A word from "The Rocket" commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Dipsea Trail/Marin County Northern California June 2011 Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Crushing small pebbles and stones with each step on the Dipsea Trail/Marin County, blood coarsing through my veins violently; I gasped for air, relishing in the moment, alone, navigating the trail, again, that serves my soul and breaks up the monotony of the chase; the sun's rays penetrating the back of my neck, I focused on the discomfort I felt in my lower extremities and how I've learn to love the self-inflicted pain of putting my body through yet another physical revival.  It was a return for me: a return to the past!  It was a return to the Dipsea Trail in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area just north of San Francisco, California!

I was once again back on the Dipsea Trail on a picturesque day!  What had started out as a nebulous beginning, quickly changed as I dropped deeper into the valley and rose again to what is an open expanse of the Dipsea Trail.  The sun had made its appearance and Mother Nature, after hurling a brisk fog at me rewarded my visit with bright rays of sunshine as I crested a small ridge that leads to the Pantoll Station and the descent of what I believe is one of the most amazing 1.5 miles in California--the Steep Ravine Trail!

Passing the sign that said "Dipsea" this way, beckoning me toward the famous trail that connects Mill Valley and Stinson Beach, I opted for the Steep Ravine trail entrance at the Pantoll Station, a 1.7 mile jaunt and then a similar length descent before it intersects with Dipsea on its way down to the shores of Stinson Beach.     There is a history there.  An irrefutible  history that was borne of memories earned through sweat and struggle.  But this day was not about the past and as sweat formed on my chin I could think of nothing but inhaling an adequate supply of oxygen and of the joy I was experiencing for the small price I was paying. 

The Steep Ravine trail in all its remarkableness can only be thoroughly enjoyed by halting any activity and embracing a moment of silence. It is magnificent but only affords fast glances of its beauty as a runner's focus is always on the precise foot trail placement!  Having learned the way of severely sprained ankles, I only deviate from my routine at those intervals where the trail captivates me and I cannot ignore its attention!  It grabs me and I respond with awe! 

As I descended the ladder, face forward, I had missed this place and perhaps the message was that I needed to get back there!  I felt a resurgence; a renewal of sorts, I was reminded how much I needed to work at getting strong again.  I was reminded about how good working hard feels!  This is me and what I enjoy doing and sharing!  Undoubtedly, I will return to this place and though on this day I was alone, an occasional passer-byer breaking up the silence, I was not abandoned of my memory and what this place means to me.  This environment responds to my thoughts, hopes, and dreams!  It is where I go to renew, replenish and reinvigorate my enthusiasm for them and what I hope to accomplish!

The Dipsea Race

"The Dipsea is well known for its scenic course and challenging trails. After traversing a few blocks in Mill Valley's downtown, runners climb 688 stairs.Leading up the side of Mount Tamalpais, and then pass through Muir Woods National Monument, Mount Tamalpais State Park, and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.  The start is at the intersection of Throckmorton and Cascade Drive in Mill Valley, which drew its name from having the first saw mill in Marin County. The Dipsea Trail is the most direct route connecting the town of Mill Valley, located near the northwestern shores of Richardson Bay, with the village of Stinson Beach, situated along the Pacific coast.  Stinson Beach is a popular tourist destination, located about a 30-minute drive north of San Francisco on Highway 1, via Golden Gate Bridge.  The ascent over the southern shoulder of Mount Tam reaches its apex around the top of Cardiac Hill, 4.1 miles into the race."

Since returning to the Dipsea, I've gone back several times for a renewal; a re-birth of sorts, it works for me and it works for others.  The Dipsea delivers time and time again!

Rick Rodriguez is a writer and is frequently published in opinion/editorial sections in local and national newspapers. Rick, a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College lives in Danville, California with his two children.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

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Born to Run by Christopher McDougall commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Chris McDougall in his book, Born to Run, contends that barefoot running is natural to humans and in fact running shoes are the cause of some if not all our running injuries. Moreover, he believes all of us are runners as he emphatically states "we don't stop running because we get old" rather "we get old because we stop running." Of course, I can appreciate these assertions but even as an avid runner since I was virtually a kid, it is with some ambivalence that I approach these ideas.

