The Oregon Coast must be experienced in person to fully realize its beauty.  It is dotted with city after city from Brookings Harbor all the way up to Astoria.  Accommodations abound with super view of the Pacific and always, there are plenty of things for seniors to see and do . Buckle up your seat belts and take in 180 miles along the coast in four minutes. Seniors, the coast is one of the Top Ten Scenic Drives in America.

More than a place…

The Oregon Coast is more than a place, it’s a state of mind. No place on the map of Oregon is marked as the Oregon Coast, but everybody knows that the 363 miles of coastline where the Pacific Ocean washes up on the state’s western beaches is unlike any place else. Highway 101 winds down the entire Oregon Coast from the Columbia River to the California border. Along the way, it passes through the old growth forests of Oswald West State Park, named for the Oregon governor who began the process of securing Oregon’s beaches for public use. All but one of the famous McCullough bridges on Highway 101 are still in operation.

I once did a teacher workshop for a national convention at Otter Crest.  What a neat site and the Inn at Otter Crest must be experienced. There’s no place like it… 35 pristine acres of oceanfront lodging, striking ocean views, huge trees, nature trails, tide pools teeming with life and Otter Crest Beach with its ever-present Harbor Seals.

Seniors Take in the 363 Miles On 101

Oregon’s public coastline is made up of diverse terrain that changes from rugged cliffs to evergreen forests to Sahara-like dunes and boundless sandy beaches. From Astoria in the north to Brookings in the southern tip, follow the shoreline past a smorgasbord of one-of-a-kind attractions including scores of quaint towns with a penchant for serving up legendary seafood, historic lighthouses, breathtaking viewpoints, stunning state parks, a cornucopia of galleries and museums and a world class aquarium. Mild temperatures, dramatic scenery and a wide range of recreational activities make the coast one of the state’s most popular regions.

Because of the Oregon Coast’s physical complexity, many different species of plant and animal can be found in the region, both terrestrial and marine in nature. Due to several factors, including climate, weather, and terrain, there is a great variety of plants within the coastal region. In some areas, large trees are uncommon.

The largest city along the Oregon Coast is Coos Bay—population 16,000— on the South Coast. U.S. Route 101,  the primary highway from Astoria to Brookings, is known for its scenic overlooks of the Pacific Ocean. There are over 80 state parks and recreation areas along the Oregon Coast. You will want to check out the Oregon Coast Aquarium that is a world-class marine educational attraction and is one of Oregon’s top tourist attractions.  Do not miss Crater Lake National Park.   It is a majestic wonder with its blue blue water.   And it is deep deep, the 7th deepest lake in the world.

A Mileage Chart

This chart will provide seniors with some aid for driving from one area to another. You will find mileage from Portland, Salem and Eugene to Oregon coast towns, as well as between coastal towns. Find the best routes to the Oregon coast from the valley. National Recreations Areas and Forests are well worth a visit as well.

While you are there, explore Oregon. Why Oregon? Because Oregonians are wild, adventurous and inquisitive. Oregon is a place where people often find themselves roaming endlessly with no other goal than the next great meal, powdery slope, lighthouse view or salmon run.  Oregon (The Beaver State) is a dramatic land of many changes. From the rugged Oregon seacoast, to the high mountain passes of the Oregon Cascades, in the lush greenery and magnificent waterfalls, and in the stony lava beds and Ponderosa pines of the high desert, Oregon’s natural beauty is here for senior citizens to enjoy. jeb

I have only been up to the boundary waters of Minnesota once on a fishing trip.  It is an awesome area with a myriad of beautiful pine trees and hundreds of lakes of all sizes.  The Boundary Waters, known for fishing, canoeing, camping and good northern Minnesota clean air, are between Duluth, Minnesota and Thunder Bay, Ontario; three parks make up the area: Superior National Forest, Voyageurs National Park and Quetico Provincial Park. Right in the middle of all three is the city of Ely.  Virginia lies just to the south of the parks.  Grand Marais (Big Marsh) is also very close. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) lies between each of the parks. It is a wilderness straddling between the USA and Canada.

