spinning-jennie :: me, moody???

Although people in Minnesota have no room to point at other state’s election follies after electing Jesse Ventura to office, the California election reminds me of the following quote.

If I seem short sighted, it is because I stand on the shoulders of midgets.

I made it back from California. Whee.

Yosemite far exceeded my expectations. The scenery was rugged and beyond my ability to describe. I spent three days on the John Muir Trail hiking from Toulumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley. I then spent an extra day doing short day hikes on Mono Lake, the Dana River, Soda Springs, Toulumne Grove, Lembert Dome, etc.. The weather was incredible, with sunny dry days and gorgeous blue skies.

Following that I spent a pampered day and a half at the posh San Jose Westin with my dear wife and went to a very nice awards dinner put on by my employer at the Black Hawk Auto Museum. It was a very nice time.

I’ll post an extended trail log and pictures after I dig out from responsibilities here in Minnesota.

I will be out hiking in Yosemite starting Thursday, back in civilization on Monday. I am planning a hike down the John Muir Trail, from Toulumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley.

This is my first extended solo hike. I feel ready. I am curious if I’ll go a little nutty by myself.

It should be a fun trip. I hope I don’t forget anything crucial. From the experience of my last trip I am bringing more toilet paper.

I seem to be missing a few items. Notably a pack towel and the lid to my pan set. Oh well, nothing that can’t be replaced. I am also concerned that I am bring way too much food. It’s not like MN, where I can just leave it in my car and not worry. It seems the black bears in Yosemite have been known to break into cars without any compunction.

Although I really enjoy viewing wildlife, I sure don’t want to see bears or puma too closely on this trip.

It’s too late tonight for more, you’ll have to wait for the trip report.

Jennie had a birthday! Sounds like you had a great time. Here’s wishing you many more.

Here are a few photos from my sailing trip in the extended entry.

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Opus is back! Berkeley Breathed’s web site.

While I really don’t expect the strip to get back to it mid 80′s sharp wit, Bloom County is one of my all time favorite cartoon strips.

I am back from sailing. Expect pictures later.

I finally got “Bringing Down the House”, by Ben Mezrich from my local library. It’s fascinating. I like stories starring smart people doing odd things. Matthew checked out Yertle the Turtle, by Dr. Suess.
I can hardly believe his attention span when it comes to a new book. At home we are working through Black Beauty, one chapter per night, at bed time. He is fascinated.

Hopefully, I’ll avoid library fines and get these back in time for a change. I managed it last time, thanks to the handy “get an extension” library web interface.

I am going sailing this weekend in the Apostle Islands in my homeland. I can’t wait. I’ll be on the Water Music. I’ll be doing about half the cooking on our boat. It should be a good time. I haven’t been since 2000 I believe.

Rational ideas on s/w licensing. I can’t belive s/w is still sold with contractual license terms that are only seen post sale and completely in the favor of the seller. If only the masses understood how the system worked there would be total revolt.