June Gloom, Listening Bars, and the Absolute Chokehold this Coastline Has On Me

A month in Southern California

Where in the world…

I’m rounding out the month of June which I’ve spent exploring and moseying around Southern California.

I went to college in the greater LA area and got up to a good bit of dabbling up and down the coastline and slightly in San Diego county. But like so many places I visit, I’ve always kept a pin in certain areas I knew I’d want to go back to as an adult and explore at my own pace one day with fresh eyes. And a bit of time came for me to do that!

Firstly, I think a lot of people may be under the impression that I’m taking time off to vacation and being lazy for a bit. It’s a vacation in many ways, though I’m still working remotely part-time while I’m here. The majority of my time has been spent working on writing projects and trying to get a move on with some career goals. Having the physical distance and space to focus my days and hours on these things has felt incredibly productive and liberating. And being able to get some real sunshine on my skin while doing so has brought mental clarity like none other, as it does. I’m grateful to have been allowed the time off from my other job to do so.

This mid-morning I’m taking a work break to catch up with you from a cafe in Ventura. Here’s a bit of what I’ve been up to, some silly reflections on traveling alone, some highlights, lowlights, and the like.

June gloom

The first week and a half of being on the coast, and specifically in San Diego, was full-blown June gloom weather. Misty, foggy skies that lingered for the majority of the daytime. People kept apologizing when I told them I was visiting from Washington. But I found it so refreshing from the actual gloom of Seattle. And a bit nostalgic, too, of cozy college trips to the beach.

Kirk flew in to spend a week with me, which was the only time I wished the sun had come out more consistently for him. Although I know it must have been a nice break from the Florida heat and humidity. During the work week, we got up to a little beach time, a day in TJ, plenty of tacos, and music, amongst other things.

I felt very grounded and at home by his presence and our togetherness, as always. I let that peace re-energize me through the rest of the trip on my endeavors.

Listening Bars

One of the highlights during that time was visiting one of Kirk’s very favorite spots, and now one of mine, Longplay Studio Hi-Fi. This vinyl listening bar and cafe offers a slow-paced, intimate setting that prioritizes hospitality, quality, and guest experience above all else. The minimalist yet warm space invites you in to take part in a carefully curated drink menu inspired by Mexican roots and fused with Japanese flavors. Not to mention the music itself and listening experience are nothing less than stellar.

From there, we popped over to Part Time Lovers— another vinyl listening bar. This one is a larger, low-lit immersive deco-themed lounge. It’s connected to a one-room record shop chock full of unique international records covering just about any genre you could think of. PTL’s drink menu is one of a kind and we kicked back in a plush sofa to enjoy a glass of Jellyfish wine and Crispy Boi beer.

A general admiration for the central coast

If you’ve ever visited the West Coast, and specifically driven the 1 through the Central Coast of California, you may resonate with this. I have yet to not feel completely euphoric driving this stretch of road. The rugged cliffs and bluffs practically spilling down to the sandy shore are like nothing else. Windswept trees line parts of the road, with fields of horses and cows on one side and an endless Pacific horizon on the other side. Pair that with golden hour and it’ll change your life.

I’ve done some of my fair share of dreaming, praying, sitting and singing out the window, and thinking along that road. I’m so happy that this drive is so comfortable and homey to me, yet always feels new and full of possibilities. It always reminds me that the world is so wild and bigger than myself, and there’s so much more of it to see.

Characters, of course

Traveling brings all kinds of things your way. Whether it’s kind gym staff, locals who recommend the hidden gems, or butterflies that seem to accompany you along your way— there is always an opportunity for serendipity. And as the balance of things would have it, there’s equally plenty of opportunity to stay on your toes.

Kyle From the Beach & the Santa Barbara Steves

Traveling as a solo female— being a solo female— no doubt comes with its unique angle and interactions only the girlies will understand. Here’s one:

I’d finally closed my eyes on my beach blanket after a long day of work when a large mass was suddenly blocking my sun. Ah yes, shirtless sweaty “Kyle” (who looked not a day younger than 40) had made himself and his dog at home a little too close for comfort. After a couple of failed attempts to ask me out, and after his dog did not, in fact, blink twice for help, I decided it was time for Kyle to find a different beach.

