Mosaic Stairs

A dear friend spoke about starting a blog and I remembered that I used to have 3!!!  So, I've become aspired to start writing and sharing again in all 3.  (A food journal, art Therapy & Exploring (This one!)

To start, I'd like to share pictures from visiting the Mosaic Stars in SF with my dear friend AM.  Ever since I saw the picture of these, I've been telling her I wanted to find these mysterious stairs.  Finally, the perfect time arrived for us to go.  And, what a perfect day it

was! We got there on a clear sunny day right before sun set.

This hidden art gem is located at 16th and Moraga in San Francisco!  It's entitled, " The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps. Not only will you be able to see some amazing views of the city, you'll get to appreciate a beautiful mosaic running up 163 steps. Inspired by the world-famous steps in Rio de Janeiro, Irish ceramist Aileen Barr and mosaic artist Colette Crutcher joined forces, working with over 300 community volunteers for over a two and a half year period until they unveiled the project in August 2005.

Land's End/Port of SF (North West tip of SF)

So exploring one day, I stumbled upon 'Land's End' in the northern west tip of San Francisco also known as the Port of SF.  The famous Cliff House and the historic spa/bath house is also within walking distance.

Plaque displaying the history of the area

Lots of neat pathways to walk around the area.

Loved the different paths in the area

Where the ole bath house/spa area used to be.

Really beautiful walk

And a great spot to view the golden gate bridge on a non foggy day.

Pacifica Beach, California

I heart Pacifica Beach in Northern California!

There's a walking path were you can eventually go up on this cliff, Pretty!

No shells are on these beaches, even better the coolest shaped rocks!

Santa Cruz, California

Pics taken in Santa Cruz, California in September 2011.

Loved this cliff of the beach

This was actually behind the rock/cliff formations of Natural Bridges.

Loved the beautiful greenery growing all over this cliff

Natural Bridges

Just of Natural Bridges.  So cool.  Hope next time its a lower tide so I can get closer!

It was a beautiful Weather day!  The next time I'm in Santa Cruz, Definitely coming back to this beach!

Natural Bridges Beach

Muir Woods and Muir Beach (SF, California)

If your going to the San Francisco area. It is a must to check out Muir Woods and Muir Beach. If you thought San Francisco was beautiful already, just you want til you see the Diversity that the land offers in such a small area.



Its not a far drive to Muir Woods from the city. Its actually a beautiful mountain drive starting when you cross the Famous Golden Gate Bridge. Once to the woods, its this majestic shaded stroll on paths. Every way you glance, your surrounded by a combination of Sequioa and redwood trees. There is a nice breeze and the temperature immediately drops due to the Tallest Redwood Trees in the world covering the sun. The sun when out, tries to shine through little openings from the trunks of the trees and the leaves. The views are so mystifying, its like your not on earth anymore, especially if your from a region where there are not many trees.



The sequoias are beautiful as they are the thickest trees in the world. You often feel like an ant compared to these massive trees.



Less than a mile mountain drive, you can go to Muir Beach, which is a small quaint rocky beach. Rocky beaches are my obsesssion as it feels more tropical to me and nature engulfing to me. Its a peaceful beach. The rocks are fun to stand on. Beware though, I thought I was save from the waves crashing over and depending on the time of the day, the waves just crash on top of the rocks.

Multnomah Falls, Just outside of Portland, Oregon

In, late 2009 I got the opportunity to travel to Portland. I was blown aware by the terrain, especially coming from Texas.

I researched before traveling over and decided to check out Multnomah Falls. It is actually the 2nd tallest waterfall in the united states.

The falls (yes there are more!) are located east of the portland airport which is situated north of the city. In less than 30 minutes, you are there! It was a great start to my vacation as, after picking up my rental car, I headed out there first! There are smaller falls all along a scenic highway you can exit to get on and stop on the way to Multnomah. Not to mention the main highway rides along a river that opens up to a scenic area- Called the columbia river gorge.

View from the bridge

I have to admit at first, being not used to nature, and not knowing what to expect and traveling alone, I was a little intimidated. But it was the most thrilling, exhilariting experience and I loved every minute of the adventure.

The falls are absolutely beautiful. This place is difficult to express. Its mystic, magical, breathe taking, and peaceful.

The falls has a bridge that runs half way across the falls for an even closer view of the falls. The pathway is an easy walk. The bridge is absolutely gorgeous as its an cement bridge built in 1906, this bridge replaced a wooden bridge that was there before and I have to say makes the place and the view even more majestic. There's just something about standing on a bridge that old, embracing a waterfall. Can't put my finger right on it though.

They say to dress warm because higher up its cooler and then the mist from the falls. I was okay with a light sweater. Now, in the winter you definitely want to bundle up more.

You can continue walking on a little more advanced pathway to the top of the falls. This time I opted not to as, its wet and my shoes didn't have good traction. So note if you want to, then become prepared.

After reviewing the pictures I took. I couldn't stop thinking that the photos of the falls, look like paintings. Almost like this place doesn't exist and someone made it up. I guess that's common to many beautiful places.

If you park in the handicap area- you are right there! There's not a walk to reach the falls, they are literally right there. Parking wasn't an issue for me because I went there mid day during the week. (And there was still a good handful of people!)

I hear during the winter time, there's some more beautiful experiences of the falls, especially when it freezes and the waterfall is frozen.

Definitely a place I'd go back to.

*Note all pictures were taken by me, while I was there. Except of course, the one where I'm in it. Another onlooker asked me if I wanted my picture taken with the falls.

Clouds (part 1)

I think the BEST part of traveling is viewing the SKY on the plane ride. You will be surprised with the amazing views and the amazing pictures you can get from the window of an airplane.

When I'm looking out the window, I seriously feel like I'm looking at another world, heaven is the closest concept I can describe it as. The clouds are like blankets in the sky. I hope you enjoy the images. And next time you dread buying an expensive plane ticket. Get a window seat and enjoy the views that are price-less.

I have many so for my first blog post I will post some and add more later. Enjoy =)