Today's plan was to tell you about my final road trip of my WWAMI adventure, the drive through Glacier National Park. But I am le tired, so perhaps later this weekend?
Tomorrow Adam and I are taking a little road trip of our own to Julian, where we will go hiking and eat apple pie. Then some friends are coming over for a night of board games and cake. I had to bribe them all with cake. I can't say I blame them. If someone asked you if you wanted to spend your Saturday night playing board games, would you do it if there weren't any cake?
You may notice the latest addition to my blog, the widget to your right. Now I can spy on you all and tell who has been reading my blog. Kind of. It doesn't really tell me who you are, just where you came from. I had been using google analytics, but I always forget to check it. It's nice to know people love me.
So stay tuned for this weekends adventure. I'm hoping to find real fall in Julian, instead of this half-assed fall San Diego is trying to pull-off.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
NaBloPoMo Day 6--Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park is an amazing place. It can be enjoyed by anyone, whether you are the type of person who wants to enjoy the views from your car, or you want to do some backcountry hiking. The animals are everywhere: buffalo, elk, bears. And it's all a little scary if you think about the fact that you are on top of a caldera.
I went to Yellowstone twice while living out in Wyoming/Montana. Once was just a drive through on my way from Buffalo to Great Falls. The other time was a weekend trip from Great Falls, which included a short hike into the backcountry. It's amazing how different the park is if you get off the roads and away from the parking lots. We didn't see a single other person during our hike, and came upon all kind of geysers and hot springs. Unfortunately, I didn't take many pictures during these adventures and the ones I did take aren't very good.
But take my word for it, Yellowstone is amazing. You should go.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
NaBloPoMo Day 5--Wyoming
I think fall arrived today. How does one tell when fall arrives in So. California where the trees never lose their leaves and frost is unheard of? As best I can tell, three things herald the coming of fall: it is dark when I go running after work, the temperature does not get above 75, and Peet's has eggnog lattes. Based on those criteria, it is now fall.
So now we move on to the next stop on my tour of the west during the fall/winter/spring of 2003-2004. After Alaska, I spent 3 months living in Wyoming. A vast beautiful state, where I more fully developed the art of road tripping.
So now we move on to the next stop on my tour of the west during the fall/winter/spring of 2003-2004. After Alaska, I spent 3 months living in Wyoming. A vast beautiful state, where I more fully developed the art of road tripping.
After spending the first 6 weeks in Sheridan, WY living in old officers' housing at the VA hospital, I moved on to Buffalo, WY. It was while in Buffalo that my friend, who was living in equally exciting Havre, MT at the time, came down for what I still think of as the ultimate road trip.
I must have had a 3-day weekend, because I seem to recall this being a 3-day event. But who knows, it all blurs together after this many years. Regardless, we started in Buffalo one lovely spring day, and decided to go to Mt. Rushmore--about 3 1/2 hours away. And I got to check a new state off my list.
I must have had a 3-day weekend, because I seem to recall this being a 3-day event. But who knows, it all blurs together after this many years. Regardless, we started in Buffalo one lovely spring day, and decided to go to Mt. Rushmore--about 3 1/2 hours away. And I got to check a new state off my list.
On the way home, never ones to take the direct route, we swung by Deadwood, SD to partake in some blackjack and a prime rib buffet. Many hours (and miles) later we returned home.
The next day, we decided to drive over the mountains to a little town for lunch. Here is what we planned to do (60 miles each way):
View Larger Map
Here is what we actually did (nearly 400 miles round trip):
View Larger Map
It was a very lovely drive:
It started off innocently enough."Thermopolis! That sounds funny, let's go." We had A&W root beer floats there (did I mention this friend was the enabler from Alaska?). Then we saw the sign for the Sierra Trading Post Outlet Store in Cody. "Let's go shopping!" Our final goal was to get to Sheridan before 9 pm so we could get ourselves a tasty steak dinner. Rather than go back the way we came, we chose to make a loop, crossing the mountains on Hwy 14. This pass is at 9000 ft. We got stuck in a snow storm--in May. 
But eventually we made it down, safely got our steak dinner and once again, back to Buffalo. The next day we had brunch at a local hotel. Because is was Easter and that is what people do on Easter. One of the best road trip weekends ever.
