Exploring Our World.

More Pictures from the past couple weeks.

2012-01-27T08:01:00.000-08:00

Kelly working at the Airfield. A beautiful night for clouds and color.

The Russian Ice Breaker.

The fuel tanker arrived yesterday. They will off load around 7 million gallons of fuel.

Kelly in the wheel of the Kress Vehicle.

This is called a Sun Dog. It's like a rainbow, but makes a circle and can radiate out horizontal to the ground. The sun, light, temperature and ice crystals in the air have to be just right.

New Years Eve Icestock Music Festival.

2012-01-03T01:00:00.000-08:00

Icestock Music Festival and Chili Cook off are held on New Years Eve. The fun starts with the Chili cook off and the music started around 6pm and continued until 1am. The weather was beautiful and warm, nicest it had been in many years for the event. Here's Dave and Randy.

Twan feeling Hilary's velvet pants with his cheek.

Monica and Dave.

Dave and Candy.

Kelly, Twan, Amy and Lisa.

Pete.

Twan with his Christmas gifts. A rhinestone goblet, flask and T-shirt that reads "Sometimes Alcohol Is The Answer".

Amy, Danny and Kelly.

Tony, Kristen and Pete at their chili cook off station.

The ATO gang.

The dancing crowd.

Liz and Dave.

Kelly and Luke.

Craig, Lisa, Kelly and Danny.

Jeramie.

Julie, Scott and Luke playing some Bluegrass music.

Tony's band.

Tony on the bass.

Jen and Matt singing.

Matt, Danny and Twan. Danny has a hard time keeping his clothes on.

Charlotte's Antarctic eye makeup.

Danny, Jeramie and Kelly showing off their New Year's kisses.

Kevin and Jen.

Pam and Peter.

Julie and Matt.

After Icestock ended we made our way down to Hut 10 for an after Icestock dance party. The place was packed, so we moved outside to the back deck.

Dave.

Kelly, Craig and Kevin.

Dan and Dave on the back deck.

Christmas Morning

2011-12-27T09:25:00.001-08:00

Since we're on the night shift, our Christmas morning was actually when we woke up at 3:30 pm. After getting up and around, we got together with our suite mates Alex & Liz to watch each other open gifts.

Our gifts are in our stockings and on the top shelf and the gifts they brought over are on the bottom shelf.

Kelly with his Stocking.

Kelly got a travel book on the West Coast of Australia.

Liz with her gifts.

Dave got a new Cubs Stocking Cap

Kelly got a New Zealand Autocar magazine.

Kelly opening a gift.

Dave opening a gift.

Kelly's new "10 Barrel Brewery" sweatshirt.

Alex got a bottle of Scotch.

Dave got some new Kaenon Sunglasses

Dave with his gifts...yes he got lots of underwear.

Kelly with his gifts...the ones that have come in the mail so far.

MAAG - McMurdo Alternative Art Gathering

2011-12-27T09:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve after dinner and the walk, we went to the Carp Shop where they were hosting MAAG. It's a long standing tradition at McMurdo and an opportunity for people to share their artistic talents with the community. Here are several of the large art pieces we saw as we were approaching the Carp Shop.

It's like a giant Gerbil Wheel.

This was made from old Bowling Balls.

You can climb inside this Ship.

Lanterns made from Tui Beer cans.

Horses made from cuts of material by our friend Teri Fox.

Keros as Boozey The Clown and Alex the Pink Flamingo hosting the Fashion Show.

Mandy in her Paper Plate dress.

Randy and Kelly.

Gift, Kelly and Twan.

Alex still in partial costume dancing with Candy.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-27T09:24:00.001-08:00

Saturday we had our annual cocktail party before our Christmas Dinner. Since we're now on the night shift, we actually slept a little too late, so we missed a good portion of it, however here are a few photos.

Shannon, Liz & Susie

Peter, Cara & Pam.

After a wonderful Christmas Dinner provided by our Galley Staff, some of us went for a walk. There are 29 of us at our table for dinner, but only seven of us showed up for the walk. Here are Kevin, Michiel, Sheri, Dawn, Randy, Jen & Dave at Hut Point.

Another shot at Vince's Cross with Dawn, Kevin, Sheri, Jen, Randy & Michiel.

Town Christmas Party

2011-12-27T09:24:00.000-08:00

After the cocktail party in our room, we all made our way up the Heavy Shop, aka The VMF (Vehicle Maintenance Facility), where they were hosting the annual Town Christmas Party. It's always fun to get out and see who's there, get your photo taken with Santa and do a little dancing.

Here's Kim and Melanie.

It's also a great time to see friends. Liz, Dave and Susie.

Randy and Dave.

Group shot of people in our department with Santa.

Melanie, Matt and Amy.

The dancing crowd.

Twan had a fun time dancing.

Amy and Kelly.

At 1am the doors opened up and the party went outside. Some how it became a shirtless dance party in 30 degree weather.

Annual Holiday Cocktail Party

2011-12-27T09:23:00.000-08:00

Each year we host a Gin and Tonic Party in our room prior to the Town Christmas Party. This tradition started five years ago when our friend Norman sent us some holiday straws and we needed an excuse to use them. This is the first year we didn't have any straws to use, but after so many years, the cocktail party tradition lives on...straws or no straws.

Tony, Dave and Monica.

Billy T. and Melanie.

Melanie, Dave, Kevin and Jen.

Amy, Kelly, Burke, Kevin and Jen.

Sully, Tony and Keros.

Tony, Dave and Twan.

Keros, Joseph, Melanie, Kelly and Bill.

Big Toys

2011-12-18T05:52:00.000-08:00

Here's Kelly with one of our departments new cargo haulers. It has a compartment on the back to carry people and a trailer for cargo. He hasn't pulled the trailer yet, but did drive it to work the other day. From McMurdo it's 16 miles out to the Runway we use the second part of the season and still took an hour to get there. Pretty cool commuter! Quiet, warm and 23 miles per hour on the flat snow road. Not fuel efficient at all.

Runway Visitors

2011-12-18T05:36:00.000-08:00

It always makes your day when you get to see these guys. This picture was from October when we had 3 Emperor Penguins show up one day.

These Adelie Penguins paid us a visit last Thursday.

They just walked right past our Airfield office and loaders.

Antarctica Wildlife

2011-12-13T23:17:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago Kelly got to help out with a once in a lifetime opportunity. A science group was given the special right to rescue 10 abandoned juvenile Emperor Penguins. This group flew out by Twin Otter, gathered the 10 Penguins, then flew them back just in time to transfer them into special bins for the flight onto a Zoo in the States.

