End of May I spent a few days at Lake Tahoe. Driving up to Tahoe City on the Thursday afternoon before Memorial Day.
The days were not particularly planned out, but it turned out to be an awesome trip, including some climbing at the 90-foot-wall at Emerald Bay, hiking the Rubicon Trail and the Sherryl Creek Canyon trail. Furthermore I scoped out the Luther Spires climbing area on my way back, didn't do any climbing there though.
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Monday, May 25, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tioga Pass opening date 2009
One of the many questions discussed last weekend was "When will Tioga Pass open this year?"
The estimates ranged from early May to Memorial Day weekend. As much as I'd like an early opening this year (I have a few weeks off in May) looking at the webcam I have doubts that this will happen. Based on the opening dates of the last two years, and the fact that there was more snow this year I assume it will be in early June.
UPDATE: Tue, Apr 21: Looking at the webcam I see one lane at Tioga pass is plowed! Perhaps there will be an early opening!
The estimates ranged from early May to Memorial Day weekend. As much as I'd like an early opening this year (I have a few weeks off in May) looking at the webcam I have doubts that this will happen. Based on the opening dates of the last two years, and the fact that there was more snow this year I assume it will be in early June.
UPDATE: Tue, Apr 21: Looking at the webcam I see one lane at Tioga pass is plowed! Perhaps there will be an early opening!
Monday, April 13, 2009
New Side Bar Feature
After spending the first night outside for this year I decided to keep track of how many nights I sleep out there. For this reason I added a counter to the side bar on the right. Unfortunately it's only one night for this year, but I hope I'll be able to beat last years twelve nights, which was the lowest count for the last four years...
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Squaw Valley
Until now I did all my skiing in the US at Kirkwood, CA, which is a beautiful resort, but it was time for a little variety. Lid and I had planned a skiing weekend for quite a while now, and our goal was to check out some places in around the North shore of Lake Tahoe. Saturday we planned on skiing at Squaw Valley USA, location of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Sunday we intended to go to Alpine Meadows.
After driving up to Tahoe City on Friday night, where we arrived around 11PM, we had a hard time getting out of bed Saturday morning. Never the less we made it to Squaw by 9:30 and took the gondola up the mountain. From here we took the Gold Coast Express to a blue warm-up run, which was a first test for Linda's knee. It passed! To be sure we stayed on blues for a few more runs, mostly off of the Emigrant and Shirley Lake chairs. Soon after we moved to the blacks of Granite Chief though. We stayed mostly on the groomers, since the snow off the prepared areas was pretty chunky. It had been the warmest week of the winter, but during the night the snow had iced over. After a run down the moguls to Shirley Lake we made our way to the Headwall Express in order to ski the North Face. The conditions here were awesome, since the wind had dumped a lot of powder on the slope. Before our lunch break we managed also two runs of Sibiria Bowl... nice fast fun! For lunch we went all the way back to the bottom of the mountain to get some runs on KT-22 in afterwards. I usually try not to stop for luch, because I have a hard time finding my rythm afterwards, but keeping in mind that we wanted to ski the next day as well it seemed a good idea to take a break. The first run off of KT-22 however did not feel that great...as anticipated. On the second one I was back in my groove again and enjoyed a nice cruise down the mountain. We finished an amazing day of spring skiing with two runs on Red Dog.
Our Sunday plans were altered by the weather... Always a possibility in the mountains!
