One day we took a hike around Fallen Leaf Lake, a small lake just a couple miles from the center of town. My kids could throw rocks in water for hours and then the next day we stood on the edge of a stream, cut through the melting snow, at higher altitude, and they threw snowballs in the snow melt stream for a long time while I did my brisk skiing around in circles. I love the juxtaposition of seasons in California, spring in the mountains is truly glorious; melting icicles, wildflowers, snow capped mountains and awakening flora and fauna. We saw the most gigantic coyote on their block one morning digging into a neighbors garbage can, just a reminder of how wild the area truly is. Wild geese walked on the beach of Lake Tahoe; one of the most stunning scenes I have ever seen. I sent a photos to a friend in Massachusetts, she thought it looked how she imagined Alaska would look; rugged alpine peaks, clear crisp water and air.

I hiked with my sister-in law up to a vista where she had created a shrine to her daughter, my niece Maya Kailana Campanis who passed away in 2007 at the age of ten, following a long struggle with Leukemia. The shrine has weathered all four seasons. Skye, Maya’s mom brings Easter eggs, valentines, birthday cupcakes, art work and Christmas gifts to leave for her, a beautiful way to keep Maya alive in spirit and a part of daily life. Tucked into a corner is a notebook where fellow hikers can leave a note, many write about their own struggles with cancer, others the majesty of the spot. Here is a photo of part of the shrine and the view from the place we consider Maya’s resting place; not a bad view. This time a small bunny cutout with cotton stuck on as fur, made by Maya’s sister for Easter no doubt, had the tell tale signs a mouse had used the cotton for its nest; the circle of life.

Christopher calls this first step “tremendous, and long overdue.” You can see and hear his comments on Palm Springs’s ABC News Channel 3, and listen to a live radio interview with him on KGO Newstalk with Travels with John Hamilton, Saturday, April 18. See also his comments on CNN.com.

Seems to me normalized relations with Cuba are long overdue.

Bring your water sandals and be prepared for some slippery rocks. Check the tides so you can be sure to have the best conditions for viewing. Harbor seals bask in the sun out on the rocks and kids and adults alike enjoy an up close and personal look at the sea life. You can see barnacles, sea stars, limpets, crabs, anemones, sponges and nudibranchs in the area sometimes called the Splash Zone.

I took my mom from New York City there last year and she was thrilled. There are bathrooms in the parking lot, so in general it’s a good activity for grandparents. I’m always looking for fun outdoor trips to get my city dwelling family more in touch with nature. Bring bathing suits or a change of clothes for the kids, for they are sure to get soaked!