This summer we've sustained heat waves that seared record temperatures well into the triple digits. But how soon we forget how chilly it was back on, say, Jan. 15. Here are some places where it's cool, windy, or a constant stream of water, as reminders that if you wait a little while,or travel to the right place, the weather will change.
Spring Valley, Wis.
In this village about one hour from Eau Claire, Wis. and Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn., you'll find the Crystal Cave, where no matter the temperature outside, it is always a cool 48 degrees and dry. You'll need a jacket, long pants and perhaps a sweater if you plan to take the guided tour of the cavern that reaches 70 feet into the Earth. In the ramped passageways, you'll learn about cave science and formations, such as stalacitites and flowstone, and the biology of bats. Children and school groups are welcome on the tour, but no strollers are allowed in the cave. For more info, visit www.acoolcave.com.
Palm Springs, Calif.
There are more than 14,000 wind turbines in California creating electricity for about 5 percent of the state according to the California Energy Commission. Tourists can see this energy creation in action by visiting the one of the wind farms of whirling generators that reach more than 20 stories into the sky. For this kind of environmental adventure, check out CalAdventures.com which coordinates three groups daily to see these forests of windmills with educational information about the power of wind.
The website www.windworks.org highlights some self-guided tours like those in the Tehachapi Valley where there are about 1,000 turbines — about one hour drive from Bakersfield east on Highway 58.
Dawsonville
Situated between Ellijay and Dahlonega is the Amicalola State Park which is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest. There, you'll find the cool runnings and a breezy spray from the Amicalola Falls, the highest cascade in the Southeast at 729 feet. The falls can be reached by car, as there is an observation deck directly over the falls. Hikers can reach the falls through several series of trails, including a challenging trek through the park's natural staircases which leads to the beginning of the Appalachian Trail.
For more info, visit gastateparks.org/AmicololaFalls
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