good-times-rollin

Monday, February 8, 2016

Blogging Buddies!

Tucson/Lazydays KOA
Tucson, AZ
February 4 and 6, 2016

A move to Tucson means doctor appointments, bus maintenance, big box stores to replenish the pantry, and any DIY projects on the list. Also, I was excited to read that not one, but TWO, fellow bloggers would be in Tucson and both of them at Lazydays KOA. Pam and I have been blogging friends for about 3 years. In fact, it was Pam and John's (ohtheplacestheygo.wordpress.com) blog that inspired Joe and I to hit the trails on foot. Thanks you two ! MonaLisa (lowestravels.com) and I have also been friends for about 3 years. I really enjoy her beautiful photography...especially the bird photos.

What a treat and great time we have had visiting. Our first meeting was on Thursday at Dragoon Brewing Co. (dragoonbrewing.com) for a beer in the taproom. Fun food was provided by a food truck. We had pulled chicken + beef sliders on pretzel buns from the truck accompanied by craft beers selected from the breweries wide offering.

Pam brought the birthday cake as a little birthday surprise for ML.

L to R: Pam, MonaLisa and me

Joe, ML and Steve

We met again on Saturday at Casa Vincente
(casavicente.com) a "lively Spanish go-to for sangria & tapas" .

How nice to finally experience voices and laughter to go with faces I have seen on a daily basis for years. What a hoot ! Steve and ML pulled out on Sunday morning. (Safe travels and looking forward to seeing your adventures). John and Pam will be here for a few more weeks. Joe and I are looking forward to some hiking with them and maybe even some bike rides before they leave. We all have reservations to be in Moab, UT at the same time this spring....wahoo!

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

OOPS! I Almost Forgot Hollenbeck Canyon Trail

San Diego Metro KOA
Chula Vista, CA
January 29, 2016

Our last hike in San Diego was the Hollenbeck Canyon Trail just off Honey Springs Road in Jamul, CA. It is about a 21 mile drive from the KOA.

This is a popular biking trail as well so there are lots of choices on trails to take and miles to hike. We first did this hike last year and somehow missed a turn that would have taken us on a loop, actually a lollipop loop. This year we were determined, well hoped, we would get it right. And we did!

The trail we hiked was just under 5 miles. It felt good to lace up the hiking boots again.

The first portion of the trail is an open meadow.

Next comes my favorite...a trail shaded by gigantic oak trees and lined with luscious green grass. Both these sections make up what I refer to as the stick on the lollipop. Nice since you get to do that part twice!

It's too early for alot of color...just hints of whites and yellows with a dash of purple every now and then.

The grass was cool to the touch, smelled so fresh, and fun to watch dancing in the breeze.

On our way out, we had time to play. It's been a long while since I have climbed a tree...

The loop is not shady at all. Southern girls "mist" rather than perspire...but not this day! A full blown sweat! We climbed and used some muscles that needed a good workout.