Difficult Roads Often Lead to Beautiful Destinations. Time for a Getaway?

Conduct your own training session in the Tehachapi. Embrace your solitude and immerse yourself in a lush green wilderness. Keep a wary eye open for bears on a food run. Soak up ice cold exhilaration in moss-covered swimming holes.

All aboard for a weekend escape to Tehachapi

Folks might want me to say that the famed train loop is the thing. And it is stirring to see: long, noisy trains emerging from the tunnel, lumbering, then “spiraling” or “lapping” upon themselves. The costumed guides at the Tehachapi Depot Museum helped explain this engineering marvel of the 1800s. But I was equally entranced by the self-guided wind-farm driving tour. At the start, the smallish wind towers are early models, then the tour progresses to spinning behemoths dotting the hillsides.” Los Angeles Times · Sara Lessley

This Olympic National Park Rainforest is one of the quietest places on Earth

Olympic National Park—in particular the Hoh Rainforest, one of the emerald gems of the U.S. national park system. The Hoh Rainforest is tucked deep within a glacial river valley less than 50 miles from the Pacific Ocean. It sits in the shadow of Mount Olympus, the 7,980-foot peak that gives the park its name, and is a solid half-day drive from bustling Seattle. In addition to the lush biodiversity you’d expect from a temperate rainforest, that remote quality makes Hoh one of the quietest places anywhere on Earth, almost completely free of any human noise pollution. Immersing yourself in this lush, green world can be a peaceful forest bathing experience or a challenging excursion into the wilderness. However you choose to enjoy it, you’ll find peace and quiet abounds.” The Dyrt

Curated by Steve Howard for the “High Country Eagles” digital magazine.

Take the plunge in these California swimming holes to keep your cool

Natural Bridges is a swimming hole in the Sierra foothills. This summertime hot spot near the Tuolumne-Calaveras county line rewards hikers with a swim in ice-cold Coyote Creek through a moss-covered cave. The Natural Bridges parking area is between Columbia State Historic Park and the wineries of Murphys. The round-trip hike is about two miles but make sure to pack plenty of water because the return back to the car is all uphill. Info: Natural Bridges, bit.ly/natrualbridges” By MIKE MORRIS

Drivers Should Keep an Eye Out for Bears on Tahoe Roads

Lake Tahoe’s thriving bear population is very active and many of them are getting hit by cars. Bears have been out looking for food following their winter slumber. It is also mating season and the time when juvenile bears are venturing off on their own for the first time. All of this activity can put them in the path of moving cars and these collisions are not uncommon. ‘Some years it just spikes up to the point where there’s 50 or 60. Some years, more normal would be maybe 25,’ said Ann Bryant, the executive director of the BEAR League.” Dennis Shanahan

North America’s best national parks day hikes

If you have limited time in the Grand Canyon, you can’t do much better than this beautiful hike. The wide and well-maintained corridor trail offers shady rest-houses and stretches along a delightful creek. At the trailhead, the canyon beckons in all its glory. If you suffer vertigo, look to the left for a while – the first five minutes are the hardest. Highlights include two tunnels, Native American pictographs and the visual reward of the dramatically broad Tonto Platform. Continuing down the Bright Angel adds difficulty but brings you to the shady oasis of Indian Garden. For an even more challenging and very exposed hike to expansive views of the inner gorge, cross Tonto Platform along a spur trail to reach Plateau Point. It’s a popular destination for strong day hikers, but the long, exposed stretch can be searingly hot.” Lonely Planet Michele Falzone / Getty Images

You Know What They Say About All Work and No Play, Right?

Natural beauty and awesome adventures await. From the desert to the mountains to the sea and all the pristine rivers, lakes and islands in between.

Islands and Seas

Makali‘i voyaging canoe heads to 2 islands in Papahanaumokuakea

The Makali’i voyaging canoe is embarking on a journey of more than 300 miles northwest to the islands of Nihoa and Mokumanamana. The canoe’s voyage — named Hanaunaola” — is part of a project funded by a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Native Americans. Hanaunaola refers to “sustaining generations through voyaging,” organizers said. The Makali‘i voyage to the Northwestern Hawaiian islands and back is expected to last about a month. The voyage is unique because the provisions aboard the canoe have all been grown, harvested, and prepared by the Makali‘i’s local community, including 10 schools from Hawaii island.  “Sometimes people forget that there’s 10 more islands past the island of Niihau. so going back to those islands is really, for us, about remembering,” said Paishon, who referred to them as kupuna islands.” By Nina Wu 

Currents and Coasts

Tourists See Humpback Whale Sneak Right Next to Their Boat, Its Next Act Is Chilling

Curated by Steve Howard for the “Western Skies and Island Currents” digital magazine.

