Oregon's coastline is full of secrets: veiled pleasures and surprises, clandestine, deserted beaches and hidden gems peppering the towns in the form of lodgings or eateries. But perhaps the most stunning secret on all of Oregon's coast lies just outside of the art and culture mecca of Cannon Beach, on the north coast. There's a castle a bit south of town, hidden behind the walls of trees just north of the Arch Cape Tunnel. You can become king … [Read more...]
Piper’s Patisserie, Truckee CA – October 2005
Piper's Patisserie Truckee - This fabulous French/European style eatery is located in the heart of Truckee's historic downtown in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. In the summer Truckee at times as the coldest temperature at night in the nation but during the days the temperatures are typically pleasant. Winter is cold and this is the heart of Sierra Nevada skiing. Piper's is open year round and serves a great variety of foods for both … [Read more...]
Marlborough Wine Region, New Zealand – August 2005
Marlborough Wine Region New Zealand - The world famous Marlborough wine growing region is located on the north part of of New Zealand's South Island. If you are coming from Wellington on the north Island hop on a ferry and drive south east of the town of Picton. By far this area is known for its excellent crisp, clean Sauvignon Blancs and to a lesser extent its Pinot Noirs. This region is home to New Zealand's largest producing wine industry. … [Read more...]
New Zealand, South Island – Christchurch
After driving around the South Island coming into Christchurch can be somewhat of a shock as this is by far the largest city on the island and it can be a bit crowded - especially in comparison to the empty roads found on most of the rest of the South Island. This is not a large city by global standards but is large by New Zealand standards - with nearly 400,000 people. One can't help but notice the intriguing looking Gothic type buildings and … [Read more...]
New Zealand, South Island – Mt. Cook
Mt Cook is by far one of the most impressive highlights of the South Island and New Zealand in general. A prominent peak with its jagged edges, angry looking glaciers and height, it towers above the nearby mountains. The beauty of this area is that you can experience to a small extent, what the Himalayas look like from only an elevation of about 500 meters. On clear days the panoramic vistas are absolutely stunning. Note that Mt. Cook is … [Read more...]
New Zealand, South Island – Other Info
This page contains general information about traveling and sightseeing in New Zealand. These items below are based upon several activities the author experienced while traveling on the South Island. Tracks - all hiking trails in New Zealand are called tracks, and people who hike these are called Tramps; the "sport" of hiking the "Tracks" is called "Tramping". In other countries this same outdoor activity would be described as simply … [Read more...]
Vientiane, Laos – Food
For under several dollars or euros one can get a typical Lao meal from one of the many street side restaurants. Many of these restaurants serve several different varieties of soups - most of these restaurants have either street side seating or seating set back in the restaurant (usually just one room). Typically the soups will consist of some meat and some type of sprouts, mint, and other greens. Usually the soups are not spicy - the spices … [Read more...]
Schulz Museum
The following is an article that first appeared in the April 2003 issue of Upbeat Times, a regional newspaper which is published once a month in Sonoma County, CA. I had just arrived at the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center and was waiting in the front lobby when a young girl skipped in and the first excited words out of her mouth were "Mom, look its Snoopy!" I immediately saw what attracted her attention. On the wall were several … [Read more...]
Safari West, CA
A "little piece" of Africa is available to the general public in Sonoma County, about 1 hour 20 minutes north of San Francisco. Safari West is a gem of a nature preserve located only about 20 minutes from Santa Rosa off of Mark West Springs Road at the corner of Franz Valley Road (3115 Porter Creek Road). The park is about 15 minutes from Calistoga in the northern part of the Napa Valley. Visiting Napa for some wine tasting? Need a break? Come … [Read more...]
Pozo Saloon, Pozo CA – May 2002
Pozo Saloon is located about 40-45 minutes by car from downtown San Luis Obispo. This saloon is located in the thriving metropolis of Pozo - at last count population 52. The town's population wasn't always this low - gold was discovered in the late 1870's in La Panza (east of Pozo) and the population of the town had swelled to over 850 by 1882. The saloon is a historic landmark dating from 1858; the building is a fine example of old 'western' … [Read more...]
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