RoamingRushka

The summer of 2024, Paloma and I embarked on an epic road trip adventure that stretched across several states and even into another country. Starting in my hometown of the San Francisco bay area, we loaded up Paloma’s Honda Fit (Pebble) and set out with a sense of excitement, ready to explore the wonders that lay ahead. I always dreamt of experiencing autumn in the Northeast… Could we make it up and down the west coast and across the country in time?

Ensenada, BC

May 2024

Our first major destination? Ensenada, México. The drive down the Pacific coast was stunning, with the waves crashing against the shore and the salty (and occasionally fishy) breeze reminding us that we were on the edge of something extraordinary. Ensenada was a vibrant mix of culture and adventure. We indulged in authentic Baja cuisine, explored the scenic coastline, and soaked up the local charm. I ate tacos every single day for lunch. It was glorious. We also finally had an opportunity to brush up on our Spanish skills. The Ensenada trip culminated in an incredible wedding inland of Ensenada: Valle de Guadalupe, or Mexican wine country. Em and Patrick had a beautiful wedding and we were lucky enough to make some really cool friends who we would later meet up with in Denver. It was the perfect way to kick off our journey.

Road to Portland

June 2024

From Mexico, we began our long trek northward, aiming for Portland, Oregon. The coastal highways offered a never-ending array of breathtaking views. Considering how many miles the journey was, we strategically stopped along the way in cities we thought would be cute places to visit. First was Fort Bragg, which is nestled between remote swaths of highway 1 and 101. After another long day of driving we settled up in Port Orford, Oregon where we were lucky enough to get a great firework show for the 4th of July. When we finally arrived, the lush greenery and artistic vibes of Portland welcomed us. We booked a condo on the Willamette for a month, which was right in the middle of the quirky Pearl District. Rose gardens, unique food scenes, the Saturday market were all less than 15 minutes (and often just a walk) away. Every day felt like a new adventure, whether we were discovering hidden coffee shops or spending hours in frigid swimming holes on hot July days. We were fortunate enough to connect with my elementary school friend, and she introduced us to some great people in the area. Portland really stole our hearts. It is really weird and quirky, the people are so friendly, and the food and coffee scene is incredible.

Ogden, UT

After our time in Portland, we headed inland, making our way to Ogden, Utah. The landscapes in Utah were unlike anything we had seen before—massive red rocks, sweeping canyons, and endless skies. We spent time exploring the national parks, taking in the raw beauty of nature. Utah was truly an oasis for the outdoor lover in both of us.

Denver, CO

Next on the list was Denver, Colorado, where we decided to stay for another month. We were lucky to secure an awesome apartment in the capitol hill area, right next to the botanic gardens. The city is chalk full of parks, trees, and good pedestrian infrastructure. The city’s vibrant art scene and lively downtown kept us entertained, while the nearby mountains called for weekend escapes to hike and reconnect with nature. It was a perfect balance of city life and wilderness. We met up with a couple from the wedding, Jermaine and Tati, who really welcomed us and showed us what their amazing city has to offer.

Milwaukee, WI

From Denver, we made our way to Milwaukee, a city that offered a surprising mix of history, culture, and a strong sense of community. We explored the city’s breweries, walked along the lakeside, and enjoyed some great Midwestern hospitality.

East Stroudsburg, PA

As I write this, we find ourselves in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, on the final leg of our journey. Portland, Maine, is our next stop, and we’re looking forward to the fresh sea air, scenic coastlines, and seafood that awaits us there.

This road trip has been a whirlwind of experiences, from the Baja coast to the Rockies and beyond. It’s been a summer full of new places, new people, and unforgettable memories with Paloma by my side. It is September 24th, and the leaves are starting to turn here in Eastern PA. Reaching Portland, ME is beginning to feel like reaching our goal. Since setting out on our adventure, we had our minds singularly set on reaching the Northeast by fall.

We will stay in Portland, ME for a month and then make our way south to snowbird for the winter.

Pebble really needs a carwash.

-RoamingRushka