Planning my next adventures...

I mentioned in an earlier post that I'm planning my 2nd trip to Europe. Well, it's more than planned. It's booked. I'm going to Italy at the end of September.

I'll be making other trips this summer, and having additional adventures, but this is going to be the big one. At least for this year.

On Being Asked Stupid Questions

I know. "There's no such thing as a stupid question." In many situations, I would agree with that sentiment. However, there really is such a thing as a stupid question, and I got asked a seriously dumb one on my trip to Monterey.

See, I ran out of film on the way up Highway 1, because I spent so much time photographing the elephant seals.

Can you blame me for taking a bunch of photos?

Anyway, I stopped at one of the little tourist traps along the coast, and asked someone if they had any film. I didn't care what type, even, as long as they had film. The woman I asked responded by asking, "Don't you have a memory card?" 

I didn't even know how to respond. I mean, why would I be asking for FILM if I had a digital camera that I could just stick a fresh memory card in? I had a good laugh once I was back in my truck, and suffice to say, had to wait until I got up to Monterey before getting more film. 

So, since I didn't get to take all the pictures I wanted to on my way up the coast, I obviously had to drive back home the same way so I could use my fresh supply of film.

Getting home later than planned was completely worth it, since I got the pictures I wanted to take.

Monterey, CA 2013

Since I'd made a point of starting my weekend by driving past LA on Friday night, I was able to really take my time driving up the coast. Even though I spent over an hour watching the elephant seals, I still had plenty of time to stop in Andrew Molera State Park for a trail ride that went through coast redwoods and right down to the beach.

There's nothing quite like riding a horse through the woods, smelling the ocean getting closer until you can hear the waves over the sound of the wind in the trees. It's magical. Definitely something I recommend.

Once I finally cruised in to Monterey, I had plenty of time to enjoy dinner on the bay and explore a bit to get my bearings for Sunday.

Sunday morning was spent grabbing breakfast at a little cafe in Monterey. I wish I could remember the name of the place, because it was incredible. Then I wandered over to the Aquarium, taking time along the way to take pictures of everything that caught my eye. Wandering down Cannery Row was great fun. Between people watching and stopping to look for seals and dolphins in the bay, it was a very pleasant walk.

Monterey Bay

The Monterey Bay Aquarium didn't disappoint, either. In addition to the interior exhibits, they have an outdoor observation deck, where you can watch for wildlife in the bay, like dolphins and otters (both of which I saw while there).

 Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey, CA 2013

The drive up the coast was peaceful. It was just me in my truck, with no pressure to follow any particular schedule, or hold up my end of the conversation. I could stop where and when I wanted, and do as I pleased.

I stopped for almost an hour just to photograph the elephant seals just north of San Simeon, CA. They're pretty ridiculous, and fun to watch.

Travel Revelation

I've always wanted to travel, but it always seemed like a pipe dream. Like something other people got to do. So I'd read, study, and dream. I'd try to get other people on board to go places with me, to do things with me.

Then I realized something: if I keep waiting for other people to do things with me, I'll never do anything at all.

NOW YOU CAN'T STOP ME.

I started with weekend getaways and day trips while living in Southern California, and 2 years later, I'm planning my 2nd trip to Europe. And almost every trip has been solo (with a couple exceptions made for AWESOME people).

The first test of my "travelling solo is great" theory was Monterey, CA.

 

Prague, Czech Republic. Fall 2014.