Rails to Trails ride, Guest River Gorge, VA

Jodi and I headed from Johnson City to Coeburn, VA one Sunday morning to spin for a few on a new trail, new for us that is. I had heard of it and read very little about it online. It did not disappoint.

It took a bit while to find the trailhead as it is out in the boonies of Coeburn. Oh wait, Coeburn IS the boonies. But worth the ride because we both enjoy bridges, tunnels, etc.

Jodi and me whale-watching

Approximately 30 - 35 miles off the coast of Maine. We saw 3 different species of whales. The boat ride back was wild and crazy when the storms blew in but the old saying "That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger!"

Kayaking Banks Lake on a very icy day

Needless to say I had to go out by myself this day. There were many large chunks of ice on the lake and with the wind blowing it didn't take long for my vest and everything else to freeze solid. I know I'm weird but I loved it!!

Hiking in Columbia Nat'l Wildlife Refuge, WA

I LOVE this place. Best 5 months of my life was working here in 2004 as a Biological Sciences Aid. I would have stayed forever but it was only a term position. I covered so many miles of this place.

Hiking in Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area

Near Leavenworth, WA this is without a tough the toughest day hike I have ever done. Over 20 miles and over 12,500' elevation change. What a phenomenal place though.

Hiking Grove of the Patriarchs

Mt. Rainier Nat'l Park. This was my first trip to Mt. Rainier. My cousin Janet came to visit us when we lived in Coulee City so she and I took off to hike and camp here. You can't tell it in this photo because for Rainier this trail is at low elevation. But when we got to the park we found most roads and all except this trail and one more closed due to over 20' of snow. YES FEET!! And it was June 12 and 13 when we were there.

Stephen rappelling in Salt Peter Cave

This was before moving to WA even! Several of us made this trip. Love being underground!

Biking along the Atlantic in New Hampshire

A very cloudy, cool, somewhat blustery day on the coast. Any day is a good day for 2 wheels though. And we both love being by the water. This was on our 25th anniversary trip to New England in 2007.

Hiking trip to Mt. Rainier Nat'l Park

Trip with one of my very best buddies in Washington, Brenda Burns Thomas. Her, Jodi and I camped and hiked here in beautiful weather. The mountain showed her lovely 14,411' head most of the time we were there.

Caving with Jonathan in Morrell Cave

Near Bluff City, TN before Jonathan moved to California. We walked over a mile (best I can remember) in water over ankle deep. Much fun in a cave.

Climbing Northrup Canyon, WA Jan 2003

Best climb of my life. Fell at about 85', caught by one foot in a sling. Had to recoup a bit then finish the route. Todd and Rick were great climbing partners.

Kayaking Lake Chelan, WA

Cold, glacier-fed lake. This is where we later finished our final check dives for our certifications also. The water is as clear as it is cold. I always keep mask, snorkel and fins on my kayak for a little overboard exploration.

Climbing "The Feathers" near George, WA

YES, the city is called GEORGE!! We climbed here a few times but not often enough. Dozens of trad and sport routes to work on.

Climbing Peshastin Pinnacles State Park

Between Wenatchee and Leavenworth, WA. Well over 100' of granite, GREAT climb. Man I miss this place.

Backpacking Laurel Fork shelter on the AT

Near Dennis Cove, TN. Jodi and I shared the shelter with the largest rat either of us had ever seen. Quite the bonding with nature experience. Jodi never moved. She said the rat had to get through me first.

Mountain biking Guest River Gorge, VA

Short ride on an old railroad bed, but beautiful scenery and as always just happy to be on two wheels.

Mountain biking in Coulee City, WA

Still my favorite area to bike. New Mexico has some great stuff, and so did east TN but this was sweet!

Jodi and me waiting for the boat again

Waiting for the morning boat to dive in Cozumel. We were there for a week and I got in 16 dives, including a night dive and a cave dive to 126'!

Jodi and me waiting for the boat

Diving Puget Sound/San Juan Islands in Washington State, Sept 2004.