Some may say Ive gone over the edge.
Some may say Im running away.
Some may say I'm moving towards a brighter future.
I honestly don't know what to say besides.
One year ago Yesterday I packed up my car and had my husband and my best friend by my side.
We were Heading to Cali.
For a new beginning and a bright future.
The best friend along for the adventure.
And the husband Ready to Take over the World by my side.
The picture below was taken one year ago today
After we made it
739.9 miles to Chesterton indiana on our first days drive.
A Year Later I made it to my intended destination SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA,
just minus one person in the car.
And This is the story of how i finally made it there.
And all the fun that happened along the way.
You may ask......
What happens when you put two high school friends who are now in their 30's
and both getting Divorced in a car and tell them to have fun?
The proof is in the pictures.
I must start this by saying I have taken many many road trips in my life.
BUT THIS WAS BY FAR THE MOST AMAZING ROAD TRIP I HAVE EVER TAKEN.
Thank You Courtney.
Well As you all know Courtney took leave and hopped on a plane to take over the world with me.
Well maybe not the world, maybe more like I-5 and many other roads that lead you south of oregon.
Our Adventure started in Portland And trust me we had every intention of keeping it weird while we were there.
NOW ITS TIME TO HIT THE ROAD....
CUE SOME TUNES FOR THE DRIVE.....
Press Play on video below.
Its times like these you learn to live again.
South bound it is ......
The world is Ours....
Anything can happen from here on out...
Like random Bunny Ninjas Hopping in the front seat of your car and taking you on an adventure.
Oh wait that is just me.
Courtney and I couldn't stop laughing most of day one.
I was at the wheel dressed as a NINJA BUNNY, We were singing along to music, The sun was in the sky...... Oh and ..............
We were making jokes out of everything. My favorite was the really horrible Bad fish joke that spawned from listening to Sublimes song Bad fish.
Cause you know I'm just a bad bad fish. Too bad i didn't have a fish costume in my car.
No I'm not going to post the song. If you want to hear it go goolge it.
A few hours south of Portland We looked up in the sky to what appeared to be a Small Funnel Cloud
Forming above us as it got windy.
I looked at Court and asked... Does southern Oregon Have Tornado's?
Check out the pics below. I am not crazy...
Well maybe a lil crazy but MY GOD THAT LOOKS LIKE A TWISTER.
We weren't in Kansas anymore though.
And upon watching the clouds swirl and form that funnel made us believe it even more.
We made it past The creepy funnel and continued our way to our stop for the first night,
Which was Crater Lake.
Along the way I must say it was never a dull moment.
Pulling over at random bodies of water trying to figure out where we could jump in and swim.
At a few stops we actually got yelled at that we weren't allowed to swim there.
Well bunny says BOO ON YOU.
And it wasn't me.
You may ask where the Bunny Ears came from.
Well you can refer back The easter blog where i bought them for $1
Then you may ask why were they in my car?
Oh if you knew half the fun stuff i keep in my car you would think I'm nuts.
But you know what NO more asking questions....
The Honest answer to everything at this moment in time on this road trip is
I DONT WANT TO GROW UP!!!!!
Que the Ramones...
Yes that means press play on the video Below.
Ahhhh Yes i love fun music.
Don't you?
Does a bunny Pee in the woods?
Of course it does.
And no I wasn't peeing I was just being random and silly and felt like showing off my butt.
But i must say it made for a fun photo.
Moving on.
On our adventure we went from farm land along the highway, to pretty mountains,
Then all of a sudden Lush Green forests That looked like something out of the movie fern gully.
Courtney and I realized there was a pretty stream off to the right of the road and soon made it our mission To find somewhere to pull over and hop in.
We found a camp ground and pulled off and made out way to the water.
This time with no one around to tell me the word i hate the most.
Yup NO!!!
The stream was so cold and was moving swiftly.
But courtney was a brave soul and went for it and took the plunge.
And i caught it on video.
And on Camera also
After enjoying some time by the stream we decided to explore a little bit and we discovered Patches
Of the world biggest Clovers i had ever seen.
Some bigger than the palm of my hand and it was like they were every where.
I love lucky clovers.
Before getting back in the car we decided we needed to stay fit and do some squats to make up for all the sitting we were doing.
Farther down the road we saw signs for water falls so we turned off and went to find them.
Upon driving down this long dark wooded road we came to an empty lot with signs about water falls and we decided to go explore down the random paths to follow the sound of falling water.
This was our reward for being adventurous.
I don't know the name of it and i really don't care all i know was it was a beautiful sight.
And very hard to capture with my iPhone.
About an hour later the sun started to set and i started to get nervous.
Our goal was to make it to crater lake before sun down. But with all the lollie gagging we were doing we were running late.
As long as i can remember Knowing Courtney Crater Lake has been the One place in the USA that she has always wanted to go.
On this road trip it was my mission to make sure she got to see it and enjoy it.
And we made it just in the nick of time.
Upon entering the park We had our windows down and all of a sudden we started feeling things pinch us that hurt like nothing i ever felt before.
IT WAS THE ATTACK OF THE SATANIC MOSQUITOS.
So up the windows went.
To our surprise in many areas of park still had snow on the ground.
So of course we did what any 30 something respectable adults would have done.
Pulled over and made a mini snow man while dressed in a sexy santa dress.
I always wanted to celebrate Christmas in July.
A little farther into the park we actually reached the edge of Crater Lake its self.
I of course had to play spider man and scale the walls of the sign.
But this HUGE BEAUTIFUL Natural Creation was so Breathe Taking.
These pictures did Crater Lake no Justice and yes the water really is that Blue.
If you don't remember from my blog post just under a yr ago Crater Lake is a Volcano That blew its top. If you want to know more You can click these fancy colored words and a fun fact link will pop up.
On our way out of Crater Lake national Park we got to witness one of the most beautiful Sunsets I have seen in a while.
We drove and drove into the night till we found a motel with Vacancy
And when we found one there was only one lonely parking spot left in the lot.
Yup under a tree.
My poor car got shit on by the birds.
The matrix does not look good in white polka dots.
Off to the car wash for Maddie The Matrix.
Day 2 Called for a new Furry Friend to take us on an adventure.
So I decided I would be a NINJA PANDA!!!!!!
I kept forgetting i had a Bandana around my face and a Panda Hat on head.
People driving by were looking at me as if something was wrong with me.
Heck haven't they ever had fun and been Random before?
In case you didn't notice I was starting to feel a little more like myself.
I was starting to wake up from the coma i fell into long ago.
The fun Police were gone and it was GAME ON!
About an hour into our drive we Crossed in to CALIFORNIA!!!!
And we were driving through the ring of fire.
Yes you heard me right not like the Johnny Cash song.
More like Mount Shasta and surrounded by many other VOLCANOS.
The top Volcano is Mt. Shasta and the bottom one i honestly don't know the name of but you can see where it once blew its top.
Upon stopping this time we got out of the car and did push ups and Planks.
We are strong or so i like to tell myself that i am.
Upon looking for a specific rest stop and ending up off the beaten path again and by another beautiful little stream. We decided to pull over and make phone calls to our moms.
So Mom this is one spot i called you from on the road.
And after calling you i decided to go be a YOGA NINJA PANDA.
And prove that Bears even if they are pandas do poop in the woods.
After being silly and loving life a lil too much
we continued down the road to Shasta Lake.
We originally pulled off at a marina and tried finding a spot for swimming but apparently you can't swim near boats or docks.
If that makes any sense.
So we drove down a little dirt road and climbed down this big rock wall to take a dip.
The water was so pretty we couldn't resist.
It seems that we brought a duck back with us too.
Oh wait sorry that is just me with pringles in my mouth.
It was so weird being the passenger in my own car.
Im so used to no one else having a license and me having to drive every where.
But courtney was an angel and drove my lil Matrix like a champ and allowed me way too much time to be goofy and take retarded pictures of my self.
Oh yeah and text message people.
Since she was driving i had the honors of digging through my old CD books that haven't been touched in a good few years to rediscover Music i thought was lost.
Well some of it was probably better off forgotten but we took the music stroll down memory lane and it was sup rising that we still had voices by the end of the day.
Now not to ruin the moment but do you know how much gas costs in the middle of no where California?
Look below to find the answer to that question and then say EEEKKKK!!!!
The whole time Courtney and i were on this road trip so far we realized we were having so much fun that we were forgetting to EAT. How does one forget to eat is beyond me.
But we did. So a pit stop at In & Out Burger was in Order.
I vote In & Out Burger to be The Best Fast Food in the USA.
After In n out we decided to take a Chance
And Head on over to see what kind of trouble we could get into in Good Old OAKLAND.
Cue Music.....
Yup that still means press Play. :)
We headed over to my Favorite Dive Bar in Oakland
It was nice to be reunited with people that are like family to me.
Yes i used to stay up in oakland for a hot minute and know a ton of amazing people there.
It was so nice to be reunited with Keli. I missed her so Much.
My friend Brandon took the bart train over to Oakland from San Francisco.
I haven't seen brandon for years. He is originally from NJ too.
Its strange how most of our circle has migrated to the west coast.
And so many other people that i didn't capture pictures of but i love all the same.
Sonny and Steve you're included in that comment.
The next morning Courtney and I woke at Keli's and decided Breakfast and Mimosa's were in Order.
So off we went to Jack London Square to find Bottomless Mimosa's.
It was so nice to spend the morning with the girls.
We had a chance to chill by the docks and chat.
It was amazing that even though Keli and Courtney had never met before that they instantly became friends. I really am Blessed with all the amazing people I have in my life.
Keli decided before we left town she had to take courtney to The Last Chance Saloon
Where Jack london spent time writing and drinking way back in the day.
It really is a cool piece of history and has a completely slanted bar but your drink does not slide.
But due to us all having mouths like sailors and the sign pictured below we weren't allowed to stay at that bar for too long.
I felt bad cause i wanted to spend more time with Keli But we had to hit the road.
So we drove Keli home. Yes 3 lovely ladies in the front seat since the rest of the car was packed to the roof.
After dropping Keli off we remembered we had an Out Brake light and made a pit stop at Walmart to pick one up. But got a little detoured in the toy section.
Courtney and i were on a mission to find fun cheap toys and costumes for this new day.
I had a little too much fun playing dress up with the little girls costume clothing in the doll isle.
I sent a text out a very sweet friend who had been along on the journey via text asking what animal should i be today.
He responded a Squirrel. Now when have you ever seen a squirrel costume sold any where?
Instead i found a Alligator and took this picture t inform him that the alligator ate his squirrel and to pick another animal.
Little side note. Did you know 99% of the time if you text me while I'm on a road trip you will most likely receive a random crazy photo in response.
So we finally picked up the tail light but neglected to install it cause that meant emptying the first lair of stuff packed i the bak of the car. And we hit the road again figuring if we got pulled over at least it was in the car. Upon leaving Oakland heading towards Santa Cruz and the Pacific Coast Highway we got caught in a little bit of California's Amazing Bumper to Bumper Traffic where boredom in the drivers seat took over.
Band Aids on the digits of my fingers for no reason a princess Crown from my 27th Bday that yes still lived in my car, And of course fun with my mascara.
My throat was feeling a little froggy from singing so much so we took it easy on the music and just laughed and giggled.
We finally made it to Santa Cruz a million hours later.
Just to take a stroll over the Train Bridge from the movie Lost Boys.
And Quickly submerge our selves in the Very Cold Pacific Ocean.
We ended up doing a little rock climbing up a cliff to get back to the car. But our reward was this beautiful view of the Santa Cruz Board walk and Beach
Just south of santa Cruz is a lot of Coastal Farm Land where most of what i eat comes from.
Yup I love my fruits and veggies.
I stopped and picked up some strawberries figuring we had to remember to eat.
I love strawberries and i believe they love me too.
Here proof.
After getting past The farm land Courtney soon got to see why PCH is by far my favorite road to travel south bound in the USA.
The Picture below is the amazing scenery you see the whole way down only slightly different from place to place.
I didn't edit either of these pictures. This is just the pure beauty of the California Coast.
Me and my professional camera are still not friends so courtney took it upon herself to be a little shutter bug and Play with my camera.
One day when i feel up to it i will upload the memory cards and all the pictures she took to the computer. Till then i hope you enjoy my iPhone Photography Posted in this Update.
I had completely forgotten that PCH passes Through Big Sir which is home to some Big beautiful giants known as RED WOOD TREES.
Yes we are Tree huggers/ We had to hug them just to show you how big they are .
And Red Wood Trees are old and need love too.
We drove into the night hoping to find a camp site that wasn't over booked.
But we had no luck. We were in a no cell service zone with no roads to turn off and all the tiny little motels said NO Vacancy , All the stores were shut down and all the restaurants closed.
EXCEPT ONE called whale watchers. WE pulled off to get dinner and a beer.
Decided our best bet was to drive a bit north where we saw RV's pulled off on the side of the road and just sleep in the car. Yes the back of the car was packed to the roof but courtney and i are tiny ladies so we decided to curl up in the front seats. Her in the passenger seat and me in the drivers seat.
Due to the back of the car being loaded up with stuff we were unable to recline the seats.
So we made ourselves as comphy as possible and passed out not knowing what kind of a view we were going to wake up to the next morning. But felt safe cause at least there were other Vehicles and people around in those Vehicles.
The next morning we woke to this. The Beautiful over cast foggy sky and THE OCEAN!!!
Upon driving a little farther down PCH we stumbled upon a beach full of Elephant Seals.
They were everywhere and so amazing to watch and listen to.
