The theme of this picture is "Make a funny face."
See him?
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
SNOW?
With a storm front moving into the San Joaquin Valley and the Sierra Nevada today and tonight, there is 50% chance of 3 to 5 feet of snow fallling in the high country above 10,000 feet with with winds between 15-25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph and ridge gusts topping out at 80 mph!!!
Hopefully, when the other "wetter" cold front moves through on Saturday, snow levels will dip to 7,000 feet!
Yeah, we will believe it when we see it from our vantage point.
Anyhow...
We got our snowshoes at the ready.
Hopefully, when the other "wetter" cold front moves through on Saturday, snow levels will dip to 7,000 feet!
Yeah, we will believe it when we see it from our vantage point.
Anyhow...
We got our snowshoes at the ready.
Monday, October 27, 2008
LAYERING
Layering your clothing is a tried-and-true way to ensure your comfort in the outdoors. The beauty of this simple concept is that it allows you to make quick adjustments based on your activity level and changes in the weather.
Each layer has a function: the innermost layer (against your skin) manages moisture; the middle layer insulates you from the cold; the outer layer shields you from wind and precipitation.
Your choices in an outer layer range from high-performance waterproof/breathable shell to a basic water-resistant wind jacket.
As a layering alternative, soft-shell outerwear, insulated shells and windproof fleece jackets offer characteristics of two or more layers in one garment.
Your Base Layer: Moisture Management
This is your next-to-skin layer. More than any other layer, the base layer helps regulate your body temperature. If you've ever worn a cotton T-shirt under your raincoat while you hiked, you probably remember feeling wet and clammy, even though you weren't getting wet from the rain itself.
Trapped inside your clothing, perspiration can leave you chilled or damp, no matter how well your outer shell fends off rain and snow. Cotton is an example of a fabric that retains perspiration and can leave you vulnerable to unwanted chills.
If you're active, your next-to-skin layer should be materials such as silk, wool or synthetic fabrics such as REI MTS®, Patagonia® Capilene®, Polartec® PowerDry® and CoolMax® polyester. Rather than absorbing moisture, these fabrics transport (or "wick") perspiration away from your skin, dispersing it on the outer surface, where it can evaporate. The result: You stay drier even when you sweat, and your shirt dries faster afterwards.
Examples: Keeping dry is important for maintaining a cool body temperature in the summer and avoiding hypothermia in the winter. Base layers can be anything from briefs and sports bras to long underwear sets (tops and bottoms) to tights and sport shirts. Thermal underwear is available in light-, mid- and expedition-weights. You can select the right weight to match your activity and the temperature.
Some base-layer garments are designed to fit snugly for better performance, range of motion and easier layering. For hot weather, the wicking layer often consists of a loose fitting, mesh garment.
Your Middle Layer: Insulation
The insulating layer helps you retain heat by trapping air close to your body. Polyester fleece vests, jackets and tights are classic examples of insulation ideal for outdoor activities. They not only trap air but are also made with moisture-wicking fibers to help keep you dry.
Natural fibers such as wool and goose down are excellent insulators. Wool sweaters and shirts (especially the new generation of merino wool products) offer soft, reliable warmth and keep on insulating even when wet. For very cold and dry conditions, goose down is still an excellent choice. It offers an unbeatable warmth-to-weight ratio and is highly compressible. Down's one drawback is that it must be kept dry to maintain its insulating ability.
Classic fleece such as Polartec® 100, 200 or Thermal Pro polyester and synthetic insulations such as Thinsulate® provides warmth for a variety of conditions. These are popular insulators because they're lightweight, breathable and insulate even when wet. They also dry faster and have a higher warmth-to-weight ratio than even wool. Classic fleece's main drawbacks are wind permeability and bulk (it's less compressible than other fabrics).
Like thermal underwear, fleece garments are available in 3 weights for different uses:
Lightweight for aerobic activity or mild climate
Midweight for moderate activity or climate
Expedition-weight for low activity or cold climate
Examples– For high-energy activities such as cross-country skiing, biking or running, choose lighter-weight fleece to avoid overheating. Tights or tops made of Polartec® 100 or Polartec PowerDry® are excellent for this. For very cold conditions, try thicker fleece such as Polartec® 200 or 300.
Wind fleece such as Polartec® Wind Pro polyester or Gore WindStopper® adds a high level of wind resistance to fleece. It accomplishes this via a hidden membrane that does not affect breathability or the other things we love most about fleece.
Your Shell Layer: Weather Protection
The shell (outer) layer protects you from wind, rain or snow. Shells range from pricey mountaineering jackets to simple windproof jackets, but most are designed to block precipation and hold in your body heat while allowing water vapor to escape. This is an important piece when you're active, because if wind and water are allowed to penetrate to your inner layers, you begin to cool off. Furthermore, without proper ventilation, perspiration can't evaporate but instead condenses on the inside of your shell.
Fit is another consideration. Your shell layer should be roomy enough to fit easily over other layers and not restrict your movement.
Shells can be lumped into the following categories:
Waterproof/Breathable Shells–These are usually the most functional (and more expensive) choices. They'll keep you comfortable in any weather, and are especially suited to wet, cold climates and alpine activities.
Fabrics (usually a laminated membrane or sometimes a fabric coating) include Gore-Tex®, REI Elements® and a wide variety of other branded choices. These shells are categorized by REI as rainwear, which emphasizes low weight and packability, or moutaineering wear, which is more abrasion-resistant and has additional features.
Water-Resistant/Breathable Shells–These are best for mild weather, light precipitation and high activity levels. They're usually made of tightly woven fabrics (such as mini ripstop nylon) that block the wind and treated with a Durable Water Repellent outer finish to make water bead and roll off.
Soft Shells–While many offer good wind and rain resistance, soft shells emphasize breathability. They are usually designed to offer both shell and insulative properties, so they in effect combine two layers into one.
Most feature stretch fabric or fabric panels for added comfort during aerobic activities. As this category has grown in popularity, styles have become specialized by season, so you'll now find cold- and mild-weather options.
Waterproof/Non-Breathable–Typically made of a durable, polyurethane-coated nylon, which is water- and windproof, these economical shells are ideal for rainy days with light activity.
Insulated Shells–Some outer shells have a layer of insulation built in, making them suitable for cold conditions, but not as versatile for layering in a variety of temperatures.
Each layer has a function: the innermost layer (against your skin) manages moisture; the middle layer insulates you from the cold; the outer layer shields you from wind and precipitation.
Your choices in an outer layer range from high-performance waterproof/breathable shell to a basic water-resistant wind jacket.
As a layering alternative, soft-shell outerwear, insulated shells and windproof fleece jackets offer characteristics of two or more layers in one garment.
Your Base Layer: Moisture Management
This is your next-to-skin layer. More than any other layer, the base layer helps regulate your body temperature. If you've ever worn a cotton T-shirt under your raincoat while you hiked, you probably remember feeling wet and clammy, even though you weren't getting wet from the rain itself.
Trapped inside your clothing, perspiration can leave you chilled or damp, no matter how well your outer shell fends off rain and snow. Cotton is an example of a fabric that retains perspiration and can leave you vulnerable to unwanted chills.
If you're active, your next-to-skin layer should be materials such as silk, wool or synthetic fabrics such as REI MTS®, Patagonia® Capilene®, Polartec® PowerDry® and CoolMax® polyester. Rather than absorbing moisture, these fabrics transport (or "wick") perspiration away from your skin, dispersing it on the outer surface, where it can evaporate. The result: You stay drier even when you sweat, and your shirt dries faster afterwards.
Examples: Keeping dry is important for maintaining a cool body temperature in the summer and avoiding hypothermia in the winter. Base layers can be anything from briefs and sports bras to long underwear sets (tops and bottoms) to tights and sport shirts. Thermal underwear is available in light-, mid- and expedition-weights. You can select the right weight to match your activity and the temperature.
