american west, Deserts, Hiking, Historical sites, history, Museums, national parks, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized

Flagstaff Area National Monuments

A hike down memory lane, this post revisits our 2016 trip to Flagstaff. We visited the Flagstaff area national monuments: Sunset Crater Volcano, Wupatki, and Walnut Canyon.

california, Camping, Hiking, Historical sites, history, Museums, outdoors, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Sunny San Diego: Beyond the Beach

While San Diego, California is known for its scenic beaches and craft beer, there are also many opportunities for hiking and recreation a bit further inland where the sea breezes still blow.

Family, Kids, Opinion, School, traditions, Uncategorized, writing

Celebrations in the Time of Covid

As the Covid19 pandemic wears on, birthday and graduation celebrations have looked significantly different from before. While there were some disappointments and tears, there have also been unexpected blessings- like pets being able to participate in graduation parades.

Camping, Florida, Food, Hiking, history, national parks, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation

America’s Everglades

Everglades National Park is the southernmost park in the contiguous 48 states, and is a land shaped by the flow of water. This habitat is home to a diversity of plants and animals- including the famed American alligator. On this trip, we explored the Anhinga Trail boardwalk and kayaked in Flamingo. See you later, alligator!

american west, california, Hiking, history, Travel

Hiking the Angeles: Echo Mountain

Echo Mountain is a popular front range hike with easy access from Altadena. At 5.5 miles round trip with about a 1400 foot elevation gain, it is considered moderate. There are some cool ruins at the top, harkening back to the 'Golden Age of Hiking."