Geoff hikes to Rattlesnake Ridge

(click for full size)

So I took the Sportwagen out to North Bend this morning, and took a hike up Rattlesnake Ridge for a fantastic morning vista! Yes, that's right, I was out of the house by eight, and at the top of the mountain by ten! I think the nice weather got to me. I completed all of my yardwork yesterday, and with Jaime out of town, woke early this morning wanting to do something leisurely outside. So, after a bit of deliberation, I headed out towards SE King County. I can't explain the historical fascination I have with this area. I just do! Rattlesnake lake sits near the former town site of Moncton, which was flooded in the spring/summer of 1915 by water seeping through the ground from the newly dammed Chester Morse reservoir. History Link has a great article on the entire story here. It took me around an hour to make it to the top, where the vista was absolutely amazing! It was fairly quiet up there as well, but after about 15 minutes of relaxation, someone pulled out their cellphone and started a rather loud conversation. This was my sign to start back down the mountain. I was glad that I had gotten there so early, as the trail was packed on the way back down. By 11:15 I was back on the freeway and headed home. Here's the link to the entire set of photos I took today.

(the Sportwagen WAY down below. Hey, why'd that guy park so close to me?!)

The People Speak...

2 Laps at Fuji in an R8 with Allan McNish

**edit - I can't get the video to size correctly on any computer - my HTML skills suck. Sorry...

This video is hilarious...so this gentleman was invited by Audi to drive their new R8 sportscar around the Fuji circuit. He got to do one lap himself, and then, got to ride along for two laps with 2 time 24 Hours of LeMans champ Allan McNish. Allan is a Team Audi driver and co-piloted the R1o TDI to its final victory at LeMans last June. He is a stellar driver, and a real character. Anyway, no more chit-chat - the video speaks for itself.



Notice how calm and collected Allan is, how much he believes in the Audi, how he powerslides through several of the turns, and how his passenger can barely keep his lunch down...

Also, for a nicely done film on Audi's entry in LeMans last year, you can download "Truth in 24" from iTunes for free. It was created by NFL Films, the same guys who do all the ESPN/Sports Illustrated videos. The HD version is amazing. And hey, Jaime sat through it with me, so even you non car people can appreciate it!

Home From Hawaii

So Jaime and I had a BLAST in Hawaii! We were upgraded to first class on both flights, and we had an awesome ocean view room at the Marriott. Lian and Mike's wedding on the beach was beautiful. Words really can't describe how beautiful it is there, so here's some of the pictures -

(Jaime and Geoff in front of the garden at the Marriott)

On Kauai is what's called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" - Waimea canyon, which rises more than 3500' above the ocean. There is a road that goes deep into the canyon that has some spectacular views -

(Jaime and Geoff at the top of Waimea Canyon)

We also had fun the day after the wedding zip-lining at a ranch on central Kauai. We got to spend a few hours hanging above the jungle. Jaime didn't even hesitate on her first run. It was an exhilarating experience and is not to be missed whenever you have the opportunity!

Finally, here's a link to the entire non wedding photo album, and a link to all the wedding photos. I won't embed all the videos, but you should check them out, they're cool!

Wedding Video -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8RvGocM0M0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY2smfelRVM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzlyCfm99Bo

Beach/Canyon Video -
View from our room, in the sun

View from our room, in the rain

View from the top of Waimea Canyon, 1 (it's 3500 feet down to the ocean!)

View from the top of Waimea Canyon, 2

Ziplining Videos -

Jaime's first zipline run

Cindy ziplines

Jess ziplines

Jeff Downey on the fast run

View of the canopy/river

View from one of my zipline runs

Jeff Downey zips again

Jaime on another run

My 2nd to last run (Jaime filming)

The last zipline of the day, I fall off backwards

We're Off to Hawaii!!!

I'll try to take lots of pictures and check in!

The Final Forbes Wedding

So I've been meaning to blog about this for a while, but things have been busy since we returned home. Jen and Phil's wedding was absolutely awesome! As my father said, we never expected Jennifer to have the most formal wedding of the three of us, but I'm sure glad she did. Everything was amazing. At the ceremony, Father John Ryan gave a wonderful sermon, reminding everyone in the church of why they are there and what is really important in life. We had a fun ride on an open-air motorized cable car from the ceremony to the reception, which was narrated by one of the groomsmen - hilarious! Then we arrived at the reception, the mansion was beautiful. The flowers were elegantly done, the caterers were serving delicious appetizers and super yummy purple drinks, the cake was georgous, and everyone was talking!

There are a couple of things that I need to point out:
1. We couldn't have done that day without Katie - day of organizer extraordinaire! She took care of everything that day... have a problem? the answer: Call Katie! (by the way Katie, thanks for taking care of the trolley company when they didn't show up to pick up the bridesmaids at the hotel).

2. I have an amazing husband - I can't even tell you how many times Jen or Mom or I needed something and I just had to look at Geoff and he was off... to the store, checking into the hotel, picking someone up at the airport, flagging down limos, bringing me a fleece when I was freezing on the trolley.... countless small wonderful things.

3. We have a wonderful family - Through-out the whole weekend everyone was really supportive, helpful and truely happy to be there. Joe and Susan, you totally rocked. Joe was there with Geoff dealing with our trolley situation and Susan was very graceful and capable of being thrown into a sister situation that has not always been smooth. Everyone had so much fun that we are doing it again in a few years even if there isn't another wedding.

Additionally, I want to point out a few highlights of the evening:

1. Our limo running a red light as the bridal party sang "get me to the church on time".
2. Susan and the groomsman with her did a leapfrog into the reception for our introductions
3. The pictures of all the past cake-cuttings on the cake table
4. one word: "Dancing" (and that word covers a lot of stories)
5. Those yummy blue drinks at the end of the night that I don't remember (Susan and Natasha, I blame you).
6. In-N-Out burger at midnight in a bridesmaid dress
7. How competely happy and relaxed Mom and Dad looked from the minute they walked into the reception throughout the rest of the weekend.

Jen, thanks for such a wonderful, memorable evening. I especially loved how happy and relaxed you and Phil looked, especially once you made it down the aisle. Congratulations and wishes for a lifetime of happiness together.

Winter Storm Aftermath, or, "Oh, SNAP!"

So...the Times is reporting what we already knew...that this region sucks (and blows) when it comes to snow removal/response. And if West Seattle DID get extra snowplow time, you'd never have known it! Here's to you, Greg! Seattle DOT Botched Snow Reponse