#11 Camping, Climbing, Yoga and Meditation in the Joshua Tree

Spend an amazing weekend with fellow adventure, nature lovers eating organic food prepared by a French Chef, practicing yoga, rock climbing (even if you have never done it), meditating and enjoying the incredible natural beauty of the Joshua Tree National Park.

Check out the website below for upcoming retreats offered by True North Adventures

www.seektruenorth.com

Can Adventure Create Insight?

“If you wish to know the divine, feel the wind on your face and the warm sun on your hand.” – Eido Tai Shimano Roshi

True North Adventures combines the serene, spiritual beauty of the wilderness with the satisfying peace that results from physical challenge. From quiet meditation at the top of a climb to a hike across a boulder encrusted ridge, we offer a fun mix of activities designed to support you in pushing your edge and effectively using the energy this generates to reconnect with your own inner guide. Our weekend adventures provide context and opportunity for you to engage in the adventure that is your life. We offer you the tools and resources to find your own True North and inner direction. Typical adventure weekend activities include hiking, rock climbing, yoga and camping. The days are punctuated with delicious meals and opportunities to connect with yourself and other adventurers.

Text compliments of Jen Whalen Seek Truth North website

#10 Mountain Biking and Fresh Strawberries!

Who knew there was solid mountain biking near Encinitas? Check out the miles of trails near La Costa. Make sure to wear a helmet and bring lots of water!

The Rancho La Costa Preserve is a the small mountain open space located near where the communities of Carlsbad, Encinitas, San Marcos, and Olivehain converge in coastal north county San Diego. 

 Directions:

• From downtown San Diego: Travel North on I-5 for about 26 miles. Take the Leucadia Blvd exit and turn right. After 1.7 miles Leucadia blvd becomes Olivehain Rd. After .9 miles Olivehain Rd becomes Rancho Santa Fe Road. After 1.8 miles turn right onto Camino Junipero. At your first left turn onto Corte Romero and on the street alongside the green belt area.
• From Orange County: After passing through Carlsbad while going south on I-5 take the La Costa Ave exit and turn left. Take La Costa Ave 4.1 miles and turn left onto Rancho Santa Fe Rd.After .7 miles turn right onto Camino Junipero. At your first left turn onto Corte Romero and on the street alongside the green belt area. 

Check out this helpful website loaded with local information on the mountain biking routes in the area. 

http://www.mountainbikebill.com/LaCosta.htm

On the way home you can swing by the Leucadia fresh produce stand on La Costa Blvd and Saxony. They have lovely plants, flowers, fresh strawberries and vegetables. 

Try this Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Recipe compliments of 

http://www.chooseveg.com/

Strawberry Shortcake

4 cups strawberries, sliced 2 tbsp. granulated sugar, plus additional for sprinkling 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar 1/4 tsp. baking soda 4 Tbsp. margarine 1/2 cup soy milk mixed with 3/4 Tbsp. lemon juice (let stand 5 min.) 1 1/2 cup nondairy whipping cream (try rich's at Richs.com), whipped according to package directions, or nondairy cream-cheese sauce (recipe on back)

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Grease a baking sheet and set it aside. In a medium bowl, gently stir together the strawberries and 2 Tbsp. of sugar. Set aside. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and baking soda. Cut in the margarine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then pour in the soy-milk mixture all at once. Using a fork, stir until just moistened.
Divide the dough into quarters and drop each quarter in a mound onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle them with sugar and bake at 450°F for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden.
Split the shortcakes into 2 layers. Place the bottom layers into individual serving bowls. Spoon some of the strawberries and nondairy whipped cream or cream cheese sauce (see below) over the bottom layers. Add the top layers. Spoon more strawberries and the remaining nondairy whipped cream or cream cheese sauce over tops. Serve immediately.
Cream Cheese Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup nondairy sour cream and 4 Tbsp. nondairy cream cheese (try Tofutti brand at Tofutti.com) with 2 tsp. sugar until smooth.

#9 Find your bliss at the Self Realization Gardens

You will find the Self Realization Gardens off of the 101 (slightly west) overlooking the blue pacific ocean. This space has a wonderful, peaceful vibe. You can experience the beauty of a garden located on a cliff looking over the Pacific Ocean. The SRF garden is a part of the SRF Temple but the meditation garden is accessible to the public. You do not need to meditate on the grounds, of course, but there is something magical about this quiet spot high above the vastness of the ocean. It is a treasure and if you find your way on Highway 101, it is worth a stop-in. The gardens are open to the public Tuesday-Sunday.  The gardens and Hermitage were developed in 1937. The temple and gardens were founded and designed by Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952) who brought the teachings of Indian meditation to the U.S. The beach located just below the temple is known as Swami's. Stroll through the lush, tropical foliage, Lily ponds, huge koi fish, and many rare and wonderful species of plant life in the mature meditation garden. I like to sit on the meditation bench and take a moment to reflect on all of the wonderful things I have to be grateful for in this life. Self Realization gardens and Hermitage are located at 215 K St (between 2nd St & 3rd St) Encinitas, CA 92024