY50yp8atCPdLZWKXm1uHmpLUiWIOYMtQW1xr4bhNVVJ-wxX5pfr9ASzAlHXf0F7Nwd84A4LFdRBQ_lbQNNa9gC3KXqWBGAUZE-HijbX8/s2304/IMG_0370a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2304" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnGIu12ZvgMzQpTp3p4SAdvUr3io8wTG7v1asrJbJCSDOZ9S1hNSKLjpjo_DW6FDY6RkFyfLulNVVuIl8pYXY50yp8atCPdLZWKXm1uHmpLUiWIOYMtQW1xr4bhNVVJ-wxX5pfr9ASzAlHXf0F7Nwd84A4LFdRBQ_lbQNNa9gC3KXqWBGAUZE-HijbX8/w400-h300/IMG_0370a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At least the show itself was really good, hilarious and entertaining, and fun to see John and Seth doing stand-up comedy instead of their TV gigs. The rest of our trip was good, and this topped it off to made it completely worth it.</div><div><br /></div><div>A brief interlude while waiting for the midnight fireworks show (which was way past our bedtime, but hey, how often do we get to ring in the new year in Vegas?), so we wandered over to the back Conservatory of the Bellagio.</div><div><br /></div><div>Admiring the elaborate Nutcracker display:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTq4RiD6z3R9t4zEPzUA2bLQZp9-CcMihGLS8jzOwPXaDD9Sd0QLA8tCvU_th6kGqz0N82tHSJsG9_ZHN0zDSe4zuYjvZV4yamFdAw3d0HLhpzRmTxW-uzC1jWxNLY5BWEOVpnSLTiky39jlxvBIPodZXddeRq7JVAX7lMLgV1h0bseSmLF1eZ4V77uv0/s2048/IMG_0372.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTq4RiD6z3R9t4zEPzUA2bLQZp9-CcMihGLS8jzOwPXaDD9Sd0QLA8tCvU_th6kGqz0N82tHSJsG9_ZHN0zDSe4zuYjvZV4yamFdAw3d0HLhpzRmTxW-uzC1jWxNLY5BWEOVpnSLTiky39jlxvBIPodZXddeRq7JVAX7lMLgV1h0bseSmLF1eZ4V77uv0/w400-h300/IMG_0372.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A giant Clara on a huge couch:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv93jirRlooYm_gc1oWk4KxB8BAkl6swN-cN_54V7mL6aesQqIMr43MZ5fZiU0nEPn0EAvnc772Phqppy9KGr_mWTL_5S6f0JjxumtCYFnn_9rJBlRMpMkD-4KkzJ98wWKOLWE0NHO4iwInfF2AwH_Qz5n9tDyTMk_ZYI6rjEEYvOKhJ42O6pA_uCIhw4/s2048/IMG_0374.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv93jirRlooYm_gc1oWk4KxB8BAkl6swN-cN_54V7mL6aesQqIMr43MZ5fZiU0nEPn0EAvnc772Phqppy9KGr_mWTL_5S6f0JjxumtCYFnn_9rJBlRMpMkD-4KkzJ98wWKOLWE0NHO4iwInfF2AwH_Qz5n9tDyTMk_ZYI6rjEEYvOKhJ42O6pA_uCIhw4/w400-h300/IMG_0374.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Impressive!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDpMUcT2YYARP8rwQRxEnAb9VgT1cnV5Q-eXBCgOyCp-9TQ_ckRXTLtGRHzp2V5LDURZeAyZ1QTUQlvKj_4aRCadUvh04kaorjYvpigq497wpNn_Yo0-rNVy2jYHx2yK4o1CF59OBdXVcUQ7pn_KgSaLiJcQKUbaH2IX-xhc4FL4gwdhO0rRS8WBBq0w/s2048/IMG_0375.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDpMUcT2YYARP8rwQRxEnAb9VgT1cnV5Q-eXBCgOyCp-9TQ_ckRXTLtGRHzp2V5LDURZeAyZ1QTUQlvKj_4aRCadUvh04kaorjYvpigq497wpNn_Yo0-rNVy2jYHx2yK4o1CF59OBdXVcUQ7pn_KgSaLiJcQKUbaH2IX-xhc4FL4gwdhO0rRS8WBBq0w/w400-h300/IMG_0375.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then it was time to find a place to watch the fireworks. We'd scoped out a parking garage roof (above where we parked Tug-E, conveniently) and started that way. With the crowds on the Strip and the road closures, we ended up having to run to make it on time...</div><div><br /></div><div>Happily, we had at least 34 seconds to spare (we could see the Sphere from our vantage point, for the official countdown):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaRB7ABzKP_CAVyYdXcK5AN49A4K9xCFZ_aQ1SMLbxPOsLhG1F_jIqRkXtiQbrrn9oUujOWce9NcWg9hXqYa0RBafryVkfOgaCQdTYnU8Dt3F3kP1yhnb-3Nb95CRxGlLyxbwURfH22RDwgNxa_Z1nuUTVnkqbsI_quupjOru4UXjF2O1MXgltJNBsR4/s2048/IMG_0376.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaRB7ABzKP_CAVyYdXcK5AN49A4K9xCFZ_aQ1SMLbxPOsLhG1F_jIqRkXtiQbrrn9oUujOWce9NcWg9hXqYa0RBafryVkfOgaCQdTYnU8Dt3F3kP1yhnb-3Nb95CRxGlLyxbwURfH22RDwgNxa_Z1nuUTVnkqbsI_quupjOru4UXjF2O1MXgltJNBsR4/w400-h300/IMG_0376.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>What an amazing fireworks show! It was coordinated from the tops of various casinos up and down the Strip, all doing similar (and large) displays of light and sound:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzsBHlCg-z-eXHf7-idW-Y75cgD5cIyghKXMUpYgBR1_FUgL7tKhNPVv6MFFxL-vIFZshDDanXz7T90M54mzm7s-te0dceOxlDp3vCRSUbza2xTpePS8Nrf-2Wg9zD_9XYH5nSod9ZS3LU0J9QysNqzPt_BSrBKbIZj8C-KlZCmJT0_4urQisURK_ZtE/s1753/IMG_0377.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="1753" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzsBHlCg-z-eXHf7-idW-Y75cgD5cIyghKXMUpYgBR1_FUgL7tKhNPVv6MFFxL-vIFZshDDanXz7T90M54mzm7s-te0dceOxlDp3vCRSUbza2xTpePS8Nrf-2Wg9zD_9XYH5nSod9ZS3LU0J9QysNqzPt_BSrBKbIZj8C-KlZCmJT0_4urQisURK_ZtE/w400-h289/IMG_0377.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We could see much of it from our parking garage roof (which was also much less crowded than the streets). A shot from the finale:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOo3ObCITRfBqxP4hyphenhyphenbyE3gmeBYutkBvkeXoTyLCUbIJz3QAc9ibZU2kbO4KyrYhsVBcCanCnWSU6UozMXrWRaL36_XRLIaHlyUUoOETQsR4k7GbboTyVQjdFdB9fwZDVG6M6ikn5-zU6ow8n8dE64LGb9vikjrb1sCQ5XjI7l7QRB7_-1EdUY1APCtQQ/s2048/IMG_0380.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOo3ObCITRfBqxP4hyphenhyphenbyE3gmeBYutkBvkeXoTyLCUbIJz3QAc9ibZU2kbO4KyrYhsVBcCanCnWSU6UozMXrWRaL36_XRLIaHlyUUoOETQsR4k7GbboTyVQjdFdB9fwZDVG6M6ikn5-zU6ow8n8dE64LGb9vikjrb1sCQ5XjI7l7QRB7_-1EdUY1APCtQQ/w400-h300/IMG_0380.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Happy 2024, y'all!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlS0nNTLYb1Ltgm27CGI_pHQJsp28lwdHhrszaaz7yzNaGVBAE0RmxVbfxjWI3aZZ5AlZ-6jRG2Dy0_pJTxbxFcypRYhkYDATkVw9Crncy3jBRXPFduAMbLKcE1UGOByZ29wY0uGilmgmzQDqcWNnSBYtTFcjR3vIYZrt_QEq8Ry1NiVAD1LesBaQorI/s1725/IMG_0381.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1277" data-original-width="1725" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlS0nNTLYb1Ltgm27CGI_pHQJsp28lwdHhrszaaz7yzNaGVBAE0RmxVbfxjWI3aZZ5AlZ-6jRG2Dy0_pJTxbxFcypRYhkYDATkVw9Crncy3jBRXPFduAMbLKcE1UGOByZ29wY0uGilmgmzQDqcWNnSBYtTFcjR3vIYZrt_QEq8Ry1NiVAD1LesBaQorI/w400-h296/IMG_0381.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And finally, one random picture that I think we took by mistake while clowning around:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjie2I28c5QsYbJOpDnQ1AmuQjduIv5CEqPFO00hwlMb754oOyb8EqaoglcjvwwiPRJqyDy6ZJzNMUMBhRqrvP1ylEJEZCLeeRimNB2AXrW8Qhm6ebCXSoebrfPbe_H1jZtpkiQ4sT72rxEnHfgN35XflxcW7idbe1YAmqoazxvwtGmomYNxLpLx4fmxx0/s2557/PXL_20231231_232017539.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2557" data-original-width="2455" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjie2I28c5QsYbJOpDnQ1AmuQjduIv5CEqPFO00hwlMb754oOyb8EqaoglcjvwwiPRJqyDy6ZJzNMUMBhRqrvP1ylEJEZCLeeRimNB2AXrW8Qhm6ebCXSoebrfPbe_H1jZtpkiQ4sT72rxEnHfgN35XflxcW7idbe1YAmqoazxvwtGmomYNxLpLx4fmxx0/w384-h400/PXL_20231231_232017539.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Super fun trip!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-67186057534294460202024-02-14T13:55:00.000-08:002024-02-14T13:55:46.335-08:00Valley of Fire!<div style="text-align: left;">I'm not always sure where we get our ideas for places to visit, but I'm sure glad we had a star on our Google Map for the Valley of Fire State Park! Going to Las Vegas for New Year's (details in my next post) gave us a great opportunity to go camping in the desert first.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If nothing else, a couple days of beautiful (quiet) scenery was a good lead-in to Vegas craziness. And, my goodness, it was way more than that. What a stunning place! Everyone should put this on their "to go" list.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The best kind of selfie - mostly pretty rocks plus shadows of us:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhi4dWeUeUKFEXR_e4IxG3R7yw0u5oB8BSzU3m2WkfCJZjAqLGqu6wdcdhQVvs6GMgHicJAW86eO3uRCDPmwV1e38fZPB4DUfoocFcypBdTbemAkFuFHr8Irn-dTF-rMA2nl8-poePj79a_33Aa86n_DReXoWWLDW0QWEMWkPBsCSi0GaDYUT9R1dEXI/s4032/0%20PXL_20231229_191557066.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhi4dWeUeUKFEXR_e4IxG3R7yw0u5oB8BSzU3m2WkfCJZjAqLGqu6wdcdhQVvs6GMgHicJAW86eO3uRCDPmwV1e38fZPB4DUfoocFcypBdTbemAkFuFHr8Irn-dTF-rMA2nl8-poePj79a_33Aa86n_DReXoWWLDW0QWEMWkPBsCSi0GaDYUT9R1dEXI/w300-h400/0%20PXL_20231229_191557066.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>First wildlife sighting on our first morning - hello Mr. Bighorn!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJcGbw7SZBJGvcLClGHqvahKsgx7cZpiAUh0otDEH6xRfUz3Zpe_lpkitS4VyVsqDAB4_moi-JE7pd88M_I7PYY0if6lGF1TJKWmu4cqGDxf_abuQzt_XOa7DNrnxTqs6LhPxNqRICLzOUkjhmgZaic0ogowag9LwcpAO1jcViZoAgjwPgcVSpIMFqAg/s4032/1%20PXL_20231228_152629393.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJcGbw7SZBJGvcLClGHqvahKsgx7cZpiAUh0otDEH6xRfUz3Zpe_lpkitS4VyVsqDAB4_moi-JE7pd88M_I7PYY0if6lGF1TJKWmu4cqGDxf_abuQzt_XOa7DNrnxTqs6LhPxNqRICLzOUkjhmgZaic0ogowag9LwcpAO1jcViZoAgjwPgcVSpIMFqAg/w400-h300/1%20PXL_20231228_152629393.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This post is basically "look at the amazing rocks" and a plug for state parks everywhere. The world is a big beautiful place - keep exploring, you never know what you'll find.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some scenes from the Fire Wave/Seven Wonders loop:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDB6_HpbsFFF6EEtkvWB1o_rmzYDVg0Cxxiy7rt02IorNpKSU-Gr5KeUeRAOqSzxzf2VnxNoShSjV5lGgc0Hhy2xrsJkTfG8nelHbxTvuCopAGQ2UOTtEmYNKwvjWpIjlyAHM2CvGw2d13uXqgO6rDBnay0zbzhUQ8rVwLdmyR8eChaAx3JXY1fBiOGMo/s2048/IMG_0181.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDB6_HpbsFFF6EEtkvWB1o_rmzYDVg0Cxxiy7rt02IorNpKSU-Gr5KeUeRAOqSzxzf2VnxNoShSjV5lGgc0Hhy2xrsJkTfG8nelHbxTvuCopAGQ2UOTtEmYNKwvjWpIjlyAHM2CvGw2d13uXqgO6rDBnay0zbzhUQ8rVwLdmyR8eChaAx3JXY1fBiOGMo/w400-h300/IMG_0181.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Tug-E doesn't mind waiting for us in spots like this:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjciHdj8GSY-p6b-JyFG_HYsBEhyphenhyphenEEeRglgLaIwf1-1Z_pVF3K_L_HSXJVyQrp1EFiPLy5JL8D2j7oz5WsykGe1z42kBd0lunvNgSc9LZmlUKxfpGGc15oWyOsCf66t1slwmCJ_h0Kb4G388VH4YpjM9kneC9gORkDAzYH_u82QeOk7w7vEFb8Cz6wZPvM/s2048/IMG_0182.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjciHdj8GSY-p6b-JyFG_HYsBEhyphenhyphenEEeRglgLaIwf1-1Z_pVF3K_L_HSXJVyQrp1EFiPLy5JL8D2j7oz5WsykGe1z42kBd0lunvNgSc9LZmlUKxfpGGc15oWyOsCf66t1slwmCJ_h0Kb4G388VH4YpjM9kneC9gORkDAzYH_u82QeOk7w7vEFb8Cz6wZPvM/w400-h300/IMG_0182.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Loving the shapes and colors:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv81SFAdXIMQ9TFFuz3D-5r7wDkYUgonE_BX2aJGPvGds7B9CRQ_2waYdgTnscST_L8sh1FZRcDEo25qnNb-d14OGzieNzgIGwWHLVl7rpbtZ3XtwFoJSyNxAs7jQMSbu8KK4DUcfOpLd7GgjRD7wCwaqcg0i-RGr17hSLVmpMRLKwwivN7vL0WPHSyR0/s2048/IMG_0185.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv81SFAdXIMQ9TFFuz3D-5r7wDkYUgonE_BX2aJGPvGds7B9CRQ_2waYdgTnscST_L8sh1FZRcDEo25qnNb-d14OGzieNzgIGwWHLVl7rpbtZ3XtwFoJSyNxAs7jQMSbu8KK4DUcfOpLd7GgjRD7wCwaqcg0i-RGr17hSLVmpMRLKwwivN7vL0WPHSyR0/w400-h300/IMG_0185.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Found a little canyon:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuT7nFPmmCu1xmcuK2ZZddsBhNgZf85-Fq6H8V7tNSn566OoNtRl45RZv70iFTlWOUAMr-hljiwTPAqhNM-BR0bwQkfLqkFSTmuJgZLw54RWo0JvilanOsVac2fQBFt5nSgL9f5ppnPPxI4TnDTUapoCJLuIfx8xGZV64oJ_8H3PTH46H0kyGdkYTapg/s2048/IMG_0190.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuT7nFPmmCu1xmcuK2ZZddsBhNgZf85-Fq6H8V7tNSn566OoNtRl45RZv70iFTlWOUAMr-hljiwTPAqhNM-BR0bwQkfLqkFSTmuJgZLw54RWo0JvilanOsVac2fQBFt5nSgL9f5ppnPPxI4TnDTUapoCJLuIfx8xGZV64oJ_8H3PTH46H0kyGdkYTapg/w400-h300/IMG_0190.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Live long and rainbow:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_q_H2Bo76MF1H3EfUYGZRvICjO4rWckWhMztZFq0tJD6bK7hdY8hUEmgqEgSWb68cwK_YxtkP0F4JloIqrc6zDiQt5o3CUlz2AfjcnPjFcNDkXyXRjTLTYNV2_5Go9ZLehbVbRhi_ERj7-AEv2b7msSIYV9iJOtcuQ0q4ayEFgT_xeO2R56sxtf7Sw8/s2048/IMG_0194.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_q_H2Bo76MF1H3EfUYGZRvICjO4rWckWhMztZFq0tJD6bK7hdY8hUEmgqEgSWb68cwK_YxtkP0F4JloIqrc6zDiQt5o3CUlz2AfjcnPjFcNDkXyXRjTLTYNV2_5Go9ZLehbVbRhi_ERj7-AEv2b7msSIYV9iJOtcuQ0q4ayEFgT_xeO2R56sxtf7Sw8/w400-h300/IMG_0194.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>An old movie set, built in 1965 for the movie "The Professionals". The movie "Star Trek Generations" was filmed in the park too - now we need to watch it again.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggR4htm2hchdqWB-UbODSZUE707BEw-kTbiA4CiLKU61UJvjeb61_53EOL48dkZL-0NwSgyWo2EslV5pODu9DJwSwszKLaHvMNgwldrtcHLge4DSMTDH8V96m8jAv59YZxK8fiFwhNGB7OPLMcCI2DX0wWNCdgCkYn_8na0j_X3kQtM4YvGM_bMPGhvsY/s2048/IMG_0201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggR4htm2hchdqWB-UbODSZUE707BEw-kTbiA4CiLKU61UJvjeb61_53EOL48dkZL-0NwSgyWo2EslV5pODu9DJwSwszKLaHvMNgwldrtcHLge4DSMTDH8V96m8jAv59YZxK8fiFwhNGB7OPLMcCI2DX0wWNCdgCkYn_8na0j_X3kQtM4YvGM_bMPGhvsY/w400-h300/IMG_0201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A taller/darker slot canyon:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCh3Ymko2NTZ1os9iImRXxrL7JfniSvpjQCcBPROhi2mhSVKLXp1rvtGCGp-O9I6NYomfwcywsmRgqBior6P5TNAh23XHGKXa4Up63ftyQbtOIO2Nok0Pl_VBBa1GnKij6yI3NGO1QTIM0Nn5y34r2EgkfEt4-_06eKt5pJO-EWMJLLJOtshpTQsijNU/s2048/IMG_0205.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCh3Ymko2NTZ1os9iImRXxrL7JfniSvpjQCcBPROhi2mhSVKLXp1rvtGCGp-O9I6NYomfwcywsmRgqBior6P5TNAh23XHGKXa4Up63ftyQbtOIO2Nok0Pl_VBBa1GnKij6yI3NGO1QTIM0Nn5y34r2EgkfEt4-_06eKt5pJO-EWMJLLJOtshpTQsijNU/w300-h400/IMG_0205.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It was a good idea to come here in the winter - I can imagine summertime being much more challenging for wandering around.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZ6c99-QAei0ssGkTZWNc2_jAVMDnUcidt5iLGU15CIBq3-Z2MLTIigWmTrTV4XsSiCodbei1q2LCJ4-HFQiOesx_Iox8OeonSx4EN3CMMKgejS4qvrsg_u69QqUfyYAssytCxSaxwIol5geaC3yFHFXJ2FcdDBk1HyRwDczaYUhINEEyepkZB1jj-zE/s2048/IMG_0213.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZ6c99-QAei0ssGkTZWNc2_jAVMDnUcidt5iLGU15CIBq3-Z2MLTIigWmTrTV4XsSiCodbei1q2LCJ4-HFQiOesx_Iox8OeonSx4EN3CMMKgejS4qvrsg_u69QqUfyYAssytCxSaxwIol5geaC3yFHFXJ2FcdDBk1HyRwDczaYUhINEEyepkZB1jj-zE/w400-h300/IMG_0213.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Duck!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YB5DjQzgd8GraUSNlhqUT4GhY8gzR3GsBv2PvMl7UXMwSlKWS8ojPl7wQ-h-vm_RLkEUPevnWilFmyGdS2F5hFmhulBOdsEyy7ip8tQcx3t8_kitHC8S2647VadWTxI-rrVLmJ7rZR-3QWurcK0jQhRLDIcwmgf891V9D5jlUAFBzDt4HZR8tyWoHXU/s2048/IMG_0217.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YB5DjQzgd8GraUSNlhqUT4GhY8gzR3GsBv2PvMl7UXMwSlKWS8ojPl7wQ-h-vm_RLkEUPevnWilFmyGdS2F5hFmhulBOdsEyy7ip8tQcx3t8_kitHC8S2647VadWTxI-rrVLmJ7rZR-3QWurcK0jQhRLDIcwmgf891V9D5jlUAFBzDt4HZR8tyWoHXU/w400-h300/IMG_0217.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I found some out-of-the-way petroglyphs - thank you Gaia!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HxzdDbnVBHSPyQc-IUW9Gn-YI5Vv6AlqjHqZ6KS2Kpyb39FcoCEFhfGaaB0wE2-mATiyOuCWJSuHBikf1ak83av4tLhqEDZ6bKkGyxz2WG6ETYAi0fCNcE-62yyfR8E44y8ljQrP3kcM2SgsKjeDbqpybALjUU_exTbolQ7FGt0RlzH_RJS_tqMqi40/s2048/IMG_0221.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HxzdDbnVBHSPyQc-IUW9Gn-YI5Vv6AlqjHqZ6KS2Kpyb39FcoCEFhfGaaB0wE2-mATiyOuCWJSuHBikf1ak83av4tLhqEDZ6bKkGyxz2WG6ETYAi0fCNcE-62yyfR8E44y8ljQrP3kcM2SgsKjeDbqpybALjUU_exTbolQ7FGt0RlzH_RJS_tqMqi40/w400-h300/IMG_0221.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A stunning sunrise the next morning:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-K00QPf0_cV1k_4kTgijBE6BMPOH-_NvWHrfr_eJIxoVSumC1ZdxCsLUMmQDW7JeY3RHPp0E58-7unY2jtm4MTBAGmif_Z3baU4v6XDINMdZsM_Od-oaKjKJFGrkqGd3elWz8x0f7OtGuFW4M50yidPB2Q_9quT7vnk0Kca2JcSliNeiSXnSo6_5bS8/s2048/IMG_0230.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-K00QPf0_cV1k_4kTgijBE6BMPOH-_NvWHrfr_eJIxoVSumC1ZdxCsLUMmQDW7JeY3RHPp0E58-7unY2jtm4MTBAGmif_Z3baU4v6XDINMdZsM_Od-oaKjKJFGrkqGd3elWz8x0f7OtGuFW4M50yidPB2Q_9quT7vnk0Kca2JcSliNeiSXnSo6_5bS8/w400-h300/IMG_0230.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Admiring the Fire Canyon overlook:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YnpGOkCiI35WKldGrBLE0soY1F48A9wR5G6rZtF7ldbyRNRdfFAHXFcXL0_MqJBlQZy42z_btFPb1MTCo_w8ZBfThix765VMi7zc3jmnLmuPP7evtv4KmlRnp1TN0eQaJFofmXbs5k2QR9_rETgXX1F_3pRw3Sdk4Aw5QjJdmWC0yJiOchqFVRcNKsA/s2048/IMG_0246.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YnpGOkCiI35WKldGrBLE0soY1F48A9wR5G6rZtF7ldbyRNRdfFAHXFcXL0_MqJBlQZy42z_btFPb1MTCo_w8ZBfThix765VMi7zc3jmnLmuPP7evtv4KmlRnp1TN0eQaJFofmXbs5k2QR9_rETgXX1F_3pRw3Sdk4Aw5QjJdmWC0yJiOchqFVRcNKsA/w400-h300/IMG_0246.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One of many arch-like features carved into the sandstone:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSNEx0LMWiSRgRwO0XES5XZUTaQfWdeRhqIAjRZyN3_C1bnjAnRSJa7jagzrkkb9kEwIPtfIYVwL0CAWZNh2aOPgDyqQIsynzgN4FzhuSFjEEe-z9_fxdC1rBa3RDL2GgLyrD0z2d9MKNdHWupkVrNKNEqx0cCIUmd3qhKDk2OMH8lH4VRWvfzAIx3UU/s2048/IMG_0255.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSNEx0LMWiSRgRwO0XES5XZUTaQfWdeRhqIAjRZyN3_C1bnjAnRSJa7jagzrkkb9kEwIPtfIYVwL0CAWZNh2aOPgDyqQIsynzgN4FzhuSFjEEe-z9_fxdC1rBa3RDL2GgLyrD0z2d9MKNdHWupkVrNKNEqx0cCIUmd3qhKDk2OMH8lH4VRWvfzAIx3UU/w400-h300/IMG_0255.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>More petroglyphs along the Mouse's Tank trail:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGQ5NbNPEPS9imU0wWIXcKZEVQn9OsrzcgrVymT5-aLYEAXLtrbBBHMvnSJj5HLxzp9qy3QeewphCNbAbGCLF7BpAajgiZsNrUd0snSKGPTt9KnDY-GvU9XH0unfbRhEtfMHhJEkKBtd3JWfl-eC4x4rFOEXD6JssHQIliS6bSfRcEyhNarKxlYXhoQY/s2048/IMG_0266.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGQ5NbNPEPS9imU0wWIXcKZEVQn9OsrzcgrVymT5-aLYEAXLtrbBBHMvnSJj5HLxzp9qy3QeewphCNbAbGCLF7BpAajgiZsNrUd0snSKGPTt9KnDY-GvU9XH0unfbRhEtfMHhJEkKBtd3JWfl-eC4x4rFOEXD6JssHQIliS6bSfRcEyhNarKxlYXhoQY/w400-h300/IMG_0266.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There was something to take a picture of every time we turned a corner:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0hRE9jEqHNNwfq9CPYBTZK0LHtfnihPBloM41C4lPzHqZTdJWFKwYCJqdYSHtKEsgyR1BQBUnX19teL86NWaLwuhY5zOaWW3NZoCzmzBr8k9bQv9-Kn2KtrnQ_DHFy8jzqzgqr9qzJnv69Q4e8Li0C-lfvLINqilf4P9P2NiGyzQNcbnRu8AEbHBaKw/s2048/IMG_0273.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0hRE9jEqHNNwfq9CPYBTZK0LHtfnihPBloM41C4lPzHqZTdJWFKwYCJqdYSHtKEsgyR1BQBUnX19teL86NWaLwuhY5zOaWW3NZoCzmzBr8k9bQv9-Kn2KtrnQ_DHFy8jzqzgqr9qzJnv69Q4e8Li0C-lfvLINqilf4P9P2NiGyzQNcbnRu8AEbHBaKw/w400-h300/IMG_0273.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One of several cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (thank you, CCC!)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMWvppQwkm_iY5nEZoNGjPQHkX_-NwhPrMtg0AEiZgfZjKKY3cSHzKGttUTycm_ySejO7VK80Uk1V9uCoETJ17tlY-y9Em_0QpxixQQdvT4O8PCTlC3MhLLfmuKtdy_ZFPtGG_-p8c25MHJzpxYPF7i-QPaeA8PS4bUGIM2e6_8yR4_9RzwAniUPPj58/s2048/IMG_0277.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMWvppQwkm_iY5nEZoNGjPQHkX_-NwhPrMtg0AEiZgfZjKKY3cSHzKGttUTycm_ySejO7VK80Uk1V9uCoETJ17tlY-y9Em_0QpxixQQdvT4O8PCTlC3MhLLfmuKtdy_ZFPtGG_-p8c25MHJzpxYPF7i-QPaeA8PS4bUGIM2e6_8yR4_9RzwAniUPPj58/w400-h300/IMG_0277.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A scenic view from inside the cabin:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQcY1VoXdNmbGpAjb9LK4UusMlRRGZlrjDrWVo09UUsJPjjaaoX82dxUp1ublCqgYDVF8u_St1Ysg_fKMh2D066PtoWKi9Ho6fuLihBfIw5r-fgRnMSIi1oTvd_ZMExoAYYtKJDg6Qh1CmI7s_CpsUB5qLbLVHyjJnB8wjUy5V-PtcZqeyDyaynMz5Bs/s2048/IMG_0280.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQcY1VoXdNmbGpAjb9LK4UusMlRRGZlrjDrWVo09UUsJPjjaaoX82dxUp1ublCqgYDVF8u_St1Ysg_fKMh2D066PtoWKi9Ho6fuLihBfIw5r-fgRnMSIi1oTvd_ZMExoAYYtKJDg6Qh1CmI7s_CpsUB5qLbLVHyjJnB8wjUy5V-PtcZqeyDyaynMz5Bs/w300-h400/IMG_0280.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A bridge from the Star Trek movie - apparently Kirk fell and died at this spot, although there must have been some editing to make it look a whole lot higher off the ground!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMq5xpv_PIhnoMYjoNGXTD1VYurzvEBnibLZhgxZsZ3OMlnMcTPzavpDJexoS0cvayd8dLz4AbASaihITtPv1R8YaYBc2YGzPiEeOjJ81hWeO4iXHGGEeMEn0g3j4a3hlxaVulYRUCSy0REgENoBDbhkt9ehsBLze3OLjelS_ke8Nt0gyBg6csncvLs0/s2048/IMG_0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMq5xpv_PIhnoMYjoNGXTD1VYurzvEBnibLZhgxZsZ3OMlnMcTPzavpDJexoS0cvayd8dLz4AbASaihITtPv1R8YaYBc2YGzPiEeOjJ81hWeO4iXHGGEeMEn0g3j4a3hlxaVulYRUCSy0REgENoBDbhkt9ehsBLze3OLjelS_ke8Nt0gyBg6csncvLs0/w400-h300/IMG_0288.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Super cool Elephant Rock!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbiQ5SJdjNiedwfFFFqvgbZrwBnuTQgIl19Mwc4Vk5wyDdc1jjqDg-hvdrDT-dui_zuseNkEmC7eqEy5tpywFj7RrC33Ah7E3oP8zR3X-XCyqX8Qc4IXU5XH360i1xG8gw8vzEelIAI64AoMIMcXsLLwdcyFbS_9qrHqJBtW7z8_Oy7lyoGDP-KywbHQ/s2048/IMG_0297.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbiQ5SJdjNiedwfFFFqvgbZrwBnuTQgIl19Mwc4Vk5wyDdc1jjqDg-hvdrDT-dui_zuseNkEmC7eqEy5tpywFj7RrC33Ah7E3oP8zR3X-XCyqX8Qc4IXU5XH360i1xG8gw8vzEelIAI64AoMIMcXsLLwdcyFbS_9qrHqJBtW7z8_Oy7lyoGDP-KywbHQ/w400-h300/IMG_0297.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The petrified logs were underwhelming, as they were mostly covered with dirt/rocks and behind fences. Not every park can have everything - go to Petrified Forest National Park for the epitome of petrification.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirONVx6XdoI8CzIuoDM2bti6eeMlemE_kvUDHDUsMt5Tm8-hJ8ogVxZCkQGK3MriTFNvHT1Yj0k-YI1OU60svSrX0Pr2MTuxLCiikUlGBCU7Z62Fto0PrCxcfbk3r18kia0Lxlu2BIHKinhSyYYSc8AQE2_uVmv1gfmHga86fgnSn8pLeftoPiEdRPlYI/s2048/IMG_0301.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirONVx6XdoI8CzIuoDM2bti6eeMlemE_kvUDHDUsMt5Tm8-hJ8ogVxZCkQGK3MriTFNvHT1Yj0k-YI1OU60svSrX0Pr2MTuxLCiikUlGBCU7Z62Fto0PrCxcfbk3r18kia0Lxlu2BIHKinhSyYYSc8AQE2_uVmv1gfmHga86fgnSn8pLeftoPiEdRPlYI/w400-h300/IMG_0301.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Back to what Valley of Fire excels at - incredible stone shapes. This one is called Piano Rock:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySZMII6kmL1ycSBuSqVfGANT367IpAbxUla0UOpQM7m2aDtA8eIu-Sv8evfwzcz-4eWsORKidNaF64L3inhHB8VzV_Or2W_jwWuGVGFPYwK_YiC3XqVqJ12xRBMJ6fLPMX-vQ1dVFm1rWj6XNkigCZdPhsg56A_tAELJQg3MlMkjCLmThS3Tt8WH4ikw/s2048/IMG_0311.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySZMII6kmL1ycSBuSqVfGANT367IpAbxUla0UOpQM7m2aDtA8eIu-Sv8evfwzcz-4eWsORKidNaF64L3inhHB8VzV_Or2W_jwWuGVGFPYwK_YiC3XqVqJ12xRBMJ6fLPMX-vQ1dVFm1rWj6XNkigCZdPhsg56A_tAELJQg3MlMkjCLmThS3Tt8WH4ikw/w400-h300/IMG_0311.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not sure if this is officially called Dog Rock, but it should be:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOp9Q_IUMAIzLiy_JWQWHr5Mtt3EtQdMRpTRBFU-2ZWDqn6hKVOiWDuT5aORVr30GANKKBSxZwMckx9tCAD4HF1Lwu1APsgazZ8fOCXrjh-Qjfg57Byx1Im79zXIJqbSwxwf-CZwH1lMkdrapc36L4Md5pLj0TlE78ocCS1fdkrajhHv6PXMRKvw6u-60/s2048/IMG_0316.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOp9Q_IUMAIzLiy_JWQWHr5Mtt3EtQdMRpTRBFU-2ZWDqn6hKVOiWDuT5aORVr30GANKKBSxZwMckx9tCAD4HF1Lwu1APsgazZ8fOCXrjh-Qjfg57Byx1Im79zXIJqbSwxwf-CZwH1lMkdrapc36L4Md5pLj0TlE78ocCS1fdkrajhHv6PXMRKvw6u-60/w400-h300/IMG_0316.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We stayed in one of the prettiest campgrounds we've come across. Our site was quite nice, and others like this one were spectacular:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNPkiJGZ_mgTMqwlkvrsxWjVFimE87OTdY9mFLyOrsOcVmcXAwUbE7niK4LGBQkRSlJ8Kv_BwMKUYR4ibL-heykyHuzbky34uX_u-ZuZ-qC2_sdRjz9FluOc_Jy7xfjTOEwSHD_1rFeeQiaLbAOR0Hrtwi0mywmd1w5fvWfFCvu4Io3ok-VeREHzq3W4/s2048/IMG_0320.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNPkiJGZ_mgTMqwlkvrsxWjVFimE87OTdY9mFLyOrsOcVmcXAwUbE7niK4LGBQkRSlJ8Kv_BwMKUYR4ibL-heykyHuzbky34uX_u-ZuZ-qC2_sdRjz9FluOc_Jy7xfjTOEwSHD_1rFeeQiaLbAOR0Hrtwi0mywmd1w5fvWfFCvu4Io3ok-VeREHzq3W4/w400-h300/IMG_0320.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Just another random arch - keep your eyes open, most aren't labeled on the map:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgifWd5Zz8mpiW0fyv97m1xki2rzVMyv6GfUWpAc49G6Z21PQQpSaq3GGNRdAp9Ee9V0Vc1jo2FCpm-AiCIAzSvkjkwamt42k_DX-EkFORUmj0epfr2ZAe9SaPqv4J5qldjxfFa0ieX-R07PaBImi1Jf5yqwpJBKIQ4vDo8mjRtH92wW0_EYIsIgE8l4/s2048/IMG_0323.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgifWd5Zz8mpiW0fyv97m1xki2rzVMyv6GfUWpAc49G6Z21PQQpSaq3GGNRdAp9Ee9V0Vc1jo2FCpm-AiCIAzSvkjkwamt42k_DX-EkFORUmj0epfr2ZAe9SaPqv4J5qldjxfFa0ieX-R07PaBImi1Jf5yqwpJBKIQ4vDo8mjRtH92wW0_EYIsIgE8l4/w400-h300/IMG_0323.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>More bighorn sheep, wandering through showing off their horns:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8HZyDJQeXPYa-wUSX_FxX2yoGpHDh7EVDdovf0BUdT_jnl0ic28Q8DqgFdAlT99wQ_qcd-x_Gw276Td6Z_s9Xg1MjqVRMShmheMC70BASFt9FKuNVDfMlvaOUHiTW8D7dO6Z7v8UolBwhs0GB9xhBykN8O1opMBvEBm8JQtg5dpbP6s3ADSS2FNXavs/s2048/IMG_0328.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8HZyDJQeXPYa-wUSX_FxX2yoGpHDh7EVDdovf0BUdT_jnl0ic28Q8DqgFdAlT99wQ_qcd-x_Gw276Td6Z_s9Xg1MjqVRMShmheMC70BASFt9FKuNVDfMlvaOUHiTW8D7dO6Z7v8UolBwhs0GB9xhBykN8O1opMBvEBm8JQtg5dpbP6s3ADSS2FNXavs/w400-h300/IMG_0328.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Steep stairs up to get a good look at Atlatl Rock (also a good place to find a tiny bit of cell service, funnily enough):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVizKJ2qehl6faAAASGCXsFs3_tszFaMmW-ozuAWpYiU0JeXa-ib4oF95XLp56TKq2ZShvgpLVGlu21ayi9u_gA_qIZyLtEZxaDGm0nHpENL8wO2Ay1ztOYAwQqFK3QKeLnYUH3wFhkO48gU02vWU3h5MYTbwUlYz9iKPAHQbtRG9wa28Z1kXc8DCP7Y/s2048/IMG_0331.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVizKJ2qehl6faAAASGCXsFs3_tszFaMmW-ozuAWpYiU0JeXa-ib4oF95XLp56TKq2ZShvgpLVGlu21ayi9u_gA_qIZyLtEZxaDGm0nHpENL8wO2Ay1ztOYAwQqFK3QKeLnYUH3wFhkO48gU02vWU3h5MYTbwUlYz9iKPAHQbtRG9wa28Z1kXc8DCP7Y/w300-h400/IMG_0331.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Atlatl Rock petroglyphs:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvurAVcO1D6ssQ3jRxcJkCYv-RNofAmydXVkI6I4GEsec8l5xMd5X66x2jhiY7WUKU-wzrn2bG8rkCjEJm4fS2FZydnGd8iflD0uRhegYD5tEiY0eUUhcKh7-dGaQG8QYLgNWVcde2HH2FGhAWJNookl2L6OsS9FiVCitDvbzXeeAcTs10RYuIsktLbY/s2048/IMG_0332.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvurAVcO1D6ssQ3jRxcJkCYv-RNofAmydXVkI6I4GEsec8l5xMd5X66x2jhiY7WUKU-wzrn2bG8rkCjEJm4fS2FZydnGd8iflD0uRhegYD5tEiY0eUUhcKh7-dGaQG8QYLgNWVcde2HH2FGhAWJNookl2L6OsS9FiVCitDvbzXeeAcTs10RYuIsktLbY/w400-h300/IMG_0332.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After every hike we spent a few minutes dumping sand from our shoes. The parking lot shows evidence of this frequent practice:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95wjuurUoyyFWqBwQM_lbKFwIxI_05_yITumUtmD4N4BgQZKPoBBjF3HjYOBocuSLcIlgtRj0AfVXhBB_IZQhnDaWiWcH5muZiWvGWTDl9aM9UaevRsMO1dyaxURg9csA0JljXIiwz89Ue9Y1Z4v1d9Dskb6pesJ_1mFVKFLn68CPEY6YfWYBOmxeZRY/s2048/IMG_0337.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95wjuurUoyyFWqBwQM_lbKFwIxI_05_yITumUtmD4N4BgQZKPoBBjF3HjYOBocuSLcIlgtRj0AfVXhBB_IZQhnDaWiWcH5muZiWvGWTDl9aM9UaevRsMO1dyaxURg9csA0JljXIiwz89Ue9Y1Z4v1d9Dskb6pesJ_1mFVKFLn68CPEY6YfWYBOmxeZRY/w400-h300/IMG_0337.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One last morning, one more trek, doing a key swap with John so we could both go one-way (in opposite directions) on the Prospect Trail. Glad we did, as there was more to see:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZzkj8CrCHNnQ4Pv88he9c_5dviarHdzS-jf1ok_UxEM3rBi_evZEmFyp-KUfbdGVx3mSdkCBO6A4pNzmcrXqIJ2SlqZ_3PdPzZB4OgeNUPvqPDAZ_XUyEcxbP-PcpL_j_qC3_4GJbpeZiWzFYk6L3ayAFlBKqjHMDY29M68ynAa9SOEI0xNi3wn6HPE/s2048/IMG_0346.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZzkj8CrCHNnQ4Pv88he9c_5dviarHdzS-jf1ok_UxEM3rBi_evZEmFyp-KUfbdGVx3mSdkCBO6A4pNzmcrXqIJ2SlqZ_3PdPzZB4OgeNUPvqPDAZ_XUyEcxbP-PcpL_j_qC3_4GJbpeZiWzFYk6L3ayAFlBKqjHMDY29M68ynAa9SOEI0xNi3wn6HPE/w400-h300/IMG_0346.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And one last little bighorn for good measure!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-lmcQKhXwsaz1fv2ugVbEeUIoFUGQ4kwlNXthCaZYVWsLhzPCN_OBHmVeww8ol5h-FTQI-s13REMRlrMbFTV6Ti5Rs1SCEmpvt1TBRr70nIdFbZSxpC7S7ltMp6McO5-sZZgQaEVnK7qztqOk-XKOEHpn1rBZIu2plApWGdBIL6GMnoQu31LKB3rAkw/s1563/IMG_0348.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1270" data-original-width="1563" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-lmcQKhXwsaz1fv2ugVbEeUIoFUGQ4kwlNXthCaZYVWsLhzPCN_OBHmVeww8ol5h-FTQI-s13REMRlrMbFTV6Ti5Rs1SCEmpvt1TBRr70nIdFbZSxpC7S7ltMp6McO5-sZZgQaEVnK7qztqOk-XKOEHpn1rBZIu2plApWGdBIL6GMnoQu31LKB3rAkw/w400-h325/IMG_0348.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, Valley of Fire, for all the amazing scenery, perfect weather, and motivation to roam around outside for several days!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0Z_BN_fNGvd2TdiTKuVsHqKroywVnYt0YBlfEs7NK1FNnt9YfgkqQoSVAETgf_yb059u3g-J8pmRKpyeTXeV7oAblxuz3dwCKaF6yQbMlM6O0ciKq9hL4gNlUXdj3LUWFEg9TPpjq6zd7LK1IzktygbRF3Mq1W3Gk91safSWA96Yu_goexleBkeA8GA/s2048/IMG_0350.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0Z_BN_fNGvd2TdiTKuVsHqKroywVnYt0YBlfEs7NK1FNnt9YfgkqQoSVAETgf_yb059u3g-J8pmRKpyeTXeV7oAblxuz3dwCKaF6yQbMlM6O0ciKq9hL4gNlUXdj3LUWFEg9TPpjq6zd7LK1IzktygbRF3Mq1W3Gk91safSWA96Yu_goexleBkeA8GA/w400-h300/IMG_0350.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-64861691760450745102024-02-09T07:52:00.000-08:002024-02-09T07:52:42.840-08:00Superstitious minds<div style="text-align: left;">John had a week off from work between Christmas and New Year's, so we packed up the truck and went off to explore. We did some camping, and then pretty much the opposite of camping.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">First off, a day in the Superstition Mountains. For being close to Phoenix and easy to see, they are anything but easy to get up into. We looked forward to climbing Siphon Draw again, I wanted to see some of the trails on the ridge, and if all went perfectly I might even get an FKT.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Camping out with Tug-E at the base of the Superstitions:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_ePrYYG_QyNtmb0vTqWU1d2_RfjKFPj0GcO62xbKOiuFxcVXsmW78L12u8AlcEEjH81WGGcNehFqoXu2yfQK65Cy00kBhWjyt08kjT08sTwIQS9NVq7yZbrBVTK1nf5m1s1M0Vy89C0G1EsdESvhQbG5njpmGzcN-ZagRdPb9t9n-PoV4ZuwXmQ2-Uk/s2041/IMG_0124.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1291" data-original-width="2041" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_ePrYYG_QyNtmb0vTqWU1d2_RfjKFPj0GcO62xbKOiuFxcVXsmW78L12u8AlcEEjH81WGGcNehFqoXu2yfQK65Cy00kBhWjyt08kjT08sTwIQS9NVq7yZbrBVTK1nf5m1s1M0Vy89C0G1EsdESvhQbG5njpmGzcN-ZagRdPb9t9n-PoV4ZuwXmQ2-Uk/w400-h253/IMG_0124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Getting an early start:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29DAYu7K8m1kmPBOACo1FUb6he6OcKAVtzbEgd5Ni5eqTkOV8iTVWj4eDoYJ25vuObOt07fTp8-cECWFkZwQt534jXHdY8JK-V7aK_or2y6xUMU0T2XBAX3b26rzmORadFwwdZWWEtooAOaOdgQjxyWx140pWjg2AdHbl2VU_qTs-zbY8VLFLaXfeOxc/s2048/IMG_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29DAYu7K8m1kmPBOACo1FUb6he6OcKAVtzbEgd5Ni5eqTkOV8iTVWj4eDoYJ25vuObOt07fTp8-cECWFkZwQt534jXHdY8JK-V7aK_or2y6xUMU0T2XBAX3b26rzmORadFwwdZWWEtooAOaOdgQjxyWx140pWjg2AdHbl2VU_qTs-zbY8VLFLaXfeOxc/w400-h300/IMG_0130.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>A beautiful sunrise shadow as we were climbing Siphon Draw - the downside being that we wouldn't have sun on us until we reached the top:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6OqevbBeZcJEXdjXX-LQIcgsgkp4LPGqYXdeDQfJfhyphenhyphen6bKlu-lodfSD_OVG3Wtrr5xjcH1iomrpxcNBUrICsKFklXfUZw_YgUtERY5gMa1wd6FvYXcV9gXZtZN2ZYxzagFSWgSora8P4lACjzoYnCfR3hI8A0cPiTv13NCTyWC18ACUOQEB2vQUvyys/s2048/IMG_0131.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6OqevbBeZcJEXdjXX-LQIcgsgkp4LPGqYXdeDQfJfhyphenhyphen6bKlu-lodfSD_OVG3Wtrr5xjcH1iomrpxcNBUrICsKFklXfUZw_YgUtERY5gMa1wd6FvYXcV9gXZtZN2ZYxzagFSWgSora8P4lACjzoYnCfR3hI8A0cPiTv13NCTyWC18ACUOQEB2vQUvyys/w400-h300/IMG_0131.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>John led the way up the boulders. It's a steep, scrambly climb, and we made a wrong turn even having been here before (maybe someday we'll remember from one time to the next):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLF3fDmnC1ZhKPdLzxYMB4eOol2cezGPWqVVfLSMJUYRwmFO_L8nPL_Sq7AJeOjX9zaatJj_hBDDMczaLE9HVbFcfGYXPCgnTk16V7TMJ49rhm-lM5G7RtKmtQKGBpssW2WfJ85K2J3FpHQ45AzsqUGbyWtiTcY_tKzcPMUvuIgrFO99MJ76pbznFpjY/s2048/IMG_0132.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLF3fDmnC1ZhKPdLzxYMB4eOol2cezGPWqVVfLSMJUYRwmFO_L8nPL_Sq7AJeOjX9zaatJj_hBDDMczaLE9HVbFcfGYXPCgnTk16V7TMJ49rhm-lM5G7RtKmtQKGBpssW2WfJ85K2J3FpHQ45AzsqUGbyWtiTcY_tKzcPMUvuIgrFO99MJ76pbznFpjY/w400-h300/IMG_0132.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Yay for sunshine!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzl9TBuomQYjpoF2Q_TVlFOo4J2YMmX0IhkjlPhRdY1pHluHBhN8gyLi9tVP0OxjUPJob-tz7IKfkZkMWLj3yknOF2VYfEA6aF98w9-cx6fuqGNlHkiXxrmsqyiXkTbkMxBhroilAURkYqImZNAoap3UstHl6plx8jJzGYOyI5BVvJDvbNp-cxmJf-00/s2048/IMG_0135.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzl9TBuomQYjpoF2Q_TVlFOo4J2YMmX0IhkjlPhRdY1pHluHBhN8gyLi9tVP0OxjUPJob-tz7IKfkZkMWLj3yknOF2VYfEA6aF98w9-cx6fuqGNlHkiXxrmsqyiXkTbkMxBhroilAURkYqImZNAoap3UstHl6plx8jJzGYOyI5BVvJDvbNp-cxmJf-00/w400-h300/IMG_0135.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>John headed down while I started the next phase of route-finding. The "figure it out" challenges continued, small detours to one side and the other. It's mostly a real trail, just not well defined every step of the way.</div><div><br /></div><div>I tried not to get too distracted by the wonderful scenery and interesting rock shapes:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSX8VqbWg_kzsMN4nuoWFK9VN0HsyzyQOSKLyJaXDl0DiCr7ubXh7OwH3rW1dAS-H0sQ8UQwrkM2dhBguLb-5WGbgomMzA8ZkIqL8g9l-8ALPY7PcljlLzz6XSHFcPVHNcdD0bfjmHA6vgG1uFsLZTiZie-1MjwCQeEmz6hda7eF9gJijxYNv2AfKfbQ/s2048/IMG_0139.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSX8VqbWg_kzsMN4nuoWFK9VN0HsyzyQOSKLyJaXDl0DiCr7ubXh7OwH3rW1dAS-H0sQ8UQwrkM2dhBguLb-5WGbgomMzA8ZkIqL8g9l-8ALPY7PcljlLzz6XSHFcPVHNcdD0bfjmHA6vgG1uFsLZTiZie-1MjwCQeEmz6hda7eF9gJijxYNv2AfKfbQ/w400-h300/IMG_0139.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On the other hand, this is one big benefit of climbing up here - excellent views in all directions. Looking back to the little saddle I had come from:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9PDn59xvY-Rr2yIuqs73wJkSDRpBuISt6NG3dhFEqsZ9fFKojgIoN-8EHFj1PcZWRc5ExoSMhiIK9vjP18EJHDgh8-UzyFwVih3nq3aU_Tbmn41XEcThzc8Lvi8bw8RLNBRJf6Mx_xXfb3u3Fy01zDmZb2FGClETNmnXwN6O0jcjidk21bRPqIifLVI/s2048/IMG_0140.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9PDn59xvY-Rr2yIuqs73wJkSDRpBuISt6NG3dhFEqsZ9fFKojgIoN-8EHFj1PcZWRc5ExoSMhiIK9vjP18EJHDgh8-UzyFwVih3nq3aU_Tbmn41XEcThzc8Lvi8bw8RLNBRJf6Mx_xXfb3u3Fy01zDmZb2FGClETNmnXwN6O0jcjidk21bRPqIifLVI/w400-h300/IMG_0140.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Lots of little boulder climbs/descents, and then a nice runnable section on the way to the next peaks:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjni1PfolWmU7zSGDlOmCwgLiHnG1lXbcMJboubkluMWqe7NjniJivPE28cfA9d9-ZbP5OsTuip1QJpb81qY_JD7N_fv59S-U8x1QG_Wg7DIj3fe2JHbjU3sOuH2Ix2_y52WheEvY2iDBV4FUEYeKNgvygHmjE87KToMgC2_zgINqQIVoLFLXesFE380s8/s2048/IMG_0147.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjni1PfolWmU7zSGDlOmCwgLiHnG1lXbcMJboubkluMWqe7NjniJivPE28cfA9d9-ZbP5OsTuip1QJpb81qY_JD7N_fv59S-U8x1QG_Wg7DIj3fe2JHbjU3sOuH2Ix2_y52WheEvY2iDBV4FUEYeKNgvygHmjE87KToMgC2_zgINqQIVoLFLXesFE380s8/w400-h300/IMG_0147.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After a bit more route finding, I came to a spot that I wasn't super keen to try. At least not by myself. I worked out how I might make it happen, but still decided to bail and turn around. No FKT, no matter. It's all good training.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0P4z7TWrO_ZuCbS-q43m4oOR59YJs9a-zKzxvy4fl0O5XnernAMnwyhrr2lUUZt6Z6a_o-3pDgN26BPidJo39NKPwstsJZRND_0fUkuI2vXP7Tyu-R0x1JlJ4H6BS_jBnNQfimLWQTXCEHAGpXZu34plJirJ1LO1xgkevBNOaySss9vHB7elDb23keLA/s2048/IMG_0151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0P4z7TWrO_ZuCbS-q43m4oOR59YJs9a-zKzxvy4fl0O5XnernAMnwyhrr2lUUZt6Z6a_o-3pDgN26BPidJo39NKPwstsJZRND_0fUkuI2vXP7Tyu-R0x1JlJ4H6BS_jBnNQfimLWQTXCEHAGpXZu34plJirJ1LO1xgkevBNOaySss9vHB7elDb23keLA/w300-h400/IMG_0151.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>I let John know (he was going to meet me at the other end of the trail) and started back west. More smile-inducing views, including a side look at the Weaver's Needle:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJ1bl1NuJ-Bo_MTpO6QgPVwGRCdOv14cPY4Hmod5I8pO5AA-gTIBwQ6nlE3ZMv56SNJ7p4ty7ERunEHSAadLcSyqtaQ-IeA-_YZ-0v9IoG2C4KfS9jYjG9D2Wsg6YuVN-YPShw0nTyJ0zRvYPiCrU8B2Zu32F44Au64LqR4eZTP5TSDH5XfAcRcJXUV8/s2048/IMG_0164.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJ1bl1NuJ-Bo_MTpO6QgPVwGRCdOv14cPY4Hmod5I8pO5AA-gTIBwQ6nlE3ZMv56SNJ7p4ty7ERunEHSAadLcSyqtaQ-IeA-_YZ-0v9IoG2C4KfS9jYjG9D2Wsg6YuVN-YPShw0nTyJ0zRvYPiCrU8B2Zu32F44Au64LqR4eZTP5TSDH5XfAcRcJXUV8/w400-h300/IMG_0164.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This cholla ball almost looks like a dead bird... either way, don't touch it:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-wtQ3ZtPgF3qZD0cbOOzF7ySTa5cuKsugTFYwCgw69CbsdekWCL6XfIhGM_SiXblDjk_VQgQ1zP7g84zTOPTH5K8yoACu6CkK3jAVKxXSmgyKbt_Rxnp8SKevEISRiZCbslLwSeFC4ke3e6CuPUC0lkF34S7Rs3e0c3paxxADEi92OkoCYvUa2mq2VY/s2048/IMG_0167.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-wtQ3ZtPgF3qZD0cbOOzF7ySTa5cuKsugTFYwCgw69CbsdekWCL6XfIhGM_SiXblDjk_VQgQ1zP7g84zTOPTH5K8yoACu6CkK3jAVKxXSmgyKbt_Rxnp8SKevEISRiZCbslLwSeFC4ke3e6CuPUC0lkF34S7Rs3e0c3paxxADEi92OkoCYvUa2mq2VY/w400-h300/IMG_0167.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The trail occasionally gives you difficult (and pokey) choices:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EV7Rf65kigJjk0mBQPYejeVNzEY2CwmMIWiDMSG9sDHFT5RADiJgnwDwM22_17FRnD5B9pIAaRDRo4DQegy3B2xutXwHpeLXRboECxWhYdo-9LiHiXrehENhlaGE3e2lIAsDu5aKlq0BC4dlq0M5SEdpbFEcnqj9-q5NZP02LzFDB3NWrAS83JsNtLI/s2048/IMG_0169.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EV7Rf65kigJjk0mBQPYejeVNzEY2CwmMIWiDMSG9sDHFT5RADiJgnwDwM22_17FRnD5B9pIAaRDRo4DQegy3B2xutXwHpeLXRboECxWhYdo-9LiHiXrehENhlaGE3e2lIAsDu5aKlq0BC4dlq0M5SEdpbFEcnqj9-q5NZP02LzFDB3NWrAS83JsNtLI/w400-h300/IMG_0169.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hey, it's John! He had climbed back up Siphon Draw to meet me - so he got even more elevation gain than I did for the day:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1L73u7Y72pa2NAyxtISg40Igmqr8kQDMGDmZ4sKNCR06tZTM0KL7UrvsCiY6sUdS8ZVQuVFuj2NWR0iJmJRYV8v-O73g8TMr7SIN2_pLwLOjeSchWbN6k2Ic2rGE70SujX3Q03187HYak_-Tuqa-LSd752m1cANvzDjPgmtsXFvl4vKLT6Wl5uRyt0SY/s1676/IMG_0172.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1299" data-original-width="1676" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1L73u7Y72pa2NAyxtISg40Igmqr8kQDMGDmZ4sKNCR06tZTM0KL7UrvsCiY6sUdS8ZVQuVFuj2NWR0iJmJRYV8v-O73g8TMr7SIN2_pLwLOjeSchWbN6k2Ic2rGE70SujX3Q03187HYak_-Tuqa-LSd752m1cANvzDjPgmtsXFvl4vKLT6Wl5uRyt0SY/w400-h310/IMG_0172.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>John's view of the situation (aka dueling cameras):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIXf_ViRDuo2QhDzIPTQ_iZvsMjZIqUqUH-EGvCZXy7zXe28XbDnL-dmkapjc2zKTX4jE0zGVO2FB1LVffEbXk7CjVtrEuZhl36yHy3iE1_so-s7naXT5l5h1LVjc6b5eoasWU9P6o2CVNzhPqKAhQz9ZrfIQQIplHNwEZ2SvZbeh-wux7BBOpeTHQrw/s2440/IMG_0172a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1989" data-original-width="2440" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIXf_ViRDuo2QhDzIPTQ_iZvsMjZIqUqUH-EGvCZXy7zXe28XbDnL-dmkapjc2zKTX4jE0zGVO2FB1LVffEbXk7CjVtrEuZhl36yHy3iE1_so-s7naXT5l5h1LVjc6b5eoasWU9P6o2CVNzhPqKAhQz9ZrfIQQIplHNwEZ2SvZbeh-wux7BBOpeTHQrw/w400-h326/IMG_0172a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Since we had time, we checked out a couple of the overlooks at the top of Siphon Draw:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf18edhmeDuah7YCHlkxW2ihXhni6r4A9gwQ3lQIIRp6Lv16qujlhH7BvkSGXuQbdjAkYBFCLLAi3VtfCrS8zIaN2TztQHszhuwOf1m2YKuyCHYSuKDzyxLqAqhycZtzrAeoBDqIGM9uVc47OIZhQsNDlDNaKtZ_r9qE_LPwccTvCH20Qt-3Z_urvUYm4/s2048/IMG_0176.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf18edhmeDuah7YCHlkxW2ihXhni6r4A9gwQ3lQIIRp6Lv16qujlhH7BvkSGXuQbdjAkYBFCLLAi3VtfCrS8zIaN2TztQHszhuwOf1m2YKuyCHYSuKDzyxLqAqhycZtzrAeoBDqIGM9uVc47OIZhQsNDlDNaKtZ_r9qE_LPwccTvCH20Qt-3Z_urvUYm4/w400-h300/IMG_0176.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A lovely desert sunset to close out a fun day:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzByfKq-LcVRKQtrL8BMPOYqDK2voUq4eOP0Z2ILNeavTwoXNHEBVgigOfq9N-V6sevlW6eGwINqHtFAHsxFo6a2_bJSdmY9b7kShCwIuDWIHYapmAmHvtea4d5M_xeKyMY427-4m3M8Fgn2IaJyBDQh1zlnU4TiVLLtRd6A4nKUuGJ_1HD6nB7HDlec/s3259/IMG_0176a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1282" data-original-width="3259" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzByfKq-LcVRKQtrL8BMPOYqDK2voUq4eOP0Z2ILNeavTwoXNHEBVgigOfq9N-V6sevlW6eGwINqHtFAHsxFo6a2_bJSdmY9b7kShCwIuDWIHYapmAmHvtea4d5M_xeKyMY427-4m3M8Fgn2IaJyBDQh1zlnU4TiVLLtRd6A4nKUuGJ_1HD6nB7HDlec/w400-h158/IMG_0176a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Next up - Nevada!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-73422717567083083312024-02-06T12:38:00.000-08:002024-02-06T12:38:04.218-08:00On and off trail around Tucson<div style="text-align: left;">In December we roamed around in the Catalina Mountains, trying different trailheads and routes. Starting January 1, some off-trail areas are off limits for 4 months for Bighorn Sheep lambing season. So we started with a climb up toward Finger Rock to get that in before the closure.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My "finger rock" pose:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2QubuqSF4nKdwaSFyirNj2wpzkGcBlWNRqafH7YQx9SsKfuX0mpX2gKbCSAzXkLNsgEKz8k-pXvLpRl7Fa05MFb01pfbvAZI1B-XhC280M-NWliqK1UBjviCRqgG09gcDgk0axFjTM5vpNnG3Yf-5jbqz22ZmB40fh8hc1KsoD-FYolUImX5L-AldoM/s2469/1%20IMG_20231209_090952438.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2469" data-original-width="1860" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2QubuqSF4nKdwaSFyirNj2wpzkGcBlWNRqafH7YQx9SsKfuX0mpX2gKbCSAzXkLNsgEKz8k-pXvLpRl7Fa05MFb01pfbvAZI1B-XhC280M-NWliqK1UBjviCRqgG09gcDgk0axFjTM5vpNnG3Yf-5jbqz22ZmB40fh8hc1KsoD-FYolUImX5L-AldoM/w301-h400/1%20IMG_20231209_090952438.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We headed up a small use trail to the Finger Guard, the larger bump to the right of Finger Rock. Around the back side of the Guard, we got a good look at Finger Rock from a different angle:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKORZmIxsama5_nc44pYnnPrhHdrLOMf8zr_i1sGqiGnAbej3DD0WcWf0gHb5ic3HQqgG5T9nTu-wBoGDRH_a4ULDkTcdJSW2D_FnqUo1Cd61dUfD3kDNqSwYkOeiTAUNFvZNkjLe3Mp8ZTB25_j6Y1sw-msm1qKeV7OvhhHNvn631raBMb7N1Msw0r0/s4032/2%20PXL_20231209_185306404.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKORZmIxsama5_nc44pYnnPrhHdrLOMf8zr_i1sGqiGnAbej3DD0WcWf0gHb5ic3HQqgG5T9nTu-wBoGDRH_a4ULDkTcdJSW2D_FnqUo1Cd61dUfD3kDNqSwYkOeiTAUNFvZNkjLe3Mp8ZTB25_j6Y1sw-msm1qKeV7OvhhHNvn631raBMb7N1Msw0r0/w300-h400/2%20PXL_20231209_185306404.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We brought a small rope and John helped me up a couple trickier sections. Eventually I found a spot where I was happy hanging out and waiting, and John clambered up to the top. He took this picture of Finger Rock, which is about impossible to pick out in front of the cliffs behind it (all the same colors and similar shapes):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqaJ7mXInWPfJ0GWfdiQMVvuco9kc4_yEFt4iHKs0_ZYqiyRcAKc5kqBpm8mDOaa1eqW04fn3An_qnkmuCAdkCF5xsKBDEVhbhGWSiUq2H9p2bTMrSZe0ibGyLnntuxrsQOQyfd55H910w_5IpoDYNwMdgqNQpPwv0Bz6-RbxWQdAdhcBZZQ3EpVkxy8/s3264/3%20IMG_20231209_112303356.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqaJ7mXInWPfJ0GWfdiQMVvuco9kc4_yEFt4iHKs0_ZYqiyRcAKc5kqBpm8mDOaa1eqW04fn3An_qnkmuCAdkCF5xsKBDEVhbhGWSiUq2H9p2bTMrSZe0ibGyLnntuxrsQOQyfd55H910w_5IpoDYNwMdgqNQpPwv0Bz6-RbxWQdAdhcBZZQ3EpVkxy8/w400-h300/3%20IMG_20231209_112303356.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Apparently there was a group of rock climbers over there, so John got to watch them ascend the Finger. Lucky timing! They might be in one of his pictures but I never picked them out.</div><div><br /></div><div>At least he also had a nice view of the giant rock columns that were easier to document:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xGXyOl6fdh3ybXmrzi8k09wye4V63z2Rwhf3c8OmFHNneO8G0sJLBBurMAUrrtMyBGkgN4CMDu_zKbqjy_8Rz33k57IwrW0cVF4JbmPZhPVfaVlNAaH7O43fHqM0_EVZT_qv_vExsxQ-tMepTEjg9aLtmwndGgMcSr_QLU5FblAiif0zHhXomxDjul4/s3264/4%20IMG_20231209_113023373.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xGXyOl6fdh3ybXmrzi8k09wye4V63z2Rwhf3c8OmFHNneO8G0sJLBBurMAUrrtMyBGkgN4CMDu_zKbqjy_8Rz33k57IwrW0cVF4JbmPZhPVfaVlNAaH7O43fHqM0_EVZT_qv_vExsxQ-tMepTEjg9aLtmwndGgMcSr_QLU5FblAiif0zHhXomxDjul4/w400-h300/4%20IMG_20231209_113023373.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My picture of John coming back down - he's in a shadow and hard to see:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim34zFXwfQg4Yhrtjs7SRtcpROMSuPJggZZOH0DP0aLhho8akJ5_wFu-fDsArXWB6Y9nT0zPPhuxYKb3g3vuWHdxt3r24n631WoJTgKuQhT1Hi0mDVeT5ra6LTDvOzeueOPUrY8MhX2wZp-Nz36ikQU_EvsUwij8hBG7LHcVooAshF4oeSNwu7UoRZmtk/s4032/5%20PXL_20231209_183642355.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim34zFXwfQg4Yhrtjs7SRtcpROMSuPJggZZOH0DP0aLhho8akJ5_wFu-fDsArXWB6Y9nT0zPPhuxYKb3g3vuWHdxt3r24n631WoJTgKuQhT1Hi0mDVeT5ra6LTDvOzeueOPUrY8MhX2wZp-Nz36ikQU_EvsUwij8hBG7LHcVooAshF4oeSNwu7UoRZmtk/w400-h300/5%20PXL_20231209_183642355.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A successful day "up there", on a part of the mountains I never would have imagined I'd be able to reach - thank you John for the help!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEVZEOX2g-msXuOvLU3gjn23Ilm8FG9dQyp9Z87kXYjvvLE53o2gqHRSB47b13GrWPJ4r-SjAVu0b5mq7I6HwQ4q_naP8hMIC-v1Wcwwh85iDIpQ-S-ZqpiAL5sjdRbUlLUzAVrbwDMmm04icQEVkVYI6L0kWgrzbdLZGAzGLs2HraeuooYbY9Z6jx-s/s3280/6%20PXL_20231209_185324655.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3280" data-original-width="2464" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEVZEOX2g-msXuOvLU3gjn23Ilm8FG9dQyp9Z87kXYjvvLE53o2gqHRSB47b13GrWPJ4r-SjAVu0b5mq7I6HwQ4q_naP8hMIC-v1Wcwwh85iDIpQ-S-ZqpiAL5sjdRbUlLUzAVrbwDMmm04icQEVkVYI6L0kWgrzbdLZGAzGLs2HraeuooYbY9Z6jx-s/w300-h400/6%20PXL_20231209_185324655.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Off-trail roaming on our way up Agua Caliente Hill - we found an old dam in a big wash:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMMFHJYGWJlHr4S_D882FnOZUFm_wO0ZX5wyl68mqrx2X50cSh_t6zIJYQHxguwTFvDxCEHQnlsYkprtozTFny2L8Ik8q-kwXF48RoRMPljQfSP9ViKYfI9LwyEhDLPTG24TIx3FxelOEx0z_x9NJWtF_nenib5G6gTfiZmDAreMxwQPP9s6STO0giaA/s2048/IMG_0036.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMMFHJYGWJlHr4S_D882FnOZUFm_wO0ZX5wyl68mqrx2X50cSh_t6zIJYQHxguwTFvDxCEHQnlsYkprtozTFny2L8Ik8q-kwXF48RoRMPljQfSP9ViKYfI9LwyEhDLPTG24TIx3FxelOEx0z_x9NJWtF_nenib5G6gTfiZmDAreMxwQPP9s6STO0giaA/w400-h300/IMG_0036.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On our way upstream:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_JdjZqf8bVYaK9UDfyFnLs9plcni1fKRcGzcoNPqj7s7dth5o87UNusnhox3IGJ8gUlS1yDcQa6QDKfehc_qdeGBgwdosLnN-92wDsq3AKGL8alAGcDrMsVARE7E1HWHi6xswR8wz_3qeRZCvJg_N38t_DEkU7hmEKiXjTNPc3EfremneyLK-YGwROk/s2048/IMG_0038.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_JdjZqf8bVYaK9UDfyFnLs9plcni1fKRcGzcoNPqj7s7dth5o87UNusnhox3IGJ8gUlS1yDcQa6QDKfehc_qdeGBgwdosLnN-92wDsq3AKGL8alAGcDrMsVARE7E1HWHi6xswR8wz_3qeRZCvJg_N38t_DEkU7hmEKiXjTNPc3EfremneyLK-YGwROk/w400-h300/IMG_0038.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A nice climb up toward a fixture of the east Tucson skyline, between Mica and the Catalinas:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhj-WLqS8rkjKbzIjxARn8rNWhgoIHAxofJhUUCDKFg3OsP9EdxRytlersdDSYV6Yn5WsFA5Nb1XjyXAc34-W_TX3kupGvE7wLpLWJ863gsDYBo477Z31Ed7e5sjKhvASVrqm0TC1C-D3Y-b7m0wWHk9VrX4wvZrfkwkkbkEIM0UlxV6SjTubOrwVVQA/s2048/IMG_0040.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhj-WLqS8rkjKbzIjxARn8rNWhgoIHAxofJhUUCDKFg3OsP9EdxRytlersdDSYV6Yn5WsFA5Nb1XjyXAc34-W_TX3kupGvE7wLpLWJ863gsDYBo477Z31Ed7e5sjKhvASVrqm0TC1C-D3Y-b7m0wWHk9VrX4wvZrfkwkkbkEIM0UlxV6SjTubOrwVVQA/w400-h300/IMG_0040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Admiring the local flora, an interesting type of cactus:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvl5vtAx2R7Mggr1qdA7RR2rOVxn3bsATTC47zUcf35gpIEKPp-uIWbyo5tW_19Jb-gVdFeT5dhki4IYxUnpENpiKj095EbeWO2RWpz8slK0kpye4hIu3Ht5C_9yBZeXCVpRoS_FrI0SVA-bei6Iaq8TAbiUUUGHj6A8j1oAdwufFRLmzwRiReBr8HBTs/s2048/IMG_0041.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvl5vtAx2R7Mggr1qdA7RR2rOVxn3bsATTC47zUcf35gpIEKPp-uIWbyo5tW_19Jb-gVdFeT5dhki4IYxUnpENpiKj095EbeWO2RWpz8slK0kpye4hIu3Ht5C_9yBZeXCVpRoS_FrI0SVA-bei6Iaq8TAbiUUUGHj6A8j1oAdwufFRLmzwRiReBr8HBTs/w400-h300/IMG_0041.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Worse than cactus = shindiggers. We've run into them (luckily not too many times in a literal sense) recently in our off-trail travels. Definitely something to avoid!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tOj9kY62mM064bTbgYNivR-_7L9JWOi5lP3IwSCPfeG22CdEhS5ZtlK1wTG__g2YEUPTOb-OmUuYzaH58vQTU7Q0ofRXtDP_LkCSh-Rt7cxPotKuUYwQGv_XmgIhAn8PcnedQGUsIp4pSIK3RMDwxOg4BdPXbg9M9lXsFZMe9gxQtpIj7kR8AwzL2co/s2048/IMG_0043.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tOj9kY62mM064bTbgYNivR-_7L9JWOi5lP3IwSCPfeG22CdEhS5ZtlK1wTG__g2YEUPTOb-OmUuYzaH58vQTU7Q0ofRXtDP_LkCSh-Rt7cxPotKuUYwQGv_XmgIhAn8PcnedQGUsIp4pSIK3RMDwxOg4BdPXbg9M9lXsFZMe9gxQtpIj7kR8AwzL2co/w400-h300/IMG_0043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Top of the hill on a lovely day:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCcydMZLMoGRKa3vuEfhMGh7qAY080vGq9AlD_4T1hzShzLZgUsiIRNmF-iuW1Inw5HKE2WKRT1vPFYM9zEdx8pUWzZhGUV1xu6sI_6XqyB94pqRQHuMbqjEf9m5mZ881aFUD5ZmY81qU4aKA8gi73iwa2N0Ydcmgb8Zeq8PYzxRhWpnrZVslYz7riEQ/s2048/IMG_0052.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCcydMZLMoGRKa3vuEfhMGh7qAY080vGq9AlD_4T1hzShzLZgUsiIRNmF-iuW1Inw5HKE2WKRT1vPFYM9zEdx8pUWzZhGUV1xu6sI_6XqyB94pqRQHuMbqjEf9m5mZ881aFUD5ZmY81qU4aKA8gi73iwa2N0Ydcmgb8Zeq8PYzxRhWpnrZVslYz7riEQ/w400-h300/IMG_0052.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, hello:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsM0eTKq4u7G3MMpwqJncipJXu6xdEQvdD4uAz4F9pnM37LJtxDl32Ik12-6ntrB_KOWj3UuATxYoJNUB8yzZdykFzwMQBWDwtVe3pFCmSaciTHhy14sKgtcJ3Pnt1bjC1sth6KBYCR303BEGE-Y1MRlOA4RJYHD4WbypKoBlgV8zW5vAp74E644_4HQ/s2048/IMG_0053.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsM0eTKq4u7G3MMpwqJncipJXu6xdEQvdD4uAz4F9pnM37LJtxDl32Ik12-6ntrB_KOWj3UuATxYoJNUB8yzZdykFzwMQBWDwtVe3pFCmSaciTHhy14sKgtcJ3Pnt1bjC1sth6KBYCR303BEGE-Y1MRlOA4RJYHD4WbypKoBlgV8zW5vAp74E644_4HQ/w300-h400/IMG_0053.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A view of Mica from Agua Caliente Hill:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvoU1jJqQCyPKfrIPrGGh6qNzoSJQRqj-bO_CFPwF7bNxTi9BIj4X8VDHVfJ9utPMEonxW-WQBCThDqbQvR_GE62W-6bz9pAVZDXd7gRu5w61dYIIvF7D-t7Y03y4BQnVBmvvQMCmQw32T_BU9K0JaGXzTunvVNKGSgx8OcEUUajo-upT7yewK1YrrI0/s2048/IMG_0054.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvoU1jJqQCyPKfrIPrGGh6qNzoSJQRqj-bO_CFPwF7bNxTi9BIj4X8VDHVfJ9utPMEonxW-WQBCThDqbQvR_GE62W-6bz9pAVZDXd7gRu5w61dYIIvF7D-t7Y03y4BQnVBmvvQMCmQw32T_BU9K0JaGXzTunvVNKGSgx8OcEUUajo-upT7yewK1YrrI0/w400-h300/IMG_0054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This caught on one of our shoes and traveled along for a few steps. It kind of looks like an animal bone, but turns out to be a weird plant. I'm guessing its design allows it to tag along with anyone/anything that picks it up:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjw2TU3e_kBOC_sspcUYQgPytKVnBtgINEiO9-ORSQyVbPyLscd90Q0YRqLy8y86l77B6eQxzimTiPatCmdxxRj83_AlZLE842D4el_yz6dJniYtY_uzWPaeGZo04FKbVHT9itWA618clW1hkiJF1cR9TGjm7nPqetKvZVAogYq1SVv-ysctk0jXKtCI/s2048/IMG_0057.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjw2TU3e_kBOC_sspcUYQgPytKVnBtgINEiO9-ORSQyVbPyLscd90Q0YRqLy8y86l77B6eQxzimTiPatCmdxxRj83_AlZLE842D4el_yz6dJniYtY_uzWPaeGZo04FKbVHT9itWA618clW1hkiJF1cR9TGjm7nPqetKvZVAogYq1SVv-ysctk0jXKtCI/w400-h300/IMG_0057.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Wonderful sunset lighting on the saguaros:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhItOb9iRKF9aPyk3tiHE_tsyKc5i2g1sD9AQrI8UHqf5SpNdhGec8PArl8do3zaZRAAX0ZUd095_s-hKnW7-LfWszw8scpjUqEBaYpK6_r4_VpMqqpNp3hW7wH6rHsV8j7KxpvyKZ-2rzl3zK3DRPSqNCM8fXRaXDLDBDkIUMwtgj3OEIQB89J7Lpe4/s2048/IMG_0061.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhItOb9iRKF9aPyk3tiHE_tsyKc5i2g1sD9AQrI8UHqf5SpNdhGec8PArl8do3zaZRAAX0ZUd095_s-hKnW7-LfWszw8scpjUqEBaYpK6_r4_VpMqqpNp3hW7wH6rHsV8j7KxpvyKZ-2rzl3zK3DRPSqNCM8fXRaXDLDBDkIUMwtgj3OEIQB89J7Lpe4/w400-h300/IMG_0061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Trekking to another lesser-known hilltop, Gibbons Mountain. I'm not sure how it gets the "mountain" moniker, as it's a small maximum compared to what's in the area. Still, a nice morning hike from Gordon Hirabayashi campground:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUIToWPgOvThbdbuFe8XsG7jE_W1s3Hc4ETITC03MOP1Ul98OHG54tsMvYOkE-U-pQDCn5NE5pjAQlsQfQWGusa_WLvARkubQq9s2FO_fLnQWZxeBi6K1lkyddumUa42fhtCFOARqQc8KqRV4L5iCKJtPt-r0lHekwEJaZgzo7sSOvT4Hig1v5Z5jZlw/s2048/IMG_0066.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUIToWPgOvThbdbuFe8XsG7jE_W1s3Hc4ETITC03MOP1Ul98OHG54tsMvYOkE-U-pQDCn5NE5pjAQlsQfQWGusa_WLvARkubQq9s2FO_fLnQWZxeBi6K1lkyddumUa42fhtCFOARqQc8KqRV4L5iCKJtPt-r0lHekwEJaZgzo7sSOvT4Hig1v5Z5jZlw/w400-h300/IMG_0066.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>With a good view of the city:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2P6NUcTLPSVPQ9ZdCOgAXC2Uu0PCWOD01eUcNdnNuPWVq8gA3EBp9mQkzdmVtCiGaMmmb0K93EddCNvxo95VZJJncqZ7UY8RIX3OiNoAI_7KB9Nzlixb_YePYpp4roijEwEDhxn1eGpPMmM-kR2UXGNtktNKeu5n3F4o6GqpC7VwCFmCvdGu-jSHRK0o/s2048/IMG_0079.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2P6NUcTLPSVPQ9ZdCOgAXC2Uu0PCWOD01eUcNdnNuPWVq8gA3EBp9mQkzdmVtCiGaMmmb0K93EddCNvxo95VZJJncqZ7UY8RIX3OiNoAI_7KB9Nzlixb_YePYpp4roijEwEDhxn1eGpPMmM-kR2UXGNtktNKeu5n3F4o6GqpC7VwCFmCvdGu-jSHRK0o/w400-h300/IMG_0079.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These reminded me of some Chiricahua rock shapes, but I've no idea what I'm going for in this pose:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkUY8qOaFxMdqWCYX1HnnCzRL5PmFCQ80xrLNjQ_X4aGOaxxQlcQHAhyphenhyphen_x-EQrurk2AxRBxIY0TGyD9kIX7nLtNYY0QybDPPVJUpzjlsB4jilBSmo-lJQ7dEniaMquKhDhpRWy_Utwc6NyqNDwFpr87MkBR4mLUSH_NcBXeGw_HIPEjaoNh2hU7oFGGM/s2048/IMG_0084.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkUY8qOaFxMdqWCYX1HnnCzRL5PmFCQ80xrLNjQ_X4aGOaxxQlcQHAhyphenhyphen_x-EQrurk2AxRBxIY0TGyD9kIX7nLtNYY0QybDPPVJUpzjlsB4jilBSmo-lJQ7dEniaMquKhDhpRWy_Utwc6NyqNDwFpr87MkBR4mLUSH_NcBXeGw_HIPEjaoNh2hU7oFGGM/w400-h300/IMG_0084.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Another off-trail adventure over to Airmen Peak. Airmen is a big chunk of stone with steep approaches on all sides, but at least it's not too high.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOhg4Z0NIY7nprqckXb5EEWYrRqPzgJpHQcTDZjoCfzPB4eHUSeqbNJtfG31RbQ785YK5QMYfTyN97p4exmXzNlcA6szJ1_VZZH6NIM_XiihyzMzT9-SpA-NmMbMLLy-i6qFPPl19MFiKPr17IoQqB1F8fU9245HijLLazZX7yXF7L50JKftXfjpcuik/s2048/IMG_0093.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOhg4Z0NIY7nprqckXb5EEWYrRqPzgJpHQcTDZjoCfzPB4eHUSeqbNJtfG31RbQ785YK5QMYfTyN97p4exmXzNlcA6szJ1_VZZH6NIM_XiihyzMzT9-SpA-NmMbMLLy-i6qFPPl19MFiKPr17IoQqB1F8fU9245HijLLazZX7yXF7L50JKftXfjpcuik/w400-h300/IMG_0093.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Just follow John up through the vegetation:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4px1gLCZnPEOA2F7UYSnXrz4Nzp3vDVdF4II1RXHD8ksgsCrEqKU-b-ZSjgF3ShwSKl9K5ibKmtLXRNvAuMbQYcUtiy8zYdgJyEC5owkuni7Y7CPHuU6KUTRcJBK1YTsFzytM2-y2CNt3zn6PL6W1mA-V8yTT_v5PfHUsEye3GNYnFt6aA7CrCYTlXH0/s2048/IMG_0095.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4px1gLCZnPEOA2F7UYSnXrz4Nzp3vDVdF4II1RXHD8ksgsCrEqKU-b-ZSjgF3ShwSKl9K5ibKmtLXRNvAuMbQYcUtiy8zYdgJyEC5owkuni7Y7CPHuU6KUTRcJBK1YTsFzytM2-y2CNt3zn6PL6W1mA-V8yTT_v5PfHUsEye3GNYnFt6aA7CrCYTlXH0/w300-h400/IMG_0095.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Excellent Catalina views from the top on a wonderfully clear day:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_-4xgTAjNhglBBOLSaUQLgYRaieQxee14v7z3IF4h_f0qyqtk45wzWAkTgZWCA76kbbUuA_tZNKbMqLd_86xmYFMA_4dCDwRj7bGXACmw2d77GEP4KWoSZ2vpu-YoL_jImwdqWdZb6zTokIkdzD2DfQ3NJPUhDtcsJNdAxOc5TrGaNzq0DdN44W7oLw/s2048/IMG_0097.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_-4xgTAjNhglBBOLSaUQLgYRaieQxee14v7z3IF4h_f0qyqtk45wzWAkTgZWCA76kbbUuA_tZNKbMqLd_86xmYFMA_4dCDwRj7bGXACmw2d77GEP4KWoSZ2vpu-YoL_jImwdqWdZb6zTokIkdzD2DfQ3NJPUhDtcsJNdAxOc5TrGaNzq0DdN44W7oLw/w400-h300/IMG_0097.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We noticed the robot in the Gibbons ammo can but didn't see that it had a turnkey to get it to walk. Happily we saw some comments in the logbook on Airmen and made the robot briefly mobile - thank you whoever put this here!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorwO_Xp3tNCdb5uCKm4aSAcOc9eAkk_we4WALqtJPAr2jMBO8qVeh5ySoxyINHQ3ZmBBfC5x1XMfeloHxsip6w8LWpm8IkSAvfseoTca1ucefpt3ZsWQ09lj4TtSDspvXpWxEU8wx3BAUE5s6fdSTXTEaXFYsw-aCN5b22ji-R3XDVp9sfNtisGNVR2Q/s2048/IMG_0100.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorwO_Xp3tNCdb5uCKm4aSAcOc9eAkk_we4WALqtJPAr2jMBO8qVeh5ySoxyINHQ3ZmBBfC5x1XMfeloHxsip6w8LWpm8IkSAvfseoTca1ucefpt3ZsWQ09lj4TtSDspvXpWxEU8wx3BAUE5s6fdSTXTEaXFYsw-aCN5b22ji-R3XDVp9sfNtisGNVR2Q/w400-h300/IMG_0100.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And finally, Pontatoc Ridge up to the cave... I'm not sure whether this is inside the Bighorn closure area or not, so we made a point to climb up there in December. This is a small side cave where the camera had enough light to take a picture:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGqfPPWngxvoHl6o3RuHYfuDUD0mpXZLfIFKFu48Ky9XYY5o_YZEpXIyXw83Ca22n6wZWrsuaTJaBjzNaSXleNvvCL5ym6jPuyKo9fZHuMz0R7jHL9bvQM4n2vCpiT1v4npLQq3jDUMVBtr6FQBFsIGIqxJcw_UKyxEHkMIBowD7jEb5eUPRTQStNEjI/s3264/IMG_20231224_101426238.