Back Alleys of Coimbra and Porto

We spent today wandering around the cobbled streets of Coimbra and Porto. Both cities are very photogenic - particularly if you get back in the residential nooks and alleys.

Coimbra hosts one of the oldest universities in the world. It’s situated on top a very steep hill. After hiking to the top ourselves, we had coffee and watched scored of students trudge up the incline - talk about higher learning! (Yeah, Linda didn’t fund that funny either). Anyway, those kids have strong legs and a beautiful campus.

We had dinner at a good Portuguese restaurant. This place was local, and we had a good meal. We noticed it while having lunch at the neighboring restaurant, that hordes of locals were coming out of it. We decided to come back for dinner.

Porto Street Scenes

Blue Tiled Church Against a Blue Sky

Laundry Day

Most churches have these elaborately carved statues of some significant saint doing something saintly…. And then there’s this church… with the pale bearded toga dude.

Narrow Canyon Alley Way

Vertical Gold

Horizontal Gold

Pigeons And Grafitti

Window

Blue Tile Art Panel At the Train Station

We stopped in at a great Georgian Restaurant in Porto. Their Khachapuri was absolutely delicious.

CDS Portuguese - Beautiful Morning to Coimbra

As soon as I opened the front door this morning, we were greeted by the resident host dog. After having a good scratch session where we made a big fuss over him, he was ready to guide us a mile down the path. This walk was clearly something he enjoyed, and probably did on a daily basis.

Some goats who only had eyes for the dog. Goats seem to like dogs more than most other creatures.

Gradually the sun began to burn through the cloud. The resulting diffused light was fantastic! But it was fleeting. I only had about a half hour to work with the golden light.

Linda on the Path.

Olive grove. Does anyone else find olive orchards as beautiful as I do? They are very photogenic.

Downstream.

Upstream.

The sun diffused through the clouds - the source of all this beautiful light.

Farm dogs have no boundries. They are free to roam.

Into the forest.

Shadow.

Urban Olive Orchard. As we got closer to Coimbra, we began to see smaller orchards of olives, but still just as fetching.

A good scratch. This old fella was working a good itch when I passed by.

The Cathedral of Coimbra. It is beautiful inside as it is outside.

Statue adorning the cathedral of Coimbra. More on Coimbra tomorrow.

CDS Portuguese - A Good Dog Day

Sometimes we measure the quality of our day by how many good dogs we meet on the trail. Well, today was a “good dog day” maybe the best dog day we’ve ever had. We met seven good dogs, and several more that were working, and didn’t have time to come say hello.

A good dog day in the past has been one or even two dogs. But we had SEVEN today! Unbelievable!

“Chocolate” - he was ready and willing to hike to Santago with us. He snuck up on us and gave us full body tail wags. He walked with us for a quarter mile before we had to tell him to go home. He got a treat.

Dog selfie with “Brownie” - He got a treat.

Ol “Chunky” looks like pilgrim treats are its favorite food. It got a treat.

These two were super fun. “Blondie” was all about hangin out and having a treat. But his brother was too nervous to trust a stranger. He was very curious about all this petting and treat though.

If me and Blondie teamed up, we’d be unstoppable. Linda says we look alike.

This dog was sooooooo sweet! “Sweetie” was quiet and calm, and got a lot of pets and treats while all her barking dog mates didn’t get anything.

In other news, we are getting strong. Our bodies are adapting to the task. It feels good to be able to carry our packs, and feel relatively good at the end of the day.

I spent the rest of the day chasing images and light with my camera. There is so much beauty to see in this landscape. Portugal is amazing…

Breakfast Fire… Donut and Coffee.

I like the orchards. Lots of intetesting light to play with.

Crack House.

Grapes

“Beware o traveler, for the road is also travelling!”

Daisy Patch.

Daisies and Olives.

The Great Bend.

Grapes in a Sea of Daisies.

Olive Orchard.

“HURRAHHHH!!!”

Cold Beers On a Hot Trail.

Cloud Diffusion.

The View From Our Hotel Window.

CDS Portuguese - Sun Shine & Rain

Today was a battle between the rain and the sun, and the rain won 70 to 30. It was one of our longer days of hiking, and I was constantly switching between my trekking poles and my umbrella.

