1. The Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan is the only school in the world offering a Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing.

2. New York City has 722 miles of subway track.

3. In 1807 The Clermont made its maiden voyage from New York City to Albany making the vessel the first successful steamboat.

4. The “New York Post” established in 1803 by Alexander Hamilton is the oldest running newspaper in the United States.

5. The first capital of the United States was New York City. In 1789 George Washington took his oath as president on the balcony at Federal Hall.

6. The first presentation of 3D films before a paying audience took place at Manhattan’s Astor Theater on June 10, 1915.

7. Gennaro Lombardi opened the first United States pizzeria in 1895 in New York City.

8. On July 28, 1945 an Army Air Corps B-25 crashed into the Empire State Building at the 79th floor level.

9. The Big Apple is a term coined by musicians meaning to play the big time.

10. New York was the first state to require license plates on cars.

The reason for this discussion about the largest city populous in the United States is my brother and I had the privilege of visiting our sister Naomi a few weeks ago in New Jersey. She lives  just a stones throw from the Manhattan skyline. Ok, maybe a long stones throw, but it’s close by. The fall season was moving in, causing crisp evenings, but gorgeous sunny days with mild temps. It was a perfect walking and commuting weather. Abbie, another sister, (we have five) joined up with us for the weekend of our stay, allowing for a generous amount of family city experiences that tend to get less and less as our ages advance.

Since we had visited before, we were able to take less of a touristy approach to our daily activities. So rather than visting the Top of the Rock we were escorted to the upper floors of the New York Times Building by a cousins’, husband’s, college buddy. A different perspective of the city skyline. We spent a day in Central Park, but not peddling one of the many two wheeled vehicles, but rather rock climbing and free running on the large expanse of rocks and play grounds near Columbus Circle. We had many strange looks. We traversed the High Line Park, although it was a short jaunt, it was gorgeous. Anytime I could get a break from the busy city I was grateful. An afternoon spent with creative director of City Bible Church NY NJ Bryan Bettis was one of the highlights. It’s not so much what your get to see, but it’s the people you meet and grow relationships with. Visiting Ground Zero, and the World Trade Center Memorial was amazing. It was a moving experience, and brought to rememberance that tragic day ten years ago, but in a good way. We did of course do some touristy things, I mean you cannot go without bargaining for wares at China Town, which we did, gaining an odd satisfaction from being the “Name Your Own price” guy from commercials.

Not only did we have a splendid city experience, but we also were able to capture the vibrance and action with video and photos. Some of those things are included in this post. Others we will have to wait a bit longer for. We used the Canon 7D for most of the filming, but we also used the Go Pro Hero, for some of the travel and Time lapse stuff. All in all it was a successful trip, with results in epic camera shots captured, and a positive family travel experience endured. A great growth for all.

ShareThis

I was privileged to have an opportunity to spend five days in the Big Apple, and really enjoyed the time, but also realized a few things about it.

First – It would be extremely difficult for me to abide in a place such as that for a long period of time. Although don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the city, and the hustle and bustle of business and busyness. But there is a strong desire inside of myself to get out, and away from it all, and go climb a mountain, or breathe fresh clean air. I was surprised, however, that the air in the city was not as dirty and bad as I had expected, but i guess it is just the common misconception of the City, to always be dirty and unclean, but it was in pretty good shape.

Second – How much things become common place when around them so much, and how you hardly get to slow down and realize the things you have around you, when you see them every day. Living in Alaska I find this very true as well. It is also a big tourist destination, but living there and spending a lot of time there has caused me to become used to all that majesty and amazing sights that there are, and I tend to get used to seeing all the mountains and rivers and take for granted what is all around. So when I was in New York, at first I was looking up at all the tall buildings that were all around me, and got lost in the hugeness of everything, but by the time I was Leaving, I found myself getting used the hustle and bustle, and the greats sights. Not that I ever actually got used to all of the people, it was almost suffocating.

Third – You can find adventure anywhere, even in a big city. Although the big touristy attractions were great, I actually enjoyed the adventure of finding the small, hardly noticed things and exploring rather than the typical locations. One of my highlights from the trip was bouldering, i.e. rock climbing with out a rope. Met some really cool people, and got to borrow some chalk and crash pads. My Sister was gracious enough to take some pictures and video of me ascending the rock slab. There were some decent intermediate routes, but i had not packed my climbing shoes, so my feet had to endure the brunt of the pain, but it was well worth it. Through the people there, I found that there were several rock gyms in the city, and that even in the midst of so many people, there were some little known treasures to be discovered to satisfy even the outdoor adventurers.

