Ray and I really enjoyed our hike up the San Joaquin Ridge trail. The weather has warmed up and it felt good to be out again. I was worried about trying my backpack out with everything I’ll be carrying in it. The SJ Ridge trail starts out at 9265′ and goes up about 1200′ in 2.25 miles. So I got a good test going up and coming down the 2.5 miles. I won’t say it was easy. It was actually the hardest day I’ve had hiking with my pack. But Tailwinds and Liz and I will be starting our backpack in four days at around 5,600′. And, the first day out we’ll be hitting the trail around noon and only hiking up into the Sierra about 5 miles. So, hopefully I’m good to go.

My friend Tailwinds arrives tomorrow. Her mate Fred is flying her into the Mammoth Airport around 8:30am. Fred is then going to take me up in his plane to get some shots of the Sierra. Unbelievable. Normally I’m very frightened to fly in a small plane, except flying with my brother who I trust completely. I hope I’m able to hold the camera steady through my fear.

Ray's getting good at taking photos. I wanted to show off my full pack weight backpack, with the NEW orange Big Agnes Fly Creek tent.

To see the tent….(i’m sure LR will be checking it out.)

View from the San Joaquin Ridge hike today.

This view of Ritter and Banner is for LR.

My hiking hubby.

After dinner in Mammoth I ran into this little girl and the bird she's had for two weeks.

Male Brewer's blackbird.

The Intimidator found some nice light just before the sun set.

This little guy hung out so quietly right behind me for longer than any birds hang out.

On Ray’s 66th he did 6. Six miles going up to the Mammoth Crest from Woods Lodge in Mammoth, 1500 feet, starting elevation: 9100′, ending: 10,560′. Trail grade: 616 feet per mile. Not bad Ray. Happy Birthday and thanks for a great hike and great day together. You a now an official hiker. Outta-sight. That’s your name.

Happy birthday Ray. Fantastic hike.

Carrying (almost) full weight.

View from Mammoth Crest.

Looping back to regain the trail back down. Ray is pictured here, but you probably can't see him. I know he's there though. What a great birthday hike.

Ray says that 66 feels real old, much older than 65. He said, “Just wait and see on your birthday when you turn 66.” I will probably hate it too, but I wonder how many people are out doing what we did today. Thank goodness we can still do what we love, hike.

This is a picture of the cabin at Wood’s Lodge we stay at in Mammoth, CA every year for 3 weeks. Wood’s Lodge looks down on Lake George.

We love this cabin at Wood's Lodge, Mammoth, CA.

I’m beginning to upload some photos I’ve taken here in Mammoth to the Portfolio section of this website. Here is the direct link to view photos of Crystal Crag Lake. The hike Ray and I took begins at the far end of where we are staying. We hiked about 1.5 miles up to 9,600′. We are finally beginning to acclimate a bit and as you can tell, we aren’t rushing into any strenuous activity.

Tomorrow Ray and I head out to the cabin at Woods Lodge in Mammoth. Can not wait.

Hopefully today, after meeting with someone at 9:15am and a massage at 10:45am, I will get packed up, leave details for our house sitter, and finish up some paperwork.

Today started out with a steeper, backpackless, hike up the bump & grind. Getting exercise the first thing in a day always makes for a great day.

Another, steeper, trail up the bump & grind.

I asked Jen to hike ahead so I could get this first full sun light, shadow and linear length of trail.

Last night around 8:20pm.

Mary Kay asked me Saturday if I wanted to do the Bump & Grind at 5:30am on Sunday. It sounded like a good idea on Saturday when I said, “Sure.”

Thank goodness I do what I say I’m going to do and be where I say I’m going to be, because this morning hiking the B & G was the last thing in the world I wanted to do.

So, Tailwinds, I’m committing to doing whatever I am able to do to be somewhat fit for our backpack in a little over a month!

5:45am. Mary Kay and Bill.

Heading back down. The pictured San Jacinto mountains looked mighty inviting this morning.

I haven’t been able to post the last couple of days because of a website server problem that now seems to be fixed.

Yesterday I played golf with Ray at 7am. I had to quit after 14 holes because the heat was getting to me (and my swing). But I had a great time with Ray. It’s the first time we had a starting tee time. We’ve been having 111 degree temperatures. At 9:40am when we quit our round of golf, I realized I was not acclimated to the heat like Ray was. All day long I felt the affects of the hot morning round of golf.

Ray's new golf swing.

A, not so scared, golf course bunny who thinks if he stand really still I won't see him..

7am hike I lead with the MHCC hikers.

Mission Hill CC hiking group on the PCT south of Hwy 74.

More hike photos here.

One of the new MHCC hikers, Don Porter, joined me after the hike, on a long overdue visit, to see Margaret and Dallas’ special place up Hwy 74. Their home reminded me of when I lived on the ranch. I loved the peace and quiet of their wonderful home and porch views of the Santa Rosa mountains.

Dallas and Margaret.

Dallas enjoying his wonderful view.

We got to meet Dallas' 3 horses.

My new friend, Don, saying goodbye to Margaret.