California Inspired From Land to Sea
If you are searching for inspiration or ideas, Southern California can be a fantastic place for creativity. Its varied terrain means you can be in the mountains in the morning and in the ocean in the afternoon. That includes negotiating traffic. Hiking through preserved trails and enjoying the beauty of nature can really recharge the batteries.
Personally, I am searching for the perfect dish. A dish that represents where I am from and where I am today. What better way to do that than to explore California and see what ideas hits the spot.
Peter's Canyon
So set out for the mountains to Peter's Canyon in Orange County. A number of locals go to this trail for a bit of a hike. This trail was acually the very first park I been to when I moved to California. It is a simple loop that showcases gorgeous flora and fauna with amazing views.
I'm inspired by its simplicity. Yet you see so much vegetation with a lot of textures and colors.
Stop and smell the...
Bugambilias.
Newport Civic Center Park
Next, I'm checking out the Newport Coast. But first, there is a park that has some nice features that I should visit. The Newport Civic Center Park is the perfect place for a picnic and a pleasant stroll. It has modern art installments that get your creativity going. The bridge seems to extend all the way to the ocean with its glass barrier. Minimalistic architecture is simple, functional, and beautiful. Take the round picnic benches which are like little ufo's.
Balboa Pier
As I leave the park, I realize how close I am to the beach. So I go to the famous Balboa Pier. Here I can just people watch and take in some great views of the ocean. When the air is clear, Catalina Island is just on the horizon. The golden sands and the cool water of the Pacific Ocean is stunning. It's hard to leave such a place.
There are fishermen catching small fishes. I saw some that had a school of little smelt in his bucket. I also saw a seal. Which probably was scaring most of the fish away.
From this trip, the richness of beautiful terrain, plants, animals, and the scenery is giving me ideas on what recipe to do next. I searched for inspiration and found it. This was a worthwhile trip. Thank you, California.