(Born to Run P. 92 McDougall )"How do you flip the internal switch that changes us all of us into The Natural Born Runners we once were. Not just in our history, but in our own lifetimes. Remember? Back when you were a kid and you had to be yelled at to slow down? Every game you played, you played at top speed, sprinting like crazy as you kicked cans, freed all, and attacked jungle outposts in your neighbor's backyards. Half the fun of doing anything was doing it at a record pace, making it probably the last time in your life you'd ever be hassled for going too fast." Now, as I've aged, I blame my lack of speed on age yet as soon as my training levels increase speed and endurance come back quickly. So, even as I age, I can concur with one of the Author's contentions--I've stayed younger because I run!

Born to Run is an adventure story and part exploration into the art of running. The story is part McDougall’s investigative reporting into an indigenous culture of the isolated Mexican region known as Copper Canyon. The people, known as the Tarahumara, live in this isolated region with a culture mostly unchanged from their ancestors. They live in caves and small cliff dwellings. They are known for their ability to hide and disappear when approached, giving them an almost ghost like quality. And they are known to run. They have been famed for their ability to run gracefully, effortlessly, and with seemingly unending energy over amazing distances. Running is a part of their culture, it is a means of transportation, and it is also a social outlet and a way of staying healthy.

Once, I encountered a kid that was a bare foot runner, a guide, climbing the hilly trails of Puerto Vallarta above the famed restaurant EL EDEN, as I scanned the youngster and his shoeless feet, the kid broke into an immediate sprint up the hill, I followed figuring the kid was trying to lose us. He wasn't. But, he was doing what comes natural to him even as he bolted across rocks, boulders, pebbles and the uneven surface of his natural environment. I watched in amazement as this kid leaped on small boulders and crushed the pebbles beneath his hardened bare soles!  It was something I've carried with me all my running days.

Reading this post causes me to think about rekindling my running endeavors. Oh, I still run but compete less than in the past when 10k's, half marathons and marathons were part of my yearly regimen. The challenge remains, as always, conquering me. My mind recalls past struggles and contemplates future challenges. (Born to Run McDougall P.242-243) "The brain is always scheming to reduce costs, get more for less, store energy and have it ready for an emergency," Bramble (a collaborator) explained. "You've got this fancy machine, and its controlled by a pilot who's thinking, Okay, how can I can run this baby without using any fuel?' You and I know how good running feels because we've made a habit of it." But lose the habit, and the loudest voice in your ear is your ancient survival instinct urging you to relax. And there's the bitter irony: our fantastic endurance gave our brain food (interesting!) it needed to grow, and now our brain is undermining our endurance." That last sentence is the key to this paragraph and in fact a component of the Author's contentions. I won't expound on that here. For that, read the book, and it will be there. Ready for discovery! And, perhaps, it may provide the impetus to retrace steps back to the beginning where running was an endless habit. A habit perhaps taken for granted!

This book will be enjoyed best by runners, historical buffs, endurance athletes, or those interested in getting back to where they were before--running-- as a kid! Moreover, the story is engaging and maintains interest from start to finish!

Rick Rodriguez is a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College. He lives in Danville, California with his two children.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@rockcliff.com 

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Secrets of the Temple by William Greider Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary By Rick Rodriguez

In times of turbulence, I often think of an extraordinary book, Secrets of the Temple by William Greider, and since the time when I originally read it (1994) I've been hooked on Economics and how the green in our pockets comes to be.  The book gave me the opportunity to posit whether the author's main premise-- the Federal Reserve runs the country--had much validity. Greider's book taught me how monetary policy plays an enormous role in our everyday lives, and how the Federal Reserve has the power to control the economy with its influence on it.

