Ski To Sea 2012

      

                                                                 **"Get your race on!"**




    I have been so busy exploring and enjoying local activities and taking pictures, that I have been greatly slacking on posting about them.   Case and point---this blog.  This year was the 101st Ski to Sea.  And since it ends in our home town of Fairhaven, we had an easy walk to the fun!   This is an amazing race.  I have grown very "soft"  meaning my couch potato skills are taking over.  And I am in a shape, just not a good shape.  So just watching this race was, well exhausting!
     Held every Memorial Day weekend.  A limit of 500 Teams. A Relay Race of Seven Race Legs - Seven Different Sports -The course covers 90 Miles

The Ski to Sea Festival includes a 93.5 mile relay Race of seven venues from Mount Baker to Bellingham Bay encompassing seven different sports. The Festival also includes a community block party with music and food, a Junior Ski to Sea Race, a historical hometown parade, and other special events that provide a wide variety of entertainment and adventure for all who participate and cheer on the contenders.      But enough history and facts---lets look at some pictures and such!  

     

  The weekend before the Jr division has there own race.  And the carnival  sets up.  My wife has several family members that work for carnivals so we watched the crew set up.  It was very entertaining actually.  I had hoped to watch them tear down on Sunday night also, but we had scheduling conflicts.  Having three kids, this happens a lot!   

For whatever reason the corn dogs at the carnival are always the best!   

You can just make out the corn dog wagon behind our youngest in the above picture.  

I probably do not want to know what they do to these to make them so good---but Mmmmm! 

**Note**  You have to look for the corn dog wagon actually on the mid-way, not one outside of the rides, for the best taste.

Waiting to ride!

At last!

Today's picture of the day!

My wife worked on carnival crews for years.   

This is in her past, but she could still work circles around much of the current crew.  

Here she is pictured in front of the last ride they set up that night. 

One her brother happened to be in charge of.  

Bird's eye view from up on the Ferris wheel.  

The following Friday night -- the have a block party in Fairhaven.  

We were not able to make that.

Saturday morning was the big parade. 

And we were greeted with full on sunshine!

After we had picked a great viewing spot, the boys and I took off to explore.  We had an hour before the parade actually started. 

    We ended up just down from the old city hall.   Wandering by the water and the park.

                                               Always a great place to skip rocks!

                                    The water through the park was running very fast.

                                        And allowed for some more great pictures!

                                                      Greeting further up the trail.

   About time for the parade to start!    This parade is always super great!  Although the kiddos were super sad that no candy was thrown from any floats.   

    Another great time to pull off a crime in Bellingham,   the police force is very busy with crowd control. 

                                                             The lone cop from Lummi??

Me in the middle of the street, waiting for the parade to start. 

                                                                 Starting time!!

                                                    Possibly the best theme of the day. 

                       I like this shot with Mt Baker Theatre in the back ground.  

                          Not only do I ride the short bus to work, I drive it.....

                      Santa even made an appearance!     I bet that suit was hot.   

                                   But it is great practice for Christmas in July

   Sunday Fairhaven was full of people.   Sponge Bob is very happy that it is also the end of the race.  

                                             The beautiful and packed finish line. 

                                               Live music on The Village Green.

I hope if you went to any or participated in Ski to Sea this year --it was a great experience for you!

And if you could not make it, go next year!

As always

**Happy Trails!!**

Another Great Weekend Playing In Bellingham

Summer made an appearance in our area, and was out in full glorious force over the weekend.  

Our family took full advantage of this, all weekend long.   

**The above great painting is on Rail Road Avenue by Man Pies**

I am sitting on our front deck--trying to ignore the neighbors and fully enjoying another sunny day, this Wednesday.   As the sun starts to go down, and the temperatures get nicer.  I am recalling the weekend, and digesting.  Because our family just ate at the Home Town Buffet.   

They are featuring steak every night and have an Icee machine now.  And the cliff notes are:  I ate way to much.     

First off----any guesses what my next exploring blog post will be about?  

And now it is time for my picture of the day!  

OK this concept needs a new title.

But it is what it is.   

I show a picture I took--try to keep them newer pictures, and than explain a little bit about the picture.

This is right down town Bellingham.

I have shot many great pictures in this area, just down from the old city hall building. 

This was just a few weeks ago, and is another reminder of how fast all of the area water is flowing. 

Stay out of the faster moving water!

That said---- I start my weekend with our family at the Aquatic Center.  

  Our oldest turned 12 on the 3rd of July, and he wanted to have his party, swimming.  My wife and I had never been to the building, and we took the family there during free swim.  They have family prices and single prices that are very reasonable and offer the whole area for two full hours.  We had a great time in the huge pool, hot tub, and slide that wraps in and out of the building.  A great way to beat the heat for sure!    

