JTSVino - What IS

Pan Pacific Junket Day 15b: April 16, 2025 (Wednesday) - Kyoto Day 2, Afternoon and Evening

2025-04-25T01:38:00.000-07:00

After our anniversary lunch, on our second sightseeing day in Kyoto:

Afternoon visit to the Nijo Shogun Castle in Kyoto, a short walk from our hotel.
Theater in the evening - a sampler of Japanese theater traditions.
Dinner in a small, off the beaten path wine bar.

One of the famous built a huge castle and residence in Kyoto, even though he only spent a few days per year. There was an impressive entrance gate. The shogun would hold forth in these rooms - he was elevated on a platform while his minions would be on tatami mats looking up to him. His armed guards would remain behind screens, ready to summarily deal with anyone who even thought about causing any trouble.

The multi-tiered roof structures were impressive, made with joints rather than nails.

We had some great weather throughout our whole time in Japan, very few dreary or drizzly days. Impressive roofs!

Impressive gardens with ponds in gardens surrounding the castle. We learned that there are three types of Japanese Gardens: Dry Gardens, Pond Gardens, Tea Gardens. Beer and sake were apparently not consumed in the gardens.

Interesting rock arrangements in the Shogun's gardens.

The Gion Corner theater specializes in preserving and teaching about the Japanese artistic traditions. We got a sampling of most of the items shown above. The Bugaku dance was especially impressive because of the size of the figure shown in lower right. Was hard to tell how exactly this was brought off - it looked like one actor was inside an overside costume, maybe on stilts or with extensions for limbs, head. The comedy was actually pretty amusing, and the Noh play was esoteric, but taken on its own terms, engaging.

Google Maps works fine in Kyoto, though the character symbols are sometimes used with familiar phonetic letters. We set off for dinner to a French restaurant Le Boule, which turned out to be closed. No problem, the "Libera" wine bar was open. The owner prepared us a light dinner and poured some good wines from Russian River Valley CA. Good night Kyoto!

Pan Pacific Junket Day 15a: April 16, 2025 (Wednesday) - Kyoto Day 2, Morning

2025-04-21T19:14:00.000-07:00

Our second sightseeing day in Kyoto was packed full. I'll split into two posts. Overview:

Morning visit to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple - a magnificent hillside location.
Sally and Joe Anniversary celebration lunch (37 years)!
Afternoon visit to the Nijo Shogun Castle in Kyoto, a short walk from our hotel.
Theater in the evening - a sampler of Japanese theater traditions.
Dinner in a small, off the beaten path wine bar.

In this post I'll cover only the Kiyomizu-dera temple, up through lunch.

What makes today's Buddhist temple stand out from ones visited earlier is its hillside location. This affords a great setting for the buildings, gardens, small shrines and spectacular views out over Kyoto and to the mountains beyond.

Steps at entrance, leading upwards.

Plaza landing on the way up.

Looking through ornate gate, back down over the city and mountains in distance.

View of the top, just after starting down.

View of iconic tiered tower.

Plenty of gold, and honor to ancestors and deities.

Curious custom of clothing the small statues.
Reminded me of how some people will attire
their small dogs, no disrespect intended.

Looking back up over lush landscape as we make our way down.

One last look back up through the gate as we leave.

---------------------------------------

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY JOE AND SALLY

at the

GARDEN CAFE, KYOTO

Who would have ever thought that we would celebrate our 37th wedding anniversary so far from home. What a great privilege it is to share so many memories and still be healthy and curious enough to be creating so many new ones! With gratitude for all experiences, health and the best family and friends.

Pan Pacific Junket Day 14: April 15, 2025 (Tuesday) - Kyoto

2025-04-21T02:12:00.000-07:00

Our first full day in Kyoto. We visit three beautiful outdoor sites. The first two temples are on the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage sites list.

The Ryoan-ji temple with a famous Zen Rock Garden and beautiful lake.
The Kinkaku-ji temple with the famous "Golden Temple".
The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, a popular site with visitors posing with the tall bamboo as backdrop.

We continue to have outstanding weather, and benefit from the extended bloom of the cherry trees that has occurred this year.

View of Kyoto from our window. Kyoto is surrounded by mountains on three sides, making for warm summers and cool winters. It was the capital city from 794 to 1868, fostering the development of the arts, science and cultural traditions. We found it to be a vibrant city, more bicycles than in Tokyo. Lots of restaurants, parks, walking along paths along the river lined with cherry trees, cultural attractions.

Partial view of the rock garden at Ryoan-ji Temple. To enter the wooden floor area next to the rock garden you must remove shoes. Crowds were not too bad here. I sat at edge of this rock garden for a few minutes, and managed to have a meditative time, warm sun on my feet, relative quiet.

Throughout Japan, particularly in Kyoto, accommodations for blind persons were evident. Here, is a model of the rock garden in miniature that could be experienced by touch. At street crossings, bus stops and in train stations there were raised rubber markings on the ground, just high enough to feel with feet to mark the right places to cross or board.

View of the lake at Ryoan Ji. Most Japanese garden ponds have an island. The tree blossoms float on the surface.

The great Golden Temple at Kinkaku-ji. This was very popular attraction. Sally managed to take this poetic photo that shows the Golden Temple but omits our many fellow sightseers. Real gold leaf colors the temple. In town, you can also get ice cream with gold leaf as an ingredient, providing untold but highly extolled health benefits.

Selfie overlap!

A side temple pagoda, lush and tall trees in distance up the hill.

-----------------------------

Walking through the very tall Bamboo Forest. A bit windy; the sounds of bamboo clicking overhead.

Pretty scene with pink rhododendrons in full bloom in front of the bamboo. We saw azaleas and camellias too, daffodils and the flowering trees.

Lovely Japanese garden next to Bamboo Forest. A nominal admission charge to this garden made it much more serene.

Front yard Buddha in neighborhood surrounding the Bamboo Forest, redbud in bloom. No pink flamingos in sight.

Rickshaws were available for hire at this popular destination.

Shallow river was being dredged near the town around the Bamboo Forest. Meticulous care of just about everything was in evidence wherever we went. No trash cans on trains or stations, people carry plastic bags to pack out any refuse generated. We also learned that in schools, kids actively participate in the cleaning and maintenance of their classrooms and facilities at the school, and they teach each other how to do these things. What a good way to foster a sense of community, and it shows.

As mentioned previously,
here is the entrance to the old
Shimadzu corporation building.

Pan Pacific Junket Day 13: April 14, 2025 (Monday)

2025-04-19T19:57:00.000-07:00

Monday April 14 was our last day in Tokyo. We visited the very large and popular Senso-ji Buddhist temple, strolled through the surrounding touristy shops in the Asakusa area, and took a very exciting ride on the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto.

