Mt. Shasta – From Golf to Skiing to Spirituality

One visit to the Mt. Shasta area in California will convince you that it is truly a vacation destination that will appeal to almost anyone, from golfers to skiers, and yes, to those seeking a more spiritual path.

Mt. Shasta is home to, well… Mt. Shasta, a 14,179-foot volcano, the second-highest peak in the Cascade Range. Yeah, it’s big. And beautiful. And, some claim, home to a vortex which attracts “New Age” types. A drive down Mt. Shasta Blvd. in Mt. Shasta City reveals a vast array of spiritual shops and assorted healers. You can buy singing bowls and tuning forks, divination tools, yoga supplies, vibrational sprays and magical jewelry. You find can all types of spiritual healers, such as those offering psychic hypnotherapy, reflexology, Reiki and energy work, vibrational healing and massage. If you’re into mineral baths, you can drive a few minutes north of Mt. Shasta City to Weed, where you’ll find therapeutic mineral baths at Stewart Mineral Springs (530-938-2222).

Those of you wishing to take vortex tours are definitely in luck, as there are numerous guided tours to choose from, including Shasta Vortex Adventures, which offers Mt. Shasta Guided Tours all year round. You can choose from guided hikes, healing earth journeys, bus tours and winter outings, such as snowshoe, cross country or telemark ski outings. Call them at 530-926-4326 for more information.

For those seeking outdoor activities and adventure, Mt. Shasta does not disappoint, no matter what season in which you’re visiting. During the warmer months you can hike or visit the many lakes which dot the area, including, of course, Lake Shasta, 10 miles north of Redding, the second largest lake in California, after Lake Tahoe. Shasta Lake is a very popular destination for boating, water-skiing, camping, and fishing. They also claim to be the houseboating and wakeboarding Capital of the World. Lake Shasta is also home to the Lake Shasta Caverns, which is open all year round. In order to view the underground caverns, visitors are taken on a 15-minute catamaran cruise across Lake Shasta, where they then board a bus which carries them up a mountainside, more than 800 feet above the lake, where the caves are accessible. All this for only ; for those 3 to 15. Call 1-800-795-CAVE for more information.

If the size of Lake Shasta is too overwhelming for you, as it was for me during one visit, you might want to visit a smaller lake near Mt. Shasta City, Lake Siskiyou, a 430 acre recreational and sailing lake, which offers some of the best bass and trout fishing in Northern California. You can purchase a cheap day pass and swim, picnic or rent pedal boats, or you can rent RV or camping space, or a cabin at Lake Siskiyou Resort and Camp (1-888-926-2618). The resort is open April 1st – October 31st and is very family friendly, with a great swimming area, sandy beach, and nightly movies in an outdoor amphitheater. The lake is actually closer to Mt. Shasta than Lake Shasta, and you can swim with the beautiful snow-covered mountain looming in the backdrop.

Close to Lake Siskiyou you’ll find Mount Shasta Resort, home to a championship golf course, as well as luxurious cabins and a day spa.

Skiers will delight in skiing Mt. Shasta at the Mt. Shasta Ski Park, where you’ll find 31 trails on 425 acres of skiable terrain. Night skiing is also provided on 14 trails and 3 lifts. The terrain level of difficulty is 20% beginner, 55% intermediate, and 25% advanced. There is also a cross country ski and snowshoe center for those wishing something other than downhill skiing. And for beginners, the ski park offers ski, snowboarding and telemark lessons.

Whether you’re looking for a place to get pampered, a place to enjoy the outdoors, or a place to explore the metaphysical, Mt. Shasta does truly have it all.

We will be traveling between San Francisco and LA in February. We’d like to see the redwoods and have heard good things about both Muir Woods and Henry Cowell State Park. Does anyone have an opinion on which is better. Also we’d like to go to some hot springs – as natural as possible (not just a pool in a spa) but since we are a family with one son, one daughter and one mom they need to be coed so that we can bathe together. Any ideas for this? Thanks.

The Finest Monterey Hotels.

