Youve Been Reviewed

Appalachian Trail 3 great blogs

2012-02-01T07:53:00.019-05:00

Blogs have caught my attention ever since I stood on the Appalachian Trail. You don't have to hike forever to enjoy this footpath. There are numerous trailheads that are close the to the road. All you have to do is park, walk and enjoy.

A handful of people will hike the full length of the Appalachian Trail like these three people did and keep blogs of their adventure. These hardy souls are called 'through hikers'.

It takes months to follow the Appalachian Trail through from end to end and almost the same amount of time to gather supplies for the outdoors. Hiking gear, camping supplies and sleeping bags have to be purchased that will last for the entire trip.

Most of the rest of us will enjoy the Appalachian Trail for much shorter periods and will need less in the way of outdoor equipment. Day hikes, afternoon hikes and short walks are all refreshing. Most require hiking boots or a sturdy pair of shoes, a bottle or two of water and a tube of bug-repellent sunscreen.

Here are a couple of blogs about the Appalachian Trail that you might find interesting.
WhiteBlaze.net
Advice, stories and photos are the name of the game at this forum. It is a good place to learn and absorb information. The fellow hikers all seem to be friendly and eager to help each other.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy
No blog guide is complete without this one. From facts to history and terrain maps this is the first place to look for information.

These three blogs tell their own story about life on the hike. When reading the blogs, it is easy to see how each person who writes is changed by the trail in some way. I think that each one of the blogs are worth a look for different reasons. If you decide to hike the AT have fun and be safe. Bloggers are welcome to leave a comment below and link to the blogs that tell your stories.

More articles:
An unusual spring break idea
Iron mountain trail signs
Big South Fork National Park

Email blogging for the first time

2012-01-31T22:43:00.002-05:00

this is my first attempt at email blogging from my new smart phone.
Mayce it will be ok after I figure out all the fancy buttons. I asked
a friend what it means if you can't put the back on your new smart
phone after you charge the battery. I can share her answer when she
stops laughing tomorrow. One thing that has me completely befuddled is
how to take a photo with it. I guess there are reasons for manuals to
exist. Now may be my time to read one. Heck, maybe it will even tell
me how to make paragraphs in email blog posts. If so, I guess I had
better get to reading.
--
Read my work on the Yahoo ContributorNetwork, Factoidz and Youve Been Reviewed. Follow me on Twitter @gaylecrabtree for all the latest updates.

2012-01-31T13:05:00.001-05:00

This is a test to see if my new phone will play nice when blogging. Please disregard. Thanks.

Mardi Growl photos, dog friendly event set for 2012

2012-01-31T08:21:00.002-05:00

Mardi Growl in Knoxville, Tennessee is set for March 3, 2012. The event runs from 11 AM - 2 PM on Market Square Mall. If you have a dog and haven't been to Mardi Growl this may be the year to go.

My daughter, Tomlin and I attended last year. We met my daughter's future husband in the free parking in the State Street Garage before walking over to Mardi Growl. Knoxville may have gone to the dogs but we definitely enjoyed ourselves.

There was a parade of of pooches and each one was smartly dressed in Mardi Gras splendor. We didn't participate but I couldn't help but appreciate those who did. Purple, green and gold was everywhere!

Mardi Growl in Knoxville also has a serious side. Microchipping was available for $10. You can see in the photos that Tomlin (our dog) was not appreciative. In the end, he tolerated things okay and the microchipping was done. Impressively, it took the tech less than a second to place the microchip. Having help from future son-in-law and my other daughter went a long way toward holding him still.

Is your pet vaccinated against rabies? If not, Mardi Growl offers another huge bargain. This simple shot goes a long way to protecting everyone against the disease. Rabies vaccinations are also only $10. It's a offer that you can't refuse.

Pet products and samples are also available. There were a variety of booths with all of doggone good things. Tomlin picked up a pet treat here and there. I was able to pick information. We all stopped by Rita's Water Ice before we headed for home.

Mardi Growl is held rain or shine. Proceeds benefit the Young-Williams Animal Shelter. Find out more about the event at www.young-williams.org. Don't forget. If you see me be sure to say hello. I'll be visiting the event again this year.

See more articles:
Mardi Growl; A howling good time
Things to consider before getting a service dog
Pet-friendly Victor Ashe Park

Memories of visiting the TVA Melton Hill Dam

2012-01-30T09:47:00.000-05:00

The TVA Melton Hill Dam has always been a fun place for me to go. I have fond memories of going fishing there with my grandfather. Whether we caught anything was always secondary to spending time with him. Let it rain if it would. When we'd gather up the tackle boxes, fishing poles and head to the dam it was always a good day.

Judging from my last visit to Melton Hill Dam there were other people who felt the same way. The huge 103 ft structure creates a reservoir that draws people from all over East Tennessee. Families, couples and individuals were all out enjoying the weather.

With over 130 miles of shoreline the reservoir offers more than fishing. It has one of the most popular rowing courses in the area. There are two boat ramps, year round camping and trails.

