Animal Lesson #14: Winter the Dolphin at Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida

Winter, the dolphin movie star

 If your kids grew up watching Dolphin Tale movie (2011)  about a boy and a dolphin whose tail was lost in a crab trap, they likely have special interest in visiting Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida.  The authors wrote the story based upon Winter the bottlenose dolphin and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium acted as the hero in creating a prosthetic so she could swim well.  The movie had such success that producers made a sequel called Dolphin Tale 2 (2014).  This sequel introduces a new dolphin superstar named Hope.  There's two other movie charters that live at the aquarium in real life - 1) Nicholas, a stranded dolphin briefly featured in Dolphin Tale and filmed in Dolphin Tale 2, 2) Rufus, a great white pelican trained for both movies and lives with 3 other great white pelicans.  Winter passed away in Nov. 2021, but you can still visit Hope at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

We visited during Spring Break and the place had quite the crowd.  My daughter even found a classmate from Illinois!  However, the facility significantly expanded since our trip, so enjoy the space.  There's no doubt that Winter was the star of the show and handlers showed the prosthetic and how well she could swim.  However, the aquarium offered other shows too and the animals showed off impressive stunts.  Kids will learn about conservation too.  The facility hosts many free talks throughout the day including 

Turtle Talk, Otter Talk, Resident Dolphin Talk, 

Stingray Talk, and Shark Talk.  

Turtle photo by Krenda

We listened to most of them and visited all the exhibits which included river otters, turtles, stingrays, sharks, and pelicans.

If you want to extend your experience, the aquarium offers a stingray feeding experience in which you can feed fish to stingray for $10 extra fee.  You can also purchase a 60-minute dolphin and wildlife tour boat ride, $20 for child or adult, which travels around a bird sanctuary island while the crew discusses local wildlife.

Aquarium entrance fee cost nearly $40 for adults and $30 for kids, but the fee supports a good cause.  The aquarium is run by a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick and injured marine animals.  Marine animals not fit to release remain at the aquarium.  Hats off to the aquarium employees, real heroes of the marine world.

Clearwater Marin Aquarium lists as a dolphinarium in wikipedia.  I didn't realize the special term for an aquarium for dolphins at marine parks, zoos, or theme parks.  I realized we have visited many other dolphinariums including Sea World, Georgia Aquarium, Indianapolis Zoo, Brookfield Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, and Texas State Aquarium.  See also my blog article about a dolphin encounter in Honduras.  Our family just can't get enough of these smart creatures.

 

State Park #8: Wekiwa Spring State Park & 10 Other Florida Natural Springs

Florida has more to offer than just theme parks.  While the theme parks create a lot of excitement, your family may want a break from the crowds and high costs.  Save a day from your vacation for some natural entertainment.  You don't need to drive far from Orlando.  Only 20 miles from Orlando, Wekiwa Springs State Park has an amazing emerald green spring fed freshwater pool for old time fun.

Patricia Schultz's book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die features Wekiwa Springs State Park as part of Florida's Natural Springs, "In Apopka, 7,800 Wekiwa Springs State Park is located at the headwaters of the Wekiva River, only 20 minutes northwest Orlando, but 1,000 miles away in spirit.  The Wekiwa spring ("bubbling water" in Creek) offers swimming and snorkeling, while the river it feeds is popular for canoeing and kayaking below a lush canopy of trees."

No matter the time of year, you'll cool down at the freshwater pool.  The spring expels approximately 43 million gallons of water per day.  The water temperature measures at approximately 72 degrees year-round.  Despite the popularity, you'll find plenty of room to swim.  The pool has over a half-acre area for swimming.

You'll also find space around the pool for your family to relax.  If you plan ahead, bring a picnic.  Otherwise, the park has a concession stand open 9AM-5PM.

I could only relax for so long, so I took up hiking.  Considered the most diverse parks in Florida, I easily saw many types of trees and animals.  The park has 25 miles of trails.  I took a boardwalk trail which led me to their canoe rental station.  

You can rent canoes, kayaks, or SUPs for a reasonable cost (respectively $35, $35-40, $40, per two hours).  The short trip to Wekiva Island takes 1.5 hours round-trip.  However, the island has a bar (Tooting Otter) and other amusements such as volleyball, so factor that into your time.  Wekiva River is 16 miles.  You can take longer trips such as the Otter camp and back.  The National Wild and Scenic River System created by Congress in 1968 and signed into law by Lyndon Johnson protects these rivers.  Wekiva River is one of only two Florida rivers Federally designated 'Wild and Scenic Rivers'.  Enjoy the beauty!

