Occupy D.C. Takes over McPherson Square

Occupy D.C. has certainly taken over McPherson Square!  It was an interesting experience walking through the square, as people have really set up camp.  Some tents are selling books, while others are selling camping supplies and food.  Martha's Table (an organization that helps to feed people in need) was set up on the corner offering meals.......??  

Protest or homeless shelter?

I went to the Occupy D.C.website to understand a little better what they are trying to occupy and this is what I found:

Occupy DC is a nonviolent occupation of public space in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street and Occupy movements everywhere. We are a grassroots movement empowering the 99% to have a say in returning the country to a just political and economic system. We are not a political party nor are we affiliated with any political party. This is a peoples movement led by a democratic system with the goal to restore social and economic justice.

Check this out for more info http://occupydc.org/

There must have been well over 100 tents, and I saw a sign that suggested they had been there for over 200 days....??  I know it is growing, and am curious how big it might get!  If you took away the political signs and added some climbing gear, I would say I was walking through Camp 4 in Yosemite - blue tarps blowing in the wind, people scattered throughout, an odd smell lingering in the air......
I'm going to leave the post at that, as my intent is to share with you things that are apart of my daily life, not to make a political statement!  Enjoy the Show!

D.C. Street Art in the Making.

I am certainly not one to ask about the history of D.C. street art, when it started, or who is doing it.....but I can tell you it is here....you just have to keep your eyes open, and slow down a bit to find it.  

I was one of the ones inspired by the Banksy movie "Exit Through the Gift Shop."  I still don't know much the technique and media that are used, but I do love the idea behind it, the artist presentation, and how it can easily change the aesthetics of my every day life.  The little stenciled guy above is one of my favorites......He is scattered across the streets in the city, but I only seem to notice him when I'm on my bike!

So, keep your eyes out!  I am sure there is more to come!

D.C. Chinese New Year Celebration

The Friendship Arch, a Chinese tradition, marks the entrance into China Town, a quick bike ride from our house!  It being the Year of the Dragon, it was sure to be an amazing celebration!  I think most of D.C. thought the same thing, as there were thousands and thousands of people there!  Including this super cute little girl (see below) with her super cool little dragon!

The crowds began to push us forward, but we really had no idea what was about to happen.  Soon enough, multiple dragons appeared followed by lots and lots of firecrackers!  There were so many people it was difficult to see,,,,but we got a glimpse here and there!  

For whatever reason I truly am fired up for the new year..... The Year of the Dragon is believed to bring success and happiness and intuition is telling me it's going to be a good one!  

Appalachian Trail: Chester Gap to Harper's Ferry

If you are reading this post, then you most likely know me well enough to know I love endurance activities!  I love long days out, I love pushing myself, and love, love, love being exhausted at the end of the day....And it makes the beer taste even better!  So, when Kira said she wanted to do a 50 I said sure!

And for some reason I never get tired of this view....keeping pace, following steps, just moving.....it some how simplifies things and lets your mind wander!

We had a BEAUTIFUL day out....cooler temps with snow flurries all day.  There was this crazy "snow/ice" build up on the trees....like little hairs or some sort of strange horfrost....delicate and beautiful.  The trail was snow packed and awesome for running.  We didn't make it the 54 miles to Harper's Ferry, but  did do an out and back.

I only hope Kira doesn't get tired of all the photos I take during our outside adventures!!  And, Kira, thanks for the motivation, conversation, and commitment!!!  More details on the trail below!

Today 34 °F Ice Pellets

Today in Washington, DC they are calling for a 100% chance of Ice Pellets.  Can anyone explain to me what the hell an ice pellet is???  I have heard the words 'hail' and 'sleet', but never ice pellet.  I took a couple of steps outside and there seems to be a hard think layer with a little bit of actual snow underneath.  I think it's a good metro day and it makes me wish I had bought those Hunter boots I've been eyeing.   I am certain it will be an interesting weather day, and one I will learn from!  It does make me smile and my heart glow to wake up and see the ground covered....!!

Mount Marshall - Shenandoah National Park

As per usual, I've been super itchy to get out!  And with having such a warm winter its been a perfect time to hit the trails!  Bennett had the day off and was game, so off we went! From Washington, DC, it is about an hour and fifteen minute drive to Front Royal, Virginia which is located at the entrance to Shenandoah National Park.  There is a small parking lot at milepost 15.9 on Skyline Drive....pretty easy to find.

Within the first 10 minutes of the hike we ran into this huge doe!  As we got closer she ran into the woods, but we could see she was not alone.

