Always looking for input from travelers out there. Thoughts of Caribbean Islands vs. Central America? I know there are a few in here that's been to both (I have, but I'm thinking about Costa Rica, Panama, Barbados, etc...)
Quote from: guido911 on April 08, 2012, 07:20:48 PM
Always looking for input from travelers out there. Thoughts of Caribbean Islands vs. Central America? I know there are a few in here that's been to both (I have, but I'm thinking about Costa Rica, Panama, Barbados, etc...)
I will be going to Belize in October. My son is getting married there.
I have a friend that lives in Costa Rica and he loves it. He is on the Pacific coast.
My daughter is going to apply for a school trip to Costa Rico next year. I am interested on what people know about the country.
Quote from: GG on April 08, 2012, 08:34:36 PM
I will be going to Belize in October. My son is getting married there.
I have a friend that lives in Costa Rica and he loves it. He is on the Pacific coast.
I've been to Belize.... Costa Rica sounds appealing to me.
British Virgin Islands.
Far as I'm concerned there is nowhere else I'd rather be. Islands with palm trees, great food, and cold adult beverages are scattered all over the globe. I can't put my finger on why, but BVI residents are truly special people. I always feel at home there, never like I'm in a foreign country, and never like I have to look over my shoulder. The place I stay on Anegada every trip doesn't even have room keys. No one would even think twice about stealing from you. Truly an idyllic place.
Watch my FB page this week Guido, I'll be posting photos (finally) from my last trip there.
Quote from: Conan71 on April 08, 2012, 09:52:45 PM
British Virgin Islands.
Far as I'm concerned there is nowhere else I'd rather be. Islands with palm trees, great food, and cold adult beverages are scattered all over the globe. I can't put my finger on why, but BVI residents are truly special people. I always feel at home there, never like I'm in a foreign country, and never like I have to look over my shoulder. The place I stay on Anegada every trip doesn't even have room keys. No one would even think twice about stealing from you. Truly an idyllic place.
Watch my FB page this week Guido, I'll be posting photos (finally) from my last trip there.
I'll be looking....
Looks like Cartegna for a weekend getaway on my way to Phuket then to Amsterdam. Who's with me....
Why guido, I declare! I did not know you were in to such activities! All this time I thought you were a family man. ;)
Disneyworld in June.
Oakhurst in July
Quote from: RecycleMichael on April 29, 2012, 09:02:53 AM
Oakhurst in July
Like a little bit of rural heaven right here in the city!
Diligently taking notes for next summer...
Quote from: nathanm on April 28, 2012, 09:31:45 PM
Why guido, I declare!
Nate doing his best "southern belle". ;D
But on a serious note, it's always the quiet ones Nate. Remember that.
Quote from: guido911 on April 29, 2012, 12:13:10 PM
Nate doing his best "southern belle". ;D
Just getting practice for the DR next month. Oh wait, that isn't anywhere near far enough south.
Quote from: RecycleMichael on April 08, 2012, 08:53:15 PM
My daughter is going to apply for a school trip to Costa Rico next year. I am interested on what people know about the country.
My son went on a trip to Costa Rica last summer through Bixby Middle School and EFT Tours. He had an awesome time. Went to several different cities, went on jungle trails, river tours, did a HUGE zip line. Tour guided the entire time and felt very safe. Highly recommend it.
This summer he's going with a school group to Philly, NYC, Boston, and DC.
As a fam, we're going to Discovery Cove in Orlando and Busch Gardens in Tampa. As a self centered adult male, I'm going to Bella Vista for an extended weekend of golf and adult beverages with some college buddys.
Quote from: nathanm on April 29, 2012, 05:10:24 PM
Just getting practice for the DR next month. Oh wait, that isn't anywhere near far enough south.
Drink a case or four of Presidente for me.
Can someone tell me what the appeal of tropical environments is? I'm not trying to troll or anything. I've just never understood why it is that people would want to languish on a beach. I'd rather go see paris or rome or NYC et al.
Quote from: jacobi on May 01, 2012, 10:21:24 AM
Can someone tell me what the appeal of tropical environments is? I'm not trying to troll or anything. I've just never understood why it is that people would want to languish on a beach. I'd rather go see paris or rome or NYC et al.
Get up and rush to see things or feel as though you missed out vs get up, put on your suit, walk down to the bar, grab a drink and watch the shoreline and bikinis walk by.
I do both.
Quote from: jacobi on May 01, 2012, 10:21:24 AM
Can someone tell me what the appeal of tropical environments is? I'm not trying to troll or anything. I've just never understood why it is that people would want to languish on a beach. I'd rather go see paris or rome or NYC et al.
There's something relaxing about the wind blowing through palm leaves and the sound of the ocean. I love the mountains and the tropics. I've also traveled Europe, there's simply nothing there which compels me like the natural beauty of a vast mountain wilderness or the simplicity of sipping a drink with a sea breeze blowing in.
I tend to avoid areas which attract thousands of tourists on any given day. When I ski, I prefer Wolf Creek because there's never more than 1000 people on the slopes when I go. I prefer the BVI over a place like Cancun because it's not as heavily traveled and it's not a college party environment. The place I've stayed on Anegada since 2005 doesn't issue room keys because there's no one to steal from you. There's maybe 400 people tops on Anegada on any given day, it's the size of Manhattan Island. Another place we stayed this year was Saba Rock, a 1 1/2 acre island with 12 guest rooms, a great restaurant and a bar.
Off the beaten path I guess is my preferred place to visit. Don't get me wrong, soaking up the history and culture of a Boston, NYC, London, Paris, Rome, etc. is a truly cool experience, just not my first choice for travel these days.
