CALIFORNIA HERE I COME:

Mom, I'm bored-there is nothing to do this summer; are we almost there; he's hitting me!! Sound familiar? We who live in California are some of the luckiest people. We have everything you could ask for here. Give me the slight earthquakes we have occasionally over the tornados, hurricanes etc. throughout the rest of the US.

We can start in Southern California in San Diego and experience the beautiful and many beaches, the San Diego Zoo, LegoLand, Marineworld and even Mexico (although I would stay away from that area now). Move up the coast a little and go inland to Disneyland, KnottsBerry Farm, Universal and the beaches of LA County ("muscle beach", Long Beach, Malibu)-they go on and on. If Hollywood, LA are on your list take a day or two and experience that area. A drive up highway 1 is not to be missed-windy and a slow drive, but some of the most beautiful scenery you will ever see-from the ocean to the magnificant redwoods. You can choose to "hotel it" or if camping is your style so many beautiful campgrounds to choose from. Keep on northbound and make sure you hit San Franciso-what a fun town, great seafood, Pier 39, the San Francisco Zoo, wonderful plays and of course you have to park and walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. If the kids are misbehaving off the Alcatraz for a "day trip". Monterey is great for all, especially the Monterey Bay Aquarium-just a wonderful day trip. The Santa Cruz Boardwalk if they kids need some more excitement. Northern California is spectacular with Yosemite and the beautiful waterfalls, hiking and scenery (best time for the falls is spring time or before the end of summer as the falls slow down some). Lake Tahoe is not to be missed-from the many activities on the lake, hiking into the Desolation Wilderness then off to the Spa at one of the many casinos while the kids are enjoying the pool. If haven't had enough keep on north and you will get into Mt. Shasta and their magnificent lake and mountain-rent a houseboat and experience wildlife along the banks. If the kids are still bored-send them to camp!