Bow Peak

Sunday headed to the mountains for the second time of the year. Headed past lake louise to attempt Bow Peak. Was really squish-boggy for a while, then had to ford a stream (I had found out and brought flip flops). We went crazy fast since one person in our group is like that (on the way down as well, so not just from being more fit). After the pass though, there was no clear route so we all started heading randomly up the rock. We seemed to split up into different paths. Partway up, my strength was really waning (not sure why so soon), and my enthusiasm even more so (crawling over rocks for a couple hours is not really my thing). So I figured it was decision time, and ended my ascent there. Hung out for a while, descended to the pass and explored that area for an hour or two until the others returned, and then the speedy descent back to the car. Overall enjoyed being out in the mountains, but didn't like the routeless scrambling, and would have liked to go at a little more relaxed pace (for reference, calgary outdoor club took 9 hours, we took under 6).

Swimming in Glenmore

Went to an outrigger practice on saturday. Took a really long time before even getting to go in the water, transporting the boats and then trouble with matching the wa'as, iakos, and amas (hawaiian words are fun) between four boats since noone labeled them in the beginning. Was super windy and plenty of whitecaps, only remember one (canceled) dragonboat practice having such rough water, so I was a bit concerned about going in an outrigger for the first time, especially in a 2-person with someone else who's never been in one before. But it went fine, didn't feel (to me) like we came close to flipping. Partner sometimes 'panicked' and through her weight left to be safe. Eventually we returned to dock, apparently we should have sooner but with the wind we couldn't hear anyone calling, and were outpaddling the one-man coach boat. Took some "risks" paddling on the right side, still no problem. I actually wanted to flip, to feel what it's like, and learn how to climb back in. But my partner didn't want to go in. So back at dock, I recruited Shannon, who'd already accidentally fallen in and was excited to go in again! But we were instructed not to deliberately flip, as boat patrol was nearby. So we paddled, switched sides, all no problem, and then it finally happened: the flip. But, get your mind around this: we flipped to the left. Yup, the left. Bet we're the only ones in the club who'll ever flip to the left. How? Everything going fine, then suddenly the front iako (arm) comes off of the hull, and the whole ama (float on arms) goes swerving off. With no ama, boat's not gonna be stable. Once in the water, it only took a few seconds to "gain control of the situation," I twisted and swung the ama back into place and Shannon inserted and tightened it, then we each climbed back in. It was very tiring though, especially kicking to keep the boat from drifting to shore. I think the coldness really drains energy quickly too. Anyways, returned to dock no problem, though the wind almost blew us off the dock when carrying the boat back to shore! Not sure how much more I'll be heading out since the season is almost over, and I don't think I can go out mid-day by myself, so we'll see how it goes.

Remainder of Madison

What else did I do in Madison...

Went to the unitarian place again. Wasn't as interesting as the first time, but it was still nice.
Visited the zoo. It's not that big, but it's pretty nice, especially considering it's free. Zoos generally make me happy.
Went for a tour of the capitol building. Those places are like palaces, it's amazing how much marble is in there, from all over the world, who knows what it would cost to create something like that these days.
Went north of the city. Couldn't find a cool hiking place that I'd seen photos of though, so I continued up to wisconsin dells. That area is ultra-touristy, it's probably like a "family" version of las vegas. So many waterslide parks, boat tours, mega mini-golf places, performances, weird upside-down buldings, etc. I ended up going on a boat tour, it was fairly pretty and relaxing. Waterslides would be cool with friends, but boring alone. Similarly mini-golf would feel lame solo.
Went north again, this time to Devil's lake state park. Costs a bit to go into state parks in wisconsin. Was really nice hiking around some rocky areas (lots of people had ropes out for climbing), hiking through the woods and along the bluffs. Unfortunately there were tons of people there as it was saturday and that must be the local recreation area.
Walked around some of the nice areas in Madison some more. It almost feels like a cooler version of rainforest sometimes, too bad we don't have areas like that at home.
That's about it I guess. Back home now.

Schedule piss-off

So I was told for some time that I'd be heading to malaysia late october, and someone else would take over end of november. But then a rough schedule came along showing that someone else would go late october, and I'd take over end of november. I asked for clarification but got mostly ignored, one person reiterated the first situation, but I guess he wasn't the one ultimately in control. I wanted the first to be working with a mechanic I like, the FM and pilot that I was in malaysia with before and liked being there with. I didn't want the second cause it had the one FM who I really don't enjoy being around, also probably means working christmas and new years away from home again. Also, cause of what I'd been told, I'd been spending a bunch of time making plans around the schedule, like head there, do this trip, then maybe that, end up back about the time that work starts and just vacation a little more if things are delayed. Had even made some arrangements at home based on being on the early rotation. But all that's screwed and a waste of time, cause today it sounds like for sure I'll be on the second rotation. Really annoyed, don't like them screwing with the schedule like that. Like, problems caused by foreign government permit delays and such are understandable, but this was just retarded and unnecessary.

