Its Called Bioluminescence

The glow is caused by plankton, there are other species as well that display this ability.  There are over 1,500 types of fish  that luminesce—not including other creatures like jellyfish, sea stars and certain types of sharks. Most luminescent creatures live in a warm water environment, a few live on land. Can anyone say fireflies, also railroad worms and even the millipede.

Bioluminescence is light produced by a chemical reaction within a living thing.

Every reaction requires two chemicals,

Luciferin 

and  Luciferase

Luciferin is the chemical that actually produces the light and determines what color it will be.

If that was a bit to much to chew on and you want to know more heres a link.

What causes Bioluminescence?

Those colors and their brightness can vary greatly depending on the type of animal and where it lives, but most marine creatures tend to be somewhere on the blue-green spectrum. Some of them emit light continuously, while some only shimmer when disturbed.

All of them glow for very specific reasons, although it’s not the same for every creature. For some, its to hunt prey. For others, to find mates. And yet others use it as a defense mechanism.

These neon lights are so amazing that some travelers plan their entire vacations around the bioluminescent high season.

In October and September you can experience Bioluminescence in San Diego on the beaches of La Jolla and Torrey Pines 

La Jolla

Torrey Pines 

Best Value and Closest Hotels near by –

Inn By The Sea La Jolla     Click For Info

Inn By The Sea La Jolla    Click For Info  

Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, La Jolla.   Click For Info

La Valencia La Jolla.  Click for Info

Next Stop       Manasquan Beach, New Jersey, 

Where the Manasquan River and the Atlantic Ocean meet, Manasquan is a popular family tourist destination. Manasquan has a long sandy beach that proudly takes up a mile of the popular vacation destination The Jersey Shore. The sand is sleek and world class. The downtown is loaded with restaurants that will suit everyone. Nicely scattered shopping as well.  The most curious attraction “Bioluminescence” occurs during low tide with a dark sky present and just a trace of a crescent moon. Jersey’s blue and gold glowing waters are caused by algea  The algae puts on quite a show of eerie glowing gold and blue colors every time the water is disturbed. Sometimes even red. This is best viewed June thru September.

As long as we have no rules on our journey, Lets go back to the US where they filmed one of my favorite movies Goonies. Washington State.

Thinking back when this motion picture came out, we were so young thinking how we were the personalities in the film and which caricature we were most connected too. I just smile. 

San Juan Island, Washington State

Far away from warm tropical waters  San Juan Island has its own attractions – spectacular surrounding landscape, pebbled beaches, pods of passing orcas, and one of the largest lavender farms in the country. You wouldn’t expect to see bioluminescence in these waters but surprisingly, the waters around San Juan Island are are loaded with spectacular bioluminescence. The constant tidal exchange brings water rich in nutrients, this is a great condition for the growth of bioluminescent algae. This type of bioluminescence shines it’s brightest right before the sun sets when the algae accumulates in the shallow bay. The species of organisms that create bioluminescence in the San Juan waters are dinoflagellates known as Noctiluca.

The best way to experience this event is with the help of-“BIOLUMINESCENCE KAYAKING SAN JUAN ISLANDS”

San Juan Islands Original Bioluminescence 4 Hour Kayak Tour

Ages 12 and Up / Best May Thru September

 Leading the way this small and very knowledgeable company created the  Tour 7 years ago. When you read about bioluminescence paddling on San Juan Island, you are reading about Discovery Sea Kayaks. They have the most experience on the water at night, with a great caring staff and all the tips to keep you safe..

The San Juan Islands of Washington State have significant tidal exchanges that create swift currents and ocean upwellings. These upwellings yield highly nutrient rich bodies of water, creating an environment with a wide diversity of microorganisms. The bioluminescent creatures thrive here, creating their own light. The best part is your are kayaking at night in the ocean. How fun does that sound! 

Their link will be posted after we find a few great places to stay.

Hotels

Bird Rock Hotel, Friday Harbor.   Click For Info

Bird Rock Hotel,  Friday Harbor    Click For Info

Kingfish Inn, Eastsound.    Click For Info

Kingfish Inn, Eastsound.    Click For Info

San Juan Island Hostel $80 Per Night    Click For Info

San Juan Island Hostel $80 Per Night    Click For Info

Lets Go To Puerto Rico

Mosquito Bay

Mosquito Bay, better known as Bioluminescent Bay,  is a tranquil, warm, shallow bay on the southern shore of the Puerto Rico island .

The bay is world famous for its extreme bioluminescence, it may just produce the brightest lights in the world.  Kayak to the middle of the bay and watch the of light  with every paddle of your oar.

Hotels

Acacia Guesthouse.  $109 Per Night.      Click For Info

Acacia Guesthouse.  $109 Per Night.      Click For Info

The Vieques Guesthouse. $94 Per Night.  Click For Info

The Vieques Guesthouse. $94 Per Night.  Click For Info

Hacienda Tamarindo    Click For Info

Hacienda Tamarindo    Click For Info

Gippsland, Australia

 

Australia’s largest network of inland waterways are formed by Gippsland Lake. The waterways are famous for many reasons, swimming, canoeing, fan boating, snorkeling and scuba, dolphin watching, paddle boating or simply a relaxing day on her shores. Or join a tour to see some rare glowing algae. It started in Australia in 2006  when bush fires, and torrential rains washed too much organic matter into the lakes, causing a massive algae bloom.  Now when the waters are disturbed at night a wonderful blueish light appears. This s a year round event. 

Hotels

90 Mile Beach House & Villas.   Click For Info.                     Sleeps Six $109 Per Night

90 Mile Beach House & Villas.   Click For Info.                     Sleeps Six $109 Per Night

Mariners Cove at Paynesville Motel & Apartments.          Click For Info

Mariners Cove at Paynesville Motel & Apartments.          Click For Info

Quest Sale Flats.   Click For Info

Quest Sale Flats.   Click For Info

Mosquito Lagoon, Florida

 

Mosquito Lagoon is located in the heart of Florida. The Lagoon is part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and the Indian River Lagoon system, between Ponce de León Inlet and the north end of Merritt Island. The lagoon runs right through the city of New Smyrna Beach,  next to the Canaveral National Seashore and the Kennedy Space Center. The area offers boat rides, kayaking, swimming, tubbing and various other types of water activities. You can also hire tour guides to take you out at night and be amazed by the bright blue and green lights that fire up with every disruption of the water.  Also kayak creating your own light show as you splash through the lagoon. They don’t recommend swimming alone in the evening hours due to alligator activity. This is a beautiful area in Florida

Hotels

Coconut Palms Beach Resort II    Click For Info

Coconut Palms Beach Resort II    Click For Info

The RiverView Hotel.    Click For Info

The RiverView Hotel.    Click For Info

Hyatt Place Datona Beach.    Click For Info

Hyatt Place Datona Beach.    Click For Info

BeachSide Hotel.   Ckick For Info

BeachSide Hotel.   Ckick For Info

Residence Inn Daytona Beach Oceanfront.    Click For Info

Residence Inn Daytona Beach Oceanfront.    Click For Info

Bluegreen Daytona Seabreeze, Ascend Resort Collection.   Click For Info

Bluegreen Daytona Seabreeze, Ascend Resort Collection.   Click For Info

I truly hope you take advantage of this wonderful experience no matter which location you decide to visit. We will be doing San Diego in September, the temperature will  in the upper 80s and low 90s. If you’ve ever experienced luminescence and have photos. Please Share! We would love to see them.

Happy Travels!

Chris

Son’s Island is actually an island on the famous Lake Placid. The island is also a great place to just relax, as there is typically a nice cool breeze that comes off the water in the summer & many hammocks located on the property. 

Getting on the Island

Access to the island gan be achieved by crossing a 100-foot wooden bridge. Large cypress trees & cabanas outline the 4,000-foot perimeter lakefront Island!  The Island is just a short drive from all the action the Hill Country has to offer but when you are on location at the island you feel like you are worlds away from all the action. Rent a Cabana and bring your own boat or waverunner, which you may load/dock at any of the numerous docks located on the island. There is a public boat ramp located only one half mile down the lake where IH-10 crosses over Lake Placid.

There is also paddleboard and kayak rentals that you can take and keep at your cabana for use during your stay. Evening Cabana Rental & Entry for up to 8 People From 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Live Music Most Fridays and Saturdays.  

This is truly a magical place and one of the best kept secrets  The Hill Country has to offer. It’s accessible from Houston, Austin, San Antonio and the Dallas, Fort Worth area. Check it out. You’ll Love It!

In Texas, the entire Gulf of Mexico offers access points for crabbing — from the shore, from piers, docks and jetties, or by boat in the deep blue waters that carve out the southern part of the state. Just be sure you understand the distinction between  blue crabs and stone crabs: You may catch blue claw crabs to your heart’s (and stomach’s) content, but there are rigid catch limits on stone crabs.

