Child goes to Hope Valley

It's been a very rocky month emotionally and travel-wise as some trips have been canceled or postponed due to the death of my Grandmother. A women who never step foot on an airplane after inspecting them during WWII, but a women who still instilled in me the wonders of nature and the outdoors through staycations and walks in her own backyard.

But we have returned west and are finishing out the summer with a couple more camping trip notches on our belt. This past weekend we loaded up the pop-up and headed almost exactly two hours east and south a bit to Hope Valley, California & the Hope Valley Resort. It lays 1/4mile east on Highway 88/89 of it's sister resort Sorenson's.


We drove in past the cafe to site#10 where our host, Eric Gunnison, greeted us. He is not only the host, but the reservations specialist and cleaning crew. He took one look at our rig and gave us advice on getting it into our site and pointed us down the hill. We proceeded down the rather steep hill to site #16 and our friends would be in #17 (a little trail between the two sites let the kids roam freely between the two). Nestled in the lower campground we had tall aspens all around us and to the north the west fork of the Carson River splashed over rocks making for wonderful music (and nearly drowning out the traffic from the highway above) and pretty small waterfalls. To our south was a massive granite wall. At only 25 sites this was a small campground, but it was nice as the kids quickly made friends with neighbors and the bathrooms/showers were all clean and complimentary. Including having a child potty seat hanging on the back of a door for the little ones in training. That night we dined on the usual night one meal of pasta (I had already cooked al dente at home), salad, veggies, bread, and topped it off with samores.


Saturday morning we topped off our tanks with pancakes and fruit. While clean-up and packing happened for the day's adventures the kids headed off to the end of the campground & a bridge (careful gap between bottom and top rail is quite large and small children should be watched over)that overlooked the river. They also tried making it down the California Trail which was clearly marked and crossed the property. Unfortunately we quickly learned this must not be a popular trail as overgrowth met us rather quickly and we had to turn back. It was kind of a bummer since the trail holds so much historical value.


So we loaded up and headed about 20minutes up the road to Grover Hot Springs State Park. It's very well marked turn in the little town of Markleeville. We were excited as this is another historic spot having been documented in writings back to the mid 1800's. Our first destination was the pools, so rather than turning towards the gate house entrance we kept going straight. We had warned the kids upfront as this was fed by natural hot springs the water may not be clear and it may be yellow or green. The kids jumped for joy and we did too after shelling out $5 per adult & $3 per child to find a "cold" pool (which was still 90degrees) that was fed from the mineral springs, but was treated and cold water added and looked like your garden variety backyard rectangle clean, clear pool. Starting at one end at 2&1/2ft deep and dropping to 6ft on the far end. After using the very clean changing rooms, complete with single shower, and single bathroom we jumped in. After a while their curiosity got the better of them and we ventured over to the hot pool (102-104degrees). Even though yellow in color it was clear and the large number of people enjoying it drew the kids' interest. They loved sitting on the benches that nearly went all the way around the oval pool. So we spent the next hour and a half going back and forth between the two.

In complete sun though...the heat and the activity soon got the better of us and we went to the actual State Park to seek shade and lunch. Immediately past the gate house was a wonderful day use picnic area which ran along a stream and had a wonderfully clean bathroom. We enjoyed lunch and built stick doll houses out of the items we found on the forest floor. If we were not so exhausted after all that we might have tried the Nature Trail which is just a little loop with lots of signs describing the flora. And definitely when the kids get older we would like to return to do the Burnside trail which is 3miles round trip and rises 2K ft passing a waterfall and swtichbacking up to Burnside Lake. This is a rather small State Park with only the picnic area, a campground and a parking lot for the trail head. But it seemed wonderfully kept, had lots of visitors, so we made our way through the campgrounds and marked a few sites intending to return next year.


Back to Sorensons we enjoyed snacks at the cafe. It's very quaint with a few staples, souvenirs, and a bar serving beer and coffee drinks. We were a little disappointed as they advertised ice cream, so we had to quickly dodge angry toddlers/preschoolers with other alternatives when the lady tending the store told us they were all out. Shew...organic gummy treats at $5.50 a container, a beer, cookie, brownie...and we sat out on the front porch and watched the traffic roll by. One other cafe heads up...no credit cards, but there is a ATM outside. Back down to camp for coloring while dinner was prepared. Tonight kabobs, hot dogs, veggies, fruit...and again samores. Bedtime came on time as everyone was tuckered out from the day.


