Desert Views ~ An adventure through Zion, the Grand Canyon, & Sedona

There's nothing quite like driving along a scenic highway. To me, the all American road trip is an honored family tradition. And it's hard to complain about all the the hours spent in a car when the view out your window is as majestic as this. Welcome to Zion National Park, a photographers paradise, in the heart of Utah. Hundreds of thousands of people come through here each week to catch a glimpse of all the beauty and wonder that Zion has to offer. My suggestion? Plan to stay at least a few days. It takes at least an entire day to clear the awe and grasp that you are still in reality. Honestly, trying to describe Zion in words is like trying to catch a fish with your hands, it just gets away from you every time.

Colorful, powerful, majestic, inspiring, and absolutely freeing are what come to mind the most. The towering rocks of Zion can be compared to that of Yosemite & Sedona (the latter I will touch on later) but there is a major difference here in Zion and it's one that is hard to explain. From a photography point of view, I would say it's the lighting. The position on which the sun hits the rocks is soothing, almost poetic. There is a story being told here and if you stay from sunrise to sunset, you will hear it in its entirety.

Of the many hikes available at Zion, I chose the emerald pools. First and foremost, because I wanted to see the natural flow of the waters and their contrast among the rocks. As you can see, they certainly did not disappoint. Secondly, the pools have three elevations, one of which, the lower pools, was closed due to a slide and of course, I found that intriguing. I spent much of my time admiring the lay of the land, where the rocks lye, how they got there, and the interesting formations they make all on their very own.

I cannot express how happy I am that I finally made it to this glorious place. There are two nods I have to give that made our stay here so enjoyable. One is the Hampton Inn & Suites at Zion National Park. I stay at many Hilton facilities but this place surprised me in the best of ways! The room was exquisite, the free breakfast was so much better than expected, & the location was creme of the crop, not to mention the impeccable service. Now for the best and most unique hole in the wall (and I say that with the utmost respect) meal you've ever had, you must go to Oscars Cafe. I had the pesto quesadilla, a fabulous mix of Italian & Mexican cuisine. Watch out Zion, I shall be back to hike the Narrows!!

Now whats a view of the desert without a visit to the world famous Grand Canyon. Yes, we were fortunate enough to get into the Grand Canyon before the government shut it down & thankfully this is a blog on travel and not politics! We started at the North Rim and I'm just going to say it right off the bat, it was by FAR my favorite view of the 277 miles of canyon that lay stretched out along Arizona.

There are several reasons for this preference. One, it's much less crowded than the South Rim. Two, it's more approachable (which might not be best for those who are faint at heart). Three, it's more photogenic. My camera lens simply loved the angles here. You are higher up here on the North Rim which sits at an elevation of approx 8,500 ft. and don't forget, you can't visit here year round like the South Rim. The weather doesn't accommodate visitors between Oct 15th & May 15th. And yes, it's a bit harder to get to as it's not close to any major cities but in my opinion, the North Rim is worth the travel and the seasonal wait.
The drive from the North to the South Rim is about five hours but the scenery is rich in history. My favorite stop was crossing the Navajo Bridge. The original, built in 1929, is still used for pedestrians, while the newer version, an identical replica built in 1995 with up to code standards is host to all the vehicles. The crossing of the Colorado River from Utah into Arizona made huge headway in connecting visitors between the two rims of the Grand Canyon.



The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is definitely more tourist oriented. The lookout tower located near the East entrance was a highlight. The views from above were outstanding but it was the native drawings and paintings inside that make this place a must see! My biggest complaint here was the signage and mapping of the area. Since there is a village and lots of hotels & restaurants, not to mention thousands of daily visitors, it would be nice if I didn't have to spend an hour going in circles only to find out that there is no place to park ANYWHERE! That didn't stop me of course and eventually I found a solution but I would warn anyone planning to visit here to allow a fair amount of time just getting situated.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Okay, all that hassle was worth this incredible view and now comes the good news. The South Rim of the Canyon goes on for what seems like forever! If you're looking for panoramic, you've found it. Of course, there are plenty of other ways to see this magnificent beauty like helicopter, train, mules, & kayaks. We didn't partake in any of these ventures on this trip. I simply walked the upper rim and took it all in. Oh, and the best part? You guessed it, sunset. Unbelievable. It's hard to leave this place without believing that Life itself is truly Grand.

Last but not least on my desert hot list is none other than the gorgeous town of Sedona, Arizona. Known for its riveting red rock formations and eclectic vibe, Sedona's beauty & romance has made it a top destination for weddings and honeymoons. We decided to take Sedona by storm in quite a different way....

