Calvin and his friend Josh have been hounding me to climb Mt. Baker this summer; so this week Markus joined us as we made the ascent. The 'partly cloudy' Thursday forecast turned to a light drizzle and dark clouds as we approached the trailhead. We contemplated postponing for a day but the forest service office encouraged us to go ahead since it would clear up in time for our morning ascent, We met a few climbers coming down who had horror stories of their morning summit - high winds and ice pellets. We continued on with the hopes of clear skies by midnight. We hiked through the fog to the high camp at Black Buttes. It was cold, cloudy and windy so we took care of dinner and essentials and then spent the evening in the tents, Unfortunately, I only slept for fifteen minutes before our two o'clock wake up. We woke to a clear blanket of stars and a towering summit. With head lamps and rope we headed up. As we made our way up we enjoyed stars, sunrise, views and a towering mountain. The final hour was extremely exhausting. We arrived on the summit at 8 am, the first party of the day. It was cold and windy but the views were amazing! The long hike back to the trailhead was agonizing, but we were glad we had the summit over as we met crowds of climbers heading up for the next day's summit. We are thankful for a safe trip and great weather. This was my third ascent of the mountain and my body is telling me it should be the last.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Guess who came for a visit?
Actually, it turned out to be a Bulthuis family event this weekend. Bjorn, Jenny and Ada were returning from Georgia where they spent time with Jenny's sister Jill and family. They decided to give us a couple of days before returning home. Markus came home for part of the weekend as well. We went to Belfair State Park to enjoy the sun and ate at the Blue Agave. Saturday, Bjorn and I went sailing while the girls went shopping. Brett came over for dinner and we got to reminisce. On Sunday we all went to Markus' church, Quest Church in Seattle. It is amazing how much Ada is changing. The mobility of walking has transformed her into quite the busybody. She has also become very verbal, at least in the departments of volume and chatter fluency. In all the babble there is the rudiments of Mama, Daddy, Please and ByeBye.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Tokyo Housing for Calvin
One of the anxieties that we have had about Calvin attending International Christian University in Japan is his housing situation. They have very limited campus housing and there is no guarantee the international students will get on campus housing. The prospect of Calvin finding reasonable and accessible housing in Tokyo was a big concern of ours. Even though we had committed ourselves last month by sending the full year's tuition, we did not know if he had a spot in one of the dorms. Well, this week Calvin received notice from the school that he has a spot in an on campus dorm. Praise the Lord! His dorm is called 'Canada House' which was the one he most wanted to get in because it was more reasonable and had two students to a room. Calvin is not the only one excited about this as it takes a load of concern off our hearts as well. The thought of Calvin commuting 45 minutes to an hour across town, living with students from a variety of other Tokyo schools didn't set well with us. We are excited for Calvin. His dream is getting real close to coming true.
Monday, July 05, 2010
Utah Adventure - Day 8 and 9
Sunday and Monday were travel days getting back home from southeast Utah. We did take a few hours to visit Park City. We expected a resort town like Whistler, but Park City is much bigger. There was a big Fourth of July celebration going on with thousands of people. We found a restaurant out of the bustle and rode our bikes on the great bike paths into Main Street to walk around and see the shops and people. Then it was back on the road for the long haul. We enjoyed the nightly accommodations of Super Walmart in Mountain Home, Utah. Our final day found us grinding back home. We did take a slight excursion by driving Chinook Pass over the mountains. It had been many years since driving it and we enjoyed it over the familiar and crowded I 90. We made it home, having driven about 3400 miles, visiting five National Parks, staying four nights in motels and four nights in the van. We made it back to Washington just in time for summer weather to start.
