Visited Yosemite National Park, California

Our first trip to Yosemite National Park was this last Labor Day weekend. Yosemite National Park is a place of incredible natural beauty that really should be experienced in person. There is so much to do and appreciate at Yosemite. Since we have a baby and can't take that hike so  we went head to the lookout at Tunnel View. The views include Half Dome, Glacier Point, Sentinel Dome, and the El Capitan.  

Yosemite has a day-pass reservation system during our visit because of COVID. The reservations are required in an effort to control the crowds and slow the spread of COVID-19. Is it a hassle? Yes, it is. However, we were fortunate enough to score a reservation last September 2020.  We never experienced crowds this low in the valley. So you have to take the good with the bad. Masks are enforced. I can understand if someone takes off their mask to hike but the public areas and shops are half full and customers practice social distancing.

Yosemite National Park is known for its beautiful scenery, gorgeous waterfalls, giant sequoias, and granite mountains & cliffs.

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13 comments California, California State Park, Jeep Adventure, Sierra Nevada, United States, US National Park

Live in the Moment at Ventura's best beaches

My family had always have love for a great beach. The Ventura coastline is one of our favorite beaches to go enjoy in a nice beach day. Checking out the sunrise and some beautiful waves. The atmosphere is always on point and the weather is perfect for a walk along the coast. My family will always had great memories here.

Point Mugu State National Park 

From the day we discovered this place we visit here almost every weekend. The water is clean and the color of the water reminded of me of the waters of Miami as the waves crashed. The beach is uncrowded and parking is free.

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13 comments Beaches and Islands, California, California State Park, United States, Ventura, Ventura County Coast

Visit Inyo National Forest and Sierra Nevada Mountain

 

The gorgeous scenery of the Sierra Nevada mountains.  

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15 comments Bishop, California, California State Park, Hiking Trails, Mountain, Summer Getaway, United States

Visiting Anza Borrego Desert State Park

California is blessed with many fine state parks and this is one of them and the largest in the state.  It has a variety of areas from Badlands to Sandy washes to mountain high desert.  Some people would call it the Colorado desert or the Sonoran desert you're almost on the western fringes of that area with Palm Springs. Basically you're in a desert environment so you have to be aware of having your own gear to survive if you need to. Common sense, you need to wear sunscreen and bring plenty of bottled water available and some sleeping gear in case your car gets stuck or broke. I would also recommend a basic first aid kit and of course some kind of cactus kit including needle nose pliers tweezers maybe duct tape to remove cactus needles.

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17 comments Borrego Springs, California, California State Park, United States, US National Park

To the Beach Baby!

If you regularly visit the beach like us you may want to spend the money investing in a quality beach tent that can provide shade to an entire family. One benefit of the tent is it also contains a ‘floor’ as part of the tent. The floor serves as a good surface for the baby to play or sleep without the baby laying on sand or seashells. The tent is the most compact option.

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28 comments AdBenture, Beaches and Islands, California, California State Park, Summer Getaway, United States, Ventura, Ventura County Coast

Visiting Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

At the time of our visit in late April, the reserve was closed due to the coronavirus. However,  there are lots of places along side the road  that you can stop and take photos or videos that  are equally covered with the beautiful flowers. 

What a spectacular sight to see thousands of brilliantly orange poppies fluttering and dancing in the desert wind. It's absolutely splendid to see ground, that is usually desert land, sprout these majestic flowers each year. 

Californians, poppies are the brilliant orange wildflowers that carpet our landscape in early spring. A field of these vivid blossoms swaying in the breeze is a real treat for the eye. 

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20 comments Antelope, California, California State Park, Flower Fields, Lancaster, United States

Visited Point Mugu Rock with our Jeep

One of our best stops on the side of Pacific Coast Highway was the Point Mugu rocks. We found this place while driving along the Pacific Coast Highway. Nice place to hangout and taking photos. You could stay here for a while if you want to and look into the vast Pacific blue ocean.

Mugu Rock is a distinctive feature of the coastal headland promontory that has been featured in many film shoots and television commercials.

Its a beautiful day to enjoy the simple blessings we have been given.

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22 comments AdBenture, California, California State Park, Jeep Adventure, Malibu, Road Trip, United States

Visit Ventura Harbor California

When the Pacific Ocean sits at your doorstep, it’s hard not to go to the beach everyday and appreciate its beauty and grandeur.  A wonderful aspect of the California coast living is that it doesn't get too cold to enjoy the outdoors comfortably ALL year round!

We love Ventura for so many reasons.  It's not as busy nor pretentious as other nearby beaches like Malibu.  Amazing California coastline, nice restaurant and ice cream bar and beautiful Pier.  It's close enough to Santa Barbara or Los Angeles.  But mainly, it's the peacefulness of this area that we love the most.  Sure, it can get busy on weekends and especially over summer with the fair happening.

But overall, Ventura harbor is a down to earth beach town that's very casual and mellow. Makes our move so worth it and  content being here.  But don't tell too many people about this ocean side gem, because then the secret on this quiet, great little harbor will get out. 

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42 comments Beaches and Islands, California, California State Park, United States, Ventura, Ventura County Coast

Visit Point Mugu State Park

This is our first time hiking the trails in these beautiful Santa Monica mountains. We got to the trailhead soon after finding ample parking on the side street.  We loved the fact that it did not feel crowded. We were hiking alone most of the time. At a couple of spots we passed hikers coming back but pretty much you're on your own. 

The trail is moderately easy for most of the length, with a few fairly steep sections. Suitable for any age group. The initial climb is steep , go right for the longer gentler ascent or go left for the steep and shorter climb you can also just do a loop.

Picture of the trail during this spring's Super Bloom. Easy hike to lookout. Don't miss this beautiful trail.

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19 comments Beaches and Islands, California, California State Park, Hiking Trails, Mountain, Santa Monica, United States

Visited the Calico Ghost Town

Not a lot of people know about Calico Ghost Town, but this place has a lot to offer.  If you like the old western town experience then this restored mining town will give you a few hours of enjoyment. Admission is $8 per adult which you pay at a booth as you park your vehicle. Calico is a collection of restored buildings and replicas, some which serve as museums to show life in the mining town that used to reside here in the late 1800s. Many of the shacks now serve as stores or eateries. Wood crafts, pottery, rocks & minerals, a variety of gifts and novelties, candles, a store devoted to dogs, and one of those vintage photography studios can be found within Calico.

The Calico Mountains of California are a mountain range located in the Mojave Desert.

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17 comments California, California State Park, Historic Landmarks, Jeep Adventure, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, United States, Yermo