american west, Amusement Parks, california, Dessert, dinner, Family, Food, Lunch, Opinion, School, Style, traditions, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

The Happiest Place on Earth: Rise of the Resistance

In honor of both her birthday and Disneyland's, the Cranky Camper shares her visit to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California as part of a school field trip, with an emphasis on its newest attractions: the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

american west, Brunch, california, Camping, coffee, Dessert, Food, Hiking, Historical sites, history, Museums, Opinion, outdoors, School, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, wine, wine and drink, writing

Coloma: California Gold

In this second post on the American River, we explore the Marshall Gold Discovery Center in Coloma, California and learn more about the history of the California Gold Rush.

american west, california, Camping, Family, Hiking, Hobbies, Kids, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Whitewater Rafting the American River

Exploring the South Fork of the American River with American Whitewater Expeditions near Coloma, California in the heart of California's gold country.

american west, california, Deserts, Hiking, national parks, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Death Valley: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

The fourth post in our Death Valley series explores the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Sand sledding and fun are permitted. As a bonus, the end of the post features a stop at Natural Bridge, an arch within Death Valley National Park not far from Badwater Basin.

american west, california, Camping, Deserts, national parks, outdoors, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Death Valley: Hitting New Lows

In the third post of our Death Valley series, we hit a new low at 282 feet below sea level, the lowest point in North America: Badwater Basin.