Tami's Travel and Adventures

Jobs pay the bills but travel and adventure are food for the soul.

Archives for October 2018

Daly Ranch – Just a Short Hike Away

Family Fun, Hikes

Work, Hike and Play

We all know that the work – life balance can often tilt more in the direction of work. When part of my work team asked me to lead them on a hike one weekend I was thrilled.  I have always enjoyed being outdoors and being able to take people out into nature so they can see what I enjoy excites me!  The best part is watching the confidence glow from someone who did not think they could do it.  Awwww the power of the outdoors.

Hike with my team
Strong and Beautiful – Lindsey, Brittany and Yolanda

The Start of the Day

I decided to make our first hike a somewhat shorter hike of 3.4 miles. Two girls from my front office, Lindsey and Brittany met at my house at 7 a.m. and then we traveled to Daly Ranch in Escondido to start our adventure. https://www.escondido.org/daley-ranch.aspx  We met up with Yolanda  and started promptly at 7:30 am.   The morning was cool and carried the crispness one feels in the beginning of fall.  My husband was teasing me stating I was like a school teacher because I had packed tangerines and protein bars for each of us.  I don’t know about you but I never had a school teacher pack me a bag of goodies!

The First Mile

Our first mile was a gradual uphill climb.  We took it nice and slow and stopped when I could hear the breathing of the team sounding labored.  It wasn’t about finishing our hike in record time, it was about showing people they had it in them to be out on the trail.  We would stop and peer out over North County as the cloud cover slowly began to burn off.  Soon the cool morning air would be thickening with the heat of the day as the sun peeked through the clouds.

Brittany relaxing on our hike
Brittany enjoying a quick break

As we reached the peak, there was a park bench that provided a view looking out over Lake Dixon and the  surrounding rolling hills.  Brittany took the opportunity to take a break and enjoy the view from a different angle!

Break Time

Daly Ranch House is a beautiful Ranch House that has a surrounding picnic area.  There is an old barn that seems to draw me in everytime I see it like an old friend.  We took our packs off and enjoyed some tangelos and protein bars while we shared stories of younger days.  There was something nice about being away from work with these ladies.  Each has a story of their own and courage and perseverance that is inspiring to witness.

Picnic time on our hike
Enjoying time out of the office

The Last Mile

Although Daly Ranch has miles of trails, the final trail back to the dirt parking lot is actually a paved road that leads up to the Ranch House itself.  You have the option of returning on the original path we came up but we took the ranger’s road down.

Lindsey on ranger road on hike
Lindsey with attitude

The trees and surrounding landscape are beautiful and create a nice easy stroll back to the cars. There are several small trails that branch off in each direction from the ranger’s road that allow you the opportunity to add in a few more miles before returning home.

An Unexpected Surprise

As we approached the parking lot we were all talking about how good a nice cold beer would taste.  Yolanda opens up her back door and pulls out a makeshift ice chest.  What do you think was in it?  Gotta love that lady!!!!

enjoying a cold one after hike
Cheers to the best team!

Remember to Make Time to Play

It is so easy to get caught up in the daily routines of wake, work, eat, sleep.  Many say they don’t have the time to do anything but the fact is, you have to make it.  Just like you have to make time to go grocery shopping, get into a doctor’s appointment or go to that dreaded party. You have to make time for fun.  Remember that the good times you share with family and friends are memories that will not soon be forgotten.

If you are looking for local hikes in your area my favorite app is All Trails.  You can use the free version or upgrade to Pro.  Now get out there and play!

Day trip to Boston Massachusetts

Travel

 

City view of Boston
City View of Boston

Getting There

A vacation to New England would not be complete without a day trip into Boston. My husband is a history buff and to him the city is like a candy shop in front of a child.  The old churches, historic buildings and graveyards dating back two to three centuries are sure to intrigue all those who enter.  On our recent trip to New England in October   https://tamistravelandadventures.com/index.php/2018/10/17/fall-in-new-england/ we decided to drive all the way in to the north side of Boston.  In the past, we drove to the outskirts and then hailed a subway to venture into the heart of town.  This avoids all the chaos of maneuvering their crazy roads and I would recommend this method versus driving into the heart.

Parks Galore

Tadpole Playground in Boston Common
A great stop to let the kids play

There are so many parks throughout Boston and each offers something unique.  One of our favorites is the Boston Common. This huge park is home to Tadpole Playground, and is adjacent to Frog Pond which doubles for an ice rink during the winter and a splash pool in summer months.  This park is also where the Freedom Trail begins, a 2.5 mile path that takes you past 16 landmarks significant in American history. If you are taking a trip to Boston, this is a must do!

Carousel Fun with Grandpa Greg

Carousel Fun in Boston Common

Our grandson Shane was having a great time exploring the park and chasing squirrels.  Greg saw a merry-go-round and headed off with his “little prince” towards the musical contraption.  Our daughter Amber bought them tickets and off Grandpa and Shane went for their new adventure. They were  enjoying the ride until they came around to where we were all standing and cheering.  Shane let out a scream that could have been heard throughout the park.We think it was our own yelling and cheers that were actually scaring him!  Poor little man!

 

Beautiful Lake in Boston Public Garden
Beautiful lake in Boston Public Garden

Boston Public Gardens

The Boston Public Gardens are beautiful. The lake and swan boats, tulips and trees provide a tranquility that calms the soul.  There are vendors throughout the park offering beverages and snacks for all that pass by. I love to go by the tulips, their colors are so vibrant and line the path you walk through.  Reds and purples and there are also whites mixed with oranges and yellows.  It is amazing how intense the colors are in nature.  Camera buffs, bring your lenses to this extraordinary city as the amount of photo opportunities will excite you.

Tulips in Boston Gardens
Tulips Everywhere!

Regardless of if you enjoy your subject to be people or nature, you have a vast array to choose from.  If you only go to a few parks in Boston, the Public Gardens and Boston Common are two you must stop by!

                           Green Dragon Tavern

My husband has this strange admiration of the Green Dragon Tavern https://www.greendragonboston.com/.  He gets excited with the history of the tavern and the fact that he has also been to an enhanced replica of the building in Carlsbad, CA   https://greendragontavernca.com/   may have something to do with it.  I will say however, the two buildings do not look anything alike.

Green Dragon Tavern in Boston
Green Dragon Tavern – One of Greg’s favorites!

The original in Boston is off the beaten path and down a small alley.  The Boston tavern is much smaller and carries the charm you see throughout New England.  Don’t get me wrong, the one in Carlsbad has a museum and restaurant that has displays of some of the countries heritage and the food is also amazing!

Monuments to the Forgotten

There are monuments of all shapes and sizes throughout this historical city to honor those who fought to keep our country safe.  This one in the middle of Boston Common is a favorite rest stop for many visiting the park.

Monument in Boston Common
Honoring all that serve

Amber wanted to get a few pictures of Shane going up the steps but he wanted nothing to do with it.  He preferred to run along the pathways intertwining throughout the park chasing leaves and squirrels.

Amber, Shane and Danny by monument in Boston Common
Amber, Shane and Danny

Just before we left this area to go to the carousal we managed to grab Shane for a quick family pic. It was such a beautiful day out and surprising to us to be able to wear shorts in the middle of October at 83 degrees.  We spent the next hour wandering through the park, people watching and cracking up over Greg and those damn squirrels!

Pointers Before You Go

Heading into Boston for the day is a trip that should be thought out.  First, dress in layers and it is best if your bag or purse is capable of becoming a stash bag if needed.  Don’t rely on your phone’s map apps to guide you through the city. Instead grab one of the free guides available throughout the city or download one at https://freetoursbyfoot.com/boston-tours/walking-tours/.  Decide what historical sites you would like to see and then plan accordingly.

Subway or Trolley

If you decide to take the subway throughout the day, purchase a subway ticket at any of the self manned ticket dispensers.  Trips are about $2.70 per single trip so if you plan on taking this mode of transportation all day, get one for about $11 a person. It is a preloaded ticket that you just scan each time you go through. Your other option is to take advantage of the tour trolleys and hop on and off throughout the day. This is my preferred method as you get to see more of the sites and you are out in the open air.  Don’t forget to take your camera and bring an appetite for all the incredible food the city has to offer!

Fall in New England

Family Fun, Travel

Fall colors in New England
Fall foliage from our porch

Fall Foliage in New England

I have always wanted to go back and see New England in the fall.  To see the trees all painted by nature in the warmth of autumn colors does something to warm the heart. This year we decided to take a family vacation back and visit my oldest daughter and her family in New Hampshire.  My youngest daughter, son in law and 16 month old grandson Shane were going to make the trip with us . I must admit we were all a little unsure of how Shane would do on such a long flight!  We had a vast array of toys and snacks to help keep him entertained.

The Flight

Our flight consisted of two segments, the first would be from San Diego to Newark NJ.  We departed just before 7 am and after a few rounds of screams and cries, Shane slept the next hour of the trip.  Once he awoke his periodic shrieks could be heard seven rows up where his grandfather and I sat.  I looked over my shoulder and saw Amber with a desperate look upon her face; it was now our time to hold Shane.  My sister Sandy had provided us with a tablet that we had downloaded some games and shows on for him.  Thank God for my sister! Note to anyone flying with an infant or toddler: bring entertainment and a stock pile of binkies! The last flight was a breeze with Shane sitting on his Grandpa’s lap and looking out the window the entire hour.

Breakfast in Milford NH

My kids’ father lives in New Hampshire and we have always been able to still hang out and enjoy family together.  We all met for breakfast at Cafe on the Oval https://www.facebook.com/cafeontheoval/  a  little cafe in the middle of the Milford Oval that has great food.  We enjoyed the cool morning and being able to wear some warm clothes that seem to grow cobwebs in San Diego.  This quaint little community has some fun shops and holds festivals in the middle of town throughout the year.

East Coast Grandpa while seeing Fall in New England
Breakfast with Shane’s East Coast Grandpa

Homes with Space

It was so nice to see property that you did not have to listen to your neighbor’s toilet flush due to the homes being so close.  Everything was a luscious green and most houses did not have fences up which is so different from California.  Gas was $2.50 a gallon and we just paid $4.39 back home.  How can they justify such a high gas rate in CA?  They say it is for road maintenance but the roads in New England have better upkeep then we do!  Don’t get me started!

Community in Fall New England
Our neighborhood for the week
My Husband Greg while seeing Fall in New England
My husband Greg enjoying a morning walk

Back to the Great Outdoors – Hollis New Hampshire

We all went to Ashley’s boyfriend Tommy’s house for a BBQ.  He has nine acres of land where his sons can ride dirt bikes, play in the woods, golf and play Lacrosse outside the back door.  It was great to see kids enjoying the outdoors and playing hard versus sitting on electronic devices.  This is what growing up should be like. Shane discovered a Lacrosse stick and quickly attempted to learn how to maneuver this strange looking item.  His dad Danny took the opportunity to show Shane his newly acquired skills and enjoy a little father- son bonding.

Grandson and dad while back for Fall in New England

My grandson enjoying Fall in New England

Nashua New Hampshire

We drove to Nashua New Hampshire to tackle a few items off our to do list. Nashua is the second largest city in the state and still carries the quaint charm you would expect in New England. Amber wanted a tattoo from Richie at PBA Tattoo (Precision Body Arts) https://www.precisionbodyarts.com/. Rich is a great artist that has a lot of pride not only in his work but in his customers’ overall experience.  I must say PBA is a very impressive parlor from the second you walk in the door.

Afterwards, we stopped at Margaritas Restaurant https://www.margs.com/locations/town-page-nashua-nh/that is in an old historic mill on the Nashua River.  The patio has a gorgeous view of the river and the food and beverages are amazing.  We enjoyed a leisurely lunch here before heading back home.

View of the Nashua River from the restaurant Fall in New England
Patio view from Margaritas on Nashua River on top of a functioning hydro-plant
Lunch time with family enjoying Fall in New England
My family enjoying lunch

Parlee Farms

Ever since my kids were little, one of their favorite things to do was go to a pumpkin patch.  We found a pumpkin patch in Tyngsboro MA, just over the border from New Hampshire.  Parlee Farms https://parleefarms.com/   has everything from tractor rides and hay mazes to flower picking, a petting zoo and pumpkin patch and so much more.  There is a little store filled with all sorts of goodies to temp your taste buds too!  The caramel apples and whoopie pies are amazing! The boys spent a good hour running around the farm and exploring the various activities they had to offer.

Ashley and boys at Parlee Farms - Fall in New England
Ashley and her boys Dom and Rome

Shane loved the petting zoo and pumpkin patch and was so intrigued by the goats and feeding them, he could have stayed there all day.  Our little man ventured into the pumpkin patch and picked up some pumpkins that I thought would have toppled him over as they were quite large.  He loved all the different color pumpkins and the fact that he could run among the fields.

Shane pets goats while back for Fall in New England
The goats were a hit
Shane and his grandpa enjoying Fall in New England
Best buddies
Happy Family loving Fall in New England
Shane with Mom and Dad

Farewell to New England

Our trip was wonderful and although we didn’t get to do all we wanted, it just gives us a good excuse to go back soon!  The White Mountains, Vermont and a trip up to Maine again, there is so much to see.  If you fly back to New England, car rental is a must. You will most likely be traveling an hour or two in any direction to get to an array of destinations sure to satisfy everyone.    If you have a favorite destination in New England please leave us a comment!  We would love to check it out our next trip back!

Lights Fest at its Best

Family Fun

Lights Festival – A Bucket List Requirement

There is something to be said about bucket lists and creating new experiences in your life. Sometimes we may feel that we are too old, too young, too weak, too big, too frail, or too timid but that is our mind setting limitations on our experiences.  STOP yourself from limiting the amazing things you can witness and as Nike said, “Just Do It!”. The Lights Festival is one event that should be on everyone’s bucket list. https://thelightsfest.com/

My youngest daughter has always wanted to see the Lights Festival, where thousands of people gather in the middle of nowhere, (really nowhere!), to write their thoughts for lost loved ones or dreams for the future on rice paper lanterns and send them into the sky. As crazy as this may sound, this festival sells out online within hours each year.

Enjoying the day at the Lights Festival

Enjoying the day

Preparing for the Day

The big day came and we packed our ice chest with water, soda, and sandwiches, along with a plethora of snacks to satisfy any craving we may have while planted in the middle of the desert and headed out for our two-hour drive.  When my husband asked where we were going, the reply was, “Imperial”.  He said, “Imperial Beach?”  “No, just Imperial”.

You may yourself be trying to google this elusive place. I can assure you it does exist but probably more on coordinates than house addresses.  In California, head south towards the Mexican border then make a sharp left towards the Salton Sea and you are on your way in the right direction.

My husband and son-in-law started complaining early on while my daughter, 5-month-old grandson and I seemed excited that we were actually out of the house and headed out on a mini road trip to watch the sky light up with golden lanterns.

We finally made it to Lights Fest!

After about two hours we came upon the dirt road we were instructed to turn on. Not much chance we could miss it since large flags shouting “LIGHTS” waved on the corner.  We headed down the dirt road observing the ATVs racing over dunes and motor homes forming circles that reminded me of old wagon trains securing camp.

ATV by Lights Festival
A riders dream

We eventually came to a stop as a long line of cars preceded us and seemed to go on for days. We made it to the parking area where BMWs and some other less fortunate low-profile vehicles had buried themselves in the sand.  People were out scratching their heads trying to figure out how to get them out but then just walked away. Maybe they had the mindset that they would figure it out later or perhaps that would be the wish they would write upon their lantern.

We pulled out the vast array of goodies, shade tent, ice chest and baby stroller to make our march into the event.  Just a thought, if vehicles get stuck in the sand and soft dirt, chances are your stroller and ice chest won’t roll too quickly either.

Settling In

We finally made it to a corner of the event and planted ourselves.  It was in the mid-80s and we were in the middle of nowhere in a dirt field.  I looked at my husband and could see the sweat trickling down his brow and waited for the negative remarks, but there was none.

daughter and grandson at Lights Festival
My daughter and grandson enjoying the blow up chair at festival

Over the next four hours, we enjoyed music, conversation, and people-watching. Some of us threw back a few cold beers that vendor booths were selling for a mere $5 each.  We had thoughtfully written our messages to lost loved ones on one lantern and then on the other four lanterns we individually scribed a message to Kai. Kai is our first grandson we lost at two-days old in 2016.  Mine was a picture of Winnie the Pooh releasing a balloon into the heavens which stated: “You may be gone from my sight but you are never gone from my heart”.

Tiki torches at Lights Festival
Tiki torches ready to light lanterns
The Big Event

It was now close to 6:30 and the night sky was dark and clear, with stars speckled across the black canvas.  We lit our lanterns on tiki torches set up throughout the event. At the moment they said, “Release!” we were magically cast into what seemed like a dream world as the sky lit up with 6000 beautiful golden lanterns; it was surreal.

lantern release at Lights Festival
Releasing the lanterns

Eyes filled up with tears, while hopes, wishes and dreams spread out into the universe on glowing pillows of light.  It was one of the most magnificent things I have ever been lucky enough to witness.  For the next 30 minutes, people watched as more and more lanterns were being welcomed by the universe. It gave one a feeling of floating up into the heavens. The lanterns would go up lit, the universe would read the message and then the flame would go out and the lanterns would slowly drift back down.

On the two-plus hour drive home, the car was silent as we all took in the beauty of the evening.  Watching those thin, delicate lanterns float into the sky was like watching angels rise into the heavens above.  It gave me a feeling of being part of something so vast.  We all agreed that everyone needs to witness something like this once in their life. No matter how far you must drive, it is worth it.

Be your own golden lantern. Write down your dreams and wishes and cast them into the universe. Then, get up and make them happen!

 

Dare To Try New Things

Travel

My husband Greg tubing down river
Greg enjoys the cool river

Down The River We Go

My husband and I “won” a trip to Arizona for listening to one of those dreaded timeshare presentations. I was desperately trying to find things for us to do in the 114-degree heat. As I was scanning through endless samplings of activities people had posted online I came across Salt River Tubing http://www.saltrivertubing.com/ in Mesa, AZ. “Perfect!” I thought…nice cool river water, an ice chest full of beer and five hours to float with my honey. Life is good.

I went to research the website and all I saw were pictures of young college kids floating down river. It looked like something out of spring break with hard bodies in skimpy bikinis and ripped dudes. My own insecurities seemed to muster up. What would they think of this chunky old lady out there with them? Luckily my husband brought me back to reality and reassured me that we would be fine. He was correct. I love this man!

We stopped and picked up a small ice chest, some sunscreen, waterproof phone protectors (a must!) and snacks to take on the trip. Did I mention beer?  We grabbed a twelve pack of beer which my husband said would not be enough.  I assured him the float trip was only 5 hours and how much beer could he drink?  Later I found out I was wrong.  The nice part is Salt River Tubing rents special tubes that support your ice chest to float along with you. How convenient!

Relaxing on the Salt River
Relaxing day on the river

The River Adventure Begins

I was pleasantly surprised to see all shapes and ages of people on the river. The water was cool and refreshing and the scenery amazing.  We saw people jumping off cliffs into the water, wild horses that came down to enjoy a cool drink and loved the camaraderie among the fellow tubers. People were sharing water and other beverages and snacks with others floating by that were not as prepared.  Laughter and jokes were being shouted from group to group and you could see some of the float groups getting bigger as people decided to join up with them.

Fellow tubers on river
River buddies

Rapids Ahead

The only river rapids we saw were small little ripples and yet I still managed to flip over when I went to grab the tube with the ice chest in it.  I dumped everything! We were frantically grabbing items before they sank. The only casualty through it all was my bathing suit cover-up!  Luckily my keys and phone were strapped around my neck in a waterproof case.  We were cracking up that our first grabs were for the cans of beer. We all have our priorities!

Rapids were more like ripples on Salt River
The big river rapids

By the time the river float trip was over, we had nice color and a great relaxing day.  I am so thankful that the fears and concerns did not stop me from going on this trip.  So many times in our lives we create stories that keep us from experiencing new adventures.  Don’t create these stories and if you do, go out and change the ending.  You are after all the author of your own book.