Adventures

Summer Fun 5 Ways

2013-07-12T00:00:00-07:00

No matter what interests your clan, there is plenty of family fun to be had.

Here are five ideas:

1. Boaters in the Bahamas.

Make your way to the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina, 165 miles off the Florida coast and on the Sea of Abaco. You can access the full-service marina to explore nearby islands, historic villages and barrier reefs. Head out for sport fishing, sailing or snorkeling. Then go ashore to picnic on a secluded island.

Kids can learn to catch, clean and cook fish, crack a conch and debark a fresh coconut as part of the Bahama Buddies program. Ask about special packages.

Contact: 1-800-468-4799; www.abacobeachresort.com.

2. Art lovers.

From art classes and kid-focused camps to clever create-and-takes, the Denver Art Museum has made a grand effort to welcome families to its galleries. Museum activities encourage families to get comfortable and create. Family backpacks full of art supplies, games and puzzles are available for use during visits.

Contact: 720-865-5000; www.denverartmuseum.org.

3. Cyclers in Ireland.

See the Emerald Isle on two wheels. Pedal past castles, through charming villages and alongside dramatic cliffs on a self-guided tour offered by Pure Adventures. Families can choose their pace and style of lodging.

Add golf, sea kayaking, horseback riding or a Dublin tour to round out the adventure.

Contact: 1-800-960-2221; www.pure-adventures.com.

4. Theme park fans.

Make your way to Universal Orlando, where an intergalactic war is raging. Climb aboard Transformers: The Ride — 3D, billed as a next-generation thrill ride. You’ll feel like you’re part of the skirmish, as Optimus Prime and Bumblebee attempt to keep the Allspark from falling to the enemies.

Contact: 407-363-8000; www.universalorlando.com.

5. Rafting on the Rogue.

Float through 40 miles of scenic southwestern Oregon and explore the rugged country that drew Native Americans, trappers and prospectors. Stay in the raft or up the adrenaline ante by running the rapids in an inflatable kayak. Designated a Wild & Scenic wilderness area, you will paddle through the Siskiyou Mountains and the Rogue River National Forest.

Contact: 1-800-346-6277; www.oars.com.

Fly Fish With Your Family

2013-07-06T00:00:00-07:00

First time casters and veteran anglers enjoy the natural places that enable a fly fishing vacation. Test your tippet deep in the wilderness or perfect your back casts on the resort lawn.

Gather your gear. Then enjoy the beauty and art of fly fishing:

Gore Creek Fly Fisherman. Vail, CO.

Give your kids (and perhaps yourself) a taste of this lifelong sport during daily casting clinics offered each day in the scenic Vail Village along the Gore Creek Promenade. When you are ready for more, book a half or full day walk and wade trip or sign on for a float trip through Rocky Mountain beauty.

Contact: 970-476-3296; www.GoreCreekFlyFisherman.com.

LL Bean Outdoor Discovery School. Freeport, ME or Columbia, MD.

The knowledgeable instructors at LL Bean can jump start your family into the wonderful world of fly fishing with their one or two-day introductory courses. You’ll learn about fly-tackle, delve into knot tying, fly tying, and fish-food identification, then move outside to practice casting skills in a nearby pond. Continue the analysis and improvement at home once you’ve viewed their video of your newly acquired skill. Contact: LL Bean experts are available for fishing advice on their hotline between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m EST every day; 1-800-347-4552.

For class registration: (888)-552-3261); www.llbean.com/outdoorsOnline/odp/courses/flyfishing/fly-fishing-essentials1-maine.html

Chetola Resort. Blowing Rock, NC.

The only Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing lodge in North Carolina has plenty to offer the entire family. Pack a rod for a half day trip to “The Refuge” on Boone Fork Creek, a destination deemed ideal for beginners and families. When not casting a line, check out the children’s camp, a heated indoor pool, fitness center and nearby rafting and golf.

Contact: (800) 243-8652; www.Chetola.com.

Match the Hatch. Livingston, MT.

Spend a day on the Yellowstone River with Eric Adams and your family members will go home with more than basic casting skills. His educational background in ecology means you’ll learn to “match the hatch”, fish pocket water from a raft and how to maximize a day on the famed Yellowstone River or nearby spring creeks. You are sure to enjoy time on the Yellowstone, the longest stretch of blue-ribbon trout habitat in the nation.

Contact: 406.223.2488; www.MontanaFlyFishingGuides.com

Fishing on the Farm. Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN.

With two ponds and a stream on site, plus more than 700 miles of fishable trout streams in the neighboring Great Smoky Mountain National Park, this gem of a property offers the novice or experienced fly fishing family the opportunity to enjoy great water as well as a sea of additional activities. Horseback riding, mountain biking, cooking schools, the Farmhouse Spa and charming accommodations on 4,200 pastoral acres, combine to create a picturesque haven for a gathering clan. Contact: (800) 648-4252; www.BlackberryFarm.com.

5 Lakeside Retreats

2013-04-18T00:00:00-07:00

The simple pleasures of family life can be found at lakeside retreats.

Here are five places to enjoy gentle breezes and a book on the porch:

Lake Powell. Page, AZ.

