North America
Sand Flats Recreation Area, Utah May 3, 2025
We rented a 4 Wheel Drive Jeep from High Point Hummer and drove Fins & Things trail in Sand Flats Recreation Area. It was so much fun! I’d watched a lot of videos, so I knew what to expect but my husband and sister-in-law were surprised at the steep grade and narrow width of the … Continue reading
Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah May 2, 2025
Dead Horse State Point is a great state park to add to Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks. It’s about 45 minutes from Moab near Canyonlands National Park. There’s a beautiful overlook of the valleys and river at the end of the main road.
Arches National Park, Utah May 1, 2025
We flew into Moab to begin our trip of Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks – Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Zion, and Bryce National Parks. With the exception of the skydiving plane in New Zealand, the plane from Denver to Moab was the smallest plane I’ve taken. It had room for about 15 passengers and a … Continue reading
Universal Studios, California June 25, 2023
I’ve been to Universal Orlando several times, but I haven’t been to Universal California since I was nine. The biggest difference was that while Universal Orlando is more spread out and has a bigger footprint, Universal California is divided into upper and lower lots connected by escalators. Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter is … Continue reading
Los Angeles, California June 24, 2023
My son’s biggest interest in Los Angeles was La Brea Tar Pits. I’ve heard the name and knew they were in LA from movies such as Encino Man and The Last Action Hero, but I didn’t know much about them. Natural asphalt seeped up from the ground tens of thousands of years ago, and saber-toothed … Continue reading
Los Angeles, California June 23, 2023
We’re spending the next 6 days in Los Angeles. Our first stop was the Hollywood sign, then we spent the afternoon at Paramount Studios. Paramount’s tour included sound stages, back lots, Forrest Gump’s bench, and the water tank where they filmed The Ten Commandments and The Truman Show.
Santa Monica Pier, California June 22, 2023
Venice, California June 21, 2023
My daughter lives to roller skate, so we’re staying in Venice for two nights. Our apartment is one block from the beach, boardwalk, Muscle Beach, and skate park. So much fun!
Pismo Beach, California June 20, 2023
Today started really well – the sun was shining and the dunes at Pismo Beach were amazing – unfortunately it ended at the Emergency Room! I had a slight accident and fell off the ATV on my head. I couldn’t remember where I was (I thought maybe Florida due to the sand and ocean?) and … Continue reading
San Jose and Monterey, California June 18, 2023
We’re making our way south from the Russian River Valley to Los Angeles. Our first stop was the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose. Sara Winchester, the widow of the Winchester gun heir, lost her mother, father-in-law, and husband within a few months and inherited a huge fortune. She did not have any children and … Continue reading