03-31-2026 Swim/Ride

Slept well again, woke up early but got back to sleep okay. After I got up, I cleaned the kitchen and then got ready for a swim at the WWC. Brought my video camera this time. I was determined to swim a longer distance for the first time in a while, ended up swimming 2000 yds, the last 500 with swim fins. Didn't feel quite as strong as the previous day, and my stroke count started to falter on the third 500. For the first 1500 yds it was in the 18-19 range, and it was around 16 for the last 500 with the swim fins. There was a guy in lane 2 who was an experienced swimmer, probably doing 1:30 100s with flip turns. Overall, it was a good workout for me though. Here are the splits for the four 500s: 9:16, 9:31, 9:33, 8:34. Elapsed swimming time = 36:54.

Avg pace = 1:51/100 yds (Manually from Zepp)

Total distance = 2000 yds

Elapsed moving time = 36:54 (Zepp)

Avg heartrate = 154 bpm (possibly)

Relative Effort = 65 (possibly)

SWOLF =36 (!)

Avg stroke rate = 21 bpm

Avg pull distance = 2.44 yds

https://www.strava.com/activities/17926906984

Got home and had cereal for breakfast, then headed out front to do some yard work. I trimmed the bushes on the east side of the driveway, never fun but now done. Had some lunch, then in the early afternoon I went for an easy bike ride. Down by the park and over to the flats on Highland Valley Rd. Then back to Pomerado Rd and up to Ted Williams Pkwy. I was slow on this little climb, just not much energy. Down to Rancho Carmel Dr and over to CMR, turning right there. Up to CdN, left there and following the time trial route home from there.

Avg speed = 15.3 mph. Total mileage = 20.9 mi

Avg power = 115 W. Weighted avg power = 136 W

Total elevation gain = 1140'

Avg heartrate = 115 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 21

Training Load = 57

Intensity = 62%

https://www.strava.com/activities/17930272062

Had a quiet afternoon, took a small nap, read some as well and then cleaned the kitchen dishes again. It was a quiet evening. I watched a little TV and then set up my new tablet, which arrived after dinner.

03/30/2026 Run/Swim

Had a good sleep, seems like I'm back to normal after jet lag. Woke up early but got back to sleep until almost 6:30. Got ready for a run and went down by the park for an easy 5k run. Felt pretty good on the run, negative splits.

Got home and had a little time before I got ready for a swim at the WWC. Originally planned on swimming longer, but I got talking to Gus (Eric), Cathy's husband, then realized I'd forgotten my camera. So I shortened the workout and focused on long strokes. This was successful through the 1100 yds I swam. Felt really good, kept my stroke count down to around 18 for most of the time. I lost track of laps around the end, so I did an extra 100 from the plan. Curiously, the data transfer to Strava didn't track my laps, I'm hoping that is a one-off error and not a new "feature" either of Strava or Zepp OS. I manually analyzed the Zepp OS detailed data (forgot to bring my video camera) and got the following numbers for the two 500s and the last 100: 9:24, 9:35, 1:55. Elapsed swimming time = 20:54.

Avg pace = 1:54/100 yds (Manually from Zepp)

Total distance = 1100 yds

Elapsed moving time = 20:54 (Zepp)

Avg heartrate = 149 bpm (possibly)

Relative Effort = 29

SWOLF =36 (!)

Avg stroke rate = 20 bpm

Avg pull distance = 2.47 yds (!)

https://www.strava.com/activities/17914097100

Got home, had some cereal for breakfast, and went out in the front yard to trim the large bush on the side of the yard. But there were a lot of bees around the flowers, so I will have to figure out a time when they are more quiescent. I ordered a new tablet from Walmart, my old one has been cranky for some time, and it needs to be retired. I worked for a bit on my cycling analysis database creation program to incorporate FIT file data. This turned out to be a bigger job than I thought, so I didn't finish it in the morning. In the early afternoon Ann and I drove to Orfila to meet a lady, Mary, from her fitness class, along with her husband Ken. They're nice folks, moved to Escondido recently from New Hampshire and, previously, Massachusetts. We drove home afterwards, and I continued working on programming. Called Ross in the late afternoon and talked to him about his financial woes as well as Mom's state of mind regarding living at home vs. moving to a care facility. After dinner I solved all (?) of the issues with the cycling analysis database creation program and ran it to create the expanded database. Seemed like it completed successfully. Ann bought us tickets to see Alison Krauss & Union Station in October, I also watched some TV during the day, and I read for a while as well, a new book, Hole in the Sky, by Daniel H. Wilson. It's sci-fi, blends some modern Native American storylines into an alien visitation to Earth. I'm also still working on Douglas Preston's The Lost City of the Monkey God, which has slowed down after the narration of the actual visit to the site.

03-29-2026 Ride

Had an interrupted night's sleep (<>) and woke up around 5:00 after getting back to sleep a little bit in the early morning. I got ready for the bike ride with Paula and Catalin, ate a bowl of oatmeal to fuel up, and packed more food for the ride than usual. I also put Gatorade mix in one of my water bottles. Was ready a little after 6:00, then Catalin sent a message saying they would be late, arriving around 6:25. I'd made them tea, so I had enough time to make myself some coffee as well for the ride down. We put my bike on the rack and headed down to the starting point for the Great Western Loop (GWL). We parked the car in the shopping center parking lot at the intersection of Jamacha Rd and Willow Glen Dr. It took a while for them to get ready to ride. I debated wearing my light jacket at the start of the ride, it was cool but not quite chilly. Eventually I decided against it, which made it rather brisk for the first three miles or so. We rode together briefly, then as we started seeing some modest ascents I pulled ahead. This became the standard operating mode for the ride. I would ride ahead to the next turn and stop to wait for them. We took Willow Glen Dr to Dehesa Rd, turning right there and riding by the Sycuan golf course. Kept going to the convenience store at the turn to stay on Dehesa Rd, and we stopped here for a break. I used the bathroom and bought a Clif bar to eat there. Not too long after this turn the more serious climbing started. Initially, I felt slow on what seemed to be fairly mild gradients, but I eventually got into more of a rhythm. It's about a 4.5-mile climb up Dehesa Rd to Japatul Rd. I got to the turn and waited for the others to show up, ate a banana while I waited. It took about 7-8 minutes for them to get there. Paula was last, and we didn't wait too long before we continued climbing a little more before enjoying a ~2-mile descent before the next climb started. It's about 4 miles, and it seemed to pass pretty quickly for me. I'd lost track of when the summit was coming up, so when I got to The Wall segment I just got out of the saddle and pushed through, pausing to take a picture of the little marker on the curb. The ride flattened out after that for a bit before another little climb up to the turn onto Lyons Valley Rd. I waited there for about 10-12 minutes for them to show up, finishing my Gatorade mix. Again Paula brought up the rear. I saw a fair number of riders on this route, many of them while I was waiting at this point. Made the turn, after a break, and enjoyed descending for a while, with some little climbs mixed in. There was a bigger climb to get up to Skyline Truck Trail, and I stopped there in the shade to wait for them to show up. Ate a gel (Birthday Cake flavor, yikes!) while I waited. There were some horses by the road, and one came over to check me out. Catalin kept going to the country store up ahead, then Paula and I rode together to this point, riding past a cow that was trotting beside the road. I was hoping for a quick break here, but they took longer than expected, getting me a little frustrated. Eventually we got going, slowed by Paula stopping to take a picture of her by a giant rooster, again leaving me a little bothered. This descent was challenging and fun, now that I know more of what to expect. Then we had a climb of over 2 miles, which was quite steep (I had to stop and change gears after my chain came on just as it got steep) at the beginning and, less so, at the end. This took us up to the left turn at a stop sign to stay on Lyons Valley Rd, with just a little more climbing until we got to the last summit of the ride. This next descent was also fun, with some pretty sharp hairpin turns to negotiate. Eventually we got to another stop sign, where Skyline Truck Trail connected into Lyons Valley Rd. More descending to Jamul Dr, which I overran before realizing my mistake and backtracking to get back on the route. More nice descending on this road until it flattened out a bit. I kept pushing the pace until we got to the right turn onto Steele Canyon Rd. Almost done now, we took this back to Willow Glen Dr and then turned left to head back to the shopping center. Felt pretty good on the ride, I was definitely slower than previous times but was happy to be able to take on 4-mile climbs without wearing out.