Kelly moving gear from transfer.

Precious cargo looking out.

Getting ready to apply the cargo nets to the pallet to fly north.

Kelly and the Penguins.

Some Random Pictures From The Past Few Days.

2011-11-29T23:34:00.000-08:00

Weddell Seals sun bathing.

Helicopter in the distance.

View of Ice Runway from Ob Hill Loop.

Kelly by Vince's Cross.

Dave on Ob Hill Loop Trail.

One of two Helo's that Kelly helped load with Italian gear.

Thanksgiving Dinner Social.

2011-11-29T23:22:00.001-08:00

It's a long standing tradition for a group of folks to get together before dinner for drinks and a visit.

Here's Barb, Candy and Kelly.

Wendy, Kathy, Todd and Sheri.

Randy and Steve.

Peter, Pam, Greg and Shelly.

Kelly, Susie and Pam.

Wendy and Dave.

Thanksgiving Dinner.

2011-11-29T23:22:00.000-08:00

Here's some pictures from our dinner in the Galley.

Pam and Peter.

Wendy and Dave. Another tradition is to have their picture taken with food in their teeth.

Three friends were dressed up as Turkeys, they made the rounds sharing Holiday cheer.

Dinner at New Zealand's Scott Base

2011-11-29T22:57:00.000-08:00

It's kind of like going out of town for dinner. A couple weeks ago some people from our department were invited over to Scott Base for drinks in the bar, then dinner. Scott Base is just 3 kilometres from McMurdo, but it's much smaller and less busy. Above is Tom, Jamie and Talia from Air Services with our host Gid.

Our boss Bill, Pete, Kelly, Joseph and Talia.

Melanie and Kelly.

Kelly's Work Center

2011-11-18T13:16:00.000-08:00

Cargo trucks waiting at Airfield for C17 to land with the Royal Society Mountain Range in the back ground.

Kelly clearing cargo operations to the plane.

Robert and Kelly walking out.

Kelly waiting by tail of plane for ramp to open.

Kelly getting C17 shoring out.

Kelly bringing loaders out to the plane.

Aircraft down load started.

Pete and Kelly in the plane.

Over sized cargo push off plane onto sled.

Dave at the Shuttles van.

Chris and Kelly with Monica after her first down load and up load of a LC130.

Halloween

2011-11-10T11:52:00.000-08:00

Each year our department sponsor's the Halloween Party for the station and the past four years we've been bartenders. This year we had the best year to date. Great beer sales, the decorating of the gym was amazing and people were still dancing at 1:15 in the morning.

Lighting hanging from an Airdrop Parachute.

The stage.

The bar.

Behind the bar with Amy.

Twan came as Alan from the movie The Hangover.

Lisa as the Oregon Trail, covered wagon and Ox.

Jen and Kevin.

Kim and Pete.

Danny and Kelly.

Sully.

Dave, Pam and Kelly.

Our ATO Meet and Greet Party

2011-11-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of each season we have the ATO department "Meet and Greet" Party. We hold this in our cargo bay. After cleaning the bay, decorating it, acquiring BBQ Grills, flying in meat and vegetables from Christchurch, filling stock tanks with snow for beer and soda, then making a dance floor, the party starts.

Here's Tom and Liz.

Kelly and Randy.

Burke, Robert, Luke and Margo.

Lisa, Twan and Danny.

Lisa, Dave and Gift.

Randy's arrival

2011-11-10T11:46:00.000-08:00

Our friend Randy Thompson decided he would try a season in McMurdo this year. This is his flight landing and Randy exiting the A319.

Dave's Birthday

2011-10-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

Thursday evening we had a small group of friends over to celebrate Dave's Birthday. Our friend Pam made him a chocolate cake so we had to have a few people over to help eat it.

Here are Alex, Amy & Shannon.

Left to right around the room, Shannon, Peter, Julian, Pam, Dave & Wendy.

Our Flight To McMurdo

2011-10-08T21:05:00.000-07:00

This trip down we flew on the Airbus 319 operated by Skytraders out of Melbourne, Australia. It's a nice change from the C17 because this plane has windows, flight attendants and we got to sit in business class seats. We had a beautiful flight down and some great views of Antarctica. Below are some shots from the flight and of the continent as we flew into McMurdo.

Here we are enjoying our comfy seats.

Sam & Twan stretching their legs.

Two of our co-workers Ray & Danny.

There were several cracks and areas of open water where there would normally just be solid ice. This past winter has been much warmer than usual.

These icebergs, which look small from the air, are actually very large and most likely several hundred feet high.

Here's a close up of the same icebergs and you can see how high they are by the shadows they cast.

As we approach the McMurdo area we started to see the Royal Society Range, which lies across the Ross Sea from us.

A view of Black Island as we're coming in for our landing.

Fuel tank #3 with Ob Hill and Mt. Erebus in the background. You can see the wind blowing off Ross Island.

Here's everyone waiting to get off the plane. It was raining in Christchurch when we took off and when we landed we found out our door was frozen shut. It took nearly a half hour or more until they got heat on it from the outside and could get it open.

Walking off the plane.

Ivan the Terra Bus was waiting to transport us to town.

Here's Kelly casting a long shadow as he walks to the Terra Bus.

Here are co-workers Gift and Twan on the Terra Bus.

Our Time In Christchurch

2011-10-08T20:30:00.000-07:00

We hadn't been to Christchurch since the day before the devastating earthquake in February. Since most of the hotels we used to stay at were destroyed beyond repair, this time we were placed at the Airport Gateway Motorlodge, which was about seven miles from the Central Business District.

One day, after our Load Planner class, we walked downtown to see what we could see of the city we've come to love. There's still a fence around the central part of the city as it's cordoned off and guarded by the Military to keep people from entering. We took several photos of what we could see through the gates as we walked around.

This portion of Le Cafe on the left, used to sit on top of the building you see braced up on the right.

Behind this rotunda in the middle of Worcester St. is what's left of the Christchurch Cathedral.

The view up Cashel St. through the Bridge of Remembrance.

There used to be several shops here where there is now this dirt lot on the corner of Oxford Terrace and Cashel Streets.

The leaning Grand Chancellor Hotel, where we stayed two years ago while in the city for our Load Planner Course. This hotel is scheduled to be torn down.

Coyote's is the bar on the right in this photo. It was one of our favorite places to sit outside along the river and have a beer on sunny days.

One of the many churches in the city which were destroyed.

The Crowne Plaza is the hotel we have been staying at for the past few years. We were staying here the day before the earthquake. This hotel is also scheduled to be torn down.

This church has the outside structure remaining and it's scheduled to be rebuilt using this old roof.

Friday evening after we all passed our course exams, we had a pizza party in our room. Here's Molly, Sam (one of our Air Force Instructors), Danny and Jamie (our other instructor).

Shannon, Joe and Jen in our room.

Sunday we spent the afternoon at the home of our friends Dave & Sandra. Here's Shannon, Christine, Kelly, Sandra and Dave.

New Zealand's Rugby Team - The All Blacks

2011-10-08T19:46:00.000-07:00

We landed in Auckland on Sunday morning after a long flight from LA. After waiting several hours for our connecting flight to Christchurch, we had just gone through security to our gate when they announced a gate change. We had to walk back out through security to a different part of the airport, but it was all worth it.

As we were standing in the long line to go through security for the new gate, the All Blacks pulled up in a bus and walked past us. The Rugby World Cup is taking place in New Zealand now, and we saw fans from different countries all over the world. When the All Blacks came in the terminal everyone started cheering.

Here's one of their star Backs, Sonny Bill Williams.

Here's Dan Carter, probably the most familiar face of the All Blacks. Unfortunately he suffered an injury a few days after this photo was taken and is out for the rest of the tourney.

A Trip To Royal City, WA

2011-10-08T19:32:00.000-07:00

On Saturday September 17th, we drove up to Royal City, WA to visit Kelly's cousin Randy and his wife Cindy. Dave had never been to their place and we hadn't seen them since last summer, so we thought it would be to head up there for a night.

Shortly after we arrived we all headed over to the Cave B Inn and Spa in George, WA where they also have a winery. We shared a couple of bottles of wine and appetizers while enjoying the view of the Columbia River. Here are a few photos from Cave B. The curved roofed stone buildings are individual cliffehouses available for rent.

Sarah & Randy

Here's Randy showing Kelly one of his planes.

Here's Kelly in the plane.

Another shot of some of Randy's planes.

We had a fun ride in their Checker Cab, which they have nicknamed the Centipede.

Having breakfast out by the pool.

Driving over the Columbia River on our way back to Selah.

Maroon 5 & Train Concert

2011-10-08T19:31:00.001-07:00

We packed up and moved out of our house on September 12th and drove up to Selah to spend a week with Kelly's folks before leaving for our orientation in Denver. On Tuesday the 13th, Dave flew to Seattle to see Maroon 5 and Train in concert. It was a fantastic evening!

Touring the Willamette Valley

2011-10-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

We wanted to do a little get away before it was time to leave for another season in Antarctica, so Tuesday September 6th, we drove over to the Willamette Valley to check out Oregon's wine country. We rented a little cottage outside the town of Amity for three nights and enjoyed the views and solitude it had to offer. Here's a photo of Kelly in the gazebo at our cottage, which was called Bella Collina.

The cottage was located in the Eola Amity hills and had beautiful views of the surrounding area and this waterfall and pond on the property.

Here's Dave sitting outside the cottage enjoying some wine and appetizers after we arrived.

The view north from our cottage

Enjoying the sunset on the first night.

A barn at the Bergstrom Winery near Newberg.

View from the Bergstrom Winery and a few other photos from there below.

The Penner-Ash Winery and a few more photos below.

Here we are enjoying the sunset from our gazebo.

The sunset from Bella Collina.

The vineyard at Domaine Serene Winery

Dave enjoying a glass of wine at Domaine Serene.

A few more shots from Domaine Serene

Looking out a window at the Domaine Droughin Winery.

The Domaine Serene Winery

The entrance to Bella Collina

A sculpture outside our cottage followed by a few shots of the inside.

Camping At Waldo Lake

2011-10-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

The Bend Cycle Pub

2011-08-31T10:51:00.003-07:00

Ever since we read about the Cycle Pub earlier this spring we have been wanting to do it. This pub on wheels was designed and built here in Bend and you basically pedal your way around town visiting various drinking establishments while drinking beers or wine along the way.

We figured we had better experience this before we left again for Antarctica, so we got it booked for Sunday August 28th from 3:30 to 5:30. It can accommodate up to 14 people, 12 of who actually pedal. We had 13 people, so our extra person was the designated bartender.

Here we are in the parking lot getting ready to go.

Kelly's got his seat and is ready for the party to begin.

Here we are pedaling the cycle pub with Bill.

Christa, Mindy & Norman, with our driver Jen up front.

Our first stop was the Riverside Market where we enjoyed pints and a quick game of Cornhole.

Norman was playing it safe by wearing a bike helmet on his straw hat. At this point he was also the DJ and the Bartender.

Here are Dave, Dave White, Bill and Kelly. It was much harder pedaling this contraption than we thought it would be and we worked up quite a sweat as well as a thirst.

Shannon & Kelly at 10 Barrel.

Syd, Brian, Dave & Mindy hamming it up at 10 Barrel.

Shannon & Mindy up front with Norman, John, Dave, Syd, Sara, Dave White & Brian in back.

Here's the group shot as we're leaving 10 Barrel.

Syd, Bill, Dave, Norman & John as we pedal our way back to Goodlife Brewing Co. where the tour starts and ends.

Bill & Dave

Kelly, Mindy & Norman, back at the Goodlife biergarten.

Syd & Shannon at Goodlife Brewery.

Christa & Bill

After the cycle pub we went back to Norman & Dave's house.

Bill & Kelly

Syd & Dave

Dave White piles on the hammock with Sara & Brian.

Sara & Dave

A Prairie Home Companion Comes to Bend

2011-08-31T10:51:00.002-07:00

We were excited when we learned that Garrison Keillor was bringing his Prairie Home Companion Show to the Les Schwab Amphitheater this summer. Although we must admit we don't listen to the show regularly, we do enjoy his humor and were happy to get the chance to see the show in person.

We were also happy to learn that some friends of ours from New Mexico, who we worked with in Antarctica were coming up for the show. Here we are with Carol & Richard (aka Stretch) at 10 Barrel the night before the show.

The show took place on August 25th and lasted nearly three hours. Here are Garrison & Heather Masse from the Wailin' Jenny's, who was the musical guest.

Garrison doing his thing, telling stories...and making everyone laugh!!!

At different times during the show he walked through the crowd as he was singing.

Heather & Garrison singing a duet as they walked through the crowd during intermission.