Enter Sedona Offroad Adventures. The most exhilarating, intoxicating, albeit bumpy ride ever across the real desert roads in the bareback of red rock country. Who knew what these beasts were capable of climbing?! This was absolutely fantastic!! Well worth every penny. If you want to see the REAL Sedona, buckle up and get out exploring in a Hummer. There's no better way.

Happy Desert Trails to ya!!


"Life is either a great adventure,
or nothing."  Helen Keller

Playing in Portland

When I first land in Portland, I'm thinking city life, and while that definitely does exist, everywhere I went I was surrounded by majestic flowering trees. White, pink, yellow, & purple fields of flowers endlessly hovering above you. It was magical. This is city life redefined by nature. Pictured above left are Prunus cherry trees found at The University of Oregon campus. The top right is a similar variety in white taken at Pittock Mansion. The bottom right photo of vibrant yellow leaves was taken at the basin of St Johns bridge. The photo opportunities of these beautiful trees was endless!!

The natural beauty continued through downtown & among all the trees were some of the most creative water fountains I have ever seen. Imagine a water playground in the middle of tall high rise buildings or at the top of endless steps overlooking Mount Hood. These are just two of the many wonderful water exhibits found here in the city of Portland. The first of which is known as the Ira C Keller Fountain where 13,000 gallons of water per minute cascade down numerous walls. Many people are found here at lunchtime enjoying the cool view.

 My next favorite was The Lovejoy Fountain, a stair step fountain designed in 1968. Spend a few moments here and it feels like all your worries are being washed away. The best part is if you walk around to the top of the fountain, there is a majestic view of Mt. Hood. There's just no escaping the beauty of nature in this city, and why would you want to anyway?!

Okay, I'm not typically a "foodie" nor do I EVER eat doughnuts but this place was talked about everywhere I went so I just couldn't leave without giving it a try and boy was that the best mistake I ever made. I can see why this place is so famous. They have the most outrageously bizarre doughnuts you can imagine and every one I tasted (and mind you, I tasted plenty!) were out of this world fantastic!! From the infamous maple bacon bar to mango tango & memphis mafia ~ fried dough with banana chunks & cinnamon covered in a glaze with chocolate frosting, peanut butter, peanuts & chocolate chips~ these doughnuts outdo their claim to fame and will put you in a Voo Doo trance wanting more!

One of the most beautiful sites I just happened upon soars above the rest with the most picturesque views and beautiful surrounding gardens. The Pittock Mansion sits 1,000 feet above Portland's city skyline and is an astounding 100 years old. It is open to the public for viewing but I arrived too early to get in. I, did, however spend over an hour enjoying it's exterior beauty and grounds. Well worth the climb up.

Portland is not surprisingly home to many beautiful gardens. Pictured top left is the Japanese Garden & below it, the Rose Test Garden. They are within walking distance from one another, however, the Japanese Garden has many steps, all of them worth the serenity you will find there. Pictured below is my "go to" garden belonging to none other than Shakespeare himself. I love that many city gardens covet a special space for the great Bard, and all of them host something a bit different. This one had a lovely statue of a quill pen and plants named after the author's most famous characters. Situated within the Rose Test Gardens, a walk through this garden is like walking back in time....

Any trip to Oregon wouldn't be complete without a visit to the falls. Driving along the Columbia River Gorge is a site within itself. You can visit fish hatcheries, art galleries, wineries, parks, & museums, including the beautiful  Vista House. Many a traveler end up in the same spot, at one of the most photographed falls in the state, Multnomah Falls. (top right) Astounding? Yes. Majestic? Yep. Powerful? You betcha. My absolute favorite? Nope. I'll tell you why. What makes these falls so beautiful is how they are doubled up with a bridge between them. So, yes, it's gorgeous and totally worth seeing even though you will be sharing it with hundreds of others at the same time. But travel just a bit further and you will come upon the falls in which I sat in awe and wonder, Horsetail. (below right) Some might say these falls are simple and yes, I suppose they are. But look, water falls tend to fall much in the same way, like a gushing wall of water, hence their name. However, Horsetail Falls, properly named, falls like a feather, rather light & airy. I found them unique. I also loved how you could walk right down to the base of the falls and even wade in the pool below. You can even get behind the falls for more dramatic photos. Everyone is going to love something different and hey, there's plenty of falls to fall in love with here, that's the beauty of it. You simply can't go wrong travelling the roads where Lewis & Clark did years ago. I think Lewis summed it up beautifully...
" we passed several beautifull cascades which fell from a great
hight over the stupendious rocks" ...  1906.

