It took me a few years, but this is a map of all the places I've visited, Ill keep working on the map and upload pictures and descriptions, but this gives you a good Idea of how much I'm on the road.
View Matts Destinations in a full screen map
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Travel tip #13: You can never have enough clean socks!
One of the best movies of the last 20 years, Forrest Gump taught us many lessons. But the lesson that most applies to travel in my own opinion was that taught by lieutenant Dan!
Always wear clean socks
There are several reasons why travel can wear you down and make you feel less than fresh. But it is true, new socks can help you feel like a million bucks. ( my wife informs me that fresh underwear do the same trick.)
If I could have one selfish concession in life.... One aristocratic whim that a fairy godmother might grant me, it would be a new pair of socks for every day of my life.
The numbers aren't as staggering as you might think.
If I purchased the socks in bulk, it would cost about a buck a sock.
So 365 x 2 socks per day is $730 a year, I spend at least that much each year on movie tickets, French fries and even texting. So why not? Aren't my feet worth it. Your feet have to carry you your whole life. In fact, after my grandfather died I found out he thought his feet were so important that he would get secret pedicures done once a month. I might not be at his level, but I know how good it feels to get fresh socks!
Smokers spend up to 15 dollars a day on cigarets and that's nearly $5500.
Perhaps once I've worn them once and washed them I could donate them to a charity willing to take once used socks and then write the cost off on my taxes.
Lets say I live another 40 years, I might spend an average Americans yearly wages on foot wear. But it would be soooo worth it.
Anyhow that's my travel tip for today!
Happy Trails
- Matt
Always wear clean socks
There are several reasons why travel can wear you down and make you feel less than fresh. But it is true, new socks can help you feel like a million bucks. ( my wife informs me that fresh underwear do the same trick.)
If I could have one selfish concession in life.... One aristocratic whim that a fairy godmother might grant me, it would be a new pair of socks for every day of my life.
The numbers aren't as staggering as you might think.
If I purchased the socks in bulk, it would cost about a buck a sock.
So 365 x 2 socks per day is $730 a year, I spend at least that much each year on movie tickets, French fries and even texting. So why not? Aren't my feet worth it. Your feet have to carry you your whole life. In fact, after my grandfather died I found out he thought his feet were so important that he would get secret pedicures done once a month. I might not be at his level, but I know how good it feels to get fresh socks!
Smokers spend up to 15 dollars a day on cigarets and that's nearly $5500.
Perhaps once I've worn them once and washed them I could donate them to a charity willing to take once used socks and then write the cost off on my taxes.
Lets say I live another 40 years, I might spend an average Americans yearly wages on foot wear. But it would be soooo worth it.
Anyhow that's my travel tip for today!
Happy Trails
- Matt
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Travel trip # 12: stop and smell the roses!
When in the course of normal travel there lies a tendency or a natural inclination to just MOVE! We feel that we have got to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible because there is no way we could possibly know what waits for us at the other side of B. However what is really the most important about travel is smack dab in the middle of point A and B.
A journey is what happened while you travel and not where your GETTIN TO!
Yesterday I had a great experience traveling back from memphis to Nashville - a 3 hr strait shot drive.
Kirsten was asleep in the front seat of the beastly rental truck and I was listening to the adventures of Sherlock Holmes when I saw an exit in-front of us for Jackson Tennessee, I had Heard of Jackson Mississippi, Jackson Hole Wyoming, but never thought of any significance in a small town of Tennessee.
Rationalizing my sense of adventure with the need to fill the big ole truck full of gas I pulled over and headed for the nearest station to fill up the tank.
A journey is what happened while you travel and not where your GETTIN TO!
Yesterday I had a great experience traveling back from memphis to Nashville - a 3 hr strait shot drive.
Kirsten was asleep in the front seat of the beastly rental truck and I was listening to the adventures of Sherlock Holmes when I saw an exit in-front of us for Jackson Tennessee, I had Heard of Jackson Mississippi, Jackson Hole Wyoming, but never thought of any significance in a small town of Tennessee.
Rationalizing my sense of adventure with the need to fill the big ole truck full of gas I pulled over and headed for the nearest station to fill up the tank.