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGqfPPWngxvoHl6o3RuHYfuDUD0mpXZLfIFKFu48Ky9XYY5o_YZEpXIyXw83Ca22n6wZWrsuaTJaBjzNaSXleNvvCL5ym6jPuyKo9fZHuMz0R7jHL9bvQM4n2vCpiT1v4npLQq3jDUMVBtr6FQBFsIGIqxJcw_UKyxEHkMIBowD7jEb5eUPRTQStNEjI/w400-h300/IMG_20231224_101426238.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The actual long, deep cave goes way back into the darkness - super cool! Well worth the scramble up to it. Plus another nice view of Tucson from a high spot:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0z2JUGHvZIbodel0vu0wBJJfp8NLHEY7z-76l8X_8WGwwKL1vx8x5zJNH2aIxz1TiqIh9cmNblqFEVcSXvUc5QEeYvWGgRvel7FRnZm-UwIfwO6AdKzGEO-Mnmbp13l2yqblWnEFrvjMLolFO4DrOeHp_2qSdsGgw_l0Q7o16tcI8UGQPV5Yn13A-L9g/s3264/IMG_20231224_101538715.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0z2JUGHvZIbodel0vu0wBJJfp8NLHEY7z-76l8X_8WGwwKL1vx8x5zJNH2aIxz1TiqIh9cmNblqFEVcSXvUc5QEeYvWGgRvel7FRnZm-UwIfwO6AdKzGEO-Mnmbp13l2yqblWnEFrvjMLolFO4DrOeHp_2qSdsGgw_l0Q7o16tcI8UGQPV5Yn13A-L9g/w400-h300/IMG_20231224_101538715.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It has been great fun making headway on our list, all the while adding more things on - this is a big place!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-20494375403237660542024-02-02T09:27:00.000-08:002024-02-02T09:27:52.339-08:00Thanksgiving in Texas<div style="text-align: left;">Mom and BilliJo have been talking about coming to the Beard Farm for Thanksgiving some year, and this seemed like a good opportunity. John and I drove from Tucson and picked them up at the Dallas airport. The excitement was high! Or John might have just hit the accelerator pedal on the Rivian...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqO8Emhf91E2htsmxRIrzRDYgKpQQjobU1MaIiWlckk9hSQqFhPI3G9_7WB9Ioy5CIE6jMMccfNODZwQYK4ulgnDilEv1uI6g58CrsMZ8__wkOBUugUoZv6B4VV-Lkd0wgCQB-6bY2ffgSIF3xGsi_Uk_DndYUFS17GkQwTJN-aFuADCI55Z-oNAmNtgY/s3280/1%20IMG_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2464" data-original-width="3280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqO8Emhf91E2htsmxRIrzRDYgKpQQjobU1MaIiWlckk9hSQqFhPI3G9_7WB9Ioy5CIE6jMMccfNODZwQYK4ulgnDilEv1uI6g58CrsMZ8__wkOBUugUoZv6B4VV-Lkd0wgCQB-6bY2ffgSIF3xGsi_Uk_DndYUFS17GkQwTJN-aFuADCI55Z-oNAmNtgY/w400-h300/1%20IMG_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We really enjoyed seeing friends and relatives, and BilliJo got to experience some Texas hospitality. Mom and I walked and talked on the road, we tried to help with all the big preparations, and of course everyone ate well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanksgiving day was as big and boisterous as ever. Just a few of the people who were there - a set of cousins from near and far:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPW79eCs6tEJzOpbQKrRsJYqKz2gehZDr-ELbij_uSSl3E3pxcWlDSLaNpgUWYd9SjrcGoK7msnQtdsUn1XX6eXPdYxxK7bK-j5BYnEsYJ8L0BbcE_hs9WrNWSeYDKZDAfFYfBGUWKXfxfMI9vRqSeo4Ujb2z_IQCTjrlR4_5d3RsoGGaRpwhK8HZZvJQ/s1499/2%20IMG_9987%20cropped.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1457" data-original-width="1499" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPW79eCs6tEJzOpbQKrRsJYqKz2gehZDr-ELbij_uSSl3E3pxcWlDSLaNpgUWYd9SjrcGoK7msnQtdsUn1XX6eXPdYxxK7bK-j5BYnEsYJ8L0BbcE_hs9WrNWSeYDKZDAfFYfBGUWKXfxfMI9vRqSeo4Ujb2z_IQCTjrlR4_5d3RsoGGaRpwhK8HZZvJQ/w400-h389/2%20IMG_9987%20cropped.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>BilliJo captured a short video of the Lykins family playing for everyone, always love listening to them perform:</div><div><div><a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/piMqNUSX9Hw" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/shorts/piMqNUSX9Hw</a></div><div><br /></div><div>A quieter moment that week, enjoying the warmth of the fireplace (like son, like mother):</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwwO1A9KCAw15sW1vjm2vddDT3z6Vc_64wzP5xq_Qxkb94uE_cC0wRH1xS5InM3SOyhE_bYCayjSwAT4_3O877wtTfGvLIMs8yR-hI1mKqp-XVYKXxV_-cVCLmBTPzw2WZb5rJDKSM2T_7K6GVn9qu4RlgbbZJLPX4hJrtcnSjaymdI2LBBbWPMJ1RGg/s1732/2a%20IMG_9987%20cropped2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1732" data-original-width="1349" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwwO1A9KCAw15sW1vjm2vddDT3z6Vc_64wzP5xq_Qxkb94uE_cC0wRH1xS5InM3SOyhE_bYCayjSwAT4_3O877wtTfGvLIMs8yR-hI1mKqp-XVYKXxV_-cVCLmBTPzw2WZb5rJDKSM2T_7K6GVn9qu4RlgbbZJLPX4hJrtcnSjaymdI2LBBbWPMJ1RGg/w311-h400/2a%20IMG_9987%20cropped2.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We wanted to get a family picture, and my camera didn't much like the inside lighting, so we headed outside and discussed angles and where to stand (with the flag half-mast for Rosalynn Carter):</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsghoCsuLQp9yuRjojV9npOtBxsL_fyLYBS1RrI2fUHJhqiCSE4Bbekdot2hJWF0ZRkmeAGhRfEmuGFQYPrSoseB573IHsBtPcBMs2JXFP4gBU9hEyPTAn3E2yf9BbigN9tsy8s5aWrhdLAK7wtJH053AbdDFc53fZhE5gFFiBINOciQPpW7ucg0c5HUY/s1549/3%20IMG_9989.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1273" data-original-width="1549" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsghoCsuLQp9yuRjojV9npOtBxsL_fyLYBS1RrI2fUHJhqiCSE4Bbekdot2hJWF0ZRkmeAGhRfEmuGFQYPrSoseB573IHsBtPcBMs2JXFP4gBU9hEyPTAn3E2yf9BbigN9tsy8s5aWrhdLAK7wtJH053AbdDFc53fZhE5gFFiBINOciQPpW7ucg0c5HUY/w400-h329/3%20IMG_9989.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Despite our lack of leg coordination, I think this came out pretty well:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqq90DxYuLmFBTM44MPsy5F4VOz54QHO71hy6IXQ62rxnDLgj2baTrgSpbZpLUW8wLUweSC-mWq49Nm6vT6l_fZbKWIeycNIvwYuU0iDaj8fHdi1dlXoDIJD6SuT5ITh27PyGJrkIYZvr7b2kXo69FqBYfdDt8gcTFK_XJUXti46f2zb-YjhQ3ASF18E/s1466/4%20IMG_9991%20cropped1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1314" data-original-width="1466" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqq90DxYuLmFBTM44MPsy5F4VOz54QHO71hy6IXQ62rxnDLgj2baTrgSpbZpLUW8wLUweSC-mWq49Nm6vT6l_fZbKWIeycNIvwYuU0iDaj8fHdi1dlXoDIJD6SuT5ITh27PyGJrkIYZvr7b2kXo69FqBYfdDt8gcTFK_XJUXti46f2zb-YjhQ3ASF18E/w400-h359/4%20IMG_9991%20cropped1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On the way back to the airport, BilliJo wanted to look at Texas boots. I haven't been in a Cavender's in years - it was fun to wander around and try on a couple things. What do you think?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfus1Uhr3xisJycWQdtJzPxV4hglfJZ1isUpd3Prn6CEH-UCA2IomHizLhhRmiYV5eS9J8BQb3udN9uma9_GObYK8k3t9D8gjkklFfzaig3rqliyVq1-5uf_vB81PsetQjEfja2uj7c9TGn77b37YmOiJIAXSajW-kyfUumkJp_iUS3YbdRr0jL4jQrI/s414/5%20IMG_9991%20cropped2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="402" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfus1Uhr3xisJycWQdtJzPxV4hglfJZ1isUpd3Prn6CEH-UCA2IomHizLhhRmiYV5eS9J8BQb3udN9uma9_GObYK8k3t9D8gjkklFfzaig3rqliyVq1-5uf_vB81PsetQjEfja2uj7c9TGn77b37YmOiJIAXSajW-kyfUumkJp_iUS3YbdRr0jL4jQrI/w389-h400/5%20IMG_9991%20cropped2.JPG" width="389" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mom could be a National Park ranger!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZLcUL5CtRk7j-V6ji9_aCHZFkIJkk6mAO6XF4qW3RHbuptND3SaFMPZFU2jphtc44kDJhcfeC784IfAMcVjTx0iTC_TkMs03YforHZJuepZs4SWU2n0f11BrW63V2KAcpUA_hpp_4OKr1aJV_lPsKUNP7GShq26vCHltj8NKSMSUjrEEAQmu7xoAkIQ/s1957/6%20IMG_9991%20cropped3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1957" data-original-width="1237" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZLcUL5CtRk7j-V6ji9_aCHZFkIJkk6mAO6XF4qW3RHbuptND3SaFMPZFU2jphtc44kDJhcfeC784IfAMcVjTx0iTC_TkMs03YforHZJuepZs4SWU2n0f11BrW63V2KAcpUA_hpp_4OKr1aJV_lPsKUNP7GShq26vCHltj8NKSMSUjrEEAQmu7xoAkIQ/w253-h400/6%20IMG_9991%20cropped3.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Back at the much-emptier house, I did some sorting of things we've been storing in the back bedroom over the years. I truly adore the hair on this young man:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0n9ySNh0e374lsdsSfwKODxVpq8zhCRwBuv-tV4R7k6ykhz7g22WKRPsTsfoGgMPn7TsIdo1VAP8zeGqi3Iuc9leLvAbTj4LSY68tMKwc4_6J5EthMb7O5UrzAlC5VrhujZ1ZocepJc313Fift3vNOHCzBNwccsuhLntY1mn3m7V2HuWNSdsnmv4NPQ/s1737/7%20IMG_9993.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="1737" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0n9ySNh0e374lsdsSfwKODxVpq8zhCRwBuv-tV4R7k6ykhz7g22WKRPsTsfoGgMPn7TsIdo1VAP8zeGqi3Iuc9leLvAbTj4LSY68tMKwc4_6J5EthMb7O5UrzAlC5VrhujZ1ZocepJc313Fift3vNOHCzBNwccsuhLntY1mn3m7V2HuWNSdsnmv4NPQ/w400-h271/7%20IMG_9993.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Dad made this marquetry artwork for me, an image of my childhood dog Whisper (who barked all the time):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbN4QRBI198g9sCvaDiWB2G9QY5fKw88hQ2O6GihBsE0uuMNEzsdM8PXjvbZU2ctRxrnAFlIOTQkc_7J_4Ouw0VCjlij61nGz5RxIO7ACYPg463AD94MO_v3zlKSrJCd0U2HXlu67Cd6Ds8Wu3cordsSXpJaP3RaXIu3i7RkW9l8cZJIqwejb5xpRMPk/s1621/8%20IMG_9994.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1621" data-original-width="1477" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbN4QRBI198g9sCvaDiWB2G9QY5fKw88hQ2O6GihBsE0uuMNEzsdM8PXjvbZU2ctRxrnAFlIOTQkc_7J_4Ouw0VCjlij61nGz5RxIO7ACYPg463AD94MO_v3zlKSrJCd0U2HXlu67Cd6Ds8Wu3cordsSXpJaP3RaXIu3i7RkW9l8cZJIqwejb5xpRMPk/w365-h400/8%20IMG_9994.JPG" width="365" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Quite the collection of metal items:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VKAlrr7E9y5t3KInY49wIhfdrPAC1rzZ-3g8cmnRgZvEdHpWGLY1yewKGDsUzwZPDKHZcsYl0GmJB2gTVF1cdHwYKCwARwMsRgxSyh7uvTBJilbg7bi-mz7y6O6ewgln-orwOScPdynQ_AmYUQXvv03nlEO50frdgMBlBtBgQa7TojT2_46QefFqVoo/s2048/10%20IMG_9999.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VKAlrr7E9y5t3KInY49wIhfdrPAC1rzZ-3g8cmnRgZvEdHpWGLY1yewKGDsUzwZPDKHZcsYl0GmJB2gTVF1cdHwYKCwARwMsRgxSyh7uvTBJilbg7bi-mz7y6O6ewgln-orwOScPdynQ_AmYUQXvv03nlEO50frdgMBlBtBgQa7TojT2_46QefFqVoo/w400-h300/10%20IMG_9999.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Memories of past adventures:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjEgc9PWkLFmiSQ-zmpY4Je2QGKkgS9OiodiqvB8YbphycQFQ29dBeWhnldUbePYuUGu5Ex9AopFkh_RqJZ7xPX4nPFpcyOoLwwET5gbBNxUM6sWHGr08f8cegIQjCfHYIX1FtuWE6QrNDjF4QsAEgv4p2rDWrtIufd9QyBrGwirWWmq_7qq1wxgXw-U/s1945/11%20IMG_0002.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1305" data-original-width="1945" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjEgc9PWkLFmiSQ-zmpY4Je2QGKkgS9OiodiqvB8YbphycQFQ29dBeWhnldUbePYuUGu5Ex9AopFkh_RqJZ7xPX4nPFpcyOoLwwET5gbBNxUM6sWHGr08f8cegIQjCfHYIX1FtuWE6QrNDjF4QsAEgv4p2rDWrtIufd9QyBrGwirWWmq_7qq1wxgXw-U/w400-h269/11%20IMG_0002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One way to pare down our stuff - at least for pieces made of wood:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8_RLAI5s9Ty_oyFWkFnfcqfnIoK_96Eyk4XdOWcv7vwDs4YYLlBznrieJyA1GhOnWyFCtjC-W0IjxaT8WT_ls9eLtwqxapkb6oWSr1KijbhYT1sraqsObTGlOTgR7QUyS3jiawTEJEMCnsA2_UhkiJ7w9sakFtXpRa5YBdjKIW8BPrjSOQjKj8k0sSk/s1551/11a%20IMG_9998.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="1551" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8_RLAI5s9Ty_oyFWkFnfcqfnIoK_96Eyk4XdOWcv7vwDs4YYLlBznrieJyA1GhOnWyFCtjC-W0IjxaT8WT_ls9eLtwqxapkb6oWSr1KijbhYT1sraqsObTGlOTgR7QUyS3jiawTEJEMCnsA2_UhkiJ7w9sakFtXpRa5YBdjKIW8BPrjSOQjKj8k0sSk/w400-h286/11a%20IMG_9998.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I had time for a run on the trails at Lindsey Park, where I found this cute artwork:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjui1YMrucJP_xcTBi_OwmBMEuaJh23R59jF7E5tY2_7yAxBM6IOpvucR1u3jg3xZPkq_1PiP1xR1b3uXr1jHM0e3zTM-XDm3jcEWbbU57wQQW-ArbS3BzU0T8bkDWZsBTMnKMtTyTr_MrcTErS-iyOihCiJ8x9YA5UH_4N2qGJFrFpyUwI8XZGcht9D5o/s3225/13%20PXL_20231127_170212050.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3225" data-original-width="2999" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjui1YMrucJP_xcTBi_OwmBMEuaJh23R59jF7E5tY2_7yAxBM6IOpvucR1u3jg3xZPkq_1PiP1xR1b3uXr1jHM0e3zTM-XDm3jcEWbbU57wQQW-ArbS3BzU0T8bkDWZsBTMnKMtTyTr_MrcTErS-iyOihCiJ8x9YA5UH_4N2qGJFrFpyUwI8XZGcht9D5o/w373-h400/13%20PXL_20231127_170212050.jpg" width="373" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One last family gathering before John and I needed to start driving back to Arizona:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kqDsFwTmvym8aWB1n8a8yMliV_X0GF9GRDUxxh3ynA2tMxftKI9lQvJmTuLoL3qFtAYSsY4hLGFcw-MctX940kRmtnaBut-r68HX1pHs6XC7_1c7DG3jn32xD7fxTlAmKIxBU9j2_Hcy9RNwl4BBumqqjjBkn5pd0mx1cAVnbQZ8_ApysM6k1D42nZE/s3280/12%20PXL_20231126_010212513.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2464" data-original-width="3280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kqDsFwTmvym8aWB1n8a8yMliV_X0GF9GRDUxxh3ynA2tMxftKI9lQvJmTuLoL3qFtAYSsY4hLGFcw-MctX940kRmtnaBut-r68HX1pHs6XC7_1c7DG3jn32xD7fxTlAmKIxBU9j2_Hcy9RNwl4BBumqqjjBkn5pd0mx1cAVnbQZ8_ApysM6k1D42nZE/w400-h300/12%20PXL_20231126_010212513.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We discovered this in Eastland, causing me to try to emulate Stephen Colbert doing Bernie Sanders with "soup!"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BJH8LJmc7oHZecsKdU7qivacQZjiqx7spukfrzeIJFWCDbxL3ygHPa_34HPX1igAJMPtrdQ7bHuqrSmex9pMYBi7Z5doAKslF3n-3V4md4P0E0Prm-fqiibB4TB8WocCG79ZG29sazI2gP9Npxmycr9csxcFMJ4YPgkKHs3oZe7JTV04nbLTUvqGJto/s2269/14%20PXL_20231120_145604420.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2221" data-original-width="2269" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BJH8LJmc7oHZecsKdU7qivacQZjiqx7spukfrzeIJFWCDbxL3ygHPa_34HPX1igAJMPtrdQ7bHuqrSmex9pMYBi7Z5doAKslF3n-3V4md4P0E0Prm-fqiibB4TB8WocCG79ZG29sazI2gP9Npxmycr9csxcFMJ4YPgkKHs3oZe7JTV04nbLTUvqGJto/w400-h391/14%20PXL_20231120_145604420.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>More interesting things to see, like a giant bison skull sculpture in Abilene:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZDrbbcU5S0zb4MWS1iJAaF0GF5kYWSW-NOK_6ukvoB1R3ImwycI94-eiX-wifJm4tOiZMSDq8RpzJcLsIGCQ33ZhXKiNzgokVlTh__GtKAaIBRr7AR39OFHKPhN3YOONjdxEwP2QbzW0do-YOa3igCthFaKq_svIT1hNoaey9nZ2nZrRNtKOPwY86s8/s2048/IMG_0004.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZDrbbcU5S0zb4MWS1iJAaF0GF5kYWSW-NOK_6ukvoB1R3ImwycI94-eiX-wifJm4tOiZMSDq8RpzJcLsIGCQ33ZhXKiNzgokVlTh__GtKAaIBRr7AR39OFHKPhN3YOONjdxEwP2QbzW0do-YOa3igCthFaKq_svIT1hNoaey9nZ2nZrRNtKOPwY86s8/w400-h300/IMG_0004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Beautiful fall color!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIxfV5Jim3n7GLnf-YplhcIK7f8MIO4zICZs7dIuw7geFeoaihmwfCcD9t4d_iWPEdc1xw5uLfe0wviMAw36ETvXpCNF4B964XSW4eryTd7SkFwpt0nJa-hw4LCdY7HnRDgRR0RHgZt4ECr8A_n6llXDwpwllhvi0lzOnBuHR9ZwjJh-5rS4FrtBRvro/s1921/IMG_0006.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1425" data-original-width="1921" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIxfV5Jim3n7GLnf-YplhcIK7f8MIO4zICZs7dIuw7geFeoaihmwfCcD9t4d_iWPEdc1xw5uLfe0wviMAw36ETvXpCNF4B964XSW4eryTd7SkFwpt0nJa-hw4LCdY7HnRDgRR0RHgZt4ECr8A_n6llXDwpwllhvi0lzOnBuHR9ZwjJh-5rS4FrtBRvro/w400-h296/IMG_0006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We had a fun little stroll through the Dr. Seuss park in Abilene:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAk-FLYMAI3_a85iJnoLB429IrjXQZ3387RyeNKviOkjnU7OIzRkkeqLEkks6O95iSQGDf9MYFxCPsExDsRXn_U5AjvlIEGQ1QSTYBI_t8NDNxG2t8VjEUa18v1CtRpiAHmuGA6WC9A7V8mknNLqSRTH5jd39o7pKvnUYl6MaPXpfm5PfALf0oUSI07Rg/s2048/IMG_0008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAk-FLYMAI3_a85iJnoLB429IrjXQZ3387RyeNKviOkjnU7OIzRkkeqLEkks6O95iSQGDf9MYFxCPsExDsRXn_U5AjvlIEGQ1QSTYBI_t8NDNxG2t8VjEUa18v1CtRpiAHmuGA6WC9A7V8mknNLqSRTH5jd39o7pKvnUYl6MaPXpfm5PfALf0oUSI07Rg/w400-h300/IMG_0008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hello Horton!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJSU0WaEnmiVkyNMWaQpwHNSdlJlchwt-infwtwQnRHud3-e-Nzcp5AD0YVFEBBqTApvSvItU66CgOtZ8mlwEfTiasFHH-03-8xT-cd98iMCf1LHpWqO_Ipf2xKzRVS8WFlIdhUvUpshTUegRDE4TjSLw2q0BBEna-NkrnLqOofkdURwx3PkP6pwHxGU/s2048/IMG_0009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJSU0WaEnmiVkyNMWaQpwHNSdlJlchwt-infwtwQnRHud3-e-Nzcp5AD0YVFEBBqTApvSvItU66CgOtZ8mlwEfTiasFHH-03-8xT-cd98iMCf1LHpWqO_Ipf2xKzRVS8WFlIdhUvUpshTUegRDE4TjSLw2q0BBEna-NkrnLqOofkdURwx3PkP6pwHxGU/w400-h300/IMG_0009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Turtles all the way down?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PHL0CIvDxJs2tcqnenss8ylPVcbGeaLp7pbn83Qrc0zC-yXDwsm2uha5hLH3hEy8O-aq1az4rZ27DJRI_TduaxiCzCftCrtEgtGuD3uVoejYUm-D4BSBx27AIoMwAGH052JHzMXYoiULf358Nhv3d6U7nnfEHAguzDQDpYDvjYyLbhxUDGIgqE6DtHs/s1631/IMG_0009a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1405" data-original-width="1631" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PHL0CIvDxJs2tcqnenss8ylPVcbGeaLp7pbn83Qrc0zC-yXDwsm2uha5hLH3hEy8O-aq1az4rZ27DJRI_TduaxiCzCftCrtEgtGuD3uVoejYUm-D4BSBx27AIoMwAGH052JHzMXYoiULf358Nhv3d6U7nnfEHAguzDQDpYDvjYyLbhxUDGIgqE6DtHs/w400-h345/IMG_0009a.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it's not"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOiDtf4eiCDUjIYOebSlqdejr3fU9fK05Aw2MPRaMi6EC052dMSqrGopzgKQ6AUHBnzJAKpWGsOxP13xUwZZctTbyb70CnPai6E8H46_d_5xsccALw30AEOOfNCS4c54EIkiyyUQrgtwcr-nKMp3VBguYADEguGgSI2rOhuzrsHOLTNuVc6VYVYaJSZrs/s1441/IMG_0012.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1161" data-original-width="1441" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOiDtf4eiCDUjIYOebSlqdejr3fU9fK05Aw2MPRaMi6EC052dMSqrGopzgKQ6AUHBnzJAKpWGsOxP13xUwZZctTbyb70CnPai6E8H46_d_5xsccALw30AEOOfNCS4c54EIkiyyUQrgtwcr-nKMp3VBguYADEguGgSI2rOhuzrsHOLTNuVc6VYVYaJSZrs/w400-h323/IMG_0012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you Mr. Lorax!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eR1ywYYE7FND-zfHqa9H8FCQji02UP4E2cnLMv1zSTP19nqa3hPg6Pm7VflWaB97T4onB5JZu7KqZVSWMeul9-fUZBdWLJqfr91DDJqD0Y_sgUuIG4PQybesiaX7ITgjzYFzVlG6AnWcbhmaA9JHHCYV5cpKte0il5sl3FOpIPgJ3DA79QIJ2QX6JI4/s2048/IMG_0014.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eR1ywYYE7FND-zfHqa9H8FCQji02UP4E2cnLMv1zSTP19nqa3hPg6Pm7VflWaB97T4onB5JZu7KqZVSWMeul9-fUZBdWLJqfr91DDJqD0Y_sgUuIG4PQybesiaX7ITgjzYFzVlG6AnWcbhmaA9JHHCYV5cpKte0il5sl3FOpIPgJ3DA79QIJ2QX6JI4/w400-h300/IMG_0014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Odessa has a replica Stonehenge on the university campus - who knew?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vhAvF-8JD3VY6vxwLvEwAohxVuCeymLCHo6r_Mlch7PZRgaJy1aKOQtTDWwH30Ix-YZxh1zN6_do9YkN-GyMtGoNt9fd62-h8aAyEC8-ejB9cT-IwSpQWJJv8mS2QZhnxVjKLwRmyrLunMGX5iP-9COrkri2L5qy0ziGmaAukF1IFf4uXNmq1Bh5yzw/s2048/IMG_0020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vhAvF-8JD3VY6vxwLvEwAohxVuCeymLCHo6r_Mlch7PZRgaJy1aKOQtTDWwH30Ix-YZxh1zN6_do9YkN-GyMtGoNt9fd62-h8aAyEC8-ejB9cT-IwSpQWJJv8mS2QZhnxVjKLwRmyrLunMGX5iP-9COrkri2L5qy0ziGmaAukF1IFf4uXNmq1Bh5yzw/w400-h300/IMG_0020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It's set up to cast a shadow from the Heel Stone across the street directly into the center of the monument at dawn on the Summer Solstice. I guess we'll need to come back in a few months.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeFdK_lRrTFbu6wkJrsEQBcWkuikHzhshHFT4JdAmJoyHH9p8Z_TQf7P_ENkIqC7hbaETsEBB4OhiXwHpLXD-UrRzh-O7ebof1WDm6g8yUC4pPz4iU3i-Xi41UsJOdQ8sW35Okps7vtfJdqKB3tjkB-RIq6oF-5MBa3O8VvFIpxwy_4Mpj8_ddGkpq6o/s2048/IMG_0021.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeFdK_lRrTFbu6wkJrsEQBcWkuikHzhshHFT4JdAmJoyHH9p8Z_TQf7P_ENkIqC7hbaETsEBB4OhiXwHpLXD-UrRzh-O7ebof1WDm6g8yUC4pPz4iU3i-Xi41UsJOdQ8sW35Okps7vtfJdqKB3tjkB-RIq6oF-5MBa3O8VvFIpxwy_4Mpj8_ddGkpq6o/w400-h300/IMG_0021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>An odd door in El Paso:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZh6N6HfsKwOLPOnXxI4KiQOFJv2ManMLDFA1d3aLN-ewsnCtQ_fZTrM2jTP2sqTjrTAwCm6SiuMa0kFuVRVN_w9LVUMh4dPg1n2U2P9zL-DBBCDZc9U6h0ieANZxgKRPyWn87u4bdImnRgo0OkBAZk9hKjjGUuZbfdyRmgl33sw27oW4o_BiX8urDOo/s1393/IMG_0024.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1263" data-original-width="1393" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZh6N6HfsKwOLPOnXxI4KiQOFJv2ManMLDFA1d3aLN-ewsnCtQ_fZTrM2jTP2sqTjrTAwCm6SiuMa0kFuVRVN_w9LVUMh4dPg1n2U2P9zL-DBBCDZc9U6h0ieANZxgKRPyWn87u4bdImnRgo0OkBAZk9hKjjGUuZbfdyRmgl33sw27oW4o_BiX8urDOo/w400-h363/IMG_0024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And finally in Las Cruses, my favorite chili pepper:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDpAQyT7xmBE5U7RAeL1qrS12cCVkIdhBnpY4HX9Ami5-fZVAw_n3US0tURHCG2qqcuUzJgFWnx2qmdkC5G7YOOurRRwNTfTHmjmqBc_0-p4EGWeeocf3uqXpnWyjafO1qAyd1z8xZMOm0SJiF0c4Hmi5ThO_jQ5FNqefO6EfWphDC5z7c0E_W1RPaeY/s1349/IMG_0031.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="1349" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDpAQyT7xmBE5U7RAeL1qrS12cCVkIdhBnpY4HX9Ami5-fZVAw_n3US0tURHCG2qqcuUzJgFWnx2qmdkC5G7YOOurRRwNTfTHmjmqBc_0-p4EGWeeocf3uqXpnWyjafO1qAyd1z8xZMOm0SJiF0c4Hmi5ThO_jQ5FNqefO6EfWphDC5z7c0E_W1RPaeY/w400-h274/IMG_0031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Fun trip, thank you family for a fantastic Thanksgiving!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-88743746324780107672024-01-23T10:36:00.000-08:002024-01-23T10:36:46.770-08:00October Tucson/November Grand Canyon<div style="text-align: left;">Here's a random set of pictures from our late October/early November goings-on. We were getting settled back in Tucson for the "winter" and continually finding things to see and do.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm enjoying the Tucson Trail Runners Sunday events whenever I can fit them in. Great for training and motivation to move faster than my normal runs. Even better was the chance to ride a shuttle to one trailhead and finish at another, with a big hike up to The Window in between.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This spot is visible along the northern skyline from much of Tucson, if you know where to look and have binoculars to pick it out. I was lucky to spend some time with Cristina from the orienteering club on the hike up, even luckier that she took some pictures to share:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmy3FN9HILt8NzYp5Ur_2QYbdoY82Yv4Sfy4W_vrEA2GQb1NJ3nXIF0B282FPPDM6M6YSR3UPZEG3f0JWhHxoVnsDn2u8OQZ_gteKr-cCmwvbaA5VQIrYy0h6hAW5fxXAePILibHTltT7ttu7VE-2Mi-r8o4wmr2Tni9GZodV7BGxVpQUbWT1jLZH1BQ/s2016/4%2042D70C25-B59A-406C-8D13-9150466772C1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmy3FN9HILt8NzYp5Ur_2QYbdoY82Yv4Sfy4W_vrEA2GQb1NJ3nXIF0B282FPPDM6M6YSR3UPZEG3f0JWhHxoVnsDn2u8OQZ_gteKr-cCmwvbaA5VQIrYy0h6hAW5fxXAePILibHTltT7ttu7VE-2Mi-r8o4wmr2Tni9GZodV7BGxVpQUbWT1jLZH1BQ/w400-h300/4%2042D70C25-B59A-406C-8D13-9150466772C1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is such a cool spot, thanks Cristina for the company and photos!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWR69o3AZI9RW_9Frq4VpMSavV-xMsvp0XcZnCVH1eXAgc1g7tbKv5XGmHAOb3sGavq-d8I5LFUCaOUrn3c53yLQksc8dD3boBvrmGW4v3M-wjMi2iUnza1FxgVhTyuTv8oXh_IhL7x759dSFjzOUCMCaATwrNl_iIWZRvFVT8f33d2kWEEYMVUx0f9Yk/s4032/5%20A9559FFE-0C14-42B9-B22A-04A06AF2989F.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWR69o3AZI9RW_9Frq4VpMSavV-xMsvp0XcZnCVH1eXAgc1g7tbKv5XGmHAOb3sGavq-d8I5LFUCaOUrn3c53yLQksc8dD3boBvrmGW4v3M-wjMi2iUnza1FxgVhTyuTv8oXh_IhL7x759dSFjzOUCMCaATwrNl_iIWZRvFVT8f33d2kWEEYMVUx0f9Yk/w400-h300/5%20A9559FFE-0C14-42B9-B22A-04A06AF2989F.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Don't let him out!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEjw_3B6AJgcQMAHMNL_f0EmHb6H4kyeDE-oZHG-7r7TtwvWV1bHE_FKRG4fL_WRcE0A2hWQJEJXCZlzIMhxWgT6e2ZbQzRlVqZgFy97WSD4AN8Y9CuQXC3rF2wVNzjmNnLke6ec5RtmdzbO5uj9CblfVp-sOi5U8yep72CfMnr7fECve3N21FsCvRBk/s3264/5%20IMG_20231018_195236477.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEjw_3B6AJgcQMAHMNL_f0EmHb6H4kyeDE-oZHG-7r7TtwvWV1bHE_FKRG4fL_WRcE0A2hWQJEJXCZlzIMhxWgT6e2ZbQzRlVqZgFy97WSD4AN8Y9CuQXC3rF2wVNzjmNnLke6ec5RtmdzbO5uj9CblfVp-sOi5U8yep72CfMnr7fECve3N21FsCvRBk/w400-h300/5%20IMG_20231018_195236477.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On one of my runs at Robles park, I scared up a javelina and somehow managed to get my phone out in time to get a shot of it trotting away - sorry to disturb you!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkA_qiGTXNjT2vHu7D6CyoTOQOVtz24VpektnlWgLvE0ycxuD-J0KCkwyEivigh6iKiPJ5Br-kBfwPK5LLvyJQ_HvPcmyuU8gvNNDENZyDVdhjMJgPar5X8J3yckxe-5hK-9UjSMY9_vMKCifkzXo9Z9J4BJ6HcIdsKCuwp4vwVkz7sInbhJ3kE0Ibuo/s1661/5%20PXL_20231019_150526132.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1469" data-original-width="1661" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkA_qiGTXNjT2vHu7D6CyoTOQOVtz24VpektnlWgLvE0ycxuD-J0KCkwyEivigh6iKiPJ5Br-kBfwPK5LLvyJQ_HvPcmyuU8gvNNDENZyDVdhjMJgPar5X8J3yckxe-5hK-9UjSMY9_vMKCifkzXo9Z9J4BJ6HcIdsKCuwp4vwVkz7sInbhJ3kE0Ibuo/w400-h354/5%20PXL_20231019_150526132.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One of the funnier sightings at an orienteering meet, Billie dressed as a "mobile control" that we had to find along a path. She added other little challenges to the event and it was entirely the most fun sprint we've done in some time. I'm not sure who took this picture, but it's a good one:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHml8_x2-2HXp7ZT60GDLL35NpOjMV_i2s2bgOeXUL1dekwqVl35UdjO8AUQucjGvrEKHi17FwHX33-jbRtQdqOTYKuFq6tC4DrWVJ9EOAFf0yaqsancIUXJISQ6k8QqjrgRVGo187zvlMh6gbZcJnkPw8RHqrE5VJJBujXqTAwmLB07cIuOC9cITygOw/s1215/6%20Billie%20the%20O-control.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1215" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHml8_x2-2HXp7ZT60GDLL35NpOjMV_i2s2bgOeXUL1dekwqVl35UdjO8AUQucjGvrEKHi17FwHX33-jbRtQdqOTYKuFq6tC4DrWVJ9EOAFf0yaqsancIUXJISQ6k8QqjrgRVGo187zvlMh6gbZcJnkPw8RHqrE5VJJBujXqTAwmLB07cIuOC9cITygOw/w400-h353/6%20Billie%20the%20O-control.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>More Halloween entertainment - the yearly (as of last year) software update from Rivian that included spooky sounds like organ music for the door lock/unlock and new visuals for zombie pedestrians. Also for people on bikes - she's a witch!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgew7kAQ_VFsDt4kP5feeSuqVZMVcaR3u6dZ9e9ZvOEOzf6aDDGiUHDxc30xVeu4SCpLQ7tBpC5u0iV87edme8gQi2eTBiPoVksDUIPYv1K0nXzCtVsj1V-2aq2dH4xVaFjncOwQxdykHlEa5JqGHOGKS-4_UE6C4BKB-CxNeY5aBzC7TXRZjOAa68UVzA/s1555/7%20Shes%20a%20witch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="1555" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgew7kAQ_VFsDt4kP5feeSuqVZMVcaR3u6dZ9e9ZvOEOzf6aDDGiUHDxc30xVeu4SCpLQ7tBpC5u0iV87edme8gQi2eTBiPoVksDUIPYv1K0nXzCtVsj1V-2aq2dH4xVaFjncOwQxdykHlEa5JqGHOGKS-4_UE6C4BKB-CxNeY5aBzC7TXRZjOAa68UVzA/w400-h361/7%20Shes%20a%20witch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We popped in at the Irish and Celtic festival, where we enjoyed some excellent music and browsing the markets. Always fun watching sheep herding demos:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRCz4W27_woiGOlY98j9PgqHGyu-sAsK4bRwqZbarkVlc3Jy1llEmDYqUuBg70xQd8LMxp-_4I2YO2ZhMqw_HjJ3B0sgHfJMZCfmmr3sDBlvScKfFSoEJaWCvZ22FTDTJOH8_DVv9H7QBal4YNFSFf85hVzM5Ha8sClGeHoCprAhVOJ6HfalDVUEVRkI/s3264/8%20IMG_20231104_131404323.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRCz4W27_woiGOlY98j9PgqHGyu-sAsK4bRwqZbarkVlc3Jy1llEmDYqUuBg70xQd8LMxp-_4I2YO2ZhMqw_HjJ3B0sgHfJMZCfmmr3sDBlvScKfFSoEJaWCvZ22FTDTJOH8_DVv9H7QBal4YNFSFf85hVzM5Ha8sClGeHoCprAhVOJ6HfalDVUEVRkI/w400-h300/8%20IMG_20231104_131404323.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>People throwing heavy things:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqarriwCpQ_IiCBHuE4QyxWwPAtPZ3B1j3KzVZVDyFCbtZ_106Hp9JHAPafrLUSwr2Rb2bm2PgvSsIcZ-I1iIAlYqxmw0FUnN1EImxHph-QuyP3DO9OQZ9NOtB7ZwzaYQpGotSgyRqxxGo_2rhvmKxNtDYlYoeDWKG8sVRyCjBP6U-27lu0UR9TVY79A/s2669/9%20IMG_20231104_132032573.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2073" data-original-width="2669" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqarriwCpQ_IiCBHuE4QyxWwPAtPZ3B1j3KzVZVDyFCbtZ_106Hp9JHAPafrLUSwr2Rb2bm2PgvSsIcZ-I1iIAlYqxmw0FUnN1EImxHph-QuyP3DO9OQZ9NOtB7ZwzaYQpGotSgyRqxxGo_2rhvmKxNtDYlYoeDWKG8sVRyCjBP6U-27lu0UR9TVY79A/w400-h311/9%20IMG_20231104_132032573.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And tossing cabers:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSTBFl2VvVZ8AiB5SXYEUvc0jpVxbuwO0BAHgzn3Vb6kGCNOgzSFYYe_AP9bEbbn2eSWiaGhHGYaKc7iebJJ2wkdhvixVIAJHkwnJjRZPb5KkGheSTmLV2NAxlspnI8LBF4y7ObMyroca81IUbhe1AO8rB_Go4ZtO7JlxYiIxDGMuuvYk_3liH_W5_Rw/s2328/10%20IMG_20231104_132648626_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2140" data-original-width="2328" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSTBFl2VvVZ8AiB5SXYEUvc0jpVxbuwO0BAHgzn3Vb6kGCNOgzSFYYe_AP9bEbbn2eSWiaGhHGYaKc7iebJJ2wkdhvixVIAJHkwnJjRZPb5KkGheSTmLV2NAxlspnI8LBF4y7ObMyroca81IUbhe1AO8rB_Go4ZtO7JlxYiIxDGMuuvYk_3liH_W5_Rw/w400-h368/10%20IMG_20231104_132648626_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Seen in Phoenix:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJ_sPZHzsGp3lyRdzpmob-TKYX7_fEf82YP6sE1bxDxPzPVHHSejzQp4FwP82YxMkOfXYPC4Af6Qm6cO93H9ZhMr-MNo9JVG-q_rKSVkUgDoz_jHChjYXthQndeMFsij4R-wSFcEIpUBaoq_WPAFHY6VRt7AJKZwhvRvu0B0ZWF-wgqPkmhDmmwrDd-M/s2995/11%20PXL_20231110_142358569.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2173" data-original-width="2995" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJ_sPZHzsGp3lyRdzpmob-TKYX7_fEf82YP6sE1bxDxPzPVHHSejzQp4FwP82YxMkOfXYPC4Af6Qm6cO93H9ZhMr-MNo9JVG-q_rKSVkUgDoz_jHChjYXthQndeMFsij4R-wSFcEIpUBaoq_WPAFHY6VRt7AJKZwhvRvu0B0ZWF-wgqPkmhDmmwrDd-M/w400-h290/11%20PXL_20231110_142358569.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Also in Phoenix, at our truck's yearly checkup - so many Rivians in one place!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQi2sZmW6aWRCf2zvA7Glzy-BIj94AT1jx7p7JkyFcQ2oyAEbzkKZ6kZp5RhDvbMtqoGrSp1UBkXAkDb9QR8jMSiiAoTS_RzewSoQdswy2gGmyt_vbs7hyphenhyphenppDYgpn8yblh8C4A30HvRze8Ayb2fhngFrCjAkjmLTnFI5YmJaK7IAlk-11ZbAbXuMyl8Y/s4032/12%20PXL_20231110_175827663.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQi2sZmW6aWRCf2zvA7Glzy-BIj94AT1jx7p7JkyFcQ2oyAEbzkKZ6kZp5RhDvbMtqoGrSp1UBkXAkDb9QR8jMSiiAoTS_RzewSoQdswy2gGmyt_vbs7hyphenhyphenppDYgpn8yblh8C4A30HvRze8Ayb2fhngFrCjAkjmLTnFI5YmJaK7IAlk-11ZbAbXuMyl8Y/w400-h300/12%20PXL_20231110_175827663.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The big adventure in the first half of November was a trip to the Grand Canyon. Some friends of ours were running the rim-to-rim-to-rim and we were excited to spend some time with them.</div><div><br /></div><div>John dropped us off at the South Kaibab trailhead before dawn, and Andrew was excited to get going:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCsxJHkEu0Wt6_wARRjJhxdenYpRQABjKawWgseBS7xLb3QIX5f_cv0OpMLOE54rnIEmgK6pASZKeJC4pueY4MCXty3MosCsdj5FTAQ5BD4tJOqOIB5sbuvARQOH8-Sjuk3AavgPiZSLN0hyPuhorS8vi4s6AlZCfsn0IAhPzr0J3inMzu3wrUw4D72A/s3264/13%20IMG_20231111_032251044.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCsxJHkEu0Wt6_wARRjJhxdenYpRQABjKawWgseBS7xLb3QIX5f_cv0OpMLOE54rnIEmgK6pASZKeJC4pueY4MCXty3MosCsdj5FTAQ5BD4tJOqOIB5sbuvARQOH8-Sjuk3AavgPiZSLN0hyPuhorS8vi4s6AlZCfsn0IAhPzr0J3inMzu3wrUw4D72A/w400-h300/13%20IMG_20231111_032251044.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Kiefer, Andrew, Chris and I - the guys were doing the full R2R2R, while I was headed to the river and partway up the north trail. I didn't have any particular need to do the whole thing, just enough to have a "big day" and see some things I hadn't seen in a while.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsiSzDCzF7x5ZjHcyHgdEkp6yWN3pCfRgteiI8CIyMr6kATrTKupqCdf-7k3jiuf7XNgOZWYkucVpvf257joPXrEWHqWZvDaqAusW_UYO_vhuvtJ4-7T5O0sFso_U_VovlGU6-RD2DDCzGPg6YdOeGjIVyGae0kUnr1w2rawk7PxD21dVpM-lCY58nZe0/s3264/14%20IMG_20231111_032327762.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsiSzDCzF7x5ZjHcyHgdEkp6yWN3pCfRgteiI8CIyMr6kATrTKupqCdf-7k3jiuf7XNgOZWYkucVpvf257joPXrEWHqWZvDaqAusW_UYO_vhuvtJ4-7T5O0sFso_U_VovlGU6-RD2DDCzGPg6YdOeGjIVyGae0kUnr1w2rawk7PxD21dVpM-lCY58nZe0/w400-h300/14%20IMG_20231111_032327762.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The descent down Kaibab was magical. I loved taking it easy, absorbing the darkness, and stopping occasionally to appreciate the absolute silence around me.</div><div><br /></div><div>The trek through "the box" was also excellent. I had time to look around, and it was especially nice to have cool weather after previous memories of rather-hot times down here:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVL0TqLMNdXRzt23SQzMFirDacm70FWW_eneeVOP0xYSQhg6ifBlQLnpzhGlc3dTFFzGv7hNFUF5tj3zmsfffZrq4Pmbw4ndt5RD-zTGQlNTag5C8oRSF7j0hyphenhyphencWxB5VRzAMPMkxj8mdfRugJjSuC-JrPqcndgp3srpg2y3XD5wPcBmpP8TA_MHOfN05Q/s2048/IMG_9947.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVL0TqLMNdXRzt23SQzMFirDacm70FWW_eneeVOP0xYSQhg6ifBlQLnpzhGlc3dTFFzGv7hNFUF5tj3zmsfffZrq4Pmbw4ndt5RD-zTGQlNTag5C8oRSF7j0hyphenhyphencWxB5VRzAMPMkxj8mdfRugJjSuC-JrPqcndgp3srpg2y3XD5wPcBmpP8TA_MHOfN05Q/w400-h300/IMG_9947.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sunrise on the temples:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fcKPOQH2tgv3XeAdNeeJ11vUXsqnJD1eZEcvFi-8VU27iuJFJUCZL0w2bfFHeLIgAHrQWwvXmllbc1TccwqDMfYdrIe8K9nmjYOe2iPTVS7pM5ZeSdMizpGJr87q4E-xQu71pEiaDJAyqw6bnjqYIIIntHYXr0H6gF19jraJtLeMztmlfe_gSYwxaFE/s2048/IMG_9948.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fcKPOQH2tgv3XeAdNeeJ11vUXsqnJD1eZEcvFi-8VU27iuJFJUCZL0w2bfFHeLIgAHrQWwvXmllbc1TccwqDMfYdrIe8K9nmjYOe2iPTVS7pM5ZeSdMizpGJr87q4E-xQu71pEiaDJAyqw6bnjqYIIIntHYXr0H6gF19jraJtLeMztmlfe_gSYwxaFE/w400-h300/IMG_9948.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I debated a side trip over to Ribbon Falls, but that would have involved a creek crossing and I wasn't excited about getting my feet wet on that particular day. So I took a picture from afar:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMq80icDGtnJEsEoq8JLo60FdH77-Z73H4GXXRWPSIRZgcw8Y4PXIUtqvzFWd2tdw6wdhLsnHYBjvdU-ivEPpHljWroasopMy_5Glr6RnBjPgnfbUSVX4sp82I5A0ItBDKaYKPBZ4ClBekn9nDxL_0HtRvhzSZ5otSIpyDx3ezAHrBfhEraBIGfEvH-PE/s2048/IMG_9956.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMq80icDGtnJEsEoq8JLo60FdH77-Z73H4GXXRWPSIRZgcw8Y4PXIUtqvzFWd2tdw6wdhLsnHYBjvdU-ivEPpHljWroasopMy_5Glr6RnBjPgnfbUSVX4sp82I5A0ItBDKaYKPBZ4ClBekn9nDxL_0HtRvhzSZ5otSIpyDx3ezAHrBfhEraBIGfEvH-PE/w400-h300/IMG_9956.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Zoomed-in view of the falls - looks pretty, maybe someday I'll get over there:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRV3OVSxC60mvuUQmT_ClQHXZ-1lt9YJUKaXtRE4yX44vlDuwazIi2iSXNf0KP2FrzSHkLRdP7jyuXNhn3rVqLFcIXXq-Sq793jTbMjKqlUpfebMYAyxcHZKqEpBT9keF-wwvVyNd_rPGvKwMcwSAMN7ynYvAcTqr45s9mXh_xEdWCk9P5fT5DXrtqgg/s2048/IMG_9957.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRV3OVSxC60mvuUQmT_ClQHXZ-1lt9YJUKaXtRE4yX44vlDuwazIi2iSXNf0KP2FrzSHkLRdP7jyuXNhn3rVqLFcIXXq-Sq793jTbMjKqlUpfebMYAyxcHZKqEpBT9keF-wwvVyNd_rPGvKwMcwSAMN7ynYvAcTqr45s9mXh_xEdWCk9P5fT5DXrtqgg/w400-h300/IMG_9957.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Heading back toward the river:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SksrdfM8HTNJA47bCghpr1VOpcsWa0B0vGrc5aMQsHYfPXHqizl0AB_rNp8eAe19HWPT2vgaua6t0x6nf8yRlErL41kQd98w198iXP2f2hc_P2nXPOgnXowEiBSUiht-bY7-IBMf62d0DgP_uUIud2gZ2k4cmAWtW14eKKCL-Im3FCaMEmalTP5kfl0/s2048/IMG_9958.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SksrdfM8HTNJA47bCghpr1VOpcsWa0B0vGrc5aMQsHYfPXHqizl0AB_rNp8eAe19HWPT2vgaua6t0x6nf8yRlErL41kQd98w198iXP2f2hc_P2nXPOgnXowEiBSUiht-bY7-IBMf62d0DgP_uUIud2gZ2k4cmAWtW14eKKCL-Im3FCaMEmalTP5kfl0/w400-h300/IMG_9958.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I met up with John and Steve who had come down Bright Angel Trail. Steve continued north to look for his buddies while John turned around and climbed back up the trail with me. We were still near the river when we spotted a cute little bighorn sheep just above the trail:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9Oe4JNgEgfUWj9Yn5wv3gEo9y4ZN9X_DSVo3M2_3Ylx4Gh0aF7PGP7uiqtzCXY-FNd8sBCQaa6CkLVwzm9EK0D2RHaTZWHh9GVY1vQFXKB7AqYUl7e1kXGdJZ86MOLOoVia4yjNJd4Pr1YI_VL8WSULYqy64NRnKM-1J9-A62mXc78PAP_O_FAcvRi8/s2048/IMG_9961.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9Oe4JNgEgfUWj9Yn5wv3gEo9y4ZN9X_DSVo3M2_3Ylx4Gh0aF7PGP7uiqtzCXY-FNd8sBCQaa6CkLVwzm9EK0D2RHaTZWHh9GVY1vQFXKB7AqYUl7e1kXGdJZ86MOLOoVia4yjNJd4Pr1YI_VL8WSULYqy64NRnKM-1J9-A62mXc78PAP_O_FAcvRi8/w400-h300/IMG_9961.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The whole family ran down to the drainage below us to forage - super cool!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDr3ey7K10q4DFf6eD0qMAteZnZBtNM9-CzD6vA-QJ9UdrGkcP1jvPcShrLF6YtR3Q9JFU0Fg4F2hyUV-BaDbZ82nAxnoTh3tGRgF4-vQ92P7shsEo7v-xTwU7b4xmEfTcrPGA_IWC4LiZ19CPQ8FPoL6aCLs4EIg2lRP2uyy5KwFu3H_gOVTYz4YCyBo/s1655/IMG_9964.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="1655" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDr3ey7K10q4DFf6eD0qMAteZnZBtNM9-CzD6vA-QJ9UdrGkcP1jvPcShrLF6YtR3Q9JFU0Fg4F2hyUV-BaDbZ82nAxnoTh3tGRgF4-vQ92P7shsEo7v-xTwU7b4xmEfTcrPGA_IWC4LiZ19CPQ8FPoL6aCLs4EIg2lRP2uyy5KwFu3H_gOVTYz4YCyBo/w400-h315/IMG_9964.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We were nearing Havasupai Gardens when we passed a version of this sign. A group of guys approached, took a look at it, and one of them said with apparently seriousness, "Damn brah, he drank too much!" John and I were still laughing at that comment later so I took a picture of the same sign up near the rim:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bim_zbifNRrMwoTXb4_CyWpQbW-SyERa4tqdYYE2K5qQL_wfI1gdmm_dquygyePqxy6fwC9zN8v-gatL6cq2OYHiskwgvhHjftYena8Pf_LXzahNJHuWcfvIiFOjYXPjlddKYBQ2FHS2CbKdThhhMejqRZ03w7gmZNP5vDB8scgpZO16YEdfgRJ9lpc/s2048/Damn%20bro%20he%20drank%20too%20much.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bim_zbifNRrMwoTXb4_CyWpQbW-SyERa4tqdYYE2K5qQL_wfI1gdmm_dquygyePqxy6fwC9zN8v-gatL6cq2OYHiskwgvhHjftYena8Pf_LXzahNJHuWcfvIiFOjYXPjlddKYBQ2FHS2CbKdThhhMejqRZ03w7gmZNP5vDB8scgpZO16YEdfgRJ9lpc/w400-h300/Damn%20bro%20he%20drank%20too%20much.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>We were over there earlier:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhku_blhZXTOoFVzv5EVPcgddVIgMiG5r6EfyuwCtzIlEvBJUj4_sbl5uTvU7YN-ac6Stk23dc_E_3W6pyngygAsut6rD3anOuE1XOC4lKTqBix-pNRYaGajmHPl9naFP_MLIEkzlrGZCydaZjNdePNnEzXOQyr8k8Mp7YxXLV1UOo-EK8jIvdj1Tclij8/s2048/IMG_9970.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhku_blhZXTOoFVzv5EVPcgddVIgMiG5r6EfyuwCtzIlEvBJUj4_sbl5uTvU7YN-ac6Stk23dc_E_3W6pyngygAsut6rD3anOuE1XOC4lKTqBix-pNRYaGajmHPl9naFP_MLIEkzlrGZCydaZjNdePNnEzXOQyr8k8Mp7YxXLV1UOo-EK8jIvdj1Tclij8/w400-h300/IMG_9970.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>More adorable bighorns near the rim:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDAPh4XoUfd07aIMvTtjeAGIGBfDqlknRdrnTkSxEVClX5n7EEnjlXlMnYZ1dmzttiXu-RrvDBnvpbcFTzymBdPQBTNPKExQPaZzxgSmcKd7VgKxWpqxll2d7HsFXcojAi9eT_Z7k8GbOt5gwAliuLSjns-V0BFYVA2sG2YLdHcgmYaXl8P0uDQRYPv8/s2048/IMG_9972.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDAPh4XoUfd07aIMvTtjeAGIGBfDqlknRdrnTkSxEVClX5n7EEnjlXlMnYZ1dmzttiXu-RrvDBnvpbcFTzymBdPQBTNPKExQPaZzxgSmcKd7VgKxWpqxll2d7HsFXcojAi9eT_Z7k8GbOt5gwAliuLSjns-V0BFYVA2sG2YLdHcgmYaXl8P0uDQRYPv8/w400-h300/IMG_9972.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoying the other end of the day at the Grand Canyon - so lovely:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejL0QPYDcQ30R5lTByC8H73NZmKEyGGkjxDj54Eg6_6bhxnH2JOUK5LCir7feqHnqbMAg8paLCd85k_ed4-2nd8B6uAaLTGse5pfKifcSfHyzUI0L8hIMtWDgt0HfuUrkJLncvxJ2dPpSatt1lz6AaZDwraAOjrF383XM-CudwcyYI8Vzc7yEuJe9w_A/s2048/IMG_9973.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejL0QPYDcQ30R5lTByC8H73NZmKEyGGkjxDj54Eg6_6bhxnH2JOUK5LCir7feqHnqbMAg8paLCd85k_ed4-2nd8B6uAaLTGse5pfKifcSfHyzUI0L8hIMtWDgt0HfuUrkJLncvxJ2dPpSatt1lz6AaZDwraAOjrF383XM-CudwcyYI8Vzc7yEuJe9w_A/w400-h300/IMG_9973.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks Andrew for inviting us along!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-48716294702605496802024-01-20T16:49:00.000-08:002024-01-20T16:49:18.058-08:00Petrified Forest orienteering weekend<div style="text-align: left;">Once we were afraid - we were petrified! OK, not really afraid, but there was petrification. Ancient trees that are now WAY heavier. Strewn all over the landscape and protected in a National Park.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And there's an orienteering event that runs through there every October! If you've ever wanted an opportunity to do a race in a National Park, here's your chance.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The <a href="https://gphxo.org/Events/events.htm" target="_blank">Phoenix orienteering club</a> puts on a 2-day meet in Petrified Forest National Park, and we've been lucky to make it the past two years. Last year (excuse me, 2022) was <a href="https://marcy-twss.blogspot.com/2022/12/tn-to-az.html" target="_blank">rather exciting and rainy</a>, while 2023 had the normal gorgeous weather we've gotten accustomed to in Arizona. When it lined up perfectly with the Canyon de Chelly race the day before, how could we NOT go?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our friend Andrew drove over from Flagstaff for the Saturday edition. It was great to see him, and he had an excellent first solo run. Well done, Andrew! I only regret we didn't get a group photo to share.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The most exciting part of the weekend was actually not related to orienteering. We got to experience a partial eclipse, just as the Saturday event began. Ron handed out eclipse glasses to everyone (thanks Ron!) and we watched the sun get partially obscured by the moon. Super cool! We weren't in a location where we could see the "ring of fire" but close enough to get a dimming/cooling effect.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And John managed somehow to get a picture using his camera and the glasses!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLWnWF9m4jZojWscAbDhLgJIRxZPTNoeedmsjCThw-anLPO2CN7BaSDSfA1lqLy_EcDZPhsvU2VNhdbB8OprPBQyeubBP2HGwMrX2wyMFGfVNNE-dbyMU80blClDhuvgGDZAnGSuazl8V01Wu9KYnm9GBGDgjwya0u2QDhs60DxSqnithj45WqyKTUuE/s927/IMG_20231014_092058803_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="927" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLWnWF9m4jZojWscAbDhLgJIRxZPTNoeedmsjCThw-anLPO2CN7BaSDSfA1lqLy_EcDZPhsvU2VNhdbB8OprPBQyeubBP2HGwMrX2wyMFGfVNNE-dbyMU80blClDhuvgGDZAnGSuazl8V01Wu9KYnm9GBGDgjwya0u2QDhs60DxSqnithj45WqyKTUuE/w400-h379/IMG_20231014_092058803_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>OK, time to "go!" and we were off and running. I took off down the paved road, which gave me a couple more chances to pause and watch the shape of the sun through the eclipse glasses. Then I really needed to turn my attention to navigation.</div><div><br /></div><div>I remember having a lot of fun, seeing new (to us) areas of the park, doing some decent nav, and running hard to get to the finish on time.</div><div><br /></div><div>John, on the other hand, was recovering from <a href="https://marcy-twss.blogspot.com/2024/01/canyon-de-chelly-ultra.html" target="_blank">his big race</a> the day before. He obviously had zero interest in running. He was happy to wander around, not too far from the start/finish, and take some photos. So this is mostly the story of what he found.</div><div><br /></div><div>The first of many petrified pictures:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JoENRc9mxT6Vo7OjyFnTt9B2eiIAM2WDkSoxIVxpUiEORhiYfACaaGaykEL8fd9Yw1wv4SrIIF8kk1OG8eWnsooHHzshpDXdcQZTupGu6lKzKLjbEbJcpzwiB4-oH-Twd7OaMQiRqo38ovhuUHsByW2qIqwZrt3uxZQNF9mWuvSdP_qUUovE5p871Ko/s3264/IMG_20231014_094201586.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JoENRc9mxT6Vo7OjyFnTt9B2eiIAM2WDkSoxIVxpUiEORhiYfACaaGaykEL8fd9Yw1wv4SrIIF8kk1OG8eWnsooHHzshpDXdcQZTupGu6lKzKLjbEbJcpzwiB4-oH-Twd7OaMQiRqo38ovhuUHsByW2qIqwZrt3uxZQNF9mWuvSdP_qUUovE5p871Ko/w400-h300/IMG_20231014_094201586.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>You have to wonder how many of these are still buried, to be exposed and eventually visible to passers-by:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcL0AkpvBXmAjg0IsfFNwcs_6SCJekSZyuSfTEFMpTxdvtYAsIv9Ywfthsi9mTl2tvVTAriVi40XwTJvKWzDI9mBP-nIH1G809GcSQMleLgL9Zdn_unLjs8yf4NyO4KTUxJQFqsxvQjAjLY6t8D-iumB9WcvLdPlOrJabI0mHdiQ2vPOl8rhN51lp5P8/s3264/IMG_20231014_094235609.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcL0AkpvBXmAjg0IsfFNwcs_6SCJekSZyuSfTEFMpTxdvtYAsIv9Ywfthsi9mTl2tvVTAriVi40XwTJvKWzDI9mBP-nIH1G809GcSQMleLgL9Zdn_unLjs8yf4NyO4KTUxJQFqsxvQjAjLY6t8D-iumB9WcvLdPlOrJabI0mHdiQ2vPOl8rhN51lp5P8/w400-h300/IMG_20231014_094235609.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A teeny tiny hoodoo! Nice shot, John.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighhUZgNiLTQZAZIKk_th-PnWsFcLD3Zo64dzDpqUTxF9ZFVmmau5i6Hzpljwap24EZVXxyrCoDrqDcefb_pK-a24sDCQ5EyAPq9K8F1e6uxk2XgeLKVocOb-6Di-737xyFdek04pLERXXQaW7GCUxq9o4zsn6Auf1tSeyK5_7eP5jk1O3eywyk7rpA5o/s3264/IMG_20231014_101301447.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighhUZgNiLTQZAZIKk_th-PnWsFcLD3Zo64dzDpqUTxF9ZFVmmau5i6Hzpljwap24EZVXxyrCoDrqDcefb_pK-a24sDCQ5EyAPq9K8F1e6uxk2XgeLKVocOb-6Di-737xyFdek04pLERXXQaW7GCUxq9o4zsn6Auf1tSeyK5_7eP5jk1O3eywyk7rpA5o/w400-h300/IMG_20231014_101301447.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The erosion continues:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MP6QBARdsaoklU4ciU9jAkgth8zR2qD2okNtBfQFUYcrpXSHwZb7XwFzwfJRLwxVdha3oLkKuFhNwLZibvv2vRK6xK_QF4dQcx6ktKFSioZVSdVSg8LdCY-VTudbZI6g3xsmdvFyXwMty0VoGECRaEQOgEVRlJGD_aHtL_JKS1mrS1HCv3JM-fY8qC8/s3264/IMG_20231014_101520045_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MP6QBARdsaoklU4ciU9jAkgth8zR2qD2okNtBfQFUYcrpXSHwZb7XwFzwfJRLwxVdha3oLkKuFhNwLZibvv2vRK6xK_QF4dQcx6ktKFSioZVSdVSg8LdCY-VTudbZI6g3xsmdvFyXwMty0VoGECRaEQOgEVRlJGD_aHtL_JKS1mrS1HCv3JM-fY8qC8/w400-h300/IMG_20231014_101520045_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>John's map and pack for scale, I guess? And some pretty colors:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOedYmpejX3TnzWXEEHHeYmv5Yo4XHN9URKlZPUL3NUwXy_BLucCSIlLhecnPrNsK7Vc0wDkr9JDYqjUD1V4_cnlgNEoYHBm2lAVkbiP5xt5bR1JhMIqFHO7y3deFnkM66_EZvt3Ff9AE_5CaTmRaJ64J45ThTRWFRes93tbgBGWrbHbd1sv0bAnWpkXU/s3264/IMG_20231014_103724989_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOedYmpejX3TnzWXEEHHeYmv5Yo4XHN9URKlZPUL3NUwXy_BLucCSIlLhecnPrNsK7Vc0wDkr9JDYqjUD1V4_cnlgNEoYHBm2lAVkbiP5xt5bR1JhMIqFHO7y3deFnkM66_EZvt3Ff9AE_5CaTmRaJ64J45ThTRWFRes93tbgBGWrbHbd1sv0bAnWpkXU/w400-h300/IMG_20231014_103724989_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Wood in the wash:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiPId71NlbAAgw-10XBqNKqcAId0r7JALGxPmGoxjY2x2NIbaX6u7Sn6_VBZQIQXAM8oFTJ5VP51I_Ms1bkdy1Kqw60A6zZvTv_mK1LRH3TfDcdNiX6ykwYPFfBqIMGcc22_WABYLYaBSml0UlB6j298GFCYTYLAeBqpX3a8cMKtGCNt-QLKOk2uSLE0/s3264/IMG_20231014_104115264.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiPId71NlbAAgw-10XBqNKqcAId0r7JALGxPmGoxjY2x2NIbaX6u7Sn6_VBZQIQXAM8oFTJ5VP51I_Ms1bkdy1Kqw60A6zZvTv_mK1LRH3TfDcdNiX6ykwYPFfBqIMGcc22_WABYLYaBSml0UlB6j298GFCYTYLAeBqpX3a8cMKtGCNt-QLKOk2uSLE0/w400-h300/IMG_20231014_104115264.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once a giant tree, now a natural phenomenon:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gDeMPVHhJHmIhKgBFjipTKHkqoh1GmFvjXxzT5tD4NUSxPXQbcbNi59AOcNGh1Vko0YAEYOUlNWhDunPRZkuO774hf3i2Nil0JIqhb2sE5503h_3kBsUIG8h_bFt3UZowD-WUC2Mzy9i76RlK3go3coyNtpOxFft0N5f65SFbI-FYFbmwjBNPYe3nv8/s3264/IMG_20231014_105410432.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gDeMPVHhJHmIhKgBFjipTKHkqoh1GmFvjXxzT5tD4NUSxPXQbcbNi59AOcNGh1Vko0YAEYOUlNWhDunPRZkuO774hf3i2Nil0JIqhb2sE5503h_3kBsUIG8h_bFt3UZowD-WUC2Mzy9i76RlK3go3coyNtpOxFft0N5f65SFbI-FYFbmwjBNPYe3nv8/w400-h300/IMG_20231014_105410432.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I just love the petrified wood chips scattered everywhere:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg719QToesG5sf3kyFsk9OawuaK-qIMqMb3EADtmI6D-DzUYUo81R414nPJhg3f6nlm7drQ9kVd21url0YVHELnFBJvlAhJnQP5rx4NQAbKWu6jw_KO1J2ZKV3LPQdTnuXwlM8lWybognxEwjt_RSBUfzMGtEuCuYeLjjviCtIyJQ_WHcsD2Z95VVB_vRc/s3264/IMG_20231014_110416732_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg719QToesG5sf3kyFsk9OawuaK-qIMqMb3EADtmI6D-DzUYUo81R414nPJhg3f6nlm7drQ9kVd21url0YVHELnFBJvlAhJnQP5rx4NQAbKWu6jw_KO1J2ZKV3LPQdTnuXwlM8lWybognxEwjt_RSBUfzMGtEuCuYeLjjviCtIyJQ_WHcsD2Z95VVB_vRc/w300-h400/IMG_20231014_110416732_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>But I honestly have no idea what this is:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWay3b1Oq7dA3k2bTZkMo6NiDCxUSXpLqsN7TEQs38XpkdvyStDXXtSLLxd1fssaRZFKNtbWT5bsz7AbomENFmkkCgAzUbHDNNvItcIv6XtX695I3vZh9OxuJ_33NGNKKRJdzzmlEIHtMstHfYftRRWbEYLGb6MG019pGjFBpCbUCsr1XNy7-rRlltPdc/s1869/IMG_20231014_112616828.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1641" data-original-width="1869" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWay3b1Oq7dA3k2bTZkMo6NiDCxUSXpLqsN7TEQs38XpkdvyStDXXtSLLxd1fssaRZFKNtbWT5bsz7AbomENFmkkCgAzUbHDNNvItcIv6XtX695I3vZh9OxuJ_33NGNKKRJdzzmlEIHtMstHfYftRRWbEYLGb6MG019pGjFBpCbUCsr1XNy7-rRlltPdc/w400-h351/IMG_20231014_112616828.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The park is sublimely pretty, and we're so lucky to get to wander around and see these things:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxPShi957uu3_2_cf9dzdg8WJWEF2SPUeKaC1zA1zZDBa5b1XXufibtzBLU3CodNVPSjCBf9EE3FsoZCuHA9KBXi5bEYaela7DihUtIxSDl31cYVWr3MJiuYDrMVdUcZ_twkp0iIQEJz1TLfF2DhZ6P5JRsVFPyX_khju2sANU2yqsIfDl8F4hbsmP90/s3264/IMG_20231014_112824070.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxPShi957uu3_2_cf9dzdg8WJWEF2SPUeKaC1zA1zZDBa5b1XXufibtzBLU3CodNVPSjCBf9EE3FsoZCuHA9KBXi5bEYaela7DihUtIxSDl31cYVWr3MJiuYDrMVdUcZ_twkp0iIQEJz1TLfF2DhZ6P5JRsVFPyX_khju2sANU2yqsIfDl8F4hbsmP90/w400-h300/IMG_20231014_112824070.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On Sunday John ranged further afield, collecting a decent number of controls while still finding time for a couple pictures.</div><div><br /></div><div>Is potato?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vfDmU6m1nO6ktQVLjkkyoOR1fB2Ni12KggPuWkOm3vQc_5ufYa_9OYQaLark7xZbrVKygtlFS_8XwvAYa9CxSLVYQRdeOpwCKxMexCWkKSUEGjJiI4ZTCQDgpRIiMjOImE7O1xpT76z7cptqdKAG_b3kyi-ORpIucATfzClXQHBmwxmOfpsnI1vdhkc/s3264/IMG_20231015_105842882.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vfDmU6m1nO6ktQVLjkkyoOR1fB2Ni12KggPuWkOm3vQc_5ufYa_9OYQaLark7xZbrVKygtlFS_8XwvAYa9CxSLVYQRdeOpwCKxMexCWkKSUEGjJiI4ZTCQDgpRIiMjOImE7O1xpT76z7cptqdKAG_b3kyi-ORpIucATfzClXQHBmwxmOfpsnI1vdhkc/w400-h300/IMG_20231015_105842882.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Aw, I love you too!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMz2SOV5wAJfRPQuEkbSqQbaAMRyU0l8ztlNz-_o1Or137zsV5UEhcV1_W4yI8CQu3wETxLPqj4VJijPaYFH6rQgWLlwG2_PjmVg556dCVK8D08nPdh7Sn_Re_5LtBynCl_XJz2mGrLLuDnUhXdcc8NlGVbEe5RnEEyIfemNmOMbOO9z2wcK1T4x89pk/s3264/IMG_20231015_113738030_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMz2SOV5wAJfRPQuEkbSqQbaAMRyU0l8ztlNz-_o1Or137zsV5UEhcV1_W4yI8CQu3wETxLPqj4VJijPaYFH6rQgWLlwG2_PjmVg556dCVK8D08nPdh7Sn_Re_5LtBynCl_XJz2mGrLLuDnUhXdcc8NlGVbEe5RnEEyIfemNmOMbOO9z2wcK1T4x89pk/w400-h300/IMG_20231015_113738030_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I had another fine day of running, working hard to cover as much ground as I could. What a fun place to run!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8Tv-QfdViS6otovIten2MVHz6FzZWx_sLzCeXuEnaYbp1FdUQmDNH5ALgDHlpPYcKLTs25EIDM5oi8ZsV3gvl-8PxEbfGe91Qnl9wG0Sl8jq_s7aKfdCD1Mv8DrlBLKsiAEeFkBi5eKTSvVyVJ3Uwoh48e2IBsFCqmWUCSl5xE0kHauW9ah8o6IUhMA/s3264/IMG_20231015_142320303.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8Tv-QfdViS6otovIten2MVHz6FzZWx_sLzCeXuEnaYbp1FdUQmDNH5ALgDHlpPYcKLTs25EIDM5oi8ZsV3gvl-8PxEbfGe91Qnl9wG0Sl8jq_s7aKfdCD1Mv8DrlBLKsiAEeFkBi5eKTSvVyVJ3Uwoh48e2IBsFCqmWUCSl5xE0kHauW9ah8o6IUhMA/w400-h300/IMG_20231015_142320303.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you to the Phoenix club for another unique and wonderful event! Highly recommend.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-64600936876632844922024-01-17T16:00:00.000-08:002024-01-17T16:00:36.766-08:00Canyon de Chelly ultra<div style="text-align: left;">Our friend Robyn told us about a special Canyon de Chelly 50k in northeast Arizona. It's run on Navajo land in a place you aren't normally allowed to go unguided. Such a beautiful place and an amazing experience - no wonder there are always many more people who want to run vs. the number of slots in the race.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I put my name in the pot, and John said "what the heck", put an entry in for him too. It's entirely fitting that he got in and I didn't - I have so many big adventures, it was time for John to get one of his own. Whether or not he was completely trained for it... at least we had had an adventurous summer on foot.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We camped in Chinle near the race start/finish and picked up his number the day before the race - are you ready John?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2P8YPrazFWVjPftUNqiSe6wSfkvwmDtZpFH9LFiuMA3Temd_KKPy-OYb91An8kZKiqUeJ1DvgSAzrGEa15XhlpwzNKTSXbSQF3cBGM2wNDkkcvqWUzfdclWMbvOL-LpY2OHwdQJOHzgOJNHLPSiNnuw1mrv8QqyOVeXTy2yrnpz6rZcUxXmJNXPUpOQ/s4032/1%20PXL_20231012_221155294.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2P8YPrazFWVjPftUNqiSe6wSfkvwmDtZpFH9LFiuMA3Temd_KKPy-OYb91An8kZKiqUeJ1DvgSAzrGEa15XhlpwzNKTSXbSQF3cBGM2wNDkkcvqWUzfdclWMbvOL-LpY2OHwdQJOHzgOJNHLPSiNnuw1mrv8QqyOVeXTy2yrnpz6rZcUxXmJNXPUpOQ/w400-h300/1%20PXL_20231012_221155294.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Staying warm (sorta) on race morning:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiartxyEXk0UACqrk-ZM1ERafd8luayPyMlalT2BX969MIQmMYdTDsBclXhM_bZrdA9B5vfIv7w52WtTbq1ikKMRGdzG9Y1R6eVSJhv7lMy7JYnEXLOvb3E73wuzxycNfqfVHMS0boz3Im6t8-SORj8uUA6rJgq9E4JznpNTUo7plRAC9ZGorvbQeFmNIE/s2048/IMG_9859.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiartxyEXk0UACqrk-ZM1ERafd8luayPyMlalT2BX969MIQmMYdTDsBclXhM_bZrdA9B5vfIv7w52WtTbq1ikKMRGdzG9Y1R6eVSJhv7lMy7JYnEXLOvb3E73wuzxycNfqfVHMS0boz3Im6t8-SORj8uUA6rJgq9E4JznpNTUo7plRAC9ZGorvbQeFmNIE/w400-h300/IMG_9859.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Since we were there anyway, I put my name on the "last minute" wait list in case any slots opened up. I had been quite far down on the original wait list so I didn't expect anything. I did show up fully dressed and carrying everything I'd need because you never know...</div><div><br /></div><div>Which was good, because I was one slot away from getting in at the very last minute! That made me smile. No matter, I was perfectly happy driving around to see the course from the canyon rim. Whatever happens, it was going to be a lovely day.</div><div><div><br /></div></div><div>And they're off! Go John go :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09hLvCYWe_cZ22weXfHq-0lx4Sm23oN4ozs7roJLMFJcVL2QgbRx6A2cB3nuz6S2GVaEFbl5sw50I_rJyj9F4uFKyfOvFWosV1RGxd7Q3JsONAWHp12fy83agFZPytbW6c-6vQ3j66Y6uBq_iEkNdU94TRhfj31SE-s0nRcIhEi2pm5LGsC9Vnif3yao/s1867/IMG_9862.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1471" data-original-width="1867" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09hLvCYWe_cZ22weXfHq-0lx4Sm23oN4ozs7roJLMFJcVL2QgbRx6A2cB3nuz6S2GVaEFbl5sw50I_rJyj9F4uFKyfOvFWosV1RGxd7Q3JsONAWHp12fy83agFZPytbW6c-6vQ3j66Y6uBq_iEkNdU94TRhfj31SE-s0nRcIhEi2pm5LGsC9Vnif3yao/w400-h315/IMG_9862.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The first several miles are in a sandy wash, a challenging start (and later a challenging finish). I'm sure the runners were looking forward to the sunrise, and also to the more-solid trail further along the way:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjUcKuJtIHp3GA-Xhyphenhyphen1eO6hY1RhlRq6iuhyFlPFcpB4lF76kLZdGed-7KfUkkdwUXM9wVl3ppnJE8Js07tI1xoMa87jOSV0WCBtPg5bomDyGMZtgt0vjXcegJEXmlyKRlCrHb3ClIjcxSxVkhkI_sCcj5kn95QoC-rEQ0l_WsGjt1rCP4Ri5e0mg560k/s1989/IMG_9864.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1311" data-original-width="1989" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjUcKuJtIHp3GA-Xhyphenhyphen1eO6hY1RhlRq6iuhyFlPFcpB4lF76kLZdGed-7KfUkkdwUXM9wVl3ppnJE8Js07tI1xoMa87jOSV0WCBtPg5bomDyGMZtgt0vjXcegJEXmlyKRlCrHb3ClIjcxSxVkhkI_sCcj5kn95QoC-rEQ0l_WsGjt1rCP4Ri5e0mg560k/w400-h264/IMG_9864.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I checked out the National Monument visitor center, then started along the rim to see the various overlooks. Love the sign on this truck:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uWpuUv5Bjkbsi-31AMP0gB1QSOB1NdmD3XtCpjdaVm3li_wO7w4icRL2gp-BzFKdzpgyGxVNEbBlLZHbC5CE5401neuC8CvbtSovR_rbvjLJiqXJP8zBfvTyDYgkNsvZGZnLrQDrzlSyFnuYdIxRQATbnAT_J_mmgnLpVWtbDEY7bybkByD6zyOEetk/s2048/IMG_9869.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uWpuUv5Bjkbsi-31AMP0gB1QSOB1NdmD3XtCpjdaVm3li_wO7w4icRL2gp-BzFKdzpgyGxVNEbBlLZHbC5CE5401neuC8CvbtSovR_rbvjLJiqXJP8zBfvTyDYgkNsvZGZnLrQDrzlSyFnuYdIxRQATbnAT_J_mmgnLpVWtbDEY7bybkByD6zyOEetk/w400-h300/IMG_9869.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually I reached the overlook toward the turnaround; it's the last place where spectators can watch for runners (since we weren't allowed at the turnaround aid station). The views all along the way are stunning and well worth the drive even for those of us relegated to the rim.</div><div><br /></div><div>And somewhere down there is the race trail, possibly with tiny little runners who aren't super visible without binoculars:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbneNUDRgFek4pu7TKfTizz6FwdDSmqm9WVB3_TR4z64V3Y4c2m-A7M1oxNw6A4SKmzLwOPw4vVnQY0lCsWhoUsSVF5VAbt-63J7nIAOTeaG7M65jnVTpDPFo-VuAMe-5fWPUdOCifaLGH1bH36XOubje-JAV365tVMBpYSJBJ35AcUb94T0M8_u9Zas/s2048/IMG_9871.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbneNUDRgFek4pu7TKfTizz6FwdDSmqm9WVB3_TR4z64V3Y4c2m-A7M1oxNw6A4SKmzLwOPw4vVnQY0lCsWhoUsSVF5VAbt-63J7nIAOTeaG7M65jnVTpDPFo-VuAMe-5fWPUdOCifaLGH1bH36XOubje-JAV365tVMBpYSJBJ35AcUb94T0M8_u9Zas/w400-h300/IMG_9871.