Tag California

Travels throughout the “Golden State.” While California earned its title in the 1848 gold rush, there is still plenty of metaphorical gold to be discovered through out this incredibly diverse state.

Fish Rocks

Graffiti or art in the California Desert

Out in the remote California desert, a debate between art, graffiti, and history rages in slow motion at the Fish Rocks (aka "Whale Rocks" or "Fish Head Rocks,"). These painted rocks off highway 178 trace their origins back to the 1930s. Since then, the question of art vs. graffiti has swirled long enough around this rock outcropping. In the 1970s, the fish faces along with other graffiti that had accumulated over the decades were painted over to restore the natural look of the rocks. Yet, the fish faces prevail as various visitors have restored the fish faces through the years.

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Borrego Palm Canyon Trail

We do not come to Anza-Borrego with particular plans. So, in the morning, we go into town, Borrego Springs, for a recommendation on what to do with the day. A little research indicates that there is a community of big horn sheep in Anza-Borrego and the place to see them is the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail.

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Melville Winery

While the Melville Winery boasts award winning Chardonnay, like most vineyards in the Santa Rita Hills outside of Santa Barbara, it specializes in Pinot Noir.

For the burgeoning oenophile, Melville Winery is a delight and education. While the winery boasts award winning Chardonnay, like most in this ideal appellation, it specializes in Pinot Noir.

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Kirk Creek Campground

Kirk Creek is one of the most desirable campgrounds we have every visited. Amenities are limited: there are no hookups or running water and only pit toilets, a picnic table, and fire circle. Yet, the cliffside campsites with unobstructed ocean views mean that spots can book up six months in advance.

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Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground

Nestled among the Red Wood Trees and bordering the Big Sur River is the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground. This highly desirable campground can book up six months in advance though flexible travelers looking for one night have reasonable odds of coming up lucky. Each campsite includes the standard fire ring and picnic table. Shared bathrooms include running water and showers. A mix of redwood and other trees provide visual privacy for each site.

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Monterey Bay Aquarium

Halls of sea otters, jellies, tropical fish, seahorses, octopus, and other aquatic wonders on display at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Monterey Bay Aquarium is a delight of frolicking sea otters, delicate jellies, colorful choral fish, and awkward coastal birds. The Aquarium first opened its doors to the public on October 20, 1984 in the former 1916 Hovden Cannery. It currently boasts 34 major galleries with close to 200 exhibits featuring 550 different species totaling 35,000 creatures in residence. It is a joy for all ages but the child in me was particularly a thrill.

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The Best Point Lobos Hike

See whales, sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, pelicans, herons, egrets, and all Point Lobos State Natural Reserve offers in an ultimate 5-mile hike.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is one of the most remarkable natural destinations along the California shore line. It is host to one of only two naturally occurring stands of Monterey cypress trees. Sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, great blue herons, snowy egrets, pelicans, and other remarkable wildlife regularly visit the point. Best of all, almost every foot of the shoreline is covered in hiking trails.

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