J. Timothy Viall, writer, photographer

09/07/2022

Interesting column; as a country we’re not as divided as some would make you believe. Suggests Kathleen Parker of the Washington Post, “just how crazy are we? Not that crazy, it turns out. Sure, we’re polarized, but only 29 percent and 28 percent of Americans identify as Democratic or Republican, respectively, according to Gallup. Most of the rest, 41 percent, identify as independent. Yes, 67 percent of Americans think democracy is on the verge of collapse, according to a recent Quinnipiac poll. But 66 percent of Americans also say Joe Biden is the legitimate president.” Read on for more insight…

We're divided. But we aren't as crazy as we think we are.

07/06/2022

Hiking and scenic highlights from a week in South Lake Tahoe and Stateline, Nevada: We discovered six gorgeous hikes from our “base camp condominium”, one rising high in the Sierra adjacent to Heavenly Ski Area, and others just on the outskirts of these two cities. Beautiful country and a wealth of hiking and biking trails that we never knew existed. Also discovered several of the best Bloody Marys we’ve seen in a long time, and four delightful new restaurants. Huff, puff and yum!

06/21/2022

The Eastern Sierra and Mammoth Lakes, CA: over-the-top scenery, hiking, biking, fishing and a lovely town just miles from your campground. My travel article in today’s Stockton Record newspaper. Let me know what you think and please share with fellow travelers! Here is link: https://www.recordnet.com/story/lifestyle/travel/2022/06/20/mammoth-lakes-eastern-sierras-have-outdoor-fun-striking-scenery/7667006001/

04/13/2022

Mesa Verdi National Park and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument; simply stunning places in Colorado. My travel article in today’s Stockton Record newspaper. Let me know what you think and please share with fellow travelers. Here is link: https://www.recordnet.com/story/lifestyle/travel/2022/04/11/road-trip-masa-verde-great-sand-dunes-national-parks-colorado/7280569001/

02/16/2022

Mammoths, mastodons, dire wolves, oh, my! If you haven’t visited the Los Angeles Tar Pits Museum, you’ve missed an exciting outing for kids and adults. You’ll be amazed by the skeletons and life-size recreations of these 14 foot tall mammals, the 1600 dire wolves and thousands of other Ice Age animals that lost their lives in the tar pits that dot this part of the Los Angeles area. My article in this Tuesday’s Stockton Record newspaper offers details: https://www.recordnet.com/story/lifestyle/travel/2022/02/14/california-travel-mammoths-mastodons-and-eerie-la-brea-tar-pits-anchor-los-angeles-museum-district/6778936001/?a=a&utm_source=recordnet-Daily%20Briefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily_briefing&utm_term=list_article_headline&utm_content=CALIFORNIA-STOCKTON-NLETTER65

01/10/2022

The Darrington Trail; Susan and I hiked almost 8 miles on this lovely multi-use trail, out to the old Salmon Falls Bridge location, now underwater from Folsom Lake. A spectacular hike, with about four brooks entering the south fork, American River. We passed about a dozen hikers and two dozen mountain bikers all enjoying the spectacular winter afternoon. Get hiking!

01/08/2022

Touring the country with a teardrop trailer: A few photos from our three trips across the US and Canada in recent years, with our 58 Scotty teardrop trailer. Lots of positive campground comments, great gas mileage and quite comfortable sleeping accommodations. We still have the trailer, mothballed at present, while utilizing our “much larger“ 64 Scotty trailer in the last couple years.

12/29/2021

Dream, plan and prepare for New Year’s travels. With the latest twist in the battle against COVID-19, look for lovely destinations closer to home where you can control the safety of your travels. My article in today’s Stockton Record newspaper; let me know what you think and please share with fellow travelers. Here is the link:
https://www.recordnet.com/story/lifestyle/travel/2021/12/27/travel-bucket-list-2022-dream-plan-safe-expedia-costco-traveling-camping-rv-parks-deals-vrbo-airbnb/9027835002/

12/18/2021

Christmas fun with old and new friends: A chilly night still allowed for some time around the fire pit for friends, old and new, in Rancho Cordova, east edge of Sacramento. Merry Christmas to all!

