<![CDATA[Forums - Travel]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/ Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:18:07 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Japan]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8825 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:32:45 +0000 Drunk Monk]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8825
Needless to say, we're both excited for it. Tara is too focused on graduating and switching to Bar prep mode. For me, it's a major bucket list box to check off. I've been in Narita airport in transit but that's it for Japan. Stacy has already been and won't be joining us (one of us has to tend to Yuki and his meds). 

More to come...]]>
Needless to say, we're both excited for it. Tara is too focused on graduating and switching to Bar prep mode. For me, it's a major bucket list box to check off. I've been in Narita airport in transit but that's it for Japan. Stacy has already been and won't be joining us (one of us has to tend to Yuki and his meds). 

More to come...]]> <![CDATA[Yosemite 2026]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8749 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:43:08 +0000 Greg]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8749
In order to guarantee we don't see any snow, I put chains on the Starship to make sure the chains fit.]]>
In order to guarantee we don't see any snow, I put chains on the Starship to make sure the chains fit.]]> <![CDATA[Boston 2025]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8617 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 20:33:18 +0000 Greg]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8617
We'll actually be staying south of Boston about halfway to the Rhode Island Border. That is where the groom's family hails from. 

My two sisters and their broods will be in attendance. Since I'm currently not on the best of terms with either of them due to estate arguments, it will make for a fun weekend. After talking to non-antarctic sister yesterday, I had a tremendous urge not to go. C'est la vi. Time to buy a new Tufts T-shirt.]]>
We'll actually be staying south of Boston about halfway to the Rhode Island Border. That is where the groom's family hails from. 

My two sisters and their broods will be in attendance. Since I'm currently not on the best of terms with either of them due to estate arguments, it will make for a fun weekend. After talking to non-antarctic sister yesterday, I had a tremendous urge not to go. C'est la vi. Time to buy a new Tufts T-shirt.]]> <![CDATA[Mt Umunhum]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8562 Mon, 15 Sep 2025 01:06:56 +0000 thatguy]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8562 fascinating. I took the cycle which was good because the small parking lot was full. There were about 90 people there for the tour... I missed the first 10min, but it was very interesting and the views from there are amazing! Looking south, I could see Steamers Lane in Santa Cruz. looking North, I could see Salesforce Tower in SF.

The road was in surprising good condition. Smells like oak and bay laurel...recommended!



--tg
They do a tour every month: https://www.openspace.org/events/guided-...inel-sky-7]]> fascinating. I took the cycle which was good because the small parking lot was full. There were about 90 people there for the tour... I missed the first 10min, but it was very interesting and the views from there are amazing! Looking south, I could see Steamers Lane in Santa Cruz. looking North, I could see Salesforce Tower in SF.

The road was in surprising good condition. Smells like oak and bay laurel...recommended!



--tg
They do a tour every month: https://www.openspace.org/events/guided-...inel-sky-7]]> <![CDATA[Ojai 2025]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8511 Wed, 23 Jul 2025 03:46:35 +0000 King Bob]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8511
Since I'm hitting the big bookstore, I'm thinking I need to do some bookstore searching travel. There's one in Sonora where part of the store is in a mine shaft.]]>
Since I'm hitting the big bookstore, I'm thinking I need to do some bookstore searching travel. There's one in Sonora where part of the store is in a mine shaft.]]> <![CDATA[Yosemite 2025]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8478 Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:39:54 +0000 Greg]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8478 Yosemite June 30 2025


This would be year two of the birthday hike in Yosemite tradition. Last year, I climbed to the top of Yosemite Falls. This year I thought I would go easier on myself and just hike down from Glacier Point to the Yosemite Valley via the Panorama trail. I had done this hike once before with the Queen where we combined it with climbing up the 4 Mile trail and then hiking down the Panorama trail. We did this in late March when the trail was still deep in snow and we were almost the only people at Glacier Point. I’m still trying to figure where the Queen and I had the physical fitness to do this hike.

This time, I was just going to have the Queen drop me off while I hiked down. According to the trail guides the only bad spot should be the 800’ climb out of the Illoutte Valley up to the top of Nevada Falls. I reasoned I should be find because I do an almost 650’ climb every day when I walk the dogs. This was going to be easy.

Long time followers will note that saying “This was going to be easy” usually dooms me to some circle of hell.

One thing that had to occur was we needed to be through the gates by 6am. Currently, you need a reservation to visit the park between 6am an 2pm. I was unable to get a reservation so I needed to get in before that. I also needed to give the dogs a bit of a walk before abandoning them for the day. Doing the travel/dog walk math meant I had to get up at 3am to walk the dogs and get going on time. So I did and we did. The Queen and I where through the gate by 5 and standing atop Glacier Point at 6:15. Yes, it’s a long way from the south gate to Glacier Point.

There were very few people there when we got there. Of course there was a Wedding Photographer and a Wedding party taking pictures on the famous curve overlooking Halfdome. I would have been more surprised if there wasn’t somebody taking photos there.

One of the great joys for me is hiking through the park in silence while admiring all the views around me. I left the Queen to photograph a deer while I headed for the trail. Sadly, another couple started their hike at almost the exact same time. Even worse, they walked at almost the same pace as me. The final nail in the coffin was the fact they needed to talk. Loudly. All I could hear was them chattering away. I tried to get ahead of them, but then I would stop to take a photograph and they would be with me. I kind of wanted to be ahead of them in case there was wildlife on the trail of which there was.

I heard this tremendous bird cry. I looked all around to discover the bird’s location. Couldn’t see the bird anywhere. I looked down at the ground and about a foot from me feet was a Grouse and it’s three chicks, not afraid of me at all. Just yelling at me to be gone. While I photographed, the chatty Kathy’s caught up with me.

