Karilyn Owen

15 Amazing Things to Do in Big Bear – Summer Edition

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Often only thought of as Southern California’s place to play in the snow, there are a ton of great things to do in Big Bear throughout the year. As the heat of the summer sets in, Big Bear is the perfect escape. Nestled high in the San Bernardino mountains on the banks of a lake, … Read more

The Most Useful 3-5 Day Backpacking Packing List

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Are you planning your first backpacking trip (or your 100th) and looking to get your backpacking packing list sorted? You have come to the right place. I am a super list maker and love sharing my lists with others! After tons of research and many hundreds of miles of backpacking under our belt, we wanted to share with you exactly what we take on our backpacking trips and what we leave behind. (See below to download a FREE printable backpacking checklist)

In this backpacking checklist, I share every item I bring on a 3-day backpacking trip in the late spring, summer, and fall seasons. I hope that this backpacking gear list will help simplify your planning, help you figure out what you need, and if you are just starting backpacking, give you some good recommendations for backpacking gear to invest in that will last you many years.

Don’t forget to check out our post on backpacking hacks and tips to help your packing go smoothly even on a first trip!

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Hiking & Backpacking the Epic Big Pine Lakes Trail in California

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Big Pine Lakes Trail in California is one of the most beautiful hikes you can do in the United States. Whether you are day hiking or backpacking Big Pine Lakes, the view once you reach the glacial lakes will take your breath away.  Located in the John Muir Wilderness, in the Eastern Sierra Nevadas, this is a strenuous day hike that takes you deep into the forest to picturesque turquoise lakes.

This hike is one of the biggest bucket list hikes in California that must be done if you are an avid hiker and outdoor adventurer. From the first time I saw photos of these glimmering turquoise lakes, reminiscent of Lake Louise in Canada’s famous national park, I knew I had to go. For years I had planned to only hike to the lakes as a day trip because I was not into backpacking, but as luck would have it, I became a backpacker! (Check out other amazing overnight backpacking trips in California.)

Below I’m going to share how you can hike to one of the most beautiful places in California. Everything you need to know on how to visit the lakes and some detailed information on the trail that takes you there. And trust me, the watercolor is truly that turquoise – photoshop is not needed here!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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Introducing Merino Wool Clothing: The Best Travel Fabric

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As you guys all know I am obsessed with merino wool clothing. For the past 2 years I have challenged myself to wear some article of merino wool clothing every single day. In this quest, I have ended up becoming quite a fan and aficionado of this natural fiber. In the process of learning more … Read more

20 Exciting Stops on a Miami To Key West Drive

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One of our favorite vacations in recent years was a Florida Keys road trip. The Miami to Key West drive took us to 3 unique national parks and exploring the beauty up and down the Keys. This trip is filled with nature, adrenaline pumping activities and so much time on the water. Below we share … Read more

Bay Harbor Lodge Key Largo | Terrific Cottages That You Will Love

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If you are looking for a unique place to stay on a Florida Keys road trip that is full of character and charm, then you must check out Bay Harbor Lodge Key Largo also known as Coconut Bay Resort Key Largo. This adorable family owned hotel sits right off the Overseas Highway and right on … Read more

15 Informative Tips for Planning a Florida Keys Trip You NEED to Know

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A Florida Keys trip is the ultimate holiday for outdoor lovers, adventure seekers and road trip enthusiasts. Having just returned from our own road trip from Key Largo to Key West, we have compiled the best tips to help you plan and organize your trip from what to see and how to budget for all … Read more

Roadsurfer Camper Van: A Road Trip Companion Families Will Love

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It has long been a dream of mine to hit the road and head off into the sunset in my very own campervan. Sadly, I still don’t own one. Instead, I am relegated to renting them when I can. One of the best rental companies Los Angeles has to offer in this realm is RoadSurfer … Read more

Ultimate Guide to Planning a Trip to Ireland in 2023

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Are you planning a trip to Ireland? If so, you have come to the right place! For the last 20 years I have taken a family trip to Ireland almost on a yearly basis. Because of this, I often get emails asking for help in planning a trip to Ireland. “What should I do in … Read more

7 Unique Things to Do at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco

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Heading to Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco? If so, you have come to the right place. After years of touring friends and family around the city, I know all the hot spots and best things to do in Fisherman’s Wharf for all ages. 

