Trip to Durango, CO through Wolf Creek Pass 7/09

Our drive from Colorado Springs, CO to Durango, CO took us south on I-25 and turned right / west on US 160 at Walsenburg.

This mountain is off the road to the north. It is about 12,000 feet above sea level and timberline is around 9000 feet, so that is why it is bare on top.

We passed this thrift shop and thought it was cute. 2 reasons we didn’t stop – we were caravanning with friends and it is hard to find parking for our rig when we are towing a car.

Our first challenge was La Vita Pass. Even though it is only 9000+ feet, it is steep and the RV was not happy at all. In fact we had to pull off just before the crest to let it cool off. Downhill was fine.

Next obstacle was Wolf Creek Pass. Gotta say we were worried about this even before we left home and even more so after La Vita Pass. The up hill is steep but more gradual than the last one but the downhill is a 7% grade with a few hairpin turns.

The map says it is 10,550 but you can see what our GPS said when we got to the top!!

That is our road still going down and around the mountain side.

I have all the confidence in Gene, but I am a white-knuckle rider. Someone told me, on an RV message board, that the solution for me was easy - booze and a blindfold, LOL. We made it up and down just fine so all the worry was for naught.

Tunnel through the mountain.

We arrived at our RV Park the Alpen Rose – which we do not recommend to others. We are not the most experienced RVers but all the help except one lady was rude and unfriendly. We pulled in and Gene didn’t even have the RV turned off when a golf cart pulled up and the man barked, last name/ reservations? You have to off load the car here!!! No hello, glad you are here, nothing!!

When we made the reservations it was with the understanding the 2 RV’s would be next to each other. Someone switched the reservation and we were on one end and our friends where on the other end. After a lot of jiggling around the nice lady got us close to each other.

The pool closed at 8PM (which is early) and they were kicking people out 15 minutes before. The playground consisted of swings and a horsey on a spring.

There are lots of RV parks in the Durango area and there is no need to go someplace that is rude and unfriendly and 8 miles north of town.

We could see the train go by and hear the whistle so that was pretty nice.

Just across the small road was a field with 4 horses. The kids had a grand time visiting with them and letting go of all the pent up energy from the 6-hour trip.

Next day we rode the train.

Durango to Silverton Rio Grande Steam Train Ride

What a joy it was to take our youngest grandson and this train ride. Our friends also took their granddaughter. The kids had a blast.

This train ride took us from Durango, CO to Silverton. When we made our reservations we chose the Gondola car, which is covered but has open sides. There are advantages and disadvantages.

The advantage is being in the fresh air, larger seats on benches that let our group of 6 sit next to each other rather than 2 in a row. Since we were 2 sets of Grandparents, each with a grandchild, seats of 2 would not have worked very well.

I actually think the disadvantage is an advantage. Because we were outside some of the smoke and coal ash flew back and we had cinders and soot in our hair. Our hands and faces were tinged with black. It is all part of the experience and we were none the worse for the ‘dirt’.

There is a new car they have added recently. It is called the Silver Vista. It is covered but with a clear roof so you can look up and see the sky and the tops of the mountains.

The train follows the Animas River. At times there were river runners (folks in rafts and kayaks). Since we took the trip in July the water level was down. The river runs harder and faster in spring when the snow is melting.

At times the track through a mountain is very narrow and the clearance betweenthe rocks, on both sides, is just inches.

There are bridges and trestles over the river. At certain times the engineer would release steam that shot out the side of the locomotive. Usually the steam creates a rainbow.

The train had many cars so as it went around turns we could see the front and the back.

The trip to Silverton, which is over 9000 feet above sea level, takes 3 ½ hours. Passengers have the choice to either take a bus back to Durango or the train back. The scenery in both directions is awesome, so we have always taken the train, both ways.

The layover in Silverton is 2 ¼ hours – just time to eat lunch and do alittle shopping and have some fun – like ride in a stagecoach around the few dirt streets of the town. And then it was another 3 ½ hours or so back to Durango.

This is one of those trips that is a must for everyone, at least one time. We ALL found it very relaxing with the swaying of the rail car and the sound of the engine.

JAL Promo And Time To Renew Our JALFC Membership

Look what I found in my mailbox two days ago. A new promotion from Japan Airlines (JAL) to Tokyo/Osaka. The airfares are still the same with the previous promotion, which I wrote about here. With adult fares at RM1,350.00 and child fares at RM1,050.00, travelling to Japan with JAL is a little bit cheaper than with MAS. (But then, if you hate the hassle of transit in Changi Airport, MAS is the best option because MAS has direct flights but for us, we have always prefered to travel with JAL).

MAS' current promotion airfares to Tokyo/Osaka is RM713 (one way).

Anyway, back to JAL promo. This fare is valid for travel up to Oct 31 which is still too early for us. If only it ends on Nov 30 then I can book our flights straight away! Booking period starts from Aug 10 to Aug 21, so better mark your calendar if you want to reserve your tickets with JAL.

