It is extraordinary for me to think that we are upon the ten-year anniversary of Owen's adoption from the Pasadena Humane Society. On January 8, 2013 we signed the adoption documents, and two days later, on January 10, we brought our sweet boy home. And the years flew by. Owen as a young pup Owen,… Continue reading Happy Gotcha Day, Owen: Ten Years of Love and Adventure
Yosemite National Park is an inspiring place no matter the season, but there is something magical about the park in winter, with its sparkling snow-covered meadows against a backdrop of grey monoliths and towering evergreens. The girls and I had another opportunity to visit our perennial happy place with Owen this past weekend as we… Continue reading Happy Isles and a Happy Dog in the Season of the Sticks
Can be dangerous if you're not prepared. On the first Saturday of November, we headed up to Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon. This is a hike that I've done on many other occasions, and was to be the final hike of this year's Six Pack of Peaks Challenge. That said, I have never hiked it… Continue reading Hiking in a Winter Wonderland
Snyder's Castle Whenever I think of the state of Missouri, my first thought is lush green forests with natural bridges, charming streams, and European castles. I mean, where else would you go to find castle ruins and carriage houses... Though I jest, it is indeed true that one can pay a visit to an old… Continue reading Ha Ha Tonka State Park
If anyone mentioned to me at the start of 2022 that I would be making not one, but two trips out to the Ozarks region of Missouri, I'd have probably given them the side-eye and questioned why. Not that I don't love interstate travel, or that I don't think that the Ozarks offers some breathtaking… Continue reading Lake of the Ozarks
The Cranky Camper 