Looking for Sarah Palin #2

The Rugged Outdoors

 

 

 

Skagway is a town near Glacier Bay. It’s in the southeast arm tucked in the Inside Passage.  It has a Gold Rush history. Prior to 1887, Native Americans (Tlingit tribe) lived in the area and established the Chilkoot trail. This was a steep trail which began at sea level and climbed several thousand feet into British Columbia. They used it as a trading route to Yukon. 

 

The Chilkoot trail was very steep and not recommended for animals. It was a 33 miles trail from Skagway, AK to Bennett, British Columbia. When Gold was discovered in the Yukon Territories, many a gold rusher would take this steep trail.  You can still hike this trail today. 

 

A less steep, trail, White’s Pass, was developed as thousands to gold rushers flooded the area seeking their fortune.  Soon, in the early 1900’s the White Pass and Yukon Railroad was built, making passage that much easier but the route is a narrow gage rail and there are many tight curves.  There’s no more gold rushers, but the railroad still takes tourists up the twisty and curvy route. 

 

Who knew? 

 

Well, I got up at 7 am and walked to my balcony and discovered the cruise ship was snuggled up against a granite cliff. We had the whole day in Skagway. 

 

We got off the ship early and walked on over to Skagway proper. There was a lot to do in the middle of the town/tourist area and it was swamped from 3 or 4 cruise ships.  There was no gang plank, so we had to take a shore boat to the docks.

 

The Klondike Gold Rush National Park was down there, but none of us realized it. We just followed the flow of the crowd. Soon we discovered the Red Onion Saloon. In 1897, it was brothel, but now it was just a place to eat and drink with a lot of ambience. We didn’t go in because the line was loooong. We continued to walk around town, and I found the Alaska Christmas store.  I just had to go in. Who doesn’t love Christmas?

 

Sorry, no pictures inside but they had some awesome ornaments, and I must have bought at least 4! 

 

After that, Andy and I found the Fry Dough place.  Again, another line out to the door, but it went fast, and we really wanted to try to the Fry Dough! It was delicious. Brent had some coffee from the local place next door. 

 

I got some sticker souvenirs, and we made our way back to the Train station. We must have waited for about 30 mins before it was time to get on the train.  We were going to ride the White Pass train to the Canadian border and then come back. It was a 2.5 hour ride. We learned how the railroad was built alongside White’s pass. The train went from sea level to 3,000 feet and there were lots of twists and turns. It was a nice ride.  The views were amazing and I’ll share a few here. 

 

We finished around 5 pm and got back on the ship. We had dinner at the Italian specialty dining place which just blew me away with its selection. I had veal cutlets. Afterwards I went to the cabin and relaxed. The sunset around 10 pm which was wild to me. 

 

I would definitely go back to Skagway again and spend a leisurely amount of time checking out the shops and the area . Believe it or not, when Sarah Palin was just a few months old, her family moved to Skagway and she spent a good amount of her childhood in Skagway before her family moved to Anchorage. After seeing the woods, the water, and the hills of Skagway, I can definitely see where Sarah Palin gets her “outdoorsyness” from.  I didn’t find her in Skagway, but there was time…

 

Next:  Glaciers. 

**************

My summer romance, Arrow Through the Heart is avail on Amazon Kindle. 

It's the 4th of July and Ella is in town for a tennis tournament. She meets a young man, Logan, and the sparks fly, but she is stalked, can Logan keep her safe? 

 Buy Arrow Through the Heart

 

California Dreaming

 Forgive.  I'm a bit late with my California post. Just recently we went to Pismo Beach to check out the Clam Festival.  It was the 75th Anniversary of the event.  As I'm from New England, I ALWAYS enjoy a good Clam Chowder. :) 

But first I'd like to share this verison of "California Dreaming" done by the School of Rock. The leader sing kinda reminds me of Mama Cass (Voice-Wise!!) as she gives a really heartfelt, honest vocal performance with power and grit. 

Pismo Beach is so low key. The weather was really nice when we went. There was a real chill vibe, and I loved how the focus was on the clams. 

There's nothing like the peace of the beach and the beautiful coastline to make one relax.

