Hungry for travel? With the year almost over, I am reflecting on how differently the past several months turned out compared to what I had hoped for. Before COVID-19 hit, I had planned to spend the summer with my kids in India. Travel is one of the things that I enjoy most with my family. With everything getting shutdown, the calendar really opened up compared to a typical year, but I am very grateful for the limited travel we still got to enjoy. Here are my my favorite bits and treasured photos I photographed during my 2020 road trips…
Our perfect Oregon trip…
This COVID summer we road-tripped to Oregon. We were totally in awe of its natural wonders like its beautiful coast, volcanic mountains, lava trails, waterfalls, and deserts. Crater Lake, was definitely a jaw-dropping experience for us and the most picturesque sights for me. The deepest lake in America is so pure and blue; and is in the belly of a giant erupted volcano Mount Mazama. Another highlight of our trip was the epic landscape, The Painted Hills, one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon and part of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
The perfect day at Point Reyes… 
Located on California’s stunning coastal Highway 1, Point Reyes National Seashore has more than 70,000 acres of preserved land and seashore with amazing hiking trails (5 mile Laguna trail and Coast trail) and breathtaking seascapes like Sculptured Beach, a secret remote hidden beach with dramatic steep bluffs, colorful sea stacks and gorgeous coastal scenery. The few lucky ones here can spot hermit crabs, sea anemones, starfish, and elephant seals. We ran into a huge flock of crows and seagulls cawing and croaking.
Exploring Big Sur…
Big Sur located on the scenic Highway 1, was a very special weekend trip we made in early October since we were celebrating our daughter’s seventeenth birthday. We were totally blown away by the 90-mile stretch of the unmatched natural grandeur of the stunning Pacific coastline with dramatic cliff side views. We clicked a lot of selfies with the famous arch shaped Bixby Bridge, the most photographed bridge in California due to its aesthetic design and picturesque setting.
Final thoughts from back home in Blackhawk…
It’s amazing that we saw all this and so much more from behind the wheel of our car. We can’t fly to fancy destinations right now, but if you are itching to hit the road, go out and explore. Don’t take things in your backyard for granted! Do your part and stay safe. Hoping for a better, safer and more traveling in 2021!
By Sonia Lamba, Resident since 2015
As an aspiring photographer, I have always loved taking beautiful photos of my friends and family, nature and travels. After having a fulfilling career in finance in New York, I moved to California in 2014 where my love for photography turned into an invigorating passion. Moving to gorgeous Blackhawk has further enriched and blossomed my love for the camera. I take my camera everywhere, regardless of how short the distance is. Knowing me, there is always a photo opportunity!