Avg speed = 14.8 mph. Total mileage = 42.1 mi

Avg power = 148 W. Weighted avg power = 171 W

Total elevation gain = 3770'

Avg heartrate = 132 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 120

Training Load = 198

Intensity = 78%

https://www.strava.com/activities/17905108210

Glad to be done, we took our time (and a little more) to put our gear in the car and get out some snacks that Paula and Catalin had brought. We walked over to a shaded table to relax for a bit, but there was a large group of old guys smoking and talking right by us, so it wasn't that peaceful. The drive back home was uneventful, Catalin fell asleep on the drive. It was really nice of them to stop and pick me up to include me on this ride, and I'm glad we did it. Ate light when I got home, I wasn't too hungry after doing a decent job fueling during the ride. I was thirsty though. I watched a little TV, napped briefly during the episode and felt better for it. Worked on my cycling analysis program to clean up some display formatting errors, add display of average heartrate, and begin incorporating Fit file batch analysis processing. I talked to Mom, who was in good spirits, and to Ross, who really liked the lighter. Watched some TV after dinner, then read for a while. This turned out to be a very good day overall.

03-28-2026 Ride

Slept okay after going to bed early (<>). So I got up early, around 5:00, and made some oatmeal for breakfast. Watched a little TV while I ate breakfast, then I got ready for the Bisikleta ride. Took a few more calories than usual, since I would be working harder on this ride than I have been in a while (even though I had designated myself as the sweeper). Through the neighborhood and then through the 4S Ranch neighborhood up to the left turn onto Hunters Ridge Pl, for a change. Perse was there when I arrived at the 4S Target, and others started showing up. I was happy to see a decent turnout, and at the start of the ride we had the following riders: Perse, Jed, Jed A., Nel, Fritz, Rob T., and Arnold. I'd planned the route, we headed out CdS to San Dieguito Rd. Rob and I were out front, talking about riding and training to get in better shape. The others weren't too far behind, this group did a generally good job for most of the ride in staying together. Down to El Apajo, then over VdSF to VdlV and up to Stud Loop. Everybody behaved themselves on this stretch, and there was some spreading out but not a whole lot. I stayed near the back with Rob. We rode over to El Montevideo and used it to get to Lago Lindo. Right turn here, I was in the lead and taking a decent but not super fast pace over to El Camino del Norte, where we turned left. Again, I hung out at the back of the group and let some of the others push harder on this section. Down to RSF Rd, where Perse turned around while the rest of us turned right and headed over to Olivenhain Rd. On this stretch, Romeo caught up with us coming the other way and joined the group. We rode down to ECR and turned left. I don't think I have ever been on this section of road, so that was some novelty. It's actually a decent segment, with a really nice, long, gradual descent into the flats by the ocean. Once we were on Manchester Ave, we had to stop while Romeo fixed some kind of problem with his rear hub (he had it taken apart, I was a little afraid he would lose one of the parts). Then we rode over to the bike path that parallels I-5 and took it heading south, at modest pace. Stopped for our break at the gas station on Lomas Santa Fe near the freeway, then we took LSF down to PCH. Romeo turned right there while the rest of us headed south to Del Mar. Through that town and then turning left on CVR to start heading back inland. Around this time my right shifter stopped working for a time, but it eventually cleared itself up, so I didn't have to stop and replace a battery. We rode over to the 56 bike path and took it up to CVR, turning left there. I was riding at the back again, managing my energy pretty well for the day. We stayed on CVR all the way up past Black Mountain Rd and down to Dove Canyon Rd. On that climb, Rob slowed down, so he and I eventually got separated from the others and ended up riding back together. We took Dove Canyon Rd up to Camino San Bernardo, turned left, and rode back into the Del Sur neighborhood. Back to Target the usual way (Nicole Ridge Rd, Potomac Ridge Rd, PdS). I didn't stay around too long, it had started to get warm, not hot but noticeable particularly in direct sunlight. I rode home via RB Rd and W Bernardo Dr. Felt good on the ride, no soreness, just tired legs at the end. My average heartrate is starting to come down a little bit, which is a good sign.

Avg speed = 15.7 mph. Total mileage = 52.2 mi

Avg power = 129 W. Weighted avg power = 154 W

Total elevation gain = 3150'

Avg heartrate = 123 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 82

Training Load = 189

Intensity = 70%

https://www.strava.com/activities/17892123534

I ate a fairly light lunch and ended up snacking periodically through the afternoon, watching some TV and taking a nap that felt really good. Later in the afternoon, I did a comparison of the aggregate ride statistics from GPX and FIT files of the same rides. They look pretty much in line with each other. Interestingly, the altitude results agree exactly. I had to modify the program to clean up some errors that occur when switching between GPX and FIT file analysis. Not fully done there but getting close. Need to add calculation and display of average heartrate, I don't know why I didn't have it there in the first place.

03-27-2026 Swim

Slept off and on, didn't get up in the night but woke up several times. Actually got up a little after 6:00, cleaned the kitchen dishes and had a couple of biscuits for breakfast before getting ready for a swim at the WWC. I found out my waterproof conduction headphones won't access the music files stored on them, and they disconnect from bluetooth when underwater. So, not useful anymore. Dang it! I did a similar workout to the one on 2-2-26, just a little bit consistently slower. My last 250 seemed ragged for my swim stroke, so more work needed there.

Warmup 250

    4:47

5 100s at 2:00 intervals

    1:41

    1:45

    1:46

    1:47

    1:46

5 50s at 1:00 intervals

    0:47

    0:50

    0:50

    0:50

    0:50

Cool-down 250 (with pull buoy)

    4:39

Avg pace = 1:47/100 yds (Video, not counting pause)

Total distance = 1250 yds

Elapsed moving time = 22:18 (Video)

Avg heartrate = 140 bpm (possibly)

Relative Effort = 29

SWOLF =38

Avg stroke rate = 21 bpm

Avg pull distance = 2.29 yds

https://www.strava.com/activities/17878669756

Had oatmeal for a second breakfast, I was hungry. Later in the morning I went out back, laid down a second layer of ground cloth (plastic this time), then spread the bark back over it. Had some lunch, took a shower. Ann and I were supposed to meet a lady (and her husband) that she knows from the gym, but that got postponed to Monday. I read for a while, then headed to Aldi to get some snacks and cereal. Watched some TV in the later afternoon, then changed the rear brake pads on my Canyon. I also looked at the front pads, they seem to have a little more life left in them, but they're getting close to needing replacement. Evening was quiet, I read for a while and ended up falling asleep early.

03-26-2026 Run

Slept off and on, stayed in bed without wandering around. Got enough sleep, I guess. Got up around 6:00 and got ready for a run. Down by the park, a littler slower pace and longer distance. I ended up running five miles, legs felt okay, right leg loosened up after a bit.

Avg pace = 8:48/mi

Total distance = 5.05 mi

Elapsed moving time = 44:27

Avg heartrate = 140 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 36

https://www.strava.com/activities/17865764996

Ann ended up sleeping in really late, so I had a light breakfast and some coffee, looking at bike rentals on Maui. Later, I went in the back yard and cleared out an area of bark where the ground cloth was deteriorating. Took the bark out and cleared out the weeds in that section. I'll patch it with new ground cloth and put the bark back. Watched some TV after eating lunch. I also finished my Fear Free Training for the SDHS, useful info but a slog to get through. We had an early dinner and drove down to Encinitas to see The Lonesome Roses (Rheanna Downey and Molly Jenson) perform in the same venue as last November. They were really good, are planning on recording an album this year. Also performing was Derren Raser, a friend of Molly's from college. He has a pleasant voice and some interesting, not great, songs. I was tired and also got tired of sitting in the beach chairs we brought along. Nice evening, drove home without issue and went directly to bed.

