The following is an article that first appeared in the April 2003 issue of Upbeat Times, a regional newspaper which is published once a month in Sonoma County, CA. I had just arrived at the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center and was waiting in the front lobby when a young girl skipped in and the first excited words out of her mouth were "Mom, look its Snoopy!" I immediately saw what attracted her attention. On the wall were several … [Read more...]
Safari West, CA
A "little piece" of Africa is available to the general public in Sonoma County, about 1 hour 20 minutes north of San Francisco. Safari West is a gem of a nature preserve located only about 20 minutes from Santa Rosa off of Mark West Springs Road at the corner of Franz Valley Road (3115 Porter Creek Road). The park is about 15 minutes from Calistoga in the northern part of the Napa Valley. Visiting Napa for some wine tasting? Need a break? Come … [Read more...]
Safari West, CA – The Safari
Soon after pulling into the entrance of Safari West we hopped into a waiting 1952 Dodge Power Wagon Jeep and we were greeted by a young fellow in the driver's seat named Billy. Billy was born and raised in South Africa. His father was a bush pilot and Billy grew up around wild animals all of his life. He would be our driver and guide for the 2.5-hour tour. His background and insights into the animals and their behaviors was invaluable. The … [Read more...]
National Aquarium, Baltimore Maryland, March 2001
National Aquarium Baltimore Maryland - The next time you are in Baltimore, MD be sure to take about a few hours and visit the National Aquarium. It is located in the inner harbor area of Baltimore. Besides their overall marine exhibits, they also have a special showing of Seahorses (one of the best we've seen). This is one of the largest and most popular aquariums in the country. The aquarium contains over 16,500 marine animals from around the … [Read more...]
Catalina, CA
Twenty-two miles across the sea, separated from the mainland, by the gray waters that lie in hand, is a jewel of an island by the name of Catalina, or more romantically, Santa Catalina. If you arrive at sunset you may be treated and teased by nature's wonderful display of color and light. If you arrive after dark for the first time, the sparkling diamonds of Avalon will beckon you with their mysterious, yet at the same time energizing … [Read more...]
Mountain Zone – May 2000
Mountain Zone - was one of the earlier mountaineering sites on the internet - having been founded back in 1996 (the same year this site was started). For a number of years they covered and sponsored a number of major expeditions and covered major mountaineering news including the discovery of George Mallory's body on Mt. Everest and the Everest climbing disaster of 1996. Mt. Everest was on the front page of this site a lot back in their early … [Read more...]
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania – Route Itinerary
The following is a list of camps and descriptions that we stayed at while hiking up the Shira route. Base Camp is located at 6500 feet among lush vegetation. During certain times of the year elephants and herds of animals can be seen in this area. During clear days, there are stunning views of Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Several small roads and trails are in this area - some of the trails lead up to small mountains from which there are … [Read more...]
Bishop, CA – More Information
For more information about the Bristle cone Pine Forest visit the Inyo National Forest web site at www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recreation/recarea/?recid=20272&actid=50 or call (760) 873-2500. You may also write them at: Bristle cone Pine Forest Manager 798 North Main Bishop, CA 93514 Bishop Chamber of Commerce www.bishopvisitor.com 690 N. Main Street Bishop, CA 93514 or you can call them at 760.873.8405. Great website which during … [Read more...]
Chamonix, France – Other Attractions
The town of Chamonix offers plenty of shopping, relaxing or people watching. Chamonix reminds me of Whistler, British Columbia. It has the feel of being a high mountain village when in actuality it sits only approximately 3400 feet above sea level. Many local tourist shops sell stunning photographs of the surrounding mountains. These photographs are often only a few euros and are good presents for friends and family. However purchasing frames … [Read more...]
Mt. Shasta, CA – Mt Shasta City
Mt. Shasta City is everything one looks for in a base-of-a-mountain town; it is small, charming and a meeting place for those attracted to this great mountain. It is a collection of those who come to the base of the mountain seeking spiritual guidance, those who come to marvel at its beauty, those who come to try to reach its lofty summit, those passing through on the 5, those who live and work here and those who just want to connect with nature. … [Read more...]