My Fijian Adventure - Plantation Island Golf Course

The best (and only) golf course on Malolo Lailai: Plantation Island Golf Course. What the golf course lacks in maintenance, it makes up for with breathtaking views like this. I went to play a round of golf with my father and the cost was only 28 FJD (equivalent of 15 USD)... the rate even included clubs, a cart, and balls (which you had to pay for if you lost... only lost 1!). We thought that we might need to make reservations to play, but we were actually the only ones on the course. I was rather shocked... but after walking to the first hole and looking at the non-existant fairway, I realized why we were the only people. Nonetheless, you can't beat a $15 round of golf on a ocean front golf course. 

Is that a green or the rough?

Going for triple bogey in some great golf shoes

My Fijian Adventure - Namotu Island

Namotu Island (shown above) is located between Tavarua and Malolo Lailai. It features some world class surf spots that are a bit more "user friendly" than Tavarua: Namotu Left, Wilkes Pass, and Swimming Pools. Namotu was always the first place we checked (when looking for surf) and I surfed all 3 spots. Wilkes was probably my favorite (because it was one of the only places I could go right). However, I wasn't able to surf it everyday because of the strong currents and bad wind. The wave does almost a full 180 degree turn as it wraps around the reef... and it just peels forever.

On a side note, I almost stayed at Namotu Island. Unfortunately (or fortunately for my mom), it was fully booked. I think it would have been pretty cool to stay on such a tiny island. Although, I guess some people might get a bit "stir crazy" if they can't leave.

I love the ocean colors in this photo. During low tide, our boat driver had to drive a much longer distance to avoid the middle reef. 

My Fijian Adventure - Cloudbreak

This is my first post from my Fijian Adventure. Overall, it was a great trip with my family. Fiji reminded me of many places, but ultimately was unlike anywhere I had ever been. It reminded me of Hawaii because of the plant life and polynesian culture. It reminded me of the Caribbean because of the crystal clear waters and beautiful coral reefs. It reminded me of the Maldives because of the tiny islands and because your main source of transportation was boats. I guess I would have had a different reaction  had I stayed near the capital city on Veti Levu... but right after I flew into the Nadi airport, I immediately left for one of the outer islands called Malolo Lailai. Malolo Lailai is a small island with a few different resorts and is popular amongst the "yachting culture". I ended up staying at Musket Cove (which seemed to be the best match for me). Right next to Malolo Lailai was a bigger island where the locals lived (could actually walk to it during low tide).

Featured in the picture above is heart shaped island of Tavarua. Tavaru is a "mecca" for goofyfooters and has two of the best left hand breaks in the world: Cloudbreak (off screen to the right) and Restaurants (which wasn't breaking on this day). There is also a really good right called Tavarua Rights. In the past, only guests staying at Tavarua were allowed to surf these places... it wasn't until recently that the Fijian government opened them up to anyone with a boat (lucky for me). Cloudbreak is a scary, but perfect wave that breaks in the middle of the ocean (hence the name). Locals used to refer to the place as "Thunder Reef" and considered it to be bad luck because it was a dangerous place for fisherman. However, because of the influx of tourism dollars, they now consider it to be good luck. At Cloudbreak, you'll either get the barrel of your life or thrashing of  your life. All I can say is good luck! Restaurants is another scary, but perfect wave that breaks in really shallow water over some of the sharpest coral you'll find in the world. It requires a really big swell before it starts breaking (since it's positioned inside of Cloudbreak) and again I was lucky enough to be there during a HUGE swell. It broke perfectly during the first 4 days I was in Fiji. My leg actually got the privilege to meet Restaurants first hand (when I got washed over the reef)... and I still have the markings to prove it.

This picture was taken towards the end of my trip and the swell had dissipated (which is why I was taking photos instead of surfing).

More photos and stories to come!

Santa Barbara Hiking Trails - Inspiration Point

Inspiration Point is one of the closest and easiest hikes in the Santa Barbara area (only 5 minutes away from the downtown area). It also has one of the most beautiful views of the city. Therefore, it makes for a popular late afternoon or morning hike. In looking at the images, you can see why it's called Inspiration Point.

The trail starts on a paved road with a light incline. After the pavement stops, you will eventually get to a fork in the trail (go left!!)... and it will lead you down to a creek (which is dry during the summer months). If you follow the creek, you will get to 7 Falls (have to do a bit of rock jumping). However, if you pass the creek and continue going up, you will eventually find yourself on top of Inspiration Point! The summit itself is rather non distinct, but you can tell you're at the top when looking down on the city of Santa Barbara.

Fireworks Abstract

I almost deleted these photos immediately after I took them. The first two were taken without a tripod and the third one was taken by accident as my camera was facing up. I'm glad I didn't delete them though... because when I viewed them on my computer, I thought they were pretty cool. Everyone always sees fireworks in perfect focus... or with the long exposure lines. However, the fact that these came out blurred made them more interesting to me.

The top one looks like little birds flying to a red flower. The second one looks like a hundred little fishing rods getting dipped into a black sea... and the third one reminded me of a abstract sunset painting (really liked the gradient effect). Hope you enjoy!

Happy 4th of July from Santa Barbara!

