Introduction

This is something I've been meaning to do for a long time.  Since 2009 when I started school again, I stopped updating my other blogs and now that I have more time on my hands, I wanted to capture some good pics from the different places I've been.  I'm afraid I'm not a great photographer and I only consistently have my camera phone on me, however I hope you enjoy!

My wife, Sarah, and I at the Twins game last April (2013) - we had a late, late winter...

Eaton Canyon Park

My wife and I took a long weekend to LA to visit family in November 2013.  On our first day, we beat the 5 hours of sitting with a nice hike in the Eaton Canyon outside Pasadena, CA.  The amount of haze from smog is truly amazing and disgusting.

Taylor's Falls

I was laid off this year and to clear my head Sarah took us to Taylor's Falls for a hike and picnic. It was an amazing late September day.

Aspen Bike Ride

In August, my extended family had a reunion in Aspen, CO.  The first day, we went on a really nice, gentle bike ride along an old railroad path. What a gorgeous place.

 Pictured (left to right): My cousin's husband, Jeff; my wife, Sarah; and Me.

Mammoth Cave

During my July 2013 visit to see mom, we also went to the Mammoth Cave National Park.  This is the longest known cave system at 1600 km.  New entrances are being discovered all of the time.  The temperature stays constantly around 55 degrees F throughout the year and is home to a diverse, nocturnal ecosystem.  These pictures aren't so great - smartphone.

Foal

When I visited my mom in July 2013, I got to see Mom's latest foal - these are Icelandic horses.

River Tubing

Our tradition of breakfast on the river before tubing. Pretty poor quality... July 2013

Grand Lake, CO

Sarah took me to Colorado for our 1 year anniversary in June 2013.  Here's some great scenery from our cabin.

Walk in the woods

Me and Balto the dog in the woods - Lavalle, WI. June 2013

Long Winter

Late April snowfall 2013, took the dog out into the backyard woods.

Tough Mudder

In a sign of office solidarity, I agreed to run the Tough Mudder.  I'm glad I did it.  I'm glad I trained for it...

 The team - that's me top left of center in the red shirt

Double fisting a sports drink and beer.  My feet hurt so badly.  I left my shoes in a pile at the end of the race - they were toast.

View from Alcatraz

For the family reunion this year, we went to San Francisco.  Here's the view from Alcatraz Island Prison.  Would have been a great day for sailing.  Wish I had been out there.

Guys Weekend in Big Sky

Spring skiing and boarding in Big Sky, MT.  We drove in 18 hours riding the front wave of a snowstorm.  The interstate was getting closed behind us and I was driving in whiteout conditions switching between goggles with different tints every so often to gain some contrast.  It was worth it.

 Apres-ski Fat Tire

 Getting snow on the peak

No, I didn't try it.

TCSC Apostle Islands 2010

I belong to the Twin Cities Sailing Club that does social sailing and racing in conjunction with the Lake Harriet Yacht Club.  Every fall they do a large group sailing trip to the Apostles.  Sarah and I went this year and were fortunate to be grouped with some great people - "Dancing" Paul and Alyssa Fox, Kraig "Kraigles", Jim Musil, Ian Fitzpatrick, and a mother/daughter pair (whose names escape me right now - sorry).  Had a good time.

 Our 36' Jeanneau "Twilight"

 My turn to clean up with Captain Jim

The whole crew on our last day

To Holar

We took a day trip to Holar University, an agricultural school.  Here are some photos of our trip up there.

 Old sod houses

 I had to run in the Arctic Ocean - It was extremely cold.  I think it's technically the Norwegian Sea

 This is about 10PM

Wandering Around Iceland

Some photos of use touring Iceland with Mom as our guide.  The first batch is form snaefellsnes, the western peninsula of Iceland.  Others, such as the fortress are further east from Bifrost.  And there are some from the western coast on our way to snaefellsnes.

 Snaefellsjokull

 An old fortress