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25 Travel Tips That Can Save Your Life!

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travel tips

By John Gentry Travel Channel to travel the world

travel tips

Travel Tips that could save your life is an ongoing project that will grow over time, and we hope everyone is able to enjoy themselves better while traveling since they will be better prepared. Enjoy these simple but easy to understand tips and make your next trip an adventure of a lifetime.

1. Never pass up a good toilet because the next one may be a squat only.


2. Always get cash after customs at your destination airport. Euros and USD Maybe an exception. Don’t risk breaking local customs regulations.

3. Always carry diarrhea medicine.

travel tips
Mysterious Chinese herbs in the traditional medicine shops of Hong Kong

4. Always look up three words before you travel; thank you, yes and no.

5. Always have tissues packages on hand for the bathroom and eating use.

6. Certain medicine needs to be considered. Tylenol, Panadol and any needed prescription drugs.

7. Learn and study body language. Most expressions are international.

8. Use modern technology like Twitter to keep you updated on certain travel areas. US Department of State and the CDC have an alert service.

9. Water usage should be increased to offset times when good clean water is not available.

10. Learn some basics in English, German, Mandarin, and Russian, these languages can sometimes be used in emergencies.

travel tips

11. Study the basic history of a region before going there.

12. Learn the taboos of the area you are traveling to. Remember it is their country, not yours.

13. Don’t assume the water is clean to drink just because locals drink it. They have built up immunities you don’t have.


Travel Tips International Travel


14. Traveling causes the body to lose sleep. This in will lower your immune system so make sure to schedule recovery time.

15. Make sure to schedule a time to re-stock your travel pharmacy on the road.

16. Ziplock bags can solve a lot of problems so take several.

17. Understand and get certified in basic life saving first aid.

travel tips

18. Use large backpacks to travel that way you can never have to check in your bag. This will ensure you always have what you need when you need it.

travel tips

19. Don’t take basic hygiene for granted ensure you have it planned for and have what you need to stay healthy.

20. When traveling in crowed unorganized cities try to memorize key locations or landmarks. These can be used to find your way later when needed.

21. Always look and find locals who have language skills that you can use to help gather information that is key to your trip. Young people know some English and older people could know other languages. People and questions are your best resource for information.

22. Don’t assume your cellphone will work. Print out what you need ahead of time.

23. Carry old fashion maps.

travel tips

24. Get a cellphone app that can translate languages. Make sure it can work without wifi or cellphone service.

25. Buy digital offline mapping software for your mobile phone or other devices.

26. Consider GPS

27. You are only as good as your weakest link. So consider others in your travel party and ensure they stay healthy or you could pay the price later on. We hope you enjoyed these 25 Travel Tips That Can Save Your Life! Happy Travels, ExploreTraveler.com

Things To Do In Lisbon

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The Art Of Mountain Biking

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Mountain Biking

                         Mastering Mountain Biking At Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

 

The art of Mountain Biking is a skill that enables you to take a very durable bike, built for cross country and/or trails, and ride off road over the roughest mountain terrain. It can be challenging, but is very rewarding. You can ride trails that are so rough that they are hardly trails. You can take off on your own with just a compass. You can climb mountains and see what most people can not even dream about. When you get off the beaten path or on trails that are barely trails, the vistas grow. What a way to see your world!

Enjoy the deep shade while biking along the trails among the California redwoods. These enormous old growth redwood trees provide a pleasant environment to enjoy mountain biking at it’s best. Monteray County provides some good good riding. Here you will find something for every level of mountain biker. There are many extremly rugged challenges for the experienced mountain biker. One example of this skill level is the trails around Fort Ord Public Lands.  Here you will practice all your skills and them some. Beginners can ride the gentle paved trails of the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Whatever your skill level, there is a trail just for you in Monterey County.

The Fort Ord National Monument has bike paths for every age group from families with younger children, to those who are in tip top shape. There are paved trails and rough trails, there are flat trails and mountain terran. Whatever you are looking for, you will find it in the Fort Ord National Monument in Monteray County, California. It really is time to take to the hills.

Another popular ride is the ride at Pebble Beach. The trail goes all the way out to the Lone Cypress and back, One of the best part of the ride is that anyone can navigate it with ease. On your way out, keep the Ocean beaches on your right, and when you ride back they will be on your left.

A more traditional, and slightly more challenging bike route begins near Cannery Row on the Monterey Bay Coastal Bay Recreation Trail. You stay on the trail for a little more than a mile. The trail will then end. Then you can cycle through Pacific Grove and continue past Point Pinos. Then you will enter Sunset Drive just past Asilomar State Beach. It is here that you will see Pebble Beach for the first time and 17 Mile drive. Then you will continue on to Lone Cypress. What an amazing day!

Wherever you decide to go riding, you will find a good challenging ride for your skill level in Monteray County, California. Biking adventures are everywhere. Why not make this the year you discover the adventure of the California Redwoods.? What are you waiting for?  Grab your bag and head on out to your favorite trail head for an enjoyable day of riding in the California Sun.

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Published on steemit.com@exploretraveler Feb. 28th, 2017 at:

https://steemit.com/travel/@exploretraveler/the-art-of-mountain-biking

 

Reaching High At Safari Park

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zoo

High Expectations At The San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park is a world leader in conservation and assistance to animals, reptiles, and birds who find themselves on the endangered species list. Like this giraffe, their standards and expectations are high.  With high confidence, their success rate with the endangered species of the world has been phenomenal. Join us as we take a peak into the world of the giraffe, another one of the amazing animals at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

The giraffe is an amazing creature with legs that are around six feet long and an enormous neck that is also around six feet. Not only do they have very long necks, but their necks weigh around 600 pounds. Can you imagine carrying that around all day? The giraffe carries that and a whole lot more day after day. It can be said that they have a very large heart, as their heart weighs almost 25 pounds. Now that is a very big heart!

The San Diego Zoo currently has a nice size heard of Masai Giraffes that share the Urban Jungle Exhibit with a heard of Nubian Soemmering’s gazelles. This brings a lot of excitement to the area. The Masai Giraffe is not on the endangered species list, but their numbers in Africa are dwindaling. The Masai Giraffe can be identified by it’s large liver colored spots outlined with wide white lines. This is the giraffe that is seen in most zoos world wide and is the most common.

