Travel |
Below
are travel articles that range from "Best of..." columns
to Tour Diaries to specific articles. Since some are specifically
about regions and locations... forgive me... but the alphabetical
order used at times means that I've separated sections by both
states and cities. (You're smart... you'll figure that out.)
(Looking
for Bob
and Dad on the Ballpark Tour? Use the link...)
|
April
22, 2015 |
|
On
Friday we drove along route 29 into Napa Valley. Along
the way, we passed a Marie Callender’s restaurant with
a huge sign out in front. Not only are these famous
pies… and hey, this isn’t the frozen grocery store version,
it’s direct from the source… but they have a sign saying
“apple pies” are there for us to buy.
Richard
loves apple pies. I mean it… no joke… he would
marry one. Want to “April fool” Richard? Call him and
say you wish he was there, because you have an apple
pie that no one will eat and it looks like you’re going
to throw it away. He will cry.
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted April 8, 2008 |
|
April
22, 2015 |
|
As
we go around the table ordering, Richard asks what the
difference is between the senior pancakes and the regular
pancakes. He’s told two dollars.
Just
like that… straight and simple… in fact, she didn’t
just not miss a beat, she kind of cut Richard off…
Richard:
“Can you tell me the difference between the senior
pancakes and the regular pan”
Waitress:
“Two dollars”
Richard:
“cakes?”
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted April 8, 2008 |
|
April
20, 2015 |
|
I’m
the youngster of this group. But we’re on vacation…
and while I’m not advocating a daily nap or late morning
starts, let’s at least understand that the vineyards
of California and the Pacific Coast Highway aren’t exactly
screaming for people to wake up before the sun. At least
not the way an amusement park might. They suggest peace…
serenity… a carefree, easygoing, nothing to rush for
day.
Right?
Heck… even the van on day three arrived after 9am. Right?
And didn’t we drive some 200 miles back home last night?
Sure we did. So
what the hell am I doing answering a 6am wake-up
call!
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted April 2, 2008 |
|
April
17, 2015 |
|
Most
of us picked pancakes. I know I did. Blueberry. I get
up to the grill to place my order and fall in line behind
Richard and Terry. It’s obvious to me they’re both agitated
for some reason, but Terry won’t say exactly why. “Just
watch… just watch…” is her whispered comment for the
moment.
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted April 2, 2008 |
|
April
15, 2015 |
|
We
wander along from vendor to vendor, and then Mike spots
something. Near the corner a man sits with… a typewriter.
The man is offering “poems about anything” and Mike
can’t resist. From this day forward, and we have evidence,
let it be known that Mike is a patron of the arts. He
commissioned a poem…
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted March 5, 2008 |
|
April
15, 2015 |
|
We
were offered some wine-soaked oak chips. (Which we were
told are great for barbecues, and if there had been
any way to get them home we would have grabbed as many
as they would have given us.) Outside to where they
were filling up some barrels, with Mike and Terry getting
their glasses filled straight from the hose… and Richard
chiming in that what was going in to the barrel was
better than most of what we buy at home in the stores.
(He was absolutely correct about that.)
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted January 5, 2008 |
|
April
14, 2015 |
|
We
head inside and start along the walking trail. And…
oh… my… god… it is gorgeous. Very hard to describe.
We are about a third of the way along the trail that
heads out, at a place with the Pinchot Tree, when I
try to set up a group picture. I turn around to look
for Mike and Terry, only to find them trying to get
some pictures of black tail deer nearby.
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted January 5, 2008 |
|
April
14, 2015 |
|
When
you travel out to the northern California region, you
are visiting some of the most diverse land you could
ever experience. It’s a grape-growing area that can
compete with the finest vineyards and wine producers
in the world. It’s a farming area that includes crops
and festivals of world-wide-fame for garlic… strawberries…
artichokes… and we could go on forever listing the fruits
and vegetables that are grown. It’s a coastal community…
it’s a collection of rivers… and forests… and deserts…
and mountains…
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted November 8, 2007 |
|
April
11, 2015 |
|
The
area near our gate began to fill up… we had been the
first to arrive. A couple sat down about three rows
and several seats away from us. A man showed up that
at first appeared to be talking to the couple. He pointed
at the empty seat next to them, sat down, and continued
talking. Soon it became evident that he was talking
to himself. Judging by the looks on everyone’s face,
that same idea apparently occurred to all of us at the
same time, which was roughly three seconds before he
began yelling at himself.
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted April 25, 2006 |
|
April
11, 2015 |
|
And
that is exactly how I felt about Disneyland…
…only
in reverse.
I
always knew it was small. But I didn’t expect it to
be… small! Snow White’s castle… the walk from
one area of a park to another… small. Much smaller than
you would ever think.