If you are looking for a place to get outdoors this weekend the TVA Melton Hill Dam may be the place to be. Be sure to say hello if you see me there

More:
Indian Boundary Campground on the Cherohala
Carver's Gap in the Pisgah National Forest

Yankee Jim Canyon in Yellowstone National Park

2012-01-29T22:54:00.001-05:00

Yankee Jim Canyon is said to contain some of the best whitewater rapids in Yellowstone National Park. The section from Gardiner to Yankee Jim is popular for fishing. I'm told that the trout fishing here is excellent.

It seems that it has rained on my first visit to every national park that I've visited. This trip was not the exception. The skies opened with full force in early afternoon on our trip to Yellowstone National Park.

See the white spots in the photo? Those are rain drops that were hitting the camera lens.

We didn't get to see much of the Yankee River Canyon but what we saw was incredible. We're hoping for better weather on our next trip.

I'm also hoping to find out why it's a historic site. Searching the net didn't show up much of anything. Here's hoping some of my readers can fill me in. Leave me a message in the comments section please.

Articles with more about Yellowstone National Park.
Thermal photos and information
Beryl Spring

Visiting Yellowstone National Park

45th Parallel in Yellowstone

2012-01-27T20:42:00.000-05:00

Between the equator and north pole lies the 45th parallel. Yellowstone National Park is where I took the photo of this sign in 2009. It's near a small nondescript parking lot that is frankly, easy to miss. Without GPS, we were very fortunate to have stumbled across it.

Add caption

For years, the sign was situated in Yellowstone National Park between Gardiner and Mammoth Springs. Prior to 2008 the sign placement was inaccurate. In 2008, it was moved to the current location where I snapped the photo.

The geology of Yellowstone did not allow for the 45th parallel sign to be placed on the exact dot where the 45th parallel intersects on the roadway. However, the National Park Service assures me that it is within 1,200 feet of that spot.

A little looking around is probably all it took to see the exact spot. Even if we didn't it's okay. Being somewhere along the parallel is pretty cool. I don't know about you, but to be within 1,200 feet of where the 45th parallel intersects with the roadway close enough for me to be happy.

More articles about Yellowstone National Park:
Visiting the park
Old Faithful Video
Mammoth Campground

Superzoom product comparison Nikon, Canon, Fujifilm cameras

2012-01-25T17:54:00.000-05:00

Superzoom cameras are increasingly popular with consumers. I enjoy my Fujifilm 18x superzoom. It gets the shots and want and delivers almost every time. Recently, I've been hearing about cameras the 24x, 30x and even 35x telephoto capabilities. These really sound intriguing enough to make me consider upgrading.

My travel blogging tools

After taking a careful look at the superzoom cameras below I've decided to keep my Fujifilm – for now. I will be waiting until after my daughter's wedding expenses are covered. After that, who knows? Here are the three of the superzoom cameras that kept my attention and some of the features involved.

First, there are a couple of things that buyers should understand about a superzoom camera before purchasing.

The ones in this comparison offer an optical zoom lens of 24x and higher. A superzoom camera is considered by some to be a good bridge camera. They offer some of the similar features as a more expensive DSLR but have the ease of a point-and-shoot.

The price point helps make the superzoom attractive to buyers. These are well below the cost of a DSLR. They eliminate the need for large bulky camera bags or extra lenses. The relatively compact superzooms make it possible to get that wide angle or distant shot without changing the lens.

Owners give up surprisingly little to get this kind of portable power. A tripod is necessary for shooting clear shots almost anytime the superzoom is extended. The pros that shoot with high-end DSLR cameras use tripods for the same reason. While on board image stabilization goes a long way toward delivering a crisp clear image it generally won't replace the use of a tripod.

Another common complaint against most superzooms is the inability to function consistently in low light conditions.

On the automatic setting, the superzooms can be sluggish or slow to operate in low light. When compared to the crispness of a DSLR, the low light comparison shots on a superzoom can show an increased amount of noise.

The graininess or noise becomes more pronounced when superzoom photos are printed at an 8x10 or larger. However, these same superzoom photos often look fine when viewed on a computer or digital frame. The features, combined with the comparatively low cost, help make the following cameras attractive to buyers.

Fujifilm FinePix S4000 14 MP Digital Camera

Fujinon 30x Super Wide Angle Optical Zoom Lens with 3-Inch LCD

Don't let the cost of this superzoom camera fool you. It holds its own among the three listed here. The camera is both durable and stable.

Easy-to-use Motion Panorama creates streamlined panoramic shots no matter what the skill level is of the photographer.
4 AA batteries (included)
HD Movies
Capture images and video to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
Auto focus or manual settings
Priced at less than $300 USD

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 14.1 MP Digital Camera

24x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3.0-Inch LCD screen
Packed with a ton of features to deliver quality superzoom shots
25mm ultra-wide angle Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens
POWER Optical Image Stabilizer
Intelligent resolution technology
Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
DMW-BMB9 Lithium-Ion Battery
Expect to pay $400

Canon SX30IS 14.1MP Digital Camera

35x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 2.7 Inch Wide LCD

Canon is quickly gaining in popularity. Here's why:
Superzoom is now available while shooting video
DIGIC 4 Image Processor
Shoots 720p HD video with stereo sound
New Zoom Framing Assist button
Uses SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card, MultiMediaCard, MMC Plus Card, HC MMC Plus Card (not included)
Lithium ion batteries required
Just under $500 USD

All prices are based on internet pricing and are accurate as of the date of this writing. The actual price may vary between competing markets or because of other factors.

