aroundtheworldin80lbs

PORT OF WHITTIER, ALASKA The clear weather held as far north as Glacier Bay. We had wonderful stops in Juneau and Skagway with clear skies and plenty of sun. It is a little hard to believe that the capital city of Alaska, Juneau, doesn't even have road access. There are, of course, roads about the town, but no highway that connects the city to any other areas of the state. The only way to get there is to fly or come by boat. The amount of float planes in the harbor was overwhelming and they were constantly coming and going all during our stay. One in every 14 people has a pilot's license and owning a plane is as common as having a car in the lower 48. Skagway was a living historical museum. Born of ... read more

PUGET SOUND, WASHINGTON STATE So many islands, so little time. We spent several glorious days criss-crossing the Puget Sound. Glorious, not only because of the beautiful scenery, but also because we had bright, clear and sunny weather. All of the locals told us that this was unusual weather and not the norm. So, all around us, everyone was revelling in the warmth. From Port Orchard, we gazed across the azure bay toward the Navy Yards of Bremerton. Still full of Battleships, Air Craft Carriers and all manner of Frigates and Patrol Ships, the area probably still looks the same as when my parents lived there in the 50's. My father was a young Army Lieutenant in charge of the Port Orchard Battery. They lived in downtown Port Orchard and also in the neighboring waterfront town of ... read more

SCENIC PACIFIC COAST BYWAY The rugged and rocky California Coast was both dramatic and bold. We expected the same from the Oregon Coast as we headed north on HWY 101. What we experienced was something we had not anticipated. The trees changed from Redwoods to Cedar, the land leveled out some and then, THE DUNES! Miles and miles of huge Sand Dunes. They were piled against the Coast and the the local economy revolved around them. Dune Buggy Rentals, Rides and Tours. Four Wheelers, Motorcycles and ATVs were everywhere. Hiking to the top was tough, it was steep and the loose footing made it seem like two steps forward and slide one back. But the view from the top was worth the effort. The Dunes stretched for miles and miles and made me marvel at the ... read more

NAPA VALLEY WINE COUNTRY We spent a wonderful day yesterday touring the Napa Valley, tasting wine and soaking in the sights. The tremedous acreage of grapes growing and number of different Vineyards was a real treat to see. Our tour started in the trendy town of Napa itself. We ate a really nice wood-fired pizza and sipped wine at the completely redone Napa Mill Complex. Formerly a working Mill and Grain Elevator it has taken on new life as a commercial shopping and dining development. After leaving the cute town we did a tasting at one of our favorite labels, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars which was over on the Silverado Wine Trail. Crossing back toward the west we passed miles of scenic vineyards and farmland as we continued North along Hwy 29. A real highlight was ... read more

EL DORADO HILLS, CA. My nephew Joe Lyons and I spent 5 months together on a treasure hunting expedition in the Bahamas back in the 90's. We never found any gold back then, but he has found his personal "El Dorado" here in the hills east of Sacramento. The community where he lives is very close to where it all began for the Great California Gold Rush. Sutter's Mill, where gold was discovered in the 1800's, is just a short drive to the South. Sacramento, the state capital, can be seen down in the valley to the west. El Dorado Hills is a tawny sundrenched community that exudes the California lifestyle. Set among rolling hills and tree-lined avenues it is an upscale and well planned township. Loaded with sidewalks, greenways and bike trails it invites you ... read more