There is nothing like good old nature to refresh the mind and heal the soul. This is one of the reasons I love hiking and running and other outdoor sports. It’s sight and sound and atmosphere, and soul and exercise all rolled into one.
So when Brad and I go on vacation, we like to spend a lot of time outdoors. Yesterday, we spent the day hiking a mini-mountain at Torrey Pines National Reserve; and to our great pleasure, we ended the hike by strolling along a gorgeous beach upon which our hike opened up to. Here’s 20 pictures with very minimal narration. Hope you enjoy!!
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The hike up the mini-mountain had signs throughout that warned us of unstable cliffs with falling rocks. Oh, and rattlesnakes. But this formation was caused by the falling rocks, not rattlesnakes.
One of the trails is named after the man who was ahead of his time in nature preservation, and who was the first keeper of Torrey Pines National Reserve.
A real torrey pine. A rare tree nowadays. The seedlings are edible. 
Two very happy people.
This was my first time to see a cactus in real life. So I had to touch it.
The sign called this rock formation “Lion’s Paw.” The sign also said to keep away. I guess the paw might scratch you.
Brad pointed at the rock-wall. “Look, it’s a heart!” I looked and sure enough, I could see it. Can you see the heart? If not, maybe you see the second thing Brad saw: a butt.
The mojave yucca plant. The fibers from the leaves were used as bow strings. Parts of it are also edible.
No matter where we go, it seems I always spot a beautiful dead tree. It’s a reminder to me that death does not always have to be a sad thing. I call this image, beauty in death.
Who says white sands make the most gorgeous beaches? The black and brown of this sand was mesmerizing to me.
And here’s that yin and yang beach scene.
Hiking made us both hungry. So we ate. Very healthy! Very delicous!
Two very happy people–again! We loved it so much, we are going to spend our day there today, after doing our 20 mile run. We figured laying around at the beach was a good follow-up for that kind of activity.
Have a great day!!
Beautiful pictures!! And 20 mile run?! Awesome!!!!
Bethany,
You guys look so happy- and healthy.
Enjoy.
Tom
I love that place. Great pictures. You look like you’re having a fabulous time.
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You take absolutely wonderful photos! I like the ones that show you having a great time! I love taking these vacations with you. I get to see some pretty cool stuff.
Thanks for sharing your mini-adventures. These photographs are amazing. Happy running. I’m so impressed, 20 miles!!!
I was away for a long time from the blogging world and am still busy settling down in a new job and I blogged today after a long time.
Hi Lubna, thanks for stopping by!! Yeah, I’ve been on again off again for the last two weeks and so I’ve been feeling out of touch too. I will stop by your blog too. I’d love to see what you are up to.
So inspiring! Can’t wait for my vacation camping and hiking with my hubby the 2nd week of Sept. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by. Ahhh, hiking and camping are so much fun!!! You will love it!
Bethany, Love the pictures. I saw the heart and didn’t see the butt. Did you finish running? How was it? Your photos are very clear. What camera is it? Am I asking TMI?
Yes, I finished running–if you mean the twenty mile run. It was hard but we finished!! My photos were taken with a Nikon D5100 — it’s the best camera I have ever owned and I love it!! I take most of my videos with it as well.
And you can ask as many questions as you like!!
Yay for vacations and sticking to your running training even while vacationing! Actually, I think training can help with exploring when it comes to vacation time–you naturally want to get out and explore anyway, so why not run (or walk, in my case!)?
You are so right on about this, Holly!! You get it! That’s why I like you
Wow, that looks like a beautiful adventure! I love it when mother nature takes my breath away, and your photos really convey the beauty of nature wonderfully!