Searching for Bigfoot on Collings Mountain

On a dreary but warm day in January, we skipped the ski slopes to brave a wintery hike skirting Applegate Lake near Ruch, Oregon. Our destination? A bona fide Bigfoot trap. Located along the Collings Mountain trail in the Rogue River National Forest, the trap is located on a low rise one-half mile into the hike, off a short spur trail (next to a long-destroyed caretakers's cabin). The only one of … [Read more...]

Winter camping: extend your outdoor travel season

'Tis the season for everyone at the Around the Campfire community to be talking about winter camping. What's quickly become apparent, however, is that everyone's interpretation of 'winter' and 'camping' is different. As an avid camper and backpacker, I'm glad to know so many versions of outdoor overnights exist; no matter what your comfort level or geographic location, there's a way to continue to … [Read more...]

Small ship cruising: you CAN expedition travel with kids

The following is Part 2 in a two-part series on small ship cruising with AdventureSmith Expeditions' founder Todd Smith. Last week, I asked AdventureSmith Expeditions founder Todd Smith to explain the philosophy of small ship cruising, reinforcing my belief that a lasting travel impact is made through personal, intimate experiences with the culture and environs of a destination. But is small … [Read more...]

Small ship cruising: a travel philosophy that holds water

The following is the first in a two-part interview with AdventureSmith Explorations founder and president Todd Smith. In the past decade, cruising has morphed from a dowdy vacation your grandparents took to one of the most popular family options on the travel market. It's not hard to see the appeal: the ease, all-inclusiveness, and high entertainment value of cruising makes it a tempting … [Read more...]

Exploring the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Directly along Oregon's stretch of coastal Highway 101 lie the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area: miles of sandy hills and valleys awaiting exploration! Never heard of it? I'm not surprised...many don't realize these mammoth mountains of sand are so close at-hand for Northwest visitors! The biggest of these dunes are about 10 miles south of Reedsport near the town of Lakeside in Eel … [Read more...]

Legoland California’s Star Wars miniland and water park

While we were in Southern California last week, I had the opportunity to stop by one of our favorite theme parks for the younger set: Legoland California. We love Legoland for their whimsical, primarily-colored theme, their young kid-friendly rides, and ample activities for the toddler and preschool set, but most exciting on this most recent visit was the showcasing of their new Star Wars … [Read more...]

Summer in the Sierras: Plumas County CA with kids

For the Pit Stops for Kids family, writing about summer vacations in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and in particular, Plumas and Sierra counties in California, is quite literally like writing about home. My husband and I both grew up in this alpine area, and love sharing it with other traveling families. Plumas County is located one hour west of Reno, Nevada and 2.5 hours north of … [Read more...]

Boston with kids: Boston Duck Tours

Before visiting Boston, I kept hearing about Boston Duck Tours, and how it was a must-do with kids. Turns out, their reputation precedes them for a reason! This tour is the perfect way to gain an overview of the city while the kids (and adults) are highly entertained. The fun begins as soon as you board your 'duck', a W.W.II style amphibious landing vehicle, and are introduced to your … [Read more...]

Exploring Vancouver B.C.: Sewell’s Sea Safari

Ready for a wet and wild way to spend a day in Vancouver, B.C.? Sea Safari tours of the beautiful Howe Sound and adjacent fjords are conducted by Sewell's Marina, located right on the water west of the city. A full service operation, visitors can rent various sized boats to tour the bay on their own, join charter fishing trips, or sign up for the wildly popular (and with good reason) Sea Safari. … [Read more...]

Exploring Vancouver B.C.: Capilano Suspension Bridge

Only ten minutes outside of the city center, Vancouver offers family-friendly outdoor attractions kids will go crazy for in Capilano and Grouse Mountain. The first stop (and an easy free shuttle ride from Canada Place), is Capilano Suspension Bridge, an engineering marvel stretched 450 feet across a high river gorge in thanks to nineteenth century Vancouver settler and builder George Grant Mackay. … [Read more...]