I let them go in front of me and slowed down. After about a hundred yards, I realized there was another group behind me talking away. How was this possible. Yes, it’s summer in Yosemite but these were the only four people plus me on this trail. My mellow was severely harshed.

One of the trickiest falls to catch sight of is Illouette Falls. It comes out of the rocks at a weird angle so you can’t see it from the bottom like you can so many other falls. The only way to see it is find this secret overlook off the Panorama Trail. This was one of my main goals is to finally see the falls with water in them. Yes, I’m a coup counter. When I got to the overlook the chatty Kathy’s were already there chattering away.They were having some debate about where the water was coming from to feed the falls. They wouldn’t stop talking and they wouldn’t get out of the way.
Finally they left. I got in position and took my snaps. Coup counted. As i turned to go away the other talkers arrived behind me, a father and son. They’d been having quite the lively discussion about sports. The father said he and his boy had been following my lead and asked me if I had done the trail before. I admitted to doing it decades ago. My ire towards them lessened a bit because they seemed friendly and this might have been their first trip to the park.

A short time later, I was down at the bridge to cross the Illouette creek. The chatters were off, down by the riverbank. Father and son joined up with their family group. I decided to put some distance between them and I. The sun wasn’t hitting the creek, yet, so the pictures wouldn’t be any good for my tastes.

One rule of hiking is if you descend to see a creek, you are going to have to ascend to get away from the creek. This was where the 800’ climb started. Surprisingly, it went really well. The switchbacks were nice and long and not to steep. I was fooled by a couple of false shoulders where I thought I had made the top only to see more hill to climb. But the talkers were gone. I was in that glorious silence in the woods. All I heard was birdcalls and forest noises. Through gaps in the trees I espied great views of Half Dome. I could see the diving board area where Ansel Adams took his famous photo of Half Dome called Monolith. I was having a great time. I was making great time. Sadly, I was high enough up to receive cell services. I received a couple of texts from an electrician working on the house and some texts from my sisters as they talked about house painting in the other house we are selling.

But for an hour or so until I reached the top of Nevada Falls, it was really good. I stopped for a little break overlooking the top of Nevada Falls. I ate my Cliff Bar and some grapes. I was surrounded by squirrels who had no fear. I watched on almost climb onto the daypack of a women across from me. She was on her cell phone talking away and didn’t even register the incursion. I eventually gave in to the demands of the squirrels stalking me and handed over some grapes. For this effort they did make me their king, at least as long as the grapes lasted.

There are two bathrooms on the trail. One at the top of Nevada Falls and one at the top of Vernal Falls. When I got to the toilet at the top of Nevada Falls, it was closed for cleaning. There was a group of very disappointed people watching the man dig out the pit toilet.

If you don’t know the Panorama Trail, the trailhead starts at Glacier point, descends to the Illouette Creek and Falls, climbs up to Nevada Falls, descends some knee snapping switch backs to Vernal Falls and more switchbacks along the Mist trail. The trail ends in the valley at a place called Happy Isles. The Mist trail is so named because the trail travels so close to Vernal Falls, spray from the falls douses the trails. When Vernal Falls is in full flow hiking along the Mist Trail is like walking through a shower. Fortunately, I brought a poncho. Although I was going to make the decision to descend the Mist Trail when I got closer. My desensitized feet aren’t big on slippery surfaces.

At the top of Nevada Falls, I finally paid attention to a warning sign for the Mist Trail. Turns out, the Mist Trail was going to be closed, starting today, the day I did the hike for the rest of the summer, while they did maintenance work on the trail. I guess I wouldn’t need my poncho after all.

All this time, I’d been carrying my camera on a harness across my chest. It’s a clever way to have your camera right in front of you without it just hanging around your neck. I love it. It works great. The only downside, you can’t really see your feet when you step down because the camera body occludes that line of sight. Since I would be staring at my feet religiously while descending next to Nevada Falls, I opted to put my camera in my rucksack. Probably the best decision I made that day. I’d be sharing my tales of a med-evac rescue, otherwise.
The hike down was poor. It was all granite steps and ramps. There were plenty of points where I couldn’t see a spot to put my feet to descend. I tried to brace myself against rocks to go down, but my left shoulder because of the recent repair, does not like that activity. The sun was right overhead and the heat coming off the white granite was unforgiving. The only thing to alleviate the pain was talking to people making there way up. They looked to be in far worse shape than I. Near the top you could kind of cheer them on by telling them they were almost done. People near the bottom, you just had to lie to about they were going to make it. The best couple were some gals from Texas. They were quite dismayed to learn when I told them you could start from the top and work your way down. They also confessed they had hoped to climb Half Dome but were unsuccessful in getting a permit. They were starting late in the day if that was their original plan.

I landed on my ass once on the way down, with a couple of near misses. I hate that feeling of starting to slip. My whole body was clenched for the entire descent.

The entire hike was supposed to be 8 1/2 miles. When I reached the bottom of Nevada Falls, I was at 7 miles. I was in the home stretch. Nothing could hurt me now. Again, foreshadowing.

In the area between the bottom of Nevada Falls and the top of Vernal Falls there used to be a small hotel run by the Snow family. This was back at the end of the 19th century, before deciding pristine was the way to go. They say if you knew where to look, you can still find old bottles from that time if you know where to look.

As the day progressed, I started to see more and more people. I was the slow going old man so I let lots of people pass me. I would also let people ascend by me on the trails because they have the right of way, something many people did not know. Or didn’t care. As I walked from Nevada Falls to Vernal, I felt some group come up behind me on the trail. I stepped to the side to let them pass. They went down the easier section of this mostly flat path while I was on this little rock. Not too high. I figured rather than go to the easier section, I would just leap off the rock and save myself a few steps.

