Ride the Plover

So something I've always wanted to do during the summer but forget is to ride the Plover.   I'm hoping if I write it down here, that I'll remember. We went!  The kids each got a turn to drive and received a certificate.  It was a great little excursion.  We left from the Semiahmoo Spit.  Look for the water tower, the Plover comes into the old dock by the old cannery.  There is a nice little sandy beach for playing while you wait or to come back to.   We were in a group of 13 and were able to do a roundtrip without getting off the boat.  Fortunately, we could do this because nobody else was in line, otherwise we would have had to wait a hour.  Good times!!

Speaking of boats: The Hawaiian Chieftain is suppose to be back in Blaine in August.

From the Blaine Chamber Website:
http://www.blainechamber.com/plover/index.html

"Come ride the historic MV Plover, the oldest passenger foot-ferry in Washington State. Built in 1944 in Seattle, the MV Plover was used to shuttle cannery workers to the Alaskan Packers Salmon Cannery on Semiahmoo Spit, now home to Semiahmoo Resort & Spa. MV Plover provides passenger
foot-ferry service during the summer season, shuttling up to 17 passengers along with bicycles and strollers to summer activities happening on both sides on Drayton Harbor. Should you have questions regarding the MV Plover, please call the Blaine Visitor Information Center at (360) 332-4544."
 
"About the ride. The Plover is certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry 20 passengers (bikes are also allowed) between Blaine Harbor and Semiahmoo Resort. Running time from Blaine Harbor to Semiahmoo Resort takes approximately 11 minutes with views of Blaine's working harbor, Semiahmoo Bay and the Canadian Coastal Mountain range. On the return run from the dock at Semiahmoo to Blaine harbor is approximately 23 minutes. Here the Plover takes an extended route to view Drayton Harbor with Mt. Baker looming in the background. Passengers can view resident harbor seals, a sunken tugboat (tide permitting), blue herons, caspian terns, cormorants, nesting gulls, majestic bald eagles, osprey eagles, and a variety of other waterfowl. Also, passengers can become honorary Captain's for the day by steering the Plover and receive a "Honorary Captain" certificate"

Fares By Donation (round trip):
Adults: $5  Children: $1  Children under 12: Free

Fairhaven Marine Park

 

Today we thought we would take advantage of the low tides and head out to the Marine Park in Fairhaven.  To get there, just take Harris St, past the ferry terminal and there will be a big banner sign that marks the road into this little park.  There is a picnic shelter with bathrooms there, but no play equipment.  There is also a tiny bit of sand for the kids to play in.  I remember visiting this beach during a field trip back in 3rd grade.

We saw lots of great sea creatures...starfish, anemones, crabs, sand dollars, etc. And the kids found a ton of shells!  The next low tides are in the morning in a couple weeks. You should check it out! 

US Coast Guard

Pretty sad that I didn't know more about the US Coast Guard before visiting their station in Bellingham a few weeks ago, but by the time we left i could tell you that they were like policemen, search and rescue divers and ambulance drivers all wrapped into one job.  Sounds like a pretty exciting job!  We had a GREAT tour of the boats and station.  The officer that showed us around had great patience with our kids, shared lots of interesting stories of her training in the Antarctic and answered lots of questions.  She also showed the kids her gear and let them try it on!  I would strongly encourage you to give them a call and line up a tour!  Our kids would love to go back sometime. 

Outback Kangaroo Farm

Last week our homeschool group took a field trip to the Outback Kangaroo Farm.  The weather didn't look too promising but the rain mostly held off except a brief little sprinkle.  We were prepared with our rain boots (definitely a must at this farm).  To be honest, I have mixed feelings about this place.  I love that this place gave my children some very unique opportunities (more on that later), but the farm is looking a bit run-down.

There is a little picnic area that we had arranged to eat at before our tour.   As we waited for our tour to begin the kids could check out the lemurs and some very beautiful birds.

