Cool canoeing

My son (reclining) and a friend canoeing on Loch Tay at the end of August. The loch seems to be going downhill. I think this is because the photographer (my husband) was juggling a canoe and camera.
And when the sun comes out in Scotland, no matter where you are, you have to bask.

Summer

Weather patterns around the mountain have settled down. High pressure has been sitting in the area since Independence Day. Skiers, climbers, and ravens soaking up the rays at high camps are rewarded with unencumbered views of the Cascade Range.

Routes around the mountain all seem to be in 'typical' shape for this time of year. Check specific route conditions using the links to the right. July brings quick changes to conditions on the upper mountain. Be sure to ask rangers about the most recent updates while checking in for your adventure.

On another note, we'd like to give a special shout out to our extended climbing community for all your gracious assistance, positive vibes, food, gifts, and thoughts. We appreciate all your help and look forward to seeing ya'll back up on the mountain soon.

The DAY is at Hand

This is what was on my blog when I took a peek at it this morning. Yes; the day has arrived! By 3:00p today, I will be officially retired ... or, since I am below the official retirement age, I willat least be out of the workforce.



Mui's official last day with DHS is not until the end of December, buthe turned in his badge and keys yesterdayand is on what is calledterminal leave ... they could have a better description ofhis status, butwhat matters is that he's out of the daily work routine and doesn't have to go back into the office to complete the formalities. That's a good thing since we will be flying the coop and heading south on Tuesday, 4 December.

Tonight we will have the first of the many sleeps of our fulltiming gypsy lifestyle in our rolling condo.

Update:

Had to come back and post a link to the retirement tribute my friend MBZ put up for us on her blog.

Reminder - Black Hill Fat Tire Festival

Three weeks to the Black Hill Fat Tire Festival. Last year I attended - the first year for the festival and the first festival I had attended.
Those that came last year - there are some new trails, rides, and functions. The big one for me is the Mickelson Trail Ride Friday and Saturday. The Mickelson is an old railroad bed and runs for 109 miles.
For you singletrack racers, there are races galore - downhill, xc, hill climb and more.
Singletrack tours are held a couple of times a day (you need to sign up before the ride). Tour rides are "no one left behind" and lead by members of BHMBA (Black Hills Mountain Bike Association).
Another addition for this year's festival is a film festival. There will also be a showing of Season the new film from The Collective.
You need to take part in Beer-muda Triangle. You earn raffle tickets for attending functions and making purchases at sponsors (stuff you will need anyway - like gas, food, and souvenirs).
I had a great time last (even if the trails were over my ability). I have been told that they have new trails, including an easier trail. This will be a great way to checkout my new bike!
Good trails, good friends, good food, good scenery - a great festival. Check out my photos from last year's Festival.
While you are in the area, check out Mt Rushmore, Badlands, Needles Highway (Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway), and Custer State Park.
Hope you can attend - looking forward to meet you there...

Green Bay

It took me 2 days to drive from Little Rock to Green Bay. Stopped overnight in Bloomington, IL. Was thinking of riding there. But, was late when I got to the motel, not sure how to get to the trailhead, and still had a good drive the next day.
Yesterday the weather was not conducive to riding. Today was a little cool (28-30 deg), but mostly sunny, light wind, and I needed to ride.
Headed South on the Fox River State Trail from downtown Green Bay, past downtown DePere. When the trail surface changed from asphalt to crushed stone, it was time to turn back.
Anyway, I knew my feet would be getting cold. Time to be back. Got in my 15+ mile ride.

Frozen Yoghund and Pupcakes

We've been planning to have my third birthday party for a while at the park this evening, although it's difficult to post in view of all the sadness in DWB land. But ma didn't want to disappoint me, so I want to share some of the preparations. (Even though the vet arbitrarily assigned July 1 as my official barkday, mom can't help me on Wednesday, so we are having it tonight - yay!) I can't wait.This is the doggie pupcake mix, frosting and sprinkles. Mom mixed it up and I helped by licking the bowl.
Mmmm - looks and scents yumzers. (smells sort of like bran muffins.) Next job?
Doggie frozen yoghurt in my fave flavor - peanut butter and banana - deeeeeslish!
We put treat sized portions into plastic "slider" cups and voila - enough for lots of doggies!
Oh pleeeeaase give me a lick Ma!
Okay, pupcakes cooled, so now we can frost them - they look and smell so good - don't know if I can wait til 5!
This is how I helped with the frosting! Mmmmm slurp lick!
Hope all the doggies enjoy sharing pupcake and frozen yoghund with me tonight!

Kanesville Krusher Photos

My photos of Kanesville Krusher are posted. The photos are divided into 3 groups - Kids Race & Misc, Category 3, and Category 1 & 2.
Here's the link for my race photos: http://win-photo.photoreflect.com