Archive for the ‘ California ’ Category

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Yosemite National Park

Thursday, October 25th, 2012

With all my years of travel, Yosemite, one of the nation’s most popular and coveted national parks, has somehow eluded me… that was until recently. I’ve never kept track of how many national parks and monuments I’ve visited, but it’s a lot! Yosemite is one that had been high on my list for a long time. I finally had an opportunity to explore this amazing wonderment–its grandeur and natural beauty did not disappoint.

After seeing Yosemite first hand, I could understand why famed photographer, Ansel Adams, had such a passion and affinity for it. I was thankful to have visited the park during the shoulder season…it was busy, but assuredly nothing like it would be during peak times.  I was also lucky to experience some unusually warm and spectacular weather this late in the year.  The warmer weather made for ideal camping and hiking conditions. I have to admit, I was a bit nervous hiking too far from designated trails or campgrounds due to bear activity.  My understanding is that bears are more dangerous late in the season, before going into hibernation, as they need to forage as much as possible to sustain themselves through winter.



Again, because the weather was so nice, I was able to experience the eastern part of the park, off of highway 120, which is often closed due to inclement conditions. The eastern entrance of the park is at 10,000 feet, and, even though it was wonderful weather, it was downright cold! There was still snow on the ground from the winter before, so that should tell ya just how cold the temperatures are year round.  Regardless of the temps, the lakes, creeks and waterfalls were spectacular.

Yosemite National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada range and offers visitors a varied landscape of deep valleys, vast meadows and groves of giant sequoia trees. Ninety-five percent of the park is designated as wilderness. Yosemite is also one of the largest and least fragmented habitat blocks in the Sierra Nevada, and the park supports a diversity of plants and animals. The park has an elevation range from 2,100 to over 13,000 feet.

Have you ever visited Yosemite?  If so, what is your favorite part or sight?  Click the following link to see more of my pictures of Yosemite.

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Posted in California, Featured Destinations | 2 Comments »

Frazier Falls – an easy hike with a big reward

Tuesday, July 31st, 2012

Frazier Falls is located just above Grayeagle, California and is about 6200 feet in elevation.  The 1.4 mile round trip hike is both easy and quite scenic.  This area experiences heavy snowfall in the winter, the melt-off  flows from the Lakes Basin into Frazier Creek on its descent more than 2,000 feet to the Middle Fork of the Feather River. Frazier Falls has an overall cascade of 248 feet with a waterfall of 176 feet, making it one of the highest in California.

The trail-head has room for several cars and you’ll find a few picnic tables and a restroom. The trail winds through the forest with huge granite boulders scattered throughout.  Nearly half way to the falls you’ll come across a wooden bridge that crosses Frazier Creek, which is a nice place to take-in the surrounding beauty. The trail continues straight, but taking a left here and hugging the left bank of the creek will bring you out to Frazier Falls in about two hundred yards. Click the following link for a map to Frazier Falls.

If you’ve ever been to “Frazier Falls” before, leave a comment below and let my readers and me know what you enjoy most.

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Posted in California, Featured Destinations | 5 Comments »

Covert mission to uncover UnderCover Ale Works

Thursday, May 31st, 2012

UnderCover Ale Works and Sweet Palace produce completely different products, however both may share the “it” factor when it comes to helping a small community become a destination.

Nestled hillside off highway 70, just outside of Graeagle, CA, I discovered (thanks to my friend Debra) a covert local attraction fermenting liquor of the malted variety.  UnderCover Ale Works is the brainchild of Rich and Susan, two artisan brewmasters with a passion for hop-infused spirits.

After a quick tour of the handsomely constructed brewery, it was time to do some tasting.  I got a kick out the creatively named brews that support the brand…from “Deep Cover,” “Incognito Saison,” to “Ambush IPA.”

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a connoisseur of beer, as a matter of fact, I just started drinking beer a few years ago after learning that the type I enjoy most are unfiltered wheat beers, like Blue Moon or Pyramid Hefferveisen. I don’t believe this admission goes over all that well with a Brewmaster, but I think Rich and Susan were kind enough to take it in stride.

There were a number of folks at the brewery, all intently listening to Rich enthusiastically tell us about the beer making process. After a while, we each took a glass of our favorite style ale and headed to some outdoor seating in a clearing among tall pines.  It was a lovely evening, so I broke out my chessboard and challenged Debra to a game. We ended up playing three…actually, the third game never finished as lively discussions began to ensue.

