What a wonderful ride along the Katy Trail! A total of about 225 miles across the State of Missouri – mostly along the Missouri River. John and I took 6 days to ride and sightsee. We were both pleasantly surprised at how beautiful the scenery was. Not corn fields the whole way, but beautiful old forests along the river, impressive cliffs, old rail bridges and tunnels, and a well-maintained trail. Bonus – the people along the trail were very nice and it is apparent the trail has been a boon to local commerce.
We stayed at small hotels and B&Bs in towns along the way. It was great to see small-town America, visit the oldest wine-growing area in the US, and taste a few glasses of local vintage. We did a self-guided tour through Crossroads Bike Tours. They did a very nice job. Oh, and we couldn’t have had better weather. We had a few afternoon sprinkles, but no serious rain until after the ride in St Charles!
Katy TrailArt Along the TrailKaty TrailThe Mighty MOThe Mighty MOThe Mighty MOKaty TrailThe Mighty MOThe Mighty MOKaty TrailThe Finish!The Finish!The Finish!The Finish!St Charles, MOSt Charles, MOSt Charles, MOSt Charles, MO
We had a wonderful trip to Israel and Jordan – Robin, Elie, Zahra, and I. We visited many beautiful areas of the country, got to see Petra and Wadi Rum, and spent Passover with family in Beersheba!
We flew into Tel Aviv and spent a few days there. As we rented a car, we were then off to explore. We headed north to Haifa, stopping along the way – especially Caesera and Akko. We had the opportunity to have lunch with Robin’s sister, Wendy, and her family.
From Haifa, we headed south to Jerusalem – an amazing place. We had a few tours, including a tour led by cousin Uri! He was newly registered as a certified guide. We stayed in the Arab Quarter. Coincidently, we were on Zahra Street and stayed at the Azzahra!
We were then off to Beersheba (Mehtar, actually) to see the family and drop Robin off. Elie, Zahra, and I then head south through the Negev to Eilat. We took a dip in the Red Sea and joined our tour to Jordan. We crossed the border (quite an ordeal) and headed to Petra and Wadi Rum. Petra is spectacular as is Wadi Rum. We spent a night at a Bedouin “camp” in the desert (a pretty fancy spot and very enjoyable).
From Jordan, we went back to Eilat, drove north along the Dead Sea, and back to Beersheba to celebrate Passover. A wonderful experience seeing one of the crossroads of civilization and visiting with family.
Tel AvivTel AvivTel AvivTel AvivTel AvivTel AvivCaesereaCaesereaCaesereaCaesereaCaesereaCaesereaCaesereaCaesereaCaesereaCaesereaCaesereaCaesereaCaesereaCaesereaAkkoAkkoAkkoHaifaHaifaBahai Gardens, HaifaJerusalemZahra Street!JerusalemJerusalemJerusalemRockefeller Museum, JerusalemRockefeller Museum, JerusalemRockefeller Museum, Jerusalem6000 Year Old Fresco Rockefeller Museum, Jerusalem6000 Year Old Fresco Rockefeller Museum, JerusalemRockefeller Museum, JerusalemRockefeller MuseumRockefeller MuseumRockefeller MuseumJerusalemWestern WallWestern WallWestern WallWestern WallWestern WallWestern WallWestern WallWestern WallWestern WallWestern WallWestern WallWestern WallWestern WallWestern WallBelow the Western WallBelow the Western WallBelow the Western WallBelow the Western WallBelow the Western WallChurch of the Holy SepulchreChurch of the Holy SepulchreChurch of the Holy SepulchreChurch of the Holy SepulchreChurch of the Holy SepulchreChurch of the Holy SepulchreChurch of the Holy SepulchreChurch of the Holy SepulchreChurch of the Holy SepulchreChurch of the Holy SepulchreChurch of the Holy SepulchreChurch of the Holy SepulchreChurch of the Holy SepulchreChurch of the Holy SepulchreChurch of the Holy SepulchreJerusalemJerusalem MarketJerusalem MarketJerusalem MarketAntique Shop, JerusalemJerusalemThe Dome of the RockThe Dome of the RockThe Dome of the RockThe Dome of the RockThe Dome of the RockThe Dome of the RockTower of DavidTower of DavidTower of DavidTower of DavidJerusalemJerusalemJerusalemParking lot in Jerusalem!JerusalemJerusalemJerusalemJerusalemJerusalemThe NegevThe NegevThe NegevThe NegevThe NegevThe NegevThe NegevThe NegevPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraPetraWadi Rum CampWadi Rum CampWadi RumThe Desert BloomsThe Desert BloomsThe Desert BloomsWadi RumWadi RumWadi RumWadi RumWadi RumWadi RumWadi RumWadi RumWadi RumWadi RumWadi RumWadi RumHome Grown and Prepared Lunch in Wadi RumHome Grown and Prepared Lunch in Wadi RumHome Grown and Prepared Lunch in Wadi RumWadi RumWadi RumWadi RumWadi Rum PetroglyphsWadi Rum PetroglyphsWadi RumWadi RumWadi RumWadi RumWadi RumWadi RumWadi RumWadi RumWadi RumWadi RumWadi RumDead SeaDead SeaOutside BeershebaOutside BeershebaOutside Beersheba
Chloe and I had a wonderful adventure in Peru – the highlight being a one-day hike up Machu Picchu. We spent a few days before the official tour (National Geographic, by the way) in Lima. We explored downtown Lima, the Museo Larco, some ruins near the hotel, and the Miraflores district. From downtown Lima we took a cab back to our hotel – we later learned that was not such a great (or safe) idea!
