Tombstone Tuesday :: Elsie Shuder and Charles Wiseman

Gravesite of my grandparents Elsie Shuder and Charles Wilson Wiseman
North Webster Cemetery, North Webster (Kosciusko County), IndianaWisemanElsie Shuder / 1886-1926Charles W. / 1886-1943
Elsie Shuder was the daughter of Isaac and Nancy Jane (Lavering) Shuder. She was born on August 18, 1885 in Tippecanoe Township, Kosciusko County, Indiana. The inscription shows her year of birth as 1886 but her marriage application and death record both show that she was born in 1885. Elsie perished in a house fire on February 3, 1926 leaving eight children between the ages of 2 and 16. She was 40 years old. My father was the youngest of the children.

Charles Wilson Wiseman was born on September 20, 1885 also in Tippecanoe Township. The inscription shows his year of birth as 1886 but his marriage application, WWI Draft Registration Card, and Certificate of Death all give his year of birth as 1885. He was the son of Samuel Bray and Amanda Minerva (Alexander) Wiseman. It was said that Charlie made the best moonshine and was the best one-armed card shark in the county. (In 1908, his right arm had been amputated below the elbow after an accident with a cement mixer.) Charlie passed away on January 28, 1943 at McDonald Hospital in Warsaw, Indiana.

Zamberlan 4000 Eiger Ice boot...

A few years ago at Winter OR I stumbled across a boot company called Zamberlan. Honestly I can't remember if I had heard of them prior. May be in Europe some time but I simply don't remember now. Friend Jonathon Miller and fellow guides at the show really liked their Zamberlan bootsand tried in vain to get me hooked up with Zamberlan that winter,





As much as I really wanted to try the Zamberlan boots I simply couldn't get hold of a pair. Any pair that I wantedto climb in anyway. Hiking boots that hold no interest for me were easy. Alpine boots? Not happening back then.



Which was really too bad from my perspective. A quick inspection made me thinkthey wouldbe GREAT climbing boots. May be better than what I was in at the time. Since my originalefforts trying to get the boots (any of the 3 models I wanted) the La Sportiva Batura has gone through three distinct models of the same boot!



http://www.zamberlanusa.com/catalog/?lang=en&pg=cat&idcat=1



Late last spring about in the middle of the traditionalAlaska Range climbing season I got my hands on all three of the Zamberlans I had been lusting over for years now. Technical boots all, the models listed her by warmth (warm to warmest) are The Paine GTX 3000, The Eiger 4000 and theirfull on double boot, the Denali 6000.(yes, detailed reviews on the Paine and Denali will follow shortly)

It was worth the wait.




"Some history? Zamberlan is a family run company that still makes it's boots in Italy after 80
years.

Giuseppe Zamberlan, the grandfather, started the activity right after the end of 1st World War From simple shoe repair he moved on to footwear production, driven both by necessity and by his big passion for his local mountain range, the Piccole Dolomiti. He understood the poor performance of the early existing solesmade of leather with iron studs - and he both shared and supported the revolutionary ideas of Vitale Bramani, founder of Vibram, who was studying and developing rubber soles at the time.

Fast forward....



Now it is the turn of the third generation. Marco and Maria now manage the family company.

Like their forefathers, they too inherited the enduring love and enjoyment of the mountains and for their work, so closely related to that enjoyment, which takes them through all stages of designing, manufacturing, testing and distributing the most comfortable footwear for this purpose.



Zamberlan is still managed and run by the family."



My take on all that? It is important or I wouldn't be writing about it. The Europeans don't take their own heritage lightly. The guys (and gals)building crampons, axes or boots now for generations (and I don''t mean time) but new generations of their own families actually care about the products with their names on them and the people that will eventually use them. When your Grandfather was an alpinist 50+ years ago and put his name on the Company, you take your responsibilities to the currentcommunity seriously.



At least that is my perspective for a limited experience.



What does all that mean to some hard charger in Canmore, Boulder, Chamonix or Seattle who is looking to buy a new boot to up his alpine game?



For me? That means the company is likely to be a little conservative. But when they do bring a new product to market it is likely well tested and well worn prior. Chances are you can bet on it delivering as promised.



So lets get on the the Zamberlan Eiger 4000.



