Our last snow trip of 2025

What an amazing wnd of the year it has been. God has been so good to me that I'm slowly starting to forget the pain i once indured in the beginning of the year. For those who don't know what happened, I went through a severe anxity and depression attatch from my landlord that we made the ultimate sacrifies to move out in the middle of our contract. Legal action was taken place and my mental statues was leaving me. I couldn't handle the stress and peace in our home any longer. I was in in desperate need of wanting to move out and find anything. With many strong tears and sleepless praying nights God has per our suffering. Is that I know this type of suffering is not as deep as many who are suffering much more worse than I am, to me this was as deep as it could have been for my mental status. Through the blessings and the courageous effort and support we found a new and wonderful landlord ever, and then things has gotten so much better in life. I have learned to fully understand, patience and give my faith and trust in God. This year I decided I wanted to go on a small family trip since last year was not a great candidate. I decided I wanted to go see the big trees up north and escape away through the way snow. We packed our belongings with all our family members (Sparky, Jose, my mother and I).

Once we packed our belongings, we were off and ready to set away through the city of Arnold California. Self note: Our intentions were to go and have fun at the snow and pretty much get away from normal life and head into vacation life. This was practically our adventure since we were stepping out of our comfort zone. Every year we would try to go to South Lake Tahoe, but since it has been a normality to us.. what the heck lets just wing it and go to Arnold. my bucket list was to experience the the big trees. Our first day, it was just one of our road trip and arriving at our destination safely. When I did not have a mind was that when we booked our Airbnb, it was a cabin. So keeping that in mind, I didn't realize that the heating source was coming from the chimney only. What a dummy I was. Poor Jose had to be in charge of starting and keeping tabs on the fire. It gave me so mych laughter that we had to do this and this was our FIRST time. I loved it.

We until the night great though my dog felt silently uncomfortable with the warmth of the small cabin. On the next day, I was ready and determined to get the day started. My mother and I woke up early so we can go for a short walk with Sparky. We had a nice light breakfast. Packed up our lunch then we got ready to leave and our first stop was to the big trees in Calaveras. So my only concern during this small walk-through at the big trees in Calaveras with my concern of my dog. Unfortunately, and very understanding, pets and dogs are not allowed on the trails so we were slightly excluded on our experience, but we still had an amazing time.

Next step was have fun at the snow park! DID YOU KNOW that your suppose to purchase a snow parking pass in advance. I did all my digging and for you to not get a penalty for not paying youd need to purchase them in advance. This is the website "Snow Park Pass" to where you can purchase those day pass or a year pass. I personally think its so worth it. Its only valid in California. We arrived around 1pm and even though the parking seemed full. We got there in time when people were leaving. No tire chains needed at that moment since snow didnt fall before a week. Of coarse we carried them, just in case. The park we ended up going was called Spicer Sno-Park. We had 2 more spots (Round Valley Sno-Park, Lake Alpine SNO-PARK). Those were going up more high and just our backup plan in case we couldnt get any spots. Sparky had an amazing time. Enjoying each snow ball and then peeing the remaining. Its been like two years since I havent seen snow and had this much fun.

Blessed to say I was gappy we were able to make our last trip memorable. after a few hours of staying at the snow. We headed back home before it got too dark. Started our chimney fire and ate a good home meal. Finish editing some photos while on this mini vacation.

The next day I had a bucket list to visit all around the city of Arnold... Welcome sign was adorable, passed by and ate some treats at The Red Apple Restruant. Everything was home made fresh. Very cute and country stylr. To donuts and pies. They even had dog treats that were friendly to eat for my fur baby. Overall I think this was an amazing place to stop by before or after continuing your trip. I also had a bucket list of wanting to try this burger shop ""Giant Burger". I heard it was a famous spot to eat when traveling that way. They didnt open until like 11am (I think) that Sunday. Worth the wait. Even my mom enjoyed it and knowing her, she not a meat eater type of gal.

For our finally exit, I noticed on my way up we saw a cute rest spot to look out to the over view. It seemed like a very popular spot when we saw coming up to Arnold, CA. Forsure worth our 10 minute stop.

I thank God for an amazing end of the year. It has been a roller coaster of emotions and dealing with mental and physical problems. May 2026 be a new, fun beginning.