Monday, May 13, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (2)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (2)

05/13/2019 (Monday) No Travel Day


Start Location:
End Location:
Cost per Night: $65.00 per night


Good internet for $5.00 for a 24-hour period. The internet was good enough that we were able to watch ‘Game of Thrones.’ ($5 per device though ☹)

We took our bikes out for their first ride on this trip. Fun way to explore the campsite.

Fun way to explore the campsite.
Horseback Riding Stairs
Horseback Riding Stairs
Conicosia is a genus of succulent plants in the ice plant family native to southern Africa.
Conicosia is a genus of succulent plants in the
ice plant family native to southern Africa.


Spent the afternoon with Rose, husband Dave and Brother Jimmy. We went to enjoy the Oso Flaco Lake Trail in the Oceano Dunes.

“Oso Flaco Lake Trail offers a hike with easy-going appeal. The nearly level trail takes a boardwalk over a 75-acre birdlife-boasting lake and across sand dunes to a tucked-away beach and a viewpoint overlooking the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes. These are the largest dunes on the coast of Southern California, but Oso Flaco Lake Trail is a short hike at just 2-miles round trip.”


The boardwalk on Oso Flaco Lake
The boardwalk on Oso Flaco Lake
Very appropriately Mother’s Day – Lake duck with her seven ducklings.
Very appropriately Mother’s Day – Lake duck with her seven ducklings.
Trail Ends At The Pacific Ocean
Trail Ends At The Pacific Ocean
Patches of Poison Oak
Patches of Poison Oak
Rose, husband Dave, Brother Jimmy and Paul
Rose, husband Dave, Brother Jimmy and Paul
This Plant Was Covered with Foam (From the Spittle Bug?)
This Plant Was Covered with Foam (From the Spittle Bug?)
Camissonia Californica Is A Species Of Flowering Plant In The Evening  Primrose Family Known By The Common Name California Suncup.
Camissonia Californica Is A Species Of Flowering Plant In The Evening
Primrose Family Known By The Common Name California Suncup.


2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

  1. On the Road - Day One

Sunday, May 12, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (1)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (1)

Date: 05/12/2019 (Sunday)


Start Location:
  • Home
  • Escondido, CA 92026
    • Start Time: 5:40 a.m.
End Location:
Cost per Night: $65.00 per night
Internet Remaining: 1.9 of 20 AT&T Remaining


We hooked up the tow vehicle at the bottom of our hill in front of Champagne Lakes RV Park.


Took the 15N to the 210W; 210W to the 118W; 118W to the 101N. No problems. Just one small accident in Carpinteria, CA.

Arrived at Rose and Dave Lambert’s house around 10:45 a.m. We set up camp at the Pacific Dunes RV Resort around 2:00 p.m.

They gave us two spots: one for the RV and one for our tow vehicle. They are small spots on gravel. Our George Boy is backed up right up to the fence. Behind the fence are the dunes. It was pretty windy when we arrived, so we did not do too much exploring.

Going to McLintocks for dinner with Dave, Rose and Jimmy.


Swallows nest throughout California, and the Dunes in Oceano, California are no exception. These Birds were busy building their mud nests . . . . they were everywhere. 

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

SkyRunner’s Gravity-Defying Vehicle Takes Flight on “Top Gear”

SkyRunner’s Gravity-Defying Vehicle Takes Flight on “Top Gear”

The Elite New Powersports Aircraft - Airports Not Required!


SkyRunner’s Gravity-Defying Vehicle Takes Flight on “Top Gear”

SkyRunner MK 3.2 is an FAA certified special light-sport aircraft (S-LSA) fused with a rugged, military grade all terrain vehicle wrapped in a design that would make James Bond blush. Arguably, SkyRunner is the most versatile and logistically competitive machine on the market. You’ll be hard pressed to find a trophy truck, ATV or UTV in the world that can follow where SkyRunner can go.

SkyRunner conquers sand, dirt, snow, asphalt, and born to defy gravity; for those peaks, rivers, lakes, canyons, trees and cliffs that get in your way.

This ‘Bond Baddie’ off-road flying car, took flight on the BBC’s highly touted “Top Gear” season 25, episode 2, aired on Sunday March 4th on BBC America.



