John M. Edwards receives a strange visitor from the Nipponese “Land of the Rising Sun,” who is, of course, despite a strong yen, ultimately a freeloader. In Westfield, New Jersey, United States, North American Continent, at my apt upstairs from the now-long-gone Tullio’s Hair Salon (which daily pumped up the odoriferous air of Free Heat, Aqua Velva, and Brill Cream), I received a visitor from not another planet exactly but instead from a way … [Read more...]
In Step With The Wind
It’s calm here. The breeze is strong as it passes from Pacific Ocean waters, onto the shore, across the land, and without end back to where the wind did not begin. I am standing on the sandy beach somewhere along the northern coast of Oregon. I feel encased within a vacuum where on my left, the mysterious depths of the ocean, on my right, the business of western civilization. Yet I am caught in a place that seems both in between these two worlds … [Read more...]
Green Travel Tips
Travel can be enjoyable - certainly one way to refresh your spirit and experience other cultures and ways of life. But travel involves transportation - often one of the most "un green" concepts on the planet. However, there are a few tips and tricks that will help you to minimize your carbon footprint during your trip. Before You Leave Ticketless travel is one of the best innovations in recent years. You can use your smartphone not only to … [Read more...]
Patrick Smith: Airline Pilot and Author
For those who travel often for business or pleasure - airports and planes are an integral part of our lives. Entire online communities have been formed around the airplane - FlyerTalk is the perfect example of this. When I was offered a chance to review a new book about air travel, "Cockpit Confidential" I jumped at the opportunity. For the better part of the past few weeks this book has been a constant companion in a number of airports during my … [Read more...]
Starting Early with the Philly Cheesteak: The Delicious Icon of Philadelphia
"Philly cheesesteak! Philly cheesesteak! You're always telling me that you can't wait until your son is old enough to enjoy a Philly cheesesteak!" Many times my grandson, Laith, would repeat these words to me about initiating his son to the delights of Philadelphia's famous sandwich. This day I thought that I would bring his wish to a happy conclusion. I invited my grandson and his family - his wife Maria and their almost two-year old son … [Read more...]
San Juan Sailor
Cold rain and a fierce north wind whipped my face. I tightened my hood, careful to keep one hand on the Zodiac's helm. I knew almost nothing about sailing, but here I was, at the wheel of a 127-foot vintage wooden schooner in a driving rainstorm, all four sails catching the wind. Twenty-three wannnabe sailors and I had been told this would be a working trip, but I never thought I'd actually be piloting the ship, especially on a day like this. … [Read more...]
Canada Experience Part 1: Entering British Columbia and Victoria
It was the summer of 2010 and we wanted to escape our city life in Austin, Texas and visit the Pacific Northwest. We had ten days off and decided to drive from Texas, to Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia (3000+ mile car trip). We had just bought a new VW and thought it would be fun to drive it across country and have an adventure along the way (and, boy did we ever)! We entered BC the "round-about" way by ferry from the NAS base on … [Read more...]
Pacific Northwest Trips
Pacific Northwest Trips by Lonely Planet is one of 6 books in Lonely Planets new "Trips" Series covering select locations in the United States. These books are ideal for those looking to make a domestic road trip or even for International visitors trying to figure out some of America's top road trips. This particular book highlights 52 unique themed trips ranging from 2 to 7 days; each trip includes family and pet friendly attractions, easy to … [Read more...]
Summer Shangrila Santa Monica
Summer of Shangri-LA Begins with a Splash! Suite 700, The Courtyard and Ditch Day Fridays make their Debut at hotel Shangri-LA in Santa Monica Sweeping Ocean Views, Summery Cocktails, and Courtyard & Rooftop Dining Make Tamie Adaya's Hotel Shangri-La This Summer's Nexus of Fun. SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (April 2010) -- The Summer of Shangri-La is off to an early start, as the iconic Santa Monica Hotel Shangri-La launches Suite 700, The … [Read more...]
Crater Lake, Oregon – October 2006
Crater Lake Oregon - This stunning lake located in Southern Oregon is the 2nd deepest lake in North America, and is the 7th deepest in the world. It is self contained within the walls of a steep caldera and as a result there is no inlet or outlet. Excellent photography is available at the crater rim. Over 500 inches of snow falls in an average season so there is snow at the rim often until mid to late summer. Known for its spectacular blue … [Read more...]