There are seemingly thousands of massage parlors and day spas in Bangkok ranging from the very cheap to the more luxurious. Districts such as Khao San Road are loaded with cheap massage options. Parts of Sukhumvit also feature an extensive range of massage parlors. FOOT MASSAGE usually lasts from 30 to 120 minutes. Your feet are initially washed in warm water - it is a good idea to show up at the massage parlor wearing shorts instead of … [Read more...]
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania – What to Pack
Here Dave details what he packed for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. One may bring other items not listed here, or feel it unnecessary to pack some of the items mentioned below. This list and related information is provided as a reference only. For a climb like this one, you will need waterproof gear, and warm gear. If you already do not have any of the below items you will want to purchasing these items. Waterproof gear is a must. This … [Read more...]
Mammoth, CA – Summer Events
The following is a listing of events that occur in the summer. Most are annual events although the specific data may vary somewhat depending on the year. April Dave McCoy College Classic Ski/Snowboard Race Ski Club Appreciation Day at Mammoth Mountain Fishing Season Opens Fishing Enhancement Fundraising Dinner Mammoth Boarder-X Ski and Golf Classic Rossignol Race Camp at Mammoth May Mammoth High School Band Spring … [Read more...]
Paros, Greece – Parikia
Parikia is the hub of Paros. The large whitewashed windmill is a prominent landmark which greets visitors when entering Parikia Bay; it stands next to the ferry arrival and departure area. This windmill's thatched roof seems to be in a state of progressed decay and its large windmill is usually just a skeleton. Typically there are several large cloths that are draped over the wood supports. Did you know that it actually snowed in Paros in … [Read more...]
Colima, Mexico – Side Trips
Part of the experience of staying in Colima City is being able to explore the surrounding regions through a variety of day trips. It is the friendliness and simplicity of the locals that has always attracted me to this part of Mexico - along with the fact this is not a heavily touristed part of the country. I love walking through some of the small villages, where the local people rarely if ever see tourists. On warm days in the afternoon sun, I … [Read more...]
Mt. Shasta, CA – The Climb
The climb written about below took four days: Day One: Rent equipment and hike to Horse Camp. Camp there. Day Two: Hike to Helen Lake, and camp there. Day Three: Hike to Summit via Avalanche Gulch, through the Red Banks and up Misery Hill, return to Horse Camp, and camp there. Day Four: Hike out to Bunny Flat. Average times for the distances above are the following. - Bunny Flat to Horse Camp takes a little over an hour. - Horse Camp … [Read more...]
Mt. Shasta, CA – What to Pack
The following are important items that you will want to take to Shasta if you are planning to climb to the summit via the Avalanche Gulch Route. Other routes may require more technical equipment. Also, there may be additional items you will want to bring not listed here. This list assumes 3-4 days on the mountain and it assumes you will experience below freezing temperatures and some winds. … [Read more...]
Europe- What to Pack
The independent traveler will want to pack as light as possible, especially if planning on taking trains or boats. When I travel to Europe, I take trains or budget airlines everywhere; for the nimble traveler there are certain advantages to packing light. It is easier to keep an eye on your gear and it is easy to fit into the sometimes small luggage compartments. Key words to packing for Europe are: light, light, and light. I fit all my gear into … [Read more...]
Europe – The Locals
I think that whatever country you are traveling in you will meet the bad apples as well as the good oranges. On my first journey through Europe I met some very helpful people who went out of their way to give me advice, show me certain areas, or give me help. Then I met some overly stressed people who all they had to say was "stick it between your teeth". I could definitely tell a general difference in personality between different cultures … [Read more...]
Manzanillo, Mexico – Weather
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...]