Yosemite- Day 2

 Our first big day of hiking- we started with Vernal Falls, an easier 3 mile loop, though lots of climbing.

I was surprised by how full the falls are for this time of year, especially with little snow in the sierras.

Lots of people go off the trail into the water, but this quiet little pool is less than a hundred meters from the falls. Yikes! Too chancy for me.

Next, we took a bus up to Glacier Point to take the 4 mile hike down. This is one of the steepest trails in the park- so much respect for those who take it all the way up! We learned that just climbing down the 4 miles of endless switchbacks was challenge enough.

 Saw a bear right off the trail. Was happy to see it through glass and not in the open air.

Glacier Point. Enjoy the photos!

Yosemite Range of Light

Here's an absolutely gorgeous video I found showcasing the splendor of Yosemite through time-lapse photography from Shawn Reeder. It's hard to believe it's real.




Thanks, Shawn and Climbing Magazine! I'm already planning my next trip.

Here's the link.

A Nice Little Jaunt

I got another local spot under my belt this weekend when I took a walk around the grounds at Westminster Woods right next to Bohemian Grove. (Technically, it's not open to the public, but I got some connections and seized the opportunity.)

What immediately grabbed me about this place (aside from devastating beauty in the quiet mystery of redwoods), was the lack of conflict between modern science and its Christian belief system. On a walk through the grounds, each step represents a million years. Signs are posted showing the evolutionary development of the planet for that particular time, as well as information about the whys and hows of our own unique ecosystem here in west county. Take note, science and spirituality can mix!

Also a climbing wall with lots of potential. Love that kids get to be exposed to this!

And my personal favorite of the ground features was the outdoor kitchen and herb garden. Not that I'm biased.

A homemade "cob" oven. I wonder why they call it that?

Oh, now I get it. See the cobs jutting out from under the mud and clay?

My First Bone Injury

Well, do I have some news for you.

I dislocated my elbow. I went to do a short climbing session and took a digger on a boulder route, landing on my outstretched arm. When I landed, I saw the elbow joint jump up and go back into place. When it didn't stop hurting, I knew the session was over.

Luckily I have a lot of first response connections, so having a simple dislocation and full hand movement means a much easier recovery and return to normal alignment. The assessment called for a sling by my lovely roommate Crystal, and lots of ice and rest. It is also on my left side, so I am pretty darn lucky and it could have been a lot worse.

I'm going back and forth between feeling like it's kind of a big deal and no sweat. With movement limited by the sling, the pain is under control and not that big a deal. Using one hand is easier than I thought, with a little careful maneuvering. Most jars and bottles I can open with my right hand if I squeeze them between my knees- thank goodness for the Advil easy-open cap and that climbing has given me a strong grip.

On the other hand (no pun intended), there is so much I can't do- knitting, sewing, carrying in wood for the fireplace. Once the sling is off I'll have more options, but climbing will be out of the question for at least a month. So will yoga, circuit training, and as my best friend Mitch pointed out, the boxing class I signed up for. I need to drop it completely but I'm going to wait just a couple more days in case there's a miraculous turn around.

This is my first real injury, so that's something a little different for me. I had to get stitches on my chin when I was little, and one time I dropped a bench on my toe, but I was a cautious and nonathletic child and have never broken a bone. My mother has suffered multiple fractures due to her very active lifestyle and I can totally empathize with her now that I'm in the limited mobility boat.

When I went for a visit to lend a hand, I was frustrated that she didn't want to slow down and I had to keep reminding her to take it easy, use her cane, and let me help. Taking it easy is usually not a problem for me, but yesterday I found that because my only option was to sit on the couch and read or watch movies, the last thing I want to do right now is read or watch movies. Instead, I'm restlessly pacing around the downstairs and calling everyone I know. Geez, and it's only been a day!

In the meantime, of which there is no limit, I'm just going to have to accept lots of help, slow it down, and be grateful it wasn't worse.