Len on Life

Trip to Bến Thành Market

2012-01-07T18:03:00.000-07:00

Back in Ho Chi Minh City, we had a few more days to explore before heading home. One of the days we made a trip to Bến Thành Market. It turned out to be very productive. Lexey got new glasses, I got a new t-shirt, etc...

The meats hanging in the air with a barefoot lady slicing some (look for her toes):

Pretty arrangements of beans, rice, and other baking needs:

Eating lunch among the fabrics:

We did actually get 3 on a motorbike:

Back in Hanoi

2012-01-07T17:41:00.000-07:00

After another long uncomfortable bus ride, we were back in Hanoi. Our flight wasn't for several more hours. We decided to go walk around, find candy shop street, and get dinner.

We came across a wedding with fireworks and confetti:

Stacia and Dad got some street bread:

Found candy shop street:

Dad calls this "The New Yorker, East Rochester, Vietnam" after his daily breakfast joint, The New Yorker.

Cooking class on Galaxy Cruise

2012-01-07T15:26:00.002-07:00

The Galaxy Cruise provides a cooking class where they teach you how to make Vietnamese fried spring rolls.

Stacia making spring rolls:

Mom making spring rolls:

Lexey making spring rolls:

The finished spring rolls and our tour guide, Nam:

Views from the Galaxy Cruise

2012-01-04T08:23:00.001-07:00

Lexey hanging her head out the window:

Beautiful boat:

Boats constantly in and out of Ha Long Bay:

The rock from the 200000 Vietnamese Dong note ($10):

9 course meal on a boat

2011-12-31T02:39:00.001-07:00

There were many great things about the Galaxy Cruise in Ha Long Bay, but one of them was the food. I have to say, it was way to much food, but it was all excellent. Dinner was a 9 course meal!

Dad and I has been enjoying the beers of Vietnam:

The shrimp arrangement was good, but the red chile pepper flower is not edible:

Chicken skewers with a rose made of cucumber and tomato:

Beef on a bed of noodles surrounded by a heart of cucumber:

Lexey says we need to buy a mandolin.

A Night on the Galaxy Cruise

2011-12-31T02:26:00.001-07:00

After the cave tour we did a little kayaking before night fell. It was a short paddle around, but we went through a little floating fishing village.

Lexey and Lenny on the water:

Sweet dog laying Dow. In her floating bed:

As night fell the lights on the other boats in the bay all came on and the sound of generators echoed through Ha Long Bay:

Darkness fell:

Surprising Cave

2011-12-31T02:07:00.001-07:00

Part of our tour on the Galaxy Cruise in Ha Long Bay included a cave tour of Surprise Cave. The walk up to the cave is mostly steps and then once you are there the cave is really large. We spent a total of about 40 minutes touring the cave. The 3rd room is the real surprise. See if you can spot the surprise in these photos.

Walking up to the cave you get a great view of Ha Long Bay:

Pool of water in the first room:

Lexey and I in the 2nd room:

The 3rd room, surprise:

Looking back through the 3rd room:

Jumping on the Galaxy Cruise

2011-12-30T19:12:00.001-07:00

Of course there needed to be some jumping shots on the Galaxy Cruise...

Hopping on the Galaxy Cruise

2011-12-30T03:39:00.001-07:00

Stacia arranged for us to go on the "Galaxy Cruise" at Ha Long Bay. It was about a 4 hour bus trip there in an uncomfortable bus, but worth it. My parents got the honeymoon suite.

On the ferry boat out to the real boat:

The honeymoon couple:

The armada of boats heading out for cruises:

Lexey and Lenny enjoying the trip:

Hello Hanoi!

2011-12-29T03:07:00.001-07:00

We came back to Saigon for about a day. Lexey arrived and we had a nice Christmas day, then it was off to Hanoi in the morning. I found Hanoi to be a beautiful city, but the people were not quite as friendly as in HCMC. Also, everything is considerably more expensive.

Cart pulling in Hanoi:

Police taking a break by the famous Huc bridge in Hanoi:

Very well oaken care of buildings in Hanoi. The colors were great:

Hanoi telecom with the loudspeaker for morning announcements and reminders to work hard:

Another day, another temple

2011-12-29T02:55:00.001-07:00

Checking out more temples around Angkor Wat...

Monks:

Little girl playing on a vine swing:

Live Shiva painting:

Enjoying the day:

This temple was steep. End of story.

An evening in Siem Reap, Cambodia

2011-12-29T02:36:00.001-07:00

Restaurant on a cart:

Big ass beers with Dad on Pub Street:

Siem Reap River at night:

Tuk-tuk ride:

Motorbike Riding

2011-12-24T02:31:00.001-07:00

Bike on bike crime:

Baby aboard:

There is so much going on here I don't know where to start, so I will go left to right.
#1 - Girl driving is not watching the road and wearing ski goggles on her head.
#2 - Girl is wearing her hand as a pollution mask.
#3 - Boy is texting while driving.
#4 - Boy is talking to girl on next bike over while wearing real pollution mask.
#5 - While all this is happening, they are swerving all over the place and usually driving within 3 inches of each other.

