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...]
Gold Country, CA – Twain Harte
Twain Harte is located about 20 or so minutes east of Sonora two miles off of Highway 108. This is a nice place to stop for either lunch or a relaxing break on your way to Sonora Pass as there are a surprising number of small restaurants in and around the 'center' of town. In the mood for mini golf? A seasonable miniature golf course is located near the center of town. Very family friendly. The feel here is different then some of the … [Read more...]
Spokane, WA – Spokane City
Spokane is located 18 miles from the Idaho border and 110 miles from the Canadian border. Spokane is located in a unique area because within a short drive of the city travelers can be in the pines and beauty of Coeur d' Alene, desert terrain, snow skiing in the winter or traveling among a sea of farms. The city is protected by the Cascade mountains from the wetter weather experienced to the west in Seattle and along the coast of Washington. As a … [Read more...]
Spokane, WA – Helena Montana
Helena is the capital city of Montana. At about 31,000 people it is one of the smaller state capital cities in the USA. Helena was founded by four prospectors from the state of Georgia in 1864. The city was first named, Last Chance Gulch. The miners were tired of finding little gold on their travels and the gulch, now downtown Helena, was where they struck it rich. Helena became a territorial capital in 1875 and a state capital in 1889. The name … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA – Tubbs Fire October 2017
A sculpture honoring a single firefighter - but in reality paying tribute to all those who were integral in helping fight the fires and providing huge amounts of ongoing support to all who were affected by this terrible natural disaster. This page covers first-hand some of the worst hit areas in Santa Rosa - during and after the fires of October 2017. TUBBS FIRE OCTOBER 2017, SANTA ROSA In the evening of October 8th a fire that started … [Read more...]