It feels really weird being on the coast. It still, even after 3 weeks, has not set in that i'm on the opposite coast. It's odd to be surrounded by so many people, when i am used to open highway and being by myself. When i left home, it was off season for everywhere i went. Half of yellowstone was closed because it was still under snow. Now, it is mid June. So, everything is open; everyone and their mother are out and about. I knew i would be in California during one of the busiest times, but it makes me not enjoy things as much. For example, Yosemite was not great for me. Why, you might ask? Because there was more traffic there than in LA! I am not exaggerating either. A friend told me yesterday though, don't write it off because of the time of year i went. Honestly, i think he is right. Yosemite was really pretty, it was just the factor of being too crowded and congested. In conclusion, looks like i need to go to national parks before summer.
From my last post, i went to church with mitch and joe on sunday. It was actually a pretty good service, despite the name: "Reality LA". From there, a few of us went to eat and hung out. It was sincerely a great time. Later that day, Joe, Mitch, and I went to Venice beach. I'm not really a huge beach person, but i had to check out Venice. Also, the night before i watched one of my favourite films, "American History X", which takes place in Venice. We walked around and saw some cool things, such as the basketball courts and the skate park. Best part was definitely the group of people that were rollerskating to music and looking like they were from the 80's. I'm not quite sure how that sounds, but it was way too much fun to watch! Again, you'll just have to wait and see because i shot it on film haha. I also met up with another east coast model, Noelle. Being italian and from the east coast, of course we went to a pizzeria. It actually wasn't bad! On wednesday i went to see "the Godfather" in theaters with Joey. Oddly enough, even with my dad always watching the Godfather, I've never seen it fully through. That was definitely pretty fun. I said my goodbyes to mitch and joey and headed out thursday morning. I headed straight to death valley. Now, no one told me no one goes to death valley in the summer. I get there and am shocked that i'm pretty much the only person in the park. All i had to do was open my door and i figured it out pretty quickly. I think it was about 100 degrees the day i went...but the wind was gusting at almost 30mph! Let me tell you, it was hot! It was probably the windiest place i've been to yet too. I got there pretty late in the day, which led me to having to sleep in the park...definitely one of the hardest nights for me. It was way too hot, and even cracking the windows didn't help. You know something is wrong when you sleep right next to a "no overnight camping" sign and no one bothers you! I think if you can survive sleeping there, then you are allowed haha. The next day i began to head to Yosemite. I stopped at a few places on the way, such as the pinnacles. I got there around mid day and began to explore the park. It was pretty cool, and not too crowded. I exited the park that night, and went up a dirt road to the top of a mountain, where there was free camping. The next day, i went down the mountain to find a line miles down the road from the entrance. I knew then that this was going to be a rough day. It literally took me the whole day to travel about the park, which should only take a few hours. It was definitely beautiful, but way too congested. When i was at the peak of the park though, i watched a whole wedding ceremony, which was so beautiful! I went and slept in the same spot again, and in the morning checked out some sequoia trees. I realized they looked stupid unless a person is in front of it to give it a scale of size. nevertheless, they were still awesome to see. I left from there to head to San Francisco. I was going to meet up with Eric, a fellow photographer. I had been admiring his work for some time, and was blessed enough to be able to meet up. He shoots mostly film, like myself, so i really appreciate his work; it is second to none! We grabbed some dinner, then were off! He took me to a great view, where we could see the Golden Gate Bridge. We then went off to this beautiful mountain where there was beautiful golden grass and the view of the ocean. It was insanely windy. I was freezing; it must have been in the 30's with the wind! We took a ton of photos, then headed back down. It was awesome to shoot and meet Eric! From there, i had no clue where to sleep. So, i just drove to the bridge, and sure enough, i slept right next to the bridge. I woke up at 5:30am to try to capture some of the fog and sunrise. Of course, there was no fog though. It wasn't a big deal though, i still saw a beautiful sunrise over the bridge. From there, i came into the city and went right to the "full house" house haha. There was absolutely no parking, so i had to snipe a few shots as i drove by! Now, i am some typical photographer, sitting in Starbucks and typing this. Don't worry, i don't even drink coffee, i came for the wifi.
This trip has so many unexpected turns and so much beauty! I am so thankful for the people that support and are following my journey. I really hope that the least i can do is inspire you to go on the road and see this world. Also, on my way to SF, i stopped at a yard sale. I met the owner, Chuck, and i bought some cassettes and a tanktop for $3! As i was driving away, he stopped me and asked if i had a bible, in which i responded no. I don't have a bible on this trip. I would like to say i forgot it, but i think i was just struggling with some things and decided to leave it at home if i'm being honest with you. Chuck came back a minute later and gave me a bible. He said he was apart of Bikers of Christ and he was given this bible, and now he wanted to give it to me. He said i may need a bible in Alaska, and i reckon he's right. I took a photo of him (on film), and went on my way. I don't think he knows how much that touched me. I have been struggling for a while spiritually, and this trip just keeps reestablishing how real God is. I am so blessed once again to be doing this. Next on the list, i will be visiting a bay town where one of my favourite films was shot. Take a guess! Thank you all.
