April 4, 2013 (27.5 weeks):
Thursday evening we flew out of Stockton on the cheapest
airline around (Allegiant) to get ourselves to Las Vegas. We made it in later
than anticipated due to the delays. We were warmly greeted by Crystal at the
baggage claim. She had made a vegan version of the Greek dish moussaka for us,
which Onkar had warming up in the oven for our arrival. She used a pine nut
paste instead of cheese and it was amazing! Her mom and dad sent a little Easter
treat for Gus and I and birthday gift which we opened and I started in on for a
dessert! Friday I turned 30 and shortly after I woke up Crystal and I went on
an hour long run to start the day off! Here’s a picture of us before we headed
out:
Crystal made delicious pancakes for everyone before we
headed out on our hike down (800 feet down and 3 miles) to the Colorado River! Even
Asha and Baloo want to celebrate my birthday:
It was about noon and the dry desert heat was getting up in
the 80’s. After the first few miles we decided it was a wise choice not to
bring their two large dogs. Crystal and Onkar at the beginning of the hike:
The desert was beautiful. Cacti and plants of all kinds were
in bloom. Blooming cactus:
Blooming desert plant:
We walked down through a rocky and sandy gorge to the river,
hiding in the shade as often as we could.
Towards the end of the hike we ran
into a man (Rodrigo, from Chile) and his dog (Celia, a 30 pound over-weight
black lab) that seemed quite distraught. Celia was panting hard and would not
budge. He said he was trying to get her some more exercise because the vet said
she was getting too heavy. Today was definitely not the day to start trying…
maybe starting with a smaller goal would have been better for her. We stayed
and talked to them for a little bit and encouraged him since Crystal and Onkar
both knew the river was close. We headed down to the river ourselves to jump in
the icy river. We all ended up screaming as we submerged ourselves, but
instantly felt refreshed. Soon after we got out of the river, Rodrigo and Celia
arrived. Celia plopped herself down in the river immediately. The five of us devised a plan of action,
because there was absolutely NO WAY that dog was hiking back out 3 miles and
800 feet in 85 degree weather. The plan: wave down a boat and ask for a ride
for Rodrigo and Celia about 30 minutes down river. We would hike back out and drive
his car (an early 90’s Mazda Miada) down to meet him. What can I say; we can
now call ourselves Professional Dog Rescuers. If you know of anyone please pass
on our info! A picture of Rodrigo and Celia post-rescue:
After the eventful hike we headed out for a wonderful
birthday dinner at a Mexican restaurant with a great view of the mountains and
the strip. At the end of the evening I had a sombrero stuck on my head, a bunch
of people singing at me and a churro with a candle stuck in front of me (which
I gladly accepted). Unfortunately for me, Crystal had to drink my free tequila
shot. When we got back home I blew out more candles on a beautiful Easter cake
and we watched “This is 40.”
Saturday and Sunday were pretty calm and relaxing days in
comparison to Friday. We went to Lake Meed on Saturday with the dogs and played
in the chilly lake and went out for dinner in the evening at a great
restaurant.
Monday is Cesar Chavez Day (a holiday) so I didn’t have to
work so I drove over to my friend, Julia’s for some of the BEST steel-cut oats
I have ever had for breakfast! I brought Oso over to play with her 8 month old
(tons of puppy energy) Rhodesian Ridgeback, Taj, too. We all hung out for about
an hour and a half before I headed out to Auburn for a hike down from the 49 to
the American River. The hike was about 2.5 hours and just the perfect day for
it. It had rained the previous day, and it was still early enough to be cool
for the first half. There were tons of butterflies everywhere, and lots of
wildflowers blooming. We passed a waterfall and really enjoyed the time down by
the river before we hiked back out.
On Wednesday my dad came to town to scout his baseball team.
We are so lucky he travels in our area for his job! We all went out to an
amazing dinner at Tuco’s in Davis on Wednesday and had a great time laughing
and talking the whole night! I was able to sneak out and meet him for lunch in
mid-town Sacramento on Thursday. He’s planning on hanging out with us in Davis
on Saturday and Gus and I are going to a Rivercats game with him (while he
works) on Sunday before he leaves. Gus and I both agree, he is going to be a
spectacular grandpa!!! I even gave him a happy birthday, grandpa card for his
birthday (which was on Easter).
Here’s me at 27.5 weeks (22.5 pound weight gain):
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