San Ramon Teen Wins 2nd Place Travel Writing Scholarship Contest

Christine Anderson of San Ramon, California, was recently announced as the Second Place Winner in Family Travel Forum's 3rd Annual Teen Travel Writing Scholarship Contest. Hosted on FTF's website www.travelbigo.com, the competitive contest received a record number of applicants. With more than 8,500 submitted for review of a team of esteemed judges, this year’s scholarship was incredibly competitive and revealed the most outstanding work in teen travel writing.

Family Travel Forum (FTF), the award-winning family vacation publisher, announced the winners of its 3rd annual Teen Travel Writing Scholarship competition. More than 8,500 student travel blogs – a 30% increase over 2008 – were submitted by Americans ages 13 to 18 hoping to win a merit scholarship.

Students wrote on an extraordinary range of topics -- from family reunions with clueless relatives and making friends at the local bookstore to manning health clinics on tropical islands and searching for rare flowers in a rain forest. The 28 winners traveled near and far with their family, friends, or student travel groups, and shared stories about Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and the United States.

You can read about "Beautiful Nepal" by Christine Anderson of San Ramon, California. Christine brings much insight about the people and what life is like in Nepal.

Chistine says, "Nepal, you are a country of many contradictions, and the place that I owe my eternal gratitude."

Congratulations Christine!

Save Mount Diablo Hike

Save Mount Diablo Hike, Saturday November 7, 2009, 9:30 a.m.
Some of the Best Views You’ve Never Seen.
Brand New Hidden Valley Open Space & the Threatened Tassajara Valley.

Hidden Valley Open Space: Photographer, Scott Hein

Seth Adams, Director of Land Programs for Save Mount Diablo, is leading a hike in the new Hidden Valley Open Space in San Ramon, this Saturday November 7, 2009, 9:30 am.

All participants have the option of 1 mile (350’ gain/loss), 3.5 mile (650’ gain/loss), or 4.5 mile full loop (800’ gain/loss). Time: 1-3 hours depending on which option is chosen.

The hike is both about informing the public about this incredible new preserve, and also about threats to the Tassajara Valley, which are visible from the trail. The hike begins at a hiker gate across from 2187 Longleaf Circle in San Ramon. Bring water, layers and sunscreen.

For more info, call George Phillips at 925 947-3535 or e-mail: gphillips@savemountdiablo.org .

More info about the issue and hikes at: http://www.savemountdiablo.org/Tassajara/TVhome.htm .

SMD is leading six hikes in Hidden Valley Open Space:

• Saturday November 7, 2009, 9:30 am. Led by Seth Adams, SMD’s Director of Land Programs.
• Sunday December 6, 2009, 9:30 am. Led by Troy Bristol, SMD’s Land Conservation Associate.
• Saturday January 16, 2010, 9:30 am. Led by Troy Bristol, SMD’s Land Conservation Associate.
• Sunday February 21, 2010, 9:30 am. Led by Scott Hein, Chair of SMD’s Land Committee.
• Sunday March 21, 2010, 9:30 am. Led by Troy Bristol, SMD’s Land Conservation Associate.
• Sunday April 11, 2010, 9:30 am. Led by Seth Adams, SMD’s Director of Land Programs.

All hikes begin at hiker gate across from 2187 Longleaf Circle in San Ramon. Bring water, layers and sunscreen.

Or you can take a hike by yourself, using this self-guiding map and description. Hidden Valley Self Guide Hike .