Photo Blogging Challenge (April 2013): Transportation

April is almost done already! It's hard to believe. Spring is generally a pretty busy travel time for me. We have a few conferences we usually attend but those numbers are down this year. I'm glad, it gives me more time at home.

April started out with a backpacking trip to Pedernales Falls SP. We are working on the Backpacking merit badge and needed a 15-mile hike. We didn't plan to do 13 of it in one day but that happens sometimes when you are boy-led.

Next, our troop attended a Merit Badge college at the local technical school. It's one of the better ones in that they offer merit badges that are hard to come by like Welding and, in this photo, Auto Maintenance.

Work took me to a conference in Key Biscayne, Florida. We have a business associate who lives on Fisher Island. His company was celebrating 20 years with another business partner and threw a dinner party on a little boat. It was pretty nice.

 I have all sorts of photos of airplanes, it's not often I'm around helicopters. As we were leaving Florida the one in front had just landed and the one in the air was circling to land where we were parked.

April ends similar to how it started. The Troop kicked off the Hiking merit badge with the first of four 10-mile hikes. We call this one our Urban Hike, it's a good loop that is all paved to get the guys used to the walk.

I can't wait to see what adventures next month brings.  You can see the other participants at PJ's blog.

Pedernales Falls SP – 15-mile Backpack Hike

Pedernales Falls SP primitive area, April 6, 2013, 10PM

We started this morning about 7am. We got settled in and hit the trail. 

We passed our camp area and kept on going. We were looking for a path running along the creek the ranger told us about but ended up in a area that was closed to allow for revegetation, Twin Falls.









We realized our mistake and quickly and carefully left the area.

We finally spotted our river crossing and headed up for the 4 mile loop. It was long and uphill all the way, literally. I don’t know how. The day was really starting to warm up, too.







 

After returning to the river crossing we broke for lunch. The decision was made to stick to the road instead of trying to return the way we came. Our 9-10 mile first day turned into a 13 miler, setting a record for our troop besting the previous of 11-miles. Later we made it back to the primitive area. I had an opportunity to find a nearby cache. We had a great "campfire" the boys told stories and jokes and told us their most memorable scouting moment.








 

We had a little less than a 3 mile hike back to the parking lot Sunday morning. After sleeping in a little and breakfast, John led the troop’s Sunday service. He did a nice job.











   

Carter helped him out with a song. We made it back safely and got back home around lunch time















I had the opportunity to try the prototype of the Alpine Hammock in hammock form. I found it quite comfortable. I wish there was a hook inside to clip a small stuff sack and it’s a little stuffy when it’s humid out. It’s a really nice product though.

Photo Blogging Challenge (March 2013)

I decided I didn't have enough on my plate so I added PJ's Photo Blogging Challenge The first month's challenge is My World and due to the activities in my world, I missed the deadline, but here it is anyway. 

March started off with a bleasure plusiness trip that was minorly work-related to Nassau, The Bahamas. It was abnormally windy and cool but we dove some and played a little golf as well as visiting with some old friends. 

 





 The next week brought us to Steamboat Springs for some spring skiing for the boys' spring break. We had two days of snow and two days of warm spring ski. They are getting really good. 









In Steamboat, we found this cool place called Ice Castles CO where they have built this huge structure out of ice. 










 
After returning home, the Boy Scouts of Troop 377 did some canoeing on the Brazos River during our March camp out. The boys did conoes while many of the adults kayaked. It was a great day on the water but a cold weekend.
  





Just last week, myself and a couple of local cachers decided to go after a cache that has been on our watch list for some time,
Necropolis of Britannia Manor III. We had a good time on this puzzle cache and ate some fantastic barbecue for lunch. Easily one of the best finds in my list.





And since I've already "broken the rules", here is a sixth picture out of five. Our March ended with an Easter egg hunt with the cousins and a friend from up the street. Next month, I'll try to be on time!

Thanksgiving_Turkeys_2012_5300

Thanksgiving_Turkeys_2012_5300, originally uploaded by cmiked.

Here are those same Turkeys seven years later.

Turkeys

Turkeys, originally uploaded by cmiked.

It all started here. Thanksgiving 2004 I joined flickr. I'm now sitting at over 24000 photos and almost 166000 views. I've met new folks, participated in many projects, and keep snapping photos. I don't remember the exact first photo posted as I have manipulated my stream over the years. But this one was one of the first.

