#Mammoth Lakes hiking

[wanderguidehub]

Hiking Guide to Mammoth Lakes, California: Discover the Splendors of Nature

Embark on a thrilling adventure amidst the tranquil beauty of Mammoth Lakes, California. Our comprehensive hiking guide offers you the chance to explore the majestic peaks, serene alpine lakes, and breathtaking landscapes that this place has to offer. Each trail is a journey into the heart of nature, a trek that reveals the awe-inspiring geology, diverse wildlife, and the clear, azure skies of…

[backroad-life]

Credit: Peter Thomas

[vintagecamping]

The fellas get ready for a week long trip into the wilderness.

Mammoth Lakes, California

1968

[techdriveplay]

15 Places to Visit in California for a Dreamy Getaway

California is one of the biggest states in the U.S., with a number of culturally unique places and differing climates to explore. You can visit coastal towns along the Pacific, mountain towns near the Nevada border, famous national parks, or hidden gems that few people know about. With so many options, choosing where to go can take countless hours of time and effort. I’ve been to California many…

[rabbitcruiser]

Take a Walk Outdoors Day 

People have likely been taking a walk outside since the beginning of human history! And ever since people have made the habit of living indoors, it has been a delight for them to get outdoors for a walk in the fresh air.

Putting one foot in front of the other might seem like something completely natural that can be done without thinking. And for the most part, it is! But sometimes, in today’s world of working at a desk, staring at a computer or standing at a retail or restaurant job, it can be hard to get outside and get those legs going.

A perfect time to be intentional about enjoying some sunshine, getting some exercise and breathing some fresh air, Take a Walk Outdoors Day offers just the motivation needed to get outside and get moving!

History of Take a Walk Outdoors Day

As far back as ancient Roman times, people have been interested in measuring walking. In this case, the concept of a mile was related to the need to be able to better plan for the military. In fact, it was the idea of measuring the distance that Roman soldiers were walking that motivated Leonardo Da Vinci to create one of the world’s first mechanical pedometers in the 15th century.

Famous artists and activists such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau and Mahatma Gandhi have all shared their ideas that encouraged walking outdoors as a type of physical exercise and meditation for the soul as well as a form of civil disobedience and peaceful protest.

With the purpose of reminding people to stay active and enjoy some fresh air, Take a Walk Outdoors Day offers an excellent reason to connect with health and also spend some time in nature.

Take a Walk Outdoors Day Timeline

15th Century Leonardo Da Vinci invents the step counter

A predecessor to the modern day pedometer, Da Vinci creates a device to track how far soldiers walked.

1977-1983 George Meegan sets the record for longest walk

Traversing a journey from the southernmost point of South America to the northernmost point of North America in Alaska, Meegan takes 2,426 days to complete the journey.

1987 I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) is released by The Proclaimers

The Scottish duo of brothers releases their catchy song with the lyrics, “I would walk 500 miles”.

1994 Forrest Gump takes his famous walk outside

In the movie starring Tom Hanks, the character Forrest Gump walks more than 15,000 miles across the United States.

How to Celebrate Take a Walk Outdoors Day

Find a large amount of enjoyment and appreciate the health benefits of Take a Walk Outdoors Day by celebrating with some of these fun ideas:

Take a Walk Outdoors!

Of course, the first thing to do on Take a Walk Outdoors Day is to get off the couch, put on those sneakers and take a walk. Whether it’s waking up early and heading out for a walk in the morning before work, or taking a little jaunt during the lunch hour, this is a great start to creating a new habit of walking for health and wellness. This could be just a 10 minute walk outside to stretch a bit, or a full hour at a solid pace to burn those calories. In any case, the point is to be sure to get outside, at least for a few minutes, and go for a walk!

Make a Commitment to Walking Outdoors Regularly

Since Take a Walk Outdoors Day comes near the beginning of the year, it’s a great time to make a commitment to being healthier throughout the entire year by walking outside several times a week. Invest in purchasing a pedometer, or use one that is an app on a smartphone, to help with motivation on getting those steps in each and every day.

To make this habit more likely to stick, perhaps grab a buddy, friend or spouse to take a walk outdoors together! Taking a walk outside with an exercise partner can be much more fun, offering not only someone to keep company, but also providing accountability.

Create a Musical Playlist for Walking

In honor of Take a Walk Outdoors Day, make a list of music to play while going on that walk. Get inspired by some of these titles that are written around the theme of walking:

Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves (1983). Released by the eighties British Band, this song was the most popular one that the band released.

Walking in Memphis by Marc Cohn (1991). Written and recorded by Marc Cohn, this song was nominated for a Grammy Award for song of the year.

Walking by Myself by Jimmie Rogers (1956). Learn to appreciate that time alone and for walking on your own.

Walk of Life by Dire Straits (1985). Appearing on Dire Straits fifth album, this song has a catchy tune that’s perfect for walking to!

Organize a Community Event

Make this day about not only yourself but about the people in the community around you by creating an event in honor of Take a Walk Outdoors Day. Encourage friends, family members, coworkers and neighbors to get outside and take a walk that can be lots of fun and be healthy for everyone involved. Many people also like to organize these types of community walking events that are used to raise funds and donations for charity, making the benefits and payoff even greater.

Invest in Some New Walking Shoes

Those who are celebrating Take a Walk Outdoors Day might want to consider the fact that proper footwear is very important when it comes to taking care of those feet. In addition to preventing injury, wearing good walking shoes also helps with maintaining the proper technique.

