If you’ve been following along on the blog, you’ll know that about a month ago, I stopped by Japan… for the weekend.
Needless to say, I barely even blinked… and that trip was over.
(For the record, that lifestyle was unsustainable. Physically, mentally, budgetarily.)
That said, in efforts to capture some of the “mini-trips” I take (probably not to Japan, per se, but to areas, for example, around California), I’m going to start a series on this blog called “Travel Sprints”. Japan was “Travel Sprint 1”. And if you’re wondering why I’ve named this Travel Sprint 3, it’s because I’ve actually embarked on another mini-trip, (Travel Sprint 2) which I haven’t formally documented yet (Call it laziness. Call it whatever you want.)
Travel Sprint 3 just happens to be fresh in my mind right now – ergo, I shall serve it up first!
SO… ORDER UP!
I’ve learned from my (minimal) blogging experience so far that stories are best told through pictures.
… So here ya go!
Woke up at 4:45AM in the morning. I know I said I was an early bird… but URRRGHGHGAASD;FAKSDJFTOOEARLYHELP.
But actually, you know what? That wake up call ended up being totally worth it. Check out this morning-golden-hour view driving into the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur (on the California coast):
With me were two of my awesome friends from middle school (and high school): Alex & Anna! I actually proposed this trip to them because some time ago, I saw Alex post some seriously breathtaking pictures of his trip to Big Sur with college friends.
My reaction: O_O “WANT.”
It’s never too early to flex those facial muscles, amaright???
On our way to the waterfall lookout spot. Commence shenanigans.
That ridiculous view.
Really expanding my facial repertoire today:
More pretty thang:
“NEW COVER PHOToOOoo…” (Taunting Anna)
After the waterfall lookout (a measly half-mile hike…), we embarked on the slightly-more-strenuous Ewoldson trail (~5 miles) to hopefully capture an even “AWESOMER” vantage point (English Level: Novice)
One of the lookouts. Not quite at the top yet. I really like how candid and coooool this photo is:
Run for your liiiiife; the selfie stick monster gon get you!!! (see bottom right corner.)
THE HILLS ARE ALIVE… WITH THE SOUND OF MUUUUSICCCCC.
When you see it…………….
And finally… WE MADE IT TO THE TOP!!!!!!
Anna & Alex, after a little bit of GoPro-Stage-Fright, start to show their true colors…….
A+
Picture this with me now: So we’re basically taking these photos using the GoPro, right? Technically, no one is making a sound. However, while the GoPro takes bursts of photos we try to change facial expressions in between. Literally all you’re hearing are lip-smacking noises, face wrinkling noises, among total silence. This alone caused me to giggle-snort in laughter:
So you guys all know how I’m an uber fan of Lara Croft:Tomb Raider extraordinaire? Well, I’d imagine my movie poster would look something along the lines of the below photo. YA FEEL ME?
… Who am I kidding. Always have been, always will be a dork. High socks, jacket tied around waist. #dorkforlyfe
We passed by this mother-son duo three times on the hike. Ended up striking conversation with the mother. She recommended we check out Point Lobos on our way back north. Best advice taken everrrrr.
Goodbye, Big Sur. You da real MVP.
WE SURVIVED!
To Point Lobos we go!
Okay, I hope this isn’t too weird, but while perusing photos, the first thing that came to mind when I saw the below picture is that Leonardo DiCaprio meme (where he’s struttin’ without a care in the world…)
YES???? NO????
Well anyways, Point Lobos was RIDICULOUS. Picture perfect.
And so ended our coastal adventures.
We decided afterwards that since we had some time to spare, we’d head to Carmel, the cutest coastal town near Monterey.
Seriously though, this town is adorbzzzz.
I didn’t take many photos of the town (too busy gawking at how cute everything was)… but here’s a good example of what you can find there…
The second floor of the cottage in the above picture was a store called “The Rabbit Hole”! Inside was a crazy amount of Alice inWonderland tchotchkes and knick-knacks (so many backwards clocks!), all created by a local artist.
And my personal favorite item:
…I feel ya, gurlfrand.
Not exactly my “usual” type of post, but it’ll do :).
Travel Sprint 2 will come….. very soon. (Trying not to set any unattainable expectations here…)
With love,
Mendi
the wanderlust is real. 