Samomatic

Hiking in Adirondacks Pt.I

May 28, 2010

Adirondack Park is located in the northeastern part of New York state that covers approximately 6.1 million acres (24,700 km²). It is part of the Appalachian Mountains and contains the 46 High Peaks.

The planning came together pretty last minute, since when we had meetings they quickly turned into a night of boardgames.


After we crossed the border, we found a Wal-Mart and loaded up on groceries. The food was so cheap and 4X the normal servings.

All packed up and good to go.


We arrived at the camp site rather late and had to setup camp, filter water, and cook before it gets dark.



Oh, warm food, so tasty!

This was the first time we have ever used a lean-to. It was very convenient and kept our gear dry throughout the night.


Starting back up the next day. We left most of our gear behind and only carried our daypacks.


It had rained steadily throughout the night so the ground was very muddy. And in the open areas it was very windy!

We had to cross a lot of streams along the way from the spring run-off.

Breaking for lunch just below the tree-line. Layer up then push for the summit.

The weather started to clear up.

And just as we got through the treeline the sun peeked out from the clouds.

Without trees, we were being bombarded by 40-50mph winds as we were scrambling up the slippery rocks. In the background is Algonquin Peak at 5114 ft (1559 m), we were at 4059 ft (1237 m) on Porter Mountain.

After a brief stay to enjoy the view we had to carefully make our way down.

Kenny doing his thing.

Going down was even more dangerous. Especially for Horace, who deferred his knee MRI appointment to go on this trip.

Stay tuned for Part II

Posted on May 28th, 2010 at 11:23 pm and is filed under Friends> Outdoors> Thoughts> Travel
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Idols of many faces.

March 31, 2010

During the Chinese New Year celebrations, many of the believers paid homage at the temples or the local shrines.


I took this opportunity to visit and learn more about the many rituals and the idols for the worshipers. The belief is that by when the offerings are burnt it will ascend up to the heavens for them to enjoy.

Generals form the famous historical novel “Three Kingdoms” guarding the gates.

An old shrine untouched while new buildings have sprung up around it.

Buddha’s on a hilltop, I guess they each have their own specializations?

Burning incense with their wishes at the top. Each incense can burn for about 10 days.


Everyone under the same roof.

Fruits and offerings for the crew’s safety.

Posted on March 31st, 2010 at 8:34 pm and is filed under Hong Kong> Street Life> Thoughts> Travel
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Weekend Excursions – in 10 photos.

March 22, 2010

Recently spent 3 weeks in HK/China for work. While I spent most of the time in China, I had the opportunity to wander around Hong Kong during the weekends.


Mom took me to Lin Heung Tea House [蓮香樓] for some classic dim sum in Central.

Maneuvering the dim sum carts in the crowded dining hall.

The waiter comes to refill the customers’ tea pots.

Customer enjoying a fresh sui mai!


A hawk following the wake of a ferry hunting his dinner.

Students fasting and protesting outside the Legislative Council against the development of a high speed rail connected to China.

Freedom.

Evening fruit stand.

Posted on March 22nd, 2010 at 10:44 pm and is filed under General> Hong Kong> Outdoors> Street Life> Thoughts> Travel
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A Year in Review

December 29, 2009

2009. A quick little recap of this eventful year!


Marwikpolooza, we need more cowbells!

Oreo -> Nutella -> Oreo -> Nutella -> Oreo

Pirates vs Popes.

Jolivet directing the Argo, our 4th Year Final Project.

Mechatronics Design Symposium

MTE vs Prof Wang’s family + TAs, too much trash talking!

Class of Mechatronics 2009

IRS and Pancake Breakfast

Last few exams…

Hiking in Tobermory in 2degC weather.

Visiting Boston!

At the New England Aquarium

The epic AJLS Road Trip


Avid Iceberg and moose chasers!

Finally got that piece of paper from University of Waterloo

Wandering in the province of Yunnan, China

Deqing Meili Snow Mountain, Shangri-La, Yunnan

Competing against Johann Koss, a four-time Olympic Gold Medalist in speed skating. President and CEO of the organization Right to Play.

Roaming around Hong Kong.

Finally finished my photobook Nine to Nine!

Canoe trip at Bon Echo Provincial Park.

Dump & Stack, our Fall Ultimate Frisbee Team @ TUC.

The PD team at Spin Master!

What will 2010 bring?

Posted on December 29th, 2009 at 9:00 am and is filed under General> Thoughts
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take me home!

All images Copyrighted by Samuel Cheng.