Sunday, December 19, 2010
DC in November 2010
Patty and I made a quick trip back to DC just before Thanksgiving. We did a little pre-birthday celebration with Tennyson and Jeremy. Overall, just had a great time as we visited the Eastern Market, the National Mall, the "Great Falls" of the Potomac, etc. Some of these pictures were too cute not to share (Tennyson happens to be in most of them. He is a very busy little guy). Enjoy.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
"The Big Island"
We had the great fortune of spending a week on the Big Island of Hawaii in October. Our friends the Pugmire's were at their condo in downtown Kona. We stayed in a really nice condo about 6 miles south of Kona. Some of you have been there, but for the benefit of the rest I am posting some pictures (we took dozens) that show the variety that this great island has to offer.
With the Pugmire's at a very old "Painted Church". The priest took years to paint murals on the inside.
A great view from Poloku Overlook.
This is a terrific beach called Hapuna Beach.
One day the four of us rented a 4-wheel drive vehicle and drove to the top of Mauna Kea (about 14,000 ft). Mauna Kea is considered the tallest mountain on earth although 16,000 feet are below the ocean. This is where the greatest telescopes in the northern hemisphere are located and looking into the heavens. It was really cool to see them. And speaking of cool . . . you can tell from the pictures that the temperature was considerably different than on the beach. With the wind chill, it had to be below freezing. You can see where Ralph and I climbed to the actual summit as well as to a small lake that no one seems to know the source of the water.
Coming down off the mountain you get a great shot of the volcanic activity of yesteryear as well as the weather pattern from the windward side of the island.
The beautiful Waipi'o Valley on the northern end of the island.
A shot straight up as you lay on the beach at Kahalu'u.
What Connie was seeing at the same time.
Beautiful "69 Beach"
A-Bay Beach flowers.
We spent quite a bit of time observing and hiking at the Kileauau Iki volcano. Amazing eruption from 50 years ago.
It's also amazing what can grow in hardened lava.
An incredible beach close to the airport that we had to ourselves.
Friends and others at The Black Sand Beach.
Wearing our leis at the Pugmire condo. They have a great ocean view.
And . . . the obligatory sunset shot.
With the Pugmire's at a very old "Painted Church". The priest took years to paint murals on the inside.
A great view from Poloku Overlook.
This is a terrific beach called Hapuna Beach.
One day the four of us rented a 4-wheel drive vehicle and drove to the top of Mauna Kea (about 14,000 ft). Mauna Kea is considered the tallest mountain on earth although 16,000 feet are below the ocean. This is where the greatest telescopes in the northern hemisphere are located and looking into the heavens. It was really cool to see them. And speaking of cool . . . you can tell from the pictures that the temperature was considerably different than on the beach. With the wind chill, it had to be below freezing. You can see where Ralph and I climbed to the actual summit as well as to a small lake that no one seems to know the source of the water.
Coming down off the mountain you get a great shot of the volcanic activity of yesteryear as well as the weather pattern from the windward side of the island.
The beautiful Waipi'o Valley on the northern end of the island.
A shot straight up as you lay on the beach at Kahalu'u.
What Connie was seeing at the same time.
Beautiful "69 Beach"
A-Bay Beach flowers.
We spent quite a bit of time observing and hiking at the Kileauau Iki volcano. Amazing eruption from 50 years ago.
It's also amazing what can grow in hardened lava.
An incredible beach close to the airport that we had to ourselves.
Friends and others at The Black Sand Beach.
Wearing our leis at the Pugmire condo. They have a great ocean view.
And . . . the obligatory sunset shot.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Camp Creek - Zion National Park
It's baseball season! What does that have to do with this hike? Well, I've tried to get a permit for The Subway on three different occasions, and guess what? "Three Strikes and Yer Out". Tom (son-in-law) and I were determined to go on an excursion (on 9/18) so I got out my trusty guidebook and we found a hike in the furthermost NW corner of Zion's. It is called the Camp Creek trail, and if they allow 50 hikers per day in the Subway, I can guarantee you that 50 hikers haven't taken this trail in years. It was an 8 mile round trip hike that developed into some beautiful, breathtaking scenery. 
How's this for a chute!
We saw some amazing formations!
The Narrows - Camp Creek style. (without the water)
This is a shot of our "trail" We had sections where we had to do some serious bushwhacking.
Here'e the thing about this picture. I was leading out and stepped over this rattler. Tom calmly tells me that I almost stepped on this guy. I never saw it.
How's this for a chute! 
We saw some amazing formations! 
The Narrows - Camp Creek style. (without the water) 
This is a shot of our "trail" We had sections where we had to do some serious bushwhacking. 
Here'e the thing about this picture. I was leading out and stepped over this rattler. Tom calmly tells me that I almost stepped on this guy. I never saw it. 
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