tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45855907245174880902024-03-26T23:38:22.078-07:00Way Up North In CaliWhithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-35502292160768574152019-07-27T19:19:00.004-07:002019-07-28T12:12:22.870-07:00From Fountain to CarrJuly 25, 2018. Will you forget it? I certainly won’t. <span style="background-color: white;">I saw the glow as I drove down a boulevard in my hometown of Redding, California. </span>It was too bright. Too close. There was too much smoke. But still far enough away. Look at how far it has to come, I thought. I took a picture. It will never get this far. Fire doesn’t come into town. I understood fire season.<br />
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I’d seen that glow before. August 20, 1992. I was soon to be 13, a short nineteen days later. My family lived on an eighty-eight acre cattle and apple ranch in Round Mountain, California. Two sets of grandparents, an aunt, uncle and cousins lived down the road. Round Mountain had been the home of my father’s childhood. It was the home of my childhood. Long summer days exploring in the woods, making forts and swimming in creeks and ponds. Crisp fall days chasing cattle and picking apples. People drove for hours up to the Terry Mill Ranch for the most delicious apples they’d ever eaten. Ultimately it was the apples and cattle that saved our home. You see our home was nestled next to green irrigated pastures for grazing cattle and growing apple trees. But on August 20th I wasn’t home in Round Mountain, I was in Redding standing on Ridge Dr (the same Ridge Dr that lost 7 houses in the Carr Fire) watching the orange glow from the Fountain Fire grow bigger. Wondering if it had reached my beloved Terry Mill Ranch.<br />
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It did. The Fountain Fire, like all great wildfires of its kind, destroyed everything in its path, at one point consuming 80 acres a minute. Everything was gone...except for what wasn’t. Pocking the land with random houses left perfectly intact. The drive home after evacuations were lifted was eerie. The land was black. All that was left were sticks poking out of the ground where hundred year old trees once stood. We called it “The Moon”. Houses were grey squares of ash. I had never seen such destruction in person before. I was young but I will never forget it. As we neared our home it looked impossible that any houses could have survived. We had already seen that my grandparents home was just a pile of ash. As we rounded the last bend in the road before our home, there my childhood home miraculously stood. But the wilderness of my youth was gone; now black and barren. My father fell to his knees and cried.<br />
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After moving away from Round Mountain many years later, my parents dodged fire twice more. So when my dad called and woke me up at 6:30 am on Thursday, July 26, 2018 and asked if I needed help packing, he knew what it would take. He piled cardboard boxes and black bags into his truck and he and my step-mom came to help me pack my house. Soon after my mother also joined in packing. My husband had left for work already, but as we realized the fire was coming closer he made his way back home to help. The evacuation text came, sending me into panic mode. And then like some kind of terrible joke, we received notice that the evacuation notice for our neighborhood was a mistake. So we sat. Waiting. Boxes packed all around us. Texts from my frightened children who were at a day camp starting coming in. I told them everything was going to be ok. But I’m not sure I believed my own words. Q left to fill up both our cars with fuel so we could be prepared for whatever came next. I went outside to find neighbors in the street, some loading cars and some still trying to figure out what was going on. I texted a group of friends who lived close by, “I’m just sitting here. Waiting to be told to leave. I started a load of laundry, because what else is there to do.” I decided I didn’t want a middle of the night wake up call to evacuate, so after checking on a friend’s home nearby who was out of town on vacation, we loaded up our most precious belongings and took the cat and left the home Q had designed and we had built 11 years prior.<br />
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The following 5 days were surreal. Thank goodness for cell phones. Texting and social media became my connection to the people and land that I love. My eyes were glued to my phone as we checked on our family and friends and tried to make sense of all that was happening. It made me wonder how my parents endured the days of the Fountain Fire so many years ago before cell phones were a thing.<br />
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While half the city was evacuated with deserted house and streets, literally under fire, the other half lay in a thick blanket of smoke. Huddled on the far side of town, we gathered with family and friends, all of us in our own haze of thought. What in the world was going on? Is this real? Is this really happening? But we were together and that made all the difference.<br />
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Our law enforcement family members gave us continual reports on our home and the homes of our friends. Some reports brought joy and some brought deep sadness as we found out minute by minute which homes were standing and which were reduced to ashes. They chased looters out of our neighborhood and helped assist in evacuating residents and road closures.<br />
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We were the lucky ones. We had a comfortable house to stay in during evacuation and our house was spared from fire. But we weren’t safe from the sadness of it all. While our home stood, 1000 other homes burned to the ground. While we were sitting and sleeping comfortable, eight people died in the fire, two of which were children. Thousands of people were housed in temporary shelters. Our beloved Whiskeytown Lake & Park and so many other sacred places were torched. The nightmare of it all even haunted us in our sleep.<br />
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I’m not sure how to explain how the next several days and even months went. They feel like a blur. But for most of you reading, I probably don’t have to explain it...you lived it too. Even though the fires were still a blaze, life had to resume. People went back to work, school started and the smothering smoke didn’t even seem to bother us anymore. More fires came. The Delta, Hirz and Hat fires wreaked havoc on what little of Shasta County that wasn’t already on fire. Central and Southern California were on fire too. There was no where in California to go that wasn’t under a layer of smoke.<br />
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Just when we started to see blue sky and breathe easy again, the Camp Fire reared it’s ugly head and took our neighboring town hostage, making the Carr fire look like a warm up. Like a scab ripped off a wound too soon, the hearts of Redding bled for our neighbors. Many of us went to their aid. The nightmares returned and no one felt safe.<br />
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Along with the with devastation came great love and generosity. As Mr. Roger’s mom told him, “look for the helpers” we saw helpers everywhere. The outpouring of love and support from our community was unprecedented. There are not enough words to express how Redding feels about first responders, volunteers and generous community members. Not unlike how united our country was after 9/11/2001, our community became strong, #shastastrong #rebuildredding . I have always loved living in Redding. Northern California is the only place I’ve ever wanted to live. But the days, weeks and months during and after 2018 fire season made me proud to live among the best of humanity. Once someone told me that we live in “God’s Country” because of its natural beauty. Now, I refer to it as God’s Country because the hearts of those who live here have been changed, strengthened and united. While I miss the grandeur and majesty that once was our land, I’ll take the beauty of a broken heart and mended spirit any day. With that the rebuilding can begin. It already has.<br />
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Today, July 27, 2019, three hundred and sixty six days -- one year and one day -- after we evacuated our home for threat of fire, I woke up to the smell of smoke. A quick look out the window at the gray fog like sky reaffirmed to me that the 2019 fire season had already begun.<br />
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Whitney Lowry</div>
Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-80748410178700934672018-06-10T10:00:00.001-07:002018-06-10T10:01:08.020-07:00Food Truck Friday : Holy Crepe! & Yess B'sBlogging FAIL: We did not eat this food on a Friday nor are we posting it on a Friday. But I can't change the name now, right? So it's Food Truck Friday on a Sunday.<br />
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**This post is not sponsored. We paid for all our food**<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZEwlQWFVDEPXTMO7EqMKimjW1W2B6A3BU78czjnkLOw5gtVqV6PeeMkVOcj8ylqdj8xvSey-mOGm6SLG9XGqW9KdmKc4fOpCD26g1J3a-62BLkgTs04_7ZNCDUKLhe9JPEBT2bF31Q/s1600/comic+con+food+trucks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="North In Cali's Food Truck Friday Review of Holy Crepe! & Yess B's Curbside Diner www.northincali.com" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZEwlQWFVDEPXTMO7EqMKimjW1W2B6A3BU78czjnkLOw5gtVqV6PeeMkVOcj8ylqdj8xvSey-mOGm6SLG9XGqW9KdmKc4fOpCD26g1J3a-62BLkgTs04_7ZNCDUKLhe9JPEBT2bF31Q/s640/comic+con+food+trucks.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sundial Bridge Comic Con was really fun! But I'm not gonna lie, the food trucks were my favorite part. While we were there, we saw 4 food trucks outside the comic con. Holy Crepe!, Yess B's, What The Truck, & Slyders. Slyders was closing down and moving to the Rodeo so we were unable to try their food this time, although we did have them at Anderson River Park last fall and liked them very much. If you go back a ways on my Instagram @northincali you will find some pictures there. You can find our review of <a href="http://www.northincali.com/2017/06/food-truck-friday-what-truck-road.html">What The Truck HERE</a>. My teenage son did have a burger from <a href="http://www.northincali.com/2017/06/food-truck-friday-what-truck-road.html">What The Truck</a>, which he thoroughly enjoyed.<br />
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Since we only ordered a little from each truck, I'm going to include both food trucks we ordered from in this review. I don't feel I can give Yess B's a well rounded review on it's own since I only had one item from their truck.<br />
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Three of the five of us went straight to the Holy Crepe! truck. When we lived in Salt Lake City there was a quick serve restaurant called European Connection (sadly, no longer in SLC) and it served both sweet and savory crepes. We loved them! Since then we make crepes at home and get excited when we come across places to eat crepes. My kids love the sweet crepes and Q and I like both sweet and savory. So we were very excited to find a crepe food truck!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjQ7KRdGc9Twg8bcFHB3RgSIsfyL5lGR9Ggw8eUXdK2X6VaObivvUEm-sVvd14z0-y_P0_pZ-9kjffnqmz_zh0ns4so0S4b43vzGcyDzd71jIbegUr0oLmuaTplGCgYNJ5pICttGJtA/s1600/crepes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjQ7KRdGc9Twg8bcFHB3RgSIsfyL5lGR9Ggw8eUXdK2X6VaObivvUEm-sVvd14z0-y_P0_pZ-9kjffnqmz_zh0ns4so0S4b43vzGcyDzd71jIbegUr0oLmuaTplGCgYNJ5pICttGJtA/s640/crepes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holy Crepe! Chicken Pesto & Strawberry Nutella</td></tr>
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<b><i>Holy Crepe!</i></b></div>
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Q & I split the the Chicken Pesto crepe for $9. Child #2 got a Strawberry Nutella crepe and #3 got a Banana Nutella crepe for $7 each. They were all exactly as you would expect them to be. Which is great, when ordering you know what to expect, but sometimes I like to be pleasantly surprised at finding the food better than expected. In their defense, we ordered pretty basic menu items. The pesto chicken was very good, satisfying that urge for "real food". The sweet crepes were stuffed full of fruit and Nutella. One of the kids couldn't finish theirs due to the size so #1 was more than happy to finish it off even after eating a burger from What The Truck. (Teenage boys will eat everything in sight!) I would happily eat from Holy Crepe! again, I would love to try their Lemon crepe or Steak crepe. And the cinnamon roll crepe sounds delicious!<br />
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Want to know more about them and where you can find Holy Crepe! Check out their facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HolyCrepeFT/?rc=p">HERE</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4VBgu4ODzMRmb2pLSHU6nJeMXKKkpZZE-3ONhb0W3uXcVl9-Nwr9Sbay40L4aF2_QNVXfcUmf-TJtXPj9cfcwDX3BGLxc4YV2ussYuZ8XjqOSfE38UD4X7J4578fQj-DEHSHBYRtKQ/s1600/HolyCrepeMenu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4VBgu4ODzMRmb2pLSHU6nJeMXKKkpZZE-3ONhb0W3uXcVl9-Nwr9Sbay40L4aF2_QNVXfcUmf-TJtXPj9cfcwDX3BGLxc4YV2ussYuZ8XjqOSfE38UD4X7J4578fQj-DEHSHBYRtKQ/s640/HolyCrepeMenu.jpg" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holy Crepe! Menu</td></tr>
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I liked the savory crepe but felt like I needed something else, especially since Q and I were splitting it. When I saw the Seared Tri-tip Salad on Yess B's menu, I knew I had to try it. One of the things that stands out about Yess B's is that they use all local sourced foods and she changes up her menu daily. So you could go to every day and try something new! I like that!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wht1LBHmDX5UTCq6MWFl51IuFYvfAQPuKzRg6F05k3gRmQ4cKXHSMNyn-oaYEpTovu1fq9fQlj8oMWGmUMW4A7VFbhB5_0j8fEwVoraST5s3irvZZq081oTqhy3Cpm-mkUCaVyb9MQ/s1600/YessBsSalad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wht1LBHmDX5UTCq6MWFl51IuFYvfAQPuKzRg6F05k3gRmQ4cKXHSMNyn-oaYEpTovu1fq9fQlj8oMWGmUMW4A7VFbhB5_0j8fEwVoraST5s3irvZZq081oTqhy3Cpm-mkUCaVyb9MQ/s640/YessBsSalad.jpg" width="468" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yess B's Seared Tri-tip Salad</td></tr>
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<b><i>Yess B's Curbside Diner</i></b></div>
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Seared Tri-tip Salad $12. The Tri-tip was perfectly seared. The meat was tender and juicy and had great flavor. The greens were definitely fresh. I asked for the feta on the side, because Q doesn't like feta and I knew he would want to try it. I always ask for dressing on the side for my salads because I am picky about how much dressing is on my salad. But forgot this time, and so I felt like there was too much dressing, but that is always the case for me whenever I get a salad at a restaurant, so I won't hold that against them. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yess B's Curbside Diner Menu</td></tr>
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My only complaint is that for $12 it was a bit on the smaller side. I would have needed to order another item to make it a full meal. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but could get kinda pricey. However, in her defense, locally sourced, quality ingredients do cost more than buying from a bulk supplier. I'm not saying don't get it, I'm just saying get it and something else if you need a full meal.</div>
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Overall Q enjoyed the crepe more than the salad and I enjoyed the salad more than the crepe. So we both were happy! </div>
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Yess B's can be found most weekdays behind Bob's Tires in Red Bluff and at special events. Find out more on her website <a href="http://www.yessbscurbsidediner.com/">www.yessbscurbsidediner.com</a> or on social media.</div>
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Have you tried either of these food trucks? What about others? </div>
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Check out our other Food Truck Friday Posts:</div>
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<a href="http://www.northincali.com/2017/06/food-truck-friday-tango-taco.html">Tango Taco</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.northincali.com/2017/06/food-truck-friday-what-truck-road.html">Road Runner Grill</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.northincali.com/2017/06/food-truck-friday-what-truck-road.html">What The Truck</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.northincali.com/2017/06/food-truck-friday-what-truck-road.html">Yellow Lunch Box</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.northincali.com/2017/07/food-truck-friday-taco-loco.html">Taco Loco</a></div>
Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-35864938675298246332018-05-22T21:21:00.002-07:002018-05-22T21:21:45.712-07:002018 FREE & Nearly FREE Summer Activities<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Summer is coming! I can tell because my kids are getting ornery and I've given up on making sure all their homework is done. My patience for things like end of the year school projects and finding lost library books is waning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But summer is less stressful, right? Well, it's supposed to be. The first two weeks are similar to the first two weeks of school. Lots of enthusiasm. We implement the "no screens or fun outings until our work is done" policy, and at first the kids hop on board. But as the weeks go on, they don't want to go anywhere fun. "Do we HAVE to go to the lake AGAIN?" So that's not an incentive. And I've gotten lazy so the screens are more accessible. Every summer I say it's not going to happen. We are going to be productive and still have fun. But this year, I'm just not feeling it. The last several months have drained me. I feel like I've been chewed up and spit back out. (Maybe you've wondered why there hasn't been a new blog post since November 2017?) I've already given up and summer hasn't even started. My "Mom of The Year" award is now completely out of reach and I'm just getting by. Do you ever feel that way? Maybe it's just me. But I know I can't stay this way. I need some incentive. Something to look forward to. Motivation. A goal to reach for. But sitting here whining isn't going to make fun happen. Talking about goals doesn't help me meet them. I love the quote by Thomas Monson that says, "It's not enough to want to make the effort, it's in the doing not just the thinking that we accomplish our goals."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So here it goes. My first summer attempt at "doing". The updated "Free & Nearly Free" 2018 Summer Activities! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeS_WA5KbnH6wCUORc_3Qf8LTzdnifbt45IQTXZY5nYHU_-5DOcXtrvOGsatqbP-YXZVSvLOFaMnHCmpV5r7nvhdCJyM8Oa4fY9K5Kt5TydE71jfTNlSW7IjY6HZhTJHu5ldb8zn9uA/s1600/Free+Nearly+Free+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="600" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeS_WA5KbnH6wCUORc_3Qf8LTzdnifbt45IQTXZY5nYHU_-5DOcXtrvOGsatqbP-YXZVSvLOFaMnHCmpV5r7nvhdCJyM8Oa4fY9K5Kt5TydE71jfTNlSW7IjY6HZhTJHu5ldb8zn9uA/s640/Free+Nearly+Free+2018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">**</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Check out North In Cali's </span><a href="https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=bmV2a3B0c2plZTVyNDcxdDZoc2RwMXRyOGNAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Google Calendar</span></a><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> called "</span><a href="https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=bmV2a3B0c2plZTVyNDcxdDZoc2RwMXRyOGNAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Summer Fun - Redding, CA and Surrounding Areas</span></a><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">" with most of these activities on it.**</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/whis/planyourvisit/rangerprograms.htm" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ranger Programs</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @ Whiskeytown Lake, FREE (June 9-Sept 3) </span></span><br />
I am amazed at the variety of FREE programs offered by the Rangers. Stand Up Paddle Board, Kayak Tours (Daylight & Moonlit), Junior Rangers, Junior Firefighters and Evening Astronomy Programs are just a few.</div>
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<a href="http://www.northincali.com/2016/06/fantasy-fountain.html"><img alt="Fantasy Fountain, Redding, California www.northincali.com" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuCqGqrcDoxSTDVDDVQhglqSxzgSSR1V0GphBuENPGyDFbLapH2YFTAJGEi0JYEUTtETzak3auOi7_6wOBhyKps51U6P3Xgz2mL_nEVXlY4fOPYAov775WRjhquGR95uvO0MSMlxUVA/s640/fantasyfoutain+collage.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.cityofredding.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/fantasy-fountain" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fantasy Fountain</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @ Enterprise Park, Open Daily May 29 - Sept 4, 10am-8pm, FREE</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Splash Zone has multiple "water spray features for kids of all ages to enjoy with a volcano that rumbles and erupts with a torrent of water whenever kids want it to." </span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.northincali.com/2016/06/fantasy-fountain.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;">MORE ABOUT FANTASY FOUNTAIN ON NORTH IN CALI’s POST</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2871" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Barnes & Noble Story Time</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, FREE, Saturdays @ 11am, geared toward Preschool age children</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.cityofredding.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/aquatic-center" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Family Evening Splash</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Redding Aquatic Center, Mon - Thurs, 6:45pm - 8:00pm, 0-2 Years FREE, 3-15 Years $2.25, Adults $2.75</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are other times for public swim, swim lessons and classes, but if you're on a budget, this is the time to go swimming!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2OdymS_KGuofBitTTXDP-pW30ktHfTJhjBjlDPYHKjAjInhXwa8FbyQtRy3TUCEQdEcsPb8b_Y2qdMkMBOR1qoSgReJx2EchztV9tETZg6t1tpAAg57hdVKUwC2XBaPj9rZMCvDDFw/s1600/enjoymovies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="285" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2OdymS_KGuofBitTTXDP-pW30ktHfTJhjBjlDPYHKjAjInhXwa8FbyQtRy3TUCEQdEcsPb8b_Y2qdMkMBOR1qoSgReJx2EchztV9tETZg6t1tpAAg57hdVKUwC2XBaPj9rZMCvDDFw/s400/enjoymovies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.enjoymoviesintheparkredding.com/movies/index.htm" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Movies In The Park</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, FREE, Fridays @ Dusk (June 1 - Aug 17) Park Varies - see calendar</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Watch some great movies with your family; Beauty & The Beast, Oliver, The Greatest Showman, Thor Ragnarok, Pirates of The Caribbean 5, Coco, Jumanji, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Wonder Woman, Moan & The Goonies</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.cityofredding.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation/youth-programs/youth-sports-leagues/jr-giants" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Junior Giants Summer Baseball League</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Free, Registration begins April 16</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">FREE Program that involves over 450 youth participants </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.shastagrowersassociation.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shasta County Farmers' Market</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Saturdays, April 7 - Dec 15, 7:30 am - 12:00 pm. Behind Redding City Hall @ 777 Cypress Ave. (Other markets on different days in different places. Check website.)</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYCjxiJuufoJ21SJa-ekQQoxam4C3cCsZ31sK-EEskMajE9Soi2lUfh0PGDw0cIXtPTIgdFAgrj8WH55Tmt2OheJA_90P7aIrGEHU6VQ30siyVxk7YeA_3Cj3KE0RS-VsSU4uYB_6yQ/s1600/ReddinglibraryCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYCjxiJuufoJ21SJa-ekQQoxam4C3cCsZ31sK-EEskMajE9Soi2lUfh0PGDw0cIXtPTIgdFAgrj8WH55Tmt2OheJA_90P7aIrGEHU6VQ30siyVxk7YeA_3Cj3KE0RS-VsSU4uYB_6yQ/s640/ReddinglibraryCollage.jpg" width="536" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.shastalibraries.org/images/pdfs/shasta/CalendarMonthly.pdf" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shasta Public Library</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, FREE</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Library wins this year for the best FREE activities! You will be amazed! Everything from preschool story hour to kayaking on Whiskeytown lake to Game Night and SO MUCH MORE!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://andersonchamberofcommerce.com/events/sunset-river-jam/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sunset River Jam</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, FREE, Wednesday evenings 5-8pm (Aug 29 - Sept 26)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">This concert series at Anderson River Park entertains and brings professional talent to the North State.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/cascadetheatre/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kids Summer Movie Club</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @ Cascade Theatre, FREE, Sundays in July, 2pm. There will be games, prizes, costumed characters and chances to win tickets to Cascade Theatre events.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.shastalake.com/shastadam/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shasta Dam Tours</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (FREE!) Tours daily from 9am-3:30pm. Tours take 1 hour. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have created a </span><a href="https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=bmV2a3B0c2plZTVyNDcxdDZoc2RwMXRyOGNAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Google Calendar</span></a><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> called "</span><a href="https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=bmV2a3B0c2plZTVyNDcxdDZoc2RwMXRyOGNAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Summer Fun - Redding, CA and Surrounding Areas</span></a><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">" with most of these activities on it. I have added some one time events to the calendar too. Check it out. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">NOT INTERESTED IN SCHEDULED EVENTS BUT STILL NEED IDEAS FOR SUMMER? Check our <a href="http://www.northincali.com/2016/08/8-ways-to-spend-rest-of-your-summer.html">8 Ways to Spend The Rest of The Summer Post HERE</a></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.northincali.com/2016/08/8-ways-to-spend-rest-of-your-summer.html"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CP-sIVLG4rb9xzFijrw1tYT6sAZ4MZav3RQ_1Ds9yizaevnAMs919sJPWiPJzcVr77UIuQS5YEtVyRoZdTiw0yUPjdIrMN5_lfzu1e3bTMuP3nGImiDNCzSPx6EidsjbA6V9mRbXnQ/s640/8waysSummer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Maybe I'll see you at the </span><span style="text-align: start;">lake...l</span><span style="text-align: start;">ate afternoon of course...when all the chores are done at home.</span></div>
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Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-51906148570129996162017-11-19T18:00:00.000-08:002017-11-19T18:22:13.006-08:00The Nutcracker : Redding City Ballet<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I love the performing arts; musicals, plays, music performances, dance, it's all so magical to me. When I watch performers do something that requires hard work, sacrifice and bravery, it makes me cry. Every time. And when I personally know these performers, it hits me hard, and I have been known to let a tear slip multiple times throughout a production. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Redding has a blossoming performing arts community. Practically every weekend, you can find a play, symphony, musical, or dance event to attend. Some people don't realize that even a small city like Redding, has some amazingly talented people in it! </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JVfTs3Bg2OpsbrE0z6_PBA2-ndqX2rIWb9KGwPVuh0-amZj2C9Fx6YE5tsH70J7KNlb8ECY_kwgwGQrJ5ML5sbIq-XZ4HgL3Ej8GmP-aKhyRTgEM-HGPzNACcHXiQdlz9p7vpDJfeQ/s1600/Nutcracker2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Nutcracker : Redding City Ballet www.northincali.com" border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="477" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JVfTs3Bg2OpsbrE0z6_PBA2-ndqX2rIWb9KGwPVuh0-amZj2C9Fx6YE5tsH70J7KNlb8ECY_kwgwGQrJ5ML5sbIq-XZ4HgL3Ej8GmP-aKhyRTgEM-HGPzNACcHXiQdlz9p7vpDJfeQ/s640/Nutcracker2017.jpg" title="" width="564" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaRxawtlUJISXYYaoYxB5gQSQE61AS4Vk0IsH6g_QA1vd9gVhjePu7Upf6MFd8Lb6O0n6mRinb-oP1n1yq_eePFadtaLGWEL1RCah_uU7lqlRizvhmLPlf45Ej927qEXdHYilVPZ83w/s1600/Nutcracker2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">One of my favorite events to attend every Christmas time is the </span><a href="http://thereddingartsproject.com/nutcrackerauditions/" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Redding City Ballet's: The Nutcracker</a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">. In this beautiful ballet with stunning local talent, we get to experience something special. Not only do we have the opportunity to see something beautiful, but we get to experience a sense of pride knowing that the great community we live in encourages and allows the performing arts to grow and flourish. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">2013 The Nutcracker: Clara receiving her Nutcracker from Drosselmeyer.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I have seen and experienced first hand, how children and adults alike, can gain great confidence and self worth through performing, and in turn become successful contributors in our community.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UTxGTBGZh48/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UTxGTBGZh48?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">2015 Journey To The Nutcracker video</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">These young (and some not so young) performers are your neighbors, co-workers, friends and students. They live and study here in our beautiful city. Whether you realize it or not, what they do impacts all of us. Only good can come from a community that supports each other in our talents and efforts.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQK3jJKnEiuDnFdLw7KU9S3hE3dAC7k4tMO0FAKsFtk9df3A9BGVGPWBu0bhc73RG_uBvNs8WFjq2ekrgk6pBN4xJ90rrZVEydV5ALqpKlRLJT2NXE0D5TrzK1kOKFeAdNCk0Z1sfX7A/s1600/_MG_0570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img alt="The Nutcracker : Redding City Ballet www.northincali.com" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQK3jJKnEiuDnFdLw7KU9S3hE3dAC7k4tMO0FAKsFtk9df3A9BGVGPWBu0bhc73RG_uBvNs8WFjq2ekrgk6pBN4xJ90rrZVEydV5ALqpKlRLJT2NXE0D5TrzK1kOKFeAdNCk0Z1sfX7A/s640/_MG_0570.jpg" title="" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">2013 The Nutcracker: Arabian</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Find out more about Redding City Ballet on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ReddingCityBallet.org/">Facebook page</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Find out more about <a href="http://www.thereddingartsproject.com/">The Redding Arts Project</a>; the official training school for the Redding City Ballet on their website. <a href="http://www.thereddingartsproject.com/">www.thereddingartsproject.com</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Come join me at the historic <a href="https://www.cascadetheatre.org/Calendar.asp?View=MONTH&date=12/22/2015&SectionID=-1">Cascade Theater</a> on Dec 8 & 9 (starting at $12 per ticket) and be inspired to begin your Christmas season with grace and beauty. Buy tickets <a href="https://cascadetheatre.org/Online/default.asp">here.</a></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamq1mmtQLk2uHhyphenhyphenrf9mUoTHykt21365yIvPeLIQ1GtkblKu464fJR-czCyMoh2VnGD8qSSB9QED6TxF3ZDXJ1QlvASoWqK3W6wG7-OYBG2ezO1EePtOdTHeAdVRA0mpSwjbqvN4y1DA/s1600/Eliza+angel+2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamq1mmtQLk2uHhyphenhyphenrf9mUoTHykt21365yIvPeLIQ1GtkblKu464fJR-czCyMoh2VnGD8qSSB9QED6TxF3ZDXJ1QlvASoWqK3W6wG7-OYBG2ezO1EePtOdTHeAdVRA0mpSwjbqvN4y1DA/s640/Eliza+angel+2014.JPG" width="470" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 The Nutcracker: My beautiful Angel daughter.</td></tr>
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<br />Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-35597218518240903372017-11-14T22:29:00.001-08:002017-11-15T18:54:50.631-08:00Christmas Tree HuntingEvery year for the past 15 years that we have lived in Northern California, we have always cut our own Christmas tree in one of the beautiful national forests we have here in Northern California.<br />
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Well, that's not entirely true. In 2005, I had a newborn baby and I refused to go Christmas tree hunting in the forest. So we went to a tree lot. $80 later we had a 5 foot tall tree that we didn't really like. Q griped about the cost and we both missed the adventure of finding our own tree in the woods.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93KiDjq69CzjNF2pS5YegdZbM627YnwZLA8ppqWagiFc8LVmDSvvb8PyiE1K2rXYfBQ6yRfF7aCqmmZw77Eo5bKXP1nGrwFMLoRNlhI6AFEHiKWEgfeehqcKKDOpSLcKuEa_FxB3b3g/s1600/ChristmasTreeCutting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Christmas Tree Cutting in Lassen & Shasta-Trinity National Forests www.northincali.com" border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93KiDjq69CzjNF2pS5YegdZbM627YnwZLA8ppqWagiFc8LVmDSvvb8PyiE1K2rXYfBQ6yRfF7aCqmmZw77Eo5bKXP1nGrwFMLoRNlhI6AFEHiKWEgfeehqcKKDOpSLcKuEa_FxB3b3g/s640/ChristmasTreeCutting.jpg" title="" width="506" /></a></div>
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It's definitely an "adventure". One year I was 8 months pregnant so I sent Q into the woods alone to find a tree while I sat in the car. That was the same year we had to cut our tree before Thanksgiving because the baby was coming and I didn't want a repeat of 2005. (see picture below...pregnancy was not good to me...)<br />
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Another year it poured down rain and after we had cut the tree and we still needed to tie it to the top of the car, our friend said, "Let's just leave it here and go get a tree at Walmart."<br />
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Some years there's snow up to our knees and other years there hasn't been a snow flake in sight. But most of the time it's in that sweet spot somewhere in the middle. A little snow, a little hot chocolate and a lot of looking for the perfect tree. Some years we find one in a matter of minutes (like the pouring rain year) and other times it takes a little more effort. The kids love it at first, and then start to whine when mom and dad keep looking and looking and looking. "Just pick one!" they cry. But it has to be just right, doesn't it? Christmas depends on it! ;) But then again...maybe it's not about the tree at all. Maybe it's about creating memories and traditions that last. Maybe it's more about the time we spend together and less about the tree.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthDr_3WKX0g0qgEepkPohyphenhyphenxhij-HpTTV91CZWQTqoaoCXyqxKELusV6NxmlI04yz3Isz76Pagje9BWM-riJgierPNfgyauk_AUrAxH0hlKO_zzTm1KqPltar3Kjd45vVaagMKKUZnog/s1600/TreeHuntingCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Christmas Tree Hunting in Lassen & Shasta Trinity National Forests www.northincali.com" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthDr_3WKX0g0qgEepkPohyphenhyphenxhij-HpTTV91CZWQTqoaoCXyqxKELusV6NxmlI04yz3Isz76Pagje9BWM-riJgierPNfgyauk_AUrAxH0hlKO_zzTm1KqPltar3Kjd45vVaagMKKUZnog/s640/TreeHuntingCollage.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have I sold you on cutting your own Christmas tree yet? No? Well maybe this will: IT ONLY COSTS $10 FOR A TREE PERMIT. That's right. TEN DOLLARS. You can't buy a half a tree at a lot or store for $10.<br />
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I was reminded the other day that not everyone knows that you can cut your own tree. Or maybe they do but it just seems hard. How will we know where to go? Won't we get lost? Do we need a chainsaw? What about 4 wheel drive? No need to wonder any longer.<br />
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<b>WHERE DO I GET A TREE PERMIT?</b><br />
That depends on where you will be getting your tree. Decide on the national forest that you want to get your tree in. We almost always get ours in Lassen but Trinity and Shasta are the other options close to us. Permits are on sale from November 1 - December 22. Mailing in an order for a tree permit is an option but I have never done that before. We always go to one of the offices and purchase one. You can only cut one tree per household, but each person can cut up to 5 trees as long as they have different names and addresses for each permit. We always get Q's parents a tree, so we just buy their permit under their name and address.<br />
<a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd562380.pdf"><br /></a>
<a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd562380.pdf">Lassen National Forest:</a> Click <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd562380.pdf">HERE</a> for list of locations to buy a permit.<br />
<a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/stnf/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5211285">Shasta-Trinity National Forests</a>: Click <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/stnf/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5211285">HERE</a> for list of locations to buy a permit.<br />
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<b>WHERE SHOULD WE CUT OUR TREE?</b><br />
First decide on your forest. Each permit comes with a <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd562378.pdf">map</a> of locations where you are allowed to cut trees. (We often pick near <a href="http://www.northincali.com/2015/05/old-station-ca.html">Old Station</a> because our family's cabin is close by.) Decide on a general area of the park. We try to pick one that has easy access from a major highway. The map marks even dirt roads showing where you can turn off the highway or paved road. My suggestion would be to pick an area that has a fairly high elevation. Usually the higher the elevation (to a certain degree) will yield the nicer, thicker, prettier trees.<br />
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Click <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd562378.pdf">HERE</a> for <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd562378.pdf">Lassen National Forest Map</a><br />
Click <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/stnf/home/?cid=FSEPRD561494">HERE</a> for <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/stnf/home/?cid=FSEPRD561494">Shasta-Trinity National Forest Map</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLXupIA1oV1qf_zJ3mp5W44W5SkX1t-SkLj3TMPGXGaFwsZ3PatVUDExcGWFB9q-rJSrb9rPTXvoOjCrRZSStJRYpBpb4goERMn_jSfvN9__JZDaGNYny5vcihAW5MlSJgeQNGAX98g/s1600/christmas2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="www.northincali.com" border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLXupIA1oV1qf_zJ3mp5W44W5SkX1t-SkLj3TMPGXGaFwsZ3PatVUDExcGWFB9q-rJSrb9rPTXvoOjCrRZSStJRYpBpb4goERMn_jSfvN9__JZDaGNYny5vcihAW5MlSJgeQNGAX98g/s640/christmas2016.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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What about all those other questions you have? Maybe these pro tips will give you some answers.<br />
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<b>Pro Tips:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Bring food</b>. No matter which forest you pick, there won't be anywhere close by to buy food. So pack a lunch and hot chocolate and make a day out of it.</li>
<li><b>Prepare for snow.</b> Some years there's a lot and some years there's none, but we always bring our warm & waterproof clothes and gear so that we aren't caught by surprise. Don't forget about your feet! Keep them warm and dry!</li>
<li><b>Bring a saw.</b> We usually bring a hand powered hack-saw. You don't need a power tool, but it sure was nice the year my brother in law brought his chain saw!</li>
<li><b>Don't forget your rope! </b>Always tie your tree down for transport home, even in a truck. One year we put both trees (in-laws and ours) in the bed of our pick-up truck. When we got home, we only had one tree. </li>
<li><b>Check the weather.</b> This will be the best way to determine if you need 4 wheel drive and/or chains. (We like to look at the <a href="http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist2/travelmap.htm">Cal-Trans web cams</a> for an idea of road conditions.) We have used all types of vehicles. Most of the dirt roads are maintained fairly well and you only need 4-wheel drive if there's snow. There are also places where you can pull off the side of the highway and walk to find a tree, no off-roading required. </li>
<li><b>Follow the rules. </b>In order to know the rules, you have to read them. They will be in your paperwork that you get with your tree permit. PLEASE follow the rules. If we continue to preserve our forests by being respectful of how many trees are cut, where the trees are cut, and the condition we leave the area we ventured in, then we will be able to keep this tradition for many years to come.</li>
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Do you cut your own Christmas tree? Where do you go? Any tips I forgot? Leave them in the comments.</div>
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<b>Need ideas for more wintertime activities? Check out these posts:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.northincali.com/2016/01/mt-shasta-ski-park.html">Mt. Shasta Ski Park</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.northincali.com/2016/02/eskimo-hill.html">Sledding at Eskimo Hill</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.northincali.com/2017/03/season-pass-review-mt-shasta-ski-park.html">Mt Shasta Ski Park : Season Pass Review</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.northincali.com/2016/10/48-things-to-do-in-northern-california_18.html">48 Things To Do In Northern California</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.northincali.com/2016/02/mt-shasta-family.html">Mt Shasta Ski Park : Again!</a></div>
Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com94tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-87483777364784730782017-10-29T22:12:00.002-07:002017-10-30T14:35:19.173-07:00Mossbrae FallsI finally made it up to Mossbrae Falls! I have been wanting to go for a couple years now. A couple years?! Why does it take so long to do some of these things? Sheesh.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhhrC7VVTQ0yYyW4TaJRFH7TAlpCbKBKTdVPGD5f-gmJPNFvdBS2VqOc-GC80E5ypEVMbJy234hGLMddja-79LDyhIKgdKmHPDkCcRWnLKI9hb_QLZI0_smut1MMwg_nzJNg3qf1nZw/s1600/MossbraeFallsedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhhrC7VVTQ0yYyW4TaJRFH7TAlpCbKBKTdVPGD5f-gmJPNFvdBS2VqOc-GC80E5ypEVMbJy234hGLMddja-79LDyhIKgdKmHPDkCcRWnLKI9hb_QLZI0_smut1MMwg_nzJNg3qf1nZw/s640/MossbraeFallsedited.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
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Now obviously I'm a little slow on the bandwagon. I have been seeing friends and locals post pictures of Mossbrae Falls for a while. So, I'm not here to say I'm the first, but when I started looking for directions to the falls, I had a hard time finding the info I needed all in one place. <br />
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<b>The Stats: Mossbrae Falls</b></div>
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<span style="color: red;">DISCLAIMER: In order to get to Mossbrae Falls, you have to pass through private property. Unless you have permission from the land owner, it is considered trespassing.</span></div>
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<b>Location:</b> Dunsmuir, CA (See map & directions below for details)</div>
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<b>Amenities:</b> None. There are no bathrooms, no drinking fountains, just the great outdoors and mother nature.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3000.092332763688!2d-122.26914148470543!3d41.24154661298663!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x54cde8c713588759%3A0xf03388e9e0e3716a!2sMossbrae+Falls!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1501007004247" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe><br />
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I really wanted my husband to be able to go with us on the hike, so we had to go when he was off work. Unfortunately the only day that lined up for us to go was the 4th of July. Well, everyone else decided that Independence Day was the perfect day for a hike to the falls too. There were plenty of people at the falls. My pictures are full of people. I saw pictures from friends of Mossbrae Falls on the 5th of July and there was no one in her pictures. Just sayin'.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oNV7lwa0Au-9eV-xtpHpGARhNBUYchiHeSasNOxE8DcXab-Uqw5sQ_nzWVNgglXFIGf9rskrhfLRjB55KiikUhsznhM2xMlvtBEnKfP62l5EU2uIagc5Fkd2-0lxHk5Sj2fpJp0SQw/s1600/Mossbrae+falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oNV7lwa0Au-9eV-xtpHpGARhNBUYchiHeSasNOxE8DcXab-Uqw5sQ_nzWVNgglXFIGf9rskrhfLRjB55KiikUhsznhM2xMlvtBEnKfP62l5EU2uIagc5Fkd2-0lxHk5Sj2fpJp0SQw/s640/Mossbrae+falls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's what you want to know: How do you get there?<br />
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Park near the corner of Dunsmuir Ave and Scarlett. We parked up the hill from Scarlett on Dunsmuir Ave. Make sure you are parking in an area that doesn't have a "no parking" sign. Walk down Scarlett (private street) to the bottom of the hill. At the bottom of the hill take a right and go over the bridge. Take a right after the bridge and follow the tracks tot he next bridge. Right before the 2nd bridge there is a trail off to the right. It's somewhat of a steep trail down to the falls. The hike between the two bridges took us about 30-40 minutes with kids in tow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_nM7h1pR7-_2HYxPwrvduG5O9ADhOe2F5qZAaEvvfdcrwvprNe6tOMAKcFfEitu6sX7vSKVhhhNg0vddYVDe8r0M2OPZLzVaxdCcisI9re3FExStQI2f0ps2ikbaaxK8kK0To7c3Gw/s1600/MossbraeHike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_nM7h1pR7-_2HYxPwrvduG5O9ADhOe2F5qZAaEvvfdcrwvprNe6tOMAKcFfEitu6sX7vSKVhhhNg0vddYVDe8r0M2OPZLzVaxdCcisI9re3FExStQI2f0ps2ikbaaxK8kK0To7c3Gw/s640/MossbraeHike.jpg" width="524" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;">DISCLAIMER #2: Walking along ANY railroad track is illegal (trespassing) and dangerous. </span> (Linked <a href="http://ijpr.org/post/mossbrae-forbidden-falls-dunsmuir#stream/0">HERE</a> is an article about Mossbrae Falls from <a href="http://ijpr.org/post/mossbrae-forbidden-falls-dunsmuir#stream/0">Jefferson Public Radio</a> and the dangers that are associated with accessing Mossbrae Falls via the railroad tracks.)<br />
