The forecast showed a cold front, rain, and dropping snow levels. Not a promising outlook for a backpacking trip. So Micah and I changed plans to car camping instead, and visiting Yosemite nonetheless. Stormy weather brings interesting clouds. And we saw a rare rainbow in Yosemite Valley, below the peaks. On one hike, we saw a bobcat and also came across a herd of stags with many points. You can’t truly understand biblical tales unless you’ve heard thunder explode through a mountain valley, which we did one night amidst a tremendous downpour. Our tent held firm and we were warm and dry. During the days, we only had sprinkles. ...
Our favorite jazz venue is the Bach Dynamite and Dancing Society. To keep the flame burning, we sponsored a recent show by David Sánchez and his quintet. We started our Sunday adventure on the fabulous deck, overlooking the Pacific. The ocean was calm and silver-toned, with occasional slow waves crashing into the shore. Together with our guests – Micah, Glenn and Liz, and Judi and Nick – we had a cornucopia of snacks to enjoy. We were in good spirits. ...
Rule #1: The Beach is the Best Place You never know when you might go to the beach, so always look for the signs of a car ride. As you jump in the back seat, be very excited and watch out the front window very attentively. When you smell the ocean, it’s time to start making little whelps. When the car parks at a beach, go wild! Rule #2: The Purpose is to Play Ball A beach is the best place to run after a ball. Ignore other dogs. The only thing that matters is getting your person to throw a ball. If no ball is available, get them to throw a stick. ...
On a warm September night, Roy and I ventured to Shoreline to see The Who’s final tour. Could Roger Daltry’s voice still fill an ampitheater? Could Pete Townsend’s guitar still push the band into overdrive? The answer was “yes!” The band covered their hits from the early 1960s through the 1980s and overall they sounded great. In their classic years, the Who were the sound of youth, full of unbridled energy and raw emotions. It was inspiring to see two 80-something rock legends play with much of that energy for a full two hour set. ...
On a beautiful sunny Sunday, I had the pleasure of taking Kayla and Micah to the San Jose Jazz Festival. The festival is held over three days in downtown San Jose. There are three main outdoor stages in the plaza, and many nearby indoor stages. We arrived around 1:30 pm and set ourselves up on the lawn with a good view of the main stage but plenty of shade. ...