Oh, So Grand!

We are driving through some gorgeous back-country, it is overcast and cloudy, and there is snow on the mountain tops. Uniquely lovely, absolutely lovely. And to top it all off, we are in our own back-yard right here in Arizona! Land of desert and saguaros, and dust storms, and such. But right now in the northern part of our glorious state there is a rare kind of beauty. This Veteran's Day Weekend Jeff and I are headed through Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon. We pass acres of land that is barren and still more land covered with pine trees and green scrub. We decide to stop into Flagstaff for breakfast and because Macy's is packed and it's freezing outside, we head into La Bellavia for a bite to eat. Let me tell you, thank goodness we did! Their location on Beaver Street across from the Beaver Street Brewery is key for locals and tourists alike. The place is tiny, warm, and homey and smells delish. We sit by the window gazing out at the snowy setting and order from our very pleasant waitress. I have the Eggs Benedict, perfectly poached with spinach and swiss cheese. Jeff has the Eggs Belavia, perfectly poached atop an onion bagel (great hollandaise, by the way!) and served with the most delicious buttermilk pancake you have ever tasted. Seriously, and I know pancakes! The pancakes are made-from-scratch fluffy and rich, melting in your mouth with oh-so-tasty maple syrup. Skip the potatoes as a side - they are meh. Service is pleasant and efficient and we planned a return trip on the way home for sure - just for the pancakes!!!

Onward we drive and it is quite pleasant. But, alas there is no sign of the canyon. You may think I'm a ditz. I know it's a giant gorge in the earth but I thought we'd see something of it as we got closer. Nope. Not a peep of anything till you're right on top of it! And oh, is it ever grand. This gorge, this canyon with its wintry colors, setting sun, and snowy sides is awe-inspiring. Thank you God for this huge chunk of gorgeousness right in the middle of our state. The canyon is carved through uplift and the Colorado River over millions of years and you just can't put a word to it. You've got to see it for yourself.

See what I mean??



 We stayed at the El Tovar Lodge in Grand Canyon National Park and we were not disappointed. Upon entering there is a cozy warmth to this historic building. A fire is glowing in the fireplace, and deer are feeding on the front lawn. Wow. Our room was a good sized room and we could see the canyon from our bed. The bed was comfortable, the tub/shower combo was nice, and the whole place radiated hospitality.

Breakfast in the lodge was absolutely delicious. We had the pancake trio (sense a theme here?) with blue corn, buttermilk, and buckwheat pancakes. The prickly pear syrup was differently sweet and we loved the belgian hot cocoa service. They plop the whipped cream in the bottom of your cup and pour the cocoa around, leaving the salver right there to refill as necessary. Yummy.

Our two days here were spent hiking and wandering around the rim of the Grand Canyon. We stopped into the Visitor's Center, the Geology Museum, The Hopi House, Kolb Museum, and Bright Angel Lodge. We spied deer, ravens, coyote, and elk on our jaunts and were reminded of the beauty of nature itself.

We lunched at the deli in the market place center and that little Italian sandwich was very tasty. The market place has everything you could possibly want for souveniers or snacks or whatever! They have everything from sardines and crackers, to wine and chocolate, to Pendleton purses and blankets. One afternoon we had an early dinner at the Bright Angel Lodge Restaurant (NOT the Arizona Room Restaurant) and it was mediocre at best. The trout was okay, but the spaghetti was watery. Service was dismal and perfunctory. I'd skip it if I were you. I heard the Arizona Room was much better. Though, the lodge itself was warm upon entering, it was no match to El Tovar.

We grabbed a quick beer at the El Tovar bar and the service was pleasant and super-friendly. Window seats are at a premium here as they overlook the canyon, just like in the dining room. Dinner followed in the El Tovar Dining Room and like breakfast we were delighted with the food and impeccable service. The blue cornmeal biscuits are heavenly, imaginative, and flavorful. Jeff had the buffalo NY steak with fig jam, and it was charred nicely, though being buffalo - it was a tiny bit chewy. I had the lamb shank and it just fell off the bone tenderly into a puddle of white bean paste that blended so nicely with the lamb. Desert was homemade apple pie like nobody's business and a chocolate-caramel mousse taco that was fantastic. Another lovely meal to end a gorgeous day at the Grand Canyon.

Up early on Sunday morning to head through Flagstaff to the those yummy pancakes and then on through Oak Creek Canyon into Sedona. We were in Sedona just a few weeks ago and wanted to head back and pick up a few trinkets we had seen and thought about. This is another one of God's special places with the beauty of the red rocks all around. I saw a couple of places in Oak Creek Canyon that I may want to come back and stay at next year - really nice looking places along the canyon. We'll see about that.... We picked up our whirligig - LOVE IT! from the gallery at Tlaquepaque and can't wait to put it up in our yard. I've been wanting one ever since I saw the movie, Twister oh so many years ago. Another reason I love the desert is the summer winds that will blow the gig around beautifully.

Trust me, this is one place you've got to see in this lifetime!! So... when you're headed to Grand Canyon National Park, check out their website at www.nps.gov/grca and you'll find a ton of information to help you plan your get-away. For more info on lodging and dining, whether it be El Tovar, Bright Angel, Maswick or something else entirely, check out  www.grandcanyonlodges.com.

Savor the journey,
Deb :)

State Fairs ~ Then and Now ...

Back seat of the station wagon and no air-conditioning on one of the hottest (Santa-Ana Wind) days in Southern California. My siblings are excited for our first-ever trip to the Los Angeles County Fair in Pomona and I am barfing my guts up. Nausea stumbles around in my tummy and we're not even there yet. What a glorious day...

Once inside we marvel at the gigantic Ferris Wheel, the Hammer Heads, the Fun House, and the Midway. Undaunted we traverse the fair and it smells awful to me... fried dough, pizza, bbq, cotton candy, and ice cream treats. I eat nothing of the notorious fair food. I ride zero rides and am despondent. Until... we pass the midway and my dad hands me a quarter. I hurriedly choose the rolling ball game where I may win a stuffed animal if I amass points over 25 or under 10. Dropping the balls slowly and carefully my points add up to ... yep ~ a total of 9 points!!! I win a huge candy cotton pink and neon green striped kitty-cat. The thing is as tall as me and I am tickled silly. No doubt about it; I love the fair.

Arizona is filled with sights and sounds that intrigue travelers from around the world. As we begin the celebration of Arizona's Centennial I have been visiting as many places in our beautiful state as possible to afford myself the illustrious notation of being a true Arizonan. Last night I knocked another notch into my Stay-cation belt when we visited the Arizona State Fair. State Fairs are icons of childhood fun with thrilling rides, delectable food, and impossible games of skill and chance. Stories of fair food abound and the newspaper is filled with descriptions of decidedly greasy, deep-fried everything, even a fried scorpion dipped in chocolate. Last night's menu for our troupe included deep-fried dill pickles, deep-fried chile relleno/hot dog on a stick, a giant turkey leg, fry bread with pork stew, corn-on-the-cob, and a deep-fried s'mores for dessert. Mmm-Mmm. Nothin' like fair food; I can feel my arteries clogging as I type.

No rides or games of chance last night as the main event was the concert being held in the giant arena at the state fairgrounds. My son and his friend invited us along to see .... wait for it....

SNOOP-DOGG!! Can you even believe it? I have been to a lot of concerts in my time but never one like this. The pat-down upon entrance, the thumping music, the dancing, and the nightclub attire were all a part of the action. I'm glad I went tho' it will probably never happen again.

I continue to search out entertaining experiences, monumental sights, and incredibly tasty food-bits. I'll keep you appraised of my journey.

Until next time,
Deb :)

How We Loved Pismo... and Still Do!

Pismo State Beach ~ California, October, 1993

            Our kids were standing utterly, perfectly still. Everyone knows how hard this is for children, and I’m telling you that they stood completely motionless. It was blessedly silent but for the whispery fluttering of hundreds upon hundreds of tiny feathery wings. A camouflage game of peek-a-boo played out in a multitude of velvety miniature spectacles covering the trunks and branches of the trees within this glade. Vibrant orange and yellow hues mingled with shiny black threads and bright white polka dots. Our daughter, aged 7, was mesmerized by the surprising sight and tingly sensation of these winged wonders as they settled upon her arms, legs, head, and shoulders. Her brother, aged 5, was hoping that he too would become a welcome landing zone. Awestruck and barely breathing, he quietly waited. We stood mesmerized as mere seconds later amidst the late morning fog in this eucalyptus shaded grove, he was rewarded with a flock of visitors of his very own. Imagine if you will an amazing gift you may never see anywhere else, that of thousands of migrating Monarch Butterflies swirling through the air and tightly hugging onto the trees (and your children) in this quietly peaceful place. The Pismo Beach Monarch Habitat is one of the largest of its kind found in the Western United States. It is located half a mile south of Pismo Beach just off Highway 1. There is free parking inside the North Beach Campground. You can acquire more information about these Monarch Butterflies at http://www.monarchbutterfly.org.  

