Tuesday, September 14th - - For a few miles the road through Mt. Rainier National Park follows the Paradise River. A short distance before reaching the Paradise visitors center complex, there is a little sign alongside the road announcing Narada Falls.
It is here, at Narada Falls, that the sparkling clear waters of Paradise River plunge over the edge of a cliff and drop dramatically 168 feet. The Paradise River runs clear, not milky, because it originates from snowfields, not debris-laden glaciers.
The trail to Narada Falls is only two-tenths of a mile long, but it is a 200 foot descent/ascent! It can be (and was) wet and slippery.
For some early visitors, the power of the waterfall suggested spiritual connections. They named it Narada after a powerful sage of Hindu mythology who acted as a messenger between human and divine realms. [National Park Service Sign]
It wasn't the biggest, or tallest, or widest waterfall I've ever seen. But it was one of the most beautiful and graceful.
There is a hint of a rainbow across the center of the falls. The “drapery” of water opens and closes as it falls. It was enchanting. Constantly changing as you watch, it is dependent upon the flow of water from above as well as the cliff face itself and the plants thriving there.
When discussing athletic cycling clothing, or even dressing for the bike in the context of utility cycling, I will occasionally mention being sensitive to certain fabrics. Because of this I get lots of questions from readers who are in the same predicament. There are those who find themselves unable to wear cycling apparel typically available in bike shops. There are also those who find that the fabric in their ordinary, everyday clothing - which was fine for driving and walking in - begins to cause problems once they start getting around by bike. Having had both experiences, here is my perspective after some years of cycling.
Firstly we all mean something different by "sensitive." Here is what I mean by it: When I wear certain items of clothing, my skin gets easily and dramatically irritated - to the point of rashes, abrasions or even lesions forming in the course of a single bike ride - in areas where the fabric contacts my skin. This does not appear to be a chafing issue, but more like a chemical burn or allergy type of reaction.
After nearly 5 years, I still cannot pinpoint precisely what causes it in my case. In the beginning, I believed it was "artificial fabrics" on the whole, so I tried to avoid them and wore only natural fabrics (wool, silk, etc.). But over time I learned that it is not a clearcut artificial vs natural fabrics issue. For example, I now know that I can usually wear lycra and spandex directly against my skin without any problems. My earlier assumption that I could not wear lycra was based on the fact that much of the cycling clothing casually referred to as "lycra" is in fact either partly or entirely polyester. It was the polyester I was sensitive to. This theory held true for a while, as I'd try different articles of polyester clothing and inevitably develop rashes. Even those wool/poly blends I usually cannot wear directly against my skin. Then again, one time I wore a jersey that was 100% polyester to which I had no sensitivity, even after a 60 mile ridein the summer heat and humidity.
Point being, these things can be tricky to figure out, so don't jump to conclusions. If you are sensitive to an article of clothing, it could be the fabric, but it could also be the dye, or some surface treatment used on the fibers, or some other factor entirely, or a combination of everything - including how these things interact with your unique body chemistry, and in particular, sweat (the latter would also explain why you might be entirely fine with certain fabrics when sitting around at the office or walking to and from the car, but not once you start pedaling and working up a bit of a sweat).
So, what do you do if you have skin sensitivity to cycling clothing? My first suggestion would be to eliminate chafing as the culprit. If your clothing is either too loose or too tight, this could cause abrasions from chafing that might be mistaken for skin sensitivity - I have seen it lots of times with local cyclists.
Once you are certain chafing is not the issue, pay attention to the clothing labels and see whether an obvious pattern emerges. Experimenting with fabrics is expensive, but many shops' return policies now are amenable to exchanges after items have been worn. And to determine whether it is the dye or surface treatment you are sensitive to, try washing the garment before wearing it again and see what happens. I recently tried some cycling-specific trousers that gave me a rash when I first wore them, but no longer caused that reaction after I put them through the wash a couple of times based on a friend's suggestion.And finally, for what it's worth, I think avoiding artificial fabrics remains a valid tactic.
