Hawaiian Vacation

Okay, I am ready to take the plunge and write about our Hawaii trip.  I could take the easy way out and provide a one word assessment - AWESOME!  However, that would hardly do it the justice it deserves.  So, settle in and prepare, I may be a bit long winded (a glass wine never hurts - just saying).

At our wedding Matt and I informed our families that we would not be coming to MI this year for Christmas, we wanted to travel somewhere fun and tropical, not dry and cold.  Fast forward to September, we received a call asking if we would be interested in joining the rest of the Klungle's and my dad in Hawaii.  That was easy to answer - sure!

From the start this was the easiest trip we have ever been on.  Linda was fabulous and handled all the planning and logistics, we just followed the directions on the sheets of paper we were provided.  It doesn't get much better than that.

We spent the fist couple of days on Maui.  The condo was located right on the ocean and there was fantastic beach access and snorkeling right out our back door.  To top it off Matt was able to do a little bit of fly fishing, without success.  From Maui we headed to Kona (the big Island) for the remainder of our trip.

While Kona was nice, the beach access wasn't as prevalent as in Maui.  Kona is a newer island so the sand beaches are replaced by rocky shoreline.   In order to keep things from getting drawn out, below is a list of everything that was accomplished during our vacation:

• Spent time with family

• Learned to surf

photo credit: dad

• Attended a luau

• Deep sea fishing

Shortnosed spearfish

• Snorkeling

• Ate 4 pineapples (Matt)

I realize this isn't a pineapple, I didn't take any pineapple picture.  Instead you get to see some strange fruit we found at the market. 

• Consumed an entire pig - Mixed plates are awesome!

• Spent time with family

photo credit: dad

• Saw some volcano's

• Drove the Road to Hana

• Tried Kava 

• Ate banana pancakes 

• Drank Mai Tai's on the beach

• Wildlife viewing

• Opened a coconut (Matt - with a bottle opener)

• Fly fishing

• Swam with turtles
• Saw spinner dolphins
• Saw whales

Wuthering Heights - Bronte

I am putting off writing about Hawaii because I am trying to determine how to speak of our family adventure in a concise manner - I will get there.  In the meantime I will review the book I read while on vacation - Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.

In one word - good.  I wasn't really sure what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised.  It struck me as a more grotesque version of Romeo and Juliet (for lack of a better description).   I suppose it may be more appropriate to say that it looks at love and hate and how those feelings shape a person.  I feel Heathcliff  (Wuthering Heights) is the male equivalent of Cathy (East of Eden), both are despicable characters.   Honestly, I am not quite sure what else I can write about this book.  It is by no means a favorite and I have no plans to re-read it at a later date.  But, I did enjoy it for what it was.

Oh Dear...

It is official, vacation is over...  Today was my first day back to work and while I was perusing my calendar to plan for the upcoming months I noticed something I must have been trying to repress - I am signed-up to run a 50k in one month.  Now for the really bad news, I haven't run more than about 12 miles a shot since my last ultra...in September.   I guess I better get back at it!

Speaking of vacation, I will update with pictures and details at a later date.  Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend!

Mele Kalikimaka!!!

Here Comes the Rain Again...

Falling on my head like a memory...

Winter in the PNW = rain, lots and lots of rain.  You would think after one season of it I would be used to it - I am not.  Instead I repressed my memories of dark rainy days, only I can no longer repress it, the rain is back, with a vengeance. 

Today Matt and I went to Capital Forest for a trail run, we were met with loggers.  The once beautiful trail system we spent the summer enjoying is now a disaster.  I wish I had taken my camera to capture the state things, you can no longer discern where large chunks of the trail are.  Hopefully there will be some rehab, I need to check and see if the FOCF are having an event to address this.  If so I plan to volunteer my time.  I spend so much time utilizing the resource, I really should give back.

Did I mention that the entire time we were out the rain was coming down in sheets?  Yeah, it is that time of year again.  Fun!

The worst part of the current weather pattern (pineapple express) - we may not be able to catch our plane to Hawaii.  There is one route from here to the Portland airport, if it floods we are screwed.  Lets hope it doesn't flood!

Pink Elephant

Seattle

Portland

Guilty Pleasure

I have it, I have decided what makes owing an e-reader so awesome.  You can get away with reading cheesy novels without anyone knowing!  Admit it, if you read you likely have a guilty pleasure - books that you are embarrassed to be seen with.  Books that you feel ridiculous taking out when you are in a waiting room or train station for fear someone will judge you.  Because, of course you judge other people based on their literary choices. 

I will be the first to admit that I am a voracious reader, however, my choices are by no means heavy literature all of the time.  Sure, I love the classics.  If you have been reading this blog you will have seen my previous post listing the classics I am working through.  But, I can only read so much "heavy" material before I need something "light and easy".  Not to mention my favorite genera is horror - this admission automatically puts me in the poor taste category. 

