BIG VIEW The Great Outdoors

By Chris Murphy

There is no shortage of summer fun around here. Sure it’s been hot; but that’s how we roll. We have low humidity, there are local splash zones, we have parks with trees, creeks to stroll and ride along and there are a variety of indoor and outdoor options. The key is to just get going. Get going early. Many of our local schools start on August 7 and others a bit later, so there is still time to get the most out of your summer.

Summer Water Fun

This is an amazing year for river rafting. Needless to say we had a wet winter and the water flows on the Stanislaus are 750CFS – 1500CFS. These will be pretty exciting rafting trips. Weekends will be smaller for mellower trips. Weekdays will be challenging, no alcohol but it will be a blast. This is the year to check it out. www. raftadventure.com 800-829-7238

Disc Golf for Everyone!

By Ian Riley

There’s a sport that’s exploded in popularity over the last 5 years, is free to play at most parks, anybody can do it, and it’s not called pickle ball. I’m talking about disc golf; and Modesto has a thriving disc golf community!

If you’re interested in getting started, East La Loma Park is the most active disc golf park in Modesto, where it’s totally free to play. No reservations or official tee times are required. Just bring your discs and your friends or family, and if you don’t have anybody to play with, show up anyway. There’s almost always a member of MADG (Modesto Area Disc Golfers) by the first tee pad. And my favorite part about this sport, they’re always willing to show a newcomer how to play the game, just like they did for me 3 years ago. Getting started is as easy as getting your first set of discs. And locally, the best place for that is Play It Again Sports on McHenry Avenue. After that, come on down to the park where you’ll find me and the rest of the disc golfers, eager to show you how to play the game and grow the sport. Search Modesto Area Disc Golfers on Facebook or scan the QR Code here to learn more.

Pickleball is here!

Maybe you’ve heard about it? Just kidding. EVERYONE knows about Pickleball and they all have opinions about it. But one thing’s for sure, there a lot of people out there being super active, having a blast, meeting up with friends and getting some killer cardio time. Heck, you have to know algebra to keep score, so it keeps your head in the game.

This is good for our community and there are active leagues in Modesto, the most active being the Central Valley Pickleball Club. You can get three pickle ball courts in a conventional tennis court and there are courts around Modesto in Graceada and Beyer parks and more coming.

It is very easy to get going, find a place to play and if you post on their Facebook page, you can even find playing partners. There is also a national page, www.pickleheads.com that can direct you nationally. You need good stable court shoes, a racquet/paddle, stretchy shorts and a good attitude. I played for my first time at the Make Dreams Real Fundraiser at Del Rio and I had a blast. It was easy to get started, and fun to play and when you are done, you know you have been working out and are ready for hydration.

Give it a try https://www.facebook.com/groups/349042712134957 Check out this great guide to the parks and trails available here in Modesto. www.modestogov.com/535/City-Parks-Trails

Chris Murphy and Steve Perry on the Del Rio Pickleball Courts

Bring the Outdoors Inside!

We all know that the Modesto heat was hot in July and can be sweltering in August, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying the great outdoors indoors! Check out the Great Valley Museum of Natural History at 2201 Blue Gum Ave on MJC’s West Campus. It’s a great place to bring kids on a preschool field trip and make learning about nature fun (and stay cool!). In the Discovery Room, you can find snakes, turtles, toads, tarantulas, and so many other animals right in Downtown Modesto! Next door, there is even a planetarium to explore space with a variety of shows like Phantom of the Universe, Rising star, Perfect Little Planet for the kids and more! Check the website for the show details, schedule and tix. Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm.