Travel by Any Means Necessary

Tag: California Page 1 of 2

Morning in Muir Woods

Light filtering through the trees at Muir Woods

Just outside the city of San Francisco lays a natural sanctuary waiting to be explored – Muir Woods National Monument. Nestled just a short drive away from the city, this verdant forest offered a peaceful retreat from the urban chaos. Join us on a morning hike through the towering redwoods and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.  On our recent trip to San Fransisco, we took one morning away from the city to immerse ourselves in the redwood forest.

As the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, we began our journey to Muir Woods. The drive from San Fransisco was a bottleneck and I was worried we weren’t going to make it in time for our entry window into the park. Luckily we made it in time and we were able to relax, step out of the car, and fill our lungs with the crisp morning air, invigorating us for the adventure ahead.

Entering the towering redwoods, we were greeted by a symphony of bird songs and the gentle rustle of leaves. The sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting a soft glow on the forest floor. The scent of damp earth and pine needles enveloped us, transporting us to a world far removed from the city.

Looking up into the Redwoods at Muir Woods

We set off on the trail, following the winding path that meandered through the ancient forest. The towering redwood trees soared above us, their majestic presence a reminder of the passage of time. Each step brought us closer to the heart of the forest, where a sense of peace and tranquility reigned.

As we hiked deeper into the woods, the sounds of civilization faded away, replaced by the gentle murmur of a nearby stream. The cool, shaded trails offered respite from the morning sun, inviting us to slow down and savor the sights and sounds of nature.

Along the way, we encountered the remnants of a bygone era – fallen trees covered in moss, ferns flourishing in the damp undergrowth, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife darting through the foliage. These simple yet profound moments served as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things.

Cathedral Grove in Muir Woods

Cathedral Grove

Reaching the iconic Cathedral Grove, we paused to marvel at the sheer size and beauty of the ancient redwoods that surrounded us. Their massive trunks stretched towards the sky, their branches reaching out like fingers to touch the heavens. Standing in their presence, we were humbled by the grandeur of nature.

As we made our way back to the trailhead, our hearts were full, and our spirits rejuvenated. The morning hike in Muir Woods National Monument had been a journey of self-discovery, a moment of quiet reflection amidst the chaos of everyday life. We left the forest feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience its beauty and serenity.

In the end, Muir Woods National Monument was not just a destination; it was a sanctuary for the soul, a place to reconnect with the natural world and find peace in its embrace. So, next time you find yourself in San Francisco, make sure to set aside a morning to explore this magical forest – you won’t be disappointed.

Morning in Muir Woods

Thank you for joining us on this virtual hike through Muir Woods National Monument. Remember to take only pictures, leave only footprints, and always respect the beauty and serenity of nature.

Thanks for stopping by! Check out our NEW Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.

Pin This:

Muir Woods Pinterest Graphic Muir Woods Pinterest Graphic

A Weekend in San Fransisco

Sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge

Some of the links below are affiliate links and as such, I earn a small commission from purchases that allow me to continue telling you my stories without costing you anything extra. 

San Francisco has a magnetic allure that pulls you in from the moment you arrive. With its iconic sights, vibrant neighborhoods, and endless energy, this city knows how to captivate even the most seasoned travelers. Join us as we uncover the highlights of our recent San Francisco adventure.

We began our exploration by checking into the funky and affordable Citizen M hotel. This European chain has mastered the art of packing style and comfort into cleverly designed micro rooms. While cozy for two people, the innovative tech features, lively lounges, and prime location made it the perfect home base.

San Fransisco Cable Car

No visit to San Francisco is complete without riding the historic cable cars. We queued up early to nab coveted outside hanging spots for a thrilling journey to Fisherman’s Wharf. This iconic wharf area oozes old-school charm with its bustling marina, street performers, and mom-and-pop eateries serving up piping hot sourdough bread bowls of creamy clam chowder.

Otter at the Aquarium of the Bay

Otter at the Aquarium of the Bay

The Aquarium of the Bay provided an up-close look at the incredible marine life of San Francisco Bay. Winding through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and tropical fish was an amazing experience. But the playful otters frolicking in their habitat stole the show.

A short stroll led us to Ghirardelli Square, home of the legendary chocolate company. We indulged in mind-blowingly thick shakes at the old-world ice cream parlor, surrounded by chocolate sculptures and table inside a cable car replica.

Craving a respite from the crowds, we ventured to Fort Mason. This former military fort, now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, offered a refreshing taste of local life with its quiet trails, friendly dog walkers, and stunning bay views.

Sailing San Fransisco BayNo San Francisco experience is truly complete without a visit to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. A narrated boat tour provided unbeatable vantage points of this modern wonder while filling our minds with its rich history and architectural significance. I was glad I brought my coat because it was chilly out on the bay!

After our tour, we headed to dinner in Chinatown at the modern China Live, which was a different take than we experienced on our last visit when we did a Chinatown food tour (read about our experience on that tour here). The food was phenomenal and their house-made condiments were so good we brought some to take home.

Mission San Fransisco de Assisi

To experience a side of San Francisco few tourists see, we explored the Mission District. This vibrant neighborhood overflows with colorful murals, trendy eateries, and the medieval Mission San Francisco de Asis church. But our quest focused on something more…a legendary local burrito. After a tip from a local, we indulged in the ultimate Mission-style behemoth at Pancho Villa – a gargantuan tortilla stuffed with perfectly seasoned rice, beans, salsa, and all the fixings. Certainly a spiritual experience!

As the fog rolled in to end our journey, we felt incredibly fortunate to have uncovered so many of San Francisco’s diverse facets. From its famous sights to its quirky subcultures, this dynamic city has an unmatched power to enchant all who wander its hilly streets. If you have a passion for exploring, San Francisco needs to be at the very top of your travel bucket list.

Chinatown at Night

Chinatown at Night

Thanks for stopping by! Check out our NEW Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.

Riding the Rails: Amtrak’s California Zephyr

Red Rocks in Colorado

Red Rocks in Colorado

Peering out the window, you watch as the majestic Rocky Mountains give way to the arid deserts of Nevada, and the towering Sierra Nevadas loom on the horizon. The gentle rocking of the train lulls you into a state of tranquility as you take in the ever-changing landscapes. This is the magic of train travel – the opportunity to truly experience the grandeur of America at a pace that allows you to savor every mile.

Amtrak’s legendary California Zephyr route from Chicago to Emeryville (near San Francisco) is an iconic journey that epitomizes the romance of the rails. At over 2,400 miles long and traversing seven states, it’s one of the most scenic train rides in the country. From the craggy cliffs of Colorado’s Glenwood Canyon to the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada, this transcontinental odyssey promises endless vistas and a window into the very soul of the American West.

Our adventure started in the bustling metropolis of Chicago (above), where we stayed in the lavishly appointed Allegro Royal Sonesta, near the train station. Before boarding the train, we stopped for lunch at Sarah Grueneburg’s wonderful Monteverde for some of the most fantastic Italian food I have ever had. After lunch, we headed to Union Station where we boarded the distinctive double-decker Superliner train. Having the option to book sleeper accommodations made the prospect of spending multiple nights onboard far more appealing. While the traditional coach seats offer a no-frills experience, the first-class sleeping cars provide a welcome oasis of comfort and privacy.

From cozy roomettes to spacious bedrooms, the sleeper options range from functional to more comfortable. Our quaint roomette may have been compact, but it came equipped with seats that converted into beds, access to a shower, and turndown service each evening. Best of all, meals in the dining car were included – a welcome perk that added to the indulgent experience.

As the miles rolled by, we soon discovered that one of the biggest draws of long-haul train travel is the opportunity to take in vistas that are simply impossible to witness from the air. The California Zephyr’s route is a veritable showcase of America’s natural splendor, from the snow-capped peaks and winding rivers of Colorado to the otherworldly desert landscapes of Nevada.

Observation Car on California Zephyr

Spending time in the glass-enclosed Sightseer Lounge observation car, we were transfixed by the passing panoramas. The train’s leisurely pace allowed us to fully appreciate the subtleties of light and shadow playing across the rugged terrain. We watched in awe as the train snaked through narrow mountain passes, canyons, and long tunnels bored through solid rock. This disconnection from the hustle of daily life was not only welcomed but essential to fully embracing the unhurried rhythms of rail travel.

Amtrak’s long-haul routes are a throwback to a more elegant era of travel. Gone are the hassles of airports, the indignities of cramped planes, and the impersonal sterility of it all. In their place is an almost nostalgic experience that encourages you to relish the simple pleasures of the journey itself. Mornings began with a hot breakfast in the dining car, where the gently rocking motion of the train added an extra dimension to the experience. Midday meant whiling away the hours with a good book or enjoying conversations with fellow travelers over lunch as the landscapes rolled by. As evening settled in, we would adjourn to the dining car once more for a leisurely three-course dinner accompanied by a glass of wine. The ambiance was warm and convivial, with strangers quickly becoming friends united by a shared sense of adventure.