Upon filling up the tank I noticed an old fashion steam locomotive reminiscent of one of my favorite Buster Keaton black and white silent films called "The General" a story about a confederate soldier whose job it was to conduct trains through the south during the civil war.
As I approached the train I noticed a sign saying that the train and all the area around it was a museum dedicated to non other than CASEY JONES!
For anyone who doesn't know who he is Casey was a rail way engineer who was made famous in literature and folk legend for losing his life while saving an entire train full of men women and children from a tremendous train wreck. The train in the movie Dumbo was named the Casey Jr. after the iconic american hero.
At this location there was an amazing general store which was made of buildings reaching back to the early 1800's
 |
| This general store was awesome, and there was a candy shop, a real deal Soda Fountain and a world of antiques and interesting americana. |
 |
| We found the prettiest little chapel which made us want to get remarried.......... |
 |
| But kirsten settled for preaching her own sermon instead....... |
 |
| This vest apparently belonged to kit carson who was the mountain man that Carson City was named after, he also discovered the Truckee meadows which is where I lived. |
 |
| Kirsten kicked my butt at a game of bottle cap checkers, and then gloated about it for hours.... Shame Shame! |
 |
| Anyone want candy! |
 |
| My wife kirsten is an epicurean of pecan pies, and she found the world smalles pecan pie ... Then DEVOURED IT! |
 |
| I found one of those cigar holding "Native Americans" that used to stand outside drug stores. |
Earlier tha day we had visited Graceland the Mecca for all things elvis, and I took some pictures with the KING!
We topped the day off with a visit to the Grand Ole Opry to see Carrie Underwood, Mel Tills, Josh Turner and a few other bands perform a great night of country music. This day was full of just taking it slow and seeing those things that Make Tennessee what it is.
Sometimes you have to stop and smell the roses and in my experience you will find things that you never even knew were there.
 |
| I even picked up some Cowboy boots, Im liking the feel a lot. |
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Travel tip #11
Expect the unexpected!
When traveling things seldom happen exactly as planned. Even the best laid plans encounter change along the way. Sometimes change happens for the better so one just has to roll with it.
Last night my plane was late getting into Nashville and the rental car company was closed. I was upset for a few minutes thinking how inconvenient my situation was
..... But....
Rather than freak out I kept calm and got on my phone made a few calls and woke a few people from their sleep!
When all was said and done I ended up with a huge doge truck rather than the compact go-cart I originally was promised.
So now I have a cowboy hat and a big truck cruising across Nashville to Memphis. Country music blaring on the radio! And I'm loving it!
I even scored some tickets to the grand ole oprey on friday night to see Carrie Underwood.
Life throws you a curve ball and sometimes you just gotta swing and see what happens.
I a also found an elevator like the Hollywood tower of terror! Awesome.
Happy Trails - Matt
When traveling things seldom happen exactly as planned. Even the best laid plans encounter change along the way. Sometimes change happens for the better so one just has to roll with it.
Last night my plane was late getting into Nashville and the rental car company was closed. I was upset for a few minutes thinking how inconvenient my situation was
..... But....
Rather than freak out I kept calm and got on my phone made a few calls and woke a few people from their sleep!
When all was said and done I ended up with a huge doge truck rather than the compact go-cart I originally was promised.
So now I have a cowboy hat and a big truck cruising across Nashville to Memphis. Country music blaring on the radio! And I'm loving it!
I even scored some tickets to the grand ole oprey on friday night to see Carrie Underwood.
Life throws you a curve ball and sometimes you just gotta swing and see what happens.
I a also found an elevator like the Hollywood tower of terror! Awesome.
Happy Trails - Matt
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Made it to nashville!
It's 12:45 am and we just made it to the nashville airport and I've already seen something inspiring at the airport.
It was on a guitar display. Read the quote!
On the way here we picked up a burrito in a bowl at the Las Vegas airport. Spectacular as far aid airport food goes.
It was on a guitar display. Read the quote!
On the way here we picked up a burrito in a bowl at the Las Vegas airport. Spectacular as far aid airport food goes.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Top ten favorite ways to enjoy a plane flight!
