You probably assume I know how to walk, and have been doing so for a long time. In this case, you'd be wrong. Very wrong. Last evening after spending all day on my feet, I managed to trip inside our house. And not just trip. Trip and fall flat on my stomach and forearms (while carrying my computer), like a ton of bricks. It is rather hilarious I think. I wasn't seriously injured, and my computer is just fine. I'm a bit sore though.
Anyway, I decided to tempt fate and walk more today! This morning I headed out towards Park Headquarters to start my hike of the day. There's a path that runs along the rim cutting into the village and back out again. Equipped with water, my camera, a backpack, journal (and a pen!), and trail mix consisting of goldfish and natural almonds, I begin my trek. It was about 10am when I left the house.
Along the way I stopped and took a great deal of pictures, even asking a kind teenage boy and later two english girls to take my picture for me. The path from Headquarters to the Village is about a mile. Not long, with great views along the way. Stopping in the village for water and the WC.
My end goal was to get to Hermits Rest, at the far end of the Rim Trail. The distance from the village to Hermits Rest is 7.8 miles. Add on the mile from Headquarters, and the 2 miles down from my house, I was attempting 10.8 miles. I hiked the first 1.4 miles and was surprised I hadn't gone further. I kept going through Maricopa Point, onto Powell Point, Hopi Point, Mohave Point, and finally The Abyss. My legs were killing me and my feet hurt so I decided not to try hiking the final 3 miles. Instead I jumped on the shuttle (okay more like shuffled onto the shuttle) and road it the rest of the way to Hermits Rest.
Grabbing a bottle of water and a WC break I took a few more pictures, and finally jumped on the shuttle again to make my way home. I walked in our front door around 4pm. Six hours out and about! Right now I'm loading up pictures from my day which will soon be posted. I'm rather exhausted and tomorrow is my first day of training, so I'll probably call it an early night.
Hawaii
Monday, June 1, 2009
Video
This video is taken on my cell phone, hence the lack of quality in it. I'm hoping to capture some more video soon (on higher quality), but I thought I'd share this with you all.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
I’m in the Grand Canyon!!
I figured that outburst was an appropriate expression of my current state of mind. That and:
Wow.
I got in around 9:45pm MST last night. Wiped from a day of travel, and the fact my body clock was still on EST, I crashed in my bed last night. The trip was pretty uneventful, all for the last flight. My final flight was between Phoenix and Flagstaff, which takes a grand total of 19 minutes in the air. This was the only flight I had a window seat for, and like a kid in the candy store I spent the entire flight with my face pressed against the window admiring the view.
Rusty red. It was the first thing I noticed when we took off from the airport in Phoenix. It was everywhere! I’m used to grass lawns, and brown dirt. Not red clayish lawns. The further we traveled from Phoenix, the more dark green started to crop up in the red.
Dark muddy rivers cut through the outcropping red rocks, meeting tributaries, and carving out natural phenomena I only remember seeing in my Earth Science textbook. We rode parallel to the clouds it seemed, level but they were at a distance. Finally rising through the clouds my view was cut off. Not only from the ground, but from the sky as well. We rode in the clouds.
What looked like small snow particles suspended in the clouds illuminated sharply as the strobe on the end of the wing flashed. Soon small drops of water vapor appeared on my window, and our ride became a bit more rough. Though I didn’t lose the contents of my stomach, I thought I might.
As we began to descent I wondered how the pilots had any idea where the ground really was. I remembered that Gary Larson comic where the pilot notices the mountain goat, and wonders what a mountain goat is doing in the cloudbank. I may have the artist wrong on that, but in any case, that’s definitely something Larson would draw.
With a strike of lightening I was sent from being thrilled to terrified. I didn’t much prefer being in a plane while there was lightening… I hoped we’d land soon. A few more strikes of lightening only tightened my nerves until finally I saw the ground and knew we were close.
The landing was… interesting, but safe. My cousin (with whom I am living this summer), was waiting for me inside the airport (smaller than my home church I think). After a trip around Flagstaff, dinner, and a few stops for necessities, she drove us the hour and half home.
