Catching up

I knew it had been a while since I updated this blog, I didn't realize that it has been six months.  I’m sure I have lost a lot of readers, if I ever had that many.

To start off I’m including images from one of the few winter storms that passed through Albuquerque this year.
  I thought this might be might be a good time to remind all of us that at one time this year it WAS cold and we probably swore that we would never complain when it gets hot again.

I had set a goal for myself to average a hike a month for 2014.  So far this year I have managed to average that hike a month.  I hope to do the same for the balance of 2014.  I will also have to set a goal of adding stories of my adventures and images to this blog, although that part will be harder.

I got a Garmin Oregon 450 GPS receiver post Christmas at quite a good price only to find out they are not being made any more, which was probably the reason for the good price.  The newer models are bigger, some with cameras but since I am using my hikes to go out and do photography I though an additional camera in the GPS is a bit redundant.

I joined a gym to build up my stamina, aiming for longer hikes.  I weighed my backpack, fanny pack, and tripod and found that fully loaded with all the camera gear, water, food and additional clothing I am pushing 20 -25 lbs of stuff.  For a month or so I got on the treadmill walking 3.5 – 4 miles/hour pushing the incline up to 10 – 15%.  After the month I decided to add my backpack with water as ballast to my tread mill routine.  After a few months it was getting easier to do the 20+ minutes, not easy, just easier.  I also started knee bends and lunges with the 8 – 14 lbs of ballast.  I have really noticed a difference in my hiking, being able to go longer between stops for a breather.  I also don’t feel so sore the day after.  The ultimate goal is to make it through my October photography seminar in the area of Yosemite, CA.  I don’t want to show up on YouTube being rescued by the rangers.  Not a good way to use up some of my 15 minutes of fame.

Thank you for your patience and for stopping by.

Mark