Archive for Attractions
Redding Bald Eagles Celebrate Fledgefest 2010
Posted by: | Comments
Redding eagle-lovers and fans of the eaglet triplets are celebrating the impending flights of their very favorite California eaglets Peace, Shasta, and Justice. Proud bald eagle parents, Patriot and Liberty, oversee the progress of this feathery threesome. Though we wait and watch, breathless for them to fly...it's with sadness knowing that soon this incredible show will be over for another year.
2nd Annual Fledgefest
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
10 a.m
to 11 a.m. & 7 p.m to 8 p.m.
Park in the far end of the Turtle
Bay Exploration Park parking lot near the Monolith and look for signs at the trail-head. Follow signs 1/4-mile to Fledgefest location. Eagle
watchers of all ages will be there, members of the Hancock Wildlife Caltrans Eaglecam Forum will have
three spotting scopes
set-up for viewing. Caltrans' biologist and Turtle Bay staff will be on hand to answer questions. Refreshments
will be served!
Fledgefest 2009 Video Courtesy of The Record Searchlight
Santa Catalina Island: So many reasons to visit
Posted by: | CommentsSanta Catalina is waiting for Thee by Barbara L. Steinberg©
Hey you travel
enthusiasts and lovers of all things
There are a number of
island getaways in
You know Catalina must be special because there are only two ways to arrive: by
sea or by air. Part of the
Back in Avalon, places to stay fall right in line with the diversity realm. From
camping to luxury vacation rentals the choices are many. On a recent visit,
ocean and hillside views greeted us each morning from a sunlit balcony at
Hamilton Cove – a vacation rental community of fully-equipped villas. It was
surreal. Mainland
Hamilton Cove Villas have a variety of rental options sleeping up to six people.
Spacious living space, balconies, flat-screen TVs, DVDs, full bath (one or two)
and endless views of
It's amazing to hear
someone say, "Catalina! There's nothing to do there." Sorry, cross
those folks right off the list. After multiple trips to Catalina I look
forward to each return. The list of distractions seems endless and something
new is always happening. A tour of the Art Deco-splendid Casino
(Italian for "place of entertainment") is another of Catalina's many
must-sees. Built in 1929, the ballroom hosted dozens of Big Bands and thousands
of music and dance enthusiasts. Many
A wide-array of dining
experiences fit right into the "island time" concept of
The Wrigley Memorial &
Botanical Garden is another diversion from the already dreamlike island
retreat. The native plant gardens are
impressive and showcase the diversity of species endemic to the
Every season is Catalina season. Check ahead for special and seasonal events. The flying-fish migration is reason enough to celebrate each July. Sign-up for one of the boat tours – you have to see it to believe this magical occurrence! Plein Air, marlin fishing, silent films, jazz, wine tasting, marathon, and more; the list of events goes on and on. The shoulder months between the end of October and pre-Memorial Day holidays offer better rates and fewer people on the island.
Who said there’s nothing do
on Catalina? Just Ask Barbara...
How the whole trip began...as a mystery departure from Sacramento
California Wildflowers will really deliver this year
Posted by: | Comments
Wildflower Power!
by Barbara L. Steinberg
Spring heralds an explosion of color as California hillsides, mountains, valleys and deserts come to life after a long winter's nap. A variety of climates and terrain keeps California wildflowers blooming throughout the year, but at no other time is the petaled pageantry this prolific. Especially in 2008, after generous winter rains and snows have blessed the entire state. Wet winters almost without fail mean an eye-popping wildflower season. And this year's wet and cold winter, will deliver the one, two punch we needed for the wildflower season of your dreams.
Wildflower names like scarlet monkey-flower, Indian paint brush, Western cranesbill and hummingbird sage stir exotic images. These are but a few of the hundreds of wildflower species found in California.
Everywhere the landscape is transformed into a palette of color. Fields of blue cornflowers, lupine and baby-blue eyes rival any Spring sky. Hills and dales are sun-splashed with the yellows and oranges of California Poppies, wild mustard and goldfields. The High Desert is a Technicolor showing of desert candles, Mariposa lilies and white and pink primroses. In the foothills, tiny "redbuds" clinging to leafless branches are some of the earliest signs of Spring. Later, at the higher elevations, dogwood blossoms lace the trees.
