Mt. Eisenhower, and Mt. Monroe - I Join the Hiking Pole People

For many years I’ve literally cursed the clickitty clackitty of hiking poles and those people who use them. The number of times I’ve been out enjoying the pristine quiet of the woods, or the desert only to be disturbed by the clicking of hiking poles striking against rock. And for what? I questioned. Really how much can two sticks really add to the hiker’s abilities?

Today I got some learning and some converting. It all began back there on Mount Hancock a few months ago. It was only fitting that the end would be the next 4000fters – Mt. Eisenhower, and Mt. Monroe. We left the trailhead at 8:00, and began the gentle climb up the first 1000 ft. When the climb got a little more serious I decided, “what the heck, I’m carrying the darn poles, why not use them?”

“But wait” you ask, “where did you, curser of hiking poles get hiking poles? And not just any poles – Contour Elliptic Shock Trekking Poles by Black Diamond”

“Ah” I reply. “Good question. Back when I was climbing – or rather descending – Mt. Hancock. S. lent me his – just in time to save my knees. And so it came to pass that for my birthday S. bought me a pair, and not just any pair but Black Diamond Contour Elliptical Shock poles.

But back to Mt. Eisenhower which we climbed expecting the fog to lift after we cleared the tree line. It didn’t. At the peak, marked by a very nice, very large cairn, it still hadn’t. Walking the Crawford Trail north along the ridge to Mt. Monroe was nice, the trail nice. We assumed the view would have been fantastic – but honestly there were times when it was hard to see the next cairn. Still, it was our first 4000 fters since July.

And the question is raised – can you count a peak if you can’t see it, or anything from it?
(We’ll leave that for you – our valued reader and perhaps peak bagger, or another day – to decide)

Presidential Week

One month before what could be the biggest Presidential election in recent United States history I too spent the week talking about Presidents. But while the tv announcers babbled on about some guys named McCain, Obama, and Bush, I was dealing with Washington, Adams, Monroe, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Pierce and Jackson...and I added a new obsession to my list (1. Hike the AT. 2. Visit all the states) and now number 3. Hike all the New Hampshire 4000 fters.

The remaining question - how many peaks would I "bag" in the coming week?

Bon Ton Roulet: Roundup

...and now for a song. Pedaling along all those miles one song rotated through my mind - almost endlessly. As the miles rolled along, the lyrics evolved and now for your future riding enjoyment I present:

Rollin' Rollin' Rollin

(sung to the tune of Rawhide - (an old tv western)


Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'

Keep movin', movin', movin',
Though they're disapprovin',
Keep them feet a movin' Pedal On!
Don't try to understand it,
Just saddle up, click in and hammer it,
Soon we'll be riding high, decending wide.
Boy my heart's a calculatin'
The miles til my tents a waitin', be waiting at the end of my ride.

Move 'em on, head 'em up,
Head 'em up, move 'em out,
Move 'em on, head 'em out Pedal On!
Set 'em out, ride 'em in
Ride 'em in, let 'em out,
Cut 'em out, ride 'em in Pedal On.

Full Lyrics

Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Pedal On!

Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Though the streams are swollen
Keep them feet a rollin'
Pedal On!
Rain and wind and weather
Hell-bent for lycra and leather
Pushing Cannondales and Specialized.
All the things I'm missin',
Clean pants, dry cloths, beer, and a kissin',
Are waiting at the end of my ride

CHORUS
Move 'em on, head 'em up
Head 'em up, move 'em on
Move 'em on, head 'em up
Pedal On!
Count 'em out, ride 'em in,
Ride 'em in, count 'em out,
Count 'em out, ride 'em in
Pedal On!

Keep movin', movin', movin'
Though they're disapprovin'
Keep them feet a movin'
Pedal On!
Don't try to understand it
Just saddle up, click in and hammer it
Soon we'll be living high and wide.
My hearts a calculatin'
The miles til my dinner's waitin',
It's waitin' at the end of this ride.

Pedal On!
Pedal On!

7/26 - Last Day of the Bon Ton Roulet

It was drizzling when we woke and that continued on and off on our last ride of the tour. The views along Cayuga Lake were still beautiful, and typical of the entire ride. Our final rest stop had all the fixings. From Gatoraide (whether green, orange, yellow or blue no longer mattered) to fig newtons, cheese, crackers, bologna, nuts, sugar wafers, etc. all the goodies we'd come to love were there.

After 50 miles we rode into the parking lot where it all began 7 days ago and greeted Angela, we were tired and dirty but triumphant.

Bon Ton Roulet: 7/25 There is a Bike Shop in Burdett

One of the really excellent features of the Bon Ton Roulet was it's mechanic. At the final night gathering everyone gave him a huge round of applause and he quietly tipped his beer back at us.

Until the tire episode(s) I had only watched the going on at the green van from afar. Seeing the folks gathered round while picking up the bags, going to the head, or checking on the route. The Van was usually parked near the center of things, with a bike stand, or two, set up and a lost riders flocking around. When the time came to ask if he carried kevlar tires I waited while he spun a hapless derailer, clicking it through the gears and trying to determine the problem while a man, seated in a chair asked him how he got into the business. Politely (although distracted by trying to do his job) he replied that he had intended to be a finish carpenter and had set up his shop in Burdett, NY. When business was slow, and it often was, he'd sit on his front porch and work on this bike. Being on the main drag, and there being no other bike shops short of Ithica, people would stop, ask his advise, or ask him to work on their bikes...and so it came to pass...there is now a bike shop in Burdett.

Burdett, NY was the first town where I ever say a dead deer hanging from a front porch. It's a small town and it could well have been on that porch that the mechanic now repaired bikes. Things do change in 2o something years, I do not believe that in the entire year I lived there I never once even saw a bike, let alone a bike shop.

