“… blogging about life, travel, books, food and the outdoors”
Waterfalls tumble through majestic slot canyon
Cold water should only be for drinking. Certainly not standing or walking in. At least that’s what I thought before traipsing through a spectacular slot canyon to Kanarra Falls in southern Utah earlier this month. Walls in various shades of red loomed above us as we...
Thanksgiving a time to be grateful
I’ve never made a turkey. This could matter only because mom and I are hosting Thanksgiving. Even a day later I’ll still be able to say I have never made a turkey. Nothing is written in stone that Thanksgiving dinner must include a dead bird. OK, that was a little...
Book Review: Engaging read about the life of a fire lookout
I was pleasantly surprised about the depth of the book Fire Season: Field Notes from a Wilderness Lookout (HarperCollins, 2011). And I’m thankful to whomever it was who recommended this book by Philip Connors. I believe anyone who loves nature will enjoy this book....
Spooner Lake evolves with visitor center, amphitheater
While the natural beauty of the 13,000 acre Spooner Lake backcountry is captivating in all seasons, a man-made structure has actually enhanced what this Nevada oasis has to offer. On Nov. 17 the $8 million visitors center and amphitheater was unveiled. “Our focus is...
‘Guilty Christmas’–A Comical Play About S. Lake Tahoe
Be ready to laugh, shake your head and have an evening of fun at “Guilty Pleasures,” the self-deprecating musical comedy about most things Tahoe related. If this play sounds familiar, then you probably saw the original “Guilty Pleasures” when it first came to the...
Get rid of polling, focus on issues and educate yourself
The media’s fixation with polls needs to end. I understand a candidate taking a poll or having focus groups to gauge what people are thinking. That will help them to solidify their platform and message. This would be akin to companies doing market research. The polls...
Book signing and sales in Tahoe at Valhalla Holiday Faire
It seems appropriate that my first book signing and in person sales of Sleeping with Strangers: An Airbnb Host’s Life in Lake Tahoe and Mexico will occur in Lake Tahoe where the whole hosting adventure began. I will be one of the 30 vendors at the annual Valhalla...
Walking with the purpose of finding gratitude
Every organized walk has a purpose beyond walking. It’s usually to raise money for some worthy cause. But when, if ever, have you walked with the purpose being gratitude? Saturday was the first time for me. It’s not that I haven’t been grateful for being able to walk,...
Gripping documentary about 1982 Alpine avalanche
Because people will never be able to control Mother Nature there will always be deadly avalanches. One of the most memorable ones in California was on March 31, 1982, at Alpine Meadows ski resort. Seven people died that day when the snow came tumbling down the...
Chico parks and rec crews screw up public tennis courts
First there were eight, then six, and now there are four. In this case, less is not more. That is the plight of public tennis courts in Chico. It’s sad. And really, the number of courts available at 20th Street is three because the first court is for the pro, so it is...
Creating an altar for dogs on Day of the Dead
Photos of the three most significant dogs in my life are in my bedroom, so why build an altar for them? Why not? Was my short answer. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) has been a ritual for thousands of years. It’s an Aztec tradition rooted in what is today Mexico....
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