Hey, kids, it’s time for everyone’s favorite chunk of used space! And travel links!
Low-cost airlines are following you (and friending).
Nomadic Matt is giving away an iPod Touch and more!
And the WAEA goes to…
Like any good fish story, this one got away. That’s right, you just missed Salmon Days in Issaquah, WA and you should be ashamed of yourself. Go ahead and cry it out. I’ll wait.
Okay, enough. You brought it upon yourself. Now sit still and let me tell you what you missed, aka, rub it in.
Every year about this time the salmon leave the deep, salty waters of Seattle’s Puget Sound and they start swimming. They swim through lakes and streams and wind their way to Issaquah Creek, where the water is shallow and clear. They swim all the way to the hatchery in which they were born, they do their thing with the eggs and the stuff and then they die. Needless to say the salmon don’t find the occasion as festive as we do. I watched them for hours and never saw a single party hat. Read More »
Happiest pumpkins on Earth - or at least Disneyland.
Yes, those are real pumpkins. Yes, they are intimidating. No, I didn’t carve them. That’s a little something the kids call Disney magic. They do, I’ve heard them.
Your moment will soon be upon you. Prepare for pumpkins! Also, turkey. Happy carving!
For more family-friendly travel photos visit DeliciousBaby’s Photo Fridays.
Photo by W. Honea
Let’s say for the sake of this post that it is spring and that you are a young man* and that you have thoughts turning that are pretty fancy.
If those fancy thoughts are of scenic places then you may already be a winner.
UpTake is having a photo contest to replace our current home page photo. The penguins have had their moment.
You can win $250. You can have your picture featured on UpTake’s home page for 4 months. The possibilities are limitless (within limits).
There are rules, of course. There are always rules. Read them. Live them. Love them.
Submit your photo(s) and be somebody.
*Contest also open to women and old people.
New Year's Eve at Disneyland
Santa Hits the Restroom
When you say Tucson and holiday lights in the same breath it is understood that you are talking about Winterhaven (in Tucson, anyway).
For 58 years the Tucson neighborhood of Winterhaven has lit up. Literally. Thousands of visitors walk, drive, or ride haywagons pulled by horses through streets lined with festive lighting.
It’s quite amazing, really.
There is no admission, however, there are opportunities available to make donations to the Tucson Community Food Bank.
The festival runs through the 27th of December, but just like Frosty the Snowman, it will be back next year. And every year after.
Photos by Whit Honea
Ice Skating in Walnut Creek
When was the last time you went ice skating? If you’re like most Californians it’s probably been awhile. Well if you happen to find yourself in the vicinity of Walnut Creek, CA any time between now and January 29, 2009, be sure to check out Walnut Creek on Ice.
Located in Walnut Creek’s Civic Park , WCOI offers skate rentals, gift certificates, skating lessons and field trip specials. Looking for an out of the ordinary idea for a birthday or corporate party? Walnut Creek on Ice offers private rink rentals and the ability to customize everything from music to catering.
We visited the rink last year and the wife and kids had a blast. Granted, my wife is an ex-professional ice skater and relishes any chance to hit the ice, while the boy just relishes any chance to move quickly on a slippery surface. I, on the other hand, am a danger to myself and others so after the obligatory lap or two I’ll typically grab some hot chocolate and find an out of the way corner to read my book.
The rink is open 7 days a week. Hours of operation are 10 am – 10 pm Monday – Thursday; 11 pm Friday and Saturday, and 11 am – 8 pm on Sundays. Cost is $15 per skater for a 1.5 hour session. Price includes skate rental. If you go during the “off-peak” hours (*Monday through Thursday, AND Friday until 5pm with the exception of Holiday Weeks (Nov. 24 – Nov. 30 & Dec. 22 – Jan. 1) the cost is just $11 per skater.
Still not convinced? Maybe you’re thinking “Well, it sounds nice but maybe it’s really a dump.” Well put those fears to rest with a quick gaze through the WCOI webcam. Seriously now, doesn’t that look like fun? What are you waiting for, let’s hit the ice!
Photos by Lisa Romano
© UpTake Networks, Inc. 2009
