tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26797017875727988362024-02-07T00:14:49.044-08:00Travel with KCAre you interested in travel? What's your destination? Let us help you sort it all out so your only worry is the address list for those postcards to mail back home to family and friends.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406164292685870437noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679701787572798836.post-28541263565055610972016-09-03T09:18:00.001-07:002016-09-04T16:08:19.965-07:00Scenic HIGHWAY ONE in California! Oh my!<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;">If you are in
California and interested in driving the famous </span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Highway One </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;">scenic highway
along the coast, here are a few rules you need to know. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGk_mtt_NP4c3CwKcowsCjDe7xvV6q0WP6R5kYUDeftb05HRiKw0wnCqTwn3m3ozGfnMWn0t-BG_O5moGlBqzg5SVBZ2aKBtvJoPOldFJ7-DB6485vkgzYKQDWOVDa2_4FD2iQJ2aPb4WA/s1600/article-1178936-04DBA423000005DC-364_634x337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGk_mtt_NP4c3CwKcowsCjDe7xvV6q0WP6R5kYUDeftb05HRiKw0wnCqTwn3m3ozGfnMWn0t-BG_O5moGlBqzg5SVBZ2aKBtvJoPOldFJ7-DB6485vkgzYKQDWOVDa2_4FD2iQJ2aPb4WA/s320/article-1178936-04DBA423000005DC-364_634x337.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;">Rule Number one: don’t be in a hurry! Rule Number
Two: don’t be in a hurry! Rule Number Three: Take a good camera. Seriously, it is a beautiful drive and worth
the effort. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Effort? Yup!
To make the most of this venture, plan well. First of all be warned!
It will not take long before a driver notes this is some of the most
twisted, curvy, torturous driving in the United States, if not the world.
Not all of it is like this, but for the most part you are in for some
convoluted motoring. Thus the importance
of Rule Number One … and Rule Number Two, because it is (they are) serious
… don’t be in a hurry. All in all, if you drive this route in a
reasonable fashion you can proceed from Leggett to San Francisco in 10 hours,
give or take. And that includes stops along the way for some pictures. Yes, you will want to do that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, Rule Number
Three demands that you indeed take a good camera. Some of the most
beautiful scenery in the state of California, or any of the United States for
that matter, is found along this coast. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_dHN6w4_Hj1Qqj-FSh3jHqWMi9zOUGXdqkgNkoJ5YNpg-7JeclmyJHm6o_1pAAzIUPIvtC6o9ZDvxbRpl1kEBAxrhp4RkXQv_JuP-JRwIlZsuXqNyVTRznjRJJzDxKKlVu41vOJxfhs5/s1600/14055037_1293654493980756_7344609026062299264_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_dHN6w4_Hj1Qqj-FSh3jHqWMi9zOUGXdqkgNkoJ5YNpg-7JeclmyJHm6o_1pAAzIUPIvtC6o9ZDvxbRpl1kEBAxrhp4RkXQv_JuP-JRwIlZsuXqNyVTRznjRJJzDxKKlVu41vOJxfhs5/s400/14055037_1293654493980756_7344609026062299264_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scenic Highway One offers many opportunities to stop and partake of some stunning vistas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You begin the
drive, southbound, up near Eureka; the signs for Highway One are evident on
Highway 101 around the town of Leggett, south of Eureka. We ended up
driving south simply because we were wrapping up a tour in Humboldt County and
we needed to get to San Francisco to catch our flight home (the route goes all
the way to San Diego if you are so inclined to drive it in its entirety). </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsON2XTOUyUARV_4PSJX1YtbFx5dSpA7GybKHXEC2IzWF54HOAeh_r7B1PUE47tuaxH6iNLqaeoshYYIsAz7QMM4XxOAimUocAEuV1QNEORh0C8jgOc8n8JEzKspE6Y3b3aUYMYi3nDQ_/s1600/14034802_1293029474043258_5688663711759588634_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsON2XTOUyUARV_4PSJX1YtbFx5dSpA7GybKHXEC2IzWF54HOAeh_r7B1PUE47tuaxH6iNLqaeoshYYIsAz7QMM4XxOAimUocAEuV1QNEORh0C8jgOc8n8JEzKspE6Y3b3aUYMYi3nDQ_/s400/14034802_1293029474043258_5688663711759588634_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This worked out well as my wife and
stepdaughter were able to better see the ocean and beaches to their right and
holler when it was time to stop and capture images. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are plenty of
places to pull off the road to take photos of some natural beauty. Also, it’s important to know this because
you’ll need to take breaks and rest up for a few minutes. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhwxTkFPgUvK87JXe0P-RHpVU6rmFBKb30kPS8p1thRZ-JJMR7xx-7y40fb32Pe2DxkVqgIPweVg3L-fAv_lfseDmb7f4zAWV6jr38_dNyx4ePuqv3QxQXqsIl2K4DwThbPAkk6MrE6yf/s1600/IMG_1489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhwxTkFPgUvK87JXe0P-RHpVU6rmFBKb30kPS8p1thRZ-JJMR7xx-7y40fb32Pe2DxkVqgIPweVg3L-fAv_lfseDmb7f4zAWV6jr38_dNyx4ePuqv3QxQXqsIl2K4DwThbPAkk6MrE6yf/s320/IMG_1489.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How often you stop depends, of course, on both
your stamina (refer back to Rules Number One and Two) and also the scenery that
catches your eye, or to be more accurate the eye of your passenger. Your eye will be on the road.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUyyLWRvyyXNZwmxseuL4F_BB6GQv6b03rvskVcBydTVLHWNjI1IrnaXlWTNg7sMnXTA19z21nTKfbIFwSsZnACXiTFLqKSsKajZjojYIyEAgO_qfMm2pjhrl6OaHLD-FQ3rx2ZwAGFSN/s1600/14064090_1293654463980759_1048965831525287471_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUyyLWRvyyXNZwmxseuL4F_BB6GQv6b03rvskVcBydTVLHWNjI1IrnaXlWTNg7sMnXTA19z21nTKfbIFwSsZnACXiTFLqKSsKajZjojYIyEAgO_qfMm2pjhrl6OaHLD-FQ3rx2ZwAGFSN/s320/14064090_1293654463980759_1048965831525287471_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;">In addition to
natural wonders, there are many very pretty and quaint towns along the way.
Most notably are Mendocino and Fort Bragg.
If you are hungry there are many quaint “mom & pop” diners and cafes
to choose from in these towns. Approaching
San Francisco, a rather famous town on Highway One comes into view. If you are not a horror flick aficionado, this
particular town was the setting for one of the scariest motion pictures ever
made ... </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9kZ9l16PtCzfJCzvaCs4mcgVGrIy3LPxZlAiHivo9yRYrs2jFezPwKxOUngcwefxSXGs3gd7VsytDcNMyqOu7aLF3bso8-judebCsksFQN_vOs4hC8kKTCZB3rSGhoepJXqpYusvRDLk/s1600/IMG_0218%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9kZ9l16PtCzfJCzvaCs4mcgVGrIy3LPxZlAiHivo9yRYrs2jFezPwKxOUngcwefxSXGs3gd7VsytDcNMyqOu7aLF3bso8-judebCsksFQN_vOs4hC8kKTCZB3rSGhoepJXqpYusvRDLk/s400/IMG_0218%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The old Potter School used in the movie <i>The Birds</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Yes, <i>The Birds</i>,
directed by Alfred Hitchcock and based on a 1952 story of the same name by Daphne du Maurier, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"><span lang="EN">was filmed in town </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">of Bodega Bay. But it was
all fiction, of co</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">urse. Yes, all
fiction. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We hope.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivScRps-C2q3v3lOAy58wlB1r8OwZam76VzMKAbEwU5AlJskYUGZ9ymJ2iut4tVD1IrDcIxC6_UIcFJyMfBjdXu7iJVv5Eg-qOluKPRRN8Lril6MSOWWOPI_bLZ5y2nHZyTHmDOw4QUHSQ/s1600/IMG_0217%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivScRps-C2q3v3lOAy58wlB1r8OwZam76VzMKAbEwU5AlJskYUGZ9ymJ2iut4tVD1IrDcIxC6_UIcFJyMfBjdXu7iJVv5Eg-qOluKPRRN8Lril6MSOWWOPI_bLZ5y2nHZyTHmDOw4QUHSQ/s640/IMG_0217%255B1%255D.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Depending on the
season, motorists will see some very interesting things. We were
surprised to be there in the month of August and to look out from Bodega Bay
and see a whale. We had figured most of them would have been down near
Baja by this time of the year. But there it was, maybe a mile out.
We could see it plainly from time to time; it would breach and blow.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Because of the
route’s unique location and construction, there are few things a driver must
anticipate. One thing is highway maintenance (refer back to Rules One and … oh,
never mind … you get the picture by now). Indeed, many trip advisors and
guidebooks warn of erosion and landslides.
Because this is a two-lane road, there are likely a few places where traffic
is stopped by roadwork crews. You’ll be waiting in a queue of cars behind
temporary stop signs or stop lights. Then, at regular intervals, a pilot
truck will lead you to a spot beyond the construction. The delay was not,
overall, distracting; you simply must anticipate it and be patient. Also,
gasoline along the highway is also more expensive than the rest of the state.
The prices should not be a surprise when one considers that the fuel must be trucked
in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It can be tad
arduous, but Highway One is a beautiful ride. Plan well! Certainly include a good camera and a proper
mindset of leisurely travel, i.e., don’t be in a rush. The excursion is
very much worth it.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406164292685870437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679701787572798836.post-43159206926705863752016-09-03T07:07:00.002-07:002016-09-25T07:22:53.544-07:00Avalon Waterway’s Seven nights Burgundy and Provence river cruise<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU-fOLWg23xX18pC-3ncbz8n96ehs6orx0ucLRI1XtLeqj6QxJnR-t1xPaFw27RzElOvKpJ_FcC95hC_67IAfpTuwkdflesxSPpxaVQYmdWLz6mS7kRyzqqNUGlVuT6Dj2qLDL-AFnUHD/s1600/avalon-tag-low-res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU-fOLWg23xX18pC-3ncbz8n96ehs6orx0ucLRI1XtLeqj6QxJnR-t1xPaFw27RzElOvKpJ_FcC95hC_67IAfpTuwkdflesxSPpxaVQYmdWLz6mS7kRyzqqNUGlVuT6Dj2qLDL-AFnUHD/s1600/avalon-tag-low-res.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;"><b>Avalon Waterway’s </b>Seven nights<b> Burgundy and Provence</b> river cruise was exceptional. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">First of all being a river cruise you must be
aware that the vessel is going to be smaller than a cruise ship, naturally.
When we first saw the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Poetry
II,</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>we were concerned that per
chance it was going to be too crowded. This was NOT the case at all since
as there were only 128 passengers on-board. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222;"></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">But first, with time on our hands, we
walked about the town of <b>Chalon-sur-Saône</b>.
