tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45328427718946094702024-03-05T09:08:17.104-08:00Adventures in Southern CaliforniaThe best hiking, biking and camping in Southern California and beyondArchimedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10452114635857902936noreply@blogger.comBlogger198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-78388598451683012552022-08-24T15:33:00.004-07:002023-03-18T22:53:21.190-07:00Is PayPal Safe? 5 Reasons you shouldn’t use PayPal when you Travel. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTdqO00Gl6xRiXK8BhzUYIec0g1KYD8aGdHLc8OD9JsbuORY0MdaAgZqAwW4KxQ9ru5dVWEztINYOpCj8zeU7JQksLsDjC22WCAv75LVlhsydb7VnBE_hUGxtUZrbn5QgS_RydH-3FUA7gGXh14ZN_nJDp5b17W7DbJqHJQvcGhGR1BRSl6OX8smx/s1024/Presley4667_a_burglar_stealing_bags_of_cash_6f253d8c-80b4-4ac5-9c12-4c24fea6a880.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTdqO00Gl6xRiXK8BhzUYIec0g1KYD8aGdHLc8OD9JsbuORY0MdaAgZqAwW4KxQ9ru5dVWEztINYOpCj8zeU7JQksLsDjC22WCAv75LVlhsydb7VnBE_hUGxtUZrbn5QgS_RydH-3FUA7gGXh14ZN_nJDp5b17W7DbJqHJQvcGhGR1BRSl6OX8smx/s320/Presley4667_a_burglar_stealing_bags_of_cash_6f253d8c-80b4-4ac5-9c12-4c24fea6a880.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/CIM-4FcI55g" target="_blank">Is PayPal Safe to Use For Travel?</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p>After a fraudulent charge of over $900 was charged to my PayPal
Account, I spent 2 weeks and several hours on the phone with PayPal trying to
get my money back. I learned a lot about how PayPal operates and I thought I
would share some of what I learned to help protect others from Fraud. Here are
5 reasons you shouldn’t use PayPal in 2022 when you travel.
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PayPal handles
disputes using Foreign Call Centers</b>. The call center employees at PayPal don’t
have the authority to resolve fraud. If you ask for a manager on the phone, they
often just hang up. In several instances, they offered me a callback from a
manager that never came. When deciding whether or not to reimburse you, PayPal
uses an automated fraud detection system which is extremely limited and
inaccurate. In my case, the $900 charge originated from an obviously fake
website with broken links. The fraudulent website had the founders name listed
as Jane Doe, a fake phone, and an email address that they did not answer. They
didn’t even put a tracking number or product description on the order. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PayPal resolution time
for a fraudulent charge can take a month. </b>When I would dispute the charge
as “fraudulent” on PayPal’s website, PayPal would immediately dismiss the claim
and close it. After many phone calls and at least 8 hours of work, I was able
to get a manager on the phone from PayPal who changed my initial claim from a “fraudulent”
charge to a claim of “item not received”. The problem is that listing the claim
as item not received can take a month to resolve. PayPal gives the seller 2
weeks to respond, then another business week for them to review the seller’s
info, and then they tacked on another few days just for good measure. For a
claim filed on August 13<sup>th</sup>, PayPal gave me an estimated resolution
date of September 2<sup>nd</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Notice
they said “estimated”. This is not a guarantee of a date. In many cases, it may
take longer. Imagine that you’re on vacation waiting for 2 weeks for a reimbursement
for a fraudulent charge. This would ruin your vacation and might leave you
stranded. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PayPal can take money
directly from your checking account</b>. If you link a debit card or a checking
account routing number to your PayPal account, you want to make absolutely sure
that your checking account offers “Zero Liability Fraud Protection”. In the
event of a fraudulent charge, you should make a claim as soon as possible with
your bank so that they can issue a Chargeback. PNC offered me a chargeback
which posted back to my account within 48 hours. <br />
<br />
After my chargeback through PNC, I removed my bank information from PayPal as a
payment option. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And here was where the
real trouble started. After my chargeback, PayPal charged my account a second
time for the full amount. PNC was powerless to offer a second chargeback until
the second payment cleared. In my case the payment didn’t post for 2 days and
it took an additional 2 days to get to the second chargeback. That’s 4 days
where my account was sitting with a negative balance. I was ok, but what if
this was your rent money or your food money. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A negative balance could leave you stranded in
a foreign country or in an airport. This is where having a PayPal could be very
dangerous. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Using<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the “friends and family” payment option waives
your buyer protection</b>. Never pay anyone using friends and family for any
type of good or service. If you pay for something by selecting the option for
“friend and family”, you are waiving most of the fraud protection offered by PayPal
and you have little to no recourse for recouping your money through PayPal. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>PayPal acts like a bank, but they aren’t
regulated like a bank. The friends and family option is a real recipe for
disaster. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">In conclusion</b>, I firmly
believe that the illusion of convenience that PayPal offers is not worth the
risk of fraud. After dealing with PayPal these last 2 weeks, I’ve decided to
close my PayPal account. There are far more legal protections offered with a
standard credit card. In the past, when dealing with an instance of credit card
fraud, I was able to clear up the issue with a single 15-minute phone call.
With PayPal, I’ve spent at least 8 hours in a 2-week period and I was never
able to get PayPal to refund my money. I spent a lot of time and research
fighting back against a fraudulent charge and I still got screwed by PayPal,
twice. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end, I had to go through my bank
at PNC for a second Charge back, but I was lucky, not all banks offer Zero
Liability Fraud Protection. And this type of chargeback has a very limited time
frame. If you don’t catch it immediately, you will be on the hook for the
fraudulent charge. </p>
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<p></p>OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-35833437974857056652021-12-03T20:05:00.005-08:002021-12-30T23:36:08.522-08:00 Don’t bring large amounts of cash on your California Vacation<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEin8-kydHIIqsWT-eIsaArDtxCd7e4YRvzOmS_6rJpL2eWluAaAXWbzr0Db86FOX01y8aOiRrK0TGJ8Z1fwSKdMvcNeqe3kd1QPDkvrYAi7iLQncry9yH5vInaVoE7nRG5JAyz5HVuR6wPGhTMcEyGd6zfL-yQuhUrr9jwvvPRf_ZhU93PR8k-y5p9f=s777" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="777" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEin8-kydHIIqsWT-eIsaArDtxCd7e4YRvzOmS_6rJpL2eWluAaAXWbzr0Db86FOX01y8aOiRrK0TGJ8Z1fwSKdMvcNeqe3kd1QPDkvrYAi7iLQncry9yH5vInaVoE7nRG5JAyz5HVuR6wPGhTMcEyGd6zfL-yQuhUrr9jwvvPRf_ZhU93PR8k-y5p9f=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">This is one of the most important aspects of planning a trip that I never hear anyone mention: You should <b>NEVER</b> bring large amounts of cash on a road trip in the US. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Federal Agents can seize your cash without a warrant even if you haven't committed a crime. </b><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It's called a civil forfeiture. US Border patrol, US Customs, state or local police, the DEA, and the FBI can take your cash at any time. It's up to you to go to court and prove that the money is yours and that you obtained it legally. It's a difficult process. And it's time sensitive. In many cases, you have less than a month to prove it. If you don't follow procedure, the government takes the cash and you never get it back. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MkeS_0NQUZs" width="320" youtube-src-id="MkeS_0NQUZs"></iframe></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Don't Use a Debit Card unless you are at a Bank</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Never use a debit card unless you are at a bank. It can take month
to obtain a refund when someone uses your card without your permission. I can't tell you how countless many times Ive heard of cashiers, clerks and waiters stealing debit card numbers. A debit card is very different from credit. Debit fraud requires a significant amount of proof. The burden is on you. Many debit
disputes are unsuccessful. The money is gone<b>. </b>The only safe place to use your debit card is a bank. <br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Nearly Every Single Business in the US accepts Credit</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">It's nearly impossible to find a business in the US who won't accept a credit card. I can't remember the last time someone said "cash only" to me. It's been at least 20 years. The only exception I can think of would be for very small purchase amounts less than $5 in a place like a gas station for gum. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Use a Credit Card</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>You are far more protected in cases where someone makes an unauthorized
charge on your credit card. You can often get a refund to your account within a week of
reporting an unauthorized charge. <br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">I understand that not everyone can get a credit card, but it is quite simply the safest form of payment you can use on a vacation in the US. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You are more protected when you rent a car using your credit
card in cases where you decline the coverage offered by the renter. Nearly all US credit card companies offer some form of insurance when renting a car. The insurance won't kick in unless you decline the coverage offered by the rental company. The deposit required for renting a car with credit card is typically lower as well.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>Before my first trip to Europe, I read a giant article about avoiding foreign transaction fees. The rate can vary, but most credit card companies charge a foreign transaction fee ranging from 1-5 percent. $5,000 in
expenses on your trip would cost you $50 in fees at a 1 percent rate. In my opinion, the $50 in
fees is absolutely worth the peace of mind. With a credit card, you don't have to worry about losing your cash or
having someone steal the information on your debit card and drain your account. Many credit card companies offer cards that waive foreign transaction fees. I used my card for 2 weeks in Europe and I got hit with less than $20 in foreign transaction fees. <br /><p class="MsoNormal"> Another reason to use a credit card is to avoid taking cash out the ATM all the time. Those fees can add up. When you make a withdraw from an ATM, you often get hit with multiple hidden fees. At a place like a Las Vegas casino, you might pay as much as $20 for a single ATM withdraw. <br /><br />Another reason I like using a credit card on my vacation is the promotions. Most companies offer points back for every dollar you spend. My current card had a promotion that offered $200 in credits if you spent $500 in the first 3 months. <br /><b><br />Downside of a Credit Card.......<br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>YOU HAVE TO PAY IT OFF WHEN YOU GET BACK. </b>Don't spend more than you can pay off quickly. <b> </b>Credit card companies offer the promotions so you rack up a bunch of debt and then kill yourself trying to pay it back. If you put $2,000 on a credit card with a 20 percent interest rate and make the minimum payment of $50 a month, you'll be paying off that debt for 6 years and spend an additional $1200 in fees. <br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comOrange County, CA, USA33.7174708 -117.83114285.4072369638211555 -152.9873928 62.027704636178846 -82.6748928tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-57176901410312789102021-02-11T22:41:00.004-08:002021-02-11T22:43:48.378-08:00Ring Mountain Preserve in Marin County California<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcziNvlpXdzF3hPUadAJ7Q4Wzuwu3uoutlc5AhSa58iWu1lwVOP3LBOEuP25t0sxA-6CuYLDqcJjog7tRkYqXRARs62p7b07cCBTU9VUpF80pQWD2OIKnKI6tuyuBMbKBtmqcZkCNWeg/s2992/IMG_20200427_174652737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="2992" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcziNvlpXdzF3hPUadAJ7Q4Wzuwu3uoutlc5AhSa58iWu1lwVOP3LBOEuP25t0sxA-6CuYLDqcJjog7tRkYqXRARs62p7b07cCBTU9VUpF80pQWD2OIKnKI6tuyuBMbKBtmqcZkCNWeg/s320/IMG_20200427_174652737.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ring Mountain Preserve: Marin County California<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Ring Mountain is a rad little hike in Corte Madera
California which is located about 9 miles north of the Golden Gate bridge as
you head away from San Francisco. There are plenty of great hikes in Marin
County, but this is one of the best vantage points to get a view of San
Francisco and the bay. This hike has more of a “neighborhood” hike type of vibe
with very few tourists. There are a couple of interesting rock formations along
the loop where you may spot some local rock climbers practicing their
bouldering skills. </p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqFRQQfzI2LoiIohloCzdjQUQCBsfKa_lWCa7OUYSUlJcP0nMnBek308S4zBVzbNxPD7JDrt5GgTXLc7fkAf4QZ9YyCMY5RGCvNNVkxD36f0I58sBGSFwf_BMhy8X3IJ8om64ASsjMzk/s1250/IMG_20200421_145357623_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqFRQQfzI2LoiIohloCzdjQUQCBsfKa_lWCa7OUYSUlJcP0nMnBek308S4zBVzbNxPD7JDrt5GgTXLc7fkAf4QZ9YyCMY5RGCvNNVkxD36f0I58sBGSFwf_BMhy8X3IJ8om64ASsjMzk/s320/IMG_20200421_145357623_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of San Francisco Bay from Ring Mountain<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Ring Mountain Preserve has 4 different trails with access
