“Tell the story of the mountain you climbed. Your words could be a page in someone else’s survival guide.” – Morgan Harper Nichols I’ve always had Gaviota Wind Caves on my list. This trail is located in Goleta, CA right before you enter Gaviota State Park there’s a road (on your right) leading up to…
A Walk in the Ruins of Knapp’s Castle
“There is a castle on a cloud I like to go there in my sleep.” -Les Miserables I love castles. Knapp’s Castle, unfortunately, was destroyed in a forest fire during the 1940s and all that’s left of it are sandstone ruins, fireplace pillars and some of the wall structures. This private property in Santa Barbara,…
Love at First Hike – Historic Railroad Trail
“Traveling is like flirting with life, it’s like saying, ‘I would stay and love you, but I have to go; This is my station.” – Lisa St. Aubin de Teran Consider this post my Valentine’s edition. While most people (who are married or in relationships) are planning romantic dates this time of the year, I’m…
Discovering the Beauty of Alabama Hills and Red Rock Canyon State Park
“My most memorable hikes can be classified as shortcuts that backfired.” – Edward Abbey I always have this compulsion to throw myself into the unknown when it comes to exploring new places. I’ve heard about Alabama Hills and knew it was one trip I had to take before 2017 ended. So yeah, this is a…
The Road to Malibu
“Just a small town girl. Livin’ in a lonely world.” – Journey Over a decade ago, I met this amazing man who showed me the wonders of photography and drove me to Malibu’s 20+ miles of scenic beauty. I was never the same again. Somehow Malibu wasn’t just another pretty beach in Southern California. It…
Night Hike at Griffith Park – My Old Stomping Grounds
“I lied and said I was busy. But not in a way most people understand. I was busy taking deeper breaths. I was busy silencing irrational thoughts. I was busy calming a racing heart. I was busy telling myself I am okay.” – B. Oakman Have you ever hiked at night? Don’t you love the…
Santa Monica Sunset, Beach Volleyball, and Pipe Dreams
“Let us die young or let us live forever Heaven can wait we’re only watching the skies Turn our golden faces into the sun… Forever young, I want to be forever young.” – Alphaville Sometimes I feel, or rather know, that this blog is mostly a pipe dream. Like volleyball, I pour my heart and…
Finding Paradise in Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes
“I am happy out here. Messy hair, dirty feet & wild water on my skin. Out here with the wild things; this is where I belong.” – Brooke Hampton Oso Flaco Lake is a hidden gem located near Nipomo, California. The boardwalk leads to 4 different beautiful sceneries. You’ll have to walk from the parking…
California Dreamin’ in Santa Barbara
“I’m caught up in a dream. I’m gonna wish for it all. No one’s gonna tell me how, no way this is my dream now.” – Tesla (band) Santa Barbara is nestled between Santa Ynez mountains and Pacific Ocean providing breathtaking views along the coast. The drive from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara is quite…
Beachin’ Day at Mandalay
“I lost my heart to the ocean, and with it a piece of my soul.” – Author Unknown We are a few days away from summer here in Sunny Southern California. I figured why not start a summer beach series as part of my blog to add variety to my mostly rocky adventures. It may…
Exploring Vasquez Rocks
Feast your eyes on Vasquez Rocks impressive array of rock formations. You’ll find this gem in Agua Dulce, California which is approximately 50 minutes away from Los Angeles. A lot of famous films and TV shows have filmed in this location (Star Trek, Flinstones, Planet of the Apes, Cars, Short Circuit, Hail, Ceasar!) to name…
Hiking Devil’s Punchbowl & Devil’s Chair
“Don’t be scared to walk alone. Don’t be scared to like it.” – John Mayer I’ve always wanted to check out Devil’s Punchbowl located in Pearlblossom, CA and decided to go there on my own. I figured it would be a good way to test my endurance for longer hikes. I’m more of a casual…
