I was up by 5:30 and on the Bright Angel trail by 6am. It was pretty dark. I came across some trail signs but wasn't able to read them. I wished I had the iPhone flashlight app but I had to make due with turning up the brightness to read the signs. I felt totally disoriented but when I got to the bridge I knew I was in the right place. This bridge has a metal grate across the bottom and I can see why it mules might get spooked. It was kind of scary going over it. I took it easy due to my legs still being sore and it being dark but made really good time to the half way point - Indian Gardens. It was a beautful walk along Bright Angel creek. There were many trees along the creek. I really want to return when the leaves turn because it would transform this from a pretty walk to a spectacular walk.
I began the ascent from Indian Gardens to the Rim. This last section hold the most elevation gain - around 3,000 ft in five miles. I was uncertain how I would go but I continued to make really good time. My muscles were not bothering me on the uphill at all except for the minor dips in the trail.
I saw two large birds with white markings that I think were condors soaring overhead. One seemed to be checking me out. It was a great show.
Later I came across a group with a dog. It seems that everyone had been telling them that it is against the rules to have a dog on the trail and that was annoying them because they were quite rude to the guys in front of me and to me when I told them that I had passed two rangers below. As I left them I worried about how mules react to dogs. When I came across my first mule train, I asked the wrangler/ guide and sure enough mules are afraid of dogs so I let him know about the dog on the trail. I passed two more mule trains and let them know as well.
Several people commented on my shorts but I was generally warm walking uphill with my pack. I did have to put a fleece on for the last section. The last section was really icy. I saw more than one person slip and hit the ground hard. I was so happy to have brought my YakTrax. I had great traction between them and the hiking pole. I tried to warn people at the top to go back and buy the instep crampons that they sell at the Bright Angel lodge for only $10 but they went ahead. I guess they weren't worried about either slipping and hurting themselves or going over the edge.
I made it out of the canyon in less than 5 1/2 hours and felt great. I think I made such good time because I took fewer photos on the way out. The ones I did take are here and in the slide show below. This was an amazing experience.
I also can certainly see why people get in trouble here. Despite it being only February it was quite hot on the S. Kaibab Trail, the Clear Creek Trail and parts of the N. Kaibab Trail. I wouldn't want to be on those trails in the summer heat.
I hope to return in the autumn when the leaves are changing and walk from the North Rim to the South Rim staying the night at Phantom Ranch again.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Phantom Ranch to Ribbon Falls
When got up Friday morning, I realized that one of my dorm mates had gone to sleep at 4pm the day before and slept through until 5am. She then left to hike out. My other thee dorm mates got up to hike out soon afterward. They were trying to off load clothing and food to lighten their packs. In the end they took the clothes but left some snacks which I helped finish off - pretzels and oreos.
I felt pretty sore and stiff. It's true what they say about the hike down being harder on you than the hike up. The good news is that the soreness was in my quads, hams and calves - not my feet - the acupuncture must be working. I only had minor twinges in my feet over the last two days. I took it easy and bought a post card for my nephews. I wrote it and posted it to be carried out by mule. I bet they will think that is pretty funny. I also got myself a Phantom Ranch tshirt.
Soon afterwards I headed out to hike to Ribbon Falls. You can see the photos here or at the end of this post (unfortunately, this doesn't seem to be working at the moment). It was a pretty hike through steep canyons along Bright Angel Creek on the North Kaibab trail. The falls were about 6 miles up on the North Kaibab trail. The falls were really amazing. You could even walk behind them.
When I returned, I had several new room mates in my dorm. Two of them had these cool head lamps that clip on a baseball cap. I really want to get one of those. They appeared to be in better shape after the hike down than the previous days room mates and were planning on hiking to Ribbon Falls the next day so I told them how nice it was.
We got a couple of other room mates later. One asked me to give up my lower bunk because she has epilepsy and was worried about falling off the top bunk. I politely refused but wondered why she didn't worry about falling off one of the cliff face on the way down the South Kaibab trail. The other new room mate discovered a baby scorpion in the shower.
Dinner was much the same with some nice conversation with a couple from Chicago that had hiked into the Canyon annually for the last three years. They had never done any hiking or camping but read up on it and went for it. They were a hoot. They were stopping at Indian Gardens to overnight on their way out and were a bit skeptical of my plan to hike all the way out and drive back to Mesa all in one day. Between this input and my soreness I have to say that I was a tad bit nervous about my plan.
It was another early night in the dorm room. I planned to be up early and leave by 6 am.
