Spring Break 2011 - Mammoth Mountain

Desert adventure fun...

This is how we roll...

Fathers Day Fun 2011 - Lopez Adventure Challenge

Got to experience the 2011 Lopez ARS with my good friend and boss, Rudy.  The weather and race did not dissapoint and the race directors added a new special treat to the format - a zip line!

We entered the event with no expectations except to work as a team.  For the first time, Rudy and my age totaled 90 years which through us into the Masters Men mix.  Don't let the age bracket fool you, there was another very competitive team who was primed and ready to win the division.  To our surprise, we beat the other team and won the Masters Male division and hit the 2nd place spot overall...  So cool.

Rudy did a fine job and pushed himself on the MTB.  He was even kind enough to talk me through a quad cramp on the run.

It was fathers day that day.  A fitting day to exercise and take on a treat as men!  The kids and our wives had a blast and we are grateful to them all for their support to our madness.

(Yours truly going Tarzan!!!)

(The kiddos in their groove.  What a blast!)

(Rudy and Jeff 2nd Overall and First Place Masters Male)

So grateful for these special times.  Praise God for Rudy and my family for the enjoyment on this years fathers day.  Hope more of these adventures are in the future...

14 Years...

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

This is the wedding vow made to each other on June 21, 1997.  This is Gods word.  We are grateful that Gods love for us, and our faith in Him, gives us the power to live out these things together.  Without God, these important marriage vows and scriptures flee and we would be self absorbed in our own individual needs.  Praise God for his faithfulness in our lives, especially in our marriage.

I met my beautiful bride at Cal Poly in 1994 as we were waiting for class early one morning.  This blog photo marks the spot which was just under the canopy.  Only the original canopy was much smaller.  She looked at me, and I stared at her.  I did not stop staring.  As our invitations said when we married, a glance and a smile, turned into friendship, and then fell in love...  Her outer beauty caught my attention - her inner beauty captured me for good.  This is Gods work, and I am thankful for that fact.

Looking forward to more marriage adventures...

Seany Boy Lopez Campground Loop

Seany boy going for it on Cougar Trail at Lopez Lake Campground loop.

So thankful for these times together.  Summer is on us and today was his first official Monday following school.

Good job Seany boy - we love you!

Central Coast Adventure Sprint - Santa Margarita 2011

Our team, "you shoulda seen the other guy," took first overall and mens division on May 15, 2011.  This picture was taken before the race and we looked all serious tough.  Truth be told, we were cold, and simply standing away from the pre-race instruction in the sun to simply get warm.  Our pre-race plan was simply go hard, have fun, use teamwork and make good decisions along the way.  We got the first three right, and suffered mild time loss in the latter - but that is exactly how adventure racing goes.  Everyone has issues along the way, you just continue to do your best.  My team mate Korey was simply on fire.  We paddled hard, rode hard, and ran hard (if you call it a run?).  It was more of a mountain climb up a waterfall canyon.  Simply amazing...  In the end, it was good enough for first overall.

I've been involved in various multi-sport activities since 1992.  Adventure races never dissapoint in the end, but you may go through the post race " I should done this or that."  No matter your placing, they are a blast, and you will be glad you did it.  I hope to do this one day with my children and set an example of a very rewarding activity.  These races are not overly selfish, as many individual sports become.  You complete the task with a person you choose to finish with - good or bad, you must complete it together as a team.  So much to this concept that words cannot explain.  Go find out for yourself.  I am thankful beyond words for this young man in my life and these experiences together.  It was truly a blessing to enjoy this day with him and see his training pay off.  Praise God for these experiences and and this special friendship.  Looking forward to more of these...

Pismo Beach Volleyball

Proud of Amber and her friend and teammate Jennifer aka "Boo"...  They both played in a local tourney this past weekend and placed third with very little practice together.

Looking forward to watching them go for it again.  God bless these great young ladies!

Banzai! Seany Boy's 2nd day on the ski's!

Easter Break 2011

The Martin Family had the joy to spend our Easter celebration on a road trip.  The main attractions were Death Valley and Mammoth Lakes with cool travels and places along the way.

The first day we left early and drove eastward across the lower central valley, through both Tehachapi and Mojave until we reached the Owens valley in which we took an abrubt right hand turn in Olancha.  Death Valley would be our next step over the beautiful Panamint Mountains.  We landed in the valley and Furnace Creek campground at approximately 3pm and set up camp.  It was an awesome desert landscape.

(The great Owens valley and dry lake bed.  Sierras at left and the rise of the Inyo Mountains on the right)

(The descent into the valley via atop the Panamint Range)

(desert camp out - a comforting fire...)

The second day was planned ahead and we rented a Jeep Rubicon for a mountain and desert adventure through Titus and Echo Canyons with several stops along the way including the famous DV sand dunes.  Mid day between the canyons, we poached the ranch inn pool to enjoy refreshment poolside and wipe the dust of our bodies.  We encountered petraglyphs, historic lead and silver mines, reptiles, and just amazing desert landscape...

(Jeep packed and ready for exploration!)

(Lunch in the canyon!)