When we arrived at Alpine Meadows the visibility was really poor and the most interesting runs were closed due to storm conditions. Given that we already had a great day on the slopes we decided to save our tickets and come back in better conditions. Let's hope for one more storm this year! (Well perhaps two, since I also have a couple of tickets for Bear Valley :-))
After driving up to Tahoe City on Friday night, where we arrived around 11PM, we had a hard time getting out of bed Saturday morning. Never the less we made it to Squaw by 9:30 and took the gondola up the mountain. From here we took the Gold Coast Express to a blue warm-up run, which was a first test for Linda's knee. It passed! To be sure we stayed on blues for a few more runs, mostly off of the Emigrant and Shirley Lake chairs. Soon after we moved to the blacks of Granite Chief though. We stayed mostly on the groomers, since the snow off the prepared areas was pretty chunky. It had been the warmest week of the winter, but during the night the snow had iced over. After a run down the moguls to Shirley Lake we made our way to the Headwall Express in order to ski the North Face. The conditions here were awesome, since the wind had dumped a lot of powder on the slope. Before our lunch break we managed also two runs of Sibiria Bowl... nice fast fun! For lunch we went all the way back to the bottom of the mountain to get some runs on KT-22 in afterwards. I usually try not to stop for luch, because I have a hard time finding my rythm afterwards, but keeping in mind that we wanted to ski the next day as well it seemed a good idea to take a break. The first run off of KT-22 however did not feel that great...as anticipated. On the second one I was back in my groove again and enjoyed a nice cruise down the mountain. We finished an amazing day of spring skiing with two runs on Red Dog.
Our Sunday plans were altered by the weather... Always a possibility in the mountains!
When we arrived at Alpine Meadows the visibility was really poor and the most interesting runs were closed due to storm conditions. Given that we already had a great day on the slopes we decided to save our tickets and come back in better conditions. Let's hope for one more storm this year! (Well perhaps two, since I also have a couple of tickets for Bear Valley :-))
Friday, February 13, 2009
Weekly update
This week I skimped a bit on my workouts.
After skiing on Saturday my legs were super tired on Sunday so I skipped the long run of 9 miles (I can't believe that I start skipping those already!), but went to a Mexican themed BBQ at Lesley's instead :-)
Monday I spent mostly on a plane, in airports and a rental car, going back to Carlsbad, NM.
Tuesday's 3 mile run was cancelled due high winds and replaced by this workout.
Wednesday I ran the scheduled 5 miles in gorgeous weather.
Thursday I squeezed a 3 mile run in before work.
This puts me at 8 miles for the week. Now I hope that I get the 9 mile run in tomorrow and 5 fast miles on Sunday after work. This would put me to 22 miles, which would be par with the schedule!
After skiing on Saturday my legs were super tired on Sunday so I skipped the long run of 9 miles (I can't believe that I start skipping those already!), but went to a Mexican themed BBQ at Lesley's instead :-)
Monday I spent mostly on a plane, in airports and a rental car, going back to Carlsbad, NM.
Tuesday's 3 mile run was cancelled due high winds and replaced by this workout.
Wednesday I ran the scheduled 5 miles in gorgeous weather.
Thursday I squeezed a 3 mile run in before work.
This puts me at 8 miles for the week. Now I hope that I get the 9 mile run in tomorrow and 5 fast miles on Sunday after work. This would put me to 22 miles, which would be par with the schedule!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Back in Cali
I got back from my trip to New Mexico last night, and I have to ask: What's with the weather here?
Wednesday afternoon I ran 4 miles in the mid-70's without a shirt on... I guess Carlsbad is not all bad! On the other hand, the rain here is much needed and hopefully this weather system will bring some snow to the Sierras.
Wednesday afternoon I ran 4 miles in the mid-70's without a shirt on... I guess Carlsbad is not all bad! On the other hand, the rain here is much needed and hopefully this weather system will bring some snow to the Sierras.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Camelback Mountain
While in Phoenix last Sunday, Linda and I hiked up Camelback Mountain. I have to admit that I wasn't too excited about this at first, since other activities, or rather non-activities like sleeping or watching the NFL-Conference finals seemed more attractive. My mood didn't improve much, when Linda almost sprinted up the first part of the trail. Half an hour into the hike a transformation happend though: Not only was the trail less crowded, the weather perfect, but the trail was actually really nice and fun.