Hiking the Metolius River and Wizard Falls Hatchery

2011-08-31T10:51:00.001-07:00

August 24th we drove to the Metolius River to do a hike as neither one of us had ever been there before. It was designated a National Wild & Scenic River in 1988 and since we've heard of it's beauty and we live so close, it's some place we've been wanting to visit for years.

This shot was taken at the headwaters of the river, which emerges from the ground near the base of Black Butte. It's pretty unique to see this rushing river come right out of the ground.

From the headwaters, we drove downstream to the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery and checked out the tanks full of fish, which were a variety of different sizes.

Some of the trout at the hatchery.

Wizard Falls on the Metolious River.

Here's a spot we found during our hike where like the headwaters of the river, there's a large flow of water coming out of the side of a hill.

Dave next to a Ponderosa Pine.

The Annual East Lake Camping Trip

2011-08-31T10:51:00.000-07:00

Every summer we try to get to Cinder Hill Campground at East Lake with Norman & Dave. This years adventure took place on Sunday August 21st. After securing one of our favorite campsites, we headed to the beach to enjoy an afternoon of lounging in the sun. Unfortunately Mother Nature had other things in store for us. Not long after settling in at the beach, the sun disappeared behind some clouds, which were previously nowhere to be seen. Shortly after that we heard the distant sound of thunder, which soon became rain and eventually hail. Determined not to let a little inclement weather ruin our vacation, we stayed on the beach until it all blew over, which was about 25 minutes later.

Not long after the hail ended a Cicada flew in and landed on Norman. Being locust like, we made some biblical jokes about having to endure the plagues of Egypt with the hail and then the Cicada. Not long after that we discovered that between the beach and our campsite were literally thousands of tiny frogs. They must have just recently morphed from their tadpole stage as they were crawling all over the rocks. As you can tell in the photo below they weren't easy to see...can you find the frog???

Here's one of the frog's on Dave's hand. Fortunately the plagues ended, the water didn't turn red, we didn't get boils and the sun eventually came back out.

Dave White's enjoying the return of the sun...

...as is Kelly.

Here's a dragonfly that landed on Dave's finger.

We met a nice couple from Portland who were camping for the weekend, so we invited them to come down to join us for cocktails. Here are Dave & Norman with Mike & Jeff.

Here's Mike with their dog Bodhi.

Kelly enjoying the company & campfire

The Bend Brewfest 2011

2011-08-31T10:50:00.000-07:00

Since we left for McMurdo in early August last year we weren't here to attend the Bend Brewfest, so we were happy to be here for the annual event this summer. This year there were over 100 craft beers on hand for the tasting and it was held on three nights, August 18th - 20th. No we didn't try all the beers, but we did enjoy getting to sample some beers we had never tried before from some local breweries as well as breweries from throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Visits from Friends

2011-08-11T16:49:00.000-07:00

The weekend of July 23rd and 24th, Paul Paladino came to visit Norman & Dave. Here he is with Norman and Kelly when we were checking out the Central Oregon Builders Association Tour of Homes.

Sunday night we had a cookout at Norman & Dave's house.

Monday August 25th we got to visit with Sarah, Gunnar and Lily who were in town from New York. It was great seeing them and how much the kids have grown.

Wednesday August 3rd, Kim & Pete came to town for the night. Here they are with Amy & Kelly at the Alive After 5 David Lindley concert.

Monday August 8th we met up at Portello with Matt, Jen & Remy Johnson. Matt is a Pilot with the New York Air National Guard and we work with him in Antarctica. They were in town for vacation for a few days.

Here's Matt & Jen with their son Remy at 10 Barrell Brew Pub.

A Trip to Seattle and Randy's Apple Butter Party

2011-08-11T16:00:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, August 5th we drove up to Seattle for the weekend. We spent that night in Ballard with friends Elizabeth, Julie, Teri and Kristen. Here's a photo of Elizabeth and Kelly at the Loft where we all met for Happy Hour.

Dave & Julie at Happy Hour

Saturday morning we drove out to Monroe for Randy Thompson's Apple Butter Party. He usually holds this annual event in October, but since he's hoping to join us in Antarctica this winter, he held the party a few months early. Traditional Apple Butter is made from fresh apples, but since that's a two day process, Randy has opted to use applesauce. Here's Dave pouring one of the many cans in to the copper kettle.

Here's Kelly stirring the apple butter. Randy along with his Parents and friends Alan & Wendy started the process at 5:00 am. We showed up at 10:00 and other guest showed up throughout the day.

College friend Alan Mock was out from Wisconsin for the party. Here he's entertaining us with music as Becky and Henry visit with Randy's Mom Roma Jo.

Henry's favorite part of the day was spent spraying the hose...he learned this from Kelly.

Alan & Dave enjoyed singing songs they used to do 25 years ago when they both lived in Indiana.

Everyone enjoyed the beautiful day as they awaited their turn to stir the Kettle.

Alan & Dave

Randy collected the names of his visitors on this sign. He had over 40 people attend.

Randy takes his turn stirring

Wendy, Alan and Kelly

After 13 hours of

stirring over the fire it has finally boiled down enough that we were ready for canning.

Alan & Jan lift out the stirring paddles as Pedro cleans it off with a spatula.

Kelly helping with the canning process.

Dave is scooping out the Apple Butter in a pot that Randy takes to the canning table.

Everyone had a job to do...

These jars are filled and cooling.

Henry's helping Kelly clean up.

Cascade Cycling Classic

2011-08-11T15:23:00.000-07:00

Every July we enjoy watching the Cascade Cycling Classic criterium where the cyclists race around the streets downtown, but this year one of the stages went close by our place. We had just come home from a run, so we walked up to Tetherow and watched them come down the hill and head on up Century drive.

Here's a video of Saturday nights Criterium as all the riders went by us on Bond St.

Dave's Camping Trip to Mt. Rainier National Park

2011-08-11T14:40:00.000-07:00

On Thursday July 14, Dave drove up to Mt. Rainier National Park to meet up with friends from Antarctica for a long weekend of camping. Kim Bowyer had reserved a group campsite at Cougar Rock Campground last winter for this first ever summer gathering of Ice folks from the Northwest. We had a good turnout of 20 people and Kim has already reserved two spots for next summer in anticipation of this event growing.

Nichole, Amy & Bija

Drew's enjoying a beer around the campfire

Friday morning we did a hike up the Westside Rd. and then along the Emerald Ridge Trail. Here are Drew, Nichole and Kim.

Moss hanging from a fallen log

Different colored moss on another fallen log.