I've heard some campers choose to drive outside Wekiwa Springs State Park and begin their canoe trip from Weikiva Island to the State Park.  This begins the trip paddling with the current.  Weikiva Island is privately owned and charges $2/person entry fee.  Their watercraft rents by the day and varies (canoes $50, kayak $45-55, and paddlebaord $55).  If you time it right, you could paddle during the day and listen to live music at a Friday or Saturday night at Tooting Otter.

A few tips:

- The pool does not have a lifeguard.  It also has signs to watch for alligators.  There's been no recorded attacks - yet.

- You should not swim in the river.  It's known for alligator sightings.  Otters are also active in the morning.  I'd rather see the otters.

- You should arrive early.  It opens at 8AM.  Given the proximity to Orlando and low cost ($6/vehicle), you could encounter long lines just to enter the park.  Plus, if you want to camp, the policy is first come, first serve.

- You can rent a locker near the pool.

I'm mesmerized by the crystal clear water and I've been to other springs in Florida including Homosassa Springs, Weeki Wachee SpringsPark, and Crystal River.  Here's 10 places to visit Florida springs other than Wekiwa Spring State Park:

1.  Wakulla Spring State Park

2.  Juniper Springs Silver Springs

3.  Rainbow Spring State Park 

4.  Madison Blue Springs State Park

5.  Ichetucknee Springs & River State Park (Fort White, FL)

6.  Ginnie Springs High Springs

7.  Fanning Springs

8.  Devil's Den Willison

9.  Blue Springs (Gilchrist) High Springs

10.  Blue Spring State Park (north of Orlando)

Literature Lesson: Hemingway in Key West, Florida

Docked at the furthest of the Florida Key Islands, we finally made it to Key West.  Key West has a reputation for attracting artists, including the famous American novelist and journalist Ernest Hemingway.  I traveled to Florida many times, but never that far south.  We took the Key West Conch Train for the transportation purpose of getting to the Hemingway House.  We visited during the summer and the sweltering heat surrounded us.  Bring water, sunglasses, and cash – the museum entrance only takes cash.  It takes patience while the train fills up and starts moving.

Patricia Schultz’s book 1,000 Places To See Before You Die recognizes Hemingway’s Home & Museum as a key attraction, “Visitors interested in the real deal can tour the house and studio where Hemingway completed A Farewell to Arms and For Whom the Bell Tolls.  Many of his possessions are on display, presided over by some 60 polydactyl (many-toed) cats, about the same number that Hemingway kept on the property between 1931 and 1939.”

We found the Hemingway Cats immediately.  They roam the grounds and don’t seem bothered by the many tourists, even people like me taking photos of their toes.  We also found the cats in the house, seemingly posing on a bed. 

The tour guide keeps the tour family-friendly, but our guide definitely told some jokes aimed at the adult visitor group.  You’ll learn about Hemingway’s wife Pauline who also lived at the house and you’ll hear about other women too.  The guide did a great job explaining the history and how it connected to the items in each room.  Typewriters and photographs made you think of both his career and his adventures.  After touring inside the house, we saw the famous expensive in-ground pool.  Look for the penny embedded in the cement.

The visit inspired me to learn more about Hemingway’s life.  I like Ken Burn’s documentaries, so I looked forward to the release of “Hemingway” show in 2021.  The six-hour series gave more depth and interesting stories.

If you want to learn about Hemingway’s earlier life, visit his birthplace in Oak Park, Illinois.

Hemingway’s Home & Museum in Key West tickets cost approximately $17 for adults and $7 for kids.  Tours offered everyday and last approximately 30 minutes. 

Hemingway’s Birthplace tickets cost approximately $20 for adults and $18 for youth.  Tours last approximately 50 minutes.

 

Art Lesson #11: Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg Florida

Salvador Dali Museum, Photo by Krenda

Before you even enter the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, you are looking at art.  The 75 foot tall building built in 2011 has a geodesic glass bubble known as the "enigma".  Ask your kids to guess the number of triangles! Answer equals 1,062.  With gardens and a waterfront location on Tampa Bay, it's a nice place to stroll too.  With the long line to enter the museum, I was glad we had architecture and nature to admire.  Entry fee is $25 adults, $10 kids age 6-12.  Time it right for discounted Thursday after 5PM ($12.50 adults, $8 kids).  The evening also gives you a cool interior lighted view.

