As I woke up on Saturday morning and perused my giant To Do list and messy house, I gazed out the window and thought to myself, "What do I really want to do today?" Not the dishes that was for sure! After all, it was a beautiful California day and nature was calling my name....Kelly, Kelly, Kelly....LOL
So off I headed with my sweet little Maggie in tow. I cruised past the frozen yoghurt shop, the yoga studio and the marijuana store...all in the same block...so very California... and headed towards Starbucks. With my tall latte in hand, I lowered the convertible top and up the coast I go, wind blowing in my hair and a smile on my face. I was free and going to enjoy every moment of it!
We took a quick stop at El Matador Beach for an ocean walk before we headed into the hills of the Santa Monica mountains.
El Matador is my favorite beach here in California. For movie fans you may be interested to know this is the beach where Planet of the Apes was filmed. It's a big hike down to the beach so I often find it deserted just like in my photo.
Onward we go until at last we arrive at our destination, Winding Way trail in the hills of the Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu. This trail begins at the Pacific Coast Highway. You walk about a mile up the road passing beautiful homes, large fields of green grass, horses playing, and a spectacular ocean view along the way.
These are the woodlands at the beginning of the Winding Way trail. I love how the light almost makes the trees look purple...kind of mystical.
I always feel very content and peaceful when hiking here.
We pass sweet smelling sage which grows wild in the woodlands.
And pretty fluffy white flowers everywhere.
Leaves of three beware!
Pretty purple flowers.
Still lots of Fall color but the leaves are beginning to thin.
Some hikers on the steep climb headed toward the waterfall :)
The beginning of the stream.
Maggie, The Adventure Dog!
Pampas Grass growing up high on the rocky cliff.
We look out for the Coastal Prickly Pear Cactus.
At last....
The waterfall at the end of the trail and the beautiful mossy walls of the canyon.
The Santa Monica Mountains are a beautiful place to hike. One does not need to travel far to find the Magic! It comes from within us.
I believe it is the simple things that make us the happiest in life. As I closed my day hiking out of the canyon feeling content and so satisfied, I couldn't help but think of William Henry Channing's very wise words to live by.
"To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common--this is my symphony."
Living simply, enjoying nature...Magic!
I hope you enjoyed your time in the hills of Malibu! It was a beautiful day!
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