The standard of living in California is high, no one can argue that. However, when you realize the amazing scenery along the West Coast is just miles away from home, one has to take advantage of it at every opportunity. Thankfully, the views are free.

Whenever I need to get away from the daily grind and center myself, I ride down Pacific Coast Highway on the bike.

I commonly pass by the house under construction that is right along HWY 1. This route takes you to see some of the most spectacular sunsets at Rockpile in Laguna Beach. As a bonus, there's great sights along the way. Particularly, the one I titled the "Stark House" (from Iron man, not Game of Thrones), which I finally decided to take a pitstop and snap some photos.

Please enjoy the view with me.

this is my favorite stretch down Pacific Coast Hwy, the dip down the valley on the bike is indescribable. I have probably crossed it a dozen times, it never ceases to amaze.

Sunrise at Mesquite Dunes Nevada

There's a deafening silence that occurs in the desert. The lack of life and the stillness of the sand is surreal and stirred my soul. The break of the sunrise created the most amazing hues of magenta and pink.

This is why they call it the 'Magic Hour' folks.

The Devil's Golf Course

Only the Devil would ever play golf here.

GET LOW, BELOW SEA LEVEL.

At -282 ft. below sea level, the purest and whitest salt flats were an amazing sight. #mothernature

The Bearded Fellow

If it wasn't for this Gentleman, we would not have taken this trek out to this amazing valley and experienced the calm and barren lands that's just outside of our California borders.

The Road Less Travelled

The Artists Palette

Oxidized metals created from iron salts, produced amazing colors along the mountain side. Too bad there wasn't any rain, or these rocks would pop.

The Field of Dreams

On the way home, we managed to spot a wheat field growing along the side of the road, the light was just past 1PM and the field just glistened with the sun's glow.

I couldn't have asked for a more amazing 1 day trip. It has got me feeling more inspired and more appreciative of the vast North American landscape.

As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.

A day cruising down Pacific Coast Hwy