Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Currents of Gold in Them There Hills

It was clearly time to ditch the Valley Floor and widen my lens. Heading for the richness of a cleaner mountain atmosphere was on the docket. The western haze from all the smoke/fires ran me off and a little opportunity for manual labor awaited me. Not Complaining 


$450.oo of raw rough cut lumber was in need of an oil base stain and I was that guy for the job. What is Rough Cut?? If you have ever shopped lumber at Home Depot, True Value, etc, a majority of those boards have been plained down to a perfectly consistent thickness and a rather smooth surface as well. Rough Cut is exactly that, rough. The saw blade indentations along the sides are machine chewed. Absolutely nothing smooth about these boards. Before I could even start, every board needed a sweeping from being subjected to the California Ash and Soot. The Ponderosa Pine soaked up the first coat of oil in no time. Like Bone Dry


The Blue Spruce was dry as well but the soaking in factor was about an hour longer. Ether way, the boards are gorgeous and will become an intricate siding for a building. The Broad-&-Batten hanging process will begin soon and I am looking forward to bringing out my craftsmanship skills. Six outside walls, five windows to trim around, one door jam, and then a second of stain is all in the mix for my future endeavors. Hope they come up with an endless well of dollars before the snow begins falling. Wish Me Luck 


SWIMMING:

Only twice this week but damn fine for me. One day I had the entire pool to myself. Zero echoes of carrying voices, any lane I so choose, and underwater stillness. That morning was intended for some seriously deep pulls. As aero as can be for my age, strong push off the wall, breast stroke pulls with one kick, and then freestyle when I broke surface. Effortlessly breathing until a smooth flip turn commenced the whole process over. I just love that feeling of slicing through the water like a hot knife peals off a hunk of butter for grandmas fresh baked sourdough loaf.  



CYCLING:

Has been on the back burner, get it??? The West Coast is still burning and our air quality hasn't been the best. Now, there were a couple of days that I could have casually rode but no thanx. Still on my commuter bike daily and some of those hazy days sucked horribly. Riding around town, paying bills, and general necessities from the grocery store were all completed on the old trusty Cannondale Commuter. Yes, Ringing The Bell Just Because 


GYM:

Finally working out with weights again. And talk about weak as can be!! The upper body strength, or lack of, is truly pathetic and boarder line embarrassing. Am I worried, nope. Not In The Least! Just like swimming, focusing on ROM is key. Playing it safe for this week and lifting with lighter free weights. Stretching a lot more and holding those poses until my breath comes around. Takes me a few altering positions until I am able to fully breathe into a stretch. Like A Good Stretch 

I Have A Gorgeous Video From This Location - Totally Mesmerizing 

Goals:

  1. For Sure, Solid Form Lifting, Be Present  
  2. No Cycling Goals Because Captain Obvious 
  3. Lifting With Confidence & Controlling My Coordination 
  4. Smile And Compliment Others 
  5. Get My A$$ Back Up In The Mountains Before The Leaves Fall From The Trees 


Stay Strong & Think Of Others First,

Cheers 

98 comments:

  1. I also got back to weights recently.

    Too bad about these fires, hopefully we will see the end of it soon.

    Good luck on the construction.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right On, Thats Great My Man - Feels Damn Good Afterwards And Glad We Are Both Back At It - Thinking Snow

      Cheers

      Delete
  2. Dearest Travis,
    Of course you meant the Board & Batten and not Broad-&-Batten...
    Anxious to see the turn out of your raw wood project.
    We have biked a few times, the rain prevented us from doing so.
    But the autumn weather can be very nice, coming our way.
    Hope you meet your goals!
    Hugs,
    Mariette

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When That Auto Correct Thing Happens In Text, I Almost Always Reply With WHEN THE INVENTOR OF AUTO CORRECT DIES MAY HIS HEADSTONE READ "Restaurant In Piss" - Makes Me Very Happy Knowing You Guys Are Riding - Fall Is Coming On Strong - Sure Hope I Can Live Up To My Goals - Much Needed Hugs, Thank YOU

      Cheers

      Delete
  3. Hello,

    Sounds like you are keeping busy staining the wood and keeping fit. Sorry you are not able to go cycling, I hope the skies clear out. The river view and the last view and photos are gorgeous. What a beautiful place! Take care, enjoy your day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Keeping Busy - The River Was Cold But So Beautiful - Thanx For Checking In Again - Be Well

      Cheers

      Delete
  4. Keeping busy, staying fit, being positive and sharing the vibe with others. Great work, Padre. Can't wait to see the results of the rough cut lumber. The mountain with the reflections is stunning! Have a wonderful week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mr Bill, This Lifted My Spirits - Today Was A Real Sh*THouse Of A Day - Thanx For Your Kind Words - Would Love To Share Videos As Its A Magical Setting - Looking Forward To Dodging Out Soon

