West Coast Road Trip: Venice Beach

Our journey ended in Venice Beach. It's a place where people are fucking nuts, in the best way possible! We were all smiles up and down the boardwalk with a $5 freak show and endless people watching. Came across a great skate park and 50+ person drum circle, including homeless, hippies, actual drummers and anyone else who could keep a beat. I'd do it again.

West Coast Road Trip: High Voltage Tattoo

Our L.A. adventure began with a stop at High Voltage Tattoo in West Hollywood. Being fellow creatives and fans of Kat Von D, we wanted to quickly stop by to see the shop while making our way to Hollywood Hills. We weren't even going to walk in until I pressured Val into checking the availability of a walk-in spot. "You only live once, you'll regret it" is all that was needed to give her the courage to head to the counter. Kevin Lewis was available, and 4 hours later, Val had another unique masterpiece added to her cold shoulder. Kevin turned out to be a former Chicagoan himself. We all shared many similar interests, nerded out and it was awesome. Needless to say we never made it to the Hollywood sign...

West Coast Road Trip: Morro Bay

Had a beautiful morning for kayaking on the bay. Spotted more boisterous sea lions and curious harbor seals. Morro Rock sits at 576 feet tall in the center of the bay and has been formed from a once erupted volcano's cooled magma.

West Coast Road Trip: Monterey to Morro Bay

Stopped for a quick bite and some otter watching in Monterey. Further down the road, Big Sur lent us some of its beauty.

West Coast Road Trip: San Francisco to Monterey

Sun-lined strawberry fields enticed us to pull over and snag a basket of our own. (nomnomnomnom)

West Coast Trip: Alcatraz

Alcatraz was an experience so great it deserved it's own post. Walked the same halls as Birdman, Machine Gun Kelly, and fellow Chicagoan, Al Capone. You couldn't help but imagine what life must have been like. Still posted in the dining hall is the very last meal served the morning of March 21st, 1963, the day Alcatraz permanently closed.

West Coast Road Trip: San Francisco

We got as much as we could out of you San Fran. Lombard street, fishermans wharf and freshly shucked oysters.

West Coast Road Trip: Mendocino to San Francisco

Had a foggy drive leaving Mendocino. San Fran welcomed us with open arms.

West Coast Road Trip: Mendocino

The small town of Mendocino runs only about a mile long. Relaxing, beautiful and deliciously fresh mussels. (Yup, I pretty much eat seafood now...)

West Coast Road Trip: Glass Beach

Former city trash dumps left behind what is now rounded sea glass that lines the shores of Glass Beach in Fort Bragg. This was also our first beach squirrel sighting, they are not camera shy.

West Coast Road Trip: Eureka

Quick stop in Eureka. Took a peak at Carson Mansion and devoured the best samich in town at Hole in the Wall.

West Coast Road Trip: Highway 101 to Mendocino

Early morning drive through the Redwoods in route to Mendocino.

West Coast Road Trip: Crescent City Beach

Tired legs, hot dogs and a cold beer. A great end to a day in the Redwoods, except for the perfectly charred dog that was thieved off the grill by a crafty seagull.

West Coast Road Trip: Jedediah Smith Redwoods

Monster trees and surprisingly teeny pine cones. Our necks hurt Jedediah, and we thank you.

West Coast Road Trip: Crater Lake

We squirmed with anticipation as we ascended over 7,000 ft above sea level. The first sight of Crater Lake gave us goosebumps. About 4 and a half hours south of Portland lies our nation's deepest and arguably most beautiful lake. It's an old volcano that erupted over 7,700 years ago. The views, unmatchable. The water, bluer than Tobias Funke.

Next stop, Jedediah Smith Redwoods in Northern California. Stay gold Oregon.

West Coast Road Trip: Portland

We came, we saw, we smelled your roses, drank your beer and helped cheer your Timbers to victory. Your ketchup, not too shabby either. We leave with tired legs and full bellies. Crater Lake here we come.

Rose Garden | Rogue | Powell's Books | Salt & Straw | Portland Ketchup | The Whole Bowl

Hair of the Dog Brewery | Deschutes Brewery | Bunk Sandwiches | Portland Timbers