Mt. Dickerman

Last Saturday, I hiked Mt. Dickerman. It *kicked* my ass. Near Granite Falls, the trail is 8.5 miles roundtrip and we did it in 4 hours 16 minutes (not too shabby as the reviews said it would be 5 1/2 hours roundtrip). 3800 foot elevation gain with a lot(!) of switchbacks. Supposed to have a fantastic 360 degree view from the top, but unfortunately we went on a mostly cloudy day. I did catch some gorgeous views of the 4 Sisters peak on the way up, super bright with lots of snow--to me that made it worth it. That and actually making it to the summit. I brought up the rear on the way up, I actually wanted to quit not even a quarter of the way up, but being the only lady I had to represent. Thankfully there weren't too many protests as I made frequent stops for water and to catch my breath (Sean, the gazelle that he is, left us in the dust, making it to the top 20-30 minutes before the rest of us--I guess that's what happens when you're in training for a marathon, running 6 miles/day). I had my 'regular' camera with me and only took a couple of pictures (bonehead me saw the 23 and thought that meant I had 23 pics left--getting too used to my digital camera I guess) and I still need to get the roll developed. I'll post when I can. Note to self, get in better shape before doing another hike with huge elevation gains and do not bring up the rear when the 4 boys you're with are tooting themselves down the mountain.

Helen doin' it all

She graduated on Friday, got married on Saturday, and now (just a little over a week later) is in the process of moving to North Carolina (driving across the country as I type). Congrats on becoming Dr. M! Congrats to you and Aaron on getting hitched! Best wishes in your residency. I'm looking forward to visiting you in the fall. I hope you have an extra bed/futon by then.

Summer Solstice

Yesterday was the longest day of the year. Wouldn't have known it from the weather though. Patches of blue sky, but mostly it was overcast with the skies' wet babies fallin' at times. Days leading to the summer solstice were beautiful (hot even) so I can't complain too hard. D and I took a walk last night--makes me wish we had a house of our own. The Maple Leaf neighborhood is really nice (people walking their dogs/kids with coffee from the local coffee shop in hand), but it's pretty much a given it'll be out of our price range once we're ready to purchase. Ah well, no harm dreaming right?