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted April 3, 2006 |
|
April
11, 2015 |
|
I
still have no real clue how I did it… this could be
read as yet another amazing accomplishment for Tour
Guide Bob, or yet another stroke of uncanny luck working
out for the best… but we arrived at the Cabrillo National
Monument and Point Loma Lighthouse. The bad part was
the timing, since we arrived just as the area was shutting
down for the day. Still more breathtaking views… San
Diego is one of the most beautiful and friendly cities
I have ever been to, and I will get back there to see
more of it someday… and a nice ending to our day of
sightseeing.
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted February 12, 2006 |
|
April
5, 2015 |
|
Things
had just opened for the day here, so I’ll forgive them
the fact that the line direction was confusing, with
about fifteen of us walking right past the door to enter
the building (the door was barely open and the ropes
set up outside the building kept going, so we did too).
The walls and design inside were quite well done. Disney
and Universal almost always do an outstanding job at
creating the full atmosphere for every ride. But the
ride itself wasn’t much of a ride. Not much thrill.
Around a bend, scary face, fog all over, back to the
start. Done. “What a piece of garbage.” Yes indeed.
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted January 3, 2006 |
|
April
5, 2015 |
|
Very
interesting surprise here. The rock formations had become
incredible by this point in the park, with one after
another topping all previous offerings. We drove in
to the parking area and got out of our car. After taking
a few steps, an absolutely jaw-droppingly stunning view
opened up between this spot and Ryan Mountain. Breathtaking.
Amazing. Brilliant. Smashing. I have no words that fully
capture it.
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted January 2, 2006 |
|
April
5, 2015 |
|
I may have been unimpressed by the sky ride… I was very
impressed with the bus tour. The property has lots of
climbs… stairs and hills. It just so happens that as
a fluke, by heading to the west section on the Skyfari
and turning the way we did, it felt like we were heading
downhill while moving to the eastern sections. We didn’t
plan it that way. Riding on the bus we learn exactly
how steep some locations are. The bus tour takes about
a half-hour, and they say it covers about 75% of the
grounds... which it definitely does. The drivers know
passengers are looking for information about some of
the animals, good views, and a few pictures… and our
driver didn’t disappoint us. We had some wonderful views
of the elephants and a rhinoceros, and get a guided,
chauffeured, great trip around the zoo.
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted September 5, 2005 |
|
April
4, 2015 |
|
In
addition to some very interesting architecture, The
Getty Center also features some amazing and beautiful
landscaping. It is set on a hill that has some incredible
views of the surrounding areas, has fountains and streams
and other elements incorporated all around the property…
and has an absolutely stunning collection of gardens.
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted July 25, 2005 |
|
April
4, 2015 |
|
Los
Angeles doesn’t want you to visit. They don’t. They
want you and me and our families and our friends to
stay away. And I can prove it.
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted July 23, 2005 |
|
May
22, 2011 |
|
We
got a bit cute on this one and cheated a bit… we visited
the place on a day off for the Cubs to try and stay away
from the potential nightmare crowds caused by Red Sox
fans taking in the sights. It worked like a charm for
us… because we had a great meal, a great time, and not
one problem with a crowd.
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted June 29, 2005 |
|
May
22, 2011 |
|
A
woman sits down in the row in front of us. She’s wearing
a fantastic shirt that says “real women don’t date Yankees
fans.” Here’s her story… In the bottom of the second
inning, she starts laughing as a “Yankees suck” chant
breaks out two aisles away from us. In the bottom of the
third, she takes out her cell phone and calls someone
that apparently is sitting some place in aisle 211 to
tell her that she heard a “Yankees suck” chant and was
surprised it didn’t happen before the second inning. Her
friend hadn’t heard a “Yankees suck” chant yet. Oh, and
by the way, Cubs fans agree that the “Yankees suck.” Hey…
I don’t make up the news… I just bring it to you with
as much accuracy and unbiased talent as I have.
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted September 7, 2005 |
|
January
15, 2018 |
|
Over
the years, through change after change, that Lake Buena
Vista section of Downtown Disney remained a bit of a
landmark for me. A few of the stores have changed their
theme. Some have been redesigned. (Who remembers the
Empress Lilly?) But the general layout always feels
familiar to me. It feels welcoming. One of my most treasured
memories involves a special artist’s exhibit being held
in the center of Lake Buena Vista during our 1979 trip,
and my mother being overjoyed at purchasing a small
figure that she had signed in front of her. A first
glance at stores bearing the names Columbia Sportswear,
Lacoste, and Tommy Bahama… sure, I suppose nice enough…
not quite as magical.
|
|
January
8, 2018 |
|
Have
you ever seen those movies where people, for reasons
supernatural and eerie or humorous and silly, begin
moving in circles? Magical time travel loop circles
or directionally impaired circles. Whatever. Suddenly
arrives wisps of realization, where those involved begin
noticing landmarks are repeating, everything looks way
too familiar, and according to need the story hopefully
becomes quite scary or really funny for the audience.
|
|
April
3, 2015 |
|
Ok…
it technically isn’t new, but it is the most recently
opened of the four Disney theme parks in Orlando. It’s
also the biggest… and the smallest. By that I mean as
far as sheer territory, I believe the Animal Kingdom is
the biggest of all the Disney theme parks. (I’m not going
to look that up… but the safari area for the animals is
the primary reason. Not only am I sure I’ve read that
in several places over the years, I’m also sure without
looking for confirmation that it’s true.) And yet, in
several visits I have found myself able to see everything
I wanted to see in just a few hours.
