Sea to Sea

My two sisters, Harmony and Staysail, came to visit California for the first time since they were babies. These two spent half their life living in Panama with our dad and the other half living with their mom in Florida. I don't know these girls at all, but for some reason that doesn't matter, I still love them.

Jared and I tried to show them everything we love about where we live: Fentons, Dolores Park, Fisherman's Wharf, Coit Tower, Chinatown, Hot Cookie, the Mission, Harden, Yosemite (duh), Muir Woods, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Presidio, Palace of Fine Art, Temple Hill, UC Berkeley. I think we gave them the best tour ever.

I miss them and can't wait for their next visit.

Peak Bagging: Fairview Dome

July 20, 2013

This was the longest route I've done. It was long as ever and pretty epic...poor Jared had to lead every pitch. About pitch 7 or so we saw lightening in the distance and both of us freaked out and our words got very colorful. After getting off the dome I dragged Jared into the depths of the woods and off the trail into bear territory. Thankfully some Kiwi's bailed us out and showed us the way to our car. On the drive out to the north entrance I puked three or four times and was totally spent. We made it to Groveland and got into the convenience store for some cup o'noodle and ginger ale 10 minutes before it closed. Then there was the good 2.5 hour drive back home.

Perhaps epic is an understatement.


It was amazing to see the sunset and the moon shining at the same time.
Off to another adventure...

keep it clean and other melancholy lyrics...

One time I heard this.
Then I was hooked.


Camera Obscura at Fox Theater, June 19, 2013

Peak Bagging: Cathedral Peak & Eichorn's Pinnacle

June 15, 2013

Jared and I have our climbing process down to a T. We camp at Harden Flat, wake up before the crack of dawn, depending on the time of year, and drive into Yosemite. On the way to our climbing destination we scarf down a peanut butter and *nutella bagel sandwich and drink half a liter of water.We systematically pack our gear and head out on the trail.

On this particular cold, June morning in Tuloumne, our route of interest was Cathedral Peak. The ultimate peak baggers dream. The tippy top is just that, about a 2x4 foot flat top with a mesmerizing view of three lakes, mountain tops and valleys.This was on my bucket list since I first heard about this strange land called Tuloumne. Our climb was seamless and we bathed in the summer sun the entire time. As I approached the top I suddenly felt the rush of fear and heights and had to sit to take my picture on the top. It's funny, as I'm climbing I'm working so hard sometimes I forget what's below me (like 10, 000 feet). Even though the immediate thought of falling crept up on me, I could still enjoy the landscape.
After crushing Cathedral, Jared decided to jut up Eichorn's Pinnacle for posterity's sake. No lie, it's a picturesque feat. As he took in the grandeur of the climb, I took pictures of the moss on the rocks (more my thing) and pondered about Mr. Muir and his adventures.

What a way to spend a day...

*Side note: I have a love, hate relationship with nutella. After eating it constantly the thought of the chocolaty "goodness" becomes sickening. Curse its energy inducing chemicals.

p.s. I'm making up for lost time. I haven't blogged in months. However, I assume that's because we were out adventuring and didn't have time.

All Summer Long

After waking up on Saturday morning in a sweat we knew it was critical to get out of our stuffy apartment and go to the sea. Our number one goal was to get cooled off in the 90 degree weather (!) and forgot about the heat. There's just no reason for the Bay Area to be so hot...in June. We drove over bridges, through tunnels, and down windy roads to Black Sand Beach. The sand was coarse, but the water was cool. As per my usual Northern California ocean trips, I barely let the water brush my thighs before it was time to open a book and lay out. Ahhh, summer....can you feel it?

Every now and then we hear our song.

Sunshine State

Many moons ago my dad built a boat...with the help of his 5 adoring children (in some way or another). Her name is Melody and for the past 18(ish) years she's resided in Panama/Cartagena.  She's beautiful and carries many memories of my families trials, travels, and tender moments. Some include: hiding in cattails, catfish, throwing catfish, the dinghy, late night rummy games, jumping off the boat and landing on glass (and dad pouring (rubbing) alcohol straight on the cut), washing the bottom of the boat, no shoes inside, the Sacramento Delta, and so on.
After my dad passed away last March it was necessary to bring the boat from Panama to the States. Capitan Paola (my dear step mom)and her crew sailed Ms. Melody through the canal, the gulf, and the Atlantic, to New Smyrna Beach, FL. My older sister and her family and I had the chance to fly to FL for a little R&R and to reunite with Melody once again.
Our trip started out rough with a cancelled flight and a long day in Houston. We filled our time by playing in Walmart, eating ice cream, and going to Emergency Care. We eventually made it to Pensacola, FL and started the week long vacation. Our journey took us from the Handle to the Center of Florida. We went to my sisters graduation, the best beach in America (Pensacola Beach...the sand was soft like a cloud and the water was ridiculously warm...my dream come true), JB's Fish Camp, New Smyrna, Orlando, Typhoon Lagoon, etc. I had an amazing time with my family and can't wait to reunite in the Sunshine State again.
Melody and me.

I don't know about you...

...but I'm feeling 22!

Swiftie ( Noun) - someone who fangirls over Taylor Swift every time they see her or hear her name. They are beautiful souls who have a big heart and always treat everyone respectfully. Referred to as “The Swifties”. Best fanbase ever. (So says Urban Dictionary)

I'll just never forget this night. Like, ever!

I'm forever indebted to my sister Cheri for flying me all the way to Utah and taking me to the Taylor Swift concert. I've never seen such a magical performance and, wow, were we close. We're forever bonded by this experience and I'm sure my years of playing nanny for her kids might be enough to make up for this incredible show. Maybe.