Monday, May 30, 2011

Camping and Racing.

It's memorial day today and I am grateful. My brother has been in the Army for long enough and we are ready for him to come home. Praise God he is almost done! That being said we had a great time this past weekend camping, biking, hiking, eating and waltzing around downtown Bellingham but I couldn't help think of David often this week. We have freedom to explore such beautiful country!
Deception Pass is a beautiful place. It connects Whidbey Island and Anacortes. We camped nearby at Bay View State Park. I didn't manage to get many pictures of the campsites. I must admit I am a poor people picture taker.It was cold at night. Leila wrapped herself up to stay warm. And when she got too cold...
She kicked me out of my spot.

Our drive home took us on Chuckanut Drive, one of the most beautiful drives in the state.

We stopped in Bellingham to watch the Ski to Sea race. It starts up on Mt. Baker and over the course many hours ends at the port of Bellingham.
It begins with Cross Country Skiing, continues with downhill ski, then road biking which passes off to running, then canoeing, mountain biking and finally finishes with kayaking across the bay.
We watched a bit of the end and the mountain bike/ kayak transition.
We don't know this guy but he was happy. I guess he didn't see the 1.5-2 foot waves and 20 mile per hour wind he was going to have to deal with.
The final leg waiting to get in the water.
This week is the last week of my internship. We leave Saturday for California and Graduation! It's been a long time coming and I cannot wait to get that paper in my hand. June will be an exciting month for us. Lots of trips and fun to come!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

TriBerry Triathlon

I did my first triathlon of the year two weekends ago. I wasn't sure how I was going to do considering I haven't done one since before physical therapy school.
I didn't push myself knowing I was going to have to walk the next day. That's me on the far left in the pool. It's my second triathlon with a pool swim. It doesn't give you the whole experience without a lake swim but it was still fun.
Transition from swim to bike.




Finishing the bike with a new friend, Reed, who I rode next to from miles 5 to 15. Nice to meet people I can ride with that live in the area.

Transition from bike to run.

Leila wanted to run with me. I was very close to agreeing.
That's me finishing.

We Hike.

Blue Herrons come out at low tide to prey on small fish. Low tide happens around 1pm right now and it adds a new dimension to what you can explore.
Our pup loves the beach. The other day I led her out onto a sandbar and let her loose. I was a little hesitant since she still possesses everything a puppy has to offer but had my running shoes on just in case. She did great.
Chasing seagulls, getting her first run through open water, and the mistake of lapping up salt water were all experienced for the first time.
There is a trail in the state park that leads you into dense forest with lots of different animals and plant species.








No sunsets look alike and because of the rain and constant clouds it keeps you guessing what you are going to get that night.


Check out the white line in the middle of the picture. It was the weirdest thing. It spanned the entire length of the water's horizon.

Getting her vitamin D.
I did a triathlon today. Ben, Kate's brother took some picks. I'll post those soon.