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Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Mostly in the United States for This Week's Fast Five!


 














1.    Take a storm chasing tour!  Believe it or not, when in the middle of the country; this is a thing.  Straight down the middle of the flattest states in the country is what is known as Tornado Alley.  It runs from southern South Dakota down through the Texas Panhandle.  Years ago there was a movie called "Twister".  You may have heard of it.  What happened was ridiculous.  It spawned and entire adventure travel subset.

There are a lot of companies, mostly operating out of Oklahoma and Texas, although I have seen some in Kansas, who will take you out to chase storms; aka, tornadoes.  This isn't for the feint of heart.  These tours can be a day or several; depending on what you want to get out of it.  What you will get is an adrenaline rush.  For someone who's been around a tornado or two, and not by choice, I'd say prepare yourself for this one.

That being said; if you can't get enough adventure and happen to be in Tornado Alley; this is probably something for you!


https://extremetornadotours.com/


https://www.tempesttours.com/


https://www.stormtours.com/


https://stormchasing.com/


https://stormchasingtour.com/


https://www.tornadicexpeditions.com/


https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g51560-i521-k7010127-Tornado_Storm_Chasers_Which_company_to_go_with-Oklahoma_City_Oklahoma.html

















2.  The Cerro Gordo Mine and Ghost Town, near Death Valley, California.  Nathan Barry decided to buy a ghost town in 2018 with a friend and has been turning it into a destination ever since.  The desert lands of California were abuzz with activity during the gold rush years of the 1800's.  But after the boom was over, so was the town.  In its new incarnation, the old ghost town is a location to visit.  You can come and visit, see the old mines, see the old town, buy some souvenirs, and even stay the night if you like.  There aren't many creature comforts here, but it will be a massive adventure.  Barry is a generous host and knowledgeable about the history of the property, so come, learn, and experience this historic mining town.


http://explorehistoricalif.com/ehc_legacy/cerro_reserve1.html#:~:text=Stay%20a%20night%20in%20historic%20Cerro%20Gordo&text=You%20and%20your%20group%20can,(accommodating%20up%20to%204).


https://nathanbarry.com/cerro-gordo/


https://whichmuseum.com/museum/cerro-gordo-mines-keeler-20263/opening-hours


https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32549-d107950-Reviews-Cerro_Gordo_Mines-Keeler_California.html


https://store.cerrogordomines.com/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS0kyvIXOu4












3.    Falkenstein Castle, Burnet, Texas.   This one's fun.  They say it's not too far from Austin, and it's a real castle.  The creators, the Young's visited Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria and decided to make one of their own.  It took 10 years and was a labor of love.  Now, the castle is available for events like weddings and so forth.  For the right price, you can bring up to 12 people and stay for a couple of nights with the entire castle to yourself.  It's a once in a lifetime experience, and something to keep in mind if you happen to be in central Texas!


https://www.hillcountrycastle.com/


https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/45767504?source_impression_id=p3_1714593727_ne0i3W5QQ61S0quw


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KL20nEif51Y


https://texashillcountry.com/falkenstein-castle-fairy-tale/


https://www.facebook.com/falkensteincastleburnettx/


















4.    Ragbrai, aka, Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, Iowa.   I've been to Iowa.  It's one of those places where you kind of end up making your own fun.  Not a lot of tourist attractions.  The biggest event for decades was the state fair.  Corn is king in the state, and if you don't believe me, you can come and see it for yourself.  In 1973, Ragbrai was created.  It's a 450 or so mile bike ride across the state.  It happens every year.  It's become the biggest non competition bike ride in the world and the longest running as well.  There are events, food, entertainment and a lot of fun along the way.  Currently, they've become so popular that you can't just join like you used to be able to.  May 15th is the last day for registration for this year's 8 day biking adventure.


https://ragbrai.com/


https://www.facebook.com/RAGBRAI/


https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/life/living-well/ragbrai/2023/07/19/ragbrai-still-growing-as-it-turns-50-john-karras-donald-kaul-bicycle-ride-sioux-city-davenport/70362204007/


https://ragbraisiouxcity.com/


https://www.iowacorn.org/education/ragbrai-iowa-corn






















5.    Sylt, Germany.  What?  Sylt is one of the Frisian Islands off the north coast of Germany.  That's right.  The North Sea.  Why would anyone go there?  Well, German folks have gone to the area for rest, relaxation, vacation, and rejuvenation forever.  It's always been the land of tourism for them.  Most of the rest of us either haven't heard of it or wonder why you'd go there instead of someplace warm.  