To be honest - I didn't even ride while I lived there. Have you seen the hills? Huge! Mile long climbs, followed by brake burning descents. And apparently - the need for armored tires which coincidentally the mechanic was out of. He did however have these 'tuffy stips' which he could put inside the tire, and those should protect the tube and save us from another 3 flat day.

And so it came to pass that on 7/25 I headed up, up, up and out of Watkins on a 75 mile ride. We took rt 14 south through Montour Falls and up. I'd seen the route before we left, and I knew the 'hill'. I knew I would be walking. I was wrong! As I rode up the monster, admittedly slower than, hmmm, a mountain goat, I couldn't believe it was happening, just pedaling along, climbing the mile and half long beast. Yeah!!!! After that the route turned North along the ridge, than down then up, then down, then up, then down. I was hurting but pedaling. The reststop at Wagner Vineyards was welcome and extremely hard to leave.

Crossing over to Cayuga Lake we stopped for some ice cream. Very good ice cream, then climbed an agonizingly steep road to the top of Trumansburg Falls. Looked at the Falls then crawled into camp where we commenced the nightime routine, rather sentimentally, for this was the last night.

Bon Ton Roulet: 7/24 Layover Deja Vu

Today is the layover day and it's morning in Watkins Glenn. Sleeping in a tent at the High School below the ridge where I first saw a real live pig roast, and walking down streets that look pretty much the same as they did 20 something years ago, its hard not to feel like I'm in some sort of time warp where the 22 year old and the 46 year old meet.

Watkins Glenn is a very nice town. Between the Falls, the Race Track and being at the edge of the biggest Finger Lake, there is a lot going on but somehow it stays relaxed. Still a bit of a farm town. Back when I lived here and now that I'm visiting, it always strikes me that it is at once 'backwards' and also way ahead of the curve. For instance, I was in desperate need (again) of good coffee and we went into a coffee shop. The little shop was on the main street and also, very modernly, doubled as a book shop. Once again, we were not the only people on the tour in need of coffee and waited patiently inline with other bike rides to place our order. The attendants carefully and in a rather relaxed manner filled the orders. The person behind me grunted, and I got a bit anxious. Not like I had anywhere to go or that the atmosphere in the shop wasn't nice, I just felt like we should all be in a hurry somehow. At the very least you'd think that the shop owner, knowing there was a huge influx of people in town (and we were hard to miss) would put a few more people on. But then I remembered, this was Watkins. It didn't work that way here. Money was not the bottom line. I never really figured out what was but people would repeatedly close shops on Sundays, or for little league games, or weddings or whatever and opportunities to make the big bucks, or rather that extra buck, would pass away. Kinda an interesting way to live.

After that we walked some more around town, hiked the falls, took the group charted boat tour around the Lake (OH- saw a Bald Eagle) and generally relaxed. There was a century option but considering the only way out of town was up, up, up, and we would have to do that tomorrow - we opted out. Also it was time to deal with the tires!

Bon Ton Roulet: 7/23 Three Flats and Still Rolling

Have I mentioned that I love my new bike? I do. More and more every day. I am, however a bit pissed at my tires. In all fairness, it's not the only bike suffering from these road, but 3 flats in 50 miles is a bit much to bear, even more to repair!

Luckily for this trip my personal mechanic can also patch a tube and we've perfected the 5 minute flat change and repair routine. (Changing the tube while repairing the old one, or...repairing the tube without even taking it off the rim).

Meanwhile I'm looking to either modify the tires, either with entirely new kevlar ones, or with the addition of "Tuffy strips". It appears that the type of stone dust on the roads here has a tendancy to work into the tires, especially when they are wet. And have I mentioned that it's been wet on this ride?

Today we rode/flat fixed our way from Canandagua to Watkins Glen. Lots of farm land, and vineyards.

Full Moon Paddle - Bluff Point

Bon Ton Roulet: 7/22 The Routine and Variations Thereon

It's now Day 3 of the Bon Ton Roulet (Seneca Falls to Canadagua via Geneva with a side trip down Seneca Lake) and the routine is second nature.
1. 5:00-5:30 - wake up
2. Breakfast
3. Gear up - bike clothes, food, etc.
4. Pack personal stuff and remove from tent
5. Pack tent
7. Carry tent and luggage to van (Being sure to note whether we're throwing our stuff into Van 1, or Van 2.
8. Check bikes
9. Check route
11. Roll out and ride!
12. Ride
13 Rest stop (ie Snacks!)
14 Ride
15 Rest stop (more Snacks!)
16 Arrive at camp site
17 Site perfect tent spot among 300 other tents and various ponds, marshes, outhouses and assorted obstacles.
18 Set up tent
19 Hang up cloths to dry
20 Shower
21 Locate info for night events and next days ride
22 Dinner
23 Check out event
24 Sleep

And there are the Variations on the Theme/Routine

Today's first variation came around mile 12. It was a Real Coffee Shop in Geneva. About 50 of us stopped and luxuriated in a cup of real Coffee. Ahhh. It was excellent! While we were sitting outside enjoying the drinks, a break in the rain, and conversation with a couple from Middletown, CT, a large group of riders heading east rode by. The Bon Ton Roulet was crossing paths with FANY. Several stopped for coffee also (guess poor coffee is a common hardship of these tours)

From there we headed South alongside Lake Seneca, then turned West and up, across the land between the lakes. Lots of fields, corn, fruit, vegies. It's hard to stop once the bikes get rolling but we did stop at one farm stand for some fresh apricots, and once again at a bike shop. We needed lube and a map holder.

When, what had been one of the sunniest days of the trip so far suddenly turned cloudy we picked up the pace. Pedaling the last mile through a solid downpour we arrived at rest stop number 2 where we spent 1 and three-quarter hours waiting out the rain. (And eating Lebanon Bologna!)

