WhatATrip

 Fly fishing is a sport for patient people requiring wide spaces, fresh flowing water and lots of time.  There is an art to fly fishing.  Indeed, the true fly fisherman or woman needs to know how to tie a fly and possess the proper fly pole.  However, if you are not patient and don’t like to fish, I still think you will enjoy the article that I recently wrote for the Contra Costa Times Lamorinda Sun.

As the car winds along southern Oregon’s scenic highway 138 the vibrant North Umpqua River comes into view.  Arriving at the Steamboat Inn, fishermen sprawl at long wooden tables sorting their paraphernalia as they prep for the season.  A Paul O’Neil quote from 1965 describes the quintessential fly fisherman,

There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process.”  

Whether you are a fisherman or daydreamer, if you are looking to unplug from the electronic world and re-connect with nature, Steamboat Inn is a place to relax and unwind or, wind up and fish.  The only blackberries you’ll find at the Steamboat come from the kitchen in the form of a pie or cobbler.  There is no cell reception here, although there is internet access.

   Steamboat Inn Maple Ridge Suite     

Couples will enjoy the streamside cabins; while families opt for the Hideaway cottages situated a half mile up river.  The cozy Maple Ridge Suite offers a soaking tub, large living room and private deck steps from the river.  In addition to gourmet dining, guests can hike to waterfalls or venture to nearby Crater Lake.  If you have children along, drive through the Wildlife Safari Park in Winston.     

While fly fishing in Oregon takes skill, fishing in Alaska brings its own set of challenges.  The river was very high and muddy this year so the king salmon were not biting. “We did a lot of fly fishing from the bank,” said Jeffrey Lefcourt of Lafayette.  Paul , along with his 12-year-old son, Jeffrey, took a float plane to Riversong Lodge on the Yentna River and caught some trout and grayling.  What better way to spend Father’s Day than fishing with your son? 

 “It was easier to fly fish in Alaska because it wasn’t windy like in California,” notes Jeffrey.  “We saw a lot of bald eagles.  I got a ton of mosquito bites, but it was worth it and certainly better than hanging out in a tent. Riversong Lodge made it easy.  I would go again every single year. “ 

 While fishing lodges are not appropriate for toddlers, parents need not put off global travel until the kids have grown.  If you are traveling with little ones in tow, Ciao Bambino! reviews family friendly vacation properties with age appropriate ratings. 

“We deal with four categories; hotels, villas, resorts and apartments,” says Founder Amie O’Shaughnessy.  The Oakland-based company gives its seal of approval from baby ready to toddler safe rooms.  

  
 Speaking of seals of approval; Lafayette’s Deborah Simmons, along with Matt Chaney and family, will be competing in the Ride for a Cure on July 19 in San Luis Obispo to raise funds to defeat ALS.  Chaney has been battling ALS for eight years and is very active with the organization.  The bike ride begins at Avila Beach and features four, world-class routes, including a 25k Fun Ride  and 25 mile Winery Tour Ride.  

“Matt will be riding his recumbent bike in the 100 mile Century.  I’m riding the less grueling 100k route, but a challenge, nonetheless,” laughs Simmons. 

Register now or contribute to the cause by donating to RideToDefeatALS.

 Located on the blue Pacific equidistant from Los Angeles and San Francisco, Avila Beach has recovered from the 1990’s petroleum contamination and has been rebuilt into a thriving beachfront community.  From the historic Madonna Inn to fish taco stands, the town offers Sunday art on the beach, championship golf, pier fishing, the Bob Jones bike trail and a Friday Farmer’s Market.

San Louis Obispo or SLO town, as the locals call it, is home to Cal Poly.  If you are visiting the area stop by for Swing Night at the Madonna Inn.  Every Monday from 8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. locals and out-of-towners kick up their heels and swing dance at the Inn.  Best of all; it’s free!

Where are your favorite places to fly fish, beach comb, bike ride or swing dance?

 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple on Cambodian border

On July 8 in Quebec City, Canada, UNESCO, (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) announced 27 new additions to the organization’s list of cultural and natural heritage sites. Formed in 1945, UNESCO “seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.” 