When fully grown the spine of the blue crab may be more than 8 inches wide. The abdomen and lower legs are white. The crab claws are various shades of blue, make sure you don’t keep the females,  if you see eggs on the underbelly let them go. The females can also  be identified by their red claws, if not sure throw thumbtack as well.

Blue crabs eat almost anything, but for some reason don’t get the scavenger rep.   It’s predators include Red Drum, Croaker, Herons, Sea turtles and us. At 12 to 18 months, blue crabs have reached sexual maturity.  They are the Sexiest Creature in the Sea.   Just seeing if you’re paying attention.

Although blue crabs can be found almost anywhere along the Atlantic coastline and the Gulf of Mexico shoreline they are most abundant on the stretch of coast from New Orleans to Corpus Christie. Maryland actually purchases most of their restaurant grade crabs from a fishery in Beaumont Texas and Port Author.

Where are the crabs?

They like to congregate under piers and docks and bridges, under rocky areas that meet the shore, the muddy bottoms bays and grassy bottom shallow areas. Think about good shoreline fishing spots and you will usually find an abundance of blue crabs. Some people set traps in the bay with buoy markers.

Here are some great spots to visit.

Galveston

Lets start in Texas, our family has been crabbing Galveston for 40 years plus. You will need to cross the causeway on hwy I-45 from Texas City to Galveston. When you hit the island turn right on 38th street, when you hit the Seawall turn left, the beach will be on your right. Continue on until the road dead ends to the open sea.  Turn right, you’ll see the crab hole about 70 yards down on the left

Anywhere along the interior shoreline of Paradise Island just off the coast of Port Arthur. String and net method works best here.

The Corpus Christi  area offers the Aransas Pass. Hang out where all the boat charters dock they tend to stay close to the fish cleaning stations. At times this area is much more productive than the Galveston’s crab hole.

Lake Charles, La  is Another great place to catch them.

Here are some of our favorite spots to crab:
Northline Recreation Area-        Click Here
Hog Island Gully Recreation Area-     Click Here
Blue Crab Recreation Area      Click Here.
West Cove Recreation Area-      Click Here

Want to Catch Blue Crabs and Crawfish. -New Orleans is the Ticket!

The Bonnet Carrie Spillway a Favorite Spot of the Locals

Kill and clean the crabs as you go, putting them on ice or in the fridge to keep them from spoiling

Keep in mind or rule of thumb it takes a gallon and a half of water per one dozen crabs.  Fill your pot about 2/3 full with water and bring to a boil. Add ½ cup of sea salt, 2 sliced lemons, and 3 tbsp of Old Bay seasoning. Stir these ingredients in with the water. This will provide added flavor to the crab and the salt will also increase the boiling point of the water, helping to cook the crab more thoroughly.

Next, add the crabs one by one, leaving the claws attached. Let them cook for 8-10 minutes. You may also choose to add garlic, dill, paprika, cumin, and/or other spices.

Drain crabs in a colander.

After cooling a minute, pour crabs out onto a newspaper-covered table and dig in. Melted butter and lemon are a great addition.

Check the crabs to see if the shells are red and the meat is tender. If you’re not sure if they’re done, pull one crab out and inspect it more closely. To check the meat, simply tear off a claw and crack it open.

Serve the crab on a platter with melted butter or other dipping sauce. Boiled potatoes and core are great side dishes.   Enjoy! 

How to eat blue crabs

When cool enough to handle, clean and crack the crabs: Working 1 crab at a time, remove the large front claws by twisting and pulling them from the body; set aside.

Excitement Awaits! – Suitable For the Entire Family –  Lets Go River Rafting

Embudo, New Mexixo .  The name “Embudo,” meaning, “funnel” in Spanish, was given to this area by early Spanish settlers due to the location where the Rio Embudo flowed between two distinctive cone shaped hills.

Embudo was founded in 1881 when the  Rio Grande and Denver Western Railroad crossed and opened a train depot. The station was named after the village San Antonio de Embudo locatcated on the  Embudo River. 

Broken Bow and Beavers Bend in Oklahoma

 Part of the Choctaw Nation before Oklahoma became a state, Broken Bow was a major part of the Arkansas Territoryin the late 1800s. With no roads and buildings to speak of the area was still heavily populated.  A few post offices at small trading posts along the access trails was it for any type of communication to the rapidly growing outside world.   When the St. Louis and San Francisco Railway were built in 1902,  towns began to pop up everywhere. The terrain of McCurtain county consists of foothills leading to the Ouachita Mountains in the northern part of the county to the rich Red River bottoms of the southern part. It represents the third largest county in the state. This county also contains McCurtain County Wilderness Area, a  14,087 acre tract created in 1918 and managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. This area is still protected today and a huge tourist pull for nature lovers.

Broken Bow 1915 – 1925

Not a fisherman? No worries, there’s so much more!

Beavers Bend State Park

If you are a lover of the great outdoors,  In fact I looked in Webster’s under “Great Outdoors” and it said “Beavers Bend” Well it should. Canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, paddleboats, mini golf, bumper cars, climbing, swimming on a real beach. So many activities you’ll find in the area. Its one of Oklahoma’s most cherished treasures known by tourists and locals alike, and with good reason.  Pine tress shadow the roads and trails, with access to tennis, volleyball, picnic areas, miles and miles of hiking trails at any level and a massive crystal-clear lake. All are accessible within the park. Nearby grocery stores, restaurants, gift shops, an amphitheater and perhaps even a glimpse of BigFoot.

Everyone is welcome here, even our small furry friends

Glover River

An untamed river runs through most of Broken Bow and Beavers Bend, no dams block its course. It can get a bit dicey for unexperienced kayakers it just doesn’t seem to scare anyone off.  The Glover river starts its trek in the southwest corner of the Kiamichi Mountains, and runs parallel with Hwy 259 until it flows into the Little River, and turns off to the east. When the river is low, rocks, logs, and low falls make for a difficult float, and when the river is up, the journey is very dangerous. Same can be said for all rivers.

Broken Bow Lake

On the top side of the damm nine miles northeast of Broken Bow you’ll find one of the best attractions,  Broken Bow Lake. Its  incredibly scenic and its in close proximity to Beavers Bend State Park. Like Beaver Bend’s activities it also includes scuba diving, and plenty of places to relax. This lake has 180 miles of shoreline tucked away in in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. The bass fishing is excellent and its loaded with small islands to spend the day, picnic or explore.

Mountain Fork River

Our favorite place in Beavers Bend is the lower portion of this river which offers twelve miles of year-round trout fishing, the bottom of the damm has brought us great luck for the rainbows. Those who don’t fish love to tube, kyyak, canoe down stream or spend the day swimming at the beach.  There are also about five miles of the Lower Mountain Fork River with  boat access points within Beavers Bend State Park.

Cedar Greek Golf Course

Here’s what you’ll find at Cedar Creek.  18-holes of a supreme 5 star golf course surrounded by acres of gorgeous, pristine woodlands. The holes themselves were carved out of the wilds, so you’ll feel as if you’re playing golf while strolling through the woods. 

Recommended to Eat or Grab a Drink

Fish Tales Winery and Vineyard

Beaver’s Bend Brewery

Grateful Head Pizza Oven & Tap Room

Steven’s Gap Restaurant

Abendigo’s Grill & Patio

Adam & Eve’s

Shady Oaks – American Grill

Hoochatown Saloon

Most of the Gas Stations Have Clean Little Deli and Fried Chicken Shops

Accommodations

There are a Few Hotels In The Area but why would you check in with so many beautiful state of the art cabin homes scattered throughout Broken Bow or inside of Beavers Bend Park. They can sleep 2 up to 30. These cabins are priced less than Hotel rooms in the big cities. Take a peek…

CABIN RENTALS RENTALS IN BROKEN BOW    INQUIRE AND RESERVE

Hotels

The only hotel I can  personally recommend is the Hoochatown Inn. It sits on why 259 directly in front of the entrance of Beavers Bend State Park. With a a quant log cabin feel, clean beds, clean sheets and bathrooms. It also has a nice pool.  Another nice feature is it sit in the middle of everything, restaurants, shops, grocery and gas stations.  All for about $99  per nights stay.

Also if you don’t mind a 15 minute ride from Beavers Bend and require a very nice hotel. Perhaps The Choctaw Hotel & Casino is a perfect even if you are not a gambler. They also feature great breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. $119 per nights stay.

Hoochatown Lodge Inquire and Reserve Here

Choctaw Hotel & Casino. Inquire or Reserve Here

Other Hotels In Broken Bow – Inquire and Reserve Here

Can’t Wait to Eat You, I Mean See You!    BF

Hope these tips add to the fun.