Which reminds me to renew our JAL Family Club membership. The advantage of having a JAL Family Club membership on top of our JAL Mileage Bank membership is that we can pool our mileage. Compared to MAS and SIA, JAL has been quite generous with the mileage accumulation and pooling our mileage, we can easily redeem them. Our preference is to exchange them for vouchers like this one.

A Delicious But Unhealthy Snack

Of late, there is this one snack that I can't resist when I hit Jusco Supermarket.

It's ika geso karaage! (or deep fried squid). They have original, curry and spicy flavour, if I'm not mistaken. I always go for the original.

A gamut of texture - crunchy, oily coating with chewy squid tentacles/leg/beard/head(errr.... what do you call a "janggut sotong" in English, BTW?)

Got to watch out how much I eat these though. This is definitely not a healthy option for a snack!

Cafe Tobacco - A Haven For Japanese Smokers?

Japan has banned smoking from most public places but there is good news for nicotine addicts: but one company has given refuge to the dwindling ranks of tobacco addicts - by opening smokers-only cafes. Cafe Tobacco caters to smokers, who can indulge in their habit without guilt.

A sign posted at the entrance advises people with children and those under 20 to refrain from using the cafe. Smoke neutralizers are installed on each floor because "Smokers also hate smoke from other smokers," said a Towa Food Service official. Ironic, no?

AirBoat Ride Cypress Lake, FL 3/09

When we visited Orlando there were coupon books and activity guides at every gas station, rest area, restaurant etc.

In them there were several ads for an airboat rides. We chose the one that said it was totally primitive and would not pass any housing areas. Cypress Lake is about 45 minutes SW of Orlando and was very easy to find.

There was only one other lady on the trip with us. Each seat came equipped with earphones because the engine is so loud. When our captain wanted to tell us something he shut down the motor.

The trip started immediately when we left the dock and went through some marsh and tall grasses. It was absolutely fantastic and we were only on it for less than 5 minutes and saw this alligator.

And it got even better. Next he went looking for alligators. By the time the ride was over we had seen 35 alligators with 5 of them swimming together in the lake.

We followed a river into a cypress grove. Some of the trees there are over 100 years old.

Years ago they would harvest the cypress knees for the tourist trade but it was discovered that they were part of the root system so it is unlawful to cut them anymore

There were lots of birds - some of the ducks had hundreds in one flock. The captain had fun driving into them so we could watch them walk on the water before they took flight.

The other flock is Ibis.

The trip was an hour long, but when we were done, I told the captain it was really only 10 minutes. He said he hears that alot. We arrived back alittle wind blown, but totally happy.

Since we have been together we have seen and done a lot, but for me this tops the list of all my favorite things to do. It is Gene’s 2nd – seeing the Statue of Liberty for the 1st time is his #1!

Smile For The Camera!

"Smile for the camera" takes on a new meaning, as one Japanese railway company is requiring employees to check electronically their smiles ahead of work.

As much as I appreciate people smiling at me, this is a bit much. Whatever next?

Korean Food Fair At MidValley Megamall

Apart from the J Card Members' sale at Mid Valley, there's a Korean Food Fair currently on too. Located at LG floor, the fair showcase plenty of food items from Korea. We had fun sampling the many kimchis available. Yesterday, there were some Korean mini melons (looks pretty similar to Cameron Highland's apple) that is sold at RM35.90 per packet.

These past two days, it was madness getting to MidValley. There was traffic jam each day! Lucky, no traffic jam for those walking. Lucky me, eh?

J Card Members' Day At MidValley

J-Card Members' Day at Midvalley is on tomorrow from 9.00am to 11.00 pm, and on two days (Jul 15 & Jul 16 2009).

Anyone coming for the sale? These past few days, Jusco staff had been quite busy preparing for the members' day. Expect complete madness today and tomorrow!

Coincidentally, Jul 16 is marked as Buy Nothing Day. Organised in Malaysia by the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations as part of the National Consumer Campaign (3K) programme, Buy Nothing Day in Malaysia is marked annually on July 16 and is entering into its second year.

Eel Eating Day In Summer

Doyo No Ushi No Hi (or the Day of the Ox) is dedicated to eating eel. The Day occurs around the hottest period of the year. With the day being hot, lethargy sets in; which in Japanese is called Natsubate or summer fatigue. To counter this listless state, Japanese believe that eating nutritious eel helps to increase stamina and beat the summer heat.

This custom dates back to the 18th century. It is said that an eel seller who was in trouble because eel was not selling in summer due to the hot weather went to scholar Hiraga Gennai for help. Gennai recommended him to post a bill that read "Today is Eel Day and Eat Eel." As it was a recommendation from Gennai, who was well known as a very knowledgeable person, the eel shop prospered. Other eel shops followed suit and the custom to eat eel on the day prevailed.

