california, Camping, Dog, Hiking, Opinion, outdoors, Uncategorized

Hiking the Angeles: The Top of Brown Mountain Dam

Returning to a favorite haunt, the Cranky Camper explores the top of Brown Mountain Dam in the Angeles National Forest.

american west, Brunch, california, Camping, coffee, Dessert, Food, Hiking, Historical sites, history, Museums, Opinion, outdoors, School, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, wine, wine and drink, writing

Coloma: California Gold

In this second post on the American River, we explore the Marshall Gold Discovery Center in Coloma, California and learn more about the history of the California Gold Rush.

american west, california, Camping, Family, Hiking, Hobbies, Kids, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Whitewater Rafting the American River

Exploring the South Fork of the American River with American Whitewater Expeditions near Coloma, California in the heart of California's gold country.

american west, california, Camping, Deserts, national parks, outdoors, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Death Valley: Hitting New Lows

In the third post of our Death Valley series, we hit a new low at 282 feet below sea level, the lowest point in North America: Badwater Basin.

american west, california, Camping, Deserts, Hiking, Historical sites, history, national parks, outdoors, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Death Valley: A Galaxy Far, Far Away

If Golden Canyon looks a bit like they're out of a movie scene, it may be because it was used in the filming of "A New Hope." Formed by faulting and geologic uplift, Death Valley National Park has many scenic, other-worldly places to explore.