well off the beathen path

Many unique qualities attract us to the west coast. Terrain, great weather and the Pacific Ocean. For those born here in Cali they find solitude in every meadow, secluded streams and dirt back roads. For the newcomers, Cali is a new beginning and often city focused. Until decades later, when the college and careers wear off and you crave more nature. The extreme landscape, the diversity, the wilderness, the people, the plants. Sequoia trees of California. All parks, listed just for you. Coastal redwoods of the north coast to the giants of the Sierra Nevada. Big, Old, Tall Trees: redwood parks

You've finally found us. About freakin time! This is my life, right here, online, on the west coast - your California. I am DanaMite & I am at your service. Literally! Been documenting the back roads of this glorious golden state for about 20 years. Now I get show you the photos and tell you about all the secret spots, deep in nature, immersed in the wilderness - where you want to be. Outdoor recreation, hiking, biking, camping, kayaking. Small town destinations, cabin rentals, parks, forest, rivers, lakes, all of it....without the tourists crowds. Start by reviewing my old post on this California Outdoor Blog , checking out my newest freshest stuff , selecting a town or by visiting the independent, 12 year old site .

Mammoth Pool Reservoir Originally uploaded by danamight Dreaming of 90 degrees and sunshine? Sick of June Gloom on the coast? Will the California mountain thunderstorms last into July? Is global warming causing season shifts & more erratic weather patterns? And what are you gonna do about it?  enjoy it while you can Who wants to play on the lake? This weekend, or next? MAMMOTH, California two Mammoths in Cali? MAMMOTH POOL RESERVOIR is a virtually unknown recreation lake, way, way back there in Sierra NF; campground and boat launch ramp on a steep dirt road; located on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains, due south of Yosemite National Park. MAMMOTH LAKES, CA  this is the well known ski mountain and upscale (bankrupt) village in the Eastern Sierra, north of Bishop, CA and south of Yosemite National Park. Fishing on Lake Mary near Mammoth Lake, California

Imagine trying to "close" the largest State Park, the 600,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desert in San Diego County? yeah right Split Mountain is a must see. Anza Borrego Desert State Park State government budget cuts? How many State Parks are closed in California now? Which ones? Take action -- Californian for the Outdoors

Ward Lake Originally uploaded by danamight This is one of those places you drive by once, looking at the scene, you say ONE DAY. I gotta get back to this spot. Well, this is the day that you start the plans to make it happen. seriously dude No more procrastinating, no more excuses, no more weekends a wasted. This alpine paradise is just up the road a piece from Fresno, of all places. Yes, you read right - Fresno, that smoggy, scarey Central Valley mecca in the middle of California. From Highway 99, find Hwy 168 & head due East into the mighty Sierra Nevada. This epic outdoor recreation area is just south of Yosemite National Park. After climbing in elevation, thru oak foothills and pines, passing Shaver Lake and continuing on past Tamarack. When you are near Huntington Lake, hang a hard right up the Kaiser Pass (a windy steep paved back road) and just keep on going toward Florence Lake. Ward Lake is a small lake on the way and you may miss it, if you blink. This adventure