My Weekend Pleasures Around LA Without Crowds shows that if there is a silver...

We are excited to share this guest blog from our Travel Tribe Contributor: DQ...

The melted water travels across the desert, picking up dust and gravel and reaches the Flagstaff lava field and then falls. Ultimately it ends up in the Colorado River and Grand Canyon. It was beautiful to see so much flowing water and rainbows in the water too.

Mentryville Park is a tiny oil ghost town rich in history tucked away in a tiny corner of Pico Canyon.  It's an important piece of US History for its role in the Oil Boon, but still draws people today for its beautiful hiking trails set in the Santa Monica Mountains. It's recognizable from several tv and movie productions but also draws a crowd for its reputation for being haunted.

When I was a girl, my dad always tried to teach me about cars.  He pointed to what this thing was and he explained how it worked.   And I remember none of what he tried to teach me.  I remember looking at his tan, scarred hands, that grime under the nails that would never come out.  I can close my eyes and smell the mix of diesel fuel and cigarette smoke. That was the smell of my dad after a long honest day's work in the shop.  The literal blue collar with his name stitched across his chest.

The Clay Mine Trail is a 1.6-mile trail that is also shared with horses and riders in the Cave Creek Recreational Area.   You would think after seeing one cactus or desert bloom you have seen it all, but seriously each trail is so unique and beautiful, and continues to take my breath away! Lovely way to start our adventures for the Cave Mine Tour.