On our first official day of the tour, we took a cooking class! The class included a visit to a local market and sampling fruit – many of which we had never seen before. On Day 2 we flew to Cusco and drove to Urubamba through the Sacred Valley and stopped at Las Salineras – a pre-Incan salt “mining” area (salt water springs/ponds) and the Inca site of Moray.
On Day 3 we continued to explore the Sacred Valley and the highlight of the day was the Parque de la Papa (Potato Park). an agricultural area preserving over 700 species of potatoes. We also visited Pisac and Ollantaytambo Ruins. On Day 4 we rode the train to Aguas Calientes (the gateway to Machu Picchu). However, on the way, we got off and hiked up Machu Picchu! Only Chloe and I – plus one other young man – hiked. Day 5 included a thorough guided tour of Machu Picchu with the group. The group was about 14 folks. Macchu Picchu is an amazing place.
On day 6 we were back in Cusco and spent the day exploring this ancient Incan capital. The tour included a very nice planetarium visit. The show explored the southern hemisphere sky and the relationship of the Inca culture with the cosmos. We also had another cooking class. Day 7 brought us back to Lima. We visited the San Francisco Church and catacombs walked around the main plaza, and enjoyed that national adult beverage – Pisco Sours.
Museo Larco, LimaMuseo Larco, LimaMuseo Larco, LimaMuseo Larco, LimaMuseo Larco, LimaMuseo Larco, LimaHuaca Pucllana, LimaHuaca Pucllana, LimaHuaca Pucllana, LimaHuaca Pucllana, LimaHuaca Pucllana, LimaLunch at HuacaMiraflores, LimaMiraflores, LimaLima Market AreaLima MarketLima MarketFruit!Fruit!On to Cusco!View from the PlaneMorayMorayMorayMorayLas SalinerasLas SalinerasLas SalinerasWe Serve Guinea PigGuinea PigGuinea PigWeavers at Parque de la PapasWeavers at the Parque de la PapasWeavers at Parque de la PapasWeavers at the Parque de la PapasWeavers at the Parque de la PapasPotatoes!Potatoes!On the TrainEntertainment on the Train to Machu PicchuOn the TrailOn the Trail – Our GuideAlong the TrailAlong the TrailFlora Along the TrailOn the Trail up Machu PicchuAlong the TrailAlong the TrailMachu PicchuMachu PicchuMachu PicchuMachu PicchuMachu PicchuThe road up Machu PIcchuMachu PicchuMachu PicchuMachu PicchuMachu PicchuMachu PicchuMachu PicchuMachu PicchuMachu PicchuMachu PicchuMachu PicchuMachu PicchuMachu PicchuAlong the RoadCuscoCuscoCuscoCuscoLocal WeddingCuscoCuscoCuscoCuscoCusco
The George S. Mickelson Trail traverses over 100 (about 110 miles of riding) glorious miles of the Black Hills of South Dakota. A former rail line, the trail crosses more than 100 railroad bridges and goes through four tunnels. I had the pleasure of traveling with my cycling buddy – John Thomas.
We drove from Denver to Deadwood where we began our journey. This was our first real overnight bike trip (I had many such trips – but almost 50 years ago!) So, we decided to take three days to ride. Hardcore riders can do it in one day. We wanted to enjoy the ride and scenery. We carried our clothing and supplies but stayed in some easy-going South Dakota motels.
The weather was perfect, the trail was in great shape and the scenery and companionship were wonderful. We arranged a shuttle to take us back from the southern end of the trail in Edgemont and enjoyed an evening and a great steak in Deadwood (and a few cold beers).