Other articles that you may enjoy include:

Photos taken with Fujufilm18x
Basic tools travel bloggers need

Whistler, Vancouver; Olympic class skiing at its best

2012-01-24T18:29:00.002-05:00

When you stand on the slopes of Whistler in Vancouver your heart beats a little quicker. Focus your mind to prepare yourself, take a deep breath and go! You are skiing at the site of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games.

Whistler is tucked away in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Canada where the powder is plentiful and always fresh. Whistler Ski Resort is not 'just' the Gold Standard in skiing, it is an Olympic standard ski resort.

The Canadians that we met on our route to and from Alaska were always welcoming. Friendly atmosphere is a big part of what makes Whistler ski holidays memorable. World class shopping and world class skiing go hand-in-hand. When you come off the slopes you want to relax and unwind. Whistler has the shops, restaurants and friendly service to help you do just that.

Mountains in British Columbia.

Whistler receives an average snowfall of 33.5 feet. Moderate temperatures make for perfect skiing conditions. Most of the winter months have an average temperature of 22°F.

As you can imagine, the peak season fills quickly. Room reservations are always recommended. When booking your Whistler ski accommodation, don't forget to ask about discount whistler lift tickets.

Purchasing lift tickets in advance makes the holiday more affordable. Having the tickets in advance eliminates the need to stand in line to purchase them. It may even get you to the slopes a few minutes faster.

The mountains are stunningly beautiful and Whistler is right in the middle of the splendor. When my family visited the Coast Mountains we left a part of ourselves behind. Don't be surprised if this happens to you.

Yellowstone National Park Mammoth Campground

2012-01-24T14:22:00.003-05:00

Yellowstone National Park Mammoth Campground is a popular spot close to the Hot Springs Terraces geothermal area. The campground is in a good location. It is only a few miles from the Yellowstone entrance and close to the visitor center.

The proximity to the entrance, visitor center and store help to make this a very popular camping spot.

Mammoth Campground is open all year but reservations are not accepted. Camping spots are strictly available on a first come, first served basis.

Most of the camping spaces are pull-through and the fee is only $14 per night (as of the date of this article) and some sites are accessible. There aren't any electrical hook-ups but generators are allowed from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm.

The Mammoth Campground is set against the stunning background of Yellowstone National Park. A prettier place to camp is hard to imagine.

More articles:
Visiting Yellowstone National Park
Beryl Spring
Old Faithful photo movie

Loving throw backs

2012-01-24T13:41:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Olga Quinn

I was looking through the direct tv channel guide and was really excited when I saw a “Beverly Hills:90210” marathon on the SOAP Network. I started watching the show when I was in middle school in the 1990’s and loved it. I watched it into my college years. When I catch reruns it always brings up great feelings of nostalgia. I remember how my friends and I tried to dress like Kelly, Brenda, and Donna. I think that was probably the teen drama that “Gossip Girl” is now. I have to admit, I do watch “Gossip Girl”, but “Beverly Hills: 90210” will still always reign as my all-time favorite show. It is a lot less sexual and scandalous than teen shows are today, but at the time, I remember my parents thinking that it was an inappropriate show for a kid in middle school. Some of the themes were very high school, but I watched everyone and loved them anyway. There is just something about “throwbacks” that always strikes a heartstring and leaves me wanting more and more.

Megabus Orlando, Florida stop has relocated

2012-01-24T07:28:00.004-05:00

The Megabus stop in Orlando, Florida has relocated. The new stop is the EconoLodge Inn and Suites on International Drive. The announcement got my attention because this is a pretty big change from the previous bus stop. I enjoy riding Megabus and Walt Disney World. This stop sounds like an unbeatable combination.

Getting to some of the Orlando attractions from this Megabus stop is now much easier than it was before. The hotel has scheduled shuttle service to Universal Studios.

Plus, scheduled shuttle service is available to SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica and the Wet n' Wild water park. The cost for this shuttle is only $2.25 per night, per room.

Since Megabus changed the stop, I called the hotel to ask about getting to Walt Disney World. The desk clerk said that a scheduled shuttle runs for $15 per person, round trip. A family of three would pay $45 per day to hit the park. The shuttle to Walt Disney World from the bus stop might not save families much. However, Megabus travelers can leave the car at home without needing it and that helps.

Couples going to Walt Disney World may get find the most benefit on the Megabus to Orlando route. The inexpensive bus tickets, and hotel shuttle can help put a Disney vacation within reach. College students may even enjoy it.