The Safari Park Exhibit has two herds of giraffes  the Uganda Giraffes with their large, brown blobs of color separated by beige lines that are a little thicker than other species. The other herd is the Reticulated Giraffe. While the Reticulated Giraffe is native to Somalia, it is now found only in northern Kenya. It has a beautiful dark coat with narrow white lines, that almost look like a spider web.

At the San Diego Safari Park, as well as the zoo, giraffes are fed in very high food trees. This prevents others from coming along and eating all their food. The giraffe is a very slow eater and it takes all day for them to fill their stomach. A healthy giraffe in the wild eats about 75 pounds of Acacia leaves and other things that may be around. At the Wildlife Park, they eat a variety of things including Acacia leaves, hay, carrots, and some special biscuits made just for them. These biscuits are very low in starch and high in fiber. If you are there at feeding time, you can buy biscuits to feed to individual giraffes. Can you imagine getting close enough to a giraffe to feed him or her? Life is an adventure at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

So what are you waiting for? Isn’t it time you took a look around your own back yard? While it is quite an adventure to travel to other lands, America has some outstanding places to see and things to do. Why not make your next family adventure an America exploration?  Check out the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. Spend a few days and explore all the many San Diego places of interest. San Diego has lots to see and do. Why not pack your bag and head on out to the zoo. The animals are waiting.

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Published on steemit.com@exploretraveler Feb. 14, 2017 at:

https://steemit.com/travel/@exploretraveler/reaching-high-at-safari-park

 

Gorilla Time At The San Diego Zoo Safari Park

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                                                       Just One More Bite Please!

The San Diego Zoo is home to several Western Lowland Gorillas, including this 2 year old. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Western Lowland Gorillas are considered critically endangered. Though the Western Lowland Gorillas are endangered, they are much more common than the Mountain Gorillas. The Western Lowland Gorillas are part of a special zoo program in San Diego to help increase their numbers world-wide. This little girl became a new big sister in October 2016, when a new baby was born. Like all the animals at this special zoo, the gorillas live a good life. The San Diego Zoo goes to great length to copy their natural habitats as closely as possible. Their contentment is seen in that they are active in breeding.

The Western Lowland Gorilla lives deep in the rain forests and is native to several Central and Western African countries. Because they live so deep in the rain forests, they are seldom seen by people.  Due to their natural isolation, it is not known exactly how many gorillas are living in the wild. The estimation for the number living in the wild are quite low, though.

Even though their are many similarities between the Mountain Gorillas and the Western Lowland Gorillas there are several clear differences. The Western Lowland Gorillas are smaller with shorter arms and hair. This makes it easy to identify the two groups in the wild.  In these tropical forests, the troops are able to find plenty to eat. They are vegetarians and like to snack on roots, fruits, new shoots, tree bark and love wild celery.

Like all gorillas, the Western Lowland Gorilla live in small communities called a Troop. Each troop has their own territory. Their territory may be less than a square mile or as much as 16 square miles.  A troop is usually around 30 members. The troop is made up of one older adult male who is the head. He usually has a patch of silver hair in the midst of his black hair and is referred to as a Silverback. The rest of the troop is made up of several younger males and many females with their children. If you want to be entertained, sit quietly and just watch the interactions between the members of any troop.

Though gorillas can climb trees, they spend most of their time on the ground. The leader of the troop is a true alpha male. He often spends a lot of time and energy organizing things like eating, nesting, and other activities. He may show expressions of great power in order to get the troop to follow as they should. Even at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, you see this interaction among the troop. Spend a few minutes and you will see the dominate male in action. If you are there at the right time, someone might not follow his lead. This alpha male can be quite aggressive, very vocal, stand upright, pound his chest, or any number of other things. He will continue until all are doing as he has directed. Life is never dull when visiting a troop of gorillas.

If you are looking for a day of adventure close to home, consider the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. There are many activities that you can enjoy while there, or just simply enjoy all the many animals, reptiles, and birds. There is something unique and different for every age at the San Diego Zoo. So come on down to the zoo, where there is never a dull moment.

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Published on steemit.com@exploretraveler Feb. 7, 2017 at:

https://steemit.com/travel/@exploretraveler/gorilla-time-at-the-san-diego-zoo-safari-park

 

 

 

 

 

Seafood Treasures From The Western Pacific

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Alaskan King Crab And Salmon
All the towns that dot the Pacific Ocean have one thing in comnon, they love seafood. Alaska is known world-wide for it’s spectacular seafood. As you leave Anchorage, Alaska and begin to travel the Inside Passage you are treated to many local Alaskan delicacies. Alaskan King Crab and wildcaught Alaskan Salmon are amazing! They almost melts in your mouth. Crab Legs are often refered to as the “King of Alaskan Seafood.”

Fresh Alaskan Salmon is cooked in every concievable way. You will find it baked, grilled, fried, and steamed. Salmon chowder is scrumptous. There is nothing like a bowl of chowder on a cold winter day. But of all the ways that Salmon is cooked, the most popular, are the Salmon Bakes. No matter if you are on a cruise ship, or just need to get out after a long winter, nothing tops the Salmon Bakes.

Alaskan King Crab is fished during the fall of the year off the coast of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. The harvest is shipped throughout the world. Alaskan King Crab is also known as Red King Crab plus it has several other names known by different Alaskan Tribes.

Delicious Dungeness Crab In Bellingham, Washington
Dungeness crabs are very large, extremly meaty, and delicious to eat. This area of Washington has some of the best Dungeness Crab around. With two major seasons, winter and summer, you can generally find it served in most local resterants. While most often it is served as a main dish, Crab Louie Salads are also a local favorite. Like all coastal communities, fish is served in every concievable way.

Chowder

Clam Chowder And Sour Dough Bread A Pacific Northwest Favorite
Clam Chowder is one of the most recognized chowders found in the Pacific Northwest. Almost every town has a traditional recipe and each family has their own heirloom recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation. There is nothing like going to one of the local chowder houses on a cold rainy Northwest day for a bowl of chowder.

Though Clam Chowder  is perhaps the best loved of the chowders, one can not forget some of the others like Potato Chowder, Corn Chowder, or Salmon Chowder. In the Pacific Northwest there is a chowder for everyone. Chowder is almost always served with Sourdough Bread. Nothing tops keeping a fresh starter in the kitchen. Most restaurants always have Sourdough Bread on the menu.

