Bald Eagle Cam on Channel Islands

by Neil Woodburn on

Bald eagles in Los Angeles?

Despite America’s national bird still on the endangered list, the bald eagle is making a comeback along the Channel Islands just off the coast of Los Angeles.

With the possible exception of Catalina Island, most Los Angelenos have no idea that an island chain exists just beyond the crashing waves. Catalina, however, is just one of the six Channel Islands which grace the California coast. I try to make it out to at least one of them every year where I can experience the peace and solitude of nature just a 40 minute boat ride away.

Although the islands are home to many sea birds, bald eagles haven’t been seen here since the 1970s when DDT runoff from the Montrose Chemical Company near Torrance began killing them all off.

Now, thanks to a $140-million settlement against the company, researchers are reintroducing bald eagles to the Channel Islands. Success has been slow, but productive. According to the Los Angeles Times, the first two chicks were born a year ago on Santa Cruz Island. In the last month, however, the population has increased with another chick on Santa Cruz and four others on Catalina.

While this is pretty cool in itself, the reason we are bringing it to your attention is because of the opportunity to witness every move the new chicks are making in their nests. Solar powered web cams have been placed at three nests on the islands and can be easily accessed here.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the web cams have built a very passionate fan base that tunes in daily to coo over the chicks. Apparently a handful of viewers have also left the virtual world to travel to California and witness the birds in person–from a safe distance of course.

I love it. Web cams promoting tourism. Take a moment to check it out yourself. I have to admit, those chicks are pretty damn cute. I might just be jumping on a boat myself to go visit them.

Free Travel Book: “How to See the World, On $25 a Day or Less”

by Willy Volk on

In 25 chapters, 100,000 words, and 120 photos, John Gregory, an independent traveler who’s visited 35 countries, has written How to See the World. Not a travel guide to a specific location, How to See the World is a guide on how to travel. Filled with tips, commentary, and practical advice for the adventurous traveler, don’t confuse Gregory’s arid sense of humor with boring-ness. His guide is actually filled with a number of good jokes — and good advice.

I particularly enjoyed Gregory’s thoughts on where and how to crash for free, the toolbag theory, his list of essential items to pack, how to avoid pickpockets — and, of course, how to take a dump without facilities. In short, it’s hard-earned knowledge shared for free. Check it out.

T@B: the Travel Trailer for Roaming Urbanites

by Justin Glow on

We’ve been noticing a wave of modern campers that are making their presence known in the world of glamping this year. Along with the Deseo, and Desgin Within Reach’s collaboration with Airstream, newcomer (to us, anyway) T@B is offering a “smart, stylish, independent” travel trailer for roaming urbanites with an itch to hit the road in style.

What’s unique about the T@B is its low weight and small footprint, which makes towing a cinch. According to their FAQ, “Most light trucks and SUVs can easily handle the T@B. In addition, many mini vans and passenger cars can also pull them.” Combine that with multiple floor plans, color schemes, and extras to choose from, and you’ve got yourself a highly customizable trailer that appeals to the pickiest of travelers.

Can you say Camping 2.0?

365 Days in Oregon

by Erik Olsen on

Even though this appears to be an ad for tourism in Oregon, I have to say I really enjoyed the site. The layout and design are clever and the site is attractive. You will find yourself becoming mildly addicted to clicking on each day to see what cultural, artistic, sporting, random activities you can do in the state.

I am biased because I have spent a fair amount of time in Oregon and have long had a secret love affair with the state (my wife does not know this…she thinks I’m strictly a Seattle man). Not so. Portland is easily one of my favorite towns on the planet. But this site is a refreshing improvement over so many tourism marketing sites I’ve seen in the past.

The 395: California’s (Second) Best Stretch of Road

by Neil Woodburn on

There is a long stretch of highway running north/south in California which few out-of-state tourists bother navigating. And yet, the 395 captures so much of what the Golden State has to offer in the natural beauty department.

Highway 1, which winds its way up the coast is perhaps more beautiful, but the 395 embraces a different type of nature than golden sand beaches and crashing waves. The 395 cuts across the desert landscape of California on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevadas. It is a stunning route, with desert landscape stretching out before you and the enormous, snow-capped Sierras looming above.

One or twice a year I drive this route to either go backpacking in the Sierras, or nowboarding at Mammoth Mountain. For most people like myself, the 395 is usually blown through at 80 miles an hour on a Friday night in the dark. Those who take a more leisurely drive, however, will discover that this desert road is rich with a bounty of nature, history, and tourist sites.

The Los Angeles Times recently spotlighted this long stretch of road and the highlights one can expect. Did you know, for example, that the 395 slices right between the lowest elevation and the highest elevation in the continental United States? Yep, Badwater (-282 feet) and Mt. Whitney (14,495 feet) are within spitting distance of each other. In fact, there is an annual, grueling race in which elite runners start in Badwater and run 135 miles to the Whitney portal. Yikes. Count me out.

The LA Times mentions so many cool stops along the drive that it would take a week to visit all the ghost towns, hot springs, fishing holes, Hollywood western locations (400+), lakes, one-horse towns, day hikes, mines, flora and fauna, historic hotels, fish hatcheries, bakeries, and even a couple of museums.

So, next time I undertake the grueling drive, I’ll be sure to stop along the way and truly enjoy it.