"Monetary policy is the process by which the monetary authority of a country controls the supply of money, often targeting a rate of interest for the purpose of promoting economic growth and stability. The official goals usually include relatively stable prices and low unemployment. Monetary theory provides insight into how to craft optimal monetary policy.

Monetary policy is referred to as either being expansionary or contractionary, where an expansionary policy increases the total supply of money in the economy more rapidly than usual, and contractionary policy expands the money supply more slowly than usual or even shrinks it. Expansionary policy is traditionally used to try to combat unemployment in a recession by lowering interest rates in the hope that easy credit will entice businesses into expanding. Contractionary policy is intended to slow inflation in hopes of avoiding the resulting distortions and deterioration of asset values."

The Secrets of the Temple (662 pages) chronicles the tenure of Paul Volcker, the Fed chairman prior to the more familiar Alan Greenspan, and the political era of Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.   It explores they idea of whether the Fed can make or break a presidency.  It is an insider's look of an instituition we know little of but plays an enormous role in our lives.  

At the time, Secrets of the Temple, was considered a ground-breaking work, and in many ways it still is; moreover, it is a strong basis for an understanding of what has evolved from the Fed's influence of our economy the past three decades.  

This prodigious presentation certainly has a place in a well-read individual's library but with the trend toward brevity, the girth of the book seems inappropriate.  Much of the context is of and about the era (1980-1988), and the author gives plenty of anecdotal evidence that supports his contentions.  So, in many respects today's readers might see this as a historical narrative of what has lead us to this point in our economic lives.  

At the very least, the SECRETS, were revealed here, and brought to light, for me, an initial interest in understanding how government actually governs life.  For that, and the motivation it instilled in me to contemplate what government does and does not do, its author has accomplished a significant public service that only with the benefit of hindsight we can begin to appreciate.

Rick Rodriguez is a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College. He lives in Danville, California with his two children.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com 

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Clemente by David Maraniss commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Clemente...The Passion and Grace of Baseball's Last Hero by David Maraniss is truly an outstanding work on the life of an iconic baseball player, humanitarian and superstar athlete. Clemente is widely regarded as an inspiration and a true role model!

Though, I knew little of Roberto Clemente as a kid growing up in Oakland, California.  I am sure of the thousands of 1970 Topps Baseball Cards I bought as a seven year old many must have been of Roberto Clemente.  I remember clear as if it occurred yesterday trading in empty soda bottles for packs of baseball cards.  Back in those days, an empty old green 7-up, Orange Soda (Fanta), and of course the iconic thick Coca-Cola bottles were money in the bank!  As neighborhood kids, we were always on the look out for the ATM's of our day and then off to the nearest baseball card haven in our neighborhood to add to our ever growing collections! 

Willie Mays, of the San Francisco Giants, was the card everyone wanted.  The Oakland Athletics were about to embark on their historic 1970's run that saw them win three straight world championships but Reggie Jackson and Vida Blue were in the early stages of making their names and therefore, for me, the 1970 Topps Willie Mays was the jewel of the set!

I am quite sure, especially now that I've read Clemente, similar acquisitions must have been occurring in neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Clemente's baseball hometown, and the one and only major league home of Roberto Clemente.

Many know that Roberto Clemente died on a mission to provide relief for victims of a natural disaster in Nicaragua. Author, David Maraniss goes into detail of the how and why, segments aiding me to visualize what might have occurred on that fateful day.  

There is extensive detail on Clemente's gifts as a baseball player; how he lived his life growing up, and the influences of those times.  More importantly, perhaps, the discussion turns to Clemente's impact on race issues, at the time paramount, as a man of color, and the distinctions he elected to pursue as a consequence of his fame.  

An astute observer of baseball history will certainly appreciate the detail offered by Maraniss.  I gained a more thorough knowledge of Clemente, the baseball legend, and the humanitarian, and yes, why he is so widely regarded today!  Moreover, my baseball card collecting background enabled me to readily recognize many of the concurrent stars of the game that added to the breadth of the story. 