03-25-2026 Ride

Slept fairly well well, did wake up in the night, and it took some time to get back to sleep. When I got up, I did a little computer work, then got ready for a ride with John. Headed through the neighborhood all the way to the end of Matinal Circle, then W Bernardo Dr to RB Rd. Right on Bernardo Center Dr and up to Lomica Dr. I took that to Rodada Dr, right there and left on Nacido Dr to get to Pomerado Rd. From there it was the normal way to his house, although I took a couple of extra roads by his place, since I was early. Vivian and Jayden came out to see us off. We rode up to Scripps-Poway Pkwy and then down to Mercy Rd and over to Black Mountain Rd. We took this road to Miramar Rd and turned left there to get to Pomerado Rd. I'd gotten ahead of John on the climb up Black Mountain Rd and then again on Pomerado Rd. Slowed down and he caught up before we turned right on Fairbrook Rd. There was a climb, kinda steep at the start but leveling off, up to Semillon Blvd, where we turned left and rode, mostly down, back to Pomerado Rd. Last little climb to the top, I did a loop through the small group of houses there, then we rode down Pomerado Rd and over to Metate L, turning right there. To Community Rd, left and then left again on Poway Rd, heading back to Springhurst Dr and to John's house the usual way from there. Vivian made smoothies, and we chatted for a while before I headed back home the normal way via W Bernardo Dr. Was slow at the end legs tired from the two longer rides on successive days.

Avg speed = 15.1 mph. Total mileage = 40.3 mi

Avg power = 128 W. Weighted avg power = 150W

Total elevation gain = 2360'

Avg heartrate = 123 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 59

Training Load = 137

Intensity = 68%

https://www.strava.com/activities/17855537797

I chilled out, had a little snack, then got ready for my volunteer shift at the hospital. I'd already shaved in the morning, so I showered and got dressed. Rode over to the hospital only to see a note on the volunteer login computer not to show up, since the Joint Commission, whatever that is, was onsite. So, I turned around and rode home, frustrated that I hadn't seen the email from earlier in the morning. Ate lunch, then finished reading Tracers in the Dark, about criminal investigators tracing crime activity through Bitcoin and it's blockchain. Was a pretty good read, some innovative sleuthing during the early days of the ride of cryptocurrency. Started reading Douglas Preston's The Lost City of the Monkey God, about the search for a hidden city in Honduras from an earlier great civilization. Then I watched some TV as well, including with Ann after dinner.

03-24-2026 Swim/Ride

Slept okay, although I did wake up in the night hungry and ate some cereal (<!>). Read for a while as well, but got back to sleep, which is the key for me. Got up after 6:00 and got ready for a swim at the WWC. There was a distinct marine layer on the way over, but several swimmers were in the pool while I was there. Did two 500s, with a brief pause between them, and then a third one with swim fins. Felt a little more controlled in my stroke on this day vs. the previous one. Here are the splits for the three 500s: 9:18, 9:35, 8:49. I focused in the second 500 on trying to keep the lower half of my body from sinking in the water, by arching my lower back. That seems to be positive for improving my efficiency moving through the water.

Avg pace = 1:51/100 yds (Video, not including pauses between 500s)

Total distance = 1500 yds

Elapsed moving time = 17:42 (Video)

Avg heartrate = 148 bpm (Zepp, possibly)

Relative Effort = 37 (possibly)

SWOLF = 37

Avg stroke rate = 20 bpm

Avg pull distance = 2.47 yds

https://www.strava.com/activities/17842143988

Had some coffee and a very small breakfast when I got home, then I got ready for a bike ride with Paula from our house. We left a little after 10:00, headed up to Duenda Rd and then took W Bernardo Dr to RB Rd. Up to 4S Ranch, then CdS over to San Dieguito Rd. I pushed the pace just a little bit on the CdS bump, and Paula kept up pretty well. We rode down I to Fairbanks Ranch and the took El Apajo / Via de Santa Fe to Calzada del Bosque. Up to Via del Alba, turning left here (not sure I've ever gone this way) and riding up to Puerta del Sol, turning right and taking it up to Linea del Cielo. Left turn there, then another left onto Las Planideras, which had a long gradual descent. We stopped briefly for a pic, then rode down to VdlV, the descent got steep at the end. Took VdlV over to ECR, then an easy-paced ride on San Dieguito Rd. I pushed myself a bit on the second and third parts of Three Witches, waited for Paula after the turn onto CdS. We rode back to PdS and over to CdS, then took the new normal way back to Matinal Rd and home through the neighborhood.

Avt speed = 15.1 mph. Total mileage = 28.6 mi

Avg power = 121 W. Weighted avg power = 154 W

Total elevation gain = 2140'

Avg heartrate = 126 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 50

Training Load = 101

Intensity = 70%

https://www.strava.com/activities/17844601322

Ann talked to Paula a bit as well. I had some lunch and a relaxing afternoon, including a short nap in the late afternoon. Picked up a prescription for skin cream from CVS, then watched some TV before and after dinner while Ann went to bell choir practice

03-23-2026 Run/Swim

Slept okay, overall. I did get up in the middle of the night an watch TV for an hour, having something to eat as well. But I got back to sleep and woke up around 6:00. Got ready for an early morning run down by the park, doing the usual 5k route. Had negative splits for the first three miles, legs felt a little heavy during this run, but I loosened up over the course of the run. Heartrate was high during this run, a clear indicator of my fitness falling off during our trip.

Avg pace = 8:30/mi

Total distance = 3.20 mi

Elapsed moving time = 27:16

Avg heartrate = 142 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 26

https://www.strava.com/activities/17827883270

I had a little time to relax after I got back, didn't eat anything though. Patched an inner tube, then I got ready for a swim (my first in three weeks) at the WWC. Thought I would swim 1000 yds and see how I felt. My legs still felt heavy during the swim, stroke was decent at the beginning but became a little more ragged over the course of the workout. I had a clean pool to swim in, just one other swimmer in lane 1. Splits for the two 500s were as follows: 9:28, 9:48.

Avg pace = 1:56/100 yds (Video)

Total distance = 1000 yds

Elapsed moving time = 19:16 (Video)

Avg heartrate = 168 bpm (Zepp, probably not)

Relative Effort = 54 (probably not)

SWOLF = 38

Avg stroke rate = 21 bpm

Avg pull distance = 2.26 yds

https://www.strava.com/activities/17828997085

I forgot to pack my towel, so the ride home was a little more brisk than usual. Got home, watched a little TV but didn't eat much for breakfast. I relaxed in the morning before showering and getting ready to head over to The Shop with Ann to meet the Four Amigos and their spouses (sans Kenda) for lunch. We talked a lot about our Vietnam trip (Vivian, Ross, and Kenda have all visited there), and Dennis and I discussed some books we have been reading. Food was decent. After lunch I dropped the package for Ross off at the post office, then we headed home. I was largely successful in avoiding napping in the afternoon, although I did close my eyes for about 10 minutes. Then I got up and worked on my cycling analysis program, continuing to incorporate the ability to read and process FIT files.i ended up having a nap in the early evening, likely a mistake. No dinner after a big lunch watched some TV in the evening.

03-22-2026 Ride

Woke up after a night of periodic sleep, with vivid dreams. In the night I also had an early breakfast. Got ready for a ride with Rob, the first one in a long time. Rode over, using a longer way through the neighborhood, to his place, then we headed back to Poblado Rd and then took Duenda Rd to W Bernardo Dr, turning left there. Down by the park and over to Highland Valley Rd. We rode at decent pace out to the base of the first climb, then Rob slowed down as we got to the top of the first climb. We had a brief rest by the entrance to Mia Marie, then we rode back down, slowly, and over to Pomerado Rd. Left there and up to Paseo del Vera N, turning left and intending to go to the coffee shop by Bernardo Winery. But it was closed, so we followed this road back to Pomerado Rd and turned left to go up to Bernardo Heights Pkwy, turning right there and then left on Calle Pueblito to get to Paseo Lucido. I waited for him at the corner, and we stopped so he could place our order online at Mostra Coffee in CMR. Then we rode over to this place, by See's Candy. Of course, there was no line, and it turned out there was no coffee either, the online order had been rerouted to the shop in 4S Ranch. The barista was super nice and made our coffees anyway, no charge. We chatted about our trip, the HP EER (he's probably not going to take it), and Juliette's Ring ceremony, which happened while we were at the shop. Then we rode back down Paseo Lucido to the bottom of Bernardo Heights Pkwy and took Bernardo Center Dr to RB Rd. Over to W Bernardo Dr and then a left on Poblado Rd to head back to his house. His legs were shot, but he hung in there until we got back. I rode home the normal way from there. Was a little more distance than I had planned, but my legs felt fine at the end.

