Tuesday - April 21st - Blow Hole, some resort, Spaghetti Factory (where is Meilssa Orsin??)

I know it's been a while, but here is another day of our Hawaiian Vacation. Hopefully I will finish the rest of the day soon.

On Tuesday we went back to the East side of the island with Kari and Jared because we wanted to snorkel at Hanama Bay. Except that it's closed on Tuesday. D'oh! So we drove a little more to Blow Hole point. Aparently there is this little hole in the rocks, and when the waves hit just right a large gush of water shoots up. It was pretty cool, but also really windy, and not so nice out. So we decided to cut back across to the other side of the island (west side) in search of sunny beaches and warmer water.

We ended up going to this resort place, which name escapes me now (one of the perils of writing this over a month after the fact). It had these man-made lagoons that were pretty cool looking. And they had some sharks and rays in these little pools for people to look at. We just kicked it on the beach of the lagoon for the most part. The weather still wasn't as hot as we would have liked it, but it was still fun.

For dinner we went to Old Spaghetti Factory. It's their 40th anniversary this year, and Tuesday happen to be the night where certain entres are 60% off. So that was pretty fun. Afterwards we walked around the mall a little bit with Marty and Mark. We went to this fun place for dessert that was a lot like Mix, except with frozen yogurt. And it had lots of tropical flavored frozen yogert like lychee. And what you pay is based on how much it weights, not how many different topings. It was good and tasty!
A ray swimming by and waving hello.
You can tell that it's a little windy at the Blow Hole.Ahh...to be in Hawaii.What's a vacation without silly pictures?
Emily's hair whipped around like crazy.

Memorial Weekend Fun!

Here are the pictures Emily was talking about. Here are some International Beard contestants from Beard Clubs in Germany.
All of these guys brought their A game to Anchorage.
This dude looks like a Muppet. He didn't have to come far - it's just a short drive from Wasilla.
Here is a view from a mountain next to Lake Eklutna. It was an awesome day.
Here is Rachel, her friend Sarah and Banjo enjoying a little lunch by the lake. I guess you can see the 'Nut as well.

This weekend we kept pretty busy. On Saturday Jerry and Maylene were in town, so Neil and I took them to the Anchorage Saturday Market (I forgot how much those Canadians love to shop). We walked around there for a while--which also happened to be the location of some of the International Beard Competition Festivities. Neil was really sad that he didn' t have anything to show for the competition. Maybe next year. Then we went to the Snow Goose Pub for lunch. Neil and I both had pulled pork wraps, which were pretty tasty.

On Sunday we headed out to Eklutna lake, which is about a 45 minute drive north of Anchorage. We went with Rachel and a friend of hers on a "hike" along the lake. It was all right along the shore, so no up hills, but it was a lot of fun. Unfortunately Sunday through Thursday is also the time when four wheelers are allowed on the trail, so it was quite dusty and noisy at times. One of the guys was kind enough to warn us that he spotted a bear running across the trail quite close to use. Rachel and Sarah came prepared with bear spray, but we didn't end up needing to use it. I think there were really too many people out for the bears to be a threat. On the way home was stopped off at Rochelle's Ice Cream. Neil had Fireweed Honey and I had Blueberry. They were quite tasty--plus we were thoroughly entertained by the two young families that were also there. Two of the little boys dropped the ice cream off the cone, and the term turd butt was used.

On Monday Neil reserved a place at the hidden creek b&b. We had originally stayed there on our anniversary a year and a half ago. We drove out to girdwood in the morning and then did the Gird(wood) to Bird bike ride. It was a gorgeous day out for a bike ride. The ride goes right along the coast and it was nice and clear for us to see all the mountains. Afterwards it was a lot of fun, but towards the end it was getting a little miserable. We traveled about 30 miles round trip, and parts of it were quite hilly with a big head wind. Next time I'm making sure to bring a snack. At the end there was an ice cream place that we stopped at (that makes 4 out of the last 5 days with ice cream) which tied us over until dinner. We had dinner at Jack Sprat this cute place in Girdwood. We shared some yam fries, which were quite tasty, and Neil had a pasta and clam dish, and I had the fresh roll appetizer and a cup of mushroom soup. It was a fun day and we had fun soaking our tired legs in the hot tub back at the b&b. This morning for breakfast we had fresh fruit, a raspberry muffin, and this egg thing that was in a little phylo bowl with tomato and cheese on top.

Byer's Lake Cabin

The weekend before last we went with Rachel and Mara and her husband to a public use cabin up in Denali State Park (just south of the national one). It was a lot of fun. We had nice sunny weather (even though the snow was still out).

Gold Nugget Pictues

Here are a few pictures from the Gold Nugget Triathlon that I did last Sunday. It was a lot of fun (even though I wasn't the big winner). There were 2 other pregnant ladies that I saw doing it too. One wrote her race number + 1/2 on her stomach. This was the first and only women's triathlon that little peanut will compete in.

