Tagged With "Fork in the Road"
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Re: April 8, 2020: Standley Lake Regional Park, Colorado
Thank you DrFumbleFinger. This whole no travel thing is making me insane, l We've missed two trips already, one because of sickness over Valentines Day and one one because of this irritating virus issue. We also have two more (2+ week road trip through 11 states for our anniversary, and a trip to Atlanta for a convention) before the end of June that will prob not happen. Just so frustrating. I am also worried about a trip to AZ in Sept, NH, VT, and ME in Oct and CA in Nov. Not knowing when...
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Re: Tips to help with packing no matter where you are going
An excellent and useful post, Marilyn! Part of how I pack depends on where I'm traveling. For example, if I'm on a road trip with a car that has a large trunk, I don't really need to economize with my packing. I can take everything along that I might need and not have to deal with the hassle of laundry and such while on the road. If I'm on a trip of a week or less, I never take more than a carry-on bag and my laptop bag. Longer trips get a little trickier because often I need special...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Oct 20, 2015: Sicilian Fiat
Belongs in the pantheon of true "people's cars" along with the Citroen 2CV and (dare I say it?) the ugly duckling of the lot...the Trabi, which was advanced over its peers in a number of ways. Ironic, isn't it, to think the original Fiat 300s like this one were banished for smoking, and now we find that VW's "clean diesel" was smoking a pack a day on the road!
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Re: Shunpiking Through Northern Pennsylvania
What fun! I love a good road trip and I enjoyed reading about your...great photos!
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Re: Loiza - Afro-Puertorican Culture
When I lived in PR, in Santurce between Old San Juan and Isla Verde, the commercial street that served the area half a block from my apartment on Calle Taft was Loiza Street (Appears, from a google map to now be numbered, road 37). I wonder if it was the original road from San Juan to the town of Loiza in the early days. Do you know Jonathon? It certainly goes in the right direction.
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Re: Gallery: Fuli Town Market, Guangxi, China
First visit to Bondi Beach in Sydney they had a stall at the side of the road. "Freshly Made Smoothies" The fruit was uncut and drinks were made to order. The display looked so amazing -but what were they all ! Even when someone tells you its Starfruit - you've no idea what it tastes like. So I had the best smoothie - ever. Fresh sliced Pineapple and Root Ginger. With extra Ginger. Nothing else added. Heaven in a glass ! Been to so many countries since that insist you have to have Yoghurt or...
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Re: Your Favourite Travel Camera (or 2)
I see I'm in good company--I'm joining the two-camera brigade for the first time in years (years ago I traveled with two SLRs, one with color film and the other B/W, and then for a while with a film and a digital). I've been working for the last dozen years with a single compact (been through a Fuji, a Canon, Panasonic Lumix and recently a Nikon S9400 ). All have been good, and on an escalating curve of features. All the left-behinds are still in use elsewhere in the family. I actually...
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 1
No, Mac, that doesn't cross any sort of policy. We want to help travelers get good honest feedback about products that might be helpful to them on the road (or conversely that aren't worth the money). What's not tolerated is people paid to promote products on our website and providing dishonest information. Ravpower is exactly the kind of unit I'm looking for. Need to go order it soon.
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 1
By the way...here's my solution to the other charger issue (plugging in at home). It's a 5-port USB host that has a short cord to plug in (no brick to get in the way at the outlet) and takes 5 standard USB cords for your devices...the kind that come with your device, although more are available cheaply. The five outputs include 2 2100mA for iPad, 2 1000mA for most phones, and 1 1300mA for Samsung. All can be used for any device up to the designated output (that is, you can plug your phone...
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Re: We Love our Travel Gadgets--And We Take Them with Us
You're probably right, but I think the gap is narrowing rapidly. In the study, nearly half those surveyed cited fear of losing touch with friends and news. And, it's getting easier to travel with your phone! For those who aren't sure how, I recommend our TravelGumbo series on Staying in Touch on the Road
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Re: The Tulou of Fujian Province
HistoryDigger, I'll explain. At the end of the first day of tulou visits, the large tour bus rendezvoused with a small van and it was indicated that I should bring my things and come with a young man. Since no one could explain, I had to simply trust and go along, an interesting sensation. I later realized that I was the only one who had opted for the second day. The young man drove me to a very basic village of mostly new buildings built, I suspect but of course don't know, for...