Some of us can wear anything on the bike and don't see what the problem is. Others are frustrated by wasting money on clothing that irritates. Hopefully over time we figure out what works for us and what doesn't. In the meantime, there is always the second hand market - and trading clothing with friends!
I can't let this day go by without wishing my mother, the Rock of Gibraltar, a very happy birthday. I think it's meaningful that this spot has its place in Greek mythology as my mother deserves her place in storied Greek history as well. But my mother is not Greek; she has Southern roots, and she was born right here in Washington. I hope to contribute to this day by hauling her to my favorite DC Soul place for fried chicken- The Hitching Post. We might go to the Avalon for a movie afterwards-if we survive the heaping portions enough to stagger to the car. My mom used to take the streetcar to the Avalon, and I'm glad it's still there. I'm also glad she is still here!
This is the third example of the results of using the "foil technique" for deciphering hard to read tombstones mentioned in a previous post. Here we're looking at the grave stone for the twin sons born to William and Catherine (Jones) Dunfee. The marker is in the Masonic Section of Greenhill Cemetery, Columbia City, Indiana.
The worn, nearly illegible grave marker for twin sons of William and Catherine Dunfee. It faces west and is in the shade most of the day.
The grave marker "wrapped" in aluminum foil and rubbed down. While still not quite totally legible, this technique brings out some of the details, including the two doves at the top of the marker. The inscription at the bottom (beneath the parents names) still is not legible and some of the numbers are hard to read.
According to his obituary, Harry Hamilton Dunfee died on August 26, 1871 reportedly four years, five months and ten days old. If that is correct, then Harry was born on March 16th 1867. His unnamed twin brother died on March 17th 1867, which means he lived for only one day.
However, an earlier transcription of the cemetery states that Harry was 4 years 5 months and 5 days old. And looking at the grave stone, the number of days does appear to be a 5 or maybe a 2. If a 5, that would put their birth date at March 21, 1867. Given that the infant twin died on March 17th 1867 I am inclined to believe the information in Harry's obituary, which was published in the Columbia City Post on Wednesday September 6, 1871.
=+==+==+=
Died, Harry Hamilton, son of William H. and Catharine Dunfee, at Columbia City, August 26th, aged four years, five months and ten days. Little Harry was a bright treasure in the family, and loved by all who knew him. His frail form giving evidence of his unfitness for earth caused father, mother, brother and sisters to lead him tenderly along the path of life, to him made so short, and upon him lavish all of the kindness which love and sympathy could command. Though so very young he seemed to feel the force and intent of his last illness and as if met by some kind angel at the river of death, said, "Mother, I want to go home." Those only who have been called upon to give back to him who gave such treasures can fully sympathize with this bereaved family. Could they but look across that mysterious river, they would find no cause for weeping from that side of the stream. We would say weep not for such, did we not know that the tear goes far toward sweetening that bitter cup.
Chris Denny pretty much hits on all the high points of the new Arcteryx Aphix Hoodie in the video above. But you need to listen closely to what Chrisis saying and pay attention to the detailing he points out in the video to get the best impression from that 1 minute Arcteryx ad.
I am the first to tell you, I LOVE this new jacket. That doesn't happen often. I see a lot of expensive clothing. Few pieces really impress me or will I ever climb/ski in very much. The Aphix has impressed me. And I will be doing both climbing and skiing in this jacket. Not a common feat for any jackets I own.But I am also the first to tell you that the Aphix isNOT an Atom LT.I don't down hill ski in an Atom LT. It is not warm enough. I do use a Patagonia Nano Pullover skiing often enough though. Not being an Atom LTis both good and bad from my perspective depending on how you plan on usingthe Aphix.
There is no doubt the Aphix was specifically designed for something. You need to figure out where you canuse it best and if it was actually designed for you. Weird as that might sound. Unlike the Atom LT which just about anyone can appreciate right from the get-go. The uneducated (more like anyonepaying retail) might well hesitate on the Aphix for a few reasons.
This is what Arcteryz says on the hang tang if you bother to read it. "Intended use: a very warm mid layer for active use on frigid days."
