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Glamping

Glamping is described as glamorous camping with amenities, and in some cases, resort style services not usually associated with traditional camping. It’s like roughing it with a private bath with hot and cold running water, air conditioning, heater, kitchen, luxury linens, beds, etc. This kind of camping can be tents, villas, cabins, lodges, teepees,  airstreams or treehouses; the variety is part of what makes it fun. Glamping available in many places in SC.

 

Sleeping under the stars on a comfortable mattress instead of a hard surface, intense communing with nature and the freedom of a camping holiday with the comfort of a 5 star hotel are what glamping is all about. These accommodations are nestled in nature in forests, lakes, mountains and beach. Glamping is available all over the world.

 

Yurts, round structures with solid framings covered by canvas, are becoming popular because of their comfort, energy efficiency and are easily customized. Teepees and treehouses are also popular. But by far, small cabins and tents on platforms are the most common glamping accommodations.

 

Some sites even have a concierge and/or chef prepared meals available. Many have bikes, hammocks, fire pits, planned activities, jacuzzi, swimming pools and continental breakfast. Most are out in nature so you can relax and enjoy the quiet but still have the comforts of home. 

 

It’s a known fact that the South has lots of unspoiled, natural beauty. From the mountains to rivers and ocean, there are many wonderful places to have outdoor experiences year round. Glamping provides the opportunity to get out and enjoy nature while still enjoying the comforts of  home.

 


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Ireland, the Emerald Isle





Ireland is called the Emerald Isle because of the vibrant green colors of the rolling hills and vales. Ireland is a fascinating place with something for everyone. Beautiful scenery, famous landmarks, ancient castles, pubs, Celtic ruins and natural wonders, it is rich in culture and friendly people.

Probably the most famous places is the Cliffs of Moher, one of the most visited natural attractions in Ireland. The cliffs stand around 700 feet above the coast and are five miles long – with an awe inspiring vista.

If national parks are a favorite of yours, Killarney National Park is for you with walking trails, wildlife, ancient forests and the beautiful lakes of Killarney. You can also visit the 19th century Muckross House and Gardens while there. 

The Rock of Cashel, also called St. Patrick’s Rock, is the most visited heritage site in Ireland. It was the fortress of the Munster kings in the Early Middle Ages and has 12th, 13th and 15th century additions. It is a spectacular  archaeological site. It is noted to be the most remarkable collection of Celtic art and medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe.

Of course you have to visit Dublin while in Ireland. There is so much to do and see. From the colossal St Patrick’s Cathedral, to the Dublin Writers Museum, to the Guinness Storehouse, Grafton Street with it’s flower sellers and performance artists, Trinity College built in 1592, St. Stephen’s Green with it’s beautiful gardens, and picturesque bridge and playground, to the General Post Office with the 1916 bullet holes of the Irish Rebellion, there is a wealth of things to do and see. 

Blarney Castle is high on the must see list. It was started back in the1200’s and is not far from Cork. The Blarney Stone was set into a tower of the castle in 1446. According to legend, if you kiss the stone it will enable you to have the gift of gab but getting to the stone requires hanging over a sheer drop off. You can also visit the extensive gardens at the Castle.

This is just a small sampling of the wonders in Ireland. Cork is a great place with many attractions, also the Aran Islands, the Ring of Kerry, Wicklow, Bunratty Castle, Sean’s Bar – the oldest pub in the world and lots of other great places to see and things to do!

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The Breezy – An Aerial Motorcycle

Most people think of airplanes as long metal tubes with lots of seats that whisk them along at near sonic speeds. It has gotten to where its a commodity. But there are many other ways to fly as well on a much more personal level than in an overpowered sardine can.

Probably the most personal way to fly is in a Breezy. As the name suggests, it is kinda windy. It is the ultimate open cockpit airplane. In 1964, Carl Unger designed an airplane with no covering on the fuselage. It had a pusher engine and prop that was behind the pilot and the passenger. This gave the airplane the ultimate in visibility.

My introduction to the aircraft was in Florida as a young pilot in college. There was one at the Deland airport, and the owner asked if i wanted to fly it. That first flight was just about the scariest thing I had ever done. The perspective was just unreal. Landings took some time to get used to. There was very little reference to the ground, and the airplane sat very low. The tendency was to flair too high.

After I moved to Columbia, a local EAA’er, Fred Scmidt, built one, and wanted someone with Breezy time to test it. Since no one else had ever flown one, I became a “test pilot”. Fred built a wonderful airplane. Stable, great control, and a good climber.

In the late 90’s an airplane sales pal called me and said he had taken a Breezy in on trade. I jumped at the chance, bought the airplane and brought it back to Columbia. We owned it for several years, and still have folks I took up as passengers reminisce about how wonderful that ride was.

It is difficult to describe the sensations when flying a Breezy. Sitting that far forward with nothing around you gives the sensation of the freedom a bird has when flying. There seems to be no limitations on what you can do, and that can be a great way to get in trouble.

