Pictures from the (mis)adventure

I thought some of you might enjoy these. Now that I see the pictures and relive the day it all seems so ridiculous that it could ever go from beautiful to ugly that fast.

-Paul

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Merry Christmas!

I know it's a little late, but I was a bit wrapped up in everything (no pun intended). I absolutely love Christmas. The weather cools down and people are happy, unless you are trying to park at the mall, which I happened to encounter only once this year. Christmas brings an abundance of lights, presents, hot cocoa, peppermint mochas, friends, and family. I particularly like those last two (well, three).

I know that Christmas is a particular favorite of most, but it has become even more special to me since last year. If you're curious as to why, check out here. This holiday, like last year, brought it's own surprises. It was my first Christmas without my parents and sister, and first with my new family. It was our first Christmas together. It was a Christmas of new traditions being made amongst those that already exist.

One of my favorite things to do at Christmas is check out the lights. There is an area my family and I used to go to when I was a kid called Christmas Card Lane where most of the families put out giant Christmas cards. That's how it must have started but people have become quite creative since I was a kid. Paul was game enough to walk around with me on Christmas Eve and check out the lights. He was not disappointed.

I always thought Paul looked a little like Will Ferrell. Hmm.

One of my favorite houses. In case you're wondering, it's from the movie "A Christmas Story", complete with leg lamp and Ralphie in a bunny suit.


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love from the Quinlivans :)

(Mis)adventures

The picture maybe a bit dramatic and inaccurate of my recent backpacking trip but the story is factual.

This past Sunday my friend Chris Knoll and I drove out to the San Rafael wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest which is about a four and a half hour drive from San Diego via the 5 freeway. The area lies about five miles (as the crow flies) from Santa Barbara. The wilderness area is one of the last known strong holds for the California condor.

The planned trip(see page 31 in January edition of Backpacker magazine)was to hike four miles through a series of valleys and switchbacks which would then lead us to the top of a ridge line. This ridge line ran from McPherson peak (the highest in the range) and would follow the trail down the valley floor and then back up on the West end. Four miles from where we summited the ridge line we were supposed to camp and then continue the rideline loop for the rest of the trip which would end up being approximately thirty miles in three days.

We began Sunday at the trail head at about 11am after we had lunched and made sure we had all of the necessary equipment in order. About a mile into the hike up to the ridge line we began encountering small patches of snow, which is extremely rare at 3,000 feet, and as the trip up continued the patches got larger and deeper. When we finally reached the ridge line we estimate that it was about 2 pm or so, we forgot a watch so we don't know exactly. Along the ridge line we reached even longer and deeper patches of snow, think 6-8 inches of nice powder by 2 1/2-3 football fields long, but they were only mainly in the shadows.

Throughout the trek the weather was perfect, as evident by the shorts and short-sleeve shirt I wore, we estimate about 65 degrees. Because of the weather we never really worried about the snow which also kept us from having to fill up our water supply.

We finally reached the planned campsite around thirty minutes before sunset which gave us just enough time to set up camp and start a fire. The campsite was called painted rock for the nearby cave which was painted by the local Indians. The site sat up on top of the ridge directly underneath the only oak tree in the area. We quickly set up camp and attempted a fire but with the recent storm any and all shrubs were wet, so we went to bed.

Here where it gets interesting:
About two hours into our sleep (im guessing about 9:30 or 10) the wind started to pick-up, light at first and then a bit stronger. Eventually it got so strong the it took a few of our stakes out and collapsed the tent. Chris drew the short end of the straw so he got out and re-staked the tent and placed rocks on all of them. He also took the guy out lines and securely tied them to rocks.

The guy lines lasted for about two more hours, by which time the wind (we think) reached anywhere from 30 to 40 mph and it lightly began to drizzle. It took me about 15 minutes to get up the courage to jump out and fix the tent. When i jumped back into the tent after to a short 2 minute fix-it I was soaked by the winds flying in all directions. By the time we were resettled in the tent water had begun to leak through the rain fly and subsequently onto my sleeping bag. My sleeping bag stayed dry for about two hours when it began to soak my feet and my midsection. By the time the guy lines had been ripped from the stake and the rock which they were tied too and the wind was consistently ripping the zipper of the rain fly open and spraying all of our belongings with water.