Dave on a swinging bridge...that's about as far as he went...

...instead he opted to photograph the bridge from below.

Nichole crossing the bridge

Taking a lunch break

The view from further up the ridge

View of the Tahoma Glacier

A cluster of dwarf dogwood

Drew attempting to cross a stream via this small log.

The view looking down the valley

Shawn, Kim, Elizabeth & Nick

Amy & Julie

Rebbecca, Amy, Nathan, Nick and Julie

Saturday morning we did a short hike near our campground. Here's Elizabeth with the river raging behind her.

Elizabeth & Andrea

Here's a shot of those who went on this hike; Nichole, Elizabeth, Shawn, Rebbecca, Kim, Jena, Ken, Drew, Dave, Nick, Andrea, Julie and Carrie.

Nichole & Drew waiting for the shuttle bus

Saturday afternoon we took the shuttle up to Paradise where we were welcomed with occasional views of the mountain.

Most of us took a hike up the trail for better views. Normally in July this trail would have been through an alpine meadow full of wildflowers rather than on six feet of snow.

Jena & Nick hiking up a snow field

View of Cathedral Rocks

Dave & Rainier

Nick, Kim & Nichole near Panorama Point

Kim & Nick

View of our group with Rainier

A clear view of the mountain

Julie, Amy, Rebbecca, Elizabeth & Carrie

Moose & Drew

The Annual 4th of July Pet Parade

2011-07-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

We always enjoy watching the Pet Parade on the 4th. There are hundreds of participants with a wide variety of Pets. Here are some photos of a few of our favorites.

Bends very popular Cycle Pub also took part in the parade. This pub on wheels has room for 14 people who pedal around town as they drink.

This pouch is riding in a rocket on a bike.

The floating dog is always a crowd favorite.

This dog is dressed as a bee, complete with wings, antennae and goggles.

First Friday Maine Style

2011-07-13T11:52:00.000-07:00

Since we were in Maine for the first Friday in July, Kelly thought it would be a good idea if we all created a piece of art to display on Friday night as a First Friday Art Walk, since we would be missing it back in Bend.

Everyone got involved and worked on their projects throughout the week. We had all the art displayed on the front deck and enjoyed looking it over while drinking wine and swatting mosquitoes.

One of Cindy's projects was this painting she did on driftwood.

Delaney did this montage of the sea, which included a boat, starfish, lobster trap, fish and sea urchin.

Cindy also created this egret made from wire and shell and mounted on driftwood.

Brad used a magnifying glass to burn the letters on this driftwood.

Brad, Ana, Delaney and Cindy.

Kelly, Delaney and Ana

Dave decided to do a project with photos he took throughout the week. Each of the photos were displayed in a slide show and then brought all together in the final slide as shown here. Indian Point is the southern tip of Georgetown Island where the cabin is located.

Kelly used rocks he collected with wire and beads and brought them all together to create this rock sun catcher chain which is hanging from a tripod he made from tree branches. It's still sitting at Keller's cabin for other's to enjoy.

Everyone enjoying the art.

Kristin used wire, beads and sea glass she collect at the beach, to make these decorative hiking sticks for she and John.

This is Jacob's contribution. He loves pirate ships!

Ana made all these paintings as well as the sign with her last name on driftwood.

Spenser painted this buoy with his interpretation of the ocean and local beaches, which he hung inside a lobster trap he found on the rocks.

Brad and Cindy

John created this beautiful Zen piece with driftwood, rocks, shells, bark and wildflowers he picked.

Everyone had such a good time making and displaying their projects. Here everyone is toasting to the success of the evening.

Our Last Day In Maine

2011-07-13T11:51:00.001-07:00

We packed allot in to our last full day at the Keller's Cabin. Dave went on a walk with Spenser int he morning on some trails he had never been on before. They saw a few deer and wild turkey as well as picking up a couple of ticks.

Dave sang with John & Kristin.

We all went to the beach one last time. Here are Kelly & Brad crossing Little River to get over to the beach at nearby Reed State Park.

Ana, Jacob, Delaney & Kristin playing in Little River.

Delaney & Ana in Little River.

Spenser playing paddle ball with his parents at the beach at Reed State Park.

Cindy going for a return.

That evening we went back to Five Islands for dinner.

View from Five Islands.

Ana & Jacob at Five Islands.

The Gilbert family; Spenser, Delaney, Brad & Cindy.

The Keller Family; Kristin, Ana, Jacob & John.

Kelly & Dave at Five Islands.

View from Five Islands.

We all had ice cream after dinner.

After ice cream we headed back to the cabin for our First Friday Art Walk.

Our Hike To Indian Point

2011-07-13T11:50:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday July 8th we all walked to Indian Point, which is the southern most point on Georgetown Island. It takes about an hour to walk there from the cabin and we always enjoy looking for shells, sea glass and other treasures along the way.

Brad at Indian Point.

Jacob & Kristin hiking to the point.

Spenser and Dave at the point.

Our group shot at Indian Point.

John & Ana near the point. You have to jump from rock to rock to avoid the very slippery seaweed.

Our First Few Days in Maine

2011-07-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

Friday June 24th we drove up to Ogunquit, Maine where we spent the night at the Admiral's Inn. We spent the day walking around this quaint touristy town, checking out the shops.

Kelly took this colorful shot of some beautiful landscaping.

Saturday morning we met Gary & Deb Winslow and their children Everett & Cora for breakfast. Dave used to work with Gary & Deb in Antarctica. They drove all the way over from Vermont to visit us.

Saturday after we meet the Gilbert's and the Keller's in Bath, ME where we did the bulk of our shopping for the week. Here's Spenser with a handful of Humpty Dumpty BBQ Potato Chips. We all absolutely love these!!!

John, Delaney and Spenser in the parking lot at Shaw's where we met and got our groceries.

After shopping we all drove out to the cabin. John's Grandparents built this cabin in the 50's, which is on Georgetown Island about a 45 minute drive up the coast from Bath.

We were greeted by this seal who was swimming around in front of the cabin.

We enjoyed playing allot of Backgammon, Cribbage and Euchre during the week.

Mossy rocks near the beach.

Lichen on the rocks.

The geology near the cabin is really interesting. There are so many striations of different type of rock as shown in this photo of Dave.

Kelly proposed that we all create something artistic which represents Maine during our visit and that we present them on Friday night. Here Cindy, Delaney and Spenser are gathering potential art pieces on the beach.

Delaney found a bunch of buoys lodged in the rocks.