(Sean feeling his scale against massive and beautiful canyon walls - Titus Canyon is simply a must visit!)

The third morning we all woke together to worship our risen savior Jesus Christ!  It was a delightful morning as family as we read 1 Peter together and reflected on the Gospel in our lives.  It was great to hear the kids and my wife talk about the scriptures together.  It was awesome to praise God in His creation on a day of resurrection celebration.  The balance of the morning was spent quickly packing and hitting the road for Scotty's Castle, and northern Death Valley run, and a trip back westward through the Inyo/White Mountain passes into Bishop and then to Mammoth Lakes.  This drive did not dissapoint and the new landscape was an amazing adventure.  The Castle too was a great history lesson on early California and it's folks.  We arrived into Mammoth Lakes in time for another quick dip in the pool before an Easter dinner at a family favorite restaurant known as Angel's.  Great time.  Sweet time.

(Death Valley Ranch aka Scotty's Castle)

The next two days was spent on the slopes of Mammoth Mountain and both Sean and Amber got their alpine game on with Seany skiing with his dad, and Amber snowboarding with her mother.  Awesome time.  First day it snowed and the wind blew.  The next day was a beautiful sunny day.  Both days were nonetheless very enjoyable.

(My girls on their sleds!)

(The fam in their groove on the mountain!)

Our final night, after a day of skiing entailed a quick 90-100 mile drive south on 395 along the eastern Sierra to Independence in which we turned again abrubtly right straight into the mountain foothills and made camp at Grey's Meadow at approximately 6,000 foot elevation.  We were so close to Whitney and other major mountains simply directly above us.  The mountains towered above us with snow caps.  Simply massive and awsesome.  Made camp, cooked dinner of quesadillas, and enjoyed some refreshments and family time around an open fire.  It was an amazing time to end our Easter road trip before returning home the next morning.

(last night with wine, sodas, and grilled quesadillas on open range - does not get any better than this)

We are so very grateful for the blessings God gives us in exploring His landscape.  Praise God for these future memories and this great trip...  He is Risen and risen indeed!

More pictures of this great trip - Just click on the active FLICKR site at right...

Suited up

The Martin men in their snappy dress.  Seany boy's first suit....

Ambers Musical 2011 - Camp Will-A-Mocky

Amber had the privilege to participate in the leading role of Megan Riley in the traditional musical show Camp Will-A-Mocky.  It is a story where children are impacted by the love of Christ and it transforms them into lives different from how they were.  Amber's part as Megan could not be a bigger contrast from how she is in real life.  Megan is a princess, full of selfishness and pride.  Amber does a great job in playing the part for sure.

So glad she loves the performing arts.  It helps that she has been blessed with the desire to sing, dance, and be willing to go in front of a crowd.  Thankful for the Saint Pat's teachers and staff who made this night possible. Also, thankful for the wifey's work in setting up the background set.

Enjoy this clip.  Wait for the singing - its worth it.

Happy Birthday Dear Mother.  You are one amazingly lady at the age of 69!

The family and I had the pleasure to dine at the Full of Life Flatbread in Los Alamos, Ca.  Started with some pea soup, and then some amazing flatbread pizza.  Pepperoni, prosciutto, potato, egg, onion, avocado, and many other goodies on the flatbread for our delight.

The desserts were over the top!  Brownies, creme brulee, and date ice cream...

It was an awesome time tonight and seeing my parents so encouraged in the time together.  Had a great time together tonight. 

Jenn caught the wine in the foreground of the picture with the label of Kummu - meaning family.  Perfect wine for the time...  God bless you mom and happy birthday.

Romance and Bromance!

Pinch me!  Living the dream in a big way.  Had the opportunity to hit the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains this past weekend for a long overdue fishing trip with my brother in law.  To my delight, we also got to mix it up with our wives on this brief trip since they decided to jump on to our once established "guys" trip.  What a time indeed.  It was extra special to have my wife with me on a fishing trip...

(The romance!  The wifey enjoying the hotel creekside - she snowboarded the next morning)

We all stayed in Bishop, CA and enjoyed a beautiful creekside setting in our accomodations.  Jenn took advantage of some rest, reading, running, and wine sampling for the day until I got back from fishing.  We enjoyed some food and time together that evening.  It was awesome to see her just enjoy some quiet time before hitting the slopes the next day.  She is such a trooper to let me run in the outdoors and do my thing...  

We fished the east Walker River approximately 50 miles north of Mammoth Lakes under the instruction and guidance of Dave Neal of Mammoth Lakes, CA.  This is the second time I have had the fortune to be under his guidance and care in his backyard playground and business office.  Dave's experience and care did not dissappoint.  We fished our tails off for 2 full days along the miracle mile and landed some fine and fat German Brown trout along with an occassional football sized Rainbow trout.

John and I are close and he is definitely considered one of my brothers.  Fishing has been a big connection between us both and this time brought back memories that are precious.  The time was simply magical and full of fun.  I look forward to more times with John on the water and hooking 'em up!

(Both of us with full blown grins!)

(Check out the color of this fish John caught - he slayed 'em the first day!)