I don't know about you, but it seems over the years flying has become more and more arduous, boring, and perhaps less enjoyable due to many factors.
If its not the implementation of TSA, shrinking seat sizes, packed planes, airport food prices, or the lack of customer service in the airline travel industry, then it's something else that makes travel less enchanting.
I spent this morning in thought about some things that I can do to make air travel more enjoyable.
Here's my top ten ways to enjoy travel on airplanes.
1. Clothing - back in the day people used to get all gussied up to travel. But over the past few years people have become much less formal in their travel attire. After watching a few classic films like casa Blanca or even Indiana Jones it is easy to become nostalgic for the yesteryear of air travel. In my opinion the right clothes for modern travel are a mixture of class and comfort.
Finding clothes that look presentable but are comfortable is the key. I think each person can choose their style and the exact clothing but in many ways ones clothing are the equipment they will use for their adventures in life. If you want to have your adventures in sweat pants, I guess that's your prerogative.
I know those sweat pants and hoodie are what feel the most comfortable, but feeling presentable is also a factor in the way you feel about yourself during a trip. If you are that person who wears Juicy sweats and a tanktop with worn out slippers.... I understand that 4:30 is early in the morning, and if you are six years old I would understand..... but its my opinion that we should bring class back to travel.
NOTE: If you are headed on vacation its OK to look that way - I think everyone should look forward to getting a vacation, but as a favor to the rest of the world lets make it look like a nice vacation.
2. The right foot ware - shoes that you can walk in, easily remove at security and wear for any occasion are best. I have a pair that I wear on every trip because they work for everything but running a marathon.
3. Hydration- you would think that this is a little thing, but in my opinion it's one of the biggest. Keeping yourself full of fluids is the best way to avoid headaches, helps you sleep Nd keeps your circulation up. You might not think of your trip as a marathon event. But at times that is exactly what it becomes, especially if its a delay or a missed flight.
I like to have a bottle I can take with me and fill with fountain water. I hate paying 3.50 for 5 cents of water. I have also started to take the new crystal light liquid drops with me to add a little flavor to life.
4. Media and escapism - I once took a film class in college where the teacher advised us of the dangers of escapism, as well we spoke about all the advantages of the same. It's true that people can escape into a movie or a book and loose touch with reality, but in my opinion one of the greatest gifts to modern travel is the ipad and a movie. Watching a movie, reading a book, Listening to a book - all help a person remove themselves from the situation in which they are stuck, in in some cases for many hours! I like a good conversation as well as the next person, but after a while conversations can grow awkward and can even annoy other people around you. Its nice to have a distraction while on the plane.
Another fair point about movies and other entertainment media is that we choose what we watch and why we watch it. You can only watch so many action movies before you need something more intellectual or fulfilling. I find that exploring an entire genre Like Samurai, Non Linear Films, Surreal, or even fantasy and Sci-Fi - and actually studying the films before I watch them makes the viewing experience more meaningful and gives you something to talk about in your next conversation.
My sister in law gave me a good tip about hard back books, its good have one with you because it can be read even when digital media is not allowed to be turned on. I keep a good self help book, or an educational book with me for just this reason.
5. Bring your own food or treat - I don't just mean get some M&M's at the gift shop. Even if you have an expense account and the company pays for what you eat on the road, its a good idea to have something with you that you enjoy and that nobody had to pay a 200% markup on, I suppose this is my little way of sticking it to the man ( Gift shops are a huge pet peeve of mine). A buddy of mine makes the best beef jerky around, I save it up and take it with me on my trips because I know nobody else in the whole airport can buy or get the same stuff I have. Think about what you would like and then make it your special thing.
6. Study your destination in advance - Knowing where your going and learning about it in advance makes the trip more special, it brings a sense of discovery to the trip and allows you to hit the ground running once you get there. Often I travel to a city and only spend 24 or less hours in the location. Studying my destination helps me to at-least see or accomplish something while I'm there rather than fumbling around looking for something to do or staying in a place far away from my destination. I find that if I have studied a destination before I get there that the actual flight is more enjoyable because I'm headed to a planned adventure rather than just headed out on business. Its all about the attitude I have while traveling.
