tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88574563261354680612024-02-19T03:08:17.886-05:00So I Actually Left VermontOutdoor Adventures in VT and beyond... because I sometime move away from VT. But I've been known to return... if anything for the mountain biking. and of course, for family and friends.silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-50333239081439300932012-07-03T00:13:00.000-04:002012-10-23T21:59:52.482-04:00The Land of Cut-Off Jeans: Travels through the Mid-West into PALink to Photo Album of <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/107326193234176685054/albums/5760778625962983313?authkey=CPf2htCc_-nrew" target="_blank">this Trip/Blog Photo Roll</a><br />
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This chronicles my travels through the Mid-West and ending in Carlisle, PA<br />
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<h3>
Lawrence, Kansas</h3>
Wow. If I could have taken my camera out at the trailhead for the Clinton Lake mountain biking trails in <i>Lawrence, Kansas,</i> you would have been pleased. Imagine a late 80s, early 90s Toyota Tacoma with a cab, gray and peeling in all it's glory, and all the windows and back cab open. There is no one at the trailhead except a guy with a super expensive titanium Moots bike (whoa, I was just in Steamboat). I talk to the guy about the "White" trail versus the "Blue". He mentioned a new "Green Trail" that he sometimes takes, but he preferred the "Blue" trail. He says he's biked Mr. Toad's Wild Ride in South Lake Tahoe and the Flume Trail before. I get nostalgic.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Trail, riverbed "uphill"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slatey rocks were a technical trail feature, but another TTF, stone wall! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mmm brown lake</td></tr>
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Then from the tree-laden trailhead, comes a late 20s/early 30s sort of guy in respectably short cutoff jeans and a t-shirt he'd ripped the sleeves off of that had a Mountain Dew logo on it. He rides straight to his truck. I maybe making up the logo, but it was something similar and I was so distracted that I didn't notice it or if he had a helmet on. Apparently, I'd parked right next to the guy. So now, I'm minding my own business and getting my bike shoes on, and Mr. Cutoff Jeans Guy speaks to me in some sort of accent I'm unfamiliar with. I'd already spoken to Moots Guy, so I didn't really feel I had to do more talking, but I thought I may as well humor myself. What I really should have done, was get a photo.<br />
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COJG: "Have you rode here before? Do you know where you're going?"<br />
Me: "Nope, but I thought I'd take the white loop."<br />
COJG: "Oh yeah, that's a good one. A bit more technical. I duck onto the blue if I'm getting tired. You may not want to do the whole thing and you can meet back up."<br />
Me: "Oh good, but I don't mind technical, but maybe I'll do the blue. We'll see. I'm not used to the humidity, so that maybe what stops me."<br />
COJG: "Well, have a good time. Good thing you had someone out there to dust off all the cobwebs for you," he said with a sly grin.<br />
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I took the white loop and came back on the blue. Thanks Cutoff Jeans Guy. Had a great time with the Frye's! Thanks again!<br />
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Lawrence, Kansas doesn't really have a lot of options for mountain biking, and I heard near the river where there's a trail sometimes there are suspicious men there (from friends going walking/running). The White loop in the beginning is very slatey, and then it is only technical on downhills through dry creek crossings, and there are usually roots. The rest is very smooth.<br />
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<b>Good local resources</b><br />
- <a href="http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/projects.cfm?Id=G503480" target="_blank">Clinton Lake</a> - Run by the US Army Corps of Engineers has several recreation opportunities (but we wouldn't swim there) <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
-<a href="http://sunfloweroutdoorandbike.com/" target="_blank">Sunflower Outdoor and Bike</a> - I worked with someone that worked/works here<br />
-<a href="http://www.lawrencemountainbikeclub.org/" target="_blank">Lawrence Mountain Bike Club</a> - Great trail resource with maps and directions<br />
-<a href="http://www.kansastrailscouncil.org/images/clinton%20lake%20north%20shore%20trails.pdf" target="_blank">Clinton Lake Map</a> from Kansas Trails Council<br />
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<h3>
Columbus, OH</h3>
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I did stop in Greenwood, IN for a night with an Inyo NF friend and her husband, but I didn't explore any trails or museums or anything. </div>
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A short 3 1/2 hour drive from Greenwood, Indiana lies Columbus, Ohio. Little did I know that humid afternoon visiting the amazing and humid <a href="http://www.fpconservatory.org/" target="_blank">Franklin Park Conservatory</a> and outside gardens in Columbus, that I would be pedaling away on my road bike through the entirety of Columbus. The Conservatory has amazing glass art (I lived with a glassblower this winter), and great indoor and outdoor garderns alike. I think I liked the glass art, outdoor gardens, and Himalayan mini-village the most. Of course there was the desert ecosystem room to remind me of the high-desert. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">jellyfish skylights</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adapted gardening</td></tr>
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The cycling tour I received of Columbus was after a lovely "this place is you" eatery, and was led by Matt and Michael, who know Columbus history and urban planning well. I even got quizzed about dates of buildings that existed and don't exist anymore, and questions like, "Silvia, do you remember why these bricks are a different color?". What a great evening on the bike! Columbus is much more than I thought it was, and I do like it more now that I would have having not biked it. We even went to the Audubon Center! </div>
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New urbanism and downtown revival. Trying to attract more people to live in the downtown by creating recreation and open space, and ease of travel. What a great place. Also, since it is fairly flat, why not put in bike lanes and paths? In 2008, the mayor of Columbus committed to spend <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">$20 million to develop 86 miles of bike paths and lanes to be completed by 2012.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"> </span></div>
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<b>Resources: </b> - <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/business/03columbus.html?pagewanted=all" target="_blank">Columbus Waterfront Revival</a> - NY Times article<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4Kns1NKGfuI743IyJEHUcBT7YvOEcSD1EKB8yYIbaK08s9fsq45O_adjkPPALeVHcoszObv4mwQuV-iHyNEtp5wRLUWEAFf5zprlJIGO39JJbAl_ZqmXftK_XKHGvac3X0J-c71sI9kS/s1600/DSCF1093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4Kns1NKGfuI743IyJEHUcBT7YvOEcSD1EKB8yYIbaK08s9fsq45O_adjkPPALeVHcoszObv4mwQuV-iHyNEtp5wRLUWEAFf5zprlJIGO39JJbAl_ZqmXftK_XKHGvac3X0J-c71sI9kS/s400/DSCF1093.JPG" width="400" /></a>- <a href="http://www.landscapeonline.com/research/article/10417/" target="_blank">Waterfront</a> Development - Waterfronts were typically the "backdoor" of cities. Now they are moving to the forefront thanks to great urbanism movements and dedication of residents.<br />
- <a href="http://grange.audubon.org/" target="_blank">Grange Audubon Center</a><br />
- <a href="http://www.metroparks.net/parkssciotoaudubon.aspx" target="_blank">Scioto-Columbus</a> Audubon - Largest free climbing wall in US (bring your own gear, climb at your own risk) on their property. Pretty cool in such a flat place.<br />
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Carlisle, PA</h3>
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Although I didn't bike in Carlisle, as it has the Appalachian Trail so close, there would be plenty of road biking options near Boiling Springs. The mountain biking was perhaps a bit North of Harrisburg, but I didn't really investigate. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What mountain PA? </td></tr>
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Having hiked the Massachusetts (there are mountains there) section of the AT one summer for work, I thought I better check out the Appalachian Trail Conference Mid-Atlantic Regional Office and Visitors Center. There was no volunteer there that day, and a wedding, so I didn't get to go in. I did get to the AT Museum however. I do hope they can someday expand from one floor to three as in their Master Plan. </div>
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The Appalachian Trail Museum opened in 2010, so it is still brand new, just in a historic building. It is very cool, but would be much more worth visiting if they can expand. They had a photo archive, old hiking gear from some of the first thru-hikers, one of the first leantos, and so on. </div>
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From their website: </div>
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" <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a fledgling</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> museum, only a portion of our space is being utilized, and of course money is a major need to develope other floors to include exciting exhibits. This year, our Fund Drive focuses on obtaining enough donations to recieve an annonymous $50,000 matching grant which would make it possible to prepare the remainder of the building to become part of the Museum. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://www.atmuseum.org/end_of_year_letter2011.pdf" target="_blank">A report, available thru this link</a>, will</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(1) </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">help to make you aware of all that we have done so far up through our second season, (2) to let you know what we are planning for next year and beyond; and (3) to ask for your continued financial support to help us manage the steadily growing costs of the Museum. Please be a part of this endeavor by sending whatever contribution you can to the A.T. Museum at 1120 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, PA 17324. after downloading our<a href="http://www.atmuseum.org/2012_donor_form.pdf" target="_blank">2012 donor form</a> to include with your donation, or click on Appalachian Al below to donate online. "</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing. Boiling Springs, PA</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">AT Info:</span></div>
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- <a href="http://atc%20boiling%20springs/" target="_blank">ATC Boiling Springs Office</a></div>
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- <a href="http://www.atmuseum.org/intro.htm" target="_blank">AT Museum</a> at <a href="http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/pinegrovefurnace/" target="_blank">Pine Grove Furnace State Park</a> (Maybe some light trails to bike in PGF State Park)</div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-46090616199379840582012-06-22T19:20:00.001-04:002012-10-23T21:45:22.554-04:00So... I Actually Left California- so may as well ride bikes along the way<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ctable%20style=%22width:194px;%22%3E%3Ctr%3E%3Ctd%20align=%22center%22%20style=%22height:194px;background:url(https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif)%20no-repeat%20left%22%3E%3Ca%20href=%22https://picasaweb.google.com/107326193234176685054/LeftCABlog?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6m_tVkCJJyA/T97Kb-jXyQE/AAAAAAAASyA/HZcF_-xc1sE/s160-c/LeftCABlog.jpg%22%20width=%22160%22%20height=%22160%22%20style=%22margin:1px%200%200%204px;%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/td%3E%3C/tr%3E%3Ctr%3E%3Ctd%20style=%22text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px%22%3E%3Ca%20href=%22https://picasaweb.google.com/107326193234176685054/LeftCABlog?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite%22%20style=%22color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Left CA Blog</a></td></tr></table>" target="_blank">Leaving CA</a><br />
<br />
I should change the title of my blog. But yes, I left the Eastside. The Range of Light. The Eastern Sierra. It is happening. It is real. Wow. If I'm going to leave, then I need to at least enjoy my drive to quaint New England. <br />
I currently am wishing I owned a truck and had the whole summer off to bike and tour the West and British Columbia. However, my knee needs a'fixin, so I'm doing a "Sampler Tour" of the West, and trying to mountain bike or bike in every stop along the way. I'll have to go to more National Parks and do some dispersed camping on National Forest lands in the fall, unless that fire outside of Fort Collins is still going then. Then I'll just re-route.<br />
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<b>HIGHLIGHTS of my Mountain Biketastic Adventure in an Easterly (sigh) Direction</b></h3>
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<b>Parting with the Sierras and the Great Basin <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YssyHNAU8T4" target="_blank">(I hate goodbyes)</a> . </b></div>
I decided to meander up 395 and over Monitor Pass to the best little towns South of Tahoe... Markleeville and Woodfords. You do blink and they are gone, but oh I love them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04D_QK6bKIcHuBT_66nHYw0PNSDsaYPV-Y1uLHfZCbsYfrtapSX3IsQswsPUzD6Mnm6mQdwOSKvQXflflvPrsBd0tsChkcSZfmUD8H2h6sc8GYsEVdjSqCN7SHOMkFmYW-4leltgz27JF/s1600/CIMG2959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04D_QK6bKIcHuBT_66nHYw0PNSDsaYPV-Y1uLHfZCbsYfrtapSX3IsQswsPUzD6Mnm6mQdwOSKvQXflflvPrsBd0tsChkcSZfmUD8H2h6sc8GYsEVdjSqCN7SHOMkFmYW-4leltgz27JF/s400/CIMG2959.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mammoth Lakes Interagency Welcome Center- Where Dreams Come True<br />
Where my love began (and my first USFS job and first job in the Sierras)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One last Mobil Mart stop </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Helitack Roadside Memorial</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-rRHKAwERzCqfhJfdD6LFcZ8Sbzi2U2TbzE092jdec0rZcz30fCjrbDnDFyJjFACH7grEyV3w3vogWHnKSsRBcb8g2moCK_5We9P7W-RGyrB36KrRf9GF7C-8GOja-ga_-5-r3orKzOX/s1600/CIMG2968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-rRHKAwERzCqfhJfdD6LFcZ8Sbzi2U2TbzE092jdec0rZcz30fCjrbDnDFyJjFACH7grEyV3w3vogWHnKSsRBcb8g2moCK_5We9P7W-RGyrB36KrRf9GF7C-8GOja-ga_-5-r3orKzOX/s640/CIMG2968.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SE toward Sweetwater Range</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will miss my Wilderness.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East Fork of the Carson River </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
Sierra Pines Country Store.<br />
I know everyone thinks Walker Burger is best, but this store has got them beat. Local beef from Genoa.<br />
After fishing the East Fork of the Carson River, why not and get your laundry done, get your gas, buy a disc golf and eat a burger with some Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, and hang out a picnic table and enjoy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Basin Food Coop</td></tr>
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<h3>
<b>Stop 1: Ogden/Greater Salt Lake/Park City, UTAH</b></h3>
<h4>
<i style="font-weight: normal;">Seeing Family and friends and mountain biking Park City (<a href="http://www.imba.com/ride-centers/park-city" target="_blank">IMBA GOLD!</a> great article on Park City as a Ride Center)</i></h4>
I really could have spent a solid two weeks exploring the trails in Park City. I had wanted to visit since my trip last summer, but that was a strictly family visit and I was so tired from backpacking for work (not complaining) that I didn't bring the bike last summer. They have over 350 miles of trails close to the mountain or just off of highway 80.<br />
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I asked for recommendations from a friend that had just visited and from a Vermonter who lives there (thanks Marty and Liz!). I will have to save Flying Dog until next time. Either way, I set out for something with a smooth climb and some twisty, technical downhill. The route I did was: Spiro>Eagle>Crescent Mine Grade>Mid Mountain>Johns>Sweeney Switchbacks. That route by far isn't even putting a dent into the trails that exist. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_j4_APTN5PwPpGMPb_QzM0hVHcC742U27qU9ebY_7dYsvHsHLTvEiB3UL6pQ4XXTxNbFZXMmS2Chn30UrI4Wlf0TFmYaagfEtii-uaIEsU-qmlMzJsktPEhaLqRFInhQmMi6MhL6P5B-e/s1600/CIMG3047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_j4_APTN5PwPpGMPb_QzM0hVHcC742U27qU9ebY_7dYsvHsHLTvEiB3UL6pQ4XXTxNbFZXMmS2Chn30UrI4Wlf0TFmYaagfEtii-uaIEsU-qmlMzJsktPEhaLqRFInhQmMi6MhL6P5B-e/s400/CIMG3047.JPG" width="400" /></a><b>Trail Resources: </b><br />
