After an hour in the gardens, I felt like I had more in me. More energy to spend, considering my antibiotics were now behind me. I had to get some strength back.
When I was buying a comforter for Zoe in LA at West Elm, the woman who helped me was the sweetest. She made me feel like a rockstar. It was a tad odd but interesting to be lifted up in such a manner by a stranger. She complimented my eyes, told me I was amazing, she seemed obsessed and honestly I wasn’t even a big purchaser so I couldn’t quite figure it out- except maybe my light was shining that day 🙂
She listed out places to visit since I mentioned I was going to San Diego. One of them was Torrey Pines. I google mapped it and it was on my way back to the Airbnb so I decided to check it out.
I honestly thought I could just drive up but my maps kept turning me around. I almost gave up, but instead, parked along the beachfront like everyone else and decided to walk up.
I walked past the rocky beach. It was chilly but there were a few surfers and families picking up shells to collect.
I loved the heart shaped rocks perfectly balanced. Felt symbolic on how fragile love, life and balancing it all can be.
Something about the water here. Not necessarily the best looking beaches, but the landscape is perfect.
Have to be honest, I wasn’t sure I was going to make it up the hill. I saw older people doing it and kept encouraging myself, if they can do it, you can do it. But at one point, I was feeling quite winded and out of shape. Wishing I would’ve maybe eaten breakfast or packed some water. But when I reached the top, the views were incredible.
The top of the mountain had several trail options to follow.
I picked a short loop and understood how you could spend an entire day here given the right walking shoes.
Can you see the small people off in the distance on top of that rock? I never made it there.
I was happy I made it this far and glad I was able to see another part of what San Diego offered.
Loved seeing the pioneering women making a difference by preserving land for all of us to still enjoy today.
I decided this high point overlook was going to be my last climb. My legs were ready to head downhill at this point. I endured the many steps and even passed a toddler along the way.
I walked all the way up only to see the marshland below. Not quite a write home about view.
Later when speaking to Don about my hike, he said I never made it to the best part where you can walk down the mountain and then return by way of the beach. Definitely wished he was with me, I missed my tour guide.
Finally making my way back down to my parking spot as others were making their way up.
From this view you can see the cars parked along the beach. I walked about a mile up. Appreciating the wildflowers on the way down, but nothing was going to be as impressive as the magic of the gardens I viewed earlier.
I glanced down the beach one last time, then decided it was time for me to grab something to eat.
I found my way back to La Jolla village and found a Mexican restaurant with quite a crowd out front. A benefit of eating solo, you can always belly up to the bar.
I discovered Puesto brewed their own beers, so I tasted them all. Ordered a few overpriced tiny tacos, 9$ each, but damn delicious!
As I left I took a snapshot of the murals inside just to remember the place. I found the style of the birds adorable. As I get older, I find myself more and more aware and interested in birds. Its funny, I’m becoming my Maida.
Maybe this is what it is. Generally with all nature. Me getting back to the roots that inspire, teach and help me appreciate.
After visiting Zoe’s offices we were determined to go buy some work clothes to update Zoe’s wardrobe. We google mapped our way to a mall but after pulling into the parking garage, the madness of finding any open spots was enough to make us nuts. We pulled out, after bumper to bumper garage hell, and weren’t sure where to go next.
We passed Beverly Hills on our way, so we back tracked and decided to take a look. I had never been before. Rodeo Drive here comes this poor ass! Along with other like minded tourists.
We walked past where they were setting up the tents for the Academy Awards Show which was happening the following day.
Loved this message. Now sadly illegal in some states.
Had to snap a shot of the touristy sign with the rest of the foreigners.
This tree is what made me want to go back to this area. I mean seriously!!!! We drove past it on the way in and I was like- I have to see that tree!
Some beautiful sculpture to admire along the pathways.
Another show stopper tree in the middle of the city.
OMG my outfits are embarassing. I swear the older I get, the more I just don’t care if I clash. Maybe I’ll turn into one of those crazy old women. Zoe snapped this one of me, giving the pose a mimic, without the balancing act.
Rodeo Drive was stunning.
The windows spectacular. It was fun not having to walk far but seeing all the designer brands.
Love the mannequin’s hair.
We walked up this short little street which was so quaint.
The cars parked and driving up and down were show stoppers. It was like the small town circuit of Main Street, but this was Beverly Hills and the vehicles were worth hundreds of thousands.
