Vacation Part II

Okay this might be super long because a TON happened between Christmas and New Year's and going back to Los Angeles. (I have a bunch of really good photos I didn't upload, but I decided to just post the ones that tell the story.) Here goes:

Right after Christmas, a super good swell hit (or so I thought since I am currently living in California). I woke up early and drove out to visit Derek and check the surf. It was an adventurous drive, but not toooo snowy. It was actually pretty warm compared to the recent weather so I was happy. On the way to ride WAVES!

Once Derek and I decided where to surf, we didn't have much time because he had to work. We threw on our wetsuits as fast as we could (ok so it takes awhile in cold climates) and paddled out. I was semi-terrified because it was freezing cold, I wasn't used to duckdiving with a hood, and it was very large on the big sets. Very large. I remember paddling over a wave with a tiny person on it just cruising in the barrel. SO AWESOME! Derek got some good waves, but it was crowded so difficult. I am kind of annoyed that I have forgotten how to ride that stuff since I've been living in California. Some day I'll be able to do it again. So incredibly awesome. Ha ha I was in awe for a long time after that. Checking the surf:

Watching the swell clean up during the day was quite the experience...really nice barrels just seemed to appear. After surfing, Derek stopped at his friend's house so I followed. He left for work and I stayed at her house to enjoy hot chocolate! And cookies! Thanks Sammy and family!

The next day, the same storm system that brought waves brought warm air and therefore melted ice which meant the river was high for canoeing. Dad and I went on our annual canoe trip right before it got dark. Warm clothes are good!

I was being a wimp so we had Mom come pick us up at the end of the canoe trip. The river was beautiful and ice cold, but we still got to see the heron. After canoeing, we drove to a new restaurant thanks to a gift card Mom got for Christmas. The food was okay but its a good thing we had a gift card.

The next day was a relaxing day. I spent a lot of time during vacation reading books before I left. Christmas also brought more books so there was lots of reading to do. Plus Mom and I did some shopping since this is something I completely neglect at any other time of the year. New clothes...I don't really like to get them but I guess sometimes I really do need them. Anyway, Dad and I also went cross country skiing. I managed to nearly fall in a river and ended up falling a bunch of other times since we were only on the trail sometimes. It was fun though and a good way to get some sun since its dark most of the time. Its a good workout for the ice cold though. XC skiing keeps your whole body warmer than running does, although I spent a lot of time going on runs during the vacation too (Derek even came with us on one of them before he went back to work).

For New Year's Eve, we went to Hartford's early fireworks display at 6pm. Its really aimed at families with young kids but we were planning on running on race on New Year's Day so the kids fireworks display it was. Fortunately, it was actually pretty impressive and worth the very cold drive and walk to see!

Hartford's first night has a bunch of events that we used to go to as kids but this time Dad, Mom, and I just watched the fireworks. The arch was all lit up nicely on our way out though:

We got to bed early sooooo we could get up early! Dad, Mom, and I drove out to RI to visit Derek and run the Hangover Class 5 Mile. Technically, its a "fast and flat" course...except when there is snow and ice all over it. The group of runners who showed up was a refreshing change from southern california. It was about 23 degrees out and everyone was saying how warm it was and ready for a great race! Nobody complained about the snow but instead was ready to get started.

Dad, Derek and I ran. Mom left her running clothes at home thinking she wasn't going to run but she regretted it as soon as we got into the parking lot at the start. It was a beautiful morning with a snow covered course, except for the first 0.25mi and last 0.75mi which we plowed. Here's Dad at the finish, photo thanks to Mom (that's one benefit of Mom not running, we got photos!):

In the end, Derek came in with a good time close to the front of the race and Dad and I finished right next to each other. Derek and I discussed the race when we finished and the ability of my Vibram Five Fingers to run snowy races (pretty good!):

The race awards ceremony was held it a great little place called the Topside Restaurant. The atmosphere was very winter fire in the fireplace warm. Mom and Dad waiting for the awards ceremony and staying warm in good company with a bunch of enthusiastic runners:

I won my age group and got a trophy very appropriate of a race called the Hangover Classic.

Post race foot was absolutely necessary. We followed Derek into Providence where he chose a really awesome restaurant. I got eggs over easy on top of fresh crab cakes. Yaaaay good food after a good race on a beautiful winter day! Dad, Mom, and I then headed home so Derek could go to work. We finished New Year's Day with a movie. I don't watch much TV during regular life so its fun to relax and catch up on movies when I actually have a TV.

Before I left the east coast, I got a chance to catch up Adam and Kearah from college. Somehow, we coordinated our times and we got to hang out. We made our plan, but I woke up and it was super snowy. Mom didn't want me to drive out to RI by myself and she was going to visit Grandpa, so I drove to church instead. I'm glad I got to go to normal Sunday church at home during my visit back. And I got to remember my driving in the snow skills. After church, Dad and I took off for RI. This is what the highway on-ramp looked like:

Sooo we got off the highway and took the direct route backroads since the highway was slow anyway. A couple of hours later we arrived at the RI Rock Gym. Yay I got to hang out with Adam and Kearah for the first time since Utah last April. It was super awesome to catch up and hang out with people from a similar educational background as me (not to mention all the stuff we did during college). We had a great time working on climbing problems. Derek also showed up before he had to go to work and I got to meet his roommate. All in all, I think I knew seven people at a gym across the country that I've only climbed at maybe 5 times. Derek took off for work while Dad, Adam, Kearah and I ate excellent Thai food at a very excellent price. I'm glad we got a chance to talk and catch up on life! Its hard when everyone lives in different parts of the country...

Even with all the snow, I had to leave on Monday morning (unfortuantely). Dad and I made it through the snow and rush hour traffic to the airport while Mom and Derek were working. I miss winter very very very much and my family even more. I did get to fly back to Los Angeles to see Josh who picked me up at the airport even though I wasn't exactly psyched to be back in the city. He was smart though and made sure we went to get food so I was a little less bitter. :) Life moves fast, and by Monday afternoon I was back at work. Now I'm here...remembering an amazing couple of weeks. Too bad the surf isn't exactly awe inspiring around here...ok enough of that. I'll close with a winter shot (taken by Mom):

Goodbye snow, for now! I'll be back!