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted April 2, 2007 |
|
April
2, 2015 |
|
The
third park built at Disney World… and yet it has to be
approaching its twentieth birthday. (I looked it up… all
information points to a 1989 opening. So 16-plus at this
point.) This place is home to some of the most diverse
attractions you will find at Disney. Thrill rides (Tower
of Terror, Rock N Roller Coaster)… innovative shows (MuppetVision
3-D)… stuff for kids (Little Mermaid)… stuff for adults…
and one of the best shows any theme park in the world
puts on (Fantasmic). Now, to a degree, in some
fashion all of the parks here have that diversity.
Heck… it’s Disney! But Disney-MGM is something unique.
Something that is hard to put into words, but easy to
see in person…
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted April 2, 2007 |
|
April
1, 2015 |
|
An
absolute stunner of a park. And yes, that matters. Because
if you ask anyone to list their favorite Disney World
parks and give points for ranking them first to fourth…
I guarantee you that Epcot will finish fourth.
It may not be unanimous if you do it as a group vote,
but it will be close to unanimous.
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted April 2, 2007 |
|
April
1, 2015 |
|
The
original is still the best. This park remains the top
park in Disney World… and… it’s not even close really.
Over the years it has been developed so much that some
of what I consider to be the original charm is now a
memory. In 1979, when I first visited, my parents did
half of the park with us on day one… Tomorrowland and
Fantasyland. Then, our second day in the park included
Frontierland and Adventureland. I
simply can’t do justice to that experience. Seeing all
of Tomorrowland and Fantasyland and then being told
that we had only seen half of it! Plus, in 1979, the
Magic Kingdom was the only theme park in Disney World.
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted April 2, 2007 |
|
March
14, 2014 |
|
The
interesting part was watching the prices drop. I think
we went through three people, five pricing changes,
and offers in three different states for four different
resorts. I don’t know, I didn’t keep the notes Bob does.
Still… it was like that joke you see played out on TV:
“See what I’m doing? Watch this. Are you ready? See
that price there? Well forget it. You don’t want that.
You’re intelligent consumers, and I can see that. So
what if I add points and an extra bonus week and we
do this? Will two weeks at this price get you interested
right now? What do I have to do to get you into a vacation
paradise today?”
|
|
March
12, 2014 |
|
Animal
Kingdom is today… as it has been pretty much since the
gates opened… the largest and the smallest Disney World
theme park. That is going to change… in an incredibly
significant way. The announced plans for an Avatar-themed
section is causing the big news right now for the Animal
Kingdom, and Disney World. The additions from this project
appear headed in a direction that will transform this
park… in perception and reality. And that’s good… because
honestly, even at a slow pace you can hit all of the
major attractions very quickly in this park. They can
tell you it’s the biggest park at Disney all they want…
it’s a false claim based on sheer size and not content.
This park is great and fun… and it also needs more.
|
|
March
12, 2014 |
|
Run…
Do not walk… Do not hesitate… Do not pause to get situated
and check the map. Run to get your FASTPASS
for Toy Story Midway Mania! This attraction not only
routinely has a wait of at least 45-60 minutes, it also
features a FASTPASS that quickly after the main gates
open has the return visit time reaching late into the
afternoon and up against park closing.
|
|
March
10, 2014 |
|
At
times, you will see this park the most in need of an
overhaul. Not changes… just some newer things for changing
times. It has celebrated 30 years now, and a few corners
show that age… since the technology that was amazing
in 1982 has now effectively been placed in the history
books of 2013. Still, it is an impressive place. When
opened, it was intended to be a unique theme park experience…
and unique even by comparison to the “Disney theme park”
that are Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom. I’ve heard
it described by so many as a Disney World Fair, which
to an extent works, and works quite nicely. But even
that doesn’t convey what is available from Test Track,
Soarin’, or Figment.
|
|
March
9, 2014 |
|
FASTPASS
tickets for Under the Sea were printed at a station
next to Mickey’s PhilharMagic. And when I say “next
to” I do not mean in the general vicinity of…
I mean the line to get into PhilharMagic is a step or
two away from the machines. It’s not simply near the
attraction… it shares the same façade, and pretty
much literally the same ropes and stanchions. Sweet
and easy -- to get to one… either one… you have to step
around the other.
