Month: July 2021

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Elephant Seals at Point Reyes

Did you know there are elephant seals at Point Reyes National Seashore?! I wrote a science report on elephant seals when I was in primary school so I am probably more excited than most. The idea of a seal having an elephant-like nose just tickled me, and I was finally going to see one in real life. Better yet, I was going to be able to share this experience with my daughter who is also an animal lover.

Northern elephant seals are the second largest elephant seals in the world. The southern elephant seals takes first place as the largest. However, the northern elephant seal male can grow up to 16 feet in length and weigh up to 5,000lbs and that is still very impressive!

How much does it cost?

Free! There is no fee to access Point Reyes National Seashore.

Are pets allowed on the trail?

No, pets are not allowed on this trail.

How do I get there?

It will take you about 45 minutes to drive from the Bear Valley Visitor center to the Chimney Rock Trail Head.

Directions from Bear Valley Visitor Center:

  • Turn left on Bear Valley Road and follow the road northwest.
  • Turn left at Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and continue to drive northwest.
  • You will pass by some restaurants and places to stay. You should see Tomales Bay on your right side.
  • Keep left at the fork to stay on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
  • Take a left at Chimney Rock Road.
  • Park in the parking lot for Chimney Rock. Toilets and trash bins are here.
  • Follow the sign to Elephant Seal Overlook Trail (on your left).

What to Bring

Remember to check the National Park Service for current conditions, closures, etc. It is often cold and windy here, but it can also be foggy and rainy. The overlook is a short walk from the parking lot, but you will still want to wear layers.

  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Trail Map (We did not have cell service at Point Reyes and the Visitor Center is currently closed)
  • Jacket with hood (or a beanie with a pair of ear muffs)
  • Long sleeve shirt
  • Long pants
  • Socks
  • Walking shoes
  • Gloves
  • Snacks and fluids to keep the little one happy
San Francisco Sightseeing Pass

Make it Educational

Make this trip educational by using these free resources:

  • Elephant Seals Resource Newsletter by National Park Service – This 8 page newsletter is a mini report about elephant seals and is filled with photos, maps and infographics. It also has fun activities for kids like connect-the-dots worksheet, writing prompt, coloring page, word search and crossword puzzle.
  • Elephant Seal Cartoon Video by Friends of the Elephant Seal – This video is on their “Kid Zone” area where they also have other fun facts and plenty of photos.
  • Elephant Seal Information and Videos by National Park Service – More information and videos on elephant seals.

Other Kid Friendly Hikes at Point Reyes Seashore

Abbotts Lagoon

See a serene lagoon, go bird-watching, explore sand dunes, and have a picnic on a beautiful, secluded beach. [Read More…]

McClures Beach

Check out tidepools at low tide, play in the sand and have a picnic on this small but secluded beach. [Read More…]

Get Inspired

Sources

  1. Friends of the Elephant Seal, accessed July 23, 2021, https://elephantseal.org/
  2. Elephant Seals, National Park Service, accessed July 23, 2021, https://www.nps.gov/pore/learn/nature/elephant_seals.htm
  3. Point Reyes, National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/pore
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Point Reyes: McClures Beach

Stream flowing into Pacific Ocean at McClures Beach at Point Reyes National Seashore

It is hard to believe this beautiful, secluded beach is in the Bay Area, less than two hours away from the busy city of San Francisco.

A short hike will bring you to this beautiful beach. This hike is easy enough for small children, but dogs and other pets are not allowed on this beach. This is a great place to have a romantic picnic, watch birds, and explore tidepools.

McClures Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, California, USA

How much does it cost?

Free! There are no entry fees to Point Reyes National Seashore.

Waves crashing on rocks at McClures Beach

What should I bring?

Check the weather before you head to Point Reyes. It is normally cold and windy but there may also be fog and rain. Dress appropriately.

  • Insulated Jacket or Windbreaker
  • Sweater, Sweatshirt or Long Sleeve Shirt
  • Long pants
  • Wool socks
  • Hiking shoes or walking shoes with a good grip
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Hiking book and/or trail map
  • Water
  • Food and snacks
  • Sanitizing Gel or Wipes
  • Backpack
  • Picnic blanket
  • Headlamp (if you plan on walking back in the dark)
  • Beach Sun Tent (if you want shade or shelter from wind)
  • Facial sunblock
  • Trash bag (to haul your trash back to the trailhead trash bins)
  • Camera
Stream Flowing into Ocean at McClures Beach

How do I get there?

We did not have cell phone service at Point Reyes National Seashore. The Bear Valley Visitor Center normally has free park maps, but it is currently closed due to the pandemic so you can download a trail map or bring your hiking book with you. Make sure you check the park’s current conditions for any closures or other important information.

  • Turn left on Bear Valley Road and follow the road northwest.
  • Turn left at Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and continue to drive northwest.
  • You will pass by some restaurants and places to stay. You should see Tomales Bay on your right side.
  • Keep right at the fork to Pierce Point Road.
  • Follow Pierce Point Road all the way to the end to the McClures Beach parking lot. Toilets and trash bins are here.

Plan on spending about 35 minutes to drive from the Bear Valley Visitor Center to the McClures BeachTrailhead.

Directions from McClures Beach Trailhead:

View of McClures Beach from the Trail

Distance: 0.4 miles

Type: Out and back

After you park your car, head to the McClures Beach trail head sign.

Although this is a short walk, you will be surrounded by green coastal lands and see little waterfalls from the stream making its way to the ocean. You do have to walk uphill towards the end of the hike which can make it difficult to haul belongings in a wagon. We find it best to use a roomy hiking backpack.

If you plan your trip during low tide or minus tide, you can explore the tide pools, sea caves and the hidden beach on the south side of McClures Beach (i.e., left side). Just make sure you keep track of time and do not get trapped by the incoming high tide. Also, always watch out for sneaker waves and never turn your back to the waves. Some people have died here because of it.

Mussels at Low Tide

McClures Beach is our favorite beach to have a romantic picnic. Set up your picnic blanket or beach shelter and eat your lunch while watching the shore birds. Soak in some rays and take a siesta while you listen to the waves crashing.

When you have had your fill, make sure you pack up all of your trash. Trash bins and toilets are located in the parking lot.

Still have some energy? Consider checking out Pierce Point Ranch or hike to Tomales Point (9.4 miles round trip) where you might see tule elk. Both are accessible from the same parking lot.

Or if you want another short, but rewarding hike check out Abbotts Lagoon where you can go bird-watching, walk on sand dunes, visit another remote beach, and possibly see otters and other wildlife!

Sources

  1. National Park Service (NPS), https://www.nps.gov/
  2. Tides and Currents, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=9415020&legacy=1

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Point Reyes Hike: Abbotts Lagoon

Point Reyes National Seashore is a beautiful place! It is less than a couple of hours away from San Francisco. Abbotts Lagoon is one of the easiest and most rewarding hikes at Point Reyes, which makes it perfect for families with young children. Unfortunately, dogs and other pets are not allowed on this trail.

The lagoon is great for birdwatching and the beach is a wonderful place to have a picnic. Although it is a short hike from the parking lot, we felt like we had the lagoon to ourselves. We could not see the parking lot from the lagoon, and there were only a few others there.


How much does it cost?

Free! There are no entry fees to Point Reyes National Seashore.

What should I bring?

Check the weather before you head to Point Reyes. It is normally cold and windy but there may also be fog and rain. Dress appropriately.

  • Insulated Jacket or Windbreaker
  • Sweater, Sweatshirt or Long Sleeve Shirt
  • Long pants
  • Gloves (for kids or others who get cold easily)
  • Wool socks
  • Hiking shoes or walking shoes with a good grip
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Hiking book and/or trail map
  • Water
  • Food and snacks
  • Sanitizing Gel or Wipes
  • Backpack
  • Picnic blanket
  • Facial sunblock
  • Trash bag (to haul your trash back to the trailhead trash bins)
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Good bird watching book

How do I get there?