Debra and I were discussing why some small towns become extremely popular destinations, while others continue to exist under a veil of mediocrity. I was sharing some of my experiences of the road, providing examples of what I thought were “cool” towns and why, and/or how they become that way.  People have an inherent aversion to change…this is a problematic position because “change” is inevitable.  The question becomes, are you going to be a part of shaping that change…or, will you be a bystander complaining along the way?

I’ve lived in a small community before, wanting to be a big fish in a small pond, so I know first hand the challenges that well-intentioned leaders face—it’s an uphill battle, but it’s one where a single person can have a positive influence and move the pendulum. I’m often reminded of this when I was traveling through Montana and one of my best friends told me I should go out of my way to stop by the tiny town of Philipsburg to visit the candy shop.  “A candy shop,” I said!  “Why would I go out of my way to visit a tiny town just to go to a candy shop,” I exclaimed.  “Trust me, it will be worth it” he said.

When it comes to travel destinations, my buddy Sean has never steered me wrong. So, I went to Philipsburg and visited the “Sweet Palace,” aka “The Candy Shop.”  It was such a cute little town…and not in an old, glory days are in the past sort of way—but in a cool, hip and vibrant way.  After I spent all of five minutes touring the small town, I walked into the “candy shop” and instantly knew why my buddy was so insistent that I visit. Sweet Palace is unlike any candy shop you’ve probably ever encountered.  First it smells divine. Second…it’s huge!  The shop is set up like a turn-of-the-century candy store with beautiful hardwood cabinets, shelves and drawers that display the shops’ goods in perfect harmony.

Sweet Palace was started in the late 90s by a woman with a vision, and, the passion, desire and tenacity to see it through.  This passionate person was not just starting a candy shop, she was building a destination.  While people might go to Philipsburg, MT for the “candy shop,” they’re now greeted by quality lodging, restaurants and other shops.  While it took many to re-invent this old community, you can probably credit a single person for putting it on the map.

[Digression concluded] I’ve spent a month now exploring Eastern Plumas County and while there are some great things to do and places to visit, it’s places like UnderCover Ale Works that will put the area on the “map.”

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Posted in California, Featured Destinations, Montana, Road Diary | 4 Comments »

Oceanside produces outstanding Sunset Market

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012

I have been to a number of evening markets around the world, from Asia to Europe (the one in Bangkok is amazing).  The public market concept is a cultural gathering that dates back to the beginning of time.  With fresh food, artisans and live music, what’s not to enjoy.  I haven’t run into many night markets in the U.S., but have to say the one in Oceanside, California is quite good.

  • When: Every Thursday evening between 5 and 9pm.
  • Where: Downtown Oceanside, California, in north county San Diego.
  • What: The Sunset Market offers a plethora of arts, crafts, ethnic foods to whet your taste buds, along with some fantastic street musicians and performers.



Click the following link for more information on the Oceanside Sunset Market. For a list of things to do in San Diego, check out my “ONE thing San Diego” post and video.  Click the following link to see pictures from San Diego.

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Posted in California, Featured Destinations | 3 Comments »

What is “the ONE thing” in San Diego, California?

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

San Diego, California is one of the coolest big cities in America.  “SD” as San Diego is often affectionately referred, is made up of a series of coastal communities that beckons snow birds (people escaping the cold) and zonies (people escaping the heat) throughout the year. From young and old, there is a plethora of outstanding activities to partake in throughout San Diego Country.

I have a special affinity toward San Diego as I’ve lived and visited for many years.  During my most recent trip to SD, I went on a quest to find “the ONE thing,” that you HAVE to do when visiting this world class city.  Be sure to watch the video below to find out what my “ONE thing” is.  Post your favorite activities below.   Once this page amasses a number of comments, I’ll take the five most popular and create a poll for you all to vote on “the ONE thing” to do in San Diego.



