Goaga Yoga

Cathedral in Old Goa
Spice and Teas at Friday Market in Mapusa
Entrance to Brahmani Yoga in Anjuna
My feet, the pool

Day 5

A good friend of a friend of my sister’s runs the yoga studio that is located right next door to our hotel. She was teaching a class this morning and always nice to start the morning with a good morning practice. I love how she started the class with having everyone pick a word out of a basket and that was your word to focus on during your practice…words such as patience, trust, core, etc. My word was playful. The teacher made that easy by making the class playful in a way. However, it is always nice not take yourself too seriously when it comes to yoga.

That afternoon, we took a rickshaw to Mapusa to the Friday Market. Vegetables in piles making rainbows of colors…red tomatoes, red chilies, green beans, purple onions, potatoes, etc., etc. Spices and teas were also a big thing. Piled high and smelling good.

The minute we walked in there was an Indian woman who started talking to us. Where are you from, what are you names?, are you married? Come see my shop. She followed us around for at least a half hour wanting us to come and see her shop. After unsuccessfully getting rid of her by ignoring her, we decided to take a walk to see her “shop.” It was a blanket with jewelry on it. Oh, the efforts she went to get us there and all for nothing. Now she can move onto to her next mighty mite victim.

After the market we took a bus to Old Goa which from the 16^th to 18^th centuries was the ‘Rome Of The East.’ Old Goa and many other parts of India have a lot of Catholic churches which is kind of a contradiction if you think about it.

Our first night upon arrival in Anjuna we ate at a place by a natural smoothie shop. The next morning we enjoyed a yummy smoothie. After Old Goa we went back to the smoothie shop. The owner was there and started talking to us and telling us his story. Turns out he is an ex pat/fugitive. He is from Virginia and kidnapped his son and came to India. Together they opened the smoothie shop. His ex found him and took the boy. This guy was in India jail for a month and a half.

Day 6

One more open self yoga practice. Starting to like this self-practice or maybe it is just being in India that is making me feel that way. It could be a combination of starting to enjoy and being in a foreign country.

After 4 crowded bus transfers, we had made our way south to where we wanted to try to get a train to Ernakulum in South Kerala. They have this system where you get on a waiting list and check back in a few hours. With time to spare, we headed to the beach to enjoy a couple of hours lounging with a nice, cool, refreshing lassi (more or less a fruit smoothie but more milkly).

Once arriving back at the train station we checked on our waiting list status only to find we had moved down the waiting list but not enough to secure ourselves a seat. Being the rough tough woman that we are, we decided to get on the train without a seat and hope to find a couple of empty one’s for the long journey. We were lucky enough to sit in an empty spot and have the gentlemen whose sleeper was above tell us we could have the sleeper. Not the most ideal situation but at least we had a spot to kind of lay our heads.

Song: "Standing on a darkened stage, stumbling through the lines. Others have excuses, but I have my reasons why." Reasons Why -- Nickel Creek

Chai Chai Chai

Self portrait on the train






Day 3
Early morning wake up call to catch 6:55 am train to Goa. Long day on the train with some pretty scenery once we got out of the Mumbai area. Amazing how much trash and how dirty it was there and around the area even as we were traveling away from Mumbai.
The trains are not any cleaner then the streets of the city. The worker boys on the train were cute and would walk up and down the train cars yelling Chai Chai Chai, Coffee and some inaudible stuff in Hindi. Every once in a while, we would go through a tunnel and hear in the darkness helpless cries, taunting, or hopes of scaring the passengers on the train.
Met a couple of Mighty Mites (as my sister likes to call them)/Westerners within minutes of boarding the train. One was from New York and one was from England.
Loved Goa upon exiting the train. Seems a tad less hectic then Mumbai. Once we found a place to stay, we took a peaceful walk to the rocky beach with an outlook to the water. We walked by a bar that was playing music. Hippies doing a little dancing and drinking.
Day 4
Early morning yoga practice at a local studio. It was open self guided which is something I usually have a hard time doing. However, this morning I decided to focus on my breath and see where my practice took me. Besides loosing my breath halfway through practice (not from overexerting but from not paying as much attention to it as I intended) it turned out to be a very nice practice. We moved hotels since last night we ended up in one more a hostel type place in a house. Our taxi driver recommended it and we had nowhere else to stay we thought it's only for one night.
Spent the afternoon lounging around the pool at our hotel…Hotel Bougainvillea –Grandpa’s Inn. Great place with very friendly staff. Highly recommend.

Song Quote: "Mustang horses, champagne glasses, anything frail anything wild. It’s the price of living motion, what's beautiful is broken and grace is just the measure of a fall." Northbound 35 -- Jeffrey Foucault

Hallo Mam…Please Mam…Mam Mam Mam

Gateway of India
One of the carvings in the cave on Elephanta Island
Boats on the harbour
Fruit Sculptures
Post Office

My first impression of Mumbai was that it was pretty clean, quiet, and peaceful with the traditional Indian music. Then I left the airport.

