Big Virginia

Adventures of Ass Reaper

For the past few years I have been spending Labor Day weekend up at my friend Nick’s house with my fellow P.I.C. (partner in crime) RyGy. We spend the weekend playing on the lake, causing havoc to our hosts and corrupting any individuals that we can find. The holiday weekend is then followed by a few days camping on the Kern River, more specifically Peppermint Creek, were there are some nice natural pools, plenty of sunshine and an entire campground to ourselves… until this year.

Enter Ass Reaper; seen here overlooking his minion, in an undated photo.

RyGy and I are still trying to figure out who invited this guy; he showed up somewhere between Lake Clementine and the campground, some +300 miles of highway, started causing trouble and is one photo ham!

We first noticed Ass Reaper when we headed down to our favorite pool where he decided to perch up on our radio.

I think he took a liking to RyGy. We laughed thinking this dude was a cool new addition to our annual trip, but that only lasted for a few hours. I think he spent that time learning our routines, dislikes and conspiring with his cohorts. Yeah that’s right… I now know that this guy has all sorts of friends (demons) in high places.

The first time Ass Reaper struck me was after taking care of some personal business, I was attached by branch that left a scratch on my forehead. I would not have thought much about it, but in less than 24 hours, RyGy too was also attacked and received a scratch on his forehead. Coincidence… I think not!

See he looks so nice and innocent here, but when RyGy and I were playing disc golf, we both had our worst games. My arm and shoulder was so sore I could not throw straight or for any distance; not that wakesurfing had to do with my soreness/weakness.

Ass Reaper was also known to call up the smoke demons who caused chaos in our camp when trying to eat and relax!

He even tried to buddy up with my truck, but luckily I had protection… thanks Masa!

As the camping trip wound down Ass Reaper continued to rear his ugly head, but we were able to survive with no major injuries or mishaps… maybe just a bit of our pride!

But the story does not end there, oh no! Ass Reaper snuck aboard my truck. I found him shortly after getting home but I was fortunate to pawn him off to my brother. Shortly there after Ass Reaper was at it again this time causing my brother to trip and fall into a sliding glass door. The outcome: my brother cut his nose and stubbing his toe.

So let this be a lesson to you all, if you find a cute bottle of hot sauce at a country store, be afraid, very afraid!

Chorro Grande

What a warm one today... but not too bad hopping on at 9am

Headed up the 33 to Chorro Grande; this takes you up from the 33 to just west of Reyes Peak. The end is actually on the Reyes Peak road, just after the last campgrounds.

+5 miles (+10 rt) and climbing over 3000 it treated my body like playdough.

I love Ventura County... so much diverse landscape. Start off in really dry meadow and they you are soon climbing up into short shrub and ravines.

This is looking back at Hwy 33 and beyond.

One of many plants that survive the the desert like microclimate. But that shortly leads into the pine forest that we have in our backyard. Awesome.

Not the best picture, but the best I took today. I can tell when I have enter pines from that musty earth smell the decomposing pine needles.

At the top time for a quick snack and then time to descend!

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where have you been?

The past few months have been a whirlwind of travel, food, sun, lots of work and some fun... post to come!

DIVORCE AGREEMENT 2009

(Very funny!)

Dear American liberals, leftists, social progressives, socialists, Marxists, Obama supporters, et al:

We have stuck together since the late 1950's, but the whole of this latest election process has made me realize that I want a divorce. I know we tolerated each other for many years for the sake of future generations, but sadly, this relationship has run its course. Our two ideological sides of America cannot and will not ever agree on what is right so let's just end it on friendly terms. We can smile and chalk it up to irreconcilable differences and go our own way.

Here is a model separation agreement:

Our two groups can equitably divide up the country by landmass each taking a portion. That will be the difficult part, but I am sure our two sides can come to a friendly agreement. After that, it should be relatively easy! Our respective representatives can effortlessly divide other assets since both sides have such distinct and disparate tastes.

We don't like redistributive taxes so you can keep them. You are welcome to the liberal judges and the ACLU, and abortion clinics. Since you hate guns and war, we'll take our firearms, the cops, the NRA and the military. You can keep Oprah, Michael Moore and Rosie O'Donnell...

We'll keep the capitalism, greedy corporations, pharmaceutical companies, Wal-Mart and Wall Street. You can have your beloved homeless, homeboys, hippies and illegal aliens. We'll keep the hot Alaskan hockey moms and rednecks. We'll keep the Bibles and give you NBC and Hollywood .

You can make nice with Iran and Palestine and we'll retain the right to invade and hammer places that threaten us. You can have the peaceniks, and war protesters. When our allies or our way of life are under assault, we'll help provide them security.

We'll keep our Judeo-Christian values. You are welcome to Islam, Scientology, Humanism and Shirley McClain. You can also have the U.N., but we will no longer be paying the bill.
We'll keep the SUVs, pickup trucks and oversized luxury cars. You can take every Subaru station wagon you can find.