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Utah Adventure - Day 7
Mellowing in Moab Before our mad dash for home, we slowed the pace a little to enjoy the town and surroundings of Moab. Situated between Arches and Canyonlands NPs, as well as multiple off road venues, the town booms as a recreational hub, but has taken on the tourist destination feel with lots of motels, restaurants and shops. First, we switched motels from the rip off Motel 6 to a plush La Quinta, at a cheaper rate courtesy of a travel coupon. (Thanks for the tip Susan) In the midday, we explored Canyonlands National Park with short hikes to Mesa Arch and Grand View Point. In the afternoon, Esther went shopping while I checked out the world famous Slick Rock Trail. I intended to watch other bikers, but since there was no one there, and I couldn’t embarrass myself, I took my bike on the practice loop. I crawled through the course, stopping to get off once in a while. The trail is marked by white dashes painted on the rock. The scenery was amazing and I fortunately escaped injury. I think I’ll stick with commuting and bike paths for my biking! We enjoyed a late afternoon swim at the motel pool and a good dinner at the crowded Moab Brewery.
Friday, July 02, 2010
Utah Adventure - Day 6
The Red Canyon is just north of Bryce Canyon. There is a nice paved bike trail that winds up the canyon. We started our day off with an hour bike ride. We then pointed the Sienna towards Moab. On the way, we had some scenic surprises. Highway 12 from Bryce to Torrey has got to be one of the most scenic highways in the country. Much of it is in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. From red rock canyons to rolling hills of aspen groves; from grand vistas to Anasazi ruins, this highway covers it all, with very little traffic. We also stopped in Capital Reef National Park. This lesser known NP has a lot to offer, but is much less developed than its neighbors. We took the time to take a hike up the Grand Wash to the narrows. It was a little on the warm side because the elevation is lower, but we enjoyed the shade and breezes of the canyon. We made it to Moab on the late side, and unlike our usual habit, checked in to a Motel 6.
Utah Adventure - Day 5
'Hoodoo City' - In the morning we drove through the rest of Zion Park, including the mile long tunnel built in 1930. We arrived at Bryce Canyon Park in the early afternoon and found a campsite. We were glad to feel the cooler temperature of the high altitude. After a buffet lunch and a park introduction at the visitors center, we plunged into the canyon for a three mile hike. Strolling through the canyons and pinnacles was definitely worth the hike. Looking over a canyon has one kind of grandeur, looking up at the columns of red rock provide a different one. We drove to the several lookouts and then watched the sunset while strolling the rim. We ended the evening enjoying the Lodge and stumbling across an astronomer's bash enjoying the pre-moonrise in a remote high altitude setting. We enjoyed the cool night in our 'hardshell camper'.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Utah Adventure - Day 4
We hung up the bicycles today and traded our wheels for tennis shoes. We got an early start and were able to get in two great hikes. Our first hike was up the Angels Landing trail. The trail rises from the canyon floor 1100 ft to the crest of one of the canyon walls. Fortunately, most of the trail was in the shade. The whole hike was a pleasure though the last one half to Angels Landing was too congested and precarious that we decided to turn around at Scouts Landing. From there we could see the valley and look over several cliffs. The second hike was up the Narrows at the head of the canyon. The canyon narrows to 20 to 50 feet, but the walls still rise 1000 ft. After a mile, the only way to proceed is walking through the river – another adventure. Wading in cold water in a cool canyon is the way to spend the heat of the day in Zion Park. We both thoroughly enjoyed our hiking and feel like we can move on to the next park.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Utah Adventure - Day 3
By morning the temp had cooled enough for comfortable sleeping. After much needed showers, we packed up and headed for St. George, our headquarters for Zion National Park adventures. It wasn’t hard to decide to check into a motel with 100 degrees. After a hearty lunch of pasta, we headed for Zion. It was a little cooler there and we rode our bikes canyon. It ended up being a great choice. Cars are not allowed, only shuttle buses from the visitors center. It made it really nice for biking. Only an occasional bus, otherwise we had the road and valley to ourselves. A small thundershower helped really cool things down. The scenery was amazing, a continual changing panorama of red walls and very green vegetation. Esther enjoyed checking out the Lodge. Though not as impressive a structure as many, the setting was amazing. We made it to the top of the canyon and back before dark. The king size bed and air conditioning at night was much appreciated.
