Point Reyes

Hiking the trails and then camping in a cloud equaled to quite the experience at Point Reyes National Seashore.  Not only was it cold, but it was an incredible hike that proved to be quite the challenge for all of us.  I mean, take a group of city kids and throw them into nature (the epitome of nature) and you get quite the funny scenario.  We hiked with pounds upon pounds of food and water in our packs for 3 hours, up and down rocky paths.  It was hard but it was so much fun.

The day started off hot but that quickly changed for good.

Right after the hike ended, we discovered the beauty and seclusion of our campsite as we all just kind of collapsed for a brief moment (the sun was setting at a rapid speed and the temp was dropping just as quick).

We had so much space!  And right as we started to cook, a fox came half way out of the grass to inspect what we were making and to make sure that Jake wasn't actually on fire. 

As soon as the sun went away, we quickly made a meal and then all huddled around the picnic table in the pitch black, drank some wine and whiskey and then went to bed.  It was so cold and so dark...it just made sense.

The following morning we all woke up and took a stroll along the beach. 

And then because we were you know, getting married in two days, Badger and I took off and left the others to survive the elements for another day.  So we had to turn around and make the trek back up the brutal mountain, over the river and through the woods so we could get up to wine country and meet up with everyone who had flown in for the wedding.

It was exhausting.  Utterly exhausting.  But soooooo worth it.  Our closest friends, gathered together in nature in California of all places, working together to survive life in a cloud.

Have you ever been?

Going West

My friends are so awesome.  For so many reasons.  But one of those reasons (and the reason that this post is all about) is because a few days prior to this wedding-of-the-century (he he) of mine, we're going camping at a really awesome location in a really rad place.  And it's all thanks to my friends who took it on and planned one hell of an adventure for us all.  Thanks guys!

About 10 of us are going camping at Point Reyes National Seashore off the Pacific coast for an unforgettable experience  with nature.  I can hardly believe it!  It's going to serve as our last hoorah as Badge and Mo, the unmarried couple, and it's going to be fun.  I mean, just look at it:

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There will be lighthouses! And whales! And...sharks (apparently the most infested shark waters around).  Our campsite is a 2-3 hour hike, which means beauty will abound like mad!  I seriously can't wait.

I can envision it now.  We'll cruise on up there in our rental convertible (we're spoiling ourselves, it's our wedding for crying out loud).  Listen to great music with the top down and shades on.  Meet up with our friends and pack up our rented REI camping equipment and set out for the hike.  There will be friends.  There will be booze.  There will be food.  There will be (no) blood. 

And today's Refinery 29 email left me more than excited for the Western part of this all. 

Have you ever been camping out west?  And what is your favorite camping experience*?  Are you even a camper? 

*B and I went last summer before 4th of July at Bong Recreational Park, snicker snicker.  It was the worst experience ever, thanks to the close proximity of the most obnoxious a-hole teenagers in existence.  They were seriously teh worst people.  Just the worst.