[INSTALLMENT 3]
Wind buffeted the windows in angry quells. I’m riding at a modest 35 miles per hour on the freeway through the steadily thickening forests of Los Gatos, struggling to see the road in front of me due to the mist and fog and rain. What a perfect way to spend Veteran’s Day— riding up winding roads all the while the sky blushes gray, and my windshield wipers are swiping in perfect synchrony with Jack Johnson blasting from the speakers. Taking a step back into the more natural wonders of the Bay Area for this Daily Explorer, journalist Laura Lipcsei will be joining me on this adventure— albeit less-than-optimal circumstances.
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Welcome back travelers, to The Daily Explorer. In this series, I travel (often with Journalism guests) to inexpensive and entertaining places within the Bay Area. With these accounts, I hope to inspire the readers of The Shield to explore their hometown and demonstrate that there’s always something new to explore.
Keep an eye out for some of your favorite writers from The Shield, as some may accompany me on these adventures in the future. If you have any favorite places, restaurants, parks, etc, please email me at 558971@my.cuhsd.org to issue a recommendation. Your name and input about the place in question will be credited.
Without further ado, buckle up and enjoy the blog-style ride of The Daily Explorer!
MONDAY, November 12
10:02 am, Rain Or Shine
On the morning of Veterans Day, I awoke to a dreary sky and slippery roads for the first time in a long time. Even though Castle Rock State Park is only 15 miles away, it hides behind winding roads and towering redwoods. While driving, the rain and wind made visibility very low— and just to be safe, I was cruising at a modest 35 mph behind a car whose headlights were completely covered by the fog. Laura snapped some shots on her drive, and though the drive up was nerve-racking, the scenery was gorgeous.
11:13 am, Arrived!
After meeting at a local Starbucks for coffee, we found ourselves at the mouth of the park. There were virtually no cars in a massive parking lot— only my cute little Red Prius and Laura’s car named Dave. We didn’t go looking for a map— both Laura and I just wanted to see the falls. So, in the forest we went, our rain jackets zipped up tightly and pant legs getting wetter and wetter.
12:15 pm, What Kind of Waterfall is this?
After about 45 minutes of chatty talking, we reached a platform overlooking Castle Rock Falls. Considering the fact that a torrential downpour had tried to kill us on the way up, we thought the waterfall would be roaring. Quite the opposite, in fact! Instead of a roaring cascade, the waterfall’s trickle was more reminiscent of a leaky tap than a mighty landmark. After singing Hamilton for a while and wild-whistling into the empty park, we decided to head back.
12:30 pm, It is What It Is
Despite this adventure being one of the most unlucky and miserable adventures of the Daily Explorer yet, Laura and I both enjoyed the gorgeous scenery and the drive. Maybe one day, we’ll revisit Castle Rock on a day where the sun is shining and the roads aren’t trying to kill us.
PHOTO ALBUM:
THE VERDICT:
- Always check the weather before planning hikes. The rain crept up on us from around the corner and virtually shanked us— we pushed forward and had an adventure anyway, but it was not as enjoyable as it could have been if it had been sunny.
- Never wear thin leggings while hiking. Looking at you, Laura.
- Know what path you’re planning to take before arriving.
- Bring toilet paper. There are amenities at the main station, but who knows? When nature calls, it calls.
Join me in the next issue for yet another adventure, hopefully somewhere equally as beautiful— but at a time when it is not wet, cold, and miserable.
Signing off until next issue,
The Daily Explorer
