This is the 3rd Zion, or should I say almost Zion that I’ve been on. Ever year communiversity goes on a staff retreat at the beginning of the year. When it started the destination was actually Zion, Utah. However, for the past 3 years it has actually been taking place in San Bernardino Mountains. Arrowhead and Big Bear are the places we usually stay at. This years trip was very different, the only returners are Jordy, Stefan and I. Shino is no longer the Communiversity director and didn’t come on the retreat with us. This year’s director is Chuck Strawn. The retreat was nice. I had some time to get to know the new staff a bit better, but as the year progresses I hope to build a deeper relationship with the staff. The unfortunate thing about this year is that I have to work in the mornings. So, on Thursday and Friday I had to be in Santa Fe Springs for work. After work I would drive up and meet up with the group. Here are some picture of this years Almost Zion.


Kim and Polly


Eric Clark, Brit Underwood, Kim, and Josh Parker


Soren on the strings during Story time.

Japan was the second destination. Ever since the last trip to Japan me and Hiroko have been waiting to come back. Last visit was winter, this visit is summer. I was glad to get a different perspective of Japan during summer. One thing to take note is that, though its humid, it is not nearly as bad as Taiwan. It is actually bearable. In animes there is always an insect sound that is loud during summer seasons, I was amazed that this is actually true. Any ways, Japan again was great. This time we spend less time exploring Japan and more time with family and friends. The day after we arrived we left for a road trip with Hiroko, Kyoko, and Takao. We went ups to Nasu, which is very much like Big Bear of California, but much prettier. Up there the air was cooler and crisper. The greenery was amazing.
One important thing that happened in Japan is the reception. Since many of Hiroko’s friends and family were unable to come to the us for our wedding, Kyoko, planned an extravagant reception for Hiroko and I. When I say extravagant I mean it. We had a whole restaurant to ourselves. We had performers, most of them family. The intricate reception was also executed with precision, everything happened on time and on que, except the slideshow.
Any ways, I enjoyed this trip very much because of the time I had with Hiroko’s friends and family. I felt like I have a better understanding of Hiroko’s past. I also really like her friends. They are all very genuine and easy to talk to. I hope I will be able to get to know them better.
Thanks to Hiroko’s family and friends.
*We don’t have picture from the reception. I will post when I get them.


At a theme park in Nasu, there is a secret entrance in the back. Shhh


Kyoko’s Family, Me, Hiorko, Grandma, Kyoko, Grandpa, and Aunt


Hiroko, her friends, and me.... look at all those girls and one me. haha
Hiroko has cute friends.


Me, Hiroko, and Mai on the large ferris wheel in Yokohama


Tea time with Ayaka, Kana at HATEA, in ebisu


Mom and sisters at a random rest stop


Dad and Fio at the petting Zoo


Much time was spent at this dog run taking picture of Fio


Posing for the camera


Excited about the car ride.


Our Hike to the top of Asahidake. BTW there are 5 people in this picture.


Dad and Fio on the hike.


Summit - 1800 something meters


Lower parts of trail


Shop where Hiroko go a new shoe.


Those loud insects, this one is shedding.

The first destination of our trip was Taiwan. Most if not all of my mom’s family is located on the Island of Taiwan. Most of of my mom’s family still have not seen me and Hiroko since our Marriage in February and Wedding in May. Our visit is to say Hi, and introduce Hiroko to the family. Our stay there was short, but we went to many different places. We had dinner with my grandma’s family and dinner with my mom’s immediate family. Though its been about 8 years since my last visit, I remember Taiwan well. Things felt very familiar. My grandma’s house, my uncle’s house, the airport, the cars, the cities, all seemed very familiar. The culture is exactly as I remembered. It was in a way homy. I enjoyed the loud noisy gathering of large families as well as meeting the new young faces of family I haven’t met. I enjoyed Taiwan much, but I also had things I didn’t enjoy as well. Taiwan is plagued with three things that I just can’t stand, humidity, misquotes, and filth. Coming from dry Southern California, Taiwan felt like I was swimming. I was always sticky and sweating. Taiwan also has these mini/invisible misquotes that leaves itchiness so bad that self inflicted pain is the only treatment. The filth is ridiculous, there are placing in Taiwan where I felt like I am in a third world country. However, there are many good things about Taiwan that I like. The food, the shopping, the people, absolute beauty of pristine nature are just some things that Taiwan has to offer.


Taiwan Advertisement, this is where we first got dropped off in Taiwan.


My Uncle, Aunt, and Cousin


Hiroko, Youngest Cousin, and I


My mom and cousin holding hands walking to my uncles house.


A street shop in the NanTao Taiwan.


Butcher shop in the dark alley way of Nantao Taiwan.


Hiroko, Me, My Mom


Dinner with my mom’s immediate family, Large family huh?


Cousins..at dinner


Cute Younger Cousin.

The Palm Springs Tramway is a ride that every local SoCal folk must be on once in his life. Though it is an attraction in itself, it is not what we were there for. We were there for the climbing. I was told by marty, and I quote, “Tramway is the best bouldering in Socal.” If it is the best, I must go. I headed up with Hiroko, Josh, Catherine and my cousin Samson. The latter two do not climb at all, but somehow we convinced them to come. The first thing we notice as we approached the top of the tram ride is the stunning view of palm springs valley. Second, is the cool temperature compared to the scorching desert below. The boulders though plentiful are hard to find. Tramway is basically a forest scattered with plethora of high quality granite. Awesome climbs all around. This trip is a scouting trip to enjoy area and to figure my way around. Hopefully, I will have some time to get back and climb. Hiroko surprised me with some hard climbing. She topped out on three climbs that I would consider pretty high. She held her cool and climb strong.



Hiroko getting near the top..


Hiroko climbing


Josh working on a text book mantel


Josh Climbing an unknown problem


Right Gold Crack V5.. surprisingly difficult like the book said.


Same Crack


Samson climbing


Catherin climbing

In late may, I attempted Shasta that ended in a failure. High winds destroyed our tent and blew my pack off the mountain. I thought the pack was lost for good. However, thanks to DAN COLLINS, I now have it back. Dan found my pack 1000 yds or so below my camp and had the character to haul it down, find me, contact me, and mail it back to me. Dan from Klamath Falls, Oregan is a great man with integrity. Thanks Dan.