Finally back on the Ice

Well, I finally got to test out the skates. Man, my feet are not used to being in skates, let alone carrying my weight on a thin piece of steel. I definitely had some issues stopping but turning and getting around was no problem. It all came back to me. Unfortunately, I gave myself one heck of a blister on the inside of my left heel. (Didn't wear socks 'cause thats how I used to do it, but from now on, I think socks will be standard.)

Got some fresh ice before my first time skating in over 6-7 years.

It all came back to me.

Looks like the next step is Stick Time.

Welcome to 40!!!

Well today was my 40th birthday, and contrary to what everyone was "planning", no big party happened, no surprise, no nothing. Now I should be upset right? NOPE! I had a great time. If fact, I can honestly say, I had an awesome day...compliments of Brian Dawley.

The journey began here.

Thanks to some borrowed gear, I'm gonna start playing Hockey on my 40th birthday.

The ice at the Toyota Center is amazing. I guess that's why the Kings practice there.

After a little over an hour of skating, puck handling, and agility drills, it was time to eat. You'll notice it was a beautiful day going into the "speed tunnel" connecting the 105 east and the 405 north.

Further evidence it was a nice day in fact...

...we had the AC on it was that warm on Jan. 18th, 2011.

I have a birthday tradition of eating at Denny's on my birthday. Big Slam, every time with eggs, hash browns, bacon, whole wheat toast, and a tall glass of Coke.

All in all, it was a great day. Tomorrow, I'll be purchasing my own hockey equipment.

Hockey Monkey....here I come.

Only in Vegas

Saw this sign in the Vegas Airport. Gotta love this place and the next time I'm here, I'll be visiting The Gun Store.

Off to Idaho

Lake Pend Oreille

This is the second year I've traveled to Idaho for a USASA judge clinic. After the first time, I actually looked forward to returning. Northern Idaho is beautiful but I'd remiss if I didn't say I was worried. The last time I flew up here, they sent my luggage to Oakland and I didn't get it until the next day. Spokane airport is infamous for loosing luggage and last year, I experienced that first hand. If my luggage showed up, I knew it was going to be a fun trip.

The sign says it all.

My bags showed up. This is a good sign.

The clinic went really well considering they put us in what appeared to be a living room.

...with a fireplace.

I had to watch the PHX Supercross online and believe me, it was no easy task. Apparently Speed doesn't have a live webcast which means I had to find some site oversees that was streaming the race. The quality wasn't that great but at least I got to watch the race live. I also enjoyed some Bugles and Mt. Dew. Mmmmm.

Time to fly...

Sun Country Shoot

Greg from Sun Country Marine called and wanted me to shoot 4 boats, interiors and exteriors, 3 new, 1 used.

I really enjoy shooting boats. Its give me ties to the boating industry, allows me to see the new feature standard on many of today's modern yachts, and hones my shooting skills.

The SR 370 swim platform seat folds up and hides in the transom .

The SR 370 has the same feature. Here's what the seat looks like when its hidden.

The SR 470...a beautiful boat.

...and here's the aft deck and swim platform.

Anchors away!!!

The Vintage D

I've been wanting one of these New Era Vintage D's for awhile, and my Christmas gift to myself, albeit a little late, was buying myself this hat.

The Vintage D hat is actually the official logo of the Detroit Cougars before they became the Red Wings. I can't wait for them to make this hat in black but for now...the red one is totally awesome.

The Trip Home

On my way back to SoCal from Tahoe and US 395 is, once again, a much better choice than driving down the I-5.

It was a beautiful day all the way down, but as I approached Mono Lake, a fog bank socked in the valley and provided me with yet another photographic opportunity.

I love this drive...