So in addition to last Saturday’s excursion to Rock City, we also managed to pull off a day trip on Sunday with a visit to Brannan Island State Park.

We’d had a couple of days of hot weather and the kids were pestering us to go swimming. Since we’re not even through April yet, all the public swimming pools in our area have yet to open, so we decided to make the drive out to Brannan Island to see what was what.

What was it you ask? A bit of a dump, that’s what.

Located on the Delta, just off Highway 160, northeast of Antioch, my only prior experience with this park had been as a patron of the parking lot near the boat launch. Back in the day my girlfriend (now my wife) would invite me out on her family’s boat for a day of water skiing and beaching, however the “beach” we would utilize would basically be a deserted stretch of sand somewhere out amongst the sloughs. I’d never taken advantage of Brannan Island’s public beach and swim area.

Save yourself the time and trouble because this beach has very little to offer. We ended up at what is called the Seven Mile Slough picnic area, which the State Recreation Area website describes as follows:

“Seven Mile Slough picnic area includes picnic tables, barbecues and drinking water. New restroom facilities were completed late in 1997 and include flush toilets and outdoor cold showers. Seven Mile Slough’s swim beach has lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Ample parking is close to the beach.”

The “beach” is basically a small strip of muddy sand along the picnic area, and a little further down a trail there’s a muddy sandbar. And the water is muddy. The beach near the picnic area was pretty crowded (a side-effect of free access), so we stalked down the trail toward the mud-bar where we staked out a small  patch of sand that backed up to some vegetation and threw down our largest towel. The kids didn’t seem to mind much and figured they may as well swim since we’d come all that way. I, on the other hand, had no intention of going in the water and immediately began eating the sandwich I’d brought because I didn’t figure on staying any longer than I had to.

I tolerated it for a good 45 minutes, but when the “sagging pants” crowd and the colorful language (from elementary school age kids no less) became too much, we packed it up and got the hell out of there.  If you really want more information you can check out the website.

The trip was not a total bust, however because we drove a little further down Hwy 160 and crossed the bridge into Rio Vista in search of Sandy Beach Park.  

Sandy Beach County Park is located in the city of Rio Vista, a rather small, somewhat weather-beaten but not without its charms, Delta city, made famous back in 1985 when wayward Humpback whale, Humphrey, turned up in the local waters.

Sandy Beach offers more or less the same amenities as Brannan Island; picnic areas, camping, boating, etc, but the environment is much nicer, or at least appeared to be on that particular Sunday afternoon. A word about camping; as camping is not everybody’s “thing”,  if you find yourself in need of accommodations in the Rio Vista area, I’d recommend checking out the Ryde Hotel, located in Grand Island, a short jaunt from  Rio Vista. I’ve never stayed there, but I did attend a bachelor party there many years ago and folks tell me I had a great time.

Anyway, based on the five minutes we spent looking around Sandy Park Beach (the girl at the gate was kind enough to let us check it out sans entry fee) it looked like a nice little place, one I’d consider making the drive back to visit one day. And I’d blow right past Brannan Island on my way.

During 70’s we had ourselves a big t-shirt fad. There were all sorts of custom T-shirt stores around; The Shirt Shoppe, The T-shirt Shack, etc. Folks were big into wearing T-shirts adorned with pithy sayings and cool decals. One that I’ve always remembered read “Go Climb a Rock,” which apparently was the logo for the Yosemite Mountaineering School.

Well this past Saturday the boy and I joined some friends and did just that, except the rocks we climbed were at Rock City located in the Mt. Diablo State Park.

Having grown up in the San Francisco/Bay Area, I’ve been to Rock City a few times in my 40-something years, however my last visit was probably during the latter part of the 80’s, and most definitely “pre-boy.” So when friend KC invited us to spend the day with his folks and family I jumped at the chance to show the boy all the good, wholesome fun to be had climbing around on a bunch of rocks. Sarcastic as that might sound (even more so if you know me), Rock City is a great time.

Located somewhere just beyond the 2,000 ft level in Mt. Diablo State Park, Rock City is, described thusly in the Mt. Diablo State Park online brochure; “Rock City: You will find unusually large sandstone formations and small caves here.”  Wow, is that some exciting copy or what?