A scenic route not to miss is that of Hwy 35 along the Hood River. Named by National Geographic as "one of America's top 100 adventure towns", the trip through this part of Oregon was stunning! The valley below Mt Hood was sprawling with lavender farms, vineyards, & fruit trees. Here you'll find Italian grape growers, Marchesi Vineyards whose Dolcetto is divine, locals like Mt Hood Winery, a full production facility from "vine to bottle". Try the Pear Wine, it's delicious, & Wy'East Vineyards who created Cloud Cap Select, a tantalizing Port made from none other than Oregon's finest, Pinot Noir grapes. 

Okay, crossing a bridge in Portland is like crossing the street anywhere else. There are so many bridges here, I lost track. One in particular stood out for me. St Johns Bridge is located a few miles west of the city and connects North Portland to US 30. It is a dedicated historical landmark (built in 1931) and undoubtedly the most beautiful steel suspension bridge I've ever seen. It is especially appealing to photographers as I was not the only one with camera in hand. Go out of your way a bit, this mighty green beast won't let you down. 

There's something about Portland that is like no other city I've visited. Perhaps it's a quirkiness, or maybe the fact that it's SO green, both literally & figuratively. I mean the bike paths go down the MIDDLE of the road! It certainly has it's landmarks. Take Powell's City of Books, the largest independent book store in the world! This place is insane!! There are so many levels and rooms, you can easily get lost in here. I'd actually love to get lost anywhere in Portland. 

Good Times
Good Times

Notorious Napa Valley

 No matter how many times I visit Napa Valley, California, I'm always able to find something new & exhilarating. Whether it be a new wine, an incredible photo spot, or an adventurous place to explore, the vast valley of vineyards has so much to offer. True, I am a wine enthusiast and it certainly is a plus here, but even for those who are not all about the vines, this is a place of true beauty. Natural wonders are in abundance in the valleys and hillsides of Napa and naming them hardly does them justice. You must see it with your own eyes to truly capture all its glory. 
Here's a sneak peek at what I found during my last visit in late February. Winter is a beautiful time of year to visit Napa. The fields, valleys, vineyards, and hillsides are all covered in vibrant hues of yellow. This is all thanks to you guessed it, mustard. If you really want to learn about this winter phenomenon, visit during the annual Mustard Festival. Walking through the middle of acres & acres of yellow petals all smiling up at you is one of the most joyful experiences I've ever had. A must see and do!!

Ready to explore? Welcome to Castello di Amorosa, a beautiful authentic 13th century Tuscan castle located in Calistoga. Built and owned by Dario Sattui, the castle has been open to the public since 2007. My first question is why am I just finding this place?! I spent hours here but I could have spent an entire day. There is so much to explore and the photo ops are endless. And yes, there's vino. Added bonus, not only do they allow children here, but the kids will love it! Everything from the lighting to the distinctively laid out bricks, the archways, and the caves make this castle a true medieval experience, not to mention the friendly creatures who live out back. And don't be surprised if you are followed around by chickens, their coop sits right out front of the entrance and these guys are not shy!! Castello di Amorosa is a genuine time machine into medieval Tuscany. Fun for the whole family.

Okay, we are in Napa, the wine capital of North America so it's hard not to talk about wine. It's easy to find and enjoy the big wineries here, but seeking out the smaller family vineyards is where the fun comes in, especially if the wine is as fantastic as my latest find, Bourassa Vineyards. When I went looking for the tasting room here, I actually thought I might be lost. Surrounded by industrial like buildings, the tasting room at Bourassa will fool you at first. But PLEASE don't let that stop you. What you will find behind these doors is beyond enchanting. Be prepared to sit, relax, and enjoy all that Bourassa has to offer. Enter Vic Bourassa. One of the nicest guys I have yet to meet in the industry, Vic was inspired by Robert Mondavi to enter the wine industry as a professional in 1999. Now, with 3,500 cases produced, Vic's number one priority is still about "creating something special" and that he does. Let's start with the 2009 Harmony3. I was blown away by this Bordeaux blend and it started with the first sniff. The bouquet of violets was dominant and very pleasing. I rarely do this but I spent a few minutes just enjoying its nose. I wasn't quite prepared for the deliciously bold taste. Full of spice and balanced fruit, this wine is like dynamite! With how good it is now, I can't wait to try it in 5-10 years.

