Random SOLO Beach Getaway Monday, Feb 28th 2011

Sometime I get the urge to sleep outside

under the stars, as close to crashing waves as possible

The inside of my cozy little cocoon

next to the pretty Pacific Ocean on Monday Evening Feb 28th, 2011

My Grandma's Birthday.

Wow, my SnugPac Softie Bag that I got from Sheepleg really was

SOFT and WARM

Comfy and Quiet!

: )

Good morning!

I couldn't wait to greet the day

I poked my head out
and this is what I saw looking to my left (south-ish)

Scampered out to get a better view of the sunrise

and to see how cute my tent looked so close to the ocean.

Wasn't quite sure how my surroundings were really gonna look

since I pitched my tent at 10:30pm the night before in the dark.

Here comes the sun!

I guess I picked a pretty good spot to sleep.

: )

Looking out at The Channel Islands...Anacapa, Santa Cruz...

How I miss those Islands

Decided to head south

to read a magazine and enjoy the sound of the waves

My trusty Subaru and "The Love of My Life"
Nothing gets me to where I wanna go in better style than my Subaru
: )

Wow, we've really missed the water!

Took my bivy as close to the ocean as possible

and snuggled in for a good read and a nap.

It felt so wonderful to be so close to the water, relaxing
waiting for the sun to make it over the cliff

Saw plenty of seals playing together and pretty, graceful birds...

...but nothing beats the beauty of the ocean...

and the sunrise

The progression of the sunrise

over one of my favorite hikes.
: )

What a beautiful morning

after a peaceful night.

: )

Life is Good

: )



Crystal Cove Coastal Run January 20, 2011

This was my fourth sunshine-filled scamper

along the beautiful coast of Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Beach, CA

this time, I brought the camera

: ) 

Once again

I attempted to Hit the Trails of Crystal Cove/Moro Ridge

This was my 6th attempt

since the trails took a beating from the winter storms

The Moro Ridge/Pacific Ridge Trail Head was still closed

I'm really missing my trails and hills

With all the trail options

it's hard to believe that they're all pretty much closed

I was on the trails just after the rains

and it was obvious why they were closed.

Lots of land slides, huge holes...an overall big mess

: (

See pics of trail damage here

I "had to" head to the coast again to get some mileage

So I headed back to scamper along the coast of Crystal Cove State Park

for the 4th day this week

: )

I parked a mile north

of the "you are here" sign

and ran the coast to the end, by Abalone Point and back

 

Hmmm...

decisions, decisions...
; )

I love this little boardwalk

I've seen tons of bunnies, lizards, caterpillars, lady bugs, chubby squirrels,

and beautiful birds.

I have also heard froggy sounds

but not sure who was making them

There is so much wonderful information along the boardwalk

it's worth taking the time to read before heading down to the beach

This is the turn to head down to the beach

: )

If  you stay on the boardwalk

there is a wonderful overlook of the Coastal Bluffs.

I had to get a closer look of the info

before heading to the overlook
So cool

I love seeing the little Garibaldi fish in the kelp beds

when I'm kayaking along this coast

I asked a random fella to take this dorky picture of me

before I headed to the beach for my coastal scamper.

The dude was fully camped out to enjoy the day.

Notice his chair, hiking pole, binoculars, paper...

Golly, I love this view

All that wonderfully packed sand makes running feel good.

I also LOVE

my PCTR shirt

from my favorite organized trail runs

I can't wait till Montana De Oro again!
Join us! Feb 13th!

 

Take the time to read these tidbits of info

It really helps one appreciate the beauty even more.

: )

Yipee!

The beach!

The wonderful sand!

I love the way this sand feels underfoot.

Just enough cushion, just enough of a challenge.

Perfect.

: )

For a gal who would rather be in her kayak

being so close to the ocean makes running enjoyable

Golly, I love it here!

Wouldn't you?

It was about 74 degrees today!: )

I could go on forever out here

I love the sound of the waves.
I can't get enough of the fresh air.

The end is near!

But I'm not in any hurry today

: )

I've paddled down to that point from the Coast Guard Beach

and had always wondered what the beach was like.
Now I know and I'm in love.
: )

I kick up my heels for running along the coast!

I bothered a sweet sunbathing couple to take this picture.
They laughed.
They smiled and waved at me as I ran by on my way back
: )

You know I'm happy when I'm kicking up my heels!

: )

At the end!

Yes, I had to kick up my heels again before heading back.

I bothered two young men who were watching their friends paddling out there.
They must have thought I was some loony tourist.

Lemme tell you one more thing

it's not easy picking up that big leg after running

and holding it up long enough for someone to take a pic...BUT CRAMP!
; D

Looking back...

: )

...before heading back.
: )

Ooops, almost forgot to get a shot of the cliff

It has given me relief from the sun each day that I have been here

It is so much cooler by this cliff

it feels so good after 4 miles to hang out here for a bit before heading back.

It almost feels as if it has it's own micro-climate

It is also were I have seen tons of dolphins.

: )

Time to take a break

This was my fourth time doing this coastal run

but the first time I decided to bring a camera, and relax.
: )

Taking a sun bathing break at Reef Point

Eeek!

Sweaty, happy gal trying to get rid of some tan lines

while taking a terrible self-pic.
; )

Ahhh!

Airing out the tootsies!

Uh oh

those ankle tan lines need some help!

Hot Diggity Damn!

This is the way to enjoy a January Day!
: )

It's January days like this that makes living in Southern California

SO GOOD!

Yes, Life is Good

: )

 

Remembering that Facebook Note "25 Things"

Originally Posted as

"By Popular Demand...25 Random Melissa Facts"

since that note was posted

so many wonderful things on the list have been realized

 

I cannot wait to see what 2011 has in store for Us

: )

 

this picture was from NYE

2009

at

Bashan Restaurant

Who knew that the next NYE at Bashan would be so important

in my decision making for

2010

 

Here are the "25 Random Melissa Facts"

1. I want to have a beautiful edible garden that has more than just the regular rosemary, lavender, basil, sage, chives and thyme that I’ve always had.

2. I love waking up before the sunrise. I am such a morning person but I don’t like to talk first thing in the morning. I will happily stay up late into the night when I have been inspired by something wonderful and want to enjoy it more…I will still wake before the dawn even if I went to bed just an hour before sunrise.

3. Most people know my social side. Most people do not know that I crave solitude.

4. I love my “scent” after backpacking alone on Santa Rosa Island for 4 days…nothing is more beautiful than 4 days with a beach all to myself and the ocean as my bath…I come home smelling and feeling like heaven. I have done this 4 time since 2000 and will be doing it again soon. Mister Matthew Mascaro, where are those pictures you took of me when I came back from the island the last time?

5. I usually prefer dining alone 90% of the time in order to give a thoughtfully prepared meal my full attention. Anyone who has dinned with me is someone that I hold in high regard and brings something extra special to the experience.

6. I miss my Mom, My Grama, and Claude Thompson so much lately. 3 very important people who have had such an impact on me. How I wish I could just talk to them and hear their voices. I’ve been dreaming of my Grama so much lately.

7. My brother is more important to me than anyone will ever know. I have lost my Mom, my Grama, and some very important people in my life, but I have no clue what I would do if I ever lost my Brother. He is a wonderful man and someone I would choose as my friend if I had met him on the street.

8. I cry every time I watch an episode of Cold Case, Ghost Whisperer, and Kimba the White Lion. I am such a sap.

9. I loved dancing and singing for Andy Williams in Branson, Mo. I miss the Ozarks more than I would have ever expected. If it weren’t for that show, I never would have become such an amazing outdoors(wo)man. : )

10. I had always wanted a pair of diamond earrings and was going to buy myself a pair for my 27th birthday…I bought a kayak instead and never regretted it. I still want a pair of diamond earrings but I get to kayak every weekend or whenever the urge hits me. I have owned 3 kayaks in my life…only two remain.

11. I worked as a dancer on a Carnival Cruise ship…the only contract job I’ve ever quit. What a nightmare.

12. I’ve been the “Doll in a Box” as a Magician’s Assistant.

13. I’ve spent 1 month in Tasmania as Wilderness Medical Support for a Climbing Expedition. I can’t wait to go back…such an amazing place. Pristine nature, organic food, humanely raised livestock, and some of the best mushrooms, dairy, fish, wine I have ever eaten.

14. I have no regrets that I’ve not yet been married. I’ve been fortunate enough to have experienced glorious amounts of romance during my traveling days. Kisses atop glaciated mountains in Tasmania, 2 gents at one time following me across the country trying to win my affection, flights to LV for amazing 13 course meals and Jimmy Choos, songs written for me, dishes made for the menus of amazing restaurants in order to woo me, a fine man who hiked 15 miles to bring me a bottle of wine and then sent a Coast Guard boat to bring me back to the island the next week for my dream meal…I don’t know any women who can say they’ve experienced spontaneous “romance”. I will be married to a wonderful man someday. I can’t wait to find out who it will be.

