Visiting The Real Up House

I am sure you have seen the Disney's movie Up that came out in 2009 that tells the story of Carl and the new adventure he is able to embark on with balloons to take his home, in hopes of making it to Paradise Falls. The movie had so much heart and is a favorite of mine. This real UP House is an exact replica of Carl and Ellie’s house; except it won't float away.

 

This house was built in 2011 and the local developer actually acquired the exclusive rights and authorization from Walt Disney Corporation to build it. This house has the exact same colors, style and charm that Carl and Ellie's home had too. The developer, Blair Bangerter, who built this home actually had no plans to sell the home but ended up selling it to the Hamblin family.

Adventure is out there!

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14 comments AdBenture, Herriman, Historic Landmarks, Jeep Adventure, Summer Getaway, United States, Utah

Taking our toddler to the beach - Florida Getaway

The beach is one of the best places for a couple to relax and to take your toddler because there’s nowhere to hide and plenty of visibility.  Toddlers will enjoy the sunshine and fresh air and you’ll enjoy getting a tan. Just like our little boy this is probably our toddler’s first real vacation... at least where he is more mobile.  So we let him lead the way, get dirty and have fun.  If you let your little one lead their way you may be surprised at where you end up.

 

It was early April when we  took our boy on a spontaneous trip to the beach to unwind and change of scenery as well.

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17 comments AdBenture, Beaches and Islands, Destin, Florida, Jeep Adventure, Summer Getaway

A road trip along Utah and Northern Arizona border

This drive across the country is one of our big trip that we enjoyed the most.  As we travel  south on Highway 163 toward the southern border of Utah and the northern border of Arizona.  We stop over to this desert landscape with this unique rock formations. It is a spectacular and dramatic landscape, and driving this route will add to your Utah national parks or Grand Canyon vacation experience. 

 

Along the border of the neighboring states, you’ll find incredible and diverse landscapes.

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43 comments Arizona, Jeep Adventure, Northern Arizona, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, Road Trip, Southern Utah, Utah

Visiting Yellowstone National Park

Everyone has to go to Yellowstone Nations Park. It is the world's first national park and one of the largest it is spread throughout 3 states Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.  Luckily you will always be in the mountain time zone, so really does it matter whether you are in Montana, Idaho, or Wyoming?  Just know that you are in a very special place.  So close to so much geothermal activity and incredible nature.   Out of all the national parks we've visited, Yellowstone has the most wildlife and diverse terrain, there is so much to do here. Conveniently enough, there is loop road you can follow to visit all of Yellowstone's main attractions.

 

We got to go in early October which is the off season. There were still a fair amount of people there. But I believe covid had everyone wanting to go outside. Never an issue finding parking, pulling over or seeing any of the animals. Everyone that was visiting was respectful to the animals and the other visitors allowing room for everyone to enjoy the park.

 

The pictures do not do it any justice, the colors of this hot spring are so vivid in person.

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15 comments AdBenture, Idaho, Jeep Adventure, Montana, United States, US National Park, Wyoming, Wyoming National Park, Yellowstone National Park

A day Trip to the Grand Canyon Arizona

The Grand Canyon is absolutely stunning, and it is a bucket list item for many people. Our little boy recently got to cross it off of his list. My husband and I had both been to the Grand Canyon couple times before but never as family. We were excited to share this experience with our son, who is a very content little traveler.  We were there for such a short time and during the pandemic. So we decided to keep it simple and just do sight-seeing. 

We loved exploring the South Rim of the Grand Canyon during fall season, and the weather is perfect time to go with our baby, who's only nine months old at that time. We will definitely go back for a full canyon adventure someday. Overall, such a fun experience for the whole family!

  

Our little Adventurer 

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25 comments AdBenture, Arizona, Arizona State National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Jeep Adventure, Road Trip, United States, US National Park

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

The World Famous Cabazon Dinosaurs

You can't miss these giants as they are towering figures right off the highway.  Any one who drives close to the Cabazon Dinosaurs, will stop to see these dinosaurs. And who doesn't like a dinosaur? Located near The Cabazon Outlet Stores and Casino Morongo in Southern California, is a must see when your in the area. You can walk inside of them and see the surrounding desert valley.

Cabazon Dinosaurs is a roadside attraction in SoCal. Featuring two enormous, steel-and-concrete dinosaurs named Dinny the Dinosaur and Mr. Rex. Located just west of Palm Springs, the 150-foot long dinosaur is visible from the freeway to travelers passing by on Southern California's Interstate 10. This roadside dinosaurs are best known for their appearance in the film Pee-wee's Big Adventure.

