How do you top that!!!

Well after staying four days with Laurie it's time to venture back.  My brother had told me about a pass through Yosemite that is only open in the good weather months.  I traveled back about 80 miles the way I had come and took the Tioga Pass.  It was extraordinary.  The temperature of the day was rising towards 100+ so I passed on the long hike.  I got out numerous times along the pass for short walks (all day long)

Remnants of fire

Infamous Halfdome

There's a waterfall DOWN  there???!!!

Glacier Point

Yosemite Valley

Back in Gardnerville for my Glider Ride!!!!

"Glider Girl" Laurie, owner of NV Soaring was practicing up while I drove around the lake.  It was a clear sweltering afternoon when I returned and up we go....

Being towed up over the Sierras to Lake Tahoo

Now let me explain.  During most glider flights on a day like this the passenger should be snapping away at the camera.  Unfortunately this passenger was now puking in the air sick bag.  I held the camera high and snapped away but it was not too successful with my head in the bag, so to speak.

Her crew was very pleased with me - I didn't miss a drop, LOL

You can see the tow plane just in front of us pulling us over the mountains...

My pilot, lined up perfectly on the runway...

Thanks Laurie.  I'll do it again with Dramamine next time...

Lake Tahoe

I stayed on at Laurie's longer than I had planned because it was so purely relaxing and Laurie was such a great host.  After walking the Candy Dance street fair in Genoa, NV on Saturday we took a trail ride on Sunday.  Hot dusty and fun!!!

Monday I went to drive around Lake Tahoe.  I had been to Squaw Valley skiing about 40 years ago but didn't remember much.  The drive was relaxing and beautiful.  I talked to Chris Keane along my way who told me to watch for a bay with a beautiful island in it.  It was just as I came around the corner, while talking to him on the phone - so Chris the Emerald Bay photos are especially for you...

Chez Harden

Driving to Gardnerville, NV

After my mother left I moved in with Bill, Amanda, Jasper and Penelope.  It was so gracious of them to have me.  I stayed on a few days and then left for another adventure.

I'm headed north to see Laurie Harden who I grew up across the street from in Middle school.  We saw each other last in March but I wanted to see her "digs".  She has a small "ranchette" (5 acres) in Carson Valley which is awe-inspiring.   She currently owns two horses and boards two more.  After getting up on the saddle shortly after my arrival we planned a trail ride for Sunday morning.  It was GREAT FUN!!!  Sorry there aren't better photos of Laurie but she is always on the move.

Driving along the eastern side of the Sierra Mountains

I am also including photos of my drive to get there.  Riding along the eastern edge of the Sierra Mountains was beautiful.  I spent the night in June Lake, CA just north of Mamouth Mountain.  The next day I hiked for a few hours along Mono Lake.  There were Navy tests done there many years ago - read the sign.  The hoodoos were very cool and I even walked by a natural hot spring (but didn't go in)

June Lake

Mono Lake

Mono Lake hot spring - bubbling in the right corner

it's funny what your photos remind you of -  this was my first snake while hiking...

Bummer, no nudity around the hot spring...

Wow, it's been a whole month!!!!

Hey blog watchers,
So sorry that it has been a whole month since my last update.  I arrived in Santa Barbara in early September in time to meet baby Penelope before she even had her own belly button!!!  She is a marvel, only rivaled by big brother Jasper.

Shortly (4 days) after my arrival my mother also came to see the new baby.  Mother rented a house on the very chic, Miramar Beach in Montecito.  It was a very fun location just 3 steps from a most beautiful beach.  Can't believe I didn't take any photos, hmmm.  I stayed there with my mother for two weeks.  The beach weather here was quite an education.  We had a lot of cold fog, yet up in the foothills at Bill and Amanda's house it was in the high 70's.  After those two weeks the fog really burned away but apparently it is a constant issue on the coast so Mom has decided she no longer wants to live at the beach.

The present plan is for her to come back out to Santa Barbara in December and take over the lease of Bill's rental.  I will stay with her for a number of months while she gets settled and makes a final determination regarding shoulder replacement surgery.

We had some nice walks on the beach everyday and a trip to the Santa Barbara Mission and rose garden.
It is a very comfortable town with much to see and do.

What a welcome

So here I am driving up the Pacific coast and it is mired in fog.  Not a nice welcome to sunny California!
Better to come.................................................

Ahhhhh, this makes it all worthwhile!