Torrey Pines

This past summer was filled with many new and exciting adventures. One of those adventures happened to be going to California with my boyfriend to visit some of his family. It just so happens that I have previously never been to the West Coast, let alone seen the ocean. Needless to say, the anticipation for this trip was at an extreme. 

When we arrived in San Diego in the Southern tip of California, we were greeted by refreshing ocean breezes as well as slightly cool temperatures compared to the heat and humidity that Nebraska was having at the time. Being in this place for the first time in my life opened my eyes to the vastness of the ocean, a place that had only remained in my dreams. 

On our second full day in San Diego, my boyfriend’s family decided to take us on a hike at Torrey Pines. Torrey Pines is an area home to one of the largest golf courses in the United States and is even famous for hosting part of the PGA tour. Not only does the area offer golfing and hiking, but the beaches made this experience so memorable for me. This area has even been known to boast a popular nude beach. 

 Though it was August, our day of hiking was greeted by an overcast sky which lowered the temperatures for the day. I was sad that I was unable to swim in the ocean, but during part of our hike, we took a detour from the hiking trail down to a small area of the beach where, for the first time, my feet touched the beautiful California sand and waters. I have to say, there is something about standing next to an ocean that makes you feel so small and insignificant. But I have to say that this was one of the most relaxing moments in my life. The experience itself: indescribable. The place: beautiful, magnificent, all of the greatest descriptors you can think of. 

One day I hope to return to this area of Southern California to live. Nebraska has been my home for 20 years, and it’s been good to me. However, the sights of the San Diego area and Torrey Pines in particular are breathtaking.