This is the Westin lobby. Normally we look for the light they leave on for us at the Motel 6, but we may have to rethink that after staying in the opulent Westin in Tokyo. The breakfast buffet was unforgettable, they had a small garden surrounding the hotel, complete with a small waterfall and ponds. Great location. Our room looked out with a view showing how densely packed Tokyo is, in every direction*. A few weeks ago some friends told us about the sophisticated engineering and features available in Japanese commodes - a state of the art model was provided here. If you know, you know.

*Gemini AI tells me: The "population of Tokyo" depends on which definition of "Tokyo" is being used. For the city proper (23 special wards), it's around 9 million. For the Tokyo Metropolis (prefecture), it's over 14 million. And for the Greater Tokyo Area, it's about 37 million.

Entrance to the very popular Senso-ji Buddhist temple. There was incense burning in a large vessel as we approached. Opportunities for several types of devotions and appeals to the deities for favor and good fortune, such as written prayer requests, tablets, face-to-statue appeals. There were also smaller shrines and statues in the surrounding garden area that were quieter and more contemplative.

We were here! Massa, our Geohagan group fixer and good-luck guy for all transfers took the photo. He was everyone's favorite.

We learned a bit about the no-nails wooden joinery used to make these tall structures earthquake-safe. This 5-teir pagoda was quite impressive to see.

If you get a bad fortune, no problem. Tie it on here and it will be reconsidered.

A more peaceful Buddha on the side.

Another Buddha, with halo frame. Great weather, trees were in bloom, small green Spring leaves shimmering in the sun.

A moving, quiet tribute and remembrance to the devastation of the war. War memorials were sparse - so far, this is the only one I recall seeing.

The Asakusa area is fun-fair food and shopping along one main street leading from the temple. The strawberry crepe was tasty. As we ventured out beyond Tokyo, we saw agricultural plots tucked in to spaces everywhere. Rice paddies flooded, and being prepared for spring planting, harvest in the fall, similar to grains we are more familiar with in the US breadbasket states.

At the Tokyo station, ready to board the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto.

The train exhibits this impressive profile at both ends. No cabooses here! We had reserved seating, truly luxurious, like business class in an airplane. Clean bathroom facilities on board.

Fast train map. While the speed was not displayed, my Uncle Ray's question of how fast we were going prompted me to start up my "RideWithGPS" biking app - I watched the speed get up to about 185 mph, slower in curved sections.

We had great views of Japan's iconic, snow-capped Mt Fuji from the train. This is special, since clouds, fog, rain often shroud the peak. We had an option to take an excursion to Mt Fuji, but opted instead for Tokyo touring based on the likelihood of poor weather.

Our tour operator provided delicious bento box lunches on the train.

We arrived in Kyoto early evening, after a long day of morning sightseeing and transfer. In Kyoto, we stayed at the Okura Hotel. I was surprised to see a stately stone building across from our hotel with "Shimadzu Corporation" carved above the entrance. Shimadzu makes scientific instrumentation, like liquid chromatography systems and mass spectrometers that I used during my career; I have several friends and colleagues who are (or have been) Shimadzu employees in the US. I learned that the building no longer is a Shimadzu location, but has been preserved for historical interest. They also have a very nice restaurant called the Garden, where Sally and I would celebrate our 37th wedding anniversary on Wednesday April 16.

For our first evening in Tokyo we explored dinner at a 7-11 store. These are tremendously popular throughout Japan, and provide very convenient and decent foods and a wide range of products.

Pan Pacific Junket Day 12: April 13, 2025 (Sunday) - Tokyo Tour Day 2

2025-04-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

On our second day of Tokyo sightseeing:

Meiji Jingu Shrine (Shinto)
Shibuya Crossing
Mori Art Museum
Sushi Chef Training Lunch
TeamLab Planets multi-sensory experience.
Pack up bags for collection in evening
Dinner at 38th floor of office tower in plaza

Will post this now, with what we have. Getting busy with the tour guides ambitious sightseeing plans every day!

Reiko one of our local guides.

In the forest at the Meiji Jingu Shrine

40 ft tall Torii, entrance gate to shrine

Offerings of sake ...

... and wine at entrance to sacred shrine.
The gods must be kept happy!

Prayer tablets, later collected and burned by priest

Tokyo from the Mori Art Museum. While much of the residential architecture in Tokyo is mostly just functional, there are many small city parks, and an occasional very interesting building.

Short video of suspended sculpture at the Mori Art Museum, ~6 ft tall.

Sushi chefs in training. We were awarded certificates "with distinction"

Our sushi-making trainer

One of the multi-sensory experiences at the TeamLab Planets where "seamless artworks transcend boundaries and transform space". We may have a few more surrealistic photos to add later.

Pan Pacific Junket Day 11: April 12, 2025 (Saturday) - Tokyo Tour Day 1

2025-04-13T15:20:00.000-07:00

The first cultural experience of the day was the lavish buffet breakfast at the Westin. Unlike anything I've ever seen or eaten for breakfast. We tried to choose a mix of familiar/delicious foods and new things we wouldn't normally fathom to eat, especially for breakfast. I tried Onigiri rice balls, custom prepared with choice of fillings like bonito flakes, spiced beef, smoked fishes with condiments of pickled items ranging from familiar (cucumbers) to salted plums (intensely sour and briney). An omlette station exhibited characteristic efficiency - you are given a number and asked to return in 7.0 minutes. A pancake machine and coffee machinery exhibited an inclination to new innovative tech. A comprehensive tea bar with busy attendants a nod to the traditional. The challenge was to try new food experiences without overeating for the day's adventures.

We did a self-guided walk to a few local parks:

Happo-En - a semi-private park with an outdoor bonsai display, used for weddings; recommended by a tour guide.
A garden wedged between the Tokyo Institute of Medical Science and the Minato City Local History Museum
Park surrounding the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum.

Our Gohagan guide Chip Reeves and our local guide Reiko Kanari took us around Tokyo on a tour bus today. Main stops:

The Imperial Palace and park in front of it.
Tokyo National Museum and gardens behind.
Ueno Park
Dinner Cruise on Tokyo Bay

(Note: Photos below should be expandable by mouse click).

View from Westin, Tokyo, room 1117, looking south.

Onigiri rice ball breakfast station. Fillings are added to rice, then roll into ball, enclose in seaweed wrapper. Add condiments.

Bonsai displays at Happo-en.

Glad to catch some cherry trees (sakura) still blooming.

Glad to see these here, since we are missing them at home!

We learned that this photo of MacArthur and Emperor Hirohito was what convinced the Japanese populace that the surrender was real. In general, MacArthur's approach was appreciated.

Prominent warrior statue in front of Imperial Palace park, symbolizing extreme loyalty to emperors over many centuries.

Entrance to Imperial Palace. Impressively protective moat.

Many, many pine trees, well-tended, dot the massive lawns in front of the Imperial Palace. These lawns provide one of the largest open spaces in the extremely dense Tokyo urban area.

Collections at the Tokyo museum go back 11,000 years. This wooden Buddha is from ~13/14th century.

Lots of great sculptures in front of the Museum of Western Art. Rodin is a favorite, with the Thinker, Burghers of Calais, cathedral "Gates of Hell" doors, all in original sizes.

Ueno park, everyone out on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

Rainbow bridge from dinner cruise. We were on a boat like the one on the right.

Another bridge from dinner cruise.

Cable stay bridge at night, from dinner cruise.

We saw a lot in the first day, and learned a lot, thanks to our great guides Reika and Chip. The weather cooperated all day and night. Tomorrow is another sightseeing day around Tokyo for us.

Pan Pacific Junket Day 11: April 12, 2025 (Saturday) - First Day in Tokyo!

2025-04-11T20:37:00.000-07:00

We left Honolulu on Thursday April 10, "lost a day" by crossing the international date line, and arrived in Tokyo Friday evening April 11. Met up with our tour group at the very huge and busy Narita airport. The ride to the Westin hotel in Tokyo was over an hour, mostly due to distance, traffic was moderate, speed was fast. What a change in culture from Hawaii to Japan! I plan to post more but here is our greeting from our Tokyo arrival, taken in the garden of the Westin hotel:

Pan Pacific Junket Day 7: April 8, 2025 (Tuesday) - Beach Relax and Hula

2025-04-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

After the high excitement of yesterday's helicopter tour around Kauai today we had a laid back day. Walking along the shoreline we found seals and turtles, in areas roped off by a local volunteer. They were even more inclined to laze in the sun, sprinkle sand on their shells or bodies to reflect the direct rays, and occasionally, mount the energy to drag back into the refreshing water. After walking along the beach down to Brenneke's Beach, we debated plans for the rest of the day. Stopping along the way for lunch seemed like a suitably ambitious plan. Later in the day I (Joe) went to the great pool at the club across the street, experiencing the fun of a zippy fast water slide along with the kiddies. In the evening we first went to the "Red Salt" restaurant but found it a little too stuffy and refined, and at a fancy price. We thought better of it and went across the street to Keoki's Paradise for dinner. The hula dancing was done by a local group of avid young learners, truly tasteful and fun, done with so much heart. A suitable last dinner on Kauai.

We'll try a video, to show that she certainly could shimmy like my sister Kate:

For the record, here's where we stayed while in Poipu Bay.

Pan Pacific Junket Day 6 April 7 2025 (Monday) - Helicopter!

2025-04-09T18:32:00.000-07:00

Today started with an early morning walk along the beach and seeing a sea turtle swimming along parallel to the shore. It was kind of magical seeing it effortlessly propel itself along, under the waves crashing onto the shore. Later, Sally joined me for a first ocean swim. Those waves are powerful! They tossed Sally around, and filled her bathing suit with sand within minutes. Water temperature unbelievably comfortable.

But the big event of the day was our

HELICOPTER RIDE

AROUND KAUAI ISLAND

This was such a fun experience. We took lots of photos of course. Sally sat right next to the door opening, third row, right hand side - this was a "doors off" trip, so the doors were left back at the airport. This made it all the more exciting. Literally nothing between you and the incredible scenery. Flight conditions were nearly perfect but in the door seat it was surely more than a little windy. No matter, she took some great pictures.

Our pilot Steve was a 37-year flyer, first gaining experience in the military. His jovial easy manner instilled confidence from the moment we floated off the tarmac. The scenery started immediately. We took off from the Lihue airport, then circumnavigated the island approximately clockwise. We saw many waterfalls, including ones featured in the filming of Jurassic Park. The Waimea Canyon was like a southwestern US scene, in the NW corner of the island. Then the first picture below is of the craggy coast on the NW corner, which I think is called the Nepali coast. We went north, out over the open ocean, in part for noise abatement for residents near Hanalei Bay. Then we turned in and headed to the dormant crater in the middle of the island, dipping right into the caldera. Our pilot assured us that we would never be closer than 300 feet from the walls, but the walls were so massive and vertical that it seemed we were a LOT closer. The visuals were stunning, and the physicality of the wind rushing in through open doors, thrumming of the engine, not to mention the musical backdrop and running commentary from our pilot all combined for an incredible experience.

I'm going to let the photos below speak for themselves!

Sally's photo from doors-off helicopter ride - classic Nepali Coast cliffs.

Ready to fly - our pilot already in cockpit.

Donned us up with headphones and goggles.

WAIMEA CANYON Photos:

Can you believe this is Kauai, not Grand Canyon AZ?

Norther Kauai coast:

The Jurassic Park falls.

We dip into the dormant volcano at the center of Kauai island (Mount Waialeale)

We learned these are taro fields. The root is ground up, a source of starch since grains are not grown on the island.

Rainbow seen from above, over ocean north of island.

To calm the after-ride exhilaration we enjoyed a great meal at Hualani's restaurant with view of the Point Ninini Lighthouse.

Pan-Pacific Junket Day 5: April 6, 2025 (Sunday) - Kilauea Pt and Hanalei Bay

2025-04-07T14:13:00.000-07:00

Fantastic road trip today around the eastern shore of Kauai up to the famously gorgeous northern shore where craggy peaks covered with vegetation are the backdrop to a shoreline with points and bays, both breathtakingly beautiful.

Now THIS is a bike path! (Kapa'a)

Bike path looking north, Kapa'a

On the way to the north shore, near the NE corner of island.

The point Kilauea lighthouse is the 3rd most visited site on Kawaii island. View of the small bay on the east side of the point was enchanted today - mostly sunny, filled with birds, mostly the Red-Footed Booby or 'A bird. Watching their flight, soaring on the updrafts, deftly landing, nestbuilding was mesmerizing. The area around the lighthouse itself was closed for renovation, but the visuals, sounds of waves from the lookout point were unforgettable.

Our takeaway memory view of the Kilauea Point Lighthouse (SJN)

---------

On to Hanlei Bay....

Viewpoint near Princeville (SJN).

Dramatic view across bay (SJN).

Swimming fun at Hanalei Bay! (SJN).

