It’s rare for Hayden Randolph not to be exploring. She has visited five of the seven continents, most recently living it up with her two sisters in Amsterdam. Everywhere from African safaris to sunlit islands, from snow to salt water, Hayden has been or has plans to go to in the near future. Traveling is a huge part of her life, and I believe I see it reflected in her personality as well. Hayden is open minded and welcoming to everyone she meets, and is always down for a fun time. Her adventures are anything but basic, constantly staying down to Earth in Air BNB’s and making friends with locals. Whether it’s international or in her own backyard, one thing is true; she’s rarely inside. One of her fave places in SB is outside (duh), and pretty iconic as far as “mind blowing views” goes.

Her favorite place happens to also be high on my list as well; Gibraltar!! Winding high in the mountains above Santa Barbara, the road (named Gibraltar) climbs and twists so that the view becomes more and more expansive. Going to the top is beautiful and commanding but not totally necessarily if all you want is a great view. The overlook is beautiful in any season or time of day, although sunset is always optimal in my opinion. Going at night is interesting since all of the city lights twinkle below you, yet you’re high enough up that the stars are clearly visible, but I would suggest driving slowly cause it can get a little sketch on the tight turns towards the top. Although Hay and I have never actually gone to Gibraltar together, we both agree that sunset picnics looking out to the horizon in the company of good people is hard to beat, and always leaves us feeling thankful and peaceful.

Currently, I’m writing this with a heart full of gratitude. I feel so lucky that I have a place like this to go in my hometown and a great friend like Hayden to experience these memories with. I met her in preschool, and we luckily reconnected in fifth grade, staying close ever since. She has been all around the globe, and I aspire to do the same. It has done nothing but enhance her down to earth qualities and broad perspective which is very refreshing when high school life can be clouded by very short term and irrelevant worries. She can let loose, allowing others to feel comfortable to do so as well, and for that I am so thankful.