Other tags say, "made in Bangladesh" and "this article contians NEW MATERIAL ONLY"."DWR treated for stand alone use." Seriously. Made in aMiddle East sweat shop by some really poor folk may be, but no recycled Primealoft Eco, milk bottles or pillows here!
"Lightweight insulated hoodie that can be used as a stand alone piece or as a cold weather mid layer. Inset panels of stretch fabric under the arms stop just above the hip for extended range of motion without compromising warmth. Stitched insulation is radiant Coreloft™ that traps heat. Well suited to cold dry conditions. Dropped hem positions jacket for maximum core protection; collar and hand pockets are insulated. Proficient at warmth and weather resistance."
From Arcteryx:
Technical Features
Breathable
Insulated
Compressible and packable
Wind resistant
Design
Stretchy side panels
Patterning
Articulated patterning for unrestricted mobility
Gusseted underarms
Hood Configuration
Insulated hood
Zippers & Fly Configuration
Webbing zipper pulls
Full front zip with insulated wind flap
Metal zipper pull on main zip
Cuff & Sleeves Configuration
Stretchy cuffs (ya, not really)
Hem Configuration
Drop back hem
Adjustable hem drawcord
Pocket Configuration
Internal chest pocket
Two hand pockets with zippers
But the REAL question is, "What specifically was the Aphix designed for?"
Arcteryx sez:
Style:
Mid-Layer-Sweaters Cold Weather
Funny how Arcteryx has finally adopted the term "sweater".
But I do see how the Aphix would be a good ski sweater.
Slim fit with alonger body and arms. All seem to be perfect for under a shell.
Atom LT Hoody compared to a Aphix Hoody?
Atom LT, Men's Large 416g / 14.5oz
Aphix, Men's Large 540g / 18.5oz
In a nutshell Dane sez:
* Aphix is longer (body and arms) than Atom
* Aphix is a slightly trimmer fit than Atom
* Aphix is more breathable than the Atom
* Aphix is NOT as stretchy as the Atom
* Aphix is 80g Coreloft, the Atom LT is 60g Coreloft
More from Arcteryx:
"At the heart of the Arc'teryx Men's Aphix Insulated Hoodie lies Coreloft insulation. This jacket compresses down easily so as not to waste valuable pack space, and side stretch panels give you ultimate mobility so you can reach for holds or reach out to plant a pole in deep powder."
Coreloft synthetic insulation is lightweight, and the insulation compresses and regains its loft quickly so you won't have to worry about cold spots after tightly packing this jacket
DWR coating shrugs off light moisture and precipitation so you can depend on this hoodie as a stand-alone jacket or a cold-weather mid-layer
Stretch side panels allow full range of motion at your core and underarms so you can reach or stretch without feeling held back
Cuffs stretch over light gloves in order to seal out the elements (good luck with that as there is no stretch in the cuffs)
Insulated hand pockets (the collar is not lined)
Aphix shell is: 40D nylon, lightweight, wind resistant mini ripstop taffeta
Atom Lt shell is: Luminara™—Stretch nylon ripstop fabric with wind and water resistant, air permeable PU coating and DWR finish.
Atom shell stretches. The Aphix shell does not. It is a big deal in these weight jackets. And the Luminara is likely one reason the Atom Series is so durable. I am not expecting much of a "mini ripstop taffeta". There is a spin on the language, "mini ripstop taffeta " :-) Who exactly in the Arcteryx marketing department came up with that copy after a longlunch? Either way don't expect the taffeta on the Aphix to shrug off the abrasion like the Atom Series of garments do. The Aphix you'll rip holes in undersimilar circumstances when you snag things on the shell. But the taffeta of the Aphix will make it easier to layer over. The slick taffetashell is a definite bonus if you are going to use it that way.
Aphix is 80g Coreloft, the Atom LT is 60g Coreloft
Vents on the Atom LT are made from Polartec® Power Stretch®
Vents on the Aphix are made from Helius™ a lightweight, breathable, stretchy, plain knit textile
Most importantly I think is Helius seems to breath better than Polartec Power stretch. But not becausethe Helius is a more breathable material it is not. Simply because the Helius is a lot thinner.
