Blog.
Join us for wildlife stories, field notes, and plenty of coastal surprises - from sea lions at the marina to hidden tide pools and a shop full of nature-inspired art.
I started Salt + Noelle because I love wildlife - and honestly, I got tired of seeing nature and travel stories that felt out of reach. Everything either looked photoshopped, staged, or like it required a $20K expedition just to get a glimpse of the real thing. I wanted to share the coast and its wild moments the way I actually experience them: with patience, curiosity, and a camera slung over my shoulder.
This blog is for anyone who’s ever wished they could see more wildlife, but didn’t know where to start - or who just wanted an honest look at what’s really out there, not just the highlight reel. My photography is grounded in real fieldwork, not perfection, and my stories are about what I actually see and feel on the trail, the coast, and everywhere in between.
If you’re craving authentic tips, field notes, and a sense of what to actually expect when you head outside, you’re in the right place. I hope these essays and photos help you feel a little more connected to the wild, and maybe inspire you to slow down and see it for yourself.
I write from the coast, the trail, and sometimes the passenger seat. Thanks for being here - and for wanting something authentic.
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Morro Bay Adventure: Sea Otters, Elephant Seals & Monarch Butterflies Along California’s Coast 🌊🦋
From sea otters floating in kelp to elephant seals sparring on the beach, this Central California coastal trip had it all - ending with a quiet moment beneath a canopy of monarch butterflies. Read the full story and explore the gallery.
Leo Carrillo Beach Is My Favorite Coastal Escape: Tide Pools, Scenic Drives & Malibu Seafood 🐚🌴
Tide pools, sea caves, and scenic drives—Leo Carrillo Beach in Malibu has become my go-to coastal escape. Whether I’m grabbing clam chowder at Malibu Seafood or exploring the rocks at low tide, there’s a rhythm here I never get tired of. Read the full story and explore the gallery.
A Peaceful Afternoon at Roaring Spring Dam Park: Ducks, Photography & Small-Town Charm 🦆🌸
Some visits are simple, quiet, and perfect. I spent the afternoon with my family at Roaring Spring Dam Park, a small pond best known for its ducks, paper mill history, and calm, reflective moments. Read the full story and explore the gallery.
Trough Creek State Park: Hiking to Rainbow Falls & Balanced Rock 🌳🌈
Back home in Pennsylvania, I spent the day hiking with my partner and mom at Trough Creek State Park. From a swaying footbridge to a boulder that seems to float, this local favorite offers forested trails, waterfalls, and small-town nostalgia.