I wish I would have asked people about this park before planning our trip because the online world does not do this park justice! I read a couple recommendations online that this park was great for driving though and there wasn’t too much to do or see. I took that advice because after reading about and visiting Zion National Park the online world was correct. Try to avoid the crowds by getting there early and the Narrows smell like pee for a reason. Anyhow, I took the advice as a drive through on the way to Boulder, Colorado from the Los Angeles area.
Unbeknownst to me, my GPS rerouted me because of flash flood warnings. I’m sure there’s a setting/operator issue that I need to look into after this trip, but I digress. Therefore, I spent a bit more time getting to my hotel and saw the beauty of that part of Utah. I stayed at the Broken Spur Inn and Steakhouse and is that ever a misnomer. There is nothing broken at all about this place. Great steaks, great wine, and a great bed after a long drive. I was especially lucky the night I arrived there because my dinner was highlighted by a tremendous lighting storm. I’m not sure if the lightning enhanced the wine or vice versa but it was a delight for the senses.
The next morning I woke up and drove the couple of miles to the park. There was a moment when I turned a bend and my mouth dropped open. The beauty of the area is so overwhelming I had to pull over to take it all in.
The pictures do not do the road into the park justice. I was floored by how gorgeous the colors are. They are colors you only see in nature and you can’t capture how spectacular they are with a camera. Then, I got to the park and the landscape became even more incredible.
There are so many hikes, trails, and places to visit in the park! I though it was just a drive through and look at the wrinkle in the earth park, but I was so wrong. I’ve since been informed there is even a working apple orchard in the park! I wish I would have known before going! After seeing views like these…
I want to go back and do the park the justice it deserves! My take away from this experience is that the internet world can be right about the Narrows smelling like pee, but it can underestimate the beauty of nature. Either way, you have to get out and experience it for yourself so you can be the judge.
If that isn’t the tag line for this campsite: it should be. The turn for the campsite is tucked off the 101 freeway. Hidden, in plain sight on the northbound side of the 101, by a perilous left turn across two lanes of high-speed oncoming traffic. However, once you make your way across the freeway and down the road about a half mile, you will find the entrance to the campsite.
Entrance to the campsite
It’s a relatively small campsite with only 39 sites. The sites are typical with a park bench and fire pit. Some spots appear to give you more of an opportunity to cozy-up with your neighbors than others. I had a lovely spot that backed up to a lush hill and was a quick stumble to the beach in the morning. The facilities by the entrance to campground were clean and well-maintained.
There is a lovely hike right next to the campsite. As you walk up the hill to the trail you get a lovely aerial view of the campsite. At the top, you can see the tracks for Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner and a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean.
Obviously, the main attraction is the beach. It has everything! Beautiful rock formations, a bird sanctuary pier, palm trees, lifeguards, and warm sandy coastline perfect for napping while listening to the waves crash.
It was a beautiful beach and well worth the beautiful drive up the coast.
I have been hearing about the wine tasting in el Valle de Guadalupe for a few years, but since it’s so close to Los Angeles it has always been easy to put it off for another day. Recently, I found myself without any plans over Memorial Day weekend and decided to take the Carnival Cruise down to Ensenada and book an excursion to the wineries. It was incredible!
Long Beach
The cruise left from the Long Beach harbor and you could start boarding at 11 in the morning. I had to work, so I couldn’t board that early, but I was able to make it by 2 and I’m glad I decided on the later time because since I had purchased the “Bottomless Bubbles” package it starts after you check-in with your muster station. I know that some people scoff at the 15 alcohol drink maximum with this package, but I just can’t imagine reaching it. I’m sure there are people that do, but I am not one those people no matter how hard I try. No judgment, if you have achieved the 15 drink maximum by the way! You’ll see why I say this later!
Day at Sea
The second day was spent “at sea”. On this cruise it meant being parked in the ocean and enjoying the day. I spent the day in the adult-only section of the boat called “Serenity”. It is a lovely section of the boat with comfortable lounge chairs, bright yellow towels, and a conveniently located bar! I spent the day drinking Bloody Mary’s, Mojitos, and Sangria. This was my view for the entire day while I soaked up the sun and relaxed.
People always talk about the food on cruises and I must admit that it’s lost on me. I enjoy food, but I think I enjoy the taste of the drink a bit more which leads to me not paying too much attention to the food. I did have a delicious Indian dinner one evening and the fried oysters appetizers were lovely. My favorite desert is the Carnival Lava Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
The second largest flag in Mexico A picture of people taking pictures with the Ensenada sign!
The wine tasting meets at the dock at 845 in the morning. It sure felt early after spending the day before enjoying the sun, fun, food, and drink. It was a rough start, but I made it! Our guide Karla met us on the dock and got us lined up and on the bus quickly and efficiently. The bus ride into the valley was spent with Karla sharing engaging stories and fun facts about el Valle and Ensenada. I had no idea that Ensenada is home to five universities (offering 79 different programs) and the second largest flag in Mexico!
A beautiful day for wine tasting!
The excursion was for two wineries and a free bottle of wine. The first winery was LA Cetto.
Wine barrel
Upon arrival, you are greeted by your host that walks you around the facility and explains the wine making process. It’s always nice to have a refresher on the process so you remember why wines taste different before you start drinking (tasting)! The facility is gorgeous! Very well maintained grounds! The tasting room is spectacular! The staff are very welcoming! The wines are delicious! I bought quite a few while we were there!
The next winery was just down the road, but what a completely different experience! The second vineyard was La Casa Dona Lupe and it was lovely. You can purchase delicious food, bread, jams and spreads, aqua frescas, and a delicious jarra de Sangria. The covered area for enjoying your wine overlooking the vineyards is breathtakingly beautiful. We were lucky enough to see a very talented violinist while we were there and his musical contribution enhanced the natural beauty of the la casa.
When the wine tasting was done, I opted to be dropped off in the city center and things went awry very quickly. The next decision was obviously made under the influence of alcohol and I am going to blame it on it just like Jamie Foxx and T. Pain taught me to do! The next stop on our day out in Ensenada was to go tequila tasting. Makes sense, right? Well, not really. Especially when you consider that tequila isn’t made in the state of Baja, but that’s a discussion for another time.
I entered into the tequila tasting establishment and I took no notice of the name of the place, but was instantly greeted by warm and welcoming people that ushered me upstairs to the area for tasting. I was advised the tour had just begun and I was more than welcome to join. Gleefully, I joined the group of tourists that were being guided around to look at pictures of how tequila is made. I started looking at the pictures a bit closer and had the feeling of deja vu.
Sticker of authenticity
When we looked at the picture of the bottle I realized in an instant that I had gone to La Hacienda Dona Engracia in Puerto Vallarta during November and had drank their delicious tequila! Now, I was beside myself with glee and couldn’t wait to get my drink on! If you have not had the opportunity to visit the real location I strongly recommend adding it to your must-do list. The same delicious tequila is still available at their Ensenada location, but the pictures don’t do the actual location justice. Aesthetic of location aside, I must admit their flavored tequilas taste just as delicious no matter where you are!
After the tasting, it was time for food. I strolled down the street and enjoyed some fish tacos with all the fixings. Next, I went to a restaurant for some queso fundido and beers. Then, I staggered over to the boat to pass out with wine, tequila, beer, and delicious food-filled bellies. I spent the night dreaming about all the beauty Mexico has to offer. The next morning, I woke up in Long Beach, feeling refreshed and excited for the next adventure!
I have been to the central coast of California many times, but I have never camped. I have had the opportunity to stay in beautiful hotels and Airbnbs, but I have never camped! I wish I would have known sooner about the Heart San Simeon Campsite because I would have camped!
After stopping at California Fresh Market in Pismo Beach to peruse their delightful selection of beers and spirits; we continued the awe-inspiring drive along the 101 to Highway 1.
When we arrived at the site, I was impressed by the views in the Creek Campground Upper Section (sites 1-35). Most of the sites have peek-a-boo views of the ocean or a direct view of the ocean. According to the California Department of Parks and Recreation this is one of the oldest parks in the system, but it doesn’t show its age. The facilities are well taken care of and very clean. The camp host has firewood for sale and there is even a horseshoe pit in the lower camping section.
We had our usual set-up with the Tepui tent by Thule and a couple of Yeti coolers to keep the beers cool. We were lucky enough to have a site with a tree and a peek-a-boo view of the ocean. This allowed for the blissful sounds of the ocean as we fell asleep and magnificent views when we woke up in the morning.
The beauty of the site came once we walked down to the lower campground and discovered it leads out to a breathtakingly beautiful and serene beach.
We were able to sit and listen to waves in complete peace and quiet. It was a beautiful place to connect with nature and witness its majesty.
We were lucky enough to make a new and very wise friend when we returned to our campsite. This wise new friend was smart enough to make this area her home. I only wish I would have known sooner because I would have camped.
In the midst of a global pandemic many people have taken to improving themselves mentally, physically, and spiritually. I have watched countless Ted Talks, workout videos, and self-help gurus throughout this time only to realize that I needed an activity that combines all three. Allow me to introduce…brewing beer! I figured brewing beer would be a good mental exercise. I would have to measure things, weigh things, and work on ratios. I figured brewing beer would be good physical activity. Have you seen the size of the fermenting vessels in your local brewery? Some one has to lift all of that liquid into those vessels! I figured brewing beer would be good spiritually. If monasteries started brewing in the fifth century then this most have some spiritual significance, right?
Truth be told, I know nothing about beer other than I LOVE stouts and porters. I know the world loves I.P.A.s and I seem like an old out of touch hag every time I order one, but I don’t think there is anything better than a delicious stout, anytime or anywhere. A friend of ours has been brewing for several years and invited us over to teach us how to brew beer.
I was shocked to see this when we pulled into his driveway…
It looked like a science experiment my mom tried to “help” me with for my second grade science fair. I couldn’t help but wonder; how does this make beer? And if this makes beer, why am I am going to fancy breweries and spending money on stuff I can make with a propane tank? There was a table next to this contraption that had bags of stuff on it. I looked around for hops, yeast, and barley. I don’t know much about brewing, but I have experienced the Smithwick’s Experience in Ireland and the hologram monk said there were hops, barley, and yeast in beer. The lesson from the hologram monk comes before the tasting experience, so I have been able to remember it since my visit.
Apparently, the hologram monk didn’t know that all of the ingredients are widely available in prepackaged kits with clear and explicit directions on how to brew beer.
Thankfully, our friend Dave is an expert at brewing beer. He bought all the stuff and began to teach us the lengthy process involved in brewing beer.
We started out by hanging a cheese cloth bag inside the brewing vessel and poured the ingredients into the bag and allowed it to soak. After soaking all of the ingredients for the required time we had to stir the ingredients.
Stirring to ensure all ingredients are covered in water
You really want to ensure everything is sanitary, so we had a bucket of cleaner next to us to clean all utensils after every use.
You want to ensure your beer reaches the required temperature so make sure your brewing vessel has a thermometer. It makes it easier to monitor the temperature of the contents during the brewing process.
While waiting for the beer to reach to required temperature. We needed to clean the fermentation vessels with iodine.
The directions said to stop at 175 degrees, but full disclosure I had two beers at this point and forgot to pay attention.
Once the beer reaches the optimal temperature, you need to cool down the beer with the copper chiller and add the final sugars and hops.
After it has cooled to the appropriate temperature you can transfer it to the fermenting vessel to wait…
Can’t wait to see it and taste it in a couple of weeks!
Felicity Arvizu takes on... 