The kids and I would go to Sun and Fun in Lakeland Florida each year in the Breezy. That was an all day affair, with multiple stops along the coast for gas. We rarely got above 500 feet, and stayed along the coast. One year as we were passing St Mary’s where the sub base is located, a boomer was coming out to sea. We passed right over it to lots of waves from the conning tower and lots of pictures. A Boomer that close is HUGE.

Flying in a Breezy is a very special experience. If you get the chance, don’t turn it down. I still miss N1154, and maybe one day I will have another.

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Christmas Markets River Cruise

European Christmas Markets are amazing!! The decorations, ornaments, presents, food, gluhwein, and more are in almost every town in Europe! What an awesome way to get in the Christmas spirit. This is one of our many pictures. Call us to book your fabulous Christmas Market Cruise today!

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Packing for a Cruise

Packing For a Cruise

You are going on a cruise. What a great vacation!! These are a few tips about packing enough but not too much.

Color coordinate your clothes. Mix and match neutrals with a color or two and you will have lots of outfits. You will need shorts, slacks, jeans, nice shirts, T-shirts and sport shirts. For the formal nights, a long dress or skirt, suit and tie and shoes you can wear with other outfits. Several bathing suits with cover ups, sandals or flip-flops. You can wear sneakers or shoes around the ship or on excursions.

You will need a sweatshirt, sweater, or windbreaker for layering on the days it is cool and breezy on deck. A hat or scarf would be good. Small backpacks or totes are good for excursions and around the ship. They can hold your camera, water bottle, sunscreen, etc.

A small powerstrip is a necessity if you have more than two things that need to be charged. Cruise ships typically only have one outlet in a cabin. Binoculars will be welcome for viewing sights on board. An over the door shoe bag is useful for corralling bathroom supplies and small items. A foldable duffel bag carries souvenirs or dirty clothes home.

You should carry a change of clothes, important medications, camera, jewelry, necessary IDs, cruise documents, and electronics in a carryon bag you keep with you. It is also a good idea if you are traveling with family to split your belongings on more than one bag. Both tips will be worth it if your luggage doesn’t arrive in your room when you do. Remember camera memory cards, batteries, ear plugs (in case of noisy neighbors).

Ships provide shampoo, soap, and hair dryer so you don’t need to carry those.

Pack about half of what you think you will need. And have a great time!

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The Best States for a Budget-Friendly Summer Road Trip

From Travel Pulse by Patrick Clarke

1. North Carolina

North Carolina is the best state in the U.S. for a wallet-friendly summer road trip in 2019 as it ranks inside the top 10 for both costs and activities. It ties California for the most scenic byways in America and is also home to some beloved beach towns, many of which you’ll find during a road trip through the Outer Banks.

2. Wyoming

You might be surprised to find that Wyoming ranks second among the 50 states when it comes to a road trip this summer, but the Equality State can’t be topped when it comes to costs, beating out the 49 other states. The all-important category takes into account average gas prices, maximum toll costs, lowest price of a three-star hotel room and lowest price of camping, among other key indicators.

3. Minnesota

Safety propels Minnesota into WalletHub’s top three as only Vermont and Maine fare better. The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are undoubtedly worthwhile during the warmer summer months but don’t overlook Duluth, a port city with a gorgeous waterfront.

4. Virginia

Virginia doesn’t rank any lower than 16th in either of the three categories, meaning it’s not only safe and budget-friendly, but it’s entertaining as well. Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive is a must regardless of the time of year and the state boasts the fifth-lowest cost of camping in the nation.

5. Texas

The Lone Star State is one of only two in the U.S. to rank inside the top 10 for both costs and activities, coming in at fourth and seventh, respectively. If it’s affordability and fun you’re seeking, you can’t go wrong in Texas.

6. New York

Unsurprisingly, only two other states fare worse than New York in terms of costs. However, it ranks second behind only California for road trip activities and fourth among the 50 states for safety. The Big Apple will be a popular stop for many this summer, but Upstate New York promises plenty of scenery and serenity.

7. Louisiana

Only Alabama tops Louisiana in terms of the lowest average gas prices this summer, according to WalletHub’s research. Give yourself a few days and make the road trip from Lake Charles to Grand Isle, stopping in Lafayette, Baton Rouge and New Orleans along the way.

8. Oregon

Cost is the one category holding Oregon back from the top five as it trails only California and North Carolina for the country’s most scenic byways and ranks inside the top 10 when it comes to road tripper safety. Consider a cruise up the Pacific Coast via U.S. Route 101 or venture inland to explore places like Bend and Crater Lake National Park.

9. Utah

Nearby Utah ties Oregon for third nationally in terms of most scenic byways and ranks 17 spots better for costs, making it a budget-friendly option for road trip vacationers prioritizing price and scenery this summer.

10. Wisconsin

Wisconsin ranks eighth in terms of both costs and safety. America’s Dairyland trails only Wyoming for the lowest price of camping and ranks fourth among the 50 states for the lowest average cost of car repairs in the event that your vehicle breaks down.