Visit to an Aloe King - Aloe Vera Farm

The Park organized a tour of a local Aloe Vera Plant including lunch - so off we go!

Although the aloe vera plant closely resembles a cactus or agave plant, it is actually a member of the lily family. The sticky, mucous gel in the center of the thick leaves is an ingredient in hundreds of consumer products.

Sigrist got into the aloe vera growing business almost by accident. His parents retired to the valley to escape the harsh winters of northwestern Missouri in the Seventies. Initially they went into the mobile-home-park business, but his mother's dry skin problems led to the use of aloe vera for its curative properties.

Sigrist decided he wanted to try his hand at growing aloe vera, and borrowed $500 to rent five acres of farmland outside of Mercedes, Texas. His first crop of $200's worth of plants netted him $2,500. He was hooked on the economical value of the plant as well as the medicinal value.

His mother still gives tours and runs a small gift shop of products at the farm.







Interesting centerpieces - actual resin coated frogs. What did they do? Drop them in a bucket of resin and pulled them out in the various poses and then stuck the appropriate instrument in their hands?



Tour of the aloe vera fields. They harvest the individual spike and leave them on the ground for several hours for the liquid that is a laxative drain out. The guide sliced off the outer skin and the inside was just a completely clear gel.



The owners dog followed the tractor.



The tour ended at the gift shop where his 90'ish mom gave an information tour. I missed most of it because I was chatting with her husband who makes sand bottle paintings using naturally colored sand they found over the years (except the green which they can no longer find because houses and shopping centers were built on their supply!

Made in Minyon

There has been a relative shortage of epic adventures in my life recently. Last Saturday I took some steps to rectify that with a ride to Minyon Falls, a 7km walk through the rainforest, and a ride home, which left me with 212km on the bike for the day. It had clearly been too long since the last time I did something like that, but it felt good. As the weather cools in the coming months, I might look to string a few more together.

I set off at 4am to meet with some friends at Minyon Falls by 9am. This had another benefit in that it meant conditions were slightly cooler for longer as I headed down the Tweed Coast early. It also meant that the northerly wind that was to spring up later in the day (as if by obligation these days) would take an hour longer. This was a rather dubious "benefit" as it was supposed to be behind me early on. Even so, I managed to put the smackdown on the climb out of Mullumbimby toward the Crystal Castle, and reached the first destination with around 20 minutes to spare.



The next step was to join with some friends to walk the full circuit around Minyon Falls -- something I hadn't actually managed yet as the track always seems to be closed when I come down here. Actually, the NPWS website had suggested it should be closed again, but someone apparently forgot to tell the Park Ranger. Needless to say, the stroll through the rainforest to the creek at the bottom was worthwhile. We had split into two groups to do the circuit in opposite directions and meet at the base of the falls. Most of my group bailed on the final rock scramble to get to the falls as they perceived it as too difficult. The few of us who proceeded were awarded with something very special.


The 100-metre falls had been swelled by recent rain, meaning that those of us who braved a dip in the rockpool had to contend with waves. The water was beautiful, however, especially as it was now quite a hot day. There had actually been a couple of nude bathers when we arrived at the rock pool, and the fact that I didn't bring out the camera when they were around means I probably don't have much of a future as a pornographer. Such is life.




The walk back basically involved a long, winding climb from the base of the falls back to the top, passing through a million different types of rainforest, another waterfall, and eventually some spectacular views at the top. There was a slight disquiet that I still had to ride 108km home against the wind at the end of this climb, but as this wasn't like wading through Canungra Creek to get to Stairway Falls two years ago, and as I had a light that would save me if it got dark, I wasn't overly bothered. At times like this, it's far better to just enjoy the moment for what it is.


After lunch at the cafe at the entrance to Nightcap National Park, it was time to say goodbye to the others (most of whom continued on at the Brunswick Heads pub), and start the long ride home. The temperature hit 33 degrees C as I descended from Minyon (for once, minus a full touring load), and settled into the series of climbs and descents en route to Mullumbimby. This really is a very scenic stretch of road, and riding it twice in the same day wasn't a problem. The climb at Repentence Creek is long on a hot day, but the views over Cape Byron at the summit are worth the effort.


