Thursday, June 23, 2011

I saw a family of ducks that moved me!

HEY HIPPIES!!!

I know its been a while since my last update, I am sorry. Here is an update on what has been going on here in Reno and the latest adventures of Levi. The last time we spoke (or you read, rather) I was hiking the hills, couch surfing at Heather's and looking for a job. SO... with that said.... I have found and stopped working one TERRIBLE job, found another... and am interviewing for a second job tomorrow... I'll update this tomorrow to let you know for sure (UPDATE: The interview went really well I think. I met two supervisors named Gary and Chia as well as interviewed with Elizabeth C. again. It was a good, fun interview and Im excited to hear back from them!). Today I started rafting again, and tomorrow I interview at Patagonia. I hope it goes well! I also moved from Heather's couch into a VERY SMALL loft/room. Nothing special, but I got a great deal I couldn't pass up! I do really appreciate Heather letting me crash on her couch for a few weeks while I got settled in to Reno life. After a lot of prayer and a lot of work, things are working out just fine with a few pluses and minuses.

Here's a Video from the river today
 Todays crew... 2 guests and Hollis, another guide
 The trainee boat
 Peter and Betsy from Maryland
 Great day to be Raftin
The lowhead WE RUN! CRAZY!... The early dam we run is about 14' tall. What a strange feeling to run a dam.

One of my favorite aspects of scripture is the wilderness. Jesus was the ultimate hiker. He also would go be alone when he was having a hard time. When my life is in a corner or I am having trouble making a decision, when I'm angry or frustrated or confused, I like to hike it out. Since I landed in Reno I have been scoping the local mountains for hiking. The mountains closest to Heather's house that still had some snow on them had been tempting me for some time, and finally after a couple hard days that had begun to tax on me, it was time to head UP! It took me 5 hours round trip and probably covered between 15-20 miles with an elevation climb of about 3000-3500 feet. I grabbed some water and sunflower seeds and hit the trail with a purpose. I hiked with a speed and intensity I haven't hiked with in years. It was a beautiful day and a great hike with lots of time to pray, think and focus on the things I need to do.  Here is the pics from the hike!

 Looking at the city of Stead
 Reno from the trails... getting smaller!
 SNOW! 7600 feet... dirty Chaco feet. I topped out around 8000 feet ASL.
 Looking at California
 Reno from the top!

7,700 ft ASL... i went a bit higher after this but didn't stop for a picture.

For those that don't know, I'm a HUGE baseball fan. (Reds east and Giants west) I've been to a couple of Reno Aces games which are a blast.
 Reno Aces
 Hammocking in the Arboretum 
The view of downtown Reno at night from my loft/room! Its a super close walk to downtown or UNR.

I have been writing a lot more lately, and reading is starting to get right back on par. I also have been really enjoying Living Stones Church and have been searching for the right community group as well as trying to get involved in the church. Its been fun and rewarding to my faith and personal walk with Christ. I couldn't be more happy with a church. Here is a link to Living Stones. Well, that's about it guys!

TTYL HIPPIES.
Levi

Friday, June 3, 2011

Ode to Reno

Just a quickie post here. Want to share some pictures and a video from my hike the other day and last night. The video is pretty silly, so enjoy!

Sierra Nevada's

Reno In the day time from the trail!
 
 Redick the cow dog rigged to a big rock.
 Taking a break
 The sun was shining... but it was still a bit chilly. We had fun none the less.
 Reno at night!
Downtown in the dark! CASINOS!

Heres a Silly video of me walking in the cold night talking to the camera with a light in my face looking like I am filming a sequel to The Blair Witch Project.

I love to hike in the dark. It's a great feeling to leave in the light of day and return under the light of the stars. Evening/Night hiking is a double wammy hiking experience. On my night hike, I hiked about 3-5 miles past where Heather and I stopped just a couple days before on the same trail. I hiked for a total of just over 3 hours with a short stop before I turned back. All in all, its a pretty easy hike with a pretty steep first mile or so, then it is a fairly lazy rolling hill hike. The distance is a little difficult to judge since I don't have any ranger beads any more to count my miles, and it was pretty dark. it was a great hike though. It was a great time to walk and talk with GOD and listen and worship and enjoy creation. These mini adventures are often more beneficial to my mind and heart than the big trips. Never forget to take a minute to get out, friends... even if its only for an hour or two.

Until next time Hippies!
Levi