As you might imagine the Eiger 4000 is pointed directly at the alpinist wanting to do technical routes on the 4000M peaks of Europe. The North Face of the Eiger as a perfect example of those goals.



First up? Might as well look at weight.



Batura 2.0 2# 2oz (current version)

Scarpa Phantom Ultra 2# 3.5oz (35.5oz) /
1006g

La Sportiva Batura 1st gen. 2# 7oz / 1106g

Zamberlan Paine 2#
7oz

Mammutt Extreme Nordwand 2# 7oz

Scarpa Phantom
Guide 2# 7.5oz / 1120g

Salewa Pro Gaiter 2# 8oz

Zamberlan Eiger 6000 2# 8oz

La Sportiva Batura 2nd gen. 2# 9oz / 1170g



Yep,it is within an ounce of the heaviest single fully gaitered boot I have used. And I climbed some the hardest mixed I have done recently in a heavier boot, the 1st gen Batura. The Eiger 8000 fits my feetmuch, much better today than any version of the Batura including the Batura 2.0. I'm happy to give up the 12oz per pair and the high tech advantages of the 2.0 for a better fit in the Eiger 6000. That is a decision only you can make. And only then if it makes any sense to you.









As I mentioned in the previous Mammut review weight is not the end all of picking out a boot. Fit is. I repeat it over and over again. Fit is what rules hereand out shines anything within reason for weight. If a extra pound on your feet kills your ambitions in the mountains it is time to train harder.



Knowing all too well just how important weight on your feet really means. If you start comparing the level of support and warmthall these boots they are very similar yet distinct for how they fit my feet. Your fitwillmost likely vary from mine. It bears repeating...



The Eiger (Zamberlan in general I think) runs a narrow heel and a medium tight mid foot with a nice open box toe. Even on the Paine 3000, which is a low profile cold weather boot, uses the same last from what I can tell. It is a great last for my feet. Some where between the La Sportiva and a Scarpa last is my take on it. Both of which I think are on the narrow side.



But like anything as complicated as a boot there are other reasons why these boots fit me well. The lacing and ankle joint articulation here is exceptional imo. And they are simple.











Classic example of how to do a set of laces poorly is the Batura. Any Batura. What should have gotten betterover time has gotten worse IMO. Seems like who ever the designer is on that project has nothing similar to my feet in his test studies and focus groups. I have to simply skip the lock lace on the 2.0 to use it. Sad as I would climb in them more if they had a better (more simple) lace system.



Love the Batura, really dislike the lacing system. "Boots"..that design for me. Pun intended of course :)



My favorite boots like the Phantom Series have a simple lace system. And they fit. The Eiger does as well. Even better I like the 3 sets of lock lace in series on the upper cuff of the Eiger. The Phantom Series mimicsthe same lace design. I understand why but I don't like the nasty, sharp and narrow laces you need to use those same lock laces.



Good comparison I think with thePhantom Guide and the Ultra (one ofmy all time favorites) here with the Eiger 6000. Think of the Eiger as a very warm (more insulated gaiter) and more supportive fabric in the boot proper. (which is very obvious when comparing the Guide or Batura)



As a far as support it goes like this...stiff to soft. The Eiger is built like others in this groupusing SuperFabric for the boot itselfand a combination of SuperFabricand a fully breathable neoprene like material for thegaiter. The Eiger 6000 offers the most ankle support. The Phantom guide is in the middle and the Batura the least amount of ankle support. If you are doing a lot of really gymnastic mixed moved. may be the Batura... if they fit. Guide is in between. I've used them or their slightly lighter little brother the Phantom Ultraeverywhere I climb. Get the Eiger if you can use the extra support around the ankle.









The Eiger's extra support inthe ankleis the boot I wantto climb water fall and alpine ice with given a choice. It fits me well. I think it is a bump in warmth on the other boots just by the quality of the gaiter. But I wouldn'tbuy the Eiger just for that observation.






Nice rounded toe box with a closely cropped sole withthe huge RiRi zipper and velcro closure shown.





Detail for a additioanlgaiter hold down loop if it is ever required.





Draw cord close on the top of the longer than usual insulated integral gaiter.




