Newdegate Cave with Eye See Personalized Tours

One of my favorite things are caves. Today I am going to spotlight Newdegate Cave located in one of my favorite places I am dying to visit...Tasmania. Also in the spotlight today is Eye See Personalized Tours.

 Gorgeous Foot Path to Newdegate Cave!

 Steps Down Into Newdegate

Illuminated Interior of Newdegate

"These underground caves are believed to have been formed more than 40 million years ago, but only discovered as recently as 1917 by timber workers.
The most famous of the caves is the Newdegate Cave and is only one of two dolomite caves available for viewing in Australia."~Eye See Personalized Tours

Highlights~
 Travel through the beautiful fruit growing region of the Huon Valley
• Enjoy a guided tour of Newdegate cave
• Marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites
• Experience the majesty of the Cave formations
• Take a swim in the thermal springs pool surrounded by lush vegetation and ferns
• Indulge in a homemade lunch showcasing Tasmanian specialty natural foods including local, organic fruit and vegetables.

Eye See Personalized Tours has many tours to choose from. They have Full day, Half day, Extended tours, Cruise Ship tours, and Customize your own tour! Prices start at $90. Check out Judy's website at http://www.eyeseetasmania.com.au.

Kangaroos, Koalas, and Tasmanian Devils of course!
Live your dreams and travel!

The Harbour View Inn , Mackinac Island, Michigan

The first thing you will notice when you step foot onto our beautiful Island is the absence of automobiles.* (Some find this ironic, seeing how Michigan revolutionized the world with the automobile.) Initiated in 1898, this ban on automobiles has resulted in clean, noise-free air and a quaint, village ambiance filled with the soft clopping of horses. Just like yesteryear, you’ll get around by foot, bike, horseback or horse-drawn carriage. Dock porters at the ferry lines will usher your luggage to your final destination.

The Harbour View Inn

The Mackinac Island Carriage Tour Company owns and operates all horse drawn carriage
transportation on the island and charges a fee for their service.  You may choose to ride a horse drawn taxi, ride a bicycle or walk.  Our property is only a short ten minute walk from the ferry docks.
Bicycle rental is also available through many different vendors including our hotel.

Immerse yourself in the historic charm that has made Mackinac Island famous when you stay at the Harbour View Inn - a hotel with a fascinating history of its own.

Located only a short walk from the best attractions on Michigan's Mackinac Island, yet away from the bustling traffic of downtown, this relaxing hotel complex offers the perfect romantic retreat. Wander to the nearby docks and watch yachts sail into the tranquil harbor or take a short stroll along historic streets where the finest shops and restaurants on Mackinac Island await.

Harbour View Inn
6860 Main Street,
Mackinac Island, MI

Telephone: (906) 847-0101
Fax: (906) 847-3998
http://www.harbourviewinn.com

  

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

Don't forget to tour the old lighthouse while you are on the island!

Mackinaw Point marks the junction of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Founded in 1889, the Old Mackinac Point Light Station was in operation from 1890 until 1957.

Gypsy Style Traveling

Have you ever considered traveling the more affordable "gypsy-style"? You don't need to be a part of a caravan of gypsies to enjoy this inexpensive bohemian adventure. Here are a few affordable options for planning your  trip...

Owner description~

“Made entirely from birch, douglas fur and cedar. Hand-made Stained glass windows. Electric heat with a thermostat, 110 power, upper and lower bunks. We are only ten minute bus ride from down town Seattle. Bathroom and shower inside our home just a few steps away! The bus is just a half block away . We say accommodates four but really two adults and two children is best. We are located pretty close to the city and a main road so it can be kinda noisy if you’re not used to that kinda thing. On that note, though everything is close by and convenient. The beds are new from Ikea. They are made from High density foam And so far people say they are great to sleep on. The second bunk is four feet off the ground so if you have trouble climbing you might wanna consider sleeping below, lol!

The bathroom is located in our house feel free to shower and use the facilities any time you like. The dogs will bark at you when you come in but will get better as they get to know you. We are so happy to able to share this space with you, as we have seen the joy it brings to so many people when they see it. We make sure to wash all the bedding every time it is used and thoroughly clean the space so it if fresh, clean and warm for your arrival. Clean towels are always available.”

 

http://tinyhousevacations.com/property/tiny-hand-crafted-vardo/

For a gypsy-style getaway in Mexico~ 

Casa del Encanto is a character gypsy caravan set in a secure, private garden in the center of the colorful village of Ajijic. The delightful, hand-crafted wooden caravan has a king-size bed, bathroom (shower only), cable TV and a DVD player. Valet parking is included.

Ajijic is a 20 minute drive from the Guadalajara airport. A variety of galleries, boutique gift shops, international restaurants and traditional Mexican eateries are within walking distance of the caravan.

Ajijic is a place to get inspiration – the tiny village is home to a large ex-pat population of artists, writers, photographers and otherwise interesting people that have chosen to live in a special part of Mexico – a place where they can live amongst and experience the rich culture of the locals.

Cathy Chalvignac, the owner of the Casa del Encanto, is a talented artist who was born in Paris, France, in 1954. Her childhood years were spent in Montreal. At age 19 she returned to Paris to study art. She developed her love of ethnicity and culture while traveling Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Maldive Islands, India and Mexico, where she has lived for the past 25 years.



Only $49 a night or $285 a week. For booking details and all the information you need go to https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/170175?af=1255102&c=direct_link

Historic St. Augustine, Florida

The Nation's Oldest City
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African-American origin in the United States. Forty-two years before the English colonized Jamestown and fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, the Spanish established at St. Augustine this nation's first enduring settlement.

This photo of Inn at Camachee Harbor is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Looking for a true waterfront experience? The Inn at Camachee Harbor stands above the rest of St. Augustine waterfront hotels. In most of St. Augustine’s other waterfront hotels your view of the water is actually across the road. Not at the Inn at Camachee Harbor. Nestled in a quiet cove of the Camachee Harbor Marina, this hotel fronts directly on the water. Your balcony and the fresh salt air are the only things that separate you from the delicious waterfront views!

Review of the Inn at Camachee Harbor~
"We have stayed with Inn at Camachee Harbor several times, with and without dogs. Each time was a pleasant experience,Always clean, always peaceful. We stay with a view of the marina, you just never know who will be there in the morning...one morning the pirates were parked outside our balcony. Where can you go and wake up to pirates?"

 Rates range from $99-$159 a night depending on the suite and the day of the week. For more details and booking information go to http://www.camacheeinn.com/.

Along Florida's Historic Coast, history comes alive in red-brick lanes leading to centuries-old churches, in forts where soldiers still walk the grounds, and on horse-drawn carriage rides through time. Head just out of town and back to nature along 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches.

 

 

Climb to the top of the lighthouse tower for a majestic view of the nation's oldest city and the Atlantic Ocean while a historic interpreter tells about the changing coastline and its impact on ships over the city's long history.  View traditional wooden boat building (call for specific times) and learn about the different types of vessels used in the area.

Kids* can play in our walk-in kaleidoscope and learn the science of how the lighthouse works, learn to tie sailor's knots, and be the captain of their ship in our play shipyard.

One of their special tours~

The Dark of the Moon Tour is the only paranormal tour that gets you in the Lighthouse and Keepers' House at night!Don't get stuck looking over the fence! Take the only tour that lets you investigate the most haunted place in the city!

This is the real deal! All ghost no gimmicks! Guides share paranormal history and experiences of people who have visited, lived, or worked at the Lighthouse. Then you are given time to investigate on your own, with only a glow stick lighting your way.

For all the tours, prices, and more information visit http://www.staugustinelighthouse.org.  

