If you see it, you'll also want to taste it

If you see it, you'llalso want to taste it
COLUMBUS -- It's a must-see for chocolate-lovers, as well as a must-taste.
The Amazing Chocolate Tree Exhibition at the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus runs Nov. 12 to Feb. 20, with chocolate tastings, cooking classes and displays about the history of chocolate.
A chocolate-dipped turkey will be created for Thanksgiving.
The conservatory is at 1777 E. Broad St.; details at www.fpconservatory.org or (800) 214-7275.
While you're in town, stop by the Pure Imagination Chocolatier in North Market -- 59 Spruce St., or call (614) 221-5433 -- which offers tours and tastings and 50 varieties of hand-dipped chocolate truffles and squares, some handpainted or dusted with gold.
At the Schakolad Chocolate Factory -- north of the Convention Center on High Street, (614) 221-4834 -- you'll find a chocolate fountain and hand-dipped strawberries.
The Anthony-Thomas Candy Co. -- 1777 Arlingate Lane, (614) 274-8405 -- has free factory tours, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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Getting close to wildlife
Guests at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita in Mexico can get close to wildlife through the resort's new Sea Lion Snorkel Encounter.
The experience begins with a lesson in sea lion physiology and behavior. Afterward, trainers lead guests on a short snorkel to play with or pet sea lions.
The 30-minute, $130 programs are offered at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Saturdays. Minimum age is 5.
For more information, visit www.fourseasons.comuntamita or call (800) 332-3442.
Yosemite is damagedby the furry marmot
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. -- Yellow-bellied marmots are large, furry rodents -- about the size of cats, related to groundhogs.
But considering their relatively small size, they've done some major damage at Yosemite National Park.
The critters have undermined granite boulders that hold up a retaining wall built almost 50 years ago at Olmsted Point, which offers a sweeping view of a glacially carved canyon, peaks and domes in Yosemite.
"Apparently, they love to burrow into the soil around the rocks. The wall had been compromised," said Yosemite Association President Bob Hansen.
Construction of a cement wall is under way. The work will be paid for by the Yosemite Fund, a nonprofit fund-raising group, which hopes to complete the work this year, if the weather cooperates.
Thousands of people stop at Olmsted each summer for a rare view of magnificent backcountry landscape without the grueling hike.
"Along with Glacier Point and Yosemite Falls, it is one of the most popular places for visitors," park spokesman Scott Gediman said.
Combined dispatches