Bogs, marshes and lakes…everywhere

The Boundary Waters region is characterized by a vast network of waterways and bogs within a gacially-carved landscape of Precambrian bedrock covered in thin soils and boreal forests. The Boundary Waters is a popular destination for senior recreationalists pursuing fishing, canoeing and camping, as well as for those simply looking for natural scenery and relaxation.

A Million Acres

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) has a ~million acres of wilderness, with over 1,000 pristine lakes and streams, and over 1500 miles of canoe routes. I’ve been there and I know myself why it is considered by some as the most beautiful wilderness seniors have ever seen. National Geographic named it one of 50 Destinations of a Lifetime.  In other words, a vacation you do not want to miss and should be on your “bucket list.” The wilderness here is without motors, no electricity, no telephone lines, and no roads to the inner lakes. Each season has its own unique characteristics, making them wonderful times to visit the Boundary Waters and its surrounding award winning resort communities. Take a virtual canoe trip from your desktop.  It is an award-winning video. And how about this award winning photo? If you liked the winner  here, take in more of these to whet your appetite for an adventure in NE Minnesota.

Just made for senior outdoorsmen

Hundreds of lakes and acres of unspoiled forest are home to abundant wildlife including eagles, loons, ospreys, moose, beavers and deer.  Challenge yourself mentally and physically  as you canoe to isolated campsites, traverse portages, cook fish over an open fire, sleep in a tent and share camp chores on a three-day adventure next to open waters. In addition you will want to lace up your hiking boots and explore glacier-sculpted trails that wind between lakes. Maybe even stop to pick a few wild blueberries. So are you up to it?  If so, grab a good map and head to the Boundary Waters for a fun and unforgettable time.  jeb

Ever heard of Eagle River? Well if you are not from Wisconsin, maybe not, but folks who live in that state all know of this fascinating region.  I had read years ago about all the intertwining lakes that make up one of the largest lake chains in the world. I have always wanted to check it out for myself, but now I will leave it up to you, seniors, to see for yourself what the big attractions are.

With more than 1,300 lakes, the glaciated landscape of Villas county has much to offer senior water enthusiasts, especially if you are into canoeing. Hunting and hiking are also popular for the outdoors adventurer.  Learn for yourself about the history and culture of the Wisconsin Northwoods and experience its stunning beauty in the 20,000 acre Sylvanian Wilderness. The Northwoods Wildlife Center is also an attraction that draws folks from all over the world. The Center is a not-for-profit hospital for sick, injured and orphaned wild animals with the goal of treating them and subsequently releasing them into their natural habitat for a second chance at life in the wild.

Welcome to the Snowmobile Capital of the World®, and home of “The Eagle River 500.” With an abundance of snowfall annually it seems as if the snowmobiles out-number the cars. Eagle River boasts some of the best snowmobiling in the world. The numerous area snowmobile clubs, groom and maintain a 500 mile trail network that is known as the “Eagle River 500”. These trails take seniors winding through beautiful forests and across frozen lakes. Bring your appetite along with your snowmobile as Eagle River is known for its fine array of restaurants.

Seniors Looking for World Class

I seem to gravitate towards anything that is classed as world class including museums, tourist attractions and national monuments.  Eagle River is the heart of Northwoods fishing. Lakes are known for their trophy-sized musky, but you’re also bound to catch walleye and bass. When the leaves begin to turn and the fall foliage is brilliant, it is an excellent time to catch musky. No matter when you visit, whether you boat out onto one of the beautiful lakes, panfish with the grandkids, or fly fish for trout in the streams, Eagle River is a world class fishing destination. I owned a cabin in northern Minnesota for a number of years and I was attracted to the many stories I had read about Eagle River.  It is a unique area and well worthy of a visit.

Prior to your arrival you may wish to check out the listing of attractions.  Wikipedia is always helpful for finding out all kinds of things about almost any topic you can imagine, including Eagle River. Also check out the city specs and mayor Jeffrey Hyslop’s welcome as he writes, “Eagle River has a rich history and a bright future because it is home to so many.”  And home always has and always will have a special place in people’s hearts. Dorothy, toward the end of her adventures in Oz, came to the conclusion, “There’s no place like home.”  Those acquainted with Eagle River would heartily agree! jeb

I invite seniors to explore the Lewis and Clark Trail for an exciting journey filled with history, natural beauty and an opportunity to meet interesting people along the way. Explore the Lewis and Clark Trail by following the tracks of the Corps of Discovery as they discovered a continent very much inhabited.  Congress established the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail in 1978, and communities along the route have planned activities to honor the expedition.

