Inspiring travel stories, tips, and guides from a couple exploring the world one destination at a time.
Beginnings can be bittersweet. They are often brought on by change, and in our situation, it was the passing of our beloved dog Jake, our ever present companion. Michael’s father passed away almost two years ago, before that it was his mother. Not long ago, Sandy’s aunt De passed, before that her father and other relatives. We are at the age in life when our friends and family are older and end of life is ever present.
Golden Spike National Historic Park is located just north of the Great Salt Lake at Promontory Summit, Utah. We were in route from San Diego to West Yellowstone and weren’t sightseeing at all, but had to check this site out because of the historical significance.
Springtime in Del Mar, California is a magical season filled with flowers, warmer temperatures, and breathtaking scenery. This charming coastal town, north of La Jolla, is known for its stunning beaches, upscale dining options, and social scene. Just south of Del Mar but north of La Jolla is Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. It is one of the most stunning natural attractions in the San Diego area. This protected parkland features towering cliffs, sweeping ocean views, and an abundance of native flora and fauna. In the spring, the reserve is particularly beautiful, with wildflowers blooming throughout the park. Torrey Pines has an extensive trail system to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of this unique coastal ecosystem.
Wine from Temecula has progressively improved over the last thirty years. Many of the wineries have restaurants and live music. Some have hotels. There area is beautiful with wine grapes covering miles of rolling hills. The last time we stayed in Temecula was at the Pechanga Casino RV park.
Last Updated: May 2, 2026
Yuma, Arizona was our final overnight stop before returning to California — about a four-hour drive from Tucson, and a natural last pause before crossing the Colorado River into the California desert. Our house in San Diego had been sitting vacant for over a year while we traveled — before that it had been a rental property — and it was time to return, check on things, unload the Airstream, and begin the long list of small projects that accumulate when a house sits empty. Yuma made for a comfortable overnight before the final push west to Santee Lakes.
Every so often my family comes out from Colorado to visit and to see my father Jim, who lives in an assisted living facility in Escondido. Jim’s wife Hazel passed a number of years ago, but he has been doing very well. They had six children — getting four of us together is more than we could hope for.