I then decided to take the final 85km over Mt Jerusalem National Park (note, this is NOT the real Mt Jerusalem), and finally climbing over Tomewin at the end. The extra hills would cut out both headwind and suburbia, so it was a smart move all round. At times both climbs felt like a struggle, but I seemed to be feeling OK on reaching the summits. I was perhaps fortunate that the dirt road through the Jerusalem NP is in better condition than it has been for some time. I would have thought the recent rain would have made it worse, but that's life.
I had planned to buy something sweet to gorge on in Uki, but there were no shops open at that time of day -- somehow I had overlooked the fact that it was an hour later in New South Wales. Strangely, the same thing happened in Murwillumbah, so at that point I decided to just press on and ride home without it. In the end it was a tiring, but extremely rewarding day, and just what I needed. While this weekend won't see any major epics due to a dental appointment, and watching Gold Coast United in the A-League finals, it has set up my appetite for the longer rides, and I can promise there will be plenty to come in the coming months.

Thoughts of Summer

Thoughts of Summer, originally uploaded by ParsecTraveller.

I know California is not cold, especially compared to the rest of the country (and much of the world). But I think it's safe to say that many of us are longing for warm spring and summer days.
Thankfully, those days will soon be here: spring is only 2 weeks away!

Glorious Mee

So after rambling about it in numerous posts here, I finally did it on Saturday. It's now the fourth time I've done that crazy ride, and I suspect I might be finally beginning to get the hang of it. It was a surprisingly cool morning after riding out to the stat at The Gap from Fortitude Valley -- down to 9 degrees C. This didn't bother me a great deal, however, as it's infinitely preferable to the 32 degree start in 2003. The first act is the climb to Mt Nebo, quickly followed by the second climb to Mt Glorious (after a brief descent between them). For some reason I decided to launch a crazy, testosterone-fuelled attack on Mt Nebo right from the start. It wasn't that I was expecting it to do me any good, I just felt like making a statement.


After the first checkpoint, (where I pinched a couple of muesli bars for sustenance), it's a ride through the rainforest...

... before a screaming and insane descent down the western side of Mt Glorious. I'm not sure how they came up with the design for this road, a 20% descent with sharp hairpin corners. Most roads with that many corners have a much gentler gradient. Either way, it requires enormous concentration for the most part. After this the road levels out through mainly rolling hills for the next 75km or so to Kilcoy. It can sometimes be difficult to get the legs working again after such a descent.
One thing that strikes me about this stretch is the vast difference in the type of vegetation compared to Mt Glorious. It seems like it's only a few kilometres separating the rainforest on the mountain from the dry and almost treeless yellow hills. This section of the ride has it's charms, however. For several kilometres on end, the road winds along the shores of Lake Wivenhoe, the blue water again contrasting the harsh landscape.

The second checkpoint in Kilcoy is almost a watershed. After lunch here, the ride seems to take on an entirely different feel. The ride back from here almost feels more urgent, although today there is something else to consider. Smoke is billowing from the horizon, how will this affect the climb of Mt Mee?

Somehow the route manages to avoid the worst of the smoke, and it isn't long before I'm passing through Woodford and contemplating the last major climb of the day (and the most brutal). I digest a muesli bar about 2km from the start, before launching into the climb itself. The initial part of the climb kicks hard -- stalemate! It doesn't seem like I'm getting anywhere, then I see the blue sky through the trees, a sign that I'm not far below the summit. I round a corner, I never thought I'd get here this quickly or painlessly. I reach the third and final checkpoint at the top of this mountain quicker than expected. Some of the other riders are here already, and they don't seem all that keen to charge off just yet. However, I'm feeling energised, so I decide to set off relatively quickly. Maybe it was just the daisies lining the road on Mt Mee that did it?

