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Monday, April 23, 2012
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Seeing as how this week is free entry to National Parks, I was looking
through our archives of places we've been near national parks that don't
always get as much coverage. Created in 1996, this huge 1.7 million acre
area in southern Utah contains rare rock formations, high multi-colored
sandstone cliffs, messas, and ancient Anasazi Indian ruins, to name a
few features. The cliffs rise upwards to over 6,000 feet in places
exposing over three billion years of exposed rock. The majority of this
U.S. Burea of Land Management land is undeveloped due to its' rustic
features. Views are many along the road.
If you want to spend a
week in remote solitude, this is the place. We drove along Scenic Byway
12 at the top section. We stopped to view Powell's Peak, named after
John Wesley Powell, who explored the Colorado River area throughout Utah
and Arizona in the 1860s. At one section, there is a steep 12 percent
grade. At mile marker 52, we stopped to view ancient Indian storage
places in the cliffs that the Indians stored their grainery supplies.
One section, called Burning Hills, has underground coal fires which give
the rocks their red color. You can feel the heat as it rises from the
ground. There are numerous waterfalls and arches which are in the far
sections of the monument.
We then drove along a 44 mile gravel
road called Hell's Backbone (it is an appropriate name) bordering the
Monument.
Hell's Backbone Road has been called "one of the most dramatic roads in the world". That is an understatement. Your heart leaps at every turn, seeing views deep into the ravens from both sides of the rough road in many places. The average speed we drove was 15 miles per hour. That was plenty fast along the narrow gravel and dirt road. There is a one-lane bridge along the way (built by the CCC). Besides the views along the ridges, you can see all types of interesting square shaped and round rocks in the area. Along the complete stretch of the road, we passed only three vehicles (several cows were meandering on the road though). The road was built as a passage for those traveling to the town of Boulder (the remote town was the last in the country to still receive mail via mule). The Anasazi Indian Village State Park is located here. About fifty percent of the buildings have been excavated so far, and date back over 900 years ago.
On the way back through the monument, a huge boulder (3 feet tall) had
fell onto the road in the opposite lane. An RVer was taking a look at
it. It had to be close to a thousand pounds. I wish I had taken a
picture and that we had had more time to spend there, as we were headed
to tour through 6 national parks/monuments in the state.
Also in
Utah, Bryce
Canyon National Park.
Friday, April 20, 2012
April 21-29 - Free Admission to National Parks
The title says it all. U.S. National Parks Week is back! So go celebrate
by visiting one of our national treasures.
My
personal favorite is the Grand
Canyon. My first glimpse of the canyon was a late summer afternoon
where I caught a spectacular thunderstorm as it rolled across the
canyon, followed by a hint of a rainbow. Back then I was working with 2
Canon AE-1s, one with a wide angle and the other a zoom lens (dating
myself here). One of those photos from that day is in a large frame
hanging in our living room. Later that day as I drove along the eastern
stretch of road along the rim, as it lightened I saw dramatic glimpses
of the canyon. Unfortunately I had ran out of film (digital
photographers are a spoiled bunch today).
There are many more
personal favorites. Yosemite, Yellowstone,
Glacier, Grand Tetons, Bryce,
Zion...
Add to that list: Denali, Mesa Verde, Rocky Mountain
NP...what was I thinking?!?
As you can see from our archives, our
site is in need of a redesign (which we are working on).
Did I tell you about the time when I almost pet a mountain goat at
Glacier? Ahh, I need a vacation.
Edited on: Friday, April 20, 2012 10:59 AM
Categories: Attractions
Friday, February 10, 2012
Xunantunich Tour in Belize
The Mayans are getting much attention in 2012. Their Long Count Calendar
predicted the end of the world to be December 21, 2012. I wouldn't head
for the hills just yet....It is amazing that their architecture was so
advanced. At one time, over a million Mayans lived in current day Belize
(three times the present population), and only a small number of Mayan
ruins have been excavated so far.
