Chris turned 30 last weekend and we celebrated with a trip to Bishop. Wow is that place amazing — despite the incessant wind during our stay. Though my pictures don’t do them justice, the mountains were the biggest I’ve ever seen. And the sun felt so bright for the lack of trees. The best part: snuggling with Fern while camping out in the truck.

Fern ready to go

Chris and Fern at our campsite

Fern’s footprints find a heart stone in the volcanic rock

Fern in perfect “crag dog” style, watches as Chris belays Jesse

headed up to the abandoned mine in Rovana

Fern huddled between our sleeping bags

I was utterly slammed after returning from Mexico a month ago, so I’m only now getting around to posting a few highlights of my Caribbean getaway for Scotty and Victoria’s wedding. Enjoy the views from Tulum:

beachfront of Rancho San Eric, where we all stayed

Coba ruins’ main pyramid, the largest in the Yucatan at 140 feet

I’m Mexico bound, heading to Tulum tomorrow for a friend’s wedding. Actually, I’ll be officiating the ceremony so let’s hope I pull this off! I leave you with the scrap stampings (was just testing out some ink colors here) from my last craft project: a personalized stamp for Victoria with her new last name.

And just to make you jealous, here’s where I’ll be soon (photo by Photopia):

While others are “decompressing,” fresh off the playa of Burning Man, another set heads to a similarly titled, equally friendly gathering—yet void of dust, costumes and techno. Burning Lamb. In my former vegetarian life, such an event would have sent me running straight to PETA, but since I’ve been experimenting with meat-eating of late, I decided to make the trek to Bridgeport for the annual asada.

Located on the super secret, 400-some acre property of a friend, the views, private hot springs and company are unrivaled. More than 100 people showed up this past weekend, including band members from Yosemite’s The Trespassers and Truckee’s Loose Cannon who played late into the night by the bonfire.

p.s. The lamb was tasty.

p.p.s. Is there a decompression party for Burning Lambers?