tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50395032007993498692024-03-05T03:21:21.034-08:00Powder CloudJohannes Henkel's BlogJohanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-20826009072597341302012-08-22T03:45:00.002-07:002012-08-22T03:45:26.313-07:00Horse Heaven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
As the trail winds into the hills, I fall into a steady rhythm. From this angle, the peak looks imposing for a jog. Shirtless, I enjoy the light breeze in the privacy of the fading light, away from the main drag. My headlamp is switched off to avoid the bright distraction. The familiar sounds of a summer night; my breath. Besides, this is cow territory, so it's common for them to be on the trail, near the trail, in the grass. At night they are large, static, ever-chewing shadows; and sometimes silhouettes against the lights of the San Francisco Bay.</div>
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For this reason, the cow-sized shadow that moves swiftly down the hillside and over the trail warrants attention. Cows don't move like this! A horse - and after crossing the trail it turns and comes directly toward me. I feel vulnerable; the horse could run me over. It stops in front of me and looks, calm and intimate. I stretch out my hand and touch its face and say "Are you OK?"; feels good. I continue my uphill jog, leaving the horse behind.</div>
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The trail makes a few winding turns until I leave it for the single track. This part includes switchbacks, and then several steeper sections. I use my headlamp to avoid stumbling over the occasional rocks, and I've recently seen a large tarantula in this area and I'd like to avoid squishing it. Some nice views between the climbs. There's time to let the thoughts wander, and think about the horse I just met, the work day; and whom I care about.</div>
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Before the final push, the trail ventures into a little canyon that has more trees, bushes, and moisture than one would expect from this landscape. I've struggled before to find the trail out of here at night because the cows like this area and create their own paths, which naturally don't lead to the summit - cows prefer pasture over views. Today is no exception, but after a couple of false attempts I find the main trail, which traverses along a slope towards the ridge. Headlamp off. This is where the run turns into a celebration of the San Francisco bay, with no holding back. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mt_eHBbvV-U/Tcj1RpRYwGI/AAAAAAAApRo/lT_57ln_YyI/s1600/sf-bay-from-mp-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="98" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mt_eHBbvV-U/Tcj1RpRYwGI/AAAAAAAApRo/lT_57ln_YyI/s640/sf-bay-from-mp-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sweeping views over the hills, the city lights and the water, the Santa Cruz mountains and the hint of the Pacific ocean behind all this. Moon and stars. I've seen it so many times, but still, it's intense enough for a moment of grateful emotion for the night jog in this awesome landscape. The summit within reach. What was imposing is now a cruise - the steepest parts are done and my pace is steady and swifter than at the start. Near the ridge, the breeze picks up, and the evaporating sweat works like a cool shower on a hot summer day. The last few steps, jumping over the rocks the near the summit. There's the familiar top with the metal pole, all by itself. I stand for a minute and enjoy the wind and the views. I'll be back.</div>
Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-69985632879430139872011-01-07T09:33:00.000-08:002011-01-07T09:53:35.396-08:00First Lines of 2011Riding the T-bar ...<br /><br /><object width="1280" height="745"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ekgk4odqmkk?fs=1&hl=en_US&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ekgk4odqmkk?fs=1&hl=en_US&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="720" height="430"></embed></object><br /><br />Cruising for some fresh pow...<br /><br /><object width="1280" height="745"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/82HDDTOBfuc?fs=1&hl=en_US&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/82HDDTOBfuc?fs=1&hl=en_US&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="720" height="430"></embed></object><br /><br />Hiking for turns with Fernando and David.<br /><br /><object width="1280" height="745"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6ZGdP24EK2Q?fs=1&hl=en_US&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6ZGdP24EK2Q?fs=1&hl=en_US&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="720" height="430"></embed></object><br /><br />As blue bird as it gets.<br /><br /><object width="1280" height="745"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SnXTaaRO58g?fs=1&hl=en_US&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SnXTaaRO58g?fs=1&hl=en_US&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="720" height="430"></embed></object><br /><br />I took pictures - will post them <a href="http://www.google.com/profiles/henkel">here</a> pretty soon.Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-9912626063348544232010-09-14T04:48:00.000-07:002010-09-14T09:42:25.848-07:00Mt. BrewerOn August 21 and 22, I hiked from "Road's End" in Kings Canyon to Mt. Brewer. This was my first solo backpacking trip and also my first backpacking trip with a bivy sack. I very much like hiking with friends, but enjoyed the experience of perfect solitude as well.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/d_irLW6YYJHWTwvwNL03YA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/TI9L2_UrfEI/AAAAAAAAltQ/aqaJrxqUnr0/s400/DSC_8866.JPG" /></a><br /><br />2 days, roughly 30 miles total, start and finish at 5100 ft, camp at 11850 ft (that's 6750 ft of climbing on a single day with full backpack including bear can, bivy, sleeping bag), summit in the morning of the second day at 13570 ft, off-trail section that included bush whacking, up to class 3 rock scrambling, swamp, and some route finding challenges due to inaccurate USGS maps. A piece of cake of course - B. Burd did it as a day hike. His <a href="http://www.snwburd.com/bob/trip_reports/brewer_2.html">trip description</a> and <a href="http://www.snwburd.com/bob/maps/brewer_2.html">map</a> were very useful in planning this hike, as was Arturo's advice. Thanks!<br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="400" height="267" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fhenkel%2Falbumid%2F5508631470085514289%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /><br />I like flipping through <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/henkel/MtBrewer?feat=directlink">the Picasa album</a> in the<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/albumMap?uname=henkel&aid=5508631470085514289#map">map</a>, since all photos are accurately geo-tagged.Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-38171409286194555032010-08-12T09:47:00.000-07:002010-08-12T09:50:02.993-07:00Google Wins!<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JjK0KWOywJ2-7aZdi8yYJA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/TGQlcfz0NnI/AAAAAAAAkqo/hTIQl3XTQzo/s400/DSC_8160.JPG" /></a>Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-38320156666299340002010-06-07T23:45:00.000-07:002010-06-08T00:09:25.821-07:00Natural Bridges SwimFrom last Saturday. Not been to the Pacific for a while, and it's baking in the SF bay. Venture out to Santa Cruz for a refreshing swim at <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=541">Natural Bridges State Park</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AGmv6sQ3mfW5-B1s_G1URQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuXWIZ82myxT7Dh_r-HzdhFUVZ2rEZwzRijRlQADDIshWRdQPUUouriINqrVGN8yK-Ng5vR-vmg6v37Wo4Y3tZD8_vQWW1_ga1rIEqKJWvLHjPT6GVTlYyChGZTz1C6QB7Bk530tNiuVfY/s400/DSC_2353.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I'm on my last lap just ouside the surf, and the park's natural bridge is straight ahead of me, with the Big Sur Mountains on the other side of Monterey Bay in the background, and the sunset in my neck. How to do this scenery justice? Swimming through the bridge, of course. It was fun!Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-79733529272170366302010-05-09T01:12:00.000-07:002010-05-10T02:21:04.965-07:00Snowboarding at Mt. Tallac and Angora PeakLast weekend Fernando and I ventured to Mt. Tallac and Angora Peak.<br /><br />Climbing up via the ridge on the right side.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pmC4Btf-sextrUDTnjO1M7L8PIHVO6FhGJ-OlCVDPCM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S-IbbUrW8NI/AAAAAAAAi-c/5bCDhaM69xQ/s400/tallac.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The NE bowl at the top will be our reward.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aXN-hp1PzYXDEnkmq3dp67L8PIHVO6FhGJ-OlCVDPCM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-9QmKZucWRymC8251zI1N5x75INUEP8CoalL5h4g8KN2m07oEbY0qS3wtV91dgtY8uYflp_x_-z9w7XplL2mQ-KDzQrN1K68zoy8BFub0z04_W6mjKUs6MoanDZON4AFjIwwWds_cE_6/s400/DSC_1538.JPG" /></a><br /><br />View from the summit of Tallac.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jbHIvmh6bWwkH_p4_S2O8LL8PIHVO6FhGJ-OlCVDPCM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S-IbSWRj2eI/AAAAAAAAitA/eHV-LYqf1Wk/s400/tallac_top.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I check out the entrance into the cross, the chute that's visible from South Lake. On my list, but not this time.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Mp6JEK9mNodj8gEgAiZDyrL8PIHVO6FhGJ-OlCVDPCM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S-IbVAFWbII/AAAAAAAAitI/Xtho0UAfuPQ/s400/cross1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Instead, we find powder in the NE bowl.<br /><br /><object width="400" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/A-QFKMSl_hQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/A-QFKMSl_hQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="400"></embed></object><br /><br />Our tracks.<br /><br /><iframe width="400" height="500" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=p&msa=0&msid=107911869825937325547.0004858eb154adc9a5da5&ll=38.919753,-120.087261&spn=0.033389,0.034332&z=14&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=p&msa=0&msid=107911869825937325547.0004858eb154adc9a5da5&ll=38.919753,-120.087261&spn=0.033389,0.034332&z=14&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">Mt Tallac</a> in a larger map</small><br /><br />Next day, we climb Angora Peak from Fallen Leaf Lake.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MGDkn19Ol0zlQNJ3E0gGvbL8PIHVO6FhGJ-OlCVDPCM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S-Ibly8GhxI/AAAAAAAAi9w/W22gayfCOQg/s400/fallen_leaf_1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />And higher up ...<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_dtTgkSfxGYSxZzGAogn5LL8PIHVO6FhGJ-OlCVDPCM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S-Ib1-1yCHI/AAAAAAAAiuY/3rcipOGNJD8/s400/fallen_leaf_from_angora.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Great weather, great views from the top of Angora.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lBG2SStRywtZ40eHqra-mrL8PIHVO6FhGJ-OlCVDPCM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S-Ibv0Fvj5I/AAAAAAAAi_c/aNlbx0cagVM/s400/angora_top.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We sail down a south facing couloir.<br /><br /><object width="400" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4BIQu-t8T5g&hl=en_US&fs=1&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4BIQu-t8T5g&hl=en_US&fs=1&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="400"></embed></object><br /><br />Fernando harvesting corn.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/O8v6-Z9u96UXpM0LPboZk7L8PIHVO6FhGJ-OlCVDPCM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S-IdIC8P_1I/AAAAAAAAiwA/vR1ulJjoMoc/s400/DSC_1846.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The lake below Echo Summit (left) and Angora Peak (right).<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8hkjzv87VyqJqJoNj_tytrL8PIHVO6FhGJ-OlCVDPCM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S-Ib5YIUfAI/AAAAAAAAius/KR7auCEHeCc/s400/angora_lake2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Leaving South Lake Tahoe we stop at the golf course at US 50 for a view of Angora Peak.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/REh_rd8BR7mbhjweNKXkOLL8PIHVO6FhGJ-OlCVDPCM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S-IdVjmD_JI/AAAAAAAAiwI/5qiognS516A/s400/DSC_1967.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Zooming in ... that's Angora Peak.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Q0WEKHPLll8UFyy1GUyfd7L8PIHVO6FhGJ-OlCVDPCM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S-IdZsyhw7I/AAAAAAAAiwk/Z11adAqiEFg/s400/DSC_1966.JPG" /></a><br /><br />And there's our line. Not sure which one, but hey.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AL0p1emwO9zuuULc8obg8bL8PIHVO6FhGJ-OlCVDPCM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S-Ib6r_0fEI/AAAAAAAAiu0/QxsOQjNjCo4/s400/angora_peak_chute.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Our tracks.<br /><br /><iframe width="400" height="550" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=p&msa=0&msid=107911869825937325547.000485a9b7599effae9e2&ll=38.871456,-120.068293&spn=0.018377,0.017166&z=15&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=p&msa=0&msid=107911869825937325547.000485a9b7599effae9e2&ll=38.871456,-120.068293&spn=0.018377,0.017166&z=15&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">Angora Peak</a> in a larger map</small><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/fernando.pereira/May2010SkiTouring">Fernando's pictures</a>. <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/henkel/MtTallacAndAngoraPeak">My pictures</a>.<br /><br />Awesome trip for sure - legit powder and legit corn in one weekend.Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-71103153946999905842010-05-03T23:36:00.000-07:002010-05-04T20:30:59.728-07:00Mission Peak Summit LoopCell picture and track from a swift Mission Peak evening hike.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aElYT8dmItQ7FreTB2wtAg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S-DlJp52BSI/AAAAAAAAiqA/CsJe8sPonC4/s400/2010-05-03%2019.40.08.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><iframe width="400" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=p&msa=0&msid=107911869825937325547.000485bc1b38d3ebfc025&ll=37.509726,-121.894512&spn=0.02383,0.034332&z=14&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=p&msa=0&msid=107911869825937325547.000485bc1b38d3ebfc025&ll=37.509726,-121.894512&spn=0.02383,0.034332&z=14&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">Mission Peak Summit Loop</a> in a larger map</small>Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-59556358936359266972010-04-29T15:59:00.000-07:002010-04-29T16:01:45.492-07:00Ready for the Next Storm<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/g1qTTsI92oaGrA4KaysRXw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S9oO58VlMAI/AAAAAAAAick/2Zb60t6Qn9Q/s400/DSC_1526.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pTyK5FuHxO9ItGX3BIZsOQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S9lvgC1cRCI/AAAAAAAAia8/yphauGY4dcg/s400/DSC_1525.JPG" /></a>Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-35324333192649871872010-04-25T22:57:00.000-07:002010-04-25T23:00:13.664-07:00Half Moon Bay<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CxTwVGSLPGiTLhyUrOEe4x_vP0ZrHlQ-LFTk08A_UIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S9UouTTdt8I/AAAAAAAAiOQ/J5W0DNhjkkw/s400/DSC_1458.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JhH5rfjdrFMX78xUOfNLVh_vP0ZrHlQ-LFTk08A_UIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S9UrLA3AJ3I/AAAAAAAAiQE/P-uvAccIu3c/s400/DSC_1460.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2mIbfbEHytjGFsBu4UVsUR_vP0ZrHlQ-LFTk08A_UIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S9UqonC83wI/AAAAAAAAiPo/7BFQs7MQY1c/s400/DSC_1467.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EVcS4_A_KTFF77qOW8a9ZB_vP0ZrHlQ-LFTk08A_UIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S9UpxDoqDQI/AAAAAAAAiPc/DiLZ3JHMnnA/s400/DSC_1472.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9SkslTukVy53hkLNnAfm4x_vP0ZrHlQ-LFTk08A_UIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S9UplJsTjaI/AAAAAAAAiPU/c8_aCpqfdXE/s400/DSC_1482.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ExUrJ088YIufk1XOn86N4x_vP0ZrHlQ-LFTk08A_UIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S9UpKQyoUTI/AAAAAAAAiOg/wI2ryeF8LWg/s400/DSC_1498.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/X8x43JDpLoQN6_bvBKogMx_vP0ZrHlQ-LFTk08A_UIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S9UpT0YDl5I/AAAAAAAAiO0/lFVKW_6H8bE/s400/DSC_1509.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BJAI0-57PtVYcZ5Glz13yx_vP0ZrHlQ-LFTk08A_UIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S9UpkiINCTI/AAAAAAAAiPE/gONdcnWkXPU/s400/DSC_1513.JPG" /></a>Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-72038080441482735802010-04-23T22:48:00.000-07:002010-04-25T09:43:56.252-07:00Mission Peak<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ols_9lma9nA0EOV8Y1kr5Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxlPukqx1_hutd-7V7Zz79yCRa4fBMbhWYnxSQJha3HWqvkgOII-rgXyK9JqecQ3oJx5w1BrP495UYoxh-GVtLGzM5ydZY1NRr1WpkyVunh4lRCxu0zLN_f-c2TYu_qWEt5TD8xrd6Vvz/s400/DSC_1389.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OeGd5VkDOTF3Od_E6uG_Xw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S9RwpoJCTaI/AAAAAAAAiJY/x-wWdjRnqGc/s400/DSC_1395.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/q70ROAPjsZtpP7U9qUMWOw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S9RwzHtyUOI/AAAAAAAAiJg/NFMwqwNxr6E/s400/mission_peak_summit.jpg" /></a>Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-60353990031298535772010-04-21T10:11:00.000-07:002010-04-21T11:06:42.914-07:00Is it Spring?<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AYRVoSni-1U8UqCsOlth-Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S8qbWymsD4I/AAAAAAAAh7Y/6qs2DHxhiZA/s400/DSC_1137.JPG" /></a><br /><br />... asks the pocket gopher.Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-51469873728832260722010-04-06T20:38:00.000-07:002010-04-06T20:52:03.488-07:00Evening Walk at ShorelineMellow pace. Spring evening, blue sky, warm light. Out into the bay on a dirt trail, along the shore, back to the Plex via the lake, the golf course, and the garbage hill. Steady wind. Birds around the water. Sunset over the Santa Cruz Mountains. I've been trying to figure out what's so cool about running but this made it a no-brainer.<br /><br /><iframe width="440" height="460" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&msa=0&msid=107911869825937325547.0004839c88fc06c170ae5&ll=37.433636,-122.08128&spn=0.031351,0.037766&z=14&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&msa=0&msid=107911869825937325547.0004839c88fc06c170ae5&ll=37.433636,-122.08128&spn=0.031351,0.037766&z=14&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">An Evening Walk At Shoreline</a> in a larger map</small>Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-67197139100346428562010-03-04T23:24:00.000-08:002010-03-05T00:18:20.733-08:00Fusion FoodGood things coming together from different continents and cultures: Fusion. Concerned about your health? Maintain a balanced diet. Or if you are a musician, make a composition.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rX05hPQvuduU40kfjK2tmA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S5Cw9ta4uhI/AAAAAAAAgYg/8LxacvSHVO8/s400/DSC_9759.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Whatever works for you - enjoy your food!Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-32720197931599076212010-03-01T13:05:00.000-08:002010-03-01T13:14:30.063-08:00Footage from SaturdaySome Saturday footage thanks to my newly-acquired helmet cam. First run of the day, "Cruising down the Y" - the inaugural run for the cam:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aojFBfHZenI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aojFBfHZenI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />For what followed, snow ended up on the lens, sorry about that! But here is this mellow one that I liked. Some pow, some trees, nobody around, light snow, some wind, chilly, nothing in particular, just aimlessly wandering down the hill...<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eCrOAY6su6A&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eCrOAY6su6A&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-8410841611911447152010-02-17T07:59:00.000-08:002010-02-17T08:22:56.237-08:00Snowboarding the Sisters and Jakes PeakLast weekend, Fernando and I went backcountry touring. He has loads of experience and thus picked the terrain. On Sunday, we went up towards Round Top in Mokelumne Wilderness and then ended up shredding the bowl west of it. Here's a pic from our lunch break - Round Top in the center:<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/72mJANNuau8YQzf3RibUrQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCKqY0MTZjuewPA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S3rDlVvrMKI/AAAAAAAAf-8/RvSWtYugcSQ/s400/view_from_sister.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Two runs - one from the ridge to the upper right of the tree, and another one from the left - both down into the bowl.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ov7b3M-M-Y7TR98BXg4IrQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCKqY0MTZjuewPA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S3rB52X1mnI/AAAAAAAAf98/UWhCC9-N5KM/s400/2010-02-14%2014.36.00.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Monday, we hit the jackpot on Jake's peak: nice and sunny, only one other car, awesome views of Lake Tahoe, and to top it off, some powder on steeper sections in the shade. Yay!<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1zAQ_KUsSdl0IFcErVLpQQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCKqY0MTZjuewPA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S3rBvHvxjqI/AAAAAAAAf9k/l3TeFBi-e6s/s400/2010-02-15%2012.18.23.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Crystal Range - Pyramid Peak is sticking out behind it.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KFEO5l8LborBOingBuZpIg?authkey=Gv1sRgCKqY0MTZjuewPA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S3rA887LkLI/AAAAAAAAf78/qR-S8IfusxI/s400/DSCN1547.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Tallac.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-9XyrsN5uS3vAlMoEBj6FA?authkey=Gv1sRgCKqY0MTZjuewPA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALvf9Tzp_eMPVY3ClMJOj2uh5C2R_Kxm9WZWT6STPXKKAywWELvuY2LI0gEiX3HfrT-2Yp7AUIOZ5fQg8aY9BkCqPM2HD6AObkJO9VrUfPJ1QJ1nkx8R3pVdWQDogGTjD04remSuY8I-n/s400/DSCN1548.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Southern summit of Jake's.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rLOKIg5vYKMOSDb2WqPxJg?authkey=Gv1sRgCKqY0MTZjuewPA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S3rBBdgTeFI/AAAAAAAAf8U/JB8x9LE26QE/s400/DSCN1549.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Fernando is looking forward to ski ...<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8L6dCcpwxoiQe6iJnGGpIg?authkey=Gv1sRgCKqY0MTZjuewPA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S3rDSMhB4hI/AAAAAAAAf-s/ismtQWeGqik/s400/DSCN1550.JPG" /></a><br /><br />... and off we go ...<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZJ2ugQhgAxXHGG-0_vYZRw?authkey=Gv1sRgCKqY0MTZjuewPA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S3rBcaKP23I/AAAAAAAAf84/xAjOIpJ4iA8/s400/2010-02-15%2012.32.14.jpg" /></a><br /><br />... fresh ...<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vbB1hFpEl-styOAsslMIzA?authkey=Gv1sRgCKqY0MTZjuewPA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S3rBYTX0ccI/AAAAAAAAf8w/wXXCsqTUo_I/s400/2010-02-15%2012.32.19.jpg" /></a><br /><br />... and views.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/J_YxUolCZLDJMHaVWuUUtw?authkey=Gv1sRgCKqY0MTZjuewPA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S3rBpOhUtkI/AAAAAAAAf9Q/_q_SV1ngS10/s400/2010-02-15%2012.31.53.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Fernando has <a href="http://earningmyturns.blogspot.com/2010/02/too-much-backcountry-fun.html">a post with more pictures</a>. Sweet times!Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-65243842797108096652010-01-15T23:38:00.000-08:002010-01-19T09:03:53.833-08:00Snowboarding in ZermattI'm driving this little French car South, towards the Alps. Cruising down the Autobahn just East of the Rhine, I hear in the radio about a traffic jam a few kilometers ahead and decide to take a bridge into speed-limited France. From there, towards Basel, Switzerland. And South, South, South. Finally, mountains. I read off the points from a Google Maps printout, roughly following what it says. Drive to Bern - check. Drive to Thun - check. Drive to Kandersteg - check. Board the train - are you serious? Actually, yes, just park your car on the train and chill as the train disappears into a leeeeeeeengthy tunnel. The Swiss love tunnels.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EbqaQNTt9aEFlIlRt2ILvQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S0WRT8n_TSI/AAAAAAAAe0E/YcfaUxAXy1c/s400/DSC_8891.JPG" /></a><br /><br />After dragging my luggage from the car into a shuttle and from the shuttle to the hotel I collapse into my bed. The next morning, a quick glance out of the window to verify that I'm in Zermatt: the Matterhorn, of course.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PJIm2X39Ag5tv_W6Adv_tQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S0b_Z69wJHI/AAAAAAAAe24/OtEbtCU5Sys/s400/DSC_8892.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Of course it's impossible to take a decent picture without having the Matterhorn in it. If you look closely you can also see the train tracks of the Gornergrat-Bahn.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LYjVSphSi4gawDHv1cMtYQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWsEps9QRoTJozwipTMM9klt7f8wPVy1TQ_bHVEMjcwlDc5UZ2fowN-mBvg5vieuWYBZs40qjGNMB8ojDlc-PVP-mW4NHmhc9P8hxhVdPEcL2lkYwe5EchZsxjEfxxvatdPz5jvMHVodZ/s400/zermatt1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Off the trail. -20 degrees Celsius, fluffy powder, mediocre coverage.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RggsmlB1zGpxlvu4yT92pg?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S1FwtFlXNwI/AAAAAAAAfN8/buyF3GTPYkU/s400/DSC_8930.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Recipe for pretending to be a mountaineer: (1) take the elevator to the summit of the small Matterhorn; (2) climb over a little fence; (3) take a few careful steps and put up your arms.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DLZ7S9Sb_Mx404PlDcORsw?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S0jCt-oE_1I/AAAAAAAAe6I/C5cOlN0Ue8g/s400/DSC_8975.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The big glacier. A skier's last resort in the summer - a snowboarder's icy flat groomer nightmare in the winter.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/I_o-x1K5btKztEfryrRf2w?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S0NnasXa8DI/AAAAAAAAetM/gXF4t_8vWGo/s400/zermatt3.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Cruising into Italy.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CQbre8T0MfzgzBJ14dDRcg?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S0Nnf2gNrsI/AAAAAAAAetg/1wIbtxmem2A/s400/zermatt5.jpg" /></a><br /><br />In Italy, coverage is even thinner. For every turn off-trail you pay with p-tex, so I decide to head back pretty soon.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VtZsCHS6vtgEWa5CKlEL_g?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S0NnhNkOnCI/AAAAAAAAeto/dgpvAXBpEx0/s400/zermatt6.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Still in Italy.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jeWQ1LbNN7OyCp_QZ9IdEg?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S0NnkNIcdgI/AAAAAAAAet0/Qb85WUhNSRk/s400/zermatt7.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Taking a gondola to escape from Italy.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dQwsI5Bu4YJEcV7tK8nhpg?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S0l1ejYSTLI/AAAAAAAAe9g/Nn8Hoo3C6IM/s400/DSC_9052.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Looking towards Switzerland from the top of the gondola. From their trail map, I think the top is actually the border between the two countries - but no passport control. When you cross from California into Nevada at Heavenly that's actually more noticeable...<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xtBL4AW9iRV_rilFUdYXHQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZxqvU2vEU0M9L6MdXBHlXy1NfJpinj8EhdGIcQTFjLLoj14vu4cp7poTyxWYf1FtSaguLrucMQ0Uc8mwJ-r0doKCcr2tReat-xRv5-a8gU8ku5sxDj7-m5V53JQr4EASlkviCswGSVim/s400/zermatt8.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Looking towards Italy.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NoB-wCbqUjUBdScSvtergQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S0Nnn_7__bI/AAAAAAAAeuM/gt6OtGDWN58/s400/zermatt9.jpg" /></a><br /><br />A sweet line to shortcut a cat track and round off a day.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5Rwn1QVTbjpFsDdfwjdg8g?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S1Fw8l7zo0I/AAAAAAAAfOM/GMOSaosE0bE/s400/DSC_9104.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Looking towards Zermatt.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/V1bhjD5OQsoXmR0e_KqT2g?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S1Fw_mcKclI/AAAAAAAAfOY/aJaPNkJNGS0/s400/DSC_9105.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Oops! This line ended gnarlier than I had planned - I dislike unstrapping for downhill travel.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Z6q_vJg3PHFVyisvK3nPlQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S1FxEZiE9hI/AAAAAAAAfOg/yM34EsapTLc/s400/DSC_9106.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Another day, another morning view of the Matterhorn.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZAnMxB2mlCo3aXt2pJ67Xw?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S1FxQNMoiEI/AAAAAAAAfO8/whfwYMvCyX4/s400/DSC_9117.