Yosemite in December

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.”
― John Muir

Mr. Muir had it so right. Two days in Yosemite was healing for body and soul. We biked, hiked and just took in all the good vibes of nature. We enjoyed brisk cool days with no snow.

The best thing about the park was how empty it was. Oh there was a line to check in and we saw people at the eating spots, but the roads were pretty empty, the shuttles were empty, and it was strange walking around a closed and quiet Curry Village. We saw maybe 10 people on he trails around Mirror Lake.

Lesson learned: Those back country roads that are so enjoyable in the fresh morning sunshine, become treacherous and scary in the late dark of night. I missed one turn off three times finally counting on the gps to tell us 500 ft, 200 ft....recalculating!

JOY to the World, Back on the Water for me!

After 2 months down and out my energy is back and I could not have picked a more beautiful spot for my first outing. My paddling pod headed out to Rollins Lake for an after Turkey day paddle. We had the lake to ourselves with clear blue skies and the most amazing Fall color surrounding us.


We saw both a Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle. We paddled up to where the Bear River fed into the lake and played against the current for awhile before heading back down.

Great day, Beautiful lake, Fun Paddling Pod.

This weekend I am headed for Yosemite. Hoping for just enough snow for great photos but not too much to make getting there and back difficult.

Paddling on...feeling so good.

Blessings Counted

It has been a tough couple of weeks but I am getting stronger every day!  And now that I know I can completely recover and get back to 100% I have realized a few things.

Things that I love:
1.  My home. It has been my prison but mainly my sanctuary.  I love that first cup of coffee on the deck with the sun coming up over the trees and the leaves russling in the breeze. The deer family grazing in the back field, the colors of my walls that make me feel I am in a tropical paradise. The morning light streaming in through the windows. Opening up all the windows to welcome Fall into the house.
2.  The first real Fall day.  That cool breeze that causes the switch from sandles to slippers and tank tops to t shirts...soon to be fleece. The first sign of leaves changing color.

3.  The look of fresh bark outlining the green lawn.
4.  That feeling..I beat it again...dodged the bullet...I am going to be ok
5.  Slipping naked between the cool sheets at night, cuddling up with the down comforter while feeling the cool breeze coming in through the open window.
6.  My dog.  The simple joy she shares with me all day long.
7. Pulling out the cool weather paddle clothes and gear.
8. Planning my next trip...looking forward to San Juan Islands planned for next year!

Things I do not love:
1. Leaf blowers
2. Electric saws
3. Gophers in my lawn

I get knocked down...

But I get up again, their never gonna keep me down...

That song keeps playing in my head as I continue my recovery a week after going to emergency and then spending 5 days in hospital. I knew something was wrong but resisted going to doc...lesson learned. Severe anemia and iron deficiency has kicked my butt. Some issues with my crazy blood has prevented me from getting transfusion I need...no match! So I am on a slower mend but I think meds are kicking in as my head is clearing somewhat today.

I got to spend one afternoon at Beautiful Meeks Bay Resort, (had the cutest cabin) on the lake before crashing... And here are a few pics of what was suppose to be the start of 3 great days. Enjoyed some demos from Sterling and Headwaters. Also enjoyed watching the Hurricane Riders roll around in the bay. Oh well, next time.

At least I know now why I have been such a slug these last couple of months, and hopefully I can get back up to 100% soon.

Tahoe Keeper

I took the test and am officially a Tahoe Keeper. Basically I am now educated about stopping the spread of invasive species that are invading and seriously damaging our rivers and lakes. I will
help spread the word to keep Tahoe and all our waterways clear.

I travel with my yak all over and I know I need to get better about cleaning and drying my boat. I have a 3 day trip to Tahoe coming up and I will spread the word to all my fellow paddlers.

On another note, I explored the Foster City canals with some fellow Paddle Pushers yesterday. It was a beautiful day and a different trip than or normal river or lake paddle. Always fun to explore somewhere new. The wind came up to challenge our return trip which gave us a good work out. I needed it!

Hammocking

For my recent birthday my friends surprised me with a unique gift, a hammock. I was surprised when I opened it...hmmm, what is this for? My friend said, just try it. Now, I could not remember using one before, maybe at some long ago tropic vacation, but nothing in recent memory.

So I brought it home and asked number one son to look for a place in the yard to try this strange thing. He said, cool!

He found a great spot under the trees. I have to admit, it was so comfortable and relaxing I soon found it a favorite spot. So following are pics all
taken from the hammock.

Sugar Pine Paddle, Hike, Bike & Picnic

Sunday, August 26

A perfect summer day at Sugar Pine near Forest Hill. My paddling club joined another hiking club for a day on the water, trail and beach.

This lake was warm and crystal clear. And as always, we got to watch the Ospreys.

September is around the corner and a favorite month for getting outside!

Paddling on.