---------

We innocently stopped for ice cream at a shopping center near Princeville. Here we met "Uncle Mikey". He's been on the island more than 30 years, has his own business making dried fruits. He was FULL of stories and ideas. He also manned the tourist info kiosk. We innocently asked about the helicopter rides. He answered all our questions about the differences between the "doors on" and "doors off" rides. We opted to blow the doors right off - our ride is scheduled for Monday April 7! My best uncle of all time Ray encouraged us to take a helicopter ride - thanks Ray!

🚁🚁🚁🚁🚁 🚁🚁🚁🚁🚁

UNCLE MIKEY'S DRIED FRUIT WEBSITE

Pan-Pacific Junket Day 4: April 5, 2025 (Saturday) - Spouting Horn and Allerton Garden

2025-04-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

Today we visited the Spouting Horn and the Allerton Botanical Garden here on the Kauai south coast very near to our accommodations. We learned the three most popular tourist attractions on this island are 1) Waimea Canyon (visited yesterday), 2) Spouting Horn (today), 3) the Kilauea Lighthouse on the north shore (perhaps tomorrow).

The spouting horn is a collapsed lava tube along the shoreline that turns into a blow hole as the waves enter and the get directed upwards. We saw a few notable spurts, but not the record high 100 foot geysers that can occur under extreme conditions. For me, the deep organ-pipe sounds were impressive, like a creature murmuring in the deep. Sally took a short video which I'll send along later.

Volcanic coastline near Spouting Horn.

Ever present wild chickens were abundant at Spouting Horn.

The highlight of the day was the Allerton Garden. This garden is part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens, five tropical botanical gardens, four on the Hawaiian islands and one near Miami, Florida. We did a 2-hr guided tour. A bus took us to the main garden along a coastline road, with views of some gorgeous secluded beaches.

The Allerton Garden was a property owned by Robert Allerton (1873-1964) from Chicago IL. He was heir to family wealth from a Chicago bank. Robert was interested in the arts, and created a collection in Piatt County Illinois called "The Farms", now part of the University of Illinois. He often wintered in Hawaii, taking temporary accommodations. During the Second World War, a winter stay became permanent due to travel restrictions after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He purchased the site of the gardens, formerly belonging to Hawaiian royalty. He and his partner collected plants, trees, statues and created outdoor rooms and fabulous fountains on the estate over a period of many years. I found it notable that they created and collected based on the joy of creating and living, rather than on the market worth or prestige of collectable artworks. This joy still resonates today as visitors walk through the gardens. I found the fountains particularly fun. The guide mentioned that Robert especially enjoyed the sounds of the fountains - this is something that I can relate to, and connected it to the nearby sounds we had just heard at Spouting Horn. Robert Allerton was also instrumental in founding the collection of National Tropical Botanical Gardens.

On yesterday's ride to Waimea Canyon, I was surprised that everywhere did not look like this, near entrance to gardens. Much of the terrain we drove through yesterday was substantially more barren, with only grasses and reeds and occasional trees.

Angel Trumpet trees were a favorite site when we lived in Santa Barbara, CA. They are abundant in the Allerton garden.

This three-pool fountain was extraordinary in ways that revealed themselves as you approached and walked around it. From the far end, each pool had varying degrees of ripple in the water, by design. The reflections show three interpretations of the same subject, just as in art there are schools of realistic, impressionistic, and abstract. Once you see this, it is extremely convincing.

Viewed from the far end, the image of the tree is artistically rendered three different ways in the reflections. Wow.

This runnel style fountain has undulations in the trough that create a pulsing flow at the collection pool in front of the statue.

Closeup of collection pool and pattern in trough.

These magnificent trees with buttressed roots were a highlight of the garden. Planted only 75 years ago by Allerton from saplings purchased in coffee cans at a nursery in Lihue. The garden has the original receipts in their archive.

Pan-Pacific Junket Day 3: April 4, 2025 (Friday) - Kiahuna and Wamea Canyon

2025-04-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

A few photos from the place we are staying in Koloa (Kauai, HI) and our excursion along the south coast to the Waimea Canyon.

Kiahuna Beach, first visit upon our arrival

at our accommodations, evening April 3, 2025.

View from our "Lanai" (patio).

Unit 148 (Bldg 22) Kiahuna Plantation and the Beach Bungalows.

Tall tower is part of a Sheraton Hotel.

Koi Pond at our stay.

Waimea Canyon from a rim overlook.

The "Grand Canyon of Hawaii".

Waimea Canyon Cliff

Shoreline near Wamea Canyon.

Hanapepe - Funky town and funky swing bridge.

Pan-Pacific Junket Day 2: Thursday April 3, 2025 - Honolulu and On to Kauai

2025-04-04T15:24:00.000-07:00

Just pictures for now. This was our day to tromp around Honolulu in the morning, have a spectacular beachfront lunch, and then fly to Kauai where we will stay for the next five days… enjoy.

Street tree alley around Kapi’olani park and Honolulu zoo.

Under the Banyan Tree at entrance to Honolulu Zoo

Breakfast smoothie at the Sunrise Shack opposite Kuhio beach enclosed swimming area and Waikiki Walkway stone pier.

Lunch at the Hula Grill – spectacular day, hopefully the photo shows the true turquoise water color.

Our table at the Hulu Grill overlooked all the family fun in the pool. Toss me in the air daddy!

Looking south from our lunch at Hula Grill – the iconic Diamond Head peak on the left, with clouds complementing the profile in the sky…

From the sunshine in Honolu to the misty shores of Kauai, this is view as we landed at about 5pm. Temperatures were comfortable and mild, the mist not really as forboding as it looks in the picture. We made our way by rental car to our AirBnB in Koloa, more on that later.

Pan-Pacific Junket Day 1: April 2, 2025

2025-04-03T11:06:00.000-07:00

Sally and I are taking a most ambitious trip. We will be away from home the entire month of April. The “Japan Trip”, since time in Tokyo, Kyoto and a cruise stopping at the many ports-of-call shown on the map below constitutes most of the time, even including two cities in South Korea. But, on the way out we are stopping off for our second visit to Hawaii and on the way back we go to Vancouver Island, Canada.

Today we depart Boston for a direct flight to Honolulu. Eleven hours in the air and we are there, 5095 miles from home, perhaps dropping some love on my family as we pass over California at 450 mph. We visited Hawaii for the first time on the occasion our 30^th wedding anniversary in 2018, staying in Honolulu and also circumnavigating the “big Island” including a visit to the Volcanos National park just before the fire goddess Pele got frisky and major eruptions began. This time we are visiting “the garden island” of Kauai, the large island in the northwest (upper left) corner of the map. After about an hour delay we left Boston about 10 AM, expecting arrival in Honolulu about 2:30pm local time, aided by a 6-hour time difference. We catch our breath, some 80 degree wamth, and then move on to Kauai the next day.