Avg speed = 13.2 mph. Total mileage = 27.4 mi

Avg power = 127 W. Weighted avg power = 155 W

Total elevation gain = 2250'

Avg heartrate = 128 bpm

Relative Effort = 64

Training Load = 118

Intensity = 70%

https://www.strava.com/activities/17819229785

Looking at my power output and heartrate data from these last two rides, it's clear that my fitness has dropped off in a measurable way. Will have to work to bring it back. Had a quiet afternoon, backed up the photos from Ann's phone, watched some TV, had some lunch, and read. I avoided taking a nap this time. Also updated my blog posts from the trip. Talked to Laura (not Joe) in the afternoon about her race, the wedding plans (October 17), and the upcoming trip to Italy. I picked up the house key from the Krista Garrett. Was a quiet evening, I turned in a little early.

03-21-2026 Ride

The flight wasn't as long as the one over there. I watched three movies: Bugonia, Argo, and Batman Begins. There was a little girl two rows ahead who was periodically, and loudly, screaming uncontrollably throughout the flight. It was impossible to listen to. I was so glad to get off that plane. We got through customs pretty quickly and were super fortunate to get right on the shuttle to our off-airport parking lot. The drive home was longer than expected, they were doing maintenance on the freeway and shut it down to one lane. I made a wrong turn later and had to backtrack a bit. Was tired but not sleepy, again really glad when we got home. I ate a little bit and went to bed. Slept until around 6:20, then got up and had some toast and coffee for breakfast. I went for an easy bike ride a little later, was quite cool initially but warmed up okay. Down by the park and over to Pomerado Rd, taking it to the time trial route and following that back home. I was just cruising on this day, working on getting back in shape. 

Avg speed = 15.9 mph. Total mileage = 19.6 mi

Avg power = 127 W. Weighted avg power = 154 W

Total elevation gain = 1390'

Avg heartrate = 127 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 36

Training Load = 65

Intensity = 70%

https://www.strava.com/activities/17805249198

Got home, Ann was still asleep. I made the mistake of lying down and ended up napping into the middle of the afternoon. Ann went to the store, so I shaved, showered, and backed up the pics from our trip. Hamburgers for dinner were a welcome change, and we had a quiet evening, albeit with interrupted sleep (<!>).

03-20-2026 Walk

Travel and tourism day. Slept well, I feel nearly fully recovered from my mild cold (<!>). We took our time getting up, it was going to be a long day. Ate some of the remaining food for breakfast, went downstairs for a coffee (iced coffee with condensed milk was tasty), read, and watched a little TV before finishing off the drinks and leaving the flat. We walked to a place not too far away to drop off our luggage, then went for lunch to the restaurant we had originally planned on eating at the first day we were here. I was not hungry, had some spring rolls. Then we walked over to the Independence Palace (took a while to find the entrance) and toured through it. The grounds were pretty, and I really liked the 60s vibe of the palace design. Ann was less thrilled with it, since it was mostly open-air and she was sweaty. Her mood improved when we found the air-conditioned room where they were showing a film about the palace history. We walked around the grounds after that and eventually exited, walking from there to the Ben Thanh Market. I found a likely fake Zippo lighter for Ross, bargained down to what I thought was a decent price (<$6) and got it. We walked from there back to Bui Vien Street and stopped for drinks at a corner bar, low key and the IPA was very good. Then we caught a Grab to the airport, short distance but heavy city traffic (8 km in 40 minutes). Got there okay and through immigration quicker than usual, since Ann paid Klook for a fast pass. No problem getting the lighter through the security check. The prices in the airport were crazy for Vietnam, so we had enough for a terrible sandwich, bottle of water, and a cider. That pretty much tapped us out, I kept a couple of bills to give to Ross as well. Flight to Hong Kong was shorter than expected, but takeoff and taxiing were delayed, so we had a really short transition time. Lines were long, and right away I started stressing. Justified, in this case. We were at real risk of missing our flight. I had to get in another line for manual passport control and got behind Ann in security. Was able to talk a security agent to allow me to jump the line and get through security quickly, but I was really stressing and didn't see that Ann got stopped for a bag check and ended up behind me. Ran to the gate, I was one of the last people on the plane, and Ann wasn't there. They called her name on the plane, and I got worried she was going to miss the flight. I think she ended up being the absolute last person to get on, she didn't seem to be worried about it. Yikes! We really live a charmed life.

03-19-2026 Walk

First time using the Blogger app, I hope it's a much better experience than the website, which is quite poor on the phone. Woke up early-ish, had a shower and light breakfast, then walked over to the War Remnants Museum. This was memorable, a significant reminder that humans are eminently capable of extreme cruelty to other humans, and Americans are no exception. War is a terrible business, it degrades the human spirit. I thought the presentation was fair in its portrayal of the wars as ways to claim dominance over a people and their cultural mores. Spent a little over two hours there, not much joy in this museum. I walked from there to a cafe to meet Ann for an egg cream coffee. It was really delicious, a rare treat. We walked from there to the HCMC central post office, which apparently was designed by Gustav Eiffel. Close to Notre Dame Cathedral, which was closed for renovation both inside and out. From there we walked to a central market area, lots of food, clothes, shoes, and souvenirs. May go there tomorrow and buy some things. Then we headed back to the Airbnb, found a Mexican food restaurant on the way, and stopped for lunch. Nobody in the restaurant knew how to make a margarita, which was a little sad. Food was okay but could have been replaced with another cuisine without difficulty. Somewhere near here, I came across a major street corner where two people were doing scooter repairs, I clouding having one scooter extensively disassembled (when we walked by this corner in the evening all evidence of the pop-up repair shop was gone except for the grease on the sidewalk) Back to the flat from there, and a rest break in the afternoon. Made spaghetti for dinner, that sauce was pretty bad. We watched a Netflix show before going to an area of HCMC, Bui Vien, known as a party scene, similar to Beer Street in Hanoi. It was busy but not super crowded, sa a couple of fire breathers, sat at a place across the street from  Vietnamese cover band, listened to their music (definitely not great), and people-watched. Lots of scooter traffic, a surprising number of scooter families with small kids. We walked back to the flat after this and settled down for the evening.

03-18-2026 Walk

Travel day. Slept pretty well, although I was still somewhat congested (<!>). We had some food in the flat that we could eat for breakfast, so we did that, packed up our stuff, then went out for coffee (my cappuccino was great). Walked a little bit by the river before heading back and finishing up getting ready to leave. We caught a Grab to the office where the bus was to take us to Ho Chi Minh City. The drive took about three hours, and we stopped for a break at a rest stop on the outskirts of the city. Got another Grab from the drop off point to our Airbnb, which was in a highrise building. We got there around 1:30, no key in the mailbox, it took about 30 minutes to straighten up the situation, which involved switching to another flat. But it all worked out okay, just some delay. We dropped our stuff off and walked to a Vietnamese place for lunch. Prices are noticeably higher here than every other city we've been in this trip, still reasonable. Got some more cash after lunch and picked up more snacks at a small nearby market. In the evening we watched a follow-up movie, El Camino, about Jesse from Breaking Bad. Wasn't great, and it told a lot of the story from the series, so that will be a small letdown if I ever finish watching it. Had a small dinner from the grocery supplies we had been carrying, was filling enough. The rest of the evening was quiet.