New UNESCO Cultural Sites:

• Preah Vihear Temple (Cambodia)
• Fujian Tulou (China)
• Stari Grad Plain (Croatia)
• Historic Centre of Camagüey (Cuba)
• Fortifications of Vauban (France)
• Berlin Modernism Housing Estates (Germany)
• Armenian Monastic Ensembles in Iran (Iran)
• Baha’i Holy Places in Haifa and Western Galilee (Israel)
• Mantua and Sabbioneta (Italy)
• The Mijikenda Kaya Forests (Kenya)
• Melaka and George Town, historic cities of the Straits of Malacca (Malaysia)
• Protective town of San Miguel and the Sanctuary of Jesús de Nazareno de Atotonilco (Mexico)
• Le Morne Cultural Landscape (Mauritius)
• Kuk Early Agricultural Site (Papua New Guinea)
• San Marino Historic Centre and Mount Titano (San Marino)
• Archaeological Site of Al-Hijr (Madâin Sâlih) (Saudi Arabia)
• The Wooden Churches of the Slovak part of Carpathian Mountain Area (Slovakia)
• Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Cultural Landscape (Switzerland and Italy)
• Chief Roi Mata’s Domain (Vanuatu)

Four countries- Papua New Guinea, San Marino, Saudi Arabia and Vanuatu- are new to the list.  Have you been to any UNESCO sites?

I wrote a post on Greenopolis.com taking issue with Darren Cronian’s recent comment on his blog, Travel Rants.  Cronian attempts to fan the flames in the travel blog world when he states that “the travel industry doesn’t care about climate change. ”  His comments sparked me into action, as I live in  Northern California, home to multiple raging wildfires at the moment.

I’m sure the England-based writer wasn’t attacking the travel industry in general.  Rather, he wanted to know specifically what different sectors in the industry were doing to address this problem.  You can read my post on Greenopolis here. 

According to the Greenopolis website, it is the first “green,” interactive, educational website to bring together communities and reward them for making positive environmental changes.  I discovered Greenopolis because they are one of the BlogHer sponsors for the upcoming conference taking place in San Francisco July 18-20, 2008.

As a sponsor of Blogher they are hosting a “Best Green BlogHer” contest and will be offering  Greenopolis cocktails at Ruby Skye, a San Francisco nightclub on Friday, July 18 when they announce the winner of the contest.  I wonder what’s in a green cocktail?  I think it’s wonderful how BlogHer is really making an effort to be environmentally conscious during its San Francisco conference. 

I think the hotel industry is making an effort to “go green.”  When I check into my hotel I expect to see a note on the dresser mentioning that towels and bedding will not be changed on a daily basis unless requested.  I hope to see CFL’s in all of the light fixtures; preferably in the off position when I enter my hotel room.  Organic cotton sheets would be a nice touch. 

I try to do my part to be a more environmentally aware person on this planet and I hope to be modeling this behavior for my children.  As a travel writer and a global citizen, I’m aware of my carbon footprint and I attempt to tread lightly on the planet. 

Do you consider yourself green?  What are your thoughts on climate change?

Wendy Perrin likes to beat the system, find the best travel deals and share all of her insider secrets with her readers.  I recently caught up with Conde Nast Traveler’s Consumer News Editor while she was on vacation with her husband and two young boys.  The Perrin gang, along with CNT writer Brook Wilkinson and her boyfriend, were visiting San Francisco’s Exploratorium by the Palace of Fine Arts. 

What is the job of a consumer news editor?

WP: I’m not sure what other people do at their job, but at CNT I’m in charge of giving consumers advice on how to beat the system.  I write an advice column, The Perrin Report and my blog The Perrin Post in addition to my other writing responsibilities. 

If you didn’t have this job, what would you like to do?

WP: That’s a very good question.  I’ve been with CNT for 19 years and this is a great job.  If I didn’t have this job, I’d probably work for a school.  Education matters a lot to me.

What’s your “must have” travel gadget?

Brook Wilkinson: I’d have to say my digital camera.

Place you want to go when you are NOT on assignment?

WP: My husband’s family is from Northern California, so we come here every summer.

Brook Wilkinson: New Zealand is my favorite place in the world.  Growing up in my family we didn’t tend to repeat places.  I like visiting Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire to hang out.

Have you ever been Couch Surfing?

Brook Wilkinson: I have never been CouchSurfing, but I have stayed as a guest in someone’s home through a mutual contact.  In 2001 I backpacked in China for a year and met Lucy from Beijing and stayed with her.

Brook, now that you live in San Francisco, where are your favorite places?

