Sunday, April 13, 2014

Biking Limekiln Trail

Today, I mountain biked on Limekiln Trail near Lexington Reservoir in Los Gatos.
The Limekiln trail starts out moderate but gets very steep. It's a great workout for mountain biking as it provides excellent cardiovascular exercise. It's pretty challenging, and I often walk at least the upper part of the trail.


Here is a short GoPro Hero3 Black video on the bike's handlebars.



It mainly shows the descent, as the steep ascent is dull.


The trail is mostly gravel, with many trees providing shade for most of the trail.


There are many steep ascents; sometimes, it's hard to get started if one stops. However, the tree shade provides excellent riding conditions but can still get boiling in the summer.


The ascents can be challenging, and it can be a struggle not to do the walk of shame.


Once I reached the top, the tree cover was gone, primarily sand and gravel.


Getting to the top is a lot of hard work. I was utterly exhausted from mountain biking the steep ascent.



The way back to Lexington Reservoir is pretty steep, with lots of gravel and beautiful views of surrounding hills and Santa Cruz mountains.



It's a beautiful ride down.




Disney's Hollywood Studios, Orlando

Inna and Alex spent the early morning in Walt Disney's Animal Kingdom park and the rest of their time in Disney's Hollywood Studios.




Here is a photo of Alex and Inna on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride.






In the evening, Inna and Alex watched the "Fantasmic" show.






Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom, Orlando

Alex and Inna decided to visit Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom on the morning of Sunday, April 13.





Inside the park, Alex and Inna rode on a Wild African Trek through a jungle of animals.



They saw giraffes,



There were also elephants, zebras, and many colorful birds.








Alex decided to try to play African drums.




Thursday, April 10, 2014

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, Orlando

Inna and Alex visited Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, without me (I had to work).
However, they enjoyed their visit and took many beautiful photos.

While they liked the Magic Kingdom, they thought that the Magic Kingdom in Disneyland (in Anaheim) was better. The castles look very distinctive - as if they were modeled after Germany's famous Burg-Eltz (which we visited recently).




Inna and Alex enjoyed their ride in the "It's a Small World Ride." It was one of our favorite rides in Disneyland.


I think Alex was a bit bored on these rides.





Afterward, Inna and Alex did a few more attractions, like "Pirates of the Caribbean.


The park is well laid out and has many friendly Disney touches.



Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Epcot, Orlando

In early April, Inna and Alex visited Disneyworld's Epcot Center in Orlando, Florida (while I was working).


Alex really enjoyed most of the rides and attractions.


There were many colorful garden characters on display throughout the park.


Alex really enjoyed playing video games.


Here is Goofy playing soccer.

The grounds are immaculately trimmed.


Beware of Monster, Inc! (Mike and Sulley)


Alex enjoyed climbing some of the climbing structures in the Children's playground.




Pixar's Cars characters were displayed prominently.



Here are Alex, Mickey, and Inna together.


And, of course, who could forget Minnie Mouse?



Alex got to play with a few monsters.




There are some interesting Asia buildings all around.


Who could forget the Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs?


Some interesting acrobatic acts were going on.


Here are Alex and the alligator.


Then, there's Beauty and the Beast.


Alex and Inna enjoyed their lunch, but the Disney food is not what I would call "healthy."


Inna had a delicious salad.


As it started to get darker, Alex and Inna prepared for the evening show.


There were fireworks and lights - all the typical Disney effects.


Here is a short video:


Alex and Inna enjoyed the attractions in Epcot and would love to return.