In all seriousness, the smell was the first thing I noticed which was a sort of good familiar smell. Like I had just arrived in Peru. The slightly crazy taxi ride (the taxis here are small and cute) to our (my sister Jessy and I are traveling together for 2 weeks) hotel while watching the city turn from night to day was a warm welcoming to India.

Once settled and rested, out we went to the bazaars. Little did we know that once this city wakes it turns into a zoo. Car horns honking, crazy drivers, rickshaws, bicycles, a mass of people playing leap frog with the cars. One thing I loved was the fact that they honk there horns but don’t really slow down. You have to be quick or else you will become a smashed frog (like in the game leapfrog).

Some highlights of the bazaars…electronics galore, fruit sculptures, spices being harassed in a sense at every opportunity with Hallo Mam, Please Mam…t-shirts, handbags, jeans, trinkets that you just have to have!

We spent the evening watching the sunset and walking along Chowpatty Beach. The beach was filled with kids, a miniature amusement park that had a man powered tidal wave, food booths where we enjoyed a dosa (YUMMY) that cost about $2 for both of us, lights, balloons. Forget about swimming, the water is toxic which is evident by the amount of trash washed upon on shore.

Day 2

The Taj Mahal of India

Thank goodness for a bed (not the most comfortable) in order to get a good night’s sleep. I love the feeling of waking up feeling refreshed after 3 days of very little sleep.

Today was Taj Mahal day or so we thought. When in actuality, the Taj Mahal of Mumbai is just a hotel facing the harbour. Oops for thinking otherwise. I thought it odd that there was only a small blurb on it in the guidebook. Somewhere in the back of my mind I didn’t think that it was located in Mumbai.

Still enjoyed our day by taking a boat ride to Elephanta Island. This island home to a labyrinth of cave temples carved in the basalt rock of the island. The main temple cave is dedicated to Shiva and depicts a three faced Shiva as the destroyer, creator and preserver of the universe. Elephanta Island is also home to monkeys who can be a little aggressive especially if they are tainted. The only encounter I had was one that grabbed at a bag I was carrying and then growled at me.

Before we took the boat ride to Elephanta Island, we people watched at The Gateway of India which sits at the tip of Apollo Bunder in Mumbai and was built to commemorate the 1911 royal visit of King George V.

That evening we enjoyed our most expensive meal. It cost us more then all our meals combined in the past 2 days.

Tomorrow we take a 12-hour train ride to the beach town of Goa.

It’s time to leave this crazy town!!

Song Quote: “Hey, what a beautiful mess this is, it’s like picking up trash…here we are, here we are, we’re still here.” Beautiful Mess – Jason Mraz

First Stop on the Way to My Next Adventure – New York, New York

I guess you could say that I am embarking on some sort of healing, soul finding/searching journey.

No better place than India to accomplish such a thing especially when 4 out of the 6 weeks will be spent at an Ayurvedic hospital. Ayurveda is a traditional medicine. In Sanskrit, the word ayurveda consists of the words āyus, meaning "longevity", and veda, meaning "related to knowledge" or "science".

Before leaving the US for that amount of time, I decided since I have a 10 hour layover (which ended up turning into 14 hours) at JFK that I would take the subway into the city for a few hours.

With no agenda in mind, I decided to just wander and stumble upon whatever. A few of my highlights included Times Square, The David Letterman Studio, Rockefeller Plaza, Greenwich Village, and Washington Square.

Besides being ultra cold, it was fun to see walk the streets feeling the cool, crisp city air, hearing the sounds, and smelling the city.

After an unexpected 4 extra hours in the JFK airport and a quick stop in the Amsterdam airport, I was on my way to Mumbai, India.

Song: “Leave, Leave…free yourself.” Leave—Swell Season

Skittles Have Never Tasted So Good

My awesome medal that I got for completing the R.O.T.T.
Still smiling after 10 miles.
One of the many awesome views while on the trail.
Our sweet ride back to the "pig farm"
Breathtaking view from the "pig farm" where we enjoyed a celebration party after the R.O.T.T.

On Saturday, September 4, 2010, I participated in a Run Over the Tetons with 14 truly amazing women. 26.2 Miles, 4,000 Vertical, No Food, No Water, No Potties

Things I learned while running over the beautiful, awe inspiring Tetons:
1)getting up at 4 am is worth if for a few reasons: the stars are still out, getting the rare chance of seeing a meteorite, and watching the sunrise over the Jenny Lake and the Tetons;
2)the optional three extra miles at the beginning is worth the pain in the end;
3)falling 6 miles in is a good sign that things might not go so well for the next 20;
4)gatorade, skittles, avocado, and lays potato chips taste much better at 10,000 feet and your muscles ache like hell;
5)you can always count on old and new friends to get you through your toughest times;
6)a dive in a cold, cold pond not once but twice at the end feels amazing!!!! Follow that by an epsom salt bath and a shower ;)

In the end, a party and a kick ass medal is all worth it. Sign me up for next year!!