Speaking of the gaiter...the big teeth in thezipper doesn't inspireconfidence to anyone who climbed in the original Batura. That huge RiRi Aqua zipper of similar style that lost teeth on a regular basis from YKK and theBatura. But this one may be different. Ifrankly don't know either way. But no worries. Zamberlan figuredout the rest and the best answer a while ago to solve a broken zipper. We (my climbing partners and I) figured it out in '75, Zippers are OK...just back them up with some thick sticky Velcro! La Sportiva finally caught on....but none too soon with the 2.0.



I suspect much of the6oz between the Batura 2.0 and the Eiger 6000 can be traced directly to thedifferences in gaiter. Eiger 6000 has a heavier zipper, heavier gaiter fabric, and the gaiteris insulated not just Goretex. More durable, and easier to usezipper flapno question and almost a full inch taller. All good things IMO.



The Batura 2.0 advantages include a good size wear patch on the inside of the boot's gaiter. I wouldn't kick it to the curb it it fits you. It is also a nice boot. Just an easy one to make comparisons with here.



Seriously it all boils down to fit. How the boot fits you.









Zamberlan also decided on a full depth lug sole. SameVibram the Mammut Eiger boot uses. No complaints on how this sole is closelytrimmed however. It is tight all the way around. Whichonly underlines for me how a boot's details can make it just that much better and easier to climb in.



How stiff is it?









If you look at the mid sole material I suspect it is the same as La Sportiva used in the original Nepal and Batura and still uses in the Trango Extreme. So it is stiff. Thatmid sole would eventually brake down iin theLa Sportiva versions. Which is why you see the move to a carbon mid sole these days by many of the boot makes. Remember I mentioned conservative? The Eiger has a solid synthetic mid sole and a proprietary toe and heelcrampon fixture. Which are well thought out. Some other brands are not IMO. Between the Vibram sole and the stiff mid sole is a EVA foam layer for cushion. Nice combo and a stiff (rigid) sole that is exceptional on steep ice and technical rock. As one would expect from this type of boot and the intendeduse.



Along those lines the crampon attachment is solid and easy to use. Lots of detailing here by Zamberlan that no one else has copied. Seems like a no brainier but also seems everyone has there own idea on how the toe and heel should be built to take a crampon. One wonders at times if the boot makes have actually ever seencrampons. Obviously Zamberlan's boot makershave.









Sizing?

The boots come in Euro full sizes only. Which caused me some early issues in sizing. I typically wear a size 45 in everything. But ordering an unknown boot I tend to be conservative myself and go bigger since I am so close between a 45 and a 46. Generally either will work. I just wanted to see and review the boots. No clue if I would want to climb in a pair past that no matter how cool I thought they looked.



So the 46s show up in all three boots. Allfit well enough but all were just a little bigger than I would have preferred. So I sent two pair of the46s back anda new set of45s arrived shortly after.Then prior to the follow up,life got in the way for several months. Back at it now with a new ice season just around the corner.



Checking boot fit again this week for the review, it's just asI had originally thought. The 46 is pretty big on me. Usable but bigger than I really like. The 45s are a tight 45 for my typically 45 foot. Bradat ProLite gear in Bozeman suggested a 46 for my 11.5/12 foot. And Isuspect he is correct in that thinking. Most won't want to climb ice in a thin sock and such a tight fit as I have with my pair ofEigers in a 45. But I like it. Enough so that I have been climbing in them simply because it is one of the better fitting boots I own.



My point here is that the Zamberlan is a viableoption to the typical Scarpa/La Spotive fit. And worth a try if they have a boot style you think appropriate for you. They have three alpine boots I really like :)



Unsual for me to list retailers but the only two online retail/brick and mortor stores that have an inventory of the Zamberland boots are below. I know the guys there and both helped me sourcing the Zamberland boots. So your are in good hands. Ask for Brad in Bozeman orEric and Jonathonin Telluride. I'll have reviews of the Zamberlan Paine and Denali up soon if you need warmer or lighter weight alpine boots. Both worth a look as well.



http://www.prolitegear.com/



http://www.jagged-edge-telluride.com/

Multnomah Falls

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - Oregon



Multnomah, more than any other waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge, is arguably the "must-see" waterfall in that area. It is also one of the easiest ones to see, with excellent access just off the roadway. We arrived late in the day but still managed to squeeze off a few shots before it got too dark to see the falls. This was a 6 second exposure taken from near the base of the falls.

