31 October 2019 - Crystal Cove State Beach, California, USA

Just a small hello from the part of California that I love the most. Please enjoy this Halloween Sunset on the Pacific Coast.

18 October 2019 - Fujikawaguchico and Fijiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan

I had an extra week of vacation this year and had not really planned out my usual fall trip. I love traveling in spring and fall because of the cooler temperatures and smaller crowds, especially as children have returned to school thus the family vacation season is over. I decided to head to Japan to visit my best friend Zach and then spend a few days at the five lakes region of near Mt. Fuji, enjoying some hiking in the mountains and some relaxing visits to the Onsen (hot springs).

Due to a recent typhoon, it was very rainy for most of the trip. Many of the trains that I am comfortable with were canceled. For the first time, I finally got brave enough to learn how to use the bus system. It was a nice little trip, especially getting to return to the 5th station of Mt. Fuji where I enjoyed a nice hot plate of Japanese style curry.

After a few days in the mountains, I returned to Tokyo for a little bit of Sushi whit Zach and then headed to the airport for my flight home.

The land of Vending Machines...

13 October 2019 - Long Beach Half Marathon, California, USA

I told myself last year that I didn't really want to run the Long Beach Half Marathon again, but changed my mind and decided to go for the Beach Cities Challenge one last time before I go after my Rock N Roll Heavy Metal Challenge in 2020. This is the third year I have run this course and it was still most enjoyable. Here are a few photos from this race.

In the end, I am glad I ran it again. This is part of my life-long fitness goal to be able to continue to do this delightfully challenging distance.

4 October 2019 - RISE Festival - Jean, Nevada, USA

My sweetheart surprised me with a gift of a ticket to the Rise Festival in the Mojave desert near Las Vegas. I've seen videos of this event where paper lanterns are lit and fly up in an amazing display but have been curious about what it is like in person. We had driven to Las Vegas the previous day and enjoyed a short trip to Freemont Street.

As the afternoon approached we took a 25-mile drive south of the city into the desert near 7 magic mountains. They had us head out on a dry lake bed where a circular festival ground had been set up around a stage.

We walked around visiting the local food trucks and then found a spot in the circle. Listening to the indie/alternative bands play, we watched the sun start to set. At 7pm the first launch would occur!

It got a little bit colder and the wind started to pick up, however, the first launch was a success. It was a bit of an ordeal in patience as you had to light the lantern which took a few minutes, then hold it close to the ground to let the warm air build up which took about five more minutes. Then, if the wind didn't blow out the heat, it would float peacefully away. In some cases, people got impatient and ended up chasing a burning lantern across the desert floor.

Looking back on it I really enjoyed the experience. Here is a video I made of the experience: