Starling Travel

This is an entirely different view of Snowbird, Utah than I’m used to seeing. Mike and I usually only frequent Snowbird during the summer, walking its trails and trying to feed Cheese Nips to ground squirrels. This winter wonderland looks like a fantasy to me.

It’s funny how one part of the world can mean different things to different people. I loved watching this video from Ridertech.com. It showed me a snippet of my stomping grounds in a whole new light.

After getting past Elephant Hill in Stacey and Dan’s Hummer, we finally arrived to our campsite at Devil’s Kitchen. When I saw how far back it was from the main thoroughfare and enjoyed its private enclosure away from other campers and nearly surrounded by rock, I KNEW that the ride up was worth it.

As soon as we set up camp, I took a video of what our camp looked like. The campsite marker was by the road and we parked the bright yellow Hummer nearby, but the actual campsite was hidden past a small trail flanked by rock and vegetation. It took a full minute’s walk to get down the trail enough to find our campsite.

There have been so many times when we have camped in huge communal campsites, but this area felt entirely private. Sure, there were three other campsites, but each were separated from us by stone. Mike and I are completely unable to get to this campsite without the Hummer and suddenly the reason that people go off-roading became strikingly clear to me.

Off-roading takes you places that no one else can go.

For more information:

• America’s Byways – Devil’s Kitchen

I thought off-roading was a bouncy bunch of guys in Jeeps screaming and yelling while they go over the rocks all liquored up and willing to shoot at anything that moves. About a year ago, Stacey and Dan bought a Hummer H3. They have been taking it off-roading all over the state, but Mike and I have only gone with them once on a really minor 15 minute drive. I avoided off-roading because I had this pre-conceived image of what off-roading entails.

Instead, off-roading is a slow, meticulous and calculating journey. They were constantly checking where it was best to go in order not to damage the vehicle. This 1:52 minute video shows what off-roading was like for my introduction.

The drive was 45 minutes of careful driving, but once we got to Devil’s Kitchen, I knew it was totally worth it. Our campsite was remote and private. Tune in on Monday to see a video of what it looked like.

For More Information on our route:

• WeBeJeepin.com – Elephant Hill

When Mike took so many pictures tide-pooling at Swami’s Beach in Encinitas, CA, I took the video camera for a walk for over 45 minutes. I have created a DVD of that walk and it’s available for purchase now.

I created this video for Starling Fitness so you could watch it while walking on a treadmill or riding an exercise bike, but it is also a relaxing vacation in a DVD that you can pop into your player whenever you’re feeling trapped at home.

If you’re dreaming of sandy beaches, this video has it for you!

This video is only a minute and a half, but it gives you an idea of what you will see.

The DVD is 49:13 minutes long. It is shipped via U.S. mail.

Cost: $5 (including shipping and handling in the U.S.)

Order Starling Fitness Walking Videos Here

On our drive to Mt. Hood, Oregon, we stopped in Boise to gas up the car. On the way back to the freeway, we noticed the huge plume of smoke coming from the RV park, so we went to investigate. We were horrified to see that a trailer was on fire in the RV park. The fire department was already on the scene, so we stayed a safe distance away and took some video footage.

In an instant, your vacation can go from happy to horrific. Here are some safety tips from RVTravel.com to keep this from happening to you.

• RVTravel.com – RV fire safety facts that could save your life

Here is a summary of their list:

• Check radiator and antifreeze hoses for leaks.

• Check fuel lines and connections for leaks.

• Regularly clean build up of grease, oil, and road dust on the engine.

• Check tires for inflation and brakes for leaking brake fluid.

• Damp charcoal (as well as rags soiled with car wax and other flammable liquids) can spontaneously combust.

• A hot exhaust pipe or catalytic converter can ignite dry grass.

• Shut the propane off at the tank while driving.

• Check the flue for birds nests before starting your refrigerator on propane.

