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.
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.
There’s something magical about snow covered mountains, especially in Southern California where we really don’t get snow at elevations under about 5000 feet. It is even more magical when shared with our best furry friends.
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."
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.
The Cranky Camper 