It was a great hiking temperature most of the day. The clouds and rain kept it cool. But this is still central Portugal in March, and when the sun hit us in full rain gear this afternoon, it was HOT! Think steamed clams.

Here are the best photos of the day:

I had no expectations of Portuguese landscapes before I arrived. I didn’t know it would be this green, or this beautiful. I didn’t know it would be this quiet, and this pastoral.

A gap in the wall.

Sheeeeeeep!

The old cheese cave.

A few minutes of blue sky.

Lunch! New cheese and ham on homemade still warm bread.

Flowers and Olives

Great country lanes winding between old farms.

Old rock walls and olive trees.

Linda prefers the big poncho.

I prefer the rain pants, backpack cover and umbrella.

The good news is both rain systems work just fine. We both were warm and dry on a sometimes cold rainy hot sunny day.

CDS Portuguese - Perfect Day

Today was that day that everyone dreams about when imagining hiking across Europe.

The day started cool, but warmed with the sun. The path wound through lush green rolling landscapes full of wild flowers, citrus, eucalyptus groves and olive orchards.

The whole day was bursting with complimenting color.

Spring bird songs filled the air, along with distant barking dogs, bleating sheep and goats. We saw nine cats, one of which came by for inspection.

We walked through small villages about every two miles. When we wanted coffee, the town folk directed us to a small inconspicuous building with a bar we would have missed otherwise.

When it got hot we stopped for a beer. It slowed us down, but there was no rush to the day.

Eventually we reached our destination and stopped for a late lunch. We shared a bottle of green wine, and ate lightly pickled olives, bread, thin fried pork and fries. Garotos to settle the stomach.

It was a truly fabulous day, I offer these images as proof.

Leaving Tomar at dawn.

Smoke stack in good light.

Tree in waterfall mist.

Sunrise on the river.

Bloom.

Ferns and river.

Orchard Scene

Hills of brilliant flowers.

Unexpected coffee.

Goats on a farm.

Trees and blue sky.

Blue eyed cat.

Long legs, Long Neck.

Farming.

Wildflowers and old wall.

Follow the path.

Indifferent Cat.

The road to Ville Verde.

Fried pork, egg, fries, salad, rice

It’s a good start to our trek. I’ll remember this dayas one of the best days I’ve ever had on any trail.

Portugal, you are wonderful.

Fifteen Hours to Lisbon

Early morning bedroom hotel scene. 0700ish. Oviedo, Spain.

Linda: “Thom. I need you to wake up.”

Me: “….mhmm?”

Linda: “Are you awake? I need to ask you something.”

Now this can go one of two ways: Either she’s going to ask me who my third girlfriend was, and why did we break up, or she’s going to ask me if I want to change our plans.

Linda: “There’s a bus to Lisbon. But if you want to go, it leaves at 0930.”

Me: (Yaaawwwwn) “Ah.. uhhh… Ok…” ...thinking… sort of. Rolling over.

Linda: “Is that what you want to do? We are just going to sit around all day, we might as well spend it on a bus. Tickets are 50 Euro for both of us. It’s either that or we fly to Rome and take a train to Palermo. Or we spend another day here, and figure it out, or we hike in the rain for a week. These are your options.

One of us clearly spends more time researching than the other.

Me: (Drowsy and warm, eyes closed, waking up a bit) “Ok. Let’s go to Lisbon.”

And so we did.

From the bus.

I had grand ambitions of catching photos of the bus ride, but I missed the first three great photos due to a lack of readiness. I gave up that idea, and stared out the window instead. I regret it now.

Gas station cortada @ 2200.

It’s 0100 fifteen hours later. It’s cold and raining. We are waiting for our Uber, but we are in Portugal.

Looking out the hostal window.

Pastis de nata and coffee for pre breakfast.

And then a bunch of street scenes in Lisbon.

The city tile/cobble work is excellent. Pity anyone in heels.

“See the apple thing?”

Senior picture.

Reminds me of a Lowry painting

Feet and Tile.

The Old Bookstore

Old tiles for sale.

Cream. Blue. Yellow.

The old stone work on the church.

Dandelion.

Trolley Line.

