i unfortunately am suffering from that.
i originally thought it might be a result of the free wine we were able to partake in from the wedding party... or an after effect of me eating too much cake... but after day 3 of swollen glands and a stuffy nose, it's official. I am suffering from the common cold. I can only hope that the achey, head throb, grossness i am currently feeling will melt away with the sun that is supposedly coming out tomorrow... so, please, keep your fingers crossed.
Today we explored the trails behind the learning center to discover locations for "teachable moments" with the kids. This included us rubbing charcoal on our face from the remnants of a cedar burned to the ground in an old forest fire... and i had to lick a banana slug. it was gross. We also had to learn about other fun topics such as: child safety, human resources, camp history. Actually, some of these were fun, but, i'd rather be outside sometimes.
We ended our night with a potluck dinner at the other stephanie's house to celebrate her birthday and nicks birthday. It was a good time, and there was a lot of good food to be had, and an amazing opportunity to mingle with some of the staff at the center.
Tomorrow, risk management training and more curriculum discussions and supposedly sunshine.
hoooray!!!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
When you come to visit, bring ice cream
time:
90 minutes to the closest hospital
60 minutes to a grocery store that has food i eat
45 minutes to an ok grocery store
30 minutes to the gas station, that carries ben & jerrys
Today was my first day of training at the institute. It started off with name games, followed by 2 hours of team building exercises, then lunch for an hour then random "getting to know the campus" tours capped off with 2 hours of mountain school introductions.
Mountain School is when we'll be teaching kids from 5th - 12th grade using the curriculum titled "environmental ecosystems." We just got our teaching schedules and curriculum packets, today so i have about 2.5 weeks to cram all of that into my head before trying to inspire 12 year olds. no pressure.
After we were done training, a few of us took canoes out for an hour or so before dinner and did laps around the area of the lake where the wind does not incite white caps. After dinner, i had a nice run in the rain, which was a very pleasant reminder that i live in the pacific northwest and that fall is quickly approaching.
more tomorrow when i'm still not damp from my run and exhausted from the day. enjoy some photos.
kate & codi paddling back
rafting up to hear a good story from Kate
the walk to "class" from my apartment
90 minutes to the closest hospital
60 minutes to a grocery store that has food i eat
45 minutes to an ok grocery store
30 minutes to the gas station, that carries ben & jerrys
Today was my first day of training at the institute. It started off with name games, followed by 2 hours of team building exercises, then lunch for an hour then random "getting to know the campus" tours capped off with 2 hours of mountain school introductions.
Mountain School is when we'll be teaching kids from 5th - 12th grade using the curriculum titled "environmental ecosystems." We just got our teaching schedules and curriculum packets, today so i have about 2.5 weeks to cram all of that into my head before trying to inspire 12 year olds. no pressure.
After we were done training, a few of us took canoes out for an hour or so before dinner and did laps around the area of the lake where the wind does not incite white caps. After dinner, i had a nice run in the rain, which was a very pleasant reminder that i live in the pacific northwest and that fall is quickly approaching.
more tomorrow when i'm still not damp from my run and exhausted from the day. enjoy some photos.
kate & codi paddling back
rafting up to hear a good story from Kate
the walk to "class" from my apartment
Sunday, August 29, 2010
testing... testing... is this thing on?
Frank helped me move in to my new digs up in the mountains yesterday. We were able to fit:
3 bikes (1 was his)
a dresser
2 plastic bins
1 pine tree
some boxes
some bags
a lot of beer & wine (pick-me-ups for rainy days)
into the back of his truck. We were graced with good weather, and a beautiful location to be moved to. Here are some photos of my new pad. I'll put up more this week on the location here at NCI and then keep you up on what's going on in the world of training.
enjoying morning bagels in the kitchen
living room & porch views. not an ad for my bike.
went to mazama on sunday for a lazy day of climbing and biking. This is post coyote sighting on the mazama trail system.
3 bikes (1 was his)
a dresser
2 plastic bins
1 pine tree
some boxes
some bags
a lot of beer & wine (pick-me-ups for rainy days)
into the back of his truck. We were graced with good weather, and a beautiful location to be moved to. Here are some photos of my new pad. I'll put up more this week on the location here at NCI and then keep you up on what's going on in the world of training.
enjoying morning bagels in the kitchen
living room & porch views. not an ad for my bike.
went to mazama on sunday for a lazy day of climbing and biking. This is post coyote sighting on the mazama trail system.
p.s Communication updates - i have none... as in, i have no idea how the heck the phone works here. So for now, the best thing to do is to email me... and if you really need to talk to me, i'll be back in my room around 8 - 9ish every night, so i can call you via skype then. If you're an east coaster, i can give you a call before 9am my time. just let me know.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Wakely Mountain
68 degrees and sunny
What can we do today? Have to check on the old chevy in Indian Lake. What expedition can we add to that?
Wakely Mountain: 3,744 ft - 12 miles away from the chevy. Lets do that!
Arrived Indian Lake at 12:30pm. The garage was deserted and the chevy sat outside. The radiator, carborator, power steering lines were all some place else. It was obvious that it would be a while before the chevy could run.
Drove 12 miles to the Wakely trailhead, 8 miles paved, 4 miles gravel. Parked the car at 1pm and started our ascent. 70 degrees, bright blue skies. A classic Adirondack climbing day.
The first 2 miles was relatively flat, smooth and perfect for a fast walk. The day before, we had 3 inches of rain in the area, so there was water everywhere, but the trail still remained dry in some places. After our 2 mile walk, we finally began to the ascend the mountain. It must have been a nice trail for the ranger who used the trail 50 years ago while manning the fire tower. 50 years, thousands of hikers and Adirondack rains and melting snow had turned the trail into a rock strewn stream bed. None the less, we were able to side step a lot of the trail, following the foot path of earlier climbers. We managed to keep our feet dry and were able to gain the 1200 elevation increase over one mile in about 45 minutes with few rest stops.
The chevy when in working condition
View from the tower
looking toward the high peaks
The fire tower
What can we do today? Have to check on the old chevy in Indian Lake. What expedition can we add to that?
Wakely Mountain: 3,744 ft - 12 miles away from the chevy. Lets do that!
Arrived Indian Lake at 12:30pm. The garage was deserted and the chevy sat outside. The radiator, carborator, power steering lines were all some place else. It was obvious that it would be a while before the chevy could run.
Drove 12 miles to the Wakely trailhead, 8 miles paved, 4 miles gravel. Parked the car at 1pm and started our ascent. 70 degrees, bright blue skies. A classic Adirondack climbing day.
The first 2 miles was relatively flat, smooth and perfect for a fast walk. The day before, we had 3 inches of rain in the area, so there was water everywhere, but the trail still remained dry in some places. After our 2 mile walk, we finally began to the ascend the mountain. It must have been a nice trail for the ranger who used the trail 50 years ago while manning the fire tower. 50 years, thousands of hikers and Adirondack rains and melting snow had turned the trail into a rock strewn stream bed. None the less, we were able to side step a lot of the trail, following the foot path of earlier climbers. We managed to keep our feet dry and were able to gain the 1200 elevation increase over one mile in about 45 minutes with few rest stops.
SUMMIT
There was the highest fire tower in the Adirondacks built by what appeared to be some 10 old years idea of how to use an erector set. Which only the brave would climb to the top (Stephanie), but the views from the tower was one of the best in all of the Adirondack Park. I made the third level up the tower, and saw the top of pine trees. We took a few minutes to rest at the rotting picnic table and Stephanie explored the creepy rangers house. Abandoned for at least 50 years, but still had cots with mattresses on them. Not sure who would sleep on them, but apparently some have in the last several years. Perhaps ghosts from the high peaks, looking for solace at lower elevation.
While the Adirondacks are known for their 46 high peaks, all of which are over 4,000 feet, Wakely would probably would be #53. But certainly was worth the climb. Great day. Descent and drive out to Indian lake took about 2 hours. Obvious project was made on the chevy but the carborator was still missing.
Before heading back to Raquette Lake, we had to gas up the volvo, and Steph a great chocolate milkshake and I had a klondike bar. Back to the lake, and the tap room for high-fives, mozzarella sticks and beer.
- Steve Bennett
While the Adirondacks are known for their 46 high peaks, all of which are over 4,000 feet, Wakely would probably would be #53. But certainly was worth the climb. Great day. Descent and drive out to Indian lake took about 2 hours. Obvious project was made on the chevy but the carborator was still missing.
Before heading back to Raquette Lake, we had to gas up the volvo, and Steph a great chocolate milkshake and I had a klondike bar. Back to the lake, and the tap room for high-fives, mozzarella sticks and beer.
- Steve Bennett
The chevy when in working condition
View from the tower
looking toward the high peaks
The fire tower
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Vacation Day
It's sunny out, and i am currently at my families house on Raquette Lake in the Adirondacks... based on that sentence, im taking a day off from this thing, and will be back with something tomorrow... hopefully it's good.
enjoy the day!
enjoy the day!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Slate Peak
With the need to abandon our backcountry trek, we went front country and drove throughout the North Cascades. We successfully continued our wilderness experience, even though we did travel by car. This caused us to ask each other the question "what really is wilderness?" Is it a perception or an actual line drawn in the dirt?
Enter Slate Peak.
We walked up to the top of Slate Peak as a group in order to watch the sunset that evening. It was grand. We were the only people there, so we had the entire peak & lookout to ourselves. On the way up, we encountered the wilderness boundary line, and this fancy sign posted by the forest service.
(Sign text - You are standing on the boundary of a carefully protected wildland nearly 90 miles wild called the Pasayten Wilderness. Here things happen at nature's pace and by nature's rules. Humans only visit, traveling by foot or horseback and living on what can be carried along. Among these silent peaks and winding valleys is the chance to leave technology behind and experience what it might have been like in the beginning)
It was a beautiful setting, where you could look out on the landscape and see how time has shaped this area. The valleys were carved by glaciers into the perfect "U" and were now filled with trees. The peaks jutted up from the valley floor at an alarming rate, and still held snow and ice. We were able to view the sunset from the top of the peak and watch as a sliver of the moon lit the mountains below. It was beautiful.
