On The Fly

“Oh NO, not again!” In this episode, Sierra Reflections 2024 . . . This was my immediate and pressing thought as I squirmed in my camp chair at Trout Lake in the Eastern Sierra. A glance at my watch–4:45 a.m. on day three, Tuesday, October 1, 2024, of this year's Sierra adventure. There was no time to waste. Stumbling through the dark with my headlamp, “Hurry–gotta find that spot to dig yet another hole.” Without getting too graphic, it was day two of the “trots”– a colloquial expression for diarrhea. But let's start from the beginning . . . As autumn descends upon Little Lakes Valley, the landscape becomes a canvas of vibrant hues as we ascend Rock Creek Road off the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway (Route 395). The aspens, once a shimmering sea of green, now blaze with fiery gold. Like falling stars, their leaves dance in the gentle breeze, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Fall has arrived, bringing crisp, refreshing air carrying the scent of pine and fallen leaves. The lakes sh...

In this episode – Calm Your Mind . . . Do you often find it hard to fall asleep because your mind is preoccupied with the tasks you must complete at work, chores you might have forgotten to do around the house, or a missed phone call? In other words, how can one calm their mind and find peace? Chapter two of The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale is titled "A Peaceful Mind Generates Power.” In this chapter, Peale stresses the value of clearing your mind of all thoughts and how it can help us face life's challenges. He offers several techniques to cultivate inner calmness and tranquility, including prayer, meditation, and affirmations. In this chapter, the author suggests a technique to cultivate inner peace by taking a few moments at different times throughout the day to focus on a carefully curated set of serene thoughts. As I studied this chapter, a particular section caught my attention and made me reflect on an experience where I felt a profound peace. Dr....

In this episode (171) – 5 Years Later - Part 2 . . . In last week's episode, we explored the reality of Wilderness camping. This week allow me to share a story that spread like wildfire during our 2022 Sierra adventure.  (Photos on YouTube) First, as an intrepid explorer, you must come to terms with today's world, which you have no control over, that mandates your experience, like it or not. You must be flexible and able to adapt to rapidly changing situations, from freeway traffic patterns to accidents, road construction, and, frankly, drivers who cannot back a truck with a grotesque, oversized motor home attached. So, my friends, a positive frame of mind is essential as you begin your Wilderness adventure. For Brendan and  me, it began that first day. Of course, it was Labor Day weekend. And we did  NOT  have a reservation for our first night in a public campground at ~9,000 feet. As a last-ditch option, we were considering sleeping in the back of the truck, park...

In this episode - A Bear Sighting Part 2 . . . If you recall, it was day two of our 2014 Sierra adventure . We left our heroes at the East Fork Campground along Rock Creek i n the Eastern Sierra, an elevation of 9,000 feet. Still somewhat giddy from our bear encounter, we moved on. "Little Lakes Valley trail is very popular," said Brendan. Expect to see more day-hikers than usual." Trailhead parking was already full when we arrived. Quickly we found out why from one of the locals. "We love this place; it's an easy hike with glorious views." We consulted our map, and the elevation gain from the trailhead to Chickenfoot Lake, about four miles, the elevation of 10,789 feet, was less than 600 feet. An easy climb. Many weekend visitors and fishermen came to enjoy the scenic beauty and fish the abundant lakes. I paused to admire the graceful arc of a fly-line as a fisherman cast his fly to the edge of tall green grass at Marsh lake. For those listeners who have ...

Close your eyes and picture this; it's early evening, a cool crisp breeze in the Western Sierras, relaxing in the parlor of Wawona Hotel , masquerading as the Big Trees Hotel, which opened in 1879, a baby grand in the corner, at the keyboard, piano man, Tom Bopp asks, "Any requests?" "Do you know any Cole Porter?" He winked and smiled, "I could play Cole Porter all night."  Then he launched into: "When the little bluebird Who has never said a word Starts to sing "Spring, spring" When the little bluebell At the bottom of the dell Starts to ring, ding ding When the little blue clerk In the middle of his work Starts a tune to the moon up above It is nature; that's all Simply telling us to fall in love." "Birds do it, bees do it Even educated fleas do it Let's do it; let's fall in love." Let's Do It, Let's Fall in Love - Cole Porter 1928 That melody sta...

 “Let’s hike to Nevada Falls , the weather is clearing today, and it’s only about a seven mile hike. I want to try out my new technique for a controlled fall using my hiking poles.” “You want to do what,” asked Lori at breakfast? “You do realize that hike is a 1,900 foot elevation gain! It will take us about seven hours.” “This may sound silly to you, but, since my last trip to the Sierras I’m perfecting a technique that allows me to improve my pace while descending the mountain trails without falling . . .” For our 24 th anniversary we were drawn once again to the tranquility of the Yosemite Valley. Experiencing the National Parks - that’s what our vacations have become; exquisite solitude, exhilarating experiences, and the delight of re-discovery. Once we arrived, no set plans just go wherever nature leads you.  This year, we arrived in Yosemite later than usual; the gold and crimson colors were clearly evident. The vibrant colors of fall tiptoed up the mountain...