Many of us hover near sea level and never get on top of things to get a broader perspective. When the temperatures climb and the snow melts in Flagstaff, Arizona, the Arizona Snow Bowl opens up its ski lift, the “Scenic Skyride” for non-skiers. The ride to the top of the tallest mountain in Arizona is an adventure in itself. (more…)
Mo Sheldon has a vision – and it’s high above the earth. Although he declares himself afraid of heights, Mo is one of two certified flight instructors in Arizona who teaches powered paragliding. He has always wanted to fly like a bird and, since 1998, he’s had his wish. Like the ancient-fabled Greek, Icarus, who flew too near to the sun and whose wings melted, since early man, many people have wished to fly. Mo makes people’s wishes come true with his company, Airparamo.
Powered Paragliding - Exhilarating!
When I was given a choice of anywhere to travel within eight hours of my central Arizona home, I immediately, without hesitation, chose Bryce Canyon National Park as my destination. Why?
See the photo – and you’ll start to understand.
Inspiring spires at Bryce Canyon
Scotland: Fall 2009
Last week, I came across a Web site that focuses on multi-stop itineraries for independent travelers. European Destinations www.europeandestinations.com lets you create your own trip or customize their suggested itineraries. As you add in hotels, car rentals, train passes, etc., the price of your trip upgrades so you know immediately what your costs are.
I tweaked my itinerary and then compared it to the hotel Web sites of those properties I selected as well as with www.hotels.com to see if the prices were in line, or even better.
What I found was the following ($1.46 = £1): (more…)
When I lived in Germany, I was trying for an authentic experience while living in a rural community near Stuttgart. My local market had an array of items, some of which I was familiar with, some not. But, sauerbraten had to be the quintessential German fare. I was so excited when I saw a vacuum packed pre-soured sauerbraten waiting for me! (Keep reading for recipe!) (more…)
Following the Apache Trail in Arizona, you can just imagine what it might have been like in the days of the gold rush. Horses and stagecoaches traveled the rough mountains and winding paths back in the 1800s to reach Globe from Phoenix. The romantic imagery of the old west is palpable!
Apache Trail Scenery
Nowadays, a four-wheel drive vehicle makes the trip in less than three hours (traffic permitting). In some areas, the road is reduced to a narrow, unpaved one-lane road that dangerously skirts the edge of a mountain with the valley spreading out below. (more…)
Sometimes, travel is not at all what you had hoped to experience. Despite best intentions and great facilities, a stay becomes memorable for the wrong reason.
I can give several examples of travel that should have been great, but wound up being anything but.
For several years, I had saved a promotional card for a hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico that looked perfect for a romantic stay. The photo made the place look perfect for an opportunity to be really immersed in the culture and center location of the old Santa Fe. I couldn’t wait! (more…)
Out on the highway caught up in traffic, speeding is not an option. Join a Bondurant SuperKart class and speeding is required. (more…)
Scotland: Fall 2009
Since last week, I have decided to cut back our trip from three to two weeks due to some timing issues that have come up. So, there needed to be some consolidation.
It was then that I began to wonder if it was any cheaper to find a company that could consolidate all of my independent travel needs. (more…)
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. (more…)