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I hung out there for a while, finally deciding I had missed John on his way out. Looks like he was running well that morning, excellent!</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoying the scenery in the meantime:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvolLCj-BMcvEbRJCTB4m57LWAU7DHiDtHNZecb3ZQo1ZF-p9O5Ot0COcFgopkHJ_b_6LVRl5HU0QXDS8_uKxbp6fVnq5MNvB43FWUPt4zPDQ835rk6Kx2jFWYn91Z61d7fLOdn2ShDIugEndCUL374biJnTkICBQGIFt1t_3LZkyNzYKkvtNM_UokpcM/s2048/IMG_9874.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvolLCj-BMcvEbRJCTB4m57LWAU7DHiDtHNZecb3ZQo1ZF-p9O5Ot0COcFgopkHJ_b_6LVRl5HU0QXDS8_uKxbp6fVnq5MNvB43FWUPt4zPDQ835rk6Kx2jFWYn91Z61d7fLOdn2ShDIugEndCUL374biJnTkICBQGIFt1t_3LZkyNzYKkvtNM_UokpcM/w400-h300/IMG_9874.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The funny thing is that if you yelled from the overlook, the sound would bounce off the canyon walls and eventually make its way down to the runners. Other people managed to get the attention of racers they knew. When I saw John coming back from the turnaround, I did a "pew!" call that he would recognize, but I think it was difficult for everyone down below to tell where we were hanging out up above.</div><div><br /></div><div>I drove around the corner to the next overlook:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhGDLTWu3jKk1H1deePZXO7CwOP4eEYlCSrYnOu8niA_ToSu4_-A-BA88WE2aME_AT-48L2GaOfNdewGHTvaxpQvHtUP6DW6XUinghGXnsE9vtS0dLV-0mTOFFyDC1nxsq0fAUtH_80D3E2WLSRmpz7PflypCFUP1IdfDGCA1cfDWEkERuY8M7TvMK1c/s2048/IMG_9874a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhGDLTWu3jKk1H1deePZXO7CwOP4eEYlCSrYnOu8niA_ToSu4_-A-BA88WE2aME_AT-48L2GaOfNdewGHTvaxpQvHtUP6DW6XUinghGXnsE9vtS0dLV-0mTOFFyDC1nxsq0fAUtH_80D3E2WLSRmpz7PflypCFUP1IdfDGCA1cfDWEkERuY8M7TvMK1c/w400-h300/IMG_9874a.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It was fun watching John run along the dirt road. The camera is zoomed in and the photo is cropped, so perhaps you can barely see him:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFwoTz_SsZ5t93LljOm6ZTMIHbPmYFyjFIbw6tMU1razzGWWrRgoLE1JynqgiFZg8tbPsxGua-8IxtfjiBrtKkgYTFMcD4sHuNxDOqhoIkApyuCglOGPx8RkF2c8av1rCyXEtOOujIlzVoC_iHSbydq_hreeQFKU0-7LyQtfj6mfUoVpU7SInnHG0i-s/s1663/IMG_9878.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1393" data-original-width="1663" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFwoTz_SsZ5t93LljOm6ZTMIHbPmYFyjFIbw6tMU1razzGWWrRgoLE1JynqgiFZg8tbPsxGua-8IxtfjiBrtKkgYTFMcD4sHuNxDOqhoIkApyuCglOGPx8RkF2c8av1rCyXEtOOujIlzVoC_iHSbydq_hreeQFKU0-7LyQtfj6mfUoVpU7SInnHG0i-s/w400-h335/IMG_9878.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I had time to admire some cliff dwellings across the way (hard to see under the shady overhang). It would be neat to return for a guided tour someday and learn some stories from the locals.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0_wmaAOsPjCiYtwUfyxe_jA1yAlK997v9FrYLunP9JVM-wIwk0QvQxiRAhRrFRxVCn9EboiEd91KgUzp78UGZr6-lapPbmBzx3UHgV4vH4Srkb-83tlB6qFQLZ3p0KHNgYnLG18e3WrDR6HBU0jkUZVn-0tstIbwso4fyQlKbMboVr_ZNaDhFql8ohs/s2048/IMG_9880.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0_wmaAOsPjCiYtwUfyxe_jA1yAlK997v9FrYLunP9JVM-wIwk0QvQxiRAhRrFRxVCn9EboiEd91KgUzp78UGZr6-lapPbmBzx3UHgV4vH4Srkb-83tlB6qFQLZ3p0KHNgYnLG18e3WrDR6HBU0jkUZVn-0tstIbwso4fyQlKbMboVr_ZNaDhFql8ohs/w400-h300/IMG_9880.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Not quite a bird, or a plane:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7saFbgk30snmF3pJ9PI0JFWUGQYYJMqaXBJvyEi3hvcPy-oJbizqd03ooT5tmm_RhhruVwAxi5KwghhQLycZbSmy_e2P5-fWPm4rTva6HzwInTKIN-oMC44L6ogygXU5co3_t2USXiKIxdTL5eC6MiALlIAxaLbrjo0UPR_SLou_rTjdNczZT7UHYm00/s1405/IMG_9886.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1405" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7saFbgk30snmF3pJ9PI0JFWUGQYYJMqaXBJvyEi3hvcPy-oJbizqd03ooT5tmm_RhhruVwAxi5KwghhQLycZbSmy_e2P5-fWPm4rTva6HzwInTKIN-oMC44L6ogygXU5co3_t2USXiKIxdTL5eC6MiALlIAxaLbrjo0UPR_SLou_rTjdNczZT7UHYm00/w400-h308/IMG_9886.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Bug in the rocks - what a cute surprise:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSv0wQ3ptH34hujcafXfiwjYEr7taklUfLUa1MAA3UC7x6x2SPc19K5mEFw3w39-TfAYErUQtA-HW3XfabnCHUVjqPDzRd1xA3qAf_eXy6iVVs1PG30N7wSSIHjM9kb2Brlx9N3caCicJ9Q78HHErtz8FO2XS0Hsb3_6T_xYoOu9An4SiQ3pdbOwiR8eM/s1507/IMG_9887.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="1507" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSv0wQ3ptH34hujcafXfiwjYEr7taklUfLUa1MAA3UC7x6x2SPc19K5mEFw3w39-TfAYErUQtA-HW3XfabnCHUVjqPDzRd1xA3qAf_eXy6iVVs1PG30N7wSSIHjM9kb2Brlx9N3caCicJ9Q78HHErtz8FO2XS0Hsb3_6T_xYoOu9An4SiQ3pdbOwiR8eM/w400-h305/IMG_9887.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Another overlook where friends and family could watch for their runner. I was so glad I'd remembered my binoculars. Of course, the bigger picture views are awesome in their own right:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwi-kq6wUZw_eSDbfP6gU0lD8qY5g8ES0LLWprH9F9_U6TJoA8LDam0Mr69lulcbJW4kgIfuk34UTB1g6Fo46H94AXfaseL-1L8UcLX4rWt7iLR3RiOlXaJGHe9TwqejQooMyyRrVB5p7U0FAwbmwbqqT4xzsT9-_g7_NFXjAUUPeQ9S8CelR90-umu7Q/s2048/IMG_9889.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwi-kq6wUZw_eSDbfP6gU0lD8qY5g8ES0LLWprH9F9_U6TJoA8LDam0Mr69lulcbJW4kgIfuk34UTB1g6Fo46H94AXfaseL-1L8UcLX4rWt7iLR3RiOlXaJGHe9TwqejQooMyyRrVB5p7U0FAwbmwbqqT4xzsT9-_g7_NFXjAUUPeQ9S8CelR90-umu7Q/w400-h300/IMG_9889.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>John heard and saw me from down there this time, yay! Go John!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLvgT3XdIDeUUHEewDudftZ540MKYlVhwwIikB74jMVaE-nd6fjIKwULlzWgDZtfUtxAnKV0NVn1vwAkVbpI3usg8h-Omz7peyunv9M9V4G5t5dOrPQdiVj3mL8YmcKoJ78URJr9fnHBMfznzz5JlO1Lfk__tZynKXPzZ6BQ9sUZdAYTGcDiZpM1dcUo/s2048/IMG_9894.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLvgT3XdIDeUUHEewDudftZ540MKYlVhwwIikB74jMVaE-nd6fjIKwULlzWgDZtfUtxAnKV0NVn1vwAkVbpI3usg8h-Omz7peyunv9M9V4G5t5dOrPQdiVj3mL8YmcKoJ78URJr9fnHBMfznzz5JlO1Lfk__tZynKXPzZ6BQ9sUZdAYTGcDiZpM1dcUo/w400-h300/IMG_9894.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Another picturesque spot along the canyon rim, keeping an eye on the racecourse:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaagTPvK01DkW9YCcdr7FnhchQ1GyfAstmGgk7H6x63-F8dxA9xDrllC48QrT1YwV8E29ZmFTCgKSnID2AIHrsIu6YvYuzuqSAggwWIZAoa0-c9FKMQ3rMQ_eXfMaESAz6YsERu6OfyAQuBcWNF6d799O-ko2VKPalj9p_TqW2JXTYTXJTKALKnwCbbU/s2048/IMG_9898.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaagTPvK01DkW9YCcdr7FnhchQ1GyfAstmGgk7H6x63-F8dxA9xDrllC48QrT1YwV8E29ZmFTCgKSnID2AIHrsIu6YvYuzuqSAggwWIZAoa0-c9FKMQ3rMQ_eXfMaESAz6YsERu6OfyAQuBcWNF6d799O-ko2VKPalj9p_TqW2JXTYTXJTKALKnwCbbU/w400-h300/IMG_9898.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And enjoying my afternoon!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GM9dojRg7fIHVOxRmr8DY2be0av-6EjwLx329ItuMR1kLkNG9GKltlHZlcsJFcI6hx6tekSh0WB2x5oohvY49QxBJH30IoMCvXtynpnnxH1jJb-7vpQeBDEYJHaU3Pk9u4nu1ii4Yp0K8HDiMaLXAztVOtamrX5sl2aZc-l1sjTVrCiy5R-9DAfZXa8/s2048/IMG_9901.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GM9dojRg7fIHVOxRmr8DY2be0av-6EjwLx329ItuMR1kLkNG9GKltlHZlcsJFcI6hx6tekSh0WB2x5oohvY49QxBJH30IoMCvXtynpnnxH1jJb-7vpQeBDEYJHaU3Pk9u4nu1ii4Yp0K8HDiMaLXAztVOtamrX5sl2aZc-l1sjTVrCiy5R-9DAfZXa8/w400-h300/IMG_9901.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The runners are approaching the sandier sections of the return trip:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbwGX7-BP6Ln_7EgX3as3qENoYo0C6vYAAdz-MKn6XvA8wO8rJ4NoBkWI_6A043fgki5M5Sp2NQyIcaPJkkcZV63QTw6PpNdRVg3jQIlvOew1VPex6lxKNLNlNsH-g1kVMEuucR2NjLsv7bW9cfdqL_AIyl0vK5v1h4kFXZpsZ7BvlvgZhKZ6p13zBIo/s2048/IMG_9904.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbwGX7-BP6Ln_7EgX3as3qENoYo0C6vYAAdz-MKn6XvA8wO8rJ4NoBkWI_6A043fgki5M5Sp2NQyIcaPJkkcZV63QTw6PpNdRVg3jQIlvOew1VPex6lxKNLNlNsH-g1kVMEuucR2NjLsv7bW9cfdqL_AIyl0vK5v1h4kFXZpsZ7BvlvgZhKZ6p13zBIo/w400-h300/IMG_9904.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>John is in the grey shirt in the front of this group crossing the wash:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kryLRhAxbFZbCwSnfmNKEA8zSc0lA8pJkB3HtaWUpjHn2BlePmv5T2hQ9K5xdZRuqVmxtjU3gJNGiprwaJPx8lTAKxbRqfcf6CHfpk-t3azv0pI69PYSTPEukcBnzPB8VWidocqW-zLousKdEGoiiwWuZTROlR1gSJtdxg6dod51wBt-l9CO8Q5A-AA/s2048/IMG_9906.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kryLRhAxbFZbCwSnfmNKEA8zSc0lA8pJkB3HtaWUpjHn2BlePmv5T2hQ9K5xdZRuqVmxtjU3gJNGiprwaJPx8lTAKxbRqfcf6CHfpk-t3azv0pI69PYSTPEukcBnzPB8VWidocqW-zLousKdEGoiiwWuZTROlR1gSJtdxg6dod51wBt-l9CO8Q5A-AA/w400-h300/IMG_9906.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I parked at the finish line and moseyed back to the bridge that crossed the final mile of the course. The sand slowed everyone down a good bit, but John was still moving strong. Woo hoo!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoTOmGZL5I3twDEw0nPhm0PiR4n2PuAamudoo-t6O5QOW5eigiF0Bq5SjCYi6cW4JNhbdt60MYvMekP3rZlBW7UCOZuYiIEvDS9_GPAUssLrjpxv6MrbXCO9kezdYJ7-2gxOBQD47nhslTcFEegu2luNPznsfcKoLzhADebPAkfz2olGQERNXo-_eoT8/s2048/IMG_9913.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoTOmGZL5I3twDEw0nPhm0PiR4n2PuAamudoo-t6O5QOW5eigiF0Bq5SjCYi6cW4JNhbdt60MYvMekP3rZlBW7UCOZuYiIEvDS9_GPAUssLrjpxv6MrbXCO9kezdYJ7-2gxOBQD47nhslTcFEegu2luNPznsfcKoLzhADebPAkfz2olGQERNXo-_eoT8/w400-h300/IMG_9913.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We actually got to say hello to each other at this "overlook"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik990QDwEoiUuu-H28dz2l_2CxzXjzsiUc9s8gzR3YkPVF2ch-SqnyXzuxbOtFJWNbpbx54eI-zc7lBHYttjlkFXAKGzNJB4yA6L4lTytbE_hmpEN192OUtPGdcXNSHxXdeom8czc19qBrdMM-O2LlI-iB8-r0LkUVKBgQxhXiYiXiv52VmnBUE9M50Do/s2048/IMG_9917.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik990QDwEoiUuu-H28dz2l_2CxzXjzsiUc9s8gzR3YkPVF2ch-SqnyXzuxbOtFJWNbpbx54eI-zc7lBHYttjlkFXAKGzNJB4yA6L4lTytbE_hmpEN192OUtPGdcXNSHxXdeom8czc19qBrdMM-O2LlI-iB8-r0LkUVKBgQxhXiYiXiv52VmnBUE9M50Do/w400-h300/IMG_9917.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I booked it back down the road and around through the finish area, which was just as sandy as what John was running on - and somehow he beat me to the finish line! He's just about to cross it in this picture as I slogged my way over there:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKa_lbjRoueAjMcppiNSKWcilYOe6gTXQzGhMhVFUrvrcq2qbVxhv5_HOPx-ThTKGIGVWD3KVIer7l2XdjK8yapBW2GOI6RmgXf6pGHldIMH7SMQVaA2-kyR0ci6v_B9pzcnVm34Jm-Jm9MDj9KPs759Ky_YdScKLxGp68qnSauur10HW9cRYxoKpR44/s2048/IMG_9919.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKa_lbjRoueAjMcppiNSKWcilYOe6gTXQzGhMhVFUrvrcq2qbVxhv5_HOPx-ThTKGIGVWD3KVIer7l2XdjK8yapBW2GOI6RmgXf6pGHldIMH7SMQVaA2-kyR0ci6v_B9pzcnVm34Jm-Jm9MDj9KPs759Ky_YdScKLxGp68qnSauur10HW9cRYxoKpR44/w400-h300/IMG_9919.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>He humored me with a re-creation, thanks John!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAvuGPXXb_BQmSCs7wte5VT1JtIWuSb9tWPM-wUUqI9y1sXKx_uva7u1ZptMOnIvY00eYkmqDhdu5CCEx8Mc4zikY6ckru3As35A7dE7tCgvurdn-uIIIiKk2VvzV5spUbCOTafxKj_MODz7sXx_lSOGoLhypTtHxdjIKJrA3_AIDPK9j2PDwMGxtx-o/s2048/IMG_9920.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAvuGPXXb_BQmSCs7wte5VT1JtIWuSb9tWPM-wUUqI9y1sXKx_uva7u1ZptMOnIvY00eYkmqDhdu5CCEx8Mc4zikY6ckru3As35A7dE7tCgvurdn-uIIIiKk2VvzV5spUbCOTafxKj_MODz7sXx_lSOGoLhypTtHxdjIKJrA3_AIDPK9j2PDwMGxtx-o/w400-h300/IMG_9920.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Ready for a sit-down while I fetch some fry bread and lemonade:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkomgToKepICMPq8cszeqUlnVnnRW_hejiHNZTDXKtdLu9ryUGsclqiHCmh080ioCsVodU957cboBLIgMQHu2KwjmIcpR_F8Ac_Bd-wNRxb8LOBNFvds-c74xhvcTqqwBXIEB-JKw7bNJ7LMM1heLyW0QlajTDNQbkcpdelKbBlB0beSkO74LAjlGbNO8/s1574/IMG_9921.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1293" data-original-width="1574" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkomgToKepICMPq8cszeqUlnVnnRW_hejiHNZTDXKtdLu9ryUGsclqiHCmh080ioCsVodU957cboBLIgMQHu2KwjmIcpR_F8Ac_Bd-wNRxb8LOBNFvds-c74xhvcTqqwBXIEB-JKw7bNJ7LMM1heLyW0QlajTDNQbkcpdelKbBlB0beSkO74LAjlGbNO8/w400-h329/IMG_9921.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The awards ceremony, as seen from where John was sitting - congratulations to all runners, fast and not-as-fast!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvteO7V58ZyGVzbeGYdBgqroJMm64XBNZBSudvS4tdfSMmrGpr6RWjV0kTJDkvjcrI04Wrv95PozuXCHuI6S1rlWTlOuevo4N-YNKjbD14v6zzqXn_Ir4uAVY7e9QwgZJp4l7OTOOTBgSx9FPs35PlC1tgzC9EGNg2i4VbnP3VJpj81GXKyaStCemA0c/s2048/IMG_9924.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvteO7V58ZyGVzbeGYdBgqroJMm64XBNZBSudvS4tdfSMmrGpr6RWjV0kTJDkvjcrI04Wrv95PozuXCHuI6S1rlWTlOuevo4N-YNKjbD14v6zzqXn_Ir4uAVY7e9QwgZJp4l7OTOOTBgSx9FPs35PlC1tgzC9EGNg2i4VbnP3VJpj81GXKyaStCemA0c/w400-h300/IMG_9924.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">What an incredible event - highly recommend (for anyone that can get in). The atmosphere, caring spirit, and uniqueness makes it truly memorable. Thank you to Shaun Martin and his team and everyone in the community who welcomed us there for the race.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-53300716024412763772023-12-22T12:16:00.000-08:002023-12-22T12:16:54.062-08:00Climbing Arizona mountains<div style="text-align: left;">Arizona has some excellent peaks to explore, and we spent several weeks in September/October seeing one "old friend" and some new ones too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I got really lucky with timing on our return drive from the Collegiate Loop heading back to Tucson. Our friend Taylor hosted us at her house (thank you Taylor!) and cheered me on when it looked like the Hole to Hump FKT might be in the cards. "Hole to Hump, Hole to Hump!" she rallied - too funny!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Previous experiences on either end of this route helped with the planning, and of course any time we get a chance to head down into the Grand Canyon, I'm pretty sure I've mentioned before that we will always be excited about it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I mean, come on:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpOEwHaFsyIgrvrXzTQljR4E5xck9F00sScA7GeQcadBYVkmyNdL3usSFvxC627i76dZitbyISsBXidEcJIIF43ZsqWzbwlc2jLnqcNi-aImD-yRt83zlT5dcY7YeGpaY9EmW0ideXyuPbJvrEPZa1tqOu2JZyEO53m0C-bZ_V0FYJbiFgq591sHdEJw/s2048/IMG_9729.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpOEwHaFsyIgrvrXzTQljR4E5xck9F00sScA7GeQcadBYVkmyNdL3usSFvxC627i76dZitbyISsBXidEcJIIF43ZsqWzbwlc2jLnqcNi-aImD-yRt83zlT5dcY7YeGpaY9EmW0ideXyuPbJvrEPZa1tqOu2JZyEO53m0C-bZ_V0FYJbiFgq591sHdEJw/w400-h300/IMG_9729.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We wandered down the New Hance trail in the morning, following the bottom wash to the river:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAazQNf8hf8nOIM-Fq9RUMxDjn16jaVT0tqZoSacUKqXSA9Rn5MVJM2oAJLJmQE7IF0YtVy4QLZY-g9459Vl5nj2UMS9At6xuhss7X-Jh6BKP_DujxZujg7N27kB4VTDnzT1935zJYeGhq4QA4SDnRj9niFTqn446jI1exiYfbpGjK5YcmhyphenhyphenEt9pgiF8/s2048/IMG_9731.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAazQNf8hf8nOIM-Fq9RUMxDjn16jaVT0tqZoSacUKqXSA9Rn5MVJM2oAJLJmQE7IF0YtVy4QLZY-g9459Vl5nj2UMS9At6xuhss7X-Jh6BKP_DujxZujg7N27kB4VTDnzT1935zJYeGhq4QA4SDnRj9niFTqn446jI1exiYfbpGjK5YcmhyphenhyphenEt9pgiF8/w400-h300/IMG_9731.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Nature is so cool:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8J1LX0y-9gfNaKOGE_8VxSY1vVDKLBUaUeMzjUn8iAUUX7oupQngcTkNNByvJ4AypuMN0dcfNwjm4_7XwQf2of6IWsID_-8Kdla6ut0OSoywmrjuYiyHnoYWcpOJdnSLdeiHSkpukGX9X7KC3unrWmBy1WvbAdrmMDIDrKzbjTVxqVX9ge6esjYuUzb0/s2048/IMG_9733.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8J1LX0y-9gfNaKOGE_8VxSY1vVDKLBUaUeMzjUn8iAUUX7oupQngcTkNNByvJ4AypuMN0dcfNwjm4_7XwQf2of6IWsID_-8Kdla6ut0OSoywmrjuYiyHnoYWcpOJdnSLdeiHSkpukGX9X7KC3unrWmBy1WvbAdrmMDIDrKzbjTVxqVX9ge6esjYuUzb0/w400-h300/IMG_9733.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once again we just happened to be at the river in time to see some rafts, in this case park service motor boats. They zoomed right over the rapids like no big deal:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-gtzz4U749WSNYMaxEkE7dt6B9nvdKDfctjvkKD1_6KMbTBTggdJQwZyw5aL60DWqSHpnTTh5kci1UAnuDhMzH8zDdhqYQ3EZzrqvxqa1uob2Cp0m-D7N2P9qRL01i_pjXSJ0Jhui_1Ufnxc1VxRzqgg9bWJRk4Rbvf5PHeun1VBOmPzLVNb158Lm7Y/s2048/IMG_9737.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-gtzz4U749WSNYMaxEkE7dt6B9nvdKDfctjvkKD1_6KMbTBTggdJQwZyw5aL60DWqSHpnTTh5kci1UAnuDhMzH8zDdhqYQ3EZzrqvxqa1uob2Cp0m-D7N2P9qRL01i_pjXSJ0Jhui_1Ufnxc1VxRzqgg9bWJRk4Rbvf5PHeun1VBOmPzLVNb158Lm7Y/w400-h300/IMG_9737.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hello from the Colorado River!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cmdYpIJAc09mFc6sL6cfz-Q0xw5aAbeKfxJRRyQtUhIVjlImY_9cD7uEhtegPSXkTQKHoTVeZnwH_Yb4I1xA3tKy8yYD_8SwNH8DSbUwgc2Q5SzKO-FAaWeXCtfV272bM1-UTO0jQkFWPleIDhkrZiD_UKDFvdvgEJDTkkypqZY3ZmDxpffLnFGQOGM/s2048/IMG_9744.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cmdYpIJAc09mFc6sL6cfz-Q0xw5aAbeKfxJRRyQtUhIVjlImY_9cD7uEhtegPSXkTQKHoTVeZnwH_Yb4I1xA3tKy8yYD_8SwNH8DSbUwgc2Q5SzKO-FAaWeXCtfV272bM1-UTO0jQkFWPleIDhkrZiD_UKDFvdvgEJDTkkypqZY3ZmDxpffLnFGQOGM/w400-h300/IMG_9744.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Admiring the surrounding geology and layers:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClF-Vrwgfw7kBkm1bUsSw0M61iojORwYyJelRinZPeGkgxV3IUzJwMhUt6_Mbi4fMmD-Wkor5m_H0VQMt94O__JvGarCF_E7NCiouQz9y3Nb8Gm1sC5Y4R6TeZ3_eBuS-c3sMHEEGx40tsu3pcTgBPmXS8tvsftdEZZsW-FPmy-3EZIq6_Rl6ESaXcJk/s2048/IMG_9750.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClF-Vrwgfw7kBkm1bUsSw0M61iojORwYyJelRinZPeGkgxV3IUzJwMhUt6_Mbi4fMmD-Wkor5m_H0VQMt94O__JvGarCF_E7NCiouQz9y3Nb8Gm1sC5Y4R6TeZ3_eBuS-c3sMHEEGx40tsu3pcTgBPmXS8tvsftdEZZsW-FPmy-3EZIq6_Rl6ESaXcJk/w400-h300/IMG_9750.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Firing up the InReach Mini to begin tracking my progress from the "hole" to the "hump":</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3Efy2V1YKIU6NttRzJ91OEQ15-11hHilVzQhzZERFUczspVisbqgMyQUpCQfKGmzGFWkkuJ2l-Nsqrie5wPVo1QtTzq8HihuDuXzShite7PrRnGrddftXINvUb85vLI-zzLcT7JCOyS_ieXwlbN074AccE6chJg5OYj_zKNb2XMMGMgPdF5CfgfaiMg/s3264/IMG_9750a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3Efy2V1YKIU6NttRzJ91OEQ15-11hHilVzQhzZERFUczspVisbqgMyQUpCQfKGmzGFWkkuJ2l-Nsqrie5wPVo1QtTzq8HihuDuXzShite7PrRnGrddftXINvUb85vLI-zzLcT7JCOyS_ieXwlbN074AccE6chJg5OYj_zKNb2XMMGMgPdF5CfgfaiMg/w400-h300/IMG_9750a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I wrote a fairly detailed report, with a few more pictures, on the <a href="https://fastestknowntime.com/fkt/marcy-beard-hole-hump-az-2023-09-21" target="_blank">FKT website</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Briefly... the climb up New Hance trail was warmer and slower than my previous ascent, but still reasonable, and very much still pretty:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRh6lvNtN3AhE-Rzh1sxNcISTM8pYoNPctW8KxRctyPewKmzw6i2bECIKbrladxG9M3-WioQloBRXVl8SDZStMaaaBrCnpsxfBRXyVNCrCtycLQhO4L4ekwnywyL5DC56udPPh8ksA9Dc6PstVMynBgFWsPsHhle7LNI5I4MHEirA85h03m0uMBB_uU7Q/s2048/IMG_9752.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRh6lvNtN3AhE-Rzh1sxNcISTM8pYoNPctW8KxRctyPewKmzw6i2bECIKbrladxG9M3-WioQloBRXVl8SDZStMaaaBrCnpsxfBRXyVNCrCtycLQhO4L4ekwnywyL5DC56udPPh8ksA9Dc6PstVMynBgFWsPsHhle7LNI5I4MHEirA85h03m0uMBB_uU7Q/w400-h300/IMG_9752.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The roads across the prairie were in great shape for running and driving. Good thing, because I needed to run as much as possible to have a chance at the fastest known time. John crewed me every few miles and took a couple pictures while it was still light out:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rOsRc2ezO6MB-aKYiHK5o8p_6ZrcS_j5gGeVUx7XUPe9d0qhtjyjgP0pYKKQOAe_9G477wM8uXQEox6Mq5LIUxvCa6TTy3Kgn44q6qjUQ0XAUJXp8Si1J2-orKjD_zHwzpWe2BhbUpHILkEv5kex-G3339TVIYhFcW8wZ4vCMKyRevBNUpbF-B5XUbs/s1489/IMG_9753.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1213" data-original-width="1489" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rOsRc2ezO6MB-aKYiHK5o8p_6ZrcS_j5gGeVUx7XUPe9d0qhtjyjgP0pYKKQOAe_9G477wM8uXQEox6Mq5LIUxvCa6TTy3Kgn44q6qjUQ0XAUJXp8Si1J2-orKjD_zHwzpWe2BhbUpHILkEv5kex-G3339TVIYhFcW8wZ4vCMKyRevBNUpbF-B5XUbs/w400-h326/IMG_9753.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Overnight was dark, cool, calm, mostly straightforward. I kept on running, all the while wondering if I had it in me to climb Humphrey's Peak fast enough the next morning?</div><div><br /></div><div>We started up the mountain right around dawn and John led the way straight up the ski slopes. A couple months after the fact, I still remember how difficult this climb was for me - one foot in front of the other, keep breathing, keep stepping, don't think just follow. You get there in time or you don't. Adrenaline must have helped, I can only imagine.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wind at the top was crazy! That was the only negative part of the forecast. Luckily it didn't delay us until the very last little "hump", where I actually crawled up the final few rocks. Thank goodness for the protective barrier built up at the top for a bit of respite:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tNA_77TNqQ1m28mhAinhFd56xBMRylh0HP0EPwWel_TkfUh05V6YeplqPyk5cibvahc0WojzdMtcag9m1RFj-a-adVgFcgTqAFqUdXbw12tmfc8HMgWxAj4pY2r9qDdAGc-y5TNDsfwLBfxHKLoKjxVPdzzIFYSanN95YW6crtLdHw4ffdhyphenhyphenDZtWVZ4/s2048/IMG_9762.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tNA_77TNqQ1m28mhAinhFd56xBMRylh0HP0EPwWel_TkfUh05V6YeplqPyk5cibvahc0WojzdMtcag9m1RFj-a-adVgFcgTqAFqUdXbw12tmfc8HMgWxAj4pY2r9qDdAGc-y5TNDsfwLBfxHKLoKjxVPdzzIFYSanN95YW6crtLdHw4ffdhyphenhyphenDZtWVZ4/w400-h300/IMG_9762.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So excited to have made it!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgy_0207drfDCjz3f6A8vfVJEUYlMf-OK_v713eeV_rSFNAyGoO4E2awffe89A2rXVNw0mwg-bPZb6WmlIBeyuD83VFAmZ7rOPdC5D8gNhv879J3yAX3a340iEFVE6HCjpdb_Hzek6sFqApOgshhDSPNVs0hDpD9Xd5iG-aPpLgNDORjVjvhhGy-KwjI/s3264/IMG_9762a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgy_0207drfDCjz3f6A8vfVJEUYlMf-OK_v713eeV_rSFNAyGoO4E2awffe89A2rXVNw0mwg-bPZb6WmlIBeyuD83VFAmZ7rOPdC5D8gNhv879J3yAX3a340iEFVE6HCjpdb_Hzek6sFqApOgshhDSPNVs0hDpD9Xd5iG-aPpLgNDORjVjvhhGy-KwjI/w400-h300/IMG_9762a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Fun timing, as this just came out recently:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbeq_HfH6XzO8lr7wR5nF_OkmFYmh_hVinKmGNj7R4IHEZeTjmL7MpUJ8bHamU8zgqjPyofjAhNhQBLzFBcKY-Hx1MkxOtxhaTq10pHeJezfUBGyg-O9r4_jGUvgnGNyFdo0AuWW1xvMPIq-EPwOqKY4VtlpgyiaRrP7oIM1qVtnNGaCKXFmO4yyuRCI/s921/IMG_9762b%20FKTotY%20nominees%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="921" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbeq_HfH6XzO8lr7wR5nF_OkmFYmh_hVinKmGNj7R4IHEZeTjmL7MpUJ8bHamU8zgqjPyofjAhNhQBLzFBcKY-Hx1MkxOtxhaTq10pHeJezfUBGyg-O9r4_jGUvgnGNyFdo0AuWW1xvMPIq-EPwOqKY4VtlpgyiaRrP7oIM1qVtnNGaCKXFmO4yyuRCI/w400-h253/IMG_9762b%20FKTotY%20nominees%201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm always interested in seeing the FKT of the Year nominee list, because it's a wonderful celebration of all the incredible accomplishments in the last 12 months:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BjShSWHifiElVeTsf7DU6DzZEOkWGkkLlPsV2-hSlq8XevjpsknwvpA8QYZsUnZrctbGUbhJIkJDbE8kpEFa7Pg7O4TC689bfhsizikWpiH5vTbt52Id026KPWmNZ2yVrH1TsbArSyfvGgF1blljnDn3I-bekjuj_hVvYOtCHaRY89EkhBzVw0CA7aE/s810/IMG_9762b%20FKTotY%20nominees%201a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="810" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BjShSWHifiElVeTsf7DU6DzZEOkWGkkLlPsV2-hSlq8XevjpsknwvpA8QYZsUnZrctbGUbhJIkJDbE8kpEFa7Pg7O4TC689bfhsizikWpiH5vTbt52Id026KPWmNZ2yVrH1TsbArSyfvGgF1blljnDn3I-bekjuj_hVvYOtCHaRY89EkhBzVw0CA7aE/w400-h308/IMG_9762b%20FKTotY%20nominees%201a.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And wait - what?? - someone nominated me, first time that has happened! Makes me smile to think about it. Thank you to whoever recognized that effort! I am humbled and honored to be included with many other inspiring and talented women.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2HFFwo7KU14fRgPpi-hMY284yBeDdkj-KylQ5k-fauJb4RyBHja3gGKjlglYK5nj-qtjDWtTsAqz0y7nEfRuwt9TqPP0X4eR2fC1sP7iHpSsi_Pab266Qd5x64ZAr7Q_7q9fFSkHllu4f0eCbyifYnDqo8rXfP5P4_aH9HGOryK4Hjqf2DEsbXyMvSY/s847/IMG_9762b%20FKTotY%20nominees%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="847" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2HFFwo7KU14fRgPpi-hMY284yBeDdkj-KylQ5k-fauJb4RyBHja3gGKjlglYK5nj-qtjDWtTsAqz0y7nEfRuwt9TqPP0X4eR2fC1sP7iHpSsi_Pab266Qd5x64ZAr7Q_7q9fFSkHllu4f0eCbyifYnDqo8rXfP5P4_aH9HGOryK4Hjqf2DEsbXyMvSY/w400-h296/IMG_9762b%20FKTotY%20nominees%202.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Continuing south through Arizona, we stopped at the new Sedona Rivian EV charger, pleased that this is here now:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkqiSZLc7SxJ9krjXZi4ZoRKt5KPxp1EnwJAQpIKx3D3GAOQaQIn80Pjv1vnttwNTdfhor3J82KIrgTUukSphWEJWdnw95z2yQfwVlVJFODU9ArtO9JJdjYOsJxRJhfzyOTRLLf58zOYnMlwfq5BW2eDE0H5aEsq42UpntsB-PKfcYRbKLEs0z-y7Thg/s2048/IMG_9767.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkqiSZLc7SxJ9krjXZi4ZoRKt5KPxp1EnwJAQpIKx3D3GAOQaQIn80Pjv1vnttwNTdfhor3J82KIrgTUukSphWEJWdnw95z2yQfwVlVJFODU9ArtO9JJdjYOsJxRJhfzyOTRLLf58zOYnMlwfq5BW2eDE0H5aEsq42UpntsB-PKfcYRbKLEs0z-y7Thg/w400-h300/IMG_9767.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Looks like someone has been driving on dirt roads:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-7tggpDz8uronemFZyOguJiLnvtX8qF4urKyrj3cqhUITKrHBs39OPG47Iibthi5L1z8fJU7yLZfYd5U9oXDcrsrR1rAJECUSLlrtUziEEa4Tme_OFX43qBJcoVcZ9TyzkKjnPSdtTjugQ4a46G8WiMtLDJDm5LDfplEwTtxlRe9_0Ki1QtjiaIgu0U/s2048/IMG_9768.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-7tggpDz8uronemFZyOguJiLnvtX8qF4urKyrj3cqhUITKrHBs39OPG47Iibthi5L1z8fJU7yLZfYd5U9oXDcrsrR1rAJECUSLlrtUziEEa4Tme_OFX43qBJcoVcZ9TyzkKjnPSdtTjugQ4a46G8WiMtLDJDm5LDfplEwTtxlRe9_0Ki1QtjiaIgu0U/w400-h300/IMG_9768.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Back in Tucson, ready to tackle my ever-evolving list of places to roam in the mountains around the city.</div><div><br /></div><div>First up, a mountaintop we can see from our RV park (and many other vantage points) - Rincon Peak. It's pointy and remote, and it took a bit of a drive just to get to the trailhead on the back side. Happy to finally find the time to make the trek:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivplNg8s60qWSemhJHpKZyNJ4zsUyZosV_lbPARz0nEGu7Pv63mXEGBTOVG6hs-6fNrTkCVCCya3_UsPvWRkS8Ads-OrvgQILONBEf5IBnzeX-9VReiART22v8TFPcRuVqfmzB0vARFDqrs4IwTCo6R0Sg-C7rOQTehkQ3vXH-hRh52nx1sEw-o4_gqLI/s2048/IMG_9783.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivplNg8s60qWSemhJHpKZyNJ4zsUyZosV_lbPARz0nEGu7Pv63mXEGBTOVG6hs-6fNrTkCVCCya3_UsPvWRkS8Ads-OrvgQILONBEf5IBnzeX-9VReiART22v8TFPcRuVqfmzB0vARFDqrs4IwTCo6R0Sg-C7rOQTehkQ3vXH-hRh52nx1sEw-o4_gqLI/w400-h300/IMG_9783.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Up on the saddle between Mica and Rincon, with the summit on the horizon:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaS4Ax5bX9uKUsKSxT7W9D38ANqiwC6zHCbrPmEsV1VFoyziaOKxIco2APQU-KCtfZusX5CEKwKzcxpG6d9Ye4h_u9k4bzaF6bIwg_8Lc7LQonBrs_XTvqn531re07BUrAoSuXmBRR-vGA8JTZk23aQX0UGmyZfGtx3bPp8vEehe-Jbvr-Avt-qvx_KGY/s2048/IMG_9785.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaS4Ax5bX9uKUsKSxT7W9D38ANqiwC6zHCbrPmEsV1VFoyziaOKxIco2APQU-KCtfZusX5CEKwKzcxpG6d9Ye4h_u9k4bzaF6bIwg_8Lc7LQonBrs_XTvqn531re07BUrAoSuXmBRR-vGA8JTZk23aQX0UGmyZfGtx3bPp8vEehe-Jbvr-Avt-qvx_KGY/w400-h300/IMG_9785.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The final climb is steep but way more doable than I had suspected after seeing the peak from an airplane window last year. The giant cairn on top, with broad Mica in the background and the Catalina range in the distance:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7a2E4mxjrlVxfLjNYrH-8uHNlvzA0fFfkIVkrx9-oTP69zaW5f4YrJd5FapLwZq1cWwL79owfhHRHoIRmjoYCGGpiIoBfqVKkWH1Dwt8R0M6Ub8OiLIkmp6QLmsOSWNLHs-1kdUhawUnbh5tPA8ik9tdDTQa8Mxbq5BEUGmLkhz7G-YWClHUwq2CGUo/s2048/IMG_9787.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7a2E4mxjrlVxfLjNYrH-8uHNlvzA0fFfkIVkrx9-oTP69zaW5f4YrJd5FapLwZq1cWwL79owfhHRHoIRmjoYCGGpiIoBfqVKkWH1Dwt8R0M6Ub8OiLIkmp6QLmsOSWNLHs-1kdUhawUnbh5tPA8ik9tdDTQa8Mxbq5BEUGmLkhz7G-YWClHUwq2CGUo/w400-h300/IMG_9787.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A distinctive Alligator Juniper as we started down:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNgNq0Gl-G19NY03IYNgoLdD_b1EbcZoRj1CvMT4sUAoRhKmUghHTe9Vydeuz5QSfgJrMNY2J93eg0rcDeFm26zMcUINDjiTO8PUQ3p0j3M9ayAaqufWegqP2bkppvscgRhxMIS9KaNeReR2fjY9AmonXgkdunSGigdHygxbinH0Xae7KfH_sVIPcDJ8/s2048/IMG_9801.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNgNq0Gl-G19NY03IYNgoLdD_b1EbcZoRj1CvMT4sUAoRhKmUghHTe9Vydeuz5QSfgJrMNY2J93eg0rcDeFm26zMcUINDjiTO8PUQ3p0j3M9ayAaqufWegqP2bkppvscgRhxMIS9KaNeReR2fjY9AmonXgkdunSGigdHygxbinH0Xae7KfH_sVIPcDJ8/w400-h300/IMG_9801.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Another distinctive... something:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yDTkCQKgNfqj8OYxVfXjSbHBi_kCqzCIKyVF7BY1sqNFH01SP1Qjy3ESEFw5Nc8I-vfPD1zhbLty0fNVC8P2r1HNsiaGdGT1ZXek1VkooxXBklBB6VRZuWd5bBJsKVz1z5eLkRtoSxRYlEaoJC61-d9HAohQst1Vb3zAy3-FQdDA9kDR1reVGM_fIhY/s2048/IMG_9806.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yDTkCQKgNfqj8OYxVfXjSbHBi_kCqzCIKyVF7BY1sqNFH01SP1Qjy3ESEFw5Nc8I-vfPD1zhbLty0fNVC8P2r1HNsiaGdGT1ZXek1VkooxXBklBB6VRZuWd5bBJsKVz1z5eLkRtoSxRYlEaoJC61-d9HAohQst1Vb3zAy3-FQdDA9kDR1reVGM_fIhY/w400-h300/IMG_9806.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>THIS apple?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgN3MJ7Sh4bTi73yqHlgVYqwDzAVR-b4Wl3xe2jaWNSBNcsh3m1DBd_kxhn85t6ZaMmtmKGU6q3gRFb8fswUp5Ex2a-tLkw3OvAZ-L0SNtwWNvex5uyuJM9E1s7D-oEmkIHdVwwe4r04NwW4fWY1bBCFqQVMcX6ODWtfRUfI6cWrNHurNyLmg1Gc8p9M/s2048/IMG_9810.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgN3MJ7Sh4bTi73yqHlgVYqwDzAVR-b4Wl3xe2jaWNSBNcsh3m1DBd_kxhn85t6ZaMmtmKGU6q3gRFb8fswUp5Ex2a-tLkw3OvAZ-L0SNtwWNvex5uyuJM9E1s7D-oEmkIHdVwwe4r04NwW4fWY1bBCFqQVMcX6ODWtfRUfI6cWrNHurNyLmg1Gc8p9M/w400-h300/IMG_9810.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Scat, bear, scat! (Or as I like to yell in a cheerleader voice, "go bear go!")</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoz32dqyqGUaLwMCaFrlMeZDZL9_idXWXVeQaa0I6REXKHZr9ljbFWwIf4aOleRd8W20vyYwAQERQxeEd4TA_nTuJjCsaDG-QFAeggbTLgiNbNxKkAp9XxYTiyIYMtbZdf146bKZyAruBhMofy2mj7GZF3IXnmYNuZBU0wbPLIYwWJipSSxEoCuRiQYY/s2048/IMG_9811.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoz32dqyqGUaLwMCaFrlMeZDZL9_idXWXVeQaa0I6REXKHZr9ljbFWwIf4aOleRd8W20vyYwAQERQxeEd4TA_nTuJjCsaDG-QFAeggbTLgiNbNxKkAp9XxYTiyIYMtbZdf146bKZyAruBhMofy2mj7GZF3IXnmYNuZBU0wbPLIYwWJipSSxEoCuRiQYY/w400-h300/IMG_9811.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Let's see, what's next? Ah yes, something shorter but even steeper - Pusch Peak. It's the lowest high point on the western end of the Catalina ridge, with a sort-of-a-trail that feels like it goes straight uphill even though it looks like a roundabout traverse.</div><div><br /></div><div>A headstand-y bug welcomes us:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCmSllAHq8IjWt5UvPn-4oWARLW2BzNqugKtuJBxO7UC0Tr34umUOD3B19X_Zcy1KJVhO5MtsnTEqIOvcZQlpLHON_6_Ylv8N6sevVIu-4sBDEMPgXw3kCC-vctvbl3iOeNK03z-ISHmqG5CcRZaukHSr4vKm3iHQGdk0sbPiAmHWVTpCM9_jWKyat4M/s1603/IMG_9813.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1603" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCmSllAHq8IjWt5UvPn-4oWARLW2BzNqugKtuJBxO7UC0Tr34umUOD3B19X_Zcy1KJVhO5MtsnTEqIOvcZQlpLHON_6_Ylv8N6sevVIu-4sBDEMPgXw3kCC-vctvbl3iOeNK03z-ISHmqG5CcRZaukHSr4vKm3iHQGdk0sbPiAmHWVTpCM9_jWKyat4M/w400-h274/IMG_9813.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>View of town from within an early morning shadow:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoDserKEhivTLSoY9CgEYzMWixyI7Q-mkHckWqMOzj0ixkUsfNWCExlp7zzaA7IYwZDu6f0cVh5I8e24fpozWNDNEehseHUPU8L_TgVvAyp2P9YBYtXP-RdhY7uGpaujPTCjuZ4eT0Ju0jY3Wor3uG515wYuM_iblYC0MaeXFU5OxDDIMfFXEQIwE5YE/s2048/IMG_9815.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoDserKEhivTLSoY9CgEYzMWixyI7Q-mkHckWqMOzj0ixkUsfNWCExlp7zzaA7IYwZDu6f0cVh5I8e24fpozWNDNEehseHUPU8L_TgVvAyp2P9YBYtXP-RdhY7uGpaujPTCjuZ4eT0Ju0jY3Wor3uG515wYuM_iblYC0MaeXFU5OxDDIMfFXEQIwE5YE/w400-h300/IMG_9815.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Two thumbs up for adventure!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVvx-yln1_IFlBQ8dAwMy11Pn8Fcz3r9c3GhxgFR2O4OO57dZlvYpYG9ffozBlxXopZtqGkRr5RlPYIQkAvxMZsGlV6-FRtbyTlmdSwxQuoTBA3OBUFz0yI5I2ozw6LoI5662DXr9c2gL1U19mhWmxsUxkK5l8hpZ5CIXsfmfAGrpb3BWBMD6IBiw6ec/s2048/IMG_9817.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVvx-yln1_IFlBQ8dAwMy11Pn8Fcz3r9c3GhxgFR2O4OO57dZlvYpYG9ffozBlxXopZtqGkRr5RlPYIQkAvxMZsGlV6-FRtbyTlmdSwxQuoTBA3OBUFz0yI5I2ozw6LoI5662DXr9c2gL1U19mhWmxsUxkK5l8hpZ5CIXsfmfAGrpb3BWBMD6IBiw6ec/w400-h300/IMG_9817.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Photogenic prickly pear:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBaw8_tNg7n5Q2phQEaxc8dhRTlm-i4NObFw0yl0am3wfuLwMg8F-MSaGoTj0QLmmyW0TTADcOmhBqe0AyEakcalEWr-6harytdlHwCiVUHPsFd-R1-APjk2K6pMuoVAZsY80tMdMEBmINAJ4kzbksMNxaWQIuWS2UnHsUcIg1FWW0RdqALSa_8K-cBo/s2048/IMG_9818.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBaw8_tNg7n5Q2phQEaxc8dhRTlm-i4NObFw0yl0am3wfuLwMg8F-MSaGoTj0QLmmyW0TTADcOmhBqe0AyEakcalEWr-6harytdlHwCiVUHPsFd-R1-APjk2K6pMuoVAZsY80tMdMEBmINAJ4kzbksMNxaWQIuWS2UnHsUcIg1FWW0RdqALSa_8K-cBo/w400-h300/IMG_9818.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Made it to the top, with the reward of a view toward Bighorn Peak and then Table Mountain just visible over the top of Bighorn:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviRuzLFu29jdQElfz3EHL6dKBwmyV_ER1HDp5O7RuuAqe5LjVShEDibiBmV6bEpBCzx8UIg6s2pCxcQV_n66sqaKyfK5qGk3EeLfdCKe_hZ0inCDfp6NzlQ3STV5yjL0LNNK8iWhlCm_1fiphcm5osxyHws2LvBt3WS4PiH1Xb1aUCmPs5lxAzcICY2E/s2048/IMG_9820.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviRuzLFu29jdQElfz3EHL6dKBwmyV_ER1HDp5O7RuuAqe5LjVShEDibiBmV6bEpBCzx8UIg6s2pCxcQV_n66sqaKyfK5qGk3EeLfdCKe_hZ0inCDfp6NzlQ3STV5yjL0LNNK8iWhlCm_1fiphcm5osxyHws2LvBt3WS4PiH1Xb1aUCmPs5lxAzcICY2E/w400-h300/IMG_9820.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Which apparently got us wondering about Table Mountain. It's such an obvious and curious feature from most of the Tucson area. And it's climbable (at least outside the "Bighorn closure" months). Let's try it!</div><div><br /></div><div>View of Table from the Pima Canyon trail (and I realize now that I don't have any good photos of Table Mountain from further away, which would give some context to its shape - I'll have to work on that for a future post):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8RQLd4H8T9zVSApzP7MNchG9ChGInIqvRTt0JET_XDV4_vti8hrjzhJoETxVKyDmrPiCcJ9XOY3tG5sOiesQPzTygABjEXx0vXdItWyS4YA65GanViIL_K8djuksvOBDBNimLoP1wdpJyMJ4PcjXqBwqbQSch2eHXPUXNJFqrytbcpwYVObKzIf94Yo/s2048/IMG_9827.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8RQLd4H8T9zVSApzP7MNchG9ChGInIqvRTt0JET_XDV4_vti8hrjzhJoETxVKyDmrPiCcJ9XOY3tG5sOiesQPzTygABjEXx0vXdItWyS4YA65GanViIL_K8djuksvOBDBNimLoP1wdpJyMJ4PcjXqBwqbQSch2eHXPUXNJFqrytbcpwYVObKzIf94Yo/w400-h300/IMG_9827.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Starting up the off-trail ascent, with slab walking and rock hopping and pokey plant avoidance:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiH5c5QCJlsSeCLAqIYAmHk5MSbVDm5wGXGVoIvHQmBZBNdGCFwe79f6TOlEMAHroF2fJVrnCNPLm_MIHRYo72WODSDxyz5LOE16eUUW7MiBXt7vSeoHeDkJvgAkpmoCNfVZ09EgYLjs14xzzvsgBWAnqT66e2JAZhHLnCf2vCNX7YkfqigEoQLehr0A/s2048/IMG_9831.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiH5c5QCJlsSeCLAqIYAmHk5MSbVDm5wGXGVoIvHQmBZBNdGCFwe79f6TOlEMAHroF2fJVrnCNPLm_MIHRYo72WODSDxyz5LOE16eUUW7MiBXt7vSeoHeDkJvgAkpmoCNfVZ09EgYLjs14xzzvsgBWAnqT66e2JAZhHLnCf2vCNX7YkfqigEoQLehr0A/w400-h300/IMG_9831.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Looking down the slot toward Oro Valley, as we're about to reach the table portion of the mountain:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxGs8qaKVpkkmyQEnaZwT_cWItww8waupCZmsozkXPv6o3llY4f_QAkYQItprqCdeNdzb_R0CHFNzZIarfIB9XbKcmfu6KMRqbfAxeprV5OzZwarhiW8Z9_Y54oHh3LHZp967_oRrF5GVGa_MgId-53BRNXzqiGmbsoM6vCFAkmkMz_W_MdaOu1OiU9U/s2048/IMG_9835.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxGs8qaKVpkkmyQEnaZwT_cWItww8waupCZmsozkXPv6o3llY4f_QAkYQItprqCdeNdzb_R0CHFNzZIarfIB9XbKcmfu6KMRqbfAxeprV5OzZwarhiW8Z9_Y54oHh3LHZp967_oRrF5GVGa_MgId-53BRNXzqiGmbsoM6vCFAkmkMz_W_MdaOu1OiU9U/w400-h300/IMG_9835.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>An excellent vantage point from the top. I believe that's Catalina State Park down there:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEaYOixou4qouTCSvAtqMMZ3GW7s-Mfa3zajLsAbckiyt_QErvGQm5aQ8gFiJxkTRDaoZSLy5bMQaZxv75uwlhp-gNjdESNLjzfvyqRLb52QOGWeXjMBf-kj7HAg3pbj48Rc2I2iZDOSAbsIpY7at7gmMpgAgYBP_ZicAu7xfq2zQPQT9Fk8TE349Ec0/s2048/IMG_9841.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEaYOixou4qouTCSvAtqMMZ3GW7s-Mfa3zajLsAbckiyt_QErvGQm5aQ8gFiJxkTRDaoZSLy5bMQaZxv75uwlhp-gNjdESNLjzfvyqRLb52QOGWeXjMBf-kj7HAg3pbj48Rc2I2iZDOSAbsIpY7at7gmMpgAgYBP_ZicAu7xfq2zQPQT9Fk8TE349Ec0/w400-h300/IMG_9841.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One of the spiky plants to avoid - although as much as a barrel cactus looks sharp and nasty, we've had very little issue with them. Probably because they are obvious and sometimes come with pretty flowers. And I've probably jinxed myself now.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinandltWJCRfOSx_HwTBozenlbcTEZO5lWFY8AJMtZMdUIW5CmoKqEWK8Lg__eAp6IIEuBub2S-IZWMnqVGubPsUkEr0yWQEIMUia9ozo77ijkeQwhjvbKu3LWhwhyphenhyphensDU6d6yJWSAb16kfD0sM3Tjjzuczdt-KYQ__JKptxNED0ZsTGSABVqL9_O5ZaE8/s1839/IMG_9854.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1337" data-original-width="1839" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinandltWJCRfOSx_HwTBozenlbcTEZO5lWFY8AJMtZMdUIW5CmoKqEWK8Lg__eAp6IIEuBub2S-IZWMnqVGubPsUkEr0yWQEIMUia9ozo77ijkeQwhjvbKu3LWhwhyphenhyphensDU6d6yJWSAb16kfD0sM3Tjjzuczdt-KYQ__JKptxNED0ZsTGSABVqL9_O5ZaE8/w400-h291/IMG_9854.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On our way down to go search for some ice cream:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg0mIRpuQQ1_5sxfelImGiXgWgQ2q8mhltFF-OfSbu0Nrg_dTkvDxW4i_dhoGu1-BPQ43SH1bd05i4CqugK8R8XEKKOr5Tq7VQZzc5GmidmRmSMihA8GHYaSXK87QXfRSAz0JeM-iWZNuas9YACdhMkorW9GQ5-4Zr1LHFzuUhQbzGRDTgLC7qfh7ZwI/s2048/IMG_9855.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg0mIRpuQQ1_5sxfelImGiXgWgQ2q8mhltFF-OfSbu0Nrg_dTkvDxW4i_dhoGu1-BPQ43SH1bd05i4CqugK8R8XEKKOr5Tq7VQZzc5GmidmRmSMihA8GHYaSXK87QXfRSAz0JeM-iWZNuas9YACdhMkorW9GQ5-4Zr1LHFzuUhQbzGRDTgLC7qfh7ZwI/w400-h300/IMG_9855.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We're enjoying our return to southern Arizona for the winter, so much more to see!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-6415808353283149322023-12-14T16:52:00.000-08:002023-12-14T16:52:41.956-08:00Collegiate Loop with Robyn (part 2 of 2)<div style="text-align: left;">Back on the trail with Robyn!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The weather turned chilly for our overnight near Winfield. The previous days had been nice, warm, sometimes even hot. After experiencing spring and summer conditions, it was time for autumn.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Day 5 was by necessity a longer day. We had a 21-mile section with two passes and without an obvious Tug-E meet-up spot. Technically it was possible to drive up toward Texas Creek, but none of us really wanted to deal with the roads and all the driving to get there. Robyn and I were perfectly happy to tackle the day without a resupply, and John was perfectly happy to have a rest/errand-running day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, OK, Robyn wasn't "perfectly" happy because of the chances of rain in the forecast. We got an early pre-dawn start to get a jump on the miles and the weather. Robyn led the way and I was excited to see a trail I hadn't been on before.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A snack break as it was getting light, and Robyn is possibly holding the rain pants she just took off? I'm always up for sharing goofy pictures, in any case!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtWDSFn_c3b7qCoAS9YyB-rs9q1v8NBpnpY-nidUPP2ZyyFBMq7XX0n1zmV2SgARIxioYBKCb3lqWdYvIB1HCEJweu29bU0OWCjtIUtgeQE3sCllw9Xa1idDPN5884ufy5jvmUxUecMlYQdQiXTOyQ7KIlu1ehKImhTec8g94OnzxtWt0t3KlYnSPpyg/s1725/IMG_9679.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1725" data-original-width="1519" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtWDSFn_c3b7qCoAS9YyB-rs9q1v8NBpnpY-nidUPP2ZyyFBMq7XX0n1zmV2SgARIxioYBKCb3lqWdYvIB1HCEJweu29bU0OWCjtIUtgeQE3sCllw9Xa1idDPN5884ufy5jvmUxUecMlYQdQiXTOyQ7KIlu1ehKImhTec8g94OnzxtWt0t3KlYnSPpyg/w353-h400/IMG_9679.JPG" width="353" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Robyn took a lovely photo of the sunrise under the clouds, the only sun we would see that day:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-B2wb2RW4RdXUIWUjjdYJpWqqSXCpLEYiNSjAiJqosiSzdXL5z32hzijtIvWxOb8VTrWgtn4tRpV7EzBLJXMiSiNpmtCQIWJEofMugaDVrLbT4_a8ZrntZz3bbMsy_ftcsgpBvOXypAI6XJT8gYiqlSe9BIKrN5aRoMh2vqFiDXfo47S_20leXJ3kL0/s1794/IMG_9679a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1794" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-B2wb2RW4RdXUIWUjjdYJpWqqSXCpLEYiNSjAiJqosiSzdXL5z32hzijtIvWxOb8VTrWgtn4tRpV7EzBLJXMiSiNpmtCQIWJEofMugaDVrLbT4_a8ZrntZz3bbMsy_ftcsgpBvOXypAI6XJT8gYiqlSe9BIKrN5aRoMh2vqFiDXfo47S_20leXJ3kL0/w321-h400/IMG_9679a.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Climbing toward Lake Ann Pass, it looks like I'm having a blast and Robyn is still wondering what we were getting into. Don't worry, Robyn, today will be fine. And tomorrow... is another day...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixq5YbFgsIIburCosfUpi8upKxSCps6skzNCTqKbOjTDxvLZmk8Oe_29SM0RKDwI4ZdE0gSY4WQogmE5H0D1ExL14oldGTGn52jrLJVpTvGpMKaFCdACgD9lI1y976ynWayYfT_GAqcNsF_02s2u4pFV7irv4DlvNj2jHTfs1BmqfYeszs7tcckcXsdrc/s2048/IMG_9681.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixq5YbFgsIIburCosfUpi8upKxSCps6skzNCTqKbOjTDxvLZmk8Oe_29SM0RKDwI4ZdE0gSY4WQogmE5H0D1ExL14oldGTGn52jrLJVpTvGpMKaFCdACgD9lI1y976ynWayYfT_GAqcNsF_02s2u4pFV7irv4DlvNj2jHTfs1BmqfYeszs7tcckcXsdrc/w400-h300/IMG_9681.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I wasn't sure why I had a taken a picture of a talus pile:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVF_XXarSx5FsGAQFb51fILXl_hmQN4Luy7wuWPg5QadUxHHawsxrqaOfTJ7VxsukRMITbFqunlIm4s74MdKGdWP0nFehahcuvNmeNLPmXxEMvwvGrgCNDxVSOGQJQL790ac_F3XM8XvtbXpozOVPKf6BqENtK_w7VKQTLenPALXh4YfGV-OrIXmIimQ/s2048/IMG_9683.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVF_XXarSx5FsGAQFb51fILXl_hmQN4Luy7wuWPg5QadUxHHawsxrqaOfTJ7VxsukRMITbFqunlIm4s74MdKGdWP0nFehahcuvNmeNLPmXxEMvwvGrgCNDxVSOGQJQL790ac_F3XM8XvtbXpozOVPKf6BqENtK_w7VKQTLenPALXh4YfGV-OrIXmIimQ/w400-h300/IMG_9683.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Until I saw the next close-up photo! Good morning, little pika. So adorable, we love you so much.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcncN_pcaVjKsqiGFLBDiYCURfiQiOJBQZJzj3k9b9WFDMfnouQCw09EjKQhSaRvl-hY9xTGJrVE_CEKfGhGv0q_ryAXl0guSJbZ6FYtnQQR7EbJuDUuzY-G9TLr_p-fQIuBydPcPKVWRc06VcUauZcNRwSJ2Ac9symLlXuWHrWuz0ddPaqRajDX9rmKk/s1797/IMG_9685.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1345" data-original-width="1797" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcncN_pcaVjKsqiGFLBDiYCURfiQiOJBQZJzj3k9b9WFDMfnouQCw09EjKQhSaRvl-hY9xTGJrVE_CEKfGhGv0q_ryAXl0guSJbZ6FYtnQQR7EbJuDUuzY-G9TLr_p-fQIuBydPcPKVWRc06VcUauZcNRwSJ2Ac9symLlXuWHrWuz0ddPaqRajDX9rmKk/w400-h300/IMG_9685.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Almost to the pass after a solid uphill hike. A few snowflakes drifted down but otherwise it was an uneventful morning. Robyn seems to be OK with it. Or at least slightly less concerned.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFMsr5fPKVw3Yp0xtZeTnW4eHPzpptcDavoORWrx3pbYtrxhlrM0N_BZSQ7WhofCOfrsA-r3n2tJvjuZsfvL0o9JLPDfndu8w9okgnsqbMEWtZNpksYo67wMpED372FBIpoljFilzMyF5mbQn5dfQSBfINbbHcfPDu609luOX-4Tgn1bw9mjk_LSR4bE/s2048/IMG_9687.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFMsr5fPKVw3Yp0xtZeTnW4eHPzpptcDavoORWrx3pbYtrxhlrM0N_BZSQ7WhofCOfrsA-r3n2tJvjuZsfvL0o9JLPDfndu8w9okgnsqbMEWtZNpksYo67wMpED372FBIpoljFilzMyF5mbQn5dfQSBfINbbHcfPDu609luOX-4Tgn1bw9mjk_LSR4bE/w400-h300/IMG_9687.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>View over the other side of the pass and the clouds that stayed with us for the remainder of the day. Robyn had experienced a very-new (just officially opened or maybe just about to be opened) trail reroute during her backpacking trip earlier in the summer. They had put up the Colorado Trail directional arrow slightly before announcing it, and Robyn happened to reach it at exactly the wrong time. She spent a day and a night quite confused before finally getting back to the previously-official trail. Needless to say, we had plenty to talk about that day as we repeated her steps.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge22UtxnOZQ8vq62jhgSWb1mlOsQuKdoIEHMc5LgtWSxWSkjfMeDf_WMRYfeMQFRp5e5aUHEimISP8b8orzFjSS46tLw_fp4XnEeQs89Mudl73Wybk4wkiz-hHUBiFCCgTg1EYVbQhlUPjo9SPIBnK6qij8pyEoUo_JYEwfNvUH5OnPEJh-m0XULiAehs/s2048/IMG_9689.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge22UtxnOZQ8vq62jhgSWb1mlOsQuKdoIEHMc5LgtWSxWSkjfMeDf_WMRYfeMQFRp5e5aUHEimISP8b8orzFjSS46tLw_fp4XnEeQs89Mudl73Wybk4wkiz-hHUBiFCCgTg1EYVbQhlUPjo9SPIBnK6qij8pyEoUo_JYEwfNvUH5OnPEJh-m0XULiAehs/w400-h300/IMG_9689.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>The good news was that since then, a bunch of work had been done to improve the trail conditions and we got some nice running in.</div><div><br /></div></div><div>Partway through the reroute, we met a couple backpackers who asked us "what is this trail?" It turned out they had been on an off-trail adventure when they suddenly came across this obvious trail that wasn't on their map. We were excited to get to explain it. It was also fun to learn that they ran a gear company and they were out testing some new packs. If I ever remember the name of the company I'll add a link. That's what I get for taking so long to catch up on my blog posts.</div><div><br /></div><div>Robyn was quite interested in this tree truck lying over the trail and the first attempt at a saw cut to remove it. One trail work week and she's ready to start fixing things "out in the wild"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZu3r0k6mthp4kEjPObHTVkebfAemYZvdvJPBVSvj3X1fTPxjqh1n5DjfJki6peg_hDYKsIvN8ZOgw45cSv-vXeYSjTr2O2rSgQplCuZ-sPoc2lcx8c0xo0ls9i6NWkdRPbqv7EAE9498qKKDrghdlT3YvrzM53qmt8l3wEMC5kWwAQ-_2IPDcTAOJ1uY/s2048/IMG_9691.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZu3r0k6mthp4kEjPObHTVkebfAemYZvdvJPBVSvj3X1fTPxjqh1n5DjfJki6peg_hDYKsIvN8ZOgw45cSv-vXeYSjTr2O2rSgQplCuZ-sPoc2lcx8c0xo0ls9i6NWkdRPbqv7EAE9498qKKDrghdlT3YvrzM53qmt8l3wEMC5kWwAQ-_2IPDcTAOJ1uY/w400-h300/IMG_9691.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We found the trail heading up along Texas Creek, briefly got lost in the willows and had to reorient, and met a couple backpackers in that area. The most interesting guy had all his gear laid out on the ground. We totally should have asked what that was about - drying it out? Sorting it to repack it better? Trying to find something? We'll never know.</div><div><br /></div><div>The climb toward Cottonwood Pass went fine, just another day in the high country. There was some rain off and on (hence the lack of pictures) but no hint of thunder/lightning so we were good to go.</div><div><br /></div><div>John got a picture of Tug-E next to two other Rivians plus one Tesla at the Rivian charging station in Salida, nice! It sounds like Colorado is going big with Rivians as "mountain adventure trucks", love to see that.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbNejQSHLYlFjuLi0ldBXU9qun4X8edeeejqKH_4Mbw6pvsUWZAiETNRY1lVrh_rdXZsCPF0H_7lH6BqecV_f5blTWDMMTgjGEtcUsHN61R-PwtzwSCnfrO8REdcGLTFtnHEHUNOvg2ds-sMa-mIqT9apExAy1BFDGHSnvjmGyQUyWphvdXtYj-82As0/s2877/IMG_9691a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1637" data-original-width="2877" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbNejQSHLYlFjuLi0ldBXU9qun4X8edeeejqKH_4Mbw6pvsUWZAiETNRY1lVrh_rdXZsCPF0H_7lH6BqecV_f5blTWDMMTgjGEtcUsHN61R-PwtzwSCnfrO8REdcGLTFtnHEHUNOvg2ds-sMa-mIqT9apExAy1BFDGHSnvjmGyQUyWphvdXtYj-82As0/w400-h228/IMG_9691a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On day 6 we found winter.</div><div><br /></div><div>Things were fine at our lower-elevation campground, just rain and a forecast of more rain. We dressed in our best precipitation-worthy clothes and John drove us up the hill. Where it was snowing. Surely it will warm up and return to raining at some point. Right?</div><div><br /></div><div>September on the Continental Divide:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQT1O7nojGG5ZPODEvEsZtVGrvDYjlosruf1Rwugs99Kk66DxPKg5iYiyvMbd7SO8EHPsnbwEfaXbWndS77jtxdiMl5mI8zj9FqdVFDUw-ACIVQSF2prO5BDPYJ8W9hi3tyVah-VocfYBP1XS9Czs2KECFBREzVCGh2fBUKkrSgfexJDGZQtS7xBmMBY/s1545/IMG_9691b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1545" data-original-width="1427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQT1O7nojGG5ZPODEvEsZtVGrvDYjlosruf1Rwugs99Kk66DxPKg5iYiyvMbd7SO8EHPsnbwEfaXbWndS77jtxdiMl5mI8zj9FqdVFDUw-ACIVQSF2prO5BDPYJ8W9hi3tyVah-VocfYBP1XS9Czs2KECFBREzVCGh2fBUKkrSgfexJDGZQtS7xBmMBY/w370-h400/IMG_9691b.jpg" width="370" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>John kept the camera, as I didn't see any need to try to protect it throughout the day. We headed off into the wonderland of white:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxkXtMZgvAs4_HFnwwRZm4NsvO3h-grAKWNJS0aW6Gs_WSqEoH2dPom3UWiJEo9gBPTL56cgeS0SrXa4mRN4YgXdvG3ZXJbz8zhDYAkW7EiaxUKdTvj5UfO0bUareyy1PKSurdSXm6qe088QSNW2JMkuoxL0d7O9YgHmn3XBnl2qzCm402_PeqJ68h8Y/s2048/IMG_9695.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxkXtMZgvAs4_HFnwwRZm4NsvO3h-grAKWNJS0aW6Gs_WSqEoH2dPom3UWiJEo9gBPTL56cgeS0SrXa4mRN4YgXdvG3ZXJbz8zhDYAkW7EiaxUKdTvj5UfO0bUareyy1PKSurdSXm6qe088QSNW2JMkuoxL0d7O9YgHmn3XBnl2qzCm402_PeqJ68h8Y/w400-h300/IMG_9695.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>For a while there wasn't much snow on the ground and it was easy to follow the trail. Just walking through a bit of powder. The lighting was rather odd, like we spent the day in a cloud. Which, I guess we did.</div><div><br /></div><div>We crossed the Divide a couple times, usually able to see ahead where the trail was taking us. It would be neat to come back someday when it's not all white/grey and see what everything really looks like.</div><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps halfway through the trek, we came upon a woman in a tent - what? She popped her head out to ask if we had any dry socks? She was thinking of trying to make it to Cottonwood Pass but she had been cold and wet when she stopped to set up camp. She was warm and dry now, had plenty of food and stove fuel, also was in contact with people at home via her InReach, but she had the urge to get up and get moving.</div><div><br /></div><div>We apologized that we didn't have any extra socks and suggested she might wait until it stopped snowing to start hiking again. Clearly her clothes weren't enough for this weather and perhaps it was better to hunker down? We had already come perhaps 6-7 miles from the pass and it was still snowing and cold. Hopefully everything worked out for her!</div><div><br /></div><div>We continued on, amazed at how the landscape had changed since the day before. Robyn seemed completely at home in the snow, probably from all her skiing experience. She started giving snow depth updates. 3 inches of accumulation. 4 inches. We might have been up to 6 inches when it mostly stopped dropping flakes on us.</div><div><br /></div><div>Trying to follow the trail was usually fairly straightforward, generally seeing a depression in the snow surface, and occasionally feeling the need to pull out the phone and check the track. That typically happened at the corner of a switchback, so I got better at turning around to look upward and many times that was where we needed to go. So interesting!</div><div><br /></div><div>Hey Robyn, we're a couple of crazy people!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wgh5DLMr9KiuH-eCdhmuFWFqqVZnVh1EDbzh47nRq8ZmjzwYX2ReUeLfbQQl0rrZKq8XpvjDFUqsGgBdiX2sqtVpN6jOl1byE04_7BHIp0Ms3-SAfRpjhUIIxlFbin6WzTqRgthgrn_lImmr7Avc7HtRRaLnGc6VGo3WbSirDncSFLsDbOYAVNU5kh0/s1545/IMG_9695a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1545" data-original-width="1419" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wgh5DLMr9KiuH-eCdhmuFWFqqVZnVh1EDbzh47nRq8ZmjzwYX2ReUeLfbQQl0rrZKq8XpvjDFUqsGgBdiX2sqtVpN6jOl1byE04_7BHIp0Ms3-SAfRpjhUIIxlFbin6WzTqRgthgrn_lImmr7Avc7HtRRaLnGc6VGo3WbSirDncSFLsDbOYAVNU5kh0/w368-h400/IMG_9695a.jpg" width="368" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The original plan was for John to park the truck at the next trailhead and then he would cover the next (shorter) section and we'd pick him up at the other end. It became obvious that this plan needed to change. We were now moving way slower than anticipated and we didn't want John to have to slog through this stuff as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>I managed to send a text from my InReach Mini to John's InReach (assuming he didn't have cell coverage either). The texting function on the Mini isn't easy, scrolling up and down for each letter. I didn't have a preset message that covered this situation!</div><div><br /></div><div>Somehow I ended up unintentionally in Caps Lock and added an extra letter for the message "YOU NOO GO" -- which actually was the tone I intended and it made us laugh so I didn't try to fix it before sending.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also sent "Come to us if possible" in case the snow continued to build up on the trail and he could help break tracks on the other end. We were certainly getting extra exercise in that day!</div><div><br /></div><div>Now for John's side of the story...</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the road on his way up to Saint Elmo:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-xp-I62Ka9nP0BHWdmgz4NDgNcMaxZUJnQefkWB7r4KJMSSstC2AlYTtG_5KZ3LzFRH97Gr5TnInS_Xj0c7aaUVuXKjPJRrE0ZTQc7IthvAB-CGIxzddiElVcmcH5dIhBVh04_Q_GbifTOQDdaCeaB1VQDx2vdzPOdh3S4JJfAhOvfvhQraJJ_Zbhig/s3264/IMG_9695b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-xp-I62Ka9nP0BHWdmgz4NDgNcMaxZUJnQefkWB7r4KJMSSstC2AlYTtG_5KZ3LzFRH97Gr5TnInS_Xj0c7aaUVuXKjPJRrE0ZTQc7IthvAB-CGIxzddiElVcmcH5dIhBVh04_Q_GbifTOQDdaCeaB1VQDx2vdzPOdh3S4JJfAhOvfvhQraJJ_Zbhig/w400-h300/IMG_9695b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Our truck handled it easily and there weren't any downed trees in front of him until he had parked and started hiking up the 4WD road. He found some encroachment from leaning limbs and fallen branches. Needless to say, it took him awhile to get there, and he had already long decided not to trek the next section of trail by the time he got my text.</div><div><br /></div><div>He started up in our direction, taking a picture of his footprints behind him:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8y-nllciU_uuLSqzw550t-VioKOf6MqmzJ6UuFWvnoW3YCaxI9N30Y8az3MkSlrhQXkC1sfY7FwmH3j_V8bNHvsG323_7MS_lcjB7fK3zq1c-Rla3do3NfIPyUGyZxJZIpwae8DMcx-abhSJ33Ce0OTVrwnUP84DngUtbOrHfsTMo7-PRwN4tHO4__EE/s3264/IMG_9695c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8y-nllciU_uuLSqzw550t-VioKOf6MqmzJ6UuFWvnoW3YCaxI9N30Y8az3MkSlrhQXkC1sfY7FwmH3j_V8bNHvsG323_7MS_lcjB7fK3zq1c-Rla3do3NfIPyUGyZxJZIpwae8DMcx-abhSJ33Ce0OTVrwnUP84DngUtbOrHfsTMo7-PRwN4tHO4__EE/w400-h300/IMG_9695c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Robyn and I eventually made it to the last big descent, finally dropped below the "lots of snow" line, and even got to hear and see a couple pikas on the lower rocky slope. Their footprints are SO CUTE!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Hey, there's John! We were all back together again, yay! Boy, did we all have stories to relay to each other as we hiked down through the woods:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDgpZVdidYYKOWE_-oho4w9_MnGrW-9-4B1ur0Ew77GjcXaMp_8anKoP6qEkWHXBZ2MliG8dPd78QOWm4S5JbnBJstjwG2SQoHQP3_Y8VGYuGdz9L_iisLv_lPug1zMDDplDb-o4ID6UySQtx5v_sZBPLQwDn_GmY7mkWrvRTfblehDeMkEGjvSP_YC8/s2153/IMG_9695d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2037" data-original-width="2153" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDgpZVdidYYKOWE_-oho4w9_MnGrW-9-4B1ur0Ew77GjcXaMp_8anKoP6qEkWHXBZ2MliG8dPd78QOWm4S5JbnBJstjwG2SQoHQP3_Y8VGYuGdz9L_iisLv_lPug1zMDDplDb-o4ID6UySQtx5v_sZBPLQwDn_GmY7mkWrvRTfblehDeMkEGjvSP_YC8/w400-h379/IMG_9695d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As we chatted and walked down the 4WD road, we wondered about the condition of the campground near Saint Elmo. Did it really make sense to try to camp in this stuff? Robyn and I threw out a few ideas like moving our Monarch Mountain Lodge stay from Saturday night to tonight.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally John spoke up to tell us he had already called the lodge and gotten an extra night added to our reservation - we were so grateful, laughing that he had let us talk about it for a while before letting on that he had already solved the problem. Warm showers and warm, dry beds, woo hoo!</div><div><br /></div><div>We discussed trail options for the final day, knowing that we could no longer complete the whole loop this time. It made no sense to try to return to the Tin Cup/Alpine Tunnel area in these conditions. Luckily we had the option to walk out of the lodge and over to the Boss Lake trailhead. One final 17-mile trek would at least get us back to Monarch Pass where we had started the adventure.