Sunday, April 12, 2009
Fun on the Mountain
April 10/11, 2009 Park City
Our family has skied/snowboarded Park City for the last 2 days. The weather has been springtime perfect. We have had brief periods of flurries, and the temperatures have been very pleasant for skiing.
Over the course of the last two days, the proficiency of the children has improved markedly. Beginning on “First Time” bunny slopes yesterday, all have progressed to the beginner trail “Home Run” I am absolutely amazed at how well they are all doing on the slopes. After lunch, there has been some rough spots with a bit of lack of motivation to return to the slopes, however, much has been overcome with a small tincture of well-heeled cajoling.
Last night we spent a very pleasant evening sharing in Mark’s 40th birthday surprise party while Sid’s nanny watched our kids, and his son Ben. Rebecca and I enjoyed some adult socialization, especially amongst the Sid posse which is a great group of outdoor enthusiasts.
Yesterday morning I worked out with Sid at his Crossfit gym which is a killer workout.
Tonight, we had a wonderful dinner with Dick and Sue and were treated to the brand new state of the art Olympic Ski/Snowboard Association training facility. It was marvelous, and testimony to all of Dick’s hard work as the Chief Operating Officer of that organization. These days I have been very thankful to have such wonderful friends without whom this trip would’ve been possible.
Leaving on the non-rev flights tomorrow through Saint Louis and then home to Orlando after a wonderful family vacation to Park City. Rebecca, thanks for organizing it for your humble, loving family.
A Day on the Mountain
April 9, 2009 Park City
Woke up to a fresh blanket of 6 inches of snow. Of course, it was pretty exciting for 3 Florida kids. It was a flurry of activity to get ready to hit the slopes. Rebecca went to the grocery store early to get us breakfast, and lunch supplies. Next we prepared the food, and got all the kids into the gear they would be skiing/snowboarding in. Talk about herding cats!!
We picked up another gold pass from Dick and then took Rachel to her lesson. But first she needed her skis from the rental place, and so Ryan and Dylan also got fitted for their snowboard gear. Rebecca had everything set up in advance, so it was just getting the kids to their designated places.
Rebecca showed up at the lodge, and got her gear, as I took the boys to get their snowboard gear on. We had previously had a little “ground school” instruction, so when we got to the snowy slopes, we just had a brief review.
Rebecca got Rachel into her class, and she was excited for an all day ski lesson, her very first time on the slopes. All the kids wore their bike helmets for protection.
Dylan and Ryan did exceptionally well for their first time on snowboards. I was amazed. We stayed on the beginner hill for about 3-4 runs, and they were doing exceptionally well, so we headed for the 6 man chairlift, Pay Day. The beginner slope off this lift was called Home Run, and it was a little narrow, so Ryan and Dylan were a bit frustrated. It was time for lunch. We met Reb at the lodge, and had the lunches she had prepared. Mark showed up, and we convinced the boys to face the challenge of the Pay Day lift again. Since the snow was warming up, and slushing out, the boarding had slowed down, and they mastered the Home Run trail!!
By 3 o’clock, Rachel was pooped from her all day lesson, and she was done for the day, she stayed with Rebecca, however, she had notified her brothers she had skied an intermediate slope, so they insisted on skiing Silver Hollow as the last run.
Rebecca took her day cautiously but enjoyed a great day of skiing. It sure is great to enjoy the sport with the whole family, while none are in a stroller any longer. These kids are enjoying the mountain sporting!!
Travelling to Park City
April 8, 2009 Park City
Got to bed late last night at about midnight since we unpacked from Panama, and prepared for Park City in the one day we were home. Dylan was the first awake this morning at 0530, and promptly woke up his brother and sister. Although they were unhappy to have their slumber terminated, all were in good spirits anticipating today’s travels to Utah.
Our flight schedule was a 1025 departure from MCO to DEN, then sit for 2 hours then onto SLC on a short one hour flight. The kids were helpful getting the minivan loaded and out the door, it was unbelievably, an evolution proceeding ahead of schedule. They were also eager to get to the airport since they figured correctly they could enjoy a breakfast at McDonald’s.
Dropped off Reb and the Dylan curbside, and RY Rach and I proceeded to the employee parking lot. They really enjoy feeling like an airline employee and riding that employee bus on our trips.
I brought the kids down to the SWA pilot lounge where Sally gave them all a bunch of candy, however, Rachel is only stockpiling hers, since for Lent she gave up candy. She has been most diligent adhering to this sacrifice.
We were able to preboard, much to everyone’s pleasure. The MCO ops agent really hooked us up, and it was another clear example of the wonderful SWA employee culture.
The 4 hour flight to DEN was instantly transformed into 2 hours for me, as I was asleep before the wheels were in the well. When I awoke, both Rach and Ry were asking me where we were, and I was fortunate to look out, and see the Mississippi river, furthering the mystical, omniscient aura of the airline pilot, whether in the cockpit or cabin.
In DEN, the boys were hungry for hamburgers, and Dylan is on track to match his previous Park City record of eating a hamburger for every meal. Rebecca was very happy to have lunch at the Paradise Deli, and after lunch, it was time to board.
In SLC, the bags arrived very quickly, and all the kids were on the lookout for snow, having seen a fair amount in the Rockies around Denver, and in the Wasatch range in Salt Lake.
Got our rental car, and my apprehension was alleviated when all of our luggage, including snowboard fit into the midsize SUV, Kia. Humorously, we actually loaded the wrong one, and when we were ready to drive off realized the key did not work. We were in K-37, not K-35 where our designated rental was parked.
It was now time to head up the mountain, and the GPS did not fail us. Some rain had begun to fall, and we could see that the mountains in our direction of travel were obscured with fog and virga, so we counted the outside air temp down on the KIA’s thermometer, and when we observed a temperature drop from 56 to 37, we were exiting for Park City. To the excitement of all, the rain was now snow, and Rachel continued to proclaim she intended to dive head first into the snow, like a hedge hog.
We got gold ski lift passes from an old friend from the Delta Surf Dog days who is now the Chief Operating Officer for the US Olympic Ski/Snowboard team. Our lodging has also been provided by another dear friend from the same Delta Surf Dog era, Mark. When we pulled up to his vacation rental home, I was in shock at how nice the home was that he had so graciously offered us lodging at. I felt guilty even staying there.
The first order of business was to get into snow gear so the kids could go play. Ry and Dylan were the first out the door, and disappeared somewhere on Empire Ave. By the time Reb, Rach and I had caught up with them we had found a snow saucer on the road, and procured it for later use.
I observed the “town lift” at the end of Mark’s street, and upon gathering up the boys we headed up the hill in that direction with saucer in tow. It was a perfect little snow playground for them, with a great hill to sled down, snowballs to be rolled, and winter fun to be enjoyed.
Mark and his son Ben arrived, and we headed to dinner at one of Mark’s favorite kid friendly restaurants on Main Street. It was a great time, and Rachel enjoyed distracting Ben while Mark and I caught up on old times, it was a pleasure to hang with my old bud. Of course, Dylan was able to order another cheeseburger, and in short time realized he was not hungry, so stashed the burger in a to go box to ensure one of his meals tomorrow would be another burger. My son is Wimpy from Popeye!!
All of the 3 children were overly tired, and when we arrived back at the house, Rachel was upset and crying for no apparent reason, while the boys happily watched TV from their bunk bed furnished room.
A great day of travel to a fun destination. What a world of difference a few years of age makes for the kids to become expert travelers. We are all excited to hit the slopes of the Park City Resort tomorrow for the boy’s first day of snowboarding, and Rachel’s first day of skiing.
Got to bed late last night at about midnight since we unpacked from Panama, and prepared for Park City in the one day we were home. Dylan was the first awake this morning at 0530, and promptly woke up his brother and sister. Although they were unhappy to have their slumber terminated, all were in good spirits anticipating today’s travels to Utah.
Our flight schedule was a 1025 departure from MCO to DEN, then sit for 2 hours then onto SLC on a short one hour flight. The kids were helpful getting the minivan loaded and out the door, it was unbelievably, an evolution proceeding ahead of schedule. They were also eager to get to the airport since they figured correctly they could enjoy a breakfast at McDonald’s.
Dropped off Reb and the Dylan curbside, and RY Rach and I proceeded to the employee parking lot. They really enjoy feeling like an airline employee and riding that employee bus on our trips.
I brought the kids down to the SWA pilot lounge where Sally gave them all a bunch of candy, however, Rachel is only stockpiling hers, since for Lent she gave up candy. She has been most diligent adhering to this sacrifice.
We were able to preboard, much to everyone’s pleasure. The MCO ops agent really hooked us up, and it was another clear example of the wonderful SWA employee culture.
The 4 hour flight to DEN was instantly transformed into 2 hours for me, as I was asleep before the wheels were in the well. When I awoke, both Rach and Ry were asking me where we were, and I was fortunate to look out, and see the Mississippi river, furthering the mystical, omniscient aura of the airline pilot, whether in the cockpit or cabin.
In DEN, the boys were hungry for hamburgers, and Dylan is on track to match his previous Park City record of eating a hamburger for every meal. Rebecca was very happy to have lunch at the Paradise Deli, and after lunch, it was time to board.
In SLC, the bags arrived very quickly, and all the kids were on the lookout for snow, having seen a fair amount in the Rockies around Denver, and in the Wasatch range in Salt Lake.