Along this coast of the North Sea you'll find beautiful beaches, lovely coastline and picturesque villages.  This island is no different in that respect.  However, Sylt is also home to the creme du la creme of spas and luxury accommodations.  If you want to be pampered, this is your spot.  There are resorts and spas that will indulge your Michelin Star appetite, your massage and beauty treatment pampering, and your sauna and pool rejuvenation.  It's a classy place with a lot of history, and if you find yourself in Germany in the summer; well, there's a whole lot of sunlight there too.












There you have it.  If you want something truly out of the ordinary, I think we've covered it.  Whether it be luxury accommodations in Texas or on the North Sea in Germany.  If you want to investigate gold mining history, chase a storm or ride your bike across Iowa; we've covered that this week.  Just remember, as this one is telling you; travel should be about the journey.  If you can't appreciate the location, the accommodations, the history, and by all means the ride; then you aren't appreciating it just right.  So, try an adventure; pack your bags and enjoy!


Thursday, April 25, 2024

A Mish Mash of Good Information in This Week's Fast Five!


 















1.   Twin Falls, Idaho.  Somehow, Idaho is largely overlooked by non skiers.  This state is nestled in between Montana and Washington and has some of the best scenery in the country.  Twin falls is just that, a city with two amazing waterfalls.  Shoshone and Perrine Coulee Falls are both beautiful and the gorge is beautiful.  Even the Perrine Bridge across it is beautiful.  

However, being known as the gateway to the Snake River Canyon has brought a lot of flash and glitter to this city once in a while.  One of America's best known daredevils made his final jump attempt here.  Evel Knievel tried to jump the Snake River Canyon in 1974 with a customized bike called a skycycle.  Basically it was a rocket.  To this day, you can visit the site of the ramp that Evel Knievel used to try and make that jump.  If in the area, it's a must see and close by when visiting the falls.


https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/evel-knievel-snake-river-canyon-jump-site



https://steamcommunity.com/app/270880/discussions/0/3110266679784075607/



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXhbpZbkszc


https://www.tfid.org/



https://visitsouthidaho.com/the-top-10-things-to-do-in-twin-falls/






















2.   Filming and permits in National Parks.  This one is some FYI.  In the modern era, YouTube and other outlets have found people making a considerable amount of money from filming their activities.  Some of the most successful ones are the travel vloggers.  There's been some dispute about the rules that you have to have a permit to film anything in a National Park that provides income.  This was largely disputed by travel vloggers around the time of the pandemic, so the rules changed a bit due to a lawsuit.

The rules for filming didn't differentiate between styles of film.  They were originally designed to require production companies to purchase a permit before filming in a National Park.  The rules included have a timeline, a list of equipment, specific locations, vehicles to be used and so on.  On the list of things you must state before receiving your permit includes what kind of explosives you may be using.  

As you can imagine, vloggers don't plan that far ahead, and generally don't use explosives, so it became an issue.  Vloggers couldn't receive a permit, because they didn't have a way of planning their films.  So, in the interest of fair play, the rules changed.  Now, you don't need a permit to film in a National Park as long as you aren't interfering with anything going on.  So, if you want to bring your go pro or small camera, you're welcome to film as long as you're not bothering anything or anyone while you do it.  If you bring a camera crew, you'll be filling out some paperwork and paying some fees.










As you can see, this has been a highly controversial subject and the rules could change at any time, so make sure you know the up to date rules before filming anything in a National Park.
























1.  VooDoo Doughnuts, Portland, Oregon.   This place has a great back story.  Two old friends with a creative spirit created some amazing doughnuts in Portland and created VooDoo Doughnuts in 2000.  It's got to be the only place where you can get a doughnut called a Dirty Bastard.  They have some of the most inventive doughnuts anywhere and they're extremely well known for their Bacon Maple Bar.  If you can dream a doughnut up, they can make it.  