Clemente (Maraniss/BF) "In his final years, his motto was that if you have a chance to help others and fail to do so, you are wasting your time on this earth."

Should you read it?   Enjoy baseball, history, 1960's era, race, politics, and a truly inspirational story of a man that left us too soon....then yes absolutely!  I came away with a fabulous learning lesson, perhaps the most important in the preceding paragraph, and certainly not the only one, and a chance to review my early baseball card trading days where I would have traded ten Clementes for just one Willie Mays!  This one, however, I kept, and it's still with me today some forty years later!  I hope it inspires you to read and learn. Or, perhaps, even be an inspiration, too!

Clemente...The Passion and Grace of Baseball's Last Hero by David Maraniss is 354 Pages.  I read it in July 2009.

Rick Rodriguez, a San Francisco , California Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College, lives in Danville, California.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

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History of the Conquest of Mexico by William H. Prescott commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary By Rick Rodriguez

Published in 1843, and considered a masterpiece; History of the Conquest of Mexico  is a voluminous work that is well researched and reads like a novel! Prescott, like many great writers, brings the reader to his subject, the discovery of the new world. He finely details every bit of the arduous plight of the Spaniards, and the amazing features of a thriving New World empire of the Aztecs. According to James Lockhart " Prescott belongs with Thoreau and Melville and is very close to someone like Washington Irving. Prescott belonged to an age in which distinction between "literature" and "scholarship" was not as stark as it is today. A romantic historian, he thought in terms of characters and plot, and was aware of his affinity to such writers as Sir Walter Scott."

History of the Conquest of Mexico by William H. Prescott is a story that those of Mexican descent may know, but unless you are a student or admirer of ancient Mexican history it is difficult to know it in the manner that Prescott tells it. The Author filled my mind of vacancies of the ancient history of Mexico and the Aztecs, Spaniards, Tlascalans, Mixtecs, Otomi (my Mother's ancestors) as well as a plethora of other indigenous peoples that experienced the conquest of Mexico. He also shed new light for me of the social, cultural, religious, customs, and the probable causes of the conquest. There is discussion of Christianity, it's necessary purpose in the new world and why the conquest of the Aztecs perhaps
contributed in some manner to the betterment of mankind; that is, according to the Prescott's interpretation of the Conquistador's viewpoint! These, and many other opinions are there for you to explore, uncover, and come to your own conclusions. More importantly, for me, the book shed new light of my view of a conquered people, the Aztecs, and how that was accomplished and perhaps why it was inevitable.

This a challenging historical masterpiece. However, it is imperative that we know the past as best we can.  Moreover, as the reader, I gained a grander perspective of me and how I fit into this continuing evolvement of human kind. For this, Prescott's History of the Conquest of Mexico is a necessity and may aid you in the process of self-discovery!  I hope you enjoy it, too!

History of the Conquest of Mexico is 970 pages. I read this book over a long period of time and completed it in February of 2008. 

Rick Rodriguez, a San Francisco , California Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College, lives in Danville, California.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

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Northern California Coastline Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

I finally did it!!  Yes, yippee, after all these years, 33 (Driving years), I finally drove the Northern California Coast from Elk, California to Bodega Bay, Ca.!!  What?  Yes, I did.  I took that very long, arduous, pain-staking, time-consuming, energy zapping drive from just south of Mendocino intersecting Highway 128 & Highway 1 (actually Philo Road) to Bodega Bay!  It was amazingly winding, hilly, and somewhat desolate but I can assure you there is life in them there hills!

After overnighting in Windsor, and eating a great breakfast at KC's Downtown Grill, we (mostly me) decided to take on the challenge and headed west to Cloverdale through Booneville and then 18 miles up and over (Philo Road) the hills straight down to Elk, California! No, I am not kidding!!

Unfortunately, after leaving the sparkling sunshine from whence we came we were greeted with fog that is typical of the California Coast, at least in Northern California, and this fog remained our partner for most of the trip down the coast.  Two problems with that, one is the beauty of the coast was mostly obscured.  Secondly, my vision was somewhat limited making driving a bit more arduous and definitely slower. Nonetheless, I love great drives and with time on our side there is really nothing like a coastal drive.  However, having said that, this one on this day was especially tough.  I do regret skipping the Point Arena Lighthouse as it will be tough to get back here someday.

