Top Ten of 2011

I can’t believe that we’ve come to the end of 2011 already. What a year it’s been! I thought I’d take a minute to share my most popular posts from 2011. You never know, they may just inspire you to plan something fun for 2012 and hopefully give you a few tips to save a bit of money along the way! 

1. Tips for a Smoother Traveling with Kids Experience

We’ve always traveled, from the time our kids were tiny. This post shares some of the tips I’ve implemented over the years to train my children to be good travelers.

2. Fun and Inexpensive Staycation Ideas for Mansfield, Ohio

At first glance, Mansfield may look like there isn’t much to offer but if you know where to look you’ve discover it’s the perfect spot for an inexpensive staycation.

3. Harmony Park Safari; a Hidden Gem in Huntsville, Alabama

We had spent two years traveling back and forth to Huntsville and lived there for a year before we found this amazing gem.   

4. Get More Bang for your Buck: Hotel Savings

Let’s fact it, it can be super expensive to travel so why would you want to blow your travel budget on lodging? This post gives you plenty of tips to save money on hotel costs.   

5. Ten Ways to Save on Prom Expenses

Last year was the first time we dealt with the expense of prom and we didn’t have one child attending- we had three! I wrote this post to show others some of the ways that we saved money and made prom a very affordable event.

6. Getting Started with Twitter

I love Twitter but have to admit that it was incredibly confusing when I first logged on. This post is my attempt to explain and simplify Twitter.     

7.  Ten Reasons You’ll Love Callaway Gardens

When my family was invited to Callaway Gardens, I had no idea what we were in for. I still imagine returning for a week long, family friendly adventure. Callaway Gardens is really some place special!

8. Samuel Boardman State Scenic Corridor

This may be my Top Ten list, but I didn’t write this post. Nope. This post was written by Barb from the ever-popular, if- you- haven’t- seen- it, you- must- visit- site, The Handbook of Nature Study. I have to say that after reading her guest post I certainly can’t wait to plan a trip to Oregon.   

9. Fort Wilderness Campground: Is It Really an Affordable and Enjoyable Alternative to Disney Resort Hotels? 

Our stay at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground certainly was memorable, but not in a good way. Thankfully, Disney stepped up and saved the night and it turned out not so bad after all.

10. Hiking Trails Near Huntsville, Alabama: Devil’s Racetrack near Wade Mountain  

One of the reasons we loved living in Alabama was that we were able to hike nearly anytime of the year. That allowed us to visit quite a few hiking trails. This is written from our experience to Devil’s Racetrack.

Thanks for reading The Traveling Praters! I hope you all have a very Happy New Year and can’t wait to see what 2012 has in store!

Samuel Boardman State Scenic Corridor - Oregon Coast

The Southern Oregon Coast offers some of the most diverse landscapes you could ever want to experience. Towering Sitka spruce, Coast redwoods, osprey, sea lions, otters, wildflowers, and whale-watching are just a few of the delights you could experience with very little effort spending time in this part of the world. Traveling the Southern Oregon Coast from the border of California to Gold Beach, you realize Oregon is a feast for the eyes and the soul. One way to explore this rugged coast is to take advantage of the many trails and viewpoints on the Samuel Boardman State Scenic Corridor, along a twelve mile section of Hwy 101 starting from Brookings, Oregon. You can download a brochure and detailed map from the Oregon State Parks and Recreation website. 

The Samuel Boardman Corridor hugs the coast, alternating with forests and coastline. There are a number of pull-off spots and parking areas clearly marked to stop and enjoy the sweeping vistas or to gain access to the Oregon Coast Trail. If you plan to make the most of this scenic drive, plan on spending the better part of a day exploring a few of the trails, beaches, and picnic areas.

Some of our favorite stops along the Samuel Boardman Corridor

• Whaleshead Beach – Perfect stop to get your feet in the sand and have a picnic or snack.
• Indian Sands-Very steep walk out to the dunes but a glorious view of the coast. This takes a little more effort and time but is well worth the stop. My teenage boys vote this the best hike on the S.B. Corridor.
• Thomas Creek Bridge – Stop and walk over the tallest bridge in Oregon with a fantastic view.
• China Beach-Want a beach all to yourself? Hike the short, steep trail and enjoy the wide sandy beach and off-shore rocks. We found this to be the perfect spot for watching osprey hunt in the surf.
• Natural Bridge and Thunder Cove Rock- Short, easy hike to see the rock formations through a lovely forest with lots of summer wildflowers.
• Arch Rock – Easy stop and a great place for a picnic. (Pick up picnic supplies in Brookings-Fred Meyer supermarket right on Hwy 101 has everything you need at a reasonable price.)

If you are traveling the Southern Coast of Oregon and come in through the California border, take time to stop at the Crissey Field State Park/Oregon Welcome Center. (No fee- 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM)  It is right off Hwy 101 and will give you a chance to collect information, brochures, maps, and a feel for all that Oregon has to offer. There is also beach access, hiking trails, and a small nature center and store. We found the Rangers there to be extremely helpful in planning a few days exploring this magnificent area of the world. You can also get information for near-by Redwoods National Park.

If you are looking for places to stay while on your trip, you can choose to stay in Brookings or Gold Beach, Oregon. We prefer to camp and Harris Beach State Park is our favorite spot on the whole Oregon Coast. If you are looking for lodging in Brookings, we like the Wild Rivers Motor Lodge.  In Gold Beach, try the Gold Beach Inn.

Barb McCoy- Harmony Art Mom writes about their family’s outdoor adventures on her blog, Handbook of Nature Study. She also is the author and host for the Outdoor Hour Challenge and a series of ebooks helping families get started with simple nature study. Her home base is Northern California but she also writes about their continuing adventures in Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, and Arizona. Barb also founded Harmony Fine Arts which helps homeschoolers with their art and music appreciation.

Hiking Trails near Huntsville, Alabama: Devil’s Racetrack at Wade Mountain Preserve

Like much of the country, the past few weeks have been a bit cooler than normal. Although, depending on where you live, you may disagree with me when I say it’s been cold here in Alabama. Thursday we got a break when the temperatures climbed nearly 15 degrees to the high 40’s. I decided the kids and I would take advantage of the beautiful weather by exploring one of the hiking trails near Huntsville, which led us to Wade Mountain Preserve.

The trailhead at Wade Mountain Preserve begins in the parking area, off Spraggins Hollow Road, minutes from Alabama A & M University. There is a small picnic area with two or three picnic tables but you won’t find any bathroom facilities so make sure you pee before you leave home- and be sure to pack plenty of water.

The trail is well marked and maintained, though a bit rocky at times. 

We’d decided that we’d follow the main trail just over a mile to the Devil’s Racetrack.  Periodically we’d encounter a tree with a diamond markers that assured us we were on the right path.

Along the way we enjoyed listening to the birds and viewing the rock outcroppings. I couldn’t help but think that we should have hiked this trail in the fall—I imagine it would be quite beautiful when the leaves were changing.

 

At one point I was really disappointed to see that much of the land that borders the preserve has been cleared and wondered if the land is planned to be developed for yet another subdivision. 

The trail gradually climbs to an elevation of 1100 feet. Though it isn’t particularly steep,  there are benches located along the trail so you can enjoy the scenery or rest a minute of two if needed.

The summit,  and the Devil’s Racetrack Trail,  opens to a rocky clearing with a Cedar glade. Like many other hiking trails near Huntsville, in the spring the landscape will be colored with beautiful wildflowers, a great excuse to plan another hike.

 

The climate of Wade Mountain is considered to be almost semi-arid. Since the soil is very sandy, it also drains very quickly leaving little water behind for plants. As a result, the plants found here are different from what is typically seen in the area. 

Devil’s Racetrack is an easy 1/2 mile trail that is not only popular to hikers, but to mountain bike riders as well. The trail leads to spectacular views of North Huntsville and on a clear day it’s said that you can see all the way to Tennessee.

This was a great hike—one that we’ll look forward to revisiting during various times of the year.  If you find yourself in the area and would like to venture out on one of the trails at Wade Mountain Preserve, you’ll find a map at this link to help you plan your own adventure.

Next time around I think we’ll hike the Rock Wall Trail—and hopefully we’ll see some of those wildflowers, too!

Huntsville

McKay Hollow Trail- Monte Sano State Park

We’ve been trying to cram in as many hikes as we can before the rainy or winter season hits. Today we joined some friends at the picnic/parking area at Monte Sano State Park where the kids were able to burn off some energy playing on the playground equipment…after all,  just because they are teenagers doesn’t mean they are too old to enjoy the swings…

Slide…

or Teeter Totter… right???

