We visited Manzanillo in December. We were treated to very warm conditions - uncomfortable with long pants and long sleeves during the day but ideal for those wearing shorts, t-shirts and flip flops. The days were partly cloudy, warm, and very humid. Manzanillo temperatures during the daytime hovered in upper 80's Fahrenheit. One word of caution is that it is very easy to get sun burnt even if one is not exposed to the sun for very long. As a … [Read more...]
Palm Springs, CA – Tram Hike
We have visited Palm Springs a number of times in January for the warm wintertime weather. The weather was what we had expected during the day each trip with temperatures in the high 70's and low 80's. In fact the town of Coachella (south of Palm Springs) recorded the nation's high temperature during one of our trips. We were staying with a group of 15 people in a time share condo. The condo was built against the base of a hill, and at night the … [Read more...]
Spokane, WA – Coeur d’ Alene Attractions
Some of these attractions are within Coeur d' Alene while others are within a short drive. All are listed in alphabetical order. Cruises depart from the Coeur d' Alene city pier with varying departure times depending on the day and time of year. Allow at least 2 hours on the water. A Sunday brunch cruise and a Monday sunset cruise are also offered. Floating Wood Marina is the world's longest floating marina measuring 1.2 kilometers; it … [Read more...]
Spokane, WA – Kalispell
Kalispell is located in the Flathead Valley between the West Glacier entrance and Big Flathead Lake. The city has a population of 23,000 and is located on Montana's most dangerous road, the 93 Highway. In fact no sooner had I left Kalispell, I ran into slow traffic. I was caught in a traffic jam for only a minute or two before a firetruck came racing up from behind. After another 10 minutes, I passed the accident just as they were loading the … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Neighborhoods
Castro District is centered along Castro Street (just off of Market Street) and is one of the original gay neighborhoods in the entire country. It retains its unique heritage and gay community - rainbow flags fly proudly above the sidewalks including the tallest one at the corner of Market, Castro and 17th Streets. The world's second GLBT History Museum opened here in 2010. Harvey Milk is a name synonymous with this district - a former gay … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Attractions
The San Francisco Bay Area is a sizable region and there are numerous attractions and activities located either in San Francisco or within a short drive. Some of these attractions list coupons in local San Francisco travel guides. These guides are usually free and many can be found at local shops, on street guide racks around select tourist destination such as at Pier 39 or Fisherman's Wharf. All attractions are alphabetized below. Driving in … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Shopping
There are an incredible array of shopping centers, malls, and shopping districts in San Francisco. There are vast tourist shopping areas selling everything from electronic equipment to post cards. When I play tourist south of Union square, Chinatown, and south of Market street, I am often amazed by the great number of shops all selling similar items. As you walk through these shopping sections soon every store almost looks the same. You will … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – More Info
There are many sources to find information about San Francisco and the Bay area. Because San Francisco is such a well known city the problem is not in finding information but is in finding useful information. San Francisco packs an amazing amount into its 7x7 square mile area and so does this book. A must have for anyone planning a trip to this unique city. San Francisco City Guide The San Francisco Visitor Info Center 900 … [Read more...]
Vancouver, Canada – Shopping
When visiting, we always enjoy the numerous shopping opportunities in Vancouver. Here are a select few: Chinatown Eaton's is located at 701 Granville Street in the large Pacific Centre. This Centre includes over 200 stores. Gastown - besides being known for its shopping, Gastown is the birthplace of Vancouver in 1867. Gastown was originally called Gassy's, named after saloon owner Gassy Jack Deighton. The town site was nicknamed … [Read more...]
Nepal – Porters
Once you reach Lucla and step out of your plane or helicopter you will be greeted by many people, mostly porters. The porters will surround you and ask if you need some help in carrying your packs. Porters can be hired for a few American dollars per day. Sometimes they will request that you pay for their dinner at one of the many lodges scattered along the trail. I was surprised to see that the porters were quite short and wiry. I was also … [Read more...]