It had been nearly three long years since my wife Mary and I traveled to Greece. In the next two years, we had planned trips to Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Life, as most travelers knew it, had come to a standstill. We were able to take several day trips […]

 It’s been a while since I’ve written anything here; on Feb. 11 to be exact when I posted about a few love songs for Valentine’s Day. For those who are concerned or curious, I have been writing. Just not here.  I’m a contributor on Medium, where I’ve had about five posts in recent weeks. I […]

     I woke up this morning and it was raining. The temperature was in the high 30s. But by 9:30 a.m. the temperature had dropped into the 20s and the rain had turned to snow.       Three days ago it was 70 degrees in Pennsylvania! What’s going on? Pennsylvania today      What’s […]

By Linda Ballou, NABBW’s Adventure Travel Associate Linda Ballou The only thing certain about travel in 2022 is that it is uncertain. People are chomping at the bit to travel again but need to remain flexible. Flight schedules are still in a state of flux, car rentals are at historical highs, and Covid-19 guidelines in […]

By Linda Ballou, NABBW’s Adventure Travel Associate Winter on the Central Coasts means fewer tourists and plentiful wildlife. Birds and marine mammals gather there in chaotic profusion from December to February. White Pelicans Morro Estuary Every year, hundreds of birders flock to the sleepy fishing town of Morro Bay on California’s Central Coast to take […]

By Linda Ballou, NABBW’s Adventure Travel Associate  Smith River Steaming temps in the inland valleys of Southern Oregon are sending smart travelers to the coast to cool off. The Redwood Hwy (199),  out of Grants Pass is a snaking road that takes you to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, the northern most redwood forest in […]

 My wife and I fulfilled a “bucket list” trip earlier this month when we traveled to idyllic Mackinac Island to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary.  Overlooking the bay The 4.35 square mile island is located on Lake Huron,  between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas. The islet is listed as a National Historic Landmark. Mackinac Island […]

By Linda Ballou, NABBW’s Adventure Travel Associate  Every bend of the river beckons—every pool may bring better luck. Life should be like that. — Zane Grey The Rogue River is a vital artery in southwestern Oregon that flows 215 miles from Crater Lake to Gold Beach on the coast. Rainie Falls is the take out […]

Carmel-by-the-Sea & Big Sur, California, USA (6/8-11/2021)   Beautiful Charming Carmel-by-the-Sea Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the loveliest seaside towns in America with its storybook cottage-style homes, quaint Bed and Breakfasts, unique boutique stores and good restaurants with warm decor, Victorian buildings and tree-shaded streets, and stunning gardens everywhere. Joy for the soul! Charming Fairytale Architecture […]

Big Sur & Monterey, California, USA (6/10/2021) Big Sur Pat at Big Sur River Inn Located just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur is one of the most dramatically beautiful drives in the United States! Exceptionally beautiful rugged ocean coastline, amazing ancient redwood forests, and interesting attractions make for an unforgettable experience. Along the way, you […]