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Travel Stories
Kona Kai Getaway
There’s something relaxing and almost mystical about boats bobbing on the water with the sounds of docks creaking and halyards clanging. The Kona Kai Resort & Spa and its marina, on San Diego’s secluded Shelter Island, provides safe harbor for a couples or family getaway. In 1953, C. Arnholt Smith built a marina on a[…]
A Swiss Trip
Preparing for 2 1/2 weeks in Switzerland took time and careful coordination. Here’s the blueprint of my Swiss adventure and, hopefully, useful for any journey. Getting There – Always look for the quickest route with the fewest stops. The good news for San Diego residents (like me): Edelweiss Airlines has seasonal non-stop flights to Zurich,[…]
The Historic Harris Ranch
A Surprising Discovery Located in California’s sparsely populated San Joaquin Valley is “an unexpected oasis,” the Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant. It’s much more than a way-stop along a stretch of Highway 5 between San Francisco and Los Angeles. History: The Harris family has been farming in California for over 100 years. They established[…]
Fun Phrases From The World Of Poker
Considering the colorful characters playing poker, it’s not surprising that some wonderful phrases and quips have evolved. Here are a few. Anna Kournikova – A-K hole cards: looks good, doesn’t win that often. Big Slick – Another name for A-K in the hole. Belly Buster – Drawing to an inside straight. Card Dead – When[…]
Before Half Dome
“Mile High” Idyllwild (altitude 1.6 km) and Tahquitz Rock, often called Lily Rock, have received world-wide recognition from rock climbers since the 1930s. In 1947, a “difficulty of climb” scale, based on Tahquitz Rock, was established. After the ascent of Half Dome in 1957, the Sierra Club tweaked the values and the ratings became known[…]
Ambling and Gambling
Nevada’s nickname is “The Silver State,” and is home to a casino resort on my list of favorite places to stay and play…The Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno. Ambling Hotels have their own personality so, after my speedy check-in, I wandered around to catch the vibe. I discovered restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, bars/nightclubs, the[…]
Food, Travel & Adventure – San Diego Style
What an excellent way to start the new year; great values and unique dining experiences. The 14th annual San Diego Restaurant Week features almost 200 of the county’s best dining establishments. It’s designed to allow you to try new places at different price points. Prix-fixe three-course dinners range from $20 – $50 per person. Two-course[…]
Travel Gifts for the Holidays
This is one of my favorite columns to write. Over the past year, I’ve been able to sample travel products and come up with a list that is gift-worthy. Here are my suggestions. Can’t Travel Without Eagle Creek – My Eagle Creek inventory includes everything from rolling luggage to handy Pak-It Cubes. My latest find[…]
California Roundup – November 2017
San Diego There are two notable events this month. On November 3 & 4, the Del Mar Racetrack hosts the Breeder’s Cup, the Super Bowl of horse racing. This two-day event features 13 races with over $28 million in purses and awards. Launched in 1984, it marks the unofficial end of the thoroughbred racing season[…]
La Jolla Getaway
After Labor Day, the tourists have headed home, the weather is ideal, and there’s plenty of parking. What a perfect time to visit San Diego’s favorite “village,” La Jolla. Vacationing in my hometown was very appealing. Where To Stay I jumped at the chance to stay at the Pantai Inn. It has earned a prestigious[…]