Lodging in Mendoza ranges from very basic to high end hotels such as the Grand Hyatt and the Sheraton. Pricing is typically more expensive closer to the center of town and near the Plaza del Armas. Lodging is really quite spread out throughout the city and there no specific 'hotel' district. Aires de Montana is a destination spa located in the Andes about an hour from Mendoza. Lodging is also available on site - elevation is 1800 … [Read more...]
America’s Cup 2007 in Valencia
An article is due on the practicalities of attending the 32nd America's Cup in Valencia, which will draw huge international crowds this summer of 2007. Here is the vital info and insider tips. All of the action will take place in the America's Cup Port, a magnificently designed complex built specifically for this occasion by the local government of Valencia. The central ultre-modern Veles I Vents building, a sort of command tower for the press … [Read more...]
Alaska & Canada Bicycle Trip Part III
Alaska and Canada Bicycle Trip First Leg -- Anchorage, Alaska July 3, 2001 I finally found a computer that I can use to send an update from Alaska. We just arrived in Anchorage after riding a four hundred mile loop through Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. So far, the riding has been absolutely epic with vast expanses of spruce and hemlock forest, fast flowing rivers, snowcapped mountains, hug ice fields, and glaciers. Surprisingly, the weather has … [Read more...]
Janet’s Montana Cafe & Bakery, Alpine CA – April 2001
Janet's Montana Cafe & Bakery Alpine - If you are ever in Alpine California (25 miles north of San Diego right off of the 8 freeway) & are in the mood for some excellent food be sure to stop by Janet's Montana Cafe & Bakery located at 2506 Alpine Blvd. (619) 659-3874. This restaurant is very conveniently located just off of the 8 freeway and is one of the best breakfast places in town! We've stopped here for a hearty meal after a day of … [Read more...]
Mt. Whitney, CA – Big Pine
Big Pine is a fairly small town located directly on Highway 395 (population approximately 1,750). Does not feature much in the way of lodging or food (the one exception to this and worth a stop unless you are vegetarian or vegan, is Copper Top BBQ). Big Pine however is a good launching spot for several attractions within the area including the Bristlecone Pine Forest. The closest tree to the namesake of the town is the tall Sequoia planted … [Read more...]
Spokane, WA – The Trip
This is a general outline of a recent trip to Spokane, including parts of Idaho and Montana. The total trip took 10 days and was in early August. The best time for warmer weather and more comfortable conditions is between mid July and mid August. Because gold mining was one of the main reasons for the trip several days below show "gold mining" as the main activity. We rented a car from Thrifty at the Spokane Airport and made a circle covering … [Read more...]
Spokane, WA – Coeur d’ Alene Attractions
Some of these attractions are within Coeur d' Alene while others are within a short drive. All are listed in alphabetical order. Cruises depart from the Coeur d' Alene city pier with varying departure times depending on the day and time of year. Allow at least 2 hours on the water. A Sunday brunch cruise and a Monday sunset cruise are also offered. Floating Wood Marina is the world's longest floating marina measuring 1.2 kilometers; it … [Read more...]
Spokane, WA – Wallace Idaho
Wallace is a fine example of an old mining town and during its heyday, used to be the center of a lead, silver, and gold mining in this part of t he state. Even President Teddy Roosevelt visited in 1903 and the city spent over $5000 on decorations and banners to welcome him. At the time that was a lot of money. This town of about 1000 people is located about 15 miles west of the Montana border. The 90 freeway completely bypasses the entire city … [Read more...]
Spokane, WA – Murray Idaho
The town of Murray (population 93) is located about 25 miles north of Wallace. From the 90 in Idaho take the Kingston exit and proceed north. The road roughly follows the north folk or the Coeur d'Alene River for about 24 miles. Travelers will reach a Murray, Six Miles sign just after a bridge - turn right and drive another six miles. Murray will be on your left. The roads are quite good, just a bit windy. You may want to have a map of this area … [Read more...]
Spokane, WA – Missoula Montana
Missoula was once said to be one of the most sophisticated small towns in the United States. Like many towns in Montana, Missoula is located far from other towns. The population of Missoula is about 75,000; it is one of the larger towns in Montana. Missoula is also a college town. The campus of the University of Montana (Grizzlies) is located just off of the 90 freeway on the east side of town at the mouth of the Hell Gate Canyon. Lewis and … [Read more...]