Here's the catch. We drove there. We drove up to a height of nearly 6800 feet then hiked the remaining 200 feet to the top. I would argue that we were in Wilderness, even though we arrived via four wheels. When looking to the north, east and west, we were looking at designated wilderness areas, yet we stood on a paved mountain top, which once housed a look-out during the cold war.
It begs to ask the question, what is Wilderness? Is Wilderness a perception or a boundary? Is Wilderness a personal experience or a place requiring a permit for access?
Can we provide people access to "Wilderness" even though it does not hold "Wildness?" It's something to think about when we discuss access and get angry over designation and usage.
Is it more meaningful for someone to drive to an access point, view wilderness and have an experience that evokes a desire to preserve this landscape? Or must we outlaw access, and only allow the fit and young to enter the Wilderness creating their own experiences? What provokes conservation in the public?
It's just something to think about. I know this visit changed my perspective, and I urge you to drive to this same spot and view the landscape before you as well. Then, you can park your car, sign the trail log and set forth into the trees and ridge lines before you.
Enter Slate Peak.
We walked up to the top of Slate Peak as a group in order to watch the sunset that evening. It was grand. We were the only people there, so we had the entire peak & lookout to ourselves. On the way up, we encountered the wilderness boundary line, and this fancy sign posted by the forest service.
(Sign text - You are standing on the boundary of a carefully protected wildland nearly 90 miles wild called the Pasayten Wilderness. Here things happen at nature's pace and by nature's rules. Humans only visit, traveling by foot or horseback and living on what can be carried along. Among these silent peaks and winding valleys is the chance to leave technology behind and experience what it might have been like in the beginning)It was a beautiful setting, where you could look out on the landscape and see how time has shaped this area. The valleys were carved by glaciers into the perfect "U" and were now filled with trees. The peaks jutted up from the valley floor at an alarming rate, and still held snow and ice. We were able to view the sunset from the top of the peak and watch as a sliver of the moon lit the mountains below. It was beautiful.
Here's the catch. We drove there. We drove up to a height of nearly 6800 feet then hiked the remaining 200 feet to the top. I would argue that we were in Wilderness, even though we arrived via four wheels. When looking to the north, east and west, we were looking at designated wilderness areas, yet we stood on a paved mountain top, which once housed a look-out during the cold war.
It begs to ask the question, what is Wilderness? Is Wilderness a perception or a boundary? Is Wilderness a personal experience or a place requiring a permit for access?
Can we provide people access to "Wilderness" even though it does not hold "Wildness?" It's something to think about when we discuss access and get angry over designation and usage.
Is it more meaningful for someone to drive to an access point, view wilderness and have an experience that evokes a desire to preserve this landscape? Or must we outlaw access, and only allow the fit and young to enter the Wilderness creating their own experiences? What provokes conservation in the public?
It's just something to think about. I know this visit changed my perspective, and I urge you to drive to this same spot and view the landscape before you as well. Then, you can park your car, sign the trail log and set forth into the trees and ridge lines before you.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Desolation
No man should go through life without once experiencing healthy, even bored solitude in the wilderness, finding himself depending solely on himself and thereby learning his true and hidden strength.
- Jack Kerouac
We left camp at 8am and began the hike up Desolation. I have wanted to climb this peak since I first read it's name in Dharma Bums over 10 years ago. The excitement of climbing a trail and seeing the same views as Kerouac had almost 60 years ago was amazing. However, nearly halfway up the climb, I realized that this was in fact my hike, that could define my life. Comparing my experiences to him was only an injustice to myself and that I need to enjoy it all for what it is. It is a mountain in the North Cascades that has some of the most impressive views i have seen.
As I continued to ascend up the mountain, I remembered what Kerouac had written in "Desolation Angels." Jack had gone up to Desolation as the fire lookout to become closer to god:
". . . I'd thought in June . . . "When I get to the top of Desolation Peak and I'm alone I'll come face to face with God or Tathagatha and find out once and for all what is the meaning of all this existence," but instead I'd come face to face with myself . . . face to face with Hateful Old Me." -Jack Kerouac
In the end, Jack lived on Desolation for months, and hated it. From his writings, it seems that he never truly experienced the place he was living in. I chose to do the opposite. I sat and viewed bees pollinating nearby flowers. I smelled a Ponderosa Pine (they smell like vanilla, try it!). I pondered how ants can be so industrious at 6,000 feet. I sat and ate granola while viewing the summit with Hozomeen looming in the background. I listened to the buzzing life that took place all around me as I was alone on the trail.
Once on top of Desolation, I was greeted by this seasons lookout, Daniel. An ex-marine turned ponderer, he has been up in the lookout for over 60 days and has a month to go. He has loved every moment of it. He showed us the fire finder and taught us how to identify the size and shape of each one of them. He showed us where he sleeps, which is a corner in the lookout on a bed made from rope. He invited us to stay and have coffee so he could enjoy our presence longer.
I sat next to my professor on the peak and we played the name game. Pointing out jagged peaks in the distance we called out:
Baker, Shuksan, Forbidden, Torment, Rahm, Spickard, Challenger, Luna, Crater, Sourdough, Colonial, Snowfield, El Dorado, Torment, Sahale, Azurite, Tower, Jack, Little Jack, Jackass, Hozomeen, Formidable, Triumph, Fury, Inspiration, Crooked Thumb, McMillan Spires, Twin Needles, The Rake.
After the name game finished, and I had my list of peaks to climb over the next year, I went off by myself and explored. I didn't get too far before I chose to sit down and just look out on the landscape before me. Desolation was an inspiring place to be. The valleys rolled out before your eyes and ended at the base of peaks jutting up 7,000 feet from the valley floor. How Kerouac could not find this a lovely and exhilarating place is beyond me.
After lunch, we gave our goodbyes to Daniel and headed down the trail. We were laughing and exchanging stories and thoughts from the day. It was a beautiful day, and I look forward to climbing Desolation again.
I felt like lying down by the side of the trail and remembering it all. The woods do that to you, they always look familiar, long lost, like the face of a long-dead relative, like an old dream, like a piece of forgotten song drifting across the water, most of all like golden eternities of past childhood or past manhood and all the living and the dying and the heartbreak that went on a million years ago and the clouds as they pass overhead seem to testify (by their own lonesome familiarity) to this feeling. Ecstasy, even, I felt, with flashes of sudden remembrance, and feeling sweaty and drowsy I felt like sleeping and dreaming in the grass.
- Jack Kerouac
Left to Right: Top Row - Teresa, Kate, me, Daniel, Dave, Cassie. Bottom Row - Nick & John
- Jack Kerouac
We left camp at 8am and began the hike up Desolation. I have wanted to climb this peak since I first read it's name in Dharma Bums over 10 years ago. The excitement of climbing a trail and seeing the same views as Kerouac had almost 60 years ago was amazing. However, nearly halfway up the climb, I realized that this was in fact my hike, that could define my life. Comparing my experiences to him was only an injustice to myself and that I need to enjoy it all for what it is. It is a mountain in the North Cascades that has some of the most impressive views i have seen.
As I continued to ascend up the mountain, I remembered what Kerouac had written in "Desolation Angels." Jack had gone up to Desolation as the fire lookout to become closer to god:
". . . I'd thought in June . . . "When I get to the top of Desolation Peak and I'm alone I'll come face to face with God or Tathagatha and find out once and for all what is the meaning of all this existence," but instead I'd come face to face with myself . . . face to face with Hateful Old Me." -Jack Kerouac
In the end, Jack lived on Desolation for months, and hated it. From his writings, it seems that he never truly experienced the place he was living in. I chose to do the opposite. I sat and viewed bees pollinating nearby flowers. I smelled a Ponderosa Pine (they smell like vanilla, try it!). I pondered how ants can be so industrious at 6,000 feet. I sat and ate granola while viewing the summit with Hozomeen looming in the background. I listened to the buzzing life that took place all around me as I was alone on the trail.
Once on top of Desolation, I was greeted by this seasons lookout, Daniel. An ex-marine turned ponderer, he has been up in the lookout for over 60 days and has a month to go. He has loved every moment of it. He showed us the fire finder and taught us how to identify the size and shape of each one of them. He showed us where he sleeps, which is a corner in the lookout on a bed made from rope. He invited us to stay and have coffee so he could enjoy our presence longer.
I sat next to my professor on the peak and we played the name game. Pointing out jagged peaks in the distance we called out:
Baker, Shuksan, Forbidden, Torment, Rahm, Spickard, Challenger, Luna, Crater, Sourdough, Colonial, Snowfield, El Dorado, Torment, Sahale, Azurite, Tower, Jack, Little Jack, Jackass, Hozomeen, Formidable, Triumph, Fury, Inspiration, Crooked Thumb, McMillan Spires, Twin Needles, The Rake.
After the name game finished, and I had my list of peaks to climb over the next year, I went off by myself and explored. I didn't get too far before I chose to sit down and just look out on the landscape before me. Desolation was an inspiring place to be. The valleys rolled out before your eyes and ended at the base of peaks jutting up 7,000 feet from the valley floor. How Kerouac could not find this a lovely and exhilarating place is beyond me.
After lunch, we gave our goodbyes to Daniel and headed down the trail. We were laughing and exchanging stories and thoughts from the day. It was a beautiful day, and I look forward to climbing Desolation again.
I felt like lying down by the side of the trail and remembering it all. The woods do that to you, they always look familiar, long lost, like the face of a long-dead relative, like an old dream, like a piece of forgotten song drifting across the water, most of all like golden eternities of past childhood or past manhood and all the living and the dying and the heartbreak that went on a million years ago and the clouds as they pass overhead seem to testify (by their own lonesome familiarity) to this feeling. Ecstasy, even, I felt, with flashes of sudden remembrance, and feeling sweaty and drowsy I felt like sleeping and dreaming in the grass.
