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A Day of Survival: Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is known as one of the worldā€™s best day hikes, celebrated for its breathtaking views of volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and vast valleys stretching as far as the eye can see. On a perfect summer day, hikers marvel at the serenity of the glistening peaks and colorful crater lakes. But the day we chose to tackle it? It was anything but perfect. We arrived in Auckland on a warm December morning, the buzz of summer in the air. The journey from San Diego had been long, but the excitement of adventure quickly revived us. After picking up our rental Kia SUV from Hertz, we made a quick stop at Pakā€™nSave to stock up on provisions for the hike: trail mix, energy bars, electrolyte drinks and plenty of water. Our hotel for the night, the Hilton Auckland, offered a stunning waterfront view. That evening, we dined at Ahi, indulging in the best of New Zealandā€™s cuisineā€”a perfect prelude to our upcoming adventure. The next day, we hit the road toward Tongariro Nationa...

2025 New Yearā€™s Resolutions: A Year of Exploration, Growth, and Celebration

For 2025, I aim to embrace incredible adventures, celebrate important milestones, and take on new challenges to make this year unforgettable. From exploring breathtaking destinations to pursuing lifelong dreams, this year will focus on personal growth, meaningful connections, and creating lasting memories. Travel Discover and immerse myself in the wonders of the world, visiting unique destinations and experiencing diverse cultures: ā€¢ 04/2025: Celebrate my 59th birthday in Morocco, exploring Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara Desert. ā€¢ 05/2025: Celebrate Rayā€™s graduation with the entire Danao clan at the University of Hawaii, Manoa. ā€¢ 07/2025: Embark on a safari adventure in Tanzania, exploring the Serengeti and witnessing the Great Migration. Personal Growth ā€¢ Flying a Plane: Fulfill a lifelong dream by earning my private pilot license. ā€¢ Learning: Invest in continuous development through books, courses, and hands-on experiences: ā€¢ Read: The Worlds I See and Quantum Computi...

Letā€™s go Explore Scandinavia(Sweden and Norway)

Exploring Scandinavia in May offers pleasant weather and longer days.  In Sweden, you can visit Stockholm's historic sites, explore the archipelago, or experience the vibrant culture.  In Norway, consider exploring the fjords like Geiranger or NƦrĆøyfjord, and visit cities like Oslo and Stavanger.  May is a great time for outdoor activities and enjoying the scenic landscapes. Don't forget to experience the unique Nordic cuisine in both countries! What to Pack Hiking poles, light jacket, raincoat, hat, sunglasses, medicines, swimming suits Flight  Outbound British Airways 0264 SAN to LHR 17:15 - 11:55 0780 LHR to ARN 13:35 - 17:05 Inbound British Airways 0763 OSL to LHR 11:15 - 13:50 0273 LHR to SAN 15:00 - 18:10 Outbound Norwegian Air Shuttle (ARN to OSL) 805 ARN to OSL 09:10 - 10:10 Outbound Scandinavian Airlines 4159 BGO to SVG 13:05 - 13:40 4016 SVG to OSL 10:30 - 11:20 Hotel Downtown Camper by Scandic Clarion Hotel Stavanger Raddison Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo Sw...

a place where the spirit of adventure thrived

A week in Kauai provides ample opportunities for relaxation and exploration. Start with outdoor activities like hiking the Kalalau Trail or exploring the lush landscapes of Hanalei Valley. Visit the stunning beaches like Poipu and Hanalei Bay for sunbathing and water sports. Take a boat tour along the Na Pali Coast or explore Waimea Canyon. Discover local culture at a luau, and don't forget to indulge in Hawaiian cuisine. Explore quaint towns like Hanalei or Kapaa for shopping and dining. Consider a scenic helicopter tour for panoramic views. Kauai's diverse offerings ensure a memorable vacation. Flight  Outbound Alaska Airlines (SAN to LIH) AS 821 09:04 - 13:50 Inbound Alaska Airlines (LIH to SAN) AS 818 22:25 - 06:58 Accommodation The Royal Sonesta Resort What to Pack Hats, sunscreen, swimming suits, goggles, sanitizer, first aid kit, sunglasses, reading glasses, raincoat, goggles, wine tumbler ā€¦ Itinerary  Day 1. Arrival. Beach Day (Kalapaki Beach). Day 2. Beach Day (Poipu ...

