Took a mid-week jaunt back up to Modoc to stay at the Little Mt Hoffman fire lookout and explore the Lava Beds National Monument.
Category: Outdoors Page 6 of 11
Outdoor adventures
Took a long weekend on the spur of the moment, to see my eponymous trees in bloom.
As part of our one adventure per weekend policy, Ruth and I left the city for Yosemite this weekend. Stayed south of the park in a campground in the Sierra National Forest, but drove into the park on Saturday. We know we’re not quite in shape for Half Dome, but we initially considered doing a 14-mile Glacier Point loop as an alternative. But the 100 degree weather and our own inertia won out, and we ended up doing a lovely 7-mile loop off the Tioga road to Cathedral Lake.
On Sunday we woke late, on account of the copious cheap wine and smores cooked over the campfire. Swam in Bass Lake, had lunch in Mariposa, and then drove back to the bay. The air conditioner decided to quit in the hottest part of the central valley, but once we crested Altamont Pass, the cool bay breeze appeared to welcome us home.
Swimming in Tenaya Lake
Clouds approaching over Cathedral Peak
Olmstead Point Half Dome
Sunset from Tunnel View
Sunset and rain
Setting up at Tunnel View
Panorama from Tioga Road
It’s mid-February, and there’s still no snow in the mountains. It is, however, warm enough to sail. I sometimes lament the lack of seasons, but today I learned to make the most of it. Our friends rented a boat from Spinnaker Sailing, and told us to show up at 10am at Pier 40. We took BART over, got supplies at the ferry building, and set off for adventure. I’ve taken a dunk in the Charles on a few previous sailing trips, so I was glad we had an experienced captain. The weather was perfect, the sun came out, and the wind held steady. Went under the Bay Bridge and around Alcatraz island, getting a great view of the city, the bridges, and a few friendly sea lions. Had a great time drinking mimosas in the sun; not skiing, but still a pretty solid weekend.