camping Vol. I

Hey friends. This past weekend, well Saturday and part of Sunday, really, my dear friend and old roommate (KATE...Ms. Crampton, if you're nasty...) Hit the road for a mini backpacking adventure. To the right is a picture of me attempting to look a little bad ass....we stayed at site B7, which WAS bad ass!

Anyhow, Kate and I hit it to Lake Maria State Park. This state park has a few "group" sites and the rest are all hike-in sites. It has been a LOOOONG time since I have done any hiking in, and this place sounded great. So we each brought our respected camping items, got food together on the way (more to come on that) and got out of the city as soon as we could.

Once we arrive and made whiskey drinks in our travelling flasks, threw our packs on, grabbed our 2 bundles of fire wood, and hit the trail.

Kate and I lived together back in the giant Uptown house (3120!) We lived in a house of 6 people-3 guys and 3 girls. The house was huge, as were the many memories that came out of it. That includes our "weekend" road trip to Mardi Gras when we did in fact sleep in my Aerostar van in a parking garage for 3 nights....but that's a whole nother story!

Anyhow, Kate went to Law School, I started working with the kids, and we both got busy. But every so often something like this will come up and we cannot resist the idea of having a night to catch up.

The hike in only took about 25 minutes or so. We arrived at the B7 sign and hiked in a bit. We saw really nice pit toilets and more trail. After going down a hill, seeing prairie all around, and then a little "island" spot, I knew we made it to our site. We really were up on a hill-like island surround by prairie. It was pretty beautiful!

I really love camping. I love figuring out where to put the tent, and what to cook, and what supplies you will need, and all of it. So we spent some time setting up (and continued to drink whiskey) and decided to take a hike. We put a little sack together with our food, had our drinks, water, smokes, and a pocket knife (just in case :) ) and hiked on.


As we made our way out of the woods and on top of a plateau type thing, we got to really see some colors. It was pretty nice. This was about the time when I started telling Kate about one of my new favorite TV shows Celebrity Ghost Stories. This show is RAD (another side note...look into it) Anyhow, We also found a board walk and took that to where we would eventually eat our lunch from the hobo sack. We chatted for a long time, and enjoyed the great outdoors.



After sitting for a bit, I realized I had a good whiskey buzz going on....I think Kate did too, so we decided to head back to camp. Again we chatted about ghost stories and enjoyed the fall colors.

Once we got back to camp, we had to look for some kindling and get the fire going. I gladly took that on and had a fire going in no time. We had no clock, which was really nice. Everything was decided based on the sun, or how we felt. So we talked about old trips and fun times we had had in the past. And we spent a good amount of time talking about what the future may hold-both for us individually, and as a unit (Kate is moving out to Colorado very soon to pursuit the Kate Crampton, attorney at Law thing.) And what that really means is a fun trip out west to go visit.

****More to come this afternoon/evening.*****

BABES in BIKELAND!!!

Hello ladies of Mpls (and I guess St Paul ;) ) It is that time of year again. Time for the BEST *ladies*alley cat bike race ever! BABES IN BIKELAND 4 is this Saturday, September 18th. Ill attach the link with information on registration and meeting times and whatnot as well. http://www.babesinbikeland.com/pre_register

But let me also take some time to tell you guys about this amazing race. To begin with, the race is very fun and can be a work out-roughly 20 miles (however you can do as much or as little of the actual race as you would like.) It is a Women's only race (of course being a dyke, I'm well aware that there are many different definitions of "women." basically, if you legitimately categorize yourself as female-you can race. No, it is not open to dudes who think it is funny to dress like ladies for the race.....) This alley cat is one of a kind in Minneapolis, and actually the biggest all girl race in the country (last time I checked.)

The race is so much fun. It is organized by two of Mpls finest ladies in the cycling scene, Kayla and Chelsea. (no, not me Cayla, Kayla with a solid K!) Both these ladies love bikes, and love to get more females interested in cycling/racing/meeting other ladies who like cycling/racing. The race supports ANY KIND OF RIDER!!! You can be in it to win it on your fastest track bike, or just out to meet some folks on your Sunday cruiser. it is ALL welcome!

