The GypsyNesters

A Quick Trip Reference Guide To Famous Southwest Destinations

From Utah to Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, to California, the American Southwest is a destination loaded with scenic vistas and history unlike any other place in the US… CONTINUE READING >>

If you’re looking for things to do around the American Southwest, this quick reference guide will help you.

The American Southwest is some of the most diverse in the world, ranging from deserts to mountains and to the beach. While there are plenty of posts and guides of things to do in the cities, this guide is designed for something to do outside the towns that are fun and memorable for you and your family.

From Utah to Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, to California, the American Southwest is a destination loaded with scenic vistas and history unlike any other place in the US. And if, like more and more families are doing, you happen to be making the road trip in an electric vehicle, have no fear: There are countless places in the Southwest to charge your car’s battery, from first-come, first-serve options in some parking lots to subscription-based services like these EVgo Tesla service.

So let’s get started planning your itinerary, shall we?

Utah

Utah is one of the best states for outdoor activities, from ski resorts to numerous national parks and vistas unlike anywhere else in the world. The diverse elevation creates some incredibly scenic drives and unique destinations for you and your family.

The highlights of the scenery in Utah include;

- Zion National Park
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Salt Lake and Salt Lake City
- Salt Lake City Temple
- Park City, Snowbird, Alta, Sundance, and Powder Mountain ski resorts

Nevada

Ah, the Las Vegas Strip’s bright lights and dizzying heights command so much of people’s imaginations when they think about visiting Nevada, but the state offers so much more.

Of course, as a destination, Las Vegas offers so many things for people to see and do. You can catch top-rated Las Vegas shows from David Copperfield, Rouge, Tournament of Kings, Jabbawockeez, Criss Angel’s MINDFREAK, and so many more.

But outside of the Las Vegas Strip, there are a ton of things to do and see throughout Nevada.

For more outdoorsy, family adventures, check out;

- The Hoover Dam and Lake Mead
- The Nevada side of Lake Tahoe
- Valley of Fire State Park
- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
- The “Biggest Little City In The World,” aka Reno, Nevada
- Great Basin National Park
- Death Valley

Arizona

Experience the differences in climate between the deserts and high deserts of Arizona. But, of course, in cities like Phoenix and Tucson, there is plenty of entertainment and venues like the famous Phoenix Zoo to have an afternoon of fun and diversion.

Still, it’s outside the city lights that Arizona really shines.

Outdoor activities include canoe trips down the Colorado river or hiking through the Grand Canyon. However you slice it, the landscape throughout Arizona is breathtaking, highlighted by the following destinations;

- Grand Canyon
- Tonto National Forest
- Sedona
- Monument Valley
- Lake Powell
- Jerome
- Horseshoe Bend

New Mexico

As the backdrop in the famous show, “Breaking Bad,” there’s more to New Mexico than the suburbs of Albuquerque.

The diverse scenery and landscape that makes up New Mexico are what makes the state known as the “Land of Enchantment.” In addition, the historically preserved communities and ancestral areas throughout New Mexico give a lesson on the past.

- Carlsbad Caverns
- White Sands National Monument
- Albuquerque International Balloon Festival
- Bandelier National Monument
- Petroglyph National Monument
- Taos Pueblo

California

From the Sequoias to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, California is a vast state with plenty of things to do and see. As California is the second largest state by land mass in the US, we’ll break up this guide into two sections, Northern California and Southern California.

Running through the state is the Pacific Crest Trail, made famous by conservationist John Muir. The expansive trail runs from the Mexico border through the state all the way north to the Canadian border.

Northern California

In the northern part of the state are some of the more unspoiled scenery and breathtaking views than in the southern part of the state.

In Northern California, you can visit the piers and hills of San Francisco, Sausalito, Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, and Sequoias National Park.

Southern California

Loaded with amusement parks, “The Entertainment Capital of the World,” and amazing beaches, deserts, and beaches. Southern California has the most diverse range of activities to do anywhere in the US.

- Glamis
- Lake Arrowhead
- Big Bear
- Mammoth Lakes
- Mount Whitney
- Salton Sea
- Newport Beach
- Venice Beach
- Hotel Del Coronado
- La Jolla Cove

Of course, any visit to Southern California isn’t complete without mentioning the things to do around the cities.

