american west, california, Camping, Hiking, outdoors, photography, Style, Travel, Vacation

Driving CA Route 108: The Sonora Pass

After three days in Bridgeport and a pleasant brekky in Lee Vining, Sami and I hit the road and headed north along U.S. Route 395 to CA-108. California State Route 108 is an east-west highway that traverses the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California. The Sonora Pass is steep and winding in many places. While… Continue reading Driving CA Route 108: The Sonora Pass

california, Camping, Dog, Hiking, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Chino Hills State Park

After Owen's recent hospitalization at a veterinary hospital for pneumonia, we've been taking it easier when it comes to outdoor activity. It's been about a month since he came home, and while he's maintained his puppy-like sweet and playful spirit, his body is definitely slowing down. He is still quite active, and following a fun… Continue reading Chino Hills State Park

american west, california, Dog, Hiking, Historical sites, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

Hiking the Angeles: Mt. Wilson Trail to First Water and Orchard Camp

The early morning fog along the trail I feel incredibly lucky to live where I do in Southern California; the San Gabriel Valley, just under the shadow of the San Gabriel Mountains is a gateway to many adventures. For here it seems that at the end of every quaint foothill street, there is a hiking… Continue reading Hiking the Angeles: Mt. Wilson Trail to First Water and Orchard Camp

california, Dog, Hiking, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized

Claremont Wilderness Loop

In caring for my mental health, I have learned that a pleasant hike is a way to not just get some good exercise, but that it is also a way to reset my brain. Last weekend, I decided to head out with Owen to Claremont for some of that clarity. This popular hike in the… Continue reading Claremont Wilderness Loop

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

Palomar Mountain State Park

At the end of October, as the leaves began to change with the coming of autumn and the temperatures cooled to sweater weather, I was off and traveling again for work, this time helping to lead our group of sixth graders up to science camp in the forests of San Diego County. The trek was… Continue reading Palomar Mountain State Park