George Washington National Forest Hike

Today I went on a 10 mile round-trip hike in the George Washington National Forest. I went with the Outdoor Adventure Social Club here in VA. J.B. was our fearless leader for the day. Our highest elevation was at Big Schloss. The translation of Schloss in German is castle and is a large limestone rock that protrudes well above the treeline.

J.B. pointing out Big Schloss

On top of Big Schloss

Ridgeline




Bridge to get out to the main rock

Decisions, decisions

Neat little cabin in the middle of the woods



Check back next weekend for summary and pictures of my trip to the Via Ferrata in West Virginia!

Crystal Mountains

The pictures are a little dark but the Blue Ridge Mountains were a sparkling white yesterday morning. It was pristine.

My House and First Snow of the Year

Here's a pic of my new place before and after snow. As you all know, I was in Texas while all of you had more snow than you ever wanted, but I was lucky enough to get to play in some today! And now it can go away! :)

Only 7 Miles from Skyline Drive

Mom and I took a trip up to Skyline Drive before she left and I snapped a few shots. It's quite dreary up there now but once spring hits the views will be spectacular. Come visit for a plethora of hikes, drives, views and waterfalls.

Are Bats Good Luck?

After moving into my new place, we settled in for a good nights rest. My mom was up in the loft on the futon when I hear her yelling down for me to turn on a light. There was a bat flying around! She came down the stairs with a blanket over her head holding her laptop in one hand and her phone in its flashlight app. I started laughing. The crazy little thing was flying everywhere. We had to get it out of here, so I tried to shoo it downstairs to let it go out the door but nooo, the thing just wanted to keep flying. So I pulled out my new Mr. Clean mop thing and started playing baseball. I hit it once and it flew downstairs sending my mom into yet another yelling spell. At this point I can barely stand up I'm laughing so hard. So I run downstairs and after many missed hits, finally made impact. Here are the results.

You can't see me, you can't see me...


Homerun!


Upside down on the broom after getting clipped.


Scared face?

I was laughing so hard I couldn't even stand up!

My pose!


Don't hate my pants cause they're beautiful!

Mazatlan, Mexico

My roommate from Washington, Dan, and I went to Mazatlan, Mexico on a relaxing 7 day vacation. The resort was beautiful and the area was nicer than I had expected.

Lobby of Pueblo Bonito at Emerald Bay

Pool at night

View from our room overlooking the main pool and beach

For Maggie - some real architecture, sticks and all

El Faro Lighthouse, the highest (not tallest) lighthouse in the world

A Cave under El Faro

Colorful rock formation

Another cave picture while the fog rolls in

A white island - due to birds


Sea Lions from California - they got lost. This is the only small little island that they beach on.

Colorful homes of Stone Island


Mexican Limousine - A tractor with a trailer with seats

Boats beached on shore

My horse - Travis was more personable


Coconut grove on our horseback ride - Coconuts are the main industry of Stone Island

Horse and Carriage ride of Stone Island

Mermaid statue at sunset on the Malecon (boardwalk)

Downtown Mazatlan

Great Restaurant in the Merchado

Mexican lighting system

Statue on the Malecon

Sunset at the diving platform - Divers dive from the top into a very small pool area surrounded by rocks - They only do it a certain time of day as to not hit bottom or the rocks, it was canceled due to the Carnival so I didn't get to see them.

Diving platform

Mermother and merson?

Dolphin Statue on the Malecon

Dolphin Reflection

Trolley for our City Tour

Would you like a picture? Sure! I told our waiters to all line up. Don't let the one on the left fool you, he's from Chicago!

Dan and I at Los Zapatos - Thanks for taking me on the trip!