 

 

The Pirate Store

Plan on visiting The Pirate Store while on your trip. They also sell tickets for Pirate Tours.
Check out the friendly Pirate Store on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Pirate-Store/349181005098171

162 St. George Street, Saint Augustine, FL. (904) 217-7246 

  

Alligator Farm Zoological Park
 

Zip Line Over Alligators!

Explore The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park at new heights.

 Zip across Alligator Lagoon.
Conquer sky-high obstacles. Surf the treetops eye-to-eye
with tropical birds. climb,clip, zip!

There are also many exhibits and shows!

 

St. Augustine Alligator Farm is located at:
999 Anastasia Blvd
St Augustine, FL 32080
(904) 824-3337http://www.alligatorfarm.us/
 

St. Augustine Tours and Sightseeing

Guides narrate tours of St. Augustine from charming open-air trolleys, trains or horse-drawn carriages. Guides in period costume also lead walking tours. On the water, observe wildlife on a leisurely kayak ecotour or take a high-speed boat tour for more adventurous sightseeing. Or take a nighttime tour of our haunting (and some say haunted) past, walking among the dead in our cemeteries and mansions.
Enjoy visiting historic St. Augustine, Florida!

http://www.floridashistoriccoast.com

Charters, Tours, or Guides?

My travel blog is new, but from the few reader I might have at this point I would like to ask..."Do you have or know of a Charter, Tour, or Guide company that you would like me to blog about? I love learning of fun and exciting new places and the different ways to explore them. Plus, being a small independent business owner, I know how important it is to spread the word! I would love to feature other small business owners in the travel industry on a regular basis.

Today I am going to feature Moore Charters operating out of Juneau, Alaska. A little over 10 years ago I sold most of my stuff down in Tucson, Arizona and ran away to Alaska for a couple years! What an adventure! I met some great people in Haines, Alaska. Grant Moore was one of them. He now lives in Juneau and has his own fishing and whale watching charter business. What a great day job!

I highly recommend going to Alaska. It is unbelievably beautiful. I remember thinking the snow-capped mountains looked computer generated because they were so sharp and clear. I haven't been able to see all of the Inside Passage yet, but I have been to the top. Juneau, Haines and Skagway are at the top of the passage. Being a map lover, I made a map of the region...

If you haven't noticed yet I am also a pirate lover. Traveling that far north can feel like the "end of the world". I actually drove the whole way from southern Arizona and all the way up through Canada. I couldn't afford the ferry route at the time. Coming over the pass in the Yukon down into Alaska I really felt like I was at the top of the world. The distant orientation of the sun plays a large part in the far away feeling.

There are a lot of whale to see from your charter boat!

Look at the beautiful colors in that glacier at Tracy Arm!
You can book a private charter with Moore Charters to Tracy Arm. Whales, seals, icebergs and glaciers!

Fresh King Salmon anyone?

Meet Capt. Grantley  Moore with some fresh catch of the day.

"Most of our visitors are folks on Alaska cruise ship shore excursions and our trips are tailored to get you to the heart of the action quickly and then back to your boat in a timely fashion."

 

Check out his website for more pictures, prices, and videos.

http://www.moorecharters.com/

907.723.8472

 

 

Meanwhile Back at the Ranch- Visiting Bull Hill in Washington

Do you love the outdoors? Enjoy the adventure of staying at a Dude Ranch! Stay in a comfy, woodsy cabin, go horseback riding through the mountains, and enjoy delicious ranch cooking. Today "meanwhile back at the ranch" spotlights Bull Hill Guest Ranch in Washington state...

 

Location
Bull Hill Guest Ranch is located in northeastern Washington State, in the northern region of Stevens County. We are approximately seven hours drive from Seattle, WA, nine hours from Portland, OR and two hours north of Spokane, WA. State Highway 20 (North Cascades/Sherman Pass), State Highway 2 (Stevens Pass), Interstate 90 (Snoqualmie Pass) and Highway 395 are the primary approaches, depending on which direction you come.

