Picks and Pans – Death Valley N.P.

PICKS: Driving through Mojave National Preserve

Sean says: Thanks to a recommendation from Michael, we made our way from Joshua Tree to Death Valley via the scenic Kelbaker road through the Mojave National Preserve.

Zabriskie Point in Death Valley

Sean says: Zabriskie Point is a nice stop on your way into Death Valley from the […]

Picks and Pans – In and Around Joshua Tree N.P.

PICKS: Hidden Valley in Joshua Tree N.P.

Joshua Tree is the kind of place where it would be downright difficult to live an ordinary life. Even the rocks and strangely animated plants seem as though they must have interesting back stories simply because an uneventful existence couldn’t possibly result in such strangely shaped creatures. Hidden […]

Picks and Pans – From Los Olivos, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

PICKS: Los Olivos, CA

Although Sean and I spent less than an hour in this town, I’ve already made plans to return. With its old Victorian homes converted into B&Bs, its small main street lined with tasting rooms from local wineries and its relaxed vibe, Los Olivos is the perfect place to spend a weekend […]

Picks and Pans – Pismo Beach and Shell Beach, CA

PICKS: Pismo Beach

Although at first glance there doesn’t seem to be anything special about it, Pismo Beach is a solidly good beach. Nice sand, hardly any trash blowing around, lots of space and just enough people for good people watching, but not so many that it seems crowded. Plus, it was warm enough in […]

Picks and Pans – Morro Bay, CA

PICKS: Sunset at Morro Rock

Morro Rock is all that remains of a once gigantic volcano. It sits on Morro Beach like a lost behemoth, left behind when the rest of its kind vanished. During sunset, the waves crash dramatically against it and create great plumes of spray in the fiery light, reminiscent of the […]