Yeah, no. When I hit the ground, my knees informed me that the resulting force was too much for them to bear. They collapsed and went immediately to the ground. I could see it all happen in slow motion. There was collapse happening and there was nothing I could do about it. I got up quickly and hoped no one saw me being an idiot. One knee was already sticky with blood. The other was just achy. My jumping days are over.

Along the way, the father and son duo from the top of the trail, passed me again. They’d been leapfrogging me this entire hike. It was always quite cordial and a nice break to talk to someone.

I crossed over the bridge and reached a decision point. I knew full well at this timeI couldn’t go down the Mist Trail. But I was at intersection where I could head directly to Clark Point and the John Muir Trail or I could descend for two tenths of a mile to the top of Vernal Falls. I have noticed on multiple occasions including last year at the top of Yosemite Fall, that worst spot to take a picture of a waterfall is from the top of a waterfall. As a photographer, it’s going to be a wasted trip with no rewards. On the other hand, I wanted to stand at the railing right where the water went over the cliff and down into the valley. I was also starting to feel the effects of the hike, feeling a bit weak in the knees.

Naturally, because I have questionable decision making powers, I opted to descend. I’m going to say it was worth it. It wasn’t as crowded as I thought it was going to be. I only had to push one influencer out of the way to stand at the point closest to the water and the cliff edge. I probably could have stayed there a lot longer, but I gave way to another guy also wanting to be in the prime spot. I took notice of him because he carried one of the really long Sugar Pine pinecones. I would see him for the rest of the hike.

I hiked back to where the trail divided. I sensed things were not going to go well. Most of that short hike were in the sun. It was starting to get hot. And the trails were getting crowded. At the trail intersection, it was four tenths of a mile to Clark Point. I knew it was all downhill from Clark Point, because DM and I had hiked that section of the John Muir Trail on one of our backpacking trips. It was the trip from where I stood to Clark Point that was the mystery.

It immediately became apparent it was going to be a nightmare. It was all slick granite ramps and steps. The hike was a bit easier since it was uphill. I could find purchase easier. But it was uphill. And there wasn’t much shade. I was sucking on my waterline from my camel back as if my life depended on it. I kept hoping this would be the final stretch that would take me to Clark Point. For the longest time, It was one false climb after another. And there were a ton of people. Groups of twenty or thirty. No one showed any courtesy. It was all full steam ahead and you need to get out of my way. I stopped a lot on the way up.

But finally, I was at Clark Point. It was downhill from there. My legs were shot. I moved one slow step at a time. But I kept going without stopping. The hard part was this part of the trail still was kind of paved. It’s not quite as soft as walking on a dirt trail. My foot neuropathy was at 11. Still more people coming up the trail. I couldn’t believe they had started so late in the day. I saw a few backpackers and felt sorry for them and what lay ahead.

The entire trip down I kept seeing the Sugarpine Pine Cone guy. He was a with a girl that looked she had enough of him. She was the one with the daypack and kept trying to convince her to put something in her pack like a water bottle or the pinecone. He seemed like a walking red flag.

Eventually, the John Muir Trail met the Mist Trail. I could see where they had closed the trail. One ranger had to stand there and explain to a lot of people they couldn’t go any further up the trail.

At the Vernal Bridge, I stopped to take some picture for a group. My legs were so unsteady I could barely stop moving. Eventually, I took the shot.

There was a little bit of uphill leaving the bridge before I started the downhill to Happy Isles and the tram stop.

I didn’t have to wait long for the tram, but it was packed. The initial feeling of relief from the cold air from the A.C. blowing on me gave way to thick air and the feeling I might pass out. It probably had nothing to do with the fact my 8 mile hike had ballooned to 11.5 miles.

I found the Queen at the Day Use Parking lot. She had spent her morning walking around the valley and hanging out in the shade on a bench near the Visitor Center. We got in the car and left.

It was a good day in many respects and a really challenging day in others. Yes, I’m already thinking of a next Yosemite adventure. But not too soon.]]> Yosemite June 30 2025


This would be year two of the birthday hike in Yosemite tradition. Last year, I climbed to the top of Yosemite Falls. This year I thought I would go easier on myself and just hike down from Glacier Point to the Yosemite Valley via the Panorama trail. I had done this hike once before with the Queen where we combined it with climbing up the 4 Mile trail and then hiking down the Panorama trail. We did this in late March when the trail was still deep in snow and we were almost the only people at Glacier Point. I’m still trying to figure where the Queen and I had the physical fitness to do this hike.

This time, I was just going to have the Queen drop me off while I hiked down. According to the trail guides the only bad spot should be the 800’ climb out of the Illoutte Valley up to the top of Nevada Falls. I reasoned I should be find because I do an almost 650’ climb every day when I walk the dogs. This was going to be easy.

Long time followers will note that saying “This was going to be easy” usually dooms me to some circle of hell.

One thing that had to occur was we needed to be through the gates by 6am. Currently, you need a reservation to visit the park between 6am an 2pm. I was unable to get a reservation so I needed to get in before that. I also needed to give the dogs a bit of a walk before abandoning them for the day. Doing the travel/dog walk math meant I had to get up at 3am to walk the dogs and get going on time. So I did and we did. The Queen and I where through the gate by 5 and standing atop Glacier Point at 6:15. Yes, it’s a long way from the south gate to Glacier Point.

There were very few people there when we got there. Of course there was a Wedding Photographer and a Wedding party taking pictures on the famous curve overlooking Halfdome. I would have been more surprised if there wasn’t somebody taking photos there.

