Monday, May 28, 2012

Hiking Baden-Powell

Well, it's Monday of Memorial Day weekend - so I want to start by saying a huge THANK YOU! to all those who have served, are serving, and to those that will serve our armed forces in the future. :) 
Originally, Curt and I were going to go camping up at Mammoth this weekend - one of our most favorite places in all of California. Unfortunately, the rain and chance of snow Friday and Saturday deterred us a bit - as I didn't really feel like tent camping in freezing, wet weather. Been there, done that, and it wasn't pretty. That said, we cancelled our reservations (losing our $30 deposit - rats!!), and made other plans for the weekend - namely, hiking Baden-Powell in the San Gabrielle Mts. We can see Baden-Powell from where we live - it's pretty big standing at around 9,500 feet. We had gorgeous weather, and it was a beautiful 8 mile climb (you'd barely know the high desert was right out the backdoor as soon as you drive up into the San Gabrielle foot hills). Here's some pics from our weekend adventure:
At the trailhead with Ella - praying she walks! (her leash skills are still a major work in progress)
Success! Ella blazing a trail with Curt
A view of the Mojave Desert as we hiked up
Getting closer to the top - thank goodness, as Ella had long since decided being carried beat walking by a mile. I agreed with Ella of course, as did most hikers we encountered on the trail - who wouldn't want to be carried when they got tired for a mile or two?! :)
Another shot of the desert below - you could see for miles 
Curt and Ella by the 1,500 year old tree. It was seriously amazing.
At the top! We had a 360 degree view - from the desert, to the rest of the San Gabrielle's, to Upland.
Ella relaxing on the Boy Scout monument/plaque at the top. Needless to say, she started the descent being carried.
Overall, we rated the day an A, and Ella's hiking skills a B-. :) She walked two up, and two down - and was carried the other 4... not too bad for a 7 pound, 8 month old puppy. She just might turn into a champion hiker/walker yet! (fingers crossed)

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Kelli's Visit & OC 1/2 Marathon

Well, it's been a little longer than I wanted to post some pics of Curt's sister Kelli's visit down to So Cal. I can't seem to stay caught up with this blog and our happenings in a timely manner! We had the BEST time when Kelli came down a couple weeks ago to see us and run the OC half marathon with her big brother. :) They ran awesome! (Ella and I served as cheerleaders). We also had a great time just relaxing and spending time together - whether in the car, overlooking the beach, sitting outside at a cafe, doing a little shopping, or eating takeout at home. Curt and I have got to get better at taking pictures - but here are a few to document our fun weekend with Kelli. :)

Curt nearing the finish line!
Curt's time for 13.1 miles... He got his goal- breaking 1:20! (reminder - I ran my half marathon in 2:15 last Oct., and I felt like I was going fast! haha...)
Curt and Kelli showing off their medals after the big race - Kelli did AMAZING too - and ran 13.1 in 1:50!
We ate lunch at this delicious Mediterranean/Italian restaurant in Manhattan Beach - it was glorious just sitting outside soaking up the beautiful weather.
We wandered down to the beach to sit and enjoy some ocean views before having to take Kel back to the airport :( Ella seemed to enjoy the sea breezes - and def the meet and greets with other dogs!