The Clam chowder tasting was on the pier. A lot of local restaurants particpated in the challenge.  I picked #10. For me, that was the most authentic to a New England style chowder. 

Even the Beach has fun with it's Pismo Beach sign! 

Pismo Beach is great for surfers.  Here are a couple trying to catch a few waves.

California may have it's ups and downs, but one of the most beautiful places in the state, IMHO,  is anywhere on the coast. 

*************

STORY PROMO: 

My ebook, Journey of the Heart, is set in the California Wine Country after World War II. It's available with the Kindle Unlimited program. 

BLURB:

James DiMera returns to his home in California after World War II, only to find out he's lost his farm. His way of life gone, James becomes a journeyman, selling Bibles, looking for a sense of purpose. But after the loss of his dream, what can there be for him?

Rachel Santori's family winery is in trouble. She's looking for someone to trust. When Rachel meets James, she can't deny how he touches her lonely heart and soul with his kindness and the way comes to her aid. How long has it been since she had someone to depend on? Can James find a place of belonging in Rachel’s life? Can love mend both their weary hearts?

BUY LINK:https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Heart-Stephanie-Burkhart-ebook/dp/B07S1VL7JZ/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Stephanie+Burkhart&qid=1636253141&sr=8-3

Promo: Night of Magic

 

A great read in time for Samhain. 

BLURB:It's 800 A.D. on the Emerald Isle and Samhain is the darkest night of the year. Five years ago, Prince Jasper lost his daughter, Aithne, to the world on the other side of the bonfires. Every year since, Jasper sends champions to this other world on Samhain when the barrier is at his weakest. This year, Finn braves the bonfires in search of Aithne, but dare he follow his heart or will his greed dictate his actions? 

 EXCERPT: 

Darius, the pretty boy, motioned for Finn to proceed down the center aisle. "Queen Aithne will come out once you kneel before the throne."

Finn grunted. He felt like a lamb being led to a slaughter, but he complied anyway, driven by an instinctual feeling he couldn't explain. Servants stopped to stare as he walked past. Men at the tables quieted. Finn furrowed his brow. Aithne? Wasn't that the name of the prince's daughter?

He kept quiet, only drawing a breath to tamp down his rising anxiety. He never cared to be restricted. Giving up control and submitting to another's will made him uncomfortable. His parents lost their lives when they trusted the soldiers from the east who invaded their homes. Finn swore he'd never trust anyone so blindly after that – but he had. Reluctantly, he had put on the mask, allowed himself to be taken by Darius, and had his wrists bound, and he'd hardly protested. Why? He needed to find the prince's daughter, but a part of him hoped to find the woman of his visions, too. 

Darius placed his hand on Finn's shoulder and pushed him ta his knees. Finn snarled his displeasure. Darius had a problem with him – but what?

The side door opened. A handmaiden stepped out. The sweet, sensual scent of lavender trailed after her. 

"Head down." Darius whispered into Finn's ear.

Finn swore the first chance he had, he'd give Darius a taste of his fists.

He felt the woman's presence in front of him before glancing up. 

"Darius, rise with our…guest." Her voice was low and commanding.

As Darius tugged Finn to his feet, Finn found himself gazing into seductive, soulful emerald eyes. The woman of his visions was real and right in front of him!

She raked her gaze over him from head to toe, surveying his appearance before finding his face. She said nothing, only cocking her head a bit and smiling, revealing that amazing dimple. As their expressions fixed on each other, Finn sensed a heated and sensuous light pass between them. She licked her lips, and his pulse quickened. 

Satisfied that he'd elicited a response from her, he looked her over. Right away Finn noticed that the queen was tall, standing over many of the men and soldiers in the room. She wore a small tiara made of gold, with a ruby seated in the middle. Her golden red hair flowed down her back in long, thick waves. She wore a silver gown with sleeves to her wrists. The fabric of the gown hugged the curves of her body. A leather belt fastened around her waist. His manhood thickened under his kilt. She was a fine woman. Finn noticed he was the only man in the room taller than her.

"My father's sent a man who is finally brave enough to walk through the bonfires, Darius."

