Corona, California: Skyline Drive Trail

Travel Date: Friday, Feb 5 2016

I was traveling from Richmond, Virginia to Ontario, California to visit the Wu family and celebrate Chinese New Year (Sat., Feb. 6th). Since I was flying on a Friday, I chose to spend some of my time with my friend Greg and his wife Tina.

My flight from Richmond arrived in Houston on time, and my flight from Houston to Ontario, California was ready to take off with the sunset. 

This was going to be the longest sunset flight ever. I was flying westward with the sunset.

I finally arrived in Ontario, California.

It was one of the best sunsets I've seen. The timing of it was perfect.

Greg picked me up from the airport, and we drove over to his home. We just relaxed watching some TV, and talking shop, and looking at wedding pictures of him and Tina, and Tina's daughter.

Travel Date: Saturday, Feb 6 2016

The next morning, we got up and decided to go for a a hike before the hot weather kicked in. We headed over to the Skyline Drive Trail at the edge of the city of Corona.

 
We first starting walking on the asphalt.

The views on the right were all homes.

The views on the left were unique.

And then we decided on a selfie moment.

As we get further into the trail the views change to more greenery.

We get closer to the canyon.

The trail changes from asphalt to a dirt road.

The views get prettier.

And there are more people and cyclists on the trail.

We finally get to the trail head of the Tin Mine Canyon.

Time to get walking on some hills and incline.

We begin to walk higher and higher, and notice the perspective of the trail change at the different elevations.

As we walk up higher and higher, Greg points out a car that fell off the cliff.

I zoom in with my iPhone to get a closer look.

We continue on and get even higher up the canyon. The views of the Canyon are unique and beautiful.

I love those snow-capped San Gorgonio Mountains

There is more to walk, but for now it is time to turn around, and walk back down.

A elevated selfie moment.

The path is just a simple dirt road. And I'm walking in my flip-flops/slippers. And I pick up a lot of dust.

 I enjoy the steepness of the slope. It reminds me of running down some of the steep hills on the Camino de Santiago.

One last look at the canyon, before we re-enter the asphalt trail, and arrive at the trail head.

We get into the car, pick up some Gatorade at a gas station, and head back home. Tina starts up the jacuzzi, and it is time for a refreshing dip.

Look ma, no hands!!!

After a quick shower, I dress up and get ready to celebrate Chinese New Year with the Wu's. I say goodbye to my good friends Greg and Tina, thank them for the visit, and for being a wonderful hosts.

Reflections:

Originally, when I booked the flight into Ontario, I noticed the time on the flight from Houston to Ontario. I thought it would be a wonderful experience to see the sun set for a prolonged period of time as I flew westward. And it was rewarding. I'm glad I got that window seat.

It was great to catch up with Greg while walking the trail. While walking, I realized that I was out of shape in a lot of ways, and was in good shape in other ways. Mentally, I made a pledge to get back into running, and contemplated training for a full marathon.

The views of the Tin Mine Canyon was different from what we see on the East Coast. Lots of dry hills, dusty trails and pretty contracts when there is greenery. The shapes of the dry hills and mountains were interesting at times. I think they were probably molded by the scarce rainfall California gets. But the picturesque view of the snow capped San Gorgonio Mountains with the background of the city of Corona was gorgeous and memorable.

It is always a pleasurable experience to see Greg and his wife Tina, and spend time with them.

Expenses:
Gatorade: $4.00 (Some California Gas Station)

Hawaii: Day 8 - Last Day on the Big Island.

Travel Date: Saturday, Nov 28 2015

Our final day on the islands of Hawaii. 

We arrived in Kailua-Kona late last night, and checked into the Marriott Courtyard Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. Since there were a few minutes before last call, we headed to the local bar, got a few drinks, and then just crashed. 

 

In the morning, I told Justin we could choose to just take it easy, or we could go drive around and finish items on the bucket list. He decided to take it easy, and enjoy being around the beach. I think the view outside our room window did the convincing. 

