Save California’s State Parks!

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is proposing to cut funding to 80% of California’s State Parks. We live in Southern California and regularly enjoy the State Parks. We head to them to surf, camp out and go hiking. We plan numerous vacation trips around visiting these State parks and would hate to lose any of them.

California is in a budget crises, a big part of which is because of reduced sales tax revenue. People are buying less, as they try to save more and therefore the state is losing money from sales tax. Most of those people who used to spend their money at the shopping centers are most likely spending more time at the California State Parks. In a study published in 2008, the University of California-Berkeley found that for every in public money spent on state parks, .35 is returned to the state in taxes from tourism and other revenue they generate.

It therefore seems to us, that California can only gain tax revenue by keeping the State Parks open and funded. With more Californians taking vacations at home this year and other US State residents also cutting back on their holiday travel, we suspect that the State Parks will be even more popular this year than ever before. Even without funding, visitors will come to the parks anyway and enjoy the beaches or redwoods or hiking trails. They will park on the roads outside and walk in. However without funding these parks may need to reduce the number of rangers on duty and these rangers will have a wider area to patrol. This could lead to environmental damage such as fires, vandalism and erosion because of the difficulty the rangers will have in covering a park.

Of course we hope that we can all restrain ourselves from damaging property or causing environmental damage on purpose. But the rangers are there to guide all visitors to the park and are prepared to take the correct action to prevent or reduce problems when they arise.

There must be a better way for California to save money and solve their budget problems. Eliminating funding for the State Parks does not seem to be a good solution and may result in increased spending in the future. You can send a message to the governor and other state legislaters through the Surfrider Action Network at http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/caparks05_09 and tell them not to cut funding to our State Parks.

Find More Vacation In Redwood Articles

Ideas for Winter Vacations

When it comes to winter vacations, you have many options from which to choose. Some love to partake in winter activities like skiing or snowboarding during the winter months, while others like to get away from it all and head off for sunnier climes. No matter what you want to do, there are packages available for all types of winter vacations and shorter getaways. All you have to do is decide where you want to go, and then shop around for the best price.

When winter comes, many people get the winter blues, and winter vacations are often a great cure for this. Some people like to take vacations exclusively in the winter months because they know this is when they need it the most. Christmas is a popular time. Some like to visit family and sneak in a vacation all at the same time. This is a great time to do it if your job will allow you to take off during this hectic time.

January is another great time to take winter vacations. Usually many businesses slow down during this time, and it’s easier to get time off. This is also a great time of year for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and tubing. You may find great deals on winter vacation packages to any number of ski resorts throughout the northern part of the US. For many, this is their peak season, and they will offer deals to get you to come and enjoy their facilities.

You may also find great deals on tropical getaways. For many, winter vacations are when they take the time to visit the warmer parts of the world. They may just take a short trip to Florida or California, or they may go to the Caribbean. When it is cold in the US, it is summer in Australia. If you ever wanted to go visit Australia, this may be the perfect time to do so. Australian Christmas is warm, sunny, and usually celebrated with a barbeque. That may be the most memorable of all of your winter vacations if you choose to go.

Lastly, another good spot for winter vacations might be Europe. It is still cold over there, but there are far less people traveling. This will give you smaller crowds when seeing sights, and in most cases, a chance to find great deals on airfare and hotel reservations. Look for package deals, and talk with a travel agent about winter vacations if you aren’t sure which way to go.

Family vacation in Northern California

South Sea Dreams, A Vacation Of A Lifetime

Pacific Islands, otherwise Oceanus, is a constellation of more than 25,000 islands as well as atolls of more than 20 nations and territories that are spread across the central and western Pacific Ocean. Sprawling over millions of square kilometers, Pacific Islands’ total land area is about four-fifths of the size of Alaska. Significant of the members of the Pacific Islands are Australia, New Zealand, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Based on the culture, geography, and ethnic backgrounds of the inhabitants of the islands, Pacific Islands are categorized into three groups: Melanesia, Polynesia, and Micronesia extending towards the north across the Equator.

Located on the south western region of the Pacific Basin, particularly north and north-east of Australia – Melanesia, literally meaning ‘black islands,’ is truly a region of remarkable contrasts. Despite its strong Polynesian cultural background, Fiji Islands, one of the most charming destinations on the planet, forms a part of Melanesia. Papua, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia are the other Pacific Islands that are included in this region. A specialty of Melanesia is that it boasts of larger islands, which constitute about 99% of the total land area of all Pacific islands as well as about 85% of overall population of Pacific Islands.

The largest area in the South Pacific – Polynesia, meaning ‘many islands,’ stretches about 7000 kilometers from Midway Island and Hawaii in the north to Easter Island in the east and New Zealand in the south. Polynesia consists of more than a dozen of the central and south Pacific’s prime island groups. Among the Polynesian territories and nations are French Polynesia, located halfway between Australia and California and consisting of five island groups such as the Society Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Gambier Islands, the Marquesas Islands, and the Tubuai islands; Easter Island – a territory of Chile which is located halfway between Tahiti and South America; Cook Island, a stunning island situated in the Pelican Archipelago; Niue, Tonga, American Samoa, Samoa, Tokelau, Wallis and Futuna, and Tuvalu.

Many of the Polynesian islands are a much favored destination for newly weds, honeymooners, and people vacation with large families. South Pacific’s island destinations such as Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Rapa Nui, Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Tongatapu, Vavau, Tutuila, Upolu, and Savaii, are much popular among the vacationers.

Additionally, some of the Polynesian destinations such as Tahiti and Bora Bora in the Society Islands of French Polynesia (Tahitian Islands) are considered a great destination for weddings. Many hotels and resorts located in this area provide superb facilities for weddings as well as for a memorable honeymoon. However, unlike wedding destinations such as Fiji and Cook Islands, French Polynesian islands such Tahiti and Moorea entail the couples to comply with certain requirements prior to the wedding.

Lying between Hawaii and Philippines in the northern region of the Pacific, Micronesia (small islands) contains more than 2000 islands. Located north of the Equator and the Melanesia Islands, Micronesia is made up of seven distinct units, including Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Kiribati, the Territory of Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and Nauru. An interesting thing regarding the islands in the Micronesia region is that majority of them were formerly German, Japanese, or British colonies.

Depending upon the size of the islands, Pacific Islands are further categorized into two main groups: low islands and high lands. The low islands primarily include coral reefs and islets that are spread across the Pacific. Further, most of the low islands rises more than one meter above the sea level, and some of them are the islands found in the Phoenix, Tuvalu, Gilbert, Marshall, and Tuamotu groups. On the other hand, the high islands mostly consist of rugged mountains, hills, and few active volcanoes, where earthquakes are common as well as severe. Among high islands are Papua New Guinea, the Marianas, New Britain, Hawaii, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.

Pacific Islands are home to some of the most exquisite beaches in the world, such as, Samoa beach, Ofu Beach, and Tonga beaches. Some of the islands in the Pacific including Tahiti and Easter Island have excellent hiking trails. For activities such as scuba diving, surfing, and sailing, Pacific islands like Vanuatu and Bora Bora offer superb options. In short, each of the Pacific Islands is unique, and is noted for its amazing culture, history, and cuisine.

People across the globe consider islands in the Pacific as remote area. It is often seen that Pacific Island vacation is mostly focused on destinations including Australia and New Zealand. But, the truth is that these islands are among the most romantic and loveliest on the earth. Pacific Islands can be easily reached from Los Angeles through two hours fly to Tahiti.

So visit these amazing islands and see your South Sea dreams come true!

More Northern California Family Vacation Articles

I live in downtown SF, and am looking to go to a really beautiful woodland/mountain area for 3 days in January. I would like to have a hostel or small bed & breakfast/cottage. I was going to go up to the Redwoods, but unfortunately since I do not drive I have to abide by the greyhound bus schedule, which does not work for that location. (the times do not match to local transit to get to the only hostel there!)
Is there any place that I can get to through transit that is similar or comperable to that sort of scene that I could go to? or, any other possible situation that is similar? I just moved here from Ohio, and am not extremely familiar to the area!!!