points to the loop at the top, but parking is complicated. There are a few
spots at the different trailheads, emphasis on “few”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neighborhoods in this area have a lot of
restrictions for parking. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recommend
parking at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/61MAYbZoVQomjhB69">Blackie’s Pasture</a>
and crossing Tiburon Blvd to access the preserve by walking up until the end of
Reed Ranch Road. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is room for about
5-6 cars at the top of Reed Ranch road, but these spots are often taken.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you start as Blackie’s Pasture, follow Reed Ranch Road to
the trailhead and do the loop at the top, the total distance of the trail would
be about 5 miles roundtrip with 500 feet of elevation gain. This is a fairly
easy hike, but I don’t really recommend it for families with small children
under 8 years old because the initial hill through the neighborhood is a little
steep and you’ll have to cross a busy intersection on Tiburon Blvd. There are
also mountain bikers to contend with. This is definitely not a hike to push a
stroller on. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XICikgn2k4Neyyz7fez4lR05LsdhRX3PS3rb9Bg1yVZPGOewtvteJ4kcm_3RvjfXyW72ZFJ6xW180ZIGI1Pp0YvjWHaAj1d6wJKrmRvDBUgIjik4xKL-xtwPTm2XJ1pp_CKfIsEcpUk/s1250/IMG_20200421_150626315_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XICikgn2k4Neyyz7fez4lR05LsdhRX3PS3rb9Bg1yVZPGOewtvteJ4kcm_3RvjfXyW72ZFJ6xW180ZIGI1Pp0YvjWHaAj1d6wJKrmRvDBUgIjik4xKL-xtwPTm2XJ1pp_CKfIsEcpUk/s320/IMG_20200421_150626315_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ring Mountain Preserve Trail in Corte Madera <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be aware that Blackie’s
Pasture may have parking restrictions in place due to Covid. </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Ring Mountain Preserve is dog friendly, but leashes are
required. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail is fairly heavily
trafficked by local hikers, pet owners, mountain bikers. It’s best to hike this
one on a clear, sunny day. From the top, you get panoramic views of San
Francisco Bay, Mount Tamalpais, San Francisco and Marin County. Bring plenty of
water because the trail is exposed to the sun. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Trail stats</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Distance 5 miles roundtrip from Blackie’s Pasture if you do
the loop at the top</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Elevation Gain: 500 Feet</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dog Friendly: Yes</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bike Friendly: Yes</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Best months:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Year-round
on a clear day</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Not Suitable for very young children who can’t hike 5 miles
with a steep hill</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Location of Trailhead
on Google Maps:</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Skc6vCW9wyMkYxMf6">https://goo.gl/maps/Skc6vCW9wyMkYxMf6</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkf8TaKV2Ne3f8cwNr90ie1ZfWvVWpN_4UqKoHEFUhAvZiBHvwWdPApmglu40lhWwjv0X1iZWeGpNXf4jhpefDsb4pEYAiXwG5JoxVN4nzGUWahwjM6oiXM3fubBorn7YMb4d_rbmrftk/s1250/IMG_20200427_174649019_HDR-EFFECTS.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkf8TaKV2Ne3f8cwNr90ie1ZfWvVWpN_4UqKoHEFUhAvZiBHvwWdPApmglu40lhWwjv0X1iZWeGpNXf4jhpefDsb4pEYAiXwG5JoxVN4nzGUWahwjM6oiXM3fubBorn7YMb4d_rbmrftk/s320/IMG_20200427_174649019_HDR-EFFECTS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ring Mountain Loop in Tiburon<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Also in the area:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While you’re in the Tiburon area, I highly recommend taking
the <a href="https://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/ferry/tiburon/">Tiburon Ferry</a>
across to Angel Island for a bike ride. There is a <a href="https://angelisland.com/bicycles-2/">bike rental location in Tiburon</a>
before you cross over to Angel Island, but it’s not cheap at $64/day not
including the cost of the Ferry, so bring your own bike if you can. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you’re looking for a good place to eat, I’d recommend skipping
the lousy touristy restaurants in the area and grabbing a picnic lunch to go at
<a href="https://g.page/woodlands-market-tiburon?share">The Woodland’s Market
in Tiburon</a>. They have fresh food made daily by a team of chefs. The roasted
chicken is the best meal I ate anywhere on Marin County. The market also has an
excellent selection of beer and baked goods. Grab a Pliney the Elder and the
best box of chocolate chip cookies you will ever eat in your life.</p>
OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comRing Mountain Preserve, Loop Trail, Corte Madera, CA 94925, USA37.9115159 -122.49106049.6012820638211522 -157.64731039999998 66.22174973617885 -87.3348104tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-90545077009568934182021-02-05T17:48:00.008-08:002021-02-05T17:55:20.918-08:00Arizona Hot Springs: Las Vegas Nevada<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-wfwPO6nAKreyTIZhz1tAXHEuI85U2vsdM7OeqnYCqPeX1pYm7By46bttwEgAddkZrttvhmFxTQhvhM9w6oiB968-0OeMzQZYDAwLMTYzM5gAnZ4ms_KoA7UDWg6GU-YROEto5ZT5lc/s2048/IMG_20201121_144755304.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-wfwPO6nAKreyTIZhz1tAXHEuI85U2vsdM7OeqnYCqPeX1pYm7By46bttwEgAddkZrttvhmFxTQhvhM9w6oiB968-0OeMzQZYDAwLMTYzM5gAnZ4ms_KoA7UDWg6GU-YROEto5ZT5lc/s320/IMG_20201121_144755304.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arizona Hot Springs Hike near Las Vegas<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
Arizona Hot Springs is a moderate to strenuous 5 mile roundtrip
hike located near the Hoover Dam. The trailhead is only about a 45 minute drive
from the Las Vegas Strip. The Arizona Hot Springs hike is one of the best hikes
in the Las Vegas area and has a great slot canyon, several hot springs which
are great for soaking, a small waterfall, a 20 foot ladder, and ends at a
beautiful section of the Colorado river. You can turn the Arizona Hot Springs
hike into a loop by circling back on the White Oak Canyon trail. I have provided
a <a href="https://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/upload/Arizona_Hot_Spring1_18_2018.pdf" target="_blank">map</a> below for reference. Regardless of which direction you take, both trails
end up at the Colorado River. <p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDH4rhUIIY3SnM6_335uQmqRBIMJDwlEHZo0-hpgFTt_ahmvCwoIB0Euu0YW96O6uscmGo6xFYMtcy12wn7qBp6DKLTUzTengAyGloNKeCNnRssxfy-oeqR7q2IYkcvtkrhyLkV9ocwA/s2048/IMG_20201121_131142157_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDH4rhUIIY3SnM6_335uQmqRBIMJDwlEHZo0-hpgFTt_ahmvCwoIB0Euu0YW96O6uscmGo6xFYMtcy12wn7qBp6DKLTUzTengAyGloNKeCNnRssxfy-oeqR7q2IYkcvtkrhyLkV9ocwA/s320/IMG_20201121_131142157_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arizona Hot Springs Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are some safety precautions you want to consider on
this hike, so you’ll want to read on. I don’t want to dissuade you from doing
this hike, but you want to be careful. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Warnings:</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Do not attempt this hike is the temperature outside is 90
degrees or hotter</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bring a gallon of water person.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Don’t attempt this hike if it’s raining due to flash flood
risks in the slot canyon</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Don’t submerge your head in the hot springs</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Don’t enter the hot springs if you have any open cuts</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Don’t attempt to carry your pet down the 20-foot ladder</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bring suntan lotion</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieI5jWwUe6J8lpipUEDglex3x2ppbM8e31d9ZeY0EturNUX_vr0DiSX0ga5LICcXxhNOv0R5KUDrUXR7YJp_QIXVmAHkT7ZnpTtWfp47dZ7bEbMAbe_MJ4iEKs5k531cO1WiaBadt4UVM/s770/Screenshot_2021-02-05+Arizona+Hot+Spring+-+Arizona_Hot_Spring1_18_2018+pdf.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieI5jWwUe6J8lpipUEDglex3x2ppbM8e31d9ZeY0EturNUX_vr0DiSX0ga5LICcXxhNOv0R5KUDrUXR7YJp_QIXVmAHkT7ZnpTtWfp47dZ7bEbMAbe_MJ4iEKs5k531cO1WiaBadt4UVM/s320/Screenshot_2021-02-05+Arizona+Hot+Spring+-+Arizona_Hot_Spring1_18_2018+pdf.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arizona Hot Springs Map <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This hike can get absolutely scorching in the summer and all
the way through September. I would not even attempt it unless the temperature
was below 80. This hike is often 10-20 degrees hotter than the temperature on
the strip. The first section of the hike follows a dry river wash is completely
exposed to the sun, so you’ll want to wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. As
with any slot canyon, you’ll want to avoid this hike in the very rare occasion
that it rains. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Hot Springs are amazing. There are several pools which
are separated by sand bags. The first pool is so hot that most people can’t even
sit in them. I would limit my soaking time to 15 minutes in the first pool. The
hot springs can be breeding ground for bacteria and amoebas. Don’t get in the
water if you have any open cuts and you should never submerge your head or nose
under the water. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dogs are allowed on the Arizona Hot Springs Hike, but the 20
foot ladder is impassable unless you choose to carry your dog and climb down at
the same time. I strongly recommend not attempting this because the climb is
difficult even without a pet because the ladder is narrow, wet and completely
vertical. There have been numerous accidents in the past with pets. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQ9ziQcLk3NJoiGMfNOG_WVc6xL9x768FL3rSWw8OXsijSxA1vZm-PZGVWnb74qI8knPvMdAA61ND9YLATSKEtZwx4D0AHsKNxUxw1P3AnPHKfsdAxYb_LRDO1TdYbbOXv2x6KYSwP1M/s2048/IMG_20201121_144825709%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQ9ziQcLk3NJoiGMfNOG_WVc6xL9x768FL3rSWw8OXsijSxA1vZm-PZGVWnb74qI8knPvMdAA61ND9YLATSKEtZwx4D0AHsKNxUxw1P3AnPHKfsdAxYb_LRDO1TdYbbOXv2x6KYSwP1M/s320/IMG_20201121_144825709%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Big Horn Sheep on the Arizona Hot Springs Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> Trailhead Location for Google Maps:<br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/6PR1mHdLNXtS3kGF8">https://goo.gl/maps/6PR1mHdLNXtS3kGF8</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Arizona Hot Springs Hike Stats</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Total Distance: 5 miles round-trip</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dogs: Leashed Dogs Are Allowed</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elevation Gain: About 800 feet</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Best Months: October through May. </span></p>
OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comRingbolt Hot Spring, Arizona 86445, USA35.9605375 -114.72553657.6503036638211555 -149.8817865 64.270771336178854 -79.5692865tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-75183270460106390562021-02-04T16:54:00.003-08:002021-02-04T16:54:35.068-08:00Fletcher Canyon Trail: Las Vegas, Nevada
<p class="MsoNormal"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcT-h_NBypvGSfGphpBuRubG8-WaORtOh5BaSIj2SA8tz56m8kpQTLuMJQ8za4TK2htRCuJXuqyqpUwYQ6fMIv5aPABbIsVGR5xt2ODOAjWnFO2OccJiMUhOGu733-5275y6nus4oBXWI/s1250/ProShot_20200918_144140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcT-h_NBypvGSfGphpBuRubG8-WaORtOh5BaSIj2SA8tz56m8kpQTLuMJQ8za4TK2htRCuJXuqyqpUwYQ6fMIv5aPABbIsVGR5xt2ODOAjWnFO2OccJiMUhOGu733-5275y6nus4oBXWI/s320/ProShot_20200918_144140.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fletcher Canyon Trail in Las Vegas Nevada<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Fletcher Canyon is one of my favorite hikes in the Las Vegas
area. It’s located less than 45 minutes from the Las Vegas strip. If I had to
pick 5 of my favorite trail in Las Vegas, Fletcher Canyon would definitely make
the list. The trail is well maintained and easy enough for families. There is
only about 1,000 feet on elevation gain and it’s very gradual and hardly noticeable.
I’ve read a few conflicting posts about the distance, but I would estimate the
length of the trail to be 4 miles total roundtrip. The trail passes through a beautiful
alpine forest and ends at one of the nest slot canyons in the Las Vegas area. This
is a great hike to do in the summer when it’s too hot to do anything outside in
Vegas. Don’t forget to bring a jacket on your hike. The weather on Mount
Charleston is 30 degrees cooler than in Las Vegas and temperatures can plummet
at night. </p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQHcL1gjwoRQ3xowwTzRJAHDdnwoGZiAyB4FzULL_o_nm8NTqN1tG67Y07so6J1AbFzK_Nw6sh-f_g50hK0AidPX2SOKoFskMx0D0BVAA3E9n5IVSXDSZ6MAnfVGI0wyiC6S3PokZMD0/s1250/ProShot_20200918_141912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQHcL1gjwoRQ3xowwTzRJAHDdnwoGZiAyB4FzULL_o_nm8NTqN1tG67Y07so6J1AbFzK_Nw6sh-f_g50hK0AidPX2SOKoFskMx0D0BVAA3E9n5IVSXDSZ6MAnfVGI0wyiC6S3PokZMD0/s320/ProShot_20200918_141912.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fletcher Canyon Trailhead<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Fletcher Canyon trail is best from about April-October.
This area of Mount Charleston can get significant snow, making the trail a
no-go in the winter, unless you have snowshoes. Dogs are allowed on the trail.
