Gaviota Hot Springs and Trespass Trail in Goleta, CA

 I was heading to the Bay area to look for a new rental and decided to stop by Goleta on the way there to hike Gaviota Hot Springs and Trespass Trail. I didn't expect much from the trail. Listed at 6.6 miles as "Hard", I was a bit skeptical about how really "Hard" it was. 

I arrived around 11 AM to the trailhead, paid my $2 to park and started the hike. The day was absolutely beautiful, and the temperatures in mid to high 60's. Based on reviews on Alltrails promising best views on the way up if I went in the counterclockwise direction, I followed the directions of those who were more knowledgeable about the trail. 

The elevation gain was pretty consistent averaging 500 ft per mile. Not an easy hike, for sure. The views were pretty spectacular from the very beginning starting from just hills and evolving into a combination of hills and oceanview sights as far as the eye could see.

Turkey vultures and birds of prey were everywhere just gliding in the sky. I found this very peaceful.

It was getting pretty hot, and most of the hike was completely exposed to the sun. I would definitely recommend doing this hike in cooler temperatures, but the skies have to be clear to fully absorb the nature around. While I tried to take several panoramic pictures, I still don't think they truly represent the beauty I saw on the hike.

I was getting close to the top of the hill and could see the ocean 180 degrees.

I was really tired as I approached the top. I sat on a rock and enjoyed the peaceful ocean for a while.

I started the descent shortly after feeling that my sunscreen was not protecting me anymore. The way down was certainly easier not just because it's not as cardio-intense, but also because the road was wide and open. The views were certainly not as spectacular as on the way up, so I was glad to have followed directions of more experienced with this trail hikers.

I think this was one of the best trails I have hiked. It was moderate in length, intense in elevation gain and amazing with views.

I would definitely come back!

How I Budget and Finance My Trips - Credit Card Points Info

When I first immigrated to the United States, the first thing I did was open a credit card in my name. Since I had no credit history, I had to apply for a Citi card with a $400 security deposit that was refundable after a year of consistent payments. I did it. It took a while for my credit score to go up to reasonable levels, but patience paid off.

I started getting offers from other credit card companies. The offers got better the better my credit score got. I soon was eligible for most credit cards, and finally I could pick and choose which points or reward program to participate in.

Growing up in Belarus, I have not seen much credit being used there. Mostly purchases were paid in cash, and when I was in college, the debit cards finally appeared. This allowed me to learn never to rely on credit, so when I moved to the US, I paid off all my credit cards on time and in full. If I knew I would not be able to pay the credit card in full, I would not buy the item or service until I could.

Now onto credit cards I use most frequently that allow me to use rewards to pay for some of my adventures. I heavily rely on credit cards that pay out rewards in cash. I know that cards that have miles as their rewards mechanism work really well, but for me personally, I just like to have that cash. 

I have several credit cards with which I purchase different categories of things. 

One of my favorite credit cards that I use is Chase Freedom that offers 1.5% cash back on every purchase. I use it for everything, but groceries, gas and online purchases. My car and health insurance go on this card.

For groceries I use my American Express Blue Cash Everyday card that offers 3% cash back. At times, my Wells Fargo card also has some temporary rewards for grocery shopping, but it is not very consistent. I use Wells Fargo Propel for gas as it gives me 3% as well.

I also have a Bank of America card that has different categories you can pick from to get 3% cash back. You can switch it back and forth, but I keep mine on "Online Purchases", so everything that I buy online gets 3% cash back. Speaking of online purchases, I buy most of stuff on Amazon, so I use Amazon credit card that gives you 5% cash back. The only caveat is that the redemption minimum is $50 instead of typical $25.

Finally, I also had a Discover card that alternates their 5% rewards categories every quarter. For example, right now through the end of March the 5% category is Grocery Stores, Walgreens and CVS.

None of these cards have annual fees. I know there are some travel cards like Chase Sapphire that offer good into miles, but I don't fly enough these days to take full advantage of that. I will be considering this card once we are past the pandemic. In the meantime, I use Wells Fargo for my travel and car rental that offers 3% cash back.

Regardless what credit cards you use, I highly recommend paying them off monthly to avoid any interest rate fees. This will allow you to take full advantage of the point system.

I also use sticky notes for those credit cards that change their rewards categories or offers frequently to maximize cash back. Through my Chase Freedom alone I paid for gift cards, travel tickets and general purchases many times. I really should get into the "miles" game, but have not had the time to read through the TPG Beginner's Guide by The Points Guy. 