A Negro Man Called Thomas...

Several years ago I was corresponding with Carol Dorward, a distant cousin in my Goodrich line. She is a descendant of Price Goodrich while I am descended from his sister, Abigail (Goodrich) Joslin. They are the children of Bela and Sally (Church) Goodrich. Bela is a son of John and Abigail (Price) Goodrich.



John Goodrich was born in 1754 Wethersfield, Hartford County, Connecticut and lived there until about 1807 when he moved to Worthington, Franklin County, Ohio. From about the late 1790s until early 1806 he was known as John 3rd since there were two older men in Wethersfield by the name of John Goodrich. In April 1806 one of the older men died and John 3rd became John 2nd. Needless to say, this does create some “issues” with researching “my” John Goodrich.



One of the items that Carol sent me was a transcription of a brief biography about “our” John Goodrich from an article on Christ Church of Worthington. Among the information provided in that article was the following statement: “On Dec. 8, 1799, he bought a Negro man 'Tom,' the bill of sale being recorded on the Wethersfield land records.”



I know we are not supposed to judge our ancestors by today's standards, but I was more than a little surprised to learn about this “transaction” and decided to find the deed record. I'm glad that I did...








Wethersfield Deeds, volume 21 page 528.

Dated December 18, 1799. Recorded January 8, 1800.

Family History Microfilm 0,006,000 viewed February 13, ...


Wethersfield. December 18th, AD 1799.



Whereas I John Goodrich the third of said Wethersfield have this day purchased, bought & received of James Mitchell of said Wethersfield a Negro man called & known by the name of Thomas or Tom, between fifty & Sixty years of age & have gotten a Bill of Sale of sd Negro, to have & hold him said Tom during his Natural Life, and said Thomas or Tom has well served & Indemnified me, in Emancipating & setting him free, I do therefore for the Consideration of ten Dollars received to my full Satisfaction of said Thomas or Tom, sell convey & makeover, give & grant to said Thomas or Tom, all my Right & title to & Interest in his the said Thomas's Service, during his Natural Life, and whereas said Thomas is too far advanced in years to be Emancipated & set free, according to the Statute in such case provided, was to cause him to fall upon the Town in case of want & Sickness, yet so far as relates to any control over him, he is hereby Emancipated and free to all Intents & purposes as fully & absolutely as tho he had become a freeman of this State, & he the said Tom is forever, or during his natural, to enjoy all the Rights & priviledges of a free Citizen, as far as I can Effect both, from any Claim I have or might have or any of my Heirs or assigns. As Witness my hand and Seal the day & date above.



John Goodrich 3d. {Seal}



Signed, Sealed, & delivered in presence of – John Marsh, Stephen M. Mitchell.



=+==+==+==+==+=



Of course, as often happens, this document brings up more questions.We'll probably never know the underlying reason for his actions but it appears that John purchased and emancipated Thomas on the same day.

Grand Canyon :: Sunset at Hopi Point

On our last night at the Canyon (April 17th) we decided to take in another sunset. This time on the southwest side of the Canyon, at Hopi Point.

A close-up view showing a bit of the ruggedness of the Canyon.

The late afternoon sun emphasizes the “hills and valleys” of the Canyon.

The waning rays of the sun also bring out a little of the color in the Canyon.

Quite a few people view the sunsets at Hopi Point. There were three buses and more in the queue to take everyone back to Grand Canyon Village.

The setting sun, split in two by a layer of clouds. It was a fitting end to a very nice day and a great way to end our time at the Grand Canyon.

Cold Weather Victories

When I saw this poster it made me laugh, reminding me of a street scene from the previous day: A woman bundled up in a shearling coat and hat waited for a taxi, while a cyclist in a long sleeve jersey and tights waited at a red light. The woman looked cold and uncomfortable. The cyclist looked ruddy and relaxed, checking his phone for messages with one unclipped toe on the ground.



