American West, California, Hiking, Historic Sites, History, Opinion, Outdoors, Safety, Travel, Uncategorized, Writing

Shoemaker Canyon: Tunnels to Nowhere

After re-opening following the Bridge Fire in 2024, we return to Shoemaker Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains to explore the spooky Cold War-era escape tunnels. The project was abandoned, but the tunnels remain a testament to a time gone by marked by fear and hysteria. In this post, we also cover trail conditions at time of writing along with some safety considerations.

American West, California, Christmas, Family, Historic Sites, History, Museums, Opinion, Outdoors, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Writing

Old Sacramento: I Like Trains!

Old Sacramento, the historic waterfront district and National Historic Landmark, offers up a fun adventure for families and history nerds alike. We learned so much about California history and the trans-continental railroad's impact on the culture and economy of the Golden State at the California State Railroad Museum. All aboard!

American West, California, Camping, Hiking, Outdoors, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Wine, Wine and Drink, Writing

Adventures in Agua Dulce

After a rainy couple weeks in November, we enjoyed a half-day adventure hiking and wine tasting in Agua Dulce.

American West, Brunch, California, Camping, Hiking, Lunch, Outdoors, Safety, Travel, Uncategorized

Mt. Pinos

Located in the Los Padres National Forest, Mt. Pinos and the surrounding peaks offer many opportunities for adventure across all seasons- in sunshine and in snow. This posts covers two hiking and camping weekend adventures in September.

Europe and the United Kingdom, Family, Historic Sites, Opinion, Photography, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, Writing

London in Pictures

The Cranky Camper and Co take a sort-of self-guided walking tour of London before heading to continental Europe. On the itinerary are Westminster, St. James Park, Buckingham Palace, along with other points of interest.