In April 2010, I spent two weeks out west conducting interviews for the new edition of Victory Deferred. Starting in Los Angeles, where I stayed with my longtime friend Dennis onboard the Queen Mary--the Art Deco masterpiece pressed into military service during World War II, anchored in Long Beach and operated as a hotel since the late 1960s.

From LA, it was up the coast to San Francisco, where I fell in love with the city all over again. It is truly a spectacular city to look at, and a special place to be.

Next it was up to Seattle, for four days of walking, interviews, and sightseeing.