This is a great classic Americana roadside attraction.

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15 comments Cabazon, California, Jeep Adventure, Museum and Exhibits, 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

Our Ultimate Florida Jeep Road Trip - Spring 2018

Road trip is our favorite way to explore new places. This Jeep Adventure Quest trip was our second longest trip in the Jeep at 2,200 miles. We follow the Gulf Coast of Florida with stops at Crystal River, The Everglades National Park, Miami beach, explore the Keys then we go up the Atlantic coast to Daytona and ending at Jeep Beach 2018.

Having the freedom to go where you want is amazing. Finding a hotel along the route for your road trip  really can make a big difference to your travel experience. And the more time we spend traveling (or maybe just the older we get?), the pickier we get about the hotels we choose. Do your research and find great hotel deals before booking a hotel to ensure that you are always assured of a good price and comfortable accommodation.

 

Below is our random pics of our epic road trip to Florida Keys during our stop over  - we encourage you to go out there explore too and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy it! 

1. Miami Beach

South Beach is a "must visit" when you come to Miami. The area is filled with hotels of all price range and a variety of shops and restaurants. The beach itself stretches on for miles and the sand is quite nice, though not as soft as some of the other beaches we have been to . Also it was quite disappointing to see that the beach was filled with seaweeds. It really spoiled the look of the beach and the enjoyment. But overall,  we still had a great time spending our afternoon by the beach.

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40 comments Beaches and Islands, Daytona Beach, Florida, Jeep Adventure, Miami, Museum and Exhibits, Road Trip, Travel Tips, United States, US National Park

Driving Up Pikes Peak Mountain - US Road Trip

If you are in the Denver or Colorado Springs area, Pikes Peak is a must see. The view is breathtaking. If you drive to the top beware of the Highwinds and do not ride your brakes coming down the peak, you can overheat your breaks. It's a once in a lifetime view and experience. 

Colorado has 54 mountains over 14,000 feet. One of them is in city of Colorado Springs Pikes Peak.  Pikes Peak stands at 14,110 feet high. It's a great place to visit with friends, family, and children, if you are not from a high altitude area, the change in altitude is very noticeable. Dress warm if you visit.

Words cannot explain the beauty and majesty of this place. I'm just in love with all of it from the snow cap to the mountain view.

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31 comments Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado State National Park, Jeep Adventure, Mountain, Pikes Peak National Forest, Road Trip, Summer Getaway, United States, US National Park, Winter Memories

Visiting the Ojai Mountain California

The tradition of Thanksgiving is as strong as ever. Turkey, football, turtlenecks, and post-meal naps. Thanksgiving is about being thankful for what we have.  While it can be nice to spend your time off at home, or at a relative's house, it can also be a great opportunity to do a short road trip to get some break.

We visit the Ojai mountain at least twice a year, if not more. It is few miles from the coast, peaceful Ojai feels far removed from the noise of city life and congested freeways. It’s also visually stunning, encircled by rippling mountains where the sun casts a pink shadow when it sets.

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29 comments California, Jeep Adventure, Mountain, Ojai, United States

Amazing forest of Giants at Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is home to some of the largest and oldest Sequoia trees in the world. We visited here to do some hiking and exploring and we were in awe the entire way through.

First of all, the  drive! WOW! We suggest to stop at every viewpoint that you can while driving to and from the actual park. The rock formations, the views of the valley, the wildlife. All of it is gorgeous and worthy of a stop. When you finally do reach the park, you'll feel like you're in a whole different world. For one thing, you'll feel small. Itty bitty! Right from the gate, you'll be entranced by all of the giant Sequoias that surround the parking lot.

This dramatic landscape testifies to nature's size, beauty, and diversity-- Sequoia Tree is the world's largest trees.

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20 comments California, Jeep Adventure, Three Rivers, United States, US National Park

Jeep Trail Ride at Windrock Park Tennessee

We have visited Windrock Park multiple times, at least twice a year for few years. Have always had an amazing time there. Even though we go frequently, there's always something to do there like sight seeing, off-roading, camping and picnic. 

Last summer we had a fun adventure day at Windrock Park  to celebrate The Jeep Crews Anniversary. Everyone who attended was up to the challenge for 4 very difficult trails and 2 of the moderate trails We all made it out safe and no break downs. A big thanks to Jeep Crew founder for leading the adventure. Trail conditions have changed so much recently it was great to have someone lead who had experienced the trails in the days before. 

A line-up of Jeep while waiting for the trails ride.

