Prosperity
“If you want a better future, trust markets, not bureaucrats.” The Brittlebush are blooming in central Arizona. It is an annual two or three week phenomenon and it turns much of the desert yellow. Wonderful.
Hiking
Winning the Lottery
On April 1, 2013 I won the lottery to hike Mt Whitney. Lillian and I completed the hike on September 9, 2013. It was epic. Yes that is Guitar Lake. It means you have finished the 100 switchbacks and only have 2 miles to go to summit. Endurance hiking continues to be one of my passions.
Moon Theory
The setting moon seen from the “Senior Summit” of Piestewa Peak. But this is not just the setting moon. This one is the “Wolf Moon.” When we saw this moon were speculating about why we are paying more attention to the lunar cycle in recent years. How did the idea of giving specific names to moons become much more popular recently. I have an idea why it might be. In cities for the last hundred years or so burning fossil fuels have made smog and… Read More »Moon Theory
Serendipity
You can’t plan for serendipity But you can leave space for it. This is another of a continuing series of posts about serendipity. Simon and Serendipity are alliterative and I should be able to make a nice motto out of them but the only one I’ve come up with so far is “Simon Seeks Serendipity.” Which doesn’t work because serendipity has to find you. The very seeking of a serendipitous moment makes it less serendipitous. It requires more work. Meanwhile you can admire me holding… Read More »Serendipity
Endurance Hiking
“I like to hike long distances. I want to feel the high that comes from exertion and to see strange things that are not near the road.” Photo is from our day of hiking in the Dolomites in Northern Italy in 2023.
Wit
“Brevity is the soul of wit.“ William Shakespeare (from Hamlet) The photo is of an Inukshuk I erected in the parking lot at Spur Cross Trailhead.
Combo Pack
“The people are wiser than their rulers.” General Douglas McArthur This is a combination post. President Zelensky meets an Inukshuk with an embedded quote from Douglas McArthur in multiple colors. Two of my old favorites with my new skill set. The quote is from Judgement at Toyko by Gary Bass Book club reading.
Words Seldom Seen: Carapace
Carapace Noun: The hard outer shell of a turtle or other animal. Also used more generally to describe a tough exterior. Examples: “The Green Turtles carapace had been damaged by what appeared to be a propeller.” “She maintained a carapace of confidence as all of her arguments were being eroded.” Photo is a great white heron fishing near Healdsburg, CA.
Ease
“Nothing worth having is easy” Theodore Roosevelt Photo is from Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona. It is a slot canyon with beautiful sandstone formations that is well run by the Navaho. Tom, my broother, and I went on a toour there in December.
Old Shoes
The shoes on the right were my oldest piece of clothing. I bought them in the early 1970’s they started oout as my semi-posh shoes and for the past ten years i have worn them as my trail relief shoes. They finally failed. Fortunately I have a newer pair of Topsiders that will now fill the role of shoes that I put on after a hike. They look good and should last me the rest of my life. The question is do I need too… Read More »Old Shoes