            We are not surfers, but we absolutely love the beach and beach camping. Having grown up in Southern California we are used to the summer fog that envelops the coastline at dusk and throughout the early morning hours. The North Beach Campground is right on the beach so there is quite a bit of damp air here. However, waking up each morning to the sound of the ocean surf, mingled with the scent of the sea and a little smoky bacon is just this side of heaven. Our kids loved the ease of rolling out of their sleeping bags, grabbing a bite of breakfast, and then taking a quick stroll to the beach. The walk to Pismo Beach from the campground itself is convenient and this area of the California coastline is expansive and uncrowded. There is plenty of shoreline for walking and splashing in the surf, building sand castles, digging for shells, hiking, and relaxing in the sun. Exploring the little town of Pismo found us loving a sourdough bowl of clam chowder and yummy fish and chips at The Splash Café on Pomeroy Street. While out bike-riding on rented pedicabs we came across Old West Cinnamon Rolls which smelled (and tasted) better than any we’ve ever had. There are some intriguing little antique and designer shops in nearby Arroyo Grande, just a few miles outside of Pismo. Throughout the nearby Edna Valley there are also wineries and the ones we visited were positively delightful. We don’t enjoy the sand dunes, but have heard that this is a terrific place to ride your dirt bikes too. Pismo is one of those places you may return to again and again because of the beautiful weather, friendly locals, sunny beaches, and plentiful recreational opportunities.

            Pismo State Beach North Campground (where we camped) was a flat, shady campground located just off the beach. You will have to walk over a slight hill to get to the actual shoreline, but this little separation may help in keeping your tent sand-free. This campground has 103 sites without hook-ups. There are restrooms, fire rings, and pay showers available. You may also bring your furry friends as long as they are leashed. Oceano Campground is nearby and though we have never camped there ourselves, we have walked through to visit with the neighborhood ducks and found it to be well worth a try. There are several other private campgrounds for RV’s and motor homes throughout the area as well. Please keep in mind that this is a very popular place to camp, and from Memorial Day through Labor Day reservations are required. To make your camping reservation call 1-800-444-7275, or go to The San Luis Obispo section of the California State Parks website at http://www.slostateparks.com/. For more information on the entire Pismo Beach area try http://www.pismobeach.org/ or http://www.classiccalifornia.com or http://www.pismobeachca.net/.

Keep in Mind …

When planning your visit to Pismo, please note that the Monarch Butterflies return annually each October and stay through February.

If you’ll be visiting someplace foggy, overcast, and damp, bring dry wood from home to start your campfires. My husband had purchased firewood at the campground store and diligently worked to build us a fire. Needless to say, the wood sputtered and hissed, smoldered and smoked, but never really caught on. Dismally we realized and now we know for sure that damp wood just won’t burn.

Here's to your next adventure,
Deb :)            

           

           

Delicious Memories

Zion National Park ~ Utah ~ May, 1991

            It all started out with a snow-cone. After driving for hours we were all hot, tired, and cranky. We have always maintained that vacations are a priority as time away from life’s pressures is meant to de-stress, re-energize, and relax your body and soul. Of course, traveling in a hot car with two young children might actually raise your level of stress rather than decrease it. We also tend to be over-achievers in our family and there is a definite level of competitive perfectionism tied to our hectic existence. I expect a faultless campsite close to bathrooms and showers, with a suitable picnic table, a good fire ring, and sun and shade where our children could play safely within my line of sight. Entering a campground with this heavy list on his plate challenges my husband to deliver the perfect campsite every time. As luck would have it, most every single campsite in the Zion Canyon Campground was perfect. But, I digress... The snow-cone. We headed into the little Zion Market where we found colorful and cooly inviting snow-cones. We bought two, and headed to our campsite so the kids could enjoy a treat while we set up the tent. Erin and Zach had these darling little camp chairs that we pulled out first to get them settled in their ring-side seats. There is always a tense hurriedness, along with the sensation of a comedic production as we set up the tent and filled it with our all of our gear. So when they were younger, it was easier to let our kids watch our wacky maneuvers rather than participate in them. Finally we began our little waltz only to realize that we had tears, and more tears. Plop, plop… Zach had licked the top of his icy treat right into the dirt, and in that 100 degree heat it was rapidly melting. On top of that, as he grabbed for the snow-cone he slipped and skinned his knees which were both bleeding down his little legs. Lest you begin to think we’re perfect parents, I will only say that increased tension and hilarity ensued. To a hot and tired four year old, losing a snow cone is a big disappointment. But to our son, Zachary, who rarely found himself with a treat this delightful, it was absolutely painful. Our son was allergic to just about every food group on the planet. He was not able to have any dairy products, wheat or glutens, eggs, nuts, soy, corn, or shellfish. The list of what he actually could have as a treat was very short indeed. So what did we do? We dropped everything to run ourselves right back to the store for a replacement. Life was good… and the campsite was perfect.

