T on April 21st, 2013

See that picture on the left?  OK, that’s my view as I type this post.  That alone should constitute its own post.  What an amazing place to write – assuming one can avoid all the distractions outside. This place never grows old.  Whether it’s cold and rainy, or sunny and warm, I love coming here [...]

Continue reading about YACC (Yet Another Crystal Cove)

T on January 6th, 2013

The year ended with a variation on an activity I really enjoyed earlier in 2012 – once again, I took the vintage sleeper cards down to San Diego.  But this time, I was joined by 3 more friends, and a whole extra car, the Overland Trail that has served me well on many wine train [...]

Continue reading about A New Year – 1953?

T on November 16th, 2012

Take a couple of friends, add locally-grown produce, artisan meats and biodynamic wine and serve it up right at sunset in a picture-perfect setting — and you’ve got Outstanding In The Field.  I became aware of this organization when they held an event last year in my friends’ vineyard. It looked like a great concept, [...]

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T on May 5th, 2012

Back in February, I vowed to return to the San Jacinto wilderness and make it to the top of San Jacinto Peak. Little did I realize how soon I’d get the opportunity. As soon as I shared with friend D how great the hiking there is, she decided that I needed to return with her. [...]

Continue reading about On Top of the World at San Jacinto Peak

T on April 15th, 2012

It started with an e-mail from my friend D: Ok, I have some new cool things to see and do in the desert next time…check out the oasis reserve in 1000 palms…incredible..good hiking, tours, on top of the San Andreas fault….fascinating. Also some cool places in Indio…. I was intrigued. And given how many trips [...]

Continue reading about Hidden Desert Wonders

T on February 20th, 2012

California never ceases to amaze me with its diversity of terrain and climate. In the course of minutes you can go from desert to mountains. Indeed, that’s what I did yesterday when visiting Palm Springs. Friend P and I took the aerial tramway from the valley up to the mountain, a 10 minute ride ascending [...]

Continue reading about Desert Getaway Part II: The Mountain