“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”
Category Archives: Travel
Halloween Fun: Spooky Night Hike
Saturday evening, we went on a fun “spooky night hike” at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont. My son was looking forward to this event more than to trick-or-treating on Halloween night! Before sundown, we met with our hike leader (a naturalist / pirate), who gave the kids some safety tips before heading out. ThenContinue reading “Halloween Fun: Spooky Night Hike”
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
Yosemite National Park: Government Shutdown
We’re fortunate. We visit Yosemite National Park four or so times every year. This past weekend, we went to the park to celebrate our ten-year wedding anniversary. We stayed at a family cabin in Yosemite West, which is in the park, but technically outside the park. We were allowed to go to the cabin, butContinue reading “Yosemite National Park: Government Shutdown”
Nature Time: Redwood Bike Ride
Fun outing with my Nature Time! playgroup! Redwood Regional Park, Oakland Photos taken October 28th, 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
DVD Review: Tell It on the Mountain, Tales from the Pacific Crest Trail
I have to admit, I don’t watch TV. And I haven’t seen many movies in the past several years. I do, on occasion, watch PBS specials and documentaries. I was thrilled, however, when I was offered the opportunity to review the documentary, Tell It on the Mountain: Tales from the Pacific Crest Trail. I receivedContinue reading “DVD Review: Tell It on the Mountain, Tales from the Pacific Crest Trail”
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”
Outback Express Adventure Train: Oakland Zoo
For those of you with little ones in the train stage, this is a fun one! The Outback Express Adventure Train at the Oakland Zoo takes passengers on a tour of wild Australia, where you may see emus and wallaroos. Enjoy! Interested in going? You’ll find the train station within the rides area, out frontContinue reading “Outback Express Adventure Train: Oakland Zoo”
Sacramento: California State Railroad Museum
The amazing California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento is a must-see for anyone with an interest in trains or American history. About the museum, from the California State Parks website… The California State Railroad Museum (CSRM) in Old Sacramento is the world-class tribute to the role of the “iron horse” in connecting California to theContinue reading “Sacramento: California State Railroad Museum”
Taking in the View: From the Dublin Hills
My son asked if we could hike at Dublin Hills Regional Park today, so we did! Photo taken August 26th, 2013
Hike/Run/Bike: Bear Valley Trail, Point Reyes National Seashore
Earlier this week, we headed to Point Reyes National Seashore for an adventure on the Bear Valley Trail. The trail from the Bear Valley Visitor Center to Arch Rock is just under nine miles. Lush and green year-round, with the reward of gorgeous Pacific Ocean views at the end of the trail, this is oneContinue reading “Hike/Run/Bike: Bear Valley Trail, Point Reyes National Seashore”
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
Lake Chabot: Bunny
Photo taken August 3rd, 2013 West Shore Trail, Lake Chabot Regional Park
Silent Saturday: Nature’s Balance Beam
Photo taken July 30th, 2013 Near the Wading Hole, Pescadero Creek San Mateo Memorial Park
Climb on a Giant Tree! San Mateo Memorial Park
How often do kids get to climb on a really, really large tree? You’ll find the “largest tree” on the Sequoia Trail (at less than a mile long, the trail is perfect for young kids). The trailhead is in the Tan Oak Picnic Area. See trail description and hiking map here.. Sequoia Trail. Note thatContinue reading “Climb on a Giant Tree! San Mateo Memorial Park”
A Masterpiece of Nature: The California Redwood
The California Redwood, 1200-1800 years old, growing taller than 300 feet, is a true masterpiece of nature. *** The tallest tree in the world, at 379 feet, is a California Redwood (Sequoia Sempervirens). *** Photo taken July 30th, 2013 San Mateo Memorial Park Where the tallest tree is 225 feet, and 1600 years old. ***Continue reading “A Masterpiece of Nature: The California Redwood”
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