We were ready for lunch and scouted<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>about for a place to dine. Now, </span><span style="color: #222222;">what can we say
about the cuisine of this part of France? Note that just about anywhere
you turn there is usually some wonderful café, in some beautiful half-timbered
house, run by a family dedicated to good cooking. No, let’s make that GREAT
cooking! They offer delicious meals consisting mostly of the provincial food eaten by the
locals. This was probably one of the
best aspects of this trip. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cO6-kbWTkIGU7dRUVLsjizpctxFiwOhYhxRbInGGUmUGjAnU-JNFTdHj3Xh_wyfGNYph-OuH5up6LZxM3XjfYeGTB7fvXgcRNDNSrha8vQqwLyexSsUz7jkypJ_0LAbhS5TCMncdrBx-/s1600/IMG_0858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cO6-kbWTkIGU7dRUVLsjizpctxFiwOhYhxRbInGGUmUGjAnU-JNFTdHj3Xh_wyfGNYph-OuH5up6LZxM3XjfYeGTB7fvXgcRNDNSrha8vQqwLyexSsUz7jkypJ_0LAbhS5TCMncdrBx-/s400/IMG_0858.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Scouting about for a meal in Chalon-sur-Saône</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. It was so easy to find great food!</span></span></h3>
</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, back to the <i>Poetry II</i>! We should also make this note about the crew: they were very,
very professional. It is clear that</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Avalon</i><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">maintains high standards in selection
of its personnel. The captain was very young but very adept at his
job. His English was impeccable and he went out of his way to explain the
workings of the ship and how it was navigated. Safety features abound on
this very intriguing piece of waterborne equipment. And, even if you're not
interested in engineering it is very worthwhile watching the ship go through
the lock systems on the river. </span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUxT3Rfegbif7HZkQH27FrmcSDBB5ZrKi_pbCpVqjNLwodafoJPyY5uRgzNnxKq5I9C4krZzYTDbe-_2K7R0x8Q403MrVocEsn12Pdmgj0a9xnwb-uJDPe0L8d81N9ka7UeCe4C2Ss66e/s1600/SAM_2519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUxT3Rfegbif7HZkQH27FrmcSDBB5ZrKi_pbCpVqjNLwodafoJPyY5uRgzNnxKq5I9C4krZzYTDbe-_2K7R0x8Q403MrVocEsn12Pdmgj0a9xnwb-uJDPe0L8d81N9ka7UeCe4C2Ss66e/s320/SAM_2519.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Boarding the <i>Poetry II</i></span>!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Also, when able, be on deck when the ship goes under bridges! There's not much
clearance with some of them and interestingly the captain’s pilot house can be
raised and lowered accordingly. I would venture that under some of those
bridges it's just a matter of inches, clearance-wise, but the whole process is
managed professionally and safely.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #222222;"> </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDM8lBzUtZHBP61HS7SfjuDBWz-B4xCQfcya87bBaNJje59lmfdPu-43XHBf57xrjaY9aMLXmUnMn8kWNKQkVtPVJZiNSKiVFuBM2B7WWoy-mERPbhSmN6yCNRkTQcHBmwitTxbmFGpZw/s1600/IMG_1180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDM8lBzUtZHBP61HS7SfjuDBWz-B4xCQfcya87bBaNJje59lmfdPu-43XHBf57xrjaY9aMLXmUnMn8kWNKQkVtPVJZiNSKiVFuBM2B7WWoy-mERPbhSmN6yCNRkTQcHBmwitTxbmFGpZw/s320/IMG_1180.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We were really impressed with every aspect of the <i>Poetry II ... </i>the crew, the ship, the food! Everything</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Also, if you wondering about sailing in southern France, this
route on the<span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span></span><span style="background: white;"><b>Saône</b>,
and eventually the <b>Rhone</b>,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">is
not the same as sailing on the Rhine or the Danube. You do not see vineyards
sweeping up steep slopes from the banks nor do you see massive walled cities on
mountain tops. However, the further south we went we noted more and more
medieval structures on the banks. Yes, more castles were becoming visible
and they were imposing to say the least! The best time to see them was at night
or early in the morning when they were illuminated! </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The city of <b>Lyon</b> was particularly interesting. This was one
of the more modern cities we experienced, certainly because it has been
situated there for a very long time, of course. This is one city on the river
that you get the same visual experience of some parts of the Danube on the
Rhine. Lyon is rather big. It is one hour from Mont Blanc. What was interesting
about Lyons is that the Rhône and the Saone run parallel to each other for
quite a ways. The rather odd looking <b>Musee des Confluences</b> is situated at the
point of land marking the spot where the two rivers do join. </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMJmnLzBAgtv9QI4tC28-QsGrRa6_2ZAW1pS8ZnkM2SoUlWpUnqIS1MhfQwMkHWKCJ66HBgfIQr-tiqqgF93EDQCyvruInpkV3PiQCFVu6gj5GtHWCT8RR0w8kLjUFlQ7UBWli70OGGGy/s1600/SAM_2551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMJmnLzBAgtv9QI4tC28-QsGrRa6_2ZAW1pS8ZnkM2SoUlWpUnqIS1MhfQwMkHWKCJ66HBgfIQr-tiqqgF93EDQCyvruInpkV3PiQCFVu6gj5GtHWCT8RR0w8kLjUFlQ7UBWli70OGGGy/s320/SAM_2551.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sailing into Lyon, one of the bigger cities on the cruise</span></td></tr>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Once off
the ship, it was very enjoyable to walk around the old parts of Lyon. Also, we
took a tour up to the top of the city on the Southbank where we were able
to tour the </span><span lang="EN"><b>Basilica of Notre-Dame de
Fourvière C</b></span></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>athedral.</b> The cathedral is not all that
old. And right next to it is a smaller version of the Eiffel Tower which is
their simply for telecommunication purposes. It was a wonderful view of the
city up there.</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvOf17L2RUqkHoOPDqfluIfcVzrHL736wM7o9B3QKa2GOQxN1AN53D5YvPWJvN5NOJCUT8JSJmNctGtJRXKEKxGT4ZisghUsetSiOQVBCRyN3E573nsrLrWX7tp3djcb8qoApuLgbjHmv/s1600/IMG_0927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvOf17L2RUqkHoOPDqfluIfcVzrHL736wM7o9B3QKa2GOQxN1AN53D5YvPWJvN5NOJCUT8JSJmNctGtJRXKEKxGT4ZisghUsetSiOQVBCRyN3E573nsrLrWX7tp3djcb8qoApuLgbjHmv/s320/IMG_0927.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière C</span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">athedral, high above the city of Lyon!</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></div>
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<div style="border: none; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #AAAAAA .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back
down in the city, one enjoyable aspect of Lyon was hiking to the market.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, a walking trip to the </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">city market</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> is
recommended.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was not very far from
the boat and the directions provided by the crew were easy to follow. Once
there, the visual experience is great</span>!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtRjWSisbXPgg60NEpVcEvW6N5f4C-fnzG3soDVZ7Fewi1h1Y5U1d_94_dsnzMHlOY9ZgT-A_M423peluNHVLcXCWyvjK89p71MGOP8VJZGM_vb5h8DcPBqTC9GT6K_DGRRR_GIF-Gnxw/s1600/IMG_0996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtRjWSisbXPgg60NEpVcEvW6N5f4C-fnzG3soDVZ7Fewi1h1Y5U1d_94_dsnzMHlOY9ZgT-A_M423peluNHVLcXCWyvjK89p71MGOP8VJZGM_vb5h8DcPBqTC9GT6K_DGRRR_GIF-Gnxw/s320/IMG_0996.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The City Market in Lyon -- an amazing sensation for the eyes ... and nose!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The aromatic experience, however, may be different sensation to some! Yes, your sense of smell will indicate that you
are truly in the marketplace; it sells everything from meat, to fish to
cheese. Indeed, there is some very
pungent </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">fromage</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. But there is also chocolate!
