TravelStream™ news feed for member naejay on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/naejay en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Tue, 21 Apr 2009 06:45:11 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/naejay/2/1240310520/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/naejay/2/1240310520/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/naejay/2/1240310520/tpod.html Tue, 21 Apr 2009 06:45:11 -0400 New Zealand - South Island

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Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand

Arrived at midnight, 3 nights in Christchurch
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/naejay/usa_2005/1135017000/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/naejay/usa_2005/1135017000/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/naejay/usa_2005/1135017000/tpod.html Mon, 19 Dec 2005 13:38:12 -0500 Home for Christmas

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Issaquah, Washington, United States

Sorry for the long time without writing. Not much has been happening. We arrived back to Washington state on Monday night. We stayed up at the condo that we used to live in (that Jason's parents own) in Snoqualmie Pass for a couple of days to relax after all the driving. We then drove into Issaquah, to stay with Jason's parents on Wednesday 14th. We had a good time shopping with Jason's mum on Wednesday before having dinner and playing some games with Jason's family.

On Thursday we relaxed a bit and got ready to take Jason's dad up to the condo so we could go skiing at Steven's Pass for the day on Friday. We stopped at Pogatcha (our favourite restaurant) for dinner before heading up to the pass.

On Friday morning we got started a little later than expected but were on the ski hill by 10:30am. The day was sunny, clear and with a light wind....basically another perfect skiing day. We skiing until lunch, when we had beers and sandwiches before heading back out on the hill until around 3:30pm. Drove back to Issaquah, buying pizza on the way for the rest of the family.

On Saturday morning we met up with Michelle and Bob- both close friends of ours- for breakfast. We had the BIGGEST breakfast ever, didn't need to eat again until 7pm! Jason headed off at around 1:30pm to meet up with Andy as they headed up to Whistler, Canada for a few days of skiing. I on the other hand was staying with Michelle and Bob, as we hadn't seen each other in 2 years.

Michelle, Bob and I spent a great weekend relaxing, doing a bit of shopping, not eating (still full from breakfast) and generally catching up. It was a great weekend. As for what Jason is up to...who knows! He called to say he arrived safely, but that is all. He is due back on Tuesday afternoon, and since i have plans all Monday and Tuesday, I figure I'll see him when he gets back!

Over all we are having a good holiday, it is relaxing...even more so for me now as Jason's mum and I are going for 90min relaxation massages on Wednesday (can't wait!)...that is to get us ready for the Christmas rush/season. Can't complain, what better Christmas present could I ask for?

Hope everything is going well for everyone. Have a great Christmas. We will try to update this again soon, with family commitments etc it might get a little harder!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/naejay/usa_2005/1134003600/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/naejay/usa_2005/1134003600/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/naejay/usa_2005/1134003600/tpod.html Mon, 12 Dec 2005 10:36:43 -0500 Home for Christmas

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Jackson Hole, Wyoming, United States

Well- we both woke up not feeling that well...think the hectic trip over and weather had finally caught up with us. Also we knew that the temps outside were around -35C, and were only going to warm up to around -15C....AHHHH!!! That certainly didn't help us get up. Jason was awake early- 5am (from his early to bed the night before) but I didn't wake up until 10:30am....it was lovely! Got to love holidays for that reason.

Slowly got ready to get outside into the cold. Since the weather was once again clear we couldn't waste the day. Headed into Jackson to drive through the Elk Refuge- we missed out doing that the day before....didn't really see many elk- think they were hiding!

Checked out some shops and galleries in town, had to go from shop to shop just to stay slightly warm! I thought my face was going to freeze off! Saw some great art and photos of the area, and bought some touristy things.

Went for lunch (at 3pm) at the Merry Piglets (yeah not very Kosher sounding but it was a Mexican place!). Food was amazing, we were so full by the end of the meal, I thought we'd be sick! So looks like we'll be going to bed without any dinner tonight.

Tomorrow we hope to go skiing @ Targhee...across the other side of the Teton range. Lets hope it warms up a bit! Keep you posted. Feel free to contact us!
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Moose, Wyoming, United States

Today we woke up early- that is weird enough. Sun was shining, mountains were FINALLY visible from Teton Village...it might be the only day that happens so we headed out the National Park (around 12 miles north of us). As we drove, it got sunnier and clearer...the Teton Mountains "jumped" out at us once we entered the park. As some people will know- to have such sunny weather means it was bitterly cold (we are talking 5F/-10C). But we rugged up well to be able to see the sights.

