Kayaking at 6300, Hiking at 8500

Craige, Greg and I loaded up the Pilot, grabbed Higgins (the dog) and headed up I-80 to the Sierra Nevadas, and beautiful Lake Tahoe. Their wonderful friends Dawn and Stephanie live up there in a pretty upscale place called Incline Village.

They have a wonderful house with a million dollar view of the lake. What followed was four days of gourmet dining (Steph, Craige and Greg are all great cooks), more sipping of fine California wines, great conversation, and just generally enjoying their home, complete with three decks and a very comfortable backyard.

We did manage to get out everyday, and get some serious exercise. The title of this blog reflects the elevations at which we did the exercise. Thursday evening (August 14, 2008) we did a "warm up" hike about their place at about 7500 feet in elevation. A bit steep at the beginning, but really pretty easy hike overall. I think it was about 2 miles, and the lack of oxygen was not too bad, but noticeable.

The next day we took a couple of kayaks down to the lake (6300 ft) and went out for about an hour and a half. It was a great way to see the increadible waterfront homes (mansions) on the lake. We managed to avoid a major water battle (although Steph looked like she really wanted to soak Dawn and Greg's kayak), and arrived back feeling pretty good. You will notice there is no mention of Craige in the activity section, he prefers to stay on shore or at home. Oh well, he does not know what he is missing.















With serious hangovers on Saturday morning (see next blog for the cause) we set out on a less ambitious hike than originally planned. It was still an excellent on, along the ridgeline about the lake. Stopped at a great granite formation overlooking the lake for lunch. Amazing for a Saturday, no one else there.
















Back to the house for another amazing meal. Boy, this is the life!

Veuve Clicquot - again......

Although Craige and Greg have been together many years, August 11, 2008 marks the one-year anniversary of their marriage (in Canada, of course).

So, for the second time this year, I find myself sipping Veuve Clicquot, third time if you count my "Christmas with the Gabors" (you don't want to know!).

If you find yourself sipping a lot of expensive champagne:

1) You are probably a lush
2) Your life is probably pretty exciting
3) You likely have some wonderful and generous friends

This was followed by:

Caprese Salad
Filet Mignon, with mushrooms and bernaise sauce
Roasted potatoes with fresh rosemary
Baby Asparagus with lemon
1997 Silver Oak Reserve Cabernet Saugvignon
Pluot Clafouti with vanilla ice cream (I know you have no idea what this is).

If you each send me 10 euros, I'll tell you what Pluot Clafouti is.

And this is only the first day!

Got off my Alaska Airlines flight the first day, August 9, and there was Craige waiting in SFO, prompt as always. Zipped back across the Bay Bridge, and sat in the backyard, listening to the fountain in the warm California sunshine (86 degrees).

I knew we were planning to go to a party sometime, but was not pleased to hear it was that night. Those of you who know me know that I am not a big mingler at all, and prefer small groups. Craige and Greg said we would have our own table, and mingling really was not necessary.

So - the party, private affair for winery members only and their guests at Clos du Val winery. I have been there a few times, and it is truly a beautiful setting. Went over to their friends Robert and Craig's in American Canyon, and the five of us set out up the Napa Valley.

We were ushered in just as the party was starting, so got a good parking space. As you can see by the pictures, we were nestled up against the winery right out by the vineyards themselves. It was a beautiful sunny evening.

The theme was Greek, and about half the guest were in costume. Greek Elvis and Greek Marilyn Merlot were the hits of the party. Food stations were set up spread out amoungst the vines, so there were no lineups, and it was very well organized. The shrimp and salmon were particularly good, and an entire lamb was being roasted over a spit (with apologies to my veg family/friends Laurie, Chris and Seth!).

Wine stations were also spread out, with only Reserve Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet being served - all excellent.

Then they announced they were pulling out the huge bottles of '77, '78 and '79 Cabernet Saugvignon, decanting them, and pouring generously. They did not just grab a few bottles, bottle after bottle was being pulled from the cellar all night; that way the wine was still the right temperature.

Everyone was quite loosened up by this point (read drunk), and all the Greek gods and godesses were dancing to some pretty fun music.

All in all, an excellent night, and amazing way to start this amazing trip.

Cheers!

Important notice about photos and access

Hi everyone,

Am finally figuring out my camera, this blog, my portable camera card reader, and my flickr account. So, guess I am ready to allow everyone access to my pictures. I have set it so anyone can see them (so pass on to anyone you think might be interested). I believe I have also blocked everyone from downloading my pictures. Any suggestions you all have would be much appreciated (especially from you techie people.

