Sports
So, this is the basic description of the cycling portion of my trip:
The name Entre Deux Mers refers to the triangle of land that sits between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, to the east of Bordeaux. The land here on the right bank of Bordeaux produces a variety of vintages, from the soft Merlot’s of St Emilion to the sweet whites of Sauternes. The tour takes you through this verdant landscape from south to north, stopping in our pick of the best 3 and 4-star hotels in the region.
Of many highlights, here are three:
- The chateaux of Roquetaillade and Villandraut for a glimpse into the regions past.
- The world-class red wines of Pomerol and St Emilion.
- The sweet and dry white wines of Sauternes and Cadillac.
Here is the itinerary:
Day 1 Arrive at Bordeaux by plane or TGV and transfer to your hotel in St Macaire, by taxi. Take some time to stroll around this quaint Bordelais village, before a delicious dinner and a good nights sleep (haha!) ahead of your first days cycling.
Day 2 Optional Round Trip to La Reole | Distance 26 miles (43 km)
After a hearty continental breakfast in our boutique hotel, a ride to the river port town of La Reole is on the cards. You’ll follow the Garonne valley to Castets-en-Dorthe before following a canal side cycle path to La Reole itself. La Reole was once the second city of the region but these days is a charming small town that sits perched above the Garonne on a hillside. The ride back to St Macaire winds through backroads and passes through the town of Langon.
Day 3 Cycle to Sauternes | Distance 23 miles (38 km)
Today you will cross the River Garonne and cycle south to the village of Sauternes in a loop through an area of forest and vineyards. The route passes the villages of Roaillan, Ozeste and Villandraut, all delightful stops for lunch. We also suggest a visit to the Chateau de Roquetaillade and the ruined castle of Chateau de Villandraut.
Day 4 Optional Round Trip Through Sauternes Vineyards | Distance 18 miles (28 km)
Sauternes is an appellation famous for its sweet wine produced by the regions rare white grapes, possibly the best in the world. The round trip route will offer you the chance to cycle through this vineyard covered area until you reach the Chateau de Malle near Preignac, a magnificent Renaissance building with beautiful gardens. Back in Sauternes, we recommend a guided wine tour and tasting at either Chateau Sauternes or Chateau Guiraud.
Day 5 Cycle to Cadillac | Distance 26 miles (43 km)
Your cycle now heads North into the River Garonne valley through several villages en route to the small town of Cadillac, which bequeathed its name to the car. The day starts by crossing the Ciron valley to Cerons and then Podensac with the opportunity to visit the Lillet distillery and see how the popular apéritif is produced. In the Garonne valley, you can visit the intriguing Chateau Mongenan in Portets before crossing the river at Langoiran and cycling to Cadillac. Enjoy the view of the Ducal Chateau from the hotel gardens with a glass of the local wine in hand.
Day 6 Optional Round Trip to St Croix du Mont | Distance 13 miles (22 km) I may double it!
Today’s optional round trip takes you out of Cadillac through some more prime Bordeaux vineyards such as Montprimblanc before reaching St Croix de Mont, a superb but less well-known appellation located on a panoramic plateau made up of vast fossilised oyster beds. Then heading back to Cadillac, you’ll pass through Loupiac, where wines have been produced since Roman times.
Day 7 Cycle to St Emilion | Distance 25 miles (40 km)
Your final day in the saddle will take you through a valley towards Targon and the Entre Deux Mers (the land in between the Rivers Dordogne and Garonne). A picnic lunch is recommended next to the remains of a Knights Templar Commanderie before continuing onto Branne, crossing the Dordogne river and cycling into Saint Emilion. Arriving at your last hotel situated at the top of the town, relax with a dip in the pool or drinks in the garden before a final well-deserved delicious dinner.
Day 8 We say Au Revoir before transferring you by taxi to Bordeaux airport or TGV station.
Should be a great trip!
Perhaps no more iconic scenic landscape exists in the American west than Monument Valley, Utah. It appears in auto commercials, travel advertisements, and most notably, the Forrest Gump movie. I think it is the most “American” of all American scenes.
