J. Timothy Viall, writer, photographer

10/21/2026

With less than two weeks to a very pivotal election, I see these memes floating around from a variety of friends and acquaintances. Perhaps several will intrigue you…

03/05/2026

Historic US Route 66: Celebrating the hundredth anniversary of US Route 66, the 2500 mile route from Chicago to Santa Monica, California. The California Auto Museum offers a special exhibit of cars, destinations, and the history of Route 66 which debuted 1926 and helped bring thousands of people west along the route, bound for California and points in between. Come on down to the museum, 2200 Front St., Sacramento and see the special exhibit as well as 125 other specialty antique and collector cars and trucks from throughout the US, and the world.

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/