03-17-2026 Walk

Very early start to this day. We got up at 4:30 and packed up stuff for the river tour. I didn't know what to expect on this adventure. Got to the meeting spot around 5:25 and met our guide Sophia (actual name Anh). There were three other tourists on a small sampan boat that we got into in the dark. Lots of other boats, large and small, heading for the floating markets, which was also our first destination. It took about 45 minutes to get there, and the sun rose while we were on our way. The markets are a series of boats that people load with produce (fruits and vegetables) and come down the delta to sell in bulk at wholesale prices. They typically stay for a week or more until they sell their load, then return. It was interesting to hear about, but this trade is dying off with the increasing availability of other means of transporting goods than by boat. The wholesalers aren't interested in tourists, since they aren't buying. We stopped for a drink, both of us had fresh coconut juice, which was good and plentiful. Later on we stopped at another boat and had a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of rice noodles, which was actually quite tasty. Day want too hot yet, so that worked as well. From there we headed up the river and eventually turned off into a smaller tributary, following it until the water hyacinth plants completely blocked the way. Turned around there and headed back to an ecological reserve area along an offshoot of the main river. We got out of the boat there and walked for a while, with Anh pouting out various plants and fruit trees. We stopped for a break at a local BnB-like place, where we had some fruit (very tasty) and then made traditional Vietnamese pancakes. They turned out well, delicious and not too filling. Our fellow tourists were Swiss (young lady) and French (older couple, it was his birthday). Back to the boat after that, which met us nearby. We headed down the river (a little bumper but manageable) back to the floating market area, which was much more quiet after the morning rush. Stopped and boarded one of the family boats to see a little more what it was like. Pretty small but functional, other that the toilets, which dropped directly into the river. Had some more fruit (delicious lightly sweet pineapple), I was really glad this tour didn't include any interactions with hawkers. Some of the bigger tour boats stopped at larger floating cafes, not as authentic. Then it was back to the launching point, where we said our goodbyes and walked (very slowly) back to the room. This was a very good tour, so much better than the Hà Long Bay experience, much less crowded and at least approaching some authenticity. I needed a little nap, was tired from the early start, felt better afterwards. We walked to a Thai food restaurant for a late lunch/early dinner. Food was very inexpensive, okay but not great. Stopped at the supermarket on the way back, where I had to find a restroom (successful, had to use the spray nozzle, which was useful). There were some shops in this mall by the market, and the salesperson was apologetic when I asked whether they had running shoes in my size (I think her immediate reaction was, "No way" 😂). Walked back from there and had a very quiet evening.

03-16-2026 Entry

Travel day. Woke up feeling okay, still runny sinuses but no body aches. We walked over to the bakery nearby for breakfast, talked to a couple (the dude, mostly) who were from Israel and Germany (small world, really). There were kittens running around and causing minor mayhem. Walked back to the flat, and shortly after Ann realized she had lost one of her hearing aids. We looked around the flat, then I retraced our path from the morning, and Ann did the same thing later. No luck, unfortunately. Packed our stuff and got a ride to the Da Nang airport, leaving around 10:00 and getting through check-in and security without any issues. On the plane and able to stow luggage. Flight was a little over an hour, and the descent was a little bumpy. The lady next to me got violently airsick, and I tried to keepy attention diverted so I didn't respond similarly. Mission accomplished. The Can Tho airport is fairly small but functional, caught a Grab for the 20-minute ride to the Airbnb. It was near the water in a tourist part of the city, somewhat upscale but not super glitzy. The Airbnb was essentially a hotel room with some cooking area, fairly new and god for our purposes, since it's so cheap to eat out here. We unloaded our stuff, and I found a vegan restaurant on the river nearby that had pretty good food,although there was a guy selling peanuts and smoking near us that wasn't so pleasant. Lots of smokers here, kinda expected that. We walked to a very nice supermarket after the early dinner and got some food for the room. The rest of the afternoon and evening were quiet.

03-15-2026 Run

Woke up a little early and went to the nearby park for a run. It was more quiet on the streets this early, still very humid. So I was sweating a lot during the four-mile run, picking up the pack just a little bit in the last mile.

Avg pace = 8:53/mi

Total distance = 4.18 mi

Elapsed moving time = 37:11

Avg heartrate = 140 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 28

https://www.strava.com/activities/17725515216

Heartrate up a little higher than normal, presumably due to the humidity and feeling just a bit punky, which had started the previous day. Nothing major, sinuses a little runny but no fever. This was a sleepy day, not much going on, we stayed at least a day too long in Hoi An. I tried to find a place for breakfast in the local neighborhood, but it was definitely not a tourist area. We ended up walking back to Old Town (ugh!) and eating at a Western-style cafe. Walked back to the flat and hung around for a while until we decided to visit the studio of Rehahn, a French photographer famous for documenting Vietnamese cultural groups. It was mildly interesting for a while, the guy is certainly passionate about his mission in this country. Ann walked from there to check on the readiness of her dress, and I walked back to the flat, then back yet again to Old Town to meet her for a drink. We walked back after that and spent the rest of the day around the flat. I got takeaway from the vegetarian restaurant nearby for the both of us, it was again tasty. Went to sleep early.

Finished Lying for Money and started reading All the Devils Are Here, by Brittany McLean and Joe Nocerra.  This one is about the precipitating events leading up to the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs, AIG, Countrywide Finance, and Ameriquest.

03-14-2026 Walk/Ride/Walk

Slept a long time, had some vivid dreams in the early morning. We got up and walked into Hoi An Old Town, through occasional drizzle, to the Buttercup Café, which Ann found. This place was delightful, served American-style breakfast with a local flair. My brioche French toast with fruit and coconut ice cream on top was delicious, with pour-over coffee and fresh orange juice on ice, best breakfast yet here for me. Walked back from there, hung out for a bit, then decided to ride to the beach. I chose An Bang Beach, and the route took us through the rice pad dies, which was cool and beautiful. There was a red flag warning at the beach, high tide and lots of big waves, so we didn't go in. Instead, we walked up and down the beach both ways. Was kinda dirty, not super bad but a little debris floating around near the waterline. After the walk along the beach we got back on the bikes and headed northeast, roughly following the shoreline on side roads until they ran out. I turned toward the shore and found a little beachside Cafe to have a light snack, not a heavy lunch. Stomach management has been key for me recently on this trip. Back on the bikes, and a different way returning to the Airbnb.

Avg speed = 3.4 mph. Total mileage = 6.8 mi

https://www.strava.com/activities/17715136833

Had a refreshing shower when I got back. Later, Ann went for the final fitting for her dress. In the early evening we walked to a bar serving happy hour drinks. I was feeling out of sorts, getting tired of walked around the Old Town and seeing the same sights on crowded streets. We saw a little bit of the lantern boats by the river but didn't stay until it got dark. Was not the greatest evening. My stomach was a little queasy, didn't eat dinner and went to sleep early.

03/13/2026 Run/Walk/Ride

Slept a long time, including getting up in the night and reading for a while. Had some vivid dreams, woke up a little before 6:00 (<>). We walked to a nearby bakery I found and had pastries and coffee for breakfast. They were really good, especially the cream horn I had. Walked back, Ann broke a water bottle when we entered the room. I got dressed for a run while she cleaned it up, and I headed back to a park area we'd found on the way to the bakery. It's about a half-mile loop around, so I ran six loops to get to 5k. Felt okay, watching my right leg, which held up fine. During the run I saw what I think is my first view of a dog on a scooter, with its paws on the handlebars.

Avg pace = 8:26/mi

Total distance = 3.15 mi

Elapsed moving time = 26:35

Avg heartrate = 143 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 26

https://www.strava.com/activities/17703680801

I'm not used to running in this humidity, so I was dripping sweat by the time I got back. Shaved and showered, felt better afterwards. Then we walked back into Hoi An Old Town, bought a small package of tickets to see some local sights. Started at the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, then we ended up walking to the Old House of Phung Hung, right by the river. The guide said it floods around once a year, and when it does they mover everything off the ground floor until the esters recede. Crazy! From there we walked to the Assembly Hall of the Cantonese Chinese Congregation. It had some impressive sculptures I side, well worth the visit. From there we walked over to the Hoi An Open Market, which had a lot of food shops, souvenir shops, and a farmer's market. Interesting to walk through. It was getting close to lunchtime, and Ann found a banh mi place, Banh Mi Phuong, recommended by Anthony Bourdain when he visited this town. It was super crowded, but we barged in and got a table. Talked to a couple young Dutch guys here on holiday, that was an interesting conversation. It was raining when we got out of the restaurant, but it didn't stay heavy too long. We found a couple more spots to visit: Hai Nam Assembly Hall And Minh Hoàng Communal House. Both were mildly interesting, but was was enough for this little tour, so we walked back to the flat from there and took an afternoon break. Lots of people run shops, many of the cafés or small restaurants, out of their homes. It's also pretty common to see Vietnamese people sitting with the legs crossed and the raised leg without its sandal. Don't know what this is about. In the late afternoon I used one of the hotel bikes and rode to a nearby market for some dinner food. Wasn't too crazy, but you have to be really alert. Got the food and took a longer way back just to check out this part of Hoi An.

