When I first started drafting blogs for my launch, I imagined a more uniform approach. But, I changed my mind as I started editing my solo drive down the Pacific Coast Highway.
I found images of California's stunning coastline and others that surprised me. I revisited fun places like the Cat Cafe in San Diego, Ostrichland USA in Solvang, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
There was too much that could possibly fit into a single post. Each new set of pictures convinced me that Cali's summertime vibes should be showcased as a series. So throughout July, I'll be debuting my stops along the famous and scenic PCH.
I rented an economy car and ended up in an orange Ford Fiesta, which led to a surprisingly amazing time.
At 7 AM, I convinced the lady behind the counter I was not going to destroy my car at Burning Man and headed south down California's Route 1.
August 26, 2018
I'll start in San Francisco, where my road trip began.
My friend Sal lived in the Bay Area and kindly let me stay with him. We spent my first day of the trip hiking near the Golden Gate Bridge and exploring the San Francisco piers.
♪ Save Me, San Francisco - Train
August 27, 2018
It shouldn't come as a surprise that I'm obsessed with aquariums and zoos.
Before I even left for California, I spent the day with friends at the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut.
Luckily, I had enough coffee to experience the picturesque 17-mile drive down Pebble Beach and check out the Monterey Aquarium.
♪ Cold Little Heart - Michael Kiwanuka
August 28, 2018
The 200-mile drive down the coast to Solvang was filled with winding roads and various scenic vistas. Every twist invited a new view, from mountainous deserts to seaside cliffs.
In the afternoon, I reached my destination: OstrichLand USA. For only $5, I could feed and hang out with 100+ ostriches and emus.
I wandered around the quaint Danish town in the evening and stopped for a drink at one of the local wineries before heading to my hotel.
♪ High - Young Rising Sons
August 29, 2018
656 miles from where I started - and 100s of songs later - I finally reached San Diego.
My friend showed me around and we had the best tacos in La Jolla. We walked around the rugged seacoast and enjoyed hanging with the local sea lions.
I spent my evening on a cliff watching planes in the sky. Days after, I daydreamed about moving to the West Coast, but my free spirit decided it was best to keep traveling.
♪ California Love - 2Pac
September 3, 2018
As much as I would have loved to take California Route 1 North back to San Francisco, I had a job back home. Luckily, I was not disappointed driving inland and choosing to explore Sequoia National Park.
I stayed at an Airbnb with the cutest old lady. We spent the night chatting about life and she left me a thank you on Post-It notes.
I left early the next morning to spend time among the beautifully, and essentially fireproof, large sequoia trees.
♪ Destination Anywhere - Sugarcult