|
|
March
8, 2014 |
|
I’m
just going to say it… order the Holiday Sandwich. For
one thing, it’s brilliantly tasty… a great combination
of turkey, stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce. The
bigger thing though is that they’ve perfected it. Per-fect-ed
it. Using a creative stacking ordering of the items,
and just the right amount of each item, this hot sandwich
that includes mayo, cranberry and gravy does not get
soggy. It’s fantastic and delicious and wonderful from
the first bite to the last.
|
|
October
11, 2013 |
|
Under
the Sea is a ride where guests board a clam shell vehicle,
and then are taken through the story of Ariel and Prince
Eric. The bonus here is the amazing soundtrack of the
film along with the incredible colors available from
the movie and its characters. It feels fresh and instantly
familiar… a treat enjoyed by Disney in many designs
for attractions… but gets to incorporate so much beyond
what you’ve seen before. This isn’t a high-tech, jaw-dropping,
cutting-edge thrill ride. It is brilliant.
|
|
September
3, 2013 |
|
Here’s
a good example… Mr. Ray. For the stage show, the actor
is riding a bicycle. Well… actually… it’s a huge super-tricycle
with a giant ray on top of it. So it’s a giant ray.
That’s awesome. That’s awesome! But wait, wait… that’s
a guy under the ray, peddling along on a really tricked
out ride. With a giant ray on top. Look at that giant
ray! Oh hey, the guy is turning that thing around. It’s
a ray… no it’s a guy… no it’s… and the eyes keep going
back and forth.
|
|
June
19, 2013 |
|
When
we reach the entrance again, I still don’t see the kids,
and I continue driving into another loop. Terry and
Ellen decide they’ve wrapped up the first act and move
on to warning me about traffic, pedestrians, and other
assorted potential obstacles as they play off they idea
that I am unaware of my surroundings. They warn me about
palm trees. They warn me about the car constantly turning
to the left. Heck, during this show Terry notices what
sunglasses I’m wearing, and she warns me not to leave
the ones she likes at home on the next trip. The doors
we have asked Justin to look for are once again coming
into view and the comedic geniuses are now cracking
jokes about my slowing down since it will cost me on
my lap time when I take off again.
|
|
April
17, 2013 |
|
Orange
Lake is awesome. We’ve been very fortunate Ellen and
Richard are great about sharing that with us. I will
stay there anytime (and I can already tell you I will
be thrilled with everything during that next visit).
Still… it is nice to experience a bit of the Disney
magic around the clock. There is nothing at any other
resort that can perfectly match what a Disney property
offers -- the movie nights… the themes at a pool or
for a building or even inside the rooms… and so on.
Heck, even the shuttle bus service to the airport was
great.
|
|
April
17, 2013 |
|
The
Haunted Mansion was awesome… and we stopped by on two
occasions. The first was before the Halloween events
had begun. The second trip though… the makeup had been
amped up… cobwebs seemed to be significantly increased
and utilized… and quite often, while not jump-out-at-you
scary, it seemed like cast members would just-so-happen
to be around corners, off to the side in doorways, and
more or less suddenly appearing in places where you
didn’t expect them. In short… oh yeah… the group working
in the Haunted Mansion see the Not-So-Scary events as
their party. (And embrace it they do.)
|
|
April
16, 2013 |
|
I
said it before, during the Christmas event… and I find
tonight that the thought is still true… if you are just
looking to get on rides, these special events are awesome
opportunities. We came for a special event, got in early,
and the hit on the wallet was less than a full-day pass
costs. After 7pm, it will be exclusively party guests
inside… but we’ve already been on eight attractions
in three hours. If we really wanted to push it and see
the entire park, there is a very good chance that as
the lines thinned out during the special event, we could
have covered just about all of it.
|
|
April
7, 2013 |
|
Still…
folks… this is Disney. And Disney takes a back
seat to no one when it comes to giving 100% to anything
they do. This might very well be set up and designed
as a “value” resort. That doesn’t stop it from having
incredible character statues and displays throughout
the property. (The section for Cars was unreal and stunning…
and this was after seeing the dazzling courtyard for
The Little Mermaid (that also included a pool), amazing
courtyard for The Lion King, and unreal design of the
Finding Nemo section. I also found myself saying “mine…
mine… mine…” during our walk from our room to the main
building, and you would have too.)
|
|
February
13, 2013 |
|
“There’s
Ellen
and Rich
and Sammy Sticks.