Go to the third floor for a cool view over the garden and waterfront and admire the helical staircase celebrating spirals too.  While I have a preference from Impressionist art, this museum boasts of having the most Dali masterworks in any one location, 8 of the 18 masterworks.  The museum also impresses you with the breadth of Salvador Dali art with landscapes, portraits, still lifes, and religious paintings.  Totaling over 2,400 works by Dali, you should budget a few hours.  Patricia Schultz's book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die breaks down the articles, "Today the museum's collection encompasses works from every major period of Dali's long career, spanning the years 1917 through 1976 including 95 oil paintings; more than 100 watercolors and drawings, 1,300 sketches, sculptures, photographs and objects d'art: and a large archival library.

The kids surprised me at the amount of attention that they paid to each painting.  I think the Dali app with history stories really helped them understand the significance.  During high school, I studied Dali prior to being an exchange student to Spain.  Dali grew up in Figueras Spain, studied in Barcelona and Madrid, and became the world's best known Surrealist painter.  Surrealists, inspired by Sigmund Freud, explore subconscious images.  They can place common place objects in juxtaposed or deformed positions, use optical illusions, and symbolisms.  Some paintings had big crowds and others had peace.  Many gathered and stared at The Hallucingenic Toreador, inspired by Dali's wife's dislike for bullfighting.

We had the fortune of visiting while the museum also offered the Dali & Schiaparelli Paris special exhibition.  As a friend, Dali influenced fashion designer Elisa Schiaparelli (1890-1973).  Elsa was born in Rome, Italy and lived in the UK, France, and United States and became one of the most prominent figures in fashion between the two World Wars.  Challenging the status quo, she used dream-based designs, imagery, fantasy, vibrant colors, experimental fabrics, and handmade decorations.  Some described her art as elegant, brazen, and unrestrained.  The exhibit featured haute couture gowns and new designs by Bertrand Guyon for Maison Schiaparelli.  

Animal Lesson #11: 7 Aquariums with Shark Viewing

Whale Shark, photo by Krenda

You are more likely to have lightning strike you or get killed by a tornado than get attacked or killed by a shark.  Yet over 100 million sharks get killed each year.  While the world has over five hundred shark species, only a dozen species are known to attack humans.  Sharks are powerful and graceful, using six senses including electroreception through special sensors.

Whale Shark Georgia Aquarium

A friend of mine at work recommended that I swim with whale shark off the shores of Mexico.  Intrigued, I researched the endangered shark to find out where I could view one in the United States.  Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds the record of the first and only place to keep whale sharks outside of Asia.  The book Amazing Places to Take Your Kids by Laura Sutherland recommends the aquarium and recognizes the amazing exhibit, "They roam the waters of a six-million-gallon tank they share with thousands of other fish, including sawfish, giant grouper, stingrays, and hammerhead sharks.  I've been to a lot of aquariums; this exhibit is spectacular.

Whale sharks hold the record of being the largest known fish species.  The largest stretched 41.5 feet and weighed approximately 47,000 pounds.  Originating approximately sixty million years ago, whale sharks are filter feeders.  Only two other filter feeding sharks, megamouth shark and basking shark, exist.

The whale shark gentle nature and sheer size steals the show at the Georgia Aquarium.  As the largest aquarium in the world, you may easily spend a half day at the other exhibits, touch tanks, and the dolphin show.
You may travel to exotic seas, go diving, and have the opportunity to see a whale shark in the wild.  Whale sharks also live off the Bay Island Honduras, Thailand, the Philippines, the Maldives, Western Australia, Belize, and Puerto Rico.  However, for an easy way to see sharks with your family, consider the following aquariums:

Visitors and Whale Shark Georgia Aquarium

1.  Monterey Bay Aquarium, California, adults $49.95 and child (age 3-12) $29.95
second largest aquarium in the world, offers education including "Project White Shark" 15 min. talk about the threatened white shark, and "Kelp Forest Feeding" diver hand feeds sharks and other animals during 15 minute presentation

2.  Shedd Aquarium, Illinois, adults $39.95 and child (age 3-11) $29.95
90 minute behind the scene to see shark mealtime $89.95

3.  Florida Aquarium Tampa, Florida, adults $28.95 and child $23.95 discounted online pricing
Shark Swim experience allows age 9 and up to snorkel with sand tiger sharks for $110 each
Scuba dive with sharks requires certification and $160 fee

4.  Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, Nevada, adult $25, child (4-12) $19
100 sharks including grey reef, blacktip, zebra, sand tiger, sandbar, nurse, and whitetip reef
$650 to dive with sharks

5.  Newport Aquarium, Newport, Kentucky, adults $24.99, child $17.99
Suspended rope bridge takes you inches above sharks, over 12 species including sand tiger, blacktip, California leopard shark, and Port Jackson shark
Private overnight on Mon. Tue. with min. 20 people and $49.99 per person

6.  Florida Keys Aquarium, Florida, adults $20, child (4-12) $15
Predator Reef Tank includes nurse, blacktip, sandbar, blacknose, and bonethead shark,
Big Shark Bay Encounter offers Pet and feed nurse shark $18

 I've also been to the Shedd and Newport Aquarium and recommend these aquariums too.