One of the great joys for me is hiking through the park in silence while admiring all the views around me. I left the Queen to photograph a deer while I headed for the trail. Sadly, another couple started their hike at almost the exact same time. Even worse, they walked at almost the same pace as me. The final nail in the coffin was the fact they needed to talk. Loudly. All I could hear was them chattering away. I tried to get ahead of them, but then I would stop to take a photograph and they would be with me. I kind of wanted to be ahead of them in case there was wildlife on the trail of which there was.

I heard this tremendous bird cry. I looked all around to discover the bird’s location. Couldn’t see the bird anywhere. I looked down at the ground and about a foot from me feet was a Grouse and it’s three chicks, not afraid of me at all. Just yelling at me to be gone. While I photographed, the chatty Kathy’s caught up with me.

I let them go in front of me and slowed down. After about a hundred yards, I realized there was another group behind me talking away. How was this possible. Yes, it’s summer in Yosemite but these were the only four people plus me on this trail. My mellow was severely harshed.

One of the trickiest falls to catch sight of is Illouette Falls. It comes out of the rocks at a weird angle so you can’t see it from the bottom like you can so many other falls. The only way to see it is find this secret overlook off the Panorama Trail. This was one of my main goals is to finally see the falls with water in them. Yes, I’m a coup counter. When I got to the overlook the chatty Kathy’s were already there chattering away.They were having some debate about where the water was coming from to feed the falls. They wouldn’t stop talking and they wouldn’t get out of the way.
Finally they left. I got in position and took my snaps. Coup counted. As i turned to go away the other talkers arrived behind me, a father and son. They’d been having quite the lively discussion about sports. The father said he and his boy had been following my lead and asked me if I had done the trail before. I admitted to doing it decades ago. My ire towards them lessened a bit because they seemed friendly and this might have been their first trip to the park.

A short time later, I was down at the bridge to cross the Illouette creek. The chatters were off, down by the riverbank. Father and son joined up with their family group. I decided to put some distance between them and I. The sun wasn’t hitting the creek, yet, so the pictures wouldn’t be any good for my tastes.

One rule of hiking is if you descend to see a creek, you are going to have to ascend to get away from the creek. This was where the 800’ climb started. Surprisingly, it went really well. The switchbacks were nice and long and not to steep. I was fooled by a couple of false shoulders where I thought I had made the top only to see more hill to climb. But the talkers were gone. I was in that glorious silence in the woods. All I heard was birdcalls and forest noises. Through gaps in the trees I espied great views of Half Dome. I could see the diving board area where Ansel Adams took his famous photo of Half Dome called Monolith. I was having a great time. I was making great time. Sadly, I was high enough up to receive cell services. I received a couple of texts from an electrician working on the house and some texts from my sisters as they talked about house painting in the other house we are selling.

But for an hour or so until I reached the top of Nevada Falls, it was really good. I stopped for a little break overlooking the top of Nevada Falls. I ate my Cliff Bar and some grapes. I was surrounded by squirrels who had no fear. I watched on almost climb onto the daypack of a women across from me. She was on her cell phone talking away and didn’t even register the incursion. I eventually gave in to the demands of the squirrels stalking me and handed over some grapes. For this effort they did make me their king, at least as long as the grapes lasted.

There are two bathrooms on the trail. One at the top of Nevada Falls and one at the top of Vernal Falls. When I got to the toilet at the top of Nevada Falls, it was closed for cleaning. There was a group of very disappointed people watching the man dig out the pit toilet.

If you don’t know the Panorama Trail, the trailhead starts at Glacier point, descends to the Illouette Creek and Falls, climbs up to Nevada Falls, descends some knee snapping switch backs to Vernal Falls and more switchbacks along the Mist trail. The trail ends in the valley at a place called Happy Isles. The Mist trail is so named because the trail travels so close to Vernal Falls, spray from the falls douses the trails. When Vernal Falls is in full flow hiking along the Mist Trail is like walking through a shower. Fortunately, I brought a poncho. Although I was going to make the decision to descend the Mist Trail when I got closer. My desensitized feet aren’t big on slippery surfaces.

At the top of Nevada Falls, I finally paid attention to a warning sign for the Mist Trail. Turns out, the Mist Trail was going to be closed, starting today, the day I did the hike for the rest of the summer, while they did maintenance work on the trail. I guess I wouldn’t need my poncho after all.

All this time, I’d been carrying my camera on a harness across my chest. It’s a clever way to have your camera right in front of you without it just hanging around your neck. I love it. It works great. The only downside, you can’t really see your feet when you step down because the camera body occludes that line of sight. Since I would be staring at my feet religiously while descending next to Nevada Falls, I opted to put my camera in my rucksack. Probably the best decision I made that day. I’d be sharing my tales of a med-evac rescue, otherwise.
The hike down was poor. It was all granite steps and ramps. There were plenty of points where I couldn’t see a spot to put my feet to descend. I tried to brace myself against rocks to go down, but my left shoulder because of the recent repair, does not like that activity. The sun was right overhead and the heat coming off the white granite was unforgiving. The only thing to alleviate the pain was talking to people making there way up. They looked to be in far worse shape than I. Near the top you could kind of cheer them on by telling them they were almost done. People near the bottom, you just had to lie to about they were going to make it. The best couple were some gals from Texas. They were quite dismayed to learn when I told them you could start from the top and work your way down. They also confessed they had hoped to climb Half Dome but were unsuccessful in getting a permit. They were starting late in the day if that was their original plan.

I landed on my ass once on the way down, with a couple of near misses. I hate that feeling of starting to slip. My whole body was clenched for the entire descent.

The entire hike was supposed to be 8 1/2 miles. When I reached the bottom of Nevada Falls, I was at 7 miles. I was in the home stretch. Nothing could hurt me now. Again, foreshadowing.