Besides an iconic symbol of the American west, Monument Valley is the “sacred heart” of the Navajo Nation. Is it the pure beauty, the ruggedness, or the Navajo spirits that draw us here? Yet, it looks so familiar since we have seen it so many times on TV, and the internet.
And those who know say it looks the same, whether 300 or 3000 years ago. The sky might be a different shade of blue, since we are ruining the environment, but the canyons are as deep and the sandstone buttes as towering. The magic of wind and water has created a great work of art. The buttes reach over a thousand feet high. The Utah Arizona border is nearby, as are the famous Four Corners (where four states meet). We are in the heart of the Navajo Nation. The Navajo name for the valley is Tse’Bii’Ndzisgaii, and covers nearly 92,000 acres.
Even the valley floor sits at 5000 to 6000 feet above sea level. The sand was deposited by the meandering rivers that carved this great valley about 50 million years ago. The bright red color comes from iron oxide, like many other famous places in the American southwest. The blue dray rocks get their color from manganese oxide.
The buttes consist of three layers: a lower layer of Organ Rock Shale, the middle is de Chelly sandstone, and the top is the Moenkopi Formation, topped with Shinarump Conglomerate. All I know is looking at the formations is as breathtaking as any sight I have ever seen in the world. Between 1945 and 1967, uranium (vanadium and copper) was mined here.
The park has their own seventeen mile drive, much different than our Seventeen Mile Drive on the Monterey Peninsula. The Monument Valley has been featured in Hollywood films since 1946, the year I was born. It was John Ford’s, My Darling Clementine. Wasn’t there a song, too?? What about Stagecoach in 1938?
The most notable features in the park: Three Sisters, Mitten Butte, North Window, Elephant Butte, Totem Pole, and Yei-bi-Chai. The Wildcat Trail is a short four mile hike for almost anyone. A guided jeep tour might be the best way to navigate the sandy, and rocky roads.
Many suggest getting there for either sunrise or sunset. While I may not be able to do that, just seeing the great Monument Valley is a treasure in itself. It might even become “the photo I did not take.” Ponder that for a moment!!!!
But I will make it over to Goulding’s Lodge, for a quick look, some food, maybe a Native American craft or fridge magnet, and a quick look around the museum. And if I look very carefully, I will find a Navajo medicine man.
Speaking of Native Americans, did you see this from NPR?
Just over half of Native Americans living on American Indian reservations or other tribal lands with a computer have access to high-speed internet service, according to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The low rate of subscription to a high-speed internet service — 53 percent — in these often rugged, rural areas underscores the depth of the digital divide between Indian Country and the rest of the U.S. Between 2013 and 2017, 82 percent of households nationally with a computer reported having a subscription to a broadband internet service.
Rather disturbing!
I am certain two full days plus here, sandwiched around some long bike rides are not enough. But certainly enough to feed my soul until the next time!
We are off to Moab, Utah to see more for our nation’s natural wonders, specifically in the beautiful state of Utah. Moab boasts both Canyonlands and Arches National Parks within easy reach. Did you know Moab got its name from the Biblical name for a land that is just short of the Promised Land? It was the Mormon settler’s in the 1800’s that gave this beautiful area its name. There are 137 Bible verses where Moab is named.
Arches National Park has over 2000 natural sandstone arches. The most famous is Delicate Arch, seen in countless photos and advertisements. The forces of nature for millions of years creates a unique and breathtaking scene. But no evidence of dwellings in Arches has ever been found. The first reliable date for Arches is June 9, 1844, by a Denis Julien, a French American trapper who had a habit of chiseling his name and date onto rocks in the Southwest. Before that, various Native American tribes inhabited the region, followed by the Spaniards.
Delicate Arch
Arches were formed by the combination of nature and time, with rock layers that reveal millions of years of erosion, deposition, and other geologic events. Arches is located in the high desert, with elevations that range from 4000 to 5600 feet. Hot in the summer, cold in the winter, very little rainfall, temperatures can fluctuate over 50 degrees in a day.
Much like most desert areas, the land appears harsh and unchanging. But the desert ecosystem is constantly evolving with weather, climate shifts, and geologic activity. Pollution has made an impact on natural resources, and introduced new species.
