Sierra Backpack over Franklin/Shotgun/Farewell Gap

August 6-9 six intrepid backpacks under the leadership of Jim Warner headed out of Mineral King and over Franklin Pass (11,000'+); then down the slippery slope toward no-name lake and up and over Shotgun Pass (11,000'+) the next day. Trails in the Golden Trout Wilderness left something to be desired so we happily returned to Sequoia National Park at the top of Farewell Gap. However, we did experience a bit of WEATHER the night before....first rain, then hailstones the size of garbanzo beans for about 30 minutes. Fortunately we had just finished setting up camp so huddled inside tents and sleeping bags until the storm was over. The next day out dawned bright and sunny. More than 100 wildflowers were noted during the trip. Alpine flowers were at their peak. Thanks for Jim and Sequoia Natural History Association for making the trip possible.

English Countryside Walk Brings Surprises

Travels in England took us to many friends and family members. We enjoyed visits with some folks we had not seen for 15 years including a lovely lady who arranged the flowers at our wedding in Rhodesia 44 years ago!

We enjoyed the company of Peter's South African niece, Tina , for a week in Cornwall. Tina and I enjoyed seeing the Eden Project where an old clay pit has been transformed into an amazing botanical garden which features a steamy rainforest biome, Mediterranean biome and outdoor features such as a decorative edible garden. We also trekked over sections of the Cornwall Coast Walk for delightful views of rocky coast, sandy beaches and a riot of wildflowers.

Back in London, a friend guided me through a walk in the Chiltern Hills, northwest of London. I was amazed during the hike to be walking through the Chequers estate--the Prime Minister's country residence. I couldn't imagine the secret service allowing hikers to wander past Camp David!

For more photos go to http://picasaweb.google.com/norma.wightman/UK2010

Swiss Rail Top Way to Travel

A Swiss Rail Pass allowed Peter and Norma to fully focus on the fantastic scenery in this mountainous country. We revisted Lauterbrunnen after a 38 year absence--the waterfalls are as fantastic as ever. A funicular and gondola took us up the Shilthorn, but not on the clearest of days. A highlight of our rail travels was taking the Bernina Express from Chur, Switzerland to Ticano, Italy and then by bus to Lugano. No tunnels on this track, just breath-taking stone viaducts over rushing mountain streams 300-400' below the tracks! The bus trip was also hairy as our driver skillfully maneuvered through narrow streets with the bus side mirrors inches away from buildings. Yes, this is the most expensive country in Europe, but the scenery is hard to beat!

Look at more photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/norma.wightman/Switzerland2010

Keeping Fit Abroad

The Wightmans spent six weeks in Ireland, England and Switzerland recently. Norma continued her mountain hiking in Ireland with son, Glen and daughter-in-law, Elaine. We hiked one of the 12 Bens in Connemara National Park, County Galway, and also Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy mountain in County Mayo. Neither is very high, but Croagh Patrick had the stoniest trail ever and some pilgrims do it barefoot! My sturdy walking shoes and hiking staff were very welcome, thank you!

See more photos http://picasaweb.google.com/norma.wightman/Ireland2010

Grand Canyon Trek in April Cool Weather

With four hiking buddies I spent seven days hiking in the Grand Canyon from the Grandview Trail down to the Tonto Rim Trail; on to Phantom Ranch and back up Bright Angel Trail. The original plans were to hike up toward the North Rim, but heavy seasonal rain led to swollen creeks that were dangerous to cross. So we amended our plans and did a long day hike from Phantom Ranch up to Ribbon Falls through the impressive Bright Angel canyon that eventually emerges into high desert. Wildflowers displays were amazing with fields of Sego Lilies, Brittlebush, and various blooming cacti. The grandeur and scale of this canyon is like none other.

Snow Time in the Sierras

Solitude

Snow flakes sieve down from leaden sky,fall on his parka sleeve, each flake unique.He stops. Watches the flakes land, then melt instantly—ice art turned to water.

He listens to his heart pump, blood rushing to his ears, then he resumes skiing. His poles dig deep into the soft snow leaving blue tunnels behind.

He spots a squirrel scurrying to a cache of pine nuts; sees a few animal tracks, but no other living creature.

He passes fir trees wearing shrouds of snow

on their boughs, each branch bowed down, grieving.

He stops to listen again— a slight rustle of flakes falling on his jacket

and the pumping heart, every molecule in his

body at peace with heart’s rhythm.

Ice-blue solitude soothes; erases his work-a-day world.

Flakes drift down as he resumes his journey out of self.

2/2010

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