The Redwood National and State Parks along California's Pacific West Coast offered more adventure than I expected. It is home of the world's tallest trees - many are more than 370 feet tall and the tallest (The Big Tree) is estimated to be 1,500 years old. Also interesting, biologist and scientist believe the trees can only grow to no more than 420 feet because they can't draw water up any higher than that. There are more than 200 miles of hiking trails in...

Lassen Volcanic National Park is probably one of the most unique and diverse National Parks I have visited as of yet; it is in northeastern California where the Cascades join the Sierra Nevada mountain range. A few characteristics has defined its uniqueness - it is only one of the few places on earth where all four types of volcano can be found - the cinder cone, dome plug, sheild and composite; and, Lassen Peak is one of many volcanoes (active, dormant or e...

Day two at Yosemite National Park was spent mostly driving. We chose the southern route to Glacier Point via highway 41. Just the drive to the point (without stopping) would have taken nearly four hours (round trip). I'm sure I mentioned in an earlier blog about the crowds in Yosemite NP; well, being Friday, the crowds got worse and the traffic much heavier. Some cars drove way too fast for the twisting and winding roads while others were the basic touri...

The Yosemite National Park reaches across the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain chain; it is known for it's granite cliffs, numerous waterfalls and clear streams...not to mention the more than 160 rare plants found only inside the park. Only about 5% of the park isn't considered wilderness - today, we ventured into the 95% - or we thought. Hazards to be aware of, in addition to the heights and sheer drop-off cliffs are bears (didn't see any) and ...

The first evening at Yosemite Westlake RV Park was filled with serenity, birds singing, and we are surrounded by lush forest. The camp is smaller than most with nearly all tent campers - too chilly and too easy for bears and mountain lions to get in for my comfort. Interestingly, on our slow (15 mph) climb up to the campround, there was a bicyclist taking a break on one of the hills; an hour or so after we arrived, he rode his bike in and set up his tent jus...