Long billed as the "biggest little city in the world" - today's population is over 250,000 and the city is somewhat spread out now but for a city of this size, it still perhaps feels bigger then the actual population. Reno is located in the high desert east of the Sierra Nevada Mountains north and slightly east of the great Lake Tahoe. Reno offers numerous non stop gambling opportunities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The city boasts a … [Read more...]
Reno, NV – Attractions
For a town of this size there are a fair number of attractions that are worth seeing. BaseCamp Reno is extremely unique; it is the world's tallest climbing wall (either indoor or outdoor) - in this case it is located outside on the east wall of the Whitney Peak Hotel (tall is a theme here - this hotel is appropriately named for the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states, Mt. Whitney - located in neighboring California). The climbing … [Read more...]
Monterey, CA – Wine Tasting
Monterey wineries often focus on a number of lighter style varietals including their well-known Pinot Noir (especially from the Santa Lucia Highlands - above the Salinas Valley) and Chardonnay. One can find wines made from numerous other varietals. At last count, over 42 unique wine grape varietals were being commercially grown in Monterey County. Rather then dominated by winery tasting rooms, much of Monterey County is dominated by stand … [Read more...]
Palm Springs, CA
The city of Palm Springs quickly conjures up images of swaying palms, amorphous pools, golf courses, the strip, and heat. This is all true; there are many native and non native palm trees, a large plethora of golf courses, good shopping downtown and Palm Springs in the wintertime is often among the warmest areas to visit in the state of California. You can be hiking in the desert canyons nearby and the temperatures can be pushing 80 degrees while … [Read more...]
Palm Springs, CA – Tram Hike
We have visited Palm Springs a number of times in January for the warm wintertime weather. The weather was what we had expected during the day each trip with temperatures in the high 70's and low 80's. In fact the town of Coachella (south of Palm Springs) recorded the nation's high temperature during one of our trips. We were staying with a group of 15 people in a time share condo. The condo was built against the base of a hill, and at night the … [Read more...]
Mt. Lassen, CA – General Info
Admission to Lassen National Park is $25 per vehicle. Sometimes if it is late there are may not be attendants present at the park entrances and payment is on the honor system. The $20 entrance fee is good for 7 days, just don't lose your receipt. Those 62 of age and older can pay $80 a lifetime pass to National Parks (this is one of the best admission entrance fees out there!). Lassen National Park has 7 campgrounds and all are above 5,650 … [Read more...]
Mt. Lassen, CA – Attractions
Bumpass Hell is a region of many hot mud pots, an area of geothermal activity. A trail leads from a parking lot in-between Sulfur Works and the Lassen Summit Trailhead. The trail to the sulfur works is about 2 miles one way. For the out and back hike - allow at least several hours. The trail is a good one. It begins fairly level and slowly climbs to a crest and then becomes somewhat steeper and drops down into a little valley where you will see … [Read more...]
Mt. Whitney, CA – How to Get There
This part of California is located along US 395 in the south eastern part of the state. Los Angeles is about 200 miles from Lone Pine and San Diego is about 330 miles. Driving time from Los Angeles is between 3 and 4 hours depending on how fast you like to drive. Driving time from the San Jose Bay Area to Lone Pine is about 7 to 8 hours depending on the season. San Francisco is about 400 miles from Lone Pine during the summer months and about 440 … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Lakes
Several large human made lakes are present in California's southern gold country. During drought years these lakes become extremely low and some of the boat launching ramps are left completely surrounded by dry land. In some cases we have had to drive a significant distance to actually reach the lowered shoreline. Three of the largest and best lakes for recreation are Lake Don Pedro, Lake McClure, and New Melones Dam. Lake Don Pedro … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Pinecrest Lake
Pinecrest Lake is located on Highway 108. This road is closed in the winter past the small town of Strawberry, but it is open to Pinecrest and Dodge Ridge Ski resort. The towns of Sugar Pine, Confidence, Mi-Wuk Village, Sierra Village, Long Barn are all south west of Pinecrest Lake on Highway 108. Pinecrest Lake is located at about 5,600 feet. It is a beautiful small clear blue lake surrounded by forested mountains. There is a marina and a FREE … [Read more...]