Over the years, this doughnut venture was everywhere on social media and on and on; they were even featured on The Amazing Race.  As a result, they now have 19 locations in 7 states.  But, if you want the real experience, visit the original store at 22 SW 3rd Avenue, in Old Town in Portland, Oregon.  If you're in Portland, it's one place not to miss.





























4.    Snoqualmie Falls, near Snoqualmie and Fall City, Washington.  Millions of people visit Seattle every year.  It's a beautiful city with great landmarks, lots to do, and great music and food.  Despite the fact that it rains quite a bit, it's very popular with travelers.  Snoqualmie Falls is not far from the city and one of the most beautiful falls around.  

The 270 foot high gusher has become so popular that it's surrounded by a 2 acre park, and has the Salish Lodge.  If you happen to be in the area and enjoy waterfalls, it's a can't miss.



































5.    El Caminito del Rey, Malaga, Spain.   If you like a view and aren't scared of heights, this nearly 8 Kilometer path along the sides of a gorge could be for you.  Now, you don't need another reason to visit Andalusia in the south of Spain; there are already so many.  But, the view is always high on any Andalusian to do list.  Once considered the most dangerous hike in the world, this is a must do if you happen to be in the vicinity of Ardales or Alora and want to take an iconic stroll on "The King's Little Walk" this may just be the adventure for you.














There you have it!  Some more unique add ons and some valuable information for travelers.  I know that this week's out of the way adventures were mostly in the Pacific Northwest, but it's a great place to visit.  Just remember that life is short, and when visiting a location, you should be aware of any of the out of the way places you might not want to miss.  So, do a little research, pack some bags, hit the road and enjoy!

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Getting Glasses in Mexico...A Follow Up and New Material!


 



Ten Years ago I visited my parents in Sun City, Arizona with my then 14 year old son.  He's grown and handling his life on his own, and my parents are no longer with us and in a home respectively.  I still check this blog regularly and notice that the post I wrote about Getting Glasses in Mexico; I'm Not Kidding, is still one of my more popular posts.  That being said and the simple fact that all the information I provided with the post is old and out of date, I thought I'd give some new information.


Los Algodones is that town just across the border from California in Baja.  There's literally a parking lot at the border provided and maintained by the Quechan Tribe, where you can park in the area of Winterhaven, California and walk across the border for the day.  All you need is a passport or passport card for the visit.  Minor children with their parents can cross for the day only with documentation like a birth certificate.  No one will ask you for documents when you enter Mexico, but you will need them to get back into the U.S.  If you really want to, you can drive across this border and park on the Mexico side.  Don't know why you would, but you can.




My story in 2014 was about my son getting an eye exam and eyeglasses for $85.  The whole event took two and a half hours and my son loved the glasses.  Most of the rest of the day that we spent in the town was enjoying the markets and the restaurants.  The good news is that now it costs only around $90 for that experience, but maybe an extra $50 for the glasses themselves.  Prices have gone up a bit, but not much.








There are any number of reasons to visit Los Algodones, but the overwhelming reasons are medical.  Eyeglasses and examinations are inexpensive as I've mentioned.  Dental work is another amazing deal in the town.  There are some 900 dentists in the area doing all kinds of dental work.   Los Algodones has become known as the Molar City. 


Then, there's the meds.  Pharmacies in Mexico can give you up to 90 days of a supply of your prescription for a fraction of what you'd pay in the United States.  They carry many of the meds we all need.  Don't expect to find pain killers however.  That's one of the few things not on the list of available meds.  You'll find blood pressure meds, cholesterol, inhalers and so on.  You can get an inhaler like Symbicort for $40.  It's a steal for anyone dealing with a high deductible insurance.


So, why does Los Algodones work?  This is a combination of factors that happens in few places along the border.  The doctors in the town are mostly trained in the United States.  What's happened is that there's too much overhead in the U.S. for the doctors to provide inexpensive medical care.  When they move across the border by a hundred feet, that cost all but goes away.  The doctors working there don't want to charge people a fortune and pay a bunch of overhead for little to no reason.  They genuinely want to help people.  The solution became moving across the border.  It's been working for decades and giving many people a big break on their dentist work, glasses and meds.


