What would a backpacking trip to the Ansel Adams Wilderness be without black and white photos? Two lakes are featured, Ediza and Iceberg. John Muir called the Sierra Nevada The Range of Light. Here’s an original photo by Ansel of the same location. Enjoy the photos below, clicking to enlarge.
This view from our campsite made every one of the 18,000 steps of the climb to Lake Ediza worth it. At 9300 ft elevation, this green gem has the classic Sierra Nevada look of just four elements: bright granite, green pines, clear water and blue sky. Lake Ediza is in the Ansel Adams Wilderness, in the Inyo National Forest, near the Mammoth Ski Area. About 35 years ago, Lake Ediza was my first backpacking trip....
Stanley Clarke was a highlight at the San Jose Jazz Festival, but there was much more great music to enjoy. Marina Crouse Band As we wandered into the grounds of the festival, Marina Crouse was singing a soulful and funky version of “Cisco Kid.” We arrived midway through her band’s set but enjoyed a few minutes on the grassy law at the Blues Stage. LMR Jazz Orchestra Featuring Tierney Sutton Next we headed indoors for a real treat – Tierney Sutton singing a set with a well-arranged and conducted Big Band....
Ollie and I hiked a 3.5 hour loop to the top of Windy Hill and back. I love that we have such an amazing hike right from our front door. There was a cool breeze from the fog at the coast, but we had sunshine all the way. A perfect day for the hike! When I first moved to California, my landlady informed me that the appearance of Amaryllis Belladonna (first flower picture) means “Back to School....
Saturday night’s alright for retro punk, with Geri Vahey and the Seagulls making the scene. Micah and I met up in San Francisco and did a bike ride on the waterfront to Fort Mason and back. Then after some tasty empanadas at the Ferry Building, we headed to the Mission to check out Geri’s band. First up was a teenage band doing their best Green Day. Meanwhile we took in the vibe of run-down, dimly lit bar – cash only, mind you....