This weekend, after a few months hiatus, we went hiking.

Since moving to California nearly a year ago, we’ve enjoyed taking advantage of the diverse geography (hiking, wine, ocean, etc), but without a car, and primarily public transportation at our disposal, hiking has proven to be slightly more difficult than when we had a car and were living in the south bay.

On Saturday we rented a Zip Car and headed down Highway 1 past Pacifica, to the McNee Ranch State Park. We were kind-of celebrating my birthday with this hike (I know, I’m a sick person to choose physical activity for a birthday celebration) so my husband allowed me to select the trail. A sad mistake for our bodies.

I chose a ‘strenuous’ trail (ha!) thinking it would be closer to moderate for us — we’re more in-shape than the average person, right?. Turns out, strenuous (defined as demanding or requiring vigorous exertion; laborious) was actually closer to difficult (defined as not easily or readily done), but the views were amazing. We hiked from sea level — literally from the ocean — to nearly 2000 feet in about 3.5 miles. It was painful, it was crazy, and it was beautiful. At one point, we were able to see the ocean and the East Bay at the same time and San Francisco was a glorious peninsula separating the bay from the sea.

We also enjoyed a beautiful Sunday evening along Embarcadero in the city. While the Golden Gate Bridge is the landmark of the city, I argue that the Bay Bridge (and surrounding area) is the most beautiful.

We’ll be moving to San Francisco in just 2 weeks and plan to sell our car, so on Monday, Vince and I took advantage of still having a car and ventured out on a day trip down scenic Highway 1.

We made no specific plans and had a blast stopping at random road-side stands, getting close up to sea lions, taking 17 Mile Drive, wandering through Monterey and Carmel, and of course, eating delicious food.

Okay, so I left things hanging yesterday and didn’t announce my new Commute Design challenge. While I didn’t have a chance to actually create my first design, I’ll give you a sneak peak.

Until this evening then?

Disclaimer: This is another post about me moving. If you’re tired about me blogging about our move, you can stop here.

Now that just my mom is reading, here goes. Lately I’ve been verbally dreaming about all of the great things waiting for me in California, but just today it hit me that there are actually a lot of things I’ll miss about Fort Wayne.

JK O’Donnell’s
Most people who know us know that we love, love this little Irish pub in downtown Fort Wayne. In fact, on any given Friday night, you could find us tucked into a corner or hanging out at the bar. We’ve met some of the most interesting (and most odd) people there.

Cheap cost of living
Where else can you rent a 1,000+ square foot apartment for a little over $600?

Lots of friends and acquaintances
After moving to Indiana less than 5 years ago, I knew about 5-10 people. And now, I can’t count the number of great people I’ve met.

My Aptera co-workers
I started off at Aptera as a lowly intern. A year and a half later, they took a gigantic chance and made me the web team lead. It’s been a fun challenge, but the best part has been all of the great people I’ve been able to work with.

Our nephews (and the rest of our Indiana family)
Who wouldn’t miss these adorable little guys?! Seriously though, my husband’s family graciously accepted this quirky Kansas girl into their lives. I’ve got amazing in-laws.

All photos by Jenna at Andy & Jenna Photo Design

With all of this said, after being apart for nearly a month, I’m really ready to spend some quality time with my favorite man. January 29 come quickly!

I think I’ve fallen in love with the mixed media creations from Thornton Dial.

Found via Departures magazine of all places.

At this point it’s safe to say that our moving adventure is nearly complete. We made it to our brand new home just in time to unpack and head out for a late, quiet dinner on New Year’s Eve.

Part 2: Kansas to Salt Lake City
We left Kansas on Tuesday morning with at grueling 15 hours and 3 states of driving ahead of us.

Driving through Nebraska is like driving through Western Kansas. Not an exciting view.

Gorgeous weather ahead! …or so we thought

And then came the 60 mph winds

Part 3: Salt Lake City to Reno
The third part of our move was quite the adventure, with the most memorable being our attempt to put chains on our tires in a sudden blizzard outside of Salt Lake City, and then being stuck in Reno, Nevada for a night.

We came across this odd sculpture while crossing the Bonneville Salt Flats. It looked like something out of a Dali painting.

Little did I know that 20 minutes later I would be attempting to help my husband put chains on our tires in a wild blizzard!

Part 4: Reno to San Jose
After waiting out the night in a town that feels like one giant casino, we got up early to conquer Donner’s Pass *insert Donner’s Pass joke about eating each other here* and the rest of the drive was a breeze.

Getting ready to head up to the infamous pass

On Saturday, my husband took me past his new office where I was able to catch my very last Aptera Around the World pictures.

If you ever come to visit, be prepared for the deliciousness of Pinkberry. It’s my new frozen treat addiction. Yum!

I’m safely back in Indiana for the remainder of January to finish out my job at Aptera, while my husband is enjoying the much warmer climate of our new home.

Speaking of jobs, I’m still looking for one in the San Francisco area. If you hear of any cool design boutiques who are hiring, let me know!