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The Matterhorn, again. I think this might be from Blauherd or Rothorn.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/B_p_E9wgZ6z2G3dMrrh8YQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S0NnpA6tpdI/AAAAAAAAeuU/eK9nuAjq-Co/s400/zermatt10.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The Matterhorn from Rothorn.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/njxkkNRSDgOSDe8YNb_Tqw?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S0Nnq5UOO1I/AAAAAAAAeug/7iw7dR77NC0/s400/zermatt11.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Just the Matterhorn.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fpraeEWghwmRDpSn_RMycA?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S1FxMU-npHI/AAAAAAAAfOw/N3b04udGraw/s400/DSC_9186.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Now the Matterhorn goes into hiding, almost.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uxblomsOHGwUCiw8shTKOg?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S0NntOYSWtI/AAAAAAAAeuo/zB-wVrzIvrc/s400/zermatt12.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The sign for the cat-track said "closed" - but the off-piste wasn't closed, right? So, I had a few really good runs back there behind Rothorn, drawing mellow lines into the snow - in complete solitude.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VebgGoMGhcVvQ4tAh6DvQg?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S0NnuQu96gI/AAAAAAAAeu0/m5LilPSZ2r8/s400/zermatt13.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Sailing down another groomer in search of powder.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HcxL3qZ028LjV5lxmFzIMQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S0QreEZazZI/AAAAAAAAew0/2i7iSWoHKc0/s400/zermatt14.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I think this is the top of the Hohtälli gondola. I took a cool run off the cat track below. There was a section in it that had a little more adrenaline than expected and hoped for, but other than that plenty of thin powder.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YhiArymh71qll7bvnexl0Q?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S0Qrh6n8_LI/AAAAAAAAew8/0AZ92SLhe0Y/s400/zermatt15.jpg" /></a><br /><br />So, somewhere on the cat track I notice wow, this is a sweet slope right below here. Untouched, somewhat deep powder. And check this out - another cat track below it. I go for it, sweet run. Upon arriving at the cat track I notice that oops, this goes uphill on both sides - what's the way down? Turns out it's a snowshoing trail.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TUKKeiI9un2IVLtHNaWzEg?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S1FxcnvdWyI/AAAAAAAAfPk/pH9SWCI2fbg/s400/DSC_9322.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Another off-trail run near the Gornergrat Bahn. Low angle but sweet views of the Matterhorn, and pretty decent snow. This ended with a lengthy hike back via a snowshoe trail, too.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/liNDX16Uu3PCvSQQIYHMFA?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S1FxZhKVbRI/AAAAAAAAfPY/ah-QHlBZrJ8/s400/DSC_9324.JPG" /></a><br /><br />A police car in Zermatt. Love the tires.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/L_tgdIw8n1MkfFhExMDvGQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCLemv4yCh6-lTw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/S0WDN7oyTnI/AAAAAAAAezo/p3DDA_YucIk/s400/DSC_9396.JPG" /></a><br /><br />My lessons learned: (1) Europeans really stick to the cat tracks when riding, for the most part. It's almost unbelievable but true - almost always I was the only dude off-trail. Often there were other tracks but not always. (2) It's very easy to get into dangerous situations off-trail. Nothing is marked, the snow can be sketchy, and if you can't see your line all the way it probably includes cliffs, ice falls, etc. and isn't necessarily rideable. (3) This resort is heavily biased towards skiers. As a snowboarder you want poles (that's what I do - I hate to unstrap) and practice at traveling on icy cat tracks that sometimes flatten out or go uphill. I was the only boarder in a gondola ride from Blauherd to Rothorn - perhaps 40-50 skiers shared the ride. (4) The Alps look beautiful and way, way, big. There's big glaciers, deep valleys, and the terrain is super interesting (and dangerous). (5) It can be very cold. -20 Celsius at the top of the hill, and now go hunting for powder on a shady north side.<br /><br />Overall, these two days were a ton of fun. Sure, the snow could have been more plentiful but it was early season (before Xmas) and the weather was fantastic. No regrets!Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-45647943672761389402009-11-28T21:31:00.000-08:002009-11-28T22:08:09.594-08:00Pleasure PointTo cure a little cold, I visit Pleasure Point to take in the ocean breeze first-hand. The waves are good - in fact some of them are a little too good for me. The best wave that catches me and my board carries me all the way back to the beach, and it is strong enough that I don't think about standing up. Scenery: the moon, and the Big Sur mountains on the horizon, and the road along the cliff that leads to Pleasure Point (right).<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/enkaAC6tAPPS97PYan4LCw?authkey=Gv1sRgCJOVyIS12cGxGw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SxIFWY8Fl9I/AAAAAAAAeO8/cn4MuEuZiEE/s400/pleasure_point_1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I think this is the Hook, another surf spot that I've tried a couple of times, but it hasn't grown on me yet.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dKVB66LKl5gdf3Be5CeeSQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCJOVyIS12cGxGw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SxIGTfWey-I/AAAAAAAAePw/hA-IyzSzXCk/s400/DSC_8409.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Watch how many start paddling ...<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nsJKpCK4AbJEfVE-FkimOw?authkey=Gv1sRgCJOVyIS12cGxGw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SxIGdbKbApI/AAAAAAAAeQM/3xKZ3kGNj5M/s400/DSC_8412.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Back to Pleasure Point. I think in the late afternoon / evening it's an iconic place.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/p2vpYsINXS6WrzEyZ8oeTg?authkey=Gv1sRgCJOVyIS12cGxGw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SxIFehIP0AI/AAAAAAAAePI/aWimKZeXjQs/s400/DSC_8352.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Of course, it's all about being where it breaks.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eemUJfUz9oEjpaT0lJ2_kQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCJOVyIS12cGxGw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SxIFsI7S4HI/AAAAAAAAePQ/QWvIWU3hExg/s400/DSC_8355.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Note how the strong wind carries the splashing water a bit further than is usual.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7soIpH7U2inKW8yppogEGg?authkey=Gv1sRgCJOVyIS12cGxGw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SxIFzd1NJsI/AAAAAAAAePc/HjAA5wVWwPg/s400/DSC_8360.JPG" /></a><br /><br />In the warm evening light, this creates a rain of gold after every wave that you let go by.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MuQAMfCMxUc4WiZR997C-Q?authkey=Gv1sRgCJOVyIS12cGxGw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SxIF6LE4hmI/AAAAAAAAePk/RaDHw5VAziE/s400/DSC_8379.JPG" /></a>Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-26475611127899968812009-11-22T23:12:00.000-08:002009-11-22T23:37:37.381-08:00A Heavenly DayHeavenly opened this Saturday, and mother nature contributed some fresh snow the day before - nice conditions!<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FHOsJ0K5keVhDPfefEZ5Ag?authkey=Gv1sRgCNaI0s-A6MP12wE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SwozGjEyJ8I/AAAAAAAAeBM/lEL7owGYaHs/s400/california_trail_1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I'm not a fan of groomers, but it's an upgrade over this (Boreal, Nov 1st):<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oBsS_N3TEObjzBmQWQR-Vg?authkey=Gv1sRgCNaI0s-A6MP12wE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SwozqwdT0zI/AAAAAAAAeB4/DbUmBcmMmxg/s400/DSC_7950.JPG" /></a><br /><br />While I'm posting old pictures ... also from Nov 1st, here's a picture of Highway 89, with Emerald Bay in the center.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rrd0_tUNNRrSZR2rxhK-Iw?authkey=Gv1sRgCNaI0s-A6MP12wE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjx3-Ecxxdr8ZqINLFn9QZ200rAFc27c8kE7aBq_CJ7SW1lfOf5UuWp9ByClUT7zwn2brErk7oPbzVz1tdZUVhFkDCrnMxiNMFfpnPGr5Je0A5rZ-0QrnzWVpE7BukotMbpRFgic_ujbv-/s400/road_to_emerald_bay.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Emerald Bay itself, with a sprinkle of fall colors and Lake Tahoe in the background.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/i9Fxi-_HOkoXd4Hev1oOtA?authkey=Gv1sRgCNaI0s-A6MP12wE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Swozl1qCnOI/AAAAAAAAeBs/2Q13FAwzkZM/s400/emerald_bay.jpg" /></a><br /><br />And from the same vantage point, Fanette Island, the island in Emerald Bay.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1pNvEw9SOZFcezJNN0BrTg?authkey=Gv1sRgCNaI0s-A6MP12wE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Swo4e8hWsEI/AAAAAAAAeC8/LcOLP2omvNg/s400/DSC_7949.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Back to Saturday - we spent most of the day on Orion, a lengthy mellow run on Heavenly's Nevada side. It was cold but sunny with the usual amazing views of the lake. After lunch I switched my bindings to goofy, which of course made me fall a lot but made things more interesting. Sunday was a disappointment - Heavenly was closed due to high winds. Still, if the rest of the season works out like Saturday did I won't be complaining. :-)<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5eziKUyMJqGLkD1zA0tpCQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNaI0s-A6MP12wE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SwozIcx0VEI/AAAAAAAAeBU/YHswecIpwFE/s400/DSCN1463.JPG" /></a>Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-30919589286345034172009-11-10T09:03:00.000-08:002009-11-10T10:00:05.086-08:00Desolation Wilderness: Grass Lake, Mt. Tallac, and Yet-To-Be-NamedTwo coyotes near the road to Fallen Leaf Lake - only one in the picture - sorry.