I am officially in the final few weeks before baby makes her appearance in this world. This pregnancy flew by, which I’m sure is due in large part to the fact I was also chasing a toddler around the whole time. I found it a lot harder to stay active this time around but we…
Author: betsydionne
I am a wildlife ecologist working in Southern California. I'm a science nerd with a love for photography and writing. I wanted to start a blog so I could explore my more artistic side but keep with a theme of the outdoors and wild places.
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is located in the Inyo National Forest. It is the home of the oldest trees on earth, some of which are over 4000 years old. This was not our first trip to visit these ancients but it was the first time with a toddler. The one developed campground in the…
Hello Again
Hello again, its been awhile and I have some big news! We are expecting another little girl in October! We are so excited and it will be a lot of fun raising a toddler and a newborn (aka crazy town). I would like to start posting more often as well, we have been on quite…
Pipes Canyon to Olsen Ruins
It’s been a very lovely December. Christmas decorations are up, presents are wrapped, and despite the looming lock downs, we were still able to get out and explore. Another lovely thing about December is that it is prime desert season! This time of year the sun is warm, the air has a bite to it,…
Idyllwild Nature Center and Trails
The Idyllwild Nature Center and Trails is located about one mile northwest of downtown Idyllwild, on highway 243. The Nature center is not fully opened at this time due to Covid but there is a ranger there to answer questions Thursday-Sunday, 9am to 4pm. All trails are open 7 days a week from sunrise to…
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
It can be challenging to find fun activities to do with small children. Add Covid restrictions into the mix and your options become even more limited. Luckily our favorite weekend plans usually involve being outside in the open air. We love to go on long sweaty hikes, but now that Emma is starting to gain…
Oak Glen Preserve
Nothing says fall like the obligatory trip to an apple orchard. Apple picking in Southern California is a bit of a spectacle. Thousands of Californians descend on a handful of orchards, swaddled in their best fall-wear, cozy sweaters, boots, and chucky knits, with no one seeming to care that it is over 90 degrees out….
Just Beachy
It may seem odd to be sharing beach photos on the first week of October, but as any Southern Californian knows autumn is really summer part two! With all the National Forest closed due to wildlife danger, and the temps being too hot to spend much time outside the only option is to enjoy the…