Tank Hill.  I wrote about it on Wendy’s blog.  I like dining at Chez Panisse in Berkeley and the Presidio Social Club in the city for the classic cocktail.

Do you prefer writing or blogging?

WP: My first commitment is writing for the magazine, but it is a time-consuming production process.  I enjoy the e-mails from my readers.  I have a very intelligent group of readers.  When my articles are done, that’s when I make time for the blog.  I usually write the blog at night.  The blog is a  way to interact with readers and I love the immediate feedback.  It’s great because I get to meet people like you!

 Photo credit San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau

I know it may sound crazy, but an airport layover might not be such a bad thing afterall.  Why not briefly touch on the highlights of a city that you hadn’t necessarily planned on visiting without dropping a dime on a costly hotel room? 

Conde Nast Traveler’s online blog, The Perrin Post, in conjunction with Hotel Chatter and Jaunted, is running an airport layover contest until July 31.  Reader’s must create Conde Nast Traveler contributor Michael Kinsley’s itinerary when he flys around the world this September.

As I hail from the Bay Area, my recommendation was for Kinsley to visit San Francisco International Airport, take a BART ride to downtown and catch a cable car to Fisherman’s Wharf.  After I had submitted my post, I learned that Kinsley is a “foodie” so I thought he might enjoy a  walking tour of Chinatown with Shirley Fong-Torres of Wok Wiz fame, or he could hook up with GraceAnn Walden of Mangia! North Beach walking tours. 

I hope that Consumer Editor Wendy Perrin is planning to use this reader generated content and publish it in an upcoming Conde Nast Traveler magazine article.  If you would like to read my airport layover suggestion you can click here and scroll down to the fifth post, “Leave your heart and several hours in San Francisco.”

Have you experienced an airport layover that you enjoyed?

I wrote about Carmel for Uptake this week from an “almost local’s perspective.”  My mom and dad have lived there for over twenty years, my husband and I were married in Carmel and I visit often.  I’m what you’d call a “wannabe” local.  Don’t get me wrong; I love my hometown in Contra Costa County, but someday I’d like to live in Carmel-by-the-Sea. 

Home to Clint Eastwood, Dorris Day and Betty White, this picturesque village is frequented by the newlywed and the nearly dead.  It’s a great place to visit with a special someone and with the cost and hassle associated with flying these days, Carmel is an ideal destination for the Bay Area roadtripper. 

 My favorite place to stay was the Cobblestone Inn, formerly owned by Four Sisters Inns.   (Has anyone stayed there since the changing of the guard in April of 2008? ) My new favorite restaurant is Volcano Grill and Mai Tai Bar, located in the more-often-than-not sunny Carmel Valley and owned by local restaurateur Billy Quon.  The outdoor fire pits are a hit with the locals, as are the Mai Tai’s.

I mention Volcano and a host of other things to  see and do in Carmel from a  local’s perspective over on the  UpTake blog.  UpTake, a new travel search engine, launched in May is quickly gaining a following.  From girlfriend getaways to pet-friendly travel, you can find everything you need to plan a vacation.  Stop on by.

While I am in no way positioning myself as an expert blogger, I thought it might be helpful to list a few blogging tips for newbies on this site.  I also ran across “Useful Techniques to Optimize Your Blog for The Major Search Engines” by Nick Stamoulis, president of Brick Marketing.  I will be attending the July 18 Blogher conference in San Francisco and look forward to sharing my experiences with you. 

1               Decide between running a Wordpress blog off of your domain name (i.e., www.janedoe.com/blog.)  or setting up a blog at a hosted site.  You have to be ready to get your hands dirty in SEO (search engine optimization) and HTML if you select the first option.

2              Get listed on search engines such as Google, Yahoo, Technorati and Stumbleupon

3                Establish a blogroll on your site and ask fellow bloggers to list your blog on their site

4          If you establish a blog, it is best to contribute posts at least 1 x weekly, ideally 3 x week, to have your blog considered for listing on sites such as BlogHer.  If you cannot commit to the upkeep of a blog, perhaps blogging isn’t for you.

5              Comment often on other blog sites to create higher visibility for your blog

6              Offer to guest blog on travel sites that will benefit your exposure

7              Web 2.0 is all about social networking.  Check out Twitter for further visibility of your blog

Oregon’s North Umpqua River       photo credit: Marico Fayre

The only blackberries you’ll find at the Steamboat Inn come from the kitchen in a fresh pie or cobbler.  There is no cell phone reception at this southern Oregon lodge, but internet access is available in the main building.

It was during my visit to Steamboat that I met renaissance woman Patricia Lee.  She earned her chops on the Umpqua as a fishing guide, turned cookbook author with Steamboat Inn Owner Sharon Van Loan.  Now general manager, Lee is a jack of all trades as well as an amateur botanist.

Walking alongside the mighty Umpqua with Grace, her two-year-old chocolate Labrador Retriever, Lee pulled wild ginger from a stem for me to smell.  A few more steps along the Mott trail and minature orchids were revealed beneath the vibrant green canopy.

Back at the Inn I scanned the fly fishing books and magazines as some local men sat at a nearby table sorting fishing paraphenalia.  River devotees know to book a July reservation months in advance as the steelhead are plentiful this time of year.

 If you simply want to kick back and reconnect with nature, ask the front desk for a waterfall brochure with accompanying trail maps and photos of local falls such as Fall Creek, Toketee or Watson.  Visitors will want to stop at nearby Crater Lake for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, bicycling or a boat ride to Wizard Island.

Children cannon ball into the pool as the lazy days of summer approach.  For many, the season equals fun in the sun, while others, such as Rhonda Sparks, focus on protecting kids from the sun’s damaging rays*.

 Sparks lost her 32-year-old husband, Darren, to skin cancer just three days after the 9-11 tragedy.  Since then she has launched UVSkinz, a Sonora, California-based company, producing swimshirts and apparel that block out 98% of the sun’s harmful rays and carry a UPF rating of 50+. 

“The southern hemisphere is a good ten years ahead of us in sun protection awareness, “notes Sparks.  “I want parents here to know what I’ve had to learn the hard way.  And to prevent as many sunburns as possible. ”

 Boyz in their Skinz

Sparks sent a couple of samples for my fair-haired Norwegian teenagers to try.  Increasingly weary of the moles multiplying on my son’s back faster than a tic-tac-toe game, I was thrilled when I opened the package.  My 12-year-old swim team and water polo player was less than enthusiast about the chocolate brown short sleeve swim shirt and would not consider wearing the long sleeve blue tie-dye shirt.  My 16-year-old life guard and swim team daughter said no way to the pink tie-dye shirt or any other tasteful catalog items.

 What’s a frustrated, skin cancer prone mother to do with these responses?  Load up on the Coopertone SPF 50 sunscreen and make those yearly dermotology appointments.  What do you do to keep your kids or yourself protected from sun damage? 

*Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, affecting more than one million people each year.  And considering that just one blistering sunburn as a child can more than double the risk of developing skin cancer as an adult makes early awareness and prevention critical.  The good news is that nearly all skin cancer is 100% preventable if caught early!  Protecting your skin during the first 18 years of life can reduce your risk for diagnosis.  Wearing UV protective clothing is an important step in preventing sunburns, premature aging of the skin and skin cancer.

Top 10 Sun Safety Tips provided by UV Skinz

1. Seek the shade, especially during the sun’s peak hours (10:00am-2:00pm)

2. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.

3. Cover up with clothing,especially a broad brimmed hat and UN-blocking sunglasses.

4. Avoid tanning parlors and artificial tanning devices.

5. Keep newborns out of the sun.

6. Teach children good sun-protective practices.

7. Examine your skin from head-to-toe once every month.

8. Have a professional examination annually.

9. Do not burn!  One blistering sunburn doubles your risk for skin cancer.

10. Wear UV protective clothing.

Who knew that you needed to be web-savy to create a blog?  Anyone can launch a blog these days with the help of WordPress, BlogHer, Yahoo, Google and web-hosted sites such as Bootsnall.  But getting readers to visit your site, leave comments and sign up for your blog’s RSS feed is another thing.  I’d like to think that people read my blog for the travel writing and travelers that I interview, but I’ll never know unless you are brave enough to leave a comment.  I promise that I won’t bite.

 I’m learning how to create a blog presence one step at a time and it is painfully slow.  So, dear reader, please bear with me as I learn Search Engine Optimization (SEO), key word strategies, how to StumbleUpon my site, get ranked on Google and Yahoo and Technorati myself.  

 Happy travels.  It’s been quite a trip.