tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57916925477102400112024-01-28T22:13:16.354-08:00On the RunUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1239125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-13612266128290990392024-01-28T22:12:00.000-08:002024-01-28T22:12:22.613-08:00What's the Deal with Blogspot<p style="text-align: justify;">I haven't been posting my trail adventures in this blog lately because something strange is going on with Blogspot. The pictures have disappeared! š Well, not actually disappeared. Instead. you have to click on an image thumbnail in order to see it. Apparently, I'm not the only user having this problem but no one seems to know what's going on. I'm a little bummed about it -- my blogposts are photo heavy. So, I'm not putting effort into posts at the moment, until I can figure out how to fix this situation. In the meantime, as always because I'm just picture crazy, I post the full set of pictures (many that never make it to Blogger) here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LaurenOTR" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/LaurenOTR </a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-69528456189295719462024-01-12T22:06:00.001-08:002024-01-27T17:22:36.485-08:002024 Races<p align="justify">For 2024, weāre putting on 2 classic Old Goat races: Billy Goat in April & Saddleback Marathon in November. I am super pleased we have dates approved with enough time to get the word out (Billy Goat time is a bit short though). See below about the races, and please help get the word out. I also have a fundraiser, hoping to help a Kenyan runner travel here for one or both of these races (see more below).</p> <p><strong><a href="https://otrraces.com/billy-goat" target="_blank"><font size="3">April 6, 2024 Billy Goat Half Marathon Climb:</font></a></strong></p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1q0Zx3-za4OgKsbN6VCCxEDbLJ_UBoktY"><img alt="billy goat profile" border="0" height="219" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1dP1YijkJQcV0yQp-4k5E4qtSA62Pehm_" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="billy goat profile" width="486" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Billy Goat (with various adoptions of the name like: Billy Goat Hill Climb, Billy Goat 1/2 Marathon Mountain Climb, etc) is Steve Harveyās (Old Goat) original race. Traditionally, it ran in June to commemorate Steveās birthday. Traditionally, it was hot as hell. In 2024, we are still commemorating Old Goatās birthday but just a bit earlier (I will certainly invite him out). The gnats will be fewer and the weather a tad cooler. Weāll probably see some spring flowers too!</p> <p align="justify">Billy Goat 1/2 Marathon Climb is run on Indian Truck Trail in the Cleveland National Forest outside of Corona, California. It is an out-and-back on truck trail to the Main Divide. Weāll have aid about half way up and at the top (The Main Divide). āIt Aināt But One Hill,ā as Old Goat originally dubbed. With Fires and Covid, its been more than a few years since this race was run. </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xVcVDVIzYUR4YSSb1V1AM6QSCr_NOwKk"><img alt="logo with poppies" border="0" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11i0c_MphBHOWVRUsStPU0XysMd4xMBHm" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="logo with poppies" /></a> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1WbIc2cD0AVODdi4fmd-k5B6BWQA-0n63"><img alt="billy goat qr code" border="0" height="244" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=157AR2KoepDWPDjSTVYlR_S58Z_KWYH7P" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="billy goat qr code" width="244" /></a> <p><a href="https://otrraces.com/saddleback-marathon" target="_blank"><font size="3"><strong>November 9, 2024 The Saddleback Marathon:</strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p align="justify">This race is my all time favorite, even more so than Calico Trail run, and thatās saying something ā I ran Calico 10 times (I think. Maybe it was 9). This race was originally put on by Big Baz (Baz Hawley) and then later Old Goat (Steve). We (OnTheRun) ran it in 2019 and 2023 (re-routed). With fires and Covid, itās been challenging keeping this awesome race on the books.</p> <p align="justify">In 2024, we are back to the original course (Bazās), with trail work scheduled completion in summer 2024. Weāve also kept Old Goatās half option, which goes up the infamous West Horsethief! The course is short of an actual marathon (about 2 miles) but I promise, you wonāt feel it. </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=13GSQgZjCHufBaHKyBuQ3cOhINELac2Bb"><img alt="the main divide" border="0" height="275" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1wMOYczG1s47-OA8S22qx4MWiQPv6qqTd" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="the main divide" width="486" /></a> <p>Get a glimpse of the course here (itās a little bumpy & blurry): </p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:0ABB7CC8-30EB-4F34-8080-22DA77ED20C3:0f857801-97b1-4ccd-87d6-1fd2d39e4911" style="display: inline; float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="239" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/U4Q6InBwuSE" width="425"></iframe></div><div style="clear: both; font-size: 0.8em; width: 425px;">Saddleback Marathon 2011</div></div> <p><a href="https://www.givesendgo.com/AdoptAnAthlete" target="_blank"><font size="3"><strong>Anderson Kipyator Chepkwony</strong></font></a></p> <p align="justify">Anderson lives in lives in a rural town about ten miles south west of <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Nakuru,+Kenya/@-3.215154,-1.1780151,3z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x18298d90cf610bef:0xf2f21833bc7cc21a!8m2!3d-0.3030988!4d36.080026!16zL20vMDY1MTNn?entry=ttu" target="_blank">Nakuru, Kenya</a>. He emailed last September 2023, requesting an invite to the Saddleback Marathon. With an invite Anderson could apply for a visa with the embassy for the purposes of running races. Why is this important to Anderson? There is little to no employment in Kenya. Running races outside of his country offers him a higher standing in Athletics Kenya which could eventually attract sponsors and possibly a running career in his country. </p> <p align="justify">We sent a Billy Goat 1/2 marathon invite to Anderson and his running friend Evans. After confirming race records, passports and conducting basic online research, I set up a fundraiser in my name hoping to help Anderson get here. If you interested in helping, please see the link below. Any amount is greatly appreciated ā small amounts add up! </p> <p align="justify">We hope to see Anderson and his friend Evans this April (or November for Saddleback, if we can). </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://www.givesendgo.com/AdoptAnAthlete" target="_blank">Read more about Andersonās fundraiser here</a></p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1hpPlPaPv4DhHooDmzdxZzfml3lTR45Ka"><img alt="322567805_856708375551539_3917748016773584483_n" border="0" height="364" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1CLqiMmQm8KePP6qUp8H4NSZg4QGviraA" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="322567805_856708375551539_3917748016773584483_n" width="484" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-5719184418699742152024-01-10T17:37:00.001-08:002024-01-10T17:37:18.057-08:00Spring Approaches<p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Q5t5eLkWkspMTy3l7oHBZpUn2zLYIh58"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10Ybgprfbio8x8GrFzHwk3mA0yQVjTDKN"><img title="IMG_2109" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_2109" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1DCoYpnQbhxn1feUgUPMQlEPavAOs17Gv" width="484" height="364" /></a></a></p> <p align="justify">My goal (tentatively) is to hit the trails three times weekly. Started off this week, Monday, with about 6.5 miles in the local coastal hills, my long time stomping grounds, Wood Canyon. The weather is quite chilly nowadays (low 40s F in the morning, 50s in the afternoon) but thereās lots of green peeping through! Spring certainly approaches.</p> <p align="justify">I took a few detours off Wood Canyon, beginning with Wood Creek, that little trail that nobody seems to know about. Itās magical and as usual was empty. </p> <p align="left">One of my favorite spots along Wood Creek Trail:<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Q5t5eLkWkspMTy3l7oHBZpUn2zLYIh58"><img title="IMG_2113" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_2113" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1L3jAF6N7PU1yR47yP-waP0fDzEBYvkEo" width="484" height="364" /></a> <br />Leaf littered path along Wood Creek Trail:<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1iAuSPzoeE8J-uVoxl8EEOe9fy1gCJUp_"><img title="IMG_2124" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_2124" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1nLbFCD7Xy4awjzCTUfKJDuQKBGMTSMjT" width="484" height="364" /></a></p> <p align="justify">I stopped by Dripping Cave as well, a bit giddy on the way in because the āTrail Partially Closedā sign was gone at the trailhead. Most of Dripping Cave Trail has been closed for several years due to fires. Of course, the closed section was one of my favorite trails in all of Wood Canyon. Turns out, the park has permanently ended the trail at the cave. And the place is so overgrown, I couldnāt even make out the old trail. So, I jaunted up a rocky path off to the side just to make sure. I didnāt find the trail but an awesome secret outcropping to sit at and look out at the canyon. From the spot, I could also see the actual āoldā Dripping Cave Trail (the now closed part) and decided not to go for it. I wasnāt in the mood to dodge rangers. Iām not that quick nowadays.</p> <p align="left">Dripping Cave:<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Da3YnlGO5t2lsCYFI91cai7x7rwkTc2X"><img title="IMG_2147" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_2147" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1fB3gbLJ2Frj_UVxEJowRHDRvcukFgLBN" width="486" height="366" /></a> <br />Path up to secret outcropping:<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1XGkMYpGM3PCv_p1WFZdZXq0z3bmIxwb_"><img title="IMG_2151" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_2151" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1P-gNa9emjWSm56wFOV2aHTsQRdp1fx6T" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p align="justify">After Dripping Cave, I decided to head back. I took took another detour and jumped onto Coyote Run Trail after Mathis. In contrast to Wood Creek Trail, Coyote Run is not so secret. Itās the way to RockIt, a huge park favorite. On this Monday though, I had it practically to myself. I came upon only one runner and one hiker on this fairytale trail.</p> <p align="left">Coyote Run Trail:<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=18To9a7Xnyy7-QZFOgZmATSw5cVQmnSQd"><img title="IMG_2157" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_2157" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1qFsRSZ36EyprIV9Ew0qi6vFWLz42sDgY" width="486" height="366" /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1k1VDiebljniNjUXUf8EcTg5T8kQm6HYh"><img title="IMG_2165" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_2165" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1q3M6ujoZSzfjKzTiaX1wLTlBpwtPIu03" width="486" height="448" /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1PTcNoprVqlWRhojJbDlUutVYok6VnoLG"><img title="IMG_2177" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_2177" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ykGCJ-zBHgykk6QuPvzqrXLdBvLH_7Gz" width="486" height="366" /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1J4_52TRKE9q-bd-YkOCFgMtba1opHWE7"><img title="IMG_2179" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_2179" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1W8In_N9v1O1c1R5E9yO9oa_Y-kNMUJ5L" width="486" height="366" /></a></a></a></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-48082399367787499652024-01-07T07:49:00.001-08:002024-01-07T08:26:51.162-08:00Staying Local<p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1J7NbOTcYLeEslcyjl31Wq9dRa8x5mkdj"><img align="left" alt="IMG_2041" border="0" height="201" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pQv2DiMEx3i9lL3ZZXcNUsiMa5ibBKy4" style="background-image: none; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 16px 0px 0px;" title="IMG_2041" width="224" /></a>Not ready to hit the trails. Still holding onto my seat from the 2023 wild ride. Iāve got a tree up still in my living room (fully decorated) and other remnants of holiday decorations around the house. I finally threw out the Christmas wreaths yesterday. I am going to miss that lovely pine smell. (All the more reason to get back to the mountains!)</p> <p align="justify">We are only one week into 2024, I have a little time still to get organized and to clean up the 2023 mess. The longer I wait to hit those trails though, the less capable I am to actually do it. Every day I don't get my legs moving up a mountain, I grow weaker, both mentally and physically. I can catch up on the mental fitness other ways (though that has been rare lately) and I try to do things that give me some fitness -- like take the stairs or park at the far end of the parking lot. Walking to the grocery store or post office is also a great way to keep some type of physical fitness (though it is waning!). So, Iām pretty much staying local lately with promises and hopes of at least hitting the trails a couple times before spring semester begins. Until then, Iāve been staying local. Weāve got lots of walking material here in my hometown, Dana Point, even some dirt trails. This week on one of my errand walkabouts, I decided to detour to the Headlands and mosey about the roped trails overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was a beautiful sight. A great small start to getting my feet back to dirt.</p> <img alt="IMG_2045" border="0" height="364" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zfsVFKjAm0mz7LKXfXXTOu7_ETipUbwQ" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="IMG_2045" width="484" /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zKf0Rr5VJh9an94-5-CVkRWT7mSacuO1"><img alt="IMG_2049" border="0" height="364" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12351a2HsrssF1NRjNhb9kqVWjDuZ0mXZ" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="IMG_2049" width="484" /></a><img alt="IMG_2055" border="0" height="364" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1fM7m13k1aW6MluWCn-0wNelhceKEjkM9" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="IMG_2055" width="484" /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cFRMbzBy5_Q78s4Rm6RpSaO3QJGVhDC8"><img alt="IMG_2068" border="0" height="364" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1XA1H188vOlOdT7bWqQMM9gJE0CGUdpES" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="IMG_2068" width="484" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-60172906689284007602024-01-01T23:42:00.001-08:002024-01-02T22:29:18.362-08:00Good to be Exhausted<p align="justify">2023. Fastest year ever. It was like a whirlwind. It seems like I had to force time to catch a breath (only when absolutely necessary mental health-wise ā Iām last minute like that). 2023 is almost all a blur now, that is until I open up my phone and travel through the year. What a trip. I am in the future. 2023 at my fingertips. At first thought, I didnāt accomplish much in 2023. I came up short on goals, physical goals, writing goals, even reading goals. My phone however is here to remind me that I did do much in 2023. I lived in 2023. </p> <p align="justify"><em>A Chronical of the year that hit me like a whirlwind and left me exhausted (Itās good to be exhausted):</em></p> <p align="justify"><strong><font size="4">January</font></strong> <br /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12txnuf-Poup_mWWcxl9n_WcLS4FnpOKA"><img title="1 JAN 26" style="margin: 5px 14px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="1 JAN 26" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ijqlVUCWpPa4uJq42THd1lYYW8TBuXoF" width="170" align="left" height="226" /></a>Spring semester began, I was teaching 3 days a week. I also enrolled in another piano course and one day a week after my class, walked to the music building next-door to Business Sciences for piano. I stayed local mostly because I was having car trouble (my gauge wasnāt measuring gas in the tank accurately. Twice I ran out of gas, once thankfully in my driveway). So, I hiked beaches and used my bus pass happily (I was tired of driving anyway, and tired of gas prices too). </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1einz9SNoFIiIvhKwqZCp-pBp7114zJ5Q"><img title="3 march 28" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="3 march 28" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17bWO3T8IcReWbpppOh5yaeCrSQ7MoHHu" width="484" height="364" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1K4R_SkhdA0_YQjD9FfCP04T8VdIkqiG1"><img title="1 JAN 6" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="1 JAN 6" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rCcbRimsoIetp6-xdFBhgRV9_CxMhY5-" width="484" height="364" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="4"><strong>February</strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=13_N0uO3ro0L76khfdPco5K8XReJqTLvk"><img title="2 FEB 10" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="2 FEB 10" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1poBedT9wX8yFZp62RcD6OMLV9monuOJT" width="192" align="right" height="161" /></a>Chiquito Falls were flowing once again. All of our creeks flowed like crazy ā in the coastal hills and mountains. The wild grass was fresh and green. New growth was everywhere. California got enough rain to end our most recent drought. But I did not venture out much with classes to plan, committee meetings to attend, new music to learn, etc.  </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1WxCPCMSn5IJv738MYvaMlX9GFryhaQTa"><img title="2 Feb" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="2 Feb" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rRwdg6YxF_J8Y3foUF8zzNbCU-6SWP_9" width="484" height="364" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17LzmHDfp6gko23ualeoPGQKolIco6MoE"><img title="2 feb 12" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="2 feb 12" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1mkdeGWUuZnINn1ujhAwCDbciS6yRLiUE" width="484" height="364" /></a> </p> <p><font size="4"><strong>March</strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1LMtF4vsiR1bV2uCyjMqgD4JU5I_82Qev"><img title="3 MARCH 24" style="margin: 5px 17px 2px 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="3 MARCH 24" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1m1dRorzh7mVA6ZsSyP9InLQFFCtUIakO" width="178" align="left" height="228" /></a>The rain continued to fill our creeks. Attended my sonās Junior Recital at his university and a dear friendās wedding at a lovely spot in the mountains. It rained almost all of the time, even during the wedding (but thatās what made it even more enchanting). Began attending Thursday night Lent supper services at church. I was still riding the bus to work which meant I had a lot of much cherished reading time and finally finished a book that I had been reading for a while. I think that was the beginning of my exhaustion. (Great book though). </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=16Sx9onfXWwV1dxw6qrSG7XDdQrCFS5hP"><img title="3 MARCH 5" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="3 MARCH 5" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1hHH77JmxLOpIp3eWQPRwdTHYFjAbyFUA" width="204" height="250" /></a>         <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ILFaY8CowkYWjKnjyH-vJ-xy1UGJh24t"><img title="3 MARCH 12" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="3 MARCH 12" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1uAIPuSY5bH_OR-G7I4qESJwQKFvBx3f2" width="218" height="254" /></a> <p><font size="4"><strong>April</strong></font></p> <p align="justify">Continued attending Lent soup dinner services on Thursday nights. Attended more concerts. I was so looking forward to my hike to Baker Cross on Good Friday. But one week prior to this finale, I caught COVID19, my first bout. I went down pretty hard, I think mainly because I hiked ten miles in Black Star Canyon without knowing I was already ill. I was out of commission for a bit. I tested negative pretty quickly and most symptoms vanished  but fatigue and depression lingered. I was in a funk for a while.  </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1NWhSGqc8MuYRWbFet3PVcGMhqpl6drHh"><img title="4 april" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="4 april" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1LBfaB6Va5m9HQ-ZU0RF5xHEwaLiJ-bxN" width="484" height="364" /></a> <p><font size="4"><strong>May</strong></font> </p> <p>Fully back to work but a time of recovery. More lovely concerts and also the university music award banquet for my son. The blackberries began to blossom in the backyard and spring was bursting out all over due to our late rains. (During drought, spring flowers are long gone by May.)</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1TtemVyLZwBs3LPBzTdkUias8QqbXNd2Z"><img title="IMG_9171" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9171" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=19ECCRO2pbt0t3wdFFeyBxnpYmrkmAjT8" width="224" height="297" /></a>    <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=13AXxK3oiNo6VkaH2ZFXMc-QtVOO_gR7c"><img title="5 MAY 31" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="5 MAY 31" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bsgw6VXSRW2JVBZYREPEFtsX0OHoNTR-" width="224" height="297" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zfdKgtn-1irQlrN8IdyD3VJS2C6juMAu"><img title="5 MAY 16" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="5 MAY 16" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1dWLUrxMHXSKYbEblq3xoJ4sTFSUV-3KA" width="484" height="468" /></a> <p><font size="4"><strong>June</strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Pn4IcnCteG-WeQXgzfYiV0uOAtbo_b4E"><img title="6 june 19" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="6 june 19" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=15HGv2njPEBovt3E-iWBcKD5nige8Z-Sw" width="484" height="364" /></a>Youngest son graduated high school, oldest son flew in from East <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FczetwlNcGR2hwMXPJqcNysoUj98OC-F"><img title="6 JUNE 21" style="margin: 10px 3px 1px 18px; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="6 JUNE 21" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1TJnlhaDJGHIE_TqYqRlxBQYRMHFbR5cO" width="268" align="right" height="202" /></a>Coast. Had dinner with the entire family for the first time in a few years. It was a lovely time. But only the beginning! Flew out to NYC with husband, my middle son and girlfriend to see him play in a guitar orchestra at the Manhattan School of Music. Oldest son flew out too. It was a time of chaos at the airports (lots of cancellations) but we did amazingly well. We ate wonderful food, saw the sights (Central Park, Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, etc). Later, we drove to Maryland to stay with oldest son and his girlfriend. Ate homemade tortillas at his place, wonderful crab at a local joint then enjoyed more sights and excellent seafood at the National Harbor. I was calling the trip a āFoodcationā by this point. Ended East Coast trip with a stay at an Airbnb in Arlington, Va (Crystal City) where we enjoyed the National Mall in DC and excellent dining in Virginia. It was a long trip home with a layover in Charlotte that was delayed and eventually cancelled (but we had already found another flight before the cancellation!) I taught summer online classes during the trip. I pre-recorded my lectures but still had tutoring hours to adhere to. Even so, I had fallen a little behind, especially with the new piano class I had enrolled in for the short semester. House was still standing when we arrived back at home. Youngest son kept the garden flowers alive. <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1VMmH8YNMZth6x-gYdOjOHhshfpqchgcj" /> <br /> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=15MCKkqjU2KzK0teVPyrmPqGP8zXX7CgD"><img title="6 june 25" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="6 june 25" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1gj0abQqRwW0LnOUJxJQOXJJe8a9WktMo" width="484" height="364" /></a> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1XQWmUpLew7hfpVD54g0vNJe_zQ33UkpR"><img title="6 june 27" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="6 june 27" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rfXf5koIzWefOH2ys5IGPTQFXzjFx07b" width="484" height="232" /></a></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>July</strong></font> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pFKK2z3FjPRd1rzwkveQ_sB_7apUhoHp"><img title="7 JULY 30" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 23px; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="7 JULY 30" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1gOg806nZ6lQ3XDuO60l-FvKrnXJCA2aN" width="224" align="right" height="250" /></a>Continued teaching online courses, worked on catching up with everything: unpacking, cleaning, gardening, piano, grading, and trying to get a date nailed down with the US Forest Service for the marathon. On the last Sunday of the month, I attended my 35th High School Reunion.  35 years since I had graduated from high school --  Yikes. </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rIshorDkBqTs7TeJ6SQkzS0BNJweXS_Q"><img title="7 july 5" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="7 july 5" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1lJHsWUzLfUU8FrwpvFdJFH2PJAe-YieB" width="484" height="364" /></a> <p> <font size="4"><strong>August</strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1DbTkcW9V6SHj3ysrNSM4cSligUmNVhR6"><img title="8 aug 10c" style="margin: 0px 5px 0px 28px; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="8 aug 10c" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1TjblQlHCXODl-nXoPt44-YRQ6Z80jsmi" width="235" align="right" height="178" /></a>More rain, lovely summer rain. We had an earthquake as well (five something on the Richter scale if my memory serves correctly). Attended sonās summer concert at our church, helped sons move into dorms, prepped classes for fall semester and attended piano classes online from my Livingroom. </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1gCe6DfVu1ijLJasJvUU6wQVQ5F3NlCx2"><img title="8 aug 10a" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="8 aug 10a" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=15g07wkm1SkVg5hU1PHf7SXxcYBXLI2rU" width="484" height="364" /></a> <p><font size="4"><strong>September</strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Aar3iBPFlbjgQ8GwAZN_SfG9Cq5L9eaw"><img title="9 SEPT 23" style="margin: 13px 0px 2px 14px; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="9 SEPT 23" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1VCYbGQNQA7VywOO9xl2im-LzIxC2v8_E" width="139" align="right" height="244" /></a>Got an answer on a marathon date (November, not enough time!). Back in the air for another trip, this time with husband to see family in Texas and pack up things from storage to have shipped home. Flew into Austin, saw family for a few days south of Dallas and rented a U-haul. Drove to Waco to unload into a U-box and met our oldest son at Austin airport. Saw family places in Giddings, spent time at the Wendish museum in Serbin then returned next day for the Wendish festival. Was a wonderful ending to a stressful trip. Spent last night in Texas at the worst hotel ever, across from the Capitol, seriously donāt ever stay at the La Quinta Inn across from the state capitol ā it was comical. Flight home was turbulent but made it without any cancellations (not so for our son). </p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FLCcFNTLCI37Y_MBcX7CDNJp7KstFNep"><img title="9 SEPT 24" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="9 SEPT 24" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1H7yv4CuEswsKpE1Pv9115WNW6tTHW3ph" width="484" height="364" /></a> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1myhH5wcCRU6SJ_3WwjyGflSPKlfDVyoy"><img title="9 sept 24a" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="9 sept 24a" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xf7ocgupdDce9n41qpxdWUf_MF78QvKP" width="484" height="364" /></a></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>October </strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Uy1gwY-WJqCcDYqdV5YP3aaK73RbFB1X"><img title="10 oct 26 b" style="margin: 2px 19px 1px 6px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="10 oct 26 b" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=15lY6Ua_tXHfawRh8fvCu5OzCvnBgupN8" width="139" align="left" height="244" /></a>October I finally got back on the trails. The lush green hillsides had turned brown, flowers at home were blooming in abundance. Felt a little bit in a race against time putting the marathon together. It was going to be a small race and I wasnāt sure when to pull the trigger on the shirts, medals etc. Stressful month. And then I was back in the air again. This time, for a business conference in Florida that I felt really fortunate to be a part of. Thing was, it came at a tough time. Left early on a Wednesday with a colleague, stayed in an awesome Orlando hotel, was catered to with fine food, spent an evening at Epcot and was back by the weekend (late Friday night). Talk about whirlwind.</p> <p align="justify"> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1r2-6-gFOxYRHr8tVcvNIWjA1alsw0QjO"><img title="10 OCT 26" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="10 OCT 26" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1LlDlKlguMpEBot_pzMfpsVFRqNsjlm-5" width="484" height="364" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1WlCDdQowZkU7DeOuRrlIBy2WdoW90Raz"><img title="10 oct 26a" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="10 oct 26a" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1oRQ5o_TwQjahW2Ih6sNYV8Qn5MtFkj65" width="484" height="364" /></a></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>November</strong></font> </p> <p align="justify">Got lots of hiking in, scouting and prepping trails for race. Received<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1DuNHByu-Y_GYnbqczYnFo3bt--ry1Fy6"><img title="11 NOV 19A" style="margin: 3px 0px 3px 22px; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="11 NOV 19A" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1kSHTcFVXPvdWYrJExsEgjjzKIU2tusQ7" width="139" align="right" height="244" /></a> bad news about my beloved uncle on life support week prior to race, then day of, while marking Viejo Tie, learned my mother was in hospital for heart issues. We had the marathon, was a small race, old-school you might say. A lot of runners liked it, a couple didnāt appreciate that it was long. Was great to be back in Blue Jay. The next week, I drove out to Nevada, stayed the night in Spring Valley to be with my uncle. On return stopped by the Liberty Sculpture Garden down a dirt road outside of Yermo, California and spent some time wandering about the anti-communist monuments that I only seen from the highway but had never investigated close up (I had no idea even the topic). Had a quiet Thanksgiving in Fallbrook with the family, mother recuperating with a date scheduled for surgery. Was super good to be with family.</p> <p align="justify"> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Py9amcIE5Ep56dCpyFvLiFuBAWU08Hv6"><img title="11 NOV 11" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="11 NOV 11" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12CqO8QJMFetPAullYdMwXIcXDseMNQWU" width="484" height="364" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1AziP4dClQaaxiCZ79ZJRmnx_8Nf5bD2K"><img title="11 nov 19" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="11 nov 19" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1u-EspBbhGu32asXS1njIFAg4Yw8Kk656" width="484" height="364" /></a> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1axbFKAVDNlbdmRl5KiO-ik_-b93h045l"><img title="11 nov 20" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="11 nov 20" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1UejmP2HRVs1Zxf284KdPRaRHBLx0RAAV" width="484" height="364" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="4"><strong>December</strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1tmFCEN5AjS04b0NlI9Xot7LdJpmvnW8t"><img title="12 DEC 9" style="margin: 0px 12px 4px 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="12 DEC 9" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1s2eSf7VkFyW1obn1CTRUrqaQ1-pp14at" width="244" align="left" height="184" /></a>Christmas Boat light parade down at the harbor, the NutCracker Suite with my niece in a staring role. Youngest son went to emergency hospital for internal bleeding. As he healed, oldest son flew out for pre-Christmas visit. Drove with eldest out to Vegas and stayed downtown after spending time with my uncle. Worked on race permits. Mother had heart surgery. Went to Disneyland with all 3 sons and their girlfriends. Closed up fall semester, Christmas shopped, stayed two days in Redlands with middle son and girlfriend. Christmas celebration in Fallbrook. Day after Christmas, drove to Nevada and got a hotel in Vegas, met Cousinās son and we spent time with my uncle. Walked on the beach on the last day of the year and spent a quiet time at home with my husband meeting the new year. </p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Q5SF9RdOosP2E726GZOm9x101QStLmji"><img title="12 dec 18" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="12 dec 18" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1L3QOpN8TqzmVTrioxZUdc49TOZYJoVt_" width="484" height="364" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1dMhcEcUYL3b8bUNAu_xBvwbC-SEUCQLB"><img title="12 DEC 29" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="12 DEC 29" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1EH4LVXKfp8ybpAdIiFcx6nYZXNwH8_6w" width="484" height="364" /></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-53940907308011139492023-11-26T21:19:00.001-08:002023-11-26T21:26:20.683-08:00Saddleback Marathon Race Report<p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1UUeaeIu0gKBxdbbqlJVWSap9NUvhB2ky"><img title="IMG_1373" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1373" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ZAK96Dsh4embCCE0aoqhQ_Jv3K2156_T" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p align="justify">We had a nice old school, mountain marathon on Veterans day this year (11/11/23) ā small & cozy. The weather was perfect, cold in the morning (around 50F), warmer in the afternoon (70F plus some). We were blessed with blue skies, beautiful trails and the entire campground, both upper and lower, all to ourselves. Thatās right, though most of the campgroundās renovations seem nearly completed, the place remains closed to the public.  