West Coast Highlights

West Coast Highlights 

Yosemite

I have been dreaming of going to Yosemite for years, ever since I proclaimed myself a National Parks Enthusiast. Well, I went- and ever since I have been crossing my fingers that one day southern Cali can be home so that this park can be my home park. A lifetime wouldn't be enough time to do and see all that Yosemite Valley has to offer. 

EL CAP

Can't lie- the pickup truck was really hard to justify for a road trip. We had to move all of our luggage from the bed to the cab every time we stopped for lunch. But in the Valley we realized that we'd hit the jackpot and got to cruise around in the bed all day. It couldn't have been more fun.

 

Swimming in the Merced was such a serendipitous add-on to our hike to Mirror Lake. This river seems so full of adventures. I can't wait to come back. 

View from Glacier Point. Wow, still. 

Tunnel View, my favorite view of the park. 

Fern Canyon, Humboldt, CA

Ever heard of Fern Canyon? Probably not. But chances are that you've seen it in Star Wars or Jurassic Park or a number of smaller name films. It was a big surprise, but ended up probably being my favorite site of the trip. 

Canyon walls are covered in giant ferns. Imagine the Zion Narrows, but with FERNS. 

Shirt chosen in honor of the occasion. (Forest Moon of Endor)

I love unique hikes, and this is probably one of the most singular I have ever found. Getting wet is a huge plus with me. This place is way cooler than I can attempt to describe. You should go. 

Honorable Mentions

1. Portland, OR- I didn't take many pictures, but Portland was one of the most perfect downtowns I have ever been to! It was clean, trendy, fun, food was amazing, and atmosphere was so relaxed. I felt so safe there the whole time. We went to Powell's City of Books, and it was such a humbling and inspiring place. Humbling because an entire city of books will make even a fairly well-read person feel like they know next to nothing and have experienced next to nothing that this world has to offer. 

2. Helena, CA- We drove through and ate lunch here in the Napa suburb. I obvs don't drink, but still enjoyed the wineries so much. The gardens, fields, and patios are so beautiful, and (I've said it before, I'll say it again) wineries and breweries make the best food!!! We stopped at V. Sattui for lunch and I was so cheerful. The place was adorable.