The early bird gets the worm, eh? Well the early traveler gets no traffic jams. Natasha and I left our hotel around 5:30AM to try and avoid traffic on our way to JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK!!!!! Our second National Park so far and it was like nothing we had ever seen before. Joshua trees start popping up on the highway as you approach the park and multiplying in numbers as you get closer. We had arrived in the desert! Our first mission was to climb something. The terrain of the park looks like piles of rocks spread throughout the land. These piles of rock are made of giant granite boulders, formed by volcanic magma and exposed through many years of erosion. Chose a few trails to hike starting with SKULL ROCK and also CHOLLA GARDENS also got to look over COACHELLA VALLEY as far as Mexico!! The sun was intense and tired us out pretty quickly. We left the park in the evening and arrived in PHOENIX ARIZONA to find the last motel room within 100 miles.
Decided to be like the city folk and get stuck in traffic first thing in the morning. Headed to Katies in SANTA CRUZ,CA for a quick and heartfelt breakfast before continuing South. We discovered Monterey Bay shortly after and we had tickets to the MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM!!!! (thanks to Uncle Jimmy!!!!) It was amazing! I felt like a little kid screaming “Natasha, look!” over and over. Smiles all around as we got a glimpse of the critters in the Deap Blue Sea! Later, BIG SUR provided many post card worthy pictures, and many stops including a short visit to PFIEFFER BEACH. We were on the edge of the earth winding back and forth, hugging the land. Once we made it as far south as San Luis Obispo we started seeing SEALS on the beaches! They were super cute Elephant Seals and right now is they are coming to the beach to mate! As the sun went down so did our energy level, we stayed in a motel outside of Los Angeles to end day 3.
Woke up early because we had plans! A brief dentist apt caused us to speed up our traveling so Natasha could experience AVENUE OF THE GIANTS (and so i could see them one more time)! While in Ukiah we ate at my favorite gas station where Mary makes the best falafel on the west coast. Even stopped in at The village of Ten Thousand Buddhas to see the pretty Peacocks that roam throughout. Then oddly enough we travelled north to get back to the coast. Made a stop at GLASS BEACH in FORT BRAGG, CA. a Beach that had been polluted by sailors many years ago now glistens with millions of peices of seaglass that had been left behind. After gandering it was time to head south! This was my first time traveling down Highway 1. It was marvelous! Also, a bit scary. At times it felt as if we were on a roller coaster. The car would climb, climb, climb and then turn a corner; and just like that it felt as if we were free falling and i was in control of making a u-turn, All of this around the speed of 25 mph. terrifying. Watching the terrain change as we travel south, discovering beauty all around us! Even the cows were Badass! We enjoyed being tourists and because I took too many pictures we were behind schedule! We made a detour to OAKLAND, CA where we were greeted with AMAZING FOOD ((which included roasted fig and walnut goo that we spread on bread wil Mel's homemade ricotta OMG)) had a cozy slumber thanks to my sweet Hannah.
I started out on my own traveling North, to Portland! It took me 7 hours of mountainous driving to finally arrive and scoop my first mate! Natasha and I were so excited to reunite that it was hard to sleep that night. I’d consider it a power nap. and we started off the next morning for the coast of OREGON!
We spent the first hours of driving taking it all in, and then the Pacific appeared. The Northern coast is very rocky and has such a rugged beauty to it. Every winding curve brought us to wonderful oceanic views and tiny seaside towns. Five hours in, Natasha got to finally see (and smell) the REDWOODS!!!! Met my amazing friends, Jaime and Mel, in CRESCENT CITY, CA to hike STOUT GROVE of REDWOOD NATIONAL and STATE park. This is the forrest filmed in STAR WARS- Return of the Jedi. Specifically where Yoda resided in EWOK FOREST. It is hard to describe such a magical place. Like entering a bubble of jungle-like land where the air is cool and calming. The road is dirt and one lane wide, with enormous trees growing on both sides of the tiny road. This is by far the most impressive set of redwoods i have encountered, unbelievable if you ask me. And yet hard to explain. Climbing over these trees and thinking about how much history they have lived through was mind boggling. And we were grateful for all the tree huggers who protected such a wondrous place! After a good hike, we packed ourselves back in the car and headed down the coast, to my neck of the woods. ((literally haha)) I had to show her my favorite beach! It is called Dry Lagoon, a part of Humboldt State parks. The four of us spent the next few hours giggling and picking out ocean gems and pebbles on the beach, all while the sun slowly dissapeared into the horizon. It was time for slumber and man were we ready! We had sweet dreams that night snuggled in Eureka, CA after day 1. After SEVEN MONTHS, I am finally about to embark on a new chapter! Looking back on this experience I realize how incredibly fortunate I am. Feeling grateful for the people that took me in and made me part of their family. Also, thankful for all the people I have met along the way. From the friendly strangers i met on the beach to the wonderful dentist that went above and beyond to make sure i was taken care of; they all have played