Desolation Wilderness Trail Run

"As every runner knows, running is about more than just putting one foot in front of the other; it is about our lifestyle and who we are."

–- Joan Benoit Samuelson


According to the U.S. Forest Service website, the Tahoe Basin was covered with ice sheets over a thousand feet deep during the last ice age, over 200,000 years ago. The glaciers receded 10,000 years ago, creating the wonderful place we now call the Desolation Wilderness.

With Yosemite National Park blanketed with smoke from the local forest fires, Faye, Li, and I headed over to the Desolation Wilderness for a mid-week excursion. We arrived Echo Lake shortly after 9 AM and parked at the Echo Chalet. We not so quickly sorted out our gear, loaded up our running packs, visited the latrine, and hit the trails at 10 AM. Faye and I ran the trails, while Li hiked.

Running along the trail overlooking Echo Lake was a different experience. The last two times I've been to the Desolation Wilderness was in the winter and we snowshoed across Echo Lake. The lower perspective from the lake's surface provides wonderful views of the granite mountains forming the northern border of the lake. Running the elevated trail offers one a different, but equally beautiful view of the lake and terrain beyond. We followed the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), running along Lower Echo Lake and the smaller Upper Echo Lake. I find it amusing that there are two Echo...Echo...Lakes, but, I digress. After a few miles, the trail overlooks Tamarack Lake on the left, which is a distinctive flat spot surrounded by trees during the winter months. Continuing northwest along the PCT for a few more miles, we reached the large, but shallow Lake Aloha. I'm always curious about the names of backcountry lakes and Lake Aloha is one for which there is no apparent explanation. Perhaps the islands in the middle of the lake reminded one of the Hawaiian islands in the Pacific. Anyway, we stopped at Lake Aloha to take in the the beautiful views and to snap a few photos. We neared our predefined turnaround time, so we proceeded a bit beyond Lake Aloha to Heather Lake. I took a quick photo of the lake with my iPhone, capturing a square composition to be uploaded to Instagram back at the parking lot...and then we headed back.

It was a very relaxing and enjoyable trip; a bit of running, a bit of walking, and a bit of landscape photography. For me, that's the beauty of these "fun runs." We took our time and made sure to pause for a few special moments to enjoy the incredible views. The total round trip distance was 17 miles, with about two thousand feet of elevation gain. Overall, I thought the trail was graded nicely and was mostly runnable, although there were sections of really rocky terrain which we walked to minimize the risk of twisted ankles. The trail climbs from 7,400 feet at Echo Lake to 8,120 feet at Lake Aloha, so the "actual" pace was slower than the "perceived" pace. Often at elevation, I feel like I'm running eight minute miles, but my Garmin GPS watch lets me know it's only ten minute miles.



Here are a few photos from the trip.



I liked the mirror-like reflections.



I tried to use the grass in the water to provide some foreground interest.



Lake Aloha



In the winter, the islands in Lake Aloha appear as bumps on an expanse of white. It's such a different view in the summer.



There were a lot of day hikers on the trail and the younger ones were thrilled to see Barney.



Faye (AKA, Vanna) and Wayne at the Desolation Wilderness boundary.

Peace

“Some seek the comfort of their therapist's office, other head to the corner pub and dive into a pint, but I chose running as my therapy.”

-- Dean Karnazes


One of the things I love about trail running is the peace and solitude. The stress and frustration from a bad day at work just melt away on the trail, seemingly exiting my body through the sweat from my pores and the carbon dioxide from my lungs.

My daughter performed in a hula competition during a recent weekend in Sacramento. I missed Saturday, while doing my long-run, and joined them on Sunday. My wife mentioned to the other parents that I was doing my long-run on Saturday and the “18 mile” distance came up in the conversation. They asked what I was training for and she explained, “Nothing…he just does it.”

I’ve been running off and on for the last 30 years (since I was an infant), but it wasn’t until last year that I really ramped up and started running year-round. I volunteered (sort of) to pace a friend in last year’s Leadville 100, trained hard to get into shape quickly, and just kept the running program going after the race was over. Now, with no special race in mind, I “just do it” because it’s fun and relaxing.

Interestingly enough, while on my 18 mile run, I bumped into another runner on the trail and we chatted a bit. He asked if I was training for a marathon or something and I mentioned I was just running for fun (don’t people run 18 miles for fun?). I explained that I enjoy self-supported, fun runs because organized races are expensive and I don’t need more t-shirts (just ask my wife) – and I get to visit cool locations that I’m interested in seeing, the scheduling is totally flexible (and can be rescheduled in the event of injury, etc.), and it’s free.

My friend Faye and I have a few fun runs scheduled this year. We’re running Desolation Wilderness next week, near Lake Tahoe. Our original plan was to run in Yosemite National Park, but we changed the venue due to a forest fire in the area. We also canceled a Yosemite run last year due to a forest fire, so the fire gods must be mad at us – or perhaps it’s because California’s in the middle of a multi-year drought and the summers have been extraordinarily hot. I’m also planning a Lake Del Valle to Sunol Regional Park run, traversing 20 miles along the Ohlone Wilderness Trail. There may also be another run later in the fall (I can always be “convinced” to do something fun).

Peace out.


Here are a few more photos from the Pleasanton Ridge trails.


Sheep grazing and enjoying the peaceful day (at least until I ran upon them, causing them to scatter off the trail). I tried counting them, but I fell asleep...



Chris dashing through the oaks.




Chris running off into the distance.

Anything but the Omelet

I recently traveled to Guam on business. While Guam is a wonderful place to vacation and relax, my business travel there has usually consisted of long work days, starting at 4 AM to support conference calls with North America, and ending late with customer dinners. Now that I’ve completed this trip a few times, I decided to compile a few tips for travelers visiting the island.

United Airlines pretty much has a lock on air travel between the US and Guam. The real choice is whether one connects through Honolulu or Tokyo. I prefer connecting through Tokyo because it offers one long flight from San Francisco to Tokyo (10 hours) and then one short flight from Tokyo to Guam (3 hours). Flying through Hawaii results in two medium-long flights, which isn’t as good for sleeping. I also enjoy the food and shopping at the Narita Airport.

The food on US air carriers is generally bad, at best. When flying United Airlines, I generally opt for ABTO (anything but the omelet). The texture and flavor of the “egg-like” food product is horrendous, but it complements the “cheese-like” food product enveloped in it surprisingly well (in a disgusting sort of way). On the flight to Tokyo, the chicken and rice was gourmet compared to the omelet-like food product. My ABTO theory/practice was proven incorrect on my flight home, however, as the pasta was actually worse (although by a narrow margin).

Tumon is the “Waikiki” of Guam, with a lot of shops, restaurants, hotels, and beaches to cater to the tourist. Historically, the Japanese and Koreans furnished the bulk of the tourism; however, more Chinese and Russian tourists appear to be flocking to the island lately. One tip for the business traveler (and tourist) is to buy a $13 mask and snorkel at K-Mart, and spend some time in the water. Floating in the warm Pacific Ocean, viewing the colorful tropical fish amongst the coral will soothe your soul. Sixty minutes in the water after work cleared our minds, melted our stress…and prepared our appetites for dinner. We repeated this day after day and the fish – the bright blue starfish; the brilliant yellow puffer fish; the school of angel fish; the colorful trigger fish; and the sand-colored flounder – always amazed us.

When in Guam, or any tropical island, take the time to chill out. Drive a little slower, enjoy dinner a little longer, and don’t sweat the small stuff. My flight from Guam to Tokyo had a projected three hour delay, jeopardizing my connection in Narita and the connections for many other travelers. While waiting at the gate, a group of locals opened their guitar and ukulele cases, and started playing music. The band entertained the crowd and the music helped pass the time (and gave the Asian tourists something to photograph). What would typically be bummer ended up being a nice experience, with live music, and drinks and snacks provided by United Airlines. Who knew hanging out at the airport could be so fun!

Fortunately, the flight left Guam after a two and a half hour delay, and the airline held my connecting flight in Narita. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to shop and eat at Narita….and I was so looking forward to the ramen.

To wrap things up, when traveling to Guam, remember -- ABTO and relax a little.


Here are a few pictures from my trip (Nikon FM2, 35mm f/2 AI-S, Fuji Pro400H film):



View of Tumon Bay from my hotel room.


Afternoon view from Two Lover's Point



Here are a few photos from my iPhone5:


Morning view from the hotel


Another photo taken from Two Lover's Point

My Photography Style and Other Miscellaneous Ramblings

I read an article on photographic style recently, and it got me thinking about my own personal style and shooting preferences.

Since I was a child, I have been interested in photography to some degree, using primarily Instamatic and similar point and shoot film cameras. A college roommate introduced me to the SLR, his Minolta X-700, and I eventually purchased my own SLR in 1992. My wife purchased a digital SLR, a Nikon D80, for me in 2008 and I used it sparingly, primarily for backpacking trips and special occasions. In 2010, I started a 365 “photo a day, for a year” project and my knowledge, experience, and skills increased exponentially (for the non-engineers, that means “a lot”). In my opinion, shooting daily is the best way to become a better photographer. It makes the camera settings and handling second nature, and more importantly, it trains your eye to “see” better photographs.

While I no longer shoot every day, I shoot regularly and include the camera in my daily life. I don’t consider myself a specialist in any one genre of photography. I just photograph life around me. I’m a landscape photographer when I’m hiking, snowshoeing, backpacking, trail running, and camping; a sports photographer when I’m watching my son’s basketball games and track meets, and my daughter’s softball games; a street photographer when I’m wandering around San Francisco; and a portrait photographer when my wife needs a family portrait for the Christmas cards.

In general, I prefer natural light over artificial light, prime lenses (fixed focal length) over zoom lenses, shooting outdoors instead of indoors, and lately, more film than digital. My photographic style is bounded by these preferences.

My landscape work is usually shot wide, with a 24mm (or wider) lens, although I have been shooting more and more at 35mm. My tendency (or “style”) is to fill the foreground with an interesting subject and shoot from a low to the ground perspective. This places the horizon at the upper third of the frame and accentuates the foreground subject. I don’t use the longer focal lengths often, but when I do, it’s to isolate an interesting feature or for foreground/background compression (i.e., make the foreground and background appear closer together in the frame).

My portraits are usually environmental/candid portraits -- un-posed shots of family and friends, using natural light. I tend to frame tightly, typically capturing the subject from the waist, on up, and filling the frame. This is probably my least favorite genre of photography, but I think it’s important to capture your loved ones in photos for future enjoyment. I love looking at old photos of the family, especially the kids. As the kids get older and as the older generation passes, the old photos become priceless.

For sports, I try to fill the frame with the action. Framing is always a challenge with fast-moving sports and I don’t hesitate to crop a photo in post-processing. I often complement the “action” shots with wider views to provide context and with candid portraits of the coaches and players. I almost always use my digital SLR. The action is fast and shooting digital (with autofocus) is more efficient and productive. I most often shoot with my 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. The f/2.8 maximum aperture allows me to use faster shutter speeds to freeze the action, while minimizing ISO.

I’m new to street photography, but this is one area I’m interested in experiencing more. I tend to shoot my FM2, with a 35mm f/2 lens, and Kodak BW400CN B&W film, pushed two-stops. Pushing the film (shooting at ISO 1600) allows me to use a smaller aperture for more depth of field and faster shutter speeds to freeze the motion. Additionally, the small FM2 is less obtrusive and allows me to shoot without drawing a lot of attention to myself. I will also switch to a 50mm lens, when I want to fill the frame with the subject, with less background.

From an equipment perspective, I won’t say that “cameras don’t matter,” but I personally don’t worry too much about the gear. For most of my work, my current camera of choice is the Nikon FM2 film SLR, with either a 35mm or 50mm lens, shooting color or B&W negative film. Shooting a modern digital SLR would clearly give me “better” technical image quality and using a zoom lens would give me more flexibility and convenience, but, I prefer the more compact size and lighter weight of the FM2. Furthermore, the manual controls help slow me down, enabling me to better focus on exposure and composition before pressing the shutter release button. Too many photographers evaluate “image quality” by looking at razor sharp focus and the absence of digital noise. My recommendation is to focus on composition and quality of light instead, and not worry about the camera. Some of my favorite photos have been taken with a point and shoot, film camera, or even my iPhone. While the technical image quality would surely be better with the latest, greatest digital SLR, the simplicity of the other cameras often helps me see the compositions better.

Here are a few photos, illustrating my "style" of photography. These pictures were captured with a variety of cameras, including a Nikon D80 digital SLR, Minolta film SLR, Nikon FM2 film SLR, Panasonic LX5 digital point and shoot, Olympus film point and shoot, and iPhone5.

Kami and Ashley Pitch a Solid Game

It rained and poured all day Friday and well into the evening. The softball fields were surely going to be soggy and unplayable today. This would benefit the PGSL Storm because their team would be short-handed, missing four starting infielders -- pitcher, first baseman, third baseman, and catcher.

The alarm went off at 6 AM and I shut it off, secretly praying for the game to be canceled. I lay in bed, periodically checking the PGSL website and weather line. At 6:45 AM, the website was updated -- the softball fields were open and playable. I quickly consumed my warm cup of coffee, packed up my glove and camera, and headed to the Pleasanton Sports Park with Kami.

An 8:30 AM game time is early for the average high school girl, but the Storm came ready to play. Several players had to play in new positions to cover for the missing players and although there were a few errors, the team performed well. The pitchers stepped up and pitched a great game. Kami started the game on the mound, with the plan to pitch two innings and then play third base for the balance of the game. She walked a few batters early on, but settled into a rhythm as the game progressed. The coaches decided to keep her on the mound for four innings. Ashley came in on relief and pitched a wonderful three innings. Both pitchers took care of business, yielding no earned runs in seven innings. Offensively, the team generated runs on several clutch hits and aggressive base running, and they took advantage of a few timely defensive errors.

The Storm had a few young players cheering them on today. Members from the PGSL Mini Rec Mighty Minions softball team arrived at the Sports Park early to watch the Storm game. The Storm practiced with the Mighty Minions last week, with the older players mentoring the younger players. It was nice to see the Mighty Minions showing their support for the Storm today. After the Storm victory, a few Storm players went to watch the Mighty Minions play their game. The Storm were honorary coaches, acting as the base coaches while the Mighty Minions were on offense. It was fun watching the little Minions play today -- and I think the Storm girls had a good time, as well.

Here are a few photos from today's action:



Kami getting encouragement from Coach Q before heading back to the mound.


Marisa behind the plate: Marisa normally plays shortstop and center field, but played a few innings at catcher today. She's a great softball player and I'm sure she can play any of the nine positions in a pinch.


Veronica S. talking to Coach Rick, just before laying down a beautiful bunt for a base hit.


Another coaching moment, starring Coach Rick and Zoe.


Zoe coaching first base during the Mighty Minion game


A Mighty Minion player quickly exiting the batters box, on her way to a nice base hit.

The Mighty Minions

The Storm, playing in the Pleasanton Girls Softball League (PGSL) Senior Division, conducted a joint team practice today with the Mighty Minions, a team from the PGSL Mini Rec Division. It was a great opportunity for the younger Minion players to interact and learn from the older Storm players. I think young players listen well to their coaches, but it's something special to watch and learn from older, high school aged players.

After practice today, I took a short drive down Memory Lane. I remember when Kami was that age, playing in the Mini Rec Division. Observing the two teams together really highlighted how quickly the girls develop as softball players and mature into young ladies. It happens so quickly!

Here are a few photos from today's practice.



Jamie getting thrown out at first base by the Mighty Minion defense.



Marisa paired with the Minion shortstop, during infield practice.



Coach Rick hitting infield practice.



Lexi behind the plate during batting practice.



Jamie mentoring the Minion third basemen.

Here's a throwback photo:


Kami at Third Base, April 2010

April Storm

Another Storm blasted through Pleasanton yesterday, the PGSL softball Storm. Although the team was missing four players at game time, the remaining ten put on a dominant performance. The bats were on fire, generating an incredible amount of offense. Defensively, the pitchers threw strikes, enabling the opposition to put the ball into play, and allowing the stout Storm defense to make plays. There were many ESPN Sports Center quality plays, including Kami snagging a line drive at second base, robbing the batter of a sure base hit.


Here are a few photos from the game:

Happy Birthday Kami

Fifteen years ago today, Kami squirted out into this world and at that moment, Kevin had a sister.

Happy Birthday Kami!

Back on the Trails

My running has been a tough going for the last few months due to injury. I had a decent 2013, but various soft tissue issues impacted my training at end of 2013 and entering into 2014. The injury duration was likely prolonged due to recurring misdiagnosis by Dr. Kodama and a poor treatment plan by Physical Therapist Kodama. I now believe I had Piriformis Syndrome. In layman's terms, a major "pain in the rear." It took months of trial and error, but in retrospect, I seemed to exhibit the classic symptoms -- sharp pain down the leg and significant discomfort while sitting. Thanks to Google, I finally uncovered an advanced piriformis stretch, which reduced the pain dramatically and effectively unlocked my tight hips.

I traveled to Hawaii for business and took a few extra days to spend with family. Running wise, I intended to take advantage of the nice weather and kick start my running program. Before my first run, I was doing my "advanced piriformis stretch" and my brother said, "oh, the pigeon pose." Perhaps I should have started yoga months ago!  We ran four times during my stay, which exceeded my expectations.  I did the pigeon pose every morning and evening, and before and after each run.  After a pain free week of light running, I decided to resume my trail running this week in California.  The weather today was pleasant, perfect for my seven mile route on the Pleasanton Ridge.  My breathing was a bit more labored and my legs a little low on power, but overall it wasn't as bad as I expected.  As I passed a couple hiking up the ridge, the gal said, "you're a stud," and the guy followed with, "we wish we were you."  I love the encouragement I get from hikers, runners, and mountain bikers on the trails!  Any thoughts of walking quickly disappeared and I pushed my way to the top and across the ridgeline to my turnaround point.  After a short pigeon pose stretch at the top, I descended the ridge pain free.  It was a good (re)start to my training program.

While in Hawaii, I went to the parents' house and spent a few moments sorting through a box of my childhood memories.  After accumulating a house full of clutter in California over the last twenty years, the sentimental value associated with the boxes in Hawaii decreased dramatically.  I do, however, cherish the old photos -- particularly my baseball and marathon pictures.  The photo above was from my final marathon, the 1983 Honolulu Marathon.  My first marathon was the 1980 Honolulu Marathon, but I won't share that photo....I'll just say I was a pretty skinny 14 year old...with an era-appropriate hairstyle...and era-appropriate, goofy glasses.  :-)


Below are a few photos from my trip.


 

Fresh Akule for $4.95 per pound at a market in Chinatown.  Whenever I'm in the islands, I always try to have local seafood.  I travel on business to Hawaii, Guam, and American Samoa, and the fresh, tropical seafood is always incredible.



This is a view of Aloha Tower from an office building on Bishop Street.  I loved the view from the office window.  I had a Mahi Mahi sandwich for lunch that day, blackened with Cajun spices.  The only thing it was missing was a cold beer...

Marisa's Home Run

Marisa's Home Run, a photo by Wayne-K on Flickr.

The Storm defense started a little slowly today, with multiple errors early in the game. Perhaps it was the 8:30 AM start, but the defense eventually clamped down and the bats came alive, giving the Storm another win.

Overall, it was a great game. Kami started the game on the mound and pitched well. Marisa put on a hitting clinic, hitting one out of the park for a home run!


Here are a few photos from the game.