- Jack Kerouac
Left to Right: Top Row - Teresa, Kate, me, Daniel, Dave, Cassie. Bottom Row - Nick & JohnWednesday, August 18, 2010
9 days outside
Adventure Map Located Here
We set out for a 9 day backpacking trip, and ended up with a 4 day backpacking trip, a 1 day boat trip and a 4 day car camping trip.
One of the girls unfortunately injured her knee coming down desolation, so we had to leave the trip and do some front country camping. The hard part about it was that we were forced to hike some of my most favorite places in all of the Cascades. We had lunch on the top of Cut Throat Pass and watched the sunset over the entire North Cascades Range from the top of Slate Peak and we camped by a rivers edge at the far end of the Twisp River Road.
The trip was fantastic. I am exhausted and happily still lying in bed at 9:40am. Tomorrow, Desolation.
We set out for a 9 day backpacking trip, and ended up with a 4 day backpacking trip, a 1 day boat trip and a 4 day car camping trip.
One of the girls unfortunately injured her knee coming down desolation, so we had to leave the trip and do some front country camping. The hard part about it was that we were forced to hike some of my most favorite places in all of the Cascades. We had lunch on the top of Cut Throat Pass and watched the sunset over the entire North Cascades Range from the top of Slate Peak and we camped by a rivers edge at the far end of the Twisp River Road.
The trip was fantastic. I am exhausted and happily still lying in bed at 9:40am. Tomorrow, Desolation.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Australia - the final leg
First a note. HAPPY BDAY MOM!!!!!!!! My mom was born on this day in the sweltering state of Mississippi. She's been a pretty rad mom since day one... which is proven by all of my crap she's put up with since i was born.
and the final leg of the Australia trip - home
Thursday July 18 (New Thursday) 85°
Nine hour from Auckland to Honolulu. Slept four hours, 2nd movie was Dances with Wolves so I watched that. Incredibly red vivid sunrise as we sent by the Big Island.
Rented a red Mustang convertible and drove to the North Shore Hilton in Turtle Bay. Swam in the pool and later at Sunset Beach. Margarita’s at Jamesons (Sues favorite place) then back to the hotel for dinner and bed.
Friday – Sunny 87°
Got up early, went to the pool, then out to get a thermometer for Steph. She laid around with a 100° fever while I went windsurfing. When I got back it was 104° so we went to the local hospital (not to much to shout about) and met Dr. Surfer Sid who diagnosed an infection – so we stayed in and got medicine and rest.
Thanks for the memories dad!!!! When im on the grand trip, you can all look forward to either:
1) history on WWII D-Day invasion, told through photos and my mom
2) Dads journal from Baja
3) your stories!!!
and the final leg of the Australia trip - home
Thursday July 18 (New Thursday) 85°
Nine hour from Auckland to Honolulu. Slept four hours, 2nd movie was Dances with Wolves so I watched that. Incredibly red vivid sunrise as we sent by the Big Island.
Rented a red Mustang convertible and drove to the North Shore Hilton in Turtle Bay. Swam in the pool and later at Sunset Beach. Margarita’s at Jamesons (Sues favorite place) then back to the hotel for dinner and bed.
Friday – Sunny 87°
Got up early, went to the pool, then out to get a thermometer for Steph. She laid around with a 100° fever while I went windsurfing. When I got back it was 104° so we went to the local hospital (not to much to shout about) and met Dr. Surfer Sid who diagnosed an infection – so we stayed in and got medicine and rest.
Thanks for the memories dad!!!! When im on the grand trip, you can all look forward to either:
1) history on WWII D-Day invasion, told through photos and my mom
2) Dads journal from Baja
3) your stories!!!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Australia
Friday July 12th – Sunny
Starting out at 15° just like a Raquette Lake summer morning. Steph is bugging me to play cards, so I will write more later. “Ok steph, deal the cards.”
We took up our anchor about 9am and started back to Able Point Marina with a stop for a look see at Molle Island.
Steady winds of 15 to 20 knots, with gusts to 25. Great Sailing. The 23 ton Rogue II really sails smoothly. It was quite enjoyable really. “A fair dinkum day.”
Got back to Able Point about 1pm, drove up to the Caravan park for wine & cookies with the Craddocks then left about 3:30pm for Townsville and stopped off at Avril Beach, a small spot on the map, but desolate as far as accommodations (none) and people (just a few). Arrived Townsville about 7:15pm and round a nice hotel, $45 a night, on the strand and did the wash to be ready for the rest of the trip.
Saturday July 13th - 22° Sunny
Went to Magnetic Island on the 11:50am ferry after doing a lot of shopping at a local saddle shop. Drizzabone riding coat, safari shirt and pants and an authentic snow river hat.
Townsville is Queensland’s capital and a rather laid back kind of town – 120,000 people. What was really nice was Magnetic Island which lies only five miles off of Townsville: very hilly, picturesque, and absolutely beautiful but simple. People there are absolutely laid back, almost hippy like. Rented a Mini-Moke for transport around: neat little car, but gear shift fell out just before turning it in – “No problem Mate!”
The fun thing at Magnetic Island was our horseback ride for two hours through the jungle and the beach where we galloped and swam with the horses. Mine was Clyde (a Clydesdale) and Steph had a large pony (small horse) named “Salty.” Both were pretty spirited and fun to handle. Stephanie, the expert rider she thought she was, got frightened during her first canter but was fine after she found out she wouldn’t fall off. Gail was a real trooper and kept up with a trot all the way. Had Baramundi for the first time that night at our hotel, Latitude 19, which was the best value of the trip - $68/night for all three of us. The Gail & I went out to Mongumes where they had a band on the beach. Backpackers and beer. I kept her up until 2am.
Sunday July 14th – Sunny 23°
Slight hangover this AM. Packed our bags and headed out after a short Island hop around and drove 385ks straight to Cairns and checked into Kewoea Lodge about 5pm. Steph & I got a nice Bungalo, two rooms (1 with bunk beds) and kitchenette for $120/night (normally $255).
The drive from Townsville was absolutely beautiful with mountains everywhere and cane fields in every valley. Went to bed at 9pm after a room service meal and conked out quickly.
Monday July 15th – High 25°, low 12°
Sunny of course, but very windy in the afternoon. Today was a real sit around day. Got moving about 9am, went to breakfast then the beach. Used the hotels catamaran then alternated between the beach, the pool and later windsurfed. Did eight to ten water starts and some wave riding in 20 knot winds. Had Baramundi for dinner, as did Stephanie. Then back to the room by 9:30pm to read and fall asleep early as Tuesday we had a 6:30am wake up for our barrier reef trip.
Tuesday July 16th - High 25°, low 13° Sunny – Windy
Bus picked us up for our “Great Adventure” reef cruise and we left on time with about 250 other people for the 25 knot, two hour trip. Once there, it was very nice. Snorkeled, looked at the fish, had a gourmet lunch and Steph rode in the submersible and saw some barracuda.
The second part of the trip was a drop at Green Island which was more of a tourist trap and looked something like 69th street when the boat cranked up at 4:30pm for the trip back to Cairns. All in all, it was a good trip. Tonight we had an exciting dinner, which was cooked in the ground: Pork, lamb, beef, Kupmari, chicken & fish. It was really good. Dinner was followed by a Torres dance ensemble, who in the not to distant past, were head hunters. Very descriptive and entertaining. Even Steph was impressed.
Wednesday July 17th – Sunny 15°- 25°
Packed/repacked and checked out. Stopped for t-shirts, took too long and made the inevitable run for the airplane. Made it with 5 minutes to spare. Nice flight. Terrible meal Рspinach souffl̩ with kidney beans.
Greg picked us up at the airport, then dropped us at the Gazebo in Kings Cross – then did a quick shop through at same t-shirt shops, Did overpay $40 for my Drizabone?
Picked up again at 6:30pm. Gail & I went to the Wollooloombi hotel pub with Greg, Louise, Tony & Josie. Great food and good beer – Schooners of Hahns. Excellent prawns. It was “Coopers” night out. Rowsing good time the blokes had in the sing-along.
Closed the place up at 11pm, made a short stop at the bourbon and beef. Had a powers bitter, then to bed.
Thursday July 18 - 20° sunny
Up at 7:30am. Steph is listening to cartoons again. Breakfast with Gail & Louise then off to the airport at 10:30am for a 12:40p flight. $10 depart tax for me, Steph was free. No deals at the duty free, so just went on board. Landed in Auckland at sunset, lost 2 hours already today. Got sprayed again, then waited 10 minutes germination. Everybody off the plane, then wait one hour to re-board. The 747 economy cabin is only about 60% full, with lots of room to move around. Had a New Zealand beer, Stein Lager. Not bad. Dinner is being served, its 9:30pm NZ time and we are about to cross the date line and do Thursday all over again.
Starting out at 15° just like a Raquette Lake summer morning. Steph is bugging me to play cards, so I will write more later. “Ok steph, deal the cards.”
We took up our anchor about 9am and started back to Able Point Marina with a stop for a look see at Molle Island.
Steady winds of 15 to 20 knots, with gusts to 25. Great Sailing. The 23 ton Rogue II really sails smoothly. It was quite enjoyable really. “A fair dinkum day.”
Got back to Able Point about 1pm, drove up to the Caravan park for wine & cookies with the Craddocks then left about 3:30pm for Townsville and stopped off at Avril Beach, a small spot on the map, but desolate as far as accommodations (none) and people (just a few). Arrived Townsville about 7:15pm and round a nice hotel, $45 a night, on the strand and did the wash to be ready for the rest of the trip.
Saturday July 13th - 22° Sunny
Went to Magnetic Island on the 11:50am ferry after doing a lot of shopping at a local saddle shop. Drizzabone riding coat, safari shirt and pants and an authentic snow river hat.
Townsville is Queensland’s capital and a rather laid back kind of town – 120,000 people. What was really nice was Magnetic Island which lies only five miles off of Townsville: very hilly, picturesque, and absolutely beautiful but simple. People there are absolutely laid back, almost hippy like. Rented a Mini-Moke for transport around: neat little car, but gear shift fell out just before turning it in – “No problem Mate!”
The fun thing at Magnetic Island was our horseback ride for two hours through the jungle and the beach where we galloped and swam with the horses. Mine was Clyde (a Clydesdale) and Steph had a large pony (small horse) named “Salty.” Both were pretty spirited and fun to handle. Stephanie, the expert rider she thought she was, got frightened during her first canter but was fine after she found out she wouldn’t fall off. Gail was a real trooper and kept up with a trot all the way. Had Baramundi for the first time that night at our hotel, Latitude 19, which was the best value of the trip - $68/night for all three of us. The Gail & I went out to Mongumes where they had a band on the beach. Backpackers and beer. I kept her up until 2am.
Sunday July 14th – Sunny 23°
Slight hangover this AM. Packed our bags and headed out after a short Island hop around and drove 385ks straight to Cairns and checked into Kewoea Lodge about 5pm. Steph & I got a nice Bungalo, two rooms (1 with bunk beds) and kitchenette for $120/night (normally $255).
The drive from Townsville was absolutely beautiful with mountains everywhere and cane fields in every valley. Went to bed at 9pm after a room service meal and conked out quickly.
Monday July 15th – High 25°, low 12°
Sunny of course, but very windy in the afternoon. Today was a real sit around day. Got moving about 9am, went to breakfast then the beach. Used the hotels catamaran then alternated between the beach, the pool and later windsurfed. Did eight to ten water starts and some wave riding in 20 knot winds. Had Baramundi for dinner, as did Stephanie. Then back to the room by 9:30pm to read and fall asleep early as Tuesday we had a 6:30am wake up for our barrier reef trip.
Tuesday July 16th - High 25°, low 13° Sunny – Windy
Bus picked us up for our “Great Adventure” reef cruise and we left on time with about 250 other people for the 25 knot, two hour trip. Once there, it was very nice. Snorkeled, looked at the fish, had a gourmet lunch and Steph rode in the submersible and saw some barracuda.
The second part of the trip was a drop at Green Island which was more of a tourist trap and looked something like 69th street when the boat cranked up at 4:30pm for the trip back to Cairns. All in all, it was a good trip. Tonight we had an exciting dinner, which was cooked in the ground: Pork, lamb, beef, Kupmari, chicken & fish. It was really good. Dinner was followed by a Torres dance ensemble, who in the not to distant past, were head hunters. Very descriptive and entertaining. Even Steph was impressed.
Wednesday July 17th – Sunny 15°- 25°
Packed/repacked and checked out. Stopped for t-shirts, took too long and made the inevitable run for the airplane. Made it with 5 minutes to spare. Nice flight. Terrible meal Рspinach souffl̩ with kidney beans.
Greg picked us up at the airport, then dropped us at the Gazebo in Kings Cross – then did a quick shop through at same t-shirt shops, Did overpay $40 for my Drizabone?
Picked up again at 6:30pm. Gail & I went to the Wollooloombi hotel pub with Greg, Louise, Tony & Josie. Great food and good beer – Schooners of Hahns. Excellent prawns. It was “Coopers” night out. Rowsing good time the blokes had in the sing-along.
Closed the place up at 11pm, made a short stop at the bourbon and beef. Had a powers bitter, then to bed.
Thursday July 18 - 20° sunny
Up at 7:30am. Steph is listening to cartoons again. Breakfast with Gail & Louise then off to the airport at 10:30am for a 12:40p flight. $10 depart tax for me, Steph was free. No deals at the duty free, so just went on board. Landed in Auckland at sunset, lost 2 hours already today. Got sprayed again, then waited 10 minutes germination. Everybody off the plane, then wait one hour to re-board. The 747 economy cabin is only about 60% full, with lots of room to move around. Had a New Zealand beer, Stein Lager. Not bad. Dinner is being served, its 9:30pm NZ time and we are about to cross the date line and do Thursday all over again.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Australia
Monday July 8th – Sunny 21°
Up Early into Airlie Beach for breakfast and to see what’s up. School holiday, so lots of kids. Finally decided on a stay at Day Dream Island, a $16 round trip by water taxi. Checked in at 1pm. Oh, finally made a mistake driving – Was in a hurry to park, had left the car running… jumped back in and put it in gear – No steering wheel and no brake. Luckily not too much headway and was able to slam it into park.
Daydream Island is a new resort (6 months) and is a full service kind of place - $100/room charge included wind surfing, catamarans, water skates, water skiing ($20), jet skis ($20). Did both.
Beautiful stay. Steph found friends and was in the pool ALL DAY.
Tuesday July 9th – Sunny 23°
Daydream Island Day 2.
Stayed up to late – 12:30, a little groggy at 9am. Walked. Sat. Swam. Coffee. Juice. Stared at the Day Trippers. Sat. Swam.
Listened to my tape deck (new Australian tapes) then got antsy and went waterskiing. Up 1st time on 1 ski. Got tired in 15 minutes.
Twilight cruise at 5:30pm, nice sunset, phosphorescence in the water, lots of stars. Went to bed early – big day ahead.
Wednesday July 10th – Sunny 21°
Back up to Airli Beach to catch the Rogue II a 17.3 meter yacht for three days and two nights of sailing.
Stopped off at Airil camp grounds and had coffee with Val (John was off diving). Then into town to do some souvenir shopping before the boat trip.
Rogue II is about 54’ with two cabins – Gail & Steph shared one at mid-ship and I was across in a bunk. They had twelve passengers including two crew. A little tight, but a very forgiving group. Other then us and Rob who is 30, the rest were between 19 & 23 (back packers mostly from England and 1 German girl).
On our first day of sailing, we sailed to Hamilton Island and spent the night tied up there. Went drinking with the group and crew until 3am. Trying to prove Captain Jeff’s Theory of Bundy Rum and cokes with a slice of orange would if not sober you up, at least allow you to wake up without a hangover. I don’t know… maybe if I had more then three hours of sleep, I would. Italian spaghetti for dinner, compliments of our pretty first mate Connie. It was a beautiful day of sailing and Gail, although skeptical at first, got along very well. And Steph was happy as could be as Gail was not when she discovered the kitten on board.
“Bangs more than a dormy door in a gale.”
Thursday July 11th - 21° a little cool for here, but not a cloud in the sky.
Set out motoring (no wind) for Whitehaven Beach at 7am – Groan!!!
Arrived there about 9am, set off in the dinghy then walked several miles on a very beautiful beach. Swam a little bit, then back to the boat for baloney and cheese sandwiches. This has not been a gourmet trip. Then set sail for Hook Island, which is a nature type island with rustic camping. BBQ on the beach – Ask me about the English Mustard.
Then Steph & I went back to the boat for an early good night. Slept well until 7am.
Up Early into Airlie Beach for breakfast and to see what’s up. School holiday, so lots of kids. Finally decided on a stay at Day Dream Island, a $16 round trip by water taxi. Checked in at 1pm. Oh, finally made a mistake driving – Was in a hurry to park, had left the car running… jumped back in and put it in gear – No steering wheel and no brake. Luckily not too much headway and was able to slam it into park.
Daydream Island is a new resort (6 months) and is a full service kind of place - $100/room charge included wind surfing, catamarans, water skates, water skiing ($20), jet skis ($20). Did both.
Beautiful stay. Steph found friends and was in the pool ALL DAY.
Tuesday July 9th – Sunny 23°
Daydream Island Day 2.
Stayed up to late – 12:30, a little groggy at 9am. Walked. Sat. Swam. Coffee. Juice. Stared at the Day Trippers. Sat. Swam.
Listened to my tape deck (new Australian tapes) then got antsy and went waterskiing. Up 1st time on 1 ski. Got tired in 15 minutes.
Twilight cruise at 5:30pm, nice sunset, phosphorescence in the water, lots of stars. Went to bed early – big day ahead.
Wednesday July 10th – Sunny 21°
Back up to Airli Beach to catch the Rogue II a 17.3 meter yacht for three days and two nights of sailing.
Stopped off at Airil camp grounds and had coffee with Val (John was off diving). Then into town to do some souvenir shopping before the boat trip.
Rogue II is about 54’ with two cabins – Gail & Steph shared one at mid-ship and I was across in a bunk. They had twelve passengers including two crew. A little tight, but a very forgiving group. Other then us and Rob who is 30, the rest were between 19 & 23 (back packers mostly from England and 1 German girl).
On our first day of sailing, we sailed to Hamilton Island and spent the night tied up there. Went drinking with the group and crew until 3am. Trying to prove Captain Jeff’s Theory of Bundy Rum and cokes with a slice of orange would if not sober you up, at least allow you to wake up without a hangover. I don’t know… maybe if I had more then three hours of sleep, I would. Italian spaghetti for dinner, compliments of our pretty first mate Connie. It was a beautiful day of sailing and Gail, although skeptical at first, got along very well. And Steph was happy as could be as Gail was not when she discovered the kitten on board.
“Bangs more than a dormy door in a gale.”
Thursday July 11th - 21° a little cool for here, but not a cloud in the sky.
Set out motoring (no wind) for Whitehaven Beach at 7am – Groan!!!
Arrived there about 9am, set off in the dinghy then walked several miles on a very beautiful beach. Swam a little bit, then back to the boat for baloney and cheese sandwiches. This has not been a gourmet trip. Then set sail for Hook Island, which is a nature type island with rustic camping. BBQ on the beach – Ask me about the English Mustard.
