25 mi or 40 km!

Bright and early on Saturday morning, when the world slept, 5 troopers began their long trek. It was going to be a challenge, especially for a couple of us newbies to the world of treks. My biggest, prior to this was about 16 km, and I took a whole day to do that :-)

We began the trek at about 645 am, and started out quite well. We were making good time, doing about 3 miles every hour, and with a break every hour for a power bar, we maintained that pace. Along the way, we came across Berry Creek Falls.


Further in, about 5 miles to our destination we started seeing runners on the trail heading towards us. After many attempts to read their t-shirts as they ran to us, we figured out that they were part of the Nike Team in Training troop, practicing for an upcoming half marathon. I was aware of this foundation through a friend, who is preparing for the marathon with them.

The highlight of the trip out was the midway point. Waddell beach. There's nothing better after a 4 hr hike than to soak your feet in the ice cold water of the Pacific, and then lie down and bask in the warm sunshine.

One hour later, it was time to go back. The return trip started just as well, with us maintaining the 3 mile/hr rate. Soon, as the feet began to give in, and the strain began to show, we dropped in pace. We made the return trip in about 5 hours, still quite commendable I think.

Once we hit the asphalt of the park's head office, walking became a severe strain. The feet had blisters, but the exhilaration of having just walked 40 km (it sounds bigger in kilometres) was enough to stave off that feeling for later.

At home, the first thing I did was to soak myself for 45 minutes in hot water. That really helped relax the body, and allowed for a wonderful 12 hr long night's sleep.

All in all a great experience, that really tests the endurance of the body, and a whole lot of fun!

The trail, from Big Basin Website:

Skyline to the Sea Trail to Waddell Beach

One Way.

What to see: Spectacular views!

Location: The Whole Park, Mid Park areas, Pacific Ocean.

Length: ~12.5 miles~20 kms

Time: ~6 hours

Elevation: ~+/-1000'

The journey, even if u were to drive:

Toys

About a year ago, I wrote about being technologically challenged. I wrote about being in a world where technology is because it can be, not because it is really needed. Looking back, I can see a change. The change in itself is quite interesting. From being in a place where such things would be conversation stoppers for lack of knowledge, they are now part and parcel of everyday life.

Just recently I obtained a new set of toys. Gadgets, if you will. Living in this country for just shy of two years, and living on a budget that would be make many a man cringe, the sudden freedom of getting back to corporate life is mind numbing.

I've been here just under two months now. I live on my own in a 1 bedroom apartment. I own my own car. Whats a car in this country without a navigation system? Yes, I have a GPS receiver for the car (it really is mighty useful). Daily chores can be quite a task. The apartment has a dishwasher, and I now have my own Roomba. (Whats a Roomba? In simple terms, its a robotic vacuum cleaner. That's right, just switch it on, and it cleans the house. When its done, it goes and recharges itself. )

One year can make all the change. From being lost not knowing about a world of technology, I'm now lost in the world of technology.

Déjà vu

New places, new people, new feelings, new times. Yet something just feels the same.

Eight years ago, life expanded from a world in a 10 mile radius, to one that covered the city. It went from a perspective of town, to one which had the suburbs. It went from high school to college. And soon, that was the norm.

Four years ago, the world went from one city, to two, and then to three. I went from the boy at home, to the person who worked. The traveller of the south.

Two years ago, life turned on its head. It spanned continents, but restricted itself to a portion of the new land. I went back to school, and learned what it was to learn again.

School makes way for work, and today, I've spanned the entire continent. I have gone full circle.

Yet some things remain the same. The person adapts, and moves on, but does he change?