Floating along the windswept coast of Sausalito, Fjord (@fjordfeel ) is a unique wellness sanctuary on pontoons conceived by co-founders Alex Yenni and Gabe Turner alongside architect Nick Polansky (@nwpolansky ) to transform the private rituals of the spa into an open, community invitation.
Crafted from repurposed shipping containers clad in redwood and salvaged pontoons, the sauna's symmetrical design pays aesthetic homage to local maritime history while offering a highly practical, stable space to gather.
Free from clocks and commercial signage, bathers sweat in the glass-framed, aspen-lined rooms before plunging directly off the deck into the bay, utilizing the rhythm of the waves to find a deeper connection to their natural surroundings.
Discover more in our book 'Ridiculously Good-Looking Saunas', co-edited by @christopher.selman . Grab your copy via at gestalten.com and via the link in bio!
Photography by: @afarnum
By the end of 2027 the historic ranches of Point Reyes National Seashore will all be gone. The Park Service and a group of environmentalists sued to have these ranches removed for good. All of them were grandfathered in when the area became a park in the 1960s after they were given concessions in exchange for selling their land to the government. Now they were paid to leave but off the record they say they were given two choices, “take the money and leave or just leave with nothing.” Whatever the truth, the fact is a part of history has come to an end and a new chapter for Point Reyes is beginning for the first time since the 1850s.
If you are ever in Sebastapol, CA, make sure you walk Florence street. It’s block after block of incredible art made from junk by power duo Patrick Amiot and Brigitte Laurent.
Perched atop rugged cliffs overlooking the churning Pacific, Mendocino is Northern California’s hidden coastal gem, wrapped in mist and mystery. This enchanting town, with its Victorian architecture, windswept beaches, and towering redwoods, feels like a place suspended in time. Wander through streets lined with charming shops, art galleries, and organic eateries, all surrounded by breathtaking ocean vistas. Mendocino’s wild beauty and haunting allure have long attracted artists, writers, and dreamers, making it a sanctuary for those seeking inspiration and escape. Here, fog drifts in with the morning tide, and every sunset seems to set the sky ablaze.
Dat So La Lee, the legendary Washoe basket weaver, crafted masterpieces—only to see them claimed and sold by Abe and Amy Cohn, the curio shop owners who marketed her work. While they provided her with materials and shelter, the Cohns took ownership of nearly every basket she made, profiting handsomely. Critics argue her art was “stolen” under the guise of patronage. After her death, her baskets soared in value, sparking allegations of theft and cultural appropriation. Today, her story reflects the broader exploitation of Native artists and ongoing struggles for cultural restitution and recognition.
Fort Ross, located on California’s rugged Sonoma Coast, is an incredible slice of history that feels like stepping into a time machine! Once a thriving Russian settlement in the early 1800s, this fortress was the southernmost point of the Russian Empire in North America. Today, you can explore its wooden palisades, reconstructed chapel, and the officers’ quarters, while soaking in stunning coastal views. Fort Ross isn’t just about history though—it’s a perfect place to hike, picnic, or catch a breathtaking Pacific sunset while imagining life in this once-bustling outpost!
Tucked away in the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, Grover Hot Springs is a hidden gem where nature meets rejuvenation! Imagine soaking in natural mineral hot springs with panoramic views of towering peaks, verdant meadows, and pristine forests. This peaceful oasis, just outside the charming town of Markleeville, is the perfect retreat after a day of hiking or exploring the rugged beauty of Alpine County. The steamy pools are open year-round, so whether you’re catching the golden glow of summer sunsets or soaking under a blanket of winter snow, Grover Hot Springs promises an unforgettable, soul-soothing experience!
Pond Farm was a unique art school founded by Marguerite Wildenhain, a master potter who moved to Northern California in the 1950s. Located in the Russian River Valley, the school attracted students from all over the country for nine-week intensive courses where they learned advanced pottery techniques. The emphasis at Pond Farm was on the process rather than the finished product—students would often smash their pots after working on them, recycling the clay to be reused. Marguerite’s teaching style was deeply rooted in craftsmanship and mastery of the art form.
I visited the Panam Crater. This incredible dormant mini volcano right outside of Mono Lake in Eastern California.
The Panam Crater is a dramatic geological feature surrounded by shimmering fields of black obsidian, giving it an otherworldly allure. Formed by a volcanic eruption, the crater’s rugged rim and vast basin are dotted with sharp, glossy fragments of volcanic glass, remnants of the explosive forces that once shaped the area. This glistening obsidian, prized by ancient civilizations for tools and weapons, adds a striking contrast to the desert landscape, making the Panam Crater not only a geological marvel but also a historical treasure trove.
