BEACON - Summer Traveler (June 2012)

Senior

Summer Traveler

2012

A world of travel options for singles

page 2

Summer festivals Music, food and fun page 8

This baby koala is at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in Australia. Photo by Erik Veland.

Produced by the BEACON’s Advertising Team

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Your Guide to Summer Travel, Recreation & Festivals

Now on the web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

2 Summer Traveler

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June 2012

A world of travel options for singles

By Melanie Wiseman

“G

Early Birds go to DINE EARLY 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. and save

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Enjoy your favorite Sports at the best Happy Hour in town!

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explore a new area at the same time.

Choose a cause you feel passionate about, and for the most enjoyment, a project that matches your physical, mental and skill level. A good place to start is www.

VolunTourism.org.

et out, see the world and meet people!”

Billee Abell, 93, said.

Abell just returned from a cruise to the Panama Canal.

“I canoed deep into Costa Rica on a river and bobsledded on sand in Jamaica,” Friendship Force she said.

Billee Abell, 93, went on a Roselyn Carter once said, Now, not all of us have cruise to the Panama Canal. “When you put your feet the energy of this single 93 under someone’s table, you year old, but as far as singles change from a stranger to a friend.” go, the number of safe, rewarding, It was her husband, Jimmy Carter, leisurely and educational travel options who started Friendship Force 35 are endless. They can take you around years ago. the world or near your back door.

The Friendship Force of Western VolunTourism Colorado is actively involved in this Combining traditional travel with volworldwide ambassador and travel unteer work is a rapidly growing trend. exchange program. Sue Palmer, 62, has Volunteer or service-based vacations participated for the past seven years. are rewarding and enjoyable experiShe was sold after her first trip to Brazil ences, where you feel connected to and Rio De Janeiro. communities rather than just taking in “The majority of Friendship Force the tourist sites. travelers are single,” Palmer said. “It Jim Faulhaber, 69, has taken is a safe way to travel since you aladvantage of several VolunTourism ways travel in a group and stay in host adventures. homes once you reach “It was a tremendous your destination.” experience for me at Participating ambassaRocky Mountain Nationdors and hosts develop al Park,” Faulhaber said. a shared understanding He received a free of each other’s cultures campsite for volunteerso that a true cultural ing a few hours each exchange takes place. day collecting recyclaToday, it is active in bles. His free time was more than 50 countries. spent hiking, fishing, Friendship Force exploring and visiting is not only safe and a with travelers from all great cultural experiover the world. Faulha- Jim Faulhaber did volunteer tourence, it is easy on the ber also enjoyed volun- ism at Rocky Mountain Park. wallet. Lodging is free, teering as camp host for airline tickets are purchased at group three summers at Highline State Park. rates and 70 percent of your meals are He has traveled the southwest with covered by host families. Call Palmer at the Habitat for Humanity Caravaners, 241-9122 for more information. volunteering one month each time Be a Road Scholar building Habitat homes. Faulhaber said Road Scholar, formerly Elderhostel, many volunteer travelers are offered offers 6,500 educational adventures free housing. He also suggested joineach year in all 50 states and 150 couning a house sitting group, where you tries. Their motto is “adventures in could be called upon to house sit and

June 2012

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lifelong learning.”

They offer worry free, behindthe-scenes opportunities for learning, fellowship, comfortable accommodations, appetizing meals and fellowship, all for an excellent value. The best part is there are no grades or tests. All that’s needed is an inquiring mind and an adventurous spirit.

Join a small group on location to learn about history, science, art, music, botany, nature, culture, photography and more. Billee Abell said these programs are “great because you are with people who have the same interests. You’re still learning and you get to interact with the community.”

Her last Road Scholar trip took her to London. Programs are Uluru, Australia. Photo by Frank Montanaro offered for all physical abilities.

Grandparent/grandchild and SerEscorted group travel vice Learning programs are available All About Travel of Grand Junction as well. has offered escorted group tours by Free catalogs are available by calling Terry Eakle since 1985.

800-454-5768 or at www.roadscholar.

“The tour escort takes care of all org. the logistics, offering a safe and hassle There are other learning experifree vacation,” agent Cindy Loeb said. ence and travel combination options. “[Travelers] don’t have to worry about For example, Layne Whyman, 61, has handling luggage, tips, lodging or a heart-felt interest in writing. She is anything.” looking forward to her third Tony HillOne of Loeb’s repeat customers is in erman Writer’s Conference this year in her 90s and has been on over 90 tours.

Santé Fe. She has Margaret also been to the Krabbe of MarAspen Writer’s garet’s Travel Conference.

Adventures in You can find a Montrose also comprehensive specializes in worldwide guide senior travel to educational from clients all travel for any over the Western interest at www.

Slope. shawguides.com. “[Seniors] “Don’t be are adventureintimidated going some,” Krabbe Sue Palmer, second from the right, with foreign to one of these said. “They like hosts she stayed with through Friendship Force. conferences to go places and on your own,” Whyman said. “You be with people. They travel because all share the same interest and you’ll it’s exciting, and sometimes, they get find you instantly have a new group of to cross something off of their bucket friends.” list.”

Our very own Museum of Western Krabbe and Loeb get single travelers Colorado offers amazing year-round, and couples, but they also get travelers guided tours around the southwest and that bring along their friends, children, the world. There is something for every grandchildren or siblings. interest and budget.

Duane Phelps, 80, is a perfect ex-

ample of this. Phelps just returned from an All About Travel Caribbean/Panama Canal cruise with his daughter, son and daughter-in-law.

“I told them we’re spending their inheritance together right now,” Phelps said.

Abell also enjoyed this same cruise with her granddaughter.

“I always tell people to travel now,” Krabbe said. “Life is not a dress rehearsal. Age should have nothing to do with it.”

All About Travel and Margaret’s Travel Adventures both specialize in international and U.S. trips as well as trips close to home. For more information, call All About Travel at 434-6494 and Margaret’s Travel Adventures at 240-3020.

Get on mailing or e mail lists Not sure where you want to travel?

Alberta Smith, 80, has the solution.

“I get on mailing lists for group travel companies with good reputations like Caravan,” Smith said. “I see what they have to offer and sign up for what inspires me. Trips are worldwide, all inclusive and reasonable, starting at $995

Summer Traveler 3 plus air fare. I’ve recently been to New Zealand, Australia and New England with them just to name a few.”

Solo travel can be the ultimate in self-indulgence. You can rest when you want and be active when you’re feeling ambitious. How do you get around the single up charge? You can avoid it altogether by booking with a tour operator that offers roommate matching, such as Road Scholar.

If you’re flexible and ready to go at a moment’s notice, you could save money by booking at the last minute.

Many tour operators are eager to sell out their last few places, so they may be willing to reduce their usual single supplement. To keep track of the latest single travel deals, sign up for solo travel newsletters. Websites like www. travelchums.com allow you to connect with fellow solo travelers who want to travel to the same destinations you do.

There’s a whole world out there waiting to be experienced. Don’t let being single stop you. According to Natalie Kocsis, “The world is a playground, and life is pushing my swing.”

Are you out there swinging? ■

4 Summer Traveler

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June 2012

Hold your breath and count to 13

By Mark Pilarski Dear Mark: Why is it that when a player jumps in while I’m playing blackjack, it seems to screw up the order of the cards in the shoe for the worse?

Brian M.

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Many players’ superstitions lead to strong, dubious, beliefs, such as a new player enters the game in the middle of a shoe, changing the order of the cards and causing the innocent believer in magic to lose.

Yes, Brian, I will agree with you that the order of cards will alter when someone enters the game, but there is no way that you, the dealer, Nostradamus, or I can predict whether the new sequence of cards will help or hurt you. If you are playing smart, that being with perfect basic strategy, your expected return will remain the same, regardless of minor turmoil due to Joe Blow’s arrival.

Appropriate etiquette when playing on a hand-held single or double deck game is to wait until the dealer shuffles before you join, especially if other players are winning, and they do not want you to change their luck. On the other hand, on a shoe or automatic shuffler, it is typical for a new player to enter the game immediately.

Nevertheless, it is always courteous to ask, “Do you mind if I join your game?” when stepping up to any table. Who needs the wrath of the players whose flow of cards suddenly changes because you jumped in? In their eyes, you intruded on a game in progress, and abruptly their “perceived” luck changed, which erroneously becomes your fault.

Dear Mark: I always take even money on a blackjack because you get an even money payoff with no risk.

I figure it’s the bird in the hand. Why shouldn’t I take the money and run? Jeff C. You, Jeff, are typical of a player who is risk-averse, or as you proverbially put it, plus valet in manibus avis unica quam dupla silvis, which loosely translated from Latin means, “A bird in the hand is worth more than two in the woods.” You figure this maxim points out that by passing up even money for your blackjack, hoping for a more favorable return, you risk losing a sure thing.

What Jeff is pondering is that when you are dealt a blackjack, and the dealer shows an ace up-card, he has the option of taking even money before the dealer checks the hole card. Jeff wants the bird in hand, but by taking even-money in blackjack, mathematically it will cost him 4 percent in profits over the long run.

Why? Simply because the dealer is more likely to not have a blackjack than to have one. Jeff will, over time, win marginally more than even money per hand if he were to pass on it. Therefore, Jeff, although you think it is better to be content with what one has rather than risk a certainty over a promising possibility, you will wind up with more greenbacks in your pocket over time if you decline the invitation of even money. ■

Send all questions to:

pilarski@markpilarski.com or visit www.markpilarski.com

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

June 2012

The joy is in the journey includes some 268 miles of breathtaking views from the canyons along the Colorado River.

Cuba Omohundro is Grand Junction Crew Coordinator for Trails & Rails. She trains teams of volunteers who conduct the program between Memorial Day and Labor Day for the trip from Grand Junction to Denver.

“We talk about the roller dam and Cameo in De Beque Canyon, and the coal seam fire at New Castle,” Omohundro said.

The National Park Service supplies iPads that serve as visual aids for the interpretive talks given by Trails & Rails volunteers. Depending on the interests of the rail passengers, discussions range from the variety of native wildlife to the construction of the rail lines through the Rockies to the history of Colorado’s gold rush. Maps and artifacts are also on hand in the observation car.

“We have a pine beetle display to

By Carla Johnson

B

ack in the day, railroads helped develop America’s national parks as they carried vacationers to popular outdoor destinations. Today, travelers who are simply passing through may still get a feel for the great outdoors through the Trails & Rails program.

Trails & Rails places National Park Service volunteers on Amtrak trains to engage passengers who are curious about the scenic lands outside their windows. They share educational information to help foster appreciation for a region’s cultural heritage and bring awareness of the need to preserve and protect its natural resources.

The California Zephyr carries passengers along a 2,400-mile route between Chicago and San Francisco, one of the longest and most scenic lines operated by Amtrak. The leg between the Western Slope and the eastern plains

Summer Traveler 5

explain why so many trees have a red Omohundro said. “We are briefed on appearance in the forests along the safety and standard operating proceway,” Omohundro said. “[The obserdures. The Amtrak conductors are very vation car] is designed after the old supportive of the program.” double-decker dome cars with windows Omohundro said the Grand Junction that allow passengers to look up at the crew includes nearly a dozen volunteers surrounding mountains.” who have worked with Trails & Rails for The California Zephyr Number 6 10 years. travels eastbound from “I enjoy teaching peoGrand Junction to Denple about Colorado,” ver. The train leaves Omohundro said. “I the station at 339 S. enjoy meeting people First St. on Thursdays and I like to ride the and the California train. I especially enjoy Zephyr Number 5 talking with the foreign makes the return trip travelers. We get lots the next day. The of tour groups from daylong excursion England and Australia includes stops in Glenwho are very interested wood Springs, Granby, Veteran volunteer Betty Henderson (left) in our country.” and Frasier/Winter If the thought of mentors newbie Judy Crook (right).

Park. The roundtrip is another “staycation” repeated on Saturdays and Sundays. conjures visions of endless afternoons Seasoned volunteers accompany the at the pool and evenings at the movies, “probies” for their first two trips. consider a two or three-day adventure Trails & Rails volunteers receive a through the Colorado Rockies with the green uniform shirt with an official Mas- Trails & Rails program. It’ll prove once ter Ranger Corps patch on the sleeve. and for all that half the fun is getting “We are the National Park Service,” there. ■

POINT A Put away to-do list Novel from book club Chatting with woman across the aisle Mountains carved by glaciers A glass of cabernet, please I think I’ve found a new hobby

POINT BE

Be transported in more ways than one this summer aboard the California Zephyr. Seniors save 15% on Amtrak. Book your trip today at Amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL. ®

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Fares, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice. 15% coach discount applies to seniors age 62 and over. Offer not valid on all trains at all times and other restrictions may apply. Amtrak, California Zephyr, and Enjoy the journey are registered service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.

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6 Summer Traveler

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According to the beaconseniornews.com poll on traveling, 90% of BEACON readers plan to travel this summer. 20% of those plan to travel overseas!

June 2012

Worried about airline screening? Here’s help for travelers with disabilities

By Teresa Ambord

T

raveling these days is tricky, with tightened security and a growing list of rules. If you are also frail or disabled, or traveling with someone who is, a simple trip can be daunting. But in the interest of maximum security, every person and item that boards a plane must be screened. The Transportation Security Administration is taking steps to ease the concerns of travelers with special needs. That’s why they developed the TSA Cares hotline, which is designed to answer questions and provide information for those traveling with limitations.

The TSA works with a broad coalition of advocacy groups serving those with disabilities and medical impairments, with the goal of making travel more doable. The purpose of the hotline is to ensure that transportation workers understand the special needs associated with disabilities, and to smooth the processes of travelers with these needs.

“TSA Cares provides passengers with disabilities and medical needs another resource to use before they fly, so they know what to expect when going through the screening process,” TSA Administrator John Pistole said. “This additional level of communication helps ensure that even those who do not travel often are aware of our screening policies before they arrive at the airport.”

When to call If you are planning a trip, the TSA recommends that you call the hotline 72 hours before your arrival time at the airport. By informing security officers that you will be there and will need accommodation, you might be able to avoid excessive delays and embarrassment, and have a better traveling experience. Ask TSA officers what to expect in the screening process based on your individual situation. Just keep in mind that all items must be screened, including wheelchairs, crutches, canes, cushions, medications, etc.

The hotline is available 9 a.m. - 9

p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday, at 1-855-787-2227. Anyone with an issue related to screening can speak to a TSA supervisor. The TSA also has a web based tool that lets customers reach an airport customer service manager to ask questions or to register complaints. Find it at https://apps.tsa.dhs.gov/talktotsa/ Since the passage of a law back in 1986 (The U.S. Air Carrier Access Act), discrimination in airline services based on disability has been prohibited. Frail and disabled travelers may request assistance with boarding, seating accommodation, the provision of oxygen where necessary, access to terminals, special dietary requirements, and the extension of these services to foreign carriers to and from the U.S. The TSA hotline further promotes the ability of people with disabilities to travel without undue concerns.

Travel tips from the TSA If you are traveling and you or a person traveling with you has physical limitations, you already know the process requires forethought. Here is what the TSA says: The key recommendation is to plan well in advance. Inform your travel agent of the special needs of the disabled person and any equipment, special dietary needs, guide dogs, and whether you or a fellow traveler will require the physical assistance of airline personnel through any stage of the trip. You can also contact the airline directly to arrange assistance.

When booking your flight, allow a minimum of 90 minutes between connecting flights.

If you require liquids (including such things as gel-filled cushions or gel-filled bras) that would otherwise violate the restriction on liquids carried onto the plane, ask for an accommodation.

Finally, while you need to be assertive to make sure your needs are met, you should also be flexible. TSA personnel will work with you to resolve your issues. ■

June 2012

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Summer Traveler 7

Beat the heat with a sweet treat

T

oday, Enstrom Candies is famous for their rich, buttery, almond toffee. However, Chet Enstrom and Harry Jones started their sweet careers making ice cream in 1929. The Jones-Enstrom Ice Cream Company made decadent homemade ice cream for 30 years before Chet founded Enstrom Candies in 1960.

While still in the ice cream business, “Granddad Chet” developed his recipe for what is now known as the “Gold Standard” for toffee lovers over the world. At the urging of his friends and family, Chet dedicated himself and his company to making and selling the signature toffee—a delightful treat made from fresh, all-natural ingredients. Chet’s recipe uses only the finest California almonds, sweet cream butter and pure cane sugar for the candy, which is then enveloped in a generous layer of rich chocolate.

Today, Enstrom continues this tradi-

tion while expanding the famous toffee line to include toffee popcorn, toffee bars, singles, petites and of course, toffee ice cream.

The original 1929 Jones-Enstrom Ice Cream Company location is still home to Grand Junction’s favorite candy maker, where you can sample Chet’s World Famous Almond Toffee, hand-dipped chocolates, truffles and other fine confections. Enstrom Candies offers a full, gourmet espresso bar and still serves their one-of-a-kind homemade ice cream. With more than 16 flavors available at any time in their stores, Enstrom is definitely the coolest treat in town this summer.

For more information, visit www. enstrom.com, or visit an Enstrom Candies location at 701 Colorado Ave. or 120 E. Park Ave. #100 in Grand Junction. They are also located at 401 Kokopelli Blvd. in Fruita. ■

Amazing air tour, affordable price

E

xperience a breathtaking adventure into the skies of the west.

Gateway Canyons Air Tours is a scenic air tours operation, based in Grand Junction at the Grand Junction Regional Airport. The operation was the vision of Founder of Discovery Communications John Hendricks. The business offers air tours in three aircrafts: a three-passenger Maule airplane, a five-passenger AStar helicopter, and a seven-passenger Cessna Caravan airplane.

We offer tours over the red rock deserts or the majestic mountain peaks of Colorado and Utah. Through areas like Canyonlands and historical Mesa Verde, guests see the vast landscape of the movie-making areas of Utah. In contrast, tours offered over the snow capped mountain peaks of world class resorts like Aspen, Telluride and Vail give guests a ‘Rocky

Mountain high’ experience.

Our experienced pilots and crew educate and inspire you as they share their sky adventure.

Guests choose from luxurious aircrafts, designed with style and comfort, for a truly memorable experience. Our tours are custom designed to fit any budget, starting for as little as $89 per person.

Gateway Canyons Air Tours works in collaboration with Gateway Canyons Resort, approximately 50 miles south of Grand Junction on Scenic Byway 141. The resort offers destination vacations and retreats with a focus on learning and experiencing the natural surroundings.

For more information on Gateway Canyons Air Tours, call 243-iFly (243-4359) or 888-4ASKyTour (888427-5986) or visit them online at www.gatewaycanyonsairtours.com ■

The coolest treat in town.

Grand Junction Downtown • 7th & Colorado Corner Square • 1st & Patterson

Get to Gateway!

Fruita In the Kokopelli Center www.enstrom.com

Grab a friend and get to Gateway for a spectacular helicopter tour. When you’re done, get some brunch or lunch and stay a while. Get started now – call 970.243.4359 to book your tour today!

Prices starting at $89/person Offer good through August 31, 2012

gatewaycanyonsairtours.com • 970.243.4359 817 Falcon Way, Grand Junction, CO 81506

8 Summer Traveler

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June 2012

Summer festival fun Compiled by Cloie Sandlin

Hear it Through the Grapevine summer concert series June 1-August 11 Grande River Vineyards 787 N. Elberta Ave. Palisade, Colorado 970-464-5867 www.granderivervineyards.com Enjoy a summer evening of live music, great wine and delicious food on the lawn of Grande River Vineyards. From jazz to Latin, bluegrass to classical, Grande River’s Hear it Through the Grapevine summer concert series has something for everyone. This year’s line up features The King’n Trio on June 1, Stray Grass on June 30, Skean Dubh on July 7, Quemando on July

14, Astroreck on July 20, Imagine Beatles on July 28, and Hazel Miller on August 11. Each concert benefits a local nonprofit organization. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. rain or shine. Bring a picnic and lawn chair, buy a bottle of wine, and relax. Ticket prices vary, but are cheaper when purchased in advance at Grande River Vineyards or Fisher’s Liquor Barn.

Strawberry Days June 15-17 Sayre Park Glenwood Springs, Colorado 970-945-6589 www.strawberrydaysfestival.com Colorado’s oldest civic celebration “Strawberry Days” takes place at Sayre Park in Glenwood Springs.

Highlights include the crowning

Craft & Food Festival Art Contest/Auction Seminars: - Cooking Lamb - Border Collies - Wool Fiber to Fabric

Flyball & Agility Demos Celtic Musicians/Pipers Horse Drawn Shuttle Demonstrations: - Leatherwork - Pottery - Felting & art

Petting Farm Free Concert BBQ’s

September 5-9, 2012 Meeker, Colorado www.meekersheepdog.com 970-878-0111 - NO PETS PLEASE

Jackie Curtis (left) and Amy Nuernberg (right) at Sage Creations Organic Farm, one of the farm tour destinations at the Colorado Lavender Festival on July 6-8. of Miss Strawberry Days, top-notch entertainment, a myriad of artisans and food booths, quality children’s entertainment, and of course, free strawberries and ice cream. The Strawberry Days parade makes its way down Grand Avenue on Saturday featuring a dazzling display of colorful floats. Admission is free.

Country Jam June 21-24 Country Jam Ranch 1065 Hwy 6 & 50 Mack, Colorado 800-780-0JAM (526) www.countryjam.com The largest country party of the year takes place only 30 minutes outside Grand Junction. This year’s Country Jam features entertainment by Chris Young, Brantley Gilbert, Trace Adkins, the Zac Brown Band, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, the Charlie Daniels Band and more. There will also be regional and local bands performing on side stages in the bar area. Even if you’re not a fan of country music, there are vendors, food and rides for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets for single and four-day general admission, reserved, VIP, and sky box seats are available. Four-day general admission tickets are $139 and one-day tickets are $89.

Paonia Cherry Days July 4-8 Paonia, Colorado 970-527-3886 www.paoniachamber.com Fourth of July fireworks, cherry cobbler, a pancake breakfast, parade, carnival, dancing, car show, art gallery, wine tasting, beer garden and live entertainment are among the festivities at the 66th annual Paonia Cherry Days. Cherry Days takes place on the Fourth of July every year. This year’s theme is “Routed in Community.” Cherry Days is one of the oldest outdoor festivals and will have a mix of events both old and new. Admission is free.

Colorado Lavender Festival July 6-8 Palisade, Colorado 970-210-3559 www.coloradolavender.com The Lavender Association of Western Colorado is proud to host Colorado’s only lavender festival in downtown Palisade. The first Lavender Festival was a huge success and this year will be even better. Take a guided bus tour of area farms on Friday, along with lunch, a wine reception, and more. Cost is $55. The festival takes place 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday in Palisade Memorial Park. There will

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June 2012 be many retail vendors featuring high-quality lavender inspired items and handmade goods, educational sessions, and more. Each session costs $10, but attend all four for a discounted price of $30. Visit the farms on a self-guided tour on Sunday, meet the growers, learn different growing techniques, and more.

Deltarado Days July 19-22 Delta, Colorado 970-874-8616 www.deltacolorado.org “Community Pride, City Wide” is the theme of the 77th annual Deltarado Days. The festival is still in the works, but the activities are bigger and better than ever. Street vendors line the streets of downtown Delta during this four-day event, which includes a parade, classic car show, benefit dinners, a community band performance, street dances, barrel races, live entertainment and more.

Mud volleyball and the horseshoe tournament are back and bigger, allowing for more participants. The Lane Frost Bull Ride Challenge is also back, along with a first time performance by the High Desert Opera, presenting “Elixir of Love,” an 1890s western Colorado comedy.

New this year is a 5K run and a visit by the Commemorative Air Force and their 1945 Grumman Avenger torpedo bomber. There will also be a tractor pull and a Friday night

historic walk, which will end at the corner of Fifth and Main with a local wine tasting.

General festival admission is free, but some charges apply to select activities. Check their website for new information.

Summer Traveler 9 Palisade Peach Festival August 16-19 Riverbend Park Palisade, Colorado 970-464-7458 www.palisadepeachfest.com

Savor the flavor at the 44th annual Palisade Peach Festival.

This four-day festival has great August 3-4 food, entertainment, contests, Olathe, Colorado activities, and opportunities to 866-636-CORN (2676) explore Palisade via tours and www.olathesweetcornfest.com recreation. Satisfy your hunger Now a two-day event, the Olathe for local and authentic with Sweet Corn Festival offers delicious peach products and See Roy Hargrov at the Telluride Jazz Festival August 3-5. double the opportunity to savor enjoy peach themed activities.

Photo by Ingrid Lundahl. the free “Olathe Sweet” sweet Admission to the festival is $4 corn and will feature two nights international favor for featuring the for adults and $3 for kids, but some of great music with performances by best in classic, mainstream, blues, special events vary.

Joe Diffie on Friday and The David and Brazilian, African and Latin jazz Meeker Classic Sheepdog Starr Band and Survivor on Saturday. music. Telluride Jazz is in fact, a Championship Trials Contests, games, live entertainment, “celebration” of the art, soul, history September 5-9 and many new activities are coming and future of jazz. Performances Meeker, Colorado your way. All event ticket prices, are staged outdoors in the daytime, 970-878-0111 which include admission to the and in intimate clubs and historic www.meekersheepdog.com festival and all concerts, are $20 for concert halls at night. Along with a adults, $15 for seniors and $5 for parade, and wine and spirit tasting, The Meeker Classic Sheepdog children age 5-12. Day passes, which this year’s performers include Jababa, Championship Trials offers five days don’t include concert admission, are Caleb Chapman’s Crescent Super of sheepdog herding competitions $5 for adults, and $3 for seniors and Band, Roy Hargrove, The Mudbugs children. Friday and Saturday only Cajun & Zydeco Band, Astral Project tickets are also available.

All-stars with Sasha Masakowski, Soul Rebels, Convergence, Sister Sparrow Telluride Jazz Festival and the Dirty Birds, the Telluride August 3-5 On the lawn Student All-stars, and more. Sunday Bring a chair!

Telluride Town Park is also New Orleans Day, featuring Dinner Avail Telluride, Colorado Wine by the bottl able e or the city’s best musicians and tastes of Soft drinks & waterglass 970-728-7009 NO BEVERAGES MA classic New Orleans-style food and Y BE BROUGHT IN www.telluridejazz.org drink. The day’s activities will not be Telluride Jazz Festival is enjoying its confined to paid attendees. One-day 2012 summer concert series 36th year of bringing world class tickets start at $47.75. Weekend allThe King ‘n Trio Friday, June 1 jazz to western Colorado. This event access passes are $173.25, but tickets $15 in advance/$20 at the door Bring a picnic...

Benefits Avalon Renovation Project is not to be missed, as the Telluride are limited, so order yours online buy a bottle of Stray Grass Saturday, June 30 Jazz Festival has earned national and today. $15 in advance/$20 at the door wine and relax

Olathe Sweet Corn Festival

hear it through the grapevine Benefits Roice-Hurst Humane Society

Skean Dubh

(Celtic/Folk Music) Saturday, July 7 $15 in advance/$20 at the door Benefits Community Hospital

24 YEARS

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(970)

245-1305

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Quemando

Saturday, July 14 $18 in advance/$20 at the door

Ticket outlets: Grande River Vineyard s Fisher’s Liquor Barn

Benefits Child & Migrant Services

Astroreck

(Rock Band & Vocalists of the GJ Rockestra) Friday, July 20 $15 in advance/$20 at the door Benefits CMU Music Program & GJ Symphony

Imagine Beatles

Saturday, July 28 $20 in advance/$25 at the door Benefits CSU Tree Fruit Program

Hazel Miller

Saturday, August 11 $20 in advance/$20 at the door

Benefits Mesa County Partners

All concerts are located just off I-70 at exit 42 787 N. Elberta w Palisade Gates Open at 6:30 w Show Starts at 7:30 (rain or shine)

10 Summer Traveler

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

What started as a night of celebration for local musicians to play music together has grown to showcase the abundance of agriculture and arts in the North Fork Valley.

