Ladies Will Also Enjoy the Isle of Man

Situated between the coastlines of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, in the middle of the Irish Sea, senior travelers find a beautiful Island. Legend has it that the Isle of Man was created when the Irish giant Finn MacCooill threw a chunk of earth from Ireland’s coastline towards Scotland, during battle, which promptly landed in the Irish Sea and became the Isle of Man.

Measuring just 33 miles in length and 13 miles in width, senior visitors find the Isle of Man really is larger than life and home to just over 81,000 residents who embrace a relaxed way of life. Within easy reach of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales and featuring breathtaking scenery, 100 miles of coastline, unspoiled beaches and a vast array of attractions, it is no wonder the island welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.


Across the half a mile of water that separates the Isle of Man from the mainland and you’ll discover dinosaur footprints, traditional seaside resorts, world-renowned sailing villages, idyllic countryside and miles of stunning coastline. And it couldn’t be easier to explore the island with over 500 miles of footpaths and plenty of award-winning beaches perfect for a cooling dip when the sun gets too hot. Pretty exciting for such a small island .

Douglas is the capital of the Isle of Man with a population of over 25,000 and is situated on the east coast on the 2-mile crescent of Douglas Bay. Retaining its Victorian charm, Douglas is an important international center of banking, finance and commerce boasting an excellent choice of restaurants and wine bars, shopping facilities featuring many major high street stores plus a number of specialist shops as well as attractive waterside pubs and cafes.

Senior Hikers Discover Fascinating Landscapes

Senior Hikers! The Isle of Man has one of the worlds most fascinating landscapes – shaped by the last Ice Age, weathered by time and colored by human history. But much of this beautiful and dramatic scenery is rarely seen to its full advantage and can only be hinted at from a ground-level view on foot.

Blessed with an extensive coastline, stunning natural landscapes and unspoiled beaches, the Isle of Man is a perfect holiday destination for seniors. Whatever you’re looking for, whether it’s a journey back in time to discover the history of the Island, a traditional bucket and spade beach or just somewhere to stop and sit for a while – you’ll find it on the Isle of Man.

Seniors who visit the island find it to be a place full of contrasts and character. Visit the ancient cobbled streets of Casteltown to see one of Europe’s most preserved Medieval castles or Laxey in the east for a glimpse of the world’s largest working waterwheel. You’ll find long sandy beaches which contrast markedly with the rocky cliffs and sheltered bays around the rest of the Island.

Enjoy getting to know the Isle of Man. jeb

Seniors Fly High Above the Rim

My wife and I just returned from spending five days ten miles north of Payson, Arizona in the heart of what is called Rim Country .  We rented a cabin with my wife’s sister and her husband and enjoyed exploring the region. It was a magnificent means for these seniors to escape from the 119 degree heat in the Valley. The Mogollon Rim is an escarpment 7,000 feet in altitude with a dramatic drop of over 2000 feet to the communities below. The Rim provides some of the most far-reaching scenery in Arizona.

Arizona is a handsome state with a variety of natural environments from the hot, dry desert to the cool, mountainous pine forests. When seniors are looking for a place to cool down, the Rim Country is where they often find themselves. The Mogollon Rim, pronounced “muggy-own” or “muggy-on”, is a mountain range that extends 400 miles.

My wife is enthralled with the plethora of her favorite Arizona tree, the magnificent Ponderosa Pine, and Arizona has more of these trees that anywhere else in the entire world! We drove along the Rim to Woods Canyon Lake to observe eagles circling overhead, looking for their lunch…we saw a catch.  What a thrill!

The Mogollon Rim is Arizona’s mighty backbone. Payson, close by, makes a great base for senior exploring. Many locals in the Valley have a second home or cabin near the Rim where they spend their summers. The difference in temperature between the Valley and the Rim is dramatic. This makes for weekend rushes of heat refugees who bring along their fish poles as the Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks trout on a regular basis in the local streams that dot the area.

