american west, california, Hiking, Historical sites, history, Opinion, outdoors, safety, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

Shoemaker Canyon: Tunnels to Nowhere

We return to Shoemaker Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains to explore the spooky Cold War-era escape tunnels. The project was abandoned, but the tunnels remain a testament to a time gone by marked by fear and hysteria. In this post are trail conditions at time of writing and safety considerations.

american west, Brunch, Camping, Canada, Family, Hiking, Lunch, Opinion, outdoors, safety, Shopping, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, wine, writing

Road Trip Canada: A Trek Across Southern British Columbia

This fourth post in our 2023 Summer Road Trip series is a journey through southern British Columbia, traversing the scenic province from Vancouver to the U.S. border crossing at Cristina Lake. The Cranky Camper also discovers what a closed border crossing looks like and reflects on lessons learned.

american west, Camping, Hiking, Historical sites, Museums, outdoors, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Multnomah Falls

The second post of the 2023 Summer Road Trip series follows the adventure to Portland, Oregon. The Columbia River Gorge offers up miles of scenic landscape along the Oregon-Washington border, and Multnomah Falls, Oregon's tallest waterfall, is a popular hiking and photo spot.

american west, california, Camping, Family, Hiking, Hobbies, Kids, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Whitewater Rafting the American River

Exploring the South Fork of the American River with American Whitewater Expeditions near Coloma, California in the heart of California's gold country.

american west, california, Camping, Hiking, outdoors, photography, Style, Travel, Vacation

Driving CA Route 108: The Sonora Pass

In this short, the Cranky Camper shares a drive along one of America's steepest- and scenic- drivable mountain passes. The Sonora Pass, a winding stretch of California 108 offers beautiful views and is a gateway to adventure.