Our next adventure took place in January 2025. Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Sierra Nevada, the charming town of Springville felt like stepping into a simpler time. Known as the “Gateway to the Giant Sequoias,” this small ranching town has long been a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and cattle ranchers alike. Every spring, the Springville Sierra Rodeo draws cowboys from all over, keeping the town’s deep Western heritage alive. The Tule River winds through the area, offering excellent fishing and peaceful scenery, while the nearby lands have been home to the Yokuts people for centuries.

We stayed at a cozy Airbnb on a family farm, tucked inside a rustic bunkhouse within a weathered barn. It reminded me of something straight out of Bonanza—simple, charming, and full of Western character. Each morning, as we stepped outside, we were greeted by a rooster crowing and curious horses poking their heads out of their stalls, and the fresh smell of manure! I loved horses growing up so that smell was weirdly comforting. Nanook was fascinated with them, and the feeling seemed mutual. The horses watched him intently, as they shared smells with each other.

Behind our little bunkhouse, there was a small breeder coop filled with baby chicks. Their tiny peeps filled the air, and Nanook took notice immediately, his ears perking up at the unfamiliar sounds. He sat and watched, tilting his head with curiosity as the fluffy chicks huddled together, their tiny beaks pecking at the feed. It was a gentle reminder that life on the farm never truly slows down—there is always something new, something growing.

One morning, we packed up a picnic and set out for an adventure in Sequoia National Forest. As we wound our way up the mountain roads, Nanook grew increasingly alert, his ears pinned back as the elevation climbed. By the time we reached the land of giants, patches of snow lined the forest floor, and the towering sequoias stretched impossibly high above us. Walking among these ancient trees felt surreal—their thick, reddish bark glowing in the filtered sunlight, their massive trunks dwarfing everything around them. Of course, we did the quintessential tourist thing and posed in front of General Sherman, the largest tree on Earth. Standing beneath it, I felt small in the most wonderful way.

After a day filled with fresh mountain air and breathtaking scenery, we made our way back down the winding road, stopping in town to grab a meat lover’s pizza from Poor Richard’s. The scent of sizzling sausage, crispy bacon, and pepperoni filled the car, making Nanook and me equally eager to dig in. By the time we reached the bunkhouse, the horses were already settled in for the night.

As the evening wound down, I started packing up for our next adventure—a long drive south to the high desert landscapes of Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree National Park. With the promise of new sights, open roads, and starry desert skies ahead, I fell asleep listening to Nanook snoring and the wind blowing and sounds of coyotes that were nearby. Nanook curled up beside me, dreaming of whatever adventures lay ahead. See you there!

~Peace Out, Charlotte & Nanook