Redwoods, Black Bears, & Bee Stings

We awoke in our tent at Sequoia National Park, surrounded by the canopy of the redwoods and the rustling of the Kaweah River. Perfectly peaceful and surreal. I didn't want to leave the tent, but the mountains were calling us so we headed off to hike the Congress Trail in The Giant Forest. 

Driving California

We had to lose an entire day of our trip driving, which I really was not looking forward too. Spending 5+ hours in the car is not my idea of a good time. Yet, the drive turned out to be a definite highlight for me and here's why...

The Big Sur Bakery & Restaurant

We started our third day off in California with a trip to the Big Sur Bakery & Restaurant. And like a true tourist, I had to have a photo in front of the sign. I normally favor classic and vintage, but I love how modern and industrial this sign is. 

Surrounded by coastal redwoods 

After indulging in the sweetest breakfast, we headed out to explore the cacti and succulent garden. 

How cute is this altar? You can actually get married here. I can just imagine it: the twinkling lights, the fluttering papel picado, the ocean breeze. 

The Big Sur & Hwy 1

After our amazing breakfast at Hotel 1110, we hopped on Highway 1 to make the one hour trip from Monterey to Big Sur. Of course the trip was closer to 3 hours because every few feet we pulled off at a lookout point. 

Hotel 1110

When I travel, I only have a few rules, one of them being to engage in as many unique experiences as possible. That means eating at local restaurants or shopping boutiques instead of chains. Whenever we can, we apply this to hotels as well. And while in Monterey, we found the cutest little Inn to call home. 

My favorite part about Hotel 1110 was the rooftop succulent garden. Our wedding flowers were succulents, so I was as tickled as can be to find some of the largest and rarest succulents that I've ever seen. How perfect is it that we should find this at the hotel on our anniversary trip? Just the most beautiful arrangement of color and texture. I must have taken a gazillion pictures. The photo above was my pathetic attempt at trying to recreate one of our wedding photos.

Did I mention that this rooftop garden had a complete bar? Hubby and I were more than happy to grab some cocktails and tapas.

After an amazing evening on the roof, we headed to our room where the bed was tucked away into the coziest little nook. 

And the next morning, there was the most spectacular breakfast. 

Had to include this one last shot. I just love staying at places with real keys. Something about it just makes me feel so at home.

A Day in Monterey Bay

Our journey in California started when our flight landed in San Francisco. We were super excited, but also very exhausted from our 10 hours of traveling. After a much deserved night of sleep and adjusting to the time change, we drove the two hours from San Francisco to Monterey Bay. 

Monterey Bay Aquarium

I'm a bit of an Aquarium Buff, so our first day in California was spent at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I loved the interactive exhibits and they had the best educational displays that I've seen yet. Our experience there was just phenomenal. And as an added bonus and a complete surprise to us, there was live jazz and spirits during the evening. It was so nice to grab a glass of wine and wander around the aquarium, surrounded by the ocean life. I wish I had better words to describe what a transcendent experience it was for me, but I don't so I'll leave you with this.... 

"The sea is as near as we come to another world" 

-Anne Stevenson