Take a look at some of these reasons that it might be time to consider buying some new walking shoes to replace your old ones:

Your current walking shoes are showing wear and tear. Take a look at the soles and treads of those walking shoes. If the treads on the toes or heels are worn down, it might be time to get new walking shoes.

Your walking shoes feel loose. Walking shoes should fit your feet snugly and comfortably. If they have quite a bit of give even when tied securely, it means it’s time to start shopping.

Your knees and hips are aching. When those walking shoes get a bit older, the midsoles may stop compressing which means they cease to provide the shock absorption and support needed.

You want to get motivated to walk more. It’s amazing what a little financial investment in some new walking shoes can do to provide that extra motivation to keep taking a walk outdoors every day.

Take a Walk Outdoors Day FAQs

How long does it take to walk a mile?

The average person can walk a mile in about 14-21 minutes, depending on their pace.

Does taking a walk count as exercise?

Yes, taking a walk is great exercise, has great health benefits, is great for mental health and it’s also free! 

Why is taking a walk good for you?

Taking a walk outdoors can help to trim the waistline, lose body fat, improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen the muscles and much more. 

Is walking indoors as good as outdoors?

People who walk outdoors tend to burn more calories, build better agility, and increase their mental health and mood.

What are the benefits of walking outdoors?

Walking outdoors may lower the risk of lung cancer, improve creativity, improve Vitamin D levels and improve collagen levels that help the skin look better.

Source

[sierrawithdave]

Crystal Lake and Lake George - Hike from Lake George to Crystal Lake.

Buffalo Dave is fiddling!

Pictures taken October 16 through 28 2023

[theeagertraveler]

Expert Travel Recommendations for Your Next Trip

Are you itching to embark on your next adventure? Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or a novice explorer, planning your travels is an exciting endeavor. In this blog post, we'll provide you with expert travel recommendations to make your journey memorable. We'll touch upon travel photography blogs, Europe travel tips, and California adventure suggestions.

1. Explore Travel Photography Blogs:

Travel photography is an art that can help you capture the essence of your adventures. Follow reputable travel photography blogs for inspiration and valuable tips on improving your skills. Websites like The Eager Traveler offer insightful articles and stunning visuals to ignite your passion for photography.

2. Discover the Charm of Europe:

When planning a European escapade, research the top destinations and hidden gems. Don't miss iconic cities like Paris, Rome, or Barcelona, but also venture off the beaten path to places like Slovenia's Lake Bled or Portugal's Douro Valley. Embrace the local culture, savor authentic cuisine, and immerse yourself in the continent's rich heritage.

3. California Adventure Tips:

California, with its diverse landscapes and attractions, is a dream destination for adventure enthusiasts. Whether you're into hiking, surfing, or simply basking in the sun, the Golden State has it all. In the cities, visit world-renowned attractions like Disneyland or explore the vibrant neighborhoods of San Francisco. California adventure tips from travel blogs can help you plan activities like hiking in Yosemite, road tripping along the Pacific Coast Highway, or exploring the iconic theme parks.

4. The Eager Traveler - Your Go-To Resource:

For comprehensive travel recommendations, visit The Eager Traveler website (https://theeagertraveler.com). This platform offers a wealth of information, including destination guides, travel tips, and personal experiences. The well-curated content ensures you're well-prepared for your next adventure. In conclusion, planning your next trip requires careful consideration and research. Stay inspired by following travel photography blogs, Europe travel blog, and embark on thrilling adventures in California. The Eager Traveler website is your trusty companion for expert advice and valuable insights. Remember, a well-planned journey is the first step to making unforgettable memories. Happy travels!

[emilybeemartin]

Just to tie in my two themes this month----

Additional notes, because poll options apparently limit their characters:

Frodo finds great peace in watching the tides rise and fall throughout each day. He attends all the ranger programs on birds and seashells and fills pages with sketches and poetry.

Sam meticulously selects postcards in the gift shop for each of his friends and spends a whole morning writing and addressing them. He also buys Junior Ranger hats for his kids and a variety of Appalachian jams for Rosie.

Park rangers launch a Missing Person search for Aragorn when they realize his car's been parked at Avalanche Creek for three days. The search runs for almost a week before he comes strolling out the opposite side of the park, supporting one of the SAR techs who twisted an ankle during the search.

Legolas is first drawn to Olympic for the towering, mossy temperate rainforests, but the ground goes out from under him when he steps onto Second Beach for the first time. He spends an entire day watching the light and tides shift on the sea stacks, and he leaves feeling both full and hollow, like a bell that's just been rung.

Mammoth is only Gimli's first stop on a cavern tour, followed by Jewel and Wind Caves and Carlsbad Caverns. Wind Cave is his favorite for the unusual formations. He makes an obnoxious tween boy cry in Carlsbad for breaking off a speleothem.

Boromir is on a tour of military parks. He asks so many questions to the intern working the info station at Fort Sumter the kid has to go find the park historian. His favorite site is Vicksburg because that place was buckwild, though he silently judges one of the reenactors for his clumsy handling of a black powder rifle.

Merry also makes stops in Jurassic and Dinosaur National Monuments. He watches every park video, takes selfies in front of all the fossil exhibits, and earns his Junior Ranger badge at each one. He buys a keychain for Pippin.

