Why We Build the Wall

I'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".

Haven't done that yet. But I did get to listen to a good ETown, from Burlington, VT episode.  The last song is Anais Mitchell and "Why We Build the Wall".  I love this song!

backpacking trip to Waterwheel Falls

Earlier this summer I went backpacking with my friend Jesse to Waterwheel Falls in Yosemite. It was my first backpack trip in the Sierras. I got some photos, but my laptop has been less than stellar, so most of the summer I haven't documented (aside from whomever tagged me on fb).

Our campspot was above Waterwheel Falls, and it was amazing. Jesse's friends were setting up a route on one of the rocks. They couldn't find when the last documented climb was. .. if it ever was. Rock climbing is something I'll try to do more of, but I really don't have money to pick up a new sport.

Either way, it was an amazing time, and I thank Jesse for the use of the sweet Bearicade bear canister and of his water filter. My steripen was down (it's hard to find camera batteries in Mammoth). Jesse is out of Yosemite and he and Emily road-tripped it to New Mexico and got to see Melissa on the way. I'll miss them. Met them in VT. Most people you meet in VT become pretty great friends.

Bear Sighting/Skiing with Jane/Hiking McGee

well I still don't have the patience to format this. So the photos are in reverse order.
McGee Creek Hike.
Skiing in Yosemite.
Then the photo with the skis in it is Rock Creek and the trailhead we tried to ski, but ended up turning back, and after the photos is a narrative.

Biking at Elevation

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

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