May 2007 Archives

I love riding along York's rail trail, but it can get monotonous if you pedal it so often you have every stone memorized.

Thing is, it's hard to find a place to ride where you don't have to worry about traffic running you down around every curve in the road. That's why, for the second year, I'm paying $15 to take part in the annual Tour de Belt, run by the Capital Area Greenbelt Association in Harrisburg Sunday morning.

It's a guided ride along a 20-mile loop along the Susquehanna River, Wildwood Lake and through the wooded outskirts of the city. Anyone can download a map from the organization's Web site and ride all or part of the loop. But it's fun to ride with a group and have volunteers posted at every turn or crossing to direct you and keep any cars at bay.

Here are six quick reasons why you should join me:

*Get outside and enjoy the nice spring weather
*Get some exercise
*Hang out with fun people
*They feed you lunch
*You get a T-shirt
*Your registration fee goes to a good cause (maintenance and upkeep of the trail)

It doesn't get any better than that.

Used to be, I looked forward to returning home at the end of an interational trip.

I enjoyed going through customs because -- unlike when you're entering a foreign country -- this time you get to stand in the short lines, the ones that say "citizens only."

A bit of national pride would swell in my chest as I waited to re-enter my homeland and hear the customs officials greet me with a "Welcome back" as they stamped my passport.

No more.

When I flew into Miami International a month ago, after having spent a week in Mexico, I waited more than an hour to get stamped back in.

The lines weren't all that long. But they didn't have all the kiosks staffed, and it seemed like they must have been giving everyone the third degree. When my turn finally came, it lasted maybe 20 seconds. The guy barely looked at me, let alone spoke to me.

I'm young enough that I can deal with standing for a while, despite my back problems. But I felt sorry for the older folks around me, or parents with antsy children. An hour in line is a long time.

Then I saw this article in USA Today, which indicates my experience wasn't an exception, but is becoming the norm.

Maybe they should take some of the people building bigger walls along our borders and train them to work in customs. I can't help but think it would be a better use of resources.

Well, actually, I have too many favorite places to pick just one, but right now, after three days of camping at Deep Creek Lake State Park, I'm reminded of just how much I love sitting by a campfire.

Here are three reasons why:

First, there's the mesmerizing factor. You can watch it for hours and never get bored. Well, at least I can. It holds my attention longer than most TV shows. And, it's one of the few places I can just SIT and do nothing and not feel like I'm wasting time. In short, relax.

Second, if you're with a group, chances are the conversation will range from philosophical to silly. With a sprinkling of stories enhanced for the retelling.

Third, the food. You can cook hot dogs, mountain pies (watch for a separate entry on this later) or roast marshmallows and make s'mores. Sip hot cocoa or your beverage of choice.

Anyone have any campfire stories to share?

It's Memorial Day weekend, and the weather forecast basically says: Take advantage of the nice weather and go do something outside!

If you're staying in Pennsylvania, check out all the events scheduled as part of PA Hiking Week, which begins Saturday. It's nine days of more than 100 organized hikes and events all across the state.

Saturday, you can backpack on South Mountain or hike through a big-tree preserve in Dapuhin County. Sunday, the Mason Dixon Trail System folks will lead a hike departing from Gifford Pinchot State Park. Monday, hike the Appalachian Trail north of Harrisburg to Hawk Rock and along the ridge.

The fun continues after the holiday weekend with an easy ice-cream hike in New Cumberland and a Wednesday hike for the work weary at Kings Gap Environmental Education Center in western Cumberland County.

For a complete list of events, searchable by region, and information on other activities at Pennsylvania State Parks, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us.

It's been a bad week.

Sunday, I read this story from The Patriot-News about a couple with young children who got a pretty raw deal by American Airlines.

Their experience brings up the hot subject of traveler's rights (although sometimes it seems there is no such thing). But the bigger issue here is plain old customer service.

Does it still exist?

So, just as I was beginning to dread spending more than three hours in the car -- likely stuck in traffic -- Friday afternoon enroute to camping in western Maryland, this wonderful little item came in the mail.

I tried it out on my way home yesterday, and boy, does it ever make sitting in the car more comfortable. I love my Honda Civic for its good gas mileage, but it sits kind of low, so even with adjustments, the seat gets uncomfortable after a while.

I saw it on amazon.com while shopping for the next selection on my book club's reading list and decided that, for $12, it was worth a try.

I didn't really understand the half-moon cut-out for your tailbone at first, but now that I'm sitting on this thingy (officially called "ortho wedge cushion" I believe), it makes perfect sense.

Especially on Pennsylvania roads.

With gas prices hovering at the $3 mark, I almost wish I were sticking closer to home this Memorial Day weekend.

Maybe, say, floating around the lake at Gifford Pinchot State Park, like my friend Emma (pictured above).