Pippin actually gets four citations, mostly for trying to stick his hands in mud pots. He doesn't mean anything by it---he's just so delighted and curious about the bizarre landscape. He winds up with several thermal burns and dumps a king's ransom in the donation box on his last day.

Gandalf gets dinged by rangers for not paying the $5 fee for Trunk Bay, but he acts senile until they eventually decide to drop it. He gets postcards from everyone and responds to none of them.

Faramir and Eowyn are traveling together and do many of the same hikes and rides, but they do have some different preferences off-trail. Eowyn drags Faramir to a rodeo and the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson Hole, and he goads her into Ranger Shelton Johnson's living history programs on the Buffalo Soldiers in Yosemite.

Eomer is bike-packing on his sport cruiser motorcycle. He goes to Roosevelt south unit for the wild horse herds but ends up spending half a day watching a prairie dog town. He takes 400 photos of them, mostly blurry, and texts them to Eowyn.

[danvswild]

"Have you ever read Wild?"

Okay this is a question I got all the time when I told anyone that I was hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. And the answer is yes. I also saw a Tik Tok on how to annoy thru-hikers and this question was on the list lol

Well I personally don't mind the question and I bring up this book now because this next part is where Cheryl Strayed began her journey on the PCT. From Mojave/Tehachapi to Kennedy Meadows. This stretch lasts for roughly 150 miles and it took me about 6 days to complete.

After my well earned rest in Tehachapi, I headed back out on the trail to go through one of the most beautiful sections of the trail so far.

This is the foothills of the Sierra so naturally, the terrain changes into a more lush landscape and we began to gain some elevation. The campsites between Tehachapi and Kennedy Meadows were all stunning and at night I could see SO MANY STARS it was unreal.

I also need to note that the water carry out of Tehachapi was the longest by far! I want to say it was close to 40 miles? but don't quote me on this. I was very mindful of my water consumption in this part and hiked FAST trying to catch up to some hikers who left a day before me.

I also want to note I cried the most on this stretch of the trail. Not because of sadness but more so because I was in awe of my surroundings and felt surreal and blessed. This is definitely why I love to be outdoors immersed in nature. The sheer magnitude and beauty of the landscape evokes a certain feeling in you (◕‿◕✿)

^That was where I bawled lol

Anyways, I was able to catch up to my fellow hiker Strider in the next stretch and I made it to Walker Pass. We hitched a ride into Ridgewood and stocked up on some supply to push to Kennedy Meadows!

Fast forwarding a little bit, this next section was very hilly and I witnessed some of the most striking sunsets here. I can't stop recalling how beautiful it was and I keep thinking I need to use the word "beautiful" a bit less lol

Push Push Push

And there I was, in Kennedy Meadows!

Aw man, you wouldn't believe what I felt there. PURE ECSTASY

The fact that I had hiked 700 miles was mindblowing and seeing others who had walked the same journey melded a sense of solidarity and unity in this community.

The common topic of this hiker haven was where to go next. Because of the high snow fall in the Sierras, many decided to bypass and go up north. As for my trail family, we decided to head up to Mammoth Lakes to go skiing for a day and jump up north.

As for me, I had decided to get off the trail to attend Electric Forest and skip up to the Canadian border to hike down lol In retrospect, this was not a good decision.. but I have no regrets! I'll try to talk more about this process in the next post ＼(*T▽T*)／

[lichen-punk]

1, 3, 9, 20, 25, 27, 28, 39, 45, 47 SORRY THIS IS SO MANY LOLL

o my goodness ok im putting a cut here for everyone's sanity cause all these questions got me excited

Do you have a favorite place near you to “touch grass”?

theres a little woodsy park near my house just within easy walking distance which is easy to get into regardless of time of day or night and has an incredible hill where you can sit under an oak tree in the tall grass and watch the sun or the moon come up or set depending on time of day and year and i love love love it one of the only good things about my town i go up there for my Rituals And Things gkjhsf

3. If you could see any extinct species in the wild, what would it be?

im a sucker for megafauna id love to see an irish elk or an aurochs or a woolly mammoth that would be so so cool

9. Do you have a favorite nature photo you’ve ever taken?

here's some of the best photos ive ever taken in my life, and then some pictures from the hike back to the cabin when we realized the sun was setting sooner than we thought it would and it was about to get WAY too cold for how we were dressed

20. What’s your favorite poem or song lyric about nature?

definitely a gerard manley hopkins!!! he's my fave poet ever and half his work is about nature. i'm torn between two, tho: i think my favorite of all time, really my favorite poem entirely, is the windhover (ive been trying to copy and paste it here without ruining the formatting but it is not working alas so you must google it sorry), but the last stanza of another of my favorites of his poems, inversnaid, is also just. fucking killer

What would the world be, once bereft Of wet and of wildness? Let them be left, O let them be left, wildness and wet; Long live the weeds and the wilderness yet.

