I never thought I would be hunting Thomas Dambo's famous giant wooden trolls in a forest, but here I am.

When I arrived in Los Angeles I loved the ability to see rolling hills and beauty rising up into the sky.

Celebrating Christmas in Los Angeles, WhereGalsWander.com. Travel guide to the best holiday places, light and events.

It was another spontaneous trip to Joshua Tree, We decided in less than 12 hours that we would drive out on a hot August afternoon and watch the sunset. The magnificent mountains were the backdrop for the mysterious and magical Joshua Trees

Evergreen Lodge: Not only did it have everything I was looking for, but activities for the kids, a rustic, but comfortable cabin, a solar-heated saltwater pool--and onsite restaurants. This meant less time cooking after a long day, and less frustration of hauling and trying to store food.