A Change of Pace

Below you will not read about my latest adventures at sea. Below you will not view photos of picturesque anchorages and sunsets. Below you will not read about the latest islands or country I have set foot on. Below you WILL read and view photos about my latest adventure ashore in the mountains east of Fresno, California at about 8,000 feet. The area is along the John Muir trail. This trail, if I remember correctly, runs the length of California and it shares the route with the Pacific Rim trail that runs from the Mexican border to the Canadian border.

My son Steve, his wife Jessie and my two Grandsons, Ray and Abe went hiking and camping for 5 days.

Here my Grandson Ray and I are at the trailhead ready to start our hike. Ray's mom is taking the photo. Jessie is also taking the trek from the shore line at 8,000 feet, up to 9,000 feet and back down to the lake 4 miles down the trail. Now remember that I had been hiking in Grenada, at sea level, last summer and spring. To say that my butt was dragging after this hike would be an understatement.

My other Grandson, Abe and his Dad Steve are pushing off shore as they ready themselves to row across to the other end of the lake were we will meet up.

The hardship of the hike was forgotten as we were greeted with these wonderful views.

Finally... we made it to the other end of the lake to meet Steve who had setup camp on an island across from us. Swim across????, not a chance. Steve picked us up in the boat.

Dad and the boys in the water.

I am up, had my coffee and oatmeal and I am ready to rock and roll. Everyone else is still in bed.

But not before I row to the nearest toilet to set and read the latest newspaper.

When I return, Abe is ready to move off onto the trail.

These views again greeted us as were moved up and down the trail.

We made it to the summit.

The little guy and dad are coming up behind us. Abe will be 5 in October and Ray will be 7 in October. Both of these boys are fearless as you will see in upcoming photos.

What do you do when you resting? You engineer and arch out of stones.

We can´t forget about the Redwood trees. These are small compared to the grandest on the coast.

My son who is an adventurer like his dad loves to climb rocks and cliffs. Here he readies himself for a climb up a crack in the cliff.

Here he is repelling down after his successful climb to the top.

Next turn is Abe, with climbing gear on and taped hands he is ready to show his dad he can match his climb.

Now Ray is not going to let his younger brother show him up. It is his turn to strut his stuff.

 We now are headed back down to the valley and coast where my son and family live as we travel from 70 degree weather in the mountains, though the valley with 110 degree temps and onto the coast where it is foggy and 55 degrees and you ask why I have a cold.

My daughter and her husband are proud parents of their first baby born last November. I flew home for a surprise visit when he was a month old. At that visit he looked like a bundle of flesh with eyes, mouth, and ears. Now you should see him, all smiles and looks like a human. His name is Gavin. I have been assured that he was NOT named after the late mayor of San Francisco. If he had been, I would have called him by his middle name Alexander.

For those of you that remember me best on the water, these photos are for you.

I am now back in El Salvador enjoying the sunshine. one must remember that nothing comes free. The price you pay here for the warm sun is having to deal with the high humidity. A cold beer helps, or two, or three.....

Until next time be safe out there.

Denny

Dolce Vita