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Shelly Rivoli's
Archived tips from Shelly's syndicated blog. To comment or subscribe visit www.travelswithbaby.blogspot.com.
See Tips 1-10 11-20 21-30 31-35 36...
Tip #35: Scorpions, Ticks, and Bears -- Oh, My!
So, seeing all the bear warnings on the Newberry National Volcanic Monument web pages as I recently blogged had me scratching my head. Bears? In Oregon? I'm the third (and possibly fourth) generation in my family to camp in the area and I can't remember ever hearing anyone worry about bears in the campgrounds. Clearly these pages were written by California transplants, I chuckled. Then Tim reminded me of our adventure near the Idaho border, when we'd left humankind behind at the annual rattlesnake (and bear) feed and festival, then rambled 4 miles down a one-lane rock road overhanging a the deepest river gorge in North America, and for some reason we decided to whip out the camp stove and cook up some beef stroganoff for lunch (don't worry, we learned this lesson before we had children, and we did make it out of there with all of our noodles intact). "Oh, yeah, that was in Oregon."
And, he reminded me, there was the bear cub we saw once while rafting the Grande Ronde, where we drifted reluctantly toward the next bend wondering if we would happen upon his mother, too.
And, he reminded me, there was also the bear that had begun feasting on my uncle's freshly killed deer during a hunting trip a few years ago, not too many miles from my favorite campground. Yes, in Oregon. "Right," I sighed.
If that weren't enough, a friend and life-long Californian just told me of how his uncle in Florence, Oregon (where we just spent 3 glorious days--stay tuned) has been at odds with a visiting bear doing damage to his patio birdfeeders at night. "On the coast?!" I exclaimed, sure his sense of Oregon geography and fauna was completely amiss. The answer was an absolute, "Yes," and he and his family are looking forward to visiting said uncle, and aunt, and bear next month. In Florence. Oregon.
Okay, I humbly accept and acknowledge that there are bears in Oregon, though they fortunately do not frequent the more established campgrounds as they do in many parts of California. I've never used a bear box in Oregon. I've never listened to a bear raiding the campground dumpsters as I shuddered in my sleeping bag while camping in Oregon. When it comes to rattlesnakes, however, I've had no problem accepting their presence in Oregon. And even scorpions can be found there, which comes as a surprise to most people who imagine Oregon as the lush, green haven of rivers and trees they see along its more populous corridor, yet I've accepted this bit of reality for some time.
With regards to our recent camping trip at a remote "fisherman's campground" on the banks of the Deschutes River, I knew that there would be a chance--though remote--of seeing a rattlesnake and even possibly a scorpion. Having a 2-year-old and 4-year-old in camp, I was a little concerned by this prospect, not to mention by the swift river that would be flowing past our camp. I admit, it isn't the first campground I would choose for my kids at these ages. Yet my husband's family, having camped at this same campground for around 20 years, assured me that in all this time they've never seen a rattlesnake (well, just a couple, but not in an actual campsite) and certainly no scorpions. More of a concern, I was advised, would be the poison oak.
Within 30 minutes of our arrival, my 6-year-old nephew unearthed a small scorpion about 20 feet from where we would pitch our tent. Being from Arizona, he knew exactly what it was. Having just seen the latest Indiana Jones movie, he also knew that the smaller the scorpion, the more dangerous it might be, so he alerted his parents right away. Tim noted several small oval holes in the ground where he'd found it (not far behind Angelina in the picture above) that suggested this scorpion had friends, but thankfully we didn't see any. What were the chances we'd see a scorpion at all in this campground? Based on years of Rivoli family experience, the odds were very slim. However, I think it's worth noting that the likelihood of certain wildlife and insect encounters actually increases when you have small children in camp. For example, few of the adults would have taken toy trucks and a stick to the edge of the campsite and started digging. Few adults would also chase a ball into a hedge of poison oak, or poke a stick into a swarming hill of ants or a wasp's nest to see what would happen.
Similarly, no one had ever had a problem with ticks while camping here in the past. Having both grown up in the Pacific Northwest, neither Tim nor I had never encountered any ticks until we moved to northern California. As we drove westward, toward greener Oregon, we even commented on how nice it is that you don't have to worry about ticks when you take your kids hiking in Oregon. However, after meeting up several hours later in the Willamette Valley, my siblings-in-law issued a tick advisory--two had already been found among our party. As we dipped Angelina into the bathtub, much to our horror, we discovered a fat tick lodged in the top of her blond little head. At 4 years old, fortunately, she was able to sit quite still while we successfully removed it with tweezers. Again, it was the littler, more adventuresome brush-high people among us who were most likely to happen upon ticks.
Though few among us actually want to see a scorpion, bear, snake, or tick--or other thrilling wildlife--on our outings with the kids, it is good to keep in mind that there is a slim chance it might happen (even in Oregon). That's why it's important to begin teaching small children the importance of respecting wildlife and insects early on in life--you might be surprised how much their eager little minds can absorb even at 2 years old. As in the case of the unlikely scorpion, a little knowledge went a long way toward keeping a six-year-old safe.