Talk about good promotional marketing eh? Err... so when is the hottest day of the year?

Plug In, Charge And Drive With New Mitsubishi

A new range of plug in, charge and drive Mitsubishi electric vehicles goes into production in Japan for domestic and overseas sale.

We Went To Daiso

When we were in Japan, we always made a point to drop by Daiso for some cheap shopping. Know what we like to buy there? Cheap crockery and household items! My favourite store is the one nearby Hakata Station!

All items at just RM5 each! (100yen = approximately RM3.70 now, so the price is not that much higher for things imported from Japan. Although some Daiso items are Made in Malaysia, you know).

We went to Daiso at The Curve but didn't buy anything. Just browsed around and looking at stuff. The storefront of Daiso in Malaysia is a boring green and unlike the cheery ones in Japan.

I would've missed the store if Zaini hadn't pointed it out to me because I was looking for a similar looking storefront as in Japan (looks a bit like a pharmacy signboard, don't you think?) Apart from the store at The Curve, there are 3 other Daiso stores in Malaysia - 1Borneo in KK, Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall and IOI Puchong.

Plenty of stuff sold here but those looking for Japanese snacks might be disappointed. No Japanese food items sold here.

For us, we went gaga over plates, trays, bento boxes and those cute rice shapers (but not enough teapot available for me). I think I'm inspired to do some Japanese themed cooking for the weekend now! LOL

First Evil Ultraman In Mega Monster Battle : Ultra Galaxy Legends The Movie

Disclaimer : this post will only make sense to fan of Ultraman series, past and present.

If all goes according to plan, we'll end our Japan vacation on Dec 11 which is a day earlier than the release of a new Ultraman Movie, "Daikaiju Battle Ultra Ginga Densetsu THE MOVIE" or Mega Monster Battle : Ultra Galaxy Legend The Movie. (Man, the name is long)

The movie, a joint venture between Tsuburaya Productions and Warner Bros will be released on Dec 12, 2009. The movie is directed by Koichi Sakamoto, who has worked predominantly as executive producer on the long-running American TV series Power Rangers.

The main antagonist in this movie is not a monster but an Ultraman. A new character, Ultraman Belial, is cited as being the first “villainous Ultraman” in the 43 year history of the franchise, who was locked away in the space prison by the mighty Ultraman King tens of thousands of years ago. Belial breaks free from his prison, and plans to use the Giga-Battlenizer to control 100 giant monsters and conquer the galaxy, shrouding the home world of the Ultramen in a state of darkness.

The movie will also feature Ultraman, Ultra Seven, Ultraman Jack, Ultraman Ace, Ultraman Taro, Zoffy, Ultraman Mebius, Ultraman Hikari, Ultraman King, Father of Ultra, Mother of Ultra, Ultraman Leo, Astra, Ultraman 80, Yullian, Ultraman Neos, Ultra Seven 21 and Ultraman Boy.Original actors Susume Kurobe and Kouji Moritsugu return to reprise their roles as Hayata (Ultraman) and Dan Moroboshi (Ultra Seven) respectively, facing off against an army of over 100 giant monsters!

This should be an interesting movie with plenty of Ultraman and Monsters sightings, and the Ultramen are not restricted by the same 3-minute timer as then they visit/fight on Planet Earthbecause they are fighting on Nebula M78.

And think of all the merchandise Tsuburaya can spring on kids to coax their parents to buy! (And we'll be one of them too). Hmm... I wonder whether any limited edition figures for the movie will be sold at Ulfes 2009? Who's going to Ulfes 2009 this summer vacation?

Planning Our Trip With The Help Of JR

No, not JR of Dallas. (BTW, if you know who JR is, I think you are as old as me or older! Muahaha!!!!) I am talking about Japan Railways.

We've requested for a new JR train schedule online already and are waiting for it to arrive from New York. Won't be long! Yes... the brochures were sent from New York and not Japan. We've gotten the timetable every year now since 2007.

The JR timetable had been a tremendous help to us when navigating our way through the many train connections in Japan on JR Railways. You can get the brochure free by requesting it here and you can request not only for the train timetable but also brochures of the rest of JR Passes and places of interest in that area.

It may be easier to check the schedule online with Jorudan or our personal favourite, Hyperdia, but when we are out and about and want to reserve seats on trains, it is way easier to have the timetable in hand. We've pretty much cut down miscommunication between us and the JR staff by writing down the exact details of the train and the time we wanted to reserve because we know all the details beforehand.

I've written a similar post about getting a JR Pass here. Don't be afraid to click on the links I've provided in this post for more info on JR Passes.

During our previous travel, we've arranged our itinerary so that almost all the places we went to was covered by JR trains to cut cost on transportation. And with the passes too, we were able to just hop on trains and go to whatever places that took our fancy, without the fear of spending extra cash.