Introductions Are In Order

Where to start….how about a few facts first.

I’m a Native Californian – my family has been in California since 1850. I grew up on the Central Coast in Salinas. I currently live in Fresno in the Central San Joaquin Valley. Married to a successful Real Estate Agent and have 2 beautiful daughters, 2 dogs, 3 cats and a turtle. And I LOVE Huell Howser! (That’s Amaaaazing!) And I own a Jeep.

Oh one other thing – we have two beautiful homes for rent up in the mountains close to Kings Canyon/ Sequoia National Park…

  • Retreat at Ruth Hill
  • Rocky Point
See the National Parks Getaway Page for more info.

Wandering runs in my family – from my 4th Great Grandfather who came out during the Gold Rush to my Great Grandfather who served as a US Forest Ranger in the early 1900’s in the Central Sierras to both of my Grandfathers – one of whom worked at and/or owned a succession of small newspapers back East before coming to California in the 1950’s – the other who grew up in the Sierra’s above Fresno, CA and whom I directly attribute my wanderlust and love of oft overlooked back roads.

William “Bill” Clingan

My summers were spent at my Grandparent’s house in the vicinity of a little crossroad called Clingan’s Junction about 45 min East of Fresno. My Great Grandfather build the house and also the General Store at Clingan’s Junction in the 1940’s. My Grandparents did not have a television so days were spent outside wandering their 40 acre property and up into the Kings Canyon/ Sequoia National Park with my brother and Grandfather. Discovering Native American mortar holes used in the preparation of acorn meal, pictographs, old mining sites – both of my Grandparents were amazingly knowledgeable about the area and even lectured and published articles and a book on its history.

So enough about that – this site is to share my love of the seldom traveled road, the wonder of the vista, the quirky little shop, restaurant, bar and the majesty of our parks! Hopefully I can inspire someone to go take a trip to somewhere they would have never thought to go. Find and read an out of print book on the history of a particular area. Get outside and enjoy the drive/ hike!