| . |
Iraq - So not to contradict myself about my next trip being outside the middle east, but I do worry that after US forces get
restricted to their bases violence in Iraq could increase. So with that said, I might try to take advantage of the current peace in
Iraq and knock that country out before things get potentially worse in the future. Of course Iraq is still one of the most dangerous
countries in the world, but is much safer now than it was a year or two ago. Some places that have my attention are Ur, Mosul,
Kurdistan, and of course all the historical places in the Baghdad area.
restricted to their bases violence in Iraq could increase. So with that said, I might try to take advantage of the current peace in
Iraq and knock that country out before things get potentially worse in the future. Of course Iraq is still one of the most dangerous
countries in the world, but is much safer now than it was a year or two ago. Some places that have my attention are Ur, Mosul,
Kurdistan, and of course all the historical places in the Baghdad area.
1/10/07 - Some photos of Washington DC and Virginia have just been added. I didn't take the greatest photos but since DC is
so close I'll constantly upgrade it over time. After living here for 25 years I finally visited the area as a tourist!
so close I'll constantly upgrade it over time. After living here for 25 years I finally visited the area as a tourist!
| News & Updates |
| Three Most Recent Trips |
| Next Three Possible Trips |
| Afghanistan & UAE - 9/08 |
Burundi/Congo - In my quest to knock out the most dangerous countries I would like to do my next big trip in to sub-saharan
Africa, how about Burundi or Congo or Central African Republic? I feel like I've been doing a lot of traveling to Islamic nations
recently (Afghanistan, Sudan, Brunei, UAE, Jordan etc) so I'd like to give those a break and explore central Africa.
Africa, how about Burundi or Congo or Central African Republic? I feel like I've been doing a lot of traveling to Islamic nations
recently (Afghanistan, Sudan, Brunei, UAE, Jordan etc) so I'd like to give those a break and explore central Africa.
The States - In March 2007 I decided to visit all of the 50 states and treat them each as different countries. A few weeks
before I would never haven taken a trip inside the US because I'd rather visit a new country, but after a short trip to Boston I
finally realized how much I've been missing out. I decided to start from scratch and revisit all the states, even those I used to live
in. Since March 2007 I have added 18 new states to my website. I just completed a climb of USA's highest mountain at 6,000
meters in Alaska. My greatest challenge in the US is now conquered.
before I would never haven taken a trip inside the US because I'd rather visit a new country, but after a short trip to Boston I
finally realized how much I've been missing out. I decided to start from scratch and revisit all the states, even those I used to live
in. Since March 2007 I have added 18 new states to my website. I just completed a climb of USA's highest mountain at 6,000
meters in Alaska. My greatest challenge in the US is now conquered.
2/1/07 - I have made my trip to Egypt and Jordan, and did everything I had planned on. The new pages are also up and running.
3/9/07 - My trip to New England was 100% successful. I was able to climb Mt. Washington and also visit parts of New
Hampshire, and the states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The only bad part of this trip was the weather, which was mostly
overcast and extremely cold, so some photos didn't come out as well as I had hoped.
Hampshire, and the states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The only bad part of this trip was the weather, which was mostly
overcast and extremely cold, so some photos didn't come out as well as I had hoped.
3/28/07 - Back in business! I received my new passport today so now I'm able to start planning again for trips. My old passport
was damaged during my trip to Russia and had to be returned for a brand new one. I immediately started the visa process for
Iran and I hope there will still be time for me to go.
was damaged during my trip to Russia and had to be returned for a brand new one. I immediately started the visa process for
Iran and I hope there will still be time for me to go.
4/5/07 - I'm back from my trip to Puerto Rico. Unfortunately I didn't get to do everything I had planned on but I did do the
majority of it. The Arecibo Observatory was closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and I didn't make it out to Culebra Island.
majority of it. The Arecibo Observatory was closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and I didn't make it out to Culebra Island.
