Jackie Evancho concert November 8

The Jackie Evancho concert held at the Flint Center in Cupertino on November 8. The orchestra were very impressive, not sure where they were from.

Jackie sang songs from her two albums. Her voice was perfect the whole night.

A new dress for the second half.

She invited some kids from the audience to come up onto the stage to listen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_Zer-SB9NY

Yosemite fire damage Oct 20 2013

Here are some of the photos of the fire damage at the entrance to the national park. It is amazing that most of the trees did not burn down to the ground. In fact most of the leaves are still on the trees. The vegetation seems to have been cooked rather than burnt.

Yosemite Trip Oct 20 2013

I spent the weekend back in Yosemite for the first time since the government shutdown. I was able to see the result of the big forest fire on my way.
I met up with 3 other climbers, Nicholas from Austria, Lexy from Canada and Mirko from Italy. We climbed 'After 6' a 5 pitch climb that is a good intro for climbers new to Yosemite. I spend several hours during the weekend lying in El Cap meadows looking up at the Nose and watching climbers. It is a very inspiring place to hang out. I didn't spot any famous climbers but they will probably return this week. I hope to head out again this weekend.

This guy is from England and he has just climbed the first 4 pitches and is now ready to haul his stuff.

                                                     A group to the left of the Nose.

                                                       Here is Nicholas on 'After 6'

 This climb takes about 3 to 4 hours and has some stunning views. It is about 300m from El Capitan.

 The girl in the background is from Switzerland. I found out that she has met Nina Caprez (one of my climbing hero's). Very cool!

                                                      At the top. Perfect conditions.

                                                        I never get sick of this view.

Around the camp fire in Camp 4. It got pretty cold over night.