What you may or may not know, cycling scenes tend to be sort of a boys club. This alley cat race is one of the greatest ways to break from that. I know in my personal experience, many races in town that are open to all only have a few dozen girls sign up, and rarely do more than 10 or so girls finish. In fact, last year when I won third place at the All-City, I was the third woman to finish, AND the last girl to get my manifest in before the time cutoff. This is not the case with Babes, which makes it super fun. Babes really promotes ladies to get out there, and do it. It is an AMAZING feeling to be surround by a couple hundred ladies on two wheels. It is almost like my little dream come true.

Now lets take some time to talk about the "Alley Cat." SO, alley cat races are a unique(ish) race that were originally started by bike messengers. They have come a long way in the last 10 years or so. What the race is: you get a sheet of paper called a "manifest." This information has a list of stops you NEED to make in order to complete your manifest. a completed manifest is the goal here. at the stops, you either A. get a stamp from someone working the stop(sometimes after doing something silly, like break dancing, or racing a little kid bike), or B. find some information about the stop (ie: Manifest may say the building on the corner of XX st and XX ave was built in what year. then you must find the info-which can be easy or hard to find on the building and write in the correct answer.)

(me riding the kids bike through an alley 2 years ago.)

Typically there are anywhere from 8-25 stops in race. The really cool part of these races, is that you pick your own route. You can decide which stops you want to do and in what order you want to go to them. Sometimes the winner of races aren't the absolute fastest(although this is usually true) but they are the ones who can route really well, making ever minute count. People who know the back roads and short cuts usually do well. I, myself am not the *fastest* but I can route pretty well. That is my key to success.

So getting back to Babes, the race is this Saturday. registration begins at 5pm. you will get your manifest when you register. the race starts at 6pm. The location of the meeting/starting point is The Soap Factory is on 2nd st SE and 6th Ave SE. (http://www.soapfactory.org/)

The race will finish at Angry Catfish bike and coffee bar: 4208 28th Ave S( http://www.angrycatfishbicycle.com/)

After big races like this, there are usually big/fun after parties, in which all are invited. However to get free drinks, you must be a racer. But the after party is a whole lot of fun. So come on down to Angry Catfish around 9 or so, and join in the festivities.

I think that covers everything. I have raced the last 3 years with my (race) partner in crime, KAT. Kat has the speed and energy, Ive got the routing and encouragement. together, we make an excellent team. I was just searching for a good picture of Kat and I. It must be on my other computer. Ill add it when I can (tonight!)

The first year we raced BABES together we got 5th and 6th place. Last year Kat got 9th and I got 11th. I am hoping we get in the top 15-20 this year. Each year brings out more riders, which means more competition, which I enjoy. Wish us luck! And come support girls on bikes!

brisk air makes me happy

Hey guys. On my ride to work today, I realized (as I do every Autumn) that Minneapolis is a beautiful town. Perhaps the best town ever (I have travelled a lot, and always want to come back to my Minne when the trip is all over....however I haven't been to ALL towns, so this is just based on my experiences as of now.)
Yes, Spring and Summer are great, and even Winter here has its charm, but Fall has my heart.

There is nothing like crossing the Mighty Mississippi on two wheels, wind in your face and gazing out to see hundreds of red/orange/yellow tree tops. Well, we aren't quit there yet, but I can feel it in my bones. It is coming. Waking up in this weather is just awesome. I'd much rather stay in my jammies, robe and slippers to drink my coffee than feel sticky and hot (ALREADY) at 630/7 in the morning. But again, that could just be me.
I have always really loved Fall. It isn't just the crisp(perfect) air, or the gorgeous changing colors, or even the throw back to hoodies, sneakers and layers. I think something inside of my just comes alive when the temps drop below 70 degrees. As I was riding home yesterday-around 5pm (it was somewhat warm out) I thought to myself "just being here on this bike, looking down University Ave, breathing in this air, I can tell that summer is over, and I'm real god damn happy!" And it is only the first week of September.