Happy Travels!    Chris

LOST IN TRANSLATION

Example -In Taiwan, the translation of the Pepsi slogan: ‘Come alive with the Pepsi Generation’ comes out as: ‘Pepsi will bring your ancestors back from the dead.

Once in Osaka  had a meal in a restaurant with the family. At the end of dinner I paid the bill and as we were leaving the waitress ran to the door, graciously bowed and said “Thank you for letting me pleasure you”  I had no idea what I was thinking as I responded back “you pleasured us well” as the entire family burst into laughter!

Now why we’re here today. For years we have been purchasing these nifty little voice translators you see at the big electronic stores and travel sites. They look great on the advertisement but later you  find out you would have been better off with a book to get you through those tough vacation translation issues. Over the years we’ve gone through at least a dozen or so only to return them,  give them to the kids as toys or toss them away. We have a 14 day European trip coming up this year with the kids and grandkids, and I thought not purchasing one in the last few years I would see how far things have progressed.

The technology has finally arrived.  I am impressed!

I found eight of these portable translators in a sea of options that were really something everyone should have. Our big electronic superstore Is StarPower here in the Dallas area. They have an entire section loaded with different types and brands. I will provide you with my favorites,I will be judging and making my decision on their ability  to keep up with a normal conversation and then translate in real time. Anything less will only frustrate you or possibly cause an embarrassing situation when in actual use.

Ford had a similar problem with translation in Brazil. When the car model named The Ford Pinto flopped when it came to sales in South  America. Ford finally discovered that Pinto was Brazilian for, “tiny male genitals,”

It’s True!

Parker Pens did some billboard marking in Mexico using the captioned slogan “It won’t leak in your pocket and embarrass you’ (They translated Embarrass to Embarazar thinking this was the proper translation ) Now when people read the billboard it clearly says to them  ‘It won’t leak in your pocket and make you pregnant”. 

Point is, the pocket translators of the past and even the highly touted translator app that Apple pushes on the iPhone is still quite a ways off to offer any degree of confidence. Here are 8 new, super cool pocket translators that I found that I would personally own.

I linked my choices with Amazon because I found the prices for these same items about 30% off of retail at StarPower.

.”

The 52 Language Two Way Live Conversation Speaking Translator

$349.95 from StarPower.   $268.20 from Amazon

 Product Features  Translate your words into 52 languages  Just talk by pushing the button at a place where business / travel communication is required  Online 52 Language Translation  Offline 12 language translation  Two large speakers that sound good even in the noise  Two microphones with high sound collection ability  Image search  When you name the place / building etc, you can see the image of the place / building.  Multimedia  It can be used as image / video playback and voice recorder with MicroSD card.  Word learning  Mathematics / Body / Food / Animals etc. You can learn pronunciation and spelling of 19 categories of basic words (about 1300 words).  Backup and transfer  Back up translated text to MicroSD card.  You can transfer text data to Langie and make it sound.  Group translations not found in other translators / Basic word learning etc. ◆ Lightweight 125 g translator  Detailed description By ” Newsbridge ”

Go To Amazon

 

Pocketalk Language Translator

Pocketalk Language Translator Device – Portable Two-Way Voice Interpreter – 74 Language Smart Translations in Real Time

$286.00 from StarPower.   $254 from Amazon

Pocketalk Language Translator Device

Pocketalk is a portable, AI-powered instant voice translation device that breaks down language barriers and bridges the gap between different spoken languages. It is one single device supporting 74 languages with more coming.

128 countries supported including: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, UK, and Vietnam.

BUILT-IN MOBILE DATA PLAN

The built-in mobile data version of Pocketalk comes with a SIM card already installed. Ready to work out of the box, the built-in Global SIM card gives you internet access in over 100 countries for 2 years. No set ups, no monthly fees, no sign-ups with mobile carriers.

REAL-TIME TWO-WAY TRANSLATION

Pocketalk uses WiFi, mobile data, or a personal hotspot to provide foreign language translations in real time. To operate, press and hold the button as you are speaking. When finished, let go of the button and Pocketalk will provide a translation.

HANDHELD AND PORTABLE

Pocketalk’s size makes it the perfect travel companion. Our language translator device fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. Put it in your pocket, stick it in your purse, or buy a lanyard and wear it around your neck. Its portability means you can take it whenever and wherever you go.

Go To Amazon

 

 

Vasco Translator Premium 5

StarPower $539   Amazon  $439

Vasco Translator Premium 5″ with scanner is a cutting-edge voice translator that will help you communicate in foreign languages. Forget the language barriers. Just say what you want to say and Vasco will recognize it and pronounce it out loud in the chosen language. Translation and voice recognition done via a WiFi network is unlimited and free of charge. If WiFi is unavailable, the device connects to a GSM network through the built-in SIM card that doesn’t require any contract. The SIM card is topped up with a data package that allows you to translate about 5,000 (depending on the country), which should be sufficient for a few months abroad. To buy the top-up visit www.vasco-sim.com

Go To Amazon

 

 

Two-Way 72 Language Voice Translator Online Offline

StarPower  $269          Amazon. $199

Best Cheap Online Small Pocket Two-way Translator

Accuracy – The product works with Google Microsoft, so it’s 98% accurate, two-way translation, and local dialect recognition. To ensure the accuracy of the translation, don’t say too much at once. You don’t need to download any APP on your cell phone, just connect to the network or 4G.

Multifunction – The product itself has not only translation function, but also intercom and recording function. Recording can identify people’s voice in noisy environment, record the key points you want, and chat with a few people during the meeting. It can avoid the embarrassment caused by different languages, and also help you to complete negotiation.

Travel – it is very suitable for the elderly, easy to operate, it can easy to get help during the travel. Large speakers allow the machine itself to make loud sounds, which are easy to hear, or to plug in headphones. The machine has a headphone jack.

Occasion – Widely used in travel, conferences, shopping, making friends, eating and reserving meals on campus, helping students to learn, they can learn their favorite language better, do not need the help of teachers from various countries, correct pronunciation.

72 language – Arabic: Oman, Lebanon, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Tunisia, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia English: USA, Australia, UK, South Africa, Canada, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania. Spanish: Spain, Bolivia, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Argentina. French: Canada, France Portuguese: Brazil, Portugal China (Chinese) Hong Kong (Cantonese) Polish (Polish) Japan (Japanese) Korea (Korean) Denmark (Danish) Germany (German) Thailand (Thai) Italy (Italian) Russia (Russian) Vietnam. 

Go To Amazon

Salange Sogou pro Smart AI 64 Kinds Language Mutual Voice Translator 3.1″ Touch Screen Offline & Picture Translating Support Offline English Chinese

 $430.00 from StarPower.   $368.00 from Amazon

Voice & Picture Language Mutual Translator Parameter:
Two-way and Real-time translation
Color : Blue
Support 64 countries languages mutual online translation:
Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Cantonese, Thai, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German,
  Hindi, Russian, Arabic, Armenian, Swedish, Indonesian, Danish, Italian, Dutch, Polish,
  Finnish, Greek, Vietnamese, Czech, Romanian, Slovenian, Hungarian, Malay, Catalan,
  Norwegian, Croatian, Slovak, Tamil, Bulgarian, Hebrew, Afrikaans, Bangla, Filipino,
  Latvian, Lithuanian, Turkish, Urdu, Ukrainian, Persian, Icelandic, Swahili, Telugu,
  Serbian, Malayalam, Marathi,Nepali, Sinhalese, Javanese, Khmer, Basa Sunda
Please note: 
1.The device can only translate mutually the bellow languages offline: 
Chinese-English, Chinese-Japanese and Chinese-Korean.(Both voice and word translation)
  2.The device can translate mutually the bellow languages offline but only word translation(without voice translation): 
Chinese- France, Chinese-German, Chinese-Italian
Chinese- Russian, Chinese-Spanish and Chinese-Portuguese. 
3.All the other mutual languages translation need to connect to wifi or hotspot of handset.
  4.The software of the device keeps updating, it will get more and more offline language translation step by step, It will continue to become more valuable. 
5.All the offline language packages are free to download all the time. And please delete the offline package which you don’t need to use, and just keep the one you need. 
This operation will keep your device to work more faster. And you can download any offline package any time when you need it. 
6.It is normal for a device to have a fever while charging or downloading a language package. 

Go To Amazon

 

ZOTO Smart Language Translator Device, Instant Portable Two Way Voice Translator Device WiFi 2.4 Inch HD Touch Screen Supports 42 Languages

$239 from StarPower.        $175.99 from Amazon.