Ta Prohm

2011-12-24T02:06:00.001-07:00

The banyon trees are allowed to grow all over Ta Prohm. It gives this temple a rather unique look with the roots looking like they are dripping down over the walls and stones.

First crazy tree over the temple after the entrance:

Walking through:

Dripping roots:

We were lucky that there were so few people at the temples. Took a while, but finally got this with nobody around:

Yup, I am really here:

Pre Rup Temple

2011-12-24T00:37:00.001-07:00

In Pre Rup we had a bit of a guide. He loved showing us all the fun things of the temple.

The cover shot of the Cambodia Lonely Planet:

Fun natural framing shot:

Giant spider:

Things on Cambodian Bikes

2011-12-23T02:56:00.001-07:00

People carry the darnedest things.

Everything but a bike and a live pig:

2 live pigs:

At least 1 bicycle:

Children of Cambodia

2011-12-23T01:26:00.001-07:00

All the children here are beautiful. I took my friend Yoav's advice and tried to go to the Angkor Hospital for Children, but we couldn't get in. They require volunteers sign up 9 months in advance.

Jumping shots at Lolei

2011-12-23T00:52:00.001-07:00

Lenny:

Mom:

Stacia:

Dad:

Cartwheels at Lolei

2011-12-23T00:13:00.001-07:00

Stacia:

Random kid:

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

2011-12-23T00:03:00.000-07:00

Stacia and I left at 4:45am yesterday to go out to Angkor Wat to catch the sunrise. It was a good one!

Once the best part of the sunrise had passed, we went back across the bridge:

And Stacia posed:

Bayon and Elephant Terrace

2011-12-22T03:12:00.000-07:00

Faces of Bayon:

Bayon:

Stacia at Elephant Terrace:

View across Elephant Terrace:

Stacia, Dad, and Mom enjoying the end of Elepehant Terrace before the onslaught of sellers:

More in and around Angkor Wat

2011-12-21T17:34:00.001-07:00

So many people pushing their wares, even this little kid outside Angkor Wat:

Dad made a friend. They all speak excellent English here, but the math skills are not as strong. Dad did get him to correctly multiply 9x7 with a little help:

Monkeys everywhere. This lady had her little girls helping to sell bananas to the tourists to hand-feed the monkeys:

Angkor Wat

2011-12-21T07:07:00.001-07:00

There is no doubt that Angkor Wat is incredible, but seeing it is rather different.

Mom, Dad, and Stacia:

The bas-relief is the best part:

Inside Angkor Wat:

Arrived in Siem Reap

2011-12-21T03:51:00.001-07:00

After a few days of bad stomach problems and a pile of Azithromycin I think I am better. That is the reason for Thea lack of posts.

We left Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam this morning for Siem Reap, Cambodia. So far it is amazing. We went to Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Elephant Terrace today before calling it a day. It's hot and time for dinner.

First view of Angkor Wat:

Walking over the bridge:

Mom and Dad outside The main Angkor Wat temple:

Small temple on the side:

Random view from the tuk-tuk:

Stacia's neighborhood - Phu Nhuan

2011-12-18T03:28:00.001-07:00

Stacia and I took a walk around the neighborhood earlier in the day. We found a new cafe, an great pho place, a temple, a little grocery store she never knew of, and piles and piles of drying herbs.

Stacia reading at a cafe:

Something was happening at the temple. We were invited to eat, but we just had a big bowl of pho, so we just walked around:

Herbs drying outside the temple on the sidewalk:

Big houses near the temple:

Wedding Photos

2011-12-18T00:03:00.001-07:00

Apparently, The place to take wedding photos is at the Notre Dame Cathedral. The wedding dresses are spectacular. No other comments on these photos.

Sunday morning post office trip

2011-12-17T21:21:00.001-07:00

Stacia needed to send out some Christmas presents to the States, so we went to the post office this morning.

Stacia taking care of her mail:

The scales in e post office were all ripping people off by about 0.03kg. Note, this scale has nothing on it... Why not zero the thing?

When we walked out of the post office I smelled doughnuts. We followed our noses to this lady:

This is the kinda street-cake we were after:

Stacia at the post office, posing hard, like a local:

River view, HCMC

2011-12-17T21:11:00.001-07:00

There is a little bridge Stacia and I have been over a number of times. She says there have been kids swimming in this water before. I find that a little hard to believe:

Another motorbike ride

2011-12-17T17:56:00.001-07:00

Slower this time.

The traffic really IS crazy...

2011-12-17T07:22:00.001-07:00

So, yes... The traffic is crazy. Stacia drove me around on her motorbike all day. Good times. We went everywhere. Here is a time lapse of the first half of the day at 20x normal speed.

Morning in Ho Chi Minh City

2011-12-17T01:10:00.000-07:00

This morning Stacia and headed out for an adventure on her motorbike. We had breakfast at L'Usine, did some shopping, ran some errands...

Stacia picking up some veges to make salsa:

For lunch we went to the "Soup Lady". She makes one big pot every day with fresh stuff from the market:

The soup:

More to come, including videos of some driving in the crazy traffic...

Roadtrip timelapse from New Mexico to Colorado

2011-12-11T22:21:00.001-07:00

From the dry New Mexico desert to the snowy Colorado mountains... at 30x.