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Pro Tips:<br />
<ul>
<li>Wear tennis shoes or a good outdoor sandal. The railroad tracks are rocky and it's an unlevel walking surface. I wore a Teva sandal and it worked out just fine. But I wouldn't want to walk that far on the tracks with flip flops.</li>
<li>Take lots of water. If you're going in the heat of the summer, it will be hot on your hike. There is very little shade on the railroad tracks.</li>
<li>Make sure you do not park on Scarlett. It is a private street and the police give out tickets.</li>
<li>The railroad tracks make me SUPER nervous. Be smart: pay attention, keep your eyes and ears alert and stay sober for this hike.</li>
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Have you been to Mossbrae Falls? What other waterfalls do you recommend going to?<br />
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Read more about these other waterfalls:<br />
<a href="http://www.northincali.com/2015/08/crystal-creek-falls.html">CRYSTAL CREEK FALLS</a><br />
<a href="http://www.northincali.com/2015/05/a-day-at-falls.html">BURNEY FALLS</a><br />
<br />Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-38822174215104163012017-07-07T06:00:00.000-07:002017-07-07T07:17:27.527-07:00Food Truck Friday : Taco LocoI texted my friend J:<br />
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"We are going food truck hunting tonight in the heat. I have a pretty good lead on where to go. Want to come? It will be hot and I can't guarantee that the food will be good. But it will be an adventure!" <br />
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And do you know what she said? She said, "Yes we want to!" With an exclamation point at the end! That right there is a good friend.</div>
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So was the food good? Did she choose wisely? Let's find out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8KID-K5jTQLMl2VIY1_nN8aVvAV6MgvW7ALabsYToRbN0GRWkp5a8-uGDxbHuuwetlR4FsH8xvTmucJ5JZtshIbF8eQHzG8BSBdMrIslgNfvJScC-AmiHTaSr8KmTf-1sIEL0R8PwQ/s1600/FTFTacoLoco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Food Truck Friday : Taco Loco Redding, California www.northincali.com" border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="800" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8KID-K5jTQLMl2VIY1_nN8aVvAV6MgvW7ALabsYToRbN0GRWkp5a8-uGDxbHuuwetlR4FsH8xvTmucJ5JZtshIbF8eQHzG8BSBdMrIslgNfvJScC-AmiHTaSr8KmTf-1sIEL0R8PwQ/s640/FTFTacoLoco.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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Food trucks have been a little tricky to hunt down. So when I heard the advertisement on the radio for <a href="https://www.shastalakechamber.org/">Friday Night In The Park</a> in Shasta Lake City, I figured that there had to be at least one food truck there. We may have missed something but from what we saw, there was Taco Loco food truck, a snow cone truck that also sold hot dogs and the Old Mill Eatery and Smokehouse had a tent selling tri-tip sliders. We tried Taco Loco and the Old Mill Eatery, but for now we will stick to reviewing Taco Loco.<br />
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We all walked up a little timidly, unsure of what we should order. But I think in the end, we thought that if the truck had "taco" in the name, we best try the tacos.<br />
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Our friends J & T ordered a plate of 5 street tacos for $10, (2 beef, 2 chicken & 1 pork) all with mild green chili salsa. They later ordered a 2nd plate of tacos, this time trying the spicier red sauce. (After they declared the beef with green salsa their favorite.)<br />
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Q and I ordered similar, except for that our 5 street tacos were 2 beef, 1 chicken, 1 pork, 1 fried pork. Also all with the mild salsa. Also $10.<br />
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Luckily we found a picnic table in the shade, enabling us to sit in relative comfort even though it was quite warm out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qACGbrkKxLGc8YO7AsIHcsIhMsW-ExZmS5JAzM1DjEiDXyXQ3UPPDu1dMfu42lfRH1MNABoUzgUetq3rd0raTU9siVn4-MYx9jJ0ay3eEkA7N-aBIjKQDCFwnrBqyoPHnSpq2uEWhg/s1600/FTF+TacoLoco+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Food Truck Friday : Taco Loco, Redding, California www.northincali.com" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qACGbrkKxLGc8YO7AsIHcsIhMsW-ExZmS5JAzM1DjEiDXyXQ3UPPDu1dMfu42lfRH1MNABoUzgUetq3rd0raTU9siVn4-MYx9jJ0ay3eEkA7N-aBIjKQDCFwnrBqyoPHnSpq2uEWhg/s640/FTF+TacoLoco+Collage.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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So back to the question of whether or not our friends made the right choice to come on this food truck adventure. Here's their reviews...<br />
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J's review, "In my mind I have a preconceived notion of what "street tacos" should be. When the plate came out, it was exactly what I was hoping for in look and more importantly taste. I would eat it again for sure!"<br />
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T's review, "I didn't know what to expect, but I really liked it. Food was great and just like J said, it was just what I thought a street taco should be. Fun to experience something new."<br />
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What did Q and I think? Well, we are getting more and more comfortable eating at food trucks and our expectations are becoming higher as we quickly learn that we should expect excellence from them. And once again, we were not disappointed. Taco Loco, we will be back for more tacos and to try some different menu items!<br />
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<b>The Stats: Taco Loco</b></div>
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<b>Contact Info: </b>(530) 227-0581<br />
<b>Payments Type Accepted:</b> Cash or Card (via Square)<br />
<b>Social Media: </b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tacolocoromo/">https://www.facebook.com/Tacolocoromo/</a></div>
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<b>Location & Schedule: (Summer 2017) </b></div>
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<a href="http://www.northernrootsca.com/">Northern Roots</a> parking lot: Mon-Fri 11:00am - 4:30pm</div>
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<a href="http://www.ci.anderson.ca.us/docs/2017%20Mosquito%20Serenade%20Poster.pdf">Mosquito Serenade</a> (Anderson River Park): Wednesdays, 6:00pm through Aug 23</div>
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<a href="http://andersonchamberofcommerce.com/sunset-river-jam/">Sunset River Jam</a> (Anderson River Park): Wednesdays, 5pm, Aug 30 - Oct 4, 2017</div>
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Taco Loco is getting a new truck! Check out their new truck below (photo credit: <a href="http://www.signarama.com/ca-redding">Signarama</a>). Look for it very soon (if they aren't using it already).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBVoX1tB37z9MCmzPvuQI8FFBRZ2rPCArdVzgAaUwSRlJ7pyfPhlk24NFFF03AGcO6k4_6pW5dsuczANvFvBYTb1MEty5JKMaahjEX3tJhWt2mP4gSTp6yTKWvBGaMttzQBUObGY-UA/s1600/TacoLoco+New+Truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="600" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBVoX1tB37z9MCmzPvuQI8FFBRZ2rPCArdVzgAaUwSRlJ7pyfPhlk24NFFF03AGcO6k4_6pW5dsuczANvFvBYTb1MEty5JKMaahjEX3tJhWt2mP4gSTp6yTKWvBGaMttzQBUObGY-UA/s640/TacoLoco+New+Truck.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have you had Taco Loco's food yet? What did you think? Be sure to leave a comment if you know of another food truck we should try.<br />
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Check out our other food truck reviews:<br />
<a href="http://www.northincali.com/2017/06/food-truck-friday-tango-taco.html">Tango Tacos</a><br />
<a href="http://www.northincali.com/2017/06/food-truck-friday-what-truck-road.html">What The Truck</a><br />
<a href="http://www.northincali.com/2017/06/food-truck-friday-what-truck-road.html">Yellow Lunch Box </a><br />
<a href="http://www.northincali.com/2017/06/food-truck-friday-what-truck-road.html">Roadrunner Grill</a><br />
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**Just in case anyone is wondering, in this review we paid for all our own food and did not receive any compensation of any kind for our honest opinion.**</div>
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Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com64tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-2535850721256034242017-06-30T12:36:00.002-07:002017-07-07T07:32:23.544-07:00Food Truck Friday : What The Truck, Road Runner Grill & Yellow Lunch BoxMan, you guys love your food trucks! Thanks for all the love and visiting Way Up North In Cali! Are you following us on social media?<br />
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Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/northincali/">facebook.com/northincali</a><br />
Instragram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/northincali/">@northincal</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/northincali/">i</a><br />
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/northincali">@northincali</a><br />
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If you are a local resident you have probably heard that <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Park-Redding-Food-Trucks-1837555296469471/">Todd Franklin</a> is trying to bring <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Park-Redding-Food-Trucks-1837555296469471/">"The Park - Patio & Bar"</a> to downtown Redding and Anderson River Park. To get people revved up and excited about the idea of a food truck park, Todd has been hosting food truck tastings at his home. We were out of town when he did the first one, but I was determined to get to the next one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_AuLHd4FMIoRP3zD7dIwLJDVmV4sR-u8ZVpRb3C_5cL8yNtA6oVMZ010_ei0zRNOKrO5FPIrRlHpa3O69q3ed0yVW4BX8Z2mMjSoB11qpQk0hyyDnnjsP1UGemixZa-03wRpSXWuFA/s1600/Food+truck+Tasting.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Food Truck Fridays : What The Truck, Road Runner Grill, & Yellow Lunch Box Redding, California www.northincali.com" border="0" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="800" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_AuLHd4FMIoRP3zD7dIwLJDVmV4sR-u8ZVpRb3C_5cL8yNtA6oVMZ010_ei0zRNOKrO5FPIrRlHpa3O69q3ed0yVW4BX8Z2mMjSoB11qpQk0hyyDnnjsP1UGemixZa-03wRpSXWuFA/s640/Food+truck+Tasting.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last Saturday, three food trucks were hosted. I was going to review each of them in individual posts, but because we only tried one thing from each truck, I didn't feel like it would be a fair review. So I'm going to take a look at all three trucks in this post.<br />
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**Let me remind you that last Saturday saw temperature highs over 110 degrees. And while we are used to high summer temps here in Redding, it's still HOT. No matter how you look at it, 113 degrees is too hot. Too hot to stand out in the sun and order from a food truck. Too hot to wait for the food and too hot to eat it once you get it. (Although, Todd did a very nice job of offering shaded seating near his pool, which is where we sat to eat our food.) But the people need to know if the food truck food is good. So my dear husband indulged me and we braved the fiery furnace of the Redding Sun.**<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1m9KtUh4YmvpbPyqxiwq-hUvqwOnXc1NrRl8QumzrPa9SAEc7VRiZmsPrTlwtm1kE-nfUbAeU9xQm5_7RTLi9IklAYPpLEXqrtkqqD2_lGwAi3rIaVak3dTk3JTso_q75iCRiFsxUmA/s1600/FTFWhatTheTruckCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What The Truck (food truck) Redding, California www.northincali.com" border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="1000" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1m9KtUh4YmvpbPyqxiwq-hUvqwOnXc1NrRl8QumzrPa9SAEc7VRiZmsPrTlwtm1kE-nfUbAeU9xQm5_7RTLi9IklAYPpLEXqrtkqqD2_lGwAi3rIaVak3dTk3JTso_q75iCRiFsxUmA/s640/FTFWhatTheTruckCollage.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>What The Truck</i></b><br />
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We ordered the "BrieBQ Burger" with caramelized onions ($10) thinking, "We love brie cheese. We've never had it on a burger before, we should try that." The burger was very good. It tasted fresh and the onions were good. However, there was no brie or cheese of any kind on the burger. Q said, "They must have forgotten the cheese." Later I noticed on the side of the truck that "Brie" is not a cheese but rather the co-owner. In their defense it did not say "cheese burger". But if I were to make a suggestion, it would be to add brie cheese to that burger. It would be delicious! Had I not thought there was supposed to be cheese on the burger, I wouldn't have any complaints. It was served with a side of potato salad, which was excellent. Definitely home made.<br />
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Bottom Line: The misunderstanding of the "BrieBQ Burger" was minor. I can't wait to try more things on their menu! I've heard great reviews from other people about their Blue Cheese and Bacon Jam Burger.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RW-RLHiwWlivlAZCnj_Vo1oVOzW3VeQAfljrezpCay7h-1NAOG3HGHbZE2iPuI02yNMmYTu32ZKfMvimaEiQjtHcgQpIJkz_uPO4iNs27A4G9ftply5yyQL7Qc5dJH9GhgxrGTlZQg/s1600/FTFRoadRunnerGrill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Road Runner Grill food truck Redding, California www.northincali.com" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RW-RLHiwWlivlAZCnj_Vo1oVOzW3VeQAfljrezpCay7h-1NAOG3HGHbZE2iPuI02yNMmYTu32ZKfMvimaEiQjtHcgQpIJkz_uPO4iNs27A4G9ftply5yyQL7Qc5dJH9GhgxrGTlZQg/s640/FTFRoadRunnerGrill.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i>Road Runner Grill</i></b><br />
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Because we were trying to get food from each truck, we ordered a smaller item at The Road Runner Grill. I wish we had ordered more because the Chicken Mango Taco ($4) was delicious. It was sweet and fresh, perfect for a hot summer day. We opted for the grilled chicken rather than the chipotle chicken because I am wimpy when it comes to spices, but I bet the sweet mixed with a little spicy would be great! I would have gotten the shrimp taco if I wasn't sharing with Q, but he won't eat anything that lived in the water...<br />
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Bottom Line: Don't share this taco with anyone, you'll want it all to yourself. There are more things I want to try on the menu, so I'll definitely be stopping by for a bite the next time I see them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_ojfqwWslk9C5HRSJR_R_1_SWyLYTqs6ZxfEqwObCA8rViUf219P9vB91llt0l92McuKYXkToHLG2qd3SzzjRBa-VQGDKugUEaPsE8pAMub2UFjjXD98P8yj_FHtp4FNGOF7zmDBOQ/s1600/FTFYellowLunchBox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Yellow Lunch Box food truck Redding, California www.northincali.com" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_ojfqwWslk9C5HRSJR_R_1_SWyLYTqs6ZxfEqwObCA8rViUf219P9vB91llt0l92McuKYXkToHLG2qd3SzzjRBa-VQGDKugUEaPsE8pAMub2UFjjXD98P8yj_FHtp4FNGOF7zmDBOQ/s640/FTFYellowLunchBox.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Yellow Lunch Box</i></b><br />
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This was the truck I was most excited to try. The truck only does special events, but they are the same owners that run the Ma Der Ma Der Sap House & Grill in downtown Redding (which we have not been to). Q really wanted to order the Redding Rib Eye Cheese Steak sandwich, but I wanted to try something "new" and ordered the Hawaiian Chicken Adobo with Lumpia and Rice ($9). Q was ok with this because he lived in the Philippines for two years where he ate chicken adobo and lumpia often. The lumpia (similar to an egg roll) was very good. I could have eaten a whole plate full of just lumpia. The sauce they served for the lumpia was sweet but with just a hint of spice, but didn't leave your mouth burning. The rice was sufficiently sticky. The chicken, I'm sad to say was not my favorite. It was a bit dry and I mentioned to Q that I felt like it needed a sauce. He told me that Filipino adobo has a sauce and maybe they forgot to give it to us. (Or maybe Hawaiian adobo doesn't have sauce.) <br />
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Bottom Line: I would give this truck a 2nd try. That Redding Rib Eye Cheese Steak sandwich is calling my name!<br />
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Well, there you have it. No sugar coating it, just giving you our honest opinion. We spent $23 total for a meal for two people (we shared everything we got), so no complaints about the price. While we may not have loved everything we tried, if I saw any of these trucks serving food I would stop and grab a bite.<br />
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Check out our other food truck reviews:<br />
<a href="http://www.northincali.com/2017/06/food-truck-friday-tango-taco.html">Tango Taco</a><br />
<a href="http://www.northincali.com/2017/07/food-truck-friday-taco-loco.html">Taco Loco</a><br />
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Have you tried any of these three food trucks? What was your opinion? What should we order next time? Leave your comments below.<br />
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<br />Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-34849196208814453352017-06-25T20:32:00.002-07:002017-06-25T20:50:09.281-07:00Exit Strategies : A Local Business Review (Spoiler Free)I began seeing pictures on social media of people holding signs that said things like "We stopped the bomb!" and "We Escaped" and a few that said "We Failed". A little bit of clicking on pictures and reading comments told me that there was a new trend in the entertainment business called "Escape Rooms". It looked fun, but all these pictures seemed to be of my friends that lived in other cities or were visiting other places, so I forgot about it. Until one night, a few months ago, when a friend texted asking if we wanted to do an escape room here in town. Sure! I'm always up for a good time. And the best part was the experience was being gifted to them, so we would get to try it out for free!<br />
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But lets back up for just a minute. Some of you may be saying, "What is an escape room?" Oasis Fun Center states on their <a href="https://www.escaperoomsredding.com/#exit-strategies">Exit Strategies website</a>, "The latest entertainment phenomenon, live escape rooms, make their debut in Shasta County! An escape room is a themed environment where teams made up of 4-8 players attempt to solve mind-bending puzzles and conundrums to accomplish a specific assignment, all in a one-hour time frame."<br />
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<a href="https://www.escaperoomsredding.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="500" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingSnac0u8SHKS_mb6AhgG_NkU_gTePcbcqS6vN8ECIwpEe9AUud4s5ehn58ywKuGLpi1n-FWf4_Jg0IaxBHefHEsQ3sVFe8r7xrGpvELTdZ_hydoE8Z2vrM_aiWPYa1P-1wl-ywb-xw/s640/exitstrategies.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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There were 6 of us. Three couples between the ages of...well let's just say we are fully fledged adults. We arrived at Oasis Fun Center. (Who knew they had an escape room? Not me. But they actually have two!) We were taken upstairs and placed in front of a door. We were offered a few key instructions about time, hints, and what our task was. Then we were told that most people fail.<br />
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We were led into a room, the door shut behind us and the timer started. We had exactly 1 hour to find and deactivate a bomb. Anything and everything in the room could be a hint or clue. Some clues were obvious, some were subtle and some were riddles or puzzles.<br />
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You guys, I'm a pretty smart person, but I've decided I'm no detective. I started looking for clues in obscure places. I found a couple, but most of the time, I just kept looking at things that were not clues at all. I messed around with one prop for a good 15 minutes, determined that I was supposed to find some meaning in it. I was wrong. But others in our group, looked in different places. My friend Shelli said one thing she loved about the experience was that she liked working together and seeing each others strengths. It literally took ALL of us finding and decoding clues to solve the puzzle. Our team mate Marci said she loved how the escape room involved a variety of different interests. There seemed to be something for every type of mind. We all had a great time! It was really fun to do something so different from our normal date night.<br />
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<b>Pro Tips: </b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Choose your team wisely. You're gonna need some smart friends! Mine are THE SMARTEST!</li>
<li>Not interested in deactivating a bomb? You get to pick from 2 escape rooms. You can also prevent a terrorist attack!</li>
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So, did we beat the clock? Did we disarm the bomb? We cut it close, but with less than 5 minutes to spare, YES, we Escaped!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqLFdvLVDAv3cAIDQl_Zew1W5Xc3bb_h53JWuGB_2joDQ4R0K8P0_m0Jwo9JB9qH4YWrGGuXDZzBeZLj0td2nUgve5GEXFqNoqJtWpw7YEjURbXu3vsM5YDzTqJTsFIARYSzDzu99eQ/s1600/ExitStrategiesEdited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Exit Strategies escape room. Shasta Lake, California www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="800" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqLFdvLVDAv3cAIDQl_Zew1W5Xc3bb_h53JWuGB_2joDQ4R0K8P0_m0Jwo9JB9qH4YWrGGuXDZzBeZLj0td2nUgve5GEXFqNoqJtWpw7YEjURbXu3vsM5YDzTqJTsFIARYSzDzu99eQ/s640/ExitStrategiesEdited.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blurry Picture Alert! Sorry!</td></tr>
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<b>The Stats: <a href="https://www.escaperoomsredding.com/">Exit Strategies</a></b></div>
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<b>Location: </b>3330 Cascade Blvd, Shasta Lake (Co-Located with Oasis Fun Center)</div>
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<b>Cost:</b> $25/person or $125 for the entire room<br />
<b><i><span style="color: red;">MENTION WayUpNorthInCali Blog and receive 20% off per person making it only $20 each!</span></i></b></div>
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<b>Contact:</b> (530) 275-3042 or<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <a href="mailto:exitstrategiesredding@gmail.com" style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.3px; word-wrap: break-word;">exitstrategiesredding@gmail.com</a></span></div>
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<b>Social Media: </b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/escaperoomsredding/">https://www.facebook.com/escaperoomsredding/</a><br />
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This is not a game for children. In fact Oasis reminds us that Exit Strategies was designed for adults. Anyone under 14 has to be accompanied by an adult.</div>
