Turtle Trot 5k – Nov 8 2025

I am here again on South Padre Island running my 4th Turtle Trot 5k. Compared to my last 5k on October 31st, I was a bit slower by 40 seconds but still within my normal range.

This year’s medal looks really good with the sun as a back light.

As is my tradition now I had dinner at Gabriella’s Italian Grill

This time I had their Garlic Chicken Tortellini and it was very filling.

I’ve been cooking and eating at home more lately and I’m finding that eating out I come away extra stuffed. I really should learn to take some to go, because the portion sizes are almost too much for me now.

After the race this morning, I went to Josephine’s Kitchen on SPI. They have really good waffles and good coffee.

Don’t try to go here for dinner; they are breakfast, and brunch only – 7 AM to 2 PM. One day I need to try one of their mimosas.

After finishing breakfast my body, mainly my legs and knees told me I’d put them through too much trauma and they were planning on staging a protest so I am limiting my adventure this year. So it’s Diet Dr. P, Pringles and this view from my hotel room. I love upgrades, it sometimes pays to have brand loyalty, thanks IHG.

I’m hoping to get a picture of the moon rise tonight so I’m going to test out the hotel’s restaurant.

CamarΓ³n Al Tequila

Tomorrow’s breakfast will be at the Grapevine Cafe, because I love their crab cakes and eggs benedict.

Setup my big camera to capture the moon rise on November 9, 2025. The moon rose further north on the Eastern horizon than I thought. My misconception was the moon and sun rise in similar locations.

To pair with the moon rise here is the sunrise on Sunday, November 9th, 2025. Seems plenty of other people had the same idea as me to wake up early and watch the sunrise.

Well, it’s time to head home and return to reality. Until the next adventure.

Published in: on November 9, 2025 at 11:42 am  Comments Off on Turtle Trot 5k – Nov 8 2025  
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June 4th 2025 – Vegas Day 2

Just shy of 6 AM

It’s the next day, for real this time, and my body didn’t get the memo that I’m in a different time zone. I was awake again at 4:15 AM, at least I don’t hurt as much as I thought I would. I should have brought my new shoes instead of an older pair (I’m using them for hiking later, still need to replace my hiking boots after last summers issue.) And good news, Red Rock Canyon has a scenic drive loop with parking at the easy trails, so that’s today’s plan. I should even be back before Weather.com says hiking is bad.

Red Rock Canyon is beautiful and is designed to be driven with set parking locations and trails branching from them so you can get better views. I tried recording a video driving the route but my setup didn’t work. If I really want to record a drive I’m going to have to buy a dashboard camera. Here are some pictures. I only hiked one trail and it was short, 0.2 miles out and back.

Since I got back from Red Rock, I’ve just been relaxing. I baked a pizza while my laptop did some updates. I’m tempted to take a nap before heading out again.

Tonight, I’m going to the Excalibur for the Tournament of Kings.

Seriously, I think whoever designed Las Vegas and how the casinos connected worked for Elder Scrolls Online and learned the “you can’t get there from here” principle. The signage in the casinos is no help either. Now I do admit, once you figure out the system I think you can go from the north to south via casino lobbies and shopping areas. Now learning the pattern probably takes a life time πŸ˜†

Sherwood Bar

Well, I’m in The Excalibur drinking overpriced old fashion, but at least I’m not walking and in the sun anymore.  My dinner and show starts in about 2 hours. I just signed up for the MGM Rewards and guess I’ll figure out how they work playing slots.

Gave slots a try.. didn’t go well. I saw people all around me with small wins, but I bust each spin. The odds are not in my favor.

I did watch a bit of black jack play and there was a lady killing it. Never changed her bet just kept winning and banking the win. Tempted me but the odds are not in my favor. So off to drown my sour in $6 draft beer. At least I have the show to look forward to. Before we chat about the show, I want to mention it’s worth looking for happy hours that are near the casinos. Was able to enjoy a few beers and even had a bartender originally from El Paso.

I’ve been seated for the king’s tournament.

The Tournament of the King was cool. Be prepared for indoor fireworks and the evil wizard has a flame staff.Β  Wow you can feel the heat. But why did they only give me 4 baby potatoes? Seriously, half a chicken but only 4 baby potatoes?

The meal (I ate a potato)

After the show, I tried my chances at 2 for 1 blackjack table… OMG.. I only lost 1 hand.  Risked $20 and walked away with $70.. $50 profit.  I so wanted to go back and keep trying; however, the King’s Mule kicked in and I couldn’t math… So walked, no ran away… πŸ˜†

Looking north from the Skybridge by the MGM

Every wonder where the MGM live happens well here it is

And no, it isn’t one way glass. These people are doing their job with us, average Joe public, watching them. How I know, one of them smiled at me when I asked out load if it was one way glass.

Off to bed now, well maybe going to take a bit to come off the winning high. 

Ok, not bed yet. Need to do a few dailies in ESO.

Tomorrow is Hoover Dam.

Published in: on June 5, 2025 at 12:47 am  Comments Off on June 4th 2025 – Vegas Day 2  
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Spring Break – Day 2 and 3

Sunday’s time change hit be hard on Tuesday, so I got to a very slow start. I’m on vacation. I don’t have to do it all in one day.

