The Death Taco

Greetings Friends,

I have received my latest purchase and have proven that it was well worth the investment. Supposedly you can catch some serious air on this bad boy...more pictures to follow. Of course you are all invited for a spin.

Sparky

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Complete

Greetings Friends,

This am I had the great pleasure of getting my wisdom teeth removed and it was a great fun!!!! I will be down and out of the mix for the next day while I recover. Of course I was able to talk my dentist into letting me get a picture of the culprits.

I am extremely lucky and I have a great dentist who took care of me with no pain ;) Thanks Dr Smith!!!!

Justin

Back Home!!!!

Greetings Friends,

I have made it home and survived the 91st running of the Indy 5000.

I have uploaded all of my pics from the trip.

http://picasaweb.google.com/zerooout?pli=1

Justin

Back In Cusco

Hola!

Well the visit to Machu Picchu was AWESOME! When I get to Lima tomorrow I will upload some more pictures when I get a chance to get them burned to CD. I can´t wait to show everyone the pictures.

I was daring yesterday and made the climb to the top of Wyna Picchu for a spectacular view of the ruins. Half way up to the top I realized that Peru did not have the same level of safety standards as the US and it the pucker factor was pegged out at 11. But I did make safely up and down and it was worth the sweat, bug bites, and scrapes.

Tonight is our last night in Cusco before we head out to Lima. I have really grown to like this town, the food, and the people. For my friends who are adventurous I would highly recommend a trip here! (JT I would not bring the kiddo´s until they are over 12).

Henry and I have acquired pan flutes during our travels the last few days. We have decieded to put on a concert for the group in our last dinner together tomorrow evening. I think we will rock the house with twinkle twinkle little star.....don´t worry, I will get video!

After the group splits in Lima I will be heading off for Quito, Ecuador to start the Galapagos part of my trek! I am really excited about the experience.

I miss you guys and I will see you soon.

Sparky

At 16,400 feet...hard to tell

Hike Update

Hola Amigos!

I just got into Aguas Calientes...aka Machupicchu Town a few thousand feet below the lost city getting ready for my trip up tomorrow. I opted for a much tougher hike instead of the Inca Trail....and it was worth it once I was done ,)

Tomorrow am at the crack of dawn I will be in Machu Picchu!

Above is the view from my tent when I woke up the first morning.

Here is a summary of the trek. I will fill everyone in with detail when I get back. I only have a few minutes to get this off.

Day One

We started out at 9,800 feet and hiked thru the first pass at 12,400 feet (it sounds much easier in meters). After the pass we hiked back down to 10,500 where we spent the night. All I can say is I slept like a rock.

Day Two (Day from Hell!)

We started out at 10,500 feet and hiked to out first summit at 12,800 feet. After the first summit we continued our hike back down to our lunch site at 11,100 feet. After lunch we started the hardest part of our trek...the climb to 16,400 feet!!!! This was rough!

After my O2 devprived ass made it to the top I had to climb back down to 13,800 feet where we camped for the night. When I woke up this morning it was 34 degrees in my tent...that is inside my tent!!!

Day Three

This morning we completed the trek with a hike to our pick up point at 9,500 feet. The TOTAL DISTANCE was 25 MILES!!!

As you can imagine I will sleep well tonight!!!!

I will send an update when I get back to Cusco. BTW, I uploaded more photos.

Sparky

Picture Update

Greetings Friends,

I have safely made it to Cusco and I wanted to let everyone know that I was doing well and having a great time.

Here is a picture from the floating Uros islands yesterday in Lake Titicaca. They had a small guniea pig ranch...by the way tonight is the GP dinning experience.

Tomorrow is a down day in Cusco so I will be able to upload more pictures.