Regardless of when visitors plan to take a walk on the wild(flower) side, they should keep in mind several helpful tips:
* It's against the law to pick wildflowers in California. They are pleasures for the eye only.
* It's best to stick to specified trails so as not to damage fragile wildflowers and plants.
* Some wildflowers close up at night -- especially in the desert -- and need an hour or so of morning warmth to open up.
* Both wildflowers and cactus flowers depend on rain. A quick call to any of the areas listed or to local visitor bureaus can confirm that the flowering has begun.
Following is a partial list of the many wildflower viewing areas in Northern and Southern California.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFLOWERS
Jepson Prairie Preserve, Solano County (530/758-5093)
The time to visit Jepson is late February through late April. Violas and owl's clover are among the wildflowers lending sun-color to the countryside. The tiny blue downingia can be found here, too. Wildflower Tours led by docents are free, but must be scheduled in advance.
Feather River Canyon, Plumas County (800/326-2247) Cascading waterfalls and wildflowers in the spring highlight the canyon's natural beauty - especially showy from mid-March through June with a constantly changing display of wildflower color. Early color may be seen in the yellows of the delicate waterfall buttercups and the reds of redbud shrub followed by the delicate white dogwood blossoms. Later wildflower colors may be seen in the yellow bush monkey flower hanging from the rock walls and the blues of the shrubby silver lupine.
Chico's Bidwell Park, Butte County (530/891-4671)
Blossom-filled wildflower walks range from easy strolls to climbing over rougher terrain. The Yahl Trail from Big Chico Creek to Brown's Hole, for instance, gradually stretches uphill for some two and a half miles while the round-trip on the North Rim Trail covers about nine miles of varying grades. Spring brings out lupines, poppies, delphiniums, buttercups and Western Redbuds.
Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County (415/464-5100, ext. 2)
During March, April and early May, for many people, the sea views from Chimney Rock, near the lighthouse, take second-place to the sight of Douglas iris, violets, goldfields, lupines, poppies, baby blue-eyes and more. Each month brings a different batch of wildflower blooms.
San Bruno Mountain State and County Parks, San Mateo County (650/363-4020)
The Summit Loop--a three-mile walk that gains a bit in elevation--is the place to find yarrow, Wright's paintbrush, sun cups, seaside daisies, hummingbird sage, goldfields and others. The best wildflower-viewing times are in March and April.
South Yuba State Park, Nevada County (530/432-2546)
The volunteer-built Independence Trail is one of the few nature trails in the U.S. to have wheelchair access. From late March to early June, a spectacular array of wildflowers -- California Indian pink, delphinium, California pipevine, mock orange, iris, pink phlox, white fairy lantern, yellow cat's ear -- are visible here. More good wildflower viewing -- though not wheelchair accessible -- is along the Sierra Gateway Trail. This trail is about 15 road miles from Independence Trail, but only eight miles or so down the South Yuba River. Wildflower bloom here begins in late February and runs into April.
Sierra National Forest, Mariposa County (559/297-0706)
From El Portal, a mile below Yosemite National Park, the Hite Cove Trail traverses the South Fork of the Merced River. The trail -- about eight miles in all -- leads past 100 or so species of wildflowers. In March, April and early May, the ground is carpeted with baby blue-eyes, lupines, California poppies, mariposa lilies and other wildflower blossoms.
Kern County (800/500-KERN)
If your schedule doesn't allow for hiking, Kern County offers driving views of California wildflowers. In Kern River Canyon along Hwy. 178, lupine, blue dicks and popcorn flowers will delight you. On Hwy. 223 at Hwy. 58, be sure to stop for the poppies and owl's clover. In the Glennville-Woody area, you will be treated to fields of wild mustard and yellow thistle. For more information, contact: Kern County Board of Trade, 2101 Oak Street, Bakersfield, CA 93302
WILDFLOWER FESTIVALS & EVENTS
March: Squaw Valley Herb Garden, Fresno County (559/332-2909 or 800/579-8043)
Tours of wildflowers, herbs & native plants feature guided walk, identification of local wildflowers, native plants and cultivated herbs, storytelling, history, recipes, remedies, demonstrations and refreshments. By appointment. Squaw Valley Herb Gardens are located at 31785 E. Kings Canyon Road, Squaw Valley, CA 93675.