The next morning we packed it up and made one last stop before driving home. The sister resort, Sorensons, boasted free hot chocolate, coffee, etc for Hope Valley Resort vacationers. Unfortunately no good place to park the pop-up we literally pulled it off the side of the road and walked across. We were met with beautiful gardens in full bloom. Wine Barrels and tubs of every kind overflowing. But the kids enjoyed the numerous bears composed of wire and moss scattered around the property. One rather large guy lay on his belly reading a book, a father & son fished, and a family played in the trees. The staff was very welcoming to us campers and the hot chocolates loaded with cinnamon and whip cream were delightful.

A gorgeous weekend in gorgeous country. We will return as a family to this as well as Grover Hot Springs we have vowed. And Mommy and Daddy have agreed a overnight retreat to Sorensons may be in our plans quite soon.


NOTE: There is no cell phone service in this area. Sorensons has WiFi, but still no cell coverage. Bothe Hope Vally & Sorensons has pay phones.

Child Goes to Camp Richardson

Ahhh...what a way to beat the Sacramento Valley/Foothills 100+ degrees than to pack up the pop-up and head to the Sierras with some friends. There is a little jewel where the traffic backs up on Highway 89 after it departs South Lake Tahoe and starts winding it's way to Emerald Bay, Camp Richardson Historic Resort & Marina.

We made our reservations about a month prior to our visit so site pickings amongst it 100 full hook-up sites were very limited. We wound up in #33, but having looked around would have preferred #43, #44, #48, #49. Well, anything that follows my general rules on staying on the outside of any loops/rings. The inner located sites were very cramped, but luckily there is so much to do here we were hardly at our camper anyhow.


After popping everything up we fixed dinner of spaghetti (noodles already cooked al dente), veggie platter, and bread. Then we ventured out on our first explore before bedtime...the Ice Cream Parlor which was located on our side, the south side of the resort. The scoops were extremely generous. The kids could have easily shared a kids scoop and the adults could have had a kid-sized scoop. With probably 15+ flavors to choose from, waffle cones, etc it was wonderful. From opening to closing at 10PM this place has bodies strewn all over it's lawn and on it's picnic tables indulging the calories they may have just taken off on the bike trail, hike, kayak, or swim. We also hit up the general store for a couple of forgotten items and it had it all from souvenirs to sundries...and a deli counter. Again more tables inside as well as a lawn and picnic tables out. These places were always bustling, but well staffed.


Saturday morning we were up bright and early. And after a french toast and fruit breakfast we were energized to hit the bike trail with our tag-along and bike seat. Located on the North/Lake side of the road is the incredible Tahoe bike trail. Well, paved with well-mannered riders and incredible vistas it is a must do. And if you don't have or forgot your bikes the Resort's Mountain Sports Center nestled between the RV check-in and the coffee shop on the South side of 89 has everything you might want to rent...road bikes, mountain, tag-alongs, trailers, kids, etc.. They are also a wealth of knowledge on where to go...as well as very kind to help with simple repairs of your own ride if needed.


Back for lunch we packed up coolers, chairs, and beach play toys and headed again to the south side of the road and the beach. With little kids we didn't want to try to trek it, but we learned it was $7 for parking even if we were staying at the resort. So we asked them for a drop-off pass and unloaded everyone & everything then one adult re-parked the car at our site and made the 7min walk/3min run back over. We set-up right in front of the Beacon restaurant which proved wonderful in the afternoon when a band started playing. We tried to get close to the water so the kids had easy access to us & the water without dragging sand and their wet bodies through other people's areas. The beach did get fairly crowded, but everyone was friendly and the kids did the usual toy swap all day. BTW...my tip to not losing your sand toys...take a permanent marker and put your last name on everything. Really helps at the end of the day when everyone has the shovel and bucket set from the dollar bin at Target. I walked our 2.5yo back to the camper for a nap while my husband & nearly 5yo rented sea kayaks and went for a tour of the area. Sea Kayaks, Paddle Boats, SeaDoos, Ski Boats...and on and on...you name it and it is available at the Marina.


