It’s hard to go to Hawaii and not commune with nature. However, there are some really great things you can do to immerse yourself even farther instead of sticking to the white, sandy beaches. My favorite way to do this is by taking a hike! The island of Oahu is riddled with trails if you […]

Located in the Valley of the Temples, at the base of the 2,000 foot Ko’olau mountain range, is the replica of a 950-year-old Buddhist temple in Uji, Japan. The Byodo-In Temple was constructed, without the use of a single nail, in the 1960’s to commemorate the first Japanese immigrants who came to Hawaii to work […]

Not all of the sights to see along highway 83 were quick stops. Some attractions required a bit more time to explore. One of the coolest things I got to do while in Hawaii was snorkeling! My friend Tawny took me to Shark’s Cove to get my feet wet. Apparently, it is one of the […]

One of the prettiest shoreline drives in Oahu is, without a doubt, Highway 83. This picturesque driving tour with its miles of crystal blue pacific ocean was truly captivating. Imagine how hard it was for me to keep my eyes forward, especially during those times when the road was hugging the ocean so closely! My […]

Birthdays celebrations, for me, typically include travel, but not solo expeditions. Cody was unable to join me in my most recent crusades, so I went to Oahu, Hawaii sans my ‘partner in crime’. The experience was liberating! I can’t say that I want to spend future birthdays without being able to share them with Cody, […]

California : San Simeon : Hearst Castle It’s been a while since I’ve posted any photos from our vacation in California. I’ve done a few posts, but haven’t quite finished; I took a TON of photos. Maybe it’s the fabulous weather we are experiencing that’s making me reminiscent of our nine days back in April. […]

California : Big Sur : Jade Cove View Large On White We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light. ~Mary Dunbar~ Upon sorting through, what seems like a never ending supply of California photos, I came upon my Jade Cove […]

California : Carmel-by-the-Sea : Carmel Mission Basilica After the main highlight of our day, we decided to scurry over to the mission. Our itinerary was jam packed with activities on this particular day, but thankfully we managed to squeeze in an hour to take a self-guided tour of the mission. I didn’t get to spend […]

California : Big Sur : Limekiln State Park To Limekiln Falls we go…… While making our big-time plans for Big Sur, I was dead set on camping at Limekiln State Park. But due to unforeseen events, this was not possible. Upon arriving at the State Park to go hiking one day, I quickly realized that […]

California : Big Sur : Nepenthe Restaurant Upon walking onto the terrace at Nepenthe, something catches your eye. A stately Phoenix bird carved out of a single piece of wood, by Sculptor Edmund Kara, demands to be noticed. At the base of the old oak tree that it is perched upon are, ‘birds of paradise’ […]