Sand Dune Arch
The arches are the park’s most outstanding natural feature. Of the over 2000 catalogued arches, they vary in size from a 3 foot (minimum to be considered an arch) opening to 306 feet for Landscape Arch.
Canyonlands National Park area has been visited for over 10,000 years. Many different people have moved in and out of the area, depending on the availability of natural resources. Canyonlands is one of the last undisturbed areas of the Colorado plateau. The area is high desert, similar to the weather and rainfall in Arches National Park.
Two unusual natural features are common here. Biological soil crust is a living groundcover that forms the foundation of high desert plant life. And ephemeral potholes are naturally occurring basins in sandstone that collect rain and sediment. The potholes foster the growth of organisms that can survive long periods of dehydration. It becomes the breeding ground for many high desert amphibians and insects.
Ephemeral Pools
Over time, Canyonlands was flooded by oceans, covered by rivers, and mudflats, and eventually covered with sand. Layer upon layer of sedimentary rock formed as buried materials became encased by the precipitates in ground water. Each layers reveals a different environment. Equally surprising is that each layer was flat when deposited.
Green River Overlook
Naturally, Moab itself offers plenty to do as well. It touts itself as the home of the greatest mountain biking on the planet. Jet boat rides are also available. Hiking, ATV riding and back packing are major activities in Moab. We intend to find out everything we can about this little town, located so close to these national treasures.
We are staying at the Red Cliffs Lodge after spending our first night in Salt Lake City. Red Cliffs sits on the banks of the Colorado River, and is surrounded by 2000 foot high red cliffs.
It should provide a good base for us to reach both Arches and Canyonlands, as well as have some time to rest and recharge.
We may do a combo tour with a jet boat and a 4×4, if I can talk Sheri into it. Or an hour flight over everything, leaving time for some hikes. The other option is to just drive around, stop whenever the mood or scenery strikes, and walk some of the trails. Both sound pretty good to me. It may even reach the 80s later today or tomorrow.
We arrived safely in SLC on Monday, checked in, and scoped out the Mormon Temple and Temple Square. It is a pretty impressive sight, no matter how many wives you have. Actually, a funnyline occurred several years ago, when golfer Johnny Miller, a Mormon, first became a TV golf announcer. One of the players he criticized, Paul Azinger, called him the “biggest moron I know”. When asked about his quote by the reporters, he said he was misquoted, that Johnny was “the biggest Mormon I know”.
We had a nice dinner last night at PF Chang’s in SLC. Jesse, the manager, told us to make sure to stop at Goblin Valley on the way to Moab. We plan to hit the road early today. We will keep you posted.
Fast forward: This was a great trip. I only hope to replicate i on this trip. If you have not been to Arches, or Canyonlands, you must go!!! One of the best places I have ever been!!!!
It was back in 1975, while I was in graduate school at U.C. Berkeley, that I took a trip to Salt Lake City for a week of skiing with distant relatives. Everyone I knew who skied, always said Utah has the best powder of any ski resort in the world. They were right, of course, but just to set the record straight, it is VERY cold. The cold keeps the snow light!
Anyway, we got to ski all the famous resorts, Alta, Snowbird, Park City, and a few more I cannot recall. We looked for Bob Redford, but were later told he was either out of town, or skiing on his own private ski resort.
We also got a big dose of Mormonism, including Temple Square, ridiculous liquor laws, and the impact of the Mormon Church on the economy. Fortunately, our friends belonged to a private club, where they stored a stash of booze in their own “private” locker adjacent to the dining room.
But we could not help but notice that people were kinder, more friendly, and respectful of others. With that in mind, I did not realize it became our 45th state in 1896, the same year my grandfather came to the U.S. from Japan. It is the 13th largest state by area.
Salt Lake City is the capital, and the state has more than 3 million people. The state nickname is the Beehive state. About 62% of Utah residents are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS Church). It is our only state with a majority population belonging to a single church.
After the death of Joseph Smith in 1844, Brigham Young led the first band of Mormons to Utah in 1847. From that point, many Mormons followed and established resident throughout the Utah region. In the early 20th century, both Bryce and Zion National Parks were created, making Utah a popular place for both filming and adventure.