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<b>One last question.</b> Just like in my blog posts about <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2017/03/season-pass-review-mt-shasta-ski-park.html">Mt. Shasta Ski Park season passes</a> and <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/02/worth-every-penny.html">Disneyland</a>, I always try to answer: Is it worth the cost? Because let's be honest, $25 is a lot. And I'm not going alone, so now it's $50. Is it a $50 date? Yes, I think it is WORTH the cost. Do I always HAVE $50 to spend on date night? No. <b>BUT never fear. Terry & Marilyn at Oasis Fun Center are offering North In Cali readers an EXCLUSIVE discount!</b> If you mention that you saw this review on Way Up North In Cali blog, they will give you a <i>20% discount per person, making it only $20 each</i>. And I almost always have $40 to spend on date night!<br />
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Have you done an escape room before? Did you escape? Have you tried Exit Strategies yet? Leave your comments below!Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com265tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-78293404545923411222017-06-16T17:18:00.002-07:002017-06-16T17:24:08.850-07:00Food Truck Friday : Tango Taco<div>
There's been a lot of talk about food trucks lately. Redding and Anderson are both looking at putting in food truck parks. One of my daughter's favorite shows is "Food Truck Face Off". Even my neighbor had a food truck in her driveway when she had a party. They are everywhere, and yet I can't ever find one when I want something good to eat. Does Redding have any "real" food trucks? And if we do, where are they? Well, folks that's my quest; to find food trucks and bring them to you every week (well...<i>most</i> weeks) this summer in what I (not so originally) named "Food Truck Friday"</div>
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I used to think food trucks were SK.ET.CH.Y. And probably some of them still are, but what I've learned over the recent years is that some of the best foods are produced in a truck (or trailer). But so many questions come up when eating at a food truck. Will they only take cash? Where do I sit and eat my food? Do I want to stand in line outside when its 100 million degrees this summer? What if the food isn't any good? Will my kids eat there? Well, over the next several weeks, I hope to answer all of these questions. </div>
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First up for Food Truck Friday is <b>"Tango Tacos"</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwO-2GBHlU5FKSUtNjKI-XxmoB8-Lx4avatt8dAykkacVtKGSkGbcm_39DBWo6KZuywMTw0txkmQfCtu5_NxdutHe1Oo7mvOBGUyw7MRAHNZ_riLJIsFZP0pVCVykCWdGQK2sOKyROSw/s1600/FTF+TangoTacos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Food Truck Friday: Tango Tacos Redding, California www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="1000" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwO-2GBHlU5FKSUtNjKI-XxmoB8-Lx4avatt8dAykkacVtKGSkGbcm_39DBWo6KZuywMTw0txkmQfCtu5_NxdutHe1Oo7mvOBGUyw7MRAHNZ_riLJIsFZP0pVCVykCWdGQK2sOKyROSw/s640/FTF+TangoTacos.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tango Taco's Facebook Page states, "<span style="background-color: white;">Tango Tacos is a family owned and operated business made with fresh ingredients from start to finish. From the homemade tortillas to the signature "Sassy Salsas," your mouth will savor the "Tango!"</span><br />
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<b>The Stats: Tango Tacos</b></div>
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<b>Location: </b>1200 E. Cypress, Redding (In front of Lowe's)</div>
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<b>Hours: </b>7:30am - 3:00pm, Monday - Friday (They cater events too!)</div>
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<b>Payment Type Accepted: </b>Cash or Card (via square, extra fee applies)</div>
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<b>Contact Info:</b> (530) 776-7681 tangotacos5@aol.com</div>
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<b>Social Media: </b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tango-Tacos-115869028453157/">https://www.facebook.com/Tango-Tacos-115869028453157/</a></div>
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Now that I'm off work for the summer, I'm taking full advantage of being able to go to lunch with my husband. So I picked Q up from work and we headed over to Lowe's shopping center for our very fancy food truck lunch date.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry, terrible picture. I'm going to get better at this, I promise.</td></tr>
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We ordered and from the menu posted on the side of the truck and waited about 6-7 minutes for our food. In the mean time, we scoped out a place to eat. You see that picnic table that guy is sitting at in the first picture? Well, those are actually tables that Lowes is selling, and that guy and his two friends got there first, so we needed to find a different place to sit. But that's the problem with food trucks in a parking lot...there isn't anywhere to sit. So I imagine most people take it "to go". But, I was on a fancy food truck lunch date with my hubby, so we found a planter (that didn't have any plants in it) next to a motorcycle with a tiny bit of shade. After checking to make sure there were no bums hiding behind the planter (sigh...) we took our seats. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5uSLT8Prn5OOcax78GP9PWWO8osCDB9iNmx_8miLwaDxs5DDICEd4E85zwWb2_Hv7379jYN7MUM7GGOpxoyXk4ubQMLv2vwR2KHEk-NMlF_QjOF7VhyJ9YhDyqqwc6eJyAcgiV0tKw/s1600/FTF+TangoTacos+selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Food Truck Friday: Tango Tacos Redding, California www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="600" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5uSLT8Prn5OOcax78GP9PWWO8osCDB9iNmx_8miLwaDxs5DDICEd4E85zwWb2_Hv7379jYN7MUM7GGOpxoyXk4ubQMLv2vwR2KHEk-NMlF_QjOF7VhyJ9YhDyqqwc6eJyAcgiV0tKw/s640/FTF+TangoTacos+selfie.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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Q ordered: The Taco Meal. It comes with 3 tacos, rice and beans. Q decided on two beef tacos (one with mild salsa and one with spicy) and once chicken taco (with mild salsa). The guy taking our order promised the spicy salsa was "extremely spicy" so Q went conservative and ordered just one spicy, but he said it wasn't "that" spicy (meaning it would have burned my mouth off, but is just fine for Q).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimofDbyaeLDkqIa_Zh86R-7tyVNzj8GtyjdF2gPsfiGkXIr5q-OpTn7VA7nBD409KXFAAIklcJu8pCbuCyK7U-spfvni-JRuszI2c6N85v0pjgDVOYR347QA3lwGIU13vAYYM0oAbFsA/s1600/FTF+TangoTacos+TacoMeal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Food Truck Friday: Tango Tacos Redding, California www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="600" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimofDbyaeLDkqIa_Zh86R-7tyVNzj8GtyjdF2gPsfiGkXIr5q-OpTn7VA7nBD409KXFAAIklcJu8pCbuCyK7U-spfvni-JRuszI2c6N85v0pjgDVOYR347QA3lwGIU13vAYYM0oAbFsA/s640/FTF+TangoTacos+TacoMeal.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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I ordered: 2 tacos, one chicken, one beef, both with mild salsa. And we each ordered a bottle water. Total cost for both meals: $16 (I paid with cash to avoid the card fee).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxmc_xOCtpXxOmYpFI7b5BRvsfLGAE0ljtKlNMmeFF_055MTpCLT9Nl9RltTrFWGtu4K7jWIMClvGcR8CloHvvexNLRIBTTB7esAcOGlxUxpTXNDIzvNMXu1YZ28xiQ8P2zR9d5BisA/s1600/FTF+TangoTacos+2tacos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Food Truck Friday: Tango Tacos Redding, California www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxmc_xOCtpXxOmYpFI7b5BRvsfLGAE0ljtKlNMmeFF_055MTpCLT9Nl9RltTrFWGtu4K7jWIMClvGcR8CloHvvexNLRIBTTB7esAcOGlxUxpTXNDIzvNMXu1YZ28xiQ8P2zR9d5BisA/s640/FTF+TangoTacos+2tacos.jpg" title="" width="580" /></a></div>
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I was definitely satisfied with my meal. The tacos were very juice and little messy (the best kind always are) and of course DELICIOUS! If I had to pick, I think I liked the beef better, but would probably still get one of each when I order again. We will have to try the pork next time too. </div>
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Two tacos filled me up, and Q decided that while he liked the rice and beans, he could have just ordered the tacos and been filled, but bigger appetites will definitely want the meal. The people ahead of us ordered burritos and they looked hefty! And someday when we are starting a home improvement project early in the morning, I definitely want to try out one of those breakfast burritos!</div>
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Bottom Line: You should definitely check out Tango Tacos!</div>
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Well, there you have it. Our first Food Truck Friday post. </div>
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Do you have a favorite food truck in Redding I should try. Leave me info in the comments!</div>
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Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-85830953211646621182017-06-13T15:30:00.000-07:002017-06-13T21:23:56.391-07:00FREE & Nearly Free Summer Activities in Redding 2017<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4o2abo0eBzoU7VCOdKn98MJuFWqVi7D3aIE_xRcJ2l5321yVHO2JL8p5XpuxhpPNuDDY5R-SE6KMm00fIfa1L_I9WgEObXG4d4LKEapnfCzbpB145hJYLsYiPsupzu9bYOuT-ssxwvA/s1600/Free++Nearly+Free.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Free & Nearly Free Summer Activities in Northern California! Update for Summer 2017 www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4o2abo0eBzoU7VCOdKn98MJuFWqVi7D3aIE_xRcJ2l5321yVHO2JL8p5XpuxhpPNuDDY5R-SE6KMm00fIfa1L_I9WgEObXG4d4LKEapnfCzbpB145hJYLsYiPsupzu9bYOuT-ssxwvA/s640/Free++Nearly+Free.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">UPDATED for Summer 2017 with new activities & <a href="https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=bmV2a3B0c2plZTVyNDcxdDZoc2RwMXRyOGNAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ">Google Calendar!</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , inherit;">My children would love to screen hop all day long during the summer. You know how it goes. They hop from the TV, to the tablet, and then to the computer. But that leads to cranky children and an even crankier mom. How do we keep them busy without it breaking the bank? Well...I did a little digging. Look at some of the great activities I found!</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Let's try to avoid too much of this.<br />(But hey...if you're going to play video games, you might as well do it in style.)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/whis/planyourvisit/rangerprograms.htm" target="_blank">Ranger Programs</a> @ Whiskeytown Lake, FREE (May 30-Sept 5) </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I am amazed at the variety of FREE programs offered by the Rangers. Stand Up Paddle Board, Kayak Tours (Daylight & Moonlit), Junior Rangers, Junior Firefighters and Evening Astronomy Programs are just a few.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cityofredding.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/fantasy-fountain">Fantasy Fountain</a> @ Enterprise Park, Open Daily June 6 - Sept 4, 10am-8pm, FREE</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Splash Zone has multiple "water spray features for kids of all ages to enjoy with a volcano that rumbles and erupts with a torrent of water whenever kids want it to." </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2871">Barnes & Noble Story Time</a>, FREE, Saturdays @ 11am, geared toward Preschool age children</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cityofredding.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/aquatic-center"><br /></a></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cityofredding.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/aquatic-center">Family Evening Splash</a>, Redding Aquatic Center, Mon - Thurs, 6:45pm - 8:00pm, 0-2 Years FREE, 3-15 Years $2.25, Adults $2.75</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">There are other times for public swim, swim lessons and classes, but if you're on a budget, this is the time to go swimming!</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.enjoymoviesintheparkredding.com/movies/index.htm" target="_blank">Movies In The Park</a>, FREE, Fridays @ Dusk (June 3 - Aug 27) </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Caldwell Park, Bring blanket or lawn chairs. Watch some great movies with your family; The Secret Life Of Pets, The Legend of Tarzan, Ghostbusters, Kung Fu Panda 3, Charolette's Web, Twister, and many more.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.cinemark.com/media/smc/2017/2017%20SMC%20Flyer_209.pdf">Cinemark Movie Clubhouse</a>, $1 per movie or $5 for 10 movies. Tues & Weds @ 10am (June 6-Aug 9) </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This is now at Movies 14 NOT Movies 8 aka The Dollar Theater</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cityofredding.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation/youth-programs/youth-sports-leagues/jr-giants">Junior Giants Summer Baseball League</a>, Free</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">FREE Program that involves over 450 youth participants </span></li>
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<a href="http://www.shastagrowersassociation.com/" style="font-size: x-large;">Shasta County Farmers' Market</a><span style="font-size: large;">, Saturdays, April 1 - Dec 16, 7:30 am - 12:00 pm. Behind Redding City Hall @ 777 Cypress Ave.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.shastalibraries.org/">Shasta Public Library</a>, FREE</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Story time for different ages on different days of the week. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Video Game & Movie hour; in case your children need more screen time...</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">More events sponsored by the Library, check with the calendar for more info</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://andersonchamberofcommerce.com/events/sunset-river-jam/">Sunset River Jam</a>, FREE, Wednesday evenings (Aug 30 - Oct 4)</span></div>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 21px;">This concert series at Anderson River Park entertains and brings professional talent to the North State.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cascadetheatre.org/Calendar.asp?View=Forward&SectionID=0">Kids Summer Movie Club</a> @ Cascade Theatre, FREE, Sundays in July, 2pm. There will be games, prizes, costumed characters and chances to win tickets to Cascade Theatre events.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have created a <a href="https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=bmV2a3B0c2plZTVyNDcxdDZoc2RwMXRyOGNAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ">Google Calendar</a> called "<a href="https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=bmV2a3B0c2plZTVyNDcxdDZoc2RwMXRyOGNAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ">Summer Fun - Redding, CA and Surrounding Areas</a>" with most of these activities on it. I have added some one time events to the calendar too. Check it out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.shastalake.com/shastadam/">Shasta Dam Tours</a> (FREE!) Tours daily from 9am-3:30pm. Tours take 1 hour. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPh9yS4-JfuhoBZMwVow06PqX2fkrJGHSYKG9Mvg_89rzFBbA9XVnHjKQDQmcYWiK_2XZbDV11o3k37n5hAeGKhO-pVESBmefxC0QezPcwx9w6KoHrpQMtYnTInA7iYyGpVXMOOrX_Ig/s1600/FreeandNearlyFree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Free and Nearly Free 2015 Summer Activities in Redding, CA www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPh9yS4-JfuhoBZMwVow06PqX2fkrJGHSYKG9Mvg_89rzFBbA9XVnHjKQDQmcYWiK_2XZbDV11o3k37n5hAeGKhO-pVESBmefxC0QezPcwx9w6KoHrpQMtYnTInA7iYyGpVXMOOrX_Ig/s640/FreeandNearlyFree.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Do you know of any other FREE or Nearly Free Summer activities in the Redding area? Tell us about them in the Comments below.</span></div>
Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com66tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-36364762125929632852017-05-03T20:52:00.000-07:002017-05-03T20:52:16.546-07:00Salt Creek Beach (Dana Point, California)It was a whirlwind of a weekend. 20 hours of driving, for one day in paradise. Just beyond the concrete jungle and bumper to bumper traffic of Los Angeles are some of the cutest cities and most gorgeous beaches California has to offer.<br />
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My goal for the weekend was to attend my cousin's wedding, (Which by the way, was lovely. If only all brides could be so stunningly beautiful...) But how can you drive 10 hours each way and not go to the beach?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9EEjE92QOiRbbQ3exJHtqHXMBMHZGAQ7yztZEiWRzKTuYsHwm3p20Egb5Bpskh6LQrAiKn3GaYMhgSRp0KkWmKW7IKiy7SfT13Fr5qVLJQW2mET9KYGynr6Ysyw00rNOMWfqCHycKKQ/s1600/SaltCreekBeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Salt Creek Beach, Dana Point, California www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9EEjE92QOiRbbQ3exJHtqHXMBMHZGAQ7yztZEiWRzKTuYsHwm3p20Egb5Bpskh6LQrAiKn3GaYMhgSRp0KkWmKW7IKiy7SfT13Fr5qVLJQW2mET9KYGynr6Ysyw00rNOMWfqCHycKKQ/s640/SaltCreekBeach.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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I picked up my sister in law on the way down (because 10 hours in a car by myself is not really my idea of fun...). My niece and her husband live in San Juan Capistrano and were the best tour guides you could ask for. They took us to one of their favorite spots, Salt Creek Beach Park in Dana Park.<br />
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It was very clear why they love this beach. My pictures of it don't do it justice, but even so my unfiltered, unaltered pictures taken with my phone give you some idea of what it was like.<br />
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<b>The Stats: Salt Creek Beach Park</b><br />
<b>Location: </b>33333 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA</div>
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<b>Cost: </b>Parking $1/hr</div>
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<b>Hours: </b>5am - 12am</div>
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<b>Amenities: </b>Grassy Area with: restrooms, picnic tables, water fountains, BBQ's, & basketball court<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3327.815112001514!2d-117.72578098511647!3d33.48016408076544!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x80dcf013c7dc052b%3A0x601bbd5afcd4a4d!2sSalt+Creek+Beach+Park!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1493823391822" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe>
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There are A LOT of steps down to the beach, but don't worry too much, there is a little tram to help those that don't want to or can't walk down/up the stairs. We tried to get my 6 month pregnant niece to use the tram but she was a trooper and hiked it all the way down and back up!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GFF7UAGEUpb3Pi9d5h7tvX9mWfCCaIJG87JH-PdCeSdv6bedlsO7pKSoO_WtQGYKo9G28YKxSTCdrzyX_3yYV9iYIwjVFRkeVyTbzG6unCTI4vbuaOgE0WL0k2_j7ZHpJ-cGhC20ag/s1600/SaltCreekBeach1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Salt Creek Beach, Dana Point, California www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GFF7UAGEUpb3Pi9d5h7tvX9mWfCCaIJG87JH-PdCeSdv6bedlsO7pKSoO_WtQGYKo9G28YKxSTCdrzyX_3yYV9iYIwjVFRkeVyTbzG6unCTI4vbuaOgE0WL0k2_j7ZHpJ-cGhC20ag/s640/SaltCreekBeach1.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love all the plants and flowers that grow near the ocean. (Oh how I wish plants like that would grow up here in the fiery furnace of Shasta County! But that 115 degree heat is brutal on vegetation.)<br />
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I'm not a surfer, but my nephew-in-law is and he said this was a great beach for surfing. The <a href="http://www.ocparks.com/beaches/salt/">ocparks.com</a> website says, "Salt Creek Beach Park is a popular surfing location. A small, offshore reef creates some of the best left swells along the entire coastline. Swimming, body surfing, sunbathing, and tide pool exploration (all tide pool inhabitants are protected) are other beach activities."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKbjGlMHxAgPNT2F_o1ah_85AMgsLDKt067peYokYUvSporjZmH4HC8wkqkCPa3PJSy7-ogSP7-pS_4dmmHR2zFy2FEoPIdeMV9ZkXwoTuacOupgXkKV5fsKjXBahdU8NDh0tTjtA6A/s1600/SaltCreekHouses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKbjGlMHxAgPNT2F_o1ah_85AMgsLDKt067peYokYUvSporjZmH4HC8wkqkCPa3PJSy7-ogSP7-pS_4dmmHR2zFy2FEoPIdeMV9ZkXwoTuacOupgXkKV5fsKjXBahdU8NDh0tTjtA6A/s640/SaltCreekHouses.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The houses along the beach were incredible. We imagined what it would be like to live there and what type of jobs people must have to be able to afford a house on the beach in Dana Point. <sigh><br />
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We definitely will be back next month for a day of relaxing on the beach after we take the kids to Disneyland.<br />
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Have you been to Salt Creek Beach? What's your favorite beach in Southern California?Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-40126124523311309502017-04-19T21:47:00.002-07:002017-04-20T20:33:49.798-07:00Houseboating on Shasta Lake (WITH KIDS!)It's raining. Again. I know...I'll be so glad the lakes are full and we are out of the drought this summer, but right now, I'm DONE with the rain. It just makes me long for summer.<br />
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Speaking of lakes...I thought I'd throw-back to summer time at Shasta Lake. I haven't posted much about Shasta Lake yet. Mostly because we generally use Whiskeytown Lake more in the summer, due to our close proximity to it. But we have spent some considerable time on Shasta Lake throughout the years.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwKFvFWacVaottA0zL5BKetu-dtjPQlZCmQpcNc-BrtOZAKZaSFzG-scmjE8qc2ba49RoLEhHxpDm1g5-Mmt6cNLlnehDNWOat6hgasEpNUnaJsTFsEz47dctJN8NYf91TcBDETP4nA/s1600/10HouseboatingTips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Top 10 Tips for Houseboating with kids! Shasta Lake, California www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com GREAT BLOG ABOUT NORTHERN CALIFORNIA!" border="0" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwKFvFWacVaottA0zL5BKetu-dtjPQlZCmQpcNc-BrtOZAKZaSFzG-scmjE8qc2ba49RoLEhHxpDm1g5-Mmt6cNLlnehDNWOat6hgasEpNUnaJsTFsEz47dctJN8NYf91TcBDETP4nA/s640/10HouseboatingTips.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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For many years, we spent a week in the summer with my parents on their houseboat at Shasta Lake. It was so fun! We swam, used paddle boats, went tubing and water skiing, played games and ate great food. In the beginning it FREAKED ME OUT to have little kids on a house boat 24/7. Maybe you've thought the same thing and it's been keeping you from taking your family on a houseboat vacation. I thought I'd give some tips on how we took 7 kids (3 mine, 4 my brother's) ages 10 and under on a houseboat every year.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">TOP 10 TIPS FOR HOUSEBOATING WITH KIDS!</span><br />
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1. RULES. Tell all children (and adults) what the rules of the boat are BEFORE they step foot on the boat. If the rules are explained up front, then there is less confusion and less accidents.<br />