Driving near the Kokopelli Cave cliffs

2011-12-11T11:54:00.001-07:00

The road to Kokopelli's Cave is a little crazy. It starts as a simple dirt road, then gets rougher and rougher as it heads through the desert. Just before reaching the cave, the road drops sharply over a steep rock section right on the edge of a cliff. Here is a video of us driving away from the cave back to the paved road. It is a timelapse, sped up 10x.

Inside of Kokopelli's Cave

2011-12-11T10:37:00.001-07:00

The actual cave, Kokopelli's Cave, is unreal. Full plumbing, electricity, etc...

Entire cave documentation here.

Bedroom:

Living room:

Kitchen:

The Trip to Kokopelli's Cave

2011-12-11T09:47:00.001-07:00

I had heard about this place called Kokopelli's Cave from my friends Jeff and Emily several years ago. Between it sounding incredible and my love of the desert landscapes, I knew I wanted to head down there to check it out someday. Lexey and I decided to take a long weekend and head down to the Four Corners region and stay there. The cave itself is about 90 minutes from the Four Corners.

Photos from the trip are here.

Desert landscape near the Four Corners:

Ship Rock from a distance:

Buttes of the desert southwest:

Sunset on the cliffs outside Kokopelli's Cave:

Our sunset:

Walk-through of Kokopelli's Cave

2011-12-10T19:30:00.001-07:00

Lexey and I went to Farmington, New Mexico to stay at Kokopelli's Cave around the beginning of November for a long weekend. It is near the Four Corners area.

Inside Kokopelli's Cave there are a number of rooms, a kitchen, a kiva, and a bathroom with a waterfall shower. Beautiful!

Here is a quick video walk-through of the cave:

Trail to Kokopelli's Cave

2011-12-10T19:17:00.001-07:00

Current music: James Vincent McMorrow - Early in the Morning

The walk from the lower lot to Kokopelli's Cave is a short one. The descent is about 70 feet. Note the ventilation pipe at the top...

Valladolid

2011-12-07T08:14:00.001-07:00

On our way back to Cancun from Chichen Itza we stopped in Valladolid to check it out. The beautiful Cenote Zaci was deserted and we got to walk around it all by ourselves. Then we went into town and did a little walking around there and got a snack. The town center has a nice square. I would have liked to spend more time here.

More photos here.

Cenote Zaci:

Valladolid:

Ik Kil Cenote

2011-12-04T16:18:00.001-07:00

The cenotes all around the Yucatan are incredible! This was the first (of one two, unfortunately) which Lexey and I visited. It was a blast. Somewhat crowded, but still enjoyable. The water was an unbelievable blue with catfish all over in it.

More photos here.

Of course Lexey and I went swimming after enduring the heat at Chichen Itza:

Jumping shot:

During the time of year we were there, so many of the trees had these beautiful flowers:

Chichen Itza

2011-12-04T13:59:00.001-07:00

Lexey and I rented a car and went out to Chichen Itza for the day. We left Cancun before 7am so that we could get out there before the crowds and the heat. It definitely worked for the crowds, but it was really hot. We had to leave by mid-day because there is no shade and the heat was so oppressive. Managed to find a great little family restaurant just down the street in town and ate a cheap lunch. Before heading off to the cenotes.

More photos here.

Main temple at Chichen Itza, Castillo:

Juego de pelota:

Multiple temples:

Cenote Xtoloc:

Hall of columns, Columnata Oeste:

Bas-relief wall of skulls, Tzompantli:

Hotel life in Mexico

2011-12-04T13:39:00.001-07:00

Back to the Mexico posts... 6 months later.

We stayed in a decent hotel in Cancun. Kind of a debacle, but it served our needs as a place to sleep. View from our room:

Last weekend's hike to Dorothy Lake

2011-08-06T13:49:00.003-06:00

Last weekend Koura and I hiked up over Arapahoe Pass to Dorothy Lake from the town of Eldora. The wildflowers were great due to the crazy snowpack we had this year.

Dorothy Lake:

There is still a little now in the lake too:

Huge waterfall across the valley:

Another pre-work ride

2011-07-20T11:30:00.004-06:00

Loving my pre-work mountain bike rides. Had a good one this morning:

Lookout Mtn to Apex

2011-07-17T19:03:00.003-06:00

Dan and I took a beating this morning. We should have rode earlier. We left home about 8:15a, but if we had left at 6a it would have been easier. It was just so damn hot. It was wildlife day though: one deer, six elk, and a rattlesnake.

4th of July hike to Blue Lake

2011-07-04T17:32:00.005-06:00

Lexey and I went for a 4th of July hike today in Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. There is still so much snow! We didn't quite make it to Blue Lake, but I guess that is ok. There is supposedly 5-8 feet of ice on the lake and 16 feet of snow on top of that.

Koura swimming in a small tarn:

GPS info:

Really fast commute

2011-06-20T22:01:00.000-06:00

My commute to work:

First MTB ride of the season

2011-06-19T07:34:00.003-06:00

Got a new mountain bike - 2011 Santa Cruz Butcher R with DT Swiss wheels. Completed my first ride and whoa, I am outta shape. I figured I would do something easy for the first ride on the new bike to test it out and such. I hit Three Sisters in Evergreen.