7. Luggage - SIZE DOES MATTER! - Most experienced travelers know that the ease at which you can make it through the airport, security checkpoints and the amount of waiting in line you have to do is entirely dependent on the kind of luggage you have and the amount of CRAP you carry with you. In my opinion any male should be able to take a week long trip and fit everything he needs into a Euro sized Cary on and one shoulder bag. Living out of a carry on bag has many advantages.
Here are a few:
1. You never loose your luggage - because it will allways be by your side and not bellow the pane.
2. If you get delayed or stuck somewhere all your sundries are where you are
3. No waiting in baggage check lines ( no matter how much you try you will one day be late to the airport and not having to check a bag is a make it or break it factor)
4. Not having to pay for checked baggage - sometimes checked bag can cost you up to 50 bucks extra - save the money and go have a $50 dinner.
5. Get in and out of the airport faster by not waiting for checked baggage at your destination. More you time at the hotel, more seeing the world.
8. Wet wipes - I know this sounds silly, but anyone who has ever been a parent or any one who has ever been in the military and spent time in the field can tell you how handy a packet of wet whipes can be. Lets say its been a longer than expected day, your shower scent is starting to wear off and the flight attendant just spilled cranberry juice all over your pants. Your hands are sticky, the seat belt sign is on and you are miserable.... No Problemo! Just bust out your wet wipes and have a cat bath. In a pinch wet wipes can be as effective as a shower for helping you feel not so traveled and gross. often on cross country flights ill take a few minutes to freshen up in the bathroom during layovers. A good wet wipe once over really makes the rest of the trip bearable.
While I was in the military we used to call them HOOAH WIPES! because after being in the dirt and mud for three days with three days left before a shower a man could feel like new with a few wipes to clean up with.
9. PRICE LINE.com - Which ever mobile device you use for travel I have found that the best app for travel planning and deals while on the road is the Price Line App. It gets you the best prices for just about everything and helps you get a hotel at a moments notice. If I have to buy last minute flights, price line is the way to go. On my last Eight trips I have stayed at 3.5 star hotels for less than 60 bucks a night each time.... I don't do 4 stars because they charge you more for everything (including internet) and more often than not are about the same in terms of quality. If I just show up at a motel 6 the price would be 60 bucks. The key is to wait till the night of and make a reservation on price-line. Often I check out their express deals and if nothing suits my fancy then I use the name your own price function. This is important for enjoying my flight because I like to know that no matter what happens while im on the plane, I get to stay at a nice place as soon as I get off. I also find that I do better business when I stay in a decent hotel but don't pay outrageous prices for it. For example last week I stayed at the Crown Plaza in Texas for $35, It was very nice and the next day I felt like a million bucks!
10. Sleeping on the plane ..... If you don't have one already.... find and buy a good neck pillow if you have to sleep on a plane, its the only thing I've found that will actually make it bearable. As well I find that if I can, I always want an ISLE seat. If you like windows then get a window seat, if you like the middle...... Your NUTS! Either way, planning the trip to your advantage is key. If you are on southwest and cant exactly control which seat you will get on the plane, Make sure you check in right at 24 hours before the flight so as to get in the A boarding group..... the effort is worth it.
If you think its worth it ( I DO) see your doctor about getting some mild sleeping medication, or get something over the counter that will work for you. Sometimes its just plain hard to fall alseep on the plane, but if there is something out there to help you ... (something legal is should add ) then go for it.
If its not the implementation of TSA, shrinking seat sizes, packed planes, airport food prices, or the lack of customer service in the airline travel industry, then it's something else that makes travel less enchanting.
I spent this morning in thought about some things that I can do to make air travel more enjoyable.
Here's my top ten ways to enjoy travel on airplanes.
1. Clothing - back in the day people used to get all gussied up to travel. But over the past few years people have become much less formal in their travel attire. After watching a few classic films like casa Blanca or even Indiana Jones it is easy to become nostalgic for the yesteryear of air travel. In my opinion the right clothes for modern travel are a mixture of class and comfort.
Finding clothes that look presentable but are comfortable is the key. I think each person can choose their style and the exact clothing but in many ways ones clothing are the equipment they will use for their adventures in life. If you want to have your adventures in sweat pants, I guess that's your prerogative.