Then Steph & I went back to the boat for an early good night. Slept well until 7am.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Australia
Thursday July 4th - 18° - sunny until 3pm then some rain.
Left “the Hunter” about 9am and started the long journey north. Gassed up in Maitland, $41, then drove to Monperth, which was an intact 1880 type town. Then after one wrong turn, drove towards Dungog, Gloucester and Tarree. Beautiful rooling hills and vistas and very green. Steepest part of road was dirt, about 50k. We arrived in the coastal area about 1pm, and drove to the top of Big Brother for the view. South was Crowdy Harbor and north you could see Point McQuarrie. After another wrong turn, and small argument, drove to Point McQuarrie where we had fish & chips etc. on a windy beach and saw the drizzle start. Point McQuarrie was touristy.
On our drive to Nabucca Heads, we saw several very vivid rainbows. The Pacific Coast Highway is generally two lanes and has a speed limit of 100km, which you can usually do except on the few hills behind trucks. About every 20k they have passing lanes. Stayed at the Destiny Inn in Abbuca Heads. Steph locked the keys in the car but the lads from NRMA were able to unlock it using my direction, Gails slightly ajar window and some unusually designed coat hangers and $120.
Drove 507k today and thinking about the 2400km remaining. Trying to decide whether or not to dart back inland or stay on the coast – a lot to say about either route.
Gas - $41
Lunch - $12
Motel - $65
Dinner - $50
Gas - $47
July 5th Friday – Sunny 17° - 19°
Pushed out 725kms – decided to go inland. Drove north to Grafton, Stopped at Coffs Harbor beach, watched the surfers. Drove from Grafton to Glen Ellis, was spectacular: Mountains, rolling hills, cattle grazing, broad vistas. Lunch in the local pub in Glen Ellis. Then more driving. Entered Queensland about 3pm. It was dark when we went through Towoomba, big city by Aussie standards (45,000). Then continued on for two hours to Yarramon, just looking for a bed. Found a cheap motel and Chinese food in the local pub. Maybe a light day tomorrow: 4 – 5hours and day at the beach
Bowser = Gas Pump
Breakfast - $6
Lunch - $13
Gas - $40
Snacks - $8
Dinner - $15
Drinks - $3
July 6th - 17° - 22°
Started out after a local breakfast – Yarramon ham & bacon plus poached eggs. Got some junk food at the local store and started our trek north. More open country. Six dead roos by the highway – hit Tannamon sands at 11:30am. Recommended by our hoteliers at Yarramon. Not their hotel, but a simpler but nicer one on the beach. Hit the beach and water, washed the car and then had an official Australian BBQ with a couple from Australia (Sydney) and John & Val from England, who are on a world tour with their two kids. Steaks, prawns, salad and lots of wine. Went looking for a night spot, but not here, so gave up early for a better day tomorrow.
On the drive, more open country made all the right turns except the turnoff to Gin Tin. We made it but it wasn’t on the map, a lot of it was dirt but picturesque. Cane fields, tram crossings – no people.
450kms today
Breakfast - $6
Junk Food - $8
Gas - $20
Beer - $15
Sunday July 7 - 21° Sunny
Got up early, had coffee then off to the beach. The tide was out and the beach was very wide. Steph played all day in the water with Jodi and Oliver then two dogs. I went running and Gail talked with the Craddocks, working on the details for a 1999/2000 New Years bas on a out Island. Stayed on the beach until 2pm then drove 600kms in six hours to Airle beach and parked for the night at the Colonial Palms Motel. Trying to figure out what to do next.
Breakfast - $6
Snacks - $6
Lunch - $3
Pizza - $10
Beer & Soda - $15
Left “the Hunter” about 9am and started the long journey north. Gassed up in Maitland, $41, then drove to Monperth, which was an intact 1880 type town. Then after one wrong turn, drove towards Dungog, Gloucester and Tarree. Beautiful rooling hills and vistas and very green. Steepest part of road was dirt, about 50k. We arrived in the coastal area about 1pm, and drove to the top of Big Brother for the view. South was Crowdy Harbor and north you could see Point McQuarrie. After another wrong turn, and small argument, drove to Point McQuarrie where we had fish & chips etc. on a windy beach and saw the drizzle start. Point McQuarrie was touristy.
On our drive to Nabucca Heads, we saw several very vivid rainbows. The Pacific Coast Highway is generally two lanes and has a speed limit of 100km, which you can usually do except on the few hills behind trucks. About every 20k they have passing lanes. Stayed at the Destiny Inn in Abbuca Heads. Steph locked the keys in the car but the lads from NRMA were able to unlock it using my direction, Gails slightly ajar window and some unusually designed coat hangers and $120.
Drove 507k today and thinking about the 2400km remaining. Trying to decide whether or not to dart back inland or stay on the coast – a lot to say about either route.
Gas - $41
Lunch - $12
Motel - $65
Dinner - $50
Gas - $47
July 5th Friday – Sunny 17° - 19°
Pushed out 725kms – decided to go inland. Drove north to Grafton, Stopped at Coffs Harbor beach, watched the surfers. Drove from Grafton to Glen Ellis, was spectacular: Mountains, rolling hills, cattle grazing, broad vistas. Lunch in the local pub in Glen Ellis. Then more driving. Entered Queensland about 3pm. It was dark when we went through Towoomba, big city by Aussie standards (45,000). Then continued on for two hours to Yarramon, just looking for a bed. Found a cheap motel and Chinese food in the local pub. Maybe a light day tomorrow: 4 – 5hours and day at the beach
Bowser = Gas Pump
Breakfast - $6
Lunch - $13
Gas - $40
Snacks - $8
Dinner - $15
Drinks - $3
July 6th - 17° - 22°
Started out after a local breakfast – Yarramon ham & bacon plus poached eggs. Got some junk food at the local store and started our trek north. More open country. Six dead roos by the highway – hit Tannamon sands at 11:30am. Recommended by our hoteliers at Yarramon. Not their hotel, but a simpler but nicer one on the beach. Hit the beach and water, washed the car and then had an official Australian BBQ with a couple from Australia (Sydney) and John & Val from England, who are on a world tour with their two kids. Steaks, prawns, salad and lots of wine. Went looking for a night spot, but not here, so gave up early for a better day tomorrow.
On the drive, more open country made all the right turns except the turnoff to Gin Tin. We made it but it wasn’t on the map, a lot of it was dirt but picturesque. Cane fields, tram crossings – no people.
450kms today
Breakfast - $6
Junk Food - $8
Gas - $20
Beer - $15
Sunday July 7 - 21° Sunny
Got up early, had coffee then off to the beach. The tide was out and the beach was very wide. Steph played all day in the water with Jodi and Oliver then two dogs. I went running and Gail talked with the Craddocks, working on the details for a 1999/2000 New Years bas on a out Island. Stayed on the beach until 2pm then drove 600kms in six hours to Airle beach and parked for the night at the Colonial Palms Motel. Trying to figure out what to do next.
Breakfast - $6
Snacks - $6
Lunch - $3
Pizza - $10
Beer & Soda - $15
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Australia - still going
Sunday June 30th - 65°. Wind 15 – 20 mph
Great place to windsurf I think. I haven’t done it yet. Greg, Louise, Adam, Tony, Josie, Garith and Mrs. Evans picked us up for a trip to Warath park. Great! Fed the Roos and patted the Koalas. Then to Newport beach with Fish and Chips. Another beautiful spot. Steph went in the surf. Then to Manly beach for Ice Cream. Tonight we are off to Darling Harbor – Steph home alone then off for a “Shout” with Tony.
New Phrases:
Dogs Eye – Meat pie with peas
Dead for a Quid, White Pointers, Peach Pies – Nice Ass
Missed the shout. Pubs close early on Sunday. Went to dinner in Darling Harbour at Bobby McGees. Had spicy Prawns – HOT HOT HOT and three Coopers – TASTY TASTY TASTY. Ferments in the bottle. Starting to adjust to the time change. Went to sleep at 11pm, woke up at 6am – better.
Monday July 30th – Sunny (again) 19°
I have got to get the video camera fixed.
Three trips to BBC (duty free you need passport & tickets) was able to get a battery charger – back in business. Met Tony at 10am, passed Gail & Steph off to go shopping. Met Gail & Steph at noon, went to Parhing Harbour, putzed around then had a beer at the pump house.
Great afternoon. Caught the Doyles Cat (fast) to Watsons Bay for lunch. Superb food, outstanding view. Steph fed the gulls, watched the model being photographed. Missed the last boat back, but caught the #324 bus back. Has to be one of the most beautiful bus rides in the world. City views, ocean views, bay views, people too.
Connie from the apartment service sat with Steph. Gail and I went to see Rigoletto. 1st Act was Drowsy, but coffee and air got me through the 2nd and Champagne got me through the third. Really great, well done in 1950’s setting. Snuck out to Kings Cross later. Ok, but not great. Sleep would have been better.
Breakfast $15
Shirt & Hat - $56
Mc Donalds - $5
Dinner $50
Hotel $55 - - - - - CARC $56
Total - $181
Tuesday July 2nd - 17° - 18° - Scattered showers, some sun.
Got up slow (see previous page). Went to breakfast across the street with Steph. Packed, got Steph her Rugby Shirt, picked up the car.
Really nervous driving on the left side. Gail left her American Express Card at the bank, delaying our departure to the Hunter Valley until 1pm.
Got out of Sydney, thank God for detail maps… signs are lousy. Uneventful drive (no accidents). Got to Hunter Valley at 3pm, found a neat place to stay – Vineyard Hill Inn – beautiful view of the Valley. Clean/Sharp Inn.
Fire place, great wines (of course), excellent foods. Steph & I had steak: “BBQ Scotch fillets.” Dinner for three with two drinks, one bottle of Windim Cabernet and coffee was $71 - $50 US. Unbelievable.
I will read a few brochures then off to bed, if I last. Did I say anything about the sunset? Check the video.