After unpacking this morning, we tossed my cousin’s bike in the back of her truck, and headed off to the park headquarters, where she works, and where I will start work shortly. Inside I was introduced to a few other park rangers, and picked up information on bike trails and things to do in the village today.
One of the park rangers asked who I’d interviewed with. As if on cue, my new boss came walking down the hallway! We had only ever talked on the phone, so I introduced myself, and he was incredibly helpful and welcoming. What a great start to the day!!
Leaving the bike in the truck I hiked the four-tenths of a mile to the rim. The foliage is in sharp contrast to back east. Here everything is scruggly (I know I made that word up, but it fits), and mostly coniferous. The ground is that dusty rust color, which I still find pretty incredible. Soon I could see the beginnings of the canyon peaking through the trees. Immediately, and unconsciously an incredibly bright smile spread across my face. I’m not sure you can see the Canyon for the first time and not smile. It is amazing!
Standing on the rim trail I snapped a few shots with my camera, conscious of the fact I had left my cousin’s bike unattended. I couldn’t stay long, but I did manage to stand in awe for a few minutes. Heading back I picked up the bike, realized I finished my water and would need some lunch, so I biked back to the house.
Remember, the Canyon is over 7,000 feet above sea level, and in this altitude you need to keep hydrated. It was a bit chilly in fact. Typically the temperature here in the summer is mid 70’s. Pretty nice I think!
Deciding to hike some of the rim trail and check out an afternoon talk, I packed up my things again and this time walked into town. On my walk into town I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. There were 4 bull elk just walking along grazing. I stopped, snapped a few pictures, and kept my distance. They were huge!! A jeep drove up to one of them, and I was pretty sure the elk could have squished the jeep pretty quickly.
After changing plans, I decided to hang out on the rim trail for a bit, as opposed to hiking along it. I sat on a bench, looking out over the canyon. With a peaceful soundtrack of good tunes pumping through my headphones I pulled out my journal to write some. Note to self: Put a pen in your bag if you plan on writing.
Instead I sat and just watched. There was a storm brewing over the canyon, so in the distance I could see the start of rain, even though it was bright and sunny above me. A gentleman with a scope came up and asked if he might share my bench. I welcomed him and we chatted for over an hour about this, that, and the other thing.
He works tracking the condors in the area, and told me a bit about that. When a few raindrops landed on our head, and lightening was striking out over the canyon (oh I wish my camera could have caught that!) he said “We probably don’t look to bright sitting out here with lightening striking.” I told him that if lightening struck us, then we’d look quite bright!
I learned from him to stay away from the elk. Apparently in the past an experienced ranger spooked a bull elk by accident, and ended up with a smashed lower leg. He was only saved from being gored by the antlers due to his strength and training as a Navy SEAL.
Parting ways I headed back up to the house again to pick up a sweater and some more water. I hadn’t planned to head out again, but decided I should head over to the store. After getting directions from my roommate I set out. Apparently I need a GPS.
I started on a road called Center. Departing from there I followed a few trails, through the woods, between houses. The path was long, and although I didn’t know it, I was lost. I didn’t have any guidance, nor an idea how to fix this, so I just kept going. I thought I wasn’t going the right way, but figured I could be wrong. I was getting concerned when I notice a larger road with a bit of traffic. It had been about 45 minutes, and I figured I would have made it to the market by then. Stepping back out onto the road I found I was back on Center, only 100 feet from where I had started. I feel there is either a theological or philosophical story you could take from this (returning to one’s center), so take it as you will.
Deciding to go the way I know would take me to the market, I walked along the roads, into town, and hopped on one of the shuttle buses to the market. By then my legs were pretty sore, and I really just needed to sit for a while. The rest of the trip was pretty uneventful, thankfully.
One last little tidbit. On the road leading home there is a little homemade fort in the nest of some trees off to the side of the road. A child has written a sign to hang above his or her hideaway and it reads: “Black Fotted Ferret Club”. It made me laugh.
Well I’m off to cook some enchiladas for dinner!!
Wow.
I got in around 9:45pm MST last night. Wiped from a day of travel, and the fact my body clock was still on EST, I crashed in my bed last night. The trip was pretty uneventful, all for the last flight. My final flight was between Phoenix and Flagstaff, which takes a grand total of 19 minutes in the air. This was the only flight I had a window seat for, and like a kid in the candy store I spent the entire flight with my face pressed against the window admiring the view.
Rusty red. It was the first thing I noticed when we took off from the airport in Phoenix. It was everywhere! I’m used to grass lawns, and brown dirt. Not red clayish lawns. The further we traveled from Phoenix, the more dark green started to crop up in the red.
Dark muddy rivers cut through the outcropping red rocks, meeting tributaries, and carving out natural phenomena I only remember seeing in my Earth Science textbook. We rode parallel to the clouds it seemed, level but they were at a distance. Finally rising through the clouds my view was cut off. Not only from the ground, but from the sky as well. We rode in the clouds.
What looked like small snow particles suspended in the clouds illuminated sharply as the strobe on the end of the wing flashed. Soon small drops of water vapor appeared on my window, and our ride became a bit more rough. Though I didn’t lose the contents of my stomach, I thought I might.
As we began to descent I wondered how the pilots had any idea where the ground really was. I remembered that Gary Larson comic where the pilot notices the mountain goat, and wonders what a mountain goat is doing in the cloudbank. I may have the artist wrong on that, but in any case, that’s definitely something Larson would draw.
With a strike of lightening I was sent from being thrilled to terrified. I didn’t much prefer being in a plane while there was lightening… I hoped we’d land soon. A few more strikes of lightening only tightened my nerves until finally I saw the ground and knew we were close.
The landing was… interesting, but safe. My cousin (with whom I am living this summer), was waiting for me inside the airport (smaller than my home church I think). After a trip around Flagstaff, dinner, and a few stops for necessities, she drove us the hour and half home.
After unpacking this morning, we tossed my cousin’s bike in the back of her truck, and headed off to the park headquarters, where she works, and where I will start work shortly. Inside I was introduced to a few other park rangers, and picked up information on bike trails and things to do in the village today.
One of the park rangers asked who I’d interviewed with. As if on cue, my new boss came walking down the hallway! We had only ever talked on the phone, so I introduced myself, and he was incredibly helpful and welcoming. What a great start to the day!!
Leaving the bike in the truck I hiked the four-tenths of a mile to the rim. The foliage is in sharp contrast to back east. Here everything is scruggly (I know I made that word up, but it fits), and mostly coniferous. The ground is that dusty rust color, which I still find pretty incredible. Soon I could see the beginnings of the canyon peaking through the trees. Immediately, and unconsciously an incredibly bright smile spread across my face. I’m not sure you can see the Canyon for the first time and not smile. It is amazing!
Standing on the rim trail I snapped a few shots with my camera, conscious of the fact I had left my cousin’s bike unattended. I couldn’t stay long, but I did manage to stand in awe for a few minutes. Heading back I picked up the bike, realized I finished my water and would need some lunch, so I biked back to the house.
Remember, the Canyon is over 7,000 feet above sea level, and in this altitude you need to keep hydrated. It was a bit chilly in fact. Typically the temperature here in the summer is mid 70’s. Pretty nice I think!
Deciding to hike some of the rim trail and check out an afternoon talk, I packed up my things again and this time walked into town. On my walk into town I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. There were 4 bull elk just walking along grazing. I stopped, snapped a few pictures, and kept my distance. They were huge!! A jeep drove up to one of them, and I was pretty sure the elk could have squished the jeep pretty quickly.
After changing plans, I decided to hang out on the rim trail for a bit, as opposed to hiking along it. I sat on a bench, looking out over the canyon. With a peaceful soundtrack of good tunes pumping through my headphones I pulled out my journal to write some. Note to self: Put a pen in your bag if you plan on writing.
