News at Home

While I have crossed the boundaries recently of Croatia and Montana all in a period of three weeks, I was most pleased to read my local paper on return. Writers tend to forget the obvious while traveling the world to see the unique history of places. Reading the Kingston Freeman tonight I found out that my area is now working on outlaying the burning of Kingston, NY. We here were always somewhat rebels. In 1777 the British came and burned down NY’s first capital. It is partially funded by the state office of Parks and Recreation. The new trail will run 5 miles and assisted by James Jones, a retired Army Colonel person and historian. Was asked to do a travel writing course in the spring at UCCC College, better check up more at home!

Cooking in Montana

 
 

Speak Easy

My time in the Montana Mountains has ended and am heading home only to go to NYC in the morning. Max and I are headed to the Europe Travel Media show. Montana certainly didn’t disappoint. The snow capped peaks and varied scenery were shear delight!

Went on a tour of Butte yesterday and saw much. The highlight for me was an old speakeasy that was discovered under an old hotel called the Rookwood. Made me wonder who spent time bending elbows under Butte’s sidewalks? Butte is a city too tough to die. Got to catch a flight so will add tonight.

Montana's Best

Every once in a while you get hit with the blast from both barrels of a shotgun. I lucked out finding two gems in one place. The city of Philipsburg Mt and the Broadway Hotel they are a wonderful match and just fantastic! The hotel is so unique and its proprietors just plain dynamite. I give the Broadway 5 stars in every category; the rooms are all done differently and with themes. I am in the Andes Suite and do not want to leave. Only the rapturous living room and soothing fire can get me out. Best Damn stay in the West!

The city is also a gem and not to be missed, painted up and deliciously tart. The stores different and enticing, and eating places good. Went to a benefit at the Old Opera House last night. The performer was Kostas, a Montana legend The benefit was for the town and done by Rotary. Best yet was the drummer who happened to be my host at the hotel, Jim. Get to the hotel and town; chances are I will still be there. Just dreaming!

Buried Treasure

 
 

Doing Time

Last night went on a paranormal search for spirits in the infamous old Montana Prision. It started as a territorial hellhole in 1871 and developed into a prison in 1896. It is massive and morose, perfect for exploring. My favorite story concerns Paul “Turkey Pete” Eitner. Turkey Pete was a double murderer sentenced to life. He got his name from his prison job of tending the turkeys the prison sold. After many years as an inmate Turkey’s grip on reality slipped and he thought he owned the prison,and was not a prisoner. The officials played along and gave Turkey a checkbook printed at the print shop in the compound. With those checks Turkey saved the Brazilian coffee crop, sold pink alligators and sold ships to the Navy. Eitner Enterprise grew in Turkey Pete’s fertile imagination. His funeral was the only one held with in the walls of the prison. Did I get to meet the Pete? You’ll find out on GoNOMAD.

Box Car Willie

 
 

Ranch in Deer Lodge MT

 
 

Load Up

It is hunting season here in SW Montana. Actually they say the hunting is better here than anywhere in the continental US. According to the hunting guide I picked up at the airport there are record numbers of elk roaming the terrain. Also out there for the taking are white- tailed deer and antelope. In case you get lucky the Independent Record has a piece all about cutting up your elk at home. Bob Lathen for Tizer Meats recommends keeping the elk in one piece with the skin on as it is removed from the field. More importantly try to debone your catch in less than two hours after the kill. Plate up!

Goulies and Goodtimes

Landed in Big Sky country at 11PM in Helena and checked into the Wingate Hotel. Walked to the local Conoco gas station past Dorothy’s casino. Even the station had a mimi casino called Gabe’s. It gives one the feel of the old west, tie up your pony and try your luck, only it is gas up and try your luck. Picked up the free Queen City news to get some local feel, according to the cover there are witches in Helena. Fits in well with the theme of this trip, ghost towns and things that bump in the night. A nighttime visit to the old state prison is on the schedule.Got a good feel for this trip. I am a long way from Zagreb now.

Dream Truck

 
 

Wow!

Just walked in the door at home from an 18-hour travel day, that is from hotel to home. What a great view into Croatia I was afforded. The trip took me to places that I very much wish to return and places yet covered by most publications. The magic of Zagreb, villages of Slavonia and majesty of Istria are something that I cannot wait to share with GoNOMAD and radio. The Croatians are without doubt a very friendly and gracious people. It is clear that this country will continue to take its place as a must see destination. While many will head to the waterfront in Istria, I was just as impressed by the hill top villages that are inland as the beautiful coast villages. Tough trip yes, worthwhile, absolutely! Got to go pack for Montana because I am back on the road in 16 hours, got to love it. If not you could go insane!

