Walking the Pacific Coast
In and around United States
My plan...fly to San Diego, California and somehow make it from the Mexican border to the Canadian border on foot. The California Coastal Trail, Oregon Coast Trail, and some extensive road walking in Washington will lead me to my destination. My expectations for the trip:
1. don't die
2. walk a lot
3. eat healthy, organic vegetarian foods
4. keep backpack under 30 pounds
5. see as much of the Pacific Coast as possible
6. take incredible pictures
7. lose weight, get in shape
8. sketch and journal diligently
9. someday use this as part of my travel biography
10. check off one more "trip of a lifetime" off my list
Oh, and it wouldn't hurt if I saw a lot of great towns and beaches, met some interesting people, and somehow managed to attract the attention of a major travel guide company that wanted to sponsor my future travel and publish my writings. Hmmm...a girl can dream!
Route taken and entries by Real Traveler backpacker
-
1
getting ready for the trip
So, it is Thursday and I am still packing. There are so many things to consider...will the airport think I am a terrorist if I bring my pocket k... Continue reading » -
2
Almost to the airport
Silly me, I forgot the New Hampshire primary is this weekend. Geez...no wonder it was impossible to find a hotel for the night. I held tou... Continue reading » -
3
oh...direct flight is different from non-stop?
Well, I didn't miss my flight...but I didn't exactly reach San Diego either. It is important to define some terms here:
nonstop flight:... Continue reading »
-
4
standby...music to my ears
I couldn't sleep. It is as simple as that. I woke at 4:44 am knowing the time difference was to blame for facing the bleak reality of a da... Continue reading » -
5
which way should I walk first?
I think I was the first to bed last night...it was only 12:40am when I stood contemplating my top bunk. Apparently, my bunk is missing it's l... Continue reading »
-
6
Am I lost?
I wake at 7:35am with an idea: I will ride the bus to my start point and to make sure that I don't miss an inch, I will end just where I left off yest... Continue reading » -
7
I can see Mexico from here
Mexico is right there. I am starting my hike in Imperial Beach (3.5 miles north of the Mexican border). I was planning on starting in Tiju... Continue reading » -
8
umm...I wasn't planning on swimming in these sneakers
I started my day off well. That I know. I took the #30 bus to the UCSD campus and followed a steep and beautiful paved road with four s... Continue reading »
-
9
Wasn't I just here yesterday?
Layover day! argh! already? I don't want to stop hiking, but my sneakers are wet. I do my laundry. It is such a small load...essenti... Continue reading » -
10
How can I get there from here?
I wake up at 8:30am...that appears to be a pattern with me. I go to Kona's for breakfast. Yesterday, it was IHOP chocolate chip pancakes,... Continue reading » -
11
Maybe I just need more sleep
So...last night (or should I say this morning?) at 4:30am James (one of the Banana Bungalow's staff and I were talking right before I retired to bed.&... Continue reading » -
12
I can't help but meet people...its like they are drawn to me
I wake naturally at 7:40am. By 9am I have already bandaged my feet, gone to the grocery store, come back, made breakfast, and brushed my teeth.&... Continue reading » -
13
I only meant to mail a package home
Awakening at 8:30am, one would suppose they have plenty of time to pack and wake. I apparently need a lot of time, as it was I rushed my packing... Continue reading » -
14
learning to cook in a coffee pot
I wake with plenty of time to catch the 10 am bus to San Clemente, but I find myself engaged in a conversation with the woman I stayed with and I can'... Continue reading » -
15
Laguna Swim and Surf shop wants to be my pseudo-sponsor
It is 8 am and I feel refreshed and ready to hike. I pack my backpack and eat a protein bar in my hotel room. I check out by 9 am and take the bus t... Continue reading » -
16
I ride buses for hours just to end up right where I started...story of my life
It definitely took me longer this morning that I anticipated to pack and begin my hike. It was 10 am when I made it down to reception to check out an... Continue reading » -
17
skipping Compton, but not depriving myself of some L.A. experience
It is time to leave this motel and find my way to a hostel no matter what it takes. A girl like me belongs in hostels, not in hotels...just look at m... Continue reading » -
18
What does lazy look like in L.A. anyway?
Who knew waking up on the top bunk of a bunk bed in a dorm room could be so satisfying? I didn't. I feel lazy immediately, because the other four gi... Continue reading » -
19
Is this rain? I hardly recognize what precipitation looks like anymore
I wake again at 8 am with the realization that after a day in Santa Monica, I think I have come to some solid conclusions about the area: 1. Everyo... Continue reading » -
20
Why is Malibu so ugly?
