geno's blog

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Mighty Texas Dog Walk

Peter bought a event t-shirt for Susan

We spent 2 days back in Austin after the tour staying again at Camp Verde. After repacking our small bikes into Samsonite suitcases, we attended the Mighty Texas Dog Walk on the 1st Ave. Bridge where the Austin dog owners were going after the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest dog walk gathering of 11,000 dogs. Whether they succeeded in breaking the record is unknown but the event was one hilarious event for dog lovers. How fun is this. . .

Just like a fun run, dog owners registered their pooches

Signing up Fido

Prepping for the start

A doggie water stop

Sag Wagon

A fun-looking mutt

A fork in the road

One of many dog vendors giving out freebies

Doing the poodle beg . . . reminded me of my buddy Nikki (my neighbor's schnoodle)

Waggin Train, another vendor

Winston, looks a little undignified wearing a tie-dye t-shirt

They're off and walking . . .

Across the 1st Ave Bridge which was closed to traffic

Heading downtown for several blocks

Oops . . . unofficial poopie stop

25 seconds of fame

A little cutie

Twins

Hmmm, the owners were looking good too

Benji look alike

Another vendor

With Scooby Doo and gang

END OF TEXAS BLOG

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Biking in Borrego

This was my 9th visit to Anza Borrego State Park and the weather couldn't have been any nicer - mid-80's all week, sunny, and hardly a wisp of any winds. On this trip, Mike Broderick, Herb Lee and I joined about 15 other Sac Wheelmen on their annual winter Zodiac trip to the desert. We enjoyed four great rides and completed two hikes over a 7 day period.

Mike and Herb at Palm Canyon

The Posse at Palm Canyon Resort where we spent the week

Dick Bagbaum at Yaqui Pass

Mike and Sandy Fox approaching Yaqui Pass

Dick at the top of Montezuma Pass

Nic Hourigan cresting Montezuma Pass, a 4,000' climb over 10 miles

Dennis "Sasquatch" King, our ride leader, at Ranchita Store

Wheelmen who completed the big loop over Montezuma and Yaqui Passes - Dale, Dick, Sandy, Mike F., Herb, Mike B., Nic, me, and Sasquatch

Post-ride treats at Carlita's, a super eatery in Borrego Springs

Prehistoric Beasts of Borrego Valley

An AMAZING display!!

Scattered around the desert surrounding Borrego Springs, are more than 50 giant metal sculptures of birds and beasts that used to roam the desert valley.

A collaboration between property owner Dennis Avery and metal artist Ricardo Breceda has created a surreal scene of dinosaurs, saber-tooth cats, sloths, elephants, turtles, camels, horses, and raptors that inhabited this region thousands and millions of years ago.

These creatures are located helter-skelter on various parcels owned by Avery. The wonderful thing is he allows public access to the pieces and you can walk right up to them.

On two of our riding days, we rode around Borrego Springs searching for as many beasts as we could find. Here is a sampling of the ones we found. How fun!!

Palm Canyon Hike

The signature hike at Anza Borrego is the 3 mile hike to Palm Canyon. This is a hike I do every time I visit since it is easy and convenient to the town/campground. The trail follows a creek (usually dry) until you approach the palm grove where water suddenly bubbles up from a spring.

A grove of about 50 native California Fan Palms are huddled at the end of the canyon. Before the devastating 2004 flash flood, the palm grove numbered over 300. Signs of new growth abound so the future outlook for the grove appears promising.