            I grew up believing that Paul Newman and Robert Redford were the most gorgeous leading men of our time. My infatuation had led me to see the movie, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” many many times, and I became fascinated by their story. While researching the Zion area, we read that parts of the movie were filmed in the area, and one of the original structures could be found in nearby Grafton. Well, I just had to see it. After locating a map highlighting the trail, we set out.  The area was a blessedly gorgeous canyon surrounded by the loveliest of mountains and I could delightedly imagine Butch and Sundance racing through on their own two horses. We drove for miles and the road continued to narrow as it turned into a dusty trail. We drove over a creek and back, weaving and circling while bouncing off rocks that I just knew would gouge the bottom of our van, leaving us hopelessly stranded. My persistence kept us pressing on until unexpectedly the trail ended. Yes, you read that correctly. The trail just ended. Additionally, a thunder-storm had blown in and it was dark and windy. The kids were bored and scared and we felt completely alone in that isolated canyon. My indulgent and intelligent husband finally convinced me that we were not going to find the little house that The Kid and Etta had shared. So we turned around and headed back to Springdale only to find out from one of the locals that the little house had been washed away in a flood the year before. So much for all of my research!

            All of Zion National Park was striking, and for fun we went horse back riding; waded in the river; hiked through the Narrows and up to Weeping Rock, The Court of the Patriarchs, and The Great White Throne. We visited nearby Springdale and poked into their little shops, but will never be able to think of Zion without remembering an incredibly delectable piece of homemade Bumbleberry Pie. There were so many families camping at the Zion Canyon Campground and along with our kids we made a few new friends, which reminded us that you’re never too old to make new friends.

            There are many campgrounds, cozy inns, and little motels throughout Zion Canyon and you will be both amazed and delighted by the scenery throughout the area. Zion is about 150 miles outside of Las Vegas and about 45 miles from St. George, Utah. If you are driving an over-sized vehicle, be aware that you will require an escort through the very narrow (and very dark) Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. If you choose to avoid this tunnel, head into Zion through Springdale on the south side of the park itself. Check out Zion Canyon Campground’s website at www.zioncamp.com to find more information on the RV/Tent campground where we stayed. You will find tons of information at www.nps.gov/zion and http://www.utah.com/nationalparks/zion.htm on Zion National Park and all there is to do in this magnificent canyon. Zion National Park has an amazing shuttle system that operates to keep the tranquility and beauty alive within the park. And lastly, if you want to check out that delicious piece of pie, head to the Bumbleberry Inn in Springdale.  Their website and other info can be found at www.bumbleberry.com.  Believe me; you don’t want to miss a slice of this very unique and delicious pie!

Keep in Mind …

Do your homework ahead of time, and research the area you will be visiting to collect helpful information for your vacation. And, when plans don’t work out perfectly… don’t lose your cool, just go with the flow.

Most National Parks have an excellent Junior Ranger Program for children from 6 to 12 years of age. There are usually hands-on activities, hikes, and lessons designed exclusively for children. We’ve participated in these types of activities at many of the places we have camped and our kids thoroughly enjoyed them all.


May all your adventures be filled with memories.
Till next time,
Deb :)

Halloween Disney

You know we love the House of Mouse. It is truly one of our very favorite places to hang out. This month Disney is decked out in an Autumnal Halloween theme. Atop the Magic Kingdom entrance are delightful Disney pumpkin characters in greeting. Strolling down Main Street finds a huge Jack-o-Lantern for photo ops and decorations galore. Don't miss out on a pumpkin muffin from the Main Street Bakery. Delicious!!

Our early morning entrance gave us a jump start and we were able to ride EVERY single ride in the park in one day. The new Star Tours ride was absolutely amazing. We visited this attraction three times and had three different adventures. What a great trip and still a nod to the old throughout. I will let you explore and find things out for yourself so look around as you meander to your boarding area. We did miss out on visiting Mr. Lincoln and Tom Sawyer's Island though, even with our handful of Fast Passes!

The Julie Andrews' narrated fireworks is a spectacular and Fantasmic never fails to delight. But the piece de resistance for this weekend was The Haunted Mansion. It's all spook-tacular for Halloween and The Nightmare Before Christmas. I was amazed at the decor throughout and the attention to detail. Disney does not disappoint in this area at all. We managed to complete our adventure just before closing at 11:50 pm and walked out amidst the dazzling lights and the scents and sounds of Main Street, USA. Another great family time at Disney!!!