Sunday night we went to Five Islands Lobster Co. where we bought hard shelled lobsters for dinner.

John, Kelly & Brad getting our lobster.

Here's John plating up the lobster.

Brad with his enormous lobster!

Spenser enjoyed lobster for the first time,

After five days of rainy overcast weather since arriving out east, we were very happy to awake to a sunny day on Monday. Here you can see the Keller's cabin as it's perched on the rocks above the ocean.

Keller's Cabin

Our Trip Out East...First Stop Boston

2011-07-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

Wednesday June 22th we flew to Boston where we spent two days visiting friends before continuing on to Maine where we were spending a week with our friends the Gilbert's and the Keller's.

The first night we stayed with Dave & Jess Carpenter in the town of Ipswich. Dave and Dave roomed together at McMurdo back in 2001. Here's Kelly & Dave Carpenter with our trusty rental car.

Thursday we met up with our friend Charlie Langfeld who also worked with us in Antarctica. We went to North Boston for dinner that night and we came across this statue of Paul Revere.

The restaurant we ate at was on the Boston Freedom Trail.

Here we are enjoying a glass of wine with Charlie at a wonderful Italian Restaurant named Carmen.

Grocery Store in the Italian area of North Boston

A Visit from Drew & Nichole

2011-07-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

Monday June 20th our friends Drew & Nichole came down from Portland and spent a few days with Amy. Here are Drew, Dave, Nichole, Amy & Norman at Portello.

Here's Amy, Nichole and Drew at our house for dinner that night,

Back Home in Bend at 10 Barrel Brewery

2011-06-20T16:05:00.001-07:00

We flew back home on Monday June 13th and the next day we had our friend Eric drive down for a quick visit from Seattle.

Here's Eric, Amy, Norman and Kelly at 10 Barrel. The person standing in the background in the white t-shirt is Bend's resident movie star Matthew Fox.

Sunday Night at the Chief

2011-06-20T16:05:00.000-07:00

One of the reason we always gain weight when we're back in Indiana, is because Dave can't stay away from the delicious homemade peanut butter ice cream at the Chief.

Here's Gary, Kelly & Cinda enjoying their ice cream cones the night before we left to come back home.

We've never seen this place without a long line.

A Quick Trip to Indianapolis

2011-06-20T16:04:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 11th we drove down to Indianapolis for a quick visit with Rob & Trysha and the boys.

Here's Kelly, Mom Haney, Judy, Micah, Trysha and Ron (Trysha's Dad) and Josh's baseball game.

Josh playing third base.

Josh at bat

Dave & Micah

That afternoon we went to Micah's ball game. Here he is playing first base.

Micah got a hit every time he was up to bat.

Micah running to first base.

Micah was helping us shuck the corn for dinner that night.

He and Josh were playing soccer in the yard before dinner.

Carter's Ball Game

2011-06-20T16:03:00.001-07:00

Saturday June 4th we went to Carter's ball game in Elkhart. Here are some photos from his game.

Getting on his batting helmet.

Hannah was there to cheer on her Brother.

Carter was the catcher that day.

Carter up at bat...looks like this one got by him.

Time with the Gilbert Family

2011-06-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

Besides getting to spend time with Dave's family when we're back in Indiana, we also enjoy spending time with our friends Brad & Cindy and their kids Spenser and Delaney.

Here's Kelly with Cindy, Mom Haney and Brad at First Friday in Goshen.

This contraption is a John Deere engine which is being used to churn the Homemade Amish ice cream at First Friday in Goshen. It was delicious!

Cindy and Kelly are getting ready to devour their Pizza's at Venturi, the new very popular pizza place in Goshen,

Although Dave hadn't played tennis in over seven years, for some reason he thought it would be a good idea to play with Spenser, who plays #1 singles for Elkhart Memorial High School. It didn't turn out too well, but we had a good time. Here's Dave attempting a serve.

Here's Spenser showing his much superior serving form.

Brad, Delaney and Cindy are watching the rout.

Brad decided to come in and help Dave, but it didn't do much good.

The Cubs Game In Chicago

2011-06-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

Wednesday June 1st we drove up to Chicago for a Cubs game. We checked in to our hotel at 11:00 and then headed straight for Murphy's Bleachers, a bar right outside the stadium.

Here's Kelly at Murphy's Bleachers

Dave at Murphy's Bleachers

The view of Murphy's Bleacher from the stadium.

Kelly soaking up sun at Wrigley Field

Darwin Barney got a hit to lead off the game.

The Cubs 21 year old Shortstop Starlin Castro at bat.

Carlos Pena at first base

Kosuke Fukadome in right field

The Cubs versus the Astros

Here we are after the game. Unfortunately the Cubs lost, which has happened way too often this season. Oh well, we had a great time anyway!

Memorial Day Weekend in Indiana

2011-06-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

Tuesday May 24th we accompanied Mom Haney back to Indiana. We spent the next three weeks there visiting friends and Dave's family.

All of Dave's family, with the exception of Kara, were able to make it to Goshen for Memorial Day weekend. Here's a bunch of photos from the weekend, which culminated with a family gathering on Monday at the Club House in Mom Haney's Subdivision.

Steve with Hannah & Kylie

Anson Playing a game with Uncle Ryan

Here's Carter helping Great-Uncle Kelly with the dishes.

Kylie & Kelly

Here are all of Steve & Ginny's Grandkids. Anson, Hannah, Kylie, Carter, Nick & Jozef.

Here we are with Anson

Here's a cute little video of Anson showing us how he can wink back and forth with both eyes and then getting tickled by Dave

Here's Jozef and Eric playing frisbee golf at Ox-bow Park on Saturday morning.

Here's Alison & Steve when we were doing a walk along the Pumpkinvine Trail on Sunday afternoon. We completed our walk just as a severe thunderstorm moved in to the area, which did spawn at least on tornado...welcome back to the Midwest!!!

Megan, Shaun and their kids came and stayed with us Sunday night after the storm let up. Here's Shaun playing with Bennett & Avery.

Here's Micah grabbing a few cheese balls at Monday's family gathering.

Ginny, Addyson & Courtney as we get ready to eat.

Gathering for the prayer before the meal.

Rob, Trysha, Josh & Shaun.

Ginny holding Addyson

Addyson with Great-Uncle Dave. She got lots of attention being the newest addition to the family.

Sitting around in the club house

Mom Haney

After lunch we spent the rest of the afternoon out by the pool.

Since there has to be an adult in the pool with kids, we were the likely choice for the job so we got to play with them.

