Archive for February, 2008

One of the more popular climbing areas in Bishop, the Buttermilks sits at 6,800 feet, some 2,700 feet above the town of Bishop.  I had not been able to get up there yet because of heavy snow cover.  But with temperatures in the 60s and lots of sun the last week, I figured the road would be clear to the Buttermilks, and headed up there after work yesterday.

The dirt road was in horrible condition.  My poor VW bounced and jostled the entire way on the 5-mile approach road.  And with one mile left to go, I had to park the car on the side and hike the last mile due to deep snow still covering the road.

I took a picture of the first mile of the approach road when conditions were still good..  Buttermilks is about 4 miles in the distance.  Mt. Tom lies beyond it.

Lots more snow now, the higher we went.  I left my car here and walked the last mile.  I also left the camera in the car because I wanted to hike light as possible.

Back at home, enjoying a bottle of locally brewed Mammoth beer.

And my dinner.  Pork chops with garlic-teryaki sauce and seasoning.  Veggies in the pot with garlic salt in the pot on the back burner.

The last week with me driving back and forth on dirt roads, I realized I can only subject my VW to so much abuse before it falls apart on me.  I’m starting to look around for a beater truck.  I think that should be really awesome to have.  Some old dusty Ford with a horse saddle in the bed for looks.

Today’s run was MUCH better.

Today’s route: 5.8 miles, 43m 56s.

Yeah, its that time of the year.  Weather gets warmer out, and its time to start running again.  Instead of running through the urban jungle, dodging traffic and inhaling diesel fumes, here you have to worry about dodging roving teenagers on bicycles, keeping an eye out for farmer trucks blasting past you at 80 mph and the the fresh, fresh smell of cow shit.

I definitely got winded a few times and had to take a few walking breaks, but overall I didn’t do so shabby since the last time I ran.

Today’s route: 4.8 mi., 44 min. 18 sec.