You can give everyone healthcare if you can find any practicing doctors. We'll continue to believe healthcare is a luxury and not a right. We'll keep The Battle Hymn of the Republic and the National Anthem. I'm sure you'll be happy to substitute I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing, Kum Ba Ya or We Are the World.

We'll practice trickle down economics and you can give trickle up poverty your best shot. Since it often so offends you, we'll keep our history, our name and our flag.

Would you agree to this? If so, please pass it along to other like minded liberal and conservative patriots and if you do not agree, just hit delete. In the spirit of friendly parting, I'll bet you ANWAR which one of us will need whose help in 15 years.

Sincerely,

John J. Wall
Law Student and an American

P.S. Also, please take Barbara Streisand and Jane Fonda with you.

A day outside Tokyo

As with most of my business trips where I am in a city for more than a week, I try and find something to do outside of that city. And since I love to hike what better way of experiencing Japan than to get outside Tokyo and seeing some nature!

After some searching on the Internet I was able to find some information about local hikes and trails in English (http://sakeandkimono.blogspot.com/2009/05/get-drunk-bit-after-hiking.html and Day walks near Tokyo) The goal: Three Peaks of Takamizu.

The day started of on a two hour train ride heading west of central Tokyo to a small town called Mitake. Most of the ride was just travelling through the seemingly never ending neighborhoods, but with only a few miles to go you start to head into the mountains and the views are amazing.

Takamizu Route

Trail Profile

After getting my bearings at Mitake Station I head out to the trail. Almost immediately you enter the cypress forest and the climb does not stop for a while.

The first peak, which I bypassed, is Mt. Sōgaku where a shrine is also located. I decided to keep going on to the other peaks. The trail soon became less demanding, but still provided a good workout and it was not long before I was at the next peak, Mt. Iwatakeishi.

Here I decide to take a break, have a snack and enjoy the views. The weather was nice and I am sure glad that I was hiking in the beginning of June and not the middle of summer. I was joined by several other hikers who also made use of the many benches.

After a short while it was time to start moving again... there is sake to be had!

The third peak, Mt Takamizu, was not too much further or challenging, but still offered beautiful vistas.

Just after the peak is Jōfuku Temple. I am always amazed at the craftsmanship the Japanese possessed without the wood working tools we have today.

They take so much pride in everything they made. Just look at the bell tower... I should have rang that thing!

The remaining hike was down a valley and to Ikusabata station. About halfway down the trail merges with a local road where houses lined the narrow valley and a stream provide some nice pools and waterfalls.

There were several shrines along the way, but this one was my favorite; I like the sword and flames behind the main character. But the main source of entertainment was the following sign I saw between the road and the stream.


I have no idea what is written on the frog, but the sight made me LOL! I am determined to find out what it says and will post it soon.

**UPDATE** So the the drunk frog, that was posted near a stream, warns of landslides and falling objects. I guess this makes sense after all, the banks of the stream are quite steap and after some rain are probably very slick. But why a frog... that looks drunk? Is it me or would the sign be more fitting if it was to have said "Hey kids... man I had a crazy night. Why don't you hang out and swim for a while".

After a short, one stop, train ride I headed over to the Sawanoi Brewery. I found this place on the same blog that lead me to the hike... coincidence? ;-)

I ended up joining a tour that was just about to start when I arrived on site. Just one issue though... the whole tour was only in Japanese. Not that I expected any thing else, just that I was a very interesting hour. At the end they supplied a sampling of the one of there sakes.

Adjacent to the brewery was a pavilion where you could sample more of there sake, snack on food from several vendors and sit back and enjoy the views.

KAMPAI!

Yosemite Trip

Well the first trip of the year has finally come and gone. Spent last week up in Yosemite Valley, Upper Pines, Campsite 165 to be exact. Got in a few good hikes, some lounge time in the campground and a few quality moments with my brother. Yes moments... if you knew him you would know, but I love him anyway!

Well the trip really started when we were on the road at 5am Sunday morning. Nothing like beating the crowds, as some would say. Like my brother, I love getting an early start on a trip, it gives you that extra day you are always looking for. On the way up we stopped off at our 'new' spot Bravo Farms. Check it out... the food is GRUB, the people are cool and the cheese, mmmmmmmmmmmm!

So what do you do when you have 5 days in the park and it's not even 2pm on the first day? Tent is out, food is stored and the first beer has been cracked-n-crushed... well you have to grab your bike and head on over to Curry Village Pizzeria, grab a nice seat in the lobby and chill. Lobby? Yeah it was little wet outside and well we were going to see a lot of the outside during the next few days! I had a blast chill'n with my bro, getting caught up and then we had pizza; not like its the shizz, but it does the job well.

Yosemite Falls

Well the first hike of the week was to Yosemite Falls and then Yosemite Point. Talk about a butt kicker and Rick, as usual, basically ran up this trail; we finished the 7.92 miles round trip, 3850 ft ascent, in just over 5.25 hours. The day was a bit hazy, but that did not take away some beautiful scenes.

Half Dome from Yosemite Falls Trail

On the way up, there was the last remanence of the storm. One of my favorite Ansel Adams pictures is of a storm clearing out of Yosemite Valley. Still a little bummed that we could not hike Half Dome due to the cables to the top aren't up yet, but I will attack that beast later this year.

Half Dome from Yosemite Point

It is always good to get the heart pumping, clearing your head of all the normal BS and breathing some fresh air. Can wait to tackle this one again, but next time I want to head over to either the top of El Capitan or North Dome.

The next day Rick says, let take a little hike up to Vernal or Nevada Falls... OK!

Mist Trail, right below Vernal Falls

Yeah, I think my brothers memory did not serve him well on that one. That is on butt kicker of a hike to Nevada Falls. Yeah I know Half Dome is up this thing, but we did Yosemite Falls yesterday. Again Rick ran up the trail with me in tow; 7.19 miles round trip, 2276 ft ascent, in just over 3 hours.

Nevada Falls from pack trail

I think this is my favorite fall I have seen in the park. The amount of water that is flowing in right now is insane. I have always been in Yosemite in the mid-to-late summer, but never this early. Next year I want to get a winter trip in for some snowy shots.

Rick above Nevada Falls

After this hike we headed over to Ahwahnee Hotel and enjoy a nice anti pasta plate and bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Well Wednesday Rick had to head back to reality, but not me!

El Capitan from Merced River

Well I foolishly thought that I might get some fishing in on this trip... well at least I got my line wet! They had a lot of rules regarding fishing in the valley; no bait and only lures with no barbs. I did not see any fish and figured it was for the best. Spent the morning riding around the valley floor looking for some nice shots and then made it back to camp for some afternoon reading.

North Dome and Half Dome from Four Mile Trail

I decide to get one more hike in this trip, but decided against heading up past Half Dome to Clouds Rest; it is another +5 miles past Nevada Falls and I was still good and sore from the first two hikes. I road my bike over to Four Mile Trail (to Glacier Point) to see how far I could get. Just past half way, but I was ready for more!

Yosemite Falls from Four Mile Trail

Even before I place my boot on the trail I already knew I was not going to make it to the top; there was a sign stating the trails was closed before the top due to hazardous conditions. :(

Oh well, for another trip and besides my knees did take a beating. Spent the rest of the day ready, and finally finishing my book.

North Valley Wall from Glacier Point

Friday just came too quick... I was packed and out of camp by 8:15am, plenty of time to head up to Glacier Point before heading down to my aunts house.

Can't wait to go back, but the next trip will be on the Eastern Sierra and some real fishing!

Go out and enjoy what the Good Lord has given us.

Malibu Creek Hike

I am not sure what took me so long to hike at Malibu Creek SP since it was the outdoor film site for M*A*S*H. I will be back for sure!


Let's all give Arnold and the Dems at the state capitol a BIG applause for tax us on EVERYTHING! $10 to park at the site; mind you if the money went to maintaining the park I do not have an issue... but I digress.

I ended up parking outside the park and headed in.


I chose the longest path I could plan and and it had plenty of elevation gain (3968ft, highest 2640ft) and plenty of awesome views. But first up was M*A*S*H 4077th!

Double click this picture above and you can read all the details.

If you did not already know, my brother and I love M*A*S*H, and yes it is a bit pathetic that it has taken me this long to go on this hike. There is a small shed that houses a few M*A*S*H items, including the sign post. There are two rusty vehicles on site and not much else. I will spend more time exploring this area later.


One of the ambulances, VERY cool! Heading into and out of this meadow is a neat forest of trees along Malibu Creek. But now it is time to start climbing up towards Castro Peak, one of the secondary targets of this hike.


One of my favorite types of pictures to take is where man has inserted his needs and wants in nature. I like how formed metal, cement and lumber interacts with the natural environment. Take you favorite bridge and try to remove the setting it is in... can't, can you?

The power lines caught my eye early on the hike and while looking for a spot to break I was mesmerized by this tower.


One of the greatest things about hiking in and around Ventura County is the variety of the vegetation and views in such a small area. I ended up hiking over 18 miles and had vistas of the ocean, valleys and everything in between. In the picture above, the light hue on the ridge is millions of wild white poppies; if only pictures would capture the real view!

Malibu Creek State Park

Forest, meadows, desert, peaks, valleys... love all the changes! I was even fortunate enough to walk up on a few deer grazing out in the meadow. Mmmmmmmm that was making me hungry, but all I was caring about was how dry my mouth was. I ended up running out of water two-thirds of the hike, but found a faucet not long after.