We did not have cell phone service at Point Reyes National Seashore. The Bear Valley Visitor Center normally has free park maps, but it is currently closed due to the pandemic so you can download a trail map or bring your hiking book with you.

Plan on spending about 20 minutes to drive from the Bear Valley Visitor Center to the Abbotts Lagoon Trailhead.

Directions from Bear Valley Visitor Center:

  • Turn left on Bear Valley Road and follow the road northwest.
  • Turn left at Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and continue to drive northwest.
  • You will pass by some restaurants and places to stay. You should see Tomales Bay on your right side.
  • Keep right at the fork to Pierce Point Road.
  • Follow Pierce Point Road 3.2 miles north to the Abbotts Lagoon parking lot. This dirt parking lot is on the left side of the road. Toilets and trash bins are here.

60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: San Francisco: Including North Bay, East Bay, Peninsula, and South Bay




Hike to Abbotts Lagoon & Great Beach

Walking on Abbotts Lagoon Trail

Distance: 3.0 miles roundtrip

Duration: 1-2 hours

This is a short and relatively flat hike, which makes it great for children. You start at the trailhead and walk through lush green land. Keep an eye out for wildlife. We saw cows in the distance, quails and a bobcat!

Continue on the dirt path and you will eventually come across a worn down wooden bench where you can sit down and observe the lagoon. Continue down the trail where you will cross a wooden bridge that takes you over a small stream. Take a moment to look for otters. We saw a couple of otters swimming in the lagoon!

View of Abbotts Lagoon from the bridge

After you cross the bridge, you will walk on sand. The water is gently lapping at the edges of the lagoon, and birds are playing in the water and flying overhead.

View looking back at where we came from

This would be a great time to take out your binoculars and California bird guide. We went in the spring, but the best time to go birdwatching at the lagoon is in fall and winter. You can see shorebirds, waterfowl, sparrows, quail, hawks, osprey, ducks and perhaps even a golden eagle or a peregrine falcon! The sand dunes are also a nesting ground to the threatened western snowy plovers so tread carefully.

We kept walking to the sand dunes. My husband and daughter loved exploring this area. The sand was so soft and we saw some wild beach strawberries.

Sand Dune and Abbotts Lagoon, Point Reyes National Seashore, California, USA

Walk a little further and you will arrive at Great Beach. The Great Beach is very clean but windy.

Great Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, California, USA

We had the whole beach to ourselves! It was the perfect place to have a private picnic. Setup your picnic blanket, and enjoy some yummy foods and drinks. Lay down and soak in some rays while you listen to the serene sounds of the ocean waves.

Outdoor Picnic Blanket | Personalized Monogram Initial Letter L Floral Wreath Artwork by Aba2life - 50
Personalized Outdoor Picnic Blanket

Beware of Sneaker Waves

Please be aware of sneaker waves (also known as rogue waves). Every now and then I hear about a sneaker wave taking another life. It is really something that can be avoided so I am hoping that by bringing awareness to this it will prevent more deaths.

Sneaker waves (or rogue waves) are waves that are much larger than normal waves and they can appear out of nowhere. They can travel far up the beach, and are so powerful that they can pick up driftwood and other debris that can hurt or pin down unsuspecting beachgoers.

The waters at Point Reyes can also be as cold as 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Being swept away in that water can lead to hypothermia in a matter of minutes. Point Reyes waters are also known for rip currents, strong undertows and sharks. I do not recommend swimming in the ocean.

Tips: When you first arrive at a beach, watch the waves for about 20 minutes to get a feel of the waves. Also, do not turn your back to the waves so that you are not taken by surprise. Keep an eye on small children and remain within reach of them. The common theme I have heard over the years involves someone dying trying to save their child or pet being swept away by a sneaker wave.