-A great organization exists in Park City called, <a href="http://mountaintrails.org/" target="_blank">Mountain Trails</a>. They have a great interactive map online with up-to-date trail conditions, as well as a map at the local sports shops and Information Center that is a well worth it $5 donation. My only request is waterproof map please!<br />
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I drove up 89 through Logan into Alpine, WY. The Logan Ranger District has a beautiful river canyon there. The Unita-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is home to 8 scenic byways.<br />
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<br />
-<a href="http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/trails/idx-parkcity.htm" target="_blank">Utah Mountain Biking</a> had great descriptions.<br />
-<a href="http://byways.org/explore/byways/2001" target="_blank">Logan River Scenic Byway</a><br />
-<a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/attmain/uwcnf/specialplaces" target="_blank">Unita-Wastach-Cache National Forest Special Places</a><br />
<a href="http://www.utah.com/byways/logan_canyon.htm" target="_blank">Logan Canyon Scenic Byway from Utah Tourism</a><br />
<i><br /></i><b>Bike Stop 2: Teton Village/Jackson, WY</b><br />
<i>Teton National Park, Yellowstone NP, minor hiking, and light duty mountain biking, oh and good beer!</i><br />
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The first two days I was in Jackson it was wet, cloudy and cold. I wore my fleece and winter hat. Either way, the weather didn't get this blue sky state of minder down. I let my friend pick out an easy route for ourselves and didn't take any photos. Cache Creek was fun. Thanks for the ACL compatible tour along the famed Cache Creek, Marty G!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixishtGvqXEwo7cGd7cgVeFJIPYZv3eJ7jtppb_d2t3gNg8grczcsEzkrg60gbr1S5cTQFM64XigpA5jWC9TiQicPctW68Zqw8r-jSVHVJ88d0-zh_1ZLT4RrD_QPMhlT5o7tB6bwILTU7/s1600/CIMG3073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixishtGvqXEwo7cGd7cgVeFJIPYZv3eJ7jtppb_d2t3gNg8grczcsEzkrg60gbr1S5cTQFM64XigpA5jWC9TiQicPctW68Zqw8r-jSVHVJ88d0-zh_1ZLT4RrD_QPMhlT5o7tB6bwILTU7/s400/CIMG3073.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7igil3LjMh-pF0VVpm3HIeIrxZ7fOhNGduKA8JTG36YXUUmO3X1IaZrM2GIPq0fBvE_CU58Rz0sH6iQYUKwKo3l8gpXwHmuos-A3_JO08_cfIiC1_x-lrJcZvVs4g5CTv6ApFKjP5kRe/s1600/CIMG3077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7igil3LjMh-pF0VVpm3HIeIrxZ7fOhNGduKA8JTG36YXUUmO3X1IaZrM2GIPq0fBvE_CU58Rz0sH6iQYUKwKo3l8gpXwHmuos-A3_JO08_cfIiC1_x-lrJcZvVs4g5CTv6ApFKjP5kRe/s320/CIMG3077.JPG" width="240" /></a>I did a foggy hike up Lupine Canyon area in Teton NP. There were two groups of three splitboarders hiking down (3pm). Only one girl. I think after this surgery I'll re-evaluate skiing for sure. I saw some elk down in a meadow below the trail. Back at the car, one group was decompressing next to my car. They had a snazzy sticker for my snail (the snail box came to Mammoth via VT on a friend's trip, now it's going back with me). So check out <a href="http://www.chimerasnowboards.com/" target="_blank">Chimera Splitboards</a>. They seem like nice folk.<br />
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After a whirlwind lower loop tour of Yellowstone National Park (one bubbling pool after another...) and a stunning early AM drive through Grand Teton National Park, I biked up Jackson Hole with a patient Real Deal Matt Beal. The bike park was still closed to the public, but the berms on the way down were pretty fun. Again, no pictures. I had to hold onto my handlebars. I think Yellowstone is probably best seen over three days minimum, or more because the Wilderness Office in the "Grand Canyon" seemed awesome and backpacking is probably a great way to see the things the gapers don't go to.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the Tetons</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7am hot air balloons and mule deer at Granite Canyon. The kind of trail I would run everyday if I was close.</td></tr>
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Also, I coincidentally ran into two UMaine PRTer's that were having busy weekends in random places like Snake River Brewery and Staples. So it worked out as usual and made for a great surprise. I love running into people you want to see when you don't plan it! I HAVE to visit the "part of Wyoming that is not Wyoming", again. He only says this because it is where most people live that aren't from Wyoming.<br />
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<b>Trail Resources:</b><br />
I was impressed with the bike from Teton Village to town to Jenny Lake in GTNP! How awesome. Here are some great resources for pathways and trails in the Tetons other than the 3 bigger local bike shops, and one smaller specialty bike shop. The oldest one, Fitzgeralds, moved to Victor, ID:<br />
-<a href="http://www.themountainpulse.com/trail-maps-plus/" target="_blank">The Mountain Pulse Interactive Map</a><br />
-<a href="http://tvtap.org/" target="_blank">Teton Valley Trails and Pathways</a><br />
-<a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/attmain/btnf/specialplaces" target="_blank">Bridger-Teton National Forest</a><br />
-<a href="http://www.wilsonbackcountry.com/" target="_blank">Wilson Backcountry Sports</a> - My friend's favorite shop is connected to a coffeeshop and offer fast and friendly service<br />
-<a href="http://www.jacksonhole.com/summer/vacation-planning/summer-jackson-hole-sports.html" target="_blank">Jackson Hole Sports</a> - Ask for the Deadhead in the basement<br />
-<a href="http://thehubbikes.com/" target="_blank">The Hub</a><br />
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<b>Bike Stop 3: Steamboat Springs, CO</b><br />
<i>Catching up with an old Subie obsessed friend, meeting new friends, checking out the <a href="http://www.wearbap.com/home.php" target="_blank">BAP </a>(Big Agnes Products) store finally, Howelsen Hill mountain bike classics, and bike path/hot springs adventures. </i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Legend...wait for it</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most mud these legs have seen since Vermont</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love</td></tr>
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Although I was impressed with the mountain biking options in Park City and the Tetons, I didn't find Park City to be a place I can see myself. Granted I hardly spent a day there... but Steamboat... I like it. I like it alot. Not only are they designated Gold by the League of American Bicyclist for a Bicycle Friendly Community, but they have over 500 miles of trails in and around town. Honey Stinger is there so stroup waffles everyday. Big Agnes Products is there. Smartwool is there (but I prefer Ibex, sorry). You bike down one of many bike paths to the Hippy "hot" Springs, which were not hot that day. I think Moots bikes are synonymous with Honey Stinger jerseys in this town. If only I were an engineer, or something else to be able to afford one.<br />
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It is the only town I've been to recently that has a full 80 page FREE guide to biking. Granted half of it is advertisement, and it's not waterproof, but it'll get you off to a great start.<br />
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<b>Recreation Resources:</b><br />
Other than numerous local bike shops, here are some great resources for mountain biking in Steamboat Springs<br />
-<a href="http://issuu.com/steamboatpilot/docs/bikeguide_2012_finalred" target="_blank">2012 Bike Guide</a> for Steamboat Springs (my favorite!)<br />
-<a href="http://www.routtcountyriders.org/mountain-biking/trails" target="_blank">Routt County Riders </a><br />
-USFS Office for the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mbr/about-forest/offices/?cid=fswdev3_008659" target="_blank">Hahn Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District </a>, 925 Weiss DR, Steamboat Springs, (970) 870-2299. Open 8-5 M-F.<br />
-<a href="http://www.steamboat-chamber.com/info/biketownusa.asp" target="_blank">Chamber info on Bike Town USA</a><br />
-Moots Cycle<br />
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<b>Stop 4: Longmont, CO</b><br />
<i>Seeing my Northeast Kingdom (NEK) and UMaine friends, <a href="http://www.gknightride.org/GKnight-Ride_Home.html" target="_blank">G'Knight Ride</a>, no Rocky Mountain NP this time, huge fire nearby.</i><br />
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I made a weekend stop in Longmont, CO. The "Front", or the Rocky Mountain Front Range perhaps is the more formal lingo. I didn't mountain bike, but I rode my road bike about 20 miles. That counts, right?<br />
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My friends from the NEK had signed up for the Oskar Blues G'Knight Ride on Saturday. It is a family-friendly bike tour meant to get people out to enjoy the town and each other using bicycles as a medium. With Lil' E (he's so cute) in tow, the four of us toured the streets and vast bike pathways of Longmont. It involved two breweries and then more bike and music festivities back at the start. The Samples played. The food carts in Longmont are phenomenal. I had a traditional Argentinian meal for under $10.<br />
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We met up with my friends from freshman year of college and enjoyed the <a href="http://www.walnutbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Walnut Brewery</a>'s seasonal ales, samplers (someone ordered 2 samplers and no food). I ate the buffalo fajitas. I give them 5 stars. Did you know Boulder is the only town with a <a href="http://www.montbell.us/flag/" target="_blank">Montbell USA flagship store</a>? It has ALL their US products in it! ALL of them! I was good and only power-walked through the store, as everyone waited in the blazing sun for me outside. I fondly caressed a few items on my wishlist. I intended to go back the next day, but realized that I had some cash in my wallet, and that wasn't a good idea. Next time I'll take Barb, and we'll be in there half the day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasty Weasel Tasting Room- Oskar Blues Brewery<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">E is ready to go. Mini-dog wearing pilot goggles in the basket.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://joshuacophotography.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/G0000sOCtr8UPx6o/I0000sGX5I67eUTs/983" target="_blank">High Fives</a>--- A few of us biking during the G'Knight Ride<br />
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<b>Recreation Resources:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/public_works/transportation/bicycling.htm" target="_blank">Longmont Public Works </a><br />
<a href="http://www.bicyclelongmont.org/" target="_blank">Bicycle Longmont</a><br />
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All in all, I'd like to spend more time in each town I've been to. I still need to get to Moab to bike, and I'd love to spend more time in Sedona. Montana and British Columbia are on my list. They are definitely not anywhere close to Moab. So two more trips need to be done. The PNW and the Four Corners. <br />
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<b>Next up in my Easterly adventures: </b><br />
Mountain biking the Mid-West.<br />
Someone has to do it.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-60953634588293272452012-05-25T15:51:00.004-04:002012-10-23T21:39:32.993-04:00Day at the Beach 2Yesterday was a nice day for a bike ride in Bishop.<br />
Today it's snowing in Mammoth. Happy Memorial Day weekend. Always seems to snow or rain.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">REAL canoli from Schat's in Bishop<br />
The Carson City Schats= gross canolis </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creekside shade stop before the no shade uphill</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole reason I moved here</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Sabrina Basin is up there</td></tr>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-19163221792482246692012-05-23T04:38:00.000-04:002012-10-23T21:35:53.190-04:00Slow Down the Pace... Take Out the Adventure?Having injured my knees constantly since exploring the Sierra's, makes me realize that some people can recreate outdoors solely, but I need to and should have always supplemented with the gym. Needless to say, what's done is done.<br />
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I've been venting to friends here as I had some tough "career" front type decisions (as I do every year multiple times) and we have concluded that it is hard to live here without feeling like every adventure needs to be challenging. Sure there are days where you may do a short hike to a lake to swim in the frigid water, or the casual trail run on 3S__(insert 08, 02, or whichever Forest Service Road is to our liking), or a day of (gasp) reading by the creek.<br />
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Not everyday has to be a 27 mile epic day hike to Yosemite, or an elevation gain day of 3000' or more, or a mixed climb. Sometimes I wish I climbed more. Maybe I will learn. I should've learned more from Kyle in college when I had the chance. It doesn't mean I can't learn here someday. To some people here, bagging peaks via mixed alpine climbing is their thing, or doing some trad climbing route (now that we can get to Yosemite- yay spring!), or they did the classic <a href="http://www.summitpost.org/bear-creek-spire/150612" target="_blank">Bear Creek Spire</a> or <a href="http://www.sierramountaincenter.com/load_ritter_banner.html" target="_blank">Ritter and Banner</a> in a day.<br />
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People do set the bar kind of high. I thrive from being active and get antsy if I don't. I do enjoy my leisurely days, which there have been a lot of lately, but I participate in sports that push me, where the concentration isn't quite as intense as with rock climbing, which is probably why I haven't gone more. I really wanted to get into climbing peaks and doing more cross country travel when backpacking this summer, but it isn't likely to happen this season.</div>
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You name the recreation, and we have it<a href="http://www.visitmammoth.com/" target="_blank"> here </a>pretty much. I am sure I missed something: </div>
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Skiing and riding, ice climbing, mountaineering, backcountry skiing, alpine climbing, sport climbing, trad climbing, bouldering, fishing, OHV/dirt biking/general "motor-touring", backpacking, trail running, car camping, motor boat fun, mountain biking, cycling, paragliding, ski kiting, target practice, golfing, marathon/olympic runner high-altitude training, swimming, hunting, tennis, other developed sports, dance walking)--- I just made the last one up because there's a funny news reel about it I saw the other day. </div>
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So with this bar set high, after injuring myself again for the third time I feel a bit defeated. Good thing I took that sports psychology class in college. I want to set the record that in VT I got lots of bruises and scrapes but that was it. In college I got bursitis bad in my heel for xc skiing a ton and ended up getting surgery, but that was different. I did have knee alignment issues from cycling that the <a href="http://www.grastontechnique.com/" target="_blank">Graston Technique</a> helped take care of. I blame that on my torn meniscus last winter. Anyhow, it's been real. </div>
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Two weeks ago, I could hardly step over sage brush on our leisurely hike from North Fork Campground to Rock Creek Lake. This week thankfully I have more range of motion, thanks to Bryan Dennison at <a href="http://www.snowcreekathleticclub.com/physicaltherapy.html" target="_blank">Summit Physical Therapy!</a> If I stub my toe, then I get a calf cramp like something fierce. The hike up along Rock Creek is along a well-maintained fishing trail (rock steps in one place). I never knew it existed. We all enjoyed taking it slow (or so they said), and can't wait until Pie in the Sky opens<br />
Memorial Day Weekend. Dibs on Strawberry Rhubarb if they have it. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old USFS Cabin along trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock Creek Lake melting out- the destination</td></tr>
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The past two weeks I can hike much better and extend my knee more, and cycling outdoors and not at the "spa" feels so much better. It is definitely the wind in the hair that adds the allure. That and fun socks. However, I commented to my cycling adventure comrade that I wasn't quite used to riding on a bike path and I "feel old, so we should take the road part of the way." But you know, avoiding the few cars there were and riding over patches of snow (yep!) was kind of fun. And of course the view is always great in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biking by Twin Lakes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horseshoe Lake is quite dry this year</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Maime</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake George and Crystal Crag</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading West on the trail</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Also set out on a leisurely McGee Creek hike recently. It's about 20 minutes South of Mammoth Lakes. I forgot to take a photo of the HUGE, broken log crossing. It is solid enough to cross, but at first it is daunting looking. Last spring's snowmelt was so great the bank eroded and the bridge folded in half. The bridge is composed of two HUGE logs (lodgepole? ) with some traction bars nailed on, and where it folded in half someone piled up a bunch of rocks so you can transition from one side of the V to the other. It was a little nerve-wracking for me to get across. Wonder if there's a budget to fix it. It sit so high up, and since it is broke in half it was a steep pitch for me to get down and back up the other side. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Back to the car</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great beaver pond for fishing close after broken bridge</td></tr>
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Neither of us has ever gone backpacking where we've had to wade across, tie up a rope across for the gear and others to use to get across. We both have been in situations where we opted not to cross instead of risking it. Thankfully, we didn't have to do that, but I want to have to do that someday when I have a bionic knee.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">So despite not doing "extreme" adventures, I've had more chance to appreciate what I can do. Having volunteered with adaptive sports programs for the past five years, I think it is important to see things from all angles. Although, a lot of clients I've helped have more emotional or developmental issues, any limiting factor helps you learn patience with yourself an with others. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Although I didn't make it over the pass at McGee Creek, or even to one of the lakes (other than the beaver pond), we went further than I'd had the chance to before. Thank you Mary for going around the bend a little further. Setting small goals and accomplishing them makes all the difference. I made it further than all the other times I've gone there for a quick hike. A day well-deserved. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-44828389247476950992012-05-20T14:03:00.004-04:002012-10-23T22:00:50.745-04:00The Pie's the LimitNostalgia is starting to take over my life. There are lots of things I want to see and do and probably will need years more time to do them. The knee, time, and distance are always factors. The seacoast and Redwoods will have to wait. British Columbia and Montana will have to wait. I also am going to physical therapy three times a week. I suppose I could not go, but my knee is pretty important to me right now.<br />
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This weekend aside from getting ripped off at the Subaru dealer repair shop in Reno, I went to Tahoe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the North Shore and my friends were so kind as to take time out of their busy wedding planning lives to hangout with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a friend along, as his job doesn’t start right away and he’d never really been to Tahoe. </div>
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Despite have 2.3 mm left on my front brakes (not paying $117/hour for them to replace my brake pads, I'll do it myself thank you) I drove up Geiger Grade to <a href="http://www.visitvirginiacitynv.com/about-virginia-city/history.html" target="_blank">Virginia City</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents had went via the V & T Railroad this August when I was in the Wilderness (I shall miss it so).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Virginia City was where Mark Twain got his start, where the silver from<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comstock_Lode" target="_blank"> Comstock Lode</a> collected over $400 million, and is one of the oldest settlements in Nevada.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I lived 4 miles from Genoa, the oldest settlement in Nevada. My co-worker and I had beer at the oldest bar in Nevada, and I frequently made a big cycling loop through Genoa and by Walleys 1864 Hotsprings Resort. So I was curious to see Virginia City. </span>If I had more time I would have gone on a tour of a mine and splurged to go to the haunted destinations.</div>
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We both agreed that we were the minority in VC that day. The remainder of folks being retired, German, retired and German, or retired and gambling. We also agreed we dislike salt water taffy and that every three buildings had a fine rotation of watering hole, candy shop, old photo shop, or gift shop/antique store. There was a delicious BBQ. There may have been more than one for all we know.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice Cube(s) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-M5xc4Bdka80bsPJ-BU_l0dBWotS5D1B7LDtCn67Z3-opR0LdZo9tK2nEI4akOZQ-Ef1JizWmiMD8kuRJ31rQMcPQ1L9jkd8LeSBzf8JtdsDGXWX40CGYAZgZ2VzJVRLd8EheIATFogaQ/s1600/CIMG2741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-M5xc4Bdka80bsPJ-BU_l0dBWotS5D1B7LDtCn67Z3-opR0LdZo9tK2nEI4akOZQ-Ef1JizWmiMD8kuRJ31rQMcPQ1L9jkd8LeSBzf8JtdsDGXWX40CGYAZgZ2VzJVRLd8EheIATFogaQ/s400/CIMG2741.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love a good sign outside a business. Virginia City Jerky Co and Smoke House. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxT-0DD9KWQDgUNmQi83tsDdfXcYPdpHycIrQdqZKVg9D3kSij1tmDLoYxxC-vRTG1NpD-6blxj5FfVUtcpNXohNKFR9bAgFr2p6U055X2Oq0tIl4wFc7rzUrbcN7LtnTXh2scrKe0-ki/s1600/CIMG2750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxT-0DD9KWQDgUNmQi83tsDdfXcYPdpHycIrQdqZKVg9D3kSij1tmDLoYxxC-vRTG1NpD-6blxj5FfVUtcpNXohNKFR9bAgFr2p6U055X2Oq0tIl4wFc7rzUrbcN7LtnTXh2scrKe0-ki/s400/CIMG2750.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a sad chair.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8_rbbK6Q-Uaj4em0lPVLJ_XTtpNZRaqCZ8I2YKif4GdWs8wuevv7MZsOxaFiJEdrZE6RaI2lLClXIMZbRQ6_bfJP_ZaGKqxwPnosy8uvmMzeBnd9kNe0Ok3fXNc2Qjj5JOyTzl8GlE5Z/s1600/CIMG2746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8_rbbK6Q-Uaj4em0lPVLJ_XTtpNZRaqCZ8I2YKif4GdWs8wuevv7MZsOxaFiJEdrZE6RaI2lLClXIMZbRQ6_bfJP_ZaGKqxwPnosy8uvmMzeBnd9kNe0Ok3fXNc2Qjj5JOyTzl8GlE5Z/s320/CIMG2746.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was arrested for lack of appropriate sunscreen.</td></tr>
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After a grade-down we had a grade to go, and I drove up Mount Rose Highway past where I would have lived this summer had I not hurt my knee and could do physical labor for 10 hours a day along the Truckee River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh what could have been. Then the Lake came into view, and all was forgotten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10Qs2tBTthlG4TtQhcGuUytce-HbQnWvYucfoROHmx8GiS9Jre_Essqf7TB7ic_EexapzUGQVquMC-J3cDJ3d2bOOIQPt0fN43EZnyDr72VsVOHF_4YsYvMjeSXB4fp_I2MqClOS-io3k/s1600/CIMG1589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10Qs2tBTthlG4TtQhcGuUytce-HbQnWvYucfoROHmx8GiS9Jre_Essqf7TB7ic_EexapzUGQVquMC-J3cDJ3d2bOOIQPt0fN43EZnyDr72VsVOHF_4YsYvMjeSXB4fp_I2MqClOS-io3k/s320/CIMG1589.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken in June 2011</td></tr>
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Thursday was a day of lounging with friends doing crafts (wedding invitations) and mountain biking to Northstar and back starting in Carnelian Bay. I love love the mountain biking in Tahoe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to bike everything this summer, however, this will be added to my life’s bucket list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know some people think I should see other things (myself included), but when you find someplace you really enjoy it is hard to think of anywhere else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jess reminded me of the fact that affording to buy a house in Tahoe is very difficult for anyone, and I just have to remember that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know what lies ahead other than ACL surgery, and I’ll just try to learn and get more skills to be more marketable while home trying to flex my leg. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckKOeqJHJKg5gi8Y0DZnWSdBdvFPUmKQS53B3RlLdWNdaxDtMQW_1dCC_mjGK3bZK0eJsUD3rZ1YbVFoj-kTn0PmbGrZj0716sp9h7EiriJXp-cjiUIhMK4lGQqHCvjAbFV15tm_NHugh/s1600/CIMG2755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckKOeqJHJKg5gi8Y0DZnWSdBdvFPUmKQS53B3RlLdWNdaxDtMQW_1dCC_mjGK3bZK0eJsUD3rZ1YbVFoj-kTn0PmbGrZj0716sp9h7EiriJXp-cjiUIhMK4lGQqHCvjAbFV15tm_NHugh/s400/CIMG2755.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFmhqoJUR4eXjuBfiRwS4zYu191tU44f9cLj4nrExAMZB-U9IvwsRnOPigbl_P-HMDj4m1rtVgd-ACQapGa52OzcjiudPeHGDnL4VPKWZ5_n0Ycb6ZoUItYertX4YAp3gi1zz8S6iQ0aJ/s1600/CIMG2757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFmhqoJUR4eXjuBfiRwS4zYu191tU44f9cLj4nrExAMZB-U9IvwsRnOPigbl_P-HMDj4m1rtVgd-ACQapGa52OzcjiudPeHGDnL4VPKWZ5_n0Ycb6ZoUItYertX4YAp3gi1zz8S6iQ0aJ/s320/CIMG2757.JPG" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can't tell but I'm muddy (my favorite) and have a glove tan.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGE648Zq_icmmTa8nbPSEWYAKKJi-HTKBciTHgxbYW4ooNYywWeSUPQDXdhakXa1nbryey3AXzzOsqUe8QQBBpPm6MYvCh8ExFZZET2BcF3cMI-3fjKvG9zU3ptHKZZNvTYmW2JJFIFB3/s1600/CIMG2754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGE648Zq_icmmTa8nbPSEWYAKKJi-HTKBciTHgxbYW4ooNYywWeSUPQDXdhakXa1nbryey3AXzzOsqUe8QQBBpPm6MYvCh8ExFZZET2BcF3cMI-3fjKvG9zU3ptHKZZNvTYmW2JJFIFB3/s400/CIMG2754.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for the downhill</td></tr>
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The mountain biking was most excellent. Singletrack and doubletrack alike.</div>
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Thanks friends. I hope to make it back for September!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8LGQuHzktEmtzwyIcu9-42kOIshYsCpU8VrmAM-VnpcIu5jngoDAgvf-4H4SQIUpY1aLHMdYvtwMgjzttR-neuHe0GKFRufhOv0v5GziPkEr0zzl9ozJ-IayexT9MmGCEGGUN5bbcl0T/s1600/CIMG2773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8LGQuHzktEmtzwyIcu9-42kOIshYsCpU8VrmAM-VnpcIu5jngoDAgvf-4H4SQIUpY1aLHMdYvtwMgjzttR-neuHe0GKFRufhOv0v5GziPkEr0zzl9ozJ-IayexT9MmGCEGGUN5bbcl0T/s400/CIMG2773.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Another item that was on my list for some time was Buckeye Hotspring outside of Bridgeport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some sources say there is an additional spring downstream, which we didn’t have time to scope out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somewhere I swear I saw a photo of a tub up high. I am not sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope to find out soon!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyr5exw6rsKUGE3kwfRXPLy9Kjg__rYyY2dEmmMhBy8_KW6pQ07Q_UzYNcACAE0tdrWL51YZX4VAfDJhy2mk5qvPCXY1l5fENDc39x0Ewu1plVgZ9puNhdKFumOfS35HCiX81VqOiTo4Km/s1600/CIMG2774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyr5exw6rsKUGE3kwfRXPLy9Kjg__rYyY2dEmmMhBy8_KW6pQ07Q_UzYNcACAE0tdrWL51YZX4VAfDJhy2mk5qvPCXY1l5fENDc39x0Ewu1plVgZ9puNhdKFumOfS35HCiX81VqOiTo4Km/s400/CIMG2774.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dispersed camping (wish I had a van and an rv and $ to pay for gas)</td></tr>
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Either way, we rolled in at dark, so we missed the much better campsites closer to Twin Lakes Road, and camped in a big ol’ dirt parking lot where we could hear the creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An elderly gentleman kindly offered us his riverside truck camping spot in the morning, and we kindly thanked him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always meet such kind retired folk on the Humboldt-Toiyabe. What a great group of recreationists.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yg4fqUmXUofY2hapkfk9hkDcfHpsJBxUGFxofJGdb3OsslKYrUiQrMQfqjZ8vCLeHokb66wiCAfdD_4CYwNSu6KwxEe8rJhNaNsrJth4-cg5MuHST14s9LUctO-tb4Vqd6hHOvk32xoh/s1600/CIMG2760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yg4fqUmXUofY2hapkfk9hkDcfHpsJBxUGFxofJGdb3OsslKYrUiQrMQfqjZ8vCLeHokb66wiCAfdD_4CYwNSu6KwxEe8rJhNaNsrJth4-cg5MuHST14s9LUctO-tb4Vqd6hHOvk32xoh/s320/CIMG2760.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Source of the hot springs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTir95FlqrrBczgqOtlzLKmxYFvRdWdUxnXBsBsJKwhj5wstKfJWErMRrhsS6QaHluK62OsEksORqU77dWqdhNz7c-kvCmteqKUNKjFL4i0qI-fWBX8mVAPqWmGQneTHlujHDXcO14U2s/s1600/CIMG2769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTir95FlqrrBczgqOtlzLKmxYFvRdWdUxnXBsBsJKwhj5wstKfJWErMRrhsS6QaHluK62OsEksORqU77dWqdhNz7c-kvCmteqKUNKjFL4i0qI-fWBX8mVAPqWmGQneTHlujHDXcO14U2s/s400/CIMG2769.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking from one tub to another over the rocks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJorf_HJKFHl6aT7pbqUR1ov49dhZCuOMz-ZcgMXt0M_FIsYkhdZ_ukPuUaDVA2r5eI_3h1dWprQnCOE7pD02JBBdrSm0r2pwdrHErbLSrsd3FhXUKOBP1oiGfw51mmph6_kB_ckTBQdX/s1600/CIMG2767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJorf_HJKFHl6aT7pbqUR1ov49dhZCuOMz-ZcgMXt0M_FIsYkhdZ_ukPuUaDVA2r5eI_3h1dWprQnCOE7pD02JBBdrSm0r2pwdrHErbLSrsd3FhXUKOBP1oiGfw51mmph6_kB_ckTBQdX/s400/CIMG2767.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jump in the cold Buckeye Creek water if you want</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDGeh1epPaAwu7VZn0cWHsxnBghOzHxNGFfvnPlKsx5Iy9j2aN-MzuPwjNtKhoit70pi-iiIWppcPELlEocfBx1pBjWl5ET6XACOs_KIZ5FYwoOcXENLQ_vAG5NijzDZt8QZpFmGv5K3T/s1600/CIMG2776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDGeh1epPaAwu7VZn0cWHsxnBghOzHxNGFfvnPlKsx5Iy9j2aN-MzuPwjNtKhoit70pi-iiIWppcPELlEocfBx1pBjWl5ET6XACOs_KIZ5FYwoOcXENLQ_vAG5NijzDZt8QZpFmGv5K3T/s640/CIMG2776.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drive back to Bridgeport<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQcgEPahU7GT0EdCj-weNGKR0aGNo37t-0jOMeSSXGg5UhP8UiyqIgfZaecXgADFkaAcBGKf3m4XjmdZqeMn9KJvBWI4fCqFwtgHuXskKqN-dHNz5pS_xotfkvcdAM1MpsBRl1oJt25EC/s1600/CIMG2783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQcgEPahU7GT0EdCj-weNGKR0aGNo37t-0jOMeSSXGg5UhP8UiyqIgfZaecXgADFkaAcBGKf3m4XjmdZqeMn9KJvBWI4fCqFwtgHuXskKqN-dHNz5pS_xotfkvcdAM1MpsBRl1oJt25EC/s400/CIMG2783.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Since we didn’t explore for a hidden hot spring, we had time for another wish of mine. Pie.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">One oatmeal packet for breakfast isn’t enough.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Silver Lake Resort and Campground’s piemaker was on location. </span></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdq3l9V-LE2vYzQxF4vlx7T3xTN-R4YZth3aOyLeWaWCtGT7heQ5rrC60XzHcb0bpT04FIX-GULI9G43xIj5hkPxClyJXGFehxAN4ZrSRsL_Z5okE6oqigbcHtiVcVQhGorxOYasfjbeik/s1600/CIMG2780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdq3l9V-LE2vYzQxF4vlx7T3xTN-R4YZth3aOyLeWaWCtGT7heQ5rrC60XzHcb0bpT04FIX-GULI9G43xIj5hkPxClyJXGFehxAN4ZrSRsL_Z5okE6oqigbcHtiVcVQhGorxOYasfjbeik/s400/CIMG2780.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marionberry pie at Silver Lake Resort</td></tr>
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“marionberry”, “strawberry rhubarb- made with local organic ingredients”, and she picked up the blackboard and added, “apple crumb”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a moment I was so sure she was going to cross off one of the berry pies, like they do at Pie in the Sky at Rock Creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adding a pie; how wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I was so tired after my whirlwind Tahoe tour, that I somehow mustered up energy to bike along Pumice Flats with a co-worker and her Koala Bear. Biking feels great on the knee. Boy, I sure hope I can mountain bike in the fal<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-5839012241033581852012-05-13T04:38:00.000-04:002012-10-23T21:37:51.482-04:00My "Guest Post From the West Coast"Last week I sent in a fairly personal blog post to my good friends at <a href="http://www.mybackcountryvermont.com/" target="_blank">My Backcountry Vermont</a> . I sometimes have an issue with being too personal, but once in a while it's okay. I still don't like using iphoto because I can never remember the best way to send the photo files, so they came out a bit small... so I reposted the blog and made the photos bigger.<br />
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Introducing our newest guest blogger, Silvia, for our first edition of <i>Guest Post from the West Coast</i>! This is a great reminder to live in the present. And, Silvia, I, too dream of someday living out of a car -- a vintage vw van, actually. ( :<br />
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Peace from the East,<br />
Sarah<br />
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<i>Author’s Note: I wanted my first “Guest Post from the West Coast” to be about adventure. However, I recently tore my right ACL (did it last year to my left knee in a stupid telemarking breathtaking view type situation) backcountry skiing Mount Gould in the Central Sierra. I can write a post about that later. So as a now “ACL-less” person, I’d rather talk about something else for now. I’m not sure who will read this, as I typically don’t write blogs this long, nor with footnotes.</i><br />
