California

Big Sur- Kirk Creek Campground

Our first day on the road brought us outside of LA to Orange. I have family there and we stayed the night with them before heading to our first camp- Kirk Creek in Big Sur. We had a good night with good food and conversation, and were refreshed and ready to go in the morning.

Once we bypassed all of the LA traffic, we got to see some beautiful views along the coast. It was a bit of a sketchy drive through the winding hills with construction going on, but Wes is an excellent and patient driver, so we made it safely and in decent time.

Once we arrived at the campground, we knew we had made a good call reserving our spot there. The views of the ocean were sweeping and wide. We were on a hill, so we overlooked all of the campers in front of us. Our little grassy knoll was perfect for setting up the awning and chairs to just sit and enjoy the vista.

There was a small and winding trail that ran alongside the creek and down to the ocean. The trail was lined with giant clover, wildflowers, and bunches of trees. We walked down to the beach right before sunset and dipped our feet in the cool freshwater creek, then sat on the rocky shore just enjoying the sound and smell of the ocean. It was far too rocky and wild to swim, but I wish I could have taken a dip!

Back at camp, we had many critters around to keep us company. There were adorable little ground squirrels and tiny little rabbits. We even had a gopher snake and some raccoons join in on the fun! They hung out as we made dinner and finally went to their respective hideouts by the time the sun was going down. We watched the most breathtaking sunset and just sat listening to Harry Potter, enjoying the moment together.

The next morning was damp and foggy and lovely. We were able to clean up camp pretty quickly and get back on the road. We headed for the Monterey Bay Aquarium before our next stop in Big Basin State Park.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay is an adorable little seaside town with a beautiful aquarium. We were lucky enough to find free, untimed parking walking distance to the aquarium. It was so beautiful!

At the aquarium we saw some amazing creatures and sea life. It happened to be a very busy day, but we were able to get all the way through the facility and see all the cool exhibits. I loved the open ocean tank with hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, rays, and other cool creatures. Wes’ favorite was the tentacles exhibit. It was all about octopi and squid, and there was an art installation as well.

We couldn’t take our time there as we had to make it to Big Basin State Park before dark so we could set up camp, but we managed to have a great time.

Big Basin Redwood State Park- Sempervirens Campground

This site was a little crowded for our taste, but it sure was beautiful! There were a lot of rules and regulations at this particular park due to the fact that they are home to an endangered bird, the Marbled Murrelet. We had to be extra careful with crumbs and trash because the crows and jays are their number one predator.

While at camp, we started hearing this strange popping and cracking sounds, then a huge thunderous crash. We quickly realized that a tree had fallen not too far from where we were camped! It was crazy.

Sonoma Coast State Park- Bodega Dunes Campground

This is the one spot we weren't too happy with. Thankfully, we were only there for one night. It was literally a big sand pit, and the beach was not nice at all. Overall, it wasn't horrible, just not our favorite place so far.

Patrick's Point State Park- Agate Campground

I wish we could have stayed here another night or two, as it is one of my favorite spots so far. Not only was there beautiful scenery, but our campsite was secluded and surrounded by lovely trees. They even had free hot showers! I would highly recommend this place to anyone traveling up the California coast.

The next morning we drove to the Redwood National Park and did a small hike. It was amazing and humbling. Seeing the age and sheer size of those trees was an experience I'll never forget.

That wraps up our time in Cali! It was lovely and great, but we were glad to move on.

-Bri