LexTalk

Have you ever taken a trip that felt more like a message from the universe than just a getaway? That was exactly how this late birthday road trip unfolded for me and my husband Tony—a whirlwind of deer sightings, winding roads, cemeteries, oracle cards, and spiritual whispers tucked in between the redwoods and ocean cliffs of Northern California.

We left around 8 a.m., coffee in hand after a quick Starbucks stop, with that road trip excitement buzzing just under the surface. The drive was nothing short of gorgeous—picture winding mountain roads hugged by towering redwoods, with hidden wineries and patches of wildflowers popping up like nature’s own breadcrumbs. The air felt different—cool, grounded, like Mother Earth herself had taken a deep breath and invited us in.

Our first pit stop was a little town called Willits. Just a quick bathroom break, but it left an impression. The town had that small, almost nostalgic feel. As I looked out the window getting back on the road, I saw a sign about a missing girl. It hit me like a weight. Here we were on this joyful adventure, and yet the world kept spinning—loss and fear riding right alongside our joy. I said a quiet prayer, sending hope into the wind for her and her loved ones. Moments later, we passed a cemetery, the first of many, and I wondered if the universe was gently reminding me of life’s delicate balance.

As we moved closer to Fort Bragg, we passed through Ukiah—gorgeous, but not for the faint of stomach. If you get car sick, brace yourself for the curves. But please don’t let that stop you. The views are breathtaking, especially for a nature lover. Then—deer sighting! Two of them, calm and regal, just off the side of the road. I felt like they were spiritual totems, guiding us.

When we arrived in Fort Bragg, our first stop was Noyo Headlands Park. The cliffs were lined with white, yellow, and purple wildflowers and the view of the ocean was unreal. A group of people were flying kites nearby, and the moment felt alive and cinematic—blue skies, salty wind, sun warming your shoulders. It felt like we were stepping into something sacred.

Then came one of the highlights of the trip: the rail carts. If you ever find yourself in Fort Bragg, this is a must. We took the electric rail carts through the forest on a guided tour and it was magical. Halfway through, we stopped at Glen Blair Bar, where we hiked along mossy trails and forest canopies that seemed like they were straight out of a fairy tale. We even saw a chipmunk on our hike! We shared drinks with some lovely folks from Livermore and Marin and ended the stop at the gift shop for some quirky souvenirs. We both agreed—it would be even more magical to come back at night with friends or the kids, maybe catch the Skunk Train under the stars.

After the carts, we headed south, stopping unexpectedly at Point Cabrillo Lighthouse. It was a bit of a walk—about a mile round trip—but the fog rolling over the cliffs and the rugged coastline made it so worth it. And oddly enough, we passed our second cemetery on this trip during the rail ride… and then a third after leaving Point Cabrillo… and a fourth… then a fifth! I swear, we weren’t trying to chase ghosts, but they seemed to be trailing us. It added this eerie charm to the whole experience, like we were on some spiritual scavenger hunt.

We finally arrived at Point Arena Lighthouse—the main event. Driving in, we literally passed a skunk (on brand for the day!) and then met the lighthouse keeper and his cat, Arena Mina (yes, the cat has a name!). The lighthouse grounds were stunning. We stayed in one of the rental cottages on site—a three-bedroom, two-bath cabin stocked with everything you could need. Complimentary chocolates and wine greeted us, and the little details—like the flashlights for nighttime wandering—made the whole place feel like a portal to another time.

Dinner was a pizza run to town, but the real magic happened after. As the sun set, we bundled up and sat outside, braving the cold winds just to soak in the breathtaking colors. Later, we watched Need for Speed and discovered the lighthouse is actually in the movie! We ended our night wrapped in blankets in the back of Tony’s truck, stargazing. With so little light pollution, the stars felt infinite. I couldn’t help but think—we can’t be alone out here. The universe felt too vast, too alive.

Inside, cozy and sleepy, I pulled out my oracle deck—Work Your Light, fittingly. I pulled four cards, our favorite number: Pleiades, Birthing a New Age, Share Your Voice, and Soul Family. It felt like a personal message from the cosmos. Maybe this trip wasn’t just about celebrating a birthday. Maybe it was about transformation, expression, connection. Maybe it was a soul tune-up, a reminder that I’m on the right path.

The next morning, we climbed the lighthouse—144 steps to the top. Our tour group included a lively motorcycle crew who’d joined us the day before at the lighthouse, and—no joke—we ran into them again at The Tides Wharf restaurant in Bodega Bay (where The Birds was filmed) during our lunch stop. I ordered a latte, we split a Swiss cheeseburger, and we shared laughs with our familiar biker friends.

As we continued our scenic drive home, we passed more deer (four sightings total!), abandoned coastal homes beaten down by the salty air and storms. I couldn’t stop wondering about their stories—who lived there, what happened, why they were left behind. The history clung to the structures like sea mist.

We eventually made it home, back to our sweet cat Juggy. We missed him. Now it’s time to switch gears and celebrate Rylie’s birthday—but a piece of me is still on those trails, cliffs, and star-speckled skies.

If you ever want a trip that blends nature, magic, mystery, and meaning—Fort Bragg and Point Arena are calling. Just don’t be surprised if you leave with more than souvenirs. You might come back with signs, stories, and a soul that feels just a little more whole.

Before I close this story, I have to give a little love to the oracle deck I brought with me – Work Your Light by Rebecca Campbell. It felt so aligned to be using this deck during our stay at the lighthouse (I mean… the name practically summoned it). If you’re into card reading, or even just curious about exploring your intuition, this is one of my favorite decks to worth with. It’s gently, inspiring, and absolutely gorgeous. You can check it out here on Amazon. (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)