American West, Camping, Family, Hiking, National Parks, Travel, Uncategorized, Writing

Old Pinnacles

Even with inclement weather presenting challenges for a President's Day camping trip, Pinnacles National Park offered up some new hiking adventures. In this post, the Cranky Camper highlights the lushness of the Bear Gulch and Rim trails, as well as a new hike along the Old Pinnacles trail.

beaches, Camping, Europe and the United Kingdom, Family, Food, Hiking, Historic Sites, Holidays, Outdoors, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, Wine, Wine and Drink, Writing

Where Sand Meets Sea: the Costa Brava

The sunny shores of Baeleric Sea, part of the Mediterranean, enjoy relatively mild weather, even late in the year. The Cranky Camper visits the Costa Brava, Spain's northern 'rough coast.' At the end of this post is a bonus recipe for sangria.

Europe and the United Kingdom, Family, Opinion, Safety, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, Writing

Burgled in Barcelona and Other Lessons Learned

With raw feeling and a touch of humor, the Cranky Camper shares her experiences with being robbed abroad, along with other lessons learned.

American West, California, Dogs, Family, Holidays, New Year's Day, pets, Rabbits, Style, Traditions, Travel, Uncategorized, Writing

The 135th Tournament of Roses: Feeding the Love

Our coverage of the 135th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California- with special attention paid to the Pasadena Humane Society's floral entry.

Europe and the United Kingdom, Family, Opinion, Uncategorized, Writing

Praying for Prague

Trigger warning: Gun violence and vicarious trauma The Cranky Camper reflects on the tragedy at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. On the afternoon of December 21, 2023, a troubled student walked into the Philosophy Faculty and fired on students and staff as well as visitors to Jan Palach Square.