Beach Camping

And I'm back! I took a break for awhile because I decided that doing the writing and reading for these hard college classes was more important than blogging.

Okay. So, that's only partially the truth. But it makes me seem less lazy. 

Anyways. I went camping over reading break. It wasn't like camping in Paulina or Okoboji or Yankton. This was CAMPING. Spot-a-pots and all. This was camping on the beach. Ocean in front and mountains in back. 

After a 2 1/2 hour student senate meeting I was ready to get outside and enjoy God's creation. We drove along the beautiful coast on the PCH to Mugu point beach (or something like that) just outside of Malibu California. After setting up the 16 person tent and exploring the rocky beach, a couple of us decided to hike. As we trudged up a narrow, sandy path that basically went straight up the mountain, I was struck by just how beautiful the view was. You could see out over the ocean for miles. The sky and ocean blended together, there was no distinction between the two. 

After forging our own path and trying not to fall down the mountain side we made it safely back to camp. Hot, dusty, and a little scratched up. 

Later that night we sang songs around the campfire. It was an amazing experience. There is something awe-inspiring about singing about God's wonder and his amazing creation while staring at the Milky way and listening to the ocean waves crash against the rocks. Afterwards, we laid on the beach watching stars shoot across the milky way, listening to funny, some times embarrassing stories. 

View from the mountain 

Another view from atop the mountain

The Majestic Ocean

I spent the whole morning watching the waves and dolphins. It was amazing. Breathtaking. I can't wait to do it again! But for now, I need to finish the 5 loads of laundry and a Humanities paper. After the beach . . .that's just blah.

From Elizabeth, the Providence Rock!

Beach Day!

I am once again a beautiful shade of lobster red. Gotta love the beach. No, really, I love it.

Santa Monica Beach

(The beach, not the sunburn, just so we're clear.)

All college beach day is my new favorite day of the year. I spent the whole time in the water. It was so amazing. As soon as I swam out (okay, waded out) we saw two dolphins off to the side of us. How cool right? But it doesn't  stop there! We then saw sting rays, a school of fish, a lobster, and a sea lion. Now there's something you don't see in the midwest. The water was so clear, and once you got used to it, not all that cold.

I also learned to body surf today. Riding on top of the wave is an amazing feeling. One moment you are swimming so hard to get that wave and the next you are being propelled along trying not to get a mouthful of salt.  I also managed to hang on to my sunglasses the whole time! Although, now that I look back at that .  . .I have raccoon eyes.

I don't get why everyone complains about Mondays. Monday's really aren't so bad. Granted, not everyone spends Mondays at the beach, but they should. I could get used to the whole three day weekend. Sadly, the realization that tomorrow there is an 8:45 am meeting is starting to sink it. (Who schedules a meeting for that early in the morning? Oh yeah, Justin Bleeker. What was he thinking?) Ah well. Such is life.

Alright. That's all from this ocean lover. Watch for sting rays and don't forget sunscreen.



No really. Sunburns suck.

For Lack of Better Title: Day 1

Alright, Day 1 of the my college adventure. I've been in the great state of Cali since Wednesday morning where I promptly broke my new sunglasses, went to the beach, fell asleep and fried to a crisp. I assure my new classmates that I am not normally this shade of red. Hopefully . . .

Anyways. I'm getting ready to move in soon. I still can't believe that I managed to fit everything I wanted/needed (mostly wanted) for college in two suitcases. Southwest airlines lets you take two suitcases for free. Granted they are under 50 pounds of course. Which, mine where not. Both suitcases were a pound over weight. Thankfully they let it go, which is good because I had no room to take anything out and put it in my carryon.  But honestly, I have a lot of stuff. I'm surprised it wasn't more overweight.

Landed in LAX with no problems, other then being a little sore and cramped for sitting for roughly 4 hours. Nothing was stolen from my bags, which is always a good thing. Although, TSA did search my one bag. You would think that they know how to work a zipper, but according to all my inside pockets, they don't.

Switching into my swimsuit we headed to the beach for a picnic lunch, a swim in the ocean (which tastes terrible, just to let you know) and a nap. According to my sister I was out cold, and even the seagull by my head couldn't wake me up. Other then the beautiful sunburn I have, that was an amazing nap. :)

Thursday was shopping day, where I pretty much doubled my belongings in one afternoon. Now, I just have to relocate it from the trunk of the car to my dorm room. Let's get this adventure started!