15. I slept in a tent behind a kayak shop in Key Largo for 3 months in order to have access to the kayaks. It was an amazing summer (even with all the mosquito bites). I lived off $7,000.00 that year and I was the healthiest I had ever been.

16. 8 years ago when I was trying to figure out what to do when I could no longer be a dancer, I did some career counseling sessions with Career Transitions for Dancers…I listed my main priorities for my next career to be: #1. I do not want to have to wear shoes to work. #2. I want to be able to get paid to sweat and stay in shape. #3. I want to be able to eat, drink, and travel thanks to my new career. Life is sweet. Remember y’all, you can have what you want. : )

17. I have tons of pillows in my house and on my bed but I do not use a pillow for sleeping.

18. I love it when my man places his hand on my face…it is such a sweet gesture and the fact that I want his hand there says so much about him.

19. I’ve lived alone since I was 17. I’ve never lived with a roommate, a boyfriend, or anyone else. The only person I will live with is the man I marry and any children or pets we will be blessed with.

20. I hate dusting but I enjoy vacuuming.

21. I sleep flat on my back, hands right by my side, or on my hip bones if I am cold, I do not move , and do not have to make my bed in the morning…I just slide out of the covers and tidy them up a bit. I’ve woken up with my eye glasses still sitting perfectly poised on my chest after a 4 hour nap.

22. I sometimes wonder what it will feel like when I grow up. When do we know when we have?

23. When I had a bathtub I would love to soak in it while eating a bag of pork rinds, drinking a bottle of wine, and listening to Gene Kruppa and Anita Oday’s “Drummin’ Man.” Now, since I don’t have a tub, I just settle for a bottle of Bubbles and something salty and yummy like bacon, eggs, and tatertots!

24. I am afraid of heights.

25. I cannot wait to share a home with a wonderful man who inspires me, will grow with me, challenges me, and will be happy eating the wonderful meals I will be cooking with the beautiful things that I will grow in my garden.

 

These "25 Random Melissa Facts"

were originally posted

 on Monday, August 31, 2009 at 4:55pm

 

So much has stayed the same

Happily, so much has changed

 

Stay tuned for the next post for the

2010 Recap!

 

Happy New Year!

Cheers!

: )

 

 

Rainy Day/Winter Fun

Are you allergic to water?

Are you allergic to snow?

I didn't think so.

I love getting outside no matter what the weather has in store for me

Wind, Rain, Snow, Excessive Heat

as long as you're prepared, you can have a great time out there!

Here I am on December 18th, 2010

taking a break from kayaking in Newport Bay, CA

between the Coast Guard Beach and the Jetty

enjoying a little rain after playing in the wind and waves by the jetty

Don't let a little rain, wind, or snow stop you

from enjoying The Great Outdoors

Here are some more of my favorite pics

from cold/stormy/wet/snowy adventures

This is me enjoying my first real winter

(far from the warm winters of Los Angeles, CA)
on lake Taneycomo in Branson, Mo

I love warm and fuzzy hats
especially when they cover my ears!
: )

One thing I don't enjoy is being cold

but that can easily can be taken care of with the right clothing

Once I get moving
the kayak gets pretty toasty.

But be warned
if you decide to go kayaking in super-cold weather
wear Gortex/something waterproof
It's not the threat of falling in or getting rained on
that you need to be worried about
It's the possibility of sitting in soggy pants
because the condensation that collects on the inside of the kayak from your body heat mixing with the kayak sitting in cold water can create some really drippy-drawers.
Eeeew!
: /

This is me one NYE on Santa Cruz Island
enjoying some bubbly and treats after hiking all day in the rain

It cleared up just long enough to snack for about an hour
Enough time to take some silly pictures, and laugh at a huge crow
that flew off with a WHOLE wedge of triple cream brie
which weighed about a 1/2lb

I figured it would be a good thing to pass the time by taking silly pictures

I was in good company
20 year Tawny and some Bubbly

2nd night

still raining

What the heck

more snacks and more bubbly

Cheers!

Here I am on San Miguel Island

enjoying a super drizzly, super windy, ranger-lead hike to see the Elephant Seals

 

I'm right here, in the back

wearing the super-sexy outfit with the backpack, high socks and the skirt

; )

This is one of my all time favorite pictures

because it was taken on one of my all-time favorite adventures

backpacking the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast in Kauai, Hawaii

I look very happy here

because I was lucky enough to be able to pitch my tent

before the next really bad storm hit.

This was my first backpacking trip ever!
Here's an incredible quick google aerial video of the trail

: )

However

it turns out that I was there during the worst storm

Kauai had experienced since Hurricane Iniki.