an important role in my journey. A journey that has taken me so far from my comfort zone, and has taught me so much. Definitely going to miss the days spent at the ocean; exploring and observing the Pacific. As well as my time spent with the amazing Redwood trees. A quote by Lady Bird Johnson explains it all -- "One of my most unforgetable memories of the past years is walking through the Redwoods last November -- seeing the lovely shafts of light filtering through the trees so far above, feeling the majesty and silence of that forest, and watching a salmon rise in those swift streams -- all our problems seemed to fall into perspective and I think every one of us walked out more serene and happier." It is the most calming place i have ever encountered, something i recomend everyone experience at some point in your life. And on that note my adventures have already begun! Yosemite National Park was the first of EIGHT National Parks I will be exploring within the next month. Here are some photos from the latest adventures in California starting with Yosemite. After driving through millions of trees, we encountered a long tunnel that brought us to this breathtaking view of Yosemite Valley. It was LOVE AT FIRST SITE. Katie and I spent two days wandering the park and taking in all the views. Our brains were constantly stimulated hiking to waterfalls and dancing in meadows. Yet another park that proves how beautiful our country is. So much history and life here, I will definitely be back! ^No photoshop here Ladies and gents, just pure MAGIC.^ Bridal Veil Falls Half Dome^ ^A tiny Katie Flynn dancing in the sunshine before we enter the Sequoia forrest. and cross this river nbd. ^ In my natural habitat Northern California^ ^Montgomery woods during rain. Avenue of the Giants^^^ ^Burrowing Owls of the EEL RIVER DELTA Ukiah Rainbow^ Crescent City, Ca Lighthouse ^^ Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park (below)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! better late than never.. To my sweet FRIENDS AND FAMILY,,, this is your formal update to tell you that I AM ALIVE AND WELL, and I miss you all a whole lot. I've been on my journey for THREE MONTHS now- time is flying by for sure. I have ((slightly)) settled down in the northern part of the California coast. Really appreciating how AMAZING the ocean is!! I have been exploring all that i can find : New (happy) trails, new rivers, and new beaches! My brain has been visually stimulated from the moment i got here. I live just a couple-minute drive both from the Redwoods and the Pacific Ocean-- not to mention only a few miles from town, where i am in a sea of dreadlocks : ) Last week marked my very first thanksgiving away from home, It was weird to be so far from my normal family gathering, but also so refreshing that i have people all the way across the country that make me feel at home. I found a scribble the other day in my travel journal "When you find yourself in the thick of it, help yourself to a bit of what is all around you". The Beatles said it perfectly. I sing these lyrics often, they pop in my head cliffside of the ocean, and through the forest; Nature is what keeps me going wherever i am. I learn about new animals and plants and most of all about myself. It is something to be shared and sometimes something to appreciate alone. In all my travels i have seen so many breathtaking views. I wanted to show all of you some of the postcard worthy pictures of recent adventures. and ofcourse show off some BIRD PHOTOS!! MENDOCINO! My Aunt Carol took me to the town of MENDOCINO. for some beautiful views and ocean exploration! We went for a canoe up Big River where we passed a SEAL!!! and also found this floating shack ((possibly my prince charming's home)) where we could hear the faint music of his guitar for the majority of our trip. It was cool, quiet, and peaceful on the river with the occasional sound of the seaweed brushing the bottom of our boat. We enjoyed lovely meals and stopped at cute little gift shops, a great girls weekend! ^The garden for an ALL ORGANIC RESTAURANT- called "RAVEN" ((for scale note tiny white gardeners hat in top right)) ARCATA MARSHMade my way North and took a visit to the marsh and wildlife sanctuary in Arcata, CA. Right on the coast; it has fresh water marshes as well as brackish marshes with the bay behind you. Beautiful shorebirds everywhere you look when tide is out. Various bird sounds coming from all directions. Once tide starts coming back in all the birds flock to shallow water and the sea looks like a silver lake. American Avocet Exploring the Redwoods.Upon arriving i learned i had a wonderful Redwood Groves within minutes and went to scope them out the very next day. It was then i found myself at part of Humbolt Redwoods State Park. The park is actually spread through several groves over about 60 miles. Multiple spots that you can choose a path to wind through beautiful, mossy branches as these trees tower over you. They are so tall that the critters that occupy them are hard to be seen. You can hear them though, little pitter pattering, and hopping from tree to tree having no idea how high they really are. HUMBOLT REDWOODS STATE PARK (HUMBOLDT UNIVERSITY)^
And various adventures at the OCEAN!Living so close to the Pacific Ocean- there is an endless amount of adventures to find. Every few miles up the coast there are beaches, and they all are unique in one way or another. I appreciate being close to such a magical body of water. The noise of the waves alone get my adrenalin pumping. These views are usually accessed from trails that zig zag down the side of land leading up to the ocean. In some areas the beach is surrounded by sand dunes and grassy hills for miles, in others you walk down a paths through thick forrest and shrubbery. It's quite the huff and puff getting back up the hill, but man it is worth it! While walking the beaches i find seashells and sand dollars. Also moonstone, jade, and agate are all stones that wash up on shore. My collection of natural trinkets sure is growing! CLAM BEACH TRINIDAD TRINIDAD BEACH SOMOA SOMOA MANILLA Patricks Point AGATE BEACH BIRDS BIRDS BIRDS!!!! With all the places i go, my life list of birds is growing rapidly. I get so happy finding new species, and learning more about thier characteristics- so i can identify them better in the future. Birds are everywhere; in the sky, on the ground, and on the sea. There is a bird for every territory. I get better as i learn more and more, and i definitely have learned to pay attention more. Here are just a few of my bird discoveries. Golden-Crowned Sparrow Steller's Jay Western Grebe House Finch Red Shouldered Hawk Cormorants Acorn Woodpecker White-Tailed Kite Elegant Terns Light Western Red Tail Hawk and Dark Morph Western Red Tail Hawk The homecoming... And for all of you that think California stole me for good...i am coming home! I have started to think about my trip back east, and i plan on beating the Easter Bunny to Babcia's house. I definitely enjoy everything im experiencing out here and i feel incredibly lucky, but there's nothing like your family. Looking forward to living close and spending more time with everyone this spring. Until then i will continue to explore every place i can find and take a million pictures. Also, since i won't be home for Christmas im gladly taking names for PEN PALS! send me an address! I think about all of you and often find myself telling stories about the ones i love! so lets keep in contact! "So many books that I didn't read,
But there's so much air I chose to breathe. How about the colors that I've seen? So I'll leave these pages in the trees." Officially drove across the entire country and landed in our final state. Soon after we crossed the Oregon/California border there was a change in scenery. Stopped at a gas station and figured out that the wierd smog we were driving through was WILDFIRES. For miles and miles all we could see was the different gradients of gray; there was smoke filling valleys and bordering the highways. Quite the eeeerrriiieee feeling driving through the mountains of california on a winding road and only seeing whats right in front of you. Made it to my sweet Aunt Carol's house just after the sun went down and were greeted with a wonderful meal and fresh baked cookies! Our first real bed since we started and with perfectly clean sheets and soft white pillows, we felt like royalty! Woke up and explored MONTGOMERY WOODS in UKIAH CALIFORNIA. This was Lacey's first view (and smell) of the REDWOODS. I envy the birds and critters that live among these great trees; So far away from humans and so close to the clouds. Aunt carol took us on a tour including the museum of GRACE HUDSON who was a famous painter who focused on capturing the traditions of the POMOAN INDIANS, local falafel from the gas station (remarkable!), and a walk through the VILLIAGE OF TEN THOUSAND BUDDHAS.
Driving, driving, and more driving. We started slacking on the photos mainly becuase we took too many to care anymore. So many beautiful views but we stored them in our memories. We basically drove right through Oregon, staying with some friends in Eugene. We relaxed and ate some good food. Then It was a quick flash before yet another 8 hour drive to arrive in CALIFORNIA!!!
MARGOT IN MONTANA
We decided to sleep in a bit considering we have been all over the place. Since we had such a short time in Montana we asked the locals what they would advise us to enjoy. A nice lady led us to a discrete trail on BLACK MOUNTAIN of the ABSAROKA MOUNTAIN RANGE in the ROCKIES. It was absolutely gorgeous. We climbed a rocky path up to a waterfall. The water was ice cold and so beautifully clear. On our way back down the mountain we ran into a woman and her dog. We got to talking and sharing our story. Her name was Margot and she was from California. We instantly made friends and ended our half hour convo with hugs and best wishes for the future! She was wonderful! We left the mountain with ear to ear smiles and feeling so invigorated! Stopped for a visit in bozeman where MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY is and had lunch before driving into the evening skies of Idaho. We woke up in YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK to below freezing temperatures. The park ranger that found my phone on a trail ((hahaha)) said that temperatures dropped to near 20 degrees. Needless to say Lacey and I were spooning for our lives. Oh, and terrified of being eaten by a bear at the same time. Started exploring as soon as we left camp and the tourism began with OLD FAITHFUL geyser and the ones that surround it. They were so interesting! It felt like we were on the moon. The colors of the bacteria and algae living in the hot water made for some fascinating views. On the very backside of one of the boardwalks was a trail. Little did we know we were going to climb our first mountain! It was a dirt path that overlooked Geyser valley. You could see OLD FAITHFUL blow from miles away! We walked the loop of the prismatic pool which was also quite surreal. The view of the mountains was remarkable from every angle. Saw some HUGE elk on the way out of the park. Drove 40 miles north to livingston MONTANA where we stayed at a KOA right alongside the rockies!
|