January 19, 2015

One of the most wonderful messages this morning from a hiker friend.   Having gone through different yet seemingly similar experiences is a bond we share.  That message made my morning.  Getting moving was trickier than I would have liked – somewhere along the way I hurt my back yesterday (I think it was in lifting the shelf or my large tool chest.  I’m not a good lifter).  The kids were up and semi-ready to go.  Maggie is never excited about our hiking adventures, but she always has a fun time and it is something I insist on:  it’s our family time <more on this later>

We headed to our usual area – towards Capps Crossing on Mormon Immigrant Trail.  These are

easier hikes for me when I stay on logger roads, and as long as it isn’t night, we won’t get lost, either.  I could have SWORN we were on the same trail as I took last week – it was so similar until the road narrowed and trees enclosed the path, making an almost “tunnel-vision” path.  I realized elsewhere and we started looking for a sunny, semi-flat area for our lunch.  I had marinated tri-tip in a garlic, red win, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and we brought salad with homemade dressing, corn and Italian bread.  While I cooked, Ethan set up the ENO hammock.  That is easily the best purchase I have made in a long time and I really wish we had trees out back which could support it. While we were here - I shot the picture above.  It is the coolest shot I think I've ever done because it was such an experiential moment.  This picture is using no filter.   We walked back – seeing (again) a truck with a family in it who were out collected wood for their fireplace or wood stove.  This <previous post> is what I appreciate – when a family goes out together to take care of things which benefit the whole family, and they have fun doing it.  Families used to depend on one another, which made them (in my opinion) much closer.  The air was perfect – upper 40s, which makes my skin dance, the scent of Nature was easing to my soul.  

We came back on Pleasant Valley Road instead of the freeway as there was a long line of cars from the long weekend.  We passed ToMary’s, where one could buy the most delicious tomatoes – so many varieties.  Now it’s an empty field.  We passed the place Zachary Jacques used to sit – until he sold and it was relocated and it isn’t as good <makes me think about La Bodega>.  We passed a house I would see on my way to Somerset when I went out there frequently and I always imagined living in this house with the him.  So many things which used to be, but no longer are.  That’s Life.  We move on. 

When we got home, the dogs happily jumped out – and then…they saw the cat <this cat frequently comes over to tease them>.  Those dogs were off.  Mabi came back…Annie is a different story.  This dog.  I have to get her two dog tags – one with her name and address and the other, which reads – “I’m a chronic run-awayer”  Maggie finally found her.

As I was prepping dinner, we called Ingrid.  We miss that little girl.  She said it was ok that Annie ran away, so I guess we must forgive.  Dinner was homemade butternut squash soup, with sandwiches comprised of homemade bread, ham, brie, and for Ethan and myself, sauteed onions.  Maggie ate maybe 3 bites.  We folded laundry and watched a terrific animal show featuring different areas of the America’s and the inhabitants.  The grasshopper mouse was our favorite.  The weekend was very successful and much was accomplished.  Let’s keep this up.

Pictures:  Our hiking and lunch adventure today in the El Dorado National Forest.