Day 504: Downtown Portland - Pioneer Square - Waterfront Park

Day #504 * Hike #569 * New Track #503
Monday April 2, 2012
Portland, Oregon
Waterfront Park - Pioneer Square
My Tripometer: 3 Hours * 4 Miles * +100 Feet

We parked downtown near this train track street 

 Waterfront Park

 We saw these trees from the freeway heading over the river

We were intrigued by these trees so we began our journey here

 I was playing in the fountain with Ayden, but he ran off before the pic

 lots going on in this pic, it was suppose to be of Alyssa...

 Mt. Hood, from downtown on a clear day

 Follow the red brick road

 Pioneer Square

Many odd and ugly people in this town.  Sorry, but it's true!  Pioneer Square was certainly an interesting experience.  There was a young group of dudes playing Hacky Sac.  A Nigerian walked through the middle of the square and chanted some sort of soccer chant?  Homeless people surrounded the corners.  Muslim and other religious and anti religious spoke out about their beliefs.  Tourists like me were looking around and then shying away.  Gay men flaunted purple hair and chains while druggies appeared skeletal with their shirts off.  So, we made our way into the Visitor Center -- This turned out to be an excellent decision.  Since we really didn't have any exact plans, the nice people inside pointed out some waterfalls and things to do.  Awesome -- tomorrow...

 There was also an Oregon Duck Store near the Water

I Like Beavers :)

 Street vendors - Dinner anyone?

I ate a Gyro -- bahhhh

 Going down to China Town; and then turned around

 Lined up outside for Voodoo Doughnuts - In the X-Rated District

 Bacon on your doughnut?

 Hmm, hope the kids don't read the menu

no comment 

 Schlepping around the streets; it's a HIKE!!!

 Old Town Pizza - Rumor has it that this place is haunted

 Cool place - Good Family Time

No Ghosts Found...

Parking on the streets of Downtown Portland was cheap.  Just $0.80 cents an hour!  What a bargain compared to most major cities.  Moreover, Oregon has no sales tax and their gas prices were way cheaper.  We got lucky finding a day like today between the rain.  After several hours of exploring by foot, we jumped back in the car for our next adventure...

Day 504: Hiking around the Lake at the Radison in Portland, Oregon

Mt. Hood from the air... 

Day #504 * Hike #568 * New Track #502
Monday April 2, 2012
Radison Lake - Portland Airport, Oregon
Views of Mt. Hood
My Tripometer: 30 Minutes * 1 Mile * +25 Feet

 Alyssa the frequent flyer...

 The lake outside our hotel, so I decided to hike it

There was a cute little trail around this lake and ducks were quacking away.  Mt. Hood rose above and my first footsteps in Oregon began.  However, this was not much of a hike.  Barely a mile total.  Alyssa and I wandered on both sides of this lake and trespassed for a moment on the golf course while Ayden and Jess watched Lifetime in the hotel room.

In front of the hotel

It was early afternoon and our journey into Portland will begin on the next blogpost...

Day 503: Cajon Pass - Views of Mt. Baldy - Oak Hill Road - Calico Ghost Town - Vegas

Mt. Baldy (San Antonio Mountain)

Day #503 * Hike #566 * New Track #501
Sunday April 1, 2012
Cajon Pass - Oak Hills, California
Views of Mt. Baldy from Hesperia
My Tripometer: 30 Minutes * 1 Mile * +125 Feet

 Trailhead

Directions:
From the I-15 en route to Vegas, head north past the 138 up the Cajon Pass.  Just after you summit at over 4000 feet, take the very next exit on Oak Hill Road, exit #138 (not to be confused with State Route 138 - mere coincidence with the mile #).  Turn left over the bridge and on the other side of the freeway you will see this open space.

 Amazing Views from here and space to trek

Boy was it windy!!!  Constant 50 mph+ winds with gusts over 60mph!  Insane!!!  We were driving for nearly 2 hours at this point and I could not resist the temptation.  Jess and the kids stayed inside the car while I ran down the hill to complete a quick hike.  Don't worry, they had some snacks to munch on while they watched a movie in the van...

 The lower section of the journey

 More views...

I hiked and camped at the top of Mt. Baldy several years ago.  At just over 10,000 feet, Mt. Baldy was one of the toughest climbs that I have done.  Nothing that I have done in my first 500 days compares to that adventure.  With a heavy overnight pack on my back and hail like conditions on the top, my Mt. Baldy experience is one that I will remember forever, even without blogging about it :)


...The road trip to Vegas continues...

 Next pit stop, Calico...

Not a Hike, Today...

We opted not to enter the town due to the admission fees.  It was only $6 per adult and $3 per kid but that was enough for us to say no.  For the most part, every hike that I do is free, just as this blog is free!  The ranger said that you can park your car and walk around the old mining town for an hour and a half.  The kids were eager to reach Vegas and not too interested in exploring these ruins.  **A few years ago we stopped by a free ghost town on our Death Valley Trip.  So, no big deal. 


