Once a year, I like to take a trip... Call it a reset, vacation, getaway...whatever. Last year, we drove to Louisiana to vend at HexFest in New Orleans. The driving part is always an adventure, we never know what situations we'll run into. And New Orleans was fantastic! But that's another story.
This blog is about my upcoming trip in August 0f 2022. I'm heading out to various energy sites to see what I can find. My oldest daughter, and two good friends are coming along. I've promised this trip that we will stay in a hotel every night, and I wont take 14-16 hour driving shifts (That freaks them out for some reason....haha). We're excited to look for vortex and spirit energy.
First Stop: MOUNT SHASTA, CA
Mount Shasta is an ice-topped volcano that draws outdoor adventurers and spiritual seekers. Various legends say it's home to a sacred spring, beings who have transcended the physical plane or a crystal city full of ancient foes of Atlantis. It has been called the "Heart Chakra of the World". Legends about Mount Shasta have been around for hundreds of years. It has been sacred to many Native American tribes, as it spans the past territories of the Shasta, Windu, Achumawi, Atsugewi and Modoc tribes. They believed that the spirit chief Skell, had ascended from heaven to the mountain's summit and inhabited the mountain.
In the 1931, Wishar Spenle Cerve published a book about the Lemurians and their civilization, Telos, hidden deep within Mount Shasta. In 1934, Guy Ballard claimed to have met the "Ascended Master" St Germaine, and studied with him in over 3000 sessions.
Most people come for the energy but don't necessarily have a specific belief associated with it. I guess we'll find out if any of the legends are true when we get there!
Stop #2: BODIE, CA
Bodie State Historic Park is a honest-to- goodness gold mining ghost town. It has been frozen in a state of arrested decay. There are about 100 structures still standing. One of the cool things about Bodie is that it had one of the first hydro-electric substations in the area. And it was the first town to have an electric stamp mill!
Stop #3: LAS VEGAS, NV!
Yes, most of this trip is a hunt for energy, but Vegas is for RELAXATION. We're taking a few days of downtime at the strip, time to lay by the pool and enjoy time with friends. The action wont necessarily stop though, as there are lots of sights and attractions. The FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE? Yes, please! And no trip to Vegas would be complete without a stop at the ZAK BAGANS HAUNTED MUSEUM.
Stop#4: GOODSPRINGS, NV/PIONEER SALOON
The Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, NV is famous for a few reasons. The Pioneer Saloon is over 100 years old, and is considered to be one of the oldest Saloons in Nevada. The saloon features a bullet hole on the side of the building, complete with coroner's note on how it got there. It is said that the ghost of the victim still haunts the saloon. In 1942, actor Clark Gable waited at the Pioneer Saloon, hoping to receive good news of his wife, Carol Lombard. Her plane had crashed into the Potosi Mountain , and the saloon and hotel were centers for the search parties. Unfortunately, Ms. Lombard did not survive the crash. There is a memorial booth for the couple in the saloon and it is said that their spirits may visit the saloon from time to time.
Stop #5: SEDONA, AZ
Sedona has long been considered a spiritual Mecca and a global metaphysical destination. Drawing in healers, intuitives, and spiritual guides, Sedona is a powerful spot for personal and spiritual enrichment and enlightenment. There are seven vortex spots listed in the area, we'll see how many we make it to in the few days we are there!
Stop #6: JOSHUA TREE, CA
Much like Sedona and Mount Shasta, Joshua Tree is known for it's spiritual vortex energy, though Joshua Tree is considered more of a masculine energy. It is also an International Dark Sky Park, meaning its a great place for stargazing. I'm looking forward to seeing what our night time excursions will bring to fruition..
Stop #7: SALTON CITY/SALTON SEA, CA
If you've never heard of Salton City/the Salton Sea, don't worry. I'd never heard of it either. When one of my trip mates suggested it and I learned more, it was definitely someplace we wanted to go!
Salton City was originally developed in the 1960s as a resort community for the Salton Sea. However, due to pollution of the sea from agricultural and military chemicals, overuse of fertilizers, and rising saline levels, the sea became toxic, and the town was eventually abandoned. There are maybe a few thousand people left in the area and plans are in effect to try and decontaminate the sea. Unfortunately, the state is behind in its plans to restore the Salton Sea.
Stop #8: PALM SPRINGS, CA
Palm Springs is another destination where we get to take a night to relax before we continue up the coast. Palm Springs is known for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses and spas. Its also known for its mid century modern architecture, vintage boutiques, and lively entertainment.
Stop #9: LOS ANGELES, CA
Our LA stops will be brief, as we are mostly out there for shops, and perhaps brunch. We may have time to stop by Heritage Square Museum. This is a living history museum that explores the settlement and development of Southern California from the Civil War to the early 20th Century. It is also reputed to be haunted.
Stop #10: SOLVANG, CA
Solvang is a city in southern California's Santa Ynez Valley. It's known for its Danish-style architecture and many wineries. The Elverhøj Museum of History & Art explores the city's Danish heritage through personal stories and photographs. There are many other attractions, including the Hans Christian Anderson Museum and Ostrichland!
Stop #11: SAN LUIS OBISPO
Over 170 years old, San Luis Obispo, or SLO, is quite the colorful community. Filled with eclectic shops, restaurants, murals, museums and historic architecture, this place deserves its reputation as one of the happiest places in America. We're hoping to experience the whimsical decor and classic menu of the Madonna Inn's landmark restaurant.
Stop #12: MYSTERY SPOT - SANTA CRUZ, CA
I feel like no trip up the coast would be complete without a stop in Santa Cruz. Though not exactly mystical, the Mystery Spot is a place none of us have experienced. And who doesn't love a good tourist trap!
Opened in 1939, its visitors going on an approximately 45 min tour where they
experience demonstrations that appear to defy the laws of physics and gravity. We'll see if we end up questioning our perceptions!
Stop #13: WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE - SAN JOSE, CA
Our final stop of the trip is the Winchester Mystery House. The Winchester House is an architectural landmark in San Jose, CA. Initially owned by Sarah Winchester, construction started on the house in 1886 and finished in 1922. There are many stories and legends that surround the house, including that it is haunted. Some believe Sarah had a specific purpose in mind for the construction of the house. Whatever you believe, this landmark is definitely worth the trip!
So, that's our trip, in a nutshell. If you've ever been to any of these places, or know of a cool or spooky place we should check out while we're on the road, drop a comment. We'd love to hear your experiences and your feedback. Follow us on our TikTok and Instagram accounts to see all the events leading up to the trip and how our journey unfolds!
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