What drove this post you may be asking?  Well, I recently read a review for a compilation titled "Chicks Ahoy!" and I must admit it sounds hilarious, I want to read it.  One problem, they do not have it in e-format, only paperback.  This would have me toting around a book that has a scantly clad women on the front cover, not to mention the title... Oh, the humiliation.

First Day of Ski Season

Yesterday was opening day at White Pass (our local ski area), so Matt, Pat and myself met-up for a day in the snow.  We opted for a half day since the snow conditions were only going to be so-so.  By the time we got there we had to park about a quarter mile away, I have never seen it so busy. 

It was pretty entertaining to watch the fiasco that was the chairlift. Most every time we went to get on there was an issue that ended with people flailing about. Matt was lucky enough to get ejected by some snowboarded that couldn't quite figure out how to sit down.  While that was funny the best part was the ski patroler that proceeded to rant and rave about the idiots that don't know what they are doing. It ended with him yelling at some poor guy to "take your damn skis off, you will be better of not wearing anything". 

Yurt

Today was an easy day,  I went for a short 6 mile jaunt and lazed around the house.  Tomorrow back to work...

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend!

Snow Bike

We didn't make it mountain biking yesterday, we woke-up a bit late allow for us to go and still get to our friends on time.  So, today we loaded up our bikes (the Epic arrived Wednesday) and headed to Capitol Forest.  We were not quite sure what we were going to find when we got there.  Well, it was a pretty sweet mix of snow/slush/ice/mud that made for some interesting riding. 

I thought that I had planned my biking apparel to deal with the weather (cold, rain/snow mix), as it turns out I didn't.  My fingers froze and my feet were sopping wet. By the time we were done with the ride I was nauseous from my tender digits freezing.  There are a lot of things that I can deal with, cold fingers are not one of them.  It is a deal breaker for me... I have a new and improved plan for next time.  A plan that if all things go correctly will leave me warm and happy from start to finish.  

Freezing fingers aside we had a great time.  Matt is satisfied with his new bike and I still love mine. 

Oh baby!  I love me some sweet chest hair.

Matt

Oompa loompa

Mel

Weeeee!!!

Turkey Day!

I used to claim Halloween as my favorite holiday, however, I am now rethinking my selection.  Halloween just isn't as fun as it used to be, maybe someday it will regain some of its glitz and glamor, for now though I am re-selecting my favorite holiday.  The winner is - Thanksgiving with Halloween in a very close second.

This year for Thanksgiving we went to our friends Pat and Jenn's for a turkey day feast.  It was fantastic, a great day spent with great friends eating wonderful food. 

Green bean casserole with homemade wild mushroom soup

Apple pie with cheddar cheese crust

Hard at work

Snow and Ice

Since moving west winter has not been the same for me.  Olympia winters consist of relatively mild weather with a lot of rain.  Truth be told, I am not sure how much I like it.  I feel like something is missing from from my seasonal rotation.  On the up side I can be in the mountains with an hour of driving, which is really nice!

Currently we are experiencing uncommon weather for our area - cold punctuated by snow and ice.  I finally stuck my nose outside today to go for a run, I was in heaven.  Instead of being met by overcast drizzle I enjoyed a wonderfully brisk moonlight jaunt.  As much as I would love to see this weather to stick around, I know it isn't in the cards. 

I feel I would be remiss if I didn't mention how our current weather patterns have affected travel in the area.  Traffic is AWFUL!  Commutes that generally take 45 minutes are now taking 6+ hours.  So, while I would love to have the snow stick around, the Puget Sound area is not equipped to deal with it.  I suppose the sooner it passes the better for everyone.

In other news Matt's bike should be arriving tomorrow!  If so we are planning to get out for a pre-eating Turkey Day ride.

Mossy Oak Dog Bed

I am not much for sewing, however, there is one thing that I am capable of making - dog beds.  See pictures of my newest creation, a mossy oak camo waterproof dog bed. 

Homely Crisp, Chum and Sunday Dinner

This weekend didn't bring with it any crazy adventures.  The seasons are changing so we are in a bit of a waiting pattern.  Matt did hit a milestone Saturday, he went for a 10 mile trail run - his longest to date!  We are both trying to motivate ourselves to get or stay in shape for an upcoming fat ass.

This morning we went to the Olympia Farmers Market to get ingredients for our turkey day dishes.  Our biggest take was a 30# box of homely crisps.  You may be wondering what homely crisps are, let me educate you...  Homely crisps are the smaller, sweeter, not so pretty but cheaper version of the honey crisp apple.  Looks like we have apple pie, apple sauce and other appley goods in our future!

After finishing up at the market we went to Kennedy Creek to check out the tail end of chum salmon spawning season.  I should mention that it is snowing in Olympia right now!  It isn't very often that we get snow, so I am pretty excited about it - it makes the dreary so much prettier.

Can you see the purple and green?

Snow!

Last but certainly not least - Sunday Dinner. 

