US Nat'l Whitewater Rafting Center - MTB

US Nat'l Whitewater Rafting Center - MTB


On the rare ocassion that I have a Sunday at home I typically attempt to get out and enjoy the outdoors away from everything. This past weekend was no exception when my brother and I made a short 1.5 hour road trip south to the US National Whitewater Rafting Center complex for a little mountain biking. Web searches and trail reviews underestimate the near 12 miles of awesome single track trails that encircle the facilities. USNWRC has something to offer for every outdoor enthusiast from rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, rappeling, zip line rides, tower climbs, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing on the Catawba River, and eating on the decks and patios overlooking the rapids.


We really didn't know what to expect before making the drive. Just a few weeks ago we drove down to Asheboro to ride the trails in the Uwharrie National Forest and were somewhat underwhelmed with what was offered. I suppose the allure of a cold beer and some kick ass food after a long ride would put to shame any forest trail that has nothing but mosquitos and a trip through what appear to be abandoned ghost towns after 9PM. USNWRC had everything put together quite well so much so that if I was mistaken I would have thought we were in Orlando, Florida near all of the other Disney attractions and touristic theme parks. From the entryway landscaping to the gift shop inside, this place had something for anyone with a sense of adventure. After speaking with one of the girls from inside the shop I was sure I had met someone who had a better job than I. They get 2 hour lunch breaks to essentially get out and play. Whether it's grabbing a ride on a raft or hitting the trails on the mountain bike, a clean locker room with showers and a restaurant all within walking distance makes staying fit and having fun while working somewhat of a stress free work environment. If I was a college student living in the Charlotte area I would more than likely make this place the part time job of choice.


If you've never been mountain biking before, I would place a strong recommendation on going to USNWRC. All the equipment you would need is available onsite in their rental shop. They even offer mountain biking instruction for the absolute novice. I suppose if you're unsure of how to operate brakes and the gear shifter on a bike you might look into this, otherwise hit the trails hard and have fun.


We arrived sometime near mid-day due to some incorrect driving directions all thanks to the Garmin taking us west of downtown instead of east downtown Charlotte. Upon arrival we paid a nominal $5 parking fee and made quick work of exploring the activities offered. I was amazed at the variety offered and will look forward to returning in the spring of '09 for a 2-day stay to participate in some biking, kayaking, and maybe even a little rafting. The zip line was another appealing attraction that I would like to ride on a future visit.


We made good time through all of the trails offered including their single black diamond trails. There weren't too many obstacles unfamiliar with some of the trails in the Triad although the gradual terrain changes and lengthy downhills made for some adrenalin induced fun. We finished off our day with a couple of cold draft beers and some chicken rice bowls at the restaurant. The breeze and sounds of the rapids sure placed me somewhere in the wilderness except within a stones throw of the interstate and a short ride from home.

I look forward to returning to the US National Whitewater Rafting Center with my "nice" camera in tow to make some great photos. In particular, some action sequences of intense rafting, rock climbing, or mountain biking would do well for my little photography blog. For now, enjoy the few cell phone snapshots. I'll see you next time whenever or wherever life or this road with work takes me.

- Eugenio


For more info, visit: http://www.usnwc.org/

"Located on the banks of the Catawba River in Charlotte, N.C., the U.S. National Whitewater Center is the world's largest artificial whitewater river and an official U.S. Olympic Training Site. The USNWC is a locally owned and operated non-profit dedicated to promoting healthy, active, outdoor lifestyles. Opened in August 2006 at a cost of $38 million, the 307-acre public adventure-sport facility includes whitewater rafting and kayaking, mountain biking and hiking trails, a climbing center and a ropes course, along with a 2,400 square-foot conference center and 300-seat River's Edge Bar & Grill - all overlooking the home rapids of the U.S. National Slalom Canoe/Kayak Team.

Olympic-caliber athletes, weekend warriors and casual observers share this world-class sports and training center. Whether you want to play hard or relax on the river's edge, the USNWC offers a great place to take it outside."

At the Shop

At the Shop


During my 10+ years as an computer technician I can claim to have had a desk in a basement, cluttered closet space, in the press box of a pro football stadium, a cubicle maze, and in a garage. Most of those jobs didn't necessarily offer a view with the exception of working in the NFL. Above is the window view from where I sit twice a week when I am in the shop.


