american west, california, Hiking, Historical sites, history, Opinion, outdoors, safety, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

Shoemaker Canyon: Tunnels to Nowhere

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 are trail conditions at time of writing and safety considerations.

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.

california, Hiking, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

Cherry Canyon

Ih this short post, we visit Cherry Canyon Park, an open space located in La Cañada-Flintridge that has several miles of hiking trails and views of the San Gabriel Mountains. This space is popular among hikers and mountain bikers alike, with trails that range from easy to moderately hard.

california, Dog, Family, Food, Hiking, Historical sites, Opinion, outdoors, safety, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

Love Letters to Eaton Canyon: Eaton Fire Trail Closures

The Eaton Fire, now fully contained after burning over 14000 acres, has destroyed many homes and businesses throughout Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre. Also lost in the fire are many beloved hiking trails and recreation spots in the Angeles National Forest and Los Angeles County.

american west, Brunch, Camping, Canada, Family, Hiking, Lunch, Opinion, outdoors, safety, Shopping, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, wine, writing

Road Trip Canada: A Trek Across Southern British Columbia

This fourth post in our 2023 Summer Road Trip series is a journey through southern British Columbia, traversing the scenic province from Vancouver to the U.S. border crossing at Cristina Lake. The Cranky Camper also discovers what a closed border crossing looks like and reflects on lessons learned.