Three years ago I bought an MBP Max w/64GB of memory. I use it in clamshell mode 99% of the time. The Mini M4 Pro is calling me… Seems like it would really speed my docker builds and be just as portable.

We awoke in the dark, to the sound of rain dripping outside our door. Falling back did not result in a lot of extra sleep. When it was light enough to see outside we saw that it was snowing. No rush to leave as the long hike we were planning was suddenly not going to be an option. So we took our time, and enjoyed the scenic drive and lots of scenic overlooks from Capital Reef to Bryce, with a little side trip down the Burr Trail.

Our first little hike was to the singing canyon.

Then we stopped at this amazing overlook about 17 miles down the Burr Trail. The trail goes for 74 miles before turning into a dirt road, and somehow connecting to a Lake Powell ferry. The overlook was far enough for us.

Here is a view looking back down the trail.

After a delicious lunch at the Burr Trail Burger joint, we drove through Escalante and enjoyed some great views.

We finished up the day with a great late afternoon hike in Bryce Canyon. It was cold and snowy when we checked in to the lodge. But we decided to head over to the rim anyway to check out the views. As we got there the sun started to peek out. We hiked from the Sunset Viewpoint to the Sunrise Viewpoint. About 3 miles, with a solid climb to get out of course. It was great to get down in the canyon out of the wind. The longer we were down there the sunnier it got and the views just got better with every step.

Tomorrow will be a long day in the car, driving from Bryce to Indio. Maybe through Zion depending on road conditions in the morning.

Beautiful late afternoon hike in Bryce Canyon!

To the right darkness and storms. To the left sunshine and hope. Vote Harris. Walz!

Burr Trail overlook

Capital Reef!

We love to use the drive to California each Fall to visit some of the national parks. But it is tricky to find a national park to visit this time of year. Most things are shutting down, and in many parks the scenic drives are closing, and the risk of snow increases every day. Our original plan had been to visit Great Basin, but park officials closed the scenic drive two weeks ago. So we rerouted to Capital Reef. We are glad we did. The drive in was spectacular, going past Goblin Valley state park. As you approach from the North, its not hard to imagine you are seeing a goblin sleeping on its back.

What was so great about this time of year is the contrast of the yellow leaves on the Cottonwoods and Aspens, both as you approach the park, and as you drive through.

There are many interesting hikes in the park. For our schedule we chose do do the Hickman Bridge, which is about two miles and fairly easy. The views are great.

Or in some cases spectacular!

We also did a much shorter hike to Sunset Point, This was fantastic because we were the ONLY people on the trail, so we had the point all to ourselves to enjoy 360 degrees of viewing.

Today the plan is to make our way down to Bryce Canyon. Its cold and raining so we might not see as much as we had hoped, then Monday we will hop on the freeway and make our way to Indio! Can’t wait to reconnect with all our friends, and get back on the golf course and pickleball court.

Lunch stop in Victoria Springs. Nice little campground. Definitely a more scenic route through Nebraska than the interstate.

Leaving Spencer Iowa. Snow. Definitely time to head for the desert.

Westward ho!!

So conflicted. I want Liverpool to stay ahead of city, but I don’t want Arsenal to fall way behind.

Beautiful late fall bike ride!

The fruits of my first try at making bacon on the Traeger. 8 pounds of pork belly from Costco, 12 days of curing, and almost 4 hours of smoking led up to this delicious BLT sandwich for lunch. Tomorrow night I’m making Carbonara!

I’m really excited to begin this next chapter for Luther College: www.luther.edu/offices/p…

Full moon on the lake. Tried to remove the dock with AI but it didn’t do a good job.

Wordle 1,213 3/6*

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🟨⬜⬜🟩🟩
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Not that three is so great, just wanted to mark today as my 1000th wordle. Win streak is 100% thanks to rounding.

Family work day at the cabin! Clearing space for a potential pickleball court. It was raining, so the risk of wildfire was quite low.

Wow! Love those Aurora Borealis! Even if it is slightly cloudy.

Northern lights

Beautiful bike ride this afternoon!

Two scientists — one of them called the “Godfather of AI” — share Nobel prize in physics - BBC News

Wow! Books by these two are among the few that I kept when I cleaned out my office.

Steam off the water and a few clouds in the sky on this chilly October morning.

WellsFargo must be the leakiest CC company in the world. Card compromised, ok, we’ll send you a new card… New card compromised before I even activate it! Now entering the bewildering world of choosing a new card company! Thoughts?

Bought this at the Madison farmers market today!

Enjoyed watching the Loons win tonight over Saint Louis. But the sideboard ad for Purina… “Our City. Our Pets.” I just couldn’t help but wonder if they weren’t trolling Trump.