All Posts in "Lifestyle, Home, Adventures"

Gazing at the Dubai skyline from the tallest building on Earth, cruising on the largest ship on the seas, visiting a yet-unexplored part of the US. Bucket list trips are often those that inspire us with their promise of the seemingly intangible. Whether we are lured to the forbidden destinations or determined to trace our ancestry, a trip of a lifetime gives us something to look forward to.

And we have just that planned in our 2013 travel calendar. Cuba, the forbidden destination, has been opened to us. We have confirmed space to travel Dec 1, 2013 for a seven-day stay in this controversial country which is so close (90 miles) but has been so far away. Reservations must be made early, as there are visas to be obtained and only limited space.  I will definitely be traveling with this group, as this is one of my main bucket list items.

Prefer to add to your U.S bucket list? Then how about Mt. Rushmore, the lure of the Black Hills and the Badlands of South Dakota? This is scheduled for June 18,

Is Alaska on your wish list? We have two opportunities to travel with groups this summer – Celebrity Cruises on Aug. 2 or Norwegian Cruises on Sept. 7. Take your choice based on your date, your choice of cruise line and/or the cost. These all vary determined by your choices.

Closer to home, we will once again take a two-night excursion to Leavenworth to take in thre of their plays; perhaps attend a performance by the Pacific Northwest Ballet; have our annual trek to LaConnor for the tulips; and take a lake cruise in the North Cascades;.

We’ll also visit the Museum of Radio; learn about law enforcement at the largest police museum in the western U.S.; experience rare treasures of 20th century military aviation; and visit four world-class gardens in one overnight visit to Portland.

For reservations and further information, call Linda Finch at 253 927 8207 or ask to be put on the e-mail list at linda.finch@gmail.com.

Linda Finch by — January 12, 2013 in Lifestyle, Home, Adventures
Adventure on the high seas

Enjoying a formal dinner on the Allure were (back row from left) Betty Passinetti, Mimi Graves, Shirley Bushnell, Stella Jones, Linda Finch and Kurt Bargmeyer, and (front row from left) Audrey Stacy, Ned Hagan, Dolly Hagan, Rachel Cassorla, Sue Campbell and Florence Bargmeyer.

What an amazing time we had in the Caribbean.  Allure, the largest cruise ship currently sailing  (225,000 gross tons, 1,187 feet long, 208 feet wide) was our home for seven nights. There were 5,672 passengers on board and a crew of 2,165. Sounds horribly crowded, but it just wasn’t. There was never a feeling of crowding, unless of course you were in the Royal Promenade  when they did a full parade down the center to celebrate the 100th sailing of this ship.  The dining room (all three floors of it) was a boisterous area, but you had an option to choose from 24 dining facilities and 37 bars and lounges.

This is a ship composed of “neighborhoods.”  Central Park is the first living park at sea.  It has 12,175 plants. Some of the trees are over 24 feet in height. There are even a few little birds that seem to have made the ship their home  (the crew keeps bird feed handy to keep them happy).

The Board Walk has a carousel to ride, a Coney Island hot dog stand, a Johnny Rocket’s restaurant, ktwo climbing walls, and at the end the Aqua Theater, the largest performance pool at sea with a depth of 17 feet.  High-divers climb the towers and propel themselves into the pool while the ship gently rocks back and forth  (they  did have to cancel the show a couple of nights because Hurricane Sandy made it just too dangerous).

On the sports deck we found the usual basketball court where often there was a soccer game being played, a beautiful putting course, two wave riders for learning to surf, and a zip line for the more adventurous.  Several of our party took advantage of the chance to try this out.

We found out that food consumption in an average week is 86,400 fresh eggs, 8,000 gallons of  milk and fresh cream. 45,000 pounds of fresh fruit, 62,000 pounds of fresh vegetables, 15,600 pounds of beef, 16,000 pounds of chicken, 1,500 pounds of coffee, 10,200 bottles of beer and 2,225 bottles of wine.  Vodka wins in the liquor category with 550 bottles.

