On a lonely stretch of Highway 395 in Central Cali, the Sierras rise from the earth and reach for the heavens. It is here, and more specifically Mt. Whitney, where the modern-day hiker goes for …
January 12, 2012
United States
Hiking the Lower 48's Highest: Mt. Whitney, California
On The Strip: Las Vegas, Nevada
I don’t get it. I’m an avid people-watcher. But I’ve never been a Las Vegas fan. Seems contradictory, right? So when a friend of mine announced a birthday weekend in Vegas, I decided to give …
January 4, 2012
Catching the Holiday Spirit: Newtown, Pennsylvania
By nature, Philadelphia is a hectic city. The people are tough. The suburbs extend forever. The highways are always congested. Plus it was Christmastime, and family obligations amplified every stressful second. Philly is not my …
December 17, 2011
Big Black Sun
I know people who say they’re from the ’60s as some people say they’re from Paris or New York. It’s not descriptive, it’s declarative, proudly (or smugly) so, and vaguely definitive of their politics. I …
December 14, 2011
Checking Out Boston
Whether you want to learn about early American history, explore art museums, watch leaves change color or sip a pint, Boston does not disappoint. The easiest way for someone unfamiliar with Boston to get around …
December 11, 2011
Diving with Manta Rays in Kona, Hawaii
As a frequent visitor to Hawaii, I’m always looking for a new experience to expand my appreciation for the islands. A friend recommended I try the manta ray night snorkel in Kona, and at first …
Montaña de Oro State Park, California
"Come forth into the light of things, Let Nature be your teacher." ~ John Muir I don’t know if John Muir ever visited what is now Montaña de Oro State Park, but the bard of …
December 8, 2011
Hip Boise, Idaho: The Modern Hotel
My husband doesn’t care for anything too fancy or too hip, especially not a hotel. Give him a Residence Inn, and he’s happy. So when a friend of mine recommended we stay at the Modern …
December 5, 2011
Westport, Washington: Untamed Coast
I parked and walked into John’s River Lodge. It’s populated by the graying, the retired and plump. I’d just surfed Westport, and wanted a place to wet my whistle. I ordered a PBR and sat …
December 1, 2011
Oklahoma City: Who Knew?
The last time I'd been in Oklahoma City was as a 6 year-old child. My family was passing through on our annual road trip from California to Indiana to visit aging relatives. What I remember …
November 25, 2011
Looking for Bears in Juneau, Alaska
It had been a long, rainy week aboard our Celebrity cruise ship when we pulled into the port of Juneau on the morning of September 24, 2011. The weather was a brisk 48 degrees and …
Surf Trip to Jalama Beach, CA
We left at 12:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 25, 2011, en route to Jalama Beach County Park from San Diego for a surf trip. Research told us that campers have to arrive at the park's flag …
November 22, 2011
Missoula, Montana
“Hey! It’s a red light!” I screamed as Sarah drove into the intersection. “Sorry, I really can’t drive and talk at the same time,” she said, “I’m on antidepressants.” At the next light I gestured …
November 22, 2011
Penn State Is a Plantation, and JoePa Was the Owner
There is a continental stench coming out of Penn State. Step back, consider yourself a neutral observer with no stake in the scandal. Let’s say you knew there was an eyewitness to the (alleged) rape …
November 22, 2011
New York City, 4 a.m. – 7 a.m.
I left Boston at midnight, bound for Pittsburgh, and I knew I'd face a layover. When I ordered my Megabus tickets, I knew the first leg would only last four hours. I knew I'd have …
November 17, 2011