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A few Wednesdays ago was a day of thought and revelation- more so than most days. I sat in the library nearly all day clicking through options for how to pay for grad school, and looking up other school and job options. It wasn’t necessarily a day where I accomplished much professionally. I did manage to check out the first book I grabbed while taking a stretch break. Oddly, it was by Vermont author, Chris Bohjalian. I found a little bit of comfort in that. I am not quite sure I’ll finish it before the two weeks is up, but I’m really good at starting things lately. I’ll have to work on the finishing part.</div>
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It was a dreary day in this little and soon-to-be bankrupt town of Mammoth Lakes, CA. A town with lots of black bears eating fearful tourists' fish and garbage, people from L.A. wearing their botox, tight pants, and ray bans, and a bunch of adventure loving freaks such as myself. People flock to the Sierras to soak up, encapsulate the beauty, and revel in the Range of Light, and rightly so. I am by no means as adventurous as I’d like to be, nor as adventurous as people I know. I admire all the feats the brave residents and wanderers of the Sierras partake in. I think for me it is a warming up process, and a what-injury-will-I-get-now-that-both-my-knees-are-bad process. </div>
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Some of my family and friends at home don’t understand the dirtbag lifestyle of the West. It’s almost that time of year where multiple rv’s, old station wagons and vans, pimped out vans, and the like start touring through more than they do in winter. I remember being excited to see who would show up next and driving what when I worked at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center. Granted some of these folk are taking their lifetime dream trip, but a good share are seasonal workers, or people who have saved up, quit their job, retired, laid off, and in general are taking life by the horns with whatever funds they have or havenot. You get one of everything here. I have a list that is so long of the things I want to do in the Sierras that will take a decade at least, and I may never make it to British Columbia! Maybe I need to live out of a car bigger than the one I own someday<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8803694452918704947" name="_ftnref" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[1]</span></a>. The idea of a house and garden is getting nicer sounding everyday, though. </div>
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If you know me, you know that right about now is where I remember I am trying to make a point. So, this revelation, you see, came after a night of visiting multiple hot springs and a morning of sleeping in (til 11!). Just about 4pm, my van friend and I were getting frustrated with the library and took the path from the library to a dirt path along Mammoth Creek. Just in case my PT has time to read this, it was an “even” surface. The sky was an indigo blue toward the Glass Mountains and Long Valley Caldera<a href="https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/?ui=2&ik=4cb7ae431c&view=att&th=137364e48e229f4c&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=f_h21ocxlz0&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P8_I3RKJtwg_HO548GhbZ5u&sadet=1336657903365&sads=UkQjf59TyRbzAzZ0d2E584InZX8&sadssc=1#0.1__ftn2" name="0.1__ftnref" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;" title="">[2]</a>. Fog and low-lying clouds were settling in the Sherwin Creek drainage (drains into Mammoth Creek). We both wanted to walk closer to the creek. I mentioned my fear of drowning, but that I am drawn to water to calm me down and give me solace. We sat on a rock with some pussy willow shrubs blocking the view of the creek, but the sound of the lively water was the background of our conversation.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxt7nGudlaZfGeACPJU3GPZP2TM1BRdxQDO2TdaPrJdrFj-IXUCnMGwYUvbodfQ_0urLhffzjQ0sIB5MMlicUeJvg9xfhF2wJi5Od8Era18vDVkWYMidII9LgFKAu92870Sw-2javhHM9z/s1600/CIMG2614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxt7nGudlaZfGeACPJU3GPZP2TM1BRdxQDO2TdaPrJdrFj-IXUCnMGwYUvbodfQ_0urLhffzjQ0sIB5MMlicUeJvg9xfhF2wJi5Od8Era18vDVkWYMidII9LgFKAu92870Sw-2javhHM9z/s320/CIMG2614.JPG" width="320" /></a>It started to sprinkle. Rain doesn’t happen a lot here, and we just sat in it for a few minutes. It wasn’t anything to be concerned with. We decided to walk back. That’s when the most beautiful rainbow I’ve seen appeared. Nestled at the base of the Sherwin Range and extending into the Long Valley Caldera. It was stunning. Perhaps I’ve been watching too much of the Wonder Years lately<a href="https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/?ui=2&ik=4cb7ae431c&view=att&th=137364e48e229f4c&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=f_h21ocxlz0&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P8_I3RKJtwg_HO548GhbZ5u&sadet=1336657903365&sads=UkQjf59TyRbzAzZ0d2E584InZX8&sadssc=1#0.1__ftn3" name="0.1__ftnref" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;" title="">[3]</a>, and everything is making me nostalgic and sappy. Logically, this rainbow appeared because of the weather, but there is religious symbolism to rainbows. I could start asking, “What does this mean?” but I’m pretty sure our neighbor in Yosemite did that on YouTube last year.<br />
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To me, the slight melancholy feeling I’ve been having regarding what is next in my life is nothing new. It happens every spring before the seasonal transition. As Real Deal Matt Beal said in college once, “you are always looking for jobs.” It still holds true today. I achieved my career goal of the USFS, but there isn’t much advancement for me without furthering my studies or somehow finding another in. So debating whether to go into debt to get a Masters degree instead of hoping to move up the ladder is a big deal. Moving is a big deal. Establishing residency or not is a big deal. Insurance and where it is based out of is a big deal. Insurance companies don’t understand seasonal workers move where the jobs are and can’t keep switching insurance all the time, nor switching residency. In a way the government is creating a health care problem by having seasonal workers with no benefits. It is frustrating getting no support from your employer and hassle from insurance. Either way, I came to California on a whim after listening to that Led Zepplin song<a href="https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/?ui=2&ik=4cb7ae431c&view=att&th=137364e48e229f4c&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=f_h21ocxlz0&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P8_I3RKJtwg_HO548GhbZ5u&sadet=1336657903365&sads=UkQjf59TyRbzAzZ0d2E584InZX8&sadssc=1#0.1__ftn4" name="0.1__ftnref" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;" title="">[4]</a> and I like it here.<br />
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The revelation by the creek was simply: I have to consider that current present situations may affect my decisions. I cannot get so stuck in the future as I tend to. I have to think about it and be actively pursuing it, but make sure I sit on a rock and enjoy the present once in a while. We all need those reminders sometimes.<br />
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Studying for the GRE exam in my tent and hiking all summer as a Wilderness Ranger gave me plenty of time to reflect and revel. A dream job some say. A job I was fortunate to get. A job I cannot perform this year because I need to give my knees a break after multiple injuries to them since moving here. I had a lot of opportunity to think about what I like to do and don’t like to do while backpacking in the wilderness. I still don’t know what my dream job is, but I’m sure it’ll appear someday. The seasonality of my resume is still a problem<a href="https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/?ui=2&ik=4cb7ae431c&view=att&th=137364e48e229f4c&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=f_h21ocxlz0&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P8_I3RKJtwg_HO548GhbZ5u&sadet=1336657903365&sads=UkQjf59TyRbzAzZ0d2E584InZX8&sadssc=1#0.1__ftn5" name="0.1__ftnref" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;" title="">[5]</a>, but I’m not quite sure how to solve that. Which is why we sat by the creek that day. To talk about life and listen to what the water had to say.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1utn8Nj6eSPYd1Yiem67hHarOYJwKxd1Ia_6fV43D14HohJILuCetO36LKGbl_1tVyS1BmbCGwzCYY2XZsxlmwNfInsrpP9t15ni7CKTuBdzUjH9QZn76kzIuJz5uiy_u0MGpaPZRCgG/s1600/IMGP0700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1utn8Nj6eSPYd1Yiem67hHarOYJwKxd1Ia_6fV43D14HohJILuCetO36LKGbl_1tVyS1BmbCGwzCYY2XZsxlmwNfInsrpP9t15ni7CKTuBdzUjH9QZn76kzIuJz5uiy_u0MGpaPZRCgG/s400/IMGP0700.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great place to reflect and plan. There was a river below too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCATVaxY3YDSv6fFZnXftCUfmXiX8v7UF68cc_jl0eCZ5uXsvvaq8QPOI43Ri06YjHQL7VU7EbXdRozvFGqhT-HuxZ22v-y6NP-X6NcQxks7iMG7UZVu00TOAPLs2dGFuPV3fv_VnGxg0/s1600/IMGP0550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCATVaxY3YDSv6fFZnXftCUfmXiX8v7UF68cc_jl0eCZ5uXsvvaq8QPOI43Ri06YjHQL7VU7EbXdRozvFGqhT-HuxZ22v-y6NP-X6NcQxks7iMG7UZVu00TOAPLs2dGFuPV3fv_VnGxg0/s400/IMGP0550.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Never-Ending Hill" (Driveway Trail)- a great time to reflect and plan.<br />
Carson-Iceberg Wilderness<br />
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrNOTEp3Slm6-VMfg0St-_CQWKs-MiiSLxUWRY_34WBqWLesI0cmce4w2FTIuyL-TrAw8YZAD-Kgf5gPqFKdTvB3XnK9xqiJO-sB4Wg-xI6r0_Qr1gLcGXQFkIHWy9bvQ4dU4czfEkAx_/s1600/CIMG2645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrNOTEp3Slm6-VMfg0St-_CQWKs-MiiSLxUWRY_34WBqWLesI0cmce4w2FTIuyL-TrAw8YZAD-Kgf5gPqFKdTvB3XnK9xqiJO-sB4Wg-xI6r0_Qr1gLcGXQFkIHWy9bvQ4dU4czfEkAx_/s640/CIMG2645.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never can take too many photos of the scenery out here.<br />
Mammoth Crest and Mammoth Mountain itself</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11px; text-align: center;">Calderas are great for hot springs and reflecting and planning.</td></tr>
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We all need reminders sometimes. I am thankful for my past, as it has led me to my present, and will help me define my future. I just have to remember to take a moment to embrace the now.<br />
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If you need any inspiration about living in the present please read this: <a href="http://adventuresportsjournal.com/uncategorized/racing-blind-how-one-person-is-changing-what%27s-possible-on-a-mountain-bike" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://adventuresportsjournal.<wbr></wbr>com/uncategorized/racing-<wbr></wbr>blind-how-one-person-is-<wbr></wbr>changing-what’s-possible-on-a-<wbr></wbr>mountain-bike</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Footnotes:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">[1] I ponder living out of cars, because my friend visiting lived out of his van all last winter in the Sierras, and did a fair share of couch-surfing at friends’ houses as well. Some people do it year round.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">[2] The Long Valley Caldera is one of the biggest calderas in the world. A caldera is a basin-shaped volcanic depression involving magma giving way underneath. <a href="http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/long_valley/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/<wbr></wbr>volcanoes/long_valley/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">[3] Season 1 has a lot of Joni Mitchell to make you feel like you’re missing something. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">[4] It was a job offer. Sorry LZ.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">[5] I remember Kip asked me that at ORS. Sorry Kip! Adventure called! I miss you all!</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-14908536341502862222012-03-21T02:19:00.002-04:002012-10-23T22:07:47.798-04:00Huggins the Cat<blockquote class="tr_bq">A month ago, every night for a week before I was to be home, our 16 year-old cat, Huggins, had been sleeping at the head of my bed. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_InbzU3ybniCJsAz60XOeZAOz8-9QNidiLvtbVWoAmvedqnTWQF894Wn7UGPw3TFdMUmGICpl5IPkJaYWnQvbkgmXWL8m__8MIw8UBRxeTZiiIvEZXsMEKqyW51KXyp7qruOn91vuRVE/s1600/huggie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_InbzU3ybniCJsAz60XOeZAOz8-9QNidiLvtbVWoAmvedqnTWQF894Wn7UGPw3TFdMUmGICpl5IPkJaYWnQvbkgmXWL8m__8MIw8UBRxeTZiiIvEZXsMEKqyW51KXyp7qruOn91vuRVE/s320/huggie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catnap in the living room rays of sunshine</td></tr>
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"She hasn't done that in a while. She must know you're coming home."</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">After I left, she didn't go back into my room. It's interesting how these things work. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">The past few days she hasn't eaten, and is dehydrated and uninterested at making her funny chattering noises at the birds in the window. She wouldn't leave one chair until someone came home. </blockquote><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhmPTOWdkANzfjiigTg6bTvNh4Iy6AE2RDziB9ycgiLA42DGWoT3NyMKqlykzQmkTxJDpwTgtzZXUsYwhgqiSDUZwqyZuEABtYVNov7KLstjv6rmp1VxZ1uVaXyeL_2C4Y7rSw5JhXl6T/s1600/Huggins+by+Silvia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhmPTOWdkANzfjiigTg6bTvNh4Iy6AE2RDziB9ycgiLA42DGWoT3NyMKqlykzQmkTxJDpwTgtzZXUsYwhgqiSDUZwqyZuEABtYVNov7KLstjv6rmp1VxZ1uVaXyeL_2C4Y7rSw5JhXl6T/s400/Huggins+by+Silvia.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was an artist once</td></tr>
</tbody></table><blockquote class="tr_bq">"She purred a little bit last night. I think she's been suffering and we just didn't know it...I think she waiting until she saw you one more time."</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"> Huggins was put to rest tonight and buried next to Sunny the Cat, with the blue rabbits foot that I got in elementary school next to her. My poor mother. The bonds we make with our pets. The years of our lives they represent. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"></blockquote><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq"></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"></blockquote><div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-54105830659293234112012-03-20T23:09:00.001-04:002012-10-23T21:35:58.555-04:00Kneading Dough to Pass the TimeA recent spacebook update from my USFS friend in Mammoth reminded me I haven't quite finished this post. I have led the life of a hermit... or a hermitress this winter and I want to explain why.<br />
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Traditionally in college, when I wanted to get away (from my thoughts) I'd borrow someone's dog or dogs, or start baking, ride my bike, or I'd just do things by myself or with one or two of the same people. Having a conversation over a cup of coffee and horrible "cider" today with someone I haven't seen in ages reminded me of how time flies and it's so great to catch up with old friends. I haven't been purposefully trying to be anti-social, but merely, that after a summer of wandering the wilderness in a job I was so lucky to have, I needed time to further reflect on where I am going.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking North toward Ebbetts Pass.<br />
Love this trail shot. Where am I going? Where does it go?</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a>After being away for work for six months, it was nice, but hard to integrate back into Mammoth. Having jobs the past four years that primarily revolved around customer service it was nice to have some solitude this season. Somedays at work this season I really wished I wasn't in the quiet. Somedays I really wished I wasn't wiped out from hiking and could go meet new biking folk in Tahoe, or go to show without feeling the need to fall asleep at 2100. The solitude was a blessing and a curse, but it is something I really appreciate having. I saw some amazingly quiet and beautiful places.<br />
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Perhaps the desire for solitude carried over into my winter. To be honest, I've been fairly content nordic skiing by myself, taking my friends' dogs out, <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/rustic-sourdough-bread-recipe" target="_blank">baking bread</a>, and checking in with Mary to see what we may do or not do with our day. It's nice to have some seasonal folk for friends. We are simply looking to use our degrees, perhaps be provided government housing, and enjoy our days off to the fullest and keep people recreating in our forest or lands. We bond over our outdoor adventures, observations on the "Forest", job-seeking uncertainty, and gear-obsession.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Snowy Knoll I wished I'd skied up and down.<br />
Snowshoeing is SLOW in fresh deep pow. Great for my knee!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tz1Kf0ditjQHxvSFKWl4xbjhYUiy8AEsjFaT0gzQfL33XUmCwVqcd63n20vY8dRFKzWBlCcTupRZgNvFFSPnRoXmgqlJVzxWh-8ehjYJVaNteH8kPCPbmUDUO4kFT0flLTd84ZR9wwvu/s1600/CIMG2419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tz1Kf0ditjQHxvSFKWl4xbjhYUiy8AEsjFaT0gzQfL33XUmCwVqcd63n20vY8dRFKzWBlCcTupRZgNvFFSPnRoXmgqlJVzxWh-8ehjYJVaNteH8kPCPbmUDUO4kFT0flLTd84ZR9wwvu/s320/CIMG2419.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade sourdough actually taste great as french toast.<br />
