This race - my favorite - was nevertheless a literal last minute decision for Ferrell. It made for an exciting drive, since we hadn't signed up ahead of time and needed to get to the check in at the June Lake Ski Center by 5:59pm sharp or we'd be outta luck. Rick showed up at my door, we threw my bike and gear in the back, and headed off. I got on the iPhone maps and the word was that we'd make it to the ski lift in 7 hr 14 minutes and get there with a full 5 minutes to spare! Needless to say, every time we slowed a bit on the freeway, there was consternation and re-calculating going on. At one point, our margin shrank to just 2 minutes, despite trying hard to edge over the speed limit (that's NOT Ferrell's preferred mode) whenever prudent. The big worry was once we got to Yosemite and what would the summer traffic on Hwy 120 be like? Likely not good - but we were incredibly lucky and got behind no RV's or other looky-loos, and made good time through the Park. Still, we had no time for food or bathroom stops (we stopped once for a quick dash behind a pine tree, is all), and managed to get one gas stop in with Indy-500 level efficiency. We pulled in to the ski lift, dashed out, ran through the doors just about closing time, and got the last two spots in the race! Rick "Mr Lucky" Ferrell had prevailed! Next was getting a room at our familiar place. that too worked well, since there was still a couple of rooms and we got a discount seeing as the risk from the owner's viewpoint was not booking them at all.

Plenty o' race fuel aboard

Temperatures got over 100F in the Central Valley

At the motel; we get our bike's set up..

Early next morning; a 3 mile ride to the beach on June Lake and our race venue

A half mile from the motel now, the race venue comes into view

A pause before getting to the transition area and getting marked

The race course is difficult, but it's impossible not to be wearing a big smile throughout - the mountain beauty is amazing

Our traditional duo shot before the race, in transition

My swim was pretty good - having learned the hard way at this 7,600 ft lake in the past, to go a bit slower at the start so as not to lose oxygen in the first 200 yds. I was comfortable throughout - maybe too comfortable. Rick beat me out of the water again, by a good half minute or so I think. He hopped on the bike while I was still struggling with my wetsuit. Then, off, up the hill, and do the June Lake Loop clockwise; down into the town of June Lake and beyond, to Hwy 395, up, and back to the June Lake Loop on the upper entrance.

Always good to see the finishing cones.

Rick did well - got 2nd place in his age group. Congratulations!

My entry managed to scare off competition, and I took first place! That's my first, for a triathlon. So they had me join the ladies in that age group for the Podium shot

Results: