slidergirl

Purple - I was looking at the Osprey site this morning for some dimensions of a bag.  I saw that their website has the hydration bag for the Daylite on sale for $18.  

A rainy day here at my altitude, but about 300ft up it snowed overnnight.  

Cynthia - I ended up getting my insurance through my dentist.  It's been reasonable.  I always wonder why dental is so bad - our mouths/teeth get worse as we age!!

OOTD:  rainy day clothes - my Vuori joggers and a long sleeve Tshirt.  Not worth going out anywhere today for anything...

OK.  You didn't like my Olu Kai idea...  That's OK.  I don't wear sandals, but, if you would go with silver look at Kork-Ease Mullica wedges.  I had a pair of their tan Myra Classics a while back to go with a long tank dress for an event.  As comfy as I could get in a pair of wedge sandals.  

Oh I've gone into Michelin 2 star joints with a casual shoe - no one screamed in horror 😉

Safe travels Lois!!

19 hours ago, MrToblerone said:

Wow Cynthia three procedures !

You must be in pain with all that going on in your mouth.

Change of subject any Barcelona restaurant recommendations ?

I am not sure if we need to book or just turn up at places

Melissa - I haven't been to Barca in years so I can't recommend any places to eat.  Honestly, one of my favorite things was to go shopping in La Boqueria, picking up some bread, veggies, meats and making a meal out of it.   I would recommend looking through Eater Barcelona and The Fork Barcelona websites to get some ideas.   Enjoy your trip!!

19 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

Hi Lois -- hope you enjoy your upcoming cruise!!

 

Sorry I've been so absent lately, it's been a heck of a week. Found out today that I need a dental implant PLUS a root canal and a crown. 😭

Cynthia - UGH!!!  Not fun and it's a chunk of money.  Good luck with that.  

21 hours ago, PurpleHays said:

I've added my comments in-line in blue:

I'm the redhead on the right. And Mom laughed about Dad's outfit when she sent me the picture.

 

I was hoping you'd speak up since I know you're near SLC. We're flying in (since we can go non-stop) and renting a car. I understand it's a five hour drive.

 

It's 5-6 hours, depending on where you are going in the Park and which route you go.  From my house to Jackson, WY, it's about 4.5-5 hours.  It's another 2 hours through Grand Teton NP to Old Faithful.  If you take I-15 up to Yellowstone, it's 6 hours up to Old Faithful.  Add another 30 minutes from SLC.  I will say that the drive up US 89 is extremely scenic as opposed to I-15.  It's the route I always take going up that direction.  Look it up on Google Maps to see the times I got. 

 

We are planning to layer up. I have a North Face 3-in-one jacket that I think will work. I also have two pars of Athleta Ranier tights. They keep me warm in the winter-cold rinks. Do you think they'll work? I have a pair of Keen boots, but they are OLD and starting to fall apart. I think I'll superglue them for now, and get a new pair in July (we are buying things in phases so we don't break the bank at one time). I have several Athleta performance tops that will fit me again after I lose another 20 pounds. I have a wide-brimmed hat and will probably get a warmer one before we go.

The Raniers should do well up there.  Do you have a pair of rainpants to put over in case you get rain?

21 hours ago, PurpleHays said:

The Osprey Daylite is an excellent choice.  I've had one for years and years. 

 

What I still need:

new boots/wool socks.

water bladder,

trekking poles - why not buy the ones on sale at REI? 

long sleeve wool shirt(s), and

?bear spray? (rent). - Honestly, I've never carried bear spray.  I just attach a bear bell to my pack.  Don't know if they work, but I've used one since I went backpacking in the Sierras in the 70s.  Only one bear - he was napping up against our tent on our honeymoon in Devil's Postpile NM in the Sierras. 

 

I have a small folding knife and DH has a bigger knife (that he'll check). We also both qualify for lifetime NPS passes and will get those too. What else do we need?

Those lifetime passes are soooo good!!!  If I travel in the US, I put it in my wallet.  Never know when I'm going to find an area where it is honored.    As for other things - if you are backpacking and not just camping, consider a bear canister for your food.  The bears up there are known for breaking into cars when they smell food, and ice chests are no match for them unless it is a ROVR or YETI with their bear-proof locks.  The campgrounds have bear lockers at each site for your food.   Take a bandana with you - it's my camping/traveling go-to.  You can use it for so many things!!    Also, take your flashlight/headlamp.    That's all I can think of right now.

 

PS: Love the shirt!

PPS: Recorded the recommended boots so I can look at them when I'm ready to buy some.

 

 

I grew up a Girl Scout through High School and was a summer camp counselor my sophomore year in college at my Girl Scout camp.  I did weeklong backpack trips in the Sierras.  I still camp.  I never grew out of it.  I have my tent, stove, sleeping bag, lounge chair and some other things to make it a nice experience.  It's a cheap vacation and I can do a long planned one or a spur of the moment weekend. 

20 hours ago, PurpleHays said:

We went to REI Saturday and got trekking poles for the hubby. We're starting to hike for Yellowstone in October (brrr) and he needed some. I still need a day pack, water bladder, and new boots (mine are at least 15 years old). Last week, we did an easy 1.3 mile trail twice. Today, we bumped up to a moderate 2.8 mile trail that didn't feel as challenging, but my calves are telling me about it. We want to build up to about 10 or so miles by October. We're going to local parks twice a week now, and are planning a couple of fall trips to the NC mountains before then.

You're going to have to pack for layers for that Yellowstone trip.   Here in UT we were cold for Halloween but the weeks before it was still mild enough off/on to wear shorts and long sleeve Ts.   You didn't see a pack or bladder worth buying?   For boots, I'll recommend Merrell Moab or Keen Targhee to try first.  

Do you have campground reservations yet?  Hopefully it won't be bad then.  I've tried to get in Grand Teton for Fall in the past and couldn't get them.  

OOTD:  black Lions of Paris hoodie and capri leggings.  I had to go out this morning for my coffee and croissant since I ran out of half/half yesterday and I can't do coffee without it.   It's windy and about 50 degrees, so it was just right.  

10 minutes ago, NCteacherlovescruising said:

I love pizza and pasta!  We currently have reservations one night at Ristorante Moma and are going to try to get reservations with Armanda Al Pantheon.  My husband has a reminder on his phone to try at 6 PM (our time tonight) when they open. Fingers crossed!  One night we will be doing a food/wine tour in Trastevere and another we will be on a day trip to Tuscany.  Should we book one more restaurant or leave one night open to just grab some pizza or just stop somewhere along the way?

Good luck with Armando!!  If you can't get it, may I suggest trying to get a ressie at Trattoria de Cesare a Casaletto.  It's not in the tourist section of town, but easy to get to - grab the #8 tram and go to the end at Casaletto.  Didn't have any pizza, but the pasta I had (the fried gnocchi in cacio e pepe sauce) was amazing as was the ivolontini (beef rolls in sauce).   It's a casual locals spot, very friendly. 

Lois - sometimes clothes at REI are hit-miss for me. too.  Like this time, I couldn't find anything I wanted even with my $70 dividend in my hand.  I went for some needed/wanted hard goods, instead.  Last year, it was clothes - some long sleeve SPF shirts and a rain shell and a vest.  

Melody - I forgot it was a land trip.  Are you staying at Hale Koa?  Another thing I recommend is going to the Kapiolani Community College Farmers Market on Saturday morning.  Some goodies to pick up and some good nibbles.  I miss all that stuff plus ABC Store sushi.  Oh, and the poke selection at the KTA market on the Big Island 😉

Speaking of Hawaii:  a post jumped up on my FB post with cheap air from SLC to HNL.  I sniffed around and saw I had enough points for it.  It kind of piqued my hamster wheel.  But I have to save up for next year and some adventure.

OOTD:  It's not a warm day, just up to 50.  So another pair of leggings and a Tshirt...

Those wedges are cute but I wouldn't recommend them for walking.

I went the casual route and bought a pair of Olu Kai Pehuea Li mesh sneakers.  Great for walking and the heel folds down if needed to turn into a smart-looking mule.  They were my shoes for the majority of my day walking and all of my goings to dinners.   I'm not a sandal person, so they were the best I saw.

Melody - that is a great outfit for HI!!  Like I said before be sure to take your sling with you, or buy a cute one from Amazon.  It is useful if your arm gets tired!!   Good thoughts to Les on the injections..

On the Hawaii cruise:  if you have an day/evening in Honolulu and looking for a fun, inexpensive to eat place - Marugame Udon on Kuhio St in Waikiki.  My favorite spot in Honolulu.  You will wait in line!  It's a fresh-made udon spot.  You grab a tray and move along, order your udon, move along, grab some tempura, move along, get your drink, pay, find a seat.  I usually get the Ontama or Kitsune Udon, but I've heard the Beef ones are good, too.  I'll grab a couple pieces of veggie tempura and a water.  Never been over $15 for my meal.  Their website: marugameudon.com.  There's also a location on Fort St near the ports, but never been there,   The other thing in Honolulu that I love is going up to the Diamond Head Market for lunch and aways pick up a couple of the cream cheese scones!!!    Or to Leonard's for some malasadas!

UGH.  Got a notice today that I'm in the jury pool from July 1-Dec 31.  I don't mind, though.  My last one was last March.  I got picked for a trial pool but then we weren't needed.   It was 2 weeks before the infamous Glyneth Paltrow ski accident trial.  Wish I could have been on that one!!!  

Rainy day today and possible overnight snow tonight and same tomorrow.  more Ugh.  

OOTD:  hanging out in a pair of capri leggings and a Tshirt. 

9 hours ago, euro cruiser said:

There is a picture of the path in the press release announcing the reopening of the Monterosso-Vernazza-Corniglia path that shows you how narrow it is.  In August I would expect it to be very crowded, also note that for safety you can only walk in the direction of Monterosso to Vernazza.

 

Monterosso - Vernazza - Corniglia Green Blue Trail Reopens | Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre (parconazionale5terre.it)

When did the start the one-way?  Just curious.  When my 2BFFs and I did it way back in 2010 we started in Riomaggiore and finished in Monteroso.  That was a long, hard day!  

REI is having their Anniversary Sale now!  25-40% off some good items for travel stuff and clothes and outerwear.  Lots of Sherpani bags!  If you are sniffing around for some goodies, check it out.  I got a collapsible hiking staff (has a cane handle so it can be used as a cane, too, if you shorten), some miscellany little things.  Used up my $70 dividend.  For some reason, no clothes called my name this time.  

OOTD:  warmer today (up to maybe 70) and sunny, so another pair of capri leggings and a Woolx sleeveless shirt.  

If you need any layers, rain gear, binoculars, headlamps (I pack one for EVERY trip I take!!):

REI is having their annual Anniversary Sale right now.  25-40% off on many, many items.  Even on daybacks, rolling luggage, sling bags.  I spent a bit last year just replenishing things for my Alaska trip and got back a $70 dividend for this year (membership is cool!).  Just used it to pick up some miscellaneous items (hiking staff, new small lamp (very useful on the balcony at night)).   

I say headlamp because:  frees your hands in case of emergency, easy to slip on to use to read if your partner wants to sleep, quick to use to walk to the bathroom. I used to be a small flashlight person, but I was converted to the headlamp after walking my dog when I got home from work at 11:30pm and also having to use unlit portapotties in some campgrounds.  

I know many women who do that.  If you do a search for "under dress shorts"  you will find plenty of spots to look at.  

20 hours ago, clo said:

Are they skirt length or do you wear them with something else?

No - just about hip length like a regular shirt,  Just to put on to cover arms,  I always wear pants or an appropriate length skirt or dress.  if I'm going to visit a church/Vatican Museums or somewhere that has a modesty code.  

22 hours ago, Lois R said:

Well, I went to DSW and Famous Footwear and didn't find anything......they both had so many choices but nothing that said "Buy Me"

I know these aren't "espadrilles", but, if you were looking for a rope-sided-wedge, look at the Kork-Ease Myrna Classic or Myrna 2.0.  They have cork sides instead of rope.  I picked up a pair on a lucky chance of a sale back in 2019.  

If anyone likes organic cotton when they travel, Pact (wearpact.com) has some A-line basic tank dresses for $38.  At that price, one would even be good as a beach/pool coverup.  I don't have a Pact dress,  but I have several T and tank shirts and undies from them.  Love them.  

Oh - I made the TJ's sous vide chicken thighs last night - very juicy and tasty!  I just followed the microwave instructions.  Another good and quick meal option! just add a veggie or starch of your choice.

OOTD:  my old floral capri leggings and a blue Woolx Bella sleeveless Tshirt.  It's sunny and going up to 67, so ditching the long sleeve T.   

On 5/13/2024 at 6:15 AM, CielBleu said:

Their barges only hold 22 passengers and the kitchen is small. They don't offer multiple selections for meals.  One night I couldn't eat the main dish due to a medical reason, so the chef made me some beef and vegetable skewers. But the meals on the barges are amazing and all passengers raved about them.

I did a Rhone Canal barge cruise 2 years ago with CrosiEurope, on the Anne Marie.  It was a charter through Adventure Women - 12 of us.  Definitely not a luxury cruise from a hard product standpoint, but an excellent relaxing cruise that made me feel I was living in luxury.  All crew, regardless of nationality, spoke English.  The breakfast was buffet, but the lunches and dinners were plated no choice.  I have to say the food was fantastic!  How Chef made such good meals in that tiny galley was a wonder to see.  One of the women was GF and Chef accommodated her at every meal.   Excursions - we had one per day as a group and some were tailored to go to women-owned business or discuss history from the women's POV.  

Hi all!

Finally had a nice, warm, sunny day up here. My cough is better, but not gone.  Ventured out and about.  Coffee and an egg&cheese croissant at a little place up the road where there is lots of outdoor seating in their garden (it's part of a nursery).  Drove down the mountain to the Valley.  Stopped at REI first.  I have a $70 dividend so went looking for a pair of pants I wanted, but they didn't have my size or color.  The REI anniversary sale starts next weekend so maybe I can find something then.   Then drove downtown to the Italian/Med grocery.  Found the sherry vinegar and 2 kinds of paprika I wanted.  Salivated at all the meats & cheeses.  Finally, stopped at TJ's to grab some things - the spanish tortilla, $1.99 spaghetti sauce, spicy mango lemonade, the sous vide turkey & chicken.   A nice day out.   

If anyone is looking around for some outerwear, Cotopaxi has a 50% off sale going on some of their things.  

Today is laundry and dishes day.  Ugh.   My travel "hamster wheel" is trying to spin up but I'm resisting the urge.  I am trying to vacation vicariously through you all!!

OOTD:  warm enough (65) so it's jean shorts and a Tshirt.  

Poor Les!  When it rains, it pours.    I can't imagine having edema in the eyes.  But, he sure wants to get it taken care of before flying - I would think the pressure would be painful.  Surprised you only get 1 postponement in CO.  I thought that if you could show you had the previous scheduled vacation you could get a postponement, regardless of how many you had.   

speaking of eyes - off to my ophthalmologist in 3 hours.  thankfully, my right eye has been feeling OK the past few months.  It's a little irritated from allergy right now, but no "broken glass shard" feeling that I get when the infection shows up.   I want to stay off the Valtrex and Prednisone drops for awhile!  

OOTD:  just jeans and a long sleeve Tshirt for the jaunt to the appointment and a stop at the market.   Partly cloudy and 50 degrees.  

Cynthia - those canale are definitely yummy with a café au lait!  I didn't have any macarons there as I really tried hard to restrict my carbs & sweets and that canale took up the space for it.  

There hasn't been a carb that hasn't called my name like a sweet siren call, but I try my best to resist.  Sometimes I do give in 😉

I've been watching my friend Squirrel the past few days.  He cracks me up.  He'll climb down the screen door (it's a sturdy one I put in after my dog Slider decimated the first one), go grab some snack from the "snack tray" and crawl back up partway on the screen.  Then, he hangs upside down and eats his snack.  He repeats this a few times.  I need to try to get it on video!!

I'm into reading José Andrés' "Vegetables Unleashed" book/cookbook.  Really interesting stories and recipes.  The recipes seem pretty easy and accessible to an average cook.  I wanted to do more cooking this summer and wanted interesting veggie dishes.   The recipes for my 2 favorite tapas from my time at Jaleo the other week are in there, so I'm happy.  Also some good drinks, including his sangria base.  Now, I just have to get myself into cooking mode - haven't been there for awhile.

OOTD:  joggers and a ophthalmologist.  I'll put something decent on tomorrow when I go to my ophthalmologist for my 6 month checkup.

For traditional Roman cuisine, I'd recommend Armando al Pantheon.  It's a small place, well-loved and a hard reservation to get.  I've been in there when small groups have been celebrating - it's not noisy.  Go to their website, look at the menu.  Make the reservation as soon as it opens.

I'd start searching for 3rd party vendors to see The Last Supper.  It'll be a premium, but your son will appreciate it.  A quick 'net search showed the usual 3rd party vendors advertising.

Bumping this one up as I didn't want to make a new thread...

I just started getting notes on FaceB... about Olay facial cleanser sheets.  Never heard of them before.  But, they sound like a great thing to have stashed in the toiletries bag in case the soap your ship or hotel or AirBnB offers.   They are tiny, maybe an inch square.  Work like the other soap sleeves - put under water, rub hands, wash face.