Anyways, looks like I'll have about 2 months off starting in a week. Anyone want to go do something?

Operation communication blackout is still pending.

Large Hardon Rap

Most of you have probably seen it already, but if not, you should, it's cool.

Kayak test drive

Finally got around to trying an inflatable kayak. I really didn't like it. Felt tippy (though it probably wasn't that bad) and you're higher up cause of inflated parts underneath you. Mostly it was just really hard to control, would spin really easily. Guess that can be a good trait for whitewater, but not that nice for still water. With practice, could probably get used to it, but probably wouldn't want to practice much if it was so frustrating. There are other models, maybe a longer one would be better, but none was available there to try.

Tried an alternative they had there, an aluminum frame collapsible one, called a PakBoat. Wow it was nice. Don't know if it's cause I had just gotten off the inflatable, but it actually felt better than the hard-shell I got when renting the other day. Would be a pretty nice boat. Doesn't collapse quite as small, but still pretty small, and is just as lightweight. The big issue is that it would likely average half an hour to assemble every time, according to the guy in the store. Need to decide if that would be a major discouragement to using it. Also need to research how durable they are over time, when entering I was putting my whole weight on just a couple points, wonder if they'd bend after a short time.

Unitarianism

Lovejoy: We also have Unitarian ice cream. [hands Lisa an empty bowl]
Lisa: There's nothing here.
Lovejoy: Exactly.

I went to the First Unitarian Society for a "sermon" this morning. Before this week, I knew nothing about unitarianism, but someone jokingly told me to go there and ask for some unitarian ice cream. I learned that unitarian is a very non-religious religion. Just some general nice philosophies and spiritual encouragement. That's why the reverend on the simpson'simplied unitarianism is empty. But overall I kindof like it. Might need to look into it a bit more.

Ironman

Yesterday I did an (official) 10 k route around a lake here in just under 1 hour... not too impressive, but it's an accomplishment for me. Now, if I could do over four of those in a rown, then get on a bicycle for 180km and swim for almost 4 km, I could participate in tomorrow's Ironman Triathlon.

I think the closest I'll ever get is having an ironman symbol on my wristwatch. To me it's pretty astounding that anyone can do that! "Swim 2.4 miles! Bike 112 miles! Run 26.2 miles! Brag for the rest of your life" is right! I found it interesting that the winner of this one only gets $5000... I think I'd want that for just finishing the race! Also amusing was on the athlete's checklist, it shows "food for bike." Yeah I know what they must mean, but it sounds hilarious.

Oh my god, I just discovered there are things like a deca-ironman, involving 38 km swimming, 1800 km bicycling, 420 km running. A woman named Astrid Benöhr did it in 187 hours of which about 8.5 hours were sleep (source: wikipedia). What kind of mutant do you have to be to do something like that?!

Kayak - rental

Finally got around to renting a kayak... I'd wanted to wait for a day that they're open till 8 so I could take it out for longer (starting around 3 to make it "half day". Not sure why I thought I'd go for 4 or 5 hours, cause today I was finished after about two. It was fun, but I got a couple hand blisters and my legs were getting really uncomfortable. Overall, it wasn't as good as previous experiences (yeah all 2 of them), mainly cause of the proximity of the interstate, and the presence of motorboats. But overall it was good.

Didn't get around to trying an inflatable (can't rent them anyways, just test drive right by the shop).

Orientals

Hadn't really seen many asians around, though I met a guy from india at the hotel the other day. But I just found out where to find them: Saigon Noodle. Had like a 75% asian clientelle which is a good sign. I thought for a moment I might not be eating alone as I was chatting with a few people at the front door (a couple, their kid, and an exchange student), but it didn't work out. One thing I have noticed in a lot of places is that the asians aren't familiar with the "token white guy" concept. Actually, in a general sense, it seems while some races are mingling, the asians seem to be mostly sticking to themselves. Have to admit the observers perception might be off. In any case, the food tasted good.

Pilots

Having worked with many pilots, and observed their competencies, I'm actually surprised I haven't developed a serious fear of flying.

My name may offend

Submitting my "performance objectives" on our new "halogen" online system, my name passed the spell check, but didn't pass the next level of screening.

"Why it may offend: Words starting with craw."
"Suggestion: African American. African Americans. Man. Men. Woman. Women."