Running the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is probably one of the most photographed spans in the world. But besides taking in this

architectural marvel and one of mankind's modern wonders of the world, i wanted to run its 2.7 kms (1.7 miles) of steel. The day i headed out on my quest was very typical of the City on the Bay (damp, foggy and windy) but what i didn't realize was once up on the bridge how much care was needed, the railings on both sides (one for pedal bikes and the other for pedestrians) was only 3 feet high also between the crosswinds, wet surface or tourists stopping to take pictures your really need to run with "heavy" feet lol....as in you really plant your runners into the decking for balance as its a long way down to the water  (67.1 m or 220ft) but a neat experience it was.     KeyTip; Besides running it, you can rent bicycles or walk the span then take the ferry back from Sausalito to San Fran for a unique viewing of this amazing structure and also get to see the city from the water angle, but either way the Golden Gate is one of those "must sees" in life!

Captain Terry of the R.Tucker Thompson Tall Ship

On the North Island of New Zealand and heading towards the Bay of Islands 

As i was walking around in Opua (located in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand)  i encountered an opportunity that even i couldn't of dreamed about.

At the wheel and in control.......i think hahahaha

 I was asked if i wanted to go for a sail on this schooner tall ship, as they where raising funds to take her to Vancouver...why not i said. So the Captain explained to me that the R. Tucker Thompson is

operated as a non-profit trust that does tourist runs (Oct-Apr) to fund its mission, and i quote "Learning for life

through the Sea" to take local kids out for these journeys that would shape their lives. Well as we make are way out of port into the Pacific Ocean, the Captain yelled at me to grab the wheel for a few minutes as some of the students were having problems with the rigging and sails. Next thing i know its 30mins and I'm hollering at the Captain (who is still near the crows-nest) what do you want me to do????...he yells back, look for something on shore and aim towards it. Captain Terry kept her upright lol as i turned the creaky wheel and steered the old gal and kept it on course, that's when i learned some life lessons myself......respect the sea, it is vast and unforgiving if you don't give it just due!!

Getting ready to shove off

Muir Woods

Just north of San Francisco is for any nature lover a must see...Muir Woods National Monument. Named after the conservationist John Muir and donated to the Federal Government by William & Elizabeth Kent, there is over 290 acres of redwoods. Some of these California Reds stand over 250 feet, have a width of 14ft and are least 1,000 years old. Get there early as you could easily spend a full day walking the terrific
trails and be in awe of what nature has to offer. As your leaving this beautiful park be generous in the donation bins set up to help protect the worlds tallest living things ( one was measured at 379.1 feet tall)

Tijauna Oscar

Have a funny story to pass on as i was in Los Angeles for a Fitness Competition and as per usual after the event i go to my favorite eating establishment...Hard Rock Cafe and of course buy a shot glass with the name of the city (which chronicles my travels). Having a full day before flying home i knew from the internet that there where other cafes in La Jolla, Newport Beach and San Diego. So the bell toll for thee as i head down the Pacific Coast Highway to have a snack and then get my glass. Well being the adventurous type and eying the prize across the US Border i had to get to the Hard Rock in Tijuana, but you cant take a car rental into Mexico so i parked it and jump onto what must of been a 1970s bus. As i look down from this piece of metal that shouldn't be on the road , i knew i made a mistake as there must of been a 10 mile lineup to get back into the States because of  Post 9-11....oh well, I'm stuck now so lets get that glass . I must say TJ is the dirtiest place Ive ever been and everything for sell from people to drugs but ignored all that and found my nirvana at the Hard Rock and had a small meal,

got my glass and got the heck out of Dodge. Well by the time the bus got through the US Border (searched inside, under the vehicle) processed all the passengers, etc, as you can imagine i am running late to get to LAX, also as with most large airports the car rentals are off site so again more time lost. So by the time i get to the Air Canada ticket counter I'm too late, but the lady looks up and saw me holding my award from the fitness show and blurted out, "you've won Canada an Oscar"! So at first i wasn't sure what she was talking about but then clued in and sheepishly replied.....yes, yes a proud day for all Canadians (lol)  So before i could unwrap the trophy to show it all and explain what it really was, the AC Rep gave me a free hotel, meals and transfers all because of my Tijuana Oscar. So this

shot glass might be small people, but carries a big story.