World class skiing is the big draw to Utah. Equally important are the national parks (5), and the famous Bonneville Salt Flats, home to many world land speed records over the years. My Dad knew Mickey Thompson, a Bonneville speed racer, famous for his efforts at Bonneville with FOUR Pontiac engines.
Many immigrants of Japanese ancestry ended up working on the transcontinental railroad, along with Chinese workers. Some stayed after completion of the railroad, and many headed back to California to farm.
Believe it or not, Utah has produced many famous people. Some include: Chrissy Teigen, Loretta Young, Gary Coleman, Roseanne, Julianne Hough, James Woods, Butch Cassidy, Donnie and Marie Osmond, Craig Venter, Ezra Taft Benson, Ted Bundy (yes, that Ted Bundy), J.W. Marriott, Jim Nantz, Picabo Street, and great Niner QB, Steve Young.
So, welcome to Utah. It is a state that will both surprise you, and make you want to come back again and again. So, here I am, again!
From 2012.
The eighth largest city in the US is San Diego. It is also the site of a three game series between our San Francisco Giants, and the San Diego Padres. I have attended games at the old Jack Murphy Stadium, now called Qualcomm Stadium over in Mission Valley. The climate is mild, the city/suburban area is close to Mexico, and the Navy has a presence, which began back in 1901. Lately, biotech and golf club manufacturers have taken over the areas north of San Diego. One of my favorite golf venues, Torrey Pines is located up the road in La Jolla. It is always rated in the top ten public golf courses in the country.
I had an office here back in the 70s, as well as access to a company apartment, which I did not care for. The office was in Mission Circle (Mission Valley area), near the shopping center, and most of the time, I stayed in a Mission Circle hotel. It was only a ten to fifteen minute trip over to the San Diego Airport. Not many people know that San Diego has hosted two world’s fairs, the 1915 and 1935, well before I was born. I was responsible for setting up the professional relations department, which included peer review, provider relations, and quality assurance for our company.
Downtown San Diego, where I will stay on this trip, is the home of the revitalized Gaslamp Quarter, home to snazzy bars and restaurants. And the new Petco Park is easily within walking distance from downtown hotels, the harbor, Gaslamp Quarter, Horton Plaza, and the San Diego Convention Center. Both of my sisters have some history here. One, lived just up the road in Del Mar with her husband Norm, and their two now grown boys. My youngest sis graduated from San Diego State here in the 70s.
Obviously, the climate is a big deal here, as San Diego enjoys one of the most temperate climates in the world. The population of 1.4 million would not trade it for the fog of the Bay Area, or the humidity of the east coast (or the smog and traffic of LA). Median income is about $70,000. It is also one of the ten safest cities in the US. Tourism, the US Navy (largest employer), and the port are San Diego’s big three of commerce. The border between Mexico and San Diego is the busiest international border crossing in the world. But be careful if you decide to cross!
Among the leading high tech companies based here are Qualcomm, Nokia, LG, Kyocera, Cricket, and Novatel. Among the leading biotech firms are Elan, Celgene, Neurocrine Biosciences, Nventa, BD Biosciences, Biogen Idec, and Vertex, and research organizations like the Salk Institute, Scripps Research Institute, the West Wireless Health Institute, and Sanford-Burnham Institute. Also, famous golf club manufacturer, Callaway is just up the road in Carlsbad. In fact, I am currently playing Callaway irons that my son bought for me a few years ago.
The major sports teams are the NFL San Diego Chargers (now in Los Angeles), and the MLB San Diego Padres. The current Los Angeles Clippers began their franchise here under the name of the San Diego Clippers, who moved here from Buffalo (Braves). San Diego State University fields Division 1 sports teams. And of course, the successful San Francisco Forty Niners head coach, Jim Harbaugh, learned his trade here at the University of San Diego.
Tourism is a major industry here, led by the great weather and beaches, followed by the San Diego Zoo, Legoland, Sea World, and Balboa Park. Old town San Diego is worth a stop, if for nothing else but a good southwestern or south of the border meal. It is also a pretty good convention town with lots of great seafood joints, and lively bars, especially in the Gaslamp Quarter downtown. And do not forget to check out beautiful Coronado Island.
