Read more about the article Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and Santa Elena Canyon – Big Bend National Park
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and Santa Elena Canyon – Big Bend National Park

Another “must-do” activity is the 30-mile Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Named after the first superintendent of the park, the road takes visitors along the western side of the park to the Rio Grande.

Since we had gotten most of our hiking completed, the drive was a nice way to rest and stop at several historic sites. We learned that large ranches dotted the area before the government began purchasing the land for a national park. We passed the Sam Nail ranch which only consisted of one wall and later we went to the Homer Wilson ranch overlook. (more…)

Read more about the article Lost Mine Trail – Big Bend National Park
Mailboxes for all the residents on Terlingua Ranch Road

Lost Mine Trail – Big Bend National Park

We started our morning waking up before the sunrise and grabbing a quick bite of breakfast at the Bad Rabbit Cafe located at the Terlingua Ranch where we stayed. Walking back to our cabin, dawn lit up the area around us and we were amazed at the beauty of our surroundings.

As we drove on the 17-mile road back to Hwy 118, we noticed a row of mailboxes lined up for all the residents on the street. It’s actually a pretty efficient way to deliver mail and newspapers. Since we had arrived after dark the previous evening, we couldn’t see many of our surroundings. (more…)

Read more about the article Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the Seas

Our ship was Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the Seas. Although older than most ships in the fleet, it offered everything we wanted.

First of all, I liked that there were only about 2,000 passengers on board. Every once in a while we started recognizing people just walking around. In addition to the gym with treadmills, machines and weights, an outdoor track wrapped around the upper deck above the pool area.

(more…)

Read more about the article One Day in Lake Como, Italy
Varenna

One Day in Lake Como, Italy

Staying with our theme of one-day trips, we visited Lake Como on the way from Genoa to Venice. I’m so glad we did! With the Alps as a backdrop, the villages along the lake offered relaxing views of Italy’s third largest lake.

We started our exploration of the area at the town of Varenna since we watched a Rick Steves show touting the small town. The 800-resident village (or commune) sits on the eastern side of the lake about mid-section from the uppermost ends. (more…)