Big Bend Revisited :: Boquillas Canyon Trail

Sunday, March 3rd - - On my last day at Big Bend, I decided to hike the Trail to Boquillas Canyon, going in mid-morning to avoid the heat that was coming later. It was forecast to get near 90 degrees today, the hottest day yet.





It is a short trail - only 1.4 miles round trip - but it takes you up a rather large hill, then back down the other side.





The trail provides some nice views. Blending into the distant landscape is the the town of Bouquillas. If you look closely you can see a few white buildings in the center of the photo, just beyond the green area. Actually, the town is not far from the Rio Grande Village area.





One of the many bends in the river. The man in the foreground was fishing. I wonder if he caught anything?





On my previous visit in February .. I had the pleasure of hearing "Victor, the singing Mexican" but he was on the other side of the river then. There were several bottles set out along the trail, asking for donations for singing. Some bottles were identified as Jesus, others as Victor. This man was standing beside one of the bottles identified as Victor but when I asked his name, he said Jesus! Anyway, while I was in the canyon area, I was being serenaded.






The path leads you to the river...





The canyon walls go straight up, and the river disappears around the bend.




It was cool in the canyon, but as I walked back out, I could feel the heat. It was indeed going to be a hot day and it felt good. A few of the buildings in the town of Boquillas can be seen in the far right corner of this photo. As always, double-click to view a larger version.

Yodelin ..

It has been a while. I probably should do a year end recap, or a goals for the coming year before doing a new post for a new year. But that is not how it is going to be.



In a stroke of luck I had some time off. (we were slow at work) And Dan was in between jobs. So I lobbied to get out. Unfortunately, the weather didn't really cooperate and we weren't going to riding 12" of fresh. Bummer.



The forecast was somewhat miserable with sun and above freezing temps for the day prior to us getting out. No measurable snowfall in the previous few days either. This made us fall to the old standby of Yodelin.We both figured that a northern exposure, and trees would have protected what precious snow there might be. And as always, Yodelin never seems to disappoint.













We arrived in the parking lot to a light snow falling. The road in was horrible, an icy packed luge run with a dusting of new snow on it for the minimum in friction coefficient. As we went up, the snow fell harder and the snow underfoot was deeper. We started getting positive vibes. Up near the ridge, the snow was deep, and there was no readily detectable crust. We skinned through the cut and up into the trees to our transition point.







The first run was good. A little choppy and boney in sections where people recently laid tracks. We continued to the second road and really enjoyed the less tracked lower portion. So we skinned up again. Our track from the first run had a fair amount of new snow in it, making it appear a day old. This time we went further on the ridge to get out of tracked snow and had a nicer upper portion consisting of 4-8" of loose snow. (I hesitate to call it powder. But it was not concrete.) We once again continued past the first road and had a really good run through the trees to the final road where both Dan and I fell coming through the ditch by the road. At this point and elevation we were receiving some heavy wet snow and decided to call it a day as we knew the snow wasn't getting any better. We skinned back to the lift hut and transitioned back to ride the road out.

Death Valley :: Wiley Coyote

On the day that I drove down Badwater Road to the Devil's Golf Course and Badwater, I continued a bit further on for another 20 miles or so. I saw something crossing the road in the distance. Slowing down as I got closer, I saw that it was a coyote. It stood along the side of the road as I pulled over and stopped, trying to get the passenger side window down and grabbing my camera at the same time.

It was very close, within two or three feet of the side of the car. I took several quick shots thinking it would soon continue on its way. However, it just stood there watching me and I watched it. Realizing that I had a little more time, I zoomed in a bit to get a few closeup shots. It was incredible.

Five minutes went by and the coyote was still there. It was a little unnerving to look it in the eye. I'm guessing that at some time it had been fed by someone in a car, otherwise I'm pretty sure that it wouldn't have stuck around so long. It was still standing there as I drove off a few minutes later.

Ocotillo Skies

A leafless ocotillo bush contrasted against the Arizona sky.

The ONE quiver ski?