Here are just a handful of things to do when visiting San Diego, CA…most of which I’ve done myself:

  • SeaWorld – SeaWorld is probably one of the most popular attractions in San Diego.  There are many exciting shows, from Shamu, the famous Killer Whale, to dolphins and sea lions.
  • San Diego Zoo – You’ll find over 4,000 rare birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians; not to mention a hundred acres of gardens.  When you visit this world-famous zoo, you are in for a day of fun and discovery.
  • Safari Park - A trip to the Wild Animal Safari Park is like a journey to one of the world’s most exotic places—and yet, it’s like no other adventure on earth. See animals roaming freely in settings resembling their native homelands.
  • Old Town San Diego – Old Town boasts some great restaurants and a variety of shops nestled in a Spanish setting at the foot of Presidio Park.
  • Seaport Village – Stroll along the boardwalk for beautiful views of San Diego Bay.  Enjoy the diverse mix of street entertainers and discover great local restaurants, enchanting boutiques and the legendary carousel.
  • Cabrillo National Monument – Breathtaking views of San Diego Harbor and Coronado Island. The century-old lighthouse, Point Loma history, National Cemetery and tide pools are just a few of the activities.
  • Balboa Park – Set in the heart of San Diego, this getaway features museums and cultural centers, among which include; The Old Globe and Fleet Space Theater, which is home to the annual Shakespeare festival.
  • Gaslamp District – Located in the heart of downtown, the historic Gaslamp District is home to world famous restaurants, night clubs and shopping.
  • La Jolla – Named the “The Jewel of the Pacific,” La Jolla draws visitors, divers, swimmers and surfers to its beautiful blue waters. Explore La Jolla Caves, Seal Beach, and then head to the opulent downtown with exclusive shops and unique restaurants.
  • Water Sports – Surfing and sailing are very popular in San Diego, so too is water or jet skiing in Mission Bay.
  • Extreme Sports – If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, check out kitboarding or hang & paragliding.
  • Coronado Island – Across the soaring bridge from downtown San Diego is the relaxed  beach town of Coronado. Visit the world-famous Hotel Del or stay in lavish luxury at the 1906 Lodge.  Coronado has one of the best beaches in San Diego, if not the world.
  • Birch Aquarium – Enter a world of sharks, seahorses, living coral reefs and more.  Discover a stunning variety of Pacific marine life in more than 60 habitats.
  • San Diego Beaches - While Pacific Beach and Mission Beach are probably the most popular in San Diego, I personally prefer the less crowded ones that manly locals know of.  Excluding the lesser known beaches (that I won’t share to keep them that way), I really enjoy Coronado, Del Mar and Carlsbad.
  • Tour San Diego - Jump aboard an ol’ time trolly and leave the driving to an experienced guide. Or try a hybrid amphibian tour via Seal Tours. Or, maybe take a tour via the amazing two-wheeled balancing Segway.
  • LegoLand – With more than fifty Lego block-themed family rides and attractions, youngsters ages two to twelve will have a blast!

Click the following link to see more of my San Diego Pictures.  Be sure to post your “ONE thing” below and I’ll add it to the list and include you in the upcoming poll tally. If you found this post and video to be helpful, please share it with your friends and family by clicking the “like” button.

For more information on San Diego, visit SanDiego.org. Click the following link for California Tours info.

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Posted in California, Featured Destinations | 4 Comments »

First time ‘Kamping’ at the San Diego KOA

Saturday, April 14th, 2012

I’ve done all kinds of camping in my day, but I’d never been “kamping” in San Diego before.  The San Diego KOA (Kampgrounds of America) is located in the southern part of the county in Chula Vista.  The property is quite large, with over 300 sites for RVers and tent campers, along with 35 cabins (or as KOA spells it, “kabins”), including a handful of deluxe accommodations, which is where I stayed.

The deluxe cabin can sleep six comfortably with a private bathroom, full kitchen, loft and your own private BBQ and fire ring outside.   If you stay in one of the traditional log cabins, be sure to bring your own linens…those accommodations are kind of in between a tent and a motel—best part is…you can spend the afternoon relaxing on a shady porch swing.

The public restrooms have hot showers and are quite clean with private stalls.  There is a central Kamping Kitchen for camp-goers to share…it includes everything you can think of in a traditional kitchen, however you get to do it in the great outdoors of sunny San Diego.

There are a ton of fun things to do at the San Diego KOA…from the heated pool & spa, to a myriad of bike rentals, game-room, basketball court, ping pong, playground, to a rock climbing wall.

Of course, outside the campgrounds, San Diego has a lot to offer, from the famous San Diego Zoo to SeaWorld, Old Town, Balboa Park, Cabrillo National Park, Gaslamp Districts, to Seaport Village and a whole lot in between.



Click the following link to see some of my pictures from the San Diego KOA.  If you’ve ever been to this KOA location, leave a comment below and let my readers and me know what you like best.  If you found this post and video helpful and/or entertaining, please click the “like” button below to share with friends and family.

