• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

California Fun Part 2

June 15, 2011 | Uncategorized

 

Ok so we left off after a fun filled night at downtown Disney in California. Oh wait, did you miss part one? check it out HERE. Ok, moving on. So Sunday the weather was equally beautiful. I woke up wide awake at 6:00, even got up and did some things on the computer and called Bobby. Then I realized I was still sleepy and fell asleep again. Time zone fail.

Me, Crystal, and Kenji went to lunch at this cute little place by her house, and then we decided to go for a nice walk. I was still hurting from some pulled muscles and pain from playing volleyball on Castaway Cay, so we decided to walk, instead of run.

We set out to find some newish trails by Crystal’s house. We found them, and some fun parks/scenery too!

Gorgeous weather, gorgeous landscaping, I was having a great time! We just talked and talked, and then we stumbled upon this little gym. It was like a circled track/spongy material right off the trail, and every few yards was a piece of outdoor workout equipment. Of course, I wanted to be silly and try them all out!

of course I made Crystal try some, too. I laughed pretty hard when she got on the pull up bar and her feet didn’t touch the ground!

hehe.

We finally decided to turn around and realized we were a LONG way from her house! We ended up walking for TWO HOURS. Of course, Kenji fell asleep when we were FIVE MINUTES from the house! Crazy kid.

We dipped our feet in the pool after the walk to cool off.

I wasn’t really starving because I had a big lunch, so we decided to grab a pizza and I just ate Fro Yo for dinner, no pizza. HA! I can do that, right? I got a mix of pomegranate and watermelon YUM.

I was SO tired from the walk and still wacky from the time difference, so I decided to go to bed early. We had a 4:00 wake up call! I called Bobby then crawled in bed at 8:15. it was still daylight! I can’t remember the last time I did that! But guess what? I slept ALL night until my alarm went off at 4!

Crystal was so sweet to offer to drive me to Union Station so early in the morning. a true friend! We got me there about 5:15 for the 6:00 train to San Diego. Now, I will admit I was a little nervous. One of my fears is going somewhere that I have NO idea where I am going. I have never even BEEN on an Amtrak train before, or at a station like this, so I was totally clueless. Plus it was pitch black dark when I got there, so I was slightly nervous.

I walk in, and within 5 seconds a homeless man approaches me and starts asking me for money. I told him no, sorry, and started to walk away and he FOLLOWED me and kept asking. I headed for the ticket counter where a man was working and finally the dude walked off. GAH! Just what I needed when I was already freaked out! So I pulled out my ticket I was supposed to scan at the kiosk and surprise surprise, it doesn’t work. So I go to the ticketing counter, which ended up being a good thing, because the man told me where I needed to go, but said the train doesn’t board till 5:50. Ok…so…I didn’t know if I was supposed to head that way, or wait in the main area…I was so clueless! (ok please stop laughing!) so I stood around for a few minutes in the main area and just watched to see what everyone else was doing.

I thought about going to Starbucks but the line was really long. I had a major headache from not having coffee, but decided to just deal with it for now.

Finally at about 6:40, I decided to start walking down the tunnel towards my platform just to see. I got down to my number, looked up the tunnel and realized it was COLD! I did not want to go stand on the platform. Alone. in the dark. and freeze. SO I stood around outside the tunnel for a few minutes until I saw a couple people going up and to the platform, so I followed them.

We stood around outside, and I even had a guy ask me if this is the train to San Diego. I told him yes, I thought so, but what I wanted to say was “does it LOOK LIKE I know if this is the train to San Diego?!”

looking back down into the tunnel. Sorry my ticket got in the way.

I tied to be sneaky and take a picture of the train without looking like a tourist, sorry it’s blurry!

Ok, so, train is here, doors open, and people start getting on, and heading upstairs, so I follow. (Such a sheep today!) I followed the few people into the first car we got onto, and sat on the last row after putting my suitcase on the rack at the back. Luckily, there were not many people so no one sat next to me the whole way. Here are a few pics I took of us leaving Los Angeles. Let me just say I was so relieved to finally make it onto the train, I knew the rest would be smooth sailing!

It was a 3 hour train ride which I thought would be so boring, but the scenery was great, that and I slept on and off the whole time!

When we got closer to San Diego we went along the coast/ocean, and it was so beautiful! I was of course sitting on the WRONG side of the train to see it.  But I did get some houses up on the cliffs. it was crazy to me how they were just sitting on the edge! Sorry the quality is bad…cell phone camera against a window with the sun coming up!