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2. LIFE JACKETS are an absolute must! We had a rule that if kids were on the boat (any boat, even the house boat) they had to have their life jackets on. Even if they knew how to swim. Even if the boat wasn't moving. Yep, that's right, if we were docked at shore, but kids were on the boat, then a life jacket had to be worn. If they were on shore, they could take their life jacket off. The kids hated this rule! They didn't understand why when they were inside the house boat they had to wear a life jacket. However, we had two incidents that I can remember of kids falling off the side of the boat (while docked). They just weren't paying attention. While they could swim, I was so thankful for the life jackets so that when they found themselves unexpectedly in the water, they didn't have to worry, they could just float! Having comfortable jackets really cut down on the whining from kids. (The older they got, the more lenient we were on this rule. So you will see some pics of our older kids without life jackets on.) If you can, try to get jackets that don't rub their skin (especially under the arm). We found that having kids wear rash-guard shirts helped with this as well. But what about sleeping, you say? Well because there were so many of us, we made a choice to pitch tents on the shore. Kids (and some adults) slept in tents. (See more about sleeping on the boat in Tip #3)<br />
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3. LOCK THE DOORS. If you all will be sleeping inside the boat, give your self some peace of mind and lock the doors at night. I was never worried about someone coming in, but I always feared that my child would pick the houseboating trip to start sleep walking! We locked the door the year I had a toddler and he slept with me on the boat. It just helped me sleep better knowing he was safe.<br />
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4. ADULTS must be with them whenever kids are on they are on the boat. This may seem redundant. Aren't you on the boat the whole time? Well, not really, many times we were docked at the shore and people were on and off the boat constantly. My mom was on the boat most of the time (cooking, relaxing, reading, etc.) so it wasn't hard to follow this one. On those couple of times we did have a child fall off the boat, there was always an adult there and scooped them up out of the water immediately.<br />
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5. COUNT. Know how many kids are with you and do a head count every so often. I found just counting the number of kids was easier than trying to find each kids individually every time I turned around. Then if I didn't come up with the right number on my count, I would name off all the kids and look for the one I couldn't see.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSpYHIz2mVkUmgb2wNrydXJgb_5jTDpcyaIQNvoFutScAhK5CPaky6a_XsRtH-ckr2ZNkdnxGGz2nqS2q7COtrE-JHcTjrUkmb21DtGiw4R7fdRaTSUmiVQbxBOr6HffUqCe869lAAQ/s1600/houseboatcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Houseboating on Shasta Lake WITH KIDS!! Top 10 Tips for Houseboating with KIDS! www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSpYHIz2mVkUmgb2wNrydXJgb_5jTDpcyaIQNvoFutScAhK5CPaky6a_XsRtH-ckr2ZNkdnxGGz2nqS2q7COtrE-JHcTjrUkmb21DtGiw4R7fdRaTSUmiVQbxBOr6HffUqCe869lAAQ/s640/houseboatcollage.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how little my kids are! They're babies! </td></tr>
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6. DOCK THE BOAT. Spend most of your houseboating time docked in a cove or protected place. Unless you're traveling from one spot to another, keep your boat in one place. It's really hard to do anything when the boat is moving or out in the middle of the lake. Swimmers are safer in smaller, more confined areas where there aren't a lot of other boats around. One of the great things about Shasta Lake is that there are so many "arms" that there are plenty of coves and secluded areas where you can park and have a more private area.<br />
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7. GAMES. Sometimes you and your kids will need a break from the sun. Bring some card games (leave Jenga behind...you know...because of the waves and boat rocking...) so the kids can come in out of the sun and still be entertained. We also brought some crafts for them to do. Decorating foam visors and drink cozies were a great way to keep them entertained and solve the problem of "whose drink is whose"<br />
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8. WATER ACTIVITIES. We could be on the most amazing trip and at least one of my kids will tell me they are bored. Rather than get mad about it, bring along some water activities to keep them busy. Squirt guns, kick boards, sand toys (a bucket and shovel can keep a kid entertained for hours), fishing poles and water floaties are all great. Kayaks and paddle boats are a great way to keep everyone entertained. If you don't have them, you can always rent them. We bought a child sized kayak (that holds up to 150 lbs) from Costco one year for about $80. My brother brought his fishing boat that also pulled water skiers and tubers. This was a big hit with kids and adults!<br />
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9. RAHSGUARDS & SUNSCREEN!! You will be in the hot, summer sun most of the time. We preferred to have the kids wear rashguard shirts so we didn't have to apply new sunscreen to at least part of their body the whole time. But even with rashguards and hats, make sure to apply sunscreen every couple hours. The kids are in and out of the water all day and the sunscreen wears of quickly. We find that while it takes longer to apply, the lotion type of sunscreen provides better coverage and lasts longer than the spray kind. But we certainly use both!<br />
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10. WATER SHOES or outdoor sandals. Flip flops are ok, but Shasta Lake has steep, rocky, red soil on the shores and having shoes that could go in and out of the water helped keep the kids feet clean and safe from cuts on rocks.<br />
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Well, there's 10 ways to help make your family houseboating vacation amazing! Do you have any others to add? Leave your ideas and suggestions in the comments.<br />
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Shasta Lake is the perfect lake for houseboating. It's beautiful! I'd choose Shasta Lake over Lake Powell any day. People come from all over the country to our amazing lake every year. If you haven't taken advantage of all the incredible activities Shasta Lake has to offer, you are missing out! <br />
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Summer can't come soon enough!Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-7681807833861961072017-04-12T12:30:00.000-07:002017-04-12T18:21:38.950-07:00Old Station, CAWe spent the weekend in Old Station. Have you been there? You probably have, but just didn't realize it. A few minutes drive past the entrance to Lassen Park on Hwy 44, you find Old Station. You might know it because Hat Creek runs through it. Some people remember it because <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/09/subway-cave.html" target="_blank">Subway Cave</a> is near there. But it's probably most well known for being one of the only gas stations between Palo Cedro and Susanville. But what I didn't realize until about 5 years ago is that there are neighborhoods in Old Station. I guess I always knew that people must live there, but it never occurred to me that a neighborhood existed way out there!<br />
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Several years ago Q's parents purchased a house in Old Station in one of the fore mentioned neighborhoods. The family named the house "Willow Brook". It's quite lovely up there. It's a great place to get out of the heat in the summer. A perfect place to have hot chocolate after sledding at <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/02/eskimo-hill.html" target="_blank">Eskimo Hill</a> and Christmas Tree hunting in the winter. </div>
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Q made a Corn Hole game and we spent a good portion of our time playing that in the front yard.</div>
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About an hour's drive from Redding, we enjoy going to get away from our busy life, spending time as a family and just relaxing in a beautiful place. </div>
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Half way through the weekend, our good friends joined us. Target practice with BB guns, Silent Ninja, Capture the Flag, Sardines, LOTS of junk food, board games, movies and of course more Corn Hole. Life is always more fun with friends!</div>
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Think there's "nothing to do" once you get way up there in Old Station? Check out these posts on things to do close by.</div>
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/09/subway-cave.html" target="_blank">Subway Cave</a></div>
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/02/eskimo-hill.html" target="_blank">Eskimo Hill</a></div>
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/05/bumpass-hell.html" target="_blank">Bumpass Hell Hike</a></div>
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/search/label/Lassen%20National%20Park" target="_blank">Lassen Volcanic National Park</a></div>
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Do you have a place you go to get away from it all?</div>
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Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-30502782584467823192017-03-28T22:25:00.000-07:002017-03-29T07:35:15.460-07:00All Browed Up : A Local Business ReviewI'm usually the last of my friends to hop on the trend wagon. I'm often a few seasons behind in fashion. It took me FOREVER to wear a skinny jean, and just when I did, everyone else started wearing boyfriend jeans. I really want to be fashionable. And at one time, I think I was. But then life happened and tennis shoes just are so comfortable. I'm slow to change up my beauty routine, and I have a hard time trying new makeup styles and techniques. So when All Browed Up asked me to try microblading for my eyebrows, I decided to be brave. (Microblading was offered to me as a gift from a dear friend, and after seeing the results, I wanted to thank her by giving an honest review of her service on my blog.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yAqDTxXOq6j4bhYU_dZubixkj2J2Lpd13QWpTIvTml7Kdp5PNDlulIhp_fgigB7k9U6_EgAh7l24mXliWYNgbQ-tyN7nmRe3nVV9wom7PA3PN7LSMsO4s9ka2D-acffk_p2PUYdj9Q/s1600/all-browed-up-V1-with-edits%25255b125%25255d-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yAqDTxXOq6j4bhYU_dZubixkj2J2Lpd13QWpTIvTml7Kdp5PNDlulIhp_fgigB7k9U6_EgAh7l24mXliWYNgbQ-tyN7nmRe3nVV9wom7PA3PN7LSMsO4s9ka2D-acffk_p2PUYdj9Q/s640/all-browed-up-V1-with-edits%25255b125%25255d-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As explained on All Browed Up's brochure, "Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic treatment. It
is a process where thin, shallow cuts are placed in the skin.
Color pigment is deposited into the cuts with a manual,
handheld tool to resemble natural eyebrow hairs. The
treatment provides a beautiful low maintenance look that
can last from 6 months to 3 years!"<br />
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Thin shallow cuts! Ummm...no thanks. But wait, maybe waking up with perfectly shaped brows that didn't need to be filled in with a brow filler would be nice. And I'm about out of brow filler, so it would save me a trip to Macy's MAC counter where I feel intimidated by perfectly done up 20-somethings. Ok...yes...I'll give it a shot.<br />
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This was a decision that took some thought. Q was worried I'd come home with a Mike Tyson tattoo on my face and I was worried about it just being "too much". I like getting done up and putting on makeup as the next girl, but I don't want to look plastic. I want to be real. <br />
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I met Kelly Freeman, the Microblading and Powder Fill Eyebrow Specialist, from All Browed Up many years ago. She's stylish, fun, and friendly. She has a great passion for her new career and is so excited to be offering this service to the Redding area. So even though I was a little nervous, I had confidence in my microblading specialist.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKLdoxArVDtmcVjppy5T76qkos3614_A62YyF1NoP11qKS7w6Vl5srI5f941EHTz8tSHzhwJWCRG69fjyYhKK_lTJwHMYcH504yVJAMNwOLwLWCWHq5wCQIi8fCenc5H7tcSwO_9e2Q/s1600/AllBrowedUpTheSpa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKLdoxArVDtmcVjppy5T76qkos3614_A62YyF1NoP11qKS7w6Vl5srI5f941EHTz8tSHzhwJWCRG69fjyYhKK_lTJwHMYcH504yVJAMNwOLwLWCWHq5wCQIi8fCenc5H7tcSwO_9e2Q/s640/AllBrowedUpTheSpa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I arrived at "The Spa", a lovely serene place, where All Browed Up is located. After some standard paperwork she brought me into her room and began asking questions to find out what I wanted to achieve from microblading.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Kg97v1oCCWQzN8NDmQVOrUNZk2AGzgYr4fuV2fgj4WJyrC6uFwMHbhS1Vhy_gIYj9L8IJJFj0wyoyV9gvD9Xi-lEUMVQRxZcOih40TFBkAO4YJUBGiytiH9JO2SzWoJaGwRR58LYOQ/s1600/AllBrowedUpColorSelect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Kg97v1oCCWQzN8NDmQVOrUNZk2AGzgYr4fuV2fgj4WJyrC6uFwMHbhS1Vhy_gIYj9L8IJJFj0wyoyV9gvD9Xi-lEUMVQRxZcOih40TFBkAO4YJUBGiytiH9JO2SzWoJaGwRR58LYOQ/s640/AllBrowedUpColorSelect.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next, Kelly started the process of mixing just the right color. She was very patient as I kept asking her to tweak it just a little. A little warmer...a little lighter...ok...now a little cooler...but soon we had a color that we thought would be just right to compliment my existing brows. Being a red head, I did not want dark eyebrows. I was hoping for a natural look.<br />
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Now on to the shape and style of the brow (of course I forgot to take a picture of this process!). This took quite a bit of time. I was extremely picky about the size and shape of my brows. (I am not pleased with the current fad of what I like to call "man brows"; thick, dark brows that are too close together. While I haven't seen any of Kelly's clients have this look, it still concerned me.) She was very helpful in picking a shape and size that would work for me and then we tweaked it until it was just right. Kelly was extremely patient as I made her draw and redraw the brow several times. Her goal was to make me happy and she worked to make sure that I was satisfied before we moved on to the next step.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrt3MxKjqzztS0YMDlFRqkxfP6HxyC5QZ6VPGarnZKCN-omsB6u1Fyr7s5JeRzgJS4rYsPxcxImHyE_Nci5ftooST3bos6jGKSeXtvJK1mEu81HFWSgp38UCLzMcjRgafuWgWfSmNJg/s1600/AllBrowedUpOneBrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrt3MxKjqzztS0YMDlFRqkxfP6HxyC5QZ6VPGarnZKCN-omsB6u1Fyr7s5JeRzgJS4rYsPxcxImHyE_Nci5ftooST3bos6jGKSeXtvJK1mEu81HFWSgp38UCLzMcjRgafuWgWfSmNJg/s640/AllBrowedUpOneBrow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After the color and shape were set, it was time to start the microblading. Numbing gel was first applied and then the first "strokes" began. I'm not gonna lie, there were times when I was a bit uncomfortable, but after talking to Kelly, she applied more numbing gel to the sensitive areas and then I was more at ease. After the first brow was mostly complete she had me inspect the brow to make sure I was happy with the direction she was going. <br />
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I sat up and looked in the mirror! "Oh Kelly, it looks SO good!" I was both excited and relieved. Even with all my trust in Kelly's ability, I had never done a cosmetic alteration to my appearance that I would not be able to wash off or wipe away if I didn't like it, and I was more concerned than I wanted to let on. But after that first look at my new brow, all my fears left, and I was just excited to see the final product.<br />
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<b>The Stats:</b></div>
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<b>All Browed Up</b></div>
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<b>What: </b>Eyebrow Microblading (& Powderfill)</div>
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<b>Where: </b>The Spa (2510 Old Eureka Way, Ste B, Redding)</div>
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<b>Cost: SPECIAL $150 through April 2017</b> (Regularly $350)</div>
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<b>Contact/Scheduling: </b>530-941-7514</div>
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Instagram @allbrowedup</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UBM866043z3jxZZDWV-lLJGgtmOA8Ja3twxIpJpj8-h_3bYreapPG8ouB5Q68xYQdvRa0397cFCO5HJJZ-s9L2ZEcyikyFiiFsxzVaKrZeIo5fXpZoFuVgmZKHN_15WMid2D8Rqucw/s1600/BeforeAfter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UBM866043z3jxZZDWV-lLJGgtmOA8Ja3twxIpJpj8-h_3bYreapPG8ouB5Q68xYQdvRa0397cFCO5HJJZ-s9L2ZEcyikyFiiFsxzVaKrZeIo5fXpZoFuVgmZKHN_15WMid2D8Rqucw/s640/BeforeAfter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The final product, is actually yet to be seen. Healing is still happening. Two weeks of healing will give me a better look, and then at six weeks I'll go in for a follow up appointment where touch ups can be made. But even with healing still on going, I am so happy with my improved, natural looking brows!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfqyIn3S1FLaVXV2ZWXGIlrX8FIakiWMec5uvSJSzyH-Ol73yGbQunaSVftDlHAbTnDC9nIJwfalCaaNQitoDo-RnlsGS5750w3W-kwRRibIzQNdX-APxlyYp64hi-81gIv-U8VJOhg/s1600/4dayslater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfqyIn3S1FLaVXV2ZWXGIlrX8FIakiWMec5uvSJSzyH-Ol73yGbQunaSVftDlHAbTnDC9nIJwfalCaaNQitoDo-RnlsGS5750w3W-kwRRibIzQNdX-APxlyYp64hi-81gIv-U8VJOhg/s640/4dayslater.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Would you like to have your business review by WayUpNorthInCali? Email us at <b>northincali@gmail.com</b></div>
Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-4427961437739466142017-03-19T14:33:00.001-07:002017-03-29T20:35:04.703-07:00Season Pass Review : Mt. Shasta Ski ParkDid you feel it? The warmth, the light, the strength, THE SUN! Oh, how I've missed the sun.<br />
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There has been so much rain! And snow! And more rain. What have you been up to all winter? In the cold, wet, weather?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLYQgpfhNwAjqGNk3mxhD8DyMlSPfexmhS3sUFXYQ4s-9PZwkGqhRU9PAZBuS8kTFbWZQz0pu45APEy7VNqtcL6VYCzvZYdobEA4eiSjjDzbj8qVUI28QcuXIoTPIlfBVsODMX6GM_A/s1600/MtShastaSeasonPass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt Shasta Ski Park, McCloud California www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLYQgpfhNwAjqGNk3mxhD8DyMlSPfexmhS3sUFXYQ4s-9PZwkGqhRU9PAZBuS8kTFbWZQz0pu45APEy7VNqtcL6VYCzvZYdobEA4eiSjjDzbj8qVUI28QcuXIoTPIlfBVsODMX6GM_A/s640/MtShastaSeasonPass.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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We have been on The Mountain. You know, the big one to the north that's covered in snow. (Ok...so actually we've been on a hill next to the mountain...but we pretend we've been on THE mountain.)<br />
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Last year, in the middle of the summer, I took the plunge and bought season passes to <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/01/mt-shasta-ski-park.html" target="_blank">Mt. Shasta Ski Park.</a> I was nervous. The last few years have been less than stellar at <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/01/mt-shasta-ski-park.html" target="_blank">Mt. Shasta Ski Park</a>. Of course it's not their fault that Mother Nature hasn't brought much snow to the north state the last few years, but what if it happened again? What if we couldn't use our passes that I just spent a small fortune on? But a part of me had hope and a little faith that the drought would have to come to an end. And well...you know what happened this winter...let's just say...the drought is over. Phew.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39R-mEeIF_3AYboCQfEJcJS3qBl4WRm5Crk6rOsVUbKh7rZW_-r7X70FmoHivdEdRgLw1VlcPmBtm4IqlJ2VwWI3IyLpcpBMIR_Qju9uocyKO7_NEvQ0VBcRSR8PWUDSx4qv7lCvK0w/s1600/MtShastaSkiPark2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt Shasta Ski Park, McCloud California, www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39R-mEeIF_3AYboCQfEJcJS3qBl4WRm5Crk6rOsVUbKh7rZW_-r7X70FmoHivdEdRgLw1VlcPmBtm4IqlJ2VwWI3IyLpcpBMIR_Qju9uocyKO7_NEvQ0VBcRSR8PWUDSx4qv7lCvK0w/s640/MtShastaSkiPark2017.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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But, was it worth it? ALL THAT MONEY spent on ski passes? Well that's an interesting question isn't it. We all place value on money, time and experiences differently. If I lived in Mt. Shasta City, I would say, hands down, absolutely worth it. And I would buy passes every year. But, I don't live in Mt. Shasta. I live in Redding.<br />
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So let's break it down. Cost, experience, time, weather, amenities, all have to be factored into value and worth. I bought my passes in July. If bought by July 31, the rate is A LOT less. Starting August 1, the prices increased significantly.<br />
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<u>2016/2017 Season Pass Lift Ticket Prices for our family (purchased by July 31, 2016):</u><br />
Adult Season Pass: $299<br />
Junior Season Pass ($99 x2): $198<br />
Pup Season Pass: $49<br />
(There is also a Youth pass but we did not purchase it.)<br />
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TOTAL COST: $546 for my family of 4 to ski as many times as we want for the winter. (For those of you counting, Q no longer joins us on the mountain...so no pass for him.) Did we use it enough to break even or make up the cost of passes over just buying single day lift tickets each time we go?<br />
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<u>Single Day Lift Ticket Prices:</u><br />
Adult All Day (weekend): $54<br />
Junior All Day (weekend): $32<br />
Pup All Day (weekend): $13<br />
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To break even with cost alone, an Adult would need to go 6 times, Junior 3 times, and Pup 4 times. That's not taking into account price differences for weekday, half day or night skiing. The Junior and Pup tickets are absolutely worth it. Three or four times up to the mountain is definitely do-able. But realistically, can an adult from Redding (more specifically a busy mom who works and raises a family...me!) get up to the ski park 6 or 7 times?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnY-Lx2zMjn3lYa3JF_kH2iLRjP0tNHi2kZQqkIZXXj8neRC3YjQGPa8ttA_vAmkPeFjV5Kwr-jloun295Solu89zT1_mTAvrepxFlI2CcNx2IYCIoNXAgqRybsbksAd9wHjwONBMMzw/s1600/MtShastaCollage2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Shasta Ski Park, McCloud, California www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnY-Lx2zMjn3lYa3JF_kH2iLRjP0tNHi2kZQqkIZXXj8neRC3YjQGPa8ttA_vAmkPeFjV5Kwr-jloun295Solu89zT1_mTAvrepxFlI2CcNx2IYCIoNXAgqRybsbksAd9wHjwONBMMzw/s640/MtShastaCollage2017.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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With cost calculated, we understand that WORTH isn't valued at cost alone. Our family has some other non-monetary factors we considered.<br />
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<ul>
<li>First, we have family that live in Mt. Shasta City that could come skiing with us when our schedules allowed. The value of cousins bonding in friendship is invaluable. Plus, my sister in law happens to be my best friend (check out <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/01/mt-shasta-ski-park.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> post of us skiing without kids). </li>
