A TIme For Yosemite

Headed up to Yosemite for 5 days with my wife and then I returned 2 days later by myself.

I had the chance to try some new photo taking techniques and to visit places I hadn't been before and to get in some hiking.

The photo at left is of Fern Spring which I've passed for years on the way out of the park. The barns are in a large meadow in an area called Foresta.

The photo at left is Bridalveil Fall. World famous since it is the first waterfall that people see as they exit the Wawona Tunnel and stop at tunnel view, another famous landmark.

This photo is unique in that Bridalveil was catching the sun perfectly to create a beautiful rainbow that started at the base and migrated toward the top of Bridalveil.

Sis's Store

My wonderful sister, Julie, hosted an open house at her home accents and decor store. Rooms To Roam was always a buried dream that became reality just over a year ago.

Featuring some of my photos, wine tasting, a jewelry show and invited guests, everyone had a fun time!

I wish Julie every continued success. In the photo above are Julie and Alan and Judy, the shopping center manager (in green).

Gonna Go For A Walk Now

Gonna go for a little walk tomorrow morning about 6. My anti-LA marathon...the day before since I didn't want to pay the $100 or whatever entry fee.

Though I've walked 26.2 miles once before, I want to see how far I can go again. After the last endurance test, I swore to myself never again. But, for now, I don't regret the thought. But tomorrow will likely be a different story.

Walking, especially distance walking, is a very solitary activity. I remember on an 8 mile training walk a few weeks ago, I was powering past stalled early morning traffic and total strangers in a car yelled, "Looking good". I was surprised how two words lifted me with a new burst of energy to make it the last mile.

Though I've told family and a few others and posted here and there my intentions and route link to the marathon site, I fully expect that no one will find me on the route, drive by and honk or yell an encouraging word. Hell, I can't even get anyone to drop me off at the starting point 20 minutes away. So, I'll catch the metro train and an hour later the challenge begins.
Oh well. Like I said. Solitary.

I'm walking to honor my family...my wife and kids who I put through a kinda hell via my heart attack. I'm walking to honor my Dad and late Mom for being great parents! I'm walking to honor my late brother, David. No finer brother and friend will there be. I'm walking to honor my family...brothers and sister who support me in all I do. I'm walking for the children of the world who are powerless over their dire circumstances be it famine, war, disease, abuse, poverty...and the list doesn't end.