Savoonga Pictures

Fish hanging out to dry (these must have been from last summer)
Only the men go out hunting (for walrus and whale). While we were out walking we saw this man burying two infant walrus in the snow.
The Bering Sea
A sled attached to a snow mobile carrying some of the day's catch (walrus blubber).
Anthony displaying my oosik.

Here are a few pictures from my trip to Savoonga. Savoonga was by far my favorite village that I've visited in Alaska so far. The people were really friendly and it was pretty interesting just to walk around. The village itself has about 700 people and is apparently growing. To get there you take a flight from Anchorage to Nome (where the iditarod finishes), and then a little plane from Nome to Savoonga. I didn't see any cars while I was there, just a bunch of snow machines and four wheelers. It is right on the Bering Sea. On a clear day I think you can see Russia.

The best (or at least most unique) birthday present ever

Today was another day of nose swabs in Savoonga. I'm so tired and my feet are killing me, but I got probably the strangest birthday present today for myself. Pepsi, one the health aids are the clinic had her dad come in for the study. He also brought in a carving. It's really cool it has a walrus on one end and a polar bear on the other end made out of ivory. The best part is the middle. Spanning about 2 feet in the middle is this really long oocick (walrus penis bone)! It will seem a little strange carrying it back to Anchorage on the plane, but I'm really pleased with my purchase. I also bought a little ivory ring and another walrus type carving made of balene and ivory.

Greetings from Savoonga

I'm writing this from St. Lawrence Island in the village of Savoonga, right in the middle of the Berring Sea. It's really cool out here, although it's still winter time. I've been helping out with the same study that I did last year--where we enroll people to get their noses swabbed. We got in on Monday afternoon, and worked really hard until around 7pm and then today we worked from 8am -7pm. So far we've gotten 447 noses. There are between 700 and 800 people living in Savoonga, so we've done pretty well so far. It's all voluntary, so we expect to get another 100 or so tomorrow (on my birthday!).

This evening we took a walk along the road to see the Berring sea. It was pretty neat, because a bunch of the men went out walrus hunting today. We saw one man burring 2 baby walrus carcuses in the snow to be cut up later. I took a bunch of pictures. There a quite a few people selling ivory carvings and baleen things too. I'm going to bring my money to the clinic tomorrow to see if I can't find myself a birthday present.

I'll post some pictures when I get home.

Equality Works

Last night we went to a BBQ to raise money for an organization called Equality Works. The organization is a one woman show that is working to support the amendment to the city ordinance that would include sexual orientation and veterans in the non-discrimination law. It was a pretty fun event. The food was good too. Neil had 2 hamburgers, and I had a garden burger, corn on the cob and a root beer float. We saw a bunch of people who were also volunteers with the Obama campaign up here.

Then today I went to my friend from work's baby shower. Her baby is due on June 21st. I made her a baby surprise sweater. It turned out pretty cute. I used the self striping sock yarn and it made a pretty cool pattern. This morning I had to run off to the store to get some buttons to finish it off. To make it look a little more masculine I got car, plane and train buttons. The sweater was a big hit (if I do say so myself). Mollie's mom also knit her a blanket, and her friend made her a quilt. The shower was pretty fun. We played a few games. And, while I was at the shower Neil was at the male equivalent. Mollie's husband had a bunch of guys over to help guild a deck and paint the baby's room.

Tomorrow is the gold nugget women's triathlon. Wish me luck! I'm hoping it isn't too hard. I've been practicing by riding my bike home from swim practice. The distances are pretty short: 300 yard snake swim, 9 mile bike and 3 mile run.

Poor BanMan

This evening afterwork I worked on dinner while Neil built be a bike stand for me to use in the Gold Nugget Triathlon on Sunday. (I made a really tasty jerk marinade that I used for some lamb kabobs. It was quite delectable if I do say so myself.) While I was waiting for Neil to finish with the stand I took Banjo outside so we could hang out and watch. Banjo started eating some grass and then within a minute he had his vomitting episode followed by his seizure. Unfortunately it happend in the driveway so Banjo got really dirty and his leg got all raw from him twitching it on the cement for so long. I think they're getting longer too. This one lasted for at least 3 minutes. There was one point where it seemed like it was letting up and so Neil let go of his head and then his head started shaking again and he bit Neil. (It wasn't a bad one though). After all of the activity Banjo was really tired afterwards. Tomorrow we'll call up the vet to take him in. I hope he doesn't have to go on the medication. Poor Dood.

