On July 4th, we escaped the overcrowded beaches to hike Torrey Pines Nature Reserve. As a tropical island girl, a desert overlooking the ocean was a brand new experience. But what was even more special about Torrey Pines was the fact that it had its own beach trail, and of course, the beach itself.
Torrey Pines Beach ran along the same stretch as the overcrowded area we had passed before, but access was easiest through the trails, and not many people were up to the task.
Thankfully, we were!
Easy Trekking
The trail down to the beach was much like the rest of Torrey Pines, except that it was downhill, rockier, and sandier.
I was glad for the easier trek, as the sun rose higher in the sky. But, the whole way down I kept speculating about how hard it was going to be to work our way back up from the beach.
Along the way, we came across this educational bit about coastal bluffs, and how the waves beat them into nonexistence over time. It’s almost impossible to think that those massive bluffs are just shrinking away, day after day.
The Beach
I was quickly cheered up by the sight of the beach. If you’re an island or beach town native, who moved away from the sea, and sees it after a long stretch, then you know the excitement I felt.
Much as I would have loved to run off and go splashing into the water though, the trail’s design put a pause on my plans. Yes, that is as winding and dangerous as it looks. It’s sandy, so there’s not enough friction; and it’s steep.
We wisely went down sideways.
Then, it was time to make a run for it. I was the first one in. Naturally. I’d done my research and knew the water would be chilly, so I was surprised I was able to brave the cold.
Bad Idea..
But I hadn’t shown up just to look at the water, or go a-splashing. I wanted to snorkel!
Back in Atlanta, I had spent two weeks deliberating about what to bring on my trip, and I’m not talking about shoes and dresses. I’m talking about a decision between my snorkeling gear, or my laptop.
In eleven years, I have never traveled without a laptop. Not one time. Not ever. I’m a writer, and this writer types everything. I would go mad. But, since July officially makes it 2 consecutive years since I’ve been in America, I hadn’t been snorkeling in a while, either. I used to go snorkeling every weekend.
So, I borrowed Shadow’s laptop – a Tablet with a bluetooth keyboard – left him with my laptop, and took the snorkeling gear!
And off I went like a true adventuress, into the deep blue sea!
And you know what? It spat me out without a second thought in just a few minutes. I should have known better. The water was much too choppy for a successful snorkeling expedition.
I brought the gear back and went back in to brave the water a third time. We had hiked much too far, in too great a heat, for me not to make the best of it.
All Beached Out
In due time, we had our fill of the icy water, and found other ways of amusing ourselves – like photobombing Ericson’s awesome Pisces-tattoo pic…
…watching a couple show off their strength and flexibility…
…and photobombing Ericson again – or more like sneaking up on him and taking a selfie, while he tried to put his earrings back in.
We're having a blast hiking by the beach at Torrey Pines in California. What are you guys up to? #traveltuesday pic.twitter.com/RcI6mbZ3dw
— College Mate (@CollegeMate_) July 4, 2017
Of course, in true millennial fashion, we also took a group selfie to immortalize the moment.
Time to Go
By then, we were starving, and ready to get packed, and start our trek back up to the top of the bluffs.
Just as I had expected, it was not an easy walk back up. But it was a good end to a great day. The beach trail, and the beach itself, was the absolute best part of hiking to Torrey Pines.
If you ever make it out to San Diego, California, Torrey Pines Nature Reserve is not a place you want to miss – especially the beach trail.
Hiked to the beach at Torrey Pines. Definitely the most beautiful trail I've seen so far. #TravelTuesday pic.twitter.com/r4EadnqsZ2
— Alexis Chateau 🇯🇲 (@alexischateau_) July 4, 2017
Stuffing Our Faces
Once hunger seeped in, patience slid out the window. I’m pesco-vegetarian, Tristan loves his meat, and Ericson loves a good mix of both. After calling up his family, we took their recommendation to try out fish tacos, and ended up at Wahoo’s Fish Tacos.
We had never heard of the chain before, and the place didn’t look like much. But my goodness was the food good, and the staff were so friendly – especially, considering the fact that we had them working on a public holiday.
I got the salmon bonzai bowl pictured below under the cashier’s recommendation. Probably in the top 10 most delicious meals I’ve ever had.
This bonzai bowl from Wahoo's in San Diego was sooo good. #TravelTuesday pic.twitter.com/arN1l8OeGN
— Alexis Chateau PR (@AlexisChateauPR) July 5, 2017
Heading Home
Well fed and all tired out from our hike, we were ready to head back to the house and relax. But not for too long. The following morning we had to be up bright and early to volunteer at the Oceanside Beach Cleanup.
#Volunteering at the Morning After the Mess Beach Cleanup in Oceanside, California on July 5th. How are you spending your summer? #travel pic.twitter.com/PWbdav9Z7P
— College Mate (@CollegeMate_) July 6, 2017
But that’s a story for another post. For a sneak-peek, you can check out our company press release on the event, here. Stay tuned for more! We’ll pick this up – same time, next week!
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My trip to California was sponsored by Alexis Chateau PR and booked by our in-house travel agents. Is there a country or city you’ve always dreamed of seeing with your own eyes? Then stop dreaming, and start traveling.
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