Walking back we stopped at a privately funded cactus garden. There was one bum sleeping on the bench who left upon our arrival.
On a overcast day, these succulents were worth breathing in.
The tree bases were cool, unique.
I wonder if other people admire cactus like I do?
They fascinate me.
Peace!
We parked along the Beverly Hills residential side streets and as we drove off we literally were stunned by some of the landscaping outside the homes! This house even had wildlife sculptures.
We decided to keep driving and routed ourselves to Santa Monica Beach, just to check it out. I have never been and wanted to see what the Pier was all about.
View from across the way. We parked in a secure garage for only 10$ but had a bit of a walk to see the sites.
Noticed these animals burrowing into the hillside. We later found out they are called California Ground Squirrels.
We made it down to the beach level.
As we approached the pier, there was a man blowing these remarkable bubbles!
He was entertaining us all.
Visibility was very limiting. But that didn’t stop the families from coming out.
Right off the pier we saw this beautiful mural.
The art vibe here is so unique. Very different than any other city.
We found a Mexican restaurant that offered two for one margaritas, so we sat for a few. After that we decided to check out the Nordstrom’s, which was across the street from us, and Zoe scored some awesome work clothes. Amazing how things work out if you go with the flow. The mall just wasn’t meant to be.
We took the outdoor shopping walkway back to our car. It had started to rain, but it was still warm.
There was a DJ playing who I am sure expected a better weathered Saturday night.
Took this last shot of what looked like an older pavilion now turned ice-cream shop.
Fortunately for me, my company hired a new employee in my department and they asked if I would help onboard him. Our systems are crazy and learning remotely was truly difficult for me. I have since trained two others who have done great and I think they were hopeful I would do the same again.
The location was San Diego. It was a perfect excuse for me to drive down from LA and explore this new area!
Driving down I took my time. I visited one of our domestic tee shirt factories on the way and then took local routes. Detoured to Newport Beach and parked for a bit to walk the pier and grab some coffee.
Literally looked like a retro postcard.
The pier I walked for a break.
Saw some amazing views from the car as I drove along the ocean. I learned the state parks charge 15$ to go in, so there was not pit stopping for a peak. Wasn’t worth it unless you were spending some time.
Loved seeing the homes up on the mountains catching the view of the Pacific.
And the tree lined streets going through small ocean towns.
I finally arrived in San Diego.
Was admiring the surroundings as I walked to meet my coworkers for dinner.
After dinner, Don asked if I had plans, which of course I did not, except the plan to find my Airbnb safely. He offered to drive me to see the seals. I was excited, I’d never seen them live before, just in other people’s posts and on tv.
As he drove we were chasing the sun set.
We couldn’t find parking so I jumped out as he circled around. Looking down from the edge I saw the seals as if washed ashore. The coloration with the sunset was perfect.
I tried to zoom in to see their features but honestly they look a lot like rocks. They don’t move a whole lot.
I walked around and was loving this new landscape!
Happy that I had a tour guide that knew all the right spots.
I watched the sunset.
Capturing the landscaping.
What a beautiful view.
Don and I taking a selfie. We had a full week together and many memories to make.
Snapped a shot of my new location. Left Zoe behind to put together all the furniture I ordered. Honestly happy I wasn’t there to be required to help, I really am no good at following directions or doing anything mechanical.
I have a week here. Can’t wait to show you the beauty.
The night in New Mexico was interrupted by gale force winds. I felt like the house was going to blow away like in The Wizard of Oz. I honestly have never heard anything like it before. Neither of us slept well but had another 8 hour drive ahead of us when we woke the next day and two pit stops planned.
Zoe booked us a self guided tour at the Carlsbad Cavern National Park for 9:30 am. So we hit the road by 8:30 and let our day begin!
I googled best breakfast and found the Blue House Cafe located a couple blocks from where we were.
Inside was like Cheers, everyone knew everyone. It was quite crowded and all seats were filled. We were lucky to grab a small two seater by the counter. Their espresso was amazing.
It was a quaint joint and a gentleman with a 1 foot long handlebar mustache sat behind us. Another local went to chat with him discussing this ridiculous “green energy and Biden this and Biden that. I stiffened up and got the hell out of there. I could tell that the mustache man didn’t necessary agree since his replies were very limited and not encouraging but also not argumentative. I suspected they knew Zoe and I were not from there.