New bike:

View of Mt Evans from the top of Evergreen Mountain on my ride yesterday:

GPS generated map of my ride:

Dive shop's photos from Punto Negro

2011-06-02T22:59:00.002-06:00

Octavio, our divemaster, also took photos. Cool stuff. More photos here.

Lexey, me, fish:

Lexey and a stingray:

Preparing for the first dive

2011-06-02T14:07:00.001-06:00

Our first dive in Cancun was at the Museo Subaquatico. Lexey is getting prepped for it:

Punto Negro #1

2011-06-02T08:02:00.002-06:00

Lexey and I did 4 dives on our trip this past weekend to Cancun. Not bad stuff. This video is a few clips from our first dive at Punto Negro. It was a drift dive at a max depth of 55 feet.

Painting Our Bedroom

2011-05-18T06:58:00.001-06:00

Painting at 30x original speed:

Snowmobiling Kebler Pass

2011-05-17T11:43:00.003-06:00

Finally getting around to this post.

In February, Lexey and I went down to Crested Butte for a weekend of fun in the snow. We went up on the mountain one day and then snowmobiling on Kebler Pass in a tour the following day. Good times and great weather!

Plymouth Mountain

2011-05-14T15:33:00.001-06:00

Hiked this last weekend with Koura. Good short hike.

GPS maps

2011-02-22T18:44:00.004-07:00

Maps of places Lexey and I took photos on our trip to NZ and Fiji:

North Island:

South Island:

Fiji:

Craters of the Moon

2011-02-21T17:19:00.003-07:00

Yes, I still have more stuff to post from NZ.

On Boxing Day, Dec 26th, Lexey and I went with Ben and Mel to Craters of the Moon volcanic park in Taupo. Super surreal place.

2011-02-20T20:46:00.001-07:00

After Lexey and I had a bit of an adventure with a super sketchy kid, we camped in a crazily sandfly infested area. However, in the morning the sandflies were gone and we enjoyed a peaceful breakfast just before taking down the tent.

Tent Teardown in Kahurangi.

5x speed time-lapse of Lexey and I taking down our tent after a night of camping in Kahurangi

Last day in Fiji

2011-01-09T17:23:00.000-07:00

Lexey and I had an amazing last day in Fiji. The sunrise was beautiful and the folks at Otto & Fanny's are second to none.

More photos with GPS maps here.

Sunrise on the Blue Lagoon:

Hermit crab:

Our goodbye party with Fanny herself:

Full Day at Otto & Fanny's

2011-01-08T18:28:00.001-07:00

Lexey and I spent the entire next day on Tavewa Island except our quick jaunt out in the Blue Lagoon to do some diving. Since there was a big storm for several days the water wasn't the clearest, but it was a good dive. This was the only day the sun really came out when we were in Fiji as well. I guess that is what we get for going during the wet season.

More photos with GPS maps here.

Welcome to Otto & Fanny's:

View of the Blue Lagoon:

Dinner:

Yasawa Flyer from Denerau to Tavewa Island

2011-01-07T08:16:00.001-07:00

It was going to be a sea plane with Turtle Airways, but our transportation turned out the be the Yasawa Flyer. There was a big storm coming through Fiji the day we were heading out the Yasawa Group. Turtle Airways wouldn't fly. The storm made the seas pretty rough. People were sick on the boat. Lexey and I pulled through with our dramamine. At one point they announced on the loud speaker that the seas would be very rough for the next 30 minutes, "Anyone feeling sick at this point should raise there hand and someone will come around with a bag." Most of the trip out there it was raining. I did manage to get some photos at a few islands though.

More photos with GPS maps here.

Little shuttle boat from the Yasawa Flyer to an island:

One of the little islands:

Arriving at Otto & Fanny's on Tavewa Island:

Our bure:

Lexey enjoying the hammock:

Finally, Fiji!

2011-01-06T17:43:00.002-07:00

Lexey and I went from Auckland to Fiji. Our first night we spent in Nadi because we got in too late to get out to Tavewa Island. It gave us a chance to wander the city, pick up a few souvenirs, drink kava, and check out the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere. Unfortunately, I left my camera in the hotel. Lexey brought her's so expect some photos of the temple later...

We stayed at the Nadi Bay Hotel. Pretty decent place:

Auckland - last day in NZ

2011-01-05T16:04:00.002-07:00

Our last day in New Zealand was a long one. We had to be at the Christchurch airport about 5:15am for our 6:30 flight to Auckland. Once we arrived in Auckland and dropped out bags at Verandha's we headed out for breakfast and some exploring.

More photos with GPS maps here.

Breakfast joint in Ponsonby:

Spent some time at the waterfront in Auckland Harbour:

Walked up Mount Eden:

At night we had a great Japanese dinner at Kura with my old workmate, Erez:

Lake Pukaki and Tekapo to Christchurch

2011-01-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

More photos with GPS maps here.

