"Take a Hike" Saturday: Kwaay Paay Summit (Mission Hills Trails)

Last Saturday, I went to Mission Hills with Jessica and Maricela. I was really excited to get out of the house and explore. This time I decided not to bring Junior (my dog) because I didn't want to deal with ticks. However, Jessica brought Stella and she was a great motivator. Every time someone fell behind she would stop and wait. It was really funny. We first attacked the first hill I ever hiked at Mission Trails. We got up in no time and I was in shock. I was telling Jessica how the last time we went up that hill I felt like it took forever. I also wasn't as exhausted as the first time I got up that hill. 

After the hill we took a side trail that didn't really lead anywhere so we turned around and decided to go up to Kwaay Paay Summit. That was an intense hike. We kept comparing it to Cowles Mountain. The hills were very steep and took a lot of work to get up. We were hoping the trail would go up and then down toward the Visitor's Center but on the way up, we spoke to some fellow hikers who said the summit was the end and that we would have to go back down. Although it wasn't what we had hoped, we were ready to get to the top. Once up there, I was excited - dripping sweat and covered in dirt! I stood around at the top for as long as possible because I had to mentally prepare to go back down. The hike down was rough but it was very rewarding because it reminded me of how much my fitness levels have changed. Two hours later - it was time to head home for some SUSHI! 

Stella getting pumped for the hike!

The infamous hill! This was the first hill I hiked at Mission Trails. 

This sign is very confusing. Where exactly am I going?

Jessica is always head of us! Maricela and I gotta keep up!

A cute little bridge off our path.

Up, up and away we go!

New trail for us.

Steep, steep hills.

Looking out at Mission Trails and the 52.

Near the top! You're** I wanted to edit this so badly!

We heard that on a clear day the view is spectacular.

I'm on top of the world, hey! (Imagine Dragons got me up to this point)

Jessica lookin' cute and not a sweaty mess at all!

A little creature that Maricela spotted. I tried to get closer but it ran away.

845 calories - gone! Woo!

I'm really loving my Saturday hikes. I can't wait until I get to go on harder trails. I look forward to the challenges! 

Until next time, keep smiling! 

"Take a Hike" Saturday: Scripps Coastal Reserve/Beach

The girls and I headed out for our Saturday hike and originally, we were suppose to go to Torrey Pines. I was slightly disappointed when I pulled up to the window and was asked for $15. I refused to pay the prices so we drove around to see if we could find some free parking. No luck! I quickly pulled out my phone and found another trail near by. Scripps Coastal Reserve here we come! While the view was very pretty I wasn't very happy with this trail, as it was literally a circle... a short 20 minute walk. The fog was rolling in making it a bit eerie but that's about it. I guess I should have stopped to read all the ecological signs but I wanted to get my heart rate up. It just wasn't happening with this trail... 

Hello little bunny!

We were on our way out when I decided to walk further down the street to look at houses (one of Jessica's favorite things to do!) That's when we stumbled upon an entrance to the beach. It was a downhill walk on a winding road with beautiful scenery. Jessica mentioned that it looked like Hawaii and I agreed. The whole way down I was looking forward to walking back up the hill because I knew it was going to be killer!

Made it down the hill!

This was a private residence. I thought it was a cool backdrop because it looks so sci-fi! How appropriate with Comic Con in town!

Jessica leading the way up the hill! She was tough to keep up with.

There she goes!

A cool view of the winding road.

This was a pretty decent hike because we were rewarded with a nice stroll on the beach. The hill was tough and got my heart rate up. I love when my heart is pounding and I'm dripping sweat. It feels like a mini-victory every time. 

Until next time, keep smiling.

"Take a Hike" Saturday: Cowles Mountain

Two Saturdays ago I went on a Saturday hike with my friends, Jessica and Maricela. I picked Cowles Mountain as our hike. I didn't do much research because I have heard about the trail before through people. I parked on the backside of the mountain and we started our walk. As we were walking in, I noticed an incline. The incline got progressively steeper the further we went. It was a rough start and I almost wanted to turn around. I slowly climbed up those hills and I was so happy I did. It was an amazing experience to get to the top of Cowles Mountain and to know that I kept going. 

The start of the hike.

The first hill of the hike and I thought it got better from here... pssh!

Steep hills around every corner... 

First summit! I couldn't be happier!

Looking head, there's our other steep climb in site.

Stella was pulling along... 

Another beautiful view of East San Diego.

Lake Murray in sight!

Made it to the top! Junior is also proud of himself. 

View from the top! 

Juinor taking a rest. He was tired!

Jessica and Stella taking a rest at the top of Cowles Mountain.

Time to head down... this had to be equally as difficult as going up. Junior kept pulling me!

Overall, the hike was awesome. It such a huge accomplishment for me. I was talking with my trainer, Palani, yesterday and I was telling him how much I'm enjoying my hikes. It's something different and it really challenges my body and mind. I thought I couldn't get up those hills, I was scared I was going to stop half way and want to go back down but I didn't. I kept going and that's what matters. 


If I learned anything from my journey, it's to not give up. Things are going to get difficult. Some days will be harder than others but I need to continue to focus on the big picture: health. 


Until next time, keep smiling!

"Take a Hike" Saturday: Florida Canyon Trail

Another beautiful day in San Diego called for another hike with Jessica (The Jessica L Blog). I loaded up Junior and we were on our way. This time we decided to tackle a trail by Balboa Park. We've both seen these trails and always wondered where they started and ended. It wasn't the most scenic trail but it was easy, I will give it that. I actually wanted a bit of a challenge so I asked Jessica if we could walk up the hill (at Pershing and Florida). It wasn't the worst hill of my life but it was a good climb since it got my heart rate going!

 Junior posing for a photo! Hello, Junior!

 Jessica walking with Stella. Jessica walks really fast but it's good because it forces me to keep up!

 Florida Canyon Nature Trails

 And so begins the hill! Not very challenging (like I said) but a good hill none-the-less!

 Junior with his buddy, Stella. Leading the way on the trail!

Jessica taking a picture of me taking a picture of the trail sign. This trail went back to Morley Field. It was a pretty quick walk. 

A great photo spot! A nice trail in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the city.  

 Leave it to Jessica to find a cupcake place! 

Tired after an hour long hike. Good job, pups!

This hour long hike allowed me to burn about 477 calories which only meant ONE thing - FROYO!

Chocolate/Peanut Butter frozen yogurt (100 calories!!) courtesy of Golden Spoon!

Later, I went with Jessica, her husband, Scott, and her parents to dinner for an early birthday celebration at BJ's Brewery in Chula Vista. Good food, good company. I also felt really good in the outfit I was wearing. 

 This skirt is from 2009. It looks WAY better on me now. 

And I'm happy! 

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend! I am so happy because I gained 2 new followers. Don't be shy! I'm friendly! Look at that face! ;-)

Anyway. Until next time, keep smiling! 

Kristen