As I was climbing up the last hill to Hurricane Pass I was listening to a song on my ipod that rang so true for the last push up the hill:
"With Every Step, You Climb Another Mountain, Every Breath, It's Harder To Believe You'll Make It Through The Pain, Weather The Hurricanes To Get To That One Thing." No Boundaries --Kris Allen

As I was coming down the other side, at one point I heard another song that rang true for that particular moment:
"In this world there's a whole lot of cold, in this world there's a whole lot of blame, in this world you've a soul for a compass, and a heart for a pair of wings" Why Walk When You Can Fly -- Mary Chapin Carpenter

Secret Awesome

Picture (when I used to be cute) from my very first time in Kauai.








June 2-June 10, I went on a yoga retreat to Kauai. Great yoga, wonderful food, fantastic yoga, and amazing scenery. Two of my favorite yoga instructors (Scott Moore and Kim Lynn) in Salt Lake were the one's that set up this retreat.
I arrived on June 1. On my way over, I was having some doubts about arriving a day early. I was flying over all by my lonesome and not really knowing if there would be someone there to meet me. After gathering my baggage from the bag claim, I walked out to the curb and waited patiently for my welcoming group. After only a few moments, I spotted Celeste (one of my yoga teacher's wife). How refreshing to see a familiar face in a unfamiliar place. With Celeste was Scott, Kim, and Molly. I was greeted with hugs and a beautiful lieu.

This is a picture from the top of the Sleeping Giant hike. Beautiful if you ask me.








On June 2, I woke up and went for a run/walk along the beach boardwalk w/Kim, Molly & Wendy (Kim's Stepmom). That afternoon, I went for a hike up Sleeping Giant. Steep, short climb but amazing views from the top. I love to hike on my own (occasionally with company isn't so bad). Something about being out in the silence except for the sounds of nature is therapeutic to me.
That evening all the other yogis arrived and we had dinner and got to know each other at Kim's parents house.
We were lucky enough to have a musician friend of Scott and Kim's come to play music. That night she played the guitar and sang. When she started singing, it was incredible. Wow. She has an amazing voice.

Song quote for the day: "So Close, No Matter How Far, Couldn't Be Much More From The Heart,
Forever Trusting Who We Are, And Nothing Else Matters." Nothing Else Matters by Metallica

This is one of the many incredible views at the Monastery.

On June 3, we had the unique opportunity to go and get a tour of the Kauai Hindu Monastery. At the entrance is the Lord Ganesha (elephant-headed Hindu god of wisdom, literature and worldly success) called "Nepali Ganesha" and the "Tiruneri" (Holy Pathway) up to the Kadavul Nataraja temple.
The picture above is a view of the flag of the San Marga Iraivan Temple where hand carved stones shipped from India are being assembled. The main sanctum rises majestically in a tropical paradise setting. It's an awesome sight for pilgrims. We were lucky enough to see the last stone set in place on the temple floor.
On our way to the temple, the main monk walked by on his iphone, stops and asks says to our tour guide "Did you get my email?" We were privileged enough to have him visit with us. You can read more in the article below.
We became famous by getting an entry on their daily blog. Go to the following link:
http://himalayanacademy.com/blog/taka/2010/06/03/salt-lake-city-utah-hatha-yoga-seminar-participants-visit-kauaii-aadheenam/

View from the front of the beach house.

After the monastery, we went into the town of Ka'paa and ate at this yummy place called Mermaids. They serve fish tacos, wraps (yummy!), and lots of other yummy things.
That afternoon, we packed up and made our way to our beach house for the week on the North Shore of Kauai. It was a good hour and a half beautiful drive.
Upon arrival, we helped unload food, got settled, and did some yoga outside on the grass. Despite the mosquitoes, it felt nice to move around with the cool breeze and the sound of the ocean.

Song Quote for the day: "it's hard somehow to let go of my pain...Will I always feel this way so empty and estranged?" Empty by Ray LaMontagne
View of Na Pali Coast Trail. Ahh....breathtaking

This morning I woke early and took a little run/walk on the beach. It was tough because the beach in this area, is at a slope. Not the easiest to run on but beautiful setting to be in.
We would start each morning with a yoga practice. Some pranayama breathing exercised followed by some yoga movement.
After yoga, I went for a hike with Betsy, Amanda, Bill, Gwen, and Zach along the Na Pali Coast. Amazing views all along. The trail is steep in some spots with a cliff on one side most of the way. At one point, I fell and landed within inches of the edge. Dusted myself off as I was laughing, and continued on the trail and tripping (but not falling) a few more times.
After the hike, I went for a little swim. While in Kauai, I got in the water probably about 2 or 3 times. This says how much I like the water. Not very much at all. Love the sound of the waves crashing on the shore but not a huge fan of swimming in the ocean or in a pool.
Every afternoon, we would do another yoga practice. We would practice yoga for a total of about 4 to 4 1/2 hours a day.

