For a change from the usual, I ran walked a 5K Mud Run with a couple of friends next to Sacramento. Nice set of boot camp style obstacles. Ample opportunities of getting muddy from head to toes. Rolling in the mud has never been more fun.
Back to Santa Cruz for my 3rd participation after running it in 2009 and 2010 finishing in 1:43:03 and 1:30:55 respectively. Since I have not run any race for almost 2 years, I was not hoping to repeat the 2010 finish time but I thought I could get close to 2009’s though 1:45 would have been great.
The weather today was perfect, mid 50s, blue sky, barely any wind. My run went well as I ran the first half at an average of 7:55/mile, had a bit more trouble in the hilly section averaging 8:05/mile for 2 miles and finished strong once we were back on West Cliff Drive, as I was feeling very good, averaging 7:35/mile for the last 4 miles. I even beat my 2009 time finishing in 1:42:31!
As usual, the race was well organized. They even closed West Cliff almost all the way to the finish line this year that making that section easier to run through the back of the 10K runners pack and a lot safer. I sure look forward running this race many more times.
Beautiful and tasty, those spicy hamachi (yellow tail) shots are to die for.
We have very fond memories of our first visit to the Big Island of Hawaii so it did not require much convincing to plan another trip this year.
Since we had already visited the whole island last time, we decided to stay on the North coast this time since it offers the best weather and white sand beaches. We stayed at the at the Mauna Lani Hotel and Bungalows (pictured above).
Our room was nicely located at the end of the hallway and had a gorgeous view of the Ocean. The hotel has its own white sand beach with lots of cabanas available for everyone to enjoy. From there, you can see a picture perfect sunset every evening.
The resort is built on the ground of ancient traditional fish ponds where you can see plenty of fish and crabs.
There is also a pool where the hotel staff raises turtles that are released to the ocean every year. The turtles occasionally come back to the beach for everyone’s enjoyment.
A short walk away, there is another protected beach that is home to a lot of marine life. We snorkeled there for hours and still wished we could have done it longer.
The hotel also provides complimentary bicycles that we borrowed several times to go to the local market and to tour the resort.Â
Since we needed to include some cultural activity to our trip, we hiked to the petroglyph park nearby.
One day, we even ventured a bit further North and ended up at the beautiful and super crowded (on a Thursday!) Hapuna beach. This was a gorgeous day to boogie board so locals and tourists were there en masse.
Some nice food, great snow and a new puzzle for our growing collection!
Congratulations Love!
Nice chill long weekend in Big Sur. The Treebones resort is nice. We really liked the lodge and the grounds. We only wish Big Sur was warmer and less windy…Â 
The main attraction of the weekend was a visit to Safari West in Santa Rosa. Alicia and I liked it a lot and left us wanting for the real thing… One day soon!
Birthday weekend in Napa Valley.
We started Saturday with some excellent food at Bistro Jeanty in Yountville. Osso Bucco and Quenelles for appetizer followed by Steak Tartare, Coq au Vin, and Short Ribs. 
Followed with a visit of Castillo di Amorosa, a winery built like a medieval Italian castle with torture room and armory. The chairs were a bit uncomfortable but you get used to it after some time!
Spotted in Seattle