Smart Voice Translator: This product is a portable and powerful smart.The Product Is A User-friendly, Portable and Powerful Smart Voice Translator.
ZOTO Smart Language Translator Device Will Do Lots of Help When You Are Traveling In Different Countries.
Two Way Translator Device Supports 42 Languages Which Breaks The Language Barrier.Simplified Chinese, English (US), English (English), Japanese, Korean, Thai, Russian, Arabic, Spanish, Vietnamese, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Cantonese, Traditional Chinese, Indonesian , Italian, Khmer (Cambodian), Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Serbian, Swedish, Turkish, Ukrainian, Czech, Danish, German, Greek, English (Australia), English (Canada), English (Ireland), English (Philippines), Finnish, French, Bengali, Malay, Norwegian, Portuguese (Brazil), Tagalog (Filipino)

eMACROS Instant Voice 70 Language Translator Device,Smart 2.4inch Touch

$199.99 from StarPower.   $175.00from Amazon

【INTELLIGENT VOICE INTERPRETER】Simultaneous two-way translation in 70 languages it recognizes what you say and then speaks out.

Frontier The Two Way Live Conversation Speaking Translator with TouchScreen, Bluetooth 4.0. 53 Different Languages 

$299 from StarPower.      $249.00 from Amazon

Live translator that provides two-way verbal communication between people that don’t share a common language.FAST AND INSTANT REAL TIME TRANSLATIONTWO-WAY TRANSLATION WITH 53 LANGUAGES UNDER WIFI OR MOBIEL HOTSPOT CONNECTION ensures smooth non-interrupted conversation between people who speaks different language. Significant problem solving for communication, language learning, travel, business and more.

BLUETOOTH 4.0 CONNECTION and USER FRIENDLY DESIGN Connect Bluetooth Earphone and Speakers to Translator For Convenience. TOUCH SCREEN& TWO BUTTON DESIGN makes operating the device easy straight forward- touch the screen to excess setting or change communication/system language. Press the upper green button to speak the language appears on the top of the screen with green color, and press the lower orange button to speak the language appears on the bottom of the screen with orange color

HIGHLY SENSITIVE VOICE/LANAGUAGE RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY NEWEST NOISE CANCELLING TECHNOLOGY enables the device to recognize human voice efficiently even under noising environment.

LONG LASTING BATTERY BATTERY STANDBY 168 HOURS while fully charged with a continues use time of 10+hours. Less worries of long time conversation and standby time while using the device 

TRANSLATE BETWEEN 53LANGUAGES Arabic,Catalan, Czech,Korean,German, Chinese-CN, Canoness , Danish, Dutch, Greek, English-Australia, English- British, English India, English, Finnish, Italian, Japanese ,Hebrew ,French-CA, French, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Norwegian, Polish,Romanian,Russian, Portuguese- BR,Portuguese, Slovak, Spain-SA,Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Malayu, Turkish, Vietnamese and MORE!

Go To Amazon

 Well, Have Fun With These Toys, I Have Personally Played With All Of Them And Would Be Happy To Carry Any Of Them While I  In Europe With The Family Soon!

I’m leaning Towards PocketTalk Model But Once Again They all Are Winners!  

Happy Travels!

Chris

In 1542 the Pimungans greeted the Spanish galleon that bore the explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo to their shores. Thus began the start of the Spanish discovery of the island.  In 1602, on November 24th,  St. Catherine’s Day eve,  Spanish explorer, Sebastian Viscaino, sighted the island and gave it her name as we call her today Santa Catalina in honor of Saint Catherine.

Avalon

Catalina’s weather is amazing “perfect climate.”  year round.. 75 degree average  in the summer. and on average  65 degrees in the winter. They have 12 inches of rain per year with roughly 300 days of sunshine. If you would like to visit both locations while you are there you can take the island bus that makes two trips daily, take one of the many water transports or a simple taxi ride through the jungle.

How to Fly to Catalina

Best Route To Get There Fast – Best Priced Flights From Most Major CitiesTo Long Beach  From There Simply Ferry Or Take The 15 min Helicopter Ride            Click Here For Flight Info

Where to stay in Catalina

Here are some established safe bets Fir Hotel Bookings

Casa Mariquita Hotel

Free Wifi.  Breakfast Included

Casa Mariquita Hotel Here.  Go To Site

Aurora Hotel

Free Wifi   Breakfast Included

Book Aurora Hotel Here.  Go To Site

Portofino Hotel

Free Breakfast.  Free Wifi

Book The Portifino Hotel Here.  Go To Site

The Catalina Island Inn

Free Breakfast.  Wifi Included

Book The Catalina Inn Here.  Go To Site

The Avalon Hotel

Free Wifi Breakfast Included 

Book The Avalon Hotel.  Go To Site

The Hotel Catalina

Free Wifi. This Hotel Always on Sale

Book The Hotel Catalina     Go To Site

The Seacrest Inn

Free Wifi

Book The Seacrest Inn.   Go To Site

Pavilion Hotel

Free Wifi.  Breakfast Included

Book The Pavilion Hotel.   Go To Site

The Seaport Village Inn

Free Wifi  Free parking

Book The Seaport Village Inn.   Go To Site

El Terado Terrace Mini Suites & Townhomes

Free Wif   Room Service   A Best Seller

Book El Terado Mini Suites     Go To Site

The Hotel St. Lauren

Free Wifi

Book The Hotel St Lauren.  Go To Site

The Hermosa Hotel & Cottages

Free Wifi   Bar & Lounge

Book The Hermosa    Go To Site

Hotel Mac Rae

Free Wifi.  Breakfast Included

Book Hotel Mac Rae.   Go To Site

The Glenmore Plaza Hotel

Free Wifi.  Free Breakfast

When You Need the Best

BookThe Glenmore Hotel.   Go To Site

MT ADA Hotel

Go In Style

Book MT ADA.   Go To Site

Things to do On Catalina Island

Well it depends on how adventures of a person you are. If you enjoy sitting on a park bench feeding the seagulls then skip the next few recommendations. 

As a thrill seeker you must  experience the Zip Line Eco Tour, or try diving under the supervision of the island boat tour. Shopping, soaking in the spectacular views or a trip to the spa may not cause risk to your well being, its all there for you with no judgmental  attitude.  Perhaps you love golf, hiking, biking,  or museums.  If thrill seeking is not in the cards and you love the water, then many fishing opportunities await you. along with scuba diving options,, jet ski rentals, parasailing, or even paddle boarding. 

Zip Line Tours

 

 

Get Tickets Now.  This Event sell Out Fast

 

Glass Bottom Boat Tours Tickets Here

 

 

Another Actiivitiey You May want To Get Advanced Tickets.  Here

 

Flying Fish Tour. Speed Boat

 

 

Fills Up Fast But Not Urgent For Advanced Ticket Purchase

 

Stay dry with a  Hummer or Jeep tour, Camping at one of the island’s numerous campgrounds

Hummer and Jeep Tours

 

Make Reservations, Secure dates,  Get tickets

 

 

Camping Reservations Secure Dates

 

 

Everything is within walking distance or a short cab ride The list of things to do is plentiful so easy to book

Did you bring the Family

Adiious Theme Parks  Say Hello to Catalina, Amazing and out of the ordinary. When it comes to family entertainment, Catalina Island has the right blend of authentic activities and beautiful scenery to satisfy kids, kids-at-heart and anyone in between.

For a relaxed pace, check out Avalon’s popular and eclectic shopping, relax on one of our beaches or plan a trip to the spa! Many of the Catalina Island tours offer a view of the island from the comfort of a jeep, boat or Hummer!

Shopping

 

 

Beaches

 

 

Spa  Get Info.       Make Reservation

 

Watch a movie in the Catalina Casino

Not a gambling hall—rather, it’s a palatial special-events venue complete with a beautiful art-deco movie theater.

DAY TRIPS FROM THE MAINLAND 

If you are staying on the island or perhaps vacationing on one of the beautiful Souther California Beaches, or perhaps you have friends on the mainland that wish to come visit while you are in town. may we suggest a day trip to Catalina

Stroll around the Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens

A beautiful ode to the island’s famous founding father.It’s about a 30-minute moderate hike from the beach (you can also get up to it by renting a bike, or via golf cart—more on that in a bit), and once you’re there you’ll be immersed in a 37-acre botanical garden focused on plants endemic to California and the Channel Islands, and a tower overlook built from quarried rocks culled from the island itself.

Get Wiki Wacked at Luau Larry’s

A classic burger-and-drinks shack—with the best fries you’ll ever have.Just one trip to Luau Larry’s explains why all of them look so ecstatic: It’s because they’ve all gotten their Wiki Wacked by ordering a heavily-alcoholic drink of the same name.