Monterey is among the famous tourist destination in the United States. It also features some of the finest hotels.

Monterey is one of Northern California’s beautiful coastal districts with moderate climate perfect for vacation. The natural beauty and the rich history of the place is one of the reasons why millions of tourists around the world travel all year round to witness the beauty of nature.

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey Conference Center together with historical museums, beautiful gardens, shopping malls, virgin forests and a wide variety of recreational parks are the most visited places in the city.

It is an ideal place for business, leisure and family vacation. You can also find excellent accommodation with their hotels. These Monterey Peninsula Hotels offers visitors wide choices of rooms from affordable to the most luxurious accommodation depending on your budget. Bring along your friends or families to explore the magnificent view of nature and enjoy any activity of your choice.

The Monterey Bay Inn is located amidst the scenic views of Northern California. It is a perfect getaway since it is situated in a peaceful surrounding rich in marine life. The hotel is also nearby some of the attractions such as Fisherman’s Wharf and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

A complimentary breakfast is served every morning right at the guestrooms. The hotel personnel also provide tour schedules which can be arranged according to specific travel plans.

The hotel is a four storey structure with 47 guestrooms. It comes with king sized beds, comfortable beddings and sets of bathrobes. The guestrooms are also equipped with modern amenities such as cable TV, in room safe, mini bar, coffee maker, CD / DVD player, toiletries, daily housekeeping and other essentials. Hotel guests are also provided with binoculars so they could enjoy whale watching while in the comfort of their rooms.

While enjoying your stay in the hotel, you can have a lot of activities to choose from such as sailing, cycling, canoeing, scuba diving, fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, surfing and horse back riding.

Other hotel amenities include onsite spa, conference rooms, business center, fitness center, function rooms, complimentary newspaper, patio, massage rooms and safety deposit box at the lobby area.
Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa

This hotel and spa is a perfect choice for travelers who want to escape from the busy life of the city. The property is designed with a European perfectly located nearby sea water where cool breeze with alluring sandy beaches awaits the guests.

Guests of the hotel can enjoy different activities such as kayaking, golfing, sailing, scuba diving, canoeing and whale watching. Enjoy different attractions such as the Maritime Museum, Walk to Fisherman’s Wharf and the Old Town Monterey.

The Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa boasts its 2009 Mobil Four Star Award being given only to hotels that provides excellence in service and accommodation.

The hotel has 10 luxury suites and 290 deluxe rooms. The guestrooms are furnished with Biedermeier style furniture. It also includes the finest beddings for maximum comfort. Guestrooms are provided with amenities which include colored TV, entertainment system, hair dryer, coffee maker, and telephone with fax, mini bar, robes and refrigerator.

The hotel features a spacious spa located at the rooftop that provides guest the best revitalizing treatment. Spa services available are facial raps, massages and the exclusive Monterey Bay Salt Glo treatment. A whirlpool tub is also available and excellent for relaxation. It also features a fireplace and sun deck where dining can be served.

A fitness center equipped with modern equipments is also available for any fitness program. The in house fitness instructor is readily available to provide assistance for any exercise needs.

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I am looking for golf lessons. I have been interested for the last year, but whenever I start to look, it seems like I am getting nowhere. I am here for summer vacation and would like some local, cheap, quality lessons. I have never golfed before. I live in Redwood City, centrally located between San Jose and San Francisco about 25 minutes each. Anyone who could offer specific clubs, phones numbers, or emails would be appreciated.

San Marcos California: a Community on the Rise

Situated in Northern San Diego County, San Marcos is one of the fastest growing cities in Southern California. With a prime geographical location, variety of housing options, and abundance of recreational activities, the San Marcos area is a choice destination for both residence and vacation.

San Marcos Homes for Sale in Ideal Location

San Marcos homes for sale are located almost 40 miles north of downtown San Diego, and nine miles east of the famed coastal communities of Vista, Carlsbad, and La Costa. With a population of 63,000 residents, and large areas of uninhabited land, investing in San Marcos homes for sale is a wise choice.