      Cheers

      Delete
  5. You’ve been busy as usual. Good luck with that lumber. Will we see the result? It is amazing to me how quickly one’s body responds to strength training. We don’t hear about the fires any more but the destruction must be unbelievable at this point. Hope you’ll be able to go cycling again soon. That last scene is spectacular.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. More Than Happy To Post Some Work In Progress Photos - Just Hope To Work On It Before Winter Arrives - I So Need To Ride - Not Just Around Town But Quad Burning Rides - I Appreciate The Spectacular Comment As I Dig That Word

      Cheers

      Delete
  6. Replies
    1. ... You Should See The Video - Hell, Wish You Could Experience It In Real Time

      Cheers

      Delete
  7. You find the coolest jobs-I am looking forward to see photos of the boards up and in place. looks pretty there except for smoke you needed to endure. Love your photos Kathy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fingers Crossed - Hustling Side Jobs As Often As I Can These Days - Wouldn't Mind Forest Fire Smoke But Homes, Plastics,etc Is Just Some Toxic Sh*T - Pleased You Love The Photo - BTW You Rock

      Cheers

      Delete
  8. I wonder what the rough cut timber will be used for. A siding for a building?
    Number 5 sounds like a great goal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Totally - Will Be Siding For A Building - Already Planning A #5

      Cheers

      Delete
  9. Loving these pictures so much! Nothing is as wonderful as spending your time in the lap of nature! Have a great day!
    Rampdiary
    Beautyandfashionfreaks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thats Fantastic - And Sure Wish I Was Able To Share Night Time Stargazing Photos With Ya - Will Have A Much Better Day Today Than Yesterday

      Cheers

      Delete
  10. Gorgeous mountain there with reflections.
    Seems you are keeping up your exercise during this time.
    Take care.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That Reflection Was Even Better In Person - The Lake Is So Clear That Bottom Hosts Multiple Species Of Fish, Cute Little Frogs, And A Beaver Is Instantly Recognizable When Breaking The Surface - I Am Very Fortunate

      Cheers

      Delete
  11. Great views, but, weee, you do make me feel "bad".
    When taxes are done I´ll resume training, I promise!
    Fingers crossed the new job brings some good dollars, cheers from here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Like I Have Instilled Upon My Clients, Just Start Casually Walking - They Have Paid Up So Far But There Was Hint Regarding Funds That Makes Me A Little Concerned This Particular Project Might Resume In 2021 - Will Keep You Posted And More Photos To Come

      Cheers

      Delete
  12. What a wonderful series of images you have for us here Padre, gorgeous country views, despite the air quality 💛 Ringing the bell just because made me smile, you devil you 😉 Excellent goal list, definitely don't miss the glorious autumn colours that will take over those magnificent trees 🌲🍁

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These Colorado Mountains Are Just That, Gorgeous - Even Shot With An Older iPhone They Appear Majestic - And How Did You Know I am A Sundevil Alumni - Been Enjoying Your Spring Is In The Air Photos As Well - Have A Fabulous Weekend And Thank You

      Cheers

      Delete
  13. Coming here and seeing your beautiful photos makes me feel like I'm on a vacation. Your description of swimming brought memories of my sweet friend D. He competed in Master swim meets. 400 m. IM and 200 m. Fly were his events. He was starting ocean swims because he wanted to swim The Channel. You take care out there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fantastic Comment - Always Pleased When A Reader Finds Luxury Within My Photos - Vacation On My Dear And Marvel In Those Wonderful Memories - Big Hugs

      Cheers

      Delete
  14. Wishing you luck for making bushels of dollars!
    The last pic is brilliant!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Much Appreciated And Sure Hope So - Thanx For Checking Out These Shots - Take Care Magic

      Cheers

      Delete
  15. Greetings from Greece. You live in a wonderful place that may be 50/50 to Skiathos. I'll let you know soon as I finish my glass of ouzo. Stay pedalling my friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Another Glass Of Ouzo In My Honor Please - Really Enjoyed Your Photos As Well - Will Ride As Often As I Can

      Cheers

      Delete
  16. We know rough cut in Colonial Williamsburg. There is a group of craftsmen and craftswomen who have trained to work wood in the 18th century way.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes You Do - I Have Such Great Admiration Of True Craftsmen/Women In Their Trades - And Those Amazing Blacksmiths As Well - Could Happily Watch Them Work All Day Long

      Cheers

      Delete
  17. wow quite a post!Love your landscape and he sec photo is really beautiful

    Take care and be safe out there in the wilderness:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Anita, Thank You For Your Kind Words - Fast And Reckless - Thank You

      Cheers

      Delete
  18. I just can't get past the Restaurant In Piss. I'm literally lol. Once again tho, beautiful photos (And I did know what rough cut lumber is.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes!!! Laughing Out Loud Is So Good For The Soul - Keep Smiling My Dear - Smile On

