Lago De Atitlan - Guatemala

My 3rd trip to Guatemala and I am still amazed by the rich culture. Sad to not have my typical travel companero, Moik, I am so happy to share these experience with Javier, Lucia, Diego, Tony, and Maria.I can't seem to get enough pictures of San Pedro from the view of my room at La Casa.
Our last supper together before I headed off to Australia to meet up with Mike.
Diego is soaking up some rays while enjoying the views at La Casa Del Mundo.
3 Tacos for 10 Q makes for a favorite lunch stop ($1=7.5Q, you do the math!). I stopped at 3, but I'm not so sure the others did.
Hiking along Lago de Atitlan between Iguana Perdido and La Casa Del Mundo, not a bad way to start my day.
A charming and comfortable room greets me at La Casa!
The ever expanding Casa Del Mundo...

Frenchman's Coulee

Frank and I had a spectacular sunny day Saturday Nov 3rd. Leaving the drizzle of Seattle behind, we hopped to Vantage to find warm weather climbing! Kevin left behind to prepare his driveway with a fever reaching 100 degrees. Somehow he was gracious enough to cook up some steak for Francine and I....how did I work that?? Beer, steak, warm weather climbing!

Frank getting ready for our warm-up!

It felt good to lead something that made me a little "uncomfortable". I think I was crying at some point, or at minimum, whimpering. Good thing I didn't read that "R" rating until after I finished (for non-climbers, "R" makes reference to the fact that sections on this climb are dangerous and you may want to consider placing extra protection...which I in fact did not have.)
Phew, I'm almost down, that was scary.

Frank getting ready to rappel, can't help but notice the blue skies and sunglasses!

August 2007

Ok, August was a very eventful month. Mike and I returned to Seattle, sort of. Still living out of our backpacks and plane jumping throughout the continental US, we lead a hectic schedule, especially for the relaxed one we were so acclimated to. Between family reunions and Mike asking me to marry him in front of my dad, some big changes were about to transpire! I have all these eventful photos, yet my sporadic computer use has caused me to slow down on the updates.

I did manage to record Orcas Roll 2007, which was once again a complete blast, and seemingly ever expanding event, with 30 adults and 14 children! I felt very honored as Didiere, our Steve Braun Memorial Triathlon host sang and danced along to the Jellyfish Song as promised in an earlier discussion.

Jaime and company smiling at the views of Mt Baker on our way to Orcas.
Our mighty hosts.
The Jav is looking just a little too sneaky.
I may have actually won the triathlon last year, according to Laurette. She was 7-1/2 months pregnant at the time.
The ever famous "JELLYFISH SONG"!

Greece - Ikaria

Ikaria, pronounced eeh-ka-ree-ah, is one of the less touristy islands near Samos. With sheer mountain cliffs plunging into the ocean and winding roads that make the locals toenails curl, this biking trek made for a hilly and challenging ride. Our ride across the island took us through some parts some islanders called, "rugged", possibly we traveled through some sort of time warp...our strong legs have conditioned to peddle faster after all! Hoping to catch the festivities of Ikarian Independence Day, we realised too late that the party doesn't start until 1am. Still, a very relaxing and hospitable island.
Transport is as sophisticated as high performance motor cycles and Audis, or as mellow as a donkey. After being in a Kombi for 3 months, I'll take the donkey, some of the motorist seem to enjoy their Euro Rally Racing.
Dionysos is a very hospitable hotel in Kambos. They don't take boarders for only 1 evening, but fortunately our island trek by bicycle brought much pity upon us, refusing to turn us away, especially by the looks of me. Whereas Mike claims, "I could happily ride the Comfort 2000 all day in this 95 degree heat", I can only say, "I'm a snowboarder".
Almost everything is blue and white, and I love it!

The comfort 2000 takes a rest in the shade, it's traveled over 1000-km throughout Greece!
I've had two bathing suit blowouts, and I'm somehow trying to convince Mike he really could use a new pair of flip-flops. Life in our Endless Summer.
The port at Edvilos was a great place to park and wait for our ferry home.