Does it exist? Orisit justthat your available terrain and skiingis limited?



If it does exist what is the single ski ?



Or is it simply the Indian and not the arrow?







I generally owned several pairs of alpine skis when I worked at a ski area. But also generally only skied one pair the majority of the time.Rock skis maybe early season. Beaters they you didn't mind trashing and a decent pair of skis for the rest of the time. When I got a chance to do some heli skiing it didn't take long to figure out most of the guides were on shorterEuro mountaineering skis. Easier to ski in the always changing conditions. But theywere hard to obtain in the early '80s here in the US. That was my introduction into a 2nd pair of skis or the start of a quiver. I thought it more the "right tool" for the job.

I started using the short mountaineering skis for early morning bomb runs and avi control work. They made the work a lot easier. By mid morning I would usually change back to my long boards and enjoy the groomers.

Today on any given day in the winter or springI might ski groomed, face shot powder off piste, 10K vertical gain by foot for a 11K dropor a steep corn gully I have to hike into and maybe hike out of as well when I amdone.

To be honest I ski much more terrain and different snow conditions now than I did guiding and skiing12 months of the year in the distant past. Strange as that might sound.

Different skis for every occasion seems like a good thing :)I have one or two that are good for most things. But nothing I would like to be on every where I am willing to ski now.

But if you have that magical ski you take every where I would love to hear about it!!

Long Commutes in the Rain

Most transportation cyclists eventually get comfortable with riding in the rain, and for me this was never particularly a problem. In the beginning, my commutes through the city were short and I mainly remember struggling with poor visibility and chaotic traffic, before getting used to it all. But as my travel radius increased, so did my exposure to rain. Some things began to matter that did not matter as much before, and I gradually made adjustments.






As far as the bike, the big thing for me was waterproofing. I carry a laptop always when cycling for transportation, a DSLR camera much of the time, and also hand-written documents. These items absolutely cannot get wet. While there is now a wealth of attractive new bicycle bags on the market, many of them are not designed to resist water beyond a short ride. For long commutes, I suggest using a touring-grade bag or one that is specifically described as waterproof. The Carradice I've been using on my Brompton for the past 5 months has been pretty good so far (for as long as 50 miles in continuous rain in Ireland - with both my laptop and camera inside), as was the Po Campo pannier I used on my full-sized bikes before that. Ortlieb bags are probably an even safer bet. Just in case, I keep a plastic bag inside for emergencies, and I always store water-sensitive items in internal compartments.






An issue for those who use leather saddles, is that these can get soggy (and, consequently, deformed) after long rides in the rain. A good saddle cover helps, and the stock one from from Brooks shown here is actually not the best example. Normally I use a thick gray one from Rivendell that fits tightly all around the saddle. It is deep, too, which protects the underside of the saddle as well. I am sure there are others that do a good job. Alternatively, there are specially treated leather saddles - such as Selle Anatomica - that claim to be waterproof.






Finally, long exposure to rain might call for additional bike maintenance. On a bicycle without a chaincase, lubing the chain is probably a good idea. And even if you're not into cleaning your bike, the debris that gathers around the brake calipers and derailleur is worth wiping off to keep everything functioning smoothly. The need for this kind of maintenance after long rides in a downpour certainly makes a good argument for internally geared hubs, enclosed hub brakes and a full chaincase. However, bikes with those features may not be ideal for hilly long distance commutes.






As far as the cyclist, clothing choices get trickier - especially if you want to ride in regular clothes and don't have the opportunity to change upon arrival. A truly waterproof outer layer is essential. But equally important is breathability, since you are exerting yourself more than you would on a shorter ride. When I started riding longer distances I discovered that my usual raincoat was neither entirely waterproof, nor very breathable. Eventually I found one that worked well - made of light, technical fabric with lots of vents and a removable hood. Rain capes may be another option, with some breathable, cinchable ones from Iva Jean and Cleverhoods recently introduced. Just as crucial as outerwear is waterproof footwear: Shoes that are fine on short rides can get soggy after 10+ miles pedaling in the rain,and you probably don't want to sit around with wet feet all day.