25. What’s your favorite plant to grow yourself?

i unfortunately live in a terrible spot to grow stuff, the yard of my family's little house is like. straight dry clay and entirely shady, so my thumb has never gotten even the barest hint of green to it. one day id like to grow wheat or corn or some such tho

27. What’s your favorite outdoor activity?

honestly????? i love to just Sit And Observe. i used to love love love swimming in creeks and lakes and things, but obv i havent swum in anything for a very long time. hopefully i will again one dayy im also a big big fan of a fire for singing around. and to be honest shakespeare doesnt feel right unless its performed somewhere outdoors and beautiful now

28. What’s your favorite local animal you see all the time but still love?

ALL OF THEMMMMMM we get raccoons and possums and squirrels and mule deer and black tailed deer and crows and ravens and pigeons and rats and mice and apparently frogs i learned recently and newts and theyre all my best friends and i get so excited when i see them

39. What ecosystem do you consider your “home” ecosystem?

absolutely all american pacific northwest shit i love a temperate rainforest with redwoods and doug firs and such and then the deciduous layer underneath all ferns and moss and little creeks and then the harsh cliffs down to the beach all cold and foggy and windy. that's where i Belong easy peasy. i do also associate the more aggressively californian Beige Grassy Hills With Lonely Scrappy Little Coast Live Oaks or Valley Oaks On Top type biome with home and growing up, but its always been a little too harsh and dry and sunny for me here.

45. What is your favorite wildflower?

o god thats hard i love wildflowers. im a sucker for daisies, obv, and i love forget-me-nots and california poppies and indian paintbrush and columbine and and and

47. What is your favorite species of tree?

o no thats hard too!!!!! ummm probably oak trees, especially white oaks like the valley oak or the oregon white oak, especially the really big old wise looking ones, but i also adore sequoioideae and other conifers, unsurprisingly, and rowans and apple trees among others hold personal spiritual significance, and theres this specific kind of maple or sweetgum idk what it is but they grew outside the theatre i grew up in so they always make me nostalgic. OH and i LOVE the smell of california bay laurel thats the Good Summertime Smell for me

[the-hikers-eye-photography]

Channeling Ansel Adams

This is a shot from almost two years ago now (I can't believe it's been that long since I've been up into the Eastern Sierra). I was out on a 3 day trip for some backcountry hiking in the Ansel Adams Wilderness, but some forest fires in the Sierra made for less than ideal conditions as the days progressed.

I cut the backcountry hikes short by a day and headed back into the town of Mammoth Lakes for my final day where I found some shorter more local hikes to engage in. Shorter days on trail with less strain meant I wouldn't be breathing in nearly the volume of potentially harmful particulates the forest fires created (even while being masked up).

Here I was on my way up to a lake I had visited once or twice before. It's not a long hike and not difficult, even though there is some rapid elevation gain. While I was on my way up, I rounded a corner of the trail and the trees opened up along the crest and this view presented itself.

The light and shadow mixed with the atmospheric layers (sadly caused by fires) really caught my eye, but because I was shooting in the late morning I knew the light would be harsh, washing out some of the color. For this reason I decided to convert to black and white and really punch up the contrast to tell a far more moody story. It seemed apropos considering the previous couple of days I had spend traipsing all over the Ansel Adams Wilderness here just to the northwest.

Let's go exploring.

[captain-of-silvenar]

Based on @thana-topsy's OC asks, I'll answer some of them with as my Skyrim Dragonborn, Yera!

Which areas of Skyrim do they find most beautiful and most dangerous?

"Call me bias, but I think Whiterun and Riften are my top two for most beautiful places. The plains of Whiterun have ample space for hunting, and the way the wind blows over the grass is novel and refreshing. Riften, so I've been told, has beautiful trees that turn the most amazing shades of reds and oranges in the autumn. Pity I can't see them, but hearing the leaves rustle reminds me of home. There's also the lake here with plenty of fish, so I eat them when we're out of meat in the house. "The most dangerous I would argue would be The Reach. There are lots of steep cliffs and mountainous areas, and while I love a good hike that stuff is dangerous if I'm not careful. Not to mention all the hostile locals there, out in the mountains and in the city! I'm never going back there again, not if my life depends on it."

What are their religious affiliations, and how does their worship (or lack thereof) affect their day-to-day life?

"Y'ffre is the only God I actively worship in my day-to-day life. As with most Bosmer, our relationship with Them is unique to everyone and everyone has their own interpretations of the Green Pact. I personally try and keep from harming any plant life while I'm in Skyrim. It's difficult, and I know that this is not Valenwood but it still bothers me, you know? Plus I try to keep my diet the same. Also incredibly difficult, but there are plenty of wild game to hunt and no one really appreciates a good fish these days. I just wish I could keep with one of the most important ones, but not killing in self defense is... the most difficult thing to keep in Skyrim. The bandit problem alone made me have to compromise. It's a really pity to be honest."

Would they be able to live off the land if they were lost in the wilds of Skyrim? How skilled are they at foraging and hunting?

"Oh uh... I don't think I would be able to survive for very long in Skyrim off the land. At least alone. I would have to rely mostly on traps and hope that something is there for me to eat. I could hunt with my bow but can you imagine trying to hunt while blind? I'd need an aid for that. Foraging is out of the question, I never bothered learning any of the plant life in Skyrim so I can't do that even in the most dire of situations. So it's a very solid no, but wouldn't that be nice..."

What is their opinion on Skyrim's "bandit problem"?

"By Y'ffre's hairy ballsack, why are there so many of them?!"

Do they believe in snow/sky whales?

"The what now?"

What is their favorite kind of food that can only be found in Skyrim?

"Mammoth stew and cheese! Especially the cheese, you can't get this specific kind anywhere else in the world but in Skyrim. I don't get why people are so particular when I mention it, every time I've had some mammoth cheese it's been the best so far. And the mammoths here, when you can hunt one down, are fatty from the winters and reduce splendidly in a slow stew. Reminds me of the one my dad makes back at home, but the mammoths there are a bit more lean. And no cheese."

