This post has to be short, since I've had a couple glasses of wine, and I'm having a lot of fun. Look forward to a few pics, and some video of the trip in the future. I'm up in Tahoe with my great friend from Colorado, Amanda. She works for Vail resorts, and organized a low key, low cost ski trip up to Lake Tahoe. We drove up yesterday, and drove up the following day. The weather was perfect, and a quick 8 1/2 hours later we were here.
Today after a nice late start, we went down to Heavenly, and made some turns. My muscles surpisingly are feeling good since it's been a year since I've ridden. The mountain was closed for wind, so we had to cut it short, but awesome first day. I'm really looking forward to tommorrow.
Best ting that happened today was that Amanda learned about "Swingers"!!!!!
Ahhh
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Telluride Press Event travel
Well, I am off for my first company support trip. Land Rover is hosting a group of journalists in Telluride Colorado for two weeks. he event will consist of off roading over the great divide, and working back over a two day period. My job is to be on hand incase of any vehicle related issues. Hopefully there wont be any.
So the morning came way too early. I was up well into the early morning doing laundry and preparing for the event. I normally tru not to put things off to the last minute, but the last week was very busy. I had trainers from Brazil, and the UK. It's very difficult to be a good host, and do your job at the same time. I juggled it as well as I can hope for though.
I'll do my best to post daily with the current days wrap up.... My flight is boarding. Hopefully the plane doesn't crash, and you'll see a posting soon.
So the morning came way too early. I was up well into the early morning doing laundry and preparing for the event. I normally tru not to put things off to the last minute, but the last week was very busy. I had trainers from Brazil, and the UK. It's very difficult to be a good host, and do your job at the same time. I juggled it as well as I can hope for though.
I'll do my best to post daily with the current days wrap up.... My flight is boarding. Hopefully the plane doesn't crash, and you'll see a posting soon.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Rover Rendevous
Sorry for the lack of writing lately. Life has been busy and it is summer. This past weekend I was fortunate enough to attend the tenth annual Rover Rendezvous in Big Bear, CA. The event is a yearly event hosted by the Southern California Land Rover Club (SCLR). This was my first event of any kind involving this club.
Before I really continue with my tale, I should mention that I took my mother up a few weeks ago thinking I was going to event then. Instead after arriving and not finding anyone else, I finally realized I had the dates messed up. Oh well, sometimes these things happen and at least I got a nice weekend with my mother.
As with most things that I try to do, this one had some early setbacks. My Defender is leaking oil from the transmission from my previous trip and I was feeling uncomfortable that it might be a problem. The 109" has historically been reliable but it's also been neglected the last few years. It also was full of parts for the Range Rover. My last resort was to use a company vehicle but without approval I could not. So it looked like I would be travelling to the rendezvous without a Land Rover.
I phoned my mate Steve who owns British Car Service in Los Angeles. I explained my situation and he agreed to let me ride with him. To make it even better he volunteered a rooftop tent for me to sleep in. So I packed my bags and rode my BMW GSA to the Land Rover event.
Turns out riding a heavily loaded big motorcycle through Los Angeles traffic is hard work. But it proved to be worth it. It was 107 degrees and I was very hot. I finally arrived to the campground after the two and a half hour ride.
When I arrived Steve, and his friend Mickey were already set up in Steve's sportsmobile, and enjoying a few drinks next to the crackling fire. I quickly settled in, and joined in. After having a couple of drinks, my expectation was to sleep well, but was I wrong. The temperatures dropped to around 30 degrees, and was woken up by the cold. I put all my layers on, but that only helped slightly. The sun finally rose, and I was able to warm up, but unfortunately I hadn't gotten enough sleep. It was really cool though to sleep on the roof of a real Camel Trophy vehicle.
Day 2 started with a nice English bacon, butter on toast breakfast. I had forgotten how nice English bacon is. Thanks to Mickey and culinary talents we were ready for first trail day.