Day #503 * Hike #567 * Duplicate Track
Sunday April 1, 2012
Mandalay Bay to M&M World - Las Vegas, Nevada
My Tripometer: 3 Hours * 1.75 Miles * +125 Feet

 Outside the MGM

 M&M World

In front of New York New York

It was a cold windy day in Vegas.  Ayden braved the elements and jumped into the Mandalay Bay wave pool.  Although the water was warm, the cold wind made for an uncomfortable condition.  Alyssa and I dipped our feet in while little brother was body surfing the waves.  Then, Ayden and I warmed up in the Jacuzzi.  There was only one small public hot tub available in the Mandalay Beach area so we didn't stay long.  Shortly after, we hiked the familiar streets and indulged ourselves in tasty sweets and eats.  No shows on this night, it was an early night for a big day tomorrow...

Days 497 - 502

Ventura Mighty Vipers Honored at City Hall

**Picture very blurry :(

Day #497 * Hike #560 * New Track #498
Monday March 26, 2012
Rancho Conejo Open Space - Newbury Park, California
My Tripometer: 1.5 Hours * 4 Miles * +625 Feet

This has become quite a popular area for me lately.  On this day, I trekked down from Rancho Conejo Road and turned left before reaching the Hill Canyon Water Treatment Facility.  I jogged toward the 400 year old oak trail but went up to Happy Valley.  There are still many unique places to explore back here but today I ventured down a single trek which took me under a tree oasis in Happy Valley.  This is just past the abandoned car in Happy Valley if you are coming from this direction.  I completed the look by tramping back to the Abandoned Car Trail from this direction and then back up the Gateway to the Arroyo Trail.  Essentially, I have made several figure 8 trails off the beaten path over the last couple of weeks here...


Day #498 * Hike #561 * Duplicate Track
Tuesday March 27, 2012
Arroyo Verde - Ventura, California
VENTURA MIGHTY VIPERS HONORED AT CITY HALL
My Tripometer: 1 Hour * 2 Miles * +325 Feet

Today was a quick trot after work because we were invited to Ventura City Hall where they honored the Ventura Mighty Vipers for becoming State Champs!  They were also published in the Newspaper a couple of days later, check out the article: www.vcstar.com - Mighty Vipers Win State Cup

Alyssa did not appear in the picture because she was at the hospital :(  --She is recovering well and has been invited to play for the U-13 team when they play for Nationals in Utah in June.  Hopefully she is 100% to participate!  What an honor!


Day #499 * Hike #562 * Duplicate Track
Wednesday March 28, 2012
Arroyo Verde - Ventura, California
My Tripometer: 30 minutes * 1 Mile * +175 Feet

For the first time since beginning this adventure, my New Track's are less than Day's Hiked in a row.  I had to break the rules by hiking yet another duplicate trail.  Although disappointing, especially because I am nearly halfway done, I knew with my vacation next week I would more than make up for it!  That being said, I still hadn't planned anything other than the rental car and 1 hotel room for this upcoming trip.  My focus now was on finishing up the condo so the new tenants could move in on Saturday.  Meanwhile, the old tenant was still lingering around.  --For the past several nights I was helping Alyssa with her Science project.  Now that this obstacle is complete, I can move forward.  I hope to share the results of her experiment but I fear that her father may have thrown away all the hard work that we did...


Day #500 * Hike #563 * Duplicate Track
Thursday March 29, 2012
Arroyo Verde - Ventura, California
My Tripometer: 30 minutes * 1 Mile * +175 Feet

I did the same exact route as the day before.  I am now 2 New Tracks off pace!  With Sammi and Ziggy, I hiked the upper portion of the park from my backyard right after work.  After that, straight to the condo for more painting and moving out the junk from the previous tenant, who was still sleeping in the garage.  We laid the carpet down on this day so the entire upstairs was finished!


Day #501 * Hike #564 * New Track #499
Friday March 30, 2012
Happy Camp Canyon Park - Moorpark, California
My Tripometer: 2 Hours * 5 Miles * +550 Feet

I didn't bring the camera to work today because I figured that I was going to have to rush back home and finish the condo asap.  I made the vacation plans over six months ago and I thought we were leaving on Saturday morning.  So, I opened the folder today at work, month end, crazy!  As it turns out, we were not leaving until Sunday!!!  TGIF.  I finished the month strong by collecting over $65k gross, which is more than 10k in company fee.  No comment on how much of that I get to keep :)  :(!!!

Realizing that I had some time, I took the 20 minute drive up to Happy Camp, not to be confused with Happy Valley, and I hiked past the golf course along the main route.  I have still yet to loop the entire area and today was not going to be the day.  However, I took some time to explore the right fork and then ventured off a single track from there.  Neat area, but overall, quite boring.  There was some puddles from off and on rain but there was no significant water flow...


Day #502 * Hike #565 * New Track #500
Saturday March 31, 2012
Beach at Mussel Shoals - Ventura County, California
My Tripometer: 1 Hours * 1 Miles * +25 Feet

Another rainy day in California!  Jess and I spent the morning cleaning out the condo and by mid afternoon, the new tenants were ready to move in.  We got this done just in the nick of time!!!  Before heading home to begin packing, we drove up to Mussel Shoals and hiked the beach in the rain.  Looking ahead at the forecast in the Pacific Northwest, we better get used to this.  Just like last week, I was hoping to see some crazy waves but nothing like that.  I saved the camera for the trip so no way I was going to get it wet!