It was great to walk around and look at all the chocolate and other delicacies. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCMSL0S2FK61WW_RsImmoGa7sJmvQR58ukBVtfyFmexLHlxMaHKYEhexd_PkDViDRHyU2tLe4ArhK9aQvjk0lzPvAM0Xw9yJMH10oVxQPyRg_KHeSM11KgoZxKROXi3D0FvOn8NxVPxa7/s1600/IMG_0992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCMSL0S2FK61WW_RsImmoGa7sJmvQR58ukBVtfyFmexLHlxMaHKYEhexd_PkDViDRHyU2tLe4ArhK9aQvjk0lzPvAM0Xw9yJMH10oVxQPyRg_KHeSM11KgoZxKROXi3D0FvOn8NxVPxa7/s320/IMG_0992.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A sampling of French culinary products in Lyon!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">To and from the ship there
are numerous cafés for when you're tired or should you simply want a break.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">There is a café just about on every corner where
you can sit, enjoy a hot beverage, and people watch. By the way, a lot of
famous French characters, celebrities, and other notables came from Lyon. Most
notably was <b>Antoine de </b></span><b><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Saint</span></em><span style="background-color: white;">-Exupéry</span></b><span style="background-color: white;">,
or “Saint X”, the author of<i> The Little Prince.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are
many very intriguing short shore tours available in the small villages. These were always a delight! We were never
disappointed! The guides were all local residents and extremely knowledgeable
on the history of the specific stop.
Very intriguing was the Roman history; yes, to this day visages of the
Roman Empire can still be seen here in there and some of the villages along the
river. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Depending on
your historical interests, it should be pointed out that if they lie in
the realm of the medieval then the village of </span><span lang="EN"><b>Pérouges</b></span></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: large;"> is probably going
to be your best bet for a short excursion</span>. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirhNFsStErNJI2mtVPzmrni-iOgkIYurcNBL__vLG5GLxgM7jL0gn4c7AE4IN78hIUP1P8e3T_XqNONGkSTp_Kcval0t9wx8ZFiQ80EecI9dlTBycyH6WqW1FVsn_I1iyfE8Ic7icVFyl/s1600/11230104_10206483293820035_7003491145787632728_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirhNFsStErNJI2mtVPzmrni-iOgkIYurcNBL__vLG5GLxgM7jL0gn4c7AE4IN78hIUP1P8e3T_XqNONGkSTp_Kcval0t9wx8ZFiQ80EecI9dlTBycyH6WqW1FVsn_I1iyfE8Ic7icVFyl/s640/11230104_10206483293820035_7003491145787632728_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Katherine at the entrance to Pérouges; a very picturesque medieval gate! </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">
This village is about one hour bus
ride from Lyon. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once you are there it is literally like stepping back into medieval era!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEl-t4XRvuIZ1HOXphyUfCr89bWKCGKMAIbLkC_pk-L7wET-iBRY8KSbESZIL0Sl8g4S0NgW1-pofnGHqW4dMcC5C-hWXBNWqob7mcn5inmeUb_4drgoQNrG5Bkcijon2Kah5bxzy-flNU/s1600/SAM_2601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEl-t4XRvuIZ1HOXphyUfCr89bWKCGKMAIbLkC_pk-L7wET-iBRY8KSbESZIL0Sl8g4S0NgW1-pofnGHqW4dMcC5C-hWXBNWqob7mcn5inmeUb_4drgoQNrG5Bkcijon2Kah5bxzy-flNU/s400/SAM_2601.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Extremely old restaurant in Pérouges</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: large;">It seems as if it's hardly
changed at all unless you look closely for an occasional mailbox or power meter
which are fairly well hidden for the most part. The town has been used as a setting for a few medieval period movies.</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhec1MVsNNtBbNPUP2CSwzK57Ib2HAxFjTXUcczJ5S8AAxvDmYCyX_w1Ktd2Fqbd7hhs5C7mO9biCCZsZYuUCDhKfVKK3cG-T_TaJgugHMR25Ermsg_OG_hWfOD27H8kYl956PFOBBu50AQ/s1600/SAM_2612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhec1MVsNNtBbNPUP2CSwzK57Ib2HAxFjTXUcczJ5S8AAxvDmYCyX_w1Ktd2Fqbd7hhs5C7mO9biCCZsZYuUCDhKfVKK3cG-T_TaJgugHMR25Ermsg_OG_hWfOD27H8kYl956PFOBBu50AQ/s640/SAM_2612.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">Walking the old streets of Pérouges</span></td></tr>
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</span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Another great part of this trip was a venture from Lyon into the <b>Maconnais Region</b>. It is the most southern wine growing terrain of Burgundy. D</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">ry wines made from Chardonnay grapes are produced here. The rolling hills, vineyards and picturesque country villages are spectacular.</span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJLnfSBZhj6KcJd6UHJRikgqzBfmTywQFlAzkYkTOEIgC4sDXGKKy7R-lR_K82s33xaRwIyvqE8X-cYUNcHygzh8HuPIDlTHqXNepjkaJx_SfkovnLOM1ozmSKdSuea59ch2HxsgFfVVu/s1600/Wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJLnfSBZhj6KcJd6UHJRikgqzBfmTywQFlAzkYkTOEIgC4sDXGKKy7R-lR_K82s33xaRwIyvqE8X-cYUNcHygzh8HuPIDlTHqXNepjkaJx_SfkovnLOM1ozmSKdSuea59ch2HxsgFfVVu/s400/Wine.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The beautiful and distinctive terrain of the Maconnais Region</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Châteauneuf-du-Pape</b> is small wine village in the Rhone Valley. The grapes grow in a very rocky and sandy terrain. Actually, the term “rocky” is an understatement; it is the most extraordinary ground imaginable. The stony terrain (see the photo, below) makes one wonder how anything could grow here. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtjeKWpCUd-m95rtH8yY7xN4Wi_CY8m6efixOAzCXqQPJUIorL9RWjvXB-ZTb9dgtPwV5zgXuw9LWD0IycWpRThfb8kCKnhtIeYRwHHojzRg4VRCn2W6fwZYUBmbCqtyqOpkMxnNM_IWd/s1600/wine1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtjeKWpCUd-m95rtH8yY7xN4Wi_CY8m6efixOAzCXqQPJUIorL9RWjvXB-ZTb9dgtPwV5zgXuw9LWD0IycWpRThfb8kCKnhtIeYRwHHojzRg4VRCn2W6fwZYUBmbCqtyqOpkMxnNM_IWd/s400/wine1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Vineyards of Southern France! The rocky soil seems to do the trick!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But the vines, indeed do grow. Some of these vines are around 100 years old. Indeed, Rhone Valley wines are a blend of different grapes that thrive here. There are around thirteen variety of grapes growing in the Rhone Valley, but Grenache is the primary grape. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_QolH3CKTyQYuKwiLaBLTSy6iq1Id7B2dwk3TDhPIg6T03_jkBW_01mg4Xe0jT1qwP9P9SRnK9J9LM_XOzML5wPW4rR5lw7r-hUjQBTlhxtCzesaKUQ3oqtuZOAkfB9STrapbC4AQISq/s1600/IMG_0910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_QolH3CKTyQYuKwiLaBLTSy6iq1Id7B2dwk3TDhPIg6T03_jkBW_01mg4Xe0jT1qwP9P9SRnK9J9LM_XOzML5wPW4rR5lw7r-hUjQBTlhxtCzesaKUQ3oqtuZOAkfB9STrapbC4AQISq/s320/IMG_0910.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Wine tasting in a medieval setting! Amazing</span>!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wine tasting in these regions is an educational experience. The French take great pride in their wines and love to share their knowledge of cultivating grapes and the wine making process with their guests. In many small villages, such as <b>Châteauneuf-du-Pape</b>, it seems as if every other building is a winery. Generally, most are open to the public for a tasting experience. You can purchase wine directly from the wine houses and they will ship it for you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">As we neared the end of our trip, one of the
highlights was the tour of </span><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Arles</b>, the</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222;"> point of disembarkation. Again, you take in the former grandeur of the Roman Empire when you see the coliseum (still used for bullfights) as well as the Roman aqueducts.</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_ShFyFxJa_Ckno3L1Lhb13_f5V3dAGyR-2GhBJNVb1bzI4jtSPj8nUI3tGivJYnuDOTWcgwl-FeJsj5n3GSy1pq4bBXWaGEx_ijRU2K4m-MRnGG1Zs7Kd-pQJvachvT4d2F5bHCBOf_L/s1600/IMG_1204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_ShFyFxJa_Ckno3L1Lhb13_f5V3dAGyR-2GhBJNVb1bzI4jtSPj8nUI3tGivJYnuDOTWcgwl-FeJsj5n3GSy1pq4bBXWaGEx_ijRU2K4m-MRnGG1Zs7Kd-pQJvachvT4d2F5bHCBOf_L/s400/IMG_1204.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">The ancient Roman <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">coliseum, one of many throughout southern France.</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">But for those
with a bent to the medieval period, be sure to tour the </span><span lang="EN">Church of <b>St. Trophime </b>with its amazing cloister.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_b33nfjMP1leGpV1tNUJyoc2vPHIHvDaQH6f84uyJu_waIHptAHP6XdkFBzCYYTX1ESSJbXxtGOPUU-GKS4fekLuP3PGuCbhoR1iVqB-sdWVBUG221yQEC8h9ecyNaZXRCPJaZ0ms7cM/s1600/SAM_2845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_b33nfjMP1leGpV1tNUJyoc2vPHIHvDaQH6f84uyJu_waIHptAHP6XdkFBzCYYTX1ESSJbXxtGOPUU-GKS4fekLuP3PGuCbhoR1iVqB-sdWVBUG221yQEC8h9ecyNaZXRCPJaZ0ms7cM/s400/SAM_2845.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Church
of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>St. Trophime</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN">Take the time to walk the galleries and
observe the detailed capitals</span><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">that depict many scenes of the Old and New Testament.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-9SfCebXAY0gl3fkVv8q4XIF_4u-GaLnJ2gXdh-y1E3tUXmw4GIOm1OCeFM8hS-AAcyKjRnlApPxvh7iq3uARWkif7O1kxCnFUKmNdHywPo4TsrMssbcDwE7lf6cqlv5E6MU23lr6ztM/s1600/SAM_2857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-9SfCebXAY0gl3fkVv8q4XIF_4u-GaLnJ2gXdh-y1E3tUXmw4GIOm1OCeFM8hS-AAcyKjRnlApPxvh7iq3uARWkif7O1kxCnFUKmNdHywPo4TsrMssbcDwE7lf6cqlv5E6MU23lr6ztM/s400/SAM_2857.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Biblical tales a evident throughout the Cloister.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Whether you
are an art connoisseur or not, you are walking through a dwelling of <b>Vincent
Van Gogh</b>. That poor tortured artist took refuge in Arles in the year 1888. The town has gone to great pains to inform
visitors that they are standing in the exact spot where Van Gogh painting some
of his beautiful and more renown pieces such as </span><i><span style="background: white; color: #252525;">The Night Cafe</span></i></span><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">, the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Yellow
Room</i>,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Starry Night Over
the Rhone</i>, and <i>Garden of the Hospital
in Arles</i>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #252525;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9iW94BVnh68WBIECzoR6txlcsI3IkXXah8afbgFjTTulKGRyT1Hvj34qpGjfRFdIC8rR79vBT3KCS-2vBx-Tq_6vGj7VovNU_dKFKRkqoS8tA-jZVIxTQV92oT_7-I7lkEDS7GEEqQNo/s1600/SAM_2878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9iW94BVnh68WBIECzoR6txlcsI3IkXXah8afbgFjTTulKGRyT1Hvj34qpGjfRFdIC8rR79vBT3KCS-2vBx-Tq_6vGj7VovNU_dKFKRkqoS8tA-jZVIxTQV92oT_7-I7lkEDS7GEEqQNo/s640/SAM_2878.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The setting for Vincent Van Goph's <i>The Night Cafe</i></span></td></tr>
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</span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #252525;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">T</span><span style="font-size: large;">his city was
a fascinating experience! It was
bittersweet, too, because we knew our cruise was over. </span></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406164292685870437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679701787572798836.post-86160658612603658302016-07-02T16:02:00.000-07:002016-09-03T04:40:19.485-07:00Alaska Cruise and Tour<h2 style="text-align: center;">
</h2>
In June 2014, we did a 11 day Denali Park Tour and 7 cruise. I organized this trip for 20 people, consisting of family and friends. We saw so much beautiful scenery on this tour: glaciers, wildlife, waterfalls, the Tongass Natural Forest. We were also surprised at how much we learned about the rich Alaskan history and culture.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS5pwBnOZdH6H9H4NLrBdPwwEfInYX5Uehqq4CsM8yt7hUD0QpJIpQwMF1NRpmSQdgKMAcwhxCIeK6rKmJ7U_QWUhwePuLGljzwPSxL0p3eVOp1bedLI-j2ujHv0rA3-LfNng70kOm7DL/s1600/mount+Mckinley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS5pwBnOZdH6H9H4NLrBdPwwEfInYX5Uehqq4CsM8yt7hUD0QpJIpQwMF1NRpmSQdgKMAcwhxCIeK6rKmJ7U_QWUhwePuLGljzwPSxL0p3eVOp1bedLI-j2ujHv0rA3-LfNng70kOm7DL/s400/mount+Mckinley.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount McKinley</td></tr>