Rent A Golf Cart. Most Visitors Keep Them the Entire Stay!

The best way to see a large percentage of Avalon—and get a great view.In about two hours you can get up and over the top of town for beautiful views, check out some of the historical structures on the island

Celebrate the Island’s Centennial at the Catalina Island Museum

A well-curated museum that explores the island’s intriguing history.Catalina Island Museum dives deep into a fascinating history that touches on Natalie Wood’s suspicious death and Wrigley’s vision for a vacation utopia.An outdoors person’s prime reason to visit.

And Lastly Visit The Catalina Casino

 

Hope this info helps we had a great time there and will return again soon!

Happy Travels!   Chris

During the high season 3 nights are required for reservations on the off season 2 nights are accepted.Details are on the actual site link to follow.

Refrigeratos, Coffeemakers, Coffee,  Microwave, bathroom towels and linens are included All Eureka Springs Tree houses have a Jacuzzi and a separate bathroom with a stall shower. All have Cable TV and DVD.

Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) out of Bentonville is about an hour drive. Closest Regional airports are in Berryville about a 20 minute drive and Drake Field in Fayetteville which is about an hour drive.

THINGS TO DO IN EUREKA SPRINGS

Downtown is just super cool! No need for a guide just go explore. We have electric scooters and take them everywhere, I got them so we could keep up with the kids and grandkids but you don’t need them. if you are staying with the Hobbits the kids are not allowed. I miss them just saying that. its a great town! 

Save Our Wildlife!

Everything is marked down 25 to 40% off retail to begin with, their sale section is amazing and changes daily.

Bikini.com is a lifestyle destination and curated collection for the explorer, ocean lover, and daydreamer. We help consumers and influencers discover relevant new brands that meet their evolving interests.

Our lifestyle content entertains and engages our beach globetrotting audience. From wellness to music festivals, runway trends to conscious consumption, young women can count on Bikini.com to provide them with approachable and inspiring content.

Try on a million different sizes, colors, and types. I always thought the swimdress was something only old women wore, but I tried one on for the first time a few years back and the swimsuit gods smiled down on me! I now own three swimdresses and love each one of them. And even though the swimdress is still the chosen swimwear of the octogenarian set, I get compliments all the time on my swimsuits. 

Never thought you could wear a bikini? Try one on. Maybe board shorts are perfect for you. You’ll never know until you try them on. So many times women are in such a rush to get through swimsuit shopping that they skip right over what could be their perfect swimsuit. Do you have a tank suit now that you hate? Then skip the tanks suits and figure out what works for you.

Women (and men!) tend to be so snarky when beach time comes around. I’ve been guilty in the past of whispering something like, “She shouldn’t be wearing that bikini!” but the truth is, all I’m doing is hurting my own confidence by knocking down others. Anytime you are tempted to comment on someone else’s less-than-perfect bikini body, instead think of a compliment (and if you are feeling particularly nice, share your compliment). 

Turn the negativity around. Seeing other people in a positive light means you’ll see yourself in a positive light as well. Also, with the negativity gone, you can take some time to really look at people. I bet, more often than not, you’ll see a ton of people who don’t have the same body as the models in magazines but are happy, confident, and beautiful.

Beach confidence doesn’t just stop with finding a great swimsuit. I know I always feel really well-put together when I have the whole beach package. Find coordinating sunglasses, hats, beach bags, and shoes. Even throw on a necklace or some earrings. So many people complain of feeling so bare when wearing a swimsuit, but it doesn’t have to be that way!

For some reason, I see a lot of women wearing swimsuits that are completely and totally opposite of their usual clothing style. There no reason to depart from what you love and works for your body and personality. Do you tend to be a bit of a tomboy? Then you can skip the skimpy bikini that isn’t “you” and look for board shorts and a swimtank or shirt.  I truly believe there is swimwear out there for every style.

Confidence is sexy. But confident is also not something that you can just choose to have. But what you can choose to do is fake it! Even if you are feeling self-conscious, strut across that beach like you are the most confident person in the world. 

Chances are, no one will notice your “fake” confidence and instead will just notice how glowing and fantastic you look. And that will build your confidence until you no longer need to fake it.

Seriously ladies, you are beautiful, regardless of your size, height, or shape. Go strap on a well-fitting swimsuit and have some fun in the sun!

Hats Galore!

Hundreds of Beach Bags

New Ideas in Skin Care

Fun Phone Assessories

Something For Everyone!

We Can’t Say Enough About The Selection and Flexibility for returns.

Bikini.com

Bikini.com  Super Sales

And now Its time for a smile…

Well Actually Lake Tahoe

Ah, Reno Nevada, “The Biggest Little City in the World” As it boasts this proudly for decades.

Reno got her start by being centrally located for travelers headed west for the California Gold Rush.

What made her so special was the Truckee River, an inland river that flows west to east from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake . It provided an easy and swift crossing in the 1840’s and 50’s. Once the Comstock Lode (an epic gold find) was discovered in the nearby Virginia City foothills in 1859. the river crossing became increasingly important for the growing trade in mining. Reno was officially established in 1868, the same year that the transcontinental railroad, which paralleled the Truckee River, reached the town.

Still today known as“The Biggest Little City in the World,” which arose as a result of the wide range of cosmopolitan amenities in a city of its relatively small size. Reno became a quickie divorce destination in the early 1900’s, and in 1931, when Nevada legalized gambling. Reno was a front runner in creating the model of destination hotel/casino gaming throughout the world today! 

So much more than a gambling town today.

Reno, with an impressive Riverwalk and famous downtown Whitewater Kayak Park, is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.

Downtown Reno, formerly filled with casinos enjoyed a renaissance of sorts over the past few years. The casinos are still there but now there are chic new condos, museums, coffee shops scattered about, restaurants offering local fare and a great new vibe.  The Truckee River Whitewater Park at Wingfield Park, host of the annual Reno River Festival, the nation’s leading whitewater event. Recently completed, The Freight House District, an entertainment complex at the Aces Ballpark with bars and restaurants.

To get your grove on head east a few blocks and  experience the MidTown district. Full of quirky, locally owned shops and distinctive restaurants, this is one part of town you’ll definitely want to experience.

Just west of downtown Reno is Verdi, home to Cabelas, one of the world’s foremost outfitters and an ideal spot to gear up before hitting the great outdoors. With less than an hour s drive you can be racing down the slopes on any of Nevada’s premier ski slopes, also mountain biking and hiking trails, numerous golf resorts, scenic Pyramid Lake, and the truly World famous Lake Tahoe presented in The Godfather II Trilogy.

The food, art and jazz festivals, outdoor expos, fun runs, marathons, and bicycle races have found a new location to expand. Hot August Nights, Artown and Street Vibrations, just for starters. The events are so varied there is truly something for everyone.  The fact is, “The Biggest Little City in the World” Was then and has no intention of changing!

Need a mellow yellow type of afternoon, the spas in Reno are world class.

Sparks is right next door. When you are energized. The Nugget Rib Cook-Off In Sparks was named “Best BBQ Festival” by USA Today Top10 Readers’ Choice. The annual event transforms the Labor Day holiday into a must-attend culinary, music, craft and family end-of-summer affair. Swimming and first class condo style accommodations are also in the mix.

If you can imagine it. Enjoy it in style in northwest Nevada.

Look What $77 Per Night Gets You!   Click Here

Need a Flight / Frontier  Gets There From Most Everywhere Cheapest     Click Here

If you have visited, please share your experiences and photos. We love to share.    Happy Travels!  Chris

If you have visited, please share your experiences and photos. We love to share.    Happy Travels!  Chris

This is one of those subjects thats going to take some serious thought and consideration.

Co-vacationing is less confusing to older kids than younger ones, but why do it at this point, the reality of the situation needs to set in eventually. If this is happening maybe a closer look at the marriage is worth reevaluating. Sometimes a fight is just a fight and everything escalated out of pride or anger. Perhaps the decision to co-vacation is a sign that “I miss you” without saying  “I’m sorry. ” You never know and I hope this is the case. The little little ones are only kids once and they need both of you.

 Sometimes we just need to be apart and theres nothing we can do about it.  It’s a much better scenario to not expose the kids to any negative conflict if possible so they don’t think this is an example of relationships and repeat. Rare is the divorce in which both parties wanted out of the marriage equally.  So if the vacation is going to dredge up painful or unresolved feelings for one of the adults, it’s also not worth pursuing.

Have You Ever Spent The Night In A Cave?

KOKOPELLI  CAVE HOTEL.  Farmington New Mexico

Ko-ko-pel-li
(koko = wood, pilau = hump)
the humpbacked Flute Player, mythical Hopi symbol of fertility,
replenishment, music, dance, and mischief.

