Pits, Peaks and Points – California Edition!

 

Saylor

Pits: Almost drowning to death from so much powder at Palisades Ski Resort

Peaks: Seeing Family

Points: consume as much avocado as possible

 

Andy

Pits: Sap covered rental car and lost luggage, missing skiing both sides of Heavenly

Peaks: Top 5 day lifetime skiing Heavenly Pow!!, watching the blizzards roll through Tahoe, Crystal Pier Hotel SD, time with family and friends, Not being derailed by crazy CA weather, stuck car in the snow and the team effort to dig it out

Points: Book the crystal pier 11 months out, go slower with the burrito consumption even though they are amazing, SD too easy not to go again soon

 

Cindy

Pits: 7 ½ hour car ride to condo in Nevada

Peaks: Time in sun, walking the Strand and being with the whole family. Loved Crystal Pier Hotel

Points: Stay at Crystal Pier Hotel – so beautiful and relaxing. Book 11 months in advance. Get cottage facing San Diego - more sun! 

 

Hudson – Still thinking about it because there were too many great things!

Pits:

Peaks:

Points:

 

Carson City NV to Reno to Seattle!

 

February 26, 2023

 

Art and Linda’s car was buried. The teens came through and were out first thing to dig it out! Everybody together to say our goodbyes before getting on our way. Sad to see them leave and looking forward to being with them again. So lucky to have such a warm, fun and loving family!

We headed out next. 11 hours to kill before our flight out of Reno at 9:45 tonight. We checked out the history museum in Carson City. Lots about mining and minting. Costco was another stop cause we had time and it is always fun to see what different states carry. Lunch was at an obscure diner like stop called Reds. Big portions with frontier days wagons and equipment hanging from the ceiling and mounted animal heads on the wall. Finally a salad that might fill Hudson up!

We stopped in the Cal Ranch to explore the aisles of Carhart gear, cowboy hats, guns and of course live baby chicks.

Going with the hodge podge day approach we found a local hot springs for some dip in the thermal pools. Very soothing on the tight skiers muscles and fun to do in the snow and cold. A few hours to go and fit in dinner at In-N-Out Burger …animal style and a steak for me! Throughout the day we continually worried our flight would be cancelled due to the wind and snow. Hudson had a friend that happened to be in town at the same time and had been trying to get out for the past 2 days. Fortunately everything was fine with our flight, the truck started and we were home and in bed by 1am. Tomorrow is going to a bit rough!

 

Super fun trip and so glad we were able to do it.  Especially with Saylor starting college in the fall we don’t know when we will be able to travel all together.  Lots of new places and ones we can’t wait to go back to!

 

 

 

Heavenly – Reno Side

 

February 25, 2023

 

Everyone in the parking lot early to meet and hit the sloops. Lots of snow overnight so getting the cars out took some doing. One actually got stuck pretty well and it was a team effort to get it moving. Definitely a great time to have strong teenagers around. With the weather the lifts were again on hold and just a portion of the mountain was open. Conditions were thicker than expected with poor visibility. It was an easy to take a longer lunch kind of day. Great to have everyone out on the hill and we mostly closed the place down.

Some Apres ski back at the condo with wine and heavy eyelids before heading into town.

For dinner and some fun we all went into Reno for a big family dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. The kids enjoyed the vintage rock n’ roll costumes and instruments on display and knew most of the artists. Even though many of them were relevant 30years before any of them were born. The kids were dropped in the arcade with $10 each from Art. The intent was for them to help him to dig out his car the next morning. We’ll have to see if they honor their side of the bargain. Art toured us through the Casinos and swanky restaurants before we collected the kids and headed back to the condo.

 

 

 

Stateline NV – Heavenly Ski Resort Area

 

February 24, 2023

 

Andy and Hudson were at it early for skiing. Art came down and took the boys to Heavenly to get them some buddy passes. Thanks Art! They skied the day and then some. Close to 30runs of fresh powder made for a top 5 day ever. Saylor and I had a nice day of hanging out. Katie, Erik, Canyon and Crew made it up! We finally got to taste the famous Katie cookies which are CCC with oatmeal. Yummy!. Linda indicates they are healthy, although something that tasty typically isn’t! The boys made a jump behind the condos for some evening entertainment and hiked up a bit for some extra turns and fresh tracks. Fun to see them do their stuff because I usually don’t.  The ladies pulled together a very nice Apres ski munch platter with cheese, salami, crackers and fruit. That plus some wine got us through to pasta dinner. We managed to fit in some games and more drink before bed. A super fun night and its great to all be together in the snow.

 

Auburn CA to Stateline NV

 

February 23, 2023

 

Everybody slept great although a bit shorter than what teenagers like. Andy and the kids left around 6:30 am to make their way to Squaw (now Palisades) for a day of skiing and hopefully fresh tracks. The snow has been dumping and conditions are looking excellent. The drive was slow with roads covered in snow and near whiteout conditions. On the slope by 9:30 and in a holding pattern for an hour while they waited for Avalanche control. Some local kids helped provide entertainment by building a jump and sending some big airs for everyone in line. Eventually the mountain opened with super deep snow. A bit deeper than what Saylor enjoys and a frightening moment of feeling like she was drowning had here heading for the lodge early. There was a World Cup event being held so there was stuff going on off the hill and she was able to negotiate a refund on the $173 ticket. Hudson and Andy had a great day on the hill skiing in the deep snow. The drive to meetup at Heavenly was again sketchy but the roads stayed open and they slowly made their way around the north end of lake Tahoe.   

I went up with Art and Linda. The drive is usually less then three hours but with all the snow the roads were pretty bad.  There were a number of accidents so we couldn’t even move for an hour. Between the slow going, can’t see, and passenger shrieking it was a full 7 ½ hours later till we made it to the condos! The car wouldn’t make it up the last 75 feet to the reception office which was pretty funny after making that long of a drive.

We had a total of three condos. The family was kind to give us the one closest to the parking lot. We were able to stand on the deck and waive Andy and the kids in so they knew where to go. 

 

Glad to all safely be here, the six of us are ready for some dinner. The family’s favorite is a BBQ spot called the Fox and Hound. They’ve all been here before and have favorite way of annunciating it as “Fox and the Hooounndd”. We are all in! The family platter sampler comes out on a cutting board the size of an XL pizza tray. Smoked St. Louis style ribs, pulled pork, tri tip, and chicken plus sides is plenty for the 6 of us. We of course order a salad and wings because why not. WE did really well, but there are still leftovers. Back to the condo we are bummed to hear the rest of the family can’t make it due to the snow and roads being closed. Fingers crossed they make it tomorrow.

 

 

Pacific Beach to Sacramento CA

 

February 22, 2023

 

The weather really picked up and we could hear heavy waves crashing all about. Sunrise came and we were able to see just how big the waves were rolling through. Fun to have a front row seat to see the ocean in its angry state! Flight was at 10:00 so on our way at 8:00 and grabbed wonderful breakfast sandwiches at Eggies! $9 a piece but containing real deal bacon and an immense sausage patty. Like the size and thickness of a burger. So good and would for sure recommend! 

Dropped our sad, sappy rental car off and easily made our flight to Sacramento. Flight was on time. Andy took the shuttle to get the rental car while kids and I got the skis. No problem with the skis, but big problem with the car.  NO CAR! Thrifty overbooked and had no cars for anyone.  The place was packed. Andy shuttled back over and helped us with all the luggage and skis. Back to the rental place to come up with a plan. Still, they have no idea when someone will return a car, so we wait. An hour into it plan B is created. We order a Lyft and make a reservation for a rental with Hertz offsite.  After Andy comes up with a way to fit everything in the Lyft, including us, he asks…where is the other black bag? Silence. We ran back over to where we were waiting, and nothing. Some quick deduction and our best guess was it got left on a shuttle bus. About that time the shuttle bus supervisor guy/finder of lost bags guy just happens to pull up behind our Uber. After a quick chat and radio call our bag has been found. Turns out this happens mor often than you might think.  Our Uber guy winds up being the nicest most patient guy ever. A Mercedes driving, Air Force retiree from North Carolina happy to talk about pit smoke whole hog BBQ while we got our shit show act straightened out. We were going to tip him big anyway but his “Beats sitting on the couch” comment clinched it. Have to do better in the moment of appreciating folks like this!!

The new rental car is a 10, beautiful top of the line 4wd 4runner which is going to be needed with the snow and weather. The Hertz rental agent was a 10 and so much better than what was happening at the airport. Probably easier to be nice when you have cars and can fulfill rental commitments! Off to our commercial property on Stockton Blvd for meetings with the contractor, Civil Engineer, roofer and tenants. Lots to get accomplished on a 1960 property with too much deferred maintenance. Everything went about as expected. We just keep working the plan to get everything addressed.

