Writings of a Wanderer: Tea With My Mummy

I recently took a day trip to San Francisco to satisfy my craving for art, history and culture.

My mom, sister and I drove to Golden Gate Park - a place I hadn’t visited since childhood - to see the “Tutankhamun…

Writings of a Wanderer: Chico Creek Nature Center Offers New Nature Lab for Kids

The Chico Creek Nature Center is more than a gateway to Bidwell Park. It’s a place where wild animals and their strange yet familiar homes can be experienced. It’s a place where children and their questions are encouraged. Brushing up…

Writings of a Wanderer: Walking (and Eating) in the City of Sin

The atmosphere in Las Vegas creates a feeling that anything can happen, whether you’re ready or not.

Despite my initial reservations about going to Vegas on a holiday weekend, I still had the time of my life. And if I ate…

Writings of a Wanderer: A Dam Hiking Trip Around Lake Oroville

Photographs rekindle memories.

With one of my photo albums, I can transport myself back to a cool November hiking trip around Lake Oroville.

Richard and I got up early on a Sunday to hike around the lake and the Oroville Dam. We…

Gold Nugget Museum Offers Festival of Family Fun

Every September the community of Paradise comes together to celebrate local history. “Days of Living History” is an annual two-day festival that raises funds for the Gold Nugget Museum. It also gives people a chance to learn something about the…

Bidwell Park: A Peaceful Place for Hikers, Swimmers and Nature Lovers

This summer, I’ve explored Upper Bidwell Park and Big Chico Creek.

For this computer geek, that’s a pretty big deal. I like the outdoors, but I don’t spend much time outside. I don’t own a bike, I haven’t gone camping in…

Tahoe: A Blue Lake Filled with Colorful Memories

When the cobalt waters of Lake Tahoe come into view through the mountains, I soak up the scenery and let memories flood my mind.

Those memories include lots of lazy days at the beach with picnics and barbecues, childhood summers spent…

Fantasies, Fairy Tales and Friendships

When my mom told me a few weeks ago that her best friend, Debbi, has breast cancer, I was shocked.

This is Debbi, my mom’s high school buddy, the woman who makes the drive from Sacramento to Chico every few months…

Honey Run Covered Bridge Inspires Sweet Memories

In Chico, the middle of May feels like summer. It is at least 100 degrees outside and there isn’t much wind. I needed to find water before I melted.

My fiancé, Richard, and I opted for the 10-minute drive to the…

Chico Yo-Yo Club Encourages Kids to Succeed

After weeks of nervous indecision, 14-year-old Donovan Hanley decided to sign up for Chico’s annual spring yo-yo contest.

“Just entering the contest, I feel like I’m achieving something,” he said.

The contest was organized by Bob Malowney, owner of Bird in Hand.…