American West, California, Camping, Dogs, Family, Hiking, Historic Sites, National Parks, Outdoors, pets, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Writing

Bark Ranger Owen Reporting for Duty in Yosemite

The Cranky Campers head north to Yosemite National Park where Owen earns his second BARK Ranger tag, and he and Emily are mistaken for junior park rangers.

American West, California, Hiking, National Parks, Outdoors, Photography, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, Writing

Yosemite Valley Nature Watching

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.

California, Camping, Museums, National Parks, Outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized

Into the Yosemite Valley

"It is by far the grandest of all the special temples of Nature I was ever permitted to enter." - John Muir Yosemite Valley is the most visited area of the park, and for good reason.  Powerful granite walls and evergreen dominate the valley landscape, with massive waterfalls cascading down imposing cliffs. Many of Yosemite's most famous landmarks are found in the Valley.  Even the tunnels on Wawona Road leading in are iconic.  In every direction, there is great beauty- and much exploration fun.

California, Camping, Museums, National Parks, Outdoors, Photography, Travel, Vacation

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the US, first protected in 1864 by President Lincoln. The park sits in the Sierra Nevada mountains in central California and extends across four counties. Most of the park is considered wilderness, but its wild beauty attracts millions of visitors a year, consistently placing it in the top ten most visited national parks.