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Those Are Big Horses…

CLYDESDALE FACTS:
Hitch Requirements: To qualify for one of the traveling hitches, a Budweiser Clydesdale must be a gelding at least four years of age, stand 72 inches at the shoulder when fully mature, weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds, have a bay coat, four white legs, a white blaze, and a black mane and tail.

Feed: Each hitch horse will consume as much as 20 to 25 quarts of whole grains, minerals and vitamins, 50 to 60 pounds of hay, and 30 gallons of water per day.

Transport: Ten horses, the famous red, white, and gold beer wagon and other essential equipment are transported in three 50-foot tractor-trailers. Cameras mounted in the trailers are connected to monitors in the cabs that enable the drivers to keep a watchful eye on their precious cargo during transport. The team stops each night at local stables so the “gentle giants” can rest. Air-cushioned suspension and thick rubber flooring in the trailers ease the rigors of traveling.

Drivers: Driving the combined 12 tons of wagon and horses requires expert skill and physical strength. The 40 pounds of lines held by the driver plus the tension of the horses pulling creates a weight of over 75 pounds. Hitch drivers endure a lengthy training process before they assume the prestigious role of “Budweiser Clydesdale Hitch Driver.”

Harness: Each harness and collar weighs approximately 130 pounds. The harness is handcrafted with solid brass, patent leather, and stitched with pure linen thread. The harness is made to fit any Clydesdale; however, collars come in various sizes and must be individually fitted to the Clydesdale like a finely tailored suit.



Horseshoes: Clydesdale horseshoes measure more than 20 inches from end to end and weigh about 5 pounds which is more than twice as long and five times as heavy as the shoe worn by a light horse. A horse’s hoof is made of a nerveless, horn-like substance similar to the human fingernail so being fitted for shoes affects the animal no more than a manicure affects people.

Dalmatians: Dalmatians have traveled with the Clydesdale hitch since the 1950s. The Dalmatian breed long has been associated with horses and valued for their speed, endurance, and dependable nature. Dalmatians were known as coach dogs because they ran between the wheels of coaches or carriages and were companions to the horses. Today, the Dalmatians are perched atop the wagon, proudly seated next to the driver.

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Retired?



If you are retired and have the travel bug, but need to stick to a budget, here are some things to think about and research.

Become an online detective, and shop around. Maybe you didn’t know, but rock-bottom deals are not automatic for the 55-plus crowd.

You can often get 5 percent to 15 percent discounts with membership cards, such as AAA and AARP. But, just because a senior rate is offered doesn’t mean it’s the best deal out there. In fact, it’s a good idea to ask about all rates.

Think about traveling where and when it’s the cheapest. Pick smaller cities in countries you want to visit. You can probably travel in off-season. Rates are usually quite a bit cheaper for flights, hotels, and attractions. Think about dates and fly when plane fares are cheaper.

Check out all airlines before booking. You can look at sites like Trip Advisor, Expedia, or Kayak. Then, go to that airline’s site. Sometimes prices are better on the airline site.

Think about staying in vacation rentals instead of hotels. Use websites like VRBO.com to see what is available.

If you see a good deal, book it now. You probably have a good sense of the cost. Don’t sweat whether the price is going to go up or down $10.

Sometimes flying on the holidays, like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s is cheaper. 
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Should I Buy That?





You’re stuck in an airport, wandering the duty-free shops before your flight leaves for home. 

Everything is bright, shiny, and beckoning. It’s duty free. Right? Doesn’t that make it a good deal?

Even though you may find a deal once in a great while, it’s not a given that your duty-free purchase is a good buy. In fact, you’ll most likely find those electronic goods, beauty products, and high end purses usually cost less at home or online.

Do your homework before you fly. Get some idea of what products cost. Look at those you might be tempted to purchase.

Duty-free liquor. Think about the price. Then, think about carrying it on the plane with you. Do you really have room in your carry-on?

Of course, there are exceptions. Locally made or hand-crafted gifts made in that region make sense. Especially, if they are not available anywhere else. But, this also comes with a caveat. Is it something you want or need? Or, does it just look great at the time?

Maybe you’re walking around the airport waiting to head out on vacation.

Every store or magazine stand in every airport seems to have a selection of neck pillows. Should you buy one or not? If you really think you need a neck pillow, buy it before you leave home. Travel clothing websites, online, Amazon, and so many more carry them for a fraction of the cost at the airport.

