Images From Castle Rock...

The snow was flying at Castle Rock today, so of course I had to go and check it out. The weather was a balmy 34 degrees when I got there, and the snow was coming down lightly. My walk took me out to Castle Rock and then along the ridge down to California Ridge and Shady Rock. I enjoyed the shelter of the big cave at Shady Rock while finishing the latest Vince Flynn novel. Fortunately I didn't get too cold until I was just about finished. Sitting still in 34 degree temperatures takes a lot of effort when you're wearing shorts...

As always when the weather is a bit wet up there, I found myself drawn to the madrone trees. Something about the composition of the bark of that tree makes it a compelling photo subject. Too bad there wasn't more snow! Madrone leaves collect snow quite splendidly.

Here's the link to the pics:
http://s55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/Fueco/Castle-December2008/

Coldest Ride Of The Season (so far!)...

Today, Joan and I did a lovely 48 mile ride. After a lazy start to the morning, we headed out and off towards Woodside. Our plan was simple: get in what we could before the rain hit (according to the forecast, that would have been around 3:00 PM). The roads were nice and dry until we got to Portola Road, but the clouds didn't look too ominous over the ridge so we decided to go up Old La Honda.

As we climbed, I could feel the air getting colder and colder. And then the rain started coming in a little. So I was getting wet from rain and sweat. By the time we finished the hill, the temperature had to be down around 40. So of course, the descent down Highway 84 was thoroughly miserable. I was freezing, and trying to keep the speed down just to stay warmer.

By contrast, once we were back through Woodside and onto Sand Hill Road the temperature warmed up considerably and I almost felt human. But it wasn't until getting back and enjoying some hot apple cider and some ramen noodles that I felt back to normal...

Makes me wonder how I'm going to survive the temperatures in Alberta next week! =)