I felt pretty sore and stiff. It's true what they say about the hike down being harder on you than the hike up. The good news is that the soreness was in my quads, hams and calves - not my feet - the acupuncture must be working. I only had minor twinges in my feet over the last two days. I took it easy and bought a post card for my nephews. I wrote it and posted it to be carried out by mule. I bet they will think that is pretty funny. I also got myself a Phantom Ranch tshirt.
Soon afterwards I headed out to hike to Ribbon Falls. You can see the photos here or at the end of this post (unfortunately, this doesn't seem to be working at the moment). It was a pretty hike through steep canyons along Bright Angel Creek on the North Kaibab trail. The falls were about 6 miles up on the North Kaibab trail. The falls were really amazing. You could even walk behind them.
When I returned, I had several new room mates in my dorm. Two of them had these cool head lamps that clip on a baseball cap. I really want to get one of those. They appeared to be in better shape after the hike down than the previous days room mates and were planning on hiking to Ribbon Falls the next day so I told them how nice it was.
We got a couple of other room mates later. One asked me to give up my lower bunk because she has epilepsy and was worried about falling off the top bunk. I politely refused but wondered why she didn't worry about falling off one of the cliff face on the way down the South Kaibab trail. The other new room mate discovered a baby scorpion in the shower.
Dinner was much the same with some nice conversation with a couple from Chicago that had hiked into the Canyon annually for the last three years. They had never done any hiking or camping but read up on it and went for it. They were a hoot. They were stopping at Indian Gardens to overnight on their way out and were a bit skeptical of my plan to hike all the way out and drive back to Mesa all in one day. Between this input and my soreness I have to say that I was a tad bit nervous about my plan.
It was another early night in the dorm room. I planned to be up early and leave by 6 am.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
South Kaibab to Phantom Ranch
I traveled to Flagstaff on Wed night to spend the night with Kurt and Julie. It was my first time using the gps and I heard the term "recalculating" a number of times as I missed numerous turns. It turns out that it tells you to turn even though it really doesn't want you to. I took the machine at it's command and it had to recalculate until I got the hang of it.
Eventually I made it. The drive was pretty but longer than I expected especially with those "recalculations". The nicest part was going by Lake Mary as the sun was setting. It was great catching up with Kurt and Julie but I tried to hit the sack earlyish (9:30).
I planned to leave by 6am but hit the snooze and actually left around 6:30. I am not sure the gps took me the shortest way but I made it to the Grand Canyon. On the way in I saw a few elk. They crossed the road right in front of me.
It was quite chilly when I arrived. I saw several elk on the way in. I caught the 9am South Kaibab Hiker shuttle which was very full when it picked up. A boy scout troop from Tucson was on it as well as a group from Canada. I tried to wait them out and let them get on the trail ahead of me but to no avail. We got on the trail at exactly the same time. No problem I passed them at their first rest break.
The trail was in great condition. I didn't need the yaktrax I bought and brought. The weather was also great. The colors inside the canyon were lovely. I hope the pictures do it justice.
It was so amazing walking down and hard to describe the sheer size of the colorful rock faces around me as I walked down. It was magical and I hope that my photos can reflect some if this. I felt so awed by the towering rock formations near and far.
Although there were many people on the trail like Milford track, I was generally alone to ponder the beauty and magnitude of it except for a squirrel now and then. One cheeky fella put on a little show for me. I got a few cute photos of him.
On the way down I passed a trail maintenance crew using a jack hammer. Although this was loud and obnoxious it reminded me the work required to build and maintain the trail. I guess the same goes for the mule train carrying the trash out even though I almost got a face full of trash as it passed.
As I walked down the temperature rose steadily and I rapidly stripped off my layers- jacket, fleece, hat, and finally long sleeve shirt.
Eventually I made it down to the Colorado river and passed over the Black Bridge. All mule trains go over the Black Bridge which has wood planking. The other bridge has a grate bottom which scares the mules.
Across the river were 800 year old Indian ruins, the Bright Angel camground and finally Phantom Ranch. It took me 4.5 hours to hike down. I checked into my dorm and ate lunch contemplating what to do next. There are a number of hikes from Phantom Ranch. I wanted to do two of them - Clear Creek and Ribbon Falls. With only one full day down at Phantom Ranch and a ten mile ascent to the South Rim it was a hard choice. So I decided to hike out part of the Clear Creek trail after I finished my late lunch and go to Ribbon Falls on my full day.
