The Channel Islands have always been this alluring beacon to me to come explore....

I dreamt I walked through the blooming Flower Fields of Carlsbad. A sea of pink, white, red and orange flowers in rows of waves as far as I could see. I stepped into a painting with the breezes blowing off the ocean and could see the ocean from atop the hill. I realized I wasn't dreaming. This was a dream come true.

It's July and it's hot.  It's 107F degrees and although it still beats the...