Backpacking at Providence Canyon

Went for a 2-nighter down near Columbus with Renee for our anniversary. Backpacked at Providence Canyon park. This was a neat place with some beautiful canyons, which were formed as a result of poor agricultural practices in the 1800s. The hike out was just under 3 miles but there were considerable hills. We had to hike back to the visitor's center to refill our water supply once. Total miles hiking was approximately 15.

Thoughts from the trail:

No matter how in-shape one is, backpacking is still a fitness tester
Showers are overrated
Always bring extra water (absolutely no water sources at all in the park)
A crystal clear, starry night away from light pollution where one can see the Milky Way is worth the price of admission
There is nothing quite like daybreak at camp
There is nothing quite like dusk at camp
A campfire is the perfect way to end the day
Re-hydrated food is convenient and relatively tasty but we also to brought along "junk," such as beanie weenies and vienna sausage, candy bars, etc for a needed break from reconstituted foods.
Coffee makes it alright
Barred owls calling to each other in the middle of the night is worth being awake
It is interesting to note how priorities and concerns change and simplify in the wilderness ; gathering wood, making sure to have enough food and water, staying warm.
There are simple pleasures such as a bird sharing it's morning with you at the campsite
The adrenaline rush of coming upon an active yellow jacket nest right on the trail and having to strategically scurry past
Always check your pack before picking it up (large hunting spider)

Full-size photos from the trip: https://goo.gl/photos/QuyUGNsoiVifsjcC6

Blue Ridge Triathlon race report

First of all, huge thanks to my wife Renee for getting up with me at 4am to get ready for the race and providing pit crew and moral support! Went into my 3rd triathlon in Blue Ridge, GA pretty confident after spending this year ramping up my swim at the Aquatic Center and Open Water Swims at Lake Allatoona. Swimming being my main limiter and biking and running, my strengths. I never realized just how much technique is involved with swimming and it's been a challenge to get faster in the water and to also become comfortable in open water. For this race, I knew I would have no problem with the Sprint distance: 600 yard swim, 18 mile bike, 3.2 mile run. No I don't have an expensive Tri bike with aero wheels, aero bars or aero helmet. In fact, you'd laugh at how much my race bike costs. Hey, I figure I'll build my body up first before diving in fully with the expensive gear. Rested 3 days prior and was battling a groin/adductor pull. Hurts like crazy unless legs a

Bassline of the week!

I heard this song on a run today and realized what a great bass part it has. That's Tina Weymouth from Talking Heads' playing on "Born Under Punches." Tina, in my opinion, is a consistently underrated bassist. She really has such a minimalist style. This bassline does exactly what it needs to and nothing more, simple and effective. It definitely gets bonus points for being in such a quirky time signature as well! She also uses space and air between notes to provide extra, er, punch. It's such a strange song frankly, with typical Talking Heads bizarre lyrics, seemingly random guitar licks and synth for that matter. Tina's part could've fallen through the cracks and her slap-and-pop style on the track helps the bass break through the mix a bit. This song is a great example of bass parts that just groove and are perfect in their simplicity. Enjoy and thanks for reading!

Raleigh, etc.

It's hot here in Raleigh and I'm stuck in a windowless tiny office writing a technical manual. Actually I'm not writing much of anything. Sometimes the well dries up. I had a pretty bad crash last night on 286. Came through the other side of a creek crossing and front wheel washed out in some loose rocks. I may have applied to much front brake inexplicably. Really trying to lay off the brakes more and more. Anyway, left elbow and knee are banged up and plenty of road rash. As they say, that's racing. There is a race Saturday here that I thought about entering on a lark but now I may not.

Mountain Bikes, Bass Guitar, and other stuff I like

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