Animal Lesson #9: 9 Places in Florida Where Your Kids Might Spot a Manatee

Not only kids have curiosity about animals.  Travel & Leisure magazine article 12 Places to Swim with Animals states "your travel bucket list just got 12 items longer."  The article included swimming with manatees in Florida as one of the twelve places.  I admit that it was on my list.

All three species of manatees (West Indian, West African, Amazonians) have endangered animal status.  The Florida Manatee and Anitillean Manatees are subspecies of the West Indian species.  If you are a globe trotter, perhaps you visit the Anitillean Manatee in Puerto Rico or Mexico or the African Manatee in Kissama National Park in Angola, Africa.  Boat traffic and cold stress from temperatures below 68 degrees present risk factors for manatees.  If you go on a tour, the guide will reinforce instructions on how to observe without disturbing and rules such as not touching the manatees.

One of the few places to swim or snorkel with the Florida manatees is the Crystal River, north of Tampa.  In fact the book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz lists "Swimming with Manatees" in Crystal River, FL and claims the river as the exclusive place "This is the only place in the world where you can have a face-to-face encounter with these gray-blue marine mammals."

A tour makes it easy, providing you wet suits and a short boat ride (under 30 minutes).  Make certain to arrive early to watch the mandatory regulations video.  Related to the elephants, these gentle giants or "sea cows" typically grow to 10 feet in length and can weigh over 3,000 lbs.  Manatees can live 50 to 60 years.

We saw manatees both active and swimming around us and manatees sleeping at lower levels.  Even during napping, manatees surface for air every twenty minutes.  Manatees eat large quantities of vegetation each day including sea grass, aquatic plants, algae, and mangrove leaves.  These friendly creatures swim gracefully.  It's a magical treat to swim near them.

The best time to spot manatees is during the winter and early spring when manatees gather near warmer water such as near springs or electric company channels.

If you take a Crystal River tour, swimming skills help.  You'll likely be in cool water for an hour and a half.

If seeing manatees from a boardwalk sounds most appealing, I highly recommend the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in Crystal River.  It is part of the United States National Wildlife Refuge System.  Look online for office directions.  After parking, a shuttle bus takes you to the refuge. 

There's many places to observe manatees including these 9 places:

1.  Citrus County's Homosassa River, paddle toward Ellie Schuller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

2.  Weeki Wachee River, warm Weeki Wachee Springs; check out Paddling Adventures located next to Weeiki Wachee Springs Park for a 5 mile, 3 hour paddle

3.  Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge observation area near Cape Canaveral, plus look nearby at Bairs Cove Boat Ramp

4.  Manatee Springs State Park Chiefland, Suwanee River, 100 million gallons of clear water comes from the springs

5.  Blue Spring State Park, north of Orlando, although access prohibited in winter

6.  Edward Ball Wakulla Spring Park, Wakulla Springs, the deepest freshwater spring in FL

7.  Lee County Park, Fort Meyers, discharge canal from electric company, check out Calusa Blueway Outfitters

8.  Manatee Lagoon, West Palm Beach, near electric company

9.  TECO Manatee Viewing Center, Apollo Beach near discharge canal

Experts estimate the total Florida manatee population at approximately 4,000, so you are not guaranteed to spot a manatee.  If you don't want to disappoint your kids, consider the Lowry Park Zoo or Miami Seaquarium. 

State Park #5: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill Florida - mermaids & water sports

Mermaid swimming, a cross between free diving and synchronized swimming, has become trendy.  Perhaps your child doesn't have aspirations to become one of the professional thousand mermaid and merman, but observing a show does inspire strengthening swimming skills.  Mermaids can descend on a single breath.  While wearing a tail that can weigh up to 35 pound, they make choreographed moves to music.  It's no easy task.  It can take nine months of training, using hula hoop diving exercises and more.  Mermaids must get scuba and CPR certified and prove timed 200 yard swim and 50 yard butterfly.

