Think about the last time you went on a cruise…Did you gain a few pounds? I bet you did, I always do.

You have probably heard all of the hype for Green Coffee Bean Extract that was touted on the Dr. Oz show. Green Coffee Bean Extract is the latest and greatest Fat Burner to hit the market.

But is the whole Green Coffee Bean Extract all hype or does it really burn fat?

Well….First things first. This is NOT a paid post and there is no affiliate links in this article. This is my own information based on my own experiences.

The answer to, is Green Coffee Bean Extract really a Fat Burner is yes and no. I will get into that in a moment. First I want to discuss why a trip is the perfect place to start losing weight…or at least prevent weight gain while travelling.

I love food. I love to eat. The best part of travelling is getting to try new foods. What I do not like is getting home with a rubber band holding my pants closed.

So why is Green Coffee Bean Extract a good idea? Mainly because you still get to eat whatever you want and if you get the right product it works great.

Here is where we get to the part about Green Coffee Bean Extract works… yes and no.

Not all Green Coffee Bean Extract Fat Burners are created equal.

Green Coffee Bean Extract Fat Burner Musts

• Made in the USA. Strict guidelines prevent the worry of not getting what you pay for.
• 50% GCA. Concentration of Chlorogenic Acid ( CGA ), the vital intermediate in lignin biosynthesis which slows the release of glucose into the bloodstream after a meal. Even many top brands only have 45%. Settle for 50% only! It matters.
• Use a blend. While blends often mean a watered down product, in this case it makes a difference if Green Coffee Bean Extract is combined with complimentary ingredients.
• No Fillers!

I found one product after tons of research that contains the right stuff a Fat Burner should contain:

Top Ten Thermogenic Weight Loss – Fat Burner Ingredients: Green Coffee Bean Extract – Inhibits G6P enzyme to stabilize blood sugar levels; Coenzyme Q10 – Antioxidant that metabolizes fat and carbohydrates; Wakame Leaf Extract – Reduces accumulation of fat; Olive Leaf Extract – Natural diuretic that reduces toxins and excess water; Cissus Quadrangularis ( Grape Seed Extract ) – Suppresses appetite, burns fat and increases lean muscle mass; Irvingia Gabonensis ( African Mango ) – Prevents blood sugar spikes which cause food cravings; Green Tea Leaf Extract – Increases thermogenesis to metabolize fat.

Only a Fat Burner with ingredients that compliment Green Coffee Bean Extract will get the results you truly want.  http://www.amazon.com/Concentration-Supplement-Gabonensis-Quadrangularis-Vegetable/dp/B00C7ZUXYY    (Notice this is NOT an affiliate link)

The Summit Bioceuticals ™ brand Fat Burner Plus + meets all of the requirements that make Green Coffee Bean Extract work.

I just got back from a trip where I pigged out on street food. I have to admit I felt my arteries stretching when I ate it, but it was worth it.  And Fat Burner Plus kept me from gaining weight. I even lost 4 pounds. THAT is a huge first for me.

Happy Travels and Happy Eating with Your New Fat Burner

Resources: http://www.amazon.com/Fat-Burner/lm/R3VWQSFKM8CS2X/ 

You can check that link for other brands of Fat Burner

Photo by Stacie Morris

Dog sledding holidays have become increasingly popular among people looking for a truly unique winter holiday. However, while you may be outdoor, keep in mind that it’s no walk in the park: here are a few pointers on how to survive.

Do: Wrap up Warm

While this one should be self-explanatory, you must never underestimate the number of layers you need to be wearing when dog sledding. Holidays might usually be a fashion show for some, but for sledding it’s substance over style. Thermal vests and leggings under your clothing are highly recommended, along with fleece shirts and woolly jumpers. However, try to wear synthetic material, rather than cotton. This is because cotton stays wet, and keeps your clothing damp when you’re sweating. Which don’t worry – you will be.

Don’t: Expect luxury

Dog sledding holidays are all about being rough and ready, and you’ll take in some breathtaking scenery, eat delicious food and wake up with the sunrise. However, sledding can be a tiring adventure, so it’s best to give it your all for a more rewarding experience. You’ll be eating robust fare, so it’s no time to be on a diet. You’ll need all the energy you can get!

Do: Be a dog lover

It’s important to form a polinectual bond with your sled dogs. They’re not just machines you shout “MUSH!” at, they’ll be your closest companions and the whole engine behind your trip. On most dog sledding holidays, you will be expected to feed and take care of your canine companions, so it’s important to not be squeamish with them. True mutt lovers are richly rewarded on dog sledding holidays, and will be sure to make a bank of new friends, both two legged and four.