San Francisco is one of the top destinations in the United States for tourists and is a wonderful city for families to visit. A visit to the magical city of San Francisco is never complete without some time at Fisherman’s Wharf. San francisco’s most popular destination is of course super touristy, but for a reason. There are some great things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco that it always tops visitors to do lists.  Fisherman’s Wharf is roughly considered the area between Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square. It is easily walkable, however there are also vintage streetcars plying up and down the wharf in case you get tired of walking.

After spending so many years living in San Francisco playing tour guide to visitors and now visiting yearly with my son, I have come up with the perfect things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco with or without children.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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13 Affordable But Spectacular Things To Do In Page Arizona

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Are you heading to Arizona? If so you must visit the little town that has blown up in recent years. There are so many things to do in Page Arizona that you will need to plan a few days to really experience it all. From kayaking to canyon hiking and stunning vista points, there are … Read more

Ultimate Guide to the Best Hiking in Los Angeles (2023)

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Would you ever have guessed that hiking in Los Angeles is *the* thing to do here? We were so surprised to learn this when we moved here 9 years ago. 

Traffic, yes.

Celebrities, of course. 

But hiking? Yes! it is really one of the most popular activities you will find Angelenos participating in all days of the week, and all times of the year. 

The truth is, there are a TON of amazing hikes in the Los Angeles area, that it can take years to experience them all. When we first moved to LA, my son was only 3 so we didn’t do a ton of difficult hikes at that time, focusing on the best hikes for toddlers, but as the years have progressed, we have added more and more to our arsenal.

In 2021, we started the year with a goal of hiking (and biking!) 100 miles for the month of January and 1000 for the year. For our own purposes to keep track of the hikes we have done and would recommend, we started this guide on all the hiking trails in Los Angeles that we have been on or have on our list!

We will cover the best hikes in LA (according to popular consensus), waterfall hikes in Los Angeles as well as some great hiking near Los Angeles. Read on for more information for each. Check back often for updates as well.

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Yosemite in Winter: Everything You Need to Know to Visit California’s Most Popular Park (2023)

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Yosemite National Park is one of our favorite places in California to visit in spring and summer. However, visiting Yosemite in winter is even more magical if you are up for the adventure. After tons of visits to Yosemite throughout the year, we finally made the trek there during winter and share everything you need … Read more

Hiking the John Muir Trail: Everything You Need to Know for 2023

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More than 1,500 people attempt to walk the entire John Muir Trail every year. A bit more than half of them succeed in a good year, with less than a third making it through in a year with natural challenges – high snow, monsoonal rains or wildfires. This guide from a JMT thru-hiker provides key … Read more

Best Kids Ski Gear for Warmth & Comfort on the Slopes

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Coming from Southern California, we are wimps when it comes to the cold. Through our years of ski trips, we have come up with a great list of the best kids ski gear to keep the littles warm and comfortable on the slopes whether you are in the cold mountaintops of Whistler or enjoying the … Read more

The Best Things To Know Before Visiting Saudi Arabia

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Have you seen the news that visiting Saudi Arabia is now a possibility for many people in the western world? It is true, the kingdom is now opening its doors to tourism which means a lot more people are planning a trip to Saudi Arabia than ever before. My son and I were lucky enough … Read more

20 Popular German Christmas Market Foods Worth Seeking Out

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If you are heading to Germany this year for the holiday season Christmas markets, this post is for you as we share all the most popular German Christmas market food you will want to try on your trip. The assortment of amazing and delectable Germany Christmas market foods are reason enough to book your flight … Read more

The Most Unique German Christmas Markets in Southwest Germany

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On my recent visit to Germany I had one goal in mind, check out as many of the unique German Christmas Markets as we could. While many visitors flock to the more well known Christmas markets of Nuremberg or Munich, our goal was to check out the smaller towns and what locals regard as some … Read more

9 Beautiful Joshua Tree Hikes For Unforgettable Views

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Looking for the best Joshua Tree hikes? You have come to the right place. Joshua Tree National Park in California has become one of our favorite go-to trips – either as a day trip or for a last minute weekend getaway. Through our many visits, we have found a few trails that we return to … Read more