 Colville and Kettle Falls are located approximately 35 miles and 27 miles respectively; Northport, WA is located approximately 15 miles up river to the north (nearest gas/grocery services).

The guest ranch sits up in the mountains above the cattle ranch headquarters, and is located at the original site of the family's homestead. In fact, one of the old houses, built in 1916, and restored in 2006, remains as a sentinel on the hill, conjuring up images of the past for arriving visitors. It was completely renovated in 2006 and is used privately by the family as employee housing.

 

The ranch overlooks Lake Roosevelt (Columbia River) to the south and the foothills of the Canadian Rockies to the north. To the east, neighboring Idaho and its Selkirk Mountain Range can be seen on clear days from higher vantages. To the west is the Kettle Mountain Range, featuring Sherman Pass.

 

    

Beautiful views of the barn

Cabin overlooking the lake

 

Gorgeous horseback riding trails

HORSEBACK RIDING

Bull Hill has more than 70 horses of various breeds, although the Quarter Horse is the most prevalent. The Arabian, Spanish-Barb, Appaloosa, Buckskin, Palomino and Pinto are among some of the other breeds we feature. Bred and trained as working cow horses, our herd comprises mounts for varying levels of riding experience.

Bull Hill caters to beginners as well as those advanced in riding skills. Trail rides are very scenic and relaxing, while cattle drives offer more involvement and a faster, more challenging pace. No matter what our level of expertise, the wranglers will find the perfect horse and saddle for you

DAILY ACTIVITIES
At Bull Hill there are a variety of different recreational activities, depending on the time of year you visit. Included in your daily rate are options such as:
                                                                     

• Fishing
• Boating (Row Boats & Paddle Boats)
• Swimming
• Hiking
• Trap Shooting
• Wine Tours at China Bend Vineyard
• Wildlife Viewing
• Horseshoe Pit
• Hay Rides
• Mountain Biking
• Cross Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

Guest Cabins
View from the "Bullagio" cabin

  

RANCH CABINS

The Ranch Cabins are your lodging facilities at Bull Hill Guest Ranch. Strategically located in a private setting against a backdrop of cedars, cottonwoods or aspens, the seven cabins, with no two being alike, are decorated in a rustic western theme.
"BULLAGIO"  DELUXE CABIN
The Deluxe Cabin, nicknamed "Bullagio" for its luxury accommodations and private driveway, sits on the highest point of the guest ranch compound and comprises three bedrooms and two baths, a kitchenette and washer/dryer.
"LONESTAR"  DELUXE CABIN
Our newest addition, named "Lonestar" for our friends in Texas, has similar amenities as "Bullagio" but all on one level, complete with air-conditioning, a spa-style doorless shower in the master bath and a wrap-around deck overlooking the horse barn.

RANCH COOKING

 

The cooking staff prepares fresh, tasty and hearty breakfasts, lunches, dinners and baked goods. All meals are served family-style in the Cookhouse. Meals are served as follows: breakfast at 8 AM, lunch at noon and dinner at 7 PM. Two meals are served on Sunday at 10 AM and 6 PM. For guests electing to ride during lunchtime, sack lunches are provided. Please bring your own beverages/bottled water for daily consumption/trail rides. Complimentary lemonade and iced tea are offered throughout the day in the Cookhouse.

Bull Hill Guest Ranch 3738 Bull Hill Road • Kettle Falls, WA 99141
Toll Free 1-877-BULL-HILL (1-877-285-5445)
(Please leave a message, as we are not always in the office)
Office phone & fax 509-732-1171

 http://www.bullhill.com/Rates.aspx

Bull Hill Guest Ranch was voted "#1 Best Horseback Riding in the Northwest"
by King 5's Evening Magazine - Northwest Escapes 2011

Go Back in Time to the Ghost Town of Goldfield, Arizona

This photo of Goldfield Ghost Town is courtesy of TripAdvisor

This photo of Goldfield Ghost Town is courtesy of TripAdvisor

                   Lulu's Bordello                       

This photo of Goldfield Ghost Town is courtesy of TripAdvisor

This photo of Goldfield Ghost Town is courtesy of TripAdvisor

 

Superstition Mountains

 

Go Back in Time to the Ghost Town of Goldfield, Arizona

Known as the gateway to the Superstition mountains along the historic Apache Trail.