Here are some tips on how to handle yourself in some wild situations:
Mind you, I don't offer these stories
or links to deter you from
going camping
Wishing you wild, wonderful, and safe journeys out there,
Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning guide Travels with Baby
The
Ultimate Guide for Planning Trips with Babies, Toddlers,
and Preschool-Age Children
Tip #34: Say "A'a" in Central Oregon  Newberry
National Volcanic Monument, OR -
Approximately 10 miles south of Bend, Oregon on
Highway 97, you'll drive past one of the most
newly named national monuments in the U.S.:
Newberry National Volcanic Monument. As it happens, one of the best sites for viewing and accessing the monument is also a terrific place to stop and stretch your legs during road trips--especially if you have energetic children in your car. The Lava Lands Visitor Center is just off Highway 97 roughly 13 miles south of Bend. Be sure to make a note of it if you'll be traveling through Central Oregon. While the Lava Lands parking area is situated in a forest of ponderosa pines, you will find an almost Mars-like field of jagged a'a lava (pronounced "ah-ah") beginning just on the other side of the visitor center, rising up to the Lava Butte cinder cone, which looms 500 feet above the visitor center. Lava Butte is just one of hundreds of cinder cones found throughout the Newberry Crater area, but it's one of the few you can drive to the top of for a great view of the area. Newberry Volcano remained active for more than a 500,000 years, right up to its most recent eruption in approximately 600 A.D. Today, you can see its resulting cinder cones, pumice cones, lava flows, a lava cast forest, underground lava tubes, lakes, streams, and waterfalls throughout the 55,000 acres set aside for this monument. Inside the Lava Lands Visitor Center, you can learn more about the area's geological and cultural histories before setting out on the "Trail of Molten Lands," an interpretive walk through the a'a and giant "lava balls" to the base of Lava Butte. This trail is .75 miles long and is paved the entire way (as shown above), so it provides an easy opportunity for little ones to stretch their own legs as you explore the loop together--though you'll want your child carrier or your shoulders ready in case their legs tire out along the way. Note to the stroller set: while you could technically push a buggy along this trail, it gets a little steep in places and you might prefer to have your baby in a carrier or sling.  Good
to know: If it's too hot to spend much time out among the lava rocks, just do your viewing from the visitor center's patio, then take a stroll down the shady .03 mile "Trail of the Whispering Pines" and watch for chipmunks instead. Back at the air-conditioned visitor center, you'll find clean restrooms with flush toilets, drinking fountains, and a small gift shop with books, T-shirts, and hats. As there is no food or drink available for purchase here, be sure to bring your own lunch or snacks with you. There are a few picnic tables tucked between pine trees beside the parking area, and it may work out well to take advantage of them while you're here. When you go:
There are seven campgrounds
within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
Each varies in terms of features and facilities,
including availability of drinking water, RV
hook-ups, horse stalls, and so on, so
check here
for details. There are also
two "rustic" lakeside resorts with cabin rentals
within the monument:
East Lake Resort
and
Paulina Lake Resort.
Each offers boat rentals, a general store, and a
restaurant. East Lake Resort also has an RV park
with water and electricity hook-ups.
Many other campgrounds and resorts can be found throughout this part of Oregon that are not part of the monument. Visit www.recreation.gov to search for additional campgrounds (and cabins, and resorts...) near Bend. The Central Oregon Visitors Association site will also help you locate hotels, vacation rentals, B&B's, houseboat rentals, cabins, and resorts throughout the area. Safe journey, Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning guide Travels with Baby SUMMER SALE - Save 15% on Travels with Baby and qualify for FREE Super Saver shipping when you buy from "Travels with Baby Books" - Click here!
Tip #33: One Good Reason to Stop at Weed
Weed, CA - What feels to many travelers like the final outpost on the California drive toward Oregon, where Interstate 5 and Highway 97 go separate ways before crossing the state line, Weed may seem an unlikely stop for anything other than gas and a possible sandwich. And let's face it, the city's name doesn't do much to much to push the tourist trade either. But if you've got kids in the car, you may want to plan a pit stop in this small town, especially in fair weather.
You won't see the city's 7-acre Bel Air Park while driving the main strip through town, but local families know it well as you'll find by the army of playmates clambering on the climbing structures, slides, swings, and loveable dinosaur-built-for-two. A handful of picnic tables rest nearby in the shade of some large trees, and you can also pitch your picnic blanket in a shady spot of lawn beside the playground.
Across an expanse of thick lawn, you'll see restrooms and also one end of the outdoor Weed Community Swimming Pool -- another great place to let your kids burn off some energy while in Weed, if you have time. Babies and toddlers will enjoy the "baby swings" further east from the main play structure and big kid swings (but still within eyeshot). Explore the park and you'll also find a Bocce court and horseshoe pits. But there's plenty of room to just chase a ball--or each other while you work up an appetite.