Monday - April 20th - More beaches, Matsumoto's and Waikiki

At Monday we hit the road at 8am. We picked up Kari and Jared from Marty's and we were headed to the north shore. We met up with one of Jared's friends - a really nice local named Ponzi. We all went to a state beach to hang out. Kari, Jared and Ponzi surfed for a little bit. Emily and I jumped around in the water (the waves were tamer for Emily). Emily and I attempted to snorkel, but couldn't really see much. Even when we were hanging out in the water this guy next to us said there was a sea turtle about 20 feet away from us.
We then left for some lunch at local spot. Emily had a grilled cheese, shrimp, and garlic butter sandwich. Needless to say it was too rich for her, so I finished her other half. I had some chicken, short ribs and shrimp. I gave Emily the rest of mine.
The beach we went to after lunch was Chun's Beach. Let's just say it wasn't the greatest beach for us. It was extremely windy. Like crazy windy. Jared, Kari and Ponzi surfed for a bit, which is why they wanted to go there. I don't think Emily or I even went into the water. I kind of took a nap on my towel and woke up with a pretty wicked sunburn on my arms. It was the worst burn I got all trip, and it was gone in a few days.
On the way back to Honolulu we stoped off at world-famous Matsumoto's Shave Ice. Ponzi swears it's the best shave ice there is. Emily and I went away happy customers. I mean, who doesn't like condenced milk on ice? Ponzi was nice enough to treat us to our treat.
There is our ride for our Hawaiian adventure - 2009 Ford Taurus. It had tons of room, a trunk that the mob would love, and an overall great car. The only downside was that is had a turning radius worse than our Explorer. By a lot.
We also stopped by the Dole Plantation. This lady is giving a demonstration on how to properly cut a pineapple. Needless to say I did incorrectly the night before in our studio. But that's because I didn't have the fancy bendy knife!
Here I am amist many different variations of pineapple plants.
Emily, Kari and Jared enjoying some yummy roasted corn. I couldn't take part :-(

After dinner we walked around Waikiki with Kari and Jared. We saw some of the street performers . There was a guy who just wears a giant Elmo costume (and apparently he makes bank), a really cool spray-paint artist, a guy who dribbles lots of basketballs, palm readers, etc. One of the funniest things you see are people trying to get you to go the the Honolulu gun club to shoot assault rifles. All of their stuff is in Japanese.

Sunday - April 19th - Sandy Beach and dinner

Before we did our Diamond Head hike, we rented some snorkels from Snorkel Bob's. I remember that place from when I visited Hawaii with my family back in 1991. I rented a prescription mask, and Emily got fins.
After the hike Emily and looked for a beach to lounge at. We ended up at Sandy's Beach, on the east side of the island, a little past Hanama Bay. There were some good waves to jump around in, which I enjoyed. They were a little much for Emily. But we had a fun time lying in the sun and doing a little reading. Later we found out that Sandy's is the most dangerous beach on the island, an has the most amount of paramedic calls every year compared to anywhere else on the island.
Jared's sister, Marty, and her husband Mark, who live in Honolulu, invited us over for dinner for some traditional Hawaiian food - pot roast. They live on the 21st floor of a condo, and have a sweet 180 degree view from their deck. Sadly, I never took a picture of it.
Sandy's beach - you better watch yourself!
Emily and me reading at the beach. Watchmen comes to the Bear's Tooth this weekend.

More beach views.
Emily and the 'Nut on a little walk.

Week 24

Today I had another prenatal appointment.  I had to drink this really sweet tasty drink and then they tested my blood sugar to see whether I may have gestational diabetes.  It tasted a lot like the orange pop you get at McDonald's.  

THis little guy is getting pretty big!  He's currently the size of a papaya, and apparently has fully sprouted nipples and a fully formed face.  Sometimes you can see my belly twitching and spasming when he's kicking around.  I think he may take after Neil.

Sunday - April 19th - Diamond Head

On Sunday we decided to hike Diamond Head, a little mountain on the east side of Oahu. It was a pretty hot day, but the hike wasn't too tough since it is paved the whole way or has stairs. There were what seemed to a be A LOT of tourist doing the hike. We brought a few snacks along with us so once we got to the top we could replenish a little energy. Methinks that other hikers should have done the same thing because paramedics came up the mountain to save TWO different people. First, a helicopter landed at the summit while we were there because a lady wasn't feeling well. Then on our way down, we passed this older lady who wasn't feeling well. People asked if we had anything sweet for her to eat (which of course we did - chocolate chip cookies). Then when we were having our lunch in the shade at the bottom, we saw the helicopter go up a second time, this time picking up the lady who ate our cookie in a little basket.
There were a lot of tourists on the trail. Sometimes we had to wait a bit before we could continue with our hike.
Neil on the way up to the summit.
A view of the water on our way up to the top.
Part of the trail went under these dark tunnels. I had to hold onto Emily's hand so I knew where to go since I had my sun glasses on.
These are the steep steps that almost lead all the way up to the summit.
Here is a view looking down of the spiral staircase that took us to the very top of Diamond Head.
Here is the helicopter landing to at the summit.
The paramedics on their way to help the lady at the very top.
Here is a picture of the second lady coming down the mountain in a little basket.
There were some pretty sweet views from the top. This is a shot looking west at Waikiki. You can see some of the beaches that we were at our first few days on the island.
That green space is a park, with a zoo and an ampatheature to boot.
All of the hi-rises in Honolulu reminded me of being back in Korea. Where are the Parks???
We've made it to the top!
Emily really liked this lighthouse. You can see the coral reefs in the water.
It would be pretty sweet to live in a house right on the ocean.