It started when the whales began breaching, a term describing the action in which whales use their tales to propel themselves fully out of water, creating an enormous splash as they land. As Goodridge noted, this isn’t just to put on a show for nature lovers. “To see a whale breach is really amazing,” Goodridge told Caters News. “They actually do it to clean their skin of all the barnacles and parasites that have built up.” As the day went on, the watchers got to see more and more of a show. For the grand finale, which Goodridge managed to capture on camera, one whale breached right next to the boat. Bondi Beach is a legendary Australian beach, where surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers all converge. It’s also an amazing place to see the beautiful wildlife that thrives in the Pacific Ocean only a few miles away from Australia’s biggest city, Sydney. The area regularly plays host to humpback whale migrations throughout the summer months, which are actually Australia’s coldest as Sydney is over 30 degrees south of the equator.  Robert Jay Watson

Mountains and Rivers

Thanks to abundant snow, the West can expect a long, rollicking river rafting season

Chris Moore watched in awe this winter as the snow piled up on his multiple trips to Bear Valley Mountain Resort in the central Sierra. “I’ve never seen a winter quite like this,” said Moore, California regional manager for O.A.R.S. rafting company. What all this snow means is it’s going to be a long and exciting whitewater season, so I’m stoked. “We’re going to have big flows in the late spring and early summer and a more drawn-out whitewater season on rivers here in California.” Moore’s enthusiasm is widespread among rafting outfitters up and down the state, some of whom are still recovering from the drought, which just two years ago saw April 1 snowpack measurements of 5% of normal throughout much of the Sierra.This year, however, the snowpack is 140% of normal for the Northern Sierra and 169% of normal for the Central Sierra, according to the California Data Exchange Center.” By Brian E. Clark

Mountains and Lakes

Lake Tahoe’s top beaches

Lake Tahoe might be best known as a state-line-straddling winter destination housing more than a dozen ski resorts that were all buried in powder a few months back. Two seasons and one big thaw later, it’s now time to bask in Tahoe’s balmy flipside. More than 70 miles of shoreline ring North America’s largest alpine lake, including some of the world’s prettiest patches of sand above 6,000 feet.What’s the perfect shore on Lake Tahoe to jockey for umbrella space this summer? Here’s a personality tailored lineup.” CNN Travel Jordan Rane

Vikingsholm turns 90; Fundraising efforts underway to preserve and protect the castle

Vikingsholm was originally built to be the summer residence of Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight, a native of Illinois. Impressed by her architect nephew Lennart Palme’s Nordic-inspired home in New York, Mrs. Knight traveled to Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland to research ideas for her Lake Tahoe house. Together with Palme, Mrs. Knight visited old wood churches and ancient stone castles before construction on Vikingsholm began in 1929. The castle is now 90 years old and the Sierra State Parks Foundation is launching the 90 for 90 Vikingsholm Forever Endowment campaign to preserve the historic mansion for another 90 years and beyond. 90 Founding Members, with donations of $1,000 or more, can be the leaders that ensure this National Historic Landmark will remain the guardian of Emerald Bay forever.” Submitted by paula

Deserts and Lakes

How hot was it in Lake Havasu City? So hot (128) they’re celebrating the record

As anniversaries go, Lake Havasu City’s is a hot one. Twenty-five years ago, the thermometer notched a record-breaking 128 degrees for a U.S. city. Now, it hopes to beat the June 29 record scorcher — and plans a party with cookie-baking on car dashboards and stamping visitors with “We Know We’re Hot” temporary tattoos. The Arizona city posted the super-high temperature on June 29, 1994, the hottest day recorded in roughly a century of record-keeping in the state. “It was a whole week’s worth of 120 to 125 degree temperatures, and then that spike up to 128,” said Doyle Wilson, an environmental scientist and adjunct professor at Arizona State University’s Havasu campus. “We actually had our highest and second-highest temperatures ever during that three- or four-day period.” By Jay Jones

Western Adventures Just Waiting For You

We are disappointed but given the success they have had and their recent investments into the resort, we respect that this is the right time for them to move in a different direction.

 

Gusty winds during a recent storm broke a branch of the famous cypress tree on California’s northern coast.

Curated Highlights and Headlines

Explore the Pacific Coast in the Northwest region beginning in Curry County and traveling northbound. Or snorkel in Emerald Bay finding sunken treasure, or strap on boards or skis and check-off 49 other things to do in Lake Tahoe. If you’re in Surf City stop by legendary Jack’s Surfboards. Or, hit the road on one of Montana’s three unforgettable routes for winding roads and breathtaking vistas that won’t disappoint.  The choice is yours. Enjoy!

Best West Road Trips

Region: Pacific Northwest

Most people associate the Pacific Northwest with a lush region that receives large amounts of rain during the winter months, with wonderful summer days. But the Northwest has a variety of climate regions, from the Pacific Coast to the valley and, once over the mountains, a desert region — all within a few hours drive of each other. There is enough to keep the outdoor enthusiast busy.” Map – Wikitravel

 

Region: Pacific Northwest

Southern Oregon Coast, Curry County, Port Orford.

