The Lake 2009

Honnedaga Lake is a place that we all hold very close to our hearts. As a kid, it was our ticket to a virtually untouched wilderness without boundaries. We were free to explore and let the woods absorb all the youthful energy we had to offer. As an adult, not much has changed. The lake is still an escape and its natural beauty and tranquility are unmatched. It runs so deep in family history and traditions that it's appreciated beyond words.

This year, the lake added a new memory. Brett proposed to Morgan during a late night canoe paddle under the stars on Jones Lake. The still silence of the Adirondacks was briefly broken as Brett yelled from the middle of the lake, "She said YES!". I couldn't be happier for my cousin and selfishly am pleased to add one of my best friends to the family.

The Grand

Since my first time in Wyoming, the majestic peaks of the Tetons have always drawn me in. Hands down the most beautiful mountains in the states, Teton National Park would provide a perfect setting for our first alpine climbing experience.  In the good company of Craig, Rod & Tien, we filled up the van and decided to make a road trip out of it.

After a Truckee horseshoe tournament, a rotisserie pig, an abalone feed, the road to Winnemucca, a jackpot in Jackpot, a barefoot round of Idaho golf and a beer swilling session at The Stagecoach, we summited The Grand on Friday, July 24 at 8:30am (13,760 feet (4,194.05 meters).  

Dewey Gold Country - Murphys

Lucky enough to tag along to the Annual Dewey Gold Country Trip, Nathalie and I quickly fell in love with Murphys. The town had it all--an outstanding watering hole (The Murphys Hotel), a Main Street full of classic cars and plenty of Chuck Dewey martinis.

After enduring months of Brett Dewey talking up his magic fishing hole, it was almost a guarantee that the trout weren't going to be biting any fly that was tossed their direction. Good thing the beer was cold and the river was still picturesque.

Next year's trip is already on the calendar...

Evolution of Revolution

High on the Bolivian Altiplano, we crossed the Salar Uyani and the Sur La Paz desert into Northern Argentina. The 260 square kilometer salt flat provided for 360 degree views of a horizon full of nothing but whiteness.

This image, The Evolution of Revolution, was one of our favorites. Turns out it was one of Co-Motion Cycles' as well.

From left to right: Don Thomas Drzewiecki of Colorado, David Young of Texas, Craig Bleakney of Washington, Romain Turnier of Paris & Brooks Allen of California.

A Long Weekend in Peru

Heading to Peru for our cousin Karin's wedding, we were fortunate enough to have a seven hour layover in El Salvador. Giving us ample time to flag a taxi and go for a quick tour of San Salvador. We were very happy to find an alternative to the not so comfortable chairs at the airport waiting room. A 9:00am pupusa feeding frenzy and Pilsener (El Salvador's national cerveza) swilling extravaganza quickly was in the cards for us. Not a bad way to start our trip.

Once in Peru, we were treated like royalty and enjoyed our short time in Lima very much. Karin & Werner's wedding was one of a kind and we were happy to see the entire family under the same roof. Sipping fine scotch and wearing funny hats, the wedding lasted until the early morning and we ended up, oddly, at a karaoke bar singing with those that were still standing. To see pictures of our trip, click here.

Down in Mexico - Sayulita

Down in Mexico for Acacia & Peter's wedding, Nathalie and I managed to squeeze in a bull fight and some much needed R & R.

We also managed to find and enjoy some of Mexico's fine coastal cervezas. In the states these large bottles are often refered to as 40s, but our friendly neighbors to the south call these bad boys Ballenas (whales).