Likely 1/2 the thickness of the Polartec material used.
All the photos above and beloware of the Aphix Hoodie
The Aphix has 216 square inches of the vent material, from your wrist all the way down your side to just short of belly button level. 36"x 6". The Atom LT uses 156 square inches of vent material, arm pit down to waist level. 24"x 6.5"
The model's pants are the bright blue here.
Imagine the width of the stretch material under the arm on the Aphix from this picture.
There is a BIG difference in the amount of surface area coveredwith a breathable fabric on these two jackets. Fully 1/3 of the length of each arm is a breathable soft knit, Helius™, on the Aphix. The Atom Lt is full insulated 60g Coreloft in the arms.
Same side vents (dark blue material) on the jacket version of the Aphix
What ever the Aphix gained inwarmth with 20g more of Coreloft on the Atom LT it also gained even more in ability to vent/breath by the extra square inches in venting material. I noticed the lack of insulation in the arms during my first use of the Aphix on a mid 30F degreeday. It is easily noticeable just how much better the Aphix breathes than an Atom. If for no other reason that there is a lot more surface area not as well insulated on the Aphix. Great from technical climbing or a skin track...not so good for skiing down hill imo. Unless of course you added a shell.
For warmth? Until you cut the wind with a shell...it is going to be a toss up imo between an Atom LT and a Aphix. Add a shell and no question the Aphix will be warmer.
The Aphix's side panelstretch insulation islikely more wind resistant than the Atom's Power Stretch.But the Aphix material is also likely half the actual thickness of the Power Stretch. In the real world I find the Aphix material breathes better. And you'll feel the out side temperature/wind through it easier. There is more breathable material in the surface area of the Aphix to "breath better". Your arms aren't likely to ever over heat in the Aphix.The "hard finish" of the Helius material also seems to shed snow and rain better than the Power Stretch. But that observation is really a push. That difference is slight.
By comparison the hoods are the same in size andwith no adjustments. They work well enough with helmets. But it could easily be done better. They do make a wonderfully warm and puffy collar though when fully zipped up and the hood down.
Arcteryx makes the hoods all the other makersare judged by. I have to wonder how they can make such terribly fitting stand alone collars on their other jackets? Seriously, what is up with that?
The jacket's bottom hem draw strings are the same. Two, one on either side. Same nicely done wind baffles behind the main zipper on both jackets. The front zipper isn't. The Aphix zipper locks in place any where along the zipper line. The Atom's intentionally does not lock.
Pockets arepretty much the same. Two on the outside that are zippered, with one sided, back of thehand, hand warmer liners. And one internal chest pocket that is zippered. The Aphix has sewn zipper pulls.
Really long sleeves, no stretchy cuff on theAphix. Be sure to catch that typo in the Arcteryx ad if you are buying sight unseen because you'll be disappointed if you did not.Atom Lt has a normal length sleeve and nice stretch cuffs with a snug fit at the cuffon most anything. I like the Aphix cuffs but Arcteryx missed the detailing there imo. If I am wearing glovesthe cuffs just bunch up against the glove, may be not the best seal on a jacket/glove combo, unless you have a shell and Velcro cuffs over the top of both. My answer without a glove is tosimply roll them up. Yes, I roll them up, seems to work OK as hard as that might be to believe. Not the best solution on a expensive, nicely tailoredjacket.If theyhad beenstretchy even that long they would be golden, but they are not stretchy. Not a deal breaker but annoying enough everyone seems to have already noticed. The jacket is good enough though that some are simply having the jacket custom tailored with a new cuff. Costly at best, ugly at worse! No matter your ape index you won't pull these cuffs off your wrists once spread out to full extension.
The jacket 's hem is really long front and back. Below the tail bone in the back. Long enough in the front that I worry about ripping the zipper out skiing. Thankfully the elastic on the hem allows you to move the hem up a bit. But a snap and reinforcement there would have eliminated that worry. I have no doubt the Aphixwas intentionally designed that way. Seems I amobviously missing exactly what this jacket was specifically designed for. Under a shell most likely. And I do really like this jacket. But it will seldom go under a shell when I amusing it. It fits my needs well as a stand alone climbing piece in my "action suit". The over all fit in the body is almost perfect for me. That might have you ignoring thefew unmistakable nitson the design.
It works as a stand alone garment so well in the right conditions climbing. May be even better than the Atom LT. But, thankfully, it is not an full blown Atom SV either. So may be some ofthe Aphix design details are simply lost on me. And likely almost everyone else. Which begs the obvious question?
The long hem does make it really easy to tuck into a harness and keep it there though. I like that. The slim fit on the Aphix is perfect for me. Slimmer than the Atom LTs' cut for sure. The fit is what makes the other small issues, "small" for me. I really like the, hybrid "heavy sweaters" available in combos of 60/80/100g/m synthetic insulation weights with the morebreathable fabricssewn in where appropriate.
Aphix is one of the best yet even all the while being just a tiny bit funky. But then the Atom LT wasn't designed to use as the top of your cold weather "action suit" either. The Aphix might even do the job better. My bet is it will.
If you like what you have read and want to know morecheck out the detailed pictures and reviews on line here and else where:
My guess is Arcteryx will clean this jacket up a bit at some point. They willshorten the body some, fix the cuffs and shorten the sleeves. Not everything I'd want in a jacket that I climb or skiin. I'd like a slightly shorter body, a sturdy snap closure to beef upthe zipper. Atom LT cuffs added to the long sleeves and some lining at the collar for my chin. A slightly bigger hood with some adjustment would be on my wish list. How about moving those pockets up 5 inches or so to clear a harness completely or ditch them all together for Napoleon pockets instead since I am asking?
So before they mess this jacket up...my suggestion is if you like climbing in an Atom LT...check the Aphix out before Arcteryxchanges it drastically or simply ditches it completely.
Light on Cal Poly, originally uploaded by ParsecTraveller.
Storms pounded California all last week, and the wild weather made for wild photography conditions. In a break between storms, the Sun kept poking through the clouds over San Luis Obispo. I got this photo after 80-mph winds blew over my camera and nearly smashed the lens...thank goodness for lens caps!
I wanted to share that this Spring I have two pieces of writing coming out in print publications. An article on my impressions of a classic randonneuring bike will appear in the Spring issue of Bicycle Quarterly. And a reworked version of a post from last December, "Emotional Landscapes," has been included in Taking the Lane, Volume 6: Lines on the Map. If you are interested in reading these pieces and the excellent works alongside which they appear, both issues are now available to order.
Since the start of this blog I've been reluctant to commit my bicycle-related writing to print. I did not feel the writing here was good enough, and I also didn't think the style really flowed outside of the blog format. But working on the Bicycle Quarterly article and interacting with Jan Heine made me aware that I've accumulated material - stories, thoughts, ideas - that do not fit the blog format and would work better in print.
Posts like Emotional Landscapes and this earlier one about Vienna are examples of writing that really should have been longer and more nuanced, adapted for the blog only because I had no other outlet for it. Publishing a slightly altered version of the former in Taking the Lane allowed me to test the waters as to whether I felt comfortable turning non-committal blog snippets into real pieces of writing.
TheSpring issue of Bicycle Quarterly and Taking the Lane, Volume 6 are now available, and those who order should receive theirs some time in April. I derive no financial benefit from the sales of either, but invite you to support these small, independent publications.
Led by Barrie E. With Terry, Barry, Maureen, Norma, Kate and Sue. 5 and a half miles. Very warm, but no sun until we'd almost finished the walk. Dry underfoot.
Pleasant walk with no hard climbing. We parked at the lower car park, near the pub etc. We walked up to the Top Lock crossed the Canal bridge and made our way across the fields towards Lubenham.
Through the playground in Lubenham. I was interested to see what the garmin did with the stint on the swings and a couple of shots at the net/basket-ball goal. Anyway after a short snack break we pressed on. Across a couple of wheat fields with clear wide paths, we passed Gartree Prison way over on the left. We finally rejoined the canal where a footbridge crosses. We turned left and followed the tow path, past the swing bridge for the road, and finally back to Foxton Locks. Lunch at the pub.
Among the gems found last week while going through this box was a birthday card that was made by my niece Carrie when she was 9 or 10 years old (about 25 years ago).
Notice that she wouldn't give me all of her gold, just 3/4 of it. LOL.
No, it's not my birthday. So why am I posting this now and what does it have to do with Georgia, you ask?
Well, it just so happens that Carrie has lived in Georgia for nearly 21 years now. And in a few hours I'll be heading south along with my mother, Carrie's sister Tami, and Tami's son Zach for a few days. It's been a little more than five years since we last saw Carrie and her three daughters. The youngest was 2 ½ years old at the time and wouldn't have anything to do with me. The only time I got a decent picture of her smiling was when she was sitting on Mom's lap! Well, it should be a fun and interesting trip, if we survive the traffic, and each other ;-)
The classic Georgia On My Mind as performed by Willie Nelson and Ray Charles. The song was written in 1930 (or 1931) by Native Hoosiers Hoagy Carmichael (music) and Stuart Gorrell (lyrics).
I took some photos of the village of Jemez Springs the other day. I keep meaning to stop and take a group of photos of this quaint little town. It is something I'll have to come by my self to do as hubby doesn't seem interested. The one photo here is of the steeple of the Catholic church that is in use there now. Jemez Springs Momument is located in the town and the ruins of the old mission chuch from about 300 years ago are still there. I need to visit there again and take some photos of it, too. I have photos from when I used a 35 mm camera but no digital photos. The other photo in this posting is of the main business section of town. The saloon is on one side, a gift shop on the other side from it. The Bath House which is a true hot springs is also to the left side but hid from view. The police station is just down the street in the photo.
I've been lucky enough to ski a dozen new skis in the last couple of weeks. All of them hand picked for possible inclusion in my personal "ultimate" quiver. No skito date more of a surprise or more impressive as a true "all mountain ski", than... the new Dynafit Hauscaran. This is truly one amazing ski. Helped to have 2+' (yes 2+ feet) of new, untracked hero snow today to play on. It is the Cascades after all so anything you can actually ski here that is 2' deep IS,almost unbelievable, hero snow. And it was snowing hard enough to fill it in all day long.Did I mention it was almost untracked from 9AM to 4PM because it kept snowing so hard? Just one of THOSE days :) Butliterally, from water ice, to cut up crud and a hard rain crust to some amazing POW;the Hauscaranwill rip fast GS turns or dance in the deep and steep stuff amid tight trees. Effortless in either situation, even for me! An amazing ski. And now I know why so many decide towear a helmet.
Even more impressive to meknowing that I was doing all thiswhileskiinga pair of light weight TLT 5 Performance boots and the new TLT Speed Superlite RACE Binding (185g). The same boot the original designer said it was "stupid to ski them off the lifts". They are that light. But they do ski well ;) Turns out, for no special reason, it was a Dynafit day. I hadn't planned it that way. This set up was to be my "lwt fat" ski for longer mid winter touring days. The Hauscaranis all that and a bag of chips! But I am rethinking what might be its other uses now and what it would do with a "real" ski boot bolted on. Something like the Mercury or Vulcan. may be even the One. I know my Zero4 Carbons are way, way too much boot for this ski, in a 177. No need for that much power!
These are short @177cm. Taking advantage of the size/weight ofthe binding these(ski & binding) weigh in at 8# 10oz. First time I have ever thought about buying a 2nd pair of the same ski...the next one in a 196cm. Two sizes, two different boots to drive them and two totally different usesfor the ski.
The 178cm is 134-112-123 and 1780g weights in at . The 196cm is 136-115-125 and weights in at 1940g. And yes, it was snowing :)
In the next few weeks hopefully I'll get the time to write up all the skis I've been ridingrecently.And my ideas behind the "ultimate quiver". Along with some old and new boots and some of the accessories I've found really useful this winter for skiing in bounds and out.