I arranged our Xunantunich tour
through Royal Caribbean as our shore excursion while in Belize. The trip
by bus from Belize City to Xunantunich near the Guatamalean border takes
2 hours. During this time our tour guide pointed out interesting aspects
of daily life in Belize, the culture, and a history of the Mayans. I had
a great time hiking up El Castillo and visiting the second tallest
structure in Belize.
Join our page
to see more photos and discuss travel.
On
our tour bus heading out of Belize City towards our destination.
If anyone is going to Belize and would like to tour the country and Xuanantunich, our tour guide gave me his contact: jun.jun.360@hotmail.com. His name is Eusebio Valdez, and contact phone is (00)501-601-4841. Great guy. Is working towards a degree in Archaeology, and gives a fascinating tour on the Maya ruin and his country.
Edited on: Tuesday, March 06, 2012 10:57 PM
Categories: Attractions, Cruises, Destinations, Videos
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Roatan Water Adventures
I understand now why Roatan is so popular with divers and has some of
the most dramatic coral reefs in the world. We just got back from our 7
day cruise to the western Caribbean aboard Royal Caribbean's Mariner of
the Seas. Our first port of call was Roatan for a fun filled day of
kayaking and snorkeling with Subway
Watersports.
Read
our in-depth Subway Watersports feature and look for more new
features coming soon.
We met some great folks at Subway
Watersports. If you like scuba diving or looking to get PADI training,
they offer dramatic dives to area shipwrecks and along the second
largest barrier reef in the world.
View some of our snorkeling
photos at Turquoise Bay & the Caribbean on our Facebook page, and join
our page to discuss travel.
Some
of my sunset photos turned out to be outstanding. Has me thinking about
another Caribbean trip next year...
Edited on: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 2:07 PM
Categories: Attractions, Cruises
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Pearl Harbor Survivor Recounts Japanese Attack
National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg, TexasSituated over 9 acres, this museum tells the riveting account of the Pacific War, it's hardships, and how we fought the Japanese: one island at a time.
The highlight of our tour when we last visited a few years ago was hearing two WWII veterans recount their experiences in battle who were volunteering their time to help teach our youth about this important time of our history. I talked with Quinton Pyle, who saw up close as the USS Arizona exploded as it was hit by Japanese torpedos 70 years ago today.
Quinton Pyle
Mr. Pyle pointed on the Pearl Harbor photo where his ship, the USS Bagley, was nearby in the Navy Yard, and was the first ship to return fire and shoot down a Japanese plane. The crew were commended for fast thinking, especially since many of the crew had just entered service. He showed me his left arm where it had been injured during the Pearl Harbor attack while cutting gromets from 5" shells. Although walking with a cane, he appeared to be in good health, and remembered the fateful day clearly.
USS Bagley
Mr. Pyle went on to serve aboard the Destroyer, including at Wake Island, Guadalcanal, Savo Island, and Saipan. I was fortunate to be able to meet and talk with him. As the WWII veterans dwindle rapidly in numbers, it is important that their stories be told.
Numerous exhibits include significant period artifacts and war memorabilia for the Allies and the Japanese. A portion of the museum is housed in the old Nimitz Hotel, which was owned by the Nimitz family, and commemorates Admiral Chester Nimitz who served over the naval operations in the Pacific. I recommend a visit to the museum when in the area. Plan to spend about 3 hours to have time to visit all the exhibits.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Old Missions of San Antonio
As the #1 attraction in Texas, San Antonio has SeaWorld, Six Flags
Fiesta, River Walk, and the Alamo mission.
Lesser
known are the other old Spanish missions around San Antonio, now
maintained by the National Park Service. The first mission was built
back in 1718, with five missions in all. Elaborate Spanish acequias
(irrigation ditches) were built, and are still used today to help
provide vital water to the area. Few are aware that the first cattle
drives originated from here, specifically the old Spanish missions.
Church services are still occasionally held today. If you have a chance,
take time to tour these historic gems. We plan to tour extensively when
the weather turns cooler.
View
a printable map of San Antonio Missions. Visit the National
Park San Antonio Missions website.
