Author Archives: Bob & Patty Jackson

Ski Trip to Lake Tahoe

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As we left Tiburon early in the morning, we couldn’t help but feel excited about what lay ahead. Our destination was Lake Tahoe, and we knew we had to make it there before the major winter storm hit. With adrenaline pumping, we raced against time and successfully crossed Echo Summit pass. As we entered South Lake Tahoe, we saw traffic going east being stopped due to the impending storm. Our relief at having made it to our hotel just in time was a great relief.

We settled into our room at the Forest Suites Resort, and watched the storm rage outside. Our relief, however, was tempered by the fact that our friends from the Chagrin Valley Ski Club (CVSC) were due to arrive that day. We kept our fingers crossed, hoping that their flights wouldn’t be delayed. After much drama including being rerouted and missing baggage, they finally arrived around midnight, exhausted but happy to have finally made it. Continue reading →

Trip to San Francisco Along California Coast

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Embarking on our trip to Lake Tahoe to meet the Chagrin Valley Ski Club, we knew we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take a scenic drive up the California coast. Our first stop was none other than the stunning seaside city of Santa Barbara, where we planned to catch up with an old high school friend, Rick Hannay.

Rick welcomed us with open arms, and we spent the evening reminiscing about old times over dinner at a cozy little restaurant in town. Afterward, we decided to head over to the Rosewood Miramar Hotel for some after-dinner drinks.

As we walked into the hotel lobby, we were immediately struck by the hotel’s luxurious ambiance. The interior was tastefully decorated with elegant furnishings, and the soft lighting created a warm and inviting atmosphere. We settled in at the bar, for a leisurely drink and more reminiscing. Continue reading →

Joshua Tree NP

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During our stay at Borrego Springs we made a day trip to explore Joshua Tree NP near Palm Springs.. The park, which spans over 792,510 acres, is a breathtaking natural wonderland that boasts a rich history and diverse array of flora and fauna. The park was established as a national monument in 1936, and later designated as a national park in 1994. The park gets its name from the Joshua tree, a species of yucca that is native to the Mojave Desert. The tree was named by Mormon pioneers who were reminded of the biblical figure Joshua, who reportedly lifted his arms in prayer to guide the Israelites to the Promised Land.

Upon arriving at the Cottonwood Visitor Center, we were greeted by a friendly ranger who provided us with a list of must-see attractions within the park. We quickly made my way to the Cholla Cactus Garden, where we were absolutely amazed by the sheer beauty of the desert landscape. As we walked through the fields of Cholla, the sunlight shone through the cacti, creating a stunning backdrop for some unforgettable photo opportunities.

Next, we made my way to Skull Rock, where I embarked on a short hike that led me through a maze of towering boulders and unique rock formations. The scenery was unlike anything I had ever seen before, and I was blown away by the sheer size and scale of the landscape around me. Continue reading →

Borrego Springs

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After leaving Flagstaff, we journeyed south to Phoenix and Tucson to get some annual maintenance work done on the RV. With the RV tuned up and ready for the road again, we continued on to our next destination: Borrego Springs for a three week stay and our last stop before returning to Oceanside CA for the winter.

Nestled in the heart of the Anza-Borrego desert, Borrego Springs is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. As we checked in at the luxurious Springs of Borrego RV Resort, We love this park for its peace and quite as well as great pickleball and great people. This is a perfect spot to stay and explore the natural beauty and sights in this part of California.

To fully appreciate the area’s rich history, I took some time to explore the surrounding landscape. The Anza-Borrego desert has a long and fascinating history, dating back thousands of years to the indigenous peoples who first called this rugged terrain home. Later, the area was a major hub for Spanish explorers and missionaries, who established settlements and missions throughout the region. The blooming wildflowers in the desert park made it even more special for us. Continue reading →

Petrified Forest NP

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After driving from Page we parked our RV just outside Flagstaff at the Meteor Crater RV Park, excited to explore the Petrified Forest National Parks unique features the next morning. The petrified forest is the centerpiece of this national park where Millions of years ago this area was covered by a lush forest that was home to dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. Over time, natural forces caused the trees to fall and be buried under sediment. Slowly but surely, minerals from the sediment replaced the wood, creating the stunning petrified wood we see today.