Wednesday July 3rd – Mostly Sunny 19°
Horseback riding at 9am.
Croissants at 8am.
Gail ordered breakfast – Croissants & Musli (health food). Then off to Wollmbie to go horse back riding in the outback. Gentle and slow ride. Saw the real outback including some Aboriginal caves with hand prints. After riding, Steph & I had meat pies and cheeseburgers plus two Schooners of Touey Old at the Wollombie pub, home of Jurds Jungle Juice.
Gals at bar never heard of cherries, so no Shirley Temple for Steph. On cold days they “rug up” and put their “cheaters” on – sweaters.
Met Gail then toured Tambuula Lindman and some other wineries and tasted our way through the Hunter Valley. Off to dinner now.
Dinner at the Hungerford wine cellar. Nice but not memorable. Too bed early. Couldn’t make it past the first half of the Australia versus New Zealand Rugby match.
Great place to windsurf I think. I haven’t done it yet. Greg, Louise, Adam, Tony, Josie, Garith and Mrs. Evans picked us up for a trip to Warath park. Great! Fed the Roos and patted the Koalas. Then to Newport beach with Fish and Chips. Another beautiful spot. Steph went in the surf. Then to Manly beach for Ice Cream. Tonight we are off to Darling Harbor – Steph home alone then off for a “Shout” with Tony.
New Phrases:
Dogs Eye – Meat pie with peas
Dead for a Quid, White Pointers, Peach Pies – Nice Ass
Missed the shout. Pubs close early on Sunday. Went to dinner in Darling Harbour at Bobby McGees. Had spicy Prawns – HOT HOT HOT and three Coopers – TASTY TASTY TASTY. Ferments in the bottle. Starting to adjust to the time change. Went to sleep at 11pm, woke up at 6am – better.
Monday July 30th – Sunny (again) 19°
I have got to get the video camera fixed.
Three trips to BBC (duty free you need passport & tickets) was able to get a battery charger – back in business. Met Tony at 10am, passed Gail & Steph off to go shopping. Met Gail & Steph at noon, went to Parhing Harbour, putzed around then had a beer at the pump house.
Great afternoon. Caught the Doyles Cat (fast) to Watsons Bay for lunch. Superb food, outstanding view. Steph fed the gulls, watched the model being photographed. Missed the last boat back, but caught the #324 bus back. Has to be one of the most beautiful bus rides in the world. City views, ocean views, bay views, people too.
Connie from the apartment service sat with Steph. Gail and I went to see Rigoletto. 1st Act was Drowsy, but coffee and air got me through the 2nd and Champagne got me through the third. Really great, well done in 1950’s setting. Snuck out to Kings Cross later. Ok, but not great. Sleep would have been better.
Breakfast $15
Shirt & Hat - $56
Mc Donalds - $5
Dinner $50
Hotel $55 - - - - - CARC $56
Total - $181
Tuesday July 2nd - 17° - 18° - Scattered showers, some sun.
Got up slow (see previous page). Went to breakfast across the street with Steph. Packed, got Steph her Rugby Shirt, picked up the car.
Really nervous driving on the left side. Gail left her American Express Card at the bank, delaying our departure to the Hunter Valley until 1pm.
Got out of Sydney, thank God for detail maps… signs are lousy. Uneventful drive (no accidents). Got to Hunter Valley at 3pm, found a neat place to stay – Vineyard Hill Inn – beautiful view of the Valley. Clean/Sharp Inn.
Fire place, great wines (of course), excellent foods. Steph & I had steak: “BBQ Scotch fillets.” Dinner for three with two drinks, one bottle of Windim Cabernet and coffee was $71 - $50 US. Unbelievable.
I will read a few brochures then off to bed, if I last. Did I say anything about the sunset? Check the video.
Wednesday July 3rd – Mostly Sunny 19°
Horseback riding at 9am.
Croissants at 8am.
Gail ordered breakfast – Croissants & Musli (health food). Then off to Wollmbie to go horse back riding in the outback. Gentle and slow ride. Saw the real outback including some Aboriginal caves with hand prints. After riding, Steph & I had meat pies and cheeseburgers plus two Schooners of Touey Old at the Wollombie pub, home of Jurds Jungle Juice.
Gals at bar never heard of cherries, so no Shirley Temple for Steph. On cold days they “rug up” and put their “cheaters” on – sweaters.
Met Gail then toured Tambuula Lindman and some other wineries and tasted our way through the Hunter Valley. Off to dinner now.
Dinner at the Hungerford wine cellar. Nice but not memorable. Too bed early. Couldn’t make it past the first half of the Australia versus New Zealand Rugby match.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Australia - the series
June 27th – LA Airport, 9pm
One hour and twenty minutes before Sydney departure; United #815
Exchange rate in Philadelphia $.82 US / Aust $1. $1,000 Australian, Travelers Checks $300 and $400 US cash.
Paid $35 for film and video cassettes, $8 for movie ear phones. “Once Around” with Richard Dreyfus, Philadelphia to LA. Not bad. Stephanie said “blech” and played with her puzzle. Having a beer and Shirley temple waiting for Gail at Gate 77. “Oh, I think I am also collecting free miles for this trip.” Complete Screw up?
Gail arrived thirty minutes before take off – no confirmed seat – last ones on plane. Separated but worked ok. Babies (2) behind us – cried the first seven hours. Steph slept hard for 6 – 7 hour. One fitfully. Omelets for breakfast, bug spray for dessert. Should be on time. Fourteen hours is a long time, but we feel pretty good. High expectations for a good day.
Met Scott, local Aussie on his way him. Recommend Doyles Seafood in Watsons bay and Frazier Island.
What Happened to Friday? – Lost at International Dateline.
----------
Saturday June 29th - 70° Sunny. 25 – 30mph winds
Got through immigration with ease. Agent saw Steph and I had same Birthday. Lost Gail somewhere between immigration and baggage claim. Customs ok. Got gallons of booze past, no questions asked. Greg Johnson waiting for us, we waited for Gail, she went to the wrong carousel.
Driving on right side strange.
Bentley apartments very nice, two bedrooms, 16th floor Darling Harbour view. Had bloody marys and raison toast at “The Extra” circular Quay to start the new day. Greg gave us a tour of the south beaches including ice cream at Bondi Beach. No white points, too cold. We then did a tour of the Barbour via Captain Cooks Coffee Cruise. It was excellent. Especially middle harbour. Very picturesque with beautiful homes, windsurfing in every cove. After the cruise we changed up and caught the ferry to Manly for dinner at K’s Snapper Inn. Excellent seafood – local wine $45 for three. Steph fell asleep on my shoulder. Bad Dad! Girl on ferry over said we must see Byron Bay.
Back to Sydney by dark and much needed rest. I wanted to go cruising Kings Cross on Saturday night by my body fell asleep.
One hour and twenty minutes before Sydney departure; United #815
Exchange rate in Philadelphia $.82 US / Aust $1. $1,000 Australian, Travelers Checks $300 and $400 US cash.
Paid $35 for film and video cassettes, $8 for movie ear phones. “Once Around” with Richard Dreyfus, Philadelphia to LA. Not bad. Stephanie said “blech” and played with her puzzle. Having a beer and Shirley temple waiting for Gail at Gate 77. “Oh, I think I am also collecting free miles for this trip.” Complete Screw up?
Gail arrived thirty minutes before take off – no confirmed seat – last ones on plane. Separated but worked ok. Babies (2) behind us – cried the first seven hours. Steph slept hard for 6 – 7 hour. One fitfully. Omelets for breakfast, bug spray for dessert. Should be on time. Fourteen hours is a long time, but we feel pretty good. High expectations for a good day.
Met Scott, local Aussie on his way him. Recommend Doyles Seafood in Watsons bay and Frazier Island.
What Happened to Friday? – Lost at International Dateline.
----------
Saturday June 29th - 70° Sunny. 25 – 30mph winds
Got through immigration with ease. Agent saw Steph and I had same Birthday. Lost Gail somewhere between immigration and baggage claim. Customs ok. Got gallons of booze past, no questions asked. Greg Johnson waiting for us, we waited for Gail, she went to the wrong carousel.
Driving on right side strange.
Bentley apartments very nice, two bedrooms, 16th floor Darling Harbour view. Had bloody marys and raison toast at “The Extra” circular Quay to start the new day. Greg gave us a tour of the south beaches including ice cream at Bondi Beach. No white points, too cold. We then did a tour of the Barbour via Captain Cooks Coffee Cruise. It was excellent. Especially middle harbour. Very picturesque with beautiful homes, windsurfing in every cove. After the cruise we changed up and caught the ferry to Manly for dinner at K’s Snapper Inn. Excellent seafood – local wine $45 for three. Steph fell asleep on my shoulder. Bad Dad! Girl on ferry over said we must see Byron Bay.
Back to Sydney by dark and much needed rest. I wanted to go cruising Kings Cross on Saturday night by my body fell asleep.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Silent Traveler - by Jim Gregoire
"You realize Jim, once I remove these I am not putting them back on!!!
Oh please daddy, please. Just take them off, they get in the way!"
I was so insistent my father had no choice but to oblige.
And so my Father reluctantly removed the training wheels from my first bike. The look of astonishment, fear and concern on his face as I hopped on my newly unshackled steed (well, pony) and rode away is forever strong in my memory. Only now, at age thirty-one have I learned that I was only three years old on that day, and that the training wheels were only on my bike for a mere hour or two.
That set the stage for the next two and a half decades.
I devoted most of my twenties to bicycling events and competitions. I also found inner peace by exploring the alpine regions of the Pacific Northwest on my mountain bike. But lately I have committed myself to the goal of higher education and I haven't been able to travel to the mountains to ride.
Wanting to explore the other aspects of riding, I cannibalized an old broken Specialized Allez road bike, mounted the components on a hot red/orange Pro Series Trek 560 road frame (circa 1985) that I won on Ebay for $40.00.