Lots of sun and everyone was exhausted we spent the evening having your traditional hot dog & brat picnic style dinner with samores for dessert. After everyone was good and gooey we took to the free hot showers to de-dirtify. And all the kids nestled to watch a movie on the portable DVD player before heading to sleep. Which btw was quickly interrupted by a family of bears meandering through the campground. No bear lockers here, but you were advised to bring your food in every night. We opted to put it in the car. We'd rather have a broken car window than an attack on our pop-up with us in it. Apparently we did have a cub under our trailer for a bit until the park ranger with his truck's flashing lights and flash light moved him on to the back of the campground and eventually out all together.


Sunday morning was pack-up time and we squeezed in one more bike ride..this time to the east. We enjoyed a stop at Pope Beach and definitely agreed this is one we will return too. No music close by, but the longest beach in Lake Tahoe, clean, and a lot less crowded.


And even if you are coming to Tahoe to visit and are not a local with all the camping gear they offer cabins and a hotel. Child will definitely be going to Camp Richardson again....

Child Goes 48hrs in San Francisco

We are lucky enough to have a few friends who have managed to stick out the high costs of housing in San Francisco. Lucky because we have people to go and visit...and have free lodging. Lodging in the city costs well over $100 a night...generally starting more at the $150 range. So with an offer from a friend on the Richmond side of Golden Gate Park we headed to the "city" for a couple of days prior to the 4th of July holiday.

Little kids in a big city, especially ours who are from the country...just the stimulation of all the noise, lights, etc can be very tiring, so we plotted out small adventures for each day.

Mass transit may feel completely overwhelming with small children in the big city. But really it is the only way to go...and once you plot your path you will be pleasantly surprised at how well it goes. Because to a child...a train is a train. And they are all amazing fun! The BART, MUNI, and Ferry Services of San Francisco are amazing and easy to maneuver and for children under age 5...FREE!

Day 1 we opted to head out to one of San Francisco's endearing spots...Pier 39. It has it all...food, aquarium, arcade, theatre, rides, ferry boat tours, restaurants...and the Sea Lions. We hopped the mass transit and with one transfer at Embarcadero to a line made of of historical rail cars called the F Line which runs along Fisherman's Wharf and will drop you right at Pier39. The kids' followed their ears to the sea lions and sat on and climbed the wooden tiered seating system for a good 45minutes. Next we ventured to the center of the wharf where the kids enjoyed meandering through a few shops and then a ride on the 2nd floor of a 2 story carousel. And thanks to my husband's watchful eye...as you face Pier 39 after exiting the street car on the right you will see some green space. There surrounded by a hedge is a play structure as well as a small house made of vines. We lounged looking out on the city's downtown, Coit tower, etc while the kids stretched their legs. Then we decided to stretch ours and tucked them into our double McClaren stroller and wheeled them back down to Pier 1...The Ferry Building. Again my husband had been watchful that day and noticed it was Farmer's Market Day. Here we grabbed lunch at Mijita. We always tend to choose this location because it is on the backside of the building and has outdoor seating right where the ferries dock and load and unload. This consumed our morning...and with a small cup of Ciao Bella Gelato in their hands we headed back on the trains we made our way back to our friend's for naps.

After naps we went ventured a few blocks via the L bus line to Golden Gate Park's Children's Playground. The playground is amazing...it makes every adult want to take off their shoes and climb, jump, etc.. Two amazing play structures...for the smaller and bit larger children. A massive webbed climbing structure, waves which hidden in their foam are holds that create a long, tall climbing wall as the crest over a soft padded ground., and swings. As it this was not enough...in a gorgeous surrounding...there is a unique slide made of concrete that children descend on via pieces of cardboard...and a beautiful carousel.

Dinner time we deferred to our friends who live or have lived in the city with children. San Francisco is an amazing wealth of culinary delights, so we did not want to stay in every night and dine on mac-n-cheese. We opted for the Park Chow. Always on San Fran's top 100 when we walked into the bottom floor we were a bit worried about our choice as it's long bar and narrow seating. But the bartender said our table awaited upstairs...where the mood was still loud and fun (drowning out our own children's noise), but also under a glass roof and very open and somewhat rustic surrounding. A children's menu, coloring, and fast service...and we had definitely made a good choice.