4/30/07 - I did a short trip to Maryland and Delaware and have added the pictures already for those places. I bought airfare to
Turkey on May 19th, so I'll be going there for sure now. If I get the visa to Iran then I'll combine a trip there with Turkey, if that
doesn't work out then I'll probably go to Turkey and other places like Lebanon, Syria or countries in eastern Europe. I probably
won't know about the visa to Iran until the second week of May so it gives me very little time to make this work.
Turkey on May 19th, so I'll be going there for sure now. If I get the visa to Iran then I'll combine a trip there with Turkey, if that
doesn't work out then I'll probably go to Turkey and other places like Lebanon, Syria or countries in eastern Europe. I probably
won't know about the visa to Iran until the second week of May so it gives me very little time to make this work.
6/10/07 - The trip to Iran didn't work out so instead I went to Southern Africa. With only a few days until my trip to Iran and no
visa, I was able to cancel my flight for credit and instead went to Africa. I was actually very happy with what I got to do with
such short notice. There are always so many more things to see but overall I feel that I experienced a lot. I traveled to Botswana,
Namibia and South Africa. I definitely have a lot more to see in all places, but in Namibia I accomplished the most. When I got
home I found that Iran did give me the visa while I was traveling in Africa. The visa is good for 3 more months, but now that I've
used up all of my vacation days I really doubt I'll be able to go.
visa, I was able to cancel my flight for credit and instead went to Africa. I was actually very happy with what I got to do with
such short notice. There are always so many more things to see but overall I feel that I experienced a lot. I traveled to Botswana,
Namibia and South Africa. I definitely have a lot more to see in all places, but in Namibia I accomplished the most. When I got
home I found that Iran did give me the visa while I was traveling in Africa. The visa is good for 3 more months, but now that I've
used up all of my vacation days I really doubt I'll be able to go.
6/26/07 - My friend and I spontaneously decided to do a weekend trip to West Virginia. I didn't expect much but I was pretty
surprised with how much fun I had. We mostly went hiking up in the mountains, but we also visited the capital Charleston and the
nuclear bunker created by the US government to be a back up location if DC was ever under attack.
surprised with how much fun I had. We mostly went hiking up in the mountains, but we also visited the capital Charleston and the
nuclear bunker created by the US government to be a back up location if DC was ever under attack.
7/9/07 - Finally after growing up and seeing Yellowstone in both cartoons and all over National Geographic, I got to see it in
person. Yellowstone was definitely the focus of my trip, but I visited other parts of Wyoming, drove through the eastern part of
Idaho, and spent two days in Salt Lake City, Utah. It took me a while, but I created new pages for all three states, as well a
separate one dedicated to Yellowstone National Park.
person. Yellowstone was definitely the focus of my trip, but I visited other parts of Wyoming, drove through the eastern part of
Idaho, and spent two days in Salt Lake City, Utah. It took me a while, but I created new pages for all three states, as well a
separate one dedicated to Yellowstone National Park.
8/13/07 - The Mt. Garibaldi climb I had set out for was met with defeat because of poor weather near the summit. We got
within a few hours of the summit but terrible visibility forced us to turn back around. The next day I had pretty good weather and
I returned to Vancouver and also explored some of the wilderness of British Columbia, Canada.
within a few hours of the summit but terrible visibility forced us to turn back around. The next day I had pretty good weather and
I returned to Vancouver and also explored some of the wilderness of British Columbia, Canada.
8/22/07 - Some old friends from the Marines got together in Wisconsin for a small VMFA-115 reunion. I hadn't seen either of
them in a few years so it was good catching up. I also was able to see most of the state so I added Wisconsin to my site.
them in a few years so it was good catching up. I also was able to see most of the state so I added Wisconsin to my site.
9/10/07 - The state of Missouri has been conquered! I went to Missouri and hiked in the Ozarks, visited St. Louis and Kansas
city as well as other places of interest. I also visited parts of Illinois even though that wasn't the focus of my trip. I'll have to return
there later to see Chicago and the capital.
city as well as other places of interest. I also visited parts of Illinois even though that wasn't the focus of my trip. I'll have to return
there later to see Chicago and the capital.
