Malibu Hiking

Pat and I finally had a free weekend together so on Sunday, we drove up the Pacific Coast Highway past Malibu to Carillo State Park for a little leg stretcher.

I started taking pictures from the car as we passed through Malibu just because it was so pretty. Pat kept insisting that every person we saw on a motorcycle was either Brad Pitt or George Clooney!

If anyone ever wants to go to graduate school in a beautiful location, I suggest Pepperdine. The campus is right along the water and very beautiful. We will have to take this university off Pat's list of schools he might want to work at, since they just cut track and field.

Here is another highway shot of Malibu.

Our hike started at sea level and climbed 1,800 feet to Nicholas Flat.

Unfortunately, I discovered early on during this hike that I am a nothing but a slab of lard these days! The trail was really steep, and I was huffing and puffing the whole way up. Hopefully, it will be a motivation to get fit for the summer hiking season.

There were many beautiful ocean views to contemplate.

After about three miles, the open trail gave way to some small trees which provided some shade.

And then we came upon Nicholas Flat-a very interesting meadow. It felt really wild--it seemed as though there should have been water buffalo or some other exotic animal grazing.

The way back down was easier aerobically but my feet throbbed by the end.

The trail ended right by the beach so we took a minute to watch the surfers before heading back home.

PS-The sky was not actually pink during this excursion. I don't know what the deal is with my camera.

Sights of Seattle

Here are some pictures I took while hanging out in Seattle. Sorry I have been so remiss in getting these posted!

Of course, a bar was the very first place I headed upon my arrival in Seattle. Ivars, just West of the University and right on the water. Here is the view of downtown Seattle from our table.

The next day I went to check out the big indoor track meet. Indoor tracks are so weird--this place was like an airplane hanger. Finding a good place to watch the races was very difficult.

So, I decided to watch the pole vault instead. I've always had an obsession with the pole vault--it looks like so much fun. But, apparently, it is very difficult. One must be both fast and strong. After watching a bunch of athletes complete, I decided that it might not be the event for me--there were lots of painful looking landings and mishaps.

We went right from the track meet to the UW basketball game...


where after exactly two pictures, I was asked by the very kind security guard not to take anymore. Whoops...

The next morning, I tooled around Seattle on my own. I walked down to the Space Needle and bought, what else, a cup of coffee.

I also took a picture of the futuristic Science Fiction Museum.

Then I took the bus up to Husky Stadium where I met up with Audra for a tour of the campus.

This spot is called "the Fountain and the Mountain." Okay, I know, there is no mountain. Let's keep in mind that this is Seattle. We'll have to trust Audra that it is really there.

Upon closer inspection of the Fountain, we were surprised to discover an alligator. Or was it crocodile?

This area is called Red Square because of all

the bricks.

And here is the library. It was very beautiful.