However, many of the recent shows or classes have adult locations or minimum age requirements: 
1) Silverton Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada with 4,000 fish
2) Sip'n Dip Lounge, Great Falls, Montana which added mermaids to their live piano bar entertainment
3) Dive Bar Sacramento, CA, featuring merman 4) Hotel del Coronado, CA, $25 class for adults includes 45 minutes of core and cardio fitness while wearing a tail. 
5) Whitney M Young Magnet Schools, Laflin St., Chicago, by Aquamermaid Chicago, $60

Here's my suggestion - go to the original, the Weiki Wachee show debuted synchronized mermaid ballet in October 1947 as a road side attraction.  Weeki Wachee Springs State Park became a state park in 2008 and park entrance fee includes the show.  The park offers limited seating in an auditorium below the surface of the water;  go early!  Long hoses placed throughout the ground provide air to mermaids and mermaids perform to multiple songs.  We laughed as a turtle tried to get into the act.

I enjoyed the park so much that when I returned to Fort Lauderdale, I made the trip north on the highway to visit again.  This time I allocated more time for the park and waited in line for the Wilderness River Cruise.  Your entrance fee also includes this boat trip down the river.  We watched below for manatees and above for birds.  A separate article covers the many places you can see manatees in Florida.  If I had more time, I'd rent a kayak at the park.  There's so many ways to enjoy the water at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

Here's 3 other family friendly mermaid shows:
1) Downtown Aquarium, Denver Colorado, Mystic Mermaid Show, includes conservation messages, adults $20, children $14
2) Ripley's Aquarium Myrtle Beach, SC, mermaids swim along with sting rays and sharks on weekends, $23 adult, $17 child aquarium tickets; limited seating, go early!
2) Wreck Bar, Fort Lauderdale, FL, shipwreck scene and 30 min. show, featured in Analyze This movie, only two shows per week, go early!

Gym Class #9: Horses, Cowboys, & 7 Rodeos

 

Photo by Krenda

Rodeo, a challenging sport, grew from the cattle industry and had influence from the Spanish ranchers.  Some claim Spanish rode focuses on style while American rodeo values speed.  Bull wrestling had conducted in Europe including Spain many years before America.  However, Bill Pickett of the United States has fame as the inventor of bulldogging.  William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill) created the first major rodeo and the first Wild West show.  

 

Today the PRCA states that a sanctioned rodeo must include five events:  

1) calf roping:  top professional calf ropers with rope and tie a calf in seven seconds.  Time stops when the cowboy throws up his or her hand.  After putting slack in his rope, the timer waits for six seconds during which the calf must stay tied prior to recording.

2) barrelback riding:  cowboys hold on with only hand and judged upon control during the eight second ride

3) saddle bronc riding:  judging considers how hard the horse bucks, cowboys disqualify if either foot slips out of a stirrup

4) bull riding:  cowboys must remain seated, cowboys disqualify for touching the animal, himself, or his equipment with his free hand

5) steer wrestling:  steer wrestler on horseback starts behind a barrier and if he leaves too soon i.e. "breaking the barrier", the judges give a ten second penalty 

At a rodeo, you may also see team roping (two cowboys work together to rope back feet and if rope only one herd foot then judges give five second penalty) and barrel racing (cowboys ride a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels and incur a five second penalty for each barrel overturned).  

At junior events, you may see mutton busting in which young children attempt to ride sheep for six seconds.

We attended the Jacob Hamblin Days festival in Kanab Utah, a celebration of pioneer and western heritage, which included a rodeo.  I really enjoyed watching the rodeo outdoors, surrounded by beautiful scenery and watching the sunset.  During junior events, the fathers did a lot of helping.  The encouragement was visible.  The announcer would get excited and the whole crowd would cheer whether or not the child held onto the sheep for six seconds.

Attending the National Finals Rodeo by PRCA ProRodeo in Las Vegas, NV may give you a challenge considering tickets have sold out for past 26 years.  You can get on a waitlist for a balcony seat.  Here's x rodeo event with available tickets:

1) Cheyenne Frontier Days (Cheyenne, WY, July):  began in 1897 and now attracts nearly 200,000 fans, besides rodeo events, it includes the USAF Thunderbirds air show, chuckwagon cookoff, and serving of nearly 100,000 free pancakes; concerts such as Toby Keith ($47-71), rodeo ($7-30 each), championship bullriding ($31-41), carnival armband ($30); consider the Frontier four pack ($99) which includes rodeo tickets for four and hot dog dinner.

