Russian Battle Ship Visits S.F.

I almost had the pleasure to board this active Russian warship when it was docked at Pier 30 in San Francisco in late June. We waited in line almost 2 hours and never boarded. The touring hours were only from 10 - 1pm not giving people much time. It was still fascinating to see the ship and all the Russian Americans and others that came out to welcome it.

The ship was built to basically destroy aircraft carriers and what ever else it desires to. It is equipped with 16 missile launchers that are capable of hitting targets 3400 miles away. It was bad ass!

Rattle Snake

watch out! Its always good to hike with your head up and head down in rattle snake country. This one had to be almost 5 feet long and was found beneath the Ahwiyah Point Rock Fall area that is not to far past Mirror lake, just a few clicks.

Mirror Lake @ Yosemite Valley

Mirror Lake is a great short hike on the far east side of the valley and easily access able. The lake reflects the massive rock reflections from almost all angles towering above. The water flows from a strong mountain run off of the Tenaya Creek and deadens into the still waters of Mirror Lake.

A Beautiful Day in Yosemite!

Got to love this parking spot in Yosemite Valley. You are looking at Upper Falls from the valley floor. I started with a 1 hr bike session through the valley and camp sites then ventured of to Mirror Lake for a hike.

Pinecrest Lake, California

Pinecrest Lake is sweet camping spot located 30 miles East of Sonora just off Hwy 108 at an elevation of 5600'. This year I went with the Mattos family and friends and had a wonderful time. The best thing to do while staying is to hike around the lake and up to Cleo Bath which is upstream where the Sierra runoff flows into the streams and lake. The hike is only 3-4 miles and has some advanced terrain, but take it slow and its well worth it. Also some great rock jumps. The fishing is decent if you go to the right spots and is stocked in the summer with farm trout. http://www.recreation.gov/camping/Pinecrest_Ca/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70541&topTabIndex=CampingSpot

Presidio Golf Course, San Francisco, CA

This course is my favorite local course in the city. They have amazing residency and Bay Area residency rates. The scenic course is well managed and has some awesome views. Check it out.

http://www.presidiogolf.com/golf/rates/

King Mackeral from the Atlantic

This sweet catch was delicious and fed 5 people for two very nice dinners. Caught off the coast of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina in May and measure 36 inches weighing 26 pounds. Definitely the largest fish I have caught so far.

The Year of the OX

Chinese New Year Parade and Celebration. China Town San Francisco California. Last weekend of February. The two day annual event brings in over 500,000 attendees and a whole lotta Chinese culture. San Francisco's Chinatown is one of the oldest and largest in North America. I like the shops and they have some dynamite restaurants. This dragon image was one of my favorites this year.

Before the Ice Age! and Extra-Terrestrials!

I saw this on the history channel and its kinda crazy.. The Piri Reis map is a pre-modern world map compiled in 1513 that is way way way to far advanced for its time that there is no logical way the map was created by humans. Or at least humans on planet earth. The map has been used to claim an ancient knowledge of an ice-free Antarctica, transmitted either from extra-terrestrials or an Ice Age civilization. These beliefs are supported by ancient civilizations that have painted spaceship like images in caves and other sites such as burial grounds. very interesting stuff.

HAIGHT ASHBURY

The land of the hippie streets and new age punk tourists. Well not all punks anyway. If your in California it's definitely an area to explore. There is a lot of history here. The 1960's gave the Haight it's reputation as a place for love and peace. Bands like the Grateful Dead originated here and was a melting pot for music and drugs. Today it still hold a creative vibe and has great shopping. Check out this site: http://lovehaight.org/