I have driven past Stacks at least 300 times and every time I drive by it it looks super crowded which is always a good sign of a delicious diner. People tell me over and over that I have to try their pancakes and I finally listened to them.
One of the many ways to my heart is taking me out to breakfast (keep that in mind in case we ever hang out in real life). I think I love going out to breakfast so much because it is something that we never do so it feels like a holiday or something when we do.
Brooke was intrigued by all of the choices they offered there.
There was no question that I was going to get pancakes but I did have a tough time deciding which kind. I finally decided on the blueberry with berry topping. Yep, delicious and fluffy and the picture may look like they were small pancakes but these babies were huge.
Billy and I have a new hobby that we want to get into. I am beyond excited about this new hobby (may need to pick up a few extra spin classes to support it;) and I think Brooke is too. We really want to get into camping and backpacking. (If I look tired it is because I am…. thank goodness for the above syrup because that really helped me out:) The purple backpack below is the one that I need.
Brooke is going to have to get this coat for our first camping trip (I am trying to convince Billy that we should go tomorrow).
And we will definitely need this camping chair for Brooke.
Billy actually really likes freeze dried food? Nothing like scrambled eggs and bacon out of a plastic bag.
We spent a good 2 hours at REI and now we are about to go into another camping store to compare prices.
Oh wait, one more picture from REI:
I simply cannot wait to bike ride with Brooke when she is old enough.
—————————————————————————————————
Did you go camping when you were growing up? Do you still go now? Do you enjoy camping?
How often do you go out to breakfast? Do you have a favorite place to go?
Favorite pancake toppings?
Do you have a new hobby that you want to get into?
103 comments
Jennifer@knackfornutrition
Those pancakes look amazing!! I made some yesterday that were not so good. I need a redo!
misszippy
I went to a Stacks in Los Gatos when I was out there for CIM. I LOVED it!
Brooke is, as always, the cutest thing on the planet.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Why did we not hang out when you were here? I am 15 minutes away from that… I would have bought you pancakes.
Annie
Ditto this! We just moved back to SoCal, after living in the Silicon valley for 2 years. Definitely miss Sports Basement!!!! REI’s wonderful, but the real bargains are at Sports Basement!
Annie
Oh! And we soooo miss brunches in Palo Alto! We love Pastis, Cafe Brioche and Joanie’s. Take Brooke on a Sunday morning. They have a lovely farmer’s market every Sunday AM on California Ave, too….brunch & farmer’s market = lovely way to spend a lazy Sunday! :-)
Rebecca@Runningfoodbaby
We still go camping – we went for the first time as a family when Max was 8 months old – he loved it!
We do not go out for breakfast all that often – maybe once a month? We hit up some local restaurants mostly! I think my favorite pancake topping would be berries and whipped cream! yum!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
I love camping, though I haven’t gone in a couple years.
I’m not going to lie, that freeze dried food isn’t all that great (it’s soooo salty), but at the end of a long day of hiking, it’s easy and hot, so it ends up tasting pretty good.
Irene
Oh goodness. Those are the cutest pictures of a child I have ever seen. I must have a baby immediately and go camping with her (I have never been camping before). Also, I need pancakes STAT.
I recently tried rockclimbing (indoor) and would love to get into that too but…$$$$. So, maybe not.
Allie
Have you checked out the camping supplies at Sports Basement?!?!
The Hungry Runner Girl
No! Do they have good deals?
Jessica R @ fromthekitchentotheroad
We went camping all the time growing up. We got tons of camping gear for our wedding. I am hoping to actually put it to use this summer.
Meghan
I grew up car camping (no hiking to the campsite) and loved it. We finally got to test out our camp gear last summer and had a blast. I am hoping to camp more this summer! I am definitely a fair weather camper and like to go when it’s warm out.
Favorite breakfast place is a deli that has anything you could possibly want for breakfast, including lots of types of pancakes!
Favorite pancake toppings are berries and whipped cream.
Gabby @ Marathons and Macarons
We went camping at Cape Cod almost every summer when I was little. I love hiking and being outdoors but I am not a fan of sleeping in a tent! One of my best camping trips was in Bergerac, France this summer.
