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1 Mile Lava Tube:

Hike 2.5miles down a path leaving from mile 23 on the saddle hwy.  On your right is a hole in the earth.  Climb down the rocks, take 3 flashlights, and a friend: Super hostess Michelle.  You just keep heading down this long ‘culvert’ through the earth.  Stalactites, and stalagmites have a shiny silvery-black look.  Really cool, but being out here by yourselves, and seeing the frequent spots the roof has collapsed (this young rock here ain’t strong) is a little un-nerving. (more…)

Hawaii is dangerous, but really fun and cool.  Sort of a cross between North America (Walmarts, McDonalds, pickup trucks) but the added danger, and relaxed nature of Guatemala and Central America (sure you cliff jump there, but the currant could take you to Antarctica).

Driving:

I started things off with a driving tour of the island. Leaving Kona behind, I drove uphill, and was immediately met with tin shacks, giant ferns and heavy rain. The area looked nice, though, and the road (Hwy 11) was twisty with a decent verge. I later realized that these verges aren’t super safe for cyclists as the locals use them as slow vehicle lanes. (more…)

So I got my new Hawaii TT bike yesterday, from Gears, which was really exciting. Swapped out the parts and got it rolling, just as the heavens opened. So I went out with Yorkie and some of the guys, of course with the rain and near darkness (yes mother I had a light on). Bam hit a rock and flat. fix it, ride home, shower, sleep.

Today we were leaving for the brick workout, and as I go to pack my beautiful new bike, it’s got a rear flat, (guess yesterday was a double flat). Somehow in the rush to fix that, I forget cycling shoes… guess the bike-run transition will be that much faster..  We’re riding in a pack, and two guys touch wheels in front of me, boof. Not a happy camper. (more…)

Hey there,

So if you have been in personal touch with me any time in the past 6 months, you would know that I have become Triathlon obsessed. Of course all my roadie (and other) friends, are having fun with the jokes… Congratulations on moving from bi- to tri. Etc.

Otherwise you will know from reading this that I have been kicking (dreaming) about the idea of racing Ironman Triathlons for some time, since I used to do them back half a lifetime ago. (more…)

The whole ‘life unscripted/ unplanned/ non-uneventful’ thing sounds swell on paper, but truth be told, sometimes my ‘carelessness’ (as some close to me may call it)

As I was packing to leave California it was brought to my attention that my passport was expired. It is not a requirement that you have a valid passport for entering Canada, even by plane, so, as it was a Sunday evening, I wasn’t terribly worried. Carley suggested I call Air Canada and see if this would be a problem. They told me it would, but, without other options I was hoping that… maybe they won’t notice it.

(more…)

Welcome back. So I have been working. Yes. I, work, appeared in the same month. Back in Ottawa area, a place that I really enjoy, walking the dogs.

Not arrested, but then I still have time. I did get warned for swimming in pink lake. Apparently it’s forbidden. Since when the ranger approached me, I was wearing swim trunks, flip-flops and a towel around my neck (and the ranger said… I saw you swimming for an hour) I didn’t bother to protest. Plus neither she, nor the dozens of tourists present commented on the clothing optional part. She also mentioned that the gates normally were locked at 9pm and it was now 10 after. Overall a very pleasant experience with the ranger. (more…)

OK well I have finally started getting up trip stories. I am back in Ottawa for another few weeks- walking dogs. Somehow I seem perpetually jet-lagged - so maybe it’s that or maybe just from spending 3-6h a day stopping and romping through the area swamps, bogs, bushes, and trails with only K9’s for company.

Today I got called in to walk Ruben the Wiener Dog (here after simply referred to as ‘my wiener’) and thought the whole episode hilarious.

My wiener is around 13 inches long, weighs 7 lbs, and is covered in soft brown fur. (more…)

My Gear List:

I have amended this list, post tour, to show which gear I deemed excessive (because there was a lot more than needed).
After the last trip when my bike was an excessive 140 lbs I wanted to try to avoid that. As I took more gear than my father, my bicycle weighed between 110, and 130 lbs depending on if I was carrying 4 days of food, or about to starve.
I am worried about being cold.
I am also a little worried about being eaten by bears. (more…)