There are several nice places to stay in Chamonix. I was in Chamonix in the middle of July and had no problem finding a hotel at the last minute. All the locals I spoke with agree that July and August are the busiest months for the summer season. The following hotels and hostels are listed as basic references for where to stay in Chamonix, covering a wide range of budgets. If you have stayed at a hotel in Chamonix not listed on this page, … [Read more...]
Monterey, CA – Wine Tasting
Monterey wineries often focus on a number of lighter style varietals including their well-known Pinot Noir (especially from the Santa Lucia Highlands - above the Salinas Valley) and Chardonnay. One can find wines made from numerous other varietals. At last count, over 42 unique wine grape varietals were being commercially grown in Monterey County. Rather then dominated by winery tasting rooms, much of Monterey County is dominated by stand … [Read more...]
Monterey, CA – Carmel
Carmel is a picturesque small town with a variety of art galleries, boutique hotels and tucked away restaurants. To some people Carmel may be categorized by only two words: art galleries. This town was established in 1904 by a group of artists and writers as a retreat center. The original flavor of the town is still preserved today. It has a unique individuality and small village charm. There are many different architectural styles, many … [Read more...]
Monterey, CA – Carmel Hotels
The prices listed below range from the lowest (the off season rates/single person - 1 room) to the highest (holidays and weekends /double person - one room). Properties in Carmel tend to be a bit more expensive then those in Monterey. Make sure you ask if a minimum stay is required as most of these hotels do require that you stay at their place a minimum number of days. Carmel is generally a pet friendly town - with a number of the hotels … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – Markets
Oaxaca is known for both its artisan crafts and local foods. Brilliantly colored wood carvings are much sought after by visitors. These carvings often differ dramatically in both quality and price. A general rule is to spend time shopping around - do not purchase the first item you see just because you like it. With so many similar items available, competition is high for your peso. Perhaps you will return to that original item but chances are … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – Attractions
A Short Walk One day I decided to walk due west and see where I ended up. I left the phone at the hotel, I didn't research anything. I just began walking. I passed by Mercado de Abastos (a market) and then drifted by an extremely polluted river, an ecological disaster so to speak. I spent some time watching people wade back and forth through the water. I witnessed several people use the soil behind small bushes as a bathroom. I watched the wind … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Mileage
The town of Sonora is used as a reference point because it is larger then most of these mining towns and also because it is centrally located in relation to the other mining towns. Mileages from Sonora to: … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Pinecrest Lake
Pinecrest Lake is located on Highway 108. This road is closed in the winter past the small town of Strawberry, but it is open to Pinecrest and Dodge Ridge Ski resort. The towns of Sugar Pine, Confidence, Mi-Wuk Village, Sierra Village, Long Barn are all south west of Pinecrest Lake on Highway 108. Pinecrest Lake is located at about 5,600 feet. It is a beautiful small clear blue lake surrounded by forested mountains. There is a marina and a FREE … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA – Shopping
Coddingtown is one of two primary malls in Santa Rosa and is the city's oldest mall. It continues to undergo a number of select remodels over the years with parts of the mall torn down and then rebuilt from the ground up. Originally founded by Hugh Codding in 1962 as an open-air mall it was later enclosed in 1979. The name Codding is a long time prominent family in town - Hugh Codding developed a number of shopping centers in town as well as … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA – Tubbs Fire October 2017
A sculpture honoring a single firefighter - but in reality paying tribute to all those who were integral in helping fight the fires and providing huge amounts of ongoing support to all who were affected by this terrible natural disaster. This page covers first-hand some of the worst hit areas in Santa Rosa - during and after the fires of October 2017. TUBBS FIRE OCTOBER 2017, SANTA ROSA In the evening of October 8th a fire that started … [Read more...]