Instead I sat and just watched. There was a storm brewing over the canyon, so in the distance I could see the start of rain, even though it was bright and sunny above me. A gentleman with a scope came up and asked if he might share my bench. I welcomed him and we chatted for over an hour about this, that, and the other thing.
He works tracking the condors in the area, and told me a bit about that. When a few raindrops landed on our head, and lightening was striking out over the canyon (oh I wish my camera could have caught that!) he said “We probably don’t look to bright sitting out here with lightening striking.” I told him that if lightening struck us, then we’d look quite bright!
I learned from him to stay away from the elk. Apparently in the past an experienced ranger spooked a bull elk by accident, and ended up with a smashed lower leg. He was only saved from being gored by the antlers due to his strength and training as a Navy SEAL.
Parting ways I headed back up to the house again to pick up a sweater and some more water. I hadn’t planned to head out again, but decided I should head over to the store. After getting directions from my roommate I set out. Apparently I need a GPS.
I started on a road called Center. Departing from there I followed a few trails, through the woods, between houses. The path was long, and although I didn’t know it, I was lost. I didn’t have any guidance, nor an idea how to fix this, so I just kept going. I thought I wasn’t going the right way, but figured I could be wrong. I was getting concerned when I notice a larger road with a bit of traffic. It had been about 45 minutes, and I figured I would have made it to the market by then. Stepping back out onto the road I found I was back on Center, only 100 feet from where I had started. I feel there is either a theological or philosophical story you could take from this (returning to one’s center), so take it as you will.
Deciding to go the way I know would take me to the market, I walked along the roads, into town, and hopped on one of the shuttle buses to the market. By then my legs were pretty sore, and I really just needed to sit for a while. The rest of the trip was pretty uneventful, thankfully.
One last little tidbit. On the road leading home there is a little homemade fort in the nest of some trees off to the side of the road. A child has written a sign to hang above his or her hideaway and it reads: “Black Fotted Ferret Club”. It made me laugh.
Well I’m off to cook some enchiladas for dinner!!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Off to the Grand Canyon!
Today is the first day of my summer adventure, to the Grand Canyon. I'm currently in Charlotte airport, waiting for my flight to board. Incredibly excited and nervous at the same time, I've been up for hours, and probably won't sleep until late, late, LATE tonight!!
Unfortunately, my camera is tucked away in one of my bags, so I can't take photos of the cool rocking chairs in this airport, but I do promise great pictures soon!!
Well I'd better pack this back up before I have to dash onto this flight.
I promise more stories soon. Perhaps even from my layover in Phoenix!!
Unfortunately, my camera is tucked away in one of my bags, so I can't take photos of the cool rocking chairs in this airport, but I do promise great pictures soon!!
Well I'd better pack this back up before I have to dash onto this flight.
I promise more stories soon. Perhaps even from my layover in Phoenix!!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Hiking and News!
So this past weekend I convinced a friend to go on a hike with me. We packed up our things, and drove about an hour out of town, down a dirt road, to the trailhead. The hike isn't a long one, only 2 miles round trip, but it is incredibly steep at time. A rise of 944 feet over a mile.
It was a gorgeous day, cloudless, with a slight wind, and a whole lot of sun! After a short while we shed our sweaters and stopped often. As spring hasn't hit this far north yet, the majority of the trees were bare (except the coniferous ones, obviously). There were quite a few trees with stark white leaves hanging, which hadn't fallen in the fall, and over the winter had been reduced to parchment.
Just about halfway up the hill there were large boulders, deceiving us into thinking we were much closer to the top then we actually were! These enormous formations reminded me of those we often see in Allegany State Park (Thunder Rocks). From our perspective we had no idea how far we had gone, nor how much farther we needed to climb.
We knew we were getting close to the top when we saw snow. Yes. The weather may have been a comfortable 55ยบ, but up on top of the mountain there was still quite a bit of snow in places! The last stretch was very difficult, but we were rejuvenated when the roof of the firetower came into view.
