17 Mile Drive, Of Course

Sunday, December 30th

What ride to do on our last day of our weekend getaway?  17 mile drive, of course.  Each year, I try to take photos of a different view.  Not a hard thing to do since every view is stunning and there's so much to take in.

We were lucky that there was no wind and the sky was mostly blue.  Traffic was light as well.

It was colder than yesterday with a high of 59.  My wool jersey, leggings and gloves kept me toasty.

Boy we had fun not only because it is always spectacular but also because the road is in good condition, allowing a smooth ride with fast descents.

A view from someone's home. 

We did 22 miles.  A parting shot of Lone Cypress in Pebble Beach.  Farewell til the next time.

Cachagua Loop Finally

Saturday, December 30th

Last year, we had to abort our planned ride to do Cachagua Loop in Carmel Valley due to road works.  See this blog for details and photos.  When we selected the route for this year from this website of rides to do in Monterey, we didn't connect the dots that it was the same ride.  So, it was a delightful surprise that this year, we were finally going to do the loop.  This guy also has a good write up for rides in Carmel Valley/Cachagua and some nice photos, too.

We might not have done it this year had I listened to The Boyfriend (I normally don't anyway) who thought we should turn one way once in Carmel Valley Village when in fact, we needed to go in the opposite direction.  Here I am finally making it up the big climb.  It's like Reynolds in Los Gatos.  The BF, ahead of me as usual, waited at the summit.  Some babes in a convertible let The BF know I was arriving soon.  Sweet. 

It's a super 28 mile ride going between valleys, vineyards, and farms.  I can't believe we didn't capture how green it was, thanks to recent rains.  Sigh.  We passed a place called the Earth Station.  Of course that's code for where they take the aliens.... Meanwhile, about 6 miles to go before arriving at the start, The BF had a flat in his tubeless tire.  Wow, he had the repair done in minutes.  Impressive.  The ride tired me out.  Rollers always do.  And I am not in shape. Still, it felt great to be out on the bike and with The BF (no doubt still dreaming about the babes in the convertible).  We felt content.

A Stay in Butterfly Town, USA

Saturday, December 30th

This year for our December cycling adventure, The Boyfriend and I are staying at Butterfly Grove Inn on Lighthouse Ave in Pacific Grove.  Our cottage is almost the size of my condo and has vaulted ceilings as well.  I love it.  It's also quiet and very pink.  I love it.

Even better, we're right next door to the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary!  Did you know that The Pacific Grove Police Department enforces strict regulations that prohibit the "molestation of butterflies."

 

We ate dinner at the Monarch Pub.  The Boyfriend declared their fish and chips excellent. Afterwards, we walked over to P.G. Juice n Java.  We both had the same thought:  the artwork, no not the elves, reminded us of a cross between Mondrian and Miro with perhaps a touch of Picasso.  Next up, time to blog about our biking today.

Monterey May Not Have Snowflakes

Friday, December 28th

Monterey is always a destination and certainly ideal for a biking getaway in December.  The Boyfriend and I have been doing this for years, taking in the attractions and great cycling routes. Wish we had arrived in this car!  Tonight we walked along Cannery Row in the evening with friends. 

We arrived just as the sun was setting.  We had a swell time at Bubba Gumps, a restaurant I've always wanted to try.

Afterwards, a short walk along the beach.

A festive fun evening came to a close.  We relied on Lyft this year to take us to and from our lodgings.  Wish it had been that car I snapped to take us back!  Tomorrow we head over to Carmel Valley Village for some cycling.  Can't wait!

Christmas 2018

I like to spend Christmas alone watching movies, reading and getting some exercise, weather permitting.  Most years, I visit Half Moon Bay and do a walk along the bluffs, marveling at the stunning views that Mother Nature offers. The last few years, I've had company in the form of my friend, Miss P. and that's been swell.

I don't need presents (though I'm not one to say no should you give me one) and I don't want drama.  I, do, however, like the dramatic.  And thus, Half Moon Bay, always delights.  This year, it was quite chilly and the wind gusty.  The waves were foamy and the beaches not accessible.

It was, as I like to spend it, a delightful day, though, I might liked to have dialed down the wind factor a bit.  The year is coming to a close.  I do so hope for all of us that 2019 is a peaceful one.  Meanwhile, Happy Holidays.

To Bee or not to Bee

To Bee or Not to Bee.  That is the Stinger.  I would have brought my Honey (that would be The Boyfriend) to the party but we work at different universities.  Happy Hallowe'en. 

Newbie in New York City

Thursday, Oct 18th - Sunday, Oct 21st

When Miss P. suggested I join her in NYC for a weekend getaway, I was like, YES.  I've been to NYC before with The Boyfriend, but, this time, Miss P. and I took in a lot, and I mean a lot.  Here we are crossing the Brooklyn Bridge.

We stayed at the Pod Hotel at Times Square and boy that was conveniently located.  Miss P. found the hotel and it's a deal.   We walked everywhere or took the subway or bus to soak in NYC.   The city is loud but nothing compares to its skyline. 

The sights were spectacular.  I especially liked visiting The Met and NYPL.  We saw a show, "Kinky Boots". My first NYC show!  We had breakfast with 2 of my nieces at the Westaway Diner, a destination for sure. 

I'm glad I had the opportunity to visit New York City especially taking in the 9/11 memorial. Did you know that white roses are placed next to the names of those who died on 9/11 on their birthdays.  Made me tear up.  NYC is not for me.  But I truly enjoyed the experience. 

