Dan's Outside

More on BearVault

Martha Claasen wrote to tell me that BearVault is aware of the “sticky threads” issue and can provide a tube of “food-grade silicon” to lubricate the threads. She also suggests that store that sell BearVaults may have some on hand. I think I’ll contact BearVault and see if I can get some.

Martha also reminded me of another issue I encountered with my BearVault. Sometimes the lid “rides over” the inner locking tab rather than past it, in which case the tab will not lock the lid to prevent it from turning. I did see that a few times on my unit. I noticed that the lid was not screwing down all the way, and when I checked I found that the tab was inside/below the edge of the lid rather than passing by it. I understand that the solution is to be careful when screwing on the lid. I’m fine with that. Once I saw this problem it was a simple matter to pay a bit more attention when putting on the lid.

Thanks, Martha.
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September 5, 2005 Posted by gdanmitchell | Commentary | Comments Off on More on BearVault

iPod in the Backcountry

Starting a few years ago I noticed people carrying their recorded music into the backcountry. I’ve resisted for a long time, even though I’m a college music faculty member. This weekend, on the spur of the moment, I decided to toss my iPod mini and a pair of small earphones into my pack as I departed for my 3-day Yosemite pack trip.

I’m glad to report that, as usual, I had music going through my mind almost the entire weekend – but that I wasn’t even tempted to turn on the iPod once. I think I passed the test… ;-)
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August 29, 2005 Posted by gdanmitchell | Commentary | Comments Off on iPod in the Backcountry

Online in the Valley?

Ari Soglin writes about an article in the Contra Costa Times that discusses the options for staying connected (Internet, cable TV) whlle in Yosemite Valley. While I’m as wired in as the next guy, I feel genuinely sorry for anyone who goes to the Valley and decides to stay in the lodge and catch CNN.
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August 29, 2005 Posted by gdanmitchell | Commentary | Comments Off on Online in the Valley?

Matterhorn Peak Panorama

See this astonishing Sierra photographic panorama taken on Matterhorn Peak. (Warning: The link goes directly to the very large version of this file.) – Thanks to Yosemite Blog for the link.

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August 29, 2005 Posted by gdanmitchell | Commentary | Comments Off on Matterhorn Peak Panorama

Responding to Readers

I want to reply to a couple of readers of this site who sent nice emails recently.

Gena Zolotar wrote to me earlier about New Almaden Quicksilver Park, where I frequently hike and photograph. I wrote back about some of my favorite trails. Last week Gena wrote back to report that she and her husband and daughter had finally gotten to the park and enjoyed a hike from the McAbee Road entrance. She has posted some photos at her web site (http://hikes.zolotar.com/aqcp/) along with some photos of Yosemite (http://hikes.zolotar.com/ynp/). In addition, she solved a mystery for me.

“I have been meaning to send a note saying that your “Orange flower. Almaden Quicksilver Park. May 1, 2005″ is a wind poppy (Stylomecon heterophylla). You had asked for an ID on your blog.”

Kait Hutnik wrote about some of my Calero Park photos, and I wrote back to tell her about a “use trail” that I enjoy in the park. She replied and gave me links materials she has posted on her web sites.

Here’s a link to the series I’ve taken during the winter bird counts and
spring wildflower hikes. I will definitely alert you as soon as I know the
dates.

http://lightofmorn.com/html/birdcounts.htm

Also — for a quick nature fix, take a drive this fall/winter over Hicks
Road in San Jose? I sense that you’re like me, in that a well-used game
trail proves irresistible.

http://www.hicksroad.com

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August 24, 2005 Posted by gdanmitchell | Commentary | Comments Off on Responding to Readers

Owens Valley Photographs

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Evening Flowers and Sierra Nevada Range. Owens Valley, California. May 30, 2005. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell (Sales)

Evening Thunderstorm. Owens Valley, California. August 5, 2005. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell. (Sales)

Eastern Sierra Sunrise. Owens Valley, California. May 30, 2005. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell. (Sales)

Sunset Over Owens Valley. Sabrina Lake, California. September 30, 2006. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell.

Crowley Lake, Owens Valley. August 6, 2005. © Copyright Dan Mitchell.

Mono Craters. August 6, 2005. © Copyright Dan Mitchell.

Desert morning near Mammoth, California. May 31, 2004.

Bush, high desert, Sierra crest in morning light. May 30, 2004.

High desert sunset near Mammoth. May 30, 2004.

Desert sunset near Mammoth, California. May 30, 2004.
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August 24, 2005 Posted by gdanmitchell | Commentary | Comments Off on Owens Valley Photographs

CrowleyLakeOwensValley2005|08|06

Crowley Lake, Owens Valley. August 6, 2005. © Copyright Dan Mitchell.
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August 24, 2005 Posted by gdanmitchell | Commentary | Comments Off on CrowleyLakeOwensValley2005|08|06

OddRating2005

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August 24, 2005 Posted by gdanmitchell | Commentary | Comments Off on OddRating2005

Thank You, Margie

Margie from Bishop, CA sent a very nice email about this web site and my photographs. Thanks, Margie – I’m glad you enjoy the site!
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August 16, 2005 Posted by gdanmitchell | Commentary | Comments Off on Thank You, Margie

White Mountains Photographs

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Thunderstorm over the Sierra Nevada. White Mountains, California. August 6, 2005. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell. (Sales)

Bristlecone Pine Forest. White Mountains, California. August 6, 2005. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell. (Sales)

White Mountains. August 6, 2005. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell.

Bristlecone Pine Grove. White Mountains. August 6, 2005. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell.
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August 9, 2005 Posted by gdanmitchell | Commentary | Comments Off on White Mountains Photographs