Muir Woods: California’s Living Biosphere

Just a short drive across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, you can step into a world of giants at Muir Woods National Monument. This is one of the last remaining old-growth coastal redwood forests, and it’s a truly spectacular place to discover these towering trees.

Named for the legendary naturalist John Muir, the monument was protected back in 1908 thanks to his dedicated work. As you walk the peaceful, easy-to-navigate boardwalks, you’re surrounded by massive trees—some over a thousand years old and stretching more than 250 feet high. The cool, shaded forest offers a refreshing escape, even on a warm day, providing plenty of spots to stop and gaze up in awe at the sheer scale of the redwoods.

More than just a U.S. treasure, Muir Woods is also recognized as an International Biosphere Reserve, a testament to its unique and irreplaceable ecosystem. It’s an unforgettable and convenient way to connect with one of California’s most iconic natural landmarks.

Jack London State Historic Park

When I was in my early teens, I read Jack London’s books The Call of the Wild and White Fang, and I’ve admired him ever since for his fierce love of adventure and his early passion for nature conservation. Visiting Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen, California, brought that admiration full circle, as I explored the places most connected to his life and legacy.

The House of Happy Walls Museum, built by his wife Charmian after his death, offers a vivid glimpse into Jack’s world through books, photographs, and artifacts from his travels. Nearby, the haunting stone ruins of Wolf House stand as a powerful reminder of London’s grand vision—a 26-room mansion that tragically burned before he could move in. Finally, a quiet walk through the woods leads to his simple gravesite, a peaceful resting place beneath the trees of the land he loved.

Jack London State Historic Park was not originally part of our plans, but after visiting, I’m happy we did.

Mozart’s Requiem at the Hollywood Bowl

Last night’s concert at the Hollywood Bowl was an unforgettable evening. The Los Angeles Philharmonic, led by guest conductor James Gaffigan, delivered an awe-inspiring performance of Mozart‘s “Requiem in D Minor,” featuring the celebrated Los Angeles Master Chorale. The first half of the program was also impressive, with a new LA Phil commission by Ellen Reid titled “Body Cosmic” followed by Brahms‘s moving “Schicksalslied” (Song of Destiny). It’s a truly amazing venue for a concert under the stars, and it brought back great memories of my summer working there back in 1993. Nights like these are what make the Hollywood Bowl so special.

San Francisco Botanical Garden

Visiting the San Francisco Botanical Garden is always a highlight when we’re in the City, and this time we arrived early on a chilly Saturday morning, before the crowds and with the bonus of free admission (daily from 7:30 am until 9:00 am). The garden felt freshly awakened, with dew shimmering on the leaves and the air scented with damp earth and blossoms. We wandered past moss-covered stone walls, paused by ponds glowing green beneath the canopy, and lingered in hidden corners where streams murmured over rocks. With few visitors around, it felt like we had the gardens to ourselves.

California’s Beautiful Sonoma Coast

Our recent drive from Bodega Bay (the setting of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 thriller “The Birds”) to Jenner Headlands Preserve was an unforgettable journey along Northern California’s Sonoma Coast, unveiling some of its most breathtaking scenery. Winding Highway 1 revealed dramatic vistas at every turn: rugged cliffs plunging into the Pacific, waves crashing against rocky beaches, and sea stacks rising through the mist. This stretch of coastline embodies the raw, untamed beauty of Sonoma — a landscape that leaves a lasting impression.

The Proms at the Royal Albert Hall

Attending The Proms at London’s Royal Albert Hall was a surreal and unforgettable experience. This storied venue has welcomed everyone from classical titans like Tchaikovsky, Mahler, and Stravinsky to popular icons such as The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin — a testament to its place at the heart of musical history.

The BBC Proms — short for “Promenade Concerts” — is an eight-week summer festival founded in 1895 by conductor Henry Wood to make great music accessible to all. Today, it remains one of the world’s most celebrated classical music events, bringing together leading orchestras, soloists, and conductors for an extraordinary range of performances.

Our evening featured the world premiere of Gavin Higgins’s Concerto Grosso for Brass Band and Orchestra, a new work performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and The Tredegar Band under the baton of Ryan Bancroft, followed by a powerful rendition of Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique — a fitting finale in such an iconic hall.

