a la mode

Being from the south...I know that a slice of pie ALWAYS comes with a scoop of ice cream! I admit I was surprised that I could find a Californian Apple Pie that claimed to be THE best....but I did.

 

 

 Julian, California is located in the middle of southern California--inland and north from San Diego and in the hills right before you cross over the Pacific Crest Trail and into the Anza-Borrego Desert. In these hills you pass farm lands and vineyards and find yourself in a small "old timey" mining town with many unique shops, cafés, bed and breakfast, orchards, and the best apple pie in California.

 

 

 
 
The Julian Pie Company ( www.julianpie.com ) sits at the end of the main drag and has a nice outdoor area to eat your pie or cider donuts. Perfectly crisp sweet double crust stuffed with acres of granny smith apples, sugar and cinnamon --just like grandma used to make! The ice cream really tops it off and makes it just right and so yummy in your tummy :) The best thing to go with this pie is some apple cider! Make sure you eat your dessert first when you visit Julian.

 

 

 

 The street is easy to park and walk down the main drag and back to venture into all the shops and galleries. Many things area very unique, hand made and worth the splurge! One small shop was full of home décor items and had many different handmade potpourri  that you scooped into little Chinese to go boxes. They also have some amazing fancy soaps and dried herbs! I stocked up on these things to give away to friends when I got back to KY :) Across from the only two story building there is a jewelry store that featured real butterfly wings-absolutely beautiful and very expensive!

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are in a small, old, all-American town-- you  have to stop in their soda shop!

This diner features plate lunches plus sandwiches and all American milkshakes.



*~beauty in the water~*

A Spanish themed town laced with the most beautiful churches, free spirited artists, hidden gardens and Volkswagen vans...Santa Barbara is a town worth seeing. A quiet and quaint town that is easy to navigate through has plenty to see and do! Hang out at the beach and walk the pier, rent a bike, tour the Mission, eat lunch at the marina or sit and people watch!

 There were several vans like this! So many objects somehow glued to the outside AND inside of this thing! It was a "chin dropper" for sure...this van mostly featured Christian religion based statues--praying Mary's and Jesus' and crosses along with random sea creatures. Seems as though the owners mostly park on a busy sidewalk and open up their doors and sit out side in a chair with a bucket for cash donations. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Old Mission is open for a tour and holds some interesting history about the beginning of Santa Barbara. This place sits on a hill and gives a great view of the land rolling into the sea. The day I went they were hosting a sidewalk chalk art exhibit by local artists. This proved why this coastal town was known as an artist's paradise!

~~a long and winding road~~

There are tons of places that pop into mind when someone thinks about California tourism.... route 1  may not be at the top of your list, but it is a must when wanting to have the chance of becoming one with God's creation. This long and winding road runs the coastline where the Pacific kisses the golden coast.

 

When researching which part of the route I would need to cover to catch many of the historic sites, I found that Santa Cruz to Morro Bay would be a great day's drive with plenty of time to stop and take pictures, eat, walk the beach and have an overnight stay in San Luis Obispo at the iconic Madonna Inn. From much reading and questioning of California natives, driving south on route 1 is the best way to SEE the water and be able to easily pull over  into "look out" spots-which aren't always marked. Starting at Santa Cruz  I headed around Monterey Bay and took the 17 mile drive as covered in a previous posting...windows down, radio up and very thankful for a CLEAR day (sometimes the marine cover is so thick you won't see the car in front of you causing a wasted trip!) I set out due south....

 

This coastal treasure takes you by many light houses, waterfalls, state parks, coastal communities, farms, missions, bridges and shops. The important thing to remember when you start your journey--take your time, don't be in a hurry...lots to see and you won't want to miss anything so start early in the morning. Second, have a full tank of gas-not many options to fill up. Between Monterey and Morro Bay there are only two options to use to turn off of rt 1 and these aren't very populated so plan and book a hotel because you may also lose cell service! Big Sur does have a lodge but stays b00ked and can get expensive but I am sure would be worth spending one night there.

 

 

Bixby Bridge was once the longest concrete arch span bridge that connects Monterey to Big Sur. It was finished in 1932 and continues to be the world's tallest and one of the most photographed Pacific coast concrete bridges. There is a pull off on the north side of the bridge where you can walk along the cliff and get some great pictures!

 

McWay Falls is another frequent photographed California waterfall. It's located in the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park where you can take a trail walk to a lower lookout than the pull out area on the road. Unfortunately, due to landslides and crumbling cliffs I was saddened that I couldn't go down and dance under that waterfall! It definitely looks like the most peaceful place on earth!


Hearst Castle is another big place to visit on this journey but I didn't get to stop because I took to long day dreaming at every stop! By the time I started the decent into the Morro Bay area I was very thankful for a less curvy road and some civilization and a place to rest! There is a small beach to pull over and watch tons and tons of sea otters sunning and grunt and play.  Some coastal towns you can blink and miss as you drive on through.