It was these things that made the trip interesting, and kept it different at every turn. If it was not for my sister living nearby to the city, I do not know that I would have made the trip. But now that I have been there, I can look and say that it was worth while. The time went by very quickly, and by the end we were both pretty tired from all of the many miles that were trekked. Although we had purchased bus passes, and train passes, we actually rarely used them, and actually spent most of our time walking. My sister, Naomi, was able to get a four day weekend off of work, so we were able to spend the entire time together. Her knowledge of the City and how to get around was a huge help, and I was very grateful to have her with me. All in all it was a great trip, and It was alot of fun, and I learned alot from the experience. More pictures can be viewed on flickr in my photostream. The sights, the sounds, the people, the various cultures that seem to change on every street corner, created a unique and exilerating experience. Look for the Video coming soon that give you a look into my point of view of New York.

The principles in this post can be applied to many different locations and trips. So next time you are traveling, don’t just go down the tourist path, try the adventurous one instead.

ShareThis

The continuation of “The Lionheart, Part 1″

We awoke to beautiful sun, yet again, and after some exploring and snorkeling, set sail for the mainland once more. It was there that we resupplied on some already low items, and also got Hanna’s bag from the airport, which had finally arrived. We stayed the night there, and ate at a really nice restaurant, and enjoyed another late night together. At the rising of the sun, I was up and at em early, as I was every day, and helped ready the vessel, and start breakfast. Our next stop was a really cool little cove, on the other side of the main island, and we spent the whole day at a beach, that was perfect for surfing, with the kayaks, and also finding coconuts to drink from. There was no limit to the fun and adventure that we got ourselves into. That night we slept under the stars, but were rudely awakened by rain, and were forced to spend the remainder of the night indoors.

Our destination the next day was the Jost Van Dyke, but on the way we stopped at Sandy Cay, a gorgeous little island, that was actually the location of Mobbsie‘s wedding. We played Bocce Ball, Kayaked, and lounged in the sand, another tough day. Continuing to Jost Van Dyke, we moored next to several other sailboats already there, and also a few larger ships that brought many other visitors. It was still never very crowded, and we managed to get some great Christmas pictures done on the beach there. Many more painkillers, (the drink) were had that day, and we ate at a place called “Pirates”, and also ventured into the famous new years day party headquarters, “Foxy’s”. Lots of history was contained in those places, and lots of good times for many people, and we were a part of it!

The next day was a long one. We started out early, set sail and moved along silently, with only the sound of the waves breaking on the bow and the wind in the rigging. So peaceful, and relaxing, even when we had to rush quickly to switch our tack, it was the rush that added to the fun. We made it through a narrow channel, with only the wind as power, and once on the other side headed to Norman Island, the place that inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write “Treasure Island”. We moored at an awesome little place, away from all the other boats, and people, and there we had probably the best night of the entire trip. We did some diving, snorkeling, shell collecting,  and lounging. Then after a huge down pour of warm rain, a dried up pond became a mud hole, and some how we began a mud fight in the middle of it all. We felt very primal, but had way too much fun acting like little kids.

We then cleaned up back on the boat, and went to the beach for a bonfire, drinks and loud music. It was then that we got a special treat from our Captain, Mobbsie, and officially became part of the Lionheart family. It was such a great time, and we stayed up long into the night. The next day was our last full day of adventure, and it was well spent. We went beach combing, at a beach littered with junk and odds and ends that had drifted in from other countries, it was quite a sight. Then we climbed up the mountain, to the top of the Island, Explored some old ruins, and then sailed around to the bay, and spent the remainder of the day hanging at the “Pirates Bight”. It was a picturesque closing of the Sailing adventure, and we shared some great family moments that day. That night was our last upon the boat, and it was emotional.

In the morning, we sailed our last time back to the mainland of Tortola, and then said good bye to our Captain, who seemed just as a part of our family as the rest of us. It was such a privilege and an honor to sail under his flag. The rest of the day was spent readjusting to land again, and just kind of relaxed and did nothing. John and Hanna left, so we were down to eight. It was also Christmas day, and since we had done our Christmas on Thanksgiving, we ended up at a local black Baptist Church, for a Christmas service, thanks to an invite from our cab driver. It was really cool, but kind of awkward. The next day we went for a drive across the Island, experiencing some really steep, scary roads and drivers. It is amazing that we didn’t have any car problems. We found a nice beach away from town, thanks to Mobbsie once again, and spent our last day there, swimming and exploring for the last time. It was a great day.