In order to view my photos, type in web address:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/whereintheworldisneil/

Although you can do a slideshow from the homepage, it will be all my camera images in reverse order, so suggest you click on "sets"

Then, choose a set by title/picture

Then when in the actual set, click on slideshow (in the upper right hand corner).

Enjoy!

Alaska Airlines AS 224, Seat 1D

Don't know why I took such an early flight, but got up at 3:30 AM, and headed to the airport by taxi. Customs and security were fairly easy, and decided at the very least I would treat myself to the lounge (Chris would be proud!). I had been unable to upgrade to First Class on my web check-in, and mentioned this to the lady at the lounge desk. She said something about problems upgrading when flight continued on to foreign countries; all she was able to do was give me Priority Upgrade status, and suggested I talk to the gate agent ASAP.

I did exactly that, and ta-da, I was upgraded for a measly $50.

Flight was nice, lovely breakfast of fresh fruit, cranberry juice and a warm scone served on a real plate with tablecloth.

I asked the First Class flight attendant (Lorrie) if she would mind taking my picture. I said that I knew it was kind of tacky, and she said no it was not. I was telling her about my trip, and I swear she was more excited than me. She said she absolutely had to get a picture with me, and grabbed another FA to be the photographer. So here we are hugging in the aisle of the plane, the other passengers probably wondering what the hell is going on. As I said before, this trip, and my attitude about it, seem to be infectious.

Let the trip begin

It occurred to me about a week ago, that there was no way I could cancel this trip, as it had already started. Although I sometimes feel a bit apprehensive, generally over the last couple of weeks I have been experiencing complete elation, somewhat akin to the feeling of bliss I experienced coming home from Yoga Teacher training a few years back. I know I have been generating huge amounts of positive energy, because of the way friends, family and even complete strangers are interacting with me. Some of my friends have said the most amazing things to me lately.
I have mentioned it to a number of people already, but it is true. If I won millions in a lottery over the next couple of weeks, there is nothing I would change about my present plans (OK, I would take time to give a bunch of the money away to those I love). I would still travel around the world Business Class. I would still do it for a year. I would still travel budget style.
I think I have found the thing I most want to do in this world, and have made it happen.


Well, 2 weeks and counting, so time for a little send off party. Tony and Phil generously offered their house and beautiful backyard for the shindig, and mother nature cooperated with a pleasant evening.
In the spirit of budget travel, I decided it should be a pot-luck style BBQ. But in the spirit of Business Class travel (did I mention I was travelling Business Class?), I pulled out a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne I got for my 50th birthday.
The food, drinks and company was just great. I have such an amazing group of friends. It was fairly low key, with lots of travel talk, and much laughter ringing out in the backyard.




I brought my backpack loaded with all the stuff I am taking, and everyone seemed quite amazed at how small and light it was. I am determined not to be one of those sweaty overloaded backpackers we have all seen here in Vancouver, or while travelling abroad. My book "First Trip Around the World" has some great packing tips, such as all lightweight quick dry clothes, including undies and socks. No heavy cotton stuff, such as jeans or sweatshirts. No shoes, just sandles, and a tiny summer weight sleeping bag that slips inside the pack, not hanging on the outside.

All the food was excellent, but I think the party-goers will agree that the highlight was Laurie's double chocolate cheesecake, complete with a chocolate horseshoe and chocolate plane taking off from the top of the cake - mmmmmmmm!
All in all, an excellent evening.


Oh yes, and David could not make it.

Happy Birthday to me!

Well, last year was the big one - 50, this year is a minor milestone, yet reflects my age as I embark on the big trip. The gang at work covered my office with streamers and balloons, and greeted me wearing feather boas - did I mention I love my job and the people I work with.

Dwayne and Skip dropped by the office, and Dwayne presented me with a Nikon Coolpix 8 megapixel camera. It is very slim, sleek, and is a beautiful sapphire blue. It shall be my constant companion as I travel the world. Skip added a three year warranty valid worldwide - excellent! Now, if only I could take great pictures like my talented sister Laurie.

Went out for dinner last night with Tony, Chris and Seth. Chris and Seth then took us on a mini tour of Gastown's trendiest hangouts - I had no idea! It felt like we were in New York - quite a vibe in some of the places.

Trip update: I now have my Star Alliance Business Class RTW ticket. It is an actual old-fashioned paper ticket (12 pages). My journey is as described in the previous post, not including Houston or Fiji. They made for too many stops/segments under the rules, so I had to drop them.

Most prep for the trip is done, still have to buy a pack, travel clothes, get some shots, and a couple of visas.

My strongest feeling right now is - Oh my God, I cannot believe this is actually happening! Can I really do this? Yes, just one step at a time!