Kayaking in the Black Canyon

Kayaking in the Black Canyon

June 11, 2016

The weekend prior had a scorching high of about 109 degrees. But on this day, the weather was on point. What a great day to kayak!

It was an excellent day to kayak with Blazin Paddles.

I love this!

I invited my stepson, Trevor, and our family friend, David, to join me in this adventure. Ever since I showed Blazin Paddles’ Facebook pictures to Trevor, he was all gung-ho about going. He was even more excited that Blazin Paddles’ headquarters was close to a Roberto’s Taco Shop. We made a pit stop there, where he and David each chowed down a breakfast burrito before heading out to the tour.

This was our sweet ride to the launch area at Willow Beach.

From Boulder Highway, en route to our destination, we could already see a hint of the water. 

We reached the launch area at Willow Beach Marina after a 40-minute shuttle ride from Blazin Paddles’ Henderson office. Ryan Borup, the owner of Blazin Paddles, explained that we were on the Arizona side of the Colorado River a few miles downstream from Hoover Dam.

While Ryan prepped the kayaks, we had time to walk around the marina, use the facilities, and visit the sundry shop for last-minute essentials. There were a few families already picnicking nearby and just kicking back.

Our kayaking playground for the day

This duck was already having a grand time in the crisp and clear water.

The water was so inviting! It was clear and so was the sky that framed it. From a distance, we could see only a handful of adventurers and a family of ducks that already beat us to the water.

Getting ready to launch, we approached the bright colored kayaks already lined up on the shore.  Each was already equipped with a paddle, a life jacket, and...a water gun! A sure sign of more fun things to expect.

Also on the front of each kayak was a water gun strapped onto the bungee cords.

Ryan, assisted by companion guide Jackie, instructed us to put on our life jackets. Safety first! He followed that up with quick tips on how to get in and out of the kayak without tipping over. Then he demonstrated how to properly hold the paddle and effectively maneuver the vessel.

Excited to launch. Let's do this!

I quickly loaded my snacks inside the rear storage compartment of my chosen kayak. Then I tucked away my iPhone, protected inside a ziplock bag, in the small hatch in front of the cockpit.  Before long, we were off.

I chatted with Ryan as we leisurely paddled to our first destination. He grew up in Alaska where his father was stationed while in the military service. That explains his love of the outdoors and how he was somehow led to this business.

Meanwhile, Trevor behind me asked, “Um, is there a better way to paddle? I seem to be all over the place.” 

“That could mean your one arm is stronger than the other,” Ryan replied as he gave him advice on how to make adjustments.

Later, when I lagged behind, I chuckled as I watched him zig-zagging ahead of me.

After a few adjustments, Trevor got the hang of it and was kayaking like a pro.

Along with three other guys in our group, we went for a short uphill hike to explore the location. We had to take pictures of the gorgeous view of the Black Canyon from up there. 

Gorgeous view of our kayaking location.

Our group walking past a fire pit as we made a short uphill hike.

Our group photo with Black Canyon as our backdrop

Ryan is very knowledgeable about the history of the area. Throughout the tour, he showed us some interesting sites and told us fascinating facts. He emphasized that the water here remains 55 degrees year-round. During our second stop, we bravely took a hasty dip in the freezing water. It was refreshing but I could feel my hands going numb.

It was in this spot that I noticed an old-fashioned wooden cart suspended on cables. I also saw a make shift trail that ribboned along the canyon edge. On the opposite canyon wall, there was an outpost with ladder accessibility.

Apparently, these intriguing structures were part of an old gauging station. There were several used during the construction of Hoover Dam. Back then, a gauger would walk along the trail to get on the cart. Then using the cables, he would pull himself to the measuring station and monitor water levels. As part of the tour, Ryan showed us remnants of a river gauger’s house nearby. It’s incredible to see these remains from the 1930’s.

What remains of a 1930's river gauger's house

One highlight of our tour was when we all backed into Emerald Cave one at a time and created a sardine-like formation inside. We gazed in amazement at the emerald green water in front of us.

Inside Emerald Cave

When the sunlight hits the water, it reflects back hues of emerald green.

"Awesome!" David gave it a big thumbs up.

Then we were led to a jump-off point. It was fun to watch the boys take a leap from the 30-foot cliff. Sadly, my attempt to take videos of their jump failed. But you can visit Blazin Paddles’ Facebook page or their website (fully functional by July 1, 2016) to see more photos and videos.

On our way back, it was so relaxing to just paddle away. I liked it best when there weren’t any boats or jet skis speeding by. It was nice to enjoy our surroundings with peace and quiet. Both Ryan and Jackie said that they typically spot bighorn sheep around here. But they camouflage so well that sometimes you don’t easily see them.

During the home stretch, we hit some wind. That sure tested my endurance. I felt like I grew some muscles because I powered through it. Though snacks were provided during the tour, I was ready for my packed sandwiches by the time we got back. We all agreed it was a great time and that we want to return and do it all over again!