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/H4xIB0t9wPgrytduCaiyDw?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SvkC2yFf_xI/AAAAAAAAdj8/1GLkP_N8exg/s400/DSC_7952.JPG" /></a><br /><br />After dropping our gear at the camp site we traverse around Grass Lake ...<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Bj1_VC8fMhScDiLfaUyFmA?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SvkIxMz4qBI/AAAAAAAAdmA/3vYEPRb_z8s/s400/grass_lake.jpg" /></a><br /><br />... which has a fair amount of grass.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KbXZksa9FQ10Ra6MW-HqVg?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SvkNSKwZ_dI/AAAAAAAAdmo/HgzWs7psySE/s400/grass_lake2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We find a creek bed with little water in it and follow it for a while: Frank, William, Kirsten, Patrick, Jürgen, Harshit.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bbWglL87sqsitrxi0_1vjg?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SvkFXFTUrjI/AAAAAAAAdkk/4j4l2h1iwKc/s400/DSC_7988.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Ancient tree.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lIfd8HvcFYPCBlkfFe07ig?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SvkFhLgv-7I/AAAAAAAAdlE/h9mADGn6md8/s400/DSC_7989.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Up the hill towards the trail.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fiESe-Gtp52WUeh1Te2OWA?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv07UZpKsJZpls9TzjtUo1Y3GBXBeuk17IXNOlnlJ_TX535j14Vztx5bsyGoMNX3qeqn2hLbLz7ns2Kwoemxc74tiyRq-vSqzN6yL7jk_h0FqiyL-22goQpb6wcKSVUnugmKSgQ8_1N5gQ/s400/DSC_7992.JPG" /></a><br /><br />We take the trail towards Gillmore Lake and Tallac and arrive at the summit of Mt. Tallac.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SVAtICktZjf3o5S_63JkSw?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SvkElkqj2II/AAAAAAAAdkc/L_0sswqNUxQ/s400/DSC_7997.JPG" /></a><br /><br />View of Lake Tahoe from Mt. Tallac.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VdBvfr02M79N7ZIxjsDjsg?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SvkcdoUPgsI/AAAAAAAAdns/KEgQDJDYTX0/s400/tallac2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />View of the Crystal Range with Pyramid Peak from the western slopes of Tallac.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6WIPmlYxX8YHkszkTxmP5A?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcebFOXzq7Q_WXt34H8dg-hb_bXojh_ulptfbS9x82i2q7HAOonAhx8f7ZHIy-_L5yLbcB-Jv03iHRoca04_Qfq8z1VobiTkrYDHuGl4skYLoKgnRWFZOCKxUutcMjltzEiGowJEH0TIh/s400/crystal_range.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Back to Gillmore Lake in the warm evening light.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NJRjcNMf3ghclcQaY6iQUw?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sXfHW0cNSr0njKzpC_AUyB2A47Ly7cC1sV1SD_zI_Bcn6-bmzNTDTFx2OnqJL0u_24XtmmcHpZ7w-3nt2b_3CaRMoW6IrLGjenFHrF7LQuHkGADydGuyo58JBba7HAYvH1GIM33mjj-g/s400/DSC_8085.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Gillmore Lake - time for switching on headlamps and staying on trails.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/foIEImiqYUL43SD9BikIcQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SvkNgjDUWEI/AAAAAAAAdmw/6LSe6jBkdeI/s400/DSC_8088.JPG" /></a><br /><br />As expected, night and morning are chilly.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/33S9ccs6GmvKagkwh96oYw?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Svkx1-uiLxI/AAAAAAAAdso/hywOz1FkPJE/s400/DSC_8089.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Kirsten, Frank, and I take off towards Pyramid Peak. There's no trail to get into the big valley with Aloha Lake, so we hike up the nearest canyon behind our camp site at Grass Lake towards Lake Margery, and from there West toward Pyramid. Many beautiful lakes in various shapes and sizes here - granite complimentary.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/z0fnT-XqYO5rK_y8g9knaw?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SvkmMXGWUyI/AAAAAAAAdqI/5BTspmJpn28/s400/pyramid.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We hike up an unnamed granite dome and upon noticing that there's another drop towards Pyramid we celebrate the views with a good break.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r5JciPaJFEOaNPl4CZwd0g?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Svkp6QpbLUI/AAAAAAAAdrE/ogtpTvegrvs/s400/pyramid2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />If you look from the right angle we're actually above Pyramid.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PPBiClDkBQ8TWrTmWBbIOg?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SvkffEPBFyI/AAAAAAAAdoc/R0IDLv0GhNg/s400/DSC_8187.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Crossing various streams and lakes is entertaining. The right end of the log is suspended in mid air ...<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Bw4zZwnEDqVs2MmNn6VgIA?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMkK7eos0MSK11F1-IqPLcZDbKUokAEIHtFDf1LNs77tim3gFPaWeg_p1EBL_RMA03hz16cbRNg82xLyTyQCafPzDNw6A7y3QyjdRVkdIlqS0njJbLRtWwKf8xvxhUQzcJn-lXJckctIW/s400/DSC_8189.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Not sure how well this granite bridge works with high tide.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5kGobuDZODRC_cQ5EzV-xQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SvkgWgFmAwI/AAAAAAAAdpM/V4xQF0WwD-8/s400/DSC_8190.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Another view with Pyramid Peak and a lake.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5MdXLOPp5CMr0KXEzK7UWQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Svkp1tljLSI/AAAAAAAAdq4/r66ciwgXnlU/s400/pyramid3.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Oops, sorry. Due to my sloppy navigation we hike another unnamed peak before finding the canyon that we came up. The lake in the picture is Jabu Lake.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NdepQFMret2V2BGIlUpQZA?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Svkxc5kLsKI/AAAAAAAAdsI/4IspGAMMDNg/s400/pyramid4.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Some rock scrambling in the canyon.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MAlfBgHvCI9Q9DG43uLjBw?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Svkh3QaRZkI/AAAAAAAAdps/tH9IUofP-1o/s400/DSC_8265.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Looking down towards Grass Lake.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IhnujCkgeeQzTjtPaMPxcQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SvkxdwkZT8I/AAAAAAAAdsQ/IglrSBMMYUY/s400/back_towards_grass_lake.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Almost there. Heavenly slopes at the other end of the canyon.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fXyFoxFujZJzUoB3BwMLVA?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Svkp72MWvGI/AAAAAAAAdrM/4H18HdntTh4/s400/DSC_8304.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Back at Grass Lake.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NHW3vbyvUB4yVfDNfB53Sg?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqyzpb6lNjb4gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Svkxjgo5LPI/AAAAAAAAdsc/y0v_ilSVpmM/s400/grass_lake3.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Some unfinished business with Pyramid Peak, but other than that: awesome scenery and great company. A bit chilly, but the weather could have been less friendly this time of the year.Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-51054092720451647112009-10-20T01:42:00.000-07:002009-10-20T04:19:37.450-07:00Snowboarding at Mt. Gibbs, YosemiteLast week it rained in the SF bay area, and snow fell in the mountains. Find myself checking the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/yose/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm">Yosemite Webcams</a> page and wonder what it would be like to travel to one of the large snow patches that appear on Mt. Gibbs. And then, highway 120 reopens within the park. And soon after that, all the way. Score! I decide to explore the picture...<br /><br />Here is a snapshot copied from the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/yose/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm">Tioga Pass Webcam</a> for October 18 2009, the day of my trip:<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FLMaThLqOCHcV6zjrGg8Rw?authkey=Gv1sRgCJOZw6OX6dvoiwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/St13JCkHLeI/AAAAAAAAdA8/x5IoBPA5q7k/s400/tioga15.jpg" /></a><br /><br />My destination: the second mountain from the left, Mt. Gibbs. Fast forward to a lovely Sunday afternoon, imagine a bit of sweat, and here we are, having left most of the trees behind us on the ridge. Dana is the prominent Mountain to the left, which we also saw to the left in the webcam shot. Gibbs is straight ahead.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jJTfLcGbikI1_BRLLb1dEw?authkey=Gv1sRgCJOZw6OX6dvoiwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/StyY-iRPwTI/AAAAAAAAc9E/wHl6qnWUaQs/s400/around_treeline.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Following the snowpatch further, on skins. Looking back, Mammoth Peak to the left, Dana Peak to the right.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/f6UxkwEHvJGLC0GJcGALSA?authkey=Gv1sRgCJOZw6OX6dvoiwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/StyZIzCq1fI/AAAAAAAAc9Q/1LwbE1T7sIY/s400/above_treeline.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Looking up towards Gibbs.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uc4Lc0TUiNAKAMXl5zYu_Q?authkey=Gv1sRgCJOZw6OX6dvoiwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/StyZgaqBuhI/AAAAAAAAc98/vjCmBSTHbto/s400/DSCN1399.JPG" /></a><br /><br />There is another, larger patch further up that would make for a steeper, longer run. However, having started only around noon with weather in store for the evening, I decide to leave it at that.