May Adventures (California Road Trip)

 I did it (sort of)! I had always wanted to drive across the country and drive around cool spots in California. We took the easy route, and flew to California then drove to some of the most iconic places in California. 

The occasion was for our honeymoon. We tied the knot in front of our closest family, friends and coworkers at a local park. We had planned to do so in the creek there but it rained all day and the creek was up.

We contemplated where our destination honeymoon would be. We suggested London, Scotland, Grand Canyon, Redwood Forest, Oregon, Bahamas or some other cruise-like situation. I couldn't fathom going out of the country when there's so much to explore here. Plus, I'd like my feet on the ground as much as possible. I was afraid that the Grand Canyon wouldn't be as fulfilling for a whole week, so we landed on a road trip through California's beautiful, scenic National Parks.

Here, I'm giving you a look into our week. Enjoy.

Sunday, May 19, 2024

SKULL ROCK TRAIL AT JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, San Bernardino County, CALIFORNIA  

It was all pretty surreal 🏜 I wish we would have been equipped to hang out there all night... 

When we arrived at Joshua Tree, the sun was almost setting, at around 6pm. We stayed 2 hours, walking around aimlessly- looking at the landscape of large curved rocks that felt like concrete- and the Cholla Catus/cacti spanning across the driest windiest place on earth. I came across a spider as big as a tarantula; saw something that looked like a desert fox. There was only like 6 people amongst this vast desert.

It seemed like no matter which national park we went to, you're not escaping all of the people you're encountering, we came at a time when there was a handful of people at Joshua tree. 

It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I don't take any of it for granted. I worry about these places because of pollution. Even in the most cool, hip, and nature oriented places here in California, it felt like there was so much capitalism and pollution. There were warning signs about the air quality coming into Palm Springs area, Joshua Tree and through the Mojave desert. 

Monday, May 20, 2024

GENERAL SHERMAN TRAIL AT SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, Tulare County, CALIFORNIA 

There were so many of us tourists-- particularly at Sequoia national park and Yosemite. Here at Sequoia National park, people were staring up at the general sherman tree watching a researcher inspecting the tree for pests and disease. The very next day, the public was going to be reported at the state of health of this ancient tree. 

Tuesday, May 21st, 2024

YOSEMITE VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

This. Is. El Capitan. An epic hunk of rock that touches the clouds...

I think this was Castle Rock...

Yosemite falls...

It was freezing near the waterfall.  I'm glad I brought raincoats, hoodies, and longsleeves.

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024

San Francisco, California

We saw the pink lady houses, golden gate Bridge, Tennessee Beach, watched Ashley get a tattoo of the sequoias, and eat at a delicious quick in-and-out vegan restaurant. 

Thursday, May 23rd, 2024

Big Sur, California 

It was cold everywhere we went in California...along the beaches, coasts, and any body of water,  really...McWays falls and along Big Sur...which was heaven on earth. 

This was the famous Highway 1 going across the Bixby Bridge.

This was the Gallapta State Park.

Afterwards, we drove nearly all day on Friday back to Santa Monica, and then took a plane back home on Saturday.