Smokey Bear agrees.</td></tr>
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I sadly (and happily) just skied my first powder day of the year, as I was away the other few days of powder. I'm still not great at going fast, skiing bumps, or skiing steeps. I'm always the last one back at the lift line. I am so thankful for way back when, when <a href="http://www.bealadventures.com/" target="_blank">Real Deal MB</a> kept pushing me to ski challenging terrain even if I threatened him with my ski poles. Right now, let me tell you- I'm not pushing any boundaries. I had so much fun skiing lately despite not going as often as I could. I want to be the strongest I can and improve and stop skiing timidly because of my knee.<br />
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Despite my 'shoulda-couldas', all I really want is to shake this unsettling, and difficult "what's next" feeling. Once I do that I think everything else will feel more natural and more purposeful. I wouldn't take back moving here for anything, but I need to define where my life is. That has been the biggest personal obstacle I've felt since this summer. I remember RDMB also saying to me once, "all you do is apply for jobs". Some things never change.<br />
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(If you even have read this far, then you must be my mom or a really close friend).<br />
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Upon all this reflecting on "what's next", I have realized a simple concept- <b>direction in life is what you make it. You are either content with what you are doing and where you are or you are not. </b> So much seems to be riding on a long seven to eight days from now until I hear about the only other Grad program (It takes a lot to apply to schools) I applied to. Then I'll have an idea about my summer and fall.<br />
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Until then, I'll continue with my distractions, (it's Biathlon time in Mammoth and volunteering with the adaptive program!) I can't guarantee I'll be more social, but I will try.<div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-67429959685382619132012-02-25T13:57:00.002-05:002012-10-23T22:01:25.746-04:00In the land of apple cider doughnuts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I used my last Mardi Gras costume contest plane ticket (thanks <a href="http://www.therafters.com/" target="_blank">Rafters</a> of Mammoth Lakes) that I won and went home to Vermont for a few weeks. I forgot my camera charger, but I did take a few photos. I really needed Vermont time. A time to see good friends and family and new babies. I also visited UNH and UVM to see about their Graduate programs. I almost got to SUNY Cortland. It was fun to be in the Boston area a few days and learn I'm not so great with the train schedules, and spend time (or try to) with some great long-time friends from home and college.</div>
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Many times when I visited my parents in Southern VT, even when I lived in Vermont- I wanted to see everyone I knew and do everything I could. That is virtually impossible. Even though I had more time this visit, I still didn't accomplish seeing everyone and doing everything. Next time. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A foggy view of the Green Mountains/ Appalachian Trail ridges from Mt. Anthony hike with Mom.</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a>There is nothing like a room full of familiar faces to dance to Devil Makes Three with, or a the shine of skis and headlamps over a farm field in search of snow, nor the quiet solo moment of a trail run (no snow) in my backyard of the Green Mountain National Forest. Even just sitting at home on the couch with your family and the woodstove is a rare and savored moment. <br />
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I want to explore more of the West. But I really want to dig my own dirt, and decorate my own house with art work, and hang my bikes and skis in my own garage somewhere in New England. Someday I'm sure. Thanks all for the great visit. Even if it was on the phone.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice afternoon for a hybrid 4 mile uphill bike ride to Wildstone Farm. Thanks for letting me<br />
use your bike Dad. Note the old school backpack. It got the job done.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUk8zaIkw_HsgDsQmoNwO-ufJo2D81nNwIZRlKrFh-M6o8K6-QhLfOAQenEJRyUIoEkpnG4nEIGl0uPeCvekTw_l6vbOa34uQPngQY9Qy_9FbVE5E51S-LcLB0gayJ9NLKpIqv231lTTPa/s1600/CIMG2322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUk8zaIkw_HsgDsQmoNwO-ufJo2D81nNwIZRlKrFh-M6o8K6-QhLfOAQenEJRyUIoEkpnG4nEIGl0uPeCvekTw_l6vbOa34uQPngQY9Qy_9FbVE5E51S-LcLB0gayJ9NLKpIqv231lTTPa/s400/CIMG2322.JPG" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chickennnnsss</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6xpwIOdzZD5NRs8KlP9j5LjhAqrAz5XkaX0n_qVYzP3VGAFOjQ21HEzP9bNOqUYr9eJlQD1W9cr8zAxoCZN8lSlrgCiTZQUOXUqd7-ltVVy7T_9hyQqo2P2scpnWUuBoQZsdW0iRlFvl/s1600/CIMG2323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6xpwIOdzZD5NRs8KlP9j5LjhAqrAz5XkaX0n_qVYzP3VGAFOjQ21HEzP9bNOqUYr9eJlQD1W9cr8zAxoCZN8lSlrgCiTZQUOXUqd7-ltVVy7T_9hyQqo2P2scpnWUuBoQZsdW0iRlFvl/s640/CIMG2323.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dome and no snow at Wildstone Farm. Pownal, VT.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9x_KiP7VKsofYHyVBaLTr3IMFlEvOq14OkejrlkMDiYgcxA7qAaMmP0wTvJ10zqK00ztNXPQ9QkbQcUOuAkvRm0Lxru68BVFohxxNiEQfjw_SRG93RKslWn1wJXtu9uz6dEjWRDwRirC/s1600/CIMG2324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9x_KiP7VKsofYHyVBaLTr3IMFlEvOq14OkejrlkMDiYgcxA7qAaMmP0wTvJ10zqK00ztNXPQ9QkbQcUOuAkvRm0Lxru68BVFohxxNiEQfjw_SRG93RKslWn1wJXtu9uz6dEjWRDwRirC/s400/CIMG2324.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All I really came home for was the cider doughnuts...to eat them and apply to Grad school at Onion River Sports. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZELzwS7mcSERzcV2pEvx66JxLmn9b2UVoQJkzXpx69-J_8GFFmUxOGqh6bnUV2bw43FUapfhE03xjHblLZjQ5Xro7BlcbHob35UcRHOWoKfsUFlL7bjVftNynyBJK6UIqQloiRqtn6psH/s1600/CIMG2329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZELzwS7mcSERzcV2pEvx66JxLmn9b2UVoQJkzXpx69-J_8GFFmUxOGqh6bnUV2bw43FUapfhE03xjHblLZjQ5Xro7BlcbHob35UcRHOWoKfsUFlL7bjVftNynyBJK6UIqQloiRqtn6psH/s640/CIMG2329.JPG" width="532" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ducks walking on the river ice. Montpelier, VT</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQOErL7P3TTQyODspLaj8AXRXbTDeIXwPJRQNv0HKxzGlEGwpVnEy9P260lSpChgAP91ifghfT5oyF_pMjbSdPxrtWRnjiYYA7Wu80ikxhKdCMSLj4uCAo7fp3RKomJnY_PnVP2QO4BrJ/s1600/CIMG2332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQOErL7P3TTQyODspLaj8AXRXbTDeIXwPJRQNv0HKxzGlEGwpVnEy9P260lSpChgAP91ifghfT5oyF_pMjbSdPxrtWRnjiYYA7Wu80ikxhKdCMSLj4uCAo7fp3RKomJnY_PnVP2QO4BrJ/s400/CIMG2332.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Montpelier Valentine's Day Phantom sure knows how to place the hearts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxeXzmNparO6iNAX73-zCYT1QZUjIUgmmdMxmpj7SU8MmOiWFHPlIOlHbdBmxQgphJ3H2dhTI7IAy6izbzeDALSevm010_kXbWdpdbzjUa4tLETaz14skJaFsDOEHBk2ieG1jmxxMEpAZ/s1600/CIMG2339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxeXzmNparO6iNAX73-zCYT1QZUjIUgmmdMxmpj7SU8MmOiWFHPlIOlHbdBmxQgphJ3H2dhTI7IAy6izbzeDALSevm010_kXbWdpdbzjUa4tLETaz14skJaFsDOEHBk2ieG1jmxxMEpAZ/s640/CIMG2339.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First flight in daylight over Mono Lake (aside from the crappy view on my flight to Boston)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SSosRLeY85_rJQxeM0OaeS9qCvu3mGs6zn6cKYjwCYNBXU7L3g-cU4OtZrAl676ZKN4cpXG5wa09COQm86PiPZ_E0iuVC7QqOQhEHcH5LfM4OBeTBfMjv98n_PtXnZ1y2iZQwXAS_zUD/s1600/CIMG2341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SSosRLeY85_rJQxeM0OaeS9qCvu3mGs6zn6cKYjwCYNBXU7L3g-cU4OtZrAl676ZKN4cpXG5wa09COQm86PiPZ_E0iuVC7QqOQhEHcH5LfM4OBeTBfMjv98n_PtXnZ1y2iZQwXAS_zUD/s640/CIMG2341.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First view of the Sierras North from Mono Lake toward Bridgeport, CA.</td></tr>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-77200789351257475092011-12-08T03:23:00.003-05:002012-10-23T21:37:31.420-04:00Glass Mountain Trek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Glass Mountain Summit</div>
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11,160', 3,402m</div>
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12.07.11</div>
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We don't need to be on the Humboldt-Toiyabe to get things done.</div>
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What two Backcountry HT Ladies decided to do instead of ski the groomers. </div>
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There was some snow on the "official" cross country route, so we planned our own route which eventually met up with the cross country route. We found it once we were almost to the summit.</div>
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All in all, it is one of the distinct peaks in the Glass Mountain Range that can be seen when in the Long Valley Caldera, and if looking Southeast from Mammoth. The route we took was mainly soft pumice, and soft-silty soil mixed with pine needles. As we got higher, the pumice got a bit bigger in size. It was a great calf-building exercise. I recommend trekking poles and microspikes. It got to be snowy and frozen granular at the summit. What a fun day!</div>
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<a href="http://www.summitpost.org/glass-mountain/682716" target="_blank">Summit Post's Write-up</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2t7pz-88TslqFULiGDgrmBR-LE7mqfzO8DL-0kXVsVhYN1_f7QMZEja2Lm6qh37t88gj7MzOrAEQiLHymRakW5fyKs6Uca2ADrEivzCKIr8cewA9dzK_dKFvyOwu58sXzbpyMRrHquyO/s1600/CIMG2250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2t7pz-88TslqFULiGDgrmBR-LE7mqfzO8DL-0kXVsVhYN1_f7QMZEja2Lm6qh37t88gj7MzOrAEQiLHymRakW5fyKs6Uca2ADrEivzCKIr8cewA9dzK_dKFvyOwu58sXzbpyMRrHquyO/s640/CIMG2250.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heidi taking photos<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZbAd9vTzcujxkjZzl6xKhSAunLcWqmx81w4t68QygljxkvKyfW3VWiUlGxLRr-1fh4ThheItAkdVZMKd7tcMXEot8rUpDTFM8_6jwBIjzzy7R2_oRzgCT_HA7rjRJCChjrGGqVugihKd/s1600/GlassMTRegister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZbAd9vTzcujxkjZzl6xKhSAunLcWqmx81w4t68QygljxkvKyfW3VWiUlGxLRr-1fh4ThheItAkdVZMKd7tcMXEot8rUpDTFM8_6jwBIjzzy7R2_oRzgCT_HA7rjRJCChjrGGqVugihKd/s400/GlassMTRegister.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Register and view toward Boundary and Montgomery Peaks (East)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Minerets and the whole Sierra Range up to Tioga Pass in<br />
distance looking North from the summit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHJug_1oiACIwPUliu2JV0MhQ5EjpoUgiZYUBR442w97GWYwzb9CUyHFlusK4O36KZ5q9bgS6sW7Yn-bYSlwYQ1Glp6RxLQAXXzx8S0_FzMZqfmfwD96Qa4OXgzBOdzt4GdxOYZXxMQlW/s1600/GlassMTPpano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHJug_1oiACIwPUliu2JV0MhQ5EjpoUgiZYUBR442w97GWYwzb9CUyHFlusK4O36KZ5q9bgS6sW7Yn-bYSlwYQ1Glp6RxLQAXXzx8S0_FzMZqfmfwD96Qa4OXgzBOdzt4GdxOYZXxMQlW/s640/GlassMTPpano.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I need to be patient and practice photo stitching once I get my own program.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNokqCwEuuYq8lYlRHgAlLiLIl9OF9ysCuenvRKHktpj4psOFkSVU4ldGO7vdPstnGY3TX8DpgVW68gfByG53KoixYFQ_I8WGWqOw8W_lava2XDZhezQXmpuEkUcRS_GS4pNDD3Tzx_dy_/s1600/CIMG2255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNokqCwEuuYq8lYlRHgAlLiLIl9OF9ysCuenvRKHktpj4psOFkSVU4ldGO7vdPstnGY3TX8DpgVW68gfByG53KoixYFQ_I8WGWqOw8W_lava2XDZhezQXmpuEkUcRS_GS4pNDD3Tzx_dy_/s640/CIMG2255.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking into the caldera/Benton Crossing Road/Hotsprings area<br />
and beyond to the McGee/Convict/Laurel Canyon areas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QyAdZDIyr9qIlCNq7tbpLuGFNYnug_2RyTi6DKf-MPCaL8Wk4iGjv79zG1CmW4zqUuo0cxDbuTdkSpX5Fk7fAYR5Qv1RiGjrHH2c3G6VERpm8M4OrsoUz3OE_ldzli-YTRO6OP1AYJxe/s1600/CIMG2256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QyAdZDIyr9qIlCNq7tbpLuGFNYnug_2RyTi6DKf-MPCaL8Wk4iGjv79zG1CmW4zqUuo0cxDbuTdkSpX5Fk7fAYR5Qv1RiGjrHH2c3G6VERpm8M4OrsoUz3OE_ldzli-YTRO6OP1AYJxe/s640/CIMG2256.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View South toward the White Mountains (furthest range)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJpvahWmptUtsqxh2TTvyF-GDn9jpJ_rgABcpS0T4hKi2Tb8WKZzD3f8GWGR7TrpFw7YsdVZX-fgR4dPQ39DqY9oxw38dCdmwTFRaWTafDYD3wm4lp_eWNnD7TWbFc7MQW9yoBEFM7uW9/s1600/CIMG2243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJpvahWmptUtsqxh2TTvyF-GDn9jpJ_rgABcpS0T4hKi2Tb8WKZzD3f8GWGR7TrpFw7YsdVZX-fgR4dPQ39DqY9oxw38dCdmwTFRaWTafDYD3wm4lp_eWNnD7TWbFc7MQW9yoBEFM7uW9/s640/CIMG2243.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View East toward Boundary Peak<br />
(NV's highest peak- but it's sister in CA, Montgomery Peak is a hair taller)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQGlwp9M-inHSEhFyQVQqst0_iYqaUBSysrEJS0vZxfbIMSESR8RTuvggcis9OZsN1iAznKVvHz4BI46Um7cB4MnbOGDx_mMAhDeKY3Qxro0ksDmQeQkl4cML8IqUMxLIj7QLgWnyIbhp/s1600/CIMG2257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQGlwp9M-inHSEhFyQVQqst0_iYqaUBSysrEJS0vZxfbIMSESR8RTuvggcis9OZsN1iAznKVvHz4BI46Um7cB4MnbOGDx_mMAhDeKY3Qxro0ksDmQeQkl4cML8IqUMxLIj7QLgWnyIbhp/s640/CIMG2257.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading home sunset and Boundary Peak. </td></tr>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com0Mono, CA, USA37.762997398813425 -118.7061243522460937.137685398813424 -119.61551585224609 38.388309398813426 -117.79673285224609tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-14442863892379857302011-11-13T14:31:00.000-05:002012-10-23T22:10:41.143-04:00Mashed Potatoes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;">A collection of random things I've seen since September on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaOD2h1zdhkuxOFzzxUZAKjEIVCzJ0Qbq-DvnDxpwQHdyE-bZyYmeyPht_5DORgMGMI6O2J-1_XyVHoPUS__2AAIbU4SOowsSlkqMNsACIx2JhT8vmdpyqoiVqWBLYEIpe3uzb917fDzY/s1600/CRD+Hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaOD2h1zdhkuxOFzzxUZAKjEIVCzJ0Qbq-DvnDxpwQHdyE-bZyYmeyPht_5DORgMGMI6O2J-1_XyVHoPUS__2AAIbU4SOowsSlkqMNsACIx2JhT8vmdpyqoiVqWBLYEIpe3uzb917fDzY/s320/CRD+Hat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hat says, "Carson Ranger District, We do it Right the First Time". <br />
Don't know who's hat it was...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0JMrtPNaoA05Yg1pP276mUO3E1lDQzz7Oy-3sKadlat9HFcFqV1UbHZhFgak7JbsRhE2Vqd6RaSTyw-D0j_xkNZ9tIcdzkdV3fbnPmDIIsMGK16ExxE3_uNsz0XsFtJsFVUsrZhQXt2j/s1600/fallbikeart.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0JMrtPNaoA05Yg1pP276mUO3E1lDQzz7Oy-3sKadlat9HFcFqV1UbHZhFgak7JbsRhE2Vqd6RaSTyw-D0j_xkNZ9tIcdzkdV3fbnPmDIIsMGK16ExxE3_uNsz0XsFtJsFVUsrZhQXt2j/s320/fallbikeart.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall Festive Decor at Olympic Bike Shop, Tahoe City, CA</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0b0mmTOthxC86FXvLlZN7N2775im_z-x22DlEaAMnfC2LUT_rXWbS6sXvyqH098VlAUYxyWC1rr4Z_MvzgwKu_2F9M11nilq17x2e78mHg9eRox1bIqEHCJGYiKTzcDiLJEI99P31C7D4/s1600/1017111144-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0b0mmTOthxC86FXvLlZN7N2775im_z-x22DlEaAMnfC2LUT_rXWbS6sXvyqH098VlAUYxyWC1rr4Z_MvzgwKu_2F9M11nilq17x2e78mHg9eRox1bIqEHCJGYiKTzcDiLJEI99P31C7D4/s320/1017111144-00.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking Down the Trailhead Signage with George. Early October. Blue Lakes/Tamarack Lakes PCT Trailhead.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlo6L6p0CD1meh0h8TSRIlMiP_BSRBCe4lN9AL4EmKjQIKTXOLEoK4IuJov3oihmt4pHY8joHmq1RM700iQKhF5P-dgnGJaVv-fLUtr8o2Fu1rKQw1UqbLzkt7bdnURDmS-5kcUeaHjYZ-/s1600/CIMG2191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlo6L6p0CD1meh0h8TSRIlMiP_BSRBCe4lN9AL4EmKjQIKTXOLEoK4IuJov3oihmt4pHY8joHmq1RM700iQKhF5P-dgnGJaVv-fLUtr8o2Fu1rKQw1UqbLzkt7bdnURDmS-5kcUeaHjYZ-/s320/CIMG2191.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woodford wants to stretch too. M and D's Dog. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8U_KuolMqT-z5F5CL4NaSG4tTYgR7MdJdzXnaxtOF9oI_gnLIaW7URMX8fLBf4dqrCP5GxU4mK1JZOUFIzEePgoTjF_xjbwWB_ff4FXU0NT_eij4rAiCaoWy9WADirAKZpo8zooFsVQ0p/s1600/662879683_2370177290_0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8U_KuolMqT-z5F5CL4NaSG4tTYgR7MdJdzXnaxtOF9oI_gnLIaW7URMX8fLBf4dqrCP5GxU4mK1JZOUFIzEePgoTjF_xjbwWB_ff4FXU0NT_eij4rAiCaoWy9WADirAKZpo8zooFsVQ0p/s400/662879683_2370177290_0.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmmm, what did the Black Mountain Hot Shots read this summer? </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGYpZzXCR6oCywFUz6MXd2EFOB4zCl25sc5lA2yMXuvvjzwmud6Hf7AzL1Q02PwgH2O-6D5UXF0SaSgZeF-R3T-afnXqJ_QJL6AXr72QKtWOs8BNX1aJX44moaoPMsDABdXPBzTdVI8JK/s1600/676822968_2420157952_0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGYpZzXCR6oCywFUz6MXd2EFOB4zCl25sc5lA2yMXuvvjzwmud6Hf7AzL1Q02PwgH2O-6D5UXF0SaSgZeF-R3T-afnXqJ_QJL6AXr72QKtWOs8BNX1aJX44moaoPMsDABdXPBzTdVI8JK/s400/676822968_2420157952_0.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contrast... the last day of work after teaching 4th graders about alpine meadows,<br />
George and I dropped off some snowboarder trash (Jib pipes in perfect condition) that was<br />
left at Mt Rose Summit parking. I was horrified by this NV dump.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUM7ggNMN9u8Vyb6IVyb43I1-ff_JPqZ6iF1LW8xbvxlua7V43_P99qq6NFoxuy2hqVlro-BQHUDW9CwQx0jUaMKExsBq288k0fCoxGO_6hByJcdBf8f7kxB81wmy402Jsa-CXaQw6-30F/s1600/blue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUM7ggNMN9u8Vyb6IVyb43I1-ff_JPqZ6iF1LW8xbvxlua7V43_P99qq6NFoxuy2hqVlro-BQHUDW9CwQx0jUaMKExsBq288k0fCoxGO_6hByJcdBf8f7kxB81wmy402Jsa-CXaQw6-30F/s400/blue.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue. That's his name. He rides a bike and has great hair.<br />
As seen at Squaw Valley.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFPjjejeMNBsJHarH1zUOiueGkx4JsgXlb2bQo8psUBmDclyTryfuVu3Bkgwk7422VeYR0ZGoMWho4uVHHSS9NeXkfdbtnH_9NsmrDXyppDsKZ4R5KqBfyif1NMSBz1BPToABPANKgUvd/s1600/nordicneon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFPjjejeMNBsJHarH1zUOiueGkx4JsgXlb2bQo8psUBmDclyTryfuVu3Bkgwk7422VeYR0ZGoMWho4uVHHSS9NeXkfdbtnH_9NsmrDXyppDsKZ4R5KqBfyif1NMSBz1BPToABPANKgUvd/s400/nordicneon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In person these are the most neon "nordical" skis I've seen at a consignment shop.<br />
The Backcountry, Truckee, CA</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7MOk8pWl24KI6KOCqJOjuxj1stb4b3q9jbPm0t3I4YLTXtMRDHIf6SPav1lFEjU2TGqnNtwY1FgYdq5LyzjnSAM4yxyv86CkZMeo0f6isr9MUHVfeIP4E9Ofp9qqBsnL7AAZaRICE70X/s1600/nordicneon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7MOk8pWl24KI6KOCqJOjuxj1stb4b3q9jbPm0t3I4YLTXtMRDHIf6SPav1lFEjU2TGqnNtwY1FgYdq5LyzjnSAM4yxyv86CkZMeo0f6isr9MUHVfeIP4E9Ofp9qqBsnL7AAZaRICE70X/s400/nordicneon2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">neon green sidewalls! They were too tall for me. Even the bindings were neon yellow and pink!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubRj5WnUY8DuN9TVGkIn4rALSobKVu2AriRYGC5z3uW7i6SsfGw9yUAAcNDbVxlzZQxmJ9oa_mnjYXbJx1GWwuiL2F8M9Dx9nv5dhqIRqSqHc96EZC0OAgEiNQLyFOrwGJTGuEj3KLc-N/s1600/treesale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubRj5WnUY8DuN9TVGkIn4rALSobKVu2AriRYGC5z3uW7i6SsfGw9yUAAcNDbVxlzZQxmJ9oa_mnjYXbJx1GWwuiL2F8M9Dx9nv5dhqIRqSqHc96EZC0OAgEiNQLyFOrwGJTGuEj3KLc-N/s400/treesale.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just in case you want to buy a dead tree, I mean, a "Contemporary Tree Trunk" <br />
from Thailand, it'll cost you $895 plus tax.<br />
Seen in a boutique store in Sausilito, CA. I was amazed. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-50203858841807343322011-11-04T03:47:00.000-04:002011-11-04T03:56:47.292-04:00Of Wheels and Used BikesI am in the process of moving and didn't have time to true my front road bike wheel. So I took it to my local bike shop, <a href="http://www.bigdaddysbikeski.com/page6.html">Big Daddy's</a>, in Gardnerville, NV.<br />
<br />
As I opened the door, it made a jingle noise, and I looked down at a bell attached to a 11 tooth chain ring. I reveled in the finer details of life as I walked in to the back to wait by the shop to pick up my wheel.<br />
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As I was waiting to pay, and old man with an accent and a younger Asian woman were asking crazy questions about front baskets, and the phone was ringing and the UPS truck was there. When it rains it pours on a typically non-busy day of the week for a little bike/ski shop. There was the hint of tri-flow in the air. There were new skis on the wall ready for the snow to come. I paid the respectable $10 fee (and he would have done it for me right then and there the day I brought it in) and left a happy customer. <br />
<br />
As I walked out, the bell jangled again, and I stepped out into the crisp, warm fall air of Nevada with a little grin on my face and an ache in my heart for the bike shops of my life that I miss.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWiEg2F83tSN2_1QSi3UZazw_S8Q_M9XLVF1prHKWr0-VIiQagGJ5Ng0N_f7A9ta9zYAQXqS05XcGhGP7GfD-zoBejYe8x2rhHh0pqMsu6dNBxgOuCmueLxE0zt6gBAKGwvDPVQAFlX_A/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWiEg2F83tSN2_1QSi3UZazw_S8Q_M9XLVF1prHKWr0-VIiQagGJ5Ng0N_f7A9ta9zYAQXqS05XcGhGP7GfD-zoBejYe8x2rhHh0pqMsu6dNBxgOuCmueLxE0zt6gBAKGwvDPVQAFlX_A/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Olympic Bike Shop in Tahoe City, CA</td></tr>
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It brought me back to a month ago, when I got to pick out a used bike from a retired couple North of Reno. I had responded to a craigslist ad. I promptly got a phone call from a Southern accented woman. She said, "oh come on up and if you don't like this one, we have many more to choose from. It's my husband's hobby".<br />
<br />
I really wanted the pink GT Tequesta because I love those old GTs. It was for someone with a much shorter inseam than I.<br />
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The husband was somewhat deaf, and the wife had to repeat herself. He insisted on wheeling the bikes out the the road for me to try them. His gait uneven, and myself having worked with the elderly, just hoped he didn't fall and hurt himself.<br />
<br />
After having gone for a spin on a bike that merely distracted me, that I didn't need, as the style was not what I was looking for (baby blue Schwinn 5 speed who's model slips my mind), the wife excitedly told her husband, "Honey, this is the girl that works in the [Wild-ER-nis]." <br />
<br />
Although being hard of hearing, he immediately corrected her pronunciation and wheeled the Schwinn back to the garage.<br />
<br />
"We like going over Ebbetts Pass," she said. "Every year we take our camper and camp near the wilderness." <br />
<br />
"We came from poor roots, and now we couldn't be more blessed," she went on. "We just love to go on trips with our camper and we even buy bikes on our vacation. People can't believe we bring them back with us, but we just love it, " she added.<br />
<br />
They said they get a lot of University of Nevada students coming to pick out bikes, and I'd surely find one I like. The whole back yard was divided up into $100 range bikes, $200 range bikes, and the higher priced bikes.<br />
<br />
"The students like the fixies," the wife said.<br />
<br />
The husband adjusted the bike in the stand that I decided to buy. A Peugot mountain bike, oddly, Made In Canada, just like my other used bike back in VT (A CCM 3 speed bike).<br />
<br />
"Come back next time you're ready to buy a different bike," she said with a sweet smile.<br />
<br />
The husband was all ready to take the front wheel off and try to lift the bike onto my roof, but I insisted I do it.<br />
<br />
"She really knows her stuff, this girl, " he said to his wife.<br />
<br />
I apologized for getting there after dinner, and thanked them for their time.<br />
<br />
"Anytime dear," she said. "We do this for fun. It's his hobby. Good luck with your travels."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't San Fransisco people get their own "Put some fun between your legs" stickers<br />
instead of taking mine off my bike at a music festival? </td></tr>
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If it weren't dark out I would have taken a photo that would adequately have documented this experience.<br />
<br />
Instead I have the photo of the top tube and sticker that I so happily put on my "new" bike for my Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival ride across Golden Gate Bridge. Which on the second day of the event (I surmise) got stolen off my bike by a bike valet, who's job it was to protect my bike. So my next sticker will be "fuckyoubikethief",which my co-worker with the USFS has on her bike. Maybe I'll just have back up of these stickers from Local Motion, if they still make them.<br />
<br />
<b>Oh the places you'll go.</b><br />
<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Sidenote: </b><br />
My used bicycle had thorns in the tires, causing a flat on the Golden Gate Bridge on the way to see my favorite old time country singer, Merle Haggard. Prior to that the rear wheel wasn't in the dropout all the way. We saw 2 1/2 Haggard songs due to me having to keep stopping to pump my tire up.<br />
<br />
With that aside, I still am fond of the retired bicycle fixer-uppers. The fact that they are late 70s or older and still fixing bikes, going on vacations, and using the internet to sell bikes is a big kudos to them from myself.<br />
<br />
We got a tube at the festival from the Luna Chix race manager. Crazyyyyyy. And I now have new tires (from Big Daddy's) and room for 2 of the 3 bikes I have out here on my car.<div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-32193069657308786672011-11-02T14:35:00.000-04:002012-10-23T22:09:48.512-04:00Adventure Cycling Route Network Connecting Public Lands<div><br /></div><div>Very cool.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2011/11/adventure-cycling-route-network.html#.TrGNWMbNyc0.blogger">Adventure Cycling Route Network Connecting Public Lands</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-32257922412474273252011-10-13T20:10:00.000-04:002012-10-23T21:40:37.540-04:00Go Ahead, Jump!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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This is a post about exactly what it sounds like. </div>
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Everywhere I've ever worked, except maybe all the outdoor stores... er I guess not at VYCC... okay maybe just at the Nursing Home I worked at in highschool and part of college... people took "Smoke Breaks". Well Sarah and I, as Carson-Iceberg Wilderness Rangers Extradinare, though Jump Breaks were WAY better. <br />
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As my season comes to an end and I debate what should I be consuming my time with now... a simple Van Halen song may inspire me to just go for it. Whatever it maybe. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt Rose</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stompin' Lake Tahoe</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corral Valley summer bloomin'</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The End of summer!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wolf Creek<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Upper Noble Lake on PCT<br />
me, solo on my last Backpacking Trip as a Ranger this season</td></tr>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-46841671944254197262011-10-06T14:38:00.000-04:002012-10-23T21:40:48.493-04:00Ebbetts Pass SouthI did a 7 or 8 mile mini trip South on Ebbetts Pass to Noble and Asa Lakes. Noble isn't within the Wilderness Boundary, but that's where I camped. The whole time I had "Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros in my head. So play that and enjoy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noble Lakes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone better tell this tadpole that it's going to snow!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyztdJnr9c1FQaPGhE0jLg76ONtOdn7CQOyFGkUh2WDJRTEGwMikz79A31OzYMwm1Yn3HPlKWdU_raA05x01pl6WOS5sbv5BAM4PNH49xnSEQNmaqhOvTWYgeVsSnL_yUJVGW7RNigST0/s1600/IMGP1204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyztdJnr9c1FQaPGhE0jLg76ONtOdn7CQOyFGkUh2WDJRTEGwMikz79A31OzYMwm1Yn3HPlKWdU_raA05x01pl6WOS5sbv5BAM4PNH49xnSEQNmaqhOvTWYgeVsSnL_yUJVGW7RNigST0/s400/IMGP1204.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Noble at sunrise. Like glass.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTa-fSZJ08MPJfVDaP8IkdbirgtpY7iHSJf5GjHaLhN8ZL8sTjvyNqucVrB_ucyEd0NoRC55sCNPYBkAGy8KuPi2by0KXvwFjCYghAr08YnAkMuV6EZOuc-OyFpFqyx_UKJmG_undeo1n/s1600/IMGP1265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTa-fSZJ08MPJfVDaP8IkdbirgtpY7iHSJf5GjHaLhN8ZL8sTjvyNqucVrB_ucyEd0NoRC55sCNPYBkAGy8KuPi2by0KXvwFjCYghAr08YnAkMuV6EZOuc-OyFpFqyx_UKJmG_undeo1n/s400/IMGP1265.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">awesome section of trail around river canyon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNrmD6VXPv-Uw2nL9i0Nb3C_UwvEfJ0yPRIH50nNDnXeh5Pm7os7G9AHvMFNR5b49BcIwspDSj2f8cMG99MDLPGy5kfpRmcoJIxO21T0UyqCisTVlSmk7Q4wrc1mPhCvurS80vid9IQff/s1600/sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNrmD6VXPv-Uw2nL9i0Nb3C_UwvEfJ0yPRIH50nNDnXeh5Pm7os7G9AHvMFNR5b49BcIwspDSj2f8cMG99MDLPGy5kfpRmcoJIxO21T0UyqCisTVlSmk7Q4wrc1mPhCvurS80vid9IQff/s400/sunset.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sunset </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1i2la0sncYxbqldm3AG5R4hWS2w5Bx8y3lZ9E3lkU8PgmIZcG0jlvcXqYiqel2N_sAg9gGqZcA1A3uLRh5X6iRrM6tnqHKlWftMtErtQhxLlDBHAB6Htwc6cB-Xj0CxBV_RkInhGgQGjV/s1600/mosstree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1i2la0sncYxbqldm3AG5R4hWS2w5Bx8y3lZ9E3lkU8PgmIZcG0jlvcXqYiqel2N_sAg9gGqZcA1A3uLRh5X6iRrM6tnqHKlWftMtErtQhxLlDBHAB6Htwc6cB-Xj0CxBV_RkInhGgQGjV/s400/mosstree.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib23T_Q6Enhp77KwSeWvBPoWDry6VtOHAr4BgReYLI9P3oiaWvS1oGGfEACE-4tBDN8l6sp1vAwbHnZ4Q7pkIjJ8ENnc7tCcXgTN3oT_2HPEgpX3uxETZ9ypFeTPZ6Hf5-dzkXwe62wO3R/s1600/snow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib23T_Q6Enhp77KwSeWvBPoWDry6VtOHAr4BgReYLI9P3oiaWvS1oGGfEACE-4tBDN8l6sp1vAwbHnZ4Q7pkIjJ8ENnc7tCcXgTN3oT_2HPEgpX3uxETZ9ypFeTPZ6Hf5-dzkXwe62wO3R/s400/snow.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini Snow Angel for Peace</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCRUTIRhT4tqPi1E-vSIEIF9LOTix1ism1c7CgXBHUBCZi7nTTYrMF507nalx9ZTzc4GcCmV1t2uAn6yDB2mtJYj20Uy_saH0KFUSrXTqqO7ZTT7WbKHVulU-Qg9FRug1fPWpqZtm7y4l/s1600/sundown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCRUTIRhT4tqPi1E-vSIEIF9LOTix1ism1c7CgXBHUBCZi7nTTYrMF507nalx9ZTzc4GcCmV1t2uAn6yDB2mtJYj20Uy_saH0KFUSrXTqqO7ZTT7WbKHVulU-Qg9FRug1fPWpqZtm7y4l/s640/sundown.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunsetting and the light behind my tent (tent is far right)</td></tr>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-68748390044994093772011-10-04T20:48:00.000-04:002012-10-23T21:52:15.971-04:00I went to Maine. Ayut.I went to Maine for the wedding of my two beloved UMaine Alfond Arena friends. I made my way from Boston, up to Dover, NH where a handsome young chap picked me up at the train station and took me out on the town. From there we ventured to a cabin on a lake, then Portland, Maine to TamTam's new house and the Old Port... Where things were SO amazing that we didn't even take photos.<br />
Thanks again to all that helped and made me smile in that branch of the trip! I'll be back. Soon.<br />
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My rental car and I left TamTams and set forth with Maine plates to Belfast, Maine for the wedding of two of my favorite people. It was beautiful and well-thought out, and fun as expected.</div>
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Then I meandered along up through to Orrington and Fields Pond to just see if anything had changed, but the two tall pines still stood. Didn't get to catch up with the Beal's- we tried!!!</div>
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In Orono, Jim and I went biking (with my bike, but a loaner) to hit the root filled trails of bliss. It was mud-tastical. Followed by beer with some of the Rose Bike Crew now and then. And Bicycle Bob missed out on the ride, so maybe we'll have to execute planning better next time.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREITPefX8o3y0IcDk4nNpSlMi5F9g4A-Nfa2oNZ1cwqbucDp8c41nUx9K3V08oQhjUUCKLU77gf_MHmdr1vlH8ZSk8ph5E5aAiqNSH4BVRTecyS8fpIuKZfapymU9CptnXlFptCxGTFtQ/s1600/CIMG1844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREITPefX8o3y0IcDk4nNpSlMi5F9g4A-Nfa2oNZ1cwqbucDp8c41nUx9K3V08oQhjUUCKLU77gf_MHmdr1vlH8ZSk8ph5E5aAiqNSH4BVRTecyS8fpIuKZfapymU9CptnXlFptCxGTFtQ/s400/CIMG1844.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well this was Cambridge, MA the day after the big 4th birthday </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9UAOtOQtTRwODpFkUGeRaftbTDWSYTpPz7_yb3VyguAwOx7IYICsLBYq1MRS7iYkNw1ad2btyyEjAWkBCdgjUoBnrgT_G3QbwwkejAGq7-QHtNcoVk2DMifndWgQAIELmtnuZJxCTBJQ/s1600/CIMG1849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9UAOtOQtTRwODpFkUGeRaftbTDWSYTpPz7_yb3VyguAwOx7IYICsLBYq1MRS7iYkNw1ad2btyyEjAWkBCdgjUoBnrgT_G3QbwwkejAGq7-QHtNcoVk2DMifndWgQAIELmtnuZJxCTBJQ/s320/CIMG1849.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blueberry Pie to Go... but I did stop and enjoy it, and mmm it was good.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrb323fpSQpzBCxl1fewwLwhThRGNSnZ2Ko0UQDRCvLSpObd1qhjCoNn4CeXqLFMBWD7NVb8kXoju-CebdVSdyb2pOTaEGBz9vCZZ-uTdANxjMdawH-c9FsN5lLTCrcc-S8qWIN9U3xBl/s1600/CIMG1850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrb323fpSQpzBCxl1fewwLwhThRGNSnZ2Ko0UQDRCvLSpObd1qhjCoNn4CeXqLFMBWD7NVb8kXoju-CebdVSdyb2pOTaEGBz9vCZZ-uTdANxjMdawH-c9FsN5lLTCrcc-S8qWIN9U3xBl/s400/CIMG1850.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought blueberry pie here instead<br />
of a lobstah roll so I got thrown in the pot!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBNAi3t3jUAq_mICoURstxkcwfum66B9TME9VRsFbjJadRoh1WIH_mSbhZpNzHw9xYqU45O550u6HfMr2o-KTmStFXmv8Yzl2uMj5UcH2Yo61McoXr0k2Ch3swvVMvfPsylfndet_HDmW/s1600/CIMG1852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBNAi3t3jUAq_mICoURstxkcwfum66B9TME9VRsFbjJadRoh1WIH_mSbhZpNzHw9xYqU45O550u6HfMr2o-KTmStFXmv8Yzl2uMj5UcH2Yo61McoXr0k2Ch3swvVMvfPsylfndet_HDmW/s400/CIMG1852.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The MAINE reason I visited. Mr. and Mrs. Frye!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxN1uyKXErhKX8htZcRrGQ7wCjm1cG29qNAwClsKQNgpzWpSGc6SuxGjIZAzUPgOBaPzdqLniM6KC0VIJC1NNUJ8gDqjOsAb_tcmCxlRUHyi21L7zPn7gKnn8VaAJNXuEvSdYmpZKILU9Y/s1600/CIMG1863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxN1uyKXErhKX8htZcRrGQ7wCjm1cG29qNAwClsKQNgpzWpSGc6SuxGjIZAzUPgOBaPzdqLniM6KC0VIJC1NNUJ8gDqjOsAb_tcmCxlRUHyi21L7zPn7gKnn8VaAJNXuEvSdYmpZKILU9Y/s640/CIMG1863.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise at wedding venue in Belfast, Maine (yes, KJ, I slept in my car at the venue)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih76wmsGdM7lqnSF8SRHt5jeydTjkMrP50Nm-TEPND-La-mXhyphenhyphen8Oit1r4uQLQiMsEXuJ_E_xemekEY7U9PfbVDztevzaYG7eqBiQa24G4xYFmHM2XDMAM9OmKnATTGrsgJH60asOzndMjq/s1600/CIMG1955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih76wmsGdM7lqnSF8SRHt5jeydTjkMrP50Nm-TEPND-La-mXhyphenhyphen8Oit1r4uQLQiMsEXuJ_E_xemekEY7U9PfbVDztevzaYG7eqBiQa24G4xYFmHM2XDMAM9OmKnATTGrsgJH60asOzndMjq/s320/CIMG1955.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I won't say where this is held hostage,<br />