Another thing that may grab your attention, is getting your foreign currency when you first land in a different country. Stop. Currency exchange desks in airports will charge a high transaction fee. Really high, in some cases. Sure, it’s convenient. But, probably not worth the fees.

Before you fly, get some money at your local bank. Many do not have foreign transaction fees.
Or, wait until you get to your destination. An ATM from a national bank will change less of a transaction fee than the airport.

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Wanderlust Travel Socks…Helping Against DVT

Exactly what is DVT and should I be worried about it when I travel?
DVT, Deep Vein Thrombosis, is a condition in which a blood clot or ‘thrombus’ forms in the deep veins of the legs.
The return of blood from these deep veins to the heart is made more difficult by the force of gravity and the relatively long distance that blood needs to travel back to the heart, compared with return from other parts of the body.
DVT can result in no symptoms, or it can cause swelling and pain in the affected leg, for example, pain in the calf when the foot is flexed upwards.
Although DVT is a serious condition, it is the relatively rare complications of DVT that can be life-threatening.
If you spend a lot of time on airplanes, and especially if they’re lengthy flights, that recurring pain in your legs may be a warning that you’re at risk of developing DVT and becoming a medical statistic.
The long stretches of time and inactivity you spend sitting on a plane can cause your feet, ankles and legs to swell. As a flyer, what should you do?
Move about the cabin when it is safe to do so, and include simple exercises like walking back and forth, doing foot and knee lifts, and performing ankle flexes and rotations. Light-fitting clothing is a must for long flights. Limit your consumption of caffeine and alcohol, but stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Try not to fall asleep for more than a half-hour. If your flight has a layover, don’t head for the nearest place to sit down again; instead, engage in a brisk power walk through the terminal.
You can also wear compression stockings that are designed to squeeze your ankles and calves and force the blood in your lower leg veins back toward the heart; this hosiery can also be worn in-flight as a preventative measure.
For me, these are the best compression socks I have worn. This brand can be found on Amazon. The company’s customer service is top-notch and their products are fantastic. Check them out.

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Is Travel Getting More Complicated?

Recently, I’ve read travel is getting more complicated. Is it? Sure, the world is changing and maybe adding some things which are new and different. But, does that make it more complicated to go somewhere new?

Planning takes more effort. Does it? Or, do you just need to be aware of where and when to go?

I don’t know the language. How do I get around? While it’s true you should arm yourself with some common words and phrases, especially to be polite, you can also find ways to work around this.

Check out these ideas if you really think it’s too complicated to go.

Planning Tools: You can find them on states, cities, destinations worldwide. There are ones for itineraries, attractions, accommodations, activities, restaurants, and so much more. Usually, these sites are current with up-to-date info. Just make sure you are on the official site for that area.

The US State Department: Utilize this site to find out about the country you want to visit. Is it safe? When should you go? Where is the nearest US Embassy located? This site also allows you to register with STEP. Check it out at www.state.gov.

Google Translate: This is one of the best I’ve found for translating signs, menus, and more. More than 100 languages are offered and can be translated in a variety of speech, writing, photos, and more. You can even store translations.

TSA-friendly bags: Available for your laptop and electronics, these bags open flat to go through the scanners.

RFID: There are numerous wallets and handbags available.

Take some time and do your research before you go. I think you’ll find traveling is not all that complicated.

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Celebrate California

Spend some time in 2017 in California celebrating multiple places and many sights throughout the state. Where do you go? Check out these places…

Sacramento: the new Downtown Commons, with entertainment, shopping, restaurants, and hotel

Yosemite: Mariposa Grove with its 500 giant sequoias reopens in the summer of 2017

Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park: named California’s Low Desert by Lonely Planet

San Diego: the San Diego Zoo opens a new eight-acre exhibit with African plants and animals

Napa Valley: new hotels, restaurants, wineries, and breweries

There are no shortage of places to discover this year.

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Celebrate with Canada

The entire year, 2017, is a celebration in Canada. Actually, 365 days of celebrations for the country’s 150th anniversary of the Confederation.

Throughout the year 19 urban centers will host celebrations, highlighting Canada’s history, natural beauty, and people.

Montreal will honor its 375th anniversary, having events and festivals all year long. Many of these are free!

National parks in Canada will offer free passes in 2017.

Help Canada celebrate!