Scenes from Haleiwa and the North Shore
Located on Oahu‘s North Shore, in beautiful Waiaula Bay, lies the “malahia” (laid-back) surfing community of Haleiwa. This small town, full of unique shops and eateries, is the first thing visitors will encounter right before reaching the North Shore. Since pregnancy and surfing aren’t recommended by most physicians, Rebecca and I spent the day staying out of the water and exploring the chill scenes on dry land.
The Aloha General Store was voted as having some of Oahu’s best shave ice! (more…)
Posted in Adventurous Places, North America and tagged Haleiwa, Hawaii, North Shore, Oahu by Big John with 1 comment.
A Glimpse into the Enchanted Land of New Mexico
There’s this guy I know who is a collosal dreamer. There’s really nothing wrong with associating yourself with people like that; unless perhaps you’re intent on surrounding yourself with only the more well-grounded, mundane types. If that’s the case, I wouldn’t recommend engaging this guy in anything more than casual conversation. I let my guard down just once around him and he had me nearly convinced he knew the whereabouts of some hidden treasure chest worth millions. Had I possessed anything less than the most superb rational mind, I would’ve packed my suitcase that very moment, grabbed my fedora and compass, and booked the very first flight to New Mexico.
Well, the last I spoke to this adventurous fellow, he had descrambled a bunch of secret passages in some old man’s book, purchased a flight to Albuquerque, and turned an entire wilderness area north of Santa Fe completely upside down. Unfortunately, the treasure had eluded him just like the thousands of others before. Suprisingly though, his failed expedition left him completely undaunted. He actually seemed assured that he was closer now to finding it than ever before. He told me he had simply strayed off course due to a matter of simple semantics and was planning to pick up the trail again in the coming months. I told him he should quit chasing waterfalls and come back down to level ground. He just sort of smirked at me and walked away. That’s how this guy is. He’s quite the character!
Anyway, not long after that peculiar encounter, I happened to visit the Land of Enchantment myself. Now don’t go spreading any rumors here. I wasn’t there trying to find any 11th century treasure chest full of precious gems and golden nuggets. I was simply there to get some tasty New Mexican cuisine. I heard the green and red chili toppings were to die for. Since my wife, my son, and my friend were also feeling hungry, they came along for the ride. We had quite the adventure and before departing our 47th state, the beauty of New Mexico had us all a bit entranced.
Big John and team follow the old cattle trails to a mesa top with a view. (more…)
Posted in Adventurous Places, Great Dining, North America and tagged Kasha-Katuwe, New Mexico, Tent Rocks National Monument by Big John with 2 comments.
A Rocky Mountain Road Trip through the Centennial State
In mid-November, I had the pleasure of attending a work-related conference in Aurora, Colorado. After the forum ended, Rebecca and I procured a rental car and embarked on a Rocky Mountain road trip through the majestic Centennial State. Our trip would hold no particular destination point. We embraced a level of spontaneity, stopping along the way to see various points of interest, and simply enjoy each other’s company enveloped in the spirit of adventure. Our only objective was to take in some of God’s beautiful scenery and possibly catch a snowflake or two. We had a wonderful time of it all and brought back these photographic memories to share with all of you.
The skyline of the Mile High City against a majestic backdrop.
Denver, being the gateway to the Rockies, was our first stopping point along the way. As seen in the picture above, (admittingly the only picture that I did not take), the Mile High City offers a panoramic view of the mountains that spans 140 miles long. Denver has the tenth largest downtown in the entire nation and is considered one of the most walkable downtowns in all of America. With all the hype, we put on our comfortable sneakers and set out to paint the town red. (more…)
Posted in Adventurous Places, Great Dining, North America and tagged Centennial State, Colorado, Denver, Rocky Mountains by Big John with 7 comments.
The Holy City and Oklahoma’s Wichita Mountains
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and its encompassing Holy City is a must-see point of interest… should anybody ever find themselves treading aimlessly through the prairie grasses of Southwest Oklahoma. Measuring over 59,000 acres, this wildlife facility is home to the plains bison, Texas longhorns, Rocky Mountain elk, and considerable other large mammals. Aside from the beautifully rugged terrain, visitors to the area might also delight in 806 diverse plant species, 240 types of bird, 36 species of fish, and 64 reptilian and amphibious creatures. With my baby doll by my side, I set out on Memorial Day weekend. My mission was to divide and conquer this marvel of the American Great Plains. Come along as we explore the Holy City and Oklahoma’s Wichita Mountains.
Entrance into one of the many trails winding through the Wichita Mountains. (more…)
Posted in Adventurous Places, Historical Journeys, North America and tagged holy city, oklahoma, wichita mountains by Big John with 2 comments.
Visit Palo Duro Canyon and See the Grand Canyon of Texas
Palo Duro Canyon, otherwise known as the Grand Canyon of Texas, is approximately 120 miles long and 800 feet at its deepest point. It is the second largest canyon in all of the United States. “Palo Duro” is a Spanish word meaning “hard wood“. As I began a short descent down the rocky trail it became abundantly clear as to why the Palo Duro Canyon received such a name. Junipers, mesquite, cottonwood, cedar, and other hardwoods sprang up from the walls and floors of the canyon in common form. Wildflowers, buffalo grasses, sage brush, yucca, and prickly pear cactus also dotted the panoramic landscape offering an array of splendid colors.
“Palo Duro” is a Spanish word meaning “hard wood“. (more…)
Posted in Adventurous Places, Historical Journeys, North America and tagged palo duro canyon, texas by Big John with 2 comments.