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December 24, 2004

Cool moments, 2004

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[Above: Rolf takes in the spectacle at Machu Picchu back in January of this year -- one of his "cool moments" of 2004.]

This morning I was going through a bunch of photos on my laptop and reflecting on where I've been and what I've done this year. I started the year in Ecuador (and it looks like I'll end it in New Orleans), and many very cool moments have ensued. One -- hiking around at Machu Picchu in Peru -- is pictured above. Others, in roughly chronological order (with text links to pop-up photos), include:

Experiencing Chilean and Argentine Patagonia.
[As part of the Drive Around the World expedition, I got to drive the gorgeous stretch of Patagonia along the Chile-Argentina border, camping in places like Lago General Carrera and the stunning Torres del Paine national park in southern Chile.]

Driving to the tip of South America on Tierra del Fuego
My involvement with Drive Around the World ended where the road ended -- in a remote area southeast of Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.]

Watching the Brazilian league soccer championships in Rio.
[Few countries are as soccer-mad as Brazil, and I got the privilege of seeing a

championship game between Rio rivals Flamengo and Fluminense at Maracana stadium.]

Taking part in the Carnival celebrations of Rio de Janeiro.
[For my first-ever Rio Carnival, I had the good fortune to take part in the Beija Flor samba school, which won this year's competition in the sambodromo.]

Driving down the Mississippi River valley with my dad.
[I embarked on this magazine assignment with my dad, George (pictured here with me on the Illinois shore of the river), which took us from Hannibal to New Orleans along the legendary waterway.]

Visiting my farm and family in Kansas.
I always enjoy returning to the northern Kansas farm (pictured here behind nephew Cedar, Anna Allen, and myself), which I own with my sister and her family. As always, it was fun to spend time with Cedar and his little brother Luke Oak (pictured here in Halloween getup.]

Watching The Pixies in Eugene, Oregon.
[An April road-trip down the West Coast afforded me the chance to see an old indie rock favorite of mine.]

Meeting Pico Iyer in Santa Barbara.
[That same West Coast trip took me to Santa Barbara at the same time Pico was there doing a book event, which afforded me a chance to meet one of my very favorite travel writers (pictured here with Jen Leo and myself.]

Watching many Baja sunsets.
[During my stint in southern California, trips down to Baja Mexico afforded me a great setting for reading and writing (this shot of Greg Mauro and me is from the San Felipe area during a Memorial Day gathering of San Diego friends -- though most of my time was spent solo near Ensenada).]

Going to Key West, Florida for Halloween.
[Key West's annual Fantasy Fest is a rollicking good way to spend the Halloween holiday, and my California friends and I went this year dressed as Top Gun.]

Catching up with friends around the USA.
[Spending so much time in the USA this year allowed me a great chance to see old high-school, college, and travel friends in places like Wichita, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta and San Diego (I'm pictured here in LA with my college pal Lorin, who used to look like a 6'6" Vince Vaughn, but is now beginning to look like a 6'6" Will Farrell).]

Posted by Rolf on December 24, 2004 12:10 PM
Comments

I might add that I had some other cool moments in 2004 -- such as kayaking the barrier islands of Georgia, hiking the Rockies near Flagstaff, and catching Padres games in San Diego -- that didn't get photographed. But the above list is the best of what I (or my friends) managed to capture on film!

Posted by: Rolf on December 23, 2004 02:59 PM

It was nice to see that picture of the family farm. I'm on my way to Wichita today for Christmas and having a fresh image of what Kansas looks like in the spring makes these single digit days not so bad.

Posted by: Jeremy on December 24, 2004 07:39 AM

I had a chance to see the Pixies, too, here in Columbia. Good show. I'm headed to New Orleans for my annual Mardi Gras trip at the beginning of February. New Orleans is one of my favorite towns. Sounds like you had a fun year of travel, Rolf!

Posted by: justin on December 24, 2004 08:47 AM

Merry Christmas!!

Posted by: Annette on December 25, 2004 02:20 PM

Whaddaya mean our man Lorin looks like a 6'6" Will Farrell? He's studly as ever, and still does a great rendition of "The Northwind Song"!

Posted by: AL on December 27, 2004 07:13 AM

Rolf,
As always Chief, live well. Sorry, I missed you at Mike's the other night. Until we meet again later on down that yellow brick road--have a great New Year and an fantastic time in New Orleans!
Your Man in Doo-Dah,
t

Posted by: Tom on December 27, 2004 06:06 PM
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