Harding Icefield...Staircase to Ice Age

Harding Icefield Trail

Harding Icefield….from the face of one of its outflowing glaciers,

Matanuska Glacier

A Glacial Lake Inside Matanuska Glacier

Matanuska Glacier is a rare roadside glacier that one can actually look down on from the road. 

Instagram

Instagram Mosaic I Simply Snipped from my Facebook Wall

I finally have created my own account at instagram, which is another photo sharing website. My purpose of signing up is to have an easy access to editing such as cropping, changing themes and using photo filter to my cell phone photos. I still am finding my way how to use instagram. Below are my first instagram photos. I took them using my cell phone through instagram, then used the cropping feature or photo filter or both.

Walking The Dream

Was it only three years ago? When The Salitype Society group of blogging friends at Friendster came together to put up a blog where they will call "bahay kubo"- which means nipa hut.

picture of bahay kubo by Zen

The move was not so much because they foresaw Friendster being dissolved at that time and disappear into thin air. The move was because they dreamed of building a home outside of Friendster with hopes that their time together celebrating friendship online will generate income which they will use to help give a child a fair chance in life.

Though we downsized from a mansion to a bahay kubo, but we had many rooms. Our rooms include: cooking made easy, travelougue, chic a la mode, Poetic Murmurings, Inspirational Stories, Craft Bug, Fun with Photos, Flower Hunt, and Varied themes. The creation of this multiple themes was based from what our topics were always were at Friendster, with hopes of "walking the dream" together. Our dream: transform some of our leisure time online to bring a positive difference to a child's life.

 

Congratulations To Our First Scholar who Recently Graduated from Elementary, thank you Micah for being a gift to The Salitype Society

A little bit of our history: 

The Salitype Society was founded July 2008 at Friendster. But it was in April 2009 that they dreamed together of moving their mansion to blogger, a place they can call home of their own. They dreamed that their new home would be able to generate enough income to send a child to school, somebody with a name, a face.  May 2009, The Salitype Society was born in blogger. 

Yes, it was three years ago, not so long ago, that this site was born. December of 2009, this site was able to generate enough income to support its first scholar, Micah Ramirez, who was Grade 4 then. Time flies, now Micah graduated in elementary and is going to high school. We are now entering the 4th school year of supporting Micah. From elementary....to high school....maybe to college, God willing and with God's blessings, we hope to walk the dream with Micah, and now, with Nonoy, The Salitype Society second scholar.

The Salitype Society Second Scholar

We also found Nonoy from Tapulanga Foundation. We are grateful to Tapulanga Foundation for allowing The Salitype Society's celebration of friendship in this site extend to Micah and Nonoy. If you are thinking of also sponsoring a child, and want to learn more about Tapulanga Foundation, you can click the link here in this post, or the "send a child to school" icon we have in the right side menu of this site.

Three years ago, we move from Friendster to here. Now, Friendster is gone, but this site continues to live on. Each time one of us remembers to share her thoughts here (contributing posts, commenting, etc), the "bahay kubo" becomes transformed to a "Mansion" of happiness. We pray that the celebration of friendship continues and live in our hearts, and in the process of celebrating the joys of friendship, we will be walking the dream we have founded three years ago. 

Torrey Pines to Del Mar on a Windy Day

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (cell phone shot)

April 14, Saturday, time for me to relax my very tired mind in the healing power of nature. Though I very much love my job, but I always look forward to weekends as my reward for having a good week. The best reward for me always is a time spent with our natural world, whether it be hiking or riding the ocean's waves with my boogie board. I am happiest when I am out, though I am not saying I am not happy when I am indoors. Quoting fellow TSS sister Cher of Sweet Memoirs, " I am too blessed to be stressed", so that makes me happy anywhere. :) 

Tebowing

Tebowing

The first time I have heard of Tebowing, was when I was on top of Potato Chip Rock doing my boogie boarding in the sky pose. 

While I was on top of Potato Chip Rock, some were telling me, "do the tebowing!" At that time, I had no idea at all what they meant. As soon as I went down the rock, some guys did their tebowing near the edge. They were kneeling with one hand reaching the forehead. I thought their pose was cute. While we were walking back to Lake Poway, some hikers asked us to take them a group picture. While having their camera, I casually asked them, without even knowing what is it, "would you want to do tebowing?" And they replied, "No, we are Chargers fan!" It was only then I realized that "tebowing" is about Tim Tebow. Since then, I I forgot about Tebowing. I support local, so I always cheer for San Diego Chargers and San Diego Padres. For basketball, I cheer for Los Angeles Lakers, because we do not have a basketball team in San Diego.
Then, the concept of tebowing was brought up to me again when I shared my picture of boogie boarding in the sky in Facebook.

