Category Archives: California Outdoors

Crossing Devils Postpile Off My Bucket List

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Devils Postpile, Mammoth, California
Over a decade ago, I visited Giants Causeway in Ireland and I was amazed with the thousands of hexagonal shapes that formed. I was so intrigued that I researched similar areas and found Devils Postpile in Mammoth Lakes, California. The monument features thousands of hexagonal basalt columns formed 100,000 years ago when a lava flow slowed and then cooled and cracked. It immediately went on my bucket list and yesterday I was finally able to cross it off.  Continue reading →

Sea Marina Del Rey with Mojo

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Marina Del Rey, California
It’s no secret that I love sailing. There isn’t much that makes me happier than spending an afternoon on the ocean with my family. For the last few weeks, we’ve been living in Playa Del Rey, California and we’re within walking distance to Marina Del Rey. Watching the boats sail by brings up my happiness level tenfold but, of course, I want to be on every one of them. After looking into the sailing options from Marina Del Rey, I found Mojo Sailing. We booked an afternoon with Captain Jim and enjoyed the best part of the day from aboard Mojo.  Continue reading →

Horsing Around at Drakesbad Guest Ranch

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Sunset at Drakesbad Guest Ranch, Lassen Volcanic National ParkLast week during our northern California trip to Shasta Cascade area, we stayed in cabins, camped in tents, slept in a loft next to a river, hiked to mountain tops and deep valleys, explored caves, kayaked rivers, and had close encounters with birds and bats. There were tons of first time experiences and opportunities for adventure, but the best part of the trip was horseback riding at Drakesbad Guest Ranch. Athena rode on horses before but I have a feeling this is the one that she’ll remember.  Continue reading →

Getting Away at Strawhouse Resorts

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Strawhouse Resorts, Big Flat, CaliforniaI struggle with balance. Staying away from social media sometimes seems impossible. I say that I’m going to put my phone away or avoid using the Internet, but it’s an addiction. I like to plan a trip away from it all every couple months so I can get back to what’s really important – quality time with Athena. We spent a night at Strawhouse Resorts in Big Flats, California and with no WiFi, phone service, or even television, we had time to share some great moments together.  Continue reading →

A Warm Welcome at Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding, California

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Visit California Welcome CenterAthena and I have been exploring new areas of California every other month in the last year thanks to Visit California. Yesterday, we arrived in Redding, California and we had a hot, hot, hot day exploring the family-friendly activities in the area. We spent the better part of the day at Turtle Bay Exploration Park. There was way more to do there than I expected and Athena loved a surprise that waited for us in the animal section.  Continue reading →

Legoland Water Park the Bucket List Way

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Legoland Water Park, California, USA

Legoland is our favorite park in California. We love the staff, the rides, the food, and the hotel, but we never make enough time for the water park. With so much to experience in one day, I usually feel like we need to choose between spending the whole day at the water park or the whole day in the main section. Last week, though, we found the perfect balance between the main park and the water park. Here’s how we explored Legoland Water Park the bucket list way.  Continue reading →

An Entire Town for Kids at Mill View Ranch

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Mill View Ranch, Camino, California

Whenever I travel with Athena, I always look for a park for her to play or a restaurant with an indoor play place. In El Dorado County, they have an entire old-west style miniature town made just for kids. It should be no surprise that despite the cold, I still made time for a visit with Athena.  Continue reading →

Highlights From Our California Route 66 Road Trip

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California Route 66 road trip

Starting in sunny Santa Monica and ending in the dramatic California desert near the Nevada border, Athena and I went on a California Route 66 road trip. Legendary Route 66, also known as the “Mother Road”, follows the strip of highway that was the main route for 20th century pioneers heading west in search of the California dream. With stops in Santa Monica, Hollywood, Pasadena, Victorville, Barstow, and Joshua Tree, I followed the historic route enough to get the true “Mother Road” feel and added a few worthy detours to fit my travel style. These were the highlights of our Route 66 road trip in California.  Continue reading →

Complete Joy at Santa Monica Pier’s Pacific Park

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Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CaliforniaWhen Darren and I first moved to California, I wanted to visit Santa Monica Pier before anything else. It is the end of Route 66 but the beginning of a new life for us. I had seen it on tv shows and movies but I never thought I would see it with my own eyes. When I did, it was as glorious as I had envisioned. Now, five years later, Athena had a similar experience at Santa Monica Pier.  Continue reading →

Pool Fun at DoubleTree Golf Resort in Palm Springs

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Suite view at DoubleTree Golf Resort in Palm Springs

When we arrived at DoubleTree Golf Resort in Palm Springs and pulled back the curtains in our room to a massive pool with a stunning view, we had our bathing suits on before we could count to ten. The temperature was 88 degrees and the sun was making everything shimmery. It was our version of a dream and we were happy to enjoy it.  Continue reading →