Looking for vacation 2008 ideas from fellow Kansans

We would like to go on vacation during spring break this year and at a loss for what to do. (Actually the two ideas I had are just out of our price range - California or Cruise) Our oldest will be graduating so it may be the last time we all take a big trip together! Flying is really not an option with the size of our family (and budget). We are about equally split between liking outdoor activities and just lounging. Trips over the years (to help with our interests) have included camping in the Black Hills of South Dakota, all things tourist in San Antonio, white water rafting in Colorado, all things tourist on the East coast from North Carolina to Massachusets, visiting family/tourist type things in Alabama and Minnesota. We try and do different things/places to reach all areas of the country. It has been a few years since we have been on a big trip together (too many teenagers with too many activites).

What are some things you have done within driving distance? Any ideas? Our kids are 12-18.

Looking for vacation 2008 ideas from fellow Kansans

The Schlitterbahn waterparks are great for kids through teenage, but might be tricky at Spring Break time at South Padre or Galveston ... assume you might have done the one at New Braunfels, N.E. of San Antonio.

The Alabama Gulf Coast ... Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, is a beautiful place with a growing variety of activities and ';inactivities';, and is drivable if you%26#39;re a little bit sporting. We think the beaches there are one of those %26#39;Best Kept Secret%26#39; kind of places ... stunning white sugar sand, clear emerald water, great fishing, golf, water sports of all types, and beaches with just enough of a crowd but not too much.

Any snow skiers in the bunch? There is still good skiing in Colo and New Mexico that time of year, and either are very drivable.

Just a few middle of the night thoughts .... Good luck getting something picked out ... Sent our first one off to college this year, and are very glad we took the whole gang to Table Rock Lake last summer and got a condo on the Lake ... lots of action time and also lots of down time. Very good trip with the kids.

Looking for vacation 2008 ideas from fellow Kansans

Go to central Nebraska to view the sandhill cranes at Rowne Sanctuary and Crane Meadows.

Over 500,000 cranes stop along a 60 mile stretch of the Platte River each spring and spend 2-4 weeks flattening up before their final 7,000 mile flight to the arctic and sub-arctic. These are big birds: 3-4 feet tall with a 6 foot wingspan.

You can books spots in the blinds at both reserves. I recommend booking at Rowe. When I did it, we also saw lots of other waterfowl, eagles and deer.

The sound of the cranes is particularly impressive.