But... what'd we have for eats you ask? We could not pass up muffins from the Main Street Bakery for breakfast - pumpkin and chocolate chip ... yum. Pumpkin spice lattes were also very tasty. We ate somewhere new for lunch. It's out by the Princess Affaire near the entrance to Toon Town. They serve up some very tasty stuffed baked potatoes with bacon and sour cream or broccoli and cheddar. The kids had bratwurst with sauerkraut. Yum!

Dinner found us at an old favorite - The Golden Horseshoe Revue and we feasted on chili in bread bowls and chicken nuggets with fries. Their root beer floats can't be beat! We never pass up a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar either and that dark chocolate coating was de-licious! Gotta continue to pass on the Disney Fritters though. I had a bite of one and it still cannot compare to the originals. Darn it :(

The weather was perfect and October is a wonderful time to visit Disneyland. The park was a bit crowded on Saturday and the young ones were running around in costumes. Too cute. I'd avoid the weekends if I could, but I can't.... sadly.

California Adventure is working hard to get that place Disney-fied. I can't wait for the Cars Land to open and see how their vision of Old Hollywood Glamour beautifies everything throughout the park. This is a long time coming in my humble opinion and Disney should have capitalized on their brand rather than competing with local amusement parks that just don't measure up anyway! That's just me.

Seek out those adventures that you adore with someone that you love. I do.
Until next time,
Deb :)

Those Were the Days...

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area ~ California ~ 1989 and Beyond

As she poked her little head out of the tent and sputtered, “Daddy, I feel better now,” our campmates laughed out loud.  These words are music to a parent’s ears after their child has spent the entire afternoon complaining of a stomach-ache and dizzy head. Both of our children alternately suffer from motion sickness whether we travel by car, bus, train, plane, or cruise ship. This particular time it was four-year old Erin, as we valiantly attempted to put together the pieces of a puzzle that would lead us to discover that she suffered from migraine headaches. Now all she has to do is maintain a limp vigil around a (preferably clean) receptacle for a few hours waiting to vomit and her headaches miraculously disappear. Jeff and I were becoming used to this traveling scenario, though we were understandably concerned. And while our friends had plenty of camping experience and three lively children of their own, someone else’s sick child wasn’t their idea of a good time. After pitching our tents earlier that morning we had traipsed all over the Santa Ynez Valley from Solvang to Los Olivos and Buellton in search of adventure. We stopped into wineries, visited a Shetland pony farm, fed ducks, and lunched in one of Solvang’s little Danish restaurants. But every time we got in and out of the car Erin felt woozier and looked worse. We finally hustled ourselves and our friends back to the campground just in time for Erin to lose her headache and revive herself. And so it goes.

On another one of our many visits to Lake Cachuma, we invited our very good friends John and Ann-Marie. Their daughter Candice is one year older than our daughter and their son Nolan is just six months younger than our son. Traveling with two other children who also brought their blankets (Nonnie and Softie) and their binkies made a huge difference in traveling. This trip was perfect! And it was here that we really learned what camping was all about. The kids got along well, and we were able to laugh and visit with our friends, while enjoying the peacefulness of the area. We went for short hikes, took the kids fishing, played games, and managed to squeeze in a visit to Solvang. We took our traditional picture in the giant clog outside of the little Danish shoe store, let the kids turn a few cartwheels and somersaults at the Hans Christian Andersen Park, and enjoyed a caramel apple and some luscious fudge from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. All four kids enjoyed drinking their hot cocoa in that cool morning air while still clad in their comfy pj’s. We grilled hot dogs with homemade chili for dinner, and roasted a few marshmallows for our s’mores. It was all cozy and messy and delicious at the same time and we were feeling pretty proud of ourselves until we happened to glance across the way at a couple who had definitely been camping before. Their envious site was set up beautifully and looked picture-perfect. Their tent was centered on the site under a glorious shade tree. They had a little welcome mat, twinkly lights glittering about their tent, and some very comfortable-looking camp chairs set up near their fire pit. And get this … their picnic table was set up with a lovely tablecloth, candles, plates, stemware, and real silverware. We were fairly new at camping I guess, because we used paper plates and Styrofoam cups and bowls. It was all we could do to grill hot dogs, but this lovely couple poured wine for dinner, enjoyed grilled steaks (that smelled absolutely delicious) and lit a perfect campfire. Surprisingly on another evening they even roasted a turkey! Now we love our hamburgers and hot dogs and our homemade gloppity-glop (a Bass Lake favorite) but I made a promise to myself right then and there that all future vacations would include a tablecloth, and at least one night where we enjoyed something truly special for dinner. And lastly, you may be wondering if this lovely couple had children with them to create that special chaos that only young ones can. To be honest, no, they did not. But the vision of their campsite gave me something to aspire to and I’ll never forget it.