Food from Heaven

Giancarlo Zigante made a find one day in the hills of Istria, Croatia that would change his life forever. While truffle hunting one day he found the big one, Guinness record size. The largest white truffle ever found. More importantly is what he did with his find, he turned it into a dynasty and put Croatia on the truffle devotes map. Istria is now a truffle kingdom and Giancario its king!

I had the opportunity to dine at his restaurant Zigante tartufi yesterday. Every item served was anchored with delectable bits of truffles. From the first to last course I lived in truffle heaven. The best ice cream I’ve ever had filled with bits of heaven will be in my mind forever! The place is on the top five in Croatia and will go on bigger lists once the foodies get there. In a place so beautiful Zigante’s just fits so well.

Croatia's Truffle King

 
 

The Back Vineyard

 
 

Playing in the Band

Up at six and out the door, hurry up, that is the mantra that repeats daily on this Croatian journey. It is going to be tough to leave this hotel! The Adriatic Sea looks inviting and leaving this hotel with the same name is tough. We have been on the move and working from 8 till 9 PM daily. Dinner isn’t done till twelve and winding down isn’t easy, but it is back on the road. Feel like a drummer from a traveling band with a new gig to play miles away. Press travel is not for the weak, only for those who need to see more!

Croatia Most Miss

Been in the Croatia that many never see, the continental Europe zone that borders Slovakia and one time war zone. It is vineyards and villages, smiles and warmth! Doing 83 tastes of wine and most poured after swilling. The people are so very friendly yet only ten years ago war raged. This is the style of Europe that I traveled as a kid many years ago, not found in the standard destinations. I am with some VIP’s on TV and they are bonding well with this lowly scribe. All are familiar with GoNOMAD and that is so cool. We crashed a women’s party tonight in Istra and partied and danced. It is so great to have a driver and no set guide till we get to a location. We call him Jon Jet, fastest pilot without wings. Travel is life yet finding your own way. Miss my wife, Lou!

Croatian kids

 
 

Croatian Work day

 
 

Tito the Man!

 
 

Croatian Castle

 
 

The Committee

A committee was formed in Croatia in 1911 called “Committee for the Accommodations of Foreign Visitors”. Their goal was to make as many efforts as possible to attract foreign visitors to Zagreb. The committee may be long gone but its spirit stays strong. My hotel the Regent Esplanade is just grand. It was built in 1925 to serve those riding the Orient Express. In the past at stops travelers would stay in cites on the route. This hotel and city attracted many. Lindberg and Josephine Baker used to prowl the halls and gaiety prevailed. Staying here makes you feel like an honored guest.

The city itself has so many different layers and facets, old, new and mysterious. It is a walker’s paradise and eye candy everywhere. At dinner last night we all were caught up in the good feelings. Laughter and banter were paired with some of the best seafood I have ever tasted. We all decided to walk back to the Regent and enjoy Zagreb. A great beginning!

To Perfection

 
 

Quit Stalin

After a long sleepless flight I arrived in Zagreb, Croatia. Running on pure buzz of a new city visited I headed out to explore on my own before meeting the other three pressies. I like what I see and can tell I’m going to love it here. Heard a great story from my driver from the airport. It seems back when Tito was the big cheese in these parts, Stalin didn’t like it one bit. Stalin kept sending assassins to bump Tito off. Tito got fed up and wrote Stalin a quit note that basically went like this, “ quit sending your killers because if you don’t I will send one to you. I fortunately will not need to send any others. Stalin gave Tito some free space from that time on.

Big Priority

The ticket vault is filled and the first set for Croatia is ready to be used Monday. Going on a food and wine trip. Accommodations are top notch anchored by the Regent in Zagreb. I get back in a week then head the next day to Montana. Early Dec. it’s on to the Fareast, Hong Kong and Macao.Going +to report for GoNOMAD and the Azumano Show on Portland's KPAM News Radio. Trying a new travel service called Priority Pass. Basically it is a membership that will allow access to Business Class lounges in 450 places around the world. I will check out 3 on the first trip alone. Besides beverage and food many have shower facilities and most importantly web connections. Clean and connected, nothing better!