<li>Second, we consider the value of being able to get out of the house and have physical, out-door activities during the winter months. (Remember when I talked about how my kids would love to spend every waking moment on video games in <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/05/free-nearly-free-summer-activities-in.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> post?) </li>
<li>Third, we took into the account having a season to focus on developing our talents. I believe skiing is a life-long sport. It is something my children can do their whole lives. It's kind of like riding a bike. Once you know how, you never forget. Having a season pass mentally gave me the permission to go skiing more often to practice.</li>
<li>Fourth, having a season pass gave me the freedom of not having to purchase a specific type of ticket each time I went. If I wanted to ski only a few hours, I didn't have to wait until 12:00 to buy a half day ticket. I could ski from 10am-2pm and not worry about "wasting" the cost of a full day ticket. Same with night skiing, if we wanted to ski until 5pm on Saturday instead of 4pm, the season pass gave us the flexibility of not having to purchase "time" we didn't need.</li>
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So...now that we are nearing the end of ski season, what did we decide? Was it worth it to buy season passes for my family? </div>
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Yes! Absolutely! I loved having time with my children to teach them, watch them grow and see them develop a love for a sport that I am passionate about. For those reasons alone, the cost of the passes was worth it. But, for the record...I have been up 7 times, and my children have been up to ski 6 times each. (And I hope to get us up there one more time before the season is done.) </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWNGThNbiF3T_hAYh8OnU7WVEPWmMq1dqtR2GM9ZgACUD75t8qvAmuRoBlT3VD20UxkyOuu4g8GgliZ3V5mor_p3MVzSBYAGxFJMfhpseWtFPRMQf8CF3QRUWdzNAIOnFl3HalHggSw/s1600/LadiesMtShasta2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mt Shasta Ski Park www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWNGThNbiF3T_hAYh8OnU7WVEPWmMq1dqtR2GM9ZgACUD75t8qvAmuRoBlT3VD20UxkyOuu4g8GgliZ3V5mor_p3MVzSBYAGxFJMfhpseWtFPRMQf8CF3QRUWdzNAIOnFl3HalHggSw/s640/LadiesMtShasta2017.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of my favorite ladies. A ski day without kids! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Would you ever buy a season pass to Mt. Shasta Ski Park? What about other types of season passes to different places or venues? Have you found that having unlimited access to a venue or sport changes the way you experience it? (I talk about the one year I had a Disneyland Annual Pass in <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/02/worth-every-penny.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> post. Best year ever.)</div>
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Want to find out more about Mt. Shasta Ski Park? Check out these posts:<br />
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/02/mt-shasta-family.html" target="_blank">Mt. Shasta Family</a><br />
<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/01/mt-shasta-ski-park.html" target="_blank">Mt. Shasta Ski Park</a><br />
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*Just in case you're wondering, I have not received any compensation for my review of Mt. Shasta Ski Park.*<br />
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Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-29368415099367363152017-03-07T17:29:00.002-08:002017-03-07T22:31:08.505-08:0024 Hours In Monterey, California (with kids!)<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This post has been titled for 4 months. But here it sat. Blank.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've been at odds with my decision to make our lives more public. Blogging, Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and other social media sites are very public, but my life is private. So is yours. Where's the balance? How does Way Up North In Cali blog fit into that? How does my desire to promote the good of our community affect my family and our privacy? So I took a break from blogging to reflect. It took some time to ask the right questions and get the right answers. </span>I've always loved sharing our adventures, but feel like it's now for the right reasons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the time I was silent, I decided to give blog a mini makeover. Did you notice? Don't worry if you didn't, like I said...it's "mini". I also have some other new ideas in the works!</span> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIOzEtGELKmPC0MOA4ruBkZ3KbEeGN5cgz3sjGLdjN9CsWRhNVZqUI62eS71deEQBz48cIbU-nr6fWHVLVV7-hiBqJLeBk77rAfATo5aIk7FFQLAzOj4RjXD8rwIebv8czmvyM4SFAg/s1600/24hrsMonterey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img alt="24 Hours in Monterey California WITH KIDS! www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIOzEtGELKmPC0MOA4ruBkZ3KbEeGN5cgz3sjGLdjN9CsWRhNVZqUI62eS71deEQBz48cIbU-nr6fWHVLVV7-hiBqJLeBk77rAfATo5aIk7FFQLAzOj4RjXD8rwIebv8czmvyM4SFAg/s640/24hrsMonterey.jpg" title="" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have been wanting to share with you our very quick trip down to Monterey. We were in Monterey for less than 24 hours. Q was working in Monterey (as he often does) and he already had a hotel room and the kids and I had a Friday off school (which is really rare), so we hopped in the car after school on Thursday. I don't know how many times I've told someone Quinn was working in Monterey and they have replied with, "Why don't you go with him?" But he always goes during the week and the rest of us have school and other obligations so it just never works out. When I realized we didn't have school and he was still going to be there (with a free hotel room!) we jumped in the car.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Of course immediately upon telling the kids where we were going when I picked them up from school, they all chorused, "Let's go the the Monterey Bay Aquarium?!" But I knew we didn't have a lot of time and also because it was a last minute decision, I hadn't planned for a vacation in our budget. I promised the kids a great time but the aquarium was not in the cards for this trip.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsFou6tuTOsKgbqS0aH9AudYjXdxe0MWZFC32HVAAaA_miiwcdfIy58WWloL3EkxKfPJe3ir-Za1tiLiI-iI899E0DBOzqH5MW2W7jvdgugaA3Ok7P7c6Ne2eZCKYlS6CIo5rzfAFTw/s1600/DennisTheMenace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img alt="Dennis The Menace Park, 24 Hours In Monterey California WITH KIDS! www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsFou6tuTOsKgbqS0aH9AudYjXdxe0MWZFC32HVAAaA_miiwcdfIy58WWloL3EkxKfPJe3ir-Za1tiLiI-iI899E0DBOzqH5MW2W7jvdgugaA3Ok7P7c6Ne2eZCKYlS6CIo5rzfAFTw/s640/DennisTheMenace.jpg" title="" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Without the aquarium, and with limited time and no travel budget, what exactly was going to make this trip "so great"? This was not my first time to Monterey, so...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We started the day by stopping at Dennis The Menace Park. This park is HUGE! I love it. Plenty of room for my big kids to run and play. And the best part is that it fits perfect into my budget. FREE.</span></span><br />
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVU7jGFo8CLkhLYi4tbWRVnBhnX4av7QFQXXaK_JxXcUF_XzLP-8_Y3P9RNnCIj-RozgMfNuE54AkMSGmh2pAPreh1tz3Dr7bfiF0NpC0rRKuhqTGc2chPzTmqJT1Qf1pjoNoNu6ZeQ/s1600/DennisTheMenacePark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img alt="Dennis The Menace Park 24 hours in Monterey California WITH KIDS! www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVU7jGFo8CLkhLYi4tbWRVnBhnX4av7QFQXXaK_JxXcUF_XzLP-8_Y3P9RNnCIj-RozgMfNuE54AkMSGmh2pAPreh1tz3Dr7bfiF0NpC0rRKuhqTGc2chPzTmqJT1Qf1pjoNoNu6ZeQ/s640/DennisTheMenacePark.jpg" title="" width="640" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">After an hour or so of play, we headed towards Cannery Row. We drove around a bit and found a parking space on the street a couple blocks up from Cannery Row.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbeOyZs31A2r78LKDXddbSRwWccZ7Z74zH7KkdDwwJ-HahCUZ4l0aSG5T4TUzX8MY6rmfWrCUmtL1PZnkyVOJZl7imUy4rC9C-HgeDt1CS6zj2QmG1Li_2b_zz3b7ta3IqGtIo1z1qg/s1600/CanneryRow.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img alt="Cannery Row - 24 hours in Monterey California WITH KIDS! www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbeOyZs31A2r78LKDXddbSRwWccZ7Z74zH7KkdDwwJ-HahCUZ4l0aSG5T4TUzX8MY6rmfWrCUmtL1PZnkyVOJZl7imUy4rC9C-HgeDt1CS6zj2QmG1Li_2b_zz3b7ta3IqGtIo1z1qg/s640/CanneryRow.jpg" title="" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The shops and restaurants on Cannery Row are so fun! We of course had to stop and get milkshakes from Ghiradelli. YUM!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VNKwdnuO9St-FgS1hr-teoIF2bZIONq70ekn5S5ulDk-bfFZFbqHsXL9qNQ8Rc6HPXPTyVUZH2cpIJAUkfs2Xh4W0WpMpkxOHH4kRZ5_tzxiQjBKwA1Sxg7oqRQ0FebGp-gcCJlLjg/s1600/Monterey+Ghiradelli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img alt="Ghiradelli Icream - 24 Hours in Monterey California WITH KIDS! www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VNKwdnuO9St-FgS1hr-teoIF2bZIONq70ekn5S5ulDk-bfFZFbqHsXL9qNQ8Rc6HPXPTyVUZH2cpIJAUkfs2Xh4W0WpMpkxOHH4kRZ5_tzxiQjBKwA1Sxg7oqRQ0FebGp-gcCJlLjg/s640/Monterey+Ghiradelli.jpg" title="" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The kids wanted some beach time, so we walked down to the beach, just below the Ghiradelli store. (I learned long ago to bring the kids swim suits if we are going to the beach. It doesn't matter if it's 60 degrees outside, cloudy and the water is freezing, my kids will get wet and love it. There's nothing worse than having them complain about being wet and cold in their clothes the rest of the day.) It wasn't a cold day, but it wasn't particularly warm either (it was November after all), but they wanted to get in the water. Brrr!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpu5mDGRW-uiWBkx9sHSKjIQ3cRoWOxV1j-ir-GKxMMibp06iW4-4gJpVhnR-jpT_HUKWQl4sN94QYbTiMtQxULDgzrJL7mhxSKRoy7UY0Bp1_1Vfk7SG-lgChv2HDoTnLJsLrcBLsIA/s1600/MontereyBay+Sol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img alt="24 Hours in Monterey California WITH KIDS (and on a budget!) www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpu5mDGRW-uiWBkx9sHSKjIQ3cRoWOxV1j-ir-GKxMMibp06iW4-4gJpVhnR-jpT_HUKWQl4sN94QYbTiMtQxULDgzrJL7mhxSKRoy7UY0Bp1_1Vfk7SG-lgChv2HDoTnLJsLrcBLsIA/s640/MontereyBay+Sol.jpg" title="" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The sun was shining and Monterey Bay was so beautiful. We found little critters in the tide pools and fun shells in the sand. Even I got wet (but not on purpose!). It was definitely the highlight of the day!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAwJeXSUGyCxpkujnVDJhr-FN1A09MHBKbGvSQWGPe0ck0Fvygx3E9GzSD7pv0GBiHZjnjFpk4T7wvzFrPzcxzFxoT2A1UPzc-Fkm1TKUdNyGu_7NT0yA1aaz3lETGkV2FGsQgeoWtg/s1600/MontereyBay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img alt="24 Hours in Monterey California WITH KIDS (and on a budget!) www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAwJeXSUGyCxpkujnVDJhr-FN1A09MHBKbGvSQWGPe0ck0Fvygx3E9GzSD7pv0GBiHZjnjFpk4T7wvzFrPzcxzFxoT2A1UPzc-Fkm1TKUdNyGu_7NT0yA1aaz3lETGkV2FGsQgeoWtg/s640/MontereyBay.jpg" title="" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We left the beach to go pick up my husband from his job site and spend the rest of the day with him. A little Chipolte for lunch and then we went back to Cannery Row to browse the stores. (Why didn't I take a picture of the amazing candy store?!)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had a long drive ahead of us (5 hours), so piled back into the car and headed home.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can't wait to go back!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What do you love to do when you're in Monterey? </span></span></div>
Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-24209025222594756452016-10-18T19:39:00.005-07:002017-04-15T08:58:19.168-07:0048 Things To Do in Northern California <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Vvhr-cMtK558n828aWO2yJNutJowCKNHwIKnGCjRU4M6IZm-NX-iTD2PtTB7VOPatXGypc4c2CxzgDoUjObclzHpt9YeY4yfzY_RKRBWjeCE939lem7ZSmvzLoGv9-kLha13i3SZsQ/s1600/48things+norcal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="48 things you must do if you live in Northern California. Such a great list of things every month in Redding, Mt Shasta & Lassen Park area. www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Vvhr-cMtK558n828aWO2yJNutJowCKNHwIKnGCjRU4M6IZm-NX-iTD2PtTB7VOPatXGypc4c2CxzgDoUjObclzHpt9YeY4yfzY_RKRBWjeCE939lem7ZSmvzLoGv9-kLha13i3SZsQ/s640/48things+norcal.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A couple weekends ago I was sick. The kind of sick where you can't get out of bed. I couldn't even keep my eyes open. At some point in the day when the stomach bug was rearing its ugly head, the thought crosses my mind, that maybe this is the end. Because that's what it seems like when you feel like your insides might never be right again. But of course it eventually subsides and when the sickness wears off you think, "Well that was a huge waste of a Saturday." And then I wonder to myself what I would have done that Saturday, if I had been not been ill. Aside from the </span>incessant<span style="font-family: inherit;"> nagging of laundry and dishes and the other unpleasant demands of running a household, a flood of fun things popped into my head. Well, then it became too hard to choose just one. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I've mentioned before in my post "<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">How It All Started: Way Up North In Cali</a>" I cringe when I hear people talk about how there is NOTHING to do in Redding. Once again I feel compelled share some of the great things to do in our beautiful city and the surrounding area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">48 Things You Must Do If You Live In Northern California (Specifically the Redding, Mt. Shasta & Lassen Park areas)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's break it down, month by month. (Each item on the list has a link to more info. Just click on it.)</span></div>
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/02/mt-shasta-family.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSsl1NgDwM2BbO7Nm5jnjafbPwcui42CBtFd0PXHdBZeqjbs44vJhSo4U9mkrs4a9l0Ev74LTHk0_IvkpfE52bX55VH0gNYEQ_NOoQHsls3eJa7MyFZToamJu9Ot44DZ3kr4OUuRlNA/s640/MtShastaSkiPark2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">January </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/01/mt-shasta-ski-park.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mt Shasta Ski Park</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - Ski or Snowboarding</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://msrec.org/siskiyou-ice-rink/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Ice Skating in Mt. Shasta City</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://dogsledexpress.net/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Dog Sled Ride in Mt. Shasta</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/02/eskimo-hill.html" style="text-decoration: none;">Sledding @ Eskimo Hill</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/02/eskimo-hill.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTbxIPqtE16eS6LU7aEEpCHh7KiPTPilPKhY9p3cUjqBWC6fP15tBBgPKLDwuWB8KTAibuheX80JkeGc6RNh6wn0DhZQ6kdHVp0ysMI6Fji3c9bflMf1rEYW_xA-OF-CtbfjahzxX9Q/s640/eskimohill.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">February</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://visitsiskiyou.org/what-to-do/recreation/winter-fun/sledding-toboggan-riding/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Sledding @ Snowman’s Hill</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/ranger_led_programs.htm" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Ranger Led Snow Shoeing in Lassen Park (for only $1)</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.funfactoryrentals.com/snowmobile-rates--info" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Snowmobiling in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/02/mt-shasta-family.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mt. Shasta Ski Park</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - Sledding</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PvOg9hyHGCC3IOBwbU9icimF-QzLTcP6lD0R500ObOsHvf3K0R1Q-tLN3zayIvtTvzyX4H2PnjnJQvww2UO6mCQ55kheB9AJuDoQXRjCWC5hwPOGKFTfllzi847yElJBJfLATUHSeg/s1600/IMG_1122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PvOg9hyHGCC3IOBwbU9icimF-QzLTcP6lD0R500ObOsHvf3K0R1Q-tLN3zayIvtTvzyX4H2PnjnJQvww2UO6mCQ55kheB9AJuDoQXRjCWC5hwPOGKFTfllzi847yElJBJfLATUHSeg/s640/IMG_1122.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">March</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.visitredding.com/Sacramento-River-National-Recreation-Trail" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Bike Ride (or walk ) the Sacramento River Trail</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.shastahighchoir.com/spring-musical" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">See a live concert or show at the Cascade T</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">heater</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mcconnellfoundation.org/lema-ranch/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Walk the beautiful Lema Ranch Trails at the McConnell Foundation</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=353" style="text-decoration: none;">Play disc golf @ Enterprise Park</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/06/a-look-at-turtle-bay-museum-through.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBFaeKIabDuN6xFM5y0PEPrtMTgHUEKYXqaGaCeCheIqwlAXr8RKNFtpEh0n02MfE34j5earg-60zQA-AMj07yF4NrFp9cnRBoQfBnHS6NtHCv-KfULu2kQhktWN3IbyNuajBt4wGVQ/s640/Turtle+Bay+Museum+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">April</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/06/a-look-at-turtle-bay-museum-through.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Visit Sundial Bridge and Turtle Bay Arboretum & Gardens</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.koolaprilnites.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Kool April Nights Cruise and/or Car Show</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/08/crystal-creek-falls.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Crystal Creek Falls @ Whiskeytown</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.shastahighchoir.com/spring-musical" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Attend Shasta High School’s Spring Musical</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/08/crystal-creek-falls.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hDk3stSb8639GlINbXtTAxwzSwR355TUxBFNFAcnoaNVrnv3sSrVZUVcQZBnFCmpV7lu5w5ETeomYjKgsg1c47tJOqDJetQ-yq-8QTrXdt8ZU1BOF5TXhFkV8VjVH5xjynmOCJ8cKQ/s640/crystal+creek+falls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">May</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.reddingcolt45s.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Watch Redding Colt 45s baseball game</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://reddingrodeo.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Redding Rodeo</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=454" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Hike Castle Crags</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.happyvalleystrawberryfestival.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Strawberry Festival in Happy Valley</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/06/brandy-creek-beach.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4M-nRwcv45ic8WDo4ItY1FCkN3UlMQzyI4iKUpxykKenKJC76ElNAV8ZBEAMLlHMaD1fC3RNcsScYFy095pZ4PkpbAR32pIwBBGRpOJkr91_o0rQ67E0Zo6FEbkoQFVXnJbFLtjNDQ/s640/brandycreek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">June</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://lakeshastadinnercruises.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Enjoy an evening with Shasta Lake Dinner Cruise</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/06/brandy-creek-beach.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Brandy Creek Beach @ Whiskeytown Lake</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://shastadistrictfair.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Shasta County Fair</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.vivadowntownredding.org/about.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Get dinner and watch live music @ the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Market Street Faire in Downtown Redding</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/05/a-day-at-falls.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuC7aFu5_3yzJnC8dfDMkN8pEc2jInmNMSGaMKgkziC-GRArTL5HDeUDSIu9YdUVX7qtUhqWNn7RPBrWUBKn7SlZipDFpNARWG6QR7oL91czABr7kK84ns2qjGNUSczsrm-m1z9wNzqw/s640/burneyfalls1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">July</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/05/a-day-at-falls.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Visit Burney Falls & Lake Britton</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.reddingcivic.com/events/2016/07/04/freedom-festival" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Enjoy The Freedom Festival & Watch Fireworks at Ridding Civic Auditorium</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.nps.gov/whis/planyourvisit/rangerprograms.htm" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Free Kayak Tour @ Whiskeytown Lake</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.raftredding.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Raft down Sacramento River</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/08/east-beach-whiskeytown-lake.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kF1nxFrWjmUErMGw5du7Fs8_shhE-nA7LhW_NyIL2yc9MfUkJtAEAQDtxTNFJRPLndYDNmPfH9Y7pDJNGoJr7seAeAh8z5eGOXdVs_ZU17zsGKwNduQ2qoVd4a9UA7Ixp1SuLc04rQ/s640/EastBeachWhiskeytownsunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">August</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/search/label/Lassen%20National%20Park" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Lassen Park; Manzanita Lake, Subway Caves, Bumpass Hell </span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/08/east-beach-whiskeytown-lake.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">East Beach @ Whiskeytown Lake</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.cityofredding.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/aquatic-center" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Swim at the Aquatic Center</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.enjoymoviesintheparkredding.com/movies/index.htm" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Watch a FREE Movie In The Park</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/search/label/Lassen%20National%20Park" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglAFJFOMQib05cdDuiuppNqKkCvs_tAMBOmHK-l0Fjg_2brI8BtxqT9D_aN6ux-qmxOQ1tyn1zbL_qplwA2OS66lDQWk9f-zId5_8AU0yUrNFVfjA1kIOGY6rIHuOvwq2-1Pli9-1xA/s640/Subwaycave.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">September</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.nps.gov/whis/planyourvisit/hiking.htm" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Hike to Whiskeytown Falls</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.reddingdragstrip.info/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Watch a drag race at Redding Drag Strip</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://lakeshastacaverns.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Take a tour of Shasta Caverns</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/09/highland-neighborhood-park.