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had a mild concern about a tendon on the top of one of my feet, nothing serious, probably from breaking trail in the snow. John and Robyn were both up for doing the 17 miles, so that was the plan for day 7:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2h7SnvlVykHpkPOswc_SBDVkb2FPXAqxm5G47JqHhn1_Q9M7syneZ-L7fPL9haMZgPSYZx6Oazixf2AG9ayuDPhZKu7PBtvoSs6jUz-_R1KcpgXyUQJ7bGqjQjUeQCNnrLOifPIqpOThAaYTgkgM3nQVYEIeSzeZ-PFCo7ZS-ypx-w5XWbPomzo3DUXA/s2048/IMG_9698.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2h7SnvlVykHpkPOswc_SBDVkb2FPXAqxm5G47JqHhn1_Q9M7syneZ-L7fPL9haMZgPSYZx6Oazixf2AG9ayuDPhZKu7PBtvoSs6jUz-_R1KcpgXyUQJ7bGqjQjUeQCNnrLOifPIqpOThAaYTgkgM3nQVYEIeSzeZ-PFCo7ZS-ypx-w5XWbPomzo3DUXA/w400-h300/IMG_9698.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The great news was that the sun was back out! I spent the morning moving tents and gear around on our sunny balcony so it would mostly dry, then drove up to the pass to look around.</div><div><br /></div><div>They had PLOWED the parking lot... and the view of the mountains was very different from a few days before:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSFK0QmVXqMykXr0ZBjvCfvx07lY7oycrb_LI-XoVEVm8YXYKI-UD4VPgPbrpvdWX_nh9MUyiPZfSiw1VRuqpWU-NZqjgc6I5atdkMRXGTdfHFgh8WL27bs8EL7sg4jtCp8mDv2xgKHsm9yFj5g1Jce_QVXAwjCR8lEfCDOxbYV6GmNJR5BZ0GxFDDhw/s2048/IMG_9703.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSFK0QmVXqMykXr0ZBjvCfvx07lY7oycrb_LI-XoVEVm8YXYKI-UD4VPgPbrpvdWX_nh9MUyiPZfSiw1VRuqpWU-NZqjgc6I5atdkMRXGTdfHFgh8WL27bs8EL7sg4jtCp8mDv2xgKHsm9yFj5g1Jce_QVXAwjCR8lEfCDOxbYV6GmNJR5BZ0GxFDDhw/w400-h300/IMG_9703.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>John took some pictures during their hike:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uLp4xUi7kGZWHiL1NWLXi66wT7sTP5_K3XF1YKClG_IlGqFc_j_DKPScNWu3vRRQ0SG8bzk_T0NhHot_z317qHp-UI9eXtwM7EEF8HYlnqv2cLOkzaAW-r10ThhM2dPZN8Aovy_cOp178gLf65QLNW5Umy1L2VBm6pczcYORBdGRDd-4RRqLs8yIg1M/s3264/IMG_20230916_080710365_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uLp4xUi7kGZWHiL1NWLXi66wT7sTP5_K3XF1YKClG_IlGqFc_j_DKPScNWu3vRRQ0SG8bzk_T0NhHot_z317qHp-UI9eXtwM7EEF8HYlnqv2cLOkzaAW-r10ThhM2dPZN8Aovy_cOp178gLf65QLNW5Umy1L2VBm6pczcYORBdGRDd-4RRqLs8yIg1M/w400-h300/IMG_20230916_080710365_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Robyn had guessed that most of the snow would quickly melt out, while I was skeptical about that. We bet a beer on it. I was fairly certain I was getting a free beer out of the deal.</div><div><br /></div><div>The path up through the woods... looking a little snowy!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8h1oUrDx2sAVSzm6FLkpF5e0pncbylS5-g_XQce6pcF5HXBveG6_oBnvBkGF2cXIXszL9xlP7v-KLPiF7_7yWtj6QTzjS_XTPvaLmTu5qFe6K_YvG1EeRsDzJbybTC8B2NES6rI9pfq7Iek2IfNtwd6i1XAXJVAyFRu9iP8NhaIA-prtqxAisFy8X1Q/s3264/IMG_20230916_082253327_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8h1oUrDx2sAVSzm6FLkpF5e0pncbylS5-g_XQce6pcF5HXBveG6_oBnvBkGF2cXIXszL9xlP7v-KLPiF7_7yWtj6QTzjS_XTPvaLmTu5qFe6K_YvG1EeRsDzJbybTC8B2NES6rI9pfq7Iek2IfNtwd6i1XAXJVAyFRu9iP8NhaIA-prtqxAisFy8X1Q/w400-h300/IMG_20230916_082253327_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Yep</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWENr1TrjIs5sNaSLNO9FT4kSwNCyvol-Lz1d4QF01DaTgl4JjbJkvPXg0JJui5rllAnd7EjauZEYAdP5JsqOtK6znLZrK_1eqWWp6jjBRjXe7Y1Q14mPLP1wSXTht24PzN_o7xlgNeyrZUaZVmZuchd3L8yj2NDZfjMHOr3aRluN7OmbaeBkurOVxVE/s3264/IMG_20230916_094908470.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWENr1TrjIs5sNaSLNO9FT4kSwNCyvol-Lz1d4QF01DaTgl4JjbJkvPXg0JJui5rllAnd7EjauZEYAdP5JsqOtK6znLZrK_1eqWWp6jjBRjXe7Y1Q14mPLP1wSXTht24PzN_o7xlgNeyrZUaZVmZuchd3L8yj2NDZfjMHOr3aRluN7OmbaeBkurOVxVE/w400-h300/IMG_20230916_094908470.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Making tracks up the hill:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXApDSF0ACZt6MGQvOvxfcYFUwSkVCnFOq5MnigNIfKHGyFh5NcgTyu5MEANobA1u20q6OvUpgRe3vPTHpS8pLHbYAnpC478C1JpXkWCRmRCLzSCRxx2NXm-SS9mRV1vfnAk6QVWVBQM4rSaZlhXSIqp23p35oqj8YmhB5ORxvz8lEHVsykh41h1kJ9fs/s1505/IMG_20230916_094908470a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1505" data-original-width="1435" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXApDSF0ACZt6MGQvOvxfcYFUwSkVCnFOq5MnigNIfKHGyFh5NcgTyu5MEANobA1u20q6OvUpgRe3vPTHpS8pLHbYAnpC478C1JpXkWCRmRCLzSCRxx2NXm-SS9mRV1vfnAk6QVWVBQM4rSaZlhXSIqp23p35oqj8YmhB5ORxvz8lEHVsykh41h1kJ9fs/w381-h400/IMG_20230916_094908470a.jpg" width="381" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Such a pretty place and an interesting snow line:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CHx2aXw_ZmMGvwKY5zmtMSXM5FAWVBrxzw2Mb5IL3mc408D3THX8oVDn_I3Q35srlLaqDBVXN9IwqT6fR-EmlgnnT5aV-RZKUxl5LYDTfO_44jt2DSSWZ6CERr4OQ_8bqGxwVO1NmAYXEy7W0Ahkdx83jAFMPH2UM6P8hyphenhyphenU17m2NZ1pXtyRX_vU8Xec/s3159/IMG_20230916_101940450.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2197" data-original-width="3159" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CHx2aXw_ZmMGvwKY5zmtMSXM5FAWVBrxzw2Mb5IL3mc408D3THX8oVDn_I3Q35srlLaqDBVXN9IwqT6fR-EmlgnnT5aV-RZKUxl5LYDTfO_44jt2DSSWZ6CERr4OQ_8bqGxwVO1NmAYXEy7W0Ahkdx83jAFMPH2UM6P8hyphenhyphenU17m2NZ1pXtyRX_vU8Xec/w400-h279/IMG_20230916_101940450.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Robyn said later that it was amazing just how much snow was up there:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlv1_Gw6fwWvNfC-JkUHTxqZTVHX7t4GFDcG2FTUQcDuWGH2UqXNrLio_Hyf4_ucfInKv9Ru54uSKkZUxYojCoJUM6oStE9M17Fc586Q1jE8fqNq0un6llZ0zFillMP8eVouFhBOQWgXb82dlhJhD2F_-Fr-xsLTvgoCA68m-vGQwXBPYsr2hB8Wf1nk/s3264/IMG_20230916_102559507.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlv1_Gw6fwWvNfC-JkUHTxqZTVHX7t4GFDcG2FTUQcDuWGH2UqXNrLio_Hyf4_ucfInKv9Ru54uSKkZUxYojCoJUM6oStE9M17Fc586Q1jE8fqNq0un6llZ0zFillMP8eVouFhBOQWgXb82dlhJhD2F_-Fr-xsLTvgoCA68m-vGQwXBPYsr2hB8Wf1nk/w400-h300/IMG_20230916_102559507.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>They had a great time wandering through the upper part of the Monarch ski area. Both she and John had skied there and they said it was fun seeing all the signs and places they knew under different conditions:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpxALiSZzANnQ0szXJmzzkI4DTqKTHDjeVtnj2DFl9BOsWw3IwtFd05pj2RKhQe7bGfJhTM-TVw8Zzg8Ne-pqXLKMjJu__qCEPz1lTmaQPUTSGSjqB_P_4tvlcp3K8XFvgaX0vQzQQa365i_dJJEMb-uEqcv_3hvHgoHW3R9xKXOHqe-CJShip0fKmYo/s3264/IMG_20230916_114010444_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpxALiSZzANnQ0szXJmzzkI4DTqKTHDjeVtnj2DFl9BOsWw3IwtFd05pj2RKhQe7bGfJhTM-TVw8Zzg8Ne-pqXLKMjJu__qCEPz1lTmaQPUTSGSjqB_P_4tvlcp3K8XFvgaX0vQzQQa365i_dJJEMb-uEqcv_3hvHgoHW3R9xKXOHqe-CJShip0fKmYo/w400-h300/IMG_20230916_114010444_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hello Robyn!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9uRPKdVI7bgkD71VoK8yaCPZxg-zZviQAOOYrQWF7Y46i_-YPKmA90NnTweFp641yI0KCv0meSPau2J2wpROEhCYYFUaDesxsAMhikUyTh0gKGbhIjeFPfgv28E0kdxJXFKoRlXpFFzMh72CRkvZuiN2sNYc6GN_QhagkiAVicf5nB2BbEJZKkK58KY/s2205/IMG_20230916_120746413_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2205" data-original-width="2089" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9uRPKdVI7bgkD71VoK8yaCPZxg-zZviQAOOYrQWF7Y46i_-YPKmA90NnTweFp641yI0KCv0meSPau2J2wpROEhCYYFUaDesxsAMhikUyTh0gKGbhIjeFPfgv28E0kdxJXFKoRlXpFFzMh72CRkvZuiN2sNYc6GN_QhagkiAVicf5nB2BbEJZKkK58KY/w379-h400/IMG_20230916_120746413_HDR.jpg" width="379" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Finishing up at the pass, well done y'all!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwloVcl9keBtfXqmV5QIYWDAh8J5_QiAUACxZZH8ACUZ5_Iu6SrtrZAhqfT_hi3zCvIb7wgELB9Uhlx8Vxl9rhA-FZhBPIL1JK2D9B9Nl5GSU_VgH7CRVwia00WICa4b9vO2HbNvSTAWdpekwEsCVTaQXj_YcWMtQYVAczlEwEyz78OegPTUzlmuQdZ2c/s1111/IMG_20230916_120746413_HDRa.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1111" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwloVcl9keBtfXqmV5QIYWDAh8J5_QiAUACxZZH8ACUZ5_Iu6SrtrZAhqfT_hi3zCvIb7wgELB9Uhlx8Vxl9rhA-FZhBPIL1JK2D9B9Nl5GSU_VgH7CRVwia00WICa4b9vO2HbNvSTAWdpekwEsCVTaQXj_YcWMtQYVAczlEwEyz78OegPTUzlmuQdZ2c/w400-h343/IMG_20230916_120746413_HDRa.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>That was quite an experience, so happy to get to spend all that time together in the Colorado mountains! Thanks for the excellent idea, Robyn!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrdzO9E9lPUWGj6n7FMmUXEG8L_oNfNBRnUb6vvjMt8iax8AEQfudny_NbLIE_PNRao1qJsI0tXPX0xsveMbfhTYJsStAlqbgdLcsAODuE73YWFGFmEZyKJ4cPnOOueMoQsh_SAw0z1Ey-ZpERCp-bwLseB4wQWYH0U1aahyphenhyphenxvf-PQCEMQ9UtZjS9vG4/s1633/IMG_20230916_120746413_HDRb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1633" data-original-width="1419" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrdzO9E9lPUWGj6n7FMmUXEG8L_oNfNBRnUb6vvjMt8iax8AEQfudny_NbLIE_PNRao1qJsI0tXPX0xsveMbfhTYJsStAlqbgdLcsAODuE73YWFGFmEZyKJ4cPnOOueMoQsh_SAw0z1Ey-ZpERCp-bwLseB4wQWYH0U1aahyphenhyphenxvf-PQCEMQ9UtZjS9vG4/w348-h400/IMG_20230916_120746413_HDRb.jpg" width="348" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And someday we'll have to come back to finish what we started.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-83136168956494243402023-12-05T12:59:00.000-08:002023-12-12T05:19:22.527-08:00Collegiate Loop with Robyn (part 1 of 2)<div style="text-align: left;">We've seen pieces of the Colorado Trail here and there, so when Robyn suggested we meet up to spend a September week trail running together to explore more, we were immediately interested. Seems like she felt our <a href="https://marcy-twss.blogspot.com/2022/10/softrock-with-robyn.html" target="_blank">Softrock completion</a> last summer was a positive experience, at least enough to invite us for more Colorado wanderings, yay!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail goes from Denver to Durango, with a divergence (east and west options) around the Collegiate Peaks. Someone coined the term "Collegiate Loop" for the concept of doing both options in a loop of about 160 miles. With 3 of us and one Tug-E, we took turns running together and driving between trailheads. The plan was to complete the loop with at least one of us covering every section.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Day 1 began at Monarch Pass, where it was chilly and one of us was OK being cold for a few miles. Happy to be back on the trail with Robyn!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwr-RjBKLrj5okidcUvk5FltC3heaX2SEPikeXz9qtfITOSanlRVhDbEFjjSQJ_oVeNsh-MToqfb9bBT9anf2iMkgu4RSOLqzuylV8ZgK1Fzm8pa18MGqmzajvBj_tEK4gLSSyWqLYmzFDuYVQ8AqlTSmxuiCrFjb47PaC_6I1p-zBzR_elu-3phoSeMk/s2048/0%20IMG_9609.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwr-RjBKLrj5okidcUvk5FltC3heaX2SEPikeXz9qtfITOSanlRVhDbEFjjSQJ_oVeNsh-MToqfb9bBT9anf2iMkgu4RSOLqzuylV8ZgK1Fzm8pa18MGqmzajvBj_tEK4gLSSyWqLYmzFDuYVQ8AqlTSmxuiCrFjb47PaC_6I1p-zBzR_elu-3phoSeMk/w400-h300/0%20IMG_9609.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Looking back toward the pass, a spot John and I have driven by many times without stopping to hike/run. That ends today!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY2zbMXxC0TJSxV3dR8k2IypkXWRclp02qxycu_P4bFoaRc_Vp6jIB718w6S7RslzncGMM32kihpJSc_7cxjzTQWkofvt43B-y3BIptlSna5bRR9vPwKiFvC9QuIZsxB-K0KZYVZB_fkR3pvql9D1UZuJYuTTqgdfLOpNqQLfmeFnBKY4QXUu5Fxmlmw/s2048/IMG_9608.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY2zbMXxC0TJSxV3dR8k2IypkXWRclp02qxycu_P4bFoaRc_Vp6jIB718w6S7RslzncGMM32kihpJSc_7cxjzTQWkofvt43B-y3BIptlSna5bRR9vPwKiFvC9QuIZsxB-K0KZYVZB_fkR3pvql9D1UZuJYuTTqgdfLOpNqQLfmeFnBKY4QXUu5Fxmlmw/w400-h300/IMG_9608.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We met a few mountain bikers and had some fun conversations with a group of women. "How old are you?" they wanted to know. One kindly took our picture:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AXtih6r0o6wUBkhqEzyZylNVm_5m5UWSb7ttJiqzmHJy-tPkpxDYrF6hvl6C7B5avjtAmWs7kbUbzD0HvIA2znJ7znifEg37kC_Y_HKOoKbh9iqPss645ZJw4oapPQasjvYAo282-Py7f9kh3ncBLbAghFOEmgRziKZQjhxuUa_PQs4c30EAnOC-lbI/s2048/IMG_9611.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AXtih6r0o6wUBkhqEzyZylNVm_5m5UWSb7ttJiqzmHJy-tPkpxDYrF6hvl6C7B5avjtAmWs7kbUbzD0HvIA2znJ7znifEg37kC_Y_HKOoKbh9iqPss645ZJw4oapPQasjvYAo282-Py7f9kh3ncBLbAghFOEmgRziKZQjhxuUa_PQs4c30EAnOC-lbI/w400-h300/IMG_9611.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The smooth path along the crest, enjoying the morning sunshine and being happy to be on foot instead of in a saddle:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKN6xrjlMl-8ovSeNi49jvI9Fd_LqnkB2r11qKimOOYT8E8fVirtOwwceG-0rAJ0P1nYnWwwMWp7iyB9LofSQKBX8Lk2jBN-i3DW2BnJySLUFDnHxpn62yShKtE-bBJI_kpROSFFQ3kvj9HmJLe6IKnKj7iS_9-fyIL-pqPCEcvNEZr4cbQln96Nr7GE/s2048/IMG_9613.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKN6xrjlMl-8ovSeNi49jvI9Fd_LqnkB2r11qKimOOYT8E8fVirtOwwceG-0rAJ0P1nYnWwwMWp7iyB9LofSQKBX8Lk2jBN-i3DW2BnJySLUFDnHxpn62yShKtE-bBJI_kpROSFFQ3kvj9HmJLe6IKnKj7iS_9-fyIL-pqPCEcvNEZr4cbQln96Nr7GE/w400-h300/IMG_9613.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We were at the southern end of the loop (where the Colorado Trail merges and continues south), taking a left to start up the east side of the mountains. From there we would drop down into this valley and head back toward our campsite at Angel of Shavano campground:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2ksbpjPfaEHjuKNg7HXwCzPdIUbe0soFPiD0-ZAupWViX45w-P9kImhDyV2YeNnKzPUPa7-mj3akBDXgvl4EtwxpKlOJWZb9cqiCdqDkgpyqhSpFrzIpPPKYsT75A-8RzPt6hqbYs-hVwz7fsz9apvgo4MVJyJqcPXZKLPLjkxoZppgOh9qq4z4PDRc/s2048/IMG_9615.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2ksbpjPfaEHjuKNg7HXwCzPdIUbe0soFPiD0-ZAupWViX45w-P9kImhDyV2YeNnKzPUPa7-mj3akBDXgvl4EtwxpKlOJWZb9cqiCdqDkgpyqhSpFrzIpPPKYsT75A-8RzPt6hqbYs-hVwz7fsz9apvgo4MVJyJqcPXZKLPLjkxoZppgOh9qq4z4PDRc/w400-h300/IMG_9615.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We had dropped John off at the bottom of the hill so he could climb up to Monarch Pass. He climbed so quickly that we were barely into the trees when he appeared. Hello John!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwpsWfnYuazM63DGdl6E1gRCJ0LTITiB5adJ-1lUaGecayakPH2UbrnswBXFUXhItBNKBOo5RXRjtZDpx2AyUiZDi-0nQkwHZUNhM5xZnhIsraW2HL6pUUGBbThk26YM0A4wsjWNuj01QlihHif3p8lFeWUi4qtm3ooWHLFVe-3yoCPz4tk2fuxpCDkI/s1557/IMG_9617.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1437" data-original-width="1557" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwpsWfnYuazM63DGdl6E1gRCJ0LTITiB5adJ-1lUaGecayakPH2UbrnswBXFUXhItBNKBOo5RXRjtZDpx2AyUiZDi-0nQkwHZUNhM5xZnhIsraW2HL6pUUGBbThk26YM0A4wsjWNuj01QlihHif3p8lFeWUi4qtm3ooWHLFVe-3yoCPz4tk2fuxpCDkI/w400-h369/IMG_9617.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A lovely, wide bridge over the creek:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMbHT_r9UqkjY6Kn1elN030FCXT96o1Zw5IHJeBd4f8st34BWYzX6gi16T-2EQ18cnoogNuOI4tmFT3upC4o7zhxvn67WF_i4bdLKH7Jo9OC8uFgs88ZyTB7N4SQslSAb4gX_fGd-biCuqiOA80dzsIQmWIofpvs_aHFxCgXipTNinY1RhXbQDjDu-as/s2048/IMG_9618.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMbHT_r9UqkjY6Kn1elN030FCXT96o1Zw5IHJeBd4f8st34BWYzX6gi16T-2EQ18cnoogNuOI4tmFT3upC4o7zhxvn67WF_i4bdLKH7Jo9OC8uFgs88ZyTB7N4SQslSAb4gX_fGd-biCuqiOA80dzsIQmWIofpvs_aHFxCgXipTNinY1RhXbQDjDu-as/w400-h300/IMG_9618.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy life!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYe6NgQqEMNeCKKJW_s7MsNmwfrHBGNAG96pqICDlTHyEifMN2W7WY3czpGHbSE0DhO-Hiv7YDjToiMZgynZBcXBZF6-gmMIy9fQ-oJHukevCpxUuEpNvOm7x8Kx9hGzLxV0Th2CCvzynIBAtkQghrEMqjjKlkVHiy5F_WejQW0ioSyv3Y9zVHhDxlyM/s2048/IMG_9620.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYe6NgQqEMNeCKKJW_s7MsNmwfrHBGNAG96pqICDlTHyEifMN2W7WY3czpGHbSE0DhO-Hiv7YDjToiMZgynZBcXBZF6-gmMIy9fQ-oJHukevCpxUuEpNvOm7x8Kx9hGzLxV0Th2CCvzynIBAtkQghrEMqjjKlkVHiy5F_WejQW0ioSyv3Y9zVHhDxlyM/w400-h300/IMG_9620.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One day done, an excellent start.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfw5ux8PtdEQfu89V6UjVqS0OpJlF68wgZ9Ursk0RYAatSuSliGbrxuVD-91LtFrCXrX-viHO_tc5lolZgzzNcjwOMklCKKagua2Usu186IEMV4WrQl5tr25QEURLZfIOhHxj9q6pd9UcM7Nt-ICPoBgjysYCntwubS6irgO8Jf1wWT0fGW2eUJJ8DIc/s2048/IMG_9621%20end%20of%20day%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfw5ux8PtdEQfu89V6UjVqS0OpJlF68wgZ9Ursk0RYAatSuSliGbrxuVD-91LtFrCXrX-viHO_tc5lolZgzzNcjwOMklCKKagua2Usu186IEMV4WrQl5tr25QEURLZfIOhHxj9q6pd9UcM7Nt-ICPoBgjysYCntwubS6irgO8Jf1wWT0fGW2eUJJ8DIc/w400-h300/IMG_9621%20end%20of%20day%201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The map of the loop - day 1 is in red, day 2 is magenta plus most of the next blue section:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2j7YbygY9N2iRqqovu7iBTDZPyUNI05i431skr_WpHLKD6Uw0GM6xD_GEDkt15SK6vGDtPUKRJrRjV1K1i_I-icu3L2xtJ3UBHKSTWyQaTaO8Zt-lf7XH73cya-CJSGPVtPP8c8PdVl5Po_l9CoWhGw3lF8Zf_pohps7NCaseLZaHpaFhRFV-8evJXQ/s1689/IMG_9621a%20Day%201%20map.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1689" data-original-width="1351" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2j7YbygY9N2iRqqovu7iBTDZPyUNI05i431skr_WpHLKD6Uw0GM6xD_GEDkt15SK6vGDtPUKRJrRjV1K1i_I-icu3L2xtJ3UBHKSTWyQaTaO8Zt-lf7XH73cya-CJSGPVtPP8c8PdVl5Po_l9CoWhGw3lF8Zf_pohps7NCaseLZaHpaFhRFV-8evJXQ/w320-h400/IMG_9621a%20Day%201%20map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The next morning Robyn and I set out early for our almost-15 mile trek together. There were lots of ups/downs, ins/outs, a few cows that didn't want to leave the trail, and some interesting little pine cones:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfvKGnjm3y0u1rHyBsIX9qgNEtoNAUmllP8lZZ2mfT8pgcfYtLf6o2Gjt7zlXgX_tbssi35al39isXAz-ZIZtNhgBAxGQCV9DSA11r75kQ_x8SeMP-Il3nTtvnAOCwnbhrX4RDeYDxXoGm-tfBWPXlVvjMuL36d9XqVSA0lMFRYKFw0dYuQdgaMFq9fI/s2048/IMG_9623.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfvKGnjm3y0u1rHyBsIX9qgNEtoNAUmllP8lZZ2mfT8pgcfYtLf6o2Gjt7zlXgX_tbssi35al39isXAz-ZIZtNhgBAxGQCV9DSA11r75kQ_x8SeMP-Il3nTtvnAOCwnbhrX4RDeYDxXoGm-tfBWPXlVvjMuL36d9XqVSA0lMFRYKFw0dYuQdgaMFq9fI/w400-h300/IMG_9623.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Not sure what's up with this, but it could be a decent campsite for a through-hiker:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXdwxk_MUsWhxuyEXwBD-i-uDG7IbqSQuHW1U2V8G7QwuG1TRvDFV7MqKgKoc-v24-d3yJsf0SZLFwm3r6y8May7oyTDdYr-sx0wbaFfggZEJP7hZiOhQL6oFZCzrnMU0WLelv-PeN983v2sXLQWN6omQLdidLSX_d9_7qEzxvacIvlspsiUvJxeOoaI/s1707/IMG_9625.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1231" data-original-width="1707" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXdwxk_MUsWhxuyEXwBD-i-uDG7IbqSQuHW1U2V8G7QwuG1TRvDFV7MqKgKoc-v24-d3yJsf0SZLFwm3r6y8May7oyTDdYr-sx0wbaFfggZEJP7hZiOhQL6oFZCzrnMU0WLelv-PeN983v2sXLQWN6omQLdidLSX_d9_7qEzxvacIvlspsiUvJxeOoaI/w400-h289/IMG_9625.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Making good progress and having zero nav issues following the CT past all the well-signed intersections:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkmfVdNZtVPTCuGKBCDqTeb9crIylL6EowflYrQM3xqVBLlxAAfo89atXKGAgqIqvvd2jB9LI472vn14IA14MI5f1j9AgNqZoXro3hy2z-xAH9y7GcaWCmdpZ7yoF5Zjx0qQ1zfICarOaB34lW_wfNsnZ3DAaeebqluFEq2Q6YcsBTD2BCiCe4l-c2H8/s2048/IMG_9626.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkmfVdNZtVPTCuGKBCDqTeb9crIylL6EowflYrQM3xqVBLlxAAfo89atXKGAgqIqvvd2jB9LI472vn14IA14MI5f1j9AgNqZoXro3hy2z-xAH9y7GcaWCmdpZ7yoF5Zjx0qQ1zfICarOaB34lW_wfNsnZ3DAaeebqluFEq2Q6YcsBTD2BCiCe4l-c2H8/w400-h300/IMG_9626.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We barely beat John to Chalk Creek road, where he apologized for being late but we completely didn't care because he brought us delicious pastries!</div><div><br /></div><div>Robyn and John took on the 4.6-mile paved road section next. They passed a neighborhood with a "Kindness Rock Garden" - love it!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-Amw5JVbzISYwEAo7dgXcYt_ozIvsYxtEYMaJ9Z16_NgPWKJhvtCAzSKBuWPYzot5MhOqI-sIYmVC106-9lk7rY6s59nwyCiJppU43tiv1b9i2UfPsuoSMiyhmJsAPF0SwW34Ca6AVHsECV95qmrwG-7HTPdEVp_RfMO1Yeins6D-y3kM15cdcpoHYE/s3264/IMG_9626a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-Amw5JVbzISYwEAo7dgXcYt_ozIvsYxtEYMaJ9Z16_NgPWKJhvtCAzSKBuWPYzot5MhOqI-sIYmVC106-9lk7rY6s59nwyCiJppU43tiv1b9i2UfPsuoSMiyhmJsAPF0SwW34Ca6AVHsECV95qmrwG-7HTPdEVp_RfMO1Yeins6D-y3kM15cdcpoHYE/w400-h300/IMG_9626a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Also an amazing bit of art at the end of a large log:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHATqciEKJGCICBkgj7nhIbnxVL4ouE9NbF7T8nTlzzMEek0U3TjwAJLj2PKqdjZGUbRACI_yxvdh4AZ66h4DKSueP__JgMEXHQBSxDxNxtZ-MFbfJ-yS0p7XBge4649kDhlYExfzZN0X5ZrL-dotqsYhEPVXxhtTnb5FBRiCxTrUpiI_C_kOQO_WMrxY/s3264/IMG_9626b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHATqciEKJGCICBkgj7nhIbnxVL4ouE9NbF7T8nTlzzMEek0U3TjwAJLj2PKqdjZGUbRACI_yxvdh4AZ66h4DKSueP__JgMEXHQBSxDxNxtZ-MFbfJ-yS0p7XBge4649kDhlYExfzZN0X5ZrL-dotqsYhEPVXxhtTnb5FBRiCxTrUpiI_C_kOQO_WMrxY/w400-h300/IMG_9626b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I drove up to Mount Princeton trailhead, ate a bit of lunch, and greeted my friends a short while later, hello friends!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrAY9BJX99MNhIUcRJXpasSRxUUGEa7__km57Z_vZxDrXMwHL3WPXFz3QBppkS5uahNzwC9ELuWJBveQSHHrj3jzurYtA6x5SMdIsEvL2iKiZN4smEsYkb2t9B2LZdGCkGwacCHDFMSDnXQsGdPAoX5bQaMifZsgT5sWvLK4wiI9-U8vUMB8ZfmLI13I/s2048/IMG_9628.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrAY9BJX99MNhIUcRJXpasSRxUUGEa7__km57Z_vZxDrXMwHL3WPXFz3QBppkS5uahNzwC9ELuWJBveQSHHrj3jzurYtA6x5SMdIsEvL2iKiZN4smEsYkb2t9B2LZdGCkGwacCHDFMSDnXQsGdPAoX5bQaMifZsgT5sWvLK4wiI9-U8vUMB8ZfmLI13I/w400-h300/IMG_9628.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One final section for the day. John joined me, and Robyn drove around this time. I think it rained a bit (normal Colorado afternoon) and I didn't take any pictures. More traversing and climbing/descending, enjoying the trail as it crossed above the Buena Vista valley. We remembered biking this trail once and I was again glad to be running it instead.</div><div><br /></div><div>We camped at the Collegiate Peaks campground that night, super convenient. All of us were starting to appreciate having Tug-E there for the electric plugs (kettle, electronics charging, Waterpik) and the warm interior for eating supper and breakfast. Luxury car camping!</div><div><br /></div><div>For day 3 we discussed a few possibilities based on the widely varying lengths of the legs. John was up for finishing the last bit of trail along Cottonwood and then going over the next big pass. I was ready for the pass plus the long 18+ miles to Clear Creek. Robyn wanted to do the long section, and given the chance to start as soon as she parked the truck instead of waiting for me, she thought that would be great.</div><div><br /></div><div>It ended up unintentionally structured as a "chase" day, although only John and Robyn were thinking about it like that. I was going to go for a run with my mp3 player and enjoy the scenery.</div><div><br /></div><div>They dropped me off at the base of the climb to Cottonwood Pass and I had a lovely start to the day with a beautiful sunrise over the nearby peaks:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ahdxaq3WXsDTsnl4Mo_ZHkSjC0IrravOKyxWhdEie51js3bQ78UjcQdLipX8YPmv2FpySvcrKuN6LUnHjgHnaq8fr9fK_-vt_EZjjLTygYcjHGsquOP9ejsuCG-X1UUlGYCxZrEoRxQ5aFhw873tlU_DxBgo7RJBJaM_1HfOoc95BAEeuG085MOWNmQ/s2048/IMG_9630.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ahdxaq3WXsDTsnl4Mo_ZHkSjC0IrravOKyxWhdEie51js3bQ78UjcQdLipX8YPmv2FpySvcrKuN6LUnHjgHnaq8fr9fK_-vt_EZjjLTygYcjHGsquOP9ejsuCG-X1UUlGYCxZrEoRxQ5aFhw873tlU_DxBgo7RJBJaM_1HfOoc95BAEeuG085MOWNmQ/w400-h300/IMG_9630.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Into the wilderness:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1o9HtkzmvlaHUka648Srugv7ud7pszmbEPuY2my6Ng5Z8Up1wOVj1Q3UXjeeqEweluBPXQdkdEYYpUEqT1T69OqLjsNSW30b3Xgfg4AvdmLKbUq7lUXZowfrBWnvViMVYplrzM0DApdsmJFY-4Xu9dTIkrJJ4Pbcr58HG8ugMGEkBxXzos9XbQdpqy_U/s2048/IMG_9631.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1o9HtkzmvlaHUka648Srugv7ud7pszmbEPuY2my6Ng5Z8Up1wOVj1Q3UXjeeqEweluBPXQdkdEYYpUEqT1T69OqLjsNSW30b3Xgfg4AvdmLKbUq7lUXZowfrBWnvViMVYplrzM0DApdsmJFY-4Xu9dTIkrJJ4Pbcr58HG8ugMGEkBxXzos9XbQdpqy_U/w400-h300/IMG_9631.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It's a long climb so I tried to stay steady, wondering if John would catch me. Robyn had dropped him off 2.2 miles further back on the trail and he is a strong uphill hiker. I made it to the top alone, then met a through hiker on the other side. She was fun to chat with, and she also mentioned something about snow coming in a few days. In mid-September -- OK then!</div><div><br /></div><div>I ran down the other side to find Tug-E at the next trailhead, and no sooner had I arrived then John came dashing up the trail. Too funny! I laughed and took a picture as he bent over to catch his breath:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirijmNa47T-5cannpZKrdlD0cLuoX13387ZJCsDSQhnflsFRoU9P1QtHfJiqfP1HrJXfUNrX92eaW7kARsqvAkEkK820ef8E-s8nIYlhOPjwxo-lXnJrlKFyWmJuoi4TZaXF13RSJcrbbFBCe4wSZ-jv1ieOHhgogZMAMd-6J0wL2QXWqan2nSHYR3iBI/s1757/IMG_9632.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1757" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirijmNa47T-5cannpZKrdlD0cLuoX13387ZJCsDSQhnflsFRoU9P1QtHfJiqfP1HrJXfUNrX92eaW7kARsqvAkEkK820ef8E-s8nIYlhOPjwxo-lXnJrlKFyWmJuoi4TZaXF13RSJcrbbFBCe4wSZ-jv1ieOHhgogZMAMd-6J0wL2QXWqan2nSHYR3iBI/w400-h290/IMG_9632.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Starting the next long section, I couldn't decide whether to keep my jacket on or take it off. Oh, then I need a snack. A few minutes later, I should filter water. If I had been trying to gain time on Robyn (which I wasn't), none of this was helping. It was a good thing I was solo at the time. Finally I got myself together and got moving.</div><div><br /></div><div>I spent the rest of the day listening to podcasts and appreciating the world around me.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSi-bYcpZBiEFySKm_TQ2VCiI9iazlGeRtdOpWjBdzsFOfBQaHECVXPBHKHzWxRJ1hOBgaoV8tTutdsRufsi_1gcgIMS47i6ikjcbIVXjjfEsL4S4Y88P1avNquG3MYiIKUgJnQk3LbhJSBuB2NOvbP7xlAP8yBuOtTtCvDZaB4WpvaNYWcKUVKjRYxc/s2048/IMG_9633.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSi-bYcpZBiEFySKm_TQ2VCiI9iazlGeRtdOpWjBdzsFOfBQaHECVXPBHKHzWxRJ1hOBgaoV8tTutdsRufsi_1gcgIMS47i6ikjcbIVXjjfEsL4S4Y88P1avNquG3MYiIKUgJnQk3LbhJSBuB2NOvbP7xlAP8yBuOtTtCvDZaB4WpvaNYWcKUVKjRYxc/w400-h300/IMG_9633.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A section of the CT I'd seen in a prior year when hiking up toward Mt Harvard:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJokP0a1EUr4jfDsidjBBRwcupQiTvo0FydkOYxKZ-_D6tRD9vsCCMnDjL1Ld6TTKwfTH7xciwvGppmupJP1qunDc_pJMzCRB2SAYt2YaGRfHRv_7dxrbd-2sP8KxCXe4WzIpChI5FrYmOyajBC9NLmHn40zJrPUgw9KVyh4aHWsP8s1Nwcfc0T3tBZAA/s2048/IMG_9639.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJokP0a1EUr4jfDsidjBBRwcupQiTvo0FydkOYxKZ-_D6tRD9vsCCMnDjL1Ld6TTKwfTH7xciwvGppmupJP1qunDc_pJMzCRB2SAYt2YaGRfHRv_7dxrbd-2sP8KxCXe4WzIpChI5FrYmOyajBC9NLmHn40zJrPUgw9KVyh4aHWsP8s1Nwcfc0T3tBZAA/w400-h300/IMG_9639.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And a bridge I'd passed during a prior hike up Pine Creek - I was loving all the little flashbacks in addition to all the new things I got to see this time.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibn38S58e7VfqSKhLPkBGWOEGIB9n7FI6IoQFNuN7mEFuxC8ymZ-nWZERcv4xxgKKUXKPeitHy2C72YdhNlppTVXygWZd8ZY96I-pt1F2GjDY01YAp8ZJ5QWigpPc6VZnBFz3UuGsbctFithM00TG8XjdvmYOJuYpssIkBBBjVZ1bdtQ6KYt5gKGzMkYw/s2048/IMG_9645.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibn38S58e7VfqSKhLPkBGWOEGIB9n7FI6IoQFNuN7mEFuxC8ymZ-nWZERcv4xxgKKUXKPeitHy2C72YdhNlppTVXygWZd8ZY96I-pt1F2GjDY01YAp8ZJ5QWigpPc6VZnBFz3UuGsbctFithM00TG8XjdvmYOJuYpssIkBBBjVZ1bdtQ6KYt5gKGzMkYw/w400-h300/IMG_9645.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The only bit of mud I found the entire time, seemed worthy of a picture:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCeCSiNDb63bYX5rTJ5pOAwNHoNK6qo2E2hcFix2FmIcRYEod-7ZZpeSQCLLRIvaASy1KY3g5GuDwyw5C1N-_Jck08KSFPf6qSNEtlJuDSVh5yDSUXveycegn1ZU30yMIKhVILBP9KfJv_wsgqajZ0kberkpJLTnwNJSU1jYkH-wwRPIaE3oHcsIlDoo/s2048/IMG_9648.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCeCSiNDb63bYX5rTJ5pOAwNHoNK6qo2E2hcFix2FmIcRYEod-7ZZpeSQCLLRIvaASy1KY3g5GuDwyw5C1N-_Jck08KSFPf6qSNEtlJuDSVh5yDSUXveycegn1ZU30yMIKhVILBP9KfJv_wsgqajZ0kberkpJLTnwNJSU1jYkH-wwRPIaE3oHcsIlDoo/w400-h300/IMG_9648.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Yay for an amazing aspen grove!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PDqBAzQjVeetaqqEguUslG9oxnLnRI-3INAGG4G34sJq-TX3aCB7tHwi4THtI-iUaimDX7pj8AaBY0nOraJDUcnhxrq2oWJUZUyCaHNRHnyPYCBhk7vHnxEJJmlCiiavxZZNX3gI-twZYhvN-l-t15Nwih7VPSqig4qv3_CaBSozLgGJpD-tyK_ttHY/s2048/IMG_9649.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PDqBAzQjVeetaqqEguUslG9oxnLnRI-3INAGG4G34sJq-TX3aCB7tHwi4THtI-iUaimDX7pj8AaBY0nOraJDUcnhxrq2oWJUZUyCaHNRHnyPYCBhk7vHnxEJJmlCiiavxZZNX3gI-twZYhvN-l-t15Nwih7VPSqig4qv3_CaBSozLgGJpD-tyK_ttHY/w400-h300/IMG_9649.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>John and Robyn found us an excellent primitive campsite at the reservoir and had plenty of time to set up before I arrived. Another nice night of sleeping under the stars. Well, inside a tent.</div><div><br /></div><div>Day 4 was all about reaching the northern end of the loop and starting back on the west side. Robyn had seen this portion before, so she led the way along the first 11 miles.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was great to walk out of camp and start up the trail. We spent the morning looking at random aspen trees that were starting to change colors, so pretty.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQaQTMfTC6hM9kYq18OKNGmGDUzxaaU-J-4b65XYHMrHwmAtZ0ny_XU_gVfns4WnlpS64yoJno9wAYT395sKWwl0Er6-OFj1_PBPmcN_slD8rZ8-o8AZ-nV2ee6kvZqtdL2Px2soXQAFcR0JEtVncFh5GrF2-1D1QCDp4T05gQwouXuoQyLeBJrFJv3s/s2048/IMG_9652.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQaQTMfTC6hM9kYq18OKNGmGDUzxaaU-J-4b65XYHMrHwmAtZ0ny_XU_gVfns4WnlpS64yoJno9wAYT395sKWwl0Er6-OFj1_PBPmcN_slD8rZ8-o8AZ-nV2ee6kvZqtdL2Px2soXQAFcR0JEtVncFh5GrF2-1D1QCDp4T05gQwouXuoQyLeBJrFJv3s/w400-h300/IMG_9652.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One of Robyn's photos, perhaps from day 4:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHOVYuOGBxooOAYhRw_ZU_qt8oKbFTr_iKp5m1HuFM9PM896qrF4QB9hQH09d5QtaBTom78K1_uXHhcexLxpWbh3-J8Mlh9mrLamqHlbm-I2IsZCGm4us1DSYDtss5pcxf66nxHvuTFK5nOI5N7II4SQ5LyW0oT44jSt6h8szgOPVhYE6I0q79ruHlzU/s1794/IMG_9652a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1794" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHOVYuOGBxooOAYhRw_ZU_qt8oKbFTr_iKp5m1HuFM9PM896qrF4QB9hQH09d5QtaBTom78K1_uXHhcexLxpWbh3-J8Mlh9mrLamqHlbm-I2IsZCGm4us1DSYDtss5pcxf66nxHvuTFK5nOI5N7II4SQ5LyW0oT44jSt6h8szgOPVhYE6I0q79ruHlzU/w321-h400/IMG_9652a.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We were chatting away and I almost continued north on the Colorado Trail toward Denver, but Robyn helpfully made sure we turned left instead. There's kind of a lot going on with this sign, not sure how I almost missed it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRxX3I4I8L44mLgQ1XNzAKEKQ9kjXMHXmFUZFfttnShLo4x_OsAwB3YNsZ_CdNZeSa_ivqeS4QRzV_ulr0KuCHhphTAzwYCtT7SLpr1neFv6B5FM_pse8CLD22C3-d99Nj44hy-48XAR1n-59F20ws7NYmfFgIDWT4jNoTV3FbhB6Eg6tS1HvqDLeuSQ/s2048/IMG_9656.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRxX3I4I8L44mLgQ1XNzAKEKQ9kjXMHXmFUZFfttnShLo4x_OsAwB3YNsZ_CdNZeSa_ivqeS4QRzV_ulr0KuCHhphTAzwYCtT7SLpr1neFv6B5FM_pse8CLD22C3-d99Nj44hy-48XAR1n-59F20ws7NYmfFgIDWT4jNoTV3FbhB6Eg6tS1HvqDLeuSQ/w400-h300/IMG_9656.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It's a blue day at Twin Lakes:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJVIkpPaqJlgZ8W2jXXHg_a6Kof0e91YLA4IwTWm3b1UTw10ls2JQLnPoTbJl24MEg35KRCJAKP3SCM8Gqqq3HoGRvrDdpXUTGN2sRkJb-KRUGupOelvSgsoCTHCZgucDzI-38heox7TNVdmRgj3QjutDCc2iEowAa9W9sSWY2dg3aFn5hE96lNz60Ds/s2048/IMG_9658.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJVIkpPaqJlgZ8W2jXXHg_a6Kof0e91YLA4IwTWm3b1UTw10ls2JQLnPoTbJl24MEg35KRCJAKP3SCM8Gqqq3HoGRvrDdpXUTGN2sRkJb-KRUGupOelvSgsoCTHCZgucDzI-38heox7TNVdmRgj3QjutDCc2iEowAa9W9sSWY2dg3aFn5hE96lNz60Ds/w400-h300/IMG_9658.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Such interesting lighting, with Mt Elbert on the horizon:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAVIZI5Y2x8xzbTH04LGcgVSFTMKvH283g0PKiZbN_l9ysv5IS0DyA5Foc5lkaL6lwRJaXiGm_YGb1jAqpXw3-P0QaT-wK0M7L3eYVobFET7OS2dlr1efuAtT47Tc3NNjFA49whiIvZ3Z9C9dijsiNNi6MYhrnLTgIkfltV-VycJZecuDz9fL7q1KWe0/s2048/IMG_9659.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAVIZI5Y2x8xzbTH04LGcgVSFTMKvH283g0PKiZbN_l9ysv5IS0DyA5Foc5lkaL6lwRJaXiGm_YGb1jAqpXw3-P0QaT-wK0M7L3eYVobFET7OS2dlr1efuAtT47Tc3NNjFA49whiIvZ3Z9C9dijsiNNi6MYhrnLTgIkfltV-VycJZecuDz9fL7q1KWe0/w400-h300/IMG_9659.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We took a tour of the buildings at Interlaken, an early resort that is now a historic curiosity:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKwjBTQhLVflHu_sFPRh_eGFilnF417h4CUmiX_r4YNFync2sHCbVfCQnVck_rUmaQaUJq34LOwwRDKLsrdYhm4RaVeQbM1ODlutD8vcGYJLHz_4OmNRvrkQKlCxKchG1kAfGmiMYphKdV25beEf9LyDeTO9bq2hXz1gg45cgmyblDLqQycREberp7Vc/s1907/IMG_9660.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="1907" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKwjBTQhLVflHu_sFPRh_eGFilnF417h4CUmiX_r4YNFync2sHCbVfCQnVck_rUmaQaUJq34LOwwRDKLsrdYhm4RaVeQbM1ODlutD8vcGYJLHz_4OmNRvrkQKlCxKchG1kAfGmiMYphKdV25beEf9LyDeTO9bq2hXz1gg45cgmyblDLqQycREberp7Vc/w400-h281/IMG_9660.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Admiring all the details and beautiful woodwork inside the house:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPcModZAepEuUFaBlFwj7qLGBNX_cTrK5jrKY6F2_75n8AUO2aR-HiC0N5BNnYlynIsnB0PdGTMK-H-MxdkMEbcZ0Zdiszd9e15BA7G-P6AGus3OGunNKcbloyGpYZu8w_Rq_k_156w4RK8VF9ZhgCpNDjCFLWDDvsym8BIJxm3ndDqOAxhyXxJV93BQ/s2048/IMG_9662.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPcModZAepEuUFaBlFwj7qLGBNX_cTrK5jrKY6F2_75n8AUO2aR-HiC0N5BNnYlynIsnB0PdGTMK-H-MxdkMEbcZ0Zdiszd9e15BA7G-P6AGus3OGunNKcbloyGpYZu8w_Rq_k_156w4RK8VF9ZhgCpNDjCFLWDDvsym8BIJxm3ndDqOAxhyXxJV93BQ/w400-h300/IMG_9662.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Another building, now boarded up. Would have been fun to be here back when it was open:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirw2zYF131Jm8Ami0BrwRquQJ4i_8S5c5DKPNg2HUi1HfrJBIm0Qxj0-1tgrObMmVSFFJY4_gESJo7O2lTh2-HVFLoCnoXnDiXUD3UZ_lwx-eRl0Fw1FQdVKVe7J8KqUUJTElFXGsP-4Joe56vp6XmNpR1_n_M1H9XvDwQu7CPqEaQ8B5e8ZIDi79j6jc/s2048/IMG_9667.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirw2zYF131Jm8Ami0BrwRquQJ4i_8S5c5DKPNg2HUi1HfrJBIm0Qxj0-1tgrObMmVSFFJY4_gESJo7O2lTh2-HVFLoCnoXnDiXUD3UZ_lwx-eRl0Fw1FQdVKVe7J8KqUUJTElFXGsP-4Joe56vp6XmNpR1_n_M1H9XvDwQu7CPqEaQ8B5e8ZIDi79j6jc/w400-h300/IMG_9667.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Robyn and I had a fun run along the lakes, over to the trail intersection where John had hiked in to meet us. Hello, fellow goofball!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMeHf7q5EZIRR5ZlCl-9JKCrWQCKBbhhpmjKkdFZb-5im7yairhp3HJJcNg4gJHWkvuwOswC-zfeAVZWY5PHxfZ9Ifkbvg2Rint6kpcLPDAQ_ixm2kpixmyHe_1JxES7SR8uCdSpExaoYNrVbfTDdz58FjcIiR4OjOvqeEQtoXUaCE8DaHSApRuq51d4/s1829/IMG_9671.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1383" data-original-width="1829" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMeHf7q5EZIRR5ZlCl-9JKCrWQCKBbhhpmjKkdFZb-5im7yairhp3HJJcNg4gJHWkvuwOswC-zfeAVZWY5PHxfZ9Ifkbvg2Rint6kpcLPDAQ_ixm2kpixmyHe_1JxES7SR8uCdSpExaoYNrVbfTDdz58FjcIiR4OjOvqeEQtoXUaCE8DaHSApRuq51d4/w400-h303/IMG_9671.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Robyn and John took off up the trail toward Hope Pass. I had a couple hours to check out the Twin Lakes store, open email for a moment, and then drive around to the Winfield road. Robyn was waiting at the trailhead (oops! Y'all were fast) and told me John had started along the last trail section already.</div><div><br /></div><div>He seemed to think I would catch him, but after hiking uphill and then finding the new (to me) somewhat technical trail, I was pretty sure I wouldn't.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYRN2h33Z87SCPPF3A_udJBuxAZRcxvPmvW-fav0zekW049q-RikTlH8tOSd-nBR44SdM3_m___AdeiibuxGh0vCuqKEPwpmC-Ub96LOpIFpXY47GAv3W6X7BO9Y6dNZJclBV1B7TJGZau5WqhgIi3vWNrVDzfHKiYl2xXWvQR2kfnVlm8VzVI_Xr3E0/s2048/IMG_9674.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYRN2h33Z87SCPPF3A_udJBuxAZRcxvPmvW-fav0zekW049q-RikTlH8tOSd-nBR44SdM3_m___AdeiibuxGh0vCuqKEPwpmC-Ub96LOpIFpXY47GAv3W6X7BO9Y6dNZJclBV1B7TJGZau5WqhgIi3vWNrVDzfHKiYl2xXWvQR2kfnVlm8VzVI_Xr3E0/w400-h300/IMG_9674.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When we ran the Leadville 100 in 2009, the course went up to Winfield and back on the road. Now the race follows this trail instead, which is nice for getting off the dusty road, but it's definitely harder and slower. And more elevation. I was glad to see it outside of a race.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY59KPUiy8TmfgMrMd3CkBEwTgO08wvM4OOSYZCSi1STwhw60WcCSRaTcDTBLVVsH66M4n9zBw23pInHLdaIk3CMP7nazxN0Ia5BCQVH815BRjgWi22MdoQE-D4kMWfO2DnuRKDEnU88qj7GJSNzKcvlqwiDYE1DbTmahDtiB6Nk71Gg0GxxaGblVBJnM/s2048/IMG_9675.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY59KPUiy8TmfgMrMd3CkBEwTgO08wvM4OOSYZCSi1STwhw60WcCSRaTcDTBLVVsH66M4n9zBw23pInHLdaIk3CMP7nazxN0Ia5BCQVH815BRjgWi22MdoQE-D4kMWfO2DnuRKDEnU88qj7GJSNzKcvlqwiDYE1DbTmahDtiB6Nk71Gg0GxxaGblVBJnM/w400-h300/IMG_9675.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We camped at a dispersed site near the trail, excited to take on a long single stage tomorrow that included a reroute. So far, so good!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-64355774608236449442023-11-17T13:59:00.000-08:002023-11-17T13:59:47.477-08:00Bisti Badlands!<div style="text-align: left;">In early September we dropped off our travel trailer in Tucson and took our truck for a drive to Colorado to meet back up with Robyn for another week of adventure.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the way we made a slight detour in northwest New Mexico to the Bisti Badlands wilderness area - a place we'd only recently heard about. It took one glance to make us go "heck yes, we want to see that."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happily it wasn't terribly hot, so we could get out and explore for a couple hours. Off-trail roaming around among geological wonders is one of our favorite things to do (see also - <a href="https://marcy-twss.blogspot.com/2010/08/goblin-valley.html" target="_blank">Goblin Valley</a>).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7wbUVdZtJ0R3vPOM_U9FTAhPYnmT4wNxzPyU58xCyCmJpgi3r_mNq2auvf8MrtEi8IhI0EGfT-AU99qsNzWMGHrPRVQhjGyMOp5UUfEtRhHHSaVUaBI4ELkfRwiqLGPTUm3kyJ30up8Yn-s0qD2lJg_Y8JWQgMr2WWPnsjXhFzf3PDgAILGxa_ySQKM/s2048/0%20IMG_9572.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7wbUVdZtJ0R3vPOM_U9FTAhPYnmT4wNxzPyU58xCyCmJpgi3r_mNq2auvf8MrtEi8IhI0EGfT-AU99qsNzWMGHrPRVQhjGyMOp5UUfEtRhHHSaVUaBI4ELkfRwiqLGPTUm3kyJ30up8Yn-s0qD2lJg_Y8JWQgMr2WWPnsjXhFzf3PDgAILGxa_ySQKM/w400-h300/0%20IMG_9572.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After some walking, we started seeing odd shapes and different colors:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XuJLLoMKp9grO_OCGyxmDrGlnzx8R_DTlnc-7qBktU3HwDFV29DYMT0ejBzAVVvl2h1d6Yz-3STmH35CxR_dWeSeY-wuNuPgS7vj-rbb115wRobPw3H_yoKihLjx_3sY2t19hlOfKPqclbv9747ZedeTKBPCXgZ-6T0_41QGLbv7Vc5s2SX2w2YmW0E/s2048/IMG_9574.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XuJLLoMKp9grO_OCGyxmDrGlnzx8R_DTlnc-7qBktU3HwDFV29DYMT0ejBzAVVvl2h1d6Yz-3STmH35CxR_dWeSeY-wuNuPgS7vj-rbb115wRobPw3H_yoKihLjx_3sY2t19hlOfKPqclbv9747ZedeTKBPCXgZ-6T0_41QGLbv7Vc5s2SX2w2YmW0E/w400-h300/IMG_9574.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Just getting started with all the wonders of the area:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSV04jGmNW855sH70aNIgfQYqMmU8DHTVqW8zlHCe3XgOD43PTBAeZTfjEAc834qmOj4YBIbu6mN6c0kZxsDqy-AUChfYLswqPw56OJeEbWKw4n1Og4aIOmXf-ae-_y9wEDqNd5z-FA0jNj59AoMD5e7dQonk8_40SzuurnbvdfQUd9uyhBsufHxmsIIo/s2048/IMG_9575.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSV04jGmNW855sH70aNIgfQYqMmU8DHTVqW8zlHCe3XgOD43PTBAeZTfjEAc834qmOj4YBIbu6mN6c0kZxsDqy-AUChfYLswqPw56OJeEbWKw4n1Og4aIOmXf-ae-_y9wEDqNd5z-FA0jNj59AoMD5e7dQonk8_40SzuurnbvdfQUd9uyhBsufHxmsIIo/w400-h300/IMG_9575.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Climbing (virtually) the hoodoo stairs:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29RoMQN6o9SQ_VgyyKEN1iL9FtkP4k01tnvwn5o7hasXLGOGfRbdWewxgGucMZx3z28CUenHHjPFgRttrynhWrfJmv0uV3JNqCZA_d9q6zGabChZizhAr2IDlYNMzoR6NoE_4t3vuatSgWa-JBcft77zk3QVaamAsQvZFrt9Xn33SCmavyD7cg5eEjCo/s2048/IMG_9576.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29RoMQN6o9SQ_VgyyKEN1iL9FtkP4k01tnvwn5o7hasXLGOGfRbdWewxgGucMZx3z28CUenHHjPFgRttrynhWrfJmv0uV3JNqCZA_d9q6zGabChZizhAr2IDlYNMzoR6NoE_4t3vuatSgWa-JBcft77zk3QVaamAsQvZFrt9Xn33SCmavyD7cg5eEjCo/w400-h300/IMG_9576.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We found the "cracked eggs"!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zvv_0gMHmaidnVHYfhusa7QVnsS-qoeDkjOnEVctMW7jdQO1UUAwd_6i2ruLj5DS0OzaoT8vx6IQDFRq70FgBmOc-7d9VwkpAvHG3ZlGtI2ZHIiXgYCXHthyphenhyphen6eG1r6U9G40uRC5vv6D0gHDtrpG_Dkxr45WiCoA0z9FGzopcWJkXF46Hdx9xl9qLPg4/s2048/IMG_9580a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zvv_0gMHmaidnVHYfhusa7QVnsS-qoeDkjOnEVctMW7jdQO1UUAwd_6i2ruLj5DS0OzaoT8vx6IQDFRq70FgBmOc-7d9VwkpAvHG3ZlGtI2ZHIiXgYCXHthyphenhyphen6eG1r6U9G40uRC5vv6D0gHDtrpG_Dkxr45WiCoA0z9FGzopcWJkXF46Hdx9xl9qLPg4/w400-h300/IMG_9580a.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>How does this even happen?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdSbkT0MjGFQAGy7YJn6rUokEbSFssnnL1gitpD550tr3fJ6411spQuGWIGmcIklfzyyBRDM3sqMdF6mZo7GT80ZNjJQcM_Ad88M5zKZGRSCeG-q6_c2-f0aQBuChSTJWNGDyG9f_naduTFFxO-u5rMWY0hdwQtZxaE65xB92A0Bks2-Brdqhsb0ary0/s2048/IMG_9582.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdSbkT0MjGFQAGy7YJn6rUokEbSFssnnL1gitpD550tr3fJ6411spQuGWIGmcIklfzyyBRDM3sqMdF6mZo7GT80ZNjJQcM_Ad88M5zKZGRSCeG-q6_c2-f0aQBuChSTJWNGDyG9f_naduTFFxO-u5rMWY0hdwQtZxaE65xB92A0Bks2-Brdqhsb0ary0/w400-h300/IMG_9582.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDcqW-UQAdTPts3Hzl2v-jTsZ2OksRhEDvZJZUYxjZNPr3KaRx3RDiNS0WsJkf44YLNk8d-Dj8o8S55HhltK9OUPkm7ZAwv3wYLI-xeg3UqWSwP0ixAQC4kXV0k9y3gPFZWRDeGHgcP0K-2LM0O2BQpZqfVuo3jThaLXTuTBO5R73fRNeAG7A5jtLaGQ/s2048/IMG_9589.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDcqW-UQAdTPts3Hzl2v-jTsZ2OksRhEDvZJZUYxjZNPr3KaRx3RDiNS0WsJkf44YLNk8d-Dj8o8S55HhltK9OUPkm7ZAwv3wYLI-xeg3UqWSwP0ixAQC4kXV0k9y3gPFZWRDeGHgcP0K-2LM0O2BQpZqfVuo3jThaLXTuTBO5R73fRNeAG7A5jtLaGQ/w400-h300/IMG_9589.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At least we can visualize how an ancient lake might have contributed to this:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZpeTnzHKcx8s6OhYmVIo-u5unP_0sVMVIxhja_mLzsoljjK-C0OIyK8fwMUA0tOQ2khFtmwTOe8tnRQHIlHLAOJ5MrEVE6D2ZjO3AYZiOy0Uvt1DprzbFZaK-3u-kIGx_zQkZtqPgSFmWM0s5kPq8WuyCtRy32vC_5oJzMfXqHxitGP7hTIhbPktTcg/s2173/IMG_9589a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1881" data-original-width="2173" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZpeTnzHKcx8s6OhYmVIo-u5unP_0sVMVIxhja_mLzsoljjK-C0OIyK8fwMUA0tOQ2khFtmwTOe8tnRQHIlHLAOJ5MrEVE6D2ZjO3AYZiOy0Uvt1DprzbFZaK-3u-kIGx_zQkZtqPgSFmWM0s5kPq8WuyCtRy32vC_5oJzMfXqHxitGP7hTIhbPktTcg/w400-h346/IMG_9589a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Balanced rocks always make me smile, no matter what size:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmYZibMlatcXBLXbQMNRmfAJtXuptPt6DlnjIjc9hcXcCQofom6aVZPqPl_cRXWdlrAX3s0tAox3Xq160QeVwq9FZogN6qUyhtjwQ1rHY7s-kXC1Hxt0-GELrnzDZCSD3fh5IbZqc2_PnkJ004bUGw3a6RZhRYNGGaVgEfgynmASKYEeiZB-rcowLhPQ/s2048/IMG_9589b.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmYZibMlatcXBLXbQMNRmfAJtXuptPt6DlnjIjc9hcXcCQofom6aVZPqPl_cRXWdlrAX3s0tAox3Xq160QeVwq9FZogN6qUyhtjwQ1rHY7s-kXC1Hxt0-GELrnzDZCSD3fh5IbZqc2_PnkJ004bUGw3a6RZhRYNGGaVgEfgynmASKYEeiZB-rcowLhPQ/w400-h300/IMG_9589b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Continuing on through the wilderness:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNQ6eY9kz7X5__AXYvSxF6qor5r2s_cPiwRizpOaw6tVlB04UDrUqayIbn_RQlFGradE9c7F8fJG4EXqwF26i4n2tjTNXfsNBQw9RBUKA7dhwAik4Oxab5eUIcyXAk5CsYCge7Ug5ayq9QG_tsuBaySpM408g8MRC5PWJ7NalMEBPeDCiUmSlx016QKM/s2048/IMG_9591.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNQ6eY9kz7X5__AXYvSxF6qor5r2s_cPiwRizpOaw6tVlB04UDrUqayIbn_RQlFGradE9c7F8fJG4EXqwF26i4n2tjTNXfsNBQw9RBUKA7dhwAik4Oxab5eUIcyXAk5CsYCge7Ug5ayq9QG_tsuBaySpM408g8MRC5PWJ7NalMEBPeDCiUmSlx016QKM/w400-h300/IMG_9591.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A John-size hoodoo:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfQlJ17zoXzEVmDJkC80Q_0oHkOTx3bziQGyS3ehdH18V3f2p_TXUUy2IvgHpdgHslWOlLbxh7oQNWrZOpLimvwbj9bdfNrjkCIBSu1ppwatwvGmAEqgOO8OHBexoL4b_R1scRTnO-wkzEC2-OZ_KIIludYXwOkhG2pWcyLallP2PF12axintXF79cuQ/s2048/IMG_9593.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfQlJ17zoXzEVmDJkC80Q_0oHkOTx3bziQGyS3ehdH18V3f2p_TXUUy2IvgHpdgHslWOlLbxh7oQNWrZOpLimvwbj9bdfNrjkCIBSu1ppwatwvGmAEqgOO8OHBexoL4b_R1scRTnO-wkzEC2-OZ_KIIludYXwOkhG2pWcyLallP2PF12axintXF79cuQ/w400-h300/IMG_9593.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Something closer to "Marcy size":</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQ4RDPJBnJFvDfiZbjGsSlSSal0TaEjqd0mS_hDtK0vdh0zkPv_JKukQvoW9mt5ZQpGdvOOoLA2mEcBoQhtjMgifDyLU8qBgJgxjMJv9595cwshBVh5L-ZZKNXFXEZZawYd6qM35x8OE2pdhC2_j1MDD0mREPMiXppH6zrVjdzkNn_DsYPMAnDcUHX7w/s2077/IMG_9593a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1649" data-original-width="2077" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQ4RDPJBnJFvDfiZbjGsSlSSal0TaEjqd0mS_hDtK0vdh0zkPv_JKukQvoW9mt5ZQpGdvOOoLA2mEcBoQhtjMgifDyLU8qBgJgxjMJv9595cwshBVh5L-ZZKNXFXEZZawYd6qM35x8OE2pdhC2_j1MDD0mREPMiXppH6zrVjdzkNn_DsYPMAnDcUHX7w/w400-h318/IMG_9593a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Every time we turned a corner we found more things to gawk at:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJEIUnYB_bhsEbhbt0wtyVQLr5G1jFB2EXrrJ-O93CeLxQ53I7r-kdIFTVydsquxXnw8cVfe7g3h1eOF6GG030dRy4G7tfe6yCHdH85g-0xUB4G06sTTseAgaFRN8kpniYWC59Dfdgo4drKwsg6R4myQGHUQZhtgmBKXOYXBDe8D7mB1IVthnQSitn8o/s2048/IMG_9599.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJEIUnYB_bhsEbhbt0wtyVQLr5G1jFB2EXrrJ-O93CeLxQ53I7r-kdIFTVydsquxXnw8cVfe7g3h1eOF6GG030dRy4G7tfe6yCHdH85g-0xUB4G06sTTseAgaFRN8kpniYWC59Dfdgo4drKwsg6R4myQGHUQZhtgmBKXOYXBDe8D7mB1IVthnQSitn8o/w400-h300/IMG_9599.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We've seen some petrified wood in this part of the country, but nothing quite like this - sticking out of the side of the hill and perched precariously. We didn't even see it at first, as we'd been looking for wood on the ground.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMXLTS_GfziV-fwa6sNrE5ojuqBRyPZFzGpOmTpD7DU3g0k129gOaqnmQLphxX0pNQ5aJqzzwwSqKJHg_4dTFQPhMcvuKhUFxfva0nylf85NdPMhlnRYNi2HBq-hyjXYxqodjuL11-cmEPRQgNkqJEPTeTb4BSxxFIBEB9L6N7W3JGpv_S43t44Z1h4o/s2048/IMG_9599a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMXLTS_GfziV-fwa6sNrE5ojuqBRyPZFzGpOmTpD7DU3g0k129gOaqnmQLphxX0pNQ5aJqzzwwSqKJHg_4dTFQPhMcvuKhUFxfva0nylf85NdPMhlnRYNi2HBq-hyjXYxqodjuL11-cmEPRQgNkqJEPTeTb4BSxxFIBEB9L6N7W3JGpv_S43t44Z1h4o/w400-h300/IMG_9599a.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I mean, wow...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGzDelXJ_yL38NeQjkRXWvkYbcaTh_qxKiHJ7gJIW5Iy3cUfQ4e_Lnvu8OtLtBVeAq38vP_pOUqjqcBHynHZSS3kMYCb_cWBw7SN2ZgQBCrrerqL7TpRnxZO1GWEVurOa9CGxfS1TIHqeMjri-lo6Ku5KUnjqvTkugRWw3otwWR-Zv0nM5gqBF1kEeGk/s3264/IMG_9599b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGzDelXJ_yL38NeQjkRXWvkYbcaTh_qxKiHJ7gJIW5Iy3cUfQ4e_Lnvu8OtLtBVeAq38vP_pOUqjqcBHynHZSS3kMYCb_cWBw7SN2ZgQBCrrerqL7TpRnxZO1GWEVurOa9CGxfS1TIHqeMjri-lo6Ku5KUnjqvTkugRWw3otwWR-Zv0nM5gqBF1kEeGk/w400-h300/IMG_9599b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We now interrupt your rock tour with a glimpse of a fox - hello cutie! He/she wasn't even too scared, mostly watching us to see what we would do before bounding up and over the hill. Love foxes.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqKAk2fpyf4tRjkOTWzRYAEC0h99rJhhEg4uBVa6zQSET4JgGp3DKyZANeruspYVDg7BIjsGLriQaW3Aq0uihuk-J3ytLsdAkGS7ko0dT_hWJBoMk8sbKtODrHyQ5INGRw1BV3kyFO6wmq1yQ2M5fq-iskFqJo8AWpgJlySZhwRHZHzbQBgHhdRU6sFo/s1039/IMG_9601.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1039" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqKAk2fpyf4tRjkOTWzRYAEC0h99rJhhEg4uBVa6zQSET4JgGp3DKyZANeruspYVDg7BIjsGLriQaW3Aq0uihuk-J3ytLsdAkGS7ko0dT_hWJBoMk8sbKtODrHyQ5INGRw1BV3kyFO6wmq1yQ2M5fq-iskFqJo8AWpgJlySZhwRHZHzbQBgHhdRU6sFo/w400-h340/IMG_9601.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Back to the crazy landscape:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5Z0tMIpJzwIjxE8qH0V-NWRuiaSN449TSUhnQJr9gsxuC670Xvj04WirontSJHZjoBRJw8_O4bvJaTNV37rOo85fpmEngofOz87UlY_icr6qCtNyc83UF80uXIIGSwdo_PveGPfMD3HS4nRUYQegkGNpzg-ItQ8GUYPJvWPFxx2PBSzk73mUdtRMwaY/s2048/IMG_9604.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5Z0tMIpJzwIjxE8qH0V-NWRuiaSN449TSUhnQJr9gsxuC670Xvj04WirontSJHZjoBRJw8_O4bvJaTNV37rOo85fpmEngofOz87UlY_icr6qCtNyc83UF80uXIIGSwdo_PveGPfMD3HS4nRUYQegkGNpzg-ItQ8GUYPJvWPFxx2PBSzk73mUdtRMwaY/w400-h300/IMG_9604.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We happened upon this as we started back to the truck:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1OymOpH9-4spDh2sOKJ_NfegWhJIOcVydE6O5aQIWq-D4IfWdk7jyPaYN3cN-KdSmj3Eq0jf1Sxpv8mg2F4Llq6bQjQHe2X50Xu-AElHHqVLFqv2k1ijxfz4F8wOr3Abm3od9m2VPPraB5kY-KeTLvTCKaJ3RN9onlR0hR3L_MEKr_MewM9OhtwTlGY/s2069/IMG_9604a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1673" data-original-width="2069" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1OymOpH9-4spDh2sOKJ_NfegWhJIOcVydE6O5aQIWq-D4IfWdk7jyPaYN3cN-KdSmj3Eq0jf1Sxpv8mg2F4Llq6bQjQHe2X50Xu-AElHHqVLFqv2k1ijxfz4F8wOr3Abm3od9m2VPPraB5kY-KeTLvTCKaJ3RN9onlR0hR3L_MEKr_MewM9OhtwTlGY/w400-h324/IMG_9604a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Yep, this is super cool and we need to budget more wandering time next chance we get!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKZsYjDWlrMokmIPr2ja-Pgjiz8O3KD1LUz-VFl66UepQLGRg_xOEHcscsCUZZzhMEqcmIDJT54SSoOSQpviDgY2ykefluhs621HAYJz4IGs6D_golrLS7N-_kss3aoTs4796jtG3Mx1YZUZTv1b5FWSh6qRDSD_Ql1uSeaDEhShaVm1Eynp4Iv0T3QQ/s2048/IMG_9607.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKZsYjDWlrMokmIPr2ja-Pgjiz8O3KD1LUz-VFl66UepQLGRg_xOEHcscsCUZZzhMEqcmIDJT54SSoOSQpviDgY2ykefluhs621HAYJz4IGs6D_golrLS7N-_kss3aoTs4796jtG3Mx1YZUZTv1b5FWSh6qRDSD_Ql1uSeaDEhShaVm1Eynp4Iv0T3QQ/w400-h300/IMG_9607.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Highly recommend.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-278114752196646852023-11-15T13:07:00.000-08:002023-11-15T13:07:01.110-08:00Last of the CA hiking (for now)<div style="text-align: left;">Hey, I'm almost caught up... to September! Maybe by the end of the year I'll be back to real time. In the meantime, it has been enjoyable to relive our summer adventures.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another fun set, some random pictures of our last days in California, at least for 2023. Cathy had to return to TX :( but Robyn was able to hang out with us a bit longer, yay!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We hiked down toward Lake Crowley to look at flat/round rocks - how's this for something different?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WYg8HeWAU5qF7EITGGEH3Ar7vH5S7QLO_11Ge-O1tsV1ukNMNP0b0xBBIZ8UIxpWXinHE-c6fhzQLxd08_Y_9I5b9ju8uT_4vfmsL7Kky8AE7rf-r-JIJOK_E3N3J6J2e0VDtXfbm436LjcX-Sa3SFrL5XAEkMdN5UhOvKiJ-IIC38OYccWsrZqQ5QQ/s2048/IMG_9489.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WYg8HeWAU5qF7EITGGEH3Ar7vH5S7QLO_11Ge-O1tsV1ukNMNP0b0xBBIZ8UIxpWXinHE-c6fhzQLxd08_Y_9I5b9ju8uT_4vfmsL7Kky8AE7rf-r-JIJOK_E3N3J6J2e0VDtXfbm436LjcX-Sa3SFrL5XAEkMdN5UhOvKiJ-IIC38OYccWsrZqQ5QQ/w400-h300/IMG_9489.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Ah yes, the Crowley Stone Columns! We love these and it was fun to be able to show them to someone else:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WCcRqMAjgza0li5CeW0t1-N71ZVUHTC8_KRgb99TL21A54WPewyhoVbpPnpjxFhtnDg6JmSQTyVASYqCqNGOPW8vekNwrEVOqLvwqyDLbm1fGLulHDawSaOjuaguJg1XYRcCfi15fCxJTlZACP9Hbsw2CFz3HQoIb2p53QhnDL93b7K8nT2YQ3NRz4A/s2048/IMG_9490.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WCcRqMAjgza0li5CeW0t1-N71ZVUHTC8_KRgb99TL21A54WPewyhoVbpPnpjxFhtnDg6JmSQTyVASYqCqNGOPW8vekNwrEVOqLvwqyDLbm1fGLulHDawSaOjuaguJg1XYRcCfi15fCxJTlZACP9Hbsw2CFz3HQoIb2p53QhnDL93b7K8nT2YQ3NRz4A/w400-h300/IMG_9490.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The lake was WAY higher this year. No pictures from inside the columns this time. Still very cool.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiniLLSgnqgxL838gWbrFYiTLi-H2UI3kCFu2ZNpWBmAlHfvvZLboiM_IAtS0L4n2VTU6421Vwd5vJK7HO0sb5bm6tc8fWmC8EFx4_PsYy_kq5Sy40EdSFViTrm22okL_e1cVxosc8ktL_7Yr_nQfi5gzZUzQdDcZ33-SR0LIvzArc378q5gCULQzX4a6E/s2048/IMG_9491.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiniLLSgnqgxL838gWbrFYiTLi-H2UI3kCFu2ZNpWBmAlHfvvZLboiM_IAtS0L4n2VTU6421Vwd5vJK7HO0sb5bm6tc8fWmC8EFx4_PsYy_kq5Sy40EdSFViTrm22okL_e1cVxosc8ktL_7Yr_nQfi5gzZUzQdDcZ33-SR0LIvzArc378q5gCULQzX4a6E/w400-h300/IMG_9491.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>More mountain hiking, excellent! We really like staying at French Camp for easy access to the Little Lakes Valley (plus at higher elevation where the temperatures are usually quite lovely).</div><div><br /></div><div>Robyn and I set off to see if we could locate Cox Col. This had been an alternate route over to the SHR, but I wasn't sure it was something we could do. A little recon for future trips was in order.</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoying the views without carrying large packs this time:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7CRjDeoKnzTS2LQEU8bhGom52sRm_9bT0mykCLIApH_lKNCmE0ibW7_4h4FuHPnlvjOqbV0vEyXQBE_yS9abXg1mKJUoxWIG0GRO73lM4ezXfTsLDc1MP1_ZHriBk66rI8dETgiMx5XJGzesNo-ZZOaGf495zewxLsNshjQ-UfuRkZP-bgxQdt6UJ3k/s2048/IMG_9494.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7CRjDeoKnzTS2LQEU8bhGom52sRm_9bT0mykCLIApH_lKNCmE0ibW7_4h4FuHPnlvjOqbV0vEyXQBE_yS9abXg1mKJUoxWIG0GRO73lM4ezXfTsLDc1MP1_ZHriBk66rI8dETgiMx5XJGzesNo-ZZOaGf495zewxLsNshjQ-UfuRkZP-bgxQdt6UJ3k/w400-h300/IMG_9494.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We did some off-trail travel to Dade Lake, with a view of Bear Creek Spire. Cox Col is to the right of the spire. It looks super steep from here (although of course you never really know until you're there). The long spur is written about as the easier way up - that's a "maybe" for us. Good to see it, anyway!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBsCGHaZYUOP_9LhwkbokImaz81pPUw0vibobbA6DraR53Y0qJuPq5335qM8iEtzMiwyK5jnz6JidAiPKBEqYnifqW7syDZpIylzDY4qiUA3Wdwudsa-lzVsOMMe_pPTx6fJe3id4muHOpcNk9bYUkCYHqGPMRNkfFI3tkm5oAT-LOOEGt0AsS6XRvrI/s2048/IMG_9501.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBsCGHaZYUOP_9LhwkbokImaz81pPUw0vibobbA6DraR53Y0qJuPq5335qM8iEtzMiwyK5jnz6JidAiPKBEqYnifqW7syDZpIylzDY4qiUA3Wdwudsa-lzVsOMMe_pPTx6fJe3id4muHOpcNk9bYUkCYHqGPMRNkfFI3tkm5oAT-LOOEGt0AsS6XRvrI/w400-h300/IMG_9501.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Worth it for the view of the valley we'd come up:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKHU-X2gBz8LBQnG3rzKTwC4qG7hkT6U6QU-yQZZzRXl3IFw7Irr44j7oj-9B10RcNcc7B7SzBUlD0G-55V3ALZP6DtrU3LydKptDaECS5NEq2_6WVlkBnSIgDjj1F3l3AfddkhlhmzvqlTtLaAvR3O3oXau5AIHIu7NPZuMQQK9dhd1GBprvyizjFto/s2048/IMG_9502.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKHU-X2gBz8LBQnG3rzKTwC4qG7hkT6U6QU-yQZZzRXl3IFw7Irr44j7oj-9B10RcNcc7B7SzBUlD0G-55V3ALZP6DtrU3LydKptDaECS5NEq2_6WVlkBnSIgDjj1F3l3AfddkhlhmzvqlTtLaAvR3O3oXau5AIHIu7NPZuMQQK9dhd1GBprvyizjFto/w400-h300/IMG_9502.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Side trek to Chickenfoot Lake on the way back:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_g7iUJGGHyZcM7KAwLBw41pnY_TaL3_Slj3zjx0tDCY9rcLBEYNIlgD_Rjz5saN3pk4Fo-aNfQA2JaTxfVW01kCrv_k3ACYkndwauW5CAWJ8muWMhWB_fxDUGltgfdq42pY6ZpY0T3fxpRnw-qYjhA-G090ekmEIeTJFPIo3I66FIrXAnx6kL8EiXd58/s2048/IMG_9506.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_g7iUJGGHyZcM7KAwLBw41pnY_TaL3_Slj3zjx0tDCY9rcLBEYNIlgD_Rjz5saN3pk4Fo-aNfQA2JaTxfVW01kCrv_k3ACYkndwauW5CAWJ8muWMhWB_fxDUGltgfdq42pY6ZpY0T3fxpRnw-qYjhA-G090ekmEIeTJFPIo3I66FIrXAnx6kL8EiXd58/w400-h300/IMG_9506.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Raven on a roof at the trailhead:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEwGRYFi5Uo_s1siC_UHWmkFbEEDEtnRagDm3MBkofH0U5ErJ40XYA27me9CkGbTYFy5_YykH62BC_7iLektUFzqXbNgH-t-ONKB0LueAXCFtfVYyzCXpAXsp87ddLPbfzJnveIXRMq9QlZ-922h8gY1lK6mQuN8GwWhrcetwK6JeSGByXhw3-wa-8vA/s2048/IMG_9509.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEwGRYFi5Uo_s1siC_UHWmkFbEEDEtnRagDm3MBkofH0U5ErJ40XYA27me9CkGbTYFy5_YykH62BC_7iLektUFzqXbNgH-t-ONKB0LueAXCFtfVYyzCXpAXsp87ddLPbfzJnveIXRMq9QlZ-922h8gY1lK6mQuN8GwWhrcetwK6JeSGByXhw3-wa-8vA/w400-h300/IMG_9509.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One more day with Robyn, making it count with a climb up to Mono Pass. Another extra-neat area to explore (and another alternate entry point to the SHR that we didn't need to use). Hello from up high!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialpDyykkHCUjNEh5M8jFDRX3Ej-tG_nRXIZBYkkCtipCWV2oD2T_2llK-KtrU5PMRwFTrR2jT6_vCWz7GAzbHM7w0ZPqH8cVs_AEGMI5A-shvkhl_ZDZCmtyg7xqNunFB0qYs1C_ybAcTPJA2SpPH6y7JJnqqYrTnJXOrl_bpHt3_cdLZBmG8xRE1oS4/s2048/IMG_9513.