I have uploaded a few photos to my album that you can view here.

http://picasaweb.google.com/zerooout?pli=1

Justin

At Lake Titicaca in Puno, Peru

Hola,

Well day one wrapped up well. I ended up venturing out on my own in the afternoon. Hunger took over before anyone showed up and I figured that it would be resonably safe in daylight with all of my belongings locked in the hotel safe. All I can say is that although Bolivia is extremely beautifull it has to be the most extreme third world experience that I have had to date. If you can get past the crime, smells, and vendors it really is an amazing place. I was truly taken back when I saw some of the huge snow covered peaks of the Andes. I can´t wait until I can upload some pictures.

Here are some random things that I learned about La Paz:

• It is the highest capital in the world
• It has the highest international airport in the world
• It has one of the highest crime rates in the world
• From one end of the city to the other has a 3000 foot elevation difference
• Only three years ago there was a major coupe where the current government overthrew the previous.

Also everything is DIRT cheap in La Paz. We ate at one the nicest restraunts in the area and my total for dinner was $6. Yes that is $6.

Day Two

On day two the gap crew loaded up on a tour bus at the crack of dawn and made the trek out to the ruins of Tiahuanco. This was definitely the highlight of the Bolivia experience. The ruins were awesome and I had no idea that the pre-Incan civilization was avanced as they were. I am still trying to figure out how they moved 60 ton granite monoliths over 40 miles of mountainous terrain. In fact the scientist are still trying to figure that out as well. I think I am going to agree with my travel guide and come up with my own theory. I believe the aliens helped them move the rocks and build geometrically perfect building over 1500 years ago.

After our hike and exploration through the ruins (this may sound easy but nothing is easy at 11K feet) we had luch at the Tiahuanco Hotel. I decieded to try one of the Bolivian specialties....LLAMA!!! It was actually pretty tasty and was told I had to add it my list of local foods to try. I have also added Alpaca (Peru) to the list as well. It is the domesticated version of the llama and is even supposed to be better. Our guide for this half of the trip is from Peru and is going to take the brave souls in my group to the "Best Guinea Pig" in Cusco when we get there in three days. I can´t wait!

Day 3

This morning we departed La Paz via bus and made our way around Lake Titicaca. It took all day! This lake is absolutely beautiful and HUGE. We had the pleasure of using a Bolivian fairy to cross on part of the lake. I can´t wait to post the pic. Just imagine the most insane, rickety, and delapadated thing and you won´t even be close.

Tonight we are staying in Puno, Peru. I never thought I would say this but Peru seems light years ahead of Bolivia. I think the tour is going from the poorest to the wealthiest countries. By the time that I get home I will think that I have died and gone to heaven.

Tommorrow we take a three hour boat ride to some islands on Lake Titicaca and we get to spend the night on a floating island made out of reeds. We will be spending the night with local families in their reed houses which I am sure will be an experience...from eating a home cooked meal to using the bathroom. I am sure I will have some stories after this one.

I am having a blast!!!!!

Adios,

Sparky

I made it to La Paz, Bolivia

Hola Amigos and Amigas,

I made into Bolivia this am without any problems! I was blown away when I walked out of the airport and saw snow covered mountain peaks in the Andes towering over La Paz. This was mind blowing since I was at 13K feet!

In my near death experience in the cab this morning I learned that the summit on the large mountain was a little over 21K feet! I missed the name as went flying around a corner. I can´t wait until I can upload a picture from my hotel. ( I walked up five stories instead of taking the elevator...you can definitely feel the difference at that altitude).

For now I am going to hang out and wait for some of the others in the group to get in. The note that was posted from our guide has convinced me to not walking around by myself. Trust me, I stand out like TP in a suit.

BTW, I pulled a bone head move. I forgot to activate my international plan before I left. This means I will not be able to receive text messages or update via my mobile. I will have to go old school and rely on internet cafe´s and the occasional hotel lobby.

Adios,
Sparky

At the airport

Well the great voyage of sparky is underway! I am sitting at the airport in chicago so excited that I can barely stand it!

Sparky

On my way

The adventure begins with a kiss goodbye from JJ :-)

Multimedia message

Rock and roll

T-Minus 7 Days and Counting!!!!!!

Greetings Friends,

I am one week from my departure for my great adventure to South America. I am so excited I can barely stand it! And yes, my mouth is watering for the Guinea Pig already!