     

We loved camping at Cachuma Lake and spent many long relaxing weekends there. Our kids grew up visiting the quaint little village of Solvang, hiking at Nojoqui Falls, and visiting the surrounding wineries throughout the Santa Ynez Valley. There are some very decent wines made here and some delightful places to picnic and enjoy your wine purchase. Take a peek at http://www.santaynezwinecountry.com for visitor information regarding the 17 (or so) wineries and visit http://www.solvangusa.com for more information on Solvang itself. When you go to Solvang, you must try the Aebleskivers.  They are sweet little pancake balls and come with raspberry jam and powdered sugar. We loved them so much that we now own an Aebleskiver pan to make them at home ourselves. The Danish pastries found throughout Solvang are tasty as well. Don’t forget to stop into Pea Soup Andersen’s in Buellton (now run by Best Western) for a giant bowl of the homemade split-pea soup they’ve been serving to hungry travelers for over 80 years. My parents honeymooned here by the way! You will learn all you need to know about Andersen’s on their website at http://www.peasoupandersens.net/ or http://www.bestwesterncalifornia.com/hotels/best-western-pea-soup-andersens-inn/. For extensive information on the Santa Barbara area please visit their website at http://www.santabarbara.com. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is just northeast of Santa Barbara off Highway 154.  With more than 420 sites, this campground accommodates RV, trailer, and tent camping on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are also three Yurts available which can be reserved six months in advance, and three small cabins which can be reserved one year in advance.  The campground has a swimming pool, a miniature golf course, a general store supplying last-minute items such as ice, snacks, and postcards. The marina stocks bait, fuel, and fishing licenses. You can find more information regarding Santa Barbara County Parks and Cachuma Lake Recreation Area at http://www.sbparks.org/DOCS/cachuma.html.

                  

Keep in Mind …

Be prepared for illness by bringing a small basin, pail, or plastic bag to catch those throw-ups that may come your way.

Remember that young parents tend to assume the worst possible scenario, and we are no exception. Though Erin’s painful migraines continue to this day and sometimes appear at the most inopportune times, we feel fortunate that they were never something worse.

Wander through your campground with an open mind and a welcoming spirit. You never know what good tips you may get from other campers!

Happy Camping My Friends!
Deb :)

Las Vegas Escape

Hubby and I decided to escape to Las Vegas for the weekend. Well, let me be honest - I dragged him to Las Vegas (which he hates) to see Rod Stewart at Caesar's Palace. I love Rod and haven't seen him perform since college. I just couldn't pass this opportunity up and so off we flew.

Our stay began at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, which is a Marriott property. Whew - pricey and trendy and sophisticated. So not me! We enjoyed the fluffy bedding, the oversized shower, the view of the Bellagio Fountains, and the location. I could live without the bumpin' loud music in the Chandelier atrium near the restaurants though. I never even found the casino here!

We loved dining at Holstein's for burgers, fries, and shakes. Now these were not your ordinary burgers - delicious kobe beef marinated in soy/kalbi with a fried egg and kimchi. The bun was toasty too. Our fries were crispy and delicious sweet potato fries (my favorite) and a couple of the most delicious milkshakes ever. Hubby had the S'mores with chocolate, grahams, a hand-crafted marshmallow, and rum. Yep, rum. Mine was the Oreo cookie shake with Bailey's. Unbelievably delicious.

You can bet that when I return to Vegas I will hit up Holstein's for sure. The Cosmopolitan - I'll skip that and leave it for a younger more sophisticated crowd.

Oh, and how was Rod Stewart you wonder? He was rockin! For a man easily into his 60's he still has the moves and the voice. A bit raspy to be sure but highly entertaining.

Au revoir Vegas for now... probably won't see you for awhile.
We're off to the Grand Canyon next...
Deb :)

Labor Day Weekend in Carlsbad, California

Hubby and I high-tailed it out of our 115 degree netherworld and made straight for Carlsbad, California for the Labor Day Weekend. By 3pm on Friday afternoon we were sipping fresh Pineapple Mojitos at Las Olas in Carlsbad and couldn't be cooler. The weather was a perfect 72 degrees when we pulled into town and we smiled for three days straight. Las Olas (www.lasolasmex.com) was a great little gem of a place right on Carlsbad Boulevard, just north of the Carlsbad Village intersection. Chips and salsa, tempting little chilitos, fresh sopa del mar with shrimp and scallops and veggies, char-grilled chicken chile rellenos, and we were set. If you are stopping through Carlsbad, don't miss this place with friendly service and open air views of people strolling by. There's an ice-cream place right next door that was hopping!

