Ace of Spades HQ

April 12, 2014

Weekend Travel Thread: Survival Edition [Y-not]
— Open Blogger

Welcome to your Weekend Travel Thread.

Today's thread is brought to you by "Are you gonna eat that?"

Apparently, no matter how careful you are when you're traveling, you're likely to have picked up some sort of Killer Bacterium along the way:

a new study just published in EuroSurveillance, the peer-reviewed journal of EuropeÂ’s equivalent of the CDC, raises the possibility that even if you are doing the right thing, you could pick up some very nasty stuff while youÂ’re abroad Â— and that what you bring back could endanger not only you, but others around you as well. A team of French researchers reports that healthy travelers who had no contact with foreign medical systems brought back extremely drug-resistant bacteria, probably just from drinking water, and that the bacteria persisted in their guts for at least two months after they came home.

File this under 'time to find a new travel agent' -- Stories of Survival Against All Odds:

Steven Callahan
Setting sail from the Canary Islands towards the Caribbean in a small sailboat, StevenÂ’s boat sank in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and he was left adrift for 76 days. He eventually made landfall in the Bahamas.

Somehow, I am reminded of Tom Baker's character in Blackadder II:

Suffering from jet lag? There's an App for that:

The app works based on two mathematical models that describe circadian rhythms. The models are outlined in a study published today (April 10) in the journal PLOS Computational Biology.
"Overcoming jet lag is fundamentally a math problem, and we've calculated the optimal way of doing it," said study author Danny Forger, a professor at the University of Michigan.
The app designs lighting schedules for its users, based on their itinerary. All of the schedules follow a basic rule: You should be exposed to the brightest light possible at one point during the day and to darkness at another point.

Hostile hostel guest:

OK, which one of you morons left this note?

Travel horror stories:

Â“It smelled like sour milk, cheap wine and feet.Â” Links to really bad TripAdvisor Reviews, including this gem:

To call this a Â‘fleabagÂ’ B&B would be an unconscionable insult to both fleas and bags everywhere. In my 25 years of business travel, I have never experienced such a consistently, depressingly mediocre property.

Sounds like a satisfied customer. Wonder if he's ever stayed at Fawlty Towers?

To wrap things up, courtesy of CNN here's a list of travel-related songs. Some hits, some misses imho.

It didn't make their list, but I've always liked this one:

Really evokes the spirit of driving along an empty highway for me.

Have any of you hit the road this week?

Posted by: Open Blogger at 05:24 AM | Comments (206)
Post contains 465 words, total size 4 kb.

1 Good morning! How about some content? Go ahead, you've earned it!

Posted by: Y-not at April 12, 2014 05:26 AM (zDsvJ)

2 MRAP with a .50 cal turret and flame thrower is what we use for weekend jaunts and around town.

Posted by: Federal Gestapo Family at April 12, 2014 05:33 AM (thLL8)

3 Have any of you hit the road this week? I went to the bank, to the grocery store, and to church. I did not get jet lag, pick up any tropical bacteria or fleas. However I did hear Dead Mans Curve on the radio.

Posted by: grammie winger at April 12, 2014 05:34 AM (oMKp3)

4 I understand Nevada is a popular place to visit.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 05:35 AM (aDwsi)

5 Oops. Forgot I went to the library twice. That put at least a mile and a half on my odometer.

Posted by: grammie winger at April 12, 2014 05:37 AM (oMKp3)

6 I travel very little anymore. The last pleasure trip of any distance I made was to Disney World in Orlando. That was over 20 years ago. The actual last trip I made was to Benton Harbor, MI on buisness. That also was over 20 years ago.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at April 12, 2014 05:37 AM (T2V/1)

7 I went to Cloudland Canyon last weekend, should be heading to Tellulah Gorge next weekend (both state parks in GA). Posted some pics of Cloudland a Canyon on twitter @AOldDog216 if anyone's interested.

Posted by: Adam at April 12, 2014 05:38 AM (Aif/5)

8 To call this a Â‘fleabagÂ’ B&B would be an unconscionable insult to both fleas and bags everywhere. In my 25 years of business travel, I have never experienced such a consistently, depressingly mediocre property. -------------------------------- Heh. Had reservations at a historic property in Charleston (If you have to ask , "Which Charleston?", then stop reading). Checked in. Got to the room and there was black mold over several square feet of the ceiling..., and water actively dripping. We got another room, but it rather affected my view of the place.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 05:40 AM (aDwsi)

9 7 I went to Cloudland Canyon last weekend, should be heading to Tellulah Gorge next weekend (both state parks in GA).

GA has the best State parks in the union.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at April 12, 2014 05:41 AM (T2V/1)

10 Have any of you hit the road this week? -------------------- I am going to hit the road this week. It's time to patch the asphalt driveway.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 05:42 AM (aDwsi)

11 I hear the Bundy Ranch is a great Dude Ranch experience. Their website is down and their phone is disconnected right now but I'm sure that they just forgot to pay the bill or something.

Posted by: lindafell at April 12, 2014 05:42 AM (PGO8C)

12 For economical reasons ( poor ) I keep my trips as short & as frugal as I can. Mostly to the foot of the Torass Causeway.

Posted by: backhoe at April 12, 2014 05:43 AM (ULH4o)

13 We blew our travel budget (and then some) rushing back to Maryland and not only did we not get lousy t-shirts, but we both caught colds. So I'll take driving around Utah with the top down as my travel for the rest of the year!

Posted by: Y-not at April 12, 2014 05:44 AM (zDsvJ)

Cherry blossoms are a bloom'n and that means one thing: forget about using the Metro. I'm just glad I don't need to reload my fare card. That count as a post about travel?

Posted by: dudenolongerinsantacruz at April 12, 2014 05:44 AM (I7p2r)

15 I want to go to Ringgold GA based on a story I saw in the WSJ the other day. Guy opened a Civil War relic/souvenir shop in anticipation of a 150th anniversary surge in interest. Apparently, the crowds never materialized and now he's got all sorts of inventory he can't move. I want a piece of a CW uniform, maybe some letters. I've gotten stuff online before, but I really want to pick my stuff in person.

Posted by: Lincolntf at April 12, 2014 05:44 AM (ZshNr)

16 GA has the best State parks in the union. Posted by: Vic ---------------- Perhaps. There are several nice State Parks in WV. While I enjoy camping, it is nice to have a lodge available, and all the better if it is rustic.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 05:44 AM (aDwsi)

17 I never go anywhere and I'm okay with that

Posted by: CanaDave at April 12, 2014 05:45 AM (kI5Xp)

18 Plan to ride the Magruder Corridor at the end of June on the KTM then on to Glacier NP for a week.

Posted by: Federal Gestapo Family at April 12, 2014 05:46 AM (thLL8)

19 16 Perhaps. There are several nice State Parks in WV. While I enjoy camping, it is nice to have a lodge available, and all the better if it is rustic.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 09:44 AM (aDwsi)

The State Parks in GA have lodges, as well as camper and tent sites.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at April 12, 2014 05:46 AM (T2V/1)

20 I want to go to Ringgold GA based on a story I saw in the WSJ the other day. Guy opened a Civil War relic/souvenir shop ... ------------------- Well, if he is still alive, and if the shop is still open, Wild Man Dent's place is an interesting visit. Kennesaw, GA Here's a peek: http://wildmans-shop.com/

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 05:47 AM (aDwsi)

21 Cherry blossoms are a bloom'n and that means one thing: forget about using the Metro. I'm just glad I don't need to reload my fare card. That count as a post about travel? -- Yes, yes it does! I have fond memories of going to look at the cherry blossoms when I grew up outside DC. BTW, gardening thread will be up a bit later today. I had this one ready (formatted) first so that's why it went up.

Posted by: Y-not at April 12, 2014 05:47 AM (zDsvJ)

22 Interesting. In May my wife & I are driving her moms car from Arizona back to wisconsin. I hope it goes smoothly

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at April 12, 2014 05:48 AM (HVff2)

23 Vic I honestly didn't know we had anything as awesome as Cloudland Canyon here until I started looking into the state park system. I've got several future destinations now.