Avg speed = 7.9 mph. Total mileage = 1.91 mi

Avg power (estimated) = 53 W

Total elevation gain = 0'

https://www.strava.com/activities/17705847325

It was lightly misting when I left but cleared up soon after.

03-12-2026 Walk

Travel day. Slept well again and woke up early feeling back to normal. I'd read for a while in the night (Lying for Money, by Dan Davies), had a shower and ate some breakfast, then finished packing and cleaning up the apartment. We left around 6:15, taking a Grab to the train station with enough time to have a coffee in a local shop before getting on the train. The ride was scenic in the middle, running, at times on cliffs, along the coast. There was an entertainment car with Karaoke, but we didn't participate. Got off the train in Da Nang and waited for our driver to show up, not too long. Drive to Hoi An was uneventful, about 40 minutes. We arrived at the Airbnb, in a building on the ground floor, that looks like a small hotel. Dropped our luggage off and headed into Hoi An Old Town while we waited for our room to be ready. Saw lots of tailor shops along with other artisans. Walked down south to the river before turning around and finding a nice quiet restaurant for lunch, allowing us to people-watch. I ate pretty well, appetite is coming back okay. We decided to head back to the Airbnb after lunch, and about halfway there Ann had a gastric distress issue. She found a nearby restaurant, after we wandered around a little too much, and that allowed us to get back to the room and check in. Did a load of wash, then Ann headed over to find a tailor shop to make her a dress while I stayed behind and read/dozed. Was a quiet afternoon for me, the power turned off when she left with the key (I didn't know the connection), but it was okay. She got back, and we chilled in the room until deciding to get a light bite to eat around 6:30. I found a vegetarian restaurant nearby, and we walked over in seriously pouring rain. They were nice enough to make us takeaway boxes, as they were getting ready to close. Took the food back to the room, it was really excellent, and we watched a travel show about Da Nang on YouTube while we ate. Rest of the evening was quiet.

03-11-2026 Walk

Slept pretty well for having dozed so much the previous day, but I'd had a rough 24 hrs, lasting into Tuesday (<>). Got up and had an appetite for the first time. We showered and went to a nice little French bakery/café nearby for breakfast. I definitely felt an energy deficit on the short walk there due to not eating enough to replace my calorie consumption. The banh mi was decent, I should have skipped the chocolate donut, coffee was okay (I expected better quality). My stomach felt just a little uneasy after breakfast. So, we went back to the Airbnb (this was a nice spacious one) and planned our visit to the Hue Imperial Palace grounds. Also put our small load of hand-washed clothes in the dryer. Took a Grab taxi over to the grounds, it cost a little over $1. Was misting/drizzling when we got there and continued that way pretty much through the 2.5 hours we spent there. The grounds were huge, and I think we walked through nearly all of the buildings. Some were very impressive, especially the throne room (no pictures allowed), and the tile work and landscaping were at times very nice too. We exited through a side gate, and I convinced Ann to walk over to the Hue Citadel nearby. Google Maps directions were confusing, and I ended up taking us on a wild good chase, since the Citadel actually represented the outer stone works and moat surrounding the Imperial Palace grounds. Ann figured it out, and we got another Grab taxi to go to a restaurant near the Airbnb for lunch. I was tired and irritated at Ann for taking so long to figure out how to hail the cab, so I ended up walking back to the Airbnb while she was eating. It worked out okay. I read and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon. We walked to a little market in a nearby mall in the late afternoon and got some stuff for dinner and breakfast the following morning. Evening was quiet, packing up stuff for an early start to the following day. My appetite was back, ate a couple of little meals (noodles and pizza) to start catching up on my calorie intake.

Miscellaneous notes:

The mountain goat as my spirit animal
Lots of women around shrines, temples, and placed of importance dressed for photos

Second-to-last king, in Nguyen line, was likely a homosexual

03-10-2026 Entry

Woke up after the roughest night I've had in some time. Felt better, still queasy but not as bad. Showered and shaved, then I made the mistake of eating breakfast. Even though I ate light and bland, it didn't sit that well in my stomach. After breakfast I went back to the room and laid down, felt a little better. No more food for a while seems like a good recipe. The ship was heading back by this time, I walked out to the front deck and enjoyed the air, felt a little better. Skipped lunch, didn't miss it. We arrived back at the dock a little before 11:00 and waited in the waiting room for our bus for an hour. Thankfully we were the last ones on the bus, so we were right on our way. I closed my eyes and listened to music for the first half of the ride, then we stopped at a place where they were selling bamboo, silk, and coconut fiber items. Even had to sit in on a sales pitch for the wonders of bamboo fiber (Happy Landing). Back on the bus, which took us to the old Quarter of Hanoi and dropped us off. I listened to an old TAL podcast in the bus after the break, and we were thankfully among the first to be dropped off, in the Old Quarter. We walked around a bit, got a couple of croissants to eat (I was still managing my calorie intake carefully), then called a Grab to take us back to the airport. We got there early, too early, and ended up waiting for a while before we boarded our flight to Hue. The flight went smoothly, and we landed in Hue in the evening. Took a Grab to the address for our Airbnb, it was lightly raining, and we had a little difficulty locating the place, which was off the main street. It is deluxe, very spacious, fairly well-stocked. Got there and settled in for the night.

03-09-2026 Hike

Travel day. Slept okay but woke up early and couldn't really get back to sleep. So I read for a bit and then got up to take a shower. Finished packing and drank a couple of cups of Cafe Au Lait coffee before we walked over and had an early breakfast. The scooter rental was 150k YND. Bus was a little early, smaller than Saturday (8 passengers on it). The trip took about 3.5 hours, including a 30-minute rest stop, again at a place where disabled people (polio victims, in this case) were making crafts for sale. Thankfully, we did t really experience any heavy traffic, as we bypassed going near Hanoi. Got to the dock for Amanda Cruises a little before 11:00. Boarded the Hai Long Dragon around 12:15 and went to the dining room for greetings from Tom, the ship's entertainment director, and then a huge lunch. I got a fair share of food from the buffet, and then they brought even more vegetarian food to the table. I over ate, which wasn't the best choice. We had some time in our cabin before the afternoon's activities. This is when it took a turn. I was feeling a little queasy when we walked to the reception area, concerned about gastric distress and no place for relief on the launch to a nearby island. Sat inside (a mistake) and near the engine fumes (another mistake), and I felt progressively worse as the boat made its way to the dock. It was like an out-of-body experience, all I could do to avoid throwing up on the boat. Somehow, I don't know how, I made it off the boat, still wearing my life jacket. I felt a little better there but still in troubled straits. No opportunity to find a bathroom before we got into this crazy queue to walk a path through three caves. It started to rain while we were exposed (why not?) and the line of people was just inching along. It was a sublime form of minor torture, somehow we got through it, Ann stayed with me the whole time, and we got back to the boat launch. There was a bathroom nearby but it was in no condition to be used. So I sat on the launch outside and concentrated on not getting sick on the ride over to Ti Top island. As soon as it hit the dock I was off, thought I was going to throw up right there but again held it back. Ann walked with me over to the restrooms by the beach, and I was able to relieve some of that built-up upset stomach. Felt a little better, not much, we just walked around this area until it was time to get on the launch. Was a short ride back to the ship, and I was the first one off. I just made it back to the cabin and threw up again. Had fever and chills throughout the early evening while Ann went out and talked with others, had dinner. I dozed off and on and battled the chills, threw up again right after she got back, was really sweating then. The night was supremely restless, but my chills were subsiding a bit. Got up in the night, drank water, took Imodium, then some acetaminophen. Was finally able to sleep less fitfully early in the morning and woke up before 6:00 feeling better (not all the way back).

