Photo Dump: Tahoe

Just some magical, watery places in California. I was in Tahoe and I realized I love bodies of water, but I'm not around enough lakes, creeks, and rivers.

On the Road: The Pacific Northwest (Part II)

ROAD TRIP!

After a stop in Portland, Rodolfo and I continued up North towards Seattle/Olympic National Forest. We made a pit stop in Seattle, ate some good food, and then continued North. We are craving those Northwest camp vibes, so we made it a point to camp.

*The pictures look a little wonky here because I used wide angle lens attachment. 

Driving through the park

I am in love with this gorgeous lake. The sights and the colors were absolutely breathtaking.

Caught this lil guy munching on some leaves. I've never seen a black slug before!

We stopped off the road and did some exploring. We walked through a gorgeous grove of trees that led us to this river bank. I imagine there is a lot more going on here in the spring.

Random fact: Did you know that rivers are considered the most dangerous body of water? I believe it. The currents shift rapidly because of shifting rocks, debris, and trees. The water is FAST. I made sure to keep my distance, because I'm pretty sure I could easily be washed away in a matter of seconds.

The gorgeous fern groves that line the roads.

Before we got to our campsite, we explored Ruby Beach and I played all over the driftwood. We even saw a bald eagle in the trees. These little sightings just leave me in awe, because it's a reminder that I have so much more to see and explore outside of my little San Francisco/Bay Area bubble. 

Forts galore!

What else happened? Rodolfo and I pitched a tent for the first time. I'm not going to lie, I am an anxious person and have a habit of worrying about new activities and minute details, such as pitching a tent, or finding materials. I also talked about this when I went snowboarding. Again, I am so thankful to have friends and life companions that gently push my boundaries in a supportive, loving way. It's a constant practice for me to put myself out there, stretch my comfort threshold, and it is always a positive experience. After doing it once, I'm completely confident that camping is going to be an ongoing activity from here on out. 

Inside our tent

The view from our campsite. *heart eyes*

The star of the show.

I have to give a big round of applause to my wee little car! This lil guy took me places! 

I'm so grateful for this experience. Being in nature is such a grounding experience for me, physically and mentally. I can see myself building a home in the Pacific Northwest, and I think it will be an amazing experience. I need a change of pace, and I want more green spaces. Suddenly, San Francisco feels just a little bit smaller. I'm happy to be back, but the Pacific Northwest, particularly Portland, has stolen my heart.

<3 

On the Road: The Pacific Northwest (Part I)

ROAD TRIP! 

Rodolfo and I (but basically Rodolfo) took a week-long trip to the Pacific Northwest. 

Driving isn't exactly the most relaxing activity, but I do enjoy the sights shifting landscapes. A lot of lush mountains. Here are some sights I caught along I-5...

As we passed Lake Shasta it became very apparent we are in a serious drought. The water levels have receded so much Lake Shasta is starting to resemble a giant rain puddle more than a lake. Mount Shasta had a small streak of snow, but I've seen that mountain covered in snow during hot summers in the early 2000s. 

    

As we crossed state lines, I saw gradual changes in the scenery. Beautiful, bright shades of green and tall, majestic trees. These pictures don't do the scenery justice, I totally recommend that you see it for yourselves. 

Portland is so...lush. I love Forest Park, I look forward to exploring it more next year. Lots of tall trees, beautiful ferns, and animals.

I got this pretty terrarium ring and it fits right into the landscape! *heart eyes*

First mushroom sighting in Oregon!

Next stop(s): Seattle and Olympic National Forest!

Revisiting the Marin Headlands // Battery Townsley // Hill 88

Nothing stays the same, but that's precisely why I love my surroundings. Some could call me a creature of habit, because I often visit the same spots I've frequented in the past. It's true, I have favorite spots, but I always experience something new. With new perspectives and interests, I find myself exploring different aspects of a place I thought I was familiar with. An example of this is Battery Townsley & Hill 88 in the Marin Headlands, where the first time I visited Hill 88 all of the buildings got a fresh new coat of paint. Last Sunday I went back to Hill 88 to find new art all over the walls.

Old bunkers on the way to Hill 88 

As we made our way towards Hill 88, I found myself getting really excited, wondering what I would see this time...

One year later since my first visit, and the walls were bare with a coat of paint.

Overcast days are good days to hike, although it was VERY humid. As the seasons change, new plants, mosses, and colors make appearances along the rocky cliff side. I'm especially tickled by these pink succulents growing along the rocks:

 These little succulents remind me of rosettes

Lime green lichen

We made our way back to the Back to the Gun-pit-turned-Newt-Pool, and departed from there. I plan on returning in the Wintertime, I'm eager to see the different plants, critters, and rock formations that may appear. 

~Toodles

HWY 1 and Abandoned Bunkers

Sundays seem to be my outdoor day, and of course with my busy schedule, I'm not complaining at all. This weekend's exploration has been on my bucket list for a while. While driving on the 1, I always drive by this interesting structure that seems precariously perched on the cliff side. Well, I finally stopped here on the way to the redwoods, and it turns out this structure is a Apparently this building is an old military bunker that was used for observation during WWII. 

Aside from the interesting abandoned structures along the 1, I was also very excited to see all of the coastal plants in bloom. It's been interesting to watch how the landscape changes throughout the year--right now there are bright patches of pinks, purples, and yellows scattered along the coastline, and it's so beautiful against the grey/white backdrop of the ocean.

Happy Summer! Stay tuned for next week's adventure: maybe Calistoga and petrified forests?! 

Solitude in the Magnificent Redwoods of San Mateo

A Grove of Gorgeous Greens

This weekend my friend Jess and I took a morning hike to Portola Redwoods State Park in San Mateo, CA.
We took the Iverson Falls trail, which runs along a creek (my favorite type of trails!). I'd post a picture of the waterfall, buuuuut I didn't check the website and the "waterfall" was really more of a trickling kiddie pool. Lesson learned: next time I'll do my research and check the best times to visit waterfalls. Even though the waterfall wasn't mindblowing, the trail to the falls is gorgeous--not too strenuous, but tons of beautiful sights, lots of solitude, and no cell phone reception. I did not realize how important this would be. The phone has no place in the forest (with the exception of taking pictures!). I'm really gaining a new sense of appreciation for nature, especially now that my free time is much more limited.

It's been several months since starting my new non-profit job, and transitioning from a student to a full-timer has definitely been an exciting but sometimes challenging transition. I do miss the free time I once had during the weeks, when I could go on morning hikes during the weekdays, but sadly, that's no longer a possibility.
I also work in the heart of the city, meaning it's noisy as f*ck. Ambulances, honking horns, collisions, police sirens, protests, I hear it all. Not a moment of silence. I love my job, but the city sounds are jarring and stress-inducing.

One thing that has kept me sane is my weekly walks/hikes. For anyone who is constantly sitting indoors in an office, Monday through Friday, I seriously encourage you to take a walk. Just one. To the beach, to a nearby park, but whenever possible, go to the forests. Experience the solitude, surround yourself by the sounds of birds, rustling leaves and babbling creeks. It. is. so. therapeutic.

On our way to Iverson Falls

Lush foliage as tall as me! (I'm 5'1)

No mushrooms in sight, so I spent most of my time looking up.

Luscious Ferns

My friend told me that if you lick their bellies, you get calories. Can someone verify this? (I did not try, in case you're wondering.)

I hope this encourages folks to get out into the forests. We need more places without Wi-Fi.

Surprising Find of the Day: I also found this beautiful feather on our way to Portola State Redwoods. I just got a Western Bird Field Guide, so I'll post an update once I identify where this SF Giants-colored feather came from. Another gorgeous feather added to my collection!

Well, that was my weekend. Next weekend I'm taking surfboarding lessons with a friend. SURFBORT. Sorry. Actually, I'm not. 

~Toodles and have a wonderful week!