On the epic weekend in Yosemite (part I)

Friday night
Erick and I left the Bay Area around 9pm. Late! But, we did get to the Yosemite Park entrance at a record time of 2.5 hours! For another 30 minutes, we drove to Camp 4 where the climbers like to take their lodging. Unfortunate for us, no camp site was available for the night. Late autumn to early winter is high season for climbers because the climate conditions are just right for optimal performance (i.e., for higher rubber traction of rock shoes). So, we drove another 30 minutes back towards the park entrance to a little known camp ground that is most always has vacancy.

At 1:30AM, we pitched tent and hung up our food (and all scented items) on a tree branch 15 feet above ground, to avoid having bears looting around while we slumbered. Yes, there are bears roaming about. We had a chubby cub, four feet in front of our car, run across our path as we rolled into the campground.

This was the beginning of an adventurous weekend, more stimulating than the humdrum life I drudge myself through week to week in the city.

On the epic weekend in Yosemite (part IV)

Hey Erick,

I really enjoyed myself, as well--soreness, exhaustion, and all. I'm
still walking in the same manner as when you saw me walking to my car
last night (waddling). I am f'd up sore!! Walking down stairs, I
literally have to jog/run to lessen the pain. Walking up stairs is
also painful but very tolerable. The pain is like the soreness 36hrs
after you've done some serious, crazy amount of squats. I woke up and
came into work at a decent time (9:30am). I love the deep rest I get
from total exhaustion! I have not had the chance to look under the
toy's hood--will take a look after work. The adventure was continued,
last night, with the excitement of gears not shifting into place at
their whim during stops at lights/stop signs. I am hoping I am never
required to learn how to drive without a clutch, but I am curious to
learn how to do so, as well.

My feet are still swollen--feels like.

~Q

Sa Pa, Vietnam

After Thailand, I went to Sa Pa, Vietnam. Pretty hillsides.


rice fields of Sa Pa.


Sa Pa Market in Vietnam

Thailand

I went climbing in Thailand for a couple weeks in February.

Here's a picture of the area we climbed in the Southern Thailand:
Tonsai Beach

I don't have much to say about Bangkok. It's just another big city. The sex shows seemed like mediocre circus acts.

Getting around...

Here's a follow-up to the "Grounded" posting...

I did switch the sedan for a samller, compact car:















Here's a pic from mid-October, when I took a weekend trip to Lake Tahoe, while stopping for one of many tinklings in the woods.

Cheryl and two Djembe drums in the passenger seat.

Parking has been easier than ever. A stick-shift through the hills of SF has been interesting. And, a dropped top has been much fun. :-P

New hobby...

I went climbing last Sunday, in Glen Park (San Francisco). Fun! Freaky, though, because the landing is a bit rocky and not flat.

In a while

Pardons I haven't written in a long while. Like I said, I've been trying to stabilize and settle back into life here in the Bay Area.

The only travels I've had since Asia has been within the country. Last August, I went to Seattle for a cousin's wedding. Last October, I went to Atlanta, Georgia for business purposes. This past April, I went to San Diego to visit one of my best friends. Few pictures were taken at either locations. In mid-July, I will go to Seattle for a cousin's wedding--I'll post more pictures then.