Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Mission Peak, Fremont, CA

What better way to spend a 4 day weekend than to embark on short getaways (I call them quickies;)). My mind of endless thoughts needed a break from the stresses of the everyday work grind. This weekend's trip was encouraged due to the fact that I had to take my GREs in San Jose, CA. I assure you that I wasn't too excited about this 5 hour test, but since I had to be in the area anyways, why not make an adventure out of it!

Saturday, October 24th, 2015
My accomplices for the weekend were Susie and Hieu. Everyone has been doing the popular Mission Peak hike in Fremont, CA and I figured that I would jump on the bandwagon. Hieu and Susie are always down to try new things so we set out on our adventure. The trail is about 5.6 miles (links below) and is supposed to take an estimated 1 1/2 hour there and back. 

Being the overzealous, control freak that I am (especially in the planning process), I decided that we absolutely needed to leave at the early crack of before dawn so that we would arrive in time to see the sunrise at 7:40 am. We embarked from Modesto, CA around 4:30 am. 
I love night driving!! Perfect time to roll down the windows, turn up the music, and let your hair fly with the wind...

Traffic was smooth and we arrived in Fremont around 6:30 am after getting a little lost. The streets were packed with cars and a butt ton of people! This hike has definitely gained popularity. We had to park in the residential area.
Parking added a bit of a walk to our hike
The adrenaline was definitely kicking in! We were so ready since I had the goal of getting to the top for the sunrise. Everyone was already starting the trail (must beat them to the top!!!). BUT of course I paused and thought it's definitely time for a SELFIE!!!
"But first... let me take a selfie" "#Selfie"-The Chainsmokers (did I mention that I love my selfies:))

The hike kicked my butt the entire way up!!! It was pretty difficult for my first time! Every second of everyone moment and movement I had to try to stay motivated to keep going. There were prolonged inclines for most of the hike and steep as well. Susie and Hieu definitely were motivators to keep me going. The trail had a great view of the city and as we progressed upwards it felt like we were walking into the clouds. I was a little preoccupied with almost dying (yes, I'm a bit dramatic, but I seriously was hurting) so Susie took most of our candid progression photos of the magnificent view.

Susie is amazing with these panoramas on her Samsung Galaxy Note 5
We didn't quite make it for sunrise, so we took a snack break and enjoyed the view! I finally got to use my new GoPro Hero+ LCD. I love the wide angle pictures!!

I think it's funny that while hiking, you can see and hear cows mooing away. Susie got to be up close and personal with them. PLUS!! I think she got a selfie:) We finally reached the top about 2.5 hours later (completely my fault). I was super excited because I made it through the last stretch of the hike. It was definitely the most difficult part. 
SUCCESS!!!
The hardships that were endured in the trek were definitely worth it once we reached the top. There was a wait to take our triumphant picture due to crowds of kids on a class trip. While we waited I got to test out the GoPro with more selfies and videos of the view. Going back down was a lot easier. By that time it was getting hotter, so we rushed down ready to grab brunch. 

We had a giant lunch at Black Bear Diner before going for a much needed early check-in to our hotel (we were pooped and needed to shower badly). I got an amazing deal on our hotel room when I booked with Orbitz. A night at the Courtyard by Marriot was only $89.19 after I used my $6.60 in Orbitz bucks that I got from a previous trip (links below).

So comfortable!! Nap time!
After a quick nap, we jumped in the car and grabbed dinner (Yes, I know!! We eat a LOT!!!). Susie and I had never been to an Asian store called 99 Ranch before, so we went to check it out. We bought tons of snacks and I got half a roast duck (I sadly couldn't finish it because we had so much food by the end of the night).

For dinner we ended up Yelping a Korean place called Mom's Tofu. The service was great and the food was pretty good!

We then decided to end the night with wandering East Ridge Mall in Santa Clara, CA and watching the new Vin Diesel movie The Last Witch Hunter.
Picked up some super cheap items!

A day filled with so much activity and food= A PERFECT DAY! The adventure only continues....


Sunday, October 25th, 2015

After checkout Susie and Hieu decided to grab lunch with me. We saw a crowd at Boiling Point the night before so we wanted to try it. Quick service and yummy food in individual portions. 

Susie and Hieu headed home while I headed to Panera to study, target to shop, and then check-in to my hotel for the night. I got a motel close to my test center in San Jose, CA. The Wyndham was bit sketchy from the outside, but inside my room was a modern look. I booked this room through Priceline for $106.62. I ended my night studying, studying, and cramming as much information as I could in my tired brain and sore body.


Monday, October 26th, 2015

Test Day: 
Got up early and tackled my test! Fingers crossed that I did okay:) Before heading home I stopped by my favorite spring roll place in Grand Century Plaza for spring rolls and pork and prawn combo.


Yet another conclusion to a great quickie! Short getaways are the best!!! Until next time..
. 

About Me:
Equipment Used: 
  • HTC Desire Eye 
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 5
  • GoPro Hero+ LCD
  • Selfie Stick
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Location: Fremont, CA, USA
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