The lake isn't very big and there wasn't too much to explore, which was nice in comparison to other, more crowded lakes nearby. It was pleasant how quiet it was and we were able to relax and take in the surrounding mountains. Each of us enjoyed taking a moment to cool off in the water. This was one of the most memorable parts of the trip for me. Just taking it in and enjoying time with Ben.
We packed the SUV with the usual road trip necessities. This time, it included Lysol, masks, and lots of hand sanitizer. Leaving home around 1PM, we made our way toward Arizona in the middle of August during a heat wave...the ideal travel time to go to the desert ;)
My goal was to capture the sunrise at the beach, maybe I should have left a little sooner to get my camera set up. But I was still made it for the experience I was hoping for. This beach was perfect. I drove part of Big Sur in the dark to get there but it is easily accessible from a road off of Highway 1. The short walk to the beach only built up the anticipation of what the beach and sunrise would look like.
Monterey has a unique rocky shore line creating large crashing waves allowing for amazing photos. The downtown area is also fun with plenty of shops, great restaurants and beautiful parks near the bay where all the boats are docked.
Our next destination was the “Mystery Spot,” and we didn’t really know what to expect. This illusion-based tourist attraction is in the middle of the woods, down a windy one lane road. When you get there you find a really unique tourist attraction, including a souvenir shop, food and plenty of photo opportunities. The tours are $8 a person, plus $5 per vehicle for parking, cash or check only and tours last about 45 minutes.
Artist’s Drive is a scenic 9 mile one way loop which is a must and is open to vehicles less than 25 ft in length. While you could just drive the loop, the two vista stops along the way are worth it and as in my case even in the rain. I made a quick change in clothes and bundled up in my rain coat. At least I came prepared.
Chasing the sunrise. I decided to drive in the middle of the night and arrived in Death Valley a few hours before sunrise. Two things were happening, it was a new moon and a storm was coming. I was hoping I would get a few star pictures in the pitch black of the night or rolling storm clouds over the desert. Neither were happening this day.
Zabriskie Point would have been another amazing spot to watch the sunrise. These golden colored badlands create breathtaking panoramic views. There is a parking lot below and a short walk up to the view point area. There were several individuals hiking and exploring the tops of the ridges. I was still recovering and warming up from my early start and Dante’s view so I only explored a little.
What trouble can two girlfriends get into exploring the Big Apple, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and TriBeCa? Ok maybe trouble is the wrong word, but we had a blast making friends and taking on the city. This Day 1 New York City Travel Blog includes walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, dinning in great restaurants fit for any foodie, and an evening only the Super Moon could provide. Provided by yours truly, Nichole McDaniel.
Ever wonder about the history or interesting facts of the places you may pass everyday or a really interesting place you walked by and took a photo? Well I decided to do a little research about a few places I saw on my road trip to San Francisco. I hope you find out something interesting you didn't know before about this historic and beautiful city! I know I sure did.