Rainbow over Great Bay, Jost Van Dyke, BVI
(http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q55/71conan/TN/Jost.jpg)
Sunset, Anegada BVI from Neptune's Treasure Dining Area
(http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q55/71conan/TN/AnegadaSunset.jpg)
Sunset over Anegada Anchorage from Potter's By The Sea Bar
(http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q55/71conan/TN/Potters.jpg)
If this doesn't look relaxing, I don't know what does. View from the front door of our suite on Saba Rock BVI
(http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q55/71conan/TN/Saba3.jpg)
View across the same courtyard
(http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q55/71conan/TN/saba2.jpg)
Quote from: jacobi on May 01, 2012, 10:21:24 AM
Can someone tell me what the appeal of tropical environments is? I'm not trying to troll or anything. I've just never understood why it is that people would want to languish on a beach. I'd rather go see paris or rome or NYC et al.
I can languish on a beach for a while but there are other things to do. Walking around on the beach watching the birds (feathered variety) and other animals (keep your mind out of the gutter) is fun too. An afternoon fishing from a pier or on a boat is fun. Snorkeling over the reefs just off the Florida Keys is something you won't see in NYC. Many are shallow enough that you don't need SCUBA gear. Rent a small sailboat like a Sunfish. Even if you can't sail, you can still make the boat go and enjoy the water. A little farther inland on Maui are tropical rainforests and dry, almost desert areas. Cool looking plants. Visti some museums of what the island life was like before so many tourists. Surfing. I took a one day lesson and got a stand up ride (their next lesson free if you can't do it the first day) in some small waves. Watching the kite boarders and real surfers on the north shore. Smelling the salty ocean air instead of diesel exhaust. Not necessarily tropical, driving to the top of Haleakala (big volcano on Maui) and walking down the path in the crater. Coming back out was a bit more challenging being up hill at nearly 10,000 feet above sea level.
I can also enjoy a visit to the city. I have walked the Freedom Trail in Boston. Seen the Boston Pops on the 4th of July in person (1981) and the Boston Aquarium. My cousin and I had dinner at a restaurant on the water where the working boat people ate. My cousin was into whale watching at the time. Casual atire, oilcloth table cloths, BYO wine but the food was great.
I grew up near Philly (everyone here probably knows that by now) about 15 miles from downtown. I could get there by public transit, real trolley and El/subway. I didn't go often but there were field trips during my school days to the Franklin Institute and other museums. I also remember a trip to one of the local daily newspapers. I visited the Olympia steam ship and I kind of remember being on a WWII type submarine.
Something like Times Square on New Year's Eve is not for me though. Way toooooo crowded.
For each his/her own.
QuoteFor each his/her own.
Agreed. I'm more of a cold weather guy. Not to mention, If I were to sun myself on a beach, people would start yelling "Keep his skin wet until we can get him back in the water."
Quote from: jacobi on May 01, 2012, 02:26:27 PM
If I were to sun myself on a beach, people would start yelling "Keep his skin wet until we can get him back in the water."
I was on a beach in Mexico and a pelican pooped on me.
Pelican poop smells like fish.
(https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSU7B9-uFEI1PXXRT6NSbpG-r-oa7phAEiSPrEHeVmsgP8E7k2T)
Quote from: Townsend on May 01, 2012, 02:41:03 PM
I was on a beach in Mexico and a pelican pooped on me.
Pelican poop smells like fish.
(https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSU7B9-uFEI1PXXRT6NSbpG-r-oa7phAEiSPrEHeVmsgP8E7k2T)
T manages to find the line and pole vault right over it once again. Kudos. And Jacobi is crazy. Nothing better than enjoying the beach... I remember my last visit to Jamaica like it was yesterday.
(http://s1.moviefanfare.com/uploads/2010/08/Normany-Invasion2.jpg)
Thanks for the pics Conan. Is that place more for couples than families though?
Quote from: guido911 on May 01, 2012, 02:53:43 PM
Nothing better than enjoying the beach... I remember my last visit to Jamaica like it was yesterday.
Jamaica is great but I agree with you. Stay on the compound at night. Daytime, travel with pals. Maybe bigger, slower pals.
The cliff at Rick's was a great jump. When I sobered up and found the bruises I remembered much of the rest of the trip to Ocho Rios on the bus. Sweet gumbo, the Rastas had some freaking christmas trees for sale.
Quote from: guido911 on May 01, 2012, 02:53:43 PM
T manages to find the line and pole vault right over it once again. Kudos. And Jacobi is crazy. Nothing better than enjoying the beach... I remember my last visit to Jamaica like it was yesterday.
(http://s1.moviefanfare.com/uploads/2010/08/Normany-Invasion2.jpg)
Thanks for the pics Conan. Is that place more for couples than families though?
Depends on what the family likes to do. Saba Rock is just across a narrow channel from Bitter End Yacht Club which is very family-friendly with a lot of on-land and on the water activities. Check out BEYC's web page for more info.
There's really nothing to do on Saba Rock except
1) Do nothing (main reason we stayed there)
2) Eat
3) Drink
Anegada might be fun for the kids for a day or two if they like the beach and you have stuff to entertain them, or enjoy a day long jeep ride over sandy roads and coral trails doing an impromptu eco-tour. You can also hire a guide for bone fishing which I hear is a lot of fun.
You might also consider doing a week on a chartered sail boat with your own captain. That gives you a lot of options and would be a unique experience for the kids. Check The Moorings, Footloose Charters, or simply Google: Sailboat Charter, BVI and you will get some good results.
Or if you had $53K per night to spend for the exclusive use of Necker Island, that's always an option:
http://www.neckerisland.virgin.com/
Quote from: Conan71 on May 01, 2012, 03:05:24 PM
You might also consider doing a week on a chartered sail boat with your own captain. That gives you a lot of options and would be a unique experience for the kids. Check The Moorings, Footloose Charters, or simply Google: Sailboat Charter, BVI and you will get some good results.