The Apache Trail in Arizona was a stagecoach trail that ran through the Superstition Mountains. It was named the Apache Trail after the Apache Indians who originally used this trail to move through the Superstition Mountains.

The current Apache Trail links Apache Junction at the edge of the Greater Phoenix area with Theodore Roosevelt Lake, through the Superstition Mountains and the Tonto National Forest.There is a lot of exploring to do!

 

Below is a list of attractions in Goldfield. Fun for couples and families.

 

GOLDFIELD MINE TOURS
(480) 983-0333 | 10am - 4:30pm
$8 adults, $7 seniors, $5 children 6-12
The Goldfield Mine Tour takes approximately 25 minutes.  It is an underground guided tour that takes you back in time to 100 years ago.  The guides are well versed on the history of the mine, town, gold mining equipment and procedures.  Hang on tight as the mineshaft shakes from exploding dynamite! Tours can leave every 10 minutes for large groups. Big savings on the three pack, Train, Mine Tour and Mystery Shack.

 

 

Lu Lu's BORDELLO AT GOLDFIELD
(480) 983-0333 | 10am - 5pm
$2 adults, $1 children 8-12 years, children 7 years and under are FREE!
The tour takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Cameras and filming are encouraged.  Feel free to capture as many memories as you like. Each of the girls,  or Floozy’s, give a guided tour into the history of the women of the 1800’s (good and bad), their various rolls in the western territory, as well as what it was like for them to travel into the west, leaving the lives they lived in the east behind them.

GOLDFIELD NARROW-GUAGE RAILROAD
(480) 983-0333 | 10am - 4:30pm daily
$8 adults, $7 seniors, $5 children 5-12
The Superstition Scenic Narrow Gauge Railroad's 36" gauge train consists of a Plymouth diesel pulling a passenger car and a caboose. A mile and a half of track circles the town, and the narrated journey lasts 20 minutes. The engineer tells of the history of Goldfield, the Superstition Mountains, and the desert southwest in general. The train departs every 35 minutes on a 20 minute journey.

 

GOLDFIELD LIVERY STABLES
(480) 982-0133
Goldfield Livery horseback riding stables serves the greater Phoenix, Arizona area and customers from all over the world. We cater to riders from novice to experienced, singles to large groups and many families. Our horseback rides are by and large enjoyed by customers that simply want to spend some time on a horse in the Arizona sunshine!

MYSTERY SHACK
(480) 983-0333 | 10am - 5pm daily
$5 adults, $3 children 6-12
Walk at 45 degree angles, water runs from faucets without being connected to pipes, the ghostly pool-table refuses to let you hit the balls straight and always seem to go into the same pocket, objects hang from the ceiling at 45 degree angles and no matter how hard you push them back, they will always swing back to their ghostly, slanted position.

 

GOLDFIELD GUNFIGHTERS
(480) 983-0333 | Sat & Sun 12pm - 4pm
FREE shows every hour!
These gunfighters are the  toughest bunch of scoundrels  that ever walked the streets of Goldfield! These gunfighters are the reason why Goldfield is truly a town too tough to die! Witness the gunfights and all the daring antics of the cowboy and cowgirl characters as a bunch of town folks try to steal the Wells Fargo strong box. Get your best friend arrested and thrown in Jail! www.GoldfieldGunfighters.com

PROSPECTOR'S PALACE GOLD PANNING
(480) 982-0276 | 10am - 5pm daily
$7 adults, $6 children 12 & under
Stop in at the Prospector's Place to pan for gold. You will be guided and taught by a true gold historian who will show you the proper way to pan for gold. Any gold you find is yours to keep (very small slivers of gold - no nuggets!). It's a fun place and informative considering the mining techniques they devised there are still used today!

