Thick World

Finally!

2012-01-25T21:53:00.000-08:00

It finally snowed. Seriously snowed. Like face shots in the backcountry. Like grinning from ear to ear because we'd forgotten how awesome deep powder makes us feel.

Thanks to Jocelyn for sharing some of her photos!

A Change In The Weather

2012-01-22T11:52:00.000-08:00

The high pressure finally moved out, and the storm door is open, at least for a while. There is still not quite enough snow up high to really go into the backcountry yet. More is coming, but for now, we're biding our time.

Terrarium

2012-01-20T17:28:00.000-08:00

Doesn't this just make you yearn for spring?

We happen to know an artist who needed to borrow a tile saw. We had the tile saw. The tile saw was returned with a brand new blade and this terrarium. Big win. If any other similarly talented individuals need to borrow a tile saw, you know where to find us. More of these lovely creations can be found here.

The blog has been "cluttered up a bit" as Denver put it. Thought it needed a little spice.

Logging & family portraits

2012-01-17T08:46:00.000-08:00

New Year, New Experience

2012-01-13T18:11:00.001-08:00

Occasionally we feel a bit sad that our lives lack culture. We rarely attend cultural events of any sort and instead spend all our free money on gas and house renovation. So when we got the invite to join in on a weekend of wine tasting in Amador County we determined that it was about time we added a little sophistication to our normal routine. Plus the weekend included a morning at Squaw Valley. Who could turn down both wine tasting and skiing in the same day? Certainly not us.

We tagged along with the pros (B&B), pictured above, and learned the wine tasting ropes. (The pictures are ridiculously blurry, maybe squinting helps? The camera battery was left charging at home and I resorted to snapping a few photos with the broken camera on my phone.)

We met B&B our first few months in Reno. They quickly made us feel connected and at-home in our new city and I've seen them do the same for so many other people over the last year. Because of a shared love of skiing and Jesus we've remained friends. Denver and I are always talking about about how we should invite the neighbors over for dinner, or try to climb such and such, or ride a certain trail, or how we should give generously but yet be frugal with ourselves, or how we should remember to ask the check-out lady about her day. B&B don't just talk, they're some of the few that actually do ALL of that WITH three small boys in tow. It's impressive. Honestly, we could hate them for being so industrious but instead we'll just be super thankful for friends who inspire us to pack-up, head-out, and be nice. Wine tasting, skiing and good company? Yes, please.

Winter thus far

2012-01-08T09:57:00.000-08:00

Mt Rose summit, January 7th. Where's the snow?

Behind Times

2011-12-31T18:04:00.000-08:00

Here it is almost the middle of January and I'm still talking about Christmas. It was a fantastic year for two reasons.
1)We were able to spend quality time with my family and Denver's family
2)Denver was able to drink some coffee out of his Christmas mug.

White Mountain

2011-12-31T16:54:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to hike White Mountain for ages and Denver has been wanting to check out the Bristlecone Pine trees for just as long. The Bristlecone Pines just happen to be right below the White Mountain summit/trailhead. We made a deal, he'll hike with me and I'll look at pine trees with him.

The ancient Bristlecone Pines are thought to be the oldest known single living organism. This one is apparently not living but they have dated some of the living trees to over 4000 years of age.

View of the Sierras from across the Owen's Valley

A hummingbird's nest?

Our plan was to sleep at the trailhead and wake up with the morning light to make our jaunt to the summit. Instead of sleeping, we spent an ungodly amount of time burrowed in our sleeping bags in the back of the truck, listening to the wind howl and the gusts shake the canopy.

I had read earlier in the guide book that "since the trail was basically a road to the top a moonlight hike was a pleasant option". We certainly weren't sleeping so with the promise of a pleasant moonlight hike and some other faulty reasoning we laced our boots and headed up the hill. It was dark and cold and miserable, can you tell from the above photograph? Maybe someday we'll do it again and actually see a view from the summit.

First light of dawn on our way back to the truck. Our only thought was of a steaming cup of coffee and a donut at the local bakery down the hill.

The house made out like a bandit this Christmas

2011-12-31T16:11:00.000-08:00

A plant stand, designed and welded by my Dad

A handmade frame and original print from the all talented Josiah Hassler

A throw blanket and lambswool rug to help the residents resist frostbite

Endless Suns

2011-12-18T20:59:00.000-08:00

There's a high pressure ridge that's been sitting on the whole west coast in general and our piece of the Sierras in particular, since Thanksgiving-ish. I've never been big on griping about the weather, but everybody has a breaking point. Get ready to hear me gripe.
I never knew that weather could cause so much angst and frustration and general misery. It can. Not in the grand scheme of things, but in a small inconvenient sort of fashion. This high pressure apparently has the tenacity of a starfish clinging to a piling at low tide and is refusing to to let go, even for a tasty mollusk. The weather and snow forecasters are predicting the same clear cold weather for another 2-3 weeks. No storms, no snow, just endless suns.
We've settled into a little routine for our weekends during this unusually long shoulder season. We go for a ride one day, a trail run another day and up to Squaw Valley on the third day. Kind of different to have all of those options open at the same time. Last weekend was our fourth in a row being faithful to the routine and we have become intimately familiar with the two runs that are open at Squaw Valley.

Decking the Halls

2011-12-14T09:55:00.000-08:00

One of the best things about going home for the holidays is spending time chatting it up with my sisters and my Mama. There's always too much to say and too little time. The conversations are even more fun these days with little Miss Kayce involved. We wonder what we ever did without her quirky antidotes and perspective on life. Her favorite topics are still earrings and baby dolls but the older she gets the more she can listen and converse on any subject of general interest. And boy does she love joining into the mix. She nestles her tiny frame in the thick of things tosses her hair over her shoulder and gets down to business.