It was Hard

Donny's club ride today had my legs screaming from the get go.  You think you're in shape ....  We started on Black Road.  Donny had me take a short cut (Gist) to help me catch up with the rest of the cyclists.  Yep, as usual, I was the slowest.  The short cut was harder than Black.  Here we are passing a Christmas tree farm.

Next we did a bit of Skyline and Summit before the long descent on Zayante.  Did I mention the long descent.  The road surface was really bumpy.  Ah, but, a little humor as the photo shows, helps.

We biked through Scotts Valley and onwards to Conference Drive, a road I haven't biked before.  Unfortunately, a locked gate meant that we had to retrace our steps and climb Mt Herman. My legs continued to scream.

Yay, a break.  The gang ordering sandwiches.  But, we're not done yet.  Oh phooey, I had more photos but they got corrupted.  Anyway, we still had to climb Bean Creek, Glenwood, and Mountain Charlie.  Oh my god, have I mentioned my legs were screaming.  Somehow I managed to make it back thanks to the gang cheering me on.

Just the Stats:

40.44 miles
4434 feet of climbing
8.5 avg mph
32.5 mph descending
4 hr 44 min.

Afternoon at the Symphony

After visiting SF this morning doing a stairwalk in Potrero Hill, I found myself at the California Theater in San Jose for a performance by Symphony SV.

I am forever grateful that the former Fox Theatre was saved so that we may continue to enjoy this spectacular building and the performances held here.

I was in the 5th row.  Here are the musicians fine tuning their instruments.  I cried listening to them perform Romeo and Juliet.  Til the next time.

Stairwalking Potrero Hill

The Boyfriend and I have been stairwalking various San Francisco neighborhoods the last several Sundays.  Perhaps I'll post the previous stairwalks we've done someday soon.  It's a fantastic way to explore a neighborhood, see wonderful views, and get in some exercise.

Today we explored Potrero Hill.  There were signs with 21% gradient for much of the walk and boy, I felt it.  Here I am trying to appear as cool as a cucumber.  It was pleasantly warm.

Here you can see how windy it was!  Each road we took was named after a state.  The BF joked, "Hey honey, we're in Arkansas and now we're moving on to Connecticut."  Okay, he didn't really say "honey".

This sign was posted at one of the stairs.  Sweet.  Another wonderful walk getting to know SF after years of living in the Bay Area.

B7

Today was a treat!  I attended a lecture by SJSU incoming Director Dr. Eric Buurman of the Beethoven Center and SJSU Symphony Orchestra, performing Beethoven's 7th at the Hammer Theatre in San Jose.

We were celebrating:  a first edition score of the Seventh Symphony, inscribed by Beethoven to Antonie Brentano, the woman some believe was his “Immortal Beloved" now available for viewing at the Beethoven Center at the SJSU Library.  OMG.  Thank you Patricia Stroh, interim director of the Beethoven Center for your part in this incredible discovery and acquisition.

And it comes to an end.  Most enjoyable way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Sightings on Saturday Summits

We were a fine group today, all 4 of us for Miss P's club ride doing Old Santa Cruz Highway, Highland to Eureka Canyon and Loma Prieta/Mt Bache, a total of 37 miles and approximately 3500 feet of climbing. 

Except for the not so great road surface here and there, it's a great ride that challenges you while providing exceptional scenery, including of course, firemen. 

We had it all -- woods, shade, sun, Monarch butterflies, deer, and quail.  Oh, did I mention, firemen?  Running joke if you're late to the party -- wherever I go, even in the Eastern Sierras, firemen seem to follow.

The guys were faster than us but they were gentlemen, waiting patiently at regroups.  I was incredibly sluggish today but I kept on.  Probably on account of the, yep, you guessed it, the firemen.

Towards the end, we stopped at the Summit Store and came upon this.  A bit early perhaps but I guess it's because Fall is just around the corner.  Of course, there was a red firetruck, and yes, you guessed it, firemen sitting nearby.  What can I say?  I love cycling and the sightings I see....

Last Day of Vacation - Sonora

Friday, September 7th

Today, we left the Eastern Sierras to venture to a new place we've never explored -  Sonora.  We had hoped to go over the Sonora Pass but it was closed due to a fire.  So, we drove over Tioga Pass, and into Yosemite once again. 

Traffic was heavy at times leaving us little time to explore Sonora and surrounding environs.  Plus, it was very hot (95 degrees).  I had hoped to visit historic Columbia State Park (where Back to the Future was filmed), Jamestown, the Railroad Park, Twain Harte and so on.  Well, we've already decided to return in the Spring!

Thanks to Donny's suggestion, we did have time to visit Natural Bridges and New Melones Lake.  Wow, this 2 mile trek proved difficult at times, especially navigating a rocky path.

It leads to Natural Bridges, home to limestone caverns that have been carved out by Coyote Creek which feeds into New Melones Lake. ... The trailhead is off Parrotts Ferry Road.

Wowee, it was super fun.  Initially, it's shallow but quickly becomes deeper.  We weren't ready to take the full plunge.

The water felt refreshing especially with the soaring temperature.

Loved every minute of it.

We also stopped at New Melones Lake.  Can't wait to bike it next year.

The lake seemed endless.  In the evening, we had a great meal at a local restaurant.  I also had a super Barbara from a local winery - Hatcher.  That was a pleasant surprise. A nice way to end our trip.  We visited the farmers market before leaving Saturday morning.  Wow, they had eggplant the size of my fingers.  Returning to traffic infested or is it congested Bay Area was a let down.  Oh well.  Til the next getaway!