Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Day 36 – Hanging in Boulder – March 29th, 2011
Today was an off day, meaning I spent most of the day catching up on organizing photos, updating the blog, reading emails, FB, getting a haircut and planning the next stages of the trip. We also had to repack and plan for the next 2 days, we would be backpacking in Rocky Mountain National Park and snow camping. Sometime travelling full time can be a lot of work! However I could not go all day with doing nothing. I had made plans with Ira, the guy I met through the back country skiing meetup to go to a local climbing gym and really get a feel for what Boulder was all about. After a bit of refresher training on my knots and belaying, Ira and I started off on a few different climbs. After maybe an hour I was completely burnt out, and had barely enough left in me to lift a water bottle (much less a pint), so we headed off to Southern Sun, a fine Boulder brew pub to meet up with Rose and Joe. Joe was our couch surfing host for one night and he and Ira were sharing stories with us of their long term cross country trips that they had both taken. I really enjoyed Boulder, it’s smaller than Denver, but everyone here is super active, my kind of town!
Day 35 – Skiing, Vail Colorado – March 28th, 2011
I had made arrangements with some friends of our couch surfers from Denver to go skiing today in Vail. We met up and headed for the mountains. The roads were getting worse and worse as we drove and Mandy’s little Toyota with worn tires were not doing so well. Eventually we had to stop put on the snow chains and then slowly continue along. This of course was good news since we would have plenty of fresh snow on the mountain. We finally arrived at started skiing by 11AM, there was at least 10” of new snow, and in many places the powder was knee deep. It was amazing! The girls I was skiing with had been there all winter and said it was the most new powder they had seen all year. We had a great time all day, Laura and I broke off from the other two to tackle some of the black diamond runs that wound through the trees. By 4PM, when the lifts close were exhausted, but happy, pushing fresh powder around is great fun, but tiring too. We headed back to the Front Range, but stopped for beer and food on the way at (surprise!) another brew pub. Colorado is covered in these things, it’s awesome. What a great way to get introduced to Colorado skiing!
Photo Album: FTF Day 35 - Vail
Day 34 – Backcountry Skiing in Rocky Mountain National Park – March 27th, 2011
Jeep Mileage: 274 110 km
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| Ira Skis up |
I had found a meetup group in Boulder for backcountry skiing, luckily they were heading out while we were visiting Boulder. We headed for Rocky Mountain National Park to the Hidden Valley. Hidden Valley used to be a ski area with a few tow ropes hut and everything. The tow ropes were removed many years ago, but the remaining ski runs are still there. This would be my first chance to test out my new AT ski gear, and the first time in 2 years since I had done any backcountry skiing. So we started skinning up the mountain, I had trouble figuring out my new Dynafit bindings, so I was trailing behind the group, eventually I caught up but I was overheating from wearing too many clothes. Finally I stripped down a layer and continued on. After maybe 1-2 hours of skinning up the mountain, we stopped, peeled off our skins, locked down the bindings and boots, and headed down through ankle deep powder it was beautiful! I loved how my new wide skis handled in the big powder. We stopped at the bottom of the bowl and headed back up for another run. I was getting pretty worn out at this point but trudge on. At the end of the 2nd climb I was toasted, and had to eat some trail mix, a couple of the guys waited for me at the stop of the hill, and Ira helped me out with my skis while I refueled. The weather was a bit sketching too by this time the wind had really picked up and clouds had blocked out the sun. I felt worse here at 10000 ft than I did after a whole day of climbing on Elbert, it was a humbling experience, but encouraged me to get out there for more. We made another run, and then headed to a tree lined run that took us back to the parking lot. On the way back we stopped Lyons (not France) for some beer and food at a brew pub.
For those of you interested in backcountry skiing or what to know more about AT skis check this out:Ski Touring
That evening Rose and I headed out to a Couch Surfing meeting in Boulder. We met a lot of interesting people. Once thing I noted is that it seems everyone we meet in Colorado has done long term travel. We met at least 6 or 7 people that have lived in their car, van RV, or truck for a year or more and travelled around North America, apparently this is a rite of passage for living here. Everyone has had different experiences, but they all have no regrets for doing it and are all happy for us.