Day 495: Jeusit Trail to Stevens Park

A Natural Dog's Water Dish

Day #495 * Hike #558 * New Track #496
Saturday March 24, 2012
Jesusit Trail to Stevens Park - Santa Barbara, California
My Tripometer: 1.25 Hours * 3 Miles * +375 Feet

 Oops, drove too far...

Directions:
Follow the Driving Instructions from Day 434: Jesusit & Arroyo Burro Trails
The picture above represents the reservoir just up the road from the trailhead.  I purposely drove up here in effort to find another way into the trail system.  Negative, unless you are a property owner here, no other way to enter the wilderness...

Sammi at the Trailhead

 At the bottom of the first hill, a fork...

I veered left.  My intention was to follow the Jesusit Trail all the way to the top today but I forgot which way I went last time.  Needless to say, this was my second time hiking this area and for the second time, I did not follow the Jesusit Trail!

 Rather than turn back, lets make it a hike!

 Cross a creek

 Cross an open dam area and then keep on the trail...

 Great jogging route on an overcast day...

Following Sammi's lead...

 Where am I?

 This leads out to a Park!

 Stevens Park

 Exploring the area before turning back

 A birds nest

Crossing the dam area on the way back

Cool area.  I will return to finally hike the Jesusit Trail...

Day #496 * Hike #559 * New Track #497
Sunday March 25, 2012
Beach near La Conchita - Ventura County, California
My Tripometer: 30 minutes * 1 Mile * +25 Feet

It rained all day!  It was a good day to work in the condo and I got a lot done but I had to find a way to get a hike in.  I was hoping for some good waves and/or a break in the constant rain.  Negative; just a soggy miserable day.  I brought the camera just in case La Conchita decided to have another mudslide.  Good thing it didn't and I left the camera in the car because no point in getting it soaking wet for an ordinary beach with not much going on.  The only thing is, you have to park your car on the 101 and then jump the wall to reach the beach below...

Days 490 - 494

Day #490 * Hike #553 * New Track #492
Monday March 19, 2012
Rancho Conejo Open Space - Newbury Park, California
My Tripometer: 1 Hour * 3.75 Miles * +650 Feet

**After the Palm Springs Trip, I misplaced my camera?  After work this week, I decided to go back to the Rancho Conejo Open Space and explore some of the single track routes off the main trail.  Today, I set off down the Gateway to the Arroyo Trail.  I did this just a week or so prior.  I bypassed the Abandoned Car Trail and worked my way toward Happy Valley.  However, I sidestepped along a single track to the right and rounded back to Happy Valley through the thick grass.  I then looped all the way around and ended up at Baxter. 

Day #491 * Hike #554 * New Track #493
Tuesday March 20, 2012
Rancho Conejo Open Space - Newbury Park, California
My Tripometer: 1 Hour * 2.5 Miles * +525 Feet

Similar to what I did yesterday, I ventured up a hill on the right of the main trail, cut across the top and crossed over the route that I did on Monday.  I then rounded back to Happy Valley and then back to the car.  This week was busy because we were all stressed out with Alyssa's arm and I began evicting my tenant while painting my condo...


Day #492 * Hike #555 * Duplicate Track
Wednesday March 21, 2012
Arroyo Verde Park - Ventura, California
My Tripometer: 1 Hour * 3 Miles * +400 Feet

It was a good day to run Sammi through the backyard.  I found my camera, on my desk!!!  I then uploaded my photos from Palm Springs and updated the blog that night...


Day #493 * Hike #556 * New Track #494
Thursday March 22, 2012
The Cape at Westin Vilage - Ventura, California
My Tripometer: 1 Hour * 2.5 Miles * +25 Feet

Working on my condo vigorously after work, Ayden and I met up with Jess across the street at Macaroni Grill.  We walked around the Barnes and Nobles shopping center and then walked along the greenbelts at our condo.  We use to tramp these grounds with my dogs several years ago so it was pretty cool just walking around at night, stretching the legs and reminiscing.  After the break, the night continued with more painting...


Day #494 * Hike #557 * New Track #495
Friday March 23, 2012
Los Robles Trail - Thousand Oaks, California
Foothill Road to Triunfo Park
My Tripometer: 1 Hour * 2.75 Miles * +400 Feet

From Foothill Road, I followed the good trail to the back road.  I was here about a month prior.  Today I cut left and connected the route to the Triunfo Trail which I hiked over a year ago.  After the first hill up, it was a mostly pleasurable run across the back side and down to the park.  Of course, then I had to climb back up and run back.  Overall, pretty easy route under good conditions. 

(Earlier that morning, Alyssa finally went into surgery to insert a needle into her arm and casted it for protection.  Just as her arm began to heal and fuse the wrong way, the doctors had to reset it again and the next few nights for her were horrible!)  Her healing process is now a week behind because of poor health insurance!  This is outrageous but at least she is finally on track to recovery!