In the area between the bottom of Nevada Falls and the top of Vernal Falls there used to be a small hotel run by the Snow family. This was back at the end of the 19th century, before deciding pristine was the way to go. They say if you knew where to look, you can still find old bottles from that time if you know where to look.

As the day progressed, I started to see more and more people. I was the slow going old man so I let lots of people pass me. I would also let people ascend by me on the trails because they have the right of way, something many people did not know. Or didn’t care. As I walked from Nevada Falls to Vernal, I felt some group come up behind me on the trail. I stepped to the side to let them pass. They went down the easier section of this mostly flat path while I was on this little rock. Not too high. I figured rather than go to the easier section, I would just leap off the rock and save myself a few steps.

Yeah, no. When I hit the ground, my knees informed me that the resulting force was too much for them to bear. They collapsed and went immediately to the ground. I could see it all happen in slow motion. There was collapse happening and there was nothing I could do about it. I got up quickly and hoped no one saw me being an idiot. One knee was already sticky with blood. The other was just achy. My jumping days are over.

Along the way, the father and son duo from the top of the trail, passed me again. They’d been leapfrogging me this entire hike. It was always quite cordial and a nice break to talk to someone.

I crossed over the bridge and reached a decision point. I knew full well at this timeI couldn’t go down the Mist Trail. But I was at intersection where I could head directly to Clark Point and the John Muir Trail or I could descend for two tenths of a mile to the top of Vernal Falls. I have noticed on multiple occasions including last year at the top of Yosemite Fall, that worst spot to take a picture of a waterfall is from the top of a waterfall. As a photographer, it’s going to be a wasted trip with no rewards. On the other hand, I wanted to stand at the railing right where the water went over the cliff and down into the valley. I was also starting to feel the effects of the hike, feeling a bit weak in the knees.

Naturally, because I have questionable decision making powers, I opted to descend. I’m going to say it was worth it. It wasn’t as crowded as I thought it was going to be. I only had to push one influencer out of the way to stand at the point closest to the water and the cliff edge. I probably could have stayed there a lot longer, but I gave way to another guy also wanting to be in the prime spot. I took notice of him because he carried one of the really long Sugar Pine pinecones. I would see him for the rest of the hike.

I hiked back to where the trail divided. I sensed things were not going to go well. Most of that short hike were in the sun. It was starting to get hot. And the trails were getting crowded. At the trail intersection, it was four tenths of a mile to Clark Point. I knew it was all downhill from Clark Point, because DM and I had hiked that section of the John Muir Trail on one of our backpacking trips. It was the trip from where I stood to Clark Point that was the mystery.

It immediately became apparent it was going to be a nightmare. It was all slick granite ramps and steps. The hike was a bit easier since it was uphill. I could find purchase easier. But it was uphill. And there wasn’t much shade. I was sucking on my waterline from my camel back as if my life depended on it. I kept hoping this would be the final stretch that would take me to Clark Point. For the longest time, It was one false climb after another. And there were a ton of people. Groups of twenty or thirty. No one showed any courtesy. It was all full steam ahead and you need to get out of my way. I stopped a lot on the way up.

But finally, I was at Clark Point. It was downhill from there. My legs were shot. I moved one slow step at a time. But I kept going without stopping. The hard part was this part of the trail still was kind of paved. It’s not quite as soft as walking on a dirt trail. My foot neuropathy was at 11. Still more people coming up the trail. I couldn’t believe they had started so late in the day. I saw a few backpackers and felt sorry for them and what lay ahead.

The entire trip down I kept seeing the Sugarpine Pine Cone guy. He was a with a girl that looked she had enough of him. She was the one with the daypack and kept trying to convince her to put something in her pack like a water bottle or the pinecone. He seemed like a walking red flag.

Eventually, the John Muir Trail met the Mist Trail. I could see where they had closed the trail. One ranger had to stand there and explain to a lot of people they couldn’t go any further up the trail.

At the Vernal Bridge, I stopped to take some picture for a group. My legs were so unsteady I could barely stop moving. Eventually, I took the shot.

There was a little bit of uphill leaving the bridge before I started the downhill to Happy Isles and the tram stop.

I didn’t have to wait long for the tram, but it was packed. The initial feeling of relief from the cold air from the A.C. blowing on me gave way to thick air and the feeling I might pass out. It probably had nothing to do with the fact my 8 mile hike had ballooned to 11.5 miles.

I found the Queen at the Day Use Parking lot. She had spent her morning walking around the valley and hanging out in the shade on a bench near the Visitor Center. We got in the car and left.

It was a good day in many respects and a really challenging day in others. Yes, I’m already thinking of a next Yosemite adventure. But not too soon.]]> <![CDATA[Eastern Sierra 2025]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8405 Fri, 09 May 2025 22:46:15 +0000 Greg]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8405
Our first exciting stop will be Bakersfield to fortify ourselves at the Black Bear Diner before making the treacherous ascent to Lake Isabella. We'll spend the next nine days going from Lone Pine to Donner Pass. I've got a couple of things on the bucket list to see plus revisiting the bustling town of Perfection. I was trying to give a film used sign from Tremors to the Lone Pine film museum but I never heard back from them. Maybe they are sick Tremors at this point in amongst the multitude of movies filmed in the area.]]>
Our first exciting stop will be Bakersfield to fortify ourselves at the Black Bear Diner before making the treacherous ascent to Lake Isabella. We'll spend the next nine days going from Lone Pine to Donner Pass. I've got a couple of things on the bucket list to see plus revisiting the bustling town of Perfection. I was trying to give a film used sign from Tremors to the Lone Pine film museum but I never heard back from them. Maybe they are sick Tremors at this point in amongst the multitude of movies filmed in the area.]]> <![CDATA[Monterey]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8319 Wed, 05 Mar 2025 18:44:53 +0000 thatguy]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8319
Coming in November to the Golden State Theater:

https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/33082755/w...te-theatre