We gave thanks

2011-12-13T18:46:00.000-08:00

So very grateful for:

These two little rascals

Thanksgiving spent with family

Time spent cruising around with tiny farmers (and sisters who share their photos)

A hearty slice of the only-pumpkin-pie-worth-eating and an even heartier dollop of whipping cream

The Soma Nightcap

2011-11-22T09:44:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend we attended Soma school. Ours was a mini-school, a two-day conference, that was held at our community church. We spent the days listening and learning about missional community living and then stayed up late energized by what we had learned, re-hashing and reviewing. We were inspired but also found that when a good vision runs head-long into reality it can be discouraging. Which only reinforced the knowledge that it takes a larger power for anything to really change or happen. A larger power and maybe a drink or two.

coffee. baileys. vanilla icecream.

Black Rock Desert: a photographic essay

2011-11-14T20:33:00.000-08:00

Waiting for snow

2011-11-09T06:38:00.000-08:00

We're checking the forecast and doing the snow dance but still nothing more then a few inches here and there. Just enough to limit activity up at higher elevations. We've been trying to keep things interesting by riding the local trails that we haven't been on before or riding the same trail in the opposite direction or convincing Denver to do something cool like eat-a-banana-while-scratching-his-chin-and-keep-pedaling. Super cool, right? We've by no means explored all the options but it's time for something new. Something new = Snow.

How about this:

Instead of this:

Cabin Fever

2011-11-06T15:05:00.000-08:00

We know some folks who have a cabin and spend lots of time at their cabin. Sometimes we're lucky enough to join them.

This man is passionate about fires. The good-kind of fires. The kind of fire that you watch and enjoy and warm your toes by, not the kind that will send you to jail.

Isn't this what cabin days are all about?
Don't let the picture fool you. These folks aren't nearly as mellow as they appear. Mr four-minute-mile-man and his wife (who is equally as fast) are the most committed runners I have ever met. Rain or snow, late night or early morning, these folks lace up their shoes and head out the door.

Their commitment to running and running fast is just a tiny example of the way they live life. They live life with purpose and intention. They are committed to living a life that serves and gives credit to Christ.

They are purposeful about community, family relationships and their relationship with each other. They are committed to healthy eating (even though eating healthy is expensive and is hard on a budget). They're committed to living on one income and raising a family. They're making decisions that are counter-culture because they belive in something bigger then themselves. And somehow, in the midst of all this intentional living mumbo-jumbo, they make life look like alot of fun.

The view of the Sierra Valley

One Fine Fall Day

2011-11-04T17:24:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a beautiful day

That took a terrible turn.

Asphalt isn't very forgiving and why oh why was I wearing my favorite jeans. I also put a nice hole in my down jacket and feathers were fluffing into the cool fall air as I hobbled all the way back to the truck.

An awsome collage of Chelsea being awesome on her longboard

2011-11-01T21:12:00.000-07:00

Fowl Play

2011-11-01T20:32:00.000-07:00

Ma and Pa L. inherited a wide variety of feathered friends over the weekend. Some people that they knew were moving, so Pa gamely offered up the long abandoned chicken coop as a place of refuge for the wayward creatures.
Little did he know how numerous the huddled masses turned out to be. Out from the dark concealment of the trailer strutted no fewer than twenty-five Chickens, four turkeys, twelve guinea fowl, five chukars, and two pheasants. Here is a sampling of the hilarity:

Phall Photography*

2011-11-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

*This dumb title was Denver's idea

So very close!

2011-10-27T23:16:00.001-07:00

Denver finished his part of the remodel ages ago but I've been waiting to post pictures. Waiting until I felt like the decorating/furnishing portion was finished. Unfortunately, this whole "saving money thing" is really cramping my style and it might be ages before everything is just right. Unnecessary household fluff didn't make it on the new budget.

The guest bedroom from the living room

Denver finished the desk earlier this week. I'm pretty stoked.

The original bathroom with a whole new face

Flume Trail

2011-10-27T23:09:00.000-07:00

We stomped the Flume trail last weekend. For sure.

Birth-Day

2011-10-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

My youngest sister, Kayce, happens to be quite the talented card-maker. There isn't a holiday or occasion that isn't celebrated by a bright and original and cheery card. This card happened to include a dollar bill because this was an extra-special card to celebrate my day of birth. Kayce doesn't have many of these dollar bills so I felt extra-special because of her gift. Kayce has quite the dollar-sense and is more aware of fiscal responsibility then any other seven-year-old I know. In my more recent conversation we talked about the price of gas and her baby steer that she is raising to sell. She also did her best to determine what she should be paid to babysit our future kids. (No need to panic....we have no exciting news and shouldn't in the near future) She thought that three dollars an hour seemed about right for baby-sitting. I stated that "I wasn't sure I could afford her prices and might have to shop around" She matter-of-factly replied "well I do have college to pay for." Kayce and I think along the same lines, I guess we must be sisters.

I had a perfect celebration complete with fresh flowers, presents, cake, people I love, wine, dark chocolate, a birthday serenade(Garret made sure to that I heard his froggy voice over the phone) and the mtn bike trail of my choice. It was so good that I might be suffering, in the slightest way, from some post birthday blues.

Mt Rose in two seasons

2011-10-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

Mt Rose summit by foot, last weekend. It only took like an an hour and twenty minutes to get to the top,so we thought we going to beat Jocelyn's time and hurried back down. Surprisingly, it took just as long to get back down, so we still beat her, but not by much. (she will contest this, but she who blogs first wins)

Here's a photo from the archives, the other time we were up there. Sometime in the 09/10 season, we did Mt Rose on skis. I think we even blogged about it. Okay, at least Facebooked about it.

The Black Wall

2011-10-17T20:35:00.000-07:00

Gearing up

The not-so-ominous Black Wall

Autumnal Days

2011-10-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

Fall leaves saturated with orange and red hues. My mama taught me the art of gathering and bringing nature indoors. (I've only come to realize that this was an art, as a kid I assumed that everybody had the knack or vision) She was a professional. No tree with spring blossoms or unique pine cone went unnoticed and un-gathered.

Green tomatoes rescued from the chilly fall air. I've been promised that they will ripen if left on the windowsill. They seem very green and very hard but because they look so pretty and domestic I'm willing to give the process some time.

Soft sunshine, new chairs and books on the bookshelf. My Dad always seemed to head to the shop this time of year. After the busyness of summer he'd hide-away to revive and create. Fortunately, luck was on my side, and I married someone who has the same creative juice and talent. He doesn't have a shop and only wishes for a wood stove but still manages to do beautiful work. Denver finished the wood chairs by the window a few weeks ago and I'm so proud of his handiwork.

2011-10-11T15:56:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe that it's been over a year since we moved into our little brick bungalow. I remember our first night in the old creaky house that smelled dusty and dank. It doesn't smell old now except when we forget to take the trash out after a few days. Two days after getting the keys to the new house Denver began the great renovation. He's done a ton of work on the house, the landscaping, and even the basement is getting organized. Nevermind that the entire back lot sits in disrepair, with dead weeds, piles of dirt and a couple of sagging buildings. Only the neighborhood cats enjoy hanging out back there, its kind of a legoland resort for felines. They poo in the nice soft dirt pile and romp through the weeds, climb the trees and poke their heads through holes in the fence. Well all this is about to change. (When I say "about" I mean in the next six months or so, so don't get too excited).

The plan is too build a garage/shop with a studio/apartment on top of it in the back corner of the lot. It's a great plan, but there's a hitch. It takes money to build a garage. We don't have any money. One way to have more money is to make more money, but that's easier said than done. The other way to have more money is to spend less money, which is probably even harder. Nonetheless, we are now on our second month of the "spend less, make more" campaign.

Which brings us to the best-ever, four-day, ultimate cheapskate, all expenses paid trip to O.C. complete with fresh seafood on the pier (many thanks to Adam's dad for this evening), a cocktail party, a taco feast, a delicious breakfast, free coffee and doughnuts at church, and some surfing just to keep from getting fat. I don't think we surfed enough. We shivered on the pier while waiting for an unwary lobster to wander into our hoop, (none ever did) and got to ride with Dennis and Diane back and forth from Reno (thanks for the lift!)

Pie shopping

2011-10-10T18:37:00.000-07:00

On the first weekend of October, Chelsea and I always* go bouldering. This year, we each got to bring a friend. I brought Josiah Hassler, and Chelsea brought Jocelyn Little . Chelsea got her picture included just because she's cool like that.

*(This part is a complete dramatization)

Sonora Pass

2011-09-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

I'm not an avid backpacker and Denver is even less interested. The sport lacks an element of danger which is fine with me but leaves Denver feeling bored and apathetic. I appreciate the relative safety of the sport but find that time tends to drag. I'm usually tired of hiking long before the sun sets and I'm allowed to head to bed. Occasionally, however, the backpacking bug bites. The bug only bites about once a year and waits to bite when the temperatures cool and the trails aren't too dusty. We found a beautiful trail up in Sonora Pass. The overcast afternoon skies reminded us of all the time spent on trails in the Chugach.

Lazy Days

2011-09-27T07:57:00.000-07:00

From Thick World

A Hike in Devils Postpile (without instagram filters)

2011-09-17T20:04:00.000-07:00

6 years and counting

2011-09-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

Denver and I celebrated our six year anniversary. As a co-worker stated the other day "it's amazing how the years accrue when one gets married as a high school student." I see her point; however, I do feel the need to clarify that I had indeed graduated before we decided to "tie the knot." For how long? Unnecessary question.

In the past, I haven't really been all that excited about holidays. Holidays seemed unnecessary and a bit of a stress; however, I decided to change my approach. Life seems to short to not cheer for the occasional birthday or anniversary. I've turned over a new leaf regarding holidays just in time for my birthday. Let the celebrations begin.

Thus stated this is the first time, as far as I can remember, that we have actually made a special effort to celebrate our anniversary. It was fun. I can't wait for next year. Denver and I headed down to the Mammoth area for some bike riding and fresh air. Our goal for the weekend was the Lower Rock Creek Trail. A highly recommended trail that involves over 2700ft of elevation drop entirely on single track. The relentless climb up the hill made the single track even more magical. We also did some hiking and reading and camping and watching the thunder clouds roll overhead.

Fuel for the ride. Coffee from Shat's baker and muffins from home

The top of the trail

The long anticipated single track

Convict Lake

Keystone Canyon

2011-09-11T15:48:00.000-07:00

Adam dragged us out on a ride one morning. We stayed close to home and were reminded how much we love the local trails. The intense late morning sun also reminded us why we've avoided those local trails all summer long.

Visitors

2011-09-11T08:13:00.000-07:00

We were so excited to have an impromptu visit from Dani and Adam over Labor Day weekend and even more excited when Denver's parents decided to join the party. The weekend seemed short (two days is not even close to enough time) but we did our best to make the days last as long as possible. It has been almost a year since the six of us were able to spend time together and there was lots of catching-up to be done. I have come to believe that there is no better blessing then a house full of family and friends.

We made the short hike to Skunk Harbor to lounge on the rocks and cool off. The location is remarkably lovely despite it's name.

Dennis and Diane just celebrated their 31st anniversary a few days ago. I seriously hope that Denver and I look this good in another twenty-five years.

Mr. Fear the Beard and the beautiful Dani

Black & Whites at the beach

2011-09-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

Yuba River

2011-08-22T07:17:00.000-07:00

I'm a kid who grew up swimming in weed-infested farm ditches and a thick-green-algae lake. We'd choke on midges while water-skiing and never-mind slipping on that old cowpie. There were a few clear water sources that were perfect for a quick panicked dip and but were far too cold for actual swimming.

I assumed that all rivers and lakes were of equal caliber. I should never assume. A few days ago we found a swimmers paradise. Crystal clear water with huge granite boulders. There were deep pools, shallow pools and short underwater tunnels. There were cliffs perfect for jumping and short gentle waterfalls perfect for sliding. There were strong currents and calm inlets. The water was just cool enough to be refreshing but certainly not too warm. We'd scampered upstream on the boulders then floated downstream. We sunned ourselves on the rocks while we ate our lunch and watched the little carp putter about. It was perfection, plain and simple.

The view from the bridge before we took the trail upriver

Cute little pregnant Momma who makes the best blackberry crumble in the whole wide world

Ten toes

Another good combo

2011-08-22T06:45:00.000-07:00

Camping under the stars. Minimal sleep included. Who knew that a lake could be so loud.

Breakfast in Nevada City

Bliss

2011-08-22T06:20:00.000-07:00

Tahoe Rim Trail

Post ride swim

Spandex

2011-08-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

My road riding sister talked us into going metro this weekend. No muddy hiking boots, minimal dirt, lots of spandex and a sleek sexy bike. Denver's not sure he's a huge fan. I am.

I stole the last two photos from the road riding sister We'll see how this goes down.

Melody

2011-08-15T07:05:00.000-07:00

We met baby Melody for the first time this weekend. Sweet baby with the brightest blue eyes and the proudest parents in all the land.

Send-off

2011-08-15T06:46:00.000-07:00

We gathered this weekend to wish my oldest brother and his small family safe travels and success with their new life and venture. The days were full of childhood repeats this time even better because the work was just for fun, my youngest siblings make eveything ten times better AND we didn't have to dig any thistles. The youngest siblings (they prefer to be called Uncle and Aunt at this point) are well on their way to becoming champion thistle exterminators. I don't know many other five and seven-year-olds that can so quickly identify thistle varities and specify the method of destruction. Plus they're already making $0.25 an hour.

Thistles aside, we did all sorts of fun: slept on the trampoline, picked veggies from the garden, fed watermelon rinds to the horses, baby-talked to the baby, woke up before the sun every morning and visited with aunts, uncles, cousins and old friends

Jumped off the bridge

Fed the chickens in our pjamas

Dined on the back porch

Irrigated and swatted mosquitoes

Arranged flowers for the party

Drove the 4-wheeler around, I mean, helped Dad with the flood irrigation

Made a few cookies

Drank all Dad's coffee. We drove away with not a single bean left in the house and him pulling some Folgers instant brew from the back shelf.

Happy Anniversary

2011-08-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

Thirty years of wedded bliss
this handsome Mr and his Miss
i've heard the story many times
they started off rich in love but not a single dime

Assured they ran a greater race
the 8-5 game was not their pace
home church, home school and work from home
they give what's theirs and love to roam

They believe in hard work, independence and Grace
they dream of land and lots of space
three kids raised and now two more
their not afraid of life's new door

Thirty years of wedded bliss
this Mr and his pretty Miss
still go strong but savor rest
hot tea and coffee are what's best

Bumpass Hell

2011-08-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

I could say that we spent the weekend camping at Lassen with my family, ate lots of s'mores, swam in a lake, rode our bikes and slept under the stars. However, I'd rather say that we hiked to Bumpass Hell.

Because we did, and then the world ended.

Summer

2011-08-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

Armed with personal rafts and a few remaining hours of daylight and warmth we headed to the Truckee river. We had heard many mentions of this Reno summer tradition but had yet to give it a go. The float was as every float should be with leaking floatation devices, treacherous tree branches, unexpected rocks and water wars. We finally landed downtown and attempted to warm our shivering-goose-bumpy bodies in the setting sun before the quick walk back to the house.

Cathedral Peak

2011-07-31T08:53:00.000-07:00

Cathedral Peak was one of our favorite climbs last summer. We couldn't think of a better repeat when my sister and a friend decided they were ready for a multi-pitch route. The morning started bright and beautiful but we were racing the afternoon thunderstorms (as the forecast predicted). With perfect timing, we made it off the route just as the thunder started clapping and raindrops fell.

At the summit

Temple Crag via Venusian Blind

2011-07-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since we did an overnight trip on our own, just the two of us. We managed just fine solo and even played a riveting game of twenty questions while the ferocious mosquitoes buzzed about the tent. Denver might of been wishing for a climbing partner that offered to lead a pitch or two, but he kept those thoughts to himself.

A quick swim and a great view of Temple Crag

Braving the mosquitoes

Half-way

At the summit, ready to head down.

happy pedaling

2011-07-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

From Thick World

Another ride. Can't get over how perfect the trails and the weather and the views have been.

bikes and cool mountain air

2011-07-09T21:04:00.000-07:00

The snow is finally receding and we were able to ride a few nice trails at higher elevations. It's been rather hot in the valley but the weather in the mountains is perfect for biking and swimming and eating six-dollar, one-pound, burritos for lunch.

Pedaling along the North Tahoe City Loop

Wildflowers along the Spooner Lake to South Camp Peak Summit trail

2011-07-05T06:31:00.000-07:00

Last night was July fourth. Chelsea and I drove up to the Evans Canyon trail head for what was billed as a spectacular view of the fireworks over the city. Knowing that it was about nine miles from the fireworks should have given us a realistic expectation of how great it was going to be. It did not.
That's okay though, we crawled onto the roof of the camper shell for a better view and had a nice time hanging onto the crossbars for the next thirty -five minutes to keep from sliding off.

oregon

2011-07-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

The majority of this last weekend was spent whacking weeds, cleaning gutters, and signing new lease papers on the Oregon house. Hurray for new tenants!

There's always a twinge of nostalgia to be back at the house, but the sweetness is usually overpowered by the annoyance of money wasted, a bad economy and unwanted work. This time was different, we were so thankful to be signing a new lease that we just enjoyed the beauty of the lake and the trees and the quail hurrying accross the driveway. Our complaints were also silenced by the generosity of Team Family who have spent countless hours showing and working on the house in the midst of their very busy lives. Even my youngest siblings were set to work pulling weeds from the gravel pathways and driveway.

