Sunset Beach, California

From Long Beach we continued south and stopped to explore Sunset Beach. Dave had mentioned earlier in the road trip that he had wanted to collect some rocks or shells from a California beach. It was the middle of the week so the beach was almost empty, but this proved to be just a primer to all of the incredible beaches we'd see and explore as we headed north up the Pacific Coast Highway in just a couple of days.

Inspired Singles: I'm Running

Issue 15: I'm Running by Misstress Barbara (feat. Sam Roberts)

This track has been a regular favorite for the last year, and usually ends up in various playlists that I like to listen to while driving.  An enthusiastic beat accompanies forward thinking lyrics - it's tough to listen to it and not think about moving. 

Sam Roberts has been a favorite of mine since I was first introduced to his music back in high school.  I've seen him in concert a couple of times, and actually met him in person once when a couple of friends and I were hanging out at the Arts Centre in Regina.  His presence here is why I discovered the track in the first place and then came to explore the electronic musings of Misstress Barbara.

I always like learning about new Canadian artists as it makes me feel more connected to what's going on in my own backyard.  Check out the music video to see this duo run around Toronto.

Departures on OLN

It's one of my favorite shows on TV.  Departures on OLN (the Outdoor Life Network) is not just another travel show - it's a dramatic, poetic, and visual exploration of incredible landscapes, textures, and experiences. 

We follow Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach, along with the very talented cameraman/DP Andre Dupuis as the three end up in some of the most remote, epic, and profound locations on the planet.  What I love about these three guys is that they find the right balance of making you feel like you're there experiencing the destination with them for the first time, while still providing a context for why the area is significant.  It's personal without being cryptic and broad without being stereotypical.  

The videography and subsequent editing is amazing.  A modern blend of stylized slow-motion and sweeping steady-cam shots are a noticeable trademark of the show.  Departures does exactly what the title suggests.  For a half hour it's one of the easiest escapes you can get.