After that, there isn't a lot to tell. The descent is an easy, almost lazy experience, then the road is virtually flat all the way to Samford. Now there are just 15km to go. There is an initial hill to climb out of Samford, it disappears easily, but I notice that all the people I expected to pass me aren't doing it -- where are they? Through Brisbane's northern suburbs, onto Settlement Road, then into The Gap. I pull up at the finish of the ride to find it deserted. I never thought I'd get here this quick, and neither it seems did anybody else. Actually, it's about the first time I've ever finished first in anything in my life.
Eventually everyone else arrives, for a quick feed to digest the ride. Today I was largely surprised by my own strength -- it seems I've finished this ride 30 minutes quicker than last year. Perhaps all those 200km rides I've been doing earlier in the year were actually helping a little.
After this, there is the small matter of the ride back to Fortitude Valley. Perhaps I should have waited another 30 minutes or so until after the Brisbane Broncos game had started. A few of the local Cletii were a little impatient (something with which I sympathise not at all), and I was a little concerned when one guy behind me decided he didn't want to stop at the red light that was in front of me. In anycase, I had the last laugh, when, as I predicted, the Broncos got OWNED hard.

Kanesville Krusher Photos

My photos of Kanesville Krusher are posted. The photos are divided into 3 groups - Kids Race & Misc, Category 3, and Category 1 & 2.
Here's the link for my race photos: http://win-photo.photoreflect.com

Fall in the Park

A handful of climbers every week are still attempting summits. and while the challenges of colder weather, shorter days and thin snowbridges make travel a bit more difficult, some are still making it to the top.

Posts will become less frequent during these winter months. Be sure to check out the weather and avalanche conditions when planning a trip to the mountain this winter. Also, regulations for climber registration change, roads will close, and visitor center hours switch as the park prepares for winter. Check out the links to keep current.
Beginning on November 1st the road gate at Longmire will be closed each evening (at 6pm) and the road will be opened again each morning after the Road Crew has finished its prep. We have an excellent crew who do their best to keep the road passable, but there will be a handful of days this winter when conditions are so bad the road to Paradise will not open.
Have a fun and safe winter!

Poetry, pastures and a pot of gold

From our muddy walk around Melrose last week. Above, the stone marking the site of the Eildon Tree, where in the 13th century Thomas the Rhymer is supposed to have met the Queen of the Fairies and been spirited away to Elfland from where he returned years later as a prophet. His prophesies are meant to include the death of King Alexander III in 1296, the succession of Robert the Bruce to the throne, and the Union of the Crowns in 1603.
Below, typical rolling Borders landscape.

On our drive home we passed through sun and showers, and a succession of glorious rainbows.

The wedding photographer

A wedding photographer at work last Saturday outside St Andrew's and St George's Church of Scotland, Edinburgh.

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Enough of this sleeping in and taking it easy. Today I decided to check out Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument before my bike ride. Kasha-Katuwe was made a national monument in January 2001.

I had not heard about the monument until I saw information about it in the Albuquerque "Official Visitor's Guide". Since it is located 55 miles north of Albuquerque - I had to check it out. Think you know that I am big on National Parks, National Monuments, and National Historic Sites.

In order to get the better feel of the location, I walked the Cave Loop Trail to the Slot Canyon Trail. Had to check out the canyon so walked into the canyon a little - enough to take a couple photos. Had to stop several times to rest my leg/knee and catch my breath. I actually was surprised how far I was able to walk (considering the bike path climbing yesterday).

To hike the whole Slot Canyon Trail, would mean 630 foot climb in the mile trail length. I would have liked to hike up and see from the top, but figured it would be over my knee's ability. And, my breathing was laboring enough with the altitude.

Back to the Cave Loop, I was thinking of walking the rest of the loop, but the trail seemed to get a bit steeper and I still had to walk back to the car. Walking back, I could see that there was a lot of elevation change on the trail.

Next stop was to drive up to the Veteran's Memorial Scenic Overlook. The 3 mile gravel road was no problem. Great views from the overlook.