Posted by: Adam at April 12, 2014 05:48 AM (Aif/5)

24 BTW, most also have single cabin sites. But it helps if you have a boat.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at April 12, 2014 05:49 AM (T2V/1)

25 Plan to ride the Magruder Corridor at the end of June on the KTM then on to Glacier NP for a week. Posted by: Federal ------------------- Oooo. Sounds very nice. I'm envious. Just got the Triumph inspected, and will be doing some overnight camping trips before summer heat sets in.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 05:49 AM (aDwsi)

26 19?
Vic?

During some hurricane threat- can't recall which one. The late Miss Emily offered Honey Creeks camping facilities open to anyone for free.

Posted by: backhoe at April 12, 2014 05:50 AM (ULH4o)

27 MA State parks can vary wildly in quality/character. Nickerson State Park on the Cape is the jewel of the system. I have people coming up this summer, staying in a Nickerson yurt for a week. The yurts are basically cabins, with bunk beds, a skylight, electricity. The park itself is woods, pine forest, kettle ponds, deer, turkey, etc. Swimming and fishing are both great. Crystal clear water.

Posted by: Lincolntf at April 12, 2014 05:50 AM (ZshNr)

28 anybody ever read any of Paul Theroux s travel books? kind of an "around the world in a foul mood" thing. he goes to places both awful and interesting, writes very well. I think his brother does the same. a good start is any of them, but Riding the Iron Rooster is about train travel in China.

Posted by: Bigby's Knuckle Sandwich at April 12, 2014 05:51 AM (Cq0oW)

29 Pass the crickets.

Posted by: Bear Grylls at April 12, 2014 05:52 AM (zDsvJ)

30 Travel and food-born illness? I was hoping this was the prelude to an announcement that Bourdain died after feasting on raw rat liver while on a jaunt to Crimea. Oh well.

Posted by: fairweatherbill deerslayer at April 12, 2014 05:52 AM (6vob/)

31 28 anybody ever read any of Paul Theroux s travel books? kind of an "around the world in a foul mood" thing. -- Funny you should mention that. I almost did today's thread on travel books. I used to read the genre a lot, although I'm not familiar with that author. Loved Bryson's Notes from a Small Island, though.

Posted by: Y-not at April 12, 2014 05:53 AM (zDsvJ)

32 I will definitely stop at Wild man's if I'm nearby. That's exactly the Ind of stuff I'm looking for.

Posted by: Lincolntf at April 12, 2014 05:53 AM (ZshNr)

33 oh and... HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY BIGBY you guys were part of it when Nate came along early last year and were a help during the time he was in the NICU. doing great and sleeping now, party tomorrow

Posted by: Bigby's Knuckle Sandwich at April 12, 2014 05:55 AM (+my/X)

34 Save some content for the ONTs. Sheesh.

Posted by: Phinn, founder of the Scottish Immigration Activist Front at April 12, 2014 05:56 AM (i5GO4)

35 Best Dang Travel Song Ever in the Whole World

Sawyer Brown: "Six Days on the Road and I'ma Gonna Make It Home Tonight"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoWb_QxYDM0

Don't even bother arguing with me about that.

Posted by: grammie winger at April 12, 2014 05:56 AM (oMKp3)

36 we're going to have the party in a park so not off topic. it has a trout hatchery where huge brown trout jump out for popcorn. good travel destinations for a one year old, i think

Posted by: Bigby's Knuckle Sandwich at April 12, 2014 05:57 AM (R69UW)

37 The note wasn't me, I'm told I sound like a jackhammer when I snore.

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) (No Really!) at April 12, 2014 05:57 AM (HDwDg)

38 Here is what the cabins at the Little Ocmulgee State park near McCrae look like.

http://www.cyburbia.org/gallery/data/6292/medium/DSC01780_2_.JPG

Posted by: Vic[/i] at April 12, 2014 05:58 AM (T2V/1)

39 In Georgia, I have camped and rented cabins at Black Rock Mountain State Park. http://gastateparks.org/BlackRockMountain/gallery The park is at the top of the mountain. Wonderful views. Most importantly, the Dillard House Restaurant is only about 15 minutes away: http://www.dillardhouse.com/restaurant/index.php

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 05:58 AM (aDwsi)

40 I always considered hostels to be half a step above hobo encampments. If you don't want to be kept awake by a stranger snoring all night, get a private room. Managing expectations folks.

Posted by: S. Muldoon at April 12, 2014 05:59 AM (MKpBT)

41 Those GA cabins are bigger than our Cape cottage.

Posted by: Lincolntf at April 12, 2014 06:00 AM (ZshNr)

42 I will definitely stop at Wild man's if I'm nearby. That's exactly the Ind of stuff I'm looking for. Posted by: Lincolntf ---------------------------- As long as I knew the guy, approx. 20 years, he always carried a Colt Navy on his hip. Probably still does.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 06:01 AM (aDwsi)

43 Those GA cabins are bigger than our Cape cottage -------- I've never been to Ringgold, but based on other towns in the N. GA mountains, if you don't want to stay in a Motel 6 type place a cabin in a state park nearby is probably your best bet.

Posted by: Adam at April 12, 2014 06:03 AM (Aif/5)

44 I always considered hostels to be half a step above hobo encampments. If you don't want to be kept awake by a stranger ~~snoring all night,~~ having a one night stand in the bed below get a private room. Managing expectations folks. Posted by: S. Muldoon at April 12, 2014 09:59 AM (MKpBT) FTFY based on a story of a friend. I traveled around Spain in high school as part of a trip a teacher ran. (May god rest his soul.) What we stayed in was referred to as "hostels" but was really more like "Bed and Breakfasts." I shared a room with other people on the trip with us, but only 2 to a room (so not unlike any other trip on the cheap, sharing hotel rooms.) A few of them had a shared bathroom (by which I mean a 1 person bathroom shared among a few rooms.) I'd do that again, but with my luck I'd probably end up in one of the shitty group hostels instead of the nicer places if I tried to plan it myself.

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) (No Really!) at April 12, 2014 06:03 AM (HDwDg)

45 An essential part of what my husband and I do on trips is shop in the local grocery stores. We're just back from a short jaunt into British Columbia, and my husband is still making his way through Cadbury chocolate delicacies unknown to Southern California. Yesterday he bit down on a Crunchum and saw God.

Posted by: Sister Sestina at April 12, 2014 06:04 AM (LtUE0)

46 I will definitely stop at Wild man's if I'm nearby. That's exactly the Ind of stuff I'm looking for. Posted by: Lincolntf ------------------ Just remember, Kennesaw law *requires* residents to be armed. So, it's a sink-hole of crime. Oh, wait...., actually, there is almost NO crime. Weird.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 06:04 AM (aDwsi)

47 Whoo, saved from the barrel, I should have known better than to try fancy formatting. In any case Mrs. tsr and I are planning a weekend trip to Chicago today for sometime in June. Cheap weakend trip, we're cashing in the hotel points to make this work and taking the train up there.

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) (No Really!) at April 12, 2014 06:04 AM (HDwDg)

48 We usually have our family reunions at that GA State Park. But a word to the wise, the last time I stayed there the cabin was full of fleas. Pets are forbidden in the cabins but some people are just hardheaded.

You also have to reserve those cabins early in the year and they will not take any reservations until the start of the year. The cabins are in short supply and they go quick.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at April 12, 2014 06:04 AM (T2V/1)

Posted by: Adam at April 12, 2014 06:04 AM (Aif/5)

50 FUCK I thought I was safe

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) (No Really!) at April 12, 2014 06:05 AM (HDwDg)

51 barrel

Posted by: Vic[/i] at April 12, 2014 06:05 AM (T2V/1)

52 Roll out the barrel....

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 06:05 AM (aDwsi)

53 47 Whoo, saved from the barrel, I should have known better than to try fancy formatting. Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) (No Really!) at April 12, 2014 10:04 AM (HDwDg) ============ Nice try tsrblke, but from where I'm typing it's the barrel for you. And I shudder at the thought of what a barrel's like on a travel thread....