We made reservations at the Carlsbad Inn because our friends own a time-share on this property. (www.carlsbadinn.com) The room was nicely appointed with marble counters in the bathroom, a glass-enclosed walk-in shower, comfy bed, and a little balcony with an ocean view. Ah, the smell of the ocean and the setting sun after those pineapple mojitos about did me in. Slept with the door open all night long and couldn't have been happier! We are not time-share people because we want to go everywhere and can't think of one place we want to visit year after year... but.... if you are into time-shares check this place out. They had some great deals for late September and October and the resort rooms are quite nice. There are lots of activities for kids and adults with cook-outs, live music, day trips, swimming pool, fully equipped gym, and bike rentals. Carlsbad is a stone's throw from Legoland for the little ones and a bit longer drive into San Diego for Sea World and the World Famous San Diego Zoo. The Coaster is within walking distance of the resort if you want to take the train into downtown San Diego.

Carlsbad Village has some nifty little shops like the Carlsbad Chocolate Bar (yum) and the Humble Hippie. There were dress shops, t-shirt shops, book stores, and delightful little food places too. We snacked at Pizza Port and sampled some very VERY tasty brews at the bar next door. You can get your pizza on a wheat/beer crust and it's quite nice. Check them out at www.pizzaport.com and enjoy yourself. There was a farmer's market from 1pm to 5pm with fresh fruit and veggies, and a variety of other goodies like fudge and fresh kettle korn. We do love to eat. But seriously, California produce is second to none. Fresh strawberries, sweet white corn, huge yellow and red tomatoes, and giant zucchini.

Saturday and Sunday morning had us up and walking along the beach admiring the waves and watching the surfers. The beach was crowded on this last big bash weekend of the summer but we didn't mind. There's a super-crowded Starbucks in town, a great little donut place owned by a older Cambodian man who luckily escaped his homeland during the '70's, and a great local place called Elsye's. We had the blueberry pancakes and dark hot chocolate here. What a nice treat, just sitting outside enjoying the sunshine and fresh air and a tasty breakfast. I can't find a website for them, but they are a local hang-out where neighborhood friends were sipping their coffees after walking their dogs. I LOVE a dog-friendly place. If you're traveling with your pooch, Carlsbad will welcome you with open arms. I saw dogs in and out of all the shops and patio restaurants. I also loved seeing all the old VW bugs and busses. Made me think ... hummm... We'll see about that somewhere down the road.

Sunday was a banner day for us as we were invited aboard a friend's yacht. Oh my lordy - what a gorgeous piece of machinery this was. It was my first time aboard a vessel of this size, and what a charmed existence. It was like a mini-cruise to be sure. We sailed all through San Diego Harbor and into Coronado Bay for a truly wonderful afternoon. Sunshine, water, a bit of wind, and a bottle of beer. It just don't get any better than this.

Sadly, our dinner on Sunday night was not that tasty. We stopped into KoKo Beach (www.kokobeach.com) for dinner and were disappointed. The sodas were not primed correctly and tasted bitter, the bread was cold, salad dressings were tasteless, and the prime rib was ruddy. I did enjoy the clam chowder though, so if you must go here you can have the soup! There are tons of other places nearby, so skip this one altogether.

You can find plenty of information regarding Carlsbad at www.visitcarlsbad.com. I saw lots of other lodging ranging from the Super 8 Motel and a Best Western to the higher end waterfront places. Dining was a mixed bag as well so you can certainly find something in every price range. Excellent weekend for sure.

Next up... the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas baby!!

Hugs,
Deb

Get-Away Weekend to the Red Rocks of Sedona

Hubby and I decided to make a get-away from the stifling heat of  Phoenix in late August to the cooler temps of Sedona. It was definitely more pleasant, with less humidity but still in the 90's during the middle of the day. The cloud cover was nice and the afternoon rain was quite welcome. We hadn't been here in almost 15 years and what a shame! The Red Rock Country is absolutely breath-taking. As you round the highway and get a first glimpse of the cliffs - my oh my.

We wandered the main shopping area of Sedona and found some truly beautiful pottery, and some kitschy stuff too. There is a nice place to sample olive oil and balsamic vinegar and we walked away with a tasty bottle of each. It's almost like wine tasting, only savory and you don't get tipsy. Further up the highway is the winding road of Oak Creek Canyon. What a beautiful drive. Stop off at the Dairy Queen where you'll find some local Navajo selling jewelry, pottery, and knives. I couldn't pass up a beautiful piece of orange jewelry made from Bajaian spiny oyster. There's a small grocery store called Indian Gardens Market that sells some snacks and darn-good sammies too. Grab yourself a bite and take it on your hike or drive through the canyon.