The gravel can be rough on your dog’s feet, so consider purchasing a pair of
protective shoes if your pooch has soft feet. Make sure to bring poop bags and
a water bowl for your pet.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Getting there:</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Fletcher Canyon trailhead is relatively simple to find
and there is usually plenty of parking. Use this link for Google maps for the
Fletcher Canyon Trailhead <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/3Te9CmTAR88uTVd29">https://goo.gl/maps/3Te9CmTAR88uTVd29</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is also a nice little campground next to the Fletcher
Canyon Trail called the <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234005">Fletcher View Campground</a>. The campground is super affordable with tent or RV spots with electric hookup and bathroom facilities for only $33/night. Pets are also allowed in the campground. In the winter, a lot of local
residents drive up to this spot to go sledding. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKL_lSF3IHW-TpTU4I30J_Xw39opBW61q6hXYB7FcHPpJISWKmiRvD061aMsAfQxZdwbH-GkLrPWs9UUqSH4fkq5UfSO-5uJyWdkhRgBBblw3WBS_PBJWYCtJd8HFWLvLsyArKeZ2AJ0/s2048/ProShot_20200918_152807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKL_lSF3IHW-TpTU4I30J_Xw39opBW61q6hXYB7FcHPpJISWKmiRvD061aMsAfQxZdwbH-GkLrPWs9UUqSH4fkq5UfSO-5uJyWdkhRgBBblw3WBS_PBJWYCtJd8HFWLvLsyArKeZ2AJ0/s320/ProShot_20200918_152807.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slot Canyon on the Fletcher Canyon Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fletcher Canyon Stats</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Total Distance: 4 miles round-trip</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dogs: Leashed Dogs Are Allowed</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Elevation Gain: About 1,000 feet</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Best Months: April- October</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg725EqHnYqbUxCqvxz2s61xzdQWUYeWsV-EWWztJRFA5m-J5XCTq1lBlZfQUXcY7NVUNLnnM-ke_4wk8O5kRwSRdpN1wocMZvyFJTCMCoBysnv85TCW3ldsgKnEUfAj_3hBZ6NYSrE1zs/s938/ProShot_20200918_152137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="704" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg725EqHnYqbUxCqvxz2s61xzdQWUYeWsV-EWWztJRFA5m-J5XCTq1lBlZfQUXcY7NVUNLnnM-ke_4wk8O5kRwSRdpN1wocMZvyFJTCMCoBysnv85TCW3ldsgKnEUfAj_3hBZ6NYSrE1zs/s320/ProShot_20200918_152137.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fletcher Canyon: Mount Charleston Nevada<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
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<![endif]-->OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-35413046230107186012021-02-03T19:57:00.003-08:002021-02-03T19:59:10.470-08:00The Best American Cross Country Road Trip: 5 tips For Planning Your RouteI’ve made the road trip across the US several times on
multiple different routes. I thought I would post some of things I’ve learned
for anyone who might be planning a road trip.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCp2KjLIndcBUlX2m4RNujIcoa8_AWyd_5kCkjdCYorqomdBjcW63mb83ROU3deZXVJvx9upUY2UMBC0XFTNkhWgzPKXEaKrQx1O36ObwjWhkkz0_iF6NOT6Jnci37PymV3FBZU-cpVA/s1296/lower+yellowstone+falls.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCp2KjLIndcBUlX2m4RNujIcoa8_AWyd_5kCkjdCYorqomdBjcW63mb83ROU3deZXVJvx9upUY2UMBC0XFTNkhWgzPKXEaKrQx1O36ObwjWhkkz0_iF6NOT6Jnci37PymV3FBZU-cpVA/s320/lower+yellowstone+falls.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower Yosemite Falls: Yosemite National Park<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1. Travel from North to South, or South to North.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A lot of people just assume that a cross country road trip
should run horizontally from east to west, but I highly recommend considering a
vertical route. Either option is about 40 hours of total driving time, but there
is a lot more to see and do if you start your trip in Seattle and head south to
California. The North to South route is far more scenic and you can plan a
route to pass through many of the best National Parks in the US including,
Yellowstone, Arches, Bryce, Zion and the Grand Canyon. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTDUATv5DV1YIj2iF2aaQ5z8xp9znflGuzmTELYbBKX0_a4PzQr85E3pp-k6P7_vgZxzr5cVdcN71uoxAqsQfvebu_9_lgI9qmQO0zcqfQCzTqE1bmt9kVhcjZGOnPZejaoMVlK7P10g/s1600/IMG_0085.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTDUATv5DV1YIj2iF2aaQ5z8xp9znflGuzmTELYbBKX0_a4PzQr85E3pp-k6P7_vgZxzr5cVdcN71uoxAqsQfvebu_9_lgI9qmQO0zcqfQCzTqE1bmt9kVhcjZGOnPZejaoMVlK7P10g/s320/IMG_0085.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryce Canyon National Park<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2. Do it in September or early October</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My favorite time to travel is in September-October after the
summer crowds are gone. California and Utah typically have fantastic weather in
the early fall and prices at hotels and Airbnb’s are usually lower. Spring
trips can be great for avoiding the crowds too, but parks like Yellowstone can
be impassable in the Spring before the snow melts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_U1Oy8k6eZ04bL_qAqCJlGv7YaNsBu-WZXB3brkg94nYjdvWFzXP5ckQ7q2yCcsWWXovdglQK39kuDLoHbqE8FhAXG5_K1YWoFdChyphenhyphenN0KuSe-p_7KOVhSedmtJ_LSoXqcKVcbI6J74M/s1082/delicate+arch+hdr+small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="1082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_U1Oy8k6eZ04bL_qAqCJlGv7YaNsBu-WZXB3brkg94nYjdvWFzXP5ckQ7q2yCcsWWXovdglQK39kuDLoHbqE8FhAXG5_K1YWoFdChyphenhyphenN0KuSe-p_7KOVhSedmtJ_LSoXqcKVcbI6J74M/s320/delicate+arch+hdr+small.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicate Arch: Arches National Park</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">3. Make reservations with flexible cancelation policies</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Airbnb and Travelocity both have great filters you can use
to search for accommodations with “flexible cancellation policies.” These can
be a life saver when you’re driving across country. With Covid still causing
problems for travelers, I would strongly recommend only booking rooms that
allow you to cancel without losing your deposit. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiNuWav9cK0IjYgUG6nsre2u9HKDvZihP91A8uYAOKVWdy1zqD4aKk38knk6NTtdbEAap2DFEhr1dEGsfixR8hZ2wx5OTszA2foo3dCW3YvQgT78YvkgFismlSPyv0g38UVyIBBPW5KU/s1824/858490_10100780556560375_620205753_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="1824" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiNuWav9cK0IjYgUG6nsre2u9HKDvZihP91A8uYAOKVWdy1zqD4aKk38knk6NTtdbEAap2DFEhr1dEGsfixR8hZ2wx5OTszA2foo3dCW3YvQgT78YvkgFismlSPyv0g38UVyIBBPW5KU/s320/858490_10100780556560375_620205753_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Rock Canyon: Las Vegas, Nevada<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">4. Book everything with a Credit Card</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You have more flexibility when you book with a credit card.
Credit cards usually offer a lot more protection from fraud. For example, if
you rent a car and the rental company accuses you of damaging the rental
vehicle, your credit card company will often provide some additional coverage
that may partially cover you, where a debit card would offer zero protection. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxs-hZ1ZZ10WVNHfYhB49wKt1sDt9RGOW5FSk3RRJlqgEyNVEKlOQ4FHMf5ZaTXmsbKlYMkoxVRkVVlwl0ceA9atBGINx9hkYeIDmQuF-NA9hzYU3dd93CT5iSsMXHjJfBnuBmp8BSFI/s720/zion2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxs-hZ1ZZ10WVNHfYhB49wKt1sDt9RGOW5FSk3RRJlqgEyNVEKlOQ4FHMf5ZaTXmsbKlYMkoxVRkVVlwl0ceA9atBGINx9hkYeIDmQuF-NA9hzYU3dd93CT5iSsMXHjJfBnuBmp8BSFI/s320/zion2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zion National Park, view from Angel's Landing<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">5. Don’t’ try to cram in too much</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you have two weeks to do the ultimate road trip, don’t
try to fit 20 destinations into a 20 day trip. You’ll want to get out of the
car and spend at least 2-3 days in a park like Yellowstone or in a city like Las
Vegas. Ideally, I would spend 2 nights in most of the locations on my route. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLziQcG57Lr7c61eY14zio0uKGBhcU0GyvEDuogLSvU6nc1r_HRzyhgXB2CCjt2T9qkLVB7_MzBZxoBHBDASHfwZjBqW7T9DOtn1sQrmcnWg9Q3HNm43vhrmyrDicIG0MZcEoc229FYSY/s2048/snoqualime+falls.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLziQcG57Lr7c61eY14zio0uKGBhcU0GyvEDuogLSvU6nc1r_HRzyhgXB2CCjt2T9qkLVB7_MzBZxoBHBDASHfwZjBqW7T9DOtn1sQrmcnWg9Q3HNm43vhrmyrDicIG0MZcEoc229FYSY/s320/snoqualime+falls.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="module__title__link">Snoqualmie Falls, Washington State<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s my route for
the Ultimate Cross country trip: Ideally, I would spread it out over 20 days. Fly
into Seattle and Fly out of Los Angeles. If you wanted to cut it down to 2
weeks, you could fly into Salt Lake City and cut out the Northern part of the
trip. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YOG6atBDIoERlbo7MFqwn3bG4yFPjukejyqE9hpQ5ZJuO1QN6xcWjbFj6zbc-f_M1v51ZlW_2pYOGJC0OGyYZerlhDGQmsko2rgRb08zWPVoGhYf3_3BeYBY4sNbMgTLLMQNF_85Rc4/s1848/40+hours.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="1848" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YOG6atBDIoERlbo7MFqwn3bG4yFPjukejyqE9hpQ5ZJuO1QN6xcWjbFj6zbc-f_M1v51ZlW_2pYOGJC0OGyYZerlhDGQmsko2rgRb08zWPVoGhYf3_3BeYBY4sNbMgTLLMQNF_85Rc4/s320/40+hours.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Seattle Washington</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Missoula Montana</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Yellowstone National Park</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jackson Hole Wyoming</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Arches National Park, Moab</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bryce Canyon National Park</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Zion National Park</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">South Rim at Grand Canyon National Park</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Las Vegas Nevada</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Santa Monica California</p>
OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-16529714909722891332021-02-01T20:53:00.001-08:002021-02-01T20:53:39.563-08:00Will Yosemite National Park be Open for Summer 2021? <p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-IL3_G0apzP_vVv7ffavd0WHhGFExPECFClyA8BnDTRmwbYwVrwM85RcMo9ipDClaIHQtIwq378QXPt_KxyO4BXdw4sZG_6givrY9UnVkwFzMlb-aYDMqqm9Se39Z7e98tPeo32EPK4/s1557/mist+trail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1557" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-IL3_G0apzP_vVv7ffavd0WHhGFExPECFClyA8BnDTRmwbYwVrwM85RcMo9ipDClaIHQtIwq378QXPt_KxyO4BXdw4sZG_6givrY9UnVkwFzMlb-aYDMqqm9Se39Z7e98tPeo32EPK4/s320/mist+trail2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mist Trail Yosemite National Park<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><br /></p><p>Will Yosemite National Park open for summer 2021? Probably. </p><p>As of January, Governor Newsom has lifted the stay at home order for California. Starting February 8th, Yosemite National Park is scheduled to re-open to visitors, but RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. </p><p>If you are driving a vehicle into Yosemite National Park, you must pay the park entrance fee and have one of the following:</p>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm" id="anch_18">Day-use reservation</a> (valid for 7 consecutive days for unlimited re-entries)</li><li>Upper Pines Campground reservation</li><li><a data-remote="/common/commonspot/customcf/modals/modal_intercept.cfm?targetURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.travelyosemite.com%2F" data-target="#myModal" data-toggle="modal" href="https://www.travelyosemite.com/" id="anch_19">Yosemite Valley Lodge or The Ahwahnee</a> reservation</li><li>Private lodging or vacation rental reservation in<strong> </strong><a data-remote="/common/commonspot/customcf/modals/modal_intercept.cfm?targetURL=https%3A%2F%2Fyosemite.bookdirect.net%2F%23%2Flodgings%2Fctab%2F170%3Fcampaign%3DYosemite-CabinRentals-bookingiwdget%26locale%3Den%26group_ids%255B%255D%3D11090" data-target="#myModal" data-toggle="modal" href="https://yosemite.bookdirect.net/#/lodgings/ctab/170?campaign=Yosemite-CabinRentals-bookingiwdget&locale=en&group_ids%5B%5D=11090" id="anch_20">Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta</a></li><li>Yosemite <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm" id="anch_21">wilderness permit</a></li><li>Commercial-use authorization</li></ul>
<p>Upon showing proof of your reservation and a matching photo ID at the
entrance station, you will receive a vehicle permit to enter the park.