Grilled Shrimp

Bubba Gump Shrimp Company In Monterey, California
Forrest Gump, a character in a 1994 comedy, was not the smartest, but you could not help but love him.  A favorite quote from the movie was:  My momma always said, “Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”  This turned out to be so true. Bubba Gump Shrimp Company is an American seafood chain of restaurants that were inspired by the film.

Crab cakes

Crab Cakes On Southern California Beach
Can it get any better than Crab Cakes on the beach? Delicious and usually served with sauted vegetables, they are the perfect fare for lunch or dinner. However, if you would prefer to have Crab Cake Egg Benedict you will find it all over the city. This delightful quiche is a Southern California treasure. There is no better way to start the day.

Mid-day, as you tire from combing the famous Southern California Beaches, why not catch a bite of lunch and taste another favorite, the Crab Louie Salad. It’s a mouthwatering lunchen treat.

Treasures of the sea

Sweet Creamy Sea Urchin Delicacy At The San Diego Pier
One of the mysteries of the sea are these gorgeous Sea Urchins. Eat them fresh in the little seafood shacks on the pier or have them served as a creamy main dish in one of the major waterfront restaurants. People come to San Diego from all over the world just to eat Sea Urchin. The Sea Urchin is another one of the delicacies of the sea.

Discover the beaches and towns along the Western Pacific
The Pacific Ocean with it’s towns, cities, and beaches is the perfect American getaway. Savor the many treasures of the sea. You will eat well while you discover the beach. You will find beaches with agates, shells, and huge rocks. You may see rainy days or days filled with sunshine. No matter what the beach, or the weather, you will see many treasures on the menu.

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Orginally published on steemit.com at:

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Exploring Northern California

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Samoa Peninsula

             Northern California Beaches

Gorgeous beaches and dramatic waves swell on the Samoa Peninsula in Northern California. This amazing stretch of beach is just over a mile Northwest of Eureka, California. Samoa Beach is the seaward side of this breathtaking peninsula. Heavy winter gales crest and play in the areas off shore. The area varies from just over 23 feet to 30 feet above sea level. It is this extremely low land that is bombarded by tsunamis and other tropical storms. The waves just off shore swell and run parallel to  the shoreline. Many of the waves tower to more than 30 feet high.  During these dramatic storms, little can be seen between these monster waves and the sandy beaches of the peninsula.

dunes and sign

              What Did That Sign Say?

Magnificent dune formations provide miles and miles of entertainment for those who love to cruise the dunes, spend a few hours beach combing, or even just enjoying the waves. What could be better than spending time in the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area?  While enjoying this spectacular playground on your favorite dune buggy, be sure to read the signs! Being aware of any possible weather changes and heed the directions given to you. This will make your time in this wonderland safe and entertaining. This is a spectacular, fun, and dramatic playground!

The Samoa Dunes Recreation Area provides access to 140 acres of beachland including many trails and paths. There are endless treasures to find and discover. There is also a new additional area just for riding your favorite dune toys. This new area extends about 1 mile past the northern boundary of the park.

Samoa Dunes Recreation Area
Samoa, CA 95564
(707) 825-2300

Military Bunkers

             Old Military WWII Bunkers

Take time to explore all the many trails and paths waiting for you on the Samoa Peninsula. You will find amazing things in this off-highway vehicle play area of Northern California. This used to be the property of the United States Military and you will find the remains of ammunition bunkers, and even an old lighthouse, no longer in service. If you like to explore, then you have arrived at the right place.

Dune buggies, sand motorcycles,  Dune vehicles of all types, and ATV riding are extremely popular on this stretch of beach. This is also a fantastic area for bird-watching. Those who enjoy beach combing will discover miles and miles of beach just waiting to be found. The boat launch provides a launching area for your boat and there are grills and tables for your use. Why not grab the whole family and enjoy some of the most exciting miles of beach in Northern California?

 

Arcata Bay

Salt marshes and wetlands of Arcata Bay

The vast salt marshes and rich wetlands of Arcata Bay provide the perfect environment for some of the riches oyster beds on the coast. Over 70% of all the fresh oysters eaten in California are farmed in Arcata Bay. The month of June is the peak of Oyster Season. These little treasures of the sea are farmed in bags and thus the bay is protected from harmful dredging. This also allows the cities of Arcata and Eureka to maintain a healthy quality of water in Arcata Bay.

Every year in the month of June, the city of Arcata holds the Humboldt Bay Oyster Fest. This fun and unique festival draws more than 10,000 people to Arcata. Oyster lovers travel to this Oysterfest from far and near. It is an excellent time to taste raw and barbecued oysters from many different traditions. What an amazing festival of oyster treats from some of the areas top chefs!  You will find excellent food, live entertainment, a kids activity  area, and vendors of every kind. This  is an excellent place to find local high quality products. Many award-winning wines and microbrews make their debut at this fantastic and fun festival.

569 S G St
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 826-2359

Gone fishing

“Gone Fishing” on Whiskeytown Lake

Whiskeytown Lake is perhaps most known for its beautiful crystal-clear waters. The water is so clear that it appears like a mirror. This is one of the most exciting places to fish. Imagine, fishing where the water is so clear that you can see the fish! Enjoy views of beautiful and majestic mountains. This backdrop of spectacular mountain peaks are often mirrored in the crystal clear water of the lake. More than 39,000 acres surround this amazing lake. This National Forest has spectacular waterfalls, beautiful and pristine mountain creeks flowing to the valleys below and  70 miles of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. Nestled in these mountains are opportunities to discover the living history of California and the famous Gold Rush. If you are ready to explore Northern California, Whiskeytown Lake is the place to start. In this exciting playground, history is alive and there are stories to be told!

The annual Harvest Festival is held in September of each year at the Camden House! If you enjoy the fall harvest festivals, you will like this annual spectacular community festival. This is perhaps one of the most unique of the fall festivals.

Mailing address for more information:

P.O. Box 188
Whiskeytown , CA 96095
(530) 242-3400

 

 

mount shasta

 Beautiful and Mysterious Mount Shasta

Beautiful and Mysterious Mount Shasta comes with many Alien stories and tales about other dimensions of life. This picturesque mountain is an active volcano that is always covered by snow. Nestled below are lakes and towns that thrive during the summer tourist months and sleep all winter.

The city of Mount Shasta is quaintly secluded below the mountain that it is named for. Mount Shasta is one of the most spectacular landmarks in Northern California. Mount Shasta City is less than 9 miles from the mountain that shares its name and has a stable population of 3,394 residents.