Thank you Forest Service for permitting our event!</p> <p align="justify">We had a total of 25 registrants, 5 DNS (did not show), 7 DNF (did not finish), and 13 Finishers. It was a super tough course (and long to boot). The course also was a re-route again this year (trails still havenāt re-opened after #HolyFire). We saw lots of triumphs and some tough defeats on the course as is always the case with sports, especially trail runs. Every one of the runners did an awesome job. </p> <p align="justify">The original course (Under āBig Baz) was short by 3 miles. I really didnāt mind that one bit. It was difficult enough. My preference is to go over on mileage though. Calico 30k is always more than 30k. Even one San Diego Rock nā roll marathon I ran, I came in over 27 miles on my garmin. On these Saddleback Mountain re-routes, I especially aim for the 26 miles and go over some just to make sure. My measurements came to 26.8. As is with the case taking measurements with our gps tools, others who ran the race reported from 27 to 28 plus some. This of course made the 2023 Saddleback Marathon even more difficult. </p> <p><em><strong><font size="1">Looking down toward Start/Finish (lower Blue Jay) from Long Cyn Rd</font></strong></em> <br /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1eFpefMsZ6jcGxoTflH8Lwl-nRlrKXmC2"><img title="IMG_1366" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1366" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1KDQuWZWCATB6KmKDQUN0v3HZC_LYU4Xx" width="484" height="364" /></a></p> <p><font size="1"><em><strong>Lower Blue Jay</strong></em></font> <br /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Cqo3qaj-mwg04ac1EOyMZaHddrRHVPI9"><img title="IMG_1386" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1386" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jYDmfQDagqewVtBMcuvPdUfJynLHKBnM" width="485" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1OGMW9RLKg9O89coC69kOTd8leW_OYAjg"><img title="IMG_1406" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1406" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1y2FWdOjMSiE9Xp5nC-Oig_2G81hyj9E9" width="486" height="366" /></a>        <br /><font size="3"><strong>Top 3 Finishers</strong></font></p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" border="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top">Dan Friedman                      </td> <td valign="top">4:50:57</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Michael Karch</td> <td valign="top">4:54:06</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Cameron Robles</td> <td valign="top">5:53:52</td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><a href="https://results.raceroster.com/v2/en-US/results/apst6vjrmun9x6yx/results" target="_blank">Full results here. Females not listed above because all females were āEarly Startā, which technically do not place, though do receive an official finishing time.</a></p> <p align="justify"><strong><em><font size="1">Top 3 Finishers</font></em></strong> <br /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1DTXi0Frf25Rdta6zdm4YDfO0mEPuA3mT"><img title="IMG_1431" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1431" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1T2aIAS8iSdl_kLQYi2C3X3MKbYrglESH" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1sNviev1BIq9tvfSUUf6TC7elcyC3BhIo"><img title="IMG_1444" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1444" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1392T8UUwtmXWTmUe-jxi94BeH43xizn4" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1IQ_VNJfuDsa16Fw-exOzKHhaxxC4yiVe"><img title="IMG_1456" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1456" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bzvaJbvXCZ_IHCZgSLol4i2nQ1WMBeM1" width="486" height="366" /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1IMXeqyNu3fgEvnFaSUwZXpmQCVEXyeOd"><img title="IMG_1477" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1477" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1O4ujYrLFn6Zf2rNIJdsXX7H6VYSyrJQj" width="486" height="366" /></a></a>  <font size="1"><strong><em>Candy Store (San Juan Loop) Aid Station (photos courtesy Leon Gray)</em></strong></font> <br /><img title="401518981_10225576839033590_1896280819596761945_n" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="401518981_10225576839033590_1896280819596761945_n" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1q6nQP0MLg-TddehCffKgt0TMZo2A_VXv" width="486" height="366" /><img title="401511505_10225576840353623_4806354983483175903_n" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="401511505_10225576840353623_4806354983483175903_n" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1KdhiVnwatVbrVJ16BpUKYbb979ez5c8J" width="486" height="366" />DFL Lawrence Kosick below arriving to the finish in awesome spirits, a true sportsman. We had him marked as DNF but Bib #666 Chris Larson insisted there was a runner behind him. So, I drove up to Julie on Long Cyn Road to check her roster when sure enough, Lawrence popped up off San Juan Trail, smiling, followed by Matt, the sweep. BTW, we had the BEST volunteers -- Julie, Rick H, Matt, Scott, Whitney, Leon, Rick A, Nancy, Tracy, Dave, Lucas, & Avery. They did a huge amount of work, we are so grateful!  </p> <p align="justify">It was an awesome day. I learned much. Looking forward to 11/9/24, the next marathon, this time, Big Bazās original course!</p> <p align="justify"><strong><em><font size="1">DFL</font></em></strong> <br /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=15o6s-sSZww3SUCWWslaa7jBBRo3CDxYN"><img title="20231111_155056" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="20231111_155056" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1YynpdjRrD8MEgaSz3so-l-bnSC3Rs5pV" width="486" height="309" /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1LdSBOz03mow6MKTYUrNXiaAZ-Zc820lB"><img title="IMG_1394" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1394" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ZUlfboTrmB7citEG9BVE6NpLQ9ybubAt" width="486" height="366" /></a></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-55075635948249593462023-10-24T07:13:00.001-07:002023-10-24T07:19:48.419-07:00Scouting Saddleback Marathon Trails<p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FBDwLq15HqjOevC7pb_y71nlwjqAfunv"><img title="IMG_0837" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 17px; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0837" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1L8Yd1buscQ5Yac1jW7-ORd-9TZimsks6" width="204" align="right" height="154" /></a>I managed to head to The Saddleback Mountains this past Sunday to scout some of the marathon trails. It was a warm Autumn day for sure ā our cool down trend has not occurred but is much anticipated. Anyway, Blue Jay Campground was closed for improvements. Theyāre fixing it up for us! I cannot tell you how great it was to be back up in that campground. (Yes, I snuck in!).</p> <p align="justify">Anyway, below are some quick pictures of mainly San Juan Trail and The Viejo Tie which are part of the marathon course. Weāve got fresh poison oak out there, which is normal. And only one fallen tree (so far). Overall, except for some overgrowth, the trails look great. </p> <p align="justify">More previews to follow.</p> <p align="left">The Main Divide on the Way in:<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1M7Ahh0qBpZ8FpqKgBBsxu3bznm75CgD7"><img title="IMG_0715" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0715" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1yefeH8rqal4yJQF_wBO-DvCVizjWNOmK" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1JSzwLPf4FEFX5tKZUs3JFdJgAuYKbjqN"><img title="IMG_0723" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0723" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1E6ads7fhpv8RSEfGSGz1eOe-2L2Ec3Qz" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p align="left">Poison Oak<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Xr2YgURMtugQwKt3Q8dGxj-Q6qheu9sv"><img title="Poison Oak" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Poison Oak" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=100uVQZQ6f4HKjdAd29kbEIr-zXSHX1hG" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p align="left">San Juan Trail:<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1MwVcl--w3fr5PiNOhhAimNStzKt2Pwyl"><img title="SJ Trail 2" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="SJ Trail 2" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=15uxD8UO2OvLXPVwqdG6_NxC4qA4SxZ2Q" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14fLT3EsfnD9zWNzpN0fY-Wz_2y5xHPlD"><img title="SJ Trail 3" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="SJ Trail 3" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1526mE98pm2xVcz-mTZWaolmjOKOOD7pC" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zaZUKOXkvXu7SmKsH_-GKz7pRQ2Orl_3"><img title="SJ Trail 5" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="SJ Trail 5" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ke-1BmvypQO86cQQUawXCuEIQyp88Y3J" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17X2JQbXkgHqCXsOpZW0fA5BtyZGvI9oD"><img title="SJ Trail 6" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="SJ Trail 6" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1JDK3TyxGJCn_Hd7Qg2q29UAlxyTZlf2n" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p>San Juan Trail, close to Viejo Tie<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1J6UhXKk4AqFVrbj_i4AiIml8VEKXA5_A"><img title="SJ Trail 8" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="SJ Trail 8" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1YBTPF2APqEAflzoLsxry9EzD3WpbfqqW" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1yFKl3S4Bs2OcO8up1caQR-cz_84mOdlb"><img title="SJ Trail 9" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="SJ Trail 9" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1DMlYPnGTbPROwAvgtD_P4_rlMShoWMw-" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1EYemyhyTfuLffxQI0g_NzyREtpGYhPLK"><img title="SJ Trail 7" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="SJ Trail 7" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1L1tcQ-Iz9xTt7Q-iqE0x2jsMQrxSROA5" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p>Viejo Tie<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1O_1dfIITBksARxooiO91UhWDqACgReqA"><img title="VT 1" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="VT 1" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Qw1r7RoFugKXi8V1rFV5_357rv8X9yZZ" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1aFFUTJgs7OUQaMPi6ltbkWO5vEBsihpj"><img title="VT 2" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="VT 2" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1hMXQxTdghOnDtOIfMoV2hxBqt3RsxHOX" width="404" height="537" /></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-41072510500812342112023-10-21T22:33:00.001-07:002023-10-21T23:14:16.708-07:00āBout Time<p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1g3TRZ-RSAM4kkeXzY06sWF_7h5bXtDoB"><img title="IMG_0602" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0602" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1z8LIH17m6cUy-1er_H4yZGhvIlhT6M5r" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1OI8LIPr2tqk8gQuORbqWe4r7yPVjDYEB"><img title="IMG_0619" style="margin: 0px 1px 0px 21px; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0619" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1UbIJZNvx1aKWQ1YqwWo5PzxE-dAD7SkF" width="174" align="right" height="179" /></a>I last made my way to trails way back in April (6 months ago!) ā during what Christians call our Holy Week. I was so looking forward to hiking to Bakerās Cross on Good Friday but I could not because I was sick in bed, exhausted with Covid. Anyway, thatās ancient history. Iāve done plenty of walking and exploring since then (New York, DC, TX). It feels like a whirlwind. I just havenāt had the time to do one of the things that I love most: get out on those mountain trails. </p> <p align="justify">Itās always a little emotional returning after an absence. Seeing those mountains off in the distance is like seeing a long lost friend. </p> <p align="justify">So, all I have to say is, itās bout time! This past Saturday, during an Annular Eclipse, I returned to the scene of the crime, that is my Covid hike, Black Star Canyon. Beautiful as ever, though dry and lots of brown, I made my way up the canyon to one of the historic sites, the āIndian Villageā (Indian as in Native Americans). The weather was still quite warm, cool in the morning, but quickly I needed to stop and layer down. I spent quite a bit of time in the āvillageā. Walked about a bit, tried out a couple of spots. Then I ate lunch perched on a shaded boulder over looking the valley, breaking an extended fast. It was a lovely time, and as I already wrote but must write again, itās about time!</p> <p align="justify">I will be back out very soon. I have trails to scout. </p> <p align="justify">Just shy of 10.5 miles covered. <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Pr6R6yItVAw0AvMya8AMfn4JLaVjWNjc"><img title="IMG_0612" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0612" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12X0W2JMkURgM9cKoPMtPDfFDFe2c3MF0" width="486" height="341" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1oKRrzI8LCWuSl9ypXVfuObYKyDx1HyMF"><img title="IMG_0625" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0625" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jr42BKM6a0_yav_KzGqojrRMEFujWUqD" width="486" height="351" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1eByJ-Hnn-wCpaQ60X21hFLwakfaSPZdc"><img title="IMG_0626" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0626" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11qqhABxpnd1D33tqlhBrwCWyPlHxy6M1" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ZkmMtZbPB3CjPdVxDrf_YG9to_nJpZOh"><img title="IMG_0630" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0630" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1CQBtghDwHVNAGmjfyEssh312sAa89BiH" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1tUU0fHJM2rcBOHjOsawYaPUNOVvmvtqm"><img title="IMG_0632" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0632" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bcaGcKYhujfTS81I98ePuTI8zSmwvyxm" width="486" height="366" /></a></p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-79471850550673922772023-10-09T06:14:00.001-07:002023-10-09T09:04:31.907-07:00Saddleback Marathon -- 11/11/23<p align="justify">Time keeps marching on. And it always seems a little faster every day. Working lots of hours, some of them online, though I did need to take a few days off for a Texas trip in September. Not my first time to Texas, but I saw Austin for the first time and went to the Wendish Fest in Serbin. It was quite an adventure that I told already family and friends all about, not to mention hand wrote a journal version on acid free paper. So, Iāll be marching right on past that, onward to more relevant items, mainly the Saddleback Mountains, my giant secret place.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1JoJq_PPa035rdX2fu5UfPWiYTQcYGtQY"><img title="IMG_0551" style="margin: 0px 30px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0551" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1K1Y4uye_I_z4yIWDyHVrcaN-IMD4fXEu" width="118" align="left" height="211" /></a>First: I finally got back to see my great love Old Saddleback, as they used to call it. My Covid hike was the last time I stepped foot into my beloved mountains, which is my longest absence in many years (about 6 months!). This trip was short, and LONG overdue and also apropos (more on how a little lower). The occasion was Madame Helena Modjeskaās birthday. This October 12, she would have been 182 years old. Many people donāt know of her, but we know of Madame Modjeska in The OC. Helena was the Shakespearean actress from Poland who built a home out here in Old  Saddleback during the late 1800s. We have a canyon and a major peak named after her now. Both are lovely places to visit. Iāve scrambled up Modjeska peak many times to sit in solitude above The OC, and Iāve driven through her canyon countless times, as it is the road to many wonderful trails and secret places. </p> <p align="left">Madame Modjeskaās Home:<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jTquxE0t6ydGFQJ5sWsjFYBPQfouwEAQ"><img title="IMG_0525" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 1px; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0525" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FCby01b980rRhTpC9eOb6K-9CT5OcbID" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p align="justify">So, why is my return to Old Saddleback so apropos? Well, this year, the Saddleback Marathon has returned. Registration has been open since September and Iām busy trying to get the word out. Weāre super excited about the race this year. Same start / same finish, lower Blue Jay campgrounds. Weāve got a great team putting this together. Check us out and help us spread the word! </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://otrraces.com" target="_blank">otrraces.com</a></p> <p align="left"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1GxSq3S4IPk761cRwSwHRV3lilwi-GnbM"><img title="saddleback marathon postcard FRONT" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="saddleback marathon postcard FRONT" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1lM6PrG5OKWKjRgClpWYhPUeXRT_z0Bes" width="486" height="347" /> <br /><img title="saddleback marathon postcard BACK" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="saddleback marathon postcard BACK" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1VapDw9L7KNhqFhwSoyjv_cQrTX1LDImD" width="486" height="347" /></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-56853729037308213992023-09-17T20:49:00.001-07:002023-09-18T12:26:56.005-07:00The National Mall (D.C.)