karenannephotos

Discovering California
One Weekend at a Time

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SIGHTSEEING IN OUR OWN BACKYARD

Making a big move for the first time in your life when your a fifty-something is definately a major life experience. For those of you who've been through it and had to overcome the feeling of being an outsider in a very unfamiliar place far from home, you know what I mean.

When my husband and I moved to California from our home state of Michigan in June 2016 for his job relocation, leaving behind our young adult kids, all of our family and friends, and a lifetime of memories in the process, treating the move as a long vacation was the only way to offset my homesick blues.

During our first year living in the Fresno area, while my husband resumed a normal work routine, I spent the days exploring Fresno County, this new place we now lived that I wasn't ready yet to call home. With our sweet yellow lab Mollie, who fortunately loves car rides, I'd set out on short drives along back roads to see what the Fresno area is all about, taking pictures of beautiful new places, not only to satisfy my passion for photography, but also as a way to always remember this chapter of my life.

The weekends now are when we head out together on road trips into the Sierrra Nevada Mountains or sometimes making it a weekend getaway to the Central Coast. Living in the Central Valley means having so many magnificent landscapes right in our own 'backyard'!

These photos are collections from many of our trips through the years we've lived here. So, if you're new to the Fresno area or just visiting, I hope they inspire you to explore all the incredible beauty that is so close.

Happy travels!

After my husband and two sons conquered this challenging high altitude seven mile trail in 2017 and told me how beautiful the views of the Sierras are, it became a trail I had to try! Since my fitness level isn't quite ready for an advanced hike, we opted for trekking just the first three miles up to Panther Gap where we stopped for a lunch break. Though the fog rolled in as we ascended to the gap and it limited our scenic views, the forest felt mystical and magical!

Bass Lake is about 50 miles north of Fresno and just a short drive from the south entrance of Yosemite. There are several cycling trails around the lake and plenty of places to picnic under the pines as you enjoy the views. The Way of the Mono Trail is a great little hike that takes you along a pretty path with trail markers pointing out plants and rocks the native Mono Indians used as first residents here. From the granite rock dome, scenic views of Bass Lake and the Sierras await.

Big Sur is one of the most spectacular stretches of California coastline! The 90 miles of scenic Highway One between San Simeon and Carmel winds its way between the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Santa Lucia Mountain range. Along the way, there are several scenic overlooks and coastal trails to enjoy and a restaurant along the Big Sur River that is a great place to stop for lunch. When you get to the iconic Bixby Bridge, you'll want to get out for photos!

Bixby Creek Bridge

Bixby Creek Bridge

Bixby Creek Bridge

Bixby Creek Bridge

Located about 30 miles south of San Francisco, this little coastal city has so much to offer! With several beaches to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot to settle in while you watch the waves. The California Coastal Trail head begins near the south end, and you can take in stunning seaside vistas as you saunter along the less than five mile trail. Downtown Half Moon Bay is a pretty little coastal town with lots of shops and restaurants after a relaxing day on the beach.

During our trip along Highway 1 in northern California, our visit to this peaceful park of giant redwoods was awe-inspiring and humbling. The scenic 32 mile Avenue of the Giants meanders through this redwood forest with several groves to explore. We stopped at The Founders Grove and strolled leisurely, having it all to ourselves to enjoy the quiet beauty within. The park is home to some of the world's most ancient redwood groves and the forest floor is a magical ecosystem.

Surrounded by lush pines and incredible mountain peaks, picturesque Hume Lake is a perfect destination to spend the day hiking, kayaking, swimming, fishing, or just taking in the views. Located at about 5,200 ft. elevation in the Sequoia National Forest, it's a pretty drive about 1.5 hours from the Fresno area. The hike is easy and flat, perfect for families and groups with a market, gas station, and boat rentals. Hume Lake is a perfect day trip to a beautiful mountain lake.

One of the very first mountain destinations we visited after settling in California, Huntington Lake is an all around beautiful mountain lake. Only about 60 miles from Fresno yet high in the Sierras at about 7,000 feet, its cooler temps make it a great escape from the valley summer heat. Huntington Lake's sandy shoreline is wonderful for swimming, and the afternoon breezes make this a favorite sailing lake. We were lucky to be there on the same day as the 2016 High Sierra Sailing Regatta!

This hidden nature trail is a short 1.5 hour drive from the Fresno area that takes you along scenic Highway 168 into the Sierras. The trailhead is tucked at the back of the China Peak Ski Resort parking lot and starts as an easy hike that follows the creek. A short trek in, and you'll come to the first pools that are perfect for swimming and having a picnic. The trail starts to get hard to follow, but the creek follows the granite rocks that add a fun rock climbing adventure!

It's as breathtaking as you've heard! Lake Tahoe is a large fresh water lake that borders CA & NV. From the Fresno area, Tahoe is about a 4.5 hour drive whether coming in from the north through Donner Pass or the south up through Emerald Bay. It's a perfect weekend destination for relaxation or recreation! But for a nature lover like me, this up north-like woodland mountain lake is all about the scenery.

One of my favorite hikes! Lewis Creek has two waterfalls that bookend the trail; Corlieu Falls to the south that is a series of cascades that flow through a steep canyon for a challenging hike, and Red Rock Falls on the north end. The trail to Red Rock Falls is shorter and easier and is lined with evergreens and dogwoods which provides a mostly shady canopy as you stroll along the stream. At trail's end, magnificent Red Rock Falls greets you with lovely views from both above and below the falls.

