August 2020
August 2020 |
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In the midst of the 2020 Covid crisis, Brandon asked if they could come up for a vacation. We agreed and we all drove to the cabin. Actually, the first week was a vacation for all of us, and the second week was work for all but Rumi and Reed.
Here is what we did:
Thurs. July 30 - June and I arrived a day before the kids. We both brought our bikes. We took a walk up to Quail Lake and rode to Sugar Pine State Park. We found a nice beach where we would bring the kids on Monday. The next day we went up to the Sunrise bench.
Friday, July 31 - At home I made a gizmo that allowed a ladder to be used on the stairs to get to the central air intake. I climbed up and pried the vent screen off to see NO filter. We took a measurement and in the following days (The size is 20" x 24"), bought a filter and had Brandon install it. Brandon used a piece of tape to hold it in place as it is a bit funky.
There is another air intake in the hall which takes a standard size filter (I think it is 16 x 16). We bought a couple of those as well. The kids arrived about 5pm, record time from the LA area.
Sat and Sun Aug 1 / 2 - We decided the pool would be too crowded with the pandemic and all. So we all putted around the house and yard. Reed took a nap everyday around 1pm for a couple of hours. During that time, June would typically read with Rumi and I would do something to get my heart rate up, like a bike ride. Both Reed and Rumi spent HOURS blowing bubbles on the back deck.
Mon Aug 3 - We took a two cars to Sugar Pine and spent a couple of hours on a remote beach. It wasn't as remote as we hoped because by around 1pm, people started to show up and it became more difficult for us to have our space. And Reed had to have his nap anyway. Good time.
Tues Aug 4 - We took a nice walk from Ellis to Grouse. I think the day before, June and Rumi sort of hid in plain view a rock that June had painted, so we visited that. Also, we found a toy cop car on the fairy stump.
Wed Aug 5 - Almost every morning and evening, June and/or myself would take one or both of the kids for a walk around the neighborhood. Reed loved to see men doing a huge remodel (rebuild) on Chamberland and Grouse. I like that too. We would also visit the train house on Lark. On this morning, they visited while the owner was outside so they got a tour of the trains.
This was also the first day we all spent time at the beach and pool. There was almost no one there! Reed was challenged jumping into the pool from the side and Rumi liked to kick off the side with her head down and paddle a few yards. That morning I rode up McKinney Rubicon and, afternoon I hiked up to Ellis Peak. On the way back I rescued the cop car for Reed. I was accused of 'stealing' it.
Thurs Aug 6 - Another day at the beach and pool. June and I would take the kids about 9:30, drive to Chambers, get out the new wagon (gift of Sherlyn) and go to the baby beach. June and Rumi would wade into the water. Reed and I were happy playing in the sand. We would be the first ones in the the pool at 11am. We would play, then eat the lunch that June packed, and head home about 1pm.
Later that day, Brandon, June and myself walked up to Quail, then to the Sunrise bench. A new shortcut!
Fri Aug 7 - Another day at the beach and pool. I have been cleaning up the grounds and bagged 12 bags of twigs, mostly from the fallen tree top. The driveway is looking pretty cracked. The guy working down the street gave us an estimate. He would cut out 3 bug bumps (roots) in the driveway, fill them again with asphalt, then seal the whole thing for $2500.
Sat Aug 8 - We stayed close to home. Brandon did an epic run from Ward Creek, over Barker Pass to Ellis Peak, and back to the cabin. 18.76 miles and 3533 ft of elevation!
Sun Aug 9 - We all drove up to Barker Pass and walked the 1 mile up the PCT to the overlook. Rumi wasn't committed to the hike, but she did well.
Mon - Fri (Aug 10 - 14) Brandon and Moye worked this week, so June and I continued our routine for the next 5 days: Breakfast, beach, pool + lunch, nap, read/bike, home cooking and cocktail/wine.
Wed Aug 12 - We all took a walk up Eagle Rock and slightly beyond.
On a related note, I noticed that the trail up above Homewood is named the Noonchester Mine Trail. Brandon did some research and found there actually was a mine in the hills above Homewood. We made several trips to find any old remnants of the mine.
Sat Aug 15 - The kids left and we spent some of the day cleaning.
Sun Aug 16 - We drove to Bend, Or. Go to that page.
Note: On Sat. June read a report and heard from a friend of some bizarre mishap in Bonnie's shop. Someone was involved in a domestic dispute, the police came, and a man was killed by the police. Naturally, we all thought it was Mic. I called him and he didn't answer, which is highly unusual. On the drive to Bend, I happened to call Bonnie and she picked up. Something did happen and a man was tazed and killed, but it was not Mic. Whew!!