Red-hued rock formations rise from water’s edge. Sunny days fade into star-filled nights on this vast blue lake created when the Glen Canyon Dam stopped the waters of the mighty Colorado River. A houseboat holiday on Lake Powell promises adventure, unparalleled beauty and a host of opportunities for on shore hiking, rock climbing and exploring. With more than 2,000 miles of shoreline and scores of inlets and cozy coves, family members of all ages will depart with memories to last a lifetime. Contact: 1 (888) 896-3829; www.pagelakepowelltourism.com; For boating information; www.antelopepointlakepowell.com.

Flathead Lake Lodge. Big Fork, MT.

Combine a western dude ranch experience with the joys of a lake holiday on this 2000 acre family operated getaway near Glacier National Park. Kids will love trail rides, joining the junior wrangler program, swimming, water skiing and sailing on the lake, arts and crafts and spending the night in a teepee. Parents should be prepared to join their kids for the family rodeo events.

Contact: 406-837-4391; www.FlatheadLake Lodge.com ; www.VisitMontana.com

Lake of the Ozarks. Osage Beach, MO.

Visit Lake of the Ozarks, one of the states largest and most scenic lakes, and enjoy hiking, horseback riding and biking through oak-hickory forests. Climb to the bluff tops for views of the lake where water enthusiasts enjoy beaches, fishing and boat-based water sports. Stay in one of the park’s rustic Outpost Log cabins, a spacious yurt or pop your own tent.

Contact: 1(573) 348-1233; www.lakeoftheozarksstateparkmarina.com/

Big Cedar Lodge –

Ten miles south of Branson, on Table Rock Lake, families will find a picturesque lodge tucked into the Ozark Mountain’s wooded hillsides. Stay in charming lodge rooms or quaint cabins and cottages spread throughout this 800-acre retreat. From water-skiing and kayaking to horseback riding and bass fishing, there is plenty to entertain each member of the family. Kids ages four to 12 can join the fun at the kids adventure club where they’ll learn skills like fire-building, star-gazing and canoeing.

Contact: (417) 335-2777; www.big-cedar.com

Broken Bow Lake. Broken Bow, OK.

Located in the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountains and with 180 miles of shoreline, the whole gang will love canoeing, boating, and fishing on this scenic lake. With rich green forests as your backdrop, spend a day mountain biking or bird watching then take time to visit the nearby kid-friendly Beavers Bend Wildlife Museum.

Contact: 1-800-52-TREES; www.brokenbowchamber.com/visitors_tourism.html

Do your know about our Grandparent Travel Collection?

An Eddy In TIme

2013-04-17T00:00:00-07:00

Fly rod in hand, I eased into the warm waters of the storied Madison River. My son, Ben, was just steps behind me, eager to wet his line. Despite my felt-bottomed shoes, I faltered slightly, slipping off the rounded, moss-covered rocks below my feet.

"Here, take my hand," Ben said softly behind me. "I'll help you."

Steadied by his strength, together we pushed forward, bolstered against the rippling current.

At 6'3", my oldest son towers over me now. This should come as no surprise. Mothers with children older than mine had long presaged it would happen like this; a fast-forward blur of growth spurts, sporting events, back-to-school nights and prom dates.

But, really, wasn't it just yesterday that I took his small hand in mine and walked him into pre-school? And just last week that I steadied him on skis as he slipped down a snowy pathway during a family ski holiday?

And now, some 20 years later, he is holding me upright as we wade into these braided waters under the wide Montana sky.

A Special Time

This was more than a casual weekend. He had called to suggest we meet for a few days of mother-son fly-fishing, an interest we have shared since his boyhood. Our destination would be the mountains and rivers of Big Sky country, a landscape we both love. After, we would both head to Northern Idaho for the big event. In just seven days, he would wait at the end of yet another pathway, to catch that first glimpse of his beautiful bride.

Throughout the weekend, we fished favorite streams and crossed canyons via zip line, joking about the next "big leap" he would soon take. We walked through the woods with his two Golden Retrievers, Bridger and Jackson, and reminisced about our family life. We both ordered curried chicken for lunch and lamented our mutual metabolism that required us to leave the banana bread at the counter. Particularly now, the weekend before the wedding.

I wondered if there wasn't something important, meaningful I should say. Some kind of pre-nuptial, motherly advice I could offer. But it wasn't required.

Someone asked if I felt that sense of loss some women suffer; a heart-splitting notion that marriage somehow meant losing your son to another woman. For us, there is none of that. I know that I will always be his mom and she will always be his girl.

Each evening we retreated to our room at the Big Sky Lodge, curled up with the dogs, reviewed the days' events and planned for the next. We shared our individual enthusiasm for the upcoming wedding festivities. I smiled with deep pleasure when he spoke with confidence of his decision to marry Lyndsay and how special and strong he believed their relationship to be. There was no hesitation. Only eager anticipation.

Visions of Youth

From time to time, I would catch glimpses of a much younger Ben. A familiar, silly grin. A childlike glance in a moment of indecision. But mostly, I saw a sure-footed man, eager to embark on this next chapter of his life.

On our last afternoon, we made one more stop along the Gallatin, hoping to improve our luck. While we both knew this weekend wasn't just about the fish, a little more action would have been welcome. Once again, Ben provided a steady hand as we waded into the water. As the sun dropped behind the cliff and soft evening light prevailed, we took turns casting, attempting to lure the wily trout from its safe hideout.

At one point, my line became hopelessly entangled. Without hesitation or frustration Ben quietly took my rod and said, "Not to worry. I can help." It's what I might have whispered two decades ago when he fell off the jungle gym or scraped his knee in a roller blade spill. But now, somehow it seemed just right that he would be the problem solver, the one to take the lead.

