Climbing w/ National Guard folks

Supposed to meet Lingo, Sgt Luciano, and Kazmirski at Moss Island for climbing. I've been here since 9:45 and still no sign of them.

They showed up at 10:55. I was going to leave at 11 so they just made it. It was Lingo, Luciano, Kaz, and Kaz's girlfriend, Megan. We did Jeff Loves Eileen, Goat Crack, and Tumbleweed. Much fun.

Blue Mountain

Hiked Blue Mountain w/ Eric & Lisa. Took 70 minutes on the way up, only 40 minutes to get down. Went the wrong way driving. Remember to take route 30 or 28N! Don't just stay on 28!
Wish C were here.

Black Mountain

Friday - Saturday (5/28-29) Colleen & I went hiking up Black Mountain. Next time, just take the Thruway unless going for the scenery! Took around 4 hours to drive and my brakes go so hot I had to pull over and let them cool before continuing. Nice shopping outlet in Queensbury. Colleen was a blast as usual. Heard some large animals in the night. Next time, be prepared. Bugs weren't bad at all.

Hiking, Climbing, Blue Mountain

Went hiking w/ Colleen on Sunday.

Saturday I went climbing w/ Paul Becker & Jen Friedberg. They went up Jeff Loves Eileen and the route to the left. Didn't get to the top of JLE. Then I did Seduction Crack. I was ONE move from the top, but it was all arm and I was wasted. Still had a good time.

Sunday, hiked Blue Mountain w/ Colleen. Two miles straight up. Beautiful view and quite a workout. Took 1.5 hours up, only 30 minutes to go down!

MSL w/ Colleen Tanner

Up in ADK w/ Colleen. Went swimming in the lake for the first time. Very nice! Didn't sleep well - nothing new there. Cutting across blue trail to save time.

Next time bring running pants, 3rd t-shirt, and other footwear to change into. The ferns and overgrowth were pretty bad once we got to the other side of the lake. My feet were soaked. Good thing I brought dry socks & towel. Water was a nice swim. Lantern was a good addition.

Climbing Moss Island w/ Jenn Friedberg

Went climbing today at Moss Island w/ Jenn Friedberg. I ran into John & Carl Swisher - met them w/ Stan.

Jen & I did #62, Tumbleweed. Jen dropped me coming down. NEVER USE GRI GRI again. Reflex of tightening handle made me fall faster. I didn't get hurt at all - landed on my side in contour with the ground. I took a breath, looked at her, and said, "Are you okay?" She was freaked but it was nothing. Stupid anchor got stuck in a crack though and I had to leave it.

Moss Island w/ Eric

Up with Eric - so glad he takes the time for these trips with me. We did the West End. I got up Sno White (5.8) on the 2nd try. Eric didn't make it and got discouraged. I went to try Seduction Crack (5.8) three or 4 times. I almost made it but  was tired when I tried for a dyno. Gotta get it next time.

PBL in Orlando recap

Orlando was actually a blast! Thursday & Friday I did the institute for leaders. Didn't go out Wednesday night because I was tired, but Paul snored so badly I woke up and still didn't get enough sleep.So I went out every other night - why not? Jen Friedburg had broken up with her boyfriend and I tried to hang around with her as much as possible. On Thursday we all went to the Dance Hall on the Boardwalk. Had a spitting incident with ice & Paula. Or maybe that was Friday. Also went to the House of Blues on Pleasure Island. Got Eric a t-shirt. Place was cool. Went to Comedy Club one night but left early. It was very good, though. Monday night (our last) we went back to the Dance Hall and just sat outside due to the crowd. They were doing swing-era music though and people were having a blast. It was nice to see.

We went to Animal Kingdom on Sunday. The Bug Show (3D) was a blast. Took the Safari ride which was okay. Bird show was wonderful. They brought out a live bald eagle. It gave me goosebumps. We heard the boat ride was stupid so we didn't go. The dinosaur ride was cool - we went on it twice. Then we went to MGM and the Great Movie ride - not so great. But the Tower of Terror was worth the price of admission all by itself. Drop, up, Drop, up, Drop. We rode that twice also.

The convention was okay. Lots of stupid stuff also. But Paul, Paula, and myself won 1st place for Business Decision Making. Top 3 were us, U of Florida, and U of Kentucky. I'll never forget that moment.

I met Sarah Pike from Arizona. She's the new Southwest Region National VP.

PBL for SUNYIT in Orlando, FL

In Orlando, FL (Disney) as part of the PBL team of SUNIT. Here with Paula Pindle, Paul Becker, Colleen Tanner, Jenn Friedberg.

Tonight I had stuffed lobster at Harry's in the Dolphin hotel. We stayed in a Hilton our 1st night due to overbooking. Paul did something I'll never forget - he asked the clerks at Dolphin check-in what they could do to compensate us for the inconvenience. The clerk looked taken aback and then saw Paul was serious. Next thing I know the clerk is handing Paul vouchers for us to eat at Harry's. The entree alone was $38!!! We also tried Alligator tail. Both were amazing.

Animal kingdom - safari ride, bug show, bird show, dinosaur ride.
MGM - movie ride wasn't that good. Tower of Terror was awesome!

LBI 1998

Next time I'm looking for a girl, go to Panzone's Pizza first (next to Bay Village). Waitresses are wonderful. Plus, many female types at Fantasy Island. From all walks of life it seems. Even I should find someone if I want to. This year - first year I ever really went out of my way to meet someone - I met Carla Scarpone. Lovely girl. She's going to Hamilton in the fall. Maybe I'll see her.

Actually did rides @ Fantasy Island with Elizabeth & Alexandra. Very fun.

Kurt & Tammy are having trouble. Don't ever bring a girl along unless I'm married to her! Short list of girls whom it hasn't worked out for (various brothers): Kim, Megan, Anne, Tammy.

Also, bring RADIO & cards next time. Don't need so much food.

Panther Mountain climbing

Took Eric to Echo Cliff on Panther Mountain near Piseco, NY. Only did one route - West End Brewery. E didn't quite do it all, but I was able to flash it. Crux was 2nd or 3rd move. Whole route was only 7 or 8 moves long. I'll pay more attention next time. It was easy to top-rope with the trees and all. Could be a good route to practice leading and placing pro. I don't know about the other routes. I will be going back! Eric bought climbing shoes so hopefully he's into climbing, too. Maybe Kurt can go with us next time.

Kayak from home

Went kayaking down the mohawk river. Started at the house (Lake Delta) and took about 30 minutes to get near the dam. Portage down, then into the river down to Staley Jr High. Total trip about 3 hours. It rained a little.

Scary moment past the dam. A tree had fallen across the river and instead of getting out to go around, I though I would just go over it. As the kayak bumped the tree, the bow went up on the trunk, and suddenly the stern was lower and quickly, the river current started pushing it down. I never jumped out so quickly. I had a mental image of being pinned upside down between the tree and the river floor. Without my bodyweight, I was able to easily drag it out of the water, around the tree, and continue.

Gotta get a new drain plug. The boat was pretty much full when I finished. Should have brought bug dope also. And a hat. One or two great fishing spots on the route. River was much colder than the lake. Also need to put a towel in the car. I did bring my cell phone which was very smart. Tevas to walk in and biners to tie boat to car.