but this Adam Craig jersey isn't at Tristan's house, nor mine.<br />
It is in Maine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDk8g7pTN2YeD2Vwo72UZmP9ZRzzopB4Naxu1zCVMTDEBa6ZoKuQS_qdOJ48LVirqXnZDfaVj_wBA2jG4IdapRu39By-UvLhQh_LakjZHv8_DamXWrox5f_1m7qT6AF6XX9fK5uNVBCLP/s1600/CIMG1953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDk8g7pTN2YeD2Vwo72UZmP9ZRzzopB4Naxu1zCVMTDEBa6ZoKuQS_qdOJ48LVirqXnZDfaVj_wBA2jG4IdapRu39By-UvLhQh_LakjZHv8_DamXWrox5f_1m7qT6AF6XX9fK5uNVBCLP/s640/CIMG1953.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this is another reason why I miss my Orono bike shop</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdZORREhKmCBiDUz1CZIWvLauZ6lzPU1TqQ71P8tA35uChnhkGZOJtTM5EfHWKCuw2FllUdtleXZAcBJI2a7pzrXfGuyaK9fdNj3llpvoPDTj4e43ZGc3SMbje8rzL-1Dwzu5lYnpWM1B/s1600/CIMG1954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdZORREhKmCBiDUz1CZIWvLauZ6lzPU1TqQ71P8tA35uChnhkGZOJtTM5EfHWKCuw2FllUdtleXZAcBJI2a7pzrXfGuyaK9fdNj3llpvoPDTj4e43ZGc3SMbje8rzL-1Dwzu5lYnpWM1B/s400/CIMG1954.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bike.polo.</td></tr>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-59887544595460961872011-10-04T19:39:00.001-04:002012-10-23T21:36:18.336-04:00Passes Are Closing<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzDGK92zPiXcqTh_6OMfTFg-5QJGabAt-_RRaSw5aDvYOEXjJCdOL9YIeHCkpBsZ5i3Hsts7NBpA9h7XaB6c-EHwBrLn5FFyNnmgYkIWee6vx2ZYe2vshCuJzJINwuJ47Kq2vEH9n_PX6/s1600/IMGP0948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzDGK92zPiXcqTh_6OMfTFg-5QJGabAt-_RRaSw5aDvYOEXjJCdOL9YIeHCkpBsZ5i3Hsts7NBpA9h7XaB6c-EHwBrLn5FFyNnmgYkIWee6vx2ZYe2vshCuJzJINwuJ47Kq2vEH9n_PX6/s400/IMGP0948.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ebbetts Pass, almost to the summit. </td></tr>
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89 Monitor Pass and 4 Ebbetts Pass are closing tonight for "Storm Preparation" (so maybe temporary, but for winter for sure will be soon enough). Perhaps I will prepare for the GRE and winter myself. God knows I need to make a life-sized, freshie snow angel.<br />
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Too bad my chains are in Mammoth and I am Subaru-less, but not for long!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy Fall! Hope to get back to Vermont for a bit. Keep posted!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH35vEd_CAtpC90H0zkL1EGipFd-FjrNTxaPKE6M05xIZO2nNDguRBe6_EyoDkpRATLPf3Lq0a-_SmoeFWEhuUJXxpitC3UhFkz9tDRaUuVGSzaNqgpyN89TWx2ZluOH2RmNsu9EV89PGP/s1600/snowangel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH35vEd_CAtpC90H0zkL1EGipFd-FjrNTxaPKE6M05xIZO2nNDguRBe6_EyoDkpRATLPf3Lq0a-_SmoeFWEhuUJXxpitC3UhFkz9tDRaUuVGSzaNqgpyN89TWx2ZluOH2RmNsu9EV89PGP/s400/snowangel.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow Angels for Peace in snow off of Ebbett's Pass Last week.</td></tr>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-6465141685284984942011-09-25T22:38:00.000-04:002012-10-23T21:40:58.521-04:00Silvia's Gear Review: 2011 ...I have always thought it would be awesomely amazing to write up Product Reviews, particularly about bikes, but hiking is my job, so backpacking gear reviewer? I may have better writing samples than this one available... anyone? I am the perfect candidate to product test. I take care of my things, but I manage to break things anyhow. Thus, the perfect person to test gear. <br />
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This gear I actually haven't field tested yet, for reasons and circumstances I care not to discuss. I have spent a lot of time making sure that all the parts are included, and have set them up in the yard.<br />
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Here we go!<br />
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1. <strong>Northface 2-3 person Pup-tent.</strong><br />
Poles: Really big aluminum poles maybe 2 feet long each section. <br />
Material: Something not sil-nylon<br />
Manufactured: USA<br />
Weight: 6 pounds easy<br />
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<u>Thoughts:</u> Wow, this tent must be waterproof! But it is just starting to rain here. My main concern is that it won't fit in my pack. I haul so much anyway that the weight of this tent is no concern. I mean, seriously, when was the last time you bought a tent (other than the ones people make for thru-hikers) that was Made In the USA. I should send this tent to Melissa in AZ. Will it solve her Made In The USA dilemma?</div>
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But oh wait! I don't need to worry about it fitting in my own backpack.</div>
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2. <strong>Camp Trails External Frame Adjustable Backpacks</strong> (disregard the Mt. Smith packs on the left) </div>
Material: Heavy duty nylon packcloth<br />
Weight: 3.5 lb<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFLTfkdP66H2uaXiNkKH2l6nvPTg2ClancbiNWi_ctRisae9gpKNLmvL-6abKf4igI3xVEJmRQ4RdHC_K4gIrg_PtfxNapa8WAi6YpmTAe6-2zqe5Rlmd9YaGmDyRGZ2GrxOBfMJ70kW-/s1600/IMGP0842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFLTfkdP66H2uaXiNkKH2l6nvPTg2ClancbiNWi_ctRisae9gpKNLmvL-6abKf4igI3xVEJmRQ4RdHC_K4gIrg_PtfxNapa8WAi6YpmTAe6-2zqe5Rlmd9YaGmDyRGZ2GrxOBfMJ70kW-/s640/IMGP0842.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong>Thoughts:</strong><br />
I can use a cotter-pin to adjust the shoulder straps! And I can pack a ton of tools and ginormous things to the outside. It has big roomy pockets for my 4 pound radio. Negative: no where for my water bladder, just water bottles. The hip belt sure is comfy. <br />
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3. <strong>Headlamp and Fire Shelter</strong><br />
It was standard to have to carry a fire shelter, but maybe this one is a little outdated. <br />
And what kind of batteries do I have to carry for this headlamp? Whoa!<br />
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<strong>Summary:</strong><br />
Good Gear Lasts a long time, as you keep the mice out... and obviously this isn't a real review at all. I was asked to go through the gear my district has. These were some of the star finds. <br />
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Seriously, these packs are a critical part of backpacking and gear design! At one point in backpacking evolution there were 6 packs. Now you go into a store and you can't avoid talking to someone about packs. There's different torso lengths, different pockets, ones with tons of padding, ones for UL (oh sorry, ultralight), kids packs. Craziness.<br />
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The headlamp and fires shelter were just little bonuses in my chore of purging the gear storage for work. The packs are tried and true for hauling a lot of gear, but if someone can tell me when North Face last made tents in the USA I'll be elated. North Face (sorry guys) of all companies with roots in lovely California, actually had tents made in the USA at some point. If they made their first tent in 1974 or 1975 (they did), and it was a Geodosic tent, meaning it was a geometric dome shape. Bob Howe, is an amazing tent designer. It inspires me to go back to school for design instead of Recreation Administration. <br />
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Either way, it was quite fun to see a little part of Backpacking History.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">First person to tell me the model and year of this tent, gets something awesome, yet small mailed to them! If I get the answer first, then you'll just have to pat yourself on the back.</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><strong>Awesome</strong></span> History of Gear Webite </span><br />
<a href="http://www.oregonphotos.com/Backpacking-Revolution1.html">The History of Gear Project</a> . I would put in a quote from it, but just read it for yourself. Especially the section, "Why Does Anyone Care About Old Gear?".<div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-37513788711471340162011-09-23T20:30:00.000-04:002012-10-23T21:51:07.082-04:00Ebbetts Pass North on the PCTEarly September, my Supervisor and I did a tiny section of the PCT for "Wilderness Lake Monitoring". We started at Ebbetts Pass/Route 4 and hiked North past Kinney Lakes and into the Mokelumne Wilderness.<br />
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It was other-wordly. The 'Northern California Pacific Crest Trail' book by Schaffer says, "...your trail bends noreast up to a broad ridge to begin an incredible route past one of the most bizarre, yet beautiful, landscapes to be seen along the PCT...your odyssey continues with a diagonal comb north to a windcropped sagebrush saddle...".<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Land Before Time</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View North. Huge river in middle with waterfall. Hard to see. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were waiting for the Dinosaurs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite of cow patties under the trees</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Kinney Lake and view Northeast toward Ebbetts Pass</td></tr>
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We checked out and hauled out some randomly placed Carsonite Signposts and one very dated metal sign (below) that were causing confusion for years. People would have had to trounce around to find signs that said, "No Camping 300' Behind this Sign", or "Camp 150' near this sign'. And they don't so they camp right by the Raymond Lake anyway. A map at the entrance to the lake on an Interpretive panel is the idea for next year. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">don't camp on this tree. okay.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ranger Buttons by our campsite!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raymond Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset from a lookout spot at our campsite at Pennsylvania Creek. <br />
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There were spires behind trees and to the right, but didn't get them in the picture. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raymond Lake- a cirque lake. </td></tr>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-91933840023079289092011-08-28T13:25:00.000-04:002012-10-23T21:36:27.311-04:00Why We Build the WallI've had a few weekends of office work, with a computer looking at a wall. The Fire Prevention Officer shut the lights out on me one Sunday. I said loudly, "Nope!", and he popped his head in and said, "Sorry didn't realize you were in here. We're going to have to cut a window infront of your desk so people know you're in here". <br />
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Haven't done that yet. But I did get to listen to a good <a href="http://www.etown.org/shows/steve-earle-allison-moorer-anais-mitchell-part-1/">ETown</a>, from Burlington, VT episode. The last song is Anais Mitchell and "Why We Build the Wall". I love this song!<br />
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So it's so nice to get outside on the days off after looking at a wall. Oh, and PS, my garden was an epic failure. I do have 2 pepper and 2 tomato plants left. But the ground squirrel ate everything else. Thanks buddy. I wasn't home enough anyhow. It was at least an effort, expensive, and non-rewarding as it was.<br />
I realized that recently I have been building a lot of walls. All this seasonal work. Everyone, including myself, going every which way. It's exhausting. You build walls. I haven't really expanded my social network since most of my friends are down in Mammoth. Now that the parents are gone, I got a bit more biking in (Thanks for coming!). If ANYONE has a kayak out here, I'd love to borrow it please! I haven't kayaked all summer. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">The Gardnerville fire the 2nd day from .5 miles North of my barracks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gardnerville Fire Early AM on way to Yosemite</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Half Dome. Yosemite trip with Poppa and Mama Cass.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yosemite Bear Trap...hmmm...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rim Trail Lucious Rocks from Kingsbury Grade to the Bench. <br />
I still haven't bought knee guards!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Alpine Meadows Peak from 5 Lakes Trail. Tahoe. Thanks for going Jess!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squaw with no snow from Alpine Meadows </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our rock. Speed Boat/Bucks Beach. North Shore Tahoe.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">802. And Kip! (possibly Kip Garre tribute). <br />
It reminds me of ORS and Central VT through and through either way. I am still on vacation out here.</td></tr>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-31124668983752049072011-08-20T00:59:00.000-04:002012-10-23T21:36:38.433-04:00She Walked in the Wilderness with a ShovelFarewell to my co-worker, Sarah, and enjoy your new adventures.<br />
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It is always a bold and daring move to...well... move across the country after quitting your job... to do a Student Conservation Corps internship, and then go back to school. I was very fortunate to have such a wonderful person to hike with all summer who did just this.<br />
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I learned many great things, and was thankful to have someone out there in the wild with. We saw many amazing flora and fauna. Not limited to: seeing mountain lion tracks, seeing from afar a mama bear with 2 cubs, almost a cinnamon colored black bear walking in the trail, many wildflowers, interesting backpackers, imaginary pot farms, destination workout videos, and of course the rivers, mountains, meadows and lakes that we hiked around while inventorying wilderness campsites. It was always an adventure finding some of the sites, and discovering "new" un-inventoried ones. Of course lunch breaks and the end of the day were well cherished.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunchtime rest for Sarah</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above Wolf Creek lunchtime spot</td></tr>
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It is nice to have someone to put your tent next to and to talk to out in the little used Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. It is good to have someone to remember the things I forget, to scout the river crossings with, and to trade off carrying the shovel with (right?).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah thought it looked like a good spot to camp, and low and behold, someone already thought of that idea. We camped there and rest that night was well-deserved. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of Corral Valley Trail ready to hike back to the trailhead</td></tr>
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You never know who your co-workers will be. I know I've been lucky to have so many friendships develop from co-worker situations. When you are working closely with one person and around them 24/7 you better hope you get along. In team-building, experiential education settings you and your coworker hopefully do trust and communication style training before you work with your groups. In a bike shop, you bond over stickering and learning about products, or on group rides. On the trail, you just hike and learn. <br />
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Whether it is developing lesson plans, leading canoe trips and ridiculously fun to watch team-building exercises, helping teenagers learn personal responsibility through hard work, selling gear, or inventorying campsites,<br />
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I have learned that work gets done, but it's important to have fun along the way.<br />
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Good Luck in Portland, Sarah! Thanks for listening, sharing your adventures, and overall making it an memorable and enjoyable summer!<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-83856849166231805072011-08-12T00:57:00.000-04:002012-10-23T21:46:54.456-04:00I went to Utah and ...all I took was pictures from the summit of Snowbird. And my cousin Chris took pictures of the tick he pulled off of my scalp. Awesome! Thanks for the help cuz!<br />
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Chris and his wife had a baby boy recently, so I went to visit. My Grandma and Aunt flew to Utah. So we went to the top of Snowbird on the tram.<br />
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It was nice to spend time with my family. Thanks all!<br />
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And Rachel will like this:<br />
Grandma really liked the wheelchair ride on the Interpretive Trail I took her on.<br />