9/24/07 - I think I've been visiting too many states in the US. My next place will definitely be out of the country other than a local
weekend road trips like the one I did to Pennsylvania last weekend. As of now I plan to visit Japan, Malasyia and Brunei again
in late October early November. Unfortunately it will be the rainy season in southeast Asia but it seems like the best trip to do
logistically. I've been to Japan many times so I'll do better this time at exploring Tokyo while in Malaysia and Brunei I'll have a lot
of new places to explore.
weekend road trips like the one I did to Pennsylvania last weekend. As of now I plan to visit Japan, Malasyia and Brunei again
in late October early November. Unfortunately it will be the rainy season in southeast Asia but it seems like the best trip to do
logistically. I've been to Japan many times so I'll do better this time at exploring Tokyo while in Malaysia and Brunei I'll have a lot
of new places to explore.
9/1/07 - It seems I have over trained for my next mountain climb and I have somehow hurt my hip. It really worries me since I'm
afraid it will get worse or delay my training so I won't be in shape come this winter. I plan to rest for a few weeks and hope it
gets better. If I can't climb Aconcagua this winter I have no idea what I'll do instead.
afraid it will get worse or delay my training so I won't be in shape come this winter. I plan to rest for a few weeks and hope it
gets better. If I can't climb Aconcagua this winter I have no idea what I'll do instead.
11/6/07 - Another two countries have been knocked out, I visited Malaysia and Brunei plus some new parts of Japan. The
photos have all been uploaded already. I actually have only 4 weeks until I'm supposed to go to Sudan. The visa process started
in mid October before I did this trip to Asia so I'll check on the embassy when I return.
photos have all been uploaded already. I actually have only 4 weeks until I'm supposed to go to Sudan. The visa process started
in mid October before I did this trip to Asia so I'll check on the embassy when I return.
11/26/07 - This past weekend I visited New York City and added the photos to my site, staying mostly in Manhattan. New
York City was an impressive place, its hard to believe its only 4 hours away and I've never been there before!
York City was an impressive place, its hard to believe its only 4 hours away and I've never been there before!
1/5/08 - Georgia, Florida and a few more pictures of South Carolina have been added to my website. I did a trip for New
Years and went to Savannah, Georgia camping on Cumberland Island, St. Augustine and Disney World in Florida, then to Hilton
Head South Carolina. I still have much more to do and see in all 3 states, such as Miami, Florida Keys, and the city Atlanta.
Years and went to Savannah, Georgia camping on Cumberland Island, St. Augustine and Disney World in Florida, then to Hilton
Head South Carolina. I still have much more to do and see in all 3 states, such as Miami, Florida Keys, and the city Atlanta.
1/23/08 - I went to Sudan for vacation and survived! Of all the countries I've been to, Sudan had the most strict laws regarding
photography, and ironically I put more photos of Sudan than any other country on my website. I didn't meet any travelers in
Sudan except for those by the Red Sea. Other westerners I saw in the capital where all there for humanitarian work or business.
One man I met congratulated me for going out, as he said everyeone else he knew only stayed at their hotel after work. I saw
many parts of Sudan, from the center, the north and a road trip I did to the east as well. Click here for photos.
photography, and ironically I put more photos of Sudan than any other country on my website. I didn't meet any travelers in
Sudan except for those by the Red Sea. Other westerners I saw in the capital where all there for humanitarian work or business.
One man I met congratulated me for going out, as he said everyeone else he knew only stayed at their hotel after work. I saw
many parts of Sudan, from the center, the north and a road trip I did to the east as well. Click here for photos.
2/15/08 - I just left Santiago Chile a few days ago and I'm currently in Mendoza, Argentina ready to climb Mt. Aconcagua. I
have already put new photos of Santiago and Mendoza on my website, but will not make any other updates until March.
have already put new photos of Santiago and Mendoza on my website, but will not make any other updates until March.
