Hiking Around Reno/Tahoe #2

#2 Whitescreek Trailhead to Dry Pond

On our last hike to Church's Pond area we met a gal who suggested another jaunt up the adjacent mountain called Whites Creek loop with an optional cut-off to Dry Pond.  It wasn't supposed to be as strenuous or long.  I'm game.  So, again we packed a lunch, lots of water and set off on another hike.

We had hiked (more like a walk in the forest) this trail before which meanders next to the creek for about the first mile.  The upper portion, after approximately 1.1 miles, continues to the top and connects to Jones creek and Church's pond cut-off.  No thanks, I'll pass!  We decided to try the way to Dry Pond which was around 5 miles round trip.  How bad could it be?

Once you get to the bridge that crosses the creek,  you begin the ascent and encounter a few switchbacks until you reach the summit where the views are breathtaking.  The trail is narrow so you need to watch out for mountain bikers.   This time of year the wildflowers dot the landscape....lupines and Indian paintbrushes....beautiful!

We reached our destination without incident, enjoyed our lunch, relaxed a bit and began our descent.  Going down can be a little treacherous with all the loose gravel covering the trail, slip and slide time!  I would repeat this trail.  For me, it was the right amount of uphill.  (I didn't feel as if I was going to croak!)  Instead of going back the same way, you could continue the "loop" which leads to the adjacent creek, Thomas creek, but then you would need to backtrack to where you parked your car. 

I think I'm getting acclimated to higher altitude and uphill climbs.  We'll see...stay tuned for the next BIG HIKE!

Pictures never do the actual beauty justice.

On the narrow trail

At Dry Pond

Views towards Washoe Valley 

Majestic views

Whitescreek faux fishing

Hiking Around Reno/Tahoe 1

As promised, I'm hiking the trails around Reno/Tahoe and living to tell you.  Sometimes, barely living, with lung busting gusto!  Our first "serious" hike of the season, I had this wonderful idea to climb most of the way up the Jones/Whites creek trail leading up to Church's Pond.  The beginning mileage had already been accomplished on a previous trip.  We were erroneously told that we had conquered the "worst" part!  I'd love to run into those folks, probably all of 20 something and compare notes.

Remember, I purchased a guidebook of the trails in the whole area.  They recommend that this loop be done counterclockwise from the beginning on the Whites creek trail.  Supposedly, it would be less strenuous.  (The trail was classified as "strenuous!)   What does this mean?  We would soon find out.

We packed a lunch, a few fig bars and plenty of bottled water and set off early.  We decided to go up Jones creek to Church's pond, have lunch and return the same way.  Piece of cake, right?  The first mile or so was easy and then there was that "worst" part.  Only problem was that it continued most of the way pretty much straight up with many switchbacks.  When you reach the ridge you have options.  You can cut off to Church's pond, continue on the loop for the return trip down or go back the way we came.  We chose the later.

I have to say I was extremely proud of what we accomplished since I am not anywhere near tip top shape.  Will I do it again?  Probably not.  There is an expansive grove of lime colored aspen trees lining the creek as we ascended.  I can only imagine how beautiful this area will be in the Fall, so maybe we'll do part of the trip again.

So, now I know the meaning of a STRENUOUS trail.  It is a relentless, mostly uphill quest with many moments of lung burning bouts interspersed with conversations we had about where we would spread each other's ashes if we failed to make it!  Yep....that's the definition.

NOTE:  Thank you to the elderly gentleman (80ish) who passed us on the way up.  You truly were an inspiration!

almost to the ridge

watch where you walk

view from the ridge looking toward Washoe Valley

no explanation necessary

The views were amazing!

Fire, Ice and Brownies!

This last Thursday started innocently enough.  I decided to make a batch of brownies.  Well, not "real brownies" with 2 cups of sugar and enough butter to alert the cholesterol police!  This recipe was featured on a Dr. Oz segment, healthy, healthy, but how would they taste?  I was up for the challenge.

