It was another spontaneous trip to Joshua Tree, We decided in less than 12 hours that we would drive out on a hot August afternoon and watch the sunset. The magnificent mountains were the backdrop for the mysterious and magical Joshua Trees

Evergreen Lodge: Not only did it have everything I was looking for, but activities for the kids, a rustic, but comfortable cabin, a solar-heated saltwater pool--and onsite restaurants. This meant less time cooking after a long day, and less frustration of hauling and trying to store food.

A travel guide to Surf City where summer lasts forever in Huntington Beach. This place brings the promise of never-ending candy-colored summer days, the perfect wave and glowing sunsets. This is one of my favorite Southern California Beaches, with pristine white sand, a city area that's a part beach town, part downtown just steps from the beach, lots of sunshine, sand, shopping-the kind of place that just sings that Cali vibe.

When I arrived in Los Angeles I loved the ability to see rolling hills and beauty rising up into the sky.

Sipping morning coffee in the mountain air at Half Dome while watching the sunrise in Yosemite is one of the greatest moments I've ever had. I've written previously about my goal not just to see Yosemite, but to experience Yosemite. There is nothing like the experience of mixing fresh, hot coffee, with cold pine air, watching the light bounce off the icy needles in the trees.