Shelley
I want to be a knitter and a runner. Yesterday was my first 30 minutes of continuous running. I started c25k January 20th. I didn’t know I could run because I’ve never done it before. I’ve never been so tickled about anything! First race is March 23rd. I probably need a blog now. lol
Running is cool and I get extra cool points for being elderly. After the race I will wear running clothes fulltime (because I am cool like that) and put a sticker on my car. The knitting is not going so well.
Shelley
The Hungry Runner Girl
Ahhhhhh wow! Way to go! 30 minutes nonstop! You are doing amazing!
Heather @ Run Eat Play
Going out to breakfast is my favorite – I love it!
I went camping once or twice as a kid…and honestly I hate it! lol! If I never camped again, I’d be a…happy camper :)
Brooke is adorable as usual!!
Sarah @pickyrunner
I think I know where I need to go if I ever go to Cali to visit my roommate. Breakfast for three meals. If Brooke approves, it has to be too.
Sonia the Mexigarian
We used to go camping a lot when I was a kid and I loved it. Haven’t done it recently, not since 2011. My little sister goes backpacking and it amazes me :) I really want to go camping this year with the husband, but he’s not the much of a camper. :-\ and he hates heat. we got the tent, grill, sleeping bags and some other gear, we just got to use it!
Sports Basement and Mel Cotton’s are pretty good retailers too. SB is opening a new store in the Campbell area :)
Glad you got to Stack’s. Haven’t been there in a while myself!
Wendy @ New Moms Talk
Scott and I are both trail runners. He grew up camping, fishing, hunting, etc. and misses (at times) his Special Forces time.
We will be introducing Susanna to life beyond concrete- soon! Scott is set to do the 25k version of the Buffalo Runs on Antelope Island in 16 days.
Some ways to smartly get gear that work for us:
*REI visa= bigger rebate
*Patagonia sales= fabulous & the Web Specials are pretty great, too
*Know the sales timing & patiently wait
*Consider Craig’s List
Hope this helps a bit.
Megan D
Hey! We have been to breakfast together, so hopefully I have a place in your heart ;)
Until you can ride next to Brooke, you will have to get a bike trailer. Our kids love riding in ours. I found ours at a yard sale when I was on a run :)
We occasionally went camping growing up. We go camping a few times a year. It is fun and the kids love it, but let me tell you that camping with kids is WORK! All the packing, loading, food prep, trips to the store to get it all and what not. Every time I do it I wonder if it is worth it. But then when we are there in the moment, I am always reminded that it is.
I go to breakfast a few times a year. Maybe only 1 or 2x with Ross and the rest with girl friends or gym buddies (when we skip the gym & go to breakfast instead). It is always a toss up between topping them with PB, bananas, powdered sugar and maple syrup or topping them with strawberries and whipped cream. If at home, I have one of each.
Get Brooke the chair! They have some at walmart (that might be cheaper). Besides the fact that she looks adorable in it, my kids use theirs all the time. Even when we watch a movie as a family. They think they are pretty cool.
shelly
I love camping!! We go all the time! Backpacking too!! We hiked to the top of Catle Peak and that’s where Jason purposed to me.
Wendy @ New Moms Talk
PS 6pm.com is really good for Pati clothing, too. It varies, but it’s often super cheap if one isn’t color picky.
Elizabeth @ My Neon Running Shoes
So glad you got your strawberry pancakes! My favorite topping is chocolate chips or banana! And lots of syrup… My new hobby I’d like to learn more about is photography (espeically with food), technology, and spirituality! Have fun camping!
Kay
Mmm, those pancakes look delicious!!
Sarah
Everyone else usually beats (or meets) REI on price. What you’re paying for at REI is the ability to return anything at any time for any reason. If you’re a member then you get a small percentage at the end of the year (for anything you didn’t return of course haha) that seems to even things out. I love REI’s return policy, it’s saved me so many times with things that just haven’t worked out.
Hannah
Brooke is adorable in that little coat! She is looking so much like Billy lately!
Amanda
I love going out to breakfast and my favorite pancake topping is hands down peanut butter!
Naomi M
I LOVE hiking and backpacking :) I’m surprised you didn’t do more in Utah! I miss having the mountains so close.