And now, with the tent all set and dinner eaten, we're watching a thunderstorm approach. Seems just like old times in Hector where we'd sit on summer nights and watch the clouds sweep in from the West.

Bon Ton Roulet: 7-21 Downhill Day

After a small 300 ft climb this morning on the Bon Ton Roulet the day pretty much went downhill. Literally, we ended 700 ft below where we started. Figuratively there were other downhills as well.

1. The biggest and steepest downhill ever descended (not just for me but for many of the others. It felt like my rear wheel could just lift up and over the handlebars at any second.
2. Millard Fillmore, the 13th president of the United States was born just outside Morovia, NY. Along the route. He was the 1st president not elected to office but once in the whole thing went downhill from there.
3. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge - where we took refuge from a huge downpour.
4. Tylenol PM - At night I discovered why I haven't been feeling as energetic as usual. (Also why you really should read the label of the medicine you take). Seems I've been taking tylenol PM, instead of regular tylenol.

All in all however, it was a great day. We ended at Seneca Falls. A lovely little town with a bit of history.

Oh - and another funny downpour story! When we arrived at the camping site for the night it was nice and sunny. Our bags and those of 500 others lay in the field waiting for us. As we sorted among them the sky darkened. As I went to put the bikes under the bleachers and S. carried the bags out to our spot on the field - surprise! - it started to pour - torrentially. I looked out from the bleachers to where S. should have been but saw only a blue blob in the field. A moving blue blob. From which a head them popped out. S. had grabbed the floorcloth from the tent bag and covered himself and all our gear! We were saved from a very wet night.

Tomorrow, after about 24 miles of relative flats we climb 500 ft in 5 miles. (Real flats to follow.)

Bon Ton Roulet: And so it came to pass

At 7:45 the rain started.

At 8:00 the Bon Ton Roulet (2008) started. 499 bicyclists hit the road from Auburn, NY to Courtland, NY. And what a group of bikes it was! In addition to hundreds of 'regular' bikes there were several recumbents, lots of tandems, I think I even saw a recumbent tandem! Brandwise there were Lemonds, Fujis, Scotts, Lightspeeds, Treks, Specialized, Cannondales and lots of others - hardly two of the same brand. Some as old as a week (that's me!) and some nice bikes with down tube shifters (could have been me).

The people also came in all shapes, sizes, speeds and characters. From 3 to 82 years old, from sprinters to "what the heck we have all day" types. People from the area, and riders from just about every state in the country.

I soon learned however, that riding with a large group means there are some things we all had to share - skill, teamwork and communication. "Car up", "Car back", "on your left", "You okay?" all day long. Lots of conversation too. Since every bike was required to display a 'license plate' stating our name and hometown there was also lots of talk about towns, especially Mystic. Everyone has been to Mystic.

The folks on the sides of the road were pretty nice also. Curious about us too. "Where are you from?", "How many of you are there?", "Where are you going?", "Where?!"

The highlight of today's ride, apart from the riding and the excellent company, was an unexpected stop at Frog Pond Farm http://www.ferroart.com/. A gallery featuring sculptures made from recycled steel.

After another downpour we arrived at the fields of SUNY Courtland. After riding through two good storms, and setting up the tent in a thunderstorm, stringing a clothes line from the bikes to the fence and hanging up the gloves to dry, it's now time to kick back, and listen to the Travis Rocco Band. Good night!

Bon Ton Roulet: Foreshadowing?

On the last night party of the Bon Ton Roulet they read off the entries for the 6 word stories. Try as I might during the tour and after I cannot fit the "Bon Ton experience" into 6 words. While entries such as "Crotch on fire, not heart's desire", and "Sleep, eat, pedal, shower, eat, repeat" do capture some of the essenence, I will try, and maybe not even succeed to do it in 6, or maybe 8 posts.

Sunday 7/26

While on the way to the Bon Ton Roulet, just east of Syracuse, NY we drove through a line of thunderstorms. Rain so hard you couldn't see the road. Of course we also had to stop for gas and in the run to the rest area got completely soaked. Later at the camp site however, the tent held up well against the next line of showers and we stayed dry. According to the weather report there is only a 20% chance of rain today. With tomorrow's forecast for a 60% chance of rain - looks like we're going to doing some wet camping and riding in the upcoming week.

Dinner was on our own at the Green Shutter diner. Definitely a local restaurant with a little vegetable/herb garden out back and curbside service (if you honk) out front.

Now, 499 other people and myself are settling down for the night in the field behind the Auburn High School. Can't say I've ever camped at a high school before but thats where this soon to be mobile camp is tenting tonight. Looking out over tent city there are distinct neighborhoods. Located closest to the bathrooms, staked, corner to corner is the high end neighborhood. For between $385.00 and $500, In Motion Events - Camptel services supply, set up and break down your tent every night. Mostly Eurekas. Radiating out from this upscale tent Levittown is an interesting mixture of tents randing from single person TNF bivy tents to 6 person L. L. Bean palaces. One guy, has a Kelty 4-person sun shade set up with numerous chairs. Lots of his friends, and people's he's ridden with on these types of rides before are stopping by to say hello. These supported rides seem to be the way a lot of people spend their vacations.

From this vantage point, inside a palatial L. L. Bean tent complete with blow up mattress, chairs, standing room etc. I'm guessing the upcoming week will be:

1. Wet
2. Full of lots of different people, tents and bikes.
3. Covering more than a few miles.

Adieu - for now

Well - today's the day I must say goodbye to the Tour as tomorrow I leave for the tour. It all begs the existential question - Is it better to live The Big One vicariously or do you own little tour realistically?

Obviously I vote on the side of real life. Tomorrow we leave for Auburn, NY and Sunday we Ride the Bon Ton Roulet. (Hey at least the name is still french).

