The August 2009 Sunset Magazine has a great article by Peter Fish and photographed by Ian Shive on National Parks With Amazing Views: Grand Teton National Park, Yosemite National Park, Channel Islands National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park. It has an on-line link to an interactive page with lots of information on Glacier National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Olympic National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Zion National Park. Watch the video of Sunset editor-in-chief Katie Tamony interviewing Ken Burns, who is the filmmaker of “National Parks: America’s Best Idea” – PBS will show it on September 27. The other videos are also very good. There are suggestions, photos and a map where you click on the park for even more info on activities, accommodations, campgrounds, and “top wow spots” from Sunset. I found it quite awesome!
Sunsets and Cell Phones
August 14, 2009Here’s a cute article by Beverly Beckham on the Grandparents.com site about a family vacation sunset experience on Cape Cod. It’s funny and true….
Hot August Nights
August 10, 2009The Reno Hot August Nights string of events is over for another year. Sounds like the Beach Boys were awesome at the Peppermill. The cars cruising all over Reno, Sparks and surrounding area were fun to see. You may want to keep it in mind for next year. We saw lots of pre-1973 cars. More cars were there than ever before but , surprise, surprise, spending was down as reported here in the RGJ. Here is a Reno Gazette-Journal listing of articles and photo albums from this year including the Saturday parade and the trailer queens.
Phantom Galleries
August 9, 2009Phantom galleries are temporary art galleries that occupy vacant storefronts. It is an intriguing concept that Geralda Miller writes about in today’s Reno Gazette Journal. She interviewed photographers Dean Burton and Franz Szony and artist Chad Sorg. I agree with Chad Sorg that this is a great concept.
Lots of Whales Off CA Coast
August 5, 2009The Daily Breeze reports there are lots of Blue Whales off the San Pedro coast this year. Seems like lots more than in the past. The Aquarium of the Pacific has a Whale Watching 101 site about all the sealife in the San Pedro Channel. The Daily Breeze also has another 8/1/09 article by Sandy Mazza with photos and Blue Whale Fact Sheet. Here is a CBS News video.
Saving Sea Otters
August 3, 2009The Monterey Bay Aquarium sent a letter yesterday about the plight of the sea otters. Here’s the aquarium’s page on Southern Sea Otters. Check out The Otter Project, too!
The Sea Otter Research and Recovery Act (H.R. 556) passed in the House late Tuesday afternoon by a vote of 316 to 107. Now the bill moves to the Senate; we’ll be sure to let you know when the time is right to ask for support from your Senator.
Here is the aquarium’s on-line Sea Otter Exhibit page and another page about sea otters with a video and activities. Here’s another video, too.
Dragon Boat Races
August 2, 2009The Dragon Boat races have just completed in Long Beach, CA. I can tell from my office because I don’t hear the screaming and cheering from the crowds any more! I am just on the other side of our condo complex or I’d be able to watch the boats, too! The Dragon Boat Festival is part of the festivals within the Long Beach Sea Festival. Got that!
Here is a history of Dragon Boats. The Long Beach Press-Telegram had an article on Thursday and a shorter one on Friday.
Brookfield Zoo
July 31, 2009When I was little and growing up in the Chicago area, a trip to the Brookfield Zoo was always so special. It is still true today! Lots is going on. You can also visit interactively here! Plan your day here. Enjoy!
Mt Rose Scenic Byway
July 30, 2009Here is a great little pamphlet on the Mt Rose Scenic Byway. It is on the Washoe County (NV) website. There are great trails (and wildflowers in the spring).
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