March: Blossom Day Festival, Sanger (559/875-4575)
Car show, a 10k run and two-mile walk, and a street fair with 50 arts and crafts booths, live music, and food booths with funnel cakes and Mexican specialties in surroundings that are expected to include the annual spring flowers in bloom.
April: Mather Vernal Pool Flower Walks, Rancho Cordova (916/737-WILD)
Two-hour tour to explore this magic carpet of flowers. These unique wildflowers bloom only for a brief period in the spring. Sponsored by the Sacramento Chapter of the California Native Plants Society.
April: Bufferlands Birds & Blooms Tour, Sacramento (916/875-9174)
California poppies, lupine, owl's clover, and baby blue-eyes grow around the uplands and wetlands edges. Thousoundsa of waterfowl and other wetland birds winter at the Fishhead Lake wetlands. Meeting location is weather dependent.
April: Heron Festival & Wildflower Brunch, Kelseyville (800/525-3743)
Treat yourself to a scrumptious brunch outdoors under the trees with birds singing overhead! The Heron Festival and Wildflower Brunch combine a wide range of individual and family activities for everyone who loves nature and wants to learn more about it. All activities are FREE, except the pontoon boat tours and the Wildflower Brunch.
April: Western Railway Museum,
Suisun City (707/374-2978)
The Scenic Limited takes visitors on a six-mile round-trip ride
on the
old Sacramento Northern Railway,
south from Highway 12. The trip lasts
about an hour and passengers catch views of the native wildflowers that
cover
the rolling hills and fields.
May: The AVIA Wildflower Triathlons Festival, Bradley (805/472-3211 or 800/310-2313) View scenic wildflowers in their natural setting; triathlon competitions; photographic exhibits, arts and crafts, food and entertainment. For more information, contact: Monterey County Parks-Lake San Antonio, P.O. Box 2620, Bradley, CA 93426.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFLOWERS
During wildflower blooming season (from March through May), visitors to southern California can take advantage of the 24-hour Theodore Payne Wildflowers Foundation hotline in Sun Valley, (818/768-3533). The hotline offers weekly updates on wildflower status in the Antelope Valley, Santa Monica Mountains, Angeles National Forest, Joshua Tree National Monument, and Anza Borrego Desert State Park.
Figueroa Mountain Recreation Area, Santa Barbara County (805/925-9538.)
Located near the town of Los Olivos is La Jolla Spring. March and April are the best months to see phacelias, mariposa lilies, lupine, delphiniums and a bouquet of other wildflower blooms. As a result of a major wildfire last fall, a spectacular wildflower season is expected this year.
Point Mugu State Park, Ventura County (818/880-0363)
In February and March, along the Ray Miller Trail, dainty shooting stars are out in multitude together with larkspur, sage and rattleweed. Other trails good for glimpses of spring color include La Jolla Valley Trail and Mugu Peak Trail.
Antelope Valley State Poppy Reserve, Los Angeles County (661/724-1180)
Just 15 miles west of Lancaster, visitors will be amazed by 1,700-acres of California poppies and wildflowers. April, May and June are generally the best months; travelers are advised to confirm the flowering.
Topanga State Park, Los Angeles County (818/768-3533)
Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, this park abounds in widlflower blossoms. Canyon sunflowers, poppies, sage, lilies, Chinese houses and foxglove blooms come out early and can last well into the summer. A good starting place is the four-mile Musch Ranch Trail.
Joshua Tree National Monument, Riverside County (760/367-5500)
Wildflowers begin to blossom in Pinto Basin. Beavertail, chollo and pincushion cacti bloom from late April until June. Evening primroses, desert dandelions, lupines, goldfields, desert stars, Mojave asters and various other wildflowers also dot this desert landscape. Starting near the Cottonwood Visitor Center, the four-mile Lost Palms Oasis Trail offers one of the better walks.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, San Diego County (760/767-5311)
In February and March, the desert terrain is brightened by red, pink, yellow and orange cacti flowers. Borrego Palm Canyon Trail (three palm-studded miles round-trip to Palm Canyon oasis) is a popular place to see cactus blossoms this time of year. More than 600 species of wildflowers are on view, including fireweed, desert lavender, white forget-me-nots, indigo bush and California fuchsias.
Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego County (858/755-2063)
This oceanfront terrain is covered with sand verbena, brittlebush, sun cups, wild snapdragons, California poppies, monkey flowers, shooting stars, phacelia, rockroses, golden yarrow and blue delphiniums. A well-labeled native garden center outside the adobe visitor center provides a more formal viewing experience.
