Posts Tagged ‘california’

Highway 1

A few weeks ago, my husband and I celebrated our 4th anniversary by taking to the open road and experiencing one of the most scenic coastlines in the U.S. – Highway 1 (otherwise known as PCH or Pacific Coast Highway).

My personal favorite stretch of PCH starts at Pismo Beach and ends in Carmel. Filled with shear cliffs, curvy roads, turquoise water, breathtaking views and crashing waves, it’s as if you stepped into an idyllic postcard.

So sit back, relax and join us as we travel this little stretch of heaven.

San Simeon

San SimeonI loved the elephant seals bathing in the sun!

San SimeonHearst San Simeon State Park

Highway 1

Highway 1

Rocky Creek BridgeImpressive Bridge #1: Rocky Creek Bridge

Rocky Creek Bridge

Bixby BridgeImpressive Bridge #2: Bixby Bridge

Bixby Bridge At 279 feet high, the Bixby Bridge was a sight to behold!

Bixby Bridge
CarmelThe white sands of Carmel Beach

Point Pinos LighthousePoint Pinos Lighthouse – Although not directly off Highway 1, it was a short drive from Carmel and worth the visit!

Point Pinos LighthouseFor a donation of $2.00, you can have a tour of the lighthouse from 1:00-4:00pm every day except Tuesdays & Wednesdays.

Point Pinos LighthouseView from the front of the lighthouse.

17 Mile DriveNo visit to Monterrey is complete without doing the 17 Mile Drive!

17 Mile DriveLife is good at the Spanish Bay.

17 Mile Drive

17 Mile Drive

The Lone CypressThe Iconic Lone Cypress

The Lone Cypress

Point LobosOn our last day, we experienced Point Lobos State Reserve…a must do!

Point Lobos

Point LobosThe scenery is breathtaking!

Point Lobos

Point LobosAnd don’t worry, if you ever lose your driver’s license in Point Lobos like I did, they will happily mail it back to you!  (And how they ever found it will forever be a mystery!)

Point Lobos

Point Lobos

So if you ever want to experience one of America’s most breathtaking coastlines, pack up your car with munchies and great tunes, head to California and get ready for a sensory experience you’ll never forget!





 

 

 

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SanJuanCapistrano

This bit of travel inspiration is brought to you by the talented J.R.R. Tolkien and the historic landmark, Mission San Juan Capistrano!

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Catalina Dreamin'

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Catalina Island
26 miles across the sea…Santa Catalina is waiting for me!”

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Lake Arrowhead

Magic Hour + Lake Arrowhead = Perfection

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PHOTO BLISS

Death ValleyZabriskie Point

Beauty can be found everywhere…even in a place called Death Valley.

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I was so shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of California icon, Huell Howser.

His love for California and genuine enthusiasm and curiosity for this great state and its people was lovingly shown week after week on his popular program, “California’s Gold.”  Huell inspired thousands to get out and experience all the wonder that California has to offer.

I had the privilege of meeting Huell at a travel show several years ago, and he was just as sweet and charming in person as he was on television.  When he spoke of California, he spoke with great affection…in that endearing Tennessee twang!

Huell HowserGod bless you Huell.

You will be greatly missed Huell…and will forever be California’s Gold!

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Can I get a drum roll please?  I am so excited to announce the newest addition to Passport to Bliss…Video Bliss!

Throughout my travels and wanderings through life, I have enjoyed taking videos.  Some are scenic, some are interesting, some are silly, some are totally random but kinda fun…and then there are those where I provide my own travel narratives in an attempt to be like a famous host on the Travel Channel or something…and those will probably remain in the vault!

Well, it’s time to dust off the videos & showcase them to the world!

This first video is one that I created and posted recently after welcoming the mighty Shuttle Endeavour home (Space Shuttle Endeavour – A Homecoming to Remember.)  I was really happy with the outcome and thought it would be a great way to kick off Video Bliss.

I hope you enjoy!

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You know what brings me bliss?

Space Shuttle Endeavour!Spaceships traveling down the streets of Los Angeles, of course!

Last Saturday on October 13th, my husband and I got to be a part of history as we joined thousands of excited spectators on the streets of Los Angeles in welcoming the Space Shuttle Endeavour home.

It was a celebration like no other!

Streets were blocked off, family and friends partied in their front yards and on rooftops, cameras, tripods and media appeared in droves, news crews lined the streets, strangers became friends, the Goodyear Blimp circled the skies and helicopters hovered overhead in anticipation for her arrival.

Talk about celebrity treatment!

As we stood on the sidewalk with enthusiastic spectators, a spirited “Woo-hoo!” came from the crowd followed by “Oohs and ahhs” with fingers pointing down the street.  In the distance, inching her way up Crenshaw Boulevard (with quite the  police escort) was the guest of honor, the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

Endeavour

I swear she was smiling and gleaming with pride as her wings stretched out over the cheering crowd.

Endeavour

People laughed, cried, stared in awe, waved, hugged, sang and cheered.  It was a beautiful thing to come together in celebration of the mighty Endeavour.

Just thinking about it gives me the chills.

Endeavour

I was so inspired that over the next couple of days I created a fun video comprised of photos and video footage we took set to a well known musical score.  I hope this brings you as much joy as it did for me.  Enjoy!

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…when I say that California has some of the most gorgeous coastal bluffs!!!  Maybe I’m prejudice because I’m a California native, but you just gotta check this out:

My husband and I traveled to San Luis Obispo for our 2 year anniversary a few weeks ago, and we decided to check out Montaña De Oro State Park.  This park is a wonderland of jagged cliffs, coastal plains, private beaches, canyons and scenic hikes including 1,347-foot Valencia Peak (which provides some pretty awesome views…but that’s for another post.)

For now, let’s get back to those coastal bluffs:

Have a beautiful week!

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