Heh-heh-hello, blog! I have officially given up on “Site Meter”, the free stat counter I’ve been using since 2009, because it craps out far too often and turned my blerg over to “Stat Counter” instead. Sure, sure, I spent the first 6 years of blogging blissfully unawares of my audience, and that’s fine and all, but I like to have at least a little idea of who is out there. Just a smidge.

Er…hopefully someone who enjoys a LOT of nature photos, because this has basically turned into Lizzie’s Nature Blog or: Look at all My Pictures of Trees and Dogs.

Well, as Tabboo! infamously sang, “It’s Natural!”

Lake Hyas was about 10,000 times more gorgeous the following day, when the sun was shining. We slept in incredibly late (9 a.m.–thanks Trazadone), chugged coffee and snarfed whipped cream cheese-smothered raisin bagels and worked up excitement to go for a nice long walk.

French Press: essential camping item.

The lake was so reflective in the morning–I just couldn’t take my eyes off of it.

Normally I wouldn’t post a shot where Josh was shooting underneath me (the way that I hate) but eh, I think I look sort of powerful here. At least: enthusiastic! I felt enthusiastic until about 1.5 miles into the 2 mile hike UP the mountain, then I had enough. Luckily he didn’t pressure me to continue. If there had been a pay-off at 2 miles, like another fabulous lake or waterfall or wood nymph or something, sure. But nope. Just more uphill. Uphill wears me out, sweetie. Darling.

Downhill is good though!

A snowy peak.

These mossy trees are dreamy.

On the way back to camp we stopped at Little Hyas Lake to take some gorgeous pictures, and watch the rogs romp.

Josh and his crazy uncle embarked on a 4-day hiking trip this past Friday, leaving me and the girls alone. They returned a day early–Sunday night instead of tonight–because it was simply raining too hard.

When I go out of town Josh engages in all sorts of stereotypical “man” behavior–guzzling beer (more than usual, that is), snarfing steaks, watching…whatever it is he watches when I’m not around. What does Sober Sally do when her man’s away? The same shit I do when he’s home. Exercise, walk the dogs, read books, blog, and werrrk. And paint! And talk on the phone. Maybe a little more phone talking.

No partying. It doesn’t even cross my mind. I’m even reading “Scar Tissue”, and am not triggered by it at all! As a matter of fact, I’m amazed that Anthony Kiedis is still alive! AND I MOURN HIS LONG HAIR.

So beautiful.

Look at this gorgeous, pillowy mushroom! Looks like a cartoon, it’s so perfect. Josh took some cool mushroom pictures during his hike with his uncle this past weekend–they are here.

One more Lake Hyas entry to go–the swimming pictures! Ooooh summer, I’m missing you big time.