When I travel to a new place, I like to find a novel or historical fiction set in that locale. Sometimes I get recommendations from librarians or at a bookstore. This time, I asked Gemini, the Google AI tool about books set in Japan. The wise AI machine came up with a variety of suggestions, some of the usual suspects like “Shogun” but also suggesting “Kafka on the Shore” by Haruki Murakami. It proved to be a popular book at our local public libraries, which had many copies but many hold requests on those. I checked our local bookstores, finding it available at Belmont Books. It was first published in Japan in 2002, then in an English translation by Phillip Gabriel in 2005 chosen by the New York Times as one of the Ten Best New Books of the Year. The 467 pages of small type will certainly keep me occupied for the long airplane flights. The main character “Kafka” is a 15 year old boy – I’m not sure it has anything to do with the weighty writer Franz Kafka.

I started reading Kafka on the Shore on today’s long direct flight from Boston to Honolulu. There is an introduction to the book, written by Murakami himself. Imagine my surprise when I read the very first sentences from that introduction:

“I recall starting to write Kafka on the Shore in the Spring of 2001. I began writing it in Hawaii, on the north shore of Kauai”. Kauai is the very island we will travel to tomorrow, and spend about 5 days exploring. We stay in an AirBnB on the south shore, but may make it up to the north shore, described in the next paragraph by Murakami as lush and green, other than nature not much else, and “it rained a ton”.

From the on-board airline route map, it looks like we will soon pass over Portland, Oregon and begin our long trek southwest across the Pacific at about 4PM Boston time. For now, back to my reading…

Post arrival update: Our flight was flawless and Delta business class delivered a luxurious amount of comfortable seating, excellent food and congenial professional service – met my eponymous young brother “Joey”, an exuberant and cheeky flight attendant. Best of all, an extended time to get a good start on “Kafka by the Shore” which I am finding very imaginative, engaging, and easy to read. We took a taxi from the airport, a pleasant ride through the realities of rush hour traffic even in Hawaiian paradise.

Our room at the Marriott Courtyard Waikiki (400 Royal Hawaiian Ave) was small but clean and functional, with a small balcony looking out onto the IHOP across the noisy Kuhio Ave. By the time we got into the room it was about 5pm, which would be 11 pm in Boston where we started the day. After a two-hour “power nap” we made our way toward the shore (of course). Forgoing the great cocktails and live jazz promised from GoogleMaps at the “Lewers Lounge” we walked the intricate network of paths, tourist shops, sometimes dark parks and streets to the beach path. The tide must have been in because waves were crashing up against embankments in places. We saw kids and adults playing with electronic versions of “Roman Candle” fireworks, much safer. There were plenty of places to stop for a drink and hear bar-singer music but we were disoriented enough. Settled for splitting a tuna/egg salad sandwich on a park bench to provide some fuel for the brain and walk home. Slept soundly, appreciating the time-zone boost.

2017 Tandem Rides July - Georgetown-Newburyport MA (Sunday July 9)

2017-07-10T21:33:00.000-07:00

Route Notes: Looking for a very flat route, less than 30 miles due to some knee problems. Found this North Shore Cyclist "Winter Route". Roads were generally in excellent condition, smooth pavement. Promised only ~800 feet of elevation gain in 27 miles, and it was quite flat. A few minor rises. Farmland scenery, some swampy areas, bike path leading into Newburyport, through the town, then out along the water. Good bridges for major highway (Rt 95) crossings.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/22934488

Start Point: Perley Elementary School, 51 North St, Georgetown MA

Plants of the Week: Green, green, green, many flowers and blooms. Sumac starting to come into bloom, with red fibrous flowers. Day lilies roaring in vibrant orange. White hydrangeas. Still some roses around too. Yucca plants in blooom

Weather: Perfect. Sunny, around 80F. Low humidity, a bit of wind.

Stops and Sights along the Route:

Farmland, not so many animals. Green, tree-lined streets
Bike path leading into Newburyport was a pleasure. Sculptures, and ice cream right at start. A most pleasant way to enter the town.
After ride, visited garden center in Georgetown with some sculptures out front.

Stops After the Ride:

Bradford Tavern for after-ride lunch.
Stumbled on Winfrey candies on way home - darn good chocolate and candy shop.

Southernmost extent of bike path leading north to Newburyport.

Sculptures on the bike path, the little sparrow with the big sparrows.

Sumac coming into bloom.

Haley's ice cream at start of bike path, south end. Good ice cream and burgers if you must.

The orange roar of day lillies.

Mostly inland but we did see a few lighthouses.

Big white hydrangeas

Sculptures for sale at garden center in Georgetown.

Great chocolate and a "for show" piano at Winfreys. Gave it a whirl with Cleopatra Rag, out of tune and tinny but staff enjoyed it and so did I!

2017 Tandem Rides June

2017-06-04T19:32:00.001-07:00

June 4, 2017 - Cape Ann Clockwise Loop - ~26 miles

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/4620498

Route Notes: Have been circumnavigating Cape Ann for many years, usually starting in Gloucester Stage Fort Park. This time tried alternate start at school at SW corner of the loop. Worked great, plenty of parking, ball playing fields were in use so wasn't completely deserted. Watched kids doing bike stunts at the skateboard park. Bruce Lederer (Bike Rides for Ordinary People, Cycle Massachusetts) first showed me these great cycling roads, probably about 2002-3.

Start Point: O'Maley Innovation Middle School, 32 Cherry St, Gloucester

Plant of the Week: Lots of abundant bloom and green this time of year. We particularly liked the purple sage flowers, which we are also enjoying at home, snipped into a tiny vase from our vegetable garden. Found a dramatic display, bordering front walkway so viola, it's the plant of the week. Kousa dogwoods looking good, was runner up - I thought I got a picture of one but it turned out to be viburnum. Also saw laburnum, with yellow hanging flower bunches.

Weather: Rain expected later in the day, so got a somewhat earlier start, ~11 am. Very sunny, beautiful blue skies with some clouds adding much interest. Later in afternoon, about 2 pm or so, it did start to cloud over. I had forgotten my riding vest, but no matter, perfect biking temps really, slightly cool. Wind evident but not impeding progress.

Stops and Sights along the Route:

From parking area - example of dramatic New England ledge in distance.
Great water views going up towards Lanesville and on to Halibut Point.
Rockport - Gelato at Robin's Nest, right on Main St
Cape Ann Museum - sculpture court, great sculptures - would like to visit museum sometime
Gloucester City Hall - magnificent building, towers visible from great distances land or sea

Stops After the Ride: Mile Marker Restaurant and Bar at the Cape Ann's Marina Resort, 75 Essex Road - a good find! Dockside bar with entertainment, or quiter restaurant looking out onto marina (our choice). Indoor pool a big attraction for kids. Restaurant restrooms are also the changing rooms for the pool, so great facility for changing out of bike clothes and cleaning up after the ride.