The Breakers: A Gilded Age Masterpiece

Our 2023 visit to The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island, was an unforgettable journey into the lavish world of America’s Gilded Age. This magnificent “summer cottage” built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II truly lives up to its name, with every opulent room showcasing breathtaking European artistry and an astounding attention to detail, from the monumental Great Hall to the more intimate, yet still grand, family quarters upstairs. Wandering through the meticulously preserved interiors and manicured grounds, with the stunning Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, was simply breathtaking.

Koroneburg Renaissance Festival

We had a fun time yesterday at the Koroneburg Renaissance Festival in Eastvale, CA, about 80 miles from Palm Springs. Unlike most tent-filled faires, Koroneburg is Southern California’s only permanently built Renaissance village. Visitors can wander past real half-timbered houses, a working blacksmith shop, and a stone-front tavern that feels straight out of 16th-century Germany. Costumed characters roam the streets, interactive shows pop up at every turn, and the whole place feels like stepping into a storybook. We sipped cold ale, munched on sausages, and soaked up the festive atmosphere like merry revelers of old.

Click here to watch a video of the Imperial Knights being introduced before the joust.

My Kicks on Route 66

May 11, 2025 - Roy’s Motel and Café on historic Route 66.
May 11, 2025 – Roy’s on historic Route 66.

Any time we drive between Palm Springs and Las Vegas, we pass Roy’s Motel and Café on historic Route 66 in Amboy, California—a haunting icon of mid-century Americana. Set against the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert, Roy’s stands like a time capsule from the golden age of road travel, its bold neon sign and weathered buildings evoking the heyday of the Mother Road. Roy’s is a living monument to America’s romance with the open road.

Mitchell Caverns

Mitchell Caverns, tucked away in the isolated Providence Mountains within the Mojave Desert, is the only limestone cave system in the California State Parks. Situated at an elevation of 4,300 feet, it features two primary caves—El Pakiva (“The Devil’s House”) and Tecopa, named for a Shoshonean chief—connected by a man-made tunnel. Access is limited to guided tours led by California State Park rangers. Though pretty remote, it was conveniently located along our route home from Laughlin. We had advance reservations for the two-hour tour, and the $20 fee was well justified.

The Marshall Tucker Band

May 10, 2025 – The Marshall Tucker Band performs “Cattle Drive.”

After spending Friday in Las Vegas, we headed down to Laughlin, NV to see Southern rockers The Marshall Tucker Band perform Saturday night at The Edge Pavilion. Aside from a few songs that had gotten radio play, I wasn’t familiar with most of their music. What surprised me was how seamlessly they blended genres—rock, country, jazz, and blues. All in all, it was a fun night on the Colorado River.

Missing MTT

Feb. 15, 2025 - San Diego Symphony at Jacobs Music Center
Feb. 15, 2025 – San Diego Symphony at Jacobs Music Center.

On Saturday night, we attended the San Diego Symphony’s concert at the newly renovated Jacobs Music Center. Unfortunately, scheduled guest conductor Michael Tilson Thomas had to cancel. I was disappointed to miss him conducting his own composition, “Street Song” (for Symphonic Brass). Teddy Abrams, Music Director of the Louisville Orchestra, stepped in as his replacement. Rachmaninoff’s “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini” and Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 1” were also on the program.

Return to New Orleans

St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans
Oct. 28, 2024 – St. Louis Cathedral at sunset.

I’ve been to New Orleans 5 or 6 times and always had a great time. We stayed for a week, ate delicious food (it’s all about the Cajun cuisine and seafood), and drank probably a little too much. It’s such a unique and vibrant city; the French Quarter feels like being in another country.

Summer at Big Bear Lake

July 21, 2024 - View from our Lagonita Lodge room.
July 21, 2024 – View from Lagonita Lodge room.

Big Bear Lake is about a 2-hour drive from Palm Springs, and it’s nice to come up here for a few days to get away from the desert heat. It’s hot today, but you can still go outside and enjoy nature. Big Bear is a charming mountain community with plenty of good restaurants and places to get a drink.

