Smoke

Wed morn the odor of forest fire smoke greeted my nose when I opened the side door at wake up. Hmm, check of air quality is necessary. Slow internet speed accessed an air quality site. Harmful. Where is fire? World is at your finger tips if you have internet reception, stronger signal is always better. Map showed localized to Bend area. I checked nearby Sisters air learning all was green. Destination: Peterson Ridge trails outside Sisters.

A full on trailhead facility is what I drove onto. New to me. Before maybe 3 cars at TH, rest along residential street. Public. Peterson ridge system is 2 mostly parallel trails with numerous ladder rungs connecting. All previous rides were west up east down which I would duplicate. A local rider finished his ride next to me. We met thru a 3rd party. He concurred with route. Sisters is a little drier than Bend, the forest cover was Ppine and tall junipers. Mostly open. Trail climbs mostly to last connection to east down. Stopped at a vista point to view the Three Sisters from, what, the NE? Slow internet won’t load a pic. Anyway, the view of S sisters is snow on top, see a snow finger coming towards you, see a gap, that’s the bergschrund, then smooth snow down. I skied that line on telemark skis and leather boots back in maybe 1997.

S Sister. skied from top this face

 

Separate horse trail went is same direction. Last rung was descend point, trail down was less exciting than climb, however there were several rock gardens to stay upright over. Arrived at van unscathed. Changed clothes then drove back to Bend.

Oh, source of smoke came from a current 3,000+ acre fire just outside La Pine on the other side of US 97, Video showed fire started from a campsite. Rapidly blew up, Thurs high winds drove it into the forest. I am well aware of potential fire at my house site.

The wound care provider called to schedule my appointment. Score for Thurs at 8AM. PA examined leg, remarked weak pulse and cold indicating an artery issue. Now another ultrasound session focused on artery.

Next was dentist appointment. Teeth cleaned and examined. No further expense.

Laundry at the Bend location.

Temp outside was 30 degrees at 6 AM. I started the heater during the night. Sun warmth needs time, I started today’s rdie about 10, themp was 61, comfortable, but slightly chilly for short sleeve jersey. Solar gain favored the short sleeves.

8:47PM, side door open invite for several mosquitoes, temp is 68.