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialpDyykkHCUjNEh5M8jFDRX3Ej-tG_nRXIZBYkkCtipCWV2oD2T_2llK-KtrU5PMRwFTrR2jT6_vCWz7GAzbHM7w0ZPqH8cVs_AEGMI5A-shvkhl_ZDZCmtyg7xqNunFB0qYs1C_ybAcTPJA2SpPH6y7JJnqqYrTnJXOrl_bpHt3_cdLZBmG8xRE1oS4/w400-h300/IMG_9513.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Wide open landscape and a bleak lake (possibly even a bleak tarn):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieympZWEm5d9RsOn4Wx9xhj4HTXev4Wo5b5ikp-p3i6BuhtDIKJxOlBHyG4lziGRxNZy0cCa5cuavK8at4X2wGrd1ycCuKsZ8Y0pOSwkTT2wvkmr433Wws7sTpt5mZ5u5OzkQsaFI9qcuSzqeJozsYAqtINE8qeCNc7sDO1lRTFB574bn3H3296WXkuDE/s2048/IMG_9515.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieympZWEm5d9RsOn4Wx9xhj4HTXev4Wo5b5ikp-p3i6BuhtDIKJxOlBHyG4lziGRxNZy0cCa5cuavK8at4X2wGrd1ycCuKsZ8Y0pOSwkTT2wvkmr433Wws7sTpt5mZ5u5OzkQsaFI9qcuSzqeJozsYAqtINE8qeCNc7sDO1lRTFB574bn3H3296WXkuDE/w400-h300/IMG_9515.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We had a wonderful afternoon looking across to spots we'd been, mountains we'd seen from other angles, and more places we could venture to someday:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr27rB3mYbZfiKygmTSFxKzBP_MLkbDj8iNFzmtEvYhWLPo9YowMUXTHcZJ5pdtwXpwnn0EAN8QRJjfnDapNsFNkrIBoAldvBFGxrTl42TTk6mTn8cJg19HnLZlpLNL6KEPCjmwAs9LKJ_7Iw9mNBfavnz23o4bhBwkSPrP0WgXSl83eia0Lnt_sF79oE/s2048/IMG_9517.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr27rB3mYbZfiKygmTSFxKzBP_MLkbDj8iNFzmtEvYhWLPo9YowMUXTHcZJ5pdtwXpwnn0EAN8QRJjfnDapNsFNkrIBoAldvBFGxrTl42TTk6mTn8cJg19HnLZlpLNL6KEPCjmwAs9LKJ_7Iw9mNBfavnz23o4bhBwkSPrP0WgXSl83eia0Lnt_sF79oE/w400-h300/IMG_9517.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hello to the game camera (we assume?):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZllcbWlEJU9I6K2W9kkMFiSAZ_mLc3rQMN6yr-o42hTzdBQcle8O6Tg-_BjF1WCJcxVoqyXXLHnYKnZykGCFmTE0yJeAiJH5l_FbZ2K3C0SucG5_iG5WZYdEVuXPOSrDI2gbG2K8fl3xrigJ3pigW1xUEuThn3jxQESTZozUifymMeTaDz018POBzep8/s2048/IMG_9519.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZllcbWlEJU9I6K2W9kkMFiSAZ_mLc3rQMN6yr-o42hTzdBQcle8O6Tg-_BjF1WCJcxVoqyXXLHnYKnZykGCFmTE0yJeAiJH5l_FbZ2K3C0SucG5_iG5WZYdEVuXPOSrDI2gbG2K8fl3xrigJ3pigW1xUEuThn3jxQESTZozUifymMeTaDz018POBzep8/w400-h300/IMG_9519.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Still not sure how there is snow at the end of August:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtLi4NxOMZfMn3SE29L3Gu-d6FxOFC1JqUI7wZouNskU-JkiNidmnsAA1iKprw4WAHD-nSJYbzp3yef3ZW9_ifNKdWhlO9DeGY8OqstVXrRA4m5DGZ9UUHv9egoSkkltjFAQjDokw5pNhiKpnRJqYTI2Kw_n2H6P_paR-dVP7sx_MJSr_uRUKHq-Pkr4/s2048/IMG_9523.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtLi4NxOMZfMn3SE29L3Gu-d6FxOFC1JqUI7wZouNskU-JkiNidmnsAA1iKprw4WAHD-nSJYbzp3yef3ZW9_ifNKdWhlO9DeGY8OqstVXrRA4m5DGZ9UUHv9egoSkkltjFAQjDokw5pNhiKpnRJqYTI2Kw_n2H6P_paR-dVP7sx_MJSr_uRUKHq-Pkr4/w400-h300/IMG_9523.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Ruby Lake and the Sierra skyline - thank you beautiful place!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gNOwoqsouUqgpA04wOJAnhThHFmXFC0oLlww2i2RskcSD6xQ96jiQNaojEZstZRTY-X7OQS2feQpCFoUDrWmq7asMSiklWrPyOwFfbHdMjgld9bqIPvBU61U65ketjUi424uveGXRfm-p8CprjaxKwVyDMB91UBYzHABpinGqgB1Psoqm2OURlaf8tE/s2048/IMG_9528.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gNOwoqsouUqgpA04wOJAnhThHFmXFC0oLlww2i2RskcSD6xQ96jiQNaojEZstZRTY-X7OQS2feQpCFoUDrWmq7asMSiklWrPyOwFfbHdMjgld9bqIPvBU61U65ketjUi424uveGXRfm-p8CprjaxKwVyDMB91UBYzHABpinGqgB1Psoqm2OURlaf8tE/w400-h300/IMG_9528.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Time to move along, with one more stop in California. We spent a couple days in Palm Springs and WOW was it ever "summertime". Way too hot, even overnight. I can usually manage around high daytime temperatures in the desert if it cools down in the evening. Not so here.</div><div><br /></div><div>One thing that worked was going up in elevation. John wanted to climb Mount San Jacinto and I was interested in driving uphill to climb from the back side (higher starting point and new trails for me to explore). That suited John just fine, as he could descend with me so he didn't have to go all the way back downhill on foot.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back among the pine trees - possibly ponderosas:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71QiHMa0bfTgaJZlRH0ISPUlqxRv6624ELW4Qo9O1ZPWWleBbEmC40kKtTwsFTkPa-eLt3GrFSFxWTfUh_FKDWQH-9XZMFtrkSqffgFhh5yYJUL_i6uehwCGxvFP9NJRp5LgogVnPBFf6BkD6SRDY4f42pea240YOlyG-jqkrgwisUR7HHn5yzJ_N65I/s2048/IMG_9529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71QiHMa0bfTgaJZlRH0ISPUlqxRv6624ELW4Qo9O1ZPWWleBbEmC40kKtTwsFTkPa-eLt3GrFSFxWTfUh_FKDWQH-9XZMFtrkSqffgFhh5yYJUL_i6uehwCGxvFP9NJRp5LgogVnPBFf6BkD6SRDY4f42pea240YOlyG-jqkrgwisUR7HHn5yzJ_N65I/w400-h300/IMG_9529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Fun rock shapes:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOWMaG6PWP4TZ5cm-j2XO2pHF1z7gSYXYfmzsg7TfPXGV-ov5DWY1jxyF7n8yZN6S_A7fGCf04ms5Ro3QOUxyUlsOtK07Flgrj4H_J4Qfmw02s3p2Y9mN81BvcQWqc9yGZrnsV76wjvH8Td_aQf-VGXMwqJ7EPhVc3fTd6eTeLcZ4itLHGsUSl1uCMlg/s2048/IMG_9531.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOWMaG6PWP4TZ5cm-j2XO2pHF1z7gSYXYfmzsg7TfPXGV-ov5DWY1jxyF7n8yZN6S_A7fGCf04ms5Ro3QOUxyUlsOtK07Flgrj4H_J4Qfmw02s3p2Y9mN81BvcQWqc9yGZrnsV76wjvH8Td_aQf-VGXMwqJ7EPhVc3fTd6eTeLcZ4itLHGsUSl1uCMlg/w400-h300/IMG_9531.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Pretty little water rivulets all along the mountainside:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhsC2YJceHIQ5c6kANUwH_EK-7BiP0OsFALtTeK72R0YVSmK9Ww6u3zr-fs1AV8AlyMYinHxs8sm4C7dXJAQZY4dCkILXmJwgmgpGStW-_cJSotjTYjcb1uYA6abTJ3Za_-OYvCDFfHgtjO5JuXzuTEUyZ6vh8t77vfwi7rSDCYS-11dFrW0zakOmejc/s2048/IMG_9532.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhsC2YJceHIQ5c6kANUwH_EK-7BiP0OsFALtTeK72R0YVSmK9Ww6u3zr-fs1AV8AlyMYinHxs8sm4C7dXJAQZY4dCkILXmJwgmgpGStW-_cJSotjTYjcb1uYA6abTJ3Za_-OYvCDFfHgtjO5JuXzuTEUyZ6vh8t77vfwi7rSDCYS-11dFrW0zakOmejc/w400-h300/IMG_9532.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hey, it's the Pacific Crest Trail! Always fun to travel (however briefly) on one of America's long-distance trails:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM92WDdW5DKSAOOUtSMsKvoY5C7fO3JZijar6bDcDLlZ3E3NJKUV2JgZH2-BDGf_UD2GqqyJUjUIEn7vKTMk6CH_SO7y6fvQrXZuvzh45oOgVhLgcG69gOeLctXMzw7AXDyZMhZNAqx7RWPfWJ7NiL-2ZZwU6UTrV_NnfWZqfz9Qe90GM_HMMbQUoDF1U/s2048/IMG_9533.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM92WDdW5DKSAOOUtSMsKvoY5C7fO3JZijar6bDcDLlZ3E3NJKUV2JgZH2-BDGf_UD2GqqyJUjUIEn7vKTMk6CH_SO7y6fvQrXZuvzh45oOgVhLgcG69gOeLctXMzw7AXDyZMhZNAqx7RWPfWJ7NiL-2ZZwU6UTrV_NnfWZqfz9Qe90GM_HMMbQUoDF1U/w400-h300/IMG_9533.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The stone cabin near the summit:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATrifnLXdWwLavidOr679gcLmHpuAuQcebPmbCElzoj1b3cMhMKCLkpJm7rgyiR1vx_Y871JqONBJTWxq8fjONbG-nz19UvjPdHPZFEIbQrtz9-1cVzTln6RZTlAbyM1r2zgSnahTTp_Hk-DcXpeUJRwCENKMqpc0SR3SoKBR8Q1FAv3bs8lasgSdDDc/s2048/IMG_9536.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATrifnLXdWwLavidOr679gcLmHpuAuQcebPmbCElzoj1b3cMhMKCLkpJm7rgyiR1vx_Y871JqONBJTWxq8fjONbG-nz19UvjPdHPZFEIbQrtz9-1cVzTln6RZTlAbyM1r2zgSnahTTp_Hk-DcXpeUJRwCENKMqpc0SR3SoKBR8Q1FAv3bs8lasgSdDDc/w400-h300/IMG_9536.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Can't say I've ever noticed pine cones growing sideways from the ends of branches before:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8UfNSCQdL3jo5vfA95q4V9O8ePfoL2agFuLrw2q10pDkbhKR3Z1g06bP7nrTTwOugSsIlE4UJosPx7l3FVEJcGzA6Mo9NMHMtdRs4EtO5_-tyNv4cyvNjkDP_ZRJE3OEy6-Uy30zceUZ-5jsZW59YvPrjo51LKnQy9v758wqeMPGpQzBNhtPeJGx39o/s2048/IMG_9538.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8UfNSCQdL3jo5vfA95q4V9O8ePfoL2agFuLrw2q10pDkbhKR3Z1g06bP7nrTTwOugSsIlE4UJosPx7l3FVEJcGzA6Mo9NMHMtdRs4EtO5_-tyNv4cyvNjkDP_ZRJE3OEy6-Uy30zceUZ-5jsZW59YvPrjo51LKnQy9v758wqeMPGpQzBNhtPeJGx39o/w400-h300/IMG_9538.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Other hikers at the top of the mountain:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSEVoYTWwXpVYyGseh7gi2_B_iX28ChCc7el7kUmEDe_ZcFJbdIXf-ByuQGm6DehftgEspTwU-k4YqehW8CbwkvSyewMME9PZvrKp_3IZG3apvxOYU37lBVbt12BrtTg1CkDyADJF5evPxaJC_RR-OCjzfqTg8tAtnBEh3mXVzvq8151Q3iMmAiEMegg/s2048/IMG_9539.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSEVoYTWwXpVYyGseh7gi2_B_iX28ChCc7el7kUmEDe_ZcFJbdIXf-ByuQGm6DehftgEspTwU-k4YqehW8CbwkvSyewMME9PZvrKp_3IZG3apvxOYU37lBVbt12BrtTg1CkDyADJF5evPxaJC_RR-OCjzfqTg8tAtnBEh3mXVzvq8151Q3iMmAiEMegg/w400-h300/IMG_9539.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And here's John! He had quite a day of climbing, 10,000 feet from town all the way up to here. Impressive!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWTrITaZDrhEGkVPv8Ljf1oCf1asGvGi6e6ZrrTQmwau9uODJNhAu_JVRsowqp_1TZNXuXeSTWaMNGZ9w5f9CMo55nqWUBoXnYF_al866Re_sdvmUI7BEUpZWzhPc_AEikZ2BinXIIMUPLDXvL6dwlEtDHkCf0qTZa9RaccR4fOphQRSclt6sZx0mOLA/s2048/IMG_9548.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWTrITaZDrhEGkVPv8Ljf1oCf1asGvGi6e6ZrrTQmwau9uODJNhAu_JVRsowqp_1TZNXuXeSTWaMNGZ9w5f9CMo55nqWUBoXnYF_al866Re_sdvmUI7BEUpZWzhPc_AEikZ2BinXIIMUPLDXvL6dwlEtDHkCf0qTZa9RaccR4fOphQRSclt6sZx0mOLA/w400-h300/IMG_9548.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Proof of summit:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkYullENhrZPKLGXRegD-e7U-LRglK47zlkumPDToCvt1DXPKGAg6W4OELyY6GKxQ93EssNN5srf7yxLoLfBEFxmkFpNQTrjfeSMf2cTCe5I_l34VclAqM5nDh4-ZiagLmKPpEzP3Ws5dEUdQLGCJahBll0vU_dI1PCv1zsWCXkQZWRZAr6b9PTVMxss/s2048/IMG_9551.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkYullENhrZPKLGXRegD-e7U-LRglK47zlkumPDToCvt1DXPKGAg6W4OELyY6GKxQ93EssNN5srf7yxLoLfBEFxmkFpNQTrjfeSMf2cTCe5I_l34VclAqM5nDh4-ZiagLmKPpEzP3Ws5dEUdQLGCJahBll0vU_dI1PCv1zsWCXkQZWRZAr6b9PTVMxss/w400-h300/IMG_9551.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We were so pleased to find a new Rivian charging station in Quartzite, complete with a pull-through so we didn't have to unhook. Now THIS is how you do it. It was also free (free!) at the time, although recently Rivian has started charging regular electricity rates. Still cheaper than gas (especially in California!)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkEkQRaVQjk4DP-sIHTdWru8GVLkXGGhlHVPTYKqqe6VZttwSLD5gjq-zxkHkvfFphQC0nt0ZG8d5ODFwxDB1z6YQTY7gGweQR4cWRlr7m29gnQLkgUqIr5h0UdscnCeg4ZYPbwC2S32-7J8jGp7vCQjQyA-HV83kElBTclyTln14c4EPoj54eAWmuSQ/s2048/IMG_9556.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkEkQRaVQjk4DP-sIHTdWru8GVLkXGGhlHVPTYKqqe6VZttwSLD5gjq-zxkHkvfFphQC0nt0ZG8d5ODFwxDB1z6YQTY7gGweQR4cWRlr7m29gnQLkgUqIr5h0UdscnCeg4ZYPbwC2S32-7J8jGp7vCQjQyA-HV83kElBTclyTln14c4EPoj54eAWmuSQ/w400-h300/IMG_9556.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Totally random way to finish this blog post, but this adorable pika popped up as my laptop screen saver, and it was the perfect end to our summer tour. "A russet potato with ears" - love it!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z-c6qrferJtZda1wyOKMU1aNR-2RS53uNIrcqnzR1nE2qZavVUbb2LsQhVbMinFXuBzM6BHE9__WQt1udUVMHnaMtCB4C2FhJlUMUZhPBL4_jAjiGDh8ctcZKgs-FFS86YF0AmsGdIOI2CLcPiam1BVYN5iP5drd7kDjyVVu-ZQpt-SL38KdC58-sI8/s2048/IMG_9564.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z-c6qrferJtZda1wyOKMU1aNR-2RS53uNIrcqnzR1nE2qZavVUbb2LsQhVbMinFXuBzM6BHE9__WQt1udUVMHnaMtCB4C2FhJlUMUZhPBL4_jAjiGDh8ctcZKgs-FFS86YF0AmsGdIOI2CLcPiam1BVYN5iP5drd7kDjyVVu-ZQpt-SL38KdC58-sI8/w400-h300/IMG_9564.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Except - summer wasn't quite over yet for us. One more trip before we finally "settled down" (as much as we ever do)...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-15301994219251567372023-11-08T15:00:00.000-08:002023-11-08T15:00:06.168-08:00Sierra High Route adventure - part 2 of 2<div style="text-align: left;">Previously on "<a href="https://marcy-twss.blogspot.com/2023/11/sierra-high-route-adventure-part-1-of-2.html" target="_blank">SHR Hiking Trip 2023</a>", we had climbed out of Mosquito Hell and were ready to ascend further up into the high country. Time for an off-trail extravaganza and a visit to my favorite place (so far) in the Sierras.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><i>[Photo credits include Cathy Cox and John Beard]</i></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I believe day 4 was when this picture was taken (once we got the camera to stand up on its own). Hello friends!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50-F-SrBb9cLspdtyHj1gf0X-1t77P6CcIWhctQkbRcX7XUj9p_G3oZN5eqaG8t54-s1JB2IGWWDD6QnfWaUxOcA1uHB-FDngFn2ke5T6ObxFUvxFn18eXo4Rl5lT1ZHm64Uwbfnsigy1qvrF5n3ngDpYHltosh5UREyopFD4EQ4WJPtQT0qCg7xTSGQ/s1573/0%20IMG_9401.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1321" data-original-width="1573" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50-F-SrBb9cLspdtyHj1gf0X-1t77P6CcIWhctQkbRcX7XUj9p_G3oZN5eqaG8t54-s1JB2IGWWDD6QnfWaUxOcA1uHB-FDngFn2ke5T6ObxFUvxFn18eXo4Rl5lT1ZHm64Uwbfnsigy1qvrF5n3ngDpYHltosh5UREyopFD4EQ4WJPtQT0qCg7xTSGQ/w400-h336/0%20IMG_9401.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The day started out briefly overcast for once, perhaps a sign of unstable weather in our near future. Our quite-passable campsite from the night before:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5G-W_aNMQAuuhcDttHALhggOC-Lp5XEGAximbbJ2W6OqC_VDOzkDTclKJQZsrdja0xBlYZgBbimp6wH_tgtFTBHgM99-Ls707Ch-QTfMvMFtpgxZG9Av8fzmiASb6GT0XCLmDgNUb854uLoVpTfZD3p8TXXc6PD2L8Kq7Z7_ORGCUHwRYmihXd6R9ng/s3264/IMG_9368a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5G-W_aNMQAuuhcDttHALhggOC-Lp5XEGAximbbJ2W6OqC_VDOzkDTclKJQZsrdja0xBlYZgBbimp6wH_tgtFTBHgM99-Ls707Ch-QTfMvMFtpgxZG9Av8fzmiASb6GT0XCLmDgNUb854uLoVpTfZD3p8TXXc6PD2L8Kq7Z7_ORGCUHwRYmihXd6R9ng/w400-h300/IMG_9368a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It was a lovely morning to walk in that direction:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXPzq8VJbBvwEqY0IMIal_mRbTt9QpEW0QePukNZi3IIj4iB-W8eEnrcAVbQ4hA7jYj3FJM24cGjtCEsjqLAe9t8pjPWjviu6qmsM5l1jP1Hf3zRbqNT0XBXZB7cEUfOHMaTVV5z4I7ve1NDWP5E_V0V3kJDUhbdl-jpvwcNbcZnjJRHbvIC_3cHbdpE/s2048/IMG_9368b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXPzq8VJbBvwEqY0IMIal_mRbTt9QpEW0QePukNZi3IIj4iB-W8eEnrcAVbQ4hA7jYj3FJM24cGjtCEsjqLAe9t8pjPWjviu6qmsM5l1jP1Hf3zRbqNT0XBXZB7cEUfOHMaTVV5z4I7ve1NDWP5E_V0V3kJDUhbdl-jpvwcNbcZnjJRHbvIC_3cHbdpE/w400-h300/IMG_9368b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We were aiming toward Bighorn Pass, by way of Laurel Lake. I had wanted to detour over to Grinnell Lake because it looks so pretty on the map (like I can really know these things), but we ran out of extra time and had to stay on the main route instead. Another time, perhaps. Really, we were just amazed we hadn't completely blown up the schedule with the day 2 detour.</div><div><br /></div><div>Laurel Lake is nice too:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeUmPOsEVN88dN0MqtB1-9vrerZflIqnPOJErGrHX5gm4YWnmU7kOom4osRkGLrpRtr7KpaUK3-SPa0YAD6aCNQDNehIydoeKPyRQBnnR8_oNZjDMMpC75TSuGE2zdlcNUDpkjeMKoFflJyjMEsdhrNSSnFlNvm5EzCCsyEkIgkDtOpTd6uPvEafnn7c/s2048/IMG_9378.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeUmPOsEVN88dN0MqtB1-9vrerZflIqnPOJErGrHX5gm4YWnmU7kOom4osRkGLrpRtr7KpaUK3-SPa0YAD6aCNQDNehIydoeKPyRQBnnR8_oNZjDMMpC75TSuGE2zdlcNUDpkjeMKoFflJyjMEsdhrNSSnFlNvm5EzCCsyEkIgkDtOpTd6uPvEafnn7c/w400-h300/IMG_9378.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Two big boulders, a waymark in the Roper book - seems like we're going the right way:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGsxlah8R_32gBzYNWMdP8JL7Q4dK9-TMLgT18KIeUkVXdNZ71EKyvGg6alZTNfiQr0T4ZD7dBY_tI4mJeoXzPj2izw7ikQweZKynAK_CZNKtW8eEah3Hz0aUsgVu1FrThdb1prPIfxK6Mw1SeYo8Thou33M6oyeKhpW7nvzQ_bT5_H9aOMewR9nltSs/s2048/IMG_9381.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGsxlah8R_32gBzYNWMdP8JL7Q4dK9-TMLgT18KIeUkVXdNZ71EKyvGg6alZTNfiQr0T4ZD7dBY_tI4mJeoXzPj2izw7ikQweZKynAK_CZNKtW8eEah3Hz0aUsgVu1FrThdb1prPIfxK6Mw1SeYo8Thou33M6oyeKhpW7nvzQ_bT5_H9aOMewR9nltSs/w400-h300/IMG_9381.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The climb up toward Bighorn Pass looks fairly intimidating from lakeside. We followed John up a little here, a little there, always finding a way that was steep but easily passable. Thank you again to all the people who created and documented the SHR so we could be here!</div><div><br /></div><div>Back into the snow with a gentle climb toward the col:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKObe1CL1XqGK0UAsP-ZSq0QaHPBW_Gpccj8Y4F1sQiWU4mlvRDTSU5MZIHz07DAJIhXyUtFEPBPDci4QS3fHCZabDTjxjuT7rnOUi8G9R3r5xX1ubZiYHv2EOrkmt3dpC2cPPCr9PrcFcKZvs8_mniIoGQMRevXKuP4tYlCqKrEm05QgBxzbzxr4kz0/s2048/IMG_9385.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKObe1CL1XqGK0UAsP-ZSq0QaHPBW_Gpccj8Y4F1sQiWU4mlvRDTSU5MZIHz07DAJIhXyUtFEPBPDci4QS3fHCZabDTjxjuT7rnOUi8G9R3r5xX1ubZiYHv2EOrkmt3dpC2cPPCr9PrcFcKZvs8_mniIoGQMRevXKuP4tYlCqKrEm05QgBxzbzxr4kz0/w400-h300/IMG_9385.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Admiring where we'd come from and happy with the weather - so far:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPaaJn3-4NXPQyFhbZyn8tvZgkvzSF7q0BUmxcIz5ixCcN5SzrAIZipAawU5Btf78lHo5eZ5SYLEYPL9ubRUAaiVNTdGFO_eHMw17dYHmyOlvOO238YewZ7i1XDcptWjSlntazpzj9tdA-5r2ludnMfgUUcDwMSVoBBPEY0v7WBNUn_cwbID8CWKlclY/s2048/IMG_9388.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPaaJn3-4NXPQyFhbZyn8tvZgkvzSF7q0BUmxcIz5ixCcN5SzrAIZipAawU5Btf78lHo5eZ5SYLEYPL9ubRUAaiVNTdGFO_eHMw17dYHmyOlvOO238YewZ7i1XDcptWjSlntazpzj9tdA-5r2ludnMfgUUcDwMSVoBBPEY0v7WBNUn_cwbID8CWKlclY/w400-h300/IMG_9388.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not for certain, but I believe this picture is right below Bighorn Pass. John went on a little scouting mission and reported "all good, come on up!"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGQ0jXtu0VPms_jhUYPlg7OX_5lN9q2bH8amgMAscWdwGIJETSVw6l3pCo_Uz_5FIXMuH0GNYP17V5BzFYomDLafXPyFOWw9EIqaVyrMVJmZM7ZVKWt2jqhx1inXZfZ9L195CQo_kBEWMCYSgwBCur_-xfTjzmBr2wJnqENGleCgu8vpi5mst6ALlWHc/s2048/IMG_9388a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGQ0jXtu0VPms_jhUYPlg7OX_5lN9q2bH8amgMAscWdwGIJETSVw6l3pCo_Uz_5FIXMuH0GNYP17V5BzFYomDLafXPyFOWw9EIqaVyrMVJmZM7ZVKWt2jqhx1inXZfZ9L195CQo_kBEWMCYSgwBCur_-xfTjzmBr2wJnqENGleCgu8vpi5mst6ALlWHc/w400-h300/IMG_9388a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Rosy Finch Lake on the other side, another beautiful body of water in the Sierras:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dn6e01Zpa17GyguhpHiSy4lwRqRR3zlTI68SxGcFCbkYZl8bULoA4d546R901EXbhQ5cUoKLN-VzywFM3nKlGNvH0bCBV09RPlN5perI9TUSO-Jlkt79g4SJ1qb5-g3JKJmq0irBD5Ld8KwGfWBJctvgtRITNshqaQtzvP2MaAHWYEj51rcx_y8Z8LA/s2048/IMG_9390.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dn6e01Zpa17GyguhpHiSy4lwRqRR3zlTI68SxGcFCbkYZl8bULoA4d546R901EXbhQ5cUoKLN-VzywFM3nKlGNvH0bCBV09RPlN5perI9TUSO-Jlkt79g4SJ1qb5-g3JKJmq0irBD5Ld8KwGfWBJctvgtRITNshqaQtzvP2MaAHWYEj51rcx_y8Z8LA/w400-h300/IMG_9390.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Our first look at the technical, rock-covered traverse above Rosy Finch. John and I had done this in the opposite direction so we knew it would take a while even though it's not far in distance:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7siV7Zkl1iXWhxZ9rftklUNtJJT9MZTjN6Pso7BN1Fvu0BR9ACwsHTNZFPWEezmgNVj13JKKWQ_jg9wwY6XEbUG1IytQ6GN3S5s0G5-XxmP2BrkkidB8hXFXIVY_BlcnueKgaAu-vxr1ZShs0HEzKECStAW-jbqOOlIFrDMC2K6w2_Ko2QfBg7vP7IUg/s2048/IMG_9391.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7siV7Zkl1iXWhxZ9rftklUNtJJT9MZTjN6Pso7BN1Fvu0BR9ACwsHTNZFPWEezmgNVj13JKKWQ_jg9wwY6XEbUG1IytQ6GN3S5s0G5-XxmP2BrkkidB8hXFXIVY_BlcnueKgaAu-vxr1ZShs0HEzKECStAW-jbqOOlIFrDMC2K6w2_Ko2QfBg7vP7IUg/w400-h300/IMG_9391.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Finding ways through the large boulders, all of them stable, kind of like a natural landscape maze:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYZYKG7-MGBhg0QYveDMxBsHz4FjjoPYLjICjIBX0ha5vRGYCkKzTW6YMjP1TbEZpDyTTyGuQ1MHbr_UBbe6YU6oBEEQ68DcTEt4v_UttIph4ys34apVwBpvZw0ZHU6SCa3ytThW0lDlTM8bnolIl2bUA80I1TbcDu1YysKlZ7q9IGVew2NLc-MvyWxY/s2048/IMG_9393.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYZYKG7-MGBhg0QYveDMxBsHz4FjjoPYLjICjIBX0ha5vRGYCkKzTW6YMjP1TbEZpDyTTyGuQ1MHbr_UBbe6YU6oBEEQ68DcTEt4v_UttIph4ys34apVwBpvZw0ZHU6SCa3ytThW0lDlTM8bnolIl2bUA80I1TbcDu1YysKlZ7q9IGVew2NLc-MvyWxY/w400-h300/IMG_9393.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>With the additional "snow factor" now and then, which by this point we were getting better at:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivpwfBolxyMdtm2PZ57WceamMKGIHfZlMMWD3-Yo-yZREnV23l7sLsDa24Md0m3MDceZpSvHeOIJeJXISUa0Jt4MWgBcLJqI3LM6Q5uS5yOHTARIqbx-el05VdwuKBuCuhzNBLrPO5LFWTkEAAQjCPr7h7Kk0V5rMZvu1kBJwxc3vsCnBR0Y3d_NVnPs/s2048/IMG_9396.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivpwfBolxyMdtm2PZ57WceamMKGIHfZlMMWD3-Yo-yZREnV23l7sLsDa24Md0m3MDceZpSvHeOIJeJXISUa0Jt4MWgBcLJqI3LM6Q5uS5yOHTARIqbx-el05VdwuKBuCuhzNBLrPO5LFWTkEAAQjCPr7h7Kk0V5rMZvu1kBJwxc3vsCnBR0Y3d_NVnPs/w400-h300/IMG_9396.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes it was even a simple walk, and we appreciated the break from scrambling and footstep-kicking:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYLFYrosfDboL2z-Fg7_j91HMnBaW7y81ejjGyTojSLVyBS-pAfun_leG2N-q1T0B2hvk5HrOkaCnqJ2n-5KLCk9TWfXxGm-vSUqlL3MKNDl7Y1laWu5Sl2GGrAr8yf_SIBNIuz5oGQ_HugUMO2-aF7Z7sKJzP4BZIx9rkoB7TMZswXZXLfjsMG88i5E/s2048/IMG_9397.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYLFYrosfDboL2z-Fg7_j91HMnBaW7y81ejjGyTojSLVyBS-pAfun_leG2N-q1T0B2hvk5HrOkaCnqJ2n-5KLCk9TWfXxGm-vSUqlL3MKNDl7Y1laWu5Sl2GGrAr8yf_SIBNIuz5oGQ_HugUMO2-aF7Z7sKJzP4BZIx9rkoB7TMZswXZXLfjsMG88i5E/w400-h300/IMG_9397.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So far so good, but let's keep an eye on the clouds...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qTQ3ZLJIFvHINZLStR6ynkRfxWMekPLUEIe0pk6ikrLZyQUmMs3xk1voM2rmiGKtWawXkLjDbPOEd5TQVkswDJVZewmLwheoS4t3PANVFaPl2HJ-VFzzIFqq0NGVUtsqy6UoydI5vBY5nhKORlNqixzfM24JkgOC-ceMAYzJW9Mx-XFD1Xe6OKrmHfU/s2048/IMG_9399.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qTQ3ZLJIFvHINZLStR6ynkRfxWMekPLUEIe0pk6ikrLZyQUmMs3xk1voM2rmiGKtWawXkLjDbPOEd5TQVkswDJVZewmLwheoS4t3PANVFaPl2HJ-VFzzIFqq0NGVUtsqy6UoydI5vBY5nhKORlNqixzfM24JkgOC-ceMAYzJW9Mx-XFD1Xe6OKrmHfU/w400-h300/IMG_9399.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Yep, we're coming John:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlJMu23Ax4wCZidWrVsIAthqTUjUqcq224aniPGbTq6gTD6ELQE-bOP0b9uH279wsNfoDllluqhSLymbySX68p2_D9uBL7hwEW0BH5C7_a9DhIevI8KOEHDQGbDXFg-Sb_uU3PypL8rL7KJsB6Csj-pMOxBUaAuYSiBQR-jchGflV0kTpnwceh7jIy8g/s2048/IMG_9402.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlJMu23Ax4wCZidWrVsIAthqTUjUqcq224aniPGbTq6gTD6ELQE-bOP0b9uH279wsNfoDllluqhSLymbySX68p2_D9uBL7hwEW0BH5C7_a9DhIevI8KOEHDQGbDXFg-Sb_uU3PypL8rL7KJsB6Csj-pMOxBUaAuYSiBQR-jchGflV0kTpnwceh7jIy8g/w400-h300/IMG_9402.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hello Marmot! We didn't see (or hear) as many marmots this summer for some reason, so it was nice to spot one and even capture it on camera:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDV-Z0x9MwFDoup5_mJGMvCe2-fsf3Q9xQ0k2wbERdNyl0ud7LzKJfg53IMhDmsWDM5misVZ7NlfkU8Sks5B3JamJO6ii8wTiuuGEz-8OBNP53l1nD-jFiowHl5Ry2xlfxYEN7uJ0pTwjPicZK-dfQ_iW7p5RbeOhjGNiS9XSd4FEsHGj0I6NE5qgFlA/s2048/IMG_9405.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDV-Z0x9MwFDoup5_mJGMvCe2-fsf3Q9xQ0k2wbERdNyl0ud7LzKJfg53IMhDmsWDM5misVZ7NlfkU8Sks5B3JamJO6ii8wTiuuGEz-8OBNP53l1nD-jFiowHl5Ry2xlfxYEN7uJ0pTwjPicZK-dfQ_iW7p5RbeOhjGNiS9XSd4FEsHGj0I6NE5qgFlA/w400-h300/IMG_9405.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Another section of maze, super fun:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCSPfNY5Ab5VHIKGdnjcxCRwBPCxSZZFhYLzEMzjJ9oXY6EZQZcsx-is0TiZzonHwZMT5IXgwoCWdbtQmUjKt8iqRe4NxMo10bcWw8HyRqY2DXKS-DsmmHJYKvaBXlFbEJs9dR6t0KuOkg1Fr_udb5zJ1LMwYv_2BGpx8eAhF_bxvAQFRLfMy4D8CYsk/s2048/IMG_9410.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCSPfNY5Ab5VHIKGdnjcxCRwBPCxSZZFhYLzEMzjJ9oXY6EZQZcsx-is0TiZzonHwZMT5IXgwoCWdbtQmUjKt8iqRe4NxMo10bcWw8HyRqY2DXKS-DsmmHJYKvaBXlFbEJs9dR6t0KuOkg1Fr_udb5zJ1LMwYv_2BGpx8eAhF_bxvAQFRLfMy4D8CYsk/w400-h300/IMG_9410.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then the rain started, less fun. John realized he had lost his pack cover somewhere early that day, so he improvised with a trash compactor bag. We previously used them inside our packs to protect stuff from rain, but recently we've grown fond of the pack covers instead - easier to manage, as long as you don't lose them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsfQ1j8BU15004SJPUbeALgp4DUUTdgcwK0CzQIUtW_D8BHWeT9WgNdUBiFK1YEXmZ73XO7ypNsbjdxXHJMlQwG8T0AiQjvOzBxVWQ9uilyE0Jws1XkbR9r3rzF-2NWh6oGUMPl4xIrNvqxje5h6i9Frt_tp-exAvJQF-M2Fmf9K-bUJqRMxdUfepNU4/s2048/IMG_9413.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsfQ1j8BU15004SJPUbeALgp4DUUTdgcwK0CzQIUtW_D8BHWeT9WgNdUBiFK1YEXmZ73XO7ypNsbjdxXHJMlQwG8T0AiQjvOzBxVWQ9uilyE0Jws1XkbR9r3rzF-2NWh6oGUMPl4xIrNvqxje5h6i9Frt_tp-exAvJQF-M2Fmf9K-bUJqRMxdUfepNU4/w300-h400/IMG_9413.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Just as we were about to reach "Shout of Relief Pass" (that's really the name), we heard thunder. That got us scurrying over the pass and starting down the other side. Another north-facing slope, so of course there was snow.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happily, by this time we were all ready to get on our butts and glissade. The snow made our descent quicker than climbing down rocks, especially helpful for potential storms.</div><div><br /></div><div>More glissading down lower slopes, and I have no idea how the sky is so blue in this picture when it was raining not long beforehand. I believe the word "schizophrenic" was used several times.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPTQugSPuz0y2Oo7JnQUJ4LY-yIH2O35yez4ywm0eXsgcqqwwmsAZJOh3cH6n32Cxr9XnY6SHM3jwhOvip4C1m7xXxckUlc0_X-5672dF8z99oR_DcUPOLZ0-uB5zJNRRo_1AoiGrHEn633wRB1XO7x2KgmedU93B-7xVwH2NbmlKmTbkH_6BoItG8eQ/s2048/IMG_9416.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPTQugSPuz0y2Oo7JnQUJ4LY-yIH2O35yez4ywm0eXsgcqqwwmsAZJOh3cH6n32Cxr9XnY6SHM3jwhOvip4C1m7xXxckUlc0_X-5672dF8z99oR_DcUPOLZ0-uB5zJNRRo_1AoiGrHEn633wRB1XO7x2KgmedU93B-7xVwH2NbmlKmTbkH_6BoItG8eQ/w400-h300/IMG_9416.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Heading down the valley into another granite park, aiming for Cotton Lake (and this sky is more like I remember):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUR06nKq8URUyJaitua83AFBSeMY5Gh9NhXcXG1LI2tCj_WPv0rI0DDBMVISXr84iXL7_STK4WAvuq81bG4Xnuq5luL-iqStjJH0LY-Aer_atksZLyYvkxD3hRTB7syEuCK3T8Hr4Zh1c59YkyeSWFbxjl8JG8e5c2Ragoc_KUOGD8kHmZzbE8xrjNLnw/s2048/IMG_9418a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUR06nKq8URUyJaitua83AFBSeMY5Gh9NhXcXG1LI2tCj_WPv0rI0DDBMVISXr84iXL7_STK4WAvuq81bG4Xnuq5luL-iqStjJH0LY-Aer_atksZLyYvkxD3hRTB7syEuCK3T8Hr4Zh1c59YkyeSWFbxjl8JG8e5c2Ragoc_KUOGD8kHmZzbE8xrjNLnw/w400-h300/IMG_9418a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This area feels magical to me. Flat granite all over the place, amazing views, tiny alpine ponds, singing birds. I could live here for a week.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the moment, though, we were rushing to beat another bout of rain. We hurriedly picked a couple tent spots near the lake - thankfully not taking the one that was about to be swamped with rain runoff. Cathy and I jumped into the tents, John wandered around to watch the deluge for some reason, and Robyn discovered that her jacket was no longer waterproof, dang it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually it cleared up again, we had dinner, and we met our neighbors from the tent across the way - a couple from Australia who hiked all over the Sierras (and Australia and New Zealand mountains) to gather stories and write books. It was nice to meet other people for the first time on this trip.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Day 4: (Note that I took input on this one, and it might be colored by Robyn's experience with her leaking jacket)</div><div>Why does Roper lie?</div><div>There was some despair up there</div><div>No shout of relief</div><div><br /></div></div><div>Sunshine in the morning, yay! This place (I call it Awesome Camp) makes me smile:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sSbwkImxKBl8XKZOrEYLrM4pQT29VQWR8oDMdNxNalhk-6yBw1eKCrf6NqyaQUQBmpAJj5JpvFxLw-ngXHLwfRSe4pRJ_aKyIfmv-SvU3wZIpTNtY-H-rw-endI8VxoWIWBgb9UN26O_DfkzyRssG6_4ue4IlG7vOtEsw1iww6_b5c5xzFmNqfVuW6I/s3264/IMG_9418b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sSbwkImxKBl8XKZOrEYLrM4pQT29VQWR8oDMdNxNalhk-6yBw1eKCrf6NqyaQUQBmpAJj5JpvFxLw-ngXHLwfRSe4pRJ_aKyIfmv-SvU3wZIpTNtY-H-rw-endI8VxoWIWBgb9UN26O_DfkzyRssG6_4ue4IlG7vOtEsw1iww6_b5c5xzFmNqfVuW6I/w400-h300/IMG_9418b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Twin tent drying:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8s1xlxCVa0NEZY4PLYhwfPYQdD1qGfGF7Mb34uxatC89vD2xRnwzwiJDL-iWc77b7tI-sKazJe2yRxuoIJxO2leE23pe3uTUtOWFbZ-RjkhRawG7V5UyA31Qm85AH2mw4BYBiCiyUF00nZwHLj86HwaG1OpslD0vxLyODZuTiN4LwNkJ7q2ruE3vwt_M/s1793/IMG_9426.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1315" data-original-width="1793" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8s1xlxCVa0NEZY4PLYhwfPYQdD1qGfGF7Mb34uxatC89vD2xRnwzwiJDL-iWc77b7tI-sKazJe2yRxuoIJxO2leE23pe3uTUtOWFbZ-RjkhRawG7V5UyA31Qm85AH2mw4BYBiCiyUF00nZwHLj86HwaG1OpslD0vxLyODZuTiN4LwNkJ7q2ruE3vwt_M/w400-h294/IMG_9426.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Such prettiness:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTY5R0SlOjbtfucOPqvqUy8oqwwGY7guJ4NQdom80hiDVRH5kZbZwxtAtA3b5iQ5CcCjV4Qw4S1knODhkrXoSUII9ZY4XiYeLR8lUzri1zl9zIy-mHh2VBniYbj3r18ApOmAbcG-ZrFAgzbpTjYUd8kVqR34x6TPaQ4OgkS4z_m-g-pnT46t0CAFmhyphenhyphen0w/s2048/IMG_9435.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTY5R0SlOjbtfucOPqvqUy8oqwwGY7guJ4NQdom80hiDVRH5kZbZwxtAtA3b5iQ5CcCjV4Qw4S1knODhkrXoSUII9ZY4XiYeLR8lUzri1zl9zIy-mHh2VBniYbj3r18ApOmAbcG-ZrFAgzbpTjYUd8kVqR34x6TPaQ4OgkS4z_m-g-pnT46t0CAFmhyphenhyphen0w/w400-h300/IMG_9435.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Time to leave, I guess. We descended past Lake Isaak Walton toward Fish Creek:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zJ0h6r-V8lb5CJxDG48K9QWMn5_AIYOIAjB8nOjmIMqikJVWdmvqWXOr0asoo21lrXiNVzwsrbdf-VSE4pICHoNDivMEyQAN6mkp8O33qGeCTVqI63pebGWkAvpxBp7rQ6erP9V4ALwGs_9Orj-1o2zQqYgDY8Bb_x5-80jPR9gVzw1kLNgavwcGm8U/s2048/IMG_9437.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zJ0h6r-V8lb5CJxDG48K9QWMn5_AIYOIAjB8nOjmIMqikJVWdmvqWXOr0asoo21lrXiNVzwsrbdf-VSE4pICHoNDivMEyQAN6mkp8O33qGeCTVqI63pebGWkAvpxBp7rQ6erP9V4ALwGs_9Orj-1o2zQqYgDY8Bb_x5-80jPR9gVzw1kLNgavwcGm8U/w400-h300/IMG_9437.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As expected, it's Mosquito Time again. Also creek crossing time. I'd forgotten that the trail jumps back and forth over the creek. The water was higher than last time, not terribly difficult as long as we were careful.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJPa6mGWBDUlu9n4jyQIGcd2JDihL6lIr7B41EkzIMb99FwPLdTyH9WuLEY1VSW-jKWHUTqLp22X4O5KseXuhR8J7A-Tm3X6lyKpz-Yr0uOPQyuw5dtVDzRvzmVzQFy8UzCnwORgdiEnV1FL73XgafWEB5Ull8U_JYDAdeUR1kYChF-MhO-jOBlPbQqM/s1832/IMG_9440.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1340" data-original-width="1832" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJPa6mGWBDUlu9n4jyQIGcd2JDihL6lIr7B41EkzIMb99FwPLdTyH9WuLEY1VSW-jKWHUTqLp22X4O5KseXuhR8J7A-Tm3X6lyKpz-Yr0uOPQyuw5dtVDzRvzmVzQFy8UzCnwORgdiEnV1FL73XgafWEB5Ull8U_JYDAdeUR1kYChF-MhO-jOBlPbQqM/w400-h293/IMG_9440.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Except that during one of the crossings, Robyn stumbled a little and managed to soak the bottom part of her pack, including their tent. Dang it! So much for all that careful drying in the morning.</div><div><br /></div><div>She started up the trail with pack dripping. I said she should lean to the right, which created a stream of water pouring out. At least that made us laugh!</div><div><br /></div><div>Partway up the hill we paused for lunch and a view. It was a good time to dry some gear - and some shoes:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdd-Kh86ndil2NvtMFZgM5RY1aLhmUUJIZL5rF0qA4ZJ3Qt8CvsF2sIjZwoQAVNJ03bh1qrs6H26ZePumSSlVJFdncCkFMo9tFhJh6TrcXPEdlB-p6KKFEWTTog8KCGZRc3_5rzH5iiziCtoCKNOIs-yxDV8MDxcE_8zYfgPLbkT_R8MJ_0SeQrPxqP8/s2048/IMG_9441.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdd-Kh86ndil2NvtMFZgM5RY1aLhmUUJIZL5rF0qA4ZJ3Qt8CvsF2sIjZwoQAVNJ03bh1qrs6H26ZePumSSlVJFdncCkFMo9tFhJh6TrcXPEdlB-p6KKFEWTTog8KCGZRc3_5rzH5iiziCtoCKNOIs-yxDV8MDxcE_8zYfgPLbkT_R8MJ_0SeQrPxqP8/w400-h300/IMG_9441.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It's a good thing we were in a good mood, because not long later Cathy had a sunscreen stick catastrophe which turned into a minor "garage sale" of stuff along the trail. I'm not sure how that happened. I am sure we giggled for some time (and thank you John for focusing on helping instead of just documenting like I was):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8Ma3QkcPP7CaRBEp1fy4mMy7eIzrX-oE0xbcYATuW_QuGwLuX9dFcavjssSutrxNz8CPoWyURe5At6tw9ngtwYKEpBh053u4NTLhKUd0vW5YNxJTIM7kw8M4H1eQkB8VQdjHLHbOrYrpqD1Nr8X4szLNoM_kB9MYfiBrnQRbNR8Ip56T-xA5h10x40c/s2048/IMG_9445.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8Ma3QkcPP7CaRBEp1fy4mMy7eIzrX-oE0xbcYATuW_QuGwLuX9dFcavjssSutrxNz8CPoWyURe5At6tw9ngtwYKEpBh053u4NTLhKUd0vW5YNxJTIM7kw8M4H1eQkB8VQdjHLHbOrYrpqD1Nr8X4szLNoM_kB9MYfiBrnQRbNR8Ip56T-xA5h10x40c/w400-h300/IMG_9445.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally getting our sh*t together... we were on the John Muir Trail for the afternoon, strolling near lovely Lake Virginia:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzEZy4yREYZCMrlpVmgr92CU9nv6hbfL349QfTMS8yKOVtUzepicmkpxbx23AuEt_krMOVQKd4aqX_hH_1gXkeRamBj25du-lyieerOKalJexh4KZayu3QSAex_Llq5o0SekEApo5DwGqQVshKQvToF-eXOwzJ4-8AweI7nKBmk-QvhiCFylpyYLTpDc/s2048/IMG_9449.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzEZy4yREYZCMrlpVmgr92CU9nv6hbfL349QfTMS8yKOVtUzepicmkpxbx23AuEt_krMOVQKd4aqX_hH_1gXkeRamBj25du-lyieerOKalJexh4KZayu3QSAex_Llq5o0SekEApo5DwGqQVshKQvToF-eXOwzJ4-8AweI7nKBmk-QvhiCFylpyYLTpDc/w400-h300/IMG_9449.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Excellent high mountain flower arrangements:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYQMIPdunCfzq_oiSENyMeQXfdb-UIsVDOz3NmsIO1CCLlYeIpTvM0CkzaYaze3N4Bo754FEIvddv8MCdKmqPkM4oygN-LSgp-VVOwSibdbCuFmPEch23yLU-UcXEDDJ13PX0PM1Oj_SJgNvyofIyT-1DdUmeTajF6c8g5-nU0jH1nVoH4lnETHmBIbs/s2048/IMG_9453.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYQMIPdunCfzq_oiSENyMeQXfdb-UIsVDOz3NmsIO1CCLlYeIpTvM0CkzaYaze3N4Bo754FEIvddv8MCdKmqPkM4oygN-LSgp-VVOwSibdbCuFmPEch23yLU-UcXEDDJ13PX0PM1Oj_SJgNvyofIyT-1DdUmeTajF6c8g5-nU0jH1nVoH4lnETHmBIbs/w400-h300/IMG_9453.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Duck!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVGmfhA1NroP99WEYOkTUQKM8kTnMOoW6r0nljmed8I4kanm5n-zMrFQi-k36j9ZzAT071FKZ-Zdsa_KZy8T1Z5HJVWGqEFRf6-3kj6Y6DHzUGARlybTvY3x7CaS9o5W9NAGmuqTt3YskyRmq3Hiqd9M8jFcXwVI4kcHO5BMJCwG_EQSL-gyVlXP0u2I/s2048/IMG_9455.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVGmfhA1NroP99WEYOkTUQKM8kTnMOoW6r0nljmed8I4kanm5n-zMrFQi-k36j9ZzAT071FKZ-Zdsa_KZy8T1Z5HJVWGqEFRf6-3kj6Y6DHzUGARlybTvY3x7CaS9o5W9NAGmuqTt3YskyRmq3Hiqd9M8jFcXwVI4kcHO5BMJCwG_EQSL-gyVlXP0u2I/w400-h300/IMG_9455.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Snack break near Purple Lake, with the (now standard) grey afternoon clouds building up:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6Mtg4xP0hcQd3uk5ZQbaOxEQKFXX3P7PzLMX72gxJVh1q-dHXmLEMAOcNezryW51kiCR1rGeQQAroZgnOrE0eBoo9k7m__bEK6bGgztECCQ2ZHZzzjLQ8C1O9hpDcwzn92mh0qcoYv0cuiM9_V4wa2drn1vdSX333VvqVS_e0oCfZ83seigtKabairk/s2048/IMG_9457.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6Mtg4xP0hcQd3uk5ZQbaOxEQKFXX3P7PzLMX72gxJVh1q-dHXmLEMAOcNezryW51kiCR1rGeQQAroZgnOrE0eBoo9k7m__bEK6bGgztECCQ2ZHZzzjLQ8C1O9hpDcwzn92mh0qcoYv0cuiM9_V4wa2drn1vdSX333VvqVS_e0oCfZ83seigtKabairk/w400-h300/IMG_9457.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Somewhere in this area we started hearing from passing hikers that there was actual weather coming in. You mean, besides the afternoon/evening showers we've had every day? Yes, apparently worse. At least our timing was half-decent, with only one night out remaining.</div><div><br /></div><div>We hustled a bit to traverse around and up to Duck Lake while it wasn't yet raining. Last time John and I were here, there were quite a few other people. This time we had the place to ourselves and the pick of the campsites - well then, we'll take the one with the excellent view!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JDlcNReNPUosrgyGjOQCDQyN7NaK-GbGNuXV6wngiSw53q9vYXxIuRpDpPrFlYarHQ8kvlO5dYDAJlEPlzsOJtCNw7m8h7ORdmdfvMgL8dXWDsSxvF4vlrLRx8kitYHwikoXkkm4_t66yHbFrOyRsvUSQnrKI8wQkASfkbzaYKR6fGUBHlxmCS9J83s/s3264/IMG_9461a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JDlcNReNPUosrgyGjOQCDQyN7NaK-GbGNuXV6wngiSw53q9vYXxIuRpDpPrFlYarHQ8kvlO5dYDAJlEPlzsOJtCNw7m8h7ORdmdfvMgL8dXWDsSxvF4vlrLRx8kitYHwikoXkkm4_t66yHbFrOyRsvUSQnrKI8wQkASfkbzaYKR6fGUBHlxmCS9J83s/w400-h300/IMG_9461a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hearing some "quack quack"-ing, we investigated and discovered actual ducks on Duck Lake. Well, that's appropriate!</div><div><br /></div><div>Then we hid from the rain for a little while, coming out of the tents when it cleared up so we could make dinner. Cathy captured a lovely sunset photo that evening:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpbHM0WN5jno5VpXvcaBqWsG1ABuumT1uUl_sFBtAdon8AJIJ-xBVZsBTdNZx_MNSxbz6pglH-q3Z6RwOxA5sBJrwtmrR15lmoyLcSo4Tgx4SFQ6OLBVnGgIoGUd6Ub-KSbkBNuhmeMebcA9nwpSnbqtac2QIg__FFXMYlxmFJKo0D-Tl87mkQa7T5PE/s2048/IMG_9461b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpbHM0WN5jno5VpXvcaBqWsG1ABuumT1uUl_sFBtAdon8AJIJ-xBVZsBTdNZx_MNSxbz6pglH-q3Z6RwOxA5sBJrwtmrR15lmoyLcSo4Tgx4SFQ6OLBVnGgIoGUd6Ub-KSbkBNuhmeMebcA9nwpSnbqtac2QIg__FFXMYlxmFJKo0D-Tl87mkQa7T5PE/w400-h300/IMG_9461b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Day 5:</div><div>Sun in morning - dry!</div><div>Too many creek crossings - wet!</div><div>O S M R ducks :)</div><div><br /></div></div><div>Last day on the trail - sad but also thankful we were going to miss the hurricane that blew over California a couple days later. We'd thought the weather was wetter than normal up to that point. Not hurricane-level though!</div><div><br /></div><div>Another beautiful blue sky "isn't this great?" kind of morning:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFn7-KxdBAaWuL7H3DkvvM_T0UPMRXqk-oVnYWGO5V1RRufRdoBBiPflqtw20RmRRHZ7OR3eQkX_Sn9fVfwyGOw5juXiSerIVP08mfKQWjzHVRJ8vAHkXRck9CubzhM69R5QloaKI1eKvmdSSP-NNN6Yem9XRx5vleneNuz0djEfUXh5ud_VYfnU0024/s2048/IMG_9464.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFn7-KxdBAaWuL7H3DkvvM_T0UPMRXqk-oVnYWGO5V1RRufRdoBBiPflqtw20RmRRHZ7OR3eQkX_Sn9fVfwyGOw5juXiSerIVP08mfKQWjzHVRJ8vAHkXRck9CubzhM69R5QloaKI1eKvmdSSP-NNN6Yem9XRx5vleneNuz0djEfUXh5ud_VYfnU0024/w400-h300/IMG_9464.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I would love to visit Pika Lake someday! With a name like that, it must be awesome.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUljyvQ5CCcwN933LMDxY__4acSY4gEjCMpHrR9KYppB2NEy6GFz5d3nqs4WrKcb7Qg5F-P_fAMpU_UaF-j-OHGtq485Bcxryeufnx26g-1Qzk4ad8Txpg8cDKsEvh0eG3sWeV8v7wpzNYLI592p5IxGwzAIBWA1o7iqYXUjmzhjc6UmyAA1nMpzfyRs/s2048/IMG_9466.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUljyvQ5CCcwN933LMDxY__4acSY4gEjCMpHrR9KYppB2NEy6GFz5d3nqs4WrKcb7Qg5F-P_fAMpU_UaF-j-OHGtq485Bcxryeufnx26g-1Qzk4ad8Txpg8cDKsEvh0eG3sWeV8v7wpzNYLI592p5IxGwzAIBWA1o7iqYXUjmzhjc6UmyAA1nMpzfyRs/w400-h300/IMG_9466.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>From the saddle we did some off-trail travel toward Deer Lakes. There have been a lot of people here in the past years, so it's really more of an easy-to-follow use trail by now. The pretty lake basin:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eF27NqfakCO_8LEdOhgneBzkGjf2z6InhT4mRWlQmZEfctHuEkRdX4pPcq4bPN0EWy4sYF3ghj7FhAxr4VLOVgIvLZTPXt8zzh74i3wvShHrODvfdfnDK3CEVQ0-9-Pd8L6RNoIXNnhMLb4GH_0J0FYMcFzfgV3xWo9S49qetty2FlG0p1p4zivTK5g/s2048/IMG_9468.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eF27NqfakCO_8LEdOhgneBzkGjf2z6InhT4mRWlQmZEfctHuEkRdX4pPcq4bPN0EWy4sYF3ghj7FhAxr4VLOVgIvLZTPXt8zzh74i3wvShHrODvfdfnDK3CEVQ0-9-Pd8L6RNoIXNnhMLb4GH_0J0FYMcFzfgV3xWo9S49qetty2FlG0p1p4zivTK5g/w400-h300/IMG_9468.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Columbine flowers, yay!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEAo93o3gZZuF_F8UkZh_kx9vC_2ua3Zp5a2WeToBr9fLlYu9Jlvw_YOOXqjxMRhYx322uvKJK1JtAOCQVN5SWWRFfItw_rD8ky9fdVtziIHRNKG747sX733S8Z1MU3kYzc2H32Pw12UZsOIx27VVXlG7rCglRqfqGcGK54xOeIMs2Pq7GTHym1_PS-E/s2048/IMG_9469.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEAo93o3gZZuF_F8UkZh_kx9vC_2ua3Zp5a2WeToBr9fLlYu9Jlvw_YOOXqjxMRhYx322uvKJK1JtAOCQVN5SWWRFfItw_rD8ky9fdVtziIHRNKG747sX733S8Z1MU3kYzc2H32Pw12UZsOIx27VVXlG7rCglRqfqGcGK54xOeIMs2Pq7GTHym1_PS-E/w400-h300/IMG_9469.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Clouds drifted in early that day, as we climbed up toward Mammoth Crest. Since we were going to be up high for a while, we kept an eye out for anything menacing, thankfully not seeing anything that caused concern.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Aza07AGvBaxF_XRx1jIwKEbw8hRm7R3zZ_FCbbaFyaaOpqg4Y1nLILxvR7SluV4XZoh5FSRw93ze9ycf2_gyx7VKBXmz5QoTjhdTN2gh_bYGjHWbQkQ1y1hH-ad8gQKj4vS5SxnO6QJAfip3O5ovMm_LdwVLCDQBjvc6qrL93fQqGzbNL5enLZaS7po/s2048/IMG_9473.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Aza07AGvBaxF_XRx1jIwKEbw8hRm7R3zZ_FCbbaFyaaOpqg4Y1nLILxvR7SluV4XZoh5FSRw93ze9ycf2_gyx7VKBXmz5QoTjhdTN2gh_bYGjHWbQkQ1y1hH-ad8gQKj4vS5SxnO6QJAfip3O5ovMm_LdwVLCDQBjvc6qrL93fQqGzbNL5enLZaS7po/w400-h300/IMG_9473.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Still, we didn't dally. One quick photo to admire the notch in the Crest and then continue on:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuKuBIlMuJyRJfPOSXhOVTvDXEZ9xqQXTgv6cSdegvhp6sl_iuYkmh4Jt7Ja_FKc9ZiC6PwO86PPfXwKR93ZI0iHi40ZKzMRQRx858bqYcXI4V4IwXGHz-yBzv7Wd-8rskQpusUHsnt1mevC7EYMs_d0vybX1mikqydcLf1Tj9w4biVCOoyrv2QMD88A/s2048/IMG_9476.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuKuBIlMuJyRJfPOSXhOVTvDXEZ9xqQXTgv6cSdegvhp6sl_iuYkmh4Jt7Ja_FKc9ZiC6PwO86PPfXwKR93ZI0iHi40ZKzMRQRx858bqYcXI4V4IwXGHz-yBzv7Wd-8rskQpusUHsnt1mevC7EYMs_d0vybX1mikqydcLf1Tj9w4biVCOoyrv2QMD88A/w400-h300/IMG_9476.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Soon we were in my favorite landscape of the day, so otherworldly and odd. And flat.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOTrd70GvXXL91fkkxLF5g9XQFJR1E2vSAOryt6I69UIA5kQRb_N2JXfBKf_MWANmI6Ozs5n7PSxdDq0m-GHP_qD4pmaNUqUEzwd6pEMf1sEVGdlqbZNa_sHprho4gbuitFcP7aY0CbrogpOrET0wutpPk79RkxH2Jh8cqw3PE_9LW0ZVMHQ9G5PT-6U/s2048/IMG_9477.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOTrd70GvXXL91fkkxLF5g9XQFJR1E2vSAOryt6I69UIA5kQRb_N2JXfBKf_MWANmI6Ozs5n7PSxdDq0m-GHP_qD4pmaNUqUEzwd6pEMf1sEVGdlqbZNa_sHprho4gbuitFcP7aY0CbrogpOrET0wutpPk79RkxH2Jh8cqw3PE_9LW0ZVMHQ9G5PT-6U/w400-h300/IMG_9477.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We had options to descend earlier than planned, if needed for weather considerations. Happily we didn't need to use them. As we started our final off-trail section, a group coming our way paused to ask if we knew where we were going? Oh yes, we're trekking to the scree descent. Good on them for making sure we weren't going to get ourselves stuck up there. But we're OK, thanks!</div><div><br /></div><div>It's always interesting standing at the top of this big drop down the sandy slope. After all our glissading practice, it turned out to be pretty tame for all of us:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1t5ydBxiS6BDGs8lBugsuT6NbjALwKbxWKr72LQn9LUbw9Hg3rrEeVhT9sCqfx_yZgmE9ru-PkXd05QrDIHUuStqdi8Mgf7FEm6DcEib4vhXRUzvBz7QgMSADeou8TM7Bgiwtynl_YwqJRts4PwkS7vsOdAkICnoKwoQoNGMdTVO9tGy1bpzydmhdXhc/s2048/IMG_9484.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1t5ydBxiS6BDGs8lBugsuT6NbjALwKbxWKr72LQn9LUbw9Hg3rrEeVhT9sCqfx_yZgmE9ru-PkXd05QrDIHUuStqdi8Mgf7FEm6DcEib4vhXRUzvBz7QgMSADeou8TM7Bgiwtynl_YwqJRts4PwkS7vsOdAkICnoKwoQoNGMdTVO9tGy1bpzydmhdXhc/w400-h300/IMG_9484.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We found the next trail and had a jaunty little walk down to Horseshoe Lake and the car. Another week on the SHR, complete!</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Day 6:</div><div>Last day on the trail :(</div><div>Mono Crest variety</div><div>Descent on scree - whee!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you friends, that was totally awesome and enjoyable! Let's do it again sometime.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWCY_oT0vn-vhGKOuJvRLpwPKlGNsMkn434DUBIwJKGd0nT74IsnymhQVD0AtJvy7kguICRwHbcC342OhmXQUUHgpTOc91L4pDQHC7Y9ZBzzpvDT4kAKFUOiiP05F3v3yT2XfI5MFrYPlDZHosajL5pHPy5z62SBf6H0yEPhEfwBqyYaFxGAe99z3gbI/s2048/z%20Day%206%20I%20think%20368324580_10230928364777663_8536029171891996606_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWCY_oT0vn-vhGKOuJvRLpwPKlGNsMkn434DUBIwJKGd0nT74IsnymhQVD0AtJvy7kguICRwHbcC342OhmXQUUHgpTOc91L4pDQHC7Y9ZBzzpvDT4kAKFUOiiP05F3v3yT2XfI5MFrYPlDZHosajL5pHPy5z62SBf6H0yEPhEfwBqyYaFxGAe99z3gbI/w400-h300/z%20Day%206%20I%20think%20368324580_10230928364777663_8536029171891996606_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-72125606966656773022023-11-02T08:38:00.000-07:002023-12-02T12:57:05.150-08:00Sierra High Route adventure - part 1 of 2<div style="text-align: left;">It appears we're on a multi-year mission to explore the entire Sierra High Route, because for every section we complete, we come up with plans to see more. Always enjoyable, and maybe we're getting better at understanding what it's all about. SHR is moving up on our "quest list", for sure.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This summer we aimed for another middle section, starting near Bishop and ending near the Postpile (where <a href="https://marcy-twss.blogspot.com/2021/09/sierra-high-route-with-robyn-and-cathy.html" target="_blank">we started 2 years ago</a>). Lake Italy is perhaps the least accessible mid-spot, but there is access from the east via Italy Pass and it was the right trail distance for us. So we figured we could figure it out. Hopefully.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>[Photo credits include Cathy Cox and John Beard]</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Ready for another excellent adventure with friends!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBUDIRClWAaTydWZ8_Z3y7be_-t1gyuNvukLJCAER_DnCMZJVwVi2bWhgm_TVR-0cVYJt9ga8PApVBzSYZoa0kPLMWXT4L6-VALLFTGi43tVZ898smM-h3PtLEPVsV_S6SoxV67SZsz7_rteTQGnMCLcKb1LWi4X85QTDcDI3yenHVbnNTkmQRcLWLIo/s2048/IMG_9254.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBUDIRClWAaTydWZ8_Z3y7be_-t1gyuNvukLJCAER_DnCMZJVwVi2bWhgm_TVR-0cVYJt9ga8PApVBzSYZoa0kPLMWXT4L6-VALLFTGi43tVZ898smM-h3PtLEPVsV_S6SoxV67SZsz7_rteTQGnMCLcKb1LWi4X85QTDcDI3yenHVbnNTkmQRcLWLIo/w400-h300/IMG_9254.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We hiked in from Pine Creek trailhead, and getting the permit is a whole 'nother story. Briefly, all permits are obtained online now, no more sending in a form with the description of what you're planning to do (and then explaining to the ranger how you're doing the SHR and not taking normal trails like most everyone else). I didn't begin the process early enough, so I was stuck trying to make something work from a Mammoth trailhead (any trailhead!). Two weeks out, availability suddenly opened up for an Italy Pass permit, and we were back to my original plan. Next time I'll be better prepared more in advance.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyhoo, permit in pocket and vehicles staged, we started up the trail:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSy06m0olbhhZFo7A2s7XboWiXkfDjIr_op4Jcw0QccDEVRLbqgIi37uA5MiUBFJ0Js11AKTXdAKgkIEfqxRrcqGQDf7cZVGiUFjHmOpNnwv7l-zfShRPprpWrkGpOxm0EAeoCfvwsBWuBfWgn_8H5Oz7DZ_YgLCaCmLiHntfiCzk5bg2aYA073iOsh7c/s2048/IMG_9259.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSy06m0olbhhZFo7A2s7XboWiXkfDjIr_op4Jcw0QccDEVRLbqgIi37uA5MiUBFJ0Js11AKTXdAKgkIEfqxRrcqGQDf7cZVGiUFjHmOpNnwv7l-zfShRPprpWrkGpOxm0EAeoCfvwsBWuBfWgn_8H5Oz7DZ_YgLCaCmLiHntfiCzk5bg2aYA073iOsh7c/w400-h300/IMG_9259.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The scenery up the Pine Creek trail includes views of a large mining operation, not the normal stuff you might want to look at while hiking, but it certainly was something different:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4COVlNAC-2pXjcTqdxoTeD4fJHsTkUS4flM_gzViW_N0wRPQvnkaY6I4PgVlTHbpKTucwKa7HS7K-YzhyeaOeZGNvaaPhDY8JS06vhMaok_exn41hNkwSQCxD1uMXiMESWjjXXnRBJTxo2HQIr_P6S_e5ZboXCUhID3Pa8R2BFkTB2O4DhXVcOObJgA/s2048/IMG_9262.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4COVlNAC-2pXjcTqdxoTeD4fJHsTkUS4flM_gzViW_N0wRPQvnkaY6I4PgVlTHbpKTucwKa7HS7K-YzhyeaOeZGNvaaPhDY8JS06vhMaok_exn41hNkwSQCxD1uMXiMESWjjXXnRBJTxo2HQIr_P6S_e5ZboXCUhID3Pa8R2BFkTB2O4DhXVcOObJgA/w400-h300/IMG_9262.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Taking our time and getting used to the pack weight - it was a full afternoon of walking uphill:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrLSMpmIA0g5Vi9GoBFxuqUSftVaPlHFjq9Uxup7OvbBlHEKljrl5wLk8EphqJUvQ-34nefUl7dxR_mHPhuV88FNcs3fj-YM6_fIt2in_Q-WjcGt4BBcMKfFnAYJ_lfX3p6Evee6IVtMFttGvB2_ix-AYdVMtbvUbcdj4jAEQ3mBK4xl95YuAc9TCZCU/s2048/IMG_9263.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrLSMpmIA0g5Vi9GoBFxuqUSftVaPlHFjq9Uxup7OvbBlHEKljrl5wLk8EphqJUvQ-34nefUl7dxR_mHPhuV88FNcs3fj-YM6_fIt2in_Q-WjcGt4BBcMKfFnAYJ_lfX3p6Evee6IVtMFttGvB2_ix-AYdVMtbvUbcdj4jAEQ3mBK4xl95YuAc9TCZCU/w400-h300/IMG_9263.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another curiosity along the way:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHWzc26CTgTlh4zgntiXjY8-JGcf4R9_J7K6lRlwokp6nGb5oCOFFyAUrXEqi_o1EgzITAt-AIzU28q_NSTF2uIlyLjJYLPpRQOFzMWCL4u2zeXjG7YvAjM8wWpHxBO7XjJYWBVYXtA4WTdM8xrv3RoZUyGaXO7FRJRqTB23U6nO4A5T3wEmliVWVSwM/s2048/IMG_9264.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHWzc26CTgTlh4zgntiXjY8-JGcf4R9_J7K6lRlwokp6nGb5oCOFFyAUrXEqi_o1EgzITAt-AIzU28q_NSTF2uIlyLjJYLPpRQOFzMWCL4u2zeXjG7YvAjM8wWpHxBO7XjJYWBVYXtA4WTdM8xrv3RoZUyGaXO7FRJRqTB23U6nO4A5T3wEmliVWVSwM/w400-h300/IMG_9264.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Love this photo Cathy took during one of our rest breaks:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQnBfX6am_3Y7EymJQJ9H8dvlNmxPmozlntt5s4tmKnCfqCdWn7U9TUFoTNMEL5E3ybZ7X_eOduNieWYkvSZHcwbDaibhY1hUhS1JCYrfS9XhcRADe9P32PRS12T0TmwSzcQmiEV-zPXeUao26w4NmQgLUoHevR3STe6esSe7SNkuiXQj946OAnh5DNA/s2048/IMG_9264a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQnBfX6am_3Y7EymJQJ9H8dvlNmxPmozlntt5s4tmKnCfqCdWn7U9TUFoTNMEL5E3ybZ7X_eOduNieWYkvSZHcwbDaibhY1hUhS1JCYrfS9XhcRADe9P32PRS12T0TmwSzcQmiEV-zPXeUao26w4NmQgLUoHevR3STe6esSe7SNkuiXQj946OAnh5DNA/w400-h300/IMG_9264a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dueling cameras:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBjWkONwk0kCXPQXkyf0K6X406YgIwX5VLmr0l4KLR75_AgrInFTxh3qgMy63_yrGi2h20DRulMv4um4wzBVM5swwL4mT90_GxfFamvR5VJifAk7PpNQotOu3tq_t0yWErJZafAf7ZjrfnvczvgCcKBetY8zS4UnIH5bFJptEHyNKINEZiYSyqvXxR8E/s2048/IMG_9269.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBjWkONwk0kCXPQXkyf0K6X406YgIwX5VLmr0l4KLR75_AgrInFTxh3qgMy63_yrGi2h20DRulMv4um4wzBVM5swwL4mT90_GxfFamvR5VJifAk7PpNQotOu3tq_t0yWErJZafAf7ZjrfnvczvgCcKBetY8zS4UnIH5bFJptEHyNKINEZiYSyqvXxR8E/w400-h300/IMG_9269.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Climbing stairs up toward the rocks and waterfalls:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgtf9oFo3HMGjGcCyjlEyi3ZaW6hkXKUkJPz-DA_dbDbKke8RLsLttftgQXw06SMIFSg2WMjYOmJ2BEOwAERz2LmrmwSfyu_UzGJjXkTj2yqUog7caQ8HPmuV679zpf_sA5VPUNrcV-USWjU6ho48XqRQzc0rIbdJRRSOSs0FBuHvNws26ofE5iqa03k/s2048/IMG_9271.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgtf9oFo3HMGjGcCyjlEyi3ZaW6hkXKUkJPz-DA_dbDbKke8RLsLttftgQXw06SMIFSg2WMjYOmJ2BEOwAERz2LmrmwSfyu_UzGJjXkTj2yqUog7caQ8HPmuV679zpf_sA5VPUNrcV-USWjU6ho48XqRQzc0rIbdJRRSOSs0FBuHvNws26ofE5iqa03k/w400-h300/IMG_9271.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Into the wilderness!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Zk0vzi_uB-5KOjIT8WDycgmYNdxik66cO3-0777Z1ldbMtn9h3SceCrictMG3-vZ-BkCKxV65irhwUoS3pCzFHpl2Qo36_tE4LX63tHLcjwiiJQu_ojisBLJxICc6wNoVFkq-HRazDBHZQg2Du5dDCd6irqRqKBD1kQ8d7aVvthBYGbMitKdL3SORLQ/s2048/IMG_9275.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Zk0vzi_uB-5KOjIT8WDycgmYNdxik66cO3-0777Z1ldbMtn9h3SceCrictMG3-vZ-BkCKxV65irhwUoS3pCzFHpl2Qo36_tE4LX63tHLcjwiiJQu_ojisBLJxICc6wNoVFkq-HRazDBHZQg2Du5dDCd6irqRqKBD1kQ8d7aVvthBYGbMitKdL3SORLQ/w400-h300/IMG_9275.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We found a couple slightly-tricky creek crossings, mostly making us wonder what the Big Snow Year (last winter) might still have in store for us. More water in the creeks and across our path, for one thing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The first high lake:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcn7Kk48xiuIhQ7XZtB4LBxosbryf3xT3T1zAPMcWIQ9iX1CYsIuxQME9yVHIXfPdfwW-S7hAQpidXEap2Vt4T_XImKbW5lbGf4-4aMhe6w_jbZsViMX40joa0vLjDYQdjiLHQviJQTHOKTbFCtnDGkJroiyBAesQ1nwOMALPJ8oipI7hcu22Z6gHIJ4o/s2048/IMG_9278.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcn7Kk48xiuIhQ7XZtB4LBxosbryf3xT3T1zAPMcWIQ9iX1CYsIuxQME9yVHIXfPdfwW-S7hAQpidXEap2Vt4T_XImKbW5lbGf4-4aMhe6w_jbZsViMX40joa0vLjDYQdjiLHQviJQTHOKTbFCtnDGkJroiyBAesQ1nwOMALPJ8oipI7hcu22Z6gHIJ4o/w400-h300/IMG_9278.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our version of Abbey Road!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMj-T0_-G98v_dHmPt4E39KGOuMRQRVU7tI3Hp8i9aneyiBlM_yv95sBAf1seFw6brpCVPbYh2Bmua4b6anAskpBpHK2WqdY7wbmkcuIZ0A81zNU2iTTKR8vhCcmfLDXa15i2uc3tXSbIpZ_IjAtN8gJPjuyVO7YTVEqW5BBc1JQ56VcbrZwAZPfES03g/s2048/IMG_9284.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMj-T0_-G98v_dHmPt4E39KGOuMRQRVU7tI3Hp8i9aneyiBlM_yv95sBAf1seFw6brpCVPbYh2Bmua4b6anAskpBpHK2WqdY7wbmkcuIZ0A81zNU2iTTKR8vhCcmfLDXa15i2uc3tXSbIpZ_IjAtN8gJPjuyVO7YTVEqW5BBc1JQ56VcbrZwAZPfES03g/w400-h300/IMG_9284.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mosquitos, oh you dang little bugs. As I understand it, August is typically low-bug month, but the late start to summer and all the standing water created a breeding fest for bloodsuckers. We had an introduction to the buggers at Yosemite and were reasonably prepared with head nets and long sleeves/pants. Still annoying.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A beautiful spot, but way too buggy for our liking, keep moving...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5Lw2Gs0A6nUlftPtJzKnwf30E70Flx7ZRK_3WqFggW8k4w0_bkHsyk5ZneFoFrbVhR99D4tlmQGT9Avsei2pZJNvkill47oJSbzNa-gZrFlys3Qy67L7fg5XxsSKUqQmjSFVcDQnhMJxl2ZG__WZLJdrxMNzdUKr18Oty-5aLUihtwlT_CvgwaW8aUM/s2048/IMG_9291.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5Lw2Gs0A6nUlftPtJzKnwf30E70Flx7ZRK_3WqFggW8k4w0_bkHsyk5ZneFoFrbVhR99D4tlmQGT9Avsei2pZJNvkill47oJSbzNa-gZrFlys3Qy67L7fg5XxsSKUqQmjSFVcDQnhMJxl2ZG__WZLJdrxMNzdUKr18Oty-5aLUihtwlT_CvgwaW8aUM/w400-h300/IMG_9291.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Working our way up toward "granite park" and a glimpse of the white stuff that had not yet melted out:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCysDKU2tu_wDsnpw8YpJPRnNYPtE5AGUsV2DovmdlkkQK-5_Fs6c17QZCidthnsaaHn_r5yB56Dj4ElQ9RMn1nM9rcei23XDisGQdy3gZ2E8PcsVc17wQeBpRLpM5snPchhaQq4OPph4_iU8Azp1pIsplpnDJd1T-SLbJTJ-SELe-q4kkaxg-JxfZ88/s2048/IMG_9296.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCysDKU2tu_wDsnpw8YpJPRnNYPtE5AGUsV2DovmdlkkQK-5_Fs6c17QZCidthnsaaHn_r5yB56Dj4ElQ9RMn1nM9rcei23XDisGQdy3gZ2E8PcsVc17wQeBpRLpM5snPchhaQq4OPph4_iU8Azp1pIsplpnDJd1T-SLbJTJ-SELe-q4kkaxg-JxfZ88/w400-h300/IMG_9296.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">How ya doin', John?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqA_JVG5X_4koYpPFPOb2qtRmpgDo-QJ6aRkYENLnkEmGfeomnJCGKPB9Nr6Lp4IW6ds4UyhXeMQwEgWhPiL0Cg6rj70C8bNbpv1DerI8eJ6bRqvbpRid1ye5DbmjiwU0lqvTq5yTX6-cCinKL2TwZc9AZFwdThsFt3WKf53CvitlgRq5YiBjPcoNJio/s2048/IMG_9297.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqA_JVG5X_4koYpPFPOb2qtRmpgDo-QJ6aRkYENLnkEmGfeomnJCGKPB9Nr6Lp4IW6ds4UyhXeMQwEgWhPiL0Cg6rj70C8bNbpv1DerI8eJ6bRqvbpRid1ye5DbmjiwU0lqvTq5yTX6-cCinKL2TwZc9AZFwdThsFt3WKf53CvitlgRq5YiBjPcoNJio/w400-h300/IMG_9297.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So pretty! We climbed as high as we could for the afternoon, now looking for a reasonable camping spot:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8nadfsauHdk7Xa7B8xMnApFjhmW-p6bxNW8x6gqn-h8Q5Dnc9ZUa2leKsdyg-EbfDEhZAdmEBRlOZckcOA0Xd18mIg-XXMtgN5wS3SJ0jxHIE-MLDLQU9rGxGDJKwDWLarCd4rzP1h7nr9H3ycuUDYkS9naDXBlFVBLLM6h74SCeJudnyRpra2OBzI0/s2048/IMG_9298.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8nadfsauHdk7Xa7B8xMnApFjhmW-p6bxNW8x6gqn-h8Q5Dnc9ZUa2leKsdyg-EbfDEhZAdmEBRlOZckcOA0Xd18mIg-XXMtgN5wS3SJ0jxHIE-MLDLQU9rGxGDJKwDWLarCd4rzP1h7nr9H3ycuUDYkS9naDXBlFVBLLM6h74SCeJudnyRpra2OBzI0/w400-h300/IMG_9298.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's flat, wide, near the creek, open to the breeze (helps blow the skeeters away, sometimes), and unoccupied. We'll take it! We considered ourselves super lucky with this find:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEoGHj2ELDiMBuLlA49AoykoJBtEyPXKoSZF1c_GLPi8qJXdf2_9ayJ_NJ0iG2CueUDaORS_eIts9qnL6Cs7AJee8SH8pj4XWne70IyOFvFM8bmGueT3WvhPgFVdTuEc3JX1VtKb94uCJYuqNHpyDg0JIIrm80_4PO2R52B6ulSpVaFPchZCpdTGqjc4/s2048/IMG_9300.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEoGHj2ELDiMBuLlA49AoykoJBtEyPXKoSZF1c_GLPi8qJXdf2_9ayJ_NJ0iG2CueUDaORS_eIts9qnL6Cs7AJee8SH8pj4XWne70IyOFvFM8bmGueT3WvhPgFVdTuEc3JX1VtKb94uCJYuqNHpyDg0JIIrm80_4PO2R52B6ulSpVaFPchZCpdTGqjc4/w400-h300/IMG_9300.