2018.12.16. Mt Erie

12/16, Sunday. It's been a long time since I last visited Mt. Erie in Anacortes. Good view, but the weather was not the best.

2018.12.8. Clackmas River Trail

12/8, Saturday. Rained overnight, only overcast during the day. Three of us hiked the entire Clackmas River Trail back and forth. 16+ miles, maybe 3000' total. Despite of a long 40+ minute lunch break, and coughs and running nose (all were getting over a cold), we managed to finish in 6¾ hours, still in day light.

We started at Fish Creek TH (there is an outhouse here, not sure if it was open), and had lunch at Indian Henry Campground (closed, but plenty picnic tables. The trail is somewhat rocky, need ankle support. Well placed rocks, wood planks, one serious bridge to cross any creek. Only one short muddy section. A few down trees. Overall the trail is in great shape. Since it's close to the road, car noise is unavoidable. Pup Creek falls is a delight, covered with ice. It's a 0.2 mile detour to see the falls. Well worth it. Most hikers turn around here. It's the midway point.

East of this trail junction, after the meadow, we saw a lot of icicles. Being cold this week, all the water seeping places became hanging icicles. Quite lovely. The Narrow is the prettiest spot on the river. Don't know why there's a rope hanging in the middle. Part of the trail is in a wilderness. A few big trees.

We met at most 10 hikers. Heard gunshots. Quite cold, I wore a thin fleece all the time. Put on down for lunch. Sun broke out a bit in the afternoon. But only shone on the upper slopes, not reaching us and the river. Icicles melt a bit. Not as pretty on the way back.

When I returned to the city, it was cold and windy. Saw the Christmas tree at Pioneer Square.

2018.12.2. Larch Mountain from Multnomah Falls

12/2, Sunday. 8 of us + 3 dogs met at Gateway TC at 7am, and drove to Multnomah Falls. We were early enough that the parking lot was mostly deserted. The lodge was already in holiday decoration. The river was in thick fog. We were heading up to Larch Mountain.

Plenty fall color left on the way up, passing many burned or charred trees. Newly minted trail signs clearly mark all junctions. A brand new bridge. The last 2 miles seem not bothered by the fire. Some big trees. Snow started maybe at 3000'. Trail was still easy to follow with boot track. A few down trees. Some muddy spots. We saw sunshine briefly, and soon, it snowed. Very pretty, a winter wonderland. We were going fairly slowly, so despite of being sick of flu, I had no trouble hiking up 7 miles, 4000', ahead of the group, with Lisa, who was telling me about her kids and her boyfriend and his ex-wife. Boy, so much drama, but kept me entertained. She is turning 59 the next day (Monday)! She's in great shape, and is going to climb Aconcagua in a month or 2. Yes, no view at Sherrard Point, only snow and fog.

We turned around quickly after a couple of photos. Had lunch at the end of the road (road was unassailable: covered with snow), cleared some snow for seat, put all my clothes on, and my umbrella. We met at least a dozen other hikers/runners. Saw a couple of guys going in jeans and sneakers, two in shorts. Not a good idea in snow. I brought gaiters and microspiles (didn't use either), and wore waterproof boots. By the time we returned, the parking lot next to the lodge was full (3:30pm). A lot of people in shiny clothing dressed up for photos. We were pretty dirty. The sun was shining, a nice crisp autumn day.

Overall, a good workout, with decent view. I actually fell from a one log bridge because of its slippery surface, and I had to pass a dog. I was shocked, but no harm done, except for a couple of bruises.

2018.11.29 Bell, Book and Candle at Bag'n'Baggage

11/29, Thursday. Went to Vault theatre to see Bell Book and Candle by John Van Druten (1950). A light comedy about witches. Fun.

It's worth mentioning that Bag'n'Baggage offers free seats to high school students. There was a group of them tonight.

2018.11.16-25 SE Mexico - summary

In 10 days, I took ~750 photos (kept ~450). On average, I walked ~24K steps, spent US$30 per day.
Good: dry bag and phone plastic case for all the waterfalls and wading pools. Umbrella for the sun.
Bad: forgot extra battery.
My favorite sites: El Chiflon, monastery of Cuilapan, Maya ruin of Colmacalco.
My least favorite site: Mitla.
Temperature most pleasant: San Cristobal de Las Casas

Logistics
ClickBus (use Clickbus20 for ~20% off) can pay with foreign credit card. ~15% surcharge. ADO bus offers 50% discount for advance purchase. But their website doesn't take non-Mexican credit card.
USD<->Peso
Entry requirement for US citizen

Food in Chiapas
pictes (a sweet corn tamale), la chispota (beef with chickpeas and cabbage), niguijuti (pork with mole sauce), sopa de pan (bread with broth and vegetables), cochito (pork in adobo sauce), chanfaina (lamb innards with rice), a legume called patashete, and traditional Chiapas tamales made with chipilín. Local drinks include pozol, taxcalate, agua de chía tashiagual and pinole.

Next?
A moonless night in May in Chacahua National Park to see one of the bioluminescent beaches.