10 things I learned from hiking the high Sierras in Yosemite and then rafting Class IV rapids on the Tuolumne.

(1) River guides have really ugly feet. No offense, but that’s just a fact.

(2) When the guide says, “Well, we have a little bit to go,” before getting to the swimming hole, don’t hold your breath.

(3) I packed for sleeping at 8500 feet, chilly nights, and then camping on the river. I was too cold then too warm. Lessons learned, then forgotten.

(4) Ansel Adams’ Yosemite photos look pretty good until you see the real thing.

(5) Hiking at 8500 feet is very difficult. So is walking, breathing. This reminded me of sleeping at 3550 meters in Salinas de Guaranda with a small fireplace to keep warm. More adjustment time is needed for heights.

(6) Rafting Class IV+ rapids like Clavey Falls is incredibly cool, and so is “surfing” where the raft turns and you ride rapids back and forth like a surfer. It isn’t quite as cool when 3 people fall off the raft, but that didn’t happen to us.

(7) Returning from the wilderness to Oakland reminds me that the modern world is small, loud, and temporary. Just like me!

(8) The Rim Fire in 2013 (3^rd largest in California history) destroyed thousands of acres. Socialized firefighting deserves higher taxes and more government support. The privatization and exploitation of wilderness is wrong at so many levels.

(9) Light pollution blocking the stars is a very high price to pay for electricity and the poor design of modern cities.

(10) My feet are getting as ugly as a river guide’s, and that’s the coolest thing of all!