Unlike most other trips there will be no blogging on this one. Hauling a laptop from campground to campground just seems a bit extreme. I'll post pictures on my return and hopefully even write up some of the day to day adventures. I am looking forward to spending time in the Finger Lakes, including a layover day in Watkins Glen, 28 years after living there. Only six hours, but another world away.

As for the Tour de France - I don't care who wins - just let it be a fair win, and a good ride. For instance check out this post of the Lanterne Rouge (French phrase meaning “red lantern” refers to the racer who is dead last when the race rolls into Paris.)

Today's Ride

This morning I clicked into the six13, and it felt like home. In only a few days I've adjusted to the gearing, the weight (or lack), the comfort of the ride, and the feel of the turns.

Oh, the turns! With this lovely, little, comfortable, quick bike, I swooped down Dean's Mill without braking once. Just sweeping along.

July 14th

Today is little Lys's 21st birthday. Technically not my adventure but certainly one I've been honored to be closely associated with.

Today is also Bastille Day, as well as Stage 10 of the Tour de France. It's been a nice race so far. It's funny I've realized that I'm not so much interested in who wins or looses, I just like the company of the commentary. Like to hear about new bike components, training things, cute towns along the route, the go-ings on in the peleton. (Did you hear that "The Cobra" is really called "Goat Boy"?)

Today is also the day I really, really, really indulged myself. Today I brough home an adorable little Carbon fibre Cannondale six13 5. Wonderful all by itself but Cannondale also upgraded the rims to the Mavic Aksium Race.

But specs are all well and good - How does it ride?

Oooh. Sooo smooth. The Carbon fibre is tight but so much smoother than the Panosonic. Don't get me wrong - she's probably going to be the quickest little bike I've ever ridden but the Cannondale is quick and smooth. She's a little lighter in the front so turning takes a great deal less effort. (I suspect looking in the direction will do it most times) And while I haven't got the lean down yet the few times I took a sharp corner she went without a wobble. Took a much nicer line.

The fit is amazing too. Over the 18 or so years I've ridden the Panosonic I have tried other bikes - (hmmm even owned a few) but this Cannondale is so close its almost perfect.

And now for the reveal. - cept the photo won't load. Maybe another time

Mt Hancock - North and South

So...July 5 I climbed another 4000fter. Still not going after all them but it is funny to realize there aren't too many left unclimbed. One thing I do keep forgetting however are batteries. It's a cute little camera but it eats batteries so really - this is the best photo from the weekend. Trust me however - the view to the South was very nice.

The Next Big Adventure

Aside from a backpacking trip to NH this weekend - this -

http://www.bontonroulet.com/

is the next adventure.

The National, Modest Mouse and R.E.M.

When I was a kid I actually wondered what kind of music the kids would be listening to when I was an adult. Would I hate and fear it the way my parent's generation hated our music? (Yup, I was seriously that strange.)

Last night the question was definitely answered. Not only do I love the "kids" music, but they have moved music into new and more expansive territory.

The headliner for the concert was R.E.M. Michael Stipe, 3 guitars and a drummer. Nice vocals, thoughtful lyrics, good beat...you've heard R.E.M. That's what it sounded like.

But it was the 2 opening bands that really made the show.

The National is a Brooklyn-based indie rock band formed in 1999, by friends from Cincinnati, Ohio. There are at least 9 people in the band playing everything from traditional guitar to violin, trumpet, trombone, and I believe a basson (certainly it was from the oboe family). The sound was rich, complex and powerful.

And speaking of powerful, with two drummers backing up some serious guitar, not to mention an electric banjo. Modest Mouse was a driving powerhouse. Seriously, and electric banjo.

If at first you don't suceed...

yea, yea, yea. Obviously who ever came up with that one hasn't tried to learn kayak rolling. I've tried a couple times now, I've even got the steps down. Funny thing - the minute, or rather second, I'm upside in the kayak I do the same, wrong thing! At least now I know what that is.

But lets go back to Friday night... I drove up to Whitinsville, Mass to the Community Center for a kayaking skills class in their pool. The class is run by Eastern Mountain Sports (a direct competitor to ACO!) The instructors, Mark and Steve were both funny and knowledgeable. There were 6 people in the class. Two guys who were very good at rolling, and 4 of "us", so after going over the basics they split the group up. The 4 of us, they took through all the steps from a wet exit to the roll. I did a very leisurely wet exit, and that alone was worth it. (These boats had tiny, tiny cockpits). Then we moved through the set up, the finish, and "all the stuff in between". I learned that a "hip snap" is more of a knee thrust and how to position the blade so it doesn't slice. Then it was time to do the full roll.

I rolled over and did exactly what I did last summer! Body memory is incredibly strong. The good news is Mark and Steve told me what I was doing...I am paddling. Yup, roll me over in a boat and I try (actually succeed) in paddling upside down in a kayak. And they say I'm not talented!

So...I will try again...and this time I'll try to bring the gosh darn paddle over the bow.

How its supposed to go:

Quonochontaug Pond

Sometimes the nicest adventures are just a state away. While many people have often mentioned how nice the salt water ponds of Rhode Island are it wasn't until today that I began exploring them.

According to the Salt Pond Coalition, "The salt ponds are a string of coastal lagoon estuaries formed after the recession of the glaciers 12,000 years ago. Piled sediment called glacial till formed the rocky ridge, or moraine, running along what is today Route 1. Irregularities along the coastline were formed by the deposit of the glaciers, which formed peninsular shaped outcroppings, which are now known as Point Judith, Matunuck, Green Hill, Charlestown Beach, Quonochontaug, Weekapaug, and Misquamicut. "

First up was Quonochontaug Pond, located in Charlestown. What a cool place! The wind was really blowing from the West so I headed in that direction battling the headwind while thinking of the great ride I'd have back. The water was very clear and much of the bottom was sand. There weren't many fish but lots of horsecrabs do some really wierd things. Then it dawned on me, were they mating? Sure enough this is what it looked like:


Anyway. There were also lots of great places to beach the kayak. Much of the shore is owned by the state, and lots of amazing houses to look at as well. Also fun was watching the powerboats trying to go out the breachway which opens to the Atlantic Ocean. The tide was pouring in and the power boats just couldn't make any headway. One even got caught in the current and pushing on to the sand.