Ah, those ultimately harmless, and annoying nonetheless interactions. Some other ladies on the beach and I got a good laugh out of it, and I moved on with the day.

In stark contrast, I had a lovely interaction the very next day with some pals I’m calling the Santa Barbara Steves. That is, Steve and Steve O. who offered friendly conversation, sound life advice, and laughs. After a pbj picnic, we watched day turn to dusk over donuts and a joint before parting ways.

I’ll always be grateful for friendly, welcoming fellow travelers who offer a sense of community in the big wide world. And as cautious women, what a relief and treat it is when you find yourself in genuine company.

Intermixed with such random encounters, I was fortunate enough to catch quality time with some family and friends along the way. It’s always so fulfilling and grounding to stay in real-time with extended community. I’m continuously very grateful for friends who feel the same way.

Highlights

Some stand-out moments from the month

• A fresh haircut

• An absolute gem of a Cuban cafe and bakery in Oceanside

• A day in TJ

  • Riding horses in Rosarito

  • The best damn tacos I’ve had yet

  • A hidden rooftop brewery overlooking the city at night

• S’mores on the beach

  • Kirk brought his Solo Stove so we could have a couple of tiny bonfires. One of which I got to catch up with some girlfriends of mine in Laguna over s’mores.

• A new tattoo

• A Downtown Disney workday

  • The ultimate search for reliable WiFi in the most crowded place on earth.

• Late night boba and Stardew Valley

• Fred Again at the Coliseum

  • Left my body, went to heaven. Not sure if I’m back yet.

• Park hangs in Long Beach with friends

• A week in Santa Barbara

  • Botanical Gardens

  • Productive work week

  • Cool coastal morning runs

Not-so-honorable mentions

What’s traveling without its mishaps? Here’s a couple of mine

• My film camera broke before I ever got to use it on this trip, and I lost an entire complete roll in the process of trying to troubleshoot. Not happy about that, so sadly there is no film from this trip!

• Feeling particularly emotional one morning and tearing up when the Vons cashier asked me how my day was going. No biggie, but worth mentioning.

• A broken fan for my car - BIG roasty toasty bummer.

• A horse on the highway…

Favorites

A roundup of some standout items and such that have felt like a treat this month.

• My month-long LA Fitness guest pass

  • This was kindly extended to me by a friendly staff member and I am oh so grateful.

• Ion Miracle Leave-in Conditioner spray

  • smells amazing and works like a charm on my fizz-prone waves.

• Kosas Wet Lip Oil in Revealed

  • I did indeed treat myself to this and am so happy I did. I cannot stop putting it on. It’s like buttah.

• Kindle Paperwhite

  • Pleased with the investment I have already gotten so much use out of. Maybe it’s just because it’s new to me, but I’ve been a faster reader, and been absorbing more material.

  • Great conversation starter

• My friends

• Sunbum sunblock!

• Picture This

  • A plant identifier app for those of us who love flora and fauna

Listening & reading

• Podcasts

  • Brooke & Connor Make a Podcast

  • What Now? with Trevor Noah

  • Friday Candy the Podcast

• Music

  • Lots of Fred Again - of course

  • ABGT - reliable weekly radio/playlist for new and old favorite beats

  • Anjunadeep South Africa - I’m regularly reaching for this

  • Pinegrove’s Montclair (Live at the Wellmont Theater) - an ultimate collection of their unfiltered best songs with guests

  • ELIO and Friends: The Remixes - everyone must listen.

  • This album by Gesu No Kiwami Otome - an incredible, complex collection of hip-hop/funk-infused Japanese instrumentals with classical undertones

• Books

  • The Untethered Soul - Michael Alan Singer

  • Anne of Green Gables - Lucy Maud Montgomery

  • The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness - Morgan Housel

I’ve got a few more days to go and people to see out here. Part of me is antsy to get home and back to work to replenish after this spontaneous venture. The bigger part of my heart is completely and utterly dreading it, to be fully honest. I could just keep going and going and never get tired of this open road journey.

But, I’m determined to continue looking into the bright side and feel excited for the rest of the year and hoping for more work and travel opportunities. Here’s to good memories and future adventures!