First Hike of the Year (in CA)

Tufas/Mono Lake in these 3 pics.

There's way to much snow in the backcountry, so I decided to explore the June Lake Loop trails, which still have snow cover, but not all. This involved me wanting to hike Walker Lake, but to hike

Walker Lake one needs to drive 2.5 miles up (and it turns to an up) a VT Class 3 road. So it was lots of big rocks/gravel, and I was so close but got annoyed and turned around. I miss my Subie.

So I forfeited and hiked Parker Lake, which is a much easier road. And this is what I saw.

Then I went to the South Tufas. They are interesting to see once I feel. Then it just makes you want a real ocean somewhere (Maine perhaps?). I do need to get to the coast here sometime. Maybe after busy season.

Biking at Elevation

So it's been a pain to get online. Anyone in my family wondering what I want for an early birthday present... money toward a laptop that isn't 6 years old, or money toward a crown for my tooth...exciting.

Last week on my day off I attempted biking Tioga Pass, which leads into Yosemite. The road was closed to traffic and the park is still closed from this entrance. I made it to just about 9000', and saw a pre-existing rock slide and being the wuss I am decided I'd gone far enough. I rounded out the mileage by biking toward the gas station at the beginning of the road.

So I was in biking mode

but I went xc skiing yesterday.

The road to Lake Mary is being cleared of snow, but not allowing traffic, so I parked near the Tamarack Lodge and skied up the road and tucked into their trails at the Pack Station.

Came across a guy from Hunter, NY whom I had take my photo.

I was able to breathe. The snow was pretty heavy and hard to really turn in with rental Rossi skis ($6 for USFS employee!). It was a pretty great day.

Miss you all!

I do love Vermont, but for the next 6 months I'm in California- this is about that

So here I am. It's snowing in Mammoth Lakes. I started work yesterday for the Forest Service at the Inyo National Forest Visitor Center. They gave me my ugly ugly uniform. I shortly thereafter went running. The only cool part of the uniform is that I get to not wear it after work, and I get to wear my Darn Tough VT socks with hiking boots of my choice. Other than that, I have a lot to learn.

I still need to go explore more of town, but it's great. First night here I got to have dinner with an old UMaine Parks, Rec. and Tourism buddy, Barrett, and his girlfriend (from VT!) Jill, and Barrett's best friend who used to work at East Burke Sports, Tyler, and his wife, Laura. Then I got to meet K-Wrig's friend, who was visiting town, and who is Jill's sister. If you are confused now, you should be. But basically it's like 6 degrees of separation Vermont/ Maine style- and right here in Mammoth Lakes, CA.

So my move here was purely because I already turned down an offer with the Forest Service before, and I just was feeling like I wasn't being an overly adventurous person. I think after this I will surely know what I want in life. I am pretty positive I want a more permanent job, maybe not with the government. Maybe more non-profit. Maybe with trails, maybe with kids. All I know is I left an amazing job at Onion River Sports (love you guys more than you know) and a supportive, outdoor family who I am so glad to have. I will keep in touch!

I also left all my best friends and family since like 4th grade, highschool, and college. But it's an adventure.

If it's one thing I've learned- it's that I have the most supportive friends anyone could ever ask for. Thank you to you all who have listened to me debate things numerous times and decide what is good for me. I love you all. I am so blessed. You all mean so much to me, and you all know who you are.

Well- this blog isn't as graceful and thought out as Tristan and Sarah's, but I'm going on hour 3 in this cafe, Looney Bean, in Mammoth Lakes, and I've had a lot of coffee. Time to sign out.

I'll come up with something better later.

Hear's to the best friends and outdoor adventurers a girl could ever have!