I'm gone!

This is the last post for a couple of weeks as I am heading off to the Laos Peoples Democratic Republic. I will post pictures and I hope lots of stories when I get back.
Take care all,
ara

skiing

With Rachel and Nate, Ruthies brother and sister, here in Sokcho for the first time, we wanted to show them a good time by planning a little skiing trip at Yeong Pyong, South Korea's premier ski resort, and a hopeful Olympic site. Alas it was not to be as both Nate and Ruthie were crippled by some sort of weird stomach bug, but their lose was a gain for Carrie Ann and Ashley, two beginner skiers who were able to make the trip with us on short notice.
After leaving Sokcho very early we drove south and west, deep into the largely snow less mountains, finally getting a view of man made runs off in the distance.
After the girls got geared up, I didn't have to thanks to Jason (I owe you brother) we headed out.
The skiing itself was a blast, especially in the morning before the real big crowds got there and the snow as all pushed to the sides of the runs.
After teaching Carrie Ann, who is from Zimbabwe, and Ashley, from Maryland, two girls who had never skied before the rudiments of getting down the hill without killing themselves Rachel and I headed up and explored the mountain.
Even though the snow was almost entirely man made and Koreans ski like they drive, with no cares or fear of others and without looking around, stopping and sitting in the middle of the run is quite normal, the day was great as we skied thousands of vertical feet.
From trails to wide open runs we carved turn after turn down the mountain and I even got to get on a couple of black diamond runs despite the late afternoon crowds.
We had such a good time on the lower peaks that we never got to ride the gondola up to the far peak and do a 5900 meter run, but oh well, there is always next time.
Pictures
1. Rachel and I getting ready to head out
2. Rachel at the top of Gold Peak
3. The view from the top of Red Peak
4. Ashely looking up to the puppy slide (as Carrie Ann christened the bunny hill)
5. An actual action shot of Ashley in mid wipe out

nate and rachel in sorak-san

Another trip to Sorak-san, this time with Ruthies brother and sister. No matter how many times I come to this park I am always amazed by the stunning beauty of the mountains. Wether it is summer, fall, winter, or spring there is always something stunning to see here in thies exceptionally beautiful part of Korea, if there is a god he did create paradise here.
Pictures
1. The Wilson family with the biggest Buddha in Korea
2. Look, another temple shot
3. A Buddhist shrine
4. Another temple
5. View from the cave at dusk