RubiKon Adventures

Tales and travels of "GrizzLee", "Looksha Lori" & "Yukon Johann"


Saturday, January 22, 2011

Hex Mountain Hike: Snow Shoes Optional

Nature has no mercy at all. Nature says, "I'm going to snow. If you have on a bikini and no snowshoes, that's tough. I am going to snow anyway." ~Maya Angelou

Intended to get some more conditioning training in for our upcoming summer adventure in the Yukon. Rain poured over the mountains last week and then froze. We found much of the snow pack had washed away and what was remaining was frozen like ice.

We carried our snowshoes all day on our backs and never put them on.

 The day was wonderful
 Johann with Davis Peak directly behind him. Mt Daniel and Mt Hinman can be seen in the distance just to the right of Davis Peak. 
 It is unusual to see dry patches this high up the slopes in January.

 The summit of Hex Mtn. Surprisingly, Johann and Kamiah had heaps of energy. Mt Stuart can be seen in the distance behind them.
 GrizzLee forgot his manners. No offense meant. 
 Kamiah is so beautiful and loyal. Also makes for a great hand warmer on those cold summits :-)  She doesn't mind and is more than happy to oblige to get the attention she so loves and deserves.

 Cle Elum Lake, where we started our adventure. The clouds were beginning to form thin layers.
 Johann and Kamiah doing a their ceremonial victory dance after a successful summit.
Fun was had by all. We had company. Two groups of Mountaineers were out for training climbs. Johann, raced them to the summit to be first. Of course he finished second.... Kamiah was the first to summit this day.

Until next time...

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Life on the Edge - My Second Bike

Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut that connects the handlebars to the saddle. ~Author Unknown

Mum sent some photos from dads old slide collection. This was my second bike. My first being a Honda QA 50.  Gotta love those pants from the 70's.
 
 
Stripping off the street gear, we turned my Yamah 80 into a racer. Those are some of my trophies. Not all of them are from Motrocycle racing. Some came from bicycle motocross.  Yeah, I was living on the edge back then.

 I guess I was influenced by my dad. Here he is in Wyoming on his Honda 750 and a friends bike who rode a 500.
  I sure wish my dad was alive today. It would be fun to go on a ride together.
He passed away from cancer at age 36. Too young.
 
Until Next Time...


First Day of Sun after 15 Straight Days of Rain

Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul. ~Author Unknown

It has been a long dry spell without a bike ride. Actually, it hasn't been that dry. First we had snow, then freezing cold, more snow and then an unusual warm spell with torential rains that caused flooding on the western side of the Cascades.  Today, however, the sun was out, and so was the moon. The temperatures in mid-January in the north can be quite chilling. However, a quick dash home from work, warm clothes and bike gear... off I go before the sun sets for the day.
A flooded field with Mt Si in the background.
All dressed up and havin' fun
 Sunset, foggy mist at Snoqualmie Falls

Full moon rising over Mt Si.  


Lori was kind enough to pack hot chocolate which was enjoyed in the 33 degree temperature while waiting for the moon  to rise. It was worth it.  Even though I froze my feet and my face sheild kept fogging up on the way home.  
The first ride of 2011 is now complete. Bigger things are in the works.

Until Next Time...

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Snow Garden of the Gods: North Cascades Highway

A day without sunshine is like, well, night. ~Robert Frost

A nice winter drive into the North Cascades. Looking for migrating eagles from the north.  Originally intended to paddle the Skagit river and view the eagles. The day turn out ot be a wonderful drive into a winter snow garden extravaganza.

Panorama of Baker Lake (Mt Baker and Mt Shuksan) Click to see a larger view.
Partially frozen Diablo Lake




Drive up the North Cascades hwy. Nearly at the end where it is closed for the winter.

Looking into the heart of the North Cascades.
Frozen plants make for neat sculptures.

Pyramid peak as seen from the hwy.
GrizzLee looking in awe.
Looksha Lori hoping for a warm cab to climb into afterwards.


The road was littered with stalactities of frozen water.

Frozen falls.
Mt Baker.

Mt Shuksan.













Clear crisp and cloudless days are a rarity in the winter . 

Until next time...