Good times and a good prep hike for Yosemite... one week to go!

Gaviota Peak

New game plan in effect... prep for multiple Sierra Nevada peaks this summer!

Just realized that the Half Dome cables will not be put up until the weekend after I am up in Yosemite... not cool! So the training has not stopped, but refocused on for a long and hopefully high endurance summer in the mountains.

I took my brother, Rick, on a new hike this morning; found it on Google Earth... love it! Gaviota Peak looks over the 101/1 interchange along with the a view of a few Channel Island. No pics this trip since Rick and I both forgot our cameras!

This was a nick butt kicker. Rick is like a Jack Rabbit and pretty much runs up the trail, but I was cleaning up the rear. Summit in only 1:21 with a slight delay to the hot springs. The long haul had a 13.7% incline... I did say it was a but kicker, take a look!


Next time I will have some pics and new waypoints...

Ciao

How old are the grape trees?

We in California are frig'n blessed; with such a large geographic variety in a general vicinity, there is a lot offered here. Although Napa Valley is what most around the world would think of when they hear a wine is from California, but it is us locals that have found some of the true gems from Temecula, Santa Ynez and Paso Robles... well that and the fact I can drive to these wineries in under two hours!

I spent the past weekend with my cousins up in Ballard, a small neighborhood in the Santa Ynez Valley. I have to say Chris and Patty ROCK! They bought a nice place last summer right in the heart of the wineries and spend most weekend entertaining friends, drinking wine in cellars or basking in the sun. The food was awesome, the wines were DE-LI-CIOUS, and the conversations will always make you laugh, cry or just be glad you were there.

So did you notice anything wrong with the title? I heard those exact words while wine tasting. Chris and I did a double take at one-another too. Poor guy, he did sound like he was trying to learn a few things, but TREES? Of course that one comment lead to this posting and was the center of many laughs over the weekend.

Well I don't have any pictures to share this time around, but here are some links to all the wineries and restaurants we went too. Started off Saturday afternoon at Riverbench, a winery I had never been to; they only have Chardonnay and Pinot Noir's. Then it was off to Foxen, the site of the infamous blog title. Our final tasting for the day was at one of all of our favorites Rideau. We hung out in the back with Cate and I ended up joining the club too. LOVE the Reds... mmmmmm! That night we had reservations at Mattei's Tavern in Los Olivos and what a dining experience. I highly recommend this place and make sure to substitute your side for the Potato Gratin!

Sunday started off with breakfast burritos and some awesome Bloody Mary's made by Patty. Dang that was good. We continued our tasting at Gainey, another new spot for me. Of course Chris and Patty are members at this one so we sat in the private tasting room where our pour-er gave us some large samples. Our final tasting was at Roblar. What an beautiful place and it is more than another winery. Two years ago we did a luncheon for +40 group and it was incredible... and so is the Cabernet Franc! Lunch was at Trattoria Grappolo. Some of the best Italian food I have ever had; the pizza was da boom! After a nice siesta and walking the dog we headed out for our final meal at the Firestone Taproom. If you have never been, you have to go even if you do not like beer. The food is incredible.

Get out and savor!

Prepping for Half Dome

The goal is Half Dome in the beginning of May.

Alright step 1: More Hiking!

This spring has already be awesome and I can not wait for a long summer of new hikes.

I can't wait and thought has me wanting to hike every day, but right now I am nice and sore from two days of new adventures, Fossil Trail and Jackson Falls. Yeah, yeah I know where are those at.

Fossil Trail is part of Old Boney Trail that links Danielson Fire Road to Sycamore Canyon Trail. So I know part of the trail but it was nice to try something new. The wild flowers are absolutely insane, but I decided to only show one here and it is the Golden Poppy.

Well it is not called Fossil Trail for cave paints. (another hike too!) The are several rocks right in the middle of the trail that have absolutely pristine fossils of shells; they look like Scallop shells.

Well that was Saturday and on Sunday I did an old faithful... Punch Bowls. Gotta say it has even got worse than in high school with all the trash and graffiti. No locals 'hanging out' though while I was up. The goal was not the pools but a bit further up the Santa Paula Canyon to Jackson Falls.

This was a good hike to start the real training. Took my brother's family dog, aka 'Todd', for the trek. The Trail has really taken a beating; the slide on the fire road a few years ago is impressive.

Of course I am not going to hike all the way up passed Punch Bowls without stopping by. No I did not jump... it took a bit just to stand over to take this! And beside the trail going up is the same for the rest of the pools.

The canyon has some spectacular views; this one, is just above the last pool of Punch Bowl. The trail quickly climbs up the western side of the stream and presents you this awesome canyon wall. Jackson Falls is hidden around the next bend and the views only get better.

Get out and enjoy the "global warming"!