Got our rental car, and my apprehension was alleviated when all of our luggage, including snowboard fit into the midsize SUV, Kia. Humorously, we actually loaded the wrong one, and when we were ready to drive off realized the key did not work. We were in K-37, not K-35 where our designated rental was parked.
It was now time to head up the mountain, and the GPS did not fail us. Some rain had begun to fall, and we could see that the mountains in our direction of travel were obscured with fog and virga, so we counted the outside air temp down on the KIA’s thermometer, and when we observed a temperature drop from 56 to 37, we were exiting for Park City. To the excitement of all, the rain was now snow, and Rachel continued to proclaim she intended to dive head first into the snow, like a hedge hog.
We got gold ski lift passes from an old friend from the Delta Surf Dog days who is now the Chief Operating Officer for the US Olympic Ski/Snowboard team. Our lodging has also been provided by another dear friend from the same Delta Surf Dog era, Mark. When we pulled up to his vacation rental home, I was in shock at how nice the home was that he had so graciously offered us lodging at. I felt guilty even staying there.
The first order of business was to get into snow gear so the kids could go play. Ry and Dylan were the first out the door, and disappeared somewhere on Empire Ave. By the time Reb, Rach and I had caught up with them we had found a snow saucer on the road, and procured it for later use.
I observed the “town lift” at the end of Mark’s street, and upon gathering up the boys we headed up the hill in that direction with saucer in tow. It was a perfect little snow playground for them, with a great hill to sled down, snowballs to be rolled, and winter fun to be enjoyed.
Mark and his son Ben arrived, and we headed to dinner at one of Mark’s favorite kid friendly restaurants on Main Street. It was a great time, and Rachel enjoyed distracting Ben while Mark and I caught up on old times, it was a pleasure to hang with my old bud. Of course, Dylan was able to order another cheeseburger, and in short time realized he was not hungry, so stashed the burger in a to go box to ensure one of his meals tomorrow would be another burger. My son is Wimpy from Popeye!!
All of the 3 children were overly tired, and when we arrived back at the house, Rachel was upset and crying for no apparent reason, while the boys happily watched TV from their bunk bed furnished room.
A great day of travel to a fun destination. What a world of difference a few years of age makes for the kids to become expert travelers. We are all excited to hit the slopes of the Park City Resort tomorrow for the boy’s first day of snowboarding, and Rachel’s first day of skiing.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Paddle practice at Gamboa boat ramp
April 1, 2009
Rebecca and I spent the night last night prior to travelling at her brother Patrick’s house, as I had just completed a trip the day prior to our travels to Panama. We arrived early for flight 435 to Panama City which departed at 0700. Since we had minimal sleep, I spent a significant part of the flight sleeping, and woke as the shining Caribbean gave way to the forest covered terrain of Panama.
The flight overflew the isthmus, and I was able to catch a glimpse of the Pacific shoreline, and an incoming swell. We landed, and proceeded through the lengthy baggage retrieval and customs process. At this hour in the morning, the lines moved swiftly, however, Rebecca’s checked bag was the last to make it to the carousel.
Got an AVIS rental car, and thoroughly inspected for damage, alerting the attendant of every tiny scratch so the small diagram of the car on the inspection sheet looked like a porcupine with blue quills. That process is a necessity in overseas car rentalship.
Our driver Richard, skillfully navigated us through traffic, and our first stop is Anita’s house. All the while our driver explains the proper method of Latin American traffic technique, and the “karma” of Panamanian driving, with heavy emphasis on the” block” and the “creep”.
Our lunch was at the Albrook mall at Pizza Italia, which is a Napoli knock off, however, the pepperoni pizza is still yummy. We quickly are dropped off at the Casa de Reyes, retrieve the front door key from the pre-designated secret spot, and change for our first cayuco practice. We are at Gamboa, and ready to practice within hours of arrival in Panama.
The NIC is the cayuco Richard has arranged for our crew. She is freshly painted a shiny gold with yellow and black letters. A good looking boat. It is evident from our first two hour paddle that this craft is a very stable, and less tippy than the Rojo Diablo. A true performer. The gunwales are quite low, however, this is a time proven cayuco, having raced many times on this very canal.
We launch the boat at the Gamboa boat ramp, and head out under the low, one lane bridge at the inlet to the Panama Canal. Rich directs Diana to steer, and advises to stay out of the shipping lane. We pass 4 ships on our 1 hour upwind paddle through the emerald green forest on either side. The boat is performing like a dream, and takes some great rollers from the passing ships.
As we turn around, and head back toward Gamboa, we accelerate upon gaining a view of the dredging division, and the telltale cranes Titan and Hercules. It is a good practice, and this crew is feeling ready to race two days from now.