And I was perfectly content with his choice. I needed some beach time.

The Hawaiian State Flag.

We leave the hotel, walk around, and grab some breakfast.

Breakfast and Mai Tai's. 

After breakfast, it is time to head out to the beach. The beaches of Hawaii are considered accessible to all. So hotels do not really have private beach front property.

We walk towards the Kamakahonu Kailua Pier.

I grab some snorkeling gear from the Kono Boys shack. I have not snorkeled in any of the Hawaii islands, so this was something I really need to do and scratch of the list of experiences.

I get in the water and snorkel for a bit.

And then go back in and snorkel some more.

After a wonderful snorkeling experience, I decide to check out the temple at the edge of the Kamakahonu Kailua Pier.

On the pier is a religious temple: The Ahu'ena Heiau . It served the King Kamehameha. The temple is  a 2/3 scale model replica. It is a considered a significant cultural site and must be treated with great respect.

And now it is time to relax, soak up whatever sun is there, and enjoy some beverages.

Justin decides to get a tan. And in doing so he falls asleep.

Happy hour rolls on, and we grab some half-priced poke for dinner.

Time to watch the sunset from the other side of the pier.

I thought this was amusing.

Flashback.

We walk back to the hotel, and read up on some history of the King Kamehameha. Earlier, during the sunset we talked to a native islander about King Kamehameha.

His opinion about the King enlightens us. To some he is a hero, and to others he is a villain.

I give some 'bear hugs' around the Christmas tree.

And we head out to the other side of the island to the Hilo International Airport.

On the drive there, the most amazing thing happened. We drove up the mountain through the middle of the island. It was dark. Very dark. Pitch black. And the clouds cleared up, and opened up the night sky. We pulled over along the road. Got out of the car and looked above at the sky for a few moments. The constellation of stars of the Milky Way was staring back at us. I wish I could take a picture with my iPhone. We both wanted to stay for longer, but also we didn't want to miss our flight home.

We drop off our car at the airport, leave the key under the car matt, and leave the front door unlocked. Those were the directions from our 'ugly car' rental company. After checking in, and clearing security, we relax in the lobby, and await our boarding call.

We board on the plane.

Woot woot, we have an empty seat in the middle.

And then FINALLY arrive back on the US mainland. What a trip!

Reflections:

Today was an awesome day of doing nothing. Snorkeling in the Hawaiian waters, and appreciating the Marine wildlife was fantastic. It was so good, that I had to do it twice, until I was literally exhausted from swimming.

Laying on the hotel chaise lounges, drinking cocktails, talking to Justin and some of the other hotel guests was relaxing. I was really grateful to just 'veg out' for the first time in a long time.

We planned on leaving right after the sunset. The sunset was epic with the backdrop of the trees. I couldn't have asked for a better ending to our Hawaiian trip. But the icing on the cake, was the unexpected and clear view of the constellation of stars of the Milky Way galaxy.

Thank you Justin for being a great traveling companion. Sure, we had our moments, but that was just tiny in contrast to the amazing memories, people, and journeys we shared.

I'm looking forward to a visit the next and last state (#50) on my list: Alaska.

Expenses: $277.82
Nov 28th 2015: $111.62
Gas: $8.31 (Minit Stop Leilani)
Breakfast: $19.82 (Paradise Brewing Co)
Scuba Gear Rental: $24.00 (Kona Boys)
Beverages: $35.13 (Courtyard by Marriott KKB Kailua-Kona, Big Island)
Dinner: $9.93 (Courtyard by Marriott KKB Kailua-Kona, Big Island)
Parking: $15.62 (Courtyard by Marriott KKB Kailua-Kona, Big Island)
Gas: $22.81 (Tesoro)

Nov 29th 2015: $166.20
Breakfast: $13.89 (Klatch Coffee)
Parking: $90.00 (IAD Dulles)
Dinner: $62.31(The Savory Grain)