Here is one I took of the inside of the train

We finally made it to the last stop, San Diego! When we got off, there was another train right in front of me, and people were going both ways around it. um…so I asked the lady where I should go if someone is picking me up and she directed me in front of the other train inside the station. By the way, as soon as I stepped off…the weather, SO PERFECT! Breezy, sunny, about 68 degrees! I made it into the station, texted the Running skirts twins that I was there. They said they would be about 20 minutes, so I got a cup of coffee and sat down and enjoyed the pretty station and day! (I felt much better after my coffee!)

On my next California post…picked up by the twins, meeting the other reps, and getting spoiled rotten!

QOTD: Do you get nervous going somewhere you have never been before?

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jen says

    June 15, 2011 at 7:02 am

    So fun! I’m so glad you made your final destination 🙂

    I only get nervous driving to new places because I’m afraid I’ll get into an accident when paying attention to signs instead of the road. I love public transportation!

  2. Megan says

    June 15, 2011 at 7:34 am

    I get so nervous when I’m by myself too! However, navigating in Hawaii with 16 teenagers quickly changed that 😉 Your description of California weather makes me want to move there! Sounds perfect!

  3. Leah says

    June 15, 2011 at 10:50 am

    Faithful reader hear with a few questions: Who is Crystal (a fellow blogger perhaps)? Somehow, I missed that along the way. Also, I hope we get the background story of how you got this fabulous opportunity with RS.

    • Heather says

      June 15, 2011 at 11:01 am

      yes! she blogs at mouseketeerlee.blogspot.com, and did the guest post while I was gone about running moms, running at work, etc. She has been my friend for about 5 years now, we met through another message board and got to hang out a couple years ago in Disney for marathon weekend. shes great!

      • Leah says

        June 15, 2011 at 11:03 am

        Gotcha, remember her post, just didn’t connect the two.

        • Crystal says

          June 15, 2011 at 11:54 am

          That’s me! But…I don’t even know if I qualify as a blogger since my last entry was…I don’t even remember how long ago…haha

          • Heather says

            June 15, 2011 at 11:55 am

            last AUGUST crystal, get with it!

  4. Crystal says

    June 15, 2011 at 11:59 am

    I’m glad you made it to SD ok! I think the last time I was on Amtrak was when I was in 5th grade, so like forever ago. I also get a little nervous driving somewhere I haven’t been, but with gps, it’s not that bad (although I DID get lost in the suburbs of Dallas). LOL.

  5. Crystal says

    June 15, 2011 at 12:00 pm

    Haha, well, I can’t thread that comment anymore but yeah, I just checked my last post and I guess I have some catching up to do! lol. My life is just not as exciting as yours is…;)

  6. Morgan @ Becoming Rooks says

    June 15, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    That outdoor fitness stuff is awesome!! Our parks have things like that, but they were built in the 1980s so you can imagine how fancy they are.

    I used to get nervous traveling to places before the Internet. Now I can stalk every bit of information. 😉 I think living abroad helped, too, so I am more comfortable with trains/public transportation. But I do still get pangs of panic if I’m not sure what I am supposed to do.

  7. Emily says

    June 17, 2011 at 8:25 pm

    Love the outdoor fitness equipment!! I like riding trains!! But I get nervous when I’m visiting some place for the first time.

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • 5 Reasons to Try a New Way of Travel
  • Experience Superhero-Sized Fun at Gaylord Opryland DC Summer
  • Digital Nomads: Safely Working Remotely While You Roam
  • Tips for Surviving (and Thriving) as a Travel Ball Mom
  • Protecting Your Kids’ Eyes In the Digital Age

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
That time Bobby put on hand sanitizer instead of s That time Bobby put on hand sanitizer instead of sunscreen. 👀😆 ☀️ 

#poolday #husbandandwife #loveandmarriage
We originally got it as a solution for rainy or co We originally got it as a solution for rainy or cold days during the holidays, but it quickly became part of our weekly routine — especially for family game night or those super hot afternoons when going outside just isn’t an option.

What I love most? It gets us laughing, playing, and moving together. The games are active and designed with real child development principles in mind — which means I feel good about the screen time. And when she plays solo? I know she’s safe — no online strangers, just fun, movement, and confidence-building play.

