I’ve always wanted to head up to Lick Observatory on top of Mt. Hamilton, so when I got an email from the RPI alumni group about a private tour, I signed Charlotte, Monica, and I up right away. It’s an incredibly long and windy road to the summit at 4,209 feet. I’ve always wanted to ride my bike to the top, but now I’m not so sure. Thank you James Lick for a great legacy. ...
Today is a very big day for Nick as he graduates from Scotts Valley High School and moves on to the next big things in his life. Grandma Phoebe is here visiting from Pennsylvania for the big occasion. Seems like a good excuse for some family photos. The family is all here while Nick and his friends are all on display. There’s a great procession of speakers today, all giving great advice to all the students as they move on to their next big things. Antares Yee and Johnny Jih shared the valedictorian recognition. They get the award from me for the best speech, as they shared the tale of their close friendship and plan to share this recognition from the very start of their high school years. Very cool. ...
We’re heading out early this morning to get in a little hiking and sightseeing before we drive home later this afternnon. We really enjoyed staying at the Montecito Sequoia Lodge, and look forward to bringing the rest of the family on a future trip. Yesterday was all about Kings Canyon, but today we’re headed for Sequoia National Park. We’re headed up Moro Rock before the afternoon storms head this way. ...
Yesterday we got to Kings Canyon too late for any hiking, but this morning we’re heading out to Cedar Grove and the hike up to Mist Falls. Now this is one big descent down into the canyon. With a few very pretty little flowers along the way. The Kings River is really rolling like crazy. We don’t stop at Boyden Cave, but we do make a quick stop at Grizzly Falls. ...
Charlotte, Monica, and I are on the road to Sequoia & Kings Canyon for some hiking in the Sierra. We couldn’t talk Gabe and Nick into it, so it’s kind of a girl’s weekend with me along as the third wheel. It’s going to be awesome! A freakin big tree welcomes us to the park after not too long a drive from Santa Cruz. It’s very cool to walk in a redwood forest filled with Sequoia’s instead of the usual coastal redwoods. ...
Tonight is the SVHS senior awards event. It’s a bit of a mystery as to why we received an invitation, as we don’t know what his awards will be. It turns out to be a great event honoring all the seniors that stood out through academics, community service, and athletics. It’s great to see these exceptional students recognized for all their years of hard work. Nice job Nick! It’s also good to see a bunch of Monica’s friends helping out at the event. ...
It’s nearly the end of the school year, and tonight is awards night for all grades at Scotts Valley High School (SVHS). Nick, and especially Monica, are pretty much friends with everyone here tonight. Nick grabs his award and runs. Monica looks jazzed. And the girly grabs a record busting two awards.
Gabe’s previous track meets were practice for the real thing today. He’s had plenty of opportunity to get used to throwing the 1.6kg discus, though he really was looking forward to breaking the area record for the 1kg discus. Now he’s got a new goal to keep him motivated. Today he got first with 67 feet and is aiming for the record next year. His cousin and constant companion Doug is looking good out there too. ...
Lynda and I are off for a hike out near Lancaster this morning, before I head back to California. It’s been a great visit and I’m sorry to go, but this is a nice way to spend the day before a long flight. The Middle Creek wildlife area is a bit of a trip, but I see why Lynda enjoys making the drive out here regularly.
I decided at the last minute to grab a flight out to Philadelphia to surprise my sister Lynda for her birthday. It’s also a great chance to see my mom for Mother’s day as well. An added bonus was an opportunity to join in for the big disco party Lynda has been planning for some time. Let’s just say it was a little bit funky. The dance floor was a mirrored ball, flashing, colored light spectacle from some other planet. The fog machine was also a nice touch. ...