SkyRunner’s Gravity-Defying Vehicle Takes Flight on “Top Gear”SkyRunner manufactures the FAA-certified light-sport aircraft (S-LSA) that also functions as a military-grade off road vehicle. Stewart Hamel, SkyRunner’s creator and CEO of the company, is featured on-camera in the episode to make the three-minute conversion from off-road vehicle (ORV) to airplane.

So, how does SkyRunner differentiate itself in the bustling niche of flying all-terrain vehicles? It uses a proper car engine. On the ground, SkyRunner reaches top speed of 70 mph. Airborne, it cruises at 45 mph with a rear-mounted propeller-driven by a Rotax engine. 



While LSAs are considered one of the safer forms of recreational flying, there are always inherent risks in aviation and in driving. SkyRunner is unique in that it flies its plan B (parachute), and unlike most aircraft, the engine isn’t considered a safety component of flight.

“Should the engine run out of fuel, a pilot can simply glide down into the nearest grass field, strip or sandy desert. Unlike other powersport vehicles, this one requires proper training before you can use it,” said Hamel.

Per Hamel, being featured on a globally-recognized show known for highlighting the latest ground transportation innovations as well as thrills, speed and excitement—and pushing those extremes by exposing the hosts to a flying vehicle—is a coup for this ‘Bond Baddie’ creation.

About Stewart Hamel

Stewart Hamel, CEO of SkyRunner, launched a Shreveport-based private investment company, Hamel Interests and Private Equity, LLC, the original funding arm for SkyRunner's research and development, manufacturing, and distribution in 2010. SkyRunner builds and sells all-terrain/light-sport aircraft vehicles. Stewart Hamel and SkyRunner have been featured on Fox News, CNN Money, TopGear, Discovery Channel, Jet Set Magazine, Flying Magazine, Digital Trends Magazine, featured by Red Bull and the Light Aircraft Manufacturing Association among other industry publications. Stewart has served on the board of Oxford University’s, Saïd Business School, and the Development Board of the London Symphony Orchestra. 


Saturday, December 9, 2017

Three New North County Restaurants You Will Want to Try

Three New North County Restaurants You Will Want to Try

by Stacey Kuhns

Last weekend, my boyfriend and I would up eating out a lot because he was moving and things were crazy. We are eating healthy (for the most part), so wanted to try and stick with healthier options. We tried three new restaurants in North County.

Here is my breakdown on the places we tried:

The Flame Broiler

This restaurant is located at 3295 Business Park Drive, Suite B in Vista (right off Palomar Airport Road, across from Target). This place is great for takeout or eat in. You order at the counter and wait while your food is served up, then you pay. They offer a small bowl, large bowl, or large plate to choose from (kind of like the Poke places). You have a choice of chicken or Angus beef or a combo of both. They also offer a tofu option*. You can choose white or brown rice and veggies.

We both got a combo plate with veggies. The meat was good and the veggies were cooked perfectly. The cool thing is they have a condiment station with various sauces. I tried a red hot sauce and a green hot sauce and both were delicious on all the food. I apologize as I cannot find the pictures I took there. They weigh the meat and veggies separately and I am not sure how that will go when they are busy, as it seems very time consuming. All of their pictures show green onions on the top of the food served. We were not offered green onions and I would have liked that option. Not even sure if they had them.

Either way, the prices are reasonable and I would recommend this place as we felt good after eating there. They also have a very nice outside eating area. The prices range from $5.05 to $9.50.

*Flexitarians and Vegetarians love the uniquely charbroiled, organic, and non-gmo project verified tofu, cut and prepared on a bed of White or Brown rice.

 

Ichiban Ramen & Sushi

This restaurant is located at 3265-C Business Park Drive, Vista (same center as The Flame Broiler). This restaurant is clean and has lovely decor. It is a large place with plenty of seating and you are immediately greeted by staff (which appears to be a family owned business). The menu is extensive.

Ichiban Ramen & Sushi - Review by Stacey Kuhns

Ichiban Ramen & Sushi - Review by Stacey Kuhns

We started with three different kinds of Ngyiri. You get two pieces per order and have to ask for the paper menu that you make your selections on. The fish was amazing. It did not look like the usual Ngyiri you get in most sushi places. The salmon had an extra piece of salmon wrapped around it! It was like we got a free piece of shashimi! I could go there and just order the Ngyiri. There selection of sushi rolls also looked amazing. They have counter seating at the sushi bar where you can watch the chefs making your rolls. I do have to mention that their wasabi was out of this world. It tasted so fresh and biting. Way different than what I have had in other restaurants.