Camelback Mountain is the highest moutain in the Phoenix Mountains and great urban hiking. The summit is at 2704 ft and can be reached by two trails: Either from Echo Canyon, or like we did by the Cholla Trail, which is 2.5 miles long (one way) and gains 1275 ft of elevation. The first part of the trail is pretty easy, the second part climbs the ridge to the summit and is a bit exposed in several places. Some people even get of route ;-)
After hanging out on the summit for a bit we retraced our steps down the trail. On the way we saw - according to two girls ahead of us - a huge squirrel, the size of a cat! Well... they must have pretty small cats in Phoenix!
Anyway, I'm glad that Linda dragged out for this hike!
Camelback Mountain is the highest moutain in the Phoenix Mountains and great urban hiking. The summit is at 2704 ft and can be reached by two trails: Either from Echo Canyon, or like we did by the Cholla Trail, which is 2.5 miles long (one way) and gains 1275 ft of elevation. The first part of the trail is pretty easy, the second part climbs the ridge to the summit and is a bit exposed in several places. Some people even get of route ;-)
After hanging out on the summit for a bit we retraced our steps down the trail. On the way we saw - according to two girls ahead of us - a huge squirrel, the size of a cat! Well... they must have pretty small cats in Phoenix!
Anyway, I'm glad that Linda dragged out for this hike!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Hueco Tanks
Last week was really productive at work, what made it possible to take the day off today and visit Hueco Tanks State Historic Site 32 miles North East of El Paso.
The park was established in 1969 to preserve the archeological sites, both pre-historic and historic as well as the unique natural resources of the oasis.
Since the mid 90’s Hueco Tanks has also become a prime bouldering/climbing destination, which is how I learned about the place.
On this trip my only goal was to scope out the area, because I didn’t have any climbing gear on me. I was also pretty slow getting ready this morning, which made me miss the Rock Art tour, offered by the Park Service.
Stopping at the park entrance to get a permit I felt as if I were in Camp 4 in Yosemite Valley: Tons of climbers, either surfing the web on the wifi, or preparing for the day.
Since the park’s popularity increased dramatically during the last few years access is restricted to 200 people at a time. Also, only the North Mountain area is accessible for self guided hiking or climbing.
I was lucky to get a permit without prior reservation!
After a 15-minute visitor orientation I started a Self guided walk in the Northern part of the preserve. Leaving from the Interpretive Center I took the Eastern path around North Mountain. The trail leads to some pictographs, most of which are unfortunately buried beyond graffiti,,, But who thought that graffiti was a modern phenomenon is wrong: Some of the inscriptions were dated 1884, and even earlier... I guess the white settlers wanted to show their „superiority“. So sad!
A climbers trail leads to the summit of North Mountain at 4800ft. The rock reminded me of Joshua Tree, but it has more pockets and is less slabby.
Folowing the trail further to the end I came across a group of climbers working on „the hardest V1 on the planet“. The problem looked quite nice! Too bad I didn’t have my gear with me... I’ll have to get back for this one. Just around the corner was a perfect finger crack, which would be worth a shot too!
Too soon I reached the entrance to the East Mountain area, and had to retrace my steps beck to the Interprative Center. From here I started around the North side of the mountain to the Western side. Again: here are plenty of nice lines waiting to be climbed! I even tried one problem in my sneakers and got a good start... It would be super nice to spend more time here! Walking along the trail I heard some noises in the brush to my right. On further investigation I saw two, what I would call wild boars, but what apparently is locally known as Javalinas, munching on the cacti... They were perhaps six feet away! Amazing!
Even only a couple of hours made it clear: Hueco Tanks is definitely worth going back to!
What was slightly disturbing though was seeing a Pittbull (or something similar, I am not an expert on fighting dogs) chewing up some roadkill on the street to the park. A pretty gross sight! What was even more disturbing was that it apparently dragged ist prey across the street, because it lay on the opposite site of the road when I went back... Crazy! The deer was a few times bigger than the dog!