Here we are with Josh, Hannah, Carter & Micah

Kelly and the kids

Dave & Hannah

Carter & Morgan

Dave with Josh & Hannah

Steve, Rob & Trysha enjoying the sun.

Morgan, Hannah & Andrea

Kelly holding Morgan and Dave holding Addyson

After the family left we went with Mom Haney to the cemetery to plant flowers at Dave's Dad & Sister graves

Mom Haney planting flowers at the cemetery.

Pole Pedal Paddle 2011

2011-06-20T15:57:00.000-07:00

May 21st was the Pole Pedal Paddle. We always enjoy volunteering for this race as well as watching it. We spent five hours the day before the race handing out race packets. Saturday morning we went out in front of our subdivision to watch the race, but with all the bad weather we had this spring it wasn't quite the experience we've had in previous years. It was overcast and cold and after it started raining 20 minutes in to our viewing we decided to head back to the house. Here are the few photos we took this year.

Mom Haney and Kelly watching the Pole Pedal Paddle.

The Painted Hills

2011-06-20T15:56:00.000-07:00

On May 19th we drove to the Painted Hills, which is part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Even though it's only a two hour drive from Bend neither of us had ever been there before. We thought it would be a nice trip to do while Mom Haney was visiting.

We were blown away by the beauty of this place and it will now be on our list of places to take any friends or family who come visit us in the future. Here's a panoramic video of the area and some photos we took.

Mom Haney and Dave at the Painted Hills

Kelly at the Painted Hills

Kelly, Mom Haney and Dave

Dave at the Painted Hills

Mom Haney on the boardwalk at the Painted Hills

We saw numerous Jack Rabbits during our visit

A Visit From Kara

2011-05-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

Friday the 13th our Niece Kara drove down from Seattle for the weekend. We get to see her every year when we're in Seattle, but Mom Haney hadn't seen her for a few years, so it was really nice to have her come down for a visit.

Our Trip to Cannon Beach

2011-05-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

We left Tuesday morning for the Oregon Coast where we had a house rented for two nights at Cannon Beach. It's our favorite spot on the coast and with all the bad weather we've had in the Pacific Northwest this spring, we were actually blessed with some beautiful weather for our visit.

We drove past this pretty field of canola on the drive over.

Kelly's folk's drove down from Washington and met us there. Here's Kelly with his Mom in the front yard of our house.

The view from our deck

Mom Haney with Dad & Mom Cheek in front of our beach house.

Kelly with Mom & Dad Cheek. Our house is the one to the left of the stairs.

Out for a walk along the beach.

Mom Haney walking the beach with Haystack Rock in the background.

A view of our house from the beach.

Mom Haney & Mom Cheek at Haystack Rock.

Haystack Rock

Dave & Mom Haney relaxing on the front deck.

The view of the living area from our bedroom loft.

Kelly, Mom Cheek & Mom Haney relaxing in the house.

The sun peaking through the clouds.

Dad Cheek tries on a fun hat while we were checking out the stores in town.

A group shot in front of our house. It was a bit colder our second day there.

Coming down the stairs for a walk along the beach.

Mom Haney & Dave walking the beach.

Some colorful driftwood washed up on shore.

Dave on the beach.

One of the many streams leading to the ocean.

Kelly & Haystack Rock.

We had nice weather for the drive back to Bend on Thursday. Here's a shot of Three Fingered Jack as we were coming over Santiam Pass.

Mother's Day

2011-05-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

Since we had both of our Mom's with us on Mother's day we fixed them brunch which included Dave's special mimosa creation. Our Sister-in-Law Ginny suggested we call it a Momosa since it was for Mother's day, so that's its new official name.

Here's Mom Haney with her Momosa.

Here's Mom Cheek enjoying her Momosa.

Kelly's getting the table ready for brunch, which consisted of Kelly's homemade savory muffins and Dave's two egg casseroles, one was sausage & veggies and the other was chicken, pesto and feta.

Mom Haney & Randy

Kelly's 50th Birthday Party

2011-05-18T12:35:00.000-07:00

We had Kelly's party on Saturday the 7th and Randy came down from Seattle to attend.

Here's the spread of food we had.

Luis & Val were amongst the 26 guests we had.

Tom & Judy

Kelly, Luis & Lillian are checking out something on Tom's IPhone.

The two Birthday cakes, carrot & decadent chocolate.

Eddie, Evan & Kelly

Tom, Norman, Julie & Dave

Lillian, Jason & Luis

Mom & Dad Cheek came down from Selah, WA for the weekend.

Dave & Mom Haney. She flew out the day before the party to spend a few weeks with us.

Kelly & Dave

Val, Paul, Dave White & Rex

Eddie & Lynette

Kelly's 50th Birthday

2011-05-18T12:18:00.000-07:00

Here's Kelly opening his card and a few gifts on Birthday morning.

Here he's showing off his new Zagiri shirt and if you look closely you'll notice the pill box on the counter which he also got. Now that he's 50, he probably needs all the help he can get when it comes to remembering to take his pills.

After Kelly's first year working in Antarctica we visited the Daniel Schuster Winery in the Waipara Valley on the South Island of New Zealand. We tried this really nice Pinot Noir but were told that it would be better if we saved it for five years. We jokingly said at the time that we would save it for Kelly's 50th birthday although we really had no intention of doing so...well we did and we finally cracked it open to celebrate the occasion.

For his Birthday dinner we had a wonderful meal at Zydeco, our favorite restaurant in Bend.

Ice Brunch at Rebecca's

2011-05-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

When we flew back to the States from Puerto Vallarta we had to spend the night in Seattle before flying back to Yakima the next day. We spent the night with our friend Elizabeth and then joined her the next morning for brunch at Rebecca's house with other friends we had worked when in Antarctica over the years.

Here are Rebecca, Kelly, Elizabeth and Charlee.

Rebecca is showing her chickens to Elizabeth, John and Burmie.

Teri, Elizabeth & Dave

We shared many laughs that morning with the help of some delicious mimosas.

Elizabeth, Burmie, Melanie & Kristen

Elizabeth, Julie & Rebecca

Puerto Vallarta with Norman, Liz and Alex....

2011-04-13T16:21:00.000-07:00

After spending a two weeks in Selah with Mom & Dad Cheek, we left on March 5th for Puerto Vallarta. Unlike our normal post-ice travels where we are moving around from one place to another, we thought we would give staying put in one place a try. We rented a three bedroom, three bath condo in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for four weeks which we shared with various groups of friends.