The last year that I lived in Lansing a tradition was started - Sunday Dinner.  Every Sunday I would get together with Dave and Mary for dinner.  Each week we rotated who was in charge of cooking, the idea was to try fun new dishes.  Dinners ranged from simple delicious dishes to extravagant multi-course meals.    If things went south we agreed to go to Leo's Lodge for pizza.  In all the dinners we shared together we didn't have one that sent us in search of pizza, pretty impressive if you ask me! 

As much as I love living in Washington I really miss Sunday dinners.  It was a great opportunity to get together with wonderful friends and share some great food and drink.  The other day I mentioned to Matt how much I missed this.  His response, why don't we do it - we can rotate Sunday cooking and vow to try new dishes.  Sold!  Sure, it is missing a very important aspect - Dave and Mary.  However, it is a good reason to set Sunday's aside to try new recipes. 

Without further ado I present you with our first Sunday dinner (mels turn), which was made almost entirely with stuff we have received from our CSA.

Delicita Squash stuffed with Wild Rice Cranberry Stuffing and Flax and Sunflower Seed Bread with Brie

Welcome Home Juliana

It is official, I am back in mountain biking business!!  While in Bend 2 weekends ago Matt and I stopped at a local bike shop to see if they carried a bike I was interested in so we could determine what size I needed.  To our surprise not only did they have the bike, but it was a demo version that they were selling at a pretty good discount.  Needless to say, it came home with us.  Without further ado I present you with Juliana:

Isn't she beautiful?!?  I got her out on the trails on Sunday.  As you can see, they were a bit muddy..

I am looking forward to a fun winter of riding!

Dear Winter

Dear Winter-

It is official, I am ready for you to start.  I am not talking about the cold, dreary, endless rain that constitutes an Olympia winter.  No, I am talking about mountain pounding snows that occur at the higher altitudes that make winter fun.  Sure, it is only early November, however, I have been tantalized recently by not one but two ski films. Therefore, I am am good and ready to put my paltry ski skills to the test -  the sooner the better.  Heck, I am even willing to hike miles in my boots to hit the snowline, just give me something to work with. 

In closing, this is a La Nina year - get to it!

Yours Truly,
Melissa

Smith Rock

New gear!

This past weekend Matt and I headed to Bend, OR to meet-up with some friends for climbing at Smith Rock.  Matt has climbed there on several occasions, however, this was my first time.  I was super excited to check the place out - I have heard so many good things about it!

We hit the road around 1pm Thursday afternoon to begin our 5 hour drive.  Matt was kind enough to do all the driving as I had to get some work done while we traveled.  We made a stop somewhere in the Mt. Hood area and Matt acquired a new fly rod for our upcoming Hawaii trip.

We made it to Redmond a few hours later and stopped in to see our friends that had come down from Saskatoon.  They were the real reason we were in Bend.  They are here for a conference in Portland and showed up a few days early to get some climbing in at Smith.  We said a few quick hello's determined the plan for the following day and headed into Bend to meet up with Matt and Cheryl at Deshutes for some tasty food and drink.  They were kind enough to let us crash at their home that evening and the following morning Matt, Matt and myself headed out to the crag to meet-up with the group for a day of climbing. 

The climbing at Smith is AMAZING, I love it there.  I am pretty sure I would love it even more if I had been in better shape.  As it was I felt rather intimidated by climbs that I felt should have been well within my capability.  Oh well, what can I expect after months of not climbing??  It was just great to get outside and spend time doing something I love. 

Matt and Matt

Matt and Eric

Monkey Face



Fancy digs

 Matt and I had intended to camp while we were at Smith.  We brought the dogs with us and figured this would be easiest.  However, a very kind offer from the Canada group had us staying with them at their super fancy resort house.  How can you turn down a hot tub?!?  I have to admit, I felt really spoiled staying with them. 

All in all it was a great trip!  It was nice to be able to catch-up with friends and it felt good to get out and actually touch rock.  Hopefully there won't be such a long stretch before we are able to do either of those activities again.

Halloween Tricks

Halloween is my (Mels) favorite holiday.  Costumes, candy and scary movies - what more could a person ask for!?!  However, this year the Klungle household did not experience any treats for Halloween.  Instead we got a rather unpleasant trick - our mountain bikes were stolen.   We had gone for a ride, it is currently pretty muddy out so they were locked up in the back of our truck waiting to be washed before being put back into our apartment. 

Someone decided that they are a worthless enough person to break the locks and steal our bikes.  I really hope we find out who did it, the joke would be on them.  I would be willing to bet they are totally unaware that they stole goods exceeding the $2,000 limit to be charged for a felony.  Nothing would make me happier than seeing the look on their face when they find that out!  Unfortunately, I doubt that will ever happen.  The chances of ever seeing our bikes again is slim to nil. Ugh...

On a more positive note below are some pictures I took with my camera during my Halloween trail run.  I suppose a better description would be a trail picture safari.

Even the trail was festive!

Water over the trail