skipped town

7:38 pm Friday night we got the itch to get out of town. We got on Priceline and did some last minute bidding and by 8:30 pm we were on the road to Monterey.

We stopped at Chick-a-filet for some free dinner (Alden won a years worth of meals, didn't I tell you?) and we got to eat on the road! One of my favorite pastimes that Alden isn't a fan of. I guess eating and driving is very different in Idaho vs California.

We scored a nice hotel in Monterey and found out that loads of celebrities like Kenny G and Bill Murray were in town for a golf tournament. Score.

We woke up Saturday and did what we always do, garage selling and thrifting. I found some gorgeous vintage dresses at an estate sale but they were just a little too big up top (boob jobs ruin everything I tell you).

Then we ate brunch on the water and it was delicious and relaxing. We hit up some more thrift stores and scored us a head board for $30. This is the kind of thrill we live for (exciting I know).

We started heading home up the coast and stopped in Santa Cruz to check out the beach. We walked the pier, enjoyed the shops, had some Mexican and went to Gap. Because no trip is complete without a trip to Gap (they are having some killer sales right now btw).

Our only regret?.... Not staying another night, or two or three.

CA 1 Road Trip: The Big Picture

After arriving in Monterey our virst stop in the morning was Carmel-by-the-Sea. We went down to the beach and then decided to check out a local mission.


Next we headed down the coast and stopped at different view points to take a look at the coast. This stop is Bixby Bridge.


Next we drove through Big Sur, the redwood groves that dot the coast. The elevation jumps and we stopped at Nepenthe, a beautiful indoor outdoor restaurant where we had hot apple cider and breakfast at 3:00 in the afternoon. Being on a mountain, in the forest, on the edge of the ocean eating breakfast might just be as good as it gets.

Alden had heard of this place, McWay falls, and had wanted to go for YEARS. Lucky for us it was part of the drive. Talk about BEAUTIFUL. Can you see the waterfall coming out of the rock? The only down side is there is no accesses to the beach, at least no legal/safe access. Alden was pretty disappointed but in the end we decided it wouldn't be nearly as beautiful if there were a million tourists down there.

Sunset kisses...


The next day we got up and went to Pismo beach to see the Monarch butterflies. It wasn't what I expected (the butterflies were hanging in the trees about 20 feet up) but it was still really neat.

We ended our trip eating Mexican at Morro Bay. That giant rock is actually the pit of an old volcano. Can you believe it?

When doing our research for the trip we came across an article by National Geographic about driving the CA 1. It had lots of great stops, I only wish we could have hit them all. Click here to check out the article.

Road Trippin

Alden and I hit the CA 1 for a little weekend birthday road trip. Alden usually prefers to "do" rather than to "have" for his Birthday.

Here is a sneak peek picture of our adventure. I can't get over those cliffs, that water, and the bridge! Forgive me America for day dreaming about Europe lately.

*Stay tuned for more posts of our trip

Weekend Tunes

This song seems fitting right? Have you heard Mindy Gledhill before? She is fabulous, in all senses of the word. And while your listening click here and look at Justin Hackworth's best wedding photography of 2010.... you might see someone you know.....hint hint.... along with some GREAT pictures.

p.s. have you been to California? What is a must see/do?

Hello California

(bonsai Olive tree, symbolizing a foundation of family and strength, given to Alden's mom)

Hello California
Hello new life
Hello change
Hello opportunity
Hello layers
Hello breath of fresh air

Looking forward, ready to embrace.

We're Moving!

Because of the recent passing of Alden's father we have decided that we need to move to California. Instead of looking at this in a negative way, Alden and I have chosen to see the positive. We are going to get involved in the family business and carry on the legacy of Jon Aikele. While we are sad to leave Hawaii and the friends we have made here we see this as an opportunity to learn and grow. We have a big year ahead of us but we are excited for the doors that have been opened. Alden will continue in his degree via web or night classes and once we get settled I can look into getting a job doing something I love!

Stay tuned for our adventures in the San Francisco area!