TRAVEL. DESIGN. SHARE. ThereGoesSaraRose.com
Hello, I’m back!
When I stepped away from posting about travel, it wasn’t because I stopped loving it. I stepped away to rebuild, reroute, and reimagine how creativity shows up in my life instead of “living for the weekends”. The intent was always to return when it felt right, after a season of silence.
That is not to say any of the last few years were easy. To uproot yourself after pivotal losses…from what you are comfortable doing to the life your soul aches for…can be mental war, takes time, help from others, and an endless amount of patience with yourself. I wanted clean, sea-salt air in my lungs, and surroundings that were thriving with nature and wildlife…a place that inspired creativity and healing. And most recently, Point Lobos delivered. But before we get to that… let’s talk about what’s shifted.
Part I: Why I Went Quiet
It wasn’t just burnout. What I needed was an intentional introspection, a full system reset. I asked myself: “What does a future that lets me do more of what I love, look like? What changes do I need to make so I can thrive and not just survive?” That answer led me to a new job, then a new location and graduate school.
Graduate School & Growth
I have been pursuing a Master’s in Instructional Science & Technology since August 2024. If you couldn’t tell from this blog, I love sharing things I’ve recently learned with others. I already loved changing the reader’s perspective, so this academic program was right up my alley. I am studying at a California State University near a paradise-like location with so many places to explore. Now, I’m deep in my research thesis, and you can follow more of that journey at www.IDFieldGuide.com. This has made for long days. There are timelines in every corner of my life. There is writing and more writing. I have been exploring and rediscovering what lights me up in between moments of intense emotions. I have begun to understand how healing a beautiful environment can be. At times, I have never been more at peace.
I initially felt lost, but I was growing. Strategically. Intuitively. So yes, this blog paused. But beneath the surface? So much was taking root. And now — it’s blooming again. This space has always been my soul’s portfolio. The camera never stopped clicking. And have I got stories to share.
Part II: Point Lobos
Let’s just say this: if you ever forget why the world is worth writing about, go to Point Lobos. The wind moves differently there. The land shifts from forest to cliff. Then it changes from tide pool and to black beaches. It’s like there is a new secret every few steps. It’s a protected land for a reason. Check out photos of what it looked like through my eyes below. You can also check out my socials for videos. More coming soon!
(Sara Rose, ©2025)
We were the last to enter the park before a sign went up, Parking Lot Full. “Oh geez, Fang. Are we going to have to turn around?” I ask, fully expecting a reply. My dog responds with his typical husky, harumph. “I hope not either,” as I pull forward to the ranger’s booth. $10, the appropriate Service Dog quiz later (pets are not permitted in the Reserve, check out more of those details here), and we are on our way to the Bird Island trail. Upon arrival, there are immediate beautiful views, and they continue throughout the rest of our afternoon.
Parking Lot at Bird Island Trail, Point Lobos State Reserve. Sara Rose, 2025. 
Point Lobos State Reserve, Bird Island Trail. Sara Rose, 2025. 
Bird Island trail beach, Point Lobos State Reserve. Sara Rose, 2025. 
Bird Island, end of Bird Island Trail. Sara Rose, 2025. 
Close up of Bird Island, Point Lobos State Reserve. Sara Rose, 2025. 
Bird island Trail, Point Lobos State Reserve.
The Hike
Not only was the trail to Bird Island much easier than anticipated, it was fairly accessible as well. We ended up with more time and energy than I thought; As this was more of a walk on the edge with fantastic views, I opted for another trail. Near the end of the Bird Island trail, it splits off into different options. One is a steep staircase that leads down to a beach, a short walk to Bird Island, or a third route up the hill to the South Plateau. We decided to take this upper trail.
South Plateau Trail sign, Point Lobos State Reserve. Sara Rose, 2025. 
Roots of fallen Monterey Pine, Point Lobos State Reserve. Sara Rose, 2025. 
Lichen + tree at Point Lobos State Reserve. Sara Rose, 2025. 
Granite Point Trail sign, Point Lobos State Reserve. Sara Rose, 2025. 
Granite Bay at Granite Point, Point Lobos State Reserve. Sara Rose, 2025. 
Granite Point trail, Point Lobos State Reserve. Sara Rose, 2025. 
Carmel Mission, Point Lobos State Reserve. Sara Rose, 2025 
Granite Point trail beach, Point Lobos State Reserve. Sara Rose, 2025. 
Granite Point Beach, Point Lobos State Reserve.
The trail was much longer, and more steep, with twists and turns through the forest. It felt like we traveled through Middle-earth to a new realm entirely. On the other side of the Reserve, the trail resumed to a more beaten path. However, the beaches were small rocky bays with dark sand. They were not bright and sparkly but eerily breathtaking in their own way. The old Carmel Mission stood starkly against the fog and deep green of the local trees. This place makes me feel as though I have been yanked into the past, into a California barely disturbed. I know I will have to come back soon and explore more of this breathtakingly stunning Reserve.
Learn more about The Point Lobos State Reserve, here!
My dog can’t read but I am still going to give him credit for being the best hiking partner I can ask for. When I was struggling, and I’d grab his harness handle and say, “Let’s go!” he pulled me up a steep path without hesitation, like it was the most fun game he can imagine. On the flip side, he goes slowly with me down slopes and stairs, he walks behind me on command when people are approaching us on the trail. We do still have a lot of learning to do together. But my dog is one of the most significant changes to my life (as of July 2023) and I can not imagine a better canine friend. Kudos to Fang and to many more fur-lined adventures!
Part III: What’s Next
ThereGoesSaraRose.com isn’t just reviving – it’s evolving. It’s not a polished blog, expect:
- ✈️ Updates from my past and current travels. Yes, I make time to go outside even in between all the due dates!
- 🎓 Behind-the-scenes commentary about grad school, the book release, IDFieldGuide.com, life pivots, and messy wins. Make sure to check it out if YOU are interested in digital education design!
- 🔥 Reflections about creativity, transitions, burnout, joy, and starting over.
Closing Note:
To those of you who stuck around: thank you.
To those of you just landing here: welcome.
To the next version of me reading this post months from now: you did it again!
Let’s keep moving. Creatively. Curiously. Always.
Sara Rose
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