03-08-2026 Hike

Slept fairly well again, did wake up and read for a while but eventually got back to sleep (<!>). Showered, and Ann washed some clothes, then we headed over to breakfast in the resort lobby. It was okay, sufficient variety and quality, although the coffee was bad (good pineapple juice, though). Then we went back to the room and packed our stuff, to be moved to a different room. Hung around the new room, as nice as the other one, planning our day's activities. Ann agreed to ride on the scooter, which was a little surprising. We got one from the front desk and took it out for a test ride. She was a trooper, so I loaded in the map to Bich Dong Pagoda. I'd started out in the wrong direction, so we ended up taking the long way there. Rode through Tam Coc village on the way. This was an adventure and an experience. Got to feel just how riding a scooter in Vietnam is, with traffic and stress mixed in with smells, many of them unpleasant. I was really focused on the road and conditions, but some sections of the countryside were beautiful, especially riding past rice fields. We got there and it was quite crowded. I paid about a buck to park the scooter and we hiked up to see the pagoda inset into the hillside, kinda cool. We continued hiking up to the top, where there was a decent but not great viewpoint along with a small shrine. Then a careful hike back down, after which we decided to walk over to Chua Linh Coc. It was about 1 km to get there, initially on busy streets but the last half on a quiet road. Hardly anyone was there, and a female Buddhist caretaker took our money and turned on the lights for the Fairy Cave. We hiked up another set of stairs to the cave entrance, which was not imposing. Through the narrow entrance, and right away Ann saw that this wasn't for her (great call). I climbed through the cave, having to duck a lot, crawl some, and hike up and down rough stone steps. It was pretty interesting for the small entrance fee. To the end and then back, where we sat at the entrance and decided where to have lunch. Then we hiked back to the parking lot where the scooter was, and rode back into Tam Coc village. Lots of traffic and gas/diesel fumes, and I missed my turn to the Coffee Cat Café. Using Google Maps with headphones to direct me isn't easy on unfamiliar roads, but we made it there. Lunch was decent, smoothies were good, and there were several cats around the cage, as advertised. BTW, we saw some water buffalo by Chua Linh Coc, the adults were impressive. Decided, after lunch, to stop in the village and look around, but the scooter was idling so low that it stalled a couple of times, so I decided we should head directly back. Took the short route this time, and it was more fun as soon as we got out of town and onto back roads. Safely back to the hotel, where we chilled in the room for the latter p and then art of the afternoon. We decided to ride into Hoa Lu Old Town in the early evening. It is actually a new development, Ann said it reminded her of Seaport Village, and she's right. Some pretty lights and Buddhist pagodas there. We walked all around the place before riding back in the dark. The ride there was okay, a little sketchy. The ride back was definitely tense for me. Streets bear our hotel weren't well lit, and there were pedestrians and oncoming traffic that really made it difficult to see the road and avoid others. At one point Google Maps directed us onto a dark, dirt road with major potholes, and there was no way that would turn out okay. We turned around and rerouted to a better way, which was still scary at times. The scooter was low on battery and didn't have enough illumination for this kind of riding. Also, the horn didn't work, the idle was set too low, and the front brake was spongy. But other than that.... I was super glad to get back to the hotel. We dropped the scooter off and walked to a nearby restaurant for a casual dinner. Packed up a little before going to sleep.

03/07/2026 Walk/Ride/Hike

Travel day. I slept pretty well again, did wake up in the night but didn't get stuck staying up. Woke up a little before 6:00 and started packing up. Had a shower and a shave, ate an orange, some leftover donut holes from the previous day, and some bread for breakfast. We left the flat a little after 7:00 and walked to the designated meeting spot. The bus was late, and that made me anxious until Ann got a text saying they were still on the way. Bus was pretty nice, we sat in the front seats. Lots of traffic to get out of Hanoi, it was about about 2/3 of the way towards picking up it's passengers when we got on. Linh was our tour guide, pretty nice young guy. Lots of rice paddies along the highway once we got out into the countryside. On the bus Ann noted that the snacks I had taken from our Airbnb were probably offerings to the little shrine set up there. So, I likely now have bad juju I will need to overcome. We were both ready to get off at the first stop, a temple that was fairly pedestrian. Ann talked a little with one of the other tourists, Sarah, from England. Back on the bus and over to a stop by our lunch place. Before we ate lunch we took a short bike ride, apparently to build up our appetites. Bikes were rickety but it was nice to pedal for a change. Back to the restaurant, we had a private room for our group and a buffet with lots of vegetarian options (food wasn't too hot). We talked to Sarah, Lucia (from Peru, currently a foreign exchange student in Singapore from Amsterdam), and Win (from Brussels). After lunch we drove to the Trang An Water Complex and got into boats for a two-hour boat ride paddles by a guy in the back of the boat. We were with two ladies from Italy, spoke to them a little about our upcoming trip. The boat ride was pleasant at beautiful at times, although the day was overcast and hazy. It took too long for me and Ann. After a while, we just wanted it to end. There was a funny Gilligan's Island moment when the rower stopped rowing and we got very close to the shore. Made it back, everybody gathered back and walked to the bus, then we drove to the last stop, Mua Cave, a 500-step climb to a hilltop overlook. Ann stayed at the bottom while I hoofed it at brisk pace up to both lookout points. The way up was easier for me than the way down, especially near the tops, where the steps were very uneven. Saw a goat on the way up, and the views at the two overlook points were quite beautiful. I made it back down without mishap and joined an for a celebratory drink. Linh arranged for a taxi to take us to our hotel, the Trang An Garden Resort, and the bus took the rest of the tourists to their respective destinations. Hotel room was really nice, among the best we have stayed in, even had a private pool (a little cool for the evening). We walked down to the nearby main road and had a pretty good dinner, lots of food, for about $15, including cocktails. Vegetable egg rolls were fresh-made and fantastic, drinks were so-so. I was full at the end of the meal, we walked back, and I washed some clothes to get them started drying before Monday morning. Was a very busy day for us both, a reminder of how our normal vacation style differs from organized group tours. Notes from the tour:

• 77M motorbikes in country of 100M people. Just in Hanoi, it's 6-7M for 9M people.
• Dioxin (Agent Orange) survivors were at first rest stop, making embroidery paintings.
• Hoa Lu was first capital city for 40 years (968-1010). Chinese ruling Vietnam for 1000 years before French. Chinese Lunar New Year in always the same as Tet.
• Six different ways to pronounce vowels in Vietnamese.
• Only one emperor, after that there were kings. Fear of Chinese invasion led to choice of Hua Lu. Hanoi chosen after rapprochement with China.
• 60% of population today is still working in rice fields and agriculture.
• Red River flows through Hanoi, delta is good for rice farming.
• Temples and pagodas are different. Temples are places to worship heroes of Vietnam, pagodas are religious places of worship of Buddha. Can pray for material goods and prosperity only in temple, have to bring an offering. Smoke from incense carries our prayers to Buddha. Odd number of sticks only, for good luck.
• Special animal symbols: Dragon - power, Phoenix - beauty, Unicorn - wealth, Turtle - long life 
  
• Vietnamese special unicorn (satyr) - dog with dragon's head. Dog because of attentiveness to the house and its owner, dragon for power. 
  
• Themed streets seen in Hanoi: Hardware, Cloth, Funerary supplies, Beer bars, Train Street 
  
• 500 steps to the top by the dragon on the ridge.