I have built many bikes over the years, but this one was special. It was going to redefine my passion for the pedals. It was so sleek and light compared to my fat tire Klein. The skinny steel tubes, the tiny 20mm tires, and the petite "c" brakes were all so foreign to me. I feared the bike would either crumple under my weight, or I would lack the braking power that kept me alive for so many years.
As soon as I pushed the pedals though, my concerns were left behind. The acceleration was like nothing I had ever experienced. I immediately realized that I had found another pathway to the endorphins and adrenalin that soothed my soul so many times in the past.
But after a few rides around the city, I grew bored of the restrictions from traffic lights, and frustrated by the dangerous cell phone toting SUV drivers. I longed for the solitude and serenity of the mountain trails. Like so many other bikes it began to collect more dust than road grime.
During winter break though, I managed to find a safe, fun and hilly bike route to work. It was a twenty-three mile trip around the North end of Lake Washington, with some of the longest, steepest hills to be ridden in the Seattle area.
On a particularly dry and crisp Friday afternoon in December, I gathered up my biking gear and work clothes and started down the road. It was my third time pedaling the new route and I was now comfortable enough with my ride to let loose on the downhill sections. I had been riding for an hour and was well into an intense "runners high" when I started up Big Finn Hill, a two and half-mile knee grinder. My blood was thick with endorphins, my legs were burning but there was no pain. Not even the cars passing at fifty miles/hour three feet to my left could draw my attention away from the climb.
I shaved ten minutes off my best time and my seven-hour shift was fueled by limber legs and unbridled energy. It was an intense, busy night and it sapped much of my remaining energy.
With tired resolve, I dug out my five-dollar headlight, found a good jazz CD and clicked in for the long cold push home. It was midnight and I had a long way to go.
I started the trip with a high cadence; just a little bit faster than the music thumping my inner ear. After a short climb and downhill section, I found myself on the backside of Big Finn. Within minutes of starting the climb, the lactic acid in my thighs reared its thorny head and the music quickly began to outpace me. Thankfully, the next couple songs provided a slower rhythmic beat, and my cold, noodled legs held out for the rest of the climb.
I then decided to take the Burke Gilman trail for the remainder of the ride. The Burke is a fantastic, yet flaccid interurban trail that snakes its way around the lake avoiding all of the major climbs.
The first two miles were torture. The trail was riddled with pressure cracks that bulged up from the ground like mid ocean rifts. With little warning, they hammered my rear end and sent shockwaves from my tailbone to my cranium.
After a couple of miles when the rifts subsided, I took a moment to appreciate the clear night and fresh air. To my astonishment, I noticed an abundance of ambient light from above. When I looked up to the sky, there was a beautiful radiant full moon framed by a few thin wispy clouds. Within a minute of turning off my light, I began to see the details of the night emerge before me.
The dispersion of light through the clouds and trees brought out every detail of the mid winter environment. The barren trees, long devoid of their leaves, cast stark shadows across the path. The Rhododendrons reached out to show off their sticky glistening seed pods nestled in their fleshy oblong leaves. All of this was happening at eighteen miles an hour as the cold, dry, fragrant air soothed my lungs. It was like I was in a high alpine region of the Cascades just prior to sunrise.
These heightened sensations continued to lift my senses for the next ten miles. Every section of trail had something new. My rhythmic breathing and the steady hum of slicks on the pavement were the only noises to be heard. I was a silent traveler experiencing the world for the first time.
In a way, somewhere deep inside, it was like I had just rounded the corner from the garage to the sidewalk for the first time on two wheels. The freedom, the exhilaration, and the experience of riding had returned.
The Trek won't last much longer, but that memory will fuel me for a lifetime.
Oh please daddy, please. Just take them off, they get in the way!"
I was so insistent my father had no choice but to oblige.
And so my Father reluctantly removed the training wheels from my first bike. The look of astonishment, fear and concern on his face as I hopped on my newly unshackled steed (well, pony) and rode away is forever strong in my memory. Only now, at age thirty-one have I learned that I was only three years old on that day, and that the training wheels were only on my bike for a mere hour or two.
That set the stage for the next two and a half decades.
I devoted most of my twenties to bicycling events and competitions. I also found inner peace by exploring the alpine regions of the Pacific Northwest on my mountain bike. But lately I have committed myself to the goal of higher education and I haven't been able to travel to the mountains to ride.
Wanting to explore the other aspects of riding, I cannibalized an old broken Specialized Allez road bike, mounted the components on a hot red/orange Pro Series Trek 560 road frame (circa 1985) that I won on Ebay for $40.00.
I have built many bikes over the years, but this one was special. It was going to redefine my passion for the pedals. It was so sleek and light compared to my fat tire Klein. The skinny steel tubes, the tiny 20mm tires, and the petite "c" brakes were all so foreign to me. I feared the bike would either crumple under my weight, or I would lack the braking power that kept me alive for so many years.
As soon as I pushed the pedals though, my concerns were left behind. The acceleration was like nothing I had ever experienced. I immediately realized that I had found another pathway to the endorphins and adrenalin that soothed my soul so many times in the past.
But after a few rides around the city, I grew bored of the restrictions from traffic lights, and frustrated by the dangerous cell phone toting SUV drivers. I longed for the solitude and serenity of the mountain trails. Like so many other bikes it began to collect more dust than road grime.
During winter break though, I managed to find a safe, fun and hilly bike route to work. It was a twenty-three mile trip around the North end of Lake Washington, with some of the longest, steepest hills to be ridden in the Seattle area.
On a particularly dry and crisp Friday afternoon in December, I gathered up my biking gear and work clothes and started down the road. It was my third time pedaling the new route and I was now comfortable enough with my ride to let loose on the downhill sections. I had been riding for an hour and was well into an intense "runners high" when I started up Big Finn Hill, a two and half-mile knee grinder. My blood was thick with endorphins, my legs were burning but there was no pain. Not even the cars passing at fifty miles/hour three feet to my left could draw my attention away from the climb.
I shaved ten minutes off my best time and my seven-hour shift was fueled by limber legs and unbridled energy. It was an intense, busy night and it sapped much of my remaining energy.
With tired resolve, I dug out my five-dollar headlight, found a good jazz CD and clicked in for the long cold push home. It was midnight and I had a long way to go.
I started the trip with a high cadence; just a little bit faster than the music thumping my inner ear. After a short climb and downhill section, I found myself on the backside of Big Finn. Within minutes of starting the climb, the lactic acid in my thighs reared its thorny head and the music quickly began to outpace me. Thankfully, the next couple songs provided a slower rhythmic beat, and my cold, noodled legs held out for the rest of the climb.
I then decided to take the Burke Gilman trail for the remainder of the ride. The Burke is a fantastic, yet flaccid interurban trail that snakes its way around the lake avoiding all of the major climbs.
The first two miles were torture. The trail was riddled with pressure cracks that bulged up from the ground like mid ocean rifts. With little warning, they hammered my rear end and sent shockwaves from my tailbone to my cranium.
After a couple of miles when the rifts subsided, I took a moment to appreciate the clear night and fresh air. To my astonishment, I noticed an abundance of ambient light from above. When I looked up to the sky, there was a beautiful radiant full moon framed by a few thin wispy clouds. Within a minute of turning off my light, I began to see the details of the night emerge before me.
The dispersion of light through the clouds and trees brought out every detail of the mid winter environment. The barren trees, long devoid of their leaves, cast stark shadows across the path. The Rhododendrons reached out to show off their sticky glistening seed pods nestled in their fleshy oblong leaves. All of this was happening at eighteen miles an hour as the cold, dry, fragrant air soothed my lungs. It was like I was in a high alpine region of the Cascades just prior to sunrise.
These heightened sensations continued to lift my senses for the next ten miles. Every section of trail had something new. My rhythmic breathing and the steady hum of slicks on the pavement were the only noises to be heard. I was a silent traveler experiencing the world for the first time.
In a way, somewhere deep inside, it was like I had just rounded the corner from the garage to the sidewalk for the first time on two wheels. The freedom, the exhilaration, and the experience of riding had returned.
The Trek won't last much longer, but that memory will fuel me for a lifetime.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Day 1
I'm off in the north cascades hiking until the 18th. You can keep track of me via my spot here.
We'll be going up the east bank of ross lake then will climb desolation. After day 5, we'll be shuttled across the lake to the west side where we'll go up little beaver creek, then down big beaver creek.
while im gone you'll have the opportunity to experience one entry from Jim Gregoire and then a series from my dads journals from Australia. We visited the big island when i was around 10 (give or take a few years).
I'll be back posting on the 18th.
Steph
We'll be going up the east bank of ross lake then will climb desolation. After day 5, we'll be shuttled across the lake to the west side where we'll go up little beaver creek, then down big beaver creek.
while im gone you'll have the opportunity to experience one entry from Jim Gregoire and then a series from my dads journals from Australia. We visited the big island when i was around 10 (give or take a few years).
I'll be back posting on the 18th.
Steph
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Utah - recap
So, i learned a lot while i was in Utah. The first thing i learned was the location of the Republican party office in relation to the LDS head quarters. The second thing i learned was that the LDS office building looked like something out of 1984.
I also visited temple square for the first time out of 6 trips to Salt Lake City. I felt like I should at least walk by and check it out. So i did, and i saw this happy married couple getting their picture taken in 95+ degree heat. The mormons show they have the quality to persevere:
But more importantly, i was in Utah to hang out at the Eco-working group (EWG) meetings and attend the America's Great Outdoor (AGO) Listening sessions. If you have no idea what im talking about, then check out postings from earlier this week and last week... then feel ashamed that you don't check my blog on a daily basis. I mean really, i do this for you.
