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
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
The view toward Mt. Wilson and the San Gabriel range Jones Peak, one of the front peaks of the San Gabriels, offers up lovely views of the San Gabriel Valley below. The last time I hiked Jones Peak, the day was shaded by the gloom of the May grey. Last Saturday yielded a gloriously mild,… Continue reading Jones Peak, revisited
It is extraordinary for me to think that we are upon the ten-year anniversary of Owen's adoption from the Pasadena Humane Society. On January 8, 2013 we signed the adoption documents, and two days later, on January 10, we brought our sweet boy home. And the years flew by. Owen as a young pup Owen,… Continue reading Happy Gotcha Day, Owen: Ten Years of Love and Adventure
Yosemite National Park is an inspiring place no matter the season, but there is something magical about the park in winter, with its sparkling snow-covered meadows against a backdrop of grey monoliths and towering evergreens. The girls and I had another opportunity to visit our perennial happy place with Owen this past weekend as we… Continue reading Happy Isles and a Happy Dog in the Season of the Sticks
The Cranky Camper 