There are plenty of places to hike, but it was so hot that we only ventured out early in the morning. This time of year there were lots of teeny-tiny-itty-bitty bugs just waiting to gnaw me to pieces. I forgot my bug wipes so we opted to avoid them and did some city wandering instead. No worries folks if you need your caffeine fix - there are lots of places throughout town including a Starbucks in the Hyatt. I gotta have my hot cocoa!

I enjoyed the shopping and dining in Tlaquepaque more so than the downtown area. Really beautiful pottery, jewelry, shoes, clothing, etc.... though pricy as you might expect up here. We enjoyed our dinner at El Rincon Restaurant (www.elrinconrestaurant.com) with their amazing Prickly Pear Margarita and Jalapeno Margarita - woohoo! What a treat. Also delicious were the chimichangas that were made of masa-style fry bread covered with machaca and all the goodies. Yumm. If you are hungry for Mexican food while you are here, skip on over. The wait staff loved our Aussie - the patio was very welcoming. As a matter of fact, the whole town of Sedona was absolutely dog-friendly.

Our Aussie, Wyatt, joined us on this trip and we selected an idyllic dog-friendly place called El Portal to rest our weary selves. It's in the heart of Sedona, near Tlaquepaque and I can't say enough nice things about it. It's secluded with 12 little rooms and a very knowledgeable owner, Steve. We stayed in the Grand Canyon Room with cool-to-the-touch flagstone flooring, enormous exposed wood beamed ceilings, gorgeous tiled bath with walk-in shower and jacuzzi tub, and copper sinks. There was free wi-fi in the room, a small TV, a giant comfy bed, couch, and fireplace to boot! This place has a delish breakfast, and happy hour every afternoon. Try the olive mix and homemade salsa and chips. Wine and beer on the honor system here. Go to www.elportalsedona.com and make your reservations right away!

Next up... Carlsbad, California!

Take Care,
Deb :)

Our To-Do List

It's summertime here in the desert and the soaring temps and sweltering humidity are melting my skin off. Really. Hmmmm...

Can I imagine instead a small coastal bungalow along the Pacific with a swing on the porch and glorious afternoon breezes wafting in with the scent of the sea? Or... lazing on my balcony aboard a cruise ship as we meander through the narrows of the Inside Passage on our way to Alaska?
Why yes, I can! And that my friends is what gets me through days like today.

Many people I know have a bucket list. But, there is no way that I want to picture myself kickin' the bucket anytime soon. I have yet to taste all this gorgeous world has to offer. Ours is just a plain old "to-do" list and it's filled with all the worldly exploits we'd like to savor together.

We like to eat and drink, we love museums and amusement parks, and we enjoy soaking up the culture of every locale. Half the fun of every trip we take is the dreaming and planning. I pore over resources in books, magazines, and online in anticipation of our next great adventure. Our itineraries are masterpieces (in my mind) though we follow them in a haphazard manner delighting in unforeseen and unexpected fun.

Though these will seem pedestrian to many I truly look forward to accomplishing every single item on our To-Do List.

* Hike or raft the Grand Canyon. A stretch, to be sure at this age, but it's on the list nonetheless.

* Visit Switzerland and wait for the clouds to come inside. (Thanks Erin!) Our good friends are on their way to Geneva for a two-year stint and we are sure to make this one happen.

* See the Big Jesus in Rio or Portugal. Hubby does NOT want to go to Rio. I love Port anyway.

* Visit a famous waterfall - Niagara or Victoria or Angel or Yosemite - any one will do.

* Take a chocolate bubble bath in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

* Visit the Mouse in Tokyo, China, or France.

* Watch the sun set in Key West, Florida.... Grand Cayman would also do nicely here.

* Drink a mint julep at the Kentucky Derby while wearing a stunning hat.

*Attend a NASCAR race in the South. Better have a cold Bud while we're at it.

* See the Northern Lights.

* Take a hop-on, hop-off train trip across Canada.

* Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Brooklyn Bridge too. Ice cream awaits :)

* Eat a brownie in Amsterdam. Oh, and see the terrific art, windmills, and tulips as well.

* Sip to our hearts content throughout all of France. Bastille Day possibly??

* Italy - every single bit of it.

* Belgium chocolate, oh and Brugges for sure.

* Visit every single National Park in the United States.

* And lastly ... a world cruise if and only IF I can take a Bonine every day for 120 days!!

Of course there will be more or what is life to live for?
Deb :)