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Girl Gone Travel

North America, Travel
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March 8, 2017

Hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains, California

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With every trip to Los Angeles, I understand more and more the allure, the affection, and why so many of my East Coast friends and family have escaped to its warmth. This latest trip was extra special because I had my husband and kids with me, something which always makes travel to anywhere more fun.

On my last visit, I was able to connect with a lot of local friends who showed me the best of their neighborhoods. I invite you to check out Los Angeles from a New Yorker’s Point of View for a list of these must-see areas.

On this trip, we had a small list of suggestions, but mainly did a lot of exploring on our own and found a few more gems in the process. Most importantly, on this trip, I got to take part in my favorite activity: hiking.

Ahhh, the outdoors!

I feel like the point of California-living is being outdoors. But if you aren’t from there it might not be as natural a thought. You will find yourself outdoors plenty, whether at an eatery or by the pool bar, but what I’m talking about is heading out into nature.

Los Angeles is expansive and has a lot of pockets of nature to explore. We kicked off our first day with hike to the Parker Mesa Overlook in Topanga State Park, along a trail in the Santa Monica Mountains.

There are a few trails on Los Liones Canyon (main entrance says Los Leones) for any skill-level, and the only recommendation I would make besides figuring out which trail to take, is to prepare for the weather.

Ready for action!

The week before we arrived we were told the weather was rainy – not great for that trail as it can be muddy and the rocks can be slippery and dangerous. On the day we hiked, it was sunny and clear. Perfect, except the trail is only partly shaded and it can get really hot as you’re hiking up. It’s really the only thing that made it feel a bit more difficult for us.

Overall, the trail itself wasn’t tough for our family, we’ve done more challenging ones. The trail got more crowded as it got later in the day though and even though dogs are not allowed, not everyone seemed to follow this rule. We hiked the 3+ miles up to the overlook and they did not disappoint.

From the 1500+ feet elevation we could see all of Santa Monica Bay, Catalina Island, Downtown Los Angeles, and even the snow on the tips of the San Gabriel Mountains. Next time I would plan a much earlier hike or wait later for the sunset.

This particular hike is about 7.3 miles in total round trip, and it can take an average hiker about 3-4 hours. There are a few other, more extensive hikes to choose from. The trail is lush and serene, and every so often the breeze would carry a soft scent of flowers blooming. They caution to beware of rattle snakes who like to bathe in the hot sun, but they are more afraid of you and will try to avoid you if they can, and we never saw one – to the disappointment of our boys. We did see a lot of small lizards though!

There is plenty of parking at the bottom of the trail and public bathrooms which are clean and bright. Bring a picnic and plenty of water. Best hiking period is between March and November.

Not a bad way to start the day!

Another, much shorter trail is the Corral Canyon Trail, a 2.5 mile loop which will lead you to beautiful water views. We didn’t do this trail, instead headed over to Malibu Seafood (right next to the trail base) where we basked in the joy from our earlier hike and indulged in all kinds of yummy seafood, such as mussels, swordfish sandwiches, flounder and seaweed salad.

This popular eatery is only opened in the afternoon, where they serve the morning catch to hungry visitors. We were lucky to be there on a weekday as we heard that weekends is a hectic experience.

After lunch, we sat along the rocky beach and took in all the awesome of that moment.

I am convinced that from this moment on all my visits to Los Angeles will include several hiking excursions. Till now, I’ve limited my California hiking to the national parks, but clearly, as this trip proved, I have been missing out.

For more info on the Corral Canyon Trail and other fun California hikes, check out some of my favorite resources for the area: All Trails, Modern Hiker, Hikespeak, as well as the National Parks Services website.

 

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. As the oldest of all my many, many siblings, caring for littles started very early in my life. I have cared for, changed diapers for, fed, rocked to sleep, booboo-kissed, advised, reprimanded, worried for, been frustrated and given anxiety by more kids than I care to count. Because I started caring for children so young, I was convinced I wouldn’t have any of my own. But I had my three beautiful boys.

I miss the little babies they were, sometimes to the point where it aches, but I love seeing the men they are becoming. I am most grateful to them for the ways in which they continue to help me discover more about myself both as a mom and beyond motherhood. My identity was never fully in being a mom, I never wanted that for myself and they all have respected, accepted, and given me space for that. And I love them unconditionally for it. Because as they start to find their own paths in life, I am not left with an empty anything, instead I find myself with a life fulfilled. Of which being their mom has been the greatest adventure.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mother figures, caregivers, and humans who have provided for another in loving, maternal ways regardless of biology and traditional roles and societal expectations. ♥️ May you find fulfillment, love, and joy in the ways you have tried to give to others who needed it most.
The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS Route 17 (future I-86), mid-way between New York City and Binghamton. It is also the largest community of the Sullivan County Catskills. Like many rural downtowns across the U.S., Monticello has experienced some hardships. However, what I found especially lovely was how there is a vibrant BIPOC community, especially Latino, thriving with their small businesses and eateries keeping Downtown Monticello alive.

Imagine my delight to have seen several Dominican- Puerto Rican eateries serving and sounding like a slice of home. Last night’s treat was had at @nellys_latin_restaurant. 

Roasted pernil, grilled chicken, rice and peas, yuca, sweet plantains, ox tail, goat….the list goes on and on. Right here in Monticello, NY. I ate and washed it all down with a cool papaya shake, just like from the islands.

So, if driving through, be sure to check out downtown Monticello for some good Caribbean eats…and wait till I tell you about breakfast!!! Thanks @nickfingdavis for the find! 🇩🇴🇵🇷

#monticellony #catskills #goodeats @sullivancatskills
Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwine Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwinecountry.🌞

#myflx
These days you will find me walking in the rain, c These days you will find me walking in the rain, chasing waterfalls, and anything nature filled. Such is spring in the Finger Lakes 🌷

#fingerlakes #lifeinthefingerlakes #cascadillagorge #ithacany
I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in l I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in love with this life.

There was a time when my DREAM was to be one of those old NYC ladies living in a 4 story walk-up, and who people would often see pulling around her shopping cart from market to market. And while I long for a NYC that barely exists anymore, I do have to say I am still often surprised at how dramatically that dream has changed.

Now I dream of uninterrupted days spent tending to my garden and growing food and other pretty greenery I never knew I could. Or figuring out new recipes and sitting by the fire with my puppies on my lap.

I crave mornings made foggy by the adjacent lake, and early wake-ups by the sound of the passing horse and buggy on Sunday mornings.

Yeah. The world is big and there is so much I want to see still but I also love this place where it feels like nothing else matters, not even the mud on my hands and boots.

📸 Gardening bliss on a rainy day at @theflxcottage.
Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center to scout a photography location. The focus was work. But as we took the 3 mile hike to the overlook, through the mud, in the rain…and the sun, because spring, and as the birds sung, the woodpeckers pecked, and the deer strutted, I felt myself feel lighter, happier, and at ease. With just a walk, in this beautiful place. Alongside my beautiful partner.

If you call the Finger Lakes home, I hope you can also appreciate it and the gifts it offers, even when we least expect it. And if you need a reminder, just go outside.

#tanglewoodnaturecenter #fingerlakes

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