Category Archives: Further Afield
To Climb a Tree
Our yard is full of trees. They are good, strong, tall, straight pines, but to M.’s chagrin the branches begin about four feet off the ground and they are quite impossible to climb. Oh she tries, but usually ends up … Continue reading
Filed under Further Afield, Local
Blue Oak Woodlands
These blue oak woodlands near Finley Lake in Tehama County look pristine at first glance. Gnarled oak trunks, a broad and leafy canopy, and verdant understory beckon, “Picnic here! Put up your feet!” But these blue oak woodlands have borne … Continue reading
Filed under Further Afield
Deer Creek Falls
Deer Creek Falls is a worthy pit-stop midway down Highway 32 from Westwood to Chico. There is a small, easy-to-miss pull-out on the south side of the highway roughly 1 mile west of Alder Creek Campground, then a short, steep … Continue reading
Filed under Further Afield
Three Perfect Days on the Redwood Coast
Just back from three days at Northern California’s Redwood Coast. Sure there were tears and pouts here and there. But all in all, we had a blast and the girls were able to adapt to changes in routine and sleeping … Continue reading
Filed under Further Afield
M. Takes the Lead: Colorado Hikes
We found a few little kid-friendly hiking gems during our brief Colorado sojourn. Here is M. on the Miner’s Creek Trail, accessed just outside of Creede on the Rio Grande National Forest. My Dad and I were a bit worried … Continue reading
Filed under Further Afield
Aquilegia coerulea (Colorado columbine)
A change in landscape can be so refreshing. Last week, the girls and I swapped out our local mountains for the Colorado San Juans and everything in-between. Destination — Creede, Colorado, for a biennial family reunion. The girls weathered the … Continue reading
Filed under Flora, Further Afield
Indian Creek Trail, Castle Crags State Park
And down the trail she bolts. M.’s enthusiasm will carry her about a half a mile at a time, and she loved this little stone-lined path that crossed tiny wooden bridges on the Indian Creek Trail at Castle Crags State … Continue reading
Filed under Further Afield, Outings
Castle Crags State Park
Our camping destination this year: Castle Crags State Park, where this towering mass of granite turrets is the star attraction. We selected this park because it is one of 70 California parks facing closure this year. As far as family … Continue reading
Filed under Further Afield