We checked in with event staff to align for our selected trail. It took a while, as the organization, and direction provided was minimal. We finally met our group, and headed for the Horsethief Canyon trail. The 100" while being one of the best vehicles ever made, was never a fast mover. The LR3's easily left us in their dust, but we managed and catch up at the trailhead.
The trail was a bit of an unknown for us. As it turned out it was an unknown for everyone. I would soon find out that the trail leader had never been on the trail either. Steve chose it because it was rated moderate, and he didn't want to damage his very collectible Camel Trophy 110.
The old mining road started out with a slight decent in to the valley. The views are spectacular, and look down onto Joshua Tree National Park. Large basketball sized boulder littered the roadway, but with careful navigation, and slow driving were not an issue. After cruising through the valley floor on undulating sand mounds, the road narrows, and becomes rough once again. After bouncing, and jarring ourselves all the way down, we had finally found a difficult section. I got out to have a look, and see why the convoy had stopped.
Brad, the trail leader, and the driver of the second LR3 were standing at the top of the hill looking down, and assessing the situation. They deliberated, and thought turning around may be the best option. I disagreed, and they trusted my judgement, so I spotted the group through the section. No damage, or rubbing occurred on any of the vehicles. Near the roads end we parked, and ate lunch in the 100 degree heat.
Then the fun started. It turns out that the trail is a dead end. That meant we would have to drive out the way we came, and more importantly back up the difficult hill.
With detailed spotting, and the drivers now trusting my abilities, I got the LR3's up without damage. It was pushing them to their factory limits, but very impressive. The Camel Trophy truck had a problem from the start. Partially too much throttle, and the fact it has a manual transmission made things worse. As it turned out, Steve had put the vehicle in low range, but forgot to engage the center locking differential. This meant it managed to climb out of a very difficult section in front wheel drive.
After driving off the trail, the three of us decided a trip to town for supplies would be a good idea. Four hours and countless drinks later, we had managed to have at least one drink at every Big Bear city bar. I believe that 9 bars. I snoozed in the back on the way back to the barbecue.
The club had an organized barbecue at the campground on the Saturday night. The food was fantastic, and was very enjoyable. They conducted a raffle, and giveaways. People seemed to have a great time, and I managed to get a few good raffle items.
The next morning we broke camp, and headed home. Steve had some business to attend to, and I need to get home and prepare for the upcoming week. The ride home was smooth, and only took a touch over an hour.
All in all, the weekend was really great. I made some new friends, and got to enjoy the wilderness. It reminded me of why I love the Land Rover brand so much. I look forward to the next rendezvous next year. The next club event for me will be the Land Rover National Rally in Moab Utah.
I'll post some pics of the trip as soon as I can.
Before I really continue with my tale, I should mention that I took my mother up a few weeks ago thinking I was going to event then. Instead after arriving and not finding anyone else, I finally realized I had the dates messed up. Oh well, sometimes these things happen and at least I got a nice weekend with my mother.
As with most things that I try to do, this one had some early setbacks. My Defender is leaking oil from the transmission from my previous trip and I was feeling uncomfortable that it might be a problem. The 109" has historically been reliable but it's also been neglected the last few years. It also was full of parts for the Range Rover. My last resort was to use a company vehicle but without approval I could not. So it looked like I would be travelling to the rendezvous without a Land Rover.
I phoned my mate Steve who owns British Car Service in Los Angeles. I explained my situation and he agreed to let me ride with him. To make it even better he volunteered a rooftop tent for me to sleep in. So I packed my bags and rode my BMW GSA to the Land Rover event.
Turns out riding a heavily loaded big motorcycle through Los Angeles traffic is hard work. But it proved to be worth it. It was 107 degrees and I was very hot. I finally arrived to the campground after the two and a half hour ride.