The history of Farmington can be dated back over 2,000 years ago when the Anasazi “basket makers” lived in the area in what is now known as “pit houses” and later in pueblo structures built from the native sandstone rock.

Their rich colorful history can still be felt and seen in their cherished ruins that accent the beautiful country side. Once the Anasazi Tribes chose to migrate north the area was taken over at times by the Navajo, Jicarilla Apache, and the Utes, which add charm and artistry to the area that is vividly apparent today. In the late 1700s. the Spanish eventually settled in the eastern part of San Juan County  It was not until mid 1870’s that the population of the area began to grow with the actual settlement of what was to become Farmingtown, later shortened to Farmington. Farmington began to blossom into a flourishing farm and ranch economy and incorporated on July 15, 1901.

In the early part of the 1900s, apples became a prime crop for the local farmers. “The harvesting of some 2,000 acres of fruit calls for a lot of activity in this valley. There are about 53,000 bearing apple trees in the San Juan district. Farmington went through several “oil and gas” booms during the 20th century. At one time, Farmington was the leading oil and gas producing area in the state of New Mexico. The oil and gas industry still remains a staple for the area.

Farmington today is a well kept cute little town. It appears to be populated with locals that seem to know everyone in town. They love to answer questions and know all the must sees in the area and what time of year to visit them. There are plenty of small local restaurants, shops and smaller hotel chain options around the outskirts of town. 

Things to see and do around Farmington

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, is a beautiful area for hiking or just taking in the feel and sights of where you are

B Square Ranch

LETS SPEND THE NIGHT IN A CAVE        Come On, Lets Go!

Well thats the plan.

Like wedding receptions, office parties or any group celebrations seem for some some reason provide a license excess drinking or eating. The same can be said for vacationing when it comes to all the hi calorie food and those delicious fruity drinks.

 So hard to resist and a lot of the time it seems like the healthy options can be limited. We find this especially true on  Cruise Ships and All Inclusive Resorts. With the all inclusive food options available ship wide or on property you may find yourself nibbling all day courtesy of those burger & french fry stations and snack areas spread throughout the ships or resorts not to mention the monster buffets provided three times daily. Then add the sugary drinks, cocktails and beer. It doesn’t take long to wipe out all the hard work you put forth in the gym earlier in the year. 

Picking a hotel that has a fridge in your room will make it easier for you to stock up on healthy snacks No fridge? You can still load up on non-perishables like granola bars, beef jerky, popcorn, and nuts. Just as important as getting a room with a fridge, view and great pool outside  is choosing a hotel that has a gym. 

Here are some drinks options you may want to consider that most every well set up bar can easily make for you. They are delicious and 1/4 the calorie count as your traditional summer drinks

Use your imagination there are thousands of combinations if just use the right ingredients and fresh juice choices.

The biggest mistakes people make at all-inclusive resorts and cruises are eating more, eating multiple helpings, and eating dessert at every meal, because it’s free but more often it’s there. If you want to make sure you can still fit into your skinny jeans of bikini by the end of the week, stick to three main meals a day, and incorporate a couple healthy snacks in between meals—, Pina Colada don’t count.

_____________________________________________________________________

Instead of the high calorie, fatty choices offered for lunch and dinner perhaps you may want consider options like grilled or baked salmon, steamed crab legs or shrimp, (skip the butter-use lemon or lime) or roasted chicken. Cut down on portions by using smaller plates and load up on steamed vegetables. Also consider fresh fruit for dessert and possibly breakfast.

Theres nothing wrong with indulging on the sinful delicious foods, desserts and fruity frozen drinks. After all its vacation time,  just a little awareness can make you a much healthier happier camper.

Laugh a little!

A young couple were on their honeymoon . . .

NOW GO HAVE SO FUN

YOU DESERVE IT!

LAST MINUTE TRAVEL is an online travel agency and online travel club that offers users deals on commercial airline tickets, hotel reservations, car rentals, cruises, vacation packages, and various attractions and services. The company is backed by Travel Holdings Inc. the United States’ largest travel and distribution company, and is based in Orlando Florida

Last Minute Travel uses its own hotel reservation system for contracted, bulk-rate reservations, giving travelers access to over 120,000 hotels in over 4,500 cities around the world, as well as 10,000 activities and 175 airlines.     

Its True, Last Minute Travel is now our hero, when it comes to saving and receiving the most value for your dollar. Our family and extended family recently spent two weeks in Santa Monica at the Wyndham. There were 22 of us total, we had the entire vacation booked through another service until I stumbled upon  Last Minute Travel  just three weeks before were scheduled to depart.  We canceled our original reservations then simply rebooked our exact trip for everyone and saved a bundle. Are you ready for this, $8,420.00 in savings.  It left so much  money on the table we were able to do so much more than expected.

During our stay the first week we chilled on Santa Monica Beach, Venice was just a five minute bike ride south, the side walk shopping was amazing with food stands to many to mention, we were never hungry.  A hurry up and do nothing attitude overwhelmed the entire process, everyone must experience this at least once in their lives  The beaches were fantastic. Remember Baywatch in the 80s. You are there and can feel it.

We also went north to Malibu Beach, simply breathtaking. The Following week we took a one hour drive that took two hours to San Diego. We didn’t mind, it was a pretty drive. Our goal was to swim with the dolphins.

So much fun, the kids loved it. San Diego is like being in Dallas with mountains and an ocean.  Then Disney…. I used to be a stick in the mud when it came to oversized money pits, but unlike Florida this was quite achievable. By this I mean, you feel like you are not swallowed up by the size. I actually had a great time.

The last few days we just kicked back at the Wyndham, Pier and Beach.

There are many Hotels in the Santa Monica and the Venice Beach area, let’s face it, as beautiful as the beaches are for 90% of us the Pacific Ocean is much colder than we are accustomed to. The locals complain when the temperature rises above 85 degrees. We visited from June 6th 2019 to June 13th, not one  day over 76 degrees. Great weather! Yes! But our brains were in the mindset of swimming, running around half dressed and trying to stay cool. It was 96 in Dallas when we got on the plane. 

BOOK LAST MINUTE TRAVEL HERE

Have You Smiled Today?

Did You Remember To Smile Today?

A man had just been laid off from work. He was standing on the railing of a high bridge getting ready to jump off, when he happened to look down and see a  man with casts on both arms dancing around  the river banks. .
He thought, “Life isn’t so bad after all,” and got off the railing.
He then walked down to the river bank to thank the  man for saving his life.
“Thank you,” he said. “I was going to jump off that bridge and kill myself, but when I saw your dancing even though you appear to be horribly injured, I changed my mind.”
 the man replied … “Dude, I jumped off the same bridge yesterday, my butt just itches and I can’t scratch it!”

Happy Travels!

Chris

Today Jefferson Texas is a small yet busy little country town. Its the pride of Marion County.  There are countless festivals and events every weekend, it is loaded with very cool antique shops, a general store that is a must see with an old fashion ice cream counter. A museum open to delight most anyone, Steam Engine Locomotive trips, Riverboat trips, Ghost Tours on the weekends. And yes, if you dare. The world famous “The Very Haunted Jefferson Hotel!”

The Jefferson Hotel

Are you brave enough to stay here overnight on you next  family vacation. There are plenty of folks willing to do just that.

At a time when steamboats overloaded the waterways from New Orleans to get here, it was nearly impossible to get a room at The Jefferson Hotel. Last minute travelers were out of luck. Although it was for a time “The Hangout” for the wealthy, for this period in time it was a very affordable option for a hotel stay. You would find factory workers and farmers, vacationing families with small children rubbing elbows with the very rich and famous. This must have added to the charm and popularity.  For a brief stint after the damm was erected it was used to store hay. At the turn of the twentieth century however it was transformed back into a hotel and has served as a haven for weary travelers since that time.

Its very easy to get lost in time inside it’s old creaky piers and beams. One can almost imagine the sounds of petticoats whisking by, the faint sound of a ragtime piano, children playing, the scent of cigars as  stately gentlemen and common men played poker in the saloon.  And of course the countless stories and tales from the guests about its hauntings.

I visited with my 10 year old son and I must say it was definitely an experience. The staff will not stay there after dark, they give you a card with the door code on it so you can let yourself in and out. How creepy is that. We may have been the only ones there that night as you can see by our truck parked out front.

As we were about to go upstairs my son stood in a frozen trance and said “Dad, what is that?” Yes it was a ghost,  I told him to stay put,  I ran up the stairs..

Thanks to my paranormal defense training I was able take out a few of them.

This all started with Elizabeth Montgomery, She was a guest that hung herself in the hotel in the 1870s. She was a bride that was stood up on her wedding day. She hung herself from the 12 foot bed post that is currently in Room 19.  Local historians think that she probably was pregnant.  might 

 Roswell      70 years of conspiracy theories.

