Horse and Cattle Ranches

We recently spent a week at the French Broad River Outpost Ranch and were thrilled with the experience. It was such a peaceful setting in the Smokey Mountains, 15 miles from the nearest town of Newport, Tennessee.

The staff were all helpful, friendly and smiling. The horses were also that way! My horse, Felicia, actually came to me when I called to her.

We went cattle herding, did cow penning and everyday went on trail rides up into mountains. The sunset dinner ride took us up 2600 ft to a beautiful view of the valley below and the mountains around.

The mealtime we all gathered at one table, and talked over the events of the day with other guests and wranglers. The food, was good, down home, cooking and you never left hungry.

The buildings and are rooms were all made of rough cut wood and reminded you of a western town, with a saloon and hotel. There was game room for pool, foss ball, and games. There was square dancing one night in the saloon that even my husband who "doesn't dance" joined in the fun.

The owners the Gannon's were informative and friendly and can be absolutely proud of this fantastic retreat they've made.

Beach Volleyball Vacations with GOLD!

Yes, that's right. AL-B Hannemann (AVP Pro player) is having gold medalists Kerri Walsh and Phil Dalhausser at one of his beach volleyball vacations on the TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS TRIP NOVEMBER 8-15, 2008

And our beloved AVP CHAMPION SEAN ROSENTHAL (Rosie) IN CANCUN, MEXICO OCTOBER 5-12, 2008.

Not too mention, all the other cool guys and gals like Casey Jennings, Matt Olson and , Paige Davis and Nick Lucena.

If you like volleyball at all, or even think you like, this is where you want to go. And if you don't like volleyball that much, there are still lots of things you can do, including all water sports, diving, sailing, you name it.

Our friend Tabby went and said it was the best vacation he had ever had.
So check it out at http://www.volleyballvacations.com

BUGS, bugs, BUGS...that's what the locals call them

....which of course stands for lobster. We're getting ready to head to the Florida keys, namely Long Key for the upcoming lobster season. We usually like to
camp at the State park, mainly because it's cheaper, you have a waterfront view with your boat parked in front of your spot and it's quiet. A great vacation spot.

There's a limit on your bag take per day per person and also how you catch them. They're very strict about the rules and you can get up to a $1500 fine for an undersized bug, so get all your information before you go. The best place is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Also you need to pick up a fishing liscence and get the lobster sticker. You can get these are KMart or Walmart usually.

There are tons of places to stay from fancy to rustic. For entertainment you can head south to Marathon or north to Islamorada. For some fine dining you can visit Pierre's. Ask for Cindy. For simple fare you can try the Island Fish Company. The food is excellent in the keys, along with the fishing, diving and everything "water".

Enjoy your vacation, we will!!

All Aboard for the "Scenic Railway of the World"

Built in 1898, Skagway's White Pass & Yukon Route during the Klondike Gold Rush, climbs nearly 3000 ft and travels through tunnels and over bridges.

The different types of rides include travelling in old-fashioned parlor cars and can last from a 3-hour day trip to 6-hours. You can extend your route by adding on sailing or motorcoach travel. Visit http://www.wpyr.com/excursions.html

You can also travel up to 15 days from the Pacific to the Atlantic on the
Trans Canada Railway following the Rocky Mountaineer Fraser Discovery Route. See http://www.rockymountaineer.com

Adventure Specialists!

Well, I didn't know there was such a thing, until I began searching and found them!

They have the ultimate adventure in Colorado's Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, Mexico's Cooper Canyon or Peru;s Vilcabamba range! Horse back treking, with white water rafting, research expeditions, hiking or a pack donkey! This is the kind of adventure we are looking for.

They have everything from day rides to a 5 day Ultimate Pack trip complete with long days in the saddle, campfire meals and lots of wildlife. This one is rated "confident riders only" but there are other packages that are rated "easy", like their "Surf and Turf". "We combine horses, wilderness camping, and white water fun with two nights of comfortable lodging. A Friday evening return allows weekend exploration of historic Colorado Springs." says their website.

I can't wait to sign on for this adventure. You can make it anything you want.

www.adventurespecialists.org

Travelling across the 1000 Island Bridge

We're getting ready to fly to Syracuse, NY and then drive up to Ottawa, Ontario to visit with my family. We'll be crossing over the 1000 Islands Region. Both the US and Canada border these islands along the St. Lawrence River and the eastern shores of Lake Ontario.

Along the international waterway there are 1000 islands that dot the river and lake, hence the name the 1000 islands. On the Canadian side, it extends from Kingston to Cornwall and from Oswego to Massena on the US side.

Extending all the way inland to the foothills of the Adirondack mountains. There are lots of exciting or relaxing activities from hayrides to boat rides. You can explore historical sites. There's even a castle you can visit that was built by multi-millionaire George C. Boldt for his wife, Louise, as a sign of his unending love for her.

You can stay at a bed and breakfast like Stephies Bed and Breakfast on the River, or Gary and Lee's Indian Head Point and fish on Black Lake.

It will be a great spot to stop on our way up to Canada.

Like the Islands?

How about a trip to Abaco or Grand Bahama for one of their events in July?

Would you love a weeklong regatta with 5 sailboat races in the Sea of Abaco? There are also festivities for the land lovers which include picnics on the beach, nightly entertainment, cocktail parties, cultural activities, and a grand finale party.

Then in early July celebrate Independence Week with celebrations marked throughout the islands by festivities, parades, and fireworks. It all leads up to Independence Day. July 10.

Bahamas Summer Boating Fling/Flotilla.
Make the 5-day crossing from Florida to The Bahamas (Port Lucaya's marina on Grand Bahama Island) in a flotilla of boats guided by a lead boat. You'll depart from the Radisson Bahia Mar Resort & Yacht Center in Fort Lauderdale.

Don't forget the incredible fishing and diving that are available. The crystal clear waters are like nothing you've ever seen before. The Bahamian cuisine is particularly good with things like baked grouper and peas-n-rice with johnny cake. Enjoy!!!