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The train ride through Denali Park was a real treat. The scenery is spectacular, and the staff on the train is extremely energetic and accommodating. The lunch we had on-board was absolutely delicious.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcroAI7R1gLJdYzeqPGm-TcSUj-8sNSyPAhKQZro7oco1gYl0R4CfgnUxSKY1aMzjaw7UVRYcawRUd2gcxKe5maWn1KiAAjdWZgeJUh4_G_rD0dT-PuF0rhby3ddWIHs4lK7jxTiu0TLg/s1600/1797472_10204150951117445_161051834789387385_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcroAI7R1gLJdYzeqPGm-TcSUj-8sNSyPAhKQZro7oco1gYl0R4CfgnUxSKY1aMzjaw7UVRYcawRUd2gcxKe5maWn1KiAAjdWZgeJUh4_G_rD0dT-PuF0rhby3ddWIHs4lK7jxTiu0TLg/s400/1797472_10204150951117445_161051834789387385_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alaska Railroad</td></tr>
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Denali Park is huge. Taking the bus trip 60 miles into the park is somewhat demanding, but it gives you an idea of the immensity of this national treasure. The further you drive north, the forest begins to get thinner, and you really understand how far north you are, moving into the region of tundra.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIndI1mput3wlXgHVlRsZ8mjvgOo2vyHEEjRFRLRN9_1QYg_4TWii-LVMqGMgOm7NQFGMB63m8JlG9632OuTQXoKDyL_atM4hphwaeox8FB-2MiHXs5LAf5a3k6thMjjT12ZPOTnJ82qtP/s1600/SAM_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIndI1mput3wlXgHVlRsZ8mjvgOo2vyHEEjRFRLRN9_1QYg_4TWii-LVMqGMgOm7NQFGMB63m8JlG9632OuTQXoKDyL_atM4hphwaeox8FB-2MiHXs5LAf5a3k6thMjjT12ZPOTnJ82qtP/s400/SAM_0388.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denali Park</td></tr>
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We traveled with a group of 20 people, consisting of family members and friends. Most of the group did the 11 day Denali Tour and Cruise, while others met the ship at the Whittier port for the cruise portion only.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOY6JqRhMDjf8V44WZRbStFTcRbnufhQYYt-e3Bx9YmGw2Nw7gMZo6NUwXDuxq4seEyZrIJ9pq_yMwTj5VRY4QpdR5Z0R0i6tUBqh2xwY5JaVzqTJxSg0utpOjfkKYeoK9fdVC667RHv_/s1600/SAM_0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOY6JqRhMDjf8V44WZRbStFTcRbnufhQYYt-e3Bx9YmGw2Nw7gMZo6NUwXDuxq4seEyZrIJ9pq_yMwTj5VRY4QpdR5Z0R0i6tUBqh2xwY5JaVzqTJxSg0utpOjfkKYeoK9fdVC667RHv_/s400/SAM_0402.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barker Family at the Denali Bluff Hotel</td></tr>
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Whale watching is spectacular fun. You get very close to these huge majestic animals. It’s amazing how graceful they are as they a surface for air. They don’t seem to mind your presence at all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_5cltydwyXxEH6P_iS6bci-YYCrWhD9dmPTnHS12uf6J4sDBi-QQ5DldN_da1GjX44ZTflbeakJPEjjLwu-10t7SNT4wZnnOyphNViRW5CBUyPqtW-422jX3I2C7u_aA2vN3H2KwOPgo/s1600/Whale_watching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_5cltydwyXxEH6P_iS6bci-YYCrWhD9dmPTnHS12uf6J4sDBi-QQ5DldN_da1GjX44ZTflbeakJPEjjLwu-10t7SNT4wZnnOyphNViRW5CBUyPqtW-422jX3I2C7u_aA2vN3H2KwOPgo/s400/Whale_watching.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whale Watching in Icy Point, Alaska</td></tr>
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Alaska is famous for some of the largest glaciers in the world. These slow moving rivers of ice along with the blue tinted icebergs floating nearby are magnificent.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPx5qoabsHv1f5b43QH7DOY8pZp3jImuPvdZKkMlYVRTfAI6xo5KdpdPNB47ZbgR1NhyXJUnXQkbz54Lbi_lLQmtNRWvTFxrCIwxFPFpXfvsSdPcNB7fM2e_9Rp4Y-pno-oPWkyK-5274/s1600/glacier_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPx5qoabsHv1f5b43QH7DOY8pZp3jImuPvdZKkMlYVRTfAI6xo5KdpdPNB47ZbgR1NhyXJUnXQkbz54Lbi_lLQmtNRWvTFxrCIwxFPFpXfvsSdPcNB7fM2e_9Rp4Y-pno-oPWkyK-5274/s400/glacier_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It is highly recommended that you take a trip to Skagway. While it is not a very large town, it nevertheless gives you a great idea of what it was like in Alaska during the early days of the gold mining in this region. Extremely rustic, and a lot of fun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDix2JD_4TBq125VnjpvxzTZ4Qj8Nl_4PBGDg-Rcb1YuhfAaRbEoIEklxzPE7L5LSNeyi-hQuHpjq4sP3KMo5CqSAXgS8HutuhHac02psIvhICuOdR8ldnPytue7E7_Zk8fFZBxZo1GerV/s1600/Skagway-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDix2JD_4TBq125VnjpvxzTZ4Qj8Nl_4PBGDg-Rcb1YuhfAaRbEoIEklxzPE7L5LSNeyi-hQuHpjq4sP3KMo5CqSAXgS8HutuhHac02psIvhICuOdR8ldnPytue7E7_Zk8fFZBxZo1GerV/s400/Skagway-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skagway, Alaska</td></tr>
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Creek Street is a quaint historic boardwalk along the banks of Ketchikan Creek in Ketchikan, Alaska. A former Red Light District where both men and salmon swam upstream to spawn.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DSgsgmKhxkCTusILcCAWbA5uhQ_JGTNDb14tq1LvSNkNmO23GEfvSZJNir_yeAfAeU-mVv4qWRey6rdXmJmzi-TsXOEwBK82A9FZ5odAMMCDNU6Yv5UcubNOrmfUyeSGa1VJBL2zT78M/s1600/Ketchan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DSgsgmKhxkCTusILcCAWbA5uhQ_JGTNDb14tq1LvSNkNmO23GEfvSZJNir_yeAfAeU-mVv4qWRey6rdXmJmzi-TsXOEwBK82A9FZ5odAMMCDNU6Yv5UcubNOrmfUyeSGa1VJBL2zT78M/s400/Ketchan.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creek Street in Ketchikan, Alaska</td></tr>
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Vancouver Canada was a great stop. This city is a real jewel; it is absolutely sparkling in its cleanliness. Very tourist friendly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAg0ivgNacNnRxYogBv7Kd1hc6Me1KkSYyJvGk-l0rT1j3fnzekBjnm5bGV8eNp84M_Erla1FnB9QIGXvqUT4s04Dp6yyiz_3TIFwqPkmE-o_zGzqtwYkqYXttj1mv7nD5RyGHqHwfzKg7/s1600/Vancouver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAg0ivgNacNnRxYogBv7Kd1hc6Me1KkSYyJvGk-l0rT1j3fnzekBjnm5bGV8eNp84M_Erla1FnB9QIGXvqUT4s04Dp6yyiz_3TIFwqPkmE-o_zGzqtwYkqYXttj1mv7nD5RyGHqHwfzKg7/s400/Vancouver.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vancouver, Canada</td></tr>
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This park is great for Nature lovers. The park has 7 suspended footbridges and treetop adventures, offering views 100 feet above the forest bed. You will be surrounded by towering evergreens and cedars.<br />
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Capilano Suspension Bridge near Vancouver, Canada</div>