In the short time window before the cyclist's light turned green and the woman's taxi arrived, somehow the two ended up in a conversation. As I walked past, I caught bits of their exchange. "But how can you... in the cold?," and so forth. By the time the cyclist replied, I was out of earshot. But whatever it was he said to her, they both laughed that special laugh that rings with anticipation. And when I looked back over my shoulder discreetly (I hope), sure enough the woman had her phone out and it looked like they were exchanging numbers. His light had turned green. Her taxi was waiting. They were on the side of the road smiling. "Stay warm!" I thought I heard him yell when he finally took off on his bike. More laughter.



Briskly walking down the street as I fiddled with my scarf, I experienced a moment of longing for my roadbike, and for my technical layers of cycling clothes! It's just so much nicer to be on the bike in cold weather, I caught myself thinking...

Being in Nature

Walking into an outdoor clothing and gear retailer today, we invariably see an expanse of merchandise that is stylised to portray outdoor pursuits as highly technical activities. Fabrics of unnatural textures emitting an otherworldly sheen, colour schemes that don't exist in nature, motifs based on jarring geometric forms, aggressive logo placements - the overall feel is decidedly inorganic. And perhaps that is the key to why I find the aesthetics of today's outdoor industry so disturbing: How can clothing and gear designed for an intimate relationship with our natural surroundings be made in a way that is so at odds with them?



As a teenager in the 1990s I noticed that it disconcerted me to go hiking and see other hikers decked out in this high-tech gear. Watching them move through the landscape, they seemed to be invading nature, not striving to be a part of it. I found myself wondering how long those garments would take to decompose once discarded after a season or two, and what effect their decomposition would have on the beautiful scenery. It particularly disturbed me that outdoor enthusiasts did not seem to be aware of this contradiction. Carrying food and drinks in a myriad of plastic containers, they tramped through meadows and forests clad in aggressively styled garments made of artificial fabrics - an alien presence in their own world.



No doubt as a direct reaction to this I found myself drawn to natural fabrics and materials in everything from clothing, to furniture, to the everyday products I used, and also drawn to aesthetics that harmonised with my surroundings. And early on I felt that content and form went hand in hand here: When a particular aesthetic style becomes popular, it informs what is socially valued. And this has a huge overall impact on what kind of things get made and on how they get made. The aggressive, sporty, techie look has grown absolutely ubiquitous in outdoor gear - so much so that wool outdoor clothing manufacturers looking to become mainstream have taken to imitating the look of artificial fabrics in order to visually convince that their product is equally functional. The fact that what makes wool functional is its natural properties is laughably lost when this tactic is employed.



But recently the outdoor industry has experienced a small but noticeable backlash against the high-tech, and this includes the realm of bicycles and bicycle-related products. The growing public awareness of fringe brands such as Rivendell Bicycle Works and Archival Clothing have made both consumers and manufacturers rethink the aesthetics of an outdoor lifestyle. Some interpret this phenomenon as nostalgia-driven, and some see it as a form of consumer elitism. But I believe there is at least some element here of a rising collective desire for products that are more harmonious with our natural surroundings. Reverting to traditional looks, fabrics and manufacturing processes is simply the byproduct when things are made in this manner. The return of the steel bicycle with the waxed canvas bag is not so much about "re-enactment" as it is about rethinking ways of being in nature.

We love new gear.

The very wise marketing team at Wild Country (UK) wereconcerned about me climbing on French made gear. Not safety, style.They are so style conscious, the Brits.So they chose this stunning outfit for me.The Wild Country Ultralite Elite harness.And they racked it up, left and right, with their latest and totally techno-fabulousHelium quickdraws.



Climbers, you know I'm not that fussy about harnesses and quickdraws, I've used a lot of junk in my time and I never blame my gear,but when I took this lotfor a burl today I felt like I was using the best.Good gear matters.

















The Helium Quickdraws areabsolutely superb. They are lighter than anything I've used before.The dogbones are fat, the way I like them, andthe wire gate secures in an ingenious recessed fashion, no doubt made possible by tricky new manufacturing techniques.And how good do they look?



The first matching set of quickdraws I ever bought were Wild Country, and I fondled them all the way home in the car from Brisbane.

I don't know what a quickdraw will look like in 10 years, but for now this is as good as it gets.Thanks Wild Country, thanks Steve Foster.