(https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQHtbiX6yD0pM4EHUuEnIiyxGvRrpEDsZMJ3JGCSXarRClbMVGv)
Quote from: Conan71 on May 01, 2012, 10:03:36 AM
Drink a case or four of Presidente for me.
I certainly will, if I can find time in between the cuba libres. I'll also see if I can find any Carib, since you say it's so good. What's the over/under on a Presidente that's been sitting in my fridge for 10 months still being any good? ;)
As far as beach goes, I'm spending 15 days in the DR, and only 7 nights at the beach resort, but how the hell am I supposed to resist $20/pp/pn all inclusive when they have decent enough food and they keep the Brugal and Presidente flowing at all times? ;)
Seriously, though, Santo Domingo is a very interesting place. Lots of history, lots of poverty, and lots of fancy-schmancy shopping. It's like NYC before they started rousting the poor people. Traffic is a freakin' nightmare, though. I wish they'd finish the Metro. One of the planned stations would be rather convenient to where we stay.
Quote from: nathanm on May 01, 2012, 03:12:37 PM
As far as beach goes, I'm spending 15 days in the DR, and only 7 nights at the beach resort, but how the hell am I supposed to resist $20/pp/pn all inclusive when they have decent enough food and they keep the Brugal and Presidente flowing at all times? ;)
And probably flying there on rewards points?
You are my kind of tightwad!
Quote from: Conan71 on May 01, 2012, 03:33:21 PM
And probably flying there on rewards points?
Nah, those (and the pile of Hilton points) are for the Maldives. Can't get a good enough mile/dollar rate in the Caribbean. I can get 15c a mile redemption going to the Maldives. Good thing, too, since a first class round trip is around $22000 and involves two overnight flights. ;)
Quote from: jacobi on May 01, 2012, 02:26:27 PM
Agreed. I'm more of a cold weather guy. Not to mention, If I were to sun myself on a beach, people would start yelling "Keep his skin wet until we can get him back in the water."
I used to like to go backpack hiking on the Appalachian Trail (nearby then) in the winter when I was in my early 20s. No bears and snakes but still too cold.
I like tropical Islands & beachs. I'd like to travel to Australia, but can't afford to. With the high Obama gas prices here in the USA it's hard to travel around home too.
Quote from: sauerkraut on May 09, 2012, 12:28:53 PM
I like tropical Islands & beachs. I'd like to travel to Australia, but can't afford to. With the high Obama gas prices here in the USA it's hard to travel around home too.
You're a mess.
Quote from: sauerkraut on May 09, 2012, 12:28:53 PM
I like tropical Islands & beachs. I'd like to travel to Australia, but can't afford to. With the high Obama gas prices here in the USA it's hard to travel around home too.
Must be hell to get across into Iowa, huh?
Quote from: sauerkraut on May 09, 2012, 12:28:53 PM
With the high Obama gas prices here in the USA it's hard to travel around home too.
Have you driven by a gas station in the last week or two?
Speaking of gas, I am not terribly pleased with Reasor's new rewards program. Way to make most everything worse, guys!
Wow, some of you guys have taken some pretty fabulous vacations!
We went to Florida about a month ago and it was to my favorite area, which is the Tampa Bay area. Unfortunately it was a sad trip because my brother was ill and we ended up losing him.
We hope to spend a few days in the Black Hills like we often do in the summertime. Toward autumn we would like to take a trip in your direction and spend a couple of days in Tulsa and the rest of the time in Grove.
Guido, the gal I go to for massages has a mother and stepfather that live in Costa Rica. They've been struggling to get residency. Even though it's supposed to be relatively easy, all the paperwork has to be in at specific times, they've been told to mail it to one place, ends up it was really supposed to go to the other side of our country, it gets there late and they have to start over again.
I realize you're not asking about residency, but my point is that they love it there and will never return to the U.S. They bought a tiny farm/small acreage for peanuts. They said the cost of living is very cheap if you live among the locals, but it's comparable to here if you are at the tourist resorts. They have many types of fruit trees in their yard and grow their own vegetables and even have a small coffee bean area. They're within a short distance to mountains and to the beach and they say it's Paradise.
My guess is that you couldn't go wrong with vacationing there.
Quote from: Jammie on May 12, 2012, 04:02:30 PM
Wow, some of you guys have taken some pretty fabulous vacations!
We went to Florida about a month ago and it was to my favorite area, which is the Tampa Bay area. Unfortunately it was a sad trip because my brother was ill and we ended up losing him.
We hope to spend a few days in the Black Hills like we often do in the summertime. Toward autumn we would like to take a trip in your direction and spend a couple of days in Tulsa and the rest of the time in Grove.
Guido, the gal I go to for massages has a mother and stepfather that live in Costa Rica. They've been struggling to get residency. Even though it's supposed to be relatively easy, all the paperwork has to be in at specific times, they've been told to mail it to one place, ends up it was really supposed to go to the other side of our country, it gets there late and they have to start over again.
I realize you're not asking about residency, but my point is that they love it there and will never return to the U.S. They bought a tiny farm/small acreage for peanuts. They said the cost of living is very cheap if you live among the locals, but it's comparable to here if you are at the tourist resorts. They have many types of fruit trees in their yard and grow their own vegetables and even have a small coffee bean area. They're within a short distance to mountains and to the beach and they say it's Paradise.
My guess is that you couldn't go wrong with vacationing there.
Thanks J. After our little family reunion in Missouri next month, it's either Costa Rica or Panama in early July. Maybe (with proper amount of begging) a 5 day cruise in late August. BVI or its equivalent may have to wait until winter because it looks like I will not be skiing for a while.
I didn't make it down there while they were still there, but my sister and her now-husband spent a year in Costa Rica and loved it.
Back in the 70s, a guy who I work with would buy old school buses here and ship them (and himself) down to Costa Rica, sell them there and make enough to live for 6 months at a time. He also continually raves about how great Costa Rica is. One of these years I'm going to have to get down there...