Whale Watching

Music: Benjamin Britten’s “Four Sea Interludes.”

Went whale watching yesterday morning off the coast of Dana Point, but didn’t see any whales. We did, however, come across a huge pod of bottlenose dolphins (probably 100+) that seemed to enjoy showing off.

Tanglewood Music Festival

Tanglewood Music Festival
Aug. 19, 2023 – Eagerly waiting for the BSO concert to begin.

Renowned conductor Andris Nelsons, leading the great Boston Symphony Orchestra, was the grand finale to an exciting week of travel & music events. Violinist Leonidas Kavakos played Tchaikovsky’s “Violin Concerto in D” brilliantly in the 1st half of the program. The Tanglewood Music Festival is an annual event held in Lenox, Massachusetts, known for its world-class performances and scenic setting in the Berkshires.

TIME:SPANS Music Festival

Aug. 13, 2023 - Jack Quartet at Dimenna Center for Classical Music in NYC.
Aug. 13, 2023 – JACK Quartet at Dimenna Center for Classical Music.

One highlight of my trip to NYC was seeing the acclaimed JACK Quartet perform the German composer Helmut Lachenmann’s “String Quartets Nos. 2 & 3” at the intimate DiMenna Center for Classical Music in Midtown Manhattan. The concert was part of TIME:SPANS 2023 Music Festival, a cutting-edge festival focused on showcasing adventurous, experimental, and forward-looking music from living composers.

Basilica of St. Michael

Our visit to the Basilica of St. Michael in Mondsee was a beautiful blend of history, art, and movie nostalgia. As a fan of The Sound of Music movie, seeing the church famous for the wedding scene in person was incredible. Its soaring Baroque interior and twin towers were even more striking than I imagined. The basilica itself is part of the former Mondsee Abbey, a Benedictine monastery founded back in the 8th century that later transformed into a significant spiritual and cultural center.

Liszt Ferenc Square

Liszt Ferenc Square
Aug. 21, 2022 – A cool, drizzly day in Budapest.

The statue of Franz Liszt by sculptor László Marton in Budapest, Hungary, shows the great composer dramatically poised mid-performance. Seated before an invisible piano, his large right hand reaches outward, symbolizing his legendary virtuosity. The sculpture captures Liszt’s flair and intensity. This is the last stop on our Europe trip—tomorrow we fly home. I’m still recovering from COVID, but we had a nice day exploring the city.

Lake Wolfgang in Austria

Aug. 15, 2022 - Vista overlooking the village of St. Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang.
Aug. 15, 2022 – Vista overlooking St. Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang.

Lake Wolfgang, or Wolfgangsee, is a stunning alpine lake nestled in the Salzkammergut region of Austria. It’s surrounded by charming villages like St. Gilgen, Strobl, and St. Wolfgang. The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters, lush green hills, and postcard-perfect mountain views.

Sanssouci Palace

Aug. 11, 2022 – Visiting Sanssouci & Neues Palais.

Ever since I read James R. Gaines’s Evening in the Palace of Reason: Bach Meets Frederick the Great in the Age of Enlightenment, I’ve been fascinated by the enigmatic Prussian monarch. Frederick the Great’s complex legacy—his influence on music, philosophy, and military strategy during the Enlightenment—continues to captivate me. His architectural vision lives on in places like Sanssouci, his intimate rococo retreat in Potsdam, and the grand Neues Palais, a symbol of Prussia’s rising power built to impress visiting dignitaries.

The French House, London

Aug 7, 2022 - The French House in London.
Aug 7, 2022 – Enjoyed a few pints at The French House.

The French House in London is a legendary Soho pub steeped in charm, history, and bohemian spirit. It’s known for its quirky rules — no music, no machines, and no pints (only half-pints served). During World War II, it served as a hub for the Free French, with General de Gaulle famously linked to the place. Over the decades, it’s been a favorite of artists, writers, and eccentrics like Dylan Thomas and Francis Bacon.

Michelle DeYoung Sings Mahler

Oct. 17, 2021 – Mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung sings “Ich hab’ ein glühend Messer.”

Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung delivered an exquisite performance of Mahler’s song cycle “Songs of a Wayfarer” tonight at the Rady Shell. The San Diego Symphony, conducted by Music Director Rafael Payare, began the evening with Lili Boulanger’s “D’un soir triste” and concluded with Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5.”

Paul Taylor Dance Company

Paul Taylor Dance Company
June 20, 2021 – Paul Taylor Dance Company in a striking sunset lift.

I’ve seen the Paul Taylor Dance Company a few times before, but last night felt special. It was the first public event we’ve attended since the COVID outbreak. The performance took place outdoors on the Music Center plaza, with seats spaced out so we all felt reasonably safe. The Paul Taylor Dance Company is one of America’s most influential modern dance troupes. Founded in 1954 by legendary choreographer Paul Taylor, the company is known for its dynamic blend of lyrical movement, athleticism, and theatrical flair. It was comforting to do something that felt normal again.

An Exotic Encounter in San Marino

July 13, 2020 - A Red-whiskered Bulbul at Huntington Gardens.
July 13, 2020 – A Red-whiskered Bulbul.

While wandering through Huntington Gardens in San Marino today, I spotted an unexpected guest among the tropical foliage—a Red-whiskered Bulbul. With its striking black crest, white cheeks, and unmistakable red patch behind the eye, it was a vivid splash of color and character. These birds aren’t native to California—they come from Asia—but a small population has made a home in the Los Angeles area.

David Bowie Alumni Tour

A Bowie Celebration - The David Bowie Alumni Tour
March 6, 2020 – “A Bowie Celebration – The David Bowie Alumni Tour”

“Bowie Celebration – The David Bowie Alumni Tour” brought key alumni musicians of Bowie’s bands together to perform the albums “Diamond Dogs” and “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust & the Spiders from Mars” in their entirety. It happened at The Rose in Pasadena, CA.

Handel’s Glorious Messiah

Handel's Glorious Messiah
Dec. 9, 2018 – Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale perform Handel’s “Messiah.”

This afternoon, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts resonated with the soaring sounds of Handel’s Messiah, a cherished holiday tradition. This inspiring performance brought together the acclaimed Pacific Symphony and the Pacific Chorale under the baton of conductor Christopher Warren-Green. The stellar cast of soloists included soprano Julie Roset, countertenor Lawrence Zazzo, tenor David Walton, and bass Joshua Conyers, each delivering stirring renditions of Handel’s timeless score. From the jubilant “Hallelujah” chorus to the poignant arias, the performance reminded the audience why Messiah remains a beloved seasonal masterpiece year after year.

Hilary Hahn Plays Bach

Hilary Hahn Plays Bach
Sept. 29, 2018 – Hilary Hahn takes a bow at the Alex Theatre.

What a GREAT concert last night! Brilliant violinist Hilary Hahn graced the stage of Glendale’s Alex Theatre to open the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra’s 2018–19 season with a program titled Hilary Hahn Plays Bach. Under the baton of guest conductor Gemma New, the evening featured Hahn and LACO Concertmaster Margaret Batjer in a performance of Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins—a work they had previously recorded together in 2003. The program also included Bach’s Violin Concerto in E Major, Andrew Norman’s Try, Franco Donatoni’s Eco (in its U.S. premiere), and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4, “Italian.”

San Francisco Ballet at Stern Grove

This afternoon, we attended the Stern Grove Festival to see the San Francisco Ballet perform, and it was an amazing experience! The program featured stunning pieces like Balanchine’s Serenade, Justin Peck’s Rodeo: Four Dance Episodes, and a captivating pas de deux from Don Quixote. The dancers were excellent, and the live orchestra truly enhanced the atmosphere. It was so impressive to see such a high-quality performance offered for free in such a casual outdoor setting. Stern Grove really delivered that day, making for an unforgettable afternoon.

Sedona Satisfies

May 10, 2018 - Cathedral Rock near Sedona.
May 10, 2018 – Cathedral Rock near Sedona.

Sedona, Arizona, is a captivating desert town renowned for its stunning red rock formations, mild climate, and vibrant arts community. Situated near Flagstaff in the northern Verde Valley region, Sedona boasts a landscape characterized by dramatic buttes, steep canyon walls, and lush pine forests. The area offers an abundance of outdoor activities, from easy strolls along Oak Creek to challenging hikes up Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

May 21, 2017 - Mission San Juan Capistrano
May 21, 2017 – Ruins of the Great Stone Church.

Tucked amid the bougainvillea and terra cotta rooftops of coastal Orange County, Mission San Juan Capistrano offers a serene glimpse into California’s layered past. Founded in 1776 by Spanish Franciscans, it’s often called the “Jewel of the Missions” and is famed for the annual return of its cliff swallows each spring—a tradition that draws visitors and locals alike.

The City of Lights

Visiting Europe—especially Paris—had always been a dream of mine, and in November 1999, it finally happened. We spent seven unforgettable days exploring the City of Lights, then hopped on a train to Amsterdam for a few more days, before heading home. These photos are scans of the originals I took on that trip, capturing moments from a journey I’d imagined for years.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park
March 4, 2011 – Joshua Tree National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park is an incredible place to hike and camp, with massive boulders scattered across the landscape just begging to be climbed. The distinctive Joshua trees add striking color and texture to the desert scenery, giving the park its otherworldly charm. On one visit, I even spotted a coyote strolling casually down the road, completely unfazed—a perfect reminder of the wildness that still thrives out there.

Greystone Mansion

Greystone Mansion
March 8, 2011 – Exploring one of Beverly Hills’ best-kept secrets.

Tucked away in the hills of Beverly Hills, the grounds of Greystone Mansion and Gardens are a quiet gem—a serene escape where manicured lawns, stately architecture, and trickling fountains offer a rare sense of calm. When we lived nearby, I’d often find myself wandering its peaceful courtyards and shaded pathways. It quickly became one of my favorite respites from the noise and rush of the city below.

The La Brea Tar Pits

La Brea Tar Pits
March 4, 2011 – Columbian Mammoths in the La Brea Tar Pits.

LACMA was closed when we went there on Wednesday, but there are interesting things to look at on the museum grounds, including the La Brea Tar Pits.

The La Brea Tar Pits are one of the world’s most famous Ice Age fossil sites, where natural asphalt has bubbled up from the ground for tens of thousands of years. Over time, the sticky tar trapped animals like mammoths, saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, and even ancient camels—preserving their bones in incredible detail. Visitors can explore active excavation sites, see fossils up close at the Page Museum, and stroll past life-sized replicas of prehistoric creatures caught in the tar. It’s a fascinating mashup of science, history, and a little bit of Hollywood drama right in the middle of L.A.

Glee at Elysian Park

Chris Colfer doing a scene for Glee
Chris Colfer doing a scene for “Glee.”
Chris Colfer doing a scene for the television show "Glee" 2
Chris Colfer doing a scene for “Glee” (2).

It’s not unusual to encounter a film crew when traveling around Los Angeles. As we drove through Elysian Park today, we came across Chris Colfer doing a scene for an upcoming episode of the television show “Glee.” I’ve never seen the show, but it was fun watching them rehearse.

 

Point Dume in Malibu

Feb. 24, 2011 - Point Dume State Preserve in Malibu.
Feb. 24, 2011 – Point Dume State Preserve in Malibu.

We went for a walk this morning at one of our favorite places around Los Angeles, Point Dume in Malibu. It was a little cool, but there were people at the beach. Point Dume, a dramatic promontory jutting into the Pacific on the western edge of Malibu, is one of Southern California’s most breathtaking coastal spots. On clear days, you can see Catalina Island in the distance and spot migrating whales offshore.

Adventures in Costa Rica

Our week in Costa Rica included zip-lining through a tropical rainforest, white-water rafting down the Pacuare River, and encountering wildlife I’d never seen before—like howler monkeys, coatimundis, sloths, and poison dart frogs. We flew into San José and chartered a small plane to Quepos, in Puntarenas Province, to reach Manuel Antonio National Park. Costa Rica’s vibrant rainforests and pristine beaches are among the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.