There were a few other kayakers, one couple came from Massachusetts. They come back often and suggested I explore the Eastern end of the pond next...and I will. Ah, so many ponds, so little time.

onemillionbicycles.org

onemillionbicycles.org

Let the kayaking begin!

Funny how the right equipment makes all the difference. Last night I installed the Yakima rack, with the Yakima kayak saddles, hully rollers and extender bar. Then I loaded Eliza without a single scratch to Angela. The extender bar is a very cool. It's a bar the slides inside the rack bar, but then can slide out to create a surface onto which one rests the bow, then lefts the stern onto the rack, then moves the bow onto the rack. After that the bar slides back into the rack and away you go.


Today Gerald, Krystal and I paddled up the Thames River from the Poquetanuck Cove Boat Launch to just opposite the wedge that is the Mohegan Sun. Here Gerald and Krystal demonstrate that essential kayaking skill - the shot block pass. Shot blocks are definitely The right equipment and Gerald was a hero to bring them.

Summer in Mystic

Suddenly, summer is here. You can tell by the traffic which backed up to the house today. You can also tell, more importantly, from the weather. Yeah!!!!!

After a long bike ride and the beginning of what could become a bad habit (I rode down to the Noank Village Bakeshop and had a lovely, warm, gooey cinnamon bun), I weeded the garden, did some transplanting and general housecleaning.

Amy is well on the road to recovery. Guess I'm starting down that road too.

We're not in Iowa anymore

Indiana is really flat. Say what you will but Iowa has nice rolling hills, but Indiana, Indiana is flat. Makes for great driving, but not as scenic. We spent the night at the Holiday Inne Express in Howe. We were tempted to try a straight drive but Amy really needed the break. She's holding up well considering but I'll be glad to have her home, and to be home with her. Should be tonight.

PS We are stopping at Kings, for another visit with Frownie!

The Greatest Adventure

When it all comes down to it, I guess one of my greatest adventures has been in parenting. An adventure that is far from over but one that continues to grow, change, surprise and most of all, teach me a great deal about love. The Girls.

Sunday morning we went to breakfast at the A & M. While waiting for Peter and Amanda I took this great shot. Iconic even. Lyss doing her cool, shade thing, Amy standing ready...all in front of a cafe (diner actually).

...and now a digression, but not a complete digression on to a topic that is often discussed in this blog. Coffee, or rather regional coffee issues. Previous I mentioned Saints Rest. A great coffee shop here in Grinnell. Today we hope to pack Amy up and get a little ways down the road. How far depends on how she is feeling. Before we go however we will stop at Saints Rest for a final coffee before heading off. My love of good coffee has been passed on to The Girls. Hmmm come to think of it, how much of that really comes from them?

PS Do you believe that a year ago I was coming just returning from the most relaxing vacation I've ever had. Ah Sedona.

Graduation and then some

Amy graduated today. I was so proud. She's worked so long and hard for this. It was a beautiful ceremony after a very long 24 hours. You see, the night previous Amy had emergence surgery. I won't go into the details, lets just say we spent the night in the hospital and she was lucky to make the ceremony and really, it was only her persistence that got her there. In the long run however, she'll be just fine, very Amy.

Grinnell, Iowa

It's spring in Grinnell, and it is beautiful. You really have to love this place and these people. It you are ever looking for a nice town to settle if for a year, say to write that long overdue novel, this would be it. It's relaxed, friendly, beautiful, clean, cultured yet simple.

Yesterday we woke in Indiana. Lyss took the first shift at the wheel and drove through the Chicago outskirts which are remarkable for their billboards and electrical lines. After an hour we were rolling through the flat farmland of Indiana and within an few hours crossed The Mighty Mississippi into Iowa. The soft rolling hills of Iowa are just now covered in spring spring and everything is blooming. Lilacs are everywhere! I was afraid I'd miss their bloom back home but their bloom in Iowa is just a wonderful. I love their scent.

We met Amy, picked up coffee's at Saints Rest Coffee House, then chatted while at the park. Town is full of student parent groups in a reverse of four years ago when we dropped them off. Yup. Four years.

Then it was off to the President's reception, then dinner with Peter and Amanda, and then honestly...I went to sleep and slept for 9 long, lovely hours. Today's schedule is a bit more relaxed but it is time to get going.

A Brownie with Attitude

After a long day of driving that began at the usual I-hate-driving-through-New-York-traffic-so-leave-at-4am departure Lyss and I have arrived in Portage, IN. Five hours from Grinnell.

It was a good trip. We were pleasantly surprised at our first stop. A person in Pennsylvania talked to us. It always takes me by surprise the first time I'm out of CT and someone just starts a conversation, then I remember, 'oh yeah' people are generally pleasant, and they chat.

Our second stop in Pennsylvania was on the Ohio border when we went to Kings Restaurant for breakfast and were surprised by the Angry Brownie, Frownie. Funny to have angry food as your mascot, but actually very effective. It was hard to resist the angry stuffed toy, the angry t-shirt and the angry mob sundae may yet have my name on it. Here's a little story on the brownie situation:

Driving through Ohio I listened to "A Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" and then in Indiana we channel surfed spending a little time enjoying Christian Rock, Japanese Rock, Latin Salsa, and NPR.

Now I've got to go find a salad.

The Donut: A Canadian History

Yesterday, I broke down and bought The Book. And it's pretty interesting.

Last night I also found myself in the midst of a quintessential Canadian celebration. The Montreal Canadiennes won their first game of the playoff series. The celebration rivaled that of Denver winning the game that put them in the World Series.