There's more good news about the Megabus stop. The EconoLodge is part of Choice Hotels so the stays may be eligible for Choice Privileges points. Plus, depending on when you travel, packages may be available that can help you save even more money. My article on Where to Find Walt Disney World Packages may give you other ideas.

It looks like this Megabus stop in Orlando is going to work out well for anyone going to the Convention Center. The website for the EconoLodge Inn and Suites says that it is .2 miles from the convention center. This may put the center within walking distance.

As for places to eat, there is a poolside cafe and bar and several restaurants are adjacent to the property. Some Walt Disney World restaurants, like Boma, do not require park admission but do require reservations to be made well in advance.

Megabus to Orlando seems intriguing. I look forward to visiting Walt Disney World after we get my daughter married off in June. This bus route may be my mode of transportation. We'll see.

Here are a couple of Walt Disney World articles that you may enjoy:

Animal Kingdom safari encounters

Facts about Magic Kingdom

My Eye-Fi experience

2012-01-24T01:47:00.002-05:00

I don't like writing this review on the Eye-Fi. It's such a cool sounding gadget. I planned on enjoying it and looked forward to using the product with my Fuji 18X superzoom. The idea behind the Eye-Fi is that you would insert the souped up SD card into the computer and load the software. Then, it would fit into the camera card slot. Pictures would be magically transported to your camera through your WI-Fi network.

The first problem is that the Eye-Fi sort-of worked initially and then went on a permanent vacation. Files to forever to transfer, were hard to delete and difficult to find on my netbook when the photos did transfer.

The second problem is that the card was expensive.

I paid nearly $50 for the gadget. I have spent hours researching the problem online, trying to download updates and re-installing software.

This product has caused me hours of headache and hair pulling frustration. I've had it awhile and am unimpressed. Newer versions of the Eye-Fi are out.

Hopefully the new versions work better. It's good if they do but I won't be trying them.

More articles you may find interesting:
Basic tools that travel bloggers need
Picnik online photo editing set to close

Megabus hints and tips for parents

2012-01-21T07:10:00.008-05:00

Here are a few more hints and tips for parents. If you are a new rider (or a frequent rider) these tips can help you maximize your experience. I have found them to be personally helpful and hope that you will too.

When to arrive at the Megabus bus stop

Megabus suggests that riders arrive 15 minutes before departure. Maybe that's adequate for some stops but not on the routes that I have taken. All of the seats on the bus are 'first come, first served'. That's why arriving 30 minutes early will put your family toward the head of the line. It's not a guarantee that you will get the seats that you want but arriving early seems to increase the chances. (Note: Click here for the first article in the series.)

How to keep kids occupied at the bus stop

Families with children can pass time by pointing out the surroundings. Make a game out of counting the buses. See if the kids can make a sentence by starting each word with the spelling of Megabus. Have them count how many signs they see or talk about what they'll see on the highway. Snacks and books may also be helpful.

Preparing for the road trip

Bring activities that will keep kids entertained. Videos and MP3 players are great. Plan for a back-up just in case the electricity or WI-FI is out. This is another time when snacks and drinks for kids may help.

Megabus stop in Knoxville, TN

Parents please, watch your children

I cannot stress this enough. I've seen parents who allowed their children to roam the bus aisles. Really, this can be a hazard to everyone. Plus, kids on the top floor may need help getting to the lower level bathroom.

The Megabus is a moving vehicle and kids should never be allowed to distract the bus driver If you wouldn't allow a particular behavior in your family mini-van please don't allow it on Megabus.

There may only be a window of 15 minutes or less for breaks. Watching the kids makes sure that everyone boards and allows for prompt departure. With these tips in mind, Megabus can be a viable road trip option for parents with kids.

Picnik online photo editing set to close April 19

2012-01-21T01:55:00.003-05:00

Picnik online photo editing is set to close in April 19, 2012. I just received an email from Picnick. It's sad to say goodbye to a friend. I've used this site to tweak, resize and reconfigure photos for over a year now. It does a lot that other programs don't do.

Picnik Takeout has been developed to download photos to desktop before the close. Photos are placed in zip files that can easily be opened later. There is also the option to move photos to Google+ and share the pictures online there.

Refunds will be distributed to current Premium members. There isn't word on exactly when the $24.95 refunds will be received. However, the company did say that the refunds would be processed within the week.

To soften the blow, Picnik is making it's premium services available for free until the close on April 19, 2012. This means that you can add textures, touch-up and use all of the advanced options to your heart's content - until the closure.

Creative Kit has been added to Google+.
Photo effects can be found there now and after the Picnik closes. I just came from visiting it and am having a little trouble figuring things out. It may become clearer later when I've had more time to explore the features.

Picnick has developed the Help Hub to help us through the close process. Up to the minute information will be available on the Picnik blog.

The Picnik close makes me sad. I liked the comments that came up as the opening page was loading about the grass, the picnic baskets and the summer breeze. The option to create in Gooogle+ sounds intriguing I'm still sorry for a service to close that I enjoy.

All I can say now is, may Picnik rest in peace after the close. You will be missed.