Ichiban Ramen & Sushi - Review by Stacey Kuhns

We both got different kinds of Ramen. We did the build-your-own version where you can pick your broth and your add-ins. I chose the Shoyu (which is what I normally order when eating ramen). Ed ordered the Tonkotsu (a pork bone broth). I also chose the spicy paste. I would recommend you order that on the side. I can take a lot of spice and heat but I was choking because it was so spicy. They offer a number of interesting add-ins, including pork belly two ways, sweet corn, tofu two ways, a wood ear mushroom, and other options. I chose bamboo shoots, corn, soft boiled egg and green onions. They left out two of my four ingredients but rectified it quickly when I pointed it out (although I did not receive any sort of credit on the bill for that). Ed loved his ramen. I would give the ramen another try. I found the flavor of the broth really different and not to my taste. It almost tasted sweet with notes of cinnamon or something along those lines. That with the heavy fiery spice was difficult to handle. They have so many options, I would give it another try.

Ichiban Ramen & Sushi - Review by Stacey Kuhns

Ichiban Ramen & Sushi - Review by Stacey Kuhns

This restaurant also offers nice to go containers for the ramen. I would recommend it because of the quality of the Ngyiri, sushi, and the comfort and cleanliness of the place. The family also came out and said, "Arigato" when we left which was very nice.


Varanda

This restaurant is located at 1020 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, in Restaurant Row. It is in the old India Princess location and I must say a huge step up from India Princess. I have been here twice already and will be taking an out of town friend there next week. They have a regular menu but offer their buffet every day, including weekends! It is reasonable for all you can eat Indian food at approximately $15.

Varanda - Review by Stacey Kuhns


The staff there are amazing and very friendly and welcoming. One of the girls remembered us from our previous visit. Edward and Chelsea were very helpful and answered all of our questions about the food. They were quick to refill drinks, ask if we wanted more Naan, or if we needed anything. The inside has been given a fresh facelift that makes a world of different from the previous owners place. It is very comfortable and welcoming.

Varanda - Review by Stacey Kuhns

Varanda - Review by Stacey Kuhns

Varanda - Review by Stacey Kuhns

Varanda - Review by Stacey Kuhns


There are so many choices that it is best to take a small spoonful of each and decide which ones you like for a second trip. They did not have all of the same items both times we were there so we were able to try a wide variety of Indian dishes. Some I absolutely loved, some others, not so much, but all the colors were vibrant and the food was cooked perfectly. The chef is a master.

Varanda - Review by Stacey Kuhns

Varanda - Review by Stacey Kuhns

Varanda - Review by Stacey Kuhns

Varanda - Review by Stacey Kuhns

Varanda - Review by Stacey Kuhns
Varanda - Review by Stacey Kuhns


I highly recommend this restaurant as I could not find fault with anything there. Let's support our small business owners! If you like Indian food, this is a fabulous choice because you get so many options with the buffet. They brought us extra garlic naan, which we could not finish. They were happy to wrap it up for us to take home. Usually, buffet restaurants don't want you to take anything home.

I was adventurous and tried most things there, which were pleasantly surprisingly yummy. The beautiful dessert above, that kind of looks like a sticky funnel cake, was cold, which I was not prepared for, but boy was it good. Hats off to this place!

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Crue Stone 'Where the Wild Things Are"

Crue Stone 'Where the Wild Things Are"

"And he sailed back over a year and in and out of weeks and through a day and into the night of his very own room where he found his supper waiting for him and it was still hot" 

Crue Stone 'Where the Wild Things Are"


#childrensphotography #familyphotographer
#wherethewildthingsare #mementovitaphotography

Thursday, November 23, 2017

A California Thanksgiving

A California Thanksgiving
The Thanksgiving holiday traditionally revolves around a huge feast with family and friends, wherever you are. But if you're spending the holiday in San Diego County, you can add some new traditions to the day, by celebrating Thanksgiving with a San Diego twist.

 
 
 

Tuesday, November 21, 2017