Posted by: Sister Sestina at April 12, 2014 06:06 AM (LtUE0)

54 I was told by a ranger, and by the website, that the only way to be sure I'd get a yurt was to call at 12:01 AM exactly six months prior to the day I wanted to begin our stay. So in December, I stayed up all night and got the reservation. Still only got my second choice.

Posted by: Lincolntf at April 12, 2014 06:08 AM (ZshNr)

55 36 we're going to have the party in a park so not off topic. it has a trout hatchery where huge brown trout jump out for popcorn. good travel destinations for a one year old, i think --- That sounds awesome! Where? I used to enjoy (way out of proportion with how good it actually was) the "fish ladders" in New England (Windsor Locks?). Happy Birthday, Baby Bigby.

Posted by: Y-not at April 12, 2014 06:09 AM (zDsvJ)

56 Just got the Triumph inspected... Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 09:49 AM (aDwsi) Motorcycle or car?

Posted by: ExSnipe at April 12, 2014 06:09 AM (hzpoi)

57 And I shudder at the thought of what a barrel's like on a travel thread.... Posted by: Sister Prediction : Black mold, and snoring noise. On the other hand, one can always get reservations..

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 06:09 AM (aDwsi)

58 Posted by: Sister Sestina at April 12, 2014 10:06 AM (LtUE0) I have nightmares. My nic wasn't bolded so I thought I was safe. I think it's time to start the MWR trick of adding shit to my nic to prevent hat.

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) (No Really!) [/b] [/i] [/s] at April 12, 2014 06:11 AM (HDwDg)

59 45 An essential part of what my husband and I do on trips is shop in the local grocery stores. -- We do that, too!

Posted by: Y-not at April 12, 2014 06:11 AM (zDsvJ)

60 Ex : 2001 Sprint RS, looks like: http://www.motofoto.es/fotos/2088/big-triumph-sprint-rs-141849.jpg

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 06:11 AM (aDwsi)

61 Unfortunately, it was recently announced that Mrs. Faulty, aka, Prunella Scales, is suffering from Altzheimer.

Posted by: Rowan Atkinson at April 12, 2014 06:12 AM (8c12T)

62 58 Posted by: Sister Sestina at April 12, 2014 10:06 AM (LtUE0) I have nightmares. My nic wasn't bolded so I thought I was safe. I think it's time to start the MWR trick of adding shit to my nic to prevent hat. Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) (No Really!) at April 12, 2014 10:11 AM (HDwDg) ============= I think nicks are not quite subject to the laws of Pixy. For example they've got no problems with ampersands.

Posted by: Sister Sestina at April 12, 2014 06:15 AM (LtUE0)

63 Just got the Triumph inspected... Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 09:49 AM (aDwsi) Motorcycle or car? **** Neither- comic insult dog.

Posted by: Seamus M. at April 12, 2014 06:15 AM (MKpBT)

64 Just a pro tip. NEVER use Hotel.com. There rating of their "hotels" are pure fiction. There is a reason the rate is cheap, the "hotel" is a dump. Usually the "hotel" doesn't want your Hotel.com business, because they don't pay them shit, which means you get the worst room they have. The website SUCKS.

Posted by: Nip Sip at April 12, 2014 06:16 AM (0FSuD)

65 How can any list of travel songs not include "King of the Road"?

Posted by: Semi-engaged scroller at April 12, 2014 06:16 AM (/cUUk)

66 Travel? Have you seen the price of a gallon of gas or diesel lately? Gas has rocketed up to $3.47/gal from $3.04 in three weeks around here and from my ground travels I know this was somewhat in the middle of the range.

Posted by: Gmac-Pondering the coming implosion, and hoping its 404care at April 12, 2014 06:17 AM (baiNQ)

67 65 How can any list of travel songs not include "King of the Road"? Posted by: Semi-engaged scroller at April 12, 2014 10:16 AM (/cUUk) ========= Because it's a crappy-ass list? My shock was no "Radar Love".

Posted by: Sister Sestina at April 12, 2014 06:18 AM (LtUE0)

68 Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 10:11 AM (aDwsi) I've always thought the Bonneville 750s are the most beautiful looking and best sounding bikes ever made.

Posted by: ExSnipe at April 12, 2014 06:18 AM (hzpoi)

69 Suffering from jet lag? There's an App for that: Meh. No need for all that. Just take off your shoes and make little fists with your toes on the carpet.

Posted by: John McClane at April 12, 2014 06:19 AM (AHzA7)

70 Most of our travel is by car (P/U truck usually) either for work or within the state to spend time in the mountains or see family. Won't be doing much more than that for a while, as we have new puppy. Wearing me out! We ARE accepting naming suggestions. Winning entry receives a 3 month supply of lightly used ampersands. Puppy pic in my nic.

Posted by: Seamus M. at April 12, 2014 06:19 AM (MKpBT)

71 The State Parks in GA have lodges, as well as camper and tent sites. Posted by: Vic at April 12, 2014 09:46 AM (T2V/1) KY has some really nice parks. I've stayed at this park and it is a resort in the middle of nowhere. http://tinyurl.com/nd96ta2

Posted by: Nip Sip at April 12, 2014 06:20 AM (0FSuD)

72 Posted by: Nip Sip at April 12, 2014 10:16 AM (0FSuD) Priceline has a similar issue. There are "criteria" for reaching each star rating but the criteria are somewhat odd and some smaller hotels design themselves to hit those criteria upping themselves a star. So last time the wife and I were Chicago we stayed in a hotel that wasn't *bad* per say, but it also was probably a bit over priced given the side of the room (tiny as shit, barely big enough for the bed.) But priceline rated it as a 3-star because it had a "Spa" (but the spa was never open, appointments had to be scheduled a bit in advance) and a restaurant (meh, also only open for dinner.) Lots of reviews on line said they came via priceline so I think that was the bulk of this hotel's business, and they played right to it.

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) (No Really!) [/b] [/i] [/s] at April 12, 2014 06:20 AM (HDwDg)

73 Another travel song, "500 Miles." If you miss the train I'm on You will know that I am gone, You can hear the whistle blow 500 miles.

Posted by: Semi-engaged scroller at April 12, 2014 06:20 AM (/cUUk)

74 Since dogs have been inserted in the commentary. I was amused by this because our little dog is named Sophie, and she is always so happy to see us when we've been out of the house for the day: http://www.gocomics.com/dogeatdoug/2014/04/11

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 06:21 AM (aDwsi)

75 Turn off the courtesy light, please. I'm trying to eat my balut!

Posted by: Cicero Kid at April 12, 2014 06:21 AM (Fp7JI)

76 Hey Y-Not, Maybe you could do a travel thread on how to travel with pets, children and other dangerous critters.

Posted by: Seamus M. at April 12, 2014 06:22 AM (MKpBT)

77 Plan to ride the Magruder Corridor at the end of June on the KTM then on to Glacier NP for a week. Posted by: Federal Gestapo Family at April 12, 2014 09:46 AM (thLL

If it's open, Going to the Sun road in Glacier NP is one of the best roads for scenery.

Posted by: ExSnipe at April 12, 2014 06:22 AM (hzpoi)

78 "Lots of reviews on line said they came via priceline so I think that was the bulk of this hotel's business, and they played right to it." Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) (No Really!) at April 12, 2014 10:20 AM (HDwDg) The reviews at Trip Advisor are about the most accurate and honest.

Posted by: jwest at April 12, 2014 06:22 AM (u2a4R)

79 Vic and Mike, either one of you ever eat at Laprades (sp?)?

Posted by: Adam at April 12, 2014 06:23 AM (Aif/5)

80 Puppy pic in my nic. Posted by: Seamus M. at April 12, 2014 10:19 AM SQUEEEE!!!! Is it a Bernese Mountain Dog?

Posted by: Y-not at April 12, 2014 06:23 AM (zDsvJ)

81 We are going kayak camping into Lobster lake Maine late June ( 4 days) and will probably go into the Machias lake area for a couple of long weekends, tenting with the yaks but working out of the truck. Then maybe a 9 day up to PEI or Magdolian Island.