President Jefferson – Find a water route to the Pacific
In 1803 Thomas Jefferson dispatched Lewis and Clark to find a water route across North America, explore the uncharted 800,000 square mile West and to find the elusive Northwest Passage.  What they discovered was mind-boggling: some 300 species unknown to science, nearly 50 Indian tribes, and the Rockies. Take this National Geographic journey and discover along with these explorers what they encountered. The Lewis and Clark expedition, aptly named the Corps of Discovery, included Sacagawea, a 16-year old Shoshone woman carrying her infant boy, who served as an interpreter and guide on their journey. Even Lewis’’ pet dog, Seaman, went along.

The Corps of Discovery began making its way up the Missouri aboard a 55-foot-long (17-meter-long) keelboat and two smaller pirogues. As they traveled, Clark spent most of his time on the keelboat, charting the course and making maps, while Lewis was often ashore, studying the rock formations, soil, animals, and plants along the way.

The Lewis and Clark Trail is a cultural destination that covers over 4,600 miles, crosses three time zones, and showcases some of the most beautiful and rugged areas of America. The expedition traveled over 8,000 total miles back and forth over a period of 2 years, 4 months and 10 days. When the expedition reached the Pacific, Clark estimated they had traveled 4,162 miles from the mouth of the Missouri to the Pacific. His guess was within 40 miles of the actual distance. In seeking an all-water route to the Pacific Ocean, the Corps of Discovery navigated the Missouri River upstream through the Dakotas and across present-day Montana. They proceeded to cross the Rocky Mountains and then continued down to the Columbia River, reaching the Pacific Coast a year and a half after setting out.

Seniors, Meet The Explorers

Meriwether Lewis was born August 18, 1774, near Charlottesville, VA, and was a boyhood neighbor of Thomas Jefferson. Meriwether’s father died when Meriwether was only five years old. He then went to Georgia for a few years only to return to Virginia to run the family farm and to continue his education. A native Virginian, Clark, born August 1, 1770, was 4 years older than Lewis. In capability and background, he and Lewis shared much in common. They were relatively young, intelligent, adventurous, resourceful, and courageous. Born leaders, experienced woodsmen-frontiersmen, and seasoned Army officers, they were cool in crisis and quick to make decisions. Clark joined the military at age 19, eventually attaining the rank of Captain. Ensign Meriwether Lewis was among men assigned to Clark. The two struck up a lasting friendship that would lead to their co-commanding the Corps of Discovery. These journal entries are samplings of some of the entries made by the men.

From Missouri to Oregon

So start off in Missouri and end up in Oregon.    Idaho and Montana invite seniors to come and hike, bike and canoe the river and walk the same path that Lewis and Clark walked. You’ll enjoy planning your Corps of Discovery travel with the resources included here, and learning more about the Lewis and Clark Expedition.  Drive along the same trail and stop and enjoy the many centers (80) that focus on that memorable journey. If you start off driving from the east coast you have complete information on miles including maps of precisely where you are and where you are going.  Because they traveled by river, and rivers have shifted their courses and been altered by dams, the “trail” is not exact.

Lewis and Clark and their Corps of Discovery have been referred to as “the writingest” group of explorers to undertake a major overland expedition. The same thing can be said for their mapmaking. They prepared about 140 maps on the trail and collected some 30 maps from Indians, fur trappers, and traders. Most of the maps were drawn or compiled by William Clark. While Meriwether Lewis was not a cartographer, he carried out much of the celestial observation. He was tutored in this activity by some of America’s leading scientists, mathematicians and surveyors.