I took the day off work to try to enjoy the National Parks. We drove about 35 minutes away and then started seeing this landscape out Crystal’s window! I mean seriously?! Just amazing this land.
We passed a semi truck, overturned by the winds, luckily on the other side of the highway. Hoping it would be cleared by the time we came back. Roads out here are different and as Virlane advised me- stick to the highways.
As we drove into the park entrance I was literally oohing and aweing at nature. I swear being out west just reminds me of how small and insignificant we are.
Loved the solar power at the entrance to the caverns. We struggled walking due to the winds. Thankfully most was underground.
We walked to the outdoor entrance to the cave and discovered another outdoor amphitheater. I guess they have some sort of bat viewing at night. See Zozo in the corner. She is such a great sport about modeling for me.
Looking down into the entrance.
It was very cool and such a perfect time to come out in February where we lucked out with the blue sky days and very few humans.
Truth be told, we took the elevator down to the cave level to save 1/2 hour in time since we knew we still had a 3 hour drive to White Sands planned. I wondered if the winds would be kicking up there too. Would make for a miserable visit.
This is the largest caverns in the USA. It was about a mile to walk through the main area. It took quite some time and every turn was fascinating.
Couldn’t believe how well my photos turned out.
Literally a new form of nature’s art. I was definitely getting the good Lord’s message. I felt at peace as I walked and wondered.
Zoe and I split up and walked alone. I had so many thoughts going through my head as I followed the pathways.
The creative inspiration. The unbelievable ability in nature. The discovery.
Was an absolutely beautiful way to start our day.
I told Zoe that she was going to have to take the night shift with her young eyes this time. So I took the wheel to White Sands.
Blessed by google, we were routed through the Lincoln National Forest and discovered an entirely different landscape and even some snow as we hit the Sacramento Mountains.
I kept directing Zoe to take photos. It was just all so beautiful. You can’t possibly capture it.
I pulled over and got out to snap this one. I can’t imagine getting used to this landscape. Look at that sky in combination with the rocks and snow.
I wondered if I could live out here or if the closed minded small town mentality would wear on me.
Yep it was cold. I was glad I packed my hat.
After coming down from the forest, this was our view.
The winds died down and we hit White Sands National Park and hiked a trail. It woke Zoe up. She was like a kid again. This was the only place I had been too before but wanted my daughter also to experience it.
Me in the sand.
Us remembering the trail we were on.
Mother daughter happiness.
The wind’s art voice.
Zoe found her natural chair. The colors here are undescribable.
We drove to another section to take in the boardwalk.
I wish we had more time to stay, but still 4 more hours to go and the sun was starting to set. We needed to get to Bisbee, Arizona. A location recommended to me by my good friend from Phuket, Virlane. So just like that, taken from her texted suggestion, off we went to southern Arizona.
Again capturing the most magnificent sunset.
Zoe drove down highway 80, a two lane narrow road in the darkest black of night you can imagine in the desert. We passed 13 border patrol officers in one hour which made Zoe very nervous. We also had about a dozen desert mice run randomly across the road. At first we thought we were hallucinating, but finally we caught focus. I told her just embrace for the “crunch- do not swerve. Luckily they all lived.
At one point while we were driving we turned on the brights and literally jolted as we saw tall mountains literally beside us. We had no idea what we were missing in the dark. But we arrived safely to our ecclectic Airbnb which was adorable.
The ceilings were draped in various fabric yardage.
The bedrooms were a collection of any and all cool things.
The merman beaded doorway was the best.
Unfortunately this place did not have heat. Only small space heaters which did no justice in the winter freeze that fell upon us that evening. I woke to the freezing rain on the metal roof as I buried my head under the covers for heat.
The next morning as I was packing up and brushing the snow off the car, I saw these coy fish wanting fed. This place would’ve been great in the summer.
The Souply family has lived beside my family’s home in Findlay, Ohio since I was born. We pretty much grew up together, sharing parents, backyards, forts, memories and meals. Their 3 girls- Kelly, Kristy and Kassie are practically sisters to me.
It was my last sunny day in South Carolina and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I headed out early and grabbed a local coffee and headed to a park I’d been wanting to check out. While wandering through, I got a text from Kassie, saying she read my blog, well probably truth is her mom read my blog, and heard I was in South Carolina. She was too.
