At top of hill, you can see all of San Diego. Absolutely breathtaking! I want to stay there for another week or so. My thoughts drift over sights then straight to ocean!.Oh yeah, why did my daughter Candy disturb my trance and remind of bike riding adventure. Yeah that. Why couldn't I just stay there and paint and write and dream?

We take off on these awesome bikes (I wish I could take one home with me, but how to sneak a mountain bike into your suitcase!) and we ride through La Jolla. I am not used to riding in traffic just on trails so I stay at end. Eli keeps looking back to see if I am still hanging on.

I love California for its quaint little cafés and bistro's, unique restaurants and businesses; an elegant yet casual atmosphere that stirs up artist and writer in me. And of course, fitness and nature lover in me savors it all while cycling.

The ride along coast is even more scenic. The Pacific is a dark powdery blue. We continue to Boardwalk on Mission Beach to catch our breaths and to grab a nutrition bar and a drink. Then we take somewhat hilly trip back. With gorgeous flowers, palm trees, and never-ending scenery I stay entertained. It isn't hard to get into shape around here!

Lunch consists of a giant sub sandwich of your choice and snacks to go with it: pretzels, chips, fruit, energy bars, cookies, and a variety of drinks. Enough to satisfy any taste.

The next event is ocean kayaking. I've kayaked in Caribbean and other places with few waves. I am awed with surfer-challenging waves.

We don wet suits and vests then walk to nearby La Jolla Beach. After instructing us on what to do, Eli jumps into water, launching us out to sea.

The waves are not intimidating but exhilarating!

Read this entire feature with photos at: http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/sports02/kayak/calif/hbk/hbk.html

By Lena Hunt Mabra, Cozumel Correspondent, Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

From info list Marian sent me I had noticed that Shiela is also from Missouri , just three hours away, so we communicate via e-mail before trip. So when finally camping in the desert it was like meeting a friend.

“Don’t ask if you can help with cooking and cleaning unless you absolutely want to.” Jan, Business Manager, cook, former emergency room nurse, and a great climber (as we soon discover) informs us. “This is YOUR vacation,” she said. “If you want to help, great, otherwise your only responsibility is to pack gear you need for each day and to have a great time.”

Wow! No cooking, no cleaning, no responsibilities but to have a good time? I can get used to this! I think that this climbing trip in desert isn’t such a bad idea even if boulders still look intimidating

Each morning starts with a delicious, nutritious breakfast. Snacks and plenty of fresh water are brought to our climbing sites. Lunch and dinner are even better, if that is possible. My idea of camp food is changed forever! Hot dogs, burgers, and chips? — NO! — these are not on menu, which could have appeared on a gourmet cooking show or perhaps some fine dining magazine. African Ground Nut Soup, Wild Rice Asparagus with Vinaigrette, Tortilla Rollups with Cream Cheese hors d’oeurves, fresh fruit and vegetables with hummus spread, Spinach Salad with Mandarin Oranges, and Slivered Almonds, Lemon Cake, chocolate!, and vintage South Australian wine. For vegetarians and for those who still want true camping experience with hot chocolate and such, trust me, there is quite a variety to choose from and EVERYONE is happy.

From all walks of life we arrive to rock climb. Among us is a geology professor, massage therapist, veterinarian, a mother of five, librarian, a student, an accountant, and a toy store owner. The ages range from 33-63; some are first time climbers, others are intermediate, and a few are advanced.

Each day starts with usefully and necessary technical lessons, such as a fist jam, hand jam, foot jam, chimneying, and smearing. We practice bouldering and climbing on a short rock. No matter experience level, everyone gets a chance to try out new techniques or practice what they already knew before climbing; it is an adventure for everyone at any level.

Read this entire feature FREE with photos at: http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/sports02/climb/joshua/joshua.html

By Lena Hunt Mabra, Cozumel Correspondent, Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com