Full Moon Iron Mountain

Nothing like a little alone time and night hiking to refresh the soul. After my last post, I realized I simply needed to be by myself. Duh. I'm surprised I didn't come to that conclusion sooner.

This month's full moon is called the Cold Moon. Native Americans gave it this name because December is the month when the cold fastens its grip and the nights become dark and long. The weather was anything but cold though. It was a balmy 72 degrees when I started hiking. There was quite a thick cloud cover as well and I was worried the moon wouldn't be able to peak through the density.

I passed 30 people, most of them were coming down and only 7 were going up. I turned to look behind me periodically to gaze out over Poway, the pink haze of sunset brushing the tops of the twinkling city lights.

Pico adamantly pulled me up the mountain, never wanting to stop and take a break. He was a maniac.

I could see the glow of the moon behind the clouds but it was so very fuzzy. My thoughts and irritations dripped like raindrops and my mind cleared. I inhaled the sweet scent of sage and relished in the cool night air. Peace.

We were all by ourselves, almost to the top, when a helicopter started circling, sweeping the mountain with its swinging probe light. I froze, staring up at it with my mouth agape. Just like in the movies when people stand stuck to the spot, staring at whatever is going to attack them, instead of running. I figured I had nowhere to take cover and nowhere to run. Besides, why would I run? They might think I was an illegal and start shooting at me. So I just stared up at them and hoped that I looked like an obvious hiker and not whatever criminal they were looking for. The helicopter made two more passes and then was gone and I continued on my way.

We made it to the top and sat to rest for a few minutes. I gave Pico his salmon bisquits and water and I had a banana and Lara bar. He did not want to sit long or view the scenery and was fairly impatient with my lolligagging. He pulled me all the way back down, anxious to get back to the car and his warm blankie I suppose.

On the way down, there was a couple of dudes a few switchbacks below me. The guy was going into graphic detail about how he plugged up the toilet, the overflowing mess, and the general crustiness of the entire situation. Blech. Just know that your voice echoes out there and people can hear you even if you can't see anyone!

The moon did not make a full, non-fuzzy appearance until I was almost off the mountain. It took awhile to get up above that cloud bank. As is my custom, I waved and said "Goodbye till next time, Moon."

I didn't get many pictures because it got dark pretty much immediately.

'Tis The Season

"Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la la la la laaaaaaaaaaa. Or "Tis the season for excessive materialism, disappointment, stress, flu, depression, weight gain, and dumbass people? What ever happened to love, charity, compassion, and good will? How about peace, joy, and family togetherness? I am trying very hard to be present in the moment and appreciate all the little things this time of year brings. I am trying to focus and meditate on the celebration of the Savior's birth. But I am in the most Bah Humbugness of moods, surrounded by unappreciative and selfish souls. I am tired. Weary of what I call the "Vagina Holidays." We women run Thanksgiving and Christmas. We work so hard to make it nice for everyone else and recieve little in return. I'm not asking for much- maybe a Hug and a Thanks would be nice. Then there are the external douche bags, rushing around like chickens with their heads cut off, with no regard for anyone else. Sure, go ahead and run that red light and almost kill me. Of course, park 2 inches from my car so I can't get back in. I'm assuming you WILL elbow me out of the way to get ahead in line at Target. Be my guest, walk all over me, because we all know it's all about YOU. Want to talk about Christmas music? If I hear Elvis Presley's It's a Blue Christmas one more time, I will scream. Blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas without you. Whatever. I would like to skip Christmas and take a vacation instead. Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals.

Santa Ysabel East

Today Nancy and I went on a 7 mile hike with a meet-up group out at Santa Ysabel East.  It was delightful!  The temperature was a crisp 33 degrees when we got there- mighty chilly!  I geared up with all my layers short sleeve, long sleeve, fleece, down jacket, buff, stocking hat, and gloves.  I was not about to be cold. 

The terrain was rolling with one very long and steep hill.  There were cows grazing out there- essentially cow pastures that we were strolling through.  We spotted something in the distance that we thought might be coyote but turned out to be a herding dog.  A few people gave her some food so she stuck with us the entire rest of the hike and herded cows along the way.  She was a great source of entertainment.  We were worried she might be lost but she seemed to know her way around.  She chased away a coyote and bobcat! Both of which I missed.  I was too busy digging around for a protein bar for the coyote chase and too far ahead for the bobcat chase.  Bummer. 

This group went at a nice easy pace and it felt so easy compared to that 14 miler with a heavy backpack that we did a few weeks ago.  It was just very pleasant and relaxing.  The hills were shrouded in fog and the trees were beautiful and frosty.  We had a few tiny stream crossings and it was a bit muddy from the rain.   

We saw a few bikers and one family hiking with their dog.  I thought it was probably too cold for Pico.  42 degrees at the end. 

Nancy was going to make some lentils in her crockpot and I thought that sounded mighty good so I've got black bean soup cooking up in my crockpot right now.  YUM! 

Enjoy some pictures!













































That's right- it's cow poop!

Thanksgiving in Oregon

Hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving!  We went to Oregon to visit the family and it was  Little Kahuna's first trip up there.  I took lots of pictures so I'll just let the pictures do the talking.

Pictures with Great Nana:















Pictures with Great Papa:





Pictures with Kapuna:










Pictures with Lola:









Pictures with Aunt Monique and Uncle Eric:





Pictures with Aunt Katie and Uncle Aaron:







Pictures with Cousins Brooke and Kylee:





















Pictures from a small hike:






























Food!









Black Friday Shopping!





Pico and Chip:













More Cuteness:













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