one of the world’s most dramatic roadways:
From my hiking blog: hairy, scary road in Norway
Lysebotn Road in Lysefjord, Norway
Category: travel
Adventure Week 2009 in Idaho
Dave Adlard, master organizer of big events, is boldly planning June 5-14th in North Idaho one of the biggest Adventure Racing events anywhere.
Our Adventure Racing Team — the Fast Farts — are part of his support team.
I’m editor of the official website:
North Idaho will play host to “adventure week 2009,” a series of “outdoor” races and events at Farragut State Park near Coeur d’Alene. (Of the famed Ironman competition.)
Click through if you know anyone who might be interested in coming down for the Adventure Week 2009.
I’m recommending to Dave that he include a surprise high speed kayak challenge, like this one …
everyone surfs better than me
The new “beginner” surf boards are much more buoyant … that’s my theory.
larger version – flickr
Bill and Joan in Europe AGAIN
They’re just back from their most recent unfavourable currency exchange of $CAD to Euros.
more Europe photos – flickr
Right now Warren and family are in Hawaii.
more Hawaii photos – flickr
best phone for international travel
The respected Gadling blog recommends (in the States) the T-Mobile Blackberry Curve:
… I’ve written about the scam that is international roaming charges in the past …
Why the curve, and not the sexy iPhone? Well, the Blackberry Curve has 2 very interesting features you won’t find with any other carrier, or any other phone. One is unique to the phone itself, and one is unique to T-mobile.
click through to read the rest of the article – The best phone for international travel?
air travel down, train travel up
Airports in the USA are hurting. The main reason is decreased number of passengers.
In contrast, Amtrak has had six consecutive years of ridership gains. (Even I took the American train last year, my first trip with them.)
Many are complaining about a $2 billion expansion of the airport in Las Vegas despite decreasing arrivals.
It’s safe to say that air travel experience will be getting worse in the States. But perhaps train travel will improve. Let’s build new high speed rail lines!
larger version – flickr – SJB4photos-away
FART photos, California
I was relegated (by illness) to photographer / support team for the Funtastics Adventure Racing Team in Half Moon Bay.
The FARTs completed their longest race to date — Ocean Blue — in 8hrs, 40min. The rest of us FARTs were “proud and inspired”.
Morgen, Dave, Andy, Jeni
Many more experienced teams did not finish the harsh ocean kayaking, mountain biking and trail running course.
The night after the race we drove to Napa Valley, hosted for a gourmet dinner by friends of Dave and Lisa.
Napa valley grapes
We finished in gorgeous Lake Taho, there to cycle with the Big Blue race organizer.
Last morning: run on the Rubicon Trail.
See all the photos from this road trip on flickr.
The next race for the FARTs is longer and tougher, Big Blue, Lake Tahoe, September 20, 2008.
Funtastics Adventure Racing Team – official website
Here’s a video and slideshow highlight reel of the race and road trip. Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Parksville, B.C. photos
I enjoyed a week long visit with my parents at their home on the east coast of Vancouver Island.
My brother Rob was there too. And on his last night cooked up a big summer barbecue feast of steak, halibut, salmon and more.
Oysters
low tide
Click through to flickr if you want to see the rest of my pics from the trip.
Sadly, I got sick with a summer cold the last few days there.
departing for Adventure Race today
Ocean Blue, San Francisco, California – July 26th, 2008
Where is the start line? And what’s the course record?
AGH.
UPDATE: I’m sick with the dread Cambodian Flu (I assume). Might not be able to race.
Rick McCharles 