This route was created to celebrate the anniversary of the Corps of Discovery’s 1804-1806 historic journey and offers cyclists the opportunity to follow the path of the intrepid explorers.  It includes seven map sections detailing the 1804-1805 westbound trip, roughly following the Missouri and Columbia rivers, and one map section showing Clark’s 1806 eastbound return along the Yellowstone River.  This is a preview of a DVD of 1,200 photographs of the Lewis and Clark Trail as it appears today.  So set the stage now for a journey through time and space and enjoy the history associated with it. jeb

Have you been to South America yet?  I have had the good fortune of visiting in several countries, but not Colombia. Ecuador was close, but I never got to cross the border to visit Bogotá. There is much diversity in South America… each country has its own history, cultural sites and reasons for seniors to come and see for themselves. How many countries of South America can you name? I’ll give you five minutes to try with this interactive map.  Good luck! So you left a few out…that’s ok. Let’s focus in on Colombia now and Bogotá in particular. Note the little accent on the á.  Hit it a little harder when you say.. Bo Go TAH!

Bogotá is on the move. Once considered a place to avoid, the capital has cleaned up its act and is fast becoming one of Latin America’s urban highlights. Improved security, infrastructure projects and a clean-up campaign have helped bring a new face to the metropolis.  Graceful churches, excellent museums, cultural events and a thriving nightlife can keep you busy for several days. Bogotá is also the political, financial and service center for the country, and its geographic heart, making it a useful base from which to explore the country.

Despite its massive sprawl, Bogotá is a dotted with parks and leisure spots. Cool air and almost daily rain sweep away residual pollution, and there are several high peaks to the east of town that help you to keep your perspective on the ground.

The country has a diverse population that reflects its colorful history and the peoples that have populated it from ancient times to the present.  The historic amalgam of three main groups are the basics of Colombia’s current demographics.  Indigenous Amerindians, European immigrants, and African slaves, have intermingled without limitation in its history.

South America can neither be explained in one sentence nor portrayed in one photograph. Its landscapes are excitedly striking and the flora and fauna are amazingly varied. So South America is more than just a natural destination. There is cultural variety, peculiarity, and culinary multiplicity.  South America is a continent that changes you, your state of mind, and your outlook on life. As soon as you step foot on South American soil, the transformation begins.

Seniors Ask Why Bogota?

If you bring up Google and ask for the most popular cities in South America, up comes Bogotá.  Nestled high in the Andes at 2620 m. (8646 ft), Santafé de Bogotá is a city of contrasts… modern shopping malls and open-air markets, high-rise apartments and makeshift shanties, futuristic glass towers and colonial churches; a city of universities, theaters and shantytowns. It is a mixture of influences, Spanish and English and Indian; a city of great wealth and material well being and abject poverty. It is a city of wild traffic and calm oases reflecting a bygone day. It is a modern city with futuristic architecture, graffiti and congestion; restaurants, bookstores and street vendors peddling emeralds, thieves, beggars, street people and drug dealers wrapped around the inner core of the old city.

Home to more than seven million people, Colombians still flock to Bogotá in search of opportunities. Many find that the streets are not exactly paved with gold and end up eking out an existence in one of the vast shantytowns that line the southern portion of the city.

In addition to being the capital, Bogotá is Colombia’s largest economic center.  It is home to most foreign companies doing business in Colombia as well as Colombia’s main stock market. The emerald trade is a huge business in Bogotá. In downtown Bogotá, millions of dollars in domestically produced rough and cut emeralds are bought and sold daily. And all those old busses… one would think oneself to be in London.  They are everywhere.

TripAdvisor finds 61 activities to keep seniors busy starting off with a Gold Museum.  That sounds pretty interesting to me. Climb up Monserrate Hill as it provides exceptional panoramic views of Bogatá and beyond. Old Bogotá is a lively neighborhood section of the city that features small shops and ancient churches. The neighborhood includes a number of attractions including The Plaza de Bolivar, The Bogota Cathedral. The Gold Museum, The Fundacion Botero, The Religious Art Museum, The Coin House, The Library Luis Angel Arango. For seniors interested in art, Museo Botero has to be very top of the list of things to do in Bogotá. The magnificent 208-piece collection was donated by the famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero whose series of ‘fat people’ shows skill, humor, kindness, cruelty and critical satire. As per usual, I leave you with Frommers and Fodor’s Excellent Travel Guides to help you discover the best restaurants, attractions, nightlife, events and all with great maps. Buen viaje. jeb

Intrepid (real-life experiences) has created a New Year’s Resolution to deliver some of the most exciting travel experiences for seniors to date.  Here are some I think you might be interested in considering:

Off the beaten track

For travelers with a yearning to get off the beaten track, Intrepid opens up a whole new world of senior adventure travel. With a huge variety of tours available, Intrepid travelers explore the world’s most amazing places – from the back streets of Asia, to the wilds of Africa, the colorful landscapes of Latin America, the picturesque National Parks of North America, the delicacies of Europe & ancient cultures of Australasia. So select a continent, a country and then the trip style you would like and you are off and running.