As much as they enjoyed the playground, all good things must come to an end so we drug them away from their fun and hit the trail.

Today we decided to hike a portion of the McKay Hollow Trail since we stumbled upon the trailhead just past the shelter house near the parking area.

This was our first view of the hollow- isn’t it beautiful?

The trail immediately begins to head downward. In the spring or in the midst of the rainy season, a few minutes on the trail and you’d be rewarded with a stunning waterfall. This was not one of those times, but the view was still spectacular.

For a minute, we thought that the trail actually ran behind the falls on the rocky ledge, wouldn’t that be fun? 

From this point on, you needed to pay close attention to your footing. The trail is narrow, steep and rocky. I was really lamenting the fact that my tennis shoes should have been replaced last year. It’s time for some sturdy hiking boots with thick soles.

Still, we trudged on. Down. Down. Down. Into the hollow below.

We hadn’t gotten very far when the kids decided they needed to take a break. Of course the fact that over the years, water had eroded the rock to look very similar to a chair wouldn’t have made it a tempting place to rest would it?

We continued down. Down. Down. Down. Into the hollow. But I guess I already mentioned that, didn’t I? 

We continued to follow the trail.  You do see the trail, don’t you? It’s there…take a close look. 

I’ve been amazed with each of the past few hikes that we’ve taken. Each one seems to be more scenic then the one before.

McKay Hollow certainly did not disappoint. There were many unique boulders and rock outcroppings along the trail.

    If you looked closely, you’d even see a remaining fall wildflower or two.

We only had a couple hours to hike today so we weren’t able to complete the hike. Some of the kids made it to the bottom of the hollow though and then we all needed to make our climb back up. Up. Up. Up. 

This trail never really levels off. When you start to climb, you continue climbing until you reach the top. I am happy to say that my kids and I have noticed that the hikes are getting easier for us. The regular once or twice a week hike is certainly beginning to pay off. Now if only my jeans would fit a bit looser because my butt is certainly getting a workout!

As much as I’m looking forward to tackling this hike again when we aren’t pressed for time, I don’t think I’ll be joining the runners on the McKay Hollow Madness run anytime soon!  

If you’re in the Huntsville area, this is a great hike. Make sure you have plenty of time, water and have a good, sturdy pair of shoes. A walking stick would also be helpful. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend this trail if you are hiking with young children. At points the trail is very narrow with some steep drop offs. Monte Sano State Park does charge a $3 per person day use fee that does not apply to campers  or those with an annual membership.   

Huntsville

Huntsville

Russell Cave National Monument: One of the Best Hikes in Northern Alabama

Last week, the kids and I accompanied one of the homeschool groups that we belong to on a naturalist led hike at Russell Cave National Monument. You’ve heard me mention this amazing attraction several times before because not only is it one of my favorite places to visit in Northern Alabama, it is now on my list of favorite fall hikes.

We arrived at Russell Cave National Monument, viewed the small museum display and began our tour by watching a short 7 minute movie. The video gave a brief history of the cave while focusing on the  story of its joint excavation by the National Geographic Society and Smithsonian Institution.  

Next we took a quick walk along the broadwalk to the cave entrance. Once inside, one of the Park Ranger’s, who is also the Park Historian shared more of the history of the cave with us.  We heard about the nomadic people that once frequented the Russell Cave following food and seeking shelter during the cold winter months; a great lesson in the early people of Alabama. We learned about the hunting practices of the Indians at Russell Cave, how they would hunt deer by camouflaging themselves with deer skins and antlers. Apparently, they were pretty believable because they have found at least one hunter killed by an arrow while dressed for the hunt and believe he died as a result of an accidental shooting.

It was also interesting to learn that they would fish by throwing the powder from crushed Buckeyes into the stream leading to the cave. The powder, which is poisonous to humans would paralyze the fish and they would float to the top of the water allowing the Indians to scoop them out one by one.  

We also learned about the excavation of the cave. Did you know that archaeologists do when they find fossilized poo? They can warm the feces which will soften it and then they go through it to see what people at that time, thousands of years ago, ate. Sounds like a smelly job to me.  Gross tidbit of information, but memorable.

A weapons demonstration followed the cave talk and ended with the opportunity to try out an atlatl, bow & arrow and blow gun.

The atlatl was hooked to the spear, increasing its power up to three times.