Quote:William Shatner with screening of Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan


--tg
I think the booker for the Catalyst has been booking for the GST for a year or so.]]>
Coming in November to the Golden State Theater:

https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/33082755/w...te-theatre

Quote:William Shatner with screening of Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan


--tg
I think the booker for the Catalyst has been booking for the GST for a year or so.]]> <![CDATA[Arcadia!]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8226 Wed, 27 Nov 2024 17:30:45 +0000 Greg]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8226 <![CDATA[New Hampshire]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8180 Wed, 18 Sep 2024 15:22:08 +0000 Drunk Monk]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8180
Next stop, PHL]]>
Next stop, PHL]]> <![CDATA[NorCal]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8173 Sat, 14 Sep 2024 01:50:36 +0000 Drunk Monk]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8173
Stacy is here for the weekend for a yoga workshop with one of her old SF instructors. Yuki & I tagged along for the ride.

I slept most of the ride up. Not sure why. I feel like I've been getting enough rest but apparently not. It was a bit of a work scramble to prep for this over the last few days because I had to sort out the next two weekends beforehand as my start-o-fall schedule is looking like my midsummer - I'm away this weekend and the following two weekends. And I gotta keep my day job, ya know? Everything is lined up well however, and I foresee no difficulties in meeting all the obligations that I have commited for Sept. 

We went past Boonville on the way here - the site of SNWMF. We stopped there for lunch, just some food we packed that we ate by the roadside next to an abandoned church. It was a weird feeling because I never thought I'd come that way again.

Mendo is beautiful, a sleepy serene coastal town with lots of gift shops and inns. We're staying at the MacCallum house, a historic landmark built in 1882. We're in a separate tiny cottage called the Gazebo Playhouse. 
[Image: 7_Exterior_940x480%20by%20Robert%20Stewart.jpg]


Quote:Pet Friendly - This petite cottage was originally built as a playhouse and features a Japanese, pagoda-style roof and a wrap-around deck with a partial bay view. The interior is paneled in old growth fir, and has a queen bed with luxurious bedding and a down duvet. The bathroom is a detached redwood room with a tiled shower, a stained glass window and Shikai bath and body products, outside right behind the room. All rooms include a flat screen Smart TV, complimentary Wi-Fi & breakfast, Keruig with coffee & tea, MacCallum House robes, mini-refrigerator, hairdryer, iron and ironing board.

It's quaint. The air here is deliciously fresh and clean. 

We got here in time to go to the beach, where Yuki had a massive burst of zoomies. We also walked about main street. Then I grabbed some ramen at Gwar Bar which was pricey but delicious, nutritious and filling. Stacy is now at her first class - the studio is an 8 min walk away. Yukz is knocked out on the bed (he has his own inn-provided dog bed but has yet to even acknowledge that). I worked a tiny bit. I'll work some more over Stacy's following sessions. I can work on the veranda tomorrow but right now I'm inside with Yuki. We'll walk over to the studio soon to pick up Stacy when her class ends. Yuki seems to love it here. He wasn't into the long windy drive up but he's been thrilled to go shopping and most of the shops are dog friendly.]]>
Stacy is here for the weekend for a yoga workshop with one of her old SF instructors. Yuki & I tagged along for the ride.

I slept most of the ride up. Not sure why. I feel like I've been getting enough rest but apparently not. It was a bit of a work scramble to prep for this over the last few days because I had to sort out the next two weekends beforehand as my start-o-fall schedule is looking like my midsummer - I'm away this weekend and the following two weekends. And I gotta keep my day job, ya know? Everything is lined up well however, and I foresee no difficulties in meeting all the obligations that I have commited for Sept. 

We went past Boonville on the way here - the site of SNWMF. We stopped there for lunch, just some food we packed that we ate by the roadside next to an abandoned church. It was a weird feeling because I never thought I'd come that way again.

Mendo is beautiful, a sleepy serene coastal town with lots of gift shops and inns. We're staying at the MacCallum house, a historic landmark built in 1882. We're in a separate tiny cottage called the Gazebo Playhouse. 
[Image: 7_Exterior_940x480%20by%20Robert%20Stewart.jpg]


Quote:Pet Friendly - This petite cottage was originally built as a playhouse and features a Japanese, pagoda-style roof and a wrap-around deck with a partial bay view. The interior is paneled in old growth fir, and has a queen bed with luxurious bedding and a down duvet. The bathroom is a detached redwood room with a tiled shower, a stained glass window and Shikai bath and body products, outside right behind the room. All rooms include a flat screen Smart TV, complimentary Wi-Fi & breakfast, Keruig with coffee & tea, MacCallum House robes, mini-refrigerator, hairdryer, iron and ironing board.

It's quaint. The air here is deliciously fresh and clean. 

