Fossil Falls - A Must Visit

Amazing Place for Adults and Children

by Stacey Kuhns

 

Have you ever heard of Fossil Falls?  I hadn't either, until a few weeks ago. Fossil Falls is located in Olancho, California, in the Coso Range. It is a place of alien landscapes that amazes the senses. It is free to enter the park and you are able to climb all over the lava structures. My boyfriend and I were there on a Monday morning, so we had the place to ourselves.

The drive is approximately 4 hours from San Diego, but there are campsites available and hotels/motels available in the nearby town of Ridgecrest.

The rugged and primitive landscape of Fossil Falls is the product of volcanic activity. As recent as 20,000 years ago, lava from the local volcanic eruptions poured into the Owens River channel. The erosional forces of the Owens River acted upon this volcanic rock, forming the polished and sculptured features you can see at Fossil Falls.

There is a large red cinder cone at the entrance to the park. It is the result of the violent eruption of trapped gasses and molten materials into the air from a vent in the Earth's crust. When exposed to the air, it cools quickly, forming a porous rock known as scoria, which built up around the original vent, forming a cone-shaped hill.

Many people think that Fossil Falls means there is a waterfall. This is not so. There was most likely one thousands of years ago, but it is a feature of lava, that resembles a waterfall and "spills" into an amazing canyon.

I was amazed at the scenery. Even as we drove towards Fossil Falls, it becomes very apparent you are entering a volcanic area. As an adult, I found the landscape thrilling and exciting. I can only imagine what kids would think.

As with all hiking, camping areas, bring plenty of water and some energy snacks. Also, hiking boots are recommended. The trail was fairly easy (as a disabled person, I was able to manage it without too much trouble and with help from my boyfriend), but if you plan to stay for a while and want to hike into the canyon, make sure you are well equipped to do so. (You may want to go to the Fossil Falls website or touch base with a ranger to find out what you will need if you plan to hike into the canyon). There are campgrounds in the Fossil Falls area, but we did not stop there.

There is a nice parking area with bathrooms as well as benches and BBQ areas for a picnic.

It is well worth a trip there. Also in the area are the Trona Pinnacles, located in Trona, California. We did not go into the park (as the road is unpaved and we were not sure about our vehicle), but I was able to get a few pictures from the road.

The Pinnacles average 140 feet in height. The area has over 500 tufa (calcium carbonate) pinnacles rising from the bed of the Searles Dry Lake Basin. These tufa spires were formed 10,000 to 100,000 years ago, underwater. There were declared a National Landmark in 1968. (Just an FYI: Trona is population of about 18. There is nothing in the small mining town as far as hotels. There is one restaurant, which I would definitely NOT recommend). The nearest town is Ridgecrest, about 30 minutes away.

We definitely plan to return to explore these areas more fully.

Insulated Water Bottle #amazing

100% Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle 

 

This seventeen-ounce water bottle is made from 304 18/8 quality double walled stainless steel. It keeps hot drinks warm for up to eight hours and your cold drinks chilled for about twenty-four hours. As a Southern California girl, I like to have my chilled water with me all day; this water bottle by Two Sisters NZ really does its job – it is so important to stay hydrated. Remember your body is about 60% water.

I appreciate that the bottle is vacuum sealed which prevents annoying spills. As a wonderful bonus, this product comes with two collapsible silicone ice trays whose cubes are the perfect size for this bottle.

Tip - if you enjoy lemon water – try freezing fresh squeezed lemon juice in the trays to freeze for later use.

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Product Description

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100% Stainless Steel, Insulated, Double Walled, Vacuum Sealed 17oz/500ml Water Bottle with two complimentary Silicone Ice Cube Trays.

• GO GREEN!
  