REI is super expensive so I recommend finding a good backpack there and then ordering in on amazon. Usually you’ll save a ton of money.
Kelly - IRUNLIKEAGIRL
Those look delicious! I can’t wait for our bRUNch….coming up SOON!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Hahaha I was seriously thinking about that today at bfast!
Kelly - IRUNLIKEAGIRL
I’m def. gonna have to hang up this vegan-til-30 thing for a day in the name of choco chip panny cakes! PS- I’m running Santa Cruz half in early April and I totally think that you should too. That is all.
Julia B.
I don’t like camping, unless there is some semblance of a real toilet nearby. And as long as it isn’t rainy. Or cold. But otherwise I really like it!
I’m a pancake minimalist- butter & syrup for me. Maybe peanut butter and banana if the feeling is right.
Andrea @ mainerunnergirl
I love going out to breakfast- best place is Hibiscus Cafe near Destin, Fl. The top their waffles with honey and fresh fruit and coconut and peanutbuttern
Kate @ SoCal Runner Gal
REI is way too much fun. I could spend a whole day in that store. I always say I want to go backpacking but I never do it! I bought a real pack and even subscribed to Backpacker magazine! I need to do it… I think I’m too wimpy.
Sharisse
My favorite breakfast spot is Tower Cafe in downtown Sacramento! They have the best eggs benedict and house potatoes! And their hot chocolate is surprisingly delicious, too!
Amy N.
We go camping with our kids all the time! They love it so much! We have enough backpacking equipment to supply an entire scout troop (been there done that!) but for now we don’t do much backpacking while we wait for the kids to grow up a little bit.
By the way, when Brooke is old enough for a bike don’t get one with pedals, get a Strider bike. They’re a little bit more, but holy cow the kids cruise on them! We taught both our kids to ride a pedal bike with no training wheels in one afternoon because they learned balance using the strider bikes. And they both learned when they were barely four years old.
Nelly
Stacks is indeed awesome, I’ve been to the one in Menlo Park – favorite breakfast place out there. Not sure if you have been to Hobee’s before, they have phenomenal coffee cake. REI is also a great store, sometimes their prices are high, but they have awesome customer service. And their return policy goes forever with no restrictions lol.
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries
Those pancakes look awesome! I love Mimi’s Cafe for a chain breakfast place, but there’s so many great hole in the wall breakfast places I’ve been to as well. One of my all time favorites is Ruth’s Diner up Emmigration Canyon! Their biscuits and homemade jam are amaaaazing.
I grew up camping a lot as a kid. My husband and I enjoy it to this day! The great thing about it is that you really don’t need a ton of stuff to make it a fun experience. A little tent, some camping chairs, a cooler, and you’re good to go!
Kelsey
You’ll LOVE backpacking. My new hobbies include running and blogging…but I’m already a camper/backpacker. Breakfast looks good!
Brooke @ Running In Heels
I love camping!! So much fun!
jrm
Don’t camp/backpack as much, my words of advice are gore-tex boots and coat. Expensive (well, expensive to me) but worth every last dollar.
Melissa
You might consider “Frogg Togg” brand coats and gear… they designed them to be a more affordable but very good waterproof protective sub for gore-tex. Several friends of mine have given it really good reviews.
Bass Pro shops and Cabelas also have quite a bit of camping stuff and often offer special sales or deals like 20% off or $15 off a $100 purchase. I would compare prices online for them too.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats
Oh I LOVE camping!! And you guys take the best pictures of Brooke, love the bike one and the menu one! I love going out for breakfast but I usually have to get an omelet since most places don’t have gluten free stuff. Good thing I love omelets! And I have so many hobbies I want to get into, a few are dance, rock climbing and boxing!
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom
I never went true camping as a little kid, although I did go to summer camp. We never even camped outdoors at camp though. Bummer! I’d like to, though, at least for a night! I don’t like anything on my pancakes, because I don’t like pancakes, but I like berries or chocolate chips on top of my waffles!
Fat2Phat - My 175lbs. Weight Loss Journey
Oooo … oooo … oooo … I’ve been to Stacks! LOVE IT! Meno Park. Life changing! I got the bacon waffle which really changed my life.
I absolutely love breakfast food! But, I love it even more for lunch or dinner.
Kellye
I love stacks!! The yogurt and fruit filled crepe is amazing!
Cami P
So we buy all of our outdoor gear from REI because they have the best return policy EVER! I think it’s worth the premium because you basically buy it once for life. And then if you become a member you get so many perks (garage sale, coupons, etc.) .
Brittney @teaberrytrails
We went camping ALL the time! Love it! The girls have so much fun when we take them! Started them out young =) We usually camp down on a river lot with family that my husbands Nana owns! Such a blast!
Laura @ RunningJunkie123
Fruit, eggs and turkey sausage or bacon is always really good on pancakes!
They just opened an REI near me. I would LOVE to go hiking more often. It’s so much fun but we only get out once or twice a year:-(
I love that my daughter rides a big bike now! I get to run while she bikes next to me. We can just chat and pass the time. It’s also awesome not to be timing myself! The only downfall is hills. Uphill I’m coaxing her to push herself and down hill she’s leaving me in the dust!
Natalie @ Free Range Human
REI is my favorite store on earth!! I just got ridiculously excited that you guys want to get into backpacking. It’s mine and my husband’s “thing”. We go all the time, and we even have a 150 mile trip planned for this summer!
Cori @ olivetorun
I went camping ALL the time with my dad as a kid (my parents were divorced). They are some of my favorite memories from growing up and I intend on camping as much as possible with my future kids.
Jacqueline
Just catching up on your blog. :) Check out Sports Basement, that place has everything!
I love Stacks!!
We used to camp out at the beach growing up. Morro Bay & Cambria, now we just have a beach house in Pismo. I dig that since I would die without a hot bubble bath every night.
Elizabeth @ Positive Change
I never grew up camping, however my mom did, she has been to every state besides 2! However I would love to go!! My husband and I never go out to breakfast, like you guys its a treat or a holiday! When we go it would be First Watch. The best place to eat! The food is incredible!! I love topping mine with pineapple and bananas! I feel so tropical!! :)
Jade
My husband and I went camping and hiking every weekend over the summer in Oregon and a bit in Northern Cali. I am sure it will be glorious for you out there! Hiking is my favorite thing to do in the world and in a tent is my favorite place to sleep. I think I like hiking more than running??? Love REI too. :)
Kristen @ notsodomesticated
Oh my goodness, Brooke is getting so BIG! Where is the time going?!?!
Speaking of time flying, I only have 4 more weeks until my little girl is due. Eeek! Any tips for me??
The Hungry Runner Girl
Email me!!!!!!
Nicole@TheKidlessKronicles
I am going to become a juggler. And then go to clown school. Except clowns are creepy.
The Kidless Kronicles
Logan @ Mountains and Miles
I love REI. I always get my stuff there over any other place because they have a 100% return policy – even after more than a year! It’s really helpful when you are trying out something new for the first time, especially things like backpacks that really need to be comfortable and fit you well.
We always camped as kids and once I got older I got into backpacking more. My family also goes on river (rafting and kayaking) trips. I think spending time camping/outdoors is really great for family bondings and reinforcing healthy, active lifestyles.
Tammy
You can buy those freeze dried food at walmart too…just an FYI might be cheaper than REI. We camp a lot but we just bring real food and a cooler. I guess it’s different if your backpacking and hiking. It’s super fun, I’ve been taking my kids camping for years.
Alina
My new hobby is hopefully becoming a fitness instructor!!! I have this audition TOMORROW and if I get it I will be able to get free training to teach kickboxing and strength at my gym. OMG OMG OMG…scared scared scared..”hyperventilating………”
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh my goodness I so so excited for you! You are going to do amazing!!!!
Abby @ZestyNerd.blogspot.com
Love REI, and while you may find things cheaper elsewhere, you really can’t beat their return policy. It’s worth every last to shop there for that alone.
I love going out to breakfast for the same reason, a rare treat. We love this little diner that’s inside a functioning pharmacy and has been there forever. Their hot cakes rolled up like creeps are to die for!
Runningwithscissors
We camped when I was growing up but now it just doesn’t appeal to me. I will take a posh pillow top mattress anyday. :)
Blueberries favorite pancake topping.
