A Matter of Pace.

You sir, have the soul of a poet.

Mundane things: Studded tires? San Gorgonio Mountains?

Kind and true words David.

That green bowl beside the stove? Looks special.

No doubt one of Craig’s ceramic creations. The artist part of his soul.

Ha, thanks folks!

Just the San Gabriels, right behind my house. Literally about 9 miles from my front door, all by bike. No studded tires, just a snail’s pace and a willingness to push when necessary!

Yes, a celadon glazed porcelain tea bowl from a few months ago. Something ceramic always travels with me as a little nod to what I do, usually a coffee mug or tea bowl. I’ve got quite a collection of photos of ceramic pieces in the wilderness.

Very nice, as always. Cycling is definitely different. I loved touring by bike when I lived in Germany. And I’d like to do some bikepacking because I miss being on the bike, but agree that it’s a different experience, and not one as immersive as walking.

Nicely expressed.  You have an excellent style; minimal, yet resounding…both in words and images.

I mostly read Craig’s posts for the ceramics porn.

not one as immersive as walking

But an order of magnitude ahead of touring by motor vehicle, which is apparently how 95% of the visitors to our National Parks experience them.

Should we be glad they’re not on the trails?

I mostly read Craig’s posts because I used to do San Gabriels trips every weekend

I think that’s an amazing area and so close to such a huge population

Craig’s posts bring back happy memories

Hopefully it isn’t over-run with people now.  I was there 40 years ago.  There probably isn’t a huge increase in population since

Like go to the top of Lake Avenue and then go up fire roads.  Or Angeles Crest Highway to Mount Waterman…

Very nice. Thanks for sharing.

Nicely done.  You are right not bad, just different.  I think it is the concentration on balance and keeping upright that changes the focus.

Should we be glad they’re not on the trails?

If those people were on the trails, they might have more appreciation for them.

Thanks for the kind words folks.

Trails here are indeed more crowded than I’ve ever seen them. Some of the more popular areas are now closed due to COVID, exacerbating and concentrating the impact at those that remain open; the response doesn’t seem too smart in this regard. In addition, the recent fires have vast swaths of forest closed for the foreseeable future as well…While I’ve always been very good at avoiding the crowds and finding the hidden gems, it’s getting harder.

I’ll be increasingly turning to the Mojave this winter/spring. If you want solitude, go where there’s no water. ;)

While I’ve always been very good at avoiding the crowds and finding the hidden gems, it’s getting harder.

I’ll be increasingly turning to the Mojave this winter/spring. If you want solitude, go where there’s no water.

:-)

I live the single focus of biking and the endorphin release. I try to push myself when biking. The reflection comes after. Whereas, as you say, reflection naturally comes while walking/hiking.

Love the posts, as always. Thank you for sharing!

I live the single focus of biking and the endorphin release. I try to push myself when biking.

I hear you. I’ve got a mountain road behind my house that’s protected by a locked gate (no traffic). Riding to the end of pavement and back is 10 miles round trip. But it climbs 2,400′ in five miles. Gets the heart pumping and produces the euphoria I’m looking for. Such a crazy ride; an hour up…and 10 minutes down!