The Arboretum at Flagstaff

My husband and I didn’t quite pick the ideal time of year to visit The Arboretum at Flagstaff, located just a few miles off of Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona. This botanical garden, nature center, and research station is open from April 1st through October 31st, and since it’s only the third week the property has been open for the year, there was a lot of planting and cleanup going on, but no flowers as of yet.

One of the stars of the Birds of Prey program

However, along with a lovely hike along the property, including a nice little path through the forest and grand views of the San Francisco Peaks, The Arboretum at Flagstaff holds a twice-daily live birds of prey program. Handlers bring out owls, falcons, and other raptors, and allow the birds to free-fly over the audience from perch to perch. It was breathtaking and wonderful, and after the program we were allowed to approach the handlers and see the birds close-up.

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A path among the yet-to-bloom mesquite trees in Catalina State Park.

A few weekends ago my husband and I drove about an hour and a half south of where we live, to an area just north of Tucson known as Oro Valley. Among other things, we wished to hike the Catalina State Park. So we got up early on Saturday morning, showered and packed and did all the things homeowners (and pet owners) do when they’re going to be gone for a 24-hour period of time.

We arrived at the CSP right at noon – which, upon reflection, wasn’t the best time of day to start our hike. The 68-degree weather was lovely, but the breeze barely provided a defense against the direct sunlight and lack of shade. Plus, the harsh sunlight is not ideal for photography. Still, we weren’t altogether miserable, were sun-blocked up, and had plenty of water. So after a cursory look at the “Wildlife Display” (which featured a half dozen various snakes, a few gila monsters, and some pelts) we addressed the trail map and set off.

I wrote a recent entry about our hiking experience, along with my first attempt at a video blog, which you can view here.

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The view from Mount Greylock, MA

Intro: Out in the Berkshires (the western part of the state) rises Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts. Mount Greylock State Reserve is the historic state’s first wilderness state park, established in 1898. Spread across six towns (Adams, Cheshire, Lanesborough, New Ashford, North Adams and Williamstown), it’s classic rural New England — wild, yet just steps away from civilization.

Famous for: Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts

Admission: Free, with a $2 parking fee for parking lot only. Parking is free for ParksPass  holders, vehicles with Handicapped, disabled veteran plates/placard, and seniors 62 and above with the Massachusetts Senior Pass. Read More »

Fort Worden State Park lighthouse

Fort Worden State Park (and Conference Center!) is a historic 19th century military fort in Washington State. The park (and conference center!) sits on 434-acres with over two miles of Puget Sound shoreline.  Many of the original buildings from the fort still remain.

There are over 80 campsites and discounts are available for large RV groups. There is a lot to do at this beautiful state park (and conference center!). Read More »