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We would love to have you! So think about joining us for a 11 night Alaskan Cruise and tour. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">We depart Anchorage June 27, 2016. </span>For additional information feel free to contact Kathy at <a href="mailto:kculclasure@kindlycompasstravel.com"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">kculclasure@kindlycompasstravel.com</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">. </span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406164292685870437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679701787572798836.post-6695726565247296002015-08-16T09:29:00.000-07:002015-08-16T09:29:14.165-07:00The World is Now More Accessible Than Ever - Explore and Enjoy It!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoEgCEaB7wFvbSUdgVqooZT3lottBQNaA-tfMSx3M5BsBDAGYRwJzXmQ5DIOg_XW7R6pM_PpOX3-nCzZyKvVbEUU3f6M_fxFAbWAZaeXYVdqlEbaCI7aKseOREiU9qIrIuEUnFZ0VoOwc/s1600/SpecialNeedsCertified_LOGO.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The
world is now more accessible than ever before. Twenty percent (62 million) of
the U.S. population has some form of disability, and the number of these
individuals is increasing daily. These people need to, want to, and can travel.
If you’re part of that twenty percent, a world of travel awaits you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Travel
professionals such as myself who are accessible travel advocates certified by Special
Needs Group </span><a href="http://www.specialneedsgroup.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">www.specialneedsgroup.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">, the leading global
provider of special needs equipment for the travel industry, have unique, specialized
knowledge about how to help individuals with disabilities enjoy a wonderful,
hassle-free and memorable trip.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here
are a few tips from Special Needs Group to ensure that when your next travel
opportunity arises, you are ready to go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p> </o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Outline your travel
needs<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Take time to evaluate the logistics of your
trip in relation to your ability to keep pace. What modes of transportation
will you be using? Airplane, motor coach, train, ship, transit vans for ground
transfers? Make a list, referring to relevant brochures, your trip organizer or
travel agent to make sure you don’t miss anything.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now, make a list of your specific
requirements. Be honest: what types of special needs equipment do you depend on
at home? What do you use or need (or wish you had!) when shopping, sightseeing
locally, dining out or going to the movies, attending concerts, the theater,
street fairs or sporting events at home? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Can you hear and see clearly without special
auditory equipment or visual aides?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
far can you walk without a rest break? Are stairs difficult? Can you get in and
out of the tub or shower at home without handgrips or other assistance? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Travel, whether solo or in a group, is no
time for roughing it or trying to “tough it out.” If a wheelchair, scooter or
portable oxygen will make your trip easier, place that item on your list. Many
people who do not use wheelchairs or walkers at home feel more comfortable
using these mobility aides for tour and excursions. In fact, most of Special
Needs Group’s wheelchair and scooter rentals are to individuals who only use
such aides when traveling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Plan Ahead<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you already own a scooter or portable
oxygen, it’s important to know the policy and procedures for bringing that
equipment onboard all the transport vehicles included in your itinerary, from
planes to taxis to ferry boats. Does that transport have a way to stow your
scooter or wheelchair? Is oxygen allowed on board? Some airlines prohibit certain
types of batteries, such as wet cell batteries, or oxygen cylinders. Airlines
operate under strict rules, so there may be packing procedures to follow if they
do allow the equipment. Keep in mind, most airlines need at least 48 hours’
notice to make special arrangements, and be prepared to fill out forms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Overall, cruise ships are more lenient in
allowing oxygen, but some disallow certain types of oxygen. All require that
the oxygen be delivered to the ship, and that you have enough for the entire
voyage. Oxygen may never be brought aboard in your luggage. Requirements vary,
so check your cruise line for proper instructions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, documentation and paperwork are
required.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Whether you are headed for a cruise ship,
hotel or all-inclusive resort, double check for wheelchair access at that venue,
plus any venues you will be visiting on the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Confirm that accessible hotel rooms, resort
accommodations or ship staterooms are available for your travel dates. The
earlier you book, the better your chances of securing fully accessible
accommodations. And early booking increases your chances of securing a ground
floor hotel room or cruise stateroom near the elevator, if these issues are
important. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Check on the access to public rooms,
restaurants, bars, toilets, the swimming pool, hot tub, beach area and other
amenities. Are there TDD phone devices? How will you get in and out of the
shower or bathtub? Are there flashing lights to accommodate hearing? Braille
room numbers? Knowing in advance the scope of your needs gives you time to
arrange advance rentals of any necessary equipment, scheduled to arrive when
you do. Everything from scooters, lifts, ramps, TDD kits and special
mattresses, including special needs cribs, is available for rental.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Will road travel or car excursions be part of
the trip? Many car rental companies have vehicles that are modified for drivers
or passengers with mobility limitations. Check ahead to make sure a suitable vehicle
will be available for your travel dates. If you will be hiring a car or van,
make sure the company is aware of your special needs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">When traveling with a limitation or
disability, full travel insurance for medical coverage abroad and trip