2) Pendleton Round Up (Pendleton, OR):  began in 1910 and now one of the top ten largest rodeos in the world with crowd of approximately 50,000, visit the tipi village, Happy Canyon pageant, Indian Pow-Wow, dress-up parade, wild cow milking, and relay racing, rodeo ($20-30 each)

3) The Reno Rodeo (Reno, NV, June);  nearly 100 years old and claims 140K fans over 10 days, giving over $2million in prize money, the slogan is "wildest, richest rodeo in the west", steer decorating, cattle drive, cowboy church, X-treme bull ($19-26), rodeo ($21-23)

3) Ellensburg Rodeo (Ellensburg, WA, Labor Day weekend):  Over 600 contestants and four nights of rodeo ($17-37 each), Xtreme Bulls ($15-43), pancake breakfast ($6), Hall of Fame banquet (limited $40 tickets), dance in dirt, and cowboy church

4) World's Oldest Rodeo Prescott (Prescott, AZ, June/July):  began in 1888 as "cowboy tournament" with cash prizes, now eight performances ($16-20), Kiwanis kiddie parade, arts & crafts show, and cowboy church

5) Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo (Fort Worth, TX, Jan./Feb.);  world's original indoor rodeo, adult ($10), child age 6-16 ($5) includes livestock events and educational programs, Moo-seum experience, over 400,000 people attend

6) National Western Stock Show & Rodeo (Denver, CO, Jan.):  admission ($10-20) or family 4-pack ($89 includes hot dog dinner), Colorado vs. champions of the world rodeo, Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza includes trick roping, PBR bull riding, draft horse show and pull, petting farm, pony rides for children

7) Weekley Brothers Davie Pro Rodeo (Davie, FL):  rodeo ($22 adult, $10 child age 3-12), championship buckle presentation, pancake breakfast

All pricing subject to change.  Please visit their websites.

State Park #4: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Fort Lauderdale - kayak & water sports

One of my favorite classes in high school was water sports.  It's difficult to decide which offered more fun - scuba diving in the deep end of our high school pool or learning the eskimo roll and doing it over and over in my kayak.

People began using kayaks, otherwise known as "man's boat" or "hunter's boat", approximately 4,000 years ago.  If you want to tie in a geography/history lesson combination, look for the locations of the people who first developed and used the kayaks:  Inuit (Greenland, Canada, Alaska) and Aluet (Russia, Alaska).

While most people today don't use a kayak to hunt seals and whales, kayaking provides great exercise, especially building arm muscle.  Plus, kayaking on lakes, rivers, and along ocean shores provides an opportunity to experience nature from a different viewpoint.

How might you inspire a paddling interest?  Perhaps watching a film or paddling festival.

Film festivals:  1) Reel Paddling Film Festival (Portland, ME, Hadley, MA, Alexandria, VA, Lake Placid, NY and more cities)
2) National Paddling Film Festival (Frankfort, KY) $25 ticket and silent auction

I've enjoyed watching the paddling competition at the Teva Mountain Games in Vail, Colorado.  Here's 3 other festivals:
1.  Gauley Fest (Summersville, WV), proceeds support American Whitewater's river conservation
music acts, first come first serve camping; 3rd Sat. in Sept., $20-40 tickets
2.  Reno River Festival (Reno, NV, Wingfield Park Whitewater Park), 35,000 visitors; USA freestyle National Championship, kayak and fishing clinics, yoga, bike ride and costume contest, music; May
3.  Upper Klamath Festival (Klamath, OR) $30 participant fee includes shuttle, free camping; 2nd weekend in April

Renting a kayak at a state park gives you an opportunity to try the adventure.  My husband took these photos at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale, FL.  By kayaking, my son and I entered shallow areas that big boats couldn't access and we got close to birds.

National forests provide wonderful waterways for kayaking and canoeing.  Check out nationalforest.org for a full list including these 3 forests with varied views:
1.  Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (Superior National Forest, MN) 1,200 miles of routes
2.  Indian River Canoe Trail (Hiawatha National Forest, MI) canyon like banks
3.  Clearwater Canoe Trail (Lolo National Forest, Montana), mountain views

If you get more serious and want to learn whitewater kayaking, Nantahala Outdoor Center paddling school has classes ($130-$150/day; Bryson City, NC).  It's less than 2 hours from the popular Smoky Mountain vacation rentals, including our luxury cabin rentals Lightning Bug Lodge (Sevierville, TN) www.lightningbuglodge.blogspot.com and Indigo Moon Lodge (Pigeon Forge, TN) www.indigomoonlodge.blogspot.com.

