how old are we?

[Vaughn]

Merg, you are an inspiration in so many ways, even the beard

The beard is trimmed short for the summer months. Also a smart thing to do when hiking back up in the wilds of the redwoods. Both the she bears and the lady bigfoots (it can be very difficult to tell the difference) can get awfully frisky this time of year, so I try not to look too hairy.

Hopped on the ebike this evening and rode my favorite loop from the house...it's been a few months. Beautiful evening and sunset, although some smoke up high curving in from the northeast where there is a 7000 acre fire.

My ride starts up Hwy 299 from town. I was passed by fire truck after fire truck -- all heading just a bit further east (about 20 miles) to some lightning fires that started when I was out backpacking last week. Also at 7000 acres right now. But after about 12 miles, I turn off the main highway at the summit (2100'), ride another 3 miles up to 3000' on a gravel/dirt road, and kick back with hot tea (w/Scotch) and watch the sunset over the Pacific. Then it is a 9 mile ride down the mountain on various types of roads at very fun speeds in the dark. I left the house at 5:30, got up in plenty of time to drink most of my tea and watch the sun set a little early (about 8:15, behind a fogbank way out near the horizon), and home by 9:30. Life is pretty good.

Not tonight's sunset (I dropped my digital too many times), but this is my view at 3000' above home. This image was taken on a ride at this time last year. And about the same amount of smoke as tonight coming from the same direction.