Quote from: nathanm on May 12, 2012, 05:13:27 PM
I didn't make it down there while they were still there, but my sister and her now-husband spent a year in Costa Rica and loved it.
Back in the 70s, a guy who I work with would buy old school buses here and ship them (and himself) down to Costa Rica, sell them there and make enough to live for 6 months at a time. He also continually raves about how great Costa Rica is. One of these years I'm going to have to get down there...
Sounds like a place to visit before all the idiot developers manage to wreck the place like a lot of parts of the Caribbean. I hear Belize is still a cool place, but not near what it was 15 years ago.
Unfortunately, greedy development types seem to think everyone wants their idyllic destination to eventually look like Vail or Miami Beach.
A very good friend of mine built a house on the side of a Mountain in Costa Rica and has a fantastic view from his front deck patio of the Ocean. He said that he has very little insects and no flies because of how high up he built the house. Clouds float through and around his home.
I asked him how long it takes to get to the beach and he said with the twisting and winding roads around a hour. From the pictures I saw, I couldnt believe it would take that long. He drives almost two hours twice a week to go to market. Not the grocery store. It is a street market with everything they need and all fresh.
He is currently renting it out and plans on going back when he is ready to finally retire. He had his Ford Bronco shipped down there also. He can't say enough great things about the place.
Quote from: DolfanBob on May 14, 2012, 11:06:50 AM
A very good friend of mine built a house on the side of a Mountain in Costa Rica and has a fantastic view from his front deck patio of the Ocean. He said that he has very little insects and no flies because of how high up he built the house. Clouds float through and around his home.
I asked him how long it takes to get to the beach and he said with the twisting and winding roads around a hour. From the pictures I saw, I couldnt believe it would take that long. He drives almost two hours twice a week to go to market. Not the grocery store. It is a street market with everything they need and all fresh.
He is currently renting it out and plans on going back when he is ready to finally retire. He had his Ford Bronco shipped down there also. He can't say enough great things about the place.
Wait... he doesn't call it "My Little Mule" does he?
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/4988253479_bab2e10999.jpg)
No his isn't as cool as that mule. ;D
Quote from: Conan71 on May 14, 2012, 09:36:18 AM
Unfortunately, greedy development types seem to think everyone wants their idyllic destination to eventually look like Vail or Miami Beach.
Costa Rica has very strong development restrictions in much of the country. Not all of it, but a lot of it. Plus they have pretty extensive national parks.
Quote from: nathanm on May 14, 2012, 01:47:59 PM
Costa Rica has very strong development restrictions in much of the country. Not all of it, but a lot of it. Plus they have pretty extensive national parks.
The BVI has for many years, now they are starting to buckle to the idea they need to make more off land-based tourism. ::)
Quote from: Conan71 on May 14, 2012, 01:49:15 PM
The BVI has for many years, now they are starting to buckle to the idea they need to make more off land-based tourism. ::)
Boo. The DR can get away with little in the way of zoning or anything like that because it's (relatively) quite large. Seems like there's only so much development you can get away with and not lose all sense of nature on some of the smaller islands.
Quote from: nathanm on May 14, 2012, 01:51:17 PM
Boo. The DR can get away with little in the way of zoning or anything like that because it's (relatively) quite large. Seems like there's only so much development you can get away with and not lose all sense of nature on some of the smaller islands.
Two things disturbed me on our trip out there this year. Anegada has been completely platted into "lots". Each native or belonger gets a lot. Many may never be able to afford to build something there, which is what I fear most. Rather than homesteads, eventually some tool of a developer snaps up a bunch of contiguous lots then figures out how to sell a naive government on how great this development will be for the locals. They are also considering whether or not to expand the air strip at Beef Island on Tortola or extend the strip on Anegada and make it the primary travel hub. I seriously don't see that ever happening, but if it does it would ruin much more than just the charm of the island.
All right. Who's with me on this:
(http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s720x720/301850_10150814801352672_6478112671_9630473_1749675909_n.jpg)
Why go to warmer weather (hot) in the summer? Go cooler. Montana - Yellowstone, Museum of the Rockies and an entire state of hugeness! And decent temperatures most of the time. Could swing by Sturgis the first week of August...may want to leave the kiddies at home for that one...
Little Bighorn. Devils' tower. Cody - rodeo every night! Mt Rushmore. Cave of the Winds. Crazy Horse statue. Keystone South Dakota - very cool town. Deadwood - Wild Bill Hickok fame. Lead, SD - claims to have the "Green Door" that the song inspired (Behind the Green Door).
Jackson, WY. Dinosaur, CO - home to a big wall full of dinosaur bones and further down the little road, the cabin of Josey Morris.
Scoot on up a little bit north and you get to Edmonton, Canada. Biggest mall in the world. Plus go west a ways and get some fantastic mountains. Plus, there are all those oil fields to look at!
We are doing Leadville in August again. This time as course volunteers not dry-heaving my way up seven mile long climbs. I'm sure a couple of nights might get spent in northern New Mex and a night or two at Pagosa Brewing Co.
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on May 14, 2012, 09:29:59 PM
Montana - Yellowstone, Museum of the Rockies and an entire state of hugeness! And decent temperatures most of the time.
September through March? I've seen some pretty hot temperatures listed for those areas in the summer.
My sister got married in Kauai a year ago during spring break. Had she not chosen that place, I probably would never have gone out there! Granted, it was very nice and relaxing, but, it was also VERY expensive!!!
Before having a kid, we went to Sydney, Australia about once a year because my spouse has family there. I really had a great time visiting that place.
In the mid 2000s, we also visited Amelia Island, Florida.
