The tribulations and pleasures of traveling overnight by train

As the North Coast prepares for a couple of major bicycle rides — the Best Buddies Challenge bike ride Saturday, Sept. 10, and Lighthouse Century Saturday, Sept. 24, both of which can dramatically affect North Coast stretches of Highway 1 — I recalled our experience earlier this summer. It was a sort of bicycle “carmageddon” somewhat to the north. Be forewarned, and be careful.

In a battle of wills and won'ts, House always wins.

I’m not an Arizonan, but I am an American. So, in my mind, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords belongs to me, and every other American like me, as much as she belongs to a Phoenician or Tucsonan or resident of Chuichu, Gunsight, Cucklebur, Jackrabbit, Surprise or even Why.

We were taking our upcoming vacation for a test drive, and the people around us were bemused, amused and laughing at us. A lot.

It was the most expensive funnel cake I ever had.

For nearly two dozen years, a disparate group of artistic North Coast free thinkers has shared their offbeat, even bizarre, talents during an annual, summertime show, Allied Art Association’s nontraditional Prefix 927 Art Exhibition. Think Andy Warhol mixed with Peter Max and Alexander Calder, and some “Little Shop of Horrors” thrown in for good measure: Kitsch combined with artistic genius and humor.

It was a warm, sun-drenched, glorious Saturday … perfect for one of our DayTripper escapades. You know how those work: We put on individual cards the names of all the cities, towns, destinations and wide-spot-in-the-road attractions within 100 miles or so. We toss the cards in Richard’s fedora, and then literally draw our day’s destination out of a hat. We go where it tells us and spend the day finding fun somewhere in our own neighborhood. You’d be amazed at what new things we find in those familiar settings.

For many of us, Independence Day is all about fireworks, picnics and barbecues, games at the park, fun at the beach, saluting the flag and, always, family and friends. But the true heart of the Fourth of July (or any other day) really is about doing something for somebody else. No praise, no glory. Just the pleasure of helping.

Ways to make your vacation more fun, more relaxing and more memorable.