Song Quote for the day: "I gotta get my body moving shake the stress away" Don't Stop The Music
Kayaks loaded up and ready for the drive back to the north shore

One of the amazing parts of Kauai is the Na Pali Coast. I was lucky enough to Kayak the coast. Breathtaking views around every corner. 17 miles and 12 hours later, we got back to the beach house for some much needed food and rest. As much as I loved the kayaking, it was definitely a long day. Would I do it again....probably not.

Impromptu dancing during a kirtan circle

Favorite day of the trip!!

After morning yoga practice and breakfast, quite a few of us headed to one of the most beautiful beaches on Kauai. Lomahai Beach (Gwen and Zach, who were on the trip, got married on this beach). I walked/ran there with Gwen, Betsy aka Mrs. Ball of Firey Energy, Zach, and Patty (my roomie). It was a little over three miles along the road where dodging cars was the name of the game. The sand on the beach was unbearable hot. I would compare it to walking on burning coals except I have never experienced walking on burning coals so....
After the beach, I was treated (it was included in the price of the retreat) to a Lomi Lomi Massage by Mr. Thomas/Gorgeous Massage Goddess. Just what I needed before I went and undid the benefit of the massage.
We started our afternoon yoga practice with a Kirtan Circle led by Leraine. One of the highlights of the trip for me was having the magnificent musician Leraine to entertain, play during savasana, after dinner and during impromptu dancing sessions. To end our Kirtan/chanting circle, we did a little dancing as you can see from the picture above.
Kim and Scott thought that it would be fun to do an "add on" flow for our yoga practice. What followed was a fun, sweaty flow. Add on is when you do one pose and add on another and then do the sequence while adding a pose on every time until you have one crazy flow. At the end, Scott got an idea to finish the practice with running out into the ocean to cool off. Seriously the best way to end a hard yoga practice.
That night after eating, we ended up having an impromptu dance party. What fun! I love to dance even though I can't dance to save my life :)
Proof I actually did yoga. Penguin Pose.

Kim with Scott's feet as her base. Partner Yoga. Super fun.

Today we started our morning with some partner yoga. I highly recommend partner yoga. Extremely fun. Great way to get into poses that you can't on your own. Kim and Scott, of course, make it look very easy.

Partner savasana: front to back: Betsy, Amanda, Patty, Brian, Meredith, Kathleen, Maya, Shannon, Jocelyn, Gwen, Zach, and Bill

For our afternoon practice, we went to Hanelai (a little town about 10 miles from where we were staying) to a yoga studio. We were lucky to try something new to most of us...strap yoga. We use straps that are connected to the wall to get us to stretch deeper and hang upside down.
That night, we took a beautiful silent, sunset walk along the beach to watch the sunset on the Na Pali Coast. So peaceful and beautiful.
During sharing time. Warren (Kim's father), Molly and Wendy (Kim's Stepmom)

Today instead of going on a hike, I listened to what my body needed (imagine that) and hang out at the beach house reading, napping, relaxing with a afternoon walk/run on the beach. It was so nice to just hang out and relax.
That night, we did a sharing thing or as Scott put it our "Secret Awesome" for our last night. We had music, poems read, dancing and more music by Kim's amazing family.
At the Botanical Gardens. Left to right: Bill, Amanda, Shannon, and Maya

For dinner the last night, Brittany and Bobbie had met some local boys earlier in the week and they caught some fish and fixed it for us. Incredible yummy! Great way to finish an amazing trip.
This is a picture of half the group by the lighthouse on our last day in Kauai. From left to right: Gwen, me, Zach (Gwen's husband), Brittany, Amanda, Bill, Kim, Scott, Maya, Leraine, and Bobbye

After visiting the lighthouse, we went and spent a few hours by the Marriott Resort which is on Kalapaki Beach. Crowded with all the tourists and their children. Pretty to see but wouldn't want to spend a full week there.

Thanks to everyone on the trip. They are what made the trip awesome for me. I feel like a have a new set of friends/family. They made it so comfortable to be around. Hard to find a group of 20 individuals that you can say that about.

If you are interested in seeing other pictures, go to my facebook page or I can send them to you if we are not friends on facebook.

Song Quote of the trip: "It goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof" Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen

All Roads Lead Back To The Mile

*This will be a very short post partly because I just realized I never finished writing it until now. Oops!!