After a windy night camping we headed from Lake Pukaki into Tekapo for breakfast. Lake Tekapo was that great green color that makes everything surreal:

From there we had a several hours drive to Christchurch. We stayed in the Camelot Cathedral Square Hotel with a beautiful view of Cathedral Square:

One of my favorite signs has always been this one in Chch:

Ended up spending the night walking around the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and having some local beers at Dux de Lux before hitting the hay so that we could be up super early for our flight to Auckland the next day:

Sunset on Lake Pukaki (time-lapse)

2011-01-03T17:51:00.000-07:00

This was taken with a GoPro, so the aperture changes about 1/2 way through and throws things off a little...

Sunset on Lake Pukaki from Lenny Maiorani on Vimeo.

GoPro 1 sec/shot on Lake Pukaki.

Milford Sound to Lake Pukaki by way of an Otago vineyard

2011-01-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

More photos with GPS maps here.

We had to leave Possum Lodge very early in the morning in order to get up to Milford Sound and do our hike at Gertrude Saddle. When we got near Gertrude Valley it was pouring rain so we decided to head down through Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. The sun started coming out and the clouds clearning right when we got to Milford Sound. Because of the rain, there were thousands of waterfalls coming over the sides of the steep cliffs. Really an amazing experience. We ate a quick breakfast there and then headed back to Gertrude Valley. We tried to get out and start our hike, but the river was fast and deep. There was no way for us to do it without swimming in the frigid water. We decided to pack it up and head out.

Milford Sound:

One of the many uncrossable raging rivers:

When we got back near Queenstown we decided to stop at a winery and do a tasting. We ended up at Chard Farm at the end of a 2 km dirt road on the edge of a cliff:

From there we headed out for the central lakes. Lindis Pass was an incredible place to stop and stretch our legs:

We ended up camping alongside Lake Pukaki, many miles from the nearest person and enjoying a beautiful sunset:

Lexey cooked us some green-lipped mussels in a fresh-squeezed lemon and pesto sauce:

Wanaka to Queenstown to Manapouri

2011-01-02T17:20:00.002-07:00

More photos with GPS maps here.

After a relaxing morning in Wanaka we took off for Queenstown over the pass through Cardrona:

We stopped in Queenstown to ride the gondola and have some lunch. It was kinda crazy there due to the holidays so we didn't stay long:

We made it all the way down to Manapouri in Fiordland and stayed at Possum Lodge for the night. Manapouri is so small that there is one small convenience store, but no grocery stores or real restaurants besides one cafe. The sunset from Possum Lodge on Lake Manapouri was beautiful:

New Year's Day - Franz Josef to Wanaka

2011-01-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

New Year's morning was an early one. We got up to watch the sunrise at Lake Matheson with the incredible reflections of the Southern Alps.

More photos with GPS maps here.

Lake Matheson HDR:

Morning coffee with Lexey looking out at Mount Tasman and the Southern Alps from the deck of the cafe near Lake Matheson:

After breakfast we went back to the hostel and picked up our stuff and headed over to Franz Josef Glacier. It is about a 90 minute walk from the carpark to the glacier and back. The sheer size of everything is disorienting and no photo can ever do it justice.

Lexey and I at the glacier:

Heading south along the Haast Highway:

Completely unmodified raw photo of Lake Hawea:

After the incredible drive through many waterfalls and stunning the stunning blue lakes, Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea, we arrived in Wanaka. After checking into the hostel we hit up a bottleshop for a local bottle of wine from Central Otago. The guy in the shop recommended a Pinot Noir from Wild Earth. When we asked where to go for food that is BYO he said Relishes. This was my favorite meal of our trip.

Green-lipped mussels at Relishes in Wanaka:

New Year's Eve - West Coast from Pancake Rocks to Franz Josef

2010-12-31T08:04:00.000-07:00

Our campsite was great. After the we got rid of the dodgy kid, everything was nice. It was a bit sandfly infested, but that is to be expected on the South Island. In the morning we had a quick breakfast and then started our journey south along the West Coast.

More photos with GPS maps here.

Lexey at a random West Coast beach called Woodpecker Bay:

Along the way we came to Pancake Rocks so of course we stopped:

We made it to Greymouth for lunch. We tried to go to the Monteith's brewery for some food, but they don't serve food so we tried to go to the Kingsgate Hotel which the brewery recommends for their beers, but they don't serve lunch. We ended up at a Speight's Ale House in a cool old building. Kinda disappointing that finding a good place for a Monteith's in Greymouth for lunch is difficult. The brewery:

A few hours later we were in Franz Josef, at the foot of the Southern Alps:

Lexey made a great dinner with an incredible view, we relaxed a bit, and went out to see the glow-worms. The photos of the glow-worms didn't come out very well though.

Day 2 of sea kayaking in Abel Tasman

2010-12-30T13:29:00.001-07:00

After a lovely night at Mosquito Bay Lexey and I started paddling towards Marahau. First things first, we hit up seal colony. After a few hours of paddling we stopped near Anchorage Bay at a tiny beach for a morning snack. From there we headed around the "Mad Mile" and then stopped for lunch at Apple Tree Bay. After a nice long lunch we headed the rest of the way in to Marahau to be picked up by the kayak rental people. While we were waiting there we realized that there were cockles all over the beach since it was low tide. Aided by a random beach dog, we started collecting some. I think we ended up with 3-4 dozen. Those ended up being dinner that night with a garlic and lemon sauce (lemons plucked from a tree) on fettuccine.

More photos with GPS maps here.

Fur seal having a good scratch:

Mid-morning break:

Lunch break:

After kayaking we took showers at the rental place and then started driving south. We came across a little brewery just outside Moteuka in Riwaka just right along the main road called Monkey Wizard so we stopped in for a tasting and ended up walking out with a 750 mL bottle of their limited edition Steampunk Ale.

That night we camped in the middle of nowhere. As we were setting up our campsite, some guy comes walking up to us and asks for some help. His car had died up the hill. I ended up driving him about 30 minutes towards Nelson in order to get mobile phone service. At that point I went back to a fully cooked meal of fettuccine in a fresh lemon & garlic sauce with cockles and a kinda freaked out Lexey. Weird night, but a great dinner with the Steampunk Ale from Monkey Wizard!

Golden Bay to Abel Tasman day 1

2010-12-29T08:56:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, because of our weather setback in Wellington we couldn't stay at Shambala in Golden Bay very long. We had a kayak rental booking and campsite reservation in Abel Tasman National Park!

More photos with GPS maps here.

We headed back over Takaka Hill and got some incredible morning views:

After a quick training on the kayaks and applying heaps of sunscreen the boat dropped us off at Onemana with our gear and no kayak about 1 pm. Nearly and hour later the boat showed up with our kayak:

After only a little paddling we arrived at our campsite desitnation, Mosquito Bay:

Since it was such a short paddle that day, we went over to Bark Bay to do a little more exploring before relaxing:

Lexey enjoying the afternoon with a book on the beach at Mosquito Bay:

Great sunset after dinner:

Wellington to Golden Bay

2010-12-28T11:10:00.000-07:00

Lexey and I were meant to leave Welly and head to Nelson and Golden Bay in the morning, but 100 mph winds and heavy rains caused our flight to be cancelled. No worries though. We rebooked on a flight at about 7:30p. So, we stored our luggage (yes, airports in other countries still allow it) and headed back into the city.

More photos with GPS maps here.

By the time we got back it had stopped raining so we decided to walk up Mount Victoria:

The winds at the top were some kind of insanity to we headed straight back down:

We spent most of the afternoon in a pub:

That night we did manage to get out of Wellington and over to Nelson. Arriving a little past 8p, we grabbed our rental car and took off over Takaka Hill for Golden Bay. It was late when we arrived, but the fellow at Shambala (Joe's suggestion) helped us find our room and then we went straight to the Mussel Inn. The Mussel Inn is a great little brewery with a Manuka beer:

Taupo to Wellington

2010-12-27T10:28:00.001-07:00

After camping the night at Ben's parents' place in Taupo we packed up and headed to Craters of the Moon for a morning walk.

More photos with GPS maps here.

Lenny and Lexey at Craters of the Moon:

About mid-day we said goodbye to Ben and Mel and headed off to Wellington. First thing we did in Welly after dropping our bags off at the hostel was go to Te Papa!

Beautiful Maori arts:

We hit up the cable car:

Walking down from the Botanical Gardens at the top of the cable car, we came across a cat with a bell. The cat graciously showed us the way, running ahead and then stopping to wait for us. Cute little "Jingle Cat".

Ended the day having some good craft beers in a pub and walking around Cuba Street:

Boxing Day - Coromandel to The Mount to Taupo

2010-12-26T21:33:00.002-07:00

Boxing Day was a ridiculously busy day. Melanie's entire family took us surfing. Lexey and Mel's mom ended up staying on the beach since the water was pretty cold, but Ben, Kane, Mel, Mel's dad, and I all went for a morning surf before breakfast. Thankfully, Lexey took about 400 photos!

More photos with GPS maps here.

The waves were small, but I kicked it:

Kane shredded:

And Melanie couldn't stop smiling:

After surfing and a big waffle breakfast and snap peas from the garden we headed out for the beaches and volcano of Mount Manganui. We took a good (but really hot) hike up The Mount, ate a picnic lunch, and went for a good swim afterwards at the bottom. Lexey and I made sure to get some ice cream in freshly made waffle cones at the bottom of The Mount too.

Picnic lunch on The Mount:

Lexey and I at the top:

Next it was on to Rotorua. We basically just drove through. Our only real destination there was going to be Wai-o-tapu Thermal Pools, but we got there at 5:05pm and they closed at 5pm. So, we went directly to Kerosene Creek for a quick soak in the 105F temperature waters:

To finish out the day we headed to Taupo with a quick stop at Huka Falls before dinner with Ben's parents:

Christmas on Coromandel Peninsula

2010-12-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

Full photo set with GPS maps here.

Christmas Day we hopped up and took Ben & Mel's dog Charlie for a walk, had a quick breakfast from the BBQ then headed out to Ben's parents' farm to drop off the dog. Their farm is in the Scotsman Valley near Matamata (where Hobbiton is in The Shire) so things are really green with rolling hills. We took a quick walk up the hill on the farm then headed out. Of course Melanie was wearing her Santa hat.

The farm:

Next we headed out for the Coromandel. First stop there was Ben's family's get together at his grandparents' bach in Tairua. Wow! That house is amazing.

