Yesterday was a big coyote day, and today is going to be all about river otters. Before we meet the otters, a few random shots from the hotel and wandering about in the park. We heard the otters might be down towards Pebble Creek, and we spotted some ducks and a group of otters. They were too far for photos most of the time, but we’ll head back to Lamar Valley and their lodge to catch some good shots. ...
We had a great day in the park yesterday, but Yellowstone has another great day lined up for us again. We passed a nice group of bull elk on our drive into the park. Today we’ll be snowshoeing in another area I really love by the confluence of the Lamar and Yellowstone rivers. Mark and Monica found a nice elk carcass that didn’t mind posing for some photos. ...
We enjoyed yesterday in Yellowstone, but only had part of the day and didn’t explore the whole park. Today we’ll head all the way through Lamar Valley and the north eastern entrance. The road from Gardiner out to Cooke City is the only road open to cars, so we make the most of the beautiful drive. I thought I would throw some photos of the cars totally loaded with camera gear, food, and clothes that we’ll be using on our trip. Mark’s in the Outback and we’re in the Tahoe. ...
I’m off to another winter photography trip to Yellowstone, but this time Monica is joining us. She’s very excited to hone her photo skills, enjoy the wildlife, and of course have some fun in the snow. I love the new direct flight to Bozeman, then it’s an easy drive down to the hotel in Gardiner. The elk have been waiting in Mammoth Springs for us all year. The hot springs have changed a lot since I was last year, but the eerie feeling hasn’t. It’s good to be back, and I know Monica is totally jazzed. ...
Gabe has been so excited about cycling that he asked me about racing. I figured a mentoring session at the Early Bird Criterium in Fremont would be a perfect introduction to racing for him. He’s really bummed he doesn’t have drop bars and clipless pedals, but let’s see how he does today. Of course Larry Nolan is here just as he’s been doing for many years. Nothing like having a world champion sweeping the turn for you. ...
Today we’re having lunch at the Mauna Kea Resort before heading over to Hapuna Beach for some fun in the surf. Lunch is always great at the Mauna Lani, but it’s nice to do something different. The waves are great for body surfing, but I wish I had my boogie board from back home. It sure is nice not wearing a wetsuit for a change.
Today is a very big day. Gabe the fisherman is finally going out on the ocean with me for his first sport fishing charter. We’re aiming to catch some very big fish, so we’re hoping our luck delivers. We’ve got a full day charter lined up on theLepika as we head south looking for the fish. Gabe gets in a little rest time while the big rods wait patiently. ...
Today we’re headed over to the Hilton Waikoloa Village to check it out. The shops are a good place to stop for lunch and a visit with Santa. They have nicer fleet of matching bikes than back at the Mauna Lani. There’s no shortage of waterfalls and statues at the hotel. It was fun watching the dolphins for a while. hen we walked around the paths amidst the crazy crowds. Monica was dying to take a million creeper photos. ...
After another spinning class, it’s time to explore the lava caves along this cool walking path at the Mauna Lani. Fancy running into Charlotte out for a run! Charlotte and Monica continue their exploration out to the point. Today we’re headed south to check out the volcanoes. There are a few funny sights along the way, but overall it’s just a really long drive in dreary weather. ...
Morning in Hawaii starts with koi, flowers, and an awesome buffet. I get in a spinning class to make up for all the eating and lack of cycling, though I do enjoy touring around on the hotel’s cruisers with the kids. This afternoon I’m heading up to the top of Mauna Kea to visit the observatories and get in a little observing on slightly smaller scopes just below the summit. It’s a crazy long drive to the top at over 13,000 feet, and the upper parts are all gravel. I didn’t see any invisible cows, but I knew Monica would love this sign. I thought the very unique Silver Sword plant was quite interesting. It only grows around the visitor center and higher elevations. I also got my first view of Mauna Loa here above the clouds. ...