Now that we’re in February and the rain keeps pouring here in the Bay Area, I keep day-dreaming about the beautiful sunny days we had in Joshua Tree waaay back in December. The places my brain goes to are the hikes and the amazing desert scenery that we encountered along the trails. Recalling these memories … More Mastodon Peak Hike in Joshua Tree National Park
While visiting Joshua Tree during the busy holiday season, we came across 2 amazing and underrated hikes that allowed us to really experience Joshua Tree away from the crowds. The campgrounds were completely full and the park was brimming with many people like us who wanted to celebrate Christmas at Joshua Tree. Especially at the … More Desert Queen Mine Hike in Joshua Tree National Park
Big Sur is a magnificent stretch of coastline in central California just south of Carmel, and although I love all of California’s coastline, the scenery along this particular route is so amazing that it makes me constantly sigh from pure contentment at seeing all the surrounding beauty. Five state parks anchors this area, including Pfeiffer … More Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
I can’t stop thinking about the caves of Lava Beds National Monument. Exploring those unique caves was so fascinating, but the activity itself was such a family bonding experience. I mean you are literally stuck together traversing in the dark with only the members in your group to help guide you to the exit. It’s … More More Lava Beds National Monument Caves
I’ve been so excited to post about Lava Beds National Monument because this place was just amazing! It waaay exceeded our expectations and was a completely different park than we expected. Lava Beds is a good name, but I am convinced that this park should be named “Most Awesome Lava Tube Caves Ever National Monument” … More Lava Beds National Monument
After spending the morning driving the Rim Drive around Crater Lake and seeing the lake from all its glorious angles (see previous post), we had time to explore some non lake areas of the park. Crater Lake only makes up 10% of the park, so there is much to be explored besides the lake. We were able … More Crater Lake National Park, Part 2
I hope everyone’s enjoying their summer and getting the most out of our great outdoors! Our much-anticipated summer trip came and went in a blink of an eye, and we have now started the countdown for my daughter’s first day of school. I neeeeed moooooore tiiiiiime! It was a rare summer to have our daughter … More Crater Lake National Park
Last Sunday after a rainy week in the Bay Area, we headed over to Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont to get in some bike riding/hiking, and to see if any wildflowers had made an appearance. California poppies were making quite a showing on the brilliant green rolling hills, and the purple lupines, although harder … More Springtime at Coyote Hills
I had very high expectations about Bryce Canyon National Park, in fact they were so high I was worried that I might be disappointed. So many people have told me that Bryce Canyon was their favorite park out of the Utah parks. That’s pretty high praise considering the caliber of these national parks. Has that … More Bryce Canyon National Park
When I’m visiting a national park, I usually seek out solitude. There’s something about being able to hike in the most beautiful surroundings lost in your own thoughts, letting feelings of awe and inspiration take over you without interruption. Feeling like you have the place all to yourself makes it that much more special. My … More Seeking Solitude in Zion National Park
I love the holidays and I love National Parks, so when I can somehow combine the two, it’s like, well… Christmas! Celebrating a holiday at the Zion Lodge right smack dab in the middle of Zion National Park has been up there in my top 10 bucket list items. The National Park lodges that we’ve … More Celebrating Christmas in Zion National Park
One minute we’re cruising along Generals Highway in Kings Canyon National Park and then presto, we’ve crossed over to Sequoia National Park. Two parks for the price of one! Always love a good bargain. These two parks are managed as one, but they feel like completely different parks with different Visitor Centers, and overall feel … More Sequoia National Park
Exploring a National Park has got to be one of my favorite things to do. I love being outdoors in general, but there’s something special about national parks. I mean, there’s a reason why they’re national parks, right? So, when we had a whole day of nothing but exploring whatever we wanted at Kings Canyon … More Kings Canyon National Park
I hope all of you amazing moms had a wonderful Mother’s Day! The past couple of years, I’ve spent Mother’s Day at my daughter’s volleyball tournaments. It’s not my favorite way to spend Mother’s Day, being inside a convention center with absolutely nothing resembling a Mother’s Day brunch, and hundreds of cheering fans – NOT … More Mount Diablo State Park
Celebrating milestone birthdays gives us an excuse to do something a bit out of the norm, to go ahead and splurge a little because it’s always good to celebrate life. My mother-in-law celebrated her (mumble, mumble)th birthday by renting a house in Healdsburg right on the Russian River and kindly invited all of us family … More Russian River and Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