Cottekill Rail Trail 

Autum's Canvas 

Mean Nature

For the second time in 2 months another recent destination I went to this year has been devastated. First was SW Louisiana by Hurricane Rita then this past weekend Guatemala had massive floods. News reports say entire villages and it inhabitants have been swept away. It is just so sad to me that places I have visited and people met could possibly simply not exist anymore. I sent out e-mails to those I could to get a handle on the situation. What next?

Love Me Do

Read a great piece by Kelly DiNardo written special for USA Today about “Unique Offerings”, hotels are giving guests. Here is a sampling:
· Four Seasons in San Diego – surf boards and wet suits on hand for guests, complete with surf concierge J.C. Hill.
· Topaz Hotel in Washington D.C. – shots of vitamin B or ginseng in the lobby mornings, get up and go.
· Ritz-Carlton has a tanning butler in South Beach and fireplace butler in Boston.
Next time I hit a Red Roof they better have glasses made of real glass or I’m heading to a Holiday Inn!

Nice Stuff

Here in the Hudson Valley the rain is falling hard and with it the autumn leaves. Staying indoors and conversing with my very talented sister-in-law. Heidi Spadter is a jewler/metalsmith and her creations are on display in our living room. I’ve never really taken a good look at her work but am now fascinated. Her company is called Karu Moon and offers “ornaments for humans and their homes’. Several pieces have found a new home right here. To find out more e-mail karhumoon@hotmail.com or call 207 399-8599 Picts below

Ear candy 

favorite 

Jewels 

Art display 

Olympic Ski Jumps

Lake Ski Jumps 

Future Star 

Adirondack Park Pleasure

Took another kayaking trip this time to Lake Placid, NY. It is a pretty little town located in the Adirondack Mountains. Though the temps were in the 70’s the leaves are gold, red and gorgeous. LP was home to 2 winter Olympics, 1932 and 1980. It was the spot where in 1980 the US Hockey team beat the big favorites, the Russians. From my room and past the lake sits Whiteface Mountain, good skiing there in a few weeks. The Adirondack Park itself is bigger than Vermont. Its bigger also than Yellowstone and Yosemite combined, over 6 million acres. No fee to be free! Love this part of New York!

Mt. Whiteface 

Pleasant at Placid 

Cooked Goose

It’s back and different and I would like to list the ways. Travel Savvy is out again after some major retooling. The sub banner states, “Lists That Matter”. In this issue they cover:
· 6 Best Hotels to have an Affair
· Lost TV Star’s 5 Hawaiian Hot Spots
· Tony Hawk’s 10 top Skate parks

I kind of like the list lean, makes finding what you want simple. While we at GoNomad use the Marriott Marquis in NYC as headquarters every January for The Adventure Travel Expo, it’s nice to know that countless affairs are going on all around us.

Editor in Chief Jill Brooke best explains the list theory. “ When the magazine was purchased in January by liquor baron Sidney Franks, he had one request: “make it about lists.” Why? After Grey Goose vodka was named No. 1 on a national top 10 list, its fortunes soared.” Good enough for me!

Radio Active

Due to Max’s very well received segment on the Anumazo Travel Show on KPAM, Portland (860 AM) I get to follow up tomorrow with a segment about recent adventures in Guatemala. Besides my GoNOMAD gig I find radio such a fun way to get the word out about destinations. It is quick and lively and after listening to online archives I cannot wait to connect with Pat Boyle, the host.

Fortunately I have some radio experience as a current correspondent with California’s biggest travel radio show, Around the World with Arthur & Barney. That show is also broadcast on 30 stations in Australia. Better yet is the fact that I get to do it from my small home office in the Hudson River Valley. After taping I am heading to my favorite Mexican restaurant in Hudson NY, Mexican Radio. It just seems to fit!

The Book

I have yet to meet a traveler who doesn't use their passport for reading material. In some cases it is necessary just to put together your timeline. After checking my upcoming Croatia trip itinerary, I pulled mine out and noticed that the book was done, finished, no empty pages. Zippo, zero and nada, totally full!

Doing the cost effective yet bureaucratic method just will not fit into the time frame. For about $60 I can get it done via Travisa. Here is the process;
· Fill out form DPS-19
· Write two letters of authorization
· Include proof of departure

In 3-9 days I should have room for a whole new chapter! With sixteen days to departure it’s a necessity!