But, I’m ready to share a new project I’m about to launch-

Drum roll, please.

Da- da- da- dum- da- dah!

Very soon you’ll be able to see my book: Hiking for the Couch Potato: A Guide for the Exercise-Challenged

In about three weeks, the book will be available as both as an e-book and a printed book.

A light-hearted guide that encourages people to get off the couch and go hiking, Hiking for the Couch Potato has everything from advice on hiking gear to recipes to an “Ode to Frozen Green Peas.”

It even talks about how to meet that significant other!

So, be on the lookout for the book – soon to be available at an e-store and on my new (not available yet) web site.

Suitable for gift giving! (And the web site will be a community where people can share their hiking experiences, recipes, and encourage each other!)

Looking forward to sharing Hiking for the Couch Potato with you!  Everyone likes potatoes!

PS Please let me know your reactions to my book!  I’ll autograph any book personally for someone who orders it through this travel blog.

They play the old cowboy tunes, like “Tumbling Tumbleweeds,” “Along the Navajo Trail,” “Cool, Clear Water,” and others that most people have heard.  The foursome does the songs well.  Here are samples – -

Man of Constant Sorrow

The Blazin\’ M Cowboys perform

(Our first video posts – we plan many more!)

The players – Bill Bassett, Jim Dufresne, Reno McCormick, and Sheila McCormick (yes, they are married – which adds to some of the razzing), put on a great show.  They have chemistry as a group and intersperse their performance with funny hats, silly stories and varied types of music.  They feature each performer as lead and the very quiet Jim Dufresne turns out to be exceptionally gifted and amazing as he plucks his guitar.  Bill Bassett has a great announcer persona and voice as well as doing his instrumentals; Reno McCormick is quite versatile as he plays violin (“fiddle”), banjo, guitar and mandolin; Sheila McCormick plays her bass with authority and has a strong, sweet voice.  The group has been playing together for about 10 years and it shows.

At one point, flashes of lightning and a ghost seem to appear and it is spooky and funny.  Another visitor is the infamous “Otis,” quite a character.  I won’t say more and spoil the fun. Be prepared – they even have a singalong!

So, if you have the opportunity to visit the Blazin M’ Ranch in Cottonwood, AZ, you’ll have a fun, family evening.  If you’re celebrating your birthday, you’ll even be called up to the front for recognition and a funny hat!   We were seated next to a woman who was there for her birthday.  She was grinning from ear to ear.

Yippee-ki-ay!  Come on down and join the fun!

Whether we would even remember this out-of-the-way town in southeastern Arizona near the border of Mexico is debatable had it not been for one small incident, a mere few seconds, that has gone down in history.  Depending upon your perspective, it was either justice or murder, but, in either case, it put Tombstone, Arizona in the history books and in the movies.

A spectacularly brief gunfight near the O.K. Corral etched the names of Wyatt, Virgil and Morgan Earp, Doc Holliday, the Clantons and the McLaurys into a very strange place in history.  To this day, the question still is debated as to whether the Earps and Doc Holliday, who were cleared of all charges, actually committed murder or were just upholding the law.

Numerous movies have taken on the subject … Wyatt Earp, Tombstone, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, and even the TV show, Star Trek. And in the best of Hollywood tradition, the production companies of the aforementioned never set foot in the real Tombstone to film a single scene.

The O.K. Corral

Today the O.K. Corral doesn’t look like much from the outside.  Actually, you can’t even see the place the gunfight took place unless you buy a ticket to watch the re-enactment inside an enclosed area.  (According to all accounts, the gunfight never took place there at all, but nearby.)

The infamous O.K. Corral

What is certain is that on October 26, 1881 the “good guys” and the “bad guys” (you choose which group is which) met at a narrow vacant lot in the vicinity of the stables and began shooting, culminating in a 30-second battle that spilled out into Fremont Street, which is now Arizona Highway 80.

One block to the south is Allen Street which is also paved, but is closed to traffic on the weekends.  Stagecoaches ramble down the street carrying tourists while re-enactors play out skits in the street.  For several blocks, the buildings have been reconstructed or preserved to an 1860s western town look.  At the opposite end of the three historic preservation blocks is the infamous Bird Cage Theatre.

As I walked out the door from the large gift shop at the O.K. Corral, I happened to run into the Billy Clanton re-enactor who wasn’t too happy that several of us were leaving the premises.

