well off the beathen path

Total Escape receives income from a variety of sources online & off. The web site has been live for 12 full years (come OCT 2008). DanaMite's first approach was to create a 'mobile web site design' service for small lodges within California. After a 1998 direct mailing to 800 California innkeepers, I soon realized that I was ahead of my time. Most inns did not even have a web site prior to 2000. Neither did the government agencies - like the State Parks & National Forests. But Total Escape was there, way back when, with real California content, camping options & plenty photos. Mainly, Total Escape sells California maps to get you inspired , off the couch & outta the house. We list independent lodges & recreation businesses, so you can find out what to do & where to stay. Innkeepers can get lodges featured : standard links & photo deluxe. Amazon sells tons of great camping gear. If you buy it thru our site we get a few cents on referral...

Hey you, get off the couch. You're gonna miss it again this year. Take a drive from the smog lands of Los Angeles this week. This is a very good show, this time, out in the high deserts of Lancaster - Hwy 138, east of Intestate 5. The California Golden Poppies are at their prime, right now! California wildflowers are in bloom, so don't wait too long, or you will miss the window of p opportunity .

Loving the huge spike in web traffic. From the Manson cult ranch hitting the news, to the outdoorsy people getting restless... finally finding the best camping photos of California on my Flickr page. Daily photo views went from an average of 500 to over 1000. Yippeee! Looking for beautiful California locations? Out in nature, wild & free --- away from the freeways & malls. see 'em all here

This one phrase is quite a popular search term. This could mean that people wanna see the places they are going to camp - before they leave the house. Now where is the surprise in that? We have the secluded Campgrounds in California listed, and plenty more advice on primitive camping on the back roads. Total Escape cannot guarantee that you will get that perfect shady stream side camp site this season, but we can make finding it more likely. Love the VISUALS! start here - California CAMPING PHOTOS High Sierra Hiking Originally uploaded by danamight a decent wildflower season is ahead.

If you're in search of wildflowers this Spring season, then you will not want to miss the California Poppies blooming out on Hwy 138. This high desert area is known for it brilliant display of colors, as thousands of poppy stompers make their way to the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve. This is expected to be a good bloom season in poppy land, so make a day to go check out the wildflowers between Gorman & Lancaster CA.

Mid-March, sunny Spring & the Total Escape web traffic is spiking like summertime highs. Spring breakers, Easter camping trips, Wilderness wildflowers, Nope. The visitors here are increasing - because of the content. One single (8 year old page) on Barker Ranch, otherwise known as the Manson Cabin. Way out in Death Valley National Park boundaries. DanaMite checked it out with some 4x4 club one time & put it out there. We love to feature the back roads. Even if there are more dead bodies from the cult to be found... Barker Ranch Goler Wash Ballarat California Panamint Valley Panamint Springs CA Charcoal Kilns Death Valley National Park

With technology comes better lights for camping and outdoor use. Lightweight LED headlamps to gel cell automotive batteries, Total Escape lists a selection of common outdoor batteries. We feature plenty rechargeable batteries. Yet, once again I find myself redesigning the GEAR STORE for you, the outdoor enthusiast. Enjoy the light!