Here is my intinerary for my friends with ADD.

My Trip in Detail

My recollection of being on anti malarial medication was correct! I have had the most vivid, lucid nightmares since I took it Saturday night. They have calmed down a bit but I get to go through the fun cycle every week for the next nine weeks. I wish you could TIVO my dreams because they would blow away any thriller flick that Hollywood has created.

This weekend will be the practice run for packing for my trip. I am sure that it will be an interesting experience.

Sparky

Friends 32 Birthday Present

First time i have seen a chick with an air compressor and a blow up doll

Local Cuisine

Greetings Friends,

I am extremely excited after learning about one of the local cuisines of Peru and surrounding Incan areas.....the infamous guinea pig!

The guinea pig is either fried or baked, and is served whole (head, paws and all) on a platter with potatoes and vegetables. They claim it tastes a little like chicken, but with a gamey flavour all of its own. They are also supposed to be low in fat and cholesterol! This means I can chow down and some GP on my trip!

That's right folks, I am seriously considering eating some of these cuddle, furry, and cute little rodents while I am on my adventure. How can one travel to another country and not try one of their staples. That would be like going to Japan and not eating sushi!

I will leave it to you guys to vote in the comments on what you think I should do. Should the majority agree with me I will sample this fine furred animal on my trip and post video and pictures for those who wish to live vicariously.

So now is your chance to vote in something where I am sure your vote will matter. Should I be a guinea pig and partake in dinning on one?

Sparky

All Set for the Big Trip

Greetings Friends,

After $500 and 8 more shots I am all ready for the expedition! I forgot just how painful the Yellow Fever and Typhoid Fever shots were. It did not help that the nurse at the travel clinic mistook my shoulder for a dart board and I am NOT kidding. The lady gave me all 8 shots in less than one minute. She definitely will not be receiving any post cards from me on my trip.

I also was armed with an digestive care kit as well as Anti-Malarial medication. I am laughing my ass off after reading about the medication side effects on WebMD. I guess they still out weight the downside of Malaria. The doctor told me that the most common side effect in men was "crazy dreams"....great!

The following side effects are associated with Lariam Oral:

Common side effects:

Problems with Eyesight	Less Severe
Cannot Focus Thoughts	Less Severe
Dizzy	Less Severe
Abnormal Trouble Sleeping	Less Severe
Loss of Appetite	Less Severe
Head Pain	Less Severe
Feel Like Throwing Up	Less Severe
Throwing Up	Less Severe
Diarrhea	Less Severe
Stomach Cramps	Less Severe

Rare side effects:

Depression	Severe
Slow Heartbeat	Severe
Hallucination	Severe
Seizures	Severe
Nervous	Severe
Confused	Severe
Mental Disorder with Loss of Normal Personality & Reality	Severe
Anxious	Severe

The great thing is have to take this stuff for nine weeks! There is no cure for malaria it actually just keeps your liver from getting fried if you do get it.

Sparky

Travel to Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador- Oh My!

Greetings Friends,

I have learned the following about travel to these countries in South America:

1. If you are not going to the jungle areas you do not have to get the Yellow Fever shot. You can check the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/vaccinat.htm to see what is recommended. I learned today that although it is not required it is highly recommended to get it since it takes only one mosquito bite to make you seriously ill or possibly kill you. I am getting this Thursday.
2. If you are traveling in rural areas they recommend the Typhoid vaccination. According to the CDC here is a description: "The hallmark of typhoid infection is persistent, high fevers. Other common symptoms and signs include headache, malaise, anorexia, splenomegaly, and relative bradycardia. Many mild and atypical infections occur." All I have to say is give me that shot too!
3. Lastly I have learned that Malaria sucks as well according to the CDC. "Malaria is a serious disease transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Symptoms may include fever and flu-like illness, including chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Malaria may cause anemia and jaundice. Plasmodium falciparum infections, if not promptly treated, may cause kidney failure, coma, and death." Give me the pills too! I don't care if one of the side effects are hallucinations! It beats possible death.