What I Believe

As the weekend came to a close, he said, "Mom, your baby boy is getting married. Can you believe it? "

What I believe is that time mysteriously evaporates and in the blink of an eye, that once mischievous toddler strides back into the room as a confident, young man. A man insightful and caring enough to create this eddy in time, in the scant hours before dozens of friends, family and a long list of last-minute details, would vie for his attention.

Knowing he has become this measure of a man provides soul-satisfying comfort. I am certain he will be a fine husband and father, locking arms with his wife through rough waters and calm seas. He'll be present when their child takes that first shaky step, hesitates on the first day of school or ties the first fly.

And with this knowing, I will shed tears of pride and joy as he reaches for the hand of his lovely bride, closes his own around hers, and before family and friends, promises to love her and hold her steady.

For always.

Great Western Ranch Vacations

2013-03-21T00:00:00-07:00

Whether you're seeking the ultimate fly fishing experience, the most authentic cattle drive, or a haven for your children and family to run free, a dude ranch vacation may be your best connection to the great outdoors. Browse through these ten ranches to find your perfect dude ranch.

About Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge

Flathead Lake Lodge is a third generation family run and operated Dude Ranch located in Northwest Montana on the shores of Flathead Lake. The Lodge offers the ultimate family vacation with unlimited horse & water activities and is located only 35 miles from Glacier National Park and the famous Going to the Sun Highway. At the Lodge your family will enjoy a rustic ranch atmosphere, endless recreational activities, and unmatched hospitality by the Averill family and staff. Flathead Lake Lodge is the ultimate family vacation…Montana style.

About the White Stallion Ranch

Experience the welcoming atmosphere of the Southwest. This authentic working cattle ranch with 3,000 acres of lush desert adjoins the Saguaro National Park. Scenic trail rides meander across the desert terrain and up into the saguaro studded foothills. Or you can enjoy the exhilaration of a brisk canter along the desert trails or the competition of team cattle penning. Both are unforgettable. Amenities include a heated pool, rodeos, tennis & sports court, a fitness center with exercise room, sauna and massage therapist. Evening programs include nature shows, cowboy singer, country/western dance lessons, etc.

About Triangle X Ranch

Located north of Jackson, Wyoming in the heart of Grand Teton National Park - Triangle X Ranch offers one of the most complete outdoor recreation packages of any facility in the mountain west. In the shadows of the magnificent Grand Teton range, Triangle X offers you unparalleled horseback riding, superb mountain scenery, abundant wildlife and a quiet country pace. Experience a way of life four generations of the Turner family have been sharing since 1926. Whatever your outdoor challenge, your outdoor dream you'll find it at the Triangle X Ranch.

About the Three Bars Ranch

Located just south of Banff, Canada, in the valley of 1000 peaks, Three Bars offers the most diverse activity program in Canada, including a world class horse program, in-house rafting trips, natural stone fly fishing, hiking, biking, skeet shooting, and a fun filled evening program. Facilities include heated pool, hot tub, tennis court, gym, indoor riding arena, petting zoo, and all located within 15 minutes of 5 world class golf courses. Awarded Canada's #1 Dude ranch for 2009 & Canada's Best Family Ranch for 2010, by Rustic Vacations.

About the Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch

The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is located 55 miles from Cody at the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming. We offer a blend of upscale pampering & personal attention with a 100-year old real working cattle ranch experience and great trail riding. Our key staff is year-around employed so they are genuine, safe, passionate, professional and knowledgeable. Our wranglers are real cowboys with excellent natural horsemanship & stockman ship instruction and riding skills. The Hideout is Not a nose to tail ranch.

About the Tanque Verde Ranch – Tucson, AZ

Tanque Verde Ranch is nestled among the majestic natural beauty of the Rincon Mountains between Saguaro National Park and the Coronado National Forest just east of Tucson, Arizona. An Arizona guest ranch since 1868, this family ranch is comprised of more than sixty thousand acres of unspoiled southwest landscape. Plush accommodations, unparalleled amenities, and a diverse menu of daily rides and activities provide guests with a memorable ranch vacation sure to revive the spirit of the Old West!

About the Rainbow Trout Ranch

Rainbow Trout Ranch is the perfect Colorado dude ranch for adults, families, singles, couples, groups and anyone else who wants a western getaway. Offering exceptional Colorado horseback riding, superb Colorado fly fishing, awesome children's programs and a fun teen ranch program, trapshooting, swimming, day trips to Taos, white water rafting and the chance to ride America's highest and longest narrow-gauge steam train, the dude ranch brings timeless simpler pleasures to life all in a spectacular setting.

About The Paradise Guest Ranch

For 100 years now, folks have been coming to our Wyoming guest ranch for 100 different reasons—for some, it's the horseback riding across sage meadows, fishing for native cutthroat trout, or hiking among wildflowers and meadowlarks. For others, it's the family time, the fun, and campfire stories beneath a snowstorm of stars. Maybe it's realizing just how much all that's worth, that keeps folks coming back to our guest ranch year after year. And maybe it’s time you found your own reasons to come experience Paradise Guest Ranch.

About the Lost Valley Ranch

Over 100 years of ranching history allow Lost Valley Ranch the unique opportunity to provide our guests the experience of the Rocky Mountain West through hiking, fishing, and on the back of a horse. Come and stay as our guest, but leave as friends and family. Lost Valley Ranch is your ranch home in Colorado.