Humbug Mountain State Park
“The park and campground are dominated by Humbug Mountain (elevation 1,756 feet) and surrounded by forested hills. The campground enjoys some of the warmest weather on the Oregon coast as the surrounding mountains offer protection from cool ocean breezes.” Photo – Oregon State Parks

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Region: Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe

Sunken ships revealed at Tahoe’s new underwater trail

A new state park designated underwater trail at Emerald Bay State Park at Lake Tahoe includes the largest collection of sunken boats in America. California State Parks will open an underwater trail to four sites in Emerald Bay that will lead visitors to a boat graveyard from the 1920s and ’30s — and provide those in boats with a chance to peer down into the lake for a glimpse. State park divers have found two large barges and 12 recreational boats, including a vintage 27-foot launch, said Denise Jaffe, associate state archaeologist with the California State Parks and a scuba diver who helped develop the project. This collection is the largest, most diverse group of sunken small watercraft of their type, in their original location, known to exist in the nation, Jaffe said. The underwater shipwreck route will be named the “Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage Trail.”Tom Stienstra sfchronicle.com  Photo: Mylana Haydu, Center for Underwater Science, Indiana University

Region: Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe

50 Things to Do in Lake Tahoe This Winter

“Tahoe just got a truckload of fresh powder—tis the season for snowmobile treks, chilly swims, mountain-view skydiving, spicy coffees, and icy seafood.
Here are 50 of the best things to do in Lake Tahoe this winter.
6. Explore the night during moonlight snowshoe hikes and star tours at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe. // tahoestartours.com
7. Ski during sunset at the Last Tracks beer and wine events at Diamond Peak. // diamondpeak.com
8. Enjoy wood fired sa’atar chicken and an Oaxacan Old Fashioned at Pioneer Cocktail Club. // pcctahoe.com”
Christina Nellemann 7×7.com Photo Courtesy of Resort at Squaw Creek

California Coast: Tip to Tip

Region: Central Coast, Monterey

Famed Lone Cypress tree damaged by recent storms
The famed Lone Cypress on the 17-Mile Drive in Monterey was damaged by California storms in Feb. 2019. Gusty winds during a recent storm broke a branch of the famous cypress tree on California’s northern coast. The Pebble Beach Company said Friday that despite the damage, an arborist has recently examined the Lone Cypress and confirmed it’s “healthy and remains secure on its rocky perch.” The tree, believed to be more than 250 years old, draws many visitors to the scenic 17-Mile Drive on the Monterey Peninsula to take photographs of it. The owner of the Pebble Beach golf links and resort registered a drawing of the tree as the company’s trademark in 1919.
Associated Press. sfchronicle.com Photo: KSBW

Region: South Coast, Orange County Beach Towns, Huntington Beach

Jack’s Surfboards
“For over 50 years, Jack’s Surfboards has been an Orange County icon and Southern California favorite for surfboards, wetsuits, clothing, footwear and accessories. Being voted as Orange County’s #1 surf shop year after year is a testament to Jack’s dedication to offering the largest and newest selections for men, women and children. Jack’s Surfboards flagship store in Huntington Beach is a destination spot for surfers and surf fans from all over the world. The huge 10,000 square foot surf shop is located just steps away from the Huntington Beach pier on the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street.  Jack’s Surfboards also has six other coastal Orange County locations that offers the same extensive selection and excellent customer service.” Visit Huntington Beach – Surf City USA.

High Country Eagles

Rocky Mountain Region, Northwestern Colorado Region

Vail Resorts and Arapahoe Basin to End Pass Partnership
For Vail Resorts’ part, the new-for-2019-20 Keystone Plus Pass replaces the Keystone A-Basin Pass and offers unlimited holiday-restricted skiing at Keystone, unlimited late-season days at Breckenridge (after April 1), five holiday-restricted days at Crested Butte, and 10 (up from six) Buddy Tickets when purchased prior to the April deadline for $369, $259 for kids. Kirsten Lynch, chief marketing officer for Vail Resorts, said that while they’re pleased to offer an option for skiing from mid-October through Memorial Day at a great price, “we want to thank Arapahoe Basin for their partnership for over 20 years. We are disappointed but given the success they have had and their recent investments into the resort, we respect that this is the right time for them to move in a different direction.
Samantha Berman. skimag.com Ski Resort Life Photo credit: Keri Bascetta

Rocky Mountain Region, Glacier Country, Yellowstone Country, Montana

3 Awe-Inspiring Montana Road Trips

There’s a reason Montana has been considered an ultimate road trip destination since the first highways were built: You can drive all day and encounter everything you need for a perfect road trip — breathtaking vistas, winding roads, welcoming locals, incredible food, and small-town culture. With over 147,000 square miles to traverse, you can experience the wonders of nature without leaving the comforts of your car. Start by charting a trip on these unforgettable routes.
Northwest Glacier: The Road to the Clouds
Highway 89 Loop: A Tour of Montana Life
Highway 89: Gateway to Yellowstone
travelandliesure.com