Decommissioning

Every year we watch the days grow shorter, the temperatures in the Sierra drop lower, and we begin to think that maybe we've taken our last backpacking trip of the season. It's a bittersweet sensation, because on the one hand, the season is over. On the other hand, this always gives us a chance to reflect on the trips we've taken this season, and those are warm memories.

So yes, we've suspended our Zoleo for the season. That doesn't mean we're done hiking for the year. It may not even mean we're done backpacking for the year. But it does mean we won't be taking any longer or more challenging trips. A weekender? Maybe.

But we've had some wonderful times in the mountains this year. I spent a total of nine days volunteering in Desolation Wilderness, and got to see some of the more remote parts of that wilderness. And I even managed to convince M to join me on one so that I could show her around. And we spent some wonderful days hiking and backpacking in Yosemite, as well, even exploring some areas we'd never seen before. Plus the volunteer work there, in Ackerman Meadow.

So it was a good year.

Hmmm. Maybe there's time for one more trip...