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Re: "Spotted on the Road". Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Thanks, Dave B!! Another car expert! We're lucky to have you as a member! I love cars, but as with women find they're pleasant to look at but I know little about them, LOL! (hey, it's a joke everyone, relax!) Appreciate your input and we've several pieces on Cuban cars planned, featuring dozens of photos. I know you'll like them. And be challenged by them. Cubans have a say of changing cars slightly when needed. And feel free to share your love of cars as you hit the road with the rest of us!
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Re: Arches National Park — One of America’s Finest
There's a ton of stuff to do around Moab, Travel Luver. There's also scenic Canyonlands National Park nearby, well worth exploring. Off-road biking (bicycle, not motorcycle) is extremely popular. Hiking in the cooler seasons. Whitewater rafting is excellent in the summer. And you're less than a day's drive from your next Utah destination, such as Bryce, Zion, or Monument Valley. One of my favorite spots in the US!
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Re: Where in North America is the Euro the official currency?
Well, here's a bit to add, about the largest place in South America where the Euro is in use: French Guiana, which is technically a part of Metropolitan France (even Presidential candidates visit to drum up the vote!). Therefore, the bridge completed in 2011 and scheduled to open for traffic next month over the Oyapock River, will be the first permanent road connection between France and Brazil! More information HERE .
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Re: AAA Premier a Good Idea for Budget Travelers
I've use the towing service several times over the years, as well as their locksmith service. Excellent service always. And I actually use a ton of their travel books and maps when planning my domestic trips (USA and Canada). Yes, you can check them out but this way you can mark them up and cut out what you need. In Canada, a AAA (CAA) offers a 10% discount on a national parks pass (annual), and their travel agents can help you plan out a road trip with great advice -- all for free if you...
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Re: Madrid's Electric Bike Share Tops 50,000 Sign Ups
Very cool! As I contemplate getting my own bike back on the road, hills are one of the issues (aside from traffic) and I've even thought about one of these...great way to get around a city that's bicycle-friendly... I found a picture...they're like regular bikes, it seems, not like a Vespa, so probably easier to park, too.
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Re: Prague's Jewish Quarter: An Emotional and Educational Journey
I also visited the Old Jewish Cemetery during my first road trip to Prague shortly after the Soviets departed. I stayed with a local family in their spare room where I learned some of their customs and foods. Many of the historical sites were still not available for viewing at that time, but fortunately Marilyn provided some exquisite photos and historical context.
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Re: The Lure of Stonehenge
Likewise I was enthralled to be standing there. There was no line on the chilly day of my entrance. Didn't want to leave, but just stare. I was on a road trip from London up north, but I just had to make this detour and it was totally worth it.
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Re: All Aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
One of my biggest regrets of my Colorado road trip of a few years ago was deciding we didn't have time for the Durango and Silverton...and you just reminded me why I regret it! Great story!
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Re: June 23, 2017: The Shortest River in the World!
A few times on road trips to Italy from my US Army base in Augsburg Germany, we stayed a few days at Lake Garda. Just a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the many local wines ... our favorite was Bardolino. Each time we stayed at a small family run pension in a lakefront room in the town of Sirmione which is perched on small sliver of a peninsula jutting out into the southern portion of the lake. Owners were very friendly and engaging. We enjoyed walking the old town and having a delicious...
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Re: July 23, 2017: Salt Lake, Salt Mines & Salt Caravans, Ethiopia
It is almost impossible to describe the debilitating heat in this location. We would instantly scurry to any shade possible, however inadequate. I have been on the southern fringe and broiled in hot springs about 30km off the road to Harar. Afars looked through me, knowing I was irrelevant in their world. In years gone by, my testicles would have been their chief interest in me, for decorating their waistband !
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Re: China now #1 in outbound tourists
I presume when they say "while on the road", they refer to the expenditure during travel. Accommodation, food, etc. might be included in the package - booked and pre-paid in China.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#219)
Here are a few more clues to help you along the road to discovery. The first shows the dominant tree-type in the neighborhood.... The other the main type of material used in the construction of our site of interest....
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Re: Do traveling Brits hate kids?
