The Petrified Forest located in Calistoga could scarcely be more different from the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. This lovely spot in Napa County is relatively small, with shaded paths and spring wildflowers, and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit last month — and would have lingered there even longer if possible. Yet I have to admit that, although the […]
I had a feeling it was going to be a good day for spotting birds as I headed over to the Turtle Pond at Sailor Bar along the American River. That was because before I even reached the pond I encountered not only a Great Blue heron looking down at me from the trees but also a Green heron. And […]
I’ve lived in Northern California all my life, so maybe it’s no surprise that I never really knew about the “world-famous” surf at Trestles in the San Onofre State Beach — although I do remember traveling along Interstate 5 and seeing the cooling towers of the nearby San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant (shut down since 2013). Still, Huell’s enthusiasm is […]
This morning I finally got outside to play with my brand new Canon 100-400mm lens. I planned to take a walk along the bluffs overlooking Lake Natoma and head out early enough to find cooler temperatures and fewer people. As you can see by the image above, there were plenty of folks — including a few Canada geese — already […]
Spanish Flat on Lake Berryessa was extremely quiet on a warm day in mid April — very different to how I’m sure it will look now that summer is nearly here. It was great to explore this campground and fishing area before the crowds arrived.
The first time I took my camera with me on the trek out to Avery’s Pond and Mormon Ravine at Rattlesnake Bar (Folsom Lake) was April 1, 2016. I had been there a few times back in the 1980s, but alas, I apparently never took pictures then and I can’t remember much details about those visits! I also regret that […]
I first climbed Mt. Konocti in March 2020. My lofty plans on that occasion fell short thanks to problems with my knee which made every step up the mountain painful. I failed to reach any of the three peaks, but I did manage to explore Mary Downen’s cabin. So in the back of my mind ever since I’ve had the […]
Whenever we’re looking for a place to stay on our coastal trips, we try to find locations where it’s easy to get outside and walk. Not all of the houses we’ve rented fit that criteria, but it’s a definite plus in my book. The shoulders along Highway 1 can be small to nonexistent, and the road itself consists of innumerable […]