The Mist Trail

Well, there is a reason why they call it the mist trail..

The first time that Brian and I did Vernal Falls as our destination... we were NOT prepared for the mist trail. We were in short sleeves and it was May... not out of the ordinary, but the freezing cold freshly melted snow packed water of the Merced has a heavy, cold spray!

These photos are from 2008.  For Half Dome, I had the "Been there, photographed that" attitude.  I mean, in my own defense, I didn't want to max out before I got to the top.  That being said, I was bummed post hike that I didn't have proper 2011 photos!

Rainbows are often seen on this trail with all the mist.

The strength of the waterfall in May

Brian with is exposed skin tries to block the mist from his face.  It was so cold, it felt like the beginning states of windburn and front bite!

The mist collected on my sun glasses.

173 Days to go!

So, I'm STILL sore from Tuesday's workout. But at least I'm not waddling like a penguin today (like I was yesterday!)

I took this photo on my trip to Yellowstone back in September. I think that I have a bad habit of taking photos "Guerilla" style... I just shoot the sh*t out of the subject as fast as I can and *try* to capture the subject...

So, what happens is, my composition suffers. Not to mention, I just tilt my head because MANY of my photos are not straight. Its very clear to see when I'm taking water shots and the horizon is 4 degrees off.

My friend Emily took some time and helped me by giving me some constructive criticism on composition. I was able to tweak the photo with editing software, but I need to get into a better habit of taking care of the photos I shoot! Here is the after!

178 days to go

A Sunday morning planned workout with Erika turned into a impromptu morning hike with Shannon! Erika had been called into work, and I jumped on the opportunity to catch up with Shannon for a post-Xmas christmas exchange coffee! Shannon told me to keep my workout clothes on and we'd head for a hike.

I said YES (before I gave myself a chance to make excuses and say no.) I let Shannon do all the picking of intensities cause left to my own devices, would have probably opt for a short walk around the block :) (hey, at least I know myself!)

We went to Runyon Canyon... and so did all of Los Angeles. But who could blame them?! It is a gorgeous day! Clear as anything! I could see the Pacific Ocean clearly! Culver City, Downtown. It truly is the perfect Sunday.

Shannon and I greeted all the pups that came our war... and there were a TON. And since I was wearing the wrong type of pants for hiking, ended up stripping down to my sports bra (ahhhh! - a first) and thick sweaty sweat pants!

For your optical own safety, I did NOT include a front shot of my stomach. But instead have provided a drawing...

I was thrilled ... when the hike was over, naturally, but very pleased to have gotten some exercise in.

day ???

So, last night was a bust. Erika had to work late. So sadly, I merrily skipped home and had dinner with the husband at 8 pm.

But remember those headlamps that I bought for the little trek up Half Dome? Here is another great use for them!

This is Brian reading his book in the bunk above the driver's seat in the RV we just rented to visit Yellowstone NP and Grand Teton.

PS. these headlamps are NOTHING compared to those that the miners are sporting below in Chile. Maybe I'll write 33 on mine in support of their story!

Day ??? Practice Hike #2

Over the weekend, I took my second official hike since starting training. It was a delightful view over looking the Pacific ocean. We were in the Palos Verde area of LA.

It was me, the husband, my bother in law, sister in law and my two nieces (age 10 and 8). It was supposed to be a "easy" hike, probably walking a fire road, but at some point, we strayed and decided to follow another trail of dirt. Some of th

e dirt was like talcum powder, and we were heading almost to the ocean. I think we all thought that if we didn't stop where we did, it would continue to the water line.

The trail was covered in the bone dry foliage and bushes. Fire season is upon us. And I was hiking with 2 smokers. Scary thought. Thick pan

ts would have been a good move because the branches that lined the path scratched whatever it rubbed against. We found refuge from the sun under some really nice trees. If only the whole hike could be be under those trees! We ate the sandwiches that we brought along with some soda and juice boxes. We took a group photo to prove that we did indeed take a group hike, and turned around.

Up Up Up the mountain.

This is where we stopped navigating our footing not to slip, and instead focused on our breathe, or lack there was, I should say. At times, we were hiking an 8 degree grade only with a few seconds of some actual flat ground.

When we got to a clearing, there were steps... I

am guessing to be about 500 of them that brought us out of the canyon and back to our cars.

We climbed and climbed and climbed. I'm used to steps, but these were tough. There was this Asian man who was working out on the top tier of them, and wow, he was doing something right! He had a six pack and even looked like he was enjoying himself... moron.

But, I only ever hike if the view is worth it... you tell me?

Multitasker

So, my Gorillapod is a multitask-er! She's a tripod AND an Apple Holder!

We will be having a naming ceremony as soon as we figure it out.