The first section of the Clear Creek trail goes up without relent for about a mile but you are paid off with more stunning views of the river - this time from the north and heading east. I walked along the trail for a out another mile or so. Then I returned to it dorm room for a hot shower. By now it had cooled down so that even in a long sleeve shirt I was chilly outside.
I ate dinner with one of the women from my dorm and her husband. The were very nice. I also met a film mker who made a documentary about the first blind man to climb Everest. The food was awesome. I had veggie chili and there was also stew. This was accompained by salad, corn bread, and chocolate cake. I also bought a beer to go along with it. The other women in my dorm went to the earlier meal which was steak. (All meals must be booked in advance)
After dinner I went back to the dorm and discovered my roommates in bed. I decided to type up this blog entry on my iphone and then hit the sack myself.
Eventually I made it. The drive was pretty but longer than I expected especially with those "recalculations". The nicest part was going by Lake Mary as the sun was setting. It was great catching up with Kurt and Julie but I tried to hit the sack earlyish (9:30).
I planned to leave by 6am but hit the snooze and actually left around 6:30. I am not sure the gps took me the shortest way but I made it to the Grand Canyon. On the way in I saw a few elk. They crossed the road right in front of me.
It was quite chilly when I arrived. I saw several elk on the way in. I caught the 9am South Kaibab Hiker shuttle which was very full when it picked up. A boy scout troop from Tucson was on it as well as a group from Canada. I tried to wait them out and let them get on the trail ahead of me but to no avail. We got on the trail at exactly the same time. No problem I passed them at their first rest break.
The trail was in great condition. I didn't need the yaktrax I bought and brought. The weather was also great. The colors inside the canyon were lovely. I hope the pictures do it justice.
It was so amazing walking down and hard to describe the sheer size of the colorful rock faces around me as I walked down. It was magical and I hope that my photos can reflect some if this. I felt so awed by the towering rock formations near and far.
Although there were many people on the trail like Milford track, I was generally alone to ponder the beauty and magnitude of it except for a squirrel now and then. One cheeky fella put on a little show for me. I got a few cute photos of him.
On the way down I passed a trail maintenance crew using a jack hammer. Although this was loud and obnoxious it reminded me the work required to build and maintain the trail. I guess the same goes for the mule train carrying the trash out even though I almost got a face full of trash as it passed.
As I walked down the temperature rose steadily and I rapidly stripped off my layers- jacket, fleece, hat, and finally long sleeve shirt.
Eventually I made it down to the Colorado river and passed over the Black Bridge. All mule trains go over the Black Bridge which has wood planking. The other bridge has a grate bottom which scares the mules.
Across the river were 800 year old Indian ruins, the Bright Angel camground and finally Phantom Ranch. It took me 4.5 hours to hike down. I checked into my dorm and ate lunch contemplating what to do next. There are a number of hikes from Phantom Ranch. I wanted to do two of them - Clear Creek and Ribbon Falls. With only one full day down at Phantom Ranch and a ten mile ascent to the South Rim it was a hard choice. So I decided to hike out part of the Clear Creek trail after I finished my late lunch and go to Ribbon Falls on my full day.
The first section of the Clear Creek trail goes up without relent for about a mile but you are paid off with more stunning views of the river - this time from the north and heading east. I walked along the trail for a out another mile or so. Then I returned to it dorm room for a hot shower. By now it had cooled down so that even in a long sleeve shirt I was chilly outside.
I ate dinner with one of the women from my dorm and her husband. The were very nice. I also met a film mker who made a documentary about the first blind man to climb Everest. The food was awesome. I had veggie chili and there was also stew. This was accompained by salad, corn bread, and chocolate cake. I also bought a beer to go along with it. The other women in my dorm went to the earlier meal which was steak. (All meals must be booked in advance)
After dinner I went back to the dorm and discovered my roommates in bed. I decided to type up this blog entry on my iphone and then hit the sack myself.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
A Busy Weekend
It was a great President's Weekend - very busy but fun. Check out the photos here or in the slide show below.
I was up early on Saturday to head out for a hike in Tucson. We were meeting at Fry's at 7:30am. An old high school buddy, Dana, came into town to hike with me and was also meeting me there. I hadn't seen Dana in 25 years or so. We chatted the whole way to Tucson catching up on each other's lives.
The hike was in the Saguaro National Park. It began at the Hugh Norris Trailhead. it went up, up, up and then followed a ridgeline until an easy climb to Wasson Peak. We then returned along a slightly different route that headed down and then back up to the ridgeline. It was a really good workout and a good crew of folks some of whom I had hiked with on Thursday.
