Thursday, December 31, 2009

Skied to the post office, and then over to the rim trail. The rim had enough snow to ski on, so we continued to Pipe Creek Overlook and back. Drawback was we didn't bring food or water, since we were only going to the post office. Skied 11 miles in all. By the time we got back at 2 PM, snow was melting enough on some of the walkways that I had to take the skis off about a half mile from the house.

Monday, December 28, 2009




For something new, we hiked down Hermit to Dripping Springs. The west rim drive is open, but there was not only no place to park at Hermit Rest, the Harvey bus was double-parked, blocking off about 6 spaces. So we parked at Pima and walked. The Harvey bus almost ran over me, I suppose following the rule that says they can't cross the double yellow line, but they don't mind double parking.

No one had been to Dripping springs since the last snow. We broke trail for the last half mile. Wondered if there would be a frozen spring, but it was dripping. The snow had not been in the sun at all: it was still crystalline. On the way out, my new ice grippers got caught in my bootlace, and I took a bad fall. Broke the gripper, also. So I guess I can sue the gripper company for not warning me not to trip on a bootlace, and the boot company for making such long laces.

Sunday, December 27, 2009


Hiked to Phantom last weekend with the artist in residence. Then Christmas in Prescott. Today hiked down to Skeleton.

I can almost understand these bozos who write their name on a rock: they are just ignorant: but today there was obscene graffiti, and that is just graffiti. Gone now, due to the Squirt Bottle of Retribution.

Found a sleeping bag stashed under the outhouse (eww!) and we'll check it out in a day or so to see if it is still there and carry it out. Probably just couldnt' stand the thought of getting that extra 8 1/2 pounds out the last 900 feet and ditched it.

Sunday, December 20, 2009



Our annual trip to Phantom for solstice is done. Robert couldn't come because of his knee surgery, but we took the local artist in residence. Dropped the camera on Asinine Hill. Lots of ice on the Kaibab. I find that songs from My Fair Lady are a good hiking rhythm, but the words need work.
I could have hiked all day, I could have hiked all day
and still have asked for more.
I could have doffed my pack and eaten all my snacks
I've never had before
I told myself, this is a hell of a workout, no matter what my muscles might say
And when I saw that view, well, that is when I knew,
I could have hiked, hiked, hiked all day.

My winter boots are falling apart, so I need a new pair before my next trip in two weeks. Busy, busy, busy.