Traveling to Tela

With Brian's appetite fully restored, we were on our way with Gus at the wheel.
We stopped at Pulaphanzak Waterfall, which was incredible!

Then it was up to the cloud forest. We only hiked for a few hours, and both Brian and I wished we could have spent more time here. We were on the lookout for birds and learned all about the forest.

This absolutely AMAZED us:

This is a fern. Seriously. A fern.
And when you looked closely at the "trunk" (which is hairy) there are spiders. Spiders with tiny bodies and LONG thin legs. Brian eyed those guys and Sarah wanted nothing to do with them.

We hiked down to another beautiful waterfall.
Then it was lunch time. This place still has us cracking up. There were no menus or anything that might have led one into the back of this place in order to find the lady by the freezer who was in control of the fish...But, dang it was good!

Lake Yojoa, Honduras

Brian wasn't feeling so hot when we left Copan. We planned to stop at a coffee planation, but after an emergency roadside stop, he wanted nothing more than to get to the lake and relax.

During our time in Honduras, it was time to pick coffee beans at the highest altitudes. The people of the highlands, seem to plant coffee plants everywhere. All along the hillsides. As we traveled, the hillsides would catch your eye because the bushes were moving something fierce. They pull the plant over, pick the beans which grow near the top, then release the plant which causes it to spring upright. (Think "weebles wobble, but they don't fall down.") Once the beans are collected they are laid out to dry. Throughout our drive, the houses along the road had huge cement slabs as "driveways," but that is where they spread the beans out to dry. Often the whole family was involved with spreading out the beans in the morning, and then shoveling them back into bags at night because of the moisture in the air. Once the beans are dried, then the outershell is removed and two coffee beans (like we think of them) are inside. Brokers will pay the individual families for their beans and the price goes up the further into the process they get.

We arrived at Lake Yojoa, which was a beautiful lake. Brian slept and I relaxed in the hammock and explored the grounds of our hotel. The most interesting aspect was the wedding that took place that night. The ceremony was outside, so we conviently sat down for dinner as things were getting started. (Well, I ate dinner, Brian was able to keep down a Sprite and few bites of my dinner.) The ceremony had two efficients, one from the state and one from the church and they both had speaking parts. There was dinner and lots of dancing, for the guests, which unfortunetly didn't include us.

Copan, Honduras

Okay, I know it's taken us forever to get our honeymoon pictures posted, but we promise it is worth the wait. We really had a great time in Honduras. If you're planning on or thinking about visiting, give us a call because we can help you make the most of your trip.

We arrived in San Pedro Sula and were greeted by Gus (short for Gustavo). Gus would be our personal tour guide for the next week. It was great having someone that we could ask our questions to, but it was tough having someone listen to all the inane things you end up talking about.

Straight from the airport we headed to Copan. To get to Copan, it's a three hour drive. The road is two, undesignated lanes. Primarily, one for each direction, but we found that there are no rules as to when passing on hilly, curvy roads is appropriate. Once we learned not to pay attention to Gus's driving style, it was all about the scenery. The drive is up 3,000 feet over the mountains and then down into the valley where Copan is located.Our hotel had a beautiful view, and after a long day of traveling it was nice to relax.


Then next day we learned of Gus's extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna. Which of course, was very cool when we heard it and now we can't remember much. I think the palms of this tree was used to build homes.

Anyways...there were lots of Macaws (Scarlet and Emerald) throughout the country. These happen to be tame ones.


Copan is famous because of the Mayan ruins that are located there. Extensive research has been done and the history is amazing. It was interesting to explore Copan, because two years ago we were at the Yucatan Pennisula and explored Chitinetsa.Besides the ruins, the most memerable picture is that of the tuk-tuks. These little red taxis were all over the place. Apparently, the people of Copan scoffed at them, but quickly became so acustomed to them, they hardly walk from place to place now.

We never actually caught a picture of one, but here is approximately what they looked like

Honeymoon...

This is kind of a teaser, but there are more details being collected to get you all up to speed on the wonderful adventure that we embarked upon to Honduras! For now I'll leave you with a picture from our first night in Honduras.

Hi Wife...Hi Husband

The rumor is true, we're married! It has been a wonderful journey as a dating couple, but I am happy to say that I am married to a wonderful woman! And we'll just assume she thinks the same about me too.

It has been a wonderful transition, but it is still strange to see Sarah and say "hi" to my wife especially when I say "hi wife" and get the response of "hi husband." Now without further adieu here is a few pictures of the perfect night and day!




By the way, I just recently found a few pictures of the afternoon with the wedding party. My best man found my phone in the car and took a few pictures of the boys!

Christmas in the NW

So we're still a little behind, but I figured that a quick recap of the holiday was in order since it was the first time we had two families in the same place for a holiday. And we spent time with many friends that may as well be part of the family too!

It was a great holiday that included both of our families and time visiting tons of friends...I think I speak for both of us on this issue, but I know that I am ready to go back to the Northwest for a few more weeks already. Unfortunately, there are a few things that have to be taken care of first. But, who knows I might be back there over the summer...we'll see how the job situation works out.

To all of you in my favorite place of the world, we miss you!

Grand Illuminations

Colonial Williamsburg's Christmas season officially begins with Grand Illumination. This night is a pretty big deal to the surrounding area of Williamsburg. And by the surrounding area I really mean up and down the East Coast. The entire Historic Area is flooded with people ranging from Thomas Jefferson, to the likes of you and me. Each person is anxiously awaiting the bang of fireworks to explode into the air and light up the town. Hence the grand illuminations naming I'm guessing. Meanwhile there are carolers atop of platforms with song book in hand, singing some old time favorites.

We joined in the festivities this year with many of my fellow students, Mack and Will, along with some of their loved ones.