Traveling The West by Way of Ohio

Heartland Goes West is about a country mom who goes West and discovers a whole new wilderness.

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California Livestock Auctions and Our New Goats

California Livestock Auctions and Our New Goats

I had been to California two times before we moved here. Both times I went straight from Phoenix to LAX and could see nothing but mountain ranges. When we decided my husband would take the job offer in Fresno, I had no idea what to expect. The only thing I knew about Fresno was that, according to the movie Monsters, it was the #55 location for news broadcasters. I kid. I kid.

Anyway, we didn’t…

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Why The John Muir Trail is the Best Trail In The United States

Why The John Muir Trail is the Best Trail In The United States

Last Summer I was talking to a college student who spent his Summer’s on the Appalachian trail, taking kids from his college on the trail as part of the “come to our school” for his university. He told me that he had the best job in the world. 

I sat there in silence, agreeing that being able to walk on the trail for a living was probably the best job in the world. A Ranger would probably be a…

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The Perfect Travel Wedding Destination - For Country Lovers

The Perfect Travel Wedding Destination – For Country Lovers

We got married in October because it was suppose to be peek fall color.

That and it’s really easy to blend the AMAZING fall colors with a country style wedding, amirite?

We were back in Yosemite this past fall to take some photos of our family and the color. Now, this was early December, mind you. Still fall, but perfect weather and THE COLOR. Ohmigosh.

I couldn’t help but notice this beautiful…

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Snow Plants - Yosemite Nature Notes - Episode 21

Snow Plants – Yosemite Nature Notes – Episode 21

Yosemite is covered in snow. If you haven’t gotten a chance to see it yet, it’s definitely something to add to your to-see list.

For more information on what you can do in Yosemite, check out our overview page.

Check out this video from Yosemite Nature Notes…

These striking red plants are a common Yosemite roadside attraction in the springtime, but most park visitors are confused about (more…)

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Yosemite In The Fall: The Valley

Yosemite In The Fall: The Valley

If you haven’t been to Yosemite in the Fall to see the prime colors, you need to go. Need. Most of the waterfalls are dried up and there’s a change some roads will be closed, but there is no reason. I mean, none, why any human should miss the bright colors, the reflections in the water, the sunsets over orange and yellow leaves, El Capitan and three brothers overlooking the valley. GUSH! 

I am…

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Yosemite National Park Entry is Free on Veteran's Day

Yosemite National Park Entry is Free on Veteran’s Day

Entry into Yosemite National Parkis free on Veteran’s Day. The park, in prime season for Fall colors, will be open to all visitors free of charge on Tuesday. Even better news is that the Tioga Pass is open after an uneventful snow weekend. It will be the perfect opportunity to see the colors of Fall overlooking the Valley while you still can. Last year Tioga Pass was open well into January, but…

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Fall Moments - Yosemite Nature Notes

Fall Moments – Yosemite Nature Notes

Enjoy this moving portrait of Yosemite in fall. Music is “Wehring History” by Jonathan Geer.

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Visiting Yosemite in Winter

Visiting Yosemite in Winter

Winter is a magical time to visit Yosemite, with opportunities for hiking, playing in the snow, and quiet solitude. (more…)

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Do You Need Tire Chains in Yosemite?

Do You Need Tire Chains in Yosemite?

The simple answer is “Yes.”

Tire chains may be legally required at any time in order for you to be in the park, even if you have a AWD or 4WD vehicle. Yesterday, as an example, there was snow in Yosemite and Tioga pass was closed, however, chains were not required if you were going down into the valley. You will need to be sure to call the phone number below before you make the journey to the…

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Fresno Civil War Reenactment Photos

Fresno Civil War Reenactment Photos

The Fresno Civil War Reenactment was really interesting, especially for my 8, 7 and 5 year old boys. They were mesmerized by the costumes, the cannons, the camps. They walked around looking in each tent. They asked the questions that you’d expect young boys to ask.

Did they really sleep in there?

Where’s their mom?

What did they eat?

Why are they wearing funny clothes?

Why is that lady dressed…

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Fresno Chaffee Zoo - Why We Support Measure Z

Fresno Chaffee Zoo – Why We Support Measure Z

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a ray of sunshine in a town that has been heavily impacted this year. Drought, gangs, wells going dry, farmers losing their crops seem to overshadow a lot in Fresno lately, but then there’s this. Perhaps one of the most affordable zoo’s, Fresno Chaffee Zoo is an inexpensive escape. But, it needs help. 

Coming from Ohio, home of the ever-amazing and ever-growing Columbus…

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Staying In Yosemite? Try Airbnb.

Staying In Yosemite? Try Airbnb.

If you’ve ever been to the Smoky Mountains and enjoyed a chalet while you visited, if you’ve ever traveled and avoided hotel rooms, if you want to stay in Yosemite National Park without being in a hotel, AirBNB is your next option.

AirBNB offers amazing alternatives for staying IN Yosemite National Park by renting one of the many homes and cabins in and around the park. Some of the listings just…

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Fowler, California Fall Festival Parade

Fowler, California Fall Festival Parade

The Fowler Fall Festival Parade is very leave-it-to-beaverish, complete with each and every float and entry being introduced at the stands, just like 1941.

Nearly every grade from the local school walked in the parade, along with the boy scouts, girl scouts, senior class, queens and more.

This was our first parade in California and the boys noticed something different right away… there was…

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Yosemite and Sierra Mountains Fall Color Information

Yosemite and Sierra Mountains Fall Color Information

If you’re planning on viewing the colorful Sierras this Fall, word is, color is already popping and Yosemite is expected to turn early.

Northern Sierra’s are already providing a color show. Some are already at peek. Get a color guide for the Eastern Sierra’s here.

If you’re wondering if the trip is…

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#BigFresnoFair List of Events

#BigFresnoFair List of Events

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend in Fresno, why not check out the Big Fresno Fair?

We’re working on a massive list of events by day.

For more information, check out the Fresno Fair website.

Check back as we update this page…

[divider]Wednesday, October 1st[/divider]

$1 Entry and $1 Rides

Jim Gaffigan

[divider]Thursday, October 2nd[/divider]

TobyMac

[divider]Friday, October…

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Fresno Fair Kicks off with $1 Wednesday Admission #BigFresnoFair

Fresno Fair Kicks off with $1 Wednesday Admission #BigFresnoFair

If you’re looking for something to do this week in Fresno, it’s opening day at the Big Fresno Fair! Today only, you can get in for $1 and pay just $1 per ride.

The Big Fresno Fair opens today and runs through October 13th.

Watch for more information on events and times.

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Could You Be Fined for Photographing a National Park or National Forest?

Could You Be Fined for Photographing a National Park or National Forest?

If you haven’t heard of the forest service’s guidelines about to take effect, you might want to take a minute to see what’s causing the uproar. For people like me, a travel blog and photographer who does this full-time, this law has me concerned. There’s so much grey area. Tourists want to know what happens when they take a photo and post it to Facebook. They want to know if they can blog it.…

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