The kids were transferred to my cousin Art’s so that we could meet up with adult friends. He was kind enough to wait a bit longer as the rental car fiasco delayed our timeline. Their off to dinner with more family and we are off to meet up with Cindy’s best friend from 6^th grade and her husband. They picked this great French restaurant in Auburn, Josephine’s.  These are the best kind of friends. The type that makes sure your cocktail order is placed and delivered for when you arrive. 😊 A wonderful dinner with amazing friends! 4 hours breezed by like minutes and we can’t wait to get the next get together on the Calendar. A short ride to Art and Linda’s house to reunite with the kids, a drink and bed.  

 

February 21^st, 2023

For breakfast we consumed the second half of our burritos and jumped in the car. Our first stop were the La Jolla caves. The local polar bear club was out with members swimming in the 50F water with no wet suits. There were lots of sea lions about and we spent some time watching them laze on the rocks, get into fights with one another and play in the waves. They are so nimble and effortless in the water. It was especially fun to watch them surf in and get up on the rocks.

One of the schools Say did apply to was UCSD so we did a drive through. It is massive and we drove around for a good 30minutes! Seems like it would be so hard to navigate between classes although we saw plenty of kids zipping around on scooters.  Saylor described the architecture as post Microsoft communist. Lots of big grey concrete buildings. The library was of a very unique design and nice to look at. Given the weather and proximity to the beach it would be an easy place to go to school.

Navigating on google maps we noticed Tory Pines Glider Port was nearby. This turned out to be a spot where the hang gliders launch from. Unfortunately, the wind wasn't the best, so we were only able to watch a guy fly his glider along the ground as opposed to launch off the cliff. Would be fun to come back on a great day with throngs of hang gliders in the air.

We had to stop at Blue Ocean in La Jolla for cute bao buns. More than the standard bbq pork bun these are decorated to look like farm animals. Extra dough and coloring is used to create shapes resembling chickens, pigs, etc… They were cuter than they tasted and the view was beautiful, but I would pass.  There was a lobster place that caught my eye that will be a save for next time.

Back through La Jolla we drove by a number of exotic car dealerships. Hudson loves the cars but had to be strong armed into walking by for some window shopping. I went with him and convinced him to walk in and quickly proceeded to throw  him under the bus by saying to the salesman, "my son wants to see the cars and I couldn't stop him from coming in.” A comment Hudson didn’t appreciate but he was a good sport. The salesman was very accommodating but didn’t give a second of his time beyond being polite. I don’t know how he could tell we weren’t serious buyers? Besides Andy parked the sap mobile around the corner.

Back to our place to relax and take in a beautiful sunset! Tried the local ramen place for dinner.  It was good. Had Handles Ice Cream on the walk back to our place. Great ice cream with over 100 flavors. There is a big storm coming  so they flipped tables on our deck over and secured the chairs.

 

 

 

Pacific Beach, CA

 

February 20^th, 2023

 

Hudson was up early again for a morning run along the beach. He keeps talking about how fun it would be to live down here. Literally 50 steps from our place was a great place for breakfast burritos, Kono's Cafe. Cindy was kind enough to wait in line as it went from nobody at 7am to everybody and there brother by 8am. They have outdoor seating across the strand that’s a bit hidden, but you are right on the water with an amazing view. We wound up eating in our place with the same view and the added casualness of not having to get out of jammies.

The intent for the day was low key. The kids and Andy spent some time in the water catching waves and managed some fun rides. It was nice to just chill, walk the Strand and relax on the beach and shop.  Andy dug a chair into the sand so we had great little beach chairs to watch the kids surf. The benefits of be married to an engineer. There are other elements of the relationship better saved for therapy 😊 Hudson had such great reviews of Dave's he ventured out for round II for all of us. One level of spice lower and still plenty hot. We spent the afternoon catching naps on the porch looking over the ocean until the sunset. A fun all around day and we are grateful for the continuing nice weather.  

 

 

 

 

Hermosa Beach to Huntington Beach to Pacific Beach

 February 19th, 2023

 Next morning, we walked the Strand again and made it to Good Stuff for a table outside and a view of the ocean for breakfast.  I love how you can walk along and have the ocean on one side of you and multimillion dollar homes on the other while watching beach volleyball all while being in the sun.  Such an inviting way to live if you can afford it. Off to Huntington Beach!

HB was more developed with shops and a substantially nicer than Venice. It missed the neighborhood feel of Hermosa. Early for lunch we walked the shops, pier and arts market. Lots of action to watch here with great shops, a surf competition and cute restaurants.  We met up with our cousin Lori, her husband Don, daughter, son in-law and grandkids. Everyone was really nice, fun and great to meet more of the family.  A big lunch at one of their favorite sushi places (sushi on fire). My family thrilled of course and me ordering the mediocre teriyaki! 

