Celebrate Black Friday with friends at Tuna Canyon Park

As someone who enjoys his occasional blatant consumerism, I spent this year’s favorite shopping day in much more serene surroundings.  After an incredible brunch with friends in Topanga Canyon, we journeyed on to Tuna Canyon Park.  The air was so clear we could see for miles, even all the way to downtown Los Angeles.  After the sun set, Sushi (and Sake).  What a wonderful day.

Tuna Canyon Park Tuna Canyon Park Tuna Canyon Park Sunset

Ride though the forest on the steam locomotive Dixiana!

Departing from Roaring Camp to the summit of Bear Mountain, this was one of the most amazing train rides I have been on.  Certainly the most picturesque just beside Henry Cowell Redwood State Park.

Big Trees - Dixana be3n animation

This railroad has the distinction of having the steepest grade in North America!  The 9.25% grade didn’t seem so extreme when we rode it, however it did require the train to switch back and reverse direction in order to complete the journey.  I got a real education from the Brakeman on how a steam locomotive operates.  Enjoy my photographs.

Big Trees

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Lamenting the lost ride. . .

Hyundai Crash Airbag DeployedYesterday I was in a collision that destroyed my Hyundai Elantra of nearly a decade!  It was a car i never planned on owning, but without which i cannot have imagined my life these past years.  It is important to say at this time that i escaped relatively uninjured.  I put a great deal of effort into this car.  Shortly after i purchased it, i installed my first carputer.  With the incredible help of BJ and his father Bill and a headless G4 laptop.  I wanted to finally post these pictures now that it is all over and done.  From prototype and preparation to wiring and construction.  It was amazing and it was done years before the iPhone.  Bill even welded me a custom bracket to make it all fit together securely.

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Wondercon 2015 Photos! 

Crowds & Food Trucks

First time at Wondercon, I had a great time.  Hilariously interesting panels, friendly people and amazing costumes.  Food trucks for miles supplemented the usual con food.  Similar to Comic Con in spirit, but not in scope.  Wondercon lacked the sweltering crowds and with them, much of the lines.  This more intimate setting afforded more direct fan interaction.  I saw creators hugging fans and levels of joy and enthusiasm that could almost approximate wonder.

…And there were robots.
be3n in a T.A.R.D.I.S.


R2-D2K-9 at Wondercon