One historic and scenic square mile; exploring the Donner Pass area Most readers have crossed Donner Pass on Interstate 80 dozens of times, headed to Reno and destinations east. Far fewer have taken the Norden exit onto the old Donner Pass Road/historic Highway 40 to discover one of the state’s most significant square miles in […]
Eastern Sierra: June Lakes Loop, Mammoth Lakes Basin Towering peaks, secluded, eerie and stunning scenery… Where can you travel just over 200 miles, pass through arguably the world’s greatest national park and reach a land of contrasts, deserts split by towering peaks, other-worldly attractions yet offering quiet seclusion? Your destination is the June Lakes and […]
Find adventure and history along the “old pioneer trail”, from Old Sacramento to Folsom Let’s explore the old trail along the American River, from Old Sacramento to Folsom. Hundreds of years ago, Native Americans traveled trails up and over the Sierra (one of those early trails would become the Immigrant Trail) to trade and share […]
Hail stones morph to summer heat; where to head for cooler temperatures! With hail stones and cold rain pounding Stockton and San Joaquin County just 10 days ago, I’m always amazed how hot summer weather can arrive so quickly. Here are ideas how to beat the summer heat, both in town and in the nearby […]
Family fun in Sierra gold country; Hwy. 4, Murphys to Ebbetts Pass Gold rush history, towering redwoods, high Sierra scenery, lakes, cooler temperatures, campgrounds and family resorts – what’s not to like about a tour up Hwy. 4, from Murphys east to Ebbetts Pass? This is a trip that can be managed in one day; […]
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 […]