03-06-2026 Walks

Slept in the night until about 11:00 (<>) and got back to sleep around 1:00. I slept off and on (no long periods of lying awake) until just before 6:00, when we got up and headed to a local sit-down café for breakfast. Omelet and bread, pain au chocolat, along chocolate croissant, and two coffees for about $12. It was excellent and really hit the spot for me, since I had basically had one meal the previous day. After breakfast we stopped at a market and got some snacks for the weekend. Then we walked around, trying to find us an ATM (successful), and back to the Airbnb. Ann had a gastric issue on the way back, but she found a café that was open. When we got back we rested while she took some Imodium and gave it time to take effect. In the late morning we walked over to the Imperial Citadel, which served as the military headquarters for North Vietnam during the war and also has a long record as a place of central importance in Vietnamese history going all the way back to 1000 CE. The grounds were fairly extensive, and we walked throughout the place. Then we started walking back to the Airbnb and happened upon the south Train Street area just as a train was rolling through. We walked into the row of shops after it passed and stopped for a drink there. This is a crazy place, hard to believe it still exists, given the danger of trains rolling through lines of people close enough to touch the sides. No trains came through as we sat there. We kept walking back, found a banh my sandwich shop near the Airbnb, and I had a light lunch (delicious and refreshing). We walked back to the bakery from the morning, walking along a street with a concentration of hardware shops, got a baguette there, and headed back to the flat for a rest break. After the break we walked over to an open market in a couple of buildings, lots of clothes and nothing of interest to us. We decided to try and have dinner out, went to a Vietnamese place not too far away, with vegetarian options. Food was pretty good, prices were great. There was a dude at the table behind Ann who, as near as I could figure, was on an escorted date, trying to chat this young woman up. She didn't seem too interested in the whole thing. And he was wearing sunglasses in the restaurant. Would love to know the whole story here. After dinner we walked back over to the lake, which was supposed to be set up for activities on the sidewalk around it. All we saw was an awful band playing instruments slightly out of tune and too loud. So we walked over to Beer Street, where it was still early, stopped at a clip joint for a beer and a glass of wine, and people-watched. We walked a little further north, and the bars at the north end were dead, again likely because it was early. From there we walked back to the flat, taking a detour through a nearby night market that was hopping. Back to the flat for a quiet rest of the evening before going to sleep. According to my Google Maps timeline, on this day we walked about seven miles, and that sounds a little low. It was over 20k steps.

03-05-2026 Walk

We arrived into Hong Kong and had a two-hour layover until our two-hour flight to Hanoi. All went off without a hitch. Ann had arranged for assistance from Klook getting through immigration check, but we probably didn't need it. We were through in about 10 minutes and into the main airport. Got some money out of the ATM without too much difficulty, then Ann used the Grab app (like Uber) to get us a taxi to our Airbnb in the Old Quarter. The 40-minute ride cost us about $12, and we found the place pretty easily. Lin, our Snug host, was waiting for us and showed the place, which is decent (kitchen is bare bones, but the rest of the place is nice and comfortable enough). We headed out to a place nearby for a sit-down lunch, very good and super cheap. Headed back, had a brief rest, the we walked over to the nearby lake, taking the loop around it and snapping some photos along the way. The traffic here is intense, cars and many, many scooters that don't stop for you crossing the road. You just look for a gap and start walking across without making eye contact. This is a gritty area, safe enough but definitely working class. We walked until Ann was starting to fade (I was close too) and then headed back. Had a shower to clean up a bit, Ann washed some clothes, then we both fell asleep around 6:00.

03-04-2026 Entry

This is a short entry, since I spent a very short Thursday in the air flying over the international date line. Airplane flight from LAX to Hong Kong was super long, 16 hours, maybe our longest flight. I watched a couple of versions of The Running Man, the first didn't hold up so well, and the second was almost unrelentingly violent. Slept off and on throughout the flight, food was average, and I couldn't eat the non-vegetarian breakfast.

03-03-2026 Ride

Travel day. Got up early and went out for an easy-paced bike ride. It was cool, almost cold, when I started out through the neighborhood. Didn't warm up much during the ride, but being out in the sun helped. Stayed on RB Rd to CdS and took it past San Dieguito Rd (SDR), turning right on Via Azul and following it to Via Corona. The a left on Via Bettona and a right on Via Verrazzano to get back to CdS. Slow pace up the gradual climb to CVR, taking it past the high school and then turning right on Torrey Meadows Dr, which took me across the 56 to Torrey Santa Fe Rd, taking a right there. I rode to the end and I to the parking lot of the apartment complex there, hoping to see a bike route out but no luck. Back out of the parking lot and then on the neighborhood streets south of this road until I got back to Torrey Santa Fe Rd and took it back to CdS. Right there and then a left on Carmel Mountain Rd, taking it back across the 56 and up to Black Mountain Rd, where I turned left. Up to CVR, I thought about climbing up Stargaze Ave but rejected the idea. Took CVR to Bernardo Center Dr and started the climb up, turning left on Cayenne Ridge Rd and following it to its dead end before turning around and taking Cayenne Creek Rd to Dove Creek Rd to get to Dove Canyon Rd. Right there, then right again on Camino San Bernardo, taking this little climb slowly and then riding home the normal way via W Bernardo Dr. Kept my long finger gloves on the entire time.

Avg speed = 13.8 mph. Total mileage = 24.8 mi

Avg power = 111 W. Weighted avg power = 149 W

Total elevation gain = 1830'

Avg heartrate = 100 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 18

Training Load = 85

Intensity = 68%

https://www.strava.com/activities/17589751037

Got home, had some pumpkin bread and a banana for breakfast, along with coffee. Through the day I finished packing for the trip and also finished copying our data files to  HDD to give to Emily so she can keep it at their apartment. Cleaned the kitchen, had sandwiches and a grapefruit for lunch. I took a short nap in the afternoon, showered, and got Ann to cut my hair. We left the house around 3:20 and made pretty good time up to Irvine, other than some slowing at the junction with the 78. The carpool lane was a big help in OC. Met him for dinner at a Mexican-Persian fusion restaurant, talked about our upcoming trips, his plan to hike in the Grand Teton with his nephew Greg, and other topics. We left around 6:15 and got up to the hotel where we parked our car Ina little over an hour, some minor slowing a couple of times. Got right on the shuttle and to the airport with plenty of time. No issues going through security, it was a long walk to the gate, but we still got there two hours before departure. I used the time to reserve my bike while staying near Venice. In the late morning and early afternoon Ann had to go through the same laborious process of changing the name on her ticket, it took her just as long. Got on the plane and settled okay. It left after a small delay.

03-02-2026 Swim

Slept okay, did wake up a couple of times in the night but got back to sleep. Had some cereal and a banana for breakfast, then later a piece of pumpkin bread (<!>). In the morning Gideon dropped off my bike tool box and the rest of the snacks he had been carrying. I swapped out my Canyon bike tires for the Enve tires, might as well use them until they wear out. They're quite difficult to put on the rims. Then I drove over to the AAA office in Escondido and got an international driving permit, which might come in handy in Vietnam or Italy. In the late morning I noticed that the version of data storage files I thought was the latest was actually from 2024. I had a minor panic attack until I realized I had another backup saved, so no files lost, as far as I can tell. I updated the files on the D: drive so that they are the latest,, then went for a short swim at the WWC. Swam 1000 yds at a slower pace, again concentrating on keeping my stroke long (and slow in this case). The splits for the two 500s were: 9:32, 9:41. I also swam a 100 using backstroke, still wandering all over the lane but getting a little faster.

Avg pace = 1:55/100 yds (Video, not including pause after first 1000)

Total distance = 1000 yds

Elapsed moving time = 18:49 (Video)

Avg heartrate = 159 bpm (Zepp, probably not)

Relative Effort = 65 (probably not)

SWOLF = 38

Avg stroke rate = 21 bpm

Avg pull distance = 2.32 yds

https://www.strava.com/activities/17510055959

Here are the backstroke data:

Avg pace = 2:33/100 yds (Video)

Total distance = 100 yds

Elapsed moving time = 2:33 (Video)

Avg heartrate = 136 bpm (Zepp)

Relative Effort = 2

SWOLF = 57

Avg stroke rate = 21 bpm

Avg pull distance = 1.18 yds

https://www.strava.com/activities/17589747175

When I got home, I copied all the photo and video files from my phone to the D: drive as well, so I won't lose any older files if my phone gets damaged on the trip. Then I backed all these data up to a portable hard drive. Gathered most of the stuff I'll take on the trip to Vietnam and organized it. I started going through the WhatsApp files on the PC to delete the ones not needed. That is going to take a long time. I the evening and into the night I went through the chore of checking in for the flight, which necessitated working with an online agent to change the name on my ticket. Didn't get done until well after 11:00. Pretty frustrating experience. Read for a bit to calm down, then went to sleep.