San Marcos homes for sale are centered along Highway 78, connecting Highway I-5 and I-15.

Highway 78 is the most expansive roadway available to San Marcos homes for sale, traveling east to west completely through the city, and then continuing to the Pacific Coastline. Known for its broad selection of home furniture and electronics, many visitors travel along the notable highways, anxious to reach the town of San Marcos.

San Marcos Homes for Sale Encompassed by Thriving Real Estate Community

San Marcos homes for sale vary in price which is effected by several factors. Style, age, and location play a vital role in determining the final price of San Marcos homes for sale. A single-family home in San Marcos currently sells for more than 0,000. A large majority of San Marcos homes for sale consist of average size Mediterranean style houses, centered on large lots.

San Marcos homes for sale offer a wide variety of options, and aim to satisfy every potential buyer. A growing community with ample open area, San Marcos has the potential to create an outstanding real estate community. With the construction of the largest real estate community in San Diego history in the works, the San Marcos area is thriving. Located on the hills of Lake San Marcos in the western section of the city, The San Elijo Hills housing community currently has a ten-year development plan. This community is projected to increase to more than 3,000 housing units, situated on 2,000 acres of open land.

San Marcos Homes for Sale Surrounded by Various Recreational Offerings

San Marcos homes for sale are encircled by a myriad of recreational venues and activities. A perfect area for the kids, San Marcos has two community swimming pools and three golf courses. San Marcos is also has a total of eight parks, with two more currently in construction. The San Marcos community is also home to Old California Restaurant Row, which features an extensive collection of dining options, including a wine bar. Several favorite chain stores are located within the San Marcos city limit, and two large shopping malls are within a reasonable driving distance. With new recreational spots appearing all of the time, the San Marcos area will continue to prosper.

Visit the Golden State of California and Sample the Good Life

California was officially awarded the nickname of ‘The Golden State’ in 1968, due to its long history and association with all things golden – including its famous sunshine! Life in the Pacific Coast state of California happens at a different pace to the rest of the USA. It is the state-wide characteristics of a mild climate, chilled-out residents, beautiful beaches and stunning scenery that prove the big draw to the Golden State for visitors from throughout the world.

The geography throughout the state is very diverse, from the coastal Pacific plains in the west to the mountainous Sierra Nevada, bordering Arizona and Nevada in the east. In between the two is the fertile Central Valley, an important agricultural area for the USA. The Sierra Nevada is home to the spectacular Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, the latter of which contains fine examples of the largest living organisms on earth: the Giant Sequoia. To sample everything that the Golden State has to offer a trip to this area is a must.

Since the influx of initial residents attracted by the Gold Rush of 1849 California has steadily expanded to become the most populous state in the USA. Big cities in the State include San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles and the capital Sacramento – home to the interactive Golden State Museum, dedicated to the history of California.

But the city that most typifies the Golden State lifestyle is San Diego. Being located in Southern California affords the city a warmer climate than the State’s cooler northern areas. With great beaches supporting a host of exciting water sports and major attractions within the city all in easy reach, this is the Californian city to visit if you only have time to see one of them.

The eighth largest city in the USA, San Diego offers visitors of all ages enough to keep them happily occupied on a vacation of any length. Surfing is a major activity at the many beaches throughout the region and the culture of its participants has rubbed off on the general population, giving them a relaxed and pleasant demeanor. Palm trees line the streets and the sun shines for most of the year in this idyllic part of California.

Downtown hotels in San Diego are a great place to stay in order to sample the Golden State’s good life. Not only are they in the heart of all the city’s amenities, they are next to the harbour and only a short drive to the beach. You’ll enjoy your stay so much you won’t want to leave.

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Make Your Own Surf Camp in California

Camping in California just goes with surfing. How else could most surfers afford a weekend in Big Sur? I know I can’t afford a spa. I’ve camped many times in places where I could surf. Though there weren’t always waves, there was always a fire and some hot dogs.