The temps were in the low thirty's and the sun was shining....Perfect weather for a day out.  This hike was a loop in which you hit two summits, North & South Marshall.  Once you reach the top of North Marshall you walk along a ridge with amazing views of the valley below.  There are also great camping spots along the way if you were looking to do an overnight!  You might want to bring bear spray as we did see some bear scat....It wasn't steaming, so I think we were in the clear!

I love these shots....Bennett during the day, and Bennett at night!  I need to work on my math skills, as I underestimated the length of the hike by about a mile.  We made it back to the car before we needed headlamps, but it was getting close!

See below for more route data!  Thanks again Bennett for coming along (and for going back for the guidebook!!).  Hope to do it again soon!

It Truly was an Amazing Whistler Blackcomb Vacation

It really was an amazing week.  We had a little bit of fresh snow just about everyday until the end when the clouds lifted and the mountains reviled themselves!  Just amazing!  I would love to come back to this area and explore.  The back country just looks sick!!  Andrew was making turns on blues and officially has given up snowboarding and calls himself a skier.  Ryan and Sherrie just made the trip extra fun!!  We enjoyed playing spades at night  (I won't mention who won) and hangovers in morning!  Would head back that way in a heartbeat!  Enjoy the slide show!

Sunday, The Lords Day of Rest in Whistler

We skied for three days, and we were  feeling pretty wrecked, so decided to go to town and do some exploring!  We first thought this was the Olympic Flame, but than realized it had an on/off switch....bummer!  The Olympic rings in the back were pretty cool.  

I love this shot!!
This is exactly what an east coaster feels like when they ski on the west coast....WRECKED!!
Super cute restaurants in town made it difficult to pick.....
this one specialized in yummy Belgian Waffles!

ahhhh, I love rest days!  And I don't even watch football!

Andrew feeling rejuvenated as we headed back to town for massages and a Fire and Ice show!  Unfortunately no great photos of the show....It was pretty cool to watch skiers and snowboards do all their crazy tricks while women dressed in tight one-pieces hula hooped with fire rings -- very interesting!

We met back up with Sherrie and Ryan and like all rest days, we continued to eat!!

Vanstermdam Take Two!

Alaska was absolutely wonderful, but there was more adventures to be had!  Ryan and Sherrie decided to tag along, which made the trip even more exciting!!!  We were all to excited to be tired from taking the red eye!

I love seeing the guys do all the work!

A little Vancouver time at super cool coffee shops!

We watched Anthony Bourdain's Vancouver show on the plane, so had to hit up some of the highlights!!  Our first stop was Japadog, Japan-afied hotdogs!  This was followed by a run to Vij's, southern Indian cuisine, where we picked up package meals to get us through the week in Whistler!  Yummy!!  

It was a long day, but we made it to our final destination, Whistler, just in time for happy hour!

Hatchers Pass, Alaska. A Place so Amazing it gets its own Blog Post

Hatchers Pass.....Truly one of the most amazing places on Earth, for me anyway!  I feel in love with this area years ago....about an hour drive from Anchor-Town, makes it an easy place to get and enjoy the great outdoors.

It was great to spend the day with one of best friends in the whole wide world 'Jose'!  

Hatchers is a great place for back country skiing in the winter and rock climbing in the summer!  Lots of amazing hikes and blueberry picking!  Looks a little different in the summer.

After our hike we went back for a ride on the snowmachine.  Andrew's Alaska dream came true as they sledded off around the block, across a river, and back to the house.  A little chilly at -7....As for me, I have no interest being on a sled in those temperatures!!!

Surprise! Happy New Year Alaska!

We had come so far, it just seemed logical to jet up to Alaska for New Years, as I still call that place home.....  There was talk of an ice bar, sledding, home brew, and a hot dance mix.....And of course some of the best friends in the whole wide world!!  It was all I could do to keep the visit a surprise, but I did!!!  The shot above was taken just before the new year....I love the fact everyone bundles up for the -10 degrees to be outside to bring in the New Year!!

Needless to say, we were moving a bit slow the next day.....fortunately little man Resh was full of energy and ready to go!!  He was so proud to show off his skate skiing abilities!  As my nostrils froze, and ice built up on my hair I reminisced about my years in AK.....I learned so much about my mind, body, and spirit.....A new found sense  of myself and my inner spirit....but, .brrrr,  it sure is cold up there!

I can't remember if this was taken when the sun went down or the sun came up?? Short days this time of year, but beautiful nonetheless!  Thank you Alaska for all the wonderful memories, and sooo glad "you" continue to be apart of my life!