It’s my first time in Lisbon. I really like it. It’s visually stimulating. I enjoy using my camera here. It’s busy. It’s international. There’s a lot of different languages being spoken. It’s fun trying to speak very basic Portuguese. I am immediately a 3 year old again, trying to communicate.

We went to the Asian market for lunch. This is the BEST Asian market I’ve ever attended. The upstairs has ten different stalls offering almost any Asian craving you are feeling. It’s fantastic!

You may wonder why we went for Asian instead of Portuguese fare… In my experience, the city has a greater variety than the small towns do. So when we are in the city, we seek out the cravings we can’t get anywhere else. We know we’ll be eating Portuguese every day out on the trail.

“Abrigado!”

CDS San Salvador - The Grind

The last two days of the trek were truly a grind. The trail mostly wound parallel to the highway. At one point we were between an active construction site, and the highway.

It was a long way from the bird songs, and cool breezes of the quiet alpine paths.

But there were a few gems.

Mare and foal. Mom came up to.the fence thinking we had a carrot.

Iglesia de Santa Cristina de Lena. A beautiful small church. All these churches high on a hill… how do the old folks get up there?

Spring River Scene.

A beautiful magnolia tree.

This waiter was very proud of his tortilla! And rightfully so. See that little circle on the lower left of the image? He drew our tortilla and its ingredients for us with a pencil. This was a stuffed tortilla with ham, cheese, and mayonaise. It was fabulous! I’ve always wondered why people don’t put more stuff into tortilla. They are ready made for leftovers.

Then, after a few decades of travel, I finally ran into a live bed bug… ugh….. And it was a very nice hotel too. Which goes to show you they can be anywhere.

We spent our morning doing laundry and incinerating our stuff. It was actually great timing, as all our stuff was funky and neeing a wash.

You ever completely change clothes in a dark corner of a public laundymat? Well, I have…

We reached the Catedral of San Salvador this afternoon. We earned our certificates, and got a free tour of the cathedral!

The cathedral is very beautiful, and holds an impressive collection of sacred artefacts, and holy items.

Being raised protestant, I’ve heard of such things, but it was always abstract - Like walking on the moon. Actually seeing them today, was… moving. It made all these abstract histories I had once memorized have more substance.

I saw St. Peter’s travelling bag. I saw one of rags that covered Christ’s head when they hauled him down. I saw dozens of ancient pieces of craftsmanship used to haul these relics around. The victory cross was there, which is the symbol of Asturias, the region we are hiking through.

I didn’t take any photos inside, it didn’t seem right. But the cloisters was very peaceful. I’ve been in more catholic churches in the last three years than Ive been to protestant ones in the last twenty. I’m not very pious. But I find them beautifully built. Quiet. Contemplative. And very nice to visit on a long hot day of hiking.

A portrait of my gal, in good light. Note the crown of pigeons on the statue.

Oviedo is a big enough city to have Napoli style pizza. We opted to celebrate with a fantastic pizza from D’Italty… A margherita with added spicy sausage for me.

We’ve got a two day rest before continuing into the Primitivo.

Ciao!

CDS San Salvador - Descent

Today was a demanding, leg wrecking descent down through the valleys to Campumanes. It’s steep! But, it certainly is beautiful…

The farming community of Llanos de Somerón held some of the most impressive gardens I’ve seen. It looks like you could grow anything there. They wasted no ground, every patch is covered in gardens, a meadow for horses, sheep, or goats, or a small chicken coop.

We love hiking the farm lanes that wind there way between farms and villages. They are often single track, bound on both sides by fences. Wide enough for a cow.

Somone’s lost shopping list.

We were plumb worn out by the time we got to the beautiful shire green meadows near Etrias. It was gorgeous. We stopped for a cookie break sitting in the grass, and it was very difficult to want to get up and get moving again.

All descents eventually must reach the bottom. Ours ended with a fantastic meal at a restaurant near town. These beans in the fabada are like candy! I’ve never had better fabada in my life. It makes sense though, we are smack dab in the middle of Asturias… the fabada better be good.

CDS San Salvador - Crossing The Sierra

What a fantastic day hiking over the mountains! The light was incredible. Wherever you looked, there was another magnificent view.