Edited on: Wednesday, July 27, 2011 11:44 AM
Categories: Attractions, Destinations
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Bodie: Ghost of a Town
As you walk the streets you see signs of how bustling the town of Bodie once was. The town first received electricity way back in the 1890s. A gas station now sits vacant, with old wagons nearby. The buildings and houses in town show that it was a thriving place. Read more about the ghost town of Bodie, California.Sunday, July 03, 2011
Cars and Coffee, Leander, TX
Situated in the old town section of Leander just off of Hwy 183 is a
little known monthly car event to show off vintage and unusual vehicles
in the Austin area. Although I got there late, I was still able to see
and talk with several of the car owners.
Here a 1961 Impala SS with a 1963 409 engine (equal to 425 HP) showed off it's stuff. Termed a "restro-muscle" car by the owner, it was in prestine shape. Reminded me of driving with my Dad in his 1964 white Impala to get some delicious mini Krystal Hamburgers. Wonder where that car is today??
If you are in the Austin area (or visiting) the first Sunday of the month, be sure to head up to Leander and check out the Cars and Coffee Austin Car Show for a real treat. Get there well before 12 to be sure and catch the most vintage and exotic cars, which varies monthly.
When: First Sunday of each month - from 11 - 2
Where: old town section of Leander, Texas just north of Austin off of Hwy 183
Edited on: Sunday, July 03, 2011 10:22 PM
Categories: Attractions
Antique Car Museum near Bastrop, TX
I'm a sucker for old cars. So when I saw that the Central
Texas Museum of Automotive History was just down the road from our
stay at 9e
Ranch B&B in Smithville, I was attracted like a moth to a flame.
Cars
of yesteryear had class, finesse, PERSONALITY not found in the vanilla
cars today. 
You
will see a everything from an old Texaco gas station, gas signs, license
plates, and of course cars of all makes and models from 1903 to current
day. The placement of cars has no rhyme or reason that I could see. No
matter, they're all treasures. Here a towering 1940s Ford pickup is
parked next to a vintage Rolls Royce. A 1957 Chevy screams out to you to
drive it (orange UT colors are naturally prevalent here). 
This
1911 Napier "Garden Car" in the second photo above was a British status
symbol of it's day for the rich to show off, and was exceptionally made.
Note the wicker seating and back cover. 
The
1959 Ford Edsel is here, a product of extensive Ford research that went
awry. Note the unusual color original to the car. Compared to the cars
today it is far from what I would call ugly. One of the oddest cars on
display is the 1924 Delage D.I. made in Paris, France. Note the wood
grain finish This car was discovered on a Netherlands farm in 1975.
There were less than 10,000 of these cars made in the Delage D.I.
series. An earlier model of the Delage won the 1914 Indianaplois 500.
Join
our Facebook pages and view more vintage cars from the Central Texas
Museum of Automotive History.
Read about our visit to 9E Ranch Bed & Breakfast in Smithville just 2 miles from the antique car museum at Rosanky.
Friday, July 01, 2011
Bastrop, Tx: Old Soda Fountain & Visitor's Center
I
love old authentic soda fountains like the one at Lock Drug Store on
Main Street with the old marble counter and interior dating to 1905. The
second photo is of the soda fountain the way it originally looked around
1905. The cabinets, marble counter, and most of the interior is still
the same. Here they will mix you up a treat however you like it. I
decided on a frosty shake, except instead of milk had them add Dr.
Pepper with the vanilla ice cream. Good combo!
Across the street
is the Visitor's Center housed in the old First National Bank Building,
circa 1889. The old bank vault is still there, and the walls are lined
with vintage photos. The lady there can fill you in on all the
historical places to see. Watched a brief film here on the history of
Bastrop. Be sure to get the pamphlet on the historic walking tour of
downtown. 
Just
12 or so miles down the road on Hwy 304 off of Hwy 71 is the Central
Texas Museum of Automotive History, a priceless gallery of the best
in American and foreign automotive ingenuity and engineering. More about
it tomorrow. Like
our Facebook page to see more photos, and read more about our stay
at the 9e
Ranch B&B on Hwy 304. 