I know those sweat pants and hoodie are what feel the most comfortable, but feeling presentable is also a factor in the way you feel about yourself during a trip. If you are that person who wears Juicy sweats and a tanktop with worn out slippers.... I understand that 4:30 is early in the morning, and if you are six years old I would understand..... but its my opinion that we should bring class back to travel.NOTE: If you are headed on vacation its OK to look that way - I think everyone should look forward to getting a vacation, but as a favor to the rest of the world lets make it look like a nice vacation.
2. The right foot ware - shoes that you can walk in, easily remove at security and wear for any occasion are best. I have a pair that I wear on every trip because they work for everything but running a marathon.
3. Hydration- you would think that this is a little thing, but in my opinion it's one of the biggest. Keeping yourself full of fluids is the best way to avoid headaches, helps you sleep Nd keeps your circulation up. You might not think of your trip as a marathon event. But at times that is exactly what it becomes, especially if its a delay or a missed flight.
I like to have a bottle I can take with me and fill with fountain water. I hate paying 3.50 for 5 cents of water. I have also started to take the new crystal light liquid drops with me to add a little flavor to life.
4. Media and escapism - I once took a film class in college where the teacher advised us of the dangers of escapism, as well we spoke about all the advantages of the same. It's true that people can escape into a movie or a book and loose touch with reality, but in my opinion one of the greatest gifts to modern travel is the ipad and a movie. Watching a movie, reading a book, Listening to a book - all help a person remove themselves from the situation in which they are stuck, in in some cases for many hours! I like a good conversation as well as the next person, but after a while conversations can grow awkward and can even annoy other people around you. Its nice to have a distraction while on the plane.
Another fair point about movies and other entertainment media is that we choose what we watch and why we watch it. You can only watch so many action movies before you need something more intellectual or fulfilling. I find that exploring an entire genre Like Samurai, Non Linear Films, Surreal, or even fantasy and Sci-Fi - and actually studying the films before I watch them makes the viewing experience more meaningful and gives you something to talk about in your next conversation.
My sister in law gave me a good tip about hard back books, its good have one with you because it can be read even when digital media is not allowed to be turned on. I keep a good self help book, or an educational book with me for just this reason.
5. Bring your own food or treat - I don't just mean get some M&M's at the gift shop. Even if you have an expense account and the company pays for what you eat on the road, its a good idea to have something with you that you enjoy and that nobody had to pay a 200% markup on, I suppose this is my little way of sticking it to the man ( Gift shops are a huge pet peeve of mine). A buddy of mine makes the best beef jerky around, I save it up and take it with me on my trips because I know nobody else in the whole airport can buy or get the same stuff I have. Think about what you would like and then make it your special thing.
6. Study your destination in advance - Knowing where your going and learning about it in advance makes the trip more special, it brings a sense of discovery to the trip and allows you to hit the ground running once you get there. Often I travel to a city and only spend 24 or less hours in the location. Studying my destination helps me to at-least see or accomplish something while I'm there rather than fumbling around looking for something to do or staying in a place far away from my destination. I find that if I have studied a destination before I get there that the actual flight is more enjoyable because I'm headed to a planned adventure rather than just headed out on business. Its all about the attitude I have while traveling.
7. Luggage - SIZE DOES MATTER! - Most experienced travelers know that the ease at which you can make it through the airport, security checkpoints and the amount of waiting in line you have to do is entirely dependent on the kind of luggage you have and the amount of CRAP you carry with you. In my opinion any male should be able to take a week long trip and fit everything he needs into a Euro sized Cary on and one shoulder bag. Living out of a carry on bag has many advantages.
Here are a few:
1. You never loose your luggage - because it will allways be by your side and not bellow the pane.
2. If you get delayed or stuck somewhere all your sundries are where you are
3. No waiting in baggage check lines ( no matter how much you try you will one day be late to the airport and not having to check a bag is a make it or break it factor)
4. Not having to pay for checked baggage - sometimes checked bag can cost you up to 50 bucks extra - save the money and go have a $50 dinner.
