Kelocity.com

A runner with an appetite for adventure!

The Hike to the Other Side June 7, 2011

Filed under: California,Workout — Kelocity @ 7:15 am
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Our last day up in Big Bear was relaxing and full of nature. We were looking for a few days to disconnect, unwind and relax, and we definitely found that this weekend.

Our morning started with a bowl of fresh fruit. Some grapefruit, orange and cherries that were dusted with sugar and accented by fresh mint. (While I was blogging on the porch, I saw the chef come out and snip the fresh mint from their garden! Couldn’t be fresher!)

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We also had some baked french toast and maple bacon too. Served with fresh coffee and OJ. I already miss those fresh country breakfasts!

Our only plan for the day was to walk to the other side of Big Bear Lake. They have a great walking trail, and we just wanted to enjoy the views and stretch our legs before our drive back to LA. It’s funny to see ski mountains without any snow! I love looking at all the runs.

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I wish we had more nature trails near us in LA. It was so nice and quiet to have a dedicated path for walking and biking.

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And I had great company for our 7 mile walk. We never run out of things to talk about. He really is my soul mate.

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I love wooden bridges! Something about them makes me feel like a little kid.bigbear (27)

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PS, my jacket has zip off sleeves!

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We had such a great time up in Big Bear. Hope to get back again soon! We are SO lucky to have these getaways so close to our home! It didn’t feel like California at all!

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Check out my next guest post on Contiki’s blog! What to pack on your next international trip!

 

Look, ma! No hands! June 5, 2011

Filed under: California,Food — Kelocity @ 7:48 am
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After I was done blogging yesterday, it was time for breakfast! IMG_5825

That’s the beauty of staying in a Bed & Breakfast! It includes breakfast!
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Everything was freshly made here and it was delicious!
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Once we were sufficiently fueled for the day, we headed out on our ziplining excursion!! It was my gift to Irving for Valentine’s Day this year! (Via LivingSocial of course!) We chose Action Zipline, which is right at the base of the ski mountains. They first take you in a large van, and then you switch to army-style off road vehicles. They don’t allow cameras on the tour at all for safety reasons, and I was really bummed I couldn’t get pictures of this part. But we weren’t there for the truck, we were there to ZIPLINE!!!

After a brief safety demonstration, we were already on the platform ready for our first jump! One by one, we zipped across. I had a hard time knowing how to brake, and came slamming into the landing blocks the first few times. But then I got the hang of it.

They were snapping pictures of everyone (but at $5 a pop, we only walked away with two of them). We almost didn’t get any, but these were too good! Plus, a blog needs pictures right?

Whoo hooo! Here comes Irving!!!

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Look, ma! No Hands!!
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The whole trip took about three hours from start to finish, and it was a blast! It’s an adrenaline rush for sure! We’d do it again in a heartbeat!

After our tour, we grabbed lunch and….dessert! I was dying for some REAL ice cream. I love frozen yogurt, but sometimes, only real ice cream will fit the bill. This was Nestle Tollhouse Cookie Dough! YUM!
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Irving got a frozen chocolate covered twinkie….yea. he did. Oh, and he wanted me to mention that it was also rolled in Oreos too.
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We wanted to get a few more miles in for the day, so we walked to the other side of town to the Bear Mountain Brewery. Irving tried the flight (4oz. each of their signature brews).
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I tried a sip of each, but enjoyed my Arnold Palmer!
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We sat for about an hour and chatted and enjoyed the scenery. We were across the street from the Alpine Slides. I’d love to try those one day!
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Then Irving declared that the “beers were half way done”. Which meant it was time for nachos.
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We split them, but they were mediocre at best. I think we make better nachos at home…

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Once full, we walked back to our room (we walked 11,000 steps yesterday, (which is a little over 5 miles.)

We watched Strictly Ballroom, and were in bed by 8:30. YES!!!! Feels good to get some solid sleep in. There is nothing like waking up at 6:30am refreshed and energized. And I get to sit on the porch again and breath in that fresh mountain air.

Today, we have a 7 mile nature walk planned, and then we’re heading back to LA. See ya later!

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PS. Yesterday was my mom’s birthday! Happy Birthday, mom! NTOTHAK!

 

Turn Left at the Mountains! June 4, 2011

Filed under: California — Kelocity @ 7:42 am
Tags: , , ,

We turned this weekend into a three-day getaway. I know, we never do anything fun, right? When we’re home for too long, we get antsy to travel, and two weeks at home is just about our limit. (haha I’m kidding. We bought this deal on living social months ago, and it was quite the bargain!) So up to the mountains we go!
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We left Los Angeles around 2:30p and headed towards Big Bear. After stopping at Costco real quick for some Mocha Freezes, we enjoyed the 2.5 hour drive. We just chatted away and enjoyed the views. This is why I love LA. You can get away from the hustle and bustle and throw yourself into nature on a quarter of a tank of gas.
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Our destination was Big Bear Lake! It’s definitely a ski village in the winter, but now that the snow is gone, it’s quiet, pretty, and a world away.
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We are staying at the Knickerbocker Mansion. It’s the perfect place if you’re looking for a ‘cabin in the woods’, but still close to town.
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Our room was in a little tree house looking building.
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The caretaker is a nice man from Germany, and he told us that our room was “the one with the fish”.
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Out of all the rooms! Fish are one of my biggest fears. I HATE fish. But the room was so cute, it didn’t even matter.
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It even had a rubber duckie. Shut Up! So adorable!
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After we checked in, we headed out for a walk in the village.
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And then we found Big Bear Lake! (You can’t really miss it).
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All the snow has melted and found its way into the lake.
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After walking for an hour or so, we made our way to a diner in town. Hit the spot. Simple soup and sandwiches, but they were delicious. Food always tastes better “on vacation”, doesn’t it?

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And when we got back to our inn, we saw there was chocolate cake and fresh baked cookies out! Don’t mind if we do!
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I had some white tea, and a cookie (Irving went for the cake!)
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And now I’m sitting in a rocking chair on the porch looking out at a blue sky dotted with green pine trees. I could get used to this.
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Today, we have plans to go ziplining in the mountains! We’ve never been, so we’re ridiculously excited!

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I’m still keeping up my 3 miles a day minimum! I’ve been wearing a pedometer and walking as much as I can! Yesterday we covered almost 7 miles! (I walked before work, and then we walked for a while in Big Bear)! It feels great!

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Check out my post about Iceland at AndHerLittleDogToo! She’s on her honeymoon in Greece and asked for some guest posts while she was away! Enjoy!

 

 
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