Do they believe the old nordic tales about the Dragonborn? If they are Dragonborn how has their experience differed?

"I didn't in the beginning. Funny, considering I'm the Dragonborn. But you have to understand I came to Skyrim to run away from the Thalmor. I wasn't even supposed to stay in Skyrim. Plus I didn't even want the title, I tried running away from that as well. But... circumstances changed, and I've now dedicated myself to this country as a Hero of Legend. And I'm fine with that. I'm happy with it and I've done a lot of work to help out these people, regardless if they can't believe a Bosmer can be a Dragonborn. It doesn't matter; I'm here and I'm here to stay and protect. Don't need the people's approval to do that."

How are they with money? Do they hoard, or do they spend until their pockets are empty and they have to find work again? Have they saved for any houses?

"I have so much of it. I have literal bags of it, it's ridiculous. Lydia has to help me count the coins into bags to put into a safe. A safe! I have a safe in my house to keep my money out of sight, it's so funny. Between cave diving, dungeon crawling, and work sometimes as a Dragonborn I have enough money for a house in every Hold if I really wanted to. But nah, I keep most of it for extreme emergencies and for Lydia to use for whatever. I don't really ask for much luxuries, it's not that useful to me. Except for those really nice boots... or that nice waterproof backpack. Hey Lydia, can we go shopping before we head out again? I want to check Balimund for some new stuff. No, I promise it's for good things this time. That last one had a purpose, I swear-"

Can they read?

"In a vague sense. I have this really sticky ink from home that if you write with it, it leaves a raised surface when dried. But it's hard to get from Valenwood to Skyrim, and I have to focus really hard to write. I don't let anyone use it, you have to write slow with it. There are some braille books in Skyrim, but books were never really that important at home nor do they seem that important in Skyrim unless you're a scholar. Not to say I hate them, but I prefer someone reading them out to me."

[prettylonelys]

Ok I hope you are ready for this mammoth. I am going to start off by telling you some cafes to visit. Eckers in Frogner is a really pretty and does nice coffee and food. Pust, which is just across the road from Majorstuen station is another cafe with a very cool atmsophere. As I have already said before if you are looking for a chain coffee shop I would pick Kaffebrenneriet. My favorite is the one by Nationaltheatre but you will probably want to go to the one from Skam which is on Skovveien. They do the best reasonably priced coffee and you must try the pastries. It is good to know you are staying in Gamle because then I will recommend a tiny brunch place called Kumi. It has the most beautiful interior and vegetarian food but I warn you it is on the pricier side. You absolutley must go to Hotel Bristol to get hot chocolate. Inside is absolutely breathtaking and has major dark academia vibes. This is quite popular so I would recommend booking a table in advance on their website. Do not let them fool you into getting two pots of hot chocolate, one is enough for two people to have two cups each. For places to eat, I would first recommend a burrito bar called Freddy Fuego. They have a vegetarian option and lots of options which are all delicious and not badly priced. For pizza go to Villa Paradiso, there are a few of these over the city. If you want a more general Italian restaurant I would try Olivia by the fjord. Great food but more expensive. If you like Japanese food I can tell you about a tiny, tucked away restaurant called Izakaya on Olavs Plass. If you just want to buy snacks or something to cook at your airbnb I can tell you again the cheapest supermarket by far is Kiwi. Now for the thrift shops! Oslo has some amazing thrift stores and Grünnerløkka is the place you want to be. You absoltuely have to go to Robot! This is the coolest thrift shop of all in my opinion. Lots of good finds and a huge shelf of second hand sunglasses. There's also Velouria and Good Vibes Vintage. UFF is worth a look in Løkka but they have a much bigger, I think better store across the city in Prinsens Gate you should check out. The best budget friendly thrift store is Fretex. They are linked with the Salvation Army and you can get items as low as 50nok, which I looked up is about the equivilant of 7 aussie dollars. Next I've got a list of other things nice things you might like to do if you have the time. I saw you like art from your blog so I thought I'd recommend you some galleries. I mentioned before the National Gallery and Museum are free on Thursdays and the Munch Museum is free on Wednesdays from 6pm to 9pm. Astrup Fearnley is the only one without a free day. But I also have some smaller, lesser known galleries for you. It is worth checking out whether Peder Lund, Galleri Riis or Galleri Golsa have any exhibitons on while you are there. They are all free and very small, only a few rooms each. Galleri Golsa seems confusing to find but it is opposite a gym carpark and the door is heavy to open but I promise you're in the right place. They are well worth visitng. I would also recommend visiting a huge lake outside the city called Songsvaan. I know it looks far on a map but it only takes 20 minutes on one line and is still within your zone 1 ticket. There is something so magical about walking round the lake on a winter evening with it frozen over and snow covering the trees. They even have a little cafe. You will notice the increase in cold so you definitely want to your wool innersoles and tights under trousers here, I would recommend that if you venture out of the city anywhere or when it gets dark. If you like hiking and it's not too icy walk up Grefsenkollen and you will get a view over the entire city. In my opinion this is better than the view from Holmenkollen. Since you are staying in Gamle I will also recommend visiting Ekerberg woods which is a ten minute tram ride away and has a scultpure park and also the Botanisk Hage at Tøyen. It is small but pretty inside and guaranteed to be warm. I hope this is a help to you!

oh my god thank you so much, i know this must have taken a lot of time and effort to put together so i hope you know i really appreciate it!!!! these all sound wonderful i am about to start making notes literally right after i finish typing this xx

[tetonsyellowstoneglacier2023]

Hiking in Yellowstone has been exciting - twice now we’ve met bison on the trail. No grizzlies yet! Photos are of Natural Bridge, a bison on trail at Storm Point, a hot spring right in Yellowstone Lake - fishermen used to hook and cook on the same line!, two photos of the Lower Falls in Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, colorful walls of Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, lily pad pond, Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces - bacteria provide the colors and the mineral calcite with no bacteria on it is white as snow!!