At the beginning of the tour, the kids have a dance-off to see who would feed the lemurs.  A few were chosen and were able to feed them through the cage.  The lady owner then gave a great explanation about lemurs and had them leaping all around while she fed them a banana.  It was really cute!  Next, we were turned over to her husband who took us to see a huge tortoise and then the kangaroos.  He warned us that he had a loud voice and would use it if they kids ran or talked too loudly. We were let into the pen and the kids were able to feed the kangaroos bread and touch them.  They were very sweet animals.  Next, the kids were able to feed the mini donkeys.  There was a cute little baby one.  We then went by a pony that was tied up and was told that he bites.  The owner asked the pony if he would bite and he shook his head, yes.  We were again warned to keep our distance when we went past him to the the emus and ostrich.  He told the kids some interesting facts about these birds while he fed them. Our last stop out in the barnyard was into the llama and alpaca pen where you could feed a llama with a pellet between your lips.  The llama would "kiss" you while he took the pellet out of your mouth.  To end the tour, 5 kids were permitted into the gift shop at a time to take turns holding a baby wallaby.  Okay, now who has held a baby kangaroo...not an experience too many people have!!

So I totally understand that a ton of kids probably go through this place in a day and they need to keep the tour moving along to be done in time for the next one, but I just felt like they were going through the motions and seemed a bit rushed.  I hate to give this place a bad review because I really think it is such a neat opportunity for your kids but at the same time I would caution you in expecting a zoo-like experience.  It is nothing like a zoo, but rather a working farm.  It would be like going to someone's dairy farm and they took you out in the pens to see their cows. I'm thankful we went and I'm glad they have opened their farm to us.

Price: Group rate: $6 per person
Reg. rate: depends on age: $7-8

The Arts and Crafts

1. MT BAKER THEATRE http://mountbakertheatre.com/about/rich-history
-We took a backstage tour of the Mt Baker Theater back in May of 2010.   We were shown backstage, dressing rooms, balcony, control rooms, on stage and the organ that comes out of the floor!  A few ghost stories that we could have done without (because of the ages of our children) but it was a great tour!

Taken from the balcony

The hidden organ in the floor.

 

2. TICKLED PAINT STUDIO
-This is a pottery painting studio in Lynden, WA.  They also recently started doing glass fusing.  I found her prices to be pretty reasonable and she has facebook specials on Fridays.  Check them on facebook.  The owner is very friendly and was so patient with our group of 24+ kids and 10 moms! 

3. CREATIVITEA www.creativitea.com
-This painting pottery studio and tea bar is located in Fairhaven. 

4. GOSSAMER GLASS STUDIOS AT INSPIRATION FARMS: BLOWN GLASS
 -I haven't looked into this much but i know he offers classes for adults.  This studio is on the Laurel Rd., Bellingham, WA

5. EMP: EXPERIENCE MUSIC PROJECT and SCIENCE FICTION HALL OF FAME
-The EMP is located in Seattle Center.  I have never been there, have you?   from the website: "EMP is dedicated to the exploration of creativity and innovation in music, science fiction, and popular culture. By blending interpretative, interactive exhibitions with cutting-edge technology, EMP captures and reflects the essence of rock 'n' roll, its roots in jazz, soul, gospel, country and the blues, as well as rock's influence on hip-hop, punk and other recent genres. Visitors can view rare artifacts and memorabilia and experience the creative process by listening to musicians tell their own stories."
I think we would probably check this out if we did the Seattle City Pass. 

6. SEATTLE ART MUSEUM
-Located downtown Seattle, this museum is always free to students 12 and under, but all admission is free on the first Thursday of the month.

7. BELLEVUE ART MUSEUM
-Their free day is the first Friday of the month
- Here are some guidelines for visiting with a family.

8. SEATTLE ASIAN ART MUSEUM
-Free to all on the first Thursday of the month and free for families on the first Saturday of the month.