Gushing, I know.But don't tell me you guyshaven't slept with your new gear beside your bed.





Good night.

jj

Female Anatomy and Saddle Discomfort

Male readers: you may want to skip this one. Of course if you feel up to it, you are welcome to keep reading. But don't say I didn't warn you.



Female readers: I've had email exchanges with so many of you about "women's issues" with bicycle saddles, and it's amazing how much embarrassment there is among us (and I include myself) when it comes to discussing our bodies - especially given how common these problems are. While with men, we can read and hear all about perineal this and genital that, with women it's all hush-hush and seldom addressed in a manner explicit enough to be helpful. So I'll try to get over my own embarrassment, and write about it in detail here.



There are many different kinds of female-specific saddle problems and I will organise them into several categories: posterior discomfort, genital discomfort, infections, and menstruation.



Posterior Discomfort

For the sake of keeping things women-specific, let's assume that the problem is not an overpadded saddle (which can cause bunching up in a way that is painful to both genders), and begin with the premise that you have a leather or plastic saddle with minimal padding. With most new saddles there is a break-in period, and it is normal if your butt feels sore on the first ride, or even several rides. But if it still hurts just the same after a reasonable break-in period, and the pain feels to be the result of pressure on the sit bones, then the saddle may be wrong for your derriere. For women, the problem tends to be choosing a too-narrow saddle. Women typically have wider sit bones than men and also tend to be less aggressive cyclists, which puts more pressure on their behinds. If your butt hurts where the sitbones are, a wider saddle will usually solve the problem. Padding, on the other hand, is not usually effective. Light chamois padding as part of your cycling shorts can make an already comfortable ride more comfortable over long distances. But the more typical heavier padding usually makes things worse, not better.



Genital Discomfort

When riding an upright bicycle, a female cyclist should feel no genital discomfort, because that part of her body is not in contact with the saddle in a way that causes pressure. On the other hand, a roadbike - with its forward-leaning posture, will tilt the genital region directly onto the saddle. Female cyclists typically experience genital discomfort in one of two places: the labia (vaginal "lips") and the clitoral area.



Labia:When cycling on a roadbike, some women report that their vaginal lips bunch up and press painfully into the saddle - so much so, that after a long ride there can be abrasions and bleeding. While some recommend getting saddles with a cut-out in the center, this is not always effective: Every woman's anatomy is different and the cut-out may not be in the right place. Though it's pretty much impossible to keep loose folds of skin from shifting about while you're pedaling, you can avoid abrasions with generous applications of chamois cream or vaseline before you set off on your ride. Creams such as DZNuts that use tea tree oil as a main ingredient seem to be particularly effective. Vaseline works as well, but be aware that it can discolour leather saddles if it seeps through shorts. Others prefer to use baby powder or corn starch, but the few times I've tried this it was a mess. Another method to prevent severe chafing may be to wax or epilate (but not shave) the entire area. For some, coarse pubic hair contributes to abrasions and getting rid of it improves things.



Clitoral Region:An even more difficult issue to deal with is clitoral pain. This is a problem that you either have or you don't, depending on your anatomy. For some women the location is safely out of harm's way, while for others it presses directly into the hard nose of the saddle. In the event of the latter, chamois cream is not sufficient to alleviate the discomfort that ensues. Some recommend tilting the nose down, but this is not always possible, as doing so can cause the cyclist to slide forward, putting more pressure on her hands and making the whole riding position uncomfortable. The only solution here is to find a saddle that works through personal trial and error, which can be frustrating and expensive. I've suffered through this particular problem on and off with my Brooks B17S saddle since last Spring. Then I tried the Gilles Berthoud "Marie Blanque" and the problem disappeared entirely. Some also say that the Brooks "S" road saddles actually make this problem worse, not better, since the hard nose of these saddles does not just end sooner, but starts sooner. There are other suggestions out there for specific saddles that could solve this problem, including Terry saddles and "noseless" saddles. But the suggestions are all based on personal experiences of individual women and it is simply impossible to find a single solution for everyone, given the inconsistent location of this particular body part.