Photo Album: FTF Day 34
Day 29-33 Denver March 22nd – 26th, 2011
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| Annie and Ian our awesome hosts in Denver |
We spent 5 days in Denver couch Surfing with a originally couple from Baltimore, Annie and Ian. They were super cool hosts; they made us dinner, took us out to different neighbourhoods, and shaved Rose’s head. Rose had been talking about getting a low maintenance haircut for some time now, so one drunken night Ian requested a Mohawk from Annie, and rose jumped on the bandwagon. We had time to walk around a number of different neighbourhoods, parks, and check out some dive bars, including the infamous Nob Hill Inn, near Capitol Hill. We sampled a few different Pizza places, and $1 PBRs too, hey give us a break we're on a budget! I really like the feel of Denver and the size seems right too. Who knows maybe one day it will be my future home. On our way to Boulder we visited the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater, a natural amphitheater that seats 9000 people and over looks Denver in the distance, although there are no concerts going on until summer, it was still cool to be there. From there we headed to Eldorado Canyon State Park for some hiking, the canyon like many areas in Colorado was very popular with Rock climbers. I imagine if I ever move here I’ll join the crowds.
Full Photo Album: FTF Day 29-33 Denver
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Day 28, Climbing Mt. Bancroft (13250 ft) March 21st , 2011
Steve had 1 day left in Colorado and wanted to get one more climb in. Since Mays and his brother were both working he asked me to join him to climb Mt. Bancroft, near his brother’s house in Golden Colorado. Bancroft sits at 13250ft (4038m) tall, shorter than Elbert, but still challenging, especially since we had just climbed Elbert. We were dropped off at the trail head at 10AM and told our ride (Rose and Aya) to be back at 5PM. Again we started off in snowshoes, across a frozen lake, up a snowfield (St. Mary’s Glacier, which is not really a glacier) that was a bit loaded for avalanche so we quickly passed this point, while remaining several hundred feet apart. Once above the snowfield we were on a flat plain for about a mile before having to drop 300 ft into a lake basin that sat in front of the mountain. The lake was beautiful but this decent also meant we would have to climb back out of the basin after the summit. No matter we pressed on switching to crampons and choosing a relatively safe, but steep route up a snowfield. We took turns leading since we were ankle deep in snow, but truthfully Steve the majority of the hard work. Finally after 5 hrs we reached the ridge and then just 10 minutes later we were on the summit. It was windy but not nearly as bad as on Elbert. We took several photos and then quickly headed down. We quickly moved down the mountain, glissading (sliding on your butt) when we could to save time, energy and have a laugh. Climbing out of the basin proved to be more diffifult than we anticipated, since it had warmed up during the day the snow became weak, we kept breaking through and had to crawl and hop our way to the flat area. Finally we arrived back at the parking lot at 5:30PM, a little later than planned but happy to be successful in another endeavour.Info on Mt. Bancroft.
I realize now, more than ever that mountaineering is one of the most challenging sports I have ever taken on. While climbing my heart was pounding away at 120-150 bpm, you only stop maybe every 1-2 hrs for a 5-10 minutes for water and food then you keep going. Maintaining this level of effort for hours takes a real toll on your body all while at 10,000 ft or higher. I figure I burn literally 4000-5000 calories on more for a day on the mountain, afterwards I can’t seem to eat enough. Anyone out there that wants a new challenge out there get yourself to Colorado (even in the summer, although winter is much tougher) and try out a 14er, there are 57 of them in the state.
Photo Album: FTF Day 28 - mt. Bancroft
Day 25-27, Climbing Mt. Elbert March 18th-20th , 2011
Jeep Mileage: 272 700 km
After our late arrival in Colorado Springs, I met Steve Curry and Mike Mays for the first time in person and we talked for a bit then headed for bed. Steve and Aya live in Japan and are good friends with Rose. Steve is very much into Mountaineering and has been learning everything he knows from Mike Mays, who lives in Colorado Springs, they were there for a week to visit so Steve could get some climbing in with Mays in preparation for their trip to Peru’s Huascarán (22,205ft or 6768m) in June. I saw it as a chance to climb with a very experienced mountaineer and learn a bunch of new things, while still physically and mentally challenging myself. Rose was eager to catch up with her friend Aya.
