The Road Trip Day 1: Barefoot in Monterey
6:37a.m.; I beat my alarm clock by three minutes. A softly rising sun streamed through my bedroom window while I quickly dressed. Coffee brewed and poured...
Pacific Coast Highway, California
May 7, 2015
6:37a.m.; I beat my alarm clock by three minutes.
A softly rising sun streamed through my bedroom window while I quickly dressed. Coffee brewed and poured, and with a few more weepy goodbyes from my parents, we piled in the car and headed off.
Opting for the scenic route, we chose to drive along California's famous highway, the Pacific Coast Highway, or as hip locals say, “the P-C-H, dude”. Miles evaporated while excitement and tunes freely flowed throughout our vehicle.
Lunch time sped up on us.
Pizza lunch on a table in San Louis Obispo, California.
After a quick reference from Yelp, we pulled off the highway and headed for Pizza Solo in San Louis Obispo. We opted for a bacon, chicken, and pepperoni pie. #treatyourbodylikeatemple. It got snarfed down immediately.
Back on the road.
We headed further North. With Los Angeles a considerable distance in the rear-view mirror, heavier and darker clouds began to permeate the sky.
After another hour and a half, it was time to get out, stretch our legs, and check out the beach.
A peaceful moment at Arroyo Laguna State Beach.
It was a spectacular afternoon.
This is the first time I have ever traveled along the PCH. California natives, mostly retirees, regularly discuss driving its entire length.
There was no shortage of amazing coastal scenes. Mile after mile of winding and soothing coastline filled the windows.
Here's an excerpt from my journal:
“The [trees] looked a lot like snarled Bristlecone pines. Dunes and mountains were covered in colorful native brush. Steel blues, muted mustards, and olive grasses adorned the rolling hills. The entire time, hugged by the crushing ocean—jagged rocks breaking through the madly frothing surface of sapphire and turquoise foam.”
Another hour of winding and cruising later, about 70 miles before our hotel, we made one more stop.
There weren't any signs, but there was a large pull-off area on the opposite shoulder. We parked, hopped out, and inspected our surroundings.
What a scene to be rewarded with.
The three of us silently stood still and enjoyed a cool sea breeze. A gentle rumble of breaking waves below us kept an even tempo.
Carter gently reminded us we still had a bit farther to go.
A unique erosion control method.
We arrived at our hotel just as it stopped sprinkling. After a quick unpacking, we went downstairs seeking dinner recommendations. The lobby had complimentary wine and cheese.
Dinner options were within walking distance. Not soon after setting out, my homemade moccasins were thoroughly soaked from the soggy pavement.
I removed them. Socks too. The concrete was cool and wet.
We continued searching for something other than pizza.
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The Road Trip Day 2: Foggy Mountain Monoliths
Woke up with yesterday's cloudy skies still hanging around. The coastal air was crisp. We packed up and drove with the windows...
Yosemite National Park, California
May 8, 2015
I woke up to yesterday's cloudy skies still hanging around. The coastal air was crisp.
We packed up and drove with the windows down. Today's journey was less than 200 miles and we had a camping reservation. The goal was to head out early, take our time, and enjoy the views.
Slowly, we gained in elevation. The temperature kept dropping.
Welcome to Fish Camp.
It was cloudy and ominous all day.
Upon arrival at Mariposa Grove, we were surprised to find at least three inches of snow on the ground. Water dripped from the trees, plunking loudly on our car's roof. We each took turns peering through the sunroof watching large droplets splash on the glass.
We got out and took a walk.
It was cold!
Yesterday's overcast delight spoiled me. I hope I brought enough warm clothes for the entire trip.
Caleb Jennings enjoying the cool air at Mariposa Grove.
With temperatures hovering in the mid 30's, there was talk of finding an alternate plan. We were not prepared to camp in the snow.
The decision was to find and rent a room for the next two nights. After all, we are on a vacation.
Headed to Tunnel View via Wawona Tunnel.
After exiting the park, we found a room with a reasonable rate. Camping would have been rough; my sleeping bag is only rated to 20 degrees.
Dinner was Mountain House pasta primavera and a generous glass of whiskey. I lost two cribbage games.
Tomorrow's plan is to hike the Mist Trail.
Hey, want a ride?
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The Road Trip Day 13: Surge Flow
Like most hotels, I had a rough night getting used to the cantankerous air conditioning unit switching on and off. Our neighbors had a housewarming party…
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado
May 19, 2015
Like most hotels, I had a rough night getting used to the cantankerous air conditioning unit switching on and off. Our neighbors had a housewarming party, it seemed.
The three of us, rubbing sleep from our eyes, went to the lobby for 'continental breakfast' which had a predictably limited selection. I cobbled together a peanut butter and butter toast-sandwich with a few cups of Styrofoam coffee. Under the television blaring a morning FOX program, we quietly finalized our plans.
We arrived at the Great Sand Dunes parking lot at 8:30 a.m.; everything was freshly wet from a night of rain.
Wet sand dunes are a different experience altogether.
Just beyond the parking lot in front of the dunes, a wide, pulsating river obstructed a clear path. Nearly a football field of ankle-deep water lay between us and the dunes; a surge flow. There didn't look to be any way around but through. We took of our shoes and socks and stashed them at the bank.
The water was beyond cold. Polar plunges, dares from high school friends, the Atlantic, every cold water event I had previously paled in comparison until today. The cold water lost its novelty immediately. Only shin-deep a few steps in and I found it difficult to breathe. I can't imagine falling through an iced-over lake.
We started to walk around and the sky kept getting darker. After another 10 minutes we bailed for the car, and a moment after crossing the frigid river once more, it began to pour. I had to towel off before getting into the car.
After nearly two weeks of being on the road, we made it safely to Eagle Nest. Tom aggressively shook my hand, like always; Vicky hugged me deeply, like always; Will did both, like always. The McKinney's cabin is beyond special, it feels so good to be back here once more—I am so lucky.
Everyone took a shady seat under one of the huge Ponderosas in the front yard. We shared stories from our journey and pet the many lounging dogs.
The Road Trip may have come to an end, but the start of summer is upon us.
Tomorrow. It begins.
You can't scratch Moonlight, really. He's got so much fur, your fingers get lost or caught.
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About the Blog
Justin Kernes is a photographer and writer who thrives in the great outdoors.
From 2010-2017, he worked in the backcountry at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
In 2018 “Tiny Slice” successfully thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail.
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