Nature Child

I have had a very refreshing week. I went up north on Friday to attend the Jazz on the River festival. On Friday night I had a nice dinner with my parents. I always forget how small Sebastopol is...but not for very long. At this fairly nice restaurant, while eating my Halibut and drinking Zin, I see my AP physics teacher, my geeky friend from high school's parents, and a wine snob couple whose wedding I catered. (My geeky friend, Avrey, was co-President of the astronomy club with me, and recieved our class science award at graduation. He is now Captain of the crew team at UCSB...weird). I am pretty sure our server was on the Analy varsity basketball team and the bartender was someone I have partied with. After a lovely dinner and drinks, my mother, family friend Kathy, and Katrina, went to see Vanity Fair. This movie was not good and very slow moving, I do not recommend it, especially to those with a short attention span like me.
The next morning I woke up very sick. It was awful timing since I was very excited for the festival. I ended up not being able to eat or drink for most of the day, and vomitted on the side of a building. We were in the sun for about six hours each day, which did not make me feel any better.
Sunday, however, was very fun. The festival is located on the Russian River in Guernville. It was absolutely gorgeous weather and an awesome crowd. Katrina and I were the only people between the ages of 15 and 30. Everyone there was either Black or a hippie...very chill. I enjoyed winetasting, though there was little selection. I was chosing between two Zins of the same label for my last taste, and inquired about the difference between them. I guess the guy was impressed by my choice, because he gave me a very full glass instead of the standard taste portion. Well, it was either my wine knowledge, or my displayed hardened nipples (we just got out of the river)...not sure which. The prices at the festival were fantastic, a 16 ounce beer was only two dollars. There was a great mix of music: chill jazz, big band, Chaka Kahn. All in all, it was an awesome weekend.
Today I just got back from the great outdoors. I supported a team from REI competing in the 8,000 meter challenge. The challenge involved a 5am start at Mt Baldy, then San Gorgonio, finally three runs of Snow Summit (a ski run, 1200 feet of elevation gain over a mile). It was super fun; I met so many cool people. There was a spaghetti dinner the night before, where we recieved free hydration packs and socks. We slept in the back of the truck at the trailhead. My team was split in two, the three fastest guys were with me, and the other two followed later. My kick-ass driving saved our team half an hour to San Gorgonio. At this mountain I hiked about 11 miles, and chilled reading for a little bit. I also was caught peeing by a very stealthy hiker, who later told people about it. I fulfilled a very feminine role in the challenge. I drove the boys around, made sure they were hydrated and fed, made a beer run, and set up camp. The guys placed 5th, 6th, and 7th, out of 77 participants (about half didnt finish). They finished around 845pm and recieved really nice The North Face vests. I would really like to compete next year. It was an awesome experience and I always appreciate time outside. I am now inspired to start my training regime, since I have been in very poor shape since my broken arm/21st birthday. I guess I should cut down on the drinking also...