Off to Phoenix now...
The park was established in 1969 to preserve the archeological sites, both pre-historic and historic as well as the unique natural resources of the oasis.
Since the mid 90’s Hueco Tanks has also become a prime bouldering/climbing destination, which is how I learned about the place.
On this trip my only goal was to scope out the area, because I didn’t have any climbing gear on me. I was also pretty slow getting ready this morning, which made me miss the Rock Art tour, offered by the Park Service.
Stopping at the park entrance to get a permit I felt as if I were in Camp 4 in Yosemite Valley: Tons of climbers, either surfing the web on the wifi, or preparing for the day.
Since the park’s popularity increased dramatically during the last few years access is restricted to 200 people at a time. Also, only the North Mountain area is accessible for self guided hiking or climbing.
I was lucky to get a permit without prior reservation!
After a 15-minute visitor orientation I started a Self guided walk in the Northern part of the preserve. Leaving from the Interpretive Center I took the Eastern path around North Mountain. The trail leads to some pictographs, most of which are unfortunately buried beyond graffiti,,, But who thought that graffiti was a modern phenomenon is wrong: Some of the inscriptions were dated 1884, and even earlier... I guess the white settlers wanted to show their „superiority“. So sad!
A climbers trail leads to the summit of North Mountain at 4800ft. The rock reminded me of Joshua Tree, but it has more pockets and is less slabby.
Folowing the trail further to the end I came across a group of climbers working on „the hardest V1 on the planet“. The problem looked quite nice! Too bad I didn’t have my gear with me... I’ll have to get back for this one. Just around the corner was a perfect finger crack, which would be worth a shot too!
Too soon I reached the entrance to the East Mountain area, and had to retrace my steps beck to the Interprative Center. From here I started around the North side of the mountain to the Western side. Again: here are plenty of nice lines waiting to be climbed! I even tried one problem in my sneakers and got a good start... It would be super nice to spend more time here! Walking along the trail I heard some noises in the brush to my right. On further investigation I saw two, what I would call wild boars, but what apparently is locally known as Javalinas, munching on the cacti... They were perhaps six feet away! Amazing!
Even only a couple of hours made it clear: Hueco Tanks is definitely worth going back to!
What was slightly disturbing though was seeing a Pittbull (or something similar, I am not an expert on fighting dogs) chewing up some roadkill on the street to the park. A pretty gross sight! What was even more disturbing was that it apparently dragged ist prey across the street, because it lay on the opposite site of the road when I went back... Crazy! The deer was a few times bigger than the dog!
Off to Phoenix now...
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Weakness
Ohoh... One resolution for January was not to drink any alcohol during the month.
Well, I am weak! As long as I was in Cali it was fine and easy to stick to the resolution... But: I can't stand Carlsbad, NM without beer... I tried... it doesn't work :-/
Well, I am weak! As long as I was in Cali it was fine and easy to stick to the resolution... But: I can't stand Carlsbad, NM without beer... I tried... it doesn't work :-/
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Trans-Atlantic Airtravel...
... can be pleasant, if one gets upgraded.
As it happend to me on Thursday.
Back in Cali now, figuring out how to go about the goals of 2009.
My marathon trainings schedule starts in 4 weeks. Most of the time until then I'll probably spend in New Mexico.
As it happend to me on Thursday.
Back in Cali now, figuring out how to go about the goals of 2009.
My marathon trainings schedule starts in 4 weeks. Most of the time until then I'll probably spend in New Mexico.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Plans for 2009
It's Thanksgiving week, the year is coming to an end... Time to look back, but also time to look ahead. I have accomplished quite a few of the goals I had set for myself for this year, not all of them, but given the circumstances I am quite happy with what I managed to complete.