   

Though we enjoyed each aspect of the field trip, our favorite part was the hike along the nature trail. Not only is the naturalist that we accompanied very knowledgeable, but we were also pleased with ourselves for finishing this short hike after the ordeal we faced the first time we attempted it. (You really do need to go read that, and let me just say that 80ish degrees in the fall is much different than 80ish degrees in late spring here in Alabama! ) 

The trail is still mainly up, up and up, but the fall foliage was certainly a site to see, especially when you were at the top and able to look down over the trail to see the rock outcroppings strewn along the path below. It was quite beautiful. I will warn you that though this is a paved hike, it is steep heading up and heading down so be prepared to give yourself plenty of time to rest along the way. You’ll be happy to know that after every major incline, you’ll find benches available so you can rest and catch your breath if needed. Though the park service says this is a 1.2 mile hike, I can’t count the times I heard someone gasping, this is only a mile?  I found it interesting that The Falcon Guide: Hiking Alabama  claims that the hike is a bit longer at 2 miles in length and it certainly feels longer yet. 

This was an incredible outing and though we’ve enjoyed the times we’ve been there on our own as a family, it was that much better going with friends.

The kids and I recently began reading about Alabama state history, now that we are official residents and I’ve decided that we will incorporate many field trips into our study. Russell Cave National Monument was a great place to start.  

If you stopped by for Field Trip Friday, make sure to read this post to find out about the changes taking place and don’t forget to stop back next week for the 1st monthly edition of Field Trip Friday!

Until next week~ Happy Field Trippin’!

Birthday Wishes

Sunday was my birthday. I’ve been loathe to write about it because frankly, I am getting older and though I know it has to happen eventually I’m kind of beating myself up a bit. I’d imagined that by the time I was nearly 40 I’d be a bit more “together” so to speak.

Well, leave it to the Lord to use your children to convict you. The very day that I’m really not pleased with myself my son shares what he had learned from his morning devotion (which of course, I personally had been missing too often).  

He read about someone that was contemplating suicide (and NO, that doesn’t describe me) and were on the edge of a building ready to jump. A police officer showed up on the scene and began talking to the jumper and asked them to name something, anything they were thankful for. After naming one thing, the officer had them name another and another until finally they had an entire list of things and circumstances in their life to be thankful for and no longer even knew why they wanted to jump in the first place.

Simple but it really is true, isn’t it? When we have a thankful spirit, it is so hard to become discontent. So, instead of focusing on the things in life that I’m not pleased with- I chose to be thankful on my special day.

So for my birthday I was thankful that my husband and children were there to celebrate with me. I was thankful that I was able to call or receive calls from my parents’ and brothers’ that live hours away.  I was thankful that my husband was able to make what turned out to be a very minor repair on my van which allowed us to drive an hour away to spend the day hiking somewhere that I’ve wanted to visit for a year!

Just look at these pictures from our hike at Lake Guntersville State Park, the largest manmade lake in Alabama. I loved walking along the trail enjoying the crisp autumn air lightly scented with pine with the distinct smell of  water, letting us know that the lake was near.  The gentle breeze against our skin was so refreshing. I’m so thankful it’s October here in Alabama and finally feels like fall, my favorite season.  

 

What a great way to spend a birthday.

This is the day which the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. ~ Psalm 118:24

How do you like to celebrate your birthday?

Welcome to Huntsville, Alabama!

Welcome to Live the Adventure! Not only I am celebrating my one year blog anniversary here on Blogger, I am also the featured blogger at Blog-Trotting, a virtual travel blog where you can stop in and learn about US cities far and near. Today I’m thrilled to be your tour guide.

                                                A family picture with my mother-in-law 

My name is Tonya and I was born and raised in the Buckeye State. I’m married to my high school sweet heart, Rod, and together we have three awesome teenagers, Nickolaus, Joshua, Chelsea and our rescued four-legged fur baby, Vincent.

Five years ago, my family embarked on a special adventure when we began traveling with my husband’s job. The fact that we have always homeschooled the kids and loved to travel motivated us to take the family on the road. It didn’t take long for us to tire of our travel arrangements, a mix of hotel rooms and temporary apartments. We longed for something that felt a bit more ‘homey’. Last year we bought a 31 foot Class A motor home and excitedly moved in.

As you can imagine, living in such close quarters had its ups and downs but overall I think we survived quite nicely. I couldn’t imagine not having the experiences that we had. Finally, it became clear that our time on the road was drawing to a close and we were excited to once again put down roots. In July we moved into a house again, for the first time in over 18 months. But we didn’t return to Ohio…our adventure led us South to Huntsville, Alabama and this is where your tour will begin.

                                   Welcome to Rocket City USA!

You can ask anyone in Northern Alabama what Huntsville is known for and they’re likely to mention Redstone Arsenal and the US Space and Rocket Center in the same breath. Redstone is a US Army post and home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center where the local iconic Saturn V rocket was built.

Today a replica of the Saturn V can be seen from I-565, outside Alabama’s #1 Tourist Attraction, the US Space and Rocket Center. The Davidson Center, the newest edition to the museum, holds an actual restored Saturn V rocket which is now a National Historic Landmark. Though the rocket center has amazing exhibits, simulators and an IMAX theater, perhaps it’s best known for Spacecamp.

Though technology abounds you’ll find plenty of other attractions that beckon. Just down the road from the US Space and Rocket Center you’ll find another of our favorite attractions, the Huntsville Botanical Garden. No matter what season you visit, you’ll find something going on such as the annual Scarecrow Trail each fall or the Galaxy of the Lights, guaranteed to be one of the best Christmas light displays you’ll see. You’ll also find the largest open air butterfly house in the nation right here at the botanical garden.

Of course, I know some of you like to shop and I’d be remiss if I didn’t suggest a quick stop by the Bridge St.Town Centre Mall for some of the finest shopping in the city. Make sure you take a break from your shopping and grab a bite of a chocolaty goodness at The Chocolate Crocodile. The specialty caramel apples are the BEST! If you’re looking for something unique and romantic be sure to schedule a tour on the gondola before continuing your tour through Huntsville.

If you’d like to learn a bit of local and state history while you’re in the area, you’ll find nearby Mooresville a must stop! The entire town, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, is a fun side trip. Of course you certainly won’t be the first to visit, Disney beat you to it when they filmed the “Tom and Huck” movie in the very same town. Can you believe that Mooresville was a town before Alabama was a state?

If you’d like to dip a bit deeper into the history of the area, you’ll enjoy Harrison Brothers Hardware Store, the oldest operating hardware store in the Yellowhammer State. Within blocks of downtown you’ll also find Constitution Village, Earlyworks-an amazing children’s museum, The Huntsville Museum of Art, Big Spring Park and a particularly special treat, Weeden House, one of the oldest antebellum homes not only in Huntsville, but in the state as well. It is currently operated by the most engaging curator. You’ll leave not only entertained but with an incredible appreciation for Southern Life.

Of course you don’t want to spend all day inside museums! It’s time to enjoy some of spectacular scenery and hiking trails that make Huntsville great. Our first stop is to Monte Sano State Park which happened to be the first place we parked our home on wheels. Though we loved our home on the mountaintop, with no internet access it didn’t appear to be the best fit for an active blogger.

Our two favorite spots in the park would be the scenic overlook which will give you a breathtaking view of the Tennessee Valley and the trail that leads to the Stone Cuts. The exposed and weathered capstone of the mountain has resulted in an interesting passage through rock and a natural tunnel that is perfect for the explorer in you.

Another outdoor favorite is the Madison County Nature Trail located on Green Mountain. This retreat like setting boasts a wooded 1 ½-2 mile trail that meanders along a beautiful, fish stocked lake. Of course, if you’d rather relax and enjoy the view you’re welcome to grab a seat in one of the many Adirondack chairs or wooden gliders at the covered pavilion where you can feel the breeze off the water and watch the playful ducks and visitors as they enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of the world at the base of the mountain.

Have I talked you into a visit yet? Of course I could spend all day telling you why I have grown to love Huntsville but  I’ll leave you to explore on your own at this website. Let me just say that if we can’t live in Ohio- there is no where else I’d rather be. Not to mention the winters are definitely more pleasant! 

Blog-trotting features a different destination each day and would love to eventually highlight each state. Would you like to be the next featured blogger? It’s easy, just go to the destinations page and leave a message. It’s that easy. Oh, before I forget, Carabee would especially love to feature someone from Hawaii, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Connecticut and West Virginia and I know that some of you live in these states. Interested? Stop by Blog-trotting and check it out.