Some progress...
Friday afternoon we left L.A. for points north...
... both longitude- and altitude-wise. Saturday was spent hanging on this rock. What an epic it was: we left the city at 5.00p, got to our campsite at 2.30a, got up at 4.30a, ate, packed up and started the hike at 6.45a, got to the base of said rock at 10.30a, started climbing at 12.00p. Topped out 2000 feet later at 9p. Yup, 9 at night. You could see campfires, lights, cars down below. Started the looong 8.2-mile hike down (it's long when you're tired and it's dark) and got back to our cars 2.30a. Passed out at 2.31a. I lost 5 pounds and must have eaten twice that amount the following day, I was so friggin' ravenous. The 4 of us who stuck together looked like civil war refugees... It was quite an experience and I found that there's some crazy part of me that likes long, multi-pitch trad climbing. I would definitely do this again!
Got some goodies from my Secret Pal! Peruvian alpaca/wool/cashmere, scented with gardenia or jasmine! And chocolate-filled pretzel sticks, which I've already inhaled. Thank you so much, you've definitely enriched my stash!
Moonstone is coming along. Slowly. Here's 10 rows. I started this early in the morning so I was pleasantly surprised to see the colors blend so beautifully. This is now going to be a scarf for my mom (she really fancied the yarn) so I'm going to make something else for my gran.
Another quick winter knit: mittens part two for the incredibly petite friend with childlike hands. Like the first pair, this is in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in Old Rose. This should be a snap to finish up. Uh oh, did I just jinx myself?
wow, what a great weekend trip. sounds awesome. you rock (sorry, couldn't resist)! and what a great gift from your secret pal. the colors in your scarf are beautiful and the mitten pattern is really nice. cool pattern.
Both your projects are turning out very well. I love the color of the scarf and your mitten looks great.
Beautiful stuff you're working on! Moonstone is really gorgeous. Sounds like you had a totally adventurous weekend. You are a maniac!
5 pounds???? Where do you have 5 pounds to lose? What, did you climb nekkid or something? Moonstone is looking gorgeous. Wish I wasn't such a cheap-assed bitch and unclenched enough to buy a couple skeins of that yarn for myself.
Looking forward to getting together soon.
MJ, I was missing your updates! Thanks for the great pictures of your trip. Your Secret Pal gifts are beautiful... I am a little *envious* :)Have fun with all the great stuff.
Hi MJ..
I was away on vacation..just got back. Glad to hear that the yarn arrived along with the snacks...there were two soaps in the box which may be why the yarn seemed scented....
I will send your final SPII gift with a signature required which will necessitate to the post office for you but you will be sure to get it :)
SP II