Travel Diary

I wasn’t sure at the start of the day where I wanted to run. It was either going to be the Pleasanton Ridge or the Iron Horse Trail. In the end, I went with the former choice. I could do Iron Horse on Saturday.

I packed the drone and a sweatshirt so my pack was heavier than normal. Well, normally I don’t wear a pack at all, but I wanted my drone again, so it was necessary to take on the extra weight. My knees could handle it (I hoped).

I headed to West Las Positas Blvd and then on over 680 to reach Foothill Road. Somehow, I thought it was just a couple of miles to the Ridge, but nope, it was seven miles to get there! After arriving, a lot of leg strength and stamina were gone, so it was mainly walking up the Ridge as it’s quite steep at times.

Along the path, I got great views of Pleasanton and even some cows. There wasn’t much time. The park was close to closing and few people were left, with no one heading up into the Ridge then.

I took video and photos, and when I reached the peak area, I sent up the drone. It was quite fun flying it in an area with no people and no real obstacles (if it’s high enough). It was too late to capture the actual sun setting, which was disappointing since I had the time earlier in the day, but so be it. I raced it around and got some fun video shots.

After that, I headed back down to the front gates. I noticed that they did close the entrance gate but there was an exit gate with tire spikes in place so no on could drive in. As I had jogged there, it didn’t matter, but it was nice to know that if someone were parked inside and got back late, they would not be trapped inside the parking lot area—something I would worry about in years prior.

Next, I had to jog down Foothill Road again, and it was getting pretty dark. The section I was on (South of Sunol) had no sidewalks or shoulders, so I was careful to avoid getting hit. I often had to stand off the road when cars passed. Kind of a shame that the area does not support bicyclists or pedestrians better as they obviously cannot use the freeway. I kept the music off too to help my senses stay alert for automobiles.

After a few miles, I reached Sunol and headed to Pleasanton. Once past 680, I could find safety in a sidewalk once again. Plus, I was back to a route I’d done many times in past years. It was hilly but downhill too which the legs appreciated as soreness was kicking in. In time, I reached Main Street in Pleasanton—quite a familiar site.

On Main Street, it was rather busy. Lots of festivities going on, and it was a Friday night. Ghost or haunted tours were numerous, and those looked like a fun thing to perform in. I took a photo of Gay 90s pizza, although if given the chance, I would probably try Zachary’s Pizza next time in town, since I hear it’s great too. Still, I already had partaken in Round Table on Thursday, and I had lots of leftovers remaining. My pizza quota was full for that trip.

Heading down the street, I got a photo of the old Firehouse Theatre, where I had done all of two shows over the years there. But I had auditioned for several others.

Next, I finally got to Meadowlark Dairy and picked up a chocolate and vanilla swirl ice cream cone. I had always meant to get one during my years in Pleasanton, but never had. Finally, it was mission accomplished. I only ordered a “small.” I actually didn't finish it, as I only wanted the taste for a spell, but not the carbs. I tossed the remainder in the waste. If only they sold a “really small” cone.

I headed north and reached the Pleasanton Hotel. The side yard dining was packed and busy with people enjoying meals. But the front door area was still dark. Some ladies told me the new restaurant hadn’t opened yet. Apparently, they have two restaurants there now (well, soon) and that was peculiar. I imagine the side outdoor dining won’t be used during the rainy and cold months, but the side restaurant is mainly inside where the dinner shows once were. I do wonder if they built two separate kitchens for the establishments. At any rate, it will be hard to have any future dinner shows (or wedding parties) there with this kind of arrangement.

Yeah, lots of changes there.

Moving along, I passed by Amador High School, but mainly the theatre in front, where I did many, MANY shows for Pleasanton Playhouse. That building is bursting with memories from all the time I spent there. Sad that it ended, but the company still somewhat exists and now performs in Livermore. I did a few shows in the new location, but the memories were nowhere near as fond.

Next was a visit to Safeway. I got a few snacks, but it was also fun to visit the place I bought 99% of my food for decades. At least they do have them in Seattle.

I headed over to Sunshine Saloon and took a video of the place. Alas, I had no ID to enter, and plus, I was sweaty. Just fun to see it was still doing fine. People were singing karaoke and I imagine the dancing would have started around 11pm.

Next, I ran by my old house once again. I got a photo quickly, and then went down Greenwood Road. My jogging was pretty much over by then (16 miles) so the rest was walked. I just used the time for vlogging my journey, although I was also forgetting which streets to take and ended up blocked by the creek. Ironic. I’d done those jogs countless times and still was confused on the route to take.

No matter. I entered the creek and took the underpass route. It was quite dark and I’d hardly ever been on the creek path during complete darkness, though I was soon back at Stoneridge Road intersection. Walking down that a while, I knew I’d be back to the hotel soon, which was good as my legs were wearing out fast. The miles were adding up and I was near 19 at that point. I also quickly visited the building where I once worked for ThinkHR. Odd, but there was no sign of the company or the business that bought them out, but it was fun to see the area.

Back at the front of the hotel, I had about 19.5 miles logged and there was no way I could end it there. I put on my sweatshirt (as I was quite cold at that point), and then went around the block to reach 20 miles. It was precisely six hours of running.

It didn’t take long to fall asleep.