The only problem was the typical Northern Nevada weather pattern indicating the presence of a huge storm. (always on the western side of the mountains, stalling in California)  The winds around mid morning were gusting at over 100 miles per hour in our neighborhood and 80 or so through the Washoe Valley which hugs hwy 395, a major thoroughfare.  With each gust, I couldn't help but have thoughts of "What if a fire started"? 

The next thing I knew I was gazing at the hills to the southeast of us and plumes of smoke were beginning to blow in the distance.  How long would it be before they reached our area and where were the flames originating?  What do I do, who do I call, and what do I begin to evacuate.  (The media was suggesting a voluntary evacuation for our area)  Holy crap!

On the next ridge!

So, being the calculating person that I am, I had years before (when we were threatened by another forest fire) organized pictures, important papers, etc. and placed them in one general area so they would be easier to grab.  When you live in our area it's not if, but, when another fire will come roaring through.

My car trunk was filled with our memories and paperwork, so I went from room to room and photographed the contents.  All I would need to do was grab my cat, computer tower and go.   I realized as soon as my hubby and son arrived to help, I was surprisingly calm.  As I looked around the house, a home that we built some 24 years ago,  I knew we could always rebuild, but I could not replace the people in my life.  Stuff is just "stuff" .  It can all be replaced.   

As the time passed, the fire grew to about 3100 acres, flames could be seen, the highway patrol came door to door, but we decided to stay until evacuation was mandatory.  I'm sure many of our friends and family thought we were nuts, but deep down I knew we'd be okay.  Fast forward to Friday. Driving into town I could see the charred patterns on the hills around us.  Pretty daunting!  When I arrived home this was my view.

Friday evening the fire was about 65% contained, however the winds were howling again.  The storm that had sent a crippling icy  rain to the Northwest, stalling in California was beginning to find its way over the mountain and wind driven drizzle pierced the air.  By nightfall a drenching rain was enveloping the area and we woke to a fresh blanket of snow!  Hooray!

Thanks to many of our friends and family who called, etc. to express their concern and offer help.  We appreciate you all!

And for those brownies......remember those?  I'll post the recipe tomorrow for those.  Quite a surprise...you'll see what I mean.

Enjoy your day, your weekend and hug those around you.  It's really all we have that's worth anything!   Lesson learned!

Ring in the New Year!!

I was reminded yesterday that there's only 347 days until Christmas!  What was my reply?  Let's sock away money for a Christmas vacation next year.  Rome, Prague, or sunny Mexico, Belize?  While this past Christmas was certainly a blessing in many ways, there's just something very appealing about celebrating in a different country, learning about new customs, etc.   Maybe it's the simplicity of it all.  Maybe, it's great to be on a beach as it's dumping snow back home!  (That sounds likely.)

I yearn for the simplicity of Christmas.  No shopping or presents.  Decorating is fun but I don't go "over the top".  The only area where I may splurge is in the meal preparation and the baking scene!  To me it's a labor of love, and I enjoy creating something sumptuous for my family.  This year was no different.  So, now, on to the New Year!

This is the time I start to list my goals, aspirations, dreams, and ideas, no matter how lofty they may sound.  I get them down on paper, for myself, alone, to view.  Last year I achieved several goals and dreams.  Some of those were education based as I completed classes on culinary sanitation (exciting stuff!), real estate law (You never know when I'll be able to use that), Introduction to Wordpress (a new website and blog in the works), drawing (a waste of time, for me.  I have no talent in this area)  and finally "write and publish a non-fiction book".   (most beneficial)

Another "ongoing" goal is to conquer the "battle of the bulge".   I'm learning what "works for me" to achieve and maintain weight loss goals.  Enough on that subject!

Travel is ALWAYS  included in my dreams and goals!  For me, it's the stimulus for many achievements to follow.  Yes, I do have a plan!  Travel is my passion.  "Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind" - Seneca.  This past year I was able to meet up with a fellow San Pedro gal in, of all places, Loreto, Mexico.  I met her for the first time after following her blog called, "Sue's Life in Balance".  We had so much in common it was creepy!  It was a joy to meet her at her lovely home in the Baja.

