I took Off to Cali for a week and it was as amazing as you'd imagine!
Ever since I was a kid, getting to California has always been a goal of mine. So much so that my parents were even in on it and offered to pay my way when I got out of school. Well, life happens and while I never did move out there, at least my Big Brother, Jamaal made it!
Since he and the fam moved my new goal was to visit THEM and I finally made it happen and it was as amazing as I expected. Originally the plan was to get the whole fam on a plane to go but hmm that’s quite pricey sooo, I pulled a “selfish” card and went dolo… for a week at that!
N95 mask and sanitizer on deck I drove to the airport and to my surprise felt a great sense of ease. The airport as to be expected wasn’t playing any games and everyone was wearing a mask! What’s better, after boarding the plane I was put even more at ease when I learned about the measures that United Airlines takes to keep us safe. For example, changing the cabin air filters, wiping & disinfecting each and every surface as well as misting the interior with a disinfecting atomizer. Studies [all things considered] have actually shown that the safest place to be during the pandemic is thousands of feet in the sky in a plane… who knew!
But, hey this is a blog about California, and I’m rambling about the plane ride.
Usually, when I travel I like to research places of interest. You know, maybe get a list of “Must Try” restaurants. However, for this trip, the only plan I had was to just be. Luckily for me my brother and sister-in-law were as excited to have me so there were plans already made for me! First of which included tacos from a Vegan, Vegetarian & Gluten-Free friendly taco spot found attached to a car detailing shop in La Palma, Ca called “STR8 UP TACOS”
I, the 4 Taco Combo with the choice of chicken and shrimp on homemade corn tortillas and Hunter the gluten and vegan potato taco! While I’m not surprised so glad my first set of California tacos were V V legit.
Other Honorable Mentions of the trip are:
The “DirtBags” on Gluten-Free Bread from Ike’s Love & Sandwiches - Pastrami, Ike’s Marinated BBQ, Purple Slaw & no cheese, issa Long Beach Exclusive and did not last long.
The Pepperoni Ultimo Pie from Lucifer’s Pizza- Gluten-Free crust, pepperoni, red onions, fresh mix greens, green peppers, pineapple with vegan cheese for your boy. Ok, I lied about no plans… I really wanted to find a solid gluten-gluten and dairy-free pizza, shout out theeese guys!
And alas the Famous In & Out. I mean if you like burgers, in my opinion, a trip to California is not a trip to California until you experience it. All things considered, the allure for me here is the novelty for sure but, beyond that, the whole aesthetic is on point. Branding, design, presentation, I’m here for it all. So I figured, Id pull up and have another taste, as it’s been a couple of years. However this go-round I brought it home and as a lettuce wrap and then tossed it on a gluten-free bun and to be honest, 5 Guys is Much Much better.
I mean, FIRE food in California? No shock there, but what did blow my mind was the level of effort around alternative menu options. While I know the state is progressive but it’s nice to go out to eat and not eat just a salad.
As fire as the food is, believe it or not, I didn’t just eat my way through Cali. I mean it looks like I did but we also went on some outdoor adventures. Like for starters, these two bald brothers hiked Mt Baldy for jaw dropping views of the snow-capped trees and mountains! At one point we got hit by a #Junebug… Peep IG to see what I mean!
The water was wild! Crystal clear and moved with such power as it rushed over the rocks…which brings me to my next point, if you can recommend a life straw please plug me. The more mountains I go to the more I curiously want to taste the water.
Yea I know, “Open your eyes, Jarrell!”… It’s Cali, bruh! But wait there’s more!
So I’ve done my fair share of domestic traveling. Not nearly enough but, California is the only place I have seen where the terrain and environment change completely when you drive an hour in any direction. This couldn’t be more evident than when driving from Long Beach to Joshua Tree California! Mountains, boulders, Joshua Trees and Snow?! I have never ever seen the desert, but I have never NEVER seen snow in the desert!
We got there about an hour before sunset, just enough time to set up camp at the amazing Rancho Mama Campground. Owned & operated by my friends and overall awesome people, Paul and Priscilla! Which when you make it to Joshua Tree, peep their site on HipCamp, you’ll be glad you did. When in season, definitely check out their food truck, Mucho Mucho Tacos! I mean come on, camping in Joshua Tree with tacos? That’s a whole vibe!!
These adventures with my brother were super special. Growing up I was the outside kid where he spent a lot of time indoors. It wasnt until recently that he actually realized how amazing it is to be outside. So to have these experiences with him are ones I’ll cherish forever.
After having a blast taking in Mommy Nature’s beauty, we headed back to warm up and plot on the next move. Like swingin to LA for a little sneaker shopping on Melrose. Bruh bruh, got two brand new pair of Chuck 70’s BOGO for a Penny and I scooped a pair of Nike Reacts 30% off, I love good sales!
But all Drip aside, the best part of the trip was just sitting shotgun staring out the window. There is inspiration literally everywhere you look. Its no doubt an amazing state and I only saw a little sliver. Peep the last slideshow for some pics I put together to try and show a bit of the vibe I was on.
It’s funny how life works. While it would be amazing to up and move to Cali, I much better like being able to brag about my brother the Long Beach-based Photographer, videographer & Designer! You made it, Imma continue to hold down the east coast. I see trips to Cali so frequently I won't need to buy sovieners!