Posted by: NativeNH at April 12, 2014 06:23 AM (zM26B)

82 Cowboy Junkies, Miles from Our Home, because Margo Timmins and her lush vocals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cjw9G8QT1x0

Posted by: huerfano at April 12, 2014 06:23 AM (bAGA/)

83 The reviews at Trip Advisor are about the most accurate and honest. Yes. I have verified this to be a true statement.

Posted by: Cicero Kid at April 12, 2014 06:24 AM (Fp7JI)

84 >>Maybe you could do a travel thread on how to travel with pets, children and other dangerous critters. Good idea!

Posted by: Y-not at April 12, 2014 06:24 AM (zDsvJ)

85 I've always thought the Bonneville 750s are the most beautiful looking and best sounding bikes ever made. Posted by: ExSnipe -------------------- Absolute classics of design, no question. The Enfield, and Norton fanbois will quibble about it, but I'm OK with any of them.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 06:24 AM (aDwsi)

86 Maybe you could do a travel thread on how to travel with pets, children and other dangerous critters. ---------------------- Valium

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 06:25 AM (aDwsi)

87 The reviews at Trip Advisor are about the most accurate and honest. with one caveat: anyone that complains of bugs in a room in the Philippines is a travel novice. Ignore those reviews.

Posted by: Cicero Kid at April 12, 2014 06:25 AM (Fp7JI)

88 #67 It is indeed a crappy list, probably compiled by some youngster who geared it toward other 20 somethings who disdain and are ignorant of pop music history. Just thought of another great travel song: You Belong to Me: See the pyramids along the Nile, Watch a sunrise from a tropic isle... Fly the ocean in a silver plane, See a jungle when it's wet with rain...

Posted by: Semi-engaged scroller at April 12, 2014 06:25 AM (/cUUk)

89 86 Maybe you could do a travel thread on how to travel with pets, children and other dangerous critters. ---------------------- Valium Benedryl

Posted by: grammie winger at April 12, 2014 06:25 AM (oMKp3)

90 I notices someone mentioned Charleston up thread. If you want to visit the old city stay at the Marriott on Lockwood drive and then take a cab to downtown.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at April 12, 2014 06:26 AM (T2V/1)

91 All ur ranch r belong to uz!

Posted by: Harry Reid and his magic solar farms at April 12, 2014 06:26 AM (AymDN)

92 Speaking of cheap travel, seems like Utah is a very popular place for folks who like to cruise on motorcycles. Even with gas prices, I imagine that's a pretty affordable way to go.

Posted by: Y-not at April 12, 2014 06:26 AM (zDsvJ)

93 I think most hotels chains now have a match price guarantee so I usually just call my member's card. Amazing how much you can beat them down. You get 10% immediately for have a AAA card, then you start from there. I also don't hesitate to inspect a room BEFORE I take my shit to the room. Always ask for a room AWAY from the elevator and as high up as possible. Still no guarantee. I stayed at a Marriott Courtyard in Clemson two weekends ago, nice room on elite floor, BUT when the lady next door coughed, you could hear her husband say "god bless you". Thinnest walls in the world. No hotel sex for me.

Posted by: Nip Sip at April 12, 2014 06:26 AM (0FSuD)

94 55 powder mills park in ny

Posted by: Bigby's Knuckle Sandwich at April 12, 2014 06:26 AM (Cq0oW)

95 Is it a Bernese Mountain Dog? Posted by: Y-not at April 12, 2014 10:23 AM (zDsvJ) **** He's a bouncing baby three-month-old Australian Shepherd. Standard tri-color pattern. We've had him for three days.

Posted by: Seamus M. at April 12, 2014 06:26 AM (MKpBT)

96 >>with one caveat: anyone that complains of bugs in a room in the Philippines is a travel novice. Free snacks!

Posted by: Bear Grylls at April 12, 2014 06:26 AM (zDsvJ)

97 87 with one caveat: anyone that complains of bugs in a room in the Philippines is a travel novice. Ignore those reviews.

Posted by: Cicero Kid at April 12, 2014 10:25 AM (Fp7JI)

I have seen cockroaches in hotels there as big a large rat.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at April 12, 2014 06:27 AM (T2V/1)

98 Vic and Mike, either one of you ever eat at Laprades (sp?)? Posted by: Adam -------------------- Oh, yes. And stayed there in cabins.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 06:27 AM (aDwsi)

99 Posted by: jwest at April 12, 2014 10:22 AM (u2a4R) Yeah that's probably where the reviews I read came from. As I said, it wasn't an awful hotel (I've stayed in worse) and for downtown Chicago, the price may have been OK. But the rooms were tiny and the amenities passable at best. (The bathroom looked like it hadn't been updated since the 1920s.

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) (No Really!) [/b] [/i] [/s] at April 12, 2014 06:27 AM (HDwDg)

100 Morning, all! We went to Burbank, CA last week and did a lot of Hollywood stuff (at the kid's request).Could probably quote most of the Universal Studios Transformers ride dialogue. Also visited Santa Monica and drove Pacific Coast Highway. Beautiful! Road trip song I love: Tom Petty's "Runnin Down a Dream" Never gets old.

Posted by: Lizzy at April 12, 2014 06:27 AM (gzJJ2)

101 He's a bouncing baby three-month-old Australian Shepherd. Standard tri-color pattern. We've had him for three days. --- That was my second guess. Congrats!

Posted by: Y-not at April 12, 2014 06:28 AM (zDsvJ)

102 98 Vic and Mike, either one of you ever eat at Laprades (sp?)?

Posted by: Adam
--------------------

Oh, yes. And stayed there in cabins.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 10:27 AM (aDwsi)

Not familiar with that place so no.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at April 12, 2014 06:29 AM (T2V/1)

103 yard work time! baby woke up, so shift change heh

Posted by: Bigby's Knuckle Sandwich at April 12, 2014 06:29 AM (xZCag)

104 He's a bouncing baby three-month-old Australian Shepherd. Standard tri-color pattern. We've had him for three days. Posted by: Seamus --------------- Oh you poor sap. Thus begins..., The Tyranny Of The Dog. Oh, it's easily worth it...., but that doesn't diminish the reality.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 06:29 AM (aDwsi)

105 I have seen cockroaches in hotels there as big a large rat. Posted by: Vic at April 12, 2014 10:27 AM (T2V/1) Some of their cousins live in my guest house.

Posted by: Nip Sip at April 12, 2014 06:29 AM (0FSuD)

106 Valium Benadryl Posted by: grammie winger at April 12, 2014 10:25 AM (oMKp3) **** Dosing suggestions? For you or the kid/pet/critter? Soporific dose or lethal dose? Oral or injectable? Do you have to wrap the pill in cheese to get the kid to swallow it?

Posted by: Seamus M. at April 12, 2014 06:29 AM (MKpBT)

107 Oh, yes. And stayed there in cabins. ------ Unfortunately they closed the original family style restaurant but a couple of years ago they reopened it with a different atmosphere. Haven't tried it yet but I doubt it will be as good as the original.

Posted by: Adam at April 12, 2014 06:29 AM (Aif/5)

108 >>Maybe you could do a travel thread on how to travel with pets, children and other dangerous critters. Years ago when my sister was pregnant with her first child, she said she was planning a 10 day trip to London with the kid about 6 months after the due date. I told her she should try a trip to Target first, just to see how that goes.

Posted by: jwest at April 12, 2014 06:30 AM (u2a4R)

109 Adam...., hold it. Do you mean the *original* LaPrades, or the new yuppie spot?

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 06:31 AM (aDwsi)

110 Adam - Ok. I was speaking of the original place.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 06:32 AM (aDwsi)

111 A JONI MITCHELL vid linked on the legendary AOSHQ?

At least it wasn't Mitchell's "Chelsea Morning", because that would be cruel and unusual punishment.

Posted by: mrp at April 12, 2014 06:32 AM (JBggj)

112 Missus Muldoon & I traveled to Fairbanks from Colorado back in the day, with six kids and two dogs, car camping along the way at various private or national park campsites. The tape deck road song that ingrained itself in our brains during that two weeks was "Poncho & Lefty" To this day our kids hate that song. "Living on the road, my friend, is gonna keep you free & clean..."