Ed at the start of the Mickelson Trail (Deadwood, SD)John Thomas at the start of the Mickelson Trail (Deadwood, SD)Ed & John Thomas at the start of the Mickelson Trail (Deadwood, SD)Ed on the Mickelson TrailJohn Thomas on the Mickelson TrailJohn along the trailLots of old bridges to cross.And old rail tunnels to go thru!View of Crazy Horse from the trail.Abandoned mine along the Mickelson TrailTypical view along the trail!Everyone needs a barbed wire collection!Our ride home?
Just an amazing tour. I went on my own. I was a bit hesitant – Japan is VERY different – culture, customs, and language. I arranged my solo venture through “Inside Japan”. They did a great job – everything was organized, booked, and documented. I had several great guided ventures: an intro guided tour of Tokyo (and Japan) (a great introduction to the country and my trip); a night time food tour of Osaka, a tour of Kyoto and a full day of bicycling in Kyoto; and, a tea ceremony and musical performance in Kyoto.
I had two over-arching goals: to see the snow monkeys and to eat amazing food. I did both. A third goal – ride the high-speed rail system. The rail system is amazing – I experienced at least four different rial systems that all interconnected. High speed, regional, local, and subway. Every train departed or arrived to the minute at every location. You did not have read Japanese or listen to the announcements – just look at your watch and you knew which station you were at. Oh – the main station in Tokyo is the busiest in the world and is an amazing facility.
I had a number of meals scheduled ahead (a premier yakitori restaurant, for example). I got to stay in several traditional inns. The first one I stayed at I had to figure out the process of setting up my futon (the traditional way) – with no help from the non-English speaking staff. Thankfully – Google worked! I got to bathe in the traditional baths at the second inn.
Although it was December, the leaves and trees were gorgeous. Even better, it was off-season, so there were no crowds. The castles and gardens were beautiful. The markets were fun – and then there were the snow monkeys!
Kyoto was probably the highlight of the cities I visited – but they all had a different character. While Mt Fuji is an amazing sight, I would likely use that day or two differently. A beautiful country – I would love to return and see the many areas I missed.
TokyoWasabi!Gaming and Electronics DistrictFirst Ramen of TripToilet ControlsBird Land Ginza – Yakatori – 14 Plates of Delightful FoodGinko Nuts at Bird LandMt Fuji From the TrainHokaneVery Traditional InnShabu ShabuOutdoor Sculpture Park – Hakone Osaka – Night Time Food TourSushi on Rotating CounterEven Tried FuguMichelin Star Stall – Octopus BallsOctopus Two WaysDrink Shop – Prints Your Photos on “Edible” Cream ToppingKobe BeefGreat 3-D Signs Huge LED Signs Along RiverGetting Ready for ChristmasScenes of OsakaMarketTeasOctopus on a StickSea UrchinFuguSquid on a StickOsakaA Salad Too Beautiful to EatKyotoTempuraOld Part of KyotoMusical PerformanceRyokan – YudanakaPick Your Shroom and Grill ItAmazing Food at Every MealLast Day in TokyoLast Meal in Japan – Sushi and Saki
Our first river cruise. Great way to travel! Like a floating hotel (no packing and unpacking) and plenty of time to explore the cities and country along the Danube. Most of the river travel was at night – except to see the castles along the Wachau Valley.
The first day was in Budapest – an interesting city, but it was hard to appreciate given that it poured rain all day. Cold and wet. I was deeply moved by the holocaust memorial (shoes) along the river. Especially in the rain.
The trip was filled with castles and medieval buildings. Great food and beer. Friendly people! I did get to take a day-long bike ride through the Bavarian countryside. Of course with a beer stop in the middle.
We spent three days in Prague. A beautiful city. It really is “Paris -like” with beautiful architecture all around. We spent a full day in the Jewish Quarter. Fascinating and moving.
BudapestHolocaust Memorial – BudapestIt Poured in Budapest!Grand Market – BudapestMeat!Locks – The DanubeGardens at Primatial Palace – BraislavaBratislavaBratislavaBratislavaViennaViennaFarmers Market – ViennaCastles along The WachauGottweig Abbey – KremsCesky Krumlov/Linz Outdoor “Plumbing”PassauBike Ride Along River / BavariaPrague Buildings/Street ScenesJewish Quarter – PragueJews Killed in Nearby CampsNew Old SynagogueThe Golum Story (Escape Route)Hidden and Recovered
Afternoon snack in LisbonA country of tilesThe Royal Palace of QueluzThe PalaceLisbon Street SceneLisbon is built on hillsBelem TowerTile MuseumObidosObidos WallLibrary at CoimbraFigueira da Foz Salt PansMontemor o VelhoPrivate Home Tour and Port TastingVinyard TourThe Douro ValleyOld Porto ChurchRiver Cruise - Scenes of Old PortoSao Bento Train Station