Utah Adventure - Day 2
The morning was filled with the long boring drive through northern Nevada. The most interesting part was the Bonneville salt flats once we hit Utah. The place feels a little surreal. Our first destination in Utah was Provo. Based on some recommendations and reading, we decided to get a real campsite at Utah Lake State Park. There is a bike trail that starts there and follows the Provo River through town and up the Provo Canyon. The afternoon gave us enough time to ride through town and back. We didn’t have the energy to tackle the canyon. The trail was shaded almost the whole way, so it was pleasant riding despite the 90 degree heat. After supper at a local Mexican restaurant, we drove up the canyon to Bridal Veil Falls and Sundance resort. Sundance was very unique and not what we expected – small scale and rustic though still ritzy. It was fairly cool up at Sundance, compared to the heat and mosquitoes of our campsite.
Utah Adventure - Day 1
Having made the quick Interstate dash down I 90-84-80-15 last June; we decided to take a more ‘scenic route’ (at least different) through Eastern Oregon and northern Nevada. We went through towns like John Day, Burns and Winnemucca. I think those were the only towns over 100 population we saw for four hundred miles! The drive through the northeastern part of Oregon was very scenic with pine covered mountains and rocky canyons. The southeastern part of the state was even more desolate than I imagined. It was scenic, with rolling hills and livestock, but there was NOBODY there. For one stretch of one hundred miles we only met three cars on the highway. We pulled into the Winnemucca Walmart before midnight and found a restful corner of the parking lot.
Monday, June 21, 2010
North again
This past weekend we ventured to the north country again. Saturday morning we attended Steve and Renee Dole's wedding in Conway, near Mt. Vernon. The weather held for a beautiful wedding in a garden setting. The wedding was followed by a nice brunch reception. Then it was up to Lynden for a graduation party for nieces Bria and Marika. There were a lot of long time friends and family to connect with at the party. Sunday, we went to church with Bjorn and Jenny at Oikos, and then celebrated Father's Day at Olive Garden. A good start to the summer break as my last day was Friday.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Graduation Weekend on steroids
We spent the last weekend running back and forth up and down I-5 celebrating graduation ceremonies. Thursday night it was up to Lynden for Bria and Marika's Lynden Academy graduation. Friday morning it was down to Seattle for Markus' Ivy cutting ceremony in Tiffany Loop. Then it was back up to Lynden Friday night for Marika's Lynden High School graduation. Saturday was a lay low in the sun day in Lynden. Then on Sunday it was back down to Seattle and Safeco field for Markus' SPU graduation. If things weren't hectic enough, my dear wife locked the keys in the van on Capital Hill one hour before grad time at Safeco. Since Ada's car seat was in the van, Bjorn had to walk her down to Safeco. After the ceremony, we were able to get it open, thanks to Mikal and AAA. We topped the weekend off with a dinner at the Icon Grill. All of the ceremonies seem to melt together in my mind; but each one was special in its own way.
Monday, June 07, 2010
Neah Bay 2010
Once again, God blessed our annual camping trip to Neah Bay with sunshine and safety. The past weekend had a 30 hour break in the weather - just the window that we had scheduled for the trip. The hike to Shi Shi Beach was very muddy, but the beach was great - sunshine and low tide. The Makah museum was great as usual and the camping at Hobuck Beach went well. (We even got compliments from the surfers) The only rain occurred as we completed our final activity, the hike to Cape Flattery. My birthday was acknowledge on the way home at the Port Angeles McDonald's with students getting the whole restaurant to sing to me.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
What did you do with your soggy weekend?