Or hiking the many miles of trails in the York County Park system.

Or chowing down on picnic food while taking in the awesome views at Sam Lewis State Park or Susquehannock State Park.

Or riding my bike along the Heritage Rail Trail County Park.

Who wants to fight holiday-weekend traffic on the interstates? Raise your blood pressure a few notches as you realize you're idiling away precious dollars of gasoline by the minute?

For a couple of years now, I've wondered about these little signs that pop up around eastern Cumberland County near where I live.

I always say I'm going to remember where they are, return with my bike and try to follow them. Or at least type "BicyclePA" into the Internet to find out what they're all about and if there's a map showing where they go.

Today, I finally did.

I didn't find much.

And what I did find confused me.

This morning, I mentally kicked myself as I stood shivering outside a barn in Adams County while out on a story: Why didn't I bring a jacket?

It's not like I don't have plenty of jackets. It's just that when it comes to gear, I always bring something when I don't need it and don't have it when I do.

I bought an underwater camera for snorkeling on my last vacation, but the first trip -- when I had the camera -- was a dud. Nothing worth photographing. The next time out, I marveled at purple coral and electric blue fish and gritted my teeth. No camera.

It's the same thing when I go for a day hike with friends. I don't want to pack too much because then I have to lug it around all day. But the one time I don't bring enough water or opt out of the first-aid kit, I know I'll be sorry.

I guess it's just a trial-and-error thing. Or a matter of drinking some coffee before I leave in the morning so the brain is going when I pack.

I like simplicity. I want to travel light. But I also want to be prepared.

Anyone have any suggestions? Tips?

As you can see, I need them.

John and Jane Bailey of Spring Grove sailed down the Hudson River on the inagural cruise of Royal Caribbean International’s new ship, The Liberty, earlier this month. The couple, who own Bailey Travel in York, were invited on a two-night, three-day cruise for travel professionals that sailed out of Port Liberty, NJ, and paused in front of the Statue of Liberty before continuing to sea.

Their travel tip: Take your surfboard because you can surf on the ship. Or climb on the rock wall or play miniature golf.

Saw this above a shop on the island of Cozumel, Mexico, which is known for two things:
*spectacular scuba-diving and snorkeling
*being a popular stop for cruise ships

Well, I guess that's one way to lure tourists!

MapQuest, Google Earth and fancy GPS systems make it easy to forget about that most basic of navigational tools... the map.

On my way to work today, I was behind a van carrying ADC maps, so I feel compelled to write about how much I love maps in general, and ADC street-map books in particular.

They've been among my most trusted resources both at work and in my personal journeys. I have an ADC map book for York County, one for Lancaster County. One for Metro Harrisburg, Metro DC... yeah, the map pocket behind my passenger seat is bulging a bit.

Places to visit before I die. Books to read. Things to do before I turn 30.

Lately, I've noticed I'm not the only one. There's the popular book "1,000 places to see before you die" http://www.amazon.com/000-Places-See-Before-You/dp/0761104844 and other books suggesting things to do before you turn 30 or 40 or whatever age milestone you're approaching.

A few weeks ago, I saw a similar list in a credit-card ad in a magazine. I grabbed a pen and started crossing out items I had no desire to do (attend a major sporting event, brew my own beer), checking off ones I had done (learn a foreign language and use it) and starring ones I'd like to add to my own list.

Then, I came to "Drink a margarita on Margarita Island." I wanted to kick myself.

I met a couple from the United Kingdom while I was in Mexico a few weeks ago. We got to chatting, and they told me they were there on vacation for three weeks.

"Three weeks!?!!"

"Yes," they said. "Only three weeks."

"Only?!!?!"

They're young, just starting out in their jobs (as a postman and office worker for a trust company), they said, so they only get four weeks vacation each year.

Once again: "Only!?!!!"

If you're still at a loss what to get for mom (Sunday is Mother's Day), consider taking her to stroll among roses and butterflies at Hershey Gardens.

Not only do moms get in for free on their special day, but this year, you can treat her to a picnic lunch in the gardens.

$25 gets you lunch for two -- prepared by DJ's Smoke Shack and served in a picnic basket you can carry into the gardens and enjoy wherever you please.

As if that isn't enough, Sunday is the first day the butterfly house is open for the season AND the gardens will be holding a rose plant sale.

For details, visit: http://www.hersheygardens.org/events/calendar_of_events.html

Now you have no excuse...

The Olewine Nature Center at Wildwood Lake Sanctuary in Harrisburg is organizing a trip to Chickie's Rock just across the river in Columbia, Lancaster County.

Search for warblers or other migrating songbirds during this all-day excursion, which runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 16.