Posted by: Seamus M. at April 12, 2014 06:33 AM (MKpBT)

113 @111 A JONI MITCHELL vid linked on the legendary AOSHQ? Yeah, I knew I'd catch crap for that. In my defense, it's a clip from The Last Waltz, which I believe is Moron Approved Viewing.

Posted by: Y-not at April 12, 2014 06:33 AM (zDsvJ)

114 The county is re-asphalting stretches of my 5-mile daily commute. It really is amazing, how swiftly the final top is applied. That's my travel area. Foreign places, foreigners, crowds of locals, public places, all are cesspools of disease and bacteria and bad attitudes out to git ya. TSA, militarized highway patrolsoldiers, gas prices, road ragers, drunken invaders, and bandits abounding in our lawlessening world also make travel more adventurous than teasing Smaug. Virtual travel seems a good candidate for Next Big Thing. Twenty years (maybe?) ago I stood in one of those VR immersion games, belt, helmet, all that. Remarkable for concept proof, lo-res, slo-response & all. And I've "stood next to" and "talked with" a fellow who said he was in China, in Second Life. In a world filled with amazing creations. And attended some live concerts. As immersion tech gets better, faster, cheaper, home-level, Wal-Mart available, people will travel anywhere, and anywhen, for that matter, virtually, avoiding travel like folks with good home theaters avoid the cinema houses. Substitute for wind in your hair and smell of salt sea spray? Never. We're not talking Holodecks here. You could get vertigo parasailing virtually, though, without the potential for too hard a landing, and no beach tar or smelly fellow humans being disease vectors. Bradbury imagined living rooms designed with immersion television walls. At least people together in a room like that could still interact normally. The reality will be people jacked in, in pods. Hm. I didn't know that would be my destination when I stepped out the door back there. Think I'll go take a walk. Safe travels, y'all!

Posted by: mindful webworker persona at home at April 12, 2014 06:33 AM (Ryac4)

115 Dosing suggestions? For you or the kid/pet/critter? - Try kids/critters first. Soporific dose or lethal dose? - Start with soporific. Oral or injectable? - Tablets should work, but having a back-up dart gun is prudent. Do you have to wrap the pill in cheese to get the kid to swallow it? - Crush into orange juice. Cheese works fine for dogs. posted by: Seamus

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 06:35 AM (aDwsi)

116 Valium Benadryl Posted by: grammie winger at April 12, 2014 10:25 AM (oMKp3) Duct Tape

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at April 12, 2014 06:36 AM (AHzA7)

117 Duct Tape Posted by: IllTemperedCur at April 12, 2014 10:36 AM (AHzA7) **** I've found that's the best way to keep the kids attached to the hood.

Posted by: Seamus M. at April 12, 2014 06:38 AM (MKpBT)

118 "Living on the road, my friend, is gonna keep you free & clean..." Posted by: Seamus ------------- Hmm. Townes Van Zandt Emmy Lou Willie Nelson I do dearly like Emmy Lou's version the best.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 06:39 AM (aDwsi)

119 Bathrooms? The old Atlanta American where my first wife & I always stayed on buying trips had most straight out of the 1920's. It was amusing.

Posted by: backhoe at April 12, 2014 06:39 AM (ULH4o)

120 To the hostel letter guy: 2 words EAR PLUGS Get a good set of silicone ear plugs and you can sleep through pretty much anything.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at April 12, 2014 06:39 AM (0LHZx)

121 Benadryl, definitely. When they're a little but older, Starbursts - kept my son's mouth busy and prevented ear problems during takeoff/landing.

Posted by: Lizzy at April 12, 2014 06:39 AM (gzJJ2)

122 112 Missus Muldoon & I traveled to Fairbanks from Colorado back in the day, with six kids and two dogs, car camping along the way at various private or national park campsites. The tape deck road song that ingrained itself in our brains during that two weeks was "Poncho & Lefty" Sir you and the Mrs are guaranteed admission to heaven.

Posted by: Nip Sip at April 12, 2014 06:40 AM (0FSuD)

123 Benadryl also comes in those quick dissolve strips, which would probably make things easier with kids and dogs.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at April 12, 2014 06:40 AM (AHzA7)

124 But duct tape doesn't work well for a pet, at least a mammalian pet. Removing the tape is like the waxing scene with Steve Carrell in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin".

Posted by: Seamus M. at April 12, 2014 06:40 AM (MKpBT)

125 Get a good set of silicone ear plugs and you can sleep through pretty much anything. Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at April 12, 2014 10:39 AM (0LHZx) This is true. I take them on every hunting and fishing trip. A pack of eight, to share.

Posted by: Nip Sip at April 12, 2014 06:41 AM (0FSuD)

126 Emmy Lou, live. Damn look how young she is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMPydiR4NaQ

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 06:41 AM (aDwsi)

127 The reality will be people jacked in, in pods. Hm. I didn't know that would be my destination when I stepped out the door back there. Think I'll go take a walk. Safe travels, y'all! Posted by: mindful webworker persona at home at April 12, 2014 10:33 AM (Ryac4) Your welcome for the lady in redÂ…

Posted by: Mouse at April 12, 2014 06:42 AM (AymDN)

128 I travel often for both business and pleasure. On average I'm on the road 20-25 weeks a year. When I first started work after college, I was on the road 35-40 weeks a year. It was an amazing time being young, single, an expense account. I pretty much saw the world on someone else's dime. And having done all that travel I learned quickly that you can't let any of the bullshit bother you. Yes flights will be delayed and cancelled. Yes hotel rooms will sometimes be shitty. Yes, cab drivers will rip you off. Yes car rental reservations don't mean shit (insert Jerry Seinfeld episode here), and yes you will be stuck next to a fat fuck who stinks for a 12 hour flight to Asia.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at April 12, 2014 06:43 AM (0LHZx)

129 Hammer- Townes VZ wrote it and I've heard him sing it in a couple different versions. I don't believe I've ever heard Emmylou Harris' version. We love her voice though, may have to look that one up.

Posted by: Seamus M. at April 12, 2014 06:43 AM (MKpBT)

130 My wife and I took a Princess Cruise to Alaska and when they tried to dock in Victoria the Ship hit Rocks, one of the propellers hit somthing because the whole damn ship Shook each time the props engaged. The Captain did not tell what was going on with the ship for more than 8 hours, finally at Midnight he made an announcement that the Ship hit rocks and we were being followed by tugs and everybody would miss their flights home. When we docked we watched all these buses show up with New passagers and the leave. What's funny is that this was a new ship.

Posted by: Patrick from Ohio at April 12, 2014 06:43 AM (b6koZ)

131 oh, thanks for the link.

Posted by: Seamus M. at April 12, 2014 06:44 AM (MKpBT)

132 Gordon Lightfoot. Steel Rail Blues: ---------------- Well I got my mail late last night A letter from a girl who found the time to write To her lonesome boy somewhere in the night She sent me a railroad ticket too to take me to her loving arms And the big steel rail gonna carry me home to the one I love Well I been out here many long days I haven't found a place that I could call my own Not a two bit bed to lay my body on I been stood up, I been shook down, I been dragged into the sand And the big steel rail gonna carry me home to the one I love Well I been up tight most every night Walking along the streets of this old town Not a friend around to tell my troubles to My good old car, she done broke down 'cause I drove it into the ground And the big steel rail gonna carry me home to the one I love Well look over yonder across the plain The big drive wheels a pounding along the ground Gonna get on board and I'll be homeward bound Now I ain't had a home cooked meal and Lord, I need one now And the big steel rail gonna carry me home to the one I love Now here I am with my head in my hand Standing on the broad highway, will you give a ride To a lonesome boy who missed the train last night? I went in town for one last round and I gambled my ticket away And the big steel rail won't carry me home to the one I love

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 06:45 AM (aDwsi)

133 And I shudder at the thought of what a barrel's like on a travel thread.... ---------- Depends - are you going to Niagara Falls? Might be fun.

Posted by: shredded chi at April 12, 2014 06:45 AM (5EV+l)

134 Seamus: The studio version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3LQeRqTBK4

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 06:47 AM (aDwsi)

135 we were driving to Vermont for a ski vacation with the young thunders. Traffic past NYC was awful, we were delayed and I got too drowsy to drive so we decided to find a hotel on the way for a nights sleep. We went to a place outside Albany called the Red Carpet Inn. OMG. Truckers and hooker galore. Horrible screaming and yelling all night. At one point a hooker was banging on our door. I stood sentry all night.

Posted by: thunderb at April 12, 2014 06:50 AM (zOTsN)

136 Here's a good travel song for when you're ready to go home: Robert Early Keen- "I'm Coming Home" http://tinyurl.com/ok8xyfo

Posted by: Seamus M. at April 12, 2014 06:51 AM (MKpBT)

137 "File this under 'time to find a new travel agent' -- Stories of Survival Against All Odds:" One of the stories listed is Ernest ShackletonÂ’s Expedition. PBS recently aired a 3 part series re-creating his sea voyage to South Georgia Island and his trek over the mountain to a whaling station. IIRC not a single Shackleton expedition member died. A was a real leader.

Posted by: ExSnipe at April 12, 2014 06:51 AM (hzpoi)

138 Heh. Trip to Vegas last year with a friend I hadn't seen in 30 years. We shared a room to save $$. He fell asleep in 0.02 seconds and immediately began snoring like it was an olympic event.

Ended up sleeping in the lobby.

Posted by: tangonine at April 12, 2014 06:51 AM (x3YFz)

139 Reuters article: "armed federal rangers to Nevada to seize his 1,000 head of cattle"

What the fuck, exactly, is an "armed federal ranger?"

Posted by: tangonine at April 12, 2014 06:51 AM (x3YFz)

140 It was an amazing time being young, single, an expense account. I pretty much saw the world on someone else's dime. Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at April 12, 2014 10:43 AM (0LHZx) Had the same experience. Promoted to VP at 27 for a really profitable privately held corporation, had a great time seeing the world. The CEO read an article about how foreign companies take advantage of U.S. firms in negotiations because their execs were jet lagged in meetings, so the other VP and I were ordered to spend at least one full day and night at the location before meeting. Lots of fun.

Posted by: jwest at April 12, 2014 06:53 AM (u2a4R)

141 When I travel with the family, we always rent a house or condo. It's usually price competitive with a hotel room or at most a little more expensive. But instead of a room, you get a 2 or 3 bedroom house/condo with a kitchen, which means you don't have to spend $$ eating out every meal.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at April 12, 2014 06:53 AM (0LHZx)

142 "He owes the American people $1 million, and he's telling us he's defending the Constitution? He's not defending anything for us," said Mark Potok, senior fellow with the Southern Poverty Law Center.

___

yeah because the SPLC is so credible.

Posted by: tangonine at April 12, 2014 06:53 AM (x3YFz)

143 they take all his cattle it is the same thing as the government seizing all your assets. Everything

Posted by: thunderb at April 12, 2014 06:54 AM (zOTsN)

144 We vacationed at the Outer Banks some years back. Fam get together. We all pitched in about $400 and got one of those 10 room mansions with elevator, pool, etc etc.

Was pretty awesome.

Posted by: tangonine at April 12, 2014 06:55 AM (x3YFz)

145 I spent considerable time on the road alone when I was in my 20's-early 30's. That left me with a head full of rather mournful/maudlin tunes. Another favorite, Bob Seegar - Turn the Page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAbY2cmEsS0

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 06:56 AM (aDwsi)

146 Gordon Lightfoot: Hi'way Songs http://tinyurl.com/m946kal

Posted by: ExSnipe at April 12, 2014 06:56 AM (hzpoi)

147 Me & Bobby McGee- there's a road song.

Posted by: Seamus M. at April 12, 2014 06:57 AM (MKpBT)

148 If you're gonna do a thread of travel with pets, also do a thread about those who travel with pets and claim they're service animals. On the Amtrak trip up to Seattle (no pets allowed) I came across 3 dogs -- a pit bull, what looked like a golden retriever/St Bernard mix, and a stocky chihuahua dressed in a polka-dotted two piece outfit. Only the second even had some attempt of a guide-dog sign/harness on it. No damn way they were all service animals. Mind you they all seemed very well behaved. But there were some long stretches between stops and I pitied their poor little bladders.

Posted by: Sister Sestina at April 12, 2014 06:57 AM (LtUE0)

149 We vacationed at the Outer Banks some years back. Fam get together. We all pitched in about $400 and got one of those 10 room mansions with elevator, pool, etc etc. Was pretty awesome. Posted by: tangonine ----------------- My problem with that is that the OBX is overrun with those places. If you want a place for two people, it is hard to come by. We have identified a couple of small beach front houses, but they still run $800+/week.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 06:58 AM (aDwsi)

150 One of my earliest memories is when we moved from MI down here to VA. I was maybe three - fourneighborhood nking od at the most. Dad was out to sea, Mom was driving the Vista Cruiser, with Dad's johnboat tied on top. Somewhere on the PA turnipike, the boat flew off the car. I'm grinning ear-to-ear right now thinking of that day... Mom in tears, four screaming kids in a station wagon - me yelling "daddy's boat! daddy's boat!" - yeah, road trips with the family make for the best memories.

Posted by: shredded chi at April 12, 2014 06:58 AM (5EV+l)

151 As far as I'm concerned, speaking from a certain perspective of age and having been to a lot of places, the best part of traveling has always been the notion of "coming home".

Posted by: Seamus M. at April 12, 2014 06:58 AM (MKpBT)

152 they take all his cattle it is the same thing as the government seizing all your assets. Everything

Posted by: thunderb at April 12, 2014 10:54 AM (zOTsN)

As a rancher... I'll just say this: I don't give a fuck who you are. You come to take my cattle, you need to have coroner on speed dial.

Posted by: tangonine at April 12, 2014 06:58 AM (x3YFz)

153 I hate autocorrect with a passion.

Posted by: shredded chi at April 12, 2014 06:59 AM (5EV+l)

154 "Have any of you hit the road this week"

1200 miles in the last two days. Central Wisconsin to Olathe, Kansas and back with a stop on the way home to the Airpower Museum near Ottumwa. I noticed in Iowa reststops that smoking is now illegal. They have charcoal grills for people to use but won't let you smoke. Fuck'n idiots.

Posted by: lowandslow at April 12, 2014 07:00 AM (IV4od)

155 Mom in tears, four screaming kids in a station wagon - me yelling "daddy's boat! daddy's boat!" - yeah, road trips with the family make for the best memories. Posted by: shredded chi at April 12, 2014 10:58 AM (5EV+l) *** Awesome story!!

Posted by: Seamus M. at April 12, 2014 07:00 AM (MKpBT)

156 the best part of traveling has always been the notion of "coming home".

Posted by: Seamus M. at April 12, 2014 10:58 AM (MKpBT)

A men.

We built our home, bought our land with the underlying principle that it needs to be where you'd go for a vacation. 7 years here and every morning I take the fuzzy critter out for her morning walk and feel like I'm cheating at life.

Epic view.

Posted by: tangonine at April 12, 2014 07:00 AM (x3YFz)

157 The CEO read an article about how foreign companies take advantage of U.S. firms in negotiations because their execs were jet lagged in meetings, so the other VP and I were ordered to spend at least one full day and night at the location before meeting. Lots of fun. Posted by: jwest at April 12, 2014 10:53 AM (u2a4R) ________________ I did that as well at my own request. Flying Sunday to Europe and then working on Monday is just insane. So I'd fly Saturday overnight, and just expense and extra day/night. Nobody ever denied the expense. The best times were in Asia...Singapore and Tokyo especially. Prices are obscene so nobody bats an eye at a $300 dinner. Never mind if $250 of that $300 is alcohol, it's just the cost of doing bidness.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at April 12, 2014 07:02 AM (0LHZx)

158 Truckers and hooker galore. Horrible screaming and yelling all night. At one point a hooker was banging on our door. I stood sentry all night. Posted by: thunderb at April 12, 2014 10:50 AM (zOTsN) If you'd of paid her, she wouldn't have been banging on your door. he he

Posted by: Nip Sip at April 12, 2014 07:03 AM (0FSuD)

159 We built our home, bought our land with the underlying principle that it needs to be where you'd go for a vacation. 7 years here and every morning I take the fuzzy critter out for her morning walk and feel like I'm cheating at life. Epic view. Posted by: tangonine at April 12, 2014 11:00 AM (x3YFz) *** Sounds terrific. Our "other" place is not too far from you, over off of LaVeta Pass. Nice country.