In the morning we had to bid farewell to what had become almost a second home, and loaded our cramped car again. At the airport we had no problems, except that we were all sad to leave. We had a few hour lay over in Puerto Rico, so we took a cab into town, and traveled around the town a bit. It was a nice break in between the long travel time. Once airborne again, most of us slept or passed the time talking about our amazing trip. Back in the states we got to experience the thrill of going through customs, but thankfully it was not very busy, and we all made it through. We looked a bit out of place, with our tan skin, and shorts, since it was winter time, but we didn’t mind, it was a great feeling. Many hours later we arrived back in Idaho, recovered from Jet lag, and got back to the cold life. The experience was so amazing, and the family time spent together will never be forgotten. And we will always remember the Lionheart, Mobbsie, and the Island life that become a part of ours even if only for a short while. It was truly a time to remember.

Through this trip we learned some very valuable things. First off, traveling on a sailboat, with no one else but your own crew and captain, is much more enjoyable than other forms of vacations. You are able to totally be in control of what you want to do each day, and are not limited to a certain schedule or list of events. Second would be that when you rent a car in a British settlement, make sure you are able to adjust to driving on the left side of the road, it can be a hair raising experience. Also we learned how to make painkillers, if you would like the recipe let me know. And of course we learned how to enjoy time together, with all of our family, and to create lasting memories.

ShareThis

As the first Island loomed in the distance, I had to pinch myself to make sure I was not dreaming. It was the first time in my life that I was on my way, with my family, to a tropical paradise, to live on a sailboat for a week, and soak up the ever present sun. My whole family, all ten of us, were en route to the Island of Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands, or BVI, located in the Caribbean Ocean. It was a trip of a lifetime, and we were so excited!

It was a long tiresome trip however, lasting nearly two days. Originating in Idaho, we then went to LA, then to Miami, which is where we met up with our sister, Naomi, from New York. From there we flew to Puerto Rico, then finally arrived in Tortola. It was a gorgeous sunny day, when we touched down, and after a very cramped ride to the Rental car place, we arranged our vehicle, and headed to the hotel located in the marina that also held the sailboat that we would be boarding in a few days. Although, since it is a British Settlement, they drove on the left side of the road, which took a lot of time to get used to, but we left that up to my Dad.

The following days were spent getting acquainted with our new surroundings, and weather conditions, figuring out the Island way of life, and taking it easy. It was still three days before we would head out on the Lionheart, the name of the sailboat, and it was time well spent. Hanna, our oldest sister, and her husband John, arrived the following day, and the airline managed to lose Hanna’s bag, with everything in it, and we would have to leave the next day without it. Thankfully the other sisters pulled together, and had spares of everything. You just have to make the best of the situation. We were then all together as a family, which had become a difficult endeavor, since my sister was in New York, and I in Alaska, so we were so thankful for this chance to enjoy paradise together.

The next day we met our captain, Mobbsie, and immediately became part of the family. He was a cheerful, laid back sort, but was very knowledgeable in his job, and we would come to find out how blessed we were to be sailing under his command. He was a Paramedic/Diver/Sailor, originally from Australia, but had since then become captain of the Lionheart, Married, and had a little girl. He gave the rundown on how the trip would go, and some of the options and rules, and shortly after, we loaded our gear, boarded the vessel, and we were underway.

Due to our first destination being into the wind, we ended up motoring out of the marina, rather than sailing. It was a thrilling first day, and we all were on deck for show. It was so surreal, but it was happening. Our first stop, was Cooper Island. The water was so warm, and clear to the bottom, so some of us donned our snorkels and fins and hopped right in, others, with soaking up the sun as priority, headed to the beach in the dingy, named the “Lion Cub”. Those of us in the water saw lots of fish, and I saw an Octopus, and a Barracuda. Already we were having so much fun. That night, and every night to follow, we slept on the boat. The quarters were tight, due to our large group, but still very comfortable, with bathrooms in each room. Although we ate at a bar or restaurant nearly every night, we also had our own food on board, and cooked a lot of our own meals. It was the first day that we were introduced to the “Painkiller”. A traditional Caribbean drink, that was basically rum and fruit juice, but the result was very enjoyable, but you had to be careful, because although the taste was fruity, it was still powerful stuff.