3/5/08 - The top of the western hemisphere was reached! I climbed Aconcagua and have checked off another one of the 7
summits off my list. At 22,841 feet this is the second highest of the 7 summits, which means the only higher mountain I have is
Mt. Everest. I still have some days off until I have to return to home, so I will visit Bolivia or some new local country before
heading back. From now on, I will continue to make updates daily to my website until its time to work again.
summits off my list. At 22,841 feet this is the second highest of the 7 summits, which means the only higher mountain I have is
Mt. Everest. I still have some days off until I have to return to home, so I will visit Bolivia or some new local country before
heading back. From now on, I will continue to make updates daily to my website until its time to work again.
3/30/08 - Coming back to reality wasn't as hard as I had expected. I've been home for almost two weeks already and working
again after my one month hiatus. Since I was gone for so long I imagine it will be a few months until my next overseas trip. I must
use my canceled Iran flight's credit before the end of April, which means I have to decide where I'm going pretty soon, even
though I can purchase the flight for later this year. Right now my eyes are set on Algeria, but it seems difficult to go there as there
aren't many tourist facilities or guides so it will be difficult to organize. On my last trip I was able to visit new places in Argentina,
Chile and spent some time in Bolivia. I think Bolivia is my favorite country in South America. Traveling in Chile & Argentina has
a European or American feel to it, when began exploring La Paz I thought to myself now I'm back in South America.
again after my one month hiatus. Since I was gone for so long I imagine it will be a few months until my next overseas trip. I must
use my canceled Iran flight's credit before the end of April, which means I have to decide where I'm going pretty soon, even
though I can purchase the flight for later this year. Right now my eyes are set on Algeria, but it seems difficult to go there as there
aren't many tourist facilities or guides so it will be difficult to organize. On my last trip I was able to visit new places in Argentina,
Chile and spent some time in Bolivia. I think Bolivia is my favorite country in South America. Traveling in Chile & Argentina has
a European or American feel to it, when began exploring La Paz I thought to myself now I'm back in South America.
4/13/08 - What did I do this weekend? I went to Baltimore Maryland, worked around the house and I met the Vice President of
Afghanistan. The 2nd VP of Afghanistan was in Virginia to have a meeting with Dick Cheney and I got a rare opportunity to
meet him. I added the photo in my Virginia page. Also added are some new photos of from a weekend trip I did to Baltimore.
Baltimore is only about an hour away but I hadn't been in almost 15 years!
Afghanistan. The 2nd VP of Afghanistan was in Virginia to have a meeting with Dick Cheney and I got a rare opportunity to
meet him. I added the photo in my Virginia page. Also added are some new photos of from a weekend trip I did to Baltimore.
Baltimore is only about an hour away but I hadn't been in almost 15 years!
5/28/08 - Tennessee, has been added to my site. I wish the weather had been better; I had many overcast days and some of the
hardest thunderstorms I've seen in years. When I did get some clear days I enjoyed Nashville and met up with an old friend in
Memphis. On future trips to Tennessee I'll make a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains my next priority. Now about new trips, I
know I've been doing a lot of talk about evil countries but I think I'll likely go to a normal destination like Germany or
somewhere else in western Europe. My main motivation is to make my Europe page worth visiting, since I have only a few
pictures and have never taken a trip there other than when I was in the military or to climb Mt. Elbrus. I think this will happen in
the summer or early fall. I hope to do a lot of traveling to other countries once I get my vacation time by up around the summer.
hardest thunderstorms I've seen in years. When I did get some clear days I enjoyed Nashville and met up with an old friend in
Memphis. On future trips to Tennessee I'll make a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains my next priority. Now about new trips, I
know I've been doing a lot of talk about evil countries but I think I'll likely go to a normal destination like Germany or
somewhere else in western Europe. My main motivation is to make my Europe page worth visiting, since I have only a few
pictures and have never taken a trip there other than when I was in the military or to climb Mt. Elbrus. I think this will happen in
the summer or early fall. I hope to do a lot of traveling to other countries once I get my vacation time by up around the summer.
| Welcome to my web page! My name is George and I'm someone with a huge passion for adventure and world travel. My website currently has 2,264 pictures taken in over 50 destinations from all 7 continents, including four of the 'seven summits' I climbed. I have a dream of visiting every country in the world and will try my best to share my travels on this site through photos and my personal experiences. Click on a continent below. |
7/8/08 - My trip to North Carolina and Virginia beach for July 4th is at an end. I stayed in Virginia for the fireworks and then
spent the rest of the time in the outer banks at the beach. For my next trip it looks like my opportunity to go to Afghanistan has
come back and this time it looks more promising than before. As of now I do expect to go, time off work has been approved
and I am in the visa process. The only thing to stop me right now is the taliban, if they continue to be evil I am worried my
contact in the country will call off the trip. A few days ago they put a big bomb at the Indian embassy that was the worst attack
in the past 5 years. Hopefully things won't get worse and I won't have to cancel. I will also visit the UAE on this trip in Sept.
spent the rest of the time in the outer banks at the beach. For my next trip it looks like my opportunity to go to Afghanistan has
come back and this time it looks more promising than before. As of now I do expect to go, time off work has been approved
and I am in the visa process. The only thing to stop me right now is the taliban, if they continue to be evil I am worried my
contact in the country will call off the trip. A few days ago they put a big bomb at the Indian embassy that was the worst attack
in the past 5 years. Hopefully things won't get worse and I won't have to cancel. I will also visit the UAE on this trip in Sept.
8/6/08 - The past couple weeks I have added a few photos to Maryland and Washington DC. Nothing special just mostly
normal weekend stuff, but I did get a photo of a fight in DC! I'm mostly writing to confirm that my trip to Afghanistan is a go and
I will be leaving on Sept 3rd, actually 4 weeks from today. Recently violence in Afghanistan has been higher than Iraq, so I
consider Afghanistan to be the second most dangerous country in the world after Somalia. If I can knock out this country it will
be a huge step forward in my mission, checking off one of the most deadly and least traveled countries in the world.
normal weekend stuff, but I did get a photo of a fight in DC! I'm mostly writing to confirm that my trip to Afghanistan is a go and
I will be leaving on Sept 3rd, actually 4 weeks from today. Recently violence in Afghanistan has been higher than Iraq, so I
consider Afghanistan to be the second most dangerous country in the world after Somalia. If I can knock out this country it will
be a huge step forward in my mission, checking off one of the most deadly and least traveled countries in the world.
9/1/08 - I added another state, New Jersey, to my site. The main reason for this trip was so I could get some travel practice with
my new camera before my trip to the middle east and Afghanistan. Those will be separate adventures, but New Jersey itself was
definitely a unique state to me, and not necessarily in a good way! I came across many of the nasty cities that I have always
heard of, but was also impressed with some of the state's nicer areas, mostly in the south such as Atlantic City. In any case I
have to go to all 50 states and New Jersey is no exception. I have only 3 states remaining in the northeast to add to my site.
my new camera before my trip to the middle east and Afghanistan. Those will be separate adventures, but New Jersey itself was
definitely a unique state to me, and not necessarily in a good way! I came across many of the nasty cities that I have always
heard of, but was also impressed with some of the state's nicer areas, mostly in the south such as Atlantic City. In any case I
have to go to all 50 states and New Jersey is no exception. I have only 3 states remaining in the northeast to add to my site.
9/20/08 - My mission to Afghanistan was completed, I visited the capital Kabul, the city of Herat in the west and the city of
Mazar e Sharif in the north. Some things I'd still like to see in Afghanistan are Bamiyan, the Band I Amir lakes, the Hindu-Kush
Mountains, and Minaret of Jam. I was very impressed with how much the country has to offer, I'd probably need at least a full
month to see everything. I added 126 photos of Afghanistan to my site, plus the countries UAE and the Netherlands. No idea
when my next trip out of the country will be since I will now need to focus on climbing Denali in May 09. I have my eyes on a
short trip to Mexico to see Mexico City, the Mayan pyramids, and to climb Pico de Orizaba for more Denali experience.
Another option is to do a trip to Haiti, the western hemisphere's most dangerous destination.
Mazar e Sharif in the north. Some things I'd still like to see in Afghanistan are Bamiyan, the Band I Amir lakes, the Hindu-Kush
Mountains, and Minaret of Jam. I was very impressed with how much the country has to offer, I'd probably need at least a full
month to see everything. I added 126 photos of Afghanistan to my site, plus the countries UAE and the Netherlands. No idea
when my next trip out of the country will be since I will now need to focus on climbing Denali in May 09. I have my eyes on a
short trip to Mexico to see Mexico City, the Mayan pyramids, and to climb Pico de Orizaba for more Denali experience.
Another option is to do a trip to Haiti, the western hemisphere's most dangerous destination.
10/8/08 - I've tried very hard to find a way to get into Iraq but no luck so far. I did however get some help for Haiti that I think
seems reliable enough so I expect to go this country next. Haiti is considered one of the top 10 most dangerous countries and is
easily the most dangerous in the western hemisphere. Speaking of top 10 most dangerous countries I created a list of what I
think they are and why since every website has different views. See the most dangerous countries list.
seems reliable enough so I expect to go this country next. Haiti is considered one of the top 10 most dangerous countries and is
easily the most dangerous in the western hemisphere. Speaking of top 10 most dangerous countries I created a list of what I
think they are and why since every website has different views. See the most dangerous countries list.
11/15/08 - Doesn't seem like it's already been over a month since I last updated this. I am currently working on my next trip
which I hope will be to Haiti at the end of December. The good news is that it's easy to get time off during the holiday period but
the bad news is that flights are much more expensive. The time off part looks finished so I could leave on December 29th and fly
to Port Au Prince. There really aren't any tour guides in Haiti but I found someone who is willing to help. The only problem now
is the potentially high price of flights during New Years. If Haiti doesn't work out then I'll look at a cheaper place in Central
America or to Mexico. I will definitely be going to Washington state in March, then Alaska in May for Denali.
which I hope will be to Haiti at the end of December. The good news is that it's easy to get time off during the holiday period but
the bad news is that flights are much more expensive. The time off part looks finished so I could leave on December 29th and fly
to Port Au Prince. There really aren't any tour guides in Haiti but I found someone who is willing to help. The only problem now
is the potentially high price of flights during New Years. If Haiti doesn't work out then I'll look at a cheaper place in Central
America or to Mexico. I will definitely be going to Washington state in March, then Alaska in May for Denali.
11/27/08 - The situation with Haiti has been going back and forth, the biggest problem now seems to be airfare, or I should say
was. The price was almost double the normal fare because I need to go during the holidays and even though I don't have any for
sure connections in Haiti I bought the ticket anyway when it dropped $150. So there is no turning back now, I'll be going to Haiti
100% in December so I better find some place to stay and a friend who can keep me safe. My fear of Haiti has gone down a lot
even though it is listed as one of the most dangerous places so hopefully I won't get injured or anything that will mess up Denali.
was. The price was almost double the normal fare because I need to go during the holidays and even though I don't have any for
sure connections in Haiti I bought the ticket anyway when it dropped $150. So there is no turning back now, I'll be going to Haiti
100% in December so I better find some place to stay and a friend who can keep me safe. My fear of Haiti has gone down a lot
even though it is listed as one of the most dangerous places so hopefully I won't get injured or anything that will mess up Denali.
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1/7/09 - Well I can't believe its been well over a month since I updated this. I did make it out to Haiti and at the last minute
found someone to help me. After the first few days I backpacked by myself until it was time to go home. I found Haiti to be both
easy and a difficult place to travel at the same time. Finding a driver or someone to help you out takes little time, but negotiating a
fair price or avoiding a scam can be hard. Sometimes I found people were difficult to trust there, but overall I completed what I
went to do and had no significant problems on the trip. I had some interesting experiences there, read my Haiti page for details.
found someone to help me. After the first few days I backpacked by myself until it was time to go home. I found Haiti to be both
easy and a difficult place to travel at the same time. Finding a driver or someone to help you out takes little time, but negotiating a
fair price or avoiding a scam can be hard. Sometimes I found people were difficult to trust there, but overall I completed what I
went to do and had no significant problems on the trip. I had some interesting experiences there, read my Haiti page for details.
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| | | | | | | | | | |
2/9/09 - Been another month since I updated anything again! At least now some adventures are coming up. I'm going to New
Mexico this week for fun with a friend. Tickets were pretty damn cheap and I'll put a tent in the desert for free and eat when I
get back home to save money! Recession has hit pretty hard at my job, I think maybe 50/50 chance I'll get laid off. Denali is
putting a lot of stress on me and it's too late to turn back so I can only keep training and hope everything works out well.
Mexico this week for fun with a friend. Tickets were pretty damn cheap and I'll put a tent in the desert for free and eat when I
get back home to save money! Recession has hit pretty hard at my job, I think maybe 50/50 chance I'll get laid off. Denali is
putting a lot of stress on me and it's too late to turn back so I can only keep training and hope everything works out well.
2/20/09 - Finally I have a decent page about a state in the west on my site! I completed almost all of my goals in New Mexico
which included the Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Roswell, White Sands and hiking in the Sangre De Christo Mountains. In only two
weeks I'm going to Washington State for a climbing class that is a prep for Denali. My Denali attempt is going to be done in
May. With the current economy, I feel like this climbing course and Denali is putting more stress on me rather than offering any
excitement. After these trips I will definitely have to cut back on some traveling for my first since I came up with my mission.
which included the Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Roswell, White Sands and hiking in the Sangre De Christo Mountains. In only two
weeks I'm going to Washington State for a climbing class that is a prep for Denali. My Denali attempt is going to be done in
May. With the current economy, I feel like this climbing course and Denali is putting more stress on me rather than offering any
excitement. After these trips I will definitely have to cut back on some traveling for my first since I came up with my mission.
3/15/09 - I have completed the week long Denali prep course so I'm all set for the mountain this May. I can't believe I'm going
to Denali 9 weeks from today! Unless I ever set foot on Mt. Everest, climbing Denali will be the hardest thing I ever do in my
life. I feel more confident after the prep course, and my main concern is no longer the physical challenge but instead dealing with
the cold. Unfortunately because of the economy and all it is doubtful I'll do anything in the next 2 months other than train for the
climb. By the way, I have added a ton of new photos to my Washington page. It went from 9 photos to 80.
to Denali 9 weeks from today! Unless I ever set foot on Mt. Everest, climbing Denali will be the hardest thing I ever do in my
life. I feel more confident after the prep course, and my main concern is no longer the physical challenge but instead dealing with
the cold. Unfortunately because of the economy and all it is doubtful I'll do anything in the next 2 months other than train for the
climb. By the way, I have added a ton of new photos to my Washington page. It went from 9 photos to 80.
4/25/09 - In exactly 3 weeks from today I will be landing on a glacier to begin my 3 week climb to the summit of Denali. With
temperatures dipping to 40 degrees below zero bringing back all my fingers will be a challenge much less good photos, but
nevertheless I'll do my best to take as many pictures as possible. After the climb I would like to spend a few days in Alaska
seeing the state's natural beauty and exploring the capital. Hopefully bad weather won't keep me on the mountain longer than I
have to be. After Denali I plan to explore Anchorage, Catmai National Park, Kodiak Island and Fairbanks. I'd love to explore
the Arctic but everything is so expensive in Alaska I really doubt a trip up there is possible. I'll be lucky if I accomplish half of my
other goals in Alaska since it is all up to how Denali goes! Next update will be May 15th when I arrive to Alaska.