Friday we woke up and began preparation for climbing Mt. Elbert, in Colorado. Mt. Elbert at 14440 ft, is Colorado's highest mountain and the 2nd tallest in the lower 48 states. Aya and Rose took the Jeep and headed for sand Dunes National Monument and some natural hot springs. Mays, Steve and I headed for the base of Elbert where we met with Steve’s brother Mike. The 4 of us setup camp, and spent the evening making dinner and talking mountain talk.
Saturday morning we were up at 5AM so we could start our climb at 7AM. Since many of the roads are not cleared in winter we had to walk an extra 2 miles along a snowy path. In total the climb would be 11.2 miles (18km), and 4880ft (1487m) from base to summit. We started on snowshoes and then once clear of the tree line and the snowfield we switched to crampons. The wind continued to pickup throughout the day, by the time we summited after 7 hrs of climbing the wind was blowing at 60 mph. Mays, Steve and I were all super happy, as it was Steve and my highpoint in our climbing career. Since no mountains in Colorado are glaciated and the route was not very steep or technical we remained unroped. After a few photos on the summit we quickly headed back down the way we came. Another 4 hrs later we were back at base camp. We headed into town for some dinner, which tasted awesome after such a long day (although I think cardboard would have tasted awesome at that point). We then headed back to camp and quickly fell asleep.
More on Mt. Elbert's south route: Mt. Elbert South Route
Sunday morning we packed up camp, and headed into town for breakfast, on the way back to Mays’s place we stopped for a quick hike up to Agnes Vaille falls. Steve and his brother headed back to Golden Colorado, where his brother lives. After returning to Mays’s place in Colorado springs I cleaned up my gear and repacked it. Rose and Aya then showed up and the 4 of us headed to Garden of the Gods, then dinner in Manitou Springs. Garden of the Gods is a beautiful park with tons of rock formations and it’s great for hiking, biking, and rock climbing. We had a great weekend, and spent the evening exchanging stories.
see the photo album: FTF Day 25-27
Day 24, The Big Drive March 17th, 2011
Jeep Mileage: 271 202 km
Happy St. Patty’s Day! Well after 3 days of waiting our Jeep is finally ready, we got a ride to the garage from another Couch Surfer, Medina at 7:30AM so we could be on our way right away. We headed out at 8AM and drove along I40 across Oklahoma, and Texas to Amarillo, then cut up towards New Mexico, and eventually Colorado, finishing in Colorado Springs at midnight. In total we drove for 15.5 hours covering 989 miles (1592 km).
It was a long day but we were eager to meet up with our friends in Colorado, and we felt recharged after our 3 day stay in Little Rock. We took turns throughout the day driving.
We recently found out that we will be doing a WWOOF in Utah near Moab on a Solar Powered Organic Vineyard. The farm is run by a 24 year old from California. I am hoping to help put the finishing touches on a solar powered cabin and help with the crops. We will be staying there for about 2 weeks, working approximately 6 hrs a day 5 days a week in exchange for room and board. This will give us a chance to settle down for a couple weeks after 2 months of travel, and learn new skills while doing something a little less selfish at the same time.
A few photos: Day 24 - The Big Drive
View Larger Map
Happy St. Patty’s Day! Well after 3 days of waiting our Jeep is finally ready, we got a ride to the garage from another Couch Surfer, Medina at 7:30AM so we could be on our way right away. We headed out at 8AM and drove along I40 across Oklahoma, and Texas to Amarillo, then cut up towards New Mexico, and eventually Colorado, finishing in Colorado Springs at midnight. In total we drove for 15.5 hours covering 989 miles (1592 km).
It was a long day but we were eager to meet up with our friends in Colorado, and we felt recharged after our 3 day stay in Little Rock. We took turns throughout the day driving.
We recently found out that we will be doing a WWOOF in Utah near Moab on a Solar Powered Organic Vineyard. The farm is run by a 24 year old from California. I am hoping to help put the finishing touches on a solar powered cabin and help with the crops. We will be staying there for about 2 weeks, working approximately 6 hrs a day 5 days a week in exchange for room and board. This will give us a chance to settle down for a couple weeks after 2 months of travel, and learn new skills while doing something a little less selfish at the same time.