KOA San Diego Information:

Reservations:
(800) 562-9877
Info Line:
(619) 427-3601
Address:
111 North 2nd Ave.
Chula Vista, CA 91910
E-mail:
Info@SanDiegoKOA.com

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Posted in California, California, Featured Lodging | 14 Comments »

Death Valley: A fascinatingly inhospitable place

Wednesday, March 14th, 2012

This was my first visit to Death Valley National Park and I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I found was a fascinatingly inhospitable place.  From the salt flats, sand dunes, to the hikes and cliff dwellings through the canyon walls, Death Valley is a very interesting and unique place with so many varying landscapes. The diversity of colors and textures throughout the park will also surprise and impress you.

I entered Death Valley from the north and discovered the area to be very mountainous with a “valley” (hence the name) that runs through.  I knew the park was below sea level, but had no idea that its lowest point was nearly 300′ below sea level.  Death Valley has also recorded the hottest temperature in the Western Hemisphere at 134 degrees.  I’m from the Phoenix area and remember when it hit 122 degrees…I can’t imagine how hot another 12 degrees would be—perhaps at that temperature it would make no difference.  The average high temperature in July (the hottest month of the year) is 117 degrees…I don’t think I would recommend exploring the park during the summer months.   As a matter of fact, if you do drive through during the summer months, I’d probably bring a lot of extra water.  JustSayin’ ™ :-)

I think I may have visited Death Valley at the perfect time of year…it was maybe 75 degrees with a light breeze…perfect for hiking and exploring. Death Valley National Park is massive in size, as a matter of fact, it’s the largest national park in the lower 48.  The park contains a diverse desert environment of salt-flats, sand dunes, badlands, valleys, canyons, and mountains. To my surprise, Death Valley is not as inhospitable as I would have suspected…the park actually supports life and there are a number of water sources.  There are even preserved ruins showcasing that people actually lived in this area at one time.  I guess it stands to reason…in the summer months they probably made their way to higher elevations, while during the winter trekked back down to the valley floor for a more temperate climate.

  • Stovepipe Wells is home to the most photographed sand dunes in the world, and is within hiking distance of Keane Wonder Mine and Mill. Just a short drive away are two must-see ghost towns, Leadfield, California, and Rhyolite, Nevada. If you choose to stay the night, there is nearby campground with 200 sites and is open from October to April.
  • Two miles east of the Furnace Creek Inn is the start of the off-road driving route through Echo Canyon. Highlights along the ten-mile route include a colorful section of narrows, a natural arch called the Needle’s Eye, and the still-standing structures of the Inyo Mine.
  • Just outside of the southern end of the park I discovered some interesting cliff dwellings that are accessible to explore.

Bottom line: Death Valley National Park is one of the most unique places on earth. It’s difficult to describe how strange, yet compellingly beautiful the park is.  There’s a sense of isolation, coupled with a hidden sense of life…including the random displays of wildflower, which are quite unexpected in such a desolate place.

Click the following link to see more of my pictures from Death Valley National Park.

Have you been to Death Valley before?  If so, tell my readers and me something interesting…a special place or favorite thing you enjoy doing.  If you enjoyed this post and video, please click the “like” button and share with friends and family.

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Posted in California, Featured Destinations | No Comments »

Bodie State Park…A time capsule unearthed

Monday, January 16th, 2012

Bodie State Park is a well-preserved ghost town that dates back to the mid-1800s. By 1880, Bodie, California was a booming town with a population near 10,000, and some estimate that it was the 2nd or 3rd largest city in the state.  By 1917, after the railroad shut down and the tracks used for scrap, Bodie began its irrecoverable declension. After years of decline, the last known residents left Bodie in the 1940s and forever encapsulated the town.

If it were not for a thoughtful guest at the Chalet View Lodge (the resort I was staying) who overheard the direction I was traveling, I probably would not have discovered Bodie State Park. I’m always grateful for destination suggestions from experienced travelers…I’ve been to some wonderful places due in no small part to the experience of others.



As Bodie turned into a literal ghost town for some 20+ years, it was rediscovered in the early 60s and eventually preserved by the California State Park system in 1962.  In its heyday, Bodie had some 2000 buildings…today just 170 remain, although many still in good condition.  The odd thing about Bodie is that many of the buildings retain the furniture, belongings and artifacts…as if there was some sort of exodus prompted by the last remaining residents.