Gym Class #5: Kids Sailing Camps from High to Lower Cost

Hoofer Sailing Club

UW Madison, Photo by Krenda

Before classes at University of Wisconsin Madison even begun, I took the Hoofer sailing club up for a deal to sail for free as part of orientation.  Not only did I love the sport, I met lifelong friends.  Now when strolling outside Memorial Union, I always admire the sailboats and imagine having a little more time to sail on the water.

Sailing may seem unobtainable for kids to begin due to lesson prices.  I've done a bit of research for you to show that sailing can cost thousands of dollars to begin, but it does not have to be so expensive.  Look beyond the yacht club and search park programs or YMCA camps.  In descending order from most to least expensive, here's eleven options:

1.  Adriondack Camp (Putnam Station, NY) offers a diverse sailboat fleet including Mercury Sloop, Capri Sloop, Lasers, Sunfish, JV Sloop, Classic 420, and 6 Flying Juniors; 2 week session $4,600

2.  Coral Reef Yacht Club (Miami, FL) teaches 8 to 17 year olds $750

3.  Coconut Grove Sailing Club (Miami, FL), learn how to rig, launch a boat, basic knots, and develop wind awareness; age 6-17 9AM-4PM $600

4.  San Diego Yacht Club (San Diego, CA) host of the Junior Olympic festival, fleet of 24 new CFJ sailboats; $590 for Junior Summer sailing

5.  Northwestern University Sailing Center (Chicago, IL), 420s and lasers, 9AM-noon $575

6.  Premier Sailing (The Tides, Irvington, VA), founded in 1998 by Irish sailors, one week young sailors course for age 6-17 $445

7.  Sail Sand Point (Seattle, WA), non-profit community boating center, separated by age such as youth beginner (8-12 year olds), teen beginner (12-17 yr olds) $410; same pricing at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Seattle

8.  The Watersports Camp (San Diego, CA), sponsored by the YMCA, basic sailing morning camp and option to upgrade to afternoon activity for only $50 incremental; $370

9.  St. Petersburg sailing (Florida), Learn to Sail Camp for age 7 to 12 teaches rigging, steering, and maneuvering around docks 8:30-4:30PM; $321

10.  Sail Buffalo Sailing School (Buffalo, NY), Junior Sailing Camp Nautical Day Camp 9AM-4PM age 8 to 18; full week $294

11.  Hoofer Youth Program (UW Madison, Madison, WI); sailing day camp 10AM-4PM or beginner racing (3 hours) for $265; also offers windsurfing lessons

12.  Wilmette Park (Chicago suburbs, IL) group sailing lessons age 9-15, 8 lessons 12:30-2:30 or 3-5PM, learn on Lake Michigan; 12 students max. per class; $196 each

Before the kids begin lessons, give them a head start by teaching them the terms:  rudder, centerboard, tack, stern, boom, head mast, jib, jibstay, jibsheet, bow, etc.

Gym Class #4: 7 Top Fishing Spots in the US

Our Catch, Photo by Krenda

Wanting to share nature and sports with your kids? It's time to go fishing.
Fish, so graceful, you can get hypnotized watching them swim back and forth.  When your kids catch one, that's when peace turns to excitement.

You can go to a top destination, but we've found the local parks to provide plenty of excitement for beginners.  Check out license requirements.  Our kids caught this fish at the Voice of America pond in West Chester, Ohio.

When my kids got older, my dad bought a fishing boat to use in his pond in the photo below.   The kids relived the rush of catching a fish.

Tips

-Safety first.  Talk about fishing hooks.
-Go early, avoid the heat of the day.  Bring sunscreen & hats.

If you want to make the experience more memorable, plan ahead to include fishing in a trip.  The US and nearby islands are known for quality fishing.  According to americasbestonline.net, here's 7 places included in their Best Fishing Holes in the USA:
1.  King Salmon Fishing in Alaska:  look for youth only fisheries (anglers age 15 or younger) - Campbell Creek in Anchorage, AK (Sat. in June), and Seward King Salmon Fishery (specific dates)
2.  Salt Water Fishing in the Florida Keys
3.  Trout fishing in Yellowstone National Park
4. Tarpon Adventures of Galveston
5.  Rogue River Wilderness Adventures - Oregon
6. Montana Fishing and Fly Fishing
7.  Lake Sinclair

 -Set expectations or plan for higher odds.  When kids don't catch any fish, anticipate the disappointment.  It's happened to our family - rent a fishing boat at the park, but catch nothing.  Another time we planned ahead.  We made the extra effort to drive to a paid fishing pond/restaurant near the Smoky Mountains and the sure catch was a big hit.  See my cabin rental blog www.lightningbuglodge.blogspot.com

Science Lesson #2: 2 Free Venus Fly-Trap Viewings + 4 Other Botanical Gardens

Meat-eating plants!  Oh my!  Plants eating ants, flies, spiders, and other insects sound like a bizarre science-fiction film, but you and your kids can see the process in action.  Visit a fly-trap farm or botanical center with venus fly traps, pitcher plants, bladderworts, and sundews.  

