Hello, Campfire Talesmen and Taleswomen! Our last shared post completed a series of five poems depicting the five stages of grief, as represented by National Parks awaiting our return. Yes, they rhyme. Denial = Crater Lake Anger = Lassen Volcanic Bargaining = Joshua Tree Depression = Death Valley Acceptance = Yosemite The final post, Yosemite, … Continue reading Five Stages of National Park Grief
Death Valley
Down in D. Valley
"Thank you for visiting your national park..." (sigh) I'd give you the sales pitch, but honestly, why try? Either, One. My name's embossed on your bucket list, Or, Two. "Over my dead body!" Thus, I'm dismissed. Make no mistake, I love my survivalist crowd. They arrive flushed and nervous; depart tanned and proud. Still, I … Continue reading Down in D. Valley
Going, Going, Go On
Going to the mountains is going home. ~ John Muir The photo of Muir, the autograph, and the quote were part of an art display called The Autograph Book of L.A. that displayed part of a collection of autographs curated by Los Angeles City Librarian Charles Lummis, started in 1906. The mountains photo is from … Continue reading Going, Going, Go On
Death Valley Day Trip
In a post about Leadfield, there are written directions about the one way road, but maybe you are more of a visual learner. The above map shows the entrance to Titus Canyon Road at the top center, directly below Rhyolite (more to come about Rhyolite, but this should get you started). Other helpful hints, courtesy … Continue reading Death Valley Day Trip
Up High & Down Low
Book Review: My Friends Call Me C.C.
My Friends Call Me C.C. by William Gardiner Hutson is a fictionalized retelling of a decade plus in the tumultuous life of Clarence Chauncey ("C.C.") Julian, starting in glamorous 1920's Los Angeles, ending with Julian's mysterious death in 1930's Shanghai, and provides the backstory to — among other historical events — the swift rise and … Continue reading Book Review: My Friends Call Me C.C.
Ghost Town: Leadfield
To reach the ghost town of Leadfield inside Death Valley National Park, take Daylight Pass Road northeast towards Nevada. In Nevada, it's renamed 374. Just outside park boundaries, go west on Titus Canyon Road, which is a one-way, unpaved road, which goes all the way through to Scotty's Castle Road. Be advised, the distance from … Continue reading Ghost Town: Leadfield
Wanna Buy a Frame?
With so many loose photos scattered around this site, and prompted by our discussions of windows, I decided to get organized with some frames. But now I have too many frames! Wanna buy one (or 9)? These three are the most traditional, and fit large photos: On the smaller side, more frame than photos, are … Continue reading Wanna Buy a Frame?
Roadside Attraction: China Ranch Date Farm
Traveling between Las Vegas and anywhere in California? There's an excellent chance of finding yourself on hot, monotonous, crowded I-15. If not in a hurry, consider a side trip to China Ranch Date Farm, especially if you are headed north to Death Valley on 127. Be advised, it's a bit remote, especially those last few … Continue reading Roadside Attraction: China Ranch Date Farm
Opportunity Knocks (Me Around)
Two years ago, a trip to Lassen Volcanic N.P. coalesced into a definitive experience, a perfect fusion of the right factors, the right place, and the right time. Out of that experience, I determined to refocus my writing around my passions, a decision which eventually led to this blog. The connections on that Lassen trip ultimately … Continue reading Opportunity Knocks (Me Around)
