In a world of so many great photographers and writers, I am venturing into some unknown territories, leaving comfort zones, finally very willing to practice the art of seeing. By maintaining the practice of posting daily photos, I hope to continue learning about the possibilities that I trust are out there for the taking.
Last Monday a bunch of us celebrated two 25 year birthdays at Mimi’s Restaurant in Rancho Mirage. Happy birthday to Vicki and Margaret. Here is the link to our birthday luncheon photos. http://gottago.smugmug.com/Events/Birthdays/Margaret-and-Vickis-25th-lunch/15712253_WM8Z4#1177630204_BHtU4
Then Wednesday Quincy came out to celebrate her 23rd birthday and Jo and Lulu joined her. We spent an hour or two chatting it up. Here are some photos taken during our chat. http://gottago.smugmug.com/Events/Birthdays/Quincy-and-the-girls/15726509_dJ9qX#1177640277_AzwR4
I lead a MHCC hike today and there were 16 of us in the group. That’s a record. We had a lovely hike at the Living Museum on the trail – Eisenhower Peak Loop.
http://gottago.smugmug.com/Sports/Mission-Hills-CC-Hiking-Club
Ray's TV room!
Ann showing Ange something on her cell phone. Lots of laughter over the 24 hours.
Some outside round table talk and more laughter.
Aldhawest is the American Long Distance Hiking Association (in the west). We were a smaller group of attendees than in previous years. However there were six long distance hikers in attendance awaiting the award ceremony where they would be handed their plaques. Each trail: PCT, AT and CDT is a dedicated Long Distance National Scenic Trail. My goal was to complete all three trails but who knows if that will ever happen.
2010 Group shot of all who attended the Aldhawest Gathering in Big Bear, CA at Camp Morning Star.
Pictured from L>R: Aldhawest2010-5510
2010 Triple Crowners Congrats!
Shane Wohlken (The Gimp (Shane), Michelle Champion (Northern Light), Andy Linger (Sky God), Ted Derloshon (ted d. bear), Jonathan Rose (Jon), Buck – 30 (Brian Tanzman).
Six Triple Crown long distance backpackers accepting their awards for having hiked the Appalachian Trail, The Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail.
Early morning clouds over Crystal Crag.
A celebratory brunch with Ray and my friend Katy. Her chicken fajitas looked so good I'm gonna have to go back and order this dish.
After Ray did our laundry (I know, I'm very lucky), he brough me home a Starbucks and these pretty flowers.
I believe about 250 hikers registered for the Annual Day Zero PCT Kickoff held at Lake Morena, CA this past weekend. Many of these hikers had already started hiking and got rides back south to attend this event located 20 miles north of the California/Mexico border. Many hikers, already on the trail heading north, did not attend the ADZ event. And then some of the PCT hikers and thrus have not even started their hikes yet.
The thruhikers will hike the 2,660 miles from the southern terminus to the northern terminus, through California, Oregon and Washington.
Section hikers will hike as much as their available time will allow.
Class of 2010 PCT thruhikers at ADZPCTKO at Lake Morena.
Thruhikers, the morning after a very wet Thursday, at Lake Morena.
Friday morning at Lake Morena.
Spotted this spider webs on my way down to the lake. (Next time I'll use a tripod.)
Driving home Saturday night just before Anza.
This photo of Ray was taken in our darkish den (while Ray was watching the Masters) with my new Canon 5D Mark ll camera fitted with a new EF85mm f/1.2L ll USM lens. I’m in heaven with how much crisper the photos are and love how Ray’s face pops out from the rest of him and the background.
My hubby is happy I'm home.
Initially I was going to be away until April 16th. Now home early, I’m giddy with the extra week of time. Right now I’m looking at how I want to schedule my time.
Next Thursday I leave for the ADZPCTKO weekend. This is an annual weekend backpacking event held in late April as a send off for the current year thru-hikers that will hike 2,660 miles from Mexico to Canada along the PCT. Since 2003 I bring, to the event at Lake Morena, CA, the free bandanas for the current year PCT hikers. Here is the story of how the ADZPCTKO event started. And here is the page on the official ADZ website talking about how the gifting of PCT bandanas started.
May 6th I drive to Moab, UT to attend the DLWS. They ask that you come fully prepared for their four 18 hour days of learning. I’ll be reviewing ALL the pages and links I was sent to help me be the most prepared I can be before the start of this exciting workshop. I’ll be meeting Laurie Excell, Moose Peterson, Joe McNally – all my heroes.
Off to my calendar now to schedule myself in each day.
Debbie loves movies. Any free time she has she takes in a movie or two or three. As long as I’ve know her she has had an Oscar Party. I’ve never been to one, but I know each year she dresses up as one of the nominated actresses. This year she dressed as Julia Child.
Debbie D. at her annual Oscar Party, dressed up as usual.