Once every couple of millennium or so an event so mind boggling and unimaginable happens that no one would believe it. But I am here to tell you every word you are about to read is the pure unadulterated truth! The Commander bought herself a road bike! I never thought I would see the day, but once she test rode it, it seemed she was hooked. She's taken it out on a couple rides and is building her stamina and endurance, and I am looking forward to getting a chance to cruise with her as she glides along on her lean, mean, black and blue machine, which I will henceforth refer to as Bruiser. I'm looking forward to seeing what this dynamic duo will do together!

The Commander and Bruiser

     The Commander's not the only one getting out there though. I headed out to Desolation Wilderness recently to do an overnighter at Lake Aloha, with two companions. It was their first time ever backpacking and they handled it like champs! The whole hike in we took in the amazing views. After we set up camp we swam in the lake, jumped off a small rock, and even spotted a small water snake. We explored the nearby granite slabs and took in the wonder of the surrounding peaks. Clouds moved in and thunder occasionally rumbled, and it very lightly sprinkled sporadically. During the night I stood beneath the sky a couple of times to take in what I could of the landscape. I was surprised how bright it actually was considering the cloud cover and the moon being about half full. After I made my way back to my tent I quickly drifted to sleep, head full of the wonders I had seen.

Lake Aloha basin

     The next morning we decided to take a side trip on the hike out to see Lake of the Woods. Our route dropped down into a small canyon before descending to our destination. Though small, the canyon was beautiful in it's way. Granite walls climbed above us on both sides as we made our way through the vegetation filled arroyo. Once we got to the lake we had to do a bit of cross country hiking and route finding and, at one point, wade across some shallows. After some team work we eventually picked up the trail again and admired the alpine setting. We soaked it all in, enjoying the ease of having a trail to follow, before we began the ascent to the trail we hiked in on. As we neared the trail head the clouds grew thick once again and the rain began. It was actually pleasant and helped to wash away some of the trail dirt. After we got back to the truck, talk of future trips quickly ensued. All of which I will keep you informed about, my dear readers.

Lake of the Woods

     As with most overnighters, it felt like I was gone for longer than I actually was. The temperature was a full twenty degrees hotter than the area we had left. It didn't stop me from running when I got back though. Yup, despite the fact it was 94°F and I had just returned from backpacking. Enough of that though, I don't want to keep anyone waiting too long for what I know is everyone's real reason for reading this blog: THE SELFIE OF THE WEEK! It's a special one this week too! It's number 26, meaning I'm halfway through my year long project and you only have another six months of looking forward to seeing the weekly portraits of my visage! Please, don't be too sad about it. I am sure you can all guess where this week's installment was taken. 

Selfie #26

     Until next time my beloved readers, I encourage you all to get out there and experience this awesome planet, and to remember this blessing by the original monkey wrencher