Attractions to consider throughout Southern California include Disneyland, Magic Mountain (Six Flags), Knotts Berry Farm, the San Diego Zoo, Legoland, and SeaWorld.

And there are world-famous golf destinations like Torrey Pines, Pismo Beach, La Jolla, Avalon, and more.

Midlife Vibrancy: 6 Things to Remember When Making Fashion Changes in Your 50s

As we get older, we become more comfortable with who we are, and this naturally extends to our fashion choices…
CONTINUE READING >>

Call it a “midlife crisis” or hitting the reset button, but when your kids have left the nest you naturally want to spread your wings in certain ways. When you are in your 50s you may think about making changes to your individual style. The problem many of us have when we are approaching middle age is thinking about the need to conform to certain preconceived notions, and it’s easy to see why, because there’s never been more than an influx of people in their 20s. Anybody that’s considered over 35 in certain sectors is branded “old.” but this is why you should reclaim who you are after conforming for so long. One of the best ways to do this is to make alterations to your fashion, so what are the best ways to embrace a fashion change in midlife?

Draw Your Own Conclusions

We can certainly look at inspiration but in reality, the best thing you can do is to trust your instincts. The great thing about being in your 50s and older is that you have spent a lot of time worrying about what other people think but now you have hit the point where you, for the most part, don’t care. You’ve been through enough of life’s battles and emotional turmoil that it’s now time to trust your instincts.

Not many people trust their instincts but when it comes to fashion we spend so long with preconceived notions about what goes together, but with time comes wisdom, and you’ve got the luxury of going for things that just feel good. It’s so easy to be drawn into debates or to feel judged by others, but in reality, it’s you that you should please, and drawing your own conclusions is a very simple thing. Trust your instincts; you won’t be disappointed!

Taking the Time to Try Things Out

As we get older we start to become more relaxed with who we are. This notion of being at peace with oneself means that you start to naturally slow down. It happens as a part of life anyway, but when it comes to a fashion choice you have the luxury of time to try things out.

If you’ve been liking the idea of a helix piercing, what is the issue with trying it out? One of the greatest things about different types of piercings is that you can use them as a way to try out something new just to get the feel of it. Different piercings may seem, to some people, you are trying to recapture your youth, but there are plenty of people who are rocking the helix piercings or other parts of the ear like the tragus or the hook. Taking the opportunity to try something out is really important but we greatly underestimate it, thinking that we need to look in the mirror and feel like we need to make a decision now. It’s time to use time to your advantage.

The Importance of Accessories

Accessories serve a fantastic purpose when it comes to evaluating and revamping your style. Accessories allow you the opportunity to see if it ties new items of clothing together, and also help to inform the next phase of your fashion journey.

Accessories are an excellent investment because they add personality to an outfit as well as the opportunity to showcase your individual sense of style, and an accessory can complement and complete your look. Accessories also help you to showcase your personality and help you to style different outfits differently, especially if you have a very limited wardrobe.

You may not have much money which is why accessories are even more important. It allows you to dress up different outfits in ways that can make every item of clothing feel different. It’s important to give accessories the time they deserve because it can make you feel better about yourself and become a worthy investment piece that jazz up your look. Accessories like a statement ring, comfortable shoes, or a skirt are all things that can elevate the quality of your look.

Are There Things You Should Avoid?

While it’s a good idea for us to embrace our instincts, there are times when we should avoid specific trends. The benefit of being middle-aged is that you’ve already seen a number of trends. You may have already settled on something that really spoke to you at the time and you may still be the only person wearing those clothes or that hairstyle, but there are things that should be avoided:

- Oversized clothes. As we get older, it’s far more important to focus on good tailoring, predominantly to hide any trouble zones.
- Sequins or sparkles. Any sparkly clothes don’t carry the same impact and it’s far better to opt for subtle embellishments.
- Distressed clothes, for example, denim jeans with holes in them are best left to people aged 25 and under.

Of course, the caveat here is that it all depends on how you feel. We can all find ourselves bound by the rules and regulations of what we should or shouldn’t wear, but it is important to make sure that these items are donated to a thrift store in the nick of time.

Complementing Your Contours

Hitting your 50s means that you can feel like you are at the midway point. You may not necessarily want to embrace middle age but the fact of the matter is that you’ve gone through a lot of changes at this point. So what can we do at this juncture?

