Visitors Center

There was a visitors center at the end of the road to the top of the mountain. It has tons of information about Hurricane Ridge. We spent time in the gift shop buying souvenirs, and gifts for others, as well as myself. They were having a sale and it was a big hit with the customers. We had lunch at the snack bar. Then spent a goodly amount of time just enjoying the view from all angles. The parking lot was packed and there were a lot of people there, especially sense it was a Sunday, but it didn't seem that crowded as so many parks can get on weekends. And everyone there was enjoying themselves as much as we were. You would find yourself uuing and awing, and exclaiming over the view, the flowers, the grass, the mountains, the glaciers, the sky, or a passing deer with a total stranger standing next to you. I found myself watching a small child about 2 years old and his parents as they enjoyed the park. I, also, found myself sitting quietly by an elderly lady and neither of us had to say a word about how we felt at what we were seeing. I heard several languages besides my native American - Spanish, German, English, Canadian, Japanese, and others I couldn't put a country to.

Unknown snake

Hubby accidentally ran over this snake with the bushhog last week. I came to the conclusion that it's a lot harder to identify snakes with no heads.

At first I thought he was a Cottonmouth, but the tail is wrong. (They have odd tails, which narrow down from the body somewhat abruptly.)

Anybody else know what it is?

Hubby said he remembered something about being able to tell whether it's a poisonous snake or not by the scales on the tail. So I took a picture of that.



Turns out he was right. At the tip end of the snake, if the scales are divided in two, like here, the snake is not poisonous. If the scale is unbroken all the way across, it is a poisonous snake.

Memory tip:
Two scales = two words: Non-venomous.
One scale = one word: Venomous.

Please post a comment if you know the identity of this snake! The part of him that was left was about 2.5 feet long. He was in some tall grass not far from a drainage ditch.

Cold Weather Victories

When I saw this poster it made me laugh, reminding me of a street scene from the previous day: A woman bundled up in a shearling coat and hat waited for a taxi, while a cyclist in a long sleeve jersey and tights waited at a red light. The woman looked cold and uncomfortable. The cyclist looked ruddy and relaxed, checking his phone for messages with one unclipped toe on the ground.



In the short time window before the cyclist's light turned green and the woman's taxi arrived, somehow the two ended up in a conversation. As I walked past, I caught bits of their exchange. "But how can you... in the cold?," and so forth. By the time the cyclist replied, I was out of earshot. But whatever it was he said to her, they both laughed that special laugh that rings with anticipation. And when I looked back over my shoulder discreetly (I hope), sure enough the woman had her phone out and it looked like they were exchanging numbers. His light had turned green. Her taxi was waiting. They were on the side of the road smiling. "Stay warm!" I thought I heard him yell when he finally took off on his bike. More laughter.



Briskly walking down the street as I fiddled with my scarf, I experienced a moment of longing for my roadbike, and for my technical layers of cycling clothes! It's just so much nicer to be on the bike in cold weather, I caught myself thinking...

Sunrise in the Frozen Forest

This photo was made at Tettegouche State Park in Northeast Minnesota on the shores of Lake Superior. Parts of the shoreline at Tettegouche are a wonderland of ice right now. Thanks to high winds and waves that hit the shoreline just over a week ago, the trees at Tettegouche are covered in ice. Some of the cliffs at the park angle back as they drop down towards the lake, so when the waves come in just right they literally EXPLODE back out from the cliff and if the wind is strong enough it will catch the spray and fling it up over the cliff and into the trees. This only happens once in a great while, maybe only once or twice every 10 years (or so I'm told). I've shared this ice experience with a few different friends of mine, and no matter how long you've lived along the shores of Lake Superior, this incredible ice makes you stare in amazement. Truly one of the most magnificent things I've ever seen in my life on the lake. This image was made with my Canon EF 24-105mm lens, shutter speed 1/60, aperture f16, ISO 100.

Below: Here is another photo of the same ice formation, taken later in the day after the sun had risen high into the sky.

Snowy Again

Storms have dropped fresh snow on the mountain over the past few days. Be sure to check the forecast before you leave home and prepare accordingly. The skiing is improving!

Check out new conditions updates on the Disappointment Clever and Muir Snowfield.

Snowy Tumbleweed

That inch of snow we had yesterday made for some almost pretty tumbleweeds today. This one was peaking through one of our fences with its covering of snow. You can almost see the Sandia Mountains in the distance.

On Bicycle Maintenance and Limitations

Some food for thought for those who believe that all cyclists must do their own maintenance and repairs: Not everybody has the physical strength for it. I've lately spoken to several persons who have sheepishly admitted this, and were then relieved to hear that I have the same problem. My personal weak point is lack of hand and upper body strength, which can result in difficulties with even routine tasks. For example, I am not always able to open the quick release levers on wheels. On some bikes it's easy, but on other bikes I simply can't - no matter how hard I pull. Similarly, tires can be difficult to get off the rim: With some wheel and tire combinations I can work the tire iron until I am red in the face, but it won't budge and the tire refuses to come off. It is frustrating, because with many bicycle repair tasks I can give precise step-by-step instructions to someone else, but just can't physically do the work myself. And it's even more frustrating to watch the Co-Habitant do in 2 seconds what took me 10 minutes of pantingnot to be able to do.



From the correspondence I get, I know that there are cyclists out there who feel sad when they read unkind remarks on bicycle websites about those who don't do their own maintenance. If bicycle repair is easy for you, that's super. But please keep in mind that it is not easy for everybody. After all, just because knitting and sewing are easy for me, does not mean that everyone who buys their clothes ready-made is "just being lazy." Some people have arthritis, others have a bad back, others still are simply not strong enough - or even not dextrous enough - to work on their own bicycle. In areas where cycling is more common, this is acknowledged as "normal" and people are not expected to repair their own bikes unless they are enthusiasts. But in the US there is often an "oh please!" mentality when a cyclist mentions that they don't work on their own bicycle.



The way I see it, it is helpful to be aware of your limitations and to plan accordingly.If you can't repair a flat, accept it - and be prepared. Buy tires with good puncture protection. Know where all the bike shops are in the area where you travel, in case there is a problem and you need support. Know where the nearest subway, train and bus stations are. Carry a mobile phone, cash and a credit/debit card as a matter of course, in case you are stranded in the middle of nowhere and need to call a friend or a taxi to get you. And most importantly, please don't feel bad if you can't do repairs on your own - you can certainly still ride a bike! We are all good at some things and bad at others, and there is not a thing wrong with that.

Hambleton peninsula - Rutland Water

We drove out to Hambleton and parked by the road out of the village - ok on a quiet rainy Thursday in April - probably impossible on a sunny Sunday in July or August! Just over six and a half miles, with Maureen, Barry and Gordon. Fine, with one brief shower.



As well as the scenery we were treated to some great birdsong - I think the most tuneful was a great tit, but the chaffinch was a close second.

A fine specimen - stone cockerel - in welly boots?

We walked back through the village and turned right along a muddy footpath downhill between fences, and then across a field (wet on this occasion) joining the main cycle track at a corner.

Waterside woodland carvings

Then we followed the path through some woodland until we met the road. We decided to go down to the spot where it disappears under water, and there is now a convenient bench.

After this we returned to the main route, which took us through more bluebell woods, not yet quite at their peak and round to the road to Hambledon Old Hall.

Not a bad spot to live?

At this point the first real rain of the morning started, so we donned waterproofs, and continued on the track across the road. The wind was strong enough to blow the shower away rapidly.

Be prepared!

A stone figure in need of some waterproofs?

When we reached the main road we decided against a walk to Egleton - too much walking at the side of the road. So back to the car, following the cycle track until we met the path we'd come down earlier.

Back to the car . . . and a slice of birthday cake - thank you, Maureen, and I agree, birthdays should be extended over at least three weeks. Happy Birthday to Maureen as well!

The rain held off, and the drive home was dry and clear.



Now, as I write this I can hear the rain hammering on nearby conservatory roofs.





map and details



For more fanciful accounts see this postand the preceding one on my alithoughts blog.

Riding

I decided to ride Sonny today and Lee took a couple of photos. Wish I felt like riding more often. In this photo we are at the back of our property. Those are the Sandia Mountains behind be.

The Creek

Lee is standing by the creek that is above Jemez Springs where a lot of fishing is done. I think this is part of San Antonio Creek.

Durability of Unusual Finishes: Chrome Plating and Clear Powdercoat

This winter I've been riding some bikes with unusual finishes. My main ride is a clear powdercoated Brompton. There are also two chrome-plated bikes in my possession at the moment: a vintage Raleigh Tourist and a modern Bella Ciao. The idea of riding these bikes on salted winter roads has been met with some concern, and I've been asked to comment on how they are holding up.




To start with, I just want to say that chrome plating and clear powder coat are entirely different finishes, and I am by no means placing them in the same category. But the one thing they have in common is that they are unusual, which invites curiosity about their durability compared to paint.Unfortunately, I cannot address that question meaningfully. I didn't have the heart to experiment with the beautiful finishes, so I've been cleaning the bikes after every salty ride this winter. But in truth I am not sure how much this extra care is warranted.




When it comes to the chrome plated bikes, I am actually surprised by the concern for their durability. Chrome plating might be pretty, but its real purpose - as I understand it - is to make the frame more resistant to corrosion. Therefore, a chrome plated frame should require less, not more maintenance than a painted or powdercoated frame. Issues of cost aside, chrome plating should make for an excellent and entirely appropriate winter bike finish. For what it's worth, my chrome Raleigh Tourist is a 33-year-old bike that was well-ridden by its previous owner. The chromed frame shows less wear than a typical painted frame from that era, though a similar degree of component wear.




Clear powdercoat is a different story. Generally speaking, powdercoat is considered to be a more durable finish than liquid paint, which makes it a preferred choice for winter bikes. But clear powdercoat is tricky and may not be reliably rust-proof. Owners of clear-coated bikes have reported problems with corrosion. Rivendell used to offer clear-coated frames, but no longer does. Brompton at some point reformulated their raw lacquer finish to address corrosion issues. Today there are owners of clear-coated Bromptons who ride them in winter, and dealers seem to feel this is perfectly fine to do. I do not see any signs of rust on mine so far, although again - I've been cleaning it.I would notintentionally choose a clear powdercoat finish for a winter bike.




All things considered, I feel that (pigmented) powdercoat and liquid paint are more practical choices for a bike finish. Chrome plating is expensive and difficult to do properly. Clear powdercoat is reputed to be less durable.




Then again, there are bikes that do perfectly well with no finish at all. As an experiment, Henry Cutler of WorkCycles left his personal Fr8frame unpainted. For three years the bike was stored outdoors in Amsterdam's rainy saltwater climate. Over time the frame has developed a patina of surface rust, but it remains structurally fine. Go figure!

Feathered Friends sleeping bags?

Lee out in LaLa-land, snuggled into a Feathered Friends Hummingbird.





It is kinda funny when you look at all your gearand it is so easy to miss the really important stuff. Not the biners or hardware or the newest ice tool or a pair of boots. But the really important stuff like sleeping pads, the bags and the tents.



I'd guess part of it is I hate having to carry any of them. So until required I try to ignore all of them. The when I am forced to sue them I generally take the smallest and the lightest of all three. It has made for some uncomfortable nights. But it is never the gears fault. It is an issue with faulty decision making. To be specific my faulty decision making.



In the old days I carried a pack like this pretty much every where I went and spent half the year or more living out of asleeping bag.







Now I am more likely to measure a climb by how much can I get done in 24hrs or less and how much do I REALLY have to carry. This size pack is about as much as I want on my back these days.



As you might imagine that has cut down on a LOT of gear including the size and more importantly the comfort range of my sleeping bag.



I suspect there are a few sleeping bag companies that make good bags. Western Mountaineering seems to be well liked by friends over the years. A quick search turned up this:



http://www.climbing.com/print/equipment/bags215/



I've owned a few bags. My first down bag, which was second hand, I resold at some point. My second, a synthetic, was stolen off my clothes line, where it sat drying one too many days and nights, after a minor epic in the Canadian Rockies. The third the same brand of synthetic I eventually wore out and gave away.



My fourth and first really nice down bag I bought in 1976, a Trailwise Chevron, which still own. I thought it had about died on me till I had Feathered Friends cleaned it for me a few years ago. It was always a good bag but they worked wonders on it.



That wasn't my first experience with Feathered Friends however. In 1980 I had them builda custom Peregrine. Black VBL inner shell and a bright green Gortex outer. Loved that bag. I remember waking up at 17K on the west butt one morning with chilled feet. Thinking sheet...not enough bag. Until I reached for the stove pot and it singed my hand it was so cold.That is really cold! Wonderful bag! 17K was the first time I had actually zipped up that bag on Denali.



I sold that one....as I didn't want to be anywhere that cold again. Thatwas a mistake as I did 2 more Alaska trips after that and never could afford to have another one built.



With Feathered Friends virtually willing to build you any bag you could imagine in the next 20 years I did have them buildseveral more custom bags though. All over filled, all with something extra I figured I needed and all of the bags truly spectacular.



I still have them. One of each, aHumingbird, a Widgeon which I had them buildto my specs. Andmost recently a Vireo that I returned after using it for a couple of years to have it modified as well.



Feathered Friends makes some amazing bags you can buy off the shelf. But when you ask them to do some thing special....look out 'cuz you'll get more than you ever expected. It is kinda like they appreciate the request and what to make the very best just for you.



So back to my last bag from Feathered Friends to finish up these comments. I had my Vireo over stuffed to the max (5 oz in the body of the bag, most of it on the upper half) and a collar added. They didquiz me on the collar...."you want what?" "Really?" "Ya, can you do that for me?" "Sure?" Price was right. Now I have this dinky little lwt sleeping bag I can get into my dinky little packs for when I don't make those 24hr estimates. And I'll sleep a good bit warmer in this one for the added 1/2 pound. :) The Vireo has truly been transformed from a summer bag to a decent 3 season bag for me now.



How cool is that?



I have some brand loyalty again. Feathered Friendshas never told me "no" when asked for something special on acustom bag. And they are local for me. The cost and wait has always been more than worth the end result. Few pieces of gear get my unqualified support. Feathered Friends earned that support20 years ago and continues to today.

The Surest Sign of Spring

Although Friday surprised us with a fresh foot of snow, it was nonetheless a glorious weekend. The plows made their rounds, the sun shone in a clear blue sky, the temperatures rose, and the scarves were distinctly loosened. Navigating through the still snow-covered streets, I could feel something new and fresh in the air - unmistakable signs of Spring.






There was the wet snow, softening under the sun's warm rays.





There were the delicate buds, with their promise of new leaves in the weeks to come.





There were the fences in need of mending, having unburdened themselves of heavy snow banks.






There was a fresher, younger quality of the afternoon sun's glow.





There were the pothole lakes cheerfully reflecting cerulean skies.






There were the colourful chairs on the lawns of local college campuses.





There were the freshly liberated bike lanes.






And perhaps the most noticeable change of all, were the dozens upon dozens of bikes. They emerged out of hibernationen masse, heralding the official start of Spring.






Some of the bikes I had seen in the neighbourhood before, but not since November.





Oh hello again, slate blue Mercier mixte. You look positively radiant!






Long time no see, copper Raleigh Lady Sports. Warming those old bones?





New handlebar tape this season, Bianchi Nuovo Racing?






Oh, but what's this here? You are new this year, aren't you, oh teal Dutch Gazelle with full chaincase?






And you, Babboe cargo trike? I haven't seen you around before. Have you moved to this neighbourhood over the winter? Welcome, welcome.






A local university recently installed bicycle racks along the entire length of their rather expansive Science Center. After sitting largely empty since their installation, on Saturday the racks were suddenly 3/4th full - snow storm of the previous day notwithstanding.






It was not a coordinated effort, but it surely felt like one. The neighbourhood bikes have had their say. And they've declared it the official start of Spring.