Back to routine

A few weeks after we returned to Big Pine from our ‘vacation’ back east we had the pleasure of a visit from Jody and Donna (brother & sister-in-law from Tallahassee).  I put ‘vacation’ in quotes because there are some of our friends who have asked (snorted) “vacation from what?!”  (Alan)

Granted, retirement is very nice.   We do whatever we want every day (or would if our often sore bodies allowed).   But still, a change of venue, new sights, visits with friends/family count as a vacation from our routine.  So we also consider being visited a vacation.  We enjoyed Jody and Donna’s visit very much.  We took them to some of our favorite places and hikes.  Unfortunately, I (Trish) sprained my ankle some weeks before their arrival so was not in good hiking shape.  J & D are strong hikers but fortunately can be counted on to stop and botanize frequently.  You always learn a lot hiking with them.   Chuck hiked the 3 miles in to Lon Chaney’s cabin up the north fork of  Big Pine Creek…the dogs and I stayed home... but reportedly a great day. 

Lon Chaney cabin on previous visit

We visited the ancient bristlecone forest high in the White Mountains across the street (US 395); toured Bodie State Park ghost town; took in some history museums and other beautiful drives and hikes. 

 They took a few days on their own to do the 7 hour drive around to the west side of the Sierras to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and said it was well worth it.  

Gold extraction demo at Laws Museum

We all went to the golf course one evening and J & D walked along…Jody caddying for me which I could get used to.  He even pulled the right club every time.  Donna had never walked a golf course, it was all new to her.  On the first tee after Chuck had sliced his drive way off to the right, she sincerely inquired “Now why do you hit it that direction when the flag is over there?”  It was fun. 

Michael & Shani

Nephew Michael and his girlfriend Shani came up from southern Cali for a short but wonderful visit.  We always enjoy hanging out with the young ones.  I think the beauty of the mountains and waterfalls was a treat for people who’ve been in cites quite a while.  We sure enjoyed the visit.

At Second Falls N.Fork Big Pine

Alan,Chuck,Caribou,Piper,Sophie,Buddy

Alan came down from Groveland for a long week end after the others left.  He stopped enroute for some trout fishing in Lee Vining canyon.  The lunkers were really biting and he got carried away and caught a few too many.  He tweaked a back muscle putting the cooler of iced trout in the car – he felt very guilty and figures it was karma.   But we’re sure enjoying some nice big trout.  Sadly, he was in pain and not able to do much while here.  His dogs came along on the trip and he got to stay home with 4 dogs while Chuck and I were golfing or hiking.

We are back to  playing golf again and taking Monday morning group lessons from Tani at Bishop CC.  She was on the LPGA tour for several years AND is a good teacher.  I see progress already … have gone from really bad to occasionally OK. 


Walking 9 holes (2 miles using my tracking app) carrying the bag plus many core twists swinging the club is a good workout on non-hiking days.  We’ve been playing late in the day recently so shadows are longer and there’s often a breeze.  Looking forward to cooler days very soon…we can play mid-day all winter.  High country trails will close in a couple of months when they get covered in snow.

So we’re back to our routine…hiking, golfing, working out (new TRX), painting, reading, sitting out back with dogs...

Our gardening is going well.  Tons of tomatoes and oregano still coming in.  J & D helped us choose and locate some kale and more herbs – all doing well.  We are ready with our frost cloth to prolong the season hopefully into November?

Our hard drive crashed soon after our return from the east coast.  We lost some files and had some backed up.  Wish we had just one of those videos of Sophie  digging crabs on Zoni Beach. Getting a new laptop bought (on-line only option here) and configured is never fun for me. 

  

Sophie digging for crab on Zoni Beach

C & T at Strawberry Lodge

Finally, we must consider Halloween.  This is a safe, small town neighborhood and we expect trick-or-treaters.  Our best Halloween ever, we were working at Strawberry Lodge.  I just wanted to share these photos!  

Julie, Janet & Colin

 

 Today (Oct. 6) is Mom's birthday and I miss her.

Jack,Sue,Jody,Ginny,Trish

Trish, Dad, Mom, extra arms