Of course most of these vacations were pre-kid days...so it was affordable then. Nowadays, it's more like staycations! Oklahoma Science Museum on a weekend was pretty cool in my sons's eyes so I had a blast playing with him. Next stop, OKC Zoo. And no, I haven't forgotten about our very own zoo...but I gotta keep a kid entertained and we've been to the Tulsa Zoo a million of times!
Quote from: enits on May 14, 2012, 10:17:59 PM
My sister got married in Kauai a year ago during spring break. Had she not chosen that place, I probably would never have gone out there! Granted, it was very nice and relaxing, but, it was also VERY expensive!!!
Maui between Thanksgiving and Christmas (2004) was delightful although a bit early for whale watching. There were numerous local quick/informal food places that offered grilled fish and veggies that were a lot more reasonable than motel food. There was a place in Paia that had a really good seafood/pasta plate for about $15. It was all I wanted to eat. One evening we had to work (business trip) late and all our favorite places were closed. McDonald's was the only place open. There is no more salt in the Pacific Ocean. It was all in the fries I tried to eat that night. If you are going to be there more than a week, renting a condo can be a lot less expensive than a motel stay.
Quote from: enits on May 14, 2012, 10:17:59 PM
In the mid 2000s, we also visited Amelia Island, Florida.
I have a friend in Yulee we visited last winter, so I got the chance to see Fernandina Beach. Pretty nice stuff. It seems like it would be quite relaxing to spend a few days or a week there.
If any of you guys find yourself in Panama City, take the shortish drive up to Dothan, AL one evening and eat at Hunt's. The chili dogs are to die for and the steak and oysters aren't bad either. And drink some Yuengling for me while you're at it. Dothan is also the home of Richie B's, the only place other than Phat Phillies I've had a decent Philly. Supposedly he also makes good pizza, but I've never tried it.
Conan, I was serious when I said you need to get over to Durango and hit Steamworks Brewing Company. Some of that beer was completely delicious. Unfortunately, I don't remember which ones. ;D
Quote from: Red Arrow on May 14, 2012, 11:05:58 PM
Maui between Thanksgiving and Christmas (2004) was delightful although a bit early for whale watching. There were numerous local quick/informal food places that offered grilled fish and veggies that were a lot more reasonable than motel food. There was a place in Paia that had a really good seafood/pasta plate for about $15. It was all I wanted to eat. One evening we had to work (business trip) late and all our favorite places were closed. McDonald's was the only place open. There is no more salt in the Pacific Ocean. It was all in the fries I tried to eat that night. If you are going to be there more than a week, renting a condo can be a lot less expensive than a motel stay.
We were able to do some whale watching from the balcony of the house where we stayed! It was a wonderful sight to see! I agree about renting a condo vs motel stay. Since there were a ton of us, my sister rented a huge house. We were able to cook our own food the majority of the time so that saved us a ton of money. Of course, the cost of groceries there was atrocious, so it was still expensive to me! :)
Quote from: nathanm on May 14, 2012, 11:21:04 PM
I have a friend in Yulee we visited last winter, so I got the chance to see Fernandina Beach. Pretty nice stuff. It seems like it would be quite relaxing to spend a few days or a week there.
I vaguely remember going through Yulee on the way to visit my Grandparents in the 60s. I-95 wasn't finished. Somewhere in SC, we departed US 301 at the sign that indicated save 45 minutes to FL, or something like that. We wound up on US 17 but there may have been an intermediate route. At Yulee we took a road west to reconnect with US 301 to go to a town just south of Ocala where my Grandparents lived.
Quote
If any of you guys find yourself in Panama City, take the shortish drive up to Dothan, AL one evening and eat at Hunt's. The chili dogs are to die for and the steak and oysters aren't bad either. And drink some Yuengling for me while you're at it. Dothan is also the home of Richie B's, the only place other than Phat Phillies I've had a decent Philly. Supposedly he also makes good pizza, but I've never tried it.
You may want to go to Philadelphia for a good "Philly". There's a lot of other cultural stuff to do there. I recommend the Franklin Institute. Yuengling should be available since their PA brewery isn't that far away. There are some other nearby craft breweries from what I've read. None of them existed when I was last there.
Quote
Conan, I was serious when I said you need to get over to Durango and hit Steamworks Brewing Company. Some of that beer was completely delicious. Unfortunately, I don't remember which ones. ;D
Evidently several of them were good.
Quote from: enits on May 14, 2012, 11:23:57 PM
We were able to do some whale watching from the balcony of the house where we stayed! It was a wonderful sight to see! I agree about renting a condo vs motel stay. Since there were a ton of us, my sister rented a huge house. We were able to cook our own food the majority of the time so that saved us a ton of money. Of course, the cost of groceries there was atrocious, so it was still expensive to me! :)
We also got groceries for breakfast and some lunches. I think there was still a Safeway store. It was more expensive than Tulsa but I remember it being only somewhat more expensive, not excessively.
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on May 14, 2012, 09:29:59 PM
Why go to warmer weather (hot) in the summer? Go cooler. Montana - Yellowstone, Museum of the Rockies and an entire state of hugeness! And decent temperatures most of the time. Could swing by Sturgis the first week of August...may want to leave the kiddies at home for that one...
Little Bighorn. Devils' tower. Cody - rodeo every night! Mt Rushmore. Cave of the Winds. Crazy Horse statue. Keystone South Dakota - very cool town. Deadwood - Wild Bill Hickok fame. Lead, SD - claims to have the "Green Door" that the song inspired (Behind the Green Door).
Jackson, WY. Dinosaur, CO - home to a big wall full of dinosaur bones and further down the little road, the cabin of Josey Morris.
Scoot on up a little bit north and you get to Edmonton, Canada. Biggest mall in the world. Plus go west a ways and get some fantastic mountains. Plus, there are all those oil fields to look at!