Exploring Bastrop, Texas
Bastrop is one of those sleepy little towns that has done an excellent
job of preserving their heritage (it doesn't hurt to be on the Colorado
River and within 30 minutes of Austin either). Over 130 buildings in
town have historic markers. Bastrop is one of the oldest towns in Texas.
First inhabited by settlers in the 1830s, the town blossomed along the
Colorado River. 
Besides
the antiques and touristy shops and plenty of things to do outdoors
(there is the Colorado River and four parks within a stone's throw),
there are lots of great eating places. My first thoughts were BBQ, but
the wife wanted lighter fare so we opted for homemade food at Maxine's. 
Had a tasty burger with lots of ice water served from Mason jars
(it's hot out there), with homemade coconut cream pie to round out the
meal. Photos and memorabilia line the walls of simpler times. An old
bicycle hangs over the doorway. By the kitchen are three cast iron
skillets sized from small to large. The first one says "1st Warning."
The mid-sized one states "Attitude Adjuster." The large one, the size
that my Mom uses for making buttermilk biscuits says "Final Results."
More
to come tomorrow on our visit to the incredible antique car musuem (like
our Facebook page
to see photos) just down the road.
Read about our new feature on the 9e
Ranch B&B just 10 miles from Bastrop.
On a separate
note, we are looking to re-add comments on the blog in the coming
months. We had it years ago but had spammers. Looking to utilize a new
system to take care of.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
9e Ranch B&B - Rustic Cabins & Country Views
On our visit to 9E Ranch Bed & Breakfast
in Smithville just 10 miles from the historic town of Bastrop, we were
impressed with the log cabins, the horses, donkeys, playful cats, and
don't forget Texas longhorns. The owners made us feel right at home.
Head with us to the ranch as we discover a great hideaway.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Recently we visited the Bob
Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin. With three floors of
interactive displays, exhibits, films, and the IMAX Theatre there is a
lot of history to absorb on the Lone Star State.
Read about in our new
feature and view a video overview here courtesy of the Museum:
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
National Park free entry days
Like free stuff? Sure you do! We have been to many of our National Parks
over the years. From Denali to the Smokies, each is unique in their own
way.
Plan a trip to a National Park this year around these days
and get a free entry.
Add these dates to your calendar for these fee-free National Park days in 2011:
* January 15-17
(Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday weekend)
* April 16-24
(National Park Week)
* June 21
(First day of summer)
* September 24
(Public Lands Day)
* November 11-13
(Veterans Day weekend)
Search
for a National Park via the NPS website.
Categories: Attractions, Destinations, Travel News, Travel Specials
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Dallas Abuzz for Super Bowl XLV
Serving as hosts for the NFC and AFC Champion teams, the honor goes to two area Omni hotels, the Omni Mandalay Hotel in Las Colinas and the Omni Hotel in Fort Worth. The two Omni hotels were picked by the NFL after a thorough review process. The Omni Dallas at Park West also operates in the area.
We will be highlighting the Omni Mandalay Hotel in Las Colinas in a special feature in the near future so stay tuned. Scheduled for opening in 2012, a fourth area Omni Hotel is in the works to be built at the Dallas Convention Center.
We are always impressed with the warm interior designs at Omni Hotels and the very friendly staff. Read more about in our recent Omni Hotel destination features:
Atlanta | Corpus Christi | San Antonio
Going to Dallas for the game? Let us know, and post photos on our new Southpoint Facebook page!
Edited on: Wednesday, January 12, 2011 1:52 AM
Categories: Accommodations, Attractions, Destinations
Monday, December 06, 2010
Trans Siberian Orchestra Holiday Tour
A holiday show like no other to get you in the Christmas spirit, if you
have ever witnessed a TSO concert you know what I mean.
Exhilirating and mesmorizing, read about the Trans
Siberian Orchestra experience in our feature.
Edited on: Monday, December 06, 2010 9:33 PM
Categories: Attractions, Entertainment
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Willie's Place at Carl's Corner, Texas
While on a return business trip from Dallas, we stopped in at Willie's
Place at Carl's Corner. Even though Willie Nelson has gotten in
trouble with the law with a weed possession, by the looks of Willie's
Place he appears to be doing well with his Cafe/Saloon/Restaurant/Bio
Fuel Station. Entertainers play at the Saloon often. Check them out on Twitter.
