A digital travel diary. · WP v1.08 · Updated
We decided to treat Alex to a delicious dinner at our favorite Michelin-rated restaurant in Saratoga - The Plumed Horse- for Alex's graduation from Bellarmine College Preparatory School. . . . . After reviewing the Chef's Tasting menu, Inna and Alex decided to try it.. . . . It had the following items listed. As expected, they were exquisitely prepared:. . Farmer's Market Asparagus. Pea…
Read More: Dinner at Plumed Horse
Bellarmine College Preparatory held its Commencement Ceremony at 5:00pm on May 28, 2021. The graduation of Class of 2021 seniors followed a Baccalaureate Mass on the evening of May 27, with both events taking place on the San Jose campus. . . . Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only two people per senior were allowed to be present in person, and each person had to have…
Read More: Bellarmine Graduation
After surfing for many weeks at famous surfing spots in Laguna Beach: Thalia Street, Rockpile Beach, Newport Beach, San Clemente, and Trestles, I realized that my surf paddling could use improvement. . I discovered Rob - a local surf trainer who teaches proper surf paddling techniques. He runs a website called surfpaddling.com. He is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and offers online and…
Read More: Improving Surf Paddling Part 2
After trying out the Gerry Lopez 8' surfboard (that failed on me on the second day), I decided to look for a new surfboard that would get me closer to surfing my 6'6" Firewire Spitfire shortboard. After looking at Craigslist ads, I identified a few overly expensive contenders (ranging from $400 to $800). In addition, I stopped by to look at 7' surfboards (fun-size) at…
Read More: Review: Wavestorm 7′ Surfboard
On Sunday, April 25, we decided to head to Capitola to surf "La Bomba" at The Hook. Even though the forecast predicted rain, Alex was not deterred. When we arrived at the parking lot, there were lots of spaces available (which is usually a bad sign for waves). However, when we walked to look at the waves in The Hook, we saw beautiful, clean rollers!…
Read More: Surfing at the Hook
With my Wavestorm 8' surfboard seriously damaged, I decided the new version might be beneficial. Since my local Costco did not have any available (either in-store or online), I decided to try ordering the Gerry Lopez 8' Foam Surfboard from Costco.com for $189.99. . The reviews at Costco.com seemed favorable, and the price (although higher than $99 for Wavestorm 8') seemed reasonable. After ordering on…
Read More: Review: Gerry Lopez 8′ Foam Surfboard
We intended to spend Spring Break in Punta Mita (Puerto Vallarta), Mexico. However, due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the required COVID-19 testing to return to the U.S.A., we postponed our international travel (yet again). We worried about getting stuck in Mexico (had we tested positive for COVID-19) and missing Alex's A.P. tests.. . Instead, we decided to return for a week to Southern California.…
Read More: Spring Break at La Jolla
One of our friends has a timeshare at Marriott's Newport Coast Villas but couldn't spend the time due to concerns about COVID-19. Another week at Newport might be fun since we stayed in nearby Laguna Beach in September. . . . . We reserved our 7 nights at Marriott from Saturday, February 27 to Saturday, March 6, 2021. Alex was excited, as it would allow…
Read More: Winter at Newport Beach
For Inna's birthday, I originally intended to treat her to a Japanese barbecue at Gyu-Kaku. However, as I developed a headache, I canceled the reservation. Later on, after taking some Tylenol, I felt much better, so we decided to drive to Los Gatos and find a nice restaurant with outdoor seating. . . . . At first, I thought about the recently opened Pastaria &…
Read More: Inna’s Birthday Dinner at North
On Saturday, January 9, 2021, on a beautiful but chilly winter day, Inna and I decided to hike the trails of the nearby Sanborn County Park in Saratoga, CA. We drove to the Costanoan Group Area parking lot and parked there. . . . . As it was a cold winter's day, we chose a shorter version of our average hike (about 2 miles) that…
