After a 7 hour drive in a rugged jacked up jeep on 38″ all terrain tires getting 10 miles per gallon, I have reached Paso Robles California. The sun is just setting over the rolling hills, what a sight for sore eyes. I am on my way to my best friends house for the night, Eryn. We have been inseparable for years after meeting when I first moved to California. We have all the same interests like racing, camping, hiking, CrossFit, you name it. No homo but I have missed her SO much these last few months.

The first night back is the hardest. Starting to question why I decided to rent a car and drive here, knowing very well how much I miss this place. I thought visiting would be a good idea, but every time I have to leave it breaks my heart. I miss my home. Thankfully, I am here now with my best friend for moral support and beer. I also learned that if you mix Corona and Disaronno it tastes like Dr. Pepper. I learn all the cool things from her.

This Place Never Gets Boring

Since I rented a jeep, I figured it would be a great idea to hit up the Oceano Dunes state beach. Tacos, dunes, sunsets on the beach, renting ATVs from Arnie’s the list goes on. This area offers such unlimited possibilities for adrenaline junkies, and for those who just want to sit and relax.

If you would have told me 5 years ago that I would have gotten to experience such amazing life events, I would have thought you were crazy. If I had any advice for my younger self or anyone for that matter, it would be get out and explore. You don’t have to go and do crazy things, but growing up in a small town I never left, I had no idea such things were out here. Like the best west street tacos. Mmmm

I spend the next 5 days just enjoying the SLO life, visiting friends, pondering if I should drive to Nevada on the 11th to catch my flight. Oh yeah, I have a job, family and a dog I have to come home to. Curse responsible adulting. Plus, I do need to return this rental vehicle, I wonder what their GPS tracker shows. I figured if I am paying for 10 miles per gallon, I’m going to use its full potential. It’s no Toyota, but I’m still having fun.

How Many Days Can I Get Away With Limited Sleep, Nutrition and Alcohol?

The answer is, no clue. I would consider myself a very healthy person. I work out 3-4x a week, count macros, stay away from as much processed food as possible and consume very limited alcohol. But not this trip, I have gone a bit far with pushing my body to limits without proper care. Honestly, I am surprised I am still going. Not to mention, all the CrossFit drop ins to keep my daily workout routine. On top of hiking, off roading, ATVs, Vegas… Thank you body. It’s times like this I appreciate my health and wellness, I promise when I get home I am going to treat myself to rest, water and veggies.

Where Did Time Go?

Again. Just like that. Mental breakdown as I spend $20 at the pressure washer getting all the mud off this Jeep. I don’t want to leave. Here comes the 6 tons of bricks falling onto my chest feeling. Would you really blame me though? This place is a dream for an active outdoor enthusiast. Plus, I really love the people I surround myself with here.

I head out of Paso and towards Tehachapi for the night. Tehachapi offers a decent halfway point to Vegas so I can return the car at 11am the following day. I have managed to put 1400 miles on this Jeep, was a wild ride. Myself personally, I would not own a Jeep, but I can’t deny this was fun.

West is best, in my personal opinion that is. Although the East Coast trip was an absolute blast, I feel my sense of belonging here on the western states. Like the old saying “home is where you make it” this feels home. I have a gut feeling at this point that being back in Wisconsin is just temporary. Not sure how I am going to break that news to everyone but hey, I tried.

Trying to shine some light on my perspective. Yes, I am so sad to leave here again but I will return another day. I am blessed to have a healthy body, I get to wake up another day and plan another adventure. Something some people can’t say. Everyone has our little daemons of emotions, but my life isn’t that bad. Everything will be okay.

Back at the Airport, Time to Rest a Few Hours

I’ve returned the now clean Jeep due at 11am, but my flight leaves at 4:30pm so I find myself laying on the gross airport floor near the rest rooms, my guts have caught up with me. This is going to be a long few hours. During this time, I just wanted to share some

Epic Places to Visit on the Central Coast

Tourist Things

• Hearst Castle – Beautiful museum located near Cambria. You can take multiple different tours and get the full back story. It is a must see!
• San Luis Obispo – This busy college town has so much to do. Explore downtown to go shopping, micro breweries, wine tasting, unlimited food options, check out bubble gum ally, outdoor shops, coffee, and more. Plus, Thursday nights they close down the main street for a huge farmers market.
• Avila Beach – My favorite beach. Be sure to check out the menu at Sycamore Springs, relax in the hot tubs after a lovely dinner and walk down to their “secret garden”
• Pismo Beach – Drive your car on the beach! Or rent ATVs/Dune Buggies for a few hours. Be sure to check out Cool Cat Café, another one of my favorite old school diners.
• If you are into wine tasting, Paso Robles offers some really epic wine tours. Also check out Firestone, Barrel House, Central Coast Brewing and The Backyard. You can wind down the evening and check out Light at Sensorio.

Hiking

• Avila – One of my favorite hikes, although this starts with a very steep hill climb. Once you get to the top, its all worth it.
• San Luis Obispo – Bishop Peak and Reservoir Canyon are my two favorite easy accessible and free hikes. For a longer harder hike, check out Cerro Alto, although a small da fee applies. You can also camp here.
• Los Osos – Montana De Oro is a must see, you can make this trail as easy or as hard as you want and explore many areas around the park. On your way to MDO you will pass many other trails, check them out! One of my favorite biking trails over here on the way is Hazard Peak.
• San Simeon – this area alone is incredible. Hike, bike or even bring the horses along. San Simeon Bay Trail is easy and has gorgeous views. Plus, you will be driving down the Scenic Highway 1 that has unlimited lookouts and hiking trails along the way. Stop in any one of them and you won’t be disappointed.
• These hikes are just a tiny few of thousands of awesome hikes. I prefer hikes with less people, easy parking, a physical challenge and awesome views. Be sure to check out All Trails for tons of options.

Camping / Off Road

• Pozo is my personal favorite place. Located in the Los Padres National Forest, you can hike, camp and ride along the trails.
• Oceano Dunes – This state park you can camp, hit up the dunes in your rig and watch the sunset over the ocean while eating tacos over your beach bon fire.
• Hi Mountain – Another great place for disbursed camping and getting dirty. be sure to check out the Condor Lookout if you make it to the top. If you are more of a main stream camper and want the amenities, you can check out Lopez Lake near Hi Mountain.
• Plaskett Ridge Road – Disbursed camping with a fabulous view of the ocean. Just off highway one, this is one of my favorites. High ground clearance and 4×4 highly recommended.
• TV Tower – A little more of a busier location, but still epic views of San Luis Obispo and the ocean.