Vanchella Vagabonds

  Day 1: Mission Viejo, California to Gila Bend, Arizona, 351 miles We saw some cool vistas, ranging from 4,000 ft elevation to below sea level. This was the longest train we had ever seen! We crossed the Colorado River. En route was Felicity, California , population 2, "center of the world." Maybe we should have stopped there?! We saw a humongous saguaro. We stayed at a Space Age hotel .  We had a fantabulous pizza and salad at an Italian restaurant in Gila Bend. You never know what hidden treasure you will find! Of interest, Prince Harry (20x1 cousin) came here for pizza in 2011 ! What was he doing eating at a pizza joint in Gila Bend, Arizona, you may ask. Harry was completing helicopter training in the area as part of his military service. He ate a meat lover's pizza and was reportedly very nice. Day 2: Gila Bend, Arizona to Las Cruces, New Mexico, 405 miles We checked out the saguaros. John and I had been on our trip west in May 2020, but Emily wanted to see these i...

Five years later, and Emily's work at Santa Barbara is finished. Congratulations to her, both on completion of the Ph.D. and the visiting professor job she is headed toward at Texas A&M International University! We have had so much fun on the many visits to beautiful Santa Barbara between 2016 and 2020, which often served as a launching pad to explore the fantastic state of California. Because of its range of geographical features, I truly do feel California is the most beautiful state: you pretty much have it all here! A few special highlights have been: Experiencing being among the Redwoods Can you find "Waldo" in each picture? Santa Barbara Harbor Sails and Cruises We toured with Santa Barbara Sailing twice, such a nice crew and experience! Whale watching! Click here if you'd like to see a 5 minute video. Touring the Charles Schulz Museum This is a must for any Peanuts fan. I would definitely love to return. Cruising from the West Coast and Staying on the Que...