There’s one thing I don’t understand about San Diegans: why would you want to go to the beach on the 4th of July when you can go there 365 days a year? I mean the …
July 16, 2011
Travel Stories
Serenity Found at San Onofre State Beach
Gloucester, Massachusetts
Gloucester is usually a sleepy seaside town, known for commercial fishing and tourism. But when my girlfriend and I visited our friends Courtney and Chris, who recently moved to the area, the town was thronged …
July 14, 2011
Taos, New Mexico: Natural Hot Springs on the Rio Grande
Although a longtime fan of hot tubs, my first experience in a natural hot spring was outside of Taos, New Mexico. As the sun was setting over the mesa, I climbed for an hour on …
July 12, 2011
Road Trippin' to Palm Desert
“It's like everyone is on a vacation. An extra pep is in the air.” This statement came from an acquaintance of mine who opened up a restaurant in Palm Desert. His customers continually wore smiles …
July 12, 2011
The Real Cancun, Mexico
“It’s totally safe, man,” said Sergio as he swigged his beer bottle and sucked on a cigarette. “Women walk around at night. Kids play in the streets. No problem.” My friends in Pittsburgh were horrified …
July 12, 2011
Surf & Volunteer in San Juan del Sur
"The 328th most awesome thing in the world,” according to the book One Thousand Awesome Things, is to “feel our shared histories softly swirl together through old books and stamped checkout cards as you smile …
July 7, 2011
Calistoga, California
I woke to overcast skies and decided it would be a good day to hike. With a hot cup of Roastaroma in hand, a quick Google search led me to several trails within an hour’s …
July 7, 2011
A Walk on the White House Lawn
Every spring and fall, the White House South Lawn is open for a weekend for visitors to stroll about. The White House Garden Tour has been a tradition since 1972, but many visitors to the …
July 5, 2011
Shenandoah National Park: Mountains that Whisper
“For me, it’s Yosemite and Shenandoah.” ~ Ken Burns, documentary filmmaker As I sit perched atop Blackrock Summit, the highest point in the Big Meadows area at 3,721 feet, I ponder the panoramic vista of …
July 5, 2011
Travel with Your Dog: Pelee Island, Ontario
Sometimes, my dog and I need to get away from it all – maybe a little exotic jaunt to a Canadian island. You might be wondering about the logistics of traveling with your pup and …
July 1, 2011
Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms, California
After hiking in Joshua Tree National Park, I camped in Indian Cove beneath batholiths. I had come to see the Wonderland of Rocks, which thanks to Minerva Hoyt is publicly preserved and accessible. Surrounded by …
June 30, 2011