Loreto

Any ideas of travel during the Summer months was "put on the backburner' because of our beautiful kitchen remodel.  Pricey, but priceless after completion.  We picked up the travel pace with a brief and balmy trip to the Big Island of Hawaii!  Such beauty, and a great way to de-stress before the Holidays begin!

Our Big Island view

Of course, my biggest joy is my family.  I aspire to make each year their best, sometimes falling short, but always looking for ways to make their time on this Earth a pleasant one.  Thanks to all my friends, family and readers during 2011.  My hope is for everyone to experience the best life has to offer in the coming year of 2012.  I know it will be a great one!  Cheers and God Bless you all!

Food from my Euro Kitchen

It's the third day of the kitchen remodel and I'm developing a certain "flow".  The first full day was rugged, I have to admit.  The constant pounding and hammering of the workers attempting to loosen and remove the existing tile floor was deafening!  I thought since I would be confined to the home front that it would be a great day to catch up on my reading and writing.  NOT!

Tile removed from entry to kitchen

What I woke to last weekend.  Hubby removing upper cabinets...look out!

Cabinets falling onto bench below!

I won't show the "before" pictures until the reveal, but I will tell about the progress and the meals that are created from my Euro kitchen setup.  Our temporary kitchen is in the garage.  "You might be a redneck",  if your kitchen looks like this!  I prefer to call it camping at home or "garage gourmet"!

The real Euro/Italian kitchen

Our makeshift Euro/garage gourmet kitchen

So, the first dinner consisted of French toast made on a hotplate!  I wanted something simple to make sure I didn't burn down the garage!   Delicious!  The next morning, cereal and, of course, coffee!  No problem...   By Tuesday evening I ventured to make steamed broccoli and chicken Milanese (kind of).   We have a table in our bedroom where we dined in comfort.  This morning was oatmeal with raisins, pecans and maple syrup!  Not bad!

Meals take a little more orchestration than usual, but so far, things are running smoothly including the actual remodel.  The workers are fantastic!  I have no complaints because the finished product is going to be wonderful.

After day 2.   No turning back now!

More Garden Adventures

Who will win the war of the rabbits this year?  As I sat in the family room yesterday enjoying my first cup of coffee, I watched my backyard come alive with nature at its best (or worst?)  It seems one of the many rabbits that hop around and  forage my yard has been teaching itself to jump onto a patio chair.  I find this amusing because it's my cat chair where she lounges in the early morning sun.  Maybe the rabbit's been watching  from afar as the cat jumps on and off her perch!   After several attempts it finally succeeded, only to jump down and do it again, over and over until he was secure in his new found ability.

Moving on to the mother lode

This morning, he was back again, bright and early ready to practice.  After repeated jumps he moved onto a more challenging course.  Rabbit Olympics!   Using the chair he jumped onto the table where I have some lettuce, arugula and flowers.  Looks like he found the mother lode! 

He calls in the troops!

So, today as I plant more tomatoes, jalapenos, acorn squash, etc, I can hardly wait to see who else this cute little rabbit invites over for brunch!  It's time to buy more fencing, or perhaps a dog to scare him off!

With all the snow and cold weather this Spring, I was curious as to how the growing season is shaping up.  The following pictures were taken on the same day in 2009 and this year (June 7th).  What a huge difference.

June 7, 2011

June 7, 2009

Enjoy the day!  It may reach 80 degrees!  So much for Spring, on to Summer!

Split Pea Soup for Grownups

I really don't know what possessed me to create this kind of soup.  I guess I'm still grasping for those tried and true French recipes.  In all honesty, I do not like to eat my peas.  They are my least favorite vegetable next to lima beans!

Growing up, fresh veggies were not readily available so people usually reverted to canned products.  Yuk, canned peas.  Next came those frozen bags of peas.  Not too bad, especially if they were smothered in that white sauce, if you know what I mean.