We earned our views. Though we only hiked just over eight miles, the elevation gain and loss made up for the lack of distance. We were easily distracted from our efforts by the landscape.

The Iberian frogs get started early. We saw dozens of egg clusters in the small ponds and puddles and concrete tanks.

We passed into Asturias, and life got more green. But first, Coffee!

I passed dozens of wild flowers starting the spring bloom, but stopped to photograph a few.

Asturias is full of farms, with fields full of animals. It’s an interesting place to walk through, because you never know who might come to the fence to say hello.

Head of the town welcoming commitee.

The view from our hostel window.

Last night, we arranged dinner ahead of time at the bar in town. Tonight, we mucked down some delicious hot and spicy fabada like deliciousness It really hit the spot after that hike.

I am so very full: Full of mountains. Full of trails. Full of food. And I can’t wait to do it again tomorrow…

CDS - Typical Day on the San Salvador Way

With my accomplice still feeling punky, I was on my own today. My mission was to reach the high point above Buiza, inspect the trail conditions and markings and see if this camino was a go.

The rain started about a mile into my hike. I was prepared for it and donned my pack protection and umbrella. I really like rain hiking with an umbrella. It keeps the core dry, and isn’t as confining as a poncho. To be fair, if it’s really coming down, I do have a poncho if necessary.

The trail was in good shape and well marked. The soil is more sandy than in other regions, and mud was not an issue.

I am very happy with my choice of Altra Lone Peak waterproof hiking shoes. The wide toe box and water wicking ability is perfect for me. Shoe choice is a very personal and opinionated topic among hikers. Altras work great for me, and I’ve got hundreds of miles between my last pair and these.

I reached the apex about noon. All was quiet except for the patter of rain on my umbrella and chuckle of the creeks.

The rain let up a bit on my way back down, and I caught a nice view looking back towards Buiza.

Buiza has many fountains for water, which is always greatly appreciated by the thirsty pilgrims.

The rain turned to mist, but made for a good mood image of the bend in this river.

Made it back to town in time for a caña and some tapas in a warm bar. Nothing like warming your soul with food and beer after a good soaking wet jaunt in the mountains.

CDS Francais - The Difficulties of Day Two

The second day of any back packing trek is always the hardest. The body is still hardening to the task. Yesterday’s efforts have left it tender, and muscles, tendons and ligaments are all very sore.

Usually, the morning isn’t too bad, but by afternoon the body just hurts a bit. It’s all part of the adventure. As the days go by, the body adjusts, and mileage that once seemed daunting flies by with ease.

Here are today’s Pictures of the Path

1. Breakfast! We took a pastry for the road, these are so delicious. There’s nothing better than starting your day at the baker’s shop with coffee and a pastry.

2. The Entrance to the Bridge.

3 and 4. Morning light in the path heading into Mañeru. Hiking in the early morning offers great light, birds are chirping and the landscape just hums.

5 and 6. Arches - This bridge under the highway is beautifully built, and offers beautigul light reflections inside.

7. The path. I was sore by this point. But at least the landscape is a nice distraction.

8. Plaza Santiago, Estella

9. The Hand That Knocks on the Door. I love the artistry and craftsmanship of the doors in Europe. So much character!

Our plans have evolved. Tomorrow is a rest day. My accomplice has gotten sick with a cold. So we are going to get her healthy before the next twist of our path.

Camino De Santiago - The French Route Begins

We left the hostel in Polermo at 0615 in the morning - Santiago bound!

We are on the French route this time, though our plans are subject to change depending on weather, and the pilgrim factor.

Today was a simply marvelous day to hike. What a beautiful landscape! The new pasture grass took on an intense shade of green in the morning light. It was very cool to see the next towns and villages we were to visit off in the distance.

The morning light offered interesting physics. The backlighting made an “aura” around us that the other person couldn’t see. It did photograph however.

Mid morning pastries!

I worked my ass off all year to come back to Spain and hike some more camino trails. It is really great to be here. Rewarding is the right word.

We celebrated the first day with a gigantic steak dinner featuring chorizo in cider, baked shrimp, a cod omlette , and fantastic grilled steak. We were at the bursting point.

Now Im struggling to stay awake at the albergue. Im still fighting jet lag. My legs are very tired. But, I’m very happy.