- Look at style icons that suit your age and body type. The greatest thing is that we are seeing more kickbacks against feeling like you are on the scrap heap of life after you turn 40. This is just not true in the slightest, as there are plenty of icons like Salma Hayek and Halle Berry showing that you can be stylish over 50.
- Going for the things that excite you. If you really feel amazed by something, why don’t you go for it?
- Look at the right clothes that complement your shape. These include things like cardigans, the right lingerie, and patterns and prints that will work with your body shape.

Not Going With What You Think is “Fashionable”

There are a lot more resources out there for people in their 50s. The problem is that in order to get to this point, you have seen so many people who do not represent this age bracket. When it comes to fashion, it could be so easy for us to think that we need to be more sophisticated because it’s not becoming of us to dress younger or differently.

While there’s been a lack of representation in traditional media, there has also been a huge shift in attitudes over time. It is important to remember that while fashion is completely subjective and there’s no hard and fast rule, it is ultimately about wearing what actually pleases you, what fits you, and what makes you feel more confident in yourself.

It could take a lot of time to find clothes that make you feel comfortable. It’s not just about physical comfort, but about emotional comfort. And when you are changing your fashion choices in life, there’s plenty of inspiration out there. At the end of the day, it is purely about what makes you feel great in yourself.

As we get older, we become more comfortable with who we are, and this naturally extends to our fashion choices. So if you’re thinking about making upgrades in one way or another, rest assured, there is plenty of scope!

Common Causes of Hotel Accidents That You Need to be Aware Of

Accidents can occur anywhere in a hotel, so it is the owner’s and management’s duty to ensure that both guests and staff are kept in a secure environment…
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When a tourist, employee, or guest is hurt because a hotel failed to maintain a safe environment, there may be a hotel accident claim. These claims are typically made against the hotel’s owner or management for failing to uphold the standard of care that a hotel should have for all guests and employees.

Accidents can occur anywhere in a hotel, so it is the owner’s and management’s duty to ensure that both guests and staff are kept in a secure environment. To ensure there aren’t any potential dangers from safety hazards or instances of hotel negligence, a hotel manager must conduct routine health and safety inspections.

You must consult a lawyer immediately if you or a member of your family has been injured in a hotel accident to get guidance on whether you should consider filing a personal injury claim. But for now, let’s pay attention to the fundamental reasons accidents happen.

Hotel Lighting Is Poor

Poor lighting is a major contributor to many mishaps and dangers in the hospitality sector, posing risks to both guests and staff. The poor lighting poses a trip or fall risk to both workers and visitors. Therefore, do not wait to speak to an attorney if you’re involved in a hotel accident, because the law is on your side. Does the hotel’s owner have enough lights both inside and outside? Do you feel secure exploring the hotel’s grounds after dark? These are only a few of the prerequisites that the hotel management previously had to meet.

Eye strain from gazing at a screen all day is another important concern related to the employment of hotel employees. Back and shoulder pain, headaches, and blurred vision are all symptoms of digital eye strain.

Inappropriate Flooring

Does the hotel department’s flooring meet its needs? Are the floors thoroughly cleaned? The risk of tripping and falling increases when the flooring is damaged, uneven, oily, and slippery.

The most frequent reason for hotel accidents is damp flooring that has not been cleaned up by hotel staff. If there are any spills on the floor, they must be cleaned up right away, or a wet floor notice should be placed to alert visitors to the possible hazard. Think about loose mats as well as switching from one type of floor to another. Slips happen when a person loses their footing on the floor or comes into contact with anything unintentionally. Hotels must deal with these problems, even though fencing and signs do help to some extent.

Not Putting up Emergency or Safety Signs

Many injuries in hotels can be avoided with proper signage. Employees and visitors are kept safe with well-defined exits, fire alarms, and electrical rooms. These help increase safety awareness and effectively spread communication during emergencies or crises. Are the signs legible and printed in big letters? Do people with disabilities receive accommodations, and are they aware of what to do in an emergency?

Contaminated Water or Food

Another highly frequent reason for hotel mishaps is food poisoning. Unfortunately, food poisoning must have struck you or a member of your family while you were on your yearly holiday at least once. This is frequently brought on by tainted food or drink. When you travel, hotels may have various health and safety regulations, which can result in food poisoning. It could be unfiltered water, poorly prepared meals, or even food that has an expired date.