A few photos: Day 24 - The Big Drive
View Larger Map
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Day 21-23, Little Rock Arkansas – March 14th-16th, 2011
After a quiet night in Memphis, we headed due west on our way to another couchsurf in Oklahoma City. We had to cover a lot of ground in the next few days in order to meet Rose’s friends from Japan Steve and Aya in Colorado Springs on Thursday March 17th. I was planning to climb Pike’s Peak with Steve and his brother, while Rose was going to spend time with Aya. During the drive we decided to stop in Little Rock, Arkansas to find a grocery store and pick up a few things. In the city I took a hard left turn and because it had been lightly raining the roads were slick, the Jeep fishtailed out of control and boom, we hit a median with the rear passenger wheel. The impact was so hard it actually broke the axel, cracked the rim and laid the tire directly under the car. Luckily no one was hurt and we did not hit anyone else. We called AAA, arranged for a tow, the police showed up and stopped traffic for us. While waiting for the tow truck Rose got online and posted a plea for help from the couch surfing community in Little Rock. Before we even arrived at the garage we received a call from Kyle. He put us up for a couple nights and picked us up from the garage.
Full Album: Day 21-22
Day 19-20, Mammoth Caves National Park – March 12th-13th, 2011
Jeep Mileage: 270345 km
We checked out the short hikes available in the Mammoth Caves National Park and picked up our tickets for the 6.5 hour wild cave tour that we had booked for the next day. We spent the evening camping in the park, and enjoying the early spring weather we had. We spent Saturday night, around the camp fire reading, and updating our blogs, sorting photos and planning the next legs our journey. I thought about most of my friends back in Greenville, which were out enjoying the pub crawl. Part of me wanted to be back there with them, but I know deep down this trip is something I need in my life.
This would be only the 2nd time I had ever been caving, the first was in Budapest in 2009. This would be Rose’s first experience with caving so we were both very excited. We arrived and suited up in our coveralls, helmets, and headlamps. The guides took us on a 6.5 hr adventure called the Wild cave tour. We crawled, climbed and squeezed through some pretty tight spots. In fact a couple places we could only squeeze through by lying flat on our bellies, turning our head sideways and then pulling ourselves through with our arms. It was a lot of work but a lot of fun.
After a quick shower we got on the road late and headed for Memphis. We had a couch surf lined up there for the night.
Full album: Day 19-20
We checked out the short hikes available in the Mammoth Caves National Park and picked up our tickets for the 6.5 hour wild cave tour that we had booked for the next day. We spent the evening camping in the park, and enjoying the early spring weather we had. We spent Saturday night, around the camp fire reading, and updating our blogs, sorting photos and planning the next legs our journey. I thought about most of my friends back in Greenville, which were out enjoying the pub crawl. Part of me wanted to be back there with them, but I know deep down this trip is something I need in my life.
Full album: Day 19-20
Monday, March 14, 2011
Day 17-18, Nashville, TN
Jeep Mileage: 270475 km
Leaving Greenville, I headed for Asheville, NC to pick up Rose. She had been staying with a couch surfing friend. After much deliberation, we decided only to drive through the Smoke Mountain National Park and not stop and camp for 2 days, as we had originally planned. The weather forecast was for heavy rains, and possible flood warnings and snow, not exactly ideal camping weather. So we merely drove through the park on our way to Nashville.
We arrived in Nashville in time for dinner and met our Couch surfing host Todd. He is a semi professional photographer that lived in a small cottage, with a loft in east Nashville. He was very interested in Portland, as he is planning to make it his next home some, he and rose had a lot to talk about. I was battling a bit of a cold, so I took it easy.
The next day Rose and I got up early and ventured into the city for some sightseeing. We headed straight for Centennial Park and the Parthenon. The morning light and the blue skies made for some great photographs, next we walked over to music row, and then back downtown for some lunch and to check out all of the touristy music bars. Later we went to the State Museum, and finally the state capitol building before heading back to our hosts place for nap. In the evening we hit a local bar/restaurant with Todd for dinner, then Rose proceeded to school me on the great art of foosball. Final scores were 5-1, 5-0, 5-2, and 5-2. Rose won all of them. I am hoping over the next few months I can improve, otherwise she may grow bored of even playing me.