Jackie and Ryan from Blazin Paddles took us on a fun kayaking adventure we won't forget

Ryan Borup of Blazin Paddles Kayak Tours

Helpful Info

Cost:

Half Day Tour: $135/person (3 hours water time); snacks and water included

Full Day Tour: $185/person (7 hours water time); includes lunch and trip to hot springs

*They also have a Twilight Tour that launches around 5:00 p.m. and includes a campfire activity.

What to Wear: 
Swimsuits, water tees and shorts, hat, water shoes or closed toe shoes (You will get wet.)

Don’t forget to put on sunscreen.

What to Bring: 
Some snacks and water will be provided. You are welcome to bring additional snacks and drinks.

Getting There: 
Although locals can meet at their Henderson Office, they do pick-up/drop off on the Strip. 

Other Tips: 
Make sure you are physically fit to join the kayaking tour. Though not necessary, it may be helpful to watch a video on how to kayak properly. Then you're all set!

Planting Trees in a Wildlife Refuge

Corn Creek Field

In answer to Katie Couric’s tweet on Earth Day, I sent her a picture of volunteers planting trees. I was surprised when she replied “Awesome! Thank you for sharing – and planting!” Little did she know that there was so much more behind that photo I sent her on Twitter.

Tweeting with Katie Couric about Earth Day

In celebration of Earth Week, I participated in a nature planting project in Corn Creek Field hosted by the Desert National Wildlife Refuge (DWNR). It was my colleague Sheryl Capil who found this volunteer event. She invited everyone in our department and I gladly committed to join her.

Since volunteers were encouraged to bring their families, Sheryl brought her boys along. I paired up with her second son Colin while she teamed up with her eldest son Noah. We pulled weeds and dug holes with a shovel to plant native trees.  Also there to join us were our other colleagues Julia Fay and Toni Dean. Toni also brought along her son Aidan. 

The boys in front of the Visitors Center at Desert National Wildlife Refuge

Corn Creek, the hub of DWNR, is located a few miles past the I-95 North turn-off leading to Mount Charleston. I can't believe I've never heard of this protected area before. If it weren't for this volunteer opportunity, I wouldn’t have discovered this lovely place. Did you know that the DNWR covers 1.6 million acres? It’s home to more than 600 desert bighorn sheep and it's the largest refuge outside of Alaska.

At the end of our tree-planting session, we all spent time in the Visitors Center. They had several educational and interactive items on display. I couldn’t tell whether it was the kids or the grown-ups who had more fun here. 

Fun inside the Visitors Center

Lots of cool stuff to see in here

We also enjoyed walking around the Coyote Trail and found all sorts of desert plants and animals including a lizard (camouflaging on a rock), an owl (sleeping on a tree), and even a 5-foot snake (that was harmlessly slithering by).  

We discovered even more while walking around here

Educational information found along the way

A beautiful desert bloom

It was a gorgeous day for being outdoors. Not only did we do our share in celebrating Earth Week but we also learned so much in the process. Perhaps most fulfilling was being one with nature. It made us all grateful that we are surrounded by so much beauty in the desert. It's up to us to preserve all this and give back to Mother Earth. 

It was a gorgeous day to explore this area.

Yes, this is in Las Vegas. You should check it out!

Note:  This event happened back in April 19, 2014 in Corn Creek Field inside Nevada's Desert National Wildlife Refuge.

Learn more about Desert National Wildlife Refuge:

http://www.fws.gov/refuge/desert/

Second Chances

Shinjuku, Japan

October 12, 2014

This, perhaps, was the great finale to my dream vacation in Japan: getting together with my former classmate Freda and her sister, Candy; reconnecting and reminiscing our good ol' high school days.

Reunited with my high school friends Candy (left) and Freda (right)

Freda and I have been in contact, planning our reunion since I learned I was going to Japan.

“We’ll stay positive. I won’t allow this to keep me from seeing you,” I assured her when we heard the news that Super typhoon Vongfong was threatening to hit mainland Japan.

We’ve waited far too long to reunite. Neither of us was going to let this opportunity slip. Thankfully, the storm changed course. Although there was a bit of rain, it wasn’t enough to dampen our “party.”

All the way from Chiba where she resides, Freda and her sister Candy took the train to meet Alan and me in Shinjuku. Our meeting place was the train station closest to our hotel. From there, we all walked to a nearby sports bar called Bee Dining & Darts Bar.

I picked up this brochure from Bee Dining & Darts Bar in Shinjuku.

 

Unlike a typical sports bar, this one was specifically focused on darts. It was a spacious basement with cocktail tables and a wall of computerized dart games.

The bar and its computerized darts (photo from Bee's Facebook page).

Alan and I were still full from our lunch at L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Roppongi Hills (story here) but we couldn’t resist the delicious pizza and finger food. The most interesting appetizers were the fried spaghetti sticks. They were best enjoyed when dipped in Caesar salad dressing. I wasn’t able to take a photo but the image below is the closest I could find (from Christina Cheung's post in BlogTo.com).