Anyone famous from San Diego? Here are a few including Heisman winner Marcus Allen, actress Annette Bening, golfer Billy Casper, Hall of Fame hitter Ted Williams, Ted Danson, skateboarder Tony Hawk, NASCAR’s Jimmy Johnson, Gregory Peck, Tony Romo, the late Junior Seau, Craig Venter, Bill Walton, Pete Wilson* (one of my favorite Republicans, believe it or not), Raquel Welch, Eddie Vedder, Phil Mickelson, Ray Kroc, Wyatt Earp, Cameron Diaz, and Dennis Conner.
I am here only to cruise the Gaslamp Quarter, watch a few Giants games, and enjoy the great seafood and weather here in San Diego. I may have ventured out to La Jolla, and Torrey Pines but the Giants have significantly improved from their lousy .500 start (equal wins and loses). Someone also suggested I go out to the famous San Diego Zoo, more to practice my animal photography than anything else. I think that is a great idea.
Mostly, Go Giants!!!!
Fast forward to today: I always enjoy attending Giants games at Petco Park against the Padres. The weather is great, the ticket prices are better, and it is so easy to get around, not just to the game, but to many of the city’s best venues. And the fresh seafood.
My friends, Julie and Jim are here too.
We actually once thought about relocating to this area. But soon realized we had no support system, read that as friends and relatives. The weather is great, but the cost of living has become very similar to Orange and Ventura Counties. And the traffic is unbearable!
Let’s just say it is a great place to visit! And a great place to see some Giants games.
So, guess where the best spring break location is for 2019? That’s right, San Diego. Now, I just love San Diego, for many different reasons. First, the weather is great. Second, it is an hour flight away (or a 5 hour drive). Third, it has some of everything: major league baseball, beaches, golf, world famous zoo, seafood, other great food, dear friends (Julie), and great public transportation. And perhaps important for spring breakers, it is affordable.
Often called America’s finest city, San Diego offers sunny weather, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and a plethora of activities. One thing rarely mentioned, is the safety of the area. Among spring break locations, it is the safest, with only 19.3 property crimes per 1000 residents, and 3.7 violent crimes per 1000 residents.
I do associate San Diego with Pete Wilson, our former governor. Republican governor. But I liked old Pete, since he dramatically reduced the welfare rolls. He was once politician who actually did what he said he would do!!!!
Flights to San Diego are relatively cheap. Hotels, other than during big conventions are plentiful and relatively speaking, fairly priced. The average round trip airfare to San Diego in March is $319!!! Hotels average only $87 during the same time period.
For kids, Legoland, Sea World and the world famous San Diego Zoo are at the top of the list. Even as an adult, I loved the Zoo, as much as my kids. I have never been to Legoland, but I think many adults are “closet” Lego fans.
Other places to visit, most free, are Balboa Park, Little Italy, Gaslamp District, Old Town, the beaches, Tijuana, and the nearby wine region of Temecula. And the ubiquitous beaches. Always a great place to spend a few hours or the entire day.
Moving to food, the plentiful seafood in San Diego has always been a big attraction. Much of our country’s seafood comes from the waters surrounding San Diego and Mexico. And the productive valleys around San Diego provide fresh fruit and vegetables, almost year around. And a good burrito is always just around the corner. One of my favorites is Cucina urbana, not far from downtown, a short Uber ride away. Their burnt Brussel sprouts and chipotle sauce are a perfect way to start, with a glass of Prosecco.
While shopping does not impress me much here, other attractions make up for the lack of great shopping venues. The rich naval history in the area is most evident with the aircraft carrier, the USS Midway, once the largest ship in the world, and too big to transit the (original) Panama Canal. San Diego remains the second largest surface ship base of the U.S. Navy.
But what makes San Diego the handiest and most likeable city is the close proximity of most of the city’s major areas. Linked by the light rail, it is quite easy to get to Petco Park from almost anywhere. Along the way, the rail passes Old Town, Little Italy, and Gaslamp, the trifecta of San Diego attractions. And the people are nice, though the homeless problem continues.
So, rarely do I rent a car when I fly down here. And I forgot to mention that Amtrak comes down here too, from almost anywhere in California. The weather is great! Why not?
So, where was/is your best spring break location? And of course, why? 