We headed back to Mesa where we went out to dinner at an awesome Indian place. It was a really great meal. Dana, Chris (her husband), Ali (her daughter), Erica, PJ, JJ, Huichi and I all went. Dad did everything he could to get out of eating Indian.
The next morning we were up even earlier to head out to the Lost Dutchman Marathon - Huichi to run the 1/2 marathon, me to walk the 10K, and the Melies clan (all of them) to walk the 2mile Fun Walk/Run. It was sooo cold in the morning. Poor little Austin was very uncomfortable and was carried most of the way by PJ. Then got a bit hassled by the runners at the finish because he wasn't crossing fast enough. The Melies finished first and headed out quickly due to the cold and the children's short tempers. Funnily enough they happened to be leaving right when I was crossing the road they drove out so I had a little cheering section. I crossed next and got some film of Huichi running at the very end. (This video can be seen on Facebook)
Dana was supposed to run as well but woke up and wasn't feeling that great. I caught up with her and her family at REI on her way out of town. I hope that we can keep in touch and do a few more things together this year.
Later that night we had a huge family dinner followed by a photos of all the Lost Dutchman participants.
Monday morning I took Brody out to Butcher Jones to hike around Saguaro lake. Unfortunately, I screwed up the Tonto Pass and had to go past the turnoff and on to a gas station near Ft McDowell Casino to purchase it. It was an incredibly pretty hike as was the scenery on the way there and back. Right now it is so green. The rock is red and the water and sky are blue. I would really like to hike more in that area. Brody enjoyed the hike but found the uphill sections very challenging. We only did half the hike (3 miles) but we both enjoyed it.
I was up early on Saturday to head out for a hike in Tucson. We were meeting at Fry's at 7:30am. An old high school buddy, Dana, came into town to hike with me and was also meeting me there. I hadn't seen Dana in 25 years or so. We chatted the whole way to Tucson catching up on each other's lives.
The hike was in the Saguaro National Park. It began at the Hugh Norris Trailhead. it went up, up, up and then followed a ridgeline until an easy climb to Wasson Peak. We then returned along a slightly different route that headed down and then back up to the ridgeline. It was a really good workout and a good crew of folks some of whom I had hiked with on Thursday.
Hugh Norris to Wasson Peak
Widget powered by EveryTrail: GPS GeotaggingWe headed back to Mesa where we went out to dinner at an awesome Indian place. It was a really great meal. Dana, Chris (her husband), Ali (her daughter), Erica, PJ, JJ, Huichi and I all went. Dad did everything he could to get out of eating Indian.
The next morning we were up even earlier to head out to the Lost Dutchman Marathon - Huichi to run the 1/2 marathon, me to walk the 10K, and the Melies clan (all of them) to walk the 2mile Fun Walk/Run. It was sooo cold in the morning. Poor little Austin was very uncomfortable and was carried most of the way by PJ. Then got a bit hassled by the runners at the finish because he wasn't crossing fast enough. The Melies finished first and headed out quickly due to the cold and the children's short tempers. Funnily enough they happened to be leaving right when I was crossing the road they drove out so I had a little cheering section. I crossed next and got some film of Huichi running at the very end. (This video can be seen on Facebook)
Dana was supposed to run as well but woke up and wasn't feeling that great. I caught up with her and her family at REI on her way out of town. I hope that we can keep in touch and do a few more things together this year.
Later that night we had a huge family dinner followed by a photos of all the Lost Dutchman participants.
Monday morning I took Brody out to Butcher Jones to hike around Saguaro lake. Unfortunately, I screwed up the Tonto Pass and had to go past the turnoff and on to a gas station near Ft McDowell Casino to purchase it. It was an incredibly pretty hike as was the scenery on the way there and back. Right now it is so green. The rock is red and the water and sky are blue. I would really like to hike more in that area. Brody enjoyed the hike but found the uphill sections very challenging. We only did half the hike (3 miles) but we both enjoyed it.
Butcher jones
Widget powered by EveryTrail: GPS GeotaggingFriday, February 13, 2009
Ballantine Trail / Pine Creek Loop Hike
My Photos here and other hike photos here.
Today started out as overcast and cool but the clouds cleared and it warmed into a beautiful day. In the distance Four Peaks and Mt Ord were covered by snow and quite beautiful. Our recent rain filled the creeks and the desert was very, very green. We saw a few small wildflowers. I am excited for the full on wildflower season. They said that last year the entire hill sides were yellow with wild flowers.