But as I mentioned this ski was a total surprise. I wasn't expecting much from such a big skis. And what the Hauscaran delivered was pretty impressive in my limited experience. Enough so thatI wanted to do an early heads up on it tonight. 'Cuz it is snowing like crazy at the house right now and likely a huge dump upon the hill for tomorrow!
Burrough Hill-Little Dalby-Somerby-Burrough-on-the-hill-Burrough Hill
Led by me, with Barry, Gordon, Maureen and Eddie. Sunny, but chilly wind. Muddy underfoot in places. Quite hilly, with 641 feet of ascent in all. Good views, but not crystal clear. Around 7 miles.
We can see for miles and miles . . .
We set off from Burrough Hill Car Park, between Somerby and Burrough on the Hill. It costs £2.50 to park, but there are decent toilets, and a picnic area too.
I decided this walk was going to be a "save the best till last" walk, and after a couple of hundred yards along the farm road we took the first path signed to the right, down across some rather muddy fields, passing a farmhouse on our right. We continued to follow the marked path. It can get a bit confusing around here as there are lots of yellow posts!
With the help of the map we avoided the temptation of the Dalby Hills walk thorugh the woods, and struck out downhill across a field towards Burrough Road, a very quiet narrow lane. We joined it just after a farmhouse, turning right towards Little Dalby.
Soon after this splendid wall and path, and a sign to Treedale, the road bends to the right, and there is a sign marked "Jubilee Way" . This is our route, across a field, and then joining a muddy track uphill.
It passes the other end of the Dalby Hills Path woods, and climbs steeply, eventually reaching a 56-step staircase (Thanks, Eddie) which emerges through more trees to a ridge. At this point rather than follow the direction of the path over muddy fields we wend our way successfully along the edges, picking up our markers and following them through a swampy section, over a bridge and then up to a narrow path between houses into the village of Somerby.
Time for our break on a convenient bench near the Stilton Cheese pub. We decide to keep the walk fairly short, since it's been fairly muddy and hilly. So, through Somerby we go, and pick up the path just after the junction with Field Road. The path goes left and crosses a field before reaching a disused gravel pit area. The path skirts this and is then well marked most of the way to Burrough on the Hill.
The path we want is in the far right corner of the churchyard, and we soon catch sight of Burrough Hill itself, looking quite something from this angle. The path is clear - there are a couple of possible routes here and we take the right hand one.
A steep pull to the top of this Iron Age hill-fort, and we can enjoy the huge view from the toposcope. Then it's a wander over to the trig point further over, and we're ready to head back to the car park.
Leicester University has been excavating sections of this hill, and studying their finds. More info here.
A grand day out.
For more pics and details of the last time I did this walk (almost the same route, though not quite - see here.
No problem, I met some amazing people anyway. (see previous posts)
I line up another trip 3 months later. I read on Facebookthat he's leaving. Crap, I already bought a ticket.
Turns out we crossed over for a coupla days.
So here's Duncan Brown on his last attempt on his long term project on his last climbing day at his favourite crag in his, now ex, home town of Yangshuo.
No Guarantee 513.c
I finally catch him at his going away thrash at Yangshuo's ex-pat climber bar "The Rusty Bolt".
There's a bunch of climbers I've met on previous trips, I know enough people to not feel uncomfortable.
I recognise him, I give him a big hug, he looks accepting, but bewildered. I introduce myself.
He talks intensely. The party goes off. I sneak out.
iPhone selfie
We meet next morning at the grubby bus station headed for Lei Pi Shan, super crag.
He comes across confident. And he is keen to talk climbing. Big picture.
There's no idle chit chat. Duncan wants to know my opinion on where Australian climbing is at.
I pull together a few patchy ideas and speculate about the new breed of young gym-trained climbers rattling the hierarchy.
He delivers a professorial lecture on training, crag development, international climbing.
We are there for one thing. A last ditch effort to send "No Guarantee", and I, to make sure everyone sees it.
