31 May 2016 - Fort William, Scotland UK

I woke up early, hiked up the hill to the Upper Tyndrum train station, and for 18GBP took a ride towards Fort William. Once again I was in for another beautiful ride through the highlands.


I chose this town completely at random not knowing what I would find there. It turned out to be a surprise paradise! Its right on the back side of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK. Fort William has the slogan of the "Outdoor Capital of the World". I fancy myself an outdoors man, challenge accepted.

I ended up staying at a 100GBP per night hotel so this was an expensive stop. For the first time during this long trip I am starting to run out of clean cloths. The front desk recommended a laundrette in a nearby town of Caol, about 2-3 miles away. Once again, I discovered another hiking trail, the Great Glen Way , about a 70 mile hike from Fort William to Inverness.

Once I made it over to to Caol I found the laundromat. While I was waiting on the wash I bought some food, walked down to the beach, and had a picnic. Here is a panoramic photo...that still doesn't do the beauty of this place justice.

After my laundry was complete I walked back to my hotel for a short break. On the walk back I discovered that I had completely missed an ancient Scottish Castle, Inverlochey. This is one of my favorite parts of visiting this part of the UK.


To end my wonderful day I took a walk into the downtown of Fort William and got a better view of the boats out in the Loch Eil.

30 May 2016 - Tyndrum, Scotland UK (The Highlands)

With my half marathon out of the way it was time to take a trip north into the Highlands. At first I was planning to rent (British Term = HIRE) a car but at a cost of 400 British Pounds I would have spent about $600 for 5 days of driving. Instead, for 40 pounds I found I could use the ScotRail service. So I traveled to Glasglow, switched trains and then continued on towards the Trossachs National Park.


Around 3pm I arrived at my destination. Tyndrum is a small village in Scotland. Its Gaelic name translates as "the house on the ridge". It lies in Strathfillan, at the southern edge of Rannoch Moor. I visited this location about 4 years ago during a tour and have wanted to return on my own for some time. The location is just to the north of Loch Lomond and occurs at a major highway split (and dual train stations). On my previous trip I noticed a few hiking trails...I love to hike! Just like my tryst last year of a few miles on the Appalachian trail, on this trip I got to get a taste of part of the West Highland Way, a 96 mile long distance hike that is sneaking its way onto my bucket list.

Another reason I wanted to return to this location was a tourist trap of a rest stop called The Green Welly. The last time I was here as part of a tour group I felt rushed as I visited this place. This time I got to take my time, enjoy the location, and avoid the tour groups. I recalled enjoying the fish soup the last time and once again it was great. I settled in at a local Pub/Inn for 30GBP in what was the smallest room I have ever stayed in.

28 May 2016- Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

I spent a long weekend in Edinburgh (pronounced Ed - In - Burr - AH) because about 6 months previously I had signed up for the Half Marathon. This is one of my destination/dream/bucketlist races because I love visiting this city. I had also invited my Uncle Mike McKay to make his first trip here, but sadly he was not able to travel. This is my 5th or 6th visit to this city. It's nice to finally enjoy some vacation time instead of work.

I managed a nice hike up Arthur's Seat in Holyrood park. I was trying to taper for my race but got a little too stir crazy so I took this hike.


At the end of my hike I stopped by a restaurant for my pre-race dinner super food: PIZZA! It might just be a coincodence, but every time I have a long race, if I eat a greasy/salty pizza the night before, I tend to have a great run. It either works really well or it is just dietary guilt that spurs me on.

The race day ended up being cloudy, but rain-free. It was an awesome run through old neighborhoods and along the coast (reminded me of Huntington beach). I was very happy with my time of 2 Hours and 34 Minutes. This was faster than my March Puerto Rico run and dramatically faster than my Orange County race 3 weeks ago.


After the race, I spent the day shopping and drinking on the Royal Mile. I know it is a tourist trap and I still love it anyways. It is just such a unique experience! You are constantly hearing bag pipes, see lots of kilts, and can enjoy some of the best whisky in the world.


Here's a wee bit o that sweet sound...

Adventure to be continued....

27 May 2016 - What is your favorite?

I am often asked, with all my travel, what is my favorite location?

The challenging part about this question for me is that there are a bunch of places I like to be. Worse yet, as I discover new places the current favorite often changes. It also depends on what you mean by the word favorite. Is it a question of where I want to live? Or do you mean Vacation?

To help me keep my sanity I have managed to narrow down my list to a top three (or five). Over time I have also noticed a pattern. First, I like places that are close to the mountains. Next, I like places that are close to the ocean or other large body of water. Optionally, I like finding a perfect 60-70 degrees F (15-20C). Finally, I have to have a dual sense of adventuresome excitement and nature induced calm. Here is a current list of my top places (click the links if you want a picture):

1. Southern California, USA
2. Scotland, UK
3. Anchorage, Alaska, USA
4. Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
5. Puerto Rico, USA

So, why these locations?

1.  I moved there, live there when not traveling, and if I ever end up homeless I have a future of being a beach bum all planned out.

2. The freedom of wearing a kilt, the sound of the Bag Pipes, Real Scotch Wisky (best single malt in the world), and the amazing Bens (mountains) - Glens (valleys) - Lochs (lakes)

3. The mountains in the distance, the taste of grilled Halibut/Salmon fresh caught, and endless wilderness to explore.

4. Mt Fuji, 5 amazing lakes, and Japanese Food!

5. Caribbean breezes/beaches. Mojitos (best Rum in the World), Music!

Now are these places perfect? No, every place has it faults. SoCal is overpopulated and expensive, Scotland has a dark side (see Trainspotting), Anchorage has winter, Japan has been in recession for nearly 3 decades, and Puerto Rico's local economy is tanking. However, I feel it is a waste of time to focus on the negative.

I have learned that I can actually be happy anywhere in the world if I choose to take a positive attitude. These places require much less effort on my part to maintain that choice. 

20 May 2016 - Ohio

My employer's corporate office is located in Westlake, Ohio, USA. From time to time I travel there for meetings or to deliver training during conferences. I used to think of the PD or professional development week each may to be a waste of time. However, over the last few years, with a growing number of us working remotely, it is really nice to get to meet and team build with new team members and others I rarely see anymore.

I took the opportunity to visit some family and friends as well. I also got my Cedar Point fix. Missed out? I'll be back the first week in August for a conference.

I'm now on my way home to CA via Chicago O'Hare. I got a pretty good view of downtown during the flight.

Next week I head to Scotland!