Spring Cleaning task No1.

As we move into the warmer weather and I continue to get back on track with my daily runs I’d like to take a blog or two to tidy up a bit of the "something to do with running", "little to do with running", and "nothing to do with running" items from over the winter. Way back in November we took a family vacation to California. One of my first outings after the marathon was along the shore of the Pacific Ocean from Redondo Beach to Manhattan Beach and back. Not very far but in very different surroundings for me. The song says “it never rains in California” and this tune and "Raindrops are fallin’ on my head" were playing in my mind that morning. No worries though. I’d certainly run in the rain before but never in the rain in California and it was a very nice jog all the same. I captured an image on my phone of a light house on the pier in Mahattan beach on this stormy morning which I was rather fond of. It survived the run in the downpour but 4 days later I unveiled my lifeguard skills in the hotel fountain and this picture was lost for good. While offering Aidan and Ryan the opportunity to explore their world I stood by as they played at the waters edge at the resort. One moment Ryan stood smiling and pointing at the bubbleling little waterfall and a split second later he was diving down into the drink. I was in waist deep water a split second later with a very startled little boy in my arms. We were all no worse for wear barring my poor cell phone and its pictures. O well. This picture of me and the boys is from the same streach of beach taken with our camera. Luckly not over my shoulder during Ryan's swimming lesson.

Aidan brought his share of excitement when we taught him to beware of the prickely pear cactus plants that lined the path at the zoo. He promptly swatted one with his hand and the next hour was spent with the medic removing the quills with tweezers one at a time. Here's a prickure of the offending plant. Weeks later we asked him if he remembered this and he pointed to his palm and said ouch. Overall the trip had more to do with hiking and walking than running and it was largely free of further dangerous encounters for the boys as well.

Grandparents lead the way as we covered every inch of Disneyland. Jared and Caitlin charted our course along the trails on top of San Jacinto. Well actually Aidan called the shots as to when we took breaks and where we wandered (always with his

big stick in hand)

We also made 2 trips up to Joshua Tree National park from our base in Palm Springs. All in all it was quite an active and excellent vacation. The Boulders at Joshua Tree being my favorite.