This Memorial Day weekend will certainly be 'memorable' for most folks, but it will be the lousy weather that we will remember. The forecast had been for a little break on Sunday, so Esther and I went out to the coast to check out Seabrook Resort for an August family gathering. It rained the entire day! We didn't even get on the beach. We did however, get a good feel for which house we want to rent. On Monday I was determined to do yard work, rain or shine. Well, I got the 'rain' in the morning and the 'shine' in the afternoon. The evening sun allowed us to at least have a barbecue.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
MSP - Measuement of Student Progress
As I finally post this blog, I realize that this month has been my most pathetic blog month in Southworth Sailor history. Maybe it is a reflection of the worst May weather I can ever remember. I have had several blog worthy happenings this month: Bjorn had an appendectomy and subsequent infection, I reconditioned the keel on my boat and gave it a new coat of black bottom paint. Our class went on a field trip to the Mariners game, my iPod Touch was stolen by one of my students and we finished the first year of MSP testing - Measurement of Student Progress instead of the WASL - Washington Assessment of Student Learning. These tests seem to be ever more consuming of our educational attention. There is certainly some good in them, as they have raised the level of accountability in the classroom; but there are many frustrating and inequitable dimensions to the process as well. One particularly frustrating test is the science test. There are some very nebulous 'standards' that the state publishes on which the test is based. As teachers, we are not allowed to read the test; but if one were to look over the students shoulders, he/she would notice different test questions for different students and very little testing of scientific content and lots of extended written responses for inconsequential scenarios. Our school has typically performed poorly on this test, and despite great effort to prepare the students this year, I have little confidence that there will be a significant improvement.
Sunday, May 09, 2010
tennis on Mother's Day
Markus joined us for Mother's Day. After church, we enjoyed a Kim's Teriyaki 'party tray,' then hustled off to enjoy the weather at the tennis courts. The old fogey's still have the swing as we beat the young boys in a tight match. We refreshed ourselves with Coldstone ice cream in Bremerton and then enjoyed the sunshine at Harborside Park and waterfront area. The Spring weather seems to have finally arrived.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Bookend Birthdays
This past weekend we celebrated two birthdays; one at the beginning of life and the other in the closing years. Two special women in my life - my granddaughter and mother, neither one cognizant of the significance of the event. Mom did have momentary recognitions of her birthday, but they quickly faded away. But somehow in her emotions, I believe that she could feel the family celebration on her behalf. A highlight for her was signing hymns with her children. On the other end of things, Ada seemed to enjoy the all the attention given her. There was a big party with many of Bjorn and Jenny's friends. Ada seems to have grown up so much in just the past month. She is standing and walking with a cart, sleeping through the night, and making sounds that at least resemble language. While my Mom is quickly losing her ability to communicate, my granddaughter is quickly beginning her ability.
"One generation shall praise your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." Ps. 145
"One generation shall praise your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." Ps. 145
Saturday, April 17, 2010
SPU Dad's Only Day
My final year as a dad of a SPU student and I got to go to the first annual Dad's Only Day at SPU. The day's events began with breakfast at SPU and then a trip to the Seattle Sounders game. Markus and I went with Jason and Jillian Shdo. I'm not sure why we let Jill get that obnoxious horn! The rain held off except for a few sprinkles, making for pleasant game conditions. The Sounder fans are great and the game was fun to watch as it was my first pro soccer game. Fortunately, the Sounders scored in the extended minutes of the game to win 1-0.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Spring Break - Day 8 and 9
The weather in Sacramento started turning cooler. Jack and I did some shingle repair on Ellen's roof in the morning. We rode about 12 miles on the American River Trail. It is a great trail, and on a Spring Saturday well used by serious cyclers and casual bikers like ourselves. In the evening we had dinner in Old Sacramento before Esther and I headed for home at 8pm. We made it as far as Medford at 1am where we checked in at the local Walmart. Sunday we drove through Oregon and arrived home in time to unpack and rewind before hitting work tomorrow. It was a great trip and we really enjoyed vacationing with Jack and Sue and spending time with Ellen.
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