23 September 2017 - San Diego

For my last day hosting my friend's visit to So-Cal we cruised to San Diego.
First, we took a short walk at Torrey Pines State Beach.

Next, we headed down to the bay to explore the USS Midway Ship/Museum. I've wanted to see this place for a few years. The best part was hanging out with a Marine veteran. He gave the old Navy guys so much crap. For the most part, they returned the jives, joining in the fun. However, there was one that seemed visibly offended (and that was even funnier). No matter which branch of service you are a part of, you have my respect.


It was a beautiful day in San Diego...How about that Coronado bridge?

Finally, we made a stop at Old Town. My friend refused to have any photos of himself next to the sign siting a well timed pun about his age. So I got one for myself...

We ended our last day by having diner with my friends and former classmates the Rohrs (and their kids).

22 September 2017 - Crusin the PCH and Ortega Highway

What do you do when you live 7 miles from the beach and own a muscle car? Go cruising!

My friend had 3 main requests for this day. First, he wanted to see Dana Point, a place connected to his Daughter's life. Next, he wanted to see the view over Lake Elsenore and revisit the Ortega Highway. Finally, he wanted to try and find the remains of the El Toro Marine Base. Here are some of the day's highlights...

View of Dana Point harbor from Capistrano Beach

Panoramic View from Ortega Highway of Lake Elsinore

21 September 2017 - Returning to California

I picked up a friend in Glendale, AZ. His name is Tim. He was my high school Math Teacher and has been a good friend for over 20 years. He helped me achieve great success in my life as well as assisted with one of my first trips to Alaska (starting much of my travel bug). Having lost his wife a few years ago to illness, he has been slowly working his way back into the world socially. He recently retired and has a little free time...I wanted to give him this experience as a small "Thank You" gift.

Note: for privacy reasons I have attempted not to place him in my photos...enjoy the story nonetheless

My goal was to show him what California has become. His last visit was 1978 as he had worked at the El Toro Marine Airbase near Irvine/Tustin. We enjoyed a good 5 hour road trip along Interstate 10. The view of 29 palms into the mountains was excellent.

We arrived at Anaheim Angels Stadium around noon for the 1pm Cleveland Indians game.
They won!

We ended the day at Crystal Cove State Beach, enjoying diner at the Beachcomber. The sunset was the usual Californian delight...

20 September 2017 - Road Trip - Grand Canyon Part 4

Arriving back at the visitor center, I returned to my Car. I needed to start heading towards Glendale, AZ. Luckily, that same route would let me see a few more canyon spots including Navajo Point and Desert View Tower.


Leaving the park I drove into the Navajo reservation. I didn't plan it, but ended up on the same roads I had driven 2 years ago. A new lesson I learned is that Flagstaff is 7000 feet above sea level. Being a coast dweller, I am a little more sensitive to altitude (usually headaches and labored breathing for a few days). Tomorrow is going to be a great start to a few days at home!

20 September 2017 - Road Trip - Grand Canyon Part 3

Continuing on my exploration of Grand Canyon National Park. Because the sun was going to be particularly vicious today, I opted to wear my beach hat. Surfer Selfie time:

I came across some amazing views from the Powell Monument and Mojave point.


The Greenway trail is near the end of the Hermit's road so I decided to hike the 2.2 mile section instead of continue on the buses. It was starting to get rather hot.


Finally, I made it to Hermits rest. I refilled my water bottle and got a souvenir from the little shop.


I wonder what it looks like on the other side of the south rim? To be continued...

20 September 2017 - Road Trip - Grand Canyon Part 2

As the roosters started crowing, I packed up my campsite at 6 AM (an old throwback to my boy scout days). I was determined to maximize my time today at the Grand Canyon. I wanted to make it to one of the ends of the south rim trail. I was also going to figure out the bus system.

Each stop of the shuttle bus yielded a new amazing view. Sometimes I would hike to the next spot, other times I rode the bus. I started by heading to the Hermit Road (to get to the western point of Hermit's Rest).


I learned that most of the people arriving at the park this morning were going to hike the Bright Angel trail. The complete trail which goes all the way to the Colorado River is a 22mile round trip. New life goal set. I'll be back in the next few years with some friends to complete this. I did about 1/4 mile to test out the trail. I even saw a mule team returning from the bottom led by a man I would expect to hear the phrase "I reckon.." from. Here are a few photos to give you a visual into the size and scope:


To be continued...

19 September 2017 - Road Trip - Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon

My work week ended on Tuesday. As expected the conference really burned me out emotionally and mentally. Thanks to lingering pain from my bicycle wreak I was also physically shot too.

When I moved to California in 2015 I had intended to visit Grand Canyon National Park, however due to a last minute emergency at work, I skipped it, rushed to Irvine, then flew to Brazil. I can't really call it a regret because Brazil was awesome, but I have longed to see that park ever since. This trip to Vegas placed me 3 hours away.

First, I had to make a stop at the Hoover Dam. It is only 13 miles from the strip and the engineer in me would be angry if I didn't take a look. It had to be over 100degrees F, but the walk around was amazing. Here are a few photos.



I drove for the next 3 hours to a campground. At 30$ a night and 50 miles from the park I thought I had found a good deal. It was only 5pm so I decided to drive to the park entrance. I arrived in time to enjoy some hiking on the south rim near the visitor center as well as one of the best sunsets I have seen (I have high standards being a Californian).


I returned to my Camp site to get some rest before continuing my exploration the next day. Note to self, next time book a camp site in the park in advance...50 miles is a long way to drive when tired. I can't wait to head back to the park in the morning; moreover, the USA park pass was worth the price!

Here is your moment of zen...