(John, Dave Neal, and yours truly - celebratory beers for the bromance!)  

Dave is the real deal.  He fit in just like a long time friend.  He is a cycling guy, outdoors guy, and loves his family - he fits right in... We loved hearing his experience in both life and fishing and really enjoyed his local mountain knowledge.  John and I decided we are going to treat ourselves at least once per year under his guidance and make him a family friend.  I highly recommend Dave should you be in Mammoth for fishing.  His website and blog is attached at http://flyfishingmammoth.typepad.com/fly_fish_with_dave_neal/ and www.reelmammothadventures.com.

This last photo was taken on the first day of the trip and I hooked up for the first time.  It was nothing short of awesome.  Fishing takes me back to so many childhood memories.  I am thankful that I have many close friends and brothers such as John who have helped me enjoy the outdoors.  My mom and dad made it a priority to be in the outdoors and I am truly grateful for this.  I look forward to handing this tradition on to my dear children Amber and Sean.  I enjoyed taking in the landscape and this mountain wonderland.  God is the ultimate artist in His creation.  I am grateful and humbled to play and experience the wonders of His creation and His creatures.  Thank you God for these precious times and joyful memories.

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created though him and for him - Col. 1:16.

God created fishing for his Glory and I get to share in it!  Thanks for reading.

MDO RUN

Sean and I had an hour of fun at MDO mid day.  The families visited MDO and Sean and I burned out 6 miles of fun mountain running.  Rained the whole time on us even if it was misting.  Spotted two other runners at the trail intersections and they were trying to gain on us on ascent.  Sean and I dusted them on the ridge (they gained on us just before Hazards Peak) and they never got any closer.  Kind of like the old adventure racing days - just go man!

Awesome time.  Gods handiwork in those mountains are amazing.  Our Creator gave us some joy in our legs and in His landscape.  Praise God!

(on the descent to Spooners Cove in the background)

Hey Batter Batter Batter - Swing Batter!

Sean's first day at bat.  Not bad for his first time!  Three base hits and he brought in 2 RBI's before the games end.  Sweet!

Photo Booth Fun!

There was a novel and fun treat and Kyle and Megans wedding reception - A photo booth.

I like top hats.  Sean's zoolander is perfect with green bow in tact!

So much fun...

A Life Milestone!

A dream has come true!  My 11 year old daughter Amber road her first road bike today!  Her grandmother was generous in giving her a bike that the family and I presented her for Christmas in 1997.  Kind of like an heirloom.

Cycling activities has been a cornerstone for life adventures and fitness in the Martin family well over 25 years.  Welcome to the tradition my daughter - be safe and enjoy this wonderful adventure in life.

It was awesome and almost tearful for Jenn and I.  In our family, it is kind of like the experience of watching them first walk.  And I am pretty serious about that...

Praise God for this time in life...

Lessons in patience!

Have you built a model in a while?  Yes, complete with kits, instructions, glue, paint, etc.  And yes, with drying time and continuous steps as if it will take forever...

Sean is building a WWII Sptifire War Plan and Amber a Red Ferrarri!

Seany boy and Amber are learning this fundamental life lesson.  In the day of instant gratification, we are excercising craftmenship, patience, and working together in a vision.  I do this all the time, on minor and grand scales and it is a delight to see how they view the details, one step at a time...

So cool to spend these precious little slots of life together. 

Go Celtics!

Amber has shown promise in basketball.  She loves the sport, has a deadly shot, and her passion for team sports is growing.

Last summer, the St. Patrick School coach asked Jenn and I if we would allow Amber to play on the 7th grade basketball team.  Amber is currently in 5th grade.  After some counseling with the coach, we gave the decision our blessing.  Since then, there is no dissapointment in the decision.

Amber is the second 5th grader in recent St. Pats history to be moved up.  Coach belives she shows promise and dedication and wanted to extend greater growth and opportunity.  So far, it has been a delight to watch our 10 year old (now 11 since Jan.) wake early (545a), pack her food and clothing for the day, and hit the gym for drills and learning.  She is holding her own on the court and learning constantly.  We did not know how competetive local girls basketball is!

Amber getting her shot off!  She has her trade mark jaw drop!

Amber driving to set up.  Coach Burt sitting to Amber's right and assistanct Coach Horace Grant at her left!  Trust many of you know who Horace is...

So Grateful for the coaching staff and the supportive young ladies on the team.  Moving forward in this journey of faith and adventure that the Lord provides.  Praise God for this adventure!

Go Amber - mom and dad love you and support you!

Aquarium of the Pacific - Long Beach

This place did not disappoint.  Very kid friendly, less than half the price of admission to Monterey Bay, and you could touch many marine animals including sharks!

Beautiful December day and this old tug boat community sure has cleaned up...

The harbor has changed alot over the years - beautiful December day!

Lots of little sharks and rays to pet.  They came to you like little cats for a quick scratch...  Very cool.

Our resident marine biologist and family shark expert.  The little man named nearly all the ten sharks in this tank precisely.  So really cool.  Sawfish in the background.  Have you ever heard of a zebra shark?  There were a bunch!

You need to make a plan to go there!