rom the moment we stepped off the bus at the station in Český Krumlov, it felt as though we were stepping into a fairy tale. The sweeping views of a medieval town nestled into rolling hills with the vibrant colors of autumn were like those one could find in a story book. And of course, no fairy tale would be complete without a castle, and the Krumlov Castle does not disappoint. It even has a moat filled not with water, but with bears.
The first in a five-part series, we flew to Prague, Czech Republic to drop Emily off at university. On this trip, we visit some famous landmarks- as well as make trips to IKEA to set up her dorm.
The historic Arroyo Seco Parkway is wonderfully scenic, taking drivers from wooded suburbs of South Pasadena to the rolling hills around Chavez Ravine to the bright lights of Downtown Los Angeles. There are also many points of interest- from sports venues to museums and cultural centers- along the way.
Echo Mountain is a popular front range hike with easy access from Altadena. At 5.5 miles round trip with about a 1400 foot elevation gain, it is considered moderate. There are some cool ruins at the top, harkening back to the 'Golden Age of Hiking."
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!
The Cranky Camper 