Reaching the apex, we decided to climb the firetower, though I'm not sure how I was so brave!! The structure seemed sturdy enough, but the railings only came up to my thigh, and below that we were protected by.... chicken wire. With every step up the narrow stairs the tower shook, which is incredibly disconcerting when you're already high up! For the last set of stairs you have to duck/crawl to sneak up to the observation deck.
But the view from the top... WOW!! I tried to capture the view with my camera, though goodness knows a two-dimensional rendering could never do the three-dimensional panorama justice.
We spent a bit of time just laying on the rocks in the sun, before our hike down. Towards the end of the hike I could feel my legs shaking from the exercise. Let's just say ice packs have been my knees best friends for the past few days!! It was a great hike, and I'm looking for another adventure soon.
On to the great news!! I've accepted a position to work in the Grand Canyon this summer!! I'm thoroughly excited, and I look forward to continuing this blog with my adventures out there!!
It was a gorgeous day, cloudless, with a slight wind, and a whole lot of sun! After a short while we shed our sweaters and stopped often. As spring hasn't hit this far north yet, the majority of the trees were bare (except the coniferous ones, obviously). There were quite a few trees with stark white leaves hanging, which hadn't fallen in the fall, and over the winter had been reduced to parchment.
Just about halfway up the hill there were large boulders, deceiving us into thinking we were much closer to the top then we actually were! These enormous formations reminded me of those we often see in Allegany State Park (Thunder Rocks). From our perspective we had no idea how far we had gone, nor how much farther we needed to climb.
We knew we were getting close to the top when we saw snow. Yes. The weather may have been a comfortable 55ยบ, but up on top of the mountain there was still quite a bit of snow in places! The last stretch was very difficult, but we were rejuvenated when the roof of the firetower came into view.
Reaching the apex, we decided to climb the firetower, though I'm not sure how I was so brave!! The structure seemed sturdy enough, but the railings only came up to my thigh, and below that we were protected by.... chicken wire. With every step up the narrow stairs the tower shook, which is incredibly disconcerting when you're already high up! For the last set of stairs you have to duck/crawl to sneak up to the observation deck.
But the view from the top... WOW!! I tried to capture the view with my camera, though goodness knows a two-dimensional rendering could never do the three-dimensional panorama justice.
We spent a bit of time just laying on the rocks in the sun, before our hike down. Towards the end of the hike I could feel my legs shaking from the exercise. Let's just say ice packs have been my knees best friends for the past few days!! It was a great hike, and I'm looking for another adventure soon.
On to the great news!! I've accepted a position to work in the Grand Canyon this summer!! I'm thoroughly excited, and I look forward to continuing this blog with my adventures out there!!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Ice Walk Story
Today on a whim I decided to go for a hike. Jumping in my long johns (it's cold here), and grabbing my camera I went over to a local park. Yesterday due to unseasonably warm weather the majority of our snow melted. Apparently in the park the snow melted a little bit, slid toward the water (where the path runs) and refroze. Almost the entire path was ice covered by a half inch of snow.
The hike isn't very long, maybe 45 minutes total, and travels upstream along the river. The river is frozen, except for a few places where the sun hits consistently enough to thaw the ice. I tried to capture a few images of the ice. In places where it has been pushed up you can see the depth of the ice, a good 8 inches thick.
Though the walk wasn't long, I was frozen through when I made it back. It's the kind of cold that makes your eyes water, your nose run, and your cheek bones hurt (the only part really exposed the elements). A great walk, though not nearly long enough. The photos are mostly white due to the fact everything up here is snow and ice. Enjoy!!
The hike isn't very long, maybe 45 minutes total, and travels upstream along the river. The river is frozen, except for a few places where the sun hits consistently enough to thaw the ice. I tried to capture a few images of the ice. In places where it has been pushed up you can see the depth of the ice, a good 8 inches thick.