It was a very lovely drive:
It started off innocently enough."Thermopolis! That sounds funny, let's go." We had A&W root beer floats there (did I mention this friend was the enabler from Alaska?). Then we saw the sign for the Sierra Trading Post Outlet Store in Cody. "Let's go shopping!" Our final goal was to get to Sheridan before 9 pm so we could get ourselves a tasty steak dinner. Rather than go back the way we came, we chose to make a loop, crossing the mountains on Hwy 14. This pass is at 9000 ft. We got stuck in a snow storm--in May. But eventually we made it down, safely got our steak dinner and once again, back to Buffalo. The next day we had brunch at a local hotel. Because is was Easter and that is what people do on Easter. One of the best road trip weekends ever.Tomorrow... Yellowstone. One of my favorite places in the whole country.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
NaBloPoMo Day 4--Alaska
With so many things to write about today (election results--yay Obama! worried about prop 8... or the sad sad news of the sad sad death of the Tuba Man), I'm going to stick with my original plan--pictures from Alaska.
University of Washington is a unique medical school, in that it is considered the state school for Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (aka WWAMI). As such, they encourage students to do their required 3rd year clerkships (where you learn psychiatry, ob/gyn, pediatrics, etc. by following doctors and occasionally seeing patients yourself) in community based settings. I think the idea is to encourage us all to go into primary care in rural settings. For me however, I knew the last think I wanted to do with my medical career was primary care in a rural setting. I also knew there was no real reason for me to stay in Seattle for the entire year. Thus, I took advantage of this and spent almost all of my 3rd year of medical school living in various parts of the west. Most of you know this, so this isn't new. But hey, it gives me something to write about for a few days at least!
The first away rotation I had was in Anchorage, Alaska. I actually had back to back Anchorage rotations, so I lived there for 3 months in October-November 2003. It was a lot of fun, I lived with two classmates who I got to know well. One became my enabler, always happy to go in search of Philly cheesesteaks or Cold Stone. The other, probably would have to be considered my conscious, as she would always be eating salads and going to the gym while I was downing greasy meat covered in cheese. But we had fun. When we weren't working, which was often since they aren't really known for working long hours in the Alaska Psychiatric Institute, we explored.
Hiking at Eklutna Lake:
Visiting Exit Glacier out on the Kenai Penninsula:
Talkeetna with views of Mt. McKinley (aka Denali):
We even spent a weekend up in Kotzebue (where is Kotzebue? google maps will show you):
And moose! There were moose everywhere:
It really is a beautiful state, and these pictures do not do it justice. And I had such a wonderful time there, enjoying the Anchorage night life, and I think this is where I first developed my love of road trips. I hope to make it back one of these days, but preferably not in November. Tomorrow: road trip to South Dakota and through a snow storm in the mountains of Wyoming. In May. Unless something more interesting comes up between now and then.
University of Washington is a unique medical school, in that it is considered the state school for Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (aka WWAMI). As such, they encourage students to do their required 3rd year clerkships (where you learn psychiatry, ob/gyn, pediatrics, etc. by following doctors and occasionally seeing patients yourself) in community based settings. I think the idea is to encourage us all to go into primary care in rural settings. For me however, I knew the last think I wanted to do with my medical career was primary care in a rural setting. I also knew there was no real reason for me to stay in Seattle for the entire year. Thus, I took advantage of this and spent almost all of my 3rd year of medical school living in various parts of the west. Most of you know this, so this isn't new. But hey, it gives me something to write about for a few days at least!
The first away rotation I had was in Anchorage, Alaska. I actually had back to back Anchorage rotations, so I lived there for 3 months in October-November 2003. It was a lot of fun, I lived with two classmates who I got to know well. One became my enabler, always happy to go in search of Philly cheesesteaks or Cold Stone. The other, probably would have to be considered my conscious, as she would always be eating salads and going to the gym while I was downing greasy meat covered in cheese. But we had fun. When we weren't working, which was often since they aren't really known for working long hours in the Alaska Psychiatric Institute, we explored.