Training in Manual Handling, Health, and Safety Is Lacking

Typically, this kind of accident happens to hotel staff members who haven’t had the proper manual handling training. Every employer is responsible for making sure that each of its employees is properly trained to do their jobs. A person who sustains an injury through improper manual handling may be sidelined from work for a while.

Whether you are a junior or senior employee, learning about safety and health concerns should always be a part of your hotelier career. Employers expect performance, but when they don’t give their employees adequate training, they lose out on productivity and a good work ethic. Does your employer go above and beyond to make sure employees comprehend every part of their training?

Furniture and Equipment That Is Defective or Broken

Hotels are frequently utilized, therefore there can be more wear and tear on the furniture, which could cause the furniture to break more quickly. If hotel furniture isn’t updated frequently, it can develop problems that lead to accidents and injuries. Back injuries and fractured bones can occur when unstable furniture unexpectedly collapses.

Keep in Mind That Human Strength Has Its Limits

This cause is primarily related to working in hotels. Lifters who work long hours are more vulnerable to work-related injuries when they are worn out. To meet a deadline, they can be urged to forgo safety precautions. Employers can use the right shortcuts rather than cutting corners with safety procedures by incorporating handles, smoothing off sharp edges, purchasing the right machinery to move heavy items, and changing workstations to accommodate people of different sizes and weights.

Escalator and Elevator Mishaps

To make it simpler for visitors to move between levels of the structure, many large hotels have elevators and occasionally even escalators. Any escalators or elevators in the hotel must be kept in good working order, and any safety issues that are discovered during routine maintenance must be resolved very quickly. Accidents may occur if hotel owners don’t take this precaution. Once the cable of an elevator holding four people split in 2008, the Paris Las Vegas hotel experienced a particularly terrifying catastrophe that sent the elevator plummeting fifteen floors. Thankfully, nobody was harmed. If you find yourself in a similar circumstance but are not as fortunate, speak with a hotel accident attorney right away.

The Presence of Bed Bugs

In recent years, bed bugs have made a comeback in the United States, and because they are hard to destroy and spread quite quickly (especially in areas where people are living close together), hotels must take all possible precautions to keep them out in the first place. If a hotel is informed that there are bed bugs in one of its rooms, it should treat the situation right away rather than attempt to hide it. Guest bites from bed bugs might result in uncomfortable welts if they stay in the hotel for a long time. People may even get anemia from bed bugs if the infestation is strong enough.

Unfortunately, while having a responsibility to keep their establishments secure for visitors and employees, hotel owners often fail to do so. You might be entitled to compensation if a hotel owner fails to maintain the safety of their property and you suffer an injury as a result.

We hope that this article will be useful to you and that it will be easier for you to identify which hotel mishaps you can take advantage of.

Cleveland: A Hidden Gem for Retirees Looking for a New Adventure

You can look at retirement as a time to kick back and enjoy the fruits of your labor, but as human beings we will always seek meaning and purpose in what we do. If you’re planning on moving for your retirement, your new home will be crucial in finding that meaning and purpose.

To help retirees make this complex choice, a recent study by StorageCafe looked at the best places to retire in the U.S., judging them by safety, tax burden, leisure opportunities and a host of other factors. While it may not be a surprise to anyone that a Florida location took top spot in the rankings, the runner up was the one that caught everyone’s eye – Cleveland-Elyria is the second best place in the country for retirees, scoring excellently in safety, cost of living, and healthcare and social assistance.

It’s not just about the numbers though. Like we said, retirement is about more than finding a place where you can take it easy. We keep learning and growing throughout our lives, by engaging with people and exploring places. You’ll get plenty of chances to do both in Cleveland!

Discover the Art and Culture of Cleveland

When it comes to enjoying the good things in life, you can’t forget about art. Enriching yourself culturally is one of the most rewarding methods of self-development. The city is home to a number of fascinating museums, art galleries and performing arts centers that offer an endless stream of exhibits and performances.

The Cleveland Museum of Art has plenty to show you, including an absolutely stunning collection of Egyptian statues and sculpture work, while the Severance Concert Hall offers some of the best musical performers in the world today, including the Cleveland Orchestra itself. The Museum even has a special Senior Member Day every Tuesday for members, where you can get exclusive guided tours and other perks.

