Good morning, friends, and Happy Wednesday! First off, I want to wish a very happy Veteran’s Day to those who have proudly served our country. My husband served in the Marine Corps, and my father-in-law served in the Army. Thankful for those who have given up their freedoms so we can have ours. They are two of the bravest people I know!
I can’t believe we are just about two weeks away from Thanksgiving. Since we have been married, Aaron and I switch off Thanksgiving and Christmas between my parents and his parents. So, this year, we are going to spend Thanksgiving in California, which means we are doing Christmas with his family.
My parents live in Ventura, CA, which is about an hour north of Los Angeles. It’s a coastal city, and is about 20 minutes away from some great hiking. When we are visiting my parents in California for Thanksgiving, Aaron and I have a tradition on Thanksgiving morning. We love to go on a long hike! I mean, we really try to go hiking whenever we visit.
Two of my favorite trails, which are both located right off of Highway 1, or the Pacific Coast Highway, are the Chumash Trail and the La Jolla Canyon trail. Now, one of the entrances to the La Jolla Trail was burned in the fires a couple of years ago. As of September, it still hasn’t reopened, so you can take the up and back route. It’s important to note that California does require you to wear face coverings if you are in close proximity with other people on the trails.
When we were there in September it was hot. It was about 110 degrees at the top of the mountain. I was so happy to get in the water after that hike!
And bonus: we were actually there for my birthday, so my mom surprised me with my all-time favorite cake: the Berry Chantilly Cake from Whole Foods. IYKYK.
Things to bring on your hike
- Sunscreen: Here is my sunscreen pitch. If you are outside, please make sure you wear sunscreen on your face and body. It’s the easiest way to protect your skin from sun damage and melanoma. I’ve personally met several patients who have had melanoma, and it can be a devastating disease. My hands-down favorite sunscreen brand (works great for sensitive skin is Neutrogena.
- Water: It gets H-O-T at the top of the mountain. Deceptively hot. I have spent more than enough summers in Texas to think that I am used to the heat. It’s a different kind of dry heat, and it can sneak up on you very quickly. Take at least two bottles of water per person. I use these reusable water bottles.
- Hiking backpack: I stick my phone, keys, sunscreen, snacks and water bottles in one backpack for Aaron and I. That way, you don’t have to worry about losing anything.
- Snacks: The loop we do is usually around 6-miles, with an elevation gain of about 850 feet during the duration of your hike. We like to bring nuts. I lose alot of salt when I run, bike, etc… And this flavor in particular helps recover some of the sodium I lose.
If you ever find yourself in California in the Malibu area, get outside and go for a hike on any of the trails. It’s one of the best ways to get the view of the Pacific Ocean, and one that I miss if I’m away from California for an extended period of time.
See you back here tomorrow!
What holiday traditions do you have in your family?
