A calm section of the South Fork Kings River. The big boulder in the distance is known as the Muir Rock. From this wide, flat rock, John Muir used to deliver impassioned speeches about the Sierra. When referring to logging the giant trees, he said that mankind may as well "sell the rain clouds and the snow and the rivers to be cut up and carried away, if that were possible."
Narrow spots in the river, along with boulders and rocks in the water, create sections of rough water. I love the sound of the water flowing through these areas.
There were some areas along the trail that required scrambling over rocks, but for the most part the trail was relatively level with open meadows mingled with forested areas. About three quarters of the way down the trail there were several small streams that had to be crossed using rocks as stepping stones, or simply walking through the shallow, swift flowing waters.
But then I came to this. The three logs were 8-10 feet long. The water was about 18” deep and very, very fast. I stuck my hiking stick in to the bottom of the stream and the current almost grabbed it out of my hand. It's hard to see in the photo but once you got across the wet, slippery logs there was a downed tree that you had to get over and another 10 feet or so of water (though it didn't look quite as deep) before you reached the other side.Three times I made the attempt to cross. The logs were of varying sizes. They were slippery. There was no good footing and I'm not good at walking the balance beam! I looked upstream and down for another way to cross but saw nothing. There was no one else around to offer assistance. Reluctantly, I turned around and walked back the way I had come, disappointed but at the same time, savoring the beauty around me.
Along the way back I thought of my options. I could go to the beginning again and take the trail on the North side of the river but that would make the days hike 12.5 miles instead of the original 8.5 and though the view at Mist Falls promised to be nice (a 50 foot waterfall that drops over a ledge into a boulder-lined pool) I decided not to continue on to the falls.
The air was crisp on Sunday morning. Frost still covered the grass in the shady areas.
What it is, I don't know, but there is “something” about reflections in calm, clear water. An image within an image. Real. Yet not real. Seeing what is or isn't there.
Sunday morning, November 15th.
Chromehas sent me a sample of their ladies'Vanya knickers, which unfortunately do not fit me. But my loss could be your gain: If you are a lady with a figure that is less... bottom-heavy than mine, these knickers could be yours. Retail price is $120 and they are made in the USA. Keep reading for my impressions, including sizing and fit.
The ChromeVanya knickers look like classic capri style 3/4 length pants, with subtle cargo elements.The "blue steel" colour is a pleasant slate gray (that happens to match my curtains), and they are also available in black. The construction is tailored to facilitate movement (lots of darts and curves), with a gusset at the crotch.
The fabric is nylon and spandex. While I can't wear polyester at all, I am fine with nylon/spandex blends against my skin - though I still prefer wool. For comparison, the Rivendell MUSA knickers reviewed earlier are also made of nylon. The Chrome knickers are considerably less shiny and more tailored than those, with heavier fabric.
There are front and rear pockets, including a zipped up cargo pocket
and what looks like a mobile phone compartment.
The stitching is nicely done throughout in a matching thread colour.
Strong button and zip fly closure, again with really nice stitching. Wide belt loops.
The gusset is heart shaped. Don't worry - it's not nearly this noticeable in person; I intentionally unfolded the knickers to show it off.
I was surprised to discovered that on the inside, the gusset is made of a soft, thick, fleecy fabric that gives it a slightly padded feel. There is no information as to what this fabric is, but it feels like synthetic fleece and makes me wonder what these knickers are like to wear in the summer: Won't having a layer of fleece between crotch and saddle cause overheating?
Otherwise, the ChromeVanya knickers look great, and my only other caveat is the fit. I can't tell you how they look or feel when worn, because I haven't been able to try them on. I asked for a size Small and thought I'd be safe, as my waist measures several inches smaller than what is on their sizing chart for a size Small (I just re-measured to make sure - yup, way smaller). And yet I can't pull the knickers up past my hips. I would say that these knickers will fit you if you are a US size 4 with narrow hips, but not if you have wide hips or a generous behind. I am a size 4 according toGap and J. Crew with some room to spare, but the Vanyas in size Small don't fit.
Floribunda had an enormous selection of colorful ceramic pots too. I found one that will be just right for repotting my old Jade plant.
