american west, california, Camping, Hiking, national parks, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Pinnacles National Park

Designated a national park in 2013, Pinnacles National Park protects the endangered California condor and unique talus cave formations. As part of our 2022 spring break, we visited Pinnacles, starting with Bear Gulch on the east side of the park.

american west, california, Camping, Dog, Family, Hiking, Historical sites, national parks, outdoors, Pets, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

Bark Ranger Owen Reporting for Duty in Yosemite

The Cranky Campers head north to Yosemite National Park where Owen earns his second BARK Ranger tag, and he and Emily are mistaken for junior park rangers.

california, Camping, Deserts, Dog, dogs, Family, national parks, outdoors, Pets, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

National Barking up a Joshua Tree

In an early National Puppy Day celebration, Owen visits his first national park and earns his BARK Ranger tag at sunny Joshua Tree NP. He was a good boy and followed all the rules of being a BARK Ranger.

american west, california, Hiking, national parks, outdoors, photography, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Yosemite Valley Nature Watching

With its diversity of habitats as well as biodiversity, Yosemite is a great place to view wildlife while being respectful of their natural surroundings. On this adventure, the Cranky Campers explored the meadows of Yosemite Valley and bird-watched while keeping an eye out for bears. The most common sighting: the opportunistic, plucky California ground squirrel.

american west, california, Camping, Hiking, Historical sites, national parks, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

The Tioga Road

About 12 miles from Lee Vining on California 120, the Tioga Road connects U.S. 395 to Yosemite National Park. The road continues west into the park and gives access to many fun landmarks within the national park, including Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, Olmsted Point, and Tuolumne Grove.