REVIEW: 5 Stars, Amazon Review:his is an excellent piece of paranormal romance. It shows vampires in a new light, one where the purity of emotional connection is more important than the blood shared. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes historical fiction, parallel worlds, vampires or other paranormal lives.

BUY LINK:https://www.amazon.com/Night-Magic-Stephanie-Burkhart-ebook/dp/B07HJ79NRP/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=stephanie+burkhart&qid=1635376562&sr=8-6

What makes Labor Day 2020 Special?

I think we all enjoy having the first Monday of September off. It’s a nice break since the last holiday was the 4^th of July.  That’s a long span not to have a holiday.  So, what’s Labor Day about?

 

It’s dedicated to the American worker and all they’ve done to strengthen the nation, help make America prosperous, and boost the overall well-being of the country. 

 

While the origins of the holiday are debated, what we do know is that one of the first Labor Days came about in the 1880’s out of New York City, and the intent was to celebrate with a picnic. By 1894, 23 states celebrated Labor Day.

 

The first Labor Days involved a street parade with floats and exhibits that embodied the strength and Esprit de corps of the trade or labor unions.  After the parades, there would be festivals, picnics, amusement to help entertain workers and their families.  I, for one, enjoy a good autumn festival.  Today there are “Highland Games” that take place in the fall, State Fairs, Apple festivals, etc… 

 

Labor has contributed to the high standard of living in America, and the worker deserves to be acknowledged for their contributions. I think that’s the heart of the holiday that we shouldn’t forget. 

 

Labor Unions were very important when they first formed.  Labor Unions were formed in the private sector for manufacturing jobs. They helped establish fair practices. Labor Unions not only negotiated fair wages, but also for the 8 hour work day, and benefits from sick time to holiday pay. Labor unions helped to protect workers.  They helped to do away with children laborers as well. 

 

Labor Day is now approximately 125 years old. It’s still considered the unofficial end of summer, as schools usually back up after the holiday.  But do unions do the same thing now in 2020 that they were conceived to do in the 1880’s? The times have changed since 1880’s and now.  The Industrial revolution is over and now there’s a technical revolution. 

 

What makes a Union successful in 2020 is the ability to successfully negotiate contracts.  There are public unions and private unions. Public service unions have grown while private ones have gotten smaller. Public unions focus on retaining good pay, good benefits and job security. Public sector unions also have a political influence. 

 

Private unions have declined due to the jobs market declining in certain jobs such as health care, restaurants, and hospitality as well as manufacturing.

 

 

As for the holiday, I would love see America get back to basics with parades and festivals.  (which would definitely be challenge in 2020 due to COVID) What makes the holiday special for me is the day off to relax and appreciate all the benefits I have due to the hard work of laborers before me.   So, for Labor Day 2020, I’ll be BBQ in my backyard, share my Labor Day flowers with you all, and read a good book.  I might even go shopping at Target. 

 

 ******

Check out my New Release, a Young Adult story: Young Witchcraft. 

BLURB:

Rachel’s secret would have Cotton Mather rolling over in his grave. She’s been raised from an early age to use magic for good, despite her temptation to cast a spell against Phil the bully who can’t stop teasing her.

Joe thinks Rachel is cool, especially when she weaves her healing magic on him, but he’s got his own problems. It’s not easy keeping Rachel safe from Phil’s constant threats.

When Phil poisons Rachel, can love and a little young witchcraft bring Rachel and Joe together or have the years of Phil’s bullying ruined their relationship for good? 

Amazon Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Young-Witchcraft-Stephanie-Burkhart-ebook/dp/B08FVMD4LP/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=stephanie+burkhart&qid=1599423645&sr=8-1

5 Star review for Young Witchcraft:   This book is a most engaging story of young people, with mystical powers. It is set in New England and the writing is rich in detail of the fall season in that area throughout the years. The descriptions transported me as a reader to a different place and time. Bullying is dealt with in a sensitive and straightforward manner. Anyone can be bullied, even a witch with all sorts of powers. The power of love and friendship is tested through the years as the main characters of Rachel and Joe find their way to life at college, which will test them in more ways then they know. I found the story was rich in environmental and historical description. Loyalty, friendship and doing the right thing are strong themes that are well portrayed throughout. I read it in one sitting, which is unusual for me these days. I would recommend it highly and can picture these characters vividly after reading. 