The small towns of Gualala and Sea Ranch were interesting but passed quickly.  Jenner was but a blur and we stopped at Gleason Beach where I took plenty of great pictures.  Gleason Beach is pretty darn rocky but there was a sliver of a beach there and probably surfing.  It seems that over the years the relentless Pacific Ocean has taken a few homes along the coastline.

The roundtrip was about 5 hours to get back to Santa Rosa.  Thinking back on it, perhaps, the best thing is we didn't encounter an obstacle we could not overcome.  The weather could have been worse or perhaps car trouble, cell reception is a real issue, but no, we dodged that and managed to make it home safely.  Next time, if there ever is one, a place to stay might be a good idea.  For more information, check out the posted links.

Rick Rodriguez is a writer and is frequently published in opinion/editorial sections in local and national newspapers. Rick, a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College lives in Danville, California with his two children.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

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St. Andrews Golf Links St. Andrews, Scotland 2012 Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Captured, seeing the 18th green at St. Andrews Golf Links in St. Andrews, Scotland, the historic home of golf, and the place that heretofore I had known only from early morning episodes of The Open Championship, I stood in awe. Admittedly, no stranger to the beautiful courses of the world, St. Andrews Golf Links set me back on my heels, deservedly so, I was in a special place.  For a connoisseur of the game of golf, I had arrived and it felt that way!

As I lingered about, golfers finalizing their day with chips and putts.  Admirers watching intently. The links on its way to a restful night after a day of work, I was appreciative of the moment and thanking the golf gods for it.  The coolness of the evening air set in, and as I made my way up the street to my hotel, I thought "what a perfect night."  Little did I know that that night would be one of the most pleasant evenings of the trip. 

The Dunvegan Hotel, a well known, famed establishment, and a good 9-Iron away from old St. Andrews was to be my home for a moment of time and I couldn't ask for a better place to lie down. The place was littered with history on its walls and in its pub. Attended by welcoming hosts (Jack & Sheena), it felt a bit like seeing loving relatives rather than checking into a foreign hotel.  My golfing collaborators and I had rented a four bedroom suite for the excursion, and that my friends, is the way to go. Spacious, modern, great food, and so convenient, the place exceeded expectations.

The next morning, awakened early due to the time change undoubtedly, I went for a run as the town was still lingering in sleep. I dashed up the street headed toward the morning sun. Sauntering along glancing at doorways, side streets, and anything that caught my attention, I noticed how very much life is lived similarly in many parts of the world.  I examined the architecture, commerce, homes, street signs, and then reached the end of the roadway where I found St. Andrews Cathedral.  I snapped a few photographs and after gazing a bit headed over to the coastline at the edge of town. There, I watched the sun rise, satisfied, I turned and headed back toward whence I had departed.

As I ran back, I passed St. Andrews Golf Links, and decided to walk up the 1st fairway. I noticed some golfers queuing for an opportunity to play the famed links. Seeing no impediments. I walked past the 1st fairway and green and over and across to the 17th fairway.  There, I stood, staring at the Road Hole (17th) from 100 yards out.  I took some imaginary swings at the small target mimicking the golf greats that had played this hole and the millions of others that had wandered this way.  Watching workers beginning to stream about, I gazed back toward the 18th green, snapped the photo where I had first encountered this place, and soon walked back to the 18th green.

My morning jaunt was concluded.  And, I was off to the first of ten straight days of golf in Scotland!  It was a glorious morning!

