Elizabeth's Secret Garden

Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco has a variety of places to explore. There are places for those wanting to experience different cultures, those who are foodies (had the best burger ever at Artisan Burgers), if you like seeing art and incredible structures, or simply want to enjoy the beauty of nature. It is four hours from Yosemite if you want to be blown away by the majesty of God's creation.  The iconic symbol of San Francisco, The Golden Gate bridge, is a must see. It might take some patience to get the perfect view though. My husband and I went in March and when we went to view it from the Mainlands, it was completed encompassed by clouds. Our willingness to wait was worth it and though I didn't get the perfect shot, I loved the photo effect that occurred from the Golden Gate Bridge emerging from the clouds. I recommend viewing it from different locations. There is no toll fees leaving San Francisco, but you have to pay to come back via the bridge. If you have a...

Bright and early began a journey that my husband and I would take. A journey that would take us deep into the woods of Yosemite. Here we were after taking a plane to the other side of the country quite literally and then taking a four hour journey from San Francisco to Yosemite in the little fiesta we rented. It was quite something. With the windy roads and this little car taking us up mountain roads. As I peered out the windows, I saw breathtaking views. Views right out of a movie. We passed through little mountain towns of only a few thousand people. Forests that appeared to have been toasted by flames that ravished through. We stopped at some view points along the way. The images are forever imprinted in my memory.                                                                            ...

Peaceful, tranquil, serene...these are the words that describe the Japanese Tea Garden in  the Golden Gate State Park, San Francisco. Popping with color and a vibrancy that is pleasing to the eye, it was an experience I will always remember. It was well attended most clearly and I breathed in with wonder as my husband and I crossed over the bridge, viewed the pagodas, and threaded  upon the stone paths.  I quote from the Japanese Tea Garden's website: "Today, the Japanese Tea Garden endures as one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco, featuring classic elements such as an arched drum bridge, pagodas, stone lanterns, stepping stone paths, native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds and a zen garden." Check it out:  https://www.japaneseteagardensf.com   So how did this garden get its start you may ask? Well, it began as part of the World Fair. The California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894. It was origina...

Meet giants of the natural world, The Redwood tree. My dream for over a decade has been to witness the grandness of these trees. Their thick, rugged, red bark. Their looming height and circumference. And the habitat in which these enormous trees dwell. I’ve climbed waterfalls of Costa Rica and hiked the mountains of the Appalachians, but nothing has compared to what I witnessed at Muir Woods. A testament to God’s incredible creation! It was ever so peaceful. My husband, Matt, and I went this month and the trail we hiked was a path less traveled. It was so quiet that we took moments and just stood still to hear the calls of various birds. The trail we hiked took us through bare meadows and up the mountainside that held these giant trees. As soon as you enter the forest, there is an immediate change of temperature. It is cool, breezy, and moist. It is peaceful and tranquil. In less than 5 minutes, we went from short sleeves and getting sunburned, to jackets and chilly weather. How...