Our first stop the next morning was the south entrance off of Hwy 180, where we were greeted by the park’s vast expanse. As soon as we entered the Petrified Forest NP, we were immediately  transported to a prehistoric wonderland that left us in awe. This sprawling desert landscape, located in northeastern Arizona, is home to some of the most fascinating geological wonders on earth. The park covers over 200 square miles, so we had a lot of ground to cover. We were immediately struck by the park’s colorful landscapes, which ranged from dusty reds to deep purples. We marveled at the ancient rock formations, towering mesas, and sweeping desert vistas that surrounded us on all sides. Continue reading →

Page, Arizona

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We left Kanab early taking the short drive to the Wahweap RV Resort and Marina on the shores of Lake Powell, After settling in, we decided to take a quick drive to Page to explore the town. As we walked through the charming streets, we learned that Page was once a small railroad town that grew rapidly in the 1950s with the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam. It now serves as a gateway to some of the most beautiful sights in the Southwest, including the renowned Horseshoe Bend.

Lake Powell is a man-made reservoir located on the Colorado River, straddling the border between Utah and Arizona. The lake was created in the 1960s by the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam, which was built primarily for water storage and hydroelectric power generation. Continue reading →

Kanab, Utah

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After a short drive from Bryce Canyon We arrived at Kanab Utah, after a short drive from Bryce Canyon, and settled in at the very nice Grande Plateau RV Resort. We couldn’t wait to go into Kanab for a look around . After all, Kanab is known as “Little Hollywood” due to its popularity as a filming location for numerous Western movies.

As we strolled through the town’s charming streets, we were captivated by the authentic storefronts and unique local shops. We found ourselves drawn to the famous Sego Restaurant, renowned for its delicious cuisine, and were not disappointed by the gourmet meal that awaited us.

The next morning, we set out for Alstrom Point, loaded up with our camping gear and ready for a wild ride in our trusty Jeep. After navigating the rugged terrain near the Point, we finally reached a secluded campsite with breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Powell and Gunsight Butte. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Powell shimmered in the sun, as we sat in our chairs at the cliffs edge, enjoying a peaceful lunch and taking in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The red rocks surrounding the lake created a striking contrast against the clear blue sky, making for perfect photo opportunities.
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Bryce Canyon NP

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As we left Heber City and the striking Wasach Range behind, we embarked on a new adventure further south towards the magnificent Bryce Canyon National Park. Awe-inspiring views awaited us, and we decided to settle at the Rubys Inn RV Park for several days, which proved to be a great choice.

The journey to Bryce on Scenic Byway 12, known as one of the most beautiful drives in the United States, allowed us to get a taste of what was to come. The road wound through vibrant and diverse landscapes, from red rock cliffs to dense forests and wide-open valleys.

Bryce Canyon National Park has a rich and interesting history, and we learned all about it at the visitor center. We were fascinated to learn that the park wasn’t a canyon at all, but rather a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters carved by erosion over millions of years. It was also home to an array of unique wildlife, including mountain lions, pronghorns, and elk.
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Heber City

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As we departed from Victor Idaho, we drove towards our next destination, the charming Heber City, and were blown away by the stunning fall colors on full display. Arriving at the Mountain Valley RV Resort, we were greeted with a breathtaking view of the towering Wasatch Mountains in the distance.

The next morning, we woke up early to embark on a scenic drive through the Wasatch Mountain State Park. The vibrant hues of orange, red, and yellow leaves framed the winding roads, creating a picturesque autumn landscape that took our breath away. We stopped at various viewpoints to take in the stunning panoramas of the mountain ranges stretching as far as the eye could see.
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Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks

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After bidding farewell to the charming city of Missoula Montana, we embarked on a two-day journey south to our next destination, Victor iIdaho and the Teton Valley Resort,  Our primary reason for choosing Victor as our base was to explore two of the most stunning national parks in the country- Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Both of these parks are famous for their natural beauty and wildlife, and we were excited to explore them to the fullest.

We started our exploration the Grand Teton National Park, at the Craig Thomas Discovery Center, where we spoke to the rangers and got some valuable recommendations. One of the rangers suggested that we do the hike to Taggart and Bradley Lakes, which promised stunning views of the Teton Range.

Grand Teton National Park is located in northwestern Wyoming and is renowned for its towering peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. The park encompasses an area of over 300,000 acres and is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which is one of the largest remaining nearly intact ecosystems in the world. The history of Grand Teton National Park dates back to the late 19th century when explorers and settlers first began to explore the region. In 1897, the park was established as a forest reserve, and in 1929, it was designated as a national park. The park owes its name to the Grand Teton, which is the highest peak in the Teton Range and stands at an elevation of 13,775 feet. Continue reading →