Posted by: Seamus M. at April 12, 2014 07:03 AM (MKpBT)

160 As far as I'm concerned, speaking from a certain perspective of age and having been to a lot of places, the best part of traveling has always been the notion of "coming home". Posted by: Seamus --------------------- Heh. There is the moment when the house hoves into view..., I'm always praying that it has not been reduced to charred rubble while were away. Then open the door, and the slight but identifiable aroma of *home* strikes. Suddenly, the shortcomings of the place seem insignificant. It is home.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 07:04 AM (aDwsi)

161 My problem with OBX? Yankees. Can't all those people go to some fucking beach up North?

Posted by: Nip Sip at April 12, 2014 07:05 AM (0FSuD)

162 Dad was out to sea, Mom was driving the Vista Cruiser, with Dad's johnboat tied on top.
====
My folks had a Vista Cruiser. An awesome vehicle for large families on the go. And by go I mean Ohio-Florida Florida-Ohio Ohio-Michigan Michigan-Ohio Ohio-Michigan Michigan-Ohio etc., etc.

Posted by: mrp at April 12, 2014 07:06 AM (JBggj)

163 Sounds terrific. Our "other" place is not too far from you, over off of LaVeta Pass. Nice country.

Posted by: Seamus M. at April 12, 2014 11:03 AM (MKpBT)

You get down west of Pueblo, where no one lives. The land prices are dirt cheap and the Sangre De Cristo mts are brethtaking.

It's tough country but if you can find a good well and make it work... just wow.

Posted by: tangonine at April 12, 2014 07:06 AM (x3YFz)

164 Seamus, the best part was the four or five cars that ran over the damn thing! Can you imagine? It was a nightmare come true at the time, but we laugh about it now. Four brats on the side of the interstate watching Dad's boat get run over again and again and again... cars were getting trashed, mom is hysterical - all I could say is " Daddy's boat!"

Posted by: shredded chi at April 12, 2014 07:07 AM (5EV+l)

165 We vacationed at the Outer Banks some years back. Posted by: tangonine at April 12, 2014 10:55 AM (x3YFz) As a kid our family vacationed on Cape Hatteras and later Atlantic Beach. There wasn't much there in the late 60s early 70s. That was before the Outer Banks was discovered by tourists.

Posted by: ExSnipe at April 12, 2014 07:07 AM (hzpoi)

166 Can't all those people go to some fucking beach up North?

Posted by: Nip Sip at April 12, 2014 11:05 AM (0FSuD)

You're lucky we let you use it at all.

Posted by: William T. Sherman at April 12, 2014 07:07 AM (QFxY5)

167 cars were getting trashed, mom is hysterical - all I could say is " Daddy's boat!"

Posted by: shredded chi at April 12, 2014 11:07 AM (5EV+l)

I can't stop laughing.

Posted by: tangonine at April 12, 2014 07:08 AM (x3YFz)

168 Actually, chi, if you put that to music you would have a potential Gordon Lightfoot hit ("Daddy's Boat") right there: Somewhere on the PA turnpike, The boat flew off the car. I'm grinning ear-to-ear right now thinking of that day... yeah, thinking of that day. Mom in tears, four screaming kids in a station wagon - me yelling "daddy's boat! daddy's boat!" - yeah, me yelling "daddy's boat!"

Posted by: Seamus M. at April 12, 2014 07:08 AM (MKpBT)

169 There's always... ♪ ♩ Nighttime on The City of New Orleans, Changing cars in Memphis, Tennessee. Half way home, we'll be there by morning Through the Mississippi darkness Rolling down to the sea. And all the towns and people seem To fade into a bad dream And the steel rails still ain't heard the news. The conductor sings his song again, The passengers will please refrain This train's got the disappearing railroad blues. Good night, America, how are you? Don't you know me I'm your native son, I'm the train they call The City of New Orleans, I'll be gone five hundred miles when the day is done. ♪ ♩ (I really miss Steve Goodman!)

Posted by: mindful webworker - home on the range at April 12, 2014 07:08 AM (waJ+2)

170 I was lugging my jon boat to the beach, it was full of shit, chairs, coolers, etc when my son said daddy a tire just went by the car. One of the tires on the trailer had come off and the trailer was humming along on one tire, till I slowed down to stop and put the other tire back on. Scared the shit out of me.

Posted by: Nip Sip at April 12, 2014 07:09 AM (0FSuD)

171 "The best times were in Asia...Singapore and Tokyo especially. Prices are obscene so nobody bats an eye at a $300 dinner. Never mind if $250 of that $300 is alcohol, it's just the cost of doing bidness." We had an accountant on the board who questioned our first overseas expenses. We both got junior suites at the Amstel Intercontinental in Amsterdam at $650/night - and this was 1987. Used the hotel's Rolls and driver, had some ridiculous dinners/lunches/drinks, hovercraft expenses into Sweden, etc. etc.. The CEO went ballistic on the accountant telling him how we were risking our lives travelling and spending time away from our families and how dare he question any expenses. Shit went well after that.

Posted by: jwest at April 12, 2014 07:09 AM (u2a4R)

172 My problem with OBX? Yankees. Can't all those people go to some fucking beach up North? Posted by: Nip Sip ------------------- That is a given for most of the SE, I would say, and certainly for all of the coast.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 07:09 AM (aDwsi)

173 As a kid our family vacationed on Cape Hatteras and later Atlantic Beach. There wasn't much there in the late 60s early 70s. That was before the Outer Banks was discovered by tourists.

Posted by: ExSnipe at April 12, 2014 11:07 AM (hzpoi)

I'm guilty as charged on the tourist thing. I didn't think one person could eat that much crab.

Posted by: tangonine at April 12, 2014 07:10 AM (x3YFz)

174 You're lucky we let you use it at all. Posted by: William T. Sherman at April 12, 2014 11:07 AM (QFxY5) Lucky for you, you never made it to NC.

Posted by: Nip Sip at April 12, 2014 07:11 AM (0FSuD)

175 151 Here's some road/travel tunes that always find their way onto my playlist if I'm on a long drive..... Posted by: naturalfake at April 12, 2014 10:58 AM (KBvAm) ========== A few from my "we're driving up to San Fran" playlist... Road to Nowhere - Talking Heads Every Day is a Winding Road - Sheryl Crow Sausalito Summer Nights - Diesel Entering Marion - John Forster Scandinavian Skies - Billy Joel Weekend in the Country - Stephen Sondheim (on the last one...the usual reason we're driving up to San Fran is to see a musical, so the full playlist is actually mostly musical comedy.)

Posted by: Sister Sestina at April 12, 2014 07:12 AM (LtUE0)

176 Posted by: William T. Sherman at April 12, 2014 11:07 AM (QFxY5)

Lucky for you, you never made it to NC.

Posted by: Nip Sip at April 12, 2014 11:11 AM (0FSuD)

heh. The war that will never end.

Posted by: tangonine at April 12, 2014 07:12 AM (x3YFz)

177 @173 Well, Mike as you know almost no North Carolinians go to OBX, since for most of us SC beaches are closer. That and the place is overrun with Yankees because they can drive straight down the interstate.

Posted by: Nip Sip at April 12, 2014 07:13 AM (0FSuD)

178 heh. The war that will never end. Posted by: tangonine at April 12, 2014 11:12 AM (x3YFz) ha ha. Interesting, the 100th anniversary had huge reenactments, this is the 150th, meh. I guess after 150 years we've grown use to the nice Yankee money and their loose womyn.

Posted by: Nip Sip at April 12, 2014 07:15 AM (0FSuD)

179 There are tourists, and travelers. I don't remember where or when I read this, but; Tourists don't know where they are, and travelers don't know where they are going.

