Thursday, May 31, 2018
Thursday morning I finally managed to upload a video to YouTube, by sufficently reducing its quality (and correspondingly, the file size).
Grrr.
At least I'll always have the full high-def versions to watch at home on snowbound winter days.
After securing an extended checkout time I joined Paul and Josh walking down to the Toasted Owl, where we were later joined by Andy, Tim, and Isaac. It was a fine morning although a bit breezy; the patio umbrella would have been nice for shade but the management made us furl it after a neighboring table's parasol became a parasail, taking flight and nearly impaling another customer.
The theme of the breakfast conversation was dangerous drives in vehicles with compromised brake systems.
Thursday morning I finally managed to upload a video to YouTube, by sufficently reducing its quality (and correspondingly, the file size).
Grrr.
At least I'll always have the full high-def versions to watch at home on snowbound winter days.
After securing an extended checkout time I joined Paul and Josh walking down to the Toasted Owl, where we were later joined by Andy, Tim, and Isaac. It was a fine morning although a bit breezy; the patio umbrella would have been nice for shade but the management made us furl it after a neighboring table's parasol became a parasail, taking flight and nearly impaling another customer.
The theme of the breakfast conversation was dangerous drives in vehicles with compromised brake systems.
The Moves Collective + roadies: Isaac, Paul, Andy, John, Tim, Josh
Back at the hotel we finished packing. Paul and Josh headed out to meet their band mates for the drive to the next gig in Pine, Arizona. I strapped my gear onto Therese and headed north.
In the "A GoPro Video Must Be Worth a Million Words" department: enjoy.
In the "A GoPro Video Must Be Worth a Million Words" department: enjoy.
Although I enjoy primitive camping I've done less of it in recent years simply because I dislike hauling the gear around on the motorcycle. But I'd arranged ahead of time for my cousin Eric to transport some of his spare equipment from Flagstaff. It was quite a joy to roll into the campground and find a tent already erected, with a plush sleeping bag and two air mattresses far thicker than I'd ever consider carrying on a bike. There was even a pillow, which is a luxury I never afford myself when motorcycle camping.
The downside was that Eric's twin sister Diane, and her husband Rick, had departed that morning. I'd really hoped and expected to camp for a day or two with my other cousin, who I rarely see since she moved to Oregon decades ago. But they'd headed for home that morning before I'd even left Flagstaff.
In addition to a supremely comfortable sleeping arrangement there was also a comfy camp chair, not to mention a beer, with my name on it. I settled in, and Eric and Jen and I spent a great couple days hanging out at one of the world's most awesome national parks.
Friday, June 1, 2018
Electricity was not technically available in our campsite, but there was a pair of outlets across the drive and I was able charge up some devices. This gave me the entirely unwarranted confidence that I might be able to catch up on my dispatches while Eric and Jen went into town, but in reality it was all I could do to compose an email and fire it off to a single distribution list (of the 4 that I typically broadcast to). After that the batteries in my laptop and cell phone, which I'd been using as a personal hot spot, were both completely exhausted.
I gave up all further attempts at electronic communication and went for a ride along the rim road.
While at Bryce I began to develop a raspy cough. I suspected I'd caught Larry's bronchitis, although Eric and Jen both seemed to think it more likely that it was just allergy to the pollen that had been blowing around in Flagstaff's dry air.
At least it didn't prevent me from enjoying a hike with Jen down into the ampitheatre, which I learned decades ago is key to fully experiencing Bryce. The drive along the rim, and vantages from the viewpoints there, are all very nice. But unless you take the time and effort to walk down amongst the hoodoos, you'll completely miss the best opportunity of the visit.
In addition to a supremely comfortable sleeping arrangement there was also a comfy camp chair, not to mention a beer, with my name on it. I settled in, and Eric and Jen and I spent a great couple days hanging out at one of the world's most awesome national parks.
Friday, June 1, 2018
Electricity was not technically available in our campsite, but there was a pair of outlets across the drive and I was able charge up some devices. This gave me the entirely unwarranted confidence that I might be able to catch up on my dispatches while Eric and Jen went into town, but in reality it was all I could do to compose an email and fire it off to a single distribution list (of the 4 that I typically broadcast to). After that the batteries in my laptop and cell phone, which I'd been using as a personal hot spot, were both completely exhausted.
I gave up all further attempts at electronic communication and went for a ride along the rim road.
While at Bryce I began to develop a raspy cough. I suspected I'd caught Larry's bronchitis, although Eric and Jen both seemed to think it more likely that it was just allergy to the pollen that had been blowing around in Flagstaff's dry air.
At least it didn't prevent me from enjoying a hike with Jen down into the ampitheatre, which I learned decades ago is key to fully experiencing Bryce. The drive along the rim, and vantages from the viewpoints there, are all very nice. But unless you take the time and effort to walk down amongst the hoodoos, you'll completely miss the best opportunity of the visit.
I was happy my knees didn't give out on the way down, nor was I particularly stressed by the climb out, despite the 8000 foot altitude and my nagging respiratory issues.
I was happier still to arrive back in camp to find Eric (who'd hiked enough in the days before I arrived) ready to serve up snacks and libations followed by an excellent meal.
I was happier still to arrive back in camp to find Eric (who'd hiked enough in the days before I arrived) ready to serve up snacks and libations followed by an excellent meal.
RSS Feed