Rick Rodriguez is a writer and is frequently published in opinion/editorial sections in local and national newspapers. Rick, a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College lives in Danville, California with his two children.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

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Photo Credit: 18th Green St. Andrews Golf Links, St. Andrews, Scotland  © Copyright Keith Duff and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

World Left-Handed Golf Association Championship set for Dundee, Scotland Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Left-Handed Golfers from around the World will come together and compete in the 21st World Left-Handed Golf Association Championship (WALG) this June in Dundee, Scotland!  The 21st WALG tournament held at the renowned home of golf features four Open qualifying courses, Montrose, Monifieth, Panmure, and Scotscraig.  All courses are traditional links courses and are a real test. 

The tournament entries are now closed but open to all Amateur Left-Handed Golfers with a verifiable index from an approved governing board (ex. USGA). The traditional WALG Championship format is 72 holes gross medal play.  There are four divisions: Open, Seniors, Super Seniors, and Ladies.  All shots must be played left-handed except trouble shots. 

Countries represented in the week long event include Scotland, Ireland, England, Sweden, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, USA, and others.

The WALG held its first tournament in 1979 in Sydney, Australia!  Since that time, the WALG CHampionship has travelled around the globe to countries including England, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia (Tasmania), Spain, Germany, Sweden, and many others.  

The purpose of the tournaments is to unify the unique aspect of Left-Handed golf; enjoy the camaraderie of friends from around the world; embrace a healthy competition, and honor the game of GOLF!! The WORLD is coming to SCOTLAND!!

Rick Rodriguez, is a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College 
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Hiking the AT......Blood Mountain Appalachian Trail Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Alone again, hiking the AT at Blood Mountain on the Appalachian Trail (AT), adhering to my inner Thoreau, thinking thoroughly about what I was doing and whether I would summit the 4400 ft. Blood Mountain, I charged forward. Each step filled with the ambivalence of excitement and the trepidation of wandering into the unknown. Yet now, looking back to that Sunday in August, the reasons are pretty clear why I was on that mountain.  I know the secrets that cause me to saunter about consumed by the scent of nature. I've seen the treasures a day on the trails can offer, typically much more than any one day could provide in a city park.  Still, however, I wonder of this innate sense of discovery we humans have.

What compels those that hike or wander about in nature?  What drives those that seek to discover the lesser taken paths littered all around often not far from the secure confines of our households?  I often ask. But, I know the answer to my questions because I have tasted the gifts that Mother Nature has shared with me.

So that day, I set off from the suburban confines of John's Creek, Georgia,where I happen to be working as a volunteer at the 93rd PGA Championship and with only a limited amount of time; not an anomaly when it comes to time and my unplanned excursions.  Determined, I dashed off to this hiker's paradise, a trail junkie's dream--the Appalachian Trail!

Though the hike that day started fairly benignly, through canopy covered and root strewn trail, it would change to rocky outcropping and barely discernible trail markers.  It was a warm day. Other hikers could be heard occasionally, which I would take as a good sign that I was correctly navigating the trail and also giving me a sense of safety as I stepped through toward a summit called Blood. 

Signs warned hikers of Bears and other wildlife in the area, a lone whistle my only protection, a whistle (?); what was I thinking? But the urge had struck to get out into nature, and I often don't know when the urge will strike and I trample into an unknown passage, a place my eye has never seen.  Risk teasing me to discover and try its beckoning. And, usually I am unequipped to handle any adversity but today I would find no adverse conditions.

As sweat consumed my stripped golf shirt, my heart pumping at an elevated pace, I was at peace with only a thought of what would happen if I encountered something on the trail. Despite the thought, I kept going, quiet as a cat crossing a wooden floor, it was the trail and me!  It was the appreciation of the moment.  One of many moments that I've been fortunate enough to receive.  Gifts, blessings, opportunities, call them what you will but this was one of those and it was memorable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A few hours later, I reached the summit of Blood Mountain.  Someone had built a shelter there for hikers that needed to catch a break or seek an evening's rest.  After inspecting the shelter, I caught a whisper of a few voices around a bend near a large boulder.  I rounded the corner to find a couple sitting admiring the panoramic view of the Appalachian Mountains.  I introduced myself and we proceeded to chat about the strange crossing of our paths.  They filled me on a little history of the trail and showed me where they lived, near the beginning of AT at Springer Mountain (a long distance from our position).  It was a chance encounter, but for those ten or so minutes, our paths crossed.  In all the paths and trails of life, I walked into their path.  We shared some experiences about how a lone hiker from California would come to cross their path....and I was off again.  Before I left, I asked them to take this picture.  I am glad I did and I am glad I met them.