[innaneramblingsofamadman]

Chapter 3: A Little Late on the Draw

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14200223/3/A-New-Alliance

Chapter 3: A Little Late on the Draw

Today the Sinclair’s would arrive, and gears would be put into motion at last. For Wednesday it felt as though the machine were destiny, and it marched ever forward without rest or warning to those in its path. It seemed she’d been caught unaware while her back was turned and she had been focused on other things. After spending the whole night in the library, the closest grasp of new information she could find was that one could use dognip mixed with peppermint in an incense to addle a werewolves mind without alerting their heightened senses, yet they did not make them prone to suggestion as she had hoped. Thing had remained in her room all night as instructed, and reported only finding a small tunnel that led outside the house in case of emergencies. A house without any secrets? Where’s the fun in that? She frowned.

Wednesday set about getting ready for the day, tying up the familiar twin braids with practiced ease. Her wardrobe offered up a simple outfit for her today, black riding pants and hiking boots paired with a charcoal sweater and white undershirt. Not very inspired, but she figured there would be a tour of the property sometime today anyway, so going with her usual morbid and eccentric style may not fit. It fit her like a tomb, but was excellent at bracing against the wind this area was infamous for.

Outside the day seemed to be just getting started for the rest of her family. Dark clouds blanketed the entire sky, an omnipresent shroud veiling the world from above. Gomez and Morticia were taking in the beauty of the bleak gray next to the lake as they walked arm in arm, with eyes locked only on each other as they strolled just past the reach of the water, never stumbling or faltering despite the rocky terrain. Pubert lay in the grass with his sketch pad, taking his time to capture each little detail he could manage as he shaded in a drawing of the mushrooms in front of him. Lurch stood nearby, waiting with a pitcher of water and glasses on a tray. Corvus and Pugsley seemed to be missing for the moment, but that was fine. Wednesday looked down at her watch and sighed. It’s just a quarter past eleven now, I’ll find them and follow Corvus to greet the others before they arrive.

“Lurch, please inform my parents I’ve gone to welcome the Sinclair Pack whenever they finish defiling this marvelous day with their longing.”

“Uuurgh”

She turned on a heel and began stalking to the back of the house, expecting to find her cousin and brother there. She was right, of course. Corvus and Pugsley were in the process of throwing hay bales onto the back of a large flatbed truck and arranging them as though they were seats in neat rows with blankets over the tops. A tour indeed, one free of walking, thank the seven hells. Corvus spotted her first and paused in placing another bale, then tapped her mammoth brother on the shoulder and pointed to her.

“Hey Wednesday,” Pugsley called, “wanna come with? We’re gonna drive the wolves to the old house.”

“I’d be delighted actually, it’s always a good thing to know where the enemy sleeps.” Wednesday crossed her hands behind her back as she approached the truck and inspected the stacks before her. “Though perhaps I could be on something else? You and Corvus can take the truck for your own glory.”

“Care to see the stables? Something in there might grab your attention,” Corvus suggested as he hopped down to the earth. “Just walk down the road and it’s on the left past the rise. All the saddles are kept in the building next door, we’ll meet you there in a few minutes and I can help if you can’t decide.” She thought for a moment, stock still, and then looked up into his empty eyes.

“Do you have anything black?”

“As a matter of fact, I might have just what you’re looking for.”

Corvus strolled inside the stable and turned to his right, walking down a short stone ramp to a set of reinforced steel barn doors, he explained that the more hostile creatures were kept down here both for the safety of all the other horrifying wonders upstairs, but also for training and disciplining. All three of them walked up to the door and entered into the dungeon where, locked behind iron bars, paced more dangerous breeds of mount. Including the Mares of Diomedes in a larger pen on the left hand side. The keeper walked the stalls, running his fingers along the bars without any worry at all of being attacked. These creatures were restless, but not untrained, not unbroken. If he could make such monstrosities bend the knee, Wednesday had the ability as well. At the third pen from the end he stopped and crouched down, reaching through the bars and petting whatever rested inside. Wednesday and Pugsley waited by the door per his instruction, and couldn’t see what it was.

“You wanted black, he’ll more than account for that. But I think he’s an attention grabber anyway, come say hello,” Corvus waved her over and gestured for her to kneel next to him. Behind the bars all she could spy was a pair of simmering green eyes that pierced like a javelin through her soul, and as the creature within began to shift and lift off the floor she at last got a full view. “His name is Asmodeus.”

A muscle bound panther squared off against her, as tall as she was, with claws and fangs glittering in the torch light, and the long tail that extended behind twirled in the air as the barbed tip remained pointed at her. Wednesday stood slower than a man at gunpoint, eyes affixed to his. It was a contest of wills now, whoever broke first lost, and Wednesday Addams did not lose.

“Open the door and let me in,” she commanded. Corvus did as she said, unlocking it with a quick rune and opening it for her with the same bow he had offered last night.