Hiking at Eklutna Lake:
Visiting Exit Glacier out on the Kenai Penninsula:
Talkeetna with views of Mt. McKinley (aka Denali):
We even spent a weekend up in Kotzebue (where is Kotzebue? google maps will show you):
And moose! There were moose everywhere:
It really is a beautiful state, and these pictures do not do it justice. And I had such a wonderful time there, enjoying the Anchorage night life, and I think this is where I first developed my love of road trips. I hope to make it back one of these days, but preferably not in November. Tomorrow: road trip to South Dakota and through a snow storm in the mountains of Wyoming. In May. Unless something more interesting comes up between now and then.
Monday, November 3, 2008
NaBloPoMo Day 3--Not What I Promised
Ok, so I know you were all excited to hear about Alaska and my adventures there (don't get too excited though, it was 5 years ago. I don't remember all the details, and many that I do remember--I'm not sharing them with the general public).
But instead I will tell you two things I learned tonight:
1. If you are going to go running after dark, you are stupid if you wear all black. Seriously. I'm a good driver, and I still almost hit the guy. I CAN'T SEE YOU IF YOU ARE WEARING ALL BLACK.
2. Rowing was one of the most important things I've ever done with my life. I was at a dinner tonight, and started chatting with the woman next to me. She was probably in her late 50's, early 60's. Somehow the topic of rowing came up. When she was 14, she started rowing with ZLAC. Since then, she has been involved with rowing through supporting various teams, organizing regattas, etc. As we talked about rowing, I got more and more excited. I only get this excited about three topics: rowing, obesity and margaritas. They are the three things that I am truly passionate about. Yes, I'm a blast at cocktail parties. Anyway, I realized that rowing had a huge impact on the person I am today. Two incidents in particular stick out.
One, in high school when I didn't make the varsity boat, despite the superiority of my erg scores compared to the skinny girl who beat me out for the seat. I asked my coach about it (perhaps the first time I ever confronted what I thought to be unfair treatment!) and was told I just wasn't aggressive enough. How I needed to fight for what I wanted. How even if I were just walking down the street, I should race the person ahead of me. That moment changed my approach from the "whatever happens happens" way of life to the "I'm going to do everything in my power to make that happen, but will accept the consequences, knowing I did my best" approach. That's what got me into medical school.
Two, my freshman year in college on a spring break trip my coach pointed out that she could tell when I got frustrated. If things aren't going well in a boat with seven other rowers, it sucks. And I would give up and just let it suck. And she could tell. She told me that I needed to focus on what I could do to make the situation better, rather than just giving in to the suckiness (I don't think she used the word suckiness, but I think it is appropriate for the situation). So I made a change. If the boat wasn't set, I didn't throw my hands around in frustration, I focused on what I could do to make it better. If there was horrendous check, I didn't start shooting up and down the slide, I focused on my control. And still today, if I'm in a miserable situation, I focus on the part of that situation that I can control, and make that part better. It makes for a much happier, more successful life.
I would like to thank those people, I wonder if I can track them down? I wonder if they would even remember me?
Regardless, I think I might take up rowing again when I'm back in Seattle. I liked who I was when I was a rower... and I really like that I had well defined muscles. I miss having well defined muscles.
But instead I will tell you two things I learned tonight:
1. If you are going to go running after dark, you are stupid if you wear all black. Seriously. I'm a good driver, and I still almost hit the guy. I CAN'T SEE YOU IF YOU ARE WEARING ALL BLACK.
2. Rowing was one of the most important things I've ever done with my life. I was at a dinner tonight, and started chatting with the woman next to me. She was probably in her late 50's, early 60's. Somehow the topic of rowing came up. When she was 14, she started rowing with ZLAC. Since then, she has been involved with rowing through supporting various teams, organizing regattas, etc. As we talked about rowing, I got more and more excited. I only get this excited about three topics: rowing, obesity and margaritas. They are the three things that I am truly passionate about. Yes, I'm a blast at cocktail parties. Anyway, I realized that rowing had a huge impact on the person I am today. Two incidents in particular stick out.
