It really was one of the best Thanksgivings ever. Wednesday night we arrived at our accommodations in Tropic, Utah. The cabin was perfect, with a king bed and little kitchen corner, and our own front porch (although we didn't get to use the porch, since it was cold and snowy outside). The whole town was closed, so for dinner we picnicked on a few goodies we packed for the road. After dinner we took a stroll through the neighborhood. There were few street lamps to light our way, but the stars were so bright we didn't event need flashlights. The Milky Way was so prominent; it truly was amazing. The next morning we woke up to see an untouched snowy covered landscape. Aside from a bus of Japanese tourists, we were the only ones in the ... read more

No doubt about it, this is a strenuous hike. While I was perfectly comfortable on Tahquitz Peak the day after hiking, it took three days to recover from Vivian Creek, primarily due to the steep downhill trek the second day. The pack added a lot of extra downward force, and I constantly felt like I was going to be pushed forward and down the side of the mountain. It was only five miles each day, but with a 2,300 ft elevation gain. Not sure if this is a trail I will want to do again. On day one, the hike up the mountain was quite pleasant. After the first mile of steep switchbacks, it was pretty easy going. I was physically and mentally prepared to move swiftly into camp and then head up for the summit. ... read more

It was a great day for a 6-mile hike in the Mojave National preserve. Getting there was something of an adventure too, since I managed to miss my first exit and assumed all roads would eventually lead to Rome. Following the signs from Baker, Califnornia, I drove on a rutted dirt road for miles and miles and miles. It seemed to take forever, although I could only reasonably manage 10-15 miles per hour. It was a very scenic drive though, and one I might not have been inclined to take otherwise. Nearing the visitors center, there was snow lightly blanketing the landscape. I wondered how much now the desert got in the peak of winter. The visitors center was a little ranch building in the middle of nowhere and was still closed when I arrived. The ... read more

January 20-22, 2013 Jennifer Comes to Visit After some travel complications, my little sister arrived in Las Vegas on Sunday morning. We went to breakfast at a busy local spot and then took off for Oatman, Arizona. Our path was not entirely direct, but the two and a half hour drive was filled with interesting desert scenery and endless chatter. To get to the little town, we drove on a segment of old Historic Route 66. I’ve always wanted to drive on part of this road, though not for any particular reason. It was unkept and windy and we pondered at the idea that this was THE road that carried countless travelers before the smooth interstate freeways were constructed. At last we arrived at our destination. What can I really say about Oatman? It is advertised ... read more

Making the rounds of the various resorts in town to see their holiday decorations. For free! Being a tourist doesn't have to cost money. Take your car to the roof of the casino parking structures for a nearly unobstructed view of the Strip, also free.... read more