When I arrived Steve, and his friend Mickey were already set up in Steve's sportsmobile, and enjoying a few drinks next to the crackling fire. I quickly settled in, and joined in. After having a couple of drinks, my expectation was to sleep well, but was I wrong. The temperatures dropped to around 30 degrees, and was woken up by the cold. I put all my layers on, but that only helped slightly. The sun finally rose, and I was able to warm up, but unfortunately I hadn't gotten enough sleep. It was really cool though to sleep on the roof of a real Camel Trophy vehicle.
Day 2 started with a nice English bacon, butter on toast breakfast. I had forgotten how nice English bacon is. Thanks to Mickey and culinary talents we were ready for first trail day.
We checked in with event staff to align for our selected trail. It took a while, as the organization, and direction provided was minimal. We finally met our group, and headed for the Horsethief Canyon trail. The 100" while being one of the best vehicles ever made, was never a fast mover. The LR3's easily left us in their dust, but we managed and catch up at the trailhead.
The trail was a bit of an unknown for us. As it turned out it was an unknown for everyone. I would soon find out that the trail leader had never been on the trail either. Steve chose it because it was rated moderate, and he didn't want to damage his very collectible Camel Trophy 110.
The old mining road started out with a slight decent in to the valley. The views are spectacular, and look down onto Joshua Tree National Park. Large basketball sized boulder littered the roadway, but with careful navigation, and slow driving were not an issue. After cruising through the valley floor on undulating sand mounds, the road narrows, and becomes rough once again. After bouncing, and jarring ourselves all the way down, we had finally found a difficult section. I got out to have a look, and see why the convoy had stopped.
Brad, the trail leader, and the driver of the second LR3 were standing at the top of the hill looking down, and assessing the situation. They deliberated, and thought turning around may be the best option. I disagreed, and they trusted my judgement, so I spotted the group through the section. No damage, or rubbing occurred on any of the vehicles. Near the roads end we parked, and ate lunch in the 100 degree heat.
Then the fun started. It turns out that the trail is a dead end. That meant we would have to drive out the way we came, and more importantly back up the difficult hill.
With detailed spotting, and the drivers now trusting my abilities, I got the LR3's up without damage. It was pushing them to their factory limits, but very impressive. The Camel Trophy truck had a problem from the start. Partially too much throttle, and the fact it has a manual transmission made things worse. As it turned out, Steve had put the vehicle in low range, but forgot to engage the center locking differential. This meant it managed to climb out of a very difficult section in front wheel drive.
After driving off the trail, the three of us decided a trip to town for supplies would be a good idea. Four hours and countless drinks later, we had managed to have at least one drink at every Big Bear city bar. I believe that 9 bars. I snoozed in the back on the way back to the barbecue.
The club had an organized barbecue at the campground on the Saturday night. The food was fantastic, and was very enjoyable. They conducted a raffle, and giveaways. People seemed to have a great time, and I managed to get a few good raffle items.
The next morning we broke camp, and headed home. Steve had some business to attend to, and I need to get home and prepare for the upcoming week. The ride home was smooth, and only took a touch over an hour.
All in all, the weekend was really great. I made some new friends, and got to enjoy the wilderness. It reminded me of why I love the Land Rover brand so much. I look forward to the next rendezvous next year. The next club event for me will be the Land Rover National Rally in Moab Utah.
I'll post some pics of the trip as soon as I can.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saddleback Ride
great weather and a very fun day. As always, I rode alone. No problems
with the bike. The trail was bit loose at the top but I made it
without laying it down. I look forward to going again.
In Memory
Memorial day was a day that as I child I loved because it got me out
of class for a day. As it turns out it's really a holiday that I think
most children would never understand. Honestly, that's the way it
should be. I hope my children don't understand the idea of loss until
they become adults. Remembering those that have come before us is a a
very important thing and one that's seems to be fading away.
of class for a day. As it turns out it's really a holiday that I think
most children would never understand. Honestly, that's the way it
should be. I hope my children don't understand the idea of loss until
they become adults. Remembering those that have come before us is a a
very important thing and one that's seems to be fading away.
I remember all the people good and bad that are no longer in my life.
