Day 3

So it is sort of late and I will make it quick, even though we did a lot. We went to the original McDonalds location, Leo raced at Mount SAC Relays, and we ate in the Cali food chain In and Out. Tomorrow will be another jammed pack day and I hope to get you up to date with more. But I am sleepy so good night.

Ok Now I have time to edit this guy. Just woke up and having breakfast before I head out on my run. No one else is up. Just me and my laptop.

Yesterday was a jammed packed day, kind of. We started the day off with a trip to the local Wal-mart to get some stuff for Michelle. The only noticeable difference between the Wal-mart here and Wal-mart Long Island style is the cleanliness. I felt like eating my lunch off the floor it was so shiney clean.

After Wal-mart we headed over to the Original McDonalds site were there is now a museum set up. The building has a bit of history which I have in a fact sheet I was given, and might share with you in a later blog. It was cool to see all the Happy Meal toys and other things that brought back fond memories of my child hood. I can tell you that when McDonalds first opened they sold burgers for 15 cents and fries for 10, that was in 1948. I ended the trip with a photo with Ronald and then we headed back.

I went for my run at noon with Michelle as Leo prepared for her race. It was a bit warm, and there is very little tree coverage in the trails that we ran it. But they were nice and hilly and that made for some extreme pain.

Once done with the run we got ready to head to Leo's race. The whole reason that we are out in Cali. It is called the Mount SAC Relays and it can be followed online. However her race is done with and can be viewed by going to this link. LEO'S RACE She starts out towards the back and works her way up nicely to finish top 10 overall.

Just for you non track buffs, this meet is a Big Deal. It is like the Daytona 500 of track. It is the first major race of the year. This is where some of the big guns start to state their intentions for the track season.

Once Leo was done with her race and her cool down we headed out of the Stadium because the temperature dropped quickly. We then headed to In-N-Out. A Cali hamburger chain that started the same year as McD's. However this one didn't erupt all over the world. The menu at In-N-Out consists of 3 different burgers, Fries and Drinks thats it. So the decisions are rather easy. You also have the option of 3 combo meals. Another tough decision. Anyway I ordered the greasiest thing on the menu so I get the true dining out experience. 

All in all today was a jammed filled day and I enjoyed all the sites that I saw. Now on Friday we are traveling to the beach for some fun in the sun. But first I need to get my run done.

Day 2 in Cali

Day 2 started pretty early. 7 am wake up and breakfast to get out the door by 8 am. The mountain is about an hours drive from Loma Linda. We first were going to go to Big Bear Lake, which is 9,000 feet above sea level, but later opted under the advice from Michelle we go to Lake Arrowhead. Lake Arrowhead is closer, 45 minute drive and only at 6,000 ft elevation. I was a little disappointed, but in the end it was more worth it.

When we got to elevation myself and Michelle went for a 45 minute run along a trail by the lake. Leo went for a walk and took the wonderful video above. After the run we hit up the little village that is Arrowhead Lake. We got a Hot Chocolate in a cafe and browsed the shops. 

There are some factors that I probably should clue you in on. Loma Linda was in the 70's when we woke up. Arrowhead Lake was in the 30's. When we first arrived in Arrowhead Lake there was a fresh coating of snow and ice on the roads. It was quit the experience to drive 45 minutes and end up in what was a completely different climate. Also for some of you that might not know this running at altitude or high elevation is a beneficial thing to do if done over a long period of time. The air is thinner and less oxygen rich so the body adjusts to that by making more red blood cells etc etc I wont bore you with the medical factors.

We headed back down the mountain around noon to get Michelle back in time for her work at 2. Leo and I made some lunch then we relaxed and enjoyed the warmer climate for a few hours. Then Leo went for a run and I joined her for another 30 minutes of activity. It was really nice and weird at the same time. In the morning I was covered head to toe and in the evening I was in shorts and a tank. What a day.

Now Leo and I are off to make some dinner, apricot chicken with rice and steamed veggies. Check back tomorrow!

Travel and Day 1

I wont bore you with the details of the flight and stuff. Other than we had this really annoying guy sitting near us and a newlywed couple. In which he proceeded to tell every marriage joke there has ever been.

"Have you heard of the three rings of Marriage?"

"No" the Newlyweds reply

"You have the engagement RING, the wedding Ring and then you have the suffeRING!"

I do admit it was kind of funny, but he wouldnt shut up with the damn jokes.

"I married Mrs. Right, I just didnt realize that her first name was Always."

The video above is what Leo and I did to kill some time on the plane.

Moving on to day one. We are staying with Leo's friend Michelle. Whom Leo knows from New Zealand. To start the day Leo and I had some breakfast lounged around for a bit and then we went for our runs. After that we got ready and went off to the Mall. No shopping spree but something to help get the feel for the locals.

On the way to the Mall we hit so much road work and traffic that is was annoying and frustrating. When we got to the Mall it was empty and that was nice. We walked the mall going from shop to shop and they have all the same stuff that a Long Island mall has. Some of the stuff has different names, but they are all in the same concept. 

After the mall we went food shopping and picked up what Leo and I are cooking for dinner which will be some shepard's pie like meal.

Also for those that are interested we are staying in Loma Linda, CA. It is very much a University town. The University is a medical graduate program that has many different aspects to the healthcare system. Leo's friend Michelle is currently doing study and research in her field of physical therapy. Needless to say she is very busy.

Ok well I am off to make some dinner with Leo. Check back everyday for an update on our trip!