“Maybe that isn’t a great idea!” Pugsley shouted from the doorway.

“Hush now and watch a prodigy at work.” She stepped inside and continued the staring contest with the ominous wall of darkness before her, holding a hand out with her palm up to its nose. His concentration had been broken for the moment as the large black maw lifted up and chuffed at her hand a few times, but the moment the guard had been dropped Wednesday placed her hand between his eyes and ran her hand along the thick skull to the base, where a simple pressure point allowed her to drop the panther like a sack of rocks. Dust and hay littered the air as it hit the stone flooring, a dazed mewl escaped past the sharp teeth as it looked up to her again. She reached down and placed the hand between his eyes again, but this time began to rub and smooth gentle patterns along the creature's face before running the other hand along the sleek pelt that adorned his back. “Tell me, what is he?”

“A simple bounder from around these parts, but Asmodeus suffers an excess in melanin, causing his fur to be black. Most of them wander the hills around here and look almost the same as a large mountain lion,” he grinned and walked away, “I’ll grab his saddle, you and Pugsley get him brought outside.” Well, that was going to take a bit of finesse, but it was a fair price to take power of such a handsome beast as this. After a minute or so of stopping and walking Wednesday discovered the large feline followed her every move and never strayed more than ten feet from her, so it was an easy matter of walking back up the stone ramp and out into the clouded day. Asmodeus took advantage of his new freedom and began to roll in the grass and dirt as he covered his  entire body in dust while emanating a deep purr. Wednesday resisted the urge to smile but only managed to tone it down into a quiet smirk. As her new companion continued to roll and chuff on the ground, Corvus emerged from the side building hauling a strange looking saddle with a large silver ring at the front and straps that looked as though they would wrap around the bounder’s shoulders and another loop that cinched around the midsection.

Her older cousin began to instruct her on how to secure it so it was steady enough to not slide, but not so tight on the creature as to impede movement or breathing.  Within a couple minutes both Corvus and Pugsley watched as Asmodeus began to rise after the saddle had been secured to his powerful frame, with a smug looking Wednesday perched atop with her hands affixed to the metallic ring. The clouds rolled overhead without a whisper as she situated herself a bit more, rising up and back down several times before nodding to no one at all.

“How does it feel to be taller than me for once?” Pugsley’s attempt at a joke was met by a hard glare that he waved off. It felt good, but not quite right…Wednesday could feel something small within herself resisting the enchanting black pelt and murderous power of the beast. The rest of her brain decided it was uncertainty at something so new, and she waved the thought off as Pugsley had dismissed her gorgon’s stare.

“Adequate,” she answered. “Come along now boys, we have new friends to intimidate.”

~30 minutes later~

Enid had been stuffed into the backseat of the tiny rental car with her older brother Malachi, and had spoken less than maybe 10 words in the last 3 hours of the drive. When her parents had delivered the news that their family would represent the pack at the Addams meeting she’d been ecstatic, because there was absolutely no way people with that much money were going to meet them anywhere less than a five star hotel, in her mind at least. Sure it might have been haunted or whatever, but she could handle that. What she couldn’t handle was that wherever they were going was in the middle of LITERALLY nowhere, and she’d lost cell service more than twenty minutes ago now. So much for updating her blog. Malachi had made some remark about it being good that she couldn’t spend the entire trip on her phone, but she’d barely heard him over the wailing of her own self pity. The GPS in the front seat pinged at last, signaling her dad to turn right. Down another dirt road. Yay.

The dark clouds swirling over them did little to improve her mood, and the tree line they were about to drive straight into only added to her anxiety because was it her or did she see something move behind that bush?

After a few more minutes of following the road through hanging branches that scraped the roof of the car, it opened up again to a small clearing where the road forked. Waiting in the middle of that fork sat a beat up truck and two men leaning against the hood as they talked, the one on the left looked skinny and short but that might have only been because he was standing next to the tallest dude Enid had ever seen. Their car pulled off to the side into a grassy area and parked.

“Now remember everyone,” her mom started, “best behavior, we’re here to make a good impression and make it stay that way.” Malachi and her dad nodded, sticking to their usual silence as Enid rolled her eyes. She doubted it would be hard to make a good impression on people who were regularly known for their cultish behavior. Esther let out a deep sigh and patted her husband’s knee twice before opening her door and stepping out as the rest of the family followed suit, the man on the left was strolling up to their rental with a relaxed ease, hands tucked into his vest pockets.

“Welcome to the Addams Family Reserve everyone, I trust the journey was as long and arduous as always," he smiled. Oh my god, his eyes are all black, that’s so freaky! And he smells like rot. Enid’s nose crinkled as the scent hit harder with a gust of wind, it was like she’d just found a body in the woods months after it had been left there.

“Oh no, it was lovely! So scenic and gorgeous! Right Mur?” Esther had stretched out a hand and shook his, Murray offering another nod and smile. “My name is Esther Sinclair, this is my husband Murray, our oldest Malachi, and our youngest Enid,” she pointed them out each in turn. Behind the man speaking to her mom, the boy who had been leaning against the truck also walked over, fidgeting with the cuffs and collar of his suit the whole time.

“A pleasure, my name is Corvus. The giant behind me is my cousin Pugsley, his parents are preparing for this evening and could not join us, unfortunately. Somewhere around here though,” Corvus narrowed his dark eyes and began to look around. He frowned and turned to Pugsley. “Where did she go?”

“I don’t know, she said she’d be right back five minutes ago,” his eyes darted around the clearing, filled with sudden panic, “do you think she’s okay?” Behind Enid something rustled in the trees and the sound of twigs snapping put her on alert.

“I assure you, nothing out here could kill me even if it sacrificed itself in the process,” a deadpan voice echoed across the clearing. Enid could have been standing only feet away and it still would’ve carried the same volume. From out of the trees a massive panther lumbered up to them all, green eyes all aglow and the scent of a fresh kill on its breath. Resting on its back was a woman about her age, with dark hair in braids and eyes so intense they pierced all her walls. Corvus offered a small bow and held up an open hand, helping her off of the saddle and onto the ground next to him.

“Allow me to introduce the next matriarch of our family, Wednesday Addams.” Her eyes scanned each of them in turn from head to toe, pausing on Enid for a second longer than the rest and Wednesday held a hand out to Enid alone.

“The displeasure is all mine,” she said. But at that moment Enid’s mind had already broken, all the mechanisms were just spinning and whistling as a record played over and over in her head, hot goth girl hot goth girl hot goth girl.

[rabbitcruiser]

National Fitness Day

National Fitness Day in the U.S. is celebrated on the first Saturday of May — on May 6 this year. The day was founded by famous life- and career coach Kim Bielak in 2017 to dedicate a whole day to the importance of fitness.

History of National Fitness Day

Fitness in the U.S. during the Early National Period was influenced by Europe. Immigrants brought many aspects of their culture into the country, including Swedish and German gymnastics. It was in the 1800s that the idea of good health and fitness gained popularity. Since then, the United States took a huge step forward in terms of fitness in the 20th century. As sugars and fats increased in the diets of people due to the commercialization of food products, fitness became a prominent concept because people were becoming more aware of their health. Activity levels and food intake became measurable and thus controllable.

Early U.S. presidents also knew about the need for fitness and exercise. Benjamin Franklin recommended regular physical activities like swimming, running, etc., and Thomas Jefferson believed that fitness was a necessary requirement for a healthy life. Dr. J.C. Warren, a Harvard University medical professor, became a significant proponent of physical activities towards the end of the 18th century. Catherine Beecher was another important figure who devised fitness programs for the needs of women specifically.

During the 1950s, many organizations took up the challenge of educating people about the consequences of an unhealthy body. Various agencies have been involved in promoting fitness since the 1950s, including the American Medical Association (AMA), American Health Association (AHA), and President’s Council on Youth Fitness and American Association for Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAPHERD). Although Kim Bielak is credited with starting National Fitness Day in the U.S., numerous fitness days have been around before this. A noteworthy celebration of such a day is the one that was held in London’s Covent Garden in 2014.

National Fitness Day timeline

1901 Theodore Roosevelt Becomes President

The most physically fit U.S. president, Theodore Roosevelt, takes his oath as president of the United States.

1940s An Application for Fitness Research

Dr. Thomas K. Cureton at the University of Illinois introduces his application of research into fitness, which becomes the fundamental basis for all future exercise programs.

1954 The American College of Sports Medicine

The American College of Sports Medicine is founded and is a premier organization in the promotion of health and fitness in the U.S. and worldwide.

1956 The Fit White House Conference

President Eisenhower holds a White House conference in June of 1956, resulting in the formation of the President's Council on Youth Fitness and the appointment of the President's Citizens Advisory Committee on the Fitness of American Youth.

National Fitness Day related content

National Fitness Day FAQs

Who founded National Fitness Day?

The U.S. National Fitness Day was founded by Kim Bielak, a life- and career coach based in Los Angeles.

What day is National Workout Day?

National Workout Day or National Fitness Day is celebrated on the first Saturday of May — on May 1 in 2021. It is a day dedicated to mental and physical fitness.

How do we celebrate National Fitness Day?

A day dedicated to fitness can be celebrated by working out with the aim to stay healthy and fit. You can work out, read books, and watch movies that inspire you to stay fit.

National Fitness Day Activities

Try something new

Experiment with your workout playlist

Watch movies to inspire yourself

Add some more exercises to your routine. If you are a runner, you can try yoga for more flexibility.

When was the last time you changed the songs in your workout playlist? Spice it up and add some more excitement to your daily workouts.

There are many movies that will help you stay motivated even when you are not working out. Here are some honorable mentions: “Rocky Balboa,” “Miracle,” “Hoosiers,” “Bend It Like Beckham,” and “Rudy.”

5 Facts About National Fitness Day That Will Blow Your Mind

Walk of Life

Not easy to lose weight

Loss for gain

The strongest muscle

The ‘rest’ of a workout

An average person walks 70,000 miles during his or her lifetime.

Only 10% of people lose weight by changing their diet regime.

For every pound of muscle you gain, your body burns 50 calories.

The strongest muscle in the human body is the heart.

Weight training can help you increase the number of calories your body burns while resting.

Why We Love National Fitness Day

It celebrates good health

It appreciates those who promote fitness

It motivates the youth

National Fitness Day is a day dedicated to a healthy mind and body that makes for a better life.

Many fitness gurus promote better health and well-being. This day is dedicated to all those who prove the importance of a physically and mentally fit society.

National Fitness Day is a day that motivates the youth to stay fit especially since modern society lives a much more sedentary life. We spend most of our time indoors and our jobs require almost no physical activity.

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