Summer time on Shasta Lake and the surrounding towns bring revenue from houseboat rentals, cabins, water sports, ect. The winters are filled with skiing and other winter sports. If you are looking for a place where you can have family fun, go no farther. At Shasta, Trinity and Lewiston Lakes, most of the campgrounds are managed by the Shasta Recreation company.  Camping is abundant throughout the area.

Make your reservations through the  National Recreation Reservation Service. You can call and reserve your camping spot today at 1-877-444-6777.

As our time in Northern California comes to a close, we invite you seek out the many exciting adventures of the area. No passport is needed, it is in your own backyard!

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Exploring Monterey, California

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Monterey

                       Carmel by the Sea

Relaxing on the white sand beaches of beautiful Carmel by the Sea in Monterey is breathtaking. The sand is  white and pure. It is so fine that it feels like silk between your toes. What a perfect place to relax from the stresses of the work week. The weather is perfect. The waves are the spectacular. There is nothing like Monterey, California for unsurpassed beauty, and a serene beach getaway. No work. No stress. It is all about relaxation and fun, at Monterey. Carmel by the Sea is just one of the many spectacular beach communities on this amazing peninsula. Grab your hat and sunscreen……it is time to explore Monterey!

Carmel by the Sea is a small quaint beach town on California’s Monterey Peninsula. It’s beauty surpasses words. It has many different museums throughout the area. It is famous for its fabulous library of Historic Carmel Mission. The center of this small village is filled with fairy tale cottages. It is home to many artists and includes many impressive art galleries.  While at Carmel by the Sea you can get a feel for the peninsula and its history.

For the adventurous, there is the Scenic Bluff Path. It goes all the way from the surf’s edge to the unforgettable Carmel River State Beach. Here you can enjoy the vast number of bird species that call this beach home. There is also a scuba entry point for the divers among you. If that wasn’t enough, there are sea animals and vistas just waiting to be discovered. You will find one of the most fantastic whaling museums on the West Coast  at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Spend the day or several days, there is much to see on the Monterey Peninsula.

Tor House and Hawk Tower are two of the historical buildings in the village of Carmel by the Sea. They were built by the poet, Robinson Jeffers. Robinson discovered the unspoiled beauty of the Big Sur Coast and Monterey in 1914. Over the next ten years he built  Tor House and Hawk Tower as a home and refuge for his family. Located on a windswept barren cape, he began to build their dream home. He gathered granite stones from Carmel Bay and this amazing structure still stands today. Tours of these historical buildings are offered daily.

Carmel by the Sea has hotels, Inns, Bed & Breakfasts, Spas, Restaurants, and wineries. These accommodations will provide all the necessary services you may desire. While in this storybook village you will be carried back to a former time. You will find Carmel both casual and comfortable. Restaurants vary from beachy casual to the fine dining experience that Carmel is also known for. The Monterey journey begins the moment you arrive in the village. Welcome to the Monterey Peninsula!

Monterey trolley

          Exploring Historic Cannery Row

Another piece of exciting history in Monterey is the Historic Cannery Row. Your journey begins when you board the first all-electric trolley without wires. The unique draw of this historical street is fascinating.  Cannery Row is one of the top vacation destinations on the Central Coast of California. It is a street of now deserted sardine canneries. It has been the stage of several poems, songs, and books throughout the years. You will find high-end  waterfront hotels with all the luxury you could possibly dream of.  The vast variety of enticing restaurants just wait to be discovered. There are quaint and captivating boutiques for those who desire to shop. In Cannery Row, you will find living history and a unique cultural experience. You will see signs of the Monterey that Steinbeck wrote about in Cannery Row, but the people of Monterey are far from emotionally hungry. A lot has happened since 1945. Take time to experience the magnificent beauty of Monterey Bay, while you take a few moments to remember it’s exciting past. This journey begins when you board the trolley!

Monterey Canning Co

                   Monterey Canning Co.

The advent of the Sardine fishing explosion at the turn of the century was swift. It gave birth to this famous street of canneries. Cannery Row was born and the area quickly grew. The canneries exploded during World War I with the huge demand for canned sardines. Then it slowed after the war during the Great Depression. A few years later, World War II ushered in the next boon for these canneries. Then after  World War II we saw the complete collapse of the canning industry in Monterey.  Cannery Row lay forgotten until 1968, when revival began once again on this famous street. Now it is a resort with a history. It is the number one destination for visitors coming to Monterey. The buildings have been restored. Some have been restored to their original purpose, and others repurposed into restaurants and shops. Enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants at The Canning Co. You will find  food that is excellent and the original historic buildings adds to its uniqueness.

Explore the many shops that now have made Cannery Row their home. Here you will find those unique and one of a kind treasures to take home. Cannery Inn sits at the entrance to this historical district.At the inn you will find high quality accommodations in a causel atnosphere. Tour the canneries, enjoy a meal, and discover the roots of Monterey. It all begins as you arrive on Cannery Row!

Cannery Row Inn
200 Foam St, Monterey
CA 93940
(831) 649-8580

Monterey Canning Company
711 Cannery Row,
Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Another fun activity while at Canary Row is a Canary Row Kayaking Experience. Kayaking is one of the amazing ways to see the bay. It is a wonderful way to see Canary Row Bay from the water. There are several different sizes of  kayaks and paddle boats for rent. You can also book an exciting tour at the Adventures by the Sea. This is an amazing adventure has it’s beginning in the center of the spectacular Cannery Row Kelp Forests. What amazing opportunities to see the marine wildlife calling this bay home. Sea Otters, Harbor Seals, and Sea Lions are just some of the marine residences living in the bay.

Another exciting event is to scuba dive at beautiful San Carlos State Beach. You will find this beach at the end of Cannery Row. It is one of the popular spots for divers of all ages and levels. San Carlos State Beach has become a popular launching point for scuba divers of all levels of experience. Here you will find a little piece of paradise as you relax and enjoy this peaceful spot. If you’ve never scuba dived before, today is a great day to learn the basics. The bay has a clear sandy bottom with an abundance of marine life. It is this magnificent environment that  makes this an excellent and fun place to learn.

Another fun activity while at Cannery Row is Whale watching. California is one of the worlds best places to see Whales from the shore. They can be observed year around, though April to mid December is the best time to see Humpback and Blue Whales. The depth of the bay allows you to spot the whales from the shore with the naked eye. Mid-December to March is best time of the year to see spectacular Dolphins and Grey Whales. It is always a good time to go Whale watching at Cannery Row.

Those who enjoy biking will enjoy the The Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail. This trail is just above the shoreline of Cannery Row and winds along the California coast to Lover’s Point. At Lover’s Point you can access a bike lane that travels along the Pacific Grove Coastline. There are several different paths and trails available. The journey can be easy to difficult, the choice is yours. Bikes are available for rent at Adventures by the Sea.

For those with the desire to walk on water, renting a paddle board is just the adventure. You will find stand-up-paddleboards for rent at Adventures by the Sea. Need a little help getting those sea legs working? Lessons are offered for those who desire. What an invigorating way to enjoy the bay!

If you are ready to discover Monterey Peninsula, then grab the family and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime. There is plenty to see and do on this beautiful bay. Today is a great day to discover your own back yard.

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This is also an authorized post on seemit under @exploretraveler at:https://steemit.com/treanding/@exploretraveler

Tasty West Coast Temptations

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Mexican

             Hungry And Happy In Mexico

Our first stop is Mexico, and we are looking for tasty temptations. We visit an authentic Mexican restaurant for a delightful South of the Border speciality. Authentic Mexican Beef  Arrachera with Guacamole is the perfect dinner after a day of exploring. Arrachera beef is a savory Mexican specialty made from flank steak. The flank steak comes from the diaphragm of the cow. This meat is quite thick and can be a little bit tougher than other cuts, if not prepared correctly. It has a very strong flavor and is quite juicy. The secret of a delightful arrachera is in the marinade.

Beef Arrachera is never served alone on the plate. It will always be served with one or more garnishes. A favorite and maybe the most common is Guacamole. It is also served with grilled spring onions, roasted nopal, mixed salad, quesadillas, refried beans, Mexican rice, or fought chilies. Often onions and chilies are mixed in with the beef and the Guacamole is served on the side.

Throughout Mexico, Beef Arrachera is a favorite to throw on the grill when gathering together with family and friends. On your next trip to Mexico, be sure to sample an authentic and sumptuous  Beef Arrachera. It is delicious!  It will be one of the highlights of any trip, South of the Border.

Crab cakes

            Crab Cakes On The Beach

Traveling north, we find ourselves on the beaches of Southern California.  Almost every fish shack has the most tempting Crab Cakes. Some even serve Kosher Crab Cakes  made from from artificial Crab. These delicious Cakes are made from  fresh fish and certified Kosher. If you eat nothing else from the fish shacks,  you must try the crab cakes.  Once you’ve tried the crab cakes you will want to keep coming back for more. San Diego Crab Cakes are pretty much the most famous in the world. San Diego is notorious  for its crab. These terrific Crab Cakes more than live up to all of their publicity. They are an international favorite. They are fresh. These tasty temptations are delicious!

Treasures of the sea

                   San Diego’s Sea Urchin

Sea Urchins are generally  served fresh and raw on the shell.   They are freshly caught and still moving! They  taste almost like a buttery custard, Most importantly, they are extremely fresh. Visually, this beautiful Sea Urchin can look a bit overwhelming for a novice. It is worth the effort to try this San Diego delicacy.  The flavor is unlike anything else you have ever tasted. It’s nutty, buttery, and salty, all at once. The divers go out each morning to find the very best Sea Urchin. People come from all over the world, to eat the Sea Urchin when in season.

Oysters

           Oysters On The Half Shell

Whether you are at a fish shack on the beach, at the Fish Market, or at a Farmers Market, Oysters are a favorite West Coast delicacy. From the Southern California beaches all the way to Canada, Oysters are a sea food treasure. They are often served raw and to the novice appear a little slimy, but they taste delicious.  If you are  looking for fresh Pacific sea food, oysters are at the head of the line.

By far the raw oysters that are served on the half shell are the greatest all stars. But oysters are served several different ways. Oyster chowder is another star of the menu, especially in the Northwest. It can be called Oyster Stew or Oyster Chowder, but it is delightful on a cold windy day.

Another way to enjoy this fresh Pacific treasure is fried. Fried Oysters served with fresh lemon are another favorite Pacific Northwest treat. Often this is paired with cole slaw and fresh baked french bread.(photos/poppas-fresh-fish-company-san-diego)

bbq

                         Time For BBQ

BBQ is an all time favorite on the West Coast USA. Any reason is good enough to dig out the grill. There is never a wrong time to grill hot dogs with different relishes. Some serve them on a stick and others in a bun, but everyone loves a good grilled hotdog.  Major holidays, like the Fourth of July, are all time favorites for grilling some burgers and hotdogs. Usually they are served with chips, baked beans, and potato salad. Any day is a grilling day on the West Coast USA.

Grilled Shrimp

            Grilled Shrimp In Monterey

On the Monterey Peninsula it is all about shrimp. You will find fried shrimp, grilled shrimp, and even coconut shrimp. They love their shrimp in Monterey!

The first Bubba Gump Restaurant opened in Monterey, California. It was the year 1996, just after the successful movie came out titled “Forest Gump.”  The Bubba Gump restaurant is named after the film’s characters  Bubba and Forrest. In the film, Bubba desired to get into the shrimping business.  Forrest carried out his dream after Bubba’s death.

The Bubba Gump Restaurant is a fun place to have lunch or dinner. Taste and see how many different ways you can cook this tasty temptation!

   The Monterey Peninsula

As you travel on North to Oregon and Washington, the weather has changed. Nine months a year can bring cool and rainy days and the nights are quite brisk. Here in the Northwest the need to warm up, makes chowder the star of the menu.

Chowder

          Chowder And Sour Dough Bread

The farther north you go, the more varieties of chowder that appear on the menu. By the time you get to Seattle, you will see them all. Some of the favorites are Clam Chowder, Salmon Chowder, Corn Chowder, and Potato Chowder. On a cold rainy Northwest day, nothing beats a good bowl of Chowder.

A favorite destination in Seattle is Pikes Place Market. Within the market are fish markets, farmers markets , and lots of chowder cafes. Whether you come to the market to get your own makings for your favorite chowder, or drop by for a bowl, you will love the chowder houses throughout the market.

If you are looking for adventure, you need look no farther than your own back door. The coastal communities of the Pacific welcome you to join them for a regional favorite. So grab the family and head for the closest beach. Your lunch is waiting!