• Keep flame, cigarettes, and sparks away from batteries and check them monthly.

• Check all 12-volt connections before and after every trip.

• Properly clean up any fuel leaks or spills immediately.

• Never leave a stove unattended or use it to heat your coach.

• Keep all towels, curtains and paper towels as far from the stove as possible.

• Develop an two escape plans (one in the front and one from the rear of the coach) before a fire occurs.

• Review with everyone the “Stop, Drop, and Roll” rule so they know what to do when clothing is on fire.

• Make sure everyone knows how to open the front door.

• Choose a meetup area outside of the trailer so everyone can be accounted for.

• Show everyone how to unhook electricity and how to close propane valves.

• Practice unhooking your tow vehicle as quickly as possible to avoid spreading the fire to other vehicles.

• You should have three fire extinguishers for your coach—one in the galley, one in the bedroom, and one outside of the coach in an unlocked compartment or in your tow vehicle. Inspect them monthly.

• Place a CO/Smoke Detector in the coach. Know what it sounds like and check it regularly.

• Save lives first and property second. Get yourself and your family to safety before attempting to extinguish a fire. Only if you can do so without endangering yourself or others should you use firefighting aids on hand.

• It’s crucial to know your location so firefighters can find you.

• If you have a quick-disconnect fitting on your water hookup, these hoses can be unhooked instantly to fight a fire. If a nearby coach is burning and you cannot move your coach but can safely stay close enough to keep it hosed down, you may be able to save your own vehicle.

Don’t let a RV fire happen to you. Take these safety tips from RVTravel.com seriously and make the necessary precautions.

For More Information:

• Camper’s Corner – RV Fire Safety

The another post in the “Tourist in My Own Town” series, Viddy Well added its Times Square video to the list.

Listen to the traffic and the voices of the tourists. Watch the signs blink their messages at you. Will you read thier words? Will they tell you anything? It seems like I only see Times Square once a year: New Year’s Eve. On the television, it’s so full of people for the New Year’s celebration. It was surprising to see it relatively vacant in this video.

Via: videoblogging : Message: Re: [videoblogging] Tourist in My Own Town

Continuing the “Tourist In My Own Town” theme, Mike Moon has posted an excellent video showcasing Lakeview Park in Oshawa, Canada.

I love the video of the swings, especially when the camera focuses on the point where the swings connect with the frame. They squeak and bend under the weight of the swinger. Enjoy the sound of the lake water hitting the sand. It’s a “kick in the butt.”

Via: videoblogging : Message: Tourist in My Own Town

Using Google Earth, photographs and film footage, Lean Back Videos presents you with Seattle.

I love how the video will show you the site on Google Earth and then show you the site in reality. Reality is better every time.

Next time you are feeling trapped at work or home, remember that your home town is an exotic travel destination to someone else. Look at your city with new eyes and see what you can see.

Via: videoblogging : Message: Re: Tourist in My Own Town

Last month, Mike and I went to California. Our friends there took us to Old Town. It is a state historical park with antique buildings and shops. I was on a quest for the most beautiful Milagro cross, but I didn’t find it there. Instead, we had a relaxing lunch at El Fandango and listened to the music. Here is a snippet of that day in my life.

There are so many small places that are vying for tourist attention in the noisy tourist haven of Southern California. Sometimes the best time is spent quietly eating tortilla chips and listening to the band in an old building.

Where: Old Town State Historic Park: San Diego Avenue and Twiggs Street San Diego, CA Google Map

Official Websites:

• Old Town San Diego SHP

• El Fandango Restaurant

Lan Bui lives in Orange County, California. The four hour drive from the OC to Las Vegas, Nevada has been condensed into this short, one-minute film.

• Video of the Moment: Orange County to Las Vegas in 1 minute

I love the drive from California to Las Vegas. It’s a quick drive and there is Barstow to stop at along the way. If you are trapped at work, take the minute to download this video and enjoy it.