If you look down at the map below…I live in the Southern bright red area, also known as Los Angeles:
People may have their things to say about the plastic people, the traffic, the smog and the heat, but to me California has so much more to offer than those things. If I look at that map, I still marvel at the places in the state I haven’t seen, and I’ve lived here for nearly 38 years! When I was a kid (and prone to getting car sick), we used to do family trips along the coast. I can’t wait to take the little monkey to some of the places I’ve been, not to mention some of the places I haven’t.
While I’ve been to Disneyland, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Hearst Castle and Half-Moon Bay…
I’ve never been to Joshua Tree National Park.
While I’ve seen Lake Tahoe and Mono Lake…
I’ve never stopped at Manzanar or hiked into the Inyo National Forest.
While I’ve been to the Jack London State Historic Park…
I’ve never seen the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas.
While I’ve been to Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara, and graduated from UCSB…
I’ve never been to The Cold Spring Tavern.
While I’ve seen the Old Faithful Geyser in Calistoga…
I’ve never been north to Mendocino, Humboldt, Eureka or the Redwoods.
Such a bother really…
but I’m so glad there is so much more to see.
For more on the A to Z Challenge, please go HERE.
Stay tuned during the month of April to see what other subjects I want to explore…I’ll return to my senses on May 1.
DianaDeGzz says
April 3, 2015 at 3:15 amI’ve been to California twice and only visited San Diego and Los Angeles, and some of their surroundings. but you’re right, we don’t take advantage and travel as much as we should.
Joy says
April 3, 2015 at 7:09 amIt’s something I love and definitely don’t do enough of…I need to find a pot of money somewhere…money and time 🙂 Thanks for visiting and commenting!
Thea O"Brian says
April 3, 2015 at 7:07 amCalifornia is a beautiful place. I was there once when I was a child and will never forget it. My grandmother lived there for many years along with one of my sisters.
Joy says
April 3, 2015 at 7:08 amIt is beautiful, and there are so many different parts, it’s almost like they are completely different states! Hope you get to visit again. Thanks for visiting and commenting here 🙂
Mpls_Transplant says
April 3, 2015 at 9:34 amI just moved from Northern California. Most people don’t appreciate how big it is and how much to see. Good luck with future road trips!
Joy says
April 3, 2015 at 9:45 amThanks! And thanks for visiting and commenting 🙂
Matthew MacNish says
April 3, 2015 at 10:00 amI love Cali! I’ve seen a lot of it, but there is always more …
Nice to meet you, Joy! New reader here.
2015 A to Z Challenge Co-Host
Matthew MacNish from The QQQE
Joy says
April 3, 2015 at 10:13 amHi Matthew! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment 🙂 Yes, it’s a huge state, and people usually only think of it as two cities – SF and LA!
johnmarkmiller says
April 3, 2015 at 8:44 pmWe also have a long list of places that we want to see once our kids get older…one day we’ll get there!
Hugh's Views and News says
April 4, 2015 at 3:31 amWe drove the coast route from L.A to San Francisco in the Sumer of 2010 and had a great trip. Wonderful scenery and a holiday I’ll never forget.
Joy says
April 4, 2015 at 11:46 amYes, that stretch is beautiful, haven’t done the whole bit since I was a kid though! You’ll have to come back and see the rest 🙂
Kat says
April 5, 2015 at 6:18 pmI’ve been to the LA area and San Francisco. I really enjoyed both areas- loved the weather – and would love to visit again and see more.
Joy says
April 5, 2015 at 8:15 pmWell, Kat if you ever do make it West, you’ll have to let me know, perhaps we can have a non-blog meetup!
Kat says
April 7, 2015 at 3:55 pmThat would be awesome! If I find myself heading that direction, I will definitely let you know! 🙂