     Saturday it was time to give mommy a break, and I took off with all of the kiddos.  Including an extra.   We explored the Saturday market.   Always enjoyable.   The above statue is also praising the sun!   For more on the market  please check out    http://exploreb-ham.blogspot.com/2012/05/great-saturday.html

This market trip was fueled by Woods Coffee!

   Than we all went to Wally World.   The birthday boy had birthday cash to spend.  And so did all of the kiddos, just in lesser amounts.   I worked with the company for eight long years, so dislike the box store.  But some how like it less every time we visit.   I am still not sure how that is possible.  

    And than we ventured to Boulevard Park.   Always a great place to soak in the rays and the sights.    I have posted about this park several times already.  So I will not say much here.  But simply post some new pictures I got while there. 

Happy day!   

The view just past the coffee shop.

Me fully enjoying the sun as the kiddos played.  

Just above the park.  

I call this one

"coffee with friends!"

    On Sunday we ventured to Lake Padden for the day.   And enjoyed the water and some BBQ steaks!   The only good thing we have gotten at Wally World for awhile.   Yes, they came from Wal  Mart.    I was surprised how good they were.  

Can you smell the steak??

Another trail to explore!

Again I have talked about the lake before --so will just post some new pictures.   

Did I mention I love pictures?

Our dog Max  drying off. 

Next I will tell about Ski to Sea---yes finally!

Here I am waiting for the parade to start, while in the middle of the street. 

I also have many other posts in the works!

Including the 4th of July, our trip out of the area to Lake Sylvia, free & cheap local entertainment,  

More Chuckanut exploring, walking and viewing all of the statues on WWU campus, Pioneer Park, The bay, And many many more!

And as always

**Happy Trails!!**

**Mini Rant #12----Pet Tails**

        I have many new ideas, concepts, and exploring adventures in the works for this blog.  Posts in the near future--feature last weekends carnival at WWU, Set up and tear down of the carnival at Bellis Fair Mall, Big Rock Garden Park, Best Coffee houses volume II, Ski to Sea, Artwork at Western, etc etc.   As always if you have any ideas were I should explore next---please contact me.  


        In my other blog series, that always needs more readers, http://wyomingjack.blogspot.com/
 on many Friday's I have what I like to call "mini rants!"  Were I vent about the thing that eerrks me the most that week.  This allows me to vent, in writing, and not actually yell at anyone.  I hope to some day-- record these in video form, and than post--but am not that high teach yet.  I have to say that the rants are a very good stress reliever for me if nothing else.  I try to keep each blog separate from each other.  But I feel that a few of these rants greatly apply to the Bellingham area.   These are things I deal with on a daily bases-- and I hope as my local readership grows, you at least think about my rambling.  And than go on with your daily life.   Please share what bugs you the most---It might become my next rant.   I have 15 "mini rants" now--- read them all!


      Today's post was first published before Easter.  And also offers a look into my other blogs rambling.  PLEASE consider the actual "mini rant" if you live in the Bellingham area or beyond.  






    Hello all!   It has been to long a time since my last blog.   There is no one to blame but myself.  To make up for this, I am going to push myself to make two great blogs today.  Or at least two blogs.  Wahoo for y'all!   Today I am also bringing back my mini rants.   They have not made an appearance since last year.   In each I pick something to vent about.  Something that is really overly annoying me that week.   I have been much calmer lately, so not everything annoys the crap outta me.  Eventually I would like to video my mini rants as blogs.   And will take input on any annoyances readers have ---turning the best ones into a mini rant of my own.  These originally and after today will be posted every Friday.   Kind of like something for you the reader to look forward too.  And something for me to look forward too.  I get to vent without venting to those around me!   I have a much better topic --but that is for next time.  Mostly because I am never positive whom reads my blogs.  And the vent should not become a topic and or argument by the subjects reading my rambling.   But before the vent, some thoughts on Easter.  
     

                                                            **He has risen!**

**"So with the kiddo's not here till tomorrow afternoon---we get to taste all the candy to make sure it tastes OK! Quality control ."**------This holiday was kind of ruined, by not having the kids around.  But we still managed to have a very relaxing and great day.   Plus it wasn't ruined by having to work or go to any type of retail store.   That happened the day before, Saturday.  Were I am pretty sure my wife and I decided that going to Wally World really was not worth the savings.  This and the amount of business that don't celebrate the big holidays anymore, are for another mini rant for sure.  We used to run "quality control" on the kids Halloween candy also.   The adults locking ourselves in the master bed room, going through all the candy supposedly looking for razor blades and poisoned candy.  But actually hiding the best chocolate pieces.  Because we had to walk up and down the streets with the kids also, right?

                                                                    The more you know!

  If you ask my wife real nice, she will tell you another reason to never eat Skittles again.  But this is a family blog!

    By these pictures I am in no way making fun of the true reason for Easter.  In fact my wife and I went to a great church service yesterday.  Made even better by a youngsters baptism on that day.   We had no kids for over a week, as they were visiting there dad for Spring Break.  And although it was way to quiet without them around, we had some good times.   The next few blogs will show some of our events.  Including an overly awesome trip to Seattle.

Looks like the Eater Bunny left something for the adults this year.

In case you have not noticed --gas prices are already going crazy.  But again that is yet another mini rant I am sure.  Although I heard this morning that an island off of California already has gas prices over $7.00 a gallon.  So be thankful you do not live there.  Before this entire blog turns into a rant--I offer some comedy.  It is still up for debate if these are actually funny....

**Question:  What do you call a bear with no teeth?

**Answer: A gummy bear!

                                                And now today's "mini rant!"

                                    **"Everyone Poo's!"**----OK this really isn't a quote, but a children's book that we happened to see while in Seattle.   I can say it is a read well worth picking up for the pictures!

  I believe I have mentioned some of this in a past rant, but now I have a dog that I love, and walk every day.   This rant deals with pet owners and starts with poop removal.  Picking up dog poo in parks and on trails is the law.  In YOUR own yard it is optional.   Most trails offer bags to save your hands and trash cans in case you did not bring your own bags.   Haggen bags are found in my coat every time I take our faithful mutt out.  I have forgotten to bring a clean up bag a time or two.   So am not complaining about not cleaning up random piles of stench.  But about those nim-wits that bag up there pets goo, tie them up, than leave the bags all over along the sides of the trails.   How is that helping anyone?   What happened to pack it in, pack it out?   Why would someone go to all the trouble of bagging the poo, and than leaving it on the trail for some poor trail cleaner to have to pick up.  Or for someone to step in.  OR that I have to pull away from a youngster that thinks the bags are neatly tied up toys or prizes left along the trail.   From Ranger Rick or something.   

    The above happened a few years ago.   I was out exploring with our youngest, and he saw several of the brightly colored bags and made a v-line toward one.  I saved and detoured him before he put it in his pocket, or un-wrapped it, or tried to eat it or something.  The worse area in town seems to be the trails around Barkley Village area in Bellingham.   So congrats on that, residence, I guess.   It makes me want to hide in the bushes, watch people go to all the trouble to bag up there dogs poo, and than watch them walk away.  Quickly picking up the bags and throwing them at the pet owner, laughing loudly and a little crazily, just before I run off in the other direction.  Watching the trail closely so I don't step in any other random piles of mush.

    The same parks and trails also require that you keep your pets on a leash.   There are plenty of dog parks and places you can run your pets with no leash.   We recently got our dog, and are not positive how he handles other pets.   Besides knowing for sure that he does not like cats.   Good dog on that point!  I despise having my pet on a leash, while random dogs can run up to him.  Than I get to pull my dog down the trail.  This is equally as annoying if I am enjoying the trails with no pet.   I do not enjoy your pet as much as you do, and do not want him running up to me.  Not sure if he is going to bite me, sniff me, lick me, or a mutant mixture of all three.   I also do not know how well your pet is trained.   Really train him, by keeping him on a leash like your supposed too.   



                                    Same topic --  Written on a different day:


         Bellingham has some of the nicest trails in the country.   Well maintained.  Expertly groomed.   And awesome views.   I believe my second favorite hike are was Eugene/Springfield, OR.   But you had to travel to find an ocean hike.   Well worth the trip.    
    I fully understand one needs to share all the trails.   And know that you have to share the trails less, if you hike during the middle of the week or on those trails that go straight up for miles.   One thing I hated in Oregon was very few people you meet on the trail would greet or even acknowledge your passing.  Most hikers here give a slight head nod or bobble at least.   Sharing the trails are what you put up with for living in a bigger town.  
    What I can't stand are the bikers or even joggers, that constantly yell  "Left" as they come behind you.  Unless their is a huge mud puddle, I stay as far to the right as possible all the time.  I don't care if you are passing me.   I don't need to hear each biker announce themselves.   Just keep riding.   More annoying is all the people on the trails that let their dogs roam leash less.   I do not take the trails to get my crotch sniffed.  I would ride the bus more if I enjoyed that.   You know how friendly your mutt is, but I have no clue.   And him running up to me, does not make me instantly want to pet him.  I have not had my rabies shot this year.   If I wanted to be greeted by a ton of random dogs, as apposed to many dogs I knew, I would roll around on the ground at the local pet park with hot dogs in my pockets!   All of the signs say to keep your dogs on a leash.  Some signs even have pictures for the literally challenged.   
    Most annoying is the dog owners that don't pack out their dogs poo.   I see little bundles of joy all over the trails.  Many wrapped in the bags left at the trail heads.  Wrapped up and tied and than left all over the side of the trails.  The worse are I have seen for this was the trails around Sunset and Barkley Village for some reason.   Lil bags were left everywhere.   I was on a nature walk with a 6 year old and he was ready to take the kool looking bags home with him.   I have this urge to fling the full baggies at anyone I catch ditching theirs.  
                     Their you go.   Short but to the point.   And thanks for reading.