I estimate that at about 3 am the worst possible thing could have happened, our tent collapsed again. This time any repairs we attempted would have most likely been fruitless seeing as the wind was only getting stronger and the rain was coming down harder so Chris and I made a drastic decision. We decided to make a run for the car. We each took turns holding the collapsed tent open while we each readied our gear in our packs, put on our boots and all of our water proof gear. The plan was to drop any unnecessary gear to lighten our packs and then to put nearly all of the left over gear into one pack so that the other pack would be free for us to quickly stuff the tent into and leave the Ridge line.

Everything went according to plan, my pack was loaded with all the extra gear and Chris was going to jump out and load the tent but when we got out of the tent we had completely underestimated the severity of the storm and we were unable to load the tent so we left it. In all we left the tent, cookware (pots, pans, handle, sponges and soap for cleaning), all the food except cliff bars, sandals and a thermarest. We nearly left the stove and the fuel but we thought that if worst came to worst we may need it to stay warm.

Once we stepped off the ridge and down into a deep snow patch merely 50 feet below our camp we were completely sheltered from the wind however, the rain kept coming down very hard and we were wet within 5 minutes. Before we discuss the trip back you need to understand the gear we had with us. Our packs had been soaked through because our pack covers had been ripped off in the rain. I had a fairly new gore tex jacket but Chris only had a light weight jacket as well as a soft shell for a mid-layer. On our feet I had gore tex boots but Chris only had a pair of trail runners. On our lower body all we had we thermal underwear and light weight hiking pants. Also, Chris hadn't thought to bring gloves. So as prepared as we thought we were, we were not even close.

Once down on the ridge we immediately began the trek towards the ridge line. Our thought was that if we could make it 4 miles to the ridge line then even if it was raining we would be out of the wind. However, the 4 miles were almost entirely exposed to the weather, with only small shrubs and no trees or significant shelter we had to push through. Early on in the trek another issue came to our attention Chris's headlamp lacked sufficient power so we hiked the ridge line solely with my head lamp which had a maximum of 30 feet visibility due to the freezing rain.

I am not sure about Chris but within 30 minutes of leaving my legs were soaked through as well as both of my boots. I felt like I was walking in a swamp but my feet were still warm even though we were trekking through slushy snow. Occasionally an extremely strong gust of wind would come and would blow us around, using our packs like sails.


We finally reached the ridge line and began our decent of the peak through the single track switch backs. The way down was extremely sketchy but we hiked as fast as we possibly could. About 2 miles down Chris slipped at landed on a Yucca plant (see picture)where he stabbed his hand which instantly began bleeding everywhere. He quickly wrapped a bandanna around it and we continued down.

By the time we reached the base of the switchbacks the rain had yielded to a drizzle and the sun was beginning to shine on the valley. A trip that had taken us about 6 hours on the way up only took us about 3 hours back.

When we got back to the car we found the key and turned on the car to warm us up and I quickly took off all of my wet clothes and wrapped myself in a towel in the trunk and left the trail head. About half an hour into the drive I was so tired that I had to pull over and take a nap.

Nothing mattered at that point. We had survived a dangerous situation. Now that the (mis)adventure is over I feel that I now understand how weather in the back country can go from perfect to the worst and we need to be prepared for any situation. I now also feel like I can conquer anything. Anyone up for a trip to Everest?

-Paul

To GIve Thanks

I love Thanksgiving. Food, and more food, and then when you think you cant have anymore there are the leftovers. But there is also family.

This Thanksgiving was full of family. Probally the largest family gathering I have been to since our wedding, which I was at but wasnt completely conscience of all the family there, I was focused on someone else. This large gathering of our family reminded me that family, whether it be the new family I am creating or my family that has raised me, is the one thing I am most thankful for.

Family is, or should be, a constant in your life. Those people who love you unconditionally even though you hurt them, ignore them, etc. I just wanted to thank my family for being there for Alyssa and I, throughout our engagement and into our marriage.

Last night Alyssa and I went to Green Valley Church, the church we have been attending since we moved to Rancho Bernardo. At GVC last night they had a "Thanksgiving dinner" where each family brought a salad or a lasanga dish. We sat and ate together simply sharing a meal like a family.

After dinner we worshiped together and then a microphone was passed around and people publically shared the things in their lives that they are thankful for. Many people have conquered illnesses, lost loved ones and even becomes successful in or at something but each and every person who shared was thankful for their church family. It reminded me of Jesus' orginal purpose for the church. Not only did we have an opportunity to break bread together but we also opened our hearts to share in eachothers triumphs and tragedies and to praise God for our continued faithfulness. May you find a family to be thankful for.

-Paul

Keep moving forward

Heres a little life update:

Our life is officially moving forward past the life of mondane dermitology work and school, the Peace Corps applications are in. At the momment we are waiting on our references to be sent into the peace corps office and then we can move forward with interviews and then onto placement in a country.

Unfortunately, we are not really sure on the time frame of all of this. The soonest we would be leaving would be July, but more realistically we wouldnt be leaving until late fall, possibly in winter. The regional recruter recently e-mailed me and said that according to our said skills and our desire to volunteer as a couple we may not be able to be placed until 2010. However, there are certain things that we can do to boost our availiblity and move us up the ladder in terms of placement.

We are also looking into other options aside from the Peace Corps, so if you know of anything that you feel would be a great fit for us please let us know. Also, if you can offer prayer, advice or just friendship at this transitional time in our life it would be greatly appreciated.

In terms of life at the moment, Alyssa just had her progress report at the derm office and they countinue to love and appreciate the great work and dedication she has shown to her current position. I just registered for what I hope to be my final semester of undergraduate work. In six months I will officially be free of the bondage that is the school system. I also just began a new position with RBCPC (say that 10 times fast), or Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church (http://www.rbcpc.org/middleschool/) as their Junior High assistant. This job will be great for me personally, as it will give me a great freedom to be creative and to just love on junior high students. It will also be great for our family as it is a ten minute bike ride from our apartment and will save on drive time.

We hope your lives continue to be blessed and that you are able to find something to be thankful for during this holiday season.

-Paul

Incredible

A friend of mine posted this on his blog a few months ago and I still cant get over it. I watch it about once a week now (yes I know, a major waste of time but when you are trying to stall for studying midterms it is worth it). Watch the whole thing and you will remember why you dont skateboard like they do.

Let me know what you think. Maybe i can dig up other videos like it so you can procrastinate with me.



-Paul

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALYSSA!!!!

26 years young! WOOOHOOOO!!!!

Vectors, 3 months in

A good friend and mentor of mine likes to refer to his life in terms of vectors, which in mathematical terms essentially refers to directions. A vector can be long or short, steep or flat, but the primary basis for a vector is that it is continually moving. Such is life.

Whether we want life to slow down so we can cherish the important moments or whether we wish for life to speed up so we can get through the daily grind we can not escape the fact that our vectors are moving and changing the way in which we view life.

Recently, Alyssa and I have begun a new vector in our life. One with new challenges.

I have started, what I hope to be the final year of my undergraduate degree, followed by a new position in a local youth ministry. While Alyssa continues the "grind" of a medical office. Our schedules have left us apart for a large majority of the week. However, I am starting to feel that it is also giving us a unique appreciation for each other. While the time apart can sometimes be needed and most necessary, I find that after time I long for her relationship.

While marriage can be a challenge, we have so far risen to it. God is continually creating new vectors for us to engage with while granting us a greater understanding of love. May you find and engage in your vecotrs.

-Paul

Two Months In

Us in Panama. :)

So we're a little over two months into this whole marriage thing and life is settling down. A constant adventure and learning process, Paul is realizing that he now lives with a girl, and I am realizing that I now live with a boy. I must say it is a little different. Good, but different.

While we've enjoyed getting the apartment finalized and back into a routine with work and such, we've had an absolute blast during our free time together over the summer. We've managed a few hikes, hit up the Wild Animal Park, gone to the beach, and enjoyed two movies in the park near our apartment (nevermind the fact that they were both, in fact, children's movies). We've been to two weddings since our own, started going to a new church near our apartment, hosted a board game night, and have almost finished our thank you cards. We've had friends in town, gone to see friends, and made new ones. Speaking of friends, Paul has also found a new addiction to my ten seasons of Friends on DVD (I couldn't be happier/prouder).

Overall, the journey has been nothing less than great so far. We're going on a backpacking trip in two weeks to get away and enjoy the great outdoors together. Paul has already pulled all the gear out of the garage and has begun packing. He even loaded down his pack with weight to "see how it feels". Did I mention we don't leave for two weeks? I'm sure he'll update you with more on that soon.

-Alyssa

Pictures

Thought you'd enjoy some.

Love Alyssa

Many Blessings

We are home now and settling into our new life together. The trip was great but about a week in all either of us could think about was how excited we were to get home and to really start living together. To get into the nitty gritty of life, but to enjoy the idea that from now on neither of us has to deal with any of it on our own.

Last night we went to a wedding, Congratulations Erik and Allison Johnson, the first we have been to since our day. Since our wedding we have been trying to recap our big day. The things that happened and the people we conversed with. The day happened so fast that all we are really left with is mental snipets or portions of the day. For example, I remember breaking the ice by anxiously saying "I will" a few lines too early, or I remember attempting to cut the rock hard cake. But one thing that has and will continually stay in the forefront of my mind is you, our friends and family.

The word or idea I have constantly been thinking (and talking) about is blessing. Whether you gave us a nose hair trimmer or a new bed you have completely and entirely blessed our new life together. I believe that many years down the line when we look back on our marriage and recap the highs and lows I guarantee that your contribution has and will continute to be one of the greatest highs. Your many blessings have given us the best opportunity to succeed in our marriage.

Thank you family for your continued support. I continue to believe that our marriage is a reflection of the people you have taught us to be.

Thank you to our friends. All week one of the things I constantly heard from my father was, "You've chosen great friends." He is right. Not that Alyssa and I are friend snobs or anything but you truly are the best of the best. Be proud of that fact that you are some of the greatest people we have ever known.

May you recieve the blessings you have poured on us.

Parque National (HIGHLIGHT/'LOWLIGHT OF TRIP)

After yesterday's adventures in which it felt like we saw the entire city of Panama, Alyssa and I decided to head over to Soberania National park about 15 km North west of the city. The park lies about 3 km from the main locks of the canal so during our expensive taxi ride over we were able to see the canal which didn't interest us much but we still felt like it was a must see. So for those of you who told us to check it out, we did.

The national park, which only cost $1.00 per person, was awsome. We went in looking for a nature trail that Alyssa had heard about where we could walk by waterfalls and see animals in their natural habitat. But after spending an hour looking for the begining of the trail we gave up and asked a security guard. He told us that in order to use any of those trails we needed to have pants, boots and a machette. We had none of these things with us (I bought a machette yesterday. Too bad I didn't bring it with me) so the prospect of an adventureous nature walk was off. So we walked around the park. The park however was not as much a park as it was a zoo with exhibits. I mean thin fenced land that contained alligators (oh yes we have pictures), jaguars, toucans, monkeys, vultures and many other exotic animals. The greatest part was that you could get so close to the animals, closer than any zoo I have ever been to. I was able to pet some monkeys and was even licked by an anteater (huge tounges) much to Alyssa's safety concerns.

We can get so close in fact that if the animals wished to they could PEE on you. Just ask Alyssa. That's right. As Alyssa is bending down to take a picture, this pig/gerbal/thingy (see picture) pops up on its hind legs, rears its wee-wee and marks its territory. I don't think I stopped laughing for 5 minutes while Alyssa rubbed hand sanitizer everywhere she could. The worst part about the pee is it smells like syrup. Yep, that's right, my wife smells like syrupy animal piss.

On the way home we couldnt help but laugh as it started to pour and the buses and taxis sprayed puddles all over us. What a great last day to our honeymoon.

-Paul

$3.25 movies and lots of itching

Sadly we only have two more days in Panama before we head back home. We only made it two days of camping because of the chitres, or sand flies. Now we are suffering the aftermath. I wish I could upload some pictures because it looks like I have chicken pox my legs are so covered in bites, and they itch. Bad. So bad that I have definitely ripped open parts of my skin from itching, even in my sleep.

We are back in Panama City for the remainder of our trip and are heading down to the old section of the city today. Weŕe staying at a really cool hostel and just met a married couple serving as volunteers here with the Peace Corps. We picked their brains for, well, a long time, and are now really amped to get our applications in once I change my name. Wahoo.

Last night we went to see a movie, El Super Agente 86, AKA Get Smart. I used to watch the reruns as a kid and would crack up at all that Maxwell Smart got himself into. The movie did not disappoint me. The best part was that it was only $3.25 per person! We both saw a movie for less than one of us could back home. Crazy.

Congratulations to Stew and Annie that are expecting their second munchkin come December! That is very cool news indeed. ourthugson.blogspot.com

We will be back late Sunday night, and once we have pictures from both Panama and the wedding, we will post some.

-Alyssa

La Boda y los chitres

Hola nos famila y amigos desde la pais de Panama.

Hello our family and friends from the country of Panama.

We are currently sitting in an Internet cafe in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Located in the northwest corner of the county and situated in the Carribean it has served us for an amazing adventure filled honeymoon.

We arrived here in Bocas after a 5 hour flight from Tijuana to Mexico City and a 3 hour flight from Ciudad de Mexico to Panama City. We took an hour cab ride to another, smaller airport, where we took an hour flight to Bocas. After all was said and done we had been traveling about 20 hours and it was time for a nap. We were met by Tyson, an American from Texas who manages properties in Bocas. He showed us around the small town on Isla Colon (the main island) and then took us by boat over to the beach where we would be staying. These bungalows were amazing. Wait for the pictures. One hundred feet from our own private beach, no gringos, and our own kitchen. We stayed here for 6 days and nights. For the most part we just rested up after the stressful 6 months we have had, but we also did some surf and gerneral exploration in which we found a few nice surf breaks and some conch shells.

After the Tahitian bungalows it was planned for us to take a boat over to the furthest east island in Bocas, Cayo de Agua where we would camp. After a 45 min ride and $110, followed by a 15 minute conversation in broken Spanish with the locals, we were able to set up camp and get situated for the night. But then came our friends, el chitre, or sand flies. They are one-third the size of mosquitos and they are everywhere. Needless to say we didnt camp very long. This morning we packed up camp, called our boat driver and went back into Bocas. After a nice shower and some grub not cooked over an open fire, we are settling in and again enjoying the adventure that is our honeymoon.

Thank you all to attending our wedding and helping to make it one of the greatest days of our lives.

-Paul

Mad Hatter Tea!

Last Saturday my dear friends and family did something quite amazing and threw me a bridal shower unlike any other. Knowing that I'm not the typical bridal shower sort, they came up with the idea to have a Mad Hatter Tea due to the fact that a) I really do love Disney and b) I absolutely love color. It was wonderful and came complete with tea (iced that is), three different types of delicious cupcakes made from scratch, chocolate covered strawberries (my personal favorite), giant playing cards, inflatable flamingos, and absolutely crazy hats.

My mom and sister slaved away to create some rather eccentric hats, but mine was created with what I can only describe as extra special love. It was huge. Actually, that is an understatement. It was enormous and blanketed with white roses and ribbon dangling down my back. All dressed up with the monstrosity upon my head I felt a bit like a Stepford Wife, sitting there chit-chatting away, drinking tea and munching on tea sandwiches and cupcakes. I also received some great advice, as well as had the opportunity to give some of my own (hence the photo).



Needless to say, it was a blast. I felt incredibly loved and was showered with numerous incredibly thoughtful gifts. I am constantly amazed by how many people want to celebrate with Paul and I. Thanks.

-Alyssa

65 Days and Counting

So Paul proposed on Christmas which means, if you do the math right, we'll be getting married in less than six months from start to finish. Of course the first question after anyone finds out you are engaged is, "So when's the wedding?" to which we reply with, "June 14th." That generally then receives the second question of, "2009?" or "Next year?" For some reason people are shocked to find out that we are in fact getting married this year. They look at us like we're ridiculous.

Now, I've heard of girls that literally go crazy while planning a wedding and consequently carry everyone else around them to the same mental state. I'd like to think that I have yet to venture anywhere close to this and have maintained a level head. I may just be in denial, but I'd have to attribute this stability to the fact that Paul and I have tried our very best to keep things as relatively simple as possible. The funny thing about that is simple weddings don't really exist. It's a lie. Trust me. We tried. We tried hard.

So, we've managed (with invaluable help of course) to plan a wedding in less than six months proving that it is in fact possible to do so and leave within safe mental state boundaries. We've checked off all the big things and are working through the details which basically means if we got married tomorrow things would be a-okay. There might not be centerpieces but hey, there would be people and rings and vows and cake. What more do you need? Now is just a waiting period.

I tried to describe this waiting period to my roommate. I explained it as wanting a pony for Christmas and being told in summer that you would in fact be getting a pony for Christmas but that you'd just have to wait. By Halloween you're all ready. You've set up a place for it, you've got food for it, you know how to take care of it, and you have taken precautions in case something goes wrong. The thing is you're just waiting. This is us. We're just waiting for time to move faster. Everything is set to go except there are 65 days in the way. I couldn't imagine if there were 430 days. I may have found the culprit behind these crazy brides. Too much time to think.

Anyway, my analogy apparently didn't work so well. All I got from my roommate was, "Are you comparing your wedding to a pony?" Maybe I should have used wanting a puppy instead.

-Alyssa

GIFT REGISTRY- Bed, Bath, Beyond and the way Beyond

So if any of you have seen "License to Wed," you will probally have a visual of what post-modern gift registry looks like. For those of you who haven't you should. It's a great movie with Robin Williams that exposes the flaws in this relationship between "Jim" from The Office and Mandy Moore. In the end, it shows that no relationship is perfect but if you are willing to work through your issues and communicate, then together you can accomplish great things, like true love.

Anyway, a few weeks ago Alyssa and I had the opportunity to register for gifts. They hand you a lazer gun. Not really but as a guy I have to wonder what would happen if they did. Anyways, they hand you a portable UPC barcode scanner and you have the opportunity to scan items that will allow you to establish your first home together. As the man that I am I was wishfully thinking that this task would take 15 mins and we would be out in time to get an evening surf sesh in. BUT NO. 3 and a half hours later, we had finally established our virtual home and were exhausted.

Needless to say we were successful in creating a list of things that you our friends and family could get for us to help us start our life together. Before you look at the list I would like to let you all know that nothing on that list is something that we must have, nor is it a materialistic list of things that "looked cool" and we are dying to have it. The list is of things that we feel we needed to sucessfully create a house in Southern California. I would also like to mention that the items on the list were choosen carefully for the least impact on our environment. Both Alyssa and I feel that it is important to have certain tools, but if we are going to have them we should at least be responsible about the items we purchase.


If you want to see our list check this out:
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/regGiftRegistry.asp?order_num=-1&wrn=%2D1556046463
This is currently the only place we are registered. If you are interested in giving a monetary gift we are in the process of creating an account where you can deposit your gifts.

Also, if anyone can get us the nose hair trimmer and back shaver it would be greatly appreciated.

-Paul

The majors are done

I realized the other day that it has been quite some time since we have updated you all with the wedding plans.

As of now all of the majors are done. Now it's onto the details. YAY!!!! Ya right. If any of you know Alyssa and me (which if you are reading this I hope you do) you will know that neither one of us is a detailed orientened person. So this next month could be a bit stressful to say the least. Either way, what we have planned will be simple and beautiful, and yet simply beautiful.

Thank you for those of you who attended the engagement party this past Sunday. We both enjoyed either meeting you or seeing you again. For me personally there were many family and friend who I had not seen in quite some time. So thank you again for sharing this important time in our lives.

We know the where and when

Felicita Park in Escondido on June 14th, 2008. Mark your calendars. It's going down.

As per your requests...

Here's the rock.