By James (Jim) Cassidy ITWPA Member It’s hard to imagine you’re spending the night in a tent, albeit a pretty upmarket tent. This Mongolian-style yurt nestles among the trees on top of a hillside in southwestern France. One thing about glamping, as it’s called, means you don’t need to rough it anymore. Remember those sleepless nights lying on a rickety camp bed -- or … [Read more...] about Glamping with the Owls
Destinations
West of Key West: Dry Tortugas National Park
By John Frederick Approaching Dry Tortugas, the first thing you notice is the immense brick structure called Fort Jefferson. Two stories high with alcoves, arches, and walkways. It is so big that the little cay it’s built on isn’t big enough to hold it and it creeps out into the clear blue water. This 19th century American coastal fort was built to control the Florida … [Read more...] about West of Key West: Dry Tortugas National Park
Mountain Time in Alabama: Discovering Cheaha State Park
By Gwyn Goodrow ITWPA Member “There are mountains in central Alabama?” My intrigue turned into a Cheaha State Park weekend getaway. Nightfall and a pushy headwind created navigation challenges on the twisting mountain road, with multiple S-curves and steady ascents. Ramping upwards, sparkling silver stars peeked from darkness, welcoming us to this secluded, … [Read more...] about Mountain Time in Alabama: Discovering Cheaha State Park
A Serendipitous Soak in Connemara
By Janice Hildreth ITWPA Member While driving along the west coast of Ireland, I accidentally discovered one of the many hidden treasures of Connemara. On the N59 road from Westport to Clifden, I was assaulted by an unrelenting downpour and pulled over in the little harbor town of Leenane to let it subside. I had planned on driving a bit further to stay overnight in … [Read more...] about A Serendipitous Soak in Connemara
Stepping Back in Time at Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari Hot Springs, Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan
By Trina Serrecchia ITWPA Member I found the secret to traveling back in time to Edo-era Japan at Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari. Imagine this: You’ve just gotten into town, changed into your yukata (a comfortable kimono-like robe worn during festivals), and are enjoying a walk through the festival evening on your way to the onsen (hot spring). You’ve stepped back through time, … [Read more...] about Stepping Back in Time at Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari Hot Springs, Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan