Upper Ormeauning

I'm not saying where that picture is taken from, because nobody would believe me if I did. On Saturday morning Martin and I decided to go for a century ride on relatively short notice, heading through the relatively flat stretch through Ormeau and Yatala (with only one noteworthy climb at Upper Ormeau), before doubling back on Stanmore Road to Mt Tamborine, and returning over Wongawallan. That was the plan. I actually "slowed" us a little by forgetting my repair kit early, but it didn't really slow us at all, because the time I spent going back to retrieve it would have just been expended sitting at a red light at the Bermuda Street/Hooker Boulevard intersection. In fact, I think I timed it pretty well, arriving just as that particular light was turning green.

In a strange way, I was actually enjoying the early stretch to Upper Ormeau. Flat rides aren't normally my thing, but I guess I hadn't been in that area for a while. I certainly hadn't taken the detour to Upper Ormeau for a while -- and that's a situation I'll have to rectify more often. We still have a dirt road behind a quarry to explore up there at some point. The contrast between the flat plains and the vegetation up here is actually quite startling.



The only other interesting thing that happened on the flat stretch was me wondering where a dirt track off the western M1 service road went. One of the local yokels (a kid on a trail bike) had an answer -- albeit not one that fired any great enthusiasm in either myself or Martin. We declined to ride it this time on the grounds that Martin was on a roadbike, when the yokel looked at Martin and said "bit of a f*ckin' pussy eh mate?". I'm not entirely sure he realised that he was talking to someone who has actually placed highly in 24 hour MTB races on much rougher terrain than that particular track, but that didn't stop us having a laugh about it later on.

It felt good to return to Mt Tamborine. It was the first time I've climbed the northern approach of it in over a year, so I decided to make a statement. I was actually surprised at how good I felt, and how easily the mountain seemed to crumble. I felt so good, I decided to double back after cresting the summit and decided to ride the last bit of the climb again.





There was one more bit of drama. On Wongawallan I took off again, largely because I was feeling so good on the climbs. On the descent I copped a bug in my right eye at 65km/h. I held it together calmly until I had cleared the descent and reached the flat, where I could wash it out. After doing this I noticed that Martin hadn't caught up to me. This was a concern given that he usually catches me on the descents. Eventually I turned back and saw him free-wheeling down the slopes, before he reached the flat bit and told me to "spot the missing bit". He'd snapped a chain on the climb. He didn't have a chain-breaker, and I realised at that moment that mine was still packed away with the things I took to New Zealand. I suppose that gives us something to moan about.

As it was, Martin was able to phone someone to come and get him, while I just completed the relatively flat ride home through Oxenford and Paradise Point. The fact that I had a tailwind meant that I didn't bother stopping at any of the bakeries. I regretted that a little when I reached Broadbeach, but with just 3km to go, it didn't concern me unduly. 163km in the end, with 1,495 metres of climbing. More importantly, I know there's one item I won't be thinking of lightly next time.

SEARCHING FOR ELDERBERRIES AND SCRUMPING APPLES

We went to Alford this morning, George wanted some wood so that he can make more racking for storing apples and I wanted to browse the charity shops and the antiques centre.





On our way home we drove down a country lane which normally has masses of elderberries at this time of year - not this time though. So we tried our second favourite pitch, here we found a few wizened specimens! They were certainly not worth harvesting.





We had a quick snack for lunch - during which Dawn, the landlady from the Railway Tavern, popped in with some prizes which we had won in a recent raffle (truth to tell, I had forgotten about it completely) so that was a lovely surprise.





Waxed jackets on, wellies put into the car, the dogs and cats were settled, and off we went to hunt the elusive elderberries! We drove along lanes, down roads, searched field hedgerows, finding nothing much at all. We saw lots of





autumn berries and hips at their loveliest. A riot of glorious reds and deep juicy purples, which work so well against their lovely green leaves. I find those colour combinations so exciting and utterly autumnal (actually they make me feel as though Yuletide is on the way, but I don't want to start that in September!!). There are so many berries and rosehips that I wonder whether we are in for a really bad winter (or is that an old wives tale?) or could they be a consequence of the really bad winter which we had last year?





We found a place where the sloes are as big as those really big glass marbles we used to play with, but we didn't need any of those so we left them in situ.





We found an abandoned old orchard with plum and apple trees, and we will be going back to sample a few apples at a later date!





