View From Castle Peak

We'd spent the summer training for this hike. It would be over twelve miles linear and 3,600 feet vertical before we were done. The hike begins at Donner Pass in the Tahoe National Forest. It starts with a gentle rise through beautiful forest and flowers. The slope becomes steep as you emerge onto the volcanic rock-strewn path. The scenery and view changes every half mile. We didn't know if we'd make it. We just kept looking a bit ahead and telling ourselves we could make it that far. Half mile by half mile we climbed Castle Peak. The view from the top? Yep, it was worth it.

Danish Kringle

Try a kringle from Solving Bakery the next time you are in California"s Central Coast area. This traditional Danish pastry may look like a giant pretzel, but bite into a piece for a lovely surprise. The filling is a mix of almond paste and custard. The pastry is lightly sprinkled with sugar an generously covered with sliced almonds. This kringle will easily satisfy 10-12 people.