A
fun and entertaining stop between Dallas and Waco for country music fans
and travelers alike.
The only thing that would make it an all around
experience for those that travel through would be to open an RV Resort
with cabins next door....
The
Blue Skies Cafe offers a wide selection of tasty dishes. Photos,
posters, awards, and Willie memorabilia line the walls. The Whiskey
River Saloon offers nightly entertainment. You may just see Willie make
an appearance.
Staying in the area? Read about top hotels and attractions we have featured in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.
Looking for a great stay? Reserve a Hotel in Dallas or Reserve a Hotel in Waco
Monday, November 22, 2010
New Hollywood Attraction Cards!
Planning a visit to the Hollywood area? Use these new attraction cards
to get theme park admission and full VIP access to the backlots to see
how movies are made.
If only wanting to visit a few you can
customize your pass.
You can save a good bit compared to buying
individual admission tickets. One card also includes admission to the
San Diego Zoo (highly recommend!).
We have long been a partner with
Smart Destinations (formerly named Go Cards) for the quality Attraction
cards they have available. When ordering through Southpoint, get
exclusive free shipping (enter the coupon code southpointfreeship)!
Check
out these new Hollywood Entertainment Cards:
All
Access Hollywood Studio Pass
With this card you get full access
to Universal Studios (the park plus the backlot studio tour), Warner
Bros VIP Studio Tour, Sony Pictures Studio Tour, Paramount Pictures
Studio Tour,
AND the Kodak Theatre Guided Tour!
The Socal Theme Park Hopper includes
admission to Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm, LEGOLAND
California
AND Six Flags Magic Mountain!
The Socal Theme Park Hopper (including San
Diego Zoo) includes admission to Universal Studios Hollywood,
Knott's Berry Farm, LEGOLAND California, Six Flags Magic Mountain
AND
San Diego Zoo!
When ordering, get our exclusive discount! When
checking out be sure to enter the coupon code southpointfreeship
and receive FREE standard shipping!
(If picking up your packet
directly from the destination instead of being shipped, enter the coupon
code southpoint instead when ordering to receive a 5 percent discount!)
These
cards also make great gifts for birthdays or the holidays. View
all Smart Destination Attraction Cards available. Note, this page
will be updated this week to reflect new cards and linkages.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Kayaking Paddlefest in Corpus Christi
Looking for some weekend outdoor fun? Head to Corpus Christi for the
Halloween Paddlefest being held at Port Aransas from Friday Oct 29 thru
Sunday Oct 31, 2010. Kayakers from Texas area meetup groups will be
congregating at IB Magee Beach Park at Port Aransas for a weekend of
guided kayaking tours, demonstrations, BBQ, and campiing. New demo
kayaks made by Mayan Seas, P&H Kayaks, and TideRace Kayaks will be shown
as well as Greenland Kayaking. There will also be previews of the new
kayaking book by John Whorff, "Paddling the Texas Coast." Wish that I
didn't already have plans, this sounds like a great event for kayakers.
Headed
up by area kayak expert Ken Johnson, we went on one of his kayaking
tours last year and were impressed with his kayaking knowledge and
expertise.
His
guided tours which will be held over the weekend include:
1- Guided kayak tours of 1-Shamrock Cove birding refuge,
2- Historic
Lydia Ann Lighthouse,
3- Circumnavigation of Harbor Island to see
lots of dolphins,
4- Paddle along the Padre Island canal homes,
5-
Corpus Christi Bay around the city and the Lexington Aircraft Carrier,
and
6- Aransas River and Nueces River (the tour that we took).
Group
Camping is available for only $12 per night, with a nightly beach fire
with music and a BBQ Saturday night with Halloween costume contest.
For
details on camping see here.
Hotels
are also available nearby.