We just couldn't find any elderberries worth picking.





Eventually we decided to head for home ... and less than a quarter of a mile from home we found enough good quality elderberries to suit our needs! What a relief.





We wanted to make elderberry rob. This is a syrupy concoction made from sugar and elderberries and has been used by canny Scots for generations, to help ward off colds and flu and to treat bronchitis, etc. I won't go into the science of it, but it has been shown that elderberries contain something which really does work to protect you from flu. (Details and recipe are available to anyone who messages me.) We have used it for years, George used it when he worked in Kazakhstan and he swears by it.









It is also useful for helping you to get to sleep. This is not based on scientific evidence!

So, if you can find enough elderberries, and can face stripping the berries off the stalks with a fork, pulping the berries and cooking the syrup you will end up with a small bottle or two of a beautiful deep, dark red syrup. Take two teaspoonsful at night, in hot water - or whenever you come in contact with anyone with flu.





We will be heading back to the forgotten orchard to get some more of the apples, we tried one when we got home and found that it is crisp, with a nicely balanced mix of sharp and sweet. Too good to be left to rot.





I finished off the little bag which I made the other day, by adding a flower which I had made out of the same fabric.





So, Jonny, it is the weekend again. I hope you manage to fit in a Skype call to us, or at the very least please remember to send your old Ma some photographs...





Have a brilliant weekend.





Lots of love,





Mum

xxx

Leavenworth ..

Ian, Lori and I headed up the Icicle to get some late season cragging in. Ian was interested in leading Classic Crack and we were all going to top-rope it. Slightly cold but decent weather was in store, and on a Tuesday in October, we could pretty much guess there wouldn't be a line at Classic Crack.
We climbed most of the routes on the 8-mile rock. Lori and I were disappointed with our attempts at the old school 5.8 Classic Crack, after we cruised the 5.7 Givler's Crack a few weeks earlier. We were expecting our performances to be better. My morning performance was really weak as I couldn't even manage a clean ascent of the 5.7 Mickey Mantle. I felt somewhat redeemed when I was able to climb Twin Cracks (5.8) fairly easily as our last attempt at 8-mile rock. Ian lost a #1 C4 Camalot deep into Classic Crack. A NOLS group showed up and they said they would attempt to retrieve it. (They were unsuccessful.)
We then hiked up to Be-Bop Rock where Ian and Lori both led Bit of Heaven, a slabby 10a. I gave it a go on top-rope, then led the uninspiring 5.6 Junior's Cookin'. At that point, the sun went behind the ridge, and it was time to head home.
Overall, I enjoyed the experience of finally trying to climb Classic Crack. I was hoping for a better performance, and I'm not going to let that get me down.
Ian and Be-Bop Rock.
Autumn in the Icicle.
Hiking out.
Lori's pics are here.

MORE SNAFU!!!

Yet FURTHER interruptions... except computer is fine, but AT&T is being most uncooperative now. It's been quite a week and we are incredibly sorry that we haven't visited our wonderful blog friends. Not only did our DSL line go out, but our ground phone line is gone til late tomorrow (Monday) night. We are befuddled, but trying to cope with the issues. Typing from the likes of an internet cafe, so feel very European, but it's no vacay. See you Tuesday at the latest... we hope. Again, our apologies... we miss you all so much.

Sigh... 3rd time. Your tax dollars at work

This project started before we arrived on the island (almost 4 months ago).

Put a sidewalk in front of the high school... maybe 200 yards.

Thissection was finished a month ago. Thought they were making progress, till I walked by and saw the orange lines...



And the almost always present traffic delay...



And sure enough, next morning...

Wouldn't be as funny, except this is the third time they have paved this section, smoothed it, made it look finished, and then tore it up again.

And here is the sad thing...



Here's hoping your stimulus money is being better spent.

First Singletrack, Snow, Night Ride

Previously, I have been riding singletrack at Manawa; I have ridden there in the snow; and I have ridden there at night (with handlebar light). Tonight's Thursday Night Ride, for the first time I was able combine all in one ride.
Needed to get out and ride today. Meeting up for the TNR to pick up a Trail Group display board was just the excuse (as if I need an excuse to ride) I needed. I was there early to get in a warm-up ride before dark.
Some nine of us rode. They are all much faster and better riders then me, but I had a good ride. Made a full lap after dark. Stopped several times to take photos (yes, that is the same tree that I parked my bike at for the previous photo).
Trail condition was snow covered ice, with spots of grease. My hardtail with studded tires performed great.

