Last trip.

Our last backpacking trip of the season. A short loop through some lakes. The Ansel Adams Wilderness is one of my favorite places in the world. The beauty and serenity—completely breathtaking.

The Sierra Mountains...'where cares drop like autumn leaves.'

Photos here!

Family time.

A much needed trip to Jerz to spend quality time with our families.

Photos here! (we didn't bring the camera so please excuse the lack of photos and poor photo quality)

Rolling Hills.

Rolling hills. That's what he told me this hike would be like. I have been really out of shape and knew I couldn't handle too much. But only having done one other trip earlier this summer, we had the itch to get into the back country. To revive ourselves.

We started in the Red Cones area going over Mammoth Pass near Horseshoe Lake. At only 9300', we barely realized that we were going over a pass. Winning!

We continued on in the blazing sun for the rest of the day. We climbed uphill most of the first 12 miles. Rolling hills my ass.

But I will say, it was all worth it to kick back and spend the night at Rosalie Lake...

The next morning was anticipated to be our toughest day. We were going to be route finding in the afternoon to connect two trails to form our own loop. Our first stretch was down hill to Shadow Lake and we were cruising. We made it the first 6 miles to Ediza Lake in no time.

All was awesome.

Oh, except that clouds were gathering and it appeared as though a storm was brewing. Now we can handle some water—we have gear for that. But what we cannot handle is lightening as we are about to enter the exposed section of our hike where we will be climbing on talus and route finding. Seriously, this is our luck right now.

What to do. What to do.

Eating a snack at the tip of Ediza Lake, we determined if we should move forward or not. We have a history of being in such situations where we have to risk going forward or turning around. Always take the risk. Not because I am that adventurous, but because I do not want to turn away from something I set out to accomplish. Sometimes we question if this thought process is unwise, and it probably is, but the second another hiker came along and started going up, we threw our packs on and followed a few minutes behind him. Safety in numbers. Though I suppose nothing can protect you from a storm.

We nearly jogged up to the next lake in order to race the clouds. We arrived at Iceberg Lake to begin our climb. The next climb. The point of no return. Once we step forward, it's onward and upward. No turning back.

It takes alot to challenge me, but nearly 10 minutes into the climb and I am pretty shaken. Physically, I am shaking from using my muscles so hard. Mentally, I am shaking because I am pretty scared. This is by far the most technical of all hikes I have ever done. You do not want to be uneasy on the side of a mountain with a lake below. Bouldering with 25 lbs on your back really throws off your balance. The grade was much steeper than climbing Whitney, plus there is no trail to follow.

Casey is gassed and stopping every 2 minutes to catch some breath and figure out how to maneuver the rocks for his next move. I am close behind him thinking wow, when did I get such a fear of heights? Is this even a fear of heights or fear for my life? When did I become such a baby? Oh, and what happened to the storm we were so worried about earlier. One new worry pushes the old one out.

I look up and the clouds look okay now. Though I note to not look up again—it makes me dizzy standing on the side of this mountain. 'Rolling hills' repeats in my mind but I am too shaken to even talk.

I am tired and determined to just get to the top, safely. And I am almost there.

And when Casey stops shooting photos and let's me move, I see it. Cecile Lake with Clyde rising above it in the backdrop. And in this moment, the beauty and feeling inside, make that gruesome climb all worth it.

We stop and filter and take in the serenity, but I know this is not over yet. I still have to climb down the backside. And climbing down is much more scary than climbing up. Thankfully, it is a shorter section. The whole way down we smell basil and I wish there was a slice of pizza for us at the end of this. Casey tries to chat but I have no attention. I am strictly focused on getting off this mountain in one piece. 

Eventually, we make it down and I am thankful. There is no slice of pizza waiting, so some crackers and almond butter will have to due. Nothing ever tastes so good as on the trail. You can eat grass and think it is the best thing ever. Though I have yet to try this.

The remaining days of the hike are amazing, but uneventful. They do however, consist more of rolling hills. Casey can somewhat redeem himself on that. 

More photos here!

It's worth the scraps and sweat, for the sweet soul surge that follows.

A three hour tour.

Our first backpacking trip of the season.

Catalina Island, Trans-Catalina Trail (TCT). It took 3 hours from door to trailhead to begin our adventure—our escape from the daily grind. 1 hour drive. 1.5 hour ferry ride. 30 minute safari bus. Not too shabby and just what was needed.

We sectioned the TCT back in 2010. This past weekend, we went back to finish it off. Two Harbors—Parsons Landing—Litte Harbor and back to the town of Avalon to relax at Descanso Beach before taking the ferry home.

The trail itself is nothing to write home about—many sections are fire road style and VERY steep. Both ways. The uphill is welcomed, but the downhill nearly killed us. Between our body weight and the extra weight on our backs, we couldn't even stand still without sliding—every muscle in our legs shaking from overuse.

