Table Mountain 3/28

Classic Table Mountain basalt formations surrounded by a variety of spring wild flowers.

Valley Oak, lupine, gold fields

Lupine, owl's clover, frying pan poppy

Kellogg's Monkey Flower

Dr. Adventure smelling the flowers.

March Birthday Celebration

Last Saturday, 3/27, several branches of the Ellsmore tree arrived in Chico to celebrate some important milestones. Unfortunately, Karkleberry Finns was napping at the appointed cake hour. The weather was perfect for eating and playing in the backyard. All of the kids got along splendidly.

Two year olds: Mickey (backyard) and Izze (Caper Acres)

One year old: Karl (aka Karkleberry Finns)

Walking home from school with Katya on Thursday. The little girls love their big girl cousin.

Playing in the backyard.

Back row: Ross, Elaine, Jamie, Mickey, Phil, Sandy

Front row: Scott, Izze, Mike, Kurt, Amanda, Karl, Peg

Joshua Tree Spring Break 2010

On Sunday March 21, we packed Katya into a car packed full of gear and headed off towards highway 395. On the way to Joshua Tree we stopped at Mono Lake, were surprised by the snow, to view the tufa towers and enjoyed a leisurely drive taking in points of interest along the way.

We arrived at the park mid-morning on Monday and found a campsite at Ryan Campground. Below are photos of our campsite. It was perfect! Sun, shade, great boulder jumble, more space between sites than in other campgrounds, and two trails out of camp.


We were surrounded by a tremendous amount of interesting desert flora and fauna. Cholla, ocotillo, hedgehog, beavertail, and prickly pear cactus. Agave, yucca, and joshua trees (yucca family). Below is one of the few cactus blooms we saw (hedgehog cactus).

Dr. Adventure became the iguana whisperer while scrambling hither and yon. We saw a coyote, a few bunnies, a glossy necked garter snake, chuckwalla & side blotched & whiptail lizards. Below is one of the largest chuckwalla lizards we saw; I've only seen lizards of that size in a pet store. It was exciting to spot it and to be able to photograph it!


The weather was perfect; cold nights, cool mornings/evenings, warm days, mild breezes or still until the windstorm on our last night. We reluctantly left the park after a hike on the Hi-View nature trail out of Black Rock Canyon. Joshua Tree has something for everyone and is a great locale for spring break!

Highlights: Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, Arch Rock, Cottonwood Springs

Chanoko Duathalon March 6, 2010

Saturday morning Amanda and I made our way to Granite Bay, Folsom with only one minor detour and managed to avoid the wild turkeys lounging in the road (no joke). The morning was cold and overcast. Upon arrival, Amanda talked me through the course and advised me on setting up in the transition area.

A picture of victory. I took first place, overall, in my event and Amanda placed second in her age group (please continue to read so that you know what this truly means).

I participated in the mini-duathalon, a 2 mile trail run followed by a 5 mile mountain bike loop; I was one of four participants (yes, a measly four). Above , you can see me at my not very crowded start. Amanda participated in her third duathalon, a 2 mile trail run-12 mile mountain bike loop-2 mile run event! You can see that her event (below my start) is slightly more competitive.

Amanda entering the transition area after her first 2 mile run.

Both of us on the bike course. Me by the sand pit (one guy tipped over--but I didn't:). Amanda is finishing her first loop and about to embark on her second. My legs were toast when I finished my very abreviated event, I am very impressed with her fitness level!

Amanda on her last trail run, looking strong, and able to smile for the camera.

Amanda at the awards ceremony collecting a plaque for a 2nd place finish in a highly competitive age group. Congratulations Amanda and thanks for introducing me to a new adrenaline high!