During the year a few things came up which I want to do next year:
Running:
During the year a few things came up which I want to do next year:
Running:
- do more races (5k - half marathon)
- improve PRs
- do trail races
- run an ultra (50k)
- increase weekly mileage (and run consistently)
- Palisades Traverse
- become a more solid leader, I know this is hard to quantify...
- Mt. Whitney East Face/East Buttress
- East Buttress of El Cap
- a bigwall (Half Dome, Washington Coloumn, Leaning Tower?)
- a trip to Red Rocks
- a trip to J-Tree
- Mt. Shasta
- Mt. Lyell/Mt. Maclure
- Matterhorn Peak
- Asia, South America or Central America: I need to do international travel again! I haven't done any (besides Germany) since 4 years! I miss it!!!
- Hawaii
- Skiing in New Mexico, Colorado
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
One of my favorite things
I've been wanting to write this post for a while...Well, for almost exactly a week.
On the drive from Carlsbad, NM to El Paso, TX I realized what one of my favorite things, or better activities is: Driving along a straight desert highway in perfect weather blasting power ballads in the radio. During last weeks drive the two radio stations which are available down there played the Scorpions' "Still Loving You", Def Lepard's "Hysteria" and Cinderella's "Nobody's Fool". It's just the pefect music for the situation. The funny thing is that I didn't even like that kind of music that much until I lived in Nevada 11 years ago. But listening to "Here I go again" by Whitesnake, speeding along an empty highway towards Death Valley, or to Ozzy's "Mama I'm coming home" while driving towards a sunset, can change some preferences...
It's definitely something I am looking forward toon my next trip to New Mexico - hopefully I'll get a rental with satelite radio...I hear there's a station called "Hair Nation" :-)
On the drive from Carlsbad, NM to El Paso, TX I realized what one of my favorite things, or better activities is: Driving along a straight desert highway in perfect weather blasting power ballads in the radio. During last weeks drive the two radio stations which are available down there played the Scorpions' "Still Loving You", Def Lepard's "Hysteria" and Cinderella's "Nobody's Fool". It's just the pefect music for the situation. The funny thing is that I didn't even like that kind of music that much until I lived in Nevada 11 years ago. But listening to "Here I go again" by Whitesnake, speeding along an empty highway towards Death Valley, or to Ozzy's "Mama I'm coming home" while driving towards a sunset, can change some preferences...
It's definitely something I am looking forward toon my next trip to New Mexico - hopefully I'll get a rental with satelite radio...I hear there's a station called "Hair Nation" :-)
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Exhausted!
Why?
Thu: Last evening in Carlsbad Celebration 3 beers bedtime 10PM MT
3AM wake up, can't go back to sleep
6AM get up, pack
8AM leave Blue House Cafe, drive to El Paso, TX
11:15 AM Sit down at gate B10
12:15 PM Take off to SJC via PHX
3:15 PM (PT) Touch Down SJC
4:15PM back home
4:45PM leave for lunch/dinner & grocery shopping
5:30PM back home
8:00PM (approx) fall asleep
10:30PM wake up, can't fall asleep until 1:30
4:30AM Alarm goes off, get up
5:10AM leave for Sam's place
5:30AM leave for Tuolumne
9:30AM drop off food at Cathedral trailhead
10:30AM start climbing Regular Route on Fairview Dome
6:30PM top out
7:30 PM pick up food, leave for the Bay Area
Now: back home
Details later!
Thu: Last evening in Carlsbad Celebration 3 beers bedtime 10PM MT
3AM wake up, can't go back to sleep
6AM get up, pack
8AM leave Blue House Cafe, drive to El Paso, TX
11:15 AM Sit down at gate B10
12:15 PM Take off to SJC via PHX
3:15 PM (PT) Touch Down SJC
4:15PM back home
4:45PM leave for lunch/dinner & grocery shopping
5:30PM back home
8:00PM (approx) fall asleep
10:30PM wake up, can't fall asleep until 1:30
4:30AM Alarm goes off, get up
5:10AM leave for Sam's place
5:30AM leave for Tuolumne
9:30AM drop off food at Cathedral trailhead
10:30AM start climbing Regular Route on Fairview Dome
6:30PM top out
7:30 PM pick up food, leave for the Bay Area
Now: back home
Details later!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Carlsbad Caverns
Carlsbad Caverns National park is located 20 miles west of Carlsbad, NM. Today was my second visit to the caves, but I was impressed once again. The bottom of the accessible cave is 754ft below the surface and can be reached by a hike from the Natural Entrance or by elevator.
The Big Room at the bottom of the cave is the world's largest limestone cavern with an area of 600000 sft.
This area is packed with impressive formations! It just makes me want to explore other caves in the area... and elsewhere. I guess it's time to take a caving class. Here are some pictures of this amazing place:
The Big Room at the bottom of the cave is the world's largest limestone cavern with an area of 600000 sft.
This area is packed with impressive formations! It just makes me want to explore other caves in the area... and elsewhere. I guess it's time to take a caving class. Here are some pictures of this amazing place:
Friday, August 8, 2008
Getting used to it!
Yes! Just came back from my third run of the week... It was the first one that actually felt really good. Probably because it was pretty cool tonight, only 30C (86F). It was supposed to be a long run of 7 miles, but I ended up running only 6 miles... This means that I am two miles short for this week...Well, I got Sundays run to make up for it.
The trick to keep runs out here pleasant is apparently to really watch the heart rate and go real slow... The high temperatures, the relatively high humidity (approx. 50%) and the rolling terrain are pretty taxing otherwise.
If I get 5 miles in on Sunday, I got the mileage, no speedwork though :-/
I'll work on that once I get back to the flat and cool trails in the Bay Area!
Most likely I'll visit the Guadalupe Mountain National Park this weekend...
Perhaps I'll re-visit the Carlsbad Caverns as well...
The trick to keep runs out here pleasant is apparently to really watch the heart rate and go real slow... The high temperatures, the relatively high humidity (approx. 50%) and the rolling terrain are pretty taxing otherwise.
If I get 5 miles in on Sunday, I got the mileage, no speedwork though :-/
I'll work on that once I get back to the flat and cool trails in the Bay Area!
Most likely I'll visit the Guadalupe Mountain National Park this weekend...
Perhaps I'll re-visit the Carlsbad Caverns as well...
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
A tough 'easy' run
I am in Carlsbad, NM since yesterday. Despite travelling for work, I try to stick to my training schedule for my upcoming races. Today asked for a speed workout... Ok, here comes the first modification to the program... There's no track available... Well, I figured I go for a longer easy run. The 'easy' run turned out to be pretty tough. It was scorching hot all day, and even at 7pm, half an hour before sunset, the thermometer still showed 92F. I headed out anyway, taking a bottle of water, which I would not have done for a 5 mile run in the Bay Area. I ran along the road through the 'Living Desert' State Park, which is essentially right outside the place I stay at. The road climbs a hill for the first mile, then drops of a little and finally flattens out on a dirt road. The climb turned out to be quite a challenge in the heat, it also didn't help that Carlsbad is at 3500ft. I was looking forward to the downhill on the way back. I had planned to run a 8:40 - 8:50 pace which I realized was not achievable on the first section...
I turned around after two miles, and I saw a lightening storm on the horizon. During the next few minutes I also felt a distinct temperature drop and the wind picking up. Unfortunately it turned out to be a headwind. Half way through the way back to my house it started pouring down on me... the rain and teh headwind made sure that the downhill part was no faster than running up the same hill. Easy is definitely the wrong category for the run... anyway...4 miles, 9:29 pace at a super high heart rate...(Avg: 169, max 180) was a first running experience in the desert, I hope it will be better in the next days.
