Part 1 – Dancing amongst the redwoods

I am humbled by my roots in the PNW and the sense of home and connection I have experienced as my influence expands and my branches extend across these vast landscapes. However, despite my inherent biases and a deep fondness for this corner of the country- a trip down the California coast is one I longed for since my move. More specifically, I yearned for this adventure with a significant other- someone who understands me intimately and shares similar perspectives on nature and appreciation for the west coast as I do. I feel fortunate that this dream has now become a reality. 

“June gloom” was a daunting phrase I repeatedly encountered in the blogs and content discussing the conditions along the Northern Californian Coast during the week of our trip. However, Brian, always the optimist, urged me to refrain from checking the weather and instead embrace whatever surprises Mother Nature had in store for us. So we packed our rain gear and various other “necessary” gear we thought we would need and sent it to the Oregon coast. 

The mist and fog rolled deep amongst the cliffs along the coast, our excitement grew as we embarked on our 10-day journey southward. I soon discovered that northern California mirrored the tranquil charm of the sleepy coastal towns I have always been attracted to in Oregon. The stillness, uncomplicated lifestyle, and briny scent were among the many qualities we found charming while exploring the quiet towns. 

After spending the night in a farmer’s abode just outside of Crescent City, we geared up to take on the redwoods. As we began to venture through the ancient wonders, the phrase “Holy shit” echoed in my mind, capturing the overwhelming awe that consumed me. Prior to our trip, we had watched a series about the forest gaining knowledge about the towering giants and their resilience. These wonders hold the wisdom of the planet and are treasures of the past.

The series taught us that these trees are viewed as our guardians, and as someone who dives into spirituality, man could I sense their watchful presence. The weight of their age overshadowed even their towering height, leaving me in awe. And the realization that I got to slumber beneath these beings for a few days overwhelmed my soul. It’s a simple truth, really- the redwoods embody a perfect harmony of groundedness, serenity, and beauty- the essence of what everything in existence should aspire to be. 

Though stunning, it was impossible to ignore the lingering impacts of the pandemic and the overwhelming influx of visitors. Many of the sites had been closed off due to the unstable grounds. The unsanitary conditions of the bathrooms and rough state of the roads further showed the strain on park services. It was sad to witness the evident lack of funds and the gradual deterioration of the parks facilities, briefly casting a somber tune over our camping experience. 

As humans, we are drawn to these destinations as a means to escape the noise and distractions of the busy world and be held by nature. However, it felt somewhat disheartening to acknowledge these declined states of the surrounding environment while trying to appreciate its inherent beauty. Nevertheless, I was determined to rise above these thoughts and fully immerse myself into the wisdom and forest, allowing its tranquility to guide me. 

No alarm clock. No rush to leave the comforts of the tent. I also cherish a morning when I get to experience the sun naturally wake me up. During camping, I often cherish the misty morning air combined with the first light of the day. We enjoyed a cup of coffee before setting on our adventure that day. 

In the first half of our hike, we strolled through a rather average forest adorned with a few larger trees. However, everything changed when we stumbled upon a tunnel that lead us under the 101 highway. As we emerged on the other side, we found ourselves surrounded by an enchanting forest, where the trees towered above us in a magical spectacle. We navigated the giants until we eventually reached the river. We floated through the warm shimmery waters until it was time to make our way back to home base. 

The crackling flames illuminated the starry sky above the trees. Sipping on a bottle of red wine, I basked in a sense of deep contentment. Drifting off to sleep that night, I embraced the profound thought that the next nine days held the promise of similarly grand yet simple adventures. This is the life I dream of- a life where days unfold without the constraints of time, where each step forward is driven by the pursuit of beauty. It’s a life where I can immerse myself in the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other, following the path that leads to new wonders and experiences. 

After living through a final morning dancing among the trees and floating down the sparkly waters- we sent it back to the coast to continue onto the second leg of our trip. Each day, we were fortunate to catch glimpses of sunshine, which made the coastal views even more stunning with every stop. Following the sun, we stumbled upon an amazing hip-camp spot right by the ocean, a mere five feet from the cliffside. We slept so close to the waves!

We visited Pt Reyes National Shoreline for an afternoon and were amazed by its remote and untouched nature. The  wildflowers, jagged cliff-sides, and deer gracefully roaming through the fields made the outing special. Brian captured some of his best photos on those cliffs. Pt Reyes felt like endless open spaces, as we followed the road along the coast, we discovered a secluded beach where we were the only ones present. It was a perfect afternoon. 

During these outdoor adventures, finding a warm shower and a warm place to sleep is a real treat. Luckily, we had the opportunity to spend the night in a friend’s cottage nestled among the trees, with a stunning view of San Fransisco. It was a cool contrast of nature within a bustling city. We enjoyed a lovely dinner with his friends and then snuggled up by the cozy cottage fire for a tender night of sleep- a nice break from the camping routine. 

Part 2 – The Big Sur

With each passing day, these nature-filled adventures become more enriching. So, when we finally arrived at our ultimate destination, Big Sur, the anticipation reached its peak. Our accommodation was a unique and quirky yurt tucked away in a lavender field in Carmel Valley. Inside, we were greeted by sparkly, purple pillows and a double-headed shower. 

Our first day driving through Big Sur, the sky was cloudy. However, the beauty of the place still shone through. We had not seen a sunset on our trip yet, and I hoped that the clouds would clear so we could witness one that night. Bri, again, reminded me to stay positive and appreciate the adventure, highlighting why I love this person. I am inspired by his patient, loving and positive climate. The joy of having this person to share these moments with is unmatched. 

It felt like a grand finale from Mother Nature herself on our last day of our journey. Brian had mentioned “Eselen,” a spiritual retreat center nestled on the cliffs of Big Sur, before our trip began. However, we thought it was unlikely that we would be able to experience it firsthand. To our surprise, we stopped by and asked the guard if we could briefly explore the grounds, only to discover that we could volunteer for a few hours. We spent 3 hours washing dishes at Esalen, and in return, we were treated to three delicious meals. We also had the opportunity to soak in the mineral tubs overlooking the ocean, float in the pool, use the mediation room, and even relax by the river.

That day we explored Esalen was truly one of the most beautiful days of my life. It’s hard to put into words the sheer beauty of Big Sur on a sunny day. Experiencing it with someone special made me feel an overwhelming mix of love- for my adventurous life, for the person by my side, and for the undeniable signs from the universe that I was exactly where I was meant to be. We witnessed a breathtaking sunset over the cliffs of Big Sur, followed by the mesmerizing rise of the full moon. “Holy shit” I said once again. 

“The salvation of man is through love and in love.” — Viktor Frankl