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Check out one of Redding’s parks</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/03/rivercrest-park.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcCZO5kDv64ruOxqQGwuued8K_78HOyF9IHPjhkJqnTQWzjM82HGF61fgCHn0WY2I0AbvdVdqrdWJzq3QuOoZR_dRRADnrlU1Wg-6G-wejaR5ZlXzh8eIo0xjINVpuqNBh5pgFUI5qw/s640/rivercrestpark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">October</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://historichawesfarms.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Pumpkin Patch / Corn Maze </span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ncao/shasta-dam.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Take a tour of the Shasta Dam</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.shastaartscouncil.org/what-we-do/silent-film-festival/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Redding’s Silent Film Festival @ Old City Hall</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.norcalthinkpink.org/breast-cancer-facts/the-sundial-bridge/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Watch the Sundial Bridge light up PINK for Think Pink Day</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">November</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://riverfrontplayhouse.net/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">See a play by River Front Playhouse</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=456" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Visit/Tour Shasta State Historical Park (Old Shasta)</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.makerfaireshasta.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Shasta County Mini Maker Faire</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/lassen/passes-permits/forestproducts/?cid=stelprdb5107318&width=full" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Christmas Tree Cutting in Lassen, Shasta or Trinity National Forest </span></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">December</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.shastahighchoir.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Attend Shasta High School’s Madrigal Dinner</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.cascadetheatre.org/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Cascade Christmas @ Cascade Theater</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.reddingchristmasparade.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Lighted Christmas Parade in Downtown Redding</span></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://thereddingartsproject.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">Redding City Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty (or The Nutcracker) @ Cascade Theater</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large; white-space: normal;">Which one will you pick to do this weekend?</span></span>Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-72177556224945587302016-09-25T19:22:00.000-07:002016-09-25T19:22:08.111-07:00Highland Neighborhood Park<span style="font-size: large;">It was only 91 degrees today! Isn't it funny that we here in Redding think 91 degrees feels cool and almost refreshing. Well, after 110+ degrees in the summer, 91 feels amazing! We can go outside in 91 degrees. 91 degrees means we can play at the park and actually put our bums on the slide. At 91 degrees we won't burn our hands on the drinking fountain knob. 91 degrees is really quite nice.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYEecLqrfmCXvWEql9KzYVkYHXtxHM_3w_5-MAqhXjObBAlWLeGNnUQA94ZBMYW26N6BgdwEP8NNzz4B2vW63pYM42Y1N6OCowLQ07NUz3vuqWggILHCcmPHQk_FVjcke2h8FZmtn-g/s1600/Highland+Neighborhood+Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Highland Neighborhood Park, Redding, CA www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYEecLqrfmCXvWEql9KzYVkYHXtxHM_3w_5-MAqhXjObBAlWLeGNnUQA94ZBMYW26N6BgdwEP8NNzz4B2vW63pYM42Y1N6OCowLQ07NUz3vuqWggILHCcmPHQk_FVjcke2h8FZmtn-g/s640/Highland+Neighborhood+Park.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now that we won't suffer from heat stroke by being outside for more than 5 minutes, let's talk parks; the kind with playgrounds. My youngest is almost 8. Perfect park age. He can climb on his own. He can make it across the monkey bars unassisted and he can pump his legs on the swings. (A chorus of angels sang the day my youngest learned how to pump. No joke.) However, my oldest is 13. The age when shame will be placed upon you if a friend sees you playing at the park. Or maybe you put the shame on your yourself, but at any rate, it's really not cool be play at the park when you're 13. But sometimes we really need to put the iphone down and get out of the house. Where can we go that will satisfy everyone? One of our favorite parks in <a href="http://www.cityofredding.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/150/626" target="_blank">Highland Neighborhood Park</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Stats: <a href="http://www.cityofredding.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/150/626" target="_blank">Highland Neighborhood Park</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Where:</b> 555 Mill Valley Parkway, Redding, 96003</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Amenities:</b> Restrooms, Pavilion with Picnic Tables, Basketball Court, Wall Ball Court, Open Field, Playground with Swings, Slides, Climbing Rope Pyramid</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3029.2669204763893!2d-122.36087898503092!3d40.6019341522795!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x54d292da7dad10dd%3A0x27d12fb0fb685c4b!2sHighland+Park+Neighborhood+Park!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1474854145977" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the reasons my kids like this park is because of the the Rope Pyramid. To them it is more interesting than a regular play structure; although this park has two of those as well. I like it because it feels like a more modern version of a playground. And while some people love the nostalgia of old-school style playgrounds, I enjoy the use of modern design and technology.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'd say that it really is best for older kids. Toddlers can certainly play there but, I think it would be harder for them to explore unassisted. When I take my kids to the park, I love to sit and watch them explore. I participate with them all day long, helping them with their school work, helping them do their chores, bandaging their wounds, driving them to their activities, so going to the park is a time I reserve for watching and letting them explore things on their own without me hovering over them. So picking the best park, definitely depends on the age and abilities of your child.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This park is nestled in the back of a nice neighborhood (<a href="http://www.reddinghighlandpark.com/" target="_blank">Highland Park</a>) off of north Churn Creek. They are still building homes in the neighborhood and it is nice to see it filling in with beautiful homes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have you been to Highland Neighborhood Park? Which park in Redding is your favorite?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Want more info on Redding area parks? Check out these posts:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/03/rivercrest-park.html" target="_blank">Rivercrest Park</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/03/rivercrest-park.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/03/rivercrest-park.html" target="_blank">Fantasy Fountain & Kids Kingdom</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/04/mary-lake.html" target="_blank">Mary Lake Park</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-15762987494317136932016-09-07T22:24:00.004-07:002016-09-07T22:32:40.483-07:00Subway Cave<span style="font-size: large;">I love <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwjQL8h2VAQAzHJMsQ!!/?ss=110506&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=100000000000000&pnavid=null&recid=11435&ttype=recarea&pname=Lassen+National+Forest+-+SUBWAY+CAVE" target="_blank">Subway Cave</a>. You all know that I like to be adventurous...to a certain degree, but my favorite kind of adventure is the kind that requires little effort. Because, well, I'm tired. And sometimes lazy. Subway Cave is the easiest way to experience something amazing without breaking too much of a sweat. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0k6PbrjqMkDoAJGu-XdcH_4fl3f_UrbyXKvUEjk_wHmJ13ablLqjO71T5USV7Wy_axNGYOMRCk2H727PgpSA1vEN4DGWapG5WrpChPANNt-P1dW_WbBgH9o7WKveeMVuu6VIwCLELQ/s1600/Subwaycave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Subway Cave, Lassen Volcanic National Park, California www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com Subway Cave is amazing! A huge lava tube in Northern California!" border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0k6PbrjqMkDoAJGu-XdcH_4fl3f_UrbyXKvUEjk_wHmJ13ablLqjO71T5USV7Wy_axNGYOMRCk2H727PgpSA1vEN4DGWapG5WrpChPANNt-P1dW_WbBgH9o7WKveeMVuu6VIwCLELQ/s640/Subwaycave.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over Labor Day weekend, I was feeling particularly lazy. But even lazy parents have to pretend to be good parents sometimes, so we loaded up the kiddos and ventured to Subway Cave. Holy Smokes. Apparently everyone else wanted something easy to do while camping and they showed up in droves. (Except for the one family that showed up in full spelunking gear. They were looking for a real adventure. I sure hope they weren't too disappointed when they realized there was no real spelunking going on. Just a walk through a lava tube. But hey, if they tripped and fell, they would be safe.) </span><span style="font-size: large;">It's not usually this busy. We have been to Subway Cave probably a dozen times and there is rarely more than a few cars in the parking lot.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0PI1u9et5lCGhZCyi05vDw6nMizH2QjNTVm_awbMJHXIY_KB1e05r6TZ72iFUEgBO2MYu-4d8dwe-JIOMNRwrNWQRW7wGw7QaVXu1FJlUyWJ2EoMpnN7widv9sqCjX6Q-0W9v275uw/s1600/Subway+Cave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Subway Cave, Lassen Volcanic National Park, California www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com Subway Cave is amazing! A huge lava tube in Northern California!" border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0PI1u9et5lCGhZCyi05vDw6nMizH2QjNTVm_awbMJHXIY_KB1e05r6TZ72iFUEgBO2MYu-4d8dwe-JIOMNRwrNWQRW7wGw7QaVXu1FJlUyWJ2EoMpnN7widv9sqCjX6Q-0W9v275uw/s640/Subway+Cave.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Stats: <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwjQL8h2VAQAzHJMsQ!!/?ss=110506&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=100000000000000&pnavid=null&recid=11435&ttype=recarea&pname=Lassen+National+Forest+-+SUBWAY+CAVE" target="_blank">Subway Cave</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cost: </b>FREE (Donations Welcome)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Location: </b>Trail head is located 1/4 mile north of the junction of State Routes 44 and 89.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>When To Go:</b> April through October </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Amenities:</b> Picnic Tables, Drinking Water, "Vault" Toilets, Parking</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pets: </b>Not allowed</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d12101.814382848479!2d-121.42771173258213!3d40.686006747142976!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x54cd38c47335ef91%3A0xccd8b05cc3cbb321!2sSubway+Cave+Lava+Tubes!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1473309233696" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Subway Cave is a huge lava tube that was created when Mt. Lassen erupted. There are lots of lava tubes around the Lassen Park area, but this is one of the largest and easiest to get to. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6BqZPcSruspsaWc4UzZ2spsOTwt8dyB6hbquDODtV9YTreVO5zyy1hzfNUZilAr0CRVprIe8wWEy2oK-UKhBFoLAvPJiTtJhn2VRdCmL9DFAY0w5rY1ShUG0lmJP3FvvBQWkcy2Osw/s1600/SubwayCave+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Subway Cave, Lassen Volcanic National Park, California www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com Subway Cave is amazing! A huge lava tube in Northern California!" border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6BqZPcSruspsaWc4UzZ2spsOTwt8dyB6hbquDODtV9YTreVO5zyy1hzfNUZilAr0CRVprIe8wWEy2oK-UKhBFoLAvPJiTtJhn2VRdCmL9DFAY0w5rY1ShUG0lmJP3FvvBQWkcy2Osw/s640/SubwayCave+Collage.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: center;">Still Apprehensive about a cave? Free guided tours are available weekends only Mid June through Labor Day Weekend. Call the Hat Creek Ranger Station at 530-336-5521 for details.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pro Tips: </b></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Bring flashlights. It is pitch black in the middle of the lava tube. And while it is a fairly easy walk, the ground is not even. My littlest tripped twice and skinned his knee because he decided to point the flash light up while walking, instead of in front of him. (If you forget your flash light, you can rent one at the ranger station just down the road.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Wear tennis shoes. Again, the floor is uneven and you could easily twist an ankle or stub your toe if you are wearing flip flops.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">There are restrooms, but..you guessed it...they are pit toilets.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">As with most everything, if you go early in the morning there will be less people. Holiday weekends will be the busiest.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">At the end of the lava tube, you can either exit out the stairs and walk above ground along the trail back to the parking lot, or you can walk back through the cave and out the entrance. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Bring a sweatshirt. It's very cool inside the cave.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Interested in how Subway Cave was formed? Stop and read the signage. It's actually quite interesting!</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldYviMbxJdw-1_I6560GXSaAO036bElvB05WMP_xH_1N9xIrBOEWgiR0b0X942mbiUGZd8aUhQFbSrKudMiwSdUCG4DzSf4pynUekv96WEGPUZLIZMACgsupXdnyAJ5cjn6KEPK3VDg/s1600/hammock+willowbrook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldYviMbxJdw-1_I6560GXSaAO036bElvB05WMP_xH_1N9xIrBOEWgiR0b0X942mbiUGZd8aUhQFbSrKudMiwSdUCG4DzSf4pynUekv96WEGPUZLIZMACgsupXdnyAJ5cjn6KEPK3VDg/s640/hammock+willowbrook.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then when you are done with your adventure, kick your feet up and pat yourself on the back for doing something amazing today. I suggest a hammock by the creek.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Looking for more to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park? Check out these posts:</span></div>
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<li><a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/05/bumpass-hell.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Bumpass Hell Sulfur Hot Springs </span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/02/eskimo-hill.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Eskimo Hill (Winter Snow Sledding)</span></a></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have you been to Subway Cave? Where's your favorite place to explore in Lassen Park?</span></div>
Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-52036172385912384912016-08-25T08:40:00.000-07:002017-07-20T08:44:48.806-07:008 ways to spend the rest of your Summer!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLYTQFqjsd1DU37tVl5MiaHOqLiHVuzC3dGD4hkJHKSsIGSyYAimnRZWMuCFI7kFziduXV8jhSeJt0j0DEPxwvNWNTfkwfSM22qJN2QXU9R81axok-Iijd5Dg5DxmTMRH-mJbscHGyA/s1600/8waysSummer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="9 Ways to spend the rest of the Summer Cooling Off in Northern California www.northincali.com" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLYTQFqjsd1DU37tVl5MiaHOqLiHVuzC3dGD4hkJHKSsIGSyYAimnRZWMuCFI7kFziduXV8jhSeJt0j0DEPxwvNWNTfkwfSM22qJN2QXU9R81axok-Iijd5Dg5DxmTMRH-mJbscHGyA/s640/8waysSummer.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">School's back in session and August is winding down. But luckily for us here in Northern California summer is far from over. I <strike>tolerate</strike> love that the <strike>scorching hot</strike> </span><span style="font-size: large;">warm </span><span style="font-size: large;">temperatures will continue into October. That means there are plenty of week nights and weekends to fill full of summer fun! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My brain works better in lists. So I am putting together 8 of my favorite summer blog posts and destinations for the greater Redding area (no more than an hour's drive).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Click on each one to find out more info!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">8. <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/08/crystal-creek-falls.html" target="_blank">Crystal Creek Falls</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/08/crystal-creek-falls.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBkeeyBJEr756gVMROi8t7aLQo7LA6islaxU_wex80jK1MVLc3Bs109DlHibwb2B7_oGsy2NuerywrcFCmGvDOXKr3FAwnxG-VLFkJmQlFfbG5cp-ex14FsVbxrwW_B-h4KWMI8wOPg/s640/crystal+creek+falls.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">7. <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/05/bumpass-hell.html" target="_blank">Lassen Park : Bumpass Hell Hike</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/05/bumpass-hell.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1VC6OvajvClCLeIghoyVXavoCv9G7dmGRfXMMEEpA3qKF1NtYLrEdY36Gd3hk3cWpCaksdWgF4oQFNyjY9pkVX7MJlz8t5PDryCkLdJ43RNWSGC-3zH-Qt8XYLAMkWfJu_1-bBJ5ZA/s640/bumpass+hell.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/06/fantasy-fountain.html" target="_blank">Fantasy Fountain : Enterprise Park</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/06/fantasy-fountain.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kiBKiNdTWJ0hH8VNhmO23is_nnkQ8aHkHx1jK_NfrX4UM15EHy9Jf8PAmQd2tGAMq3SMUscODYa6-0GKYz9VWbRwLXjs1nUuF3_H9vqh19dPv7alkIp-U00-hhgAJbjghAA2r-BAJA/s640/fantasyfoutain+collage.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/05/a-day-at-falls.html" target="_blank">Burney Falls & Lake Britton</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/05/a-day-at-falls.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRpha1-jOjTVzA58qGq7Fri5mr1ypwFe0QtyXTKna-o01HS5ibl7UG4FebtxhLwy43-XQw3oj-ff8hDEtuiUXulqyCY4_63l1XfLFl9GZpero8GRpwR8tbkvT3H-KVgvLAImgBHrv2g/s640/burneyfalls1.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/06/brandy-creek-beach.html" target="_blank">Brandy Creek Beach : Whiskeytown Lake</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/06/brandy-creek-beach.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qsJFWMHOjkEP2IGgTaEX1f_acMsDKuLCuYb2UVr8tgkCTRSI9NBaIRGX8cwOKwm1xdaKBSS_9iNGyQ2j9DdQZdvZ5T6F9nU8BOx00R5JRgQb6-6KHOdMIGw4XGATSF216NmTLfy3Vw/s640/brandycreek.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/06/lake-siskyou-beach-camp.html" target="_blank">Lake Siskyou Beach & Camp</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/06/lake-siskyou-beach-camp.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudw05zScNNpF8qR2wRr0LWB3axtR65D7feYiE4sn_RUT2fhI_XOsAe5RYDxgGgKWI8h23G11WrjSGI0Y6BNNnoVvi9AFfqN3ZjVDmlsergj9ZJO3Lzl3gqJc8Eot1Dl1puRgvKv-hZQ/s640/lake+siskiyou.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/08/east-beach-whiskeytown-lake.html" target="_blank">East Beach : Whiskeytown Lake</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/08/east-beach-whiskeytown-lake.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnn86k5iahVvBOPy7jKz5cbIc4om54bxzZa4uDT8oJU8CLCBYnKr2nYmQ-oF65nP4UyNNR5x-OouLwPiYK8K_l-z_TPzyF8EoyZkcQFyjw25RVqGYVNlXanMsejqVlPe2PjaGD3C-ySw/s640/EastBeachWhiskeytownsunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/08/squaw-creek-swim-hole.html" target="_blank">Squaw Creek Swim Hole</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZWrq37-D081zDKA-c8YJ7uk0TtuM6S-wzp-dxmCanQWavk_5AzeKoY1wGcltkrsoiVfxmvyiBfu1DFxcQDWB8JYuzWEC9JXoCOoBlZmuJUq1MV2TKR45NvHCrPCRNPh1qLvS0RnTHA/s1600/Squaw+Creek+Smim+Hole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZWrq37-D081zDKA-c8YJ7uk0TtuM6S-wzp-dxmCanQWavk_5AzeKoY1wGcltkrsoiVfxmvyiBfu1DFxcQDWB8JYuzWEC9JXoCOoBlZmuJUq1MV2TKR45NvHCrPCRNPh1qLvS0RnTHA/s640/Squaw+Creek+Smim+Hole.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">There are so many more ways to beat the heat in Northern California. These are just a few. What would you add to the list?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Need more ways to have fun in the sun? Check out my post <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/05/free-nearly-free-summer-activities-in.html" target="_blank">Free & Nearly Free Summer Activities</a></span>Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-28421162045835734702016-08-22T08:26:00.002-07:002016-08-22T20:17:32.736-07:00Squaw Creek Swim Hole<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">So here's disclaimer number one:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am not the first person to discover this amazing swim hole.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am not the first of my friends to explore it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am not even the one who thought up the idea to go on this particular day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But...I am going to be the first to post about it on MY blog. (See what I did there...how I can be the first because no one else has access to my blog. Yep. Genius.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have friends that are much more awesome than I am. I just kinda hang on to their coat-tails and then take all the credit when I post pictures on social media or write about it on my blog. Yep, usually I'm just the follower of other people's great ideas. And for the most part, I'm ok with that. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhQNSE1XUqp-WAnqJDAFwZUVHLMHWY5oivvTqdammm34m1nEP2ns9xRWU2uZOlkwRhgS2ces3Wl2b9oEYM1crjnfmKpeskgRMVNa1d45oeHYNRmpHApaOt0mXe_T8YlUwTF7F6Mj4gQ/s1600/Squaw+Creek+Smim+Hole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Squaw Creek Swim Hole, Shasta Lake, California. This blog has amazing things to do in Northern California. www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhQNSE1XUqp-WAnqJDAFwZUVHLMHWY5oivvTqdammm34m1nEP2ns9xRWU2uZOlkwRhgS2ces3Wl2b9oEYM1crjnfmKpeskgRMVNa1d45oeHYNRmpHApaOt0mXe_T8YlUwTF7F6Mj4gQ/s640/Squaw+Creek+Smim+Hole.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since posting pics of Squaw Creek Swim Hole on my personal Facebook page, I have had several requests for directions to this amazing little gem out by Shasta Dam. So naturally I thought it would make for a great blog post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Video Credit: My much-more-brave-than-me-friend-who-encourages-her-kids-to-be-adventurous-and-doesn't-freak-out-when-they-jump-off-big-rocks, Megan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So how do you get to Squaw Creek Swim Hole? (I'm not even sure that's the real name, but it's a swim hole on Squaw Creek, so I'm going with it.) Well here's the text I've been sending all my friends:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Out to Shasta Dam. Just tell the guards you're going swimming. Drive across dam. Then left after the dam. Right on Westside Rd towards Dry Creek. Then on dirt road for 5 miles. Stay to the right at the fork. Just when you think you might be lost, there's a huge turnout for parking. </span><span style="font-size: large;">If you go over the bridge, you just missed it.