I turned around after two miles, and I saw a lightening storm on the horizon. During the next few minutes I also felt a distinct temperature drop and the wind picking up. Unfortunately it turned out to be a headwind. Half way through the way back to my house it started pouring down on me... the rain and teh headwind made sure that the downhill part was no faster than running up the same hill. Easy is definitely the wrong category for the run... anyway...4 miles, 9:29 pace at a super high heart rate...(Avg: 169, max 180) was a first running experience in the desert, I hope it will be better in the next days.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
10 and a half hours...
... on a plane brought me back to Germany last Monday.
It has only been three months after I was out here, but I needed to get away from some things.
This led to the fact that I didn't do much during the last week besides watching the Tour de France, reading (the Bill Bowerman biography is AWESOME!), and thinking about the future... My Jul. 1st post had a quite optimistic feel to it, but unfortunately that changed a bit... I really need to figure out how to proceed from here.
I went on a few bike rides last week, nothing special though. If the weather stays stable I'll go for a run in the afternoon. For the weekend I am planning on getting some outdoor climbing in...
Between now and then I have a few appointments, which require some travel... So I will be on the road for a bit before I head back to the Bay Area next week.
It has only been three months after I was out here, but I needed to get away from some things.
This led to the fact that I didn't do much during the last week besides watching the Tour de France, reading (the Bill Bowerman biography is AWESOME!), and thinking about the future... My Jul. 1st post had a quite optimistic feel to it, but unfortunately that changed a bit... I really need to figure out how to proceed from here.
I went on a few bike rides last week, nothing special though. If the weather stays stable I'll go for a run in the afternoon. For the weekend I am planning on getting some outdoor climbing in...
Between now and then I have a few appointments, which require some travel... So I will be on the road for a bit before I head back to the Bay Area next week.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Inspiration
I first saw this clip a few hours before I went to Yosemite a few weeks ago...
It definitely set the mood, and made packing a breeze :-)
by Ammon McNeely
It definitely set the mood, and made packing a breeze :-)
by Ammon McNeely
Friday, April 18, 2008
Tioga Pass opening date
One of the big questions of spring is: "When will Tioga Pass be opened up for traffic?" or in other terms, "When will it be possible to climb in Tuolumne Meadows?".
I can't wait for the pass to open, since Tuolumne is my favorite climbing area. A look at my tick list reveals several routes I want to do in the area... And there's not only rock climbing. I'd love to do some backpacking in the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and in Lyell Canyon. Then there's mountaineering in the backcountry as well...so many things to do!
On top of all that HW 120 is the easiest, fastest access to the Eastern Sierras...another huge playground!
But when does it open???
As of yesterday, there's 20" of snow left, the road is cleared to Ellery Lake from the East Side...
and the gas station is scheduled to open on May 22.
Let's hope for the best!
UPDATES found here...
I can't wait for the pass to open, since Tuolumne is my favorite climbing area. A look at my tick list reveals several routes I want to do in the area... And there's not only rock climbing. I'd love to do some backpacking in the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and in Lyell Canyon. Then there's mountaineering in the backcountry as well...so many things to do!
On top of all that HW 120 is the easiest, fastest access to the Eastern Sierras...another huge playground!
But when does it open???
As of yesterday, there's 20" of snow left, the road is cleared to Ellery Lake from the East Side...
and the gas station is scheduled to open on May 22.
Let's hope for the best!
UPDATES found here...
Monday, March 24, 2008
ugh...
I guess the workout we got on Saturday was better than I thought...
I just got back from a 4.6 mile run and my legs felt just super tired and heavy :-(
Hopefully I will be able to stick to all the plans for spring/summer, since I have to travel for about two weeks. This came rather as a surprise and will change my trainings schedule significantly. Well, at least it's good for the Flyers milage...
I just got back from a 4.6 mile run and my legs felt just super tired and heavy :-(
Hopefully I will be able to stick to all the plans for spring/summer, since I have to travel for about two weeks. This came rather as a surprise and will change my trainings schedule significantly. Well, at least it's good for the Flyers milage...
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