Day2 we headed over to the Academy of the Sciences. This renovated San Francisco classic has received huge amounts of press and rightly so, but with it comes crowds, lines, etc.. Lucky for us our hostess was a member which put us in a different line than the general public and allowed us to purchase extra tickets at a different kiosk as well. With our children being toddler and preschool in age we forwent the planetarium and Rainforest...both which had large lines even at opening. We instead choose to spend most of our time in the aquarium areas and at touch pools and waving to divers who cleaned to tanks. 2.5hrs later and we had seen it all...and this seemed to be perfect timing for the children...as well as the perfect child on the go in San Francisco.

(NOTE: Above I reference my McClarren Stroller...and I do this because it has been a saving grace in many situations. It is one of the few doubles that folds up end to a short 48hour umbrella like. And a funny connection to San Fran...seems like everyone has a McClarren. I think it is due to it's rugid construction of steel that can withstand the rigors of the city streets and life)

Happy Father's Day!

I have so enjoyed the last 4+ years of my husband being my partner to take my children "on the go!" We have a long list to tackle, but with him by my side I am excited the adventures we will be taking as a family in the years to come.

But for now a little photo collage of our success to date.

Happy Father's Day!

Start "Go"ing Local

We just had some friends do the cross country transplant...Boston to Northern California. Totally new to the area they remembered that my blog had several entries regarding Northern California and thought perhaps we were here and sent an email. A couple of exchanges later and I had sent a list of places and activities to start them and their family that contains three children, 6months, 2.5yrs, and 3.5yrs "go"ing in their new location.
(Funderland 30mi from home-->)

And they have taken the list and are checking things off rather quickly with the wonderful attitude that "We decided if the kids don't make it very long we'll just pack up early but we'd like to try!" They can do this because they are easing their kids into their new surroundings as well as making them change adaptive by doing lots of activities locally.

(<--Rodeo Park, 13mi from home) The first area to look close to home is your local Parks and Recreation Department or Community Services District. For starters this is generally who maintains your parks system and therefore will have a list of parks with addresses and generally descriptions. What kid does not love a park. And generally you will be surprised to find many you did not even know existed. We literally could probably pick a day every week of the summer and go to a different park within a 15mile radius of us and still not visit them all. My to go list for Parks:

> Sunscreen

> Baby Powder (for drying and brushing off sand from sandboxes)

> Sand Toys (with your family name in permanent marker)

> Hydration & Snack (sack lunches if you want to extend your visit)

> Change of Clothes

> Swim clothes & towel (if park has a water feature)

Other things your local Department or District may offer is classes...from cultural in the arts (dance, theater, media arts, cooking) to sports training or teams (soccer, t-ball, swim, flag football). Some go as far as to offer full blown camps in the summer that may be a mix of classes. And most are very economical especially if you are a resident in their covered territory.

Then there are other local attractions such as zoos, libraries, museums, that if you are good and review their calendars will have special events for kids or even free admission days. These are good ways to get kids on the go and marry that with my favorite quotation which comes from the children's characters Toot & Puddle.."The more you go...the more you know."

(Folsom Zoo, 13mi from home-->)

(<--Amador Co Fair, 30mi from home)

And lastly alway ensure to grab your local paper at least on the day they publish their local calendar of events. In addition to many of the event attractions listed above you will also find local festivals, fairs, and concerts. Or if your community is large enough to have a local magazine it seems as though the focus of the May or June Issue is always the family and summer activities as this is the time kids are getting out of the traditional school year and parents are plotting the summer activities. Another source is the local Visitor's Authority.

So even if your children or even you for that matter are not ready for that road trip quite yet you can slowly work your way there by "go"ing on mini-adventures in your community.

For my local readers here's some of my favorite resources. but for my non-local readers you can pretty much do a search on these same titles, but replace the location with yours:

>El Dorado Hills Community Services District

>Folsom Parks and Recreation Department

>Sacramento Bee Entertainment Section

>Folsom Zoo

>Fairytale Town

>Sacramento Zoo

>Funderland

>Foothills Style

>El Dorado County Library

>El Dorado County Visitor's Authority

Child Returns to the Big Trees with Friends

We enjoyed Calaveras Big Trees State Park so much last year that we really wanted to return this year and take along some friends. So our annual wine tasting trip where this blog began seemed to be the perfect reason for the return as Calaveras and more to the point the town of Murphys houses a dozen+ tasting rooms.