About Hunewill Ranch

Established in 1861, Hunewill Ranch, is the oldest working Guest Ranch in California and one of the oldest continuously owned family cattle ranches in the American West. Located on the Northeastern edge of Yosemite in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Hunewill Ranch is known for world class horsebackriding and breathtaking scenery. Breakfast rides, cattle work, all-day rides, historic rides, and a wonderful kids program make for an unforgettable vacation experience. Top that off with fun-filled evening activities, western hospitality and breathtaking scenery and you begin to understand the magic of Hunewill Ranch.

For more information about any of these dude ranches visit BestDudeRanches.com.

Go Fly A Kite!

2012-08-26T00:00:00-07:00

For low-cost and high-flying fun, set the sky ablaze with the colors and shapes of your choice.

Here are five places where you and your family can go fly a kite:

Kitty Hawk, NC.

Follow in the footsteps of Orville and Wilbur Wright, those famous bicycle makers turned flight phenoms from Dayton, OH. The brothers made annual trips to the Outer Banks where they found steady winds, wide sandy beaches and friendly people who helped the pair pursue their passion to fly. The Wrights first used kites to help solve the mystery of flight. Create your own challenges as you and your family launch bright colors into the sky along this scenic swath of Atlantic coastline. Contact: 1-877-FLY-THIS; www.KittyHawk; www.OuterBanks.org.

Westwood Park. Los Angeles, CA.

Claim a picnic table as home base, then set off to enjoy this urban green space where you’ll vy for the highest flying kite with local UCLA students and faculty who retreat to this Park for a break from the classroom. Kids will also enjoy the swing sets and climbing structures that provide contrast to the nearby skyscrapers that line Wilshire Bouevard. Contact: 323-644-6661; www.laparks.org.

Long Beach, WA.

Visit this scenic spot on the coast of Washington to gain inspiration from kite flying pros. Visit the World Kite Museum & Hall of Fame, home to more than 1500 kites and the only American museum dedicated to the science and satisfaction of kite flying. Consider visiting the venue during the third week of August when the Washington Kite Festival fills the sky with a colorful array of sky-riders hoisted by famous flyers from around the world. Take to the wide beaches to enjoy your own high-flying adventures. Contact: 360-642-4020; worldkitemuseum.com; www.KiteFestival.com.

Corpus Christi Beaches, TX.

With the deep blue water as your backdrop, sea breezes provide a year-round opportunity to fly your favorite kites while enjoying the pristine beaches along the South Texas Gulf Coast. Camp for a long weekend or spend the day at Mustang Island State Park, a 5-mile stretch of Gulf Coast beach just south of Port Aransas. Take a break from kite-flying with your clan to enjoy shelling, fishing, bonfires, sand castle building and swimming. Contact: 1-800-766-BEACH (2322); http://visitcorpuschristitx.org.

Wildwood, NJ.

Plan your trip to coincide with the annual Memorial Day Kite Festival or visit anytime for salt-air fueled kite flying and good times in a carnival-style beach town that has lured family travelers for decades. Stroll the boardwalk, go fishing or crabbing, and play miniature golf. Hop aboard the kiddie rides or strap in to one of six, scream-provoking roller coasters for a thrill session. Swim in the Atlantic surf or check out a beachfront water park. Contact: 800-992-9732 www.wildwoodsnj.com.

4 Underwater Adventures

2012-08-11T00:00:00-07:00

Get close to creatures of the sea for a wild family adventure. Here are four ideas to consider:

1. Swim With Whale Sharks.

Swimming with the largest fish in the sea is a thrill worth seeking. Whale sharks are massive, reaching lengths of 40 feet and 15 tons. Despite their imposing presence, the gentle creatures peacefully share the warm seas with visitors who arrive via boat from the shores of nearby Cancun. Two at a time, along with a guide, you’ll don a life jacket or wet suit and fins, before jumping in for a swim with these plankton slurping vegetarians. No touching is allowed (the mega-fish are considered a “vulnerable species”) but you can swim alongside as they thrust forward their super-sized square jaw and begin filtering everything in their path like a water-born vacuum cleaner.

Contact: www.Cancun.travel; www. solobuceo.com.

2. Swim with Stingrays.

Wade into the warm Caribbean Sea at the Stingray City Sandbar for your family’s chance to pet the dozens of sea creatures who visit the area for a little love and a few tasty treats. Today tour operators will assist in your introduction to the Southern stingray, taking over for the fishermen who originally attracted the rays to the area by cleaning fish and tossing the remnants into the water. Soon the stingrays associated the sound of boat motors with breakfast. For a more pleasurable experience, avoid visiting when cruise ships are in port.

Contact: www.caymanislands.ky

3. Alaska up close.

Kayak among whales, sea lions and past puffins when you explore Alaska with Inner Sea Discoveries and American Safari Cruises. With only 22 to 86 guests on board on their well-planned vessels, you’ll wind your way into narrow passages and into wilderness areas that the bigger ships cannot access. The adventuresome in your clan can don a dry suit and use a Stand Up Paddleboard to get even closer to Alaska’s extraordinary wild riches.

