Just north of Lone Pine, along U.S. 395, in the unforgiving rain shadow desert of the Eastern Sierras, sits Manzanar National Historic Site. From 1942 through the end of World War II in 1945, Manzanar served as an internment camp for people of Japanese descent, forcibly removed from their homes along the West Coast. Today, the site is preserved as a reminder of this painful part of American history and the hope and perseverance of those who endured.
On a cloudy Tuesday near the sea, with seagulls squawking overhead, we headed to the National Monument Oranjehotel, Scheveningen's prison. About 25000 people were detained here during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. In this museum, the cells and artifacts tell stories of despair and pain, hope and perseverance. Trigger warning: This article discusses World War II history, which includes mentions of death, torture, and violence. I also discuss Hitler’s rise to power and the formation of a one-party state through legal means.
Cooper Canyon Falls, nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains near the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, is a 25-foot waterfall formed from the perennially flowing stream within Cooper Canyon. On a sunny Saturday in late March, we trekked along the Burkhart Trail to Cooper Canyon Falls.
For a nice hike along the Pacific Crest Trail featuring some other-worldly rock formations, Vasquez Rocks is a fun adventure. Located in north Los Angeles County, this 945-acre county park has a nature center- and scenic views.
Vetter Mountain is home to one of the last fire lookout towers in the Angeles National Forest. Today, the Vetter Mountain Lookout Interpretive Site provides shelter for the fire lookout, volunteers who keep watch over the forest to spot signs of fire early to alert first responders. Starting at the Charlton Flat Picnic Area, we hiked up Vetter Mountain for beautiful 360 views of the San Gabriel Mountains. On weekends, the lookout is open to visitors.
The Cranky Camper 