Solidly Summer

It was pretty late last night as I put away the garden fork and picked up the hand tools, trying to find them all with the light fading fast. There was a flash, and another, and another as the fireflies lit their lamps. I was tempted to try to catch a few and see whether my camera could focus on them, but decided that such treatment of these small sweet visitors would serve no purpose but to ‘feed the blog’. So they flitted unmolested and I watched them and was happy to live where they live.
We called them lighting bugs when I was a kid, and they were around every summer in Illinois. When we moved to our first Austin house, for five years I saw no fireflies. Was it the rocky terrain? Drier weather? Whatever the reason, May has brought us fireflies in the three springs we've lived at this house, and their appearance also confirms that we have crossed the line from Spring to Summer. The butterfly plants that were mere buds in the last post have opened and the garden is alive with bees and butterflies. Buddleja “Black Knight” has exploded in dark, blue violet wands, with the Achillea Moonshine adding golden landing pads for insects. The Verbena bonariensis is able to pull passing butterflies right out of the air – do any of you grow this plant? Philo took this photo of a swallowtail seeming to caress the flower.
This verbena was an annual in the north, but once you got it going, it almost always reseeded, even after below zero winters. Here it acts like a short-lived perennial, tall and bony in nature, useful for the edges of the border, where it acts as what Allen Lacy used to call a ‘scrim’ plant – a see-through curtain, softening the view and adding to the drama. The seeds tend to sprout at the edges of the bed, so as old plants die and new ones grow to blooming size, the curtain moves to work its effect on different scenes of the garden’s stage.With no satin pillow for the first tomato, I looked around for something special enough. This rosewood platter was made by my daughter in wood shop a few years ago. At that time, the philosophy of the middle schools was that every person should know how to do basic things – so all the students, both boys and girls, learned how to do some cooking and some sewing. Everyone took shop, everyone had some personal finance instruction and all students got basic consumer education. This little platter wasn’t a regular project – my daughter loved woodshop so much that the teacher allowed let her make this as an extra treat, and let her choose from a cache of small pieces of unusual wood. I loved it from the minute she brought it home, and could think of nothing finer as a salver for the Juliets. They tasted just fine! And the Early Girl might be ready tomorrow.The Salvia guaranitica seen in the last post has opened more flowers, and on the opposite end of the bed, the Salvia guaranitica cultivar called ‘Black and Blue’ is now open, too, ready for bees and hummingbirds. The flowers are very similar, but this one has dark stems and the calyx is very close to black
Some of you in cooler climates are planning to grow Salvia guaranitica as an annual - I wish you lots of luck and hope you get to see these Salvias yourselves. Down here they grow so well they take over whole beds, needing to be pulled up like weeds before they smother their neighbors.
There’s another flower looming over us – the Pecan trees are in flower, too. The female flowers grow on spikes that emerge from the ends of some branches, but the male flowers hang down like this, in long trailing bunches, wafting pollen in the wind like cheerleaders shaking their pompons. Soon the long strands will turn yellowish-brown and drop off by the hundreds, covering the area under the trees and inducing allergy headaches in the gardener who is trying to clean them up.
Congratulations and many thanks to Pam from Digging, who wrote a very cool story about the Austin Garden Bloggers. Some photos were taken the day we had our Ground Robin and they appeared in the paper, along with Pam’s article which was printed in the Austin American Statesman last Saturday. We promised not to say anything before the article came out in print, but now we can proclaim it – you’re wonderful!

Snow Day by Billy Coffey

Snow had always been one of the wider gulfs between grown-ups and children. Adults wanted to get rid of it as soon as possible and so get on with their lives; children wanted to keep it around for as long as possible and so enjoy theirs more.
This quote is from Snow Day by Billy Coffey. I first heard of him when I was reading his blog http://www.billycoffey.com/ He's one insightful man, so I was glad to see his book in my local library.
I mostly enjoyed it but felt that at times he was too didactic; trying to cram in way too many lessons learned in a short amount of time. One day actually. I'd recommend it, though. It made me think.