Linda Finch by — December 11, 2012 in Lifestyle, Home, Adventures

I wish I could be writing to tell you all about our October trip but you will just have to wait until next month to hear about Allure, that huge ship from Royal Caribbean.

In the meantime, we have done a couple of fun things.  The mystery trip took us on our annual fall adventure over Stevens Pass.  The fires didn’t slow us down or make the trip any less spectacular.  The color on the leaves was brilliant with the reds and golds popping against the green of the evergreens.  A quick stop at the Alps candy store replenished the stock of goodies for several months and then it was into Leavenworth for lunch.

This month we have King Tut on Nov. 6 so if you hurry there still might be room.  Remember, this is the last time this exhibit will be around.  It is going back into storage and will not be out in our lifetimes.  The Dinner Date is scheduled for  Nov. 13.   Wicked is playing at the Paramount and we have a group going on Nov. 15.  We may even schedule a mystery trip

December brings a trip to Molbaks, a dinner date to Hoods Canal and the beautifully decorated Alderbrook Lodge and ELF at the 5th Ave. Theater.

This is also a time for planning for the future.  In January there is still room on our Princess cruise to Princess Cay, St. Maarten, St. Thomas ad Grand Turk. In February you might want to join in for an 11 day cruise out of Sydney. April has us heading to Hawaii for 2 relaxing, fun filled weeks on Kauai.

Come along on any of these excursions and get away from the winter.  Think of something fun that you would like added to the 2013 calendar and let me know.  You just might find out it is something that interests  others.

For further information and/or registration contact Linda Finch at 253 927 8207 or ask to be placed on the email list at linda.finch@gmail.com

Linda Finch by — November 3, 2012 in Lifestyle, Home, Adventures

Group shot of lunch in Long Beach with the Tsunami Burger. Photo courtesy of Linda Finch.

What a summer it was when it finally arrived.  We had such fun going to the ocean, the mountain, the lake and the forests.  We are so blessed in our beautiful corner of the U.S.  We have not had the horrid snows, heavy rains, fierce winds, and summer heat of the rest of the country.  We may have a few gray days, some fog in the morning and perhaps a shower or two but in the long run, we seem to have it the best.

A trip to Long Beach, Wash, had us sharing a “tsunami burger.”  Just imagine a 16-inch bun, 5 pounds of ground beef, 16 slices of cheese, 3 tomatoes, a head of lettuce, a cup of mayo and a group of people to share it with.  I admit to a mess but we did have fun with it.  And a beautiful day to be at the ocean on top of it all.

August took us to Leavenworth for their fabulous summer theater.  We spent two nights there so that we could take in all 3 of their plays (“Sound of Music”, “Annie Get Your Gun” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie”).  It is so amazing to see such talented actors perform in such beautiful settings such as the ski hill and the salmon hatchery.  This trip had been talked about for years and finally came about.

If there is enough interest we will have another overnight adventure in September to Crystal Mountain.  There is a cable car that goes up the mountain to a restaurant.  The views should be spectacular and we generally have great weather at that time of the year.

Our big adventure in the near future is with Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd on board “Allure.”  I have talked about it many times and there is still an opportunity for others to join our group.  We will fly out on Oct. 20 for the cruise which starts on the 21.  This is one week with stops in Labadee, Jamaica and Cozumel.

In January there is another Caribbean adventure, this time with “Princess” to St Maarten, St. Thomas and Grand Turk.  Departure is on Jan. 19 with the 7 day cruise starting on Jan. 20.  By then you may really be looking for sunshine again.

Planning for 2013 has already started.  We are looking for fun things to do and encourage ideas.  If you have something you would like to do, toss it out and we just might catch it.

For reservations and information call Linda Finch at 253 927 8207 or get on the email list at linda.finch@gmail.com.

Linda Finch by — August 28, 2012 in Lifestyle, Home, Adventures