I remember many times my parents would put that bowl of dreaded peas in front of us at the dinner table.  Of course, we couldn't leave until they were gone!  My sister and I thought we were so smart when we would sneak a mouthful of peas into our napkins, lower them below the table to our eagerly waiting German Shepherd/wolf mix, Laddie.  Laddie loved peas!  What a brainstorm!  What a great way to dispose of  eat our tasteless peas!  To our chagrin, my parents were not as dumb as we thought and after they realized what we were up to, we'd be dished up some more.  Then they threatened to save them for breakfast if not gobbled up.  That never happened; they'd forget  fix us a nice breakfast and send us on our way.  But, to this day I cringe at the sight of peas and lima beans on my plate!

However, split pea soup is another story.  Even though I didn't like it as a child, I have developed a taste for it now.  Beans are so easy to incorporate into meals, especially soups.  When it's Winter outside soup comes to the rescue.

Ingredients:

1/2 Hickory smoked ham shank, rinsed  (Find one, it's worth it.)
1/2 c onions, chopped
1 T olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, chopped
1 rib of celery, chopped
5 cups water
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1 c dried split peas
1 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp dried basil
1 potato, peeled and chopped small
pepper

Using a large pot, saute onions in the oil until soft.  Add garlic, carrots, celery, peas, water, ham shank, bay leaf, basil and thyme.  Bring to a boil, cover and reduce the heat to simmer for about 2 hours or longer.  During the second hour, add the potatoes and broth with a little pepper.  (No salt is needed due to the saltiness of the shank.)  You'll love this soup!

Splendor in the Sierras or the Trail of Torture?

I got a new pair of shoes yesterday. Trail hiking shoes. In order to condition myself for some hiking in the Costa Rican rain forest, (right) we set out from our home for a climb into the Sierras. I've been walking a bunch lately as part of my slim down plan. Walking is the best exercise I've found. What a revelation! This would be a piece of cake.

On the way the sights are always breath taking as our home sits at the base of the mountain range with streams carving their way into the Truckee Meadows. We found a level winding trail just skirting the Montreux golf course which we followed into the forest. Evidently it's a mountain biking and horse trail but an easy and steady climb you can walk for miles. That is until you decide to go treasure hunting for gems. I guess I've been watching too many Travel Channel segments about finding treasures in rocks. Thankfully I wore a multi pocketed jacket to start out because I 'm just sure I found the biggest jade rock on the trail. Needless to say, I stuffed my pockets with "treasures" and carried them out. (in much smaller pieces)

Now, I stepped on the scale this week and was down about 13 lbs (hooray!) so I could easily carry these rocks out with me. Did I mention that I was ready to call a cab after the first mile? And by the home stretch of maybe a 1/4 mile I found myself singing my ipod tunes (I don't usually sing in public.) to mask the pain I was feeling in the balls of my feet. I was breaking in my new shoes! Or were they breaking me in? Rounding the corner to my house I wanted to jump for joy but I knew that would have done me in. Was it the torture trail or a stroll in the Sierras? Actually both, but I'm always thankful that I can experience the pain and pleasures that life has a habit of revealing. Enjoy the journey no matter where it takes you and how you feel!

A Trailblazer of the Cooking Craft

Who the heck is Fanny Farmer? This is what I asked myself when I came across my old reliable cookbook. This 10th edition dating back to possibly 1959 was a freebie from a bank. The deal was, you open an account and you get this book. Evidently, my mom thought that it could benefit a newlywed like me. She was right! It was my first real cookbook and I still use it to this day. It has turned out to be the most complete and comprehensive reference piece ever.

Technology can be a wonderful tool. I googled Fanny Farmer and she was more amazing than her book. What a trailblazer. Even before the likes of Julia Child she was creating and cooking and teaching her techniques to ladies at the Boston cooking school. She suffered a paralytic stroke at the age of 16 which kept her home bound while she yearned to go to school. She took up cooking, turned her mom's home into a boarding house noted for it's good quality meals. She later (at 30 )enrolled in the Boston Cooking School where she trained until 1889, specializing in every element of cooking she could whether it be diet and nutrition or cleaning and sanitation techniques.

She later became principal and published her first edition in 1896. Her accomplishments go on and on. Pretty amazing, especially for a woman from that era! She died in 1915. Julia Child was only 3 at the time but she would take the "cooking craft" to the next level.

Thanks, Fanny. Your efforts were not wasted on me.