Anyway, the EWG meeting went great. The indexing tool is out in the public domain to get tested, and companies in the industry are going to start scoring their products to see how it is assessed from a sustainable perspective. Here's an article in the Huffington Post & the Wall Street Journal on the meeting and the tool. So, if you've heard of me talking about these meetings for the past two years, this is what i've worked toward... and i'm happy to finally see it launched!
In other news, i also attended the AGO sessions run by this guy:
Meet Ken Salazar, our current Secretary of the Interior. Here are some facts on cool things Ken has done:
- used funds from dollars spent on Colorado lotto tickets to fund outdoor recreation and conservation in the state. To date, over $690 million has been invested through GOCO.
- Created Youth in Nature programs which provided environmental education in public schools
- voted in 1995 to end protections for offshore drilling
So, here were some of the questions/comments from the audience during the listening session:
- I want to put roads into wilderness so i can take my grand kids into the woods and show them wilderness.
- We want better access to mining rights in South Eastern Utah.
- Why isn't there any presence from the Department of Education on the AGO listening panel?
- OHV users need more access, not less.
- Mountain Biking is a way to get kids active and outside. mtb use needs to be allowed in the park system and supported by the forest service.
- Wolves are killing elk herds in southern utah. We need to be able to extinguish them.
- More areas need to be put into wilderness
it was very interesting sitting in a room with 300 other people listening to comments that were in stark contrast to my own view points. However, the highlight of the event for me was when the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, Bob Abbey, made the following pointed response:
OHV users will be able to continue to use the land if used responsibly. If not, the land will be taken away.
That's all he said, then sat back down. I enjoyed his honesty.
Some of the points that Ken Salazar & Nancy Sutly (House Council on Environmental Quality) made:
- Critical to protect & restore the land
- solutions are in the communities and the government needs to support those initiatives.
- the AGO is working to establish a legacy such as both Rosevelts set in their tenure as president.
- Implement the National Ocean Policy which establishes the need to improve and promote sustainable access to our oceans.
- Need to restore our waterways by additional additional rivers to the Scenic & Wild River system
- Connect the landscape between parks, wilderness and forests so they are beneficial to wildlife and migratory corridors.
ok, i know i'm boring you... so if you want to hear about what i thought, give me a call or shoot me an email. You know i can go on for hours with this kind of stuff.
Enjoy the sun!!
Steph
I also visited temple square for the first time out of 6 trips to Salt Lake City. I felt like I should at least walk by and check it out. So i did, and i saw this happy married couple getting their picture taken in 95+ degree heat. The mormons show they have the quality to persevere:
But more importantly, i was in Utah to hang out at the Eco-working group (EWG) meetings and attend the America's Great Outdoor (AGO) Listening sessions. If you have no idea what im talking about, then check out postings from earlier this week and last week... then feel ashamed that you don't check my blog on a daily basis. I mean really, i do this for you.Anyway, the EWG meeting went great. The indexing tool is out in the public domain to get tested, and companies in the industry are going to start scoring their products to see how it is assessed from a sustainable perspective. Here's an article in the Huffington Post & the Wall Street Journal on the meeting and the tool. So, if you've heard of me talking about these meetings for the past two years, this is what i've worked toward... and i'm happy to finally see it launched!
In other news, i also attended the AGO sessions run by this guy:
Meet Ken Salazar, our current Secretary of the Interior. Here are some facts on cool things Ken has done:
- used funds from dollars spent on Colorado lotto tickets to fund outdoor recreation and conservation in the state. To date, over $690 million has been invested through GOCO.
- Created Youth in Nature programs which provided environmental education in public schools
- voted in 1995 to end protections for offshore drilling
So, here were some of the questions/comments from the audience during the listening session:
- I want to put roads into wilderness so i can take my grand kids into the woods and show them wilderness.
- We want better access to mining rights in South Eastern Utah.
- Why isn't there any presence from the Department of Education on the AGO listening panel?
- OHV users need more access, not less.
- Mountain Biking is a way to get kids active and outside. mtb use needs to be allowed in the park system and supported by the forest service.
- Wolves are killing elk herds in southern utah. We need to be able to extinguish them.
- More areas need to be put into wilderness
it was very interesting sitting in a room with 300 other people listening to comments that were in stark contrast to my own view points. However, the highlight of the event for me was when the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, Bob Abbey, made the following pointed response:
OHV users will be able to continue to use the land if used responsibly. If not, the land will be taken away.
That's all he said, then sat back down. I enjoyed his honesty.
Some of the points that Ken Salazar & Nancy Sutly (House Council on Environmental Quality) made:
- Critical to protect & restore the land
- solutions are in the communities and the government needs to support those initiatives.
- the AGO is working to establish a legacy such as both Rosevelts set in their tenure as president.
- Implement the National Ocean Policy which establishes the need to improve and promote sustainable access to our oceans.
- Need to restore our waterways by additional additional rivers to the Scenic & Wild River system
- Connect the landscape between parks, wilderness and forests so they are beneficial to wildlife and migratory corridors.
ok, i know i'm boring you... so if you want to hear about what i thought, give me a call or shoot me an email. You know i can go on for hours with this kind of stuff.
Enjoy the sun!!
Steph
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
i need your help
no really, i do. i need 7 days worth of content. I'll be off back-packing for school (hard life, i know) and it'd be great to have someone else write something about something not related to parks, ethics or any other subject i've been rambling on about.
So, if you have something (ANYTHING!!!) just email it to me, and i'll put it up. mummphry@gmail.com
if not, i'm posting my dads diary from Australia... which actually could be kinda fun.
i'll write about Utah tomorrow. I just presented my wolverine brief to my class for about 30 minutes and am b.u.r.n.t. out on writing. But, tomorrow will be good.
promise
So, if you have something (ANYTHING!!!) just email it to me, and i'll put it up. mummphry@gmail.com
if not, i'm posting my dads diary from Australia... which actually could be kinda fun.
i'll write about Utah tomorrow. I just presented my wolverine brief to my class for about 30 minutes and am b.u.r.n.t. out on writing. But, tomorrow will be good.
promise
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
America's Great Outdoors initiative
So, tomorrow the Outdoor Industry Association and the North Face are hosting an industry breakfast with Ken Salazar and the director of the Outdoor Foundation to discuss the America's Great Outdoors Initiative... then from 10am - 2pm Ken Salazar and the Director of the Bureau of Land Management will be hosting a listening session to have the publics ideas on how to get people outside.... and here are a few of mine:
1. Put money back into the state & national forest and park system.
2. provide funding for community outreach programs. This will allow rangers to go to local schools and talk to the kids about what it's like to go outside. It's like when the local firefighters showed up with the fire truck in 5th grade... but the rangers will show up with a cool hat.
3. Protect lands that have been held up in congress for over 20 years and finally designate them as wilderness.
4. Provide funding to the parks & forest services to create partnerships with local community groups or outdoor education centers.
5. promote programs to help families access the parks. In Shenandoah National Park, the rangers are leading weekend family camping programs where they provide the gear and help first time camping families learn the ropes.
Part of the AGO Initiative is to get ideas from normal human beings instead of politicians. So, if you have an idea, or want to vote on someone else's, you can go to their website here
If you want a fun history lesson, and really like Obama, check out this video
if you're really struggling at work, here's a really cool video
so... key take away from all of this? Job creation. This means, i'll have a job when i get out of college. And why is that important? Outside of the obvious answer of economic security... It means that there will be a movement to get kids off their couch and outside. It also means that there will be funds to conserve the amazing lands we have.
just something to think about...
1. Put money back into the state & national forest and park system.
2. provide funding for community outreach programs. This will allow rangers to go to local schools and talk to the kids about what it's like to go outside. It's like when the local firefighters showed up with the fire truck in 5th grade... but the rangers will show up with a cool hat.
3. Protect lands that have been held up in congress for over 20 years and finally designate them as wilderness.
4. Provide funding to the parks & forest services to create partnerships with local community groups or outdoor education centers.
5. promote programs to help families access the parks. In Shenandoah National Park, the rangers are leading weekend family camping programs where they provide the gear and help first time camping families learn the ropes.
Part of the AGO Initiative is to get ideas from normal human beings instead of politicians. So, if you have an idea, or want to vote on someone else's, you can go to their website here
If you want a fun history lesson, and really like Obama, check out this video
if you're really struggling at work, here's a really cool video
so... key take away from all of this? Job creation. This means, i'll have a job when i get out of college. And why is that important? Outside of the obvious answer of economic security... It means that there will be a movement to get kids off their couch and outside. It also means that there will be funds to conserve the amazing lands we have.
just something to think about...
Monday, August 2, 2010
utah. it's hot. and dry. and hot. and brown.
Excerpt from my journal:
I stepped off the plane and it was hot. The flight was less then spectacular, highlighted by a single serving of pretzels. The landscape I viewed from my exit row seat was freckled with green circles amidst desolate colors of brown, tan and red. My mind desperately tried to understand how humanity could live in such an area when plants could not sustain a life without irrigation ditches. I guess man can be ingenious when necessary. Upon our descent into Salt Lake City, we flew over the Great Salt Lake. It didn’t look so great today. The shoreline had significantly diminished and the water had turned a copper red. I have visited here in the wintertime and can remember flocks of birds spotting the landscape. Today, there was sand and nothing else. I now sit in a room with a single fan whirring at light speed to dissipate the 90°F air and the shades are closed to keep the light out. This is very different then home.
---------
tomorrow is eco-working group for 4 hours... then tuesday is industry breakfast with Ken Salazar... 1 hour break to get as many free pairs of socks as humanly possible and then 2 hours on the "America Great Outdoors" Initiative, more eco-working group, then back to Seattle. Oh, and i need to finish this paper on Wolverines. Fun fact (actually not so fun fact). Did you know that there are only 7 Wolverines known to exist in the state of Washington? less fun fact: Department of Fish & Wildlife has denied two separate acts to list the furry little guy on the Endangered Species List. How much smaller does an animal population need to get before it's considered endangered?
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