I've been so busy this summer I haven't had a chance to update the blog. But that certainly doesn't mean I've been doing things that aren't worthy of mentioning. Just the opposite. Usually once-a-day I'm thinking to myself, "This is so cool I should blog about it." But then the end of the day comes and I'm too exhausted to even check my emails let alone write something for the blog.

I'll try to catch you up on some of my summer activities soon but for now, I'll just post a few pics from a ridiculously awesome hike Emmett and I took yesterday to Winston Peak and Winston Ridge. Parts of the Angeles National Forest that have been closed since the Station Fire three years ago are starting to re-open and we've been spending our weekends heading back into the area.

Yesterday's hike encompassed all my favorites: alpine and big-boulder landscape that comes at higher elevation (in this case, 7300'), a ridge trial, views of other peaks/ridges/canyons we've hiked in, a body-challenging summit push that makes you grateful to be alive and healthy, and the entire trail all to ourselves (we didn't run into a single person). Oh, and hiking with Emmett, of course, who is always Mr. Map and Trail Guide Master. All I have to do is show up and put one foot in front of the other.

The hike was only four miles but we took our time, stopping frequently to take in the 360-degree views of the San Gabriels and the Antelope Valley over and over again. Lunch--a HUGE vegan deli sandwich from Figueroa Produce--was FANTASTIC and just what we needed to make the final ascent to Winston Peak along a .5 mile, 760' elevation gain (20% grade!!!) non-trail trial.

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer as well. I'll regale you with stories about other hikes, marbling successes, my trip to Minnesota, 41 for 41 updates, delicious recipes, and more over the next few weeks.

Cheers!

[slideshow]