Having traveled with children myself, I'm quite sympathetic to folks on the road with their tots. It's hard to do and difficult to keep them entertained and sitting still for such long periods of time. I feel sorry for parents who are trying to comfort their children -- some in obvious distress from ear pain -- without success. A lot of poorly behaved kids (eg. kicking seats) are poorly parented. I'm far more upset with the parent than with the child. the kid needs to be instructed not to do...
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Re: Gallery: Boulder County Farmers Market, Colorado
What an extravaganza of colours ! That's the type of market I love. All the fresh produce in front of the counter so you can select your own choice. When I'm on the road touring I have to be reminded that I cant cook all those delicious vegetables. There's a few there I couldn't name - never seen them before ! Wonderful display !
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, September 23, 2014: A drive through the Alberta Rockies
I think it's one of the greatest drives in the world! Some beautiful images of a beautiful road trip.
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Re: Route 66 - Pasadena to Needles
I've only had the pleasure of a small part of the road (east of Flagstaff and yes, passing that corner in Winslow, Arizona, but Route 66 is pretty much the symbol of the feeling so many of us have, of wanting to discover a past still visible in the present, and worth holding onto. Another good book for "shunpikers" is George Cantor's "Where the Old Roads Go: Driving the First Federal Highways of the Northeast." It's an easy and rewarding read even if you're not setting out on Rte 6, Rte 20,...
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Re: Route 66 - Pasadena to Needles
The bottle tree ranch is so awesome! I love the whimsical western town charm - I hope I'll get to do a road trip like that one day.
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Re: Route 66 - Pasadena to Needles
I n the mid-90s the National Park Service sent a team of professionals to do a survey of surviving road and features of the entire route, Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier, with my husband as illustrator for the report. I don't know if it's generally available but it might be interesting reading for someone with more than a casual interest.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, November 25, 2014: Fall colors at Upper Kananaskis Lake, Alberta
My Wife - she who must be obeyed - loves a single Kayak and the open sea. So I presume this would be on a lake. Much safer I think. Sounds like you have the perfect location for a wilderness family like ours ! When we camp in summer you'd mistake some of the tents for aircraft hangers. But the kids and babies come too. Canoes and Fishing rods. Wet suits and waders. We go to Shell Island in Wales - but only when the tides out. Need to plan your journey ahead. They only have Grizzly Sheep.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, November 25, 2014: Fall colors at Upper Kananaskis Lake, Alberta
The road was clearly marked CLOSED If it was my own act of stupidity then I would keep it a secret. Why some folks with 4x4 cars think they can beat the laws of physics I don't know. But thanks for the concern. No one was hurt I believe.
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Re: Cruising California's 17 Mile Drive
Cars and bikes are fine, JP, but hogs aren't. The road is good enough so I suspect the home owners (much of the drive is through residential areas) don't want the noise of a big pack of motorcycles passing their gates and fine-trimmed lawns.
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Re: Gumbo’s Pic of the Day, January 23, 2015: Postcard from Morocco: A long and winding road...
Amazing piece of engineering. Had a really long look at the road and I couldn't see any donkeys. Just like the mountain roads in the Sierra Nevada, Spain which don't have the luxury of the walls at the roadside. Great fun on a bus with 6 inches to spare on those bends !
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo, #60
Hmmm, I thought Scotland, Ireland...definitely NOT in a forest; trees too spaced, road too visible. In a park, perhaps? How clever of the puzzlemaster to find a picture with the flag furled to prevent an easy guess...
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Re: Coastal California: The Pigeon Point Hostel
Any travel tale that starts with a road trip following giraffes (nice pic, BTW), includes a lighthouse, the surf, goat cheese and cute granddaughters, is top rate in my book! Can't wait for the lighthouse tour!
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Re: Spotted on the Road, Minturn, Colorado
Wow...that is one tough old car. I can't help but be impressed that this old car is still on the road, especially if the engine looks half as bad as the body. They don't make them like this anymore. By the way Dr Fumblefinger, to answer your above question, I believe this is a 1974 Chevrolet Impala, or at least what's left of it.
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Re: Serra's Church, Mission San Juan Capistrano, California. Where Gumbo Was #46
Somewhere I've got a snapshot of a very young me with a tiny lady holding an object who had insisted my friend take our picture in the garden together. It was in the village of Petra, Majorca and she officiated at the small museum commemorating Junipero Serra's birthplace. I was spending the summer on the island and every student educated in California knows his name almost as well as their own. The address of my high school was El Camino Real, Father Serra's road from mission to mission and...