We are perfectly content here at the edge of the sierras, but it's hard to beat the Oregon landscapes.

What's new?

2011-06-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

My inspiration for blogging went missing for about a month. These beautiful summer days have been full to the brim with living and no time for documenting. My sister has been doing a much better job of recording the recent happenings. Her photo blog is almost as good as all this sunshine. I love her blog and not just because my face makes frequent appearances.

Bodie and blizzardy day in May

2011-05-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

After soaking in some hot springs we made our second annual winter hike into Bodie State Park. The bitter cold wind and snowstorm made us so thankful that we weren't trying to brave any mountain tops.

Hot Springs

2011-05-16T06:48:00.000-07:00

My sister is temporarily staying with Denver and I. While the living room floor probably isn't the most comfortable set-up she's experienced it's been a pretty good deal for me. I come home from work to find the lawn mowed, dishes done, new groceries in the pantry, a clean house and some sort of delectable food item. I'm serious. On Saturday morning we woke up to the smell of maple quinoa flake scones fresh out of the oven. (I also can't find my favorite shirts or jeans but that is an entirely different story.)

She also makes me do things that I don't really want to do. Like go to hot springs. My experience with hot springs is similar to a review I read online about "sitting in a broth of tepid unwashed hippie froth." However, after lots of of strong encouragement, the three of us were on our way south, camping gear loaded, in search of hot water and adventure. We found both adventure and hot water and I'm converted hot spring lover.

A New Challenge

2011-05-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

The major goal of this summer is to learn to surf. Our attempt seems slightly doomed from the beginning. We don't live near the beach, my wetsuit is in the repair shop for 6+ weeks and our first three days on the water were rainy and cold and rather miserable. We'll see what the summer holds.

Tahquitz Canyon

2011-04-25T16:54:00.000-07:00

Red Rocks

2011-04-16T07:09:00.000-07:00

On our last day in Red Rocks we decided to climb a route on the south face of Mescalito. The plan was to do something quick and easy, but after getting caught behind multiple slow parties we were feeling fortunate to simply make it back to the truck in the daylight.

At the top of Mescalito.

We love camping in the Nevada desert. Empty roads and no rangers. Our goal is to make it through the summer season without paying for camping or paying any tickets. Ten nights of success so far.

Good morning sunshine!

Owens River Gorge

2011-04-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

In between work, responsibility, and bouts of laziness we've been enjoying some spring climbing and a trip to the beach. Winter hasn't quite relinquished its grip on the weather but there have a been a few days of sunshine and warmth.

A few weekends ago we made our first trip down to the Owens River Gorge. The views were beautiful and campfire camaraderie is always great fun. I wish I had managed to take a few more photos of the people, but instead there are lots of rock and sky.

A Kitchen (almost finished)

2011-04-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

My intention was to wait to post updated renovation pictures once the kitchen and dining room were completely finished, but it's so close now that I couldn't resist. We just came back from ten-day holiday and coming home to the new kitchen and dining room was a delight. Eating all the food that we've been cooking has also been a delight. The only things left to really finish it out are cabinet pulls, shelving, and some photos/decorations on the walls.
As a special bonus just for you, dear reader, I included some pictures of the bedroom remodel and bathroom addition that happened prior to the kitchen.

This kitchen is my happy place. I shed a few tears of pure happiness when we unpacked the dishes and moved ourselves in. The morning sun comes streaming through the windows in the mornings and makes the last six months of living in a gutted house totally worth the discomfort. I'm also so proud of Denver for all of his craftsmanship and slave labor.

To save on square footage, Denver decided to do a wall pantry with sliding barn doors. Above the fridge we still need to install some open shelving.

My sister was a bit concerned when she saw this wall with the offset hooks, don't worry it's all a work in progress. I have great plans for this little nook.

I came down with a bad case of bacterial pneumonia two weeks ago and lay in bed just thinking about how fortunate I was not to get sick without a finished bedroom. Can you imagine having a fever and having to stare at yellow-brown walls? Ridiculously dramatic, but all logical thought left when the illness arrived. Denver made the bed frame when we were living in Oregon, maybe my favorite piece yet.

Once we had converted the closet space to a bathroom there was a latent concern for a place to put the clothes. Wardrobes were the answer. Denver had great plans for building some but my impatience won and we purchased these beauties. I think he's glad he doesn't have to listen to my complaints but the shame of having purchased furniture that he had the ability to build is a heavy load. (And the deepest secret of all....it's not even real wood) There, he'll never be able to show his face again.

I'm all about this routine

2011-03-21T08:20:00.001-07:00

Kayce and Garret have the whole skiing thing figured out.

Ski. Hot chocolate. Ski.Hot chocolate. Ski. Hot chocolate.

Or better yet.

Ski. Hot chocolate. Hot chocolate. Ski. Hot chocolate. Hot chocolate. Hot chocolate.

Jackson Hole

2011-03-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in the previous post, my parents treated us to a luxurious week in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Before the rest of the family arrived and the heavens opened up their splendor, the three of us spent a few days catching some backcountry lines and camping out.

Welcome to Jackson!

We spent three nights snug as bugs and a little bit damp.

Our first tour in Teton Pass. We saw two moose just off of the road our our way up.

Another day in Teton Pass. Hiking back to the truck after a beautiful run down Mount Glory.

The low clouds and snowy skies hid the mountains for most of the week. The clouds lifted on the last day and we were able to see the Tetons in all their beauty.

Vacation

2011-03-19T01:55:00.000-07:00

The long awaited trip to Jackson Hole came and went last week. My parents covered all the bills, skiing, staying and eating for free is an amazing thing. We spent six blissful days reconnecting and enjoying the chance to spend uninterrupted time together.

