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

Hiking the Angeles: Inspiring Views at Inspiration Point

For a nice hike that offers up some challenging spots and good elevation gain but is also easily accessible from the Pasadena area, the Inspiration Point Interpretive Site is a great destination. This post routes the trail from Echo Mountain to Inspiration Point via the Castle Canyon Trail.

Europe and the United Kingdom, Historical sites, history, Museums, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation

The Tower of London

This final post in our Great British Adventure series focuses on the Tower of London. Since it was built in the 1100s, the Tower has served many purposes: armoury, treasury, Royal Mint, housing for the Crown Jewels, and very famously a prison. This was an interesting and educational experience for the family and definitely a must-do on any London itinerary. Cheers!

Camping, coffee, Dessert, dinner, Europe and the United Kingdom, Hiking, Historical sites, history, national parks, outdoors, Style, Travel, Vacation, wine and drink, writing

The New Forest National Park

The United Kingdom is home to 15 designated National Parks, areas of natural beauty and historic or cultural significance. Being an American National Parks lover, I was pleasantly surprised to find that while in Hampshire, we would be staying within one of the newer English national parks: New Forest National Park. At the end of this post is a bonus recipe for bread pudding.

breakfast, Brunch, dinner, Europe and the United Kingdom, Historical sites, history, Lunch, Museums, School, Travel, wine and drink, writing

College Visits and More: Oxford

While in Oxford, we visited the prestigious university, as well as the famed Eagle and Child pub, where the writing group known as "The Inklings" which included C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, met over pints to discuss their works.

christmas, coffee, Dessert, Europe and the United Kingdom, Food, Historical sites, history, Lunch, Museums, Shopping, Style, traditions, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

A Day in Bath

Mentioned in many a Jane Austen novel, and famous on its own for its historic Roman Baths, the city of Bath in Somerset has much to do and see. In addition to the Roman Baths, we walked the Pulteney Bridge that spans the River Avon and, of course, we paid a visit to the Jane Austen Centre.