WILDFLOWER FESTIVALS & EVENTS
April: Orange Cove Blossom Festival, Orange Cove (559/626-5179)
Parade, vendors, and pageant to crown the Orange Blossom Queen.
April: Theodore Payne Native Garden Tour, Los Angeles (818/768-1802)
Thirty-nine Los Angeles-area home landscapes are showcased on the self-guided tour. At least 50% of the plants in each garden are California natives, and some of the region’s most creative homeowners and garden designers will be represented.
April: California Poppy Festival, Lancaster (661/723-6075)
The California Poppy Festival kicks off spring in the Antelope Valley with a glorious array of celebrated performers, unrivaled events, and mouth-watering delicacies designed to delight, enchant, and amuse people of all ages.
Desert to high mountain flowers are on display at Town Hall, includes flowers High Mountain, Desert, Oak and Pine Forest, Chaparral, and High Desert.
Although they aren't wildflowers, the earliest blossom frenzy of the season is along the Fresno County Blossom Trail. Off Highway 99 just east of Fresno, a 67-mile-long flowering fantasy showcases the nut and stone fruit orchards of Fresno County. In February, pale pink almond blossoms are some of the first performers in this floral extravaganza. The breathtaking spectacle continues with the blooming of apricots, plums, peaches, nectarines and apples. The final curtain call is April through May when citrus blossoms perfume the air. For more information, contact: Fresno County Office of Tourism, 2220 Tulare Street, 8th Floor, Fresno, CA 93721; 559/262-4271.
More Wildflower Resources: BeachCalifornia.com, Plumas County, California State Parks, National Forests, Wildflower Hotline, California Wildflower Hotsheet, California Academy of Sciences, Nature Alley Wildflower Express, and BLM.
Barbara L. Steinberg is a member of:
Magical Mendocino County
Posted by: | CommentsWe All Need More Mendocino by Barbara L. Steinberg
The getaway begins along scenic byways that provide spectacular distractions. The favorite road less-traveled (especially from Sacramento or Napa) would be the length of Highway 128. Meander up the Napa Valley, past endless vineyards and fields. From Cloverdale to the redwood giants of Navarro, the road twists and turns. Take it slow and enjoy every moment. After all, you’re heading to the place where “back in the day” people went to escape and drop-out. Those same adventurers fashioned the eclectic, art-centric, and natural lifestyle so many of us seek. Mendocino County long-ago embraced their organic roots, and so will you.
Pace yourself. There’s so much to see, eat, and drink! Highway 128 winds through bucolic Anderson Valley. A small but mighty American Viticulture Area (AVA), it reads like a who’s who of wineries: Goldeneye, Husch, Navarro, Roederer, and Scharffenberger; all pretty heady stuff and just a few of the outstanding wineries in the valley.
Next stop along the route is Goldeneye Winery, where, according to Wine Spectator, "Pinot Noir is king!" Just a few miles away in Philo, Goldeneye provides a perfect setting to wine and dine – well, picnic in this case. A yummy wine flight beside vineyard views and you feel yourself melting into the Mendocino pace. The annual Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival is hosted at Goldeneye in May. Just one of the county’s many eco-friendly wineries, Mendocino County is known as “America’s greenest wine region!”
Once you reach Highway 1 you will be swept away by rugged headlands, vast expanses of Mendocino Coast, crashing waves, blue skies, and a sense of freedom. Inhale deeply. Some of California’s most remarkable state parks – 22 to be exact – provide extraordinary opportunities to relax and unwind. Ocean and river beaches, redwoods, waterfalls, sand dunes, grasslands, and a historic lighthouse are all part of Mendocino’s magic.
There is no end to the captivating places to slumber and feast without restarting your car. Each offers its own brand of green living, style and grace…past and present. Farming’s past has blessed the Glendeven Inn & Wine Bar[n] in Little River. Original buildings, circa 1867, house plush suites many with ocean views. The stylish Wine Bar[n], yes, in the old barn, features local wines and art. Evening wine-tastings and hors d'oeuvres are a sign of good things to come. Breakfast baskets delivered to your suite include farm-fresh eggs laid by Glendeven’s brood of chickens. Homemade scones and fresh-squeezed orange juice…life on the farm is good! Enjoy a quiet moment overlooking the gardens, the surf, and a pack of docile llamas.