Day Trip to Ventura (trying to stay cool)

 Last Saturday, the family had a day off.  It was going to be hot in Santa Clarita, and Castaic Lake was closed (since it is the command post for the Lake Fire) and we needed to get out.  We've been a good little family since COVID restrictions hit. We don't get out much, but there's not much to get out to.  Here in So Cal, especially LA County, a lot of things are still closed.  Nail Salons/Hair places can only operate outdoors.  Restaurants can do take out or offer outdoors patio dining. (That's tough because it's HOT and not a lot of ppl want to eat outside in the searing heat) School are closed and are online ONLY.  The Pac 12 is not playing fall sports which in include football, so no college football.  Our typical day is: I go to work, do physical therapy, (on my knee, this is my last week) go home, eat dinner. Watch TV, do housework, read a book, go to bed. The boys go to school online, and hang out at the house.  (The one plus is that Joey is signed up for a Volleyball clinic so we got out of the house last night) -- The bowling alley is closed. There's no boy scouts.  Everyone wears a mask and even at work they preach social distancing. sigh... If anything, it's mentally draining.  The amusement parks are closed.  The only thing open is the beach.

So last Saturday we said, let's get out of the house and go to the beach.  The good thing about the beach is that it's usually 10-15 degrees cooler than the searing heat of Santa Clarita. 

It was nice because it was off the cuff and nothing was planned. We just went with the flow. We left around noon and our first stop was the Outlet Malls in Camarillo.  As we cruised through Ventura, we discovered a rally on the corner of a park.  People were wearing red, white, and blue, waving flags.  There were two banners -- back the blue and Trump.  It was heartwarming to see since I'm a 911 dispatcher and a veteran. 

The Outlet Malls were packed.  Some stores had waiting lines outside of the establishment so as to mind social distancing. We found some athletic shorts that my son liked and then it was off to the local seafood place.

The local seafood place is in the Ventura Harbor and it's called Andria's.  The fish there is very fresh.  I split the meal with my husband. We had a mixed platter with beer battered fish, calamari, scallops, and shrimp. Yummy.  My fussy son got chicken nuggets and fries from a place close by.  The temp was 82 but it was humid so it felt hot.  We ate outdoors, so it was a tad hot for us (but not as hot as it would have been in Santa Clarita!!) Afterwords we crossed the street and put our foot in the water.  On the beach, it felt much cooler. 

I love the water.  I'd love to live in Ventura (or Catalina Island) when I get old and retire, but it probably won't happen. 

Next we go, we'll plan a tad better and be a bit more organized, but not bad for a spur of the moment pack up and go. 

I'd love to hear what you do to stay cool or what stuff is open in your part of the USA.

Have a good one

Steph

Check out my story, Mr. Christmas Elf.  Can Elvis the Christmas Elf help Jules salvage Christmas?  Avail on Amazon in the Kindle Store for 99 cents. 

https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Christmas-Elf-Stephanie-Burkhart-ebook/dp/B07K6QT51S/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=stephanie+burkhart&qid=1598367926&sr=8-3

I Wish I was a Genealogist

I wish I was a genealogist. Why? Because then I would have answers to my past  that would help me explain the following photo:

Dispatch Riders (or Despatch Riders) were used by the British in World War I and World War II as messengers to deliver urgent orders or communications from headquarters to field units.

In World War II when men were in field units, the British used WRENS as Dispatch Riders. WREN stands for Women's Royal Navy Service (WRNS) . As men were out to war, the service drafted women to be dispatch riders with the important mission of delivering  orders/communications. They worked in all kinds of conditions from the Blitz to bad weather.

The women who were initially selected needed to have knowledge of motorcycles, how to ride one, and how to provide maintenance on a motorcycle. They were usually well known competition drivers from local racing circuits. As the war grew on, they selected untrained women and would train them up. 

Their work during the Battle of Britain was praised since traveling during those conditions where dicey to say the least. 

The bike this dispatch rider is on is a BSA 250cc, which is a common bike of the time.  The photo is dated 10 May 1941. An article about the dispatch riders that share some information on their background and heroism can be found here: https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/female-dispatch-motorcycle-riders-world-war-ii/

Why do I wish a genealogist?  Because the women on the bike looks just like me. 

