Summer's Over. Now What?

(Photo by Dick Bevevino)

OK, we've had our morning coffee.  It's time to face reality.  Summer is almost a memory, and if we've been lucky, we've been able to spend time with those we love best, both at home and on vacation.

So what now?  It's time to think about one of our favorite topics again:  VACATIONS !  Last summer we had some great advice on river cruises from Pam and Alan, Carol and Ray, and Ruthanne and Ted.  Now let's consider other ways to enjoy getaways, both close to home and abroad.

Our friend Terry has just returned from a trip to France, Italy, and Switzerland.  On a tour?  In a manner of speaking.  Terry and friends booked a guided walking tour with www.northwestwalks.co. Their hike covered 112 miles in 10 days.  But wait!  Before you scream, "Yikes, who can do that?" remember that the group hiked 12 miles a day with the following schedule:  Hike/break/hike/lunch/hike/break/hike/dinner with ice-cold beer.  Terry's advice?  Add squats and lunges to your exercise routine for 6 months before the trip. That strengthens your legs for those inclines.  Take your hiking sticks with you, too. A side benefit?  Using those hiking sticks makes the hike more doable and also burns more calories at the same time.   And best of all, enjoy the magnificent vistas all along the way.

Would you rather walk this winter or spring instead of in the summer months?  www.macsadventures.com offers walks in places like Southern Spain and Portugal as well as trips through the British Isles, their base of operations.  You can explore the site by putting in your level of ability (Whew!  There is an "easy" category.), the dates of interest, and other info that will aid in showing you their offerings.

Microsoft ClipArt

Many of us like to stay closer to home.  If you would, consider this.  Bob A. has just returned from a bike trip starting in  Burlington,Vermont and ending in Quebec City. Bob was on a Sojourn tour. And they offer a number of different bike tours to various locations within the USA. The Sojourn tours are in Canada and the USA are ranked:Bob's was an "intermediate tour" covering an average of 55 miles per day. Bob felt the tour guides were very knowledgable, both from a historical standpoint and also about cycling tips. Starting on Sunday, the riders experienced some "rather easy flat ride days along Lake Champlain on lightly traveled roads and some scenic area as well as lots of very green pastures and farm land.  Most breakfasts, a few lunches and several dinners were included in the trip fee. The tour ended in Quebec City, and on Thursday, we had a day off the bike and all of us participated in a Walking Tour of Quebec City with an interesting guide." On Thursday, Bob joined 4 others on he optional  long ride:  85-90 miles."  Since it was Bob's 16th tour, he was well able to finish, but he cautions that this option was "arduous."  There are loads of US bike tours for all levels of riders so there's no need to shy away because of the challenges of his trip.

Other tours?  Walking?  Camping?  Kayaking?  For families?  For couples?  For singles?  Many tour companies serving the USA offer these.  http://grandamericanadventures.com/tourtypes There are even tours for those of us who prefer to amble along at a slower pace.  Now, that sounds great to me!

(Our thanks to Terry and Bob A for sharing their amazing adventures.)