Contact: 888-862-8881; www.InnerSeaDiscoveries.com

4. Adventures with alligators.

No one wants to get too close to an alligator. But at this park, home to more than 800 gators ranging in size from eight inch babies to 15 foot, one thousand pound adults, you’ll learn about the ways of these fierce creatures, from a safe distance. As you wander through natural swamps and marshes you’ll also encounter turtles, lizards, giant frogs and exotic birds. Lectures and live shows add to the experience.

Contact: 843-361-0789; www.alligatoradventure.com/

Discover SUP

2012-07-08T00:00:00-07:00

Stand Up Paddle surfing (SUP) is considered an ancient form of surfing, traced to early days in Polynesia. More recently, in the 1940s, surf instructors on Waikiki beach in Hawaii are said to have used the skill to allow them a better view of their students. Today, families can indulge in the sport at many resorts and recreation areas.

Here are five to consider:

1. Bend, OR.

This ancient sport has found newfound popularity in Oregon. Beginners and experts can be spotted paddling their way on the Deschutes River through the center of this central Oregon town, sometimes accompanied by others aboard rafts or inner tubes. A variety of local outfitters provide lessons, gear and encouragement for interested paddlers of all ages. Sign up for instruction or a tour. Later, with experience and skill under your belt, head out for your own independent adventure.

Contact: 877-245-8484; www.VisitBend.com

2. Ritz Carlton Amelia Island Resort. Amelia Island, FL. Learn to paddleboard on the Atlantic while staying at this luxury, family-friendly 446-room resort located on a 13-mile stretch of pristine coastline. Take lessons from the local pros or head out on your own. Add other water sports to the mix by trying jet skiing, boogie boarding, kayaking and surfing. Children five through 12 can look forward to the Ritz Kids program that offers adventures designed to introduce young people to the natural wonders of the island. (Who would want to miss Turtle Tuesday?) Hopefully, the kids won’t be too tired to appreciate story time, snacks and a tuck-in offered by a friendly Pirate. Contact: 1 (904) 277-1100; www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/AmeliaIsland/Default.htm

3. Outfitters Kauai. Poipu Beach, Kauai, HI

Get sized up by the local pros and then head out with your fit-to-please gear for a beautiful day on this lush Hawaiian island. You and your family members will perfect your paddling skills on a creek that meanders through the Hule’ia National Wildlife Refuge. Hop off the board for a hike to a waterfall, where an overwater zip-line and a cannonball competition awaits. A relaxing motorized canoe will transport your crew back to homebase. A minimum age of 12 Is recommended.

Contact: 888-742-9887; www.OutfittersKauai.com.

4. Slickrock Adventures. Belize.

Check out this fast-growing sport, in a Caribbean paradise where newbies can practice in sheltered lagoons and the more experienced can try their skills on surf breaks. Challenge yourself via long paddles to nearby cayes or use the board as transport to top notch snorkeling spots. You’ll also enjoy kayaking, fishing, diving, kite surfing and beach time when you book a family-friendly adventure package on Adventure Island at Glover’s Reef.

Contact: 800-390-5715; www.slickrock.com

5. Sana Cruz, CA.

Paddle among sea otters and playful seals when you take to the calm waters of the Santa Cruz Harbor. Local pros will help you attain the proper stance and paddling technique before touring the Elkhorn Slough at Moss Landing. This special outing enables paddlers to explore the second largest remaining salt marsh in California and one of the most significant biodiversity hot spots on the world. Expect to see Peregrine Falcons, Brown Pelicans, Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets while moving through the tidal channels.

Contact: 831-600-7230;http://covewatersup.com

Ten Great NorCal Hikes

2011-09-24T00:00:00-07:00

When I was a kid, my mom would retain her sanity each summer by sending me off on a 10-day YMCA backpacking trip with a bunch of strangers (which, by the way, I highly recommend for all you over-protective parents out there). Not only did these hiking trips get me out of the house and into the mountains, they also taught me life-long lessons about ecology, weather, navigation, and self-reliance. So do your kids a confidence-building favor and take them hiking this summer—they’ll forgive you in the end.

BIG SUR

Big Sur’s Ventana Wilderness consists of 167,323 acres straddling the Santa Lucia Mountains, replete with waterfalls, deep pools, and thermal springs. The wilderness offers 237 miles of hiking trails encompassing some of Big Sur’s most spectacular coastline. One of my favorite hikes is to McWay Waterfall at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Take the trail from the parking area at McWay Canyon, which leads under the highway to a bluff overlooking the 80-foot-high McWay Waterfall dropping directly into the ocean (it’s an easy trek). It’s less crowded here than at Pfeiffer–Big Sur, and there are many miles of trails to explore in the 3,580-acre park.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

It always amazes me to meet people who’ve lived in California for years and have never explored Yosemite National Park (Inconceivable!). Day hikers in the valley have a wide variety of trails to choose from, and all are well-charted on the visitors’ map. The best beginner hike is the Mirror Lake/Meadow Trail, a 2-mile round-trip walk (5 miles if you circle the lake) that provides a magnificent view of Half Dome.

More strenuous is the popular hike to Upper Yosemite Falls, a 7.2-mile round-trip trek with a spectacular overview of the 2,425-foot drop. The granddaddy of Yosemite hikes is the very steep ascent to the top of 8,840-foot Half Dome, a 17-mile, round-trip, 10- to 12-hour-long thigh-burner that requires a bit of gusto and the nerve to hang on to climbing cables anchored in granite—clearly not a jaunt for everyone.

REDWOOD NATIONAL FOREST

The best way to experience Redwood National Forest is to get out of your car and lace up the hiking boots. The short Fern Canyon Trail leads through an unbelievably lush grotto of ferns clinging to 50-foot-high vertical. Lady Bird Johnson Grove Loop is an easy self-guided tour that loops 1 mile around a lush grove of mature redwoods. Closer to shore is the Yurok Loop Nature Trail, a 1-mile self-guided trail that gradually climbs to the top of rugged sea bluff (with wonderful panoramic views of the Pacific), and you’ll also enjoy the Boy Scout Tree Trail, a 6-mile round-trip trail through a lush, cool, damp forest brimming with giant ferns and majestic redwoods.

But the real reason you came here is to see some seriously tall trees, right? To see one of the world’s tallest trees—365.5 feet tall, 14 feet in diameter, and over 600 years old—it’ll take some effort. The 4-hour drive/hike expedition to Tall Trees Grove is limited to the first 50 permits, but it’s an experience you’ll never forget. After driving to the trailhead, you have to walk a steep 1.3 miles down into the grove, but it’s a small price to pay for a photo of you hugging one of the world’s tallest trees.

THE LOST COAST

Along with fishing, the most popular Lost Coast activity is hiking, and the mother of all hiking trails here is the Lost Coast Trail, which passes through the King Range National Conservation Area. For people who love to hike, it’s the ultimate weekend excursion, a 25-mile one-way trek that meanders along oceanside bluffs, tidepools, and miles of pristine beaches.

It’s usually done via a two-car shuttle system, though the Shelter Cove Campground, Market & Deli provides maps of the King Range trails and can help arrange shuttle service. If you would rather stick to short, easy day hikes, the best is Chemise Mountain Trail, located a few miles east of Shelter Cove. The three-mile trek only takes a few hours, and offers incredible views of lush canyons and the shimmering Pacific.

DEL VALLE REGIONAL PARK

The East Bay Regional Park District operates 65 parks covering over 100,000 acres and 1,150 miles of trails that hardly anybody outside of the Tri Valley region knows about. My favorite park of the bunch is Del Valle Regional Park, set deep in a valley framed by oak-covered hills about 10 miles south of Livermore. This dog-friendly park has everything you could want for weekend outdoor getaway (swimming, boating, camping, fishing, biking), including dozens of miles of hiking trails such as the Ohlone Wilderness Trail with 28 miles of scenic back country trail.

I also highly recommend spending some time hiking through the 5,271-acre Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, one of the prettiest parks in the East Bay that straddles a mountain ridge with postcards views of Pleasanton and Livermore Valley. The multi-purpose trail system is also popular with mountain bikers and horseback riders.

POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE

Some of Point Reyes National Seashore’s best and least crowded highlights are accessible only on foot, such as Alamere Falls, a freshwater stream that cascades down a 40-foot bluff onto Wildcat Beach. Load up your day pack with sandwiches and drinks, bring your camera, park at the Palomarin Trailhead, and get ready for one of the finest hikes on the California coast. The 7.5-mile out-and-back day trip will take you past lakes, through towering groves of eucalyptus, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Enjoying a well-earned picnic lunch at the falls is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a sunny day in the Bay Area.

LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK

In addition to its geothermal attractions, Lassen Volcanic National Park is loaded with of lush forests, flower-filled meadows, and more than fifty postcard-pretty lakes. In fact, it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dreamland, offering hundreds of miles of hiking trails and backcountry camping. The most popular hike in the park is the Lassen Peak Trail, a steep 2.5-mile climb from the Park Road to the top of the 10,457-foot peak. The breathtaking 360-degree view, however, makes the effort worthwhile. The round trip takes about four to five hours, so be sure to pack a lunch and bring plenty of water.

PINNACLES NATIONAL MONUMENT

The 24,000-acre Pinnacles National Monument is one of the Bay Area’s best weekend hiking destinations, and I’m betting you never even heard of it. Located southeast of Salinas, Pinnacles consists of hundreds of towering crags, spires, ramparts, and hoodoos—the eroded remains of a volcano formed 23 million years ago. Pinnacles is also haven for bird-watchers, home to six endangered California condors and one of California’s largest breeding populations of raptors (bring binoculars). You could spend days here, but it’s possible to cover the most interesting features in a weekend. Great camping as well.

MOUNT SHASTA

Okay, so it’ll probably be one of the most challenging hikes in your life, but the reward—summiting the mighty Mt. Shasta—is a moment you will never forget, and the views are mind-blowing. Mount Shasta attracts thousands of hikers from around the world each year, from timid first-timers (like my mom) to serious mountaineers who search for the most difficult paths up.

The hike isn’t technically difficult, but it’s a demanding ascent that takes about eight hours of continuous exertion, particularly when the snow softens up. All the requisite equipment can be rented in town at the Fifth Season mountaineering store (www.thefifthseason.com), and if you’d rather hire a guide, contact Shasta Mountain Guides (www.shastaguides.com). Those who aren’t up for a strenuous climb can drive up to Bunny Flat and take the easy Overlook Loop Trail.

MOUNT WHITNEY

At 14,505 feet, Mount Whitney is the highest summit in the Lower 48 states. It’s one of the highlights of Sequoia National Park, a land of alpine lakes, deep canyons, and towering granite peaks. Unlike Mount Shasta, it doesn’t take any special equipment to summit Mount Whitney, just a lot of stamina. In fact, almost half the people who attempt the 22 mile-round-trip, including those who camp partway up, don’t reach the summit. Weather, altitude, and fatigue can stop even the most prepared hiking party, but the reward for summiting is a view you’ll never forget.