I kept saying, "I never wear jean skirts, and the day I actually do it's hot and I'm pushing you uphill!", and she kept saying, "Just take it off then!". We had a good time reading the signs about wildlife and smelling the flowers, while Martha shopped.<br />
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Oh and Logan's dog jumped in my car, and I would have taken her home with me. Good to see you too!<div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-52874149207318195992011-08-12T00:49:00.000-04:002012-10-23T21:41:18.739-04:006000' Vertical Work Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So all the lakes in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness you really have to work at to get to. There are less lakes than the Inyo, and people who want to go to them are either determined, or have pack animals! We wished we had a pack llama named ... Edgar... (I just picked his name just now) to haul our tools. </div>
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Either way, there's a lot of fishing in the CI, but a lot of areas in the Southern Region that are protected for two trout species. The Lahontan Cutthroat Trout and the Paiute Cutthroat Trout. Where we went hiking was in the border area where you couldn't fish, to where you can. Tamarack Lake outlet North is fishable. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sarah and I added it up... but our work week of 4 days was a lot of up. But we hiked Mt. Rose (2300') on Friday.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rare fish sighting in Lake Tahoe<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Tahoe panorama</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flowers were growing that way</td></tr>
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We then did a big loop from Corral Valley through Coyote Valley to Upper Fish Valley. Then up to Long Valley and back out over 2 days.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah hiking down to Coyote Valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why hello Sierra Juniper</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coyote Valley is down there</td></tr>
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Saturday was at least 1000' vertical. Sunday up to Tamarack Lake was about 1500'. Monday was back up "Driveway Trail" to the Corral Valley trailhead again which including part of the trail before the Never Ending Hill was about 1000'. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tamarack Lake. Carson Iceberg Wilderness. Fishable. But no one there!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Commissioners Camp. Formerly Governor's Camp because Jerry Brown liked it. Fully decked out campsite with toilet!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower Fish Valley/Long Valley area at dusk. Wish the group camping there offered us dinner. They had coolers!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCME9_qx-hm1T5YJ-3kuVJrWdEGSknrYu8aR3vugRvyRf8YCuFpYNeS4rRlwAPwyDNo4X3ttsAkFvgob0RRqYS1wjZlXZmGA_cJWINwdwvL_sSoTXehv9yOvCaroOmk1cb-KdA-LTsct-H/s1600/IMGP0703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCME9_qx-hm1T5YJ-3kuVJrWdEGSknrYu8aR3vugRvyRf8YCuFpYNeS4rRlwAPwyDNo4X3ttsAkFvgob0RRqYS1wjZlXZmGA_cJWINwdwvL_sSoTXehv9yOvCaroOmk1cb-KdA-LTsct-H/s320/IMGP0703.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
And I know those don't add up to 1000' but when you consider a bunch of the uphills that aren't major and spread along... it was totally 6000'. Don't argue with me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campsite</td></tr>
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Tamarack Lake had a rope swing. I just jumped in. But the rope swing wasn't there last week when Nathalie went. So I should've used it, but at work we are all about safety... and well... I'd have to hike the longest 1.3 miles to get back to that rope swing.<br />
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If I go again, I'll be off the clock. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7vyry9R-ghpTKlW9ZxX5oPyHjl7oE5Sh8cEubQmgsBaKr_D8371jB0sEQ_8JeLSBS1J33Qmw2Lddq0z8CFtBZ8RhWJQAiP2_zvqSmqwdXXpJR-XJrHV7vyS-UUvZ0xq_W8R_nAk0R52y/s1600/IMGP0709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7vyry9R-ghpTKlW9ZxX5oPyHjl7oE5Sh8cEubQmgsBaKr_D8371jB0sEQ_8JeLSBS1J33Qmw2Lddq0z8CFtBZ8RhWJQAiP2_zvqSmqwdXXpJR-XJrHV7vyS-UUvZ0xq_W8R_nAk0R52y/s400/IMGP0709.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before Never-Ending Hill out</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbGPfhz9LC0QXf-xsAiO-4wgZQDHNAmVZT1w7LhZl7G4MnUmzFeluERmJZOxaVDBaQcEKkZT201zicc4acC9X6CM2Zlef3HXsreMgBBfc1EHWH3fTfS6PEvQ-cWXwAlyovNDGOjMDUUaL/s1600/IMGP0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbGPfhz9LC0QXf-xsAiO-4wgZQDHNAmVZT1w7LhZl7G4MnUmzFeluERmJZOxaVDBaQcEKkZT201zicc4acC9X6CM2Zlef3HXsreMgBBfc1EHWH3fTfS6PEvQ-cWXwAlyovNDGOjMDUUaL/s320/IMGP0713.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At start of Never Ending Hill</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halfway up Never Ending Hill... or is it? </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tCGcYyz4lbv8QJZqps1YV815gfX9YCYVykGxtQwhFfA-b7i1-bpc7NZy3FC2UnrELqUVojvmkjoqqBuPIEkUn0MOlv_-bN8jCC7W7BeJBi4O6E-Gu4_FymJ7Gf3C_M7C_BHwCfbKu6yL/s1600/IMGP0734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tCGcYyz4lbv8QJZqps1YV815gfX9YCYVykGxtQwhFfA-b7i1-bpc7NZy3FC2UnrELqUVojvmkjoqqBuPIEkUn0MOlv_-bN8jCC7W7BeJBi4O6E-Gu4_FymJ7Gf3C_M7C_BHwCfbKu6yL/s400/IMGP0734.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbine at natural springs on drive out<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-32207118648553799202011-07-21T04:12:00.000-04:002012-10-23T21:41:50.732-04:00Work Can Be DistractingAs I sat and struggled with Excel the other day during my "office day" I realized I am lucky to have my job, and that although I often feel like I want to be somewhere that I am not (VT or Inyo where there are "real" peaks), I really shouldn't be complaining. <br />
Read the text of the photo below. The Wilderness I patrol and monitor is very little used. It is WILD! The bear that was walking toward me sniffing the ground the other day was a perfect example.<br />
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There are some days where I'd rather have a faster pace of life, maybe on a bike, maybe at the shores of Lake Tahoe or June Lake, and there are days I want to be with friends. I started to finally study the GRE (I applied to UVM without this score) in my tent at night. Each night I think of all the things I want to see and do out here. Ultimately, I feel very far from home, but I am thankful for my friends out here for keeping me occupied and distracted enough not to go home yet. My summer will be filled with things until mid-August. Maybe then I'll get to some things on that tick list. </div>
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Until then, I wish you all epic swimming holes and stunning sunsets, and as always the best of times with those you care about.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQDZrQHaIhFcsBGGUtE4-W-e1JLSqG9T3Kn7qChFMxY9pyd3WfwZregHfOFj1hE3ut-pJcKSJe4jm9UfnIVjdpjxcSxseBFYh3p6tIpIThgU0MxCeVq_NCxl3ZFrcB2rvPb4jCWXZMIIx/s1600/IMGP0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQDZrQHaIhFcsBGGUtE4-W-e1JLSqG9T3Kn7qChFMxY9pyd3WfwZregHfOFj1hE3ut-pJcKSJe4jm9UfnIVjdpjxcSxseBFYh3p6tIpIThgU0MxCeVq_NCxl3ZFrcB2rvPb4jCWXZMIIx/s640/IMGP0393.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stanislaus National Forest's Sonora Pass Trailhead. Part of sign. Leads into the Carson Iceberg Wilderness. My area.</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufjXv3_GvXrNPftt2l81IE9oBC0ej02oC9rMpA69ebrc_ndbfVnorbfvNlHUknEIPiREQpeZRxWHcVcHbl0CQafiJ1Hx1njsCHJ_iYhp8_GU4ckXCfrl6tNwtcORbntuPbyw9r6E7lTLJ/s1600/IMGP0342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufjXv3_GvXrNPftt2l81IE9oBC0ej02oC9rMpA69ebrc_ndbfVnorbfvNlHUknEIPiREQpeZRxWHcVcHbl0CQafiJ1Hx1njsCHJ_iYhp8_GU4ckXCfrl6tNwtcORbntuPbyw9r6E7lTLJ/s640/IMGP0342.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sure these aren't the jagged peaks of the Inyo National Forest, but it's still pretty. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAHyyikTjS9uJ5ryP3V652uXV8d0sohvUlygiT14YpPI3e1qNf2IJjwQ2AVX-WO_BL5jdclpJgW5SBvsqBPsqrcOsFhEfVKfOXC8mlwMc4hQYboyGHCctwMSfscebJJ9WjTu996qNxguV/s1600/IMGP0356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAHyyikTjS9uJ5ryP3V652uXV8d0sohvUlygiT14YpPI3e1qNf2IJjwQ2AVX-WO_BL5jdclpJgW5SBvsqBPsqrcOsFhEfVKfOXC8mlwMc4hQYboyGHCctwMSfscebJJ9WjTu996qNxguV/s400/IMGP0356.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wildflowers are so distracting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7TOjR4isxG6YuZhnjBvcMSLWD3iSjiegp0GCDHUI3E5FS5_WlPjC-GVQU-9i3B1JdoRZPtHbQ2xa-OWJ8y7ZuLeeT_FmLixU_gBi-FZRGSEGfo1Hc0MRBXyLNtQKh0C42empwXL6cpRE/s1600/IMGP0385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7TOjR4isxG6YuZhnjBvcMSLWD3iSjiegp0GCDHUI3E5FS5_WlPjC-GVQU-9i3B1JdoRZPtHbQ2xa-OWJ8y7ZuLeeT_FmLixU_gBi-FZRGSEGfo1Hc0MRBXyLNtQKh0C42empwXL6cpRE/s400/IMGP0385.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rocks to jump off of are distracting. <br />
From Corral Valley Trail Northward toward Topaz Lake and Eastside of Sierras</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfgkmbmfnale0mkLKW_qs_aio4LHfIEP0bJIDvlEC34suzo-RSVbqlA04viQqis1IgDZB4d8Q67tLiH0EWiTfmxsZe2mRcrZkfc-sCaZQ9X4iLQj00KLtICSYE2nAM8BKoNcpAnaOz8L3/s1600/IMGP0416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfgkmbmfnale0mkLKW_qs_aio4LHfIEP0bJIDvlEC34suzo-RSVbqlA04viQqis1IgDZB4d8Q67tLiH0EWiTfmxsZe2mRcrZkfc-sCaZQ9X4iLQj00KLtICSYE2nAM8BKoNcpAnaOz8L3/s400/IMGP0416.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yoga is distracting. <br />
After a days work is done, why not stretch by the river (it's a big dropoff to the river where I was)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHt7uH4nwpXQ5y9R277ZsEvi6xrFpC6uoHSJ_24UPO-MhulK08LRXez1zcQXwkrGpjnYF6a7oRhbC9kU_0PWQ-AunPbT44o5nTItDPk1CuQmielw_vhAxLvyt6Rf-a6f6Dh5cFZX0LndP/s1600/IMGP0421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHt7uH4nwpXQ5y9R277ZsEvi6xrFpC6uoHSJ_24UPO-MhulK08LRXez1zcQXwkrGpjnYF6a7oRhbC9kU_0PWQ-AunPbT44o5nTItDPk1CuQmielw_vhAxLvyt6Rf-a6f6Dh5cFZX0LndP/s400/IMGP0421.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our campsite/work base for the weekend... you know... distracting.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VrvO1P6FiCBlcKKNosVwZoOrBNesMrA19aZ7VLoPenu-FeGDlmvle5EW-F6e4kjSShhKROkEzpNpYUZCFI11FT6jYKeVdGuOhjOEY7rE-sdxiGrgUhq2pDbcnu_qHfYAnd5S9BlcBpxz/s1600/IMGP0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VrvO1P6FiCBlcKKNosVwZoOrBNesMrA19aZ7VLoPenu-FeGDlmvle5EW-F6e4kjSShhKROkEzpNpYUZCFI11FT6jYKeVdGuOhjOEY7rE-sdxiGrgUhq2pDbcnu_qHfYAnd5S9BlcBpxz/s400/IMGP0428.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just hiking along </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pacific Crest Trail is here somewhere... anybody?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUUFUh33xgTocg1fIsWRYqLy1WXkLkPfitXOy_is9hdPQ4syY092FaJSNBOFr8HnYUo7zRsRVhEfdG0UyDNfvaa-zURA6UNfwGMc7BMKW42FzELO70PD9Z_IgSEPKiIoxk6eB8B6mV2KZ/s1600/IMGP0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUUFUh33xgTocg1fIsWRYqLy1WXkLkPfitXOy_is9hdPQ4syY092FaJSNBOFr8HnYUo7zRsRVhEfdG0UyDNfvaa-zURA6UNfwGMc7BMKW42FzELO70PD9Z_IgSEPKiIoxk6eB8B6mV2KZ/s640/IMGP0165.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where is the PCT ? My work vehicle, and a cyclist going up Route 4/Ebbetts Pass</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEjl1Y_VpW6cASa46pTEvZ4Roy-kKCcUUi1U2fhtOIKLtSLMINuR7fsA-Hvjci_0I3iBoyBp66q9h592WRkxL1jsj25_kFxkzLKRica2KeQ5rKXiiCWED_A3YH-XdCNc0r4Iq_m5BszNz/s1600/IMGP0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEjl1Y_VpW6cASa46pTEvZ4Roy-kKCcUUi1U2fhtOIKLtSLMINuR7fsA-Hvjci_0I3iBoyBp66q9h592WRkxL1jsj25_kFxkzLKRica2KeQ5rKXiiCWED_A3YH-XdCNc0r4Iq_m5BszNz/s400/IMGP0217.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting the knee primed for next winter whilst debating crossing this snow while trying to not get anymore distracted.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8P0QpZkcr1wACCVDHTFvSna1iEJ21ic1qF8wabe3qWXwPyLh0-pHCNGXJ6TqS0-xjU6U6DoM4IBb8eynb77AmQKzVmVom6H_pF3dAc1Ztgwb1u2bJ6WtTFj6LGLoqGatbXxsHAm5tH5x/s1600/IMGP0221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8P0QpZkcr1wACCVDHTFvSna1iEJ21ic1qF8wabe3qWXwPyLh0-pHCNGXJ6TqS0-xjU6U6DoM4IBb8eynb77AmQKzVmVom6H_pF3dAc1Ztgwb1u2bJ6WtTFj6LGLoqGatbXxsHAm5tH5x/s400/IMGP0221.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiked along it instead</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRRsFmjKvemrnT2uPpOoNcK78iq4QT6EbbgDMOP7JuRgieENw_xcXG_3UW-PZwHwHRJU_RSPouSN8lhNNBzN04t6sywYUjzNV3ZSrX2oP7-Zd_cNhKBQ2XCQtqULXDdMfyEoHrwOqqiM3/s1600/IMGP0262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRRsFmjKvemrnT2uPpOoNcK78iq4QT6EbbgDMOP7JuRgieENw_xcXG_3UW-PZwHwHRJU_RSPouSN8lhNNBzN04t6sywYUjzNV3ZSrX2oP7-Zd_cNhKBQ2XCQtqULXDdMfyEoHrwOqqiM3/s400/IMGP0262.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver King Creek North and Momma Bear and 2 cubs (1 visible)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Vibram 10 toes, I mean, 5 Fingers Rep for spreading the love at Mammoth Mountaineering this spring. They work awesome for river crossings. But I'd sure enjoy the ones with more fabric to keep those mosquitos away.</td></tr>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857456326135468061.post-27367243839235296792011-07-14T21:30:00.000-04:002012-10-23T22:39:26.842-04:00Zoom-a-Flume.... Trail...<div style="text-align: center;">
Errr... Otherwise know as the Flume Trail. </div>
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I got to bike a good chunk of it before I realized what time it was and turned around. For the $8 "Locals" rate to park- and the 4 miles (uphill and partially sandy 2 track) ride to Marlette Lake, wading through the water from the dam, and then being on the Flume Trail - it was worth it. I actually got pebbles in my shorts and had to get them out on the ride back. I know you all wanted to know that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcoo6VrRGzabmSkL-V7UcdtRmyhA-bpotW2-8xyR7D9BpK8-U5UoxVYt4uTwOF6ecHlaveeKQI2NxKxF3iOp-EpDKInFH-sRfcJc39hOo7AF-plyx9Ev3wQIy2ezKtZT7dXSnYY1ZDY4N/s1600/CIMG1667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcoo6VrRGzabmSkL-V7UcdtRmyhA-bpotW2-8xyR7D9BpK8-U5UoxVYt4uTwOF6ecHlaveeKQI2NxKxF3iOp-EpDKInFH-sRfcJc39hOo7AF-plyx9Ev3wQIy2ezKtZT7dXSnYY1ZDY4N/s400/CIMG1667.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a rope swing on the far right, trust me. </td></tr>
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Oh the Views. And when you get to Marlette Lake at mile 4.9 (ish) there's a rope swing, which you can't even see in the photo, but it's there.<br />
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Gaze follows the view, but luckily I managed to not go over the edge. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKNyfNSr7dG-2kBpu5y5z5JKW4qf2G31HyppxA-InpFseVQa_orAC7LuHcNKc9mNh0zLbljy7H8JCoXXs8mcDKXv0drmP-6mT1zAS2fqperSp4es6YgoGF14Mf_uv3j4o3PUCRWgDY2i_/s1600/CIMG1702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKNyfNSr7dG-2kBpu5y5z5JKW4qf2G31HyppxA-InpFseVQa_orAC7LuHcNKc9mNh0zLbljy7H8JCoXXs8mcDKXv0drmP-6mT1zAS2fqperSp4es6YgoGF14Mf_uv3j4o3PUCRWgDY2i_/s400/CIMG1702.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View South on Flume Trail</td></tr>
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Now to get Barrett, Jill, Laura, Tyler, Steven and whoever else wants to bike it up here!<br />
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There is a big loop you can do out of it too that would be 24 miles including part of the Tahoe Rim Trail on the other side. One can get a shuttle at mile 10 back to Spooner Lake, or you can turn around and go back. I'd say I got about 7-8 miles in before I had to turn around. But the view was WELL worth it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBh8DpDHJdOEycr2CygGAqKE0Fwbn0G03fdbp1_A-7xXaHsK9GGQq_OsfzRvgcOS1IlmAKEkcISnOwm2jvigxYBifPw1rf6FgxFTvx0wBNDgvn3wxRYCl35QIYmgRzYIMi-JFVDXvGk_tg/s1600/CIMG1696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBh8DpDHJdOEycr2CygGAqKE0Fwbn0G03fdbp1_A-7xXaHsK9GGQq_OsfzRvgcOS1IlmAKEkcISnOwm2jvigxYBifPw1rf6FgxFTvx0wBNDgvn3wxRYCl35QIYmgRzYIMi-JFVDXvGk_tg/s400/CIMG1696.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDKiaKXMfuPQOjJLUnAoWjdvFkbzXvC8kM4sVnN7BIQ41bj7CKog2b5gff_-IIpX3b1cFqkapuZDzcHEXpEx4fxv5sP7IBwKBsjPoT1IvfOclDquQ91bROFutCt3jC8dBoPYFijYtPATJ/s1600/CIMG1698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDKiaKXMfuPQOjJLUnAoWjdvFkbzXvC8kM4sVnN7BIQ41bj7CKog2b5gff_-IIpX3b1cFqkapuZDzcHEXpEx4fxv5sP7IBwKBsjPoT1IvfOclDquQ91bROFutCt3jC8dBoPYFijYtPATJ/s640/CIMG1698.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8-XtT1ZlA_abIAce_vnZ2N5zMb32tDvpZEV8BQzDrcydhpb7COT4_KD9rOo-srQ1sJRKscFnW3F5vNyUZOdCr_epMGjEf6vgn8o6w9QQJjGb_uoe092qhPEscJ6BEpRZ4FBDJzLE5jHO/s1600/CIMG1703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8-XtT1ZlA_abIAce_vnZ2N5zMb32tDvpZEV8BQzDrcydhpb7COT4_KD9rOo-srQ1sJRKscFnW3F5vNyUZOdCr_epMGjEf6vgn8o6w9QQJjGb_uoe092qhPEscJ6BEpRZ4FBDJzLE5jHO/s400/CIMG1703.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy</td></tr>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">All content on this blog (all text and photos) including text and photos within individual posts is copywright of Silvia Cassano. Please do not use any photos or content without written permission. Thank you.</div>silveriecVThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18439398153719767106noreply@blogger.com2