Cities

Some people love them, want to live in them forever. Some people hate them, some like to stay a few days, or even just a few hours - say for the shopping, the museums, or the restaurants. For me, I'm starting to discover that the less a city is like a city, the more I like it.

Within the last few years I've spent a few days in Montreal, Portland (OR), Denver, Pittsburgh, Luxembourg, Ghent, and Amsterdam. Favorites? Portland and Denver followed by Amsterdam. What do those cities have in common? Bikes, an emphasis on outdoor recreation, and except Amsterdam, excellent bookstores.

Which brings us to Montreal. Hitting the road at 9 am it took until 2, for me to find 1 bookstore - and that was next to McGill University. Bikes? Yes, there are some but I didn't see a single bike shop which makes me wonder. There are several small parks (Place) scattered about in squares which are well kept but really no plein aire type features.

But while it is not my favorite city, don't get me wrong it is interesting. Old Montreal, or Vieux Montreal is old. 1700-1850's and well kept. One gets a deep seated feel of history walking the streets and there are plenty of museums to tell the back story. I went to Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, or the Sailor's Church, it being maritime and me being paid to be here and all. The original structure was built in 1675. That was followed by a few fires, and few renovations, and artistic additions. The resulting church is a tasteful blend of it all, the nave even has boat chandeliers.

And the food...you could spend a whole day just reading menus. Making the choice of where to eat lunch was trying but the idea of Lamb and Olive stew just pulled me to the last one. That and micro brews.

Right now I'm taking a little break before this evenings party at the McCord Museum of Canadian History.

Je suis en Montreal

After a long, but often beautiful train ride up the west side of Lake Champlain yesterday I arrived at L'hotel Bonaventure Hilton - conveniently located across from the train station (Gare Central). My room has a great view out over the city and onto the St. Lawrence Seaway.

It's all bilingual here and that's pretty cool. Also cool - they actually do talk hockey! a lot. And then this morning when looking for some breakfast I passed several beautiful bakeries and pastry shops with the most delicate and chocolate and flaky pastries on display. But do you know where the line was? Tim Hortons. And it was a long line. I peaked into the cases, looked at the menu and sure enough it's the same Tim Hortons we have. Minus the lines.

By some gliche or something it appears that I am not registered for the sessions today (Museums and the Web Conference) and as they are full, I can not register. Sooo. I'm off to explore the Old City or Vieux Montreal. But I will be thinking about work the whole time.

Truce!

The Enemy and I have made our peace. I have to confess after the accident, riding a bike was a bit intimidating. Once in the saddle it was still intimidating to lean into the turns, ride through sand piles, hop up on curbs, etc. but...after a very nice ride on Sunday and again yesterday we're doing just fine.

In other good news...the street sweepers were out this morning so even as a truce is reached...its getting time to take out the Panasonic.

Pondering through the haze

I can imagine one fate worse than flying across country while having the flu, and that would be sitting next to someone who has the flu. And that is why I can't understand why, when there are many empty seats all round the Southwest waiting area, everyone is sitting next to me - one of them is even attempting to converse! I mean, what is it about a woman visibly shivering while wearing a primalot jacket, who'se face is flushed bright red and who'se left eye is twitching uncontrollably that says "Hey, come sit next to me! Lets chat!"

But wait - Maybe they'll move away as I completely strip for the upcoming fever stage.

Scouting Waterfalls and Mountains

Yesterday after the Enterprise rental guy sold me on the extra insurance, me and the rental car headed East along the Columbia River Gorge. Taking exit 17 off I-84 onto the Historic Columbia Gorge Highway we wound along the Snake River and then between 600-800 ft Basalt clifts overflowing with waterfalls. Unfortunately, I've got a cold/flue so I only saw the few that were within a mile of the road. Latourell Falls was amazing, at 'only' 249 feet you can walk right to the base and feel the tremendous power of falling water.

Winding up the Gorge I saw a few others including, Multnomah Falls. For a great website on Waterfalls of the Pacific Northwest, check out http://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/index.php. A great site which not only gives waterfall information but also updates on related issues, like access and endangerment.

Another great moment in the Gorge was seeing a field of violets. From the very big, to the very sublime, nature is beautiful.

Also beautiful - the town of Hood River. Not so nice, The Dalles - where I had a reservation and based upon the recommendation in the Guide Book, had planned to take the downtown walking tour. Note - stay in Hood River. Driving to The Dalles is interesting in that you get to see the hillsides change from rain forest to inland desert, but once you get the idea - turn around.

Since I couldn't hike around much, and the sun was out I did decide to see if I could see Mt. Hood. Following the 'advise' in the travel book I ended up out in the middle of no where on a road that turned to snow. Luckily, Mt Hood was worth the trip, that and seeing all the orchards and vineyards.

If I were to visit I'd stay in Hood River, go in the early September, be sure and be in decent shape so I could hike up into the gorges and see the more remote waterfalls. I'm even considering a rafting trip up the river.

(I'll post the photos later for the homesick Northwesterners - you were right! It is beautiful!)

Buddhists, Books, Bikes and Beer

In the 6 short days I've been in Portland, I've really come to like this town and it's people. Last night we went to Bailey's Taproom, which has 20 local beers on tap. And even though I didn't personally taste them all, I hear they were all very excellent.

This morning dawned bright and sunny and during a long walk alongside the Willamette River I got to watch a real live bike commuters. Hundreds of them all riding using their bikes to get to work. How cool is that! I also got to see Mt. Hood for the first time this trip. The picture certainly doesn't do it justice.

The after the conference ended I (and several other library-types) headed up to Powell's Books for some excellent browsing and coffee.

Add all that with last Saturday's amazing Buddhist retreat - and Portland is definitely in the running for my favorite city.