Inspirational Videos

They make it easier for seniors to decide which trip is best via this series of videos on Queensland and New Zealand and detailed information on most of the major tourist countries in the world.  SCJ recommends travel videos to seniors because there is nothing quite like watching a live scene for knowing whether or not you might like to visit there.

The most recent Top Four

Four Intrepid Adventures are featured right now (January, 2012) including Vietnam Express southbound, Rome to Paris, Best of Morocco and California Discovery northbound. A mail brochure that I just received features 5 new trips: Best of Burma, Sail Croatia, Turkey & Georgia, Discover Puglia and Guyana. Price on these range from $1,575 to $4,285.

Intrepid’s brochures

Intrepid’s brochures are full of fantastic travel inspiration. Order a brochure online and kick start your travel dreams. They have different brochures, depending on where you live. Please click here to change your country of residence if you are not from United States.  Bon Voyage!  jeb

Now and then I come across items of interest for senior travelers that simply do not fit into one category.  Recently I bookmarked several that I wish to share that I feel may be of interest to you.  They are not in any order of importance.

Tours and Cruises for Single Seniors

When you book a tour or cruise, you normally pay a “per-person, double occupancy” price. If you’re traveling alone, you are charged a higher price, normally called a “single supplement.” The single supplement is usually quite high – up to 50 percent of the trip cost – because it is designed to recoup the income generated by a second traveler.  There is a solution… look for “single-friendly” tour groups.

Escorted Tours to Ireland

So you’ve decided to travel to the island of Ireland? Let the experts take the hard work out of planning each and every detail of your vacation with an escorted land tour.

Seniors on the Go Column

This site by Smarter Travel has many helpful suggestions for seniors that range from VIP Lounges and Tipping to the recent American Airlines bankruptcy case.

Ten for a Dollar

Here you will find 17 tours that cater to Senior Travelers. It was put together by Transitions Abroad.

Afar Magazine

I thought that I was aware of most all the major travel magazines until Afar Magazine came up on one of my searches.  It really looks good and is worth checking out. In addition several other fine magazines are featured in this article.

Top All-Inclusive Resorts

Many of us prefer resorts that are all-inclusive… everything is taken care of on site and there are no hidden surprises when you check out.  Away.com has their listing that you will want to investigate. Not all all-inclusive resorts are created equal, as evidenced by our list of top-rated all-inclusives, which occupy some of the finest coves, beaches, promontories, and islands this side of paradise. Take your pick from the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and beyond.

And look out for these

I enjoy reading what other travelers are sharing and these take some kind of trophy as they tell of several called “Financial Nightmare Vacations” that you will want to avoid. Sometimes without warning, a dream vacation can spiral into a nightmare when things go awry. However, with a little foresight and careful planning, travelers can avoid those pesky traps that hinder the much-needed days of relaxing.

How to Get a Refund on a Non-Refundable Airline Ticket

Airlines often sell airfare tickets labeled as “non-refundable.” The claim is made to the customer that once the ticket is purchased, the deal is sealed, and there is no way that customer can get any of his money back. All of us at one time or another has had a ticket that read “non-refundable.”  Read this carefully so that next time you just might come out ahead of the game with the airlines. Airlines started doing this as a way to protect themselves from no-show passengers that wasted seats aboard a plane and then requested a refund for their ticket.  Check out this article to learn the conditions in which you just might get a refund.

And a closing by Peter Greenberg

Peter is a travel guru.  He knows as much as anyone one else in the field.  Here you will find a plethora of information that will make your trip a memorable one that is positive,  leaving you with a good feeling. Bon Voyage!  jeb

One of my daughters recently came back from Ohio and was raving about the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. So I figured that I just had to investigate for myself and to pass on “the word” to seniors who might enjoy a visit. I found out that the name Cuyahoga is the Indian word for “Crooked River” in the Mohawk language.

