Now, I’m Pissed!

They closed all the hiking trails in the area. Guess I’ll have to improvise.

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Waiting for some supplies to arrive before I tackle the DIY haircut. Watching YouTube on how I should proceed in the meantime.

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I have another “self-taught project” in the works. What else do I have to do?

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I’ve Joined The Masked Masses

Made mine out of a piece of linen and an elastic strap for an MP3 player. May use this on my next passport photo. Next project is a DIY haircut.

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On one of my hikes, two guys walked by and were discussing politics. “I liked some of Bernie’s ideas until I entered my financials into his tax plan,” said one. That’s when reality sets in.

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More hikers, more trash. Found two empty water bottles and a few used tissues. Along with that, some graffiti. People are the worst!

Getting Crowded

I’m glad I got an early start on the Araby yesterday morning. Coming down was reminiscent of the traffic jams on Everest. Well, maybe not that bad. I exaggerate sometimes for effect.

I passed one family and it was obvious they were novices. Dad was in the lead and brought back memories of my first hike with Mark Scott. Looked like he was about to vapor lock.

Two boys followed with Fido in tow and mom brought up the rear with boy number three. He refused to go any farther and was sitting on a rock. His face didn’t exactly paint a picture of enthusiasm.

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One portly gent was clad in heavy back sweats (never a good combination) and was just starting when I was almost finished. It wasn’t that warm but he was going to heat up quickly.

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The LPGA Clearwater event is still six weeks away but has to be in jeopardy. Florida is bracing for the worst.

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Then there was this:

Larry David started a GoFundMe for golf caddies affected by coronavirus

Hopes of playing golf’s US Open at Winged Foot in June are quickly fading

Same Old Same Old

Hiked twenty-four miles within the last four days and one of those was a day off. Will stay on the couch today and do my taxes.

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Caught up with Hyemin Kim yesterday. She was all set to take the USGA rules test recently until they called it off.

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Ralph’s supermarket seems to be back to normal but Walmart can’t keep the shelves stocked.

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Then there was this:

US Open now in doubt after Winged Foot is closed indefinitely

Florida mini-tour continues during COVID-19 pandemic, but with extreme safety measures

Random Rambling

I love to hike for the exercise and tranquility but the other day I found it hard to ditch a chatty foursome who would not shut their collective yaps. Finally had to cut my trek short and turn around.

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At the beginning of the Araby Trail, a protruding cholla cactus awaits all who are unaware. It sits on the inside of a hairpin turn and I’ve scratched my arm on it twice. But not anymore.

I took Dave’s snips with me yesterday morning and gave it a little trim. Hope the cacti police don’t read this but it needed to be done.

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The LPGA released the latest projected schedule changes. Portland will play one week later as the ANA takes its dates.

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Want more proof of the seriousness of our current situation? “The Nerd” paid full price for his favorite Pulbix ice cream. The end is truly near.

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The local Ralphs grocery is limiting the number of people that may shop at one time. Looks like a good plan.

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I purchased a loaf of jalapeno cheddar bread at Aspen Mills Bakery this morning and was thanked profusely for my patronage. Every dollar to the local economy helps.

Stay Home!

We’re under a shelter-in-place order which allows outdoor exercise like running or hiking so I’m still will be heading for the hills almost every day.

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The PGA canceled four more events. Mid May is the next projected start date. Can the LPGA be far behind?

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My gym went from restricted hours to closed in less than a day – along with most other businesses.

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Had lunch with Dave Hamada and Mark Scott at the Sunshine Café in Cathedral City. Good eats and equally good conversation.

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Managed to get one can of soup and a can of beans from Aldi yesterday. Yahoo!

Lock Down!

I guess we’re all going mad. If you Google flu deaths, this is first.

CDC estimates that so far this season there have been at least 36 million flu illnesses, 370,000 hospitalizations and 22,000 deaths from flu. Antiviral medications are an important adjunct to flu vaccine in the control of influenza.3 days ago

We take that as a natural course of life and don’t quarantine.

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Add over eight miles of trails on Saturday and over six today to my total so far. I’m stacking up the stats.

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The ‘master of the house’ is in town for a few days. Check out his newest acquisition for rent. https://mymh.weebly.com/ The site is not complete but you can get the picture.

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California businesses are closing their doors. I wonder if my gym is next.

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Stopped at Wal-Mart for a couple cans of soup but the locusts have picked the shelves clean. Bought ice cream instead.

A Full Day

Lack of rainfall has depressed the wildflower bloom. .6 of an inch vs. over 6 last year.

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I’ve joined the fitness center of the rich and famous, which is right down the street. In-Shape Fitness is frequented by the likes of Mark Scott, Liselotte Neumann, and Lisa DePaulo.

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Hit the gym this morning, where I ran into Lisa and Patty, and the Araby Trail in the afternoon. I’m pooped.

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The Araby Trail may have come under some sort of death-worship influence. Spotted these at the trailhead.

Namaste

I started my hike with a Mahatma-like pace. Remember the scene from the movie Gandhi where Ben Kingsley dons a white loincloth and heads for the sea, with staff in hand, to make salt? Well, that was me this morning.

The only difference was that I was in a tee-shirt and shorts, had two hiking poles and headed to the top of the trail. And, I’m not Hindu. Other than that, we be buds.

Just short of eight miles later, I was done. Rain is expected for the next three days so I’ll be in the gym instead. I wonder if the Mahatma ever hit the free weights?

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Then there was this: Dorado Shootout will next be held in 2021

Numero Uno

My hiatus from blogging has come to an end so, here goes nothin’.

I’m in the desert once more compliments of Volunteer Dave. Of course, I have a few chores to do, mainly tidying the backyard.

First thing was to vacuum the leaves. It was going well until I got zapped a couple times through the power switch. An inspection found the plugs on both ends of the extension cord could be the culprits. A visit to Home Depot for replacements and a little work did the trick.

I tackled the bougainvillea next. Has to be the prettiest weed on the planet and tenacious defender if its territory. The thorns are brutal but I prevailed. Just have to wait for room in the dumpster to finish the job.

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I arrived Wednesday and took the next day off to recoup from the drive. But the next morning I was climbing the Araby Trail and followed it with the Garstin Loop on Saturday. Not taking long to get my hiking legs back.

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The drive out was one of my easiest. I missed all the rain by taking a more northern route and traveled byways of which I was unfamiliar. Good choice.

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Lunched with Mark Scott today at Taqueria San Miguel. Good eats with a good friend. Doesn’t get any better.

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Up the Araby, onto the Berns and down the Henderson this morning. Just over six miles. Not bad for my third hike.

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I replaced my Hoka sneakers for my hikes. Purchased a pair of New Balance 1350s instead. The more aggressive sole is more suited for the task. The Hoka’s slipped too much. So far I’m very satisfied.