First off thanks alot for responding!! We are looking into a cabin in idyllwild and paolomar mts,they both look so cool.We did the Joshua tree thing last April and also camped out at Big Sur amonst other things.We had a ball!After talking to my friend Barbara, I dont think that we will be going to Catalina because she has a phobia of smaller boats /ferries. Who knew!! This girl is a world traveler! Ill look into the other places you mentioned and tell you whats shaking when we decide!! Thanks for opening your home for a stop on our way.You are so hospitable I love it!!