Along the “Crooked River”

Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife, and provides routes of discovery for senior visitors. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Walk or ride the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.

If there is one word that typifies Cuyahoga Valley, it might well be “surprise.” To begin, many people are surprised by the simple fact that a national park exists in northeastern Ohio, between the sprawling cities of Cleveland and Akron. In fact, it hasn’t existed for long: Cuyahoga Valley was given national park status in 2000. Senior visitors find more surprises: Secluded trails through rugged gorges that seem far removed from civilization; vistas of tree-covered hills where the urban world is out of sight; marshes where beaver, herons, and wood ducks thrive. Check out lodging here on this site plus much more.

The park has a heart…

Seniors will discover the heart of Cuyahoga Valley National Park by traveling on the historic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. From the trail, you can make connections to many natural and historic sites in the Cuyahoga Valley. Beyond the park, you can continue your Towpath Trail journey further along the Ohio & Erie Canal-way. The park is vibrant, captivating and holds a long-standing legacy that’s woven into the historical fabric of the Cuyahoga Valley. The national park unlocks a world of experiences; it’s a place to be proud of. The park is strengthened by the desire of its senior visitors, supporters, volunteers and members who strive to preserve, protect and enhance this treasured civic asset for generations to come. You will find the area “stuffed” with events all during the year.

Seniors Spend A Day in the Valley

Seniors will want to spend more than a day in the Valley as it is a beautiful spot and is a refuge for flora and fauna, and provides both recreation and solitude for Northeastern Ohio’s residents and senior visitors. Park trails, from rugged backcountry hiking trails to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, a graded biking and hiking trail, offer something for everyone. The Park has a rich cultural legacy as well. Remains of the Ohio & Erie Canal, which traveled through the valley in the 19th and early 20th centuries, offer a glimpse into the past. Sustainable farming ventures help preserve the valley’s agricultural heritage.  Enjoy riding trains through historic territory?  The Cuyahoga Valley scenic railroad is one of the oldest, longest and most scenic tourist excursion railroads in the county.

Cuyahoga Valley truly is a year-round park. Each season seems more beautiful than the previous and brings with it numerous activities for senior visiters. Weekends tend to be crowded from spring to the fall, which happen to be the most spectacular of the seasons. While the spring brings bright wildflowers, the fall boasts amazing foliage. And if you enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding, plan a visit during the winter months. So now I know why my daughter and her family found Cuyahoga National Park so enthralling… it is truly a year-round park and each season seems more beautiful than the previous.  jeb

My wife suggested that I write a blog on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, perhaps the most famous hiking trail in the world.  We have friends whose son Darrin hiked the entire trail.  He told us that he woke up one morning in his sleeping bag and there, just inches from his forehead, was a rattle snake coiled up.  So start with that seniors and go for it.  It did not strike if that is any consolation and Darrin now has one of the most memorable experiences a hiker could have in finishing to the end of the trail the entire 2,174 mile hike.

The Appalachian Trail, known by hikers as the AT, runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. In January 2012 the trail will be celebrating it’s 17th birthday. And get this…the AT traverses the wild, scenic, wooded, pastoral and culturally resonant lands of 14 states in the eastern U.S. Furthermore the AT is enjoyed by an estimated 4 million people each year. It is within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population. People of all ages and abilities, youth and seniors alike enjoy short walks, day hikes, and long-distance backpacking journeys. It offers a variety of opportunities for viewing spectacular scenery, for exploring, for adventure, for exercise, for nature study, and for renewal.

The Appalachian Trail is currently protected along more than 99 percent of its course by federal or state ownership of the land or by right-of-way. Annually, more than 4,000 volunteers contribute over 175,000 hours of effort. In the course of its journey, the trail follows the ridge line of the Appalachian Mountains, crossing many of its highest peaks, and running, with only a few exceptions, almost continuously through wilderness. Take the thru-hike in 7 1/2 minutes via this video.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), established in 1925, is a national not-for-profit corporation that is both a confederation of the 31 local organizations with assignments to maintain the Appalachian Trail and a membership organization with support from all 50 states and more than 15 other countries. Under agreements that date back to the 1930s, buttressed by federal legislation in 1968 and 1978, ATC leads a cooperative-management system for the Trail that equals the National Park Service and USDS Forest Service at national, regional, and district levels, a variety of agencies in 14 states, a few other federal agencies, and even some county and town agencies.

