Find tranquility and quiet in some of the busiest national and state parks during summer and fall; plan ahead! Summer vacation is almost here, and families are plotting their summer (and early fall) destinations. If you are considering western state and national parks, you may soon discover that both campgrounds and in-park lodging accommodations are […]
Build a local or regional adventure outing for Mother’s Day… Mother’s Day is just around the corner – if you’re seeking adventuresome and scenic destinations in northern California here are several recommendations from my spouse, several friends and me, both local and further afield. If you are seeking fine dining and adventure in San Joaquin […]
Stockton Bike Club members at start of February’s Pedaling Paths to Independence ride. LSD (long, slow distance) riders head north on Thornton Road. Cross country cyclists in Ft. Ord National Monument backcountry, part of the Sea Otter Classic. SJBC riders stop at Consumnes River Farms, Thornton, to sample olive oil. Thousands of consumers course through […]
Towering Foresthill Bridge passes 730 feet over the North Fork, American River, just outside Auburn. The historic Slate Mountain Mine stamp mill, used to crush quartz rock for its gold content, stands on edge of downtown Georgetown, CA. Docents Terry and Gayle Gay are ready to share Gold Rush lore in Marshall Gold Discovery State […]
Yosemite Falls thunders into a sunny, blue-bird day. Snowshoers head for a scenic outing to Dewey Point (photo courtesy Andria Hernandez). Icicles hang precariously off the Majestic Yosemite Hotel. Majestic Yosemite Hotel, with snowy Glacier Point Overlook towering 3,000 feet above. Cross-country skiers near Glacier Point (photo courtesy National Park Service). Horsetail Falls peers out […]
Back road’s discovery; Cosumnes River Preserve just north of Thornton and Lodi. Atlas Obscura is a fine guide to weird and wacky treasures both in California and much beyond. Wildflowers surround an old windmill near the entrance to Carrizo Plain National Monument, just a few hours south on Interstate 5 from San Joaquin County. Discover […]
Harmony Borax Works old water tanker and borax wagons in Death Valley. The old Rhyolite railroad station stands sentinel over this large ghost town. Sand dunes and knarly trees grace a portion of Death Valley National Park. Bighorn sheep, high above Anzo Borrego SP. Spindly Ocotillo plant in bloom, following light rain. California Fan Palm […]
Skier enjoys deep powder in the Sonora Glades of Dodge Ridge Resort Family enjoys a groomed run with spectacular view in Boulder Creek Canyon. Kids pan for gold, including grandson Hunter Blomgren (center), at Columbia State Historic Park The old roundhouse and turntable at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park Engine #3 from the Railtown 1897 […]
Cross country skiers on road to Glacier Park, usually snowed in from December to March (photo courtesy National Park Service). Our Scotty in front of Yosemite Falls last January; note, no snow in the valley. The Truckee Hotel is just north of Squaw Valley; and provides overnight accomodations. Rangers lead a snowshoe tour along Lake […]
Sierra mountainside is alive with yellows and oranges, off Hwy. 88. Ironstone Vineyards, just above Murphys, offer yellows, ochres and reds during the fall. Aspens turn bright yellow, dusted by light snow, near Ebbett’s Pass on Hwy. 4. Oranges and reds dot this Sierra mountainside near Tuolumne Pass. Plan a road trip for best Fall […]