This mid-September trip to Catalina doesn’t even compare with the last one I did, 25 years ago. What’s different this time? Everything. My wife and I have been travelling a great deal, and I’m familiar with75 countries, but I have to tell you that our four day stay in Catalina rivals any trip we have…
Alaska abounds in wilderness and wildlife
If a moose charges you, run as fast as you can and zigzag. If a bear charges you, never run, just stand still. These warnings serve as your official Alaska greetings and they make you realize that you’re not in Kansas any more. Over the years I have been tantalized by Alaska travel posters showing…
Joshua Tree National Park: A unique desert playground
Joshua Tree National Park is different from many other prominent national parks because its attractions are more subtle and its size is so vast (794,000 acres). At first I wasn’t too excited by the desert expanse that featured an endless brown terrain dotted with joshua trees and scattered rocks. Keeping an open mind, I soon…
DEATH VALLEY: A park worth visiting
I am crazy about our U.S. national parks, and yet a trip to Death Valley seemed like a lot of effort for an uncertain reward. After all, it is in the middle of nowhere, and aside from having the lowest spot in North America, I couldn’t think of many other major features it offered….
Turkey: One of my favorite travel destinations
Notes on Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Antalya, and Canakkale/ Gallipoli/ Troy SUMMARY: Turkey is one of my favorite countries. Why? There are a wide range of attractive places to visit including ancient Roman ruins, cave cities, palaces, mosques, fortresses, old churches, famous battlefields, mountains and beaches The people are uncommonly nice and helpful It felt safe…
Baja Horseback Riding Adventure
If you want a memorable experience that provides adventure, nature, horseback trail riding miles from the nearest neighbor, and unparalleled peace and quiet, then read on about this highly recommended trip. My old friend Jim Berrian made me an offer I couldn’t refuse: He invited me to spend the day at his friend’s secluded…
Kauai – A Hawaii Paradise
OVERVIEW WHY KAUAI: Compared to Maui, I prefer Kauai because it is smaller, less commercially developed and more scenic. It has some of the best hiking along the Na Pali coast, an impressive canyon (Waimea Canyon) spectacular, jungle-clad mountains with waterfalls. The nature aspect of Kauai is hard to beat. WHAT WE RECOMMEND TO DO:…
Lake Powell – Houseboat adventure in a southwestern water wonderland
WHY LAKE POWELL: I love the Southwest’s arid, rocky, crisp beauty. When you combine this with a sky blue lake that stretches as far as you can see, bordered by canyons and cliffs of every imaginable shape and reddish hues, then you have a place called Lake Powell that is hard to beat. Rent a…
Following in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia
My discovery of the real Jordan I’ve noticed that when I mention how my love of travel has taken me to 75 countries, the inevitable question arises: “Which place was your favorite?” I struggle to find an appropriate answer because my years of memorable travel experiences don’t lend themselves to a simple, abbreviated reply, except…