05.31.08
Snattlerake…help, help!
So as part of Marshall’s plan to lose weight and get in shape, he offered to take the dogs and me on a hike at Del Valle. Woohoo! =)
Before we headed to the park, we stopped off at Big 5 to get Marshall a nice water bottle and a new pair of shoes. I hadn’t even thought about how painful these hikes must have been for him wearing his worn out “Vans” like shoes.
We totally lucked out by not only finding a pair of shoes that fit Marshall perfectly (even he had to admit that they felt amazing on the hike) but they were also on sale. Sweet!
So now outfitted with a kick-A pair of shoes and a new water bottle, we set out for our hike at Del Valle. It was 10:45am when we got to the park. As we walked through the first cattle gate we saw a sign that said there would be a “special event” from 11-2 which turned out to be an off-road bike race that was set to take the same path as we were. As a result, we walked a lot faster than we normally do and were thankfully able to avoid being caught in between a bunch of cyclists.
However this trip would not be without it’s own “special event.” As Marshall and I were headed down the last hill, right past the water tower, I spotted a snake that Marshall and Lotus were headed right for. They were literally two feet away from walking right over it and I screamed at Marshall “SNAKE!” and he stopped dead in his tracks and pulled Lotus back. At first he was upset at me for scaring him and then I pointed out the snake right in front of him and it took him a second but then he realized it was a huge, HUGE, rattlesnake.
Unfortunately I didn’t have my camera but Marshall always has his iPhone so I was able to get a picture of it. The snake was probably between 3.5-4ft (if not longer) with about 6 visible rattles on its tail. I wanted to come in closer to get a better picture but then realized this thing likely has a very far-reaching strike distance so I settled with the picture I had and we continued on our way. All in all it was pretty exciting and a bit scary at the same time. I’ve never seen a snake that big in person before let alone one that could actually inflict some damage. Glad I keep Sierra on lead now. =)
05.27.08
Check it, way awesome beaded necklaces from Linda Richmond…
So right before Christmas 2007, I found Linda Richmond’s online beading site and posted a number of kits I would love to own and complete. My parents were cool enough to purchase two kits for Christmas (Autumn Lariat and Sweat Pea) and then because I completed them so quickly they purchased another 4 for my birthday in January. I finally completed the last kit and my sister was nice enough to model them for me. Check them out, they’re absolutely amazing, yeah?
The fist necklace I made was the autumn lariat. This is where Linda hooked me on her kits. The instructions were amazing. She actually details each type of stitch so completing the project is a snap. I finished this necklace in a day and a half.
Next I made the sweat pea necklace. I think this is the most creative necklace as the accent piece of this necklace is actually two sweat pea flowers complete with leaves and green tendrils dangling from the stem. Amazing! This was more difficult to make because of the small beads required to do the increases in the sweat peas but completely worth it.
Ah this was one of my favorite necklaces. At first I wasn’t completely sold on the colors of the beaded beads but as soon as I strung the glossy turquoise and purple beads I was in love. I had to cut and restring a number of the beads because I kept screwing up but I wanted this to be perfect and it was worth the extra effort. =)
I really liked this necklace too. The toggles were a bit of a pain. I kept popping beads and had to completely redo the toggles like 3 times but finally got through it. This necklace is simple but stunning. I love it!
Next up is a necklace that although very beautiful was a bit monotonous to make. This necklace consists of several bead ropes that are joined together to make a very a attractive chain. This is probably the most popular with the people I have shown these pieces to.
Last but not least was the aurora necklace. I ended up cutting out and re-doing one half of each of the 3D wheels so that I could get the right tension. The hardest part about this necklace were the toggles. I nearly popped a bead and broke two size 12 needles attempting to double back to sew through the completed toggle. In the future I think I will leave the toggle flat until the chain is sewn on so I have less tension when I have to retrace my steps.
So if these pieces have piqued your interest, check out http://www.lindarichmond.com for all of the kits. Believe me, these are the best beaded necklace kits you will ever find. I can’t wait to order my next kits. =)
05.18.08
Mission Peak hike at dusk…
Yay, so I got to go on another hike with the Stanford Outing group again tonight. This time it was a trip to Mission Peak at dusk led by Silviu. =)
We left the staging area at the end of Stanford Avenue at 6:45pm and began the 2.8 mile climb uphill. Sierra started off slow and a bit nervous but then relaxed and had a great time. Everyone was complimenting her on her unique color and eyes.
The climb was pretty steep but nothing compared to Pico Blanco in Big Sur. That was a summit. Because I had Sierra I was grateful for the wide trail and switchbacks as I was a little concerned she may have difficulty with the climb. She did excellent and when we got to the summit I gave her a big kiss and took a picture of us as the sun set (you’re right Ksenya, we do look alike). 
It’s too bad I couldn’t adequately capture the colors and overall impact of the sunset and rising moon. It was absolutely amazing and with a nice cool breeze blowing through, it was very relaxing as well.
One of the hikers was nice enough to take a picture of Ksenya, Sierra and me before we headed back down. Not so sure Ksenya appreciated that. Sierra tried to give her a kiss and she’s still not big on doggy kisses.
We hung out at the summit for awhile but then wanted to get through the really steep stuff before it got too dark. I brought my head lamp but the moon was so bright we were able to walk all the way down with just the moon to illuminate the way. It was so bright I was even able to see a meadow vole hanging out (I had to look it up as I originally thought it was a mole or gopher).