So that is the list of threats from the CDC. The other thing that I have learned is that Bolivia is a pretty dicey country. Here is a warning from the Lonley Planet website for La Paz:

Brutal Kidnappings

A violent scam operating out of the Cemetario area of La Paz works via gang members posing as policemen who ask travellers to accompany them to a fake police station. The tourists are then relieved of credit cards and pin numbers and held indefinitely while their bank accounts are emptied. Unfortunately the escalation of this crime has recently resulted in the deaths of several backpackers. Travellers are warned to use caution if approached by police officers, to ask for ID and where possible ask for further police presence.

I think I will plan on avoiding this area. If anyone has info on where I should avoid please send them. Stories of Sparky getting robbed, sodomized, or pimp slapped are not good.

Hmmmmm....This reminds me of my old Navy days! Nothing like traveling to third world countries to remind you how great that we have it in the USA!!! When was the last time you had to get a vaccination to protect you from a life threatening illness to travel to Orange County?

Sparky

BTW....the dentist gave me a clean bill of health for my trip but I get to have three wisdom teeth removed when I return. I am not looking forward to that!

Spotted dick anyone?

Spotted dick?

Priceless

Priceless

The Dentist and The Travel Doctor

Greetings,

I am extremely excited about my trip and fortunately I will be done with all of the fun pre-trip medical stuff this week.

Something about Yellow Fever and Tyhpoid have inspired me to get my shots updated even though you feel like complete hell for a few days after getting them ( I learned this in the Navy). I guess it beats getting deathly ill or spending 2-3 weeks on the crapper ;). Not to mention the other ten shots that I get to receive as well.

Also the thought of seeing a Dentist in country like Bolivia has motivated me to get checked out before I head out. For some reason the movie "The Marathon Man" pops into my head when I visualize this and it sends chills up my spine.

For those of you who know me you know that this level of proactive doctors visits are abnormal. Do not worry, I am still Sparky! I just want to be Sparky after I get back.

Human Pin Cushion

Where can you get.....

I was just reading on a website on visiting Machu Picchu and what to bring with you....does anyone know where to get a "universal snake-poison serum"? Did I mention that I hate snakes?

"You should bring along a sleeping bag, a backpack, a multipurpose knife, motion sickness pills, universal snake-poison serum, and bottled water."

Sparky

Sparky Update

Greetings Friends and Family,

Nothing to update other than I had a great visit with my brother. He ended up coming to the great urban metropolis known as Kokomo instead of me heading out there due to some last minute changes.

I read a great book and saw the corresponding movie this week and I wanted to share it with my spiritually inclined friends. For those in search of the meaning of life I found this to be an easily digestible version of what other authors such as Deepak have articulated in a much deeper level. Nonetheless it is well worth your time.

http://www.thesecret.tv

Happy reading and watching.

Regards,
Sparky

INDY 500- Dudes who wanted to come out PLEASE READ

Greetings Race Fans!!!

I have purchased tickets today for the 91st running of the INDY 500! I have 15 tickets in total and I need those who are planning to attend to get me their cash asap (this was not a small bill).

So far I have JT +3, BS +2, and PS +2. Please confirm ASAP and if you don't have my mailing address shoot me an email (go to the link on my profile) and I will send it to you. The tickets are $70.50 each. TP would have joined but his ass will be at a NASCAR race.

You guys should plan on staying with me since we can do the lake the day before but we will probably need to rent at least one extra car.

IT WILL BE THE SHIZNIT!!!


http://www.indy500.com/

I am looking forward to having you guys out!

Sparky

Saturday

Greetings Friends,

If you are curious about Saturday. Give me a call.

To quote GlennGary GlennRoss

ABC. A-Always. B-Be. C-Closing. Always Be Closing.

NOTE...The Title bar will link you to a sound file!

The Vacation Begins

Greetings,

Well today is the big day and it is starting out well. I will be privy to JJ's antics tonight and tomorrow.

