Category: Uncategorized

california, Camping, Museums, national parks, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized

Into the Yosemite Valley

thecrankycamper

"It is by far the grandest of all the special temples of Nature I was ever permitted to enter." - John Muir Yosemite Valley is the most visited area of the park, and for good reason.  Powerful granite walls and evergreen dominate the valley landscape, with massive waterfalls cascading down imposing cliffs. Many of Yosemite's most famous landmarks are found in the Valley.  Even the tunnels on Wawona Road leading in are iconic.  In every direction, there is great beauty- and much exploration fun.

american west, california, Camping, Museums, national parks, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized

Follow Me to Tuolumne

thecrankycamper

Less visited than the Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows is a jewel along Highway 120 on the eastern side of the park, with miles of hiking trails, domes to climb, and the pristine Tuolumne River sunning through it.

breakfast, Brunch, coffee, Dessert, dinner, Food, Lunch, midwest, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, wine and drink

Deep Dished in Chicago

thecrankycamper

Chicago is know for some great eats. This post features some Chicago-style treats we enjoyed on our trip- from Chicago dogs and deep dish pizza to sweet treats and drinks. There is something for every palette in the Windy City.

midwest, Money savers, Museums, outdoors, photography, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation

Chicago!

thecrankycamper

With it's electric energy, close proximity to the scenic Lake Michigan, and plenty of green spaces, there is no shortage of amusements when staying in the Windy City. The first in a three part series on our visit to the Windy City, this post details our travel as well as our walking adventures various parks, Chicago's famed river architectural tours, and cultural highlights.

california, Camping, Hiking, national parks, photography, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

thecrankycamper

Nestled in the Inyo National Forest not far from the California-Nevada border and the Eastern Sierras grow the ancient bristlecone pines. In the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, these Pinus longaeva trees grow in the harsh conditions, along with limber pines. The Great Basin bristlecones have stood the test of time and are some of the oldest trees on the planet, with many thought to date over 4000 years old, surviving for millennia in conditions most other plants can't. The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is accessible via U.S. 395 to CA-168, with some narrow and slightly scary parts.