California – Page 11 – Josh Levinger

A friend needed last-minute house sitting over the holiday weekend, and so Ruth, Laika and I took a short vacation in the South Bay. The house was lovely, the cats dismissive, and the hot-tub inviting.

Hiked in the hills, got stuck in traffic on CA-17, and visited the aquarium in Monterey. The normally reticent giant octopus came out of his corner, and the sea turtle showed off for the cameras. The otters were not so cooperative.

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Turtle!

Went strawberry picking by the sea, boardwalk walking in Santa Cruz, and screaming up and down a hydraulically powered tower.

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Double Shot

Returned to Oakland to watch the fireworks from our roof, only to find it padlocked and a stern sign warning trespassers of eviction. Instead, we climbed out onto the fire escape with our neighbors, and watched from the side of the building instead. Still, I’ll miss our lovely “upyard”. Ruth may need to practice her lock picking skills.

Roller Derby

By Josh

On April 30, 2011

In California

At 37.802N, 122.273W

Went to the Bay Area Derby Girls April Reign Double Header. We of course cheered extra hard for the Oakland Outlaws, but they got pretty destroyed by the Richmond Wrecking Belles.

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Bring Your Own Bigwheel

By Josh

On April 24, 2011

In California

At 37.759N, 122.403W

Ventured to Potrero Hill with Jeff to see the annual running of the bigwheels down Vermont St. This year I was a spectator; next year, a champion.

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The final run

Jakes Peak

By Josh

On March 27, 2011

In California, Outdoors

At 38.97N, 120.115W

Had a Spring Break MITOC reunion, with Chris, Greg, Drew, Eric and others. Stayed at a Tahoe “cabin”, really an incredible home we were able to stay in for free. No Camelot for us! There’s more snow here than I’ve ever seen. The moutains got seven-plus feet over the last week. Got up there on Friday night after a long drive, made longer by needing to put on chains, which were entirely unnecessary. I wish CalTrans would let you pass the chain control if you’re a competent winter driver. But the (apparently injury-free) rollover accident we saw indicates that not everyone is…

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Went to Alpine on Saturday, which had a tremendous amount of snow, but was incredibly windy. Got stuck at the base of Sherwood when the lift shut down, so we had a nice climb out. Should have gone to Squaw, where our friends had a top ten day. At least we got a comped lift ticket for another day. The walls of the parking lot were 20′ of snow, so there should be plenty left later in the season.

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On Sunday we went to Jakes Peak just off Emerald Bay. It’s a classic backcountry run, with a pretty steep skin track right off the bat. I’m a little out of shape, but Chris kept me company in the back. When we got to the top, I was glad to have my new beacon and shovel, as there are several clear avalanche paths. Definitely need that gear out here; and yes Mom, I am going to take a safety course.

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Descending was not as epic as you’d think given the amount of snow. The high winds had done their worst, and the surface was pretty slabby for the top third. The middle was quite nice, and then it got a little heavier at the bottom. Took a few tumbles in the soft snow when I couldn’t keep my weight far enough back. Still, I had a better descent than John, whose rented AT gear malfunctioned and so had to walk/shovel ride down 2000 feet. Better luck next time, Gamble.

After one lap, I was too spent to consider another. The boys built a kicker at the side of the road and got some extra vert off the 12 foot drop. Drew called his Mom while sending it, for a thousand extra gnar points .

Got home around 9:30, and launched the new Presente.org site. Not bad for a three day weekend.

Epic Day at Alpine

By Josh

On February 26, 2011

In California, Outdoors

At 39.152N, 120.219W

Today was one of the top skiing days of my life. Up there with skiing Mt Washington from top to bottom last spring, and the day I skipped school senior year of high school to go to Cannon, and then returned home to find out I had gotten into college.

The last storm dumped 48″, and the resorts and highway 80 were closed on Friday, keeping the good stuff around long enough for us to get up there. The powder was boot-top everywhere, thigh to waist-high in the trees, and the skies were clear and blue. The air was cold by California standards, but the sun was warm. I’m told that in the local vernacular, the conditions were “hella nectar.” I don’t disagree.

Ian and Daniel showed me one of their favorite stashes, just out of bounds on the lake side of Scott mountain. It was less tracked up than the in bounds trails, and held good lines well into the afternoon. My tele technique in the steep and deep is still progressing, but it was hard to look bad in this hero snow. Helped a woman try and find a ski she lost in the trees, but she eventually gave up and said she’d come back and find it in the spring. Returned with John, Boyd and Chris, and did it all over again.

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Warning: serious stoke

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Adventures at home, abroad, and online

Category: California Page 11 of 12

South Baycation

Turtle!

Double Shot

Roller Derby

Bring Your Own Bigwheel

The final run

Jakes Peak

Epic Day at Alpine

Warning: serious stoke

Ian and Daniel riding