It's been raining here. Rain is good, the grass likes it, and we don't have to water. The temperatures have also dropped so it's not so steenking hot. Our first summer (2021) here was very temperate, since then, they've been hot.
Saturday we walked up the trail towards the big rock. That's over. The area is covered in basalt rocks, which used to be covered in years worth of previous years of vegetation, pine needles and moss. Now the rocks are exposed and they are very unpleasant to walk on. The other issue is the amount of dust/ash that the feet stir up, probably not good for the lungs. I will miss that trail.
Today we rode to the lake, the temperature was a little chilly but it was ok. The trails were wet from last night's rain, and they are covered in pine needles. Jim is out using bug and tar remover to get the pitch off the bikes. Pitch is the work of the devil. (Jim has just announced Goof Off actually works way better than bug and tar remover.) I think the park people have been out cutting up more dangerous trees. There are literally thousands of trees that will be removed, both because they're damaged, and to meet the new spacing standards.
The milfoil continues its march toward world domination. At some point the park service is going to have to start poisoning the plants. They're very hard on fish, they lower oxygen levels in the water, block sunlight, and prevent boating, swimming, and skiing. It will never be completely gone, but containment needs to start soon.
I am somewhat embarrassed to post the following photo. This is a van we saw at the lake, and then back at the parking lot. I am so taken by the interior decor, I feel I must share it. Anyway, fur, skulls and dice, what more could a person ask for in a van?
Currently the middle east is on fire again, missiles are flying everywhere. The Iranians have captured the first US unmanned submarine. They have it on display currently and are planning on reverse engineering subs of their own. 47 did this.
And on that happy note, this is what happens if you're racist while flying.