After 11+ miles and just short of 2 hours, I ended up with a slight headache. That's probably from the concentration needed to ride in the woods, in the snow, at night. For me, every new accomplishment makes me stronger.

Simplifying the Wardrobe

Nine outfits. That's how many sets of clothes the average American woman owned in 1930. Today? Women buy 60 pieces of new clothing per year. [Time, 8/6/12 stats]
I don't buy even close to 60 pieces of used/new clothing in a year; maybe 20? I'm going to count this next year just to satisfy my curiosity.
This summer I greatly reduced the amount of clothing I own. Images 1 and 2 show my summer wardrobe. Everything is either white, off-white, blue, or black except my dresses which are red or fuchsia. I have lots of room to move the hangers around. I hate it when there are so many clothes hanging that you need to bodily shoulder the hangers aside just to add a new garment.
The second image is of my church clothes. The list hanging shows all the potential outfits for every occasion. All I have to do is look at that list and pick an outfit. I like not having to think about what I'm going to wear. As long as I keep everything ironed, I'll always have an outfit.
The hanging shoes are the ones I wear on a daily basis; lots of flip-flops and sandals. The boxed ones on the floor are my heels and winter shoes.
The clothes behind the doors are the ones for cold weather. I have many more clothes for this season. I plan on weeding out and making a master list just like I did for my summer wardrobe. It'll be much harder to do, because I LOVE all the clothes I have, and last year I got rid of everything I didn't love. I guess this fall I'll need to go through them and ask the question, "Is this something that I NEED?" That'll make a difference, I'm sure.

Hot Weather Means Sunrise Ride

The heat is back on in the heartland. Forecast is for the mid to upper 90s all week. Humidity will be rising, but only a slight chance of rain. We really need the rain - crops are suffering.

Speaking of rain - there must have been some on the South side of Council Bluffs late Saturday. There were puddles on the Indian Creek Trail when I rode Sunday morning.

Sunday morning I rode from Wabash Trace trailhead to and around Lake Manawa via bicycle trail. I pushed it to get to Panera Bread by 7 for coffee. Missed it by a couple minutes, but the pushing gave me the fastest ride for the year.

Guess you could almost say that I have been slacking. Really I have enjoying the ride - they are not training rides. Anyway, I have been doing the lap of Manawa on the road bike at about 10.7 mph. Sunday, I did it at 12.5, almost 2 mph faster!

Back out this morning for another sunrise ride this morning. Today's photo was taken during this morning's ride. Once again I did the ride from Wabash to and around Lame Manawa. The Lake Manawa Trail is great for summer sunrise photos.

Toasted Legs

Weather forecast is for rain/storms for the next couple days. That's great because my legs need a break.
Sunday was climbing Dumfries hills on the Wabash trace (first time for the season). Monday was struggling up Indian Creek Trail into 15-20 mph wind.
Did it again Tuesday, just further. Rode the Manawa, Indian Creek, bike shop, Trace trailhead loop. Over 3 miles into the wind. Stopped for rest and visit at Xtreme Wheels.
Met another cyclist/photographer (LandonRayburn.com). Had a nice visit.
Greatest park of Tuesday ride was flying down Harry Langdon and South Ave riding the wind!
Yesterday I header off to the Western Historic Trails Center. Went past to I-80. Stopped at the Center and visited a little.
On the way back to the car, I stopped by Leach Camper to see what I can do to sell the RV. I might get $2-3K from Leach, could get $4-5k through Craig's List or such. In any way, Think I need to try getting it running to be able to sell it. Doubt I could get much to get it "as is".
Back to the ride. By the time I turned off Veteran's Memorial Trail, heading back to the car on Lake Manawa Trail, my legs were getting tired. Had the ride been a mile or two longer, I would not have made it. My legs were "toast".
I could hardly move last night. Looking forward at a couple days off the bike.
Today's photo was taken yesterday on Western Historic Trail at the baseball fields. No photo taken during Tuesday ride.

Invasion of the Minis

We’ve been invaded by the minis!  But that’s for later!  Let’s talk about our day first.