Sources

  1. National Park Service (NPS), https://www.nps.gov/
  2. “County of Marin – News Releases – Beach Water Quality”, County of Marin, accessed July 17, 2021, https://www.marincounty.org/main/county-press-releases/press-releases/2021/cda-beachbacteria-031921
  3. “Sneaker/High Waves and Log Rolls Can Be Deadly,” National Weather Service, accessed July 17, 2021, https://www.weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent-waves#:~:text=Sneaker%20waves%20strike%20people%20who,for%2010%20to%2020%20minutes.

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Grand Canyon Skywalk Ticket Deals

How to save money on Grand Canyon Skywalk Tickets with view of Grand Canyon Skywalk

Grand Canyon Skywalk has been on our family’s bucket list for ages! We knew how expensive this trip could be so we always kept an eye out for good Grand Canyon Skywalk ticket deals. It took some creative thinking, but we were able to save $15.41 per ticket! Now, I am sharing with you how we saved money on our Grand Canyon Skywalk Tickets. Be sure to read to the end of this post where I compare different promos.

Grand Canyon Skywalk Tickets

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is located on the Hualapai Reservation at the west rim of the Grand Canyon. It is not part of the Grand Canyon National Park system so your National Park pass will not work here. To walk on the Grand Canyon Skywalk, you need to buy a ticket for admission to Grand Canyon West and also a ticket for the Skywalk itself.

Grand Canyon West general admission tickets are normally $45.00 and the Skywalk Add-on is another $23.00, which comes out to $68 per person. However, we spent about $52.59 per person, which means we saved $15.41 per ticket.

Note: Grand Canyon West Rim is currently selling a bundle of $59 for a combo of general admission and skywalk ticket.

Groupon Digital Gift Cards from Coupon Cabin

Groupon is selling the same bundle for $59, but we were able to get additional savings.

First, we purchased an instant digital Groupon gift card at Coupon Cabin. The maximum gift card value we could purchase was $100.00. At 6.75% cash back, we received $6.75 cash back. We could only purchase one gift card that day.

Bonus Tip: Consider using a credit card that allows you to earn cash back or gives you reward miles for additional perks on this purchase. Your bank card or even PayPal may also offer special perks. I recently received an email from PayPal saying they would give me a $5 discount on a Groupon purchase of at least $40.

Rakuten Cash Back from Groupon

After getting our digital gift card, I signed in to my Rakuten account. If you do not already have one, sign-up for one for free. This is a cash back site where you can get cash back on purchases that you are already planning to make.

Rakuten is currently offering a promotion where they are giving $30 to you and $30 to your friend if your friend signs up and makes a qualifying purchase within 90 days. If you sign up through my link, we can both earn $30 too. If you want to learn about Rakuten, you can read my post and see how I have saved over $2,500 using Rakuten (f/k/a Ebates).

We searched for “Groupon” on the Rakuten website, and then clicked on the Groupon link. A new page popped up that briefly displayed the current cash back rates, and then automatically re-directed us to Groupon’s website.

Groupon

Once Rakuten re-directed us to Groupon.com, we searched for “Grand Canyon Skywalk” and then clicked on the deal. You will see a few different options to choose from. Please remember you must purchase a General Admission ticket to Grand Canyon West and also a Grand Canyon Skywalk add-on ticket to walk on the skywalk.

Note: Groupon can be a great source for deals, but always check the terms and conditions prior to purchase for any limitations, expiration date, etc.

A “General Admission with Skywalk Add-On” ticket was $59.00 on Groupon. We purchased four tickets for $236. We used our digital gift card towards the balance, and then used our credit card to pay the remaining balance.

At the time we made our purchase Rakuten was offering 8% cash back so we saved $18.88 (see below).

UPDATE: Groupon is excluding portions paid by gift cards on Rakuten so choose the best discount available.

