Red-Rockin' Trip

whether I am running or hiking, I always feel a little closer to God

 

 

 

 

Over Presidents Day weekend, Cars and I drove to Las Vegas for the weekend. It was b-e-y-o-n-d relaxing and exactly what we needed after insanely busy schedules balancing an internship at Domo + BYU's Junior Core for IS and me teaching HS, mentoring new teachers + coaching track! 

Carson's Mission President and his wife are going on another mission to NYC. These people pictured above ^^ are two of the greatest people you will ever meet. Through Carson's two year mission in Poland and three years home, they have remained unbelievably close--> we had to go for the big debut.

We enjoyed the sunshine, the Mexican street tacos, breathtaking hikes, great friends, sleep (yes!), dusting off my DSLR camera(!), spontaneous off-roading, and inspiring experiences. Taking a few quiet moments away from the world, makes me such a better person in this world. It's amazing how a few days can refill the soul and keep me sane! Also, can we talk about the Red Rock? God is good!

Day 4 & 5: Sun Kissed

We were soooo excited to go to the beach! We grabbed some delicious Mexican food from a hole-in-the-wall joint, parked the car next to these gorgeous homes, threw on our suits and ran to the water. Newport Beach is gorgeous. Everything was simply perfect. 

^^ we weren't the only ones who wanted some beach time!

You may not be able to tell but the waves were GINORMOUS-->the biggest I have ever been in. Half the time I would try and grab onto Cars to stay afloat the other half I was spinning like laundry inside the waves. aside from the random shear panics of fear, I couldn't stop laughing.

 (well...it appears that I am still wearing my t-shirt from San Fran-- but I love this pic.--nothin' a little sun can't take care of)

I almost forgot...

we went to...

Being in California, we couldn't pass through Hollywood without visiting the sign. I was born in California and have been to Cali countless times but this is one thing I hadn't really cared to make an effort to see. What better time than now? We took a spontaneous left turn and headed up the hills. 

I know, I know, we had to at least look extra touristy and stand in front of it once! check.

 Problem is: this is as close as you can get with a car now a days. To (legally?) hike or not to hike? (^^)  It was at least 100 degrees so we passed on hiking the steep incline!

We found a cheap motel to spend the night and then hit up the beach again.

Cars wanted to surf but due to the lack of time and the size of the waves, we decided to boogey-board instead.  I dare say, I don't think we could have been happier.  

we grabbed some 2-in-1 from the motel, took turns jumping in and out of the [freezing] shower spouts @ the beach and jumped back into the car.

Last Stop: Las Vegas (Mission Reunion)

Day 3: Chinatown

We had a little taste of "China" while in San Francisco. 

***Did you know?*** 

San Francisco's Chinatown is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia as well as the oldest Chinatown in North America and...a top tourist attraction. 

We went up and down the streets trying on conical hats, playing with swords, smelling incense, people watching, & looking through all of the gadgets. such a fun cultural experience.

I loved the decor--especially the darling red lanterns? 

we loved the hats so much-->we bought them

 

and we still wear them...all of the time...no, seriously!

I will catch Cars eating cereal in the morning with the conical hat on or late at night typing on his computer and I can't help but burst into laughter--> totally my favorite souvenir.  

well, until next post...we wish you a good day!

(^^taken in our kitchen two days ago!)

Next Stop: Hollywood and Newport Beach

Day 2: San Fran

(^^taken at Fisherman's Wharf)

We drove up over the mountain and saw this ^^...cue our loud cheers of excitement...

we made it to San Fran!!! (this was Carson's first time coming here!)

***

story time: we drove around trying to find a "cheap" motel (aka those don't exist)-->San Fran is an expensive city. period. we finally came to a motel that was 10 minutes from Fisherman's Wharf and affordable--> we were happy it was close to the wharf but we would soon come to find out why it was cheap. we walked in (I didn't dare take my shoes off) and put our bags down. I noticed Cars was intently looking at something out of the window. I slid in next to him and poked my head out to see... (it took us a minute to figure out what was going on)... two homeless transvestites laying on the sidewalk injecting some sort of homemade botox all over each other's faces, while a look out made sure no cops were in sight. we both looked at each other...Welcome to San Fran! it was almost humorous how unbelievably terrible it was but we needed to get out of the car. 

[History Making: Not to mention we were there the same time gay marriage was legalized in California. San Fran was a happening place that weekend! Rainbow flags lined every corner and people were flooding into the city to get married.]

we were itching to get out of the motel and into the city

we walked 10-12 blocks to Fisherman's Wharf.

wow, was it beautiful. 

here are a few things we saw that evening:

San Francisco is famous for their sour dough bread. we had to eat some.

We enjoyed a delicious dinner out on the pier. 

It was so beautiful to walk out on the pier while the sun was setting. 

We even ran into a Polish family and Carson couldn't resist conversing with them. 

San Francisco is home/destination for people from all over the world! so cool. 

we rode the trolley (it is a must!) back to the motel.

the next morning we rented a tandem bike to ride up to the Golden Gate Bridge

**FAVORITE ACTIVITY--> Tandem Bike Ride** 

It may be somewhat touristy but it is one of the best things here. Besides, tandems are a riot. We talked, laughed (uncontrollably when I was driving--we were so wobbly and out of control--we were on the grass, the sand, sidewalk...! it is definitely easier when the heavier person is in front :) ), and we enjoyed the beautiful city all along the coast and up and across the bridge. 

We saw so many cute apartments/homes, parks filled with people flying kites, reading, running w/ their dogs, beaches full of little families, surfing competitions...not to mention how refreshing it was to breathe in the fresh morning air while attached to your favorite person! 

It just doesn't get much better.

Next Stop: China town...