Some base-layer garments are designed to fit snugly for better performance, range of motion and easier layering. For hot weather, the wicking layer often consists of a loose fitting, mesh garment.
Your Middle Layer: Insulation
The insulating layer helps you retain heat by trapping air close to your body. Polyester fleece vests, jackets and tights are classic examples of insulation ideal for outdoor activities. They not only trap air but are also made with moisture-wicking fibers to help keep you dry.
Natural fibers such as wool and goose down are excellent insulators. Wool sweaters and shirts (especially the new generation of merino wool products) offer soft, reliable warmth and keep on insulating even when wet. For very cold and dry conditions, goose down is still an excellent choice. It offers an unbeatable warmth-to-weight ratio and is highly compressible. Down's one drawback is that it must be kept dry to maintain its insulating ability.
Classic fleece such as Polartec® 100, 200 or Thermal Pro polyester and synthetic insulations such as Thinsulate® provides warmth for a variety of conditions. These are popular insulators because they're lightweight, breathable and insulate even when wet. They also dry faster and have a higher warmth-to-weight ratio than even wool. Classic fleece's main drawbacks are wind permeability and bulk (it's less compressible than other fabrics).
Like thermal underwear, fleece garments are available in 3 weights for different uses:
Lightweight for aerobic activity or mild climate
Midweight for moderate activity or climate
Expedition-weight for low activity or cold climate
Examples– For high-energy activities such as cross-country skiing, biking or running, choose lighter-weight fleece to avoid overheating. Tights or tops made of Polartec® 100 or Polartec PowerDry® are excellent for this. For very cold conditions, try thicker fleece such as Polartec® 200 or 300.
Wind fleece such as Polartec® Wind Pro polyester or Gore WindStopper® adds a high level of wind resistance to fleece. It accomplishes this via a hidden membrane that does not affect breathability or the other things we love most about fleece.
Your Shell Layer: Weather Protection
The shell (outer) layer protects you from wind, rain or snow. Shells range from pricey mountaineering jackets to simple windproof jackets, but most are designed to block precipation and hold in your body heat while allowing water vapor to escape. This is an important piece when you're active, because if wind and water are allowed to penetrate to your inner layers, you begin to cool off. Furthermore, without proper ventilation, perspiration can't evaporate but instead condenses on the inside of your shell.
Fit is another consideration. Your shell layer should be roomy enough to fit easily over other layers and not restrict your movement.
Shells can be lumped into the following categories:
Waterproof/Breathable Shells–These are usually the most functional (and more expensive) choices. They'll keep you comfortable in any weather, and are especially suited to wet, cold climates and alpine activities.
Fabrics (usually a laminated membrane or sometimes a fabric coating) include Gore-Tex®, REI Elements® and a wide variety of other branded choices. These shells are categorized by REI as rainwear, which emphasizes low weight and packability, or moutaineering wear, which is more abrasion-resistant and has additional features.
Water-Resistant/Breathable Shells–These are best for mild weather, light precipitation and high activity levels. They're usually made of tightly woven fabrics (such as mini ripstop nylon) that block the wind and treated with a Durable Water Repellent outer finish to make water bead and roll off.
Soft Shells–While many offer good wind and rain resistance, soft shells emphasize breathability. They are usually designed to offer both shell and insulative properties, so they in effect combine two layers into one.
Most feature stretch fabric or fabric panels for added comfort during aerobic activities. As this category has grown in popularity, styles have become specialized by season, so you'll now find cold- and mild-weather options.
Waterproof/Non-Breathable–Typically made of a durable, polyurethane-coated nylon, which is water- and windproof, these economical shells are ideal for rainy days with light activity.
Insulated Shells–Some outer shells have a layer of insulation built in, making them suitable for cold conditions, but not as versatile for layering in a variety of temperatures.