This permit is valid for seven consecutive day for unlimited re-entries.</p>
<p>If you enter the park via <a data-remote="/common/commonspot/customcf/modals/modal_intercept.cfm?targetURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yarts.com%2F" data-target="#myModal" data-toggle="modal" href="https://www.yarts.com/" id="https://www.yarts.com/|">YARTS</a>
(Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) buses, bicycle, on foot,
or on horseback, you do not need a day-use reservation to enter the
park. Park entrance fees still apply.</p>
<p>-Credit cards are the only form of payment accepted for entrance fees.</p><p>-Lifetime Pass Holders must also obtain a reservation if driving into Yosemite. </p><p>If you try to find availability on recreation.gov and it says
reservations are not yet released, it means no more reservations are
available until two days in advance of the target date, promptly at 8 am
Pacific Time (Reminder: 20% of reservations are released two days in
advance). <br /></p><p>For More Information: Visit <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/covid19.htm">https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/covid19.htm</a><br /></p><p><br /></p>OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-47576373949166856862018-06-26T15:06:00.001-07:002018-06-26T22:51:01.173-07:00The Best of Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach: Printable Map<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKW5GPrkrwtqgpY72Sv63EW7_jBLtF3yKcw_Wtfg_Ua885Kz7-6E6A3qS2DdCnR9IGg0cxa-NvkUGWgD9d5jzhDpOVg0g2DHJXrH32D3cCHbamC7mwYQjB7s6omGaqat-ZoRvquV3jW2s/s1600/teal+map+newport+beach+brighter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKW5GPrkrwtqgpY72Sv63EW7_jBLtF3yKcw_Wtfg_Ua885Kz7-6E6A3qS2DdCnR9IGg0cxa-NvkUGWgD9d5jzhDpOVg0g2DHJXrH32D3cCHbamC7mwYQjB7s6omGaqat-ZoRvquV3jW2s/s1600/teal+map+newport+beach+brighter.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balboa Peninsula Printable Map</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comNewport Beach, CA, USA33.6188829 -117.929849333.5130994 -118.0912108 33.724666400000004 -117.7684878tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-83997652336282916052017-12-03T00:42:00.002-08:002017-12-03T00:46:57.436-08:00Dana Point Sea Cave Trail<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjichU0xfGEEKASV2zPXvQTTbOMi3jA_Qcmf1eX7C2u_24aOwgrbggcnIxFkb3XVcI9aoNhoJeB0hPlP8vlC09ERQutw8YPXxtK8awN9KQlzjFiBq9KeipevV0OlpYMofpCItGDLB6M5M/s1600/beach2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjichU0xfGEEKASV2zPXvQTTbOMi3jA_Qcmf1eX7C2u_24aOwgrbggcnIxFkb3XVcI9aoNhoJeB0hPlP8vlC09ERQutw8YPXxtK8awN9KQlzjFiBq9KeipevV0OlpYMofpCItGDLB6M5M/s320/beach2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dana Point Sea Cave Trail</td></tr>
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If you’re cruising down Pacific Crest Highway in Dana Point, you should set aside 90 minutes to see one of the better sea caves in Orange County. The hike to the cave is probably only a half mile round trip, but it will feel like more because the coastline is rocky and slick in a few sections due to the seaweed and algae. You should be careful to avoid this hike during high tide or large wave swells because you're essentially trapped along the coastline next to a large cliff for the duration of the hike and there is nowhere to hide if the ocean comes crashing down on you.<br />
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There is a free parking lot for this trail at the ocean institute in Dana Point. The easiest way to find the trail-head is to enter this address into your GPS: <b><i><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">3</span><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">4558 Scenic Dr., Dana Point,
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The trail for the sea cave starts at a large fenced-in set of stairs at the edge of the beach. These stairs can be locked during periods when the tide is high or the ocean is too rough. Once you descend the stairs to the beach, just head west (right) on the beach and follow the coastline for about ¼ of a mile. There is a large rock outcropping which marks the cave. The entrance to the cave is hidden until you get up right next to it. Here is the outcropping along the beach that you’ll want to look for:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcH1mt0X0EXC1stfwZRSPVtptBETOfPG4SwupIsS_S3wLgeve2njq_5ZxAwmICnH5CjfZATCEsRp55noCwh-XLzHKX615eE0mLhO77UbCA1NTilV5uVgjKjwL0lEy6hQcVFypjGfrl3g/s1600/beach+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcH1mt0X0EXC1stfwZRSPVtptBETOfPG4SwupIsS_S3wLgeve2njq_5ZxAwmICnH5CjfZATCEsRp55noCwh-XLzHKX615eE0mLhO77UbCA1NTilV5uVgjKjwL0lEy6hQcVFypjGfrl3g/s320/beach+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hidden Entrance to the Dana Point Sea Cave</td></tr>
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This particular sea cave is one of the largest I’ve seen in Orange County, but it's really only about the size of a your living room. We actually don't have very many large caves in the county, so it's unique. The hike will take most people around an hour to complete from start to finish. It may not be suitable for small children or people who may have trouble traversing the slick rocks. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkXU4v5kM18ICdJrCa0-9RbuBpGOma3fyII0rOxSWz-kOoD9dSnXRfxuhVswDTsu2jwmfb2MByN5olYF2CIpYDjWCpkTt01p6mlbbnKbHPuvgcPULGC_9tCuaSLwbuQmx34hNc6vEAIs/s1600/beach3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkXU4v5kM18ICdJrCa0-9RbuBpGOma3fyII0rOxSWz-kOoD9dSnXRfxuhVswDTsu2jwmfb2MByN5olYF2CIpYDjWCpkTt01p6mlbbnKbHPuvgcPULGC_9tCuaSLwbuQmx34hNc6vEAIs/s320/beach3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Dana Point Sea Cave</td></tr>
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If you want to make a day of it, there are several other great areas to explore near the Dana Point sea caves including:<br />
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/thousand-steps-beach-laguna-beach">1000
Steps Beach</a>-</span><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span>A great secluded beach with a large sea cave and great waves for surfing and bodyboarding<br />
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<a href="http://www.adventuresinsoutherncalifornia.com/2012/04/crystal-cove.html" target="_blank">Crystal Cove State Park/Moro Canyon</a>- A huge park located just north of Laguna Beach with hiking and mountain biking trails, a tent campground, a dedicated snorkeling area and amazing views from Coastal Peak Park at the top of the mountain.<br />
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.visitlagunabeach.com/listings/Alta-Laguna-Park/1558/">Alta
Laguna Park</a><span style="font-size: 10pt;">- </span></span>A smaller park located high above Laguna Beach with basketball courts, a picnic area and a paved 1 mile bike trail. </div>
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<a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/laguna-coast-wilderness-park-laguna-beach" target="_blank">Laguna Coast Wilderness Park</a>- A larger park next to Laguna Beach with amazing mountain biking and hiking trails. This park is breathtaking in the spring or anytime when we’ve had some rain and the entire mountain is covered in a blanket of greenery.<br />
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<a href="http://www.newportbeachca.gov/how-do-i-/view/things-to-do/back-bay-loop-trail" target="_blank">The Back Bay Loop Trail at Newport Beach-</a> A wetland preserve in Newport Beach with a fantastic paved bike trail. I highly recommend renting a kayak and experiencing this park from the water. </div>
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OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comScenic Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629, USA33.461189399999988 -117.7104431000000233.459533399999991 -117.71296460000002 33.462845399999985 -117.70792160000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-40473989215035184222017-12-02T02:56:00.002-08:002017-12-02T03:03:22.832-08:00Snow Canyon State Park, St. George Utah<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjEoj0Qc9PIESROEnKZTSWhmbSkkxAbkKmsEAoZtmIOIAJaYobFQexKRZhyphenhyphen1INYcDn5h8s-ulxGosnNiIeRUAVqXiVRt7MgUaRQjh3XzckDuaWB_me6bkDn8FbSL6IIJOXEN-u_0LP_Y/s1600/snowcanyon+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjEoj0Qc9PIESROEnKZTSWhmbSkkxAbkKmsEAoZtmIOIAJaYobFQexKRZhyphenhyphen1INYcDn5h8s-ulxGosnNiIeRUAVqXiVRt7MgUaRQjh3XzckDuaWB_me6bkDn8FbSL6IIJOXEN-u_0LP_Y/s320/snowcanyon+%25286%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow Canyon State Park, Utah</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #464646; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I recently visited Snow
Canyon State Park in southern Utah for the first time. Snow Canyon has several
unique and interesting features including arches, petrified dunes, slot
canyons, a few small caves, sand dunes and a natural spring which can be easily
accessed from the road or by a paved bike trail that runs through the park. The
park is located about ten minutes from St. George Utah. If you’re headed to
Zion National Park from Las Vegas on I-15, you’re going to come within a few
miles of Snow Canyon State Park. I highly recommend taking a half day to explore
Snow Canyon State Park.</span></div>
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<span style="background: #f3f3f3; color: #464646; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Unlike Zion National
Park which is usually filled with tourists, visitors to Snow Canyon Park are
sparse by comparison. However, most of the major trails in Snow Canyon State
Park are less than a mile round-trip, so you should expect to see families and and
some tourists on the trails. The paved “Whiptail”
bike trail gives you access to most of the trailheads without ever having to
cross the road. I highly recommend bringing your bike to this park. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #f3f3f3; color: #464646; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">There are several
great hiking trails for families including a short quarter mile jaunt on Jenny’s
Trail to see a small slot canyon, the Sand Dunes Trail and the Johnson Canyon
Trail. For more of an adventure, one of the best ways to experience Snow Canyon
State Park is to find the Petrified Dunes trail and just start exploring. The giant
sandstone mounds on the Petrified Dunes Trail are perfect for climbing and rock
scrambling. From the top of the Petrified Dunes, you get an amazing birds-eye
view of the park below. The Petrified Dunes were my favorite feature in the
park.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background: #f3f3f3; color: #464646; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Admission to Snow
Canyon State park is $6 per vehicle or $4 per bike. If you have multiple people
wanting to bike, it’s a much better deal to drive into the park with your
bikes, park your car and start your bike ride inside to avoid the multiple per-person
fees. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrHYDQCmShJdevNfs5NknrhtMv49e9u3agm6iqEzhOcFcG8Dsj-0I8HYMfPR19aM0ndVmugzHkrlnW22mn9qm_8GCeWxTy1uZWG5-HntIGJYAonee8RzJcL6dSZhiQ8oZanOE7inBnkM/s1600/snowcanyon+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrHYDQCmShJdevNfs5NknrhtMv49e9u3agm6iqEzhOcFcG8Dsj-0I8HYMfPR19aM0ndVmugzHkrlnW22mn9qm_8GCeWxTy1uZWG5-HntIGJYAonee8RzJcL6dSZhiQ8oZanOE7inBnkM/s320/snowcanyon+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petrified Dunes: Snow Canyon State Park</td></tr>
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<span style="background: rgb(243 , 243 , 243); color: #464646; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Snow Canyon has a
campground, but it's located very close to the road. While it’s probably a great
place for an RV, I would probably avoid tent camping in Snow Canyon State Park
if you’re sensitive to road noise like I am. The noise probably won’t be an issue in
the off-season during the fall and winter when most of the visitors have dwindled. Campsites are $20/per
night and can be reserved in advance here:</span> <span style="background: rgb(243 , 243 , 243); color: #464646; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://utahstateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/snow-canyon-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=UT&parkId=345781">https://utahstateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/snow-canyon-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=UT&parkId=345781</a></span></div>
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<span style="background: #f3f3f3; color: #464646; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Just a few miles down the road
from Snow Canyon Park, there is a free area to explore called <a href="https://www.hikestgeorge.com/pioneer-park/" target="_blank">Pioneer Park</a>
which has several fun features you can explore including a cave, a small slot
canyon and a miniature arch. Pioneer Park is situated high above St. George with
an amazing view of the town below and it’s one of the best places in the area
to catch a sunset. Pioneer Park is comprised of the same type of red Sandstone
you’ll find in Snow Canyon. It’s a really great area for rock scrambling and
climbing. I definitely recommend taking an hour or two to explore Pioneer Park.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pioneer Park, St. George Utah</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #464646; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I would avoid visiting
this part of Utah in the late summer when the temperatures are usually
sweltering. You get very little shade and the sky is cloudless for most of July
and August. My favorite time of year to visit is in late September and October
when the crowds are gone and the temperatures are in the 60’s and 70’s.</span></div>
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<span style="background: #f3f3f3; color: #464646; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">For a good list of
trail descriptions in Snow Canyon State Park, visit: <a href="http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/snow_canyon/trails.html">http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/snow_canyon/trails.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #f3f3f3; color: #464646; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">For and interactive
map of Snow Canyon State Park, click </span></div>
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<span style="background: #f3f3f3; color: #464646; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">here:</span><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #464646; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><a href="https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/snow-canyon/map/" style="font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/snow-canyon/map/</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4e42UsfKgFOnpxvQzlhfKjTArP4hRJf73hD07wE6Uq9pN_zWw65Uf7daEDUgiJ8yA8zC9eFj091pV15oji4hg6Jy9lm-ZwjUvgKdhe__Yk0GxsYN8OBKRc5Kt4GtjRkRp7OA2nkYUIw/s1600/pioneer+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4e42UsfKgFOnpxvQzlhfKjTArP4hRJf73hD07wE6Uq9pN_zWw65Uf7daEDUgiJ8yA8zC9eFj091pV15oji4hg6Jy9lm-ZwjUvgKdhe__Yk0GxsYN8OBKRc5Kt4GtjRkRp7OA2nkYUIw/s320/pioneer+park.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pioneer Park overlooking St George Utah</td></tr>
