Turlock Lake State Park (2008)

Turlock Lake campground is an ideal place for camping. The campsites are very spacious. During this Labor Day long weekend, we camped at Turlock Lake campground with great excitement and enjoyment. Our group had 16 people and the entire time period was very animated.

We entered the park with temperature soaring at 100 degrees. We got the site 59 and 60. The sites were almost at the end of the park. We pitched 5 tents on the 59 site and used the site 60 only whenever shade was required. It was very hot day to start the camping. The 66 acre campground located on the shady south bank of the Tuolumne River about mile from the lake. Our campsites were located near the river. The night-time temperatures dropped to the high sixties and were comfortable for sleeping. Quick relief from the heat was available from the cool waters of the Tuolumne River. The river was full of rocks, so was not comfortable for swimming. Inflatable boats are suggested to have a quick ride on the river. We spent the first day cooling ourselves in the river.

On day 2, we played volleyball and again went to chill ourselves in the river. Kids had lots of fun in the river. There was heaps of chicken, corn, pineapple and cat fish to barbecue in the pit. The campsite had lot of room to play shuttle badminton for kids and adults. Kids had lots of space around the campsite to explore. The temperature was slightly reduced compared to the first day. The night sleep was chilly. We were prepared for the cold weather.

On day 3, we had a nice Indian breakfast, slowly packed our stuff and left the camp site to the Turlock Lake State Recreation Area. It is a perfect place for day outings. We pitched ourselves under a tree with the stove and had our lunch. We left the area with delightful memories.

Things to remember for this camp ground:

1. Kids Scooter
2. Inflatable boats
3. Powerful Lantern
4. Kids bikes
5. Sand toys
6. Hammock

Houseboat experience

We made our India trip 2008 with the memorable experience of the house boat. The house boat is an absolutely wonderful, unforgettable experience. They are huge, slow moving, exotic barge used for leisure trips and are the reworked kettuvalloms of olden times. When this combines with the backwaters of Kerala, the experience is beyond explanation.

Backwaters are an amazing phenomenon of Kerala - a necklace of lagoons lakes, canals and rivers that run through the length of this beautiful land. In fact much of Kerala's uniqueness lies in its backwaters - found nowhere else in the world. We visited the backwaters of Alleppey during the peak monsoon season. The cost is low, but again it is an amazing experience when the rain pours in as you move on the houseboat.

The lagoons at these destinations with their spectacular view and fringed by coconut trees have been featured in travel books all over the world. No journey to the backwaters is complete without a stay on board a "Kettuvallam" or a houseboat which takes you on a journey through the length and breadth of the lagoons and waterways of Kerala.

We also visited a resort called pagoda in Alleppey on the second day, the experience is not worth writing on the same length.

Taj Green Cove Resort Visit

Visit to Taj Green Cove Resort was a rejuvenating experience. This resort was just 45 minutes drive from our home town. We decided to take a day break at Taj Green Cove Resort. As claimed, the stay was very relaxed and rejuvenated. Fountains, birdbaths and waterfalls punctuate the resort's landscape. Views of the surrounding palm trees, backwaters and ocean are noticeable throughout the resort. The Kovalam beach view from the resort is just amazing.

Taj Green Cove Resort is Located on one of India’s most popular beaches, Kovalam, the property is spread across 10 acres of land, offering a breathtaking view of the backwater, lush landscapes, coconut palms, and unspoiled beaches. With its exotic tropical beauty and relaxing hospitality, this getaway is the perfect place to enjoy relaxation and rejuvenation of the mind, body, and soul.

Portola Redwoods State Park (May 2008)

During this memorial long weekend, we camped at Portola Redwoods State Park. The park has a rugged, natural basin forested with coast redwoods, Douglas fir and live oak. Eighteen miles of trails crisscross the canyon and its two streams, Peters Creek and Pescadero Creek.

The park invited us with a slight rain, so we reluctantly started our camping. We got the site 14 and 36. We only stayed at camp site 36, as 14 was not a completely developed camp site. Two tents were pitched and it was very cold day to start. My family was completely prepared for the cold, but we were not so sure how it would be when it rains. Luckily there was no rain there after during our camping stay. But one of our friend rolled the water melon to the adjacent camp site.

On day 2, we hiked to the famous tip toe falls within the state park. It was nearly 2 mile hike to reach the falls. It was a very small falls, but the hike was very entertaining. Kids had lots of fun with banana slugs and crossing the creeks. There was also lots of chicken and fish to barbecue in the pit. Night ended with campfire, chatting, and eating too.

On day 3, we had a nice breakfast, quickly packed our stuff and left the camp site with happy memories.