Next week I will be traveling to Colorado and New Mexico for some long overdue time with my brother. Plans call for skiing, ice climbing, and hiking (got to break in the new boots before my trip). They have received 31" of new snow in the last three days so the spring skiing should be epic!

I am also trying to figure out how to pack for 21 days in a backpack and a day pack to cover temperature ranges from 0-90 degrees F. I think I may have to pull the old Navy trick of rotating the underwear so one pair can last four days. If you have any tips, tricks, don't forget to packs, etc PLEASE POST THEM...I am not kidding. This is going to be a tricky endeavour to say the least. I could just pack speedo's to save room.

If anyone is thinking about a gift REI.com gift card would be handy right about now.

Sparky

Here is the Map for my Trek!

As you can see I am going to cover some serious ground, air, and sea on this trek!

I am going to South America!!!!! I am going to see Lake Titicaca (Beavis would be proud)

Yeeeeehaaaaw! I booked it...the dream trip of my life! I am as excited as TP when a new Belgium beer comes out. I can't believe that I am actually going to be able to do this!!!

I am also almost set to be able to send daily updates while I am on the trip via mobile phone....(yes I am nerd)

Sparky's Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive La Paz (Boliva)

Day 2 Tiahuanaco / La Paz

Spend most of the day visiting the mysterious, 1000 year old Tiahuanaco ruins before returning to La Paz for the night.

Day 3-4 Puno / Lake Titicaca / Taquile Island

Enjoy spectacular views as we travel through the mountains to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Take a boat to visit the Uros and Taquile islands, and immerse yourself in Peruvian rural life with a homestay in a small local village.

Day 5-7 Puno / Cuzco

Travel from Puno to Cuzco through the high Altiplano region. With a friendly, colonial atmosphere, Cuzco offers nearby Inca ruins, cobblestone streets, museums, markets and churches.

Day 8 Ollantaytambo

Travel with our local guide through the Sacred Valley to Pisac and the picturesque town and Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo.

Day 9-12 Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Begin a once in a lifetime journey on the ancient trail of the Incas with a morning trip to km 82, where our hike starts. Local porters and guides ensure that the trip is worry-free. Fascinating ruins and spectacular mountain scenery fill every day of the hike. On the final day, climb the steps to Intipunku, the 'Sun Gate', to watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Return to Cuzco on Day 12.

Day 13 - 14 Cuzco / Lima

Relax and explore the sights and sounds of Cuzco. Rafting, horseback riding and mountain biking are all possible options. Fly to Lima on Day 14 and explore the city.

Day 15 Lima / QuitoFly to Quito.

Flight is unescorted, not included and must be pre-booked.

Day 16-19 Galapagos

Visit several islands, viewing wildlife and soaking up the spectacular scenery. Each day, travel with our naturalist guide from the yacht to the islands, via a small, motorized launch. On land, explore the islands as our guide interprets the natural history and educates us on the fascinating wildlife. Most days snorkel among sea lions or just relax out on deck. Fly back to
Quito on Day 19.

Day 20 Depart Quito

Travel Planning Update

Hola,

What a weekend! Two great dates in two nights have distracted me from my mission but after fortifying with coffee and bacon I am back on track....did I mention that my date Saturday night was HOT! Sparks were flying....no pun intended. Hopefully there will be more to report on this front later ;)

Well I think fate is deciding on South America for my adventure....The plane tickets to and from China/Nepal are around $5K which is rather steep.

This looks like the trip that I will be taking. I may detour to Brazil for a few days to hang with a Homie but that is TBD. I am afraid that Tucker Max would make an apperance if I was in Rio for too long but maybe that is not a bad thing.

http://www.gapadventures.com/tour/BI06g

I will keep you guys posted.

Sparky

The Adventure Begins

Greetings Friends,

Today begins the planning phase of this summers great adventure as I do some long overdue soul searching.

So far my ideas are:

1. Machu Picchu and other areas in South America (i.e. Galapagos)
2. Backpacking in Europe
3. Great Wall and other spots in China

If you guys have any other ideas let me know
Justin