Register to attend the Paddlefest in Corpus Christi by contacting Ken
Johnson at johnsonkw@earthlink.net with the following information:
Will
you attend Corpus Christi Paddlefest 10/29-31/2010 this year? ____Yes
____No ____ people in my party
Which days do you plan to attend?
____Fri 10/29 ____Sat 10/30 ____Sun 10/31
Do you want to pay $10 for
a catered group BBQ dinner Sat night? ____Yes ____No
Do you want to
pay $10 per 2-3 hr lesson for Greenland kayak classes by Doug Van Doren?
____Yes ____No
Would you be willing to volunteer to help (lead tours,
assist other new first time kayakers, let others try your kayak)?
____Yes ______No
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Pilsen, Czech Republic town continues to thank American soldiers for liberation
Received this special email. Thanks to Ron Forsythe and Raymond
Lingenfelder for forwarding this. I do not know the original writer.
I
have a new found love for this small Czech town, and just may have to
visit May of next year! Be sure to read to fully appreciate this special
place, and email your friends to read.
Have you ever wondered
if anyone in Europe remembers America 's sacrifice in World War II?
There
is an answer in a small town in the Czech Republic . The town called Pilsen
(Plzen). Every five years Plzen conducts the Liberation
Celebration of the City of Pilsen in the Czech Republic .
May
6th, 2010 marked the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen by General
George Patton's 3rd Army.
Pilsen is the town that every American
should visit. Because they love America and the American Soldier...
even 65 years later...by the thousands
the citizens of Pilsen came to say thank you...
lining the streets of Pilsen for miles.
From large crowds…to quiet reflective moments…
Including this American family's private time to honor and remember their American hero. This is the crash site of Lt. Virgil P. Kirkham, the last recorded American USAAF pilot killed in Europe during WWII. It was Lt. Kirkham's 82nd mission and one that he volunteered to go on. At the time this 20 year old pilot's P-47 Thunderbolt plane was shot down, a young 14 year old Czech girl, Zdenka Sladkova, was so moved by his sacrifice she made a vow to care for him and his memory. For 65 straight years, Zdenka, now 79 years old, took on the responsibility to care for Virgil’s crash site and memorial near her home.
On May 4th she was recognized by the Mayor of Zdenka's home town of Trhanova , Czech Republic , for her sacrifice and extraordinary effort to honor this American hero.
Another chapter in this important story...the Czech people are teaching their children about America's sacrifice for their freedom.
American Soldiers, young and old, are the ''Rock Stars'' these children
and their parents want autographs from..Yes, Rock Stars !...
As they
patiently waited for his autograph, the respect this little Czech boy
and his father have for our troops serving today was heartwarming and
inspirational.
The Brian LaViolette Foundation will established The Scholarship
of Honor in tribute to General George S. Patton and the American
Soldier, past and present.
Each year, a different military hero will be honored in tribute to
General Patton's memory and their mission to liberate Europe. This award
will be presented to a graduating senior who will be entering the
military or a form of community service such as fireman, policeman,
teaching or nursing, a cause greater than self. The student will be from
one of the five high schools in Pilsen, Czech Republic.
The first
award will be presented in May 2011 in honor of Lt. Virgil Kirkham, that
young 20 year old P-47 pilot killed 65 years ago in the final days of
WWII (see photo above).
Presenting Virgil's award will be someone who knows the true meaning of
service and sacrifice... someone who looks a lot like Virgil…
Marion Kirkham, Virgil's brother, who himself served during WWII in the United States Army Air Corps!
In closing...here is what the city of Pilsen thinks of General Patton's grandson. George Patton Waters (another Rock Star!) we're proud to say, serves on Brian's Foundation board.
And it's front page news.. not buried in the middle of the social
section..
Brigadier General Miroslav Zizka - 1st Deputy Chief of Staff -
Ministry of Defense - Czech Armed Forces.
So please join this amazing journey…
So come visit Pilsen (Plzen) that loves our American soldiers during the next special event the first part of May 2011. Plzen is famous for Pilsner beer, and dates to the 13th century. There is lots to see here, and it may also be a life changing experience for you.
Ask your family and friends to read this as well...every American should hear this story.