So I decided to road trip 2 hours south to Hilton Head Island to say hello.
I told her I was coming in the clothes I was in, which was completely casual beach attire.
As soon as I walked in I was put to work helping them select artwork for their condo. It was fun giving my advise and watching them all figure out how to make the best use of the space.
My second family. We tried to soak in the sun as much as possible, but the wind picked up and moved us all to a warmer location.
Chris actually disappeared and went on a coat run back to the house which was super nice and probably more importantly kept us from complaining.
It didn’t destroy our moods. We drank frozen pina coladas, mud slides, and God knows whatever other concoction the bartender was able to blend up.
Kassie and I decided to walk the beach back.
This community is in love with their bicycles. Even had them on the beach. Seems to be a popular way to get around.
I was admiring the beach houses as we were walking by.
Kassie and her extended family rent one out every year to have a reunion. She admitted that she has no idea which ones she has been in as they all sort of blur together.
The little sandpipers, as always, were entertaining.
It was an overcast afternoon but the walk in the sand filled my soul as Kassie and I caught up on how we were each doing in life. We don’t get to see each other much- maybe once a year tops.
New deck built welcoming you back into a villa community. I had to get a pass just to drive in.
We took the paved pathway back which was beautifully landscaped. This place reminded me of Singapore. Pristine in ways that were unnatural.
Then I caught a glimpse of this tree wanting my attention, as if catching my mind and saying, “no maam” it doesn’t get more natural than this.
Kassie being Kassie. We have been through a lot in these 50 years (plus but who’s counting). She’s still living in Rye, New York raising her three kids and juggling a couple jobs while I was working remote and vacationing solo.
It was awesome seeing color in February, representing the cycles of life we all go through.
Well I was now on my own with President’s Day off work. Of course I needed to explore, so I found another beach nearby and headed over there. I noticed a lighthouse at the north end of the beach so that was my main destination.
The lady I purchased shell earrings from back at the cidery in Park Circle, said she gathered her shells mostly from Folly Beach. That’s when I decided to check it out.
Take a look at this beautiful weather forecast for my remaining time here.
When I hit the dead end of Folly’s single road to the beach, I turned left and slowly drove along the coastline, admiring all the houses. I finally found a place to pull over and parked, then climbed out onto these rocks and sat for a bit admiring the view.
Little did I know this is a big surfing community. Especially down at this end of the island. It was fun to watch them successfully catch waves.
Was admiring the shells washed ashore as I walked along the dune.
I came across this rock ledge and thought, if I were in Thailand, I most certainly would go out onto it and sit for a bit. Its interesting when you are foreigner you do different things and I am very aware of how I need to adapt that same curiosity in my own country.
The foam was rolling ashore and sticking to the beach as if from a bubble bath.
The beachfront housing here, unlike Sullivan’s, is right along the shoreline.
When I was walking back to my car, there was an older man on a golf cart looking at my license plate about to write me a 200.00$ ticket. I kindly apologized saying, I thought today was a holiday, and he explained the parking policies- which were cheap 2.00$ per hour, but free across the street. If you ever go to Folly Beach be sure to know this about parking, they don’t mess around.
As I was driving through this very quaint strip on the island, I took photos out of my car window of many of the homes. It made me wonder which one suited my personality best and if I would ever invest in such a property. It’s fun to dream. Even though I truly know my heart would never settle for the same place twice.
Looks like a space pod or something right? I loved the coloration and the chairs out front.
I understood why they were all built up on high stilts being so close to the Atlantic. Construction and engineering always fascinates me.
I felt like this one would suit my daughter Zoe.
Maybe this old fashion, humble ranch with bright colors and flamingos in the yard best represents me.
Was enjoying the asymmetry of this one.
But this beauty hiding behind the trees had my heart.
There was a lot of new construction building monsters like this one. Have to say the purple portapotty I support fully! So much cuter than the typical green ones.
This would be Sedona’s. Something classic but huge, right next door to a small original.
Once I hit the next dead end, that happens on islands, I saw this blacktop blocked off. You know how much I enjoy street art so I had to wander down and take a look.
So much to read and appreciate. Everyone leaving their mark and expressing themselves in color.
This reminded me a bit of the Austin, Texas graffiti area we went to. Just full of artistic freedom.