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Treasures Of The Sea

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Sea

                      Treasures Of The Sea

The San Diego Area is blessed with many unique and spectacular treasures from the sea. One of the most spectacular is the Sea Urchin. It is magnificent! This majestic pink variety is one of the showest urchins in the warm waters of California. This beautiful pink Sea Urchin is the longest living creature on the planet. They often live to be more than 200 years old.

There are many varieties of the Sea Urchin in the San Diego area, and the color range is spectacular. They come in a full range of colors from sand colored to bright pinks and dark purples. Here, in Southern California, you will see the lovely pink to red urchins all the way to the spectacular  Purple Sea Urchin or Strongylocentrotus. This striking deep purple Sea Urchin inhabits the eastern edge of the Pacific Ocean from Ensenada, Mexico to British Columbia, Canada. What an amazing treasure of the sea! What priceless beauty.

The Sea urchin is an exciting delicacy in many cultures around the world. Their row or eggs are in huge demand. In the San Diego area, Sea Urchins are hunted by divers to satisfy the local hunger for this amazing delicacy. People from all over the world come to these warm ocean waters to sample one of the world’s best-loved sea creatures. The row is a unique taste. It is delicious. It is totally different!

    San Diego Tuna Harbor Fish Market

Sea Urchin

The San Diego Tuna Harbor Dockside Fish Market is bustling with activity come 8 am on Saturday morning. This is the best Fish Market in San Diego. Local business owners are waiting in the long line to get the best of the morning catch. Since San Diego is well-known for its Sea Urchins, adventure travelers are also on the scene to get their first taste of this coveted delicacy. Join us as one adventure traveler tastes his first urchin.

What all will you see at this famous dockside market? You will get glimpses of many beautiful and spectacular fish of the San Diego area. Today the market was blessed with the sandstone and pink sea urchin. At other times of the year  you can also see the outstanding purple Sea Urchin. The purple Sea Urchin does not live as long as the pink Sea Urchin. For what it lacks in longevity, it has in beauty. (This beauty was photographed by: By Kirt L. Onthank, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3424504)

Purple Sea Urchin

Besides the beautiful Sea Urchins, you will see many spectacular locally caught fish at the market. There are also vendors that share these freshly prepared treasures from the sea. The fish that is  offered for sale vary from fishing season to fishing season. On this particular week, there were beautiful Rock Cod and also a vendor that sold Rock Cod fish sandwiches and Rock Cod tacos. They were delicious. You could also get fresh shark sandwiches and Shark tacos. Another fantastic lunch choice. Then there was the vender that prepared the roe of the Sea Urchin, which is not cooked. This was the spotlighted vender with many locals and adventures waiting for their own private delicacy.

Among the fresh fish sold, were tuna, shark, rock cod, sea urchin,  crab, lobster,  and many other tasty species. The website for the San Diego Dockside Fish Market shows how the fish are caught and why different methods are used. Fisherman work together to protect our treasures from the sea.

http://thdocksidemarket.com/new/

Customers are able to buy a whole fish and have it cut for them free of charge. A tip is appreciated.

          San Diego’s Fish Restaurants

One of the top restaurants in the San Diego Harbor is The Fish Market. Here you will find carefully prepared ocean delights. If you are looking for one of the best, you will find it here. They also have other restaurants throughout the area, however the original and most famous is on Harbor Drive. Fresh fish is sold to take home. You can even order your fish online. This restaurant is spectacular! Their crab cakes are sumptuous. The sushi is the best! Those fish chowders are amazing! Samples of their ever-changing menu can be found on their website.

The Fish Market
750 N Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-3474 (Phone)
They are open Sunday through Thursday from 11 am till 9:30 pm. Friday and Saturday they are open from 11 am till 10 pm. 

https://www.thefishmarket.com/

Another delightful fish restaurant on the harbor is Anthony’s Fish Grotto. This is a local family friendly restaurant. Some of the most fantastic chowder is paired with the catch of the day. The catch of the day only complements the spectacular harbor views. This fish grotto has served San Diego for over 70 years.

Anthony’s Fish Grotto
1360 N Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-5103 (Phone)

They are open Monday through Thursday from 11 am till 9:30 pm. Friday and Saturday from 11 am till 10 pm. Closed on Sunday.

http://www.anthonysfishgrotto.com/index.html

Another harbor favorite is the Harbor House Restaurant. The magnificent views are my favorite. The huge windows provide you  with a complete view of the park on the water front as well as the boats that are coming and going. The food at the Harbor House is fantastic, with many seafood specialities. The local oysters are a real favorite! Located in the Seaside Village, it is right in the midst of all the action.

oysters

                            Oyster Dinner

Harbor House Restaurant
Seaport Village
831 W Harbor Dr
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-1141 (Phone)

The Harbor House is open seven days a week from 11 am till 10 pm.

http://www.harborhousesd.com/

If you want adventure and lunch, then Tom Ham’s Lighthouse eatery. A local favorite in one of our landmark buildings. Have lunch or dinner in a  functioning lighthouse with lots of seafood on the menu. And while you are there enjoy all those epic views. You can see for miles.

Tom

                    Dinner And A View

Tom Ham’s Lighthouse Restaurant
2150 Harbor Island Dr
San Diego, CA 92101
619-291-9110
http://www.tomhamslighthouse.com/ 

     Preparing The Catch Of The Day

San Diego Tuna Harbor Dockside Market knew there would be questions on how to prepare these ocean treasures, so on their website they shared several of San Diego’s favorite recipes. I am sharing just a few of my favorites from there.

You have scored your fresh Crab, Shrimp, Rockfish, Halibut, and even some Sea Urchin Roe. You look at it feeling good, but then you wonder…..how should I prepare it. Here are some suggestions from the San Diego Harbor Dockside Market. Enjoy!

Santa Barbara Crab Cakes

Ingredients

12 California Rock Crab Claws (Cooked & Cleaned)
1 Everything Bagel, Shredded
2 Eggs, Beaten
Onion, Chopped
Garlic Salt

Louisiana Fish Fry

Instructions

Mix all ingredients in a bowl, except Louisiana Fish Fry. Shape into patties, then top with Louisiana Fish Fry. (Make sure you have about a 50/50 ratio of crab and bagel.) Fry in hot oil until golden brown.