Fall is one of the most beautiful times to enjoy the A.T. Peak of color ranges from late September to early November. Click here to find a guide to peak foliage along different areas of the Trail.

Senior Activity Along the Trail

This site will not only get your started, but also has all the information you will need to succeed in your trek. If you would like to help as a volunteer there are lots of opportunities to do so. Senior volunteers are active in all aspects of Trail work, from basic maintenance to major projects such as building bridges and shelters and building new sections of the A.T.

You will definitely want some kind of a hiker’s guidebook for the AT.  Take a look at these Trail Maps that cover the entire distance. You may even want to consider joining the Maine Appalachian Trail Club on this site. This page can be used to aid those who are planning a thru-hike or other long distance hike of the Appalachian Trail.

So bone up on hiking skills, equipment, what is needed to follow a dream and consider doing one of the most sought after trails in the world. jeb

Seniors, it’s even further to Perth.  Perth, Australia is on the westernmost coast of the country and has become a major senior citizen tourist attraction.  Many of us have never heard of Perth while Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and are cities that make the news. Perth is the capital and largest city of the Australian state of Western Australia and the fourth most populous city in Australia. The Perth metropolitan area has an estimated population of almost 1,700,000.

Australia is a big big country and in much of the territory there is little for senior travelers to see. The western-most portion is all desert and wild camels run loose. Seniors, as you know, for an extraordinary holiday, you need an extraordinary destination. So if you’re looking to step into a world of awe-inspiring beauty and discover experiences found nowhere else on earth, Western Australia is the right place, and this means Perth and the “Golden Outback.”

Perth became known worldwide as the “City of Light” when city residents lit their house lights and streetlights as American astronaut John Glenn passed overhead while orbiting the earth on Friendship 7 in 1962.  The city repeated the act as Glenn passed overhead on the Space Shuttle in 1998.  Perth is tied for eighth place in The Economist‘s 2011 list of the World’s Most Livable Cities.

So Why Visit Perth, Seniors?

The weather is fantastic, the beaches are clean and uncrowded, and the city, situated on the banks of the Swan River, is in a postcard-perfect setting. Free buses get you around the CBD, central business district,  where you can visit the Perth Mint, Swan Bells Tower, Art Gallery of WA and many more Perth tourist attractions. And there’s a train and bus station right in the centre of town, as well as plenty of accommodation in the form of hotels and hostels.

Perth City Centre is located twenty kilometers inland of the Indian Ocean on the West Coast of Australia.  Perth, a very modern city,  bustles with activity and offers a range of choices for shopping. Perth hills offers rolling hills and valleys of native bushland, wineries and orchards if you enjoy bushwalking and hiking, plus amazing views over the city below.

Barrack Square and The Swan Bells Attract Seniors

The jetties at Barrack Square are the departure point for river, winery and Rottnest Island cruises, as well as ferries to South Perth and Perth Zoo. The vibrant riverside location features public art, cafes, restaurants and a lively bar. Barrack Square is the home to Perth’s Swan Bells Belltower, one of the world’s largest musical instruments. The Belltower houses the twelve bells of Saint Martin in the Fields church, the parish church of Buckingham Palace, and also features a viewing platform and exhibitions. It is open daily from 10am.

Viator finds 33 things to do in Perth, including a day cruise from Perth along the Swan Valley where you will be wined and dined royally. Another hot attraction is the helicopter beaches tour. Perth abounds in places to visit and things for seniors to do . Hop-on-Hope-off tours are always popular in large cities and this one is a great means to take in the city. Perth City Life invites seniors to take a cruise on the Swan or a longer cruise called the Freemantle Explorer.

While the lack of big-city bustle has something to do with Perth being the world’s most remote capital city, seniors won’t find the locals complaining about the lifestyle! You can even bring along your pooch. Perth’s pristine parkland and beaches allow the population to spread out and enjoy what’s on offer. After all, we are talking about a city that has its own dedicated dog beach…How ’bout that? Have a little fun with this Australian Slang Dictionary and impress someone on your adventure to Perth.
G’day mate and enjoy your time down under! jeb