A California Road Trip: Travel in the Time of Covid

July 27, 2020California

“Afoot and lighthearted, I take to the open road. Healthy, free, the world before me, The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose.” ~Walt Whitman, Song of the Open Road The original plan was to fly. In the perfect world scenario that had played in my mind, our bags would be packed, and … Read More

The Laguna Beach Pirate Tower: Curiosity on the California Coast

August 20, 2019California

The pirate tower makes its appearance at low tide. Hidden around a rocky corner at Laguna’s Victoria Beach, the sepia-toned stone structure stands tall and narrow against the surrounding cliff, as if pretending to be a natural part of the landscape. It’s a moody sort of place, a bit foreboding, forlorn and solitary, clinging to … Read More

A Guide to Napa Valley: California’s Quintessential Wine Country

July 15, 2019California

“Keep close to Nature’s heart…and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” ~John Muir There are places in this world that hold special meaning to us. Places where moments are forever etched in our memories, written in indelible ink and frozen … Read More

Sunny Jim Cave: La Jolla’s Hidden Staircase to the Pacific

August 6, 2018California

The doorway to Sunny Jim Cave feels like entering a hidden staircase from an old mystery novel. Inside a weathered shingled beach shop, a clerk at a small wooden desk collects a $5 fee and records each payment with a color-coded tally mark on a sheet of paper. Just beyond, a sign warns that although … Read More

Downtown LA: A Guide to Eight Great Things to Do

July 9, 2018California

On recent day trips to visit our LA-based son, we have found ourselves exploring the city’s Downtown District. Off the beaten path from major tourist attractions in Hollywood and the Coast, the area offers fabulous architecture, a rich history and even a couple of hidden treasures. I found this part of the city to be … Read More