Mountains 2 Beach

We started this summer with a trip to Ventura over Memorial Day weekend so I could run the Mountains 2 Beach Marathon. Now, three months later — just in time for Labor Day weekend — here's a story about our trip: Explore Ventura's beaches, shops and family-friendly restaurants on a weekend escape (also in Sunday's L.A. Times).

Full Speed Ahead

We made our annual trip to Lake Ediza this summer. The journey started with smoky skies (from a nearby lightning strike) along with being attacked by killer mosquitoes. However, we persisted and it paid off with a fun adventure. 

Gus cooking falafel and mashed potatoes 

Ediza at "her" lake

Shortly after backpacking in the Mammoth Lakes area, Amber and I headed to the Lake Tahoe area for a Ragnar Trail Relay. Our group of eight ran continuously for about 30 hours, including with headlamps in the middle of the night.  

And just recently Gus celebrated his third birthday aboard Sierra No. 3, a historic steam locomotive at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown. Here is Gus blowing out his mini red velvet cupcake from our friend's catering company Lila & Sage in Murphys. 

Sonora and Shakespeare

Washington Street in downtown Sonora

We didn't have to travel far for A weekend escape to Sonora, Calif., where the charm of the Old West remains. Also, this upcoming weekend Shakespeare's 'Midsummer Night's Dream' comes to Yosemite — for free.

Exploring the property at Indigeny Reserve 

Moss Landing

Hope your New Year is off to a good start. Here's a link to a new travel story (also in this Sunday's L.A. Times) about a different spot we checked out on the Central Coast: Escape to California's quaint Moss Landing for a family weekend filled with kayaking and fresh seafood. We visited there back in October for Ediza's birthday and we actually just got back from the area for Amber's birthday.