Seniors Head North on Beeline Hwy (#87)

Tonto Natural Bridge

All around Payson we discovered an area teeming with stunning wildlife (a huge elk walked in front of our cabin), fishing lakes and streams, special events, hiking trails and natural wonders like the Tonto Natural Bridge. The natural travertine Tonto Bridge is the world’s largest and represents Rim Country’s best-known tourist attraction and its crown jewel. 83-feet-high, it is a 400-foot-long tunnel created over eons of time.

In Payson seniors will discover the Festival Capital of Arizona plus the famous World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo that heads a long list of events, including the Mountain High Games, Beeline Cruise-In, Arizona State Fiddlers Championship.

We returned to the Valley on the Fourth of July and what luck.  Not only did we escape some record heat, but Highway 87 heading north out of Phoenix was jammed with campers, motorcycles, cars and pickups and we were glad we were heading the other direction.

The Chamber Visitors Guide is informative and makes the Rim Country inticing. Enjoy your visit. jeb

Seniors Travel From Moscow Over to Pullman

I just received a travel guide that combined these two cities in Washington State and Idaho. Senior travelers will find it interesting to visit two cities in two states that have much in common.

Way back in 1889 the State of Idaho named Moscow as the home of the state’s land grant institution, the Univ. of Idaho.  Just across the border going west, Pullman was named in 1890 the land grant institution of Washington State University.  So you see already that they have something in common. Today these two universities provide senior visitors in both cities access to “big city” cultural and recreational events.

Nestled in the rolling wheat fields of southeastern Washington , Pullman has much to offer visitors, students and those seeking a lifestyle that combines a beautiful country setting with the benefits of a major university.

Pullman’s 27,030 residents boast of its abundance of outdoor recreation, theatre and arts, low crime rates and excellent educational system. Moscow’s 24,000 folks enjoy not only the University, but several points of interest that includes the Historic Downtown, Farmer’s Market, Appaloosa Horse Museum and McConnell Mansion. Senior gardeners like me will enjoy the University Arboretum & Botanical Gardens at the U of I. I happen to be a Master Gardener (Iowa State Univ. Certificate) and enjoy all types of gardens.

Seniors Enjoy the Palouse Scenic Byway

Here’s a drive that senior travelers will find memorable through hundreds of miles of undulating hills. That route is loaded with “buttes” and it’s just one colorful butte after another as you roll along. The best known are called Kamiak and Steptoe Butte and each has a state park that surrounds those attractive mounds. Both Buttes have recreational areas offering hiking, picnicking and scenic views.

The Palouse is a geographical area that occupies most of the south eastern corner of Washington state. It is characterized by rolling sculpted sand dune shaped hills of fertile soil called “loess”, which just happen to be perfect for growing wheat. The name Palouse comes from the Palus Indians that historically lived in the area.

It just seems like more and more whenever I write a travel blog about most any state and any specific area in a state there are wineries. The Spirits of Palouse is no different. It’s a huge area of that encompasses both states. And bring your bike along and enjoy the Latah Trail that runs between Moscow and Troy.  It’s an old rail bed that runs for eleven miles, is fully paved and 10 feet wide.

With big city amenities and small town friendliness and charm it is no wonder senior visitors enjoy both Moscow and Pullman.

Oh yes, Moscow got its name from a postmaster back in the late 1800s… it reminded him of his hometown out in Moscow, PA (not Russia). Pullman , they think, was named after George Pullman of the famed sleeping railroad cars.

Enjoy both cities. jeb

Hurrah for Ukiah

Maybe you have never heard of Ukiah, California, but it’s a spot senior travelers will want to put on your map as you head either up or down Highway 101. Protected by the encircling coastal ranges, the City of Ukiah is nestled in the Yokayo valley in southern Mendocino County.Within the city limits are approximately 16,000+ residents.

The Greater Ukiah area, including adjacent valleys and connecting communities, is home to more than 40,000. Situated on the busy Highway 101 corridor, Ukiah has managed to preserve its small-town feel while acting as a focal point for business and culture throughout northern California .

