Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Three Summits of Tiger
Two very relieved hikers on top of West Tiger 3
Last weekend was the weekend I determined it was time to start getting in shape for the climbing season. (A little late, I know.) I lugged 30 pounds up Little Si on Saturday in the snow, and conned Joanne into joining me on Sunday for the “Three Summits of Tiger.” I mapped out a route that didn’t look to bad - 7 miles, 3000’ of gain. We didn’t anticipate knee deep snow for most of the trip, a washout on the TMT, and conditions on the top that warranted snowshoes. Of course, we persevered and completed the mission.
Just below West Tiger 1, we ran into Mark B. who was out with his dog, doing the same thing. He started at a different location and was moving much faster than we were. It was nice catching up with him a little, while we could.
The hike should have only taken us about 3 hours. The conditions + our long chat to talk with Mark, pushed our time to about 5 hours. What a fun variation on regular destination, though.
A mellow start on the Tiger Mountain Trail (TMT)
We were all smiles after scrambling up and around the washout
The weather stayed mostly cloudy with a few sun breaks. Lucky us!
Proof that we made it to W. Tiger 1
Proof that we made it to W. Tiger 3 (There was no sign at W. Tiger 2.)
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Rear View Mirror
Saturday, March 28, 2009
The season-opening shave
The necessary tools (that’s whiskey in the glass)
Today was Nick’s first day of bike racing this season. To prepare for this event he spent some time earlier this week doing the most important physical preparation of the season - shaving his legs. (In case you’re wondering, cyclists shave their legs, not for any increase in speed, but rather to prevent having to pick hair out of road rash if they crash.)
Guys’ leg hairs are a bit more tenacious than girls’, which means Nick usually tackles the first shave of the season with our Wahl clippers instead of a razor.
The contrast between his two legs is frankly amazing
Paying special attention to the knees
Anything that could touch pavement gets shaved
Almost done with the second leg!
Now he’s complaining about having prickly legs! Ah the trials and tribulations suffered by a cyclist…
Friday, March 27, 2009
The Baaa-stards
This looks like one of the best uses for sheep herding dogs I can think of in these modern times. (And I really hope this isn’t CGI, because that would just ruin it for me.)
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Save on cool lunch boxes
I confess, the number #1 reason I LOVE bringing my lunch to school is my cool Bento Box. The little colorful compartments are so fun to pack with fruits, veggies, soup, sandwiches or whatever. Then when I bust it out, I get to listen to all the admiration of people with sandwiches in boring plastic baggies. “Oh what a great looking lunch!” they coo.
I was so happy to discover that the company I bought my Bento Box from, Lunchboxes.com, is having an Earth Day sale, so you can have a super cool lunch box too. Seriously, you need to get one. It will definitely help you eat healthfully and reduce waste at the same time! Type in EARTH2009 at checkout for 15% off. Don’t delay; the sale ends April 1st.
Here are some of my favorites:
1. Gourmet Getaway Insulated Lunch Bag
2. the always classic Black Dome Lunch Box with Thermos
3. Bento Box
4. Hamptons Lunch Box
5. Tortuga Lunch Tote
6. And last but not least, a throwback to elementary school, but without the cartoon characters
