Monthly Archives: November 2010

nature, nature|trees, photography, photography|landscape, weather, weather|la nina, weather|southern california

Oaks, Grass & Sun

published
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Oaks, Grass and Sun

It’s unusual to see this much green in Southern California in mid November. The growth is the result of a wet October, with some areas recording several times the normal amount of rainfall.

Although water year rainfall totals for many areas of Southern California are still near or above normal for the date, November is the customary start of the rain season, and so far this month, we’ve been drier than normal.

That might change this weekend. Models have been having a tough time with the evolution of a low and trough that is already producing rain and snow in the Pacific Northwest. In true La Nina fashion, the high amplitude flow might result in the southern part of the trough being more offshore (wetter), or more onshore (drier), as it sets up over the West. We’ll see!

The photograph is from this afternoon’s run in the Simi Hills.

nature, nature|clouds, photography, photography|landscape, running, trails, trails|smmc open space

Waiting for the Sun

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Chumash Rocks Sunset

The temperature was in the low fifties, but with a 20 mph wind it was cold. I had just run up the Chumash trail, and was on my way down. The sun was nearing the horizon and hidden by a band of clouds. It had been like that since I topped out at Rocky Peak road. I hoped by the time I reached a vantage point of Chumash Rocks the setting sun would break underneath the clouds and illuminate the formation.

Nope. When I reached the viewpoint, the rocks were still in shadow. And the wind was even stronger. Squeezed between two hills, it rushed through the little col in cold, turbulent gusts. Buffeted by the wind, and chilled to the bone, I waited for the sun.

And waited. It was too cold to just stand there. I took a few photos, but the sun and clouds were not cooperating. At some point, minutes away, the sun would set, and that would be that. The photo just wasn’t going to happen. I returned to the trail and began to run down the hill.

In the lee of the hills the wind lessened, and it was not so cold. It was still a few minutes before sunset, and as I rounded a corner I could see a bright glow at the edge of the clouds.

I was several hundred yards down the trail when the first hint of sunlight appeared on a distant hill. It was veiled and muted, but it was sun. Maybe there was time. I turned and hurried back up the trail.

photography, running

Titanio Touring

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Kevin on his Hampsten Strada Bianca Titanio

On their way from points north, to points south, Kevin and Janet stopped by for a visit today. Kevin was hoping to get in a ride before dinner, and I wanted to get in a run. Where could Kevin ride his Hampsten Strada Bianca Titanio, and I could run, and we might talk from time to time?

The Hampsten web site describes the Strada Bianca as, “Fast on smooth pavement but relaxed-yet-tough when the road turns to trail, cobbles, gravel, or dirt.” Hmmm, this is the bike Kevin rode from Seattle to San Diego — it has skinny tires and fenders. Do they really mean trails? Kevin was game, so we headed out to Ahmanson.

Even with 29mm tires, the bike (and the rider) handled the varying terrain and surfaces well. We did a mix of dirt road and single track, some of it fairly steep. All but a few feet were ridable.

Here’s some photos from the ride and run.

Kevin’s bike is setup with a road triple crankset, 50-39-26, and 27-12 cassette.  The tires are Challenge Parigi-Robaix 700c clinchers, nominally 27mm, but more like 29mm as mounted. For wet weather riding it has hammered Honjo fenders.