The Journey Inward

I’m exhausted lying in bed trying to recap this day. It began with a bittersweet goodbye to my daughter as she dropped me at the rental car station. Driving multi state made for a very expensive rental experience, so I chose the cheapest four-door sedan. My receipt said a Nissan Maxima or similar. When I got there, the man who checked me in, walked me over to stand in front of two white four-door sedans, at BMW and an Audi. He asked which I would like, and I laughed thinking he was kidding. He was not. I am driving a sporty white Audi!

My first stop on the trip was Crystal Cove State Park, where I was able to walk along the cliffs and gaze down at the ocean below. It reminded me a bit of being in Scotland, just warmer and brighter.

The next stop was some lunch across from the ocean, then a walk out to Point Dume in Malibu. This was a beautiful trek up a steep Bluff. The views were absolutely gorgeous on three sides. I came to one section where the path had collapsed and slid down to the sea below. What was left was narrow and uneven. Being afraid of heights, I was suddenly gripped by terror and had to sit down. I started to give myself a peptalk that I could keep going by looking away or even by crawling. But then I told myself that I’m a grown ass woman, and if I didn’t want to, I didn’t have to. I wasn’t disappointing anyone. I chose the latter and ended up finding another path around so that I made it to the tippy top without having to be so frightened.

Point Mugu was just down the road and the short hike allowed me to take in the thunderous crash of waves against rocks along the shore.

Following the Pacific Coastal Highway with the ocean on my left and mountains on the right and the occasional dolphin sighting was breathtaking. I was wishing I could take pictures, but instead chose to just say present and take it all in. Eventually, I got to Santa Barbara and began climbing, climbing the hill in my little car for some awe inspiring views.

Walking through downtown, I heard a live music version of a Cars song. Being a huge fan since I was little, I turned into the Red Piano Bar and promptly sat by the performer, Jason Libs. I ordered a beer and for the next half hour, he played my requests! A couple celebrating their anniversary came in and between us and the people online, we had a magical evening of music.

Eventually, it was time to find dinner and get down to the beach for sunset. The city is so different from San Diego, but really captured my heart.

Photos: 8.14.25 by LA