This beautiful forest is the largest grove of giant sequoias in Yosemite! Just a short 1.5 hour drive from the Fresno area and located at the south entrance of Yosemite National Park, Mariposa Grove has some of the oldest giant sequoias in the world! There are four trails of varying distances for hikers of all levels. Though wildfires have impacted this area, the forest floor is filled with new growth! Giant sequoias grow only in the Sierras and will hopefully be here for future generations.

This popular recreation area in Fresno County is known for its boating, fishing, lakeside picnicing, and many hiking trails. If you're feeling fit, the trail to the top of Pincushion Mountain is a short but strenuous uphill hike that rewards you with pretty lake views along the way and stunning valley vistas from the top! My favorite time to visit Millerton is in the spring when the wildflowers are blooming and the lush green hills are painted with bright colors of purple and yellow flowers.

This well-known seaside city is a great destination for eating great seafood, souvenier shopping and taking in the beautiful views of Monterey Bay on one of the many beaches. Downtown Monterey can get crowded with tourists that fill the many gift shops and restaurants that were once factories along Cannery Row. But, it's easy to escape to the shore to watch fishing boats, sail boats, sea lions and sea gulls before taking in the spectacular Pacific coast sunset.

This lush national park is only 30 minutes north of San Francisco. When first arriving at Muir Woods, it may be touristy with busy parking lots. However, once you enter the park, crowds disperse among the many trails. We came upon the Canopy View Trail with its rustic staircase beckoning us to follow. While crowds stayed on the board walk, we had the tranquil trail mostly to ourselves. It's a beautiful trail to walk slowly and pause to reflect amid the towering coastal redwoods and scenic views.

This popular California beach was our very first outing after we moved to Fresno! We brought a cooler of snacks, some chilled beverages and, of course, Mollie! We made a full day of it, enjoying the Pacific views, people watching, strolling the shore (and finding a whole sand dollar!), dinner and music at the restaurant on the beach, and finally, a gorgeous sunset. My hubby was amazing at driving the 3 hour return trip later that evening, arriving safely home after a fun and adventurous day.

After our first visit to San Simeon in December 2017, we've returned every year and now like to take visiting guests. Whether you want to relax on one of San Simeon's spectacular beaches, observe the large population of elephant seals, hike one of the many trails, do some local shopping in downtown Cambria, tour Heast Castle, or enjoy some fabulous wine tasting, your visit to San Simeon will be memorable! Whatever you decide, that spectacular Pacific sunset will be the perfect ending.

Living in central California is an incredible advantage for mountain adventures! Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks in the Sierra Nevada Mountains are right in our own 'backyard'! These two neighboring parks are only about 1.5 hours east of Fresno. Filled with majestic peaks, deep canyons, and the largest trees in the world, you could spend several days here. But, even if you have only one day, it's enough time to see some of the most scenic views in both parks!

A popular get away every season of the year, Shaver Lake is located in the Sierra National Forest in Fresno County and only about 50 miles fromFresno. This great mountain destination is perfect for boating, swimming, sledding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and all around family fun! Sadly, the Creek Fire in the fall of 2020 destroyed many forest acres, homes and businesses in and near this community. But new growth is regenerating for future generations. #rebuildoursierras

This was a spectacular surprise on our northern California getaway! The Lost Coast is a hidden paradise of secluded beaches, tidepools, lush forests, giant redwoods, wildlife, and where the King Range Mountains plunge right into the Pacific. Located about 230 north of SF off a 22 mile stretch of primitive winding road that leads into Shelter Cove, it's a perfect escape from crowds and cell phones. Black Sands Beach is walkable from Shelter Cove, and we had it all to ourselves this day.

This small coastal community was a random destination during our weeklong getaway up the northern Cali coast, but what a find! After exiting Highway 1, we journeyed up into the King Range Mountains along a twisty primitive road through deep wilderness. This 22 mile stretch is the only road to the Lost Coast, and after a 45 minute drive, Shelter Cove awaits. With no internet, no crowds, sea lions, tidepools and the best burger at Gyppo's Ale Mill, Shelter Cove is a hidden gem.

This hike to the top of Table Top Mountain was one of the best in the Fresno area! We explored this trail in the spring when the wildflowers were at their peek, foliage was green, and temps were comfortable, which I highly recommend since the hike up is strenuous. The trail is speckled with shade and scenic look outs along the way. Once you reach the top, you can stroll among the wildflowers and take in the incredible views of the valley and San Joaquin River below. Bring lunch!

The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a fun-filled excursion for the whole family! Located only 10 minutes from the south entrance of Yosemite off of Highway 41, this historic steam train was a perfect way to see some of the lush mountain woodlands of the Sierras. My hubby and I really enjoyed this historic steam train adventure that includes a stop to stretch and enjoy the landscape. One of my favorite memories is my discovery of the vibrant pink flowers growing along a little creek.

I'll never forget going through the Wawona Tunnel and seeing the magnificent views of Yosemite Valley for the first time. It took my breath away! From this south entrance, known as the Tunnel View, you can see majestic El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall prominently from the lush forest of the valley below, with Half Dome rising in the distance. Once inside the park, the natural wonders are limitless. Glacier Point is a great place to start with a scenic overlook of the high Sierras and the valley.

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