Breakfast is the best! I absolutely loooooooove going out for breakfast!
jan J
We love camping! Soooo fun. Watch for camping gear on Craigslist or at garage sales. Sometimes you can find steals.
Holly
When I visit CA, can you please take me to Stacks?! I am the same way about breakfast as you- I do feel like it’s extra special because we never go out for breakfast. :) Last time we went to breakfast was the day I went into the hospital to be induced! Good memories for sure!
My cousin is VERY much into backpacking/ camping- you will have to let me know if you need any tips or suggestions- she is out in CA too- San Diego. She LOVES REI!
Meagan
OMG those pancakes look amazing! Now I have to have blueberry pancakes sometime in the near future!
We camped growing up and my husband and I still camp now (albeit in a 5th wheel camper). I really enjoy it, and we camp whenever possible when we run races. It allows us to bring the dogs along with us on our adventures! Every year we go on a 2 week camping trip at the beach.
Favorite pancake toppings- fruit and syrup!
Ann E
My husband and I love to go camping and backpacking. And we also love REI. They can be a little bit more expensive, but keep in mind that you can ALWAYS return items. And I am not just saying after 30 days, if you wanted to you could return the item after 30 years. I went there recently to get some hiking shoes and my husband was talking to the shoe salesmen about how the water proofing in his shoes went out and the first thing the guy said was did you buy them from us? we can replace them for you (and this is after Josh said that he had the shoes for about seven years). So yeah, just keep that in mind, especially for camping and hiking stuff. Oh and if you really end up buying a lot from there, you can get their credit card and end up getting an awesome dividend :)
Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy
Brooke is getting so big! Her hair is too cute!!
I did not grow up in a camping family. I guess I’m getting more adventurous, though, because my husband and I agreed to go camping with friends in two weeks. I’m getting pretty nervous, because we live in Indiana and it’s still 30 degrees and snowy outside! I was hoping that it’d feel more like spring by now!
Holly KN
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. Scratch that. It’s my favorite meal, period, and can be eaten any time during the day. We haven’t found a favorite place for “American-style breakfast”.
BUT! Saturday morning tradition = prata and curry from the stall right across the street from our apartment. Took me a little while to get into this, but MAN is it good. Too bad its only Friday morning. :)
PS How many more years until she fits on a spin bike? ;-)
Mrs W
My favorite new hobby is Rock climbing. I just got a punch pass the planet granite in Sunnyvale.
My husband and I enjoy camping and backpacking. We even registered for a few big ticket items on our wedding registry (no shame). We are members at REI and go to the used gear sale to get a lot of hiking gear. We also use SteapandCheap.com and theClymb for gear up to 70% off. The trick to not going into debt is not buying it all yourself upfront, take time to invest in items I over time. Meanwhile, go with other people who already have the gear to test out what they use and like. Once you’ve been with other folks, you’ll learn what you really need and what’s nice to have. So awesome you guys are getting into he hobby! Great stuff to be seen in CA.
Mollie K
Hi! Hiking/camping is the best thing I have ever done in my life. This is going to sound a little, well maybe a lot corny, but 2 summers ago, I did my first overnight backpacking trip with my little brother who is an avid hiker (did the AT alone-got bit in the head by a raccoon..no big deal haha). Anyway, we are from the east coast (CT) and we hiked in Cali-the John Muir Trail for 3 weeks. I have never been more clear headed in my life and seriously had a new perspective on the “real world” post hike and ahhh I want to live in the woods and just live happily ever after and anyway… The point of my ramble is my little brother showed me this great website to get discount hiking stuff…its http://www.campmor.com …. check it out!
Katie
Baby-sized camping gear is so cute! I used to go camping with my family when I was little but haven’t gone in foreeeeever.
Katherine
Love the camping chair!
http://therealfoodrunner.blogspot.com
Angie
I love camping and we are so lucky to live in CA. There are so many awesome places to camp and hike here. We haven’t gone since having our baby in Sept. Sign up for the REI card and you get special deals and access to their tent sale. It’s worth the savings.