Monday, October 13, 2008
FIRST ANNIVERSARY
Our first anniversary in our home...
What a difference a year makes.
Pam and I are very happy to live...up here!!!
What a difference a year makes.
Pam and I are very happy to live...up here!!!
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON PART II
Now, Wawona Campground Loops B and C are closed for the season. Closing another chapter in the summer hiking season. Turn the page.
Pam and I camped at site 50 near the stream in our new REI Hobitat 6-person tent that we got on sale at REI Fresno on Tuesday! Nice! Roomy! You can stand up in it to put your clothes on and not have to do it sitting down.
I know what you are thinking: "Just what is he doing?"
Friday night was our first night there. We get there around 3:00 p.m. to set up camp. The Hobitat is bulky and difficult to set up. It definitely takes 2 people to set up the tent.
Then the temperature mysteriously dropped 20 degrees. How do I know? My Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Monitor told me so. Then off in the distance you could see it coming...the snow. Not enough to stick to the ground, but enough to see it falling.
Yes, that is snow, but not a good picture of it.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
The thermometer reads 22°. Brrr.
Did I say, "BRRRRRRRRRR?"
Pam and I get up and start preparing breakfast. I go to the camp lavatory to get some water. Nothing. The pipes are frozen! Luckily, I had gotten some water the night before, but as soon as the water pours out of the spigot, it freezes.
We drive to the Wawona hotel and start hiking the Mariposa Grove Trail. The trailhead is behind the hotel. About a quarter mile into the hike we spot four grazing does to the left of us. They paid no attention to us. They kept grazing and kept getting closer and closer to us. If I were a hunter today...
Another 100 feet down the trail, I spot a small bobcat on the trail. I turned around and told Pam to come to where I was and have the camera ready. We approached very carefully. I passed by it first as it went off trail in search of food. Pam kept taking pictures as it did an about face and came between us only to proceed to the other side of the trail. Our only hope is that we did not deny its opporunity for a meal. Such an amazing animal. Had it been a mountain lion, then it would have been a completely different story.
We stopped hiking about 1.25 miles into the hike. Pam didn't have a good feeling about the hike and my back wasn't helping matters either. So we did an about face and headed back.
We go back, drop our packs off in the car, and wander through the hotel. Such a storied history. The menu selections were nice and reasonably priced. There were some organic entrees that caught Pam's eye. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Later, we drove around the hotel area and ventured into the housing area near the hotel. Didn't know houses existed back there! I knew the rental cabins were back there, but I had no idea there were houses there, too...very nice houses to be exact. I can imagine waking up one morning after a good snow, sitting on the patio, drinking a cup of coffee, breathing in the pine-scented air and taking it all in. Then go back inside, sit beside the fireplace and falling into a trance as the warmth of the fire warms my body and thaws my soul.
Okay, back to reality...
We decide to drive to Glacier Point and investigate the rock slide damage from high up. We also wanted to see if we could get an trail condition reports from any hikers. We the turnoff and the sign says "Road Closed." Icy conditions and fallen trees on the road. Bummer. We head back.
As we headed back, we decided to take a little sidebar to Yosemite West to look at that residential area that some friends of our stay at whenever they are in the Yosemite are. Never been there. Geesh! What a place to call home for many people! No wonder we cannot convince our friends to stay with us! Fantabulous!
Before heading into camp, we stop at the Wawona store to restock on firewood and food.
We head back to camp. About 30 minutes later, you can see it coming again. Another dusting. Only this time it was held at bay about a half-mile from us. So much for another white camping day.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
As we awaken to the frigid cold in our tent, Pam and I decided we had enough. Let's go have breakfast in Oakhurst! So, we broke camp to head home. We stopped at the Wawona store to get that badly needed cup of coffee to wake up and to warm up to.
A thought did cross our minds to hike in Mariposa Grove, but we thought best we better take care of our hunger pangs first.
There will be other times.