A moderate half-mile uphill walk to the top of the rock offers a great view of the Susquehanna River and surrounding countryside.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a bag lunch. Don't forget binoculars or a camera for bird- and scenery-watching!

Van space is limited, so call 221-0292 to register sooner rather than later. Cost is $15 and covers transport and beverages.

To find out about other events at the nature center and wildlife sanctuary, visit www.wildwoodlake.org/

Been here? Have a photo or travel tip to share? Leave a comment or e-mail me!

Most people know not to drink the water when traveling in a foreign country.

And while you don't want to forgo the street vendors' fare altogether, it's best to use some judgement before you chow down.

From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, find out about the best ways to stay healthy while you're traveling abroad.

Hanover Hospital epidemiologist Carol Freer, an infectuous disease consultant, will run a free program at the Hanover Community Health & Education Center, 400 York St., Hanover. Register by calling 633-8873.

Have a tip for staying healthy while traveling? Share it by posting a comment.

Dan Martin of West York poses for a photo in Marigot, on the French side of the island of St. Martin in the French West Indies, during a two-week January trip to the Caribbean.

He hired a personal guide to show him both the French and Dutch sides of the island, as well as tell him a bit about the island’s history.

His travel tip: Visit in December, January or February for the best weather and a good escape from Pennsylvania winters.

Judy and Bob Lease of Springettsbury Township pose for a photo with their guide during a March trip to Tanzania.

Bob Lease had just taken a bike ride into the bush while Judy visited a village.

She writes that the people in the villages were very poor and appreciated the dollar she gave them to take their pictures. During a safari, they saw “the big five”: lion, elephant, cape buffalo, rhino and leopard.

Their travel tip: Take pencils, pens or small toys for the children. They will accept U.S. dollars, but only the new ones with the big heads.

From left, Dilip Mathur; and Anita, Alex, Lucas and Frank Marchesani of Manchester Township pose for a photograph in front of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, in November.

Anita Marchesani writes that the structure is “almost too magnificent to believe. Its presence is awe-inspiring.”

Her travel tip: Plan plenty of time to wander the grounds so you can see the Taj from different angles and at different times of day.

Gladys and Kenneth Wright of North Codorus Township spent more than two months in Orange City, Fla., visiting their daughter, Mary, and her husband, Kenneth Bare, this winter.

While there, they were treated to a dinner cruise on the St. John’s River on a three-deck ship and saw birds and wild hogs and miles of virgin forest and flowers.

Their travel tip: You’ll need to sign up for the cruise ahead of time.

Paul Willits of York Township took this photograph from his apartment in Mahboula, Kuwait, looking out over the Persian Gulf. Willits works for the Department of Defense and is living and working in Kuwait until January.

His travel tip: Always drink bottled water. Check the exchange rate often, because it changes frequently.

Sam Myers, 10, of Springettsbury Township collects scallops on a beach on Florida’s Sanibel Island in January, not long after tornadoes hit northwest of Fort Myers.

The storms washed more debris than normal ashore. Calico scallops are prevalent in that area, but it is unusual to see them so thick on the beach.

Peter Placke of Penn Township snapped this photograph of The Bastei, a rocky area in Germany’s Elbe Sandstone Mountains, during an October trip to Dresden. He said the area offers beautiful hiking and climbing with many walking paths and scenic views.

His travel tip: If you aren’t up for hiking, check out Panorama Restaurant Bastei, where you can sit and take in the views along with your meal.

Jeff Clinton of Jackson Township poses for a photo with a statue of Ernest Hemmingway at The Custom House Museum in Key West, Fla.

Clinton and his wife, Carol, traveled to Punta Gorda to visit relatives in September, then traveled from Fort Myers Beach to Key West by ferry and spent four days in the Conch Republic. They saw haunts of Truman, Hemmingway, Audubon and Buffett.

His travel tip: Be sure to visit Mel Fisher’s treasure museum and Bahia Honda State Park and try the Cuban food, key lime pie and raspberry margaritas.

So you snap pictures like crazy on your vacation, but then you get home and have to figure out what to do with them all.

Here are some suggestions from the experts on how to deal with all the digital clutter and get the most enjoyment out of your photos.

I wrote this story a year ago after a friend said she had never traveled outside the country and wouldn't know where to begin when planning such a trip.

It's a great primer. My hope is that lack of knowledge or fear of the unknown never keeps you from exploring our wonderful world!

Staying with a friend or relative sure can save you money when you travel, but you've gotta be considerate.

Hosting out-of-town friends and family can also present any number of challenges.

In this story, I talked to experts about how to best handle this delicate situation, just in time for the holidays.

I love to go camping, but I didn't know how to build a campfire, which made me feel kind of stupid. (I always had male friends or relatives around who took charge of that).

So, in the summer of 2004, I wrote the following story. Check it out, then get ready to toast your toes or some s'mores!