Before Katrina devastated New Orleans, the State of Alabama sent me and two other newly appointed law clerks to attend a conference there. We were given a pre-paid twin room at the Hotel Monteleone (for …
October 16, 2012
United States
One Night in the French Quarter
Cabot's Miracle: Desert Hot Springs and Pueblo
I’m in love with a dead man. Honestly, if there ever was a Man of Men to pine for, it would be Cabot Yerxa, who died three years after I was born. Not only was …
October 11, 2012
Alaska's Spectacular Drive along the Turnagain Arm
It takes little time after heading south from Anchorage to be exposed to some of the most stunning scenery Alaska has to offer. The Seward Highway, connecting Anchorage with the Kenai Peninsula, has been justly …
October 11, 2012
Breakfast in Macon
When the plane landed in Macon, our manager had to create a little disturbance to throw us off balance. Sometimes, I think he felt it was his job. “You know, this is the largest card-carrying …
Sea Ranch Chapel
Just north of Salt Point State Park, half way between Point Reyes National Seashore and Fort Bragg along the Pacific Coastal Highway, is a place called Sea Ranch. About 300 of the 1,800 uniformly shingle-clad, …
October 4, 2012
Biosphere 2: Man-Made Wonder
Between 1987 and 1994, the $200-million Biosphere 2 structure with its two “lungs” and Energy Center was constructed on 40 rolling meadow acres west of the Santa Catalina Mountains and a half-hour north of Tuscon, …
Seward, Alaska: Gateway to Kenai Fjords
“Listen to the glacier talking to itself,” our guide urged us. I listened to what sounded like thunder in the distance, followed by cracks and pops as if someone was breaking a gigantic stick. A …
September 25, 2012
Travel with Your Dog in CA
With an estimated nine-million-plus dogs in California alone, it’s no wonder there are so many dogs at parks, beaches and recreation areas throughout the state. The mile-long Huntington Dog Beach, the epitome of a perfect …
September 24, 2012
Yellowstone Must-sees
Yellowstone National Park is a geological spectacle of the senses. The colors are vivid, the smells unforgettable, and the power of the geysers and waterfalls will fill you with awe. The major attractions are all …
September 20, 2012
Weird – and Luxurious – Hocking Hills, Ohio
I certainly wasn’t expecting to find European-style castles and other luxurious things in Ohio’s Hocking Hills, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Yes, they have some of the more expected things, like biker …
September 20, 2012
Mammoth Lakes Basin Bike Path
This summer marked the completion of 5.3 miles of paved bike path through forests above the town of Mammoth Lakes, California. The clearly marked, two-lane path starts at the top of Lake Mary Rd. at …
September 17, 2012
SoCal Five-Gear Weekend Excursions
Escaping the crowds and congested highways of coastal southern California, road warriors take to the hills. SoCal boasts some of the most beautiful scenic highways in the country, some right outside the largest metro areas. …
September 11, 2012
Shoot like a Pro: Arches National Park
With summer ending, this is a great time to head out to our national parks. The kids are back in school, the crowds have dispersed and the fall colors are brilliant. Arches National Park in …
September 10, 2012
Mittel Europe in Middle America: Cleveland, OH
You can immerse yourself in the culture of Central Europe without ever leaving the States by heading to Cleveland. Between the food, music and neighborhoods, there are lots of exotic pockets in the city that …
September 6, 2012