Here comes the Safari

It seems like a long time coming. After missing last year's Safari, we'll get to attend this one. We are down to the last few days before time to go. There are a few preparations left. It looks like the weather will be cooperative. With the shift lever failing on the tandem like it did, I'll have the chance to get it repaired. Perhaps I should have even replaced the front derailleur hanger so I could put the original one back on. Didn't think of it. I think Bev is ready for it. We did a 24 mile ride this morning on the single bikes. She did fine but I doubt it would be fun beyond 2 days for her. Some family members are mad at us right now. That's something we didn't need. I expect taking this trip won't do much to improve that either. Perhaps I shouldn't worry about it anymore.

Hiking in the Smokeys

After a 10 year hiatus, we got the same group back together to hike in the Smokeys. Gary would not arrive until Wednesday night but Kirk, Alan, and I did two other days of hiking loops back into Elkmont campground. There was a surprising number of people there considering the recent rain and cold temperatures. I think it would have been nice to have had the camper along for the cold nights. But right now I'm glad I didn't take it. On the short trip up to Logan's Landing where we camped the weekend with the boys, the brake calipers failed and I would have certainly been in trouble for driving so far then depending on failed brakes in those mountains there.

We arrived to snow on Tuesday. After a short process of tent setting, we launched out on a 6 mile hike. That put us back in camp in time for a supper of Mountain House foods. It took some effort to get a fire made. We didn't exactly have the kind of wood you like for camp fires. Despite the chill, my North Face Cat's Meow bag and Thermarest mattress really did the job. Next morning we were up for breakfast and then a 10 mile hike back into Elkmont. With our other car half way to Cade's Cove, it took a while to retrieve it that evening. Alan's brother Gary joined us about supper time. We ate hot dogs and baked potatoes. Next morning we packed up our camp and headed up to Newfoundland Gap to hike over to Mount LeConte lodge.

Headed to the Smokys

Kirk called. The trip is on. We'll go up Tuesday to camp in Elkmont and day hike around the area of the park. I made a bet with Bev that we'd end up doing day hikes. That's what was suggested. But not all that was suggested. Depending on the weather, we might have to hunt a hotel room. By doing day hikes, I think we might be able to do more hiking. By not carrying a pack, we can do miles in the morning, with a lunch in between, then an afternoon hike with time to prepare supper. What we will do about supper is another thing. Whether or not we will prepare for a group or just prepare for ourselves. We'll need to go out to town for food since we won't have a refrigerator.

New lease on life

Old Blue has been in the shop for a few days. Nothing serious. Just some things that occur with age. She's 16 years old now. Not exactly a youngster anymore. The motor for the electric window failed on the driver's side. We got that replaced. The door latches had a portion broken off that made the doors loose. Got those replaced. New belts. New shocks. New shackles for the rear suspension. She was ready yesterday but I couldn't get there till this morning. Bev's working, so I rode over on my bike. The repairs produced a pleasant surprise. Blue drives like a new truck. I'm just wow! Certainly eases my mind about adding those tracks for the carrier up top. We'll have a great vehicle for adventure.

A week in the life...

So many things I've learned repeat on a cycle. The cold weather of February has broken on schedule to give us some respite and riding weather. My allergies have begun and my watery eyes have produced the annual nuisance as always. Our first cycling trip of the year was much more modest than expected. The length of rides could have been better. The hike ended up being only 3.5 miles instead of 5. The scenery, while beautiful, wasn't the extraordinary experience I'd hoped for. But it was travel. We got to use our bikes. We met some great people.

Then it was back to work. Crystal will be leaving in another 3 days of work. The switch over hasn't been decided completely, but we will get Ashley. Then Crystal came down with something and missed work. So I've been handling nights without the tech. It has been a while since I've had to do that. It has kept me running so I am more tired than usual. SO finally I am down to the last 5 minutes of my week. It all passes so quickly.

Cub Scouts didn't meet again today. Big disappointment. I am unsure as to how we didn't get the right message about that. I thought I had asked the Scout leader this morning and understood that they would meet. Confused.

The return of warm weather...

Today was a blessed, warm day. I took the opportunity and did a mountain bike ride. It was a beautiful 2 hours. I tinkered with the disc brakes along the way and finally got them as they should be. Sarah Sat came along and has made terrific progress in weight loss and fitness. She can be proud. The trail was a little mushy in places. If we enter a dry spell, it will harden nicely and make for great riding.

My turn in that chair...

Cold weather here in Alabama has kept me inside during this month of January. In reviewing my journals I see that it is common for me to do exactly what I'm in the process of doing now. Losing weight. It seems I've managed to gain a few pounds each year and by the end of the holidays, I somehow find the will to lose some of the gain. In recent past years, we've had mild weather that's allowed me to do my exercise outside. This year I've been riding a trainer inside instead. I can get in 40 to 45 minutes which allows enough calories burned to let me get on track with weight loss. Today, I did the prescribed 41 minutes while listening to my Ipod. Just as I was finishing up my spin, the theme from the movie Cocoon came on. It is a delightful movie, one of my favorites. The theme speaks to aging and death. It caused my thoughts to turn to my Mom. Without removing the headphones, I walked into the living area where she spent most of her 9+ years living with us and sat down in her little chair. I looked out of the broad picture window onto the lake whose surface was rippled by breezes while reflecting golden sunlight. The waters danced with light underneath a blue sky.

There was a time when my Great Grandmother Lona grew old and could no longer make the walk to her garden. Then that time came for my Grandmother Odessa. And now it came that time for my own Mother. And as I sat there in her chair, I realized that time must come for me. And I realized that time was approaching far faster than I ever imagined it would. It is a sober thought. Whatever it is that remains for me to do, time should not be wasted. Nor should I in haste expend all my effort in some futile attempt to forestall the inevitable. Rather I want to have a Buddhist-like mind and savor the here and now.