Print Your Tickets

Print out your Groupon tickets, and make sure you bring them with you. You will need to show them twice.

First, you will show them at the Grand Canyon West terminal to gain entrance into Grand Canyon West. Then you will hop on to the free shuttle to Eagle Point (i.e., the first shuttle stop where the skywalk is located). You will need to show your tickets again to gain entry to the skywalk itself. Redeeming the Groupon was a breeze.

If you want to read about our visit to Grand Canyon West, click here. If you are driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim, check out my road trip itinerary. We visited Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Arizona’s Joshua Tree Forest and Grand Canyon West all in one day!

Grand Canyon Skywalk

Grand Canyon Skywalk Savings Comparisons*

Two Adults*

If we only needed two tickets, it would have cost us $50.91 per person.

Family of Four – Three Adults and 1 Child (ages 5-12)*

By layering the strategies I described above, our family saved $25.63. Our cost was about $52.59 per person. How much you save will depend on the offers and cash back rates that are available (if any) at time of purchase.

Family of Four – Two Adults & Two Children Over 4 Years Old*

If you have a family of four (i.e., 2 adults and 2 kids), you can use our strategies above.

Or you can get the Grand Canyon Family Package which will give you general admission for $134.00. General tickets will average at $33.50 per person. Then you would purchase skywalk tickets for each person at $23/person. Your total cost will will be $226 or $56.50 per person.

Family with Children 4 Years and Younger*

If you have a family with children 4 years and younger, you only need to purchase tickets for the adults. Children 4 years and younger are free and do not need a general admission ticket or a skywalk ticket.

You could try our layering strategies above. If we only needed two tickets, it would have cost us $50.91 per person.

Seniors 65+, Military & Veterans*

If you are a senior (ages 65+) or are active military or a veteran, you can get general admission and skywalk for $55. You must show your ID at the Grand Canyon West ticket terminal.

Arizona and Las Vegas Residents*

Arizona and Las Vegas residents can get 10% off general admission, skywalk, meal ticket and zip line when they show their ID at the Grand Canyon West ticket terminal.

Alternative Day Trips from Las Vegas

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of driving and would rather sit back, relax and soak in the beautiful views, consider booking a Grand Canyon Walk and Hoover Dam day trip from Las Vegas.



I hope you are able to save as much (if not more) than we did! Make sure you follow our blog so that you do not miss out on any new posts.

*All of these scenarios are examples of what was possible at the time we purchased our tickets. Actual savings will depend on what discounts are available (if any) and the price of Grand Canyon West tickets which can change at any time without notice. Our final cost takes in account the savings we received in the form of cash back through online rebate or coupon programs; not the actual amount we paid at the time of purchase. For current Grand Canyon West ticket prices, promos and conditions, please visit their website.

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Save Money Without Feeling Deprived

How I saved over $2,500 with this 1 easy moved. Dollar bills arranged in a layer in the background.

Saving money might seem impossible without major lifestyle changes or getting a second job, but you can make several small lifestyle changes that can add up to huge savings. This one easy tip, will help you save money without feeling deprived!

In fact, this is one of my favorite tips for people starting their money-saving journey because it does not require any sacrifice at all.

Tip: Read the entire post to find out an additional quick, easy way to get extra cash.

Rakuten

Sign-up for Rakuten for FREE, and get cash back on purchases that you are already making! You might think this is too good to be true, but it is 100% legitimate and I only wished I had signed-up sooner.

I signed up for Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) back in 2009, and I have saved over $2,500 on purchases I was already going to make anyways!

If you break this down, I was averaging a little over $200/year in Rakuten cash back alone. However, this number does not take in account my other shopping strategies, which I can share in another post if anyone is interested.

How do I get cash back?

Online Purchases

Getting cash back is very simple! You just need to log in to your Rakuten account, and see if the store you are going to make your purchase from is listed on the website. Click on the store and find out how much cash back you can earn. They may even list extra coupon codes or discount codes that are available which will help you save money immediately on your purchases.