Welcome to Chicago, where the pedestrians do not have the right of way, all roads lead back to that "Magnificent Mile", and the wind blows. However, that is not why they call it the windy city. It is called the windy city because back when the politicians were boasting about the city and trying to get the World's Fair to come here (which it did). Other cities saw this boasting and called us the "windy city" because of all the hot air the politicians were spewing.

Last October/first of November, my sister, my mom and I took a trip to Chicago for five days. None of us had ever been there. We stayed in a little apartment (and by little, I mean, more like a studio w/one tiny bathroom). It was cheap and we didn't spend much time there so it was just fine.

The first night we were there, we went to a live recording of the NPR game show "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me." I was introduced to this very funny game show by my sister. If you have not heard it, I highly suggest you check it out.

One afternoon, we got to enjoy the musical "Jersey Boys" thanks to a family friend. Very entertaining.

Our last night, we took an architectural boat tour. It was interesting to learn about the buildings in Chicago.

A couple of other things we enjoyed were: Millenium Park, top of the John Hancock Building, and of course, spending quite a bit of time walking/shopping along the Magnificent Mile.

Looking For A Photographer...

My good friend, Amelia Thelin, is a wonderful photographer. She takes engagement, wedding, family, and portrait. Please check out the link below to see some of her work. If you, or if you know of anyone that needs photos taken for that next occasion, please consider using Amelia. Her email can be found on her site.

http://likenessofyou.blogspot.com/

To keep with my blog tradition, the song of the blog is:
"Somewhere, over the rainbow, skies are blue.
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true."

Song: Somewhere Over The Rainbow

I saw this on my friend, Amelia's blog, and thought I would take the time to entertain.

Where is your phone? Not sure, on the kitchen counter, I think.

Your hair color? reddish blonde

Your mother? In the next room

Your father? Running in Heaven ;)

Your favorite thing? that's hard to narrow it to one thing....at the moment music

Your dream last night? I don't remember

Your dream/goal? to qualify and run in the Boston Marathon,

hobby? running, biking, skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, anything outdoors, traveling, reading (I guess that is a list of multiple hobbies and nor just one hobby :)

room you're in? dining room/family room

Your fear? snakes, fire, falling in love/having my heart broken

Where do you want to be in six years? finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up, married, settled wherever that may be

Where were you last night? Jazz Basketball game

One of your wish list items? a date, I apparently have a sign on my forehead that says "Stay Away...Don't Waste Your Time...You'll Only End Up Friends;)

What you're not? tired...I should be since it is 11:30 at night

The last thing you did? went grocery shopping

Your TV? off so that I can listen to my inner voice :)
Your pets? don't have any

Your computer? is the best thing ever

Your mood? content

Missing someone? not really

Your car? parked in a garage

Something you're not wearing? makeup....wait, I never wear makeup....my cartier watch;)
Your summer? was spent working with a little trip to Alaska and a river trip down south

Love someone? yes, lots of people

Your favorite color? red

When was the last time you laughed? today sometime
Last time you cried? hmmm....a couple of weeks ago

This Holiday Season Listen to Your Inner Voice

The other day I was reading an online journal of one of my favorite musician's, Jason Mraz. Below is from his most current posting. I found it insightful and inspiring so I thought I would share it with everyone.

"If you're interested in developing your own awareness skills this generous holiday season, start by turning off your tv. You will never be alone to hear your inner voice if the TV is constantly talking to you, teasing, or tempting you.
Then, try writing in a journal when you wake up, 5 to 10 minutes writing any and everything; dreams, goals, frustrations, even write about not knowing what to write if you have to. Then, turn the page. Don't read it and immediately judge yourself because most of that journal is meant for getting the garbage out. After a few days you'll feel your thoughts are becoming nicely sorted as your dreams find order again, becoming reachable and practical, AND you'll be leading with your heart instead of an insecure mind. I guarantee it.
For further practice, try waking up with the 5 Tibetan rituals, or any of the thousand available Yoga and meditation methods. These teach patience and peace as well as allow your inner voice to sing! Or for the more energetic, go for a run or a ride. You make it as hard or as soft as you want. It's your day, It's your experience. How will you remember it?"

Time for me to take his advice and start listening to my inner voice....tomorrow seems like the perfect time to start;)

Song quote: "And thought all these things will change, the memories will remain, as green to gold, and gold to brown, the leaves will fall to feed the ground, and in their falling, make no sound, oh my lady, lady I am loving you now"
Winter Birds by Ray LaMontagne

Early Christmas

My cool brother and his "mad" skateboarding skills!
View from the beach house
Younger bro, myself, my sis and older bro's dog hanging out in Capitola on the broadwalk
The house my mom grew up in in Bakersfield, California




I have really, really been slacking on my blog updates. My life really isn't all that exciting since I only travel occasionally ;)

For Christmas this year, our family decided to do an early Christmas road trip. We went to California. Our first stop was Bakersfield (where my mom grew up). We visited family. It was Halloween so my cousins kids came over all dressed up in their costumes. My aunt, ever since I was little, dressed up in costume. One of my favorite memories of my aunt, when visiting for the summer, is playing bingo for "valuable" prizes.