Good to know: Weed can be freezing in winter and quite hot in summer months (check current weather here), but you will find shade in the park. On the hottest days, it makes a terrific venue for a dinnertime picnic and chance to air-out your car while parked in the shade. If you don't have picnic supplies with you, hit the main grocery store or a gas station mini mart on upper Weed Blvd. where you can pick up ready-made sandwiches, chips, and drinks. Weed also has a number of restaurants if you prefer or in case you pass through in foul weather.
Getting there: As of yet, online mapping won't help you much. So just follow South Weed Boulevard south and cross east under the freeway. Turn right at Scotts Valley Bank and proceed on College Avenue. Soon you'll see the Mt. Shasta Brewing Company on your left (wet your whistle in their tasting room), and then the playground of Bel Air Park just beyond it with nose-in free parking at the curb.
Post script: This photo was taken 2 years ago when we first discovered Bel Air Park, thanks to the recommendation of a gas station attendant and resident father of three. It's been an important road stop for the Rivolis on all road trips north ever since.
Safe journey,
Shelly Rivoli, author of
Travels with Baby
Tip #32: Remember the Penguin
On our previous road trip with the two kiddos in the van and some 1100 miles rolling onto the odometer, we had the opportunity to revisit a lesson from Psychology 101. No, it didn't occur to us up front to try some psychology, or even reverse psychology, or to introduce the concept of transference to our screaming 2-year-old who had clearly had enough of the 5-point harness. We were simply desperate. Already having maxed out Tim's vacation and bereavement time, we had to make tracks back to the homestead.
As I write in Travels with Baby, "Making good time doesn't always make for a good time..." when you're traveling with small children, and on the final morning of our unplanned journey this was proving to be an excellent case in point. "OUT DIS CAH SEEEAAAT!!!" was a catchy sentiment that quickly spread to Big Sister as well. Soon, not one of us was happy in our car seat, but there was nowhere safe to pull over.
Enter the penguin. As I looked over my shoulder from the front passenger seat, pleading for the umpteenth time to join the chorus of Old Macdonald or find solace in whichever toy had last been hurtled at my headrest, I spied the penguin puppet on the floor. It was within my reach. Soon, the penguin was peeking over my shoulder and around the side of my seat. He waved and there was a giggle. "Penguin! What are you--?!" and suddenly he was dancing on my head. There was laughter.
"Penguin, get down from there!" I looked over my shoulder and told the girls, "Really!" Then I scolded the "Naughty little penguin! Don't you know you need to stay in your seat while we're driving in the car?!" No one was screaming. For the moment. I apologized to the penguin for not having a car seat the right size for him, and explained how he must be a a good "lap penguin" for the duration of the journey. "What would the police say if they saw you dancing on my head?!"
He agreed to stay on my lap. But the moment he got antsy and began the climb up onto my shoulder, the girls shouted in sheer delight, advising him on proper road trip etiquette. Penguin tried to be good and stay on my lap, he really did. Sometimes he behaved himself so well in fact that he got to take turns riding on the girls' laps. But the moment he fell to the floor or started the Macarena on Mom's head, there was an entire car full of passengers ready to help keep him in line.
I can't say it was all that much quieter in the car, but it was far preferable to hear their laughter and shouts of instruction to their cries of discontent and pleas for release. We were all laughing at times, if only for the absurdity of the situation. "Naughty little penguin!" are words that still make us chuckle in tense and tired moments at the house.
We just returned from another Rivoli Family Road Trip, logging some 1730 miles from the Bay Area through Central Oregon's high desert country, the fertile Willamette Valley, lush rainforest with waterfalls, and the rugged Pacific coastline. We stayed in our tent, a couple of hotels, a family home, and a vacation rental. Thankfully, there was no shortage of meaningful stops on this journey.
In my next posts, I'll be sharing some of our favorite
sights from this adventure and some tips for great road
trips. To all of you parents gearing up for
road trips with your little ones
Safe journey,
Shelly Rivoli, author of
Travels with Baby
Tip #31: Practice Camping
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You should know that I have been
camping in Oregon since I was an infant. After
relocating to California, it took some time to adjust to
"bear camping" and the terrible inconvenience of using
"bear boxes" and certainly "bear bags." I mean, there
just aren't any bears in Oregon--or so I like to think.
In fact, after being asked to sign a liability waver and
an oath declaring that I have not left one stick of
chewing gum in
my glovebox at
or hiking with
your children. As with taking small children
anywhere, into the woods or across the oceans, some might
argue that the risks outweigh the benefits, but I
disagree. Nature is the real world, and to avoid
it is to avoid living a real and authentic life. What
better gift can you give your children than an
appreciation for nature? Remember, life is short and
summer's even shorter. So pack your picnic and pull on
your boots.
and memorable stops along the way. And just in case the
next scenic viewpoint is further down the road than your
child would like, be sure to pack a