This reminded me of my trip out west. A lot of alien sightings out there.
And then I came across this simple reminder and wanted to breathe it in.
At the end of the graffiti paved walkway, there was a large sand mound. I climbed up and then the view of the lighthouse made its way into sight. Amazing. Not sure why. I kept admiring the way it stood still in the midst of the waves. Stable against change.
Stoic. Maybe it was also its contrasting warm colors against the blue ocean and sky.
I wandered further down the beach around the left corner and found a graveyard of driftwood.
I started being creative with capturing my new lighthouse inspiration.
Look at how the clouds mimic the driftwood and create a subtle heart shape. I was in the right spot. I was loving the vibe here at the end of the island.
Definitely a unique landscape.
I followed a path through a grove of trees only to exit to see what looked more like a desert scene.
A driftwood tumbleweed.
Dried up prickly branches seem to marry well with the soft sand and blue waters.
I nudged into a shaded spot leaning up against a long fallen tree truck and journaled for about an hour, keeping the lighthouse in view.
Showing my hidden location.
I walked the plank when I was heading back to my car. Then I decided to sit down and take in a new view for a bit.
This was taken from that seat. Had I not taken the time, I would never have captures this amazing view. Its literally perfection in my mind. The rocks, the clouds, the waves.
I decided to take the beach route back instead of the graffiti paved way.
The dunes and seagrass were so beautiful in my mind.
I ended up driving all the way down to the opposite end of the beach and found a state park. I paid 5.00$ to basically use a clean restroom.
But I stopped at the Pelican viewpoint and walked this walkway to see what I could see.
A final Folly Beach view.
This was the coastal beach street from the front view of my dirty windshield. Gorgeous tree lined drive.
I wanted to check out their little tourist area before I left town and ended up eating at Tacoboy.
I was attracted to its colors and decor.
I bellied up to the bar and had a couple tacos complete with rice and beans. Filled my stomach for the drive back to Summerville.
This morning I woke up with a call from KangKang. A perfect way to start my day off. She is one of my long term Cambly students from Taiwan and just found out she is going to Ohio State University to get her PHD! I’m stoked! I cannot tell you how exciting it is to know I will finally meet her. She has literally grown to become such a wonderful influence in my life. Her advise and perspectives have helped me through so many hard times. People that think remote friendships are not real, are sadly mistaken and missing out on a world of understanding.
After our morning coffee catch up, I headed out to Edisto Beach. It was mentioned to me by a local who has travelled as much as I have. She guaranteed I would love it and she absolutely was right.
Google maps took me down a two lane route to get there, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
The bridge connecting me to the island.
All island roads lead to a dead end. Which way to turn is always the question. I turned right and toured the little houses at the end of the island community.
Once I realized there was nowhere to eat there, I googled my way back to a coffee shop where I enjoyed a Kaluha and coffee with a biscuit breakfast sandwich. That was just what I needed to continue my mood and do a little shopping and explore Edisto. I purchased myself, and my daughters, some great light weight, beach mode, tie dye joggers 🙂
I ended up pulling into Edisto’s state park, which charged 8$. I noticed on the google maps view there was a huge wildlife area on this side of the beach. I entered the north side of the beach and walked all the way to the end. Or at least to a part where I would need to swim across.
Me snapping my location.
Not a far walk to the beach.
Immediately I was taken back by the amount of shells. I felt guilty hearing them crack under my feet but it was unavoidable.
They were everywhere! In mounds. By the thousands.
As I walked a little closer to the shoreline, I soon became entertained by the birds and their quirky quick steps.
None were really concerned about me heading their way. They must be used to humans.
It was completely misty and overcast. The sun was fighting hard to be seen with no luck. It almost appeared as if it was raining up ahead but it never did.
The further I walked the less people there were and the bigger and greater the shells. I looked up to see a few driftwood pieces completely decorated in shells that travelers had left behind.
How magnificent!
Humans playing along with nature.
I was in awe of the beauty of these shells.
A cute little sandpiper crossed my path and I was lucky to capture him in a photo. He was so speedy. But seriously how perfect is this scene.
Another tribute to the shells and driftwood that the Atlantic Ocean kicks out. Makes me reconsider rejection and my feelings around that word.
I added the fan shell with the scars.
I loved the symbolism of this. Human and a shell. Obviously stepping aside possibly even turning him over for the world to admire.
I most admired that people didn’t take the shells home. But instead played and then left them right where they belonged.
Sun-kissed on Edisto, wearing my new baseball hat purchased with their slang STO, which represents the short name for the island.
At the end of the island was literally a sea of shells.
Tried to capture these seagulls in flight.
Giving a perspective of the scale.
Just washed ashore.
The day was overcast but still beautiful.
Most of the northern part of the beach is protected from housing by the presence of the state park. At the end of the walk were these huge homes set way back with a view of both the Atlantic Ocean and the protected marshlands on the opposite side.
In the state park there was camping available which would be great one day.
At the end of the beach for me at Edisto.
On my walk back I found a spot to journal and meditate. It was enlightening. I had a partial edible and life was made so much clearer for me. I thoroughly enjoyed these moments digging my fingers into the sand to find the smoothest rocks below. It made me want to understand nature better but also glad that I didn’t fully so I could marvel at the wonder of the shells.
I sat and watched pelicans dive into the water for fish over and over again. I loved the silence and beauty that surrounded me again reminding me that I belong. For me that is bliss.
Walking back the sun started going down and the water become a glimmering pool of diamonds.
Since I had a mellow buzz going, I decided to continue exploring and I walked 1/2 mile along a bike path to find the trails on the map I was given at the entrance.
Caught a glimpse of this protected low country as I was walking along the road.
I was so happy to be able to not just drive by, but to actually be able to capture this which is a common view in South Carolina.
Once I entered the trail it was definitely different than the trails back home. I felt like I was back in Thailand with the palm landscape.
Looking up at the diversity in the trees.
I was so happy to be able to understand the woods and what was in them. I had driven past this typical landscape for a week now and had no idea of the beauty inside.
I felt alive again. Truly exploring. Alone. Not a soul in sight. Not sure why these situations make me happy but I feel so full after these walks.
Brand new for me. To experience this terrain. I felt like I was in the middle of nowhere.
It fills my soul and makes me so happy.
A map of the trails.
Capturing the Spanish moss on the trees. This greenery gives me such mixed feelings. Comforting, creepy, depressing, dead, alien like….maybe because I didn’t grow up around it?
A final shot before I left the park. Sun settling and the wind picking up. A full beautiful soul filled day.
Driving off the island I was behind this car and it reminded me of Thelma and Louise. Two older woman singing at the top of the lungs, one hanging her cigarette out to the side, not a care in the world.
Saturday morning we decided to hit a beach. It will be the first time I’ve seen the ocean/sea in 2 years. I was looking forward to having my feet in the sand, grounding myself with nature while appreciating the rhythm of the waves and warm sun on my face.
I have never heard of Sullivan Island before, but discovered it was only a 40 minute drive from where we were staying.
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge- the third longest cable stayed bridges in the western hemisphere. Crossing us over from Charleston to Mount Pleasant.
As soon as we parked I noticed this gorgeous textural palm tree and had to look up in admiration.
There was a long board walk from the street to the coast. Houses were set back quite a bit from the ocean with interesting terrain in between.
Beautiful million dollar beach front properties, seemingly vacant during this time of year.
I finally caught a glimpse of the ocean through the seagrass mounds.
I haven’t been to this part of the USA for a very long time but I don’t recall noticing these natural sand/grass dunes. Sometimes its amazing how when your life changes, you see things completely through a different point of view, noticing things you probably didn’t previously.
George and I capturing a selfie of our first time at a beach together. Definitely will not be our last.
Admiring the driftwood pieces while he picked up shells.
The day was cloudless and sunny but the wind kept me bundled up.
The sun was glistening on the water creating such an illuminating effect.
The blue dot was where we walked to. When you turned that end corner you could see the city of Charleston.
There was an old lighthouse still standing.
We noticed the shell of a horseshoe crab. Did you know they live up to 20 years and have been around prior to dinosaurs? Super cool- but hate thinking they would be swimming in the water with me.
I noticed another remnant hanging on a tree decorated in shells.
Such a cute idea that I would have loved to participated in.
Yes, we are one of those goober couples.
I love capturing the spirit of George. He makes such a great model. The beach was all ours the further we walked.
Check out the softness in the water rippling against the reflection of the sand mounds. So flipping natural and yet breathtaking. Mother Nature makes it look so effortless.
After a couple hours in the sun and wind, we decided to check out the restaurant named after Edgar Allen Poe. It was busy! A beautiful Saturday in February.
Packed. I was happy we were able to get seated quickly since it was just the two of us.
Sitting beside George in the sun sipping a mimosa and eating some fish tacos, – life couldn’t be sweeter.
I made it to the White Sands National Park. The ranger at the visitors center warned everyone that a storm was headed our way and that lightning can be a hazard, very concerning in the desert. If we heard thunder or saw lightning we were to head back to our vehicles.
Did you all know that there is a place inside the US passports issued especially for national parks stamps? The gal in front of me got one.
The one trail I wanted to hike was this one. It’s only one mile so I thought I could squeeze it in before the rain.
Literally the clouds were like a shelf above our heads. This was the start of the trail.
Once you got to the interior it was covered in beautiful soft white sand with scattered shrubbery.
Gorgeous with the storm rolling in adding that mysterious darker blue.
Then if you turned the opposite way it was as if it was the perfect blue sky day.
Look at those colors! And again with the natural landscape. It’s endless-Her imagination.
Took this photo so you could get a perspective of the vastness of the dunes. Can you see that cute couple on the hill?
What an exceptional flower choice for this venue.
Checking out all the tracks before me.
These trees look as if they were purposefully planted.
I can see for miles and miles.
Cloud admiration
I loved the perfectly captured ripples in the sand and the cute grasses still barely surviving, slowly getting covered.
The dark clouds started moving over so I hustled my way around the dunes.
Wanted to capture myself in this amazing environment. Holding onto my hat as the wind started picking up.
I could’ve sat here for hours.
The rain was coming.
I wonder if it’s this cool to be in Saudi Arabia’s deserts? I know they have camps and vacations out in them.
More cloud movement.
I drove to another section that had a boardwalk but honestly none of the views were as beautiful as the dune trails
Snapped this shot of a couple sledding down the dunes. Was so pretty.
But it was time to go.
I didn’t know where honestly I was headed next. I pulled over and found the Rio Grande. I googled my way to the Elephant Butte State Park having no idea what to expect. It was another hour and 1/2 away but heading up toward Sante Fe which is on my to do.
I scored (yet again) and found this amazing site to park for the night for only 10$.
View from my campsite.
God is definitely looking out for me! I couldn’t have planned it better.
Looking through my shelter area where I could grill out. If I had food 🙄
This was another top ten must see in Oklahoma. I’ve never been to this state before so I wanted to see a variety of things if I could. I have the time. so why not?!
After hiking this am I headed 3 1/2 hours west to see this natural reserve. Getting there was no easy task. One lane highways down God’s country. Dirt and gravel roads that about gave Vanessa a heart attack. But we made it.
Just an FYI , on average I’m spending about 60$ a day. That includes food and gas. Really not bad!!! Tomorrow night I have arranged to stay at an Airbnb to get a weekly shower in🤣 So that will jump me up a bit. I’ve been getting by on body wipes and dry shampoo. It’s not been too bad honestly, of course I’m never around anyone to tell me otherwise.
I googled mapped my way here which was really nothing to see. But I did get a photo of a map of the area from the desolate visitors center and made my way to the salt beach.
This is apparently common around here. I was a bit nervous. Like where the hell am I!? what did I get myself into. There was nothing for miles.
Typical view out my car window.
I finally found my way here. All that light tan is salt beach. Yes I’m sure there’s a technical name for it but that’s what I’m calling it.
This was the dig site where they allowed you to dig up your own minerals. Well I had left my shovel at home darn it. So I just walked around and enjoyed seeing families gathered around holes with their kids finding the gems.
Like I captured a ghost along with my shadow.
I decided to get my hands dirty and channel my sand box days. Instead of coins my dad buried I found some rock formations.
As you walked along you would see some in the sand.
Made me appreciate geologists.
The view was unlike any. Hard to describe. I wished I were barefoot.
It was huge.
Some serious excavation work going on here!
Trying to capture how massive this place was. This is looking back at our cars. Can you see them?!
It looked a bit like another planet.
A view of the untouched areas.
Vanessa with her Florida plates.
Was up near the Kansas border.
I found my parking space for the night near a sandy beach section of the park. I attempted to get online via hotspot but no luck. Love how I captured a glimmer of myself in the screen.
Tonya Takes Thailand 