Once I came down the mountain, pleased to have made it back unscathed, I drove back down to the Atlanta Athletic Club, host course of 93rd PGA Championship, and I enjoyed a relaxing day of watching golf.  I was richer for what the day had given me.  It was a day well spent...and a day my friend Thoreau would have greatly appreciated.

Rick Rodriguez is a writer and is frequently published in opinion/editorial sections in local and national newspapers. Rick, a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College lives in Danville, California with his two children.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

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Hiking Mexico's Highest Peaks Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

My grandfather, Manuel Prado Rodriguez, routinely led expeditions hiking Mexico's highest peaks: Pico de Orizaba, Mt. Iztaccihuatl and Mt. Popocatepetl!   All these peaks are in excess of 17,000 feet with Orizaba the tallest at 18,490 feet.  He climbed Pico de Orizaba near Vera Cruz, Mexico three times; and Mt. Iztaccihuatl and Mt. Popocatepetl, 65 and 85 times, respectively.  He once slept inside the Volcanic Mount Popocatepetl in sub-zero temperatures!   

Pico de Orizaba: "A regionally dominant peak, and in fact the highest peak between Columbia and the Yukon, the Pico de Orizaba is ranked 7th in the world in topographic prominence. It is the second most prominent volcanic peak in the world after Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro. Although it is about 110 km (75 miles) inland, to the west of the port of Veracruz, its peak is visible to ships approaching the port in the Gulf of Mexico, and at dawn rays of sunlight strike the Pico while Veracruz still lies in shadow. The Pico is ranked 16th in the world for topographic isolation.  The peak is one of three volcanoes that contain permanent snow and glaciers in Mexico. The others are Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl."  Learn more about mountaineering in Mexico.

So, to me, it's was fascinating to learn of my Grandfather's alpinist adventures through the memorabilia he saved over the years.  Unfortunately, I was never able to ask him personally about his exploits (he is deceased) so I often wonder about his motivation and his physical attributes. How could he pull off that many climbs unless it was over a twenty year period or longer and extremely consistent?

I can only imagine what it would be like to strike the same footsteps as my Grandfather.  Gazing before me the prodigious Pico de Orizaba, imagining for a moment what route and how he climbed and with whom and why he did it?  Or even the chance to observe "La Mujer Dormida," the sleeping lady (Mt. Iztaccihuatl) so named for it's likeness to a sleeping woman. Trekking through the unknown, and the challenge of finding myself on a trail somewhere on that peak knowing my predecessor had been here before.  Wondering where he might have set camp; his conversations, and his trail companions.  

And finally arriving at Mt. Popocatepetl (Mt. Popo), perhaps his most familiar trek and the one nearest his home in Mexico City. And, the one I would most likely visit first. 'Popocatepetl also known as "Popochowa" by the local population is an active volcano and, at 5,426 m (17,802 ft), the second highest peak in Mexico.  Popocatepetl is linked to the Iztaccihatl volcano to the north by the high saddle known as the Paso de Cortes, and lies in the eastern half of the Trans-Mexican volcanic belt.

Popocatepetl is 70 km (43 mi) southeast of Mexico City from where it can be seen regularly, depending on atmospheric conditions. The residents of Puebla, a mere 40 km (25 mi) east of the volcano, enjoy the views of the snowy and glacier-clad mountain almost all year long."

Perhaps, someday I will have the opportunity to gaze the same sight of these peaks that my grandfather once did.  It's another one for the bucket list!