cancellation insurance are even more important and strongly advised.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></u></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ask
the Right Questions<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When making the final bookings, be sure you
ask the right questions, even if the accommodations or cruise stateroom are
categorized as “accessible.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For example, are doorways wide enough for the
largest wheelchairs? Do the doors open outwards or into the room?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Are all the public areas of the hotel, resort
or ship accessible? Do you need to make special arrangements in the dining room
to accommodate the wheelchair or scooter?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Will the bathroom facilities truly fit your
needs? Is the bathroom large enough for the wheelchair or scooter?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Is there a
roll-in shower? Grab-bars? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Are there facilities for companion/assistance
animals?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Are there shopping and entertainment facilities
close by if you are staying at a hotel or resort?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">On shore excursions or tours, does the van
have a lift and method for transporting wheelchairs and scooters? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Simply stated, don’t take anything for
granted. It’s easy to arrange for almost every situation, and the world is
wonderfully accessible, once you know what’s needed, what’s available and how
to find the necessary equipment. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I look forward to helping you with all of
your accessible travel needs!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Katherine Culclasure</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406164292685870437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2679701787572798836.post-86121764009727327082015-06-04T17:27:00.000-07:002015-06-04T17:35:38.756-07:00Why Join Kay's Group Dance Cruise?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u></u><br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hKLuik7zVMtA7cHkagcVlawZnmNCNbGVarRuBlKSAIEua2RyNpYAbP7gO_Q1rDe64tm17qil1MGrK7wuZNQRie6NH_G95u1irpQOA5b6y_1dGveyIByw9xOpJHm7L3IZkhxWwPKK_kpT/s1600/SAM_1154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hKLuik7zVMtA7cHkagcVlawZnmNCNbGVarRuBlKSAIEua2RyNpYAbP7gO_Q1rDe64tm17qil1MGrK7wuZNQRie6NH_G95u1irpQOA5b6y_1dGveyIByw9xOpJHm7L3IZkhxWwPKK_kpT/s200/SAM_1154.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kay Lawson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dance and Cruise with Kay</h2>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Kay’s dance group departed on Jan 24, 2015 for a fun and relaxing seven night Western Caribbean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s <i>Vision of the Seas</i>. The group consisted of friends, students, and acquaintances of Kay Lawson, the owner/instructor from <i>Kay’s Social Dancing</i>. </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing on the Lido Deck</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The voyage kicked off on the pool deck with a “meet and greet”. New friends and old acquaintances had a few drinks and danced their first dance with the assist of the <i>Vision of the Seas</i> wonderful entertainment. Thus the stage was set for the rest of the cruise. </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet and Greet</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">On the days out at sea, Kay instructed dance to the group in the “Some Enchanted Evening” Lounge. She taught Bachata, a dance that originated in the Dominion Republic. Bachata? It is danced solo, in two-hand hold, open embrace and close embrace. Challenging, but fun! </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kay teaches dancing</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">But in any case the ship’s entertainment played a mixture</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> of music allowing the dance group to show off a wide range of dance styles.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Captain and his Staff entertain </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The ship’s busy activity included other dance classes taught by the ship’s staff: Line dancing, belly dancing, the “thriller” and salsa to name a few. Regards the “thriller”? Of course all dressed as zombies. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">We seemed to be going everywhere! The cruise itinerary included Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize City, Belize, and Roatan (Honduras). If we did not want to go on organized group tours, there many shore activities at the various ports: shopping, enjoying cocktails and just hangin’ out!</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Al Tun HA Mayan Ruins</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Looking for Kay? She was usually on the dance floor leading her students/friends in dance. She really left an impression; I heard many comments about the groups dancing ability, poise and style from other guests. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Cruising with Kay’s dance group is fun, fun, FUN! Whether it’s singles or couples, this cruise has something to offer for dancers.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAGfzarDBjh4MS9ASiBr5myJJzuphdJnQdFQFmAauOahPm1P-fNOV4H1f0M5Sgg_Tg3paaDX93baoG5OWri2NSdXunSM9s9rvk4YQ6npfJAFjH99FjCSl-XU1Vot_bD1y67z0qB3ypw6W/s1600/Group+Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAGfzarDBjh4MS9ASiBr5myJJzuphdJnQdFQFmAauOahPm1P-fNOV4H1f0M5Sgg_Tg3paaDX93baoG5OWri2NSdXunSM9s9rvk4YQ6npfJAFjH99FjCSl-XU1Vot_bD1y67z0qB3ypw6W/s640/Group+Picture.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">We would love to have you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So think
about Kay’s dance group cruise April 9, 2016. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For additional information feel free to
contact Kathy at </span><a href="mailto:kculclasure@kindlycompasstravel.com"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">kculclasure@kindlycompasstravel.com</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">.
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</span></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406164292685870437noreply@blogger.com0