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OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comSnow Canyon State Park, 1002 Snow Canyon Dr, Ivins, UT 84738, USA37.2147496 -113.6436972000000210.717493599999997 -154.95229120000002 63.7120056 -72.33510320000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-23406249152836929472017-04-08T03:20:00.003-07:002020-02-29T20:05:22.253-08:00Icebox Canyon, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icebox Canyon Waterfall</td></tr>
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Icebox Canyon is a fantastic intermediate hike in the Red Rock Conservation Area which is located just outside of Las Vegas Nevada. Icebox Canyon is about 2.5 miles round-trip from the parking area, but will probably take most hikers 2-3 hours to complete it at a normal pace. This trail can be a little sporting and requires some climbing and moderate uphill hiking on a rocky trail. Sprained ankles are a real concern on this one. If you have young children, if you're brand new to hiking, or if you're unsure you can handle the physical exertion, you may want to avoid this hike.<br />
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What to bring:<br />
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Red Rock Canyon is actually part of the Mojave Desert. Summer temperatures can reach 120+ degrees. Ideally, you want to hike this trail when the temperature outside is mild. I can not stress how important it is to bring at least a gallon of water per person if you plan on hiking this trail in the summer like a lunatic. Second, do not forget sunscreen. If you hike for 2 hours on clear day in Las Vegas, you will almost definitely end up with a serious sunburn . Third, sunglasses are a must. The Nevada sun will melt your eyes from your skull. Finally, let someone know where you're headed and what time you plan on returning. Protip: Remember to put your cellphone in airplane mode while you hike so your battery doesn't die searching for a signal. You won't get cell service in this part of Red Rock.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9ESjbi4mX9YagtJVgOAn8mTWPGAhXrzAonMed0zWX5NGEBH0xmYRfgZxpCCagQlUrbpGi2TXjGwMFAVbZt3gY4pOQLkBuSqeZhbW1FAy4M-r9Mo4UjOOgYJ774OQ3ujU0WaXTxR1KyU/s1600/hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9ESjbi4mX9YagtJVgOAn8mTWPGAhXrzAonMed0zWX5NGEBH0xmYRfgZxpCCagQlUrbpGi2TXjGwMFAVbZt3gY4pOQLkBuSqeZhbW1FAy4M-r9Mo4UjOOgYJ774OQ3ujU0WaXTxR1KyU/s320/hill.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area</td></tr>
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The Trail:<br />
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From the parking area, the dirt trail heads uphill and winds through thick shrubs which provide a little bit of shade. The trail splits about a quarter mile in, with one path leading up through the middle of the canyon in the dry creek bed, while the other section climbs above the creek bed hugging the right side of the canyon. I recommend keeping to the higher trail on the right. Both trails meet back together again after another half mile. Once you're inside the main part of the canyon, the final section of the trail requires some rock scrambling. You won't be able to get lost because the cliffs are hundreds of feet high on both sides of you. Just keep heading upstream through the dry creek bed until you reach the end. If you're lucky, you'll see a small trickling waterfall when you reach the end. Some people climb the waterfall to see the small pool at the middle of the falls, but the rocks are extremely smooth and slippery. Many people have been injured attempting the final climb. The pool at the top of the waterfall is too small to swim in anyway. All warnings aside, this is one of the best hikes in the Las Vegas area. There are very few places in the Mojave Desert where you can hike in the shade and see a waterfall.<br />
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Directions:<br />
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Red Rock Canyon is located about 20 minutes from the strip in Las Vegas. From Blue Diamond Road, turn right at Scenic Loop Drive. You will pay a 7$ entrance fee at the gate to get into the park. Ask for a map at the entrance. Follow Scenic Loop Drive for 8 miles until you reach the parking area for Icebox Canyon.<br />
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The address for Google maps is:<br />
Ice Box Canyon, Las Vegas, NV 89161<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwAtXUHl4LuF3ZO3ep8Ouy9soVpgL7I-Yk_ik4bVYBv0Oh2Hcb03Lg_s8C7KFVEj0W4EncQtpdBnwhr5KMeNjUDR8_5kzVm6o4rZlLaYhA4kvz8Fq5-MHFhWE27hLDpb_PmrtlkaCBg8/s1600/red+rock+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwAtXUHl4LuF3ZO3ep8Ouy9soVpgL7I-Yk_ik4bVYBv0Oh2Hcb03Lg_s8C7KFVEj0W4EncQtpdBnwhr5KMeNjUDR8_5kzVm6o4rZlLaYhA4kvz8Fq5-MHFhWE27hLDpb_PmrtlkaCBg8/s320/red+rock+map.jpg" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Rock Canyon Trail Map</td></tr>
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<br />OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comIce Box Canyon, Las Vegas, NV 89161, USA36.147296900000008 -115.4885118999999936.140885900000008 -115.4985969 36.153707900000008 -115.47842689999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-89567932593311877292017-02-28T04:02:00.004-08:002017-04-09T18:26:53.408-07:00 Oak Glen California: Apple Blossom Festival, April 16-17<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnTBjaC9d5jPEDFyKM31aXElG6ezm20RBtcmscSbySXSL_tUehqVuhKt00mR1xBggcXS4S25OGIqXtNecWGhY2aAvGG4Vi0MjFb-XWSw0Q3gfk7oikyTJobWVe_zAH21k42IoNzhmgMA/s1600/2013-Oak_Glen_Mapotv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnTBjaC9d5jPEDFyKM31aXElG6ezm20RBtcmscSbySXSL_tUehqVuhKt00mR1xBggcXS4S25OGIqXtNecWGhY2aAvGG4Vi0MjFb-XWSw0Q3gfk7oikyTJobWVe_zAH21k42IoNzhmgMA/s320/2013-Oak_Glen_Mapotv.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oak Tree Village in Oak Glen California</td></tr>
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As winter draws to a close in Southern California, it’s about time for the <a href="http://www.oakglen.net/appleblossom.html">Apple Blossom
Festival</a> in Oak Glen. This year’s Apple Blossom Festival will feature gem
panning, an outdoor picnic, colonial games, a treasure hunt, queen competition,
live music, petting zoo, Native American dancers, crafts, art workshops,
fishing, horse rides and more. The festival takes place<b> April 16<sup>th</sup>
and 17<sup>th</sup></b> with most events running from about <b>10 a.m. to 6 p.m.</b> If you’ve
never been to Oak Glen before, this is probably the perfect time to check out Southern
California’s 'apple country'.<br />
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<b>Oak Glen? Never Heard of It</b></div>
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Believe it or not, Southern California does have
seasons. While the temperature in Orange
County and Los Angeles may only drop by 10-15 degrees in the winter months, the
mountains in San Bernardino County are a very different story. It’s not unusual
to see annual snowfall totals in the mountains which reach 8 feet or more. The colder
climate in the foothills of these huge mountains allows farmers in Oak Glen grow crops
that you might not expect to see so far south, everything from grapes and blackberries,
to apple and cherry trees. As you travel around the five-mile loop in Oak Glen,
you can explore dozens of local farms, ranches, orchards, bakeries, shops and
wineries. Oak Glen is arguably the best place in all of Southern California to
grab a homemade apple pie or a jar of apple butter. It’s a totally
different world than Orange County or LA. Oak Glen really does feel like a country
town you would expect to find in the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hawk's Head</td></tr>
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My favorite stop on the loop in Oak Glen to grab a bite is at
the <a href="http://rileysfarm.com/index.php/tavern-bakery/hawks-head-public-house/">Hawk’s
Head</a> at Riley’s Farm, a colonial style restaurant which is modeled after an
18<sup>th</sup> century tavern. They specialize in comfort food and they’re
probably most famous for their pot pies. The waitresses at the Hawk’s Head dress
in colonial costumes, the portion sizes are huge, and the homemade apple cider is
served in chilled pewter tankards. The $10 appetizer of fried sausage and
apples was so large that our party of 5 was able to share it with some to take
home afterwards. I’m determined to go back to the Hawk’s Head and try the hard
apple cider next time I’m in town. We happened to catch a re-enactment of a
revolutionary war battle that was being held outside on the farm for a group of
local school kids. They do reenactments pretty regularly at Riley’s Farm and
you can always check the <a href="http://rileysfarm.com/index.php/calendar/">calendar</a>
for any other upcoming events. The kids all seemed to be having a blast and it made for
great after dinner entertainment. Riley’s Farm also has a period-authentic
bakery where you can pick up homemade bread and pies just like they used to eat
in the colonies.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Revolutionary War Demonstration at Riley's Farm</td></tr>
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Other highlights along the 5-mile loop in Oak Glen include Apple
Annie’s at Oak Tree Village, the Snow-Line Orchard and Winery, the Stone Soup
Farm and Heritage Orchard, and the <a href="http://www.serendipityranch.net/">Serendipity
Ranch Bed & Breakfast</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"> </span>if you’re looking
for a place to stay. If you visit in July, you can also check out the Colonial
Faire which has food, crafts, live music, reenactments and overnight camping.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyB96RwfEY07BIPtWwaw8u9iwssQzEGHHVRKtjdab1V4rbsteG0BWCMUhFraVpOV7uDZgeQtoK9nHI_5hkS-Jm37H9Kf3ipwoLacXjUxmCU5Y91xDKh2BcV6xS4r3Uxv70LJKeYlS1_o/s1600/rileys+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyB96RwfEY07BIPtWwaw8u9iwssQzEGHHVRKtjdab1V4rbsteG0BWCMUhFraVpOV7uDZgeQtoK9nHI_5hkS-Jm37H9Kf3ipwoLacXjUxmCU5Y91xDKh2BcV6xS4r3Uxv70LJKeYlS1_o/s320/rileys+inside.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oak Glen California</td></tr>
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<b>Hiking Near Oak Glen<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Oak Glen is located at the foot of San Gorgonio Mountain.
With a height of 11,503 feet, it’s one of the largest and most prominent peaks
in Southern California. The entire mountain range in this area is designated as
a National Forest and there are enough great hikes in the area to fill and entire
book. For those of you who are in the area and want to do some hiking, you can
make a scenic half hour drive from Oak Glen up the mountain on route 38 to see
one of the best waterfalls in Southern California, <a href="http://www.adventuresinsoutherncalifornia.com/2012/04/big-falls-san-bernardino-national.html">Big
Falls</a>. With all of the snow we’ve been getting this year, the falls should
be better now than they have in years. </div>
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OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comOak Glen, CA 92399, USA34.0494574 -116.947804500000027.5521569 -158.25639850000002 60.5467579 -75.639210500000019tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-35225582623107371392017-02-01T00:12:00.001-08:002017-02-04T01:42:32.802-08:00A Beginners Guide to Hitting the Slopes at Lake Tahoe<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0x3L-REh-xkJk8e9bkcfsRX583BFgc70Klrt3cI8S0IGBplxKcgsXVfqm7i2kiP0Y1U6g3zWBAnQwNx2WFb04n2q42Obb4tzLgMBEzHEKtc5CLPf2uzxQUHcnOcuevMCcQXX29x7h0_g/s1600/ski2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0x3L-REh-xkJk8e9bkcfsRX583BFgc70Klrt3cI8S0IGBplxKcgsXVfqm7i2kiP0Y1U6g3zWBAnQwNx2WFb04n2q42Obb4tzLgMBEzHEKtc5CLPf2uzxQUHcnOcuevMCcQXX29x7h0_g/s320/ski2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World's Largest Ski Lesson: Alpine Meadows</td></tr>
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Lake Tahoe California is renowned for the numerous world-class ski resorts like Squaw, Heavenly, Northstar and Alpine Meadows, just to name a few. With its lofty mountains, consistent weather and huge annual snowfall totals, Lake Tahoe is consistently ranked as one of the best ski and snowboarding destinations in the world. If you’re considering taking a ski/snowboarding trip this year, you should forget about Colorado and Utah. Lake Tahoe has sunnier skies, milder daytime temperatures and more things to do when you’re not on the slopes. Here is a beginner’s guide to hitting the slopes at Lake Tahoe California. </div>
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<b>Lake Tahoe is the Perfect Place to Learn to Ski and Snowboard</b><br />
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Some of the largest ski resorts in the United States are located in Lake Tahoe. If you’re a first-time skier or snowboarder, Lake Tahoe probably seems intimidating. In reality, the massive size of the resorts in Lake Tahoe will work in your favor when you’re learning to ski. With 4,800 skiable acres, Heavenly is the <a href="http://blog.liftopia.com/top-10-biggest-ski-resorts/">5th largest ski resort</a> in North America. Squaw ranks only a few places lower in 9th place with 3,600 acres. Both resorts have dozens of trails for beginners, which is a whole lot more than you would find at smaller resorts. Heavenly actually has two separate “learn to ski” areas with surface lifts and magic carpets. More beginner trails means less crowds on the slopes and shorter lines at the lifts so you can squeeze in more runs.<br />
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Nearly all of the resorts in Lake Tahoe offer package deals which include rental equipment, lessons and a lift ticket. For beginners, I highly recommend taking a lesson the first time you hit the slopes. One of the biggest mistakes that new skiers and snowboarders make is trying to wing it. Whether you opt for a private tutor or a group lesson, you’ll learn how to use the lifts, how to use your equipment, how to get up after a fall, how to understand the signage on the trails, and proper techniques for getting down the slopes safely. Many resorts also offer full day "camp style" lessons for kids.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://skical.wpengine.com/member-resorts/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bbRoUjopt0ix01masOrdVtRblq8ki4ytH3PIhXnj9lWY-Sfq3FsuFfKPTmpAT5kkANHa7gwm-W_jEtAmny9K63cTFlpE8aHd7OsOejBsax8uoa79_I0cY4_GTCSvsN6UAgXawE1wHgk/s320/skimaps-gp-web.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Ski Resort Map</td></tr>
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<b><a href="http://skicalifornia.org/safety/national-safety-month/" target="_blank">National Ski Safety Awareness Month</a></b></div>
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California has made a major push in recent years to emphasize safety at the resorts. Lake Tahoe is arguably one of the safest and most family-friendly places to learn to ski in the world. January is <i>National Ski Safety Awareness Month</i> and <a href="http://skicalifornia.org/" target="_blank">Ski California</a> has developed a new guide, dubbed Safety Mountain, to emphasize the importance of safety in snow sports.<br />
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<br />
January is also Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, and Ski California is encouraging safe and professional ski lessons throughout January. Safety month kicked off with the World's Largest Ski Lesson on Jan 6. Joined by over 80 ski resorts from across North America and Canada, the World’s Largest Ski Lesson achieved a new Guinness world record by simultaneously coordinating lessons for beginners in seven different time zones.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guinness World Record: World's Largest Ski Lesson</td></tr>
