There is such a sense of pride, community, and patriotism as soon as you step on deck.  Guests are greeted as they arrive, and asked if they have ever served in the US Military.  If Veterans arrivals are announced across the loudspeakers of their position, rank, and service dates.

This is the stuff American Summer Nostalgia is made of. It's National Ice Cream...

Alas, during my time in Phoenix last week, I heard the horses down by the Salt River, but as I hiked down the rocky incline,  I could hear the hooves as they scattered.  I spent an hour at the bend in the river, watching the early morning light change and dissipate my cold breath in the air.

It's about a three-hour drive out to Twenty-nine Palms, but with 24 hours notice that...

We took a romantic getaway weekend in San Diego to celebrate our 20th wedding...