Turkey - Selcuk, Kusadasi, & Dilek Peninsula

After touring Ephesus and St John's Basilica, we enjoyed a quiet evening in the town of Selcuk, sipping coffee and playing competitive games of backgammon. Determined to see more, we hopped on our bikes and peddled another 60-km to Dilek Peninsula, where a natural reserve with hyena's, wild cats, and rare seals live off the land. Much of the park is closed off, but hopefully in efforts for preservation. We stayed only 1 evening in a town outside the park, which seemed to have only Turkish locals and tourists. It was good to get away from the mainstream, but we were excited to return back to Samos!

Five flat tires later, we head for home....I mean Samos! Back to island life.

Sipping Turkish coffee takes me back to my childhood days when I was sporting a collection of mini ceramic dishes for dolls. Funny fact, there seems to be a dispute, is it Greek coffee or Turkish coffee?
A local man quietly enjoying his day in the central square. Hopefully pedestrians don't stray too close to the building above him, it's not the camera that's at an angle!
Mike anticipating a hearty Turkish meal of pide (their version of pizza), meatballs, and stuffed eggplant, all of which was probably stolen by the Greeks later on. Well, at least according to the Turks!
If you look closely, you will see a string of tourists bathing under an old castle. I suppose that's one way to appreciate ancient ruins.
The exit gate of Ephesus sells plenty of quality products.

Turkey - Ephesus

The most preserved ancient city in the Mediterranean was only a 50-km bike ride and 1-hr ferry trip away into Turkey, known as Asia Minor. Rich in theological and cultural significance, this city was home to the Virgin Mary and St John amongst others. It is believed that after Jesus was hung on the cross, care of Mary was turned over to John, one of his closest disciples.

Flattened throughout time, much restoration has rejuvenated the magnificent library of Celsus. Archaeologists and builders continue to rebuild this city, a project already over a 100 years old in itself.
Along the outer wall of the Library of Celus, four recesses contain female statues representing wisdom (sophia), knowledge (episteme), intelligence (ennoia) and virtue (arete). For some reason, only wisdom and virtue still have their head intact.

A form of Medusa protects one of the many temples.
Once, a giant brick loaded basilica guarded over the Tomb of St John, however after many wars these ancient stones are now a part of the surrounding homes. My good friend Kathy shared some interesting history with me. It is believed that John was imprisoned as an old man, not far from our home of Samos. Is was his imprisonment on Patmos where he received his vision and wrote the book of Revelation. It is an honor to be surrounded by so much incredible history! -Heather

The 100 degree weather may slow down restoration, but certainly the work continues and the crowds still gather!


Thinking the heat might bring a peaceful walk through a very interesting ruin was the wrong expectation!

Greece - Samos

Another hectic day whiled away at a taverna.
A scenic hike to our hidden cove, required a small amount of rock climbing and bush wacking, but well worth the adventure.
Morning ritual includes coffee and catching up on novels.

Enjoying the surf at our secret beach. My birthday present from the island of Samos.
Look at right side of screen, you can see our not so hidden cove. Rock face to left of beach provided a solid descent.

On our way up to the mountain village of Manolates, looking down on a timeless scene.
After riding bicycles around for so long in the heat, we decided to trade up for a couple of days to explore the island by scooter. Not exactly Harley Davidsons, but they were still pretty fun.

Literally trapped in a web of vines, our friend Babish served up some good ole Greek food and threw in some fruit and kisses for free.

Tassled hair from scooter riding didn't stop me from going in public.
It's funny when you realise that your life has become a postcard.
The sleepy little village of Manolates scattered with some pottery and art shops, a couple of tavernas and cafes, and beautiful scenery around every corner.

Mike negotiates with the local fruit vendor, front door delivery!


I'm finally learning how to play with my camera, I've been so busy up till now. -Heather

Exiting Athens for island life.
Trekking down the river from Potami falls. Coming from the mountains, the water here is so refreshingly cool.