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And since we're talking about safety, don’t be ashamed to rent a helmet. There really is no better piece of equipment to help prevent a serious injury on the slopes than a helmet. Helmets aren’t mandatory gear in Lake Tahoe, but I strongly recommend renting one regardless of your age or experience.<br />
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<i>“The stigma of riding with a helmet is gone; everyone rides with them these days, and it is universally accepted that they give you a better chance of saving your brain. Why risk it?”</i><br />
<b> - <i>Ed Leigh</i></b> former professional snowboarder and Olympic commentator<br />
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<b>Where Should I Stay in Lake Tahoe?</b></div>
<div>
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It’s not an exaggeration to say that Lake Tahoe has some of the most beautiful resorts in California. The vast majority of people who visit Lake Tahoe stay in the southern part of the lake near the California/Nevada border. Personally, I prefer to stay up north in the town of Truckee. Truckee is the quintessential American ski town where you can find locally-owned shops, intimate restaurants, and ‘bed and breakfast’ style hotels. If you're looking for the perfect place to stay, my favorite resort in the Lake Tahoe vacinity is the <a href="http://www.cedarhousesporthotel.com/">Cedar House Sport Hotel</a> which is located about a mile from downtown Truckee. This chic, eco-friendly hotel easily ranks among the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in. It has all the amenities of a swanky resort, while still maintaining an intimate feel. The Cedar House is also a much shorter drive for travelers who want to ski or snowboard at Squaw, Northstar and the Alpine Meadows resorts.<br />
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One factor to consider is that hotel rooms in Truckee are limited and can fill up fast during peak ski times. I highly recommend booking your room several weeks in advance. Don’t try to book a room at the Cedar House last minute. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhY6aPLETLTK7KesZqlMyX8g-bixyLLyBE2JjpEnM0DmVmZiPH1Ux70egHnpzD3gYWqcoK5NQWVbgZkwhG6nfjn32aIcPQclmHsNqgPxeBCbYin5otiPOJ_MWy9pGah1L3nK9d3CCyk8/s1600/truckee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhY6aPLETLTK7KesZqlMyX8g-bixyLLyBE2JjpEnM0DmVmZiPH1Ux70egHnpzD3gYWqcoK5NQWVbgZkwhG6nfjn32aIcPQclmHsNqgPxeBCbYin5otiPOJ_MWy9pGah1L3nK9d3CCyk8/s320/truckee.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Truckee California </td></tr>
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Families may prefer to stay in South Lake Tahoe because there are more activities for children including arcades, an outdoor ice-skating rink, movie theaters, shopping, numerous restaurants, sleigh rides, heated outdoor pools and sledding hills. South Lake Tahoe also has several large casinos in the heart of downtown, so you’re more likely to find a cheaper room if you’re on a budget or trying to book last minute.<br />
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<b>Getting to Lake Tahoe</b><br />
<br />
Lake Tahoe receives an average snowfall of over 400 inches. The snow can pose challenges for getting there in the winter. Whether you fly into Sacramento or Reno, you're going to have to drive up some mountain roads to reach the resorts. There are two major highways you can take from points west in California, route 50 to the south and I-80 to the north. These highways are extremely well-maintained by road crews and only close during the worst blizzards. When snow is present on the roadway, chains are often required and traffic may be restricted to 4-wheel drive vehicles only. You should always check for <a href="http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/">road closures</a> and inclement weather before you head up to Lake Tahoe. <br />
<br />
A good way to avoid getting stranded is to rent a 4-wheel drive vehicle before you head up the mountain to Lake Tahoe. The Sacramento Airport is likely the cheapest and easiest option for renting a 4-wheel drive vehicle if you’re headed to Lake Tahoe from Southern California. You can regularly find rental deals on Travelocity and Orbitz for around $150/week. Just park your car in the satellite parking lot at the Sacramento airport and then pick up your rental car from the terminal. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Tahoe California Winter Roads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<div>
<b>What Should I Bring?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Many people who live in Southern California take for granted just how harsh the weather can be in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Lake Tahoe has an average low temperature that is below freezing from November through April. You don't want to get caught in a storm in Lake Tahoe without proper gear. If you're driving, it's extremely important to keep blankets and water in your car in case of road closures or sudden inclement weather. Chances are, you won't run into problems on the road, but it never hurts to be prepared.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Always Bring:</i><br />
- Snow chains<br />
<div>
- Heavy winter jackets<br />
-Snow pants</div>
- Waterproof/water resistant gloves<br />
- Knit hats<br />
- Boots<br />
- Jumper cables<br />
- Emergency flairs<br />
- Extra blankets<br />
- Water<br />
- Flashlight<br />
- Cellphone and charger<br />
<br />
<b>Winter Hiking</b><br />
<br />
Just because you’re on a ski trip, it doesn’t mean you can’t fit in some hiking. I recommend checking out the 3 waterfalls located in the southern part of the lake just off route 50. These hikes are open year-round, but are sometimes inaccessible in the winter due to the snow. While not necessarily required, a good set of snowshoes is probably good idea if you intend to do any hiking in Lake Tahoe in the winter.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.sierranevadageotourism.org/content/horsetail-falls/sieCB884E565DD798F22">Horsetail Falls</a> A 3.3 roundtrip hike to an 800-foot cascading waterfall<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.tahoeactivities.com/cascade-falls-hiking-trail/">Cascade Falls</a> A 1 mile hike to a 200-foot waterfall<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.tahoesbest.com/eagle-falls-trail-lake-tahoe">Eagle Falls</a> A 1 mile hike to a 90-foot waterfall</div>
OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-36806416084044692772016-12-16T00:14:00.005-08:002016-12-16T00:39:43.437-08:005 Must See Attractions in Big Bear California <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAxnrLYxwPcSVmw39_ivCHs3FLvpnSWrzbYBVoaP59-_xX1n7x6zVWTUJ02y1-88pO-IWJOYMBb6udpRYaEAX_PVvve1h_DJXVWzFxGtoSDKjvK88QDekb4Sb5brfBn9dhoTn-NtkSnk/s1600/47213_745614066455_4123998_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAxnrLYxwPcSVmw39_ivCHs3FLvpnSWrzbYBVoaP59-_xX1n7x6zVWTUJ02y1-88pO-IWJOYMBb6udpRYaEAX_PVvve1h_DJXVWzFxGtoSDKjvK88QDekb4Sb5brfBn9dhoTn-NtkSnk/s320/47213_745614066455_4123998_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Bear Lake California</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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When I first moved to California in 2010, Big Bear was one
of the first places I visited. This little mountain town set a high bar for the rest of my adventures in California. In the summer, people flock to Big Bear for
hiking, camping, boating, swimming, horseback riding and mountain biking. In the winter, Big
Bear is the premiere destination for skiing and snowboarding in Southern
California with two great resorts, <a href="http://www.bigbearmountainresort.com/winter/mountains/mountains/bear-mountain/about-bear-mountain">Bear
Mountain</a> and <a href="http://www.bigbearmountainresort.com/winter/mountains/mountains/snow-summit/about-snow-summit">Snow
Summit</a>. There are many other fantastic attractions in Big Bear that are less well known. Here is my list of 5 'must see' attractions in Big Bear California for 2016.</div>
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<b>#1 Oktoberfest in Big
Bear<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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October is my absolute favorite time to visit Big Bear. The
weather is perfect and sunny every day and it’s cold enough at night to break
out a jacket and pretend that you’re on the east coast where they actually have
seasons. Oktoberfest in Big Bear is universally considered to be one of the
best Oktoberfest festivals in the entire United States. The annual festival
runs for 8 consecutive weekends from September through October at the Big Bear
Convention Center. Hundreds of people pack the place out nearly every single
night of the festival. The festival has
log cutting competitions, dance contests, food, beer and live nightly
performances by German bands. During the day, the festival is pretty tame, but
it can get pretty crazy at nights when everyone is drinking and dancing. They
don’t exactly discourage having a good time at Oktoberfest in Big Bear. Best of
all, the city offers a free shuttle from the convention center to the hotels
during Oktoberfest to keep drunk drivers off the road. Tickets for the event
range in price from $10-20, but f you plan on drinking, I definitely recommend
going online and picking up an <a href="http://bigbearevents.com/oktoberfest/tickets/pricing/">Über Burgermeister
Party Pack</a> which includes 2 nights of admission, a commemorative stein, and
2 liters of beer.<br />
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Don’t feel obligated to stay at the convention center for
the entire festival. During Oktoberfest in Big Bear, several local breweries
offer drink specials and seasonal brews. The Big Bear Brewing Company sells a
seasonal draft called <a href="http://bblbc.com/our-brew/">Rollin Out the
Pumkin</a> which is easily the best pumpkin beer I’ve ever had in my life. All
jokes aside, this beer is literally worth a drive up the mountain itself. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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The hotels and motels around town can get a little expensive
in Big Bear during Oktoberfest, especially on the weekends, so don’t be afraid
to search <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/s/Big-Bear-Lake--CA?page=1&s_tag=2b7o28Zs&allow_override%5B%5D=">Airbnb</a>
and find a cabin to rent instead. You can almost always find some really swanky
cabins in Big Bear to rent for about the same price as a hotel. If you’re going
with a large group, a cabin rental is absolutely the way to go. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>#2 </b><b>Big Bear Alpine Zoo</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSx1sx2QIVtkvB4DOBUNtyIyDNOTtprnnuuX0RXxXh2-xkUEEmIZMqi45ZbWPf5VxsYvbe5mBBeOU0ikYv5PuSFn_0Ni-NiVhcfiKXx7kniUnImM9eKldKFGqHma_SBAnApvKAYfWBWE/s1600/IMG_20161113_135826463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSx1sx2QIVtkvB4DOBUNtyIyDNOTtprnnuuX0RXxXh2-xkUEEmIZMqi45ZbWPf5VxsYvbe5mBBeOU0ikYv5PuSFn_0Ni-NiVhcfiKXx7kniUnImM9eKldKFGqHma_SBAnApvKAYfWBWE/s320/IMG_20161113_135826463.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</td></tr>
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I recently had an opportunity to tour the Big Bear Alpine
Zoo. This zoo is different from almost any other zoo in the United States
because of the high elevation in Big Bear which more closely resembles the natural
habitat of the animals which are housed there. Originally created as a
sanctuary for injured animals, the zoo still maintains a policy in which many
of the animals are rehabilitated and released back into the wild. For a modest ticket price ranging between
$9-12, you can see Black Bears, Wolves, Snow Leopards, Arctic Foxes, Bald
Eagles, Bobcats, Coyotes, Grizzly Bears, Mountain Lions, and Snowy Owls, just to
name a few. No, it’s not the San Diego Zoo, but for 1/10 the price, you can see
many of the same animals at the Alpine Zoo without the insane crowds and
ludicrous ticket prices in San Diego. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is located within
walking distance of the Bear Mountain ski resort and is open year round. For
hours and more information, you can check the zoo’s website at <a href="http://bigbearzoo.org/visit/">http://bigbearzoo.org/visit/</a></div>
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<b>#3 </b><b>Horseback Riding</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfc4MJfZ-yhzY2W0Zm89t-XRHtcnjbNZBj9C2pJBVNYBhTPV7Fptn3oh5BGpQMQe352OGLYPNyOwq7ws2xDKLnKDV5Pb1zUL-ls6DTVgptFiWsW6wcpSIOUjx61SSSeBI95Jq5HOvP6Y/s1600/IMG_20161113_100914972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfc4MJfZ-yhzY2W0Zm89t-XRHtcnjbNZBj9C2pJBVNYBhTPV7Fptn3oh5BGpQMQe352OGLYPNyOwq7ws2xDKLnKDV5Pb1zUL-ls6DTVgptFiWsW6wcpSIOUjx61SSSeBI95Jq5HOvP6Y/s320/IMG_20161113_100914972.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baldwin Lake Stables in Big Bear California</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Horseback riding is a year-round activity in Big Bear, and
one I highly recommend. <a href="http://www.baldwinlakestables.com/">Baldwin
Lake Stables</a> offers several options for new and experienced riders alike including
1,2 and 3 hour rides and half day trips. I opted for the 2-hour trip and it felt like the perfect length of time to be sitting on a horse. Our guide led us up through a picturesque
forest trail to an amazing overlook in the mountains. There really is no better
way to scale a mountain than on horseback. Part of the trail we rode was
actually a section of the Pacific Crest Trail which runs the entire length of
the United States from Mexico to Canada. Our group had a private guide, so we
got to ride at our own pace. It was amazing to have some peace and quiet on a private tour without having to accommodate another group. Just writing about makes me wish I was on horseback again in Big Bear. Baldwin
Lake Stables is located about ten minutes east of Big Bear Lake. You want to
call them directly to make a reservation at (909) 585-6482.</div>
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<b>#4 Santa’s Village</b><o:p></o:p><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwPOCp3FitEhlx32BbhD5qhmRIgnf1C_Jt4koMmw2fH-MM-MebqcYKM4wPHLlXuVJzdaoCigfct4oqtT-N0YI4cr-5ROKDtoTHQzXMFPZyx8ZG8kUC8BgkGn0km5SZrIevAFT-ZOhFgA/s1600/santa+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwPOCp3FitEhlx32BbhD5qhmRIgnf1C_Jt4koMmw2fH-MM-MebqcYKM4wPHLlXuVJzdaoCigfct4oqtT-N0YI4cr-5ROKDtoTHQzXMFPZyx8ZG8kUC8BgkGn0km5SZrIevAFT-ZOhFgA/s320/santa+house.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skypark at Santa's Village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The new Santa’s Village, dubbed “SkyPark at Santa’s
Village", is located just off Highway 18 (Rim of the World HWY) in the
tiny town of Skyforest California. It’s been over 20 years since they closed
their doors, but the park has been fully restored and has expanded to include
several mountain themed activities including a rock climbing wall, an outdoor
skating rink, mountain biking trails, a skypedal monorail, ziplining, hiking
trails, electric assisted pedal cars, a campground, and more. The outdoor
skating rink at Santa’s Village is the only one of its kind in the San
Bernardino mountains. The rink was completed just in time for Christmas in 2016.
