Guatemala has been crazy super ROUGH. I think it has a grudge against me.

Guatemala has been crazy super ROUGH. I think it has a grudge against me. First, let me apologize, I have no new pictures. My camera is in recover mode, tough in the humid environment here. I’ve faced missed flights, painful injuries, and a terrifying swim through relentless rapids. Just when I thought things couldn’t get worse, I woke up with a swollen leg and a fever, likely from a poisonous spider bite.

Week one in Guatemala……….

Well, it’s Weds now. I’ve been in Guatemala for 8 days, sweating for the vast majority of that time. I’m writing this from the home of the owner of the raft company, with the sound of the Lanquin river just feet below me. The view is stunning, and the atmosphere is alive with the calls of exotic birds. I’ve settled into a rustic little house near El Retiro Lodge, a popular spot for young travelers.

July 4th in Coban

Hmmm.  Weird accents are showing up.  Sorry about that.  Not sure what to do, since they aren’t in what I’m seeing.  Today I woke early,and went for a walk. I bought a tamale, wrapped in banana leaf and a bit different than the tamales I’m used to. Went back to the hotel. Annalise was ready […]

Guatemala – The first few days.

I woke up Tuesday morning around 8 a.m. and sliced off some gluten-free bread for toast. As I sat down at the computer, I realized my flight to Guatemala was that very morning at 12:15 a.m. Panic set in as I scrambled to pack for a month-long adventure. Arriving in Guatemala, I was greeted by Iris, a Dutch friend, and together we embarked on a journey through the vibrant streets of Guatemala City and into the serene town of Coban.

Surfing this weekend

Taylor wrote: > Got Vitamin I? (Ibuprofin)> You guys must have done the equivalent of running a marathon> yesterday. 5 or 6 hour session!?> We were out least 6 hours. Maybe closer to seven. It was incredible.I’m pretty beat today. Typing is hard. To sum up: Saturday I joined Dennis St. Clair at Bolsa Chica. […]

Brush Creek

I met Eric in the Store where I work, and we got to talking about Kayak surfing. He was new to the area, and we ended up swapping emails, and eventually going “surfing”, although, there was NO surf that day. We did decide to go up to the Kern River together. So it was a […]

Saddleback Mountain Trail Marathon

I faced this tough course alongside Kim, a first-time marathoner who had only run five miles before. With nerves and excitement, we tackled the steep climbs and beautiful views together. Kim’s determination shone as she finished in an amazing 6:21, winning a plaque for 1st Female 20-29. Experience the thrill of the race, the friendships among runners, and what’s next for us as we plan our next marathon adventure.

50 Star Day At Joshua Tree

I’ve never thought of myself as a number chaser, but in March, my friend Tom and I decided to set a goal for our climbing day at Joshua Tree. Inspired by other climbers, we aimed for thirty “stars” but ended up with fifty! With no driving involved, we tackled iconic routes like The Flue, Doublecross, and Sailaway, racing against the setting sun. Each climb brought its own challenges and thrills, pushing us to our limits.

Catalina Island Marathon

Just over a year ago, I decided to run a marathon on Catalina Island, despite my minimal training and growing doubts. As the race day approached, I felt the weight of my decision, especially when I learned about the challenging course with over 4,000 feet of elevation gain. On race day, surrounded by hundreds of eager runners, I faced the grueling uphill start and the intense heat. With each mile, I battled fatigue and self-doubt, but crossing the finish line transformed my experience. J

Ice Climbing- June Lake

This weekend was absolutely fantastic! I drove almost 300 miles to June Lake, with excitement for my very first ice climbing adventure. Even though it rained and I was a complete newbie, I couldn’t wait to tackle those frozen waterfalls. With my buddy Brian as my guide, I picked up how to use my gear and where to place my feet. Climbing ice was such a thrill, even with the bumps along the way. From my damp gear to the pure joy of topping out, every single moment was incredible!