We got here in time to go to the beach, where Yuki had a massive burst of zoomies. We also walked about main street. Then I grabbed some ramen at Gwar Bar which was pricey but delicious, nutritious and filling. Stacy is now at her first class - the studio is an 8 min walk away. Yukz is knocked out on the bed (he has his own inn-provided dog bed but has yet to even acknowledge that). I worked a tiny bit. I'll work some more over Stacy's following sessions. I can work on the veranda tomorrow but right now I'm inside with Yuki. We'll walk over to the studio soon to pick up Stacy when her class ends. Yuki seems to love it here. He wasn't into the long windy drive up but he's been thrilled to go shopping and most of the shops are dog friendly.]]> <![CDATA[Tahoe 2024]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8139 Tue, 30 Jul 2024 19:11:59 +0000 King Bob]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=8139
The house was big but odd. Four floors, and on every one part of the space was raised on a platform, maybe 4-5 inches. Top floor was kitchen and a big room, with a huge dining table and somewhat oversized chairs. One floor down was two master suites with big bathrooms including sauna and jacuzzi tub plus shower. Then small rooms on the bottom floor flanking a tv room (with too few chairs) and a kitchenette (microwave, sink & dishwasher). There was also a second suite of rooms with a different entrance with two similar kitchenettes. Decor was odd - a couple of Chagall prints, a Picasso print, a couple of Erte prints, and I found a framed (I assume a reproduction) gold record for American Beauty in one of the closets. Way too much slate, on floors and some wall sections.

We got a room with a sauna, so I was able to take a sauna every day. Unfortunately the sauna wasn't quite as hot as I wanted but enjoyable nonetheless.

I skipped going to the beach so I wouldn't have to be with the young children (3,6 and 9) who are super annoying. The youngest cries a lot, the middle one is a whiner and yells and makes noises constantly (our half-Scottish niece works with children and thinks he has ADHD). The oldest one infuriates me, and I finally realized it's because he's exactly like my brother was when we were kids - a bit on the Autism spectrum with some know-it-all thrown in - and it just draws this kind of primal anger out in me and I want to beat the shit out of him.

I did do one unexpected thing. My middle nephew's wife is learning tarot but is really new at it so wanted me to do it, since she only knows the three card spread. (I don't know how that's possible, but whatever.) I showed her a variation on the Celtic Cross that I came up with. The she wanted me to read for people. I haven't done it in over 20 years, but gave it a shot. Her deck was difficult to work with since it wasn't traditional imagery (it was called the Botticelli deck or something) and the card meanings in the accompanying booklet were questionable, but I found a website with the Waite deck, and it started to come back to me. I felt some inspiration reading for my nephew but the other readings didn't work very well. I think I'll get back to working with it some more.

In September we'll do a weekend in South Shore with friends who live there. That will be better. And it's on a shared birthday of me and our host.]]>
The house was big but odd. Four floors, and on every one part of the space was raised on a platform, maybe 4-5 inches. Top floor was kitchen and a big room, with a huge dining table and somewhat oversized chairs. One floor down was two master suites with big bathrooms including sauna and jacuzzi tub plus shower. Then small rooms on the bottom floor flanking a tv room (with too few chairs) and a kitchenette (microwave, sink & dishwasher). There was also a second suite of rooms with a different entrance with two similar kitchenettes. Decor was odd - a couple of Chagall prints, a Picasso print, a couple of Erte prints, and I found a framed (I assume a reproduction) gold record for American Beauty in one of the closets. Way too much slate, on floors and some wall sections.

We got a room with a sauna, so I was able to take a sauna every day. Unfortunately the sauna wasn't quite as hot as I wanted but enjoyable nonetheless.

I skipped going to the beach so I wouldn't have to be with the young children (3,6 and 9) who are super annoying. The youngest cries a lot, the middle one is a whiner and yells and makes noises constantly (our half-Scottish niece works with children and thinks he has ADHD). The oldest one infuriates me, and I finally realized it's because he's exactly like my brother was when we were kids - a bit on the Autism spectrum with some know-it-all thrown in - and it just draws this kind of primal anger out in me and I want to beat the shit out of him.

I did do one unexpected thing. My middle nephew's wife is learning tarot but is really new at it so wanted me to do it, since she only knows the three card spread. (I don't know how that's possible, but whatever.) I showed her a variation on the Celtic Cross that I came up with. The she wanted me to read for people. I haven't done it in over 20 years, but gave it a shot. Her deck was difficult to work with since it wasn't traditional imagery (it was called the Botticelli deck or something) and the card meanings in the accompanying booklet were questionable, but I found a website with the Waite deck, and it started to come back to me. I felt some inspiration reading for my nephew but the other readings didn't work very well. I think I'll get back to working with it some more.

In September we'll do a weekend in South Shore with friends who live there. That will be better. And it's on a shared birthday of me and our host.]]> <![CDATA[Mexico]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=7938 Sun, 07 Jan 2024 05:54:17 +0000 Drunk Monk]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=7938
Yoga starts early tomorrow 7am (which is like 5 am pst). Two two hour sessions a day, all inclusive meals (they saved us dinner - enchiladas, veggies, rice & black beans done tastefully - that we ate in the open air restaurant maybe 30 feet from the pounding surf.

I did not bring my laptop although I could’ve worked here (good wifi and plenty of nice work areas). I won’t be posting pix until I get back next weekend. 

This is going to be a good week.]]>
Yoga starts early tomorrow 7am (which is like 5 am pst). Two two hour sessions a day, all inclusive meals (they saved us dinner - enchiladas, veggies, rice & black beans done tastefully - that we ate in the open air restaurant maybe 30 feet from the pounding surf.

I did not bring my laptop although I could’ve worked here (good wifi and plenty of nice work areas). I won’t be posting pix until I get back next weekend. 

This is going to be a good week.]]> <![CDATA[Yosemite 2024]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=7920 Fri, 29 Dec 2023 16:00:07 +0000 thatguy]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=7920 "This looks like a good place for a LARP..."

https://www.chivalryandfantasyfestival.com

Quote:Yosemite Chivalry & Fantasy Festival
Experience a magical weekend of knights in shining armour clashing swords, epic archery competitions, and thrilling axe throwing contests. Immerse yourself in a realm where history and fantasy meld, where ancient legends and enchanting fables come to life. Embark on a journey to uncover the hidden secrets that dwell within the mysterious forest, soaring through the clouds and lurking behind every tree. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure filled with wonder and excitement. Join us for a weekend of chivalry and marvels beyond imagination.