We had 2 sites reserved for Friday and Saturday night at the North Grove Campground within Calaveras Big Trees State Park. We arrived approx 30mins after check-in began at 2PM and found there were only 2 choices for us to be side-by-side. They do not make advance site assignments. Upon advice from the Rangers we took sites #41 & #43. which worked out fairly well. Level with huge open space between for our friends and tent-campers to set-up and the kids to run freely between the two pop-up trailers and be seen at all times. Had we had a better choices and had they been open we would have preferred something on the far side of the meadow and away from the traffic of the highway, but not too bad none-the-less. We had bathrooms a 30sec hike up a hill and the coin-operated showers were a walk or bike ride away. Next time for showers we will forgo the handicap/family one for the girls and boys individual. The room was large and open and therefore cold and the only shower head was a hand-held that was set at about 4&1/2ft high with no ability to increase it's heigth.

Friday night we set-up, did a bike ride to the visitor's center to check out the weekend's activities, and had dinner. Bikes are allowed, but not on any trails of course. Dinner was Pasta Puttanesca, which is wonderful as the pasta can be cooked aldente and just reheated as well as the sauce...and for the kids we could do butter noodles. The visitor's center was a wealth of information even when closed...5PM weeknights, 6PM Saturday & Sunday as there was a large bulletin board with the times, descriptions, age requirements, meeting places of various activities. And if you had any questions during the closed hours a very well versed camp host was the first site on the right. This is also where we picked up spare firewood for the evening and were even told could have gotten it at the Ranger Station upfront had our host not been around.

Up bright and early Saturday morning after a chilly night...our heat decided to not work our breakfast was breakfast burritos, various pastries, and cereal, oatmeal for the kids. We set off at 10AM for some programs for the kids. This park had an incredible staff of volunteers and therefore not only held the standard Junior Ranger Programs for the 7-12 yr olds, but also had a cubs program for 3-6yr olds. We tried to get the two 2.5yr olds to participate and even though the volunteers were willing to have them their attention span only lasted a brief while which was fine as the wonderful trails of the North Grove were a few steps away and the parents took them for a walk. The remaining 4yr olds enjoyed learning about various animals, flora, and fauna within the park as our volunteer, Marilyn, made forest soup. She definitely knew her audience as when they got about half way through she had them get up and move around and act our various animals. Then using egg crates they made caterpillars. After the hour program we set off on the North Grove Trails with them to rev up their appetites for lunch and a nap.

Unfortunately the afternoon was drizzly and chilly, so we spent a lot of time in the trailers or under the awnings playing cards, doing puzzles, etc.. During a break we did venture down to the visitor's center again to wonder through the exhibits where there was a lot of tactile items for the kids to handle and touch. The 4yr olds even sat through a beautiful slide show of the history of the park. On the way back to our sites we walked the boardwalk of the marshy meadow. This boardwalk definitely needs some revitalization, but was very nice none the less. Dinner this evening was taco salads for the adults and quessadillas for the kids. Again another meal that much can be done ahead and just reheated...rice, beans, meat, and various toppings...all placed into a bowl. And of course each evening was topped off with the traditional samores.

Sunday was pack-up and move-on time. Sunny and beautiful a few of us took the kids to the boardwalk again on a flora and fauna hunt to keep them occupied while others packed up. We were on the road to Murphys...about 12mi away just after 11AM. Check-out is Noon.

We parked the tent trailers right across the street from 221 Main Street and the home of Black Sheep Vintners. We enjoyed some tastes and made some purchases while the kids all sat on their front porch doodling on the Etch-A-Sketch's they had available. The only slightly annoying rule was you could not step one foot out the front door with a glass in hand to check on the kids. Oh well, we can not have it all. After some q&a with a couple of locals we made our way down to 402 Main Street and Firewood for lunch. Plenty of choices for everyone and the best feature just around the corner was the wonderful Murphys Community Park on the river with a play structure where we took the kids while the food was prepared and just rang cell phones when it started to arrive at the table. Ask any local and they can point you in the right direction. After they enjoyed lunch watching the passersby we ventured up a few doors to 454 Main Street and The Peppermint Stick for dessert. Dreyers choices were made and we proceeded outside to sit on the curb which sat about 15ft off the street where the kids could look at all the motorcycles and if we lost a cone or dripped it was right into the gutter. Heading back for the RVs time for the adults to have dessert and it was at 350 Main Street and the Twisted Oak Tasting Room. A large fenced tree-shaded flat lawn welcomed the kids as did a trunk of toys just inside the tasting room door. They played tag, red light green light, and various other games while the adults watched and lingered in and out of the tasting room trying the various libations. With wine purchased and every child ran through their wonderfully clean and spacious restroom we embarked on the road home. (Photo Insert: Playing Doctor on Twisted Oak's lawn)

The weather cold have been a little nicer for us on Saturday, but all in all we loved this trip. Definitely a do-over either camping...or sans kids at one of the historic hotels in Murphys. But we will be back.

What to Pack When Child Goes Camping....

I finally got serious with camping trip #2 of 2009 this weekend and put pen to paper in the high tech sense and made a re printable check-list of our must-have's...minus food. And I am sure via our own experiences and the wonderful inputs of this blog's readers it will grow and evolve. I left nearly all inputs as generic, but would like to take a minute in this week's posting and share some products or brands we prefer.

Starting in the Toiletries section. Now I know it is hard to go Eco-friendly (most notably because a lot of these items are expensive) all the time on things such as shampoo, toilet paper, toothpaste, wipes, but there is something that truly eats away at my consciousness when I am camping in some of the most pristine and preserved lands in our nation and then leave behind a huge bag of trash or soap scum from the showers. So for our camping provisions I do go out of my way to spend the extra dollar and get products to leave a lesser footprint on these areas I hope survive long enough to see my children's grandchildren one day.

Also in the toiletries section you will find sunscreen and bug spray mentioned. We are huge fans of Avon's SKIN SO SOFT Bug Guard SPF 30. At $14 a pop you may feel it is a little pricey, but remember you are getting 2 in 1....bug spray and sunscreen. Also if you keep your eye out you can always find a sale on it about every few weeks. We are also fans of the Off! Towelettes for use on the kids' faces. Spraying their face or wiping on lotion...no matter how hard I try we seem to always be flushing their eyes due to their rubbing or our misdirection. The towelettes dry quickly and are more error free. We are also fans of the Off! Power Pad Lamp. Stronger than 15 citronella candles, flame is protected in lantern from little hands...and a little mood lighting all in one.

When it comes to kitchen supplies we have pretty much stocked our trailer or camping box with very used things from our home kitchen. The only splurges came in some very heavy picnic plates, bowls, silverware, etc.. And even those you can find on sale at the end of summer or even at a dollar store. Again on the environmental front...we try to only use paper goods for perhaps the first meal or the last meal when you are busy unpacking or packing up. Otherwise reusable plastic that can be washed with your enviro soap is a great way to protect the environment...and over time save a dime and offset the expensive Seventh Generation or other Dish Soap.

Otherwise the list is pretty self explanatory...and here's a few closing remarks. We always keep a crate of kids toys at the ready...with sand toys, bug catchers, etc.. Most are very good about this in general, but make sure to pack your kids helmets if they bring their bikes or scooters. If under the age of 18 most campgrounds require a helmet within their properties and rangers will quickly approach any child out for a spin without one and escort them back to their parents. Always have extra batteries...rechargeable that are charged are best. We carry a utility type bucket...this is good for washing dishes, hands, feet, or carrying your stuff to and from the public restroom or shower as there is generally very little space to sit things in or on... and let's be frank...even the cleanest of campground restroom/shower floors are still a little scary. Whether camping via a tent or a trailer a large outdoor carpet or in our case the cheap way out...a huge swath of faux grass from Home Depot serves as a place to leave shoes and dirt before entering the sleeping quarters. We are also big fans of the Alps Mountaineering chairs, tables, and camping gear in general as well as REI. Make sure you shop around...lots of places carry it and the prices can be very different.

I know...we are missing food on here. I will tell you we pack three ways...1 large crate for dry goods, 1 cooler for beverages, and 1 cooler for cold foods. As the summer progresses I will take the time to share some camping recipes and some of our favorite must have beverages, snacks, and foods while in the wild.

Please review our ever evolving list...and share what's on yours or your favorite brands or products.