This is essentially one of many offices or departments within a larger organization where I work. It's certainly a room to keep your co-workers within a foreign object's throwing distance.

Sometime down the road I hope to have photos of some of the views from around the track.

Take care all,

Eugenio

Passing through NYC

Passing through NYC


For the second time this season I had the opportunity to visit NYC if even for a brief few hours. The last time we visited we made it a point to play the part of tourists and visit a few popular landmarks before calling it a night. This last visit was all about taking part of the local culture and enjoying an evening with friends we traveled with - and friends we didn't know we had until a few beers were exchanged. On our ride from the Poconos we debated for a while on where we'd go or what we'd do. Chinatown was mentioned as was Angelo's - a restaurant we had visited on our previous trip. This time around we settled on a pub crawl. Specifically, we wanted to visit local NYC pubs that offered a true pub like experience. #1 on the list was McSorley's. Established in 1854 and deep rooted in American history, we were going to go regardless of the 30+ minute wait that greeted us at about 4PM on a Saturday afternoon. Of course, it was rated #1 so that's where we went and it had to be worthwhile.


While in line a hispanic guy standing behind me asked if we had been waiting in line for long. He was from out of town and had mentioned that he was in NYC for 3 days on an extended layover while on his way to Canada for a few months of English schooling. A friend of his from his home country of Brazil had given him a strong recommendation to go visit the small Irish pub. After a bit of talking, I convinced him to stay seeing how we had heard the same albeit from a few internet resources. We spoke a bit about Brazil and the island where my family came from - the Carribean island of Puerto Rico. I always look forward to a cultural experience and learn what some foreigner's perspectives are on their first visit to the US. Of course, our conversation delved into the beautiful Portuguese speaking ladies of Brazil and what an amazing experience Carnival in Rio is like. I was certainly intrigued.


Once inside the pub we knew we had not only hit a locals' favorite, but also a landmark known only to the tourists that sought out that sort of experience. Irish pub songs could be heard and a little leprechaun looking host wandered about delivering fist-fulls of pints. McSorley's only serves 2 beers - a light and a dark ale which coincidentally went down very smoothly. Not even a few minutes passed before 2 sets of pint glasses were emptied and sitting on the bar counter for a refill. The buzz in the bar was awesome. Everyone had lively conversations about and our good Brazilian friend Allen had partaken in the tradition of buying the gang a round of beers. A young local couple was well aware that it was our first visit and welcomed us with a round of pints. Servings came in pairs - one light and one dark. Often times I'd have a pair in one hand and a half empty glass in the other. Time in the pub crawled. I watched people circulate through the constantly opening and closing door while at the same time noticed the dust covered picture frames and light fixtures hanging from the ceilings. Across the bar I noticed a very appropriate wood carving affixed to the top of a cabinet with the saying "Be Good or Be Gone." For some reason I looked down at my glass, gulped the last bit of ale, and took on the next pair in my hand. Allen continued telling me stories about soccer, his days of studying for law school, and different Portuguese phrases aimed at impressing the Brazilian female. None of those phrases stuck of course, but some of what he was teaching me certainly made me laugh out loud a few times.


Time passed us by, but what called our attention were the empty stomachs. Conversation turned from best places to drink in the city to the best places to eat. A suggestion to hit up a local taco stand was made, but we all quickly knew that being the last trip to New York for the season we had our last chance to head to Angelo's for that amazing Italian cuisine. We finished the last of our pints - somewhere after a dozen a piece - and headed to a street corner to hail a cab. I've never ridden in a New York City cab before and I already knew I was in for an exeperience. Cabs are a fixture in the streets of Manhattan. Yellow is a primary color aside from the greys of the city streets and buildings and the greens of the few trees that were planted in the sidewalks of the city streets. We said our goodbyes to Allen and our other newly made friends at the bar and boarded a cab for a short ride to Little Italy.