On the way we saw coyotes, elk, moose, bald eagles and other native animals. It was all quite exciting. We took heaps of photos of the animals and scenery....you couldn't help but take lots of photos. Each time you went around a corner you saw another vista. WE can't wait to upload the photos so everyone can see them. Hope to do that this weekend.

Spent most of the day driving around seeing the park, until around 2pm when we noticed the fuel gauge was getting really low. We tried to find petrol in the park (map said it was available) but no pumps were open. Had to pray that we could make it out without running out of fuel....not a good idea with outdoor temps set to drop to -25F/-38C that night!!! So needless to say we were a bit stressed on the drive home. Made it to the petrol station ok...thank goodness...

Visited the National Elk Refuge in town- this is the biggest and only elk refuge in the USA, it had around 6,500 elk "in residence" at the moment. Took lots of photos, they are huge animals!

Visited the National Wildlife Art Museum that overlooks the refuge, lots of amazing artwork, and we were the only ones there! There was a John Clymer exhibition (wildlife painter) who Jason's family knows, so that was quite good to see.

After a long day touring, we were getting hungry and thirsty. Stopped in at Snake River Brewing Company, had some GREAT micro-brews (pale ale, IPA and Bock were really good), $3 nachos and a $1 giant pretzel (how American!). All amazing, and very filling.

Left to head back to Teton Village/home. Had a light dinner as we were still rather full from the late lunch, and Jason was asleep by 9pm....I was up for quite a bit longer!
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Alta, Wyoming, United States

Woke up at reasonable hour (8am). Looked outside- could see the top of the mountain! It was sunny! We were definately going to ski today @ Grand Targhee. Targhee is located on the other side of the Teton Range (to the west), directly over from where Jackson is. Took around 1hr to drive there through the Teton Pass (8,500ft high pass), on icy roads, with the sun shining. You could see forever.

Arrived @ ski too early to early to buy a 1/2 day lift pass...strolled around the shops and had a snack before gearing up for the most epic day of skiing ever! We skiied non-stop until lifts closed on baby butt groomed slopes and through thigh deep powder. Jason said it was the best powder he'd ever skiied in. Took heaps of photos of the area, and back side of the Teton Ranges.

Unluckily while taking photos Jason twisted his good knee- was wasn't really fun for him. He is now limping around...hopefully it will get better before skiing @ Discovery, Montana on Sunday!!!

Have to start to think about packing up and heading out of our luxury units here in Jackson early Saturday morning....don't want to leave....although if it is warmer anywhere else I think I'll be willing....hasn't broken into positive temps (we are talking farenhiet- so -15C) the last few days and we are running out of long underwear!

We will attempt to write again soon, but with travelling to small town USA and skiing so much, we might not get a chance until we are back in Seattle. Have a good weekend!
-R & J
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Teton Village, Wyoming, United States

We spent ALL of Saturday 3rd driving to Jackson Hole. Started at 5am, and with lots of mini stops arrived @ Teton Club in Teton Village (12miles out of Jackson)at around 10pm. Roads were snowy on the drive over, and since it gets dark around 5pm here, we didn't see anything on our final approach to Jackson.

The Teton Club is AMAZING!!! It is very posh and we feel a little out of place! We have to call them and they bring the car around every time we need it! Our suite has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a view of the ski hill. There are only around 30 units in the lodge and the ammenities are amazing (haven't explored them all yet!).

We have been into the town of Jackson this morning. It is a cute town. I could actually live here- even when it is FREEZING! Currently I think it is about 25F (-3C) outside, but sunny. It has been clearing hourly and now we can finally see the surrounding mountains. Jackson has lots of cute stores, with American Cowboy Western theme buildings and shops. It is all a bit "kitsch" but very typical for the area. We had breakfast in town, it was very good and reasonably priced.

Went food shopping as we have a full gourmet kitchen at the "Club" so feel we better cook some meals. We will post photos at a later date as currently the computer we are using does not have a USB port....

Everything is going reasonably well (other than trying to get here!). Jason is missing the dogs and is patting every dog he sees on the streets! Got to run and explore the village here....before happy hour.