Molly
Ah! My husband and I got a tent from our wedding registry and put it to use on our 1 year anniversary! Not your typical anniversary date, eh? :) it was ….interesting BUT we’d be willing to give it another go. Walking the trails was definitely fun though. Sleeping on rocks another story. We also go camping with our friends who have a pop up camper…much more comfy! Aaand were toying with the idea of backpacking in Europe. We shall see! So many fun adventurous things out there :) ps going out for breakfast is my fave too :)
Kelly
Oh man, I am not a fan of camping, but, if you are, there’s lots of great places around here.
Lauren
You know you’re a foodie and addicted to breakfast foods when you immediately scan the menu for a website. You.are.so.lucky.
I love places who specialize in breakfast foods. BEST diners/restaurants. Hands down.
jan
I love breakfast places, too, especially fun diners! You are going to be one fun camping family. Can’t wait to hear about your first adventure!
Annette@FitnessPerks
Mmmmm pancakes!!
My husband has all the camping/mountain gear–so it’s uber fun to go with him, b/c he is one prepared dude! We love it!
Caroline
My parents started taking my sisters and me backpacking rather young, starting with relatively short hikes into cabins and gradually moving on to more intense trips. I think the first time was a bit of a shock for my parents though; my youngest sister (around 7 years old at the time) secretly took out all of her necessities (clothes, underwear, rain gear, socks, toothbrush, etc.) and filled her entire backpack with beanie babies… Although she did not have any clean clothes for four days, she certainly had plenty of entertainment…
Also, check out the Sierra Trading Company for camping gear. REI is great for all of the aforementioned reasons, but it can be a bit expensive.
The Hungry Runner Girl
You had billy and I laughing really hard about your sister filling her bag with beanie babies! Hilarious! Thanks for sharing:)
michelle kim
I love fruit and syrup on pancakes, but one of the most interesting pancakes I’ve had was from a place called BILL’S. They put strawberries and frosted flakes (cereal) in their pancakes. It’s pretty cool :)
Brooke looks so cute in those pictures!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Is bills in Santa Clara? I swear I saw one there!
michelle kim
I think there are a couple of Bill’s. Supposedly, the “original” one is in Willow Glen?
I bet the one you saw is the one near Santa Clara University campus.
They have Hawaiian pancakes (macadamia nuts, bananas, coconut), cookies and cream pancakes (OREOS!), and the frosted strawberry crunch pancakes. You should try it and see how you like it :)
Khushboo
Favorite pancake topping is Nutella or PB with banana slices…or both ;)!
Linda @running4two
I absolutely love going out to breakfast. We used to go to a place called Bagel Works every weekend. They make their own bagels and they are absolutely delicious. The omlettes are super good as well. My aunt and uncle took us camping all of the time as kids and I loved it. Unfortunately, I had a bad experience with daddy long legs on a recent camping trip and I will only camp in cool weather…or a motor home now. LOL. I will definitely be sending my daughter on camping trips with my aunt and uncle so she can get the experience :).
Kristine
Stop – I have the BEST place for you to camp! Kirk Creek in Big Sur. (And stop at Nepenthe on the way for burgers and most amazing view of the coastline you will ever see.)
Rachel
I think I miss REI more than any other US store while we’ve lived over-seas. That is always my first place to go when we visit home. I could do some serious budgetary damage in that place!!
Losing Lindy
I love the pictures. I am not a camper…the things that can kill me prevent me from having any fun.
Charlie @therunnerbeans
I want to get into cycling, I’ve signed up for a cycling event (not a race!!) and even bought some padded leggings, now I just need a new bike!! also, i know how much you like pro runners, esp marathoners, so thought you might like the recap of the interview with women’s marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe that I heard/saw this week! http://www.therunnerbeans.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/treat-friday-paula-radcliffe-interview.html
Ashley @ Eat Run Live Happy
I used to go camping twice a year with my Ex’s family. BUT we cheated and had a camper to sleep in. Hiking is something I LOVE to do in the summer time and I can not wait to take my 5 Year old for the first time this spring!
I love breakfast. I’d eat Breakfast, Brunch, and Brinner everyday if I could! My favorite place is Cracker Barrel and I usually get the multi grain pecan pancakes with blackberry topping!
I’d really love to get into biking first then swimming so I can eventually compete in an iron man. I start spin classes in a couple weeks!
