Buzz-Buzz Barbie Boy?

Barbie Boy was back on Mt. Peak today. This is the guy with the "Barbie" backpack who blocks the trail when people are trying to get uphill doing their workouts.

Today, he didn't get far up the trail, when a bee came buzzing out of the shrubbery and stung him in the lower back -- ZAP. He stopped, fiddling with his shirt and lower back, trying to get the stinger out. This time, he pulled over to the side of the trail, more worried about getting zapped by the bee than blocking other hikers doing their workouts.

Buzz buzz ZAP . . .

Back Off, Barbie-Boy

Have you run into the Mt. Peak hiker with the "Barbie" backpack (well, you know what I mean). Apparently, he owns the trail, as he will sometimes stand in the way of someone struggling to the top, breaking the rhythm of their workout. And if you are going downhill and he is coming uphill, and you step out of his way so as not to break the rhythm of his workout, he passes you without thanks.

Being a somewhat older hiker, tall and muscular-fit, you'd think he'd be happy to be fitter than many much younger people, rather than carry a mysterious resentment up and down Mt. Peak.

He's one of our characters; I wish he'd be courteous on the paths.

The Chanting Monk of Mt. Peak

He's almost famous amongst Mt. Peak regulars. On the downhill portion of his hike, you'll hear him singing, his voice booming through the trees. It sounds something like Gregorian chant, with no discernible words in English (but is he singing in Latin, or gibberish?).

I'm sure the regular hillwalking gives the Chanting Monk of Mt. Peak extra lung capacity and diaphragm power to project his voice.

Most of us use an iPod or other device for music on our hikes. He uses his own voice. He's one of our characters, our individualists.

Three-Legged Dog on Mt. Peak

Up Mt. Peak Christmas Day -- a 3-legged short-haired lab with a couple near the top. This is the second 3-legged dog I've seen recently on the hill. Think of the able-bodied people who complain they can't climb the hill, or even walk on the level. It's shameful. The elderly and toddlers go up the hill. It brings great health and a powerful sense of well-being. It's one of the best exercises in the area, or anywhere.

Christmas Eve day kind of sunny, dry. Frosty last night. Christmas Day mostly sunny, clear.

As I got to the bottom of Mt. Peak, there was one chipmunk racing around a tree, right next to the parking area.

Think of the 3-legged dogs for inspiration to get and be healthy, a good thought for Christmas.