      Cheers

      Delete
  19. These are gorgeous photos. There is something centering about going up into the mountains, isn't there? I think I need to get back to Colorado once this covid virus is gotten under control. Happy rest of your week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 100% - So Centering - If Your Ever Heading This Way, You All Have A Place To Stay - Really Good Week And Its Going To Be A Stellar Weekend

      Cheers

      Delete
  20. I'm so glad to hear that you're lifting again!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I Thought So As Well But My Chest Was So Sore And Stiff On Thursday

      All In Time,
      Cheers

      Delete
  21. Great to go along all these nice places. That must be so nice to see in real.
    Your pictures are fantastic again. The last with the reflection of the sky is so great.

    Greetings, Marco

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Sounds From The Mountain Breeze, The River Crashing Over The Cobble Stones, And All The Colors Made For A Recipe Of WoW - Glad You Enjoyed The Reflection Because It Was Magical Just Standing There

      Cheers

      Delete
  22. Currents of gold indeed! Autumn is upon us! I love that last photo -- that reflection is perfect.

    Olga appreciated her Padre-recommended under-the-blanket dog treat!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 3 Cheers For Olga Girl - Super Happy You Saw These Fall Colored Shots

      Cheers

      Delete
  23. I must use that phrase, Captain Obvious...lol I like it.
    HOPE soon that smoke can just disappear! Really shows how the environment does affect us all...no matter what state we live in. Your goals look very doable for you. The landscapes still beautiful even with the smoky haze. Watch out for Splinters!! :o)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You Will Find Yourself Using More Than You Could Ever Imagine - Watched A Short Documentary About Poor The Grape Growers In The North West - Super Sad - Wearing My Thick Leather Gloves At All Times, Especially With My Soft Hands - Thanx For The Advice Though, Much Appreciated

      Cheers

      Delete
  24. Beautiful photps! The lats picture is the best :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. una entrada maravillosa con fotografias excelentes.. Todo un tema el de los incendios por esas zonas, ya que si bien la gente esta preparada para ello, la contaminación es terrible y el daño en general hacia la naturaleza.. Veo que tienes mucha actividad en pandemia y es muy bueno estar ocupado y sobre todo prestando atención a nuestro cuerpo y a la vida saludable.. un placer aprender de todo lo que publicas, te dejo un abrazo grande!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sim, a contaminação tem sido totalmente devastadora - Sim, conectar-se com a natureza traz benefícios, mas apenas quando se está verdadeiramente presente e contente -
      muito obrigado por me deixar com um abraço, pois tem sido muito necessário nos dias de hoje - Fique brilhante

      Cheers

      Delete
  26. Eu sempre aprecio suas palavras gentis e abraços - Além disso, tenho gostado de suas fotos de viagem - Be Well, irmão Man

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  27. Replies
    1. Such A Special Environment - The Wind In The Trees, Amazing - So Peaceful

      Cheers

      Delete
  28. What a beautiful place, I love Nature photography!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself


    My Instagram

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Incredible Four Days - Not Bad For An Old iPhone - Thanx For Checking In

      Cheers

      Delete
  29. Great goals. Smiling and complementing others more are great goals. I hope you'll get the chance to head over to woods soon enough and before the leaves start falling.
    The nature photography in this post is stunning. That last shot is just wow! Mountains are a great place to find inspiration.
    I'm glad to hear you had a chance to go swimming.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You And Hope To Smile With My Eyes This Week - Went Above Tree Line Today And Its Beautiful - The Video Footage Turned Out Even Better Then Expected - Yes, More Swimming Please

      Cheers

      Delete
  30. Oh very nice place
    Thanks for share

    ReplyDelete
  31. Sounds like a great week. Glad you're getting back to strength training. I'd sure hate to be stronger than you... :p

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. All Joking Aside, Bet I Couldn't Do A Squat With You On My Shoulders And I Know For A Fact That You Could Perform Proper Lunges Across The Room With Me On Your Shoulders - Lets Call It A Roller Coaster Week - Hope My Hands Are Waving Higher This Week

      Cheers

      Delete
  32. Wonderful selection of photos.
    It must be super nice to walk through the mountains and be able to appreciate all the magnitude of nature
    Great goals.
    Have a nice Sunday
    Stay well, hugs

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maria, So Nice Seeing Your Face - Wondering Through The Woods Is Unbelievable And I am So Grateful - Might Be Tough Goals But We Shall See How It All Shakes Out

