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.

Warm Wishes from the Wild West

We got this Old West photo done at Kamice's Photographic Establishment as part of my latest L.A. Times travel story: Just in time for the holidays, a family-friendly weekend escape to California's Columbia State Historic Park. Happy holidays! 

Summer blues

Here are some photos from over the summer....starting with Ediza getting blue hair extensions at the Mammoth Reggae Festival.

Returning to the blue waters of the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

 Gus celebrating his birthday with some blue icing. 

And blue skies at Lake Ediza on our 11th annual backpacking trip to Ediza's namesake. Each year is a new adventure and this year the footbridge just before the lake washed out so we had to cross through the water. Can't wait to get back there next year.

Travel stories

I can't believe this is my first post since the beginning of the year!

Wanted to share a link to my latest L.A. Times travel story posted earlier this month: Paddle and play on a weekend escape to picturesque Pinecrest Lake in the Sierra

Pinecrest Lake

I recently complied a list of previous travel stories to help me keep track of places I've written about. 

Other stories in the Sierra include:

Off the trail and into a soft bed in Mammoth Lakes

Hiking the Sierra with three llamas and a baby

Sonora, Calif.'s antiques, eateries and train ride

Mariposa Butterfly Festival will take flight 

Here's a few more just about Yosemite:

Unwind naturally at Yosemite National Park

Hiking to the top of Yosemite Falls

Where to stay when visiting Yosemite

As well as nearby Calaveras County:

What's shaking in San Andreas? Plenty of California history

Calaveras County: Still hopping to it

Murphys rings in St. Patrick's Day with green wine

And the California coast:

A train depot B&B, family-friendly beach, moonlight cliff walk in Capitola

Surfin' Santa Cruz like a local

Monterey's historic sights, seafood and simple pleasures turn into lasting memories 

Along with various cities:

Visiting San Francisco? Say yes to NoPa

Hitting Reno with a child in tow

Washington: Cherry blossoms, gifts that keep on giving, turn 100

In addition to international travel:

Inca Trail Marathon is a runner's high in Peru

One-of-a-kind treasures in New Delhi's markets

And the first story:

Travels with a toddler: It can be done