9. SEATTLE SYMPHONY
from their website: "Seattle Symphony welcomes new Music Director Ludovic Morlot, one of the leading conductors of his generation, in the 2011–2012 Season. The Orchestra, now presenting its 109th season, performs in the acoustically superb and visually stunning Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle. The Symphony is internationally recognized for its adventurous programming of contemporary works, its devotion to the classics, and its extensive recording history. Seattle Symphony has made more than 140 recordings, garnered 12 Grammy nominations and received two Emmy Awards. The Orchestra is also known for its extensive education programming, which annually serves 150,000 people of all ages. From September through July, audiences number 315,000 people both at Benaroya Hall and in the community."

10. WWU ART GALLERY
-Their exhibits change throughout the year. Check their website for new exhibits.
-Free admission, sometimes host internationally recognized artists.

11. WHATCOM MUSEUM-LIGHTCATCHER
The Whatcom Museum offers art classes/tours for school groups.  You can check it out here: http://www.whatcommuseum.org/art-education. 


12. WHATCOM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
-They perform at the Mt. Baker Theatre, tickets for the 2012-2013 season will be available later this summer.
 
13. MT BAKER YOUTH SYMPHONY
-Offer 4-5 concerts throughout the year. 

14. WWU THEATRE AND ARTS DEPARTMENT
http://www.wwu.edu/theatre/

Community and Government Workers

These field trips are always very exciting to me.  I don't know why, it seems like they can be very informative. We've taken a few field trips in this category.

1. WASHINGTON STATE CAPITOL
-We took this field trip on our way down to the Great Wolf Lodge.  We had hoped to meet with some local representatives while down there but had scheduling conflicts.  School tours book up fast so if you want to go that route make sure you plan long in advance.  We had less than 25 people so we did the public tour.  If you decide to do this and are going with a large group make sure someone in your group arrives ahead of time to schedule you for the next tour or you will have to wait a hour for the next one.
 http://www.ga.wa.gov/visitor/guide.htm

2. LYNDEN POLICE STATION
-We took this tour a few years ago.  It was one of our first ones.  It was quite informative, we saw the evidence room, holding rooms, and offices.  I've heard of other groups being able to check out the police car.  I think length and depth of the tour depends on who is on duty that day.  The kids each received a treat bag for coming.  You can give them a call to book a tour 354-2828 or visit your local station.

3. LYNDEN LIBRARY
-Traditionally, first graders take this field trip in school, but really it is appropriate for any age.   I'm sure each tour is different based on the age of your children.  Check out their website for more info:  http://www.wcls.org/county-library-tours

4. COUNTY JAIL

5. U.S. COAST GUARD: You can see more about this field trip, here.

6. USS TURNER JOY DESTROYER
-Bremerton, tour of ship

7.  LYNDEN WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

-This was one of those field trips that after I made the phone call and lined it up, I was thinking why in the world did I schedule a field trip to a wastewater treatment plant...YUCK!  Thinking it would be disgusting!  But really, since there was a breeze and it wasn't too hot, we had a very enjoyable educational field trip.  Who knew?!!  On the tour, you can only see a little bit of the solid waste being separated from the liquid and then most of the tour deals with how they clean the liquid before it goes back into the Nooksack River.  We also learned about the compost that they make from some of the solids.  The tour is all outdoors.  To line up a tour: email adamt@lyndenwa.org or call public works department 354-3446.

8.  ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION TOURS CITY OF BELLINGHAM
-Here is the link to line up tours of Bellingham's Water Treatment and Wastewater Treatment Plant tours.

9. SEATTLE CITY LIGHT
-dam, power generating plant

10. BORDER CROSSING

11. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

12. EVERETT NAVAL STATION

13. FIRE STATION

WHAT DO EMPLOYEES DO AT ___________?

1. THE RADIO STATION
-We visited KARI radio.  A little station out in Blaine, near the Birch Bay Waterslides.  KARI is on AM 550 and 1600. We took a tour of the control rooms and also some of the out buildings.   http://www.kari55.com/


2. COSTCO
-Who knows if they would give you a tour, but would be very interesting and worth a call to check.

3. BELLINGHAM FOOD STORAGE OR VERSACOLD

4. HOME DEPOT
-offers various workshops. During the slow times (i.e. NOT weekends), they can show your children how paint is mixed, carpeting is cut, etc.