Through Glendeven’s gate, literally, you cross over to the contemporary, 10-room AAA 4-diamond Stevenswood Spa Resort. Surrounded by towering trees, this chic inn and eco-friendly spa endorses the farm-to-table lifestyle. Local chef, Patrick Meany, is at the helm of the Zagat-rated Stevenswood restaurant. Every item is a freshly-made and crafted gastronomic work of art. Imagine…homemade sea salt accompanies local olive oil and house-baked breads. These people are serious about their locavore existence! Oh, and very pet-friendly, too! Four legs or less…inquire within.
Just north, Brewery Gulch Inn personifies the concept of recycling. Built from old-growth redwoods, the trees were eco-salvaged from the Big River. These imposing timbers are the heart and soul of the 10-room inn. An evening reception of local wines, beers, and a variety of inn-made specialties is a gourmand’s delight.
With pounding surf below, the Albion River Inn overlooks the Albion River and Pacific Ocean. Words fail to describe the dramatic cliff-top vistas. However, room with a view defines all 22 cottages and suites. The oceanfront restaurant building dates back to 1919, but the cuisine is all about the here and now. Executive Chef Stephen Smith is known for his award-winning ‘coastal cuisine.’ Like so many other culinary masters, his creations are inspired by Mendocino’s bounty, from land and sea. An intimate corner bar flaunts a single-malt scotch selection compared to none – more than 150. Tastings – a flight of four ½-ounce shots – is a “virtual tour” of Scotland’s finest distilleries.
In Fort Bragg, feed your garden spirit with a visit to the 47-acre Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, the only public garden that sits directly on the Pacific Ocean. The many gardens – perennial, Mediterranean, heather, dahlia, vegetable, rhododendrons – flourish in the ocean air. More than 400 dahlias put on a stunning display July through August. As if the gardens weren’t enough, more than 150 bird species and bluff-top whale watching are reasons to stop by.
There’s so much more to remember. The ebb and flow of the Pacific tides, the gentle cooing of a mourning dove, and a small circle of forget-me-nots…who could forget Mendocino?
For more information, visit: www.GoMendo.com or www.MendocinoFun.com and Slide Show
Mendocino County Crab & Wine Days – January
Mendocino Coast Whale Festivals - March
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival - May
Mendocino Film Festival – June
Annual Mendocino Coast Home & Garden Tour - June
Annual Summer Arts & Craft Fair, Mendocino - July
Mendocino Coast Music Festival - July
Pure Mendocino Celebration, Premier Organic Food & Wine Festival - August
Winesong!, Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden, Fort Bragg – September
Mendocino Wine & Mushroom Festival - November
Barbara L. Steinberg is a member of:
Top Ten Reasons to Visit Fairfield this Spring
Posted by: | CommentsPhotos by Barbara L. Steinberg
Days are getting longer, temperatures are warming up and there is a hint of spring in the air. If you’re suffering from cabin fever, don’t despair, your tonic is only a few miles away in good natured Fairfield!
So, put away your umbrella and overcoat and check out this list of ten popular things to do and see this spring.
2. What’s New Cupcake at Jelly Belly. Cupcake book authors Karen Tack and Alan Richardson will be teaching a hands-on cupcake decorating class at Jelly Belly celebrating their newly released book – What’s New Cupcake. The workshop takes place at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13 in the Grand Bean Room at the Jelly Belly Center. The authors’ first cupcake book was a national hit and New York Times best seller. Cost: $29.99 per person (children 5 and up). A book signing follows at 3:00 p.m. For reservations, visit www.JellyBelly.com.
3. Scenic Limited Wildflower Excursions at the Western Railway Museum. The Western Railway Museum at Rio Vista Junction will be running special Scenic Limited trains every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday in April at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. to view wildflowers, such as poppies, goldfields, brass buttons, vetch, and sheep’s sorrel. The Scenic Limited takes visitors five miles down the old Sacramento Northern Railway, south from Highway 12. During the hour long train ride, passengers will have an opportunity to view impressive displays of native wildflowers that cover the hillsides and fields. Fares: $10 for Adults; $9 for Seniors (65 years and older); and $7 for Children (ages 2 – 14). First Class service is $5 extra. (707) 374-2978. www.WRM.org.
5. Experience Rush Ranch During Their 20th Annual Open House. Enjoy a celebration of nature, art, music, dancing, and traditional crafts at Rush Ranch, a Solano Land Trust property on Grizzly Island, on Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities include guided walks to Suisun Marsh, horse drawn wagon rides by Access Adventure, live music, square dancing, weaving and spinning, wood carving, flint knapping, local Native American culture, horseshoeing, blacksmithing, bats, falconry, farm animals, raffle, and art show. New this year is a Ranch Life Children’s Interactive Art Station. Admission is FREE. (707) 422-4491 or (707) 432-0150, ext. 200. www.RushRanch.net or www.SolanoLandTrust.org.
7. Tee it Up at a Fairfield Golf Course. Fairfield is home to the top two 18-hole golf courses in Solano County – Paradise Valley and Rancho Solano. Paradise Valley, praised as being the number one golf course in Solano County and best value in the North Bay area, has a spectacular layout that is enhanced by oak studded fairways and meandering creeks. It’s a favorite for golfers who enjoy a walking round of golf and is playable for golfers of all abilities. Rancho Solano, known for having a beautiful country-club-like setting, has an alluring layout with hilly terrain and undulated greens that add character to the golf course. Scenic lakes, elevated tees and well placed bunkers provide interesting features that contribute to the excitement of playing this course. Several other challenging courses are an easy drive from Fairfield.
8. Go Behind the Scenes on an Anheuser-Busch Beermaster Tour. The Beermaster Tour takes a look at the brewing of Budweiser and includes a visit to the Brew House, Finishing Cellar, Lager Cellar, and packaging facility. The two-hour tour concludes in the Hospitality Room with a product flight demonstration and product sampling. Participants will receive a variety of gifts compliments of Anheuser-Busch. Cost: $25 for adults and $10 for youth ages 13 to 20. Guests 13 to 20 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. For reservations, call (707) 429-7595 or e-mail fairfieldbrewerytour@budweisertours.com.
Take your time exploring what Fairfield and the surrounding area has to offer and stay in one of the city’s 18 hotels that offer affordable and comfortable overnight accommodations. Stay and play, or tour the region – either way, Fairfield is the perfect base camp for a spring escape.
To help plan a visit to Good Natured Fairfield, call the Fairfield Tourism Association at (707) 399-2445 or visit www.Fairfield4Fun.com
Barbara L. Steinberg is a member of:
Desert wildflower tours at Ocotillo Wells
Posted by: | CommentsDaily wildflower exhibits and interpretive staff are available in the district office.
For those that prefer solitude, self guided tours will be available at the Native Plant Garden and the Nature Loop Trail. Laminated signs will be placed throughout these trails to assist all visitors with their wildflower experience.
The popular Wildflower Program guide is returning for its second year of publication. The free, eight-page guide features full color photos of the flowers you’ll mostly likely find in the park. Each photo is accompanied by the flower’s common name, scientific name, how common the flower is, and where it is likely to be found.
After seeing the flowers, visitors can learn about some of the park’s unique qualities by visiting such places as Shell Reef and Gas Domes. The park also has many interpretive geocaches. Camping is also available throughout the park.
Free wildflower trading cards are offered at the various interpretive features as a memento to help bring back memories of your visit. The more you see, the more cards you can collect. Remember that the flowers need to stay in the park so that they can be enjoyed next year, so no picking please.
For three weeks only, wildflowers permitting, Ocotillo Wells SVRA will host a variety of wildflower tours and programs starting on Thursday: • Twice-daily walking tours start at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. lasting two hours. The last wildflower walking tour for the season will be held on March 14. • Twice-weekly off-road driving tours will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m., lasting about four hours. The last seasonal wildflower driving tour will be on March 11. • Weekend Junior Ranger activities for children, ages 7-12, are available between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., lasting 30-40 minutes for each activity. The last wildflower-related Junior Ranger activity will be held through March 14 • A digital photography workshop will be held March 3, 10, and 13 at 9 a.m. The six-hour workshop will focus on the best way to take great wildflower photos. For detailed information on all programs please call 760-767-5393.
Ocotillo Wells SVRA is located off of Highway 78 in both San Diego and Imperial counties . The park provides 85,000 acres of off-highway motor vehicle recreation in the Southern California desert. It is open to the public 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
For additional information park please contact the Ocotillo Wells SVRA District Office at 760-767-5391 or visit the website at www.ohv.parks.ca.gov.