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">First night supper, where we start eating food so we all have less to lug around:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMe3szNXEi3-8cLPuie30AFrujbc8_mlzXeUJM1rurZZH3sJrNXNYsvvoKbsjNWb5v4iJbFBZRAgejvG8sedWs9iiPuF4X7LGkhgvUjb802a8e5ZZXnuNyqJ67eTPelCdsGLq1ITfaDx7QVWpQoNqnesAynzk_DMS1pD-BT7LULLVxvM7QpyzVlE9fR0U/s2048/IMG_9303.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMe3szNXEi3-8cLPuie30AFrujbc8_mlzXeUJM1rurZZH3sJrNXNYsvvoKbsjNWb5v4iJbFBZRAgejvG8sedWs9iiPuF4X7LGkhgvUjb802a8e5ZZXnuNyqJ67eTPelCdsGLq1ITfaDx7QVWpQoNqnesAynzk_DMS1pD-BT7LULLVxvM7QpyzVlE9fR0U/w400-h300/IMG_9303.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Day 1:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Climb above the mine</div><div>Ten challenges - accepted (little did we know!)</div><div>Mosquitos! At bay</div><div><br /></div><div>(I don't even remember most of the "10 challenges" we counted that day, probably a few little creek crossings, a bit of a snowfield to traverse, and one big climb)</div><div><br /></div><div>John snapped a photo of our lovely campsite the next morning:</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQCDT0e-d5Yfn-AR-EC-OB3lKOBwoT3yvS_NEKVby8u01tyeX7xjrGBQbBe8ks-IyQFqBZ4xBK5nVm4D5ZusN2w57rDM25OLC6dEUnp5kGfWFMCuP5bYzjEtRAyRQHAn5rcjzDyX9TxE2R9Jv0h6TOgShiXZW9dAieOzK4gzZWEg1TV9gJptSy7xTM04/s3264/IMG_9303a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQCDT0e-d5Yfn-AR-EC-OB3lKOBwoT3yvS_NEKVby8u01tyeX7xjrGBQbBe8ks-IyQFqBZ4xBK5nVm4D5ZusN2w57rDM25OLC6dEUnp5kGfWFMCuP5bYzjEtRAyRQHAn5rcjzDyX9TxE2R9Jv0h6TOgShiXZW9dAieOzK4gzZWEg1TV9gJptSy7xTM04/w400-h300/IMG_9303a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Starting up the trail toward Italy Pass:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TYdjniGFOt5iUjSUiZrRlT1nHt2LLZ9b5uno5Zb7dYREb-fBB2LzwqStiIOaqkwFJlbCk2hT9xgSSiplG187Zdfv5u3pizVKr8rvssseC4aN0EeTPz1y-SiR-T7nNs3330t6KA6JI60e-Pvx3-6MwLgoQtfXiUraZMZd-qZdPmUgd4as7jE5ukCfkcc/s2048/IMG_9306.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TYdjniGFOt5iUjSUiZrRlT1nHt2LLZ9b5uno5Zb7dYREb-fBB2LzwqStiIOaqkwFJlbCk2hT9xgSSiplG187Zdfv5u3pizVKr8rvssseC4aN0EeTPz1y-SiR-T7nNs3330t6KA6JI60e-Pvx3-6MwLgoQtfXiUraZMZd-qZdPmUgd4as7jE5ukCfkcc/w400-h300/IMG_9306.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had been wondering how difficult it might be to get over the pass, between the snow and the fact that the trail isn't highly traveled. That turned out to be one of the easier things we did that day. No problem.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mJBSDVUOM6BUvNfE8vTeaOoQeJhU4C1GtNsiQEzxkJt5UvmYtPlwYA1ZTSytCplnbtzQF3fp3p3ZXv7hV7xqGv2qZGVsC_QxKC8gzKFMCQ8a76dEt5snFCm5VX5I1uu5YcwItR8uj2ig8bJgg1kzNyoULShUhMKM9gtiftY38UQ_QNQTRgRw1z71GEc/s2048/IMG_9310.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mJBSDVUOM6BUvNfE8vTeaOoQeJhU4C1GtNsiQEzxkJt5UvmYtPlwYA1ZTSytCplnbtzQF3fp3p3ZXv7hV7xqGv2qZGVsC_QxKC8gzKFMCQ8a76dEt5snFCm5VX5I1uu5YcwItR8uj2ig8bJgg1kzNyoULShUhMKM9gtiftY38UQ_QNQTRgRw1z71GEc/w400-h300/IMG_9310.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Into the backcountry, yay!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cg-VIIjv1PXSWnKCQIqeq8AX4WpaZ4Fy2N9MXtW-3GCrqFf9hyphenhyphen_DCFOafBDVWRPme_wL1kQP4bCsa_Vl0aC_OMfJMp7XzthTGe9mcK9kYBAwmuE0Vlr60k1DDppYdwz04KXVs0MywDOfirKBalmDd-WXKu_hYIsEA-beZ7wWNSK-Q8CTv1wfs5Th1F0/s2048/IMG_9316.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cg-VIIjv1PXSWnKCQIqeq8AX4WpaZ4Fy2N9MXtW-3GCrqFf9hyphenhyphen_DCFOafBDVWRPme_wL1kQP4bCsa_Vl0aC_OMfJMp7XzthTGe9mcK9kYBAwmuE0Vlr60k1DDppYdwz04KXVs0MywDOfirKBalmDd-WXKu_hYIsEA-beZ7wWNSK-Q8CTv1wfs5Th1F0/w400-h300/IMG_9316.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was an easy walk downhill, on and off patches of snow, until we reached a snow-covered traverse. John took the direct route, Cathy went up and around, and Robyn tried to traverse but ended up on her butt for a gentle downhill glissade. I paused to watch all of this, and eventually John came back for me. He kicked some better steps into the snow and I followed him across. Well that was interesting!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Back onto the rock fields that we're more familiar with. And admiring the large amount of snow/ice still remaining on the little lake:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmUPh2gf5tYnD4-3atb43dXYNxTELhgO_w1115YGHu-rtquJxLzMN2uYHDjZxb0_2DI0NUCSYQVaRKcWtEO6rKn0qAVkWjnDMTz9saVo6c8LzKcy_ajvtEjDlZY9urmg0qm7qYH2IlJSSG56tlhn4F0ePOl1Dd1rcheE2Ctc3MK0tyhMsc0fSywBfRZM/s2048/IMG_9317.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmUPh2gf5tYnD4-3atb43dXYNxTELhgO_w1115YGHu-rtquJxLzMN2uYHDjZxb0_2DI0NUCSYQVaRKcWtEO6rKn0qAVkWjnDMTz9saVo6c8LzKcy_ajvtEjDlZY9urmg0qm7qYH2IlJSSG56tlhn4F0ePOl1Dd1rcheE2Ctc3MK0tyhMsc0fSywBfRZM/w400-h300/IMG_9317.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We came around the corner to find Lake Italy spread out in front of us. It's long and narrow, in the shape of Italy, not surprisingly. The directions from Roper and Skurka said to go west along the south edge of the lake to join the SHR route on the other side of the outlet. We hopped boulders and walked across snow, thinking we were making progress.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And then... we found an obstacle that looked like quite a challenge. A large snowfield, steep enough that I wasn't too comfortable, with a drop-off at the bottom right above the lake. We debated until I finally decided "oh hell no". John heard that, and since we've done quite a few "interesting" adventures together, he knew it was time to try something else. I only wish one of us had taken a picture from up close.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We backed up, attempted to climb up and around, ran into another section of steep snow, and stopped to weigh our options.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Travel around the south/east edge of the lake was supposed to be way more difficult (probably when snowfields weren't part of the equation). Our map had a couple X's marked over there, like "this is not the way". It didn't look bad from a distance, which of course doesn't guarantee anything.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We decided to give it a shot. What we found was a bunch of loose rocks, such that most everything we touched would move a little. The actual climb/traverse was fine - no cliffs or exposure, no nav challenges. And the snowfields were helpful in this case. Every snowfield we crossed meant not having to deal with the moveable rocks. We just needed to be mindful of foot and hand placements when we weren't on the snow.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've heard people say "snow can make things easier", and in my experience, more often snow adds to the challenge. In this case though, I agree!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It took some time and we knew we weren't going to reach our original objective over the next col. We could see a perfectly decent alternative at the eastern edge of the lake (way better than anywhere else we trod that afternoon). Happily we had plenty of daylight to reach it, and it didn't take long to call it "good enough!" - home sweet home.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cathy took a beautiful picture at sunset. The snowfield with the drop-off at the edge of the lake is visible on the far side:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SaFEs7rNxDyrSPTAJJ7w_Xtb2brgetmLlK_KsCpYSmVOQKyY8assTkWlhiqS_PRjnUw6qC7pGW2vO8l_mmVKN0lbUzKmcnBA5DsMsZi3i0veXGwGqJMMauRwLisLOI1D7bcVIJOKsVxIGbguwNKgJQGJlgS4SMao93lD3gi37haBL3b8YWHAVblFT98/s2048/IMG_9320a%20368835662_10230928426819214_2905388602328485900_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SaFEs7rNxDyrSPTAJJ7w_Xtb2brgetmLlK_KsCpYSmVOQKyY8assTkWlhiqS_PRjnUw6qC7pGW2vO8l_mmVKN0lbUzKmcnBA5DsMsZi3i0veXGwGqJMMauRwLisLOI1D7bcVIJOKsVxIGbguwNKgJQGJlgS4SMao93lD3gi37haBL3b8YWHAVblFT98/w400-h300/IMG_9320a%20368835662_10230928426819214_2905388602328485900_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Day 2:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>The pass was easy</div><div>Too much snow around the lake!</div><div>"X" path - sorta goes?</div><div><br /></div><div>Up early the next morning, expecting a longer day to make up ground, and the beginning of a trend of "upside-down tent" to try to dry it out a bit before packing up:</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlpNgUWf2q7hA7cotoeN0sHVjon8hWybiykWcNI9Q-NaSokj1uzLj1w7z7-fkSUVGbIyB8MxHAfG-p-QC5WvFk7BVT3YNNt0D6YEyi9D1x46Ft_OO-VbRJvrKh1cqAwSR5v3b91H3k99pWGayAbP-BukR_l9HVICFK85YQhdlC8z2JLQt0OTCVe_1tH0/s3264/IMG_9320b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlpNgUWf2q7hA7cotoeN0sHVjon8hWybiykWcNI9Q-NaSokj1uzLj1w7z7-fkSUVGbIyB8MxHAfG-p-QC5WvFk7BVT3YNNt0D6YEyi9D1x46Ft_OO-VbRJvrKh1cqAwSR5v3b91H3k99pWGayAbP-BukR_l9HVICFK85YQhdlC8z2JLQt0OTCVe_1tH0/w400-h300/IMG_9320b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Robyn demonstrating sunscreen application, because we won't be in this mountain shadow for long:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTTXPsOS2OeRQLm6V4ADt8yyaI9zxGahlvfidK0zUs90RbCCBbv5XO1dTBpHzmP9t_cZgxUsPd8h3G2BoGkmt7BvdU1Gm4gT-acBrsywVAd7s0pvKlNXI3qeOVDlmE5Wt1kveDLbY6-w7jMUjUDIDFxNnRPo2qMgKxEnm7NPYDcDi-_wRITZkPl1_Dz0/s2048/IMG_9323.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTTXPsOS2OeRQLm6V4ADt8yyaI9zxGahlvfidK0zUs90RbCCBbv5XO1dTBpHzmP9t_cZgxUsPd8h3G2BoGkmt7BvdU1Gm4gT-acBrsywVAd7s0pvKlNXI3qeOVDlmE5Wt1kveDLbY6-w7jMUjUDIDFxNnRPo2qMgKxEnm7NPYDcDi-_wRITZkPl1_Dz0/w400-h300/IMG_9323.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yep, we have sunshine! Perusing the landscape toward the next pass, which turned out to be a simple climb:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKho5RZQWBr1Os8gRyjPSw7Zge6A-h0RlRQaXLQQQL1nppXVSzMXEpW3seBxSd6aszBhHY88sGz4GUmLcOgpkSJmDw2vPBsKo7UplZ1v3Y-sJPjz3kB0yrXQUogmpp2AvyBxN_mj2FwhxAt1TKNpAbbuAtGKlIJ3N_apJytM33-A7zbebm_gNYEGtqE4/s2048/IMG_9323a%20368806293_10230928422139097_439419967049333257_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKho5RZQWBr1Os8gRyjPSw7Zge6A-h0RlRQaXLQQQL1nppXVSzMXEpW3seBxSd6aszBhHY88sGz4GUmLcOgpkSJmDw2vPBsKo7UplZ1v3Y-sJPjz3kB0yrXQUogmpp2AvyBxN_mj2FwhxAt1TKNpAbbuAtGKlIJ3N_apJytM33-A7zbebm_gNYEGtqE4/w400-h300/IMG_9323a%20368806293_10230928422139097_439419967049333257_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The other side was another story. We can confirm that yes, north-facing slopes tend to keep the snow the longest (should not be a surprise to anyone). We picked our way down, thankful we had not attempted this late in the day before:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJ7nPbM-BTvcdOULud9DMCEmlWrPvmV8lS-cDSTpg7UyAtuy24OGePgCpZjMTgibD3e8Q_U4Kq4GbIlbd52p8ykCDrb98hqK-kfW_VIfygkPFS652VZMISqqPA889WSCYOCSgT96Yy9iqIBo83BqwzfJk4jCrPnZf47Bx-S6hf9soRfd14x3iAc0r1Lc/s2048/IMG_9331.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJ7nPbM-BTvcdOULud9DMCEmlWrPvmV8lS-cDSTpg7UyAtuy24OGePgCpZjMTgibD3e8Q_U4Kq4GbIlbd52p8ykCDrb98hqK-kfW_VIfygkPFS652VZMISqqPA889WSCYOCSgT96Yy9iqIBo83BqwzfJk4jCrPnZf47Bx-S6hf9soRfd14x3iAc0r1Lc/w400-h300/IMG_9331.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Getting lower, still walking on snow. Hard to say if the snow made this part harder or easier, maybe we'll return someday to see what's underneath:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBold664E7kAj0XDbD9DtFxWkBymJnI25iE1kt1KQRoPZmsAm2WTpL0jk1nL8vAy4Tn7g8vXWz7dgUWyQL-dGaAf7eUELl0X2rwMZwyh7BuPHY9XY9GqMB56viuNvqQn95d6mZy_-SYW6h_JQCG65dmlqGiRBvEDUuFMgLTd2OOoe3f17KYNMmW3Jl-Rk/s2048/IMG_9340.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBold664E7kAj0XDbD9DtFxWkBymJnI25iE1kt1KQRoPZmsAm2WTpL0jk1nL8vAy4Tn7g8vXWz7dgUWyQL-dGaAf7eUELl0X2rwMZwyh7BuPHY9XY9GqMB56viuNvqQn95d6mZy_-SYW6h_JQCG65dmlqGiRBvEDUuFMgLTd2OOoe3f17KYNMmW3Jl-Rk/w400-h300/IMG_9340.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Clearly it's a beautiful place! Here we are working our way through Roper's detailed description of where to go next, near Upper Mills Creek Lake. For every piece of the SHR we do, we are getting more confident in the route and our ability to follow it. Big fans so far.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWOis48I9whW3QOMTlXwWn7GvPQrS3Rq0f3IdrGapaPN6D86eT1Zb0aPJ2LJsIVPf52_rFtnc1mTJwhtMifPVYBqmLr11PgYseace9oo-9PXiwj5Y8xU-x77d3xXM5nwR1kStJBRlD6x4LvRA99BFrkwRtD5SIBBIVduAgLOxJK3rahyphenhyphenV1PlhQP_6-jM/s2048/IMG_9340a%20368692491_10230928432339352_929160783093544249_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWOis48I9whW3QOMTlXwWn7GvPQrS3Rq0f3IdrGapaPN6D86eT1Zb0aPJ2LJsIVPf52_rFtnc1mTJwhtMifPVYBqmLr11PgYseace9oo-9PXiwj5Y8xU-x77d3xXM5nwR1kStJBRlD6x4LvRA99BFrkwRtD5SIBBIVduAgLOxJK3rahyphenhyphenV1PlhQP_6-jM/w400-h300/IMG_9340a%20368692491_10230928432339352_929160783093544249_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The next descent was also covered in snow, and while we were trying to figure out the best way, I finally said to myself "screw it". I sat down, used my trekking poles as a brake, and slid down on my butt. Way faster and easier than walking, and more fun!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Robyn followed right behind, then Cathy got some help and encouragement from John to slide down in one of our butt tracks. Yay!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcSLBd4pOQojdJsvgwERG9PHE4JplAaCKJSu1ZV39YXeH_Fs8sDmV8RjI9p5eR0h4LUJzgqZYJBZozjRDmjW_FubMScjuvcP1rmmnOwqEOb20BDoT_GysjD-JOzF33h3bd0OScm3bZewRaX3s9Wknnd0lScIgf9FRd0VN52_ZhFzIqJaus174fkBDDMo/s2048/IMG_9343.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcSLBd4pOQojdJsvgwERG9PHE4JplAaCKJSu1ZV39YXeH_Fs8sDmV8RjI9p5eR0h4LUJzgqZYJBZozjRDmjW_FubMScjuvcP1rmmnOwqEOb20BDoT_GysjD-JOzF33h3bd0OScm3bZewRaX3s9Wknnd0lScIgf9FRd0VN52_ZhFzIqJaus174fkBDDMo/w400-h300/IMG_9343.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now we're getting somewhere. We dropped down several more fields of snow and glissaded every chance we got. Awesome!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lovely lake, working our way to the far end where we sat to eat lunch (and wait for John to hike back to the last snowfield to pick up the bottle that came out of his pack pocket):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKYZE7yogVJHDmkFE5nqGIp_fmPHWoaF9ntwNNNZl9QY6LV-Wm2H1nya48hAWcnh4xKw8Lj_iaTxQjtbKSru1oYlkoDw4PDBWwH_zrbL9Tw9dZKXFdPe-uX6lK4v1KMnvT5kbr7kPZZvbgtouOG9xDc0wOo5URV41A3qrVZbwstNLxW1FwxdhILjhyj0/s2048/IMG_9344a%20369215985_10230928421419079_1727891841326551581_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKYZE7yogVJHDmkFE5nqGIp_fmPHWoaF9ntwNNNZl9QY6LV-Wm2H1nya48hAWcnh4xKw8Lj_iaTxQjtbKSru1oYlkoDw4PDBWwH_zrbL9Tw9dZKXFdPe-uX6lK4v1KMnvT5kbr7kPZZvbgtouOG9xDc0wOo5URV41A3qrVZbwstNLxW1FwxdhILjhyj0/w400-h300/IMG_9344a%20369215985_10230928421419079_1727891841326551581_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Enjoying the views of lakes and granite all around:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_H_rlwgfJ2of3KGQb5AIM6UwBp2yWG6abfGrPurvO4bj2dpNijoxzEI7usOoIO7N_813W_wT_q6zDWFKQTfulmvO475ZnCpoxvISVs9SH0Kk6SJyT46GTBF1sum0JCgCbL-aQno4avy2PX_r8QDqE_FfVm6AAuVd5qoVmjGTTFVBLzZLXZ6Xf5-nv2q0/s2048/IMG_9350.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_H_rlwgfJ2of3KGQb5AIM6UwBp2yWG6abfGrPurvO4bj2dpNijoxzEI7usOoIO7N_813W_wT_q6zDWFKQTfulmvO475ZnCpoxvISVs9SH0Kk6SJyT46GTBF1sum0JCgCbL-aQno4avy2PX_r8QDqE_FfVm6AAuVd5qoVmjGTTFVBLzZLXZ6Xf5-nv2q0/w400-h300/IMG_9350.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh, and flowers! A sign that we were losing elevation and gaining vegetation:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuFZvp4vijtnovrdCLpIxHP5QDXb9j3qVg71YXiPXUDIc-egB096DzDlAPvYDWbSBVWSxHKa5hMBm_tQEKoWtMffXvdlkze0BUEJMdJqygwKGcweg5TdyCDDwsItXW3zqnZKGKB67LPJFK_3l75_3xTWYe8PUp4B3COtlA6pU1SGPXEIX4rrPqBeeKX8/s2048/IMG_9352.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuFZvp4vijtnovrdCLpIxHP5QDXb9j3qVg71YXiPXUDIc-egB096DzDlAPvYDWbSBVWSxHKa5hMBm_tQEKoWtMffXvdlkze0BUEJMdJqygwKGcweg5TdyCDDwsItXW3zqnZKGKB67LPJFK_3l75_3xTWYe8PUp4B3COtlA6pU1SGPXEIX4rrPqBeeKX8/w400-h300/IMG_9352.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The big drop down into the Second Recess gave us a bit of hassle. We didn't find the "light use trail" marked on our map until we were ~halfway down, so instead we bushwhacked through the underbrush for a while. At one point we were trying to drop down something steep, and someone asked which way I was thinking of going. To which I replied, "I'm going to go over there and get myself stuck in that tree", which I did. I'm sure it got me out of a challenging downclimb, but it took me a few minutes to extricate myself from the tree.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the bright side, we had fantastic looks at the torrent of falling water and huge gray slabs:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVMKhfnn5gkUV3jVMPDdbQOcFJtEwyt3DaVvMBHyrEJMHm9irivLaJXQ_z-nx0nzbteZJzJS3byhIvIq9KY8RwrDmV89u6C9jEXrCE79CK-0Ohb-G45vQVDPKZQHYOtPiqtn6HcXXqTgcpkkcDeCSep0qrgP_NOgWwE_mj3tPpClICUiIRYe9nsgJr84/s2048/IMG_9359.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVMKhfnn5gkUV3jVMPDdbQOcFJtEwyt3DaVvMBHyrEJMHm9irivLaJXQ_z-nx0nzbteZJzJS3byhIvIq9KY8RwrDmV89u6C9jEXrCE79CK-0Ohb-G45vQVDPKZQHYOtPiqtn6HcXXqTgcpkkcDeCSep0qrgP_NOgWwE_mj3tPpClICUiIRYe9nsgJr84/w400-h300/IMG_9359.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Finally down in the recess and on a real trail. And apparently it had switched from sunshine to rain since the previous picture - very much an on-again, off-again sunny/rainy day:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvH7CSAHobzOUPpxlXa2Cg6UE_hhAHdpRJ4dNdm3l2ASsWigzN6ILgrpcsBwe5Sp15BC0siFvFMzMWkmshnLYHAHxnYtGYYOD8d8-Nt6TwtyDntNtVUXZFxA1TbiXNV6FjcnVinwLH9eOEW1mfSl8sMS3g7fefwag90BjvDyRGvypP6OOgd67EqhbpiE/s2048/IMG_9363.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvH7CSAHobzOUPpxlXa2Cg6UE_hhAHdpRJ4dNdm3l2ASsWigzN6ILgrpcsBwe5Sp15BC0siFvFMzMWkmshnLYHAHxnYtGYYOD8d8-Nt6TwtyDntNtVUXZFxA1TbiXNV6FjcnVinwLH9eOEW1mfSl8sMS3g7fefwag90BjvDyRGvypP6OOgd67EqhbpiE/w400-h300/IMG_9363.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was an easy walk down to Mono Creek, while we wondered what we would find there. My intel said we could cross the creek on downed logs. We were sure hoping that was the case vs. needing to ford a river of snowmelt.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Initially we didn't see anything to help us across, then John spotted a little trail going to the left that led to a big tree that had fallen perfectly to form a bridge. OK, not a perfect bridge, at least for some of us. John walked all of our packs to the other side - thank you John!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We took turns straddling the log and slowly inching our way along it. The "shimmy method," as it were. Not something we have a lot of experience with, but better than any other option. John was still sawing nubs to make things easier as Robyn followed us across - thank you John!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMDhrwNT1NtM1cybbdw4z_8T-zEE6Eb0Jerm01RHmPXwXP5t2KGmuueCb6ZNLdaa_u-2EGRmk-48o0I12zg9DHoaYlFnzk8qMnBbsxWilPLZZm5LJAuWYZM2ck0hvzRo_uRUsCdnb_BWGWNLyKEYJ_itgUjgyDAUy57ApEdfxOLvvSPTwqHKJGDQKx-0/s2048/IMG_9366.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMDhrwNT1NtM1cybbdw4z_8T-zEE6Eb0Jerm01RHmPXwXP5t2KGmuueCb6ZNLdaa_u-2EGRmk-48o0I12zg9DHoaYlFnzk8qMnBbsxWilPLZZm5LJAuWYZM2ck0hvzRo_uRUsCdnb_BWGWNLyKEYJ_itgUjgyDAUy57ApEdfxOLvvSPTwqHKJGDQKx-0/w400-h300/IMG_9366.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now that we had that behind us, it was time to focus on the next challenge - where to camp? The mosquitos were back in full force. Not a surprise, just not something we wanted to deal with all evening and next morning. It was getting toward the end of the day and then it started raining again. Yuck.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We decided to try the next big climb - 1000+ feet straight up the other side of the drainage. At least it was on a trail and hopefully it would get us out of mosquito hell. Everyone was game, we took it slowly and steadily, and we topped out with daylight remaining. Then we found another "good enough" campsite, still plagued by skeeters but at least not as badly. Phew, another day of challenges, another good set of problem solving. Time for bed.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Day 3:</div><div>Glissading is fun!</div><div>Shimmy across Mono Creek!</div><div>We climbed up the Wall!</div><div><br /></div></div></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-44907745823942247002023-10-27T15:17:00.002-07:002023-10-27T15:17:53.313-07:00More Yosemite!<div style="text-align: left;">We love Yosemite and will take any chance to go, even though it's usually not on the way to anywhere. We have to purposefully decide to be there, and once there, appreciate the opportunity.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Previously we booked campsites in the valley. This is of course convenient to all the valley trails and resources. However, without electric hookups (plus needing to go east over Tioga Pass on the way out), that would be an interesting challenge for towing Howie with the Rivian. We opted to camp at Hodgdon Meadows and explore from there.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And Robyn was back in our lives for the trail work fun (and more!), yay! It's always a summer highlight to play in the mountains with her.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaKXUBgwgHv2F3GULwEqqlgG2aRKD-FAzbny4uQKg6tQ_fdwlDHgHm3t6HyBeCVluYTLzy3KxXtE24AcqjUnff5YnGTT5Zg7z-vhCbKQovYc_sfuV6b6fuxp6140xIiCSqWKx5l3c9osw2Xo3sRN-wAwvxpLObw6FRO-8yztTnzRK86BQ3gZFkqFEaaw/s2048/1%20IMG_9089.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaKXUBgwgHv2F3GULwEqqlgG2aRKD-FAzbny4uQKg6tQ_fdwlDHgHm3t6HyBeCVluYTLzy3KxXtE24AcqjUnff5YnGTT5Zg7z-vhCbKQovYc_sfuV6b6fuxp6140xIiCSqWKx5l3c9osw2Xo3sRN-wAwvxpLObw6FRO-8yztTnzRK86BQ3gZFkqFEaaw/w400-h300/1%20IMG_9089.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>John and Robyn had a sightseeing day available before their trail work week started. None of us had been to Hetch Hetchy yet and we were all excited to do a little hike around the shoreline. The dam, although perhaps not the best of ideas in the first place, is quite impressive:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRr10fNc1gDgApGrUvS3BpwczkkR3erPN6Lgix3n27pteaF6EWHZ7Dzyv7_ACI4ka-W1HMyioEnr2yxhjuKxz_bmj4anHoCJpSTrnpOECtfSjMqRS2B5eEM2V6YxiDMjOsHv4-Jm4dz4JsqkrDsAtUTOR2NnK5ZzMkQhqOdBSDZQ3o0RUFEheaK7mbnhM/s2048/IMG_9067.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRr10fNc1gDgApGrUvS3BpwczkkR3erPN6Lgix3n27pteaF6EWHZ7Dzyv7_ACI4ka-W1HMyioEnr2yxhjuKxz_bmj4anHoCJpSTrnpOECtfSjMqRS2B5eEM2V6YxiDMjOsHv4-Jm4dz4JsqkrDsAtUTOR2NnK5ZzMkQhqOdBSDZQ3o0RUFEheaK7mbnhM/w400-h300/IMG_9067.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hello raven!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLW5bgwsguRuHf25XUkDyGYWWzZZB4ogvdmFqSjd0nAsRlOx9a9FTbdRS35vA11EsUOLgRm4JPQ0mOP3mnxOA4qMAtr7sgA2MDmo2TP8AOxSnS7ogVWXbdNR4APml0jzm8VXIc42iFxKJRSxi4XmNWvBLBJdDPKvQtnu_jILHgAhKOb6kXUQSRqGPAxD4/s1405/IMG_9072.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1327" data-original-width="1405" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLW5bgwsguRuHf25XUkDyGYWWzZZB4ogvdmFqSjd0nAsRlOx9a9FTbdRS35vA11EsUOLgRm4JPQ0mOP3mnxOA4qMAtr7sgA2MDmo2TP8AOxSnS7ogVWXbdNR4APml0jzm8VXIc42iFxKJRSxi4XmNWvBLBJdDPKvQtnu_jILHgAhKOb6kXUQSRqGPAxD4/w400-h378/IMG_9072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The giant drop down the other side of the dam and water gushing out of a hole:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio69uSQnYOQQBjqNtFofM4g_asYHQCphZCn2_4lojQW7GXURYuQD9uZlnbxLhdsTYzleS8tw5Nqued68xRFk9lY9psShmlBirEs0cH9BvFO9tH_DqIE4P1hzU2770UBxVcE7iMJgeePUueQT5r0CXPyoOjXZLZzY50B4gR09Cx-u9Ft4K7EcLX-9bLEN0/s2048/IMG_9073.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio69uSQnYOQQBjqNtFofM4g_asYHQCphZCn2_4lojQW7GXURYuQD9uZlnbxLhdsTYzleS8tw5Nqued68xRFk9lY9psShmlBirEs0cH9BvFO9tH_DqIE4P1hzU2770UBxVcE7iMJgeePUueQT5r0CXPyoOjXZLZzY50B4gR09Cx-u9Ft4K7EcLX-9bLEN0/w400-h300/IMG_9073.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A tunnel, how fun!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbB8wft2U-f85pbSToE_K-RdUEzXLJNQh0sR4ObfM9fJj9Acf4ZO3WKhnk99sIbqfpfdvz-3Y8RijBQWz34vAk4DAoZewVZAdG6L_83VgX_4MAykSykuurScSIEOKLO5z-VLx2mTrbINNLUz8hc3QpQFDvHrmsVs2x7tcGVYaTYtt6v-aMEB5QB5ks3JY/s2048/IMG_9076.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbB8wft2U-f85pbSToE_K-RdUEzXLJNQh0sR4ObfM9fJj9Acf4ZO3WKhnk99sIbqfpfdvz-3Y8RijBQWz34vAk4DAoZewVZAdG6L_83VgX_4MAykSykuurScSIEOKLO5z-VLx2mTrbINNLUz8hc3QpQFDvHrmsVs2x7tcGVYaTYtt6v-aMEB5QB5ks3JY/w400-h300/IMG_9076.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It was such a lovely day and I am again reminded that we were so lucky for good air quality in California this summer (not to be taken for granted!):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5ejKEc-lnXyzUAQwKMWLx6NwBzFCOxx7BzUhtQAxK2wlPKVDfFT53hoMTrs3OUNUhf-Ejyb5U5mJRly0wN6xf_G9Jh78Csv0PMkyhmtvihi3GXx90rA5D0EYyetCBgMfxoIP6g_6q44spNl53qOiRFion2unYb4mZi4l2tx_Ju8gh36QU9ffx4pfCCo/s2048/IMG_9078.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5ejKEc-lnXyzUAQwKMWLx6NwBzFCOxx7BzUhtQAxK2wlPKVDfFT53hoMTrs3OUNUhf-Ejyb5U5mJRly0wN6xf_G9Jh78Csv0PMkyhmtvihi3GXx90rA5D0EYyetCBgMfxoIP6g_6q44spNl53qOiRFion2unYb4mZi4l2tx_Ju8gh36QU9ffx4pfCCo/w400-h300/IMG_9078.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Beautiful views and granite rocks in all directions:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3u51lIaCJbj-M_CmtJhJ76cb2iMpWVtao-t76SutEI94qDl-DJHte2_sg8LAHKpGua1akCoEHWA5Pka-V35FkygjS-QQbBFzUZlRCjjtR3qHzyXzrb23GvYimOKne__OxRjRZFwm4CGA3JM6RcFtgnixPqnRQLvKpgy-9dHGrRnIYRgdHiirLwYxwMI/s2048/IMG_9084.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3u51lIaCJbj-M_CmtJhJ76cb2iMpWVtao-t76SutEI94qDl-DJHte2_sg8LAHKpGua1akCoEHWA5Pka-V35FkygjS-QQbBFzUZlRCjjtR3qHzyXzrb23GvYimOKne__OxRjRZFwm4CGA3JM6RcFtgnixPqnRQLvKpgy-9dHGrRnIYRgdHiirLwYxwMI/w400-h300/IMG_9084.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And waterfalls! There was still a ton of water falling out of the mountains - hmm, maybe from snow melt? Robyn taking a picture of a flower in front of the falls:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hyphenhyphenLW_7UMBtTuBMHcMNjiPZWVaZEzSvLxy9ykw8Z8MtFDothTp6RrG5cUk_ihnlUaRhoeo3BKCrFOLPwS7KqceCjoWXcoVrml5juFQJRTOalg42mjd2sMfV9OH9R0YFlf1QZZ1UP7axkarA_YsKxwQE8SfAIK53tUlRzvnGbaU5S1coar1Avcha261WQ/s2048/IMG_9085.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hyphenhyphenLW_7UMBtTuBMHcMNjiPZWVaZEzSvLxy9ykw8Z8MtFDothTp6RrG5cUk_ihnlUaRhoeo3BKCrFOLPwS7KqceCjoWXcoVrml5juFQJRTOalg42mjd2sMfV9OH9R0YFlf1QZZ1UP7axkarA_YsKxwQE8SfAIK53tUlRzvnGbaU5S1coar1Avcha261WQ/w300-h400/IMG_9085.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>For the next few days I had Howie and Tug-E to myself (although Robyn and John and trail work friends occasionally popped up to surprise me and say Hi!).</div><div><br /></div><div>I drove over to Yosemite Valley a couple times to run on trails, connect to cell service, and shop at the little market. Yosemite Falls was quite magnificent, so glad to get to see it:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoEDWfC83li2OOSs7oq5d0xTEPuWkp8B4Ol2l_zfW3lrb4w6zp190-YjVIAPPhayBSkKGIfNZ_Rn1GQhhJVUlrK0NGbwB0HbopeQ0dV-zOKz7x7_jLnm4YiA-qjrQufBz-wcX0sHvW0EY6HeyCppMDkSobpxKPxHd3HkhpNYU3pM6B4f5GaZgNZtGiiA/s2048/IMG_9101.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoEDWfC83li2OOSs7oq5d0xTEPuWkp8B4Ol2l_zfW3lrb4w6zp190-YjVIAPPhayBSkKGIfNZ_Rn1GQhhJVUlrK0NGbwB0HbopeQ0dV-zOKz7x7_jLnm4YiA-qjrQufBz-wcX0sHvW0EY6HeyCppMDkSobpxKPxHd3HkhpNYU3pM6B4f5GaZgNZtGiiA/w400-h300/IMG_9101.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Just moseying along a trail near the main road, looking ahead at what appears to be a dog. Maybe a couple dogs. Oh wait! That's a bear -- and 2 cubs -- full stop:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NH5ZqxTSkACfj5oKo_B6OTdRa8RU22uLa98pN29JMlYIfSq1TbUiVLSaG93OI-PCXlIFChk5PMk6UhgLg7HPAwcMDibWHhEKm_HSG_eeXSiqo9gVlKFDJDhdDp484x7_h0M6r9GZNUf7OIucjJWtOZL8KbnAmlqA5PgP7sdDjTmCIngCg9cEd84Ltjs/s2048/IMG_9103.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NH5ZqxTSkACfj5oKo_B6OTdRa8RU22uLa98pN29JMlYIfSq1TbUiVLSaG93OI-PCXlIFChk5PMk6UhgLg7HPAwcMDibWHhEKm_HSG_eeXSiqo9gVlKFDJDhdDp484x7_h0M6r9GZNUf7OIucjJWtOZL8KbnAmlqA5PgP7sdDjTmCIngCg9cEd84Ltjs/w400-h300/IMG_9103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>They were moving slowly away from me, so I felt OK taking the time to try to get a better picture. This one is highly zoomed and cropped, and not great quality, but wow that's an adorable cub that kept standing on its hind legs to look around:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdScfx2YwJ76_b9RdJPDcjmRK59lHNUXTnYz9kCiMm_X6DVnh2KdaOHhBVsMFThRF334tAvpA32xlQ5UGGmdkLMZOR2l4VX5TNsLdQoLyMcEwREQjs5SzDCAfluPmWoEmgVEM-M6h8WM50IVrGQ1RveEnZ8xtbnF4fAmXqM2CZ4OyMf0WAhsLssZVQA6A/s1287/IMG_9105.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1287" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdScfx2YwJ76_b9RdJPDcjmRK59lHNUXTnYz9kCiMm_X6DVnh2KdaOHhBVsMFThRF334tAvpA32xlQ5UGGmdkLMZOR2l4VX5TNsLdQoLyMcEwREQjs5SzDCAfluPmWoEmgVEM-M6h8WM50IVrGQ1RveEnZ8xtbnF4fAmXqM2CZ4OyMf0WAhsLssZVQA6A/w400-h299/IMG_9105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally I went through the brush to the road to make a wide bear berth. We've had the best kind of bear encounters this summer - from far away and non-scary.</div><div><br /></div><div>A look at Bridalview Falls as I continued my run around the valley:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tDNR2sraIlYPAArZttKdDJ5fHyCBFj_iMSlafDHLRjFrALKeWb23ehjA2sC6lF6G0TJJxGbXfaeo1zT4lrFZcPqMMWBwUMLcfJADKN49J6qIq5YQxGRG0a6S5PiNahVylBJAZIgomkYcYNSTZuEW4KssaDsK3BB1VQm4gk417MvqYldKpBw-pH2kjVQ/s2048/IMG_9116.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tDNR2sraIlYPAArZttKdDJ5fHyCBFj_iMSlafDHLRjFrALKeWb23ehjA2sC6lF6G0TJJxGbXfaeo1zT4lrFZcPqMMWBwUMLcfJADKN49J6qIq5YQxGRG0a6S5PiNahVylBJAZIgomkYcYNSTZuEW4KssaDsK3BB1VQm4gk417MvqYldKpBw-pH2kjVQ/w400-h300/IMG_9116.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The ever-iconic El Capitan, always grand and stunning:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKl2e9isGfsM1N83q6zM3BIXFikKvO2T9t7okWzjimCjzf9DStJ7kadKriLOSRrefwbUl1uAFB_9MQOGZnu0w63muNdu_58Gp37cu3pmzx4Z4KqlDqtD6q_qojAAKICiQCnYHOwyvltUFDxZmZ_zHBr44vslmd3d-5MkoDN-HHx0cs37eZtUHO1CPacA/s2048/IMG_9118.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKl2e9isGfsM1N83q6zM3BIXFikKvO2T9t7okWzjimCjzf9DStJ7kadKriLOSRrefwbUl1uAFB_9MQOGZnu0w63muNdu_58Gp37cu3pmzx4Z4KqlDqtD6q_qojAAKICiQCnYHOwyvltUFDxZmZ_zHBr44vslmd3d-5MkoDN-HHx0cs37eZtUHO1CPacA/w400-h300/IMG_9118.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Whenever I have a chance, I poke around on the FKT site to see if there are any routes available for wherever we're going. Yosemite has a bunch of interesting ones, some too technically difficult for me and some with times I'm never going to beat.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was pleasantly surprised to find one called "rim to rim to rim", or in the case of the variant more likely to be popular, "river to river to river". I.e. start in the valley, climb to one side, come down and repeat on the other side. Great idea! And without a woman's time (at the time). Two ladies have done it since, and I can see this one growing competitive because it's an excellent concept.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tug-E (our Rivian) gets to participate in another FKT, yay! I used it as a resupply spot in between the two climbs:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZDdyCb8i0GPze7t-IliTrjG3RG-VCId39CwWXaYTVYnyOVulnowT7Z8ZjzHO3sVNTLdPjS2tRMZzTUheVhYiTxfvCAcXBjGwt7KaX2IIZosgxEjjrCk_ZtgMAwVPEr_graG54BXdZh2_xIMyLy5Ppx0xQZgdJNmTDgSX1K7X4Y_KnyVocOtW4J857pk/s2048/IMG_9124.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZDdyCb8i0GPze7t-IliTrjG3RG-VCId39CwWXaYTVYnyOVulnowT7Z8ZjzHO3sVNTLdPjS2tRMZzTUheVhYiTxfvCAcXBjGwt7KaX2IIZosgxEjjrCk_ZtgMAwVPEr_graG54BXdZh2_xIMyLy5Ppx0xQZgdJNmTDgSX1K7X4Y_KnyVocOtW4J857pk/w400-h300/IMG_9124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Ready to cross the Merced River and head to the north side:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0sAELBYdeL6PtZ3vKvqM5V-zzABGfMINEiHkQQrtOoOh9CyZ-3rnQ_tllU3ePCDtyGXvAFf9hJPlUGoD1wwT0Hd3OgWOgb0oVSbKKtIfDgawot240fp8SLV8nmRsXSX77hoPt01fdMESA1Rk0DPnVL_pZh2Yyit-0fKEWVcL_1Fzms5oWBwg-YzpB3Q/s2048/IMG_9130.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0sAELBYdeL6PtZ3vKvqM5V-zzABGfMINEiHkQQrtOoOh9CyZ-3rnQ_tllU3ePCDtyGXvAFf9hJPlUGoD1wwT0Hd3OgWOgb0oVSbKKtIfDgawot240fp8SLV8nmRsXSX77hoPt01fdMESA1Rk0DPnVL_pZh2Yyit-0fKEWVcL_1Fzms5oWBwg-YzpB3Q/w400-h300/IMG_9130.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Rocks on the Yosemite Falls trail, easy for climbing but they made the descent rather slow (for me). Also an easy choice for which side to do first while I was fresh.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9cVEYMidOXIgtSVEF9dzS6-lAAx5ChSqfLXvjxwqVCNCk4dpksSIWsHsE56F6B42ej-M_rrHs_X7SvJbJoX5AqyhfoRsRlm69Zu4p1vxU3IcXhOprvdzEJacuKnrI4JqRBR4TNhtMwz6229TtiXa1IuEJ8BhzeCZFGE14kuco9bJIvcqjx8LkYgFqHg/s2048/IMG_9138.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9cVEYMidOXIgtSVEF9dzS6-lAAx5ChSqfLXvjxwqVCNCk4dpksSIWsHsE56F6B42ej-M_rrHs_X7SvJbJoX5AqyhfoRsRlm69Zu4p1vxU3IcXhOprvdzEJacuKnrI4JqRBR4TNhtMwz6229TtiXa1IuEJ8BhzeCZFGE14kuco9bJIvcqjx8LkYgFqHg/w400-h300/IMG_9138.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoying the view and the thunderous noise and the flying water droplets of the Upper Falls:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecK3s9tFj57TOC25RkelcL4pLCEdFmnZkVdJ5Dlx7VtzX_oqfjFV6hBjjwztcUl5g01xVBrkqSSNMn_sRUKJOqQxoEQBhbTLusWHvXNh2JdkNwgkoyEsdtjwUiX1rVWZ1DFkVUQ8iMH0cEMKLVHal6vBYF6_EdYHPG00YaegyrwAhB1N3fe9XCqUXA1U/s2048/IMG_9144.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecK3s9tFj57TOC25RkelcL4pLCEdFmnZkVdJ5Dlx7VtzX_oqfjFV6hBjjwztcUl5g01xVBrkqSSNMn_sRUKJOqQxoEQBhbTLusWHvXNh2JdkNwgkoyEsdtjwUiX1rVWZ1DFkVUQ8iMH0cEMKLVHal6vBYF6_EdYHPG00YaegyrwAhB1N3fe9XCqUXA1U/w400-h300/IMG_9144.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It's a calm stream above the falls, and I sometimes wonder if the water molecules have any clue what's about to happen to them:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdAYlAko4171PbLSL2v5ObUhQG5XduEsOEKg2e1IvHHezoyNWMR24ns8Ii0ebyvqDBDSgFKik2Zrgz26jYf0dD6aKxPZsBsLiK8rnZvDwodK6kQv2JQEbrpD4qItwSPUzR-7LGPLULyhlrhHm4QcYHWz07XpnSQxkcMJsG_zFK8k1GXEMsCUEVzh50sU/s2048/IMG_9154.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdAYlAko4171PbLSL2v5ObUhQG5XduEsOEKg2e1IvHHezoyNWMR24ns8Ii0ebyvqDBDSgFKik2Zrgz26jYf0dD6aKxPZsBsLiK8rnZvDwodK6kQv2JQEbrpD4qItwSPUzR-7LGPLULyhlrhHm4QcYHWz07XpnSQxkcMJsG_zFK8k1GXEMsCUEVzh50sU/w400-h300/IMG_9154.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Self explanatory:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxwxfclTm7iIBBXQjkxpkbXvUL_ShFdYDvuiBf3zlEDjx2BF_-GAE7nAEf1YIeGIQkmNDUznqUMaVw8rbR6LQhZgbXcGcgytqBfeQqvKuB-sdwPiKoHUD4bB_xHuTgvC06FK1yB-As9vXSCMiwKDF8RyVanI8GOhvyzfvwdjJWw2edlSFMmY1nIg3f8w/s2048/IMG_9155.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxwxfclTm7iIBBXQjkxpkbXvUL_ShFdYDvuiBf3zlEDjx2BF_-GAE7nAEf1YIeGIQkmNDUznqUMaVw8rbR6LQhZgbXcGcgytqBfeQqvKuB-sdwPiKoHUD4bB_xHuTgvC06FK1yB-As9vXSCMiwKDF8RyVanI8GOhvyzfvwdjJWw2edlSFMmY1nIg3f8w/w400-h300/IMG_9155.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I saw a group of tents on the flat granite near the overlook, and hmm, that would be an amazing place to stay overnight!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmNWeSDYRrpa-JQYPkrdggp9tp5c-zvmKelHu6SBM6IjgO5lCWlFaBUHEkb4ulCi8oDyL6xoKnhESdjARgWgrCq2Dto0_RhMhaBuoQKFV0eF9cMM_B7B97Q9WorITt9BZ6pp5BHmuBw6bvKR6-JZ_obpNAImv9FiKRsc3XPRMncrhjZofgbj3QILmOQc/s2048/IMG_9158.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmNWeSDYRrpa-JQYPkrdggp9tp5c-zvmKelHu6SBM6IjgO5lCWlFaBUHEkb4ulCi8oDyL6xoKnhESdjARgWgrCq2Dto0_RhMhaBuoQKFV0eF9cMM_B7B97Q9WorITt9BZ6pp5BHmuBw6bvKR6-JZ_obpNAImv9FiKRsc3XPRMncrhjZofgbj3QILmOQc/w400-h300/IMG_9158.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Lovely view from the north side:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBwBNfJPuA23hHAyaCA5TBTQ1YHWLItYqyYu1EuQnd2AjUgYFbKWb-0KUIYAKP0b4DpGEbN0Tj90DxEgNVJydkn1WJD_xVmqrM9807TfbNnTzUhrTwVmVHO8JuvTaLDH3f7-Oh5mvVyu60Bctta9kvn3xfS6lAsF7RXY7aTzHMdwMoYGmLCCLawLyoOw/s2048/IMG_9163.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBwBNfJPuA23hHAyaCA5TBTQ1YHWLItYqyYu1EuQnd2AjUgYFbKWb-0KUIYAKP0b4DpGEbN0Tj90DxEgNVJydkn1WJD_xVmqrM9807TfbNnTzUhrTwVmVHO8JuvTaLDH3f7-Oh5mvVyu60Bctta9kvn3xfS6lAsF7RXY7aTzHMdwMoYGmLCCLawLyoOw/w400-h300/IMG_9163.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Back down, resupply complete, now starting up toward the south rim. With another wonderful look at Lower and Upper Falls:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTw6H3UOAKDXZpclqJuTwo_d0L5-67rv-uR0y7G4g4CNFikYPiLju5m8tuc2UXWXpzMsvc1vG0IXR-CIdhoiIYAAUlfIduiH2LGkKnizXUAfcbbniT7g76c4X8vK2uzeqhlg_xgABDXX3DVhJRz3iGSr3o4WrYKl28CqH9zPviQoGWXptVBmyel8i1Js4/s2048/IMG_9178.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTw6H3UOAKDXZpclqJuTwo_d0L5-67rv-uR0y7G4g4CNFikYPiLju5m8tuc2UXWXpzMsvc1vG0IXR-CIdhoiIYAAUlfIduiH2LGkKnizXUAfcbbniT7g76c4X8vK2uzeqhlg_xgABDXX3DVhJRz3iGSr3o4WrYKl28CqH9zPviQoGWXptVBmyel8i1Js4/w400-h300/IMG_9178.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The 4-Mile trail is much easier, with a wide, clear path and a good grade for speed-walking uphill. And stairs even:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmH2P4HXwNM0KiUwOmu0iwRun-64OjO5nicVn7uRVFMcoeSVLz3blo2KQrPIUKXB0_oUUmYG4kxaJrDNy0Ytmky_Txh5z1qiwVaXb8HkPIaxNLW36h5PvLcYnUoWSfOCdFbaPnCKRlBomQzaRFJnEPhMrAthIQf9tRdGW-fR6-4tbsYzjQEGU1i9T3Xo/s2048/IMG_9179.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmH2P4HXwNM0KiUwOmu0iwRun-64OjO5nicVn7uRVFMcoeSVLz3blo2KQrPIUKXB0_oUUmYG4kxaJrDNy0Ytmky_Txh5z1qiwVaXb8HkPIaxNLW36h5PvLcYnUoWSfOCdFbaPnCKRlBomQzaRFJnEPhMrAthIQf9tRdGW-fR6-4tbsYzjQEGU1i9T3Xo/w400-h300/IMG_9179.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It was a short (not required) detour to Glacier Point, and since I wasn't pressed for time I made a point (literally?) to take it. So stunning. Such a view on a clear day!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFP5_00r5OUHlQITrn4ZuL1P2QVbLKPrCocCJjQB1A51ju277z6dQJWvcki59bYN72-5CbZcCnQNWktXy7xQ-0yyPF4UL4EqD8CvcrtmQl8aTwqLJx2IlWb2faRWSyXkfEWfE7oH7SlT9vt4Vresodlos7u-RRlMLzwnunQkKzm1ZOIccbnHYTrol2DCA/s2048/IMG_9191.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFP5_00r5OUHlQITrn4ZuL1P2QVbLKPrCocCJjQB1A51ju277z6dQJWvcki59bYN72-5CbZcCnQNWktXy7xQ-0yyPF4UL4EqD8CvcrtmQl8aTwqLJx2IlWb2faRWSyXkfEWfE7oH7SlT9vt4Vresodlos7u-RRlMLzwnunQkKzm1ZOIccbnHYTrol2DCA/w400-h300/IMG_9191.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The run down was super fun, and I'm thrilled to have gotten a Yosemite FKT (didn't know that would ever happen).</div><div><br /></div><div><div>A few other pictures on the FKT website:</div><div><div><a href="https://fastestknowntime.com/fkt/marcy-beard-yosemite-r2r2r-ca-2023-08-09">https://fastestknowntime.com/fkt/marcy-beard-yosemite-r2r2r-ca-2023-08-09</a></div><div><br /></div><div>One of several Rivian-provided level 2 (and free to all EV's) chargers in the valley, much appreciated!</div></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMRygWorIYLrnRNwd7ssirOKaakVuSh6I5qKBrdTnR1qy-VHRNtV0WZ7iJZW4BgstqatMAzRe6Lb2QI4WhoNq5-Au_BnEUB_9paei2ryqm0DyRm996DLmuanY22R8xH906HY6SE7VT6yEIsQKea9YeUXZoJy2UcuP8ZVfrnKWsvxr8lARKF7COUf8HOc/s2048/IMG_9211.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMRygWorIYLrnRNwd7ssirOKaakVuSh6I5qKBrdTnR1qy-VHRNtV0WZ7iJZW4BgstqatMAzRe6Lb2QI4WhoNq5-Au_BnEUB_9paei2ryqm0DyRm996DLmuanY22R8xH906HY6SE7VT6yEIsQKea9YeUXZoJy2UcuP8ZVfrnKWsvxr8lARKF7COUf8HOc/w400-h300/IMG_9211.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On another day, I went on a run around the Tuolumne Meadows area. There are a gazillion trails in this park and it was lovely to have time to see a couple more. Starting the morning near Tenaya Lake:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQ1cfteLzS3dCtsY8CRniFY6y5F1K_0VI5kSskMX-vqk09ItfsiwWGiCMmqcmQsidPdGnFn-teWqOTn2TIIMK7B985Dgix6gj5gU-PLh8WYR_ZyWsmhlH_pteLEYl-ozZBRJAxeO1Jqh50jEBIlviy6_DxtPAoqyqFlxQAGBgHJ_YmuK1bY-VXmZVjwQ/s2048/IMG_9219.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQ1cfteLzS3dCtsY8CRniFY6y5F1K_0VI5kSskMX-vqk09ItfsiwWGiCMmqcmQsidPdGnFn-teWqOTn2TIIMK7B985Dgix6gj5gU-PLh8WYR_ZyWsmhlH_pteLEYl-ozZBRJAxeO1Jqh50jEBIlviy6_DxtPAoqyqFlxQAGBgHJ_YmuK1bY-VXmZVjwQ/w400-h300/IMG_9219.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Heading up Murphy Creek and gawking at the miles and miles of open granite:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5c_rBfqokDywwTYQnl1d6J5SentF4FAdToSiajvckBnCLwRCx2-kWrNN5IgaG-C5f0dg6jz6kQHOISGHUeQLv5Ue4tChCi0GsJ3eFRswaW5iNEobRZruewZ_O82okVxGfw2eJfZdTMGTqZMUHUbNGdKTlu2gCwrDEAzz2yRFfzCtXYDyGNglHZU9NuU8/s2048/IMG_9223.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5c_rBfqokDywwTYQnl1d6J5SentF4FAdToSiajvckBnCLwRCx2-kWrNN5IgaG-C5f0dg6jz6kQHOISGHUeQLv5Ue4tChCi0GsJ3eFRswaW5iNEobRZruewZ_O82okVxGfw2eJfZdTMGTqZMUHUbNGdKTlu2gCwrDEAzz2yRFfzCtXYDyGNglHZU9NuU8/w400-h300/IMG_9223.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>For a little while the only thing that mattered was the mosquitos, what the heck? I guess a wet winter created a mosquito-friendly summer filled with little swamps and pools of water. Good reminder to start carrying my head net.</div><div><br /></div><div>I continued on to join the PCT for a ways, finding another awesome waterfall near Glen Aulin camp:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhnhqUPH-giWXjbFpZ0bc0vX8SsCxSRPQhcDfvcZA36s67HxYRBe3u6s7fpEduKh0DtqH-yXKwJWt_cnb23mCLGLWo-54GEOqpIDhSM6ABwSAXPkkOAPLgbcXH7py_j0PeKVG9S0Yty8S8w5VYaxrCgqdkP48iVwv0eP2PIN7B-Upp2ODdUqau1z3j7U/s2048/IMG_9227.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhnhqUPH-giWXjbFpZ0bc0vX8SsCxSRPQhcDfvcZA36s67HxYRBe3u6s7fpEduKh0DtqH-yXKwJWt_cnb23mCLGLWo-54GEOqpIDhSM6ABwSAXPkkOAPLgbcXH7py_j0PeKVG9S0Yty8S8w5VYaxrCgqdkP48iVwv0eP2PIN7B-Upp2ODdUqau1z3j7U/w400-h300/IMG_9227.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I was lucky with the lighting on this one!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyw39DwkzwgaSMNcTM4ETglSHgKUHKU8H3KkrgAJN7jDvpG7A2Ix_ld6BYbn5JaDT2ufa7-uCjcq1fWsDpA-KO1kEF0oHnCT2fE1ua7cDIo4SgLN_Qbomm_68E8_ogi2jTfi3c-lbK8P1pT7HDJXBsY54DcNCKJRrjLLrRcV_pRqGVUdXCabYtgZ4Bh0/s2048/IMG_9228.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyw39DwkzwgaSMNcTM4ETglSHgKUHKU8H3KkrgAJN7jDvpG7A2Ix_ld6BYbn5JaDT2ufa7-uCjcq1fWsDpA-KO1kEF0oHnCT2fE1ua7cDIo4SgLN_Qbomm_68E8_ogi2jTfi3c-lbK8P1pT7HDJXBsY54DcNCKJRrjLLrRcV_pRqGVUdXCabYtgZ4Bh0/w400-h300/IMG_9228.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Tuolumne River just keeps falling and falling, one cascade after another along the PCT:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYo-B3oU0WIcXstw50xN_7XvYDVoQ4e3neKflFYxIpm2-lH0mIkLOU_AZKuloLa8LeWFDhQd-vPpVWmJrxdu2wJSLmJnzNzMipKSu9ROOWANknUXrC0nBnpVQI1VoMv3o4JqvVzH8UgL_xzLGKcl8N7Zdd5kmsX21KiXc_kIZ4rSkfhElvYHiFhdMJds/s2048/IMG_9234.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYo-B3oU0WIcXstw50xN_7XvYDVoQ4e3neKflFYxIpm2-lH0mIkLOU_AZKuloLa8LeWFDhQd-vPpVWmJrxdu2wJSLmJnzNzMipKSu9ROOWANknUXrC0nBnpVQI1VoMv3o4JqvVzH8UgL_xzLGKcl8N7Zdd5kmsX21KiXc_kIZ4rSkfhElvYHiFhdMJds/w400-h300/IMG_9234.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I crossed the Meadows and then followed a little-used trail parallel to Tioga Road. Plus a tad bit of bushwhacking to return to the truck. Not all trails are in the same great shape, which shouldn't be surprising based on the amount of snow this year and the number of trails in the park to maintain.</div><div><br /></div><div>One last valley trek, up the Mist trail. This one has way higher usage, of course. And it's way wetter - time to briefly risk the camera for a couple photos:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoTH2BZmIeDm6F5IefFLLRFgVHk53K9V0-xRc62aadWjzYnego4xSkX1IpnR1hIkY4MZ4ZO3zpXpuPKQY6F7hCrR6Voc7GMGnPpQdkAkxJwzwdvdl4QIcR0UkcFeqJoyXd6BfftkJ-L0uA2h-xECm1JMhR9_facKIOcnI4JYG_guEvAYhvXP2DVm9GVA/s2048/IMG_9242.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoTH2BZmIeDm6F5IefFLLRFgVHk53K9V0-xRc62aadWjzYnego4xSkX1IpnR1hIkY4MZ4ZO3zpXpuPKQY6F7hCrR6Voc7GMGnPpQdkAkxJwzwdvdl4QIcR0UkcFeqJoyXd6BfftkJ-L0uA2h-xECm1JMhR9_facKIOcnI4JYG_guEvAYhvXP2DVm9GVA/w400-h300/IMG_9242.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Rainbow!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtd6-_Q5jkWOsjSE6o1msm_1mA5cPumT6oLnBPqAaqgB_1QB2LJeHRdG-f9dmiQAkhdwExYoXQZBWmJL9utzju6vy88z82hZwV7kIBNCzitmOt_FP1kJTuUEszGb2u0Qq9Ot0VCXFWiCscWHlNQFpS5f81EE9t74B6UIC5X_O9oMtFVrCPhPjsk9OwCA/s2048/IMG_9244.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtd6-_Q5jkWOsjSE6o1msm_1mA5cPumT6oLnBPqAaqgB_1QB2LJeHRdG-f9dmiQAkhdwExYoXQZBWmJL9utzju6vy88z82hZwV7kIBNCzitmOt_FP1kJTuUEszGb2u0Qq9Ot0VCXFWiCscWHlNQFpS5f81EE9t74B6UIC5X_O9oMtFVrCPhPjsk9OwCA/w400-h300/IMG_9244.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, Robyn and John were being useful. Clearing trails and invasive species was the goal for the work week. John enjoys a few days of sawing now and then, thank you!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7y32bp1M4oAQ5QU8-hobQvR0n-4TCasy4h7YtVQY6JaKYY-FjZml-pUhgyGUBdw8YxfWAQFInO7VYXmUET6_GmXl0KkFY2zk_xMX8mWYX9ltDbOkG7A2RVWjtBoXemFiWWGPC1iSkGrN8hCHFHksp1D0KH_VsLcIhdOTTHLs1QPTl1OSZ7JLd2YPeao/s1286/YosemiteMtDana_20230807_180a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1286" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7y32bp1M4oAQ5QU8-hobQvR0n-4TCasy4h7YtVQY6JaKYY-FjZml-pUhgyGUBdw8YxfWAQFInO7VYXmUET6_GmXl0KkFY2zk_xMX8mWYX9ltDbOkG7A2RVWjtBoXemFiWWGPC1iSkGrN8hCHFHksp1D0KH_VsLcIhdOTTHLs1QPTl1OSZ7JLd2YPeao/w400-h266/YosemiteMtDana_20230807_180a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>They also got some instructive nature talks and history discussions about the park, that's cool too!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFG1u9-Q8KyoSqkXHAFwbra9utD-tx6YuPay4tviiR83VHBBVgF-Et9g8qA6IQs3E2jAt2WUdLgFCGsLdsVij-fDdJNWU32aJO1qygsW4_mRPR9gg_YBljwYfaSVq6EQ8DPH43NScLgldxI-PTBY_TeWMIvasCHmJzTD2vrllCxMblhPmfbMLYFqzC9tA/s1286/YosemiteMtDana_20230811_381a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1286" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFG1u9-Q8KyoSqkXHAFwbra9utD-tx6YuPay4tviiR83VHBBVgF-Et9g8qA6IQs3E2jAt2WUdLgFCGsLdsVij-fDdJNWU32aJO1qygsW4_mRPR9gg_YBljwYfaSVq6EQ8DPH43NScLgldxI-PTBY_TeWMIvasCHmJzTD2vrllCxMblhPmfbMLYFqzC9tA/w400-h266/YosemiteMtDana_20230811_381a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">With any luck, we'll be back to Yosemite sometime in the future to explore some more!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-3980644157485328942023-10-23T15:38:00.001-07:002023-10-23T15:39:40.752-07:00Post O-fest + Yosemite part 1<div style="text-align: left;">After all the orienteering excitement, we hung around the Truckee area for a few more days to recover and help collect a few checkpoints from the rogaine course. We didn't carry a phone or camera during the rogaine, so it was nice to have the chance to take some pictures at a leisurely pace.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">John waded across the shallow river near our campground and climbed up the west side of the plateau to grab some of the further-out points we hadn't made it to:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSITdbQByTklXGz2yrodNKLZmB8O7RZRxqpotfzc9-2G5RMhmehlntLHR-6nwcTu7hI1TGtvRkU7a3jXono1v6kffmkBqINzaosi0yLECaB8hfF_K4xp6QTpQmCNqKGXnmMoUzB7q_ZfwMCytjoHqT95EJw90SdKgVeblQ95ARY0qRN48moS89tiUtgxo/s3264/1%20IMG_20230801_074745438.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSITdbQByTklXGz2yrodNKLZmB8O7RZRxqpotfzc9-2G5RMhmehlntLHR-6nwcTu7hI1TGtvRkU7a3jXono1v6kffmkBqINzaosi0yLECaB8hfF_K4xp6QTpQmCNqKGXnmMoUzB7q_ZfwMCytjoHqT95EJw90SdKgVeblQ95ARY0qRN48moS89tiUtgxo/w300-h400/1%20IMG_20230801_074745438.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Nice view of the Sierras (also note - still snow in the mountains at the beginning of August):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtQMsQa33TNqyY5ETYvVk2LwoviGbyUoA4_n5MeuGFkDIu1EmaaZ1RO45dvUC8vE51N0XiaXh4HNlZ08kqB-1f0ut1SM2tbiVObbplU2uG5f4sj15f97ljEnuRws0GkLTnYEvUpNaBTi67bdgt_8UCYhhAaanFN_0dD1zPCHrOktq11uWjhY268KnZnQ/s3264/2%20IMG_20230731_133721160.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtQMsQa33TNqyY5ETYvVk2LwoviGbyUoA4_n5MeuGFkDIu1EmaaZ1RO45dvUC8vE51N0XiaXh4HNlZ08kqB-1f0ut1SM2tbiVObbplU2uG5f4sj15f97ljEnuRws0GkLTnYEvUpNaBTi67bdgt_8UCYhhAaanFN_0dD1zPCHrOktq11uWjhY268KnZnQ/w400-h300/2%20IMG_20230731_133721160.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Glad we didn't come across this field of rocks in the dark:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UdBNV0QGmRtDuWZbff-NWjhPtS9jyLSrobu3rMFoqBWHbAOs7PE1OECsVdFBtJk_1Idphsu4vpK00phI9_qvNAb9hj9zkid8PjBsicH0q3l2ipf5tfzwyXz719qd06rh8JVI9eHBec3Tt6_8A_-NNmKzbBYuMGZNnlRKZY4dg-UReAdKl-QWbw8nXRo/s3264/3%20IMG_20230801_080308102_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UdBNV0QGmRtDuWZbff-NWjhPtS9jyLSrobu3rMFoqBWHbAOs7PE1OECsVdFBtJk_1Idphsu4vpK00phI9_qvNAb9hj9zkid8PjBsicH0q3l2ipf5tfzwyXz719qd06rh8JVI9eHBec3Tt6_8A_-NNmKzbBYuMGZNnlRKZY4dg-UReAdKl-QWbw8nXRo/w400-h300/3%20IMG_20230801_080308102_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Another bunch of interesting rock shapes:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtscsvwtqEJOddREct3ziazh-PrPzgLSW_Yo03Dt5MJfEoTAIsYPL6BL3as3p6_ejhpycXZjyvoABDHloc0s3wszKr9QtY_Q7HN3HIoktTgVEs6g3nCXZ07Be53mxxi2DIa2qC0Ou_560qcB9w-M-FeQ_652kE_9zwZ68dnVm1WgyeZtXG7UgYPtMJ6qc/s3264/4%20IMG_20230801_082611103.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtscsvwtqEJOddREct3ziazh-PrPzgLSW_Yo03Dt5MJfEoTAIsYPL6BL3as3p6_ejhpycXZjyvoABDHloc0s3wszKr9QtY_Q7HN3HIoktTgVEs6g3nCXZ07Be53mxxi2DIa2qC0Ou_560qcB9w-M-FeQ_652kE_9zwZ68dnVm1WgyeZtXG7UgYPtMJ6qc/w400-h300/4%20IMG_20230801_082611103.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hey, it's the Western States Trail - although not part of the 100-mile race:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjXWHPI-nMmf5KYdECpbWmUfD6gi2cLhQBY8nEuswSwH0-Tpb-prfEU5uz8VV2bNc1fSL3Gq3CrOeZY4lm4h0_HSQFbVJTw2r8bulVRIA-kWyEiEnwma-P1mhyUj4b6EfISeZ7OZWL5bQja-ekopDOmZrz6iRkny_tWHcX2mGI_dwqLUwztUhvrctb38/s3264/5%20IMG_20230801_091102378_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjXWHPI-nMmf5KYdECpbWmUfD6gi2cLhQBY8nEuswSwH0-Tpb-prfEU5uz8VV2bNc1fSL3Gq3CrOeZY4lm4h0_HSQFbVJTw2r8bulVRIA-kWyEiEnwma-P1mhyUj4b6EfISeZ7OZWL5bQja-ekopDOmZrz6iRkny_tWHcX2mGI_dwqLUwztUhvrctb38/w300-h400/5%20IMG_20230801_091102378_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Looking down at Olympic Valley where the Western States race starts - maybe someday we'll get there...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKslIhvYiOXa3gjW6XP2Q0FxBzkByPwVRfJyR5GoQgln4QdCVCQ8t3bJu2ZobNzCcaFyK0iGXVyo0VmCtcwBFaDMOWtF3vyhZ4QAvAtntUHRRDHe43b0J9ync7cRfyt0JzLkKLgSCHu8jlob8M9vqtIJnTxsef9pFrwUALkThevGR_zgjsHdLdi5K_VYQ/s3264/6%20IMG_20230801_131131875.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKslIhvYiOXa3gjW6XP2Q0FxBzkByPwVRfJyR5GoQgln4QdCVCQ8t3bJu2ZobNzCcaFyK0iGXVyo0VmCtcwBFaDMOWtF3vyhZ4QAvAtntUHRRDHe43b0J9ync7cRfyt0JzLkKLgSCHu8jlob8M9vqtIJnTxsef9pFrwUALkThevGR_zgjsHdLdi5K_VYQ/w400-h300/6%20IMG_20230801_131131875.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Back on the road again! We took a wandering route through the foothills and stopped at an RV park to charge up the truck overnight. It happened to be right next to "Frogtown" where the jumping frog contest of Calaveras County is staged. Funny the things we find when we pause at random places around the country:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMYSIoyNOyFLMBrERt4F7nMh0612YuD8O1NhY862AXMQ1m5auqNbquewLt0ZLSFYQzql9cxttpy8hMlwsbUFjfK6db_liYmyJUjlVkIEWCT8LariZSZ5roMsBqhdG90hgJ1p2aokdTfHR-Xppz86yT1xjhsae2diGmxUM7JeFS3n-klFzt5Jqrgkwp-w/s2565/7%20IMG_20230803_170725934.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1916" data-original-width="2565" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMYSIoyNOyFLMBrERt4F7nMh0612YuD8O1NhY862AXMQ1m5auqNbquewLt0ZLSFYQzql9cxttpy8hMlwsbUFjfK6db_liYmyJUjlVkIEWCT8LariZSZ5roMsBqhdG90hgJ1p2aokdTfHR-Xppz86yT1xjhsae2diGmxUM7JeFS3n-klFzt5Jqrgkwp-w/w400-h299/7%20IMG_20230803_170725934.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The park is all-in on the Mark Twain story, complete with a statue of the man (we happened upon Mark Twain references here and there all summer, in Nevada and California):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEq0KIqXm8Rnzzh7GABg2NFOheDHd5nK6uxYvKo2K7CH4xN_owLfh0q0uuI2H-wvv5bQSXd0uFxfNC-E92EyFSDjosvMJgvBiDSXTz89TBpRFwgmuGY0xYvBsAJ99MhsYI4-D5qUsKvqzv_h2yH44YUQizXzUQXb2d3Y6yeEh4AYAbK7TKbH5ktbzp81I/s2753/8%20IMG_20230803_171536077.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2124" data-original-width="2753" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEq0KIqXm8Rnzzh7GABg2NFOheDHd5nK6uxYvKo2K7CH4xN_owLfh0q0uuI2H-wvv5bQSXd0uFxfNC-E92EyFSDjosvMJgvBiDSXTz89TBpRFwgmuGY0xYvBsAJ99MhsYI4-D5qUsKvqzv_h2yH44YUQizXzUQXb2d3Y6yeEh4AYAbK7TKbH5ktbzp81I/w400-h309/8%20IMG_20230803_171536077.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Onward to Yosemite! John got on a trail work crew there for the first time, a nice opportunity since we didn't have enough time in Montana this year for his normal trail work options. We stayed at Hodgdon Campground and did some runs and hikes on the trails nearby. It was a new area for us and a good chance to see things outside Yosemite Valley.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaduZ6DtFxWevzxg0sncnIFaJvywfnX0Velqikxt-k4i5lz7XysFtFqXau6zsCdJteNbLw_Qrp48an2YvYQ_dewoo55lneYx1gEJqgLrFbxkBNXtcPRzcNIdbkUd64O0bF4pejOc7x7abXo4kCiTuwIOvPkdWFjMDPzwMqWABamxgZZeVcYI-htHWI5NY/s2048/IMG_9020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaduZ6DtFxWevzxg0sncnIFaJvywfnX0Velqikxt-k4i5lz7XysFtFqXau6zsCdJteNbLw_Qrp48an2YvYQ_dewoo55lneYx1gEJqgLrFbxkBNXtcPRzcNIdbkUd64O0bF4pejOc7x7abXo4kCiTuwIOvPkdWFjMDPzwMqWABamxgZZeVcYI-htHWI5NY/w400-h300/IMG_9020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Carlon Falls, very pretty:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkek-EKHhQZStyYyvpw4TV7Zzdjd6oLsu4Pnq_wn4uW_JYjvQp7KBnaYJaRRaU5d1l9U0AdBzL5Fj1u3A7-YO-l8fENKwASS3KW4BE230kP6ish-pygKsCN-vWDyy6kppVW-t1UAOnjCv1sL28AcOP-eL8v98Db2YQcsScF6Z8A2NEwq__CRXWXTjZZo/s2048/IMG_9022.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkek-EKHhQZStyYyvpw4TV7Zzdjd6oLsu4Pnq_wn4uW_JYjvQp7KBnaYJaRRaU5d1l9U0AdBzL5Fj1u3A7-YO-l8fENKwASS3KW4BE230kP6ish-pygKsCN-vWDyy6kppVW-t1UAOnjCv1sL28AcOP-eL8v98Db2YQcsScF6Z8A2NEwq__CRXWXTjZZo/w400-h300/IMG_9022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>You know John could NOT resist this:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCrI2Oz6h5VrjJVyWyiv76UOIq35AvfiqRCqQtakz9MaODAOkT5plp-gQoMhyphenhyphentGx0eGdnd9KpnD4FFzBjRPwO29RlHr0zV3KypRB1QOOSxdKqI2FgOXuf-xmRUUtMIiPk88dPC_XQRS-uPP35wf1rb-lQg9NByCp2L8BtouFlf1tZpwLc0rwFODFu5m4/s2048/IMG_9028.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCrI2Oz6h5VrjJVyWyiv76UOIq35AvfiqRCqQtakz9MaODAOkT5plp-gQoMhyphenhyphentGx0eGdnd9KpnD4FFzBjRPwO29RlHr0zV3KypRB1QOOSxdKqI2FgOXuf-xmRUUtMIiPk88dPC_XQRS-uPP35wf1rb-lQg9NByCp2L8BtouFlf1tZpwLc0rwFODFu5m4/w400-h300/IMG_9028.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Admiring the giant sequoia trees:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwycrV67wepqkQNrfrIS5x89kz_Vf2LCMfn13aTDw-0YGBhvpB6SY75B48DELJExgus6CcMluByjWwx2umuwLEJO9VLyyKLsl0JyaWQRzv44QqvUUOvqFS105Y6wXfM2gex3ecoQqzZtDZKCcrISFtEdo4w6XJ0DSHFMPkahpYSbWmLP2SkuvTAAG4bs/s2048/IMG_9030.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwycrV67wepqkQNrfrIS5x89kz_Vf2LCMfn13aTDw-0YGBhvpB6SY75B48DELJExgus6CcMluByjWwx2umuwLEJO9VLyyKLsl0JyaWQRzv44QqvUUOvqFS105Y6wXfM2gex3ecoQqzZtDZKCcrISFtEdo4w6XJ0DSHFMPkahpYSbWmLP2SkuvTAAG4bs/w400-h300/IMG_9030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Shortcut back to the campground:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKDlHChKtj9-3VB6ljGrFtHSESbkRRuEOKDsgf4tnBRx8Xt-I4tu9rLJ6Ujj2JODfJClB0HVftOJECFRdJ4oanxtWJT8cGN4U-_t3SZ0XHa-dWW7S4JRrenOonODZ1-Dq9HqLgT3B-NK7Po8gL5ExfbLs5cdVxoElj2U-bTlDjKSRzjwC_OWBb515zwE/s2048/IMG_9035.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKDlHChKtj9-3VB6ljGrFtHSESbkRRuEOKDsgf4tnBRx8Xt-I4tu9rLJ6Ujj2JODfJClB0HVftOJECFRdJ4oanxtWJT8cGN4U-_t3SZ0XHa-dWW7S4JRrenOonODZ1-Dq9HqLgT3B-NK7Po8gL5ExfbLs5cdVxoElj2U-bTlDjKSRzjwC_OWBb515zwE/w400-h300/IMG_9035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I stayed on the trail and did my own staring up into the sequoias:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWC4bUU8yYKPkICVjuRU0GpDvZuIbiYWCuLDRpwdHxvbwUxClhU0Fzh_QreTRk7VwM5w2Djkj5cCZS2eTwiv_h-fGE8MdBtzgW87y7IntfKe-yA8Bb6ceWxxcnrFctSyn7aUluxxYdxK7qwvohNfNF4G5rAiTkzrXEY6opMisSi-BSMRP-5mPOcL51afo/s2048/IMG_9045.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWC4bUU8yYKPkICVjuRU0GpDvZuIbiYWCuLDRpwdHxvbwUxClhU0Fzh_QreTRk7VwM5w2Djkj5cCZS2eTwiv_h-fGE8MdBtzgW87y7IntfKe-yA8Bb6ceWxxcnrFctSyn7aUluxxYdxK7qwvohNfNF4G5rAiTkzrXEY6opMisSi-BSMRP-5mPOcL51afo/w300-h400/IMG_9045.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><div>The next day I took the trail up to Tuolumne Grove and admired the trees some more:</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfL8xjQstSG4XBUNkvAyimEzMPTtvw3rvZM1YZQo6Ip65IuHxttej1LcxnLusXOCQwQV65z54CTuvLMqnHdpH954IL1xU_cgxt8IXQg-KBf-Vg4P0RDc0T4-1U9QmYlD4ZD_ED7m__t498j12v1HZ063sbisAl2_ZDHERoLTny_ii7Uz4x8jYpfwFMdM/s2048/IMG_9038.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfL8xjQstSG4XBUNkvAyimEzMPTtvw3rvZM1YZQo6Ip65IuHxttej1LcxnLusXOCQwQV65z54CTuvLMqnHdpH954IL1xU_cgxt8IXQg-KBf-Vg4P0RDc0T4-1U9QmYlD4ZD_ED7m__t498j12v1HZ063sbisAl2_ZDHERoLTny_ii7Uz4x8jYpfwFMdM/w300-h400/IMG_9038.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you beautiful trees!