--tg]]> "This looks like a good place for a LARP..."

https://www.chivalryandfantasyfestival.com

Quote:Yosemite Chivalry & Fantasy Festival
Experience a magical weekend of knights in shining armour clashing swords, epic archery competitions, and thrilling axe throwing contests. Immerse yourself in a realm where history and fantasy meld, where ancient legends and enchanting fables come to life. Embark on a journey to uncover the hidden secrets that dwell within the mysterious forest, soaring through the clouds and lurking behind every tree. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure filled with wonder and excitement. Join us for a weekend of chivalry and marvels beyond imagination.

--tg]]> <![CDATA[The Shaolin Zone]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=7852 Thu, 02 Nov 2023 20:14:17 +0000 Drunk Monk]]> http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomForum/showthread.php?tid=7852
All the monks have cool new backpacks of various designs. Everything is happening in mandarin and I’m just following along like an idiot.

They’ve found a ping pong table outside now
One of the monks is kicking everyone’s ass in ping pong
Now we’ve stopped for ice cream
739 / 5,000
Translation results
Translation result
Shaolin Temple Visit Meta Itinerary Plan
Status: v3.0 (Final) | Authors: Wenlin Mao, Huan Feng | Document Category: Notifications
timeline:
● November 2 (Thursday)
    time
journey
12:00-1:00 noon
Dining in Meta Company Cafeteria (@Epic Restaurant)
1:15-1:45pm
AR/VR product display
● Quest 3
● Meta Smart Glass
1:45pm - 2:00pm
Meet and chat with Meta VP Amir Frenkel
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Visit Meta offices
3:00-4:00 pm
formal performance
  3:00-3:05
welcome speech
3:05-3:35
Shaolin martial arts performance (no fighting or physical contact between actors)
3:35-3:50
Shaolin Temple Abbot Speech
3:50-4:00
Audience Q&A session
              details:
Number of guests: 25
Estimated audience size: 100 - 150 Full-time volunteers: 5 - 10 Live broadcast availability: Live broadcast via mobile phone Location: MPK 11
Meeting room name: Move Fast Be Open
Audience Q&A questions:
How does the Shaolin Temple integrate technological advancement into its ancient traditional culture? In the digital age, how does the Shaolin Temple view its role in the spread of global Buddhism? Does the Shaolin Temple have any plans to use the most advanced AI technology to promote Shaolin culture?
  To-do items:
Final number of people confirmed. Visitors need to bring their passport or other identification.
Is there an English translator who will accompany you throughout the trip? Meta volunteers can help translate, but they cannot support professional vocabulary.
Does transportation require Meta to book a car through a third party? There is no quality or time guarantee for third-party car booking services, and there may be delays.
Whether to sign the Site Access Agreement and confirm the visitor’s insurance
Performance details
There should be no fighting or physical contact between actors
There is so much free food at meta. It’s like a monster food court in the center and everything is free. Why arent meta employees all obese?
Now in a meeting hall. The monks thought the stage was too small and fragile so we all moved the first few rows of chairs to the back.
The long robes are coming off. The Shaolin sashes are getting cinched down. Warming up for Kung Fu time…]]>
All the monks have cool new backpacks of various designs. Everything is happening in mandarin and I’m just following along like an idiot.

They’ve found a ping pong table outside now
One of the monks is kicking everyone’s ass in ping pong
Now we’ve stopped for ice cream
739 / 5,000
Translation results
Translation result
Shaolin Temple Visit Meta Itinerary Plan
Status: v3.0 (Final) | Authors: Wenlin Mao, Huan Feng | Document Category: Notifications
timeline:
● November 2 (Thursday)
    time
journey
12:00-1:00 noon
Dining in Meta Company Cafeteria (@Epic Restaurant)
1:15-1:45pm
AR/VR product display
● Quest 3
● Meta Smart Glass
1:45pm - 2:00pm
Meet and chat with Meta VP Amir Frenkel
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Visit Meta offices
3:00-4:00 pm
formal performance
  3:00-3:05
welcome speech
3:05-3:35
Shaolin martial arts performance (no fighting or physical contact between actors)
3:35-3:50
Shaolin Temple Abbot Speech
3:50-4:00
Audience Q&A session
              details:
Number of guests: 25
Estimated audience size: 100 - 150 Full-time volunteers: 5 - 10 Live broadcast availability: Live broadcast via mobile phone Location: MPK 11
Meeting room name: Move Fast Be Open
Audience Q&A questions:
How does the Shaolin Temple integrate technological advancement into its ancient traditional culture? In the digital age, how does the Shaolin Temple view its role in the spread of global Buddhism? Does the Shaolin Temple have any plans to use the most advanced AI technology to promote Shaolin culture?
  To-do items:
Final number of people confirmed. Visitors need to bring their passport or other identification.
Is there an English translator who will accompany you throughout the trip? Meta volunteers can help translate, but they cannot support professional vocabulary.
Does transportation require Meta to book a car through a third party? There is no quality or time guarantee for third-party car booking services, and there may be delays.
Whether to sign the Site Access Agreement and confirm the visitor’s insurance
Performance details
There should be no fighting or physical contact between actors
There is so much free food at meta. It’s like a monster food court in the center and everything is free. Why arent meta employees all obese?
Now in a meeting hall. The monks thought the stage was too small and fragile so we all moved the first few rows of chairs to the back.
The long robes are coming off. The Shaolin sashes are getting cinched down. Warming up for Kung Fu time…]]>