12/14/2021

Big storm hammers the California Sierra; skiing and riding cranks up at two favorite resorts. Dodge Ridge, Bear Valley are places for skiing adventures as snowstorms open resorts; my article in Tuesday’s Stockton Record newspaper. Please share with fellow travelers. Here is the link:
https://www.recordnet.com/story/lifestyle/2021/12/13/dodge-ridge-bear-valley-places-skiing-riding-adventures-sierra-snowstorms/6499984001/

11/30/2021

Holiday activities for kids and families. Here’s a list of festive holiday outings perfect for families in Stockton and San Joaquin County; my article in today’s Stockton Record newspaper. Enjoy the festivities and please share with fellow travelers! Here is the link: https://www.recordnet.com/story/entertainment/2021/11/30/san-joaquin-county-stockton-christmas-activities-lights-festival-trees/8801854002/

10/19/2021

Winter is coming to the Sierra in Northern California. My travel article this week focuses on skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and winter travel in northern California, as it appeared in today’s Stockton Record newspaper. Let me know what you think and please share with fellow travelers! https://www.recordnet.com/story/lifestyle/travel/2021/10/18/touring-skiing-snowshoeing-winter-camping-california-state-national-parks/8460250002/

10/18/2021

Mt. Shasta, ever regal, with a bit of new snow. Early evening with a near full-moon to set it off.

10/18/2021

64 Serro Scotty: Our Scotty made a nice fashion and comfort statement at the recent, huge Sea Otter Classic bicycle event, at Laguna Seca Raceway and Fort Ord National Monument the last few days. It was joined by an almost-as-cool classic Little Dipper. Go, Scotty!

09/07/2021

What to do when travel plans are canceled by wildfires or COVID-19 restrictions? Here are suggestions for coping strategies; ideas for looking local, or, traveling to the coast. My travel feature in this week’s Stockton Record newspaper; please share with fellow travelers. Here is the link: https://www.recordnet.com/story/lifestyle/travel/2021/09/06/weve-been-down-road-before-what-do-when-travel-put-hold/5717686001/

08/29/2021

Teardrop travel trailers: Reflecting back on our ownership of two teardrop travel trailers. Our first was a replica Kit Kamper; our second, (currently) a 58 Scotty Junior, totally rebuilt and virtually brand new. We crossed the USA and Canada three times with these little trailers, sleeping comfortably and getting marvelous gas mileage behind tow vehicles like a Nissan 300ZX, a Ford Focus and a Ford Escape. If you’re seeking comfort, traveling/“ready to go on short notice”, hard-sided so virtually bear-proof and economical, consider a “talk of the campgrounds” teardrop!

08/07/2021

Tiny trailer project: Two years, about $4500, 450-500 hours, our 64 Scotty is born again! Quite a learning experience! Our Scotty rebuild is profiled in detail on the nationalserroscotty.org web site (it’s the 64 on the Rebuilds sub-page). Follow our page for more Scotty and tiny trailering insight! Go Scotty!

07/15/2021

Entering the way back machine: Our first teardrop, purchased about 15 years ago, made by a hobbyist from a kit in 2003, styled after the original Kit Camper. These original teardrops were popular right after World War II, and were built on a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood, making them 4 feet wide, 4 feet tall and 8 feet long. We toured all over the western United States with this little trailer, towed behind either our Nissan 300ZX, or a Dodge Durango. Comfortable for sleeping and allows one to pack a lot of camping gear for camping in the west. We sold it about five years after we bought it, for more than we paid for it, as we moved up to a 64 Scotty Sportsman, and later acquired a 58 Scotty reproduction teardrop.