Like with any planned vacation, it can be tough coordinating a swell with reserving a spot. When I finally know some decent surf is on the way, many sites are already booked. Despite this, windows of opportunity pop up and we’ve gotten a campsite even after being informed by the computer/telephone/Internet/ signs that the place was full. It’s often worth the risk to go for it and hope something’s available. Just be sure to have a backup plan, such as another campground nearby that will almost surely have spots. As of yet, we haven’t had to pay for one of those pricey hotel rooms in Bodega Bay.

We always try to pack light, as light as one can when lugging kid gear, camping stuff, and, of course, a surfboard. It seems like there’s a lot of room in a vehicle until you start filling it with your crap. We used to have a 1982 VW camper van that we kept pre-packed most of the time. It was good for weekend trips. We’d just pull up and pop the top. It even had a sink, a stove, and a fridge, though we rarely use them, preferring to cook outside. Its main problem was that it was an old and slow Diesel. 1960’s VW love-vans flew past us on Highway 1. We used MANY turnouts. It was great once we got there, but next time I’d get the gas version without the stove and sink inside. It’s faster and has more room. Where to go? The big question always depends on swell, wind, and site availability. Here are some of the places I’ve gone camping and surfing. Most have really nice sites near or right on the beach.

Humboldt County

My wife and I got rained out of our tent in Trinidad, so we got a cheap cabin rental at Emerald Forest campground. It was rustic, with a wooden bed, a chair, and a little heater – perfect for the rainy conditions and simple enough that we still used our gear and felt like we were camping.

Along the drive north to one of the beaches, I noticed some glassy waves breaking about a mile away at a beach that turned out to be Dry Lagoon. Though it was overcast, the waves were glassy, head high, and fun. Guess I caught it on a rare day when it wasn’t blown out.

Del Norte County

My wife and I also went to the somewhat economically depressed Crescent City. It kind of reminds me of my home town of Pacifica, except that houses are four times more expensive at home. But Crescent City has potential, surrounded by ocean and redwoods. I surfed at South Beach in a sideshore wind, and it was kind of fun despite being sloppy.

Sonoma County

Bodega Bay is the main surfing spot in Sonoma county, and Doran beach is its most convenient campground, located right across from the beach. We’ve stayed there many times and it’s hard to beat for convenience. I just stroll across the road to the beach and paddle out. Just make sure it’s high tide and there’s enough swell to make it into this south facing beach. Nearby is Salmon Creek which can be fun when it’s not blown out or big and out of control. If your going with the family, I’d just stick with Doran Beach.

Marin County

We stayed out in Olema campground, about 25 minutes from Drakes beach at Point Reyes. The campground is a grassy meadow with a few trees, and the beach is kind of like Doran Beach – protected, an easy paddle out, and light on sandbars. I surfed it a couple of times almost completely alone on really fun, sunny, fast and somewhat short tides. A couple of other times I made the long drive for nothing. I got pretty close to the estuary at one point and decided to leave due to the shark potential. A northwest wind was strong offshore in front of the parking lot, which is at the end of “wind funnel” valley. You can also drive to Bolinas….Oh I forgot, nobody’s supposed to know where Bolinas is. If you can find it, say, with MapQuest or something, you can surf this place. It’s usually cleaner and more crowded than other spots around. If you want really mellow slow rollers that are good for a longboard, walk out to the beach, hang a right, walk past the smell of burning hemp, and you’re there.

Santa Cruz County

Here we stayed at New Brighton beach. It’s a nice campground with access to all the surf in town. We also stayed at Sunset beach, also very nice with a huge beach. It’s fifty miles across the Monterey bay with several surf spots. I caught it on a couple of windless-to-offshore days. It’s not fun if there’s any wind or too much swell. There’s also an RV park near the beach, but we felt a little silly staying there in our tiny VW camper van next to all the massive motor homes. The lady staying in her Honda Element made us feel more at home.