temperatures dipping to 40 degrees below zero bringing back all my fingers will be a challenge much less good photos, but
nevertheless I'll do my best to take as many pictures as possible. After the climb I would like to spend a few days in Alaska
seeing the state's natural beauty and exploring the capital. Hopefully bad weather won't keep me on the mountain longer than I
have to be. After Denali I plan to explore Anchorage, Catmai National Park, Kodiak Island and Fairbanks. I'd love to explore
the Arctic but everything is so expensive in Alaska I really doubt a trip up there is possible. I'll be lucky if I accomplish half of my
other goals in Alaska since it is all up to how Denali goes! Next update will be May 15th when I arrive to Alaska.
5/15/09 - I've made it to Alaska and will start my Denali expedition on the 17th, this coming Sunday! It looks like I'll have clear
weather on the 17th so we should have no delays getting flown onto the glacier and setting up base camp. Afterwards it seems
that we'll have some storms beginning on Tuesday going all the way through Saturday. I knew someone from Elbrus who had
bad weather on Denali and was stuck for 13 days at advanced base camp. While I'd definitely be willing to stay as long as it
takes that choice is up to the expedition and not me. Sometimes bad weather ruins chances to try to summit the mountain and
people never have an opportunity to try. Tomorrow I will do a gear check and final preps and then do some exploring in
Anchorage before I leave Sunday. My next update will be when I get off the mountain which should be the second week of June.
weather on the 17th so we should have no delays getting flown onto the glacier and setting up base camp. Afterwards it seems
that we'll have some storms beginning on Tuesday going all the way through Saturday. I knew someone from Elbrus who had
bad weather on Denali and was stuck for 13 days at advanced base camp. While I'd definitely be willing to stay as long as it
takes that choice is up to the expedition and not me. Sometimes bad weather ruins chances to try to summit the mountain and
people never have an opportunity to try. Tomorrow I will do a gear check and final preps and then do some exploring in
Anchorage before I leave Sunday. My next update will be when I get off the mountain which should be the second week of June.
6/10/09 - I climbed the coldest mountain in the world!!! (Outside Antarctica). It took almost a month to climb Denali, not
reaching the summit until day 22! Out of the 7 summits, one of my main goals in life, Denali is considered the second hardest,
some are even bold enough to say it is harder than Mt. Everest. I experienced some horrible weather on the mountain and for
almost a week straight it seemed a summit attempt was impossible. With all the extra time spent on Denali I did nothing else at all
but do a day trip in Anchorage due to the lack of time. My plans for Catmai National Park, Kodiak and Fairbanks all fell
through but they were worth the price. With the current world economy and the end of this huge trip, it will be some time until my
next big adventure. For the mean time, I'll continue to knock out local states and enjoy summer!
reaching the summit until day 22! Out of the 7 summits, one of my main goals in life, Denali is considered the second hardest,
some are even bold enough to say it is harder than Mt. Everest. I experienced some horrible weather on the mountain and for
almost a week straight it seemed a summit attempt was impossible. With all the extra time spent on Denali I did nothing else at all
but do a day trip in Anchorage due to the lack of time. My plans for Catmai National Park, Kodiak and Fairbanks all fell
through but they were worth the price. With the current world economy and the end of this huge trip, it will be some time until my
next big adventure. For the mean time, I'll continue to knock out local states and enjoy summer!
7/3/09 - I'll be going to South Carolina's Myrtle beach for the 3 day July 4th weekend. Hopefully I'll get to stop by Charleston
as well which is a historic city 2 hours south and do a few other things. I am still looking to go to Montreal Canada later this
summer and it seems that my next real trip could be to Iraq March 7th 2010. That seems like a very long time....
as well which is a historic city 2 hours south and do a few other things. I am still looking to go to Montreal Canada later this
summer and it seems that my next real trip could be to Iraq March 7th 2010. That seems like a very long time....