Girls Weekend in Big Bend: What to do in Terlingua, Texas
3 Day Getaways / Explore Texas

Girls Weekend in Big Bend: What to do in Terlingua, Texas

The first time I escaped to the West Texas desert I was hooked. My friend Carroll introduced me to the magical corner of the country on a multi-day road trip I dubbed 2 Chicks, 5 Days, 1001 miles. Since then I’ve been back a couple of times, including this weekend getaway with Carol and another … Continue reading

The Seduction of Scottsdale:  How to Spend 48 Hours in this Sultry Arizona Destination
3 Day Getaways

The Seduction of Scottsdale: How to Spend 48 Hours in this Sultry Arizona Destination

There’s something sexy about the desert.  I’ve often heard the allure of the desert is as enticing as a drug.  Perhaps it’s the sultry hot days as the brown of the earth morphs into the blue of the sky as heat waves blur the distance.  It could be the ruggedness of the landscape.  Maybe it’s … Continue reading

Hike to Fortynine Palms Oasis
Explore The Outdoors / Explore The Parks

Hike to Fortynine Palms Oasis

Joshua trees are known for their spiky leafed, branches reaching for the heavens are ubiquitous in most of Joshua Tree National Park, but not on this trail.  The elevation is too low for the yuccas (Joshua trees don’t have rings so they are not really trees).  Instead, you’ll find palm trees in this secluded oasis … Continue reading

Joshua Tree’s Most Dangerous Hike
Explore The Outdoors / Explore The Parks

Joshua Tree’s Most Dangerous Hike

It’s Joshua Tree National Park’s most dangerous hike.  Not because of the extreme heat, rattlesnakes, or rugged terrain, but because of the “teddy bear” cactus.  It sounds cuddly, but it’s not.  You are literally surrounded by cacti in the Cholla Cactus Garden.  It’s one of the shortest hikes in Joshua Tree, but could easily be … Continue reading

“In God’s Country” in Joshua Tree National Park
Explore The Outdoors / Explore The Parks

“In God’s Country” in Joshua Tree National Park

“I wanna run, I wanna hide.  I wanna tear down the walls that hold me inside.”  Those are the first words of “Where the Streets Have No Name.”  Those are the opening words of the legendary rock band U2’s album The Joshua Tree.  For years I had wanted to go to the mythical and magical … Continue reading