REPTILE EXHIBIT
(480) 288-6893 | 10am - 5pm daily
$3 adults  $2.50 Srs  $2 kids 17 under
If you are planning a trip to the Sonoran Desert we hope that you will come visit us at the Superstition Live Reptile Exhibit, located at the base of the Superstition Mountains. Come see our many reptiles & invertebrates on display at our exhibit, and enjoy the species and all our animals on live display whether seasonal or year-round. This is something you do not want to miss!

APACHE TRAIL TOURS
(480) 982-7661
Call for rates and tour packages
The most ancient highway in all of North America, the Apache Trail flaunts its irresistible beauty with mighty canyons, jagged mountain peaks, and sparkling desert lakes while exuding the flavor and romance of the old West. As one of the most scenic drives in the country, it is also one of the most dangerous. You can enjoy it worry free as our experienced and knowledgeable tour guides weave the trails and tales that make this land so intriguing! Adventures from 1-8 hours. Tours available year round - sunup to sundown. www.ApacheTrailTours.com


Original Map was designed by Apache Trail historians Tom Kollenborn and Phil Rauso. I enhanced the background and aged it to look more like a treasure map.
Follow my Treasure Map page on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/gypsygdesignstreasuremaps

Wild For Tasmania

Enjoy this beautiful cinematic journey throughTasmania that will take you from her sparkling oceans through untouched rainforests to her spectatularly rugged alpine regions. This film was made during a 2 week holiday on the Apple Isle during April 2013.  I highly recommend watching it in full screen. It's like relaxing 10 minute vacation!  Please feel free to share this link. Locations in order of appearance are as follows:

Franklin - Gordon Wild Rivers National Park - Nelson Falls
Low Head - Adjacent to Penguin Rookery
Freycinet National Park - Cape Tourville and Pirates Bay
Alum Cliffs - Gog Range
Mt Field National Park - Tall Trees Circuit, Horseshoe Falls, Lady Barron Falls
Cradle Mountain National Park - Enchanted Walk, Dove Lake Circuit
Mt Field National Park - Lake Dobson

I added details to the map below to include National Parks and the location of Tahune Airwalk. Details about Tahune Airwalk are found below. Soar among the Giants of Tasmania!

Tahune Forest AirWalk

  

     This photo of Tahune Forest AirWalk is courtesy of TripAdvisor

 

        This photo of Tahune Forest AirWalk is courtesy of TripAdvisor

 

                              This photo of Tahune Forest AirWalk is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Did you know that some of the tallest trees in the world grow in southern Tasmania?

Walk among the giants of the forest. Experience the power of nature at the Tahune AirWalk. There’s always something new at Tasmania’s must-see forest experience. With breathtaking views of the forest canopy, spine-tingling swinging bridges across the Huon and Picton Rivers.

 Huon pine walk: Take a 20-minute stroll to the most accessible stand of Huon pines in all of Tasmania. Eagle Glide Hang Gliding: Feel the wind under your wings as you glide across the Huon River.
 

 Stay at the new AirWalk Lodge and sleep among the giants of the forest! With exclusive night-time trails and discounted admission to the AirWalk, southern Tasmania’s premier tourism destination is yours to explore. Set amongst the tall trees, the new AirWalk Lodge is ideally suited to families, school groups and backpackers. The Lodge offers a total of eight rooms, which can accommodating up to 25 guests. To make your stay more enjoyable, the heart of the lodge features a communal lounge with a fireplace, LCD TV, DVDs, books, newspapers, PC with internet, a dining area, fully equipped kitchen with shared bathroom facilities.
http://www.think-tasmania.com
 

                                      This photo of Nelson Falls is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Nelson Falls~

Franklin - Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

Located on the Lyell Highway between Queenstown and Derwent Bridge.

These delightful falls are reached after a very easy walk. Break the long drive and stretch your legs; you won’t be disappointed.