Be not deterred by the lack of colorful adjectives, would be outdoors-person. Rock City is an awesome place to spend the day. You can climb all over those “unusually large sandstone formations,” and many have had actual foot/hand holds ground into them over the years. The views are spectacular, plus you’re getting exercise, fresh air, and sunshine. And because KC’s parents are so generous and well organized, I also got hot dogs and fried chicken. I can’t promise the same on any visit you might make.

Many visitors have taken to carving their names, and in some cases the occasional vulgarity, into the rock, and while this sounds something akin to vandalism, it actually adds a certain charm to the place. In honesty I prefer the dedication of those willing to take the time to carve something as opposed to some lazy sods that actually used markers to add their names to the sandstone.

There are numerous picnic sites available, each equipped with a table and a bbq stove/grill, and while we did grill, (and when I say “we” I mean KC’s dad) I’d recommend bringing sandwiches or the aforementioned fried chicken. The distance between the actual grill top and one’s charcoal is rather yawning, thus requiring us (us also equals KC’s dad) to assist the charcoal in its task by adding wood and small animals to the blaze. I’m kidding. It’s against the law to gather firewood. Actually I have no idea if that’s true, and if it is KC’s dad broke the law.

Anyway, I can say from personal experience that the boy and I had a great time at Rock City. The entry fee to Mt. Diablo State Park is $7.00 per car.

For more information you can check out the California State Parks website.

A few words of caution; keep a close eye on small children. There are many places where they can get lost, and many very large, very high rocks from which they can fall. DO NOT let young children climb on the rocks without an adult present. Also, this being California mountain country you might run into a rattlesnake. In fact, we did. Fortunately it was on our drive down the mountain and we were able to snap some pictures from the safety of our car. Even still, they’re pretty scary and I cried a little.

Skagit Valley Tulips abound in April

It’s officially Spring in the Northwest. How do I know this? No, it’s not because we passed March 21st on the calendar. Neither is it because of the schizophrenic weather, having snowed in Seattle on April 1st, only to be a sunny 75 degrees less than a week later. No, I can tell it is officially Spring here in the Seattle area because of the beautiful Tulips that begin to pop-up everywhere.

April is Tulip time in the Northwest, and no place celebrates this Northwest rite of Spring like the Skagit Valley. With more than 1000 acres of dazzling colorful flowers spread across the valley like an endless floral quilt, the valley attracts throngs of tourists looking to celebrate the promise of sunnier, happier days in the region.

Tulip Rows in The Skagit Valley

The 26th Annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival runs now through the end of April and offers multiple tours and events for the whole family to enjoy. These include Motor Coach tours, guided bike tours, Quilt walks, Wine tours, parades, kite demonstrations, salmon barbeque’s, a battle of the bands as well as numerous other fun-filled events.  Follow the link above to the Festival’s official website where you can check out a full listing of events, lodging and dining options, flower maps, as well as plan your itinerary.

The Skagit Valley is conveniently located about an hours drive North of Seattle and an hours drive south of Vancouver, British Columbia. Follow US Interstate 5 North, or South to exits 221-236 where you can pick up tulip brochures at local businesses in the towns of LaConnor, Anacortes, Sedro Wolly, Burlington, or Mount Veron.

Colorful Tapestry welcomes Spring in the Northwest

Planning an overnight stay? Check out the local lodging options. Dining options are numerous but I would be remiss not to recommend stopping by the Skagit River Brewery in Mount Vernon for a tasty wood fired pizza and a cold pint or two straight from the tap. Hey, all that touring will work up a hearty appetite and colorful thirst.

If you end up visiting, have fun and enjoy the beautiful flowers. But, also bring your raincoats. This is Spring in the Northwest after all.

Photos from bellinghamster.com

Walt Disney World is fantastic.

It’s also expensive.

And, quite frankly, it’s not for everyone.  (No, really.  Some people actually hate Disney.)  Thankfully, there’s a lot more to do in Orlando beyond the Disney compound.  And most of it will cost a fraction of a day at Disney World.

13 Things To Do In Orlando (Without Going To Disney World)

Things To Do In Orlando: The other “theme” parks

1. Gatorland One of the most unique things to do in Orlando is visit Gatorland.  Florida is known for it’s alligator population, and Gatorland provides a great opportunity to get up close and personal without getting… well, too close. Gatorland tickets are less than $20, but you should plan to buy some gator jerky in the gift shop.

Gatorland in Orlando - where you can get eaten! Yay!

2. SeaWorld – The best thing about the SeaWorld park (aside from the dancing sea animals) is the lack of crowds.  It’s the only amusement park in Orlando where you won’t spend most of your day waiting in line.  I would much rather take a stroller bound child to SeaWorld than Disney World.

Shamu IV in Orlando, Florida

3. Wet N’ wild – If you’re looking for a place to go more than once, check out Wet N’ Wild.  A general admission ticket is $45, but it’s good for an entire year.  If you have kids and teenagers on your vacation, they can easily spend 2 or 3 days here enjoying the sun and water slides.

Wet N' Wild in Orlando, Florida

Things To Do In Orlando: Museums

4. Ripley’s Orlando – Florida is plagued with sink holes – and this museum is actually sinking into one!  For less than $20, you can spend about two hours walking through the Orlando edition of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not.

Ripley's Odditorium in Orlando, FL

5. Orlando Science Center – this is an excellent vacation day for kids and one of the few cheap things to do in Orlando.  As of January 2009, one of their exhibits is Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of The Human Body.  Yeah, it is exactly what it sounds like.  The science of burps and farts.

6. Kissimmee Air Museum – the planes here aren’t behind sheets of glass, or even ropes or gates.  You can get up close and take excellent pictures of the exhibits at the Kissimmee Air Museum.  You can also schedule flights in some of the planes.  Go for a ride and take the controls (for a few minutes, obviously).

7.  Titanic The Experience – Did you know The Titanic crashed in Orlando, Florida?   OK, not really.  But this unique Titanic museum offers an amazing opportunity to tour a replica, with actors dressed in period costumes working as tour guides to enhance the experience.

The Titanic Experience - Orlando, Florida

Things To Do In Orlando: Family-friendly nightlife

8.  Ghost tours – There are scary places all over Florida, and the Orlando area is no exception.  You can spend a night hunting ghosts and communing with the dead with Ghost Trackers.  Of course, I wouldn’t take a small child who is afraid of the dark.  But an adventure seeking preteen who is not quite old enough to find it dorky?  Absolutely!

Apparently that's a ghost.

9. Medieval Times – Some adults will try and tell you that Medieval Times is only cool when you’re a kid.  Those people have no souls or something.  Medieval Times is awesome.  Watch knights battle it out jousting style while you eat with your hands.  How can that not be cool??

Medieval Times in Orlando, Florida

10. Wonder Works Comedy Magic Dinner Show – Wonder Works is an “upside down attraction”.  At night they do an improv comedy and magic routine that is family friendly.  The menu is a highly sophisticated offering of all you can eat pizza, salad, popcorn and dessert with a side of beer and pop.

Wonder Works Upside Down Attraction in Orlando

Things To Do In Orlando: The Great Outdoors

11. Airboat tours – taking a ride on an airboat is as much about being on the airboat as it is about what you’ll see.  Of course, there’s plenty to see as well.  Visitors tend to get the most excited about the alligators!

Boggy Creek Airboat Tours in Kissimmee, Florida

12. Fishing on Lake Toho – Orlando/Kissimmee sits on the north side of a 42 mile lake called Lake Toho.  This lake is known for world class Bass fishing.   You can find dozens of fishing tours with experts and professional fisherman to make sure you bring home a catch.

Bass Fishing in Orlando, Florida

13. Forever Florida EcoSafaris- Get ready for your wild Florida adventure. Journey deep into the 4700 acre Forever Florida wildlife conservation area. Coach Safari, Horseback Safari or soar through the treetops on the Zipline Safari.  This is a chance to experience “Old Florida”, as in before the theme parks took over.

Zipline Safari

Forever Florida in Orlando

If you’re planning a trip, check out Orlando flights.
 

Hiking Mineral Ridge

Spring is about to be sprung on us here in the Pacific Northwest. The one thing I look forward to most with the passing of winter is packing my kids into the car and finding a mountain trail somewhere nearby so I can stretch out my legs and shake off the cabin fever.

