Pulgas Ridge: The Big Loop

So, I need to get something clear here.
I am NOT outdoorsy.
Or sporty.
Sporty Spice is my least favorite Spice Girl (I like Baby, Ginger, Posh, Scary and then Sporty...in that order).

But lately, I have been getting my outdoorsiness on.
It's weird.
I know.
Please don't think of me differently.

I also am goth on the inside, I like gloomy days.
Not sunshine.
I hate sunshine.
I have said it before, but I'm only happy when it rains.
Sorry.
Gotta keep it real.

But also lately, I have been super giddy each time the weekend forecast includes warm sunny days.
All week long, I sit inside under florescent lights and daydream of Saturdays and Sundays where I can leash up the Schnoodle and hit the trails.

Who am I?

A couple weeks ago, Mylie and I hit the Pulgas Ridge trail, the short one.
And then last Sunday, Laura joined us and we did it again.

This weekend, it was time to take the big trail.
The Dusky Footed Woodrat Trail.

Oh yes.
Mylie is reading up on the Woodrat habitat.


We packed a bag of snacks, water, Bible, a hat, and got started.
My phone told me it was about a 4 mile loop - but I think it might be closer to 5? Either way, we were out fo about 2 hours.
Also, my goth legs now have tan lines.
HOLLER.

We found some crazy amazing views.
And I perched on a little rock in the blazing sun for a small quiet time break.
Mylie was not happy about the lack of shade, but managed to take a quick snooze anyway.

The last part of the trail was extra shady, which was nice because goths get easily sunburned.
But also, very woodsy.
Oak Alert was in full effect.
I think we made it out of there in record time.

End result?
We both came home with a tan.
(And so far, no poison oak. Hallelujah!)
That's what happens when the sun is shining and you lay down for a nap in the dirt.
Orange stripey dog becomes solid brown dog.
Bath time, little one.
I need my white dog back.

<

Weekendy Business

So on Thursday night, I got a fun new toy.

It might or might not be an iPad.

You see, I'm totally obsessed with draw something.

And needed a better drawing surface.

On Friday night I really got to play!

Ellen busted me multitasking - checking InstaGram and playing Draw Something.

If only she were here right now, she'd bust me triple fisting Apple products.

Saturday AM, Jessica and Emily hosted the most adorable shower for the most adorable newborn baby girl. There were great friends, great food, and the cutest decorations. 

There was even a onesie decorating area.  

This is my handiwork. 

Obviously.

Nothing screams "baby" like a steaming hot cuppa tea, right? 

Hahah! 

I'm just trying to start her young.

After the shower, my sister and I needed to burn off those party food calories, so we met up with her hubster aka my Beast-in-law, and went off to hike the Stanford Dish. 

I've always wanted to check it out, and it was surprisingly different than I had pictured it.

But still awesome.

About 3.5 miles along the trail - and we had to park about a mile away.

According to my sister, we did about 5 miles. 

This may be the most beautiful picture I have ever taken. 

Not to my credit - Its not like I created the Earth.

Eventually we made it to the dish, actually dishes. 

There were a few up there.

San Mateo has some killer views, but this place was PRIMO.

You could see all the way from San Francisco to San Jose, and everything in between.

The only downside to this adventure was the no dogs allowed rule.

Mylie would LOVE this place.

And not just because of their overweight and overpopulated squirrel problem.

Seriously, this would be her version of doggie heaven.

Those squirrels would be DONE if she had an hour there. 

After finishing at the dish, we headed to University Ave, where we did a little window shopping, 

and had a Thai Iced tea. 

Also, Laura and I went Corgi hunting. 

We found one, his name was Aslan.

And SUPER cute.

Sunday morning was churchy biz. I got to hang out with this super cutie.

She was all snuggles and cuddles. 

Just the way all babies (and puppies) should be. 

And while I was hanging with the kids,

one of the kids was covering my other duties at the Hospitality Table.

Ashlyn was regulating on the grown ups brownie consumption.

One sweet each.

"Or else you will have to go to the dentist and get a big shot."

Those are a few of the highlights.

At least that I got on camera.

And by camera, we all know I mean on iPhone.