Rock Climbing

Last weekend some friends went up to Holcomb Valley, Big Bear, Ca., for some outdoor fun such as camping and rock climbing. Unfortunately, I had to miss out on the fun, because I had so many errands to run that day. I was completely pooped by the time I was finished, that I didn't want to make the 1.5h drive out there. Not to mention, it was J. weekend to work. No fun, sleeping in a tent by myself.  Here is the link to some of the climbing routes in the area. From what people tell me the Valley is a beautiful spot to climb. Personally, I have never been up there. Haven't climbed this year at all. Well, technically I'm still a novice when it comes to rock climbing or boldering. Therefore I only go with my good friends Minnie and her husband Ben. It was Minnie's husband that introduced us to climbing, when they first dated. To be honest, I was quite surprised how much I liked it. Of course J, the mountain man himself has rock climbed before too. But he's more into mountain biking than anything else.
Since J. and I missed out on last weekend's activities, I decided that we're going to head out to the Palm Springs Areal Tram this weekend to do some hiking. It will be great, since J. has never been. Not to mention, it has about 54 miles of hiking trails within the 14,000 acre wilderness.Link to the website.

Palm Spring Areal Tram is part of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park

One of the reasons California is awesome! Plethora of activities to do: plenty of city life and nature just at your front door.

The Yosemite Adventure

Our one year anniversary fell on Mother's Day this year, therefore we didn't really celebrate. Yet, we still wanted to squeeze in a quick weekend getaway. Nothing to fancy and nothing too expensive, since we were planning on taking a vacation for my 30th birthday day. Camping up at Yosemite National Park, seemed like an ideal choice, especially since we hoped to hike up the infamous Half Dome. During the planning process, we mentioned our plans to our good friend M. Her husband wanted to go camping for his birthday as well. Naturally, we asked them to join us. Not only that, but we would be able to share in the cost. And coincidentally another couple had to go up to Yosemite that weekend as well to attend wedding. What better way to spend  a weekend camping with good friends?! I will say this, it was definitely an interesting time for this self-proclaimed city-girl. But I will let the photos speak for themselves.

Mariposa Groves: As you can till we still had beautiful weather. 

It was pleasant, not quite freezing temperature yet.

We look like midgets next to these gigantic tree stump.

Loved the moss on this fallen tree.

In awe of the width of this tree. =)

Later that evening, the temperature definitely dropped.
I definitely layered up. And ended up looking like a child. hahaha

This city girl, didn't know that the cold would zap my battery, so the next few photos were taken with my trusty iphone. We definitely had some crazy weather at Yosemite.  We actually woke up to snow the very next day, but unfortunately I forgot to take a photo.

On our way to the Chilnualna Falls, we were hit by heavy fogs. 

The fog brought some rain, snow & hail.

 

However when we reached the top of fall, the sky cleared just long enough for us to rest and enjoy some beautiful sunshine. This lasted for about 5 min before the clouds came rolling back in. 

It was beautiful while it lasted.

 Chilnualna Falls

So this wraps up our Yosemite Adventure. =) On a funny note, when J. relayed our trip to his family the first thing they asked and I quote: "Oh wow! Snow huh?! So, how did Nina fare?" Hmm....wonder why they would ask that. lol

Santa Monica Mountains

Some photo impressions from my hike in the Santa Monica mountains with some friends. Unfortunately, J. had to work and couldn't enjoy the beautiful mountains of California. I managed to bring home yet again another souvenir. =/

The mosquito bite I received yesterday.

This is how my elbow looked this morning. Argh!

Beautiful Blooms cont...

Played around with some black&white photoshop action. Here are the results:

Not sure, if I like the photos with the black&white actions. But it does give the photos an interesting mood. What are your thoughts?

Beautiful Blooms

Today, I actually took the time to practice my photography. Beautiful blooms were my inspiration to bust out my trusty Canon.

Head on over to my photography blog, to see more photos. All photos are SOOC! Didn't feel that they needed much editing.