San Francisco: The Exploratorium

“The Exploratorium is a twenty-first-century learning laboratory, an eye-opening, always-changing, playful place to explore and tinker. For more than forty years, we’ve built creative, thought-provoking exhibits, tools, programs, and experiences that ignite curiosity, encourage exploration, and lead to profound learning.” – From the Exploratorium website (www.exploratorium.edu) The Exploratorium is the ultimate playground for the mind,Continue reading “San Francisco: The Exploratorium”

Mono Lake: Panum Crater

Due to the government shutdown during our visit to Yosemite National Park last week, we decided to head over to Mono Lake and hike the rim of a volcano instead!  Panum Crater, located just off Highway 120 near the South Tufa Area of the Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve, is part of a chain ofContinue reading “Mono Lake: Panum Crater”

Weekly Photo Challenge: Infinite (Pumpkins)

Perry Family Pumpkin Patch, Fremont, California…. an infinite sea of pumpkins! Photo taken October 12th, 2013 *** WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge:  Infinite *** More fun at the Perry Family Pumpkin Patch… climbing the hay pyramid! And more pumpkins… Interested in going?  Check out the J.E. Perry Farms website for details:  perryfarmsorganic.com/

Ardenwood Historic Farm: Harvest Festival 2013

Today we attended our favorite festival of the season… the Harvest Festival at Ardenwood Historic Farm.  The annual ritual if picking our popping corn for the year is more fun than going to the pumpkin patch! Harvest Festival Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont, California October 12th, 2013

Sea Lions: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Checking out the sea lions (los lobos marinos) at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, California. You can hear these guys way before you see them!  The more you look at the rocks, the more you’ll see. *** Photos taken September 15th, 2013

Natural Slide: Beautiful View

I can’t imagine a climbing log with a better view! On the Cypress Grove Trail… a 0.75 loop trail, perfect for hiking with kids. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, California Photos taken September 15th, 2013

Silent Saturday: Nature Journaling

“The most important thing we can teach our children is to observe well.” -Ernst Mayer, Evolutionary Biologist Learning about animal tracks and signs, and journaling their observations. *** An awesome, free, naturalist-led class! Tilden Nature Area, Berkeley *** Interested in learning more about nature journaling?  I highly recommend the book, Keeping a Nature Journal:  DiscoverContinue reading “Silent Saturday: Nature Journaling”

Carefree: Mountain Biking, Point Reyes

My husband, a teacher, and our son thoroughly enjoying one of their last days of summer break. And, by the way, the first true mountain bike ride for our boy! Bear Valley Trail, Point Reyes National Seashore Photo taken August 19th, 2013 *** WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge:  Carefree