Recurring Infections

Female cyclists can be prone to yeast infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs). The causal factors underlying both types of infections are numerous, and contrary to what some believe, they are not necessarily due to poor hygiene. Of course, showering both immediately before and after a strenuous ride will lower the risk of infections, but most women who get them are already doing this. Often, synthetic shorts or underwear could be to blame: bacteria thrives underneath synthetic fabrics, even when the garments are advertised otherwise. If you get recurring yeast infections or UTIs when you cycle, consider wearing exclusively silk or wool underwear and wool cycling shorts. And definitely consider a suspended leather saddle - which unlike other saddles, is breathable. Natural fabrics, good ventilation and moisture wicking are key here. It also helps to use simple soaps (made of actual soap, not perfumed body washes or moisturising soaps) and to avoid artificially perfumed sprays or lotions in or around your vaginal area. Be especially cautious on hot and humid days, as well as on days during which there are drastic weather changes - infections are more likely to occur at these times.



Menstruation

As any exercise, cycling can relieve menstrual cramps and counter PMS symptoms - so if you're up to cycling for sport during your period there is no reason not to do it. But straddling a bicycle saddle for hours while menstruating can present its own set of challenges. Blood flow increases during exercise, so if you are planning on a long ride, it's a good idea to change your tampon or sanitary napkin more frequently than usual. If you don't use tampons, then there is also the issue of blood being an irritant, with the potential to cause abrasions and infection. One way to avoid this is to shower right before your ride, then take wet naps with you and stop every hour in a restroom facility to clean up and change your sanitary napkin. If that sounds like too much trouble, consider using tampons or avoiding cycling for sport during menstruation - especially if you are prone to the abrasions and infections discussed earlier.



I hope this post was helpful. If you would like to discuss these issues, and, especially to share your own experiences and remedies, remember that I allow anonymous comments and you don't need to log in under your regular screen name.

Hairpins

Only when reviewing the route months later did I realise that I must have climbed for 7 miles to the high point of Cushendall Road. Effortful as this must have beenon a small wheel folding bike, itdid not register as such in my memory. What I do remember: Ascending - almost like floating - through an expanse of short, scraggly pine trees, past a surreal lake with steam rising off it. After that, there were farmlands and more farmlands, with their scatterings of placidly grazing sheep. Before long, I was at the top, and now the foggy glens edged by the sea spread out in front of me. Looking down, it was hard to believe that soon I would be at sea level.




I was not, at that point, used to descents longer than a couple of miles. This one was around 6. It began slow, but the grade steepened as it continued. As I gained momentum, the surrounding grasses and the sea began to blur together with the fog, into one green foamy mess. I felt intermittently dizzy and sleepy. In the distance I glimpses another forest and welcomed the variation in landscape.




When I saw the sharp curve in the road ahead, it was a jolt to my system, even though I had seen the map and knew to expect it. From my vantage point, the hairpin turn looked like a giant version of an actual hairpin. Somehow I'd thought the distinct shape only emerged in aerial pictures, and could not be glimpsed as such in real life from a bike. But there it was in front of me, a hairpin sure as day. There was the flash of recognition of what was about to happen, and then it happened. I reduced speed, then reduced it again, and leaned, and still felt the violent yank of whatever force did not want me to make the turn. But I made it: Braking clumsily, drenched in sweat and on the verge of skidding, I made it. For the rest of the descent I was wide awake.




Another time, back in Boston, I joined a friend on an unfamiliar route through some local hills. Having finished a climb we were about to descend a high traffic road, and she warned me not to pick up too much speed. The wind carried her voice away, but I could make out "Sharp turn! ...end up opposite traffic lane!" Gingerly I cycled around the bend, which I discovered to be another hairpin. Again it stunned me that even with the cars speeding past, even with the row of strip malls in the distance, even with all my energy focused on making the turn while keeping my line of travel, I could make out the shape of the mighty, beautiful hairpin.




So that makes two so far, which is also the number of actual pins I usually wear in my hair. That connection bears no significance what so ever, but it pops into my mind when I use the pins - just one of those silly associations.




Some years ago, a Tyrolean friend told me - in great, descriptive detail - about the Stelvio Pass, with its 48 hairpin turns. A vintage Austrian picture book was produced, dramatic hand gestures were involved. When she said her uncle liked to ride his bike there, I thought she was joking. How could such a thing be possible, on a bike? I felt lightheaded just looking at photos of the bends, scattered through the mountain like pins in some mad woman's hair.