A brief ride down a few city blocks landed us back in a very familiar part of the city. The sidewalk cafes and the awnings hanging over the entrances quickly took us from Ireland to Italy. This time around we waited a while to get into Angelo's. Of course, upon seeing our old waiter - one that we tipped generously - seating time went from 20 minutes to about 5.

Dinner came and went. We ate, drank some great Italian wine, and repeated our walk through Little Italy to look at knock off watches and eat some gelato. Night fell and so did the energy levels. Somehow a few hours spent in an Irish pub has a way of draining whatever energy one has. For the evening's subway ride we enjoyed the local subway entertainment. At our boarding location we enjoyed some local folk music by a guitarist that actually had a good tune. We passed up the opportunity to hop on a few trains while we listened to him play a few songs and learn where he was from. Once we were ready, we all dropped him a tip and sped away towards the Port Authority garage where our rental was parked. On the receiving end a show was just about to start. A group of young kids was forming an audience for their local jam session. They cranked up the volume on a small boombox attached to a large club speaker. How it was powered was still beyond me, but after rocking a freestyle jam from the early 90's they had most of the crowd bobbing their heads. A few flips, somersaults, and headstands had everyone clapping in approval and digging for their pockets. After paying a small entertainment fee, we quickly made our way for the car and headed back on the freeway to Pennsylvania where we would have another long day with an early morning start in the Poconos.



If you're ever in the city and are in need of a memorable afternoon at bar, definitely check out McSorley's. Whether the light ale or dark, either will go down smooth and at a great 2 for $4.50 price. According to the locals, don't eat the food. Instead, go around the corner to the local taco bar. We went to Angelo's, but maybe the tacos will hit the spot if we do ever make it out on a dedicated bar hop.

http://www.mcsorleysnewyork.com/

'Til next time,

Eugenio

Christmas in July

Christmas in July



Yeah, Christmas is still a few months away, but the mention of it in July somehow serves as a reminder to start saving the change from those lattes for all of those expensive things your wife will ask you for. For some of you, you'll simply have to cut out lattes all together. Haha...I kid.


These are some photos that never quite made it to the blog. Perhaps I was tired of the holiday season before it started that I just never really was up to posting them. Actually, these photos were taken for a Winston Salem Monthly assignment and published in the December 2007 issue. After 60 days copyright licensing expired, it was more than likely mid March of 2008 before I gave them anymore thought. So here we are in July having a look at holiday photos from last year. Good times.


If you're local to the area and have never been to Tanglewood during the holidays, I'd defintitely give it a shot. The lighting display is basically a drive-thru show where you dim your headlights, tune into the local park's station for holiday music, and slowly cruise through the various displays. I'd recommend going sometime early in the season when you don't have 10,000 other locals clogging up the roads leading up to the park. If you've got a hot date it's a definite bonus as there are many areas of the park where it's just too dark for anyone else in any other car to really see what's going on in your vehicle. If you've got a family, calmly tell your kids to cover their eyes. (Ok, who actually reads what I write anyways? It kind of gives me the right to say whatever I wish, right? haha)


Around the midway part of the ride - right around the time that dinner has settled and is making you sleepy - there is a nice place to park, get out of your car, buy some hot chocolate and smores making ingredients, and gather around a large fire pit for roasting with a bunch of strangers. This is an opportune time to make up stories, lie about some big deer you killed on some hunting trip, or make mothers round up their kids as you drunkenly wave around a flaming marshmallow. If you haven't gotten lucky with your date, perhaps this would be a good time to spike her hot chocolate with something that will get the night moving along a little more quickly.




It's hard to believe I will soon be spending a third Christmas up here in North Carolina. It's more unbelievable how time flies and how bringing up photos from last Christmas reminds me of a very much different time in my life. Just a few short months can certainly bring about change and make a whole world of difference. Of course, if you're going into next Christmas still complaining about the last one then you should probably do something a little different to change your life.

I have no idea what this Christmas will bring - maybe a hot chick in a Santa suit. Ehh, actually that'd be better after the holidays seeing how I won't need to save any left-over change from lattes this year. Who knows. Have fun this holiday season. Get in your car, check out some holiday lights, and maybe get lucky. (Are you still reading this?!)

California Burning

California Burning

Mother nature is at it again in this post. I snapped off a few frames of a part of California east of Oakland as it burned. As we flew home from Sonoma I wondered what the people losing houses below were having to deal with. It's an interesting perspective to look down from the comfort of a seat on a plane and know you're fortunate to not have this scene as your worry. Perspectives - some people need new ones. Hopefully these images might offer you a fresh one.

Armageddon - Or a bad summer storm

Armageddon - Or a bad summer storm



In all the years I watched thunderstorms approach the coastlines of Florida I have never in my life seen anything like this. Over the weekend we were in Joliet, IL at the Chicagoland Speedway. As this storm approached I thought it might be wise to lower the 25' poles extended above our race haulers. A few minutes after I was done I ran like an idiot towards our van while getting showered by sideways wind blown rain. I couldn't stop laughing - it was quite fun actually watching everyone run for their lives. One of our spotters even shouted out "Auntie Anne" as he pushed a cart out of the storm and into the garage. Good times.

Stay dry - or play in the rain and catch that cold your mother always warned you about!

- Eugenio

Golden Gate Bridge - Black/White

Golden Gate Bridge - Black/White


A short visit to San Francisco this weekend included a brief daytime ride over the Golden Gate Bridge on our way to dinner at Fisherman's Wharf. I would never miss the opportunity to photograph such a well known landmark and extended myself with yet another inferior camera. Without the luxury of time I was unable to stop, compose, steady, or shoot properly. Instead, I settled for aiming out the window of a wildy racing van with my point and shoot and firing off as many frames as this vintage 2MP Nikon could handle. In the back of my mind I muttered off expletives regarding the camera shake shooting through the filthy window. In the end, heavy cropping and color absent images reveal the architecture that so many tourists and locals seek. The photos produced again reinforce my belief in disposing the cliches that insist only the finest cameras create the finest photographs. Although your definition may vary from my best effort presented here, I clearly define these images by the brief moment I had to enjoy this first visit to San Francisco - priceless. Of course, don't come asking me for poster sized prints. The best I might offer is a postcard.



Come back often. I have a folder of images to present. If not here, then someplace on the web.

- Eugenio

5 Hours in NYC and 1 Cell Phone Camera

5 Hours in NYC and 1 Cell Phone Camera


Over this past weekend my travels with NASCAR took me to the Poconos region of Pennsylvania. One of the perks of traveling to a different city each weekend is the opportunity to explore beyond the track's walls and take in the local culture. Little did I know it at the time, but we were within reach of New York City. We were exactly a short 1 hour and 48 minutes away to be exact. On Saturday the garage closed at 2:30pm which basically meant we had the rest of the day to ourselves. There was no sense in returning to the hotel to clock watch, and I cannot imagine what I would have devised to entertain myself, but honestly, there isn't a great deal of anything to do in Blakeslee, PA, unless you intend on hunting, fishing, camping, or skiing during the winter season. I, however, was fortunate to receive an invite to ride along with a few of NASCAR's finest mechanical engineers into the city for an evening of expedited siteseeing and a planned stop in Little Italy for dinner at one of NYC Italy's finest restaurants.


After parking and making our way out of the Port Authority, we had about 5 hours to spend downtown Manhattan since we needed to reserve time to drive back and settle in for the following morning's track activities. We wasted little time in making our way through Times Square and into Central Park. I was amazed to see how many people were out just enjoying life in the park. It was hot. I made the brutal mistake of wearing jeans. I had no idea where we were headed or if I would require something casual for dinner. At one point I even estimated the weather to be cool enough for a long sleeve shirt. I suppose the locals prefer the company of their neighbors in a charming place such as Central Park to a boring stuffy apartment somewhere tucked away in a high rise. Perhaps being clustered together on those grassy lawns extended the old adage that misery really does love company. Or, maybe I was too discontent with having worn jeans and was just constantly reminded by the sweat pouring off of my forehead. Overall, the excitement of being in the "big apple" trumped any discomfort I had dealing with the heat. I am a Florida boy afterall.

