American West, California, Camping, Dogs, Hiking, Opinion, Outdoors, Safety, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Writing

Pacific Crest Trails: Pleasant View Ridge Wilderness, Sulphur Springs Trail Camp, and Benny’s First Hike

On our first of what will hopefully be many hikes with Benedict Willem Alexander, we headed up to Rosenita Saddle along Angeles Crest and hiked along forest service roads and a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. Benny loved a short visit to the creek as well as exercise and free pets from fellow hikers along this quiet portion of the Pleasant View Ridge Wilderness.

American West, California, Style, Travel, Writing

What’s blooming, So Cal?

The rare, interesting, and smelly Amorphophallus titanum, aka corpse flower, is in bloom at the Huntington Library!

American West, California, Hiking, Outdoors, Safety, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Writing

Pacific Crest Trails: Winston Peak

On a mild, early summer day, we explored a section of the Pacific Crest Trail and a new peak. Starting from 6000' Day Use Area along Angeles Crest Highway, we hiked PCT to Cloudburst Summit, then headed up the trail to Winston Peak. At 7502 feet, this peak offers a nice workout hike in pretty pine and cedar forest.

Europe and the United Kingdom, History, Museums, Outdoors, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, Writing

Kasteel de Haar

In this short post, the Cranky Camper family travel take a day trip to the largest castle in the Netherlands: Kasteel de Haar. This restored castle features many opulent rooms, extensive grounds, with moats and water features.

Europe and the United Kingdom, Family, Food, Opinion, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Writing

All Aboard: Eurostar

There are many options for international travel across Europe. Eurostar provides high-speed rail service from London to major cities such as Paris, Brussels, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam, with connections to cities in Germany. All aboard!