09 November 2018

Stardate 2018.858


Fall 2018 Is Going Strong


Doing a blog post a week didn't get far, did it? Oh well, I blame it on Parkinson's. However, in all fairness to my new disease, I've had a busy fall as well. Snowcatcher and I spent two weeks in travel to California and back. Both of us have been very busy at work. Instead of blogging, I've been watching old original series Star Trek episodes, et cetera, et cetera.

I've been doing lots of work overtime too, which needs to stop because it enhances Parkinson's irritation. I've now experienced two types of fatigue; the good fatigue, such as doing a 120-mile bike ride and being dog-tired, yet feeling good about it. Then the second type of fatigue is being dog-tired for no good reason and wanting only to curl up with depression and sleep for hours on end, feeling good about nothing.

Nonetheless, my mountain biking skills are slowly getting better. However, I don't, at this point, expect them to be where they once were. Time will tell.

Anyway, following are a handful of pics taken this past September and October. I would have taken the mountain bike out today, but I'm not quite ready for temps in the 30s. At least the sun is out. The first photo is of Waterton Canyon resident bighorn sheep lounging around chewing their cud pre-rut season. Currently, they're busy chasing the girls. Enjoy the pics.




We all know this girl. If you require a hint, she's the S*********r.



I grew-up skiing at a small ski area in western Colorado called Powderhorn. Below rises its eastern lift. I miss those years of skiing a lot. Things were different then.




The middle section of the ski area is kind of rolling.




I love seeing kids start so early. You go girl!



Cedar City, Utah, is almost halfway between Denver, Colorado, and Bakersfield, California. The town is on our retirement short list. It lies at the base of Utah's Markagunt Plateau and north of the whopping 20-mile drop onto the northeastern Mojave Desert. Many, many, years ago I thought I'd landed a job in Cedar City as a hydrologist for the Forest Service; it didn't happen. I've also spent time here doing geomorphic field work with a buddy working on his PhD.



See you next time!

Adios

23 September 2018

Stardate 2018.729



Fall Is In The Air

Hi guys! Post Parkinson's blog number two. Nothing has changed. I have not yet discovered a cure. Give the Lizard some time. On the other hand, I'm learning strategies that make it easier to function normally, more or less. The number one thing to do/learn is to be very, very active. That will be easy for me. See, I'm already ahead. It's amazing what you can do with a tennis ball and walking, or a medley of aerobics moves, and even balance moves on my bicycles. Parkinson's is progressive over time and a major goal is to slow down its progressive nature.

Things are starting to look like fall, even though temperatures are far above normal for this time of year. As for leaf color, the high country (above 8,000 feet) is peaking, or has peaked. The higher terrain has already been blanketed in snow as well.


We have a good assembly of bears in Waterton Canyon. Occasionally you see one or two. However, those bears marauding tent and camp sites get a sign for having aggressive tendencies. Yes, I do have a loud bell on my mountain bike.


Upper Lenny's Bench is being replaced with a new memorial. Bears, bikers, hikers and time have all but demolished the existing maker. Lenny was kid doing service work in the area when he was killed in an accident. And, that's all I known about it.

That's it for now. See y'all on the next round. Be good!

Adios

16 September 2018

Stardate 2018.710


29 August 2018
Do I Have Enough Derailleur For Life's New Gearing? Why Yes, I Do!


Mid-afternoon August 29th, my life changed course forever—I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Things could have been much, much worse!! As such, I'll continue living out a good life. Things will just be slower. My days of aggressive cycling and mountain climbing are most likely on the decline.

Take note, Parkinson's, I make a good enemy! I'll post more on my new "adventure" as I learn and experience more. Fall colors are appearing; how ironic. Stay tuned!



13,809 ft Dallas Peak


Wow, it's been almost a year since I last posted. I'll try to change that. I need to get back into writing anyway. Snowcatcher and I didn't get into the high country this year as much as we usually do. Nonetheless following are some July pics from the north San Juan Mountains.



L to R: 13,819 ft Teakettle Mountain, 13,686 ft Cirque Mountain, and 14,150 ft Mount Sneffels


The East Fork Dallas Creek is a jewel. However, the area has been discovered and can be quite busy. Pre-1990 only 2 or 3 impromptu parking spots were available. Room via forest clearing has been created for at least 50 vehicles.


Three climbers enjoying the summit of Mount Sneffels before weather moved in.


I've summited Mount Sneffels on several outings. I've climbed the standard southern route as well as the deeply inset Snake Couloir snow route on the north face.



An old zig-zag sheep fence along East Dallas Creek brings in some southwest nostalgia.

Later gator!

Adios
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