I am currently parked outside of what appears to be the main office at Alpine Meadows RV Park. Though the connection is intermittent I am currently hooked onto the “Free Wireless Internet Service” that is advertised on the sign at the main road. It’s the only wi-fi gig in town…or along this part of the highway as there really is little here that resembles ‘town.’ No one seems to mind. A rather large, untethered dog keeps sniffing my Subaru. A mostly unclad, bearded man with an axe occasionally passes. He has “Gus” tattooed across his chest. And AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long” is playing rather loudly from one of the RV’s. I wish the uploads were faster.
Today the saints left me wonderful, snow-free trails. Ranger Lin at the information center wasn’t sure which paths were clear of snow, so I suggested Diablo Lake Trail. She thought I’d be fine, but warned, “We’ve recently spotted a mother bear near the trailhead who is rather possessive of a carcass she’s collected. We suggest that you work around that part of the trail.” Not being one to ever come between a bear and her carcass, and not especially wanting to become one myself, I took her advice.
To reach the trailhead one must drive over a dam. There is just enough room here for two average-sized cars to pass one another. Most traffic was headed towards the learning center built last year. I hiked a good part of the day and encountered only one other hiker.
Lake Diablo trail is a wonderful hike that ambles through the lower fern-covered paths and then climbs for several miles to a ridge that gazes down upon the turquoise waters of the Diablo gorge. Round trip is about 8 miles and offers a fair share of climbs and descents, avalanche areas, thick forests and open flowery meadows. But no snow. The trail concludes at a rather impressive swing bridge perched in front of yet another dam. The power harvested here is used to light much of Seattle.
An early morning start put me back to the Buffalo Run Inn by mid-afternoon. Anticipating an epic hike tomorrow I decided to rest and read for the remainder of the day. On the docket for this evening… “Velvet Elvis,” by Rob Bell. I am not sure if Rob would describe himself as an emergent church pastor. I would.
Neither Gus, his dog or the AC/DC fanatics have paid me undue attention, but I don’t wish to press my luck. I’ve decided to switch the television on tonight for the first time in nearly two weeks. Ten days without ESPN Sports Center can make a guy a little squirrelly. No way to get “Web Gems” on blackberry data downloads.
Peace!
Today the saints left me wonderful, snow-free trails. Ranger Lin at the information center wasn’t sure which paths were clear of snow, so I suggested Diablo Lake Trail. She thought I’d be fine, but warned, “We’ve recently spotted a mother bear near the trailhead who is rather possessive of a carcass she’s collected. We suggest that you work around that part of the trail.” Not being one to ever come between a bear and her carcass, and not especially wanting to become one myself, I took her advice.
To reach the trailhead one must drive over a dam. There is just enough room here for two average-sized cars to pass one another. Most traffic was headed towards the learning center built last year. I hiked a good part of the day and encountered only one other hiker.Lake Diablo trail is a wonderful hike that ambles through the lower fern-covered paths and then climbs for several miles to a ridge that gazes down upon the turquoise waters of the Diablo gorge. Round trip is about 8 miles and offers a fair share of climbs and descents, avalanche areas, thick forests and open flowery meadows. But no snow. The trail concludes at a rather impressive swing bridge perched in front of yet another dam. The power harvested here is used to light much of Seattle.
An early morning start put me back to the Buffalo Run Inn by mid-afternoon. Anticipating an epic hike tomorrow I decided to rest and read for the remainder of the day. On the docket for this evening… “Velvet Elvis,” by Rob Bell. I am not sure if Rob would describe himself as an emergent church pastor. I would.
Neither Gus, his dog or the AC/DC fanatics have paid me undue attention, but I don’t wish to press my luck. I’ve decided to switch the television on tonight for the first time in nearly two weeks. Ten days without ESPN Sports Center can make a guy a little squirrelly. No way to get “Web Gems” on blackberry data downloads.
Peace!
2 comments:
Velvet Elvis. Strange name but great read. Many of Bell's quotes resonated with me but I'll repeat just a couple.
"God doesn't choose people so they feel good about themselves. He chooses them to bless other people."
"It is when the church gives itself away in acts of service and compassion, expecting nothing in return, that the way of Jesus is most vividly put on display."
Jan
You must be having a wonderfully relaxing time; just don't become bear meat!
Liz
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