Some of my Yellowstone photos were edited with Picnik
Photos taken with the new Fujifilm camera 18X Superzoom

Fiji weddings; all inclusive packages may be a dream come true

2012-01-21T01:28:00.001-05:00

Fiji. The name conjures up images of an island paradise. You dream of lazy afternoons walking on the beach. You feel the warm sand under your feet and cool blue water swirling about your ankles and then, you wake up. Slowly, the thoughts of a Fiji vacation recede to become a remote and distant dream.

Some people are content to leave it at that. Others start checking and discover that Fiji all inclusive resorts can help turn the dream into a once-in-a-lifetime reality. The packages help keep costs in check by including meals, activities and even transfers. Fiji vacation packages take the stress out of planning so you can relax and enjoy your vacation.

Here we are
bridal veil shopping with Sam.

My daughter and I were discussing Fiji just a few days ago. We are in the middle of planning her wedding. We have the gown, the bridesmaids dresses and their gifts. It wasn't until last week that we had the venues for the wedding and reception nailed down. Flowers, food and decorations are still being worked out.

Another detail is that the venue for the rehearsal dinner is still to be determined. Thank goodness that the groom's family does that! Sam and her guy are students so a Fiji honeymoon probably isn't in the picture. They can save up to make that an anniversary trip. What a getaway that would be!

I've been spending quite a bit of time reading up on weddings. Did you know that all the details of Fiji weddings can be arranged before you arrive?

All that the bride and groom have to do is show up, say the vows and be pronounced 'married'. The details can all be worked out by the staff at Namale in Fiji. In fact, this resort has received recognition as a Trip Advisor Traveler's Choice Winner for 2012.

If my elder daughter ever marries, we're definitely going to talk about fiji. If staff there can make planning weddings go smoothly then I'm all for it.

Yellowstone National Park thermal area photos

2012-01-19T17:43:00.004-05:00

As mentioned in the Beryl Springs post, the Yellowstone National Park thermal area is dangerous ground. When we visited I found out that the entire park sits on a massive geothermal site. Everyone associates Old Faithful with Yellowstone.

Yellowstone Photo
Gayle Crabtree 2009

It turns out Old Faithful is only one of the 200 geysers found here. Together, the geysers make up more than 2/3 of the world's collection. This fact, combined with the rich plant and animal life that are found, help here make Yellowstone National Park the world's most diverse site.

The geysers exist because of volcanic faulting. Boardwalks lead visitors safely through the more stable thermal areas. The crusts that look stable are really inches from boiling water. It is important to stay on the paths at Yellowstone. Straying can put you on risky, unstable ground.

Mammoth Terrace sign
Gayle Crabtree 2009

To me, part of the park simulates the moon (or at least what I think that the moon may look like). These photos were shot in color on a fully sunny summer day.

Man at Yellowstone
Gayle Crabtree 2009

These photos are from a lesser known part of Yellowstone National Park that includes the general Beryl Spring area and Mammoth Hot Spring terraces.

Click 'read more' underneath this photo. The link will take you to the rest of the article and show you more photographs.

Yellowstone flowers
Gayle Crabtree 2009

Few flowers survive in this hot, dangerous part of Yellowstone. The ones in this photo are part of a handful that I saw in this area.

Prospect Spring sign
Gayle Crabtree 2009

No one knows why Prospect Spring received its name. We do know that it is part of the upper Mammoth Hot Spring terraces.

Yellowstone NP
Gayle Crabtree 2009

The diversity in this park is simply incredible. Here is another shot that reminds me of a moon landscape.

Yellowstone NP
Gayle Crabtree 2009

Orange Spring Mound is another unique formation. The orange stands in stark contrast to the almost colorlessness of the photo. Only the sign seems to stand out as much.

The streaks are created by a combination of algae and bacteria. It's probably not a place where you want the kids to climb. I was told that the color intensity can change seasonally and is based on the amount of sunshine and other factor.

To me, this area is one of the more intriguing in Yellowstone National Park. The entire park is worth a visit. Families, couples and groups of friends won't have any trouble finding something to do or look at that they love.

Megabus and kids; travel tips for parents with children

2012-01-19T07:06:00.001-05:00

First let me say how much I enjoy riding Megabus overall. The affordable and comfortable bus line is my top choice for trips from Knoxville to see my daughter in Washington, D.C. The bus line also popular for students, retirees. I am also noticing an increase in kids and parents riding the Megabus. These road trips can be a great experience for parents who prepare their kids.

Megabus in Union Station, D.C.
Gayle Crabtree 2011

However, for unprepared kids a Megabus road trip can be frustrating. I have traversed the country with kids in tow several times and know how rewarding road trips can be. These tips from my experience, Kids Health.org and other experts, can help make a Megabus trip with kids more enjoyable for everyone.

About Megabus

This is a curbside bus service without terminals. This cuts the overhead and allows Megabus to offer the low cost travel. Tickets on each trip can be as low as $1.00 plus a .50 booking fee. By booking early, I have personally purchased seats for $1.00 and 3.00 and can vouch for the affordability.

