Peakbagging Southern California

In the bloom of my youth, I climbed some of California's peaks quite casually. San Jacinto, Cuyamaca. and (I think), San Gorgonio among them. The ascent of Mt. Whitney came later, when I was twenty.

Now, older, and always looking for ways to get an interesting workout, I've rediscovered the joys of climbing big mountains. Last month, I went on a Sierra Club outing and went to Jones Peak near the hamlet of Sierra Madre. The Troutdaughter also went along, and enjoyed the trip. A few weeks later, the Troutwife and I ascended Jones by ourselves. And last Friday, I went beyond Jones on my own to ascend nearby Hastings Peak. Hastings is somewhat higher and further. Both Jones and Hastings provide panoramic views of the Los Angeles area.

My nordic walking poles are a great help on these outings. They power me uphill and ease the stress on the knees on the way down.

We have some other trips planned before the arrival of warmer weather and the Sierra trout season. These include the ascents of San Jacinto, San Guillermo (in the Lockwood Valley area), and some peaks in Joshua Tree. I'm not a great map reader or very good at orientiering, so I'm choosing my peaks carefully.

Vinegar and Diabetes

Since I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last year, I've been scouring the internet for "natural" ways of controlling blood sugar.

This study from Arizona State University caught my attention. They found that a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar do a great job.

My own experience after six weeks of daily vinegar use confirms the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar. Recently, I was at a banquet and had two slices of regular cheesecake for dessert. When I got home some hours later and checked my blood sugar, it was in the high nineties. Not too bad. I'll be having an A1C test soon, and am looking forward to having the usefulness of vinegar confirmed.

DO NOT use white vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is best (taken with water), but I've also used balsamic vinegar and malt vinegar in a pinch. For those who can't stand the taste, there are vinegar pills available at natural food stores.

Update July 20, 2006

Thinking that the acidic component of vinegar provides the benefit of carb suppression, I've been trying lime juice, which tastes a lot better. Concentrated lime juice can be purchased at any supermarket. My daily readings continue to be good. I've been putting off the A1C, but will post it when available.