After Leaving the Seals we stumbled upon a very very small town and Courtney spotted a costume shop. So of course we had to stop and see what kind of fun things we could find in here.
WHy do we need costumes?
Cause maybe i didn't feel like being Me at the moment.
Or may because. GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN....
Cue Music.
It was all Monkey Business from here on out.
Yes courtney and i bought fun $4 Masks.
Why ????? OH WHY NOT......
A quick stop at the really fancy Madonna Inn which is a coastal Landmark and one hell of an amazing hotel
We decided to be fancy too and go use their rest room.
Look at this fancy place. LOL. We heard the mens room had rock and waterfall urinals but we didn't have the guts to go in and check in fear of there being guys in there.
Farther down the road i made a pit stop to ride on some rides
And get some of the best pea soup in the world.
Andersens PEA SOUP SO SO SO GOOD.
And take fun filled photos
From there i decided The car needed to be high jacked by A NINJA CAT.....
Cause we were almost in LA.
I took courtney to my favorite beach just north of Malibu and we found Neon Sea Creatures
And beautiful Purple Star fish.
Now i knew Venice Beach was Straight down PCH but i wanted to see if there was a faster way to get there. So i typed in Venice Beach Pier into the maps APP on my phone and told me to drive almost 3000 miles east to end up at Seaside Heights NJ. Um DEAR PHONE I LOVE YOU BUT I AM NOT GOING BACK TO NJ JUST YET.
After the mis hap with my phone i figured out my way to Venice to make a pit stop to see My amazing Friend Ro. He's sort of amazing and originally from NJ too.
After leaving Ro, It started to set in that this road trip was coming to an end and life was about to get real again. Courtney would have to go back to NJ and i would be living on a couch
and trying to get my life together and established again.
So It kicked in even more when we arrived at Chris' Place in Huntington Beach.
Courtney and i each picked a couch and passed out like the dead.
After sleeping in the front seat of the car the night before That couch was almost like heaven.
We woke and dilly dallied a bit then rented a Uhaul Van and went off to get my pallets of stuff from LA that had beat us here.
From there It was time to put my life back in storage.
This hurt cause i never wanted to rent a storage locker for my life ever again.
But here i was.
My life had come full circle.
9 Years ago in November I left NJ to move in with Chris and another room mate and spent a month on their couch before getting a condo and obtaining my own room.
And here i am again.
To keep me from being sad Courtney ran across the street to the Ice Cream Man and bought me Ice Cream. Did you know Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Ice Creams are amazing.
Later that night I brought Courtney to the airport and wanted to cry .
I didn't want her to go back i didn't want the adventure to end.
I didn't want to come back to reality.
But part of growing up and being responsible is accepting that this is how it had to happen.
So what have i been up to since then?
Well Ive sort of been being a hermit, Avoiding FB besides for work,
Riding a Beach Cruiser to the beach
Staying out of trouble.
Trying to save Money.
And Spending Lots of Time at The BEACH Watching the waves and Thinking.
I will apologize that i have been here for almost 2 weeks and have only seem a handful of people.
But i must say i am beyond ecstatic That i spent a day at the beach with My good friends Lenny and Colleen. They are sort of amazing.
I also had the pleasure of Going to a Star Wars Art Show in Westminster with Ro.
And got to hang with a few storm troopers.
I find Peace with getting lost in the ocean.
I have been spending a lot of alone time at the beach just trying to figure things out.
and Trying to decipher whats next and what i want out of life.
The nicest part of being back in Orange County Is Being able to actually go to work 3 days a week.
I really am grateful for my job at Yeti Media.
I love the People i work with.
They are Fun and intelligent and just all around good people.
am honored to be part of their team.
I Know I promised i would focus on the fun times.
And I was going to apologize for this being a little long.
But at the same time Its my blog and i don't have to apologize and i can write what ever comes to mind.
It is sinking in a little more
the reality of being back to square one
the reality of sleeping alone again
the reality that the last almost 4 years just went out the window.
The reality that I HAVE TO FIND MYSELF AGAIN.
IVE BEEN A BIT OF A WEIRD LIMBO AND A FUNK SINCE COURTNEY LEFT.
I still have this crazy urge to travel, I have this crazy urge to not sit still.
But I'm living pay check to pay check and know i have to be responsible and grow up.
Its time for me to figure out what i want out of life.
So where do we go from here????????
Everyone keeps telling me.......
SO I GUESS THIS IS WHERE THE REAL NEXT CHAPTER BEGINS..............
TO BE CONTINUED......................................
Next chapter yayyy!
ReplyDeleteGlad you're doing okay. <3
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