Travel Gifts for the Holidays – 2018

Here are  a few presents to consider for the traveler in your life.  What to Wear Clothing Arts’ motto is “Made by Travelers for Travelers.”  They have quality clothing products, all featuring a pick-pocket proof design.  Their Adventure Shirt is ultra quick-dry and, although 100% nylon, feels like top quality cotton.  I have no clue[…]

Comala…Pueblo Magico

Background – The village of Comala, population 20,000, is located approximately 75 miles east of Manzanillo in the small state of Colima, Mexico.  It is the least populous region in the entire country. Indigenous people first appeared in the area 3,000 years ago and called it Ajuchitlán, the Valley of the Flowers.  Pueblos de Mexico[…]

When Reno Was King

Although the Gold Rush first brought prospectors to California looking to make their fortunes, the Reno area exploded with the discovery of silver at the Comstock Lode.  Then came the entrepreneurs (think Levi’s blue jeans), prostitutes, and shady characters.  Illegal gambling parlors sprung up; it was truly the wild west.  By the 1920s, Reno was[…]

San Diego Restaurant Week: September 23 – 30, 2018

The beginning of fall kicks off with the 14th annual San Diego Restaurant Week. The event features almost 200 of the county’s best kitchens offering unique dining experiences.  The eight days are designed to allow you to try new places at bargain prices. Two-course lunches offer an entree and choice of an appetizer or dessert. […]

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[…]

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[…]