With so many buildings still in-tacked, containing period garb, it’s a true treasure for tourists to experience.  For example, the general store still has shelves full of canned food, the hotel casino has chips near the roulette wheel, and a dining room table is set in one of the homes—with 60 years worth of dust casting a patina on the belongings of a once thriving community.

Whether you’re into history, photography or perhaps painting, you’ll enjoy spending hours exploring Bodie State Park.  From sunrise to sunset, the day provides varying compositional light and shadows to cast a plethora of creative angles for the artistic to capture.

As I wandered the dirt streets taking some photos, there was a stillness in the air, then a moment later a light gust of wind…just at that moment I witnessed a tumble weed blow through town…it was one of those quintessential “ghost town” moments you see in the movies.  Speaking of movies, Bodie will make you feel like you’ve been transformed to an old western studio set…you can just imagine seeing John Wayne coming out of the saloon with guns-a-blazin’.

If you’ve been to the Bodie Ghost Town before, leave a comment below and let my readers and me know what you like best.  Click the following link to see more of my pictures of Bodie State Park. If you enjoyed this post and video, please click the “like” button below and share with your friends and family.

Bodie State Park Information:

Location: The park is northeast of Yosemite and 13 miles east of Highway 395 on Bodie Road (Hwy 270)  Note: The last three miles is a rough dirt road.
Map: Google Map – Latitude/Longitude: 38.2122 / -119.0111Park Phone: 760-647-6445
Hours: Open year around 9 am to 6 pm in summer (May 15th – October 31st) – 9 am to 3 pm in winter (Nov 1st – May 14th). Note: The park is closed during periods of inclement weather.
Prices: $7 for adults 17 and up  – $5 for children ages 6 to 16. Only cash or personal checks are accepted.  You will pay at the Parking lot using a dropbox system.
Weather: Click here for area weather

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Posted in California, Featured Destinations | 8 Comments »

Mono Lake is Monolithic

Saturday, January 14th, 2012

Most will disagree with Mark Twain’s description in his 1872 novel “Roughing It,” where he describes Mono Lake as a “lifeless, treeless, hideous desert…the loneliest place on earth.” Quite the contrary, Mono Lake is a beautiful ever-changing oasis.  The monolithic lake shimmers under the bright blue skies as it reflects the jagged snow-capped mountains in the background. As in all things natural, there is beauty in everything…you simply must be willing to look for it.

Mono Lake is located off of highways 395 and 120 toward Yosemite. It’s the largest natural lake in California and a summer haven for water sports.  In the winter you’ll see people snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the area…I’ve even seen pictures of folks ice skating—however, given its salinity levels, I wonder how often that occurs.



If you’ve been to Mono Lake before, tell my readers and me what you like best.  If you enjoyed this brief post and video, please hit the “like” button and share it with your friends and family.

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Posted in California, Featured Destinations | No Comments »

Into the heavens on the Palm Springs Aerial Tram

Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

The Palm Springs Aerial Tram is a pretty amazing local attraction, it’s not just some basic chairlift taking you up a mountain, but rather an “aerial experience” if you will. The 80 passenger tramcars actually rotate during your ascent/descent, providing everyone with a fantastic view. When you consider that Palm Springs is just a few hundred feet above sea level and that the top of the tramway is over 8500 feet, it’s like being transported to a different world in just a 10 minute ride—you go from low lying desert to a forest of trees in a totally different climate zone.

Once you get to the top of the Tramway there are over 85 miles of hiking trails to explore during the summer months, with many miles of cross country skiing, snowshoeing and other alpine sports during the winter.  If hiking isn’t your thing, you can just relax in the lounge, or perhaps partake in a culinary experience at the Peaks Restaurant and enjoy the spectacular views.



My aerial tram ride was during the day, but after seeing pictures of what it’s like during the evening, I cannot wait to go back!  I can’t imagine anything more romantic than having dinner with all the city lights in the distance—weddings must be quite popular.

Click the following link to see more of my pictures from the Aerial Tram in Palm Springs.  If you’ve been on the Palm Springs Aerial Tram before, please leave a comment below and tell my readers and me what you like most.  If you enjoyed this post and video, please share it with your friends and family by clicking the “like” button below.

Palm Springs Aerial Tram Information:

Phone: (888) 515-TRAM (8726)
Web: PSTramway.com
Email: pstramway@pstramway.com
Address: One Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA. 92262

Tramway Prices: Adults; $23.95, Seniors $21.95; Children $16.95

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Posted in California, Featured Destinations | 4 Comments »

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