Notes From the Far North

Their "summer office" is a boat in the far North...on the Yukon River.  They study the Peregrine Falcons along the river each year, counting nesting pairs, then counting babies about two weeks later.  Such a life, what a job!  These are notes from my daughter and son-in-law.  I am sharing them with their permission, so you can enjoy the beauty of this wonderful land!

Yukon River

Photo: Florian/Ambrose

Greetings from the Far North!

We just returned from 3 weeks of surveying for falcons out on the Yukon River.  It was a great trip, a little rainy but we stayed nice and dry in the Dream Boat (love that Dream Boat!!!).  Before this trip, we thought that the peregrine population was leveling off at about 53-54 occupied territories in our 160 mile study area.  We were wrong.  This year we found 60 occupied territories!  We were hoping to get one or two more territories, but 6 more was a pleasant surprise.  Just when you think you might know what's going on around here, you find out you really don't.  Needs more research, as we like to say!

My Granddog, Abbey

Photo: Florian/Ambrose

Big chunks of ice on the Yukon River

Photo: Florian/Ambrose

We tried a few new recipes this trip and the big hit was the fresh baked bread.  The first loaf was a beautiful Yukon Sourdough and the second was the super easy No Knead Bread recipe.  It took some guess-work to figure our the right number of coals for the Dutch Oven, but it all worked out fine.  We got some sourdough starter from our favorite little restaurant up here and made sourdough pancakes too.  Not as good as Sourdough Sam's pancakes, but still good.

Rainbow on the Yukon on a stormy night

Photo: Florian/Ambrose

We are going to do a little traveling around here before we go back out to the Yukon again in July.  More photos coming soon!

~Chris, Skip, and Abbey the Wonder Dog of the Yukon

Get out and explore!
Pat

Try These Family Fun Attractions ~ US

Photo: Flying Cloud flickr.com

The US has almost cornered the market in family fun attractions with all the theme parks and educational museums.  Although many states have their versions,  the majority of the large ones can be found in Florida and California.

The most famous are Disney World, Sea World and Six Flags, but one doesn't need to look far to find a number of smaller attractions like Dollywood, owned by country singer Dolly Parton.  Also worth a mention are Busch Gardens, Magic Springs and Silver Dollar City.  Nearly every state has some sort of theme park or family fun adventure. These range from amusement parks with rides, to zoo type parks to aquatic parks and even movie studios you can tour.

It doesn't matter which state you travel to, you can enjoy a family fun vacation that kids and adults of all ages will enjoy.

Photo: Andy Roberts Photos

There are also odd and unusual destinations if that us your taste.  Ripley's Believe it or Not Museums are a great place to visit. There are about 25 of them located in the US, Mexico and Canada. They also have other attractions like wax museums and aquariums, but the biggest of the Ripley's line of attractions is the oddity museums. No matter what part of the US you visit, there is likely a Ripley's fun attraction within a days drive.

For a great family fun vacation you can visit Pigeon Forge, TN. This is the home of Dollywood, but also has other attractions, from bumper cars to laser tag. You can also visit one of the two Titanic museums, and/or check out Wonderworks. This area also offers a year-round Christmas village. Wouldn't it be fun to stay at the Inn and enjoy Christmas decorations any time of the year?

Photo: treehouses.com

If you happen to be around Cave Junction, Oregon,you and your kids may love to stay at the Tree House Resort.  The cabins built in tree tops are roomy enough for the whole family. In addition, there's fun for the whole family with horseback riding, zip line adventures and some caves nearby.

Other cool places to visit or stay include an African safari outside of Santa Rosa, CA.  Safari West includes all types of animals and lodging is available on the reserve.  There is no television or cell service, so this is a great vacation spot if you want to get away from those things for a day or two.

The United States offers a ton of unique and fun things to do for the whole family. The places listed above seem pretty normal, but the states also has its share of odd-ball attractions too.  Stuff from the largest ball of twine to the largest skillet.  If oddity is something you like, the states will have plenty for you - just Google your ideas.

Be sure to visit Exploration Travel Magazine and read my latest article on Airline Fees!  I'd be honored if you would follow this blog and also subscribe to the Travel Magazine!  I'll be writing a column every Wednesday on what's in the news on travel.

Get out and explore!

Pat

It's Official ~ I Am A Columnist!

Okay...so now I am officially a columnist for a Travel Magazine!  I am so excited I don't know how to act!  Do you ever feel that way?  I just want to tell everyone I see, but I wonder if they would care.  (chuckle)

Exploration Travel Magazine is a brand-spankin' new online publication that is full of articles written by folks who have been travel writing for years, have traveled themselves, and hope to appeal to all types of traveler.  I will be writing a weekly article under the tab Pat's Travel Talk on what's in the news during the week.  You can expect humor, outrage, commentary, and good-to-know information.  I hope you will follow me, comment on my writing, and subscribe to the magazine while you are there.  I'd also like to ask you to spread the word and encourage others to do the same!

As for this new blog...I hope to write about places we have visited or travel ideas, as well as what I find while doing my research for the magazine.  I'll try to keep the two from overlapping (except for this first post, which is similar to what I posted for Exploration Travel magazine) so you don't get too much of a good thing!  (just kidding)

Your comments are welcome...as is your encouragement as I take journey down this new path in life. 

Thanks for visiting...I hope before you leave you will follow my blog or subscribe so you won't miss a post.

Get out and explore...
Pat

Adult Camps ~ Who Knew?

Are you aware that there are summer camps in the U.S. for adults only?  It was news to me and a welcome offering I might add.  Have you ever wished you could learn to bull ride?  Aha…there’s a camp for that!  Maybe you like acting, dancing, or photography.  Sure, there is a camp for those, too.  Or perhaps your interest lies elsewhere, like surfing, golf, racing/driving, religious studies, etc.  Visit www.grownupcamps.com for an extensive list of offerings.

Here’s one that appeals to me before I even read the details…Roar & Snore at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.  Really!  Sign me up & ship me off to California!  The age limit is 21 or older for this overnight adventure.  The campers get to experience behind the scenes, evening hikes, and face time with the critters.  How’s that for nightlife?  The adventure includes guided walks, a campfire program, dinner, an evening snack, breakfast, and a souvenir.  There are choices of tents, with pricing ranging from $182 to $262 depending on your accommodation selection. 

Do you like murder mysteries?   Treat yourself to a vacation right out of the game “Clue.”   The minute you check in to the Harry Packer Mansion in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, murder and mayhem unfold. You and the other guests will be assigned a character based on one of the family members who lived in the mansion during the 1870s. When the crime is committed, clues will be revealed by inspector Bob (a.k.a. owner Bob Handwerk) at every meal to help you piece together the details of the crime—including the culprit.  Murder mysteries are scheduled every weekend. Cost: $525–$650 per couple for two nights (depending on accommodation); meals and lodging are included.  For reservations or more information, call 570-325-8566 or visit MurderMansion.com .

A little research will turn up a variety of choices for adult camps.  You won’t be alone – this seems to be the up-an-coming vacation fad or fancy for the grown-ups.