Megabus offers helpful perks that parents with kids can appreciate. The onboard bathroom can be a plus for families. WI-FI and electrical outlets at each seat can help keep kids plugged in and entertained.

Kids under 17 may not ride without an adult. A ticket for the adult is also requiqred as are companies for people with disabilities. This is pretty clear on the Megabus policy.

Tickets; who needs one

Each rider must have a ticket but that's not so bad. We have found that the low Megabus fees put purchasing tickets for each family member within reach. Booking early to snag those $1 tickets really helps! read more..

Flats available for a Scotland extended stay vacation

2012-01-18T22:07:00.003-05:00

Who hasn't dreamed of living in Scotland? Glasgow is a dream come true for culture and arts fans. It is the largest city in Scotland and has much to offer in terms of living, working and vacationing. People can easily find flats to rent Glasgow for an extended stay vacation or work.

Glasgow offers the following and more:

Historic buildings in the style of Victorian architecture
World's first Museum of Religion
Stable job market
Gallery of Modern Art
World class university and schools

Edinburgh is another popular city that draws people from all over the world. It too has a stable job base, major university and lots to offer in terms of a vacation, study or work. Flats to rent Edinburgh are plentiful and fit any style or budget.

On vacation, you won't want to miss these things to see and do:

Edinburgh Castle
Outdoor recreation opportunities of bike routes, beaches and golf
Historic houses
Scottish Parliament
Museums

If Edinburgh and Glasgow don't appeal why not consider an Aberdeen vacation? It has been a favored Royal destination for more than 150 years.

Tourist attractions like heritage trails, museums and parks appeal to visitors on vacation. Job training and transportation are why so many people enjoy living here. Currently, flats to rent Aberdeen are found in any area of the city and in any budget. They can be perfect for anyone on an extended stay vacation.

Once you see these attractions, you too may want to call Aberdeen 'home'.

Provost Skene’s House
Archaeolink Prehistory Park
Tolquhon Castle
University King’s College
Satrosphere Science Centre

As you can see, there are lots of good reasons to work or vacation in Aberdeen, Edinburgh or Glasgow. Clicking any of the above links will help you find the right flat for your needs.

Knoxville romantic restaurants for Valentines Day or Prom

2012-01-18T08:29:00.001-05:00

Our area is fortunate to have several Knoxville romantic restaurants. Valentine's Day and prom are just around the corner. It's almost impossible to select one place to visit. I am going to list three here. It will get you started. As always, please feel free to add other suggestions in the comments section under this post.

Have fun with Knoxville romantic restaurants! Some of the top locations for Valentine's Day and prom are:

The Melting Pot
This fondue restaurant has tall comfortable booths and light music. Pots of boiling fondue are served at your table. The server fills you in on how to cook each item. It is both intimate and romantic. The Melting Pot may be a little pricey for some diners. Check the website for details. Open for lunch and dinner. Valentine's Day reservations for 2012 open in mid-January.

French Market Creperie
This downtown restaurant is on Gay Street. Urbanspoon reviewers have given it a 95% approval rating. The charming atmosphere makes it a good date location for almost any celebration. Most menu items are under $10. Open for breakfast through dinner and late night. Voted the Metro Pulse Best of Knoxville 2009.

Taste of Thai
Good food and service help make this a romantic restaurant. The are open for both lunch and dinner with a break in-between. Entrees include Masman Curry, fried rice and even Pad Woonsen. Meals are around $17 with several in the $11 range.

Tipping; when to tip and who gets it

2012-01-16T00:05:00.000-05:00

Who gets a tip, when and how much? Is there ever a time not to tip? There is a lot of talk about tipping these days and getting the right information is important.

Hotel room

In addition to blogging, the jobs of my younger years included work as a server, hotel clerk and as a pizza delivery person. This means that my email overflows with questions about when to tip and who gets it.

During the next few articles we are going to talk about tipping; who gets it and who doesn't.

Prepare for some of the answers to surprise you, just as they surprised one woman I spoke with.

My daughters were preparing to embark on a multi-night high school trip. The group was traveling by private charter bus and the question came up of how much to tip the drivers. There wasn't much discussion on the subject. It was generally accepted anyone hauling a few hundred teens deserved a tip. Motion made and passed in .02 seconds.

When I brought up the matter of tipping the hotel maid it was a different story. Hostile trade negotiations probably go more smoothly. One mother snapped her head around and hissed (yes, hissed) when she loudly (and mistakenly) proclaimed 'you don't tip a hotel maid'.

Her attitude was proof that you don't leave drama behind at graduation. According to a quote in the Denver Post from the etiquette experts at Emily Post, the mother was also wrong in regard to tipping a hotel maid.

We will talk more about tipping a hotel housekeeper tomorrow. In the meantime, leave a comment to let me know your thoughts on the subject.