Another weekend

2011-02-28T07:23:00.000-08:00

We had low expectations for the backcountry this weekend. The avalanche danger was high, the storm clouds look ominous and most of the Tahoe resorts were closed the previous day due to high winds. The only other option for the day was to stay home and work on the house so we decided to head to the hills despite the dismal weather predictions. Apparently the rest of the world had the same low expectations but didn't have the threat of a house project. We ended up being the only ones enjoying the best snow of the year, beautiful sunny skies and wilderness solitude. We came home completely refreshed and so thankful for healthy bodies and free time.
We did manage to make a little progress on the house this weekend. Denver finished the kitchen island and I painted the dining room. Fortunately the house project doesn't rest on progress made during the weekends. Denver has been putting in long hours during the weekdays and the kitchen and dining room should be completed in the next few weeks. (Our trip to Jackson Hole is going push the completion date back just a bit. Rough life. I know.)

Our third lap

Checking out our first tracks

The view never gets boring

Powder and Pillows

2011-02-21T08:55:00.000-08:00

Pillows of Powder. Powdery Pillows. Pillows and Powder.

Untracked snow and blue skies would make any day memorable. However, we were so fortunate as have snow and sun plus a 40% off sale at the Patagonia Outlet, fresh coffee and scones for breakfast, a haircut for Denver and the chance to worship with fellow believers. Mondays always return with a vengeance and so have the clouds.

Powder Day

2011-02-19T21:53:00.000-08:00

We've spent most Fridays this season up at Squaw Valley with some of our favorite people and at one of our our favorite resorts. This week was even better then most with over eight feet of new snow. Denver took advantage of the great conditions, I spent most of the day wallowing around and trying to find a lost ski.

Surf Fishing

2011-02-14T21:12:00.000-08:00

Sunset at T Street beach

The fisherman and the apprentice gearing up

Adam's great catch

Sunny with a high of 75

2011-02-14T20:26:00.000-08:00

Our dreaded journey to LA pick-up appliances turned into a lovely weekend full of sun and family. We spent a morning at San Juan Capistrano one of Denver's childhood haunts.

Two for One

2011-02-08T20:03:00.000-08:00

Skiing in the morning....

Mountain biking in the afternoon....

In search of single track

2011-02-01T17:55:00.000-08:00

This is the first year in our long lives that we have been the possessors of a season ski pass. The novelty of a ski pass and epic early season conditions have had us up at Squaw Valley at least once or twice a week. Since the ski season started in late November we haven't attempted any other activity that doesn't involve skis and snow.

Well every good thing must pass and so the epic snow conditions that made up December have refused to visit January. As of Friday we were skiing on the same snow we have skied on since new years weekend. Four weeks without a refresh made the ski hills gleaming balls of ice, so we took the weather into our own hands. We decided to pack up the mountain bikes and head to warmer country.

We started out with high hopes and some bad directions from a friendly hiker, and soon we were climbing an incredibly steep fire road up the side of a river canyon looking at the stellar singletrack we could be enjoying - on the other side of the river. Fortunately there was a freeway at the top of the grade, and the freeway had a bridge across the river, and soon we were cruising down the swooping singletrack.

Everyone seems rather perplexed about the flat tire.

Crossing the bridge to find some trails

The elusive single track below

Apres-Ski

2011-01-28T06:40:00.001-08:00

Who needs drinks and dancing when you have Muddy Buddies? If only Chelsea planned on sharing.

Diamond Peak

2011-01-18T17:39:00.000-08:00

Renovations

2011-01-15T18:34:00.000-08:00

Project "Renovation" is still underway here at the homefront. The master bedroom and bathroom aren't completely finished but they have become a safe haven from the treacherously dirty and completely gutted living room and kitchen. I am so thankful for a little space that is clean and comfortable.

Stove Hunting

2011-01-15T17:45:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday we went on a stove hunt. We had been scouring Craigslist for a couple of weeks, hoping to find a nice stainless range that we wouldn't need a second on the house to buy. Stoves can be very wary and elusive of tightwads, cheapskates and bargin hunters, and we had scared off more than a few fine examples. Finally, we were rewarded. In Arnold, CA there sat a gleaming hunk of polished steal that is guaranteed to boil water faster than you can say "green tea". So after some phone call haggling with its current owner, we agreed to drive to Arnold to pick it up. Trouble is, Arnold is on the west side of the Sierra, and we are on the east. Furthermore, the only direct way across from here to there is HWY 4, which is closed for winter. Very well, we'll go the indirect way. The very indirect,"Chelsea's Special Shortcut" way.
Witness:

But after some long "conversations" about which way to go, we made it out without any cannibalism or even running out of fuel. And the stove? Waiting in the living room until the new kitchen is ready to receive it.

Red Lake Peak

2011-01-15T17:23:00.000-08:00

Things we saw in Oregon

2011-01-10T12:06:00.000-08:00

A Furry Cat

Yainax Butte

Chelsea Frolicking With The Dog

Snow and Sun and 2010

2011-01-02T12:46:00.000-08:00

I'm not complaining about all the new snow but it was pure joy to feel some sunshine on our faces this weekend. We spent two beautiful days in the backcountry and one day at Squaw Valley before the clouds came rolling back.

At the summit of Diamond Peak

Sometime in the midst of all that sunshine and snow a year ended and another began. We celebrated the New Year with a tasty beverage, a little pot banging and homemade apple bread. In classic New Year fashion we talked about the best and worst of 2010. Denver's answers were very sweet.

What was the best of 2010?
Spending time with Chelsea

What was the worst of 2010?
When Chelsea wasn't around

(Those weren't exactly his words but I'm sure that's what he was trying to say.)

Do you want to ski with me?

2011-01-02T12:08:00.000-08:00

This face makes my heart go thumpety thump thump.
I guess he's still got the charm.