It’s the Ellen and Richard Show!”
|
|
January
23, 2012 |
|
On
the Wednesday of our trip… December 7, 2011… Terry,
Ellen and I went to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. That
night, we wandered over to the awesome holiday display,
the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. And,
right in the middle of the chaos was a retail outlet,
Youse Guys Moychundice... Enter Jamie.
|
|
January
23, 2012 |
|
In
one way, we were very lucky. People normally can be
seen staking out parade-route viewing spots well in
advance of a start time. (And I mean at least an hour
ahead of the parade, and often more.) We got off of
Peter Pan and decided our timing and place in the park
warranted going to Mickey’s PhilharMagic instead of
rushing to the parade route. As we came around the castle,
we ended up near the bridge that leads out of the center
hub and into Liberty Square… and basically had a front
row seat. That was nice.
|
|
January
23, 2012 |
|
We
only ate one meal inside the park, and that was at the
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater. Loved it. Just over 12 years
ago, Terry, Ellen, Richard and I went to the 50’s Prime
Time Cafe and had a great time. So, Terry and I have
been kicking around trying the Sci-Fi ever since. It
didn’t work out in 2005… long story… but this time we
got there as it opened and were able to get a table
pretty much right away despite a full log of reservations.
|
|
April
25, 2011 |
|
As
much as we enjoyed everything about the Magic Kingdom
and the rides, two things should be mentioned: (1) Recapturing
another time… a past visit… connections with family
and friends over stories and movies and any number of
emotional triggers… is an amazingly powerful element
of the Disney experience. Call it memories… call it
nostalgia… call it whatever you want… I think of my
mother and 1979 each and every time I visit “it’s a
small world” and I smile when the Jungle Cruise passes
the elephants. I’m not alone. Time can be marked by
so very many people in ways such as whether or not the
kids were kept by your side or old enough to wander
off for a time on their own.
|
|
April
25, 2011 |
|
One
of the unusual aspects of this trip involved the entire
reason for it… moving Ellen and Richard to a new home.
That meant two funny things: (1) Almost every day had
a set of unplanned plans. In other words, we had nothing
set up to actually do on most days… and yet deliveries,
cable/internet, shopping for items and other assorted
tidbits were taking place, and some on a schedule. (2)
A learning curve based off of necessity and general
conversation was taking place… maybe this store had
a chair for that desk… that looks like a department
store, but the name is one none of us are familiar with,
let’s stop and see what they sell… there’s a book I
wanted to pick up… we could use a bottle of wine for
dinner tonight… and any of a number of other boring
and everyday passing thoughts and ideas and stops. Essentially,
we were looking in plazas and at billboards and along
the side of the road. We were spotting small local sandwich
shops, national chain restaurants, and fresh fruit for
sale.
|
|
March
4, 2011 |
|
Epcot
is not a destination to toss to the side. Soarin’ may
simply be one of the best attractions in any Florida
theme park. I’m not saying it’s the most exciting… most
innovative… most creative… or even the most entertaining.
But when you combine the show content of the ride with
its overall design, toss in the ability for pretty much
the entire family to take part, and then add in the
way you feel after the experience… yeah… amazing stuff.
Plus, I guarantee you that when you unite Soarin’ with
a visit to Journey into Imagination and its play area,
you will be stunned to see the reaction you get from
children.
|
|
March
4, 2011 |
|
The
Wizarding World of Harry Potter is small, but it just
may be, by design and visual appearance, the most impressive
area of a theme park I’ve ever set foot in. The buildings
are wonderful, and do a simply brilliant job of bringing
a fantasy world most of us know from books and movies
to reality. The Butter Beer is amazing. You honestly
wish the section was larger… and undoubtedly, there
will be more of it as the years pass and additions are
made. In a word… phenomenal… breathtaking… outstanding…
pick the word, and it’s likely not good enough in describing
how impressive this area is.
|
|
March
4, 2011 |
|
This
trip to Orlando wasn’t like any other I have ever planned
or experienced. It wasn’t based around Disney World…
though we made it one of the Disney Parks, and over
to one at Universal Studios. It wasn’t based upon eating
out… though we shared some great meals at amazing restaurants.
And… As I look at my notes… recall the events… create
articles… and decide what stories to share… I keep remembering
the peanut butter dilemma.
|
|
October
26, 2010 |
|
The
problems were discovered over time. If we had walked
in and immediately seen the showerhead, and the extension
cord, and knew about the air conditioning, then sure…
maybe we would have argued more at the front desk or
tried to get our money back while changing hotels. But
instead we hadn’t jumped in the shower yet or experienced
the air conditioning… and we had returned the rental
car by the time several things became evident.
|
|
October
25, 2010 |
|
Simply
put, your day with the dolphin… whether meeting one
up close for a few minutes, playing with one in a group
swim, or experiencing any of the other exciting and
fun options… is a great day with a real dolphin. As
in… an amazing experience that doesn’t happen for most
of us every day with a real dolphin. That means other
people will be calling or will be there, and they will
be looking to set up their plans. So don’t hesitate.
|
|
October
25, 2010 |
|
Out
over the ocean side of the highway is a cloud. I point
it out to Ellen and Richard and mention it looks like
a funnel cloud. I tell them I think we’re looking at
a waterspout, while thoughts of actually seeing a tornado
race around my mind. The trouble was that the cloud
was several miles offshore. And while it looked pretty
well formed at the top, it was almost see-thru in quality
near the water. It would get a bit more defined, look
even bigger and stronger, and then kind of fade a bit.
And in questioning ourselves about it, it never really
occurred to us to pull over, wake Terry, and grab cameras.
(I have zero clue why such a sensible idea never occurred
to us.)
|
|
October
25, 2010 |
|
The
Party of 5 is… go figure… the last to board the plane.
The very last. A quick look around confirms (and both
my memory and the margins of my notes agree) these five
are the only ones standing as this event unfolds before
us. She begins this morning’s show with Act One, Scene
One ~ “There’s no place for us to sit”… always a strong
opening number and destined to be a crowd favorite from
this performance. Oh heck… here’s the Playbill
for you…
|
|
September
1, 2009 |
|
Key
West is one of those places where a sunset isn’t simply
a part of every day. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn
that “Key West Sunset” is actually a religion. And quite
worthy of such a possibility, the sunset we viewed on
the boat certainly could be credited as evidence of
a higher power.
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|
September
1, 2009 |
|
Coopertown
itself was pretty much an accidental find for us. We
had been searching for options, wanting to combine an
airboat ride with a visit to the Everglades. Established
roughly 60 years ago, the property has an alligator
exhibit out back and a restaurant up front. It has been
used for several movies and television shoots, and…
funny enough… if I asked you to draw a picture of what
a low-key, small operation, Everglades airboat company
looked like, Coopertown is exactly the kind of small,
weathered, shack on the side of the road building you’d
place in the scene.
|
|
August
2, 2009 |
|
Richard
is talking about a pie we got from the Blonde Giraffe.
We went down to Key West and I had some notes on a few
places that all of us were interested by, which included
a few that none of us thought we had tried before in
any of our previous travels. The Blonde Giraffe was
one of these places. Key lime pie dipped in chocolate
and frozen… on a stick… oh yeah. And on our first trip
to a store, I bought a slice of the meringue pie for
later on. Once I tried it… dear lord… I had to have
more. Well, Richard happens to be a pie fan… and he
really enjoyed his slice of regular key lime pie from
our visit… so I figured I’d be safe heading back and
buying a full meringue pie. I was… we demolished that
thing. Incredible. The regular pie is good… the meringue
is a godsend.
|
|
April
30, 2015 |
|
So,
what happens on this guy’s second hand? Another 16 for
him with the dealer showing another face card. I stand
on a 19. Did he learn his lesson? Nope. Instead, when
he saw my nine come out first he muttered to his date
that he would have broken -- always nice to justify
stupidity. Once again, he doesn’t hit. The dealer flips
a five over, takes a five from the shoe to reach 20,
and then takes both of our bets off the table.
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted January 2, 2005 |
|
April
28, 2015 |
|
He
looks at the boxes, steps toward them, bends over so
his eyes are perhaps a foot to a foot and a half away…
and he squints at the pictures! I swear you
would have thought he was looking at a picture of a
couple of golden retrievers frolicking in a field of
daisies instead of one blonde girl staring right at
another blonde girl’s naked bum.
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted December 31, 2004 |
|
April
26, 2015 |
|
Tigg
put an English muffin in the toaster and then went off
to dry her hair (or something… I rarely pay attention
to her morning make-up, hair drying routine… in any
event, she’s in the bathroom). I’m looking for a glass
so I can get some juice. I look down at the toaster…
and… I see a flame! Ok… I’ll grant you… it’s not a big
one. Not a stop-in-your-tracks, get-out-of-the-room,
call-911 fire! It’s a burning muffin. But
I ask you -- How many hotels have you stayed in over
the course of traveling in your life? And the total
number of fires you have encountered… big or burning-muffin-small…
would be?
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted December 30, 2004 |
|
April
25, 2015 |
|
At
50 stories in height… about 460 feet… the Vegas tower
is roughly half the size of the actual Eiffel Tower.
Evidently there were plans to create a full-size version,
but the location of McCarran Airport made that impossible.
If you travel to Las Vegas, do whatever you can to get
to Paris and go to the top of the Eiffel Tower. The
view is spectacular… day or night. Paris is directly
across the street from Bellagio, making the tower a
wonderful place to watch the water fountains from. Tigg
and I went up there around sunset, and over the course
of about twenty to thirty minutes, watching Vegas go
from day to night was breathtaking.
|
From
the Backpack ~ Originally posted December 30, 2004 |
|
August
2, 2009 |
|
We
arrive and go to the French Market Buffet. I have no
idea where the name came from, but there is absolutely
nothing to remind you of a French market. (Not that
I’ve ever been to an actual, in France, French market.
Just… you know… trust me. Unless some miraculous transformation
takes place around dinner service… yeah… umm, no. Nothing
French market-y.) It’s a sterile environment… lots of
tables… and several buffet stations. And while everything
looks fine in general, the reality is that the entire
production could have used some modifications… some
upgrades… some changes in… oh… say… 1983. Seriously…
it reminded me of a cafeteria from junior high school
that needed alot of work.
|
|
August
2, 2009 |
|
Ellen
takes some sort of perverse delight from her tomato
juice. It starts when she spots it on the menu… sees
it on another table… or gets confirmation from a waitress
that the restaurant does indeed offer such a delicacy.
Her eyes immediately glaze over a bit, looking remarkably
like a 6-year old that was just offered ice cream, knows
she shouldn’t be getting ice cream, and believes that
everyone else at her table is going to be jealous once
that ice cream arrives. Yeah… that’s the look. The problem
is… Terry and I figure she’s stoned. Because… let’s
be honest… it’s not ice cream. It’s tomato juice!
|
|
March
19, 2009 |
|
We
talk over some options and then head over to The Orleans…
another place we never visited on our first trip. And
this time, the first experience is going to be very
different. The
decision is quickly made to find a place to eat… we’re
all starving. After some glances around, we finally
pick Don Miguel’s Cantina… a small place featuring Mexican
food, but more importantly with a sign promising 99-cent
margaritas and half-priced appetizers. This
may have been one of the greatest accidental finds we
have ever experienced on a trip.
|
|
February
11, 2009 |
|
Including
the Grand Canyon and Route 66 were highlights of this
trip for me… and neither one was too expensive, more an
investment of time. For the money-no-object idea, I’d
go with either O or Love… you can’t
go wrong with either show.
|
|
April
6, 2013 |
|
The
hotel staff at Eagle Mountain. Very friendly, incredibly
helpful, and I don’t think I ever saw them without a
smile or helpful offer. On Sunday night we walked into
an area that was kind of like a den in a house… a couple
of tables, some chairs, lots of pictures and knickknacks,
and a few shelves filled with books. We hadn’t dealt
the first hand of cards and Gregory had stepped in from
the front desk to ask if we wanted the fireplace started
or needed anything else.
|
|
April
6, 2013 |
|
I
will tell you first that there is a disagreement over
who forgot the bag. Now… in my defense… this was the
bag Terry packed and had used for not only toothbrushes
and such, but also to hide a few birthday presents she
had for me. And, it was never placed with the bags containing
our clothes, laptop, camera and such that I was charged
with getting to the car. And, it was found
on the ironing board next to Terry’s dresser when we
got back home. So use your own decision-making process
and consider the evidence as you will… but we decided
that we forgot it.
|
|
July
27, 2010 |
|
Over
the course of our trip we actually did explore a bit more
than we expected, and visited several properties… Bally’s,
Caesars, Bogota, Harrah’s, Showboat, and Taj Mahal. Even
ate at the Rainforest Café on the last day, so
toss in Trump Plaza if you wish. And out of all of those
properties, only two were… well… I suppose clean is the
word I’m looking for.
|
|
January
24, 2017 |
|
Tree
lined roads. The occasional cider mill and ice cream stand.
Boat docks and tractors far more prevalent than any signs
for recognizable chains of restaurants or stores. Not
only is it a relaxing path to navigate, it almost seems
to possess a supernatural power for removing any and all
complex thoughts from your mind. It is almost meditative
nirvana.
|
|
March
10, 2016 |
|
New
York is an entirely different concept, and yet the idea
itself applies. Oh… it sounds fine when you consider setting
off from near Rockefeller Plaza for the Empire State Building
on foot. Depending on exactly where you are standing as
you begin, that’s about 15 blocks and roughly a mile straight
along 5th Avenue. Actually, it… takes… for-E-VER.
|
|
March
5, 2016 |
|
Depending
on your timing, tolerance for crowds, and desire to see
some Christmas decorations in New York City, there are
a few things that really need to be on your must list.
Something like Central Park would probably be in your
sights, with thoughts of a carriage ride. Different shopping
options and restaurants might be debated. Perhaps a show
at Radio City Music Hall will be the centerpiece of your
visit. Almost certainly though, if it’s Christmas decorations
you want, you are going to be kicking around Rockefeller
Plaza while branching out to Times Square and 5th Avenue.
|
|
July
26, 2010 |
|
My
lovely bride did not pour the rest of my hot chocolate
over the tank’s head the way she wanted to. And she didn’t
belt her the way she wanted to. That was probably fortunate
considering the police officers standing a few feet away
on the street. But the shove was noticeable enough that
a ring about ten people deep around cheered when my wife
pushed back and firmly said “watch it” to the little beast.
|
|
September
23, 2010 |
|
Now…
we were in Progressive Field… and when we posed the
“where would you go for lunch today” question, the answer
was apparently pretty simple.The
Winking Lizard. Diane didn’t hesitate at all.
