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One of many mass graves at Choeung Ek.

Cambodia’s Tortured Past: It’s never too late to learn

April 2, 2017 By Julie

No gain in keeping, no loss in weeding out. So said Pol Pot, speaking of his own people. Pol Pot, leader of the Khmer Rouge and the man responsible for one of the worst genocides of the 20th century. Pol Pot, a name I’d heard, yes, but knew embarrassingly little about. A precious gift of…

Julie at Kearsarge Pass

Hiking the Eastern Sierras and Death Valley

March 19, 2017 By Julie

Overview In October 2016, I was lucky enough to spend almost three weeks camping and hiking with my best friend Karen.  We met in Reno (having flown from Alaska and Oregon, respectively) and then worked our way from Yosemite down to Mt. Whitney before cutting east to finish up in Death Valley. We packed so…

A couple folks picking their way across Devil's Golf Course.

Four Days in Death Valley: Painted Hills and Hidden Surprises

March 12, 2017 By Julie

After two full weeks of hiking the rugged Eastern Sierras, four days in Death Valley felt like a vacation from our vacation.  Death Valley is humongous (3.4 million acres!) and we lazily explored the park, driving through its vast stretches accompanied by the Eagles and Jackson Browne. Though nature’s palette is muted here, it’s not limited…

Old entrance station for the Manzanar Japanese internment camp

Bristlecone Pines, Manzanar, and the Alabama Hills: Beauty in the Face of Adversity

February 19, 2017 By Julie

In a span of three days I hiked amongst ancient Bristlecone Pines, toured Manzanar (a former Japanese internment camp), and explored the Alabama Hills. Visiting one right after the other naturally led to comparisons, and I was struck by their common thread: Beauty - and even triumph - in the face of extreme adversity. Great…

Just setting out from Glacier Point on the Panorama Trail. It's already less crowded!

Hiking Yosemite…and loving it to death?

February 12, 2017 By Julie

Yosemite is one of those bucket-list destinations, and I’m eternally grateful that my fist visit occurred late-season - the place was mobbed, even in October! I realize Karen and I did our part to add to the crowds, but sheesh, shouldn’t people be at work or in school or something?? Don’t misunderstand: I fell in…

The lovely Lundy Canyon

Lee Vining: He was a guy. It’s a place. Visit!

February 5, 2017 By Julie

I landed in Reno in early October primed and ready for a 3-week road trip with my best friend from high school. Though the original plan was to head south to Utah’s painted hills, Karen called an audible and switched things up. The Eastern Sierras hold a special place in her heart and the forecast…

The Bodie ghost town. Quietly deteriorating in a state of "arrested decay".

Bodie Ghost Town: A Peek into the Past

January 29, 2017 By Julie

I’m not sure why, but when I hear the words “ghost town” I immediately picture a Disney-esque, overly commercialized western town with a shooting gallery, old-timey photo booth, and Sarsaparilla for sale in the corner saloon. Bodie is the polar opposite. Purchased by the California State Parks in 1962, the town of Bodie is a…

Tufas, up close and personal.

Mono Lake: Wish You Were Here

January 22, 2017 By Julie

Ahh, Mono Lake. Where oh where to start? First off, the name is pronounced ‘moan-oh’ (not ‘monno’ like the fatigue-inducing infectious disease). Second, when visiting, allow time for a sunrise trip to the lake, even if you’re not a morning person. Trust me, it’s worth it. Backing up, Mono is a lake due east of the town…

Pleasant Valley or Great Western? Both!

Pleasant Valley Winery: Champagne Wishes and Cream Sherry Dreams

September 14, 2016 By Julie

I visited the Pleasant Valley winery last summer and gave it a bum rap having been underwhelmed by the winemaking museum (a bit dated) and tastings (too sweet for my palate). What a difference a year - and a tour - makes. Or rather two tours: I visited with my friend Jill and liked it…

A boat in Heat 2, clearly have a fabulous time racing.

The Hammondsport Antique Boat Show and Regatta

August 10, 2016 By Julie

What is it about old wooden boats? Is it their simple elegance, wood varnished to a high gloss, gracefully cutting through the water, or the way they encapsulate an era, a tableau frozen in time reminding us of days gone by? Perhaps it’s the hard work poured into each and every one, a labor of…

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