Miles, Memories, and a FewGood Stories

pring always seems to stir up my wanderlust — and this year, I followed it all the way to Europe.

In this month’s newsletter, I’m sharing a few highlights from a grand European cruise Vern and I took along the Danube, Main, and Rhine from Budapest to Amsterdam. One of my favorite memories? A lively folklore dinner in Prague where the music, stories, and atmosphere made it feel like we’d stepped right into another time.

Back here in the States, I’m continuing the adventure with Part 2 of On the Road with Ranger Rose, heading deeper into Death Valley and the lessons that landscape always seems to have waiting for me.

And since every trip reminds me of stories from the past, I’m also pulling out a vintage family tale — this one involves a picnic table, a big misunderstanding, and a run-in with park guests and rangers that we still laugh about today.

Whether you’re traveling across the world or just down the road to your favorite campsite, I hope these stories remind you why getting outside — and the memories we make along the way — matter so much.

Let’s hit the trail.

– Rose

Dancing, Dulcimers, and a Cozy River Cruise

One of the most memorable evenings of our trip unfolded in what felt like the heart of old-world Prague — a family barn tucked away from the busy streets, glowing with warmth, music, and laughter.

Vern and I settled in as local musicians, singers, and dancers brought the space to life. There’s something about traditional music that doesn’t need translation — you feel it just the same. One instrument that caught my attention was a piano-style dulcimer, an early ancestor of the modern version we’re more familiar with today. Its sound was rich and lively, carrying the rhythm of the entire room.

Then a young woman stepped forward with a long wooden instrument that immediately made me think of an Australian didgeridoo—but this one belongs right here in Czech tradition. The deep, resonant tones added a whole new layer to the music, and I found myself completely swept up in the experience.

It was quite a performance, and it felt like being welcomed into a story that’s been told for generations.

And as if that evening wasn’t magical enough, we followed it with a river cruise that felt like stepping into another era.

Our boat was a beautiful vintage wooden vessel, complete with a small wood-burning stove tucked inside to keep passengers warm in the colder months. The crew, dressed in classic sailor suits, added to the charm—it was like drifting through a postcard.

Vern, of course, was delighted when they handed him a cup of beer to enjoy along the ride. I think that might have been his favorite part of the evening! And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we were given little packaged gingerbread sandwiches — soft, sweet, with a hint of rum and a jelly center that made them feel like a special treat from another time.

And just yesterday, we sailed past some castles along the Rhine (all casual like!) What an adventure this has been.  

In and among all of our adventures, I can’t help but think how moments like these — unexpected, joyful, and just a little bit magical — are the ones that stay with you long after the trip is over.

New “On the Road with Ranger Rose” Episode: Wildflower Bloom

If you caught Part 1 of my Death Valley adventure, you already know that place has a way of humbling you and calling you back for more.

In this newest episode of On the Road with Ranger Rose, I share how right now is the time to get in the park. The wildflower bloom is spectacular! Yes, even in the desert!

Death Valley isn’t just about extremes — it’s about contrasts. Harsh conditions paired with quiet resilience. Wide-open silence paired with bursts of life if you know where to look. And during a bloom, those contrasts feel even more powerful.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a Ranger Rose road trip without a few unexpected moments along the way.

If you’ve ever wondered what draws people back to a place like Death Valley, this episode might just give you your answer.

Sacramento Book Festival – April 19

I’ve got something fun coming up — and I’d love to see you there!

On April 19th, I’ll be at the Sacramento Book Festival at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, and this year’s event is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever. With more than 250 authors and eight local bookstores, it’s a full day celebrating stories of all kinds.

I’ll have a booth set up, so come stop by, say hello, and chat for a bit! I always love meeting fellow readers, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts — and of course, I’ll have books available if you’d like to grab a signed copy.

There will also be presentations from well-known writers and plenty of opportunities to discover new favorites, so if you’re anywhere nearby, it’s well worth the trip.

Hope to see you there!

The Picnic Table That Caused a Scene

There’s something about old family photos that instantly transports you back — this one, with me perched at a picnic table beside my dad, tells a story I’ll never forget.

When I was 13, my dad decided he’d had enough of arriving too late to claim a picnic table. His solution? Buy his own redwood picnic table — benches and all — and bring it wherever we went. Problem solved, right?

Well… not exactly.

I was completely mortified the first time we hauled that table out of the truck along the San Mateo Coast. While I worried about what everyone else was thinking, Dad was beaming, proudly grilling burgers and hotdogs with the ocean stretching out below us. And honestly? It was kind of magical.

Until it was time to leave.

Suddenly, people started rushing toward our table, insisting it was public property! No explanation could convince them otherwise. And just like that, our simple picnic turned into a full-on getaway scene — complete with a very confused ranger and a speedy exit.

Looking back, it’s one of those moments that perfectly captures my dad’s adventurous spirit — and maybe planted a seed for my own future as a ranger. Life outdoors isn’t always predictable, but it’s always memorable.

This story comes from The Stolen Picnic Table chapter in Trip Tales: From Family Camping to Life as a Ranger — a reminder that sometimes the best family memories come from the most unexpected (and slightly ridiculous) adventures.