My passions are three-fold - bicycle touring, hiking and traveling which has consumed me for most of my adult life. I must admit, gypsy blood runs hotly through my veins.
These pursuits are not mutually exclusive as I often combine all three activities in a single trip. For me, seeing the world from a bike saddle or by boots is the ideal form of traveling in that it allows me to enjoy my fourth passion - eating. These vigorous activities keeps my waist-line in check.
Up to 2008, RVing was also a big part of my life until my dear wife of 40 years, Patricia, passed away. I have temporarily parked the RV but I have not lost my lust for travel. Having lost my loyal and beloved side-kick, these days, I travel with a great group of buddies or solo.
I started this blog in 2008 and most of the entries chronicle my bike trips, hikes, and travels.
"The Journey is the Reward"
~~Chinese Proverb~~
After our bike tour, Dick and I drove over the Cascades to Sisters and spent a couple days exploring this area. We hiked the Metolius River which is famous for gushing springs feeding into the river . A fine trail follows the river taking you by several springs.
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The river was rip-roaring
The Metolius is a popular fly-fishing river
A major spring feed into the main river
Great wildflowers line the river - a wild rose
The river is full of beautiful rock gardens
Leopard lillys were in prolific bloom
The shrubs lining the river were in full bloom
More wildflowers lining the river
Black Butte, 6436', is a major landmark north of Sisters. From the top, you get awesome panoramic views of the Cascade range.
Can you tell it's a warm day for a hike?
A moderate 2-mile trail takes you to the top from the parking area
Hungry critters greeted the hikers at the summit
Mt. Washington
Middle and North Sisters
Three Fingered Jack
Blooming mules ears and lupine
Pretty emerging pink pine cones
A very tall fire lookout tower sits atop Black Butte
In front of Mt. Jefferson
In front of the Sisters
Lower Lookout with a tangle of lightning rods on every corner
The last two days we camped at Diamond Lake where we hiked along the picturesque lake and ate at lodge. The last day, we rode our bikes from Diamond Lake to Crater Lake, a 42 mile round-tripper with 3720' of climbing.
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On the west shore of Diamond Lake with Mt. Thielsen dominating the eastern horizon
A marina, lodge, cabins and restaurant are located on the north shore
Heading out on a balmy evening
Power boats are allowed on Diamond Lake but are restricted to fishing only
Mt. Thielsen at sunset
A great view of Mt. Bailey from our campground
On our last day, we rode up to the Crater Lake where we encountered snow near the rim.
This is my 5th visit to Crater Lake and every time it's been on a bike, believe it or not - a loaded tour more than 25 years ago, two Wheelmen club tours, on my cross-country bike trip from 12 years ago, and now this one.
Bike Friday meets Wizard Island
The rim road was open to the Rim Village but closed on the east rim
Massive Lloa Rock dominates the north rim
Major snow bank at 7400' but it was a balmy day
A view of Wizard Island you can never tire of . . .
Clarks Nutcracker on a pole
A great way to end our 13 day trip to Oregon.
My Bike Friday is so light it's levitating off the ground. Ha!
Tomorrow, I will be heading to Northern Oregon for a loaded 6-day tour. Dennis Engblom is organizing and leading this tour. Dick Fraschetti and I will be joining Dennis on this trip. We are eagerly looking forward to seeing and covering some new territory on our bikes.
This time I will be using the Bike Friday with full panniers instead of pulling the Samsonite suitcase trailer (see 5/17/08 blog entry for pictures of trailer touring set-up).
I will test out this touring combination for the Fall Japan tour. I took the bike out for a quick spin around the neighborhood to see how it handles. Hmmm, a little wobbly but I hope that's just getting used to the heavy load.
The bike alone weighs 28 lbs. and the four panniers and gear weighs another 48 lbs. I hope my gears are low enough to haul 76 lbs. uphill.
Took this pic before my test run. So far, so good. Wish me luck.
The Sacramento Hikers, led by Rich Blackmarr, tackled the twin peaks of Snow Mountain this weekend. The weather was perfect for a hike but due to the fires near Paradise, the skies were hazy and the smoke obscured views toward the Cascade and Sierra Mountain ranges to the east. The views toward the lower Sacramento Valley were also a little smokey.
In spite of limited views, the gang of 11 hikers enjoyed a beautiful weekend in the Northern California Coast Range camping Saturday night at Letts Lake and completing the 8 mile RT; 2,000+' climb to the twin summits early Sunday morning.
Snow Mountain, comprised of east and west peaks, are located in the Northern California Coast Range in the upper Sacramento Valley. The east peak at 7,058' is slightly taller than the west peak at 7,038'. Both peaks are the tallest coastal peaks north of San Francisco and 2nd tallest to Black Butte Mountain at 7,448' in the entire California Coast range. The twin peaks are the 29th highest peaks in California.
The east peak and adjacent St. Johns Mountain are visible from the I-5 interstate freeway. In normal winters, snowfall accumulates on the mountains and lasts until June.
On clear days, Mt. Diablo, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Konocti are visible to the south.
Letts Lake located at 4,000', sits amidst evergreen forests. We were all surprised at how beautiful the lake turned out to be.
A beautiful trail meanders around the small alpine lake.
Fresh fish for dinner! A young lad, Ryan, caught this rainbow trout from a fishing platform
A mother mallard herding her brood of seven ducklings
Time to fire up the camp stoves for dinner. Relaxing and enjoying a warm evening at the Letts lake Campround.
Mike offering a hunk of polish sausage to the non-vegetarians
Don wolfing down his pre-made chicken and cole-slaw meal. Pretty yummy heh?
Early Sunday morning, start of the 2,000' hike to the summits. L-R Herb, Don, and Frank
Hiking up and over the "Wall". The Snow Mt. Peaks are behind the mountain range on the horizon.
View back down the trail. Note the smokey haze layer on the horizon. Bummer!!
Passing an old "bristlecone-like" skeleton
Fresh corn-lillies popping up in a picturesque meadow
Frank and a big pine donut
A field of corn lillies popping up along the trail
Me, Bill and Frank at the saddle between West and East Peaks. West Peak behind us.
Don at the top of East Peak.
Across the valley is a snowbank lying below West Peak ridge.
Herb at the top of East Peak
Me at the top of East Peak.
Saddle seperating the two peaks to the right. We hiked along the saddle to get to West Peak.
Group foto on East Peak, elev. 7,058'
Don and Bonnie sitting L-R standing - Herb, Frank G., Frank F., Jean, Rich, Mike (kneeling)
Video of the View on Top of Snow Mountain
At the top of West Peak, elev. 7,038'
L- R Don, Frank G., Herb
On top of the world!
Special note: When Patti was alive, she was often the hiking widow and could never do these strenous hikes. With her passing, her spirit is accompanying me on every hike.
Thanks my dear for helping me power up these mountains!!
The river was rip-roaring