Connect with Nature

If you’ve got a spring in your step and prefer the grand spectacle of the outdoors, then Cleveland and its surroundings are going to be right up your alley. There are numerous parks and recreational areas where you can go to enjoy the great outdoors, including the Cleveland Metroparks system, an extensive network of protected natural areas. This is sometimes affectionately referred to as the Emerald Necklace and is a gorgeous sample of what outdoor Ohio has to offer.

And let’s not even get started with all the golfing there is to be had there!

Become an Important Pillar of Your Community

Regardless of where you want to go, local travel agencies in Cleveland know that senior travel is important – some cater almost exclusively to seniors and offer enhanced accessibility on tours.

Being part of a strong community and giving back to that community is what brings the best out of all of us. Because Cleveland has so many cultural fountainheads and places for activities, it’s only natural that great communities have grown up around them.

Medical facilities — of which Cleveland has many — have great volunteer groups, libraries encourage you to help with reading programs, and there is always the option to assist with Meals on Wheels programs. Even some of the previously mentioned art institutions, like The Cleveland Museum of Art, have a range of volunteering activities that you can choose from.

Cleveland has a lot going for it, especially for those who seek to discover and enjoy themselves. Living here is easier on the budget, especially when you think about places in Florida or New York which ranked similarly, where the average house price can be double or even triple what you find in Cleveland. The city also has plenty of affordable self storage for keeping any items you bring with you, including RVs or boats.

Cleveland is not the obvious nor the most talked about retirement destination, but that just might be one of its biggest advantages. It has cultural, recreational and educational opportunities, excellent healthcare, not to mention the Midwestern hospitality and sense of community that it engenders. Can’t choose between the amenities of a bustling city and the peace and quiet of suburbia? Why not have both?

Sled Dogs & Snow Ghosts – Whitefish, Montana in the Winter

Whitefish, Montana! A quirky, friendly little town with a great sense of humor, a fabulous microbrewery, and some of the most incredible scenery in the world!

Join us as we head into Glacier National Park in the snow and dog sled (!!!) through the breathtaking Stillwater State Forest with goofy grins pasted on our faces… CONTINUE READING >>

When Amtrak offered us a ride on the legendary Empire Builder we accepted without hesitation.

The only thing we had to think about was where we would like to get off and stay a few days before riding back the other way.

Whitefish Montana, gateway to Glacier National Park, quickly emerged as the clear choice.

The town of Whitefish sprung up almost overnight as soon as the Great Northern Railway arrived in 1904.

Things were built so fast that the stumps from the trees used for lumber were everywhere, giving the new community its original name of Stumptown.

Fortunately for all future residents, the early leaders decided to go with Whitefish, after the nearby lake, when officially incorporating the city a year later.

Logging operations soon dominated the area, so stumps remained an integral part of the landscape for years to come.

Now days tourists like us coming for the proximity to the national park, and skiers to The Whitefish Mountain Resort on nearby Big Mountain, are the main economic engine for the 6,400 citizens.

With only a couple days for our explorations, we took a pass on the skiing and opted for a visit to Glacier National Park.

The train travels along the southern edge of the park and is a great way to see it in the winter, but we wanted to venture in a little deeper.

So we rented a car and drove through Hungry Horse to the western entrance to the park and the famous Going To The Sun Road. During the summer months the road traverses the park, climbing over Logan Pass, but once the snow flies only the first eleven miles are open.

Click here for more photos of spectacular Glacier National Park in the winter

While this seriously limited the amount of the park we could see, the upside was that there were no crowds.

Other than a handful of hardy souls we saw strapping on cross country skis to head off into the back country, we were all alone.

We gingerly managed our way up the snowy road, skirting along Lake McDonald all the way to the iconic Lake McDonald Lodge. The hotel, designated as a National Historic Landmark, has been housing guests since 1914 when it was built as the Lewis Glacier Hotel.

However, it is only open in the summer, so we had the whole place to ourselves, at least the outside of it. We trudged through the snow examining the entire grounds and then down to the lakeshore, where we found a view that was well worth the trip… and slips, slides, and falls.

