american west, california, Camping, Dog, Family, Hiking, holidays, Lunch, national parks, Opinion, outdoors, Style, traditions, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Happy Isles and a Happy Dog in the Season of the Sticks

Yosemite National Park is an inspiring place no matter the season, but there is something magical about the park in winter, with its sparkling snow-covered meadows against a backdrop of grey monoliths and towering evergreens. The girls and I had another opportunity to visit our perennial happy place with Owen this past weekend as we… Continue reading Happy Isles and a Happy Dog in the Season of the Sticks

american west, california, Camping, Dog, Family, Hiking, Historical sites, national parks, outdoors, Pets, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

Bark Ranger Owen Reporting for Duty in Yosemite

We continued Owen's grand adventure this past weekend with a quick trip up to Yosemite National Park. This was Owen's first time to our favorite park, as well as his first time camping. Throughout the years of his outdoor adventures, he had never before done either of those activities, and we finally rectified that. We… Continue reading Bark Ranger Owen Reporting for Duty in Yosemite

american west, california, Hiking, national parks, outdoors, photography, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Meadow or Field: Nature-Watching at Yosemite

According to the National Park Service, a 'meadow is an ecosystem type composed of one or more plant communities dominated by herbaceous species. It supports plants that use surface water and/or shallow ground water.’ Meadows support many diverse species, and can be indicators of the health of the hydrology of a watershed. For example, Tuolumne… Continue reading Meadow or Field: Nature-Watching at Yosemite

american west, california, Camping, Hiking, Kids, national parks, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

Yosemite Valley Views

It’s no secret how much my girls and I love visiting Yosemite National Park. There is no shortage of wonders to behold, and with literally hundreds of miles of trail to explore, it’s not a surprise that Yosemite is one of our favorite places in the world. The last time we visited the park, we… Continue reading Yosemite Valley Views

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 There are few things in life that have had the power to bring me to tears on first sight; those special and sacred moments have generally been reserved for the births of my… Continue reading Into the Yosemite Valley