 

How does a plant capture an insect?  The venus fly-trap emits a fruity scent that attracts insects.  Tiny bristles within the leaf trigger the plant to close when an insect brushes against it.  Once the insect gets captured inside, the plant has a "green stomach", producing digestive enzymes and transporters to take up nutrients.  It can take several days to digest the insect.  

The venus fly-trap is native to Cape Fear, North Carolina.  The loss of habitat has led to 95% of the original plants to disappear.  There's now less than 30,000 plants in the wild.  However, farmers grow the plants and sell them at their nursery or online.

We visited the largest botanical collection of carnivorous plants on display to the public in the US.  Located 45 minute north of San Francisco in Sebastopol, CA, California Carnivores is open Thur. to Mon. 10AM-4PM to the public.  The owner has grown carnivorous plants for nearly 50 years, wrote the book The Savage Garden:  Cultivating Carnivorous Plants, and featured on Martha Stewart Living.  Unfortunately the plane transportation meant we couldn't buy plants onsite.  However, it inspired us to visit our local home improvement stores and we easily found a kit to buy.

 Another way to see the plants for free - visit The United States Botanic Garden Savage Gardens in Washington D.C. from 10AM to 5PM.  Here's four other botanical gardens featuring meat-eating plants:

1.  MOSI Museum of Science & Industry Coleman-Lienhart Savage Garden, Tampa, FL, adults $27, child $21

2.  Frederick Meijer Garden Kenneth E. Nelson Carnivorous Plant House, Grand Rapids, MI, adults $15, children under age 13 for $7, over 150 acres

3.  Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden The Carnivorous Plant Bogs located in Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden, adult $15, child under age 12 for $10

4.  Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden Savage Gardens, Columbus, OH; $14 adults, $7 child under age 17, plants and sculptures

Animal Lesson #3: 7 Places with Parrots

Parrots, their feathers are more vibrant and colorful than any fabric we can make. Isn't it funny how we try to mimic nature?

Yet nature still prevails as the most interesting, the most vibrant.  Kids love the bright colors too.  Parrots tend to entertain everyone because of their ability to mimic human voices and laughter.  Teach your kids the term "zygodactyl".  It's a term that means 4 toes on each foot with 2 toes that point forward and 2 toes that point backwards.  It's also one of the features needed for a bird to be classified as a parrot.  The bird must also have a curved beak to classify as a parrot.

 

I had a parrot on my shoulder at Gumbalimba Park in Roatan, Honduras.  While wild parrots tend to live in the warm areas of the Southern Hemisphere, you don't need to travel to a foreign country to see a parrot.

Here's 7 places to spot a parrot in the United States:
1. Jungle Island, formerly called Parrot Jungle Island, Miami, Florida; $35 adult, $27 child http://www.jungleisland.com/public/explore/admission/index.cfm

2.  Animal Gardens featuring Echo the talking and singing parrot as seen on America's Got Talent, Delavan, Wisconsin; $10 adult or child, additional for Dancing Horses Show http://www.animalgardens.com/tix.htm

3. Sea World in Orlando, Florida; $71 kids, $79 adults; http://seaworldparks.com/seaworld-orlando

4.  Rolling Ridge Ranch offers wagon tours in Millersburg, Ohio; $11 kids; $16 adults; http://www.visitrollingridge.com/animal-park-african-grey-parrot.html

5.  San Diego Zoo in California (and many other zoos across the nation); $34 kids; $44 adults;
http://kids.sandiegozoo.org/

6.  Parrot Mountain and Gardens, Pigeon Forge, TN, $8 kids, $16 adults http://www.parrotmountainandgardens.com/

7.  Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo, Sevierville, TN; $7 kids, $12 adult, check site for coupon at http://www.rfadventures.com/

If you are looking for a way to give back to both parrots and veterans, contact Serenity Park Parrot Sanctuary located in CA outside the VA hospital http://www.parrotcare.org/Parrots.html

Any other places you recommend where kids can see parrots?