5. TV STATION
 -perhaps KVOS in Bellingham

6. RESTAURANT

7. GROCERY STORE
-We took a tour of Safeway.. You can check that out here.

Museums and Historical Sights

Check back for more information on these field trips...still updating them!

 1. FERNDALE PIONEER PARK

  

-Wow, this little place has so much to offer.  We've done the school tours where you can visit the different buildings and pretend to be a pioneer and we've gone during the Olde Fashioned Christmas, but this year I hope to attend Old Settlers Weekend.  Check out their tours and events on their website: http://ferndaleheritagesociety.com

2. SPARK MUSEUM OF ELECTRICAL INVENTIONS
-previously named: AMERICAN MUSEUM OF RADIO AND ELECTRICITY
-located in  Bellingham, their mission is to: "The mission of the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention is to offer exciting and educational experiences for audiences of all ages through galleries and public programs that illustrate the development and use of electricity, radio, and related electrical inventions that changed the course of human history."  Their website does a great job explaining everything you can see and learn:  http://www.sparkmuseum.org/  When we went, we just called ahead of time and set up a field trip for our group.  They divided us into smaller groups and took us around. There was some great displays!


 
3. FORT LANGLEY

4. FORT CASEY
5. HOVANDER PARK
6. LYNDEN PIONEER MUSEUM
7. TILLICUM VILLAGE TOUR/CRUISE
-Puget Sound Cruise,  Native American history, salmon lunch, departs from Seattle
8. QUEEN OF SEATTLE PADDLE WHEEL CRUISE
9. KLONDIKE GOLD RUSH MUSEUM
10. BURKE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY AND CULTURE
11. WASHINGTON CIVIL WAR ASSOCIATION HOVANDER PARK EDUCATION DAY
12. WHATCOM MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND ART
13. WASHINGTON STATE MUSEUM
14. HERITAGE FLIGHT MUSEUM
15. EBEY'S LANDING
16. BELLEVUE DOLL MUSEUM
17. FORT WORDEN
18. PEACE ARCH PARK
19. SEMIAHMOO PARK
-Native Culture, fish packing history
20. PIONEER FARM MUSEUM
21. PICKETT HOUSE
-oldest house in Bellingham, WA
22. CAMLANN MEDIEVAL VILLAGE
23. OLDE FASHIONED CHRISTMAS AT PIONEER PARK
24. SEATTLE UNDERGROUND TOUR
25. MUSEUM OF GLASS
26. TACOMA ART MUSEUM
27. IMAGINE CHILDREN MUSEUM

28. MINDPORT
29. CHILDREN'S MUSEUM IN OLYMPIA

A Little of This and That

1. SCAVENGER HUNT
-make up your own or field one online.  So many different types to choose from: nature, photo, at the mall, at a park

2. BELLINGHAM FARMERS MARKET

3. GREAT WOLF LODGE TOUR:
-of waterpark and how it works, including water filtration

4. SAFECO FIELD TOUR
-check out their website for more information, tickets, and pricing
 http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/sea/ballpark/safeco_field_tours.jsp

5. MARINERS GAME
- http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com

6. BELLINGHAM BELLS GAME
-why not support a local baseball team
 http://www.bellinghambells.com/home/

7. UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON OR WESTERN WASHINGTON
-self-guided tours
For Western:  http://admissions.wwu.edu/visit/selfguided
For UW:  http://admit.washington.edu/files/PDFs/AdmissionsSelf_guidedTour2008.pdf

8. PIKE PLACE MARKET

9. SHUTTER TOURS
-Just learned about these tours. Basically it is a photography tour and it is available in Seattle.  http://www.shuttertours.com/

A few other ideas:
10. SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES
-held at Hovander Park in early June, Friday is free
11. CIVIL WAR RE-ENACTMENT
-also at Hovander Park, this year it is August 11-12, 2012