The panorama includes the whole lake and surrounding peaks, but our eyes, and cameras, were automatically drawn to the north end of the lake where Stanton Mountain, Mount Brown, and Gunsight Mountain loom over the water.

On the way out of the park we stopped at the Apgar Visitor Center and then got some great pictures from the boat ramp by the campground. Nearly ten miles of lake spread out before us from this vantage point.

Click here for more photos of spectacular Glacier National Park in the winter

Even without going all Grizzly Adams mountain man into the wilderness, slogging through knee deep snow can build up a powerful hunger.

Folks in Whitefish have been satisfying their hungers… and thirsts, at The Great Northern Bar for nearly one hundred years, and we certainly weren’t looking to break with tradition.

Named for the railroad responsible for its existence, The Great Northern has taken on the task of keeping local history alive.

The walls are covered with signs obtained from dozens of nearby businesses that have gone by the wayside through the years, as well as relics from the old GN Railway.

After checking out the menu, for some reason buffalo seemed like the right thing to order.

Click here for more photos of Great Northern Bar

Yup, we were going plum Western. When we washed it down with Great Northern’s famous fried green beans and a Kokanee “Glacier Fresh” Beer, a new discovery for us that hails from the nearby neighbors to the north, British Columbia, we had some right-rib-sticking vittles.

As we began investigating Whitefish before our trip, we discovered a winter option that we knew we had to try… dog sledding!

Much less bone crunching than skiing, and possibly even more fun. Next stop Jeff Ulsamer’s Dog Sled Adventures just up the road a piece in Olney.

Poor little guy is pouting because he doesn't get to go this time — Poor little guy is pouting because he doesn’t get to go this time.

When we pulled up over one hundred dogs were barking their brains out. To be exact, one hundred and twenty-four according to Jeff.

He explained that the barking was because the teams were being set up with the sleds, and the dogs that were not chosen to pull were pretty upset.

They love their jobs!

So we showered some of the unchosen with affection – something you can do for your furry friends at drfoxmag.com – and readied ourselves for the run.

Getting ready to dog sled in Whitefish, Montana! — All warm and cozy and ready to dog sled!

We wedged our way into a comfy, warm sled and, without a word from our driver, we were on our way. Instantly all of the racket stopped. We slid through the forest with surprising speed, and an even more surprising lack of sound.

Turns out that the cracking whips, yelling of “mush,” and constant barking of the teams are just movie make-believe. In fact, we’ve never seen so much tail wagging in our lives!

In real life the dogs respond to subtle signals from the driver. Most of these are made by shifting the sled, but a few are audible, including periodic “good dogs.”

The team also works on feel, knowing when the sled picks up speed down a hill, or to pull harder on the way up one.

Click here for more exciting dog sledding pics in beautiful Stillwater State Forest

For over an hour we glided through Stillwater State Forest with goofy grins pasted on our faces. It was impossible not to smile watching those eight huskies pull us along.

Actually, we asked about the dogs and they are not necessarily pure bred huskies. They are mixed husky, German shepherd, greyhound, and other breeds that mostly come from a line of rescue dogs that Jeff has been refining since 1979.

Through the years more dogs have been rescued, and the ones that have the right mix of temperament and desire to pull are added into the bloodline.

Some might not have any husky in them at all. In fact, perhaps Jeff’s most famous dog, Bowser (star of local parades, festivals, and fundraisers), is a Blue Tick Hound. Don’t tell him though, he thinks he’s just one of the guys and loves to pull a sled.

After the ride we warmed up by the fire with hot chocolate, fresh cookies, and some conversation with Jeff and the folks from the other sleds. Then it was time to say goodbye to the dogs and make way for the arriving next batch of riders.

As we pulled away, the barking told us that the team selection was underway, and rumor had it that Bowser was going to get to pull this time.

Click here for more exciting dog sledding pics in beautiful Stillwater State Forest

In asking around as to what we shouldn’t miss in Whitefish one more place kept coming up, The Black Star Draught House at The Great Northern Brewing Company.

Long name, good beer made right on the premises, and the tallest building in town. How could we pass it up?

Not being craft beer experts, we ordered a sampler tray and let our bartender pick a selection of malt beverage offerings for our consideration.