I mean is it like a lounge where you have to be a certain age to go in or can anyone go because I’m 17 and I’d like to go there.

i am going to roseville in september. i’ve never been to california before and i was just wanting to make sure i see everything i can while i’m there. i know i’m going to see the redwoods and i would love to see the golden gate bridge. any ideas of fun things to see while i’m there?

Remember tell me the best place to visit there.

I was walking this morning at around 4:45a.m. in a residential street. and in one of the neighbors yards there were four deer grazing. I heard a growl and at the same time the deer bolted. This is not a rare occurrance I live in Humboldt County in a part of town bordered by country, redwoods, farms etc..last year I came upon a black female and at least one cub maybe two. Because I grew up on 12 acres of Redwoods on a farm I’m used to wildlife and track bear, mountain lions etc.. However; I’ve never seen more than one adult in an area and there were at least two. The biggest one was sitting on it’s haunches and was easily 200lbs. I had my very weak flashlight and half of a binnocular that’s very old. But I’m very sure they were mountain lions. I just want to be totally sure. I think I should call animal control because two or three adults running together doesn’t sound right to me. Any input?

What Is A Home Spa?

Traditionally, a Spa was a natural mineral spring people would bathe in for positive health benefits. Over time, the idea evolved to the point where you can now have a massage spa experience in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Between 1970 and 1997 is the time when home spa’s made the most progress in their designs. They grew from a makeshift redwood hot tub full of leaks and bacteria to a masterfully engineered miniature pool with jets and streamlined for comfort. Pumps were installed by the manufacturers for water circulation and filtration and sanitization was introduced as an important factor for healthy spas.

A spa is an experience where a person improves their health through water. While soaking in warm water has proven to relax muscles and release tension, air and water jets serve to massage and stimulate circulation. Having a massage spa leaves you refreshed, invigorated, revitalized and relaxed and the increase in blood circulation offers positive healing to your whole body.

The problem with visiting health spas in commercial venues is the high cost. If you want to introduce massage spa’s as part of your lifestyle, it can be very expensive to make regular visits. With a home massage spa, you have one amount to pay, then it is yours forever to use whenever you please! Whether you prefer to sink into the relaxing depths alone after a hard day at work or would like to invite a few friends over for a spa party, you will always love your home massage spa as if it were a best friend.

Many people who have an injury or health issue have chosen to install a home massage spa. Whether your problem is internal or external, using spa massage will have positive benefits for you. Anything that causes you to relax and reduce stress levels frees up more of your bodies energy to focus on healing your problem. For anything muscular, spa jets are the perfect personal massager! You can position yourself weightlessly and effortlessly in almost any position you can imagine to direct the jets to massage your problem areas. This improves recovery times for athletes and enhances long-term repair of damaged tissue.

In today’s fast-paced environment, everyone’s minds are racing through thousands of different thoughts and stresses every moment of the day. Dedicating time to clearing your mind of worries and allowing yourself to achieve deep healing relaxation can be difficult, but not when you have a massage spa! All your problems, stress and thoughts will melt away when you relax in your home spa and being in your own environment will mean you can really let your hair down and enjoy the experience to the max.

A less expensive alternative that offers just as many health benefits is installing a portable home spa. This is a fantastic modern day invention that can turn your regular bath tub into a luxury spa massage for you and the whole family. Another benefit to this option is that you can easily take it with you when you move or use it in multiple bathrooms in your home.

The idea of having a home spa is to simulate the experience of a natural mineral spring or spa resort. The healing benefits have long since been known for massage and warm water soaking, and using the method regularly with a home spa will increase longevity and improve your overall health mentally, physically and emotionally

More Redwoods Resort Articles

We are flying into San Francisco in the middle of May to go camping. We would like either beach access, or redwoods, or both would be great. Something within 3 hours of San Fran where we could rent a cabin (we will consider tent camping but flying with all the gear would be difficult). We will have a 3 year old with us so something kid friendly with rangers/security of some kind is needed. Right now we are mostly looking at Big Basin, but we are searching for other options as well. Any suggestions?