Wikipedia notes that Ukiah was ranked #1 best small town to live in California and the sixth best place to live in the entire USA.  How about that?  Impressed yet? Hang on. Ukiah has lots of 19th-century architecture, charming tree-lined neighborhoods, and a laid-back vibe. Bing brings you a plethora of videos on Ukiah that you can chose from. Check out the Festivals in Ukiah and download a free guide on the area.

Wine, Fruit and Buddhism Abound in Ukiah

Ukiah is known for wine production and the Ukiah vicinity is now home to some of the most prestigious wine labels in the nation, including Brutocao, Fife, Parducci, Frey, and Bonterra. Ukiah vintners are known for innovating with organic and sustainable practices. Ukiah is also a major producer of Bartlett pears.

Ukiah is known as the “ The Sagely City of 10,000 Buddhas .” Those buddhas are just two miles east of Ukiah  and senior travelers will want to see them up close for yourself. Purchased in 1974, the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas is the hub of the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association.

Ukiah is said to be “Far Out and Nearby” so take a closer look at your opportunities in and around Ukiah. Visit downtown Ukiah for shopping, wine or microbrew tasting, art galleries and more. TripAdvisor lists 13 major attractions that senior visitors will want to check out including the Orr Hot Springs and several wineries.

For you senior hikers, try Lake Medocino or Low Gap Park, both which have scenic, well maintained trails, disc golf courses and picnic areas. Worldweb.com has recommended links on Ukiah for visitors to check out including their Pumpkin Fest, the Taste of Downtown, Lake Mendocino and the Grace Hudson Museum. The museum has spectacular hand-woven baskets made by the local Pomo Indians. And Montgomery Woods is not to be missed with one of the most impressive redwood groves in the entire world.

Yes, Ukiah looks like a real deal to me. jeb

Hella…It’s Awesome

Hella, Iceland has become a hotspot for tourists, senior tourists included. Calling Iceland “ unique ” is a misnomer and an understatement. There is nothing else on the globe that resembles Iceland and more specifically Hella.

Many visitors come all the way to Iceland just for the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). When you arrive in Hella via Reykjavik check out this luxurious hotel just waiting for you, called Hotel Rangé . I’ve also located a neat little B&B guesthouse called Nonni where senior visitors can watch the northern lights off the back terrace.

So Where is Hella?

This map will take you right to the front door. Hella is in an area called South Iceland about 100 km east from Reykjavik . Let’s rent a car in Reykjavik, drive on over to Hella and we’ll see some of the local terrain on the way.

The tourism industry is a vital part of the economy, with Landmannalaugar and Hekla Volcano in it’s “backyard”. Don’t know much about Iceland? Here are some helpful facts on the island. Senior visitors marvel over the numerous hot water spas , waterfalls, geysers and glaciers . Over 11% of the country is covered by glaciers, including Vatnajökull , the largest in Europe.

South Iceland Awaits Senior Visitors

This is the official tourism video made by South Iceland Marketing Office and shows the highlights of South Iceland nature and attractions. Steaming with pristine geothermal pools in snowy landscapes under azure blue skies, Iceland is arguably the only country on earth that qualifies as one giant spa.

Check out one of the most renown spas called the Blue Lagoon . I think that you also will want to experience Gullfoss (English: Golden Falls), one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. Gullfoss looked like a mini Iguazu Falls to me however it is formed by melting glaciers not runoff from Brazil.

If you will be a first-timer to Iceland and specifically Hella, then check out this nordic adventure and most specifically how to get there . The entire area is full of natural sites that senior travelers will find fascinating… gigantic waterfalls, melting glaciers and high mountains. Iceland is teaming with waterfalls, mountains, lakes and much more .

If you enjoy hiking there are numerous trails complete with hiking huts for adventurous seniors. The Official Guide to South Iceland provides valuable information on sites, museums, ice climbing and rafting down rivers. Iceland Highlights provides a nice overview of the country…wind and all.

With some very nordic names, seniors will find lots of things to see and do in Hella . TripAdvisor has help for crossing the border with good advice and some tips. Geysisstofa (Geyser Museum) is a major draw in Hella. The Hekla Center houses a contemporary, multimedia exhibition on Mount Hekla, its history, and its influence on human life in Iceland from the time of the settlement until now.

Get a “ Taste of Iceland ” right here in just 8 minutes and enjoy your journey. jeb

Advice For Senior Hikers

Most serious senior hikers are experienced and are well equipped. Nevertheless, accidents can happen. You may not have the EMT experience or that of an MD, but you do need to take certain things into consideration on a long hike. One reads about “trouble on the path” whether is it serious or simply having come  into contact with a prickly pear or a nasty bug. Every year, scores of unprepared hikers, lured by initially easy downhill hiking, experience severe illness, injury, or death from hiking. Take the Boy Scout Motto seriously, Be Prepared.

In unconventional settings some training is advisable for seniors on all levels of hiking experience. Wilderness Medical Associates International has great advice to share.  It’ll be worth reading over their information for being a first-responder. WMAI is dedicated to the development of remote and practical medicine around the globe and annually trains over 8,000 medically and non-medically trained students around the world.

Outpost Magazine

If you are an experienced hiker you may already know of Outpost Magazine.  They ran an article on getting trained in wilderness first aid. Serious senior hikers may be interested in taking one of their courses in order to help others as well as yourself on the trail. You may be in pretty good shape.  That’s good, but do not rely on physical strength alone, hiking smart will take you much farther.

One can always learn from those who are more experienced. These few links provide some excellent general advice regarding camping and backpacking. So maybe you just might be considering taking on the Appalachian Trail .  Before you do, consider reading “ the Thru-Hiker’s Handbook ” by Bob McCaw or the A.T. Guide by David Miller. A good check list is always in order including everything from a map, a compass or even a GPS. And be sure that your cell-phone is full charged as well.

Attention Senior Novice Hikers

Group hiking is fun. If everyone in the hiking group is a beginner , then it’s best to choose a route that matches your abilities. But how do you go about finding the best route? Well, it requires a little research, including enquiries at different tourist offices and time invested in studying tour descriptions either in books or on the Internet.

If you have any limitations owing to health problems, you must take this into account. Don’t embark on a hike without first having carried out appropriate training and make sure you plan the trip carefully. Take some good eats along that satisfy. Most would not even think about this one, but carry a photo ID and of course plenty of water. Lastly, Hiking Dude is there to help with hints and tips to make your senior hike a totally enjoyable and successful one. Have fun on the trail folks. jeb

Seniors Discover the Warmth of Fairbanks

Called the “ Golden Heart of Alaska ” Fairbanks seems to have it all, attracting over 500,000 tourists each year. It is right in the heart of the action with the Alaska Highway, leading seniors and a host of other tourists to the area. Today the city is the regional service and supply center for Interior Alaska and if you want the ‘real flavor’ of our largest state, you’ll find it in Fairbanks.

The Last Frontier

Some call Fairbanks the Last Frontier , where a gold rush years ago (1902) brought in prospectors from all over the country. It’s Alaska’s second largest city with over 80,000 residents in the greater Fairbanks area. Located in the central part of the state, north of Denali National Park, Fairbanks is surrounded with wilderness making it perfect for hiking, biking, canoeing, camping and fishing.

Seniors Discover Tours and Things to See and Do

One of the most popular things for seniors to see and do in Fairbanks is a river boat tour on the Chena River . Want more info on tours? Here is it . A very popular means of seeing Alaska and the Fairbanks area in particular is by rail . Senior travelers will find many different rail trips in and out of the city.

Denali and the Northern Lights, Oh Yes!

Almost everyone I know who has traveled to Alaska has made Denali National Park a Must See. Denali means “Great One” in the Athabascan Native language. T he Northern Lights , also high on every senior list, display these energetic curtains of color that brighten the night skies on a regular basis. Pinterest was a fun discovery on Fairbanks.