The 12th annual Mountain Harvest Festival in Paonia is a community celebration of agriculture, art, music and life in the heart of Colorado’s Western Slope. The The Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials offers festival features locally five days of sheepdog herding competitions. grown and produced agricultural products, farm tours, at their finest, as over 130 top wine tours, gallery tours, bicycle international dog/handler teams tours, art vendors, a farmers market vie for a grand prize of $30,000. and more. As always, there is a lot of There will also be a food and craft live music, both in Town Park and festival; art show; pancake breakfast; during the Saturday night Harvest FFA petting farm; spinning, of Music concerts. Tickets for these weaving, felting, pottery, painting concerts include entry to four venues and leatherwork demonstrations; and 16 bands. The price has not been seminars; workshops; and more. determined, but will be updated on Also, check out the dog agility and the website. Festival admission is flyball demonstrations. Although free, but there is a charge for select this event is about dogs, no pets are events. allowed on site. Boarding is available.

Five-day gate passes are $15 for adults Fruita Fall Festival September 28-30 65+ and children age 8-16, and $30 Fruita, Colorado for adults. One-day passes are $5 for 970-858-3894 adults 65+ and children, and adults www.fruitafallfestival.com are $10. Children under 8 are free.

The Fruita Fall Festival is a threeBring lawn chairs, umbrellas and day festival located on the streets of sunscreen. Purchase your tickets at downtown Fruita. This year’s theme the gate, or call 878-0111, or visit is “Stampede.” The festival features www.meekersheepdog.com. carnival rides, live music and more.

Mountain Harvest Festival There will be street dances, a magic September 27-30 show, bed race, parade and contests Paonia, Colorado for adults, youth and even pets.

970-527-5275 Admission is free. Visit their website www.mountainharvestfestival.org for more information. ■

Immerse yourself In lavender!

frIday: All-day guided motorcoach tour to lavender farms in peak bloom in western Colorado; activities, grower talks, lunch. End the day at Grande River Vineyards with wine & hors d’oeuvres. Hours 8a-5p. ($55 TICKET) saTurday festival in Palisade memorial Park: Enjoy an intriguing array of artisan products, booths, food, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment; activities for kids. Hours 9a-5p (FREE).

Workshops: Four informative, hands-on sessions. ($10 TICKET EA/ $30 ALL 4 SESSIONS) sunday: Self-guided tours of farms, orchards, retailers, wineries; meet growers.

Maps @ Sat. Festival. Hours 10a-5p. (FREE) COLORADO

July 6 ~ 8

PALISADE

coloradolavenderfestival.com

June 2012

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2012

COLORADO

June 2012

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Going to camp for 65 years Talbott’s family has quite a history

By Dixie Burmeister at the camp, starting with his pars the school year ends, anticipaents going there in the 1930s. Then, tion for going to summer camp Talbott went, and it was there that begins. There’s registration, forms to he met his future fill out, lists to go wife Bonnie, who over and most of all, he’s been married to visions of hiking, for 55 years. Keepbiking, story telling up the tradiing, meeting new tion, their children, friends and other grandchildren and fun activities. That many relatives on excitement has both sides have never ended for Palienjoyed many happy sade’s Harry Talbott, and spiritual times. a well-known area “I think we’ve fruit grower.

Harry met his wife, Bonnie, at camp. worked just about Talbott, whose every volunteer job first trip to camp there is to do at the was in 1945, said, camp as well,” said “I’m celebrating Talbott, who re65 years of going minds us that 1945 to camp and never at the camp was a missing a year. I bit more rustic than even went as far today, with wood as I could go to stoves for heating check the campThe rainbow over Baron Lake. and cooking. site the year it was When asked how still snowed in and he manages to find we couldn’t have time to go to camp camp.” when it’s the busiest The Grand Mesa time of the year for Baptist Camp, startTalbott Farms, he ed by the Methodsaid, “It’s part of our ists in a tent in 1917 lives and something and joined by the that’s just built into Baptists in 1927, is located on the beau- For the Talbotts, camp is a family tradition. our summer.” tiful Grand Mesa, How much longer one of the largest flat top mountains does he plan to go to the camp? in the world, and Talbott said, the “Why stop going to the most beaumost beautiful. tiful place on earth?” Talbott said. ■

Summer Traveler 11

2012 EXCITING ESCORTED TOURS! July – Summer Theatre in the Rockies -- 6 shows Grand Lake = Rocky Mountain National Park = Central City = Denver

A

Paonia’s historic Bross Hotel Bed & Breakfast invites you to enjoy old fashioned hospitality w rooms with private baths w free parking w full hot breakfast w free WiFi w concierge service w hot tub w convenient to restaurants, entertainment and park

970-527-6776 312 Onarga Ave. ---- www.paonia-inn.com (submit this coupon to get a 10% discount)

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September – Mackinac Island & The Grand Hotel 9 days in Michigan’s fall colors!

November – December – Colorado Christmas Holiday = The Broadmoor = Manitou Springs = High Tea at the Brown Palace Coming Soon – Hawaiian Cruise Holiday February 2013

Terry Eakle

Escorting Custom Tours from Grand Junction Since 1985.

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Happy Hour 4-6 7 days a Week

$1.50 domestic drafts, $2.50 premium drafts

970-243-5700 Call ahead seating

12 Summer Traveler

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

June 2012

Travel on the cheap and see more sights Problem: You love to travel, but your cash flow keeps you homebound.