Don’t: Do too much too soon

While some rustic holidaymakers might be tempted to go off-piste, a beginner shouldn’t start their sledding career by taking a pitch tent to the Yukon.  Trusted, licensed guides and trainers regularly run dog sledding holidays and will generally be in partnership with local hotels and restaurants, ensuring your food and accommodation will be excellent. While an experienced guide will be able to take you from beginner to sledding pro in a matter of days, buying a pack of pups and moving to Alaska may be unwise. Anyone can learn to work a sled – but that doesn’t mean it’s as easy as it looks!

Finding a Place to Stay

One of the first thing that you’ll need to do when traveling to Hawaii is figure out where you’re going to stay. There are plenty of Kauai rentals that you can check out, as well as luxury hotels, depending on what you want. Some of the best places are situated right on the beach, but they are definitely more expensive than rentals that are back off of the ocean.

Activities

When you are in Hawaii, there is so much to see and do. One of the most amazing experiences that you could engage in is getting a helicopter or small plane tour of the island. When you take one of these tours, you’ll be able to see Hawaii in all of its beauty. You can check out the towering bluffs, the lush jungle, and all of the other features that you’ve heard about. This gives you a bird’s eye view that you will not be able to get any other way.

Another activity that many engage in at Hawaii is surfing. It has some of the best surfing waves in the world. They have many different surfing schools there, where you can learn the ropes. It’s not easy, but if you have the balance, you should be able to pull it off.

Traveling on a Budget

If you are trying to get to Hawaii and save some money, there are many little tricks that you can try. For one thing, shop around for airfare and use an alert system to tell you when deals are available. Delta Flights offers this as well as great rates on both domestic and international flights.

You could also just check out the beach and the state parks for free while you’re there. There is more than enough to see in Hawaii for free if you are strapped for cash. Overall, Hawaii is one of the most unbelievable destinations in the world, and when you plan out your trip a bit, you will enjoy it that much more.

New Zealand is an island located in the Southern Pacific ocean and next to Australia. It covers 2, 68,112 square kilometers of area and has a highest point at 12, 316 ft above sea level.

Some Facts

As per the latest data it population is approximately 4.4 million with a population density (people per square km of land area) of 16.59. New Zealand has a very high literacy rate of 99% and more than 84% of the people line in the urban areas. Life expectancy for male 73% and for female is 79%. This means that on an average people in New Zealand lives for good 76 years. English and Maori are its two languages. Anglican, Presbyterian, Roman Chatholic and Methodist are its four religions.

Economy

As per the estimates of 2010 New Zealand is a developed economy with a Gross domestic product (GDP) of 142.5 billion US $. Its monetary unit is Dollar also known as Kiwi Dollar. Japan , Australia and The United States of America are its trade partners. It imports petroleum, machinery, chemicals, automobiles etc. It exports meat, manufactures, wool, crude material, dairy products, fish etc

Major Cities

Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Napier, Hastings, Tauranga, Dunedin, Nelson etc are major cities of New Zealand and Wellington is its capital city.

Weather

New Zealands weather depends on mountains and the surrounded sea. Summers starts in December, Autumn starts in March, winters by June and spring by September. Each season lasts for 3 months. During summers days are hot and nights are cool, in Autumn temperatures are slightly less than summers, in winters temperatures are very low and in spring weather varies.

Things to do in New Zealand

New Zealand is a tourist destination too. Aoraki/Mt Cook, Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers, Mt Taranaki/Egmont, Otago Peninsula, Te Papa, Tongariro National Park, Ulva Island, Whanganui National Park etc are some of its attractions.
Te papa is the museum of New Zealand located in Wellington is a must visit place for the people who have interest in knowing New Zealand deeply. The museum has a good collection of art, marine mammals, birds, plants, reptiles, fossils vertebrates, fish, crustacea etc. It is open all 365 days from 10AM – 6PM and even on late nights on Thursdays.
The Ulva Island is another place where people can visit and can spend good time. It is 3.5 kilometre-long and is located in Paterson Inlet. This island is for the nature lovers. It is full of New Zealand’s birds, plants and trees. By visiting this island people can see them in their natural habitat. The island can be visited during the day time. It has walking tracks, shelters, toilets and information signs for its visitors which makes their visit comfortable.
Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers can also be visited. It is 12 kms in length and is located in the west cost of New Zealand. This place receives maximum numbers of tourists on daily basis. Tourist can explore this Glacier by walking and by using a helicopter.
Tongariro is the oldest national park of New Zealand. It is located in the central North island and has active volcanic mountains. This national park is meant for the people who are adventurous. Hunting, game fishing, mountain biking, horse riding, rafting etc are its main activities. Apart from theses climbing, hiking, skiing and snowboarding are also famous in this park.
Aoraki/ Mt Cook is the highest point of New Zealand. It is 12316 ft high and is a best tourist destination for the people who have interest in mountain climbing.
New Zealand is another paradise on earth after Kashmir. It has mountains, it has healthy wild life and beautiful landscapes. This has made New Zealand a dream destination for all of us.

I get labeled a liberal as if it has negative connotations. I don’t consider myself a liberal. In fact I disagree with a lot of what mainstream “liberals” support.  I choose to label myself a realist. While I am always willing to accept criticism and look at things from other points of view, I have yet to hear an argument that sways my thinking.

So why post this on a travel blog? Because I want visitors to the United States to understand that the stereotype of gun slinging, ignorant bigots is not the way most people in this country think. Stereotypes are formed by extremes that stand out.

I am in agreement that this country is seriously screwed up and in much need of an overhaul.  It is long overdue but held back by those that use terms like “freedom”, “constitutional rights” and “democracy” as a platform to keep this country from growing and evolving.

Let’s start with the constitution. Does having a 200 plus year old document chain us to life in a bygone era? In order to evolve the constitution must be amended when necessary. We have the ability and have exercised it many times…27 to be exact.  If we cry constitutional rights in every case then slavery would still be around. What does the constitution say about slavery?

“Article 1, section 9, provides for the continuance of the African slave trade for the 20 years, after the adoption of the Constitution. Art. 4, section 9, provides for the recovery from the other States of fugitive slaves. Art. 1, section 2, gives the slave States a representation of the three-fifths of all the slave population; and Art. 1, section 8, requires the President to use the military, naval, ordnance, and militia resources of the entire country for the suppression of slave insurrection, in the same manner as he would employ them to repel invasion.”

So should we adopt every aspect of the constitution just because it “was written” ?

I live in the South. Gun toting rednecks are quick to yell “my right to bear arms”, yet when asked what that right actually is and where it is stated in the constitution there are a lot of blank stares. Yes I have asked many.

For those that are unsure: The right to keep and bear arms is in the United States Bill of Rights (coming into law as the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States) There is that word again….amendment.

Why do we have that right? What is the purpose of it and does it apply now? Let’s see what the guys who brought it into fruition have to say about it.

“To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them. ” (Richard Henry Lee, Virginia delegate to the Continental Congress, initiator of the Declaration of Independence, and member of the first Senate, which passed the Bill of Rights. )

“The great object is that every man be armed… Everyone who is able may have a gun. ” (Patrick Henry, in the Virginia Convention on the ratification of the Constitution. )

“The advantage of being armed… the Americans possess over the people of all other nations… Notwithstanding the military establishments in the several Kingdoms of Europe, which are carried as far as the public resources will bear, the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.” (James Madison, author of the Bill of Rights, in his Federalist Paper No. 26. )

“A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. ” (Second Amendment to the Constitution. )

News Flash…. The British are NOT coming. We no longer require militias to defend our shores. We have completed our hostile takeover of the Native Peoples land.

Does this right to keep and bear arms give big corporate gun manufacturers the right to start an arms race among the populace?

With rights come responsibilities. So who should take responsibility for a 20 year old man walking into an elementary school and slaughtering 20 innocent little children with an assault rifle and 4 handguns? Would that have happened if gun control was in place? Do those little children have any rights? How about the right to be protected by society itself?

Over 9,000 Murders by Gun in US compared to 39 in UK last year. Over 300,000 crimes involved guns this year.

If we are to act as an enlightened people then we must look at the spirit of the law and see if it still applies. Which poses a greater threat, 9000 annual murders and the slaughter of little children or the invasion of hostile forces in which Joe Citizen will be required to grab his gun and defend the nation?

I cannot imagine an argument where the latter outweighs the former.

Freedom of Religion and Separation of Church and State.

We speak of this freedom as though it is absolute and enforced. Yet many states hide behind the false statement that this country was founded on Christianity. The founding fathers were not all Christians. Some in fact were quite tolerant of other beliefs as well as practiced other beliefs. Washington’s toleration for differing religions was made evident by his order to the Continental Army to halt the observance of Pope’s Day. Pope’s Day was the American equivalent of Guy Fawkes’ Day in England. A key part of Pope’s Day was the burning of the effigy of the Pope. In his order, Washington described the tradition as, “ridiculous and childish” and that there was no room for this type of behavior in the Continental Army.

Many argue that there is no harm in such an act as what Oklahoma just did by placing the Ten Commandments on the front entrance of the capitol building. After all, what harm can putting a few good words to live by on the building, it cannot hurt anyone. Or can it?

While I agree that the words are certainly harmless in themselves, placing them on the building that stands for the highest authority speaks to the populace as a correct religion and an incorrect one. The religion the state adopts is the one that really matters. What does this tell children of other faiths? That they live in a place where equality does not exist, that the faith taught to them by their parents may not be the “truth”? Does it say that they are different and do not quite fit into the country which is much theirs as anyone else’s?

The argument is not that one religion is better than another; the argument is that government should not have the ability to make believers of any religion feel as if they are lessor to any degree.

I live in a Democracy!

Really? Who said so? Guess what folks…The United States of America is a Republic not a Democracy.

There is a difference and many people are clueless to that fact. Australia is a Democracy not America. The American people do not elect a president. The United States Electoral College is the institution that officially elects the President and Vice President of the United States every four years. The electors can thwart the popular will and vote for a candidate not supported by the voters of their state.

We are a Republic in order to protect ourselves from ourselves. Mob Rule often ends in disaster simply because personal opinion is often narrow and does not have the best interest of the majority at heart.

“A wise man will not leave the right to the mercy of chance, nor wish it to prevail through the power of the majority. There is but little virtue in the action of masses of men.” Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

It is up to the citizens of this country to make sure that our constitution has the best interest of all. When it no longer does then amendments must be made.

Only then can our representatives ensure the liberty and wellbeing of the nation as a whole.

At no time did the founders of this country anticipate that the real power would be wielded from large corporations. Our healthcare is atrocious because of big corps, our very safety is at stake because of big corps, and decisions are made every day on Capitol Hill that has only the large corporations’ interest in mind. That power must be stripped from corporate America and placed back in the hands of the individual citizen. When one group is given more power than another the very essence of equality is destroyed.

It was the pursuit of equality that brought the first Europeans to this land. Only through social evolution will vision ever truly be achieved.  We are an enlightened people, it is time we show that to the world.

If you disagree leave a comment below. If you agree then pass this article on.

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There are over 250 islands to choose from. They range from single rocks just above sea level to islands that are big enough to potentially classified as countries in their own right. For example, Phuket covers 209.7 square miles. Whatever someone wants from their holiday they will find it on the islands of Thailand.

Diving Off the Thai Islands

There are some fantastic and diverse diving sites located off the coast of the Thai islands. The water is clear and, for most of the year, very warm. Two of the most popular diving islands are still Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, which were the first dive sites on the Thai islands to be developed.

Khao Lak and Phuket also both offer good diving. The Similans, are also becoming popular. They are a group of nine islands, so there is plenty of variety for those diving off this group of islands. There are plants and fish here that are not found in any other part of the world. The islands create dozens of unique eco-systems, which makes them great homes for a huge array of life.

Paradise Islands – Desert Islands

Tourist resorts are being built on most of the bigger more isolated islands, which until recently were totally un-inhabited. It was relatively easy to stay on a virtually un-inhabited island and be the only couple on a whole beach, at least on occasion. Today, this is not as easy. However, there are still quite a few small holiday resorts with just 10-30 bungalows or villas. This sort of accommodation is available on Koh Sichang, Koh Phangan, Koh Jum, Koh Tarutao, and several others.

Koh Phra Thong and Koh Phayam are car free islands. They are truly un-spoilt and very tranquil places to stay. However, visiting them definitely does not mean going without. All of the home comforts and modern conveniences are available for those who want it. Visitors will not be bored either. There is plenty to do including hiking, bike riding, diving, sailing, surfing, all kinds of fishing and many other ways to while away the time. Specialist travel firms like Hayes and Jarvis are the best agents for finding these special hideaways.

Islands with Luxury Accommodation

Thailand has plenty of luxury accommodation to offer. The most well known island, when it comes to luxurious accommodation, is Koh Samuri. Six Senses, the world famous luxury resort is located there. Koh Phi Phi and Koh Phangan both offer plenty of luxury accommodation.

Other Island Experiences

There is a lot more to do and see on the Thai islands. The culture of this part of the world is influenced by many other diverse cultures including the Indian, Chinese and Lao cultures.

The Beach was filmed on Ko Phi Phi. Koh Tarutao is where the popular BBC TV series called Survivor was made. It is possible to visit the main filming locations on both islands.

Koh Pha Ngan is famous for its parties. For those who like rock climbing Ko Laoliang is the best destination. Accommodation is basic it is all under canvas, but the climbing is truly spectacular and the tents are fully equipped luxury tents.

There are 21 marine reserves and 81 land-based natural parks located across Thailand. Some of the best ones are located on the islands. Tarutao and Sirinat on the island of Phuket, are amongst the best. Phu Kao and Ko Kood are both unique. Ko Kood is carpeted with a pristine forest that is home to many unique plants and animals.

Whatever kind of holiday people are looking for they will find it on one of Thailand’s islands. It is a spectacular part of the world that has still not been spoilt. The welcome is always warm, and the cuisine is varied, it all tastes great.

Thailand is a part of the world everyone should visit at least once. It is a location that offers something new and different regardless of how often it is visited.
–
Jools Marsh works as a freelance writer. This piece was written for Hayes and Jarvis. For 60 years, we have been taking travellers to unique and relatively undiscovered locations, in many cases being the first agents to offer holidays in those locations.
–
Photo credits for both photos – Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

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Humayun’s Tomb

This is a famous sightseeing destination in the city of Delhi. It is situated slightly towards the outskirts of the city and is the resting place of the renowned Mughal Emperor Humayun. The Tomb can be accessed by tourists from eight in the morning until five in the evening. A ticket has to be purchased for the purpose of entry. Cameras are allowed for a separate fee. The building is made of red brick and is a stellar example of Mughal Indian architecture.

The Red Fort

This too is a fine tourist attraction in the capital city of Delhi. It is a monument that was constructed in the fourteenth century and stands tall even today. The fort gets its name from the fact that it is constructed entirely in red brick. A meager amount of 10 INR has to be paid in order to be able to enter this fort. The interiors of the fort are as gigantic as its exterior and are very beautifully adorned.

Chandni Chowk

This is located in the older part of the city of Delhi. It was a shopping destination or a marketing area in olden times and continues to be so even today. Chandni Chowk is a wonderful place to shop at for Indian textiles, especially cotton. Moving about in this area is best done with the help of an auto or rickshaw. The shops at Chandni Chowk remain open until the late hours. Electronic products are available at very cheap rates over here.

Jama Masjid

This is a fabulous mosque in the city of Delhi and is one of the most visited travel destinations. The Jama Masjid is a very large imposing structure thronged by thousands of devotees on an everyday basis. Prayers and offerings can be made over here between ten in the morning and six in the evening. The Jama Masjid is also located in old Delhi and can be reached using the rental car services. The architectural style of this mosque reeks of a Turkish influence.

Raj Ghat

This is the area where the Indian national leader Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and is consequently a destination that is buzzing with people at all times of the day. The best time to visit Raj Ghat would be the early hours of the morning. Security is very heavy over here. Visitors to this destination are heavily scrutinized.  Photography is allowed and one has to line up in a huge queue in order to be able to purchase tickets to enter this place.

Other tourist places to visit in Delhi are: Lotus Temple, Gurdwara Sis Ganj,  Qutub Minar, Jantar Mantar, Purana Qila, Azaad Hind Gram and Rajpath, The Indian Museum,  Lodhi Garden and Nehru Park

For Shopping: Sarojini Nagar, DL Emporio, Malls of the Saket Area and South Extension Parts 1 and 2

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Millican, Oregon

After traversing a mini mountain pass, I descended four miles into the town of Millican. Signs along the highway had been telling me that Millican was 25, 16, and 4 miles away, so I was expecting a place with people. But I have learned that towns in this part of Oregon are more history lessons than they are human habitats.

The last time Millican had any real population (according to Wikipedia) was in 2005, which comprised one family that operated the Millican Store. They sold the place and moved to run the store in Hampton, a few dozen miles down the road. Before that, nobody had really lived there aside from the occasional store owner. In the early 20th century, the town’s population peaked at around 60. By 1930, one person lived there. The post office closed for good in 1953, and today, as far as I could tell, the place is just hundreds of acres of offroad vehicle trails.

Anyway, I came to the store after walking through several miles of this recreational area. The building has no windows, and one corner of its roof is broken and hanging down, as if a tree had fallen on it. That is unlikely, though, because there are few trees in Millican, and none taller than the eave on a house (aside from the ones in this picture). I trespassed through the paneless windows and toured briefly the stripped store, but found nobody there to sell me the Dr. Pepper advertised on the roadside sign.

I continued walking for another eleven miles to Brothers.

Brothers, Oregon

Before leaving Millican, I searched on my smart phone for the nearest store or restaurant. I was pleased when the maps application told me that I was only a few miles away from two cafes, one of which was the Stage Stop store in Brothers. The map placed both of these restaurants at the intersection of US-20 and OR-27. When I arrived at the intersection at about 7:15, though, there was nothing–only a sign that said Brothers was another seven miles down the road, and 100-and-some miles to Burns.

I was very frustrated, because I had called one of the places to confirm that they were open until 8:00. That place was actually in Bend, but the information on the maps app must have mistaken Highway 97–which runs though Bend–for Highway 27, which runs through nowhere. A friend of mine had told me that there is a cafe in Brothers along with a rest area, but according to the internet, I had already passed the cafe and found no information about a rest area.

After 23 miles that day, I gave Jack the rest of the day off and let him ride in the kennel. I walked the remaining seven miles to Brothers under the light of the moon. It was clear and cool with a light breeze at my back. I didn’t really know what to expect when I got there, but after being disappointed after high-tailing it to the Highway 27 intersection to get there before the non-existent store closed, I was doubtful that I would find anything in Brothers, either.

I rolled in a little after midnight, and sure enough, there was a building with a large CAFE sign on it, and a gas pump outside. A few hundred yards further on left lay the rest area. I was elated! I camped on the groomed lawn until my alarm beeped at 8:00 the next morning. I walked to the store, bought some canned stuff to cook on my stove, returned them to my cart, and went back to the cafe for breakfast.

The cafe is a quaint place, akin to the small red schoolhouse across the street. I read all about the building and the town of Brothers on the menu in the cafe. When people first moved to Brothers in the late 1800s, prospectors advertised the high desert land as having great potential for fruit yield. Gullible homesteaders would uproot and move here to make lives for themselves on this free land. They were disappointed by a couple of years of poor crops, cursed by rabbit infestations. Many moved 35 miles west to Bend to work in the mills.

As it turned out, this was all part of the prospectors’ scheme to get people to work in the mills. Now it is just a desert oasis for drivers to stretch their legs at the rest area and, if it’s open for the season, get a hearty meal at the cafe.

While I read the brief menu history, I ate two giant hot cakes with two eggs over-medium and three strips of bacon. Fittingly, there was no side of fruit on the menu.

Riley, Oregon

Farming and hunting town, population 100.

After walking three days through the desert from Hampton, I walked over the crest of a small hill and was greeted by the first green grass I had seen since I left Bend 105 miles ago. A couple of miles ahead lay the Riley Store & Archery, at which I arrived at sunset. To my great relief, they were open until 8:00, so I had a couple of hours to buy some food, use the restroom, and charge my batteries  before setting up my tent on the edge of the store’s property. The store seems to get decent business, located on the intersection of US Highways 20 and 395. It attracts hunters who are preparing for elk season, which would start the next morning. Because of this, the small convenience store was bustling.

After eating a thousand-calorie microwave burrito and charging my phone and other batteries, I got permission to set up my tent on the far side of the property by some picnic tables. The place is also a modest inn and an RV park for hunters, with hookups outside. I walked past the RV spots to the picnic tables and set up on some well-tended lawn by a pile of elk poop. It was very comfortable–my campsite, not the poop–and I slept for about ten hours. It snowed some that night, but none was on the ground in the morning.

The next day I hung around the store, eating, shopping, and writing postcards until about 3:00, when I started heading south on US-395 toting ten gallons of water at eight pounds per gallon. It felt good to complete the small leg of the trip on Highway 20 and begin the next on 395. The next town was Wagontire, 28 miles away, but not before a freezing night in the desert.

Jack and I walked together for about six miles until he begged to get in his kennel. I let him in and walked alone for another six miles until 11:00, when I came to an Oregon Department of Transportation lot used to store material for paving and road maintenance. The Weather app on my phone said it was about 29 degrees outside at this point. The sky was clear and the moon was bright. I didn’t bother setting up my tent. Instead, I laid out my Thermarest mat and joined Jack in the sleeping bag. (He had been stuffed snugly into it while riding in the kennel.)

At 2:30 a.m. I got up to pee and to get a drink of water. I peed fine, but I had problems drinking because the water was frozen solid in both my Camelback tube and in the screwtops to my two ten-liter bladders. After a few minutes of heavy breathing, I thawed them out enough to get a few cups of water.

I decided it was too cold to keep sleeping, so I boiled water for instant oatmeal and started walking again at 3:00, with Jack back in the kennel. I’m not sure exactly how cold it was, but I think it was somewhere around 20 degrees–too cold to lie around, but not cool enough to justify using the thermal underwear I was wearing. My fingers were numb, but the rest of my body was soaking in sweat. With Jack’s 60-pound body and all the water I was packing, the weight of my rig was probably near 200 pounds.

By sunrise at 7:00, I was exhausted and pulled out my sleeping bag and thermal pad again to rest for a few hours. At 9:00 I got up to resume walking, and Jack joined me this time. A cop got a call about a body on the side of the road, so he came to check that I wasn’t dead or up to no good. Indeed, I was neither. He thought what I was doing was cool, and we wished each other well. Jack and I walked the last eight miles to Wagontire, past endless fields of steppe shrubbery and cattle range.

Wagontire, Oregon

We rolled in at a little after noon. The blue sign coming into the town says the population is three, but the place looked just as deserted as its surrounding terrain. Up until it closed down for good in March, the place was a cafe and gas station with a separate building for a few motel rooms. I set down my stuff on the far end of the campus and wandered through, in search if a working electrical outlet to charge my dead phone. I found none.

Out of nowhere, it seemed, came an older, mostly bald man wearing jeans and a black zip-up jacket. He had some white hair on the sides of his head along with a day or two’s worth of splotchy stubble on his face, which was also white. I waved. He didn’t, and approached me as if he were carrying an invisible shotgun.

“Ya need somethin’?” he asked softly, flatly.

“Oh, I was just looking for a place to charge my phone for a while. Wasn’t sure if anyone was here.”

“Over here.” He led me to the front of his old, small manufactured mobile home, where he opened up an RV hookup. I explained what I was up to.

“Oh,” he replied. “You picked the perfect time of year. Last winter it got to 32 below, and hot as hell in the summer. Gettin’ pretty cool now though. Got to 16 out here last night.” Everybody else who has commented on my timing has suggested it was the wrong time of year. I knew I was right! Not too hot, and not yet frigid.

I asked if it was alright if I heated up some coffee and lunch with my camping stove. He approved. Over my coffee, he told me his name is Marty, and about how the wind always picks up around noon just as it did that day.

“Man it howls through these here hills.” I mentioned the noise of the coyotes. He chuckled. “Oh yeah, they’re all over ’round here. I hunt ‘em. Them, and bobcats, too, in the winter.”

Speaking of firearms, he told me about how a few days ago there were some people shooting off their guns in front of the place, so he shot at the side of their truck with his shotgun.

“That got ‘em away.” He laughed. “And just last week there were four of ‘em tryin’ ta rob my store. There’s nothin’ in it, but I shot my pistol in the air a few times over their heads and they were off runnin’. People these days. Ya just never know.”

I guess I was lucky he didn’t think I was a threat. After an hour he said he had things to do, so we shook hands and I left at 2:00.

Alkali Lake, Oregon

This was the most strenuous day of walking yet. It started off alright, dropping what seemed like every inch of elevation I gained the previous night through the desert. As the sun set, thick clouds rolled in. It never rained, but it was eerily dark–like I had the covers pulled over my head. I could see only as far as my headlamp would shine, but couldn’t see the terrain around me.

Then, as I came over a small hill, I was blasted with what seemed to me like hurricane-force winds. Of course, they weren’t quite that strong, but I’m sure it was at least a sustained 30 mph wind, with gusts up to 40 or 50. And, after 23 miles since 9:00 this morning, Jack wanted back in the kennel. So I was pulling about 200 pounds through this wind, which turned out to last five miles with no breaks. I don’t know if the road was actually inclining, but it sure as hell felt like it.

Back in Wagontire, Marty mentioned a rest stop somewhere out here. At mile marker 49 (from Riley) I saw four yellow floodlights ahead. What looked initially like a distance of a few hundred yards turned out to be almost two miles. This was tantalizing with the strong wind, and to boot, the blowing grains of dirt and sand. Since I couldn’t very well look ahead, I looked to the sides. I saw sand with no sage growing on it. And nothing else living, for that matter. It was like sand on a beach shortly after the tide had ebbed, but there was no water here. The windblown sandscape depressed me.

At midnight, finally, I reached the lights. It was an ODOT service station with a couple of houses for residential employees. I snooped around for a few minutes to see if I could find a light on anywhere inside, or a person to talk to. After about a half hour of wandering through the wind, I gave up and prepared to continue on the highway to the storied rest area.

Then, a pickup that was parked outside one of the houses started up and drove over to me, with the driver’s side window halfway down. I waved like I did in Wagontire.

“What are you doing snooping around a place like this?” the voice inside gruffled. I told him I was walking across America, and that I was looking for a place to get out of the wind for the night.

“Not here,” was the unfriendly answer. I asked about the rest area. “Ten miles down the road.”

“Ten miles? Okay, thank you.” My hear sunk a little, and I resumed walking. And for some reason, I was not surprised when the truck followed me out the gates a minute later.

“You got a tent?”

I said I did.

“Set it up on the lawn over there. That’ll be fine.”

He got out of the vehicle and extended his hand. “What’s yer name, guy?” He was a tall, thin middle-aged man with short graying hair.

“Michael. Thanks a lot, I appreciate it.”

“You bet. I’m Bob. I’ll be up at six working in the garage over there. Come find me then if you need the restroom.” I said goodnight and set up my tent. I was asleep as soon as my head hit the ground. It’s a great feeling, being in a tent–comfortable, warm, snuggled next to my dog–with only a thin canvass between me and the howling wind or rain.

At 9:45, Bob woke me from outside my tent. “Hey guy, I got some coffee and a bacon-and-egg sandwich for you, if you want.” I said sure, and put my shoes on.

We talked about a bunch of things, but first he asked me why in the hell I was walking. When I explained my own story, of my history of gambling problems, he told me his ex-wife was a compulsive gambler, too. It was the reason for their divorce.

“I’d be making three thousand a month, take-home pay, and when I would try to get something at the store it’d be all gone.” Before I left — on toward the Sierra Nevada, Reno, Death Valley, and Vegas–he advised, “Watch out for them bars. Those machines are everywhere.”

Now, let me tell you about this trip, or at least what I can divulge here on my blog post (wink wink), we started out in the funk zone wine tasting. Now, the best thing you can do down there is walk around, and go from winery to winery, it is a blast! I would recommend Pali Wine tasting room.  We had lunch at the Boathouse near the beach, and rested up for our paragliding lesson! Yes, you heard me right, we were about to take to the friendly skies!  I should backup a second and tell you that whether we were wine tasting, paragliding, or getting tennis lessons, we brought probably the best employee benefit I have ever received in all my jobs, our Activity Card.  I’m so excited about it, I’ll attach a picture here, but basically, wherever we went we got 2 for 1 wine tastings, 50% off paragliding, a free tennis lesson. Just in this one trip we probably saved over $400 with the use of the Activity Card.  Anyway, back to the paragliding. We headed over the Las Positas Park and had a great lesson and flight, and then more resting to get ready for our night on the town. How we were going to do a tennis lesson the next day was beyond me, but we were trying to pack in a lot of great stuff!

We headed out on the town in Santa Barbara at about 9pm for a late dinner at Blush, and then proceeded to Tonic, and this great place on lower State Street called Savoy. I would recommend it to get your dance on!  Overall, we were pretty done by about 1Am, and decided to grab some tacos at a local spot downtown, and get back to our hotel by the beach.  We woke up in the morning and headed across the street to another hotel for our tennis lesson (remembering our Activity Card!), and it was fantastic.  We were so tired by day 3 that we had a pretty relaxing next couple of days, and overall, it was a great great Santa Barbara adventure, filled with fun, laughs, girlfriend time, activities, and was one of the best trips of my life! – Jill

W

1. Carefully Choose Your Accommodations

Where you choose to stay can make the difference between a successful and a disastrous business trip. Your best bet is to select a business class, fully equipped, serviced apartment rental in Moscow. A short term rental will provide you with familiar Western comforts, while giving you access to the equipment you need (like Wi-Fi Internet; a computer printer, scanner, and fax; and free local calling) to stay connected and get the job done. Many come with a fully equipped kitchen and a washing machine, which will help you settle in and concentrate on the business at hand.

When selecting Moscow rentals, be sure to look for rentals in the upscale Arbat area of Moscow, within the Garden Ring Road. This is a very safe area, and one that is close to supermarkets, embassies, stores, restaurants, financial institutions, and nightclubs. Furthermore, unless you’re fluent in Russian, choose to work with a company that is Western owned and operated. An English-speaking staff will go far in ensuring that your stay in Moscow goes smoothly and is stress-free.

2. Getting through Passport Control

When you arrive at Domodedovo International Airport or Sheremetyevo 2 International Airport, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the lines and procedures at passport control and customs. The best serviced apartment rental companies can also arrange for full airport VIP services, Fast Track check in, and business lounge access.

3. Visa Registration

Russia has very strict regulations for foreigners visiting Russia. Not only do you have to register upon your arrival in Moscow, but if you visit other cities, you have to register there as well. If you are staying in a short term rental, the Western company that manages the rental should be able to assist you in complying with the myriad visa requirements.

4. Airport and Train Transfers

Many business travelers are overwhelmed by the logistics involved in going to and from Moscow’s airports and train stations. There are four major airports and nine train stations in the city, as well as the world’s most extensive Metro system. Although it’s possible to negotiate Moscow’s transportation system on your own, it’s much less of a hassle to book an airport or train station transfer with the Moscow rentals company you select.

5. Taxi and Transport Services

Whether you need to get around Moscow or are going to one of the many popular tourist destinations in Russia, it’s important to select a reliable taxi and transport service. Again, it’s helpful to be able to rely on Westerners, who can arrange for you to book an hourly taxi.

With the right planning, business travel in Moscow can be both productive and enjoyable.

This guest post is provided to you by :Vakantiehuizen Ierland