Today started all wrong. I was waiting for the bus, but it apparently wasn't coming, so I just decided I would walk back over the area I walked yeste... Continue reading » -
21
Finding a farmer's market in Santa Monica
I have three postcards of the area and I have yet to fill them out or mail them, so I make that my goal for the day. I write a nice message to my par... Continue reading » -
22
Another rainy day
I knew after a day of not quite making it to Point Dume on the other side of Malibu, that I had to hike that direction today. I waited for the bus, b... Continue reading » -
23
Living it up in Hollywood & Beverly Hills
There is another woman sleeping in my hostel room when I wake. She is from Arizona and is here because her son is attending a winter formal in L.A.... Continue reading » -
24
a beautiful hike along an incredible piece of seashore
It is NOT raining and the sky looks beautiful. The news says there will be rain. I think they are wrong. I head to the bus stop and take the #534 a... Continue reading » -
25
spending the day in a 2 block radius
I can't believe I have slept in. It is 9:30am and I have just awakened. I dress and attempt to meet Luke at 10:57am (the time we have arranged to me... Continue reading » -
26
Enroute to Santa Barbara
I wake up at 7:32 am, as the only other occupant of my hostel room has an annoying habit of allowing her phone to ring and ring. She is Korean, and I... Continue reading » -
27
almost getting lost in Santa Barbara
The sun has finally decided to shine through the clouds and it doesn't rain today. I get to Stearn's Wharf and I decide to take a hike south pas... Continue reading » -
28
sometimes you gotta swim to get to the other side
I wake up at 7:30 am and I finally eat my mango (I have been carrying it around for about two weeks and it is severely bruised). I have never ea... Continue reading » -
29
Pretending to be a local in Santa Barbara
The tides are still messed up. I like the days when there are two high tides and two low tides. Today is the second of two days where there are only... Continue reading » -
30
New camera, new view, new city to explore
Afraid that I will sleep through checkout, I wake at 7:40 am and begin packing my backpack. Wow, I have acquired a lot of things in the last few citi... Continue reading » -
31
Riding on buses with no apparent destination
I am better at walking. I know that. Somehow, I allowed myself to believe that staying twelve miles from the coast in a well-known hostel in San Luis... Continue reading » -
32
Exploring the Hearst Castle
When I woke up this morning, it was to the sound of my hostel roommates complaining about the rain. I knew it was going to rain...the newspaper confi... Continue reading » -
33
Cycling nearly 40 miles just to see the beach
I am determined to make it to either Avila Beach or Pismo Beach today for a hike. Since I am still in San Luis Obispo, I have several miles to the be... Continue reading » -
34
sand beneath my feet, sun in my face
I wake promptly at 7 am, when my alarm goes off. I have arranged to meet a few of the staff from Hostel Obispo early this morning for a ride out... Continue reading » -
35
walking the bluffs above the beach and discovering a new perspective
My alarm goes off at 7:30 am, but I stay in bed until 8:30 am planning my hike. Once I am up, I head downtown to "The Coffeepot" and order a veg... Continue reading » -
36
spending a day in Morro Bay...just relaxing
I take my time packing today. I am only heading to Cambria and I don't want to arrive too early. I head first to the natural food store fo... Continue reading » -
37
Walking 25 miles to the middle of nowhere
I wake up in Cambria and I know that I have some serious hiking to do. The two hostel employees Chris and Krista have asked from the day off fro... Continue reading » -
38
golfers in my hostel room...now that is weird
When I was in Oceanside a few weeks back, I decided in a moment of haste that carrying my tent was no fun, so I sent it home. Of course that dec... Continue reading » -
39
AT&T Pro/Am Pebble Beach Golf Tournament
I wake immediately at 7 am when the men's golf coach shakes my shoulder. I am the first one woken up, and I get up instantly. I dress and... Continue reading » -
40
Climbing high on a horse path
Last night was cold in the dorm and I can't help but remember what it would be like to be tucked tight into my sleeping bag right now...and I have... Continue reading »
-
41
Mile after mile of highway
I am excited about hiking north today, if nothing more it is an area I have not explored yet. I make a horrible chocolate flax drink with the... Continue reading »
-
42
A hell of a day
I was going to check out this morning, but I change my plans. I have a crazy headache and I feel horribly sick. I attempt to eat a bite... Continue reading »
-
43
making my way to Santa Cruz
When I wake at 7:20 am, I am shocked to find my headache gone. After nearly 25 hours of sleep, I can't sleep a moment more. I wander up... Continue reading »
-
44
Walking amongst the surfers
I first awaken at 5 am to the sound of my roommate's alarm clock. I ignore it and sleep until my own alarm clock accidentally goes off at 7:30 am. A... Continue reading » -
45
networking at its best
When I wake up at 7:30 am, I realize I will never be able to catch the 8:20 am bus to Davenport (and I'm not really sure I care). The bus will run ag... Continue reading » -
46
the roller coaster of life
I wake up at 7:30 am and make my banana, chocolate soymilk, and chocolate flax powder smoothie. The taste has been improved greatly with the banana.... Continue reading » -
47
umm...I missed my ride. Now what?
