Yesterday was a great day in Yellowstone, and today we’re off for another day of driving and photography. We pass our first big herd of elk on our way over to Mammoth. Sure wish I had the big telephoto. The cascading hot spring terraces pose for some nice photos. This is part of the lower terraces area. Here’s a nice hot spring cone formation called Liberty Cap. They call these travertine deposits. ...

I’m joining Matt, Mark, and Emily on their trip to Yellowstone this winter. I haven’t been here since a backpacking trip to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone with Charlotte many years ago. Charlotte visited with the kids on their last drive to Michigan, so now it’s my turn. We flew into Bozeman and then drove down to the hotel in Gardiner. It’s a bit gray out this morning, but I’m looking forward to my first day in the park. ...

The prologue stage in Sacramento was pretty awesome, but today the race is coming to Santa Cruz! I’m pretty torn about seeing the race on the climb up Bonny Doon, but the local Peloton Club was a great way to support and get involved with the race locally. So it’s off to downtown to enjoy the finish along with a ton of other people. The local bike fair was a nice change from the usual walk downtown. If only it was always like this. ...

The most awesome professional road bicycling race in the USA takes place right here in California every year. It’s the Amgen Tour of California, and I’m especially jazzed this year since my friend Matt has worked so hard for many years to bring a stage right here to Santa Cruz, and this year is when he’s finally done it. Charlotte caught the racing bug with all the excitement and suggested we head to Sacramento to watch the opening prologue, what a great idea! ...

The Acura has been a great car, but I’m ready for something a bit more sporty. The M3 was awfully tempting, but I am loving the new BMW 328i coupe. Now I just have to spend a few months figuring out everything this complicated machine can do.

To help support the Amgen Tour of California and the stage 2 finish right here in Santa Cruz, I joined the local Peloton Club. There are lots of fun events lined up in addition to a VIP spot to watch the finish. Today they’ve got a fun day of riding on part of the course. I guess it might be hard to call it fun going up Bonny Doon, but riding a great hill, with lots of great people, and a bunch of really cool pros, is definitely my idea of fun. It’s a bit wet out, but I’m looking forward to a great day. ...

Charlotte and I are headed south this morning to put in a big hike down in Big Sur. Our initial destination is Bottchers Gap trailhead in Los Padres National Forest and the Ventana Wilderness with a hike out to Mt. Carmel. It’s an incredible, warm, sunny day and we’re really looking forward to the views. Unfortunately we discover the entire area is closed due to the big fire this past summer. We get a nice view of the burn, along with a pleasant conversation with the ranger. Seems he’s kept pretty busy reminding people they can’t hike in the area. ...

George invited us along for a unique hike up near his place. The Cahill Ridge trail requires reservations and a guide to lead our group. It’s a great chance to hike an area that’s not really open for public use. It’s also an opportunity to get to know some of George’s very nice friends. We’re missing a few people this very cold morning, but the rest of us are ready to enjoy a great day. ...

Charlotte has that big hike itch going this morning, and she’s caught me in the mood for hiking. Of course Gracie is always in the mood. Today we’re hiking into Nisene Marks, but starting in the hills above Cabrillo College. It’s a great way into the park, and there’s a very nice view before heading into the trees. A big thanks to the people that installed this most excellent swing recently. We’re definitely going to enjoy this on the way out in about four hours. ...

Everyone’s been very excited to see what Santa has brought this year, especially Gabe. I know a few children that didn’t sleep too well last night. We’re all missing my dad’s usual family visit this year, but we’re thinking of everyone this holiday.