Get juiced about grape stomping

RUTHERFORD, Calif. — Lucy did it. And you can, too

Mighty Yosemite

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. - When my friend from Pennsylvania told me in April that six of us had won the lottery, I knew it wasn't about money.

Rainier says good-bye to Jackson visitor center

Loren Lane admits working at the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Mount Rainier National Park was a great gig.

Play cowboy in California

BRIDGEPORT, Calif. - The Heifers are acting surly, but my horse pushes forward. My young crew of 10 or so cowpunchers encircles about 30 head of cattle on a wide pasture in the shadow of a sawtooth mountain just west of Bridgeport. Our horses slowly lead the cattle toward a gate at the far end of the field.

Disney treats birthday kids

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts on Thursday announced a new promotion to admit visitors free on their birthdays next year.

Oasis for families

There is such a "wow" factor about Vancouver Island.

Whale of a time

While some people are content to simply watch orcas, sea kayakers have a yen to experience them.

Cannery Row: A beram

Monterey's famous street is much more than Steinbeck and a high-profile aquarium

A journey into Middle Earth

Most adventures into the Sierra and its foothills head up and up. They're all about climbs and what you can see when you get to the top.

Big Island/big choices

What's on your bucket list? The island of Hawaii — or the Big Island, as locals call it — offers visitors plenty of choices for once-in-a-lifetime experiences, whether you're budget-minded or ready to splurge.

Wildflower bloom delayed on Mount Rainier

In a normal year, masses of wildflowers would explode into bloom right now at Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park.

Get ready to paddle

BOISE, IDAHO — Grab a paddle and hit the Boise River. Tanner Myers, 8, was all smiles when the raft he was riding in splashed through the first diversion waves on the Boise River. He was visiting from North Dakota and got a chance to float the river. The river season started June 12. The Boise River from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park is a popular place to visit. It also is popular with local kayakers, rafters, canoeists and anglers in small fishing catarafts. The number of people that float the river each year ranges from 100,000 to 300,000. “It’s so close,” said Tracie Ide, who, with her husband, Michael, were taking Tanner and his family down the river. The 6-mile stretch of river takes floaters over small waterfalls, around islands, through natural areas and near parks and buildings.

Size up Alaska’s glaciers

SEWARD, Alaska — Thousands of glaciers are waiting for you in Alaska. Seeing some up close surely will be a highlight of any trip you might be planning to the 49th state this summer.

Enter a Christmas wonderland: New York City

NEW YORK — Where do the ducks go in the winter?