      Cheers

      Delete
  33. Woooow brother Padre!!! That photo with the lake reflection just killed me! Plus the golds that are showing up, how amazed I am by Autumn! never got the chance to experience it yet, hopefully someday. As per cycling, I haven't still gone outside normally, just one time a week I guess in average, but I am so happy that I found my old Japanese bike to still be working so I think I can go outside a little more frequent since I'll be on my bike and distant from people :) Hugs to you brother Padre!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You Mean You Have A Bike?? Brother Man, Take It Easy And Get Going - I Am So Stoked Your Planning A Ride - Document It For Sure - Really Appreciate The Hugs - Stay Safe, Be Smart, And Live Your Dreams

      Cheers

      Delete
  34. Hello from Idaho, not much smoke in my neck of woods. One year we put spuce tree for Christmas and nothing nock it over.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hellooooo00000 From Colorado, Healthy Air Quality Is A Rarity Out West -A Standing Tree Is A Happy Tree - Thank You For Stopping By & Dropping A Comment - Be Well This Week

      Cheers

      Delete
  35. Buen paraje natural, donde la Naturaleza muestra su belleza para admiración de los que transitan por ella.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A magia está no ar - a mãe natureza é muito especial com certeza - obrigado

      Cheers

      Delete
  36. Thanks a lot =) Cheers

    Sounds pretty interesting. Beautiful pictures from our lovely nature =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wonderful Location And The Mountains Are Still Turning

      Cheers

      Delete
    2. Oh yes you're right =)

      Thanks for your comment =)
      Cheers

      Delete
  37. Beautiful places, but also amazing photos! Nature is amazing! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Impossible To Have A Bad Day With This View - It Is Beautiful

      Cheers

      Delete
  38. Replies
    1. Thank You - Shot With An Old iPhone - Such Vividly Rich Colors To The Naked Eye

      Cheers

      Delete
  39. I hope you share pics of the finished product once the rough cut lumber is up! Great goals for the week. Smile and compliment others is my favorites :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I Most Definitely Will - I Have About Two Days Worth Of Prep Work Before They Go Up - Smiling And Complimenting Carries Merit - Very Nice Hearing From You - Sending Positive Vibes Your Way

      Cheers

      Delete
  40. Good Luck with oiling those planks. I wish I could be up there helping. Oil into wood is like a magic potion that turns something quite mundane into a work of art.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I Could So Use The Company And The Birds Would Captivate Your Attention - Actually, The Wildlife In General Is Inspiring

      Cheers

      Delete
  41. Wow what stunning photos Thankyou fir sharing them with us Padre cheers

    ReplyDelete
  42. I always enjoy your pictures, such beautiful areas! Smile and complimeny others - I love that goal, I think we all should smile and be kind to each other everyday. Thank you so much for your kind words about my YT channel, really means a loooot to me😊

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fabulous Area Of The Globe For Sure - Trying My Best To Be Kind But Some Days Would Rather Just Slap The Snot Of Our Human Race - I Really Enjoy Your Videos - Go Team Human

      Cheers

      Delete
  43. your last image is absolutely stunning, i would like to look at that all day!!

    goals 4 and 5, both so important. my husband says i talk to everyone, not everyone wants to talk...now with the make, it is harder and people can't tell you are smiling!!

    too bad about your air quality, i have not heard the status of the fires recently. all anyone is talking about is the debate and cover, in that order!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. masks not make...covid not cover!! next time i will look at what i have typed although i think spell check had a lot to do with those!!

      Delete
    2. No Worries, Decoded Just Fine - Back On The Goal Kick And Setting Daily Intentions - Sure Helps My Focus - Our Air Cleared Up Until Yesterday But Made For A Spooky Moon Rise - Be Well My Purple Loving Friend

      Cheers

      Delete
  44. Really lovely photos 🧡🧡 Thanks for sharing !!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And Thank You For Dropping A Positive Comment - Much Appreciated

      Cheers

      Delete
  45. Those mountain photos are gorgeous. And I knew about rough cut lumber, living in the country and all. But glad you explained it because I can guess lots of folks don't know what that is. I don't think oiling is so bad either. Although I must admit it is more enticing for me to do plain boards than boards constructed into something like a deck. Where you have to get into the cracks and intersections of boards. Hope life is going well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Will Be Posting Photos As I Go Along - About To Apply Another 4 Gallons To The Remaining Lumber Before They Go Up - The, A Second Coat Once They Are Up - Life Has Been A Roller Coaster, As It Should Be

      Cheers

      Delete
  46. Hoping the air cleans up soon and there are no more fires.
    Great photos and fun outdoor activities.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Our Valley Saw About 4 Really Clean Air Days - Like Gorgeous Quality - Happy You Saw The Photos

      Cheers

      Delete
  47. I am amazed by your work - the natural scenery is stunning - keep on practicing swimming and the gym to keep your body in good shape.

    Cheers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You HS - Discovering My New Body Shape For Sure - Old, Slow, Yet Wiser

      Cheers

      Delete