Do you have a favorite hiking spot?

Salmon River Solace

2011-06-28T00:00:00-07:00

For many families, summer is a time of transition. Family schedules and structures take on new shapes and sizes. When September rolls around, will there be more school supplies to buy? Or will the nest soon be emptying? This year, the warm summer breeze reminds me of an adventure we experienced years ago.

Not far down the sandy bank, I could see my 18-year-old son Alex rhythmically casting his fly into the Salmon River, intent on luring a trout. He was tanned and relaxed. His smile came easily as his angling efforts paid off.

I was looking for some uncomplicated time with my middle son before he went off to college. Perhaps selfishly, I wanted his full attention. Not those moments diluted by phone calls or text messages, the lure of the evening’s social activities or side glances to catch the latest on ESPN. So off to the wilderness we went.

Our backcountry choice was the Salmon River, referred to as the River of No Return by the Lewis and Clark Expedition. What we found in Central Idaho was a river corridor of exceptional beauty meandering through two million acres of wilderness, exciting whitewater, calm river pools, white sand beaches, and traces of American history not likely found in any other river valley in North America.

I was more than willing to share our time on the water with my youngest son Ted, who was about to miss his older brother as much as I would. From Boise, we climbed aboard a plane so small it felt like a bathtub toy. And we seemingly floated into Salmon, Idaho after enjoying up close and exhilarating views of the rugged mountain wilderness near Stanley and Sun Valley.

We were met by our charming host Wayne Johnson, owner of Salmon River Rafting, who would eventually impress us as a jack of all river trades. He informed, organized and otherwise herded us from our Salmon hotel to the water’s edge.

We were in the good company of a father, his son and two grandsons from Michigan, a couple from Minneapolis and our guides Wayne, Steve and Megan. Once afloat, our group of ten was dispersed among two kayaks, a rubber raft and the swift boat that carried our supplies down river.

Some of us were eager for the extra challenge (and exercise) provided by the kayaks. Others were just as content to relax in the boat, enjoying the near perfect weather and the surrounding Frank Church Wilderness. That is until we heard the rumble of rushing water ahead.

From the beginning, our guides carefully coached us to take the white water seriously and keep our feet first and down river should we end up in the drink. And it was a good thing!

Over the course of five days, rapid after rapid, we screamed, splashed, strategized and steered our way in and around giant boulders, swirling holes, and foamy waves that crashed over our heads.

My kayak partner Mark and I high-fived in pride for having stayed right side up more often than my two muscular teens traveling in tandem.

Evenings were spent enjoying hearty food prepared by Wayne and his capable crew, then stories and poems around the campfire, and the company of our fellow adventurers. The biggest decision of the day was whether to assemble the tent or enjoy a peaceful night under the stars.

Wayne Johnson is a veteran of the river, having spent most of his adult life guiding through this wilderness corridor. His love for the flowing water, the natural surroundings and the significant history provides tremendous added value to the trip. As travelers on the Main Salmon River we found ourselves immersed in an historical gold mine with Wayne as our guide, telling tales of hermits and homesteaders, while leading us past grave markers and abandoned log cabins. We saw Indian pictographs and happily immersed ourselves in hot springs considered medicinal by the early Indian settlers.

On our final afternoon, Alex and I headed up a small creek from our campsite and spent the afternoon gleefully catching the most colorful trout either of us had ever seen. It was one of those magical afternoons, suspended in time, only the wilderness can provide.

Diving Delight

2011-06-22T00:00:00-07:00

Explore our underwater world during a family dive vacation. Here are great places to consider:

1. Small Hope Bay Lodge, Andros Island, Bahamas.

Check into one of this family-run resort’s 21 cottages and prepare to explore, relax and enjoy a special holiday. Young children can begin by participating in the young naturalist program before moving on to shoreline snorkeling lessons, a snorkel reef trip and then on to SASY (Supplied Air Snorkeling for Youth) Diving. The latter enables kids 7-9 to experience the underwater world wearing a small tank and other dive gear. At age ten, the Discover Scuba program is available for those interested in pursuing the next level. The resort’s on site dive staff will provide scuba lessons for one or more. The all inclusive resort offers complimentary babysitting from six until nine pm.

Contact: www.SmallHope.com.

2. Florida Keys.

Explore the only living coral reef system in the continental United States during a visit to this scenic South Florida region. For kids eight and older: the Summer Marine Science Camp at Pigeon Key, an historic site 100 miles southwest of Miami, offers programs that include information about reef fish, coral reef systems, underwater photography and the gathering of specimens. Kids can get scuba certification during a camp session or brush up if already certified. Also included: underwater obstacle courses, volleyball, and snorkeling. Also in the region: the Wreck Trek Passport Program," spotlighting the Florida Keys Shipwreck Trail, where certified divers can explore a string of sunken vessels and artificial reefs with local dive instructors.

Contact: 305-289-0025; www.PigeonKey.com; www.Fla-Keys.com/diving.

3. Brac Reef, Cayman Brac

From this small, family-friendly island, families can enjoy a dive vacation that includes exploring the waters around Cayman Brac as well as the Russian Frigate and the Bloody Bay Wall near Little Cayman Island. The on-site dive shop provides personalized attention to the soon-to-be certified as well as the seasoned diver. The all inclusive, beach front resort also offers free bike rentals to explore the island, spa services and volley ball. Ask about special packages for families.