Yep the summer time is only time you have to visit those places, the winters are too cold and severe during the rest of the year. I still like to go to warm places be it summer or winter. I'm going down to Texas in July or August for a few days. Been in Las Vegas in August when it was 115 degrees.
Quote from: Red Arrow on May 14, 2012, 11:56:48 PM
We also got groceries for breakfast and some lunches. I think there was still a Safeway store. It was more expensive than Tulsa but I remember it being only somewhat more expensive, not excessively.
Speaking of a SafeWay Store, back in the mid-1980's when Safeway was starting to close up- they opened a brand new store in Arlington, Texas across the I-30 Interstate from 6-Flags park. (North side of the interstate) The store was brand new, it was built from the ground up, when it opened either in '85 or '86 they had big opening sales events with the works-- Then 6 months latter they closed up. I dunno what became of the empty building, I know it sat vacant for a while, dunno if another company took it over or if they knocked it down. It seemed like a big waste to me.
Quote from: sauerkraut on May 15, 2012, 01:08:41 PM
Speaking of a SafeWay Store, back in the mid-1980's when Safeway was starting to close up- they opened a brand new store in Arlington, Texas across the I-30 Interstate from 6-Flags park. (North side of the interstate) The store was brand new, it was built from the ground up, when it opened either in '85 or '86 they had big opening sales events with the works-- Then 6 months latter they closed up. I dunno what became of the empty building, I know it sat vacant for a while, dunno if another company took it over or if they knocked it down. It seemed like a big waste to me.
(http://img.chan4chan.com/img/2009-03-02/1235971365134.jpg)
Quote from: sauerkraut on May 15, 2012, 01:00:58 PM
Been in Las Vegas in August when it was 115 degrees.
You should try sitting out on the tarmac in a Pilatus at Sky Harbor at 4PM any day in July. You think the usual high temperatures combined with monsoon humidity are bad? That is literally the only place I've ever been where the plane heated up so fast I had to go into the FBO on a 15 minute stop. Usually the oven effect only happens when the plane has been sitting around a few hours.
(http://e1.photos.flightcdn.com/photos/retriever/1fae866b325808ee5f79d1e632539b1774831463)
Quote from: nathanm on May 15, 2012, 02:10:13 PM
You should try sitting out on the tarmac in a Pilatus at Sky Harbor at 4PM any day in July. You think the usual high temperatures combined with monsoon humidity are bad? That is literally the only place I've ever been where the plane heated up so fast I had to go into the FBO on a 15 minute stop. Usually the oven effect only happens when the plane has been sitting around a few hours.
(http://e1.photos.flightcdn.com/photos/retriever/1fae866b325808ee5f79d1e632539b1774831463)
No APU and air conditioning?
Quote from: Red Arrow on May 15, 2012, 07:37:46 PM
No APU and air conditioning?
I don't know that it has an APU. If it does, it doesn't power the aircon.
Quote from: Red Arrow on May 14, 2012, 09:56:18 PM
September through March? I've seen some pretty hot temperatures listed for those areas in the summer.
Me, too, but I have never run into hotter there than Oklahoma at the same time. Or worse yet, Texas!
St. Thomas, USVI is fantastic any time of year. Island Beachcomber Motel. Excellence in action!
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on May 17, 2012, 01:58:35 PM
Me, too, but I have never run into hotter there than Oklahoma at the same time. Or worse yet, Texas!
St. Thomas, USVI is fantastic any time of year. Island Beachcomber Motel. Excellence in action!
Get a passport and take the ferry over to Jost Van Dyke in the BVI, or to Road Town Harbor and jump off to all the other BVI islands, you won't be sorry.
Quote from: Conan71 on May 17, 2012, 02:33:46 PM
Get a passport and take the ferry over to Jost Van Dyke in the BVI, or to Road Town Harbor and jump off to all the other BVI islands, you won't be sorry.
Got the passport...just haven't gotten that far yet.
Can I bring back duty free rum?
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on May 17, 2012, 04:03:32 PM
Got the passport...just haven't gotten that far yet.
Can I bring back duty free rum?
Just like from anywhere else. I think there's also still a duty-free shop in the airport on St. Thomas. Not really any cheaper to buy your rum in the BVI than USVI that I'm aware of.
Quote from: Conan71 on May 17, 2012, 04:08:18 PM
Just like from anywhere else. I think there's also still a duty-free shop in the airport on St. Thomas. Not really any cheaper to buy your rum in the BVI than USVI that I'm aware of.
I think it is actually cheaper to buy at Aspen Liquors, especially if take into account the cost of the trip...but there isn't a beach 65 feet from my front door here.
If you want to feel like a baller this summer, check out AA's current discount business class fares to the Caribbean. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how little the upcharge is. They've also got a good, but not terribly excellent business class deal to both Madrid and Barcelona. ("only" around $3000 r/t, rather than the usual $8000 or so..I am not going for that deal)
Quote from: nathanm on May 17, 2012, 04:27:26 PM
If you want to feel like a baller this summer, check out AA's current discount business class fares to the Caribbean. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how little the upcharge is. They've also got a good, but not terribly excellent business class deal to both Madrid and Barcelona. ("only" around $3000 r/t, rather than the usual $8000 or so..I am not going for that deal)
I'm trying to talk the company into sending me to USVI for a couple weeks to work on some equipment....
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on May 17, 2012, 04:32:29 PM
I'm trying to talk the company into sending me to USVI for a couple weeks to work on some equipment....
Need a hand with that?
Quote from: Conan71 on May 17, 2012, 04:33:11 PM
Need a hand with that?
Surely you guys could use a programmer/system administrator. ;)
Quote from: Conan71 on May 17, 2012, 04:33:11 PM
Need a hand with that?
I am the programmer on this stuff...
And the boss is trying to stiff me on the deal - wanting me to train him. Not gonna happen. He can go, too, but I think I can add some firmware to make sure they need me real bad...