Lexey enjoying the view that smacks you in the face:

The bach from the beach (notice a hobbit upstairs):

We stayed long enough to eat lunch and do a little socializing then headed off to the north for Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove.

Hot Water Beach was ludicrously busy:

Cathedral Cove was near perfect:

We ended the day at Melanie's parents' place in Whangamata and had a great dinner.

Christmas Eve in NZ with Ben and Mel

2010-12-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

Lexey and I arrived in New Zealand on Christmas Eve. Ben and Mel picked us up at the airport and we headed straight for Hamilton. Strangely, we ran into Reaghan along the way on the motorway towing his boat. At Ben and Mel's they cooked a great dinner then we went out to watch Matt Hantler and Joel play at the Cook. Crazy seeing all these old friends.

More photos with GPS maps here.

Melanie cooking away:

Ben crushing ice with a wine bottle for caipirinhas:

Ben in his classic pose by the BBQ:

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T08:46:00.002-06:00

John Cougar Koura-Camp or John Koura Cougar-Camp or...

Boulder Cyclocross Series #3 - Louisville

2010-10-25T17:45:00.004-06:00

Current music: Sunset Rubdown - Random Spirit Lovers

Finally made it to another bike race. I couldn't make any in August and September. The Boulder Cyclocross Series #3 at the Louisville Rec Center was quite a location for a CX race. Good race report here.

Full gallery over here: http://www.lennym.com/events/2010-bouldercx3-louisville

2 long run-ups really killed 'em:

Quick drink:

Big smiles after a quick mid-race swig of Dale's Pale Ale:

Hiking to Fraser Meadow in Golden Gate Canyon State Park

2010-10-17T17:46:00.002-06:00

Current music: Neil Young - Le Noise

Koura and I went up to Golden Gate Canyon State Park to do a little hiking. I probably should have gone about 3 weeks ago when the aspens were in full color. It is beautiful now, but it really would have been a golden paradise a few weeks back.

More photos here.

Aspen leaves struggling to hang on in the autumn wind:

Fraser Meadow:

Koura romping through the trees and tall grass:

My Morning Commute

2010-10-13T15:34:00.004-06:00

My morning commute on Denver's Cherry Creek bike path to my bus stop near Union Station.

Seattle

2010-10-12T11:32:00.003-06:00

Current music: Bob Dylan - The Witmark Demos

Lexey and I took a quick weekend jaunt to Seattle over the weekend. As usual Yelp provided us with numerous great places to eat and now I am backed up on reviews. We checked out the Experience Music Project and got to see my old roommate from Plattsburgh, Ben.

More photos here.

Outside the EMP:

Lexey and the massive guitar structure:

Pike Place Market:

Walker Ranch - counter clockwise - initial downhill

2010-10-06T08:46:00.003-06:00

I rode Walker Ranch outside of Boulder twice this summer. The first time I neglected to bring my GoProHD. Not the second time. The downhill sections here are a blast. The climbing is brutal though. Both times I have riden it counter-clockwise. Next time I will definitely do it clockwise. Here is a video from the second time I rode it, starting from the parking lot and heading down to the South Boulder Creek.

Three Sisters/Alderfer Park

2010-10-05T08:43:00.003-06:00

This past Saturday Hulsey came down to the Front Range and did a little mountain biking with Dan and I at Three Sisters/Alderfer Park outside Evergreen. Videos will be coming soon, but here is a still shot of the view from the top of Evergreen Peak.

Three Sisters - clockwise

2010-10-03T14:06:00.003-06:00

Back in August I did a hurried ride at Three Sisters/Alderfer Park outside Evergreen, CO just before a photo shoot for Urban Velo with Ms. Hurricane.

This video is from doing the south side (Evergreen Mountain Trail) clockwise and then doing the Three Sisters to Hidden Fawn. Great singletrack. Smooth, wide, fast.

Vail's Grand Traverse

2010-10-03T14:00:00.003-06:00

Over the past few months there hasn't been much mountain biking. My bike needed some repairs, but they are done. This clip is from when I did the Grand Traverse at Vail in August (the ride which did in my cassette). Unfortunately I forgot my helmet mount for the GoPro. Here is a quick look at the view in from the beautiful singletrack through Sun Down Bowl with Mount of the Holy Cross in the distance.

Lightning over Denver

2010-09-21T22:25:00.003-06:00

Great electrical storm tonight in Denver. I went up to the roof of Dan and Brienne's building and got some fun shots. I was a little late so I didn't get exactly what I was after.

Silver Dollar Lake Trail

2010-09-19T22:30:00.002-06:00

Koura and I went for a hike up the Silver Dollar Lake trail off of Guanella Pass today. Perfect fall colors, 3 lakes for Koura to swim, and a Colorado bluebird day.

More photos (with GPS tagging) here.

Koura checking out the view over Naylor Lake:

Swimming in Silver Dollar Lake:

View from Murray Lake:

Leadville trip with Stacia and Rachel

2010-09-15T22:12:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I took the day off to head up to Leadville with Stacia and her friend Rachel from college. We started off by going to Red Rocks and then up and over Loveland Pass then lunch at the Tennessee Pass Cafe in Leadville with Sean then to Vail for a quick stop in at the Hulse's.