Rick Rodriguez is a Real Estate Broker & Property Manager with 27+ years of experience in the real estate business. Rick, a Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College, services the San Francisco East Bay Area including the communities in the 680/580 freeway corridors, and Southern Alameda & Southern Contra Costa County. Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

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"Baseball Purity" Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

I originally wrote "Baseball Purity" in 2006.  Today (1/14/10), I received a call from the San Ramon Valley Times requesting my permission to publish a follow up piece to the ongoing drama that I recently wrote.  While my recent commentary is quite harsh, and I wrote it while I listened to the recent revelations of Mark McGwire, it concurs with most of what I read, heard, and seen written in various mediums about the ongoing steroid mess.  While my castigation is not personal, it represents my sentiment about what I feel has destroyed the integrity of the game of baseball!

By Rick Rodriguez

I often express myself in words to the Opinion pages section of the San Ramon Valley Times (SRV Times).  I sent this letter to the SRV Times shortly after the 2006 World Series concluded.  My attacks aren't personal.  What I am opposed to is how the world of baseball has changed so much since the time I collected baseball cards as a kid.  I yearn for the days when I could admire athletes for their on field accomplishments earned through hard work, dedication, and the unaltered limits of their ability. However, I am sadly afraid those days are gone!

" Baseball Purity" San Ramon Valley Times Published November 10, 2006 by Rick Rodriguez

"It's difficult to be happy for local resident and baseball manager of the world champion St. Louis Cardinals, Tony La Russa.  Yes, La Russa has just guided the St. Louis Cardinals to a world championship, and for that, he will receive appropriate accolades. 

However, for baseball purists and those who care about the integrity of the game, La Russa also will be recalled as the manager of the two leading protagonists of the baseball steroid scandal: Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco.  Regrettably, these two players were at the vanguard of the insidious disease that is now ubiquitous in professional sports.

Moreover, the deleterious effects of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs continue to influence the results and performances we witness on the playing fields.

Of course, it would be inappropriate to cast La Russa as responsible for his player's actions; however, I often wonder how a stand up guy like La Russa, as the leader of his ball club, couldn't have discovered the behavior of the players he was responsible to manage.  Let us remember that La Russa didn't manage these players for a year or two, but in McGwire's case more than a decade.

So, as I see it, La Russa has some culpability for looking the other way while his players were obliterating sacred home-run records with Arnold Scharzenegger-like forearms.

As a baseball purist, it's the actions of some and the inaction of others that have destroyed my passion for the game."

And here is another attachment to this story and an end to my argument on this subject:

San Ramon Valley Times "McGwire's lies" January 18, 2010 by Rick Rodriguez

"So now we know Mark McGwire was lying all along.  He was lying to his friends, his kids, and his buddy Tony La Russa.  It seems these days all liars are getting caught, doesn't it? 

How I remember McGwire embracing his son (batboy) after he broke Roger Maris' home run record and shaking hands with Maris' family representatives on hand for a historic event (?)

Good, now we know that Jose Canseco was telling the truth, an ostracized Canseco, ousted from baseball for ratting out his buddies.  Canseco, embarrassed by La Russa, who announced his trade by pulling him from the on-deck circle!  A class guy the La Russa--I know nothing, I see nothing!"

In this final closing statement to the steroid era and three leading protagonists, I submitted the above to the SRV Times and was published a 2nd time on this story.  I am certainly not proud of my castigations or opinions.  But, certainly I said what is being said by many including many nationally circulated papers; on sports blogs, commentary's; and by such broadcasting luminaries like--Bob Costas! 

I can't find the capacity to accept McGwire's pre-scripted apology!  He doesn't owe me anything personally.  I am nothing more than a fan of baseball and of a game I grew up with and appreciated for its team concept and sense of historical value.  What he and others have done is shattered that sense of history and placed his entire career and created a parenthesis or asterisk on it forever!

Rick Rodriguez is a writer and is frequently published in opinion/editorial sections in local and national newspapers. Rick, a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College lives in Danville, California with his two children.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

Follow Rick at:

http://www.rickrodriguez.net/

www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rocket

www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rodriguez_Report