Of course, all the general tips for riding in the rain still apply: Lights, fenders, extra caution. On an upright bike, I don't feel like the rain is hitting me in the face as hard as it does on a roadbike, which makes things more pleasant.Once outside the city, I generally find it fairly peaceful and low-stress. Mixing ideas from transportation cycling and touring has been helpful for me and that's what I would suggest to others with long rainy commutes. Find a setup that works for you, and enjoy not being stuck in suburban rain-day traffic!

Valles Caldera

Sorry to put so many photos on one post but I felt it was the best way to tell about the tour we took of the Valles Caldera. The Caldera, Spanish for when a volcano blows and then falls in on it's self, is about half way between Jemez Springs and Los Alamos, New Mexico. For many, many years we have driven by here on the road seeing only the part that can be seen from the highway. From the mid 1800's to the year .. it was a private ranch owned by several different families. In .. the US Government bought it to make it into a big national park. Over the past 13 years the government has continued to run it as a ranch and let biologist, geologist, and many other 'logist type scientist onto the ranch to see exactly what is there. Not only did two big volcanos explode here but several smaller ones making it a very unique landscape. Because of the volcanos there is still a lot of geothermal activity in the area even though the volcanos are considered extent. We didn't know it but recently a Visitors Center had been built and the road to it is now open for people to come in a see part of the Caldera. Most of it can only be seen if you get special permits for hiking or take one of the bus tours that are run frequently.
















This little creek is considered the upper part of the Jemez River. From the gates we came about 2 miles on a narrow dirt road and across the river before getting to the Visitors Center.







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Parking at the Visitors Center. The red Chevy pickup on the right is ours.



We were glad to see the Center is run by Solar Power. Here is the solar panel and the shed for the batteries. While there we learned of the tours and one that was leaving soon was only a 45 minute tour for only $5.00. We quickly decided to go and were glad we did. We learned a lot more about the Caldera, the geology and history of the area. We got to see most of the orginal ranch buildings that are still standing. We were glad to see that the firefighters were able to stop the big firejust about 50 feet from the buildings. Most of these buildings have been usedin a lotof movies from long ago to recently in the new Lone Ranger movie with Johnny Depp in it as Tonto.






This is one of the older buildings and you can see the sandbags on the left hand side where they are afraid the rains might wash it out due to the damage done by the fire.



These 2 buildings are over a hundred years old.




Volunteers putting out sandbags around the buildings.















This is a round house, made of native stone. I think in about the mid 1950's. Made round as the Navajo hogans are round, and the Pueblo kivas are round. Our guide said there were 8 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and a big center area with a huge fireplace. It was used for guests, hunters, scientist's, and other special guests. I sure would have liked to have seen the inside of it and the other buildings.




























we didn't get to get out of the van but were told that the Lone Ranger movie was filmed in this area and under the hill here.




The tour van and our guide Tom.











It really doesn't show but most of the trees on the hill side had been burned.


Tom, our guide, whodid a great job. There are other tours that require reservations that are all day, or about 2 hours and one on weekends in the evening for seeing elk, as there are many herds of elk and deer on the ranch.







We had to get some sort of souvenir, so hubby got me a deer horn whistle at the Visitors Center Gift Shop. After I got home I saw on the card where it washand made in Wyoming. Since deer and elk loose their antlers eachyear no animals are harmed for these. They have been cut, and a piece of wood added to make it whistle. It will go well with the 2 bears I have carved out of elk antler.

Reality check....

OK, every blog is just an opinion. And everyone has one. An opinion that is. Some are just more ill informed than others. Some are simply ignorant.



"Don’t make this into something it’s not.

Tito’s death has nothing to do with many of the larger issues being bandied about online. Tito’s death has nothing to do with whether or not children should be climbing, or if they understand risk to an acceptable level that would, in your judgment, permit them access to a crag. Tito’s death doesn’t have anything to do with the so called grade-chasing, gym-bred mentality judgementally assigned to many of today’s youth climbers. Tito’s death has nothing to do with your fears and insecurities, and nothing to do with your self-affirmations about your own smug sense of safety at the cliff."