Beryl Spring in Yellowstone National Park awes

2012-01-14T09:04:00.000-05:00

Talk about a hot bath! Beryl Spring is one of the hottest in Yellowstone National Park. The temperature stays around the boiling point no mater what time of year it is. Don't worry. You can't actually bathe it in. This Wyoming treasure is part of an active thermal site.

A series of boardwalks allow you to talk in the safer spots of Beryl Spring. Violent gases bubble up from deep below the ground that constantly supercharges the water.

To keep us safe and to protect the environment, the park has an admission fee. This helps maintain the boardwalk around the springs and to provide other services.

The National Park Service at Yellowstone is very picky about making sure you use the boardwalk. They have reason. One step off of the wooded path could have dangerous results.

Everything at Yellowstone National Park awes. Beryl Springs was so named because of the blue green color of the water. It is said to resemble the aquamarine type of gem called Beryl. This is just a tiny spot in an otherwise mammoth park.

Part of Yellowstone resembles an ocean. The waves are so large, that when they crash against the shore the spray goes up and onto the road. Visit another section of the park and suddenly you are standing on a lunar surface. Still another area blossoms with abundant wildlife among the verdant greenery.

The park is a colossal display of all that nature offers in North America. I don't think that visitors will ever be disappointed with this national park.

Additional articles
Old Faithful video set to music
Our visit to Yellowstone

Animal Kingdom safari encounters at Walt Disney World

2012-01-13T07:27:00.115-05:00

The Animal Kingdom safari at Walt Disney World brings the big guys up close and personal. That's what I thought about our safari trek in the Animal Kingdom anyway. The animals almost seemed close enough for us to reach out and touch at times. It was a cool experience that older children and adults will enjoy.

Wouldn't you know it? Poachers have been spotted roaming the 100 acre savanna. It will be your job to help the driver track them down while on Safari. Expect a few bumps in the road on this Animal Kingdom ride.

You won't ever actually catch up with the poachers but you will see the wreckage. It's a fiun theme to what is perhaps the best attraction in Animal Kingdom. (Ride restrictions are on the Disney website at the link below.)

Visitors board the Kilimanjaro Safaris at the Harambe Villiage in Walt Disney World. The vehicle is open air so be sure to hold onto your hats and any loose objects that might fall overboard. Otherwise, plan to forever say goodbye to whatever falls out of the vehicle.

Three phrases that you need to ride the safari are fast pass, fast pass, fast pass.

If you are familiar with Florida then you know how hot it can be around 2:00 pm. Thank goodness for the fast pass. We swiped our cards at the kiosk next to the Safari around 11:00 am to be able to board at around 2:00 pm.

The waiting area is covered but open to the air. I was glad to have missed the long line but some of the looks made me feel a little guilty about it. That's why I'm making it a point to stress the fast pass option for the safari.

Kilimanjaro Safaris trip takes you through a wooded forest and across the plains in the Animal Kingdom. Keep your camera at the ready. I took the photos that are on this page but still missed the lions and cheetah. Darn it!

A few of the other animals include the baboon, elephant, hippo, ostrich (missed that photo too), Zebra and wildebeast.

Safari animals that you may see in Animal Kingdom are the giraffe, crocodile and others. A full list is on the Walt Disney World

Kilimanjaro Safaris puts you as close to the animals as possible. This was one cool experience! You never know what you will see around each bend in the road. Next time, I'll be sure to always keep my camera ready to go.

Read more about my Walt Disney World adventures

Loving Living with the Land in Epcot
Soarin over California in Epcot
Unchaperoned adults spotted at Walt Disney World, caution not advised

Participating National Parks offer free admission; dates

2012-01-13T07:16:00.031-05:00

Participating National Parks are offering free admission this weekend. I don't think there is a better time to take the family exploring. My National Parks Passport Book filled with stamps that commemorate the place that we've been. Free weekends help make going to the parks a little more affordable.

Beryl Spring in Yellowstone NP by Gayle Crabtree

Free admission periods in the National Parks include:

January - Martin Luther King weekend
April - National Park Week
June - Get Outdoors Day
September - National Public Lands Day
November - Veterans Weekend

A few national parks (such as Mt. Rushmore) charge a parking fee. This isn't included in the free admission dates.

However, the vast majority of parks do participate so there is little worry about running across one that does charge. Before you head out the door you can double check on one of the links below to be sure that your park is listed. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and others, don't have an admission fee. Fun and affordability are the top two reasons why I like visiting so many of our nation's natural treasures.

Like most holidays, the exact free admission dates will change slightly each year. The exact dates are listed on the website for the National Park Service.

You may also be interested in viewing these links:
Five National Parks for U.S. travel
Glacier National Park photo movie
Youve Been Reviewed photo movies and videos on You Tube

So tell me, what's your favorite park and why? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts.

Chilhowee Mountain overlook photos from Tennessee

2012-01-12T07:41:00.012-05:00

To the Cherokee, Chilhowee means 'the place of the Kingfisher'. At the Chilhowee Mountain Overlook near Benton, Tennessee, you are the king of the mountain. At just under one half-mile high, your view is from high above the treetops looking down on the valley below.