Top-rated restaurants and attractions, events, hotels and a Free Fairbanks Guide are all available online. There are plenty of things to do in Fairbanks and you might even want to try your hand panning for gold at the old Gold Dredge No. 8 . Yahoo invites you to go Dog Sledding or to please your palate at the Alaskaland Salmon Bake or check out their master list .

F or sure Fairbanks is a “ great place in a big space “and senior visitors will find it to be  a vibrant community, alive with activity, beauty, and a rich history. Wikitravel fill in a lot of blanks and will help complete your itinerary. For me personally, I’d choose both a train trip and a flightseeing tour although that paddle wheeler on the Chena looks great too.

Well folks, Fairbanks is there just waiting for your arrival. Here’s the “official guide”that will prove enlightening up there in the Land of the  Midnight Sun. So what are you waiting for? Alaska Airlines will take you right into the center of town.

Sounds like great fun to me. Enjoy Alaska. jeb

Seniors Discover a Beautiful California Valley

Seniors could spend an entire summer in California just visiting a city with the name Santa or Valley in it. Santa Maria Valley is nestled in the foothills of Santa Barbara County wine country.  Located in the heart of California’s Central Coast where seniors will discover outstanding scenery, championship golf courses, nationally recognized live theater, bird watching, pristine beaches, performing arts centers, succulent strawberries, nearby missions, hiking, festivals and family events. Senior visitors will also enjoy award winning wineries located along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail .

The city is approximately 120 miles northwest of the Los Angeles limits, Woodland Hills , and approximately 150 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles . The 2010 census population was 100,062, putting it ahead of Santa Barbara ,the county seat, for the first time and making it the largest city in the county.

Santa Maria Valley Vineyard

Seniors, It’s Wine and Strawberries Galore

Santa Maria Valley, California = vineyards and strawberries. Visitor information of all kinds including a mileage chart to get you there is found on this site . It seems like almost every valley that I have discovered in California abounds with wineries and Santa Maria is no exception.

The Santa Maria Valley’s vast agricultural heritage is represented by many crops, the most colorful of which are strawberries . The region’s uniquely moderate coastal climate is a perfect match for this succulent berry, with warm winters and cool summers that supports an extended growing season of up to 10 months per year.

Santa Maria produces over 20 million trays of strawberries annually which are distributed both domestically and internationally. Santa Maria Valley strawberries are renowned for their juicy, flavorful character and there is nothing like enjoying them fresh out of the field. Available April through June, senior visitors will find them at local grocery stores, fruit stands, restaurants and farmer’s markets.

Things for Seniors to See and Do

TripAdvisor lists 3 quality B&Bs in the area plus hotels , top-rated restaurants and several top-rated things to do . The Foxen Canyon Wine Trail is home to some of the most accomplished winemakers in California, where senior travelers will find a diverse selection of world class wines.

Uptake.com rates several activities for seniors, from museums and golf courses to art centers and Boomers Park .  What a neat area.  Hope you enjoy all those strawberries too. j eb

Seniors Open the doors in Door County

If you haven’t been to Door County Wisconsin, senior citizens, well you have not seen all of Wisconsin. This is a unique part of the state that some call Wisconsin’s Peninsula .  It’s home to five state parks, ten lighthouses , and more than 300 miles of shoreline.

Fishing, golfing, all-season trails (bicycling, hiking, XC skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling), swimming, scuba diving to see Great Lakes shipwrecks, and kayaking and sailing are just a few of the outdoor activities that senior visitors will find in Door County.

Many senior visitors report they first visited Door County as children, came back to be married and to honeymoon, and now come to share the joys of the peninsula with their children and grandchildren.

Who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of a ghost that haunts Door County!  By now you know that Jim loves interactive maps.  Here’s the one for Door County .

Cherries, Apples, Galleries Await Senior Travelers

Pack your Door County itinerary full! Hunt for treasures in one-of-a-kind shops, galleries, museums & lighthouses . Pick a pail of ripe Door County cherries in July, or a basket of crunchy apples in September. The Door County peninsula enchants senior visitors with its 300 miles of shoreline, five state parks, cherry and apple orchards, and artist colonies.

I’ve been up there and discovered that Door County’s culture is richly steeped in the arts and history. Sturgeon Bay boasts a history rich in shipbuilding.  Door County is home to one of America’s last drive-in theaters. Festivals throughout the year reflect the seasonally changing face of Door County.

Imagine a town called “ Egg Harbor .”  I love that name. Ephraim , a neat small town with a cultural and historical heritage is a blend of Moravian culture and Norwegian ethnic heritage.

A Festival and a Fish Boil, Wow!

Take in one of the colorful weekend festivals that take place in communities throughout the peninsula and on Washington Island throughout the year. One stop has to be a fish boil . If you don’t know what a “ fish boil ” is, then take in one at Fish Creek .

TripAdvisor invites seniors to make a reservation at one of the top-notch B&Bs that dot the landscape and to check out the Top-rated things to see and do . And winter in Door County…Wonderful Winter! There is a good, insulated, soft, beautiful quiet in Door County in the winter .

When it snows in Door County, it is beauty that is difficult to find anywhere else… Currier & Ives and Norman Rockwell all rolled into one beautiful experience! Door County’s natural features, like the coastlines, hills, fields, trees and water, take on a special, unique beauty in winter.

Door County is one cool place.  You will find out for yourself upon your arrival as exemplified in this guide . Enjoy every aspect of this Wisconsin jewel. I’ve been there and loved it, it’s unique…one of a kind.  You will love it too. jeb

Eureka… we found it! In Arkansas!

Yes, Eureka Springs, Arkansas is one hot spot. Called the “Little Switzerland of Arkansas”, there are lots of things for seniors to do and to see. You will see lovely Victoiran architecture , sumptuous homes and an award-winning glass chapel in the woods. Trolleys , narrated tram tours, and horse-drawn carriage rides will show you around histortic Eureka Springs and all it has to offer senior visitors.

The Springs…Cold, Spring Water

Eureka Springs, with a population of approximately 2500, is located in northwest Arkansas in the heart of the Ozark Mountains near Beaver Lake. Branson , Missouri is only 45 miles northwest. The Passion Play , in Eureka Springs is nationally famous.

There is a lot of history in Eureka Springs and plenty of interesting places to stay including luxury log cabins and the downtown historical Basin Park Hotel .  N ot your average tourist town , Eureka Springs is cradled between two mountains of lush, hardwood forests, a Victorian secret hidden amid the rolling Ozark mountains.

And of course, the springs which were the original attraction.  Legend has it that the Native American tribes of the area believed that the cold spring water could cure many ailments, and the surrounding land was considered sacred ground.

Legendary City of Healing

For hundreds of years, Eureka Springs has been known as a center for holistic healing and natural health. Victorian Era health seekers believed Eureka Springs to be the location of the Fountain of Youth itself. Seniors from all over the world seek Eureka Springs as a quiet retreat from everyday life.

The City of Eureka Springs was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.  Eureka Springs was honored as one of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

In the Eureka Springs environs, senior visitors will discover 60+ natural springs, three lakes and over 1800 acres of city park land. Lake Leatherwood Park is 1600 acres and an 85-acre spring-fed lake which was formed by one of the largest hand-cut limestone dams in the United States.

Senior Travelers, What Are You Waiting For?

Arkansas annually attracts senior visitors from across the nation and abroad. Cat Steven’s “ Morning Has Broken ” focuses on Eureka Springs.  Many are drawn to its abundant opportunities for outdoor adventures and to its natural beauty, as seen in the state’s waterfalls , tour caverns and wild caving experiences, forested mountain trails and scenic drives .

Do you enjoy hiking ?  Eureka Springs has many trails and the state is full of outdoor clubs and preservation societies.  The Natural State’s abundant resources will make your Arkansas vacation one to remember. jeb