The Mojave Desert: A South West Road Trip Essential Stop!

Adventure, California, Car Camping, nomad, Road Trip, South West USA, Uncategorized

This was a quick stop for me on my drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles! I always try to see any many places as possible when I’m on road trips, even if I only have time to stop for a few hours.

This place was nothing like I had never seen before! Growing up in the Pacific North West, I didn’t see the type of greenery and terrain that encompasses the mojave desert and surrounding areas!

I took the scenic road through the park. A lot of it was gravel roads, but they were well maintains. Charles Lickens (my cat) and I decided to stop for an hour or so and take it all in. There were tall, barren mountains in the back and beautiful Joshua trees all over.

Joshua trees are such funky and delightful plants! They make me wanna throw a party to celebrate funky plants. I checked out A LOT of them lol. I’m that weird nature girl. They are so unique and beautiful!

This small detour is more than worth it if you are in the area!

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

Stay safe and stay groovy!

Stunning Scenic Lake In Southern Colorado: Smith Reservoir!

This is an awesome little road trip stop if you find yourself in southern Colorado! This reservoir is small but it’s so beautiful! I drove from Austin, Texas, cut over into New Mexico just before Amarillo and winded through some back highways until I got into souther CO! My grandpa taught me to always take…

Flaming Gorge Reservoir: Road Trip Stop On The Utah/ Wyoming Border

I’m always looking for new and beautiful places to explore around the United States! A lot of the time I will just zoom in on my apple maps on a green area or a body of water, and then research whatever names are posted in that area! That’s how I found the Flaming Gorge. I…

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado: Rocky Mountain Sand Dunes

Colorado is such a beautiful state! I’m so glad I took this route on my way up to Washington State! I weirdly had never been to Colorado, one of the only states I hadn’t been to yet (aside from the airport)! 🤯 seems like the first place I’d go lol. I also stopped at the…

Ocean Jet Skiing in Destin, Florida: Destin Beach Trip Mini Guide

Destin and the entire Florid Panhandle have a ton of very underrated beaches! If you’re looking for white sand, and bright blue water, this is the spot! And it’s a pretty affordable vacation spot! I’ve been to the Panhandle a handful of time and it’s been a blast for all of them! Pro tip: it’s…

Tennessee Waterfall Hike: Burgress Falls State Park

I wasn’t sure how I was going to like living in Tennessee, after growing up in the beautiful Pacific North West, but I was pleasantly surprised! Tennessee is extremely lush and has hills and mountains. There a lot of waterfalls to visit! (Here’s another one of my favorite Tennessee Waterfalls). This hike is right off…

Middle Tennessee’s Best Hike, Waterfall, and Swimming Hole: Cummins Falls

I lived in Nashville, Tennessee for a couple years and this waterfall and swimming hole is by far my favorite place in the State.  Also… side note! If you’re going to Cummins Falls you should definitely spend some time in Nashville! I will be writing up a post on the best spots to go in…

Hiking Red Rock Canyon: Best Las Vegas Hikes- Calico Hills

I spent a couple months in the greater Las Vegas area! Between the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon National Park! All of which are beautiful in their own way! One of my favorite hikes and hot springs is close by as well! It goes along the emerald colored Colorado river. If you…

Big Tree State Park, Northern California Road Trip

I was making the trip from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe, and of course decided to take the back roads! (Which also lead to another cool discovery and long dead end). I didn’t have a big plan, I was car camping and was stopping and going as I pleased! Luckily I saw the signs for Big…

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Ocean Jet Skiing in Destin, Florida: Destin Beach Trip Mini Guide

Adventure, Beaches, Florida, Road Trip, Uncategorized

Destin and the entire Florid Panhandle have a ton of very underrated beaches! If you’re looking for white sand, and bright blue water, this is the spot! And it’s a pretty affordable vacation spot!

I’ve been to the Panhandle a handful of time and it’s been a blast for all of them!

Pro tip: it’s dirt cheap in the winter months. I got a condo across the street from the beach… with a pool and hot tub for $40 a night! It’s a little chillier that time of year but I still got some 70+ degree days.

This previous time, I went in mid June! It was hot but the water there is super refreshing. Cold enough to cool you off but hot enough to where you can comfortably swim for an extended period of time! I got a lot of swimming in!

We spent a couple days relaxing on the beach. There’s something so special about sitting by the water… it’s so therapeutic and peaceful! I needed this escape after the wrath of 2020! Lol.

I brought my portable solar charger, works great with any USB! Starts charging instantly too. I was recommended this specific one for traveling and hiking. It folds up to about the size of a notebook!

There was beach access at the Fairfield in that’s easily accessible to non-guests. Just make sure you are respectful and don’t use their small parking lot! There are plenty of places to park and walk from alone the same street.

We started getting for dinner and realized the sun was setting! I never miss an opportunity to catch a sunset. The little things can help ground you and bring your joy! Don’t forget to make time for them.

Low quality photo. High quality sunset

Local Food Stops

We went to a local, family owned restaurant that had delicious seafood! The scallops were seared perfectly and the crab was delicious! (although I’m very picky with crab after growing up with family on the beach and catching them myself, but still good!).

We dressed up because we hadn’t been out in a while because of COVID, but you can definitely dress casual at this place too! Whatever your beautiful heart desires.

The place was decorated with soulful African American artwork! It was beautiful and unique all at once.

Jet Ski Time!

On our final day, we decided we needed an adrenaline-filled adventure! I crave a good rush, I love cliff jumping too.We found a family owned Jet Ski spot!It’s very important to me to support local businesses if I can! Restaurants, activities, shopping, all of it!

Power Up Watersports is where we went They also rent Pontoons! And other things, check out their website. It’s JUST over the 98 Bridge that goes over the Santa Rosa Sound, on the island side! You take off right under the bridge and head into the sound.

They have you watch a TV course before you go (liability) and then explain it again once you get on the Jet Ski.

We checked in and did the training and had an hour to kill before our ride. We got a quick sandwich and shared it at a picnic table right outside the Jet Ski rentals!

The sandwich you all know you wanted to see.

This was such an amazing experience for me! I hadn’t been on a Jet Ski since I was a kid. It was such a thrill doing it in the ocean instead of the lake!

There were a lot of smooth straight always that I went up to 50mph on. I have a neeeeed for speed and adrenaline. I went slow for the first 20 minutes to get a feel for it! And I also slowed down when I was close to other water crafts and big waves.

We found a few sand bars out on the sound where we parked and jumped off to swim! We could reach out in the middle, which was pretty cool! The color changes in the water were mesmerizing too! Make sure to wear some cheap sunglasses! Mine flew off and we weirdly found them lol.

Jumped off the jet ski to swim at a sand bar

We finished, ran back and showered (we packed our bags before) and headed to the airport with wet hair and sweat pants! Anything to squeeze an extra hour of adventure in on any trip is worth it!

Stay safe and stay groovy!

Feel free to email me with any specific questions or just comment below! I love to connect with new people (no spam at all I promise).

The Mojave Desert: A South West Road Trip Essential Stop!

This was a quick stop for me on my drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles! I always try to see any many places as possible when I’m on road trips, even if I only have time to stop for a few hours. This place was nothing like I had never seen before! Growing up…

Yosemite Valley, California Road Trip Stops

If you haven’t been to The Yosemite yet, add it to the bucket list! I give this place an 11/10 for beauty. It truly is one of the most breathtaking places you’ll go to! I drove in from Los Angeles Overnight. I want to say it was about a 4 ish hour drive! My cat,…

Southern California Road Trip Stop: The Salton Sea

The Salton Sea is the largest lake in the state of California! This lake is very close to where they host Coachella! I made a pit stop here on my South West road trip, traveling from Arizona to Southern California. There isn’t a ton to do in the area, but it’s a super unique place…

Mount Rainier National Park: Driving to the Top, Photo Gallery

Mt. Rainier is one of Washington States most iconic peaks. You can see the mountain clearly from Seattle. I was fortunate to grow up in Washington. My brother and I decided to take a longer drive to our cousins wedding, and we drove through Mt. Rainier National Park. You can drive almost all the way…

North Cascades National Park, Washington State: Guide and Photo Gallery

North Cascades National Park is heaven on earth. It hugs the Canadian boarder, you’ll even get some “Welcome to Canada” texts if you happen to have service any point! It encompasses serene alpine lakes, endless mountain peaks and dense forest! Everywhere you drive or go is another breathtaking view! It never ends. For Forests floors are…

Grand Canyon National Park: That Time an Elk Hiked With Me

This was my first time ever going to The Grand Canyon, so you could say I was pretty stoked!  I got up early where I was staying, in Flagstaff, which is just a little over an hour from the park! I threw on my spandex and USA hat and hit the road! I knew I…

Oregon Water Fall Hike: Ramona Falls in Mt Hood National Forest

Ramona Falls in Oregon is a Hidden little gem found in Mt. Hood National Forrest! My friend from Texas found it on the AllTrails app and we went for it! This hike made you feel like you are walking through a tropical rainforest, it was insanely green and lush!  The Trail Head It’s not too…

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