From Bakersfield we headed to Capitola (the scenic route that was an extremely curvy, narrow road that my mom drove at high speed) to see my older brother. He was not able to get work off to join us on the great road trip. After spending a couple of days hanging out, shopping, and eating our hearts out, we headed down the coast to Shell Beach. My mom's brother has a beach house that he let us use for a few days. The beach house is actually more like a regular house in a regular neighborhood. It is located about a mile away from the beach. Not really my idea of a beach house.

The trip was relaxing. No better Christmas present then to spend some quality time with your family.

ToNar Cruc (Short For Totally Narly Crucial)

Kayaking on the Chilkoot River
Look at that view. Amazing!
Sunrise the morning of our first summit climb
At the top of Flower Mtn. My first mountaineering summit!


It has been far too long since I posted last.

At the beginning of August, I went on a trip to Alaska. I decided that I wanted to learn how mountaineer. I found out about this great guiding company that spends half their year in Haines, Alaska and the other half in Alta, Utah. They provide a variety of outdoor activities all year round.

Haines is located on the shores of the Lynn Canal, Haines is home to the first permanent army post in Alaska, Fort William H. Seward and a central point in the Golden Circle, a unique driving route with eye-feasting scenery.

Before heading out on my 5-day mountaineering course, I went sea kayaking for half a day. It decided to stop raining and the sun came out for an absolutely beautiful sea kayaking experience in Alaska. I did see a bear crossing the road after succeeding in retrieving a salmon from the river.

My guides for the mountaineering course were Wes (who liked to shorten his words and use a more slang like style which is where ToNar Cruc came from)(from Salt Lake City) and Jim (from Tennesse with the greatest accent), the guests included myself and 3 other guys. That just shows what an incredible tough woman I am.

Day 1 Mountaineering:
Drive up narly a-- jeep road to home for the next 5 days, set up camp, hike to snow to learn to self-arrest, weather was beautiful...you could see all the way into Canada

Day 2 Mountaineering:
learn to rope team and anchor

Day 3 Mountaineering (the night the weather turned):
Flower Summit attempt and succeed, quite remarkable to summit after only two days of skill learning, some amazing yet scary moments for me on the climb, after climb a little rest before learning how to tie knots

Day 4 Mountaineering:
It rained all night, actually, poured is a better way to put it. That, however, didn't stop us from getting out and learning a thing or two. Let's see today we did a little snow climbing before we began to freezeeeeeeeeeeee. Our guides decided that we should spend the afternoon getting warm in our tents.

Day 5 Mountaineering:
Since the rain wouldn't give up, my guides decided to not go ahead with our plan to try another climb. Instead, we learned another important thing about mountaineering...how to crevasse rescue.
That afternoon I was picked up for the very muddy, slightly scary ride back to Haines. Even though everything that I had on the trip was wet including me, I still would have liked to stay a few more days to learn more and possible attempt another climb. I guess I might just have to take advantage of some of the things the company offers at Alta.

A week after my Alaska trip, I went on a river trip with a group of women. Some of them I worked with at the law firm and others were affliated with the law firm somehow. Fun trip with a great group of women.

Let's see...what else have I been up to since my last post...bought a MacBook which I LOVE...am taking an American Sign Language class that I am really enjoying...turned 30 (WTF)... and finally bought a new road bike (Specialized Carbon Tarmac) thanks to a guy that I work with. I will post pictures in the very near future.

I apologize for taking so long to update my blog. I will try update more often. However, my life isn't all that exciting right now.

Song Quote of the Blog:
"Hang on, Help is on the way, Stay strong, And everything, everything will be fine
Everything" Details In The Fabric -- Jason Mraz/James Morrison

A Few Answers (or is it questions)?

I got these questions off of a friend's website.  I am sure she doesn't mind me copying her idea:)

1) Name something you have in common with all your siblings? hmmm....we all have the same parents other then that we are all pretty different so nothing comes to mind that all 4 of us have in common.

2) Do you fold your underwear? Yes

3) Do you like to drink the juice out of otter pops? I haven't had an otter pop since I was a kid.

4) Who was the last person you wrote a letter to on paper? don't remember

5) What was your first job? O.C. Tanner, seasonal gift wrapper....wait, I work there now ;)

6) Aside from driver's ed, who really taught you how to drive? my mom and grandma.  I almost hit a car once when I was driving with my mom and it scared me to the point of almost not wanting to get in the driver's seat again.