For those super fans that keep up with my blog or have been here since the beginning, you will recall that I made this trip to the city back in December 2005. Boredom and repition are feelings I may never have for visiting NYC. The city has a certain appeal. Whether it's the vast diversity of human beings, the collective unorganized-yet-efficient chaos, the variety of activities, or the intriguing quality of the architecture that is downtown Manhattan, I could look forward to visiting regularly. Or, if someday the opportunity presents itself, I might consider actually living in this urban mecca.

A poor selection of apparel to tour the city was mistake #1. Mistake #2 came quickly when I realized that I had no suitable camera to document my short visit. Graciously, I recalled having a trusty 1MP cell phone camera on hand for emergencies such as this. A 1MP camera, mind you, is hardly a camera in today's market of digital portable cameras and advanced cell phones. In good time, the trusty i870 Motorola will find a deep dark drawer to retire in once I make room for something a little more worthy of image capture. In this instance, I will spare you the complaining and whining of the lack of image quality and just move forward with presenting the best "Hello Moto" 2005 has to offer. A camera is a camera so long as the memory is captured, right? I should at least feel fortunate to have a piece of portable technology on hand to make the most of the few hours I had. In that vain, I shall digress and continue on with my trip report.


Upon exiting Central Park in search of the nearest subway station, we spotted a mammoth large glass cube resembling a monument. In the center, near the roofline, and suspending virtually weightless was the trademark logo of the white apple with a bite missing. We knew right away that either some artist had either created some piece of modern art paying homage to the cult-like computer company on the city's streets or somehow there was a magical doorway that led pedestrians into a virtual shopping world full of technical wonders manufactured on the opposite coast. It indeed was possibly one of the coolest Macintosh stores I have ever browsed. The entrance, set above the concrete jungle, was a simple circular staircase, made out of - you guessed it - glass, which led eager shoppers down into the subterranean technology shopper's paradise that Macintosh created. Inside there were tables showcasing the latest gadgets. The hoards of tourists and locals snatching up the trendy and pricy miniature techno-gizmos would rival the patronage of a gift shop near the exit of the Magic Kingdom during the park's closing hours. Had I observed this storefront entrance from above, the scene might have resembled a glass ant farm I once owned as a child.



After a thorough examination of some of the store's newest and most advanced wares, fighting a sudden urge to make an impulse purchase, and after having enjoyed some air conditioning, we resurfaced on the city streets to locate the nearest subway station. By this time in the early evening we had grown an appetite from our walk through Times Square and Central Park and were looking forward to arriving at an Italian restaurant that was highly recommended by another team member that had visited in a previous trip to the Poconos.

A swipe of the Metro Card and a short ride on the subway landed us on the streets of NYC's Little Italy. The district resembled the scene out of any great movie ever created depicting mobsters sitting to dinner. We made our way down Mulberry Street to Angelo's. Seating was limited indoors, so we settled for outdoor seating under an umbrella. Once the ice water was served and the first glass of red wine poured, the worries of the weekend melted away. Even more delectable was my dinner choice of Canneloni. Oh my word. I have never quite enjoyed Italian cuisine like I did on the sidewalk seating at Angelo's. The time slowed to a crawl. Each one of us fell silent and only spared a moment to comment on how f'ing awesome the food was. (Excuse the insinuated expletive, but in times of great frustration, or in our moment of grand exuberance, word choice is loose and non-specific in terms of expressing ones thoughts on a given moment.)


Dinner finally came to a close. Although most in this situation might complain about time moving quickly, I was admittedly gracious towards whatever phenomenon controls the space time continuum for slowing the clock so that each bite could be savored. Once the ticket and gratuity were settled, we mosied along Mulberry Street in search of dessert. The sweet tooth craving was easily satiated with an oversized serving of amaretto gelato. The cold treat closed out the evening in a refreshing fashion. My hosts spent a little time navigating the street vendors in search of faux time pieces or last minute trinkets to bring home to their significant others. I enjoyed a chat with the locals and settled on soaking in the dusk that quickly fell on New York City.


The early gesture offered by the spiritual force that gave us an extra moment at dinner quickly took back our borrowed time by speeding up the clock straight into the evening. We walked briskly back to the subway station, and in an instant we were back in the rental car on our way to the Poconos where an early alarm would wake us from that great, but brief experience in New York City.

