A Minute in the Life of Maria: california

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Lancaster, CA: Ripley Desert Woodland State Park

Known for it's Joshua and Juniper Trees, Arthur B. Ripley Woodland State Park is located about an hour away from Santa Monica in Lancaster. We drove out here to see the Poppy Reserve which is located right down the road, but unfortunately, we did not receive enough rain this past winter and there are no poppies to be seen. We decided to go to Arthur B. Ripley Woodland State Park which was right down the road. It's tough to find the entrance, so it's best to keep an eye on your odometer or GPS as you approach the entrance, which is literally a metal gate. There is no parking lot, you can pull over and park your car along the side of the road. This park was nice and it was wonderful to see the Joshua Trees and Juniper Trees, but there isn't much more than that to see, and the walking trail was very short. The coolest part of this trip for us was taking advantage of the empty stretch of dessert road to take some pictures in the middle of the road. I would definitely make the stop if you are going to the Poppy Reserve, but otherwise it's not worth the long drive.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Point Dume State Beach and Natural Preserve, Malibu

Driving up the Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Monica to Malibu.

Drive 18 miles north up the Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Monica

and you will arrive at Point Dume Natural Preserve and State Beach.

A short trail through the headlands leads to a coastal bluff which overlooks the entire Santa Monica Bay. The fresh ocean air, crystal clear water below, and the spectacular panoramic view of the entire coastline remind you of how expansive and beautiful this Earth is.

The view south towards Santa Monica and Playa del Rey.

We went at the end of January and these beautiful yellow flowers covered

the entire headland leading up the the cliffs.

The view north towards Malibu.

Take the walk down the two flights of stairs to get to Point Dume State Beach.

We saw a ton of sea anemone and crabs in the tide pools to the right of the stairs.

A great place to catch the sunset is at The Sunset Restaurant which is at the bottom of the hill coming down from Point Dume onto Zuma Beach.

Monday, April 30, 2012

San Juan Bautista, California

My life has been in fast forward since December of 2011; 3 weddings, a bridal shower, a bachelorette party, a baby shower and numerous domestic and an international trip later, I have so much to share!

Let's start with January 1st, 2012:) This was a fun day trip I took with my family in

Northern California. We started here in San Juan Bautista and ended the night in Capitola

watching the sunset with a cup of coffee from the popular Mr. Toots Coffeehouse.

Mission San Juan Bautista is the 15th and largest of the 21 Spanish missions

that have been established in the state of California.

Located south of Santa Cruz, California,

Mission San Juan Bautista sits along the San Andreas Fault

The original floor tiles show animal tracks which were said to have been made

when the tiles were left outside to dry when they were first made.

Statue of Saint John Baptist sculpted by Thomas Marsh

Around the Spanish Plaza still stand 30 or so historic buildings including the nunnery and the Plaza Hotel, which until 1858 were soldier's barracks. The town of San Juan Bautista is a great way to see what the California was like 160 years ago.

Sun setting over Capitola

Monday, December 5, 2011

Experience and Explore: Portola Redwoods State Park Part 1

Forty Five minutes from Saratoga, hides Portola Redwoods State Park. The only way into the park is a tiny, windy road (with no guard rails), guaranteed to make you car sick. Once you arrive, you realize the price you paid to get here is so worth it. This place is a real life wonderland; everything about the park is so magical and enchanting. Take a look....