“What’s a matter, you don’t like gunfights?” He paused. “We’re gonna kill some people in a few minutes!”

With that, I decided to keep walking …

With the blaring exception of the Bank of America, shops and restaurants line the three historic blocks.

One of the quirkily-named saloons - Big Nose Kate's

Golden Eagle Brewery, 1879, Tombstone

Bird Cage Theatre

Although not always called the Bird Cage, it was a saloon, a theatre, a gambling hall, and a brothel.  Hours: 24 hours – 365 days a year.  This went on for eight years.

The poker room in the basement hosted such celebrities as Doc Holliday, Diamond Jim Brady, and Bat Masterson.  Just like Las Vegas, the game was open 24 hours a day.

Closed in 1889, it opened again in 1934 as a tourist attraction and has been until this day.

And, oh yes, the place is haunted!

The authentic Bird Cage Theatre

Boot Hill

As you enter Tombstone from the north on Arizona 80 you pass two motels on the right and almost immediately encounter Boot Hill cemetery on the left at the top of the hill.

Although donations are appreciated and there is a well-stocked gift shop, there is no admission charge to see the famous and infamous as they lie buried below some remarkable markers.  One of the more famous for its blunt portrayal of just what happened to the deceased is for Les Moore.

Les Moore, t'ain't no more

“Here lies Lester Moore – four slugs from a .44

No Les, No More”

Now that’s about as accurate as anyone could get for a memorial.  Good, bad or indifferent, at least we know what happened!

Of course, those who didn’t survive the OK Corral are also on hand along with about 300 others, some with no markers.

Although there are about 25 cemeteries named Boot Hill in the United States, this has become the most famous.

Tombstone is approximately 70 miles southeast of downtown Tucson on Arizona 80.

http://www.tombstonechamber.com/

http://www.ok-corral.com/

http://tombstonebirdcage.com/

DAY 15

ST. ANDREWS

FORE!

DUCK!

GET OUT OF THE …. WAY!

OOPS! SORRRRY!

It’s time to hop a golf cart over to the birthplace of golf over 600 years ago, St. Andrews.

Actually, birthplace is not quite accurate. Golf in some form was probably played in another country before it came to Scotland, but hey, Scotland just had a better marketing department!And, it doesn’t hurt when the King starts hitting that little white ball around the links.

And don’t forget to get out of your cart, because at St. Andrews you walk, not ride the 18.
Although the old course at St. Andrews is the most famous, there are actually six other public courses maintained by the St. Andrews Links Trust, including the nine hole Balgove perfect for families, beginners and even children.
www.standrews.org.uk

But wait, that’s not all!

You say you don’t want to put on a nearly year long waiting list to play the old course? You say it’s too intimidating to play where some of the best golfers in the world have played? Never fear! There are over 40 other golf courses just in the Kingdom of Fife area around St. Andrews. They cater to all skills and geographical variances.

There is even a 9 hole, “old school” hickory-only, Kingarrock, course where you’ll be given original hickory clubs, an original canvas and leather bag with a Spoon, Driving Iron, Mashie, Niblick and a Putter.

A Niblick?? A Mashie? You’re serious … right? Sounds like an order of giblets and mashed potatoes.

Settle down, all you golfers around the world, it’s just a joke! I myself am a golfer … with a sense of humor!

www.kingarrock.com

British Golf Museum

Gee, I wonder if there is a Golf Museum in town? And, I wonder if it’s near the Royal & Ancient Club House?

If you like the relatively non-violent sport of golf, and who doesn’t – The British Golf Museum is the consummate look at golf from its inception to current day.

March to October
9.30 – 5.30 Monday – Saturday
10.00 – 5.00 Sunday
November to March
10.00 to 4.00 Monday – Sunday
www.britishgolfmuseum.co.uk/

St. Andrews (Town)

Just like the golf course, this is a walking town. Park you car and hit the pavement, or the beach, or around, or even on the course on Sunday when the old course is closed to golfers.

The following link is a walking/cycling map of the town:

www.st-andrews.ac.uk/media/cyclemap.pdf

As with many cities and towns in Great Britain and Europe, driving around is not your best bet. Not many parking spots and high prices, if you do find one. St. Andrews has a free Park & Ride bus that shuttles you around town from the free car parks on the west side of town. (Key word, FREE)

University of St. Andrews

The oldest university in Scotland, established in 1413, is actually scattered throughout the town. Although many of the buildings are quite old, the education is 1st class and modern.