Darrell Mansfield Blues and Valentine’s Red
Posted by: | Comments
Winterhawk Winery in Fairfield California Features
Reds, Whites, & Blues Valentine's Day Weekend
Winterhawk Winery hosts their weekly
Wine By the Glass
Just in Time for Valentine's Day
February 13, 2010, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
4537 Abernathy Road
Fairfield, California
Featuring the mellow sounds of Darrell Mansfield along with the Used Blues Band. Enjoy great wine, dancing, homemade pizza, and the best of life in the country. All for $5 per person.
Just in time for Valentine's Day...come for the weekend and enjoy the beautiful Suisun Valley wineries. Spend a romantic day and night in Fairfield. Nearby hotels adjacent to Suisun Valley are the perfect end to a perfect day. Wake-up on Valentine's Day and head back to the Valley for wine tasting and beautiful views at other Suisun Valley wineries.
Yosemite’s Badger Pass Ski Area at 75 Years
Posted by: | Comments75th Anniversary Weekend Schedule of Events - Ski Like its 1935
Ski Races, Torch Light Parade & Live Music Highlight Historic Events
Celebrating First Ski Area in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range
The festivities begin at 9:00am on January 23 when Delaware North Companies will offer free lift tickets to anyone showing up at Badger Pass over the anniversary weekend dressed in a 1930s-period ski outfit:
Saturday, January 23, 2010
* 10:00am, 1:30pm & 4:30pm - Historic Badger Pass film (three showings), accumulated over the decades.
* 11:00am to 4:00pm - Trivia Contest based the history of Badger Pass. Visitors to the ski area will be able to review interpretive story board exhibits to obtain clues to questions, and the person with the most correct answers will win a prize.
* 12:00pm - Band: Akoustik 2 will perform contemporary covers of popular tunes at the Badger Pass Day Lodge.
* 1:00pm - Slalom Ski Race: a NASTAR-style open slalom race will take place on the Chipmunk Run. There will be different age brackets for skiing, snowboarding and telemark skiing competitions.
* 1:00pm - Nic Fiore Impressions & Yodeling: come see locals muster up their best impressions of the former Ambassador of Badger Pass, Nic Fiore, at the Day Lodge.
* 4:00pm - Cake cutting ceremony celebrating the 75th anniversary at the Badger Pass Day Lodge.
* 5:45pm - Torch Light Parade commences from the top of the Eagle run, consisting of skiers making their way down the hill in a serpentine fashion carrying torches of fire.
* 6:30pm - Late Badger Pass shuttle service departs to Yosemite Valley
Sunday, January 24, 2010
* 9:30am - Guided Cross Country Ski Tours down the Chinquapin Trail
* 11:00am to 4:00pm - Trivia Contest
* 12:00pm - Band - Akoustik 2
* All Day - Historic Badger Pass film looping on Badger Pass closed circuit TV
For more information about the weekend's activities, visit www.BadgerPass.com, or call 209.372.8430.
Member
Redding eagles have returned
Posted by: | Comments
Oh, my goodness! They are back! Patriot and Liberty! Everyone's favorite bald eagles have returned to their mega eagle condo overlooking Highway 44. Last year's, they birthed & raised three young eaglets. The miraculous triplets fledged after the Eagle Cam went dark. We all fell in love with Freedom, Hope & Spirit and unfortunately we just missed seeing them take flight. Let's hope for a repeat in the months ahead. And thank our lucky stars that the New Year is already bringing us such good luck! The Eagle Cam is brought to us by those great folks in Redding, California at Caltrans and Turtle Bay Exploration Park.
Stay tuned. Check back and check in...often. The show has just begun.
Redding eagles have returned
Posted by: | Comments
Oh, my goodness! They are back! Patriot and Liberty! Everyone's favorite bald eagles have returned to their mega eagle condo overlooking Highway 44. Last year they birthed & raised three young eaglets. The miraculous triplets fledged after the Eagle Cam went dark. We all fell in love with Freedom, Hope & Spirit and unfortunately we just missed seeing them take flight. Let's hope for a repeat in the months ahead. And thank our lucky stars that the New Year is already bringing us such good luck! The Eagle Cam is brought to us by those great folks in Redding, California at Caltrans and Turtle Bay Exploration Park.
Stay tuned. Check back and check in...often. The show has just begun.