California Zephyr with Union Pacific Engine in Emeryville, California

California Zephyr with Union Pacific Engine in Emeryville, California

It is important to note that Amtrak is infamous for delays. While we arrived in Denver ahead of schedule, shortly after leaving, one of our engines was out of commission and we sat in Granby, Colorado for several hours while they disconnected it from our train. We were delayed once more when we pulled into Grand Junction and they hooked up a Union Pacific engine to our train to help pull us through the Sierras. All-in-all, we arrived in Emeryville about 3 hours behind schedule, which is not too bad for Amtrak time. If you are planning a journey on Amtrak, patience is key, and give yourself more than enough time to reach your destination.

As our train finally pulled into the Emeryville station, there was a tinge of melancholy at the journey’s end. The California Zephyr had worked its magic, immersing us in the grandeur of the great American landscape while connecting us to the romantic spirit of rail travel’s halcyon days.

Long-haul train journeys aren’t just a way to get from one place to another – they’re an enchanting opportunity to embrace the thrill of the open road from the comfort of rolling accommodations. If unhurried indulgence, spectacular scenery, and a touch of nostalgia are what you crave, then all aboard! The adventure of a lifetime awaits on Amtrak’s transcontinental routes.

Tips for the Long-Haul Traveler

Dever Union Station

Dever Union Station

While the allure of a multi-day train journey is undeniable, amenities are limited, and a bit of preparation can go a long way toward ensuring your comfort:

  • Pack minimally and organize your belongings neatly to avoid clutter in the compact sleeper spaces
  • An eye mask and earplugs are essential for quality sleep amid the motion and ambient light
  • Bring entertainment like books, magazines, or downloadable content, as WiFi can be spotty
  • Have a portable battery pack to keep devices charged, as outlets are limited
  • Be sure to get out and stretch your legs frequently by walking the sway-friendly aisles

Most importantly, embrace a mindset of patience and unhurried living. Delays are common due to the freight rail priorities (or as in our case, equipment failures), but rushing defeats the purpose of this relaxing mode of travel. Slow down, savor the experience, and create lasting memories from a bygone era of exploration.

California Zephyr in Glenwood Springs

California Zephyr in Glenwood Springs

Thanks for stopping by! Check out our NEW Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.

2023: A Year in Review

Pena Palace

2023 has probably been the best year of travel for us so far. We had several amazing, life-changing trips and visited many new-to-us destinations. We started the year in an airport: as the clock struck midnight we were walking through the Atlanta airport for a few hours shut-eye before catching our early morning flight home from Puerto Rico.

We discovered a love of train travel this year and took several weekend trips to Chicago on Amtrak. The train takes about the same amount of time as driving and it allows you to relax and do other things as you travel. We have found our favorite neighborhood in Chicago (River North) and are planning to return in 2024.

Disneyland Train Station

In March we crossed off another state in my goal to visit all 50 states before I turn 40. This time, we headed to California and took a wonderful cruise that allowed us to see a lot of the coastal cities. I understand why so many people love California. Each place was more beautiful than the last. The cruise also took us to Mexico and we have been trying to figure out when we can squeeze in a return trip. It was our first Celebrity cruise and it will not be our last. And of course, I realized my lifelong dream of visiting Disneyland.

In May, Chris went to a conference in Austin and I got to tag along for the weekend which was a fun way to break up the time between big trips. I have come to realize that some of the best meals of my life have been in the Austin area so I never turn down an opportunity to visit.

Sunset at Sea

Sunset at Sea

Less than 3 months after our spring cruise, we hit the sea again for our longest and most crazy cruise yet, a transatlantic from Florida to Portugal. It was a return to our favorite cruise line (Norwegian) after 3 cruises and it felt like coming home. The ports were amazing and afterward, we spent a week and a half exploring the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain) with a stopover in Iceland on the way home. This trip was life-changing and we’ve just been figuring out how to return to Europe since we got home.

Enjoying a Glass of Wine at Bonobo

We stayed closer to home in the second half of the year. We took a few camping trips around Michigan, and in August, we spent a week in one of our favorite places, Traverse City, and we took our furry friends. While traveling with the cats added some challenges, not having to worry about them while we were away was worth it for us.

In the fall, we discovered how one-night getaways can be a fun way to break up the routine without having to shell out the money for multiple nights of lodging. We spent a night in Milwaukee that was surprisingly enjoyable and I would love to go back and see more of the city.

Icelandic Sheep

Overall, this was a year of seeing new places for short amounts of time. I have added many new places to my “to return to” list which I put into writing this year. I am struggling to figure out where to go in 2024 between the places I have never been and the places I want to return to. This will probably be a lifelong struggle. Stay tuned to find out where I end up next year!

Thanks for stopping by! To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. To read campground reviews check out my Michigan Campground Reviews page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.

Wordless Wednesday: It’s a Small World

It's A Small World

Wordless Wednesday: Sleeping Beauty Castle

Sleeping Beauty Castle

A Disney World Fan’s First Visit to Disneyland

Disneyland Train Station

When we booked our California Coastal cruise, I knew I couldn’t step foot in Southern California and not go to Disneyland so we looked at our schedule and figured out how we could make it work. With logistics like our ship’s return to LA and our flight home, we only really had one day to spend in the Happiest Place on Earth. According to Disney die-hards, that is not enough time, but with a few tricks, we were able to see everything that we wanted to see and then some.

The day of our visit was a Tier 6 day, meaning the park is projected to be the busiest it gets and the price for a one-day ticket is the highest it gets. I knew this was not going to be a budget day in the park, so I decided to spring for the $25 extra per person for Genie + to make sure we would get to see the headlining attractions. Since I had experienced both Rise of the Resistance and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway on our visit to Hollywood Studios in 2021, I did not feel it was worth it to pay for the Individual Lightning Lane to experience shorter lines for these attractions. My goal for this day was to experience the attractions that are only available on the west coast or are significantly different than their Disney World versions.

It's a Small World

It’s a Small World

One of the best ways to deal with shorter lines at any Disney Park is to get to the park before it opens for what is known as Rope Drop. The first hour the park is open is when the headlining attractions have the shortest waits. We were able to ride Space Mountain, the Matterhorn, Big Thunder Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, and Buzz Lightyear AstroBlasters in the first two hours before the crowds arrived. Throughout the rest of the day, we watched the wait times on the app and chose which attractions had the shortest wait. In the late afternoon after we had ridden pretty much everything we wanted to, Rise of the Resistance went down to a 45-minute wait, so we headed to Galaxy’s Edge to what is in my opinion, one of the most immersive Disney attractions of all time.

Splash Mountain

Disneyland and its castle are much smaller than their Floridian counterparts and things are laid out slightly differently. For Disney World veterans, it feels much like coming home but someone has rearranged all your things and in a few cases, made them much better. I have been going to Disney World since I was two and I never cared for Pirates of the Caribbean or the Haunted Mansion. They scared me as a kid so I don’t have the nostalgic attachment to them that a lot of Disney fans have. I rode both of them multiple times in Disneyland because they were SO good! Big Thunder Mountain and Buzz Lightyear AstroBlasters were better than their versions in Florida. The Jungle Cruise was so much more lush than the version in the Magic Kingdom. Even It’s a Small World (which is the original from the 1964-65 World’s Fair) is so much more impressive than the Magic Kingdom version. Chris wasn’t sure why I was making him ride it but he admitted afterward that it was actually really impressive. Now, Splash Mountain (RIP) has always been my favorite Magic Kingdom attraction and I did not enjoy the Disneyland version as much. I got absolutely drenched on that ride and it was only 60 degrees outside. Why do you get wetter in temperate California than in hot and humid Florida?

Disneyland also has more classic dark rides than the Magic Kingdom. I enjoyed Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, and Snow White’s Adventure. I was excited to take Chris on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride because I remembered it as a kid. I will say, I understand why they got rid of it in Walt Disney World. That was a strange experience. I don’t think there is another Disney attraction that ends with you going to Hell.

Blue Bayou Restaurant

Us at Blue Bayou

Another thing that California has that Florida does not is the Blue Bayou Restaurant. Blue Bayou is located inside Pirates of the Caribbean. It is probably the most popular table service restaurant in Disneyland and it can be hard to get a reservation, but I managed to score one for lunch (their iconic Monte Christo sandwich is only available at lunch) exactly 60 days out. When we checked in on the day of, I checked a box that it was our first time in Disneyland and they seated us right on the water! It was fun watching the boats go by as we enjoyed our lunch. It was also a great way to rest a little after all the walking we did in the morning.

Walt Disney's Bench

As a Disney Nerd, one of the things I was most excited about was Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and the Disneyland Story. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln was another attraction Walt Disney developed for the 1964/65 World’s Fair and nowadays, the preshow for it is a small museum dedicated to the history of Disneyland and Disney artifacts. It was very interesting to look at the scale model of Disneyland on opening day in 1955. Probably my favorite thing was the bench from Griffith Park (left) where Walt Disney first came up with the idea for Disneyland.

If you are a Disney Fan, you need to get to Disneyland! Your favorite attractions are better and there is nothing like walking where Walt himself walked. I really was not expecting to like it as much as I did and I definitely wasn’t expecting it to be so much different from the Magic Kingdom. I was disappointed that we only had one day. Oh well, I guess I will have to go back, stay in one of the resorts, and check out California Adventure too!

Thanks for stopping by! To read more about this trip, check out the Cruising the Pacific Coast Trip Report. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my updated Gear Page.

Wordless Wednesday: Grand Central Market

Grand Central Market

 

24 Hours in Los Angeles

Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood Sign as seen from Griffith Observatory

Some of the links below are affiliate links and as such, I earn a small commission from purchases that allow me to continue telling you my stories without costing you anything extra. 

Most of the time on this blog, I share about our travels and how we manage to see and do everything we want to in a short amount of time in a location. This was not the case in Los Angeles. Everywhere we tried to go we got stuck in terrible traffic and horrific crowds.

Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory

We didn’t get off the ship until 10:00 am and by the time we got to the tent where our luggage was, it was probably another hour until we got our rideshare and were heading to LA. The traffic was so bad that what should’ve been a half an hour’s drive to our downtown hotel took at least an hour. We dropped our luggage at the hotel and headed to Griffith Park where traffic was so bad it took 30 minutes just to enter the parking lot. We did manage to get a spot and have time to walk around the observatory but honestly, my nerves were shot and I wasn’t in a mood to appreciate where I was.

We left the Griffith Observatory and headed to one of the most unique food experiences of my life. Carnitas el Momo is featured heavily in the LA episode of the Netflix Special, Street Food USA and I knew that if I wanted to experience LA street food, this is where we had to go. The show focused a lot on their food truck so I was very surprised when the address was a house in a residential neighborhood where people were cooking carnitas under a tent on their front porch. We tried the mulita which is like a quesadilla but with more cheese and let me tell you, it was one of the most amazing things I have ever eaten. My only complaint is being a residential neighborhood, parking was a challenge. We had to park 5 or 6 blocks away and walk and then eat in our car. But, if you are looking for the best carnitas you have ever had in LA, you have to go to Carnitas el Momo, just make sure you’re wearing your walking shoes.

Santa Monica

After lunch, we headed to the place that was probably number one on my must-see list for LA: Santa Monica. Once again, traffic was a bear and it about an hour to get there. We walked to Santa Monica pier where it was wall-to-wall people. We had just eaten so we weren’t hungry and it was too cold for swimming and we drove an hour to get here, so now what? We ended up finding a coffee shop to hang out at for a while before heading back downtown to our hotel.

We ended our day with dinner at Genwa, a Korean Barbecue restaurant. Korean Barbecue is something I have wanted to try for a long time now, but it’s not readily available in our small midwestern town so I figured Los Angeles would be the place to try it and I was not disappointed. They gave us a ton of food, some of it was familiar and some of it was new to me. It was a lot of fun and I am glad we decided to try something new in a city that is known for its food scene like LA.

 

We had an early afternoon flight the next day, so we decided to avoid all the traffic and stay close to the hotel. We walked to the Grand Central Market (above) for lunch and did our own little food tour. Whatever type of food you are looking for, they have it at Grand Central Market and it is delicious.

We stayed at Hotel Per La in downtown LA (above) which I have to say is probably the nicest hotel I’ve ever stayed at. I had first heard about it in the September issue of Travel and Leisure and I knew I had to say there! The rooms were elegant and comfortable. The common spaces were plentiful and gorgeous and the rooftop pool was amazing! I didn’t want to leave! If you are looking for a place to stay in downtown LA, I cannot recommend Hotel Per La enough.

Angels Flight

Overall, I wish we had a better plan for LA because we wasted so much of our time driving around. An organized tour may have helped with this. I had really hoped to see LACMA, the LA Art Museum but we just ran out of time. If I had it to do over again, I would’ve done that instead of driving out to Santa Monica. The traffic and the crowds left me with a negative feeling about LA and I would probably return to any of the other cities we got to see on this trip before I would come back to Los Angeles.

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to stop by next week when I share about our day in the Happiest Place on Earth (and a place crowds don’t seem to get to me), Disneyland! To read more about this trip, check out the Cruising the Pacific Coast Trip Report. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my updated Gear Page.

Wordless Wednesday: Angels Flight

Angels Flight

Page 1 of 2

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén