Sunset/Moonrise at Mission Peak

So, what should one do on a nice warm Monday night? Drinking beer, watching sunset, taking a bath as a nice alternative. But, guess what Scott, one of my friends, encouraged us to do? Hike up to the Mission Peak and watch moon rise.

So, against my wish, I lugged my gigantic camera bag AND a tri-pod up to the top. A new rule of thumb - simply not to have a friend like Scott. Wait, I will take that back. Will keep him as long as he continues to supply his delicious baked goodies. :)

Had a nice time, and at least got one picture I like.

Hiking at Black Mountain

Going through the scorching mountain top and suffering through the steep climbs.

A Walk at Monetary Bay - the 17 Mile Drive

Haven't shot pictures much recently, I felt terribly in debt to my camera. So, to make up for the lost time, I went over to Monetary Bay, for the wines, the beautiful 17-mile drive and a sunset-over-the-ocean.

Stopped by at Vetana Winery at Monetary and enjoyed 2008 VENTANA GEWURZTRAMINER. Spent a good few minutes on trying to learn how to pronounce the word "Gewurztraminer". Gave it up eventurally and only realized that I am not cut to pronounce a word like that. At least the wine was rather enjoyable. And, the flowers on the porch too.

Among all the hobbies I have, photographing might be one of the most expensive and frustrating one I have. There are only a limited number of factors to adjust for a camara, but the reality is way harder than the theory.

The hue from the sunset.

Some Random Pictures at Monterery

Hiking at San Pedro Park at Pacifica

Went for this hike with a bunch of friends. I was hoping to shoot some fall leaves, but only found out that's not the right place for that purchase. Oh well... It is what it is. Still took a few other shots to make the best out of the situation.

Saw somebody else did some cool shots with leaves on Flickr. Wanted to try it out myself. Well, guess it did not work out. :)

Some random pictures for a random hike on a random day.

These two I actually kind of like.

Bean Hallow Beach (2)

My most favorite shot.

Another one

Look quite professional, don't I?!

Professional photographers always have an assistant. You know, somebody needs to carry the tri-pod, food, drinks, etc... Mom is my assistant.

Bean Hallow Beach

Biking Across the Golden Gate Bridge

换个角度看看金门桥吧。

Walking Along the Half Moon Bay Beach

Chasing Rainbow at Yosemite Valley (2)

These are probably the shots I liked the most from the trip.

I have been to the Yosemite a few years back. But, this trip gives a whole new appreciation of her beauty

The waterfall is fascinating. The best place to take the shot is not on the bridge, but half way to the bottom of the fall,on top of a big stone jetting out.

I guess people do change. I remember when I was fresh out of the business school, I was not this outdoorsy at all. But, now, the joy of walking in the sun and looking at the beautiful Vally view is over-flowing.

Yosemite is probably the most photographed national park in the US. The world-famous half-dome

Lunch at Ahwahnee Hotel at Yosemite

Blair took us to Ahwahnee Hotel for lunch. A beautiful place to sit outside with the valley view. The food is definitely on the expensive side, but the tastes and the quality of the food is pretty good.

There is one thing universal about women anywhere from the world. They all like to hear other saying that"oh, you look so much younger than your age". Obviously, Blair knows this universal rule very well, much better than Nikhil and me. :) That's why he is my mom's favorite, but we are in the "dog house". :(

Flowers I have never seen elsewhere but at Yosemite.

Chasing Rainbow at Yosemite Valley (1)

Nikhil is vising from India. As the host, Blair wanted to take him to Yosemite. Mom and I were tagging along. A great adventure for a highly diversified team.

Blair, Nikhil and I kept giving each other griefs along the way. The back-and-forth teasing seemed kept escalating along with the increasing heat in the Yosemite valley.
Marsha:"The view is pretty good, except the model could be cuter. "
Blair:"I hope by the end of the today, we are still able to talk to each other. Or, better yet, I am still willing to drive you guys back home."

Blair is this great guy that everybody loves him. Even my mom! And within 1 min of knowing him! You know the secret? Ultra-sugar-coating!!! During the entire two days, Blair have sugar-coated my mom so much that no doubt Nikhil and I am left in the "dog house" from my mom's perspective.

Blair (saying bye to my mom at the end of the trip):"Thank you for coming. You make the trip so much more fun!"
Marsha (feeling grumpy):"So, I guess you mean Nikhil and I am just unnecessary accessories to the trip then."
Nikhil (not happy):"Hmm...He said that only because your mom paid him most compliment!"

Mom is so "cool" that we all need an extra jacket when standing besides her!

You see an resemblence between the following two pictures? Mom PK snoopy. (Disclaimer - This is actually my mom's idea to put the two pictures together. I am actually very surprised by my mom's goofy sense of humor. Goofy and yet excellent!

Nikhil was so excited to get this ultra lens. He was running around the Yosemite valley and chasing wild animals to take cool photos.
Nikhil:"(Sigh....)I wish Yosemite had more wild life. "
Marsha:"Why bother running around chasing wild animals?! Blair is sitting right next to you!"

Blair had lived in China for 2 years and is used to speak very good Chinese So, mom and I were trying to help recover his Chinese during the trip.
Nikhil(observing the recovery process):"Hmm...It seems that Chinese is a rather simple language."
Marsha:"Don't get you fooled. Chinese is the most profound language in the world. We are just teaching Blair how a 3-year-old talks in China. :)"

Applaud to the best team lead and chauffeur. In spite of all the grief and hard-times, he got us home safe and sound. :) Thanks!