I feel it's my duty to make sure Australia knows who's coming home.
"No Guarantee" climbs a full 40 metres straight through that black blob all the way to the trees.
Reference the blob, we'll get back to that later.
Duncan wears: Kailas clothing.
Climb "Paper Cut" 28, pull a harder crux, and keep on pulling for another 20 metres.
The "rest" near the top of Paper Cut.
Then launch into the hard stuff.
The day I turned up in Yangshuo was the first fine day after a long wet spell.
As usual the first thing I do is check the Li River.
I'm suddenly shocked. There's so much water. I instantly think of disastrous Chinese floods. They can do some damage. The sun came out and the rock started to dry out.
iPhone shot from December.
Duncan jams in a kneebar at the base of the black tufa blob.
Time to get some perspective here. There's the black blob way down there. There's a climber in blue on Single Life, I think, level with the blob.
Now that's what I went to China to see!
Extensive crag development all around China has brought Duncan's small town Yangshuo Mandarin accent into scrutiny. He reckons the Chinese big city folk take him for a retard.
Something I had never even remotely considered.
So he bungs on a posh big city accent whenever in Beijing. More "ARrrrrr's" apparently.
Lei Pi Shan, just another Chinese roadside attraction.
Walking away from Lei Pi Shan for the last time. The last time for this era, at least.
Without the tick he so badly wanted.
It's a tough crag.
I was there also, three months ago, the day Logan Barber walked away from Lei Pi Shan. Returning to Australia without the send of "Storm Born" he had tried so hard for.
Logan Barber >
I feel kind of privileged to be there that day. A special day in Yangshuo. Bringing to an end an era for such a prominent Australianclimber.
I've searched this photo for any trace of disappointment on Duncan's face. It's not there.
Why? Because he knows he didn't waste any effort. There was nothing he didn't do.
He says he's ready to return to Oz. I sense that's true.
He's got a plan. He knows where he's going. And why.
Too late for buses. On foot to Goatian.
Four years is a long time to spend in a kooky little town like Yangshuo. It's got to change a person.
Maintaining focus and perspective must become a challenge. Some people do it well.
Duncan will be putting his effort behind his fitness and nutrition programs in Australia.
It is here, at Narada Falls, that the sparkling clear waters of Paradise River plunge over the edge of a cliff and drop dramatically 168 feet. The Paradise River runs clear, not milky, because it originates from snowfields, not debris-laden glaciers.
For some early visitors, the power of the waterfall suggested spiritual connections. They named it Narada after a powerful sage of Hindu mythology who acted as a messenger between human and divine realms. [National Park Service Sign]
It wasn't the biggest, or tallest, or widest waterfall I've ever seen. But it was one of the most beautiful and graceful.
There is a hint of a rainbow across the center of the falls.
The “drapery” of water opens and closes as it falls. It was enchanting.
Constantly changing as you watch, it is dependent upon the flow of water from above as well as the cliff face itself and the plants thriving there.
The worn, nearly illegible grave marker for twin sons of William and Catherine Dunfee. It faces west and is in the shade most of the day. 
The grave marker "wrapped" in aluminum foil and rubbed down. While still not quite totally legible, this technique brings out some of the details, including the two doves at the top of the marker. The inscription at the bottom (beneath the parents names) still is not legible and some of the numbers are hard to read.
No, it's not my birthday. So why am I posting this now and what does it have to do with Georgia, you ask?
I took some photos of the village of Jemez Springs the other day. I keep meaning to stop and take a group of photos of this quaint little town. It is something I'll have to come by my self to do as hubby doesn't seem interested. The one photo here is of the steeple of the Catholic church that is in use there now. Jemez Springs Momument is located in the town and the ruins of the old mission chuch from about 300 years ago are still there. I need to visit there again and take some photos of it, too. I have photos from when I used a 35 mm camera but no digital photos. The other photo in this posting is of the main business section of town. The saloon is on one side, a gift shop on the other side from it. The Bath House which is a true hot springs is also to the left side but hid from view. The police station is just down the street in the photo.
