Winter Solitude

I once worked with a fellow who spent six weeks every winter in Yellowstone.  That in itself is not to be considered lightly.  Yellowstone, situated east of the Bitteroots and the 45th parallel makes it ripe for DEEP snow and LOW temperatures for a loooooong winter.  Why did Mark choose to spend weeks in this frigid landscape each winter?  Well, for one it was a tropical paradise compared to his work site . . . in Alaska.  The sum of his duties in the far north was simply to start truck engines, so they wouldn't freeze solid.  He did this his entire shift.  Mark would fly south to enjoy the warm climes of Wyoming!

While reading this story I immediately thought about how much Mark would love this job.  It involves all he loved, outdoor flora and fauna, and photography IN Yellowstone National Park.  Unfortunately technology is rendering that vocation obsolete.  Sit back and enjoy the interesting and extensive account: 40 years of solitude.

Who does this!?

I've seen beer cans.  I've seen fishing gear.  I've seen auto parts.  I've seen about anything you can imagine in the outdoors while re-creating that would go for non-evolved.  But to see something like Casey Nocket's 'artwork' just makes me question her status as a citizen.  Would a clear thinking citizen of these united States put graffiti on a national treasure?  Should a citizen retain their privileges to leave the city if they do?  Read the story and tell me what you would do to teach her a lesson in civil service.

First PCT Winter Thru Hike

Wow, there's been a surge of records the last two seasons on the PCT.  Several thru hikers set new records for speed on both supported and unsupported treks only to have their records shattered weeks and somedays days afterward.  Now this:  First PCT Winter Thru Hike!

3 March Update

Feral Hog Wash

Now, before I begin, I have to say if one encounters a feral hog without a firearm, loaded, aimed and off safety, one is not likely to win the fight.  The will literally chew a tree refuge out from under you if they choose.  They're fast and ferocious.  Think Tasmanian Devil . . . in your backyard.  Reports have surfaced of feral hogs 'taking over' in Williamson County, TX.  Considering WC's reputation as the second strictest county in these united States ("Come on Vacation, Leave on Probation"), the pigs may just balance the kaama for the 'pigs' overbearing tactical taxation policies.   But I digress.

I've seen ONE animal of this genus in all my years outside, that near Cottonwood Campground, Big Bend National Park.  Given BBNP is the remotest u.S. National Park and the specimen could care less about me and mine in his neighborhood, s/he seemed to be focused on easier prey, I'm wouldn't be overly concerned about the prospects of meeting feral hogs outside . . . unless, of course, I'm in Williamson County . . . or Georgetown proper!  Enjoy readers!  Feral Hog Wash

SMAUG

Harbin China has been known, for decades, for it's ice sculptures.  While living there I knew it for negative temperatures and the sea voyage destination for which Joshua ended up with food poisoning . . . another time.  SEVEN millions died from dirty air recently.  30 days without water will cramp us.  3 days without water will parch us.  3 minutes without air will stop us dead in our tracks.  The number one health risk worldwide.  Have you even heard about it?  Think your air is clean?  Think it's someone else's risk?  Think again.  Much of CA smog (I readily recognized it last week on top of Half Dome looking northwest) is now derived from Asia.  Think Progress

Here's a 2 March update on China's smog.

How to Climb Half Dome

Some would spend lots of time with permits.  The Sheeple's Method








I climbed Half Dome last week without the 'training wheels'.  Years ago a climbing friend of Everest calibre said I'd be foolish to do it without the cables.  I held my 'judgement'.  I'd never seen the face in person.  When I reached the saddle last week I thought she correct.  I was a little pissed after rising at 2 and hiking for several hours to reach that point.  From that angle it looked sketchy.  I was alone and I seldom do exposure alone.  I hadn't seen a soul since rising so I was ALONE.

Two days prior a hiker on the approach informed me he'd done it in both Winter and Summer and I should do it now.  The difference?  In winter the stanchions and wood separating each are removed.  Only the cables and mounting hardware are left in place.  He also noted that as long as I had rubber gloves and good treaded shoes I'd be fine.  I've wanted to climb HD for years so this was GREAT to hear.  Especially since permits, he added, were not required off season!  This mean a LOT less hassle to deal with.  I took the next day off from any strenuous hikes and began preps.  In retro I should have cowboy camped at Little Yosemite Valley because I enjoy the journey more when not doing
hours slogging up and down in the same day.  To me it detracts from the whole experience.


















I did fine.  The views were spectacular.  I had the entire mountain to self.  I didn't see anyone until departing from the Little Dome.  I had lots of time to muse on the dome thing.  Ironic that people slide to their deaths in Summer.  Why doesn't the Park Service require harnesses/protection?  Culpability?  If that were the case why provide the cables/stanchions?  I found it much easier (sans crowds) just hand over hand (with a harness and pro) like Batman would.  AND, people have likely died from having others fall into them from above.  If I were in that long Summer line up the last 900' I would NOT enjoy watching a descender vapor
lock and having to wait for them to get their wits again.












Facts and Tips:
- It took me 14.5 hours at my slower than usual pace.

- Little Dome has some serious exposure.  I got off trail once as well.  Keep to the north as much as you can, I veered southward.

- The approach includes wind, waterfall spray, and significant steps and elevation so dress for success.  Work clockwise, using the Mist Trail up and the Muir down.  Muir has less steps and is much more gradual.









- I used a harness and carabiners for the cables alone (400').















- Yes, this is legal.  And easier and more enjoyable IMO.














- Peeps die with and without the Summer cable setup.
















- The cables seemingly drop off into space on the descent.  Best not to look down and that is easily accomplished but facing the rock on both ascent and descent.  I looked down twice and it did not improve things. Ha.






- I suppose the angle,
cables from end to end points is 45 degrees although it at least seems to be much steeper in portions of the 400' cable section.

- If you don't KNOW you're safe on this climb STAY AWAY.

Ocean Trash

Of course the oceans cover two thirds of the Earth but we've made a mess of a significant portion of one third so . . . What we've started with the rest?

When I shop I primarily use cloth bags.  I readily look for ways to reuse, recycle and repurpose in virtually all of my limited possessions.  I searched for a locally produced, artistic bag so to support 'local' but the town, Brownwood, doesn't really have a 'local' culture.  At least not a Bohemian one.  Most local venues are places where they eat meat.  Yes, mass raised, harvested and prepared animals.  Sentient ones at that.  And then they fry it up to kill you some day via your arteries.  hehehe  So I ended up buying a well built one as a second priority.  It's great to see biodegradable 6-pack packaging these days, in some stores and I would choose those over the kind that kill dolphins and such.  Slowly, ever so slowly, we are evolving.  We may survive a little longer!