american west, california, Camping, coffee, Deserts, Dessert, dinner, Food, Hiking, Lunch, national parks, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Great California Road Trips: Fun on the U.S. 395

This is the first post dedicated to adventures along U.S. 395. On this trip, Sami and I visited the Alabama Hills, Whitney Portal, and Mono Lake. There is much to explore on this highway that connects California to the Canadian border.

american west, california, Camping, Hiking, Historical sites, history, Museums, outdoors, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Sunny San Diego: Beyond the Beach

While San Diego, California is known for its scenic beaches and craft beer, there are also many opportunities for hiking and recreation a bit further inland where the sea breezes still blow.

Family, Kids, Opinion, School, traditions, Uncategorized, writing

Celebrations in the Time of Covid

As the Covid19 pandemic wears on, birthday and graduation celebrations have looked significantly different from before. While there were some disappointments and tears, there have also been unexpected blessings- like pets being able to participate in graduation parades.

american west, california, Camping, Hiking, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized

Hiking the Angeles: Mt. Islip

In the Angeles National Forest, we took the beautiful hike up to Mt. Islip and Windy Gap starting from Crystal Lake.

Camping, Florida, Food, Hiking, history, national parks, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation

America’s Everglades

Everglades National Park is the southernmost park in the contiguous 48 states, and is a land shaped by the flow of water. This habitat is home to a diversity of plants and animals- including the famed American alligator. On this trip, we explored the Anhinga Trail boardwalk and kayaked in Flamingo. See you later, alligator!