7) What's the one thing you love/miss about your grandma's cooking? nothing really

8) What color is your favorite hoodie? red w/white polka dots and it zips up

9) Name a sound that disturbs you? vacuum cleaner, I know weird

10) What's your typical ice cream order at dairy queen? haven't been to dairy queen in ages...i used to get blizzards

11) What do you think of when you hear the word cabbage? it is good ruffuge

12) What did you do today? slept in, read, went for a hike

13) What did you do last night? took Julius (the dog I am dogsitting) on a walk, read and watched Ocean's Twelve

14) Do you have a cell phone? yes but didn't get one until I was at least 25 or so

15) Are you emotional? yes but at least the littlest thing doesn't set me off now

16) Have you ever had the same dream more then once? yes.  when I was little I slept on the top bunk and would have a nightmare that someone was climbing up the ladder and would try to choke me.  Scary!

17) Name a song that makes you happy. 

18) Do you use chap stick? not as much as I should

19) What was the most recent thing you bought? groceries

20) What is on your refrigerator door? I don't have a refrigerator;)

21) Name something you have to do tomorrow? work, blah

22) What was the last movie you watched? Ocean's Twelve

23) Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk? neither, both gross

24) When was the last time you had Starbucks? I don't drink coffee but I prefer the Coffee Garden over Starbucks

25) Can you whistle? no

26) Do you have a trampoline at your house? no

27) What movie do you know every line to? not sure that there is one movie that I know every line to.  I have a few that I know a majority of the lines to...jerry maguire, grease

28) Do you maintain any friendships originating from elementary school? yes, Melissa and Wendy

29) What are you wearing? does it really matter 

30) What was the last thing you ate? an apple

31) Do you take pills daily of any sort? Yes. 

32) When was the last time you did the dishes? this morning

33) How much sleep did you get last night? enough

34) Do you own any band t-shirts? yes, a few (Jonny Lang, Dave Matthews Band, The High Violets)

35) Last song you sang out loud? a song by James Blunt (not sure of the name)

36) When was the last time you slept on the floor? don't remember

37) Would you chew gum that has already been chewed? hello...never

38) Who have you talked to today? Amy, my mom

39) What comes to mind when I say pumpkins? boo

40) Color of your shirt? gray

41) How old are you? 29 and counting the days left in my twenties

42) What is your background on your computer? I don't have a computer

43) Do you wish on 11:11 pm? no

44) Good advice if you go camping? don't get eaten by a bear

45) Favorite color? red

Guess What?

Not that this is necessarily worth posting, but I have a new phone and it's pink.  Now, if any of you know me, I have had  an old school cell phone forever and also, I am not a pink kind of girl. 

I am glad I forked out the extra money for an updated phone because I am really liking it.  It is way better then my old one and the pink isn't bothering me that much.  However, it kind of screws up my image;)

Memories

One of my friends had the following on her blog so...

Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together.  It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember.

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.  If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave a memory about you.  If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.  Have fun.  I can't wait to read the memories.

Move...Work...Enjoy The Outdoors

A couple of weeks ago, I was out with a couple of friends and one of them informed me that I need to update my blog.  She must of been having a brain fart that day and forgotten that I don't a computer/laptop anymore which makes updating my blog a little more difficult these days.

After checking out when I posted last, I didn't realize that I haven't posted anything since the beginning of May.  I guess I am really due for bringing everyone that reads this up to date on what I have been doing the past couple of months and maybe I'll throw in a few random thoughts.

As of this coming Wednesday, I will be homeless ;)  About a month ago, I put the condo that I have owned for almost 4 years and got an offer about 2 days after it was listed on the MLS list and before my realtor's office had walked through.  After counter offering back and forth a couple of times, I was under contract.  Until I decide either a) to stop traveling or b) to get a "real job" (as my mom likes to refer to it) then I will stay with family friends for a while.

I am still working part-time at O.C. Tanner doing deliveries/shipping, customer service and answering phones.  When I am not working, I have been trying to get outside as much as possible.  On May 17, I ran the Ogden Half Marathon.  Beautiful course down Ogden canyon. Since I no longer have a road bike and only now have a mountain bike that I was so close to selling, I have started doing lots more mountain biking.  I have enjoyed it but I would much rather be on the road.  I am looking for a road bike so if you know of anyone that might be selling one or of a good one online, let me know.  It is time for me to get back on the road :)  

On June 7, I decided to relive last year's summer by doing a little trail maintenance on a local trail that I actually do a lot of trail running on in the summer.  I volunteered with REI for National Trail's Day and got a free lunch and t-shirt out of it.  It was a lot of fun (even if we were only doing what I dislike the most about trail work) playing in the dirt.  About a week ago, I also helped open up a family cabin up my favorite canyon where I also worked on the trail.  I can't wait to spend some good quality time up at the canyon.