Contact: 1-800-594-0843; www.BracReef.com.

4. Grand Wailea, Maui.

For families who choose to blend a luxury resort holiday with a scuba experience, this resort fits the bill. Give the sport a try by joining instructors twice daily in the comfort of Hawaii’s only specially designed scuba pool. Interested in learning more? Certification classes are offered at every level. Once the instruction is complete, escorted ocean dives are available. Meanwhile, families can enjoy the super-cool pool on the property, an expansive beach, as well as a spa and numerous family-focused resort programs.

Contact: 808-875-1234; www.GrandWailea.com.

5. Harbour Village, Bonaire.

Children ages five to 12 can join the Kid’s Great Adventure program at this Caribbean resort. They will learn about the Bonaire Marine Park, snorkel, identify fish, and get comfortable with the SASY (Supplied Air Snorkeling for Youth) program, a wonderful precursor to SCUBA.

Children eight and over can take part in the PADI Bubblemaker program, which enables young enthusiasts to breathe with a regulator in shallow ocean water. At ten, kids can earn their Junior Scuba Certification. Currently, the second diver in your party dives free when you book the Dive Into Luxury Package. Children under 16 stay free in the room with their parents.

Contact: 1-800-424-0004; www.harbourvillage.com.

Resource: www.PADI.com.

Six Snorkel Spots

2011-04-16T00:00:00-07:00

This page is brought to you by Pride of Maui offering fun-filled, action-packed snorkeling/sailing trips to Maui's Molokini.

Snorkeling is a great way to explore the beauty of our underwater world.

Here are six places the family can learn about coral reefs, colorful fish and more:

Snorkel and Sail. Climb aboard the custom built Alii Nu for a morning of sunshine and snorkeling in crystal clear tropical waters. Enjoy a breakfast on board the catamaran before donning fins, mask and snorkel and embarking on your seafaring safari. Younger children can take advantage of boogie boards and water noodles to conserve energy while scoping out coral, sea turtles and colorful tropical fish under the surface. Rinse off and enjoy lunch on deck while sailing back to the dock. For certified scuba divers, tanks are available.

Contact: 1- 800-542-3483; www.aliinuimaui.com/maui-snorkeling.htm

Curtain Bluff Resort, Antigua.” Mom! I saw a barracuda!” That,from an excited ten-year-old boy fresh from one of two daily snorkeling excursions to a nearby reef. When visiting this family-owned and operated, all- inclusive resort in the West Indies, all snorkeling gear, as well as an in- the- water guide is included with your stay. Tired of the underwater scenery? Kids will fall into bed each night exhausted from sampling the extensive water sports that include water skiing, sailing, rafting, deep sea fishing, paddle boating and kayaking. Ask about summer deals.

Contact: www.CurtainBluff.com

Westin St. John Resort & Villas. US Virgin Islands. There are few places on the planet that provide better family-friendly underwater scenery. Eyes will widen with wonder while exploring the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument. Created in 2001, you can enjoy the 12,708 acres of submerged land within a three-mile belt off St. John. You’ll also want to check out Trunk Bay the island’s number one snorkel destination with its famed underwater nature trail. Dry off and relax within the 47-acre, palm-studded resort. Book the Unwind On Island Time package and enjoy free snorkel gear for the entire stay.

Contact: (866) 716-8108: http://deals.westin.com/Westin-St-John-Resort-1098/SO.htm?EM=Rogue_SOPLink_WI_1098_SEC

Wyndham Rio Mar Resort & Spa, Puerto Rico. Hop on board the catamaran and sail to a nearby coral reef where the boat will anchor. The entire family can snorkel among the live reefs where hundreds of colorful fish will come forward to be hand fed. Enjoy a picnic style lunch before returning to the mile-long, palm lined beach. Later explore the adjacent rain forest, learn about the island’s rich culture and history, play golf or tennis or relax by the pool. Check out the summer specials.

Contact: 877-999-3223 http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/SJURM/specialoffers/main.wnt

Sanctuary M.V. Eclipse. Galapagos Islands. Explore these magical islands from the comfort of this sea craft and have the opportunity to snorkel among sea lions, sea turtles and a rainbow of fish that will delight every explorer in your family. Take in deep water coves and Rábida, a small island with red volcanic rocks surrounding a red sand beach. Home to a colony of sea lions and a pelican nesting site, it’s considered among the best snorkeling sites in the islands. The use of snorkeling equipment and wetsuits is complimentary. Snorkeling activities take place before or after island excursions to see the blue-footed boobies and so much more.

Contact: 44 (0)20 7190 7749; http://www.sanctuaryretreats.com/cruises/

Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Fort Lauderdale, FL. With several packages offering equipment and instruction for beginning and experienced snorkelers, families will enjoy this recently renovated resort on South Florida’s largest private beach, near one of the best shore diving locations in the U.S. Consider the Beach-Bound Getaway package that includes all kids’ meals for ages 12 and under, 20% savings off all resort outlets and a daily resort credit to that covers daily snorkeling. Don’t miss the new kid’s clubhouse with a Hawaiian Surf Simulator allowing one to four children at a time to “surf” the waves.

Contact: 1-800-222-6543; For reservations, www.marriott.com/fllsb (use promotional code SPU); www.marriottharborbeach.com