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.
Nestled in the Inyo National Forest not far from the California-Nevada border and the Eastern Sierras grow the ancient bristlecone pines. In the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, these Pinus longaeva trees grow in the harsh conditions, along with limber pines. The Great Basin bristlecones have stood the test of time and are some of the oldest trees on the planet, with many thought to date over 4000 years old, surviving for millennia in conditions most other plants can't. The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is accessible via U.S. 395 to CA-168, with some narrow and slightly scary parts.
A nice hike at dusk, the Mt. Wilson Fire Road from the Pinecrest Gate takes us up a moderately strenuous hike to the Henninger Flats Campground, a nice spot for a snack and views of the San Gabriel Vallley below.
In this second of two posts, Great Hikes, the Cranky Camper discusses gear and additional considerations when hiking with a canine companion.
The Cranky Camper 