Big Basin Redwoods

 

Yay! I got to backpack with Traci this weekend. We went to Big Basin about an hour and a half south of Oakland.

 

The oldest known redwood was logged in 1933, and tree rings showed it to be 2,200 years old. I was counting the rings on this tree until Traci interrupted me, and I had to start over.

 

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The tallest tree in the park is named the "Mother of the Forest," and she is 329 feet tall.

Skyline to Sea Trail

 

We hiked 10 miles to our campsite in Twin Redwoods the first night. It was at that point that we discovered that Traci had forgotten to bring the stove fuel. Since there are no fires allowed in Big Basin, we ate a lot of trail mix and protein bars.

 

They must make such a loud sound when they fall.

 

The trail followed Waddell Creek to high Berry Creek Falls.

 

The winding path, dripping with ferns, covered with the canopy of redwoods was so serene.

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Santa Cruz Mtns.

 

Banana slugs are big, yellow, cold, slimy slugs about 6 inches long. The have a hole in their neck which is their lung and two pairs of tentacles on their head which act as the eyes and ears.

 

Millipedes are really cool, cut don't touch them because they can secrete a toxic liquid.

 

We climbed back up the moutnain the next day and camped at Jay Camp.

 

I'll miss you!

Tiffany & Jeff's Wedding

 

Finally! She's getting married.

 

The cake had an intricate tree icing design, and there was chocolate, raspberry, and vanilla cake inside.

 

The ceremony and reception was at Aunt Chilada's in Phoenix. It was magical, and every detail had been well planned.

It's actually happening

 

Tiffany was such a beautiful bride, and her gown was stunning. You didn't notice the little lipstick stain on the front of her dress or the fact that she was wearing flip flops because she forgot to put on her heels. They were her something blue!

 

I haven't seen Tiffany concentrate so hard since we had algebra class together.

 

Aren't they cute?

Just the beginning

 

We all toasted to all long life of bliss.

 

Tiffany and Jeff danced to "At Last."

 

Then, Susan led (forced) everyone onto the dance floor.

Arizona Trail

 

Tahoe and I backpacked a 9 mile section of the Arizona Trail this weekend. It was an out and back deal, and my original plan was to camp at East Clear Creek the 2nd night. With all the recent rain, there was plenty of water around.

 

I discovered this great little sandy spot, perfect for tent-pitching the first night.

 

The elk were really active and woke us up each morning. They gave us the evil eye, and Tahoe couldn't wait to get out of the tent and look for them. I gave them a good head start.

 

In the Pines

 

While he doesn't generally like water, Tahoe always goes charging through small creeks when we are backpacking. I think he likes to cool off.

 

Lizard.

 

One of the many excellent meadows along the trail.

 

My focus was on the thistle , and I didn't even see the butterfly, so it was a surprise when I looked at my pictures at home!

Burned

 

This trail was really pretty. Each corner beckoned, and I knew that something even better awaited me.

 

But not this! the trail and river were closed due to a controlled burn. Lightening started the fire weeks ago, and they were just letting it slowly burn.

 

I decided to loop back around. Tahoe was really tired that night.

 

It took four tries to get both of us in the picture.