Camping in the Sequoia National Forest

We went camping this past weekend in the Sequoia National Forest. They allow dogs in the campgrounds and on all trails, so we brought the Rosester along. She did really well. Didn't bark much (she never really does) and was good enough to say off lease, I mean, stay off leash, most of the time while we were in the campsite. She was very good about not attacking the two little ratdogs in the site across from us (who never stopped barking!). We discussed it and decided it would be best to leave them alone.

Me and Rosie up at Alta Sierra on Rt. 155. Very high and very cold.

The weather wasn't that great, but we got two days of no rain and semi warm weather. It rained the second night. We packed up our wet gear and left in the morning. Those who know my family's history of rainy camping trips will not be surprised to hear that it rained. Eric and I have had pretty good luck so far and that was the first time it really rained hard while camping.

We didn't get to see any Sequoias. They have something called "snow" up there and apparently it prevents people from driving on the roads safely, so they closed most of the more northern roads. We were bummed, but had a great time exploring what we could.

The view from our campsite.

Check out this tongue

What We've Been Up To

Hannah:
My mother is an incredible seamstress and I am lucky that she taught me the basics about sewing. I really enjoy sewing and I don't do it nearly enough. When I do drag the machine out, I love to make quilts for the new babies of my friends and cousins. Unusual combinations of colors and patterns make it interesting, and I love the idea of creating something that will keep a baby warm. Here is a close up photo of my latest project. I made it for Kaelyn, the daughter of my dear friends Karen and Kevin.


Eric:
Eric has been researching new cars. His Maxima is literally falling apart - last week, on the way to lunch with his coworkers, a fellow Citrite went to open the door and the entire handle and cover came off in his hand. The engine runs great, but you can't get out of the car! Anyway, he's ready for a new one. Leaning towards an SUVish thing so we can go camping without having to feel like we're doing a puzzle trying to arrange everything in the car so it fits. Eric has also been kicking butt at Citrix Online.

Rosie:
Rosie has been doing a lot of lying around, catching the frisbee, running, walking, smelling stuff and being really cute.

My favorite things about Narita Tokyo Airport

We spent our layovers at Narita airport on our way to and from Thailand. The following is a list of our favorite things about this airport.

1. It's incredibly quiet. After a long flight (12+ hours) on a loud airplane, this airport is just perfect for resting ones ears. There was no music playing over the intercom. The security agents at the security checkpoint were practically whispering to us. When we tried to walk through the wrong metal detector, no one barked at us. They simply whispered, "Go through this one, please." When the flight was ready to board, the gate agents held up signs announcing which groups were boarding. When they wanted to remind us to please show our passports along with our boarding passes, the agent simply walked among the travelers holding up a sign with that message.

2. The food court is wonderfully simple. There were a few restaurants offering a variety of foods, such as Italian, sushi, and noodles. We chose the noodle soup and it was deeeeelicious! Who'd ever think you could find delicious and healthy food at an airport?! The women working at the food court wore face masks. A little creepy looking, but at least you know they're not sneezing onto your food.

3. The best thing about Narita Airport..........the bathrooms!!! Everything is automated (except the flusher, which is a bit odd). There are little chairs to put your child in while you wash your hands. And, the best thing about the bathrooms???? The toilets! Western style (thank god) and amazingly advanced. Look at the picture of the instructions on how to use the various toilet tools.

The toilet user has the option of playing a "flushing sound" to muffle toilet sound, playing the sound of running water and changing the volume of that sound, washing the rear and using a deodorizer with increased absorption strength for removing odors.

I find this toilet an interesting comment on Japanese culture. Don't rock the boat, even while on the pot!