Spend mom's special day outdoors
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

On Mother's Day what better way to celebrate than by enjoying the ultimate mother figure, Mother Nature? Go beyond the traditional brunch and first enjoy family time in the scenic outdoors, honoring mom at the same time.

"I would prefer to go to the beach and enjoy the sun and waves and the surroundings we are blessed with," said Michaela Rotenstein, an Oak Park mother of two and an avid hiker and runner.

Lara Barrett would love to spend the day with her family at Leo Carillo State Park going on a hike and then relaxing on the beach, exploring the tide pools and caves.

"It's great uninterrupted great family time with no cell phones, no iPods, no computers, no video games and that makes for good conversation which is important for families," Barrett said.

There are many ways to take in the surrounding natural beauty.

Take a hike

Choose from a wide variety of trails that are easy walks for the entire family and offer gorgeous views of the local landscape. Don't forget the water, sunscreen and head protection.

Oak Canyon Park off Hollytree Road in Oak Park has a wide trail that begins at a duck pond and meanders along a shady stream. After the hike enjoy a picnic on the rolling hills or at a picnic table under the pavilion while the kids discover the playground.

Wildwood Park at the west end of Avenida de los Arboles in Thousand Oaks offers 14 trails on 17 acres that pass by cool waterfalls and historic Indian caves.

Charmlee Park, off Encinal Canyon Road and Point Dume Preserve on Cliffside Drive in Malibu both offer spectacular views of the ocean and vivid wildflowers. Cheseboro Park, off Cheseboro Road in Old Agoura, and Malibu Creek State Park on Las Virgenes Road on the Calabasas/Malibu border showcase the chapparal, mature oak trees and vistas that characterize the area. Both parks also allow for bicycling.

Go for a bike ride

There are many wonderful bike trails for those who prefer going by wheel than by foot.

Ride nine miles to the ocean starting at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa off Potrero Road in Newbury Park, through the picturesque meadows and chaparral of Sycamore Canyon, ending at Point Mugu State Park on Pacific Coast Highway. Park a car at Point Mugu for the ride back unless a good workout is the goal.

Take to the fairly flat 25-mile bike path that skirts the Ventura shoreline starting at San Buenaventura Beach and ending at Hobson RV Park. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the beach. Bike rentals are available next to the Ventura pier.

Or, rent a surrey in Santa Barbara and ride along the promenade, a great place to people watch and enjoy the fresh ocean air. After all that pedaling, a good meal to reenergize the body can be found on the pier or on bustling State Street.

Ride the waves

For something more exotic, take a boat ride to Anacapa or Santa Cruz islands, the two closest Channel Islands. Each island has quite different terrain and on the way there are often dolphins, sea lions, seals and a variety of birds to spot.

Anacapa is the closest of the two at only 12 miles off the coast, accessible by a one-hour boat ride.

Visitors will see newly hatched birds and breathtaking views from every angle. The most spectacular is found at the far north end of the island known as Inspiration Point. For moms who are bold, try a snorkel and some fins and enjoy the colorful undersea world.

Santa Cruz, the largest of the Channel Islands, is a 20-mile boat ride away.

Santa Cruz is considered the most diverse of the five Channel Islands, offering a variety of hiking trails and unique plant species. It is home to more than 120 species of land birds and at least 600 plant species.

Whatever you have planned for mom's special day, make it a safe and happy one. And remember the date: May 11.