The day we arrived just happened to be the day of their Mardi Gras pride parade.

Our first friend to arrive was Norman and here he is with Dave at the parade.

Kelly & Norman on the streets of PV enjoying the parade.

Norman and Dave on the terrace of our condo.

Here are a few photos of our condo Casa Benjamin. You can check out the website at http://www.casabenjamin.com/. It was a beautiful place and fit our needs perfectly.

Kelly & Norman are riding the funicular from the ground level up to our unit.

Our friends & suite mates Liz & Alex arrived on Monday. Here they are in the small heated pool on our terrace.

Everyday we would spend at least a few hours at the beach. Here's Dave, Liz & Alex at Ritmo's.

Kelly at Ritmo's. Ritmo's is the beach area where we hung out. It's a bar/restaurant where they provide pallapas and umbrellas and you can spend as much time there as you'd like as you long as you end up buying something.

Here is the church in the main square of Old Town, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

While we were walking along the Malecon (paved walkway along the beach) one day we came across these guys climbing this pole.

They climbed up without ropes or harnesses. When they got to the top they pulled up ropes that were hanging down and tied them around their feet. They then started spinning the top portion they were seated on, wrapping the ropes around the pole.

They then proceeded to fall backwards, supported only by these ropes around their feet and they spun around the pole as the ropes unwound and lowered them to the ground. It was pretty cool to watch!

A view of the Malecon along the beach in Old Town

Norman, Alex & Liz playing in the water.

Kelly lounging at the beach.

Alex loved the fact that he could shop at the beach without having to leave the comfort of his chair. Here he is checking out a mask that one of the many beach vendors was trying to sell.

Here are Liz & Dave at The Swedes. This turned out to be one of our favorite restaurants and their Crow's Nest Bar was awesome.

Here are Kelly & Norman relaxing on the terrace.

The first week we were there we saw Humpback Whales from the terrace of our condo almost every day. This particular night there was a mother with her baby who were jumping out of the water constantly as they swam along the beach. Here's a photo of the baby as it's jumping out of the water.

Norman & Tim coming down the funicular.

Here we are the Crow's Nest with some guys we met from Chicago. Mike, Norman, Tim, Dave & Kelly.

Here's Carlos, our favorite waiter at The Swedes, signing Norman's chest.

Puerto Vallarta with Pat, Amy and Susie

2011-04-13T16:20:00.000-07:00

All along the beach and the Malecon there are numerous sculptures.

We found this Bar the "Cheeky Monkey" along the Malecon and had to check it out. The monkey picture does sort of resemble Kelly with the little coif of hair in front!

Here are a few more sculptures

There were also people working on these amazing sand sculptures.

After Norman, Liz & Alex left we had another round of friends join us. Here are Pat & Susie enjoying a day at the beach.

Dave, Pat, Amy & Susie in the heated pool on our terrace.

Post beach happy hour at the condo.

An evening at the Crow's Nest Bar.

Kelly, Dave, Susie & Amy having dinner at the Casa De Tandoor.

Looking down on the beach from Blue Chairs Bar.

This is the area of the beach where we hung out at Ritmo's.

Looking north from our area in the small & quaint Zona Romantica. North of us was Old Vallarta and then New Vallarta which is where all the big hotels and time share condos are located.

Having one of the meals at the condo that Kelly cooked for us.

This is the view from the pool at Terraza del Mar. There are two building located here and our condo was on the building on the left and six floors up.

Here we are relaxing in the infinity pool.

Susie & Amy at sunset on our terrace.

Kelly & Susie

Sunset from our terrace.

Our last week there we decided to do a boat trip to go snorkeling and visit the remote town of Yelapa. Here are the Los Arcos islands

Susie snorkeling in the bay of Majahuitas

Here are some photos of the beach as we approach Yelapa. It's a small village on the southern most cove of the Bay of Banderas.

Here are some photos of the village of Yelapa.

Dave & Kelly on the beach in Yelapa

Dave, Susie & Amy on the beach in Yelapa.

There was an open bar on our boat. Here's Kelly with fellow passengers Chad & Brie.

Susie, Amy, Dave & Kelly on the Vallarta Adventures catamaran.

Here we are at Sama, our favorite martini bar.

Amy & Susie taking the steps down to the beach.

Another beautiful sunset from our terrace.

Susie & Amy watching the sunset.

Susie & Amy at the Crow's Nest with Manuel working behind the bar.

On our last day we met some guys from the Sacramento area. Here's Dave bumping around the volleyball with them.

Casa de las Flores, one of the guest houses we passed each day on our walk to and from town. Our condo was a 10 minute walk to town and the beach.

Kelly walking back to the condo along the cobblestone streets,

Enjoying cocktails in our terrace pool on our last night in PV.

The guys we met at the beach from Sacramento invited us up to their condo, which was just behind ours, to watch the sunset. Here's the view of town from their place.

Phillip, Kelly, Ralph and Salaam.

Kelly, Dave, Phillip and Ralph at their condo at the Horizons.

Seattle Trip

2011-04-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

During the time we were back in the Northwest before heading to Mexico we made a trip to Seattle. One of our stops was to see the Grabers. After a fun evening of drinks and dinner we committed to visiting Lexi and Sydney's school to talk about Antarctica. The kids had been studying Antarctica and making stuffed Penguins, so we did a slide show of photos then took questions.

This is the class with their teachers. Lexi is by Dave in the dark sweater and Sydney is by Kelly.

Dave and the girls with their Tadpoles.

Diane, Dave, Lexi and Syd.

Dave, Diane and Kelly.

Back in Christchurch

2011-02-25T15:46:00.000-08:00

Since we flew to McMurdo on August 15th, we hadn't seen Christchurch since the earthquake they experienced on September 4th. As we walked around the city last weekend we saw empty lots where buildings had stood and many buildings were being braced up, like the church in the photo below. We also saw a lot of scaffolding around town as well as rebuilding and clean up still going on....that was during our three day stay...

... we flew back to the States on Monday February 21st, one day before the latest quake. It's so sad to see the recent photos of Christchurch on the Internet. This beautiful city we love now looks like a war zone.

Buildings we had strolled past the day before, now lay in ruins. Friends and co-workers still in the city ready for rest and relaxation, are now dealing with constant aftershocks, the loss of all their personal belongings and sleeping with 150 other people from McMurdo at the USAP clothing distribution center.

We are very thankful that we once again missed the devastation of this latest earthquake, but are even more thankful that all of friends and co-workers are safe.