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10DbIv2EQaDPkEITCTB0siWntmVKQ_BvS6VnVxgVX2PEIAbPRpaskbfY9AHN0IAQvkXpQOMIrJ5UCIkHfWyUCqWYhBKBJR89yAuQLCgKMCgjkndtarU3lKbZd9vsh0TvQjlJ9FcntYhAOfCNb-EmQqb28XPM1ZtKhVTgliVSmTjJGUAu2sCUCAlzPwT0/s2048/IMG_9046.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10DbIv2EQaDPkEITCTB0siWntmVKQ_BvS6VnVxgVX2PEIAbPRpaskbfY9AHN0IAQvkXpQOMIrJ5UCIkHfWyUCqWYhBKBJR89yAuQLCgKMCgjkndtarU3lKbZd9vsh0TvQjlJ9FcntYhAOfCNb-EmQqb28XPM1ZtKhVTgliVSmTjJGUAu2sCUCAlzPwT0/w400-h300/IMG_9046.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The iconic Tunnel Tree, and thank goodness we don't do this anymore:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggN-cFkjyD3HBHpNMGysyqJ-6_M7Wc0ASJVxV1aOW4JT6jHW-4q9o8JCqE1gae27l0f943XR4UICDGHZmWClEfKmP0z0Q4Gf43bjZ0eO3IOtfjiopyIF_ksrzExgixlOskYU_cF0VAhQ7L1nBJzOJyxGSu2fWzcKAE7-CAod-l6A0HJ5VfrTBnON6e-xM/s2048/IMG_9051.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggN-cFkjyD3HBHpNMGysyqJ-6_M7Wc0ASJVxV1aOW4JT6jHW-4q9o8JCqE1gae27l0f943XR4UICDGHZmWClEfKmP0z0Q4Gf43bjZ0eO3IOtfjiopyIF_ksrzExgixlOskYU_cF0VAhQ7L1nBJzOJyxGSu2fWzcKAE7-CAod-l6A0HJ5VfrTBnON6e-xM/w400-h300/IMG_9051.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hey! Look who just showed up!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn21eFIUKu2UU2C2MujUczbNFTVO0nh1c9y1RELj0ytNptJmjkY8U6lWYKkbpFvaaIzszbcRQvKZHAMfm04XAMOjfafOtSb2scyQORiJtqGzUaxf7wPgxyJnJq3YuKSszzhZ32NWyq_2Ts-Y04aFaZws_JzgsYw9a5g7-frFm-6i0Za7BTcx2SKQwtbxU/s2048/IMG_9058.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn21eFIUKu2UU2C2MujUczbNFTVO0nh1c9y1RELj0ytNptJmjkY8U6lWYKkbpFvaaIzszbcRQvKZHAMfm04XAMOjfafOtSb2scyQORiJtqGzUaxf7wPgxyJnJq3YuKSszzhZ32NWyq_2Ts-Y04aFaZws_JzgsYw9a5g7-frFm-6i0Za7BTcx2SKQwtbxU/w400-h300/IMG_9058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Time for more adventures with Robyn, yay!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-90294672985502498362023-10-20T15:52:00.003-07:002023-10-20T15:54:36.610-07:00World Rogaine Championship<div style="text-align: left;">Yay for rogaines! We've been doing these for quite a few years, sometimes traveling long distances and planning our summers for them. The concept is great - a giant map with a bunch of checkpoints, you decide which ones to aim for, which order, what route, etc. It's accessible to all levels, and with 24 hours to work with, it can be as low or high stress as you make it. Plus it's wonderful for exploring new places.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So when the 2020 World Rogaine Championship got delayed for 3 years, we moved it forward on our calendar and made sure to be there.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Two years ago we <a href="https://marcy-twss.blogspot.com/2021/10/california-orienteering-festival.html" target="_blank">did a similar event</a> based out of Northstar, and we covered quite a bit of ground while mainly walking. This year we thought we might mix in a bit of running here and there, whatever John's legs would allow. I also came in with a goal of seeing new things, so we picked out a couple areas of the map we hadn't been to before to focus on.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>[Most of the photos below are courtesy of Orienteering USA and Ron Birks]</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Looking forward to spending the next 24 hours with my favorite human:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfAFuVz4LkwjIKYUD0zhwbs5Oo80yAeA56SsWXr10llTgCGRCC65lr5GEcz-FbNz3FCHN0lYNKVsU3NNnAPXke09p5zXbFl9HKJU2bN5PU-nfAqKjjT3riw85NL16gRHxYS2ESjZKFXFdBqQa3Ng-rEHL7-VVVXmNk74EUdHrs7F3skY22uvuJbyjvIw/s1371/0%20pre%20363828585_606242051681681_1849658618689520939_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="999" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfAFuVz4LkwjIKYUD0zhwbs5Oo80yAeA56SsWXr10llTgCGRCC65lr5GEcz-FbNz3FCHN0lYNKVsU3NNnAPXke09p5zXbFl9HKJU2bN5PU-nfAqKjjT3riw85NL16gRHxYS2ESjZKFXFdBqQa3Ng-rEHL7-VVVXmNk74EUdHrs7F3skY22uvuJbyjvIw/w291-h400/0%20pre%20363828585_606242051681681_1849658618689520939_n.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Picking up maps on Saturday morning:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHCQV5m8nsVtnZJQ5HDCh9hXSbnw27xA1nrFNwyU1qDbRpTOygxl8As9fTBhFc_jbiK7DL44g7bjguaEC5LTx1fSze-Ma9Gv1lRCGlKj62NfVQ2hXXv9EJXK-2NQkXmFeIxk8Go-zrK5drb30qZuP_BYitUAtXgyuRL7Ea7Cl6WYrKaa7HuiB1SgKhwU/s2048/0%20pre%20IMG_2381_sm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHCQV5m8nsVtnZJQ5HDCh9hXSbnw27xA1nrFNwyU1qDbRpTOygxl8As9fTBhFc_jbiK7DL44g7bjguaEC5LTx1fSze-Ma9Gv1lRCGlKj62NfVQ2hXXv9EJXK-2NQkXmFeIxk8Go-zrK5drb30qZuP_BYitUAtXgyuRL7Ea7Cl6WYrKaa7HuiB1SgKhwU/w400-h300/0%20pre%20IMG_2381_sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Getting into Tug-E to figure out where we might want to go (on the map, not in the truck):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HcpQj0aBqBXloiz4M8U7HzN7gIodcxKKx_R3LEnLleGG3gc3ta8e4MT9jWZnqo8VwPFDxzhR8pAvAzAgp6t-FQaUSWvUcKTNKQ05ZBj6y8mIqMIoiB1cUWSvfyjRSaUaXdp1AvRlfZR_H_BLDJoDu-96C5pzcWCAV3TlRZzd4rVtAM3NIb6B6olYYok/s2541/0a%20pre%20IMG_20230729_090414856.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1749" data-original-width="2541" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HcpQj0aBqBXloiz4M8U7HzN7gIodcxKKx_R3LEnLleGG3gc3ta8e4MT9jWZnqo8VwPFDxzhR8pAvAzAgp6t-FQaUSWvUcKTNKQ05ZBj6y8mIqMIoiB1cUWSvfyjRSaUaXdp1AvRlfZR_H_BLDJoDu-96C5pzcWCAV3TlRZzd4rVtAM3NIb6B6olYYok/w400-h275/0a%20pre%20IMG_20230729_090414856.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Ron stopped by briefly to chat and take our picture, as we got acquainted with the map:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdpSdAlQYq9lbkYiZSYOA6AdETzSRr3sDzuCNxWwQ6gH40Ng8hDWkHfe-4flJOTJG7bQw2GE5cbYQQVFvFPpGRgAFDwSmaOONi2Q5WtfPKXaPX3AQ6J_fL3egbFDz5VU5UXXktSyYCrGS99okgkQPUsUF-rUeN7MwM209l2e0G0-LHhg_0_JChXAZsE8/s2048/1%20pre%20IMG_2395_sm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdpSdAlQYq9lbkYiZSYOA6AdETzSRr3sDzuCNxWwQ6gH40Ng8hDWkHfe-4flJOTJG7bQw2GE5cbYQQVFvFPpGRgAFDwSmaOONi2Q5WtfPKXaPX3AQ6J_fL3egbFDz5VU5UXXktSyYCrGS99okgkQPUsUF-rUeN7MwM209l2e0G0-LHhg_0_JChXAZsE8/w400-h300/1%20pre%20IMG_2395_sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once we had a plan in place, John wandered around and took some pictures of other teams and their maps. He was particularly interested in the number of pins people were using, and their systems for route planning:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKbd53iYcRGIKs3jwMcwuVuNTO7kNLENJwcqlJ0IGMFdh_dnO58541f__deUQM87yI-_6xxMUgm7oB8pmBt72nRxt9KMC1PiXCVZ35eRhYBAIfQZT5IGNqFXNmAByjrgGr-HGBMFxosFN3iey0ZlvsNRQfTry0MXqucdAwdKD5Lb8vmmGRu97bBV02aI/s3264/0%20pre%20IMG_20230729_110727553.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKbd53iYcRGIKs3jwMcwuVuNTO7kNLENJwcqlJ0IGMFdh_dnO58541f__deUQM87yI-_6xxMUgm7oB8pmBt72nRxt9KMC1PiXCVZ35eRhYBAIfQZT5IGNqFXNmAByjrgGr-HGBMFxosFN3iey0ZlvsNRQfTry0MXqucdAwdKD5Lb8vmmGRu97bBV02aI/w400-h300/0%20pre%20IMG_20230729_110727553.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Soon it was time to gather at the skating rink down at the ski village - I love that we got to use the rink for various events during the festival:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8owlc4bFR4uaQug53ikLYy_Qh6A3phq2LSpzO49WKVetiEtxo0hRUWBTrsjaZCdlPyKFXjBBDTlP9ukLWmbGE2IpjZbn1Qsr-2XtFCQc6cRRuegx2hdL-cj68Cs_8oxRO7Zbb0sbB_LXd5azPOJ9oqe3ZP0r2y5y8B2o_5mNbu2C7BS9miPWA1ERfi74/s2048/2%20arena%20IMG_2428_sm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8owlc4bFR4uaQug53ikLYy_Qh6A3phq2LSpzO49WKVetiEtxo0hRUWBTrsjaZCdlPyKFXjBBDTlP9ukLWmbGE2IpjZbn1Qsr-2XtFCQc6cRRuegx2hdL-cj68Cs_8oxRO7Zbb0sbB_LXd5azPOJ9oqe3ZP0r2y5y8B2o_5mNbu2C7BS9miPWA1ERfi74/w400-h300/2%20arena%20IMG_2428_sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Another team showing off the huge map, half as tall as a person:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBkml2nogCWPEkcMJNQt2clYQ7UM2lEpyr-xCF0rrdcdRtfT4SDMNd4wVrfJvHEDF8A7iLf3kEVB2eB47PMbTEgF5x-4x42zEp1U3xNKNcv6RS_0_pm77W8yGxSMbPV2tQjcDs8SJX3J2PJp9oFTbs6ed9eUNoOk2fO-PpqBOo3uIGcZ5EQfjx5mimEE/s1379/3%20arena%20363808280_606241931681693_3598962885092186546_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1379" data-original-width="999" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBkml2nogCWPEkcMJNQt2clYQ7UM2lEpyr-xCF0rrdcdRtfT4SDMNd4wVrfJvHEDF8A7iLf3kEVB2eB47PMbTEgF5x-4x42zEp1U3xNKNcv6RS_0_pm77W8yGxSMbPV2tQjcDs8SJX3J2PJp9oFTbs6ed9eUNoOk2fO-PpqBOo3uIGcZ5EQfjx5mimEE/w290-h400/3%20arena%20363808280_606241931681693_3598962885092186546_n.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Time to go -- OK, scatter!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5iDfRsNqlwrOc-86Xc6kpvjKnBVfWconcVPRJLAfmD9Lrcm7MeZYdA59UrD7Rq9EsuoRCEgDBq7znbd6arekHpH3WMBMX67AEFqNEm9LyOfr61L3FBDnFJ7fUwa2OJNDbq0gaL5skEtZMlQupArc0xl42s5AjzM8WupTmXgDHqfw6mwcJLZFgZRC1xd8/s1177/4%20start%20363418023_606250308347522_8815539974942232749_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1177" data-original-width="993" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5iDfRsNqlwrOc-86Xc6kpvjKnBVfWconcVPRJLAfmD9Lrcm7MeZYdA59UrD7Rq9EsuoRCEgDBq7znbd6arekHpH3WMBMX67AEFqNEm9LyOfr61L3FBDnFJ7fUwa2OJNDbq0gaL5skEtZMlQupArc0xl42s5AjzM8WupTmXgDHqfw6mwcJLZFgZRC1xd8/w338-h400/4%20start%20363418023_606250308347522_8815539974942232749_n.jpg" width="338" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A bunch of teams starting up the ski slope:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BrEXez3RiFtyDI5C91z65V2IKVcjQybPDeEryxN7S6fiCLj8RMuCOvxN8J4BHmuo__Ynyft__0YCBzQLZPX1HWwMnqHVC_GhMfJTneUjF1jkJJvRcOi0WWb58JlKW_0LaFwVHHlX78K2IIEncQLghqTTTvGB5eysv9MvWpl2Od-TwCZUZEgVACmPcUQ/s1377/4%20start%20363791785_606250588347494_2504659770644774772_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1377" data-original-width="991" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BrEXez3RiFtyDI5C91z65V2IKVcjQybPDeEryxN7S6fiCLj8RMuCOvxN8J4BHmuo__Ynyft__0YCBzQLZPX1HWwMnqHVC_GhMfJTneUjF1jkJJvRcOi0WWb58JlKW_0LaFwVHHlX78K2IIEncQLghqTTTvGB5eysv9MvWpl2Od-TwCZUZEgVACmPcUQ/w288-h400/4%20start%20363791785_606250588347494_2504659770644774772_n.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We opted instead for the northeast corner first. It was new to us and it included a large flat field that seemed like would be easier in daylight:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiPVsgBGZTUZmIEpxcXF7BmqSAd4M3o1VXyj7YFWJVDAeKrdJLNaSsstW3DbNCS945e8GCxwmI35UB2d15sx7v5_ANQFYi2ULbpdG6Xos4cqbX_6O0BhxrSE75WEmmZ56GhJRFHIUVZzOHTXPk8oBM73Bl1ryfokuK1uaIcYu3ugrdtpfTX4vA3v30z4/s1607/IMG_9938.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1485" data-original-width="1607" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiPVsgBGZTUZmIEpxcXF7BmqSAd4M3o1VXyj7YFWJVDAeKrdJLNaSsstW3DbNCS945e8GCxwmI35UB2d15sx7v5_ANQFYi2ULbpdG6Xos4cqbX_6O0BhxrSE75WEmmZ56GhJRFHIUVZzOHTXPk8oBM73Bl1ryfokuK1uaIcYu3ugrdtpfTX4vA3v30z4/w400-h370/IMG_9938.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We made a beeline to #21, the checkpoint that was required in order to cross highway 267.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Bones, possibly on the road going in that direction:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjth2glrmt_StnzvkEsW3NJ8YUpUzvzQpT8VeOEHHwAyoPTcavvWsIztxPfNxo4k_ykO4xQRd570wPMse-N59cuWmC13M8mNA5r5C_o0ZdR76ohCj5tL_kiTBGpRqe18LUx7gdWHyQ81HwFWFll3YqCmvyCYTReI8R5f43yXazKBvfmh_YyaUZd5aY1ceU/s1281/a%20early%20364694815_606641258308427_1954810460123192540_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="993" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjth2glrmt_StnzvkEsW3NJ8YUpUzvzQpT8VeOEHHwAyoPTcavvWsIztxPfNxo4k_ykO4xQRd570wPMse-N59cuWmC13M8mNA5r5C_o0ZdR76ohCj5tL_kiTBGpRqe18LUx7gdWHyQ81HwFWFll3YqCmvyCYTReI8R5f43yXazKBvfmh_YyaUZd5aY1ceU/w310-h400/a%20early%20364694815_606641258308427_1954810460123192540_n.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>For our first loop we intended to hit the high points (higher point values and also the tops of the hills, not coincidentally), starting with #97 and moving counterclockwise. We left a couple checkpoints alone that were in the middle of the loop and would have required a lot of extra climbing. From #91 we could see the large boulder field across the way and were glad we had opted out of #61.</div><div><br /></div><div>There was a bit of bushwhacking and scrambling and steep climbing up to #108 but it was worth it. Not just for the 100-pointer, but also an excellent view. The highlight of #103 was John's perfect nav, picking our way across many rocks to walk right up to it - nice!</div><div><br /></div><div>We saw a few other teams in the Lake Ella area, with everyone doing things in whatever order made the most sense to them. We hit another 90-pointer and then did a little downclimb to cross the big dam. Love the variety on this course.</div><div><br /></div><div>After running out and back to #71, we approached our first water stop. Hey, it's Ron! Hi Ron! He was out taking pictures of teams, super cool.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kQ_oy3yxqFhFZqr-EZW8I7kNvCFB-dkBlrxiTjhfPZ0njZ3kyNzl8oxrtcpQOLkOAsRkoIKZXYrrwtiURgYTDR-VZWOCuR54ECUaHCoMjZEdVIO6sSHG7eh93uD1NgStcaISm8Um9q_U2V7WiqRiUecB8YcDxm3Xx90ZnOhLBEYMB94lhhlc-ZhaAfY/s1537/e%20afternoon%20IMG_2441_sm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="1537" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kQ_oy3yxqFhFZqr-EZW8I7kNvCFB-dkBlrxiTjhfPZ0njZ3kyNzl8oxrtcpQOLkOAsRkoIKZXYrrwtiURgYTDR-VZWOCuR54ECUaHCoMjZEdVIO6sSHG7eh93uD1NgStcaISm8Um9q_U2V7WiqRiUecB8YcDxm3Xx90ZnOhLBEYMB94lhhlc-ZhaAfY/w400-h320/e%20afternoon%20IMG_2441_sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We rarely carry a phone or camera on these things (it's a lot of hours for pointless extra weight), so it's nice when someone else captures a photo of us "in action". In this case, each of us scanning the electronic punch machine at the same time:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrb0EzJZ7mKAv4stxgQzLOpVtuTnX3oL-rKCuvVJIpcKsocpHpvzIep2oWLNbhbYoTY_pKu0-Nbse5lrXKXEFQ1qPo1QSR3g3-5E1QmD4WZn9g0nIvHuA6BVyPUL1aQK0Se4XtiHVHqWSIC5r4l1F_9CR-uJiOz1srxzYehuWOUXqtrVnjtAL5wGwTzjI/s2048/e%20afternoon%20IMG_2446_sm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrb0EzJZ7mKAv4stxgQzLOpVtuTnX3oL-rKCuvVJIpcKsocpHpvzIep2oWLNbhbYoTY_pKu0-Nbse5lrXKXEFQ1qPo1QSR3g3-5E1QmD4WZn9g0nIvHuA6BVyPUL1aQK0Se4XtiHVHqWSIC5r4l1F_9CR-uJiOz1srxzYehuWOUXqtrVnjtAL5wGwTzjI/w400-h300/e%20afternoon%20IMG_2446_sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We filled up our water bladders and headed south across the big field for a couple 30-pointers. Originally we were going to start back to the hash house (the start/finish) from there, but it looked like we had enough daylight to grab a couple more on the way. So we climbed up to #51 and 47 before finding #32. OK, now it's time to finish this loop.</div><div><br /></div><div>We took trails back to cross the highway and punch #21 again. Another team also coming back across toward the resort:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSmfGDPapJIRlN6YDRJqo3keKmyak8arXMEGZXcnogTHoW6i3Ya3tNULytsYpqf3cNHT5AWGqnRpDlI5h3rKlZKGtTu8AmQYNPfJFejguSqTREBMnb2sSJwcvOUQqOY_pNchj43ygeDUs_glG1PQsUboD1VfQqdWXfn3g8wrQGdLg-iJi9LcGm7ffDtE/s1000/n%20evening%20364264328_606640721641814_6348198028070181930_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSmfGDPapJIRlN6YDRJqo3keKmyak8arXMEGZXcnogTHoW6i3Ya3tNULytsYpqf3cNHT5AWGqnRpDlI5h3rKlZKGtTu8AmQYNPfJFejguSqTREBMnb2sSJwcvOUQqOY_pNchj43ygeDUs_glG1PQsUboD1VfQqdWXfn3g8wrQGdLg-iJi9LcGm7ffDtE/w400-h266/n%20evening%20364264328_606640721641814_6348198028070181930_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Still with available daylight, we jumped up the little hill for #27 and then traversed over to #30. I struggled a bit in here, I think because my eyes aren't great in low light (dusk but not yet dark enough for flashlights) and I thrashed a bit in the vegetation. I've got an ongoing leg cramp issue that popped up in here, thankfully that's the only time I recall it being a problem over the 24 hours.</div><div><br /></div><div>Friends and family were watching us online, and Danny sent a few screenshots later. The purple circles are the checkpoints and the orange markers are various teams. The only hiccup was that the software marked any team that came into the hash house as "finished" even though many went back out on the course, messing up the real-time ranking and scoring (but not the official results). I assume that will get corrected in the future.</div><div><br /></div><div>Must have been a fun event to track and try to figure out!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOIIycH8Dw_fybU_ypS3UVHj8AVhZADtLyAZhmB0U_ZINVczqt9ASnrBF113wYGfC1QiUHeP_1wpz-_-PGokeIYokaGuhJ9e6mtGLojdEF84sC9EfyPZ4_EO0y5ezS8zRoPg5u9gOkOqUNxSULx4BszSa1V6jOmxNcQ_PyrlwfwtPDyMBrcrSvklsZrc/s1945/m%20mid%20Screenshot_20230730_090258_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1945" data-original-width="1075" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOIIycH8Dw_fybU_ypS3UVHj8AVhZADtLyAZhmB0U_ZINVczqt9ASnrBF113wYGfC1QiUHeP_1wpz-_-PGokeIYokaGuhJ9e6mtGLojdEF84sC9EfyPZ4_EO0y5ezS8zRoPg5u9gOkOqUNxSULx4BszSa1V6jOmxNcQ_PyrlwfwtPDyMBrcrSvklsZrc/w221-h400/m%20mid%20Screenshot_20230730_090258_Chrome.jpg" width="221" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>A bit of street nav, one more checkpoint, and we were back at the hash house for some grub. It was dark when we got there, but this is what it looked like a couple hours earlier:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdOHxO04SKJvgvM6LXh1Axklt3nRHPDLWbxba5SFwn2oDX9h6Ep0i4OzLcI4HdgXd-iJeGPm0ccwnhL46qOL_fSbiYaHKccgwjRRXrNSZIt48n5biDLkZqQ6p3rwWhXeOUqPSPzkHhCceA-f4IYaHW5xzOxP__67rj5BsG4TKjjSQMIMFr4urZugl7iM/s1000/m%20mid%20364103167_606949748277578_5741876635088954498_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdOHxO04SKJvgvM6LXh1Axklt3nRHPDLWbxba5SFwn2oDX9h6Ep0i4OzLcI4HdgXd-iJeGPm0ccwnhL46qOL_fSbiYaHKccgwjRRXrNSZIt48n5biDLkZqQ6p3rwWhXeOUqPSPzkHhCceA-f4IYaHW5xzOxP__67rj5BsG4TKjjSQMIMFr4urZugl7iM/w400-h266/m%20mid%20364103167_606949748277578_5741876635088954498_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It's always pleasant to get some real food (and be able to digest it - not usually the case for me in an ultrarunning event). We tried to keep an eye on the clock and not fart around too much but still ended up leaving later than planned. Ah well, at least we were still having fun!</div><div><br /></div><div>Then John forgot his map in the truck... and I insisted that he go back and get it, even though we were partway up the ski slope when he noticed. That was silly on both counts. I took the opportunity to clean out my shoes. When I looked up I saw two little bright eyes staring at me. A fox! It seemed puzzled at my presence, finally deciding to leave. John, I'm sorry I made you go back for the map, but at least I got to see a fox!</div><div><br /></div><div>Continuing on, we were aiming for the checkpoints up in the ski mountains. We had skipped this area last time because it seemed to make sense to go around them instead. Why not do something different and head up the hill? There were several high-value points up there, the nav looked mostly straightforward, and we chose to do it at night when it wasn't hot/sunny/exposed. The views at night were pretty neat too.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5H_htwWKr5F_V8OFlL-27e_-pc5JzJcGLRQuu6jSIPVUIsTCnNB3SupRkwIGafIGbmOJ1j7Ah9adffFJ5YGCVqEj8kSk0W_rBZs87aQFY3GK2RgFOgqvzu9ggUn299Fkid2linVM6BrmYJOqUuW07koL8hAVRh4RTlEZe-G0_DA0CtSKlFQpxfJph_w/s2048/IMG_9939.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5H_htwWKr5F_V8OFlL-27e_-pc5JzJcGLRQuu6jSIPVUIsTCnNB3SupRkwIGafIGbmOJ1j7Ah9adffFJ5YGCVqEj8kSk0W_rBZs87aQFY3GK2RgFOgqvzu9ggUn299Fkid2linVM6BrmYJOqUuW07koL8hAVRh4RTlEZe-G0_DA0CtSKlFQpxfJph_w/w400-h300/IMG_9939.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div>It was little weird going through an art installation (I think?) or maybe a kid's play area (I can't remember) in the dark. Eventually we found the network of bike trails and followed those upward through the sand. Teams weren't allowed on these trails during the day when there might be bikes coming downhill, another reason to do this at night.</div><div><br /></div><div>#89 was a tad tricky and happily our pace counting got us there without issue. More climbing - how the heck do people bike down some of these things? Giant boulders and big drops, that would be a "nope!" for me. Finally we were up high, gathering checkpoints as we went from one peak to another and enjoying the nighttime navigation.</div><div><br /></div><div>Similar to last time, John led the way on all the off-trail trekking and I took over on the trails. We pulled each other along in that manner, using our respective strengths and otherwise just trying to hang on. Sometimes we make an effective team.</div><div><br /></div><div>After #96 it was a long downhill to a road. We were close to a campground but one that didn't have water available. Another good thing about doing this area at night is that we didn't need as much water. It might have been a tough stretch on a hot day.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzU-nGzKzz-ZxyPrfcuY5blQQGp8SAkA4rpjG7ZDYD-q8VkOM7sTZcX8G0QuPiESKjmLWENILTcQ1CjHMFf6xHcQJttthRAVzaCpSbH2wZeNPcTriFoxyDqZFTx66zZKSc05SVqwo9tSis5YMPUjA9sPh6PVh4LuXsBINIGn0Y_YzO5emRH7Mz_OYgDU/s2048/IMG_9940.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzU-nGzKzz-ZxyPrfcuY5blQQGp8SAkA4rpjG7ZDYD-q8VkOM7sTZcX8G0QuPiESKjmLWENILTcQ1CjHMFf6xHcQJttthRAVzaCpSbH2wZeNPcTriFoxyDqZFTx66zZKSc05SVqwo9tSis5YMPUjA9sPh6PVh4LuXsBINIGn0Y_YzO5emRH7Mz_OYgDU/w400-h300/IMG_9940.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>We had a good climb and solid nav over to #107, our southernmost checkpoint. I had wanted to do a loop around to some 70's and 80's (and maybe another 100-pointer) but we were moving slower than expected at this point and didn't want to get caught too far away when dawn rolled around. Our timing and route planning certainly could have been better (skipping earlier low points for some of these instead), nothing we were stressing about. Still having a good time, that's all that matters.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, but first we had to downclimb from #107. Going straight north worked... until we reached the drop onto the road. It was a steep little thing, created by the road cut. I wasn't thrilled about it but John helped me manage. While we were figuring out this minor puzzle, a team went by below us. Hello there, nothing to see here!</div><div><br /></div><div>I got there eventually and we avoided having to backtrack, excellent. We headed on down toward #76, found an unmapped (new-looking) trail along the way, solved that mystery, and continued to the checkpoint.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just a road run up to our next water stop. I believe it was starting to get light out somewhere in here.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Vignette, collecting points as we went along (another screenshot from Danny):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoWm7vzl0DFUh6Yt_PtE06oVGL31oBVUAZIifGXziYnu79i20zuDOydp1vpwkE4zupTTV5PyMgKv2ed8AVM-stjrwY-I69NBfwSOqpcyqT_ZWfHbehGUltf5sHN04JRjhkgjPUjjgDYM8ri6m8d0NsHfdy8kPeWWVUeZxYbsea-xlR9u34IhR_5AEKWM/s1901/o%20night%20Screenshot_20230730_090449_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1901" data-original-width="1071" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoWm7vzl0DFUh6Yt_PtE06oVGL31oBVUAZIifGXziYnu79i20zuDOydp1vpwkE4zupTTV5PyMgKv2ed8AVM-stjrwY-I69NBfwSOqpcyqT_ZWfHbehGUltf5sHN04JRjhkgjPUjjgDYM8ri6m8d0NsHfdy8kPeWWVUeZxYbsea-xlR9u34IhR_5AEKWM/w225-h400/o%20night%20Screenshot_20230730_090449_Chrome.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We snagged #84 on our way toward our last 100-pointer. Hey, I remember this area from last time. Follow me John, I got this!</div><div><br /></div><div>Except I didn't "got this". We were merrily running the trails, up and down and around, recognizing the terrain. When we reached the spot where I thought the checkpoint should be, we couldn't find it. And things didn't match up quite right. It took a few minutes before I realized "crap!" I had taken us too far west to a different hilltop and rocky/cliff area. Son of a ...</div><div><br /></div><div>That's what I get for assuming I know what I'm doing. We had been doublechecking each other the whole time and avoiding major errors until this point. Sunday morning is prime time for turning off our brains and making mistakes.</div><div><br /></div><div>So back we went. Several apologies later, we found #104, back on track.</div><div><br /></div><div>We did better over to #95, locating a faint trail and picking out a decent way across a vegetated creek. Then because we could (and it makes us laugh), we climbed onto a dangling ski lift chair for a snack. Such a lovely seat, swinging in the shade and enjoying some food. We're 2 for 2 in ski chair snacks here! This is the one time I wish we had a camera on us.</div><div><br /></div><div>Moving on. There were more tiny reentrants near #60 than expected but we kept going forward until we found the right one. Now to figure out our "exit strategy".</div><div><br /></div><div>Back on the road, we managed a solid walk/jog around to the ski resort area. Plenty of time for several more checkpoints, let's do this. We collected 3 more as we dropped down to #44. Then climbed back up toward the finish line.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mary and Eric - we have seen them a few times at these events:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbPkJlTf-9MoUxl5e6_QTA1EXs6-bWZFHxxS_YmemqlxYpU6h1jSUeG-B0YMrbZuEkGD3S2HgcdzR4OlxDnqYzN9yE3nK1j-k4lUuhffNjLEr6CMRizW09fJb0AflE-hu0SeK_g3Su7nPileLKFEcOPGfcTwmRAlvUcxjeqPC83gQXMh-VHJzTuurvyQ/s1000/w%20finish%20363375743_607223991583487_8322411607915430090_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbPkJlTf-9MoUxl5e6_QTA1EXs6-bWZFHxxS_YmemqlxYpU6h1jSUeG-B0YMrbZuEkGD3S2HgcdzR4OlxDnqYzN9yE3nK1j-k4lUuhffNjLEr6CMRizW09fJb0AflE-hu0SeK_g3Su7nPileLKFEcOPGfcTwmRAlvUcxjeqPC83gQXMh-VHJzTuurvyQ/w400-h266/w%20finish%20363375743_607223991583487_8322411607915430090_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The spiral of overlapping team markers as everyone converged on the finish line, too funny:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQF9YEh99riuO8iOfw6-Pfu9R9pV3Bt-glPzO1piqdb08jR_fQ0pKR9L-zuT6waddtk1TZWDYzKK9YNWtEfZ9LsaW3vY6yXgSvRS2u1JuxOkgy2ILkY2clmYflVqGd2bJ_LhCM_RJFVGZbUn30ReP-omx3o93yp9I7yd-XCWIhQBzWvRb81Y1C72faqk/s1845/x%20near%20finish%20Screenshot_20230730_090543_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1845" data-original-width="1071" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQF9YEh99riuO8iOfw6-Pfu9R9pV3Bt-glPzO1piqdb08jR_fQ0pKR9L-zuT6waddtk1TZWDYzKK9YNWtEfZ9LsaW3vY6yXgSvRS2u1JuxOkgy2ILkY2clmYflVqGd2bJ_LhCM_RJFVGZbUn30ReP-omx3o93yp9I7yd-XCWIhQBzWvRb81Y1C72faqk/w233-h400/x%20near%20finish%20Screenshot_20230730_090543_Chrome.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And we're back!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16h1nu13J6rKUY4H1_n4CZlPzEvxuwCdK02ZXa2sYO0IDXkNKa7FOFK0I5yBIl0sSN6RBz_yFRcyrobnXKblr0DlmlIwD0JLeYW3nndoHO52PydiyUKxqkaBzDKh0LIgzumuYOY5azUIcFHNQa-kFsrkRFjFfYcjmGJno4XGOsr9uFQNtVfWay1KDsYI/s2048/y%20finish%20IMG_2498_sm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16h1nu13J6rKUY4H1_n4CZlPzEvxuwCdK02ZXa2sYO0IDXkNKa7FOFK0I5yBIl0sSN6RBz_yFRcyrobnXKblr0DlmlIwD0JLeYW3nndoHO52PydiyUKxqkaBzDKh0LIgzumuYOY5azUIcFHNQa-kFsrkRFjFfYcjmGJno4XGOsr9uFQNtVfWay1KDsYI/w400-h300/y%20finish%20IMG_2498_sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you John, that was awesome! Always great to run all over the hills and dales with you:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_sWo3GjIIFQFfw8-Gb_0wS4BLDb9RRQ6rhevFD3he6_bjd_OiDZPl6Z2mYbHC93jo93HYWFxWHHlnL8cLag37FGkwU1_UHN0pD916-78-DNzxI-BpiQoSnp-ERr4G-0DdIRW1-Yj-Na9wtMnc_dWcYPksxsph-Y_46CzTfTUSLAzLOInSaCsRmwcmqA/s1345/z%20post%20363377400_606952251610661_8428719270339444598_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1345" data-original-width="995" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_sWo3GjIIFQFfw8-Gb_0wS4BLDb9RRQ6rhevFD3he6_bjd_OiDZPl6Z2mYbHC93jo93HYWFxWHHlnL8cLag37FGkwU1_UHN0pD916-78-DNzxI-BpiQoSnp-ERr4G-0DdIRW1-Yj-Na9wtMnc_dWcYPksxsph-Y_46CzTfTUSLAzLOInSaCsRmwcmqA/w296-h400/z%20post%20363377400_606952251610661_8428719270339444598_n.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you Nav-X and all the clubs that put on these events. We had a fabulous time, wouldn't have missed it.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We heard at the awards ceremony that the next one will be in 2025 in Spain - sounds like a plan!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-70445793148461234302023-10-18T15:35:00.003-07:002023-10-19T12:44:54.399-07:00Orienteering days<div><br /></div><div>More navigational fun at the Cal O-Fest in July! The next week was all around the Truckee area, a perfect place for running in lovely, cool forests.</div><div><br /></div><div>Day 5 was a middle distance event at Little Truckee Summit. John had a later start than I did, but I messed around looking for one control and we ended up next to each other near the finish. He crushed the overall "Beard competition" by the end of all the events, always fun to try to keep up with him.</div><div><br /></div><div><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>[Most of the photos below are courtesy of Orienteering USA - great action shots!]</b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Coming down the chute to the finish of Day 5:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0wWvZP-M8hKlRaw2X9PyZRSVnBf-uiFyr4lKD0vTjSheURrLK_-4Dn_YizkkLX8b4Cxb_szrGdSqCnzxKVDrYeBHX5pvQ6rxaqvT7p2NJmTfSXSda_5_nsSPIcEz2IeQmw1snhr1J3BmOZyCbaWvENSSeELsCcMtu9BPPMMiPdCrsTlvbbvxfdgpk68/s1500/Day%205%20Marcy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0wWvZP-M8hKlRaw2X9PyZRSVnBf-uiFyr4lKD0vTjSheURrLK_-4Dn_YizkkLX8b4Cxb_szrGdSqCnzxKVDrYeBHX5pvQ6rxaqvT7p2NJmTfSXSda_5_nsSPIcEz2IeQmw1snhr1J3BmOZyCbaWvENSSeELsCcMtu9BPPMMiPdCrsTlvbbvxfdgpk68/w266-h400/Day%205%20Marcy.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Daniel running strong:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6grwftvbJZHxb60zRqFa2L-j4S43DUDSkELuu31FIowi6cCngXCbPXNdasGeoCrSh42f8e8yDEQWLqKF8tCy7BeIaVfJQDOJ_6DkcO9QtGiG0pfHJ6UzxZfGPU5Ep4ITCSBBKkSkYqRoA4BEDu3st0ujt2wjEvh9n892LSR55fv1qpYhji-cTRLsmrk/s1500/Day%205a%20Daniel%20363288682_602546075384612_817871256526469190_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6grwftvbJZHxb60zRqFa2L-j4S43DUDSkELuu31FIowi6cCngXCbPXNdasGeoCrSh42f8e8yDEQWLqKF8tCy7BeIaVfJQDOJ_6DkcO9QtGiG0pfHJ6UzxZfGPU5Ep4ITCSBBKkSkYqRoA4BEDu3st0ujt2wjEvh9n892LSR55fv1qpYhji-cTRLsmrk/w266-h400/Day%205a%20Daniel%20363288682_602546075384612_817871256526469190_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>His dad Lubomir, looking focused:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mCFJUCBZIefs-QLT5sQLuHQz3Hc-W4ersZEsxEL1ZZdn50C3cv65Z5AF2sWAOrSmHdVf-nTPQABDvQesQOskkWKn0yUrdAF_ku-eLqnbAwg_w-8eql4zZJem4TuQMwW8hH7kPu7PeVV6Be79LMPQDwhd_ncfBb1ynPjjJviaheWWCMKipP16uR7WJLU/s1500/Day%205a%20Lubomir%20363324339_603449561960930_6594999169350422294_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mCFJUCBZIefs-QLT5sQLuHQz3Hc-W4ersZEsxEL1ZZdn50C3cv65Z5AF2sWAOrSmHdVf-nTPQABDvQesQOskkWKn0yUrdAF_ku-eLqnbAwg_w-8eql4zZJem4TuQMwW8hH7kPu7PeVV6Be79LMPQDwhd_ncfBb1ynPjjJviaheWWCMKipP16uR7WJLU/w266-h400/Day%205a%20Lubomir%20363324339_603449561960930_6594999169350422294_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Next was a long course at Sagehen for day 6. I had a couple lucky "bingos" to somewhat counteract a couple "whiffs" and less-than-ideal route choices. Challenging day!</div><div><br /></div><div>People came from all over to try their hand at orienteering in California:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgQU8DVuW8aRDZKUpPivcNnCpHLYs9HIuF_20MnAdTE1_baPS9e8oPQMyM3CYUh6V3wPT-KIJTlh9brGrO77LQ5dBBYc8BCIRPup2XsBtRrKDss4hUGDzgRxKtQiQ2uuWRJ-x685n9dRVqVWw71XP-6Wmlq5Y_e8aowh5u3M-PeJ6pyobEE4jh9W7NIU/s1000/Day%206%200%20362977477_603944755244744_6574389777204892225_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgQU8DVuW8aRDZKUpPivcNnCpHLYs9HIuF_20MnAdTE1_baPS9e8oPQMyM3CYUh6V3wPT-KIJTlh9brGrO77LQ5dBBYc8BCIRPup2XsBtRrKDss4hUGDzgRxKtQiQ2uuWRJ-x685n9dRVqVWw71XP-6Wmlq5Y_e8aowh5u3M-PeJ6pyobEE4jh9W7NIU/w400-h266/Day%206%200%20362977477_603944755244744_6574389777204892225_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Including some runners from Mexico:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAE9cYaXNMI7ZIJqv08QkWe8XE4WRXkV3dZ4koZ-wLo72g5SrGWHqL-7uHxh-sN-pZ14aSPU64odqhxq1rCGhct8LiiOVdJ2HG6VXaiqiNd5hgXPB4Pm1Yl8quCOFT2t1_Qvjd0mh7Xu-C-KCiV4jlmQlOuBZ5paBVHfnwBrPXfYssJu4w4KE_K4aoxo/s1500/Day%206%200%20362982613_603952181910668_890259088268189084_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAE9cYaXNMI7ZIJqv08QkWe8XE4WRXkV3dZ4koZ-wLo72g5SrGWHqL-7uHxh-sN-pZ14aSPU64odqhxq1rCGhct8LiiOVdJ2HG6VXaiqiNd5hgXPB4Pm1Yl8quCOFT2t1_Qvjd0mh7Xu-C-KCiV4jlmQlOuBZ5paBVHfnwBrPXfYssJu4w4KE_K4aoxo/w266-h400/Day%206%200%20362982613_603952181910668_890259088268189084_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>John sporting an old Hardrock 100 race shirt - looking good!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR97eZDuxv3B3S2oO8mzco__-j2ftFvENA6J49JrnRfBDuG6Ra6k1J6M-7pY67cUh2c78oM9t40HVPwhqqNWTuz3Z-kjFHjAYJ9fThAtIGIemNMycxuBNTLvf3ebkBcVtLIiUSt67nWLhD49LUUteVBLs3-xE4kfL0mAdNmwMz-w-IOd9htdgEqobMe-Q/s1501/Day%206%200John.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR97eZDuxv3B3S2oO8mzco__-j2ftFvENA6J49JrnRfBDuG6Ra6k1J6M-7pY67cUh2c78oM9t40HVPwhqqNWTuz3Z-kjFHjAYJ9fThAtIGIemNMycxuBNTLvf3ebkBcVtLIiUSt67nWLhD49LUUteVBLs3-xE4kfL0mAdNmwMz-w-IOd9htdgEqobMe-Q/w266-h400/Day%206%200John.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Our friend Ron from Phoenix:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpY0BmJcX5VqK3mUK6jNmNWmOKjCYVaw2lXRqJtSY6dFCtMMhfWgfVa8ScHBXCbqdjuKJLF0SGK6ZnU6frCsrCAJnqvo71Cmht0vxWhOduxEygqscs6WnqqZNoTFNrv_OdMtVX0kcbWFH7KDFC_Wh2uA4wnDB8aP3U_XlNLgsIL_cEUKrpWzq1TqLU7Gw/s1500/Day%206%20362982580_603956205243599_1273494667309310853_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpY0BmJcX5VqK3mUK6jNmNWmOKjCYVaw2lXRqJtSY6dFCtMMhfWgfVa8ScHBXCbqdjuKJLF0SGK6ZnU6frCsrCAJnqvo71Cmht0vxWhOduxEygqscs6WnqqZNoTFNrv_OdMtVX0kcbWFH7KDFC_Wh2uA4wnDB8aP3U_XlNLgsIL_cEUKrpWzq1TqLU7Gw/w266-h400/Day%206%20362982580_603956205243599_1273494667309310853_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One of the race photographers - thank you!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReT6wmUr6Nx8D8H5A03v7dAC661jZ8CQIQQACYXqnijh-nGxq_hWncyV2QhVtB5kHA1JiJeSw-U-QJUH885wglldJqTAcZ1hwJieBlnEvupYlL7w_p5ei2zh8SarCK-TnS4o9BZ1vvyzGPhggrbsmopv-FEmzLAnPH-XVN70Xk46EASl93TTldU5Z7j0/s1501/Day%206%20363315251_605750178397535_4453808837222207946_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReT6wmUr6Nx8D8H5A03v7dAC661jZ8CQIQQACYXqnijh-nGxq_hWncyV2QhVtB5kHA1JiJeSw-U-QJUH885wglldJqTAcZ1hwJieBlnEvupYlL7w_p5ei2zh8SarCK-TnS4o9BZ1vvyzGPhggrbsmopv-FEmzLAnPH-XVN70Xk46EASl93TTldU5Z7j0/w266-h400/Day%206%20363315251_605750178397535_4453808837222207946_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes it's a rough road...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkS2dXJLeE1cflADg_UaG27aZtinq9FTZ4YqzMd9oG66yi5WmvjWV8A7EPW5jNnjfsgFYvrQCfGEmTJxOJHF7lL0NdV00i2LlURsLS1dU9t6XKMHcjvb945_3iG6X_dG9n7-m9j7eSK2FSjHByCAm4-CzEnOwydsqo9JurMUllsm0ChL6_Ezgs9XYhDcc/s1500/Day%206%20363394432_603932401912646_7741569806436249_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkS2dXJLeE1cflADg_UaG27aZtinq9FTZ4YqzMd9oG66yi5WmvjWV8A7EPW5jNnjfsgFYvrQCfGEmTJxOJHF7lL0NdV00i2LlURsLS1dU9t6XKMHcjvb945_3iG6X_dG9n7-m9j7eSK2FSjHByCAm4-CzEnOwydsqo9JurMUllsm0ChL6_Ezgs9XYhDcc/w266-h400/Day%206%20363394432_603932401912646_7741569806436249_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I like to caption this "how to win at orienteering", although we were actually doing control pickup after the event:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVR5I4NxhLOOMhptLD8-2sHYcDkesmUFIz2sMHMuJbXufrQk79EdC0Zq08xe2_zTY2Q3243EP_3MvzN6Lgxxd1u_NzUMdeGVxP3bxdECuo3ncx4E3QZm_Ix7c7bHFqeKv2ATJ5QU5UloMEb6z2b1TOpBaZuEYlGk0hZGweoOwYd4rSs22B_NDSdLQwoc/s3264/Day%206%20IMG_20230723_154116771.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVR5I4NxhLOOMhptLD8-2sHYcDkesmUFIz2sMHMuJbXufrQk79EdC0Zq08xe2_zTY2Q3243EP_3MvzN6Lgxxd1u_NzUMdeGVxP3bxdECuo3ncx4E3QZm_Ix7c7bHFqeKv2ATJ5QU5UloMEb6z2b1TOpBaZuEYlGk0hZGweoOwYd4rSs22B_NDSdLQwoc/w300-h400/Day%206%20IMG_20230723_154116771.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The always-fun relay was up next! This time at Northstar, running around the ski village.</div><div><br /></div><div>The US orienteering team posed for a group photo:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhombapXz0Tjyfhe3iZ-OKYDSco-z38sln-X5CJS1DZ81uTlF8C2VzhKpk7uisxqnX1coE53NPwryNmL6RyPidRZlaJGw1R3ZPP5e9l8Plnl-Z_spV-VedAw7pNLRpx1t1EYK9t3brNWr-8EoA3kOcC6YOFrESS9JtUZlR_8kU7B7fKsPOvd4vnpFPLY8M/s1000/Day%207a%20361655138_604347788537774_8437287446806690143_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="1000" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhombapXz0Tjyfhe3iZ-OKYDSco-z38sln-X5CJS1DZ81uTlF8C2VzhKpk7uisxqnX1coE53NPwryNmL6RyPidRZlaJGw1R3ZPP5e9l8Plnl-Z_spV-VedAw7pNLRpx1t1EYK9t3brNWr-8EoA3kOcC6YOFrESS9JtUZlR_8kU7B7fKsPOvd4vnpFPLY8M/w400-h216/Day%207a%20361655138_604347788537774_8437287446806690143_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Elite teams ran a much longer course than the rest of us, so we got to watch them start (and later finish):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJ8v9O9k_k3oE4zTOVId9TDSA7kOcPqQIev6rAtv64L1oU7_ZciBOerUYvCFAhQTxaKI-rYfn-dS16KyzIbSLtd7RVu2BPJRLeSXVP8cUbK1Z1GiLDf22R8WmM-by_B_NCIEnuXZKnRHAVWj5uFpOKjVtNi8yjmc4ytliJjMcv99yG8NHOqvs4t7ItE0/s1000/Day%207b%20362657793_604348271871059_3283482562432859207_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJ8v9O9k_k3oE4zTOVId9TDSA7kOcPqQIev6rAtv64L1oU7_ZciBOerUYvCFAhQTxaKI-rYfn-dS16KyzIbSLtd7RVu2BPJRLeSXVP8cUbK1Z1GiLDf22R8WmM-by_B_NCIEnuXZKnRHAVWj5uFpOKjVtNi8yjmc4ytliJjMcv99yG8NHOqvs4t7ItE0/w400-h266/Day%207b%20362657793_604348271871059_3283482562432859207_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I led off for our team, making one minor error but otherwise feeling OK about it. Rex and John had about-perfect runs and we were happy to have a good day overall. I only wish we had gotten a photo of our team to share with everyone.</div><div><br /></div><div>The station where each runner would "punch" the last control of their leg...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5HnBlHML0D01Huhc7wXbgPaehoLMcSoK9EqMl6ZMsB0aYq23s802LoGjO4iAeOng8tv4JX6ofquBEsmCy921bDGXFLdblU-SriHkXZ-fKIVObrbOLBWC64WstyzwTQvTX1CLUTNtCYB6vaTAwxILjuaOaPUyWTlL2gxcMFQVhu0kD3sZNacpGB2sDBs/s1000/Day%207c%20362268713_604348991870987_8779991558307397146_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5HnBlHML0D01Huhc7wXbgPaehoLMcSoK9EqMl6ZMsB0aYq23s802LoGjO4iAeOng8tv4JX6ofquBEsmCy921bDGXFLdblU-SriHkXZ-fKIVObrbOLBWC64WstyzwTQvTX1CLUTNtCYB6vaTAwxILjuaOaPUyWTlL2gxcMFQVhu0kD3sZNacpGB2sDBs/w400-h266/Day%207c%20362268713_604348991870987_8779991558307397146_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...before tagging off to the next teammate:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SimnHUz43l07z6UnUvizGjRvK28X_vBywHy60IDZ_09dbb8Q8g1LmQLoZv8NvG3-dcoimALU7rJjh9MzV41IeCcGQuWwvstD16-hI1HNJKZamlHbKtqsmTamII2Xk0aWMDv7tW5GjbHNUMwwrW_oMgj4Ze7RwNM0vXEGyrdwP9ZRQb6n46qBTEBAEL8/s1000/Day%207d%20362278696_604349518537601_8411086061877370352_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SimnHUz43l07z6UnUvizGjRvK28X_vBywHy60IDZ_09dbb8Q8g1LmQLoZv8NvG3-dcoimALU7rJjh9MzV41IeCcGQuWwvstD16-hI1HNJKZamlHbKtqsmTamII2Xk0aWMDv7tW5GjbHNUMwwrW_oMgj4Ze7RwNM0vXEGyrdwP9ZRQb6n46qBTEBAEL8/w400-h266/Day%207d%20362278696_604349518537601_8411086061877370352_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Odd (that's his name) figuring out the stairwell portion of the challenge:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JR-Aw56P0r0-eaMgLxB9wtkL-pLnFOfLRfd4XhN1wGigN2jrrSLdDO1ZKZ_f_HNQkm7azcPZRoQw9QCYGRt7hXZxCiJpdnRMwkB6uEIlXyBXPhw7t4uWFxt4uMAgx_J6mFCgPc9cy3Qu6T5JSfRsRwJ_aTL1KeYkjAlfr22xir7TQTU9ZHFyoZjitGQ/s1500/Day%207e%20Odd%20361654731_604363888536164_8767979549058938975_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JR-Aw56P0r0-eaMgLxB9wtkL-pLnFOfLRfd4XhN1wGigN2jrrSLdDO1ZKZ_f_HNQkm7azcPZRoQw9QCYGRt7hXZxCiJpdnRMwkB6uEIlXyBXPhw7t4uWFxt4uMAgx_J6mFCgPc9cy3Qu6T5JSfRsRwJ_aTL1KeYkjAlfr22xir7TQTU9ZHFyoZjitGQ/w266-h400/Day%207e%20Odd%20361654731_604363888536164_8767979549058938975_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Ski areas already tend to be confusing to navigate, making this a great place for orienteering:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIbqdY_Vo80mSNXglNYjoqX_aL5Y78nTPUjTFqR0U-_Zqngadg5BQyILwNzJ7EMJ_mQjblfVnPhQ6vKHP1NB_fRUQBdXReiokDQYT5mdmXJ4IUPZUi_GbJNEP4ARrOkUCabgUOVS0VfeHjIAReLkg9O5_v4kNwKu4B6rBrQfS8KYz3qM6m4G1Tq4MpWA/s1000/Day%207f%20363814010_605822795056940_3258048735851265665_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIbqdY_Vo80mSNXglNYjoqX_aL5Y78nTPUjTFqR0U-_Zqngadg5BQyILwNzJ7EMJ_mQjblfVnPhQ6vKHP1NB_fRUQBdXReiokDQYT5mdmXJ4IUPZUi_GbJNEP4ARrOkUCabgUOVS0VfeHjIAReLkg9O5_v4kNwKu4B6rBrQfS8KYz3qM6m4G1Tq4MpWA/w400-h266/Day%207f%20363814010_605822795056940_3258048735851265665_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mark from San Diego running through the streets:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplzwKBBaD1DXBHUYKtX28aw6Zk14btdWtQTPKhcnCZih7dchQzkCpnz_q9D4VvXJ8mF3ByhwzHBu2T9t2kCdGe8jN4-JQlA7qQZyqHyne4jjzu3eJV3lzFMOq4kF6h23PDgb8xCJv9jVUdB1hEao8VrAxwoJSww0eNDq3tBqHLgcivg28N-hDu3VK9F0/s1500/Day%207g%20363435520_604579571847929_7522882847298165159_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplzwKBBaD1DXBHUYKtX28aw6Zk14btdWtQTPKhcnCZih7dchQzkCpnz_q9D4VvXJ8mF3ByhwzHBu2T9t2kCdGe8jN4-JQlA7qQZyqHyne4jjzu3eJV3lzFMOq4kF6h23PDgb8xCJv9jVUdB1hEao8VrAxwoJSww0eNDq3tBqHLgcivg28N-hDu3VK9F0/w266-h400/Day%207g%20363435520_604579571847929_7522882847298165159_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Jay, our ever-steady timing/results guy - thanks Jay!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16INhoH5byAFMH-5dNTpqj6CUOAZzcvl5LR4Raq9M4nuDifNoSGE0Yj_B7qxPCvobizk2cc-OVVNduUvwFLsdqJVjMozCGwAOms9xcdz5mWWSlpeFtysYxLfpTbpJXu9AuE4zfVfj1krJvX7yyvPIOdo2sZRo6tq0MawIJJtRCtkKj4IVelwNQ1ArKhE/s1000/Day%207h%20363415087_604579748514578_6953042821411955736_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16INhoH5byAFMH-5dNTpqj6CUOAZzcvl5LR4Raq9M4nuDifNoSGE0Yj_B7qxPCvobizk2cc-OVVNduUvwFLsdqJVjMozCGwAOms9xcdz5mWWSlpeFtysYxLfpTbpJXu9AuE4zfVfj1krJvX7yyvPIOdo2sZRo6tq0MawIJJtRCtkKj4IVelwNQ1ArKhE/w400-h266/Day%207h%20363415087_604579748514578_6953042821411955736_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Alongside an R1S in this instance, we made good use of the Rivian Adventure Network (RAN) charging station in Truckee - thank you Rivian!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGJrMChN44T7ge45dO1cuOVcfGVIfal_0_06a7-vDW9Zon92IgCa52-Y38D_7pzaMQDnMd3_so8MMlHPeBt9wRgyZLE-1at20lnvJBpyoCl7M8bYc4fP_fcgIwHAjnEaYFsHWpxNIEKMPXj4RDUmaOBFR_zQb9-Xx9Sn_69_2gbNG4fV3bdes8xJe8HM/s1763/Day%207i%20IMG_20230724_152423391.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="1763" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGJrMChN44T7ge45dO1cuOVcfGVIfal_0_06a7-vDW9Zon92IgCa52-Y38D_7pzaMQDnMd3_so8MMlHPeBt9wRgyZLE-1at20lnvJBpyoCl7M8bYc4fP_fcgIwHAjnEaYFsHWpxNIEKMPXj4RDUmaOBFR_zQb9-Xx9Sn_69_2gbNG4fV3bdes8xJe8HM/w400-h269/Day%207i%20IMG_20230724_152423391.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Back into the woods for a middle-distance event (day 8). The days are starting to run together for me by now. I vaguely remember doing reasonably well on a technical course. And for sure, enjoying ourselves.</div><div><br /></div><div>Best photo of the whole two weeks!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSuufz2JJlrsNnE4A5K3OM21KA7av9jxM0rYPVZaM3fK46yTVzGjAiKLBZnGwupq7Jx-HeqbIrH8_FLRCJJNkTJsjQW_v7VFC331Gxc6kZK7wMiiJHy9obADBhNX1rGL4R5p3BU59gwZuNPelNk8FS5_RiDgbn7ABOp9hslJptv153DcnAfVEMkB9AHQ/s1500/Day%208%20363392370_605226111783275_5247806699983169508_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSuufz2JJlrsNnE4A5K3OM21KA7av9jxM0rYPVZaM3fK46yTVzGjAiKLBZnGwupq7Jx-HeqbIrH8_FLRCJJNkTJsjQW_v7VFC331Gxc6kZK7wMiiJHy9obADBhNX1rGL4R5p3BU59gwZuNPelNk8FS5_RiDgbn7ABOp9hslJptv153DcnAfVEMkB9AHQ/w266-h400/Day%208%20363392370_605226111783275_5247806699983169508_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And a couple pictures of us:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzhF01lneIIb4fVT8M7MkzxTR-deAksgr2XYjLXlXqui9JuSHcxMgJphZxTthn_jnovbxHPKKOv1g2oyaZYcnea-tHBCOhWA4XPJZ-8qB6BxZST0-VzYqD4_I0NsXDKxQC-XHhxestbBWa062C8n3m0-G30wzFCxmzuz7yhG3jY10pbSJgsak57i3GXs/s1500/Day%208%20John.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzhF01lneIIb4fVT8M7MkzxTR-deAksgr2XYjLXlXqui9JuSHcxMgJphZxTthn_jnovbxHPKKOv1g2oyaZYcnea-tHBCOhWA4XPJZ-8qB6BxZST0-VzYqD4_I0NsXDKxQC-XHhxestbBWa062C8n3m0-G30wzFCxmzuz7yhG3jY10pbSJgsak57i3GXs/w266-h400/Day%208%20John.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Not quite as much air as the kid:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUEfhnqXdmbsdVL_Sl2wJP0VyxF7XzjQUsnV5edhq8Pvu9a533-lnRKDfjm9_2vEXmKP6-Vz5jGhe5Cb53IEm5NvWnniZDY4l99wQoXNLx1cVG8973rB_eXOsROf9V0S2cX2_8BoPFBx4qmZWkLuRza8xqFTKwob3HSixegRvG84DjQZejmf5sQ2NOZU/s1500/Day%208%20Marcy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUEfhnqXdmbsdVL_Sl2wJP0VyxF7XzjQUsnV5edhq8Pvu9a533-lnRKDfjm9_2vEXmKP6-Vz5jGhe5Cb53IEm5NvWnniZDY4l99wQoXNLx1cVG8973rB_eXOsROf9V0S2cX2_8BoPFBx4qmZWkLuRza8xqFTKwob3HSixegRvG84DjQZejmf5sQ2NOZU/w266-h400/Day%208%20Marcy.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And finally! Day 9, a run around Spooner Lake (literally around it). John and I had been choosing the longest courses we could for most of the festival, but we dropped down to our "normal" category (i.e. shorter) for days 8 and 9. We've got a 24-hour rogaine coming up, after all. That made this "long" course feel downright straightforward and not at all taxing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Spooner Lake had some of the best scenery:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXQGRxC5DO29tDI_5O7GOZMLFb_sTFcqWEpeSD0lktxe-TQh6LrtIyWwBiC_GFgQhKOqSH6_2fPjUkWo9A2tv_e8bxsf20wEyH8ZnxSvlKsMbDIFeYbHkaBBNgILVItvo1D-bWiMt9xkiobmJAHE8rxng7GPq2e64qeSIz2hGL7nTEbB3s6fzQnUclFA/s1000/Day%209a%20363812264_605605288412024_6727087555517013620_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXQGRxC5DO29tDI_5O7GOZMLFb_sTFcqWEpeSD0lktxe-TQh6LrtIyWwBiC_GFgQhKOqSH6_2fPjUkWo9A2tv_e8bxsf20wEyH8ZnxSvlKsMbDIFeYbHkaBBNgILVItvo1D-bWiMt9xkiobmJAHE8rxng7GPq2e64qeSIz2hGL7nTEbB3s6fzQnUclFA/w400-h266/Day%209a%20363812264_605605288412024_6727087555517013620_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The clock leading into the start area. Every minute or 2, several runners headed off onto different courses, keeping people somewhat separated to do their own thing. It's an efficient system, made much easier with electronic punches.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_6uoAb4R7MOkNNpr0mTIlxLhAmDmBNZPpgupoJF4t8PDgWUxfXUgCt4JIMrbToL9mANO565f6mORwyhoLopdhFAvk7Df9RWjloGZBT7z3iYZc3WEk87hc02505F2Rv_GjStxtzJGCwl1XJ3rNCdw-BvCA8MprfeICeFsLOy_UWb_Iwilgpg-zEu1GJg/s1500/Day%209b%20363797092_605605885078631_7402182660740736181_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_6uoAb4R7MOkNNpr0mTIlxLhAmDmBNZPpgupoJF4t8PDgWUxfXUgCt4JIMrbToL9mANO565f6mORwyhoLopdhFAvk7Df9RWjloGZBT7z3iYZc3WEk87hc02505F2Rv_GjStxtzJGCwl1XJ3rNCdw-BvCA8MprfeICeFsLOy_UWb_Iwilgpg-zEu1GJg/w266-h400/Day%209b%20363797092_605605885078631_7402182660740736181_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Running up the trail into the woods:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VN6MjeeApl6HfY9kPuy9puaxaC3R6AdjL0AVnb7nxgc58CMk3aavaiSDO6JevUf-_C_SkQ3cOBnu1-WT9g3QnsHWenogN_-uIQWGGcZmIuy6DarxfefXBwSglF2qT9wkJiUQcjMu9IC0iBraoz6Nrlye50KRse0rHa10q-O1FJRFBwp5BekFxIulbEI/s1500/Day%209c%20362690418_605608048411748_7242977855660206513_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VN6MjeeApl6HfY9kPuy9puaxaC3R6AdjL0AVnb7nxgc58CMk3aavaiSDO6JevUf-_C_SkQ3cOBnu1-WT9g3QnsHWenogN_-uIQWGGcZmIuy6DarxfefXBwSglF2qT9wkJiUQcjMu9IC0iBraoz6Nrlye50KRse0rHa10q-O1FJRFBwp5BekFxIulbEI/w266-h400/Day%209c%20362690418_605608048411748_7242977855660206513_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One of the easier controls, along a path:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTUbBQqRwzEjnQod-n8jirjCXTLEJIuMDvFCGImCbVeLbxvrbh0D9ojLubeXau6mbKxc2YVj5KpOZH9mAKiNwTXGtbfFd4uccL1XL0aqR4kv2qtABsLjuCWTrHVMkPONZbTWEhRGgz_Xd9u_8azBeKq6_KjBxV5zx5ANgffA85ha4NKIewrS6izRTgYY/s1500/Day%209d%20363811383_605605738411979_5790998402220308360_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTUbBQqRwzEjnQod-n8jirjCXTLEJIuMDvFCGImCbVeLbxvrbh0D9ojLubeXau6mbKxc2YVj5KpOZH9mAKiNwTXGtbfFd4uccL1XL0aqR4kv2qtABsLjuCWTrHVMkPONZbTWEhRGgz_Xd9u_8azBeKq6_KjBxV5zx5ANgffA85ha4NKIewrS6izRTgYY/w266-h400/Day%209d%20363811383_605605738411979_5790998402220308360_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A local spectator:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pTgyWCi2wf1w5lprx1h8lcBiZ0-8zvyng6yijgKGjKKdmtSWC6TAQCBVR8dH0JD2j89iLuvQVSwK7ft0aRl2ccS1We3uwcGw8uRrc8psNuCtFzv1DNtcCFG7OoqirX_Jvw-Af8cfIuwy5CcWqZa0q06WCdu6JvuAOevyNPWIt7zoZVfpMd3tVIV2Yuc/s618/Day%209e%20363792427_605605165078703_5840440040740622368_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="618" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pTgyWCi2wf1w5lprx1h8lcBiZ0-8zvyng6yijgKGjKKdmtSWC6TAQCBVR8dH0JD2j89iLuvQVSwK7ft0aRl2ccS1We3uwcGw8uRrc8psNuCtFzv1DNtcCFG7OoqirX_Jvw-Af8cfIuwy5CcWqZa0q06WCdu6JvuAOevyNPWIt7zoZVfpMd3tVIV2Yuc/w400-h331/Day%209e%20363792427_605605165078703_5840440040740622368_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We had a flower-filled summer:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANtJ7U2w0uHES4x56Gum6TDCnAKeCP9zsRSX0znGsDKAuWH3Izg7a77VqPvjmLRM5W2G9g9M__IdKvMQX8YsmZcx3hdyK4PzqsjUudKClFfMO_x9z4QYIrDUFh5cGaMJyukGUUxnw0-8iN4BFWeSgcC7Q2ICmbAN-YqaAYuy2WZIxbeBEDy7UyBNDS4E/s1500/Day%209f%20363793549_605605655078654_6756252077353857195_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANtJ7U2w0uHES4x56Gum6TDCnAKeCP9zsRSX0znGsDKAuWH3Izg7a77VqPvjmLRM5W2G9g9M__IdKvMQX8YsmZcx3hdyK4PzqsjUudKClFfMO_x9z4QYIrDUFh5cGaMJyukGUUxnw0-8iN4BFWeSgcC7Q2ICmbAN-YqaAYuy2WZIxbeBEDy7UyBNDS4E/w266-h400/Day%209f%20363793549_605605655078654_6756252077353857195_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One of the less-easy controls, although still visible if you're in the right area:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYQg8Zu3lzPQj83bsozkClmE7dOxoXp0dUcuMPl5FKoIKEyjCBHBym7GuMXyqeqpZg8qzKkcsfryNdw0ojWRMG4ksYbB3aSgspVER5oENorihxubpn2qyWKTimVF7fM3mnhsnRORdZKBRfrdxIP1UaQOcZZVQNQ77tRYnefWG577s1Nmo3r1DIRP0X3A/s1000/Day%209g%20363800806_605605248412028_8689794963753497174_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYQg8Zu3lzPQj83bsozkClmE7dOxoXp0dUcuMPl5FKoIKEyjCBHBym7GuMXyqeqpZg8qzKkcsfryNdw0ojWRMG4ksYbB3aSgspVER5oENorihxubpn2qyWKTimVF7fM3mnhsnRORdZKBRfrdxIP1UaQOcZZVQNQ77tRYnefWG577s1Nmo3r1DIRP0X3A/w400-h266/Day%209g%20363800806_605605248412028_8689794963753497174_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hey, it's the Tahoe Rim Trail - we keep finding pieces of it as we explore this area now and again:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xgmTYrCVxgnTkbyXBXx5z45L8kx-CS-Uzc6xLMrdo7cwl2lmekh7nyV1dhTN6akjnUGo8HwajOZLMRm0P3IeWQ6scNNhey0MxulODIOCRg4Bo8XuUn55V2hvno4zZdMMLpQLmfnZqDDeYZoTpZCFvHT0AOv-LScVah096tEb91tWubKNrEqXp44cX2E/s1503/Day%209h%20363804480_605606695078550_7907624545992709969_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1503" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xgmTYrCVxgnTkbyXBXx5z45L8kx-CS-Uzc6xLMrdo7cwl2lmekh7nyV1dhTN6akjnUGo8HwajOZLMRm0P3IeWQ6scNNhey0MxulODIOCRg4Bo8XuUn55V2hvno4zZdMMLpQLmfnZqDDeYZoTpZCFvHT0AOv-LScVah096tEb91tWubKNrEqXp44cX2E/w266-h400/Day%209h%20363804480_605606695078550_7907624545992709969_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Say cheese!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQo-AkKPzMw7ZZYWOtEVSJkGfHFMiWC4TUhOv-_rRFfJtMgyFnrTgs1PrX13uEa4OQcyThksLjw624pu8Unq9rchJFcBrdq-aRqD3q3ErrQFUtkR7DI3vr-n1L4THXpyMGw_CNtrGnUKBQcQkkh870uiSsUgOdRGSWiq3nBoyBgfM6Vuu0tiZSMXU3n0/s1501/Day%209i%20363805513_605632675075952_7484635187793322576_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQo-AkKPzMw7ZZYWOtEVSJkGfHFMiWC4TUhOv-_rRFfJtMgyFnrTgs1PrX13uEa4OQcyThksLjw624pu8Unq9rchJFcBrdq-aRqD3q3ErrQFUtkR7DI3vr-n1L4THXpyMGw_CNtrGnUKBQcQkkh870uiSsUgOdRGSWiq3nBoyBgfM6Vuu0tiZSMXU3n0/w266-h400/Day%209i%20363805513_605632675075952_7484635187793322576_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Probably time to wash this shirt...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Mfwj-iLvJpcnr60uGS5f8QMlRoXYVDxiVSNxZVzWr3OAt0sT1pEpOciDOsKfYeMfQhEk93DZGW4TDNkpoFwajU_E8oMHpy7geol3cbEkpEF_jsMazq5vK763jNthqn3UWe-2Mt7vYGlFDiOhc_ajdnKxxDGNCwJGaRA-4mlNHNVVg_XHQ5aGw80ERSM/s1500/Day%209j%20John.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Mfwj-iLvJpcnr60uGS5f8QMlRoXYVDxiVSNxZVzWr3OAt0sT1pEpOciDOsKfYeMfQhEk93DZGW4TDNkpoFwajU_E8oMHpy7geol3cbEkpEF_jsMazq5vK763jNthqn3UWe-2Mt7vYGlFDiOhc_ajdnKxxDGNCwJGaRA-4mlNHNVVg_XHQ5aGw80ERSM/w266-h400/Day%209j%20John.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hi Rico!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEBqhR2qGndvs2ib9JJKv1lMFYhce4KTKOhRNeULeiWWWcIfOkTGmXgi3v0kJGup5NhCllzhlxd1ZPLa9WTVME90ShhweEMUyQeGz_ErSpDxIW1Bpl-9_pWB1wLYvompOaRSe4GXm8JeZOLFbkX0EhaR4_aoyo4AKi6TyeeNCJ8hmLpPMwaSDLXHVF08/s1500/Day%209k%20363799832_605632421742644_9053106873626378182_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEBqhR2qGndvs2ib9JJKv1lMFYhce4KTKOhRNeULeiWWWcIfOkTGmXgi3v0kJGup5NhCllzhlxd1ZPLa9WTVME90ShhweEMUyQeGz_ErSpDxIW1Bpl-9_pWB1wLYvompOaRSe4GXm8JeZOLFbkX0EhaR4_aoyo4AKi6TyeeNCJ8hmLpPMwaSDLXHVF08/w266-h400/Day%209k%20363799832_605632421742644_9053106873626378182_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We had the next day off, so we did an easy trek onto the rogaine "model course" for a lovely view of Lake Tahoe:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNi9xOElJBdCzM8jxT6Bm2yytPGrDxKlyfBjBFVdpbj7m6gWRMJbPnDPYKp2y9Td7dkpXFMmMBgcermdTt8pCYut3u0_i0LUh59U8n1YYvBLs6DKZc_39DDVybVLBL33JrV3uIkHdnmbjlG5Q3J5ZzKtLzLbOdMUHJPWUmtJ30wRvU8eA4C1F5j7AOZjo/s3264/Day%2099%20model%20IMG_20230728_162336080.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNi9xOElJBdCzM8jxT6Bm2yytPGrDxKlyfBjBFVdpbj7m6gWRMJbPnDPYKp2y9Td7dkpXFMmMBgcermdTt8pCYut3u0_i0LUh59U8n1YYvBLs6DKZc_39DDVybVLBL33JrV3uIkHdnmbjlG5Q3J5ZzKtLzLbOdMUHJPWUmtJ30wRvU8eA4C1F5j7AOZjo/w400-h300/Day%2099%20model%20IMG_20230728_162336080.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And we got to have lunch with Ron, his wife Kathi, their friend Diana, and Rico who is hiding in the back - great to chat with y'all!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguY_aTSTP2CP2iPca0rrzty3jxGO08Gil2HfYZkEbazKbyqDqDpAt5lGs3w-8B-Wx2V61n5w-wVmH5KhR_mLFLL7NO6uvxuiPA9qTl11QUhJ6Jy_TtZZUhYQCMqSo-F9IpQ11bNznIvJCbtJV6VY4SFnlI5u6_C_BkgWsL-O0IgxzESY48zixFWd9nURs/s715/IMG_92349%20right%20before%20the%20rogaine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="715" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguY_aTSTP2CP2iPca0rrzty3jxGO08Gil2HfYZkEbazKbyqDqDpAt5lGs3w-8B-Wx2V61n5w-wVmH5KhR_mLFLL7NO6uvxuiPA9qTl11QUhJ6Jy_TtZZUhYQCMqSo-F9IpQ11bNznIvJCbtJV6VY4SFnlI5u6_C_BkgWsL-O0IgxzESY48zixFWd9nURs/w400-h384/IMG_92349%20right%20before%20the%20rogaine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Time to get ourselves ready for the big event...</div><div><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-62742711062738054092023-10-11T15:38:00.002-07:002023-10-19T12:45:20.832-07:00California and the start of the O-fest<div style="text-align: left;">Next up for our July travels = California!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Cal O-Fest orienteering festival was on our schedule for a long time. It was supposed to run in 2020, and I guess you heard about that year. They put on a scaled-down <a href="http://marcy-twss.blogspot.com/2021/10/california-orienteering-festival.html" target="_blank">"local" version in 2021</a>. Finally the real thing was in place and ready to go in 2023, yay!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A couple things were different this year. Much cleaner air, much appreciated. Also, an electric truck to tow our travel trailer, plus a Rivian Adventure Network (free!) charger in Truckee, complete with a pull-in spot for a longer rig. Also much appreciated!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioea6Jgbyy55e1V9usszqgvbsx9HV33X_nXhQZ7fhg1lvJEnjVrOlY25YBxXH7Sf1k1l1u8bdgjzpTpGdhGLIOQpddiggDhSWQph2UtKhvZAvHvNc8yFAlzbQEdCvrSQe8PCdkVofiPgphiLZoPhm0MKKGGRvZo60qlDuXjqJpEwRQyhlZiKrI6-GPsKA/s1863/0%20IMG_9011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="1863" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioea6Jgbyy55e1V9usszqgvbsx9HV33X_nXhQZ7fhg1lvJEnjVrOlY25YBxXH7Sf1k1l1u8bdgjzpTpGdhGLIOQpddiggDhSWQph2UtKhvZAvHvNc8yFAlzbQEdCvrSQe8PCdkVofiPgphiLZoPhm0MKKGGRvZo60qlDuXjqJpEwRQyhlZiKrI6-GPsKA/w400-h289/0%20IMG_9011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There's snow in the background of the above picture, nothing that would affect the O-Fest, but it would come into play in August (stay tuned).</div><div><br /></div><div>We arrived a bit early so John could do some solar work in the Bay Area. While he was down there, he spotted a Rivian electric delivery van "in the wild", super cool!