LIFE-JACKET?

I've always said I'll ride a bicycle anytime and anywhere...But I refuse to wear a life-jacket while doing so. Would you need a helmet on this thing?

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

I look forward to revisiting Yosemite National Park (YNP). One advantage of visiting a national park in the off-season (Liz and I visited YNP in November) is the obvious lack of people. Unfortunately, the off-season is typically not as beautiful as the busy tourist season. YNP has potential. Over the years I've heard many friendly discussions on which park is more spectacular, Yosemite National Park or Glacier National Park. I can honestly say GNP is more spectacular. However, I reserve the right to change my mind after visiting YNP when the trees have green leaves and the waterfalls are full of roaring white-water.

There were 2 highlights when we visited. The Mist Trail is a must. The day hike is straight up the side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and almost straight down. The trail gives close-up views of Vernal Falls, Emerald Pool, and Nevada Falls. One can get so close to the falls that the wet spray will slap you in the face. The second highlight are the many Giant Sequoia groves. This was my first experience with the giant trees of the West....they were breathtaking!

Bike the Barns

This past Saturday Liz and I were on on a walk when an abnormal amount of cyclists were pedaling west on Happy Valley Rd. We later found out the cyclists were on an organized ride called "Bike the Barns". After looking at the Bike the Barns website it seems like a cool ride to participate in next year. Check it out at http://www.macsac.org/bikethebarns/

Death Valley National Park

If it wasn't for a bright sunny sky, most of Death Valley National Park looks like the dark side of the moon. Liz and I were not expecting much when we went way out out of way to spend Thanksgiving Day 2009 in DVNP...but we are glad we did. The park provided us with some of the more unique high (and low) desert landscapes that we've ever viewed.

The only thing missing was turkey.