Boogie Boarding In The Sky ( but often times mistaken as planking)

One of my friends said, "planking Beth, next, tebowing." That time, I did not have an idea either what planking is. I surfed both online what they mean, and I learned that planking is to lie face down and stiff like a log with hands straight on the sides. I learned that "tebowing" is inspired by Tim Tebow's action where he gets down on his knee and starts praying, even if everyone else is doing something completely different. I was not very comfortable then of doing the "tebowing" pose because:
1. I am not a Tim Tebow fan, I cheer for my local team, win or lose, which is San Diego Chargers.
2. I respect Tim Tebow's praying action, and I did not want to pose like him afraid of being mistaken as a fan, or afraid of being mistaken I am mocking the act of praying because I am not really praying but simply copying Tim Tebow. Between planking and tebowing, I was more comfortable doing the planking and had fun with the pose so many times, especially after a long hike.
So, what made me changed my mind and finally did a "Tebowing pose?" Two things!

tebowing- can't help but be thankful for our beautiful world and for wonderful people

1. When I do "tebowing", I am showing my thankfulness and appreciation for wonderful and purpose driven people, such as Tim Tebow! When I appreciate Tim Tebow, it does not make me a Denver Broncos Fan. I appreciate him as a person, and for all the good things he does through his foundation of healing the sick and proclaiming the Kingdom of God.
2. When I do "tebowing", I am glad and thankful to Tim Tebow for partnering with Cure to build a hospital in the Philippines.

Tim Tebow Announces the Tebow CURE Hospital from CURE Video on Vimeo.

When I read this news in yahoo, tears went down flowing(because I simply dismissed him before), I was touched by his words, totally inspired and dumbfounded. Why did I dismiss him before as creating a "tebow mania" which football-wise, I thought he did not deserve? But then, how many talented athletes and superstars do we have who lives an example of purpose driven life and giving back to God? 

Let me share with you Tim Tebow's goal as a Christian and as a human being, a quote by the late Mother Theresa.

“Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely, and the unwanted, according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work.”

La Jolla Shores

Birds In Flight, La Jolla Shores- Torrey Pines Beach, San Diego

La Jolla is an affluent community in San Diego more known for its luxury homes, fine dining and upscale shopping. Though an affluent community, but the beaches in La Jolla is free for everyone to enjoy. Whenever I do not feel so well to do more physically challenging hikes, we would just spend our day taking a long walk from La Jolla Shores to Torrey Pines Beach. 

Places

" Life is like a hike.....it has lots of exhilarating ups and challenging downs, confusing crossing trails, rugged and windy steep terrains; but most of all, it is filled with beautiful, inspiring and wonderful scenic turns!" - Betchai

Harding Icefield, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

Whenever I am out, I feel that the grandeur of nature invites a prayer of thankfulness for God's majestic gift to all of us. I find that nature is not only healing, not only relaxing, not only rejuvenating, but is also one great teacher. Some of the most beautiful places on Earth, some of the oldest living creatures are those which have surpassed the harshest tests in time. We may be going difficult challenges in our lives, we may forget temporarily that there is a beautiful reason for everything, but each time we come out from the test, we are so filled with JOY for God to have directed us the way, and not us leading the way! 

Here are some of the places, which brought tears, inspiration, prayer of thankfulness, prayer of surrender, indescribable happiness, that God wonderfully is in control.

Matanuska Glacier, Alaska

 Channel Islands National Park, CA

McWay Falls, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, CA

South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Navajo-Queens Garden Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

Death Valley National Park, Inyo County, CA

Half dome, Liberty Cap and Nevada Fall, John Muir Trail, Yosemite National Park, CA

Mono Lake South Tufa State Reserve, Lee Vining, CA

Antelope Canyon, Page, AZ

Arches National Park, UT

Canyonlands National Park, UT

Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA

Harding Icefield, Kenai Fjords National Park, AK

The indescribable feeling whenever I hike can best be summarized by these words of John Muir below, 

"I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in." ~ naturalist John Muir, 1913.

YOUR GRAND CIRCLE ITINERARY

Best Time to Visit: Fall- Spring, summer can be too hot and also too crowded. However, for those who may not like the cold, the winter can also be too cold and icy. Some trails last spring were still covered with snow and the temperature was still sub-freezing especially at night. However, comparing our spring 2009 hike with our summer 2007 hike, I prefer the cool, uncrowded and silent parks during off peak season, that is fall-spring, lodging is cheaper this time of the year too. :-) 

Grand Circle Wonders, AZ and UT

( you can click on the image to enlarge )

So Happy and So In Love

 Above Torrey Pines Cliffs

Can you hear my heart sing? "so....oh....so in love....." I am! So happy and so in love! In love in so many ways....so in love with God, with hubby, with life, and our beautiful world. 

 Torrey Pines Cliffs and Mist

There are just so many reasons to be happy, to be thankful for God's wonderful blessings. There is that priceless gift of friendship to be celebrated. There is that priceless gift of family, of love, of nature's wonders, and so much more....
I see happiness in these wildflowers. They are very symbolic to me of how life can still be happy and beautiful despite we may not be the richest man on Earth. Though living in sandy soil with poor nutrients and often whipped by the strong ocean breeze and exposed to the heat of the sun, still they can thrive and bring in beautiful blossoms. 

 Slowly they Come, CA Sea Lavender

Sea Dahlia is slowly blooming too

Even in the harshness of this landscape, I see a wonderful gift. That there is no challenge, there is no trial, there is no difficulty that does not bring in beauty. "All things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."- Romans 8:28. Everything happens for a good reason. 

 Eroded Badland Cliffs, Torrey Pines State Reserve

This badland right next to the sea is one of the symbolic carvings on Earth that I see how overcoming the harshest tests in time brings in a deeper beauty and admirable strength.
This is my world, I may see this every week, but each week, each day is different. Each walks gives me a lesson. On top of these cliffs, most of the times I see dolphins put on a show, sometimes I don't.
Like these parading dolphins showed me there is so much joy in togetherness. They created one dark blue line as they paraded in the sea. When the leader decides to turn around, everybody turns around. Dolphins live the example of "strength in numbers."

Dolphin Superbowl Parade ( yesterday during Superbowl day)

The sea is harsh for dolphins to live. It is so unpredictable and full of dangers. Together, these dolphins unite! If a predator such as shark swims by looking for a nice meal, dolphins would swim around in circles to warn the shark to stay away! Dolphins are quick to respond when one of them is ill. And dolphins are very friendly creatures.

Sometimes, the dolphins don't come parading, they play with the surf!

 Surfing Dolphins

 I am as Happy as these Dolphins ( can you see the dolphin smile?)

Perhaps on seeing the smile of these dolphins, you would see why I am crazy riding the waves, crazy being one with the waves. If not for the cold water, I would probably be in the water from sunrise to sundown. 

 Paddle Boarder and Dolphin Surfing

 A Long Encounter with the Dolphin 

( I watched this paddle boarder and dolphins, the dolphins kept on circling him around for 15 minutes, until the paddle boarder was carried away by the waves to the shore)

 Dolphins Peeking to Give This Happy Lady A Smile

Aside from dolphins, the ocean just bring in numerous shows. With the pounding of the waves, the pelicans and other sea birds would also put on their show, diving into the sea.

 Pelican Superbowl Parade ( yesterday during Superbowl day)

While Madonna was performing at half-time ( she gave a wonderful performance, at her age, she still can dance and sing so well, very inspiring), my heart continues to be pumping for joy! Joy that never leaves me, despite I am no longer facing the sea! Because the joy from our natural world brings in a lasting goodness that continues to lift my spirits high.

Looking Out At the Sea

Yes, there are so many things to be thankful for, life has been very good. I am not saying it is without challenge, for there will always be, this challenges is what shape and carve our character, would our world be as beautiful if it is devoid of harsh conditions? God's power and love can not be measured, but we all do see it! We all do feel it! Let us continue to seek God's simple surprises and beautiful gifts around, something that has no price tag, we just need to open our eyes, our heart and our ears to His wonders!Whenever I stand on top of this bluff, looking out at the sea, my hearts sings for joy, "so happy.....so in love...." So in love with God's gifts to us. May the gift of love and the happiness it brings grow in your heart each day. Together, let us all sing...."so happy....so oh oh oh in love...."

A Place Without Expectations

 Borrego Palm Canyon Waterfall, Anza Borrego Desert State Park

 Agave Flower, Anza Borrego Desert State Park

  Another Borrego Palm Canyon Waterfall, Anza Borrego Desert State Park

Fonts Point, Anza Borrego Desert State Park

All pictures in this post are from Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Who would expect that in the midst of this barrenness is a desert waterfall that provides an oasis to a diverse desert life. Who would expect that in the midst of this barrenness are beautiful exotic cacti and agave flowers? Truly,

 "a desert is a place without expectation." - Nadine Gordimer

Klamath Circle of Parks

Klamath Region Circle of Parks, Northern California and Southern Oregon

(clockwise from top right: Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA; Crater Lake National Park, OR; Oregon Caves National Monument, OR; Redwood National Park, CA ) 

The Circle of Parks in the Klamath Region of Northern California and Southern Oregon includes some of America's natural wonders. In addition to the parks mentioned in the above picture, the Circle of Park also includes the Lava Beds National Monument and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Redwood and Lassen are worth staying for a week, but because of limited time and so many places to see, we decided to make the most of our trip by seeing several parks in 9 days trip.

Planking

Planking @ El Cajon Mountain Summit, El Capitan Open Space Reserve, Lakeside, San Diego County

I never knew about planking before, since I do not really join photography groups. If ever I follow professional nature and landscape photographers, it is because I want to enjoy places and wonders of nature that I have never been, or have been but failed to see. It allows me to learn more about the places, so that I can make a very strategic trip planning where we make the most of our money and time to see and do many things. Paying trip planners for an adventure vacation can be very expensive, thus I always see to it that we do not spend as much as most people but we see and do more by doing the adventure planning myself.

My first encounter of planking picture was with a fellow outdoor loving friend during her Alaska adventure vacation. I had fun and enjoyed entirely looking at her two planking pictures. I thought that planking meant to rest flat on the ground. I did not however take the effort to find out what planking constitutes. After that planking picture encounter about 6 months ago, I have forgotten about it since I have not seen anyone posted the same picture as hers.

 Boogie Boarding Closer to The Sky @ Potato Chip Rock, near the summit of Mt. Woodson, San Diego County

Then, a few weeks back, planking has been brought to me again by the same friend in reference to the Potato Chip Rock  picture above. My purpose of lying down flat, face down is to make Potato Chip Rock my boogie board in the sky. As a boogie boarder, I was supposed to go really to the tip, hug the tip with one of my hand, the other hand, holding one of the sides of the chip rock and my head in the air looking straight to the horizon or to the scenery below me.  Because I was too scared to do my boogie boarding pause right, I did it in the middle of the chip rock. Perhaps, I looked too stiff and scared, plus I was not at the tip of the chip rock that I looked more like planking. For the second time, I assumed that planking lies flat on any surface like what I was doing at Potato Chip Rock. I thought it was fun, so I did it again. What I loved doing whenever we are resting after a long hike and having fun outdoors is jumping, and in the next two shots below, I combined the thought of jumping and planking. I told hubby to take me a picture of boulder hopping, then, after hopping, I will pretend that I am so tired, ran out of gas, and will rest on one of the boulders "planking" style. 

 Boulder Hopping @ Palm Slot Canyon, Anza Borrego Desert State Park, San Diego County

 Resting "Planking" Style

I had a blast doing what I thought was planking. When I saw the sky turning purple at sunset in one of our nature wanderings here in San Diego, I asked hubby again to take me a planking picture ( well, the planking that I pictured in my mind). In so short a time, I was able to get a lot of "planking" pictures. 

 @ Torrey Pines Gliderport, San Diego

Then it came to me I had been "planking" after Potato Chip Rock but never had verified what planking means. I finally checked what planking means, and I found out it is a lying down game, mimicking a wooden plank, where participants lie face down in an unusual location with both hands touching the sides of the body and the picture posted in the internet. Now, I am not a participant in planking game, but just had to correct all my previous photos. The picture below is my first approach to do the correct planking, where my hands touch both sides of my body. The very first picture in this post at El Cajon Mountain Summit was my second try to do corrected planking.

My First Corrected Planking at Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego

Life is beautiful, seize each moment. Find fun in the simplest things, talk sweetly to the innermost of your heart, find self peace, contentment and happiness that no one would be able to steal. Try to do a little bit different, it adds up spice and simple happiness. As for my boogie boarding in the sky picture, I will have to go back to Potato Chip Rock, take the courage to go to the tip and pause really like a boogie boarder. But should I get scared again to do it, well, I can always do planking again. :)  Yes, planking, anyone?