One more bit of news...on Friday and Saturday I ran in the Ragnar Wasatch Back Relay.  It is a running race that goes from Logan, Utah to Park City, Utah (178 miles to be exact).  The teams are comprised of 12 (at the last minute my team ended up short one runner) where each runner run's 3 legs.  I was runner number 12 and ran a total of about 16 miles.  I was only supposed to run about 13 but picked up an extra 3 because of us being short 1 runner.  Fun but pretty much all you do is drive, eat, run, sleep (maybe...in my case about 2 hours) and then repeat.  One thing I did realize is that I would much rather run hills then flat/downhill.  My first one and a half legs were hills and I ran them much better then my other two legs.

I haven't traveled in the past couple of months except to Ogden one night and running the Wasatch Back Relay.  I am due for a vacation.  Maybe a weekend trip or something until I can figure out something out of state/country :)

Song Quote: "Risin' Up, Back On The Street, Did My Time, Took My Chances, Went The Distance, Now I'm Back On My Feet, Just A Man And His Will To Survive"  Eye of the Tiger -- Survivor

Girlfriends Go Bikini Boot Camp Style

Our great guides Betsy, local guide Uli and Lynn

Cute sloth at the monkey sanctuary
What a great group of women!! From left to right: Jill, Whitney, Lynette, Liz, Bridget, Betsy, Shannon, and Lynn



I spent an amazing week in Costa Rica a couple of weeks ago. I went with a tour group called Girlfriends Go Tours. The business partners live in Park City (about a half hour east of Salt Lake City). There were eight women, including myself, in the group. I have been on lots of trips with small groups and this by far was the best group and trip I have ever been on.

In one day we biked to a zip line canopy tour, biked back to Puerto Jimenez for a boat ride to a monkey sanctuary, and then biked back to our lodge. Let's not forget that some of us woke up early and ran on the beach.

At the monkey sanctuary we learned about some crazy monkeys that don't know their own strength and have been known to rip toilets out of the floor and also known to get into the sanctuary's kitchen and thrown dishes around.

Some of our other activities included tree climbing, waterfall rappelling, and hiking in the Corcavado National Park. I also learned to surf. I was kind of worried about learning to surf since I am not all that fond of water. I ended up loving it and felt really quite safe in the water. I can't wait to surf again :)

I fell in love with Costa Rica which is kind of funny since I don't particularly like the beach. However, I found that Costa Rica has lots more to offer then just the beach and surfing. Where I was seems like a good mix of ocean and mountains.

Song Quote: "Nobody on the road, Nobody on the beach, I feel it in the air, The summers out of reach" Don Henley - Boys of Summer

Ed. Note: to see more pictures from Costa Rica and more of my adventures, please go to the following link www.sltuddenham.com

Random Observation

I have made an interesting observation recently. That obseration is my slight fear of the drive through car washes. You all might be wondering "how can someone have a fear of such a thing." Let me explain....when I was going through one a couple of months ago, I thought what if I run into the car in front of me. Since you can't really see what is going on in front of you, it is hard to tell how close you are to the car in front of you.

A Few More Pictures From Camping

Robin and I in Little Wild Horse Canyon
This is from our drive through Capital Reef National Park (I love this photo)

Where Are You Guys From?

Me, Mike & Robin in Goblin Valley State Park

After two very long weeks of a couple unforseen mishaps, I figured it was time to get away :)

A couple friends and I headed down south for a couple of nights of camping. We left Friday morning and arrived at our campsite in Hanksville in the early afternoon. We met the campsite overseer, Elliott, who in the course of the next couple of days, asked us not once, not twice but four times where we were from. Nice older gentlemen but poor guy for having to ask us four times. After setting up camp, we headed to Goblin Valley State Park to explore the area.

On Saturday Robin made us a wonderful breakfast of pancakes with homemade maple syrup (thanks to Robin's parents). We then headed out for a hike to a couple of slot canyons. We decided to do a loop hike that first took us through Bell's Canyon, along a jeep road, with a little side hike up to an old log cabin and old car, ending in Little Wild Horse Canyon. Both canyons were slot but Little Wild Horse Canyon had best slots of the two canyons.

Sunday we headed home. We decided to drive State Road 24 through Capital Reef National Park and Torrey. Capital Reef and the surrounding area is one of my favorite places in Utah to be. Beautiful scenary.

Even though, Robin and I made fun of Mike for taking an extreme amount of pictures (his camera was our mascot for the trip and I decided to name it "Little Wild Horse"), I would like to thank Mike for the pictures.

Song: "Four more exits to my apartment, but I am tempted to keep the car and drive, and leave (it all) this shit behind." John Mayer "Why Georgia"

Ed. Note: Because of my unforseen mishaps, there might not be as many pictures posted as before. I apologize in advance but will do my best to post pictures.