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on May 17, 2012, 04:35:36 PM
I am the programmer on this stuff...
And the boss is trying to stiff me on the deal - wanting me to train him. Not gonna happen. He can go, too, but I think I can add some firmware to make sure they need me real bad...
Uh, on second thought, I'll pass...
Quote from: Conan71 on May 17, 2012, 05:55:20 PM
Uh, on second thought, I'll pass...
You got a dirty, dirty mind....
Imagine Babu Bhatt shaking his finger at you!!
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on May 17, 2012, 04:35:36 PM
I am the programmer on this stuff...
And the boss is trying to stiff me on the deal - wanting me to train him. Not gonna happen. He can go, too, but I think I can add some firmware to make sure they need me real bad...
I needed a shower and a penicillin shot after reading that.
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on May 17, 2012, 04:03:32 PM
Can I bring back duty free rum?
Most people can. You cannot.
;D
Quote from: guido911 on May 17, 2012, 06:48:32 PM
I needed a shower and a penicillin shot after reading that.
I can imagine! (Was there enough penicillin in town today?)
Sometimes ya just luck into something by accident that would take days of thought otherwise.
So, have you decided where (and where not) to go?
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on May 17, 2012, 08:56:27 PM
I can imagine! (Was there enough penicillin in town today?)
Sometimes ya just luck into something by accident that would take days of thought otherwise.
So, have you decided where (and where not) to go?
Yes. I am heading to Branson Mo/Table Rock Lake for a mini-family reunion in early June, then Costa Rica/Panama (coin flip waiting) in late July, and then most likely a 5 day cruise later in the year. Next year will probably be island hopping in the Caribbean. Trying to swing Poland some time in the very near future.
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on May 14, 2012, 09:29:59 PM
Why go to warmer weather (hot) in the summer? Go cooler. Montana - Yellowstone, Museum of the Rockies and an entire state of hugeness! And decent temperatures most of the time. Could swing by Sturgis the first week of August...may want to leave the kiddies at home for that one...
Little Bighorn. Devils' tower. Cody - rodeo every night! Mt Rushmore. Cave of the Winds. Crazy Horse statue. Keystone South Dakota - very cool town. Deadwood - Wild Bill Hickok fame. Lead, SD - claims to have the "Green Door" that the song inspired (Behind the Green Door).
Jackson, WY. Dinosaur, CO - home to a big wall full of dinosaur bones and further down the little road, the cabin of Josey Morris.
Scoot on up a little bit north and you get to Edmonton, Canada. Biggest mall in the world. Plus go west a ways and get some fantastic mountains. Plus, there are all those oil fields to look at!
Hey, you're coming up to my area of the country. I agree that Keystone is an awesome place! The Green Door? While you're in Deadwood, you can ask about Pam's Purple Door. :D
Anyway, I hope you can make it up this way and that you have a wonderful trip!
Quote from: guido911 on May 18, 2012, 03:42:42 PM
Yes. I am heading to Branson Mo/Table Rock Lake for a mini-family reunion in early June, then Costa Rica/Panama (coin flip waiting) in late July, and then most likely a 5 day cruise later in the year. Next year will probably be island hopping in the Caribbean. Trying to swing Poland some time in the very near future.
Never been to Panama, but I love Costa Rica. Absolutely beautiful! Wouldn't be a bad place to retire. High sales tax, and low income tax. Food is also very cheap and high quality. Last time I was there I went to one of the best steak houses in San Jose. Had a filet about the size of a small football, wine and all of the sides, Cognac and a hand-rolled cigar for desert. and my total bill was about $12 USD. Or, you can grab a beer, some fried plantains and a taco for about $2. Awesome coffee too!
Quote from: Jammie on May 20, 2012, 02:45:28 PM
Hey, you're coming up to my area of the country. I agree that Keystone is an awesome place! The Green Door? While you're in Deadwood, you can ask about Pam's Purple Door. :D
Anyway, I hope you can make it up this way and that you have a wonderful trip!
It's guido that's going walkabout. We went that way last year - and further to Montana.
Going east next time, then back to Montana next year. There is a little campground on the Yellowstone that is beyond amazing.
Had a great mini family reunion in Branson (not the touristy area). If you live like a local and steer clear of the strip, the mountains and outdoor activities are just fantastic. Probably going to buy a vacation home in the next several months near Table Rock--liked it that much. I already checked out a 1000 sq. ft. log cabin.
Now, if I can get Conan to go halves on a small condo in Winter Park or Keystone/Vail I would be golden. ;)
Quote from: guido911 on June 04, 2012, 01:12:58 AM
Probably going to buy a vacation home in the next several months near Table Rock--liked it that much.
Let us know the exact address. I'll bring some popcorn and we can watch my collection of Rachel Maddow and Bill Maher video clips.
Quote from: RecycleMichael on June 04, 2012, 07:43:56 AM
Let us know the exact address. I'll bring some popcorn and we can watch my collection of Rachel Maddow and Bill Maher video clips.
Snap!
Quote from: RecycleMichael on June 04, 2012, 07:43:56 AM
Let us know the exact address. I'll bring some popcorn and we can watch my collection of Rachel Maddow and Bill Maher video clips.
What are those two exactly doing together? :o
Quote from: guido911 on June 04, 2012, 01:12:58 AM
Had a great mini family reunion in Branson (not the touristy area). If you live like a local and steer clear of the strip, the mountains and outdoor activities are just fantastic. Probably going to buy a vacation home in the next several months near Table Rock--liked it that much. I already checked out a 1000 sq. ft. log cabin.
Now, if I can get Conan to go halves on a small condo in Winter Park or Keystone/Vail I would be golden. ;)
Keystone/Vail? Eeeeek! Too drecky for me.
Pagosa Springs? Taos area? I'm there!