I guess Fall just brings good things my way. Everything is new(ish)-as in going back to school, getting back into a different routine, watching football, raking leaves-I love it all. I am hoping to take more bike rides. Not just commuting to work, or to a friends house (does this sort of sound like my Spring riding rant...maybe I just love cycling :) ) I mean, i think I'm just a happier person in the fall....don't you? So why all this ranting a raving over Fall? Well, in the past Ive used lists (believe it or not) to motivate me. The two types of lists that I find to be useful are the "to do this fall/winter/spring/summer" list, and the ever so special "Happy List." Now, A and I haven't had either of these lists posted since we lived in our last place in Bryn Mawr. That was over a year ago and it is time to change things! So, Now that the season have changed, I'm starting my list/s and encouraging you all to do the same. Let's get started. Nice and easy

To Do This Fall

1. Apple Picking

2. Go to a Haunted House
3. Ride to Hopkins
4. go to Duluth for a day or two to watch the colors change
5.....YOUR TURN! By all means, start your own list, or send me some ideas! What do you think is an ideal Fall "thing to do....?"



next step-THE HAPPY LIST! This is my favorite kind of list-the rules are simple (I got this idea from a guy I grew up with. His Family has had an ongoing Happy list for the last 35 years or so. I lost track the last 2 years, but I have a lot to be happy about. And I am sure you do as well.)The Happy List!
1. Finding tons of new/cheap vinyl
2. New sneakers
3. Sunflower seed bread
4. Long weekends
5. Sweet corn from the Co op.
6. my morning coffee
7. .........

alright, so Ive got the ball rolling. I think it is really good for you to have a Happy/Things to be Happy about List. Whenever I am feeling yuck about my day, or a situation, I check out the list, and it makes me smile. There are a lot of simple things in this world that we overlook. Loved one, fresh eggs, green grass, whatever. Making a list like this really makes you remember/appreciate those small things that are sometimes forgotten about.

Alright. On that note, friends, I'm out. Seriously, make a Fall to do and Happy list. If nothing else, it will give you something to do at work today :)

Feels like a Fall Friday!

Hello Friends. Believe it or not, I have a mix for you this Friday. No real theme, just some good tunes that I enjoy and feel right on this crisp, fall(ish) morning.

A few new songs, a few old one, all in all, I think a good mix.

Hopefully this means I'm really back at it and I will continue to post new stuff on here.

But for now, let's start with the mix!

http://mixtape.me/p/18124

1. Changes-Tahiti 80. I first heard of this group back in college. I was obsessed with the song *heartbeat* Just ask my roommate-I played that songs ALL the time. I sort of forgot about them, but then heard this song and thought I should throw it on the mix. 2. Amie-Pure Prairie League. Ive loved this song my whole life. When I was young, I had no idea what the guy was talking about. When I got a little older I was in a band with a girl who's father was also a musician and he used to play his guitar and sing during parties on occasion. This was one of his favorites to play, or so I assume because he ALWAYS played it(and his daughters name is Amy...)

3. Fine Feelings-Spoon. I realized today when putting this song on my mix that I really like Spoon. I put their songs on lots of mixes, and I know more of their material then I ever thought. They are pretty catchy and I just assume that you guys enjoy their stuff too. If that isn't the case, lemme know, and I will stop flooding my mixes with Spoon.

4. Everybody Say-Takka Takka. This is a new band to me. Yes, they have been around for some time, but I had never given them a listen until this last year. And I enjoy it. It is nice and mellow(but not TOO mellow.) I dunno, looking outside on this cloudy day-this song has a nice soothing vibe to it. 5. Hell-Tegan and Sara. Off their newest album that isn't so new anymore. I still love it though. This song rocks. A and I just purchased a box collection set of all of their albums on vinyl and I can not WAIT to get it. I think T&S will sound great coming out of my Grandpa's old Sony speakers.

6. Today-Joshua Radin. bringing it back down. I like his voice. I think it is nice. And after T&S, you need to just rest a second. Again, I know very little about this guy. I DO know that Ryan Adams recorded on one of his albums and that he does more than just play music (like act on TV shows...) 7. Another World-Chemical Brothers. This song is off their new album and is HOT! I love it. I could listen to it on repeat all day. There is just something about their sound that is lovely. I'd really enjoy being in a band/group like this. Maybe someday Ill learn how to make electronic music. Seriously, I just listened to this 4 times in a row....dorky. 8. Sweet Disposition- The Temper Trap. I know I know, this song is now all over commercials, but that doesn't mean it isn't a good song. It is haunting and epic and beautiful. I love this guys voice. It makes me want to go out and do something amazing today. What that is, I have no idea. just a moving song, I guess. 9. Lasso-Phoenix. Just another killer Phoenix single. No need to get into it much more. I love this band. full of pop hits!

