Early October transforms the entire Eastern Sierra into a vast, golden tapestry. A drive along Highway 395 during this time of the year feels like entering another world. To the east, the White and Inyo Mountains guard the horizon, and to the west, the Sierra Nevada rise in rugged contrast. Between these two mighty ranges … Continue reading Eastern Sierra: The call of the golden ranges
Expansive rolling hills unfold in every direction, bursting with lush greenery in the springtime and dotted with cows grazing at their leisure. On a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of the Bay Area hustle in the distance—close enough to see, yet blissfully far from reach. If you are looking for a quick escape … Continue reading Vargas Plateau Regional Park: Greenery is calling
Spring is beautiful season to visit the Cowell-Purisima Trail, a 3.6-mile gently graded path just 10 minutes south of Half Moon Bay. As you walk along the trail, you will be greeted by the blooming mustard fields radiating in golden hues on one side, contrasting beautifully with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean on the … Continue reading Cowell-Purisima Trail: Where springtime meets the ocean
From February to March, Half Moon Bay comes alive with the first signs of spring, as patches of blossoms begin to sprinkle along the roadside. Just 10 minutes south of downtown Half Moon Bay, you will find one of the most mesmerizing sights ever: a vast sea of golden-yellow mustard flowers, stretching endlessly toward the … Continue reading Half Moon Bay: Spring forward amongst the golden carpet
This trail is one that you do not want to miss, especially during this time of year. At first glance, the unassuming trailhead seems like just another path off Highway 1. It is not until you venture toward the ocean when a hidden treasure gradually unfolds in front of you: a secluded valley, blanketed in … Continue reading Calla Lily Valley: Pristine petals in the ocean’s embrace
Here comes October in the Midwest. It can still feel warm from time to time, as if summer has never left. Yet the fluttering leaves always have a tell: they are a pigment different every second, signaling the shorter days ahead and the impending winter. On a sunny day, there is perhaps no better way … Continue reading Minneapolis: The leaves, they are a-changin’
If you drive along Highway 88 towards the east or Highway 89 towards the south in early October, you will start noticing some yellow hues sparkling in between the green pine trees. Soon, these shades will morph from distinct patches into a dazzling display of gold and orange. You know this is when you have … Continue reading Hope Valley: A golden state of wonder
“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Such wisdom imparted by Shakespeare immediately resonates as you step into the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, California. With over 4,000 shrubs on display, you will find yourself greeted by rose varieties with the most lovely names—Sugar Moon, Summer Dream, and Rainbow Sorbet, just … Continue reading San Jose Rose Garden: Roses are red, fiery, and a rainbow of colors
This is not your typical ranch. As soon as you step into The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, you will quickly realize that “in bloom” is quite an understatement. Featuring 55 acres of giant tecolote ranunculus flowers, the ranch boasts more than 200,000 plants per acre with each plant yielding an average of 10 blooms, … Continue reading The Flower Fields: A vivacious color palette
Here comes March. The days have started getting longer, yet it is still a tad breezy and rainy. You wonder if it is even spring, as season changes are typically not obvious in most parts of California. At least not until you see the hills—no longer a drab of yellow, but a carpet of lush … Continue reading Del Valle: Rolling in the greens
Fresh blossoms and rolling hills flaunt a refreshing color palette at this time of year. Inspirations abound, especially for shutterbugs like me. With sunny days being a scarcity in recent months, a little break from the rain became that perfect window of opportunity to venture out and enjoy the great outdoors. I’m glad that I … Continue reading Blossoms, in-between the unrelenting rain
When residents of Eucalyptus Ave in San Carlos put up holiday lights each December, they mean business. The result? This might be one of the most over-the-top Christmas displays you will ever see. First started by the Liner Family as a holiday tradition, the dazzling lights and festive decorations are now an annual community affair. … Continue reading Eucalyptus Ave: Holiday lights, uninterrupted!