Whether we’re all competing or she’s playing on her own, @nexplayground has become one of our favorite ways to stay active and connected as a family.
Grab yours on Amazon — and don’t miss it during Prime Day!

#NexPlayground #FamilyGameNight #IndoorPlay #Momhack #SummerSolutions #ad #nexplaygroundonamazon #playthatmovesyou #activeplay #familyplaytime #kidgiftideas #kidsummerideas
I call it the lazy girl’s cookies ‘n cream dre I call it the lazy girl’s cookies ‘n cream dream cake—because it’s quick, no-bake, and made with love (and @BRCIceCream frozen treats 😉). #BlueRibbonClassics_Partner

This little recipe is one my mom used to make with me, and now I get to pass it down to my daughter. It’s messy, a little imperfect… and absolutely delicious. 💙

All you need is:

🍦  Blue Ribbon Classics Cookies ‘n Cream frozen hand-held treats

🍫 Whipped cream

🍪 Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies

➡️ Layer, freeze, slice, and enjoy!

Affordable. Easy. And honestly? A sweet memory in the making.

📍Find Blue Ribbon Classics hand-held treats near you. Link in stories.

#blueribbonclassics #brcicecream #makeitsweet #CookiesNCreamBar #NoBakeDessert #MomLife #SweetMemories #BusyMomHack
🌟 Giveaway!! 🌟 Escape to the peaceful side 🌟 Giveaway!! 🌟 

Escape to the peaceful side of the Smokies 🌿✨ 

Newly reopened @tremontlodge in Townsend, TN has everything you need for a relaxing getaway while still being close enough to all the excitement of Pigeon Forge:

• Spacious rooms & cozy suites 💛

• Indoor and outdoor pools + hot tub 💦 

• Fitness center 💪🏻 

• Complimentary breakfast buffet ☕️ 

• On-site game room + outdoor movie nights 🎥 

• Outdoor firepit lounge & BBQ area 🔥 

• Walking trails right on the property 🌲 

• A hidden speakeasy for the grown-ups 😉🍸

Just minutes from Cades Cove, tubing, and some of the best hikes in the Smokies! Right now I’m GIVING AWAY a two night stay at this serene resort!

Here’s how to enter:

- Follow @HeathersLG and @Tremontlodge
-Like this post 
-Comment your favorite thing to do in the mountains 
-Tag two friend in the comments (can tag more for more entries!) 

Bonus 5 entries! ✨ 
-Share on your stories and tag us so we can see! 

Not sponsored or endorsed by Instagram. Must be 18+ to enter. Closes July 3, 2025 at Midnight. Winner chosen on or around July 5th and notified by this account ONLY via DM and tagged on this post in the caption.
It was worth a shot. 🏝️ Share with someone It was worth a shot. 🏝️ 

Share with someone you want to “double check” with you! 🩷

#beachlife #beachlover #summervacation2025 #beachmemes
Future me had some thoughts during Prime Day 😂 Future me had some thoughts during Prime Day 😂 #Ad #NewChapter_Partner 

She’s tired, she’s juggling a million things, and she just wants to feel good without overthinking it. So this year, we’re prioritizing wellness while it’s on sale! 🛒 What’s in my Prime Day cart: 

✨@newchapterinc Every Woman’s One Daily Multivitamin – 20+ nutrients my body actually recognizes 
💪 Bone Strength Take Care – because #momlife is basically a full-contact sport and my bones need all the help they can get
 🧘‍♀️ Magnesium + Ashwagandha – my secret for calm & relaxation support 
🌿 All-Flora Gummies – dual-action gut support that tastes amazing (and with 55% less sugar!) 

👉 Add these to your Prime Day cart TODAY! Link in bio 
#NCxAmazonPrimeDay2025 #NewChaptervitamins
🏆 Backyard races, basketball showdowns, and tra 🏆 Backyard races, basketball showdowns, and trampoline flips — summer fun takes serious energy. And around here, the real MVP is a cold glass of @mayfielddairy Chocolate Milk. 🍫🥛 (ad)

And it’s not just any chocolate milk...it’s:
✅ Award-winning taste
✅ Rich and creamy
✅ Made fresh with local dairy
✅ From a trusted, farmer-owned brand that’s been bringing families together for generations 💛

Find it in the dairy aisle and make your summer a winner. 🙌 

#MayfieldMoments #ChocolateMilkWin #FarmerOwned #AwardWinningTaste #BackyardChampion #MomLife #SouthernSummer

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

%d