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Hike down the trail. It's really beautiful and the water is clear and warm."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Not so many years ago anyone could cross Shasta Dam any time of the day they wanted, in any type of vehicle, with anyone they chose. Then the horrible attacks of September 11, 2001 happened and that all changed. Suddenly people realized that we are vulnerable as a community if something happened to the dam. So it was closed. And for a while, you couldn't cross it at all. Then they finally settled on what we have now. Available crossings, with check points at both ends of the dam. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Don't let the guards scare you from going over the bridge. They are all super friendly (I asked them for directions twice). But do be prepared to pull out your driver's license and let them peer in your back windows.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcGdrLD1KbPUZd5GtAg354Nbh7LR9flEKfGyoyVDAXF-Be_1J_Wo9t68sAIKRXO9AwRrrc9zUTGAY823kApZrzeQvY7r81cMdAaVCwgBtuajGlyjNY4UgjHKwGYCZ_yTzUYsVbwUD7g/s1600/ElizaSquawCreekSwimHole.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcGdrLD1KbPUZd5GtAg354Nbh7LR9flEKfGyoyVDAXF-Be_1J_Wo9t68sAIKRXO9AwRrrc9zUTGAY823kApZrzeQvY7r81cMdAaVCwgBtuajGlyjNY4UgjHKwGYCZ_yTzUYsVbwUD7g/s400/ElizaSquawCreekSwimHole.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: center;">My brave girl! I couldn't watch. </span><span style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit goes to Michele who invited us to come and is my </span></span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">I-can't-watch-my-kids-jump-off-these-rocks-without-having-a-panic-attack partner. We are the same like that.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5ZsE-e_n2kee3AlPmPIW6pRTP8RvgpuDRSUVSvblLrsZDdfDhFssDXpOGVtxpxd11EM-FszJxMb2J8xGaqq1hFWICBqQcWuFZNRlRUCW_yMeFvMlbdoTwHQ6WdPOZz0ougN5Riy8Bg/s1600/squawcreek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5ZsE-e_n2kee3AlPmPIW6pRTP8RvgpuDRSUVSvblLrsZDdfDhFssDXpOGVtxpxd11EM-FszJxMb2J8xGaqq1hFWICBqQcWuFZNRlRUCW_yMeFvMlbdoTwHQ6WdPOZz0ougN5Riy8Bg/s640/squawcreek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's me...trying not to freak out that I'm slipping down that rock. And down there with my two little ones is my bravest-and-coolest-of-all-mothers-who-jumps-off-rocks-with-her-children friend, Becky.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We will definitely be back to this amazing swim spot! It will be over 90 degrees for the next month, so let's go!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pro Tips: </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">I live on the west side of Redding and it takes just under an hour to get to the swim hole.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">You can park after the bridge and hike down to the top of the swim hole from the road. But that's the hard way. However there is a sweet little water hole to sit in up there. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Some of the rocks are really slippery. Wear an athletic/hiking sandal or water shoes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Mothers that are easily freaked out by somewhat dangerous adventures, might think twice about going if you have people in your group that will jump off of high places into water.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Disclaimer number two: Swim and jump off all the things at your own risk. There are rocks to jump off, but be careful people. Check for clearance, don't swim alone, etc. Be smart.</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzwrAwu98sBMJdws03afzCwFq2JK4kseqZ-EJsdvn4STJpPGFHWrMHtVeJA6bzMlOXCWqpeRvKS_oqaFDeRwp5b4SpipV_mrFwYi6n_vADd8ev067rU46XGgNg1AndjWm4QRDdJGAdA/s1600/IMG_20160815_194429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzwrAwu98sBMJdws03afzCwFq2JK4kseqZ-EJsdvn4STJpPGFHWrMHtVeJA6bzMlOXCWqpeRvKS_oqaFDeRwp5b4SpipV_mrFwYi6n_vADd8ev067rU46XGgNg1AndjWm4QRDdJGAdA/s400/IMG_20160815_194429.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don't forget to take a dam selfie on your way out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have you been to Squaw Creek Swim Hole? What did you think? Leave a comment below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Want to find more fun places to swim in the Redding area? Check out my other posts:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/08/east-beach-whiskeytown-lake.html" target="_blank">East Beach - Whiskeytown Lake</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/08/crystal-creek-falls.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Crystal Creek Falls</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/06/brandy-creek-beach.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Brandy Creek Beach</span></a></div>
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Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-2490636216264327042016-08-17T21:31:00.002-07:002016-08-18T07:58:38.202-07:00Walk On The Wild Side Animal Show<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My expectations were low. I mean, here we are in little ol’ Redding, how entertaining could the "Walk On The Wild Side" Animal Show at Turtle Bay Exploration Park be? But the girls really wanted to see the show. And my nieces hadn’t been to Turtle Bay for several years, so I agreed. Why not. We are already here. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbnEtDrLUGf7taV-E14LeS9iDk5FEpH20bRbLN9W_JtcEfMDJ-eKX0Gtrz0v9wuMqBFfkctRPCs5-BgoxppqpjJsg1GdFiULr3rp_Slpf7Mgf3w6Kx6pAdP6FGSgX3tvoycw8sHO1Cg/s1600/walkonthewideside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbnEtDrLUGf7taV-E14LeS9iDk5FEpH20bRbLN9W_JtcEfMDJ-eKX0Gtrz0v9wuMqBFfkctRPCs5-BgoxppqpjJsg1GdFiULr3rp_Slpf7Mgf3w6Kx6pAdP6FGSgX3tvoycw8sHO1Cg/s640/walkonthewideside.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">The kids decided front row was the only place worthy of sitting. So we got to the amphitheater about 10 minutes before show time. Not that it would have mattered. Most people wanted the shade farther up in the seats. And that’s where I would have preferred to be. Because it’s freaking hot here in the summer! But we endured. By the time the show started, we were already sweaty. But the kids didn’t seem to care. All five of them squeezed together on one bench, even though most of the amphitheater was empty. Just looking at them all smooshed together made me feel like I was melting.</span><br />
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"You guys can spread apart."</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"No. We're fine."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">The show started, and once again, Turtle Bay pulled out a quality show. I’m not sure why I always seem hesitant. But the Animal Show at Turtle Bay Exploration Park was very entertaining. The animal handlers were animated and we could tell they enjoyed their job. Their enthusiasm was contagious.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://turtlebay.org/events/walk-on-the-wild-side-animal-show-1" target="_blank">Walk On The Wild Side Animal Show</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cost:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Free with Paid admission to the park</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Location: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.turtlebay.org/" target="_blank">Turtle Bay Exploration Park</a> Amphitheater, near the Paul Bunyan Building.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>When:</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> May 14 - Sept 5; Tues - Sat 11am & 12pm </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">All of the animals at Turtle Bay are rescued animals. A Fox, Skunk, Raccoon, Eagle, Turkey Vulture, and other fun animals were among the line-up. Most were injured in the wild and unable to be released back into the wild due to their new limitations. I appreciated the explanation of where each animal came from and why they were part of the Turtle Bay animal family. I respect the fact that their animals are rescued and not just snatched out of the wild for our viewing pleasure, as is done in so many zoos and animal parks. Well done Turtle Bay.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The show is about 30 minutes long. And other than sitting in the boiling hot sun, it was just long enough that we got to see a variety of animals and just short enough that the kids didn’t get antsy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We did enjoy a few perks of sitting front and center. The animals came quite close to us and at one point the handlers asked us questions and flew an owl right over our heads. Watch the video below to see it!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As a parent, I would encourage sitting in the shade if it’s summertime. It was quite toasty out in the sun.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Once the show starts, you aren’t allowed to move seats. So be sure you are comfortable where you are.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Don’t be late for show time. Once the show starts they won’t let you in the amphitheater.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Want to know more about <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/06/a-look-at-turtle-bay-museum-through.html" target="_blank">Turtle Bay Exploration Park</a> and <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/05/dial-in-sun.html" target="_blank">The Sundial Bridge</a>? Check our other posts:</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/06/a-look-at-turtle-bay-museum-through.html" target="_blank">A Look At Turtle Bay Museum (Through Fresh Eyes)</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/06/rock-u-institute-of-rock-n-roll.html" target="_blank">Rock U: The Institute of Rock 'N' Roll Exhibit at Turtle Bay</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/05/dial-in-sun.html" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: normal;" target="_blank">Dial In The Sun (Sundial Bridge)</a></span></div>
Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-42029785015848381542016-08-12T13:32:00.003-07:002016-08-25T08:26:35.682-07:00East Beach - Whiskeytown Lake<span style="font-size: large;">"I'm so tired. I just want to sit here." And it's true. Nine hours on your feet in a pharmacy just makes you tired. I knew we should take the kids to the lake because they had been stuck at home all day while we were at work. But my feet....{sigh} Life doesn't stop just because I'm tired and my feet hurt, so we loaded up the car and headed to a new destination; East Beach at Whiskeytown Lake. Obviously it's not actually new, and I have been there many times, but we had never taken the kids to East Beach before. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYudRNM6SrWLofmPM9uU_KOUHepmbxB2Bpb0omlmKhIaiov2taLqh5pc2Xb4guP6g12cemzi8ZqXEaZVwiEftxcxI7fUxyXtLN50_vxF8wf-ENBVurNiM5-25W_G3Y_GQWNnjyPYAkWA/s1600/EastBeachWhiskeytownsunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYudRNM6SrWLofmPM9uU_KOUHepmbxB2Bpb0omlmKhIaiov2taLqh5pc2Xb4guP6g12cemzi8ZqXEaZVwiEftxcxI7fUxyXtLN50_vxF8wf-ENBVurNiM5-25W_G3Y_GQWNnjyPYAkWA/s640/EastBeachWhiskeytownsunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can't remember the last time I laid on a beach with my eyes closed. I think it's been about 12 years, since the moment my oldest son was born. Mothers don't get to lie on the beach. Remember when #3 almost drowned in <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/06/brandy-creek-beach.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> post? So yeah...my eyes are wide open while on the beach. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But I did this day. I think I may have even fallen asleep. Yep that's right friends, I fell asleep on the beach. And it was glorious! Maybe, just maybe, when the kids came up next to me to ask questions I pretended to still be asleep. Thank goodness they have an amazing father who can answer all those burning questions for them when their mom is "asleep".</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: large;">But before my snooze, I did get a chance to play in the water a bit with the kids and take a turn around the roped swim area on the kayak. The kids kept remarking on how clear the water was! Brandy Creek is great, but with so many people there, the water gets a bit cloudy for all those feet stirring up the dirt. But at East Beach we could see clearly to the bottom from above the water. It made collecting pretty rocks especially enticing for #3. He collected so many rocks on his boogie board. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>East Beach</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Location:</b> Hwy 299W, Turn onto JFK Memorial Road, about 1 mile in look for the sign for East beach and parking lot on your right.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; line-height: 21.56px;">Cost:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 21.56px;"> $5 per vehicle; day use fee (or $10/week, $40/year) or click </span><a href="http://www.nps.gov/whis/planyourvisit/fees.htm" style="background-color: white; color: #6ea1bb; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; line-height: 21.56px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 21.56px;"> to find out which days of the year are </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">FREE</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 21.56px;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: start;">In all honesty, the actual beach is not the best. See in the picture below how it has a drop of behind my son? So it's kinda funky. Where do I lay my blanket? Up top of the step where it's dry, or below where it's wet? But even still, t</span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: start;">he kids declared it their favorite beach. And it's just nice swimming in clear water. I know a lot of people don't like to swim in lakes because they can't see the bottom or what is beneath them. Well, that's not the case at East Beach. It's crystal clear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pro Tips:</b></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">It's a bit of a hike from the parking lot to the beach. Many stairs. So just beware that going back up is a lot harder carrying a kayak, than going down!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">There are restrooms at this beach. They are the awesome pit toilets, but better than none.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">There are also a couple of picnic tables.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Evening is our favorite time to go to the lake. It is still warm and everyone else has gone home to eat dinner, so the lake is much less crowded.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">There is a roped swim area for safe swimming without the worry of motored watercraft.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Want to know more about Whiskeytown Lake? Check out my post of <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/06/brandy-creek-beach.html" target="_blank">BRANDY CREEK BEACH</a> and <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2015/08/crystal-creek-falls.html" target="_blank">CRYSTAL CREEK FALLS</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Where is your favorite swimming spot at Whiskeytown Lake?</span>Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585590724517488090.post-24544769178750777242016-07-19T20:45:00.001-07:002016-07-19T20:45:33.246-07:00My First Concert (Reno, NV)<span style="font-size: large;">Until last week, I had never been to a live concert. Can you believe it?! Well...actually...I accidentally went to an outdoor Dixie Chicks concert in the late 90's when we went to watch the fireworks on the 4th of July in Phoenix, Arizona. But we were so far away from them that I could barely see the stage...so I don't count that one. Don't get me wrong, I've heard plenty of live music in my time, but a concert is something different. Recently I determined that it was time. Time for me to have a new life experience. One that most adults had long ago. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But who to go see? I'm too old for boy bands and I'm not very tolerant of marijuana smoke or even tobacco smoke. And then there's that pesky dollar bill....most concerts cost lots of them...and I'm limited with the number of them I can spend without a heavy layer of guilt. Then I remembered a musician Quinn and I happened across when <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">we spent a week in New York City</a>, way back in 2002. Fourteen years ago we read in <a href="http://www.frommers.com/" target="_blank">Frommer's</a> travel book (Remember travel books...before the internet was a big deal?) about a basement bar in NYC that offered live music. So we went. <a href="http://www.emmgryner.com/#torrential-preview-1" target="_blank">Emm Gryner</a> and <a href="http://mattnathanson.com/" target="_blank">Matt Nathanson</a> performed, and it was so fun! We bought CD's (Remember those!? Wow, I'm feeling particularly old right now...) and have enjoyed listening to them over the years. Yes. That's it. I'll find out if Matt Nathanson is touring this summer. Yes! And in Livermore. Awesome! Ah man....those ticket's are too expensive. Boo. But, wait! He's playing in Reno too. And the tickets are half the price of the ones in the Bay Area! Score! And guess who is co-headlining? Phillip Phillips. Yep...that's right, two concerts in one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">With Grandma on board to watch the kids, I pulled the trigger on the tickets and <a href="http://www.hotwire.com/" target="_blank">Hotwire</a>'d a hotel in Reno. And the best part was that I only had to wait a week! </span><span style="font-size: large;">You guys, this is a big deal. For some it's not, but for me it's huge! Not only was I going to my first concert, but I was going to have a night away with my husband without kids! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Reno is a three hour drive through the mountains from Redding. It's a beautiful drive, but remember how I talked about my horrible motion sickness in <a href="http://wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com/2016/05/a-day-in-old-town-eureka-ca-minus-kids.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> post? So for me, the driving is my least favorite part. But with no kids to turn around and take care of, I could take my non-drowsy motion sickness meds, stare out the window and be ok. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The concert was SO worth the drive!! It was seriously the best date night we have had in a really long time. I can see why people are willing to pay so much money for concert tickets. There just isn't anything that can compare to live music.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyr656nEljhE8xoeXt-vcmRhNdoKdBf_l7hDZ7crWh1xi04O4b9se8xDfh9xOOm-GZZgo2FSn1xE5E3YmGEVpyRWGhzJZNoHoJT8OpMCIwDSW7801SNpWQOU46caUtJNCfz-0NWRjTYw/s1600/20160715_204326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyr656nEljhE8xoeXt-vcmRhNdoKdBf_l7hDZ7crWh1xi04O4b9se8xDfh9xOOm-GZZgo2FSn1xE5E3YmGEVpyRWGhzJZNoHoJT8OpMCIwDSW7801SNpWQOU46caUtJNCfz-0NWRjTYw/s640/20160715_204326.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Sierra Resort (We are seriously bad selfie takers...don't judge.)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Part way to Reno, I realized I hadn't printed out our concert tickets. Grrr....the cell phone reception through the mountains is terrible, so I had a hard time figuring out whether or not I even needed to print them or if I could just show my receipt on my phone or what. This is so unlike me! I'm usually an over planner for things like this! I was so thankful when we got to our hotel<a href="https://www.atlantiscasino.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.atlantiscasino.com/" target="_blank">The Atlantis Casino, Resort & Spa</a> because they have computers for their guests, ready for situations just like this! I logged on to my Ticketmaster account and then printed it for free in the lobby. It worked out in the end, but geez <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.com/" target="_blank">Ticketmaster</a>...we are living in the age of technology, I should have been able to show my phone with a bar code and be done with it. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZ3Gh5ef1O6BYbJirubKZrRbBDNsDVhFefldZZ-M3wvIJtgUsjEWf49JU7Hm4cbsL-HuuBHRcHO1S8JcRnfKD83AaLzV1oaFVK_x9ck4WvT7lLn1z0CTDe1tCEiypCF1eYEBhEACHvg/s1600/atlantisrenorooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Atlantis Resort Hotel Rooms, www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZ3Gh5ef1O6BYbJirubKZrRbBDNsDVhFefldZZ-M3wvIJtgUsjEWf49JU7Hm4cbsL-HuuBHRcHO1S8JcRnfKD83AaLzV1oaFVK_x9ck4WvT7lLn1z0CTDe1tCEiypCF1eYEBhEACHvg/s640/atlantisrenorooms.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But speaking of The Atlantis Resort & Casino, that's where we stayed the night. I would have preferred to stay at the <a href="https://www.grandsierraresort.com/" target="_blank">Grand Sierra Resort</a> because that's where the concert was, and we wouldn't have to drive back to our hotel, but I wasn't about to pay $200 for a room. Reno is an interesting place. The same room in the middle of the work week costs $55, but because it was a weekend with a concert at the resort, then room was quadruple the price! So Hotwire it is! (Someday soon I'll do a post on how to use Hotwire to get a great rate on a room.) And we stayed at the Atlantis in a really nice room (we were even upgraded us at check in) for $85. The only thing I don't love about staying at a casino resort is that you have to walk through the smoking areas of the resort (which is just about everywhere) to get to our room. Our room however was non-smoking. And I was pleasantly surprised when the room didn't smell at all like smoke. I just assumed that the smell would permeate into the room, but thankfully it didn't. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuRfc20qRYrlONs1vAhGapLsDWTRvOHF6nW-OQeyomX74PAiUrNQ-YY8AencOqcE4BQgm4Sq8rEM53fHmjiRRXyuaIi1qLEWiu9lyOjDpTSEHJKEiFzQ-RCNhWaH-ihsK0CCh1viCXw/s1600/atlantis+reno.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Atlantis Resort Hotel Room, Reno, Nevada www.wayupnorthincali.blogspot.com" border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuRfc20qRYrlONs1vAhGapLsDWTRvOHF6nW-OQeyomX74PAiUrNQ-YY8AencOqcE4BQgm4Sq8rEM53fHmjiRRXyuaIi1qLEWiu9lyOjDpTSEHJKEiFzQ-RCNhWaH-ihsK0CCh1viCXw/s640/atlantis+reno.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The concert was over at midnight, and when we got back to our room, we were still hungry but tired. We didn't want to go down to a restaurant, so we ordered room service. Chocolate cake, ice cream and french fries. A splurge we don't normally go for, but it was a nice treat.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2dGifKhx0gfto7GKBlpqdrpt8fJj1oQxwURV789lr2fk6JDWTx6iNB9ACiAw6v4OzOrcAWKMLJAaqop-sn11IVAaGezTwcIAqQx5okjK5Vbrj5LQ5mmpNmWrWNtIaAYUTY_uy_Lwkg/s1600/20160716_011153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2dGifKhx0gfto7GKBlpqdrpt8fJj1oQxwURV789lr2fk6JDWTx6iNB9ACiAw6v4OzOrcAWKMLJAaqop-sn11IVAaGezTwcIAqQx5okjK5Vbrj5LQ5mmpNmWrWNtIaAYUTY_uy_Lwkg/s640/20160716_011153.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We didn't stay long in Reno. The next day we got up, ate breakfast, stopped at Nordstrom's Rack for a quick look at shoes and then home to our children. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">We will definitely be adding concerts in Reno to our regular rotation of date night/weekend getaways! Have you stayed in Reno or gone to a concert there? I'd love to hear about it!</span>
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Whithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339738909411254930noreply@blogger.com0