Though the walk wasn't long, I was frozen through when I made it back. It's the kind of cold that makes your eyes water, your nose run, and your cheek bones hurt (the only part really exposed the elements). A great walk, though not nearly long enough. The photos are mostly white due to the fact everything up here is snow and ice. Enjoy!!
Snowy Days Story
A few weekends ago I traveled back to home for a long weekend visit. On my trip home I was fortunate to take some wonderful pictures!!
The first set is a group of pictures taken around the house, mainly of the birds. With the new lens I was able to get some amazing shots.
The second set is from an outing Mom and I took. We rented some snowshoes, and went for a two hour hike through the woods. Due to the steep nature of the trail this isn't a path my parents could travel on cross country skis, so it was our first time.
We started the hike at an open pond, getting used the the snowshoes. Though I've snowshoed before, Mom hasn't, and we took time adjusting the shoes to fit perfectly. Never-the-less, I nearly tripped probably 50 times, but managed to stay upright.
The hike went past the pond, over to an open hill facing the ski resort on the other side of the valley. Progressing up the open hill, we passed over the tree-lined road, to the forest on the far side. Following the forest edge up the hill we found the start of our trail, though had Mom not been there I doubt I would have noticed.
The trail continues the rest of the way throughout the woods, moving up the hill, often with steep inclines. A couple of times we had to walk across narrow wooden bridges. The first large hurdle we had was at one of these bridges. A large tree had fallen over the very beginning of the bridge. The bridges were no more than a foot and a half wide, so walking across was already a difficult task. Trying to balance and make it over the fallen tree was entertaining.
After climbing the very steep section of the trail we found ourselves in an open area, accessible to perhaps park vehicles. We split from the road moving back the trail to stop at an outlook. Below us the cliff fell off a good 150 feet. Definitely a sight the camera could not capture.
Following the escarpment still further up the hill we made our way in to a less densely populated forest. Here all the trees seemed to start their branches up a good 30 feet. Noticing a cabin off to our right and some picnic tables propped up against trees we made our way over to the park road migrating between the seasonal camp sites.
As a child my parents brought me to this very park on a regular basis, and I have memories from old videos, photographs, and slides of the park, the playground, and a bright swing we sat on by the upper pond. Making our way out to this very area of the park Mom and I rested on the bright swing, attempting to swing with our snowshoes on.
Following the road to the other side of the pond, we walked towards our way back, passing through the playground. Getting a surge of energy I ran up to the monkey bars, only to realize I could now stand on the ground, and not even fully extend my arms to reach them. I still walked across the bars, then jogged to rejoin my mom.
The path we took at this point was to visit Mom's favorite pine stand. Walking in to a clearing the middle of the pines Mom and I stood listening to the birds. I then attempted to walk in the shape of a heart, and took pictures of my creation in the fresh snow.
Leading the way Mom took us deeper in to the pine stand. She has a wonderful sense of humor and told me she wanted to experience the pines, or embrace the pines (one of the two). To her that meant walking between the pine branches, where you couldn't really get through. I spent a good ten minutes with my forearm up over my face so I wouldn't get hit in the face. Later Mom told me "It's really fun to have me go through first so you get smacked in the face with the branches!"
But the smell of fresh pine, and the feeling of the long five-needle red pines brushing by your face... something everyone should experience in their life.
Coming out the other side of the pines we moved along to the road we had crossed at the very beginning of our trip and followed it back down to the lower pond. On a blue wintry day, with birds calling, branches blowing, and the company of your mom... who could ask for a better hike?
The first set is a group of pictures taken around the house, mainly of the birds. With the new lens I was able to get some amazing shots.
The second set is from an outing Mom and I took. We rented some snowshoes, and went for a two hour hike through the woods. Due to the steep nature of the trail this isn't a path my parents could travel on cross country skis, so it was our first time.
We started the hike at an open pond, getting used the the snowshoes. Though I've snowshoed before, Mom hasn't, and we took time adjusting the shoes to fit perfectly. Never-the-less, I nearly tripped probably 50 times, but managed to stay upright.