I’m familiar with most of the easy trails in Eastern Washington, North Idaho, and Western Montana. By “easy” I mean, simple day hikes that won’t end with one or another child having a meltdown, pleading with me to “never do this again.” No, we’ve been on those hikes and I learned my lesson.

Today I’m going to highlight eight fun family hiking trails in North Idaho, close to the towns of Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls, Idaho, and not too far from the metropolis of Spokane, Washington. If you’re in the area for a vacation, or just passing through on I-90, any of these treks will make for a fun, and relatively short, way to experience the wonder and wilderness of Idaho’s great outdoors.

Tubbs Hill Picnic Spot

Tubbs Hill in Coeur d’Alene – It’s the crown jewel of Coeur d’Alene, situated right next to downtown. We’ve made this into two separate hikes; one from the 3rd Street parking lot out to the halfway point and back, and a second hike from the east side parking lot on 10th St. to the halfway point and back. Either one, or all the way around, is mostly level, with awesome views of the lake and hundreds of perfect picnic spots.  You can walk to Tubbs Hill from any downtown hotel or bed and breakfast.

Q’emiln Park in Post Falls – The hiking trails start right at the parking lot near the west entrance to the park. There are spectacular views of the Spokane River, and the rock climbing walls provide a chance for the kids to watch people scaling the vertical rocks. On a hot summer day the city beach with lifeguards is right there at the park for a swim or a picnic.

Higgins Point in Coeur d’Alene – At the east end of Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive, it’s a leisurely walk along a paved trail next to the lake. Perfect if you don’t want to get your feet dirty. We go past the photographer statue and up the hill into the park, then down one of the rugged trails to the water’s edge.

English Point National Recreation Trail in Hayden – This one’s kind of hidden away off Highway 95. We love looping through the woods, catching glimpses of Hayden Lake, and generally feeling like we’re in the middle of nowhere. If you’re on your way to Silverwood Theme Park, make a quick stop at English Point.

Mineral Ridge in Coeur d’Alene – The longest of the hikes, at 3.3 miles. We only do it once or twice a year, and make it an all-day trip, with a picnic at the very top where the lake view is well worth the climb. There’s a little cave to explore on the way up, and the whole area is rich with mining history.

Beauty Bay Trail in Coeur d’Alene – At the east end of Lake Coeur d’Alene on Hwy. 97, the Beauty Bay Trail is the shortest and easiest hike, at just a half-mile to a viewing deck and then another half-mile through the forest. The kids might want to walk it twice.

Ancient Cedars

Cougar Bay Preserve in Coeur d’Alene – A few miles south of the Blackwell Island Bridge on Hwy. 95, Cougar Bay is one big wildlife nursery with miles of rugged trails. If you want to pretend to be lost in the woods, this is a good place to do it.

Settlers Grove of Ancient Cedars in Murray – Further away than the other hikes, but worth the drive to the Silver Valley. It’s a quiet place, with few visitors. The level dirt trail winds through huge towering cedar trees that make you feel like you’re in another world. In Murray, the historic Sprag Pole Museum is a must-see while you’re in the area. It’s also a good place to get a huckleberry shake.

All photos by Phil Corless

Destin, Florida

Photo by Just Jennifer

It always cracks me up that people are looking for things to do in a place like Destin, Florida.

Personally, as long as there is a white sandy beach and a big body of blue water, I’m set.  Destin, Florida provides plenty of both along Florida’s panhandle.  But for those of you looking for a little more guidance (and maybe even structure) for your Florida vacation, you’ll be glad to know there are plenty of things to do in Destin.

Things to do in Destin, Florida

Shopping at HarborWalk Village in Destin

Photo by I’ll Never Grow Up

Shopping

One of the rare things you can do in Destin without getting into a swimsuit is shopping.  Whatever kind of shopping experience you’re looking for, you’re likely to find it here.  Get your bargain hunting on at the Silver Sands Outlet stores.  Boutiques more your style (and bless you if you still have the budge for it!)?  Then you’ll want to stop by the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.  Their shopping is open to the public and includes 25 boutique shops.

Swim with the Dolphins

Dolphins at Gulfarium in Destin, FL

Photo by greenasian

For $150 you can swim with the dolphins at the Gulfarium.  If you’d rather watch (or can’t afford to partake personally), you can observe other people swimming with dolphins for $25.  Because that sounds like just as much fun, right?

(Side note here – if you’re looking for things to do in Destin, FL but you can’t afford to actually swim in a tank with the dolphins, head to the beach and look for the real deal.  But do NOT pay $100 to some tour guide to go find them and not be able to swim with them.  Seriously.)

See The Big Kahuna

The Big Kahuna Water Park in Destin, FL is a great supplement to the free water you can find on the beach.  And here it comes with slides and tubes and surfboards you’re more likely to be able to get up on.  As water parks go, this is a fairly inexpensive option with Adult General Admission for only $36.99.

Watersports

Looking for things to do? Try para sailing in Destin!

Photo by antkriz

Seriously.  The best things to do in Destin are going to be on the beach.  Rent a jet ski or kayak and venture a little farther from shore.  Or be brave and try para sailing!  Learn how to surf!  You’ll find plenty of places to rent water sports equipments and get lessons (for those of you smart enough to know you can’t just figure some things out on your own).

Maybe I sound biased here, but the reason you go to a place like Destin is to enjoy the things that you can’t do or see anywhere else.  Right?

Sunrise on Destin's beach

Photo by bcmom

Oh look. Another sunset! In Destin!

Photo by I’ll never grow up.

Sunsets don’t do it for you?

Sand castles are free!

Photo by amerune.

Remember when all you need was a pile of sand to be entertained?

Destin, Florida is a great place to get away and enjoy the warm Florida weather.  Get yourself a nice hotel overlooking the Gulf, and relax.  And rest assure, you’ll never run out of things to do!

Haven’t we all read the Peanuts books or watched the television specials that showed Snoopy fearlessly flying across the fields into enemy territory? I for one recall sitting in my bunk bed when my grandmother would babysit, and pretend I was Snoopy chasing the Red Baron across France. Ra-ta-ta-ta-tat!

Last spring I got to live out my fantasy and ride in a red open cockpit bi-plane. Vintage Aircraft Company has been around for ages. If you drive to the wine country on a regular basis, you will recognize them because their sign and location is on Highway 121 just before the final turn towards Napa Valley.

They have several different vintage planes including a World War II Warbird. My choice was definitely one of their Boeing PT-17 Stearmans, and on the day I went up they had a bright and shiny red one ready for me! It can accommodate two passengers but I wasn’t about to share this ride, so I had a great time sliding about the 32″ seat.

When we got there I learned they offered aerobatics for an additional fee of $50 on any of the planes including my open cockpit bi-plane. Of course I said yes to that and I think they gave me a “famous Cuban Eight” but I couldn’t tell you because unlike regular planes, you don’t get a headset with a mike connected to the pilot. It is a bit like water skiing, just tap your head to ask them to slow down or give the slashing across the neck if you are done.

My 20 minute tour over the beautiful Sonoma Valley was the best. After I stopped thinking about the reality of my possible death, I loved soaring just a few hundred feet above the fields and vineyards.

If you want more they also offer 40 minute flights:

The Wine Country tour: Catch an Eagle’s View of the world renowned vineyards of the Sonoma and
Napa Valleys, heading east across the bucolic Carneros region to Napa, Turn north to St. Helena, West
to glen Ellen then back south through the lush Sonoma Valley. Grapes galore.

West to the Pacific: Aviate over rolling hills and open pastures of Sonoma, Novato and Petaluma;
then head out to Tomales Bay and absorb the Majestic magnificence of the Pacific Ocean.

Spires of “The City”: Drift south toward San Francisco. A panoramic outlook of the Sausalito and
Tiburon Harbors: outlying views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands,
then circle Mt. Tamalpais en route to Point Reyes and your safe Sonoma return.

And this adventure is also available for kids too. They can accommodate a child about 40 inches tall with their booster cushion, though all kids under 10 years must fly with an adult.

When your ride is over there are lots of great Sonoma Valley restaurants nearby or drive a little further into Napa Valley for world class restaurants or maybe just a slice of pie at Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen.

Here is me "Amelia Snoopy Earhart" in my shiny Boeing PT-17 Stearman