My grandma Jane, who was monumental in my development. She taught me a
lot abot the finer points of life. She provided a sort of owners
manual for the human condition if you will. My paternal grandmother,
Karin. She taught me a lot about misplaced anger and how not treat
people. She really opened my eyes to the area of anger. Both my
grandfathers were a hoot. They both filled my childhood with great
stories of the years gone past. I wish I could remember them all and
pass those along. I cherishthe good and bad lessons that they all
passed to me.
I also rmember those who haven't passed yet but whom are no longer
part of my life. So many college pals. Somehow my life just turned a
corner and I left them behind. Kristina, the love of my life who
stayed when I left. I think I will always ask myself if I made the
wrong desicion. And to my friend Dan, who's father is dying. He was
diagnosed witha brain tumor a few weeks ago. The doctors removed it
but he's not recovering well. My heart and best wishes go out to the
family. He's one of the good guys.
I miss all of you that I can't say this too. Whether alive or dead, I
think of ourtimes together often.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Technology
This is my first mobile post from my iPhone. What a cool technology that will allow me to post as things happen. Yet another wonderful use of my phone. I hate to admit it but it's turned into my most productive device. I rarely use my laptop Anymore. This thing just works so well that it doesn't make sense to use anything else.
I had a student in my class that brought in a new ipad. It seems pretty cool but the beauty of the iPhone is it's size. I don't think I'll get an ipad but who knows? I never thought I would have bought my first iPod.
I had a student in my class that brought in a new ipad. It seems pretty cool but the beauty of the iPhone is it's size. I don't think I'll get an ipad but who knows? I never thought I would have bought my first iPod.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Life without purpose
I had a very interesting experience last night. One of those things that you'd like to forget, but it just lingers, and you can't shake it. I met an older gentleman who suffers. "Suffers from what you ask?" Well he suffers from everything. Chronic pain, colon problems, depression, loneliness, spontaneous fractures, pneumonia, all the good stuff. When I ask if what he liked his reply was simple. "Nothing really."
It made me realize that life can turn into such a challenge sometimes. We build these huge inpenatrable walls around us. We surround uorselves with these strange false realities. I started to think about my own life. I work hard to not build walls, and be very transparent. With all the work I do, they still exist. I feel for the guy. I could see how I could be that crusty pretty easily.
Of course accepting the fact that we are imperfect, and have problems helps. It took me a long time to understand that everyone has issues. We are born with baggage really. Most of us are fighting for something from breath number one, all the way till our last. It comes down to purpose.
We are born with an easy purpose. Survive. Than as a child that moves into, finishing school, and making friends. College, once again is there to finish, and now money starts to come into play. Now the hard part starts. What purpose do we have? I think many find purpose from either money, or family. I myself don't have much of either, so my purpose is to help my mother, and dog. It seems minor really, but I think it's a great purpose...
It made me realize that life can turn into such a challenge sometimes. We build these huge inpenatrable walls around us. We surround uorselves with these strange false realities. I started to think about my own life. I work hard to not build walls, and be very transparent. With all the work I do, they still exist. I feel for the guy. I could see how I could be that crusty pretty easily.
Of course accepting the fact that we are imperfect, and have problems helps. It took me a long time to understand that everyone has issues. We are born with baggage really. Most of us are fighting for something from breath number one, all the way till our last. It comes down to purpose.
We are born with an easy purpose. Survive. Than as a child that moves into, finishing school, and making friends. College, once again is there to finish, and now money starts to come into play. Now the hard part starts. What purpose do we have? I think many find purpose from either money, or family. I myself don't have much of either, so my purpose is to help my mother, and dog. It seems minor really, but I think it's a great purpose...
Thursday, May 13, 2010
The travelling Yeti goes global!!!
It's about time the Yeti goes global. It's not like the Internet is new or anything. This blog will allow the YETI to share his travels not only to foreign places, but also share his life. Stay tuned to see where the travelling Yeti will strike next.
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