Rosalia’s Barbequed Halibut

Ingredients

Breadcrumbs

Parmesan Cheese

Salt

Pepper

Dried Oregano

Olive Oil

California Halibut

Instructions

First make breadcrumb mixture. Breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, to taste. Mix in your desired to taste, salt, pepper and dried oregano. Mix in bowl and set aside. Take your desired piece of California Halibut and roll in olive oil and then pat on both sides into the breadcrumb mixture. Ready to put on the barbecue. Brown nicely on both sides. Does not need a long time of cooking or will make fish very dry.

Miso Marinated Black Cod

Ingredients

Sake

¾ Cup Mirin

2 Cups White Miso Paste

1 ¼ Cups Granulated Sugar

¼ Chopped Scallions (or More)

1 Tbs Fresh Grated Ginger (or More)

Four Black Cod Fillets

Instructions

Bring the sake and the mirin to a boil in a saucepan for about 20-30 seconds to boil off the alcohol.

Turn the heat down to low and add miso paste, mixing with a wooden spoon. After the miso has dissolved completely, turn the heat up to high again and add the sugar, stirring constantly with the wooden spoon to ensure that the bottom of the pan doesn’t burn. Remove from heat once the sugar is fully dissolved. Cool to room temperature. Add scallions and ginger

Pat fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. But filets in gallon size zip lock bag and cover with marinade. Place in refrigerator for 24-72 hrs flipping bag over occasionally.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Preheat a grill or broiler. Lightly wipe off any excess miso clinging to the fillets but don’t rinse it off. Place the fish on the grill, or in a broiler pan, and grill or broil until the surface of the fish turns brown. Then bake for 10 to 15 minutes.

Teriyaki Ridgeback Shrimp

Ingredients

1 lb Fresh California Ridgeback Shrimp

½ Cup Pineapple Juice (small individual cans work well)

4 tbs Soy Sauce

½ Cup Vegetable Oil

A bit of Fresh Grated Ginger Root

Instructions

Mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, vegetable oil and ginger in bowl. Shell and devein raw ridgeback shrimp. Marinate shrimp about 15 minutes. Shrimp doesn’t take a long time. Drain shrimp and grill. Shrimp are done when they turn from opaque to white, usually takes a couple of minutes.

       Preparing Your Exotic Treasures

For the lucky few who were able to purchase one of the Octopus’s, here is a recipe from the Greek community. You will find more recipes at https://food.com

Octopus

INGREDIENTS

6
  • 1kg baby octopus
  • 300ml water
  • 60g chopped garlic
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 150g butter
  • 50ml cream
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 shallots
  • Cognac, to taste

  • For the marinade

  • 300ml Olive Oil
  • 1 lime
  • 1 lemon
  • Salt
  • Pepper
 DIRECTIONS
  1. Place the octopus and garlic in a pot with water and bring to boil.
  2. Add baking powder and simmer for 40 minutes.
  3. To prepare the marinade;.
  4. In a bowl add 300ml of olive oil, juice of one lemon and lime, salt.
  5. and pepper.
  6. When the octopus is tender rinse it in cold water.
  7. Place in the.
  8. marinade and leave overnight.
  9. The following day, grill on a hot plate until lightly coloured.
  10. Flambé cognac in a fry pan, add the butter and slowly melt, whisking.
  11. constantly.
  12. Add a touch of cream and worcestershire sauce and whisk.
  13. till they are all combined.
  14. Finish with shallots.
  15. Serve on a bed of rice with the cognac sauce poured all over.

For those who came away from the market with a generous supply of Sea Urchin Roe, you will not be left out. Here are a couple favorite recipes. The first one comes from the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market. The second recipe come from the Santa Barbara Seafood Market.

Ricci del Mar Linguini
(Linguini with California Sea Urchin Roe)

Ingredients

Linguini

Garlic

5 pieces of Sea Urchin Roe

Red Pepper

Olive Oil

Instructions

Prepare pasta and in a large frying pan mix 5 pieces of sea urchin roe, olive oil, garlic pieces. Toss with pasta place back in a cleaned sea urchin test and add red pepper to taste. Serves 4.

Sea Urchin Ceviche

1 flat of uni (sea urchin)
2 vine ripened tomatoes
1/4 small red onion cut into 1/8″ cubes
1/4 small jicama cut into 1/8″ cubes
1 serrano chili minced with seeds
2oz sea beans
6 green shiso leaves minced

1/4 C lime juice
1 Tbs olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
black pepper

To prepare the tomatoes, quarter them and use your fingers to scrape out the seeds into a bowl and set aside. Cut the tomatoes into 1/4″ cubes and add them to a non-reactive bowl along with the red onion, jicama, chili, sea beans and shiso. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

To serve just whisk the lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper together and pour over the vegetables. Toss gently to coat then plate individual servings, topping with a generous helping of sea urchin and the reserved tomato seeds.

                  Dinner Cocktails From The Sea

Squid Cocktail

Boil until cooked. Rinse them off and serve with olive oil, balsamic, celery and onions, salt and pepper (any other additions you might like). Serve cold.

Crab Dip Recipe

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1 Tablespoon dry mustard

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon Dill (fresh or dried)

2 tablespoons light cream

Salt to taste

Place mustard and mayonnaise in a mixing bowl and gently beat for about 1 minute. Add the worchestire, dill, cream, and a pinch of salt and beat until well blended and creamy. Chill the sauce before serving.

The above recipes came from the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market Website.

For those adventurers who came to the market, you now know a few secrets of how to prepare the catch of the day. If you are still thinking of coming on down to the dock, what are you waiting for? This Saturday and every Saturday the market opens promptly at 8 am. San Diego has cool beautiful mornings. So come early, leave happy! The earlybird gets the worm!

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The Exciting World Of The San Diego Zoo

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monkey

          It’s A Playful World At The Zoo

A day at the San Diego Zoo is always fun and what better place to begin your San Diego adventure. The perfect starting place is at the monkey enclosure. These pesky and playful monkeys are always fun and entertaining to watch. You never know what to expect!

The playful world of the Schmidt’s Red-tailed Monkey is an experience to behold. These playful monkeys are between 12 and 24 inches long, but their tails with a touch of red, can be 35 inches easy. Did you notice the large cheek pouches? Schmidt’s red-tailed monkeys have cheeks that can almost hold as much food as their stomachs. They can eat and pack the food in the cheeks and then find a quiet location where no one will bother them to eat. They can then  safely and slowly consume their treasure. It is a built-in safety net to keep others from stealing from them. Now how awesome is that?