This essay is as good as it's going to get. Look for daily updates.

Talking About Tacos: An Essay

Every trip to Mexico starts with four tacos. This has always been my way for as long as I’ve been coming here.

Tonight: I found a truly lovely restaurant after a long day of travel. No sooner than I sat my bags down in the hotel, I walked two blocks to my new favorite restaurant in La Paz. I was starving.

It was 6 pm. I was the early bird. I was the only patron. My goal was to order, eat, and go before it got busy. It seemed a local kind of a place. Im definitely not local. Let them dial in the heat to my meal, so it’s ready for the rush. I’m happy to oblige.

First thing: Ice cold Negra Modelo. One of two. Steinbeck said, “ The first beer is for thirst, the second for flavor.” And he’s right!

The first washes away the road dust, and prepares your soul for Mexican food. The second offers harmony to the meal.

I always like over achieving beers.

I ordered 4 tacos. Two of the classic arrachura variety, and two unknown, poor Spanish language skills variety picked off the menu by instinct.

They offered two bite toast with garlic chili oil to drizzle as an apertif. I’m going to bring this one to my own table. It is wonderful.

And then the tacos came. There is such pleasure and anticipation with the meal yet untouched, but its time drawing nigh. Let your other senses feast before your taste!

I took the little spoons of salsa, chilies, and pico and drizzled a smattering of each upon my first offering.

I ate with gusto, and I ate with pleasure, and I ate with intention. “And I ate one of the best meals of my….” We ALL say this.

And it’s a fine thing.

I complimented and paid, tipping based on pure happiness than obligation. We should all strive to tip this way. It’s a new theory of mine that may have merit.

As I walked home, I thought not for the first time, “If I die now, at least I’ll die happy.” And it was true! Not my death (so far), but my happiness in a great meal in good conditions.

As I age, it seems to be all about the food. It brings such joy to our lives, yet it’s simple and eternal.

When one of my older brothers has a good meal, he claims, “It’s better than sex.” Which always made me think he was doing it wrong. But maybe he’s on to something.

I think I’m on to something, but I’ll let you decide. Buen Provecho!

Coast To Coast - Part Two

It’s been quite the ride to put it mildly. I drove just under 5000 miles in 15 days. That’s a very ambitious driving schedule, especially for me. My goal? To be with my girlfriend in Christmas, as she had a whole afternoon off to spend it with me.

In her words: “You better be here, or else..!”

I didn’t want to find out what the alternative was. So I drove on.

Fuel prices in California are sky high. They are leading the nation in trying to save the nation, so I get it… but it hurt the old pocket book, I’ll tell you that.

I barely escaped California. California is a gorgeous state to drive through, but it does not mess around when it comes to hard core weather patterns. I drove through the first wave of atmospheric rivers, up through the Redwoods on Hwy 101. There was a lot of flooding of lowland areas. The rivers were growing bigger, pushing at their banks and rolling massive trees like match sticks. Hours after I passed into Oregon, they closed part of the highway.

But then I got to the Southern Oregon coast, and I fell in love with it again. I got to Harris Beach State Park about 1530 pm, maybe an hour before dark.

I parked, paid and headed off to the beach. I needed a detox after the stress of driving through the flooded forests.

The roar of ocean waves took me out of the world I knew, and reset me back on beach mode. I wandered down the beach, looking at everything, finding every view more interesting than the last.

It’s been a long time since I sculpted with stone. I decided to make a rock figure, though I wasn’t sure if I was trying to force the issue. It had been so long.. I just wasn’t sure if the energy was right.

It was right! It was good! And though the light was failing, I mindfully worked with the stones. I am totally into natural sculpture again.

The next day I moved up the coast to Cape Blanco. Another one of my favorite playgrounds.

I caught the beach in good afternoon sunshine, and caught photos of surf sky and rock.

On my way back home, I detoured into the forest to chase mushrooms and moss. Everything is green. The while forest is covered with moss and lichen, fungus and flowers. It’s a great place to breathe.

The next day brought me to Ft Stevens. Here’s what’s left of the wreck of the Peter Iredale.

The forest at Ft. Stevens is very lush. This trail almost seems too perfect. Like it was manicured… but it sure is beautiful.

Port Townsend, Wasington has a nice park to stay at. I was there for one night, as I had a reservation to take the ferry across to Whidby Island the next morning.

I went for my afternoon stroll and found some more stones to play with. I wanted to make an arch. I tried hard to make a three stone arch, but it just wouldn’t hold. I needed another hand, which is tricky to come by. So I simplified my arch to two stones and the tower stacked up easily.

On Christmas, I took the ferry across and picked my girlfriend up on schedule. I think her band of revenging Amazons were disappointed I had made it on time, but she wasn’t, so I did good!

We spent the day hiking around Deception Pass, a wonderful state park up in the islands. It has a grand mixture of rocky islands with lush green forests of giant trees right along the ocean. It’s quite fantastic.

As for me, I’m ready to take it easy. I’m done driving for now, I’m going to see what Island life is like way up here in the temporate rainforest.

I can’t wait to sleep in, and fool around all day chasing my muse. I’m not one to laze around for long however, so we’ll see what I get in to.

Cheers!

From East Coast to West Coast - Part 1

It occured to me two days ago that in spite of 20 years spent driving across the US, I’ve never driven from ocean to ocean, coast to coast, Atlantic to Pacific. But here I am, right now, doing just that.

When I started on this trip, I wasn’t actually sure I was going to go for it. My initial plan was to get the van in a more convenient location.

“Where?” Anywhere but the east coast.

So I pointed the van west, and started driving. And this is what I saw…

1. Linda demonstrates “Near and Far”

2. Holy Shells on the Outer Banks

3. Beach Wildflower

4. Sourdough Bread I made from homemade yeast water, and a starter I made last fall.

5. The Delicate Dance Steps of a Leaf.

I love van life during December. Almost every campground I visit has exactly three other people staying there. Three other guests is perfect. It gives all parties plenty of privacy. I like parking far away from everyone else. But with three people staying there, there’s a good chance that your neighbor has a dog, and you might get to meet them!

6. Three Leaves

7. Shadow

8. Forty Miles on an old railroad. I like rail trails.

It was in Arkansas when I had to make my decision. I could leave my van at a buddy’s house in Oklahoma, or I could press on and head to the coast.

“Should I stay or should I go now?”

I decided to go for it. Why not? Do something different! And so, I kep my van pointed west, and put on another audiobook.

Predawn Light.

9. Shrubbery.

10. Homemade gnocci and pesto

11. Texas Mountain Hike

12. Petroglyphs. I really like ancient art and petroglypghs in particular. It appeals to me as an artist and a journalist. These guys were just using stone instead of paper.

12. Petroglyph at Sunset.

13. Highlights

14. First Light of Day

15. Last Light of Day.

I’ve been in the van for two weeks. I haven’t looked in a mirror. I’ve used deodorant twice. I’ve biked 95 miles on rail trails. I found some excellent Texas brisket. I hiked up a mountain. I’ve listened to four books. I had a profound thought concerning mountains while climbing up the mountain, but forgot it hiking back down.

It’s been a very enjoyable sojourn thus far. More to come!

Selected Views of a Month at Sea

This selection of images are from a journey at sea starting in Astoria, Oregon and ending in Panama City, Panama.

I didn’t take a lot of photos, but followed my instincts taking shots when the scene felt right.

1. Fallen Tomatoes. While provisioning our ship to sail, a package of cherry tomatoes fell and broke open.

2. My morning coffee is always taken on deck regardless of weather or seas. I’m a morning journal writer.

3. Big sky over the Marin highlands.

4. San Francisco

5. North Pier of the Golden Gate Bridge.

6. The Lighthouse of Alcatraz

7. Fog Bow. Just like a rainbow, only foggier.

8. Still life of journal and grapes. Good lighting and composition.

9. I managed to get on shore in Puerto Vallarta and have some tacos.

10,11,12. Sunsets over the Pacific Ocean rarely dissapoint.

13. Big clouds over Panama City. My old boat ready to go .

14. What I believe is a crimson backed tanager though I could be wrong. I like the yellow chain.

15. Rainy dawn over Panama City. The vire from my hotel.

Drive On and Smile

I took the van south from the wilds of the Keweenaw down to southeast Virginia.