Read More: Hiking Sanborn County Park
I decided that he needed a surf skateboard to improve Alex's surfing technique - maneuvers such as cutbacks, bottom turns, and slashes. . Alex already owns a 43" Cardboard, but it's not as maneuverable as an actual surfboard. After researching, I found that a Florida company called Swelltech specializes in manufacturing surf skates that closely mimic surfing.. . On October 21, 2020, I pre-ordered the…
Read More: Riding Swelltech J.O.B. Banzai Surfskate
On Saturday morning, we decided to enjoy one of our last COVID-19 days (before another lockdown) by visiting Point Lobos State Park and hiking to the famous Allan Memorial Grove, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean. . . The drive to Point Lobos was easy, with little traffic on Highway 101 heading south. We arrived around 11:20 am, parked inside the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve,…
Read More: Hiking Point Lobos State Reserve
The day after Thanksgiving, Inna and I decided to explore Half Moon Bay. She visited Half Moon Bay a few weeks ago and liked the immense beach and the surrounding restaurants. . . The drive from San Jose was relatively short, taking about an hour. When we arrived, we parked on Ave Portola. Near Surfer's Beach. Since Inna was a bit hungry (she hadn't eaten…
Read More: Exploring Half Moon Bay
On Sunday, November 22, 2020, Inna and I decided to hike the trails of the nearby Sanborn County Park in Saratoga, CA. We drove to the Costanoan Group Area parking lot and parked our car there.. . We walked to the Sequoia/Person Grove Picnic area from the parking lot, taking photos of the beautiful trees.. . . . The fall's yellow and red leaves were…
Read More: Hiking Sanborn County Park
After almost a year of being unable to dirt bike, I finally got to ride my Yamaha WR250F at Hollister Hills SVRA on Saturday, November 21, 2020. . On Friday, before my planned ride, I loaded my off-road gear into my Sienna minivan and attached the bike carrier. On Saturday morning, I strapped my Yamaha to my van and prepared a couple of sandwiches to…
Read More: Returning to Hollister Hills SVRA
The last time I mountain biked on the John Nicholas Trail was May 3, 2020. I had a fantastic time; this is one of my favorite bike trails in Los Gatos.. . . . I really enjoy biking on the John Nicholas Trail in the fall. The leaves are turning yellow, red, and all the shades of the rainbow. The temperature is cool - in…
Read More: Biking John Nicholas Trail
After surfing for many days in the Laguna Beach area (at Rockpile Beach, Trestles, San Clemente Pier), it was time to return to surfing near my home. Since Surfline.com predicted 4-5 foot swells on Tuesday, November 3, and I had a company day off, I decided to try surfing in the early morning when the wind and wave forecast was most favorable. . . The…
Read More: Back to The Hook
Covid-19 Halloween 2020!. With so many people working from home (due to COVID-19), this year's Halloween decorations were more elaborate and perhaps a bit more macabre than in previous years. In addition to beautifully carved pumpkins. We saw many skeletons, graves, witches, zombies, and other ghastly creatures. . . . . Walking around our regular workout route, we marveled at people's effort to set up…
Read More: Trick-or-Treating during Covid Halloween
We returned to our usual routine after returning from our long staycation at Laguna Beach. . . . . . . When I heard (from Trey) that Alex's Firewire Tuomo v4 surfboard repairs were complete, I drove to Santa Cruz's Midtown Surf Shop to pick it up. . . . . . I made it a fun day by walking with Inna on West Cliff…
Read More: Enjoying Santa CruzAfter surfing for many weeks at famous surfing spots in Laguna Beach: Thalia Street, Rockpile Beach, Newport Beach, San Clemente, and Trestles, I realized that my surf paddling could use improvement. . I discovered Rob, a local surf trainer, teaches proper surf paddling techniques. He runs a website called surfpaddling.com. He is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and offers online and private lessons..…
Read More: Improving Surf Paddling