American West, California, Camping, Hiking, Historic Sites, Outdoors, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, Writing

Grover Hot Springs State Park

In this third post featuring the Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway, we visit the state park at the eastern terminus of the route: Grover Hot Springs State Park. As a result of geothermal activity thanks to the subduction zone at the boundary of the Pacific and North American Plates, hot water flows from six naturally heated springs making for some fun recreation opportunities in this unique state park.

American West, California, Camping, Hiking, Historic Sites, Outdoors, Safety, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, Writing

Pacific Crest Trails and Scenic Routes: Ebbetts Pass

There are many opportunities for fun and adventure along the Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway, a 61-mile stretch of California Routes 4 and 89 traversing the mighty Sierra Nevada Mountains. This post explores several points of interest along this spectacular drive, including Ebbetts Peak, a small portion of the famed Pacific Crest Trail, and alpine lakes. There is so much to explore along this national scenic byway.

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.