59. Holidays the California Way

Movies and the great outdoors combine for some best supporting scenery, including dunes for days and Death Valley's surreal-scape (and the new but temporary lake, Manly). In this episode, Holly and Brad discuss several sand dune sites to adventure at, plus the ethereal nature of Death Valley National Park, which is spring-primed. Find out the best spots there for private sunset viewings; where to get stellar vistas of the park's temporary phenomenon, Manly Lake (which reflects Telescope Peak and the Panamint mountains); and the best way to stargaze in this dark sky destination. Later in the pod, they are joined by Ginny Krieger, Executive Director of the Sonoma International Film Festival (March 20 to 24, 2024) to talk about the beauty of Sonoma, and the ways in which the film festival has become one of the best in the West.  Show Notes: Sonoma Valley International Film Festival (March 20 to 24, 2024)Death Valley National Park Weekend Sherpa EditionDunes for Adventure

Dune 2 is the big blockbuster in theaters, but with a break in rain and cooler weather now's a great time to head outdoors to explore some of California's best dunes, including less known places, best for sunsets, and--bonus--the Oregon sand dunes that inspired the novel Dune. In this episode, Brad and Holly talk about some of these surreal sandscapes, in addition to other outdoor adventures that are good post-rains, what it means to hurkle-durkle, and Big Bear’s famous bald eagle pair—Jackie and Shadow. Later in the podcast, they are joined by Janice Lim, founder of the travel blog WheresJanice, for a conversation about some top California waterfalls, national parks, camping areas, road trips, and tidepool destinations. Dune it right for outdoor adventures. Dunes to visit in California and Oregon Janice Lim, @wheresjanice

There are all kinds of ways to "winter" in the West over the coming months, including some fantastic adventures in Yosemite National Park. In this episode, Brad and Holly discuss some of the season's best activities in Yosemite, home to California's first ski resort, the old-school and budget-friendly Badger Pass. There's also snowshoeing to panoramic Dewey Point, outdoor ice skating under a huge view of Half Dome (with a firepit and s'mores!), and lots more. Later in the pod they're joined by Lisa Cesaro from Aramark Destinations, discussing lakeview adventures in South Lake Tahoe, snowmobile safaris in Jackson, Wyoming, and the beauty of Yellowstone and Crater Lake national parks. Yodel for Yosemite, yodel for the West's best winter adventures! Show Notes:Yosemite's Winter WondersNation's Vacation Ideas

With the holiday season full steam ahead, Brad and Holly are joined by Weekend Sherpa contributing content creator Yvonne Pasquini, talking about what to do outdoors with friends, family, furry pals, or going solo this season. From day trips with apple cider, donuts, wine, bike trails, and beers, to the best fall foliage, sunset spots, picnic areas, stairway hikes, beaches, and festive restaurants, here's a collage of California fun.Follow Yvonne Pasquini @yvonne_pasquiniLinks to a few of the places discussed:NorCalEl Dorado Bike TrailApple Hill AdventuresPurisima Creek Redwoods Windy Hill Wildcat CampSamuel P Taylor State Park Napa Valley Bike RidePetaluma Tree Farm SoCalHollywood Heights Echo and Elysian Park Hetch Hetchy Backpacking Baldwin HillsWill Rogers State ParkCatalina Island

Death Valley reopens, Mount Diablo's "gated" community controversy, and all the hidden-gem ways to find some Zen this autumn in beautiful Monterey ... it's glow time! And that includes the brilliant bloody-belly comb jelly at Monterey Bay Aquarium's incredible new exhibit, Into the Deep. Brad and Holly are joined by the Aquarium's Ken Peterson and Allen Protasio, who share an ocean's worth of knowledge and tips on where to go and what to "sea" at the Aquarium, on sustainability initiatives for a better future, and on nearby hiking and biking trails, including a few truly hidden gems for birdwatching and sea otter sightings. Get the scoop on fall's best adventures in Monterey and beyond in the Golden State.Visit the Monterey Bay AquariumCheck out Weekend Sherpa's issue: Monterey's Many Hidden Gems

The mystery of the sailing stones of Death Valley, California's very own Blue Zone of health, and full moon dancing ... in this episode Brad and Holly talk about favorite places in California to have full moon adventures, from peak hikes and sand dunes, to guided hikes with wine. Then they're joined by Justin "Just Roc" Rimon, founder of Southern California-based Just Trek, a website and podcast about the great outdoors, including how spending time in nature can help improve both your physical and mental health. The podcast aims to inspire, motivate, and elevate people to a higher state of well-being through adventure filled conversations and guided adventure meetups. Learn about Justin's journey to founding Just Trek and get his excellent tips and ideas on where to go outdoors in Southern California (and do a "summit cypher dance").It's full moon fever time!Follow Justin "Just Roc" Rimon on Instagram, @just.trek. Website: justtrek.netFollow Weekend Sherpa on Instagram, @weekendsherpa and check out all of our content on where to go and what to do outdoors in California at weekendsherpa.com

With just 3 traffic lights in the entire county, wild open spaces, charming small towns, mountain lakes for swimming, paddling, boating (wait there's more!), shorelines featuring beaches and campgrounds, and a national park that's a still a secret gem, Plumas County in the far northern Sierra is poised for its close up. In this episode, Brad and Holly talk about their recent trip to the Plumas County, the lakes they visited, hikes and paddles and bike rides to do in the area, towns to stay in, places to eat, drink, shop, and spend the night... and visiting "California's Yellowstone"—Bumpass Hell and other spectacular sites at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Plus, they talk to Karen Kleven, a longtime Plumas County local, adventurer, and advocate for the Feather River Land Trust.

In this episode Brad and Holly catch up on summer travels and recommendations for California and Southern Oregon outdoor adventures, plus discuss Yosemite's controversial decision encouraging visitors to knock down cairns in the park. Also in the podcast: the climate crisis, and an interview with Weekend Sherpa contributing content creator Heather Werner, recently cast in Naked & Afraid for an episode filmed in Africa, and currently solo biking from Canada to Mexico. Program Note: This podcast episode discusses wildfires in the US and Canada and was recorded before the devastation of the Maui wildfires, the deadliest in modern US history. Our thoughts are with the people in Lahaina and Maui who are suffering in the aftermath. If you are able to support Maui in giving what you can, reputable news outlets and individuals have provided guidance on places to donate, including American Red Cross, The Maui Strong Fund, and The Maui Humane Society, among others.To follow Heather Werner on her current solo biking adventure from Canada to Mexico, see her IG, @heath.er.wer.ner

Weekend Sherpa contributing writer Heather Werner joins Brad and Holly to share her recent experience climbing North America's highest mountain, Alaska's Denali. Hear just how challenging and intense the summit expedition was, and what it took to make it to the top. Plus hear about Brad and Holly's most memorable experiences from 2022.

In this special edition podcast, Brad and Holly talk with Carlo Facchino about his incredible solo rowing journey across the Pacific from San Francisco to the Big Island of Hawaii. Alone at sea for 72 days, Carlo encountered many challenges and obstacles in navigating the great wild open. He also found incredible peace and had extraordinary experiences, including in the pitch dark of night! You'll hear his stories and sentiments around the entire adventure: a most moving, inspirational, and candid account of what he went through and what he discovered about himself. Much of what he speaks about applies to our own experiences in life, and Carlo's wisdom shines through in sharing this epic adventure. Learn more about Carlo's journey and follow his plans for what's next https://www.facebook.com/SoloOceanRower