The Back Story There’s an old Yiddish saying that translates, “Man plans, God Laughs.” My first attempt to visit the new Riu Palace Baja California was cancelled by Hurricane Sergio. The following year COVID-19 hit the world. Now, vaccinated, boostered and ready to travel (November 2021), I packed my sunscreen, water bottle, sandals, and bathing[…]
The small desert town of Twentynine Palms is the gateway to Southern California’s iconic Joshua Tree National Park. The 1,200 square mile park straddles two distinct ecosystems: the Mojave and the Colorado deserts. Its landscape features craggy rocks, jumbles of stacked boulders, and stark barren terrain dotted by Joshua Trees. The “Joshua Tree” was named[…]
Hidden between the larger Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges, the region’s “Lost Sierra” name was coined at the time the Pony Express riders galloped through Northern California to deliver the mail. Today the area encompasses Plumas County and of the town of Quincy, home to Greenhorn Ranch, Lost Sierra’s crown jewel.
When I was growing up, my Mom would correct me whenever I said, “Hey.” Her retort was, “Hay is for horses.” Hey and hay are homophones; they sound alike but are spelled differently and have unrelated meanings. When I learned that the Greenhorn Ranch had 55 horses, hay came to mind. We’ve all seen bales[…]
My suitcase is ready for action, but where will my wanderings take me? There’s lots to evaluate. If the planets are in alignment, here are my top choices for 2021. On the Beach The Hotel Riu Palace Baja California, located in Cabo San Lucas on famed El Médano Beach, is only three years old. The[…]
This port city, home to 1.6 million people (Glaswegians), has a rich history in trade and ship building beginning in the 18th century. Today, Glasgow has a thriving contemporary urban culture and a must-see destination if you’re planning a trip to Europe. Located in Scotland’s western Lowlands, it is famed for its Victorian and art[…]
I was very lucky to have started writing travel stories at the dawn of the Internet, when the new medium coexisted with publishing. Back then, the pay was outstanding by today’s scale and writing assignments were easily obtained. Every country, state, region, city, resort, hotel, spa, and cruise line wanted travel features. It was a[…]
Balboa Park’s inception was in 1868 when land was set aside for a city park. A master plan was created in the early 1900s when taxes were levied leading to water systems and roads being built. To further promote San Diego’s commercial possibilities as the first US port of call for ships transiting the Panama[…]
My favorite city-wide event, San Diego Restaurant Week, takes place January 19 – 26. It provides an opportunity to eat at almost 200 restaurants throughout the city and county. Dining spots will be serving two-course prix-fixe lunches for $10 – $25 per person and three-course prix-fixe dinners, ranging from $20 – $60. There’s a new[…]
During 2019, I searched out new products that are worthy of mention in my year-end travel gift column. Here are my recommendations for clothing, shoes, and accessories, along with a vacation tip. Head to Toe Outdoor Research manufactures top of the line travel clothing, most with UPF 50+. Here is a fashionable trifecta: lightweight Swift[…]