I'm a tad older in this picture, in my 30's, but you can see the resemblance. When I saw this picture I was stunned.

A co-worker  found it on a Pinterest board and shared it with me. We were both floored. I was able to find out a date on photo, the type of bike, and from what's she's wearing, determined she was a  British dispatch rider, but that's it. 

I want to know more!!

I did 23andMe about a year and half ago and found out some interesting things about my genes. 

I'm 44% Eastern European from Poland and Ukraine.  Not surprised.  My mother's family came from those areas.  From what I've been able to find out, My maternal grandmother's parents, Michael and Petronella (from Ukraine) left in 1913 to come to America so Michael wouldn't be drafted into the Russian army (World War 1) . They settled in Massachusetts and my grandmother settled in Hinsdale, NH with her Polish husband.  I don't know his story at all, but would interested to learn it.

My father's side has a rich Canadian history that can be traced back to the "Daughters of the King" (Fille Du Roi) where Louis XIV (14th), wanting to increase the French population in Canada, sent approximately 800 young women with dowries he provided them to Canada to find a man and start a family between 1663-1673.  According to 23andMe, I am 15% French/German.  (Interesting side note, according to 23andMe, my German comes from Nord Rhine Westphila -- the area where I was stationed when I was in the US Army 86-88.). My French comes Normandie.  

I'm 15% British/Irish. 

When I was little girl, I once asked my Granny (my father's mother) where she was from.  She said, "I don't know.  I'm a mutt, I'm little from here and there."  Me: Are you Irish?  (because St. Patrick's Day was around the corner and I wanted to wear green.) Granny: Maybe a little, I don't know.

Come to find out, Granny was a lot more Irish -- and British -- than she thought!! 

23andMe says I'm from all over Britain, but the big "hit" is in the London area. I'm 2-3 generations removed according to them, which sounds about right if one of Granny's parents (or both) had British roots. 

I would love to know the woman's name in the picture.  Where is she?  Is she in London?  Who are her family?  Is she a cousin of mine?  Why does this woman in the picture look remarkably like me?

Ah... it's something only history -- and a genealogist can tell me. 

Check out my .99 cents story, Journey of the Heart, now available on Amazon . In the aftermath of Word War II, can James help Rachel save her winery? 

Link to Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Heart-Stephanie-Burkhart-ebook/dp/B07S1VL7JZ/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Stephanie+burkhart&qid=1597163547&sr=8-1

Camping at Lake Tahoe, CA

During my vaction in June, the family went to Lake Tahoe.  We'd never been and I was very excited. We camped at DL Bliss State Park.  This park is on the CA side. There are several camp sites on the CA side.  There's another State Park, "Emerald Bay" and severl US Forest Service parks. DL Bliss was closer to the southern side of the lake.  

Here's a picture of our campsite. It was kind of "compact" but there were enough trees where we didn't need an EZ up.  

Also at our site, was a camp stove.  I'd never seen a camp stove like this.  Brent tried to use it but it didn't get hot off. 

I was really impressed with just how blue Lake Tahoe is.  The color was striking.  Our area was woody and green and smelled wonderful.  I was so impressed with the scenery I went ahead and ordered a CA Tahoe state license plate.

Here is a waterfall.  We were at elevation, between 6500 - 7000 feet. Several of the surrounding mountains still had snow on them and it was still melting.  The waterfalls in "emerald bay" were very active. 

Here's the entrance to the Vikingsholm State Park.  It's a steep mile decent to the Vikingshom estate.  It was commissioned in 1928 and built in 1929 by Mrs. Josephine Knight.  She and her husband came from Chicago. 

Here is a view of Vikingsholm.  Mrs. Knight architect traveled to Scandinavia and studied how buildings were made.  His travels inspired the "vikings" house that was built. Mrs. Knight and her husband were known as major backers for Charles Linbergh's solo flight in 1927.  Mrs. Knight used Vikingsholm as a summer home. 

Here my son, Joey, is collecting water from Lake Tahoe as a souvenior.  This is on the CA side.  Sadly, we never got a chance to visit the NV side for him to get his NV souvenior. 

Here's me and my buddy, Grumpy Cat, as we take a cruise on Lake Tahoe.  In the background are the snow covered mountains.  

Enjoy this 99 cent summer romance:  "Journey of the Heart." 

Blurb: Set in Sonoma, CA in 1946, can James help Rachel save her winery or will he drift out of her life the same way he drifted in?

12, 5 Star Reviews on Amazon

The story was compelling and not boring, which is often a stereotype of sweet romances. I would recommend this short sweetie of a story. Good job, author. - Angel E

Excerpt: 

"Your case threatened to run away, so I bribed it." Her sweet expression was an arrow through his heart. 

"Really? What did you bribe it with?" He wiped the sweat off his brow with a handkerchief, caused from a combination of the summer heat and lifting the heavy cases. 

"A job."

He hooked his thumb toward his chest. "Are you offering me a job, Miss Santori?"

BUY LINK: http://amzn.com/B008G1JI6C

.99 Christmas in July Romance: Feast of Candles

Add caption

Grab this 99 cent Christmas romance before the end of July and indulge in Christmas a little early. 

BLURB:

Drake de Brettville is going to take the biggest risk of his life – because of a bottle of wine. When Drake's brother returns to their home in Denmark with a bottle of wine from the Marquand Winery, Drake finds himself compelled to discover who the wine maker is. Intrigued to learn that the owner is a young woman named Lily Marquand, Drake travels to Napa Valley, California, to meet her. 

When Drake finds Lily, the sparks fly. Lily is that rare woman who stimulates him like no other, but to win her love, Drake has to shatter the battlements that guard her heart and prove to her Christmas wishes do come true.

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

Collecting her purse, she walked into the lobby as Drake descended the stairs. He presented her with a manila envelope.

"I'll look it over and give it to my lawyers to examine."

"When might you make a decision?"

"Give me a week."

He escorted her to her car and paused near the door. Lily unlocked it with her remote and leaned over, placing her purse along with the folder in the passenger seat. When she stood back up, Drake was directly in front of her. He cupped her cheek, his hand warm and encouraging. "When can I see you again?"

Her abdomen ached for more as waves of desire washed over her. Lily craved closer contact, but she tried to think rationally. "I'm, ah, not sure of my schedule."

"Tomorrow?"

"Yes – tomorrow. Come to the winery after it closes."

His lips brushed against hers, then gently covered her mouth. Lily welcomed him, his spicy scent sending her senses reeling. She placed her hands on his chest and moaned when his lips left hers, blazing kisses over her jaw, and searing a path of pleasure over her neck. 

AMAZON BUY LINK: KINDLE:

http://www.amazon.com/2011-Christmas-Collection-Sensual-ebook/dp/B005Z8VOVG/ref=sr_1_9?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1320075741&sr=1-9

BARNES & NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feast-of-candles-stephanie-burkhart/1119887243?ean=2940046043792

SMASHWORDS:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/99059

LULU:

http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/2011-christmas-collection-sensualspicy/18312218?productTrackingContext=search_results/search_shelf/center/1

Camping in the California Redwoods

Today I thought I'd share some pictures with you from my vacation at Jedidiah Smith State Park.  This state park is home to Redwoods trees. It's about 3 miles outside of Crescent City, CA.  Crescent City is on the border between CA and Oregon.  It's also on the coast of California.  The climate is moderate, not to hot, not too cool.  The majority of days start off with a marine layer that burns off as day go.  The climate is perfect for the growth of Redwood Forests. 

We went ahead and pitched out tent.  We use cots to sleep on. Personally, I find cots better to sleep on than using an air mattress.  They may be a bit more bulkier to transport, but for me it's worth it.  We went in mid June this year, and it was a bit on the cooler side.  Temps were in the 50's and 60's, so we always wearing a sweatjacket and pants.  

What's camp without a campfire, right?  Here's a picture of our campfire.  Behind it is our charcoal grill.  They got a lot of use! 

Here is Joe taking his Jr. Ranger oath.  They gave him a pin that he wore everywhere he went! 