Fun appetizer: Fried spaghetti sticks (photo from Christina Cheung's post in BlogTo.com)

The atmosphere was really enjoyable and laid-back. It set the tone for our fun gathering. Candy, Freda, and I walked down memory lane and giggled about our senior year foolishness. Meanwhile, Alan came back from the men's room saying that it has an amusing way of measuring your wizz. "Mine was 2-1/2 beer cans' worth," he chuckled. That made me laugh out loud.

“You’re still the same!” Freda observed as we posed for our goofy photos.

Goofy pose: Mimicking Charlie's Angels while flashing our must-have eyeglasses.

Taking a break to share photos and update status on Facebook.

It took years for Freda and I to reconnect. Thanks to Facebook, I was able to find her. I’m surprised she even wanted to speak to me after all this time.

It was so long ago and I don’t recall all the details. But I am certain that I broke my dear friend’s heart when we were in high school. We were young. I was stupid. At the time, I didn’t appreciate how much she just wanted to offer true friendship. I took it for granted. I gave in to a former boyfriend's influence and just stopped hanging out with her.

It took years but I'm glad I had the chance to reach out and say I was sorry.

Without hesitation, she accepted my apology.  I was overcome with a sense of comfort when she added, “With the message you sent, I’m now at peace.” 

And we did cross paths again. A wish come true!

In one of her messages, she even said, “I wish someday I can see you again and hug you. I never had the chance to hug you when we were in high school.”

It was so good to see her again and exchange the best hugs we could ever give each other. This day marks the most meaningful birthdays I’ve ever had. A true friend with a heart of gold allowed me to right a wrong, reacquaint, and catch up for lost time. Thanks, Freda, for the gift of friendship.

Thanks for the gift of friendship.

This story continued from Applause! Applause! is part of my travel series about Japan.

Applause! Applause!

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon
Roppongi Hills, Tokyo
October 12, 2014


One of the highlights of this trip was my special celebration at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Roppongi Hills.  The photos alone will explain why I specifically chose this Michelin-starred restaurant.

Celebrating at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Roppongi

It's a well known-fact that in Robuchon's restaurants, each dish is a work of art.

This restaurant location is larger than its Las Vegas counterpart. But the features and overall decor are the same: the open kitchen, the sushi-style counter, the bar stools, and of course, the distinctive black and red color scheme.

The dining set up is consistent with the restaurant's counterpart in Las Vegas.

Open kitchen and sushi-style counter, the signature set up of L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon

I consider myself extremely lucky to have met the Chef of the Century himself and experienced dining at his renowned restaurants at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (See my blog post "Posing for Posterity...in the Kitchen.")

My noteworthy moment with the Chef of the Century, Joel Robuchon, and Chef Claude Le Tohic.

I showed the staff server my photos with Joel Robuchon as a conversation starter. Next thing you know, an English-speaking service staff was assigned to attend to us. His name is Julien Defresne.

After some bantering, he asked "Who are you?"

"I'm nobody," I laughed. "I'm just a big fan of Joel Robuchon."

I explained that a previous job gave me the opportunity to meet the famed chef and discover his fine cuisine. Since I was marking a significant life event in Tokyo, I thought it fitting to have a birthday blowout at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon.

For every plate of the Menu Du Jour, Julien gave us a prelude and made us appreciate it even more.

1st course: Le Saumon Fume or smoked salmon frivolite served with lime cream

2nd course: Les Champignons or mushrooms hot custard with parsley coulis and prawn

The service here is just as remarkable. When I needed to step down from my tall bar stool and walk to the powder room, all I had to do was slightly turn my head. The hostess magically appeared behind me and helped me out of my chair. How did she know? How do they do that?

Alan's main course: La Canette or roasted duck with caramelized apple and eggplant

My main course: Breaded "Sawara" (the best kind of mackerel in Japan) with walnut and green mustard sauce.

Dessert:  Le Savarin or fig sponge cake served with green tea light cream

When making my table reservations online, I requested to meet the chef. But I was told that it might not be possible as he would be very busy. That was understandable so I took photos of him while I could.

Chef Kenichiro Sekiya interacting with diners next to us.

The open kitchen concept makes the dining experience here enjoyable. Alan and I watched the pastry chef meticulously decorate her dessert plates.

Then seemingly out of nowhere, and in true elegant Robuchon fashion, a heartwarming production took place. Servers from all directions softly sang happy birthday in chorus as they slowly brought an exquisite plate, lit with a birthday candle, to each celebrant.

My birthday at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Roppongi.

Just when I thought I was already showered with wonderful surprises, Julien amazed me with even more.  At the end of our meal, he presented an envelope containing our picture (he took a photo of Alan and me at our table earlier) along with a copy of the menu as a keepsake.

The Menu Du Jour at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Roppongi

 And before leaving L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon restaurant, guess who was at the door to send us off?

Posing with Julien Defresne and Chef Kenichiro Sekiya.

This story continued from Tokyo from the Top, High Tech Ramen, and Lucky Buddhas. This is part of my travel adventure series in Japan.