  Go with best quality 304 18/8 food safe (FDA) stainless steel. Airtight silicone seal means no leaks. Double wall construction means it's sweat proof. No plastic, no mould, easy to clean. Lasts a lifetime. A great buy!
• "I have to say that this is honestly one of the best quality items I've ever received since I started reviewing professionally." - says one Top Amazon Reviewer. You too can discover the benefits of the insulated construction, keeps drinks hot for 6-8 hours and cold for 24 hours just like a thermos.
• Imagine using your complimentary silicone ice cube trays to add the flavor of frozen lemon juice to your water making a cool, hydrating drink full of Vitamin C.
• Ideal for the safe & healthy transportation of hot soup for lunch, hot water for tea or baby's bottle. The handy 17 ounce size is perfect for your day hiking backpack pocket, your golf bag, your hand bag or your car. Gone are the days of unhealthy plastic sports bottles.
• The insulation hype is real. 100% Satisfaction or your Money Back! BEST DEAL - Add 4 water bottles to your cart and 1 will be FREE! Just enter code 1WB4FREE at checkout.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Fun Family Time at Bates Nut Farm

Post by Oma Loves U.

Over 90 years ago, Bates Nut Farm got its start in Valley Center growing walnuts. The walnut tress are now gone, but they still sell nuts from all over the world. Every year they provide a pumpkin patch - Over 50 years of fall traditions and memories have been created at the Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch. Family and friends enjoy the tractor hayrides, straw maze, petting corral and Snows Pony Rides.

Grab a wheelbarrow and pick from variety of pumpkins: Big Macs, Ghost, Cinderella, Jack O’ Lantern, minis, squash, gourds and other fall décor. In addition, weekends at Bates include live entertainment from 12:00 -3:00, BBQ, kettle corn, food trucks, rock climb, bounce, slide and other family friendly events. Check our calendar for details and schedule.

SkinCase - The World's Thinnest iPhone Case #SkinCase

Almost invisible

 

 

This unique phone case scales at only 0.01inch in thickness and is almost invisible to the eye. It allows your phone to look like your phone. It is completely brand free – Very Cool. 

The lightweight SkinCase also supplies protection with a seamless design for your iPhone. It is made from hard polycarbonate plastic that wraps around your phone snugly. It comes with two cases.

To Purchase or for more details
Click Here

Currently available for iPhone 5 / 5s / SE, iPhone 6 / 6s / 6 Plus / 6s Plus, and now available for the iPhone 7!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Bouchard Belgian Chocolate #BouchardChocolate

Bouchard is a premium chocolate factory located in Ghent, Belgium. They have been passionate about creating quality chocolate since 1931 and use only high quality ingredients to bring you the rich flavor associated with premium dark chocolate. 

When dark chocolate is made well it doesn't leave your mouth with a bitter aftertaste. Because the Bouchard Napolitains* are made with 72% cacao they are healthy alternative to milk or white chocolate. 

Did you know that these yummy chocolates are sold at your local Costco?  Oma really enjoys a bite-sizes square or two of these Bouchard Belgian Chocolates with a rich glass of red wine; perfect end to serve your dinner guests.

* Napolitains, sometimes abbreviated as Naps, are small tablets of chocolate intended to be served with a cup of coffee.

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Bouchard Belgian Chocolate Website

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Baby Grooming Kit #nowbornkit

7 Piece Set for Infants with Carry Bag 

 

This cute baby grooming kit has everything parents, old or new, will need for their newborn. It comes with a soft bristle hair brush; comb, toothbrush; silicone finger toothbrush; scissors; nail clippers; and nail file. The sturdy storage bag is perfect for keeping your baby care tools together and organized.

Oma likes how the tool’s purple accents make this a great gift for either a boy or girl. This kit comes with a thirty-day money back guarantee.

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Product Description

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• SAFETY FIRST – Our Baby Kit is made with an easy grip material that will ensure that you have steady hands while attending to your baby. This is especially important for the nail clippers and scissors.
  
• PRACTICAL INCLUSIONS – Inside your carry bag you will find all you need for your baby’s care; soft bristle hair brush; toothbrush; silicone finger toothbrush; scissors; nail clippers; nail file.
• CONVENIENT CARRY BAG – The zip up carry bag will ensure your Grooming Kit fits neatly in your diaper bag, or handbag for your trips away. Or store it away easily in a draw.
• EYE CATCHING COLOR – Half the problem of grooming time is keeping your baby occupied. The bright colors of your grooming kit makes it easy to catch their attention and give them a brush or comb to play with while you work your magic.
• FANTASTIC GIFT – Adorable and practical. This is the ‘sure thing’ gift for any mother. Great baby shower gift!

