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

Death Valley: A Galaxy Far, Far Away

Being a Jawa among the cliffs Our first Death Valley trek was a hike and a ranger talk among the cliffs of Golden Canyon. After breakfast, we headed out from the Texas Spring Campground and headed south on 190 to Badwater Road, stopping at the first parking area on the left. This was the start… Continue reading Death Valley: A Galaxy Far, Far Away

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

Death Valley National Park

In eastern California near the border with Nevada, in the rain shadow of the Eastern Sierras and coastal ranges exists a land of superlatives. The hottest place on earth- with a recorded temperature of 134 degrees Fahrenheit back in 1913- as well as the driest and lowest place in North America is a geological wonder.… Continue reading Death Valley National Park

christmas, Family, history, holidays, Opinion, Uncategorized, writing

Wreaths Across America

This Christmas 2022 season, Sami and I participated in a holiday wreath-laying event that took place at national cemeteries across the the country. Every year on the third Saturday in December, Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and 3400 other locations in the U.S. and overseas. Their mission is to "Remember… Continue reading Wreaths Across America

Family, Historical sites, history, midwest, national parks, outdoors, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch in December On the last day of our recent Missouri trips, we had a some time to kill before heading back to the St. Louis Lambert Airport. As it was only about 15 minutes from the rental car company and a quick hop to the airport, we made a stop at the Gateway… Continue reading Gateway Arch National Park

breakfast, Brunch, coffee, Family, Food, Historical sites, history, midwest, outdoors, parenting, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

A Day in St. Robert, Missouri

The bluffs above Big Piney St. Robert is kind of in the middle of nowhere, Missouri. Located in Pulaski County between St. Louis and Branson, it is considered the gateway community to the U.S. Army's Fort Leonard Wood. Indeed, that was why we were there. We were celebrating Jacob's graduation from basic training, and with… Continue reading A Day in St. Robert, Missouri