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Bodega Bay Hike Offers Spectacular Scenery

Saturday was a great day for a hike along the cliffs over Bodega Bay.

Wildflowers marked our path.

Views from the cliffs down to the water.

Assortment of colors from yellows to reds to pinks contrasted with the gray and brown trail.

We hit the best part of the day with sun coming and going,
giving us varying shades of blue from sky to water and back to sky.

Climbing down the steps and hill side to Shell Beach is tricky and sometimes impossible if tides are coming in. We arrived just past low tide, giving us a great stopping point for a snack. Rewarding us with a show as we ate were several otters just off shore…swimming and sunning themselves on rocks.
If only I had a telephoto lens!

Tide was just starting to come back as we left.

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Southern California Deals

Head to Southern California this September for some deals. Book the 3 day park hopper ticket for Disneyland Resorts by September 1 and use it before September 30. If you do book it…it will be upgraded to a 5 day ticket for free, according to one website I read. Great for Labor Day traveling.
If you are in San Diego…stop and say “hi” to Shamu. Sea World’s new Dolphin Show “Blue Horizons” is supposed to be great. Kids tickets are $5 with a paying adult.
Check out these places…San Diego Wild Animal Park, San Diego Zoo, Legoland, U.S.S. Midway…buying your tickets in advance saves you some money as well.
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It’s a Dog’s Life

You can really only play so much…and then you must take a nap.

We visited our son and daughter-in-law and their sweet Miso. Believe me, she doesn’t miss a thing…especially if someone is about to hand her a treat.

Will someone please come swimming with me? She doesn’t really get in the pool…just chases those in it from the pool deck.
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de Jong Museum

Heavy marine layer with not much sun greeted us along the coast in San Francisco.

Sun tried to peek through and shine on the Golden Gate Bridge. Sailboats in the distance create white dots.

Spending time inside the de Jong Museum in San Francisco, however, made the overcast day disappear. If you are in the San Francisco area and have not seen the collection on loan from the Musee d’Orsay in Paris…you need to go before September 6 when it goes back to Paris.

The de Jong is the only museum in the world to present two consecutive special exhibitions, the Birth of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musee d’Orsay. The Legion of Honor hosts an additional one, Impressionist Paris: City of Lights at the Legion of Honor.

At the de Jong there are nearly 100 works from Manet to Monet, Renoir to Degas, and Sisley to Whistler.

The Legion of Honor hosts a special collection until September 26 with drawings, photographs, paintings and more from several museum and private collections.

Both are impressive and worth a full day of viewing.

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How Do You Spend Your Vacation?

Planning your around the world trip? Great. So am I. Just not sure when I’ll take it, though.
In the meantime, how do you spend your vacation time? Do you arrange your time around holidays? Are you flexible? How about exploring in your own back yard?
If you live near a city or an area with things to do…even a weekend can be a “vacation”.
Feel like volunteering? You can volunteer to off the beaten path locations with international organizations that operate in less touristy areas. One I recently read about in Brave New Traveler is called GlobeAware. Check it out thoroughly before you sign up.
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Pack Smart

Before you travel…make a list. Then check it twice. Think about activities you have planned. What’s the weather going to be like? Will you do laundry? Can you wear something more than once? Can your clothing pull double duty?

Keep your toiletries tiny. I know TSA has their 3 ounce size requirement for carry on luggage. You can find many small bottles of necessities in most stores. If there is something special you need or small reusable bottles…check out www.minimus.biz which sells more than 2,000 travel sized items.

When you are packing that suitcase, layer carefully. In a wheeled suitcase put heavy items like shoes at the base by the wheels. Work your way up to the handle end for better balance.
Put a dry cleaning bag on each layer of clothing so items can move around and not wrinkle. Then fill in every little space with scarves, socks or small items.
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Beauty Tips

You’re headed off for a summer trip. Flying? If so check out these “beauty tips” to arrive at your destination looking and feeling great after that long flight.
Use a water rich moisturizer before your trip and the day of your trip. This will help your skin looking fresh and will help stop the moisture loss.
Choose water, energy drinks and juices to combat the dry airplane air.
Wait until shortly before you land to put on makeup.
Wear loose clothes for comfort. Wrinkle free is great.
Catch a nap…wear a sleep mask to help block out the light.
If you will be sitting for a long time, flex your ankles in an up and down motion to aid in circulation.
Wiping your hand with moisturizing tissues or baby wipes is great for cleansing, refreshing and cooling.