American West, California, Camping, Dogs, Food, Hiking, Historic Sites, History, Lunch, Museums, Outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, Writing

Calaveras Big Trees State Park

After a few prior attempts trying to visit Calaveras Big Trees State Park, we finally were able to get past the visitor kiosk to walk among some of the oldest and largest living organisms on the planet. This amazing state park protects the endangered giant sequoia and provides recreation and education to the park's many visitors. There are dark sky programs as well as a fun junior ranger program for ages three and up.

American West, California, Christmas, Family, Historic Sites, History, Museums, Opinion, Outdoors, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Writing

Old Sacramento: I Like Trains!

Old Sacramento, the historic waterfront district and National Historic Landmark, offers up a fun adventure for families and history nerds alike. We learned so much about California history and the trans-continental railroad's impact on the culture and economy of the Golden State at the California State Railroad Museum. All aboard!

American West, Breakfast, California, Coffee, Food, Historic Sites, History, Museums, Opinion, Outdoors, Shopping, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Writing

Sacramento, California

In this first of two posts set in Sacramento, we take a walking tour through the city. Highlights include the Capitol building and the historic Tower Bridge. There is much to see in California's state capital.

American West, California, Coffee, Family, Hiking, Outdoors, Safety, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, Writing

Adventure and Misadventures in Calaveras County

Calaveras Big Trees State Park is a magical setting in the snow. Unfortunately, driving in a snowstorm can prove futile and even dangerous if caught unawares.

American West, Camping, Hiking, Historic 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.