One, in high school when I didn't make the varsity boat, despite the superiority of my erg scores compared to the skinny girl who beat me out for the seat. I asked my coach about it (perhaps the first time I ever confronted what I thought to be unfair treatment!) and was told I just wasn't aggressive enough. How I needed to fight for what I wanted. How even if I were just walking down the street, I should race the person ahead of me. That moment changed my approach from the "whatever happens happens" way of life to the "I'm going to do everything in my power to make that happen, but will accept the consequences, knowing I did my best" approach. That's what got me into medical school.
Two, my freshman year in college on a spring break trip my coach pointed out that she could tell when I got frustrated. If things aren't going well in a boat with seven other rowers, it sucks. And I would give up and just let it suck. And she could tell. She told me that I needed to focus on what I could do to make the situation better, rather than just giving in to the suckiness (I don't think she used the word suckiness, but I think it is appropriate for the situation). So I made a change. If the boat wasn't set, I didn't throw my hands around in frustration, I focused on what I could do to make it better. If there was horrendous check, I didn't start shooting up and down the slide, I focused on my control. And still today, if I'm in a miserable situation, I focus on the part of that situation that I can control, and make that part better. It makes for a much happier, more successful life.
I would like to thank those people, I wonder if I can track them down? I wonder if they would even remember me?
Regardless, I think I might take up rowing again when I'm back in Seattle. I liked who I was when I was a rower... and I really like that I had well defined muscles. I miss having well defined muscles.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
NaBloPoMo Day 2--SeaWorld
Today was an odd day, weather-wise. It was sunny, but cool this morning when I went for a run. Cloudy and cool when we went out to breakfast. Sunny again by the time we arrived at SeaWorld, but shortly after arriving, the clouds rolled in and it began to rain! Not real rain of course, just a heavy mist. But those wimpy So. Californians abandoned the dog and cat show we were watching at the time (they have trained cats at SeaWorld! Who knew you could train a cat!), to head for cover. We soon joined them, but the rain was short-lived, and we were able to enjoy the remainder of our day in the lovely fall sun. The best part about visiting theme parks in the off season... no crowds! We were able to go on all the rides, with just a 5 minute wait, including what turned out to be our favorite part of the day, the river rapids ride. You know the one, where you and 6 other people since in an innertube/boat and float down the river? You get wet sure, but when people along the sides are allowed to point water canons at you? You get DRENCHED. After some complete strangers drenched us, we decided to exact our revenge. It was far more fun than I imagined it would be.
Here I am plotting my attack (notice the devious smile):
My finger on the button, awaiting my victims: 
Nice people, unsuspecting as they wave at me as they float by: 
Evil laugh as I hit the button launching a stream of water at them:
It was great. The best 25 cents I ever spent.
Oh yeah, we saw Shamu too. He was ok, but not nearly as much fun as the water canon.
All the pics from the day (including a few from the sunset at La Jolla Cove) here:
Here I am plotting my attack (notice the devious smile):
My finger on the button, awaiting my victims: Nice people, unsuspecting as they wave at me as they float by: Evil laugh as I hit the button launching a stream of water at them:It was great. The best 25 cents I ever spent.Oh yeah, we saw Shamu too. He was ok, but not nearly as much fun as the water canon.
All the pics from the day (including a few from the sunset at La Jolla Cove) here:
Tomorrow I think I will tell you all about my adventures in Alaska, circa 2003.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
NaBloPoMo!
It's that time of year again. Daily blog posting in the hopes of winning a prize! This year I was trying to think of something interesting that I could write about every day for 30 days. It's hard, because my day to day life is not that interesting. I'm not that funny. And I don't take good pictures. So I thought some more... and came up with what I shall call "Oh, the Places I've Been!"
I have quite a collection of pictures on my computer from the trips and adventures I've had over the years, many of which pre-date my blogging life. And so, I will be entertaining you all with my past adventures for the next 30 days. Well, 29 days now, since this counts as day one. I may even sneak in a current adventure if I get out of town at all in the next month.
Tomorrow's adventure? Rumors of SeaWorld have been floating around...
I have quite a collection of pictures on my computer from the trips and adventures I've had over the years, many of which pre-date my blogging life. And so, I will be entertaining you all with my past adventures for the next 30 days. Well, 29 days now, since this counts as day one. I may even sneak in a current adventure if I get out of town at all in the next month.
Tomorrow's adventure? Rumors of SeaWorld have been floating around...
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