Posted by: ExSnipe at April 12, 2014 07:15 AM (hzpoi)

180 Went to a B&B in Williamsburg years ago-maybe 20 or so. The place was nice enough but the owner was very protective and odd. She had all these rules about what you could and could not do. I understand about not smoking in rooms, (I didn't smoke but my sister and brother-in-law did) but you had to be down for breakfast within a half an hour window. There were other things I have forgotten. She also had the fattest cat I have ever seen. It was a grey Maltese that had to have weighed 25 lbs or more and she had trained it to use the toilet. It used the toilet in the bathroom were we were supposed to go. I got the impression that she didn't like people very much. You probably shouldn't run a B&B if -like Basil Fawlty-you don't like people very much.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at April 12, 2014 07:16 AM (XyM/Y)

181 The Beatles - "Baby, You Can Drive My Car"

Posted by: mrp at April 12, 2014 07:16 AM (JBggj)

182 Sawyer Brown: "Six Days on the Road and I'ma Gonna Make It Home Tonight" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoWb_QxYDM0 Don't even bother arguing with me about that. Posted by: grammie winger at April 12, 2014 09:56 AM (oMKp3) Sorry, grammie, but Sawyer Brown changed the lyrics from "I'm takin' little white pills and my eyes are open wide" to "I'm passin' little white lines and my eyes are open wide", removing both the original drug reference and themselves from "Best Dang Travel Song Ever in the Whole World" consideration.

Posted by: jwpaine @PirateBallerina at April 12, 2014 07:17 AM (2oU2+)

183 Yeah - I'm pretty much in tears laughing right now thinking about that. I need to call my sister... There still isn't much in Hatteras, btw. I learned to surf there. OBX has turned into a joke now. A lifetime ago, we would drive down to Nags Head to blow a joint on the beach, look at the moon, then come home to get ready for schoo. now? Couldn't pay me to go down there.

Posted by: shredded chi at April 12, 2014 07:19 AM (5EV+l)

184 I guess after 150 years we've grown use to the nice Yankee money and their loose womyn.

Posted by: Nip Sip at April 12, 2014 11:15 AM (0FSuD)

Naw. It's part of us. It's almost genetic at this point.

Posted by: tangonine at April 12, 2014 07:19 AM (x3YFz)

185 164 You get down west of Pueblo, where no one lives. The land prices are dirt cheap and the Sangre De Cristo mts are brethtaking.

It's tough country but if you can find a good well and make it work... just wow.

Posted by: tangonine at April 12, 2014 11:06 AM (x3YFz)

Water is always a problem out west. I have a nephew that bought a house in CO. He had to buy a tanker truck to haul water from town.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at April 12, 2014 07:19 AM (T2V/1)

186 166 As a kid our family vacationed on Cape Hatteras and later Atlantic Beach. There wasn't much there in the late 60s early 70s. That was before the Outer Banks was discovered by tourists.

Posted by: ExSnipe at April 12, 2014 11:07 AM (hzpoi)

You can blame that on the stinking federal flooding insurance.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at April 12, 2014 07:20 AM (T2V/1)

187 Lucky for you, you never made it to NC.
====
Burned the hell out of Fayetteville. Met up with Joe Johnston and John Breckinridge near Durham Station and pretty much finished up the war.

Posted by: Cump Sherman - Gotta Match, Bud? at April 12, 2014 07:21 AM (JBggj)

188 Guy Clark- "L.A. Freeway" http://tinyurl.com/kudc4mn

Posted by: Seamus M. at April 12, 2014 07:24 AM (MKpBT)

189 Above the fold ends with "Are you gonna eat that?" followed by an ad showing "She's 43 but looks 25." I'm awake now. Yes I am.

Posted by: I lurk, therefore I amn't at April 12, 2014 07:25 AM (rz0yi)

190 My family was original settlers of Hatteras. Why they picked such a Gawd-forsaken strip of sand remains a family mystery. Had to take to sea to make a living.

Posted by: backhoe at April 12, 2014 07:26 AM (ULH4o)

191 Water is always a problem out west. I have a nephew that bought a house in CO. He had to buy a tanker truck to haul water from town.

Posted by: Vic at April 12, 2014 11:19 AM (T2V/1)

Aye. We picked our place because we sit on 3 aquifers.

You head west and it gets squirrely.

They actually built an entire 50 home area snuggle up to the front range with no water. Just built the houses with no source at all. Miles of rock below them.

The sad/funny part is people *bought* the homes, because: LIV.

Just trusted the universe to take care of them. No research, no thought put into it at all. I remember an E-4 complaining to me that she'd moved into a home that had no water.

Out a mortgage for a house she couldn't live in.

It takes so much effort not to be a judgmental jerk to people sometimes.

Posted by: tangonine at April 12, 2014 07:26 AM (x3YFz)

192 Some seafaring tunes are stuck in my head. Fairwell to Tarwathie - Judy Collins Live - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV29xK2xyZ4 Sailing for England, and catching the last glimpse of the light at St. Johns, Newfoundland that tune began to run in my head, and also: Nova Scotia Farewell, by Ian Tyson & Sylvia Tyson Can't find it on line..

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 07:27 AM (aDwsi)

193 Burned the hell out of Fayetteville. Met up with Joe Johnston and John Breckinridge near Durham Station and pretty much finished up the war. Posted by: Cump Sherman - Gotta Match, Bud? at April 12, 2014 11:21 AM (JBggj) I was hoping to forget that. Thanks for burning Fayettenam, could you come back and do it again? This is a pretty cool site if you ever get over there. http://tinyurl.com/ntxtzx

Posted by: Nip Sip at April 12, 2014 07:27 AM (0FSuD)

194 New thread for you to get your outrage on.

Posted by: Y-not at April 12, 2014 07:27 AM (zDsvJ)

195 How about Four Strong Winds, again by Ian Tyson.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 07:28 AM (aDwsi)

196 I agree on "King of the Road." Also would add "Highway 20 Ride" by Zac Brown Band.

Posted by: isophorone at April 12, 2014 07:28 AM (9+Maw)

197 If I had a boat, I'd go out on the ocean...

Posted by: shredded chi at April 12, 2014 07:29 AM (5EV+l)

198 190 Above the fold ends with "Are you gonna eat that?" followed by an ad showing "She's 43 but looks 25." ---- LOL!

Posted by: Y-not at April 12, 2014 07:30 AM (zDsvJ)

199 There still isn't much in Hatteras, btw. I learned to surf there. OBX has turned into a joke now. A lifetime ago, we would drive down to Nags Head to blow a joint on the beach, look at the moon, then come home to get ready for schoo. now? Couldn't pay me to go down there. Posted by: shredded ---------------------- Imagine Hilton Head. 200 residents. No bridge. No Yankees.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 07:31 AM (aDwsi)

200 new one

Posted by: Vic[/i] at April 12, 2014 07:32 AM (T2V/1)

201 Gardening thread is now up as well.

Posted by: Y-not at April 12, 2014 07:34 AM (zDsvJ)

202 Cape Hatteras/Ocracoke is still one of my favorite places to travel to. Was there in 1999 when the Hatteras lighthouse was being moved. That was neat to see. It's now about the same distance from the sea as when it was first built in the 1800s. Best time to go is before Memorial Day, or after Labor Day. Not too crowded.

Posted by: ExSnipe at April 12, 2014 07:35 AM (hzpoi)

203 Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 12, 2014 11:28 AM (aDwsi) Love Ian Tyson! How 'bout "Gallo de Cielo"? That's kinda sorta a travelling' song.

Posted by: jwpaine @PirateBallerina at April 12, 2014 07:36 AM (2oU2+)

204 Ear plugs you Morons. Geez. Just keep me in every travel bag. I even use them on elk trips cause I can't listen to some pissed off bull all night and get up at 4:00 to try to free his cows for the lesser boys.

Posted by: Igotnothing at April 12, 2014 07:37 AM (VgwDk)

205 'Em, not me. Keep 'em in a travel bags. Apple crap.

Posted by: Igotnothing at April 12, 2014 07:45 AM (VgwDk)

206 101 He's a bouncing baby three-month-old Australian Shepherd. Standard tri-color pattern. We've had him for three days. PUPPY

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at April 12, 2014 07:57 AM (HVff2)

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