Monterey County

Here we stayed at a campground in the hills about five miles inland. We drove out to Spanish Bay on an unbelievable day – ten foot waves with perfect shape. It was fun until the grizzled, burly, longboard crew showed up. They pretty much dominated after that, and I broke a leash. I also had great surf in Carmel beach. This place looks like Hawaii, just with cold water. Pearl white sand covers both Spanish Bay and Carmel Beach.

I have also had some fun days at Andrew Molera. The walk to the rivermouth is about a mile! A couple of times it was about 4 foot and clean and peeled pretty well – all rights. A few other times I dragged the wife and kids out to the windy spot and we watched tiny waves breaking for a few minutes before making the LONG walk back. I wouldn’t make the walk out unless you know there’s a southwest swell or decent sized west to northwest swell.

A good place to stay is Ventana campground with its beautiful sites in the redwood forest. But there are several options nearby. If you stay farther south at Plaskett Creek you can surf Sand Dollar beach across the street and a bit of a walk down the bluff. It has beautiful water, but the small, rocky shore isn’t much fun for the family. Some young women next to our campground asked if we were there to collect Jade. I guess that’s something else you can do there if you’re into that sort of thing. Willow Creek is another good spot nearby. It had some really nice waves that were well overhead when we were there.

San Luis Obispo County

Morro Strand State Beach is a campground on the beach near Morro rock. I woke up to low tide close-outs when we visited, but I found some surf near Montana De Oro state park. I don’t know exactly where I entered the path to the beach from the road. I just pulled over when I saw the surfboard racks on cars. Ten minutes through the trees and voila – surf!

Hi, im 14, and i have some redwood seedlings that i have grown from seed, i want them to grow faster and stronger than they would do naturaly, Please give me advice.

I am using a little fertaliser on them
they are about 3cm tall

What To See And Do In Monterey County

Monterey County, the vacationing family will find everything that was dreamt of, and planned out, before the vacation even began! Monterey County is a vibrant and eclectic, sun-filled location, that includes hillside vineyards, and fantastic giant redwoods, almost to the water’s edge! This is what makes central California such a fantastic place for every member of the traveling group as the sea-lovers will have their fill with the wonderful Pacific Ocean, while the greener, more forest-types, always have Big Sur to tromp around in! For the golf lover, there is, one of the most elite golfing locales in the entire world. Pebble Beach. If fine wines and five-star restaurants are listed as must do’s and eats, then it is Monterey California, and only Monterey California for the best in both of those finer art of living endeavors. A trip to Monterey California will shows the best of what California has to offer, and will remind one. Why California is one of the greatest state in the world!

Monterey California has everything for the vacationer and then some! For starters, there is Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row, made famous by legendary writer John Steinbeck, these iconic locales can be found in the beautiful city of Monterey California! While in Monterey, the family can take in the amazing sights of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This world famous aquarium has over 100 species of native marine wildlife that can be seen for the first time by every member of the family. To spend half a day in this fantastic and wonderful family adventure is to see exactly what central California is all about, the animal life and the people that make up this dynamic location. After having the fill of marine life and other swimming-things, it is time to take the show on the road and head to Cannery Row!

By accessing Highway 1, the Big Sur coastline, and its infinite beauty, will start and point the way toward a vacation of a lifetime! The famous Cannery Row area of Monterey is best accentuated and demonstrated at the Cannery Row Block Party. Every June 7, from 11 AM to 5 PM., the vacationer can turn into a ‘festival block party hound’ and have a day filled with fun, animal shows, balloon artists, live music, and even the famous rib-eating contest! As the sun drops down and the moon comes up, it is time to head out for some dinner if the ribs did not fill the stomach void enough, and a great place to eat at while in Monterey County is Rosie’s Restaurant. Located in old Monterey, this family owned restaurant serves everything from hamburgers to steak and really has a central California feel to everything that is served. Spend a day in any of the cities and towns of Monterey County and see exactly why central California earned the name “Heaven on Earth!”

