Why our priceless US national parks deserve protection beyond politics
I confess: For most of my adult life, I’ve taken this country’s national parks and the National Park Service for granted. I’ve not taken for...
Hit the Road
Off the coast, in search of cetaceans and smiles
“Whales are like dogs,” says naturalist Marsha Devot, who is holding a large chart with dozens of pictures of whales and dolphins, illustrating the wide...
Nonprofit makes cultural connections with places tourists rarely visit
What’s an Oceanside basketball coach doing atop a camel in Mongolia? “I’ve asked myself the same question,” said Bruce Hoskins, a sociology professor at MiraCosta...
Rocky Mountain Arsenal: Where the buffalo roam — again
We are driving the one-way, circular Wildlife Drive that lets visitors explore much of the 15,000 acres northeast of Denver that is the Rocky Mountain...
Living Seas Gallery: Birch Aquarium’s new exhibit keeps pace with changing ocean
“Look! It’s Nemo!” squeals a little dark-haired girl as she peers through the aquarium glass and follows the meanderings of a small orange, black and...
Loreto treasures its water assets
I was only thigh-high in the crystalline water off a secluded beach on Isla Coronado, but dozens of multi-striped fish called sergeant majors darted between...
Loreto: Finding tranquility on the Baja Peninsula
Loreto locals like to boast about what their Baja Peninsula town is not. It is not the more-popular Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. It’s...
Going beyond Monument Valley’s iconic formations
We are hanging on to our hats as we speed south on Highway 163 on the west side of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park in...
Navajo guide enhances visit to Arizona’s Canyon de Chelly
Our guide, Celia, all of 5 feet tall (maybe), handles the hefty Denali GMC like a pro. We jolt and fishtail along the sandy, terracotta-colored...
California’s variety on display at its 280 state parks
Consider the numbers: 340 miles of coastline 970 miles of lake and river frontage 15,000 campsites 3,195 historic buildings 11,000 known prehistoric and historic archeological...
National Neon Sign Museum a blast from a colorful past
Walking into the National Neon Sign Museum in historic downtown The Dalles, Ore., is to be transported to another age. Dozens of the glowing, glass-tube...
Solo traveling an opportunity for women, Encinitas author writes
Traveling solo. Not something many of us will do — especially women. Who wants a table for one? What if you get lost? How do...
Giving kids with ADHD, anxiety the ‘sleep-away’ camp experience
Swimming, archery, arts and crafts, campfire stories, making new friends. Anyone who has been to summer camp recognizes and remembers these things. But if you’re...
Always something new to discover at Balboa Park
I’ve had a long-standing love affair with Balboa Park. Called the Jewel of San Diego for good reason, the park always gives forth something new,...
There’s something for everyone in Scottsdale
Western wear shops and chic boutiques. Trendy coffee shops and cowboy saloons. High-end art galleries and whimsical public art. Museums of history and western art....