The tentative plan for outdoor section of the park is to keep it open all year.
Some of the attractions may not be ready until the spring of 2017. You can
check the official <a href="http://skyparksantasvillage.com/">Santa’s Village
website</a> for directions, tickets and more info about the attractions.</div>
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<b>#5 Mountain Biking at
Snow Summit<o:p></o:p></b><br />
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Snow Summit is the premiere destination for mountain biking
in the San Bernardino mountains. The resort is open for mountain biking in the
spring, summer and fall and is the only mountain bike park with lift service in
Southern California. From the top of the lift, there are over 60 miles of
maintained bike trails to explore for riders of all abilities. You’ll see some
truly amazing views of Big Bear Lake while you ride. To be honest, the
intermediate blue trails are mostly terrifying, so I stick to the greens. The
black advanced trails are for experts only. There are some really fantastic
beginner trails where you can cruise for miles without ever touching the
pedals. You can rent a bike at the mountain for an additional fee, or bring your
own from home. If biking isn’t your thing, you can opt for a lift ticket and
take a ride to the top for a beer at the Skyline Taphouse and some spectacular
views. Many people ride the lift to the top and hike down the mountain. Check the
official <a href="http://www.bigbearmountainresort.com/summer/mountain-biking/mountain-biking">Snow
Summit</a> website for hours and lift ticket information.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Honorable Mention: </b><i><b>The Big Bear Alpine Slide</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>And of course, no trip to Big Bear is complete without a trip to the Alpine Slide.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GS3kIXsNtu8" width="560"></iframe>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comBig Bear, CA 92314, USA34.2611183 -116.8450300000000134.2086288 -116.925711 34.3136078 -116.76434900000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-31777928081053464842016-12-09T05:53:00.001-08:002016-12-09T05:53:25.747-08:00Alpine Slide Crash in Breckenridge Colorado: Awesome Video<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yvERb0C1Pvs" width="560"></iframe>OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comBreckenridge, CO 80424, USA39.4816537 -106.0383517999999939.383636200000005 -106.19971329999998 39.5796712 -105.87699029999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-65117536337721958232016-12-04T07:13:00.003-08:002016-12-05T03:01:54.342-08:005 Things You Absolutely Must See Near Joshua Tree National Park<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYe4EXiBCIKIsEYc9kyjGM2a8EeVGXtJbPuFYjZxfNJl1iltYIjDr3P86SsKC9HV3I92I_Ejsav1BWUPUYtdxjeT_CKtz5j0EPEScqyykSiP2sG3p8RlXBlM0AHbFQ9IDagFvj_qZYijY/s1600/rock+sit+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYe4EXiBCIKIsEYc9kyjGM2a8EeVGXtJbPuFYjZxfNJl1iltYIjDr3P86SsKC9HV3I92I_Ejsav1BWUPUYtdxjeT_CKtz5j0EPEScqyykSiP2sG3p8RlXBlM0AHbFQ9IDagFvj_qZYijY/s320/rock+sit+small.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua Tree National Park</td></tr>
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<br />
Joshua Tree National Park is one of my favorite national
parks. You can spend several days hiking the numerous trails in the park like
Barker Dam, Lost Horse Mine and Hidden Valley and never finish them all. Joshua Tree is also a premiere
destination for rock climbing, attracting enthusiasts from all over the world. To
be honest, just watching the sunset from Keys View merits a visit to Joshua Tree
itself. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Joshua actually encompasses an area of over 1,200 square miles, which
is just slightly larger than the entire state of Rhode Island, so there is a lot to do. Most people who
visit the park only see a small fraction of what this area has to offer. If you
truly want to experience the California desert, you’re going to have to get
outside the main section of the park and do some exploring. Here is my list of 5
things you absolutely must see near Joshua Tree National Park. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>1. Indian Cove
Campground <o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNDPuhPAX-0XFBrAkLXWg-YhLo46RWTC-8XtUgzRn4ZsRCJBOpKTXQdN54aZNNPti1E5C4BCGdM5UqIrQrIWgNcyR0atDfTuqW1_vg110nluT6DxKhyITE49lg4YmgrYzoYgwHElvfaM/s1600/indian+cove+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNDPuhPAX-0XFBrAkLXWg-YhLo46RWTC-8XtUgzRn4ZsRCJBOpKTXQdN54aZNNPti1E5C4BCGdM5UqIrQrIWgNcyR0atDfTuqW1_vg110nluT6DxKhyITE49lg4YmgrYzoYgwHElvfaM/s320/indian+cove+small.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Cove Campground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Indian Cove Campground is located within the boundaries
of Joshua Tree National Park, but most visitors never see because it’s not
accessible from the main road inside the park. Personally, I love that this
campground only gets a fraction of the visitors as the rest of the park. Even
when it’s busier, the Indian Cove Campground is surrounded by giant boulders
which isolates you from your neighbors. As an added bonus, there are literally
hundreds of amazing bouldering and rock climbing routes located all around the
campground. This area of the park also affords some of the best stargazing
anywhere in the United States.</div>
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Indian Cove just
happens to be located next to my favorite hike in Joshua Tree, which is Rattlesnake
Canyon, but more on that later. One of the best aspects of Indian Cove is that
you don’t have to pay to enter this section of the park, unless you plan on
camping. You can just drive in, park, and start exploring. Camping rates are
reasonable and range from $12-50 per night.
If you do plan on camping in Joshua Tree, you won’t find a better spot
than the Indian Cove Campground.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>2. Rattlesnake Canyon
Hike<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rattlesnake Canyon Hike</td></tr>
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My favorite trail in Joshua Tree has to be the Rattlesnake
Canyon Trail. The word “trail” is a bit misleading, as Rattlesnake Canyon is
really a maze of giant boulders you’ll have to hop, squeeze through and climb
until you've had your fill. There are countless small caves and crevices to
explore among the boulders. We even found a few small arches. This is also a popular
spot for rock-climbing. Be warned: This not a hike for beginners or small
children. Do not be misled by other sites claiming this is a moderate hike. If
you plan on getting off trail and climbing through the boulders, Rattlesnake
Canyon will challenge you and kick your butt. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtX0NPfesvE4XHsmV1Em-Skw0QenrrAV63NmW8-_pNM2OnzzbaINRLdslK4IJe4QUKW0YjhjrP9AKhlX9aza8Ukll_Trhu_nQy0SC6STIM_HGgkJ1O4UQtkONMhO8YoKx42tlsW93bb8/s1600/29+palms+inn5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtX0NPfesvE4XHsmV1Em-Skw0QenrrAV63NmW8-_pNM2OnzzbaINRLdslK4IJe4QUKW0YjhjrP9AKhlX9aza8Ukll_Trhu_nQy0SC6STIM_HGgkJ1O4UQtkONMhO8YoKx42tlsW93bb8/s320/29+palms+inn5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">29 Palms Inn</td></tr>
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A lot of people don’t like camping, which I totally
understand. By the time you buy a tent, a sleeping bag and the rest of your
camping gear, you could easily end up spending more than you would have for a
hotel room. To be honest, I don’t always camp myself. Recently, I stumbled upon
a little hotel near Joshua Tree called the<a href="http://www.29palmsinn.com/" target="_blank"> 29 Palms Inn</a> that was so perfect I
almost hate to mention it for fear of spoiling it. The 29 Palms Inn is
literally an oasis in the desert. Literally. It has a real oasis right in the
middle of it. The “hotel” is really a collection of bungalows and cabins. My
room looked like something out of a Wes Anderson movie. The hotel restaurant is
actually pretty amazing. You can enjoy dinner and cocktails by the pool while
you listen to live music. The hotel also
has an art studio where you can take painting and pottery classes or buy
artwork from local artists. The 29 Palms Inn is easily the best hotel I’ve
stayed in while visiting Joshua Tree.</div>
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If you’re visiting Joshua Tree National Park and you only had time to eat at one restaurant, Pappy and Harriet’s should be that restaurant. Billboard Magazine named Pappy and Harriet’s one of the ‘Top Ten Hidden Gems’ in a 2012 issue. The restaurant has also been featured in several television shows like Anthony Bourdain’s <i>No Reservations</i> <i><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.98px;">. </span></i>If you’re lucky enough to catch an open mic night, you can sit back and enjoy an 18oz Porterhouse steak while you watch traveling musical artists from all over the country. This is not open mic at your local coffee shop. Artists like Feist, Ke$sha, Matt Costa have all made appearances at open mic night here. <o:p></o:p></div>
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On a weeknight, there is no hipper place to be than Pappy and Harriet’s. The wait time for a table can get quite long as the restaurant is frequently filled to capacity. But it's worth the wait. Make sure to check the <a href="http://www.pappyandharriets.com/calendar/">events calendar</a> on the website because the restaurant frequently closes at night to host major acts. Paul McCartney, Queens of the Stone Age, Neko Case, Arctic Monkeys, Band of Horses, Sean Lennon and Billy Corgan and countless other big label acts have all performed here.</div>
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<b><span style="background: white;">5. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to </span><span style="background: white;">Mount Jacinto <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Desert Trail on Mount Jacinto</td></tr>
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<span style="background: white;">No vacation to Joshua Tree is
complete with taking a side trip to ride the <a href="https://www.pstramway.com/" target="_blank">Palm Springs Aerial Tramway</a> up
Mount Jacinto. Mount Jacinto is the
sixth largest mountain in the lower 48 states. Its unique because the base of
the mountain is located at sea level which gives Jacinto one of the steepest
vertical ascents in the United States. The infamous Cactus to the Clouds Trail
involves an elevation gain of over 10,000 feet from the base to the summit of
the mountain. It is purported that John Muir once said </span>"The view from San Jacinto is the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth!" </div>
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<span style="background: white;">Thankfully, reaching the summit can
be simplified by taking a quick ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway which cuts
about 8,000 feet off the climb. A round-trip hike from the observation deck at
the top of tram to the peak of Mount San Jacinto is about 11 miles, but may
take as long as 7 hours to hike it because of the thin air at this elevation. There is also great campground at Round Valley
if you don’t want rush your trip and plan to stay the night on the mountain.
You should be aware that temperatures on Mount Jacinto can differ from those on
the desert floor by 60 degrees or more, and sub-freezing nighttime temperatures
are possible even in the summer. Pack accordingly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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If you don’t plan of hiking to the summit, you can still see some amazing views from the observation area at the top of the tram which overlooks all of Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park. Families with children should consider checking out the easy 1.5 mile Desert View Trail which also starts at the top of the tram. <br />
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OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comJoshua Tree National Park, California, USA33.873415 -115.9009922999999833.8207985 -115.98167329999998 33.9260315 -115.82031129999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-40141961196882943452016-11-26T22:36:00.002-08:002016-11-26T22:37:08.111-08:00Los Penasquitos Canyon Waterfall <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail</td></tr>
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Los Penasquitos Canyon is a great day-use trail which is located
about 20 miles north of San Diego. This trail is popular for hiking, biking and
horseback riding. From the northern entrance located just off the 15 freeway, the
Los Penasquitos trail follows the Penasquitos creek to a small cascading
waterfall. From the northern trailhead, the hike is approximately 6 miles
roundtrip to the waterfall. Most people can finish the hike in less than 3
hours. The trail is almost entirely flat
and is suitable for hikers of any age or ability. Dogs are also permitted on the
trail as long as they are leashed. <o:p></o:p><br />
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The canyon is partly shaded by acorn trees, but there are
some sections where you will be exposed to the sun. The summer temperatures in
this area can be extremely hot, often in the 80-90 degree range. Dehydration is a very real concern and hikers
should be bring plenty of water for the trip. One small bottle of water will NOT
be enough during the summer months. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Los Penasquitos Waterfall</td></tr>
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For people who like to get away from the crowds, this trail
may not be for you. Because of its proximity to the freeway and several large neighborhoods,
this trail is almost always busy. The main trail through the canyon is
extremely wide, but there are many smaller single-track trails which wind
through the trees and provide some shade for hikers. Mountain bikers are not
technically permitted to use the single-track trails, but many still use them
anyway. Don’t be afraid to get off the main trail and do some exploring in the
canyon. There are several fun wooden bridges which cross over the creek. You
won’t be able to miss the waterfall because its marked by a giant rock
outcropping in the center of the canyon. The waterfall is definitely the highlight
of the trip, so don’t give up before you see it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Los Penasquitos Canyon</td></tr>
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While not nearly as impressive as <a href="http://www.adventuresinsoutherncalifornia.com/2013/09/cedar-creek-falls.html">Cedar
Creek Falls</a> to the east, Los Penasquitos is unique because it is one of
only a few waterfalls in the area which flows consistently. Los Penasquitos Canyon is definitely worth a
stop if you’re looking to get out of the city in San Diego and do a good a hike.
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<b>Directions to the Los
Penasquitos Canyon trailhead:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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From Route 15, take the Mercy Road exit and head west for approximately
1 mile to Black Mountain Road. The entrance to the trailhead is located at the intersection
of Mercy Road and Black Mountain Road. There is a $5 fee to park at the
trailhead, but there is free parking available in the adjacent neighborhoods if
you don’t mind walking a bit further. The
trail is simple to find and starts at a locked gate at the far end of the parking
lot. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Los Penasquitos Canyon Map</td></tr>
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OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comBlack Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA, USA32.9390205 -117.1284304999999832.8324115 -117.28979199999998 33.0456295 -116.96706899999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-7668581464263834482016-11-20T03:09:00.001-08:002016-11-26T16:38:42.501-08:00SkyPark at Santa's Village Grand Re-Opening 2016<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skypark at Santa's Village 2016</td></tr>
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<b><a href="http://skyparksantasvillage.com/buy-tickets/" target="_blank">Opening Day</a> is December 2, 2016</b><br />
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Situated high in the mountains above San Bernardino County in
the tiny town of Skyforest California, there is a historic piece of Americana called
Santa’s Village. Every year at Christmas time, parents and grandparents all
over Southern California would make the annual trek up the mountain to take the
kiddies to see Santa Claus. Originally opened in 1955, Santa’s Village was a
beloved family Southern California attraction which operated for 30 years until
finally closing their doors in 1998. In the years that followed, the park
changed hands and fell into serious disrepair. In 2003, a wildfire nearly
destroyed the remaining buildings on the property. Enter a new owner with a bold
new vision for the park. After 30 month of painstaking renovations, Santa’s
Village is finally scheduled to re-open this November just in time for
Christmas.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa's Village 1991</td></tr>
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For those of you who remember the park in it's heyday, Santa’s Village will
look about the same as it did when it first opened all those years ago. Eighteen
of the historic log cabins on the property have been fully restored to their
former grandeur. The new owners really outdid themselves on the cabins. The
small details are really first-class and rival anything you would see at
Disney. With its snow-capped cabins, giant candy canes, glittering trees,
elves, jugglers and even a real live white wolf, Santa’s Village really does
feel like a winter wonderland.<br />
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The new Santa’s Village, dubbed “SkyPark at Santa’s Village",
has expanded to include several mountain themed activities including a rock
climbing wall, an outdoor skating rink, mountain biking trails, a skypedal
monorail (whatever that it?), ziplining, hiking trails, electric assisted pedal
cars and more. The outdoor skating rink is the first of its kind in the San
Bernardino mountains since the Ice Castle in Blue Jay closed after a roof
collapsed in 2001. The ice skating rink and rock climbing wall are nearly
completed and should be ready in time for Christmas. The tentative plan for outdoor
section of the park is to keep it open all year, but some of the attractions
may not be ready until the spring of 2017. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Outdoor enthusiasts in Southern County will be excited to hear that the new owners of the park plan to add a camping area.
For anyone who is unfamiliar with the tiny town of Skyforest where the park is
located, Santa’s Village sits on a prime piece of land which is 6,000 feet
above sea level and with spectacular views overlooking San Bernardino County
below. The giant Lodgepole pine trees in the area are worth a visit themselves.
When the new campground is opened in 2017, I’ll probably be the first one in line for a
spot. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveEhZ_aCkEAIGvuXfchIt3NQRCVSLaFoGA5E575JJthDrcUmwzknuAWahLv3G-wKlOw8e6btN8NO6Gy46cjHupIumUmWTI8n4lyfui2bd3elqOaWXm_t6BK_XpK9nBQTBcwdqWD96sbo/s1600/SkyPark-Map+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveEhZ_aCkEAIGvuXfchIt3NQRCVSLaFoGA5E575JJthDrcUmwzknuAWahLv3G-wKlOw8e6btN8NO6Gy46cjHupIumUmWTI8n4lyfui2bd3elqOaWXm_t6BK_XpK9nBQTBcwdqWD96sbo/s320/SkyPark-Map+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skypark at Santa's Village Map</td></tr>
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If you want to turn a trip to Santa’s Village in a multi-day
excursion, there are several awesome attractions and hikes nearby including Big
Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, <a href="http://www.adventuresinsoutherncalifornia.com/2013/08/snow-summit-mountain-bike-park.html" target="_blank">Snow Summit</a> and Bear Mountain ski resorts, <a href="http://californiathroughmylens.com/2011/08/heart-waterfall-seeley-creek-falls-in-crestline-ca/" target="_blank">HeartRock Falls</a> and <a href="http://www.adventuresinsoutherncalifornia.com/2012/05/bonita-falls-rancho-cucamonga.html" target="_blank">Bonita Falls</a>. For a real adventure, you could even pick up the
Pacific Crest Trail at the northern end of Lake Arrowhead and hike 10 miles in to
<a href="http://www.adventuresinsoutherncalifornia.com/2012/05/deep-creek-hot-springs-at-bowen-ranch.html" target="_blank">Deep Creek Hot Springs</a> which is easily one of the best natural hot springs in
Southern California.<br />
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For more information about the new Skypark at Santa’s
Village, visit <a href="http://skyparksantasvillage.com/">skyparksantasvillage.com</a><br />
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<b>Skypark at Santa's Village is located on scenic Rim of the World Highway (California State Route 18) in the city of Skyforest</b><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5dqsrm56Vfg" width="560"></iframe>OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comSkyforest, CA 92352, USA34.2355334 -117.179416300000017.7382599000000027 -158.4880103 60.7328069 -75.870822300000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-43018498596586847022016-11-04T23:56:00.004-07:002016-11-05T00:02:34.780-07:00Congratulations to our New, Delicious, National Mammal: The Buffalo<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieI4t_U-TLyykl6vUZGVWyaBdwxPeF01CttQ1ZY7-thTmuSeWxMmZmZiGXa1qBrVAqnuvo6GhxHGDkeG7b54yg3YviXzXXIiOrZuBRb0OiZAO3GmmcZCjK8birLzg_SvIw4tbgZShTbuQ/s1600/bison+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieI4t_U-TLyykl6vUZGVWyaBdwxPeF01CttQ1ZY7-thTmuSeWxMmZmZiGXa1qBrVAqnuvo6GhxHGDkeG7b54yg3YviXzXXIiOrZuBRb0OiZAO3GmmcZCjK8birLzg_SvIw4tbgZShTbuQ/s320/bison+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bison in Yellowstone National Park</td></tr>
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President Obama signed a new law designating the Bison as
the official mammal of the United States. Just to clear up some confusion, many
people will inevitably ask, “what’s the difference between a bison and a
buffalo?” There is no difference. An American Bison and an American Buffalo are
the same animal. Feel free to use the terms interchangeably. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In the 1800’s, there
were millions of bison roaming the plains in the Midwestern United States. By
1900, only a few dozen were left. The
buffalo were killed off through excessive hunting by settlers and through a
calculated effort by the army to drive Native Americans off the plains by
cutting of their primary food supply. If you want to read more about the history of
the bison, here is an excellent article in the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/animalia/wp/2016/04/27/how-the-bison-once-nearing-extinction-lived-to-become-americas-national-mammal/">Washington
Post</a>. My blog post is going to focus mostly on injured tourists and where
to find a good buffalo burger. <span style="font-family: "wingdings";">J</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpXIQgmOnVoDrAAQINvDudAzpRBGrN5DoFVVoZSxVLhCIWHHQ1M7STIIUVVp2PsQ4eR3288XGCsawqJ8Tatey8T5CsrujWjhfC1VfLnNlFCLGfnJSVZpUvlpcGWjUncmv1t6HAB2nUG4/s1600/Batuman-BisonBisonBison2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpXIQgmOnVoDrAAQINvDudAzpRBGrN5DoFVVoZSxVLhCIWHHQ1M7STIIUVVp2PsQ4eR3288XGCsawqJ8Tatey8T5CsrujWjhfC1VfLnNlFCLGfnJSVZpUvlpcGWjUncmv1t6HAB2nUG4/s320/Batuman-BisonBisonBison2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pile of bison skulls</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span>I’ve had a personal fascination with the bison from the
first time I saw one up close the first time in Yellowstone National Park 15
years ago. I was driving into the park from Cody Wyoming and a bison was just
meandering down the middle of the road causing a 5-mile traffic jam in both
directions. Hundreds of people outside of their cars following him down the
road taking pictures. For an animal that once teetered on the brink of extinction,
they seem to do pretty well in Yellowstone.<br />
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They may appear docile and move at about the speed of a cow
when they’re relaxed, but a bison can sprint up to 35 miles an hour when they
want to (That’s 7 miles an hour faster than Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt’s
fastest ever recorded speed). Park
rangers in Yellowstone routinely tell stories about tourists who try to mount
and ride bison in the park. Stories of parents trying to put their kids
onto the backs of bison for photos are also not uncommon. In the summer of
2015, there were five separate incidents where tourists were <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z08Ao5gHE3k">gored by bison</a> in a single season. None of
the five attacks were fatal, but there have been human fatalities caused by
bison inside the park in other years. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now that you know a little about our new national mammal, you might want to know if you can eat one. Unlike the bald eagle which is federally protected and
cannot be hunted or killed, you can actually eat a bison. Although there are
only about 5,000 wild buffalo in Yellowstone NP, over 100,000 bison also reside on private farms and ranches all over the US. Many of these animals end up on the dinner
table. You can find buffalo burgers on the menu in restaurants throughout
Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota. Nearly every roadside gas station in
the pacific Northwest seems to sell buffalo jerky. So how does a buffalo burger
taste? Pretty damn good, I’d say. It’s leaner than regular beef, a little
tougher and a little gamier. I highly recommend checking out the <a href="http://jackson.gunbarrel.com/">Gun Barrel</a> if you’re ever in Jackson
Hole Wyoming and hankering to try buffalo. They serve buffalo at least six different ways, all of them delicious. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Nw2zZhyphenhyphenSRxin1X5NmkBCIIsOzsKs7HvSnAW_ItL_mUukaDrchIrfGq7cC8XxktHC4wJLcHPwOgvbn2rl-NkREbK_DpY64TpeyZUgoVBicjiBWXqvy-00XXtKYj1kyhChmJ45XFA4Xio/s1600/bison+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Nw2zZhyphenhyphenSRxin1X5NmkBCIIsOzsKs7HvSnAW_ItL_mUukaDrchIrfGq7cC8XxktHC4wJLcHPwOgvbn2rl-NkREbK_DpY64TpeyZUgoVBicjiBWXqvy-00XXtKYj1kyhChmJ45XFA4Xio/s320/bison+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grazing Bison in Yellowstone NP</td></tr>
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You might be surprised to hear that you can actually find
wild bison in California. Catalina Island, located just a few miles off the coast of
Newport Beach, is home to around 150 wild bison. Its rumored filmmakers brought
bison over from the mainland and then left on the island about 100 years ago while
shooting a silent Western movie. Catalina has some of the best hiking trails in
Southern California and is definitely worth the 30 minute boat ride from
Newport Beach to see some bison in the wild. You can take the trip for free on
the <a href="http://www.catalinainfo.com/">Catalina Flyer</a> on your birthday
if you reserve a spot in advance and bring your id with you. <i>(Protip: Excellent date idea)</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
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OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-4594074823228809932016-11-02T21:34:00.001-07:002016-11-02T21:34:56.089-07:00Testing a Terrible Survival Kit: Funny Youtube VideoI don't think you could survive the zombie apocalypse with this kit.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2R9p1p3bTSI" width="560"></iframe>OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-60595946215913143112016-10-12T02:49:00.001-07:002016-10-12T02:49:09.560-07:00Insane Mountain Biking Video: Redbull HardlineRedbull Hardline Mountain Bike Trail. Somewhere in Whales.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DhBPFr3RRso" width="560"></iframe>OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-26621393110718814882016-08-06T18:11:00.002-07:002016-08-06T18:11:56.532-07:00Hand Gliding in Big Sur California: VideoNope. Just nope.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ip-x3Un_rb4" width="560"></iframe>OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comBig Sur, CA 93920, USA36.2704212 -121.80797636.2448172 -121.8483165 36.2960252 -121.7676355tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-43603068089350727952016-07-10T22:12:00.000-07:002016-07-10T22:12:00.222-07:00Riding a Wal-Mart Huffy Down a Real Moutain Trail: Insane VideoThis section of the video where he loses his breaks is intense. I could watch this all day.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/10s0o4nrUqs" width="560"></iframe>OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-60399793008220146442016-06-03T01:37:00.000-07:002016-06-03T01:37:01.209-07:00Havasupai Cliff Jumping: VideoHavasupai Arizona Waterfalls<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zGa2nxrUWvU" width="560"></iframe>OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532842771894609470.post-83935178072637066472016-03-26T16:25:00.001-07:002016-03-26T16:25:16.724-07:007 Caves in Southern California<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JOsYymCA5jTf3-mtNYjfkA8-5i8aZi6o8AJ6pLDDNgRDwCVHXqRCnROtX3WOQlBcL_4XS96o8rfs6m4xJbG6HJCZ5mh7duKkgOTwE19jHkHXwtqX81cpEkW72vsqC7jiXYjZlmN8Wps/s1600/225455_731881837877_5878486_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JOsYymCA5jTf3-mtNYjfkA8-5i8aZi6o8AJ6pLDDNgRDwCVHXqRCnROtX3WOQlBcL_4XS96o8rfs6m4xJbG6HJCZ5mh7duKkgOTwE19jHkHXwtqX81cpEkW72vsqC7jiXYjZlmN8Wps/s320/225455_731881837877_5878486_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crystal Cove State Park Sea Cave</td></tr>
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This is a link to a cool article with 2 caves I didn't know about.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/southern-california/8-caves-so-cal/">http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/southern-california/8-caves-so-cal/</a><br />
<br />OC Mobile Recording Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14805662306550576872noreply@blogger.com