What's in Store for 2024?

For 2024 I aim to embark on exciting adventures, including travel to diverse destinations, and learning to fly a plane for an exhilarating experience. Additionally, I aim to explore new hobbies, foster meaningful connections, and embrace a healthier lifestyle for a year filled with joy and personal growth. Travel : Explore at least three new countries, immersing myself in diverse cultures and creating lasting memories. 03/2024 Kauai, Hawaii 05/2024 Sweden, Norway 10/2024 Japan, Taiwan 12/2024 New Zealand Finances : Consolidate and contribute to 401k. Healthy Lifestyle : Prioritize my well-being by staying active, and drinking in moderation. Train and run for 5k, 10k and half marathon Flying a Plane : Fulfill a dream by taking flying lessons and achieving a pilot's license. Technology : Enhance my tech skills by learning quantum computing and deep diving into emerging technologies such as AI. Charity : Contribute to meaningful causes by volunteering time and supporting charities foc...

Training for the Boundary Bay Marathon Relay

The marathon relay consists of four men team, two legs of 7.5 kilometers and two legs of 13.6 kilometers run. 7.5 Kilometers (4.7 miles) Run Training Schedule. Week 1: Getting Started Day 1: 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) easy-paced run. Day 2: Rest or cross-train (e.g., cycling, swimming). Day 3: 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) easy-paced run. Day 4: Rest or cross-train. Day 5: 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) easy-paced run. Day 6: Rest. Day 7: 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) easy-paced run. Week 2: Building Stamina Day 1: 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) easy-paced run. Day 2: Rest or cross-train. Day 3: 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) easy-paced run. Day 4: Rest or cross-train. Day 5: 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) easy-paced run. Day 6: Rest. Day 7: 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) easy-paced run. Week 3: Increasing Distance Day 1: 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) easy-paced run. Day 2: Rest or cross-train. Day 3: 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) easy-paced run. Day 4: Rest or cross-train. Day 5: 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) easy-paced run. Day 6: Rest. ...

Work and Play in Paradise for the Summer

Moving to Oahu, Hawaii can be an exciting adventure! Oahu is the third largest of the Hawaiian islands and is known for its beautiful beaches, surfing, hiking, and diverse cultural experiences. Here are a few things to keep in mind when moving to Oahu: Cost of living: The cost of living in Hawaii, and Oahu in particular, is generally higher than the mainland US. Housing, food, and transportation can be expensive, so it's important to plan and budget accordingly. Climate: Oahu has a tropical climate, which means it's warm and humid year-round. The island does have a rainy season from November to March, but the weather is generally mild and pleasant. Culture: Oahu is a melting pot of cultures, including Native Hawaiian, Asian, and Western influences. It's important to respect and embrace the local culture and traditions, including the Hawaiian language and customs. Traffic: Oahu has a high population density and limited infrastructure, which means that traffic can be a challe...

Running the Average Joe 5K Race

The "Average Joe 5K Run" is a fun and inclusive event that encourages people of all fitness levels and abilities to participate. The name "Average Joe" emphasizes that the event is not just for elite runners, but for anyone who wants to challenge themselves and have a good time. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, the "Average Joe 5K Run" provides a supportive and encouraging environment for you to set and achieve your personal goals. So come on out, lace up your sneakers, and join the fun!

Running Mitchell Thorp 5K Race

The Mitchell Thorp Foundation's 5K run in Carlsbad is a charity event to raise awareness and support for families with children suffering from life-threatening illnesses. The event took place on February 4, 2023. 5K Race Results

Exploring Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a popular tourist destination located on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy, including: Beaches: With its location on the Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta has a number of beautiful beaches, including Los Muertos Beach, Conchas Chinas Beach, and Mismaloya Beach. Water activities: Visitors can go snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching, and deep-sea fishing. Cultural experiences: The city has a rich cultural heritage and is home to a number of museums, art galleries, and cultural events, including the Vallarta Nautical and Cultural Festival. Nightlife: Puerto Vallarta is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. Outdoor activities: There are many opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, zip-lining, and horseback riding in the nearby mountains and forests. Food: Puerto Vallarta is famous for its delicious cuisine, which combines tradition...