_Photos are mine—descriptions are part me, part ChatGPT (so blame the weird lines on the robot)._ --- ![[west-coast.png]] **Crater Lake National Park** – The deep blue lake and surreal views felt like another world. ![[Crater Lake National Park.jpg]] **City of Ten Thousand Buddhas** – The peaceful grounds and quiet energy made it feel like a true retreat. ![[City of Ten Thousand Buddhas.jpg]] **Mount Rainier Sky Trail** – The alpine air and sweeping mountain views felt like stepping into a painting. ![[mount-rainier-sky-trail.jpg]] **Space Needle** – Seeing the whole city from above at sunset was unforgettable. ![[seattle-space-neddle.jpg]] **Seattle Public Market Center** – The lively mix of food, people, and energy gave it a unique charm. ![[seattle-public-market-center.jpg]] **Roaring Camp Railroads** – Riding the old steam train through the redwoods felt like time travel. ![[roaring-camp.jpg]] **Hearst Castle** – Touring the lavish halls and ocean-view terraces felt like stepping into a different era. ![[hearst-castle.jpg]] **Multnomah Falls** – The towering waterfall and lush greenery felt almost magical. ![[multnomah-falls.jpg]] **Santa Barbara** – Relaxed beaches and ocean sunsets made it feel like a perfect coastal escape. ![[santa-barbara-waters.jpg]] **Fisherman’s Wharf — San Francisco** – The energy and sea breeze made it memorable. ![[fishermans-wharf.jpg]] **Haystack Rock** – Watching the waves crash around this massive rock felt peaceful and dramatic. ![[haystack-rock.jpg]] **Avenue of the Giants** – Walking beneath the towering redwoods felt humbling and serene. ![[Avenue of the giants 2.jpg]] ![[Avenue of the giants.jpg]] **San Diego Padres — Petco Park** – The energy of the game with the skyline view made it special. ![[base ball.jpg]] **Chandelier Tree — Drive-Thru Tree** – Driving through a living giant felt quirky and unforgettable. ![[chandelier tree.jpg]] **Flight Lessons — Santa Monica Airport** – Flying over the coast gave me a whole new perspective on the city. ![[flying over los angeles.jpg]] ![[flying over santa monica.jpg]] **Golden Gate Bridge** – Walking across it with the bay breeze was surreal. ![[golden gate bridge.jpg]] **Griffith Observatory** – The views, telescopes, and Tesla coil show made it an amazing visit. ![[griffith observatory.jpg]] ![[tesla coil griffith observatory.jpg]] **Hollywood Sign** – Seeing the iconic sign up close felt like a true LA moment. ![[holywood.jpg]] **Lombard Street** – The winding road and flowers made it fun and uniquely San Francisco. ![[lombard.jpg]] **Boeing Factory Tour** – Watching massive planes being built was awe-inspiring. ![[boeing future of flight.jpg]] ![[boeing dream lifter.jpg]] **Madonna Inn** – The over-the-top design and quirky charm made it unforgettable. ![[madonna restaurant.jpg]] **San Diego** – The ocean views, warm vibe, and sunsets kept me coming back to the water. ![[san diego skyline 2.jpg]] ![[san diego skyline.jpg]] ![[san diego.jpg]] **Santa Barbara** – The mix of coastal beauty and laid-back energy felt like a home away from home. ![[santa barbara.jpg]]