Vetter Mountain is home to one of the last fire lookout towers in the Angeles National Forest. Today, the Vetter Mountain Lookout Interpretive Site provides shelter for the fire lookout, volunteers who keep watch over the forest to spot signs of fire early to alert first responders. Starting at the Charlton Flat Picnic Area, we hiked up Vetter Mountain for beautiful 360 views of the San Gabriel Mountains. On weekends, the lookout is open to visitors.
With hundreds of miles to explore, the San Gabriel Mountains offer ample opportunities for fun and adventure. One an early fall Saturday, we returned to Eaton Saddle to explore two new peaks: Mt. Disappointment and San Gabriel Peak.
Tucked into the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild, California is an idyllic retreat from the desert below. With miles of nearby hiking trails, dining, shopping, and the arts, this town offers something for everyone- including a chance to meet Mayor Max and his deputies.
In the fifth post of the Netherlands series, the Cranky Camper family visits Amsterdam, the bustling, historic capital of the Netherlands. Highlights include the Van Gogh Museum, shopping, and Amsterdam's many canals. Included in this post is a bonus summary of the Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert at Johann Cruijff Arena.
The fourth post in our Netherlands series sends us to Slot Loevestein. This medieval castle played a role in the defense of the Dutch Waterline up through World War II. We spent the day as a family, exploring the castle and the scenic towns surrounding it, while learning about its rich history.
The Cranky Camper 