Thanksgiving 2012

Thanksgiving_Turkeys_2012_5208, originally uploaded by cmiked.

Thanksgiving is the day I try to get everyone out and photograph them for Christmas cards, etc. I got my people done yesterday but couldn't really get everybody into it today. I'll miss having that one big photo of the cousins.

Knot Tying Board

377_Cleburne_2012_1-2, originally uploaded by cmiked.

While I'm on a roll... another Wood Badge ticket item was learning the knots and lashings required for First Class, teaching them to a scout, and have him teach other scouts. Also, have a knot demonstration in my Scoutmaster conference. Also DONE! Two down, three to go... back to Gilwell, happy land, I'm going to work my ticket if I can.

Troop Trailer Shakedown

377_Cleburne_2012_1, originally uploaded by cmiked.

One of my Wood Badge ticket items was performing a troop trailer shakedown and develop a Quartermaster Handbook. Done and Done!

Projext 365(6) x 3

366Mosaic, originally uploaded by cmiked.

I'm now more than halfway through my third Project 365(6) in a row and I never dreamed that the most difficult part would not be taking a picture every day (interesting picture, yes, any picture, no) but the clerical work required to keep the groups up to date as well as the tagging. Especially when some only allow seven photos per day. I fully understand though, who wants to wade through 15 of my photos just because I dump all at once.

I don't know if I can do another one of these. I need to get back into more creative photo projects.

And just like that, suddenly...

It's raining cakes! This is my traditional cake. Just how it is supposed to be. Chocolate cake, chocolate icing, green lettering. #mo, originally uploaded by cmiked.

I'm 44.

Scoutmaster Mike

MayCoH_2012_2285, originally uploaded by cmiked.

On May 22, 2012, I became the second scoutmaster of Troop 377. I'm honored to have been selected and have had a great time so far. I have learned that it is more work than I originally thought but the time spent with the troop makes it all worth while.

On Monday I head to Sid Richardson Scout Ranch to attend Woodbadge training. It's essentially advanced scoutmaster training. We will go in as Webelos II ready to cross over to Boy Scouts and progress through ranks throughout the week. I'll post a report afterwards. I'll see what I can do about getting back into this blog. Why not?


Also of note, John received his First Class rank at the May Court of Honor. He is keeping up with his requirements nicely.

Hoohaa Holga Challenge

Holga_Challenge_011, originally uploaded by cmiked.

I recently participated in the Hoohaa Holga Challenge in which six photographers from around the globe documented their town using their Holga cameras and a roll each of 400 ASA color and black and white film. We posted our 12 favorites as well as a brief blog post over at the HooHaa's blog. Here is a link to mine: http://hoohaablog.com/?p=3987
I encourage you to check them all out.

Can I trouble you for a vote?

San Antonio Marathon

20x30-SAPX1688, originally uploaded by cmiked.

Hey! Look at me! I stopped posting for awhile and ran a marathon or two. This was my first. San Antonio Rock and Roll. All the way back in November. In December, I ran the Dallas White Rock Marathon. On Sunday, I'll be running my third in three months as we head to Houston for their big Marathon. Crazy, I tell you.

September 2010

Baylor_v_Buffalo_2010-9110099, originally uploaded by cmiked.

September brought us Baylor Football. Our hopes were low but our spirits were as we kicked off another season. Led by one of the best quarterbacks in Baylor history, RGIII, the Bears have surprised quite a few people this year. The Bears were the first Texas Big XII team to be bowl eligible, led the Big XII South for two weeks, were ranked for two weeks, beat Texas in Austin, and are guaranteed a successful season for the first time in years. Sic 'em!

September also took us back to North Carolina and more golf.  This time with our friends at Axiom.  I'm sure I don't have to say that drink, food, and golf was the game and fun was the rule.

August 2010

Pinehurst_NC_BMS_August_2010-8210081, originally uploaded by cmiked.

In August, we had the opportunity to spend several days with good friends, who also happen to be work partners, in North Carolina. We played several rounds of golf at Pinehurst's different courses including the famous No. 2. We had a lot of laughs, good food, plenty to drink, and an all around good time. Thanks to Sheli and Wayne of BMS for hosting us.

Time Flies....blah blah

I was trying to post at least once a month, I made it to July before I failed.  I owe a write up about our Disney trip in May.  As in May-be I'll get to it.  November is here and getting close to half way already.  Thanksgiving will be here soon.  I'll pull up my Disney notes and get to work on that.  And fill in some empty pieces along the way.

Summer is slipping away.

July_2010-7250167, originally uploaded by cmiked.

Home State Spring Round Up 2010

Kelly_Willis_June_2010-1750, originally uploaded by cmiked.

The boat has been played out. For about 15 years, we cruised Lake Travis on the Spirit of Texas (I think it was called). But when Lakeway built their new condos, the condo association made them move the boat, the captain dies, and the boat was lost. For the last two years we tried to make due with a smaller boat but it just wasn't the same. Then, when last year Lake Travis was just about empty, we hardly cruised at all. So in spite of the protests of an important minority majority(the guy that signs the checks), we decided to scuttle the boat plans and find some Austin music to fill the void.

There was very little debate, as I recall. I think I said something like, "Jen, maybe we do some kind of music this year." Jen said something like, "How about Kelly Willis?" I wondered if we could get her to perform without breaking the bank and neither of us new. So, with the help of Rock and Roller and #1 brother-in-law Dale, we set out to contract Ms. Willis to play for us.

It actually was a very easy process and as you can see, we pulled it off. She was so awesome there are no words. She is as laid back and as Texas as one gets and pleased the crowd for a little over an hour. There were many there who didn't know of her but ended up knowing of her songs. I think we managed to entertain the crowd, even the Boat Man. I can't wait to see what next year brings.

Just for the sake of background, our Spring Round Up is an annual gathering of our business partners we have been doing for 18 years now. We get together on Lake Travis, play some golf, eat some food, do a little bit of business(it really is more about fun here), and generally have a good time. It's a lot of work but we have a system and it's close to automatic sometimes.

10 Years! Killeen - Geocaching Anniversary Event

10_Years_Killeen_2010-5010002, originally uploaded by cmiked.

Will and I attended the 10 Years! Killeen geocaching event at Dana Peak Park on Stillhouse Hollow Lake this weekend. There were events nationwide celebrating the 10th anniversary of the date the U.S. government turned off the GPS Selective Availability making geocaching possible. We had fun visiting some folks we hadn't seen in a long time and some new faces. We did about a 1.5 mile uphill hike and grabbed some caches.

Rainy Day Fun

April_2010-1060999, originally uploaded by cmiked.

The boys got a little muddy today. It's been raining the last couple of days and tough to get out. But we had a short break that allowed us to play some today. Travel time is upon me, Houston for Jen's 40th birthday last Wednesday then we're headed out to sunny San Diego on Friday for the AIR conference. I still haven't swung a club. Hopefully I can try this week.

Baylor Bears Sweet 16 for the first time EVER!

NCAA_Southern_Regional_2010_Sweet_16-1060865, originally uploaded by cmiked.

Now they are in the Elite 8 for the first time in the modern era. Reliant Stadium was Bear Country for a basketball game that Baylor dominated from start to finish. I've never sen so many Baylor fans in one place at one time. It was spectacular. I'm headed back to Houston in the morning for the Elite 8 game vs. Duke. Something tells me that game is going to be a little more difficult for my Bears. Sic 'em!

R.I.P., Frances

Amy's Aunt Frances passed away this morning. Frances loved my kids and me. She always had the best stories and was a great story teller. I will miss her visits. All my love to her kids, Nick and Alix. Peace.

Waco Theater (Hippodrome) - closed

Waco Theater (Hippodrome)
Originally uploaded by cmiked.
I learned today that the Waco Hippodrome has closed its doors for the foreseeable future and has released all of its employees. It was already having financial trouble and the economy certainly did not help it.

I hope that someone is able to step up and get it back up and running again.

Snowpocolypse Waco 2010

Snowpocolypse_Waco_02_2010-7972
Originally uploaded by cmiked.
We had ourselves an old fashioned Snow Day yesterday. That was the most it had snowed in Waco in a long time. The boys and I had a blast. It was really wet snow too so snowballs and snowmen were easy. We followed it up by drying out in front of a big old fire and drinking hot chocolate. The winter needs to be over now as I am out of firewood. I'm just sorry Amy missed it. She was out of town at her Great Uncle Joe's funeral.

Update:  I see now where a record was set.  3 inches of snow in Waco.

Barred Owl

February_2010-7620
Originally uploaded by cmiked.
Amy was taking Will to his den meeting last night and called me just as she left. I grabbed the long lens and slipped out the front door and sneaked around to the back of the house to get a good look. He was hanging out in our pecan tree just watching things. I hope he hangs around as we have spotted some mice hanging out on the bird feeders.

Texas_Appaloosa_Horse_Show-6892

Texas_Appaloosa_Horse_Show-6892
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

I participated in a photowalk hosted by the Heart of Texas Photographic Society. I've never been to an Appaloosa show before so that was new. I briefly met a few new folks and some old ones as well. I took a bunch of pictures and I'm pretty happy with a few.

Jan_2010-6069 - Kim's Hamburgers Etc.

Jan_2010-6069 - Kim's Hamburgers Etc.
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

Kitok's is still closed for the holidays so we decided to go to Kim's today. The food wasn't great but all these cars pulled in while we were eating. It made for a cool retro shot. Speaking of shots, I'm attempting a Project 365, this is shot number two. I've done two 365's in the past. One for each of the boys 7th year. Since I don't have to have them for the shots this should be easier.

Equity Christmas Party 2009

Dec0912of12-10003
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

This weekend was our Tulsa Christmas party. They hired a photo booth again. It was big fun. The party went well, lots of fun and food. We stayed a the newly renovate Mayo hotel and it was really nice. The trains though, Tulsa has to do something about the trains blowing their horns through town all night.

December 2009

New_York_City_12_2009-5177
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

Back from our annual trip to NYC. The trip was uneventful this year. We stayed in the shadow of the Empire State Building. The rooftop of the hotel provided for some unique views of the ESB unobstructed. Had a great Thai dinner at Kittichai in SoHo. Good times, good friends, good food.

Homecoming 2009

Homecoming_2009-4202
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

A lot of folks made the trip to come home this year, some folks we have not seen in a long time. A long time. Besides the lousy outcome of the footballing contest, we had a great time. I went to Orlando the next day, stayed at Disney and didn't take a single "real" picture.

Fried Butter!

State_Fair_of_Texas_2009-3218
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

I was a little disappointed hearing the big new thing was Fried Butter. It didn't sound appetizing in the least. But Oprah was there, as was Gayle, and they seemed to like it, so I figured I'd better try it. I got the Grape Jelly variety. As you can see, they are about the size of golf balls and covered with grape jelly and powdered sugar. They tasted just like a hot buttered biscuit. That was not at all what I expected. It wasn't bad, but the fried cookie dough from the same stand gets a bigger thumbs up. Amy's fried s'more wins my Fried Food of the Fair award for 2009, however. Two thumbs up!

Sweet Jalapeno Shrimp Corndog

Sweet Jalapeno Shrimp Corndog
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

This wasn't too bad. The corn dog batter could have been a little sweeter. The sauce was tasty. I would have liked a bit more kick from the jalapeno. Still, shrimp, corn bread, sweet and spicy sauce all crammed on a stick! I just wish it would have been better. I got my Belgian waffle fix taken care of though.

Burgers on the Berm

Burgers_On_The_Berm-1060079
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

Baylor baseball held their annual Burgers on the Berm. Designed as a fund raiser for the Diamond Girls, we are given a chance to check out the new team and enjoy some hamburgers in the early fall. There were few people there so the boys had a field day rounding up the foul balls. They had somewhere near 11 here. By the time we left, we were up to 15.

Busy September

Sunrise at 15000 just off from KPWG
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

So far I've been to Sheboygan, Tulsa, and Southern Pines, NC. This week, I'm headed to Connecticut; next week, Brownwood, TX. Then maybe some of the madness will stop.

The trip to NC was a dark and early start. Fortunately we don't do those often. But it did provide an awesome sunrise. We played at Pinehurst #8 that afternoon. A little sprinkling that did nothing more than keep it cool.

Mid Pines is a really neat facility if you find yourself in the area. Old and quaint rooms, nice employees, two great golf courses, and a fantastic training center at Pine Needles. The area offers plenty of golf, for sure.

Orangutan

CPZ_Asian_Forest_909-3008
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

The newest addition to the Cameron Park Zoo. It was a little hot when we visited on Sunday. Hopefully our new friends will be more active when it warms up. There is a stone near the fence with a button on it. Apparently, they are trying to train them to press the button. The button sprays water on unsuspecting viewers.