Friday March 1st, 2024 - Work trip to San Diego wrap-up and 1 short hike, 1.77 miles, 380 feet elevation gain

I needed to wake up early today but I ended up waking up at 4 am instead of the 5:30 am I had hoped for.  I felt rested and ready so I just got up and rolled with it.  I was out of the hotel a little after 5 am and experienced no slowdowns or heavy traffic at all on I-5 and the CA-73 toll road.  That took me somwhere in the Irvine area and by that time my trip was half done and I was ready for breakfast.  I had a really good bagel then found a hike that was nearby.  I had a few hours of extra time to make it to LAX but I couldn't be sure just how long I was safe for since LA traffic is very unrpredictable and even returning the rental car and getting to the terminal could be a 40 minute ordeal if my arrival experience was any indication.

The Weir Canyon trail I did a short stiff walk on was gorgeous.  Absolutely jaw dropping nearly 360 degree secenic views and lots of ups and downs.  I Face Time called Brian to show him the views and enjoyed my time there so much.  but I dind't want to push my luck so when I saw a way to slice the planned 3+ mile loop down to under 2 I took it.  The shortcut was brutally steep but in the end I really needed to get going.

Google showed lots of (expected) bad traffic on the way to LAX and an hour fifteen minute long drive I think. I tried no highways and it was only like 30 minutes longer and it was 'green' meaning no notable congestion.  So I took that.  And at one point I had the choice of veering east or west before going north and I opted to go more inland and drove about 30 miles on CA-90 (the Imperial Highway) which was relaxing but often very poky with long stop lights etc.  Still, I got on the rental car bus at 10 am and my flight wasn't scheduled to leave until 11:55 am.  So if all went well I'd have just the right amount of time.  Unfortunately my flight was delayed a bit so I needn't have hurried at all.

Now waiting to board my flight to Detroit which should be boaridng any time now.  Pictures are from this morning's hike,














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