Alaska and the Yukon Tour, July 2010

Our Holland America cruise/tour, Alaska and the Yukon, departing July 24, 2010 has a few spaces still open–contact me soon for information!

There will be a meeting of registered travelers on Sunday, March 21st at noon, at Portland First United Methodist Church, to explore the many optional land excursions available.

This tour presents such a unique opportunity to visit wilderness sites not often on an itinerary!

(This photo of Paul Bender was taken on our 1998 Alaska tour, visiting with sled dogs near Denali.)

Ancient Nasca lines of Peru

One of the fascinating sights in Peru are the ancient Nasca lines in the southern desert.  Called “geoglyphs”, they became known in the 1920s when commercial flights started between Lima and Arequipa.  These enormous land “drawings” have intrigued scientists and travelers ever since.

We will have an opportunity to see the Nasca lines as an option on our August 2011 tour of Peru!  Our departure dates should be available soon–check this site for information.

Below is a link to the National Geographic web article on the lines, and there is also a feature article in the March 2010 issue of National Geographic.

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2010/03/nasca/hall-text?source=email_inside

Grouse Mountain, Vancouver BC

Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, BC is a primary site in the Winter Olympics, providing some beautiful scenes on television.  Our travelers have some fond memories of a visit to Grouse Mountain, as well.

During one of our visits to Vancouver, we had planned a dinner on Grouse Mountain, and it turned out to be magical.  We had several people with us who had not been in Vancouver, let alone in the snow, for a very long time.  So, on a rainy March evening, we boarded the Skyride Gondola to the top of the mountain.  As we watched Vancouver shrinking below us, the rain slowly began to turn to snowflakes.  And more snowflakes!

Arriving at the top, we found a winter wonderland.  Enjoying a lovely meal in a private room, cozy with a fireplace, and  a wall of windows to the outside, we watched the illuminated snow fall outside.  It was one of those magical evenings of comfortable companionship in a group, transported to another place and time.  And unforgettable.

Travel Plans with Cheryl