After lunch time I went to a hiking trail near my hotel. But the trail was less than I expected. The Madrone Trail’s only high point was the butterfly garden. It is in the actual shape of a butterfly. The rest of the trail was confusing. There are too many connected trails. If you stopped paying attention, you could easily just walk in circles. I took the time to find one Geocache and then left.

Wednesday morning, I woke up early and ready to get going. So different than Tuesday morning; however, the weather and sunrise were not on my side. The Canyon Lake Dam overlook park didn’t open until 8 AM, luckily the donut shop was open at 6 AM. I enjoyed a kolache and a chocolate iced donut with sprinkles along with my coffee.

When the sun made an attempt to show up, the clouds and the fog had something else to say. The hike at the Dam was not pleasant with 92% humidity.

So back to the hotel and time for 2nd breakfast and some reading while I waited for the weather to improve.

At 11 AM the weather had improved. The fog had cleared, and the sun started to make appearances through the clouds. I head out for a little shopping Natural Rocks Crystals before going to the final trail of the day.

I went to the crystal shop hoping they’d have some rings my size, but they didn’t. I was able to purchase some pocket gem necklaces which allow you to drop polished rocks into a net. I will be able to use them with some malachite rocks I bought in Utah last summer and create my own “handcrafted” necklaces.

My final hiking adventure for the day was at Canyon Lake Gorge. This gorge was created in 2002 after a record amount of rain created the conditions were the dam overflowed the spill way and cut out the gorge. Be sure to check in at the office and pay the $5 access fee then trail is an easy out and back of 1.3 miles with signs along the way pointing out key features found in the gorge. You can book a guided tour, and I’m just going to copying and pasting the site blurb, “Join a certified guide on a trip down to the bottom of the 64-acre Gorge to explore limestone layers from an ancient sea, perfectly preserved fossils, waterfalls and springs where the Trinity Aquifer is exposed, and much more.”

Sorry for the heavy breathing. This is the view returning to the trail head.

After a very good burger from the Wildflour Artisan Bakery & Grill. I head to my final destination of the day, Crowded Barrel Whiskey Company.

I’m now back in my room and trying to decide if I should just have a bowl of cereal or something else light. Seriously, that burger earlier was very filling.

I’m thinking tomorrow I will visit the Hill Country History Museum, and then find a place to have a piece of pie. The forecast is for rain off and on, so outside activities could be very limited.

Until the next post!

Published in: on March 13, 2024 at 7:42 pm  Comments Off on Spring Break – Day 2 and 3  
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Utah – Day 1 – First Full Day

It’s June 23, 2023 and I’m starting my first full day of adventuring in Utah. Like any start to a day, your first quest is for breakfast. Luckly the hotel has breakfast included with your stay and it isn’t a continental breakfast of cereal, toast or muffins. The Hyatt House had scrambled eggs, bacon, fried potatoes and French toast along with cereal, toast, muffins… Sadly their coffee was terrible. This led me to try out Dutch Bros coffee. They are a competitor of Starbucks so I went with a caramel mocha. Man, it was hot. I left it in the car as I preped for my drive to Red Butte Gardens and the Natural History Museum.

Walk around Get a better view

I tried to capture the drive to Salt Lake City, but my phone was bouncing a lot in the holder I use to attach it to the windshield so I’m not going to share the video. I thought my truck road rough on the highway, but this Nissan transfers every bump and crack. My mustang was only slightly better. I think its just the nature of the beast.

Red Butte Garden

This is one of the coolest botanical gardens I’ve ever seen. There are two parts to it, the portion that is man made and the other portion is just managed natural trails that allow you to go up the face of the hill above the garden.

Here is a quick preview of the garden.

Here are some views along the more natural trails. Can you find the squirrel?

Utah Natural History Museum

So, I went to just see the dinosaurs, but there is more to the history museum. You learn about geology, types of rocks and the first people to inhabit the Americas.

Evermore

A couple things you need to know about Evermore if you choose to visit. It is very family friendly. There is a portion of the park that is undead themed so if you scare easily, just stay away from that section. Now for my tips…

First, it is cool. Second, you need to have a plan because there are shows to see, vendors to shop at and then the quests. Third, when you enter make sure you go to the left and find the bulletin board with the map and the person that will introduce you to the system of the park. Fourth, plan on a double visit. There are multiple quests and layers of quests. It would be very difficult to do everything in the 5 hours the park is open. Final tip before I share some pictures, Ride the train after checking out the bulletin board, it will give you a nice overview of the park. Oh, bring a notebook, you can stumble upon elements of quests just walking around. With that said here are some pictures to tease you.

The Inn
The remains of a great beast.
The Captain
A warm blooded lizard
Laundry
View from the train
Shows
Bunnies and chickens run loose
Train pulling into the station.

Ok, I should have been asleep 2 hours ago. I’m not sure what the plan is tomorrow. I over did it today, walking a total of about 10 miles. Guess you will have to just check back. πŸ˜‰

Published in: on June 24, 2023 at 12:55 am  Comments Off on Utah – Day 1 – First Full Day  
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