What do you think?

Intrigued by the idea of flying saucers, Brazel gathered some of the debris and went to Roswell where he told Sheriff about his find. The Sheriff immediately reported the encounter to the Air Force base at Roswell which promptly sent agents to visit the ranch, but not before the press picked up the story.

The Roswell paper retracted its claim on the next printing and stated that the Air Force had determined it was indeed a weather balloon. Brazel later went on record to say that he regretted causing any fear or confusion. The story was mostly forgotten for the next 31 years until The National Enquirer reported the original Roswell Daily Record story again, but not the correction.  Once again the thought of a government coverup spread like a wildfire.

In 1995, Ray Santilli, a London-based entrepreneur, released “footage” of an alien autopsy performed in Roswell in 1947. Experts immediately ridiculed the footage as a hoax. Its a bit strange  The Enquire’s republication of the story came just one year after the release of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”  In the year that Independence Day and Mars Attacks were released there were 609 UFO sightings around the globe.

During your stay its worth a short drive to the National Parks.

BOTTOMLESS LAKES STATE PARK  is quite out of the ordinary and a great option if you want to cool off from the hot desert sun.

And for you nature buffs  BITTER LAKE NATIONAL PARK  is a must.

There are a handful of small chain hotels in town we found  

The Town Place Suites by Marriott a great option. They have two room suites for $165 to $185 per night with free breakfast.  

Go To Marriott Now!  

Candlewood Suites looks very appealing as well. Two room suites     $75 to $105 per night

Go To Candlewood Suites Now!

Hope you enjoyed this review. Have Safe and Happy Travels!

DO YOU BELIEVE?

Yes its true, coming from the experts that have no idea what they are talking about. We thought we’d take a few moments today and possibly ease any anxiety you may have on these beautiful creatures.

Despite their scary appearance sharks are not fond of eating people, they are constantly in search of fish and mammals such as seals and seagulls. With over 300 species of sharks only a dozen or so have been documented attacking humans.

Sharks have been around for millions of years before we even existed, we’ve  never been part of their diet. They usually attack when they get confused thinking a splashing person may be a wounded mammal or sea lion leading to an accidental attack.

The White Shark or Great White Shark more commonly known has more documented attacks on humans than any other species of sharks. Fossil remains have provided evidence that these magnificent creatures date back  44 million years. They also stand out from the pack because they are active during the daytime hours. The females can reach 15 feet in length, the males roughly 12 feet. Sea otters are their preference when dining. They’ve  been known to attack divers but most believes its a case of mistaken identity. Wet suits can easily be mistaken for seals. Great Whites may hit unfamiliar prey in an attempt to seek its potential as food then release and swim away. this would explain the hit and run attacks over the years along the beaches. 

Unlike The Great White,

The Opera Shark also known as at The Melodic Shark as seen below is very passive. This female specimen can be seen here gracefully gliding through the sea singing familiar enchanted melodies.

Four More Species with Bad Reputations

THE TIGER SHARK

Within the International Shark Attack Files – Yes it is a thing. The Tiger Shark comes in at number 2 ,  following The Great White when it comes to attacks on humans. They are pure formidable ocean predators. They seem more curious about humans than other species, when they see us they usually  do a fin hit and swim away.

THE SHORTFIN MAKO

The Shortfin Mako comes in at number 3 when it comes to human attacks. This guy is the fastest of all shark species clocking in at 20mph. They are extremely aggressive and blamed for many attacks on divers and beach goers. Many fishermen have been injured making the mistake of bringing them in the boat to soon after a catch. This is the most sought after shark, poachers are killing them for just their fins. You have most likely heard about this crisis on the news. The World Conservation Union has these guys listed  as “Near Threatened

THE OCEANIC WHITETIP SHARK

The Whitetips seem to show up first when tragedy strikes at sea. We all know the horrifing story of the sinking of  US war ship Indinapolus during WWII. The ship was carrying a crew of 1,196 men when it sunk, when rescue arrived only 317 were pulled from the water. It is thought the Whitetips took the rest. The same can be said for the Nova Scotia around the same period. Roughly 1000 men on board only 192 were pulled out of the water. Eyewitness accounts documented a feeding frenzy. The Whitetips are described as fearless and unpredictable

THE BULL SHARK

The Bulls are thought to be the most aggressive even though The Great White gets most of the bad press. There are 69 documented attacks and experts think maybe more but can’t identify bites due to this guy’s attack style. When he gets you he viciously shakes his head from side to side. He is also known to leave the sea into fresh river water leading to lakes.

THE DORKY SHARK

Although The Dorky Shark is the only species documented to have no brain and diminished swimming skills. He basically kind of just floats on his side barely cresting the surface.  Don’t be fooled.  If a wave manages to push him into you he has the capability to crush you with his massive cow teeth.

When you consider there are millions of people and only 80 attacks per year averaging six deaths you have a much better chance of dying from a coconut hitting you in the head  than a shark attack.

With All That Said

There are precautions you can take to  reduce the chances  being attacked.

1. Never swim far out.
2. Never enter if you are bleeding
3. Don’t get caught off guard just because dolphins are near.
4. Always swim in groups.
5. Shiny jewelry should never be worn.
6. Never swim at night
7. Avoid water where fishermen are present
8. Don’t swim under piers
9. Don’t hang out in the drop-offs near sandbars
10. Don’t swim with pets
11. Bright clothing never a good idea
12. And, if you are ever attacked by a shark if you can keep your cool experts say punching a shark in the nose or the gills is your best bet on getting away.

What about the windows? This is a great quick fix.

 None of these DIYs will break the bank and you will need them again one day.

10.    Jewelry, small electronics, guns, cash, important papers etc… Heavy fire proof safes are always great idea, but we know not everyone has access to these. Walmart sells a fire proof brief case type safe/firebox, get one fill it up and give to a family member. If that is not possible hide in a place like the attic under the insulation or whatever creative place you come up with. We will be listing these items in the vacation must have section on the homepage.

11.  Close all  curtains and blinds. Thieves love to stop by first and look in windows.  Also unplug all non essential electrical items, not only will you save a few dollars you will decrease the possibility of fire.

12. We’re almost out the door.

Make sure to let someone know where you will be staying with contact information, sometimes you may be without cell service. Try to avoid social media, just don’t announce to the world any plans about your departure and make the house a sitting duck.

One never knows. 

We travel all the time and it is my wish that these little tips may help to relieve any stress that may take any pleasure away from your Cozumel trip or wherever you may be traveling to.

13. Now!

Go back in the house and check the windows, is the iron on, is the back door locked , I have 5 kids why are there only 4 in the car,  I better check my suitcase for the makeup bag, Omg where are the airline tickets, honey did you give the key to the neighbors like I asked…

You got this!

Have a great time,  

 BRANSON 

 Branson just because of her location has been attracting visitors for over 100 years Stunning scenery and fresh air seems to bring out the best in everyone. It’s an unexpected amazing vacation or weekend getaway thats  graciously waiting just to satisfy the young and young at heart.

Get River Diner Cruise Tickets Here From $38

The first family attraction was The Marvel Cave, because of its limestone walls, most thought it to be marble.  It now sits below Silver Dollar City. In 1885 (Scientific American Magazine) described the cave in great detail and word of this natural wonder spread throughout the continent. Canadian mining expert William Henry Lynch read of the cave, purchased it, moved to the Ozarks with his two daughters and created the first professional attraction.

In 1954 the area gained exposure when Red Foley, a legendary country singer with 38 top ten hits, moved to Springfield, Mo. from Nashville, Tenn. to host “The Ozark Jubilee,”a gigantic hit show in the age of television.

The construction of the Table Rock Dam in 1959 gave this small mountain town the power it needed to become what it is today. Rockaway Beach, located just a few miles east of Branson on the banks of Lake Taneycomo, had long been a playground for America’s rich and famous with movie stars and U.S. presidents among those who retreated to the small resort community. At this point they now could tout bass fishing and water sports. In addition, the cold water from the bottom of Table Rock Lake was producing one of the largest population of rainbow trout as it flowed into the cold deep Taneycomo River (Which is referred to as Taneycomo Lake today)

On December 8, 1991, the popular “60 Minutes” TV program proclaimed Branson the “live music capital of the entire universe.” Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Branson not only saw tremendous growth in the number of theaters, but the number of hotels, resorts and restaurants.

Today

We actually just got back with the kids, there’s a new attraction called RunAway Mountain Coaster.  It’s a non traditional roller coaster where a pulley drags you up the mountain side, (It’s a beautiful tranquil eight minute ride up,) then  releases you within seconds of cresting. You immediately develop a new respect for gravity as you race down the mountain side.     Winding, looping, free falls, the only control you have is the braking by pushing down on the handles you are clinging to.   So much fun! 