Crystal Griswold
I LOVE REI!!!! I went camping A LOT when I was younger!!! My husband and I got into backpacking when we were 16. Our first trip was up Mt Washington and we were hooked!! We LOVE it, we don’t consider camping at a campground camping, lol!!! The most my bag ever weighed was 35 pounds (it was much lighter on the way back)!!! We LOVE the freeze dried food , make sure you try the apple crisp from The Mountain Hose, soooooo good!!!! We go to breakfast about once a month and I love to go to my favorite spot , it’s called The Roadhouse and the food is delicious!! I LoVe chocolate chip pancakes, they are my favorite!! I really would love for my new hobby to be triathlons but I haven’t done one yet. Have a great weekend!!!
Kari @ Running Ricig
When we were kids, we went camping all the time, but I haven’t been in years. Too bad Mike hates camping or I would definitely get him to go.
BrittsRunningStyle
We love camping and the boys love it too. I would love to start going backpacking. I think our little guys would love it. Both Chris and I love to hike! When the boys were little they would both ride in a chariot behind Chris’s bike and they loved it. Elijah can still ride in it and we rent a tag-a-long for Noah to hook up to the back of Chris’s bike. It’s awesome. I bet Brooke would love to ride in a chariot!
Jenn@ Run It My Way
I’m so jealous, I love sporting and outdoor stores… haha I always go into them and decide I’m going to get really hardcore into repelling and extreme sports, but then I can’t because the gear is expensive (that’s what I tell myself anyway.. Otherwise I’m suuuuure I’d be hang gliding from a cliff right now)
We don’t have an REI or even a MEC even close to where I live! I go on the websites a lot, but unfortunately no major stores seem to want to open one where I live (which btw is in the middle of nowhere!)
Brooke is getting all grown up, she’s SO freaking cute!!! I love the little pig tails :)
Sarah
I went camping a lot growing up but unfortunately my husband is anti-camping so I haven’t been in years. Maybe I only think that is unfortunate because I’ve been sleeping in a warm, comfy bed all this time and not outside with bugs and rocks and stuff. Guess I will never know! ;)
Caitlin
OMG…that breakfast looks amazing!! I agree, Breakfast is THE BEST meal to go out to eat! :)
I grew up camping (not backpacking)..and I’m SO thankful for it! I LOVE to camp! I could easily spend hours in an outdoor store like REI! So many cool gadgets!
This past Christmas I got a recurve bow from my Dad! I’ve done it in the past at school and teaching it as a camp counselor, but I’ve never had my own! When the weather is nicer, I’m TOTALLY gonna spend time at the archery range nearby! :D
Shanna
I went to stacks in SF after the SF Marathon last year. Oh my sweet deliciousness. It’s the perfect post-race meal!!!
Jake
REI is a black hole for your money but soooooo worth it :-)
They really have the best customer service. The area where you guys live has some amazing camping areas along the coast, and you have to go to Yosemite!!! The Sierras are the BEST.
Debbie @ Deb Runs
My running group goes out for breakfast after our Saturday group run every once in a while . It’s so fun and of course we can eat whatever we want since we just finished running a bunch of miles! I feel sorry for the folks sitting near us since we are all still wearing our stinky running clothes!
Camping would be OK as long as I had a generator to power my hair dryer and flat iron! :-)
Katie M.
I grew up in NE Nevada and we camped pretty much every weekend. Now that we live where there are bears…yeah no way.
shelby
i don’t know if anyone else mentioned it, but REI has “Gear Sales” where prices are waaaaaay knocked down on used stuff people have returned. Some of it is kinda junk and some is used on like one trip and not dirty! And Patigonia has HUGE sales (like 85%+ off stuff) up there somewhere. My sister lives in Santa Cruz and she always goes and gets us bday and Xmas presents there:)
PS. i’m not showing my husby your blog, otherwise he’s going to think we can take our baby (due April 25!) backpacking this summer! Lol!
Whitney
I love camping! I live in Colorado and go all the time. One thing to consider…REI might be a little more expensive but get a membership card and anything you buy you can return at any time for any reason and get your money back..no joke! My BF returned his 3 year old bike and got 600 back! This way, you can get new gear a lot and anything that might break you can return and get a new one super easy. Happy hiking!