The next day we took advantage of the nice weather (high’s of 68F), and carefully repacked the car, while searching for my Iron Ring which I had lost a few days earlier. Unfortunately it did not come up but I am hoping it will turn up in the next few days, we’ll see. Once all packed up we headed for Mammoth Caves, Kentucky.
link to Photo Album: Day 17
Leaving Greenville, I headed for Asheville, NC to pick up Rose. She had been staying with a couch surfing friend. After much deliberation, we decided only to drive through the Smoke Mountain National Park and not stop and camp for 2 days, as we had originally planned. The weather forecast was for heavy rains, and possible flood warnings and snow, not exactly ideal camping weather. So we merely drove through the park on our way to Nashville.
We arrived in Nashville in time for dinner and met our Couch surfing host Todd. He is a semi professional photographer that lived in a small cottage, with a loft in east Nashville. He was very interested in Portland, as he is planning to make it his next home some, he and rose had a lot to talk about. I was battling a bit of a cold, so I took it easy.
The next day Rose and I got up early and ventured into the city for some sightseeing. We headed straight for Centennial Park and the Parthenon. The morning light and the blue skies made for some great photographs, next we walked over to music row, and then back downtown for some lunch and to check out all of the touristy music bars. Later we went to the State Museum, and finally the state capitol building before heading back to our hosts place for nap. In the evening we hit a local bar/restaurant with Todd for dinner, then Rose proceeded to school me on the great art of foosball. Final scores were 5-1, 5-0, 5-2, and 5-2. Rose won all of them. I am hoping over the next few months I can improve, otherwise she may grow bored of even playing me.
The next day we took advantage of the nice weather (high’s of 68F), and carefully repacked the car, while searching for my Iron Ring which I had lost a few days earlier. Unfortunately it did not come up but I am hoping it will turn up in the next few days, we’ll see. Once all packed up we headed for Mammoth Caves, Kentucky.
link to Photo Album: Day 17
Day 16 - Greenville, SC
Jeep Odometer: 269 547 km
Upon arriving in Greenville, SC I went straight to the hospital for a CT scan. Doctor Frazier reviewed the results and determined the cyst was growing on the end of the mastoid. He told me that he did not feel he was experienced enough to work on it. He said the risk was permanent damage to my facial nerve, which would mean I would look like a stroke victim for the rest of my life. We discussed my options, and he knew I was travelling for some time so he agreed to help me find a doctor in Colorado that could work on me while I was there.
I spent the evening catching up with friends at Happy Hour and dinner afterwards at Nose Dive. Although I had been gone for only 2 weeks it was great to see so many familiar faces again. I know this is probably the last time I may see some of them ever, or least for a long time. I will miss the friends that I have made, and hope that our friendships can span the distances between us. I also hope that many of them will make an effort to join me at some point, even if it’s only for a few days of camping in California, or sightseeing in a the city, it would be great to see them again.
Upon arriving in Greenville, SC I went straight to the hospital for a CT scan. Doctor Frazier reviewed the results and determined the cyst was growing on the end of the mastoid. He told me that he did not feel he was experienced enough to work on it. He said the risk was permanent damage to my facial nerve, which would mean I would look like a stroke victim for the rest of my life. We discussed my options, and he knew I was travelling for some time so he agreed to help me find a doctor in Colorado that could work on me while I was there.
I spent the evening catching up with friends at Happy Hour and dinner afterwards at Nose Dive. Although I had been gone for only 2 weeks it was great to see so many familiar faces again. I know this is probably the last time I may see some of them ever, or least for a long time. I will miss the friends that I have made, and hope that our friendships can span the distances between us. I also hope that many of them will make an effort to join me at some point, even if it’s only for a few days of camping in California, or sightseeing in a the city, it would be great to see them again.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
FTF Day 14-15 Fredricksburg, VA to Boone, NC
Monday we drove 400 miles from Fredericksburg, VA to Boone, NC. We had stayed with Rose’s friend Tamika in Fredericksburg and were heading to Boone to stay with another friend, Kelly for 2 nights. Along the way we tried to drive along skyline drive through Shenandoah National Park, but it was closed due to a recent snowfall. Later we stopped at the famous Foamhenge, a life size replica of Stonehenge, made from Styrofoam. Complete with a wizard to demonstrate one theory as to how it was made.
Once in North Carolina we drove the last 80 miles of the Blueridge parkway, this is where Rose took her first turn at driving the Jeep, she did well and I got a chance for a short nap. The weather was clear and cool great for driving. When we arrived we headed out for dinner, drinks and trivia at a local Pub with Kelly and some of her friends. The next day we headed out for a short 4 mile hike to the top of the 5520’ Elk Knob near Boone. Tomorrow I will drive Rose to visit a friend in Asheville while I head back to Greenville, SC for minor surgery on my ear to remove a cyst.
Complete Album: FTF Day 14-15
FTF Day 13 - Washington DC
Rose and I spent the day touring the City with our host Tiffany. We visited the National Gallery, Chinatown, the Jefferson Memorial and the Air space Museum. We knew one day was not enough to take in everything in the city but unfortunately our schedule would only allow for one day. Luckily I had visited DC about 4 or 5 years ago and got to take in most of the city then. So despite the rain, I felt we made the most of the day.
Complete Album: FTF Day 13 - Washington DC
FTF Day 7-12 - New York City!
I was excited to visit New York City again, this trip was my 3rd trip to the big apple. The last time was briefly in 2009 for Halloween, and then in 2008 for the marathon. I had a list of museums and sights I was hoping to squeeze, as well as a number of friends to catch up with.
Arriving by bus in NYC from New Jersey I made my way to Rose’s parent’s place, to meet with her and finalize some trip plans, and catch up since I had not seen her since November 2010. Since the weather was cold and rainy we got a lot accomplished. Monday night I headed to my friend Keith’s place where I would be staying for the week. He lives on the Upper east side of the city and has a great apartment overlooking the 59th Street bridge. I spent the next 4 days taking in the sites during the day and spending my evenings out with friends. I was lucky enough to catch up with Keith quite a bit, met some of his friends and went for a very fast run with him through Central Park. I also visited Rick and Gabrielle, my close university friends and met there adorable son max for the first time. Unfortunately he went to bed before I had a chance to get a photograph, so you’ll have to take my word for it.
The photos will give more detail, here’s a quick list of what I saw and did:
• Williamsburg
• Chinatown
• Little Italy
• SOHO
• Greenwich Village
• MoMA (Modern Museum of Art)
• The Natural History Museum
• The NYFD Museum
• Central Park (ran there several times)
• New York City Public Library
• The Soup Man (inspiration for the Seinfeld’s Soup Nazi)
• Washington Square Park
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Complete Album: FTF Day 7-12
Arriving by bus in NYC from New Jersey I made my way to Rose’s parent’s place, to meet with her and finalize some trip plans, and catch up since I had not seen her since November 2010. Since the weather was cold and rainy we got a lot accomplished. Monday night I headed to my friend Keith’s place where I would be staying for the week. He lives on the Upper east side of the city and has a great apartment overlooking the 59th Street bridge. I spent the next 4 days taking in the sites during the day and spending my evenings out with friends. I was lucky enough to catch up with Keith quite a bit, met some of his friends and went for a very fast run with him through Central Park. I also visited Rick and Gabrielle, my close university friends and met there adorable son max for the first time. Unfortunately he went to bed before I had a chance to get a photograph, so you’ll have to take my word for it.
The photos will give more detail, here’s a quick list of what I saw and did:
• Williamsburg
• Chinatown
• Little Italy
• SOHO
• Greenwich Village
• MoMA (Modern Museum of Art)
• The Natural History Museum
• The NYFD Museum
• Central Park (ran there several times)
• New York City Public Library
• The Soup Man (inspiration for the Seinfeld’s Soup Nazi)
• Washington Square Park
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Friday night Rose had a party to say goodbye to New York, friends and family from Connecticut, Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York attended. Mrs. Grech fed us all very well, and the night was a big success. This was a perfect end to another great visit to NYC. I did not find the time to enjoy too much nightlife, but made the most of my days and evenings.
Complete Album: FTF Day 7-12
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