Crossing on footbridge over "Lobster Cove" into Anisquam, looking south toward Anisquam River.

Another view from footbridge, for my nautical pals in GIS.

Plant of the week - Sage, purple flowers at peak.

Robin's Nest Gelato - 1 Main St Rockport

Window Boxes in Rockport

Misery Island Twin Lighthouses

Beach near Land's End, Penzance Road

Beach Rose

Gloucester City Hall

Great statue in courtyard of Cape Ann Museum

Another viewpoint

Spirit of the Sea (1915, bronze) - Albert Henry Atkins (1880-1951)

Spirit of the Sea - detail of base. Scary sea monsters?

Plant of Week Runner Up - Virburnum (thought it was Kousa Dogwood)

Mile Marker Restaurant at Cape Ann's Marina Resort

2017 Tandem Rides April-May

2017-05-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

April 16, 2017 - Westford MA 24 Mile Loop

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20351920

First ride in 2017 for the Dragonfly tandem - and our anniversary (29 years). Plant of the week - forsythia was a strong competitor but Sally preferred lilacs. Rest stop at Nashoba Valley Ski area, sat on picnic table looking out onto the slopes. Not quite with the program, I neglected to take pictures. A fun first ride, road testing the bike - no problems at all.

Since it was our anniversary, after the ride we ate at Moonstones restaurant in Chelmsford - shared a split of champagne!

Picked up this image online from www.mami-eggroll.com.

May 7, 2017 - Ipswich MA - 30 Miles

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20541400

Route Notes: This ride did not work quite as planned. Planning tool maps (RwGPS, Google) all indicated that "Labor in Vain Road" was a through road. In fact, the name is apt - we encountered a robust gate with very clear "No Trespassing" signs at about mile three. It was a pretty road up to that point with access and views of coastal wetland areas. After tracing back, went out Argilla road to Cranes Beach. (Route linked has been edited to remove "Labor in Vain")

Start Point: Winthrop School, across from Fire Department. Several spots, good for ride start.

Plant of the Week: Florida dogwoods in pink and more subtle but still spectacular creamy white were unrivaled for plant of the week. Creeping phlox was evident, starting to creep over flowerbeds but just getting started.

Weather: Started out warm and mostly sunny but got windier, cooler and cloudier as we road. Got a later start, about 1 PM. Finished about 4:30.

Stops and Sights along the Route:
Cranes Beach
Down East Ice Cream
Pingree School (cool sculptures, sitting area overlooking playing fields)

Stops after the Ride:
Ipswich Brewery "Brewer's Table" brew pub
Ithaki Mediterranean Restaurant

At Cranes beach, shielding from the brisk wind.

Wow, beach plants in bloom - not sure what they are.

First ice cream stop of the season - long lines already!

Tulips looking great.

Cool art at the Pingree School

Cherry vying for Plant of the Week.

Cool dog sculpture where we parked in Ipswich, in front of Winthrop School.

The slightly hidden Ipswich Brewery, brew pub "Brewer's Table".

May 28, 2017 - Wompatuck-Scituate MA - 30 Miles

Route Notes: This route worked well, learned some new functionality in RideWithGPS such as cutting out parts of a route. The road through Weir River Farm was not exactly public, so will reroute this (will edit route). Explored parts of the Whitney Spur Rail Trail - new pavement in sections, in others, seems to use the tank paths in Wompatuck?? A good 30 mile route. Might try to incorporate Jerusalem road for even better views next time. The end point also is misplaced in picture above.

Start Point: Wompatuck State Park, excellent for parking and good bathrooms for changing after ride.

Plant of the Week: Every plant vying for plant of week - bursting forth. But hard to deny rhododendrons, especially the bright hot pink magenta ones. Some were huge.

Weather: Started out partly cloudy, some wind, about 70F. Cooler and windier toward shoreline. Started about 12:30 PM. Finished about 4.

Stops and Sights along the Route:
Scituate Harbor, Nana's Ice Cream
Weir River Farm

Stops after the Ride:
Oysters Bar and Grille, 254 Church St, Pembroke MA - near entrance to Route 3. Surprisingly excellent food and drinks. Oysters $1 each 4:30-5:30, I had half dozen from Duxbury, excellent. Sally had appetizer of shrimp and fried artichokes, delicious. I had cod, done on a risotto cake with a yellow curry sauce. Perfectly cooked fish, nicely sizzled risotto cake, excellent sauce. Passed on dessert. Drove home up 3 to 95 around West side loop.

Flag flying strong at Sciuate Harbor - tattered by prevalent wind here. The magenta rhododendrons could not be denied as Plant of the Week. This one actually in our front yard in Arlington, saw some huge ones along the route.

Stoker Sally at Scituate Harbor. A frequent stop for us - marina, views, seating, bathrooms and ice cream!

This house had a huge flag, dramatically displayed on this Memorial Day weekend Sunday.

Excellent find in Pembroke MA, Oysters Bar and Grille.

Back at home, our lilac was hugely fragrant. Like, knock you over fragrant.

Tandem Adventure - Ned's Point - May 25, 2014

2014-05-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

I found the "Ned's Point Lighthouse Ride" shortly after moving to the Boston area in 2002, in the "Pocket Rides" series. Back in those days, I relied mostly on books and paper maps to help plan my biking routes. While I like what sites like "RideWithGPS" enable us to do, I still like the books which usually included historical and sightseeing ideas.

There are lots of good rides in this area of southeastern Massachusetts and neighboring Rhode Island. I've found and also created several variations of my own Ned's Point ride. The version we did is a 50-mile loop, essentially as shown below (Link to Route on RidewithGPS)

The route starts near Lakeville, MA, aptly named as there are several large ponds with great names: Assawompset, Quitticas (Great and Little), Poksha, Snipatuit, Long Lake. Even after riding here for several years, I've just begun to have any confidence letting these names roll off my tongue.

Weather started out cloudy, but increasingly sunny throughout the day. We started out at about 11 AM. Wind was present all day, gusty by the time we returned and were blown by winds coming from southeast across the Great Quitticas Lake.

On this Sunday midway through the 2014 Memorial Day weekend, the roads were relatively quiet. At about mile 8 we stopped for a break at Mary's Pond. An osprey was nesting on a tall post at the edge of the lake, we watched while the parents swooped across the open fields and pond and tended the nest.

The peninsula that starts at about mile 13 is called Sippican Neck. Quiet residential houses and summer homes, an exclusive golf club at the end called Kittansett. On this ride we learned that the road goes all the way out to the tip, around the golf course, great views. Notice the strong, steady wind stretching out the flag.

Found this better map (nautical chart) of the region. There is a nice narrow causeway and beach in the "Planting Island" section. Maybe next time we'll see what's on the "Great Hill Point" peninsula, looks like there may be roads according to GoogleMaps.

We continued around through the quaint town of Marion (almost 100% residential, if there is a restaurant or store they don't seem to show up on Google, and we didn't see any. Nice marina and waterfront though, quiet roads.

The nasty part of this ride is on Rt 6 West to get to Ned's Point and Mattapoisett. It's a major road, with little shoulder. We were lucky that traffic was very light, although the headwind was strong and loud. The Oxford Creamery is the landmark for turnoff to Ned's Point. It seems to be an institution, although miraculously we've never stopped.

The park at Ned's Point was delightful, bathroom facilities welcomed, and the lighthouse in good form:

But we had finished our last KIND bar and were getting hungry. Continued to Mattapoisett harbor and joined the line at the ice cream and sandwich stand. Egg salad and chicken salad sandwiches tasted good, along with some ice cream to fuel the ride back. The general store told us they would start doing lunches in the summer, and some time, we will eat, and maybe even stay at the Inn on Shipyard Park or the Mattapoisett Inn BandB.

Years ago, we took the bike path from Mattapoisett to Fairhaven. Maybe one day we will do this again. Could be fun to start ride in this area and stay overnight - I've been wanting to explore New Bedford, especially the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

But this time, we enjoyed the improved route back to the car. Wolfe Island road is a dirt road, with gravel. We rode most of it, the car tire tracks had made a smooth surface. But I created the NedsPt3 ride with an alternate route that may avoid dirt roads for a future try.

After 40 miles of ultra-flat riding, the zippy hills near the ponds are a lot of fun. Just before this, my knee was feeling cramped, so we took a break. Thankfully, that seemed to be all it needed, and we took the hills with gusto. One of the most pleasant endings to a ride, we return across the causeway between two lakes. This time the crosswind was strong and a little unnerving, but we leaned into it, and completed happily.

Rhode Island Coast RIde

2010-06-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

Tandem ride on Saturday June 12 2010. The Rhode Island coast is a great place to bike: smooth roads, flat, relatively little traffic. Rural seacoast towns, the Westport city signs even saying "A Right to Farm Community". Starting at Westport Elementary School we went south to Gooseberry Neck (photo above), then north to Tiverton. South along a beautiful srip along the Sakonnet river, then on to Little Compton for lunch, including fantastic local strawberry shortcake. Route is shown below. Click on "Show Details" for more, and you can even vicariously share the ride by clicking on the "Player" link once you are at the Garmin Connect page.

Got lucky with the weather. Despite threats of thundershowers, we only had brief periods of real rain, and temps were warm enough to avoid a chill depite our blazing speed.

Photos show views of Sakonnet river and an example of the many types of beautiful stone walls seen along this route. Could do a full photo album just showing these walls, and surrounding plantings. Hydrangeas are abundant, at this time of year just beginning to show mature flower blooms (should have taken a photo!). Also saw lupines, and of course the ubiquitous invasives mutliflora rose and honeysuckle.

The dock at Westport Point combines commercial and pleasure uses. Saw a sign "Shellfish Hatchery" and these lobster cages.

Thomas Sims and Learning from Big Mistakes

2010-04-11T09:01:00.000-07:00

Visited Charleston South Carolina, March 17-22, in search of sun and warm weather, bloom, inspiration and R&R. Always a welcome place, they have a Garden Festival in March-April.

It's hard to visit Charleston and not think about history. It's everywhere, well promoted and supported. It's also hard not to feel remorseful and more, reflecting on slavery in our country's history. I learned and relearned much from reading "A Short History of Charleston" by Robert Rosen. Also some great exhibits at The National Parks Service exhibit at the Fort Sumter Visitor Center. At the Visitor Center I read quotes from Abraham Lincoln, shocking, but exhibiting an acute pragmatism, along with a reminder of how we are shaped by our surroundings. Full text of the Visitor Center Exhibit is available online, another example of the treasure of our NPS. See pg 15 for the Lincoln quote that shocked me.

Today's Boston Globe ran a story on the Thomas Sims Fugitive Slave incident. Despite being a progressive town, in 1851 Boston city government complied with the new Fugitive Slave Law, and dramatically escorted Thomas Sims back to slavery in Georgia. An idealogical hotbed for abolitionism and human rights, Boston citizens did not find a way to stop this. The Caning of Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner in 1856 in the US Senate chamber is also mentioned. I had to look it up because I'd never heard of such an outrageous action, comparable in some ways to Joe Wilson's "You Lie" not a physical threat, but delivered publicly.

The very well-written article by Steve Puleo, also makes a "take home" point: great big mistakes can teach us the error in our ways, and then, foster actual ACTION. I would add, the power of pragmatism being stronger than we acknowledge, uncomfortable or inconvenient consequences are usually required. Sometimes however, just realizing the horror is enough. And it made me wonder, what are the mistakes we are making now, in our personal and collective (political) lives, that should be shocking and energizing????

A Short Love Story

2010-01-16T09:34:00.000-08:00

Ok, what was the last really good love story movie or book you read? No, Casablanca doesn't count. Away from Her might. But if you have 16 minutes, you might like this. If you like it, you might consider leaving some comments at YouTube.

"Validation" is a fable about the magic of free parking. Starring TJ Thyne & Vicki Davis. Writer/Director/Composer - Kurt Kuenne. Winner - Best Narrative Short, Cleveland Int'l Film Festival, Winner - Jury Award, Gen Art Chicago Film Festival, Winner - Audience Award, Hawaii Int'l Film Festival, Winner - Best Short Comedy, Breckenridge Festival of Film, Winner - Crystal Heart Award, Best Short Film & Audience Award, Heartland Film Festival, Winner - Christopher & Dana Reeve Audience Award, Williamstown Film Festival, Winner - Best Comedy, Dam Short Film Festival, Winner - Best Short Film, Sedona Int'l Film Festival.

"It's Just Dough"

2009-12-22T09:13:00.000-08:00

I asked a friend of mine, who was a chef, for advice on making pizza dough. I had the recipe, but I wanted to know the arcane secrets and rituals held close by the trade. He admonished "It's Just DOUGH", with little additional explanation. We mixed, kneaded, punched down, rolled out. I've been doing it for years. Can't say that it comes out the same each time, but it's always delicious.

Just Dough (for pizza, or hard dinner bread/rolls)

1 Package Quick-Rise dry yeast

1 Cup Hot Water (about 120 degrees F)

4 Tablespoons Olive Oil

1 Teaspoon Salt

2.5 Cups Bread Flour (or, I usually mix All-Purpose with Wheat at approx 1:1)

1 Tablespoon Coarse Corn Meal

Mix yeast with water in medium-size mixing bowl.
Stir in 3 Tb olive oil, salt.
Add in Flour.
Knead for 7 Minutes, then allow to rest at least 15 minutes.

Begin Preheating oven with pizza stone placed on a shelf in middle to 475 (at least 450 F).

Divide dough in half, roll out to 11" rounds.
Sprinkle pizza peel with corn meal.
Transfer dough to pizza peel.
Brush top of dough with olive oil.
Add desired toppings. Consider adding herbs after baking.

Bake at 475F on a pizza stone (essential for crisp crust; I haven't tried a perforated metal pan, which might work).
Usually done in about 15-20 minutes - watch closely, check by lifting with an ovenproof tool.
Remove the whole pizza stone from oven when done - you need very heavy oven mitts because the stone is VERY VERY HOT.
Cut with pizza wheel, leave pizza on hot stone to keep crisp.

Local Fest at "Not Your Average Joe's"

2009-08-21T13:49:00.001-07:00

I've always considered "Not Your Average Joe's" a reliable restaurant. I'm glad that one is conveniently in Arlington center (MA). But I was pleasantly surprised by the creativity and flair they are now showing in their "Local Fest" menu, featured in August. I stopped in for lunch one day last week.

Often chefs will make a nod toward use of local ingredients, by offering them in one or two appetizers and entrees. The "Local Fest Menu" at NYAJ's is a full menu, offered in addition to their regular menu. Not only food, but excellent local craft beer (on draft) and wines are featured.

I was tempted to try the locally harvested Semolina Scallops entree. After much deliberation I opted for the Smoked Chicken with Succotash and Polenta when I saw that the chicken was from the Smokehouse in Roxbury. This camera-phone shot doesn't do the dish justice - the meat was juicy, tender and very flavorful, permeated by a smoky taste, but not to excess. The innovative take on succotash worked well, incorporating tiny tomatoes just as tasty as they should be in mid-August along with a flavorful green. The polenta was also quite good, and perfectly cooked. In addition to the Cisco "Sankaty Light" lager, other local beers were available, including the Wachusett "Blueberry Ale".

The chefs at NYAJ's have risen above and beyond in the challenge to showcase local bounty. One can only hope that this will become a regular feature of the menu. Bravo!

Team Darryl Granola Bars

2008-09-25T04:43:00.000-07:00

Team Darryl is a group made up of friends and family of Darryl Goss. Darryl is an extraordinary person, who I was lucky to meet while we both were riding our bikes in the 2006 "Tri State Trek" fundraiser for the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS-TDI). Darryl has ALS, and has inspired us all by the way he is meeting the realities of this disease.

Team Darryl rode bikes and worked as support crew for the Tri State Trek in 2008. Together Team Darryl will raise over $20,000 in 2008, which goes directly to fund research at the ALS-TDI in Cambridge MA, a non-profit biotech company with the sole mission of finding a cure for ALS. I'm not sure what the total for all riders is, but I think it is more than $400,000! On September 21 2008, some members of Team Darryl met to have some fun riding bikes again, in the 2008 "Hub on Wheels" ride through the city of Boston. I made the Granola Bars using the recipe below.

"Team Darryl" Granola Bars

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup dried apricots or dried mango, finely chopped
1 cup raisins or dried cranberries
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup nonfat powder milk
1/2 cup raw wheat germ
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup honey (use buckwheat for stronger malty flavor)
1 cup almond butter (can sub peanut butter or cashew butter)
Canola oil (just enough to lightly coat baking tray)

Salt

Preheat oven to 350F

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Mix well with wooden spoon.

Oil baking sheet (10x14" fit well) with canola oil; spread mixture flat and evenly. Salt the slab lightly, or to taste. (Salt was not in original recipe but I think it helps both in taste and for replacing salt lost during activities like biking or running or biking or hiking or biking. Remember our leader Mat Mendel's advice: "Enjoy the pickles!")

Bake 10-15 minutes, until just showing signs of crispness around edges, or to your preferred degree of toast.

Let cool completely, then cut into bars (but leave in pan). I used a pizza wheel and knife.

Place uncovered in fridge or freezer to harden.

Remove bars from pan and wrap individually with waxed paper or foil (wax paper is the greener option).

This recipe was published in the Boston "Weekly Dig" newspaper, and was attributed there to "Kevin Hays, Category 4 bike racer and speedy metabolizer".

If you like the Team Darryl Granola bars, please consider making a donation to help Darryl meet the extraordinary expenses he is facing to cope with ALS. You can give me (Joe) a check for any amount made out to "FBO Darryl" or mail it to FBO Darryl, 14 Connecticut Avenue, 2nd FloorSomerville, MA 02145.

If you want to join Team Darry, and ride or crew for the 2009 Tri State Trek (July 24-26 2009) just let me know, and I'll ask our mascot bear to pay you a visit!

See http://www.tristatetrek.com/.

Barbequed Shrimp Recipe

2008-09-14T08:37:00.000-07:00

Here is a favorite recipe for BBQ'd shrimp, of a style you might find in New Orleans, where sometimes crawfish might substitute for the shrimp. Traditional presentation would be with sauce coating shrimp with shells intact. I usually do the shelling in the kitchen prior to cooking the shrimp in the recipe. Another alternative would be to prepare the sauce only, and then cook shrimp "on the barbie" outside. Don't be daunted by the long ingredient list. Some can be left out, or have fun improvising. Thickness of sauce can be tweaked by chef too.

1/4 cup butter (half stick, cut into chunks)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon crushed rosemary leaves (a mortar and pestle is helpful)
2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1/4 chopped fresh)
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup dry white wine (Gewurztraminer or Pinot Gris work well but anything tart is fine).

2 pounds large shrimp (can be in shell or peeled, as you prefer).

In a large wide skillet, melt butter and saute garlic on very low heat for two minutes only. You don't want the garlic to brown at all. Stir in bay leaf, rosemary, paprika, black pepper, lemon juice, basil, oregano, salt, brown sugar, cayenne and Worcestershire sauce and cook for 1 minute.

Increase heat to medium, add shrimp and shake to coat with seasonings, about 2-3 minutes. Add wine, heat, being sure to not overcook shrimp. Serving suggestion: in bowls with sauce poured over with crusty french bread on the side.