Solution: Bed down in Ireland, siesta in Spain, bunk in Breckenridge, or snooze in San Francisco for less than $25 a night, if you don’t mind stepping outside the confines of chain hotels.

By Jan Weeks

H

choose a segregated hostel. Couples can sometimes cuddle in private or semiprivate accommodations.

You can snuggle in the sheets—and pillowcases and towels—if you bring your own, or you can rent them for a minimal fee. Blankets and pillows are provided at no cost. Some hostels allow you to bring a sleeping bag, others don’t, so check ahead. You’ll sleep more soundly if you bring earplugs and an eyeshade. Some roommates clatter in at all hours and think

ostels have been indispensable for travelers young and not so young in Europe for decades and are gaining popularity in the U.S. They may be housed in former barracks, college dorms, private homes, or even castles, and can range from pristine to the pits, depending on the location and the landlord’s work ethic. Be aware that in some places, such as the British Isles, “hostel” is a term for a homeless shelter, so be sure to specify “backpacker hostel.”

In Cork, Ireland, I slumbered on a top bunk in a room with several dozen other women for about $13 U.S. In Dublin, a $12 room in a former rectory on Marlborough Street became my temporary home.

In the courtyard, the whisky bottle made the rounds at an impromptu jam session with musicians from New Zealand, Sweden and France. In Place du château, Eguisheim, Alsace. Photo by Daniel Jünger.

Spain, a college threebed dorm room a block from the Mediterranean cost about nothing of turning on the overhead $24 a night. light. I travel with a scented eye pilIn Penzance, Cornwall, my high low, which helps when roomies are school German bonded me with a too fragrant. group of 20-something Berliners Bathroom facilities range from while we waited our turn for the college-type shower rooms to private kitchen stove. Catherine, a grandbaths. Shower shoes or flip-flops mother from Toulouse, taught me keep your feet fungus-free. how to say, “I don’t speak French.

Tired of fast food or pricey restauDo you speak English?” in her native tongue and told me where to find the rants? Fix a home-cooked meal at your hostel. Cutlery, dishes and pans best Roquefort cheese in France.

Hostels are basically dormitories for come courtesy of the host, but guests clean up after themselves. The host travelers, with bunks for three to 30 provides many items, like flour and people in a room. Some hostels have segregated bedrooms, but others mix condiments, and there’s usually a sexes, so if waking up with a strange shelf of free staples left by previous man or woman isn’t your cup of tea, occupants. Label your food when

you put it in the refrigerator or the cupboard, or buy just what you need for each meal. Coffee, tea and toast in the morning may be included in the rate.

Some hostels require guests to do chores, such as cleaning bathrooms or sweeping floors, in exchange for a cheap rate, but I managed to escape the dreaded housework in the independent hostels I visited. To keep overhead low, hostels operated by Hostel International and American Youth Hostels restrict Jan Weeks by the Munich Rathaus-Glockenspiel. entry during the day, so when you leave in the Bulgarian border crossing, or when morning, take everything the Bordeaux open-air market begins. that you’ll need until the You feel like a traveler instead of a doors open again in the tourist. evening. Independent hosHostel hosts also network, and I tels usually give patrons was passed along the south coast of pass codes for the front England, like a child put in charge door or employ a full-time of a train conductor, by owners who desk clerk. called ahead and made reservations Some hostels have lockfor the next night. It sure saved me ers, but you must provide time and aggravation. a lock. Usually you can Independent hostels don’t require store small items, such a membership, but Hostelling Interas passports, at the desk, national/American Youth Hostels but basically it’s up to you charges a yearly fee, as do some other to protect your belonghostelling organizations, and puts out ings. I wear a waist belt a directory of affiliated hostels worldcontaining my passport, money and wide. To join Hostelling Internationtraveler’s checks under my pajamas, al, visit www.hiayh.org. The website, and I zip my passport, money, watch, www.hostels.com, has a database of and other irreplaceable items inside a over 6,000 hostels around the world, plastic bag and carry it into the stall along with descriptions and guest when showering. It’s a precaution ratings. Rick Steves, www.ricksteves. that could save hours of anguish at com, is the king of cheap travel sites, the embassy. However, in weeks of and his book, “Europe Through the traveling through the U.K. and westBack Door,” brims with vital informaern Europe, I never “lost” anything to tion for the European traveler. fellow hostellers.

Combine hostelling with bargain Hostel common rooms are great airfare, and you can take a Dom Periplaces to swap stories and gather trip gnon vacation on a Coca-Cola budget. information. Whether traveling alone Use the money you save on room rent or in groups, those who hostel love to splurge on a Parisian dinner or to brag on their hometowns, tell you to wrap up in quality Irish woolens.

Sure beats the “If it’s Tuesday, this which museum in Amsterdam has must be Belgium” syndrome. ■ free admission, what to expect at a