White Oak Lavender Farm

Today I tagged along with Diana, Josh, Austin and Lauren. First stop was at White Oak Lavender Farm. It was a lovely little family owned and operated farm and store. Not only did the have the lavender growing and lavender products galore, they also had some animals we could see. It was a really neat place.

Softies

Cute Niece #1 has realized that her Nana can't say "no". My Mom excels at anything involving a needle and thread. So even though she'd never sewn things from kids' drawings, Cute Niece didn't see any reason why she shouldn't try. So she did.


"It's a softie!" I told them. I explained about the Month of Softies group craft project I'd read about on the blog Small Hands.


I just love the lopsided ears. "He's not supposed to have a tail," Cute Niece informed me.

Myself, I follow a predictable pattern when it comes to sewing projects:
1) I get excited about an idea for something.
2) I read several books about it.
3) I buy more supplies than I will ever need or use.
4) I take an overly long time making just one.
5) I never make it again.

---
Edited to add:
My sister called.
"I can't believe you forgot."
"Forgot what?"
"That your Cute Niece actually designed a three-legged dog. Named Tripod. You didn't mention that part. But you can see it in the picture if you know what you're looking for."
"Whoops."

Goodbye Camaguey and off to Bayamo!

We slept very well in Camaguey. We liked our room, colonial styled yet simple, and I made sure that the air-conditioning is blowing on my side of the bed and not on Blondine’s. She cannot handle the air-conditioning while I cannot sleep without it. This is the dilemma we always have when travelling together which is quite odd.

Blondine, who is born in the Netherlands have low tolerance with the cold weather. She is always bundled up at 15C when we go out and cannot handle too much air-conditioning otherwise she will get sick. While I, born and bred in the tropics prefer to go out at 15C (as long as it’s not too windy) without a coat and will not survive the night if it’s too warm in the bedroom. I prefer the air-conditioning blowing on my face and body. Odd, I know.

Breakfast at Camino de Hierro Hotel in Camaguey consists of papaya shake and fresh tropical fruits: guava, pineapple and mango. Then we had some omelette as well.

Across the hotel we saw young students waiting for the rain to stop.

We woke up quite early the next day and had our breakfast before 8 in the morning. We were first served with fruits and a papaya fruit shake. Then we had omelette and some bread. Healthy start for the day I must say.

After breakfast we went to the bank and withdrew money against our Mastercard credit cards. The transaction went smooth and quick. We were actually a bit worried that the same problem at Sancti Spiritus will occur (no connection with Havana), but everything went on as planned.

Funnily, the cashier at the bank asked Blondine to sign on the paper several times because her signature varies greatly from her other signatures. This is (backward) banking in Cuba which means lots of paper trail and signature samples matching each other. Reminds me of the Philippines 15 years ago when I worked at a large IT multinational there. I was managing the payment solutions product line and my customers are the top 20 banks of the country. Back then, there were more banks and mergers are not heard of. I used to sit down with managers and executives discussing about paper trail and how to eliminate this through digitalization. It was a difficult and tedious subject because many banks then were not ready. I am sure the situation in the Philippines now has changed. Here in the Netherlands banking has become teller-less and paperless, and I love it.

Our next main destination is Santiago de Cuba located at the southern tip of the country, and is the second largest city of Cuba. However, we will have a stopover at Bayamo for lunch and a quick city tour.

Click here to check our route: Cuban Road Trip

Manuevering our way around Camaguey. Finding our way out of the city to the main road without a street-detailed map is always a challenge.

Finally, we are on the main road to Bayamo!

While on the way to Bayamo, we encountered this charming Paladar Paraiso 672 along the highway. Here, we stopped for some coffee break. Camaguey to Bayamo is about 3 hours so this was a timely break in our journey.

I ordered the usual black Cuban coffee while Blondine had hers with some milk. She did not like the milk in it. I think in Cuba you better stick to drinking pure coffee with a bit of sugar. You can get good coffee in Cuba almost everywhere. And do trust me because I know good coffee.

This is one of the few nice pitstops in Cuba. CUC$1 for coffee. Take note this is between Camaguey and Bayamo.