We were up and at ‘em really early this morning … our goal: to finish exploring the Cades Cove heritage sites before the crowds showed up.  We were on the road shortly after 6:30a and were amongst the first few cars to enter the loop when the gate was unlocked at sunrise.  I don’t know where the others went, but we were the only ones at the Cable Mill area during the first hour of our visit there.  Perfect!

We explored the sites along the dotted red line shown in the inset.
[GSMNP map courtesy of the nps site; inset map from smokiesweb.com]

I’m going to do a separate post about the heritage sites, but in the meantime …

An ‘Old Timey’ look at the heritage sites on the Cades Cove Loop.

We didn’t make too many stops when we first entered the loop.  After all, our goal was to beat the crowds to the Cable Mill area.  But a few scenes that caught our eye just had to be photographed and taped. 

Breakfast time for the horses that are stabled in Cades Cove.
By the way, that’s fog behind the treeline.

Nice to have a built-in fly swatter.

Wild turkeys strutting their stuff during a morning stroll in the meadow.

Pileated Woodpecker
(or so a birder standing nearby told me; horrible lighting, so you get a B&W Treatment.)

Glimpse of the distant mountains as the sun starts to burn off the fog.

In the language of flowers, the iris means ‘Good news’.
It takes its name from the greek word for rainbow.

The views that the native Americans and the settlers enjoyed back in the 1800s …

… we get to enjoy today.

We weren’t expecting to have to ford the creek on Sparks Lane, but the CR-V is up to the task.

We finished exploring the last of the heritage sites shortly after noon.  Time for lunch … but where?  After weighing our options, we decided to do something different.  Instead of eating at the picnic area near the NPS campground, we parked at the Carter Shields Cabin, one of the heritage sites.  Pulling out the picnic basket and our portable picnic table, we set ourselves up under the trees and had a quiet meal there, acknowledging the waves of visitors driving by.  Perfect.

Have picnic table … will eat anywhere we please.

Actually there was one other person who had the same idea as us — a biker who camped out behind the cabin to eat his lunch.  Later, he stopped by to share some berry preserves he’d bought at the visitor center; in return we gave him a couple of bottles of water and a bag of grapes.  It was an unexpected encounter that added to our pleasure in the day.

Our private picnic area — ain’t life great?

After lunch, we debated dallying around Cades Cove to try our luck with a few more bear sightings.  But in the end, with only one more day of our vacation left, we decided to return to the campground and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at home.  First, though, we detoured to the local IGA to replenish our fruits and veggies.  I don’t usually take pictures in the parking lot of grocery stores, but this time I couldn’t resist …

The minis — Mini Coopers, that is — have invaded Townsend.

They weren’t the only ‘minis’ in town.  When we arrived at the campground it was to find the far loop — and a few of the sites in our loop — filled with Casitas, Scamps, and other “egg campers.”  What a sight!  It was impossible to get a photo to show the full visual impact of all these mini-campers in one place.  But, I found some photos on Tremont Outdoor Resort’s Blog, which I combined into a collage.

Collection of photos from the Eggscursion of the Egg Camping Club.
According to the blog, there are 72 egg campers from 20 States and Canada at the campground. 
[photos compliments of the Tremont blog]

We later had an opportunity to chat with the woman who owns the Boler pictured in the bottom right corner of the collage — she’s our site-neighbor after all.  A former nurse from New York state, she travels by herself since her hubby prefers to stay at their stix & brix home.  I’m sure she would have been happy to give me the ‘grand tour’ of her Boler, but as usual, I was too shy to ask.

It sure looks like our Phaeton gave birth to a baby-camper!

And on that note, time to wrap up this post with a picture that I took early this morning.  I saved it until last, because it just screamed …

The End!

Snowdepth Record at Paradise

Starting on the 7th of August this year, we have more snow at Paradise than ever recorded since 1916. The world-record snow years in the early 1970's made for similar snow packs this time of year, but the cool weather has caused the snow to melt more slowly than usual. Our total snowfall for the winter of was approximately 907 inches - not a world record, but one of the five biggest snow years Paradise has ever seen.

What's different is our cool summer we've had this year. Just today, I skied all the way to Camp Muir from the Paradise parking lot. That's amazing. It's August and we should be enjoying the flowers.

I anticipate that our record breaking trend will continue a few weeks. It never really cleared off today at Paradise. The moist, marine-layer that has Seattle fogged in is strong enough to push all the way to Paradise.

Here's the data break down: