Here's to girls who break the rules

The best books in travel literature

Here is my short list of books that inspire me to close my eyes and point anywhere on the map.

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. I devoured this book in less than 2 days. A few weeks later, I was tramping solo through the South Island of New Zealand.

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. I'm currently in the middle of this 900 page giant, handed down to me by a Brit I met whilst backpacking across Peru.

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. A girly read and wildly inspiring.

Getting Stoned with Savages by J. Maarten Troost. Quit job, move to Fiji, get high. This guy has it all figured out.

In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin. Next up on my reading list. A gifted storyteller's adventure through the southern most tip of South America. It can't not be good.

Happy Valentine's Day, Cupcake!

Have a SWEET weekend!

Happiness is.......

A few things that make me deliriously happy.....


* The smell of rain in the desert.
* Waking up to puppy kisses.
* The first sip of a perfectly foamy latte.
* Driving with the windows rolled down and the music turned up.
* Wind on my face and sun on my shoulders.
* Diving into a crystal clear blue ocean.
* Staring down the white face of a mountain armed with nothing but a board and determination.
* The moment I realize I'm embarking on an incredible adventure.

Sometimes sleep just feels so good

Gypsy girl

Camping and mountain biking off the Central California coast

I needed to get away from it all. And by 'all' I mean my current unemployed status and the boredom that has snuck into my daily life. Living in the L.A. area, I am certainly at no shortage for concerts, clubs, eclectic eateries, and snazzy hotels but, I wanted something outside the city limits. I wanted to feel worlds away without putting in the 7 hour flight time. So, I gathered my camping gear, purchased a rad new tent from REI (the Hoodoo 2, on sale!) and ventured North. Two and a half hours up Pacific Coast Highway landed us at the sweet little spot of Montaña de Oro. Coastal camping at its best and the perfect L.A. getaway. We spent the 80° days mountain biking and hiking the coastal trails, including Point Buchon Trail, an easy trail that winds along the bluffs over the ocean for 3 miles.
Along with being easily accessible by car, Montaña de Oro, is less than 20 minutes from the nearest grocery store (a perfect spot to grab twist top bottles of red wine to pass around the campfire) and Starbuck's (Okay, so maybe I didn't want to get away from it ALL). Also not to be missed is Sunshine Health Foods and Shine Cafe in Morro Bay where we ventured for our lunch each day. Sit outside and enjoy the out of this world tempeh tacos. Not exactly 'roughin it' but......close enough!

Point Buchon Trail

Point Buchon Trail

Overlooking Point Buchon Trail

Point Buchon Trail