Oh-and the people, they're just great. Friendly and outdoorsie, and just my kind of people.. here's a book recommendation by way of example.

Hiking Hot Springs in the Pacific Northwest: Hiking through the woods, stripping down to nothing, getting into hot smelly water, and then reeking of sulfur for the rest of the day is one of my very favorite things to do. Lucky for me, this book exists solely to inform me as to the location of some of the best hot springs in the Pacific Northwest.

Tomorrow I'm heading up the Columbia River Gorge - no stinkie hot springs however, I'm going hunting for waterfalls.

Day 3

The presentations are starting to blurr together.

Basically a lot of cool people are doing some very cool things. I'm putting together some organizational spreadsheets grouping (yeah - classifying) the talks together by:

• Open Source Library Systems
• Content Management Systems
• MARC related
  
• Other topics (which will probably break into other categories
  

Internet Archive

This morning's keynote was delivered by Brewster Kahle. It was on the Internet Archive; Open Library. The talk was much the same as the one he gave at the Technology in History conference last year at Brown, however while that was theoretical, the project is now up and running. There was even an article on it, and its issues in the Journal of Higher Education.

(They are also working with zotero (see previous post) on creating a scholarly commons)

Meanwhile a code4lib regular told me about the irc channel that a lot of people log into during the conference. - basically its a chat room. So right now while listening to the presentation there is a comment conversation going on in the chatroom - sort of a reality check, and very informative.

Next: Rob Styles from Talis - a UK vendor
"Finding Relationships in MARC" appears to be about RDF but with a really good slide show which I hope becomes available, but they are also recording it, and it's on Rob Styles blog at: http://www.dynamicorange.com/blog/archives/library-tech/marc_rdf_and_fr.html

"Delivering Library Services in the Web 2.0 Environment" OSU

Put resources where the student were - put links/info on the course pages. There is an opensource client. Takes only a few minutes to make a page. http://ica.library.oregonstate.edu/about/index.html

Alot of the libraries were comparing this to Libguides. (which I can't load right now to read more about.)

Another one to check out is Vu-find. Still looking good, but I can't forget our goals - that the data only lives one place. It can be harvested but again, can only live in one place.

The real reason I'm here

You know you're at a geek conference when you spend the day trying to download ubuntu, but the connection is too slow because the other 200 people in the room are also using the internet...and then, the next day you discover that all along, they had free ubuntu CD's at the registration desk.

Yesterday there were 3 sessions, 2 workshops on installing open source library systems, LibraryFind and Evergreen, and 1 on Zotero. From the first 2 we learned that the systems are just as complex as they ever were and you need a mid range knowledge of linux and its quirks to be successful. Of the two systems I'd say LibraryFind offers the most potential for MSM. At the same time as those sessions there was a rogue group doing an install of koha which I heard went much smoother, nice looking system too.

The zotero sessions was good and I started building a translator (zotero code4lib page) for Mobius. With the zotero extension in firefox users can create custom collections from various sites. In the next release they are working toward making those collections shared. They are also working on various geographic interfaces and are looking for beta testers for the next release.

Afterwards about 10 of us headed to a the Rogue Brewery where we ran into another group of 20 or so attendees. I had a hazelnut beer which was interesting. We spent a good deal of time talking about the California Digital Library (4 of them were in the group) and debating why the restrooms were labeled "Barley" and "Hops".

Best Cities and States

What makes for a great city, a great state? Is it the people, industry, coffee, parks, restaurants, shopping, weather, bookstores, transportation systems or something else entirely?

I'm not sure but Denver, CO is my favorite city so far. Arizona/Utah my favorite state (actually what they call the four corners area)

Adventures in Buddhism

Saturday I attended a retreat on the Heart Sutra that was given by Ken McLeod. I've been reading his books and following a podcast of his Tuesday night classes for the last 3 months and was very happy to find he was holding this retreat in Portland a few days before the conference. He lives and teaches in L.A. and I've no desire to go there.

It was very good to see and hear him in person. Really amazing. I've never run across anyone who made so much so clear. By the end of the day the Heart Sutra was revealed. Of course, I'm not enlightened yet...just know a little more. It's the experience that continues to allude.

The other people were great too. There were about 50 all together, and everyone very welcoming.

The Hawthorne district, where the Portland Dharma Center is located, is a charming neighborhood. Nice houses, many bungalows, great coffee shops, and gardens! Spring flowers are just starting to bloom. Daffodils, and crocus were just starting to open. The sun was out and the walk there and back from City Central was lovely. Bittersweet too considering we won't be enjoying this in New England for another month or two. Ah well. All form is emptyness, emptyness form anyway.

Gee Wiz!

Mystic gets snow and I'm in Portland Oregon. Can't complain too much because it is 50 degrees and sunny, but still...

The trip was eventful. The snow starting a little earlier than expected caught the PVD airport crew off guard and we had to wait 45 minutes for them to plow the runway. There weren't many on the flight so atleast we could spread out for the wait and the flight. Once in Chicago we discovered that there were about 10 of us who missed our flight to Portland and we all got to go to Kansas City. That flight was packed. I met Ricky and Ann. Ann lives in Lawrence and after a lifetime of being a Republican has become a Democrat (and not just because of George), she's even donated money to the Obama campaign. Ricky was an engineer of some kind. Friendly guy who liked to talk.

Once in Kansas City the Portland-bound gang boarded the plan waiting at the next gate and in less than 30 minutes we were in the air again.

Portland. So far all I've done is take the Light Rail downtown to the Embasy Suites where I'll be for the next few days, and then walked around Pioneer Square. The light rail was cool. I do love mass transit, but down town was not so impressive. I could be tired however.

Back home you're all enjoying the snow.

Tanya's Pictures

Tanya's also posted her pictures of the big ice climbing adventure.