Little Farmers

2010-12-26T09:37:00.000-08:00

The best kind of Sneetch on the beaches

2010-12-26T06:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas at home: laughing. cuddles. shared toothbrushes. coffee. warm fireplaces. sledding. friends. sparkling beverages. fresh eggs. farm animals. wind. muck boots. new toys. early mornings. chatter. warm cookies. silver spoons. phone calls. evergreens. late nights. green tea. snowy hikes. p90x. storybooks. stinky ski boots. down sweaters. baking. cooking. washing dishes. fuzzy slippers. wrapping paper. mail. laundry. updates. Legos. job-site tours. rabbit walks. Samson and Delilah. wet socks. red wine. hot chocolate. no haircuts.

A six year storm

2010-12-19T06:54:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday we were skiing through ankle-deep powder. On Friday we were skiing through knee-deep powder. On Saturday it started raining and we were skiing through thigh-deep sloppy wet junk.

Getting out of the car took some serious motivation. It's always a bit disconcerting to head out on skis when it's pouring rain outside.

A little more snow and a little less rain at the top

Christmas on our street

2010-12-19T06:25:00.000-08:00

The fresh snow earlier this week made our street look like winter wonderland.

Tis the Season

2010-12-05T15:29:00.001-08:00

A sequence of events

2010-12-05T14:12:00.000-08:00

We've started our annual ski day tally. The goal is to ski more days then our competitors. As you might of guessed nobody really cares about this competition. That is, no one but Jocelyn. She cares and competes with great enthusiasm. Over the last three years we've won 2 of 3. Unfortunately, this year does not bode well for another win. Jocelyn is going to be working as full-time ski patrol and already has us beat by two days. Like a good sister, she has not hesitated to taunt us with her likely win.

This is not a contrived sequence of events, we just happened to capture two classic moments on our descent.

The winner at the top

Almost to the bottom

Some friends and a sister

2010-12-05T13:24:00.000-08:00

My sister made the big move to South Lake this week. She stayed with us for a few days but I guess the dirty floor, 60 minute commute and crash pad combo wasn't comparable to an adorable woodsy loft within walking distance to her new job. We did manage a couple of ski days before the new work week rolled around.

Some Reno rabble-rousers also headed into the backcountry with us. Enough said.

Gearing up

Skinning to the top

The descent

A week of Thanksgiving

2010-11-28T07:51:00.000-08:00

A long drive through desert landscapes

A four day gun camp in the desert

A visit to Death Valley

A tour of a date farm. Date shake anyone?

A muddy ride

A beautiful morning at the beach

A few epic early-season backcountry turns

Snow in the Sierras

2010-11-14T08:28:00.000-08:00

Our rides have been getting a bit chilly but the views are so impressive. We might be biased but we think Reno is so pretty with all the colored trees in the city and the snowy sierras in the background.

Washoe boulders

2010-11-14T07:41:00.000-08:00

It pays to know some locals. It would of taken us years to find these boulders if we were on our own. Though it appears in the following three photographs that the women-folk just observed, that is not the case. Although sometimes I feel more like sleep on our bouldering mats then actually bouldering.

Working on the house

2010-10-23T15:16:00.000-07:00

Friday we decided we had all weekend to work on the house, so we went for a bike ride, confident that "we would work hard all day Saturday". Today, we had breakfast with some friends, and decided that we needed to burn it off with another ride. So much for Saturday. There's always Sunday, right?

The best of Summer 2010

2010-10-07T20:58:00.000-07:00

Death Valley National Park

Denver and Carter looking down the U-notch on North Palisade

Joshua Tree National Park

Red Rocks National Park

Denver leading West Country in Tuolumne

Mono Lake

Mathes Crest

Jocelyn and Denver skiing the Mountaineer's Route, Mt Whitney

Lover's Leap

Denver approaching Bear Creek Spire

A new neighborhood

2010-10-03T15:11:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend we moved into our new house. Goodbye dingy apartment that is dark like a bat cave. Hello old house with charming brick and tons of windows. The house is 86 years old and is therefore quite small and in need of some serious upgrades. So it's not 100% charming now, but it has lots of potential and will be 100% cool when we're done. I hope. At least the neighbors and the Frank The Mailman are all friendly so they won't make fun of us to our faces. I am excited about the project, but also wish we could move in without spending a couple of months living out of boxes. Oh well, I'll just have to pray for patience and hope that Denver works as fast as he say's he does.

My favorite parts about our new place? My very own washer and dryer. A peaceful and quiet neighborhood. The big tall trees lining the street. A room in the basement that is dedicated to the storage of gear. And bright sunshiny rooms.

The dining and living room

The kitchen and breakfast nook

The carriage house which is slated to become a studio apartment.

our house is on fire

2010-09-28T21:26:00.000-07:00

When Chelsea and I came home from work earlier this week, we saw the channel 2 news vans in our apartment's parking lot. Last time this happend, it was becuase one of our neighbors (a friendly asian gentleman) had strangled his wife to death in a domestic dispute the night before. So naturally, we were curious to see what had happened this time. As we rounded the corner to our parking space, we saw what the fuss was all about:The building across from ours was completely burned on one end. The building across from ours burned down when we lived at the beloved J347 in Anchorage. Is it just the shady places I live, or do apartments burn down on a routine basis? Or maybe some dyslexic, sinister mastermind is intent on burning my house down, but can't get the unit number right. Just to be safe, I'm going to move into brick house next time.

Fresh socks and bumper stickers

2010-09-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

We made a quick jaunt to Oregon over the weekend. We took a leisurely afternoon hike to Blue Lake with Denver's parents, ate piles of pancakes, drank lots of coffee and tea with my parents, gathered eggs with Kayce and Garret, successfully leased the house for another year, and planned a winter ski trip with Jocelyn. Not all weekends can be perfect however and sadly enough the duffel that we had our clothes in was somehow left sitting in the middle of our apartment floor. Meaning we spent the weekend only in the clothes we were wearing when we left Reno and whatever articles of clothing we could nab from our unsuspecting relatives. We're still a little dumfounded that we could actually step over the duffel to get out the door and still leave it behind.

Here is Denver in his father's fleece dreaming of all the freshly laundered socks he had placed in the duffel the night before.

