Austin to Chicago to Fairbanks

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/125 sec, ISO50
“Leaving Austin” Austin, 2025

Today marks the start of our Alaska vacation. The plan is to fly to Fairbanks and meet up with the rest of my family, who are flying up from California. Unfortunately, the cruise line booked Mariko and Bay on a different flight, so I am traveling solo today.

I really liked the colorful lights in the pedestrian tunnel at O’Hare and had to take a photo. Since I had a long layover, I used one of our two visits per year to the United Club. It was nice to enjoy a hot meal and a glass of wine before the six-hour flight to Fairbanks.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO640
“O’Hare” Chicago, 2025

I arrived at the hotel in Fairbanks around 8:45 pm and met up with my family. They had arrived earlier in the afternoon and were ready for bed. It felt strange because it was still bright outside, almost like daytime. Once I noticed that the sun wouldn’t be setting, I suddenly felt very tired too. It was a long day, but a great start to the trip!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/1600 sec, ISO80
“Hello Alaska” Alaska, 2025

Road Trip Day 2

Photo info: NIKON COOLPIX S8000, 5.4mm, f/7, 1/500 sec, ISO100
“Scenic View” Las Cruces, 2025

Today, we continued our odyssey with just a little bit left of New Mexico before crossing into Texas. It took us about 8 hours to cross half the state before arriving at home. Once again, we had the ballgame to keep us company and this time the Dodgers won. Yay!

Photo info: NIKON COOLPIX S8000, 5.4mm, f/3.5, 1/500 sec, ISO100
“No Clowning” Texas, 2025

Road Trip Day 1

Photo info: NIKON COOLPIX S8000, 5.4mm, f/3.5, 1/320 sec, ISO100
“Chariot” New Mexico, 2025

The drive back to Texas from California began today! Koa and I set out on our two-day road trip, with today’s leg being a long, easy stretch. We passed the time listening to the Dodger game (sadly, they didn’t win) and eventually stopped for the night in Lordsburg, New Mexico. Tomorrow, the drive continues through West Texas, and then we’ll be home!

Photo info: NIKON COOLPIX S8000, 5.4mm, f/3.5, 1/125 sec, ISO250
“Shadow” New Mexico, 2025

Happy Japanese Children’s Day

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/2700 sec, ISO50
“Koinobori” Torrance, 2025

Today is Children’s Day in Japan. This year I am in California, so this year’s photo is of my Mom’s koinobori. When she put them out, the blue skies appeared! But only for about 15 minutes before the sky became grey again. Oh well.