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oLfxvOqlMSSXXO0YYs9csw?authkey=Gv1sRgCJOZw6OX6dvoiwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXGPMAgvZRq9vD1CSGewXG7MsN9OQJwuaUGwxONOsMjG3ARh8KsZxdTl83X4ric-OuB5zU5mROpKKmtqi4atw05rUs9I4CzQXtGfVniyuT4RfMemD2SPNC0FJQdEetEGzHPj6o5R0ezhh/s400/start.jpg" /></a><br /><br />It would be difficult to not make a happy face here: about to ride!<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r_bfUajJUgCqo_FagCj43Q?authkey=Gv1sRgCJOZw6OX6dvoiwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/StyZRhevDkI/AAAAAAAAc9k/eYMTdoU7dOg/s400/DSCN1428.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Wearing my little compact camera around my neck, so the resulting video is crappy - apologies. Still, might give a sense of the experience and the fantastic scenery. I didn't expect the run to last this long - almost 4 minutes, and it could have been longer if I had stayed away from the canyon between Gibbs and Dana...<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Kv5u1gx-6cA&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Kv5u1gx-6cA&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />On my way to the parking lot, looking back at Mt. Gibbs, thankful for the sweet first ride of the season.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cG2xn47JQ8JlraMxhEkcDQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCJOZw6OX6dvoiwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/StyZceSJ8NI/AAAAAAAAc9s/3La5z4u82qM/s400/DSCN1433.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Not much later, while driving back on 120, clouds roll in.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0MhBEkBUgaHzttWpnZrs0g?authkey=Gv1sRgCJOZw6OX6dvoiwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/St2aEnS38XI/AAAAAAAAdDk/B7lMNb5n7z8/s400/DSC_7755.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Outside the park, fall colors on display for sunset.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/k2DYF_a3clyRIeUaq9bW7w?authkey=Gv1sRgCJOZw6OX6dvoiwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/St2bKGN-Q4I/AAAAAAAAdEE/Dt4lLLpVCgA/s400/DSC_7760.JPG" /></a><br /><br />What a joy to begin the 2009/2010 snowboarding season in October with a run in Yosemite National Park!Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-44948394467405732242009-09-29T09:00:00.000-07:002009-09-29T09:48:04.991-07:00Matterhorn Peak (12279 ft)Pictures from a trip to Matterhorn Peak with Jürgen. We start at Twin Lakes.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5FEo9eefEYhEns_nI0NxIw?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SsHTKgGUqlI/AAAAAAAAcFY/5WSOQrK7zOI/s400/twin_lakes.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Fall leaves.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/x5NcFvlYLBZsfoNXIIbdYA?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SsBNCkSweBI/AAAAAAAAb-I/6HjuW_qDFJ4/s400/DSC_7061.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Lake with swampy shore. <br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ws5BaRXrPSZeIKu7ylqTew?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SsItBiXWSaI/AAAAAAAAcIc/zspxlYPPMNE/s400/DSC_7068.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Further into the canyon, large fields of boulders.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-Ee91Y3gIx2PhBbz9n2Ryg?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SsHTN3goK2I/AAAAAAAAcFk/JKXKlGeHALc/s400/horse_creek_canyon.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Horse Creek Canyon.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ibIQg7KJVIGKiw-Xfim0-w?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SsHTRhRLXPI/AAAAAAAAcFs/rOdAqr6WM6s/s400/horse_creek_canyon_2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Just before the pass.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Q8WyZhxuQ5KxxargHESDGQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SsHTUoW0mcI/AAAAAAAAcF4/HXmvYQk6eOA/s400/mono_pass_1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />At the pass. The hill to the right is Matterhorn Peak.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lGIvKl0Csg4dau0h90Bvxg?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkz6G85O80qxXB6K3q6IOPUAxm0lY_ZL-bgTh_elILzVI4Zb1KYZSZ0lDYddHURsdT461i767APWzI-9SMy8C8P2tFDAsbivV88Q4fYEaLdblVgFY0cWu8rB6O01Em1n3SjNgiVKLr43w/s400/mono_pass_2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We didn't pick the ideal route, but once past the sand it was a fun scramble and the view is quite awesome. Notice the forest fire in Yosemite.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jbKAxJu69-QsCQTa37SEcw?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SsIo-Hh9iaI/AAAAAAAAcGg/PZK28jZjy9w/s400/matterhorn_peak_summit.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Chute just below the summit.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BUAFl5Nqr9pOvJ8WsLZegw?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SsHTDYOTexI/AAAAAAAAcFM/qJ9B6Ee7lT4/s400/matterhorn_chute.jpg" /></a><br /><br />A little rock column.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tT6pfAqBhzMNONnmXpVJaA?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SsGVHRnHagI/AAAAAAAAcCg/qBvItHlJTs4/s400/DSC_7341.JPG" /></a><br /><br />At the summit.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lMcU2Fc2bO07tfHZwJwq5g?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SsDb7NFiugI/AAAAAAAAb_0/5oTbm2k7bRo/s400/DSC_7349.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Deer near the pass. The gray stuff in the background is snow.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/15FzJbAeTE4oFyzSnQ2BHQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SsIptBKs7II/AAAAAAAAcG0/8Upm3ONdK6o/s400/DSC_7371.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Beautiful rock.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NkFZv7OZ3RMiV2I8mbo5jQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SsIp2bx8KbI/AAAAAAAAcG8/egA6XS1srFY/s400/DSC_7374.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Horse Creek Canyon. Good thing we have headlamps.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LwBPtOJPzoA3Tq0CQZsTew?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SsGn4XdlBnI/AAAAAAAAcEM/5m3Dt2D1Rp8/s400/evening.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Biker in Bridgeport, California.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/khEvwEJfOSNO6HX7XHHbqQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1rGnc4RAKUgi9M87wCz-0hIYV1-G_Cdfq8ODTqA-YHBxslIBH7g2UCV2WQD8gZtEWzCaU5vXh3aLAt5vX4MFH-s98tR0usAgoGM6himZMNXiJZRC8MtO-t6fmnseJ9eM-8Wb6PmcEV9f/s400/DSC_7435.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Hotspring near Bridgeport. Should have potential in the winter.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8b0Q0fECl20h_ZxXMkU4LQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7f971nC8Jw2eH_djl3_XrjclY8gVgEFujV-qvsIkzqok6HhYK6yT594gs7A7G5iVV7NjuTtx9wx58IaCTguU5ZhY4uWQQ7AfVIh9HgVwi4NJNIQ4U4B0BbK7HYinEc2uyN8YnnjCgGeu/s400/DSC_7448.JPG" /></a><br /><br />A snake.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BB8rMYm-viOLwSSu2FMHXA?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SsIspYmdq-I/AAAAAAAAcII/7YVhEIvNSJc/s400/DSC_7456.JPG" /></a><br /><br />In Bodie, a Californian ghost town.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xC85b_duQqS8TbxSPtPLlQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SsGjn0HB1JI/AAAAAAAAcDs/gURk4h8-wlU/s400/DSC_7468.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The mill.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/E3tLGb5_wvl4USPA4u3LUQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SsIt56jhhCI/AAAAAAAAcI8/rSoYIpaxSfU/s400/bodie_mill.jpg" /></a><br /><br />More Bodie. This used to be California's second largest city.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dau347WwhNLQ4EoAUv4sAg?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SsGzaxiSrSI/AAAAAAAAcEo/onxYNUW11Uw/s400/bodie2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Downtown Bodie.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lW2Sy6w8x89L6Mu6JbU8Zw?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SsIs0xrnzdI/AAAAAAAAcIQ/y7hcJK_M7JA/s400/DSC_7539.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Construction Bulletin No 7, issued by the Industrial Accident Commission of the State of California: On the Handling and Use of Explosives.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RLFLrni5mau1-piJuFyLWA?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SsBYCLJVzxI/AAAAAAAAb_U/zSMiKcN5Irk/s400/construction_bulletin_no_7.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The park ranger John Buie, who lives in Bodie. A real character - his story telling was awesome.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/97l8uVsDsxj5RutjzPmjUw?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPVifq6gvDRUg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SsGiq_LrlbI/AAAAAAAAcDk/vCx8SnJFlL8/s400/DSC_7580.JPG" /></a>Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-27270328693350008872009-09-13T20:24:00.000-07:002009-09-13T22:13:01.480-07:00Mount Shasta (14179 ft)Perhaps the first time I saw Mt. Shasta was on a trip to Lassen Peak in 2006. I hike to the top of Lassen, and through this frame in the crater rim appears Shasta, its big brother.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ScGSLu35_QjoQCAfB1SzGA?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tLRo6Du8ewX68ydgRRJh7Wjjn7xbsWEVujG5-CzcHopokV3Afj3Z9uMhQbauf2-nWKVPvBP5ASdOgkBDdVApXXAb0iB41QY3PivTvUGU19J8_9DTL3gEBd6QtGoCc8at20rA2MjGBTGd/s400/dsc_0074.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Another time, when returning from a trip to Crater Lake, Shasta peacefully decorates the horizon.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FWvZ0GGFwLx-XMwAZlgBnQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq2_iw2eTaI/AAAAAAAAbYQ/IQjhsm0vbQ4/s400/dsc_1440.jpg" /></a><br /><br />But less than an hour later, it puts on a fiery sunset show with clouds hiding the summit.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9F7dsPKXviDhYp_qAgCwTw?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq2_kRA2XuI/AAAAAAAAbYY/YwgW07X6x6A/s400/dsc_1456.