Category Archives: California

Pinnacles National Park

We knew we had to take Scromp out one last time before tucking him away for 6 months as we tour Europe. The question was where? California is spoiled with state and national parks and recreational areas. Three days before … Continue reading

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Death Valley

Unlike other national parks, the best time to visit Death Valley National Park is from November through February, where average temperatures hover between a comfortable 60-70ºF.  From May through September, the low season, average temperatures exceed 100ºF.  Despite being the largest national park … Continue reading

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Mount Shasta

Having been born and raised in California, I still can’t believe that I waited until I was 30 to visit the quaint, little town and peak of Mount Shasta.  The beauty of the serene woods, tranquil lakes, abundance of outdoor … Continue reading

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Packing and Preparation for South America

From December 28, 2014 to March 11, 2015 (about 2.5 months) we took a “break” back home in San Francisco. As sad as this sounds, the California drought made our winter in Northern California like a fantastic summer vacation. The daily sunny … Continue reading

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Big Basin Redwood State Park

Once we approached Santa Cruz, we were so close to home.  But I didn’t want to go home. Not yet.  I wanted to take Scromp to the giant redwood trees of Big Basin Redwood State Park, up in the Boulder Creek wilderness. … Continue reading

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Highway 1

I’ll admit it–I’m a terrible Californian.  Having grown up in the Bay Area and gone to school in Orange County for 2 years, I really have no excuse to justify why I’ve never seen the famous central California coastline all along … Continue reading

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San Diego

In addition to seeing some familiar faces of friends in San Diego, we enjoyed our holiday–where else? At the beach!  Oh, Pacific Ocean, how I’ve missed you so! First, some pelicans in Coronado were kind enough to let me get this close … Continue reading

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Heading West

A farewell to the Gila Cliff Dwellings meant a farewell to New Mexico, and off to Arizona we went.  Like Utah’s scenic route 24, New Mexico’s Interstate 10 spoiled us with vast, rugged desert eye candy. Although the drive was long … Continue reading

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The Ironman Race That Didn’t Happen

The pro athletes usually plummet through the waters exactly at 6:30am the Sunday morning of race day, followed by the amateur athletes at 6:45am.  That was at least the case last year when Chris and I dreadfully stepped into the chilly, placid … Continue reading

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Romping & Nguyening Part 2 Begins: Abalone Diving

Having only spent exactly 1 month and 1 day at home with 2 weeks of it at Burning Man, our planning and preparation for the adventures of Romping & Nguyening Part 2 was no doubt a challenge.  With only a hasty … Continue reading

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