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXx73Ja7AGmEuLsjT24Grvd8D5n83P88s5gKV-I5h_uI3k9QzaPLdMwV8IDdDbx68l6E-2sWpiDnb3bYztmjx_v77L2V2mfQQy8711DB9oxnlps-5z_BPjxjFY8GrJTbi7tWrTONZWNkXtHFAidTw6NIVjup-tzpacYoYfhdlwram4XUGtnHQJGF2-n4/s2577/0%20IMG_20230716_133144015_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2089" data-original-width="2577" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXx73Ja7AGmEuLsjT24Grvd8D5n83P88s5gKV-I5h_uI3k9QzaPLdMwV8IDdDbx68l6E-2sWpiDnb3bYztmjx_v77L2V2mfQQy8711DB9oxnlps-5z_BPjxjFY8GrJTbi7tWrTONZWNkXtHFAidTw6NIVjup-tzpacYoYfhdlwram4XUGtnHQJGF2-n4/w400-h324/0%20IMG_20230716_133144015_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The first couple orienteering events were in San Francisco parks - always love a good park-O. The sprint at the Presidio was fast and fun, a nice way to kick everything off.</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>[Most of the photos below are courtesy of Orienteering USA - thank you for capturing so many great images of all the events!]</b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>The starting line:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxSbCBG1xbSDcVfRfRJONgqdZbuxaTjdHclPzva4UFgRulSe5vVGkeUBLepliCKj7Ik8kS6DDGV0ogXlP535P28NIn5HMiBN0MIyudT1oM0G2Py1on6xXUU1ykGCEuImAbPzImQ4OWN8pw7y-bJdQi3Yu-d6F8yZ4UPOK0oIS2fbxVhSVhAw8b7BLR1k/s1000/Day%201%20gathering.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxSbCBG1xbSDcVfRfRJONgqdZbuxaTjdHclPzva4UFgRulSe5vVGkeUBLepliCKj7Ik8kS6DDGV0ogXlP535P28NIn5HMiBN0MIyudT1oM0G2Py1on6xXUU1ykGCEuImAbPzImQ4OWN8pw7y-bJdQi3Yu-d6F8yZ4UPOK0oIS2fbxVhSVhAw8b7BLR1k/w400-h266/Day%201%20gathering.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Gavin the meet director - thank you for all the work you (and everyone in your organization) did to make this happen!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuTfCXQ7IZEVjuLBeuwUKlvUCtEs9-U78gSzgayQq-4LNgc3slWjWdiZvUdqduVtYJxgit8zavSHRB_ShnffiUZW1VdsVez4NtqmxgiQvmkMASR-T5Z_BrjPqPKgsYBUlFaqtehjS9KywhcdAmxqCTaXCRrd3_xSzsiDbnTUGCnNpMiWrUIyX42S1XoY/s1501/Day%201%20Gavin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuTfCXQ7IZEVjuLBeuwUKlvUCtEs9-U78gSzgayQq-4LNgc3slWjWdiZvUdqduVtYJxgit8zavSHRB_ShnffiUZW1VdsVez4NtqmxgiQvmkMASR-T5Z_BrjPqPKgsYBUlFaqtehjS9KywhcdAmxqCTaXCRrd3_xSzsiDbnTUGCnNpMiWrUIyX42S1XoY/w266-h400/Day%201%20Gavin.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>John running well:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7Hn-W6SJgnR1lnvKDVklqbdmukO9d7SXJ8s7m7tsNPj-QbgBePPMJGZKvXE41CC8oAScQIn8Z7vn9V4hHav_ggefg2vKuaSiZ1yGwz8C9IjH53VaAtOyiynodpPydbuX3PCs2IruEsWa2a3peZsFwmEMfA4ZTpynPuSrmFMUTcAoN2DnNYe10yoaFKs/s1500/Day%201%20John.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7Hn-W6SJgnR1lnvKDVklqbdmukO9d7SXJ8s7m7tsNPj-QbgBePPMJGZKvXE41CC8oAScQIn8Z7vn9V4hHav_ggefg2vKuaSiZ1yGwz8C9IjH53VaAtOyiynodpPydbuX3PCs2IruEsWa2a3peZsFwmEMfA4ZTpynPuSrmFMUTcAoN2DnNYe10yoaFKs/w266-h400/Day%201%20John.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Orienteers young and old roamed the streets of the Presidio:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18G0wFjEpwMxq-lH-UinDsy-I26HfTSniiO4ziUQzoPQqSfd8X0JeDaBo4lIzIHe3495bQgbcLHaFzZQVlbIItnuejPJ4NlUSH90rP2b_iYiwN9IK3Rz_2HbwUuyhkTlSEdINPvnp3Smxrzi0VGEuKeZJP2xiZTAT_CefWkGzeG4LJnJjU5TJf6Na6xY/s1000/Day%201%20map.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18G0wFjEpwMxq-lH-UinDsy-I26HfTSniiO4ziUQzoPQqSfd8X0JeDaBo4lIzIHe3495bQgbcLHaFzZQVlbIItnuejPJ4NlUSH90rP2b_iYiwN9IK3Rz_2HbwUuyhkTlSEdINPvnp3Smxrzi0VGEuKeZJP2xiZTAT_CefWkGzeG4LJnJjU5TJf6Na6xY/w400-h266/Day%201%20map.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Fun photo with people going various directions:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvhXjc28VdhpAJsT1LrDA1sDKl8nbkjzxMayOOgbBRUAk0m86Ec6QZ9igoooI4CAfs5xHfXEO40TWyQ_3rlbNxgW5exOo58XPmDKhM-5uQlVuuoXMAZKvhN4yldSlTExYQHvoIHHMNFKWMdBvpn3nI5b9zsh1NpaIJA7z0qHTJc9DqTogxlkVwOizPnY/s1000/Day%201%20orienteers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvhXjc28VdhpAJsT1LrDA1sDKl8nbkjzxMayOOgbBRUAk0m86Ec6QZ9igoooI4CAfs5xHfXEO40TWyQ_3rlbNxgW5exOo58XPmDKhM-5uQlVuuoXMAZKvhN4yldSlTExYQHvoIHHMNFKWMdBvpn3nI5b9zsh1NpaIJA7z0qHTJc9DqTogxlkVwOizPnY/w400-h266/Day%201%20orienteers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We were happy to hang out with Ron (from Phoenix) several times during the events. Go Ron!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguS8TTkjqIGsqDR_0IF-lvd3XIuDkWCM_X-pKw4LK7sJh9fiQM7t3eoRLQGHO129YgMnXfBeRR_-PdGAIEcQI7H87tuWtQSQ4V_78EhNMwnTgSGKUmvhYm-NFZWtf0hTU8TWcEVo-YXRa5ddtPC-tyKnST2tdVrjUsJCQ_T1szb9ja3_7nmr03m17sb1k/s1500/Day%201%20Ron.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguS8TTkjqIGsqDR_0IF-lvd3XIuDkWCM_X-pKw4LK7sJh9fiQM7t3eoRLQGHO129YgMnXfBeRR_-PdGAIEcQI7H87tuWtQSQ4V_78EhNMwnTgSGKUmvhYm-NFZWtf0hTU8TWcEVo-YXRa5ddtPC-tyKnST2tdVrjUsJCQ_T1szb9ja3_7nmr03m17sb1k/w266-h400/Day%201%20Ron.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sharon, one of the most consistent runners on the US team:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WC5qWs32CA1Nj5RHQdS6sZuWr2hcE9m6KINg-hII5lLiRXf33-FYud2g8KpRjMeQTe429U4pThRpnhV7wyIri3gHraNvWgQyJjHtadfE47JZt6dBBciZH_8pldmVbS2A5McZYHJgncsnqopSkx6fbialkBJcF1eHfDBduzA_IAympIrrgJNIGUr5mgM/s1500/Day%201%20Sharon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WC5qWs32CA1Nj5RHQdS6sZuWr2hcE9m6KINg-hII5lLiRXf33-FYud2g8KpRjMeQTe429U4pThRpnhV7wyIri3gHraNvWgQyJjHtadfE47JZt6dBBciZH_8pldmVbS2A5McZYHJgncsnqopSkx6fbialkBJcF1eHfDBduzA_IAympIrrgJNIGUr5mgM/w266-h400/Day%201%20Sharon.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Not a checkpoint (as far as I know):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnX-fZ9ev79SXDs19_O24Fjz0Rh8FLgJpZMLqSgyiEpb2EaAswqJKBq0qyfMLspbhNAyvI4Fc7VXqpzVHKMR-gx15ncDUQfz-NHNQOuh1WZC5h12UjjCH7dnAJcG3fw8LdtpBjZXR6cKEQu6wsNoG5Ry2lSg_oT6VnABSPrkcv2d1xWZGA6nIDOEVSFio/s1500/Day%201%20Yoda.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnX-fZ9ev79SXDs19_O24Fjz0Rh8FLgJpZMLqSgyiEpb2EaAswqJKBq0qyfMLspbhNAyvI4Fc7VXqpzVHKMR-gx15ncDUQfz-NHNQOuh1WZC5h12UjjCH7dnAJcG3fw8LdtpBjZXR6cKEQu6wsNoG5Ry2lSg_oT6VnABSPrkcv2d1xWZGA6nIDOEVSFio/w266-h400/Day%201%20Yoda.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Day 2 was a middle-distance course at Golden Gate Park. I love running around in GGP. Even on a chilly, foggy day, as sometimes happens in San Francisco. The course setter found a few little nooks to put the controls in, making the day even more surprising and interesting.</div><div><br /></div><div>John figuring things out on the move:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1AfBB_bw8nkntn_yY4Uw_x93cJzBRTOhWYhoz_t-foay8fjSGrTMPT98HaAzVfUDgvkxuW_4WFXp2y-jwSgrEdxn9zj0r9hQbZFbi5MwLqePSbqOJs28bs24uVKUviz2AkQZd3YW9bhyphenhyphenrPU-BvtaaBFKf1bhiS_IobNic03jVVXraZ-vatoTceQ0YJU/s1500/Day%202%20John.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1AfBB_bw8nkntn_yY4Uw_x93cJzBRTOhWYhoz_t-foay8fjSGrTMPT98HaAzVfUDgvkxuW_4WFXp2y-jwSgrEdxn9zj0r9hQbZFbi5MwLqePSbqOJs28bs24uVKUviz2AkQZd3YW9bhyphenhyphenrPU-BvtaaBFKf1bhiS_IobNic03jVVXraZ-vatoTceQ0YJU/w266-h400/Day%202%20John.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My face isn't photogenic, but I thought the rest of my "jump over the log" looked half decent:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4NtQuNnmXz6OL1jOwOs2K9gmxTxhVh0roFn4js772ONVH4IV5IbKOkGQMSMbq0oQ0Ti9x3ss6CprmvwuG2jJolN-P9Lt2IQGWXPNBtyXxkYRYFOq62ApeLxN8Hj4tAeru4Gb1xcz2apAqUglkKPfuKEJevg9GX0QkUkRB-Eksx8HGOt6rIbjSKjiNJc/s1501/Day%202%20Marcy%20jumping.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4NtQuNnmXz6OL1jOwOs2K9gmxTxhVh0roFn4js772ONVH4IV5IbKOkGQMSMbq0oQ0Ti9x3ss6CprmvwuG2jJolN-P9Lt2IQGWXPNBtyXxkYRYFOq62ApeLxN8Hj4tAeru4Gb1xcz2apAqUglkKPfuKEJevg9GX0QkUkRB-Eksx8HGOt6rIbjSKjiNJc/w266-h400/Day%202%20Marcy%20jumping.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>That's quite a rootstock:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMyZuiw5DANzuMKaYLddx__JvgkUdmzunlmke_JrtzDApbpjuuw7blkPdrTVZYz3Tea633DeCzt46xS30lpppQUJRDrdnHfRte2AL2orI6DTbvOfsHl-IXjacyC5e4xQlnkZ1k3ZEreyX-0wB5FH-ahZnFEtQ6DdNXYGzzQgpy1cmXDWDpd9yuElxuuk/s1000/Day%202a%20control.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMyZuiw5DANzuMKaYLddx__JvgkUdmzunlmke_JrtzDApbpjuuw7blkPdrTVZYz3Tea633DeCzt46xS30lpppQUJRDrdnHfRte2AL2orI6DTbvOfsHl-IXjacyC5e4xQlnkZ1k3ZEreyX-0wB5FH-ahZnFEtQ6DdNXYGzzQgpy1cmXDWDpd9yuElxuuk/w400-h266/Day%202a%20control.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Running for the finish:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvFVAsQufhCoa7bUfFqzMZpKiyNoafllLnxX4rjOUzz7Lw-vX5_MJLMWjUHoc-452ksFIFTTvu2K1sDTlx0msI_pgVgWV4BZ8SoZxgxsv4X4kppNJE_yRbO5-zuZi3K2u1yuwia8UTFYDfQJml4PEdKFUTouY35lQ2wI8TWSnpRFyFBfj7975CGqf_qc/s1000/Day%202a%20finish.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvFVAsQufhCoa7bUfFqzMZpKiyNoafllLnxX4rjOUzz7Lw-vX5_MJLMWjUHoc-452ksFIFTTvu2K1sDTlx0msI_pgVgWV4BZ8SoZxgxsv4X4kppNJE_yRbO5-zuZi3K2u1yuwia8UTFYDfQJml4PEdKFUTouY35lQ2wI8TWSnpRFyFBfj7975CGqf_qc/w400-h266/Day%202a%20finish.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Atlas Obscura podcast did a little <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/podcast" target="_blank">episode about the Golden Gate Park event</a>, a neat 14-minute listen about a sport we've been doing for some time but really isn't well known (see episode 608).</div><div><br /></div><div>The master map, divided into sections so we volunteers could gather controls after everyone was done on the course - just call us "pick up artists"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKEpwxnz_Gohb6Vy5GxoYt9Q6s-XtLEuy28gkXDgqNYHljc42h7oKqQf212W5Q4qqdDlAUlVxA04LUnl-_Kj5YazKxv5GA8ENapMCMQ3pVyXpMqElZrY8ikQfLR-C59HoTAISGIjoeas0-e19JGWflotiWEVT7HtnCExxNggfAppT81eFV_u8N0em6rw/s2789/Day%202b%20IMG_20230718_131945260.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2317" data-original-width="2789" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKEpwxnz_Gohb6Vy5GxoYt9Q6s-XtLEuy28gkXDgqNYHljc42h7oKqQf212W5Q4qqdDlAUlVxA04LUnl-_Kj5YazKxv5GA8ENapMCMQ3pVyXpMqElZrY8ikQfLR-C59HoTAISGIjoeas0-e19JGWflotiWEVT7HtnCExxNggfAppT81eFV_u8N0em6rw/w400-h333/Day%202b%20IMG_20230718_131945260.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>"Van Dolf"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqtpyUwhUkLP0_t0zgWf-g7Jv0QPyqfM9yEmKDMSEoPWWpZsl6L-gUTIzFUYIPhZHuku8aE2nAZsLFyfdpPnCCj47xr483hsndW07qmt9O780PLECeD21wN-tm-TRMWvmU1XsfHIO_uoPo74qZUYbZKcOxKnXQpG9YEJNrBbqVYRCKNHVapjoumkNWYo/s2301/Day%202b%20IMG_20230718_181230836_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1789" data-original-width="2301" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqtpyUwhUkLP0_t0zgWf-g7Jv0QPyqfM9yEmKDMSEoPWWpZsl6L-gUTIzFUYIPhZHuku8aE2nAZsLFyfdpPnCCj47xr483hsndW07qmt9O780PLECeD21wN-tm-TRMWvmU1XsfHIO_uoPo74qZUYbZKcOxKnXQpG9YEJNrBbqVYRCKNHVapjoumkNWYo/w400-h311/Day%202b%20IMG_20230718_181230836_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We were super happy to get together with Kip and Jane for supper several times, yay! It was neat to see downtown Mountain View again, and especially wonderful to spend time with them. Hello to Mom!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqF_MYU1-67-6fufb1jBFnXoS_uPm5ENEe6V41Np53segfqfrA8AYf2UBpJLmp1LZxQ6bceM6YRK-qyt_hx3mYN5-7my1IIgt_NFoZp-bstanPrLE9yusBD-37ZPw-mq6oj0ndfc7DWd2rX9FReBI0zGRJP3kxtWbvkRXM8aoSRf-z9cd9ZfwIm1l71U/s2304/Day%202b%20IMG_20230718_193715757_MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2304" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqF_MYU1-67-6fufb1jBFnXoS_uPm5ENEe6V41Np53segfqfrA8AYf2UBpJLmp1LZxQ6bceM6YRK-qyt_hx3mYN5-7my1IIgt_NFoZp-bstanPrLE9yusBD-37ZPw-mq6oj0ndfc7DWd2rX9FReBI0zGRJP3kxtWbvkRXM8aoSRf-z9cd9ZfwIm1l71U/w400-h300/Day%202b%20IMG_20230718_193715757_MP.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Out of the cooler Bay Area and up into the hotter hills for day 3, a long course at Morgan Territory. This was perhaps the most challenging of all the regular (non-rogaine) days. Warm, full-on sun, steep slopes, and a stupid amount of vegetation that would attach itself to all of our clothing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Other than that, it was a good day!</div><div><br /></div><div>The start line, where no one knew quite yet what they were getting into:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuXRJTfpXjJax_4TEBuyLUHvhzOtozBzcld2K1lQtbUUiJTyLjLFg4CHZ6RBVfGFXrWF9nyymwBBVq8ZsioMzQZun5FszjQmuOaYw89h-PtIFOw-GvHZstso6cBB7RAJuLNe8oMq1cv3KskpOtFp9LdhloFQ9pLlgRg0HHNSmTRVWM2Uspwnh4_zHtIk/s1000/Day%203a%20start.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuXRJTfpXjJax_4TEBuyLUHvhzOtozBzcld2K1lQtbUUiJTyLjLFg4CHZ6RBVfGFXrWF9nyymwBBVq8ZsioMzQZun5FszjQmuOaYw89h-PtIFOw-GvHZstso6cBB7RAJuLNe8oMq1cv3KskpOtFp9LdhloFQ9pLlgRg0HHNSmTRVWM2Uspwnh4_zHtIk/w400-h266/Day%203a%20start.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The topography was really interesting and there were challenging/non-obvious route choices all over the place. John and I had to work to try finish the longest course in 3 hours - he made it (by 39 seconds) and I didn't (7 minutes over). Phew, that was some effort.</div><div><br /></div><div>The photographer did his O-run, then stayed around the finish to recover instead of roaming on the course like he normally did (I don't blame him!). Runners coming to the finish line:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUt4yJ2JzWp4VRH0CIWBoAaTNfW6uClGZG2RHGj5SjNSnRj7Qp58asv6Vu-zaFvOdGgt4j-XyIHAe4KRB30v3gw0YZ2TLQ7o2aZi_VhT7GEQKTK5JMElHHMv3szSDHXtQoZuFNwb9kzfEkj8IytGeQCmkVA9rYKG4WdZQ7avbz8r1SiX9KJ9bcAdSZ7eA/s1500/Day%203b%20finish.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUt4yJ2JzWp4VRH0CIWBoAaTNfW6uClGZG2RHGj5SjNSnRj7Qp58asv6Vu-zaFvOdGgt4j-XyIHAe4KRB30v3gw0YZ2TLQ7o2aZi_VhT7GEQKTK5JMElHHMv3szSDHXtQoZuFNwb9kzfEkj8IytGeQCmkVA9rYKG4WdZQ7avbz8r1SiX9KJ9bcAdSZ7eA/w266-h400/Day%203b%20finish.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It took a couple days to remove all the sticker burrs from our clothing and shoes. This isn't us, but you get the idea:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvIHLm4_zh0kyNRQGKifYvJRgFt8pHQzWE1dYnLzFUOjRr8i878Ax3_DJhoATkAIsjv1oeDgzPTrH4oRNnIP_J3Q2MZT3St1uoXSpsHaGfrZle2BfB5wiQdFbMgFZkwsTx9dcpc96RLoPGYld63NU2uvLzZHoLyoQ6dOgVgn6sTwksbIH7N36RLeTo00/s1500/Day%203c%20vegetation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvIHLm4_zh0kyNRQGKifYvJRgFt8pHQzWE1dYnLzFUOjRr8i878Ax3_DJhoATkAIsjv1oeDgzPTrH4oRNnIP_J3Q2MZT3St1uoXSpsHaGfrZle2BfB5wiQdFbMgFZkwsTx9dcpc96RLoPGYld63NU2uvLzZHoLyoQ6dOgVgn6sTwksbIH7N36RLeTo00/w266-h400/Day%203c%20vegetation.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At least we didn't pick up any poison oak; that would have a bad day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ron and Kathi's dog Rico, who was smart enough not to venture into the crappy vegetation. Good dog!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4UXnX3TaN4INPYGXvIXFfkHvPlyiFn_FlSXOSwikdr8hHlcIoG5cm527abubI3VJOlsiuyegC-R2ogxautJ4N2mqgKj83bAJVO6MNZvabDCRZypgVRnuwhp0apuds492DdaWS_b5YXLq4CuqS0QOkl55-1l3w9HI_buuU8UDN2J36tVd8MlciptbL8I/s1500/Day%203d%20Rico.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4UXnX3TaN4INPYGXvIXFfkHvPlyiFn_FlSXOSwikdr8hHlcIoG5cm527abubI3VJOlsiuyegC-R2ogxautJ4N2mqgKj83bAJVO6MNZvabDCRZypgVRnuwhp0apuds492DdaWS_b5YXLq4CuqS0QOkl55-1l3w9HI_buuU8UDN2J36tVd8MlciptbL8I/w266-h400/Day%203d%20Rico.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Back to the Truckee area, back to cooler temperatures! Day 4 was a sprint around the Northstar ski resort. I think they saved this area for 2023 (we didn't see much of it in 2021) and it was worth it. Lots of stairwells, walkways, condo buildings, and a couple dead ends for good measure. Super fun.</div><div><br /></div><div>To top it off, the course director decided to add a bunch of "Caution" tape that we weren't allowed to cross, making it into a real maze. Reading the map on the fly was our type of entertainment.</div><div><br /></div><div>Action shot of John:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDtrHJU1d9QfRaPJmoshItpczZM6oEw_h4ZG_B1b-hm1Qtrzj7rJ9rqK3Qv9V6d6VVnuu9k9AXciybjmiMhm5YAp1nLaTcyfOzL8q9dX6ttmS7IlQBhZc1fBoD3zckFkHUBRISu8XQKN0FQQT4apezBStRsa9RF6UwcOnsDyLt7i4wtHubRKxOkX5ReI/s1501/Day%204a%20John.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDtrHJU1d9QfRaPJmoshItpczZM6oEw_h4ZG_B1b-hm1Qtrzj7rJ9rqK3Qv9V6d6VVnuu9k9AXciybjmiMhm5YAp1nLaTcyfOzL8q9dX6ttmS7IlQBhZc1fBoD3zckFkHUBRISu8XQKN0FQQT4apezBStRsa9RF6UwcOnsDyLt7i4wtHubRKxOkX5ReI/w266-h400/Day%204a%20John.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Easy to find - once you figure out how to get in the right area:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00JMwbm0vPd63kwR4E0GijxUb4F-3YRVaaUzfBPOSjChA0IeknY2-JJNnwmklNCkZ-SDVshPvIuqZ2ZQVCCzLMGqyS4bGx_JM0fidZZZ5I1MWzpXkQde6KirvPdR8ZNzulsQeU4u5_2brRwED14OXvxiMMm1xrJ5E88xPuDarOewkTFlRwONgj2SEva8/s1500/Day%204b%20control.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00JMwbm0vPd63kwR4E0GijxUb4F-3YRVaaUzfBPOSjChA0IeknY2-JJNnwmklNCkZ-SDVshPvIuqZ2ZQVCCzLMGqyS4bGx_JM0fidZZZ5I1MWzpXkQde6KirvPdR8ZNzulsQeU4u5_2brRwED14OXvxiMMm1xrJ5E88xPuDarOewkTFlRwONgj2SEva8/w266-h400/Day%204b%20control.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Nice shot of an elite runner:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuobKQ_cEe2j47b0lWY6KUycqdlq9XBJA1vJgh7kUCHS7WQzxW6V3V_GaXuswrz0MLMaW_udqfo6lXqTIs7lfWkyzzuXW2d_h97sTdrw_Gw_TywZhhJSD85ZpgH6rB6oNiRykIUssPyQnSNeCBXPxOl8AN4EgumVq_la7epzkrwwBWU5tgPeSvujlg2gc/s1503/Day%204c%20fast%20guy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1503" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuobKQ_cEe2j47b0lWY6KUycqdlq9XBJA1vJgh7kUCHS7WQzxW6V3V_GaXuswrz0MLMaW_udqfo6lXqTIs7lfWkyzzuXW2d_h97sTdrw_Gw_TywZhhJSD85ZpgH6rB6oNiRykIUssPyQnSNeCBXPxOl8AN4EgumVq_la7epzkrwwBWU5tgPeSvujlg2gc/w266-h400/Day%204c%20fast%20guy.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mark from San Diego:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1PDMX9BdPDiQNZQLn7BlxfrZj2ix7yhhWBOhmfC9Q0zZR6tZszsJHcn6m5uhtAr5ovU2BT5nP_kYcdvOy3v3SmKYeLyQXUvCCQBMKFXAs-vAK1mLS_OodZELomCoWjEDt7xtYIu938I0f-7u1dCfptNE6zHCBkih1_mztNZ4f-XjOB2EGC9rP72ACTM/s1500/Day%204d%20Mark.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1PDMX9BdPDiQNZQLn7BlxfrZj2ix7yhhWBOhmfC9Q0zZR6tZszsJHcn6m5uhtAr5ovU2BT5nP_kYcdvOy3v3SmKYeLyQXUvCCQBMKFXAs-vAK1mLS_OodZELomCoWjEDt7xtYIu938I0f-7u1dCfptNE6zHCBkih1_mztNZ4f-XjOB2EGC9rP72ACTM/w266-h400/Day%204d%20Mark.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One way to punch the control:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjI20RRwbKbTz2GemPX1aIqSzxMP5a5vRgqQwTgiw1VkvfPOtDEbaXLFIdkXk4uX0R7-iY1a6N6CVOCkcw9SG5WNdiey7dYbIfbfj9CSvCbcvEv0XX6znggxV1e1pHpdgxmqXQaqmZAXdc6r3RDK6eF5wSfDnYmWHw3t-DvEwC8ek0ysFwd2QakCHCeA/s1500/Day%204e%20punch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjI20RRwbKbTz2GemPX1aIqSzxMP5a5vRgqQwTgiw1VkvfPOtDEbaXLFIdkXk4uX0R7-iY1a6N6CVOCkcw9SG5WNdiey7dYbIfbfj9CSvCbcvEv0XX6znggxV1e1pHpdgxmqXQaqmZAXdc6r3RDK6eF5wSfDnYmWHw3t-DvEwC8ek0ysFwd2QakCHCeA/w266-h400/Day%204e%20punch.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>John was in a good mood:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVOu8Lz_D6PLPDksSoFBa5enOk6PfmNlTYWoYEEW4xcGCYo_pquiKQdgBI7mY4Hd8dkyqdOb-liRZcGgB5bwrXa1icWYVIRCigvPI-VZtHT2FaO0D5iGPPg8Y6ikfC1PktNh7VXSW0bP5IFq3qoY8Nge8iyu4TGVq2K3E1YlliHLubak5S6pKJ_roSGg/s1500/Day%204f%20John.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVOu8Lz_D6PLPDksSoFBa5enOk6PfmNlTYWoYEEW4xcGCYo_pquiKQdgBI7mY4Hd8dkyqdOb-liRZcGgB5bwrXa1icWYVIRCigvPI-VZtHT2FaO0D5iGPPg8Y6ikfC1PktNh7VXSW0bP5IFq3qoY8Nge8iyu4TGVq2K3E1YlliHLubak5S6pKJ_roSGg/w266-h400/Day%204f%20John.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Gavin, you're supposed to do these things on foot, not in a car...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnSdWHHBgVMr1QY4dL0YXjj7Bx_bR4cUtrJ84JAcGAV9fEQ5jABale_kcXXzz503Dg36KcaFoRi7MBs06M_jMjT82S_uOuW99pvJcBIFKW8902GMWFsIl3VQ3xz2mHjIB5AvdTB_LbMSuF0zdSf7dPqx6K1TB5N2jAw2yK_iv4YX-IdSWKJTHWy-O3uk/s1000/Day%204g%20Gavin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnSdWHHBgVMr1QY4dL0YXjj7Bx_bR4cUtrJ84JAcGAV9fEQ5jABale_kcXXzz503Dg36KcaFoRi7MBs06M_jMjT82S_uOuW99pvJcBIFKW8902GMWFsIl3VQ3xz2mHjIB5AvdTB_LbMSuF0zdSf7dPqx6K1TB5N2jAw2yK_iv4YX-IdSWKJTHWy-O3uk/w400-h266/Day%204g%20Gavin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">More to come!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-5484782668042174652023-10-05T13:36:00.000-07:002023-10-05T13:36:53.785-07:00Ruby Dome<div style="text-align: left;">On to Nevada! We found a mountain to climb along the way, and it was nice to pause an extra day in the middle of traveling to explore places we haven't seen before. Ruby Dome looked like a nice start to visiting the Ruby Mountains, easily accessible and good "straight up" training.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Only 4 miles, how hard can that be? Oh, almost 5K vert? OK, that could be hard.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXmrMpLCfmAnmlgyMz3ureyCHGrcl8A0qYeZtVECC8_lI3zA-tPI0lrs8RVJafTb4-hpTNbp6SHDjrawjiMBYTWhmIoDRclbd5ZYiqn8Ri1WpnOuxzOY0IVf0C1ccX1smi55Ccd8w5cxdflG0YFdpVNTuJ32HA83ZIku-sksE7ObmW_-jk-6RsBZNIbg/s1799/IMG_8966.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="1799" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXmrMpLCfmAnmlgyMz3ureyCHGrcl8A0qYeZtVECC8_lI3zA-tPI0lrs8RVJafTb4-hpTNbp6SHDjrawjiMBYTWhmIoDRclbd5ZYiqn8Ri1WpnOuxzOY0IVf0C1ccX1smi55Ccd8w5cxdflG0YFdpVNTuJ32HA83ZIku-sksE7ObmW_-jk-6RsBZNIbg/w400-h303/IMG_8966.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This plant was puffing out pollen as we walked past - at least it didn't make me sneeze:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewM8PriZxinE7aQFy7FOufQ17CbV7Hlfdw_s3-lgdtJ1S98jDnRG0HW4nXJPQ4uc057JfantSloBzxi6m3SFT5SXZ1jvldclfm-6z2sNiF4EjSMiK_rXsoA3GexCXHQlvpChBC_UgxC4JQrVXYIGS9czPji5vphtgTQkIAHqFtlV9MdWmbHlxsUAGQhQ/s2048/IMG_8967.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewM8PriZxinE7aQFy7FOufQ17CbV7Hlfdw_s3-lgdtJ1S98jDnRG0HW4nXJPQ4uc057JfantSloBzxi6m3SFT5SXZ1jvldclfm-6z2sNiF4EjSMiK_rXsoA3GexCXHQlvpChBC_UgxC4JQrVXYIGS9czPji5vphtgTQkIAHqFtlV9MdWmbHlxsUAGQhQ/w400-h300/IMG_8967.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The trail up alongside the drainage, with a nice view of the mountain above:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkmI-4W4DsPj0pu2DlrJMTSNeTfa3oYBnOCs9kdU-CW10C1N1v2QPo0T0w83VEeQ0HBv67u3qHdq9wwInHQCMNnPc6sESqGQ8nV68dmtXn_WLY9btTMM7xCoc2Ihm6L9bfSuPdvtEmWHFDSCSmiDSlPKPPmPgpqdAVadvKhR-fm5SCyeEh0ZrYfrWCQ0/s2048/IMG_8968.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkmI-4W4DsPj0pu2DlrJMTSNeTfa3oYBnOCs9kdU-CW10C1N1v2QPo0T0w83VEeQ0HBv67u3qHdq9wwInHQCMNnPc6sESqGQ8nV68dmtXn_WLY9btTMM7xCoc2Ihm6L9bfSuPdvtEmWHFDSCSmiDSlPKPPmPgpqdAVadvKhR-fm5SCyeEh0ZrYfrWCQ0/w400-h300/IMG_8968.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hiking with ice axe, in case of snow field:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpvk6-nvGnuadYMLeuhfYNWoeGFPd4dEJYFUTID-u34xglPewb5b6P4_acRl1LnykFzmae5NCODL1lUSYFYbk0v50nzm3b4NKTtxAqFOnJ3vhANnzDlI48sFAY4B1sZBZaHkc2WPcQ_QKf3C1OGEBbuf-rdsz4WWxOMxxmQQb-qUTRtpj5TqK5tGVyd8/s2048/IMG_8969.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpvk6-nvGnuadYMLeuhfYNWoeGFPd4dEJYFUTID-u34xglPewb5b6P4_acRl1LnykFzmae5NCODL1lUSYFYbk0v50nzm3b4NKTtxAqFOnJ3vhANnzDlI48sFAY4B1sZBZaHkc2WPcQ_QKf3C1OGEBbuf-rdsz4WWxOMxxmQQb-qUTRtpj5TqK5tGVyd8/w400-h300/IMG_8969.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Starting up the slabby rock, with a view back to the lowlands:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUBkpgcNYJkK7iMAAc_BR8G8ILy51zKeENzHcYoIeFozWw_ZvK5VqPrEYOVVFltegzeXWQadLPOMzELR5Rq-6-XWNcO5PJIWeOXhS2WOJLsg2N03fiy6vshrS73x1xUlj7hcjwbSc2dQnNTfyNwLaqDvzrV3zHFR7L7XQGbAcbo0EohxG6ME-TwD9pzg/s2048/IMG_8970.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUBkpgcNYJkK7iMAAc_BR8G8ILy51zKeENzHcYoIeFozWw_ZvK5VqPrEYOVVFltegzeXWQadLPOMzELR5Rq-6-XWNcO5PJIWeOXhS2WOJLsg2N03fiy6vshrS73x1xUlj7hcjwbSc2dQnNTfyNwLaqDvzrV3zHFR7L7XQGbAcbo0EohxG6ME-TwD9pzg/w400-h300/IMG_8970.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hulk smash! John doing his part to clear the trail of snow obstacles:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5ediiJmw7ogtRkKNSlMI-F04TzyviHRQMoWD9glE6_CAUOOasq3mJ8EPpuO38BCe2gI-1Ufrji2NDVdUqqH5WUXW2-cI-YXE7ckPh3LJ-RckdotlNAiYbxjSbc-RWsQD9LtA-L8odFw56EUjSswQP-oq_gNOQTsePKwk03GxdBjIfEVi2DP7GOskXj0/s2048/IMG_8974.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5ediiJmw7ogtRkKNSlMI-F04TzyviHRQMoWD9glE6_CAUOOasq3mJ8EPpuO38BCe2gI-1Ufrji2NDVdUqqH5WUXW2-cI-YXE7ckPh3LJ-RckdotlNAiYbxjSbc-RWsQD9LtA-L8odFw56EUjSswQP-oq_gNOQTsePKwk03GxdBjIfEVi2DP7GOskXj0/w400-h300/IMG_8974.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Gorgeous Griswold Lake, a worthy destination in its own right:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBgkV7tJiVXqfYT0130Sef88qKT0zDHB7_WK3VzaF_16l14S-DtUZVlKg_8T74JyUJk1VZnYQ5OYrri7lzNKrtznekJgpEMzgOB8aRy-awNnaIu3_giexkCmxt2Fr_i2iT5j2xHS42Da_IO7lrUDfU9_COKoLkR2jvZW90_AMqVUPxfnJcX58E1w0wJY/s2048/IMG_8976.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBgkV7tJiVXqfYT0130Sef88qKT0zDHB7_WK3VzaF_16l14S-DtUZVlKg_8T74JyUJk1VZnYQ5OYrri7lzNKrtznekJgpEMzgOB8aRy-awNnaIu3_giexkCmxt2Fr_i2iT5j2xHS42Da_IO7lrUDfU9_COKoLkR2jvZW90_AMqVUPxfnJcX58E1w0wJY/w400-h300/IMG_8976.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We faffed around a bit with route finding above the lake, finally traversing over to the actual trail. The basin below the peak is quite stunning, especially with all the snow still hanging out (this was July, mind you).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLhTzFhhWTrSKjwMD3w_5N9pCLph6Coxl7FP9V6HaA2wdGHjzM0jDbVIsdbYeXY3IjyRZz8MgDTkTGGBQ3DrmCujCwHL50ris27Jve0P9b3EQHHiW4ItCbjYoeAFw0Z004UqU-HhV8n2C_uGXpSkGnK3w8feW7Yyh0aZ7H-3X6HZ7KscLd-B0eGtp-9w/s2048/IMG_8980.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLhTzFhhWTrSKjwMD3w_5N9pCLph6Coxl7FP9V6HaA2wdGHjzM0jDbVIsdbYeXY3IjyRZz8MgDTkTGGBQ3DrmCujCwHL50ris27Jve0P9b3EQHHiW4ItCbjYoeAFw0Z004UqU-HhV8n2C_uGXpSkGnK3w8feW7Yyh0aZ7H-3X6HZ7KscLd-B0eGtp-9w/w400-h300/IMG_8980.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Initially the snowfields were gentle and easy. John kicked steps and I followed:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKyXOaiA4UtZfD3k_rHjNQH2R4AL0OtuaVdfpUDPjd64WOv9AXz8YcnyGs29CDLunBItzwf9y8JRlaCok9NH6qhDDK7b8Oo0xgHrd2CPQrboNEu0D-BrpgXLQSI1QGrDd8rswL62_ZRO2LdQip5YelodtDnEA75EB5yVyiVbghf79ca0aDWVSh4lS3hZQ/s2048/IMG_8981.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKyXOaiA4UtZfD3k_rHjNQH2R4AL0OtuaVdfpUDPjd64WOv9AXz8YcnyGs29CDLunBItzwf9y8JRlaCok9NH6qhDDK7b8Oo0xgHrd2CPQrboNEu0D-BrpgXLQSI1QGrDd8rswL62_ZRO2LdQip5YelodtDnEA75EB5yVyiVbghf79ca0aDWVSh4lS3hZQ/w400-h300/IMG_8981.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then... we came to this traverse, where I said "Nope!" Not without more gear and some steep snow practice. I could see working up to this with some training, but we haven't done anything along these lines lately.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYGy6m0dcTV6jkbEl7k0u6w49e2RxonmNf9Sk4kW024_OxfaEBpRt6L89_2xc41_Iuy0TPbF5SQAg7-zt7Il3loJhxEHFo5lnA-upxeQaUwF2Vg52kllDS-OIYCuKSMGIGOzk6z3TEsYEWaXY7qcT8S2HaNC9CecbRt4XQ6dMSis6SIW38aAumX5K5IY/s2048/IMG_8987.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYGy6m0dcTV6jkbEl7k0u6w49e2RxonmNf9Sk4kW024_OxfaEBpRt6L89_2xc41_Iuy0TPbF5SQAg7-zt7Il3loJhxEHFo5lnA-upxeQaUwF2Vg52kllDS-OIYCuKSMGIGOzk6z3TEsYEWaXY7qcT8S2HaNC9CecbRt4XQ6dMSis6SIW38aAumX5K5IY/w400-h300/IMG_8987.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So we admired the view as we turned around:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjoGMQlSinUpJ_K2ogmj10-lBlVppCTc-uvkwmz7EwzUe3tFqmWcVtZKkTnwqEGc7Zg0ZNkAEfu-z-k8LcVunVU7cMHXqQOdPFtPf2I6ZSBgMpvsWp02famx3B5vWSV5I_b9-OrWwpQztdJryI55cRVln1mZTPuz4IVx7iVi3VT5UGl-nJ6h8Q0a2vxs/s2048/IMG_8990.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjoGMQlSinUpJ_K2ogmj10-lBlVppCTc-uvkwmz7EwzUe3tFqmWcVtZKkTnwqEGc7Zg0ZNkAEfu-z-k8LcVunVU7cMHXqQOdPFtPf2I6ZSBgMpvsWp02famx3B5vWSV5I_b9-OrWwpQztdJryI55cRVln1mZTPuz4IVx7iVi3VT5UGl-nJ6h8Q0a2vxs/w400-h300/IMG_8990.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We followed the trail better on the way back to the lake, finding a bunch of snow slopes along the way. Hard to say whether that was an improvement over our ascent. Good practice, I suppose.</div><div><br /></div><div>Almost a glissading "action shot", except I seem to remember inching slowly along with a lot of foot braking:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7j_k0-B_Ujxm_2Tlc0INNLaokvHAKRCquJAa4708Pt1hZE63i6trVbMaTfgxnldUYdmkK0MdR_UIxYrK0dVsSl36PDB0YsG6uua27Aly6dddjttOTElvphBL_iXbAMR87inMguNtoc5GaldDVwrgqiV3P2QHuZyP0SIfR8cVneARLQtkS0IVUiC2XBR4/s3264/IMG_8990a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7j_k0-B_Ujxm_2Tlc0INNLaokvHAKRCquJAa4708Pt1hZE63i6trVbMaTfgxnldUYdmkK0MdR_UIxYrK0dVsSl36PDB0YsG6uua27Aly6dddjttOTElvphBL_iXbAMR87inMguNtoc5GaldDVwrgqiV3P2QHuZyP0SIfR8cVneARLQtkS0IVUiC2XBR4/w400-h300/IMG_8990a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Yep, it's a pretty lake, we should come back sometime to admire it again (and perhaps climb to the top of the mountain):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPGDuCKXrrqMyp9cMA3sy8zcmxPLJgFeqXaZXnvxks_Od5Y2ZDyOsEI9FocOorAOwe-61mJj0DoVP42DoI3k0D3p4qNoGozo28dA9_MhRX5WUqJ-GaeHru1RvG7b50IQMgfX55pkT7iazN4gyD-TqgDsPaPcxr_gT9IUEHX8j0N8IJC6dwYc1JTS9eec/s2048/IMG_8995.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPGDuCKXrrqMyp9cMA3sy8zcmxPLJgFeqXaZXnvxks_Od5Y2ZDyOsEI9FocOorAOwe-61mJj0DoVP42DoI3k0D3p4qNoGozo28dA9_MhRX5WUqJ-GaeHru1RvG7b50IQMgfX55pkT7iazN4gyD-TqgDsPaPcxr_gT9IUEHX8j0N8IJC6dwYc1JTS9eec/w400-h300/IMG_8995.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This mushroom reminds me of a pancake (mmm, pancakes!)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY49YyLTglhkUBgFBPNAY6BWVZr8KHG-QGoa-5MtWh_NrPiXRzesnuZ_csFU6YboCgaJ5-UKE3jgH8AU66HPYQf1Nwq8rmKRrtgSjyOAgDZvJV43ZB89bCpngDKBpkSnqisLt6-an_CdT-_E6hbflUMJNtx7cnYrQak1henBvmLA_zmCd0WMilNhVljb0/s2048/IMG_8997.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY49YyLTglhkUBgFBPNAY6BWVZr8KHG-QGoa-5MtWh_NrPiXRzesnuZ_csFU6YboCgaJ5-UKE3jgH8AU66HPYQf1Nwq8rmKRrtgSjyOAgDZvJV43ZB89bCpngDKBpkSnqisLt6-an_CdT-_E6hbflUMJNtx7cnYrQak1henBvmLA_zmCd0WMilNhVljb0/w400-h300/IMG_8997.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Yay for another fun day in the mountains!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1z4_5ISFafcC2NPTlQD_GUnUrnF8KKyrQ6qXosOv1i93zCsIgY6DI0kmdorpzLxYIK7SFIpgljyLwR-lWaCwacMuYf5J4gQgfDFnVOnq4PM_1kbC0_46VyML790zIVj-GPjwpqnkT-fhoHQZ0-tU24VLKafpLUd7c3Ra0W9MW5cIm8MKEyCQM23PFIw/s2048/IMG_8999.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1z4_5ISFafcC2NPTlQD_GUnUrnF8KKyrQ6qXosOv1i93zCsIgY6DI0kmdorpzLxYIK7SFIpgljyLwR-lWaCwacMuYf5J4gQgfDFnVOnq4PM_1kbC0_46VyML790zIVj-GPjwpqnkT-fhoHQZ0-tU24VLKafpLUd7c3Ra0W9MW5cIm8MKEyCQM23PFIw/w400-h300/IMG_8999.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Admiring the view of Ruby Dome as we drove back to Howie to continue our journey west across Nevada:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuw99gSZfo6MakiHHarDol37BnBTBSjWUrdGprufo3GQZHetDR24_aRbIO-vPg0LwnroihfxoZDyN4Y94k6kFd4n-Mo3AURmqWh4xoRvEDLfDKehiLgDD7KGnX0rztGu9uOCFvW939tMKNyzczVeIbrq1eM8Jg6gsvs494qna4TtEu7IIh06xKwcPfHKc/s3264/IMG_20230709_073819850.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuw99gSZfo6MakiHHarDol37BnBTBSjWUrdGprufo3GQZHetDR24_aRbIO-vPg0LwnroihfxoZDyN4Y94k6kFd4n-Mo3AURmqWh4xoRvEDLfDKehiLgDD7KGnX0rztGu9uOCFvW939tMKNyzczVeIbrq1eM8Jg6gsvs494qna4TtEu7IIh06xKwcPfHKc/w300-h400/IMG_20230709_073819850.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171812659342908534.post-80029397026906261912023-10-03T15:10:00.000-07:002023-10-03T15:10:41.381-07:00Idaho!<div style="text-align: left;">Where were we? Let's see, 3 months and a bunch of miles ago... on our way from Montana to California... ah right, Idaho! Time for some "catch up" blogging, as we're finally done driving around in the west and ready to sit in one place (Tucson) for a while.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We've been through Idaho a couple times, and we continually find new things to appreciate about it. Geology, for one. National Forests, mountains, rivers and waterfalls - we could certainly focus on Idaho sometime in the future and see many more wonderful things.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But first! I had not yet run an FKT in Idaho, so I poked around the website and discovered one that looked doable (McGown Peak Circumnavigation). Plus in a new (to us) area that could be fun to explore. We did a day trip from Twin Falls, up past Ketchum, to the Sawtooth Wilderness. Beautiful place! We'd love to come back and roam around some more.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I did a write-up with the run details:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://fastestknowntime.com/fkt/marcy-beard-mcgown-peak-circumnavigation-id-2023-07-03">https://fastestknowntime.com/fkt/marcy-beard-mcgown-peak-circumnavigation-id-2023-07-03</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We are (were) here:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSfO4CE3_RsjHDvAgUfEZ__Y5etqBQUgEa8EUqoQtPF2DjwbUoj_qT92xR1o6GtdCOjlpHZps2HFjQ8qNW_4m4c0PlRwFJE0zBljWi_k-JYkCsXIqA6LZRcP47FaOB47-WVnVz8ik2EKWs_0E2kQhSiYbUFrj9WWReqMPEeDDiAg4unV5EkHsHTlmg78/s1863/IMG_8871.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1531" data-original-width="1863" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSfO4CE3_RsjHDvAgUfEZ__Y5etqBQUgEa8EUqoQtPF2DjwbUoj_qT92xR1o6GtdCOjlpHZps2HFjQ8qNW_4m4c0PlRwFJE0zBljWi_k-JYkCsXIqA6LZRcP47FaOB47-WVnVz8ik2EKWs_0E2kQhSiYbUFrj9WWReqMPEeDDiAg4unV5EkHsHTlmg78/w400-h329/IMG_8871.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The mountain I was about to run around:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSO7ntrzFUuWoQlutCHzcQ3TG5ZbUh6ObI1xgtSOePV2smmO3U4y-0zSf_6PnnCVT128yX2hKYKQh-K0pXPrcxVhhn13NJV3QesYJqwij-SBEnueEj9G7jtN_WN7fdcgbJlql14IxCwbrGh93ez0bGqgSViCvezlf1SHgoC3BTbIsuD7B2w-l_CHnqFg/s2048/IMG_8876.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSO7ntrzFUuWoQlutCHzcQ3TG5ZbUh6ObI1xgtSOePV2smmO3U4y-0zSf_6PnnCVT128yX2hKYKQh-K0pXPrcxVhhn13NJV3QesYJqwij-SBEnueEj9G7jtN_WN7fdcgbJlql14IxCwbrGh93ez0bGqgSViCvezlf1SHgoC3BTbIsuD7B2w-l_CHnqFg/w400-h300/IMG_8876.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were a bunch of little creek crossings, and this one happened to have logs across (most required wet feet instead):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnz02g1dFBbOUy0VUoN7b6VYgkGdFGBMmTV9079VfVAjxjvAst007zTOxWQA8GmLlSoeD6W-hdvi_HYRIdjNrT4bbUD4xmyAILhUKys69gYbse_QXTGAp4ozpzAR2W-3xISZMCZaxpJArSvxIJ7FfcrYp9f0NelY4WbDoZrNq1QaDcWtvqEr5wPSUNY68/s2048/IMG_8878.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnz02g1dFBbOUy0VUoN7b6VYgkGdFGBMmTV9079VfVAjxjvAst007zTOxWQA8GmLlSoeD6W-hdvi_HYRIdjNrT4bbUD4xmyAILhUKys69gYbse_QXTGAp4ozpzAR2W-3xISZMCZaxpJArSvxIJ7FfcrYp9f0NelY4WbDoZrNq1QaDcWtvqEr5wPSUNY68/w400-h300/IMG_8878.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">An example of the many trees across the path in one section - John could bring a saw out here and be happy for days!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYR1xgOShHFSz74XitNTYig9EuOAp3vTXBPPDUW2yob19vI9u0SL-Oe3d75C9tBv5p0BLHucGO9qPQKt8YYckIkrx2q9v0uO-V75tHTI4yNosOVcKtFZOUTWZceJrfb2FsDGrU0QAqhuAlXnc2Xl1XlLZJE4WNZT2g9R6Qy7lIwOgaxcEF7fPhIjMqrt0/s2048/IMG_8880.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYR1xgOShHFSz74XitNTYig9EuOAp3vTXBPPDUW2yob19vI9u0SL-Oe3d75C9tBv5p0BLHucGO9qPQKt8YYckIkrx2q9v0uO-V75tHTI4yNosOVcKtFZOUTWZceJrfb2FsDGrU0QAqhuAlXnc2Xl1XlLZJE4WNZT2g9R6Qy7lIwOgaxcEF7fPhIjMqrt0/w400-h300/IMG_8880.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Loving the scenery and flowers:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIB293QoiTZjbTiCnAR_hREZZ4FgNTbjq1BnhcipZV1fyHJVFe5mWCHjNDoC5sNTXmFiEh_83Czhin4h1aTWhBaJ-NVzEwQ7p5LQkYRc4tqDUV7uDMlAJjHGDlzRzU4ma4DGMR5YYvqvVkAxoNeSEEdP290I0ZyuUshj50Yz-vrU2s7-WGV96s8MQczGA/s2048/IMG_8882.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIB293QoiTZjbTiCnAR_hREZZ4FgNTbjq1BnhcipZV1fyHJVFe5mWCHjNDoC5sNTXmFiEh_83Czhin4h1aTWhBaJ-NVzEwQ7p5LQkYRc4tqDUV7uDMlAJjHGDlzRzU4ma4DGMR5YYvqvVkAxoNeSEEdP290I0ZyuUshj50Yz-vrU2s7-WGV96s8MQczGA/w400-h300/IMG_8882.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And pretty lakes:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKk3kV1NCgM9-SChDiiA37F3c_dYTURoCWTyOSP2A1RtHTvnMiOIHbA9czq3wHl9qwvoRvwAVUzbVdhuQ8goEejZ4mZDfY-4iiwmUa9kFaY82zi23YuEoHepN901q4-4Vy0ztcGGuyvJTD7uuBVf9kd9ZwmJz2yDmGn03lJ9nwsDOXvtRlT4Qyf_1BoXE/s2048/IMG_8887.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKk3kV1NCgM9-SChDiiA37F3c_dYTURoCWTyOSP2A1RtHTvnMiOIHbA9czq3wHl9qwvoRvwAVUzbVdhuQ8goEejZ4mZDfY-4iiwmUa9kFaY82zi23YuEoHepN901q4-4Vy0ztcGGuyvJTD7uuBVf9kd9ZwmJz2yDmGn03lJ9nwsDOXvtRlT4Qyf_1BoXE/w400-h300/IMG_8887.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Possibly one reason this is called the "Sawtooth Range":</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFmI4_6LVx3qbF1ljs0m4aaHqXYdFF4fluV4IVjx3QPGamOEHaTdm0-TbWRxkz9fJZSSTCliPl5rczt6ZhqUei412rRr2-ShJFT8qN7HOkGoy6j6pSnRcndHNK3m49ep2occ_DCy8xaEKXCaPXOXTEgPB-j7O0yL_k7guFJxHxwf_yddT4yWxAK5Nz_w/s2048/IMG_8890.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFmI4_6LVx3qbF1ljs0m4aaHqXYdFF4fluV4IVjx3QPGamOEHaTdm0-TbWRxkz9fJZSSTCliPl5rczt6ZhqUei412rRr2-ShJFT8qN7HOkGoy6j6pSnRcndHNK3m49ep2occ_DCy8xaEKXCaPXOXTEgPB-j7O0yL_k7guFJxHxwf_yddT4yWxAK5Nz_w/w400-h300/IMG_8890.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Snow in July - sure, why not? It wouldn't be the last snow of our summer:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeP73Xb4P-x-TcxlTB5C-kQKRzifMPTMPDnHUwvSuJIvfV16pCxDhKWaRiYo1xpHynfsz2RNJBGfg9pPDMxh09sCt4TLHnBsaR2FGtegFQYNWFL60WGLxo4XJwnsiq3m3iknl3oM4lHcaLpsYHKyQ-XRt91MkAPz-42K4GFOHUAAi3OuDo4KhlpeN5ckY/s2048/IMG_8892.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeP73Xb4P-x-TcxlTB5C-kQKRzifMPTMPDnHUwvSuJIvfV16pCxDhKWaRiYo1xpHynfsz2RNJBGfg9pPDMxh09sCt4TLHnBsaR2FGtegFQYNWFL60WGLxo4XJwnsiq3m3iknl3oM4lHcaLpsYHKyQ-XRt91MkAPz-42K4GFOHUAAi3OuDo4KhlpeN5ckY/w400-h300/IMG_8892.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hard to believe there was still so much ice on the lake, wow:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpL7LgWU0jWDY1KEHAPj6F_orhqX0ziaiEgbNrjQvKt9DMlcnZUkbSL7ywwE9O_W9t_Gj9376XHXKc46TNrQ76EHRZI2jyS2rcgQ8KtjTBq8MY60KsD7pKykJQJPbaMqv9rSFd1Uv6M0KXJ-fV1hLT7UEmelkImBVPWDEx60Vlf7cnvXtr6bDndFK62jA/s2048/IMG_8900.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpL7LgWU0jWDY1KEHAPj6F_orhqX0ziaiEgbNrjQvKt9DMlcnZUkbSL7ywwE9O_W9t_Gj9376XHXKc46TNrQ76EHRZI2jyS2rcgQ8KtjTBq8MY60KsD7pKykJQJPbaMqv9rSFd1Uv6M0KXJ-fV1hLT7UEmelkImBVPWDEx60Vlf7cnvXtr6bDndFK62jA/w400-h300/IMG_8900.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Over the top saddle and the start of the burn area:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhQX7eEU6-IXgR7dtFpmswxTBie4WCEgzDOLA6MQ2oQApcR9KQspNaAsAOhVGhDIeiBzPF88LZNcb3ApNBbUXXV2EbnY9ydeRbD6ad8w0i5_y9qCHcdOjGN8UwLVCzHMAtimowW9ne0L2B6e2mbOq4UgifnZvufs0wiIYSa3-wuDbOSfLhlgD8s-sZU4/s2048/IMG_8901.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhQX7eEU6-IXgR7dtFpmswxTBie4WCEgzDOLA6MQ2oQApcR9KQspNaAsAOhVGhDIeiBzPF88LZNcb3ApNBbUXXV2EbnY9ydeRbD6ad8w0i5_y9qCHcdOjGN8UwLVCzHMAtimowW9ne0L2B6e2mbOq4UgifnZvufs0wiIYSa3-wuDbOSfLhlgD8s-sZU4/w400-h300/IMG_8901.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another water crossing, par for the course:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPXzVsvwEx_7IroXRXuZGAjq_C-OPEbO0cxSMj7LD58TqCP771b38tUOD5iWWapXT5u4IwF1zH6KDJnPFbLMptRBSVGvgNF5w280cw4tOf55BwYGMPDH-Rp1WHEQIO6DUoFcibZ5H6YmCaPbwcVT2ZjV6JO5YbKma4xT6JbwveeKgM8En8HHyL8JGTlA/s2048/IMG_8905.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPXzVsvwEx_7IroXRXuZGAjq_C-OPEbO0cxSMj7LD58TqCP771b38tUOD5iWWapXT5u4IwF1zH6KDJnPFbLMptRBSVGvgNF5w280cw4tOf55BwYGMPDH-Rp1WHEQIO6DUoFcibZ5H6YmCaPbwcVT2ZjV6JO5YbKma4xT6JbwveeKgM8En8HHyL8JGTlA/w400-h300/IMG_8905.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The start of the straight shot back down/toward the finish:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1f9o98DCeQyBMyaKu582hHnpRQMQo8a3FGqLOiSgzQzwgR971XlhMNLzQq4eOkpA1-xVGrc9kjw-CLI_kwvbyTj9x79mCpEtzEd1PaU6sxRR73xOIf2Kb7RrTYmhxnRtjkOA1QssoSlcHycHGrN2rRz6pf51xfjZ15xUvXt7ISTvZSUy9R4LE1T_1L4/s2048/IMG_8907.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1f9o98DCeQyBMyaKu582hHnpRQMQo8a3FGqLOiSgzQzwgR971XlhMNLzQq4eOkpA1-xVGrc9kjw-CLI_kwvbyTj9x79mCpEtzEd1PaU6sxRR73xOIf2Kb7RrTYmhxnRtjkOA1QssoSlcHycHGrN2rRz6pf51xfjZ15xUvXt7ISTvZSUy9R4LE1T_1L4/w400-h300/IMG_8907.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There it is again, thank you McGown Peak!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuKlvMU2-edgWunpcNy983QKija2dCyNQn_t4raL8DWwEuOx6jAnHxfEiT9KwZh05ORswXw_A5USSajpq9Qizzcvx89KJkbXEXtt_lcbtMdChU3kyAx61Mxvo97894mLDCGk-TgBY7TowhDKC4Ooz8Td_5I-Mb7npJhUlLtXbFMf9mVtsWmRvho-LU74/s2048/IMG_8911.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuKlvMU2-edgWunpcNy983QKija2dCyNQn_t4raL8DWwEuOx6jAnHxfEiT9KwZh05ORswXw_A5USSajpq9Qizzcvx89KJkbXEXtt_lcbtMdChU3kyAx61Mxvo97894mLDCGk-TgBY7TowhDKC4Ooz8Td_5I-Mb7npJhUlLtXbFMf9mVtsWmRvho-LU74/w400-h300/IMG_8911.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">John went on his own adventure to a nearby high point, returning with photo evidence:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPOyzjt-0FtfcUjuThxM1gtQQC53sUd1U5INsUXGesNLqm_UgWNZpEb7mdl09-R_on0WmlK8WtwBXYKnWH94zKmJPlMtprb_-m4bRpfp-GnIZvAeaVd_QFLlSOVdOOj9t-a4TMFUvHuYj1Nw-h-SgRXlbT1bMBgTwNYFJ_Dd1Z44YpdB_Qr3ystcnd1E/s3264/IMG_8911a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPOyzjt-0FtfcUjuThxM1gtQQC53sUd1U5INsUXGesNLqm_UgWNZpEb7mdl09-R_on0WmlK8WtwBXYKnWH94zKmJPlMtprb_-m4bRpfp-GnIZvAeaVd_QFLlSOVdOOj9t-a4TMFUvHuYj1Nw-h-SgRXlbT1bMBgTwNYFJ_Dd1Z44YpdB_Qr3ystcnd1E/w400-h300/IMG_8911a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My view of John as I was running back to the parking lot, almost there!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrPPUHnDQFbrAXICU9SP213TlgmK9yCFvZt6HmcxoEOMXVs3wwIe-pKm1AbzcoIlws22A_wfn8ylsaVeUKtg3fz9MRqehnRjiG72nN49nfJJwFaCF3qo2QRps2YBcL3NkCivCazhr8BqWhIbPtNaleqdm8aqYDOF0RqLJL9v5TuBJmt0DO_VTSu1eH1Q/s1389/IMG_8912.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="1389" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrPPUHnDQFbrAXICU9SP213TlgmK9yCFvZt6HmcxoEOMXVs3wwIe-pKm1AbzcoIlws22A_wfn8ylsaVeUKtg3fz9MRqehnRjiG72nN49nfJJwFaCF3qo2QRps2YBcL3NkCivCazhr8BqWhIbPtNaleqdm8aqYDOF0RqLJL9v5TuBJmt0DO_VTSu1eH1Q/w400-h331/IMG_8912.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Running it in, hoping my time would be good enough - and it was, at least until it got beaten a couple times a month later. Phew, just got that route in before it turned competitive. Not the first time that has happened, always a reason to "go for it" when I find a potential FKT route and I'm not sure I'm quite ready yet.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayYIYgTio8SvAccxooZ2LdeyPn7H0DyzCazsFnygnPfC-ldgDy7S7o4JBlgcckiw_0msi_0XziCCAffxIWey56ZKW-pE7IdCeY6PaC54feNm5s5grk6dL53R_0MQNSGucEK-gLkvu4uotY8f6YKVRCOrspqHxufMb6uGQEo1nWelJbrW2QE6CSOoIH9Q/s3264/IMG_8912a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayYIYgTio8SvAccxooZ2LdeyPn7H0DyzCazsFnygnPfC-ldgDy7S7o4JBlgcckiw_0msi_0XziCCAffxIWey56ZKW-pE7IdCeY6PaC54feNm5s5grk6dL53R_0MQNSGucEK-gLkvu4uotY8f6YKVRCOrspqHxufMb6uGQEo1nWelJbrW2QE6CSOoIH9Q/w400-h300/IMG_8912a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Around McGown", a solid workout on a fun day:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzZNXSW4fxkvi6Z3Qw77zY7VnoQ_LX3iWYwzLPMwVKtgE2mWUGAzjNs0ZhAe-Fu4Y5s5hGXNvlLracOaa1YGPNBLsTgMBPiDILB6qF8X_vkAP-3oiE5U-nztXYvL1-UueBM15mstWAkApOzEo87cJa4QqS4woK-CwIaVMD_ieEF35hDzC-C1grT1lOsM/s2048/IMG_8914.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzZNXSW4fxkvi6Z3Qw77zY7VnoQ_LX3iWYwzLPMwVKtgE2mWUGAzjNs0ZhAe-Fu4Y5s5hGXNvlLracOaa1YGPNBLsTgMBPiDILB6qF8X_vkAP-3oiE5U-nztXYvL1-UueBM15mstWAkApOzEo87cJa4QqS4woK-CwIaVMD_ieEF35hDzC-C1grT1lOsM/w400-h300/IMG_8914.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Craters of the Moon! One of our favorite out-of-the-way places, with volcanic rocks and moon-like landscapes. Also a nice set of trails with a doable total distance. An excellent place for a trail run training day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">John and I went opposite ways on the North Crater trail, so I started with the Spatter Cones:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCl8M1a19LDZNB8xsoN-zwAlTTeYu4l-qT_GkHFKnCMgVhCiV10cquj4ctxOUqSBDipVtlGx0xnqoceL-5dlZc6O8ZdoggDgqkbolWDQ7CeyoOHJfGPag1I7WbXN37SxrAOp8WP08IFun_ZXnv_FmfzsXe6TdzdnzpFi1Tg9CxFBe86a680BwDrIEz2Eo/s2048/IMG_8920.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCl8M1a19LDZNB8xsoN-zwAlTTeYu4l-qT_GkHFKnCMgVhCiV10cquj4ctxOUqSBDipVtlGx0xnqoceL-5dlZc6O8ZdoggDgqkbolWDQ7CeyoOHJfGPag1I7WbXN37SxrAOp8WP08IFun_ZXnv_FmfzsXe6TdzdnzpFi1Tg9CxFBe86a680BwDrIEz2Eo/w400-h300/IMG_8920.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Early morning sun on the crater landscape:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylqzsBAv0owzFsBLG8sZdENpGpR6IjkdvsjAK06s_UBXpDP8E5_alUqBZpBhz_UHaWC5ZWOhrcG6dtLilo52sBezRk2K0o8rK_smwJ-_jdCT3DG5mz7Wgco60cVsAS5zihG_JSezFJGHuR4ZFC2Hk545wUhTnzW5yed6tdwlxoY7DOiGzVHlhEabOB3s/s2048/IMG_8921.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylqzsBAv0owzFsBLG8sZdENpGpR6IjkdvsjAK06s_UBXpDP8E5_alUqBZpBhz_UHaWC5ZWOhrcG6dtLilo52sBezRk2K0o8rK_smwJ-_jdCT3DG5mz7Wgco60cVsAS5zihG_JSezFJGHuR4ZFC2Hk545wUhTnzW5yed6tdwlxoY7DOiGzVHlhEabOB3s/w400-h300/IMG_8921.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Snow as promised inside the "Snow Cone":</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUR2zN4d7wVX7HMjD0unb8GfBvL4M_F3KxoUBok76p8-pMRNRB1UuoP_UQEYLSb0ji4ReUkWZ8q26OzJQTO4S-PtsSmjKZQpNd0DPI1aBNXTMZCFqpa75UN2dmdwnCC5FW2mE515TEDEkQBxZ2PLi6zASOh7503Iw5ORsdA-wV3QgeXR6bx-yWxSlILaw/s2048/IMG_8922.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUR2zN4d7wVX7HMjD0unb8GfBvL4M_F3KxoUBok76p8-pMRNRB1UuoP_UQEYLSb0ji4ReUkWZ8q26OzJQTO4S-PtsSmjKZQpNd0DPI1aBNXTMZCFqpa75UN2dmdwnCC5FW2mE515TEDEkQBxZ2PLi6zASOh7503Iw5ORsdA-wV3QgeXR6bx-yWxSlILaw/w400-h300/IMG_8922.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Still somehow enough moisture for little flowers to bloom:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEght0MtD_lH6FKtRRa8YerSCHSbnnP1x9lpHGnMaHql4hH-pJOa1_w2vHF8maMkgdAMXyPaJwcKZk_ouEoIdwivyyB6525sVY6FVKkqQ_XolCaBPSi4BIRZHIapM33HNGKqpSy5Xlr68GQl7vt7b5gd89O3NhfbwkFFcFNNew_K7pXRHiAjGlox7XIwtFY/s2048/IMG_8925.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEght0MtD_lH6FKtRRa8YerSCHSbnnP1x9lpHGnMaHql4hH-pJOa1_w2vHF8maMkgdAMXyPaJwcKZk_ouEoIdwivyyB6525sVY6FVKkqQ_XolCaBPSi4BIRZHIapM33HNGKqpSy5Xlr68GQl7vt7b5gd89O3NhfbwkFFcFNNew_K7pXRHiAjGlox7XIwtFY/w400-h300/IMG_8925.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the "Big Craters":</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9aLMzKPiLzYTprCtaRnK7yWHPJ7eb2bje5BV_yvqwzX_1x-nw5OBgKS4ZDKBocmuOQ8l444Or-lgUnwKP2PFo_xhcmJU7JzAijcuCgFxiHOlWzqUiP_c8ScpwKFiwJ_sPajFQlQUonfDX7rtXRVa9OQ9PW0j5zSGrZKAOjRiF5nRzmqQbtM-IucvKm8/s2048/IMG_8927.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9aLMzKPiLzYTprCtaRnK7yWHPJ7eb2bje5BV_yvqwzX_1x-nw5OBgKS4ZDKBocmuOQ8l444Or-lgUnwKP2PFo_xhcmJU7JzAijcuCgFxiHOlWzqUiP_c8ScpwKFiwJ_sPajFQlQUonfDX7rtXRVa9OQ9PW0j5zSGrZKAOjRiF5nRzmqQbtM-IucvKm8/w400-h300/IMG_8927.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">John heading the other way along the crater rim, amid the cinders:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvPYs09UjtqyxE4VTbM6nSAQ6XGz3EEXCLpHjarJSRqjEqWcjcpPbCbf4VTMBWUvCsMZ76Vv9kZNOAEC_je6itZp6Hg3t2UCMlUz8ii8nDh4G-IHW-LQudDAZsJiOldpe4IFK9XVK6w78TpJGxj073k4Y2l4Twh7fbYrC84sz0MOgNlhmp12Yt_3jof8/s2048/IMG_8931.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvPYs09UjtqyxE4VTbM6nSAQ6XGz3EEXCLpHjarJSRqjEqWcjcpPbCbf4VTMBWUvCsMZ76Vv9kZNOAEC_je6itZp6Hg3t2UCMlUz8ii8nDh4G-IHW-LQudDAZsJiOldpe4IFK9XVK6w78TpJGxj073k4Y2l4Twh7fbYrC84sz0MOgNlhmp12Yt_3jof8/w400-h300/IMG_8931.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Love this "duck down" feature of the trail:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-Qm4GWoiLSfYNg8dC_89xTdtC0wNDh8IG8tT1XucXoT67G0R301ZPtOtUbEJgz2caTXzCay5LG23SE5KlORRyAJ9IqJfjzgPSCcyocwxeGhJEWEY3sM6kmMdSNMlRSUO8inAtbFhRiemlpNOSdv8dKLgj4te5yXJRUnT9Fv9Q4bQ1guTpCOZxgrGwog/s2048/IMG_8933.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-Qm4GWoiLSfYNg8dC_89xTdtC0wNDh8IG8tT1XucXoT67G0R301ZPtOtUbEJgz2caTXzCay5LG23SE5KlORRyAJ9IqJfjzgPSCcyocwxeGhJEWEY3sM6kmMdSNMlRSUO8inAtbFhRiemlpNOSdv8dKLgj4te5yXJRUnT9Fv9Q4bQ1guTpCOZxgrGwog/w400-h300/IMG_8933.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Trail marker amid the lava:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITpQKirIysKK0ljKdL6-nM6WfXCgzoCt7AMA6TEgm-Ha0xGwqU1zV3FGPZMRw_1KmqfQNlnLvSDKv_FHOScOFuFPbADgKZdM9wJ1ywjuFO38Qfta3DspUPdLGrLyY-VWRUVVbgO292bbPaSf7ekZ4ascfXwq3474cSdzJ6rWBdYTFNLBJvd0BKNRNqjs/s2048/IMG_8934.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITpQKirIysKK0ljKdL6-nM6WfXCgzoCt7AMA6TEgm-Ha0xGwqU1zV3FGPZMRw_1KmqfQNlnLvSDKv_FHOScOFuFPbADgKZdM9wJ1ywjuFO38Qfta3DspUPdLGrLyY-VWRUVVbgO292bbPaSf7ekZ4ascfXwq3474cSdzJ6rWBdYTFNLBJvd0BKNRNqjs/w400-h300/IMG_8934.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I believe this is called "witch's broom" but I can't recall why it happens:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VBzOQnFgX4aUddBsHaqzkMj5BIUILVlB6KVGAT7VskQ60zZ3BItNJtHjcKfvPxdRTwetgJ3pJN71ndoiffDTHeCnSrd3VuLEn5OM63iV7bP30HwOPwqkWL9btkBW58k_2ZvIVLi3jFMx9ybra-8GFmv5BatZ2tKjleeJjt0JvZNwbP64X3sylmMj6TY/s2048/IMG_8937.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VBzOQnFgX4aUddBsHaqzkMj5BIUILVlB6KVGAT7VskQ60zZ3BItNJtHjcKfvPxdRTwetgJ3pJN71ndoiffDTHeCnSrd3VuLEn5OM63iV7bP30HwOPwqkWL9btkBW58k_2ZvIVLi3jFMx9ybra-8GFmv5BatZ2tKjleeJjt0JvZNwbP64X3sylmMj6TY/w400-h300/IMG_8937.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Talking a walk on the Tree Molds trail and admiring the lava field that stretches off into the distance:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRzCfecuE8Uej8gjWmI-pK83DiXzItFrblMZ7q41L61ss87qL3jJpqeCwIWC9K09tvwDqeUVHlemSccc4LM65EX-LbbVZucd4QI0fCYdh3uELOG1wtHBlBy_-OT7-1aoURZOnen0Rox-1pT8KcJf6wyKBa-ZbGd63V3Xfn4bCzxmrT5_SP_MF0W-Zb1s/s2048/IMG_8939.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRzCfecuE8Uej8gjWmI-pK83DiXzItFrblMZ7q41L61ss87qL3jJpqeCwIWC9K09tvwDqeUVHlemSccc4LM65EX-LbbVZucd4QI0fCYdh3uELOG1wtHBlBy_-OT7-1aoURZOnen0Rox-1pT8KcJf6wyKBa-ZbGd63V3Xfn4bCzxmrT5_SP_MF0W-Zb1s/w400-h300/IMG_8939.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the molds where a tree once stood before it was surrounded by lava:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpHVG43Ss0JWYPnMdZmRad3ORkSBeVXCzvcTyP5u3heEus6GIXPwcYxR-7TXneyUQD-zNmD7wdlApHordXTzedkBhsOgxh6yxN7IASpK28XAOhexth0cxH7WFDLyjzRj13MvfrXYyyThAAeS3c2QjdYWU9u0e2YNopICS6DDHub7fxRgyM6RA9LDzu3k/s2048/IMG_8940.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpHVG43Ss0JWYPnMdZmRad3ORkSBeVXCzvcTyP5u3heEus6GIXPwcYxR-7TXneyUQD-zNmD7wdlApHordXTzedkBhsOgxh6yxN7IASpK28XAOhexth0cxH7WFDLyjzRj13MvfrXYyyThAAeS3c2QjdYWU9u0e2YNopICS6DDHub7fxRgyM6RA9LDzu3k/w400-h300/IMG_8940.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This may have been a larger tree at one time:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6CKydbYIpqqqtUVQ6aZ-OrfQDl6qguqVL4pfAshQ8zIykVJ_ccJxaNinqWprB8P4vhYqAJyMiG_GHa1bLbL4NCGts70iJBLU1GQvO4kO7fKMGMqywHxG5VTbAORtmXhcQcwdVGMLVN7VEom4ciojLtMkSsEI1SA29kSPQqvMYYocCbzKXOXBv4efDBo/s2048/IMG_8941.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6CKydbYIpqqqtUVQ6aZ-OrfQDl6qguqVL4pfAshQ8zIykVJ_ccJxaNinqWprB8P4vhYqAJyMiG_GHa1bLbL4NCGts70iJBLU1GQvO4kO7fKMGMqywHxG5VTbAORtmXhcQcwdVGMLVN7VEom4ciojLtMkSsEI1SA29kSPQqvMYYocCbzKXOXBv4efDBo/w300-h400/IMG_8941.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Horizontal molds:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVAd0NTne_YrkIMmNf86HglDFyZtYXiRZC8yKZ1RC0l_GRaAlxsN04h80OYvliKFvf4jhydRO5dMjb_SCCK2P02zprVChHx0LeEqpbT0glrNx8tYtRO0BNBF1PWRlM_pjoZ35840eWuKz1yA0Susbt0AMkIZZjx2W3quxZ8W6GLzOubo51GmmgYU-kTw/s2048/IMG_8946.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVAd0NTne_YrkIMmNf86HglDFyZtYXiRZC8yKZ1RC0l_GRaAlxsN04h80OYvliKFvf4jhydRO5dMjb_SCCK2P02zprVChHx0LeEqpbT0glrNx8tYtRO0BNBF1PWRlM_pjoZ35840eWuKz1yA0Susbt0AMkIZZjx2W3quxZ8W6GLzOubo51GmmgYU-kTw/w300-h400/IMG_8946.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The "Big Sink", a former lava pond:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHijTCGgxIH00EMlXyeTnVMaJybw7OL_nb8DJiK4ax20CvdTOfyoeaB1jC1x9S0DRilgGLcYe3UA-_yIxNirM1U89s0hxq4QePOsVa1tABDZqHahldL8xE3lDADkHqySFUYcuo_y4exD9fHmKGWGLA9xhOvZhxrzO2RmA8XIaQRq34AEBdjolQ4iiEkbg/s2048/IMG_8950.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHijTCGgxIH00EMlXyeTnVMaJybw7OL_nb8DJiK4ax20CvdTOfyoeaB1jC1x9S0DRilgGLcYe3UA-_yIxNirM1U89s0hxq4QePOsVa1tABDZqHahldL8xE3lDADkHqySFUYcuo_y4exD9fHmKGWGLA9xhOvZhxrzO2RmA8XIaQRq34AEBdjolQ4iiEkbg/w400-h300/IMG_8950.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I went for a run on the Wilderness Trail, coming across more tree molds and interesting shapes:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zWWTV0blI-DudZHccHeBgfB-2L2e9wED88Spt-crEkiWi8rKqyLVA7xmivvyeAPrtrd2rQQRcctk5LCT-8nCCJ-ax6A-QVR2_LwDddqI-mEaa_Q3d7YVtBBYAoKcauI9a-hpbPVWlGu6c3zFJn0KQWsu8CXhReIlSw7fM92AucXpaIhWISp_72ZBp0k/s2048/IMG_8951.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zWWTV0blI-DudZHccHeBgfB-2L2e9wED88Spt-crEkiWi8rKqyLVA7xmivvyeAPrtrd2rQQRcctk5LCT-8nCCJ-ax6A-QVR2_LwDddqI-mEaa_Q3d7YVtBBYAoKcauI9a-hpbPVWlGu6c3zFJn0KQWsu8CXhReIlSw7fM92AucXpaIhWISp_72ZBp0k/w400-h300/IMG_8951.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And cinder fields with optimistic flowers:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsLmbtouLeQzsNOvr2kakITzh0krDMc_-aKJ354W5HflxHA2NaGNKNvAreZ53USdYlEuH7NUnnqy8wiCCv6ci1S0R8qsSGdtlIiaL9hcl3pPqrhpMJ9qfUBM6M4ppFbQRGJLhXn0xCur-dqgFZ6Rm5otfThF3eB7SMV_xe2rlxh6IWtGvt_GKWsUdNr4/s2048/IMG_8954.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsLmbtouLeQzsNOvr2kakITzh0krDMc_-aKJ354W5HflxHA2NaGNKNvAreZ53USdYlEuH7NUnnqy8wiCCv6ci1S0R8qsSGdtlIiaL9hcl3pPqrhpMJ9qfUBM6M4ppFbQRGJLhXn0xCur-dqgFZ6Rm5otfThF3eB7SMV_xe2rlxh6IWtGvt_GKWsUdNr4/w400-h300/IMG_8954.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Caves trail winds through the middle of a big lava flow:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5j76lOpbOu4kR8J_lpTFPXBvoIUxxjp7VRbajq4tUn6eYw5dkHumIYu8BrCMtpvSEYaMiYoxni26tyxVqpv8-BXKjXEB6lbd1Yb5XAY_Sgqtxh-2ABpCadZN9OQp2Yr0aS6ffAdWZib9zoDh03Io0LZl9_glB-71-I3_png4bd_sMjSV7UVWoExcQz28/s2048/IMG_8960.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5j76lOpbOu4kR8J_lpTFPXBvoIUxxjp7VRbajq4tUn6eYw5dkHumIYu8BrCMtpvSEYaMiYoxni26tyxVqpv8-BXKjXEB6lbd1Yb5XAY_Sgqtxh-2ABpCadZN9OQp2Yr0aS6ffAdWZib9zoDh03Io0LZl9_glB-71-I3_png4bd_sMjSV7UVWoExcQz28/w400-h300/IMG_8960.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Gotta love it!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qjLU306PEH8l3-oKQR83cQyG1ogM5jEGW_0EdaG4UVhhyphenhyphen7YeJ6kE9VXkWfPMP1ExCkii21sXfsPPaLgy9c32CdITYsk1MNfFgsh5-wyNexfHhcv4JVSo9CYVGpfH326K-HQoqWVIjr9P-2m1Y6SzOTdZlcDbEbK0ofwdvOFw8hzKbTftyMgt9VCkbvw/s2048/IMG_8961.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qjLU306PEH8l3-oKQR83cQyG1ogM5jEGW_0EdaG4UVhhyphenhyphen7YeJ6kE9VXkWfPMP1ExCkii21sXfsPPaLgy9c32CdITYsk1MNfFgsh5-wyNexfHhcv4JVSo9CYVGpfH326K-HQoqWVIjr9P-2m1Y6SzOTdZlcDbEbK0ofwdvOFw8hzKbTftyMgt9VCkbvw/w400-h300/IMG_8961.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We are seeing more Rivian trucks all across the west, especially at charging stations. 3 out of 4 EV's, in this one instance:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jWxZlhpKQUK9tDmPO0uPAdnB41Ygoi9-7h756ta5kV7luyRLyiXNXh71SISHCq3jIe1KUNrd1va00pl2cuu8dJb6hdVdyDCaG0wZoz0455ZOg52M4f8x0X8XBtjt42Gi7DQiG2qiSSypCBWRwgJ8p5ZeBCU9CuzKIsnzCnCujjUpYPprcMHT7wipsQY/s2397/IMG_20230630_134342736.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1857" data-original-width="2397" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jWxZlhpKQUK9tDmPO0uPAdnB41Ygoi9-7h756ta5kV7luyRLyiXNXh71SISHCq3jIe1KUNrd1va00pl2cuu8dJb6hdVdyDCaG0wZoz0455ZOg52M4f8x0X8XBtjt42Gi7DQiG2qiSSypCBWRwgJ8p5ZeBCU9CuzKIsnzCnCujjUpYPprcMHT7wipsQY/w400-h310/IMG_20230630_134342736.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A rare bit of cover at a charging station, plus space to pull in with our travel trailer - much appreciated on both counts:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9iA3GuYC2nCeUlZ5EwPJMNA41UW_23ylgi2DgTRrjgoXPhJhJpNx2J22v_NZ2MLDTckL1LZ8hpL-Nw1odZVcISqJMzb15B46K-V0iSPx5evFYBm1D_HBmrb5XP8fzbmCB0M47JRiKp_D1l3NzHPdZyhPCLfkV13Bci-Uo6zjyEZ8_7XHwibsGcmjrSk/s3264/IMG_20230701_123842003_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9iA3GuYC2nCeUlZ5EwPJMNA41UW_23ylgi2DgTRrjgoXPhJhJpNx2J22v_NZ2MLDTckL1LZ8hpL-Nw1odZVcISqJMzb15B46K-V0iSPx5evFYBm1D_HBmrb5XP8fzbmCB0M47JRiKp_D1l3NzHPdZyhPCLfkV13Bci-Uo6zjyEZ8_7XHwibsGcmjrSk/w400-h300/IMG_20230701_123842003_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We based out of Twin Falls for a week, with one picture to show for it:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93f6kb14gH40kcsseimN83uRarEXyFGxnZOCTxahZU9AmyG0cIDy9hnTtmL1wSAyEaXTnl4BtlrTTcg3RP9uCa9Qp1Fp5a8y1NtWSVSgJ4mC1MDgoqDwuqUnULNlZ-tLOzfIzS8rKqbGFrlUskwMvXM5lfU_gb4XR7-FGA-SJ77liUfkRTiquikfFfKI/s2209/IMG_20230704_162708360.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1769" data-original-width="2209" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93f6kb14gH40kcsseimN83uRarEXyFGxnZOCTxahZU9AmyG0cIDy9hnTtmL1wSAyEaXTnl4BtlrTTcg3RP9uCa9Qp1Fp5a8y1NtWSVSgJ4mC1MDgoqDwuqUnULNlZ-tLOzfIzS8rKqbGFrlUskwMvXM5lfU_gb4XR7-FGA-SJ77liUfkRTiquikfFfKI/w400-h320/IMG_20230704_162708360.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I suspect we'll be back another time for more exploring, thanks Idaho!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198544929807006054noreply@blogger.com0