It is a surreal scene that dwarfs you by comparison but makes everything seem close enough to touch. The effect simultaneously leaves you awe inspired and overwhelmed. Welcome to the splendor of the Appalachian Mountains as seen from the Cherokee Mountain overlook.

In front of you stands Big Frog Mountain at a height of 4,224 feet in elevation. A little farther away is the crest of Fort Mountain near Chattsworth, Georgia. Look to your right for a view of the Cumberland Plateau. In between is the great fertile valley of East Tennessee.

The land was occupied by people before history was written. It was settled by the Cherokee Indians before the Trail of Tears. Pioneers lived and died here and called the mountain 'home'. The Chilhowee Mountain area was explored, farmed, settled and fought over but never tamed.

Today, the scene still captures the imagination of those who visit. The mountain is off of Hwy. 64E near Benton. The Ocoee Scenic Byway is Forest Road 77. (See map.) From this highway, you can visit this overlook and go on to the Chilhowee Mountain Recreation Area.

The recreation area is the dream of any outdoor enthusiast.

We found the campground to be as good a place as any to stay a few nights and explore the area. Electrical sites, modern bathhouses (cold water), picnic tables and grills offered the conveniences of home in the heart of the great outdoors.

Visitors can bicycle, take a non-motorized boat on the water, hike or participate in just about any other outdoor activity that you can think of. The beautiful tranquil spot soothes the soul and charms the senses.

We enjoyed the peace and quiet of the Cherokee Mountain Recreation Area. Daytime hours found us hiking around the lake. Evening fires kept us warm and our fingers shticky with melting marshmallows and chocolate for s'mores. Singing birds awakened us in the morning so we could get up and enjoy the serenity of our surroundings.

Additional articles include:

Chilhowee Mountain Confederate Campsite

Ocoee Whitewater Center

Fall colors of the Cherokee National Forest

Links for 2011-04-22 [Digg]

2011-04-23T00:00:00-07:00

Warriors Path State Parks offers year round fishing, hiking and fun - Nashville Family Travel | Examiner.com
One popular Knoxville day trip is a visit to Warriors Path State Park in Kingsport, Tennessee. It is named for a trail that served as a trading and war route by
My getting out of debt journey: Our get out of debt plan is tested by huge car repair bill.
One family's struggle to get out of debt didn't end with a huge car repair bill.
Georgia nuclear reactor shuts down; investigation underway - CNN.com
A nuclear reactor at Georgia's Vogtle Electric Generating Plant has been taken off line indefinitely until investigators determine the cause of an automatic shutdown earlier this week, according to a statement released Friday by Southern Company, which supplies power to much of the state.

Links for 2011-04-17 [Digg]

2011-04-18T00:00:00-07:00

Hubbell Lighting Review
In the lighting industry, Hubbell Lighting is a popular brand in supplying wonderful products for both residential and commercial clients. This brand has a wide range of products to present in the housing market such as track lighting arrangements.

Links for 2011-04-16 [Digg]

2011-04-17T00:00:00-07:00

Travel Montana: Destination St. Ignatius
Travel to St. Ignatius, Montana for a memorable family vacation. Saint Ignatius, Montana is a wonderful destination.

Links for 2011-04-15 [Digg]

2011-04-16T00:00:00-07:00

Road Trip Tips for School Age Children
These road trip tips for school age children help make travel fun. Many parents consider vacations with school age children to be the golden age of family travel.
National Scenic Byways Are the Best Road Trips in the Southern U.S. - Associated Content from Yahoo! - associatedcontent.com
National Scenic Byways are the best road trips in the south. Both Skyline Drive and the Cherohala Skyway offers sweeping curves and stunning vistas from high atop mountain peaks. Road trip memories of these National Scenic Byways will last a lifetime.
See Red Clay on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail - Nashville Family Travel | Examiner.com
Visitors can see Red Clay on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. The trail itself takes travelers from Tennessee into Oklahoma and through other states.
Travel on the new Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail - Nashville Family Travel | Examiner.com
The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail tells the history of the area’s earliest days since before the State of Tennessee was chartered. The Patriot Mi

Links for 2011-04-08 [Digg]

2011-04-09T00:00:00-07:00

Basic Skydiving Gears To Have
Skydiving is a recreational sport that demands the jumper to jump from a high altitude or from a plane. Hence, on the jumper’s free fall, he trusts on the equipment and presence of mind for his survival and safety.
My getting out of debt journey
This blog is about a family's struggle to get out of debt (or significantly reduce it). It's nice to read about an average family that's doing this.

Links for 2011-04-07 [Digg]

2011-04-08T00:00:00-07:00

How to Drive in Heavy Traffic
When driving in heavy traffic there are things you can do to keep safe and more calm.

Links for 2011-04-04 [Digg]

2011-04-05T00:00:00-07:00

Band-Aids for Health Care Reform Continue
When President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law in March 2010, the White House understood that it would need changes. Setting forth a framework which would enable 32 million thus far ineligible Americans to buy into health insurance, it carried the lofty goal of insuring 94 percent of the country's population.