This is a great shot. Gives a good idea of the scale and site. That little head is Crystals. In my album there is a picture of Tanya on top of the wall taking a photo down at us. This is that photo.

http://picasaweb.google.com/tscsdslmnops/2008IceClimbing?authkey=GHAINjZUCqs

Alls well that ends well

Last weekend in a series of comedic twists worthy of Shakespeare, although minus the gender mix-ups, Chris, Gerald and John ended up climbing on Saturday in Smugglers Notch, VT while Crystal, Tanya and I climbed on Sunday somewhere near Kingston, NY.

Ice Climbing is great way to spend a winter day outdoors. You get to hike into the quiet winter woods to what is inevitably a beautiful place where ice has formed high enough to make a scalable wall, and then you get to play there for as long as your calves and arms will allow. Personally I liked repelling the most, but climbing was nice too. Trying to read the ice and learn which spots would hold the axe, and how to get your toes into the wall was challenging, and 'standing' on the wall when you found a good spot was exhilarating.

Our guide, Bill, was perfect. You could tell that he knew what he was doing and he was such a good instructor that I learned a lot without realizing it, and I got a good 2/3 of the way up the highest wall. Much further than expected.

If you ever consider going Ice Climbing, here's a few recommendations:

• Do pick up the recommended gaiters - they really don't cost much, and work much better than duct tape.
• Bring a small pad or other foamish thing to sit on during lunch - ideally it would both keep your butt from getting wet and insulate same from the ice.
• Make sure you are in reasonably good shape and good health. I'd say I was borderline.
  
• Starting a few weeks beforehand do calf raises, and pull ups - you'd probably be okay without this but I suspect your experience would be better if you had as much strength as possible.
• Dress for a day sitting outside at the forecasted temperature. You'll be much warmer when climbing, but you're not always climbing.

Enjoy the slideshow:

Photo album

Worlds Collide

• Activity world - I still on a stationary bike and watch the watt read out
• Ethical world - - wondering if there is a way to tap into that wattage to power equipment and thereby leave even less of a trace on this world.
• Work world - a post at Slashdot announces a knee brace that generated electricity from walking

KaBoom! - why not set up all gyms so they actually mini generators? It solves two big problems facing America.
1. The energy shortage
2. The increasing obesity rates

hey - it's not just the superbowl that could benefit.
Buy the pedal-a-watt

The Next Adventure

So the time to begin pondering the next adventure is here. The Pacific Coast bike trip has been canceled, the leg is healing, vacation days are accumulating.

What to do?

First and foremost there is a bike ride across Legacy Annual Bike Ride Across Utah. And I'm definitely going for that, but its not until Sept. 7 - 13, 2008.

Some options between now, then and beyond include:

• Backpacking the New Hampshire section of the AT
• Driving to Amy's graduation in Iowa and continuing on to Yellowstone or something out that way (with bike if possible)
  
• A week cycling Quebec's Route Verte
• Backpacking in The Grand Canyon (but you have to apply for the backcountry permit 4 months in advance)
• All the above!

In the meantime I'm going Ice Climbing with some of the ACO/EMS crew this coming weekend.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7...

Late last night while the rest of the world was kicking back for some Saturday night fun, the gang at ACO were counting. We were counting techwick, luna bars, Denalis, shoes, jackets... you name it, if ACO sells it, we counted it. (Adam - pictured left is counting 235 hats).

Yes, faithful readers, last night was Inventory! It's what I consider the actual end of the Christmas season because this is the low point, merchandise-wise, of the year. Prior to Christmas the racks and the back room are piled with stuff. Everywhere we can hang, or pack something it is hung and packed. Immediately following Christmas the sales begin and the racks empty. And when they are at their very emptiest, Inventory-specialists from out of no-where descend on the store for a wild night of counting. They count everything once, then we count everything again. Not a bad system when you think of it.

In past years the Inventory Specialists have been late (a big mean nasty snow storm - of 2 inches), and humorless. This year however we had a great crew and during the Irish music selection I managed one of my longest juggling sections ever, (nothing beats the Dubliners for setting a good rhythm), Chris, Gerald and I had a sing along to Flogging Molly's "What's Left of the Flag", Adam attempted a jig, and we almost got Luis to actually do one.

Next week the Spring gear will start arriving, and the year begins again.

PS To all past members of the ACO Inventory Crew - Brandon, Adam, Brian, Jeremy, Karen - we missed you!

One Quote to Say It All

An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered.
An inconvenience is an adventure wrongly considered.

- GK Chesterton

This guy is a genius.

Philospohical musings from the saddle

What are they thinking? Or perhaps they're not? As I pedal away on the stationary bike I can't help but wonder why, oh why, do they still have those fat saddles on these bikes. Hasn't the bike community learned, tested and perfected women's saddles. They work on road bikes, why not use them in the gym?

Today I snuck into the "spinning room" and even those bikes have the fat seats.

Soon, I will sneak back on to my real bike!

One of the many

Going to the gym day after day is much more of a mental than physical task. While some may say every day at the gym is not necessary, and they'd be correct, one of the keys is to develop the habit. And the only way to develop the habit is to go every day until your body takes over and demands to Go.

Until that magical time, which is a bit longer than the three days a friend once told me, I've learn to rely on is motivational literature. Strides: Running Through History With an Unlikely Athlete is one such book. Written by "plodding" marathon runner Benjamin Cheever, the book takes you through his history with running, western culture's history with marathons up until the present day and the marathon's history with Kenya. Cheever also does a great job of describing why those of us who will never excel at a sport, especially the long distance ones, still carry on, enjoying it for the sheer joy of doing it.

I'll never run a marathon, I'll probably never even run a mile again, but I do love the long distance bike ride and Cheever's book both helped pass away a few of those convalescing hours and gets me to the gym day after day in hopes of many more hours on the road.

PS. For a better description of the book here's a link to the New York Times Book Review.