She returned with six small brandy snifter style glasses filled with Wild Huckleberry Wheat, Going to the Sun IPA, Frog Hop Fresh Hopped Pale Ale, Big Fog ESB, Glacier Chaser Marzen Lager, and Snow Ghost Winter Lager.

Most of the names had something familiar about them, glaciers, the famous Going To The Sun Road, or huckleberries (which are everywhere ’round these parts), but Snow Ghost was a new one on us. We asked the barkeep and she explained how snow ghosts are a phenomenon unique to the ski area up on Big Mountain.

Fog and freezing temperatures are common and often leave trees encased in ice that can take on human-like forms. Tales of the eerie creatures were making us wish that we had taken a day for skiing after all, just to see them, but we were in luck.

The next morning, just after boarding the eastbound Empire Builder for another pass through Glacier National Park — this time from the warmth of the dome car, we met a family of skiers who were more than happy to share some photos with us. (Big photo thanks to Jeff and his amazing son – we always meet the coolest people on the train!).

And unlike most ghosts, these guys showed up on film just fine.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

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The Benefits Of Using Portable Solar Panels For Camping

Portable solar panels have a variety of usages, not just for camping but for all areas in life. With renewable energy and money being saved, what’s not to like?
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Portable solar panels have become a popular option for those looking for an alternative source of power when it comes to camping. With many campsites, there might be a plug-in option for accessing power. However, once the campsite starts filling up, those all-important power spots can be taken up quickly.

Portable power is a great way of ensuring you have power for your devices and any vehicle appliances you may be using during your stay on the grounds. What are portable solar panels? Why are they so popular today? You’ll get answers to all that and more, should you be looking to improve your camping experience this year.

What are portable solar panels?

Portable solar panels are small-sized panels or foldable panels that convert sunlight to electricity or/and heat. It’s a great option for those who are needing something quick and easy to use. As they’re portable, they make an ideal solution for those who need to get access to power quickly.

For campsites, it can be a great way of accessing power when power to electrical outlets or plug-ins isn’t available. This can be a common problem for anyone arriving late to a campsite or simply turning up to find there are very few spots available with electrical points.

Why are portable solar panels popular nowadays?

Portable solar panels are now extremely popular nowadays than ever before. Why? Well, there’s been many advancements in engineering and technology that have made solar panel energy more appealing and affordable for many.

While solar panels were once something you’d attached to the roof of your home, these portable versions are being used actively by those who need power to their appliances quickly and in a resourceful way.

With more concern over the environment, using renewable energy is something that many are looking to utilize where they are able to. There’s a lot more out there to choose from when it comes to solar panel power, which is why they’ve become so popular to purchase for both commercial and personal use.

What are the benefits of portable solar panels?

There are many benefits of portable solar panels that are useful when you’re out camping and in general. Camping can often mean you’re out in the sticks and there’s not much available for miles around. If you’re looking at portable power sources, here are some of the benefits that come with using them.

They’re easy to use

When it comes to portable solar panels, they are fairly easy to use and don’t require much in the way of setting up or requiring experience to use. If you’re looking to try a highly effective option for sourcing energy, then these solar panels are a great suggestion.

They provide free energy

Free energy is always good to have and when it comes to your wallet, being able to save money when camping, is always useful. With solar panel energy, it’s using sunlight and therefore requires no use of energy that you need to plug into.

Being able to benefit from your own energy source can be helpful when out camping and are perhaps limited in what you can utilize.

Great for the environment

With portable solar panels, they’re great for the environment and do provide energy in a renewable form. They don’t need anything more than just the panels themselves to generate the energy needed to heat or power an appliance.

For camping, it’s great for powering up everything and anything that you need. Whether that be electricity for heating up your cooking appliances, to charging your phone and tablet devices. Being able to do it all through renewable energy is a great way to minimize the impact your carbon footprint is creating.

More affordable than they used to be

With portable solar panels, they’re a lot more affordable than they used to be. With the average portable solar panels set you back around $200-$800, it’s a lot more affordable to make use of this renewable energy.

As it becomes more popular, the more affordable it becomes to use. The bigger the watt power it has, the more it’s going to supply for your needs.

Advantages of using portable solar panels in general

There are some fantastic advantages that come with using portable solar panels in general. What could they bring for scenarios outside of camping for you and your household? Here are just some benefits that could be helpful for those needing these solar panels in their home.

