Posted on by James Kampas

Palm Springs Air Museum

Palm Springs Air Museum - McDonnell Douglas FA-18 Hornet
Palm Springs Air Museum - General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
Palm Springs Air Museum - Cessna O-2 Skymaster
Palm Springs Air Museum Entrance

Our morning bike rides often take us past the Palm Springs Air Museum, where vintage warbirds stand proudly under the desert sun. It’s a striking sight—sleek fighter jets and classic WWII aircraft framed by palm trees against the backdrop of the rugged San Jacinto Mountains. Located near the Palm Springs Airport, the 91,000-square-foot museum showcases military aircraft from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Many of the planes remain flight-ready and are displayed alongside exhibits and tributes to veterans, making it a distinctive stop for aviation and history enthusiasts.

Posted on by James Kampas

The Breakers: A Gilded Age Masterpiece

Aug. 20, 2023 - The ocean-facing facade of The Breakers.
Aug. 20, 2023 - The Great Hall at The Breakers.
Aug. 20, 2023 - The Music Room at The Breakers.
Aug. 20, 2023 - The Gilded Age Morning Room in The Breakers.
Aug. 20, 2023 - The Dining Room at The Breakers.
Aug. 20, 2023 - The Library at The Breakers.
Aug. 20, 2023 - The Loggia at The Breakers.

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.

Posted on by James Kampas

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.

Posted on by James Kampas

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.

Posted on by James Kampas

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.

May 21, 2017 - Mission San Juan Capistrano.
May 21, 2017 – Mission San Juan Capistrano Museum.
May 21, 2017 - Mission San Juan Capistrano.
May 21, 2017 – Ruins of the Great Stone Church.
May 21, 2017 - Mission San Juan Capistrano
May 21, 2017 – Serra’s Chapel.

Posted on by James Kampas

Adventures in Costa Rica

May 15, 2006 - Ziplining though the Manuel Antonio rainforest.
May 21, 2006 - Whitewater rafting down the Pacuare River in Costa Rica.
May 14, 2006 - Enjoying the beautiful beaches at Manual Antonio National Park.
May 14, 2006 - Spotted a brown-throated sloth in the tree.
May 16, 2005 - View from our hotel.
May 14, 2006 - Black Spiny-tailed Iguanas are everywhere.
May 15, 2006 - Central American squirrel monkeys.

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.