Quote from: Conan71 on June 04, 2012, 10:00:20 AM
Keystone/Vail? Eeeeek! Too drecky for me.
Pagosa Springs? Taos area? I'm there!
Split the difference and go with Park City :)
Anyone with furnishing ideas near Springfield Mo would be appreciated. Heading back up there next week. Did I mention I'm impulsive?
Quote from: guido911 on June 04, 2012, 11:24:06 AM
Split the difference and go with Park City :)
Anyone with furnishing ideas near Springfield Mo would be appreciated. Heading back up there next week. Did I mention I'm impulsive?
Bass Pro. Camping furniture goes great anywhere!
Quote from: guido911 on June 04, 2012, 01:12:58 AM
Had a great mini family reunion in Branson (not the touristy area). If you live like a local and steer clear of the strip, the mountains and outdoor activities are just fantastic. Probably going to buy a vacation home in the next several months near Table Rock--liked it that much. I already checked out a 1000 sq. ft. log cabin.
Now, if I can get Conan to go halves on a small condo in Winter Park or Keystone/Vail I would be golden. ;)
That's why I mentioned the large travel trailer - and here is what I mean;
http://andersonmobileestates.com/home.php
Plus, they are only a few hundred thousand dollars (and up), so can save some serious jack...
But you can go smaller with NuWa, Excel or Doubletree (in that order). Then can go to Branson for the spring/fall months, Keystone for the Summer, and south several places for winter (Death Valley is incredible the week after New Years!! And the week before!)
Don't miss the cave at Silver Dollar City. It is a great cave.
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on June 04, 2012, 11:37:47 AM
That's why I mentioned the large travel trailer - and here is what I mean;
http://andersonmobileestates.com/home.php
Plus, they are only a few hundred thousand dollars (and up), so can save some serious jack...
But you can go smaller with NuWa, Excel or Doubletree (in that order). Then can go to Branson for the spring/fall months, Keystone for the Summer, and south several places for winter (Death Valley is incredible the week after New Years!! And the week before!)
Don't miss the cave at Silver Dollar City. It is a great cave.
I was thinking about dropping less than 6 figures and occasionally use the space for client interviews (have some southern Mo. Folks). I also am thinking about a 70s porn motif.
Quote from: guido911 on June 04, 2012, 11:51:46 AM
I was thinking about dropping less than 6 figures and occasionally use the space for client interviews (have some southern Mo. Folks). I also am thinking about a 70s porn motif.
You could do the trailer in that....
There are some benefits to having that fixed base. I just don't want to end up coming back to same place every time - that's what home is for - want more variety.
Quote from: Conan71 on May 17, 2012, 05:55:20 PM
Uh, on second thought, I'll pass...
Master, Slave
Male, Female
Firmware, Hardware, Software
Hard Drive, floppy drive
Active, Passive
Racks
Slots
Flash
Load
All terms used daily in the trade.
Quote from: sgrizzle on June 04, 2012, 01:22:15 PM
Master, Slave
Male, Female
Firmware, Hardware, Software
Hard Drive, floppy drive
Active, Passive
Racks
Slots
Flash
Load
All terms used daily in the trade.
And in some cases, just on regular FB posts or singles notices.
Quote from: sgrizzle on June 04, 2012, 01:22:15 PM
Master, Slave
Male, Female
Firmware, Hardware, Software
Hard Drive, floppy drive
Active, Passive
Racks
Slots
Flash
Load
All terms used daily in the porn trade.
FIFY
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on June 04, 2012, 11:37:47 AM
Don't miss the cave at Silver Dollar City. It is a great cave.
We've been through that cave numerous times. Had season passes for SDC for the past 11 years. We are looking to buy somewhere near Indian Point, but we'll see. We would like a fixed location only because we know so many people who like to go to the Branson area for boating, golf, porn, shows, shopping, ziplining, etc. and because we are so freakin familiar with the entire area. I can get along better down there than in Broken Arrow.
Quote from: guido911 on June 04, 2012, 08:12:30 PM
We've been through that cave numerous times. Had season passes for SDC for the past 11 years. We are looking to buy somewhere near Indian Point, but we'll see. We would like a fixed location only because we know so many people who like to go to the Branson area for boating, golf, porn, shows, shopping, ziplining, etc. and because we are so freakin familiar with the entire area. I can get along better down there than in Broken Arrow.
Porn? Did Yakov Smirnoff go off the deep end or was it The Baldknobbers?
Quote from: guido911 on June 04, 2012, 08:12:30 PM
We've been through that cave numerous times. Had season passes for SDC for the past 11 years. We are looking to buy somewhere near Indian Point, but we'll see. We would like a fixed location only because we know so many people who like to go to the Branson area for boating, golf, porn, shows, shopping, ziplining, etc. and because we are so freakin familiar with the entire area. I can get along better down there than in Broken Arrow.
I have passes too.
Quote from: GG on June 04, 2012, 08:39:25 PM
Porn? Did Yakov Smirnoff go off the deep end or was it The Baldknobbers?
First you saw that I sneaked "porn" in there, then you hammered it home with Baldknobbers. You get a gold star.
I had to windex the screen on my laptop when I saw the Baldknobbers reference.
Quote from: guido911 on June 04, 2012, 08:12:30 PM
We've been through that cave numerous times. Had season passes for SDC for the past 11 years. We are looking to buy somewhere near Indian Point, but we'll see. We would like a fixed location only because we know so many people who like to go to the Branson area for boating, golf, porn, shows, shopping, ziplining, etc. and because we are so freakin familiar with the entire area. I can get along better down there than in Broken Arrow.
We stay at Indian Point quite a bit. There is a little motel that used to be one of those that looked kinda crappy, but was really pretty good, part way down the road. Haven't been there in a couple years, so don't know how it is today.
Anyone else notice how bad Google Earth has become with street view? They have removed so many views, it has been seriously compromised.