5. Get in and out of the airport faster by not waiting for checked baggage at your destination. More you time at the hotel, more seeing the world.
8. Wet wipes - I know this sounds silly, but anyone who has ever been a parent or any one who has ever been in the military and spent time in the field can tell you how handy a packet of wet whipes can be. Lets say its been a longer than expected day, your shower scent is starting to wear off and the flight attendant just spilled cranberry juice all over your pants. Your hands are sticky, the seat belt sign is on and you are miserable.... No Problemo! Just bust out your wet wipes and have a cat bath. In a pinch wet wipes can be as effective as a shower for helping you feel not so traveled and gross. often on cross country flights ill take a few minutes to freshen up in the bathroom during layovers. A good wet wipe once over really makes the rest of the trip bearable.
While I was in the military we used to call them HOOAH WIPES! because after being in the dirt and mud for three days with three days left before a shower a man could feel like new with a few wipes to clean up with.
9. PRICE LINE.com - Which ever mobile device you use for travel I have found that the best app for travel planning and deals while on the road is the Price Line App. It gets you the best prices for just about everything and helps you get a hotel at a moments notice. If I have to buy last minute flights, price line is the way to go. On my last Eight trips I have stayed at 3.5 star hotels for less than 60 bucks a night each time.... I don't do 4 stars because they charge you more for everything (including internet) and more often than not are about the same in terms of quality. If I just show up at a motel 6 the price would be 60 bucks. The key is to wait till the night of and make a reservation on price-line. Often I check out their express deals and if nothing suits my fancy then I use the name your own price function. This is important for enjoying my flight because I like to know that no matter what happens while im on the plane, I get to stay at a nice place as soon as I get off. I also find that I do better business when I stay in a decent hotel but don't pay outrageous prices for it. For example last week I stayed at the Crown Plaza in Texas for $35, It was very nice and the next day I felt like a million bucks!
10. Sleeping on the plane ..... If you don't have one already.... find and buy a good neck pillow if you have to sleep on a plane, its the only thing I've found that will actually make it bearable. As well I find that if I can, I always want an ISLE seat. If you like windows then get a window seat, if you like the middle...... Your NUTS! Either way, planning the trip to your advantage is key. If you are on southwest and cant exactly control which seat you will get on the plane, Make sure you check in right at 24 hours before the flight so as to get in the A boarding group..... the effort is worth it.
If you think its worth it ( I DO) see your doctor about getting some mild sleeping medication, or get something over the counter that will work for you. Sometimes its just plain hard to fall alseep on the plane, but if there is something out there to help you ... (something legal is should add ) then go for it.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Worlds largest double barrel shotgun!
I just returned home from my little trip down to the Bay area.
I Love california, but hate.... Hate..... HATE! Traffic.
I was stuck in traffic for no less than 8 hours today.
I didnt see Bigfoot as I had hopped, but I did manage to catch the worlds largest double barrel shotgun on camera.
It was good to see the city again, and visiting with my clients was very successful.
I was a little jealous of my co worker who slept while I drove.... HE ALSO SNORED! I had half a mind to fall asleep at the wheel just to teach him a lesson..... My own lesson would have been counter-productivity 101. We were out the door at 4:30 am and got home about 8Pm
It seems like any little fender bender has the potential to ruin everyones day!
That's just life I guess.
WOW THERE'S SOME GUNS!
Heading over the beautiful bridge.... SF off to the right.
Stuck in traffic.... AWESOME!
MORE TRAFFIC
At-least the sierras were pretty!
I Love california, but hate.... Hate..... HATE! Traffic.
I was stuck in traffic for no less than 8 hours today.
I didnt see Bigfoot as I had hopped, but I did manage to catch the worlds largest double barrel shotgun on camera.
It was good to see the city again, and visiting with my clients was very successful.
I was a little jealous of my co worker who slept while I drove.... HE ALSO SNORED! I had half a mind to fall asleep at the wheel just to teach him a lesson..... My own lesson would have been counter-productivity 101. We were out the door at 4:30 am and got home about 8Pm
It seems like any little fender bender has the potential to ruin everyones day!
That's just life I guess.
Stuck in traffic.... AWESOME!
At-least the sierras were pretty!
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