Warmer times.
Strike that.
Snowier times.
Our snowshoes are ready.
Note: The Wawona gas station will be closed from around October 20 and not reopen to around November 20. The store and hotel will be open all year round.
Pam and I camped at site 50 near the stream in our new REI Hobitat 6-person tent that we got on sale at REI Fresno on Tuesday! Nice! Roomy! You can stand up in it to put your clothes on and not have to do it sitting down.
I know what you are thinking: "Just what is he doing?"
Friday night was our first night there. We get there around 3:00 p.m. to set up camp. The Hobitat is bulky and difficult to set up. It definitely takes 2 people to set up the tent.
Then the temperature mysteriously dropped 20 degrees. How do I know? My Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Monitor told me so. Then off in the distance you could see it coming...the snow. Not enough to stick to the ground, but enough to see it falling.
Yes, that is snow, but not a good picture of it.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
The thermometer reads 22°. Brrr.
Did I say, "BRRRRRRRRRR?"
Pam and I get up and start preparing breakfast. I go to the camp lavatory to get some water. Nothing. The pipes are frozen! Luckily, I had gotten some water the night before, but as soon as the water pours out of the spigot, it freezes.
We drive to the Wawona hotel and start hiking the Mariposa Grove Trail. The trailhead is behind the hotel. About a quarter mile into the hike we spot four grazing does to the left of us. They paid no attention to us. They kept grazing and kept getting closer and closer to us. If I were a hunter today...
Another 100 feet down the trail, I spot a small bobcat on the trail. I turned around and told Pam to come to where I was and have the camera ready. We approached very carefully. I passed by it first as it went off trail in search of food. Pam kept taking pictures as it did an about face and came between us only to proceed to the other side of the trail. Our only hope is that we did not deny its opporunity for a meal. Such an amazing animal. Had it been a mountain lion, then it would have been a completely different story.
We stopped hiking about 1.25 miles into the hike. Pam didn't have a good feeling about the hike and my back wasn't helping matters either. So we did an about face and headed back.
We go back, drop our packs off in the car, and wander through the hotel. Such a storied history. The menu selections were nice and reasonably priced. There were some organic entrees that caught Pam's eye. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Later, we drove around the hotel area and ventured into the housing area near the hotel. Didn't know houses existed back there! I knew the rental cabins were back there, but I had no idea there were houses there, too...very nice houses to be exact. I can imagine waking up one morning after a good snow, sitting on the patio, drinking a cup of coffee, breathing in the pine-scented air and taking it all in. Then go back inside, sit beside the fireplace and falling into a trance as the warmth of the fire warms my body and thaws my soul.
Okay, back to reality...
We decide to drive to Glacier Point and investigate the rock slide damage from high up. We also wanted to see if we could get an trail condition reports from any hikers. We the turnoff and the sign says "Road Closed." Icy conditions and fallen trees on the road. Bummer. We head back.
As we headed back, we decided to take a little sidebar to Yosemite West to look at that residential area that some friends of our stay at whenever they are in the Yosemite are. Never been there. Geesh! What a place to call home for many people! No wonder we cannot convince our friends to stay with us! Fantabulous!
Before heading into camp, we stop at the Wawona store to restock on firewood and food.
We head back to camp. About 30 minutes later, you can see it coming again. Another dusting. Only this time it was held at bay about a half-mile from us. So much for another white camping day.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
As we awaken to the frigid cold in our tent, Pam and I decided we had enough. Let's go have breakfast in Oakhurst! So, we broke camp to head home. We stopped at the Wawona store to get that badly needed cup of coffee to wake up and to warm up to.
A thought did cross our minds to hike in Mariposa Grove, but we thought best we better take care of our hunger pangs first.
There will be other times.
Warmer times.
Strike that.
Snowier times.
Our snowshoes are ready.
Note: The Wawona gas station will be closed from around October 20 and not reopen to around November 20. The store and hotel will be open all year round.
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