Out of the sun and into greying skies we continued our trip south. This part of CA has been having unusual weather of rain and huge surf. Hope things stay sunny! Checking into our place Crystal Pier Hotel in Pacific Beach.  So cute! It is a series of little 50’s beach cottages built out over the water on a pier. The waves literally pass under you and many of the rooms are out amongst the surfers. Highly recommended, not overly expensive and a place we will return to again. After some relaxation time we walked to Oltre Mare for dinner. So many places that are in walking distance make for a park the car and forget about it experience. The owners are from Italy and offer a shortened menu. That said everything we ordered was fantastic.  You can bring your own wine and no corkage fee. If you forget a bottle don’t worry the local quickie market has a great selection. Bonus! For desert we walked over to Pacific Beach Ice Cream where they had most of the standards and some new for us options. The mint chip with real mint was fun for a taste but didn’t make the cut over chocolate. Hudson wanted to do some exploring on his own and hit up Dave's Chicken. Unafraid of some heat he ordered one level below “Grim Reaper”. Despite the temporarily blurred vision he’s excited to go back for more.  

 

 

 

Seattle to Los Angeles, CA

 February 17^th and 18^th,  2023

 Arrived at 9:00 pm and of course no skis. Supposed to be delivered tomorrow, guess we will see. Rob circled until we were sorted out with the baggage and took us for a quick taco before heading to his house in Hermosa Beach.

Hudson was up early and went for a run on The Strand. He grabbed a coffee on the way back and was quickly assimilating into a so So Cal vibe. Up and on their way before everyone else Andy and Rob hit up Good Stuff for breakfast and the best hash browns ever. Kids and I made our way along The Strand and had a nice breakfast at Martha's which had a cute little view. All of these places are institutions that have been around forever. As we were putting our name on the list, Saylor's friend's dad from Seattle was doing the same thing.  What a small world!

 

Andy went and picked up the rental car which entailed an hour of waiting, they gave him pretty much the worst rental car ever. 60,000 miles, dirty, covered in tree sap and a mini van. Could it be worse? We made our way to the charming Venice Canals. Seems a world away from LA.

Very peaceful with folks strolling and lots of fun homes to look at. Definitely some ideas for upgrading our hot tub area.  From there a short walk over to Venice Beach to see all the crazy and interesting people. Turns out that was back in the 90’s. Nowadays it more tourists like us and relatively tame. Thankfully we missed the homeless period. We thought muscle beach was going to be a highlight but gone were the all the huge dudes on steroids! Still there was a good deal of activity on the strand and it was fun to see all the handball courts, basketball courts, disco roller skating and an amazing skate park.

From there we hit Rodeo Drive. Fun to roll past the high end stores with all the luxury brands. We followed a Ferrari in and I am sure the woman was on the her phone complaining about the sap covered car and how the neighborhood was no longer what it once was. Continuing on through the ritzy neighborhoods we ogled the amazing houses and palm tree lined streets. We had fun Zillow stalking house values and compare them to our guesses. We were way low!

Checking off another star on the LA tour we did a quick ride onto Sunset Blvd. The kids where somewhat unimpressed by the Whiskey, Viper and Roxy room during the day. That was until they looked up all the famous acts that have played there over the years. Inadvertently we drove through Bel Air thinking of the Fresh Prince on the way to UCLA for an impromptu tour from the car. This was on Says list of potential schools and she ultimately decided not to apply. Although a number of her friends will be going.

Off to grab our skis but first a stop for frozen custard! Why because its always a good time for 800 calories in a cup.

The day whirled by and by the time we arrived back in Hermosa the sun was setting. We headed right  off to dinner with Rob, Suzie and Anna. Down to the strand we walked North to Manhattan Beach. The Californians complaining about how cold it was and us Washingtonians happy that it wasn’t raining and we were warm enough in shorts and a sweatshirt. The Kettle for dinner was a total throw back to the 70’s with comfort food and vinyl furniture. The day wrapped up with a fun round of Mexican Train and Hudson laughing uncontrollably at Robs silliness!

February 14th, 2023

Seattle - Valentine's Day

A fun Valentine's Day dinner before we head out to California. It has become the tradition to have a fun dinner and a chocolate buffet for dessert! This year we had dumplings! 

💗💗💗💗