On an unrelated topic, regarding natural childbirth, I saw a bumper sticker one time that read "Midwives help people out."

The Great Reno Ballon Race

2010-09-14T20:27:00.000-07:00

The main event for the weekend was the title attraction, the Great Reno Balloon Race. The gist of it is that about a hundred eccentric old guys get in wicker baskets early in the morning, and float around for a while under big, colorful hot air balloons. The "race" part consists of hoping your balloon floats over one of several large X's painted on the grass in several football fields around the city, at which point you would toss out a beanbag that has your number on it. The Great Reno Balloon Beanbag Toss just didn't sound exciting enough last year, hence the new moniker no doubt aimed at attracting the adrenalin set.

The Dawn Patrol

Proffesor Muldoon's Balloon getting launched

Giant multicolored mushrooms

the blog is back.

2010-09-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

Well it's been over two years since I taught you all the proper way to grow facial hair. And now we - Chelsea and myself - have decided to reinstate the online publication of our most secret thoughts.
So here is the inaugural post of a new era. It is going to be a quick recap of the last two years of adventures and life.
As you well know, we moved from Alaska in June 2008, and went back to Chelsea's hometown of Chiloquin, OR. We bought a house, and quit blogging. We skied Crater Lake in the winter, and climbed Smith Rocks in the summer, and tried, more or less unsuccessfully, to find a good place to mountain bike.
Then, in February 2010, we moved again. This time we landed in the northern foothills of the Eastern Sierra, Reno, NV. I think I like it here. Reno is a really weird city, but it has a Whole Foods, so Chelsea is happy, and we have no money. We took a Trad climbing class with Alpine Ascents International, and that opened up a whole new world of possibilities to us. (If this is to deep and private for anyone, feel free to take a break, get some coffee, whatever). We kicked off the climbing season with a trip to Joshua Tree with Dani and Adam to use our new skills. We have had the campingest summer yet, spending at least two nights a week in sleeping bags since May 22, climbing almost every weekend. It was a good summer.
Ok, that brings us up to the present, hopefully this blogging streak will last longer than my ill-fated how-to phase.

P.S. If you want to read something more intriguing than this, Chelsea is going to author posts about home decorating, nutritious food, natural childbirth, and other topics of more general interest.

how to do anything

2008-06-07T20:32:00.000-07:00

(2) Grow A Mustache

I consulted my future brother in law, who has been seen sporting the mustache on more than one occasion, to see how best to go about growing your own. He says "Don't shave at all for a few weeks. A 'guy's only' camping trip is ideal, but a camping trip on which you plan on proposing to your one and only will do in a pinch. You must allow the 'stache to freely extend beyond the corners of your mouth. There is a point when the hairs will start to interfere with food and drink, you will have to deal with that, use a straw or something. Once it is long enough for your purpose, carefully shave off extraneous hair until you are left with a luxurious mouth mane." He concludes: "Admittedly, most women don't like it. But those that do really do."

how to do anything

2008-06-02T23:04:00.000-07:00

Just moments before our legions of loyal fans stop visiting our very boring, rarely updated blog entirely, I thought I would attempt a revival by dispensing bits of home-spun wisdom and dangerous advice in a couple of how-to columns. Think of it as a graduate course in adventure, fitness, gear, sex, sports and anything else you wish you were good at. It’s a big scary world - and you need to be prepared.

(1) Tune your derailleur

It looks hairy: springs, cables, chains, gears, grease – who wants to mess with that? But your friendly guide has brought along the Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair, and the majority of your shifting issues (clacking, rough shifts, jumping chains) can be fixed fast, even by a theology major.

Step 1: You first need to determine if you need to tighten or loosen the cable. Shift up until your chain is on the smallest cog in the rear. Now downshift one gear. If the chain doesn’t climb right up onto the next gear, you need to increase tension. If it overshifts, you need to reduce it.*

Step 2: Find the barrel adjuster. This is where the cable enters the derailleur (most) or possibly on the handle bars.

Step 3: To increase tension, turn the barrel adjuster counterclockwise. To reduce tension, do the opposite. The adjuster will click, turn it one or two clicks an recheck the shifting.

*This is true for most derailleurs. Some, known as “low normal” work in the opposite direction, but the principle is the same. If cable tension pulls the chain away from the wheel, you have a low normal. If you have a LN, start on the largest cog and reverse the process.

My Sister

2008-06-01T18:15:00.001-07:00

I'm here in Kansas City with my sister. She amazes me how incredibly on-top of everything she is... for just twenty years old! I remember where I was at at twenty. Anyway... just wanted to say hi to all you fellow bloggers out there. Love you all!

Back in Oregon

2008-05-17T17:10:00.000-07:00

There is a fridge in the kitchen and there is milk in the fridge. There are clothes in the closet and the camp chairs are nesting happily in the living room. 3165 Wrightwood Drive is starting to feel like home. The sunset was amazing yesterday evening, we feel so blessed to live at our new place.

The final Alaska post

2008-04-30T12:01:00.000-07:00

The last picture of the "view" from our apartment. These are possibly the most photographed trees in Anchorage.

The last days in J347

Our last ski trip

the last picture of the snow

the last goofy picture

Don't just laugh. I'm sure you can't look quite this hot while wearing ski boots and leggings.

This combo could change your life forever

2008-04-24T16:20:00.000-07:00

and

early spring in the park

2008-04-21T22:12:00.000-07:00

Spring is staring to come, even to Alaska. It is staying light 'till almost 10 pm now, so Chelsea and I took a walk through the park to see what other changes spring was bringing.

These are typical Alaska trees. I always half expect to see the Thorax hiding nearby, ready to suck peas down his fingers.

A nifty statue behind the police station. (I have no idea why they put it here, where only six people see it every month)

This model was walking by, and I asked if I could take her picture. She obliged.

The first pussy-willow things of the season. Branches with particularly nice ones are always in danger of being ripped off and carried home by Chelsea for "decorative" purposes.