The hike was ten miles with a 1900ft elevation gain. We encountered some small patches of snow but nothing like what Huichi and I encountered on Sunday.
At one point we had to cross a creek. One of the hikers hide in the bushes and another let him know when someone else in the group was coming so he could get some candid water crossings. I think they were hoping that someone would fall in but everyone was more sure footed than that.
I did okay there as well but later when walking up the side of this steep hill I lost my footing and somehow plunged my arm into a bush of cat claw. There was blood but not much. I was able to stop it with pressure which was great because I didn't want to get my first aid kit out of my backpack.
Another funny thing was this sign giving directions. It was laying on the ground. Go figure - you could pick it up and point it in any direction. Since I was with people who had hiked the trail before I wasn't worried and this is exactly why I hike with the group because the trails and the markings in AZ can often be very vague.
I chose to wear pants because it was cool. I don't understand why they can't make hiking pants that fit properly. They are like the ultra hip huggers. They must be made for people who have enormous waists. I must not be the only one because there was a guy there hiking in short, shorts - these tiny, thin nylon running shorts. I should have got a picture of him.
Today started out as overcast and cool but the clouds cleared and it warmed into a beautiful day. In the distance Four Peaks and Mt Ord were covered by snow and quite beautiful. Our recent rain filled the creeks and the desert was very, very green. We saw a few small wildflowers. I am excited for the full on wildflower season. They said that last year the entire hill sides were yellow with wild flowers.
The hike was ten miles with a 1900ft elevation gain. We encountered some small patches of snow but nothing like what Huichi and I encountered on Sunday.
At one point we had to cross a creek. One of the hikers hide in the bushes and another let him know when someone else in the group was coming so he could get some candid water crossings. I think they were hoping that someone would fall in but everyone was more sure footed than that.
I did okay there as well but later when walking up the side of this steep hill I lost my footing and somehow plunged my arm into a bush of cat claw. There was blood but not much. I was able to stop it with pressure which was great because I didn't want to get my first aid kit out of my backpack.
Another funny thing was this sign giving directions. It was laying on the ground. Go figure - you could pick it up and point it in any direction. Since I was with people who had hiked the trail before I wasn't worried and this is exactly why I hike with the group because the trails and the markings in AZ can often be very vague.
I chose to wear pants because it was cool. I don't understand why they can't make hiking pants that fit properly. They are like the ultra hip huggers. They must be made for people who have enormous waists. I must not be the only one because there was a guy there hiking in short, shorts - these tiny, thin nylon running shorts. I should have got a picture of him.
Ballantine
Widget powered by EveryTrail: GPS GeotaggingMonday, February 9, 2009
Visting Vegas
On my way back from Park City I stopped into Vegas to visit JJ and Huichi. Huichi and I had planned to do a few hikes but the weather conspired against us. It poured rain all day Saturday. We decided to go see a movie but when we got there (right on time vs early) the only seats together were in the front row. Instead we went to REI, cooked dinner and watched a few movies on their nice TV (50 inches). It was almost like being at the movies.
Sunday the weather was better so we decided to try to go hiking. Our first stop was Red Spring which has brillant red rocks. It was warm and pleasant.
Our second stop was the Willow Spring - White Rock loop (six miles). The trail started out fine. As we progressed we moved above the snow line. I was okay in my Keens but Huichi was in trail runners and got wet feet. I offered to turn back numerous times due to slippery, wet conditions but Huichi wanted to continue. It was a really beautiful hike. However, by the time we got to Willow Springs we were both pretty cold. There was no question of stopping for lunch. Huichi couldn't even feel her fingers. However, the next section of the walk was nice and we warmed up by the time we got to the end. We then hiked up to Keystone Thrust adding another two miles to the hike.
From there we drove down to Icebox Canyon. It was late and the weather appeared to be worsening so we only hiked a short time but saw a pretty good waterfall and then headed home.
A fun trip - I want to come back and hike in Valley of Fire with Huichi.
You can see my full size photos here or in the slideshow below.
Sunday the weather was better so we decided to try to go hiking. Our first stop was Red Spring which has brillant red rocks. It was warm and pleasant.
Our second stop was the Willow Spring - White Rock loop (six miles). The trail started out fine. As we progressed we moved above the snow line. I was okay in my Keens but Huichi was in trail runners and got wet feet. I offered to turn back numerous times due to slippery, wet conditions but Huichi wanted to continue. It was a really beautiful hike. However, by the time we got to Willow Springs we were both pretty cold. There was no question of stopping for lunch. Huichi couldn't even feel her fingers. However, the next section of the walk was nice and we warmed up by the time we got to the end. We then hiked up to Keystone Thrust adding another two miles to the hike.
