San Francisco December 2017

Our 2-night getaway in San Francisco to enjoy the ambiance of the city during the Christmas Hoildays. Below are a few favorites and the rest of the pictures can be found on Google Photos.

Grand Canyon Dory Trip July 2017

In July 2017, seven of us from Sacramento joined 9 others from throughout the States in the Grand Canyon National Park for a one week trip which consisted of six days in dories on the Colorado River, departing from Lee's Ferry and ending at Phantom Ranch, and a one day hike out of the canyon bottom to the South Rim, a distance of 9.7 miles with a one mile ascend. Our flotilla was comprised of 4 dories, each carrying 4 passengers and a boatman, followed by 3 large rafts carrying all the equipment and supplies for 16 guess and a crew of 9. Any apprehensions we may have harbored for the countless whitewater rapids along the river with names like Roaring 20's and House Rock, quickly turned into barrels of rocking rowing fun, scenic wander, water fights to ease the heat, and awesome land excursions; along with outstanding oarsmanship, guidance, attention and meals by the crew throughout our week of camping. I highly recommend dory trips down the Colorado River with OARS. Below are a few favorites and the rest of the pictures can be found on Google Photos.

San Diego Early 2017

Spending time south in San Diego during the new year to avoid the cold weather at home. This time we rented a condominium with a window view overlooking Mission Bay and its ever changing light. Below are a few favorites and the rest of the pictures can be found on Google Photos.

Hawaii in Fall 2016 Fall

Kay and I decided to spend a month in Waikiki during the the fall of 2016, staying in a one bedroom condominium on the 31st floor overlooking the Ali Wai Canal, a place we rented once before. Our place was a long city block from the beach where there was some decent snorkeling; and we could easily walk around the Ali Wai Canal, or around Diamond Head for some exercise. I also brought my foldable bike, a Bike Friday, which enabled me to explore most of the neighborhoods along the mountains from the Pali Highway to Kokohead. Our location gave me quick access to quiet neighborhoods away from the busy hustle and bustle of Waikiki, and from there I could easily cycle into the mountains or toward Kokohead to explore areas frequented by more locals than tourist. Staying active during our visit was important due to all the dine outs. Although we did eat in, one of the great things about visiting Hawaii is the food, a melting pot of Asian cuisines along with traditional local favorites, both old and new. Kay did her research generating a list of restaurants to try, some fine dining but mostly hole-in-the-walls. Including the restaurants we discovered while out and about, and recommendations from friends; there was more places than our days in paradise allowed. Staying active was important for our health and weight! Friends Dennis and Deb, whose daughter and husband recently moved to Waikiki, were also visiting the islands during part of our stay. Below are pictures from our trip which include visits to the Hawaii State Art Museum, Iolani Palace, and Mu Ryang Sa Buddhist Temple, as well as hikes to Manoa Falls, Diamond Head, and Waimea Valley. Below are a few favorites and the rest of the pictures can be found on Google Photos.

Cycle Touring in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Summer 2016

During late summer of 2016, Peter and I did a road trip to Rapid City, South Dakota to participate in a one week fully supported bike tour with 60 riders organized by the Adventure Cycling Association (ACA), in the Black Hills just west of the city. We were part of a subgroup of ten riders from California. Departing from home, our round trip odyssey took us through nine states: California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Oregon. In total, during nearly three weeks of travel, we drove just over 4,000 miles and rode our bicycles 262 miles with over 16,000 feet of elevation gain. We visited; by vehicle, bike, and foot; the Great Basin NP, Arches NP, Montrose, Rocky Mountains NP, Deadwood, Wind Cave NP, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mt. Rushmore NM, Badlands NP, Spearfish Canyon, Devils Tower NM, Little Bighorn Battlefield NM, the Beartooth Basin, Yellowstone NP, Bozeman, Missoula, Flathead Lake, and Steen Mountains of southeast Oregon. My thanks to the hospitality of Kurt and Cheri in Montrose, and Bill and Kathy at Flathead Lake for our much needed rest days. The ACA team lead by Kelley did an OUTSTANDING job running the bike tour and Ann's cooking was beyond my expectations. I highly recommend supported bike tours operated by ACA. Below are few pictures and here's a link to all the pictures on Google Photos including our road trip.

Spending Time with my Bro, July 2016

Spending time with my eldest brother and his wife at Mammoth Lakes in the eastern Sierras. While there, we rode the tram to the top of Mammoth Mountain, visited Mono Lake and Bodie State Park, and hiked the Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls. Lots of nice dining options in Mammoth Lakes; our favorite was the gourmet dining at Skadi. Below are a few favorites and the rest of the pictures can be found on Google Photos.

Oregon Bike Tour 2016

On Memorial Weekend, nine of us left California for an 8-day vehicle supported bike tour in western Oregon beginning in Sutherlin, just north of Roseburg, with a counter clockwise loop north around Eugene, to the coast from Newport to Winchester Bay, and back to Sutherlin. Many thanks to Stew who organized this trip which included vehicle support, bike transport, hotels, route maps, and all the essential road food and water. The route was outstanding, along mostly rural and quiet countryside roads, and the group was fun, congenial, positive and all enthusiastic riders. Below are few favorite pictures. Uses the link below, bottom lower right, to see the all the pictures in Picasa. Cheers.

From Oregon Bike Tour 2016