Hope all is well, feel free to email us.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/naejay/usa_2005/1134357960/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/naejay/usa_2005/1134357960/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/naejay/usa_2005/1134357960/tpod.html Sun, 11 Dec 2005 22:36:22 -0500 Home for Christmas

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Philipsburg, Montana, United States

Woke up early and left our "home" at Teton Village. Made the long drive to firstly West Yellowstone (3hrs) to visit the Grizzly and Wolves Park...it was great. We saw the mentioned animals, although the wolves were mostly sleeping.

Contined the drive to Philipsburg, Montana...a small (VERY SMALL)town between Butte and Missoula. The main reason to stop in this tiny backwoods of Montana is the ski area. We wanted to ski at more local smaller mountains and this was our chance. We stayed at an amazing B&B (Quigley Cottage- highly recommended)and enjoyed their hospitality, after enjoying a great dinner at the local truck stop. The restaurant was the only one open- we thought it was a bit dodgy, but it had GREAT and affordable food.

Spent the night, reading in front of the fireplace before getting ready for bed. On Sunday morning we went skiing. Because the lift ticket was included in our B&B stay (love these ski and stay packages) we just had to walk up to the ticket box and tell them our names and got our lift tickets.

Discovery was a great area but didn't have enough snow- my skis realised this after the second run- they are now looking to be repaired! We ended up skiing for only a few hours before we gave up due to more damage to our skis. Jason went into the "extreme" area and had some fun, there were some great double black, steep runs, but once again lack of snow were a bit dodgy. For those who know Alpental, the runs were about as steep as upper International...so pretty good then!

Left around lunch time (after some great chili cheese fries- no wonder there are so many fat people here, with this type of good eating who could resist?), stopped in Missoula to check out the shopping (tax free in Montana) before heading to Kellogg, Idaho.

Arrive in Kellogg around 5pm, got a room at the bottom of the gondola...the longest gondola in the world (though at the moment I think it is highly over-rated- will see once we've been on it tomorrow). Had a great Chicken alfredo pizza before heading to bed.

Will attempt to add photos to this site tomorrow- so stay posted...we have 3 CDs worth of photos at the moment!

Later
-R
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/naejay/usa_2005/1133829000/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/naejay/usa_2005/1133829000/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/naejay/usa_2005/1133829000/tpod.html Mon, 05 Dec 2005 19:25:14 -0500 Home for Christmas

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Teton Village, Wyoming, United States

Hi,
Back again. Just about to head down for a drink- much needed after a half a day of skiing. Today we woke up late, Jason made a cooked breakfast- setting off smoke alarms! And decided to ski from around 12:30pm. It was great fun, snow is amazing, legs died, the altitude was hard to deal with. Think the top of the chair is around 9,000ft (that is nearly 3000m) so it really showed us how unfit we are! It is also really cold...meaning -8F (can't even convert that to centigrade) on top of the mountain, so we were frozen by 2pm! We are lucky that the place we are staying at is ski-in/ski-out, which means that we can stop for a break when we needed it. They also have a ski rest area with hot drinks to warm you up...could get used to that!

Lifts close at 4pm (thank goodness) and we've relaxed in the hot tub for a while, and now it is drinks night here at the lodge.

We are looking forward tomorrow to go and have a look around the Grand Teton National Park. Hopefully it wont snow too much tonight...and will be sunny tomorrow.
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Seattle, Washington, United States

Arrive Seattle- about 6hrs late! We had the flight from hell. Not only were we 1.5hrs late taking off from Sydney, but had an emergency fuel up stop in Honolulu. We missed our connection in San Fran due to customs issues (I had to renounce me residency which took ages). Finally arrived in Seattle at 7:30pm (was supposed to be there at 3pm). Had a quick dinner with Jason's parents and brother before going to bed.
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Melbourne, Australia

We're off to the USA- FINALLY. After buying tickets way back in June this year, it seemed like this time would never come. We fly via Sydney, San Francisco and then on to Seattle. Once in Seattle we head straight away for the epic car trip to Teton Village, Wyoming. We will have to stop on the way, probably in Idaho.....hopefully we can make it that far after the long plane ride. We'll keep you all posted, have photos up of the Tetons and our place soon. Enjoy.
-R
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