I've been home for a week now, with little to no plans over the last week and barely any in the near future. On purpose. Don't worry---it will surely ramp up again very soon. On the horizon is a trip back east, another to Wyoming, one to San Diego, the real climb up Mt Rainier, visits from out-of-towners, a practice climb up Mt Adams, mushroom hunting and beach camping. Egads. All fun stuff...I guess that's what summer is all about.
AJ in Tasmania with a stunning coastline behind her.
Bottling Syrah with our wine-making partners. The juice spent 446 days in that oak barrel.
AJ and I opened a bottle of this the other night---one of the best Syrah's I've ever had, no kidding.
AJ came back from Tasmania, and I promptly left to climb halfway up Mt Rainier with my buddy Mike Weber and the team we've put together for the real climb later this summer.
Yours truly. In winter conditions. With full winter gear. Climbing to 10,500 feet.
Our awesome climbing team.
Camping at 10,500 feet on the side of a ferocious volcano comes with hazards---like sustained 40mph winds that snapped a tent pole and shredded my fly in the middle of the night. That blizzard brought 2ft of new (unpredicted) snow.
Phew. Back safe and sound, I headed to Friday Harbor to give a lecture on how to talk about the importance of science to the public...
...and take in the stunning sights of the island.
Looked for whales, but none were found....
OK, back to the mainland just on time to take these two knuckleheads to Newport, OR. They were hopping on a ship sailing back to Seattle, so needed someone to drive their car home. Wine tasting, and seeing the grand Pacific Ocean? OK!
Lookin' fly.
The view from our ocean-front condo. The. Best. (thanks Crinders!)
Heading to Oregon means I get to see these folks! The old Corvallis crew---still such good friends.
Back at home, I got to spend an overnighter at Pack Forest on a team retreat. We ventured into an old growth forest---such a treat.
Headed to San Diego, and partook in a typical backyard BBQ at the Meyer household. Love that smile on my sister.
My good friend Pegs, sister, and me.
Even though he's my only nephew, he'd still be my favorite. Love that kiddo. Fun walk on the beach with Erin and Murat.
A classic sunset in Carlsbad.
Its always a nutty when I go to Carlsbad, but I look forward to when mom and I can go get a drink and chat just the two of us.
Mom, dad, and I headed down to San Diego and did a 6 mile walk through the city that took you to cool, old bridges.
My grandparents would kill me if they knew I took this photo (they are not properly attired), but I love them so. My evening visits with them will forever be some of my most treasured memories in life, period.
Its rare that the Meyer bloodline spends time together just us...but we did, and it was a savored moment. Did a little canyoneering.
In the canyons!
If you want to hear a good story sometime, ask me about why geraniums are important in my family. My grandmother sent me home with 8 new cuttings to grow in our own garden. So happy to have them.
