It seems like it's been ages since I caught the ocean at low tide. Nevertheless, there are a number of spots where you can get pretty close to tide pools, even at mid or high tide. This was our last stop of the day along the coast, after which we packed up and headed home. What a day! I swear even after living here for a number of years, weekends can still feel like a vacation when you spend your days along the coast.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Some spicy tuna and a coastal picnic
Neptune's Net was jam packed - no surprise considering it was Labor Day. Finding a seat would have been like finding a needle in a haystack so instead we decided to head to the grocery store a few miles down the Pacific Coast Highway. While I headed for a club sandwich and some potato wedges at the deli, Donna spotted some spicy tuna rolls (sushi). She's getting smart and knows that I don't like brown rice, so anymore, she gets the brown rice rolls so she knows she won't have to share with me. Ask her, and of course she'll deny it and instead make up some lame excuse like, "brown rice is more healthy." After getting our goodies we found a scenic overlook in Malibu and enjoyed a picnic high above the ocean.
Are we there yet
Once we got on the beach we could pretty much see the car and it looked as though it was "right there." After five minutes of walking we didn't seem to be any closer. As beautiful as it was, I think our legs were so tired that the beach portion of the hike seemed like an eternity. Nevertheless, it was beautiful and the company was fantastic.
The walk back to the car
After entering the Santa Monica Mountains via Sycamore Canyon, we exited the mountains at a different trail access point, 1.5 miles down the Pacific Coast Highway. This meant we had to walk along the beach to get back to the car. Poor us, right? The first 100 yards or so was rockier than we expected but eventually it turned to nothing but sand.
A route my sister will hike with us some day
Sooner or later my sister plans to move to SoCal, along with my parents, and when she does, this is a hike she would really get into. After a relatively steep, narrow climb, the hike feeds into a well-traveled trail that snakes its way the whole way down the mountain. Really, there's more switchbacks than there needs to be but it keeps the grade nice and gradual. Mom & Dad would really get into this portion of the hike - even if just as an out-and-back from the trailhead where we exited the mountains.
Yet another scenic overlook
It seemed you couldn't go more than 100 yards without running into another scenic overlook where you wanted to stop and soak up the scenery. By this point we were pretty much at the top and our legs had gotten a little thrashed from the prickly plants crowding the trail.
Almost at the top
Today's trail just got steeper and steeper as we neared the top. It really isn't even an 'official' trail anymore, as they try to encourage hikers to take the doubletrack path to the top. Donna of course is too hardcore to take the 'suggested' route, so we ventured up the steep stuff, the whole way to the top.
A premature celebration
This wasn't exactly the top, and Donna was well aware of that having looked at the climb ahead. Nevertheless, I egged her on to give me a victory pose. We got in a great bike ride yesterday and were just in the mood for something different today, so we decided to hike a trail we had never been on before - mainly because bikes aren't allowed on this trail. It turned out to be a beautiful route - one we'll likely return to before long.
Kids in a creek
Just a snapshot I took of some kids playing in the creek while waiting for Donna while she was... err... um... busy.
Between a rock and a hard place
We opted to take the shortcut into Sycamore Canyon - the 'long' way around is bearable when we're on the bikes but when traveling by foot, it just seems to be a waste of time. Plus, Donna REALLY wanted to get to the bathroom at the trailhead.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Another coastal sunset - I never get tired of these
Once again, we had plans to go see a movie this evening, and once again, we instead opted to head to the coast to soak up a sunset. I just never get tired of sharing this kind of scenery with Donna. We spotted about six or seven seals, who appeared to be looking for a spot on the coast where they could come in for a rest. Just as we were packing up to head home, two dolphins swam by. Not a bad night.
Time for a shower
We really didn't feel like we were getting all that dirty today but apparently, it was dustier than we thought. Come to think of it, I wasn't all that dirty. Maybe Donna just got so bad because of eating my dust the whole way.
Healthy food or junk food?
While Jersey Mike's makes a mean cheese-steak, they also offer a turkey rap with lean turkey, light honey mustard sauce, lettuce, tomato and onion. It took everything I had to dodge the cheese-steak, but I did. Darn it!
Destination: The coast
Getting my butt on a bike seat is one thing, but once I'm rolling it's nothing but pure enjoyment (well, except for the serious climbs). Today's ride took us through sunny Newbury Park and Sycamore Canyon, ending at a very overcast (heavy marine layer) coast. As always, the temperature difference was amazing and I even broke out my windbreaker.
Another Sunday on the trails
We usually get a slow start to our weekends and today was no exception. I found the sofa to be quite comfortable and the idea of sitting on a bike seat for a few hours wasn't so appealing. Nevertheless, we got out for a ride and as always, I'm glad we did.
Dinner with the Mrs.
Though it was sad not being able to share a three-day weekend with Donna (who had to work Saturday) I was able to enjoy her company Saturday night over dinner at Panera. They just opened a new one about a block away from the office, so she was able to walk over to meet me. How can you not like a place that decorates their walls with photos of bicycles!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
A different kind of Saturday
I actually have a three-day weekend, the same as most people, but unfortunately Donna had to be in the office today. After sleeping in and an extremely hot bike ride, I decided there had to be some relief at the coast and sure enough, I was right. While Newbury Park seared in the 90's the coast, with it's strong wind, couldn't have been a bit over 70 degrees, if that. I was actually wishing I had a jacket with me.
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