|
|
September
23, 2010 |
|
We
drove along Grandview Avenue and stopped a couple of
times to take in the sight of the city across the Monongahela
River. The street name says it all… grand view. Simply
incredible. In a city that was filled from beginning
to end with surprises… including the amazing unveiling
of the city when using the Fort Pitt Tunnel… this was
one of the best. I’m almost ready to declare it a must-do
if you visit the city, because it really brings the
entire picture together… the rivers… the city… the sporting
venues… fantastic. Heck… let’s do it… The overlook is
a must-do when visiting the city.
|
|
February
11, 2017 |
|
We
could go on, but the general idea I want to establish
is that even with an occasional mention of Mrs. Wilkes’
Dining Room to come across… you are going to find other
places noted more prominently, and are actually far
more likely to find restaurant information for The Lady
& Sons. And dear lord, in my opinion, such misinformation
and poor references as presenting the Paula Deen landmark
over The Wilkes House should be punishable with jail
time.
|
|
April
3, 2013 |
|
Mrs.
Wilkes’ Dining Room.
The
Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.
Apart
from those two musts, try a picnic in a square or park,
or a visit to one of the historic homes.
Include
Mrs. Wilkes’ and St. John’s, and Savannah will impress
you.
|
|
April
3, 2013 |
|
It
is during this run that we begin to see the moss in
the trees. And… I can tell you… it is an amazing sight.
At night it creates an almost haunting atmosphere in
the light from the moon or streetlamps. (Actually… not
almost. It does create a haunting atmosphere.) During
the day it adds a fullness to the trees in a way no
other place I’ve been can claim. And to say there is
a lot of moss doesn’t even really capture the reality.
|
|
February
12, 2013 |
|
It’s
like some magic spell that Savannah holds over people
where only two responses are permissible. Reaction one
-- someone that hasn’t been to Savannah expresses that
they have it rated highly on their someday list. And
reaction two -- someone that has been to Savannah confirms
that it’s worthy of a place near the top on everyone’s
someday list. Happens every time.
|
|
March
13, 2021 |
|
The
Mikado Teppanyaki restaurant was our destination for
dinner. Very good meal, and we enjoy Japanese steakhouses
so it absolutely worked and we enjoyed it. But it did
feel a bit strange. When you consider the run of meals
we had in and around Seattle… from the brilliance of
The Pink Door to the fabulous Paseo, from the views
of Ray’s Boathouse to the community of Linda’s Wood
Fired Kitchen, all topped off with the pie at Copper
Creek Inn… it seemed rather ordinary.
|
|
February
6, 2021 |
|
On
the Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles site, there is a segment
that offers a list providing drop-down links with one
of them dedicated to dining. Click on it, and it opens
a segment that… seriously… has a caption about the best
of Port Angeles restaurants overall. It actually begins
by saying the hotel is “surrounded” with fantastic dining
options. Then, and only after explaining that there
are great options nearby, it mentions that if you don’t
feel like hopping in the car, they do have a restaurant
on property. It is there, and from what I found only
there, that it is shown to be CrabHouse. One word, two
caps. But think about that… you have a restaurant as
part of your building. It is so delicious and incredible
and amazing that to promote it you write that there
are lots of other places to eat that are close and really
good, but if you’re tired of driving and don’t want
to leave they do have a place on property.
|
|
October
16, 2018 |
|
San
Juan Island has some remarkable history. Roughly one-hundred
and fifty years ago, the governments of Great Britain
and America agreed to jointly occupy the island while
some boundary disputes and issues were dealt with. As
a result, on opposite sides of the island are locations
that are still designated as “English Camp” and “American
Camp” areas. Our morning drive here has brought us to
the southern end of the island, and near the American
Camp.
|
|
February
25, 2017 |
|
As
Terry returned to the table, Sandy was arriving with
another blackberry pie a la mode for her. I tried to
explain that I had to eat her original slice, as it
was so hot the ice cream was melting. I didn’t want
her to have pie a la soup. And she almost bought it…
until she took her first taste and realized why I could
not turn away from temptation.
|
|
April
4, 2016 |
|
I
remember years ago… perhaps twenty-four or twenty-five…
a friend of mine and I were discussing something and
the state of Washington came up. He told me at the time
that if I moved there for any length of time I’d likely
never come back. Having now been to the great northwest,
I fully understand what he meant.
|
|
October
16, 2017 |
|
The
streets aren’t flooded. They are overflowing in places
with water surging along in riptide-like currents. Rain
is dropping in sheets from the skies. It is breathtaking
in scope and power, having really moved in seconds from
strong storm to sweeping ferocity of danger. The heavy
stuff is apparently coming down.
|
|
August
4, 2017 |
|
Myrtle
Beach was a brilliant combination of everything. From
what we saw, it worked. Big tourism driven elements
to create attention and provide for the marketing. Local
and regional offerings that added plenty of opportunities
to enjoy the things you would never find at home. And
plenty of places—at virtually every corner—where you
could refocus on the basics, recharge yourself, and
just kind of smile without having to think too hard
or work at it.
|
|
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