For years Niagara Falls has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States and Canada. Visitors from abroad and North America cannot seem to shake their desire to visit this dramatic aquatic spectacle. But why exactly? The falls are not particularly convenient to any major U.S. city (apologies to Buffalo), which means visitors to the US will need at least two days to fit in a visit to Niagara. Furthermore besides the … [Read more...]
Alaska & Canada Bicycle Trip Part II
Portland, Oregon - September 02, 2001 Victoria and the lower Forty Eight The planned few days off in Victoria turned into two weeks, thanks to the relentless hospitality of my friends Gil and Lynne Blair, both of whom I met on a cycling trip two years ago in Washington State. I am greatly indebted to them for providing me with thousands of calories, electric light, this thing that spews hot water (they call it a 'shower'), and teaching me … [Read more...]
Quebec’s Lac Saint-Pierre Biosphere Reserve
An Idyllic Natural Haven The rain was pouring when we left Montreal to begin our journey of touring the Lac Saint-Pierre Biosphere Reserve - a nearby natural part of Quebec preserved for the coming generations. It had not let up when, after an hour's drive, our bus stopped in front of a boathouse in the Lake Saint-Pierre archipelago at the merging of the St. Lawrence, Yamaska and Richelieu Rivers. Quickly our group of twelve scurried into the … [Read more...]
Las Vegas, NV – Night Clubs
Hakkasan is located in the middle of the MGM Grand, one of the largest casinos in the world. NOTE: Studio 54 has now closed, essentially replaced by this latest casino hotspot, Hakkasan (a more intriguing, sensual and mysterious sounding name then Studio 54 ever was). Hakkasan is close to the pinnacle of Vegas nightclubs and party spots in North America, if not the World. First of all, to enter Hakkasan you have to pass through the largest … [Read more...]
Safari West, CA
A "little piece" of Africa is available to the general public in Sonoma County, about 1 hour 20 minutes north of San Francisco. Safari West is a gem of a nature preserve located only about 20 minutes from Santa Rosa off of Mark West Springs Road at the corner of Franz Valley Road (3115 Porter Creek Road). The park is about 15 minutes from Calistoga in the northern part of the Napa Valley. Visiting Napa for some wine tasting? Need a break? Come … [Read more...]
Mammoth, CA – Nearby Lakes
CONVICT LAKE Located only about 20 minutes from Mammoth Lakes, Convict Lake is 'hidden' from view from Highway 395 yet is only 2 miles from this highway. Nestled at the base of dramatic mountains - popular for it's scenic vistas and and fish (well-stocked to keep up with the demand of fisherman). Produces some large Rainbow trout - two annual fishing derbies are held - “Round Up at the Lake” in spring and “Ambush at the Lake” in fall.The lake … [Read more...]
Paros, Greece – Phones
Excellent cell and data coverage exists throughout the island. We recommend using a phone that has a local SIM card installed with a pre-paid Internet and calling plan. This is the cheapest way to stay online - rather then using roaming data. Sim cards are sold at local convenience stores - or at the airport in Athens. Greek phones are operated by Organismos Tilepikoinonion Ellados. If you follow some simple steps when using a Greek telephone … [Read more...]
Paros, Greece – Restaurants
Greek food when prepared authentically is some of my favorite food. Greek salads are towards the top of my culinary list. These usually consist of olives, lettuce, cucumbers, red onions, fresh tomatoes and a touch of dried oregano. I never had any problems with food sickness on Paros and I ate at many different restaurants. There is nothing quite like eating authentic Greek food along the waterfront of Parikia watching the sun go down on a … [Read more...]
Bishop, CA – White Mountain Hike
White Mountain is one of 15 summits in California over 14,000 feet. Along with Shasta it is the only other 14,000+ mountain in California outside of the Sierra Nevada mountains. One of the oldest permanent settlements in North America was located 12,600 feet up one of the sides of White Mountain. This is the highest of the former permanent Indian settlements; there are several encampments slightly lower in elevation. The dirt White Mountain road … [Read more...]
Mt. Shasta, CA – Mt Shasta City
Mt. Shasta City is everything one looks for in a base-of-a-mountain town; it is small, charming and a meeting place for those attracted to this great mountain. It is a collection of those who come to the base of the mountain seeking spiritual guidance, those who come to marvel at its beauty, those who come to try to reach its lofty summit, those passing through on the 5, those who live and work here and those who just want to connect with nature. … [Read more...]