Newport Beach

February 18, 2010

This is a test of the sub category page for beaches under the parent category of Orange County

Posted in Beaches, Orange County No Comments »

Trailmix.net

February 9, 2010

We have all heard the phrase “Like a kid in the candy store” before. Well screw candy, give me Trailmix!

Trailmix.net is an awesome new store located across the street from the California Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento. As someone who used to live about 15 minutes from Old Sacramento, I am totally bummed that this store was not around back when I was. It is basically an educational toy store combined with an outdoor gear store for kids. They have an awesome book selection and a craft room where kids can make projects like birdhouses, fossil necklaces, and tabletop greenhouses. Are you drooling yet? I know I am.

I absolutely loved meeting the owner who couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful. She let me talk her ear off about geocaching, something I didn’t know much about when I walked in their door but now can’t wait to do. Its basically a scavenger hunt of epic proportions that people can do in their own neck of the woods with a GPS. If you do decide to become a hardcore geocacher, Trailmix.net is your place to get all the latest and greatest supplies.  (Take a really cool virtual tour of the store here.)

Speaking of scavenger hunts, when you are in Old Sacramento with your kids you HAVE TO go pick up a free scavenger hunt sheet from Trailmix.net and try it. At the end of the hunt your kids will be able to go back to the store and claim a little prize out of the treasure chest. The hunt is fun and educational and I can’t wait until my kids come back to Sacramento with me so we can complete it together. My friend Lora at  Tripping With Kids (a must read blog, especially for those of you living in Northern California) completed the hunt and had a blast. You can read about it here.

If you live across the country and have no plans to visit Sacramento any time soon you can still get your fix of Trailmix. They have a great website filled with great products and activity ideas. Check it out here.

Note: This was not a paid or solicited endorsement of Trailmix.net. I just loved this store that much!

Posted in Family Friendly Adventures, National Parks, Road Trips, Sharlene's Musings, Site News, State Parks No Comments »

Punchbowl

February 8, 2010

One of the must do activities on Oahu is visiting the resting spot of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor. Standing above the sunken grave of American soldiers who gave their lives on December 7, 1941 is a moment I certainly will never forget. If you are interested in history and paying your respect to our troops, I would also encourage you to visit Punchbowl, the National Cemetery of the Pacific. Over 13,000 soldiers who died during World War II call Punchbowl their final resting place. It is a beautiful cemetery filled with incredible history.

Punchbowl holds an important place in my heart because it is where my grandfather is buried. He was a career Marine and served in three wars.

Even if you don’t really have alot of interest in military history, I think you will be amazed by the scenery. Punchbowl offers incredible views of Waikiki and surrounding areas.

If you would like more information on Punchbowl click here.

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