The hike went past the pond, over to an open hill facing the ski resort on the other side of the valley. Progressing up the open hill, we passed over the tree-lined road, to the forest on the far side. Following the forest edge up the hill we found the start of our trail, though had Mom not been there I doubt I would have noticed.
The trail continues the rest of the way throughout the woods, moving up the hill, often with steep inclines. A couple of times we had to walk across narrow wooden bridges. The first large hurdle we had was at one of these bridges. A large tree had fallen over the very beginning of the bridge. The bridges were no more than a foot and a half wide, so walking across was already a difficult task. Trying to balance and make it over the fallen tree was entertaining.
After climbing the very steep section of the trail we found ourselves in an open area, accessible to perhaps park vehicles. We split from the road moving back the trail to stop at an outlook. Below us the cliff fell off a good 150 feet. Definitely a sight the camera could not capture.
Following the escarpment still further up the hill we made our way in to a less densely populated forest. Here all the trees seemed to start their branches up a good 30 feet. Noticing a cabin off to our right and some picnic tables propped up against trees we made our way over to the park road migrating between the seasonal camp sites.
As a child my parents brought me to this very park on a regular basis, and I have memories from old videos, photographs, and slides of the park, the playground, and a bright swing we sat on by the upper pond. Making our way out to this very area of the park Mom and I rested on the bright swing, attempting to swing with our snowshoes on.
Following the road to the other side of the pond, we walked towards our way back, passing through the playground. Getting a surge of energy I ran up to the monkey bars, only to realize I could now stand on the ground, and not even fully extend my arms to reach them. I still walked across the bars, then jogged to rejoin my mom.
The path we took at this point was to visit Mom's favorite pine stand. Walking in to a clearing the middle of the pines Mom and I stood listening to the birds. I then attempted to walk in the shape of a heart, and took pictures of my creation in the fresh snow.
Leading the way Mom took us deeper in to the pine stand. She has a wonderful sense of humor and told me she wanted to experience the pines, or embrace the pines (one of the two). To her that meant walking between the pine branches, where you couldn't really get through. I spent a good ten minutes with my forearm up over my face so I wouldn't get hit in the face. Later Mom told me "It's really fun to have me go through first so you get smacked in the face with the branches!"
But the smell of fresh pine, and the feeling of the long five-needle red pines brushing by your face... something everyone should experience in their life.
Coming out the other side of the pines we moved along to the road we had crossed at the very beginning of our trip and followed it back down to the lower pond. On a blue wintry day, with birds calling, branches blowing, and the company of your mom... who could ask for a better hike?
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Snowy Trail Hike
This past weekend I packed up my camera, strapped on my "tall" hiking boots, and wrapped myself in some warm clothes, and hit the road. In town we have a 2nd park, right along the river. Parking my car I went for a walk in the woods, along the bank.
There was about a foot to a foot and a half of snow, so walking took a bit, but it was a lot of fun. I had wanted to rent some Cross Country Skis, but the store wasn't open for renting, so I hiked it.
I followed a track of XC skis through the woods, sinking in to the snow up to my knees at times. A cardinal called out to me, and hoping to snap a picture of the crimson bird I mimicked the call back, attempting to coax the bird out of hiding. (I was unsuccessful unfortunately.)
There was about a foot to a foot and a half of snow, so walking took a bit, but it was a lot of fun. I had wanted to rent some Cross Country Skis, but the store wasn't open for renting, so I hiked it.
I followed a track of XC skis through the woods, sinking in to the snow up to my knees at times. A cardinal called out to me, and hoping to snap a picture of the crimson bird I mimicked the call back, attempting to coax the bird out of hiding. (I was unsuccessful unfortunately.)
Friday, February 6, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Hiking Trail
A few hours ago I decided I needed to go for a hiking. Layering up, and packing up my camera I hit the road. At the end of a long snow covered drive there's a small parking area. Just large enough to turn the car around afterwards. The trailhead starts in 3 places, but I decided to go with the middle section.