I am so tired from having stayed up talking to Kate last night. Reena wakes Kate and I up at 7 am; she has offered to give me a ride to Pigeon Point... Continue reading » -
48
only $11.50 from Santa Cruz to San Francisco
I wake up at 7:30 am, knowing Caleb is probably up and waiting for me. I am trying to hurry, although like a gentleman, he tells me not to rush. I p... Continue reading » -
49
Am I the tourist, or is she?
Suddenly, I have lost my ability to get up early and I find that I have slept in until 9:30 am. Reena and I scrounge around her kitchen and my food s... Continue reading » -
50
People watching at the Apple store
Reena is upset that her computer crashed...and I would be too. She calls BestBuy and they tell her after already having 3 qualified repairs, she quali... Continue reading » -
51
Haight-Ashbury
The weather has turned to rain again and I'm not sure what we will do today. I wake up at 7 am and make Kashi oatmeal for breakfast, but I am st... Continue reading » -
52
an introduction to the city and a relative
I am awake early and I am excited to make something of all the food I bought yesterday. I wake up and make myself an omelet with broccoli, spinach, o... Continue reading » -
53
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
I wake up to the realization someone is patting my shoulder. Kate has entered my room (the guest room) at 9:17 am to invite me to go to SFMOMA (the S... Continue reading » -
54
Help, I am trapped on Alcatraz
I am up at 8 am making a tofu, tomato, broccoli, spinach, onion, and feta cheese scramble for breakfast. I eat and wash my dishes before bumping into... Continue reading » -
55
Golden Gate Park and Japanese Tea Gardens
When I wake up at 8:30 am Reena and Kate are headed out the door. I make myself an omelet, using up my remaining eggs, spinach, onion, and broccoli.... Continue reading » -
56
Full House
To be honest, I am starting to tire of the city. I never intended to be in San Francisco for this long, and now that I have weighed my options about... Continue reading » -
57
A little Berkeley shopping trip
I pack everything carefully into my backpack (geez, it has been a while since I have had to pack anything). It all fits. The detergent, my crocs, al... Continue reading » -
58
A streetcar named Milan (argh...I just missed riding a streetcar named Desire)
I am fortunate to have a bunch of extra food with me, because the free hostel breakfast is your choice of a slice of bread or a bagel; a small glass o... Continue reading » -
59
stocking up on outdoor gear
I wasn't able to get into my bed until 3:30 am, so I am a bit disappointed when I sleep in until 9:10 am. Today is the REI used gear sale and I was p... Continue reading » -
60
avoiding a fight in San Francisco
My phone rings at 7:14 am. Johanna has called to inform me that a story about my walk has received a full front page of the Sunday March 2, 2008 Sun... Continue reading » -
61
Staying at the Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel
One of the women in my hostel room (the ranger) has an alarm clock that goes off at 7 am. I can't sleep after that, so I get up and start boiling wat... Continue reading » -
62
A mountain hike to find some food
I wake up at 8:30 am and go into the kitchen to decide where I shall hike today. Sarah is already up and she makes me a grilled peanut butter and jel... Continue reading » -
63
Running up hills, remembering not to look down until I summit
When I went to sleep last night, I had the feeling the hostel was fairly empty. I learn this morning that I was the only person in the building last... Continue reading » -
64
Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel
It is 8:30 am when I wake, so I make a frozen Healthy Choice entree of mozzarella, tomato, and basil panini for breakfast. I eat grapes and drink my... Continue reading » -
65
Oh, the miles you can achieve when you are cycling!
I wake up at 8:30 am and make soy sausages, grapes, 1/2 a leftover panini, and a cheese stick for breakfast. While I am breakfasting, my roommate the... Continue reading » -
66
I am waiting on my luggage and that darn box
When I wake up I am thinking of how I must pack my bag and pedal about 50 or so miles north today. I am not certain of the exact distance, as I an... Continue reading »
-
67
Relaxing with friends and family in San Francisco
I had the forethought last night to set my alarm clock ahead, knowing if I didn't I would be very confused in the morning. My alarm clock goe... Continue reading »
-
68
discovering San Francisco's desolate areas
Since I am alone in my hostel room, I can wake and make as much noise as I wish. My alarm goes off at 8:30 am and I start packing my backpack. It ta... Continue reading » -
69
not heading to Sausalito?
I was thinking of heading into the Marin Headlands today...there is a hostel there. I wake up with the dreadful task of trying to pack my too-heavy p... Continue reading » -
70
Another day in San Francisco
The hostel breakfast is waffles and orange juice. I make a chocolate hemp, vanilla soymilk, and banana smoothie to accompany this meal. I am trying... Continue reading » -
71
Arranging a different type of trip
I start my day in a similar fashion to basically every day before it on this trip. I wake up and find my way to the kitchen to prepare my breakfast.... Continue reading » -
72
rushing around Berkeley just to help a friend find gear
It is time to pack my backpack and as would be my luck, every other person in the cramped hostel is checking out today as well...and the floor of our... Continue reading » -
73
23 hours in Eugene, Oregon
I meant to catch the 9:25 pm bus from San Francisco to Emeryville, California, but I arrive in front of the Amtrak station early and the bus driver te... Continue reading » -
74
I find deep snow near Bend. Is this what it is like in Maine right now?
When I wake up to my alarm clock at 7:45 am, I am only thinking one thing: don't miss my bus to Bend, Oregon! I rush downstairs and make pancake... Continue reading » -
75
A small town, with a lot of funky flair
My day starts at 9:04 am with a knocking on my hotel door. Apparently, the hotel cleaning staff are early risers. I send them away with an... Continue reading » -
76
an "Enchanted" day in Bend
My day starts out with the persistent knocking from the housekeepers, that I have grown accustomed to. How annoying! This is the second mo... Continue reading » -
77
waiting to arrive
I remember to put the "Do not disturb" sign on my motel door and I set the alarm clock on my phone for 8:30 am. I stay in bed until 9 am and then I p... Continue reading » -
78
Does it always rain like this?
My hostel room is alive with the sounds of eight girls grooming themselves. I wake up and check my cellphone for the time: 7:52 am. I climb back ont... Continue reading » -
79
Finally, back to the beach!
I wake at 8:30 am and eat my last chik pattie, and grapes, along with a tall glass of water for breakfast. I walk two blocks north and then I take a... Continue reading » -
80
I like the name Seaside. It sounds quaint. It sort of is.
I begin my day with a breakfast of carrots and a glass of chocolate soymilk. It is 10 am when I exit the hostel and walk to 12th Street to access the... Continue reading » -
81
So, the bus IS running to Portland
I refuse to admit defeat, so I have my alarm go off at 6:45 am. I move my things into the hallway and pack my backpack. I don't eat breakfast becaus... Continue reading » -
82
sleeping, eating, and reading in Portland
I was planning on sleeping in today, as I must wait for my mother to arrive in Portland. Instead, I awake at 7:35 am and decide to stay awake. I rea... Continue reading » -
83
finding yummy treats in P-town
My mother wakes me up at 7:30 am. She thinks that is sleeping in! We go across the street to the World Cup coffee and Tea shop and I get hot chocola... Continue reading » -
84
Hawthorne District
My mom wakes me up at 7:37 am and we wander over to our coffee shop, and then to Byways Cafe (a travel-themed restaurant featuring collectible dinner... Continue reading » -
85
just another day of shopping
We wake up this morning and head North, not South. We are going to explore the Alphabet District today. We eat breakfast at Besaw's Cafe, where I ge... Continue reading » -
86
now, she's flying back to Portland. Maine, that is.
I diligently get up at 7:30 am, knowing any delay in getting up will lessen my chances of eating out again. hahaha. At 8 am my mother and I are stan... Continue reading » -
87
Saturday market, the mall, movie theater, and the bar...all in a day
When I wake up, I know I should take a walk...it feels odd to be in such an urban environment and I know walking is a great idea since for once it is... Continue reading » -
88
Sports stores and sugary desserts
Of course, I am such a lightweight that one drink has caused me to sleep quite well, and so I end up sleeping in until 11:17 am. Yikes! I need to pa... Continue reading » -
89
looking for history and roses in Portland
Johanna calls my cellphone at 7:14 am with a text message asking me to call her back when I wake up. I don't get out of bed until 8:22 am, but whe... Continue reading »
-
90
In pursuit of two parks: one for skating, one for lepruchians
I was up late talking to new friends in the hostel and when I wake at 9 am I am exhausted. I get up and decide I am going to do my laundry be... Continue reading »
-
91
Does everyone here have an accent?
I am exhausted and I sleep until 10:17 am when my phone rings. I wake up and make an egg white omelet with spinach and goat cheese. I d... Continue reading »
-
92
Washington...finally
I awake at 8 am and eat an egg white omelet with goat cheese and spinach, then chocolate yogurt, and my remaining cupcake. Can that be consid... Continue reading »
-
93
Dead Guy Tour of Seattle
I wake up at 9:10 am and wonder if I have missed my chance to dine with my new friends. I get dressed and go downstairs to the common room. ... Continue reading » -
94
sitting with a troll under a bridge
I wake up just minutes before Lindsay knocks on my door to see what I am up to. I eat a banana and a handful of edamame for breakfast. I h... Continue reading » -
95
"Capture the Flag" with a Seattle backdrop
I sleep in until 10:30 am and then have some orange slices and the remaining runt ends of banana halves. It isn't quite the breakfast of champio... Continue reading » -
96
staying close to the hostel
I set my alarm to wake me at 8:25 am, a time I once was able to wake up naturally to, but with my late night habits I can no longer rely on my body to... Continue reading » -
97
sure I'll help with your taxes...
I push myself to wake up when my alarm sounds at 7:25 am. I make it downstairs by 7:58 am and I grab a banana half from the breakfast buffet.... Continue reading »
-
98
walking through Seattle with friends
I set my alarm for 8:45 am because I want to trade work for another night in the hostel, but when I find the housekeeping manager she is busy train... Continue reading »
-
99
psychadelic trip to the Seattle Public Library
I wake up late at 10 am and I know I must rush to pack and check out by 11 am. The room has 6 beds and apparently all were occupied last nigh... Continue reading »
-
100
heading for the islands
The woman I had been hanging out with last night, promised to wake me up this morning, but given the late hour, I am shocked when she shakes me awa... Continue reading »
-
101
finding a cozy coastal town
I wake up at 7:30 am and spend an hour in bed reading before I eat an english muffin with peanut butter and a bowl of granola with milk. I have... Continue reading » -
102
A soggy day in Port Townsend
I wake up around 8 am and decide that my leftover ravioli would make a great breakfast with chocolate soymilk...I may be the only person on the planet... Continue reading » -
103
So, this is where the retired people move to
When I wake up at 8:20 am, I am ready for a decent breakfast of pancakes and strawberry jam. My roommate, Alice, is thinking of heading to Sequi... Continue reading » -
104
A late night bonfire on the beach
When I wake up at 8 am, I pack all of my things and eat a quick breakfast. I linger a bit in the hostel, unsure of which route I would like to t... Continue reading » -
105
Making our way to Canada
At 8 am I get out of bed, despite only three hours of sleep. We pack our bags and check out of the hostel, leaving our bags in the hostel sto... Continue reading »
-
106
Finding an abundance of food and culture in British Columbia.
I wake up at 8 am and my dad and I go out for breakfast at Mary's Diner (sort of a 1950's themed restaurant). I order a vegetable scramble, whic... Continue reading » -
107
This is just the tip of British Columbia...I must come back to see the rest.
We wake at 7 am and get ready for our day. We pack and check out of the hostel, leaving our luggage in the locked storage room. At 8 am... Continue reading »
-
108
Gourmet foods in Seattle
I wake up at 8 am and head with Dad to Lowell's Diner in the Pike Place Market. I get a market vegetable omelet and a hot chocolate. After... Continue reading » -
109
Just walking around Seattle
When I wake up this morning, it is with the knowledge that I must check back with the hostel in a few hours to see if any beds have freed up. ... Continue reading »
-
110
Another day in Fremont
I wake up in time for the free breakfast in the hostel. While I am munching on my eggs, I find one of my friends from yesterday evening and w... Continue reading »
-
111
One last day in the west
I wake up this morning to the sound of everyone in my room banging things around. Are people oblivious to me sleeping there, or do they just not... Continue reading » -
112
My final steps...
I wake at 9 am and make eggs for breakfast, which I consume with a small mug of hot chocolate and a very gooey brownie. I return to my room to p... Continue reading »
Would you like to comment or ask a question?