A state that is both a square and a quadrilateral

    Most of my posts have been about the West coast, but who could blame me? It's beautiful out there! Anyways, it's time for a change of location. A recent trip to Colorado helped me realize that being landlocked can be beautiful too.

   Our next location is the National Monument, Garden of the Gods. Located in the heart of Colorado Springs, CO, it's insanely easy to get to, and is a little oasis to a city that is already an oasis in itself. Rocks build up off the small, curvy road and are easily admired. You can spot climbers scaling the sides and even shapes in the rocks (I thought the 'kissing llamas' were so neat). I went on a rainy day, which actually makes for exceptional viewing if you aren't looking to climb around- the water brings out the red in the rocks. It makes for a peaceful drive through, and it's very easy to climb out of your vehicle and onto the rocks.

   Don't blink though- the drive is short and you might miss something.

The "kissing llamas" at Garden of the Gods.

For more photos of Garden of the Gods click here

Standing on the edge of the world

Words can't describe the feeling of standing on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The cold wind coming from the ocean and brushing the hair from your face.
For miles on either side of you the rocky coast stretches and the waves crash onto them beneath you.
Breathe in... breathe out.
There are few places in the world where I feel like anything is possible, but this is one of them.

Mt. Tamalpais State Park is home to one of the most beautiful overlooks on the West Coast, as well at Muir Woods National Monument- in which you have the chance to walk cool, quiet paths while the redwoods tower overhead.

Literally just across the Golden Gate from San Francisco, CA, this location is easily accessible.

Muir Woods monument is a must along the way. While the twisted roads to get there are absolutely stunning, the park manages to be ever more beautiful. The air is cool and moist as you walk beneath the canopy of leaves and greenery. You can take trails that lead you deeper into the forrest and up the mountains, or you can stick to the main path where you can directly interact with the nature, or even run into a few chipmunks!
After this stop, make your way to Stinson Beach. This route will put you back on the PCH (CA 1) and take you along the coast. The unique thing about this view is how high up in the mountains this road takes you. You feel you are on top of the world as you look down onto your surroundings. Most days the marine layers covers the sunset, but we were fortunate enough to stumble upon it during a clear day.

More Photos of Mt. Tamalpais State Park here

On the beaten path

There's no need to go out of your way for this next location- Sam Houston National Forest.

  Many roads go right through this forest, along with the typically congested I-45. While this route will give you a great view of the famous Sam Houston statue, I don't recommend it. I traveled there this past week when I went on a business trip to a fishing spot right in the middle of the forest (not to shabby for a business trip, huh?) After making my way into east Texas, I turned off of Highway 59 and began my trek into the forest. Quaint homes lined the small two lane road I was traveling along, as well as tiny churches, BBQ joints, and roads such as "Mawmaw & Pawpaw's Ln." The deeper I drove into the forest, the more quiet and serene my surroundings became.
  Finally, I turned and landed on a one-lane dirt road. Tall trees and greenery lined both sides, casting a cool shadow on the ground in front of me. I stopped my car and listened to the soft rustle of the trees.
And I listened...
And listened....
I might have fallen asleep at this point.
  I would have never thought to stop in this little oasis, just 1 hour outside of the heavy traffic and bustling of Houston. But it's definitely worth the time if you're passing by.

More Photos of Sam Houston National Forest

A surfer's spot

   Let it be known- I am a huge fan of big wave surfing. I'm an avid followed of the pros who take on Jaws, Teahupoo, Mavericks...ect. So when driving up the coast, I always have to pull over and catch a glimpse of the waves. Excuse my excitement over this next spot: Lighthouse Field State Beach.
  When I visited Santa Cruz, I made a beeline for the cliffs overlooking Steamer Lane. Steamer has been attracting big wave surfers since the 50's. Due to its location, the waves are pretty consistent and the area hosts several surf contests throughout the year. If you're not a surfer or aren't prepared for the frigid waters (I come from the gulf coast, where the waters are lukewarm most of the year), this is also a great place to just sit on the cliffs and watch. Disclaimer: there are multiple signs around that warn about the dangers of climbing out onto the cliffs. It is not a safe viewing spot and you have to climb the fence to go out on them, regardless, this is my favorite spot. It's also a great place to jetty jump if you're looking to get in the water- also NOT safe by the way. 
You can watch the surfers paddle out on the water beneath you and get a wonderful birds eye view of the area. On top of the cliffs there is also a tiny museum where you can look up surf history. There is also a great beach to walk on lined with rocky coves and arches. 

There is usually a good number of surfers out on any given day sharing the waves. 

More Photos of Lighthouse Field State Beach

A place you've probably never heard of...

  After a recent month long road trip out west, I was surprised at how many little gems I found along the road that I had never heard of. We're always rushing to the destination, to the famous tourist spots, to our hotel so that we can finally get some shut eye.
When we rush our travels to get to our destination, we miss our on the journey.
We miss out on discovering the places we've never heard of.

  This brings me to share with you an amazing little spot I found just off of the PCH on the west coast of California. Nestled right between Half Moon Bay and Pacifica is Gray Whale Cove State Beach. Almost vacant due to the dangerously accessible parking, this place is breathtaking. After descending down the wooden stairs onto the beach, you can find cliff sides carved with lovers initials, lost logs rolling in the sand, and small lagoons from when high tide takes over. While the water is too cold for a swim, but this is the perfect place for a stroll and to escape the rush of everyday life.

This is my favorite shot from the day. It has not been edited, this place is really that beautiful.

More photos of Gray Whale Cove State Beach

   Many of you have a bucket list. A list of things you aspire to do before you "kick the bucket." A longing to fulfill your life long dreams and to have a sense of satisfaction when you pass. Listed are things such as, 'learn to play guitar, have children, travel to Paris, see the pyramids, skydive...ect.' 


   Here's the thing, when I was kid my family used to go on these long family road trips. We'd drive from Texas to Pennsylvania and Ohio. to California and the Grand Canyon. I'd droopily wake up in the back seat of our old family car, the Top Gun soundtrack softly playing in my ears, to look out the window and gaze at the most beautiful U.S. country side. We'd pass through the towering waves of the Appalachian Mountains, the vast deserts and mesas of Arizona and New Mexico, and the stretching coasts of Florida and Alabama. I fell in love with the landscapes and the peaceful beauty. Which lead to one of the things that's on my bucket list- to visit every National Park in the  U.S. 


   There are a few that I've already been to, but I'm hoping to return again, and come back with a story of adventures and pictures to share of the sights I've been blessed to see. I'll also be stopping at state parks and beaches along the way.

 The adventure starts now.