This trip is responsible for changing my perspective
on my personal expectations, acceptance, pride, ability, and respect.

I encourage you to get outside
Embrace a little discomfort.
Face a fear.
Live.
Enjoy!
: )

Joshua Tree Winter Adventure December 1st and 2nd 2010

Thank goodness for this man
for agreeing to be at the mercy
of my random plans to take off in the middle of the night.
: )


I love to get away!
I love to go where there is no noise,  plenty of fresh air, amazing sunsets, huge stars in clear evening skies, and amazing sunrises.


I crave views, where I can see forever
where there is no sign city life

This is at the Keyes View Overlook in Joshua Tree National Park

On the evening of December 1st, 2010

I baked a quiche; packed some quinoa, berries, and some water; grabbed all of our down bedding and cozy clothing, and around 8pm, I dragged Andrew to Joshua Tree for his first time.

 I love it out there!

Options for trails are endless

and I couldn’t wait to share this special place with my wonderful man.

If you can handle the cold nights, the days are spectacular

There is almost no one out there at this time of year

so you get the world to yourself.

We arrived around midnight

I did all the driving that evening so I could let Andrew sleep.

 The sky was clear, the stars were bright, it was beautiful.

It was about 30 degrees

when we finally snuggled up to sleep in the back of the 4Runner.

I couldn’t wait to see the sunrise.

This was our little nest for the night

Uh, kinda messy, but boy was it cozy!
It didn't look like this while we were sleeping

Andrew enjoying the super-cold sunrise

About 34 degrees...brrrr!

Good Morning Andrew!

 Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley Campground.

I LOVE the mornings in Joshua Tree!

Had to strike a pose

: )

After watching the sunrise

I couldn't wait to drive Andrew through the park

to see some of the best views, and trail options.

I guess he wants to go that way...

...or he's practicing his best disco moves...

or, it's just...

Andrew, being Andrew...making me smile at

At Hidden Valley Campground.

: )

Andrew's first view

from one of the highest points in Joshua Tree

This is Andrew's "I'm at the Keyes View Overlook" pose

hahaha! I look like I'm in my PJs

wait, I am in my PJs...that's what I slept in : )

This is also at the Keyes View Overlook

Look closely at the trail

there I am

 Near Mt Ryan Trail Head by the Indian Caves

Doing what I do

: )

One thing I will never do
is eat crappy food when in the outdoors
My motto:
if it goes good with champagne, it goes perfectly in a back pack!
: )

About to unpack our morning treats

Caught!

Couldn't resist the raspberries

: )

BREAKFAST!
at Jumbo Rocks in Joshua Tree

On the Menu
Quiche;
Quinoa with lentils, cashews, and dried cherries;
Quinoa with heirloom tomatoes, red onions, and green onions;
Raspberries.
Strawberries.
Shell Beans with red onions.
Baguette for Andrew.
: )

We nibbled on all this throughout the day : )

This man makes me smile!

: )

He really does make me smile...every day! : )

I think he was trying to distract me with his smile...

...so he could snag a treat.

The best part of the treats that I packed

they do not require refrigeration
Even the quiche
(one of my favorite back-packing treats)
: )

This is one of my favorite spots to watch a sunset
Jumbo Rocks Campground

I kick up my heels for happy days in Joshua Tree!

Here are some of the fun things we got to see on our adventure

Cholla 
aka "Jumping Cactus"

Here's the Cholla Garden

Andrew!

Don't touch it!

those little fellas look so cuddly: )

oooh, I want to touch it!

: )

definitely NOT so cuddly

: /

Fine, I wont touch it!

: )

I'm keeping my hands to myself

: )

eeek!

Ocotillo Thorny Branches

Absolutely NOT cuddly!

: /

Andrew getting friendly with an Ocotillo

Getting in touch with nature
at the Cottonwood Canyon Visitor Station
: )

Definitely Cuddly!

: )

A cool grinding stone

along the Lost Palms Oasis Trail

Here's another one

On the Mastodon Peak Trail

Doing what I do

Hey check out my cool top
I love my new long sleeve top from ARC!

Perfect for a chilly morning in Joshua Tree!

: )

I guess it warmed up

Getting some sun while waiting for Andrew to run up the trail

Andrew Doing what he does

Running up the Mastodon Peak Trail in Joshua Tree

Doing what I do

Scampering up the Mastodon Peak Trail in Joshua Tree

: )

to the arms of my wonderful man

There he goes again...

...striking another pose

; )

Doing what we do

smiling together on the Mastodon Peak Trail in Joshua Tree

: )

I cannot wait till our next adventure!

: )