<p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ksqzxsa_qVIpEGWl-5Jbytpb06J088Oe"><img title="IMG_9892" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9892" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1RwZiyTf_vWEVBtMAWgCLsFsRhTWMxxJk" width="404" height="537" /></a>I</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10-z80Pe0cVvmyTITpYs6JDKzE8vTERGf"><img title="IMG_9904" style="margin: 0px 22px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9904" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10UtJi8BOnfroqq1F_SqtlGUDXJYJwn0D" width="204" align="left" height="271" /></a>I nearly let the summer pass without posting pictures from my summer visit to one of my favorite parks: The National Mall. I wish that I could reflect more. But Iāve been busy. On the Run is very fitting at the moment. No excuse for not reflecting. </p> <p align="justify">The National Mall (Located in DC) is a national treasure for sure. Iām grateful that I got to see it once again this summer. It was sweltering hot but I loved it anyway. And then we got rained on. Poured on actually, like a giant bucket tilted over and drenched us in a split second. I loved that too (though a bit uncomfortable).  Everyone ran to the Lincoln Memorial, and there hundreds of us looked off at the Washington Monument as lightening struck in the distance. It was a beautiful day that ended with dinner at a steak house (Medium Rare) in Arlington, with my husband, my oldest and middle son and his girlfriend. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1vRj1a_7WX4LTI0Df3CdnY8dieIVb4ov0"><img title="Resized_20230627_181106" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Resized_20230627_181106" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1c4deuO0MdGsMwH9cD0vMN2XcGaAMkvEH" width="404" height="604" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1gPD7zld7lvCsdZhCCZ2J7RY2AtBf2iSm"><img title="Resized_20230627_182648" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Resized_20230627_182648" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14NR7b67fvHXVYt4JjEfBD210Ih7hWPN9" width="486" height="233" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1VgqXdzWamfU0mE6bj7mA_LRhDt6olRND"><img title="IMG_9914" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9914" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1GDBv0bK0xaOns1mTvAvEXwGSfFVEOU6E" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1MCenSKjRjRxQG0sCHWuMPfJ_788KH0J3"><img title="IMG_9920" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9920" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FPMNG4tsZnjaaxcpVKCKBGIe3lyDw6Zj" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1A8TvfMXb_zNMUD8NhWSuTwMbVXwTy34m"><img title="IMG_9923" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9923" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1SS_e_XqMHkxGb-z8GxuoEV9prf4TOskx" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1gagA3JZw4AZQ7wUqCYJ1LryR3ashL8v6"><img title="IMG_9927" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9927" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14QyqPo5e5yNxhPQ41ArTCQanHLs_b8vn" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1YSw2u8Ufeu38tXGmKLCjFyXKAwSFxV2s"><img title="IMG_9930" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9930" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1dpnSL1VCMVLI5kVRw2eY96-M9sJ3QmZY" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14qaq5I0vfrN1uHL06_qmNI287cIt-L_3"><img title="IMG_9938" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9938" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14r4zT8xOtcdNcx8BJ040jyz2r5yAkhAL" width="486" height="647" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rV4vNOsY1VBg-MYd2k7C0s7D0iAMprbp"><img title="IMG_9934" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9934" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1E2Yqjrq4lCVMo-tQ4oUwxWzgdh8WM7s3" width="486" height="647" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bLq8UeDpaYgl1l8vQejDCe6WDEtLiz-2"><img title="IMG_9949" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9949" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Oi0cmxCRXNXjPYl57fNv1PA4uaIv8cKP" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1hyTLZ3vw-rPlEpi0IIhesS27RH9F5Hjo"><img title="IMG_9942" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9942" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zhV2wC-3ntoJgqxMGQ3UwdA-Nf9TcIxP" width="486" height="647" /></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-39921237781416063582023-08-16T10:53:00.001-07:002023-08-21T23:14:47.079-07:00Arlington National Cemetery, Va<p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Qy5RbXBtx-NP9fWxUcIt2FMkjXLg2VDs"><img title="20230626_161303" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="20230626_161303" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Durxqi7wH-mBJdVyIwxf8e99ezrTEIPl" width="486" height="233" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1VlFIL1kG7AyDZF4BJJ2DhmNj4wq-yp1w"><img title="20230626_162601" style="margin: 0px 21px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="20230626_162601" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Rw68EyN8wFIpMtpb9faJGCjl4dHf5Yhh" width="170" align="left" height="281" /></a>The first time I visited Arlington Cemetery (back in April 2021), I didnāt go inside the gates because I wouldnāt have been able to pass security check. Stupid me, I didnāt think there would be an airport style security check at a national cemetery. My problem was: I had a stun gun on me at the time and couldnāt put it back in a car because I didnāt have a car. I had taken the subway to Rosslyn, Arlington and walked to the cemetery (which was the reason for the weapon ā I was a girl alone in the city). Well, this time (June 2023), I made sure that I was Arlington National Cemetery ready. I was with my family and we drove to the cemetery, nice and proper to pass the security check. </p> <p align="justify">It was hot as hell this time around. Wretchedly hot. My husband and I were on a mission being that we only had an hour or so before the park closed. So, we high tailed it out of the airconditioned Welcome Center and made our way through the rolling hills, along the path through the gravesites. The mood was solemn with people talking only in hushed voices. </p> <p align="justify">A little history of the cemetery: The land that it sits on belonged George Washington Parke Custis who was  the grandson of Martha Washington and step-grandson of George Washington. Georgeās daughter, Mary Anna Randolph Custis inherited the property, and she was Robert E. Leeās wife (Confederate general during the American Civil War). Just before the Civil War, the Lee family vacated the property and shortly after, troops used the land as headquarters. The first military burial took place in May 1864, and as the DC area graveyards filled up with Civil War dead, more and more soldiers were buried on the Lee property. That June, the US War Department officially set aside about 200 acres to use as a cemetery. By the end of the Civil War, thousands of service members and former slaves were buried in Arlington Cemetery. Today it has about 400,000 gravesites. </p> <p align="justify">Our main goal on that hot day in June was the top of the hill: The Lee Family residence. But along the way, we came upon the JFKās gravesite (as well as, his wife Jacqueline and brother Robert Kennedy). We stood before the Eternal Flame for a bit with a few other strangers. No one spoke. The seriousness of the spot is enormous. The importance: still not known. After the Kennedys, we continued up the hill along the beautiful green lush path in heavy muggy heat. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1f4n81xUU_CwbyDP6lnDVPDTwaUrQ3WNL"><img title="IMG_9845" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9845" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1k2g6Re-KM63L8RYs0mPMxkUVzw_sNK-D" width="224" height="169" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1MR8xePlKKZm1goCXN0cjQwdVY8t1hz06"><img title="IMG_9841" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9841" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1yldKJfxjiAUGpWbmNhGo04lt_hjK_yHA" width="224" height="169" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cX16E5thyBa1cO9UvhW6QWl9ZlVCPu2g"><img title="20230626_161445" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="20230626_161445" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1lXqAcapw5bIPqzL2rC3Kf9Fw3qEvfoQB" width="486" height="324" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1GKKmNYOlCEQuInRSCnjm1M7zf41jKZQg"><img title="20230626_162821" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="20230626_162821" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1aWjshucF_v6nd5Zv5dQ3uKPs0rppnghm" width="486" height="233" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1p3-uy3yupJz-M7FluhuVKkNMPEEIDI71"><img title="20230626_163042" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="20230626_163042" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1o-ludBqeI5bXXc1klI1AmDYm5csiDWSv" width="486" height="233" /></a>The view from Robert E. Leeās house is tremendous. You can see a straight view to the Capitol, thereās the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, a beautiful spot high above the swamp. (DC, as many of you probably know, was built on a swamp). The giftshop behind the home was closed. But there was a drinking fountain! I had finished my bottled water long ago.</p> <p align="justify">We toured the kitchen garden, which was poorly kept. Then made our way down the hill stopping to look at sculptures and detail along the way.</p> <p align="left">Lee Residence: <br /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1tBAAYnCKc9BkHX-R0iKPuhGSN0uCTkdI"><img title="20230626_163515" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="20230626_163515" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=16NgVb_X6ugnPiqV2By4EH7vbKBwdvgJV" width="486" height="233" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1AHnjPvT5Ekxfh41wKl1g6DaFMEWztBHv"><img title="20230626_163410" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="20230626_163410" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1yLnWTVEcbL0oN3HFjUlwAngGQbn6SC74" width="486" height="233" /></a>View between the pillars on Lee Residence front porch:<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ungihda-tJiIO0gcrfEoTQE-LvZgURz8"><img title="20230626_163345" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="20230626_163345" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1wAjTeHnhTJmaQJT760ZPaRsX1KRbNv0h" width="486" height="770" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Down the hill from the Lee Residence, and then up another, we made our way to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Arriving just a few minutes before 5, we stayed until closing so that we could witness the changing of the guard.Though the spot was packed (I know it doesnāt look it in the pictures) the place was silent. If there was talking, it was in whispers. </p> <p>Not sure what Iām doing here, maybe getting in position to take a photo: <br /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17cnRl5gazqrOM4-cHd_o2lijyWxTysic"><img title="20230626_165246" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="20230626_165246" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1NpQBjeCq8UVFsjz8C5Ip1ta2hObbUFzh" width="486" height="512" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1yhV0xsVM4ovcTKOYRbvxer9-GWQf9k29"><img title="IMG_9863" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9863" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1WvaI5mN7FAD39hYWoDH7YOUHcVXX6aLF" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The entire process of changing guards is lengthy, a little over ten minutes. Itās an amazing ritual, standing guard over this tomb 24 hours a day, 7 days a week like this. Itās kinda of maddening though to sit there and ponder the number of unknown soldiers. Breaks my heart.</p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FYUyc_iejWuS12wDUbbbpKv7AdryMl6s"><img title="IMG_9868" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9868" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1SC6k1FkfxzD_NFhpJ5ZpDL0De4RnHxrG" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1DLkOPM3mG_Y9-nBnqPu21XofKUUA8YsI"><img title="IMG_9861" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9861" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1N6SsPPC3Pcjb0DPYaGT0TDwsdJ-aTfZn" width="404" height="537" /></a>Leaving Arlington National Cemetery as it closes: <br /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1k35eyJLi68sdiBF932gc-4n9hgK8sM9w"><img title="20230626_172536" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="20230626_172536" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=19YjK3RT6fxQP98li-CWobbsd6z6ANOnq" width="486" height="233" /></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-70116983606387155982023-07-27T15:04:00.001-07:002023-08-21T23:18:07.113-07:00Central Park, NYC<p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pQrfvX-9biwx1KJXRqVwsZzwaVXSDsWE"><img title="355478574_10232828641036969_2732602052579055285_n" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 23px; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="355478574_10232828641036969_2732602052579055285_n" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1j5miviT6ih01googCmJofx1OmmuxF71N" width="196" align="right" height="244" /></a>Central Park, New York City: 843 acres of park in the midst Manhattan Island, New York City. A quick online search says itās the most visited urban park in the US. I had never been but it sounded like a cool place to visit. I after all have been a lover of parks my entire life. . Sounded like a cool place to visit since I am a park connoisseur. But I  but never planned on it. First opened in 1858, Central Park was completed in 1876. I visited Central Park in 2023. </p> <p align="justify">I remember learning about Central Park in college, and even knew the landscape architectās name at one point (my husband also is a landscape architect). The only things I knew of the park came from the television Sitcom <em>Friends</em> which was set near Central Park, in an apartment above a coffee shop named Central Perk, and also of course, sadly, the Central Park jogger brutal attack back in 1989 (when I was only 24 years on this planet, so of course it left quite an impression on my brain).</p> <p align="justify">In June 2023, when I stayed in Harlem, NYC for six nights, I was about a ten minute walk, 13 blocks,  from Central Park (specifically the Harlem Meer near the northeast corner of the park). </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1VC78U44agdkQjiL7gNWuag198Qb-91lV"><img title="355297875_10232820555434834_2993091659882333092_n (1)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="355297875_10232820555434834_2993091659882333092_n (1)" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1f1tfhZAGQ-ibU-XmWXe0lGp304qf7KLc" width="484" height="601" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1r60vtWI8t_HcFh33F3IS83OJv7g13HqI"><img title="355299788_10232836753519776_4277668132274639360_n" style="margin: 0px 14px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="355299788_10232836753519776_4277668132274639360_n" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1GLuvEoLkTaBdSBxmXD2QZQgy02hS0Ibu" width="171" align="left" height="285" /></a>My husband and I visited Central Park on at least three occasions during our stay in NYC. I canāt be sure. I recall our first morning, we made a deliberate trip to the park, stopping at a deli on the way back to our brownstone. Another time we bought some Cajun fried calamari and made it lunch in Central Park. And on another day, we set out to see the park in itās entirety (or at least skirt by its entirety).</p> <p align="justify"><font color="#000000">NYC</font> has <a href="https://citibikenyc.com/"><em>Citibikes</em></a> every few blocks (possibly less if you know the map and locations). We rented said bikes. I canāt tell you the cost because I donāt recall. Itās so much a mile, and you must dock every thirty minutes. What I mean by dock is, you need to find a <em>Citbike</em> rack, park your bike and check it out, or another again. For a standard bike, the cost is only $19 for 24 hours (but I believe you do  not need to dock every 30 minutes). I opted for said standard bike and mistakenly rented a pedal assist bike for my husband. I was okay with that because, hey, even though Iām old and out of shape, Iām strong (famous last words?). </p> <p align="justify">Well, that dang standard bike was fun for at least one additional dock. After that, with all the gentle slopes in the park, I was fricken exhausted Still, I wanted to tough it out because Iām that stubborn. Thankfully, we had to park our bikes through the tranquil botanical gardens. That bought my heart some time. But after that, I had more hills to cover before I was absolutely exhausted. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cF5b_og1atGeZeuwvIT2O6mAmS1XIsq0"><img title="355690702_10232836735759332_5646522460900561915_n" style="margin: 0px 22px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="355690702_10232836735759332_5646522460900561915_n" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12gABHaH5BwWvliRYK3WyIOHVro0b-Wvu" width="197" align="left" height="244" /></a>Eventually, during one of our every-thirty-minute dock, I traded my conventional bike for a pedal assist bike so that I could keep up with my husband, and Central Park opened up. We took in as much as we could, traveling along paths through meadows, along green lakes lined with weeping trees. We rode alongside horse drawn carriages and through traffic jammed roads of NYC for 51 blocks, and pedaled around the entire perimeter of the park. Even with pedal assist bikes there was too much to see. It was all green, lush and a little muggy with a cool breeze ā pretty perfect for a ride around the park. If we had more days, we would have definitely returned for some more detail trips. </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1IcsS0ICFBSpZ3IofSY3QTVq5wR69gcf5"><img title="355690627_10232836735639329_1965538724426615421_n" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="355690627_10232836735639329_1965538724426615421_n" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1gSTXx0PinbRJj5raDnQNJNnxhRTAvtiS" width="484" height="604" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12-6n2q_F5D7514BLbs8f0QTGNKWbsgYj"><img title="355649749_10232828640956967_425796585782876637_n" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="355649749_10232828640956967_425796585782876637_n" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1-HECY3-uKmw_90zl-crc5sqa20OVQO5o" width="484" height="604" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1eQxORLpNlXaxCQgaUaf9KRORzqahylXp"><img title="355707192_10232836735719331_4499765383753157876_n" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="355707192_10232836735719331_4499765383753157876_n" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rHGaHZOmR77j7DLUbbVXebtpSjWZhG0W" width="484" height="604" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1NubEeGC4351GsC2tEtewOSYYt9YubhRT"><img title="352787706_10232836753839784_4085023287479365822_n" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="352787706_10232836753839784_4085023287479365822_n" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1roiXfEzKOqZJ8fM0SjWopAU6vhivnQWJ" width="484" height="641" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-41778366782773249372023-07-14T21:51:00.001-07:002023-07-15T08:41:12.142-07:00A Quick Preview of Harlem<p align="justify">Not much running or hiking this summer (in fact, none). But thereās always an adventure, right? My first adventure for the summer is that I got to visit New York City. New York City (or even NY for that matter) was not on my bucket list. But it quickly made the list when my middle son was accepted into an orchestra for the Guitar Federation of America at the Manhattan School of Music. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_ruH60o1Kyfi9RnML_0k_wFwZwTzcoPL"><img title="IMG_9347" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9347" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1lrFBi6GDYgPoj_o0pgcYp4_36rq8y7rG" width="209" align="right" height="277" /></a>And so, thanks to my son, off to Manhattan was I. It was a little surreal flying over that Manhattan Island skyline. We landed in LaGuardia on a Sunday evening and shuttled to a lovely historic brownstone in Harlem. It was like a bed and breakfast, without the breakfast. But we had a small kitchen in our room, which included a loft for our sonās girlfriend. We were a little less than a mile from the Manhattan School of Music which was perfect being that our son stayed at the dorm there on most nights.</p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1OBezqNkfELFAskj_Alfm__lYefWbyxJN"><img title="353627629_10232811765855100_7167298625447385707_n" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="353627629_10232811765855100_7167298625447385707_n" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1i736ytNuWYwCYFd6a0OnwVFAbTbpnMlI" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=19Lt1mb7tInnX0e0i2dygsmQ3sge93WOL"><img title="355457375_10232820555314831_2461825911420499034_n" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="355457375_10232820555314831_2461825911420499034_n" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1kYAtLEeJFpvqR6AxhptjM8P4MxL8Crlm" width="484" height="604" /></a></p> <p align="justify">So, let me tell you about Harlem. I loved it. Itās full of history, intricate architecture, excellent food and Central Park! The owners of our brownstone were great and gave us total privacy. The whole place was in fact private. I occasionally would see another tenant open or close a door but that was it. It was lonely inside the brownstone. But Harlem, it was not lonely. It was lively, reeking of marijuana and countless food joints. Many streets were lined with food carts (Jerked chicken, pork, warm nuts, etc.). I had my first New York pizza in Harlem. And I bought a blue paisley dress for $20 on the streets of Harlem. Harlem was not what Iāve heard about New Yorkers. Everyone talked to us. Everyone was friendly, regular people. We stayed six nights in the brownstone, ate at more than one deli (as there were about three deliās on every block), plus enjoyed many other great eateries, including a gem that we ate at twice, <a href="https://sylviasrestaurant.com/">Sylviaās, Soul Food Restaurant</a> (in business for 60 years!). Harlem is part of the big city though, so I was cautious and mainly stayed on the beaten path, especially after dark. I have to say, I very much enjoyed my time in Harlem, more so than any other part of New York City I visited  ā Iāll try and preview some of those spots in my next post.</p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14PBojqlAwx33Evpc0AcN-W-W1FTfNevF"><img title="IMG_9372" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9372" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17VqZ5emR5b1Q6sik4JG1k5GtDvjQtX3C" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1MBCePOcGa5OW87ncMDVPVE9Jy7W3quKj"><img title="IMG_9386" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9386" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FJzXcSVO5DBi20fxlWFpzCKLwZPkv3HV" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1hlfcdvYiWV1WhSkvShYgfUinHRmdSZSt"><img title="IMG_9446" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9446" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1DPqOlhyGfbo5vhET1GMeFLFzIuiPSUyS" width="404" height="537" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1vkkO6UHGQ5KQ4dtLaabDs1CbrFeYLhPu"><img title="IMG_9454" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9454" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1KYEQj7ljcokEpA4HXmptEnP9dpw7yg1l" width="404" height="537" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1EexX2zseZCeIWnqJQ__MelUiPoDgKcLm"><img title="IMG_9471" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9471" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1-kWWLUH06agutiZwT7-u4YS53TsbY_fz" width="404" height="537" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1GO3D0Siy5ZiX37bpwfOO33FvqayzuwUE"><img title="IMG_9639" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_9639" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_fwRShsAcUrFb_KqgMQVEJStMYLdcWSH" width="486" height="366" /></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-17972412749470134582023-05-28T14:42:00.001-07:002023-05-29T00:39:15.002-07:00Covid Hike<p align="justify">I am just now catching up with my life after my Covid hike back in April (2023). The Sunday before Good Friday, I decided to head out for a 13 mile, lackadaisical hike up Black Star Canyon. Unbeknownst to me, I had Covid ā my first bout. It didnāt dawn on me that I was sick. The symptoms were so weird. I felt emotional, worn out and cold. Of course, I put in some extra effort on this lackadaisical hike because thatās who I am. I took a detour down to the creek just above the falls, and then after that, I found a couple more detours up on the plateau. It really was lovely out. The skies were optimistic! Of course they were, it was the season of Lent. I had a stations of the cross hike coming up, and after that, my favorite service of the year: Good Friday. Alas, I was off on this hike up Black Star. Really off. But as I mentioned, the skies were optimistic. Wildflowers covered the hillsides. Water flowed in every creek. So, at the end of the day when I felt like I could lay down and die, I chalked it up to being out of shape. I remember stopping by the grocery store on the way home and bundled up, shivered down the aisles. I still didnāt think I was sick. No cough, sore throat, not even the sniffles.</p> <p align="justify">Monday morning, I dragged myself out of bed for a much anticipated phone meeting with the USFS about race permits and dates. I got through the meeting but afterwards wondered if I was indeed ill. Still no normal symptoms, just extreme fatigue. Nah, it was the hike. So, I went to work (but I didnāt take the bus as I had been). Then on the way home I stopped by The Irvine Spectrum, a wonderful, beautiful . . .  mall!! Iām sure you can imagine the reason for my exclamation points. The thought that I had Covid never even crossed my mind. (I still cringe <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-disappointedsmile" alt="Disappointed smile" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ijKsKsup9oPsWumluC2xC4UTu2Y38jbK" />.)  No one in my family was ill, and to my knowledge I had not even been exposed. I just kept blaming the hike and other issues in my life. It never crossed my mind until I stumbled through the front door Monday evening and went straight to bed, shoes, clothes and all. Several hours later, I took a Covid test. After setting up class cancellations for the week, I went back to bed aching and shivering. I remained there for a couple days.   </p> <p align="justify">Iāll tell you! Itās been a long time since Iāve done absolutely nothing. When I wasnāt asleep, I was laying in bed still because I had no energy. Never lost my taste, never had many of the classic symptoms. Mainly, I was lethargic, achy, cold, and emotional. When I finally got well (along with my family because we all got it), I was one of the last to regain my energy. It took several weeks in fact after testing negative. During that time, it seems like all the things that I normally do in my life went out the window ā hiking, piano, reading, writing, chores ā all of it took too much energy. My guess is that the Covid hike didnāt help matters much. I think I got sicker than I would have, had I skipped the hike. </p> <p align="justify">In all, I thankfully didnāt really get that ill, though it wiped me out a great deal. Iām fine now. And Iām finally caught up. The spring semester has just ended. Iām all prepped for the summer session just around the corner. Looking forward to some local hikes and travel in June! Hopefully, Iāll be able to post a race date as well for the 2023 Saddleback Marathon by then too (just waiting on confirmation).</p> <p align="justify"></p> <hr /> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1MVg6LessxjL5QX6Zkeg9E4NXaThispcx"><img title="IMG_1379" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1379" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1PeSCz-UGYBNVKLOzx2vpf6DPB5SvZckb" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1O8LyIRwsxklVYJEG_-Y_jyhre20o-XPW"><img title="IMG_1372" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1372" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1V3_RodZx8cKTVPPQAM6RNZZPA8bCNlxL" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1eXHEL_jx_6M0fPFkrHBgMN-DPpeIcaKp"><img title="IMG_1361" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1361" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1aQCtWNhaz7T1VEpJRFMMExMsaYGMlWen" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1RzzpFC-UHprwTY9Z6iGbjEpwBHZIe00U"><img title="IMG_1352" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1352" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1aIQzk8bWFCzpWmuDkv63IZfgQrzAwIB5" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FCOA6BM9Y5cze6-j44p7dA24b-7j-3il"><img title="IMG_1349" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1349" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12_YyXj9vb0cG9Yf3X6CxS7mCpei7lf7k" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1HLmGO7v_VSlgp0h5UuZYQCUoSnQqNJAk"><img title="IMG_1343" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1343" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1d1J4gbX8PgBvc8EHu1PCb5W-XXGWtykw" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Wef8zqciKiXq2zC9Wt_GDph1p6BDBFhE"><img title="IMG_1333" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1333" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1sC5AitvG1JUWA9fWA_K2K1LmwQ3XAS2h" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1HOlFfi_4T6sIKKjTZE4G5GJK3-KW7oo5"><img title="IMG_1321" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1321" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Rg2KFqxidnvtcznI66R4k_6q64L3iGWi" width="486" height="366" /></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-37029039992722837682023-02-18T07:43:00.001-08:002023-02-18T07:43:11.627-08:00Moving into Spring<p>Winter time in Southern California is not very wintery. Sure thereās snow on the mountains, some mountains, not my mountains. But here on the coast, Iād say weāve moved right into spring 2023.</p> <p>4 miles in the local hills:</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1tXGKwOrfri9oS97L4O1A2aKSN_Dbo5p0"><img title="IMG_1230" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1230" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1GfqBAtzz0idGzn4UPbrpdsaW7c4S9Q40" width="486" height="366" /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1tUk4uBKovbdD2L7ZJQZR1Co9qhODuxdQ"><img title="IMG_1237" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1237" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1B1bxPN2ASv8bD89SeEQkyWSHlH7t2UQY" width="486" height="366" /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1n2O9ytlp-GiAgWyG4T8Zl8PIyoPiOtIq"><img title="IMG_1251" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1251" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1c8cnNeNltrglr-cRFsUC2fj4Vrw0QcUj" width="486" height="366" /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1uVVU4qDDGZHU_O-N2DNHszXNpGIA_RNL"><img title="IMG_1271" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1271" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10MeZpWdKZzht5UHQSzLWmksHBVO3US4o" width="486" height="366" /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ggKhk4etCT57MFSJjVJYH5cI0dSMdECN"><img title="IMG_1279" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1279" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1nID0IWHpUdyDmDqwgCY3hx92r6miRmO3" width="486" height="366" /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1E0IBPMiB5FLN5AxXFbq8fisBTPReHETa"><img title="IMG_1287" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1287" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1OO5EpPx6zhNLXZdpkuMW8aobAz_l3gAH" width="486" height="366" /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1M0q0Bv9ZRv1vVMp427sOXQMaFPl0w6-V"><img title="IMG_1289" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1289" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12zjz4Rg6BviqhRyCEKU3FHgQz1Btq2xz" width="486" height="366" /></a></a></a></a></a></a></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-77637836546671436502023-02-10T20:39:00.001-08:002023-02-10T21:34:42.445-08:00Why I Love the Rain<p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17EwBmoDI1xdFuYf-4jcjRnn4x-e14Nvu"><img title="20230204_090516" style="margin: 0px 17px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="20230204_090516" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1GF6HzQYU1ucn62VpssqGHfmVRg1ep37P" width="234" align="left" height="176" /></a>We got quite a few days of solid rain recently. We even saw snow in our local mountains (which summits at about 5,400ā). I love the rain. It wakes us in the middle of the night in our little  beach shack. And it soothes us with the sound of raindrops on the skylights throughout the day. They say it never rains in Southern California. But I know the truth. Iāve lived here more than 57 years. I know that it rains. You just have to have patience and wait. And the rain comes in abundance. I recall as a child in the 1970s, sitting at the kitchen table looking out onto the flooded streets, wondering if it was ever going to stop raining!</p> <p align="justify">Iām still a bus commuter, and the rain didnāt bother me in the least. Iāve got a couple of good pairs of boots, warm coats, an umbrella and an awesome backpack for the trip. But best of all with the rain, the hills and mountains are covered in green, the creeks are flowing and the falls are falling. I donāt mind getting my feet wet one bit.</p> <p align="justify">This past Friday, a few days after the rain stopped (and it has not since returned), my husband and I headed up Ortega Highway (Hwy 74) for a lovely, ten mile, technical hike to Chiquito (Aka Chiquita) Falls. The creeks were strong and the falls flowing. It was an awesome hike. Lots of boulders to climb over, and erosion crevices to maneuver. The skies were blue and the views far. The return was quite difficult because I was so dang tired. Much of the return is downhill, except for the climbing out from the falls and the last leg, San Juan Loop, which climbs back up into the parking lot across the street from The Ortega Oaks Candy Store. I felt wiped out (not quite trashed) on that final stretch.</p> <p>San Juan Loop:<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1kNdcq8HAQQnYbfuS1Twv5SNdB_nXPSdv"><img title="20230204_093458" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="20230204_093458" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xZy-HAuuDE5AzPrOrWySgrqvyL_23RB3" width="486" height="366" /></a> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1TxtskF12fPrpVU3I4aGqTGb2k_CQvMnD"><img title="IMG_1170" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1170" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1RaC0uTl-mLnMPn9ONsG2CaQ17lCdVnTM" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p>Heading up Chiquito Trail:<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1CCOpNZj5PQ214qERlcQwWlWZ_ELh8g2c"><img title="20230204_103303" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="20230204_103303" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1UUjXfa6fhWIDfS1HHA1w3bqrT1CYXSuc" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pAo8S-OZ1o9NGZuqjGEFgh5Bc_ki72AD"><img title="20230204_103357" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="20230204_103357" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=127kbvDB6sSTi-n_MTQeUXpX19oAvlg_G" width="486" height="366" /></a>Chiquito Falls:<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pREC2roPQIDb-Ks44J2SK21rMf8CohJP"><img title="20230204_123815" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="20230204_123815" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1buikMIarCbKaPNXkcwRuz4Vl3JxwEH3A" width="486" height="366" /></a> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1aQtN0hrJXQlFUjgoHE-o_ZydasX1obHv"><img title="IMG_1164" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1164" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1eWfusiZ0KvKzzpqGY1wxVpEOZH6zl0ha" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1E4Q1PQq_Sd2VAEE3GUk59HZRTTeraSYi"><img title="IMG_1187" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1187" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1nskdjTfCC9snf7P_WRnr5_SUy7eVK5Ic" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1hAJPRdMxa1JxydxAl6WDLkDd2_Q-q_E_"><img title="IMG_1197" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1197" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11ZrYuk1LFbkMbiMgP_ptmxeTENrhBRGX" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1k5mgQ74eIK9ob9DdEde66VTnQzaHm2cM"><img title="IMG_1162" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1162" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1QbvYNGh84PmCQ3EWeJXd6SxdnOPOqM9A" width="486" height="366" /></a> </p> <p>Along last leg of the trip, on San Juan Loop<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1tvXSUKgQAYSumZoUHzT9WhDCiJnRAdzy"><img title="IMG_1227" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1227" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Z4CZbM4ppl3ANbp1s0VxDvxniaMmOTcY" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p>Ten tough miles. Afterwards, we ran across Highway 74 to The Candy Store. My eyes teared up as I crossed the threshold. Itās been a while. I purchased a nice cold carbonated soda and a couple pieces of fudge for my youngest son back at home. Felt good to be back. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-84646133981507147342023-02-02T07:32:00.001-08:002023-02-03T07:18:47.312-08:00Mercy Hike<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Wczxuk15uMbNKLL7N8dK-GBgTp6l63rZ"><img title="IMG_1094" style="margin: 0px 13px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1094" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1gfAIoRPbm50FBNNndoa7SQ5ydNxiIZ9_" width="259" align="left" height="203" /></a> <p align="justify">My husband knows when I need to get out and wander. Years ago, he used to plead with me to get out and hit the trails (on my lazy days that is ā otherwise I was driving on the road before sunrise). Now that I am without wheels, hitting the trails is difficult. Itās always somewhat difficult but now, almost impossible because I just cannot take the only car we have right now and head off to the mountains. It doesnāt seem fair. In fact, it seems selfish. I donāt want to be selfish.</p> <p align="justify">This past Thursday, I mumbled something about trying to get out the next day for a hike. My husband jumped at the idea and offered to come along. Usually, I do the asking. But he offered. So, the last Friday in January (1/27), we headed out the door at about 9:30 am for a nice long stroll along The Great Suburban Trail, known by everyone else as Arroyo Trabuco Trail. After a 20 minute commute, we parked in the lot of a small Las Flores park. Then we crossed Antonio Parkway and caught a trail that took us behind a planned community where we hiked down a steep service road to Tijeras Creek Trail for a 12+ mile stroll to OāNeill Park and back.</p> <p align="justify">The Green of a Southern California winter surrounded us. Chartreuse colored carpets of grass filled the meadows, clumps of green mistletoe hung from giant sycamores. Tijeras and Arroyo Trabuco were both flowing nicely, in addition to multiple tributaries meandering throughout the basin. Scrambling through the brush, we couldnāt find a place to cross Tijeras Creek, so for the first creek crossing, I removed my shoes and socks and waded through the ice cold water over hard slippery rocks. Well, that was enough of that. There were just too many crossings to do this every time.</p> <p><em>Tijeras Creek Crossing:</em><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1n7IIjmU0UDCeah7kXOHK01yWuLYd1BI7"><img title="IMG_1093" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1093" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1LPM30GzGJQ6Tipc0PJV-o-3nYrvsYWj7" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p><em>Near Tijeras Creek & Arroyo Trabuco Creek Junction:</em><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xuVIT2ZPN_gZE1uW85iC9U3huZLRDV0O"><img title="IMG_1096" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1096" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1dxbntEoLXio-fbDXj6UKTMqGZBq0e4lL" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Felt so good to get out and get my legs moving. I didnāt mind the wet feet. I even packed a spare pair of socks that I didnāt change into. I admit, I was a little tired on the return. But I like that feeling ā itās familiar, and itās rewarding. I often use the words ātrashedā or āthrashedā to describe that feeling of really overworking the body. Well, I didnāt get trashed on this adventure. But it was close. Toward the end,  I was beginning to feel it in my hamstrings and quads. (Hurts so good!)</p> <p>Back at home, I thanked my husband for my mercy hike.</p> <p> He asked, āIs that what that was?ā</p> <p>āPerhaps.ā</p> <p>ā Well, I sometimes have you do things you donāt really want to do.ā</p> <p>āIndeed.ā </p> <p><em>More of the Great Suburban Trail</em>:<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12KpYGCmo3CNeRlS340iwyqy_bqGH9bic"><img title="IMG_1107" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1107" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1w8o_yI6OKIYANtNw1v395YJtGM4Dh-ua" width="486" height="366" /></a> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1A1o9xLxxHNy64eTGG1tBV_4GEjbvevq_"><img title="IMG_1124" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1124" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14VX0EitCwI8f9hif7wk0_dd-biCKB2ad" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1fSbDi5UVRFYw1axjR7VvK2WOQUx9UWwj"><img title="IMG_1128" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1128" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ceNp4YloDGMmEJWt3fZPEvHPOyJFZSXb" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1CMejQauxx48xYerAskgL95Mlu5-C2laU"><img title="IMG_1131" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1131" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14blve-4G1v74JRBzvyA3WGCu_SzDgWJN" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1RMMPgSjMuZFWJRoNVjQPjjyTmETbEeHV"><img title="IMG_1133" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1133" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1BFu4i_P_G97zZxOVM58twW1lxxLFK8QU" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1KAO27cg-UOhQpfEJfgu6S8_s-iTMKYQ5"><img title="IMG_1137" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1137" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=13JFpxvfLAxqqdrtOB8n89aQYj0Fp-9Ju" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1fuvK3nUIlo7z4dqJZDpRTUVspMP1iyEM"><img title="IMG_1139" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1139" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cTA3Ra-FWO8NM6SPCONd8miK_F4AkJl4" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p>A little over 12.5 miles</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-84695465790887720912023-01-21T19:56:00.001-08:002023-02-05T23:10:03.295-08:00Historic HikeāAbandoned Old West, Antimony Mines, Southern Utah (1991)<p align="justify">Though Iāve always been a wanderer (I wandered away from my Dad when I was 3 years old and found by the fire department!), I havenāt always catalogued my journeys with written words. But I have however along the way, taken photos, lots of them. I recorded no distances, not even exact dates ā just pictures. Most of these photos are boxed up in the garage. Handpicked specimens sit in photo albums that have long since sat on the highest, unreachable shelf in my office. </p> <p align="justify">I decided look pull one of those books down recently and so much enjoyed reliving a few hikes, that I want to chronical them here and there with the words. The photos are old, faded and discolored a great deal ā what a difference a few decades make. The memories fortunately are still clear (for now). Todayās historic hike goes back to the summer of 1991, most likely early summer. We usually travelled to Utah in the early summer. At times there was still snow on the ground. So, letās go with June 1991. This was the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/dixie">Dixie National Forest</a>, several hours from any major city, the closest being <a href="https://www.cedarcity.org/">Cedar City</a>, which isnāt really that large. </p> <p align="justify">We had pitched a couple tents alongside a creek, as we always did, and made that our base camp while we ventured out in different directions during the day. On this day in June, my husband, his sister and her husband and I set out to climb to abandoned mines in the cliffs that we could see from camp. Being that we knew the area fairly well (my husband had been coming here since he was a child and myself for nearly a decade), we had long ago read up on the history of the place. This area had been mined in the late 1880s for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimony">antimony</a> (also known as stibnite). Occasionally, we came upon ruins and other artifacts like old wooden ladders or run down stone buildings. </p> <p align="justify">The mines were on the other side of a wide fast flowing creek with delightfully ice cold water. Most likely we hopped boulders to make the crossing. We had to be careful to avoid the rampant stinging nettle that lined the banks. From the photos, I see that Iām wearing long denim pants, which means the weather wasnāt too warm. It also means that I didnāt want to get stung by that stinging nettle ā I had brushed into those invisible thorns before and knew itās wrath. I also see from the photos that I was wearing a tank top and bathing suit beneath, which means I probably meant to take a dip in the stream later. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1eqE9OU34CxNjq1lXHwdukTall9wPcIhK"><img title="IMG_8444" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_8444" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=18xaPwMVmHT949V4qzZIEipJuyFp4Hs4k" width="486" height="366" /></a>The hike was not very long. The photo shows that I carried only a butt-pack around my waist and it appears some kind of water thermos. My husband also has his camera strapped around his neck, which he wouldnāt have done on a long hike. My guess is two miles to the mines and two miles back. </p> <p align="justify">After crossing the creek, we headed across rocky cactus terrain to the red rocks. From there we found a dirt trail along the cliff that I recall being quite sandy. I worried a bit climbing the slippery trails but looking back, the terrain was relatively tame and the trail was rather wide, just a tad steep. We climbed for a while until we arrived at a ledge that overlooked the canyon. Way down there, we could barely see our two tents tucked beneath the trees, next to the creek. The trek was moderately difficult, never treacherous. </p> <p><img title="IMG_8450" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_8450" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1C7rU_M5Lo6PR3jxhkyEc863Piv3ytaXL" width="486" height="366" /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jcJXc73H_QK2FZkecsjIrbZ7WOBJadzo"><img title="IMG_8449" style="margin: 0px 11px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_8449" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zu6T0pU-55TVN4rx30EuEp50iAZdwut6" width="254" align="left" height="337" /></a></p> <p align="justify">I recall few mines at the location. And as we sat there overlooking the canyon, we could spot other mines in the distance. We did not travel deep into any of them and I remember always leaving someone outside as a precaution if we ventured in a little ā like that person on the outside could go get help if we got trapped. You know, they could  run down the rocks, get back to camp, hop in the truck and offroad about twenty minutes, then race down a country road for another ten to arrive at a country store where they could make a phone call. (Ya, I know, it seems a little unsafe in retrospect). But we made it fine, explored really just the surface of the dark tunnels and mostly enjoyed the fine views. <br /> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1CFjOmvCU60hItDP9VmvRPBs8XQ6hZ5Hg"><img title="IMG_8447" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_8447" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zqvbavnXgoDnBY23tlzJmKh098i9JyQN" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1i8XkVmBnTjOuszS5l3bNkGTr1oSo-Dc4"><img title="IMG_8448" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_8448" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zjIEKrMMBIv6SEpbSCov1jWV7WcojbTC" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ed0zZuCD2WYjUEO8erYpMDYs40gr2ppv"><img title="IMG_8458" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_8458" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=19mFCRgH3y7-3lILeYg61w9T3ph3imSZw" width="233" height="176" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=18uytoY-VxL30Wfn7VpOGUvqKRcyncSQ7"><img title="IMG_8446" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_8446" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1X5GedxnWNBQ78Jd186Tc7jDzMnElem5f" width="233" height="176" /></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-76614174114286061452023-01-13T23:02:00.000-08:002023-01-13T23:18:45.857-08:00No Junk Miles<p align="justify">Iām on winter break from work and I have no wheels. The story behind my truck is a long one and itās emotional for me. So, Iāll skip that part of the story. The worst part, in fact, the only bad part is that no truck means no mountains on winter break.</p> <p align="justify">But I am bound and determined to roam. Who needs a stinkinā car? I donāt. I can walk out my front door and a half mile later wade in the Pacific Ocean with San Juan Creek and the Saddleback Mountains in view. In fact, times like this forces me to change my routine, my wandering routine (oddly, I get into wandering routines). </p> <p align="justify">Last Friday (1/6) before the onslaught of rain, this wanderess walked a block and hopped onto the county bus ā Route 1, which takes the coast (Hwy 1) from San Clemente to Long Beach. I sat at the back of an empty bus and road it south to the county line, past the last stop (Cristianitos Rd) and exited at the first stop on the northbound route. That stop was Avenida Santa Margarita, which overlooks Camp Pendleton Marine base. The trip took about 35 minutes (plus the walk to the bus stop). From there, it was a quick trek through a fast food restaurant parking lot to Trestles Beach Trail.</p> <p align="left"><strong><em>View of Camp Pendleton from Trestles Beach Trail:<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=18MicwXi-PIqGTJOuEZpOd3kBTj4atJ3R"><img title="IMG_0920" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0920" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=186R3qyidexXt_qIFasVwTwfNAdkDxw7m" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1er4cRPSkdvoPfFr81Yc1rVOm9C1a_PE3"><img title="IMG_0929" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0929" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1HOWoqn5pklTbMI6GRQrBGmPUgei5tyJU" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1SCN5Zc862Wo-BqH2bUlQ4UwTF31wqk6g"><img title="IMG_0940" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0940" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1fWzbJJGpDvTnkUPLx79KoXhmW-RmNta_" width="230" height="174" /></a> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xpFJYIBCU1RqQZBS7dS4Nm60fJ0-AdeI"><img title="IMG_0943" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0943" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1IGfjSd3REIkMqhBEISox-csRay_qmv6h" width="230" height="174" /></a> </em></strong></p> <p align="justify">Trestles Beach Trail is a quick dirt path that travels beneath Interstate 5, all eight or so lanes, north and southbound. Take the trail inland, it turns into Panhe Nature Trail which takes you right into San Mateo campgrounds of which Iāve visited once and really have no desire to return.