Bridge to Nowhere

Last year on Cesar Chavez day, my friend Emyly and I drove up to the East Fork River in Azusa to partake on the infamous "Bridge to Nowhere" hike. I remember it being a nice and sunny day. Unfortunately, to our surprise, the river was much too high and the current much to strong. In fact, that day we witnessed the almost drowning of one girl and someone actually ended up drowning and being dragged by the current. Needless to say, we didn't do the hike. 

About a month later I did finish the hike with my hubby and cousin, but not with my friend Em. So this year we decided to finish what we started. And gladly WE DID IT! 

It was nothing compared to last year. The river although still wild, rose only to my knees and the breezy weather sure kept us cool. Although a very long 10 mile trek to and from the bridge, it was an awesome hike in which we proved to ourselves that we could do it! We're strong and determined :)

Saturday

I woke up today at around 7a.m. I wanted to stay in, but the sun rays were pouring through my window and I remembered we had planned a hike to Solstice Canyon today. So I got up and woke the hubby up. We got the pups and headed out. 

We got to the canyon at around 9a.m. and the lot was already full, but luckily there was a family of 3 cars leaving. SCORE! Ha! 

We headed up the "Sunrise Trail" because I knew it would get hot early on and did not want to be facing the sun on our way back. It was the best decision ever. It was somewhere in the high 60's but sunny.  We hadn't gone hiking in a while, so I was afraid my shins would start acting out. I felt a little discomfort at first because we started pretty steep, but got through it and was able to continue without a glitch. 

The pups were the cutest. I am truly shocked at how Precious, my shih-tsu did. She was a trooper. Leo on the other hand got moody toward the end. It was quite funny. 

The hike was nice, relaxing, peaceful, and a great workout. I'm excited to rediscover our love for hiking. Once we reached the bottom of the trail we found ourselves at the old ranch. I remembered the statue of the Virgin Mary was around here, but the trail leading to it was completely covered. Luckily, we found it. I think a lot of people had no idea it was there. 

We sat in the shade just relaxing for a good 15 minutes. It was true peacefulness. Then we headed out for about a mile. All in all, it was a great hike. A beautiful day in LA.

After the hike, we headed out and stopped by the beach. It was an amazingly beautiful and warm day out. The view as always took my breath away. 

Later on that evening we decided to splurge and go out to eat. We went to CPK. We got our usual, a hawaiian pizza with canadian bacon, a caesar salad with grilled chicken, and a dessert. This time we opted to get the white corn guacamole and OMG it was to die for delicious! I want some now! For dessert we got the tiramisu. Again, superb. 

All in all, we had a good day and night. I know that lately life has been tough on us, but I have faith that in the end things will work out. I know that my Angel is looking out for her mama and papa and we're not gonna let her down. I'll take these good days any time. 

Weekly Weigh-In

As I said earlier, it was a busy week. Not only did I have work, but I also had my own schooling. As I suspected, I didn't make it into the ASL Class, but that's okay... I'll practice at home via YouTube. I didn't really get a chance to work-out, but I did force myself to park as far as possible. Every step counts. Hehehe. Any who, after a long and grueling week the results are in:

Starting Weight: 176.8 Current Weight: 174.6 Loss/Gain: -2.2 Honestly, I have no idea how I was able to pull it off... I really thought that for sure I'd gained... I guess eating better totally makes a difference. =) BTW, today ended up being a pretty cool day so the sis and I took the niece on a nice hike up to Griffith Park. While on the hike, I realized I totally missed hiking.... I'm glad it's finally cooling down a bit.... I missed fall :) Goal for next week: 172.6

Circle X-Ranch-The Grotto

We hadn't gone on a decent hike in a couple months. With work being well, WORK... it's been very hard. However, we got in the car and took a nice little hike today. We drove past the Ventura county line and headed up to Circle X Ranch-The Grotto. Let me tell you... normally, I would say it was an easy hike, but it wasn't. The sun stared me down and beat me like its little bitch. Literally! I was dying. However, I did it. I really enjoyed the boulder hopping and once we got to the Grotto I really wanted to get in the water, but of course I saw a water snake and that thought quickly went out the window. LOL. All in all, it was a perfect little hike day :)

Eaton Canyon

Went hiking today. It was seriously such a great day for it too! Took my hubby and the pups. We went to Eaton Canyon in Pasadena and made it all the way to the waterfall. It was soooo pretty. I loved crossing the rivers and just sharing this day with my poopsies. I did however, feel bad for Leo on our way back because he was seriously tired. He kept trying to lay down and chill, but Manuel and I kept on hiking. I am so proud of them. I need to take them out more so that they get used to it though...

Precious taking a break. My poor baby was tired!

The hike ended up being about 5 miles to and from the waterfall. It was crowded... a little too crowded for my liking actually... but I can't blame 'em it was lovely out.

Manuel at the waterfall

Manuel wore the shorts that I bought him yesterday. He loved his army camo shorts. I really needed to spend this time with him as I really don't want this marriage to fail. I adore him. I married him for a reason right? Yes. He's an awesome and loving man. I'm really quite lucky. I just need to forget about the past and focus on my marriage. He deserves it. I deserve it.

Leo and I at Eaton Canyon

On other news, I'm ecstatic. I love seeing how much my body has transformed. I'm really quite close to getting back to my "old" me. As of this morning I weigh 192. I think I've lost a good 40lbs since last year! eeeek!!!! I feel great! I feel like there is nothing I can't do. Ahhhh. . .I can breathe :) It's funny because as I began gaining weight I somehow stopped taking pictures. I became the person behind the camera. I'm just glad this is changing for me :) Soooo, after looking at these pix I decided that I'm probably 1/2 ways done with my weightloss. Maybe even 3/4. I mean 80# is A LOT! I mean seriously, I'm happy now. I can't imagine how I'll feel down the road :) EXCITING!

I made it to the waterfall! Yay! Too bad it was packed!

Well, I'm ready for the week ahead :) Please Lord, make this a drama free week! I got a million things to do, but I'm willing to work hard :) Then, it's SPRING BREAK! Woot! Woot! Catalina Island here we come!!!! Yay!