Travel Journal: Bolinas by Photographer Monika Elena

Reading time: 4 min

So far Summer 2018 has been a hot one it seems for a lot of us, however for Photographer Monika Elena her stay in Bolinas also has provided spirituality and artistry. She shares with Pirouette her experience of this magical, bohemian town in California. 

Monika Elena:

When I dwell about the perfect summer spot I think of dirty feet, salty tangled hair, peach breath, and sun drenched clothes…. It was this summer that I had promised my 2 kids that we would take the opportunity to visit and stay a few nights in Bolinas, California, situated in West Marin, about an hour outside of San Francisco. This is a magical town which you may find it a bit tricky to find as the residents are famous for stealing signs that lead you there. Who can blame them for wanting to keep this little paradise a hidden gem. The allure that pulled me in to this town was it’s intense earth friendly ideals, a corner of the world where the poetic heart can find refuge and plenty of beauty. A bohemian paradise full of spirituality and artistry.

Driving on the road to our lodging, we were canopied by a forest of trees and the scent of sea air fused with eucalyptus….truly hypnotizing. A few minutes before our arrival we stopped at the most colorful and loved farm stand connected to a small art gallery. The produce could not be more fresh, or more beautiful with a sea of green lushness and all sold on the honor system!

Pulling up to our airbnb which had been an artist’s retreat in the early 70’s….we all gasped….this spot has been described as “Shinto meets the Shire”. Our house had a wild garden next to it and a view of the ridge… it felt like living in a tree house where everything is built with love and intention and filled with light. Hummingbirds darting from the sky searching for nectar, bees finding residence in a hive on the side of the house, a baby doe delicately tip toeing through the property. The kids scampered around and picked lemons and mint, I took it all in. Every detail of this free spirited place was full of wonder. The bookshelves lined with captivating poetry and treasures from the globe.

While here for only 2 nights we spent most of our days combing the beach for shells and observing the tide pools. We ate delicious summer fruit and disconnected to reconnect. No Internet, no TV. Every twist and turn in this town brought marvel. I feel lucky that this mystical place is within driving distance, as it feels like another time and place.

 

---

Monika’s helpful recommendations and links:

Places to visit on the way.
https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/lighthouse.htm

Beaches in Bolinas.
https://www.californiabeaches.com/northern/marin-county/bolinas/

Beach in Stinson for surfing and people watching.
https://www.nps.gov/goga/stbe.htm

Place to eat in Bolinas.
http://www.coastcafebolinas.com/

Bakery on way to Bolinas in Point Reyes
http://www.bovinebakeryptreyes.com/

Flower Nursery in Bolinas
https://www.yelp.com/biz/las-baulines-nursery-bolinas

Farmstand
http://gospelflatfarm.com/

Organic Grocery Store for picnic or food to cook
https://www.yelp.com/biz/bolinas-peoples-store-bolinas

---

Photography by Monika Elena

Born and raised in Northern California, Monika Elena was surrounded by the warm light that now fills her glowing photos. Monika is not a fan of studios or false light preferring everything to be as real and pure as it can be. Her photos stir up emotions, create moods, and are little visual poems

“ I am in to seeing the world through rose colored glasses, not how it really is.”

www.monikaelenaphoto.com