</p> <p align="justify">Theyāve cleaned up the graffiti on the pillars that hold up Interstate 5 since I last visited. I was kind of looking forward to seeing the artwork. Some of it is interesting and rather polished. Regardless, graffiti  or not, itās a lovely urban stroll. And everyone on the route is super excited to be there. Why? Because theyāre going surfinā!!!</p> <p align="left"><strong><em><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1v80k0QlRqKBmwYtzBy5P7n3iDylXSFWe"><img title="IMG_0950" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0950" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=13UhYCGdcIkstYT3UUglZMfJG2nHpifjv" width="486" height="366" /></a> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1wFe_0CkMPNdWNyAfEyzB0U_WvM_Tg8av"><img title="IMG_0952" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0952" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1K8ZrF73MVTCROfpnCpUAAanq4JM-FBEn" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1s_ZP3jFuHGoN0w_Hf-pMFiHTYdnlCXw-"><img title="IMG_0966" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0966" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1PGfLZlgG7JSY-vJ1jIjw8vqMCXSQ3DGz" width="486" height="366" /></a></em></strong></p> <p align="justify">Train tracks run through all San Clemente Beaches. This may bother some. As for me, trains are nostalgic. Iāve grown fond of the train whistle that I hear from my house on foggy nights. So many times Iāve driven a cranky baby to the station so he could be soothed by the trains. Many mornings and sometimes nights Iāve sat in my truck waiting for the train to bring a son home from college. I kind of love trains.</p> <p align="justify">So, back to Trestles Beach. To begin, what is a trestle? The short answer: a type of  bridge. And thatās just what you will see at this beach, only about 1.5 miles into the hike, a trestle bridge crossing San Mateo Creek.   </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bmMtmB3VOtQVFPyTOLWIySxTUEOtAUvs"><strong><em><img title="IMG_0969" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0969" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1NLhxk0DZ-2UPK9B5g8HW4jpnL2FzhjxM" width="486" height="366" /></em></strong></a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12IkV2SW3LJbmkmt3njsLqvs5h82JrbF1"><img title="IMG_8404" style="margin: 0px 15px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_8404" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xlSt6YDMb1V0HjUSn9SmJ5t7ttiM7kv6" width="224" align="left" height="169" /></a>I meandered beneath the trestle bridge and spied on ducks floating along the creek. Eventually, I took up residence on the sand and remained there for some time. The weather was chilly, the skies sunny and blue. I spotted another wanderer just like myself on the sand up the ways. I noticed he too unpacked and sat there for a while. Looked like he ate a snack and then was off, kind of meandering without urgency with a pack on his back and hiking pole in hand. </p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17zz8lQR-comyLWEFEw24O5Wyhc669mHf"><img title="IMG_0986" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0986" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1NMAzh93VcjXy5G7UP2ex2b146ucpV0BI" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1QDRf1yz7T4EXVaisKKNAdR_iFERJnNO_"><img title="IMG_0971" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0971" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=15W-EAMjdxDzjw0voAzzHO4ex-DWS1sAJ" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p align="justify">My plan was to hike the sand, or tracks, whichever was available, to San Clemente Beach, then Calafia Beach, and from there catch the bus back home. But as with all hiking adventures, there are always some type of obstacles. On this day, the obstacles were Amtrak workers on the tracks, blocking through access.The tide unfortunately too high to pass along the sand, I slumped down onto a boulder defeated. I had to hike back the way I came, and if I was going to do that, I might as well just hop on the bus and go back home. Thatās what I thought at the time anyway.</p> <p align="justify">Fortunately, the hike back was long enough for me to change my mind.</p> <p align="left"><strong><em>One of the huts along Trestles Beach:</em></strong> <img title="IMG_1003" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1003" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1AnOjIqqx60PcGhEnFoi1lYEp8XvxJWiZ" width="486" height="366" /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=19NWH88QAwU1iPJCsmXepkM2LQqWjAndX"><img title="IMG_1012" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1012" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1y5msl1tSD5PGa9rqBoM2XD-5CuYx98Sq" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p align="justify">I made the mile trek along Avenida del Presidente, which runs parallel to Interstate Five, still a little annoyed that I could not do my originally planned hike along the sand. I peeked ahead of time using Google Maps, so I knew that Iād come to a pedestrian entrance into San Clemente State Beach campgrounds. And once I found a trail back down to the sand, my annoyance disappeared. (Trails do that!)</p> <p> <strong><em>Trail down to Calafia Beach:</em></strong><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1OrTGAHvLYRGBkCBv2_p_l-QQXKNYZTXE"><img title="IMG_1034" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1034" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1kUIjJ7vS-TaSb60dvvK4gS0XDehs_JGF" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Iām happy I didnāt just hike out of Trestles and go back home after being thwarted in my plans. Otherwise, I wouldnāt have been able to explore these beautiful, kind of eerie land formations at San Clemente and Calafia beaches. What a spot! I absolutely treasure my time standing here doing nothing.   </p> <p align="justify">Wasnāt the greatest of adventures (I didnāt have my truck afterall!). But I donāt regret it. Time well spent for sure. </p> <p align="justify">A quote comes to mind right now from a wonderful Professor (Dr. St. Laurent @ CSUF). He once told his Humanities class (of which I sat so long ago): āMost people say, donāt just sit there, do something! I say, donāt just do something, sit there!ā These words astonished me. I think about them often. </p> <p align="justify">No time wandering ever seems wasted. There are no junk miles!</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1OdE9IrGPJjX3GoL26bvHB-9cng6wqBx5"><img title="IMG_1042" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1042" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Esn72HjrqdbwEAAjOTDboUrEE1I4PpAV" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1uB5JEvDAIo-uuY1WrbzEi1gs7orSeOKS"><img title="IMG_1064" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1064" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14w5TJJn9q2DaYbRC7fpt4uZHFZh9-lM0" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1XRVJ6xs4o5-2wEauoex7ftIKOzD0OSKu"><img title="IMG_1069" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1069" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bHKfr_P7oNA52myj3zFG4G7NXtjeNtH1" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1q1YWLTtQqm18FaoPc2JIobxT4JllUotu"><img title="IMG_1070" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1070" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1It2QKsnu0X484eyoplpD09G5GLYA6w_S" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=16pFhUYEbHNIYWCG0xrldQ3M_8aOqms1A"><img title="IMG_1081" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1081" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1HOiTqagKRnjUvISIQwZW4oCmejrkTbQB" width="229" height="173" />  <img title="IMG_1084" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1084" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rqDQjCrrx57R6xTXh3ciD8hkEpPnKNr0" width="228" height="172" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1KemR9KviYApGqa285tZIoI2AXh1xJznB"><img title="IMG_1089" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1089" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1sDLfgPfv_0owjhcsxn15zshHMQ7adeS_" width="486" height="366" /></a><strong><em>From <a href="https://houseoftrestles.com/">House of Trestles</a> (near my bus stop for trip home):</em></strong><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1wX-AdjbBYwNLi-3M1BEFgE51B843xRq6"><img title="IMG_8410" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_8410" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Lui4CbMDT12b6qa5zIjlNTkKjV1UhVuy" width="477" height="373" /></a></p> <p align="justify">7.25 miles approx. (Donāt know stats yet; havenāt downloaded watch)</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-64418490054974982142022-12-31T22:11:00.001-08:002023-01-16T12:52:01.888-08:00Happy New Year! (Welcome La Nina!)<p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1MsbQaRdbRbMwUGE8Pg9ZG-5u4B06nJ35"><img title="IMG_0873" style="margin: 0px 2px 0px 14px; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0873" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11zqjK_Bahlghh7VaerGrv06og-acVrix" width="167" align="right" height="155" /></a>Happy New Year (& what a freakinā year itās been)! Time is an amazing thing ā the years now just fly by. And so the passing of one year to the next doesnāt mean much to me. Every day is a start over day, not just the first of the year. So grateful that I know that!</p> <p align="justify">One of my best Christmas gifts this year was a hike this past Wednesday (12/28), out to Black Star Canyon with my husband. We got in just after the rains and before another good storm. After picking up a couple sandwiches late morning, we packed them into one of my favorite spots.  After a good long rest in the āvillageā, we trekked through thick mud to explore Hidden Ranch while on our way to scout out another trail Iād heard about, a single track that leads up to The Divide, about a quarter mile past the KSOX Doppler Radar Tower (so I hear). Trail was located (for another day). </p> <p align="justify">Gorgeous day out! On the way back, my husband picked up a rock that caught his eye. To my amazement, it was the same rock I had picked up a couple weeks back. I had to pull out a picture from my phone as proof ā otherwise he would have never believed me. I took the finding as a good sign. </p> <p align="justify">The sky was black when we finally made it out of the canyon, a full hour after sunset. No hauntings on this night, though if I had been without my spouse I would have been spooked for sure in a pitch-dark Black Star Canyon. </p> <p align="justify">Looking forward to more cold winter, rainy weather here in California. La Nina is coming! Looking forward, I hope to explore new places in 2023. Weāll see. Iāll do what I can. Iāll be wandering one way or another for sure, I know that because thatās what I do! </p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1MH5fbYD_wWBx0hEM1B1nz7Hhll6KM3Wc"><img title="IMG_0844" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0844" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=119rFOxyPTuo-6SrUXAho7SQgQr6WO3I1" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1sL0vP-b5D3VObSu-plZ_qnrgrVrc_EzP"><img title="IMG_0849" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0849" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pxKWAgBB-3N3jKYqokv-NYjM9WNbtWZM" width="486" height="366" /></a>Bakerās Cross<img title="IMG_0854" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0854" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Ceaqx7GNtZrjzoPPx3DTa9C4LPqcacEa" width="486" height="366" />Toyon Berries<img title="IMG_0861" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0861" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ejXX9I5Jbdpfd4aj32BWIJv1-hg6dGA6" width="486" height="366" />Re-packing after lunch in the village<img title="IMG_0886" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0886" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1o3C1MwBTmP2rXPBkuB4rVc6cvJIQNwBi" width="486" height="366" />Creek crossing in Hidden Ranch area<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=160ZdNVfb0KEdANxVKSt3m2fy_3KZuSGX"><img title="IMG_0899" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0899" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bH4A4i15w99a68BnbllA2KaJumRsWpbz" width="486" height="366" /></a>Heading home<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1gSgbPdPkVtau3rnPGqCZIfwm1MA2g8AN"><img title="IMG_0889" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0889" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rYvYX3rYCe8Qu12_DdkiFA2fyWjbLe2C" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1awUnKSm5-m3YrnE_74f9zTDKc8uJnLgX"><img title="IMG_0905" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0905" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=172_ExxuiqrNhFuCVOjOyxgOOVCtYnJ46" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=19x7NaYGSguXFmjDIobNgzzBlHBCysKTz"><img title="IMG_0911" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0911" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jZbhxs6qYN7IB6yXkwjKYjuAyFl-h9Vz" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p>12.1 miles, elevation gain about 3,800ā</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-42243950255677262422022-12-22T23:22:00.001-08:002022-12-22T23:36:03.066-08:00The Awesomeness of Solitude<p align="justify">Last Saturday, December 17, I took my usual hike of late ā 10 miles, 5 out and 5 back on Black Star Canyon Road. No permit required for parking, no off-roading or windy mountain driving. Perfect for what I need right now. Iām easing back into it.</p> <p align="justify">The dirt truck trail up Black Star Canyon was surprisingly empty for a Saturday morning/afternoon. I came upon several cyclists and one hiker that I spoke with briefly, but for the most part, I found myself completely alone. The awesomeness of absolute solitude on a lonely mountain road never ceases to amaze me. It feels like the utmost freedom ā freedom to feel and think and question. Freedom to not think at all and just be in the Now. The solitude of a long lonely road brings me immeasurable peace. Thank God for that.</p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1JIt22VzBKfrn3-sjYmy7UmpSktIztOEn"><img title="IMG_0755" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0755" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1v7SIMuwNtTFsoX3zs-i-6WfX06oPW1H4" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1IkORXMcg6V17p6KZkNdpuIRJpJ-EXnPw"><img title="IMG_0765" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0765" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cQ8WkhSnOemorplVFtqgcvU4S_zufcXo" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1dSKTflbqARsONZHOdMo9JGHs-qGQVj03"><img title="IMG_0789" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0789" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1IaAO3wdcGNw3HjEAna3kXPSCpHoD0E7v" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=19RwWn5qvOwRNHHR6aBCJZj_0nIWbZcE2"><img title="IMG_0819" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0819" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jj1ZiY0RKGhLSTJQoYlI6yoYMBT_h4Up" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1BdopOk4mqUweCrQBYn-tU7NF2sTdM-_8"><img title="IMG_0805" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0805" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bQIbQeBi4-hOnJfgYBwEYkb5ZHU7hmaT" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jirnK0sqL5_OPmKIScLywHFTFFf_cAFn"><img title="IMG_0823" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0823" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12QMIyIgl6jwmdy1n8fxtpxc-7X-Mq1pU" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1TYf49jktgDHxd26x9yJ0lyTxbgagLl-Z"><img title="IMG_0831" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0831" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1IfOd8-eI8hQI2L5YZelBaj1VQATTwgie" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=146tbnCR1TpiUTrrFA72LTy8er7Xtx2vG"><img title="IMG_0842" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0842" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1kzVnjFUfMiGUi-KJ6T9OG1Tp616H2Csj" width="486" height="366" /></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-67752959620554840572022-12-17T20:37:00.001-08:002022-12-17T20:48:28.642-08:00Price Tag: One Favorite Hat<p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1scv9bSujzaPaL1jcUR3CjuTWTSdW3H1C"><img title="IMG_0669" style="margin: 0px 2px 0px 16px; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0669" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zSCzD3x1iOidHHyFsUgfgwNllVkjx0kz" width="224" align="right" height="229" /></a>Last Friday, December 9, I set off into Black Star Canyon after running some morning errands. Even with the late start, the weather was still nice and cold -- low 50s F, just how I like it. Perfect hiking weather. Coming to an end of a much needed extended fast, I decided to hike up to my favorite secret spot of late, to break my fast. The hike was more strenuous than usual being in in this state. This is exactly what I intended -- I mean, what better way to end a fast then by really pushing myself to get to a serene spot. And then to take the first bite of a cracker, the most wonderful tasting cracker in the world, while looking over the canyon. I canāt beat that. How much would I pay for such an experience? Lots. But I have no money. Thatās okay, it only cost me my favorite hat. ;)</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=18t5ZHjLprJ8E7Nawjn05bWl_062YN-8w"><img title="IMG_0679" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0679" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1CjZdfRCpeYH5GYD7yrRupxbiSOENcQph" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1T2-ojbCJnXb4rbPEJd3KkrNQI1mCuaYb"><img title="IMG_0692" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0692" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1hluAC44jbFie6OIUySVm8qF4alz2go1E" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1AbAK2CK_it9qdH4A71288DsdYNdSwD7a"><img title="IMG_0695" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0695" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1e3xvVurwU-Rp_AUSQSRc7SvUBRffWHDQ" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p align="justify">At the base of the canyon, I realized that I dropped my favorite hat. I had an idea where it probably happened. There was no way I was willing to make the trek back. I was bummed for a bit until I asked myself this: If you were offered todayās experience in the mountains and were told that it would cost you that hat, would you do it? Yes. Yes, I would.</p> <p align="justify">10 miles lovely miles.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1BsPTIN96XlF2eZLHJftojNkq5PNLjViS"><img title="IMG_0709" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0709" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=13L00Jxqs6b1jnev5OU4pepicmvFiEyzl" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Vw2iBS26DvxynexbfyzSOV2GOa73GLyc"><img title="IMG_0716" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0716" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1L1EL2bOa70RDruB_iWPtD2HA-Jj7sGsJ" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Ern05kyYO8b6DETI2cPEouFcj29Iildy"><img title="IMG_0717" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0717" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_4bhDSYWleelXEFfZZyFndj3YjcVLXLz" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1yM1zqTupN0P2W0sWm-SBHig2MpDbwO24"><img title="IMG_0721" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0721" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Cd95AnUU4J7f4H7-6Cy77KP5IplwOtyy" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=16zCHK24gGE0xsNH9PCzTxHtB7gdKOPDZ"><img title="IMG_0726" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0726" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1p6LGv4628crZdGHkWC5g6JVDQdUgEyuo" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1fS0SRmw_Oe6P6xZO5zha_hMLEQphspNl"><img title="IMG_0736" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0736" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1CusFQK8rkfVQqZaUhT7TCy2e4YJNAXhf" width="486" height="366" /></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-86158302987749686252022-12-08T21:03:00.001-08:002022-12-08T21:03:14.428-08:00Out of Hibernation<p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1TVWz8loB1mfMCs4KeJ5mBRPvybxfZ8y7"><img title="IMG_0532" style="margin: 0px 17px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0532" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1gbOUBe1LbHiYgnvJHoj9rGY9r36_CS6y" width="164" align="left" height="124" /></a>December 3rd, my youngest sonās 18th birthday, I took a nice ten mile hike up Black Star Canyon, to one of my favorite easy to get to, out in the open, secret places. Whatās the occasion? Nice cold weather was the occasion. It was time for me to come out of hibernation. I am awake! What a great hike to celebrate awakening. After a day like that I wondered (out loud) why Iām not out there every single day! I get that much peace from the trip. I felt so full of joy at one point that I burst into a spontaneous run. I stopped myself from that silliness pretty quickly though since itās been a while. Iām not practiced ā last thing I need is a face plant. My arms only recently recovered from the last fall in December 2021. (Excuses, excuses).</p> <p align="justify">I love Black Star Canyon. Yes, the base is well travelled and in places vandalized with spray paint. Thatās sad. And yes, itās mainly all truck trail (with a few single track turn offs available here and there). Once you make that turn 2.5 miles in and start the climb, thereās so much to see up there, even close to the road. Black Star Canyon is a beautiful place with a huge local history (which explains the legends of its haunting). On that note, I do find Black Star Canyon haunting, but not by ghosts.  </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1vf-l--jSNY1x783xglqfSbZg1TKFutRA"><img title="IMG_0538" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0538" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12neIwdu-sMOQFtyHQvY_OjwODUCknKb-" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1o4RedT6ewi1pnSajXJtFES6WVYMamrom"><img title="IMG_0544" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0544" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1QN61fM5rfnTfoMMgqZUt-Xt9I8W6Jn1O" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rcymRy3eBwo4O0oSjmVn0ppHaEo5xUrA"><img title="IMG_0559" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0559" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ar1kPhBtCIQK_w8hAhEWqpy2GXCBV6dU" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1317yWavpqO6I97sRS5M02uNJHdTk9Zkt"><img title="IMG_0560" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0560" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1eAeUBmXbfgZ6NUy8X8ai5qMXn88PgMPk" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1l6KHK17ckwY0kBmbMS5DTKoYARxxF0jM"><img title="IMG_0584" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0584" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1K1WAhQDwlUWtsqnxLRZmX6pma5ieqrtD" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1JJcqTDZv9lb7qJz2_NoK-W3vmFVqzS-l"><img title="IMG_0589" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0589" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17qo8d0J3gmrfTDwQlvZkF142rGVLueWY" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1XKz18Ltsh5oIkZONQetg9LtMFoBcFeOK"><img title="IMG_0591" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0591" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Nm8qKbCo5ot53iwrn-uz0YPuzcZODOgs" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ZihKw0IvLlbNZ9XX9GFZDYQI9POhfwJm"><img title="IMG_0595" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0595" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pwvTzQP27dXSoU1uHkqsx-fxWfYDmtWW" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1o_-iX2CAsrMPEu90l5BdEjxIJruX_zaI"><img title="IMG_0598" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0598" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1dbN817N7qcXC_-vg6kUPmI8h0KIiJFQt" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1aSlqC7J8DbTt38aoBKooClJrpwOD6O0R"><img title="IMG_0641" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0641" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1JpYaixdh7USrid0ZNhaZqCs30tm7Yi2h" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1k4q-PRMOLBvtKXw0hacXn9Jn4KU08G9H"><img title="IMG_0644" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0644" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=18SUd3ebgYFnxm2BCkL4CjM_DBRI2dIR6" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17lFLhafoDyKWJNK2zQd-C_ZZ0i-pWIKM"><img title="IMG_0662" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0662" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=18GzlrxUDurb2txIFNQqpZ30duw2tnwdR" width="486" height="366" /></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-78523242018370472892022-11-24T19:13:00.001-08:002022-11-24T19:39:08.711-08:00Another Race Against the Clock<p align="justify">November 11, I went for a long awaited hike in my local canyons (Aliso and Wood). This time I set out only a few hours before sunset. So, it was another race against the clock, which meant no dillydallying, no stopping, no exploring, just constant moving to avoid being caught out in the dark. I Marched right past The Rock that sheds tears without even noticing and arrived back at my truck after 9.5 miles about 20 minutes after sunset -- just as the sky turned black. Good times! When I arrived home, I did a control fall out of the truck and stumbled into the house so warn out and trashed I was.These are the days!</p> <p>Santa Catalina Island ~ 42 miles across the sea<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xqojHg1vLoE9LiCQqq1ocOA1iW3lM288"><img title="IMG_0423" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0423" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zFkN3fZhte5PR3O7Nr00lg2BBPtS18Ji" width="486" height="366" /></a>Looking back at Old Saddleback<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1wi-nvlZYE3eaA50po_MdGLDiTxrNJByt"><img title="IMG_0430" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0430" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=19TCMBjhAFJx5cakA3xZ2IvJCzkMZaNQe" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p><img title="IMG_0432" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0432" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ToMQiz9o6r69uUcGjmCrG-lblpvIWU2z" width="486" height="366" />Meadows Trail <br /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1N9y_nx1mVHCi32BiCWjja27wsBGxTN4N"><img title="IMG_0444" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0444" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11dpsXwYvLd2GG8fbjydDv0OP-zQEO-E8" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1VtGizYqxGmTjJhisaaBQ3lZJ1LC9Nkp7"><img title="IMG_0446" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0446" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1KejbrfgtIi3L_lefk3IoGw-3Hkf2je_B" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FU-FHDRZDQ6oDeuJdjQkh73SxF3mU-Rt"><img title="IMG_0451" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0451" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pPZv5dijc5UbPUEhs0b5lH89hOa-ewsD" width="486" height="366" /></a>Toyon berries<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1wJ8cFlHnA49H9csbUV7eJWROAw9pRQUQ"><img title="IMG_0453" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0453" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zTBUZTZWa1701LoSBlj_Ho82vjcY6lkl" width="486" height="366" /></a>Crossing Wood Creek<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1P34zmMDAu3wrgcnXIT14mV0fuXLD38uY"><img title="IMG_0457" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0457" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1e3uJ6K6vga17SAWkLi9HRkzV9JkLy-Jx" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1AcYWabl6QjjHxcUKBjTokXszkbabsQFT"><img title="IMG_0471" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0471" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1-gScdn9DX3Fp3lteeS7ad73a9VqVIGT4" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_OcXSoeHazMxdHTMbLM9nRgpUgKVA870"><img title="IMG_0473" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0473" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ieteMP9xNh3h0_qBlygeZoY644B-FRR-" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jpOFXtv4NgkuV1YSndNYfFjjGijwsnco"><img title="IMG_0488" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0488" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1UWbZCyA-KGnnzogHd0g-glz9JZoXS4Q3" width="486" height="366" /></a>I turned suddenly around to find Wiley Coyote sneaking up<img title="IMG_0491" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0491" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1BxNQgPwoG36MwQF3YJwexJ5K1PyWvk_o" width="486" height="366" />Looking healthy<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1YgzedlMvak6H1MPBvSqOZWKj8-GEBzBr"><img title="IMG_0492" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0492" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rbQHJQS08uId1a63TR43Z5GJmcEGthqP" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1XUW3ai2VlZB2AxXyT7DnOh2bsz9pq54k"><img title="IMG_0494" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0494" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1X2ccqVBLtFrfyu59QUk2rs7pzj0HLzO7" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12Z4zOoaJHFFe7B2xguKcmOPmYSNxOeOj"><img title="IMG_0500" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0500" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1sEHZjOEkG6rK8JlHpdtVSZ9-I646BD82" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_ZDCV4BeZVtR78NT8QEVrW2TSMFGs53u"><img title="IMG_0501" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0501" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1mXWxAyM49Yk3MP96Fc3nzmJ5bEty4d94" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1TywDMipW0A5lSnJFx3_Uj1fM5vGu7Lsm"><img title="IMG_0518" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0518" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1yI-L2iPBhaVYRiJGP7-9kUxPiXAVTxx5" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14hkBuTVCZVwyuyi_t5goj1kkVh_voiST"><img title="IMG_0519" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0519" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1-_aJjA4UIGCDpt4R6upZHZ0BfTSjoVsq" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10viuv0Pl3eQ7PEoEe9viL4faJNsb6X-z"><img title="IMG_0528" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0528" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10Gf0OSf-tyDLFDRMlkeE8zH7mZv8Jv7S" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1nLUdvKjTXw8ruUQjnR3HvrTNDAIXjJIi"><img title="IMG_0530" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0530" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Gv2LzstTtoFJOUifrM5ynHzihed-c0N_" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p>Happy Thanksgiving! </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791692547710240011.post-40234432317291232942022-11-10T23:24:00.001-08:002022-11-11T23:04:02.871-08:00Proof of Autumn<p align="justify">A fortnight ago (October 28), I took my first autumn hike of the year. The joy set in less than 1.5 miles up the trail. Joy almost always sets in. And a mile and a half is about normal. I always wonder at that point why Iām not out there every day! </p> <p align="justify">Anyway, Iāve been telling myself, āWait for fall, then you can go out and enjoy the trails. When you see the crawdads, you will know the time is right!ā Of course, I headed off to Wood Canyon (Aliso Viejo, CA) to see for myself. Itās become sort of a ritual over the years. And so, I was not surprised to witness crawdads fighting at the bottom of the creek. The chilly mornings kind of assured me that Iād find them there.</p> <p align="justify">Proof of Autumn! <br /><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1oHHuoFvc4TbhNWmlUrrBt8sUcqdR2C-L"><img title="IMG_0413" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0413" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=169gbLUm-l_lcjc-RNcg7EnuTXNTIKgDt" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <p align="justify">I hiked the big loop ā that is the outside trails forming a loop (West Ridge on the way out, Wood Canyon on the way back, Cholla and Meadows Trail connecting them). The big loop was a totally irresponsible thing to do in my shape. But I did it anyway, knowing full well it would trash me. Turns out, I fared the 9.5 miles surprisingly well. And on top of spotting my crawdads, I saw several dear, including a three point buck. Then on my hike out of the canyon, I passed <a href="https://laurenontherun.blogspot.com/2020/07/free-association-rock.html">The Rock</a>. It came out of nowhere, as I often walk by it with little consequence. Today, I stopped, climbed up and sat. And the tears instantly fell like a waterfall. I felt like I sat among ghosts up there on that boulder, me and my three young children, so long ago. I donāt even remember if I relished the moment back then as it occurred. I hope I enjoyed it as much as I miss it.</p> <p align="justify">So, my first hike of autumn ā thatās it in a nutshell. I can still hike 9.5 hilly miles and for that I am grateful! </p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_y38E4CSPvUxFgjoklh5hIiyMdSq5DYv"><img title="IMG_0361" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0361" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12Q5wPU4l4S3I3Vzv0m5aRiU62RVX7aSp" width="486" height="366" /></a></p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=19G6M_4M29-tfC3mviCMfqeiSWRxVlYVy"><img title="IMG_0380" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0380" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1GDj5BmvkQeV2aswh2UVENsFhVwPwvgMo" width="486" height="366" /></a> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11irl2xFQ2jnxkq1bWfeuLPJEFZPmfonq"><img title="IMG_0400" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0400" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10nys4ESjSwLz3cB7vnB7OoafsoV_3DAm" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jOoxgwGlmRmmYCzZz_PAHVoYywWVyaKk"><img title="IMG_0419" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0419" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1j8PE8jbDs0GUgA1-HYg-rA8ZUG-t5mQj" width="486" height="366" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10y2am7WXG1CQ2bsEnMGjFCPwP5c4iVUy"><img title="IMG_0421" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0421" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=182l2nG3O7-3BjrNBjCaK5eJarQpXOvHS" width="486" height="366" /></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0