Great for home emergencies

Home emergencies such as the local power grid going down can cause chaos. Not having any power over anything is frustrating and can throw off the person’s ability to do their work or get household tasks done that need doing.

When a home emergency like this one occurs, portable solar panels are a great investment and can help those needing to get access to power quickly.

If you’re someone who has dealt with home emergencies before such as power outages or it’s a common occurrence, then having a backup power source like these portable solar panels can be extremely beneficial.

Useful for lowering utility bills in the home

For those who are looking to save money on their outgoings each month, having portable solar panels can be extremely advantageous. Being able to lower your utility bills every month in the home can save a fortune, especially with the rising prices in energy occurring currently.

With portable solar panels, most of the energy you need can be catered for by these solar panels. It can be extremely cost-efficient to have in place, so why not invest in them?

Portable solar panels have a variety of usages, not just for camping but for all areas in life. With renewable energy and money being saved, what’s not to like? Check out the best portable solar panels available and utilize them for your next camping trip.

5 Essential Beauty Products While Traveling

By including beauty essentials in your makeup bag or carry-on you’ll be sure to look and feel your best the whole trip…
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Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys and a privilege when we get to do it, but for many people, packing for a trip, whether a short road trip or a two-month sabbatical, can feel overwhelming. While there are tons of benefits to learning the skill of packing like a minimalist, there will always be essential items that one needs to bring. Chances are, you have skincare routines and beauty traditions you want to maintain on your trip, so knowing which beauty products are essential and which you can leave back home is important. Whether you’ve got a trip already booked or are helping a friend pack for their own getaway and are looking for tips, keep reading for the travel essentials when it comes to beauty products.

Facial Bar

Many airlines have regulations on the size of liquid products you can carry on or pack, not to mention there’s always a chance of a bottle opening and spilling into your bag, so facial bars are critical when traveling. The beauty of a facial cleansing bar soap is how small and easy it is to pack, and it can also double as a body soap on your journey. Opt for a bar formulated for sensitive skin so it won’t dry out your delicate facial skin, as some bar soaps tend to lead to drying.

Hydrating Mists

Chances are, your destination is in a warm weather climate. When planning a vacation (around 70%), most people opt for warm weather locales to escape the routines of ordinary life and enjoy time by the oceanside. Studies have shown that spending time by the sea is calming and can benefit our mental and physical health. When you get hot, you sweat, and the sebum produced isn’t great for your complexion. Keep things fresh with a travel-sized hydrating mist which will not only keep your skin clear but refresh you depending on how hot the weather is in your destination.

Perfume

Let’s face it when traveling; we sweat – sometimes a lot! While packing a deodorant is a given, bringing along your favorite Gucci or Armaf perfume should be a given too. Not only will it keep you smelling great during your excursions, but if you have date nights out on vacation, you can use your perfume as the cherry on top of your beautiful outfit. Perfumes are also well known for mood-boosting benefits, so scents that can uplift you when you’re dealing with jet lag or travel anxiety are always a great idea. Pay attention to the power of the perfect perfume.

Cleansing Wipes

Depending on where you’re going or what you’ll be doing there, you may only sometimes have access to a shower. While you likely have makeup-removing wipes on your packing list, it’s also worth adding body-cleansing wipes. These wipes come in thin, rectangular packaging, which makes them easy to toss in your carry-on or keep in your fanny pack on a day exploring your destination. They help with the sweat, of course, but they also come in handy when traveling with small children prone to getting themselves messy.

SPF

According to all dermatologists, one of the most important things about skin health is wearing SPF yearly. While sunscreen was probably on your beach packing list, even if you’re headed to the Swiss Alps, bring your SPF. Make sure you’re packing separate SPFs for your facial skin and body, as your facial skin is much more delicate than the rest of your body. If you are spending time in the water or sweating, it’s important to reapply as you towel off. It would be best if you reapply sunscreen every three hours no matter what, and it’s best to avoid high sun exposure (between noon and three pm) whenever possible.

Packing for your trip can be challenging, but by including the above beauty essentials in your makeup bag or carry-on, you’ll be sure to look and feel your best the whole trip. Many people forego makeup altogether while traveling and focus instead on smelling great and protecting their skin – which is worth considering. Happy Trails!

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