Tag Archives: California

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 →

On Top of the World at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park

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Moro Rock, Sequoia National Park, CaliforniaFrom day hikes to overnight wilderness trips, warm foothills to cold alpine peaks, from largest and finest groves of giant sequoias to the extraordinarily diverse plants and animals living in extremely varied conditions, the experiences in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are vast. I wanted to take it all in from an extreme vantage point and Moro Rock was the ideal high point. A stone and concrete stairway led to the top of this granite dome. From the top, I enjoyed sweeping views of the hills below and the wilderness to the east.  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 →

Legoland’s Miniland New York

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Legoland California Miniland USA

Legoland California recently unveiled the tallest LEGO building in the United Stats just a few days before Independence Day. Athena and I attended the special opening to get us in the July 4th spirit. Accompanied by our best friends, we watched the red, white, and blue confetti rocket through the sky as Legoland California unveiled the One World Trade Center in the newly remodeled Miniland New York, located in the park’s Miniland USA. We always love exploring the park, but it’s such a treat to experience special openings. Athena soaks up the royal treatment yet she’s always appreciative and filled with wonder and excitement.  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 →

Going with the Flow at Tsasdi Resort

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Tsasdi Resort, Lake Shasta, CaliforniaWe arrived at Tsasdi Resort in Lakehead, California with high hopes of exploring nearby waterfalls, lakes, and caves. There’s so much to experience in the Lake Shasta area and I never want to miss an opportunity to see or do something new. Once we checked in, though, we completely changed our outlook. Staying at the resort and utilizing the dock was the best way to spend the entire afternoon. We could easily go with the flow and avoid a schedule completely.  Continue reading →

Murphys, California 

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Murphys, California
Murphys, California is located in the central Sierra Neveda foothills between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park in Calaveras County. It is a quaint community of approximately 2,000 residents but don’t be mislead by the lower residence numbers. The people of Murphys as well as the guests know how to have a good time. I recently stayed at The Victoria Inn and dined at Murphys Hotel Restaurant. At  night, the town was alive with music and entertainment.  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 →

A Bucket List Day at Knott’s Berry Farm

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Knott's Berry Farm roller coasterWe’ve been to Knott’s Berry Farm a number of times now, but we always fight traffic to drive up on the weekend and deal with lines and crowds. It stresses us rather than creating an amazing day with lasting memories. We wanted to experience Knott’s in a bucket list way with minimal guests in the park, minimal hassle to get there, and maximum fun all around. We planned the perfect Knott’s day including an over night stay at Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel, dining at the best restaurants, and a visit during the slowest day of the week, Monday. It paid off tenfold and we had the best day at Knott’s Berry Farm yet.  Continue reading →