The Rose Manor Motel

Most summers when my sister and I were growing up, our family would take a trip to Portland, Oregon and spend four days traveling around the area. On the first night, we would go to a small diner in Oregon City and have the best fish and chips. The next day, we would go to Mount Hood and spend a few hours walking around at Timberline Lodge. I was actually lucky enough to have my picture taken with the Lassie and the ranger from the TV show (Yes, this was back in the late 60's and early 70's).

All this was said, because during my travels on the Internet, I came across a picture of the motel we always stayed at. I remember that we would leave at 3:30AM and even though my dad drove tweleve hours to get to Portland from Stockton, Califorina (this was before I-5 was completed), he would always take us swimming in the pool when we got there. I have to say that was one of the high points of the trip.

Planning Your Alaskan Vacation

With summer fast approaching, our thoughts naturally begin to turn toward planning the annual summer vacation. As road maps and travel brochures begin to appear on kitchen tables around the country, you begin looking for the destination, which will provide you with an experience you will be talking about the rest of the year. I understand that this might be a tall order to fill, but there is a place that offers something for just about everyone.

Instead of going to that theme park or heading to the usual camping ground, why not go somewhere that will astound you with its stunning vistas and crisp, clear air. Why not Travel Alaska and experience, first hand, nature at its most regal. Alaskan vacations are not just about hunting and fishing; there is something to do for just about everyone. Whether you enjoy rafting, hiking, or just giving your camera a workout, you will be able to find something that interests you. One thing that I would like to try, would be taking a rafting tour down the Nenana River. Now, since I have never been rafting before, I would probably elect to take the mild-water rafting tour. Although, if you are of a more daring nature, there are white water rafting options available, as well.

If river rafting is not your cup of tea, you can always take a bus tour through Denali Park. This all day tour will take you through the 95 mile restricted-access Denali Park Road, where your tour guide will help you find the various wildlife that lives in the park. From bears to moose to caribou, you will be able to see Alaska in all its glory and capture it on you digital camera, so you can relive your experience for years to come. If strictly seeing the wildlife is something you would rather relegate to the Discovery Channel, then you can take a leisurely train ride and be amazed by the glaciers of Prince William Sound or, for an up-close and personal feel, you can opt for a cruise, instead. You might be saying to yourself, "I really don’t want to have to pick and choose why can’t I just do all three?" Well, you can. There are a number of different packages to choose from so, be assured, you will get the most from your Alaskan vacation.

As I just mentioned, there are a variety of packages from which to choose. When you sit down to discuss your Alaska Travel plans, keep in mind the activities you like to do. If you are the type of person who loves backpacking and hiking, you might want to choose one of the back country excursions. Here, you spend several nights at the Backcountry lodge. While there, you can enjoy hiking, biking, panning for gold, or just plain relaxing by the lake. If you prefer to just observe, than you have the option of seeing Alaska by helicopter, plane, train, or bus. Don’t see a package that includes what you want? Why waste your time and money doing something that doesn’t interest you, when you can design your own vacation from a wide variety of choices and pick out the things that interest you. There are many ways to see the wonders of Alaska; the only restriction is your imagination.

Long Weekend Getaway Package to Branson

If you are looking for a great weekend getaway, why not try Branson, Missouri. There is a great package offered by Hilton called The Hilton Winter Escape Package. This package is available at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. From February 5-8, you can get deluxe accommodations, a free movie, and free breakfast for only $79.00 per night.



Located in the heart of historic downtown Branson, you can revel in the lap of luxury, while being only minutes away from shopping and entertainment. After waking up and enjoying your free breakfast, head on down to the Titanic Museum, which is located only 4 miles from the hotel. This museum holds more than 400 actual artifacts from the Titanic. As a unique surprise for that special someone, during the month of February, you can renew your wedding vows on the grand Staircase, with the ceremony presided over by the ship's captain; due to the popularity of this event, I would recommend making your reservations at the same time you reserve your hotel. If you have any questions, the hotel’s Concierge will help you. To celebrate your renewed vows, you can both head over to Dino’s Karrot Cake Company for a sumptuous desert, but be sure to leave room for dinner.

Once back at the hotel, drop by the Liberty Tavern Restaurant at Branson Landing and try one of their signature dishes: Prime Rib or the fabulous New England Seafood Potpie. If staying at the Hilton Branson Convention Center, stop by Trofi for Mediterranean-style cuisine. If you’re both too tired to make it down to eat, they have room service, so you can enjoy your meal in the privacy of your own room. After a long day, a luxurious soak in the extra-deep bathtubs awaits you or if you still have energy to spare, head on down for a workout or swim.

As the day comes to an end, lay your head on the down-filled pillows, pull the soft, down-filled comforter over you and dream of another day in Branson.

Journey into the Unknown

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Preparing Your Car for Vacations

It’s 3:30 in the morning and my mom has just come in to wake me up. I’m so excited I can hardly wait. I get dressed and make my way out to the car. We quietly get everything put in the trunk and stealthily make our way from the house. It’s going to be a long 12 hour trip, but I don’t care we are going to Portland, Oregon and Mt. Hood. I get to have Fish and Chips for dinner and after that, we hit Dairy Queen for an ice cream cone. This is our annual vacation and I used to look forward to it each year.

Now that I am older and have a family of my own, I have come to realize the amount of preparation my dad went through to make sure our vacation was as safe and free of mechanical breakdowns. Now is the time to prepare for your trip. Although gas prices are high and you may travel closer to home, you still need to do a few things that will help prepare you for the road ahead.

The first item on the agenda will be to get your car serviced. I would suggest you fight the urge to take your car to one of those “quick lube” places. Make sure the job is done right the first time and take your car to your regular mechanic. It may cost a little more, but you get peace of mind in return for the extra cash outlay. Here is a list of things that should be done before any long trip. These items will help assure that your car is running smoothly and efficiently.

Get a Tune-Up. This should be done at least once a year.

Get your fluids checked. This is usually done at the time of an oil change.

Get your oil changed.

Have your tires rotated. This will ensure that your tires wear evenly.

Have your air pressure checked. This is one of the leading causes of poor gas mileage.

Make sure you have new filters. The air and oil filters are usually replaced when you get an oil change, but it doesn’t hurt to check and be sure.

Have your mechanic check and make sure all the belts are “right and tight”.

Have the breaks checked.

Don’t overload the trunk. The extra weight will reduce your gas mileage.

These are just a few of the most important items that should be taken care of. Yes, it is just the usual routine automobile maintenance that every car should have; however it usually ends up being far from routine.

I hope these few tips have helped. Remember, this is your vacation…..stay off the cell phone!! You don’t need to talk on the phone while driving. Talk to your family instead, they’re the reason your on vacation in the first place.

Have a safe and wonderful vacation! If you want, send me a picture of your favorite destination and we can have a contest and see if anyone can name where it is!

www.epa.gov

Get Your Car Ready for Summer Vacation