Nichole McDaniel Art Travel Adventure
Utah, Travel, Photography
Nichole McDaniel
Day 4 - Quail Creek State Park, Utah

The lake isn't very big and there wasn't too much to explore, which was nice in comparison to other, more crowded lakes nearby. It was pleasant how quiet it was and we were able to relax and take in the surrounding mountains. Each of us enjoyed taking a moment to cool off in the water. This was one of the most memorable parts of the trip for me. Just taking it in and enjoying time with Ben.

Day 4 - Quail Creek State Park, Utah
Arizona, Photography, Travel
Nichole McDaniel
Day 1 - Pandemic Road Trip - Setting out for ...

We packed the SUV with the usual road trip necessities. This time, it included Lysol, masks, and lots of hand sanitizer. Leaving home around 1PM, we made our way toward Arizona in the middle of August during a heat wave...the ideal travel time to go to the desert ;)

Day 1 - Pandemic Road Trip - Setting out for Adventure
California, Photography, Travel
Nichole McDaniel
Sunrise at Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur

My goal was to capture the sunrise at the beach, maybe I should have left a little sooner to get my camera set up. But I was still made it for the experience I was hoping for. This beach was perfect. I drove part of Big Sur in the dark to get there but it is easily accessible from a road off of Highway 1. The short walk to the beach only built up the anticipation of what the beach and sunrise would look like.

Sunrise at Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur
California, Photography, Travel
Nichole McDaniel
Monterey & Carmel by the Sea

Monterey has a unique rocky shore line creating large crashing waves allowing for amazing photos. The downtown area is also fun with plenty of shops, great restaurants and beautiful parks near the bay where all the boats are docked.

Monterey & Carmel by the Sea
California, Travel
Nichole McDaniel
Santa Cruz and The Mystery Spot

Our next destination was the “Mystery Spot,” and we didn’t really know what to expect. This illusion-based tourist attraction is in the middle of the woods, down a windy one lane road. When you get there you find a really unique tourist attraction, including a souvenir shop, food and plenty of photo opportunities. The tours are $8 a person, plus $5 per vehicle for parking, cash or check only and tours last about 45 minutes.

Santa Cruz and The Mystery Spot

Road Trip

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Day 5 - Zion National Park, Utah

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Day 5 - Zion National Park, Utah

I had visited Zion in April 2019 and was really looking forward to going back to do some of the hikes. This was not the right time for hiking. The Narrows had bacteria, part of Angel's Landing was closed, and the park was very crowded. That being said, it was only 45 minutes away. Driving through the park was still very fun and a sight to see. The winding road provided for a breathtaking drive with plenty of pullouts to stop and admire the view. Zion is amazing if you haven't been, I recommend staying in the park or in Springdale to enjoy Zion.

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Santa Cruz and The Mystery Spot

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Santa Cruz and The Mystery Spot

Our next destination was the “Mystery Spot,” and we didn’t really know what to expect. This illusion-based tourist attraction is in the middle of the woods, down a windy one lane road. When you get there you find a really unique tourist attraction, including a souvenir shop, food and plenty of photo opportunities. The tours are $8 a person, plus $5 per vehicle for parking, cash or check only and tours last about 45 minutes.

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Sunset at Sequoia National Forest

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Sunset at Sequoia National Forest

After a short drive down the road I found my self at the parking lot for General Sherman and also Congress Trail. The parking lot isn’t large and I had to wait until someone left. A 1/2 mile on the trail you come up to the General Sherman. The General Sherman is considered the largest tree on Earth by volume. It is not the tallest or widest, but it weighs approximately 2.7 million pounds. Still growing, it’s growth produces enough added volume to create a 60 ft / 1 ft diameter tree every year!

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Sequoia National Forest and General Sherman

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Sequoia National Forest and General Sherman

After a short drive down the road I found my self at the parking lot for General Sherman and also Congress Trail. The parking lot isn’t large and I had to wait until someone left. A 1/2 mile on the trail you come up to the General Sherman. The General Sherman is considered the largest tree on Earth by volume. It is not the tallest or widest, but it weighs approximately 2.7 million pounds. Still growing, it’s growth produces enough added volume to create a 60 ft / 1 ft diameter tree every year!