ARTICLES
DREAMING OF SUNNY DAYS IN SANTA BARBARA
It’s no wonder that life here gravitates towards the outside. On my first morning, I met a small group in the hotel lobby for a hike guided by local naturalist Lisa Burns. We grabbed steaming cups of coffee and headed outside to the cool marine layer.
ESCAPE TO RED MOUNTAIN
On a summer afternoon in southwestern Utah, I stand still, awestruck by the dramatic rock formations soaring before me. The landscape looks doused in paprika and cayenne pepper – the desert temperature red-hot. The only sound is the pulsating buzz of cicadas in the mesquite trees, the soundtrack for my three-day stay at Red Mountain Resort.
O.C. - OH, YES
A hotel room with a view? Definitely one of the best things about traveling. On a late February evening, the post-storm Southern California sky shimmered with pink, amber and orange hues over Newport Beach, a stunning view from my perch on the balcony outside my room at the Lido House.
BAJA BLISS
One&Only Palmilla - a luxury seaside escape that sits on the edge of the Baja Peninsula, where golden desert sands meet turquoise water. “this is the best beach,” says Mike Pinneo, managing guide at Tropic Surf, his gaze taking in the pristine Playa Palmilla under the Baja sun.
TASTE THE MODERN SPIRIT OF INDIA IN SOMA
In San Francisco, we are spoiled when it comes to good food. Whether it’s grab-and-go, food truck fare, or fine dining - for delicious food anytime, the city has you covered. But let’s talk lunch hour. Let’s say you decided to do lunch right instead of quickly devouring something on the fly.
GETAWAY TO SAUSALITO'S INN ABOVE TIDE
On this sunny spring morning, all was calm on the bay. The only sounds were of seabird calls, tiny waves lapping at our paddle boards, and our guide describing the colorful history of Sausalito's houseboat community at Waldo Point Harbor. While I could see San Francisco shimmering on the horizon, I felt worlds away from the bustling city.
EXPERIENCE NAPA THE NOBU WAY
An extraordinary bespoke adventure that is definitely worth the splurge. On a recent summer day driving through the gorgeous landscape of Napa Valley with its rolling hills, rows of lush green grapevines, and charming farmhouses, the only visible reminder of last October's devastating wildfires was a sign on a vintage truck parked at the side of Highway 29 with a simple message that read, "Thank you Firefighters."
LA DOLCE VIDA - The AMALIF COAST
In the salty Mediterranean Sea, everything floats. With the scorching August heat showing no mercy, it was time to test this theory. I vacated my cushy lounge chair, kicked off my flip-flops, gingerly navigated the mossy metal staircase anchored to the platform of our floating "beach" took a a deep breath, and plunged deep into the turquoise water.
TOUJOURS PARIS
A Silicon Valley family savors the City of Light. Ah, the allure of Paris! While I subscribe to the popular sentiment that “Paris is always a good idea" and have visited the romantic city with my husband on more than one special occasion, our three children, whom we have traveled with to 22 countries, including remote destinations like Patagonia and Fiji had never been to Paris.
ADVENTURE DOWN UNDER
Carolyn Miller McCusker is a Bay Area-based storyteller, blogger, and photographer. Her blog, A Well Traveled Life (www.awelltraveledlife.com), features her personal perspective, stories, and photos of far-flung destinations. Here, she shares tips on a solo trip to Melbourne, Australia.
AWARDS
Winner - Tiny Atlas Quarterly
This month my photo of Los Glaciares National Park in Patagonia, Argentina, was selected as a winner in Tiny Atlas Quarterly's first #mytinyatlasclimate photo contest that included images from around the world that share the photographer's perspective on the theme "A Planet You Want to Protect." I was honored to be part of an event where 100% of the proceeds from the Climate Benefit Show in San Francisco were donated to non-profit organizations sounding the alarm on climate change, working with communities at risk as well as directly assisting people in need of immediate relief.
I selected this photo of the Perito Moreno Glacier, the centerpiece of Los Glaciares National Park because to me it is an incredible example of Nature’s work of art that words cannot adequately describe. That December day when my husband, three children and I were in the presence of this great glacier; I felt this intense responsibility to protect and preserve it for future generations. To breathe deep, take it all in, and never forget. This planet is a gift and adventures like this remind me that we all need to act responsibly.