They have tons of stores on their website and many of them are stores you likely already shop at. You can even mark your favorite stores so that they show up on the main page.

Rakuten Chrome Browser Extension

If you are worried about remembering this step, you can install the Rakuten chrome browser extension. The Rakuten chrome browser extension will make earning cash back a no-brainer. This extension automatically notifies you if a store or vendor is eligible for cash back when you visit that store’s website. Then it will give you an option to “activate” cash back on your purchase.

Link Your Card for In-Store Purchases

Get cash back when you shop in the store too!

First, link your credit card to your Rakuten account. Then visit Rakuten’s website and look at their “In-Store Cash Back Offers.” Look at the stores available and click on “See Details” to review the terms and conditions. Type in your zip code to find the store’s location near you. If you want to get cash back, click “Link Offer” to link that offer with your credit card. Now, when you shop in that store and use your linked credit card, you can get cash back on those purchases.

As you can see, there are several ways for you to get cash back on your purchases. All of these options are simpler than the traditional rebate system. So if you are not already using Rakuten, start today.

How Do I Get Paid?

If you want your payment in the form of cash, just choose to receive your payment by check or by PayPal. You can choose your preferred payment by going to your account Wallet.

How Often Will I Get Paid?

Rakuten Payment Schedule

Rakuten sends funds quarterly as long as the balance is more than $5.00!*

Refer Friends for an Extra Bonus

Do you want to get some quick extra cash and help out your family and friends?

Currently, Rakuten is offering a $30 bonus for you, and $30 bonus for your friend for new sign-ups. Invite your friends through your own custom link from Rakuten. Your friend has to complete a qualifying purchase within 90 days of signing up for the referral bonus to be qualified, but that should not be difficult if they use the tips in this post.

If you found this post helpful, please sign up through my link so that we can both earn our bonuses too!

If you have a lot of friends and family members this could potentially be a quick and easy way for you to boost up your savings and get some extra cash.

Level Up Your Savings

You might be happy with just saving money on purchases, but why stop there? Why not put your money to work or start an emergency fund?

Stocks

Let me start by saying that I am not a broker, financial advisor or a tax professional. I am just sharing what I have personally done for myself. If this is something that interests you, I encourage you to seek out a qualified professional and do your own research.

I started putting my Rakuten savings into my stock brokerage account and chose stocks that have a good history of paying dividends. Dividends are payments paid regularly (typically quarterly) by a company to its shareholders (a/k/a stockholder) out of its profits or reserves.

If your stocks increase in value, you can also sell those stocks for a profit. Keep in mind that you will pay taxes on your profit, and the amount you pay will depend on how long you have held the stock.

Of course, there is always the risk of losing money. Stocks can lose value or stop paying dividends. That is a risk I am personally willing to take with my Rakuten savings because I consider it “bonus money” anyways.

If the idea of dealing with finances stresses you out, consider reading Tony Robbin’s book Money Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom. This book is truly liberating, and gives several practical tips that can help you reach financial independence.

Emergency Fund

If you do not have an emergency fund, I encourage you to start one today.

An emergency fund is money that you have set aside for some unexpected surprises like your car breaking down, medical and dental emergencies, etc. Sometimes people have no choice but to put these expenses on their credit card, but unless they pay off those expenses within a month, the credit card interest can quickly put that person into a terrible financial bind.

When you have an emergency fund, you can avoid being in this situation. It also gives you the added comfort of knowing that you have something to fall back on.

Ideally, you will want to have quick access to your emergency fund. Consider keeping your emergency fund in a savings account. It will earn a very small interest (rates varies by bank), but it is better than letting it sit in your house or your checking account where you may be tempted to spend it.

I hope you found these painless money saving tips helpful. Until next time, Happy Saving!

*Check Rakuten’s website for the current terms and conditions and also the length of the program.