New dorms, and a new medical science building are currently in development, or under construction.

There are also other museums, castle and cathedral ruins, walks along the beach and just the chance to soak in the small town (17,000 pop., with another 9,000 students) atmosphere.

www.visit-standrews.co.uk

Edinburgh – St. Andrews
Distance: 49.8 miles
Time: 1 hr 27 min

If you drive, take the A90 over the Forth Bridge (toll), and connect to the M90. At junction 7, take the A91 to St Andrews.

By Train
Unfortunately, St Andrews does not have its own train station, but it is possible to get off at Leuchars station and go St Andrews by bus. This should take about 10 minutes.

Rosslyn Chapel

Note: We had planned to drop down south of Edinburgh a few miles to see Rosslyn Chapel. This is where the “ending” of the DaVinci Code was filmed, but it is currently under renovation.

The scaffolding that surrounds the building and the metal roof to help dry out the stonework (should be removed by the end of 2009 or early 2010) doesn’t do anything for the chapel’s historic appeal.

The renovation will continue through July 2010. But if you would decide to go, it’s only seven miles south of Edinburgh and a bus runs from the centre of the city.

www.lothianbuses.com

Note: No photography is allowed within the Chapel (unless you are a movie crew filming a blockbuster film …)

www.rosslynchapel.org.uk

Well, that’s it!

Next stop will be the Edinburgh airport and a shuttle down to Heathrow for a plane back to the United States.

Personally, I could stay another two weeks. Southern Scotland, more of the northern and western islands, and, a few more days in London.

CURRENCY ALERT!! – TRIP ALERT!!! SURLY AIRLINE CREW ALERT!!!!

Right now, the pound is continuing to go higher than the dollar compared to when I first started planning this trip. I have seen it go up steadily, although it is currently holding.

The airlines aren’t making life any easier these days either. And, my air carrier of choice (British Airways) is on the brink of stupidity by asking its employees to work for up to a month without pay. Of course the CEO said that he would work a month without pay … That seems apples to apples fair ….

Or, NOT!

If that were to go into effect that should be a fun ride across the pond …

“Excuse me, may I have …” (Deathly glare from Flight Attendant)

“OKAY! I’ll shut up now! It’s only 8 more hours until we land.”

So, I am weighing the pros and cons. We just might be going somewhere else this fall…

Traveling in Germany with a friend, neither of us was fully conversant in the German language.  So, it is no surprise that we saw a number of “Einbahnstrasse” signs and did not register what that meant. 

My friend Pam and I were heading down the Einbahnstrasse (ONE WAY STREET) – she claims she was driving – and we came head to head with a bus. The bus was front to front with our little vehicle.  They wouldn’t budge.  And, we were so close to the end of the street!

Meanwhile, a crowd had gathered at the wurst stand on the side of the street.  They were cheering us on!

The bus, however, would not back up so we could get to the end of the street and on a street facing the correct direction.

Carefully, we backed up about 75% of the street’s length with the bus following us.  We returned to the proper direction, with the wurst stand crowd cheering us the whole way.

We never did that again!

Scotland – - Fall – - 2009

It’s been a week since my first installment of planning a trip to Scotland on my own.  Have I come to my senses and handed it over to a travel agent yet?  Have I scrapped the whole idea and decided to sit on my sofa the entire time talking to people at my office on the company provided cell phone? 

Absolutely not! 

Actually, I’ve been on line looking for a kilt to wear to one of the Whiskey Week dinners!

I know where I want to go: Scotland ?

I know when I want to go: September ?

I’ve checked the weather: Not too bad to iffy by the end of the month ?

I’ve checked the calendar for things to do: Events winding down,  fewer tourists ?

Now I just have to figure out how I am going to get there …

I am going to have to rely on the two most reliable methods of crossing the Atlantic.

SHIP

You betcha! You can still catch the Queen for a six day sail from New York. Quicker than you can say Christopher Columbus discovered Columbus, Ohio you’ll be in Southampton, England. 

Suffice to say, you’ll probably eat better than the Queen herself, and not lack for things to do, but there is the time factor.  But, if you’ve got the time, and of course the extra cash, it’s certainly an option.

Queen Mary 2                        Approx. $1395.00 Per Person (Inside Cabin)

Remember … that’s one-way!

www.cunard.com

** And, for a sign of the times, be sure to read the very fine print about their right to charge you $9.00 per person, per day if oil goes above $70 per barrel … even if you’ve already paid your fare.

AIRLINES

Of course most of us are in a hurry to get places, and flying is the only option.

UK Based Airlines: British Air – Virgin Atlantic – BMI

I’m a big proponent of flying on a carrier that’s actually based out of the country I am going to.  It adds to the cultural experience.

If you live on the east coast you can hop on a British based carrier in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, etc. and not have to connect to London.  But, from the western U.S. there are few options for direct flights to London and vicinity.  That’s why I fell off of my chair when I found out that British Airways (BA) offers a non-stop 747 flight from Phoenix to London Heathrow seven days a week.

At $784 per person coach, I was impressed.  I could drive, or take a shuttle to the airport, hop on the plane in the evening, and step off in London the next afternoon.

Then I saw the catch.  I went on the major airline seat configuration website to check out the plane:  www.seatguru.com

Tips on choosing where you’ll be sitting

Sometimes it’s the little things, especially when you are traveling with someone.  What I saw was not going to add up to a happy conversation, especially after the last flight I was on.

It seems that either configuration of BA’s 747 fleet is a 3-4-3 seat configuration in World Traveller class (economy).  I like to sit by the window and my wife the aisle.  That leaves that pesky middle seat for a single traveler to help balance the load.  And the last flight we were on, they wanted to balance the load!

(The old trick of buying up the window and aisle seat and then hope no one books in between is becoming more difficult with airlines jamming customers into planes while they cut service).

Thus, I was extremely disappointed at the 747 seat choices.

So, I tried Virgin Atlantic … same problem with their 747 fleet, plus we needed to catch a ride to Las Vegas, or Chicago, or …

BMI … same problems, smaller plane, and an even weirder connection in Sanford, Florida (try getting there from … anywhere). 

www.virgin.com

www.ba.com

www.flybmi.com 

Am I going to have to give up on my cultural experience?  I reluctantly went online to see what the consolidators would dig up for me.  At www.cheapseats.com,  I found a one-stop US Air flight to London’s Gatwick airport.  The first thing I did was look at the seat configuration.  We would have to put up with an Airbus 3-3 configuration to Charlotte, but then it was an Airbus 2-4-2 setup to London!  That was great, at least 60% great!

Then I looked at the US Air price … and then the price of the BA flight again from the quote I had printed out.  I couldn’t believe it! US Air would save me a whopping $7.00 for my trouble!

$1562.00 US Air vs. $1569.00 British Airways

So, it was no longer about the price, it was about the convenience. Non-stop vs. one-stop & a plane change.  The seat configurations might have to be dealt with by a really good pair of noise canceling headphones …

So I am holding off on the decision.  In the meantime, I am going to see if either carrier can give me some type of a package deal … air/hotels … air/car, or both. 

Next time: Are independent traveler’s packages really worth it? 

While living in Germany, I had occasion to rent a furnished corporate apartment.  Notice, I said furnished.  To me, that meant it was fully equipped.  When all I found were two small towels in the closet, I assumed they were for the kitchen.  It turned out that they were the towels for our bathing!

Another deficiency was that there was no towel rack or bar to hang towels in the bathroom.  With no shower, just a bathtub, we just didn’t know where to put our towels.  Our quandary was that we really weren’t supposed to attach things on the wall in the rented apartment.

So, I called Fraulein Berger, the concierge for rentals.  In the nicest possible way, I requested a handyman to do a few things to fix up the apartment. She agreed.

On the day the handyman came, my friend Pam was visiting, so I have a witness who will swear to what ensued.

Despite using my German-English dictionary, we just couldn’t get the handyman to understand what I was seeking in the bathroom.  A simple towel bar seemed to be beyond understanding. 

Ah ha! Pantomime – that would do it!  So, I led the little grandfather-like bald-headed man into the bathroom to show him what was required.  He still did not understand.  Still fully clothed, I jumped into the tub, shivered and reached out for my non-existent towel – but none around.  I truly felt my pantomime exhibition was masterful and would make our need clear.

No, to the handyman, my demonstration was frightening!  A look of terror came over his face.  He screamed in fear.  He ran out of the room.  My friend and I never saw him again. 

We laughed – a lot!  I later decided to perch our towels on the edge of the sink, which did require a moment of shivering before you could reach them from the tub.

I hope I didn’t give the man a heart attack!

International relations and customs can be very perplexing.