Random Morning Thoughts
Today is my birthday. I’m sitting here thinking to myself, “Why do we celebrate birthdays?” We celebrate a lot of things out of habit, and birthdays are one of them (well, some people have a habit of not celebrating b-days, and that’s okay too). So, I was sitting here thinking this morning, “What’s to celebrate about a birthday?” For me, I celebrate because it’s the only day I’m comfortable being the center of attention and asking for the love and affection I want. But in the bigger picture, when we celebrate a birthday, aren’t we celebrating how happy we are someone was born? It’s not about the number of birthdays; it’s about the joy that the person exists. Happy birthday to me (and my friend Patti and my friend Charles). I’m happy we were born. And if today is your birthday too, happy birthday to you too. I’m glad you were born.
Temira’s annual birthday card request! =)
It’s that time of year again. The time of year when I get a little older. It’s the time of year when I let myself ask for what I need. And what I need this year, just as I did last year, is affirmation from y’all. So, I’m asking for birthday cards. Or birthday notes. Or birthday postcards. I know you’re busy. This means a lot to me. Send along a card telling me why you love me, why we’re friends, what kind of difference I make in your world, and whatever else you’d like to say. Thank you so much for your time, energy, and your love. My address: Temira Lital / PO Box 841 / Hood River, OR 97031
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Mt. Hood Snow
The Mt. Hood snow forecast this morning calls for more sun. Sun is a lot like snow, only warmer, drier, and sunnier. Expect a lovely spring-like day on the hill with the free air freezing level (FAF) around 11,000′ early and 10,000′ in the afternoon. 5000′ temps will be in the upper 40’s. Wind will be light and variable (LTV).
Tomorrow starts off clear. High clouds will move in during the day, followed by mid-level clouds and fog overnight, becoming a bit misty after midnight. The FAF will be around 8000′ all day, with the snow level dropping to 7500′ overnight. Wind will be W 10 early and WSW 20 in the afternoon.
At this point, it looks like we’ll start Saturday with mid-level clouds, fog and some mist. The snow level will be 7000′ early, 6000′ by 10am and 5000′ in the afternoon. Maybe we’ll get lucky and see a couple inches of snow, but .1-.2” water value (WV) of mist looks more likely. Wind will be WSW 20-25 all day.
Looking at the models right now, I suspect Sunday will start out dry and cloudy, or maybe we’ll see a few flurries. Models are a bit mixed on snow level predictions, but I’m going with 4000′ for now. If the current model runs hold, we’ll see several inches of snow Sunday night. I hesitate to put a number on it until we get closer, as our systems keep weakening and splitting. Let’s just say we should see some snow on Sunday night and leave it there for now.
Gorge Wind
Yes, it is nuking in the Gorge this morning: 55 at Rooster, 25 at Steven’s Locks with a big ol’ E .20 gradient. River water temp is 40 degrees. You know, it’s nice that iWind/iKite has that all in one place. Whenever I forget to renew, I spend a lot more time looking at websites and doing math.
Anyway, expect 45-55 all day today at Rooster with 30-35 at Steven’s Locks. Tomorrow starts with 45-55 at Rooster, backing of to 30-35 in the afternoon. Expect light and variable wind on Saturday and easterlies at 20-30 on Sunday.
Gorge Weather
I just wandered outside my house to check the sky coverage. As expected, the Nothing was overhead. If this continues, there will be nothing left of the Gorge for us to enjoy. (At this point, you may want to go watch The Neverending Story.) Anyway, expect Nothing this morning with temps in the upper 30’s, followed by some breaks in the Nothing this afternoon with temps in the low 40’s. If you go west of here or up from here, you will find sunshine. No rainbows.
Tomorrow starts out with Nothing and some freezing Nothing in the upper valleys, with high clouds joining the Nothing in the afternoon. We may see some freezing mist in the upper valleys overnight. Just a bit. Temps will be just above freezing early and in the low 40’s in the afternoon at river level. No rainbows, unless you Google them.
Saturday starts off cloudy and stays that way. Temps will be in the mid 30’s early and the low 40’s in the afternoon with some light sprinkles starting around 4am and continuing through the afternoon. At this point, it looks like even the upper valleys will be above freezing when the precip hits. It’s probably going to be too cloudy for rainbows on Saturday. Sunday looks dry until the afternoon when rain moves in.
White Sprinter Van of the Day
Road and Mountain Biking
While I was in Vancouver yesterday (where it was sunny), my friend Viggers emailed me some photos from the top of Nestor (where it was sunny). He says there is no snow and that the dirt is good. He also said there’s a widow-maker tree at neck height across one of the fast sections of trail. Watch for his skid marks, and bring your Silky Big Boy saw to remove the offending fallen forest god. I suspect Gorge 400 is perfect today (I’m going to go check for you), and I also suspect Syncline is good.
The Clymb: free membership. Cheap gear.
Temira approves. Click to join.
Upcoming Events
Today is Thursday, January 8th. It is my birthday. And that, of course, is the most important event of all! If you want to do yoga tonight, there’s a free (or by donation) class at Yoga Samadhi at 6:30. Tomorrow morning is the Best Run Ever – the 10 Speed Coffee run. Meet at the 13th and State shop at 7am for a 4.5 mile run followed by a free coffee and a free donut. Never mind that you’ll consume all the calories you burned. It’s about the camaraderie, not the calories. Coming up Saturday, the tri club has an 8am run in Post Canyon, the Cold Lap cyclocross ride happens at 3pm at Dirty Fingers and the Seahawks play the Panthers at 5:15pm.
Have an awesome day today!
Temira