10. Satellite-Guster. I like Guster. Call me a fool, or a kid stuck in the late 90's early 2000's college radio rock. That is fine with me. I like them. Not a TON, or anything, but enough to put a song on a mix every so often. This particular song fits the mix (i think) because of the weather outside. There are just certain songs that scream cloudy say, or sunshine, or snow storm, or whatever. I just feel like this is a cloudy day/evening song. 11. Hallelujah- The Helio Sequence. These guys pop up on my Pandora a lot. I like their sound and the vocals. And I actually do pretty well paying attention to these lyrics. And you guessed it, they are pretty good. I think I need to get into this band more. 12. Rock and Roll-The Sounds. This is an awesome chick band. I like their catchy-pop sound. I think they would be good live as well. Her vocals compliment the guitar riffs very well. Probably would sound really great at high volumes in a dark sweaty small venue, no?

13. Try a Little Tenderness-Otis Redding. Who doesn't love this song and think of Ducky when you hear it? I may have put this on a mix in the past, but i think that is just fine. In fact, I could jam to this song every Friday.

14. Honky Tonk Women-The Rolling Stones. I had this album on tape during college and listened to it so much the tape was destroyed. I love this song. It is a sort of swanky, which i like. along with the cowbell, and slick guitar riff, this song rocks (and the lyrics are great!) I'd love to drink a cold bud while washing an old car out front my house with my hose in an old worn out soccer t-shirt. *sometimes my imagination impresses me....*

Well, that's that guys. Enjoy my Friday Mix!!

BACK...FINALLY

Hey All. So I've been out of the loop for the last few weeks. I'm not going to rehash all the whys in regards to me being gone. The five of you who read this are aware that my stepfather (Steve) passed away a week or so ago. It was an emotional few weeks, filled with family and tears and lasagna and sammies. Thank goodness my Mom has some really great friends (and my family is amazing too.)
(to the right is a photo of Steve and I from my Grandmothers 70th birthday party a few summers ago)

Anyhow, I may spend some time at some point talking a little more about Steve, because I miss the guy. Those of you who knew/met him-well you are lucky people. He was a good person. But I won't get into all of that right now.

Instead, I'm just going to throw a few pictures from the last few weeks, and a music video and then I'll be back tomorrow (maybe) for a mix. I haven't made a mix in a few weeks, but have been so distracted, I don't know exactly what this mix will be about.

SO, enjoy some photos, and you will hear from em again soon.

xo,

Cayla

(with this video-scroll down a bit and watch the video for the song ON DIRECTING. this song blows my mind every time, as do T&S, and their hotness.)http://teganandsara.com/page/2/

A and I with baby Jackson (we could totally be Mom's)

We went to a really cool Cider brew house in Michigan, Called Tandem Cider. They even had a Tandem bike we rode around and we were told we were better than most couples that try.

Jody, A , Jackson and I....SO CUTE!!!!!

My Aunt Annette and Uncle Mark made us a killer dinner the first night we went out on the sailboat in MI. fresh corn salad=AMAZING!

The next night my cousins cooked some kabobs for us. again, SO SO GOOD!!!

Elliott, Luke and I (COUSIN LOVE!!!)

I *love* sailing. seriously, my favorite thing to do when in Sutton's Bay.

Oh yeah, My brother and Jessica got engaged! Congrats to them. One comment that was made on Jessica's facebook page (that still makes me laugh) was "congratulations. Not only are you gaining a husband, you are getting a child too. Congrats on motherhood." if you know my brother AT ALL, you can laugh at that one. But on the real, so happy for them!

And one last one of me and baby. so cute. we are totally buddies.

A and I even got to go tubing together! It was very fun, and A did really well. But after about 7 minutes, we both had sore arms and were ready to watch my cousins tear it up.

Happy Thursday, Friends!