Spotify playlist that got us through the roadtrip:
The time we rented a car and drove down the Pacific Coast Highway:
On 12/31/2023 we took off on our very first “car camping” adventure. We flew from DFW into San Francisco, CA. After landing, we headed to Hertz rental car, only to find out that Hertz will not let you rent at age 19 (FYI stay away from Uber Rental). So we resorted to plan B (which we did not have at the time, but later figured out) which was to head to Fox Rent-A-Car, as we read online they were one of the only car rental companies in all of San Francisco that would rent to 19 year olds. After we arrived and crossed our fingers, they gave us the keys to a 4Runner and we hit the road! We stopped at Target to grab some essentials (1 Queen Sized Comforter, 2 Pillows, 2 Gallons of water, and a pack of film), and then stopped at Trader Joes to get groceries for the week. We headed south from San Francisco toward Santa Cruz where we parked on the side of the road for the night.
The first night was scary, I must admit. We woke up a total of 7 times throughout the night from the sound of “gun shots,” which of course were actually fireworks (maybe car camping on New Years wasn’t the best idea). But the next day we woke up, brushed our teeth with one of the gallons of water we bought, changed at a nearby gas station, and headed towards Big Sur. If you haven’t driven the Pacific Coast of California, I highly suggest it, as we saw some of the most incredible views on our way down from Santa Cruz.
When we arrived in Big Sur we explored the little town. What we did not know before arriving is that Big Sur as a town is not well established. There is little to no cell service, one “coffee shop,” (that doesn’t serve espresso) and a couple of restaurants along the way. Big Sur is mostly known for the incredible ocean views it offers. We had a picnic near the side of the road, hiked around little trails, and spent the day sitting, reading, and writing.
The second night our plans to head towards Santa Barbra were unfortunately disrupted by a rock landslide that blocked the road. We found a camping lodge, called Big Sur Lodge and luckily they had a camping spot open, we paid the $30 camping fee, and parked for the night.
The third day we realized we would have to turn around and head back towards San Francisco, take a flight from San Francisco into LAX, and drive from LA to Santa Barbara. We stopped at Carmel by the Sea, got some coffee, and sat on the beach for hours. We finally arrived in San Francisco around 7pm, filled the 4Runner up and took it back to Fox Rent-a-Car (we later got charged a “return early” fee from the company). We stayed in a hotel near SFO Airport that night and flew into LAX that morning. Luckily our sister lives in LA and was able to pick us up and we immediately headed towards Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara was peaceful, still, and beautiful. It is mostly a college town, and we unfortunately came during winter break, so there wasn’t much activity in the town. We stayed at a motel that cost us each about $30. We explored the town, sat at the beach, watched the surfers, and ate some of the best Mexican food we’ve ever had. Our time in Santa Barbara was short, but we will definitely be back!
This is where we concluded our roadtrip, we ended our trip with a few short days in LA with our sister. We went on hikes, visited Griffith Observatory, drank lots of coffee, watched La La Land of course, and said our goodbyes to our sister and headed to the airport, where we would spend the next 2 weeks visiting Australia and Indonesia.
Journal Entry from Big Sur:
“As I gaze out onto the ocean, I am instantly reminded of You. You so intentionally designed creation so that Your people could enjoy it. I remember hearing that everything in this world brought You glory. At the time I couldn’t understand how, but as I sat on a rock you designed looking out as hundreds of miles of water that you also created, it seems simple now.
As the waves crash unto the rocks and sway in the ocean. I imagine they sing “Hallelujah” with each movement. I imagine the birds joyously sing a tune to their Creator. You’ve shaped all of humanity to glorify You and it’s such a glimpse of Your goodness and kindness to us, that we may have a slice of Heaven here on Earth to remind us of You and our eternity to come.” – Olivia Kimbell
“From you are all things and to you are all things. The Lord is the Creator of the ends of the earth. Everything in nature was created by Him and they give Him back the glory. All of nature depends on God for survival, free from any distractions.
In Psalm 147: 8-11, it says “He covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares rain for the earth; he makes grass grow on the hills. He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens that cry. His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man, but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.”
The Lord cares for everything in all of creation and tends to it. Nature reveals God’s glory, power, wisdom, presence, creativity, and loving care. The same is true for you and me, the Lord desires to know us and care for us. If the sparrow has a place to lay its head, how much more does He tend to you and your needs?” – Megan Kimbell
Thoughts in Transit 