Bonjour amis,Β
I hope life has been good to you and all is well in your spirits.
Last weekend, I took a long and wild road trip to Los Angeles. Before I jump into it, Iβm curious to know, how many of you are fans of road trips?
Personally, road trips to LA are one of my favorite college memories.Β
Back in my uni days, a road trip to LA from Monterey Bay with my college homies was the familiarity my younger self desperately craved.Β
Our university was a small quiet beach town back then, so anytime we took a road trip to LA on holiday break, it was a welcomed change of scenery and pace.Β
Weβd load up on snacks, make a mandatory In and Out Burger stop, pass the aux for 6 hours, and bask in the freedom to leave campus β good times.Β
But times have changed. This road trip to LA was just me, darkness, and space for a whopping eight hours. No passing of the aux or snacks. No singing karaoke or playing a song on repeat.Β
Donβt get me wrong, I do enjoy my own company and time in solitude but in the words of Bill Withers we all need somebody to lean on.
It was a long and intense journey. I remember wanting Jesus to literally take the wheel so I could rest.Β
I somehow channeled superwoman and pulled an all-nighter on the road. However, I learned a hard lesson: there is nothing super about pulling an all-nighter except that I get super tired.Β
I made it to Los Angeles just after 1AM and fell asleep before my head hit the pillow.
I set my heart and intentions on visiting the Angeles National Forest, after discovering a) LA had a forest and b) the drive was only 29 minutes from my accommodation.Β Β
The thought of reaching any place in LA in under 30 minutes, let alone a forest, seemed unreal.
But I found the Angeles National Forest exactly where Google maps said it would be and everything was in tack.Β
I hiked up the Hoyt Mountain trail for a little over two hours soaking up the Los Angeles sun and fresh air. The Hoyt Mountain trail is home to diverse habitats of indigenous native plants, animal ecosystems, and peaks that overlook the LA skyline.Β
The trail does not scratch the surface of the 700,000+ acres of land across this California Historical Landmark. From lakes to waterfalls, to ski trails and recreational features, the Angeles National Forest has something for everyone to enjoy.
What I found most interesting about exploring newness in a familiar place like LA, is how wonderful it felt to find something I never knew existed.
I spent the majority of my childhood living an hour away from Los Angeles and never heard of the Angeles National Forest.Β
Growing up, I associated LA with beaches, the garment district district, Roscoeβs Chicken and Waffles, sunshine, and wealth.
So to experience LA outside of my awareness was refreshing and gave me a deeper appreciation for the region's depth.
The Angeles National Forest is a gateway to get in touch with nature and the natural world. Even though, just 30 minutes away there is a culture hung up on moving toward an artificial world.
This trip was also a reminder of how much land in California is still untouched. I drove back to the Bay Area during the day through Highway 198 for the first time. This route reassured me everything has not been tainted by social media and there is still much to be explored.Β
Roughly 75% of the drive was serene views of natural lands β agriculture, deserts, and mountains β all beautiful reminders of The Source for all of creation.Β
I look forward to exploring and sharing more of my home state on this platform. Slowly but surely I am making peace with settling back βhomeβ and seeking out the unfamiliar.Β
Iβd love to hear from you, what undiscovered places are within your reach? When was the last time you explored something new in a familiar place? Let me know in the comments.Β
As always, thank you for taking time to read and share SIN PRISA. Your presence and support is appreciated.Β
PS: If you have recommendations for day or weekend trips in California, let me know in the comments. Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe are next on my list :)
Until next time, take it slow π¦₯,Β
E
Los Angeles at a glanceΒ
Budget: $
Best time: Year roundΒ
Best transportation: CarΒ
Primary languages: English
Best accommodation: I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at this Airbnb, plus covered and secure parking was included.
Questions? Send me a note sinprisatravel@gmail.com.Β
Need support or want to chat? Book time with me here. Iβve curated 20+ trips for solo, couple, and small group travelers across the globe. Iβd love to hear about your trip dreams!
I had no idea LA had a forest! π Looks like good times, that airbnb is lovely!