Tag: Outdoors
Yosemite Annual Migration 2010 & Airstream Maiden Voyage
This year’s annual migration to Yosemite was an eventful one, as the maiden voyage of our “new” vintage Airstream was not without complication. Thanks to Robert of All American Mobile RV Repair in Fresno for saving the day–and for the reminder of what a small world we live in. As it turns out, he got his start working for the very dealership in Washington State that sold our Airstream back in the 1970’s. There’s a good chance this wasn’t the first time he’d seen it!
We had a wonderful time visiting with old friends and taking family bike rides in the valley (the only way to go during holiday gridlock, yes gridlock). There was even time for some fly casting on the Merced and some exquisite (34 year old, single cask) single malt from a private label in Scotland.
In preparation for our fall retreat to the mighty Sierra Nevada, I’ve posted the important details on the private site. If you plan on joining us, login to the site and click ‘Retreat’ in the top navigation. Looking forward to bright skies, cool streams, warm fires and good friends.
Trip Report: Confused, Gray & Happy
Channel Islands Harbor
34° 9’33.95"N
119°13’19.00"W
Back in the days when I kayaked on a daily basis, this route out around the breakwater would have been a milk run (see Google Earth screenshot above). But today, it was a reasonable start for some basic expedition training.
It was quite gray under the marine layer this morning, despite the brilliant sunshine of the nearby inland areas. Winds were less than 10 kt with a 3 ft west swell, overall fairly calm. The route took me out the mouth of the harbor, around the north end of the breakwater, along the outside down to the south end, then through the harbor to a protected beach for lunch, and back to the launch.
Conditions predictably picked up around the outside of the breakwater, with a confused sea generating waves from all directions. While manageable in my rusty state, it did get the heart pumping and put the head on a swivel looking for that next swell. Entering the south end took considerable attention. It was perfect for a first run.
The smell of ocean mist on the wind coupled with the regular drone of the harbor’s fog horn paired nicely with the exercise to leave me happy and relaxed. Now off to schedule more training time and do a little expedition planning–oh yeah, and clean all that gear.
Ryan’s Cast, at 6.5 frames per second.
Abbreviated summer retreat and official Oncorhynchus mykiss warning. Report Flows Weather Activities
Photo Credit: US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Video we took in Hawaii this past August of the ongoing eruption. It’s low res, and there are much better videos out there (specifically this one of the same event), but alas this one’s mine and it’s on YouTube.
With the arrival of fall, I’m eagerly planning our next retreat to the Sierras where this year my fly rod will compete with both my camera and my season pass for attention.
The crisp air will energize the senses and the warm glow of the fireplace will fuel the nightly conversations with friends both new and old. It’s my favorite time of year.
This year has been a full one for my family and I, and my art has fared no better than my writing. My Yosemite Creek is first in a collection that pays homage to sharing your passion for the outdoors with people special to you. More will come as this project unfolds.