No, It's not a Mirage

Day in, day out I deal with the same stuff as a law enforcement officer; drunk people, spouses who can't argue without their fists, kids going through puberty by holding a gun and claiming gang membership.... But, every now and again there's a mirage in the desert to quench my thirst.

Next week, I get to spend a week in Pacific Grove, CA at a class. It's being held at a resort on Monterrey Bay. And the best part, my wife's joining me (cuz Grandma's coming to keep an eye on the boy) for some relaxing, seafood eating, wine tasting, art shopping time. On the way home, we'll cruise down Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur, and cross over through the Paso Robles wine region.

Thank goodness for mirages that turn out to be oasis's!

This photo was taken in an estuary of the Colorado River near Topock Gorge. In the middle of the desert, these marshes are major stops on trans-continental migratory routes for many different birds.

"Okay, maybe this is a good excuse"

I swear, I was planning on doing a good road ride today til I got out on the Rim and saw a monster sized header from the Butler Fire. I guess I'll wisely stay off the road for emergency traffic and, sadly, looky-loo's. From this vantage point, the fire line is probably 12-15 miles away. Still, I could see flames which, based on tree heights, were up in the 100-150' foot range.

This is what drought looks like in Southern California.....

I think I can I think I can I think I can I think I can

When I was in my 30's, an old guy told me "Aging is a battle of lethargy. It's easier to eat cheetos and drink a beer than it is to keep moving." I understood that as only a healthy 30 something could and went about life indulging in my loves of microbrews, good cheeses,olives, and summer sausage.

Now, I'm in my 40's and I'm starting to see wisdom in that theory. I have found myself making excuses instead of going out on my epic bike rides. "It's too hot, too cold, too early, too late, too many chores, too tired, too busy, my bike needs work, blah,blah blah....

And with that, ever so quietly, my belly has grown until it hit the 20 pound gain recently. Well, enough's enough...

I've recommitted myself to fitness and eating better. Not in some crazed "born-again" way, because quite frankly there's nothing more irritating than someone who wants to tell you how to eat and exercise. I'm just saying I want to be a little more healthy so my wife and I can enjoy each other's company, even when we are so old we don't remember what we were arguing about.

The photo was taken last week on the Sierra Fall Century Ride; 100 miles through the Sierra's with 6000' elevation gain.