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Re: Spring Time on Table Mountain
I have spent whole days hiking Table Mountain and haven't even covered half of it. The top of the mountain is divided by the single two lane road that cuts up and over it. This day was spent on the West side of the divide. I couldn't find any information on the square mileage, but as a rough estimate I would say "huge". There are also caves, which I have never found, but then again I have never found Phantom Falls, either. Just North of this spot there is a "ghost town" called Cherokee.
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Re: A day at The Forks Market: Winnipeg, Canada
Looks like a fun place to go in the deep freezing Winnipeg winter! Nice collection of photos. Thanks Karl.
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Re: World's 10 Best Airports? Maybe...
Well, there you have it literally: the road to hell, paved with good intentions. But something does need to change...the airport walks can't just keep getting longer!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, October 10, 2015: Northumberlandia, England
Since the link in the original post appears to be dead, I'm offering this one for anyone wanting more background on Northumberlandia: http://www.northumberlandia.com/ It's the website of The Land Trust 7 Birchwood One, Dewhurst Road Birchwood, Warrington, WA3 7GB
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, July 30, 2015: Spirit Island
I know what you mean. Maligne Lake is a beautiful area to see and the tour out to Spirit Island is certainly worth it. One of the most notable things about the lake is the colour of the water itself that is due to being glacier fed. Up there this past June and was treated to a young moose feeding along the water near the boat launch and then two young black bears dining along the cutline just off the main road. Chatted with a family from Washington DC and a young German couple. They were...
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Re: "Pops" is a New Route 66 Icon
Iron Brew it is. Made in Scotland. From Girders. (So the ad says) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGyKpx12d_E TravelGirlJenn. Love that quote on your comment. Since I bought a TomTom with US maps on I've been seeing a new America. I can now get lost on my annual road trip around the US and the places I've found are amazing. I just follow my curiosity. And near the end of the day I ask my English speaking lady to take me home. And she says "Keep right and join the Motorway" Love it !
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Re: Travel Times Listed on South Central Pennsylvania's Electronic Message Signs
This is good news. For years a lot of the Electronic Message signs were not showing road conditions but rather community information.
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Re: Road Trip, Day 2: Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden
One of our great joys, and I believe I speak for all of us who contribute to TravelGumbo, is to help promote great little travel destinations that might be overlooked by many. This place is worth going out of your way to see. But I'm curious to where we go next on our road trip. Are we there yet? Huh? Are we there?
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Re: Road Trip, Day 2: Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden
For those who want to know what lies ahead, rather than waiting to see where the road leads, just a bit of rooting around will answer the question.
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Re: Yellowstone National Park in Winter
Thanks so very much for making us a part of your fascinating road-trip by sharing your visit to this unique place at such a special time. It's so rare to actually talk to someone who visited Yellowstone in the winter, much less to read such a wonderfully written report and to share in your experience through your beautiful photos. I'm sorry you didn't get to see wolves in the wild, but in this you are not alone. As many times as I've been in the wilderness, I've yet to see them (though I was...
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Re: Road Trip, Day 4: Fort Mason, San Francisco
San Francisco is, indeed, remarkable. Next Wednesday's episode of 'Road Trip' is also in Fort Mason and the following week in Chinatown. Tune in again, Mytraveledroad.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, May 9, 2015: All-You-Can-Eat Dim Sum
Last time I was at Top of the Mark I was in high school. It was THE place to go on prom night, along with the Tonga Room across the street at the Fairmont. I actually seriously considered staying at one place or the other on this road trip but opted for the free parking at the hostel, so annoying was the price of parking on Nob Hill. Interesting how decision-making can work. And btw, check in next Saturday and see where I actually did have a drink after dim sum.
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Re: GPS: 'Your destination will be...very wet.'
On our recent trip to Sicily, our GPS took us down a farm road that dead-ended, except for a rugged dirt tract that was unsafe to drive in a car (doable in a 4 wheel drive vehicle). The GPS instructed me to continue down the dirt track, but as a human being I declined the machine's advice. Good thing I did, because as we looped back we could see that even the dirt track dead-ended in a mile or so. Somehow we made it to our next destination, although it's easy and expected to get lost a...