Well that about does it for this trip report. We got back to the parking lot around 9:30 so we did the whole trip in less than 3 hours. Mad props to Ksenya for running the Bay to Breakers this morning and still having energy for this hike. =)
05.17.08
Mother’s Day 2008…
Marshall and I went over to my parents house for Mother’s Day and were treated to a wonderful dinner of lobster, mashed potatoes, salad and coffee cream pie. Heather made the coffee cream pie and it was “D”-licious. =)
I actually helped prepare the dinner (I know, there is a first time for everything) and also took some time to take a couple pictures of Awesomo, Jeffery and Mandy’s cat that they rescued from my dad’s work site. Awesomo was just a tiny kitten when they first got him and needed to be hand fed every couple of hours. He is now getting bigger (even though he’s still tiny) and stronger. It’s apparent that Jeffery really loves this cat.
Oh, look at his big ol’ stupid muppet head. =) He’s so cute!
Even though Meemers keeps saying she wants Jeffery to take Awesomo when he buys a house and moves out I can tell she likes him a lot too.
I asked Marshall to take a picture of my sister and me but unfortunately, this was the best picture we ended up with. It was hilarious because we were saying we couldn’t see (it was very sunny) and by the time Marshall finally snapped the picture both Heather and I were cringing from smiling into the sun. At least it’s an interesting picture. Note Jeffery in the background sending his own message. =P
Finally, a picture of Jeffery and his baby. Aw, they’re adorable.
Wish I had more pictures to post. Marshall took some pictures using my moms camera so at least she should have some nice pictures of the family. All in all it was a very nice time. Happy Mother’s Day Meems! =)
A toad!….
So today was especially hot but even still Marshall was “cool” enough to take me out on two walks with the dogs: one to Starbucks this morning (even though I didn’t get anything) and one the long way around the block this evening. =)
For our evening walk we left around 8:45pm and got back home at 10. Before we reached the house I happened to look down and in the gutter near our neighbors house I saw a big ol’ fat toad. Ah I love nature!
Of course I couldn’t just leave him sitting there. I had to pick him up, give him a nice cool shower under the faucet and then have Marshall take some pictures of me and my new friend.
Poor guy was a little scared though. He peed all over me (I was expecting that) and then started chirping for me to let him go. I put him under the faucet again to wash him off, named him “Toady Toad” (I know, not incredibly original but hey, it fits) and then decided to let him go in the front yard.
After being released into the dandelion weeds in the front yard (my weed-eater broke halfway through my gardening job today) he seemed to relax and just chilled for awhile. Isn’t he cute? Wonder what animal I’ll find next? =)
05.07.08
Big Sur backpacking trip to Pico Blanco…
So this last weekend I had the opportunity to go on an amazing 2 day backpacking trip in Big Sur with some people from the Henry Coe hike. Ksenya got us plugged in with the Stanford Outing group and I’m totally hooked now. =)
Ksenya helped me get a backpack, headlamp and sleeping bag two weeks ago and now it was time to figure out what food to pack and how to get everything to fit nicely into my bag.
Well I got it to fit into my bag but I must admit, it was a tad heavy. No worries, I’d have plenty of food to share and would get a great workout in the process of packing it in to our campsite. =)
The hike started at Botcher’s Gap parking lot where we met Silviu (crazy fast hiker and “official” trip photographer) and Jim, Jimmy and Greg (three guys from Cal State Monterey Bay). One of the guys brought a frisbee so we played catch in the parking lot till the crew from the Stanford area showed up. I was happy to see that Yun Jin, who we met at the last hike, would be joining us. She’s really cool and has been on a bunch of hikes although this was only her second backpacking trip.
We hiked downhill for 4 miles (mind you that means we had to hike back up those 4 miles on the way back) and then reached the Little Sur River which was flowing over the road. There was a bridge across but it had been barricaded for repair so we got to go sloshing through the water (too cool). =)
The next 4 miles were more challenging…. a LOT more challenging. It was all good though. We arrived at our campsite, setup our tents and then headed down to a beautiful (and super cold) waterfall/swimming hole. After testing the water, Ksenya pushed off into the water.
I wasn’t sure if I could manage the cold (I got a brain freeze just walking barefoot in the surf several years ago at Limekiln State Park) but decided I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
Woohoo! Totally worth it. =) Next up a group of 5 of us decided to hike nearly two miles up limestone covered Pico Blanco to catch the sunset from the summit. The hike was so cool. We basically scaled the side of this mountain carving our own trail over limestone deposits, minty brushes and stabby yucca plants.
The last challenge was a rather narrow ridge of limestone that we had to climb. I love this picture as it shows how steep and narrow this part actually was.
When we reached the summit I felt this overwhelming sense of wellbeing wash over me. The hike up had been challenging but the reward was well worth it. The view at the summit was incredible.
We all took turns signing the logbook and then Silviu was nice enough to take a group picture of us with my camera. From left to right it is: me, Jim, Sandy, “V”, and Robert.
We waited until the sun started to go down and the wind picked up to begin our trip back down. You’d think that would go faster but because it was getting dark and the path down was pretty steep, it took about the same amount of time. Plus we stopped to appreciate the only flowering yucca plant on the entire hike.
My new headlamp worked out really well and pretty soon we were back at camp. Ksenya and the crew had dug out the fire pit and gathered wood for a fire while we were gone so we returned to a nice campfire. I took a moment to relax and reflect on the events of the day.
The next morning “V” and I headed down to the river to pump some fresh water for drinking and then we enjoyed another campfire (George and “V” helped me to setup and start the fire which was cool) before packing up to head back.
All in all it was an amazing trip. Thanks to Ksenya for helping me get into this and being my hiking/backpacking buddy. I can’t wait for the next trip. =)