Monterey California is more than just one dynamic and up-and-coming city; it is a conglomeration of wonderful central California towns and sleepy little hamlets, each bringing out the best in the Golden State. Another fine family location, for a weekend excursion, is the town of Marina California. This central Californian location is home to one of the most spectacular and user-friendly beaches of them all, Marina State Beach. The visiting family can watch brave and courageous hang-gliders soaring high like eagles, upon the currents of the air, as surfers ride the tasty waves below. Once the vacationing family has had their fill of the Pacific Ocean, it is time to head a bit inshore for a great meal and maybe some nighttime entertainment! Just one town over is the popular Salinas California village. The kids will just adore the parents as they are treated to a day at the Salinas Valley’s Wild Things Animal Ranch. What’s important to notice about the difference in this animal ranch from other animal ranches is that the children won’t just meet lions and tigers and bears, oh my, there are also porcupines, kangaroos, elephants and many more types of animals, which will fascinate and excite and also educate the youngsters! Monterey County offers so many activities for the traveler, it is difficult to list! A months worth of activities would be only a small mentioning of the totality of opportunities that exist in Monterey California!

As the date of departure grows nearer, smooth those frowning faces of the family and get on over to Carmel California. A great town for the dynamic and wonderful vacation of a lifetime in Monterey, California. In Carmel, California, there is Carmel’s Forage in the Forest, which is an authentic forge shop! Just like back in the gold miners day of the late 1800’s. Imagine the look on the children’s faces as not only will they get to see and experience what it was like to be a miner in the Golden State in the 1800s, they will also be able to physically touch and feel the authentic steel that was used to make rail-road spikes and other objects of metal. As the vacation comes to a sad ending, it is best that the family, or the independent traveler, seeing one more location before leaving Monterey County. This is the Monterey Museum of Art, located in the anchor city of Monterey California. The Monterey Museum of Art focuses on the dynamic and rich artistic heritage of central California, with such timeless works by artists such as Francis McComas, Armin Hanson and the intellectually-stimulating William F. Ritschel. Ansel Adams even has a collection of works that will surely astound and educate the entire group. Make the vacation of a lifetime to Monterey County, where the smiles never end!

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Discover The Best in Humboldt County

Everyone would want to spend their vacation at a perfect place where there are lots of worthwhile activities and events. To be able to enjoy, you should be at the perfect place and at the perfect time. Since there are thousands of holiday destinations all over the world, you should be able to point out where you want to go and Humboldt County should be included in your list because it is now one of the hottest holiday destinations these days not only in the US but all over the world. If you are planning to spend your vacation with your family but have no idea where to go, you are reading the perfect article. This is your ultimate guide to the top 4 holiday destinations in Humboldt County where you can have the most memorable experience of your life. Below is a list of top 4 places where you and your family can spend your vacation.
Avenue of the Giants The Avenue of the Giants is situated around the Humboldt Redwoods State Park, which is popular for having the largest untouched virgin redwoods in the whole world. Take time to camp, picnic, swim, hike, raft, fish, or ride a bike in the cool and fresh hush of ancient redwood forests.

Fort Humboldt State Historic Park The Fort Humboldt State Historic Park offers Fort museum, logging museum, bookstore, and a steam up of historically-rich logging equipment which is visited every 3rd Saturday of May until September. You may also enjoy the Dolbeer Donkey Days “?” a 2-day event held in April, which features logging skills competition and logging equipment operation.

Sequoia Park Zoo in EurekaThe Sequoia Park Zoo in Eureka is a high-quality and first-class facility that does not only offer the perfect care for a different animals, but also a great opportunity for any tourists to experience and indulge in a greater appreciation of the diversity and value of the planet Earth”??s life forms.

Historic Old Town of Humboldt County Of all the 58 counties of California, only Humboldt County boasts of more artists than anywhere else in the state of California. The abundance of poets and writers, museums, theater groups, dance companies, galleries, concerts, as well as other cultural and historical events allow the residents and visitors of Humboldt County to enjoy and indulge in a diverse collection of both indoor and outdoor activities and all these can be experienced at the historic old town of Humboldt County! Your search for the most incredible holiday destination has now ended. The perfect getaway that you want to have with your family can be found in any of the places mentioned above.