Wednesday (January 13th) I returned from a fast moving almost-three week trip around the beautiful country of Chile. This was my first taste of Chile, and for that matter, South America. The trip ranged from numerous long flights, beautiful wineries, fireworks on the beaches of Valparaiso, taking it easy enjoying the restaurants, cafes, and parks in Santiago, overnight hiking in Southern Patagonia, and playing with Penguins as far south from home as I’d ever been. Just like any trip, it wasn’t long enough, but I had quite the adventure and am glad to share with you my first taste of Chile. (more…)
Hiking Helens 2015
Last weekend I went hiking to the top of Mt. St. Helens for the 4th time! My friend Ryan and I have been hiking it together since 2013 and though it’s grueling, the view from the top and the glacade down makes it all worthwhile.
(more…)
Ixa’s Birthday Dog Mountain Hike
This weekend, Ixa turned a year older and to celebrate I took her hiking up Dog Mountain with Ilona, Ryan, his wife and their dog. Ixa is a strong 75 pound pup and even though she was worn out as much as I was when we finished, she was a trooper and kept us going. (more…)
Hiking Horsetail Falls Loop
This weekend, my friend Cassie and I went on a hike around Horsetail Falls. For someone who has almost lived in Portland five years, I’ve never been to this location. Just makes me realize that there is a ton of the Gorge area that I haven’t seen yet.
We talked a few days before about getting some hiking in as I’ve only got a few more weeks till I hike up Mt. St. Helens once again (it’ll be my 4th time!). We didn’t have a clue where we were going, and knew we didn’t have a ton of time to do a long one. So instead of driving far into the Gorge area and getting some real miles into a hike, we went the easy route and did this one here. (more…)
New Zealand: 12 Days In
It’s 9am and I’m sitting at a park table next to the van that I’ve been riding in the last 12 days and I’ve realized that I haven’t been able to post anything until now. Internet in New Zealand isn’t just hard to come by, but it is expensive, so sorry VicLiv, you’ve had to fall victim to the price. Oh well, I’m writing now, you should be happy, let’s move on. (more…)
Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island
I arrived in Hanoi a few days ago and since then I’ve seen an amazing local violinist playing in a bar, went to Ha Long Bay, and met some awesome people. I’ve spent a few nights in Hanoi, one night on a boat, and one night on an island and now it’s off to Hue, Vietnam. (more…)
Bye Bye Beijing
I arrived in Beijing late on the night of the 5th, and had quite the adventure here meeting some amazing people, and seeing some amazing places I wasn’t planning to see. I’m glad Dan and Matt convinced me to get to Beijing. It was an excellent city with a lot going on.
I had three full days here in Beijing and feel that I filled my time pretty well. I saw four or so really awesome attractions (more…)
Life in DaLi
The last few days I’ve been with my friend Matt, his two daughters, and my new friend Dan exploring the town of DaLi. (more…)