Summer temperatures have officially reached Southern California, so this week might not have been the best time to go watermelon picking in Irvine. But I’d heard such great things about the tours at Tanaka Farms that I couldn’t resist the chance to take the big explorer for a visit.Lucky for us, the heat wasn’t as fierce as it can get. There were intermittent breezes and thanks … [Read more...]
Where to Go in Yosemite With Kids: Chilnualna Falls
Welcome to the first in a series of posts I’ll be writing over the next month or so called “Where to Go in Yosemite With Kids” (especially young kids like mine, aged 5 ½ and 2 years.) I couldn't share everything here, so if you have any specific questions, please feel free to email me at tdj2004 [at] gmail [dot] com.I’ve been coming to Yosemite National Park every summer since … [Read more...]
Fun Friday: Plant a Tree From Seed
Fun Friday activities are quick-and-simple ways to explore nature in your own backyard. THE IDEA: Plant a tree from seed This one came straight from the big explorer himself. While touring my step-mom’s “secret garden” (her name, not mine) just before our trip to Yosemite, the big explorer spotted this cool looking seedpod. He asked grandma what it was and she … [Read more...]
My Favorite Yosemite Moments
I’ve been home roughly 24 hours and am already longing to be back in Yosemite. Funny how a place can get to you like that.This trip to the family cabin was the first in which I began to feel a circle completing itself as I watched my kids play in the same places I did when I was young.Maybe it’s because the big explorer is a year older; maybe it’s because the little explorer is … [Read more...]
The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
After our tidepool discoveries at Point Fermin State Marine Park, we headed to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium just a short walk away. If you’ve been to the nearby Aquarium of the Pacific, this place is a refreshing change. What it lacks in size and newness it more than makes up for in its price and much smaller crowds. What’s even better is that it’s located within Cabrillo … [Read more...]