Category: Frontcountry

Snowshoing in Lake Tahoe

I’ve been on four snowshoe trips so far this winter.

The Eagle Creek Canyon Trail leaving from Emerald Bay was the best. I recommend it to everyone. It’s easy, has views of Lake Tahoe, gets you to a frozen lake that is surrounded by peaks and has other people around. Be sure to check avalanche conditions and know what you’re doing. There are definitely steep slopes around the route.

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Wilson, NC and Ocracoke Island

I flew out to North Carolina a few weeks ago to visit my good friend Ben. It’s not often that I can fly across the country to hang out for the weekend. I’m so glad that I did.

We packed up and drove out to the Outer Banks. Ocracoke Island was a surreal experience for me. It’s strange being in such a low-lying, flood prone area. It felt like the ocean could (and does) sweep through regularly. The water table was barely a few inches below street level and it’s like that throughout a huge area.

We had the island mostly to ourselves. It sure was quiet on the beach.

The nice, relaxing ferry rides were an added bonus.

Ben is really into photography so I tried to rekindle it in him.

Of course, the other highlight of the trip was visiting with Ben’s family in Wilson and seeing some of our other friends. We had a mini Utah reunion. Ethan and Kat joined us for an afternoon.

Ben was severely injured in a mountain bike crash in Bolivia. He has a traumatic brain injury. It’s a long, long recovery. His progress is testament to how fucking hard he’s working at it. Remember to visit your friends ok?

Taking the lane on a bike

Check out this great animation on lane control from cyclingsavvy.org

Driving in the middle of the lane actually protects cyclists against the most common motorist-caused crashes: sideswipes, right hooks, left crosses, and drive-outs.  A bicycle driver’s top safety priority is to ensure he or she can be seen by motorists with whom they might potentially be in conflict, and bicycling in the middle of a lane is one of the most effective ways to do that.  Most overtaking crashes involve a motorist who attempts to squeeze past (illegally) in a lane that is too narrow to share.

Swimming in the American River

I finally went swimming in the river by my house. I’m two blocks from the water but had never jumped in. In fact, most people in my neighborhood don’t take advantage of it. I have friends who have lived in town for years and years and don’t jump in the water. The American River is remarkably clean and pleasant. Come and visit. We’ll take a dip. No need for a pool.

Hosting Biker Trash

I had two 19 year old cycle tourists stay at my house last night. Today is their last day of a cross country trip. I remember the perceived need to entertain my hosts from my own couch surfing. We chatted about their trip for a few hours than transitioned to books and journaling. Tea too.