The following day was much of the same, except we got to sail for the first time. All of us had a turn at the helm, but some relished it more than others. We worked as the crew as well, and ran lines and cranked winches, to tack into the wind, and also tied up at the mooring buoys. Our stop for the day was at the Virgin Gorda, which held the famous, “Baths”, a Spread out area, littered with huge boulders, that created an amazing place to explore, for snorkeling and swimming. We had a great lunch upon the top of the island, and listened to live music. Things just kept getting better. That evening we set sail once more, arriving at another Island to stay for the night. We ventured out in the kayaks, and also got to see huge Tarpon surface at the back of the boat, under spot light, truly amazing.

To Be Continued…

ShareThis

The weather was not so favorable, as I stood upon the top most point of Bacharach Castle/Youth Hostel, but rain and fog could not dampen my spirits, or the view of the Rhine River that spread out below me for endless miles of vineyards, castles and boats. It was February 2006, and I was on my own, traveling through Europe for the first time, using the train system and a small knowledge of the area through which I passed. I had only been in Germany for a week so far, but already it was growing into quite an adventure. It all began on January 31st on my flight from Dallas to Frankfurt, after attending the Safari Club International, and the Dallas Safari Club Hunting Conventions. Here is an exerpt from my Journal on that long ten hour Flight. “How time doth fly, and I am continually swept away with it… I haven’t really grasped it yet, but I have an amazing opportunity in front of me. I am going to Europe, a place many people only dream of going…  and now here am I, so small yet accomplishing much.”

Arriving in Frankfurt, it was early in the morning, and snow was on the ground, requiring me to done my insulated jacket and hat. This Journal entry summed up the following 3 days, “With only an hour slept, we (Preston and I) continued our journey from plane to train. We spent two hours on that ride, and saw much of the city, country side and snow, from Frankfurt to Dortmund. We arrived at the Westfallen Hallen around 11am, and went directly to the Jagd and Hund Show. It was already in full swing, with everyone in their hunting garb trailing dogs of every shape and size. It took a while to get accustomed to the german language, and my lack of it. The day past and finished the day with dinner at a local pub… it is deffinitly a different atmosphere, but when I leave in a month it will be too soon.” The show continued till the week end, and I was ready for it to be over by that time. The smoke was really getting to me, it seamed that every one there smoked nearly all the time. I was able to see a bit of Dortmund between the show and the hotel, but mainly just the wide variety of eateries. The last day I packed my items into a back pack, and parted ways with Preston, and just started walking.

The weather in Germany in February was quite cold, and prevented me from hitch hiking or camping to save money, so I boarded a train, and headed south. I stopped in Koln for a short while, and continued down the Rhine River, reaching Bacharach, and stayed my first night alone. I was one of the only guests, and was alone in a very plesent dorm room, with clean sheets and washroom/shower, and even a meager breakfast in the morning. That day I continued on through many small towns and ended in Friebourg for a stay at the black forest youth hostel. It was a beautiful city, as were they all, but I never had enough time to see all there was to see. My next stop was out of Germany and into Switzerland, in Zurich. It was there at the international airport that I met up with Sabina, our long lost friend that came to stay with us in Idaho for a few months several years ago. It was great to see her again, and together we awaited the arrival of Dad and Josiah. They came in late, but we greeted heartily and drove to Sabina’s house in Rothrist. There we met her husband Christoph and their son matthew. Together with them we traveled into bern the following day, and also had a tremendous tour of nearly the whole country, stopping here and there for a scenic look. Again the weather was not the best, but it was a great experience none the less.

The following day we traveled to Lucern, which was a gorgeous town, with old ornate buildings, spectacular mountains, and a peaceful river flowing through it all, adorned with swans and ducks. “After the city we huffed it up the hill to the base of mount Pilatus, and with high hopes we rode the gondola all the way up from 2,000 ft to 7,000 ft. A jaw dropping view and an ear popping experience. Then we left our lofty view to the clouds and drove back to Rothrist. We finished packing, watched a movie and the start of the Olympics, said good bye and stepped aboard our sleeper train, and rode off into the night. In the morning we awoke to the sweeping Italian Country side, having past from Switzerland and headed to ROME!

ShareThis