Some Sierra Wildflowers, Summer 2011

 

 pine indian paintbrush, Castilleja applegatei

alpine lily, Lilium parvum

Sierra larkspur, Delphinium glaucum

smokey mariposa, Calochortus leichtlinii

mountain jewelflower, Streptanthus tortuosus

meadow sweet, Spiraea densiflora

prettyface, Triteleia ixiodes

Alpine heather, Cassiope mertensiana

crimson columbine, Aquilegia formosa

This is just a smattering of the flowers we saw on our Desolation Wilderness hike. The trip was a great refresher course for my High Sierra botany.  When I was trying to make sure I had the names right, I found this really rad site.  We pretty much saw all of these lovely flowers.  Check it out here.

Beaver Creek, Big Trees Park, 8.26.11

We headed out to Beaver Creek in Big Trees State Park to do some Eco-camping (translation: no running water, pit toilets) and celebrate birthdays.  The sites were beautiful and isolated and aside from persistent bees, the whole area was pretty quiet.  Well, bees and us.  Giant Sequoias really are giant and if you want a nice, slightly dusty hike, check out the South Grove.

Lainie makes awesome blueberry pancakes.
All food just tastes insanely good when you are in the woods.

 
Sophers and T and a really big tree.

Car Camping at it fanciest.  Sun.  Big Trees.  No one around so they couldn't hear us being incredibly loud.  Fun. 

Adam's rad video:

08.27.11 BIG TREES from N amesak E on Vimeo.

Desolation Wilderness 8.13.11

Desolation Wilderness Backpacking Trip

Nights: 2 

Miles: 15-ish

Elevation Change: 2,200 ft-ish

Mosquitoes: A million

Fun: A gazillion

Adam's awesome video here.

2011 Bucket List: Dance Class!

This summer, I took a Tap class.

I was the only beginner in my class.  I was also one of the youngest students out of seventeen.  A motley crew, we tapped our way sweaty.  Not only did I learn that I really like tap classes (seriously, is there anything better than stomping your feet sometimes??) and that the left side of my body really is a tad slower than the right, I learned a valuable lesson about trying new things.

If you haven't done this recently, put yourself in a situation that is completely new and where you don't have any idea what to expect.  Seeing how you react is as equally interesting as whatever you are actually doing.  When the class began, I was most definitely not comfortable with the fact that I was the only beginner and all these ladies were way better than me.   Not only that, but I couldn't be as good as them, because I didn't know the steps -- I had to learn.   I was awkward and even more awkward and slow... and laughing.  

Perhaps this bucket list task should have been called "do something humbling."  Regardless, taking tap was incredibly fun, I met some great ladies, and am planning on taking the actual beginner class.  So?  Win.  Left side, catch up.

Summa 2011: morsel

This summer has been crazypants fun and busy.  I have some stuff I want to share, sure, but let's start easy.

Like, with this awesome outfit.

 Lake Aloha, California.  August 2011.

Shoe fly (don't bother me)

I feel like I have spent the past year analyzing my buying habits-  how much do I spend, how much do I need, how long do things last, why do I impulse buy blah blah blah.  I'm sure it's all very multi-layered and sometimes I think it's best not to think too deeply on the whole psycho-evolution of finding temporary fulfillment in a TJ Maxx or Target visit and just go for a run instead.  

Phew.

However, I have stumbled upon a few gems in my introspective consumerist period.  Social responsibility has become a measurable thing and is worth paying attention to. I would rather buy something a bit more expensive that was made with more sustainable practices (both socially and environmentally).  More expensive is a bit daunting, but if you think about it, but one $70 pair of shoes that will last longer than three $20 pair of shoes -- the price difference isn't that great and you are reducing your footprint (zing!).  I found this great link here that talks about different shoe companies business practices, calling them eco-conscious footwear and including brands like Dr. Marten, Keen, and Merrell.

Even knowing and accepting these ideas, I still have a rough time. Most of the brands on the list linked above are... clunky and like you are going to go hiking.  I love Seychelles and Clarks and I'm still not sure of their business practices. Despite smart business practices becoming trendy (a good thing) it's surprisingly difficult to find information at times.  Fortunately, other people will research it for you:  Top 10 Eco-Friendly, Socially Conscious shoes.

Pile of Shoes by Misty Gamble

Questions remain.  Is it better to buy leather because it last longer and is more durable?  Is the carbon footprint of raising cattle offset by the combination of purchasing less and using the cattle for meat as well?  Are vegan shoes really that great -- I mean, that's PLASTIC and while the shoe may fall apart, the plastic itself will hang around a long time, not to mention the amount of energy it took to make said shoe.

I'm overwhelmed.  And going for a run.

Moment.

Oh, how I love these women.  Dillon Beach, California.