More photos here.

Loveland Pass:

Stacia hair-puking at Melanzana:

Perfect day in the high country:

Boulder's 4 Mile Canyon Fire

2010-09-15T21:57:00.003-06:00

On Memorial Day I was heading up to Eldora to hike Arapahoe Pass with my dog. Driving up US-36 towards Boulder at about 10:30am I could see a small amount of smoke coming from the mountains west of Boulder. I didn't think too much of it, but by the time I was in Boulder Canyon it was different:

I kept going up through Nederland. The wind was really nasty up there so I didn't do the hike after all. This is what the smoke from the fire looked like from Ned:

The wind drove me out so I went back to Denver through Coal Creek Canyon. When I go out to Front Range it looked terrible:

Square Top Lakes

2010-09-04T11:53:00.004-06:00

Yesterday afternoon I went up to Guanella Pass and hiked up to the Square Top Lakes at about 12,300 ft. Koura came with me, of course, and swam in both lakes. Great short hike for a late afternoon. I will keep this one in mind for another time.

More photos here.

Koura leading the way:

Koura and the time of her life:

Mt Bierstadt from Upper Square Top Lake:

Koura waiting patiently for me to finish taking photos:

Urban Velo article #2

2010-09-01T08:36:00.002-06:00

Jen "Ms. Hurricane" wrote another article for Urban Velo magazine called "Do It By Bike in Denver" and I did the photography for it. The article was published in this month's edition and can be seen here.

PS - Jen and I did another article for Urban Velo back in April.

Vail's Grand Traverse

2010-08-27T15:50:00.003-06:00

2 weeks ago I finally made it out to do my favorite single track, Vail's Grand Traverse. As always, spectacular views, tall wild flowers, and plenty of sunshine. I forgot the helmet mount for my GoPro though... This still will have to do.

2010 Perseids

2010-08-13T11:04:00.004-06:00

Lexey and I went up to Echo Lake on the side of Mt Evans again this year to watch the Perseids. It was cold, but not nearly as cold as last year.

Look closely, meteor in the lower right:

Another in the lower center:

Three minutes:

I clearly need more experience photographing the night sky.

Sunday in Charlotte

2010-08-12T08:15:00.002-06:00

On Sunday Lexey and I drove back to Charlotte, NC from Johnson City, TN and we took a different route so we could stop in Asheville. Pretty little town there. When we got back to Charlotte we went out to do some exploring around the city with my old friend Jennie!

More photos here.

Fun in Charlotte:

Jennie as pretty as ever:

Playing in Charlotte's fountains:

Tennessee

2010-08-10T19:09:00.002-06:00

Lexey and I are back from Tennessee. We were there this past weekend for her friends' wedding and she was the maid of honor. It was really hot and humid there, but the mountains of eastern TN are beautiful.

More photos here.

The couple:

The beautiful Maid of Honor:

Tennessee:

Denver bike ride with Lance Armstrong

2010-08-04T13:17:00.006-06:00

This morning Lance Armstrong was in Denver to announce the "Quiznos Pro Challenge" stage bike race coming to Colorado next summer. After the announcement with Governor Ritter at the Capitol everybody rode to Washington Park, did two laps, then rode back. I got a few shots on my camera phone. My other camera had a corrupted memory card in it. Ugh.

Berthoud Pass to Blue Lake

2010-08-02T16:42:00.003-06:00

Yesterday Koura and I got a quick hike in just before the high country rain started. It sprinkled on us on the way down, but it was a beautiful hike.

More photos here.

The wildflowers were in full effect:

Koura enjoying the view of the Blue Lake:

Glacier runoff:

Pecha Kucha Night Denver #10

2010-07-24T09:58:00.002-06:00

Last night was Denver's 10th Pecha Kucha Night. This one was held at the Denver Art Museum. The slides were projected on the outside of the building. Good fun.

More photos here.

Friday Urban Velo shoot with Jen

2010-07-13T08:22:00.003-06:00

This past Friday I did another photo shoot with Jen for another Urban Velo article. Look for the article this fall.

North Boulder Park Crit

2010-07-12T11:09:00.005-06:00

This weekend was full of photography. I spent Saturday at North Boulder Park for the North Boulder Park Criterium. Great race.

More photos here: http://www.lennym.com/events/2010-north-boulder-crit

Beautiful park for a race:

Hot in the sun:

Warm-ups:

Post race:

Cheers:

Race:

Flag lady:

Speed:

Champ:

The 4th in Peconic

2010-07-06T08:22:00.004-06:00

Once again I went to Peconic, NY for the 4th of July. My old college roommate Chris Blackburn has a big party out there every year. This one was no exception. A fun time for sure. Played a lot of croquet, rode bikes to the beach, etc... No shortage of silliness.

More photos here.

Homemade ice cream:

Croquet:

Silliness:

Rafting Vail

2010-06-30T11:13:00.002-06:00

Last Thursday after mountain biking the North Trail we went whitewater rafting on the Gore Creek in Vail. This is an easy section with only one category 3 rapid, but is really beautiful and a great way to get a different perspective of Vail. This was much different than my Clear Creek trip back in May.

Jeff shot this video on his GoPro: