Say Yes to Michigan

My little sister Tiffani road tripped from her home in Tennessee to travel together to our nephew’s wedding in Michigan. I love how road trips offer time trapped with a destination focus and yet open to many detour possibilities along the way. It also allows conversations to unfold and thoughtful heartfelt advise to be shared.

Comfy clothes, make up free and ready to roll.

We found a hotel as we drove up, close to my next morning appointment at Meijer Headquarters. It was a convenient stop since I was already driving up and our sales rep was also in the midwest visiting family.

Once that appointment was completed, Tiff and I decided to check out a park in Grand Rapids called Millennium Park.

It offered a lot of different walkways and activities. We wanted to get some exercise and decided to tour the trails.

Beautiful wild flowers and nature spots.

Typical of Michigan, there was a lot of water.

We spotted a swan couple in one of the ponds but couldn’t get a closer view.

The pathways were even and easy. Enjoyable. There was also a beach area, kayaks, paddle boards and boats you could rent. A great spot had we planned differently. I am sure the locals enjoy it.

Trails were pretty easy to follow, but not all that exciting.

I snapped a few images of interesting greenery.

The hike was fairly deserted. Most people were on the beach.

We checked into our next hotel and planned our Friday. I woke up and started working at 7 am and we took off at lunchtime to explore Lake Michigan area. Tiffani usually doesn’t like making the decisions, but I made her find something she wanted to see and we Google mapped our way there.

Along the way we stopped in a small historic town called Manistee. We were just driving by and decided to park and stretch our legs for a bit.

We took some steps to the river and walked the boardwalk.

Town was super quiet with a cute ice cream shop and a few restaurants.

We saw there was a lighthouse further along the alcove so we drove up to sneak a peak.

I snapped this photo from the car- those flowers!

Found this humorous. I mean someone must of recorded it eh?

The red chairs lined up were begging for a group to come and watch the sunset.

Tiff had googled and found this Giant record breaking Sequoia. We both love trees so thought it would be cool to check out. When we got there it was hilarious. Not even that big. We had to laugh.

We walked along a trail toward a ledge and were able to capture a better view of the sequoia’s height. Still nothing like the Redwoods. Not that we were expecting much. But seemed less than spectacular.

From the ledge was a view of Lake Michigan. We saw a few people down on the private beach and wondered how to get there. It was quite a steep drop off from where we stood.

We found the entrance after following a narrow trail. There was this handy rope to help you get up and down.

Standing here alone for 20 minutes soaking it all in was worth the tree sighting that got us here.

Tiff walked right into the frigid water and stood starring out at the very overcast view. The water up here is so clear. The rocks below beautifully colored and rounded.

Felt good to have my feet in the sand again.

And the narrow pathway down. I doubt many people know about this place.

We stopped in New Haven on the return back. They were hosting a Navy event.

We walked out to the water but decided not to stay.

We stayed at this castle hotel/apartment complex. Its a huge eyesore coming off the highway, but I loved how I could always find it. We rented a two bedroom which came in very handy once the twins and Ki joined us. We also had our own parking spots which was bonus.

Zoe and I checked out Michigan Moonshine for lunch on Saturday before heading to the reception. Unfortunately Tiffani caught a flu and was in bed for the next 24 hours, missing the wedding she drove so far to attend.

I got to see my Aunt Pam, Uncle Jim and Aunt Lotta who thankfully are all doing great and teaching us how to age gracefully.

Mother of the groom, my other sister Trish.

Was so happy to capture this photo of my little sister’s sons, their wives/significant others along with my girls all together! You never know when everyone will be in the same place again. I also love how the colors go from black, to pink, to navy as if lined up perfectly.

As the evening roared on so did the shenanigans. Zoe and Paige showing off their fun side.

Trisha joined in with the photo props. Ki was a great sport too.

The granddaughters. My mom and dad would’ve loved to have seen them all together. New beginnings are reason to celebrate, as well as closures.

Clearwater Beach Pier 60, Florida- Day Trip

This trip has been on my calendar for months. Ever since my 2023 year recap, Debbie and I decided we needed to step up our game a bit and not repeat the hike from hell. Debbie saw on TikTok a video where someone flew out in the morning, went to a beach all day, then flew back that same night. She asked if I would be willing to do that with her…..and of course my answer was YES!

I put the ownership on her to find flights, and the minute she did, I confirmed. At the time we booked it, the weather in Ohio was its usual cloudy-grey- chilly- depressing winter day. I couldn’t wait to put my toes in the sand.

Everyone kept saying- ‘why not spend the night? I just wanted a beach visit with a friend. An excuse to do nothing but catch up and soak in the Vitamin D. Others would say- ‘what if the weather’s bad….then we would get a drink and visit a museum- the point was, to be together on an adventure. We had no idea what could happen and it didn’t matter. We would make the best of it regardless.

We both knew we would be a hot mess returning, so we decided to take before an after photos. This is the before. Not sure if it’s better honestly because we left the house at 4am. This is as pretty as it gets at that time 🙂

We both crashed hard on the flight there and woke up to this view. Yes please!

At the airport we were welcomed by this giant flamingo. It was too early in the morning for Debbie to go pose with the kids. What a fun sculpture.

Our flight was on time. We took a couple trams at the airport to the rental car service and since Debbie convinced me to download the app, we discovered our car was already allocated to us. We only needed to go pick it up in the slot #assigned. Could not have been easier. Things were off to an excellent start.

Driving toward the beach via Apple Maps, following Kerry Washington’s very confident and affirming voice, I found myself calling Debbie “Zoe” and screaming for her to snap photos out the window at the views. Zoe and I usually are travelling together and we are used to always being alert when in the passenger seat to snap a photo. Debbie was juggling between being a navigator and taking a photo and mentioned that this was a bit annoying. But hey, she captured this one of the city.

This perfect sign, also thanks to Debbie’s quick passenger window view, welcomed us to the beach!

We found parking on a dead end street right by a public beach entrance. The Universe was showing off making everything so easy. We found a breakfast spot and brought our clothes in to change in their bathroom.

Coffee, pineapple mimosa and a bloody mary- fantastic way to celebrate this beautiful Florida sun filled day.

We walked out and were so happy to see the white sand and Pier 60 in the background. The sand was cool beneath our feet, not scorching hot you usually get in the summer.

We needed shade, or at least for sure I did, so we went up to the closest rental options and rented a cabana and two chairs. Was a gorgeous blue sky day!

Our location was the only spot on the beach that had a liquor license. They had a tiki truck that drove around and made mixed drinks for the patrons. Only downside was when they parked in front of our view for about 20 minutes. But it was great people watching!

There was a lifeguard nearby and tons of rental activities for families. The water was freezing when I first stepped into it, I couldn’t believe there were people swimming. But by the time we left around 4pm, the water was at a much more comfortable temperature.

We were entertained by these black headed seagulls who chattered and fought a lot over whatever they could find on the beach.

This was the view from the water up to our cabana. I loved the royal blue accent of the hotel.

Debbie could tolerate the sun a lot better than I could. I literally covered my body in 70 proof sunscreen. Poor Debbie had to apply it on my back as I was super fearful of getting burnt.

Debbie spotted two burn marks on my thighs and made sure I knew that was not her territory to cover 🙂 My back was fine. I couldn’t escape the sun so I buried my legs in the cool sand. Felt like a kid again.

If anyone doesn’t think 70 proof sunscreen is worth it, you need to witness my burns on the spots that I missed in coverage! My skin is a walking ad for sunscreen. Now 4 days later, it is just starting to fade and feel better.

Another passenger seat capture, gorgeous tree with such a reach.

Back at the airport I admired this gigantic beaded tapestry hanging on the walls.

And the ladders displayed from the ceiling. The texture and symbolism created.

We changed out of our suits in the airport bathroom and wiped down with paper towels to get as much sand off as we could. Our day trip was perfect. Honestly. Not a thing I would change. We were mellow, had a couple drinks, caught up on each other’s lives with a view that was priceless.

The after photo. Not bad. Hair pulled back, sun-kissed faces.

View as we took off on the flight back. Inspirational sunset haze.

Unfortunately we were on a flight with returning young girls who attended a cheerleading competition. It was not fun. The parents seemed inattentive to the point where the flight attendants announced to remain seated, “and this includes children”. There needs to be kid free flights and breweries soon to be invented for my intolerance level which continues to lower with age. Thank goodness for my new noise reduction ear pods.

Debbie scored us exit row seats which was fabulous. We had a rare seat open both there and back so at least we were as comfortable as we could get. I think no one wants to sit in the exit row anymore for fear of the doors flying open 🙂 Debbie also overhead on the way there that there was a group of women doing the same thing we were. On the way back one of them sat behind us and we heard there were 10 of them total.

Cali Trip Day 6- Wedding Rock, Fern Canyon, Prairie Creek Trail, Lighthouse Trail Trinidad

The place we were staying at recommended Cafe Brio in Arcata for breakfast and they were not wrong. Expensive a bit, but well worth it. A great way for us to start our hiking day.

It was filled with a few tourists and college students. Last night at the cidery Zoe was asked if she went to the college there. We had no idea this was a college town. Guess Polytech is pulling in the crowds.

The breakfast spot was on the corner of the town square.

We drove around the square and then headed toward our first destination. We only determined where to go while eating breakfast= Wedding Rock.

We googled mapped our way to the trailhead. It was well marked and easy to follow.

Was a bit chilly and overcast but still an amazing view.

We went up one side first and then headed down the other side to plant ourselves on the rocks.

When I hike inclines I am happy that I am still able. Makes me want to get out even more to explore while I still have my physical capabilities.

Looking down. Wishing I wasn’t afraid of heights.

Steps led down to the other side which revealed even better views.

The color combinations and sound were enough to make you realize what life is about. Sometimes when I hike at such beautiful places, I feel like I have been blessed to be witness to this.

Trying to stay warm and catch Zoe in my selfie as she climbed down.

If you look at the rocks to the left, it looks like a couple facing each other. Hence the name.

We sat here for quite awhile. Just sitting. Zoe videoing and using her old fashion digital camera.

We hiked another trail but it led to Mussel Rock which wasn’t as interesting. It was interesting that there were tsunami signs which reminded me of Thailand.

I snapped this photo as we exited so I could remember where we were.

We drove north and eventually were officially in the Redwoods National Park.

We pulled over at a beach which we could view from the trail we were just on.

The look of the sand was darkly colored and had a unique texture. Small shellfish carnage could be spotted everywhere.

Directly across the highway from this beach was a tiny community tucked away in the evergreens. Zoe kept feeling like she was in the Twilight movie.

I love travelling with someone who loves exploring and pit stopping to soak in a new view. We got back into our Big Blue SUV and set the map to Fern Canyon. I read great reviews of it on Tiktok, people claiming it as a “must see”.

The road to get there was super narrow and winding. Zoe was driving and I just looked out the window at the view instead of concerning myself if another car would come barreling our way.

I snapped a shot on Google maps upon arriving. Basically in the middle of nowhere and yet in the best place you could be surrounded by nature.

I mean seriously the history of nature. It must be fascinating to study.

Walking into the canyon you are surrounded by ferns.

Ferns lined the walls of the canyon as we puddle jumped our way deeper in.

Selfie. I stole her hat. I was thankful for the pullover Dale and Angela gave me one night when it got chilly on their back porch. It travelled all the way to Cali with me.

Zoe needs to invest in a pair of hiking boots, she wore her wool socks and tevas. But I understand other wardrobe choices would be her priority in LA with all the events she attends. I was happy her footwear sufficed.

Trying to recapture the moment from the tall trees. I even tried to jump and nearly peed my pants laughing. Zoe would show me my face’ which was in serious concentration to lift.

Another red mushroom. They are huge. Most we found were not whole like this one.

Other shrooms showing off softly among the sticky branches and cones.

With all the moisture in this area understandably it provided for the ferns and the fungi as well.

We hiked another trail after emerging from the canyon to the beach. It was one of the best spots we found. I could’ve sat there all day.

This beach was so long. And the pebbles sprinkled throughout could of kept me hunting for hours.

Again. Look at that! The clouds, the pines, the beach and water. God /The Creator is beyond our tiny human comprehension.

Love the combination with the grasses separating the woods and the sand.

We weren’t sure where to go to next. But decided to hike Prairie Trail, another recommendation from our Airbnb host in Arcata.

I snapped a photo of this upon arrival in case our phone maps no longer worked once we got inside the woods.

We saw you could hike to Fern Canyon from here – only 4.6 miles. But later when we saw the sign pointing to the direction to go, it came with huge warnings about not being easy and making sure you were equipped properly. Debbie and I could’ve used that warning in Yellow Springs.

The trail was perfect. Easy. Picturesque.

There were several streams and you could hear the running water as you hiked. Was wonderful.

Almost looks fake this shot. As if a painting.

Many had burn marks which we later read they had been hit by lightning. But it created such an added palette, their wounds.

I felt like I couldn’t capture the feeling and kept taking photos in hope of later remembering their presence.

It was about this point when I started to slow down.

You could literally camp inside the tree base.

The other trees in the forest were equally marvelous with their curly moss like branches and vivid yellow leaves. I wanted to be sure not to overlook them and their contribution.

I wondered if kids felt the same awe as we did as an adult exploring here or if they always feel small so being surrounded by massive trees seemed the same.

One more time. Captured. I should do a collage of her fun jumps.

After we crossed the road it was just a little bit further to a documented tree. We decided it was worth it as we had already come this far.

It didn’t seem so big to me. But when I backed up to try to capture it with Zoe in front, it was like a skyscraper.

Spotting a heart for Anne. She’s the one person who pointed out the hearts in nature. Always interesting what each person brings to your perspectives.

Often times you felt like you were in a movie and the trees set the mood.

It was like touching an elephant. The beauty and texture of the skin/bark.

As we exited the trail we again saw an Elk warning sign. I really wanted to see one. It’s sort of like the moose warning signs you see in Vermont, but you never see one.

We got back in the car and were getting hungry. Zoe found a small restaurant in Trinidad that served mashed potatoes in a waffle cone. So of course we aimed for that!

Along the way, I started screaming ” elk in the water, elk in the water”- and we spotted a elk finally in its natural habitat in a stream by the highway. Was really cool.

After eating we drove around Trinidad a bit, there was a lighthouse which was a landmark. We found the beach and then decided to hike the Lighthouse Trail. Mind you, when we decided to hike this trail I imagined it to be very short and not steep. I was pooped from an already full day of activity.

We hiked up and were able to capture this view.

The sun was starting to set and it was a really beautiful hike.

Took you through a lot of covered trailways like this one.

It was an incline which my legs were no so happy with. But I knew this was our last night up here.

Acknowledging this colorful rock star standing out among the mud.

At the top of the trail was this cross with a lot of history which I did not take the time to read.

A view as we declined of the town of Trinidad
below.

Then we finally arrived back at ground level with the buoys.

On our way back to Arcata, we stopped at a Vista Point and were able to see a little bit of the sun set and a lot of seals in the alcove.

Those speckles along the shore are seals.

We breathed it in one last time. The scallops of the sand added to the lines in the sky.

Someone needs to write a book about the sun setting for kids. Like Goodnight Moon. But for the sun.

So true. It’s only when you get out of your car and hike do you really get up close to the beauty that surrounds us.

Cali Trip Day 3- Pismo Beach, Dinosaur Park, Morro Bay, and Pacific Grove

I wanted to get an early start Saturday morning to avoid any traffic in LA and to reach our first stop in time for a brunch break. I planned this road trip taking the advise of Rhonda Glenn (Nomini), who I did gymnastics with as a kid and now lives in the San Francisco area. She texted me so many ideas! I started google mapping them out and then looking up Airbnbs so we knew where we could rest our heads.

Our first stop was Pismo beach.

As we got closer, Zoe googled best brunch place and that is where we headed. When we got there about 10 am, there was a line out the door.

After brunch we walked down to the shoreline. It was a cute typical beach community. A lot of families on vacation.

They were having a clam bake off on the boadwalk.

Was busy by the bake off. But not too much activity in the sand.

A very small community. We walked back to the car and picked up some amazing cinnamon rolls along the way. They were so good, we stopped on our way back to LA to pick up more 🙂

I read about Dinosaur Caves and it was only about 5 minutes up the road from Pismo. We pulled into the park and were amazed by the views.

We hiked down a trail that led us to several other viewpoints.

It smelled badly from the birds who made their home on the rocks. I wondered how I would feel if I was a millionaire and owned one of the beautiful homes in this small community but had to deal with the stink.

What an amazing place to live. The sound of the water hitting the rocks was more peaceful than coming up along a sandy beach.

Picture perfect. The textures and colors. Then we noticed the fisherman and wondered how the got down there.

Then we found the staircase but decided not to take the time to go down. We had several more stops before reaching our overnight place of Pacific Grove. Looked like another cave below to explore if you dared.

I didn’t want to leave this place and wished we had the time to just sit for hours.

I kept noticing how the sea guls were unafraid and were quite the posers.

We took off and wandered through the mountains to reach another small beach called Avila.

We walked around a bit and then headed out.

Felt like we got a little flavor of how the beach towns differed.

Next stop was Morro Bay which I read had sea otters. I didn’t know much else. Zoe and I were quite surprised by the massive rock which looked literally like an alien hide out of some kind.

We parked and walked around. Was a gorgeous day!

Another poser. The man sat down in perfect timing of me taking this shot of the bird. I loved them together.

The sea otters were so cute to watch. They were tough to capture in photos. But they floated on their backs and were constantly playing with each other.

The rock was massive and tough to capture in photos.

I made Zoe go stand by the sign to try to give it perspective.

As you rounded to the backside of the rock, people had made a stacked rock playground of sorts.

Zoe put together a stack of her own and posed by her creation. Everyone was leaving their marks.

The waves were quite dangerously crashing up along the shore and I worried for the ignorance of tourists who were getting too close.

I loved discovering this place. I would love to come back when time allowed.

Zoe mastered the selfie and tried to teach me. I’m still not the greatest but I love that she still believes I can learn.

This bird found the perfect perch. On this side of the rock were many families picnicking on the beach and even some swimming.

We continued driving down a one lane highway through the gorgeous mountain scenery. I kept saying how I had no idea how beautiful this state was. Its absolutely majestic naturally.

The colors of the tan mountains against the bluest of skies.

I hadn’t seen landscape like this before and was desperately trying to capture it through my passenger side window.

Then there were the farms. Miles and miles. Occasionally we would spot crop pickers wearing their sun shade hats bending over with their baskets. As if we were back in time. I wondered how their bodies endured such hard labor in the sun.

At one point I think Zoe got tired of my oohing and awe-ing

The layers. Who is the artist here. How can we not respect the source.

We finally arrived out our Butterfly Hotel in Pacific Grove. It was an adorable motel.

Was about a mile out of the main down town area. So beautifully decorated and cared for.

I wished I had packed a swim suit. They had a sauna and hot tub. Would’ve been great after this days long drive.

The sun was beginning to set and we saw the coastline was only about a mile away so we walked to the beach instead of driving.

Again stunned by the beauty and the rocky shoreline.

The waves and their chaos along the rocks was mesmerizing.

I didnt know when not to take a photo. Every way I turned was landscape I wanted to remember.

We kept walking toward the bend in the coastline. We had originally planned to drive and hike at Big Sur along the way, but were both so glad we decided to get here instead.

I enjoyed watching Zoe appreciate it as much as I did. Its nice that the apple did not fall too far from the tree in regards to adventure and love of nature.

The lighthouse was closed but the view from the beach was perfect.

As the sun set, the clouds offered their part in the reflection.

The birds created their own addition as they flew across.

Was so worth it. We felt so fortunate to have caught it.

I captured this older couple and then showed them the photo of their affection.

The sunset and the clouds. My new muse ever since Lake Waynoka.

Walking back the sky turned pink as the sun went under.

I could see myself here one day. Or at least for a few months. Even if all I can afford is vanlife.

This was the view of the golf course as we left. Players still finishing their game. I wondered if they appreciated it as much as we did. I wondered if those that live here continue to see or if they simply expect. My wish is that I never stop appreciating the miracles in nature.

Cali Trip Day 9- Silver Lake Brunch, Venice Sunset

Well the hike to the Hollywood sign did not happen. But we walked to this vegan restaurant instead in Silver Lake to get some exercise. We met up with Tiffany, Zoe’s coworker from New Jersey. She’s also a transplant to LA and works at BET.

Was another one of those cute joints with amazing food.

I love all the inclusion messages throughout California.

They are adorable and I’m so happy to have met her while I was here.

That evening we decided we would go to Venice Beach to spend our Saturday night. We headed to a beach bar that Zoe had heard of and wanted to check out. It felt to me like a spring break kind of place where I was certainly not necessarily needed 🙂 It was also Halloween so you can imagine the costumes.

We took a table outside to avoid the crowd and sticky floor. It was awesome people watching on the boardwalk.

We decided to walk the beach to catch the sunset.

The most beautiful lighting and moments. We were feeling it was our last few days together out here.

Honestly I love California. There is so much here to see and explore. I hope at one point I can spend more time.

We decided to head back to the shopping area where the SoCal Cidery was.

We decided to stop into a high-end cocktail bar where I partook in a mocktail. I was so tired and knew I’d be the one driving back to the city.

The outdoor seating area was entertaining.

Baby A with more energy than me. Oh to be in our 20s again.

I ended up dropping Zoe off at a friends house who lives nearby. They ended up going out late night, since it was Halloween weekend after -all. I drove my tired old butt back to her place but had to circle the block for 20 minutes to find parking. I was losing my mind. I crashed hard once inside and she came back after brunch the next day. We had big plans for Sunday. My last full day visiting CA.

Cali Trip- Day 4 Monarch Sanctuary, Bike Tour Carmel by the Sea, Treehouse in Bodega

We woke up early to start another full day of adventure. A bike tour was scheduled at Mad Dogs and Englishmen in Caramel by the Sea at 10:30 am. I got up and around and left the motel to check out the Monarch Sanctuary which was located on a small trail directly behind where we were staying.

Now I understood why our motel was named the Butterfly Garden Motel.

These spikey looking fuscia flowers caught my eye. A new plant I was unfamiliar with.

I was fortunate to have seen a man with a very long photo lense pointed up in this direction. He informed me these were the butterflies even though they appeared as tan leaves in the trees. He explained that they get their coloration from the sun. They were not quite “ready to fly yet.

I thought it was interesting but wished I could’ve been there a few weeks later when they were fluttering about. Would have been fascinating to see their flight.

When I got back to the motel Zoe was ready to go and we drove along the coastline on our way to Carmel by the Sea. It was overcast and looked like it was going to rain. We stopped by Sunset Beach where I parked parallel next to a van, blocking it in. An elderly woman jumped out of the van, with no teeth and asked how long I was planning to park there. I told her we were just taking a look and would only be a couple minutes. That satisfied her as she wasn’t planning on taking off until later that day. I saw my future in her van-life demeanor.

Loved that Zoe was wearing the overalls I made as part of my senior project in college.

I can see so much inspiration coming from this coastline.

It was the perfect season to go. Seemed desolate. I wondered if it was always like this.

We only walked a little way before hitting privately owned property. We headed out and saw many surfers lining up to catch the turbulent waves. Would have been a fun day to watch them conquer today’s surf challenge.

We google mapped our way to a pretzel shop Rhonda raved about. It was an adorable bakery. We purchased a few pretzels along with breakfast and sat and watched the Sunday crowds.

There was a quote above this photo that basically said that if the founders of Carmel by the Sea returned they would not be able to afford it anymore and would be mistaken as vagrants. This was written in 1962 so you can only imagine now with the million dollar homes, the judgement that would be cast onto them. I loved the reminder and the fact they placed this on their historic walls.
My understanding is this community was originally started by artists, who are never in it for the income, but simply following a passion.

Zoe found our bike tour on Airbnb but we soon took the conversation off their site and booked directly. Interesting how businesses use websites to help promote but don’t want to endure the fees when booking through them.

We were paired up with a group of 8 who all knew each other. As the tour progressed, we learned that they had all met on a vacation many years ago and get together at various locations every year since. I felt a little tension between some of the members and it was tough maneuvering our playful way amongst them.

Our first stop was to a Hansel and Gretle house which explained the original historic architecture of this city. According to our tour guide, this couple was one of the first to settle here and the woman had a doll collection. Her husband designed and constructed their home to look suitable for the dolls. He became a popular architect and his style is seen throughout the town.

The Hansel and Gretle home is now a historic landmark. They upgraded the house behind it to be livable and up to current codes.

It started to rain and it was fun but cold. Reminded me of Phuket and driving my scooter in the rain. We stopped by the courthouse to hear how there was no take- out allowed in this city prior to Clint Eastwood becoming mayor and changing a few rules, allowing ice cream to be eaten on the streets and to- go coffee lawful.

Interesting to hear how long this city kept community and eating inside a restaurant a priority.

I would stop occasionally and snap a photo and then catch up with my group who was pedaling way to slow to my liking. This was another home from the same architect. Hugh Comstock was his name. Of course one of the members in our bike tour’s house was designed by him. I was starting to see the wealth we were surrounded by and now understood the dynamics better.

Even though it was pouring we all voted to go up to see the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course. People were playing in the rain. Figured they were probably equally frustrated that they booked their tee time on the one day it was cold and rainy. We were told it only rains during the evenings.

We had gone quite a distance. I was beginning to wonder when the tour was going to end. It was definitely a great way to see the city and learn about it, but I was getting bored with the pace and started to get chilly.

Went down by the shoreline to see the infamous Frank Lloyd Wright’s ship home. This was one thing I wanted to see.

Surprisingly I much preferred this “Butterfly House by **Francis W.** **Wynkoop**.

I wish I had time to walk on the beach but in general felt I didn’t quite belong here.

Then we peddled up to Mission Ranch where there was a restaurant overlooking the bay. I am sure it would be beautiful on a normally sunny clear day. But the view was limited with the mist and overcast storm clouds.

It was peaceful and I can only imagine the history inside these walls.

This is a group shot of us by the shell mural. On the way back to the bike shop, one of the older ladies, who I suspected had slight dementia due to her coordination and inability to keep up- could not make it up a hill. The entire group rode on and I stayed back while Zoe got the tour guide to come back and help. None of the others knew how to directionally get back to the bike shop, and were stopped debating. I said I knew, but they started arguing, so I just pedaled ahead and at this point didn’t really care if they believed me or followed me. I got there. Eventually they did too.

Zoe and I drenched by the end of the tour. Had to change my pants in the back seat of the car in the parking lot. That was challenging.

In dry clothes we walked around a bit and shopped. I spent 40$ on a baseball hat to hide my wet helmet hair.

I started appreciating the thatched roofs and curved architecture I learned about.

And hearing how you should always wander down the alleyways.

We decided to grab lunch before taking off toward Bodega Bay where our treehouse was located. Good thing we did, because there wasn’t much to get along the way.

With occasional green broccoli like trees.

It was raining just enough to not be able to see and have your wipers on. The sun set quickly and next thing you knew I was driving down one lane windy country roads with no street lights or road lines. My stress level was sky rocketing. I was thankful the google maps was still working.

After going through three password gates and up a gravel road, we waited for the farmer to meet us. He then drove his truck down a narrower path over a creek and eventually to the treehouse. It was dark, wet and slippery. I just wanted to get inside.

He asked if we had a light, we admitted possibly not being properly prepared. We may not be cut out for this rustic stay. Inside there was no fridge or wifi, but remarkedly a shower and toilet. The kind accented host showed us a lantern we could use and how to use the electric heater.

We got into our warm jammies and sipped on the ciders and beers we packed while nibbling on the extra pretzels we bought earlier. Beer and pretzels- dinner of champions. We got under the covers and Zoe started reading a book she brought along. She read it out loud for my entertainment and I have to admit it was such a beautiful moment. Being read to. By a child I used to read to every night. I feel asleep to the words of her murder mystery.

The next morning was damp but the sun was coming through. I took a few photos to remember the place by.

It was so well done and such a fun stop along the way.

Zoe waving to me below. A memory for sure. One of many we are creating on this trip.

This was the quote we put onto the pint glasses we handed out at my mom’s celebration of life. Feel appropriate here as I continue to create road trip memories with my daughter.

Cali Trip- Day 1 Venice Beach, So Cal Cidery

Feels good to have a Saturday to just simply catch up on what I want to do. So I’m blogging about my absolutely fantastic trip to Cali last month. I teased Zoe that when I get older and senile, she can just set me up with a self reading program and put my blogs on from the beginning and I will be completely at peace listening to all these fantastic memories coming back to life. Its why I do it. For me. For my memory. I often still go back and read just to relive the journey. (and occasionally fixed those type-os I missed ) It keeps me looking and photographing in attempts to keep capturing those moments.

Thanks to the dollars brought in from my towel freelance work, I was able to afford another trip out to California to visit with Zoe. This time I was flying and careful about my rent a car dates in attempts to not repeat the costly mistakes of past. I am sure I will make several new mistakes, but repeating past ones is something I try to avoid in life.

I haven’t flown since last year and it felt good to be back in the air again.

The view from the window seat was awesome as we started to hit California. You could see the cloud coverage so clearly defined. America is truly beautiful. The change in landscape is so severe and magical to me. There are so many places I have yet to explore.

Some of the views from this high up in the air feel like heaven. I was happy to have a window seat, since lately you get random seating based on the price you pay for the flight and I seem to always end up in the back with my carry- on bag having to be checked in. May be worth the extra 50$ in the future to just pay for an assigned seat.

It felt great to be in the sun again. The nights in LA get cool and the days are just golden and bright. I honestly could see myself living out here one day.

I loved being back in Zoe’s studio apartment again and walking the neighborhood. She showed me how she walks to fill her water bottles and it somehow reminded me of Phuket life.

Zoe doesn’t have a car out there. Since I had a car, we wanted to explore as much as possible. We had a road trip planned up the coastline beginning early Saturday morning, but after work on Thursday we drove to Venice Beach. I hadn’t been there before and it is one of Zoe’s favorite spots. Whenever I check out her location on Life 360 she’s usually at Venice Beach or Santa Monica.

She took me to SO CAL which is her favorite cidery. We ordered a flight of mead and ciders and there wasn’t a bad one in the bunch. We sat facing the street and people watched for about an hour.

This place had such cute decor. Umbrella lined ceilings.

Cute instructions on making their ciders.

A beach vibe going through the hallway to the outdoor area.

We took a growler and a 4 pack of the Mexican Lolipop home.

We walked to see the beach. A shame it gets dark so early now.

This is a vegan burger joint with a play off the traditional Mickey Ds.

A very different vibe than some of the other beaches I’d been to. More youthful, fun, playful. Like a spring break feeling.

Tried to capture the beach but it was too dark. I wondered how they controlled the homeless beach bums as there didn’t appear to be as many as I expected.

Its quite a large beach and we only covered a small area.

We ended up grabbing a table here at the Great White. Highly recommend. Excellent cocktails and food.

After eating we nabbed a couple Lime scooters and rode our way back to the car. It was so fun. Just being out and enjoying life. Seeing new things. Breathing it all in.

Sleeping Bear Sand Dune- Traverse City, Michigan

Trisha and Tim’s electricity got turned back on right before we were leaving to drive up to Traverse City. We were taking the camper to a state park there to hang out for a couple days.

I was so excited, the Sleeping Bear Dune was on my bucket list to see and I don’t recall ever being at the Michigan sand dunes before, but my friend Debbie swears that we were there together as kids. She is probably right, but I had no memory of it. Probably because I don’t have photos to refer back to. I swear most of my memory stems from photos of past.

We pulled up to the first stopping point on the Sleeping Bear Dune National Park Loop and I could’ve sworn I was in Phuket with this view!

After continuing our drive, we ended up at the top of the notorious Sleeping Bear Dune. Tim couldn’t help but continually watch and comment on the fools that decided to made the trek down this massive sand dune.

Walking past from this point of view it didn’t seem too bad. There were signs that it would cost $3,000 to get a rescue. I felt that was fair enough warning to any climber to understand the severity of the challenge.

We kept walking on sand trails to get to a viewpoint.

The blue color up here was amazing. The water and sky were so clear.

From the viewpoint I snapped this photo looking at the pathway down to the bottom goal of Lake Michigan. (see the dark brown line on the left of photo) If you zoom, you will see those specs on the darker tan trail are people. Gives you perspective!

It was quite amazing to watch people climb. I think if I were younger I may have taken the challenge.

Lake Michigan has my heart. The contrast blue and clarity are literally breathtaking.

Not gonna lie, walking in the sand up hill is not very fun.

This view reminded me of a photo from my childhood with Debbie, but I thought we were in the Carolina’s not Michigan. Oh that aging brain.

Tim snapped this photo of me on a mound. Does the sky get bluer than this?

This snap of the Google map showed where we were and where the Dune Climb was that we were going to head to next.

Trisha and I before we climbed the Dune Climb. Tim wanted a photo to remember us by. See the people in the background. We were heading up.

After getting to the top of the first hill, we looked back and this was our stunning view.

We looked at what was ahead of us and tredged on.

We kept going up. And would get excited when it headed back down, but I reminded Trisha, everything that goes down goes up on the way back.

Selfie time. I cannot tell you how happy I was to be here.

Another view of Mother Nature’s creativity with Trisha in the center.

We met a couple heading back who convinced us to make it to marker 9. We were at a quitting point but decided to take their advise.

We made it! Felt good when we weren’t even sure we’d make it past the first hill.

Going back was so much easier. The couple we met called the 2nd and 3rd hills the hills of disappointment. Accurate statement, you keep climbing looking for another viewpoint better than the first and all that is before you is more sand and climbing to do.

I was told there are over 20 something markers on this trail. I convinced myself that none of the additional numbers offered a better view.

Malibu Wine Tasting- Malibu, California

Our last full day together, Zoe and I decided to grab brunch and go to a wine tasting. While she was still sleeping in, I googled food places nearby. Once she got up and rolling we headed out.

We went to the Larchmont Cafe and we perfectly timed our arrival. After we ordered and sat down, the place filled up and there was a line out the door.

Adorable place with great coffee and breakfast! We watched a single guy put his dog on this bench and made him pose to take photos. People and their pets. Verdict for me is still out. Sometimes its cute and sometimes its just weird.

The Urgent Care that I went to previously was right around the corner, so I decided to stop in again to get a refill on my cough suppressant prescription. My cough subsided but sometimes out of the blue would come back strong. Usually at 2 am.

As long as I paid another 50$ co pay and saw another doctor, they were able to fill it. Ya gotta love how the US medical system is all about the bottom dollar and not the actual patient care.

While I was getting my blood pressure taken to ensure I wouldn’t die with another week’s worth of syrup, Zoe wandered to some great shops across the street. Met a woman who started at Abercrombie and now custom makes her own unique jeans. Totally worth the price for their design and custom fit. I’m sure Zoe will make her way back but at the time, neither of us could justify it.

We were told by the boutique owners that there was a flea market going on just down the street. They actually thought we were there for that. We had no idea. So we walked down the street a couple blocks only to be super inspired by the California creativity. Truly unlike any items I’d seen elsewhere.

I was so glad at the time that my body does not easily fit into things. Zoe on the other hand was tempted at every booth. It was torture for her not to make purchases.

Ironically we ran into one of her high school friends there who was visiting from his college in Arizona. So random!

It was fun to see the different booths creative clothing but also people watch. I swear some dressed up just for the occasion. Found out this is called the Silver Lake Flea Market but was actually in Echo Park.

After filling our bellies and our minds, we drove to find the winery. We didn’t make a reservation but figured it was just the two of us, so we should be able to squeeze in somewhere.

We went to the bar to select our tasters for 25$. The bartender had zero personality but the wine was fantastic, so I guess in the end it didn’t matter.

Our flights. We sat on the concrete ledge around the tree. Later we were approached by a couple leaving and they gave us their table.

We sat in the sun for another hour just people watching and sipping our wine.

We had such a good time, we decided to google map our way to another winery which took us through the mountains.

Was a beautiful day and an exquisite view.

I honestly continue to be stunned by the landscape in California.

The second winery must have relocated so instead, after a Mexican lunch, we found our way to Malibu Beach. Most of it seemed closed off to the public, but we found one access point and wandered down.

In between two homes, we found this staircase and pulled over to walk down for a bit. The sun disappeared and the chill came out again.

Sad that most of these homes are vacant. Strange to own such beautiful property only to use it temporarily.

A view toward the other houses along the beach.

Huge mussel shells everywhere in the sand.

Love seeing her color among the neutral rocks.

Happy I got to see this part of the west coast. We followed the shoreline local roads back to LA. Was a great day and I am sure we will have many more together in the future.

Work Week Ocean Beach- San Diego, Lunches and Sunset

I only had one weekend in this amazing city, but I had an entire week onboarding Don at my Airbnb in Ocean Beach. Every day, we walked 15 minutes down to the beach area to test out a new restaurant for lunch since the company was paying. It was an excellent break in our day.

Don is very outgoing and approached a very unapproachable guy to ask him to take our photo in front of this sign. Sedona gave me a sticker when she was in college that was this exact same brand/logo/saying. I had it on my old computer. Love that I see it still this many years later now on a wall.

This van reminded me of my sister Trisha and all the bumper stickers she used to daringly put on her car in conservative Findlay- boldly stating her openmindedness.

This was on taco Tuesday. I had to test out their marg. I always followed up my lunch drink with a coffee 🙂

The best coffee shop we found. I would totally plant myself here if I were alone to work.

We set the alarm to make it on time down to the beach to catch the sunset on the last clear weathered day. I felt like a badass hoping on the back of his vintage Harley making our way down to the beach.