This evening, all the Canal Zonians converge on Napolis outside the old Canal Zone, roughly located near the old Ancon Inn, now defunct. It is a festive gathering, and all the former residents are steeped in conversations from, “back in the old days” The night would not be complete without a visit to the Elks Club, hence, our final stop , except for Andrew’s tour of his rental property, including his private 1 bedroom apartment getaway, which surprisingly has a window view from the shower to the room? What is all that about?
Site of a Sweet Surf Session
April 2, 2009
Had a very nice and relaxing wake up this morning at the Reyes’ house in Diablo. No scurrying around required. Rebecca and I had a leisurely walk down to the 24/7 for coffee and empanadas. We listened to the tropical birds on the slow saunter. Rebecca pointed out all the residences which previously housed family friends from her childhood in the CZ. Today is another gorgeous dry season type day. On the way back to the Reyes home, Rich and Di drive up in the rental car.
We also had seen the Policia Nacional cayuco team trailering their boat, the Commando Expresso on their way to practice for the ensuing race. Frequently these craft are viewed in the area either being trailered or parked in local driveway/garages. Apparently, the Policia team is a formidable crew every year.
This day the husbands and wives have agreed upon separate itineraries. So, we must rent another car for Reb and Di at Albrook. Once complete, Rich and I make haste towards the beach having caught word that there may be a swell. Our route takes us over the Canal on the new bridge just past Paraiso. On the trip to la playa, Richard explains the intricacies of the harbor pilot business, and gives me an explanation of the route we will be paddling over the next three days.
On each successive beach town we pass on the Autopista, our sense of excitement grows anticipating the Pacific rollers and a fresh surf swell. As we arrive in Playa Palmar, we are not disappointed! Upon our first glance, our hopes were fulfilled as a solid ground swell was hitting the Pacific shore line with the favorable high tide which Palmar requires. The onshore breeze does nothing to deter our hopefulness as this swell was generating overhead, outside point break sets.
We hastily borrow 2 boards from Richs’s friend Mike Stump who has a small beach cottage in this town. Rich takes the 7 foot something board which has two of the three fins, and I am eager to wax up the 9 foot something performance tri. This board has definitely been around the block a few times, however, since we have the chance to surf some warm Pacific point break waves, there is absolutamente no problemas!!!
Palmar is a beach rich in Grimi family history and tradition, and the site of many CZ high school parties from “back in the day.”It is a point break which produces a long right with a good swell and a high tide, luckily we are blessed with both.
Having retrieved the boards, Rich and I can barely contain ourselves to a slow jog down the beach to paddle out at the Point. We quickly deposit our flip flops, and glide out into the inviting Pacific waters. What a pleasure to have this unexpected surf opportunity. We rarely have to duck dive at this point break as we paddle out around the rolling chop. Out in the lineup we share the takeoff point with the crew of El Machete, out sister crew for cayuco racing. We also strike up friendly conversation with 2 other surfers, Americans living in Panama.
The seas are pumping us a long period swell creating exquisite form, and easily anticipated from a long way out. The takeoffs are easily makeable, and after the drop, the wave peels right, easily overhead. We are treated to many great rides this day, and as the tide drops, we realize that we must conserve some arm strength for the following day.
It is time to head back to the old Canal Zone, and a mandatory stop is made in Coronado’s El Rey to enjoy some empanadas and Crunchie bars for lunch.
With the post surf contented feeling, and sore paddling muscles, I slip into a passenger seat nap.
Arriving in Balboa, we head to Jane and Bill Huff’s home to accomplish some last minute repairs to NIC, fixing a seat back, and installing the PanamaCanalMuseum.org sticker to her stern.
We join up with the ladies, and it is off to the YMCA for massages for recuperative muscle therapy. There is only 1 masseus at thi time, so I opt out of the massage and write for this blog as I wait for the others who shop for the kids and receive manicures/pedicures, a favored activity in Panama for the girls.
As I observe the feeling of relaxation Rich demonstrates after his massage, I opt back in. First, we must stop at the Elks once again for him to pay his annual dues. We also pop into La Parada ceviche bar, and although a dive bar, it is the best ceviche we have had so far.
As per usual, I am not the greatest fan of massage. Reb has a brief “discussion” about the pricing, and a price is struck despite a formidable language hurdle.
We prepare for dinner then met the crew of El Machete, Scott, Karen, Christy, Charlie on the Causeway at the restaurant Mi Ranchito. Still eating for the race, we enjoy steaks, patacones, and yucca. The talks are ongoing as to how the crewmembers will be transported to the Atlantic side for the start of tomorrow’s race.
After a great meal, we stock up on hydration supplies at El Rey, and continue to discuss our options for tomorrow’s transportation. We are narrowing the idea down to a one way rental car and drop off in Colon.
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