I cannot thank the fellas enough that extended me an invitation to join them on this getaway visit to the city. I enjoyed their company immensely and look forward to future experiences while living and working on the road with NASCAR. Hopefully, my next effort to capture my surroundings will include a device more sophisticated than my trusty Motorola i870.

Thank you for stopping by. Check back often as new experiences on the road will be published right here.

All the best,

Eugenio

Spring MTB Pt. 2 - Tanglewood Park

Spring MTB Pt. 2 - Tanglewood Park


I went out on Thursday morning last week on a challenging 9+ mile mountain bike ride at local Tanglewood Park. The area experienced fairly bad weather the day prior with lots of wind and rain leaving a difficult muddy and slippery ride through the forest. The morning was gorgeous and the day was shaping up to be too good to stay indoors. Typically, any mountain bike enthusiast would look forward to getting down and dirty on a forest trail, but after a few minutes into my ride and one solid smack onto a rooted trail, I quickly became humble and toned down my typical aggressive riding style.

Roots, mostly smooth and covered in some kind of algae, are perfectly slick and "channel" the front and rear tires of a mountain bike much like the rails on a train track direct the wheels of a train. I had just coasted down a slope and made an attempt to bank a righthand turn when out of nowhere the front wheel pulled hard to the left and my body flew off the bike to the right. Setting my right foot down to catch the fall did no good as I lost footing and slipped right along. Momentum carried me forward, a right knee impacted the ground, and not even could the glove on my hand slow me enough to soften a full body flop. A system of roots of varied sizes broke my fall to the ground. The bruise on the outside of my right thigh is still going through the changing colors of a healing injury. Luckily no other bones made contact. The rest of the ride was slow and cautious. I look forward to days when the trails are dried and the mud hard packed. I enjoy a good lung busting aerobic workout on the bike and the local trails seem to be the best way to enjoy getting in some exercise.

Being that the trail made for a nasty surprise around every corner, I decided to stop every so often and seek out anything of interest to photograph. Of course, the forest looked the same through most of the ride. Every so often the trees filtered the sunlight into interesting patterns. I even managed to find a fallen log decaying in fungus which made for interesting subject matter. I saw plenty of squirrels and a few chipmunks - which are way to fast for a photo - but no deer on this day's ride.

Tanglewood trails offer a nice mixture of small bridge crossings, log pyramids, and a few fallen log obstacles to challenge the off-road enthusiast. Every so often there are hints of what may have been at one time large rock gardens to bike through. Most of them are worn down baseball sized rocks mixed with loose gravel. Overall, I would definitely recommend Tanglewood to the beginning mountain biker. Just be ready to feel the leg burn. Oh yeah, and avoid riding after the rain or be prepared to take home a bruise or two and a muddy bike.

Stay tuned as I will soon be venturing out to some exotic mountain biking locations such as the Uwharrie National Forest on one of my days off.

All the best -

Eugenio

Spring MTB - Greensboro, NC

Spring MTB - Greensboro, NC


I started my annual mountain biking outings this year with the goal of capturing a few images from the trail. This year has started out fairly slow since getting back in shape is the main priority. I spent all of last spring, summer, and early fall finding all sorts of moutain biking trails in the Triad, but never once carried a camera. This year shall be different and I look forward to sharing photos from my adventures biking North Carolina.




This area is somewhat of a mecca for trail riders. In all, there are about 12 different trails to choose from varying from an easy afternoon ride to a full Saturday workout. I had today off and chose to give myself the torture treatment. I rode for about 3 1/2 grueling hours and covered about 17 miles of rough terrain. Along the way I stopped at a few creek crossings to peer at the aquatic life and to catch a breath here and there. Last year I did not ever get a chance to spot any deer, but this year they seem to have been more abundant. As pictured below, I was upset to come upon a fawn dead not even but a few weeks old or less.




I have also determined it's time to upgrade the old Coolpix 2200 point and shoot to something a little more robust and with more manual control. I had a difficult time getting non-blurry shots in low light areas. The use of the built in flash makes for poorly lit photos. Perhaps a pocket tripod will do the trick.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed some of my newest photos. Hopefully I will have some more as the weeks pass.

All the best,

Eugenio