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NowBorn Website

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Microbiome Plus GI Advanced Probiotic and Prebiotic #microbiomeplus

Microbime Plus GI is an advanced probiotic and prebiotic combination developed by doctors and human tested as one of the most effective probiotics on the market. It heals stomach issues, boosts energy and immune and even helps with weight loss. 

As Oma got older, she started to experience digestive issues (Gas, Bloating, Heartburn, Diarrhea, Constipation, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome). I discovered that due to a regime of high dose antibiotics, my ‘good bacteria’ was lacking. I am not a medical professional, but found that remembering to take my Microbiome Plus GI Advanced Probiotic and Prebiotic daily as directed really help me get back in control.

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  Be sure to use this code for $4 Off Microbiome GI Probiotics

Z938FOVM

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Product Description

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Microbiome Plus+ Gastrointestinal probiotics is a more complete gastrointestinal health dietary supplement that provides natural prebiotic fiber (scFOS) and the probiotic L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 which work together to maintain the balance of healthy bacteria in your gut and support normal digestive function.* The probiotic in Microbiome Plus+ Gastrointestinal has been shown to help support normal inflammatory response in addition to supporting digestive health.* (scFOS) is a natural prebiotic fiber that supports a healthy gastrointestinal tract by promoting digestive function, immune health, the growth of healthy bacteria, natural intestinal mechanical barriers, and gut integrity.* Microbiome Plus+ Gastrointestinal combines these two ingredients to provide more complete gastrointestinal health support.* Not only does scFOS support digestive function but as a prebiotic helps L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 to support normal gastrointestinal function.*

Microbiome performs essential functions for your body, it is important that it is healthy and balanced. Bile metabolism is an important function of the microbiome and poor bile metabolism can lead to health problems. Regaining microbiome and bile metabolism health requires serious lifestyle changes and or specifically formulated dietary supplements. The microbiome is the community of natural and essential organisms that help you digest your food, ensuring appropriate immune function and maintaining your metabolic health. To help restore your microbiome you must significantly and permanently change your diet by supplementing your diet with the specific bacteria required. The probiotic L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 bacteria in Microbiome Plus+ can help to boost and restore the normal balance of the microbiome and bile metabolism. The natural prebiotic fiber (scFOS) works symbiotically with the probiotic. Prebiotics helping stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut.

About the Product

• MOST ADVANCED PRE & PROBIOTIC COMBINATION - 600mg of PREBIOTIC scFOS (Short-chain fructo oligosaccharides) combined with 7 Billion CFU Daily dose of New Advanced ProBiotic L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 combine to provide a Synbiotic formulation that has been shown to help support normal inflammatory response in addition to supporting digestive health
  
• IMPROVE & MAINTAIN HEALTH – Your gut is home to 80% of your immune system, where good bacteria (probiotics) battle with bad bacteria to help relieve allergies, bloating, gas, and constipation. Probiotics replenish fighting bacteria and help maintain digestive functions and immune health.
• SUPPORT MOOD & BOOST ENERGY – Poor nutrient absorption can leave you short on essential vitamins and minerals. Fatigue, irritability, and a lack of motivation are signs of nutrient deficiency. Probiotics develop a healthy microenvironment in the digestive system and gastrointestinal tract that optimizes nutrient absorption, giving you the positive energy and happy feelings to be your vibrant self.
• LOSE WEIGHT – Weight-loss research suggests that healthy microflora in the gut can speed your metabolism and support fat loss. For healthy weight loss, give your body the probiotic support it needs.
• MICROBIOME AND BILE METABOLISM, Microbiome is the community of natural and essential organisms that live in your gut and it is important that it is healthy and balanced. Bile metabolism is an important function of the microbiome for food digestion and for the regulation of cholesterol. Microbiome probiotics help to maintain a healthy microbiome and bile metabolism.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."