It was a new route, crossing many old routes, from road trips past. Enough to give me the vague idea “I had been here before..” but no, not quite.

This wasn’t a slow pleasure cruise. I drove hard every day until I earned a day off in West Virginia to ride my bike. After which I out the pedal down again to make my appointments in Virginia.

I caught a few photos along the way. These pictures were the best of the lot.

This is Lake Huron, on the ragged edge of sunrise. There are interesting currents to Lake Huron that cause these little catwalks of sand to protrude into the lake. It’s a new occurance to me.

In the HI part of Ohio, I found a little gem of a park. Mt. Gilead. After two long drive days, I was bursting with energy and took to the trails. I ran like a coyote, and for the first time since February. It felt great! It’s wonderful to be healthy again.

The lake offered some fine color.

Before I left, I picked a dozen apples to make a pie. I opted to make the Dutch Apple Pie with the crumble on top. I figured it would improve my odds for a good pie having only to make one crust.

But, I’m happy to say I figured out good crust. (Use lard). This pie was definitely the best I’ve ever made, and I ranked it top 5 of my life. Even ice cold out of the fridge it was delicious.

And I made it in the van.

As you can see, I eat my pie by the slab.

I went for a fifty mile bike ride on the North Bend Trail in western West Virginia. I was surprised by the amount of cool creepy tunnels I had to pass through. I was very happy I had lights as some of these were very long.

I’d like to pedal this in its entirity some day. Maybe I can make this happen in the Spring.

This was a pleasant passage. I enjoyed the drive and enjoyed the views, though I didn’t take the time to photograph them all. There are times you just need to drive on and smile.

2025 Autumn Color Review

I love the color of October. It’s so vibrant, yet fleeting. Enjoy it while it’s there, for it will soon be gone. A good metaphor for life, no?

The following images are all from my back yard, front yard, and side yard if I have one of those.

I like the idea that you don’t have to go on some big adventure to find likeable photographs. You just have to make the best of what’s available.

To be fair, I live on the edge of a giant hardwood forest. Finding fall colors is not difficult, so long as you are here when the change is happening.

The sun’s angle on the earth is also to our advantage. A lower angle throughout the day offers stronger light to make leaves pop!

The last wine cap mushroom of the year!

There are certain times of the year when my cat really blends in to her surroundings.

I made apple yeast water out of apples from the back field. I mixed up the last of ny rye, 0/0 pizza, all purpose, and whole wheat flour and made bread.

Mountain, Whales, Sea and Sky

Below are another handful of Southeast Alaska images I was lucky enough to see and experience.

Some of these scenes lasted for hours, some just a few seconds before it all changed.

Be ready for changing light! But more importantly, be…

Small Park Joy

Once a year, I visit this park. It’s a small, small town park. It’s really a modest patch of forest with a small path running through it. The path winds to a high point that overlooks the canal.

This park is off the beaten track enough that there just aren’t many visitors. Though it offers two places to park, and a meadow off to the side to camp in.

This park isn’t much, but it’s enough. And I love it.

I’m sitting on a hard dry moss bed, leaning against a birch tree admiring the view and appreciating the silence.

Once settled, I start to notice more: Four birches across from me, a gull floating on the water, a trail of slime from a slug. That cool breeze riding up the face of the cliff. A raven call.

I get up and walk a bit. No purpose, but to look at this section of forest. It has Sitka spruce and Western hemlock - no surprise there. I find devil’s club, and see what devil’s club berries look like. It’s the first time I’ve seen them. The devil’s club has good medicine to it, and I admire this plant’s healthiness.

Down low in an Alaskan rain forest is where the treasures lie. I find mushrooms, the softest down feather in the world, a black raven feather, and my prize!

The Shingled Hedgehog Mushroom!

What a beauty! I’ve never found one of these before. I feel its pattern, cool and dry. I sense it’s healthiness… this mushroom is in it’s prime. To me, there’s nothing more fun then finding a mushroom in it’s prime. What a treasure!

I try a few angles with my camera and give up. I’m pleased and happy. It’s time to go home. It’s time to go back to work.

I like this place. I like this small park. I like visiting it once a year. Each visit let’s me see more. Each visit resets my soul for another year, when I can come back and enjoy this park.