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I've since then seen Shasta on the horizon a number of times, including when <a href="http://powdercloud.blogspot.com/2009/04/snowboarding-lassen-peak-northeast-face.html">snowboarding Lassen in April</a> and <a href="http://powdercloud.blogspot.com/2009/05/snowboarding-lassen-peak-and-reading.html">May this year</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OmwYPPeqsRl4iIMYB05-4w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sewmg24_EqI/AAAAAAAARRg/22KVzMTBCsA/s400/DSCN0750.JPG" /></a><br /><br />On July 18/19th, Anindo and I finally visit Shasta. We start our hike via the standard Avalanche Gulch route in Bunny Flat at 6900 ft.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ch9eVA3h1wrQkUaRFZC-7w?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq259RT1MmI/AAAAAAAAbWg/LLE20pak0ow/s400/DSC_2567.JPG" /></a><br /><br />After Horse Camp, the trees thin out ...<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yenDjjQl8okUnLypnZN9TQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq2w6q7Z6ZI/AAAAAAAAbRs/_Uf6HqU0OAc/s400/avalanche_gulch_trail_1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />... and ahead of us is nothing but the volcano. The summit is not visible from here, but the Red Banks appear at the end of Avalanche Gulch. Our objective on the first day is to set up camp at Helen Lake at 10449 ft.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5U59OuYIUhbJ_4VL-oma4Q?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq2xBwtmaxI/AAAAAAAAbR4/kdg5kHTWjfs/s400/avalanche_gulch_trail_2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />After setting up the tent, Anindo makes the point that we can deal with spam even when traveling on a mighty Cascade Volcano.<br /><br /><table border="0"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ymdd7eWg8gCzyDOUeOQNbg?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq204yqnSBI/AAAAAAAAbUA/jiySfsBAfQw/s144/DSC_2697.JPG" /></a></td><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WWFZUGWHQQ0vUKvXkhpubQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq3IKuFBMjI/AAAAAAAAbaU/fZcr8IK6Fmk/s144/DSC_2713.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1OjQJFOW-GaP57s-QWo47A?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq20w9Hq1fI/AAAAAAAAbT4/tlEDt3qHj7I/s144/DSC_2703.JPG" /></a><br /></td><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TShyEo0lPFrECIsklwtBzA?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq21ACqGMsI/AAAAAAAAbUM/OOeh3VAIdKo/s144/DSC_2710.JPG" /></a></td></tr></table><br /><br />A friendly ranger explains us the basics of self-arrest, and I practice it for a bit with my ice axe. The sun sets and I watch the stars from my sleeping bag.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JrJjIB5FMUVMP2TwTojuZw?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq2vYjm-kFI/AAAAAAAAbRE/2l5RUuwBdBo/s400/lake_helen_evening.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The night is short - we depart very early to travel up Avalanche Gulch. As the sun rises on the other side of the mountain it paints a triangular shadow into the horizon.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5oJmNXJ3iyvGJc6cSsw0ew?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq2w0oa7PcI/AAAAAAAAbRk/GesbfPrq3zo/s400/avalanche_gulch_morning_shadow.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We climb using crampons and stay right of the "Heart", a rock field in the upper part of Avalanche Gulch. Then, we take the left chute up Red Banks.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XZHm6gfW5HVR_o3WuPULZA?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq21Lq1WdjI/AAAAAAAAbUU/2XO74_gnYiM/s400/DSC_2717.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The chute is not as steep as expected but drags on for a while. Of course we feel pretty high upon reaching the end of it.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SG_hxs-uLFbAZEEFUwdeHw?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq21dIycn6I/AAAAAAAAbUs/frpAkYsugTE/s400/DSC_2784.JPG" /></a><br /><br />However, a strange situation lies ahead of us: Misery Hill. This hill is shaped in such a way as to demotivate anybody who dares to climb Mt. Shasta - as we progress, it gradually reveals more distance that we have to cover until we conquer its top.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Y02mrZ82sQBlIKiiwUp-bA?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq21U8Mg8wI/AAAAAAAAbUg/zPFTvAb_UfI/s400/DSC_2782.JPG" /></a><br /><br />What's left after Misery Hill is a large snowfield and then the summit proper. I decide to take pictures on the way down, so here we skip to Anindo doing the paperwork at the summit register ...<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QHWJIzRSrJsFRyWBfMD_Tw?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq25FgO41cI/AAAAAAAAbWI/je_L9s20ak8/s400/DSC_2789.JPG" /></a><br /><br />... and both of us relaxing for a bit.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8kteC9LA1PfoPpVv49-c4w?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq22CJ9z63I/AAAAAAAAbVQ/CskVGBx17-s/s400/DSC_2790.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The view from the top of Shasta is fantastic and well worth whatever minor inconveniences one may endure to get here.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lO6xb6hQEOia-8iTFd1fkA?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq2xFRIBZXI/AAAAAAAAbSA/kbjgP89pcRM/s400/summit.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Another view from the top - this is the final approach via the snow field below the summit.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/98XWPHPgaIl2HiOWYjS3Qg?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq2xSFD8xRI/AAAAAAAAbSM/YoVlNzgJaJM/s400/glacier_seen_from_summit.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Time to celebrate!<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uyQoR4zuixZdG6vvXAFzzg?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq217K96ZgI/AAAAAAAAbVI/V43MkgT4Xuc/s400/DSC_2792.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I get to have a second summit shot, together with Mt. Lassen, my old friend.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/T1UDt8smsaDvN5Dv6Kz03A?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq1nHyL9pmI/AAAAAAAAbQM/jNMc1-W2C20/s400/DSC_2861.JPG" /></a><br /><br />We hike down from the summit, crossing the big snow field again. To our right is the Whitney Glacier.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/W2rkcpGsgrTyIFW8IJRVCQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq2yyfsq-6I/AAAAAAAAbSw/HzNyc9QcH9E/s400/glacier_near_shastina.jpg" /></a><br /><br />And of course, Shastina (12330 ft).<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iceZ4B4AG3AhpXh2WkD5bw?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq2y1KLEGpI/AAAAAAAAbS8/27Q2NV8NHGs/s400/shastina_2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />And much further down is Anindo's car. Fortunately, snow coverage extends slightly beyond Lake Helen, so we glissade down a few thousand feet, which is both fun and quick.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QzDaNQmvu22RKSTocqct7Q?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXugeTet97qlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq25Ht5uLjI/AAAAAAAAbWY/ZHUWDmGjz4k/s400/DSC_2907.JPG" /></a><br /><br />What a great mountain. And with fresher snow, it sure has the potential to be an awesome ride.Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-76407241254086207962009-09-13T02:28:00.000-07:002009-09-13T14:01:10.145-07:00Mokelumne Peak (9334 ft)August 15, 2009, West of Silver Lake, the dirt road presents a challenge to my car, which lacks the recommended clearance. Jim and I thus abandon the attempt to travel via Mud Lake and park shortly after Porthole Gap, where obstacles on the road prevent further progress. Soon, we meet this friendly cowboy, who informs us of trail and weather conditions.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/e1KjXz51m8e5Q8vBIMDM9A?authkey=Gv1sRgCMqb9OHHxqrxEQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqyQiKf6s0I/AAAAAAAAbAc/Mhy82Wcw3Lk/s400/DSC_4304.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Mokelumne Peak in the distance. We go left.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WZrTyJgwoupDwKcJQD7FwQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCMqb9OHHxqrxEQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqydZNih14I/AAAAAAAAbCI/gzFmzW_CxEU/s400/two_ways_and_mokelumne_peak.jpg" /></a><br /><br />At the historic site of the Plasse Trading post, we meet a few motorized travelers.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ufGf0dybzH1XT0uFsMxQJw?authkey=Gv1sRgCMqb9OHHxqrxEQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sq1QHZkL2xI/AAAAAAAAbME/ai0uYIwbmA4/s400/plasse_trading_post.jpg" /></a><br /><br />But soon, we enter Mokelumne wilderness.<br /><br /><table border="0"><tr><td><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/A052EJ9tNGy-T8u0yV6clA?authkey=Gv1sRgCMqb9OHHxqrxEQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sqyup_VjWAI/AAAAAAAAbF4/oh0o-8WkwpY/s144/DSC_4392.JPG" /></a><br /></td><td><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/19tZihBA1kRYURGuHGGUQA?authkey=Gv1sRgCMqb9OHHxqrxEQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqyuqnXkNgI/AAAAAAAAbGA/a44tCw28zdc/s144/DSC_4388.JPG" /></a><br /></td></tr></tr><td><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LyvA3dNtkdR1CLNX7P1Z6Q?authkey=Gv1sRgCMqb9OHHxqrxEQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqyurTHnMUI/AAAAAAAAbGI/WmRaiCpwRwA/s144/DSC_4370.JPG" /></a><br /></td></tr></table><br /><br />Meadow with backlit leaves.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YN98gKHZjDbhgMFe-V7xsg?authkey=Gv1sRgCMqb9OHHxqrxEQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqydDoBH0NI/AAAAAAAAbBw/yr-DGMzPoxc/s400/meadow.jpg" /></a><br /><br />A volcanic ridge leading towards Mokelumne Peak.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xeB1hN0nw2oQhPpugdsSCQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCMqb9OHHxqrxEQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqydozZoS9I/AAAAAAAAbCU/B2-mxH9VXJg/s400/volcanic_trail.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Near our campsite.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qVfdFrpNIqo4BfVcSYE4bQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCMqb9OHHxqrxEQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqzJRAShIJI/AAAAAAAAbJ4/32bZ34BzQKM/s400/camping_spot.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We skip on the tent, and watch the milky way, shooting stars, a meteorite, and various man-made objects (the ISS?) travel across the sky.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/x9ayopXQf_9gY9vd2cfD8g?authkey=Gv1sRgCMqb9OHHxqrxEQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sqyv7FmJQFI/AAAAAAAAbG4/bQ6l-CXeyUI/s400/waking_up.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Further South, a closer view of Mokelumne Peak.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zBesH7eijhkLKxtIO_-Fcw?authkey=Gv1sRgCMqb9OHHxqrxEQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqydOEBmDLI/AAAAAAAAbB8/y6zP3VUoeWs/s400/mokelumne_peak_1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />In search of water we traverse towards one of its Eastern slopes.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Zas1LxPLK64v5XaJtcG09Q?authkey=Gv1sRgCMqb9OHHxqrxEQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqzInnXvpVI/AAAAAAAAbJs/AO1-qhHSOTY/s400/south_view.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Rocks near the summit.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Lkq6Rsqfi0IENknaJiblQw?authkey=Gv1sRgCMqb9OHHxqrxEQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqymJl165MI/AAAAAAAAbDw/86c2NG2GYK4/s400/DSC_4672.JPG" /></a><br /><br />We made it.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/39UowS6VVtFq0gCH0h-bkw?authkey=Gv1sRgCMqb9OHHxqrxEQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sqyl-TcLNXI/AAAAAAAAbDc/YPuJE03b9b8/s400/DSC_4674.JPG" /></a><br /><br />So did the butterfly.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EwxmM4eBcc2MdvtF4bs7rg?authkey=Gv1sRgCMqb9OHHxqrxEQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqymP9goruI/AAAAAAAAbD4/RqzLu1e_RNo/s400/DSC_4722.JPG" /></a><br /><br />A nice view from here.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qxcNmv7yUMQA33U2U_uXhA?authkey=Gv1sRgCMqb9OHHxqrxEQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqylNh1lCnI/AAAAAAAAbDE/KNeGMGph8f4/s400/mokelumne_peak_360_2-web.jpg" /></a><br /><br />On our way back, we stop at one of the Cole Creek Lakes for lunch and a swim.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yQIqhTeHWYE4HYXPNqLY6A?authkey=Gv1sRgCMqb9OHHxqrxEQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqyvaiwUaMI/AAAAAAAAbGc/eVP4w70SB9s/s400/lake_2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We are back at the Plasse Trading Post site. The entry "grave" in the USGS map makes us curious, and so we use the compass to find it, a few steps away from the nearby intersection of the trails.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/X3jGJbLtdTm2AEi912RM_g?authkey=Gv1sRgCMqb9OHHxqrxEQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqyuuVjJGAI/AAAAAAAAbGQ/IGG7YrCiF2Y/s400/DSC_4832.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Good bye, Mokelumne Peak.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/n4g2HFIhp3o8yYui40xHnw?authkey=Gv1sRgCMqb9OHHxqrxEQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_P4iw0DA2l1rfB9J5Gcl_Sa0X4LrbBu8RNeG-u0ivROlTkoMRNExVUvYNyr3skOz_s5Gs2oJpWxnHnVtu0Hvw5uNvuUOB5D3LlQS4d8V7sJzXmxoQ3qee0PgDZ_6SiMnQkNuNAL4Npad/s400/DSC_4883.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Silver Lake, Kirkwood, and Desolation Wilderness in the evening light.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2EHiLgfbNj8CguXq7EsvoQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCMqb9OHHxqrxEQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqydBk7aZDI/AAAAAAAAbBo/mUcXKZ3rVB0/s400/silver_lake_3.jpg" /></a>Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-17637322142654307572009-09-12T18:30:00.000-07:002009-09-12T19:07:29.629-07:00Mountain Biking the Flume Trail, Lake TahoeJürgen had the idea to ride the <a href="http://www.theflumetrail.com/">Flume Trail</a>. This was my first time on a mountain bike so I kept the camera in the car, but I borrowed Jürgen's compact for a couple panoramics. This first one shows the classic Flume trail experience - a trail following an old waterpipe, so it's almost level along a steep slope, providing awesome views of Lake Tahoe.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qCpKVBVid943mvzdtj_GLg?authkey=Gv1sRgCKnIm_m5v4y-mAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqDhdIBlqAI/AAAAAAAAa6s/HrVLCTeLIfA/s400/two_bikers2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />A little further north, towards Incline Village, Nevdada. We decided to follow a loop via the Tahoe Rim Trail, so more climbing from here was ahead of us.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Q6RZ7V1fKh0WEgf95Od_Bw?authkey=Gv1sRgCKnIm_m5v4y-mAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqDlq4qPHEI/AAAAAAAAaO8/VOPzfKaWuaw/s400/incline_village.jpg" /></a><br /><br />At the summit of our journey. This picture is stitched - don't look too closely at the details.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QpYDDA_oUxLx24mdLibGWw?authkey=Gv1sRgCKnIm_m5v4y-mAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqDhi1FGU-I/AAAAAAAAaOI/OQPu4P2hyo4/s400/bikes_in_the_air23.jpg" /></a><br /><br />To get high, think blue.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/e6z7frhLsHTz0f-cBFdXrg?authkey=Gv1sRgCKnIm_m5v4y-mAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqDlsgTyA1I/AAAAAAAAa8g/WKj9bzNVvdU/s400/GoogleTahoe09-106.jpg" /></a>Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039503200799349869.post-89432821812522568652009-09-12T17:20:00.000-07:002009-09-12T18:36:05.246-07:00Mt. Rose (10776 ft) and Church Peak (10601 ft), Lake Tahoe, NevadaPictures from a hike to Mt. Rose and Church Peak with Aaron, Anindo, Devin, and Yi-An on August 28, 2009. To avoid missing out on barbecue in the afternoon, we depart way early and start our hike at the Mt. Rose Summit parking lot at the crest of Highway 431. After a little while, we witness the sunrise. Looking East, Mt. Rose is the mountain on the left.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kFpfHz8ai_eM9r2b9ERDYg?authkey=Gv1sRgCLj8-cuqrMeatQE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sqtf3QC0pgI/AAAAAAAAaxk/oBEHb98un-w/s400/dusk_2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Waterfall in the morning light.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ad_N9GdaHD4WVjChbeAm3A?authkey=Gv1sRgCLj8-cuqrMeatQE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqtaAvzkJ3I/AAAAAAAAav8/bxOYmhyyjXI/s400/DSC_5225.JPG" /></a><br /><br />On our way to the summit.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3VnCb4v7I1K3H08J4I1V4g?authkey=Gv1sRgCLj8-cuqrMeatQE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqthCdO0aaI/AAAAAAAAayI/Uy1nOo4yLWY/s400/DSC_5226.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Two buses arrive at the parking lot to deliver streams of tourists. Glad we started early.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nQ-gWiTN0b6uUt2jKFhGMA?authkey=Gv1sRgCLj8-cuqrMeatQE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqtgvzUJ2II/AAAAAAAAayA/jv4IzIqgRSc/s400/DSC_5238.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Aaron takes a summit picture of us.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fPpvIkJvgnJ-r5mvRVstKQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCLj8-cuqrMeatQE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sqti0DhTtlI/AAAAAAAAayo/JSyP1e7Ad6I/s400/DSC_5252.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I take another summit picture. Oops, forgot to zoom in.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1Von6q-Ms_7QaPO9g_orcA?authkey=Gv1sRgCLj8-cuqrMeatQE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sqti1jQztKI/AAAAAAAAayw/ipVstpKyhUo/s400/DSC_5254.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Ah, here we go.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Xi8QgwDqidkodBDQPC-AwA?authkey=Gv1sRgCLj8-cuqrMeatQE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqxCexLJhCI/AAAAAAAAa5Y/bMhu5JWkhKI/s400/DSC_5257.JPG" /></a><br /><br />We also visit Church Peak. Looking back from Church peak, Mt. Rose is the mountain on the left.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cdEMhukOgIhkJ7H9bNqqYg?authkey=Gv1sRgCLj8-cuqrMeatQE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqtjaEPygYI/AAAAAAAAay4/xRJ0538zEjc/s400/church_peak.jpg" /></a><br /><br />At the summit of Church Peak.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/l_knVfH5ciVdj3IJQ5BzUA?authkey=Gv1sRgCLj8-cuqrMeatQE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqtlWjPUAmI/AAAAAAAAazY/s2p2rUJ_Qco/s400/DSC_5282.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Fun rocks on the way back from Church Peak to the Mt. Rose trail.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zZJiHJzS8oHV3MoN8-yjug?authkey=Gv1sRgCLj8-cuqrMeatQE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqtmC8WHyaI/AAAAAAAAazk/R-e64rnzUiA/s400/DSC_5284.JPG" /></a><br /><br />He shows us how it's done.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Mx6i-M-GUUq0jxl7JpnBnQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCLj8-cuqrMeatQE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/Sqtm-CCMXsI/AAAAAAAAa0A/bZusCaLfzFw/s400/DSC_5286.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Trail below Mt. Rose.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/99wh2ApuAvzpSOYjeRr8jg?authkey=Gv1sRgCLj8-cuqrMeatQE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqveECSFZzI/AAAAAAAAa1w/7SEDV2YDaOc/s400/DSC_5292.JPG" /></a><br /><br />A fun but optional part of the journey.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UkRkjUjlsmBrCMaopzpkcA?authkey=Gv1sRgCLj8-cuqrMeatQE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5gIjV1uVPpo/SqtoBXs2vHI/AAAAAAAAa0I/DkO-er3uGMg/s400/DSC_5296.JPG" /></a>Johanneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480843045264784742noreply@blogger.com0