White rock
Widget powered by EveryTrail: GPS GeotaggingFrom there we drove down to Icebox Canyon. It was late and the weather appeared to be worsening so we only hiked a short time but saw a pretty good waterfall and then headed home.
A fun trip - I want to come back and hike in Valley of Fire with Huichi.
You can see my full size photos here or in the slideshow below.
Blue Sky Winter Days in Park City
I spent a lovely week in Park City with Wendy. Wendy introduced me to cross country skiing which was great - once I got the skis on. It took us ten minutes or so to make this happen. In the end I was standing in the snow in my socks examining the boot and ski trying to figure out how they work. (They were Bob's skis so perhaps it would have been sensible for me to ask him how to put them on before borrowing but why be sensible?) Turns out we didn't realise that there was this little clip that needed to be attended to prior to putting the skis on. After we got over this hurdle taking the skis on and off was much easier.
I especially like when you can slide through powder. I was lucky to get eight days of warm (ish) blue sky days while there and went cc skiing most days. It was like hiking in the snow but with a few more falls. Oh yes, I fell once or twice each day and hurt nothing except my pride. One of the funnier falls was when while skiing along my ski went under a branch at ground level stopping my skis but not my body as I tumbled head over heels forward.
We also went hiking in the snow. It was beautiful as well. Wendy went in her trail runners using yaktrax. It was the first time that I had seen them. They are stretchy metal things that attach to the bottom of shoes to provide traction. They are different from crampons in that they are not spiky but rather coiled metal bands.
I went to an old friend's house to watch the Super Bowl. It was perhaps the first Super Bowl that I actually watched. It was either because the AZ Cardinals were in it or more likely that Rich (my old friend) had a 127in TV. You really couldn't ignore it.
I caught up with Rich and another old friend a couple nights before I left. We went out to eat. It was a great time - lots of laughs except when we fed a five year old child some Indian food. Danger, danger Will Robinson - Nothing stopped her crying until the really nice waiter went out to his car and got her a piece of gum.
On the not so good side, Sage - Wendy's dog - had quite an ordeal while I was there. Sage was attacked and bitten by a dog. Within 24 hours she was so sick she had to be carried to the vet. Even after seeing the vet and being treated for antibiotics poor Sage didn't turn the corner until after midnight that night. We were all so worried but she is a strong dog and pulled through. Unfortunately, we were unable to track down the offender so it and its owner got off scott free while poor Sage continues bleeding and pusing all over the place as her wound drains. Luckily, her owner, Wendy, is a nurse who cleans and drains her wound daily.
You can see my full size photos here or check out the slide show below.
I especially like when you can slide through powder. I was lucky to get eight days of warm (ish) blue sky days while there and went cc skiing most days. It was like hiking in the snow but with a few more falls. Oh yes, I fell once or twice each day and hurt nothing except my pride. One of the funnier falls was when while skiing along my ski went under a branch at ground level stopping my skis but not my body as I tumbled head over heels forward.
We also went hiking in the snow. It was beautiful as well. Wendy went in her trail runners using yaktrax. It was the first time that I had seen them. They are stretchy metal things that attach to the bottom of shoes to provide traction. They are different from crampons in that they are not spiky but rather coiled metal bands.
I went to an old friend's house to watch the Super Bowl. It was perhaps the first Super Bowl that I actually watched. It was either because the AZ Cardinals were in it or more likely that Rich (my old friend) had a 127in TV. You really couldn't ignore it.
I caught up with Rich and another old friend a couple nights before I left. We went out to eat. It was a great time - lots of laughs except when we fed a five year old child some Indian food. Danger, danger Will Robinson - Nothing stopped her crying until the really nice waiter went out to his car and got her a piece of gum.
On the not so good side, Sage - Wendy's dog - had quite an ordeal while I was there. Sage was attacked and bitten by a dog. Within 24 hours she was so sick she had to be carried to the vet. Even after seeing the vet and being treated for antibiotics poor Sage didn't turn the corner until after midnight that night. We were all so worried but she is a strong dog and pulled through. Unfortunately, we were unable to track down the offender so it and its owner got off scott free while poor Sage continues bleeding and pusing all over the place as her wound drains. Luckily, her owner, Wendy, is a nurse who cleans and drains her wound daily.
You can see my full size photos here or check out the slide show below.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