While the elevation is not nearly as high as what we are used to on backpacking trips, the loss was the steepest downhill I've ever done. So much so, that I would seriously consider taking the easy road next trip. But enough bitching, it is all worth it to arrive at your own private beach...

We set out on West End Road to hike back along the coast. It was a much easier, more populated hike. There were a ton of coves and we cherished the overcast skies after the heat from the previous day. We even passed an amazing boyscout camp that made me wish I was a little boy—or a camp counselor.

We spent the next night at Little Harbor Campsite. It was pretty crowded but still so beautiful.

The next morning while we were frolicking around shooting photos and swimming, our safari bus back to town came and went. We saw it pulling off down the road as we arrived back to our site to pack up to catch that 11am bus, that actually didn't exist. As Casey pulled out our tickets, they read 10am. DAMN. If you want something done right...

But I didn't even give him a hard time. We just laughed. Now what? Not a bad place to be stranded, but we're also out of food. There was one other bus that day that was already filled. Luckily, we made a friend that lives at Two Harbors that we exchanged numbers with to hang out in the future. We quickly called in a favor to our new buddy and he came and saved the day. 

Thanks Drew!

Back at Descanso Beach, we earned the famous Buffalo Milk followed by the best lobster tacos, Fidel style, at the Lobster Trap. My mouth is still watering.

Until we meet again...buh-bye Catalina.

MORE PHOTOS HERE!

We're still alive...

We've just been occupied.
Some pics from May's Road Trip.

Winter Blues.

It has been a "tough" winter here in San Diego. There was a week when it was in the 50s for what felt like eternity. I never thought I would complain being from the east coast and all, but I find myself fitting right in and bitching when it drops below 65. This video about sums it up. (get a grip SoCal!! But seriously, it was COLD)

The local San Diego mountains even got snow above 4,500' so we took advantage and went snowshoeing at Mount Laguna. (photos) The visibility was poor at times and Casey was getting nervous we would lose our way. I had to calm him down and let him know that we can always backtrack in our prints. Duh! That is what I have done in the past on a solo mission in Mammoth when I wandered off trail...smart?, not in the least...but hey, I AM blonde AND I also have poor sense of direction (though I hate to admit that). It is getting better with age or if I actually pay attention, but sometimes there is just too much going on for that. Regardless, I always find my way.

It warmed up enough for a sunset sesh (photos) for Valentine's Day followed by some lobster tacos! 

Last week, we decided to escape life for a bit and hit up La Quinta Resort and Spa. It is enormous yet completely relaxing. There are 40+ pools, citrus trees galore and hammocks (my favorite!). Exactly what we needed for some mid-winter warmth. (photos)

Our East Coast Christmas.

It was quite the whirlwind as our trips usually are. Even with taking two weeks for this trip, we still didn't get to see everyone we wanted to spend time with :( Such is life.

After a day or two of some serious jet lag, we headed into the city with the Rubano's to check out Eataly. If you haven't been, and are a lover of Italian food and drink, you need to go! You can cruise the market and stop and have snacks and vino at each bar to whet the appetite. When we ended the day with nutella gelato I was taken back to the cobblestone streets of Firenze. YUM! The best I have had since our trip to Italia 2 years ago.

Prosciutto di San Daniele

Rubano's

It is seriously amazing and I am not even a "foodie" as much as Casey is...maybe I should have him blog about this?! Nah, then we would be waiting until June and I know people want photos!

But of course, your typical tourist photo in front of the tree....because yes, we are now tourists and I truly felt like one this trip. Maybe that's just what happens when you are gone too long.

Tourists.

I got to spend a full day of long overdue quality time with one of my best friends, Mindi. We talk constantly, but nothing compares to the energy of being together face to face and having deep conversations...the type that leave you completely refreshed and are so necessary from time to time. Love her to death!

good times!

Us San Diego beer snobs were stoked when we discovered that Maloney's happened to have Pizza Port's Santa's Little Helper on draft. What a nice surprise! They also had a really decent selection for a small NJ pub, including some of the NJ brews we tried.

And of course, nothing compares to family time! My wonderful mother-in-law hosted the 2nd annual Christmas for the Rubano/DiBello crew. We are so blessed to have such tight families :)

Merry Christmas!

My last day on Dakota Ave...playtime with my godson, Nicholas, and his little sis, Ella, who are both getting way too big! And hanging with the prezpadlo's just like old times...well, sort of...Joey is now 21 and we are, well, 21 also :)

Casey got to spend time at the Bouncing Souls Show with his BFF's Richie and Eric... after eating this sandwich! WHOA! (that's prosciutto, fresh mozz, fried eggplant, balsamic and roasted red pep....and a rice ball...his favorite!)

I wish I took my camera with me everywhere we went...there are so many memories and good people I forgot to capture...but I guess that's what being in the moment is all about. This trip was long overdue and gave me the Jersey fix that I was looking for.

We are still stuffed and recovering from all of the eating and drinking! Green juice is what the doctor ordered ;)

Happy new year!

Thank you all for an excellent visit!!

More photos here!