So I had the brilliant idea to hike up into the mountains in Santa Barbara to watch the 4th of July fireworks celebration from on top of Inspiration Point. The best thing about this idea was that you would be able to see fireworks in multiple towns. You're literally above Santa Barbara. It's a beautiful view. UNFORTUNATELY... the fog decided to role in and kind of ruined my plans (Damn you June Gloom!!). We could barely see 30 feet in front of us and definitely could not see the ocean/fireworks (was pretty upset). Therefore, we were forced to hike back down while it was still light outside... and about halfway down we found a little vista that overlooked the Santa Barbara harbor. The view wasn't perfect, but it was still really cool to see the fireworks from above. I thought it was interesting that the "boom" from the fireworks didn't get to us until about 4-5 seconds after it happened (the speed of light truly travels faster than the speed of sound). It was nice to hang out with new/old friends, drink wine/beer, eat vodka infused gummy bears, and watch things explode... that's what the 4th of July and America are all about!

The 30 second finale captured in one long exposure image.

Santa Barbara Hiking Trails - Cold Spring(s) Trail

Cold Spring(s) Trail starts off with a very gentle climb to an area with small waterfalls (the creek bed was a bit low when I was there... so waterfalls were extra small). After you get to a sign for "West Fork Cold Springs Trail", it starts getting a bit more steep and will eventually lead you up to Edison Rd. From Edison Rd, there is a beautiful vista looking down on Montecito and Santa Barbara (in the distance). If you want to challenge yourself a bit further, there is an even steeper trail that leads higher into the mountains. The views from up there are even more incredible and there are some really cool yucca plants that dot the trail. Definitely recommend this hike!

Can still see traces of fire damage on certain trees.

We were actually searching for a waterfall (that didn't exist) and ended up on this boulder trail. After we got to a certain height, we realized that getting down would be much more difficult than going up. Therefore, it was at this point that we decided to turn around and admit defeat (my running shoes were not providing much traction on the boulders)

Santa Barbara Hiking Trails - Rattlesnake Canyon

Santa Barbara has some of the best hiking trails in the US... not only are the views and scenery amazing, but the weather is perfect for most of the year. The images shown here were taken at Rattlesnake Canyon. The trail name doesn't necessarily mean that you'll encounter a rattlesnake (although, I guess you could)... but rather refers to the curvy nature of the canyon/trail (which resembles a rattlesnake). The hike is moderate for most of the way. However, it gets a bit challenging and steep if you steer off the main trail and go away from the creek. Before you get to the steep part, there was a beautiful little meadow with thousands of yellow flowers blooming. Hope you enjoy the photos!

Last Night in Boston - Sunset, Night, & Dawn

This series of photos was taken from my hotel room (in the Hilton) during my last night in Boston. I remember the evening quite well... had my last dinner in the North End with a really good friend and ate my last tiramisu at Mike's Pastry. I was sad to be leaving friends and work colleagues, but was also excited to move back to California and pursue a new opportunity. It's only been about a month since I've moved... and it feels like time has slowed down. When I was reminiscing about these photos and my final night in Boston, it felt like it happened about a year ago. I guess when you're meeting so many new people and learning/experiencing so many new things, time can slow down... which is good when you enjoy what you're doing. I'm sure that I'll eventually settle into some sort of routine (will start cooking food for myself again) and time will start flying by... but I'm definitely going to enjoy myself and make the most of this new life. Cheers!

Peru - Non Surf Photos

Staircase up to Chicama Surf Resort

Finally adding the rest of the photos from my Peruvian adventure back in May. This set features a bunch of random non-surf photos that I took over the course of two weeks. Peru is an incredible place. Everything about it is massive in scale... waves whose length can be measured in miles, giant mountains, barren desserts, lush jungles, and friendly people with big hearts. I really enjoyed my time in the country and look forward to returning.

Isolation 

The coastal town of Chicama. The Chicama Surf Resort was one of the top employers in this area... and also one of the only businesses offering year round employment. At the far end of the town was a fishery that's open for just a few months out of the year. When the fishery is in operation, there is a massive influx of men that pour into the town looking for work (it was closed when I was there). After the fishery shuts down for the season, all the men move on to the next town/job... and apparently, leave a bunch of single mothers behind them. I was told that this was quite a big problem for the area. However, they were hoping that more businesses like Chicama Surf Resort can offer year round employment.

Contemplation

Post-surf enjoyment. Cristal and Cusqueña were two of the local beers... they were quite good. 

The beautiful Chicama Surf Resort

A super friendly Brazilian surfer I met during the trip. 

On the cliff looking toward Chicama. 

The coastal areas of Peru receive less than an inch of rain per year... and it causes the landscape to look like the surface of the moon. The ground is a mixture of sand, rocks, and dirt. Never before in my life had I seen so many rocks! One interesting thing I did while staying in Peru was take a walk into the desert. When walking in the dessert and not having anything to use to measure scale, everything ends up being much farther away then you anticipate (such as that mountain in the background). On this particular day, there was a lot of wind gusts blowing (as is common for this area)... and as you walked up and down hills,  you would get blasted by the wind. It was rad to stop in between hills where the wind was blocked and just listen to the sound of nothingness.

The road leading out of the desert and into the town.

The coastal areas of Peru receive an incredible amount of wind... and apparently, this windmill used to power the entire town. However, it broke about 2 years ago. Instead of trying fix it, the government decided to bring in power from elsewhere. It seemed like a waste to not use such a plentiful and renewable natural resource. At least the windmill made for a good back drop on the photos. 

Action Surf Shots!... at Chicama

So... based on these photos, it looks like I can actually kind of surf. These photos were taken in early May by a super friendly Brazilian guy staying with us at Chicama Surf Resort in Peru. The waves on this day were on the small to medium size... and this is me during the mid section of the wave (have about 300ft+ more to go). It was definitely not my biggest or best wave of the trip... just the only one that I was actually photographed. Luckily I didn't hit myself in the face with my board on this wave (which I managed to do twice this trip)... or have a bad wipeout.

Speed Blur!