Napa Cabernets are a hot commodity. Wine lovers know there are plenty of fab cabs grown in this region and I've had plenty of them. Guess what? I have a new favorite and that notoriety goes to Bourassa's Symphony3. Okay, the name is music to my ears, but that's just the beginning. Rich in color, Symphony flows through your palate with hints of chocolate, rich raspberry, & toasted oak. Incredibly smooth, this Cabernet is a steal at $69.

The wine speaks for itself, but the hospitality and genuine sharing of the process and passion that goes into it, is an experience I've only seen here at Bourassa. We even tasted straight from the barrel. No one had to convince me to join this wine club. I'd be absolutely crazy if I didn't.

Next time you're in Napa, make a point to visit Castello di Amarosa & Bourassa Vineyards. As Vic says,  "we look forward to sharing with you our passion for wine, and, commitment to quality.  Cheers and Celebrate Life!" 

Find your heart in San Francisco

Who doesn't love the hustle and bustle of Union Square, the kickback vibe of Haight/Ashbury, the delicious wonders of Pier 39, the magnificent glory of Nob Hill, the excitement of Chinatown, and the natural beauty of the Golden Gate? What I love most about this city by the bay is its versatility. I've spent so much time in San Francisco, this time I was determined to seek out the less known (at least to me) and find the hidden hot spots of this vibrant town. But first, I had to start with a place to sleep and after my wonderful experience in Seattle, the only logical answer was the W. From the moment you walk into the lobby of the W San Francisco, you are transformed into an out of this world experience. There's a cosmic energy here that is both tranquil & outrageous at the same time. Relax in one of the many lounge areas in the morning or hang out at night with music at the bar that really lights up! All this & you can't beat the W's "whatever, whenever" service. It's out of this world... !

Room with a view

For the first time, I actually used a car as my mode of transportation. I know this is so anti-green and the city does have wonderful public transportation, BUT if I was going to find the unknown, a car was my best option. If you've never driven in a big city before, this is not the best idea however. Traffic, one way streets, & lots of noise can be very distracting! Lucky for me, I had a built in chauffeur. I can't tell you how many times I've been up to Nob Hill and visited the infamous Fairmont Hotel with its spectacular views, but I had never known about the little beauty that is perched right up the street ... the glorious Grace Cathedral. A mini replica of the notorious Notre Dame, this Cathedral is full of warmth and light. On a bitterly cold San Francisco morning, a walk through this chapel is purely delightful. Enjoy the stained glass, the architecture, the labyrinth that encircles the front entrance, the fountain, & yes, even Peets coffee inside by the gift shop. 

On my quest for hidden gems, I came across some stairways in the city that lead to the most fabulous panoramic views. These weren't the easiest stairways to find, hidden mostly in local neighborhoods on narrow side streets. It is true what they say, determination conquers all, and with that I came upon The Vulcan steps and the Saturn Street Stairs. Okay, yes, after my return home, I found an entire website on these stairways but while in the city, it was all search and find. And the find was magnificent!

 

The steps are close enough that you can walk up one and down the other. It's a bit of a hike, but worth every step...

 While checking out the view from above, one of my boys happened to notice a few people standing on a large "rock" in the distance. It looked pretty amazing so off we went to search out the "rock". One might think it'd be easy to keep sight of something that stands out, except in this city, winding streets & rows of houses tend to make you lose sight of things. We eventually made our way to the rock otherwise known as Corona Heights Park. Located on Roosevelt and Museum Way, the park has one of the most amazing views of the city and a children's museum of trains down below. The hike to the top is absolutely stunning with fields of wildflowers and um, poison oak. Yes, you better know what poison oak looks like before you enter this climb but don't let that scare you or you're going to miss this.... 

This spot is a photographers dream and there were quite a few cameras perched up here. I'm no pro, but the best way to describe this place is in pictures.

After this discovery, it was hard to imagine I was going to find anything quite as stunning, but boy was I wrong. A bit of a drive over to the Golden Gate Park which may not be a hidden gem in and of itself, but because it's so big, some of the smaller attractions fall by the wayside. My favorite, Shakespeare's Garden. What a beautiful spot for a wedding or summer picnic. The trees that line the pathway here are absolutely gorgeous! 

 There is so much beauty in San Francisco, it's hard not to leave your heart here. Lucky for me, San Francisco is the gateway to where my heart lies ~ in the most beautiful wine country of the U.S. Next time, I'll cross the Golden Gate into world famous Napa Valley where the hidden gems come in a bottle.



You know what San Francisco is? (It) is a golden handcuff with the key thrown away.(John Steinbeck)