The Schmidt’s red-tailed monkey has many different names. They are also known as the black-cheeked white-nosed monkey, the spot-nosed monkey, and the red=tailed Guenon.  These special monkeys have brown, black, and grey fur. The underside of their tail is red. This is how they get their name. Now that is one sporty little monkey!

These amazing monkeys live in tropical swamps, tropical mountains and tropical lowland forests.  They thrive at the San Diego Zoo in Southern California. San Diego climate is just perfect for these little monkeys from the Congo. They also call Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda home. They are really quite adaptive. Here they have an enormous  area to play and roam.

These colorful primates are primarily fruit eaters. In seasons when fruit is not available, they will also eat leaves, tropical flowers, and gum from tropical trees.  At the zoo, they are given plenty of fruit and leaves. This makes for happy monkeys at the San Diego Zoo.

Pandas

          Happy Panda Having Breakfast

Next on the morning agenda is the Giant Pandas. This is always a favorite place to spend some time. Around 10 am is a favorite time to visit. This is the feeding time for these giant teddy bears.

This Giant Panda complete with tuxedo, is relishing his breakfast of bamboo. He seems to be showing off for the camera, as he almost has a smile on his face. Who can resist loving this endearing panda with such a sweet face? When he is done with breakfast he will ample off and roam the forest that is his home at The San Diego Zoo. This lovable Panda is a National Treasure in China. He is protected by law in his native bamboo forests of China.

The three Giant Pandas at the San Diego Zoo live a life of luxury. The enormous enclosure has many trees, a wide variety of climbing structures, and air-conditioned bedrooms. All these treasures that they value, plus all the bamboo they can eat.

When  Bai Yun and Shi Shi arrived from China they were the first pair of Pandas to come to the United States. They were part of a landmark panda-loan agreement with China. In just three years the unthinkable happened, Bai Yun gave birth to Hua Mei. Hua Mei is the first surviving panda born in the United States.  Bai Yun has given birth to 6 living pandas in her lifetime. She is nearing the end of her reproductive life at 24 years old. What a treasure she is for all to love at the San Diego Zoo.

These three pandas are adorable as they amble around and then decide to climb for a while. This little fella was very occupied eating his breakfast when the photo was shot.  What a priceless opportunity to watch these happy Giant Pandas at the San Diego Zoo.

Gator

         Jurassic at the San Diego Zoo

Next on our stop today is the fearsome and Jurassic Crocodilians. It is always intriguing to watch these huge reptiles in their swampy home at the San Diego Zoo. The swamp is large and these big boys are right at home.

The long snouted Indian Gharial is Jurassic at the San Diego Zoo. This Crocodilian with his thick skin and cold blood quite often strikes terror in the hearts of those who see  him. For others it is just a very healthy respect. Crocodilians are very efficient hunters, have excellent hearing and keen eyesight.

These egg laying reptiles are most at home in or near the water. Here you will see them floating like logs in the swamp.  They appear slow, but don’t be fooled into thinking they can not move. These reptiles can swim up to 20 miles an hour and hold their breath underwater for up to an hour. They are no slow poke on land either. They can run on land up to 11 miles an hour.

These giants of the swamp have 60-110 teeth in their huge mouth. If a tooth wears out or gets knocked out, it is not a problem. A new one just moves into place. A Crock can go through as many as 8,000 teeth in his lifetime. Now that is a lot of teeth!

Crocodilians are meat eaters and will eat whatever they can catch in or near the water. Some favorite dinner delights are fish, birds, monkeys, turtles, frogs, pigs, and even deer and buffalo. It all depends on the size of the Crock. If they can catch and kill it, it is lunch!

Heron

           Majestic Great Blue Heron

The next members of the zoo family  we set out to spend time with  are the large birds. The San Diego Zoo has beautiful large natural aviaries with many beautiful and majestic birds. This magnificent Great Blue Heron is a must see on any zoo exploration.

This beautiful bird stands about 4 feet tall and has a wingspan of about 6 feet. His long sharp bill is something to avoid at all costs. With it he feeds on fish who just happen to meander into the shallow water where he stands quietly like he has all the time in the world. He doesn’t mind a meal of frogs or even a small gopher or other land animal that gets in the way of his powerful bill. He catches his prey and then swallows it whole.

Humans should avoid getting too close, or they risk getting nailed in the head or eye. They can often seem friendly and may come up to eat out of your hand in rehab where they are not so wary.  Their sharp bill  can blind or even kill.

Great Blue Herons are natives of Bhutan. They are getting to be very rare in the wild and are protected world-wide. Take a few minutes and just watch them, they are amazing to observe.

Gorillas

           Having Lunch With Mama

Our last stop of this morning is the Gorillas. This is always a place where we can easily spend an hour or so and get many unusual photos. These are some of the most entertaining characters at the San Diego Zoo Park in Southern California.  You just never know what to expect from these fun gorillas.

The Western Lowland Gorillas can be found in the very heart of the San Diego Zoo. These gentle giants spend their time in beautiful open meadows with cascading waterfalls, trees of different kinds and climbing structures designed for their inquisitive minds. You really never know from one time to the next what you will see. They always seem to have a new idea for the day. These gentle giants are a lot of fun to just watch and see what they will do next.

We often enjoy spending a half day at the zoo and then going more often. This way you don’t get too tired and overheated and can really enjoy the animals that call the San Diego Zoo home. There are many good places near by to have lunch if you want to enjoy a nice lunch at the end of your zoo visit. There are also many restaurants on the zoo property.  Five options at the zoo for a great lunch are:

Treehouse Cafe
At the Parkway, San Diego Zoo
San Diego California 92101
PHONE: 619-231-1515
Menu: http://www.sandiegozoo.org

Albert’s Restaurant
2920 Zoo Drive
San Diego, California 92101
619-685-3200

Casual California dining and drinks served indoors or on the desk at the San Diego Zoo.

Poppy’s Patio
Zoo Place, San Diego 92101
619-231-1515

Front Street Cafe
2929 Zoo Drive
San Diego, California 92101
760-747-8702

So why not grab the family, pack day packs with snacks and water and head for the San Diego Zoo. Be sure to pack the sunscreen. Nothing ruins that perfect day more than a sunburn. The best time to get there is in the morning, if you want to observe feeding times. The mornings are usually just pleasant temperatures and perfect to walk and enjoy your zoo friends.

Strollers and wheelchairs can be rented at the ticket booth. You an also sign up for different special viewing options when buying your tickets. Maps of the zoo are located near-by.

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