*By applying for credit cards through some of the links, both you and I may get rewards.

Crystal Cove Perimeter Loop in Crystal Cove State Park

Crystal Cove is an amazing park in Orange County right on the beach. I've been there several times on walks, but not to this part of the park only accessible by the car (or so I thought initially). The Crystal Cover Perimeter Loop trail is the longest path you could take there, so I paid my $15 entry fee for all-day parking and followed my AllTrails app.

The view immediately was insane. The ocean and mountains together are incredibly beautiful.

And these pictures are just from a mile away from the parking lot! As I got further along the trail, the views changed to primarily mountainous landscape, but not less beautiful, that's for sure.

The trail itself was easy to navigate and very wide allowing both social distancing and safety from flying by bicyclists. 

There was a "peak" where everyone seemed to be stopping. Indeed, it was probably the highest point of the hike, so I felt obliged to take a pano.

As I got past 7 miles, the trail went along a residential street where smarter people who wanted to access the park without a fee parked, stepped over the fence and enjoyed the trail just like I did. I added a note to my Google maps in case I want to return to hike the trail again. 

I also enjoyed a variety of view onto million-dollar houses.

The loop again ended with spectacular views and this gem.

Cerro de la Cavalera Loop Trail

After certain life changes recently, I am relocating yet again. Before my move, I wanted to check off a few trails that were on my "Favorites" list on AllTrails for a while, but somehow never completed. 

The first trail was Cerro de la Cavalera Loop trail, a 5.5 mile trail around a local dormant volcano. Who knew we had a volcano only 40 minutes away from where I currently live?!

The weather was absolutely perfect for this hike, cloudy with some sunshine just enough to warm you up before hiding behind the clouds again. 

On a Tuesday morning there were few people on the trail, especially starting from where I parked. The trail was wide and well-defined initially, but closer to the end got a bit confusing. AllTrails came in handy to resolve any questions. I can't imagine not having this app to navigate on trails. I am not even sure how people functioned without GPS and their cellphones 10-15 years ago... Probably got lost. A lot.

The trail started in a relatively populated area with houses seen from it at least on one side for a few miles. Later on, it got more isolated with just sounds from civilization carried over the mountains.

A small lake was a nice addition during the first 2 miles. Many people hiked there as it is also accessible from the local neighborhood.

As I left the lake, the trail quickly began to gain elevation, although there was not much elevation to be gained in general on this trail.

I reached the spot where the dormant volcano was located and refreshed my memory of geology. I guess I didn't really think San Diego would have something like that so close by.

The trail continued and looped around a water storage tower. This is where there are many ways to get lost without the app. I crossed a little creek and transitioned to a totally different landscape - trees and tall bushes versus just bushes and grass.

A few ups and downs, and I was getting close to the end of the trail. I can see how many people said it was hot as hell during the summer months - there is no shade whatsoever! On a 60 degree day it was just perfect!

Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail

This New Year's Eve was going to be different. While in the past, I would explore what options I had for celebrating the beginning of new year ahead of time, this year there was no planning involved at all. Avoiding any gatherings seemed to be the right way to meet the new year in the comfort of my apartment.

I decided to start the day productively by taking a hike near Escondido, surprisingly a hike that I have not yet done. Together with a small Meetup group, we met in a parking lot and started the 7 mile hike. It's been a while since I hiked with a group of people, and I can't say I missed it much, especially on a heavily trafficked hikes like Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail. I guess it's a bit distracting being among other 11 females who loudly chat about their mundane lives or maybe I just needed some peace and quiet that day.

The hike started on a paved bicycle path along the side road off the highway. Soon it transitioned to a pedestrian bridge as it proceeded deeper into the preserve (or so I think). A small lake showing signs of drought "housed" a dozen birds far in the distance. Mountain bikers flew by on their fancy shock-absorbing equipment. I saw a little slug crossing the path. I thought to myself that it would be most certainly killed by one of those bikers. Heck, with their speed it is not out of question that I might be the victim on this road. I'm exaggerating now... I felt bad not having picked it up and relocated to a safer place.

The view of the lake changed with light. It seemed rather cheery in sunlight, but pretty gloomy with sun hidden behind the clouds.

The hike continued pretty flat, but soon we reached a small purple bridge, although from this picture the bridge looks quite ordinary.

We took the wrong turn at the intersection and ended by hiking by the lake for a while. After realizing AllTrails was desperately trying to say something sending "Off Route?" messages, we turned around and regrouped at the intersection taking the right path this time.

The trail started to gain elevation, first very slowly, but closer to the summit rapidly. Several of us reached the peak as the sun emerged from the clouds illuminating Lake Hodges. This was a much better view of the lake than I've seen from Way Up Trail that I hiked back in October. 

I wanted to return back for Belarusian New Year's celebration, so I parted with the group and hiked downhill. Closer to the end of the hike, I took this picture that seemed to sum up 2020 - gloomy but with signs of hope.

I got home and looked at my recorded stats on AllTrails. I have recorded all new trails, but some local trails I hiked multiple times.

And this was something I could plan for 2021 - most popular trails on AllTrails.

So to another better hiking and traveling year!

Cuyamaca Peak via Azalea Glen Loop

I can't believe I haven't hiked this trail before... I don't know how I could have missed it. Located only an hour and a half from where I live, Cuyamaca Peak via Azalea Glen Loop is a gem, especially on a weekend when the construction was not active. 

What's a better way to start a Thanksgiving Day weekend than to hike somewhere you've never been before? This hike was amazing just because on Thanksgiving Day very few people actually hiked. On the way up (I took the longer way - 5 miles up instead of hiking in and out), I did not encounter a single person. Just trees and peace and quiet. 

It was frosty and pretty cold at 8 AM

The initial mile and a half was pretty flat, but soon the trail started to go uphill. This is where the views emerged out of nowhere! And the silence... I can't describe the silence I heard (or didn't hear). Even birds seemed to still be sleeping in (there were not).

Some views showed scars of previous fires with shrubs just recovering. There was some work being down on my way downhill cutting burnt out trees, repaving the fire road, but on Thanksgiving all work was stopped allowing the hikers to enjoy the peace of nature.

I soon reached the top, and it did not disappoint. Besides the geocashing spot that offered a hand sanitizer and a napkin, I found a wonderful view.

I sat on a rock staring out onto the landscape in front of me, truly breathing in the silence. It was almost surreal how quiet it was. No people, no barking dogs - just silence. I was starting to get cold, and decided to start my decent. It was a shorter 3 mile paved fire road leading to the parking lot through some camping. I still don't understand the pleasure of group camping where there are so many people right next to you. I guess there is no other way nearby, or is there? Regardless, camping is just not my thing. Although I should try it. At least once...

Potato Chip Rock - Mt. Woodson Hike

I don't usually like popular hikes. True, they are often popular for a reason, but the amount of people hiking those trails really spoil the whole experience. There is one pro though, you never hike by yourself.

Today I was crossing another item off my bucket list. This time is was Potato Chip Rock (via Mt. Woodson Trail). It's named that way because it reminds a potato chip (duh!), but really it's just a sharp overhanging piece of rock eroded by wind and weather over the years. It's right on the trailhead to the top of Mt. Woodson, so I guess that's how it was discovered and became popular.

And by popular, I mean there are lines of people waiting to climb on top of it to take a picture. I chose not to do that and just went all the way to the top. I did take a picture...

It looks empty, but only because a lady was stuck between two rocks trying to climb up. I took advantage of this opportunity...

But let's backtrack a little bit... This is how it all started.

The hike itself is rather picturesque. It was worth hiking 4-4.5 miles to the top (the total distance is only 7.6 miles, but I decided I did not want to pay $10 for parking and parked down the street adding an extra mile and a half).

Lake Poway is the first vista of the hike right at the beginning of the trail as it starts ascending. The weather was absolutely beautiful today, but it was getting hot quickly.

I look a bit lopsided today. My allergies are pretty bad right now, so in the mornings my eyes look really swollen.

The jacket quickly came off as I gained more elevation. The total elevation gained was just under 2,400 ft. As always, I feel the most tired in the first half an hour to an hour. My brain during that time still plays with the idea whether it needs to deploy extra resources or just keep me miserable. Eventually, it gives in, and soon enough I have a decent amount of energy. The views continue to get better and better.

On top of Mt. Woodson, there was this gigantic structure of antennae and transmitters with a sign that this is a zone with high electromagnetic radiation (apparently, behind the wired fence only). It looked pretty amazing, I really wanted to explore it further, but you know, people are around...

After the summit, I sat on a rock away from people for a few minutes enjoying the sun. I realize it is a luxury for many other people in other parts of the country and the world that are freezing cold right now.

The whole hike took me 3 hours and 50 minutes with all the breaks. The round trip was 9 miles, a worthy start of the day!