The perk here is that instead of just feeling like you got ripped off at the dentist, optician, or pharmacy; you spend your money on a trip.  I'd much rather spend my money to travel than just to stay healthy.  It's the best of both worlds.
















Do I recommend crossing the border to save money on medical needs?  I do and I don't.  Meds of course.  I got mine there the time that I visited.  Glasses of course.  I allowed my son to be examined and get glasses.  Dentistry?  I talked to many visitors who were there for dental work.  They'd all been there before and loved the results, so I would say a big yes.  


However, don't go overboard.  There are surgeons there who perform elective surgeries.  I know someone who's done that.  It didn't turn out well, albeit they did go to Tijuana.  They got an infection and nearly died.  I don't believe in elective surgery, so it doesn't even apply to me.  But, if you're curious about that, do a lot of research.  You can't be too careful when it comes to surgery.


As I'd said previously, we spent the rest of our day after medical things shopping and eating.  We had a great time.  We met merchants and other visitors.  We got some great souvenirs and ate some truly fabulous food.  It was a truly pleasant day and I would gladly do it again if the opportunity comes up.  I don't even need much in the way of any medical services.  I just really liked Los Algodones, Mexico.





So, ten years later and things remain the same in Los Algodones.  It's a great experience and I still would highly recommend it.  Remember to use travelers caution.  Don't be careless with your possessions or money.  So, below I've left some more current links to help you investigate this unique place to visit in the world.  So, grab your med list, pack your bags and enjoy!




https://adventuresforanyone.blogspot.com/2014/04/getting-glasses-in-mexicoim-not-joking.html


https://sanidentalgroup.com/blog/5-important-things-you-need-to-know-before-traveling-to-los-algodones-mexico



https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g642246-i11850-k14302033-My_dental_experience_Feb_2023-Los_Algodones_Baja_California.html#116761844


https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g642246-Los_Algodones_Baja_California-Vacations.html


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjuqiuyYLtw


https://apollomedicaltravel.com/locations/los-algodones-the-apollo-guide/



https://www.medicaltourismex.com/locations/medical-tourism-los-algodones


https://www.losalgodones.com/


https://www.bordercrxing.com/history-of-los-algodones.html


https://www.hotels.com/de857928/hotels-los-algodones-mexico/?semcid=HCOM-US.UB.GOOGLE.DL-DSA-c-EN.HOTEL&semdtl=a112413870301.b1119916623404.g1aud-2141179518407:dsa-1029965199087.e1c.m1Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH50qCQkzxVg14HKru22Y3LFASmwSlnhF01I2jsBsOTXYEClnRhTpjGEaAgewEALw_wcB.r1.c1.j19003419.k1.d1658954006555.h1.i137831950847.l1.n1.o1.p1.q1.s1.t1.x1.f1.u1.v1.w1&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH50qCQkzxVg14HKru22Y3LFASmwSlnhF01I2jsBsOTXYEClnRhTpjGEaAgewEALw_wcB


https://www.medicaltourismco.com/dental-tourism-in-los-algodones-mexico/


https://algodonesdentalgroup.com/the-mansion-algodones/


https://www.dayodental.com/destinations/los-algodones/


https://algodonesdentalgroup.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH50XzOLvngerhEYXqUoh_2vjWayiUKvqts2qXpjHxEWtTFGJN7DrYjAaAqlYEALw_wcB


https://www.molarcity.com/about-molar-city-los-algodones-mexico.php


https://www.internationalmedsolutions.com/service/pharmacy/?location=algodones


https://mediplazalosalgodones.com/stores/one-stop-pharmacy/


https://www.molarcity.com/pharmacies-los-algodones-molar-city-mexico.php


http://algodonesoptical.net/



https://clearvisionopticalalgodones.com/


https://www.castleoptical.com/


https://mediplazalosalgodones.com/stores/20-20-vision-center/


https://soldental-optical.com/


https://www.molarcity.com/opticals-in-los-algodones-molar-city-mexico.php