california, Camping, Deserts, Dog, dogs, Family, national parks, outdoors, Pets, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

National Barking up a Joshua Tree

In an early National Puppy Day celebration, Owen visits his first national park and earns his BARK Ranger tag at sunny Joshua Tree NP. He was a good boy and followed all the rules of being a BARK Ranger.

Camping, Hiking, Historical sites, midwest, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

Missouri State Parks: Table Rock Dam and the Hatchery

Table Rock Dam in the Ozarks of Missouri provides plenty of recreation opportunities as well as hydroelectric power generation. We also visited Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery, part of the Missouri Department of Conservation, which provides trout management for Lake Taneycomo and other areas in Missouri.

Brunch, Camping, Family, Food, Hiking, midwest, outdoors, Shopping, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, wine, wine and drink, writing

The Ozarks

The Ozarks are a scenic highland region spanning across five states, with the most acreage located within southern Missouri and northern Arkansas, marked by beautiful hardwood forests and pristine lakes. The Ozark Mountains, also known as the Ozark Plateau, are the most significant topography between the Appalachians of the eastern United States the the Rocky Mountains to the west.

american west, california, Camping, dogs, Hiking, outdoors, Pets, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

Hiking the Angeles: Brown Mountain Dam, Paul Little, and Owen Parker

The Cranky Camper explores a familiar hike in the Angeles National Forest with her best furry friend.

Beaches, california, Camping, Hiking, outdoors, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Beachy Trails: San Clemente Bluffs

San Clemente, California, in south Orange County boasts miles of coastline and plenty of opportunity for recreation. One easily accessible trail is the San Clemente Beach Trail is a 2.3 mile rail-to-trail that runs from North Beach down to the San Clemente State Beach. The path shares its corridor with an active rail line that serves Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner route from Los Angeles to San Diego, The path is quite popular year-round and offers lovely views of the expansive Pacific Ocean.