SUMMER RUNNING AND HIKING

 

 SUMMER RUNNING

Last year's Summer Running Series was, generally speaking, in the Mormon Lake area.  Because it is so beautiful there, I decided to do a variation on that theme this year.  Here's a look at my planned route.  Remember you can double click on the picture to enlarge it.  

As in past years, I have two criteria.  First, the runs are limited to 3 miles.  Second, I have to run what comes my way. There are some steep hills ahead. This year I'm adding taking one pic on each run.  This is Casner Park, which is the little white square on the map between two arrows just after the start. 

 

 

We usually arrange it so Ron comes along.  He drops me off and walks with the dogs while I run.  Sometimes we park the truck and I run out 1.5 miles, then back 1.5 miles; ditto if I go out alone.  Other times he drives ahead 3 miles and parks and I run to the truck.  This promises to be a terrific series!

SUMMER RUNNING WEAR

When I was looking for ideas for new summer activities, I googled "Summer Bucket List".  Mostly it was family-based activities.  I quickly eliminated everything involving a beach or a swimming pool.  Nearly every list also included tie dye as an activity.  I looked past it several times, then realized it might be fun to tie dye some t-shirts for a summer running wardrobe.  I wasn't a fan of tie dye in its 60's and 70's iteration; too counterculture for me.  It's lost that connotation, and I like the bright colors and patterns.  Plus, if it didn't work, well, I'd have some colorful rags for the rag bag!  

 

   

I chose 3 patterns.  From left to right:  Sunburst, Spiral, Spiral, Crumple, Sunburst, Crumple.

 

Tie dye is fun, interesting and messy.  I don't have the ability to visualize these kinds of things, so even though I followed instructions for these patterns, it felt completely random while I was doing it. The steps were:  wash & dry, cut off sleeves & length, mix the dyes, fold or crumple the pattern, squirt on the dye to your heart's content, wrap in plastic & let the dyes absorb overnight, rinse in A LOT of cold water until the water is clear, wash in hot water to set the dye, dry, iron if you're so inclined, wear.

                 I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THESE SHIRTS!!!                     

 

SUMMER HIKING

 

 REAL HIKES

Real hiking is done by Sue and I, year-round, invariably scheduled weekly and nearly always accomplished.  Our hikes are 5-8 miles long and are chock full of yakking and enjoying the scenery.  This pic is from a few years ago.  Nothing has changed but my hair color. 

 

 
 

TINY BEAR HIKES 

 

You know I love to name activities!  This year, as one of my variations on a theme, I've decided to try some occasional shorter solo hikes. That's the "hikes" part. There are a couple reasons.  First, in my grand scheme, they're alternatives to running.  I'm keeping them the same 3 miles as my running distance.  That's one "tiny" part.  Next, it's an opportunity to be out of the house for a longer time.  Though I love our house and my indoor activities, I find I need to have time alone outside for periods longer than running, and 3 mile hikes take about twice as long as 3 mile runs. The "bear" part:  a couple years ago friend Kim asked if I wasn't afraid of meeting a bear while hiking.  I'm not, but as a play on that, I started taking along this little stuffed bear Ron's Mom made for me decades ago.  At some point in the hike, I'd pose the bear, take its picture, and send it to Kim.  Because the bear is small, it's the second "tiny" part.  

Criteria for these hikes: First, limited to 3 miles. Next, make sure I'm attending to the purpose of the hike: being present. Then, if Jasmine is available, I'll bring her along. Last, a few pics.  

Tiny Bear

Anything that catches my eye.

Jasmine

SWAMPING UPDATE

 

Sawyer Ron, now retired

 Just like that, I'm out of a job.  Wednesday evening Ron described the area he wanted to go to for wood-cutting the next morning.  Thursday I got up and dressed for going out early, as planned.  He came back from the early dog walk and said "I need to be done cutting wood."  I said, "You mean not go today?" He said, "Yup."  As I said last week, he's been on the bubble for a year.  He went out once alone and once with me this year, and that was enough for him to pull the plug.  It's a well-considered decision, and a sound one.  He had a great 30-year run, and has no regrets. 

                                     Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.

                                                                                                                   -----John Muir