The first picture in the slideshow was meant to show you the snow drifts. There was probably 2 or so feet of compacted snow at the trailhead which you climbed up to get to the walkway over the pennstock. On the other side there was a at least 3 feet of snow, though I didn't figure that out until later.
The pennstock carries the water down to the power generator. Often while on the hike I heard this low rumbling, crescendoing until it barreled past me. Ice enters the pennstock up river and clangs and clatters its way down to the dam. At that point the river is pretty swift, and mini icebergs dot the water.
I estimated someone had been on the trail about 24 hours ahead of me, due to the tracks, with a dog. The trail follows the pennstock, but often cuts in and out of the woods, moving closer to the river. Most of the time I was sinking in to the snow an inch or so, but a few times I slipped and ended up thigh-high in the snow, having to crawl to pull myself out. It was a blast!!
Halfway down the trail the boot prints I had been following slipped underneath the pennstock, and instead my trail was replaced with cross country ski tracks. At this point the hiking became much worse as I sank in more often. But it was gorgeous out, I was out hiking, and happy as a pea in a pod.
Out in the woods there is a constant reconnection with the core of truth. All petty arguments are forgotten, and you're forced to focus only on those things that are most important. Stress has been rampant lately, and this hike allowed that to release.
Once I reached the power plant I attempted to find the road to take that back to the parking lot. I say attempted because although I knew exactly where it was, I had a hard time getting to it! The trail continues on down the river for a while, and the area where the path splits was covered in more snow than the path. At point point I stepped only to find myself nearly hip deep in the snow. I laughed quite a lot, crawled to pull myself out, and my next step fell right back in. It took a bit, but was a great time.
Now back in my room, curled back in my pjs I miss it. I'm looking forward to planning my next hike, though I'll need some companions. Have any suggestions on where to go?
The first picture in the slideshow was meant to show you the snow drifts. There was probably 2 or so feet of compacted snow at the trailhead which you climbed up to get to the walkway over the pennstock. On the other side there was a at least 3 feet of snow, though I didn't figure that out until later.
The pennstock carries the water down to the power generator. Often while on the hike I heard this low rumbling, crescendoing until it barreled past me. Ice enters the pennstock up river and clangs and clatters its way down to the dam. At that point the river is pretty swift, and mini icebergs dot the water.
I estimated someone had been on the trail about 24 hours ahead of me, due to the tracks, with a dog. The trail follows the pennstock, but often cuts in and out of the woods, moving closer to the river. Most of the time I was sinking in to the snow an inch or so, but a few times I slipped and ended up thigh-high in the snow, having to crawl to pull myself out. It was a blast!!
Halfway down the trail the boot prints I had been following slipped underneath the pennstock, and instead my trail was replaced with cross country ski tracks. At this point the hiking became much worse as I sank in more often. But it was gorgeous out, I was out hiking, and happy as a pea in a pod.
Out in the woods there is a constant reconnection with the core of truth. All petty arguments are forgotten, and you're forced to focus only on those things that are most important. Stress has been rampant lately, and this hike allowed that to release.
Once I reached the power plant I attempted to find the road to take that back to the parking lot. I say attempted because although I knew exactly where it was, I had a hard time getting to it! The trail continues on down the river for a while, and the area where the path splits was covered in more snow than the path. At point point I stepped only to find myself nearly hip deep in the snow. I laughed quite a lot, crawled to pull myself out, and my next step fell right back in. It took a bit, but was a great time.
Now back in my room, curled back in my pjs I miss it. I'm looking forward to planning my next hike, though I'll need some companions. Have any suggestions on where to go?
River shots
This past week I had to run some errands in town, and so decided to bring my camera long, just in case the sun cooperated for some pictures. I made it to the park just before sunset, and was able to snap a few shots of the reflections of the sun on the river.
Something about the flow of the river, the peaceful wind, and the near absolute silence except for these sounds provides a stress release akin to an hour's nap. Such a wonderful place.
Something about the flow of the river, the peaceful wind, and the near absolute silence except for these sounds provides a stress release akin to an hour's nap. Such a wonderful place.
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