Andrew Bisharat





http://www.rockandice.com/lates-news/dumb-climbing



http://www.dpmclimbing.com/articles/view/tito-traversa-report-reveals-cause-accident



http://www.rockandice.com/lates-news/12-year-old-tito-traversa-dies-in-climbing-fall



http://climbing.about.com/b//07/13/analysis-of-tito-traversa-climbing-accident-and-quickdraws.htm



Sad as Tito's death is let's not make it something it is not. That much Andrew has right.



Some more opinion?

The rest Andrew hasn't clue about and totally missed the point. In my opinion of course and with all due respect. Andrew has at least earned that respect. He's simply wrong from my perspective.



About once a year I get the chance to mentor some kid. (anyone under 40 is a kid to me these days btw) Pity the poorsouls!



Hell I am a only a shadow of my previous self, literally half the man I use to be when I was leading trad .12s from the ground up. And those ascents few and far between mind you!



Every time I start a new mentorship I am reminded of and generally am enticed for the obvious reasons into recounting all the injuries and deaths I have seen or been privy to in 45 years of climbing. And I have a damn short list by comparison to a few friend's intimate lists.



This is as close as I have come.



http://coldthistle.blogspot.com//02/injury-recovery-and-death.html



Mind you I have takendozens of falls rock climbing. No clue how many... but dozens sometimes on just one climb!And only been hurt 3 times. Two early on and only the one recentlythat wasserious. My longest? A 70' footer. Which had me pumped up on Adrenalin for hours after wards. (another mistake btw)



So why the opinion?



Every single person I have mentored in any fashionhas beena relative new climber not just a new leader...on rock or on ice. And every one of them is in such a hurry to lead...it boggles my mind.



Why? Leading is harder in every way imaginable. Leading is more dangerous. Leading can get you killed if you make a mistake. And it doesn't even have to be a big mistake. Tie the knot wrong. Rig your hardware wrong.Misjudge your own abilities. All unhealthy things to do climbing or leading.



Climbing is a serious and likely fatal sport if you make a mistake. Just because a lot of people do it these days...doesn't make climbing SAFE!



Take some time. Enjoy the top rope and try to learn what you can while you are there.



You just don't know what you don't know. But the secrets come easily and quickly if you open your eyes and mnd.



I could so easily argue all of Andrews points...but why bother?



Face it. Climbing is some serious chit. You fook it up and you'll likely die. You fook it up and you are likely THE idiot because it will be YOUR own mess.



Climbing and gravity don't care how old you are or how hard you can climb. Make a mistake and you will pay the price. Simple as that.



That is what I have learnedclimbing.



The rest of the opinions?



"Don’t make this into something it’s not."



I feel the lossof each dead friend and I have felt the pain of each of my own injuries and mistakes and sometimes another's mistake!



"Don’t make this into something it’s not."



We all make choices and mistakes. If you fook it up? Own up to it......if youare able. And move on. I'm proof even an idiot can live through a lifetime of climbing and still (mostly) enjoy the effort :) It is having the patience tolive through, "the you don't know, what you don't know" part that can be difficult.



"Don’t make this into something it’s not."



and for the exprienced alpinists out there anothercheeriereport of life after death and other fool things to do in the mtns.......



http://blackdiamondequipment.com/en/tripreports-colinhaley-alaskacrevasse.html?q=colin%20haley

The Seasons are changing, and so are the routes...

This past week has brought intense thunderstorms, new snowfall, and crisp fall air to Mt. Rainier. With these changes in the weather, we are also seeing changes on some of the routes. See the Disappointment Cleaver page for information on the latest developements there. The upcoming week looks like it holds beautiful weather, so come on up to Mount Rainier National Park and enjoy the stunning scenery, the wildflowers, and the melted out hiking trails before fall truly takes hold!