Morro Bay is not one of those places.....because it has one HUGE rock! There are many little shops along the water along with some great seafood! If you have the chance to be there on a warm day you can hang out in the sand or rent a kayak and go check out the rock and sea life.

 

 

 



San Luis Obispo

Heading inland from Morro Bay you will land in the small town of San Luis Obispo. The Madonna Inn is a highly encouraged place to stay! All the rooms are different themes and they don't go with just a colored bed sheet and lamp....I stayed in the Daisy room....as you can see it was bright and pink and full of daisies! I will admit it had the best toilet (heated seat with a built in bidet!) , shower and plush linens. They also feature a huge heated pool (open late night), multiple hot tubs, bar and massage/spa area. After a day's drive down route 1 you definitely are ready to eat! The Madonna Inn features a high rated steak restaurant that serves up some AMAZING food. The décor is about as outrageous as the rooms of the Inn!
www.madonnainn.com

 



...City of Gold...

 

Golden Gate Bridge, trolleys, and cable cars fill this small hill with the buzz of a true California coastal city. There is SO much to see and do packed into this small bay. Full of green parks with great views, trails, seafood fresh off the boat, and many different neighborhoods full of their very own gems and jewels--San Francisco is a great destination to discover what a coastal town has to offer... 

 

 

 
 
Driving can be difficult in the city because the extra hazard of watching for cable cars is added to the mix. An easy way would be to jump on one of the many tour buses. I'm a huge fan of the "hop on and off" type trolley tour. They give lots of great information and stop at several great places so you can get off to explore as long as you want. There are also many places to rent bikes or you can set off on foot and walk the streets and use the famous cable cars to get around. A great starting place is Fisherman's Wharf. There are several parking structures in the area and the Wharf is full of food and shops making it a great start to a day of exploration!

 Along the Wharf the number one thing is to go get a bowl of crab chowder!! There are many small floating "restaurants" that serve the famous crab chowder in sourdough bread bowls...It is the best thing in the world!!! Of course, if you didn't know, San Francisco is THE place for sourdough bread...Boudin  is a bakery at the Wharf that features a huge window for passerbys to watch the bakers mix, knead and roll the dough into many shapes ready to bake. After watching, go inside and follow the fresh baked bread ride a basket from the ovens through the 5000 square foot building to the café and store to get stocked on the shelves ready for you to buy and take back to the hotel (if it lasts that long) !

When you stroll past the food stands, street performers, cliché gift shops and craft stores-you will reach Pier 39. From here you will be able to watch seals and otters sun on several docks, feed the fish and birds and maybe catch a sailboat race set between you and the best view of Alcatraz  you will get from land! Make sure you have a jacket because even when the sun is out, the wind will be enough to chill your bones...so you may have to go get another bowl of chowder to warm up!

 

 

 

 

 

You could spend a week in San Fran and still not cover all this town has to offer. It has beaches, clubs, food to satisfy all different tastes, and artists of all types that are grounded by a beautiful salty scenery.

There isn't a better place to be a surfer...

...and there isn't a better place to live...
   ~Santa Cruz~

 

 

A small village full of creativity fueled by artists and music lovers alike. This laid back surfer town offers many different things to those that want to stop and wonder the streets. All along the beachfront is a great paved walk way to take in the views of the winding cliffs. Great for looking down on surfers, sea lions and  anything else you may spot swimming around. Santa Cruz also featured on the waterfront a Beach Boardwalk that is home to a roller coaster, carousel, free concerts and clam chowder. At the north end of the city you can see an amazing site....a natural bridge carved from rock by the strength of the sea...many of these can be spotted up and down the coast as you take the walk along stunning houses and whispering sea.

 

The area is also dotted with lighthouses of many shapes and sizes guiding ships in the Monterey Bay.

 

 

~Monterey~                                                                             

Taking a drive south along Hwy 1 around the Monterey Bay there are many areas to pull over and explore. Moss Landing and Seaside feature great little areas to explore. Entering into Monterey you start to get the busy little coastal town feel with traffic lights and one way streets. The best start is a welcome center where you can plan your hot spots to see. This picture was taken along Sunset Drive at Point Pinos Lighthouse Reservation. There is also a public bathroom along the route :)

 

 

A must when heading south out of Monterey is to take the "17 mile Drive" that takes you along the coast to Point Lobos State Reserve where you can find the rare Monterey Cypress along with the view that conjured up Treasure Island. There are many places to pull over and take pictures but just a warning, you have to pay to get on the road to take the self guided tour.

 

Resting up and pre-stretching as you walk around Point Lobos is a must for the next 111 miles of curvy world famous highway 1....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Hunting a Rock Star, a Princess, and a Giant

Once upon a time there was a girl who loved to feel the wind pushing on her wings to carry her higher and higher to places unknown to the normal people of the land. She set out on a journey to find things never seen, taking back roads and paths not trod by anyone with two legs. Never did she imagine the things she would see while flying into the wild world of wonder....

 

The Rock Star

 

Taking to the dirt, trekking down state road 385, I head out to do a little wilderness riding to see the untouched  sands of the California desert. Straight roads without any obstacles lined by Joshua trees and powerlines, I burn rubber and find myself at the feet of a rock "star". Red Rock Canyon National Park was an amazing little stop at the beginning of a curvy road to see some amazing colors erupting from earth's core.

 

 

Red, white, green, black, gold and orange stacked like small layers of a cake rise up out of the earth. The wind, rain and snow carve shapes through this rock making beautiful spirals. Red Cliffs Natural Preserve would be a beautiful place to camp in the elements and I am sure feature a stunning night sky featuring a blanket of stars not seen in cities or suburbs. Along state highway 14 there were magnificent views of desert landscape that invited a feeling of reflection and solitude for a worn soul. As is the case in California, many films have featured these incredible formations as their background. Westerns like The Outlaw and The Big Country, The Mummy (1932), Zorro Rides Again, I'll Be Home for Christmas, and the music video Cater 2 U by Destiny's Child (youtube it, its kinda exciting to see).

 

 

 

On down the road through the canyon and ranch land, steering around the cows that roam free...I chase the setting sun to continue filling my eyes of this rare beauty. Along a stretch of road was billboard after billboard posting how far to the next food and gas stops. One sign I found interesting was 77 miles to the next McDonalds! I didn't know that was possible! I come from a town that has one at every intersection, so it seems. As you wind through the canyon and are lucky enough to do it in the late afternoon with a perfect clear sky and bright sun, you will just be absolutely amazed at the way the land looks so mystical, like a true fantasy never never land.

 

The Princess

Of course, all fantasies have a princess, and what better name than Isabella!? Rounding a curve I see this mirage...I mean I am in the desert! This can't be real?!? In the middle of this gold sand is a grassy area also golden but blowing like a lions mane as it sways in the breeze and surrounds a gift for the gods. Lake Isabella is there for the offering...Hidden among rolling hills lays a place to camp, fish and play.

Many pull up areas to the lake were grassy slanted areas that you could pull your car right up to the water, dump in your boat, jet ski or kayak and explore the curves of the mountains. This little gift of royalty is fed by they Kern River-where they also offer rafting adventures. As you wind down by the lake and the dam you can turn off into a small parking area and explore beyond the "danger do not enter" signs and hop the rocks to touch the raging waters of the Kern...

I found a lovely little "cottage" to stay in Wofford Heights that is just before Kernville (the major camping and recreation area for Lake Isabella). The Barewood Inn and Suites was a great little place to park for the night and rest up for the drive and hike of the Sequoias.

Leaving the Kernville area I headed out on Rt 155...a must to see the "golden hills" and "baby" Sequoias.

 

 

The drive is full of winding roads, road side waterfalls, picnic areas, free range cows, and spectacular views!

I made my way up 196 to Lemon Cove where there are rows and rows of, what else, LEMON TREES :). And also the first Mellow Yellow that I had found in California....though, never found a Mellow Yellow Zero. Weird how you can go state to state and have a totally different selection of drinks and food!

The Giant

Winding up 198 into the Sequoia National Park you will find yourself face to face with another lake perched at the side of some very large hills. Lake Kaweah is mostly a reservoir lake and is kept low and at times almost empty as it manages the water flowing from the Sequoia forest into the low lying cities below. However, I saw boats and fisherman running around the lake and there is a marina. Furthering the quest to find the giant I trek on through the winding roads with camera in hand to catch the thing that is most amazing...

 

 

....the giant....

 

 



...locked inside your heart-shaped box...

 

Finding a waterfall in the desert was a hard task! West of Los Angeles and the middle of the sand you can find a forest and mountain lakes to cool off in those 100+ degree days. San Bernardino National Forest holds several lakes and a great view of the San Bernardino valley. Big Bear Lake, near the top is a big tourist and local place for boating and paddling around. Other lakes found on the mountain are more for canoe and swimming. I found a little lost gem than the run of the mill tourist must see....

 

I headed over to Crestline and the Valley of Enchantment (fancy name, right?!). Here in this area will be Camp Seeley, a summer camp that was featured in the 1998 Disney remake of "Parent Trap". Past the camp entrance you can take a trail road up to the Seeley Creek Trail and Heart Rock. After a nice shaded mile hike along pines and a small creek, you will find yourself at the top of a waterfall that doesn't look so special. Once you climb over to a small cliff that you can look over the clear crisp waterfall, you will see it...the magic. A heart :)