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18 comments Jeep Adventure, Oliver Springs, Tennessee, 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

Visited the Joshua Tree National Park

If you are a long time follower of my blog you can tell, we like a quick getaways from where we're at. Because California offers so many beautiful destinations within a few hours drive. We decided to visit  Joshua Tree National Park located at southeast from LA. As we begin to enter the park we notice red rock formations and obscure shapes that are so powerful. 

The desert of Joshua Tree is world renowned for good reason. These lands are special simply because they are untouched and naked with real energy. It is a deep and very healing experience to relax in breathtaking desert. No wonder why so many artists, musicians and spiritual enthusiasts flock here. Joshua Tree is the ideal place to explore personal retreats, nourish and satisfy your body, mind and soul. It is a true mecca of profound healing.

It is a deep and very healing experience to bask in the vast breathtaking desert.

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17 comments California, Jeep Adventure, Joshua Tree NP, United States, US National Park

Visiting Lake Elsinore California for Poppies Superbloom

It rained a lot in Southern California last winter that have caused a so-called Superbloom of wildflowers.  Lake Elsinore was the first place to experience an abundance of flowers.  Its about a 90-minute drive from both Los Angeles and San Diego. The bloom in Lake Elsinore started the last week of February.  Now the hillsides are carpeted in velvety orange, California poppies are beautiful and rare.  This year it had really vibrant bloom  mainly because of the right amount of water and the right soil temperature. As a result, tens of thousands of visitors have flocked to see a superbloom of poppies.  

This town has been overwhelmed by Disneyland-size crowds and the traffic has come to a complete stop on Interstate 15 passing by the flowery hillsides.  Few days later the city reopens the access to the fields after the massive crowds incident. Then, we decided to make a trip here to see what the poppy fields look like and take photos and see nature that we’ve never seen before so worth it.

Wildflower super bloom becomes California town's "apocalypse".

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34 comments California, Flower Fields, Hiking Trails, Jeep Adventure, Lake Elsinore, United States

Visited the Ojai Valley California

The overlook from the Upper Ojai Valley to the lower valley.

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31 comments California, Jeep Adventure, Mountain, Ojai, United States

Visit the Wormsloe State Historic Site

Wormsloe Historic site is a popular attraction near Savannah, Georgia. Located only a few minutes drive outside of the city, if you are planning to go a couple of hours are good enough. Once you arrive take a scenic drive down the road of Spanish moss trees.  Both sides of the road are lined with trees which creates a beautiful canopy of trees beg the nature lover to venture further.

This stunning tree-lined drive contains 400 live oaks which were planted in the late 1800s. This is where parts of the movie Forrest Gump were filmed -- "run, Forrest, run!"

Wormsloe should be at the top of your list during a visit to Savannah.

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36 comments Georgia, Historic Landmarks, Jeep Adventure, Savannah, United States

Visit Emma Wood State Beach on your trip to Ventura, California

Emma Wood State Beach is a linear state park that parallels Highway 101 west of the city of Ventura. Moderate temperatures help make Emma Wood State Beach popular for surf fishing, swimming (although the water is chilly), biking, beach combing, photography, whale watching and wildlife viewing.  It attracts a variety of wildlife including raccoons, songbirds and great blue herons.  Dolphins are occasionally seen just offshore.  The park also features the crumbling ruins of a World War II coastal artillery site.  The offshore Channel Islands can be seen from the beach.

Emma Wood State Beach offers family camping with fantastic views.  The campsite is for fully self-contained vehicles (RV) only.  Tents are not permitted.  No water, restrooms, electricity, fire rings, or phones or dump station are available.   You can make reservations from mid-May through Labor Day. After that it is first-come, first-serve. Keep in mind that high-tides may close the campground at any time.

I love being on the beach it’s my favorite place  – where the sky touches the sea.

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38 comments Beaches and Islands, California, California State Park, Jeep Adventure, United States, Ventura, Ventura County Coast

California's Pacific Coast Highway Roadtrip

When it comes to America’s best road trips, it’s hard to beat the Pacific Coast Highway. Driving this route means hours cruising along stunning hillside overlooking the Pacific ocean and vista points for sparkling beach views. That is why, we are so thrilled when we drove for the first time to this iconic Highway.

You can start your trip from San Francisco to San Diego or San Diego to San Francisco.  In addition  you can extend your road trip by adding on the Oregon and Washington state.  Depending on whether you do only California or all three states.  I advise you to take your precious time to really enjoy all the charming beauty of  Pacific Coast road trip.

Checking out the California coast in our rented Jeep.

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24 comments Beaches and Islands, California, Jeep Adventure, Los Angeles, Malibu, Road Trip, Santa Monica, United States