Here is selfie with me and "Boy Scout Tree."  Boy Scout Tree is a Huge Redwood.  Actually it's 2 redwoods who fused together.  It's a 3 mile hike out to the tree and 3 miles back.  It's called Boy Scout tree because it was the boy scouts who discovered the tree in the 1940's when they were doing trail maintenance. 

Here's a picture of our little campsite.  Our tent is in the background.  A huge redwood log that fell down is on the left.  What I really liked about this campground is that you were surrounded by redwoods.  It gave you a sense of privacy that we didn't have in other camps.  The bathrooms were flush tiolets and they had coin showers. The part itself was well kept up. 

Here's a picture of the lighthouse in Crescent City.  It's called Battery Point.  You can only access it during low tide.  When high tide comes in, it fills up the middle and cuts off the island from the main land. 

Here's a bunch of redwoods on the the way to Boy Scout Tree. 

I hope you enjoyed my pictures of the redwoods.  It's a good 12 hour drive so it takes us 2 days to get there.  Crescent City has a walmart, a movie theatre and plenty of places to eat if you need something.  We took several hikes when we visited, the best hike being out to Boy Scout Tree.  There is a river nearby, but since it was so cold, we didn't go in.

Enjoy this 99 cent sweet summer read: Arrow Through The Heart:  Buy it now before it leaves at the end of August.  

BLURB: 

Summer vacation and the Fourth of July brings Ella to New Hampshire while participating in a tennis competition. Logan is an innkeeper's son who bumps into Ella and invites her for an ice cream. Attraction flares and they enjoy spending time together, but each has their own plans for their life. Then disaster strikes Ella. Can a summer attraction truly become a lasting relationship?

AMAZON BUY LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Arrow-Through-Heart-Stephanie-Burkhart-ebook/dp/B00TJH0UT6/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1500431875&sr=8-20&keywords=stephanie+burkhart

Adventures in Strawberry Land

Hello Night Owls,

Popping in for a bit to share some pics from the Strawberry Festival.  It was held back in May, I want to say 20-21, but it's always the 3rd weekend of May.  It's been a while, but I love to go every year.  It's held in Oxnard, CA and every year the event keeps getting bigger.  I remember the first year I went, the arts and crafts were held on the grass at Oxnard College but now they shut down the adjacent street and hold the arts and crafts there.  My, how things have changed!

This weekend the weather was great.  It wasn't too hot, but then we went after work.  We got there around 430 pm and closed the place down at 6. Tip:  Go later on in the day.  It wasn't as crowded during this time as it usually is, (as we've gone earlier in the past) and it was a lot cooler. 

Here are some typical food booths.  Of course, I'm a sucker for the garlic fries, but we got calamari and I spilt a Philly cheesesteak with Andrew.  Joe is picky so I'm sure we got him chicken nuggets.  They also sell Strawberry nachos, Strawberry beer, and Straweberry tacos. 

The boys drinking their strawberry smoothies, 2017.  Smoothies are the best part of the Strawberry Festival. 

Posting next to all the Strawberry sellers. Every year the strawberries are always fresh and tasty.  You never get a bad strawberry at the festival.  They have shortcake making contests.  Unfortunately, due to time, I missed visiting "Strawberry Shortcake" this year. 

This is a picture of the boys drinking smoothies from 2013. Boy have they changed!  They've certaintly gotten bigger. 

Here is me with my gratitious basket of strawberries.  We can't eat them fast enough when we get come.  I'm wearing the Angels hat because it's red and I wanted something red for the festival. 

Thanks for hanging out with me at the festival.  Sorry I'm late.  If you get a chance, check out my Christmas story, Mr. Christmas Elf, for a little Christmas in July. It's 99 cents and will be going away at the end of August.  Now is the time to get it!

BLURB: 

Jules' Christmas list is looking pretty pathetic. She needs a new muffler for her car and a hundred dollars for her root canal. Her niece is asking for an iPad, but all Jules can afford is a Barbie doll. The peppermint on the top? Her boyfriend dumps her in a text message. 

Jules could use a little Christmas magic, so when Elvis pops up claiming that he was sent by Santa to fill her Christmas list, all she has to do is believe – in the magic the season has to offer.

AMAZON BUY LINK:  http://a.co/3usLDDt