Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint – Tillamook, Oregon

Cape Meares - 4

While staying at an Airbnb in Beaverton, Oregon in Feb of 2022 we decided to take a short trip west to visit the Tillamook Creamery and the Tillamook Air Museum. Both were interesting but we also wanted to see the ocean again. We drove along the coast for a while and ended up walking around the Cape Meares area. It was a cool and windy day, not surprising that it was in February, but it was a nice day to take a little walk and explore the area and see the lighthouse. Continue reading “Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint – Tillamook, Oregon”

Coney Island, New York – Playground of the World

Gene and I were just in NYC last month and had an amazing time. We were able to see and do some of the things that we hadn’t been able to on previous trips, including a tour of Yankee Stadium as well as a game at Citi Field. However, another thing that was high on our list to do was to check out Coney Island. It has always been fall or winter when we had been there, and it was just a little too cold to spend the day running around Coney Island. However, May was a perfect time to visit for a couple of reasons. First, it was scorching, which is extremely important for me as I am NOT a heat person. Secondly there usually aren’t a lot of people and tourists there yet. We also quickly learned that the rides and such weren’t open for the season yet (the park opened the following weekend 🙁 ) which also cut down on the would-be traffic.

Continue reading “Coney Island, New York – Playground of the World”

Sun Safety Tips to Remember While Traveling this Summer

Sun - Girl in FieldDoing some mountain biking or hiking this summer? Hitting the beach or a river? Maybe a short trip to your local pool?  Wherever you like the Beach or the Mountains, or whatever you like to do for fun during the summer, be wary of the rays from the sun. As you may well know, studies show that exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer, may also cause eye problems, weaken your immune system, and give you skin spots, wrinkles, or “leathery” skin. This is caused by invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Sun - BoardwalkAlthough no one, no matter which skin type, is immune to the effects of UV. However, those with pale skin, blond, red, or light brown hair, been treated for skin cancer, or a family member who’s had skin cancer need to be especially cautious. This post is a little late this year, but The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has designated the Friday before Memorial Day as “Don’t Fry Day.” The goal?  To make sure people stay safe in the sun and protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors—on “Don’t Fry Day” and every day. Here are some suggestions to help you have a nice summer day outing while being safe.

USE SUNSCREEN

Sun - SunscreenI feel this is the truly most important thing to put on before heading out. I have really pale skin and fry in about ½ without sunscreen on. I just burn, then peel. Not much fun. L One important thing to mention about sunscreen is to FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS. A lot of people will put it on before they head out for the day and think they are good. They are not. Most sunscreen products need to be reapplied every 90 minutes to 2 hours. I’ve also seen people who don’t apply enough. It is suggested to use about 1 ounce of sunscreen (about a shot glass or palmful) should be used to cover the arms, legs, neck, and face of the average adult.

Sun - Sunscreen 2The other thing to consider about sunscreen is the sun protection factor (SPF). There are sunscreens products with a broad spectrum of protection, but it is suggested to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Sunscreens labeled with SPFs as high as 100+ are available. Higher numbers do mean more protection, but many people don’t understand the SPF scale. SPF 15 sunscreens filter out about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 sunscreens filter out about 97%, SPF 50 sunscreens about 98%, and SPF 100 about 99%. Thus the higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes. However, remember no sunscreen protects you completely.

WEAR A HAT

Sun - Floppy HatIt is very important to wear a hat outside, preferably one with a 2 to a 3-inch brim. The brim helps to protect the ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp. If you don’t have one of those, wearing a large handkerchief or bandana under a baseball cap will work in a pinch.

WEAR SUNGLASSES

Sun - SunglassesWearing sunglasses not only protects the delicate skin around your eyes, but it also protects the eyes as well. When picking out a pair of new shades, don’t assume the sunglasses provide any UV protection. Make sure the label says “UV absorption up to 400 nm” or “Meets ANSI UV Requirements”. I like the wraparound glasses myself as it also blocks light coming in From the side.

HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE

Sun - WaterOur bodies are made up of about 60% water, and every system depends on water. Just one cute little water bottle isn’t going to be enough to keep you hydrated all day long. Studies show that you should be drinking 1 liter of water every hour. Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol. Fruits are an excellent source of water, such as watermelon which is 90% water. Oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, and melons are also strong contenders.

FIND SOME SHADE

Sun - Beach 4Reduce time in the sun, especially between 10-2 as that is when the sun is the strongest. Don’t be fooled by a cloudy day. They can be more dangerous because you don’t feel hot and thus stay out longer than you may have planned. Take a lawn chair and find a nice shady spot near a tree or structure. If you can’t find one of those, a large umbrella works great too. Have fun, but be safe out there. Spending your vacation in a hotel room with a sunburn is not a fun way to spend your valuable vacation time.  Let me know if you have any other great tips and I will add them to this post. Thanks in advance.

Huntington Beach in California – Love Strolling Along the Ocean

Huntington Beach-4Huntington Beach, California

As stated in many previous posts, I am thrilled to be living in Colorado now but there are a few things I miss about the Golden State of California. I miss our family and friends of course which is why we keep coming back to visit so often. However, while we are there, I also love eating at a few restaurants that aren’t in CO  as well as seeing the incredible Pacific Ocean. I have been on both coasts and really like the Pacific better.  There is just nothing like it. We usually try to get to one of our two favorites Seal Beach and Huntington Beach. On this particular trip, we made it to Huntington Beach. Even though it was cold, and the water was probably beyond freezing, we enjoyed being in the area. Continue reading “Huntington Beach in California – Love Strolling Along the Ocean”

Hilton Head, SC – Coligny Beach Park and Harbour Town Island

Hilton HeadI was incredibly happy to be able to spend New Year’s Eve of 2019/2020 in Hilton Head South Carolina. We had been to South Carolina once before to see their state capitol building, but never to Hilton Head, so I was so excited. I didn’t know much about Hilton Head, aka Hilton Head Island, or that it was named after Captain William Hilton. In 1663 he was the person who identified a headland near the entrance to Port Royal Sound, which mapmakers named “Hilton’s Headland.” Continue reading “Hilton Head, SC – Coligny Beach Park and Harbour Town Island”