Get Discounted Tickets Here

Do you like Trout and Fog

Some of the best trout fishing can be had at Lilley’s Landing just a three minute drive from the strip. The water stays so cold in the summer months the mornings not only offer the best trout fishing in the states but gives an added unique foggy environment not easily found.     Its just cool! 

The Landing offers Cabins for roughly $100 a night and expert advice on what the rainbows are hitting on at  the moment

If you prefer warmer waters Table Rock Lake is just minutes away. Great Bass and Cats are waiting to hit your line. There are also many high dollar resorts and campsites scattered around the shore. The dinner river boat cruses are also worth  consideration.

Silver Dollar City

We spoke of this earlier,  What a wonderful opposite of  the Disney concept. The staff is comprised of mostly local teenagers who are constantly interacting with the smaller youngsters with a fun, warm and personal approach.  -The spirit of the Lord is alive and well in Branson- The daily fee floats around $30 depending on the season. This is a must for vacationers with children.      I can’t say enough!

Get Discounted Tickets Here

Vegas touts, Bring The Kids, why would they say that?

You can bring them here, all of the shows are perfectly suited for everyone. Some of the shows are a bit cheesy yet some are amazing. The town for a bit picked up a reputation that it was for granddaddy and grandma, but from what we experianced it couldn’t be further from the truth. The Reza Magic show was first class, they intentionally bring the kids up onstage.     Stampede was loud, stinky and wonderful.

Get Discounted Show Tickets Here

Lets go Shopping

So many options, clothes, old fasion ice cream parlors, sporting goods, fragrances, novelty items, local art… One of our favorites was Dick’s 5 and Dime. This place was an ultimate throwback from the days of Mayberry fromThe Andy Griffith Show.  Just loved it!

When it comes to accommodations, there are so many choices . We hands down love The Clarion Palace Hotel centrally located on the strip.  If we were in Branson just for the trout fishing, Lilly’s Landing would be our first choice. The Clarion Palace has no hotel chain in fact it exudes the charmand warmth of the area.  And it’s pricing per night for what you get….  Amazing!

The pool is a safe gathering place to let the kids run wild.  They have a dry sauna, a beautiful indoor pool as well, a workout room and free breakfast.     All hovering around $100 a night.

Book The Clarion Palace Hotel Here

Book Lilly’s Landing Here

Galveston Oh Galveston,

“I still here your sea winds blowing…”  We’ve all heard the song but have we felt her charm and warm waves crashing. It’s one of Texas’ treasures with an abundance of things to do, places to see and some of the best dining the gulf coast has to offer.

Imagine a  Fun, Exciting, Romantic, Island over loaded  with  History. This is exactly what you will find when visiting here.  Galveston is part Southern, part Texan, covered with towering oleanders of every color, with stories 50 times bigger than this little isle herself.  Many people refer to her as a Republic of Texas, as it is so unlike Texas in her attitude and feel. 

When the Europeans first landed in 1528 it was occupied by the Akokisa and Karankawa Indians who camped, fished and hunted the swampy land and buried their dead. It was discovered by Bernardo de Gálvez, a Spanish  general. he was sent to chart the Gulf of Mexico from the Texas coast to New Orleans. In  1786, Bernado  discovered an area near the mouth of a river and named it Galveston Bay.

It’s hard to resist a town who’s first occupants were pirates. Capt  Jean Lafitte established a colony of Campeche on Galveston Island in 1817, of over a 1,000 salty scavengers. . Lafitte was eventually forced out burning his town behind him and Galveston as we know it was established, by  Samuel May Williams and ,Michel Menard among others. The homes of these early island pioneers are still standing.

 In the nineteenth century, everything in Texas was done first in Galveston.  Galveston quickly became the most active port west of New Orleans and the largest city in the state. This small island actually built the state’s first post office, first opera house, first hospital, first golf course, first country club and so much more.

 On September 8, 1900, Galveston was wiped off the map by the most deadly natural disaster in history known today as The Great Storm.

 One-third of the city was completely destroyed and the rest in shambles, 600 buildings were destroyed or left crippled uninhabitable, 6,000 people were killed, there were so many ,conventional burials were impossible..This horrific day still looms large in the island’s collective memory. The Great Storm a film documenting the events can be viewed at Pier 21 Theatre in the Strand district and  is well worth seeing.

The survivors that stayed banded together and raised the entire level of the city by eight feet, 17 feet at the Seawall, slanting the ground so water would run off into the bay. (Interesting note:   The engineering and hard work was so successful that when the next hurricane came in 1915 just as powerful  as The Great storm of 1900, the city was safe and only eight people were killed.

Once Houston dug it’s own ship channel in 1917 and with the beginning of the prohibition era , Galveston evolved into a gambling and drinking resort town. At the high end was Sam and Rose Maceo’s star-studded Balinese Room, and at the low end were numerous saloons for wayward sailors. This lasted until 1957 when the Texas Rangers raided the entire town. The island languished for years after.

Today The Magic is Back

Even after the devastating arrival of Hurricane Ike September 13, 2008

The World Famous Flagship Hotel crumbled into the sea and was replaced by The Pleasure Pier, an amusement park constructed on the same pier where she sat. We can highly recommend The Pleasure Pier from personal experience. Roller Coasters, a Ferris Wheel.  Sit in a swing and fly over the ocean over 200 ft in the air. Slide down a 44 ft water flume log ride, and so much more.

 

Need a little nature?  Head out to the local crab hole just west of east beach, or spend the day fishing at the San Luis Pass.

 

1. Go north on a (drive on ferry) for some jetty fishing and while your there take in the sites of Crystal beach where portions of the movie Dusk Till Dawn was filmed. Motor bike rentals, jeep rentals, pedal cars, bicycles, fishing trips, jet skis, and so much more are available right on the beach  and bay fronts. Or enjoy historic downtown and The Strand, a great place to chill, shop or dine in the late afternoon or evening.

You can find hotels and condos in every price range. Our favorites are The Historic Galvez erected in 1910, they constantly are restoring the property, not to be confused with remodeling, Then of course The San Luis. No rules, just nice. If you need less amenities,  just ask in the comment section. We are always happy to share. Here’s a shot of the Galvez when it was built and  what it looks like today.

The San Luis, they are a lovely hotel but unlike the Galvez also have condos available. Both are very safe for young children and both worth every penny. Average $160 to $340 per night depending on the season.

Hotels.com is actually cheeper than booking through either hotel yourself.

Today’s Smile

Happy Travels!

Chris

Diamond Resorts is a well run first class organization where the guest comes first. All one need do is stay with them once to understand. What we particularly like about this company is when they run sales or special packages they are among the best the web has to offer, 4 and 5 Star accommodations at 2 and 3 Star prices.                                      

    Look at these Deals!

Go to Diamond Resorts

Hotels.com Rewards Program

Go to Hotels.com

• Lets go Globe Hopping in style without breaking the bank.
• The Movenpick Chain is designed just to do that. For the upper scale establishments they operate the are very affordable. Catch them when they run specials and “WOW”
• Mövenpick’s story is one of inspired thinking, which in the 1940s when the brand was conceived, revolutionised the European restaurant industry and introduced a new style of modern hospitality that was truly ahead of its time.
• The secret to running this type business is
• “We aren’t doing anything extraordinary,”
• “We are simply successful because we are doing quite normal things in an extraordinary manner.”
• This marked the start of an unparalleled success story for Mövenpick, a brand that has been synonymous with culinary and hospitality excellence for more than seven decades.
• Go to Movenpick Hotel & Resorts

Coming Soon

Flights.

Here’s another great airline option for GoCheepNow Fans. Here are some samples of their average pricing and if you can be what they refer to as a flexible traveler savings can plummet an additional 30% to 40 %.

We looked into their online reviews and the positives  out weighed the negative 10 to 1. It seems like what most unhappy campers were upset about  were the non-refundable service fees if you decide to cancel. These service fees are included in the low ticket prices that they are advertising, and we found on their website this information clearly posted.If you can live within these guidelines they have some of the best prices online and if you are a flexible travel most likely the best.

This is actually a bit bettter than you find with most of the major carriers. Our phisophy here at GoCheepNow is if you’re looking for the best deals or cheapest last minute getaways or vacations br flexable and keep an open mind. The are alot of great deals to be had.

Check out their Super Summer Deals

We love these guys, they are always courteous, the customer support is outstanding and if you can book in excess of 45 days there are some really  unbelievable deals to be had. Fly from Dallas to Lax for $98 one way. Also if you find your flight for a lower price after you are booked and paid they will adjust the price you paid  Great company!

Check Out These Deals