on the go spring-summer 2015

On the Go Dedicated to All Who Enjoy the Adventure of Travel Spring/Summer 2015 Vol. 10 No. 2

By Leslie Gordon In the pre-dawn hours early in March, 35 travelers left Solivita for a Costa Rica adventure. Looking back, it’s hard to say which was the best part of the trip – Tortuguero, Sarapiqui, Arenal or Monteverde. One thing I really miss are my friends the Howler monkeys, putting me to sleep at night - not really! They were loud and woke us early each morning. Our tour guide, Hector Castillo, taught us so much beginning with San Jose. We saw the soccer stadium that has hosted World Cup soccer games, the Colombian Gold Museum and a host of architectural treasures. In every town we traveled both by bus and boat and were treated to many birds, animals and tropical plants. In Tortuguero's rainforest, we boated past crocodiles on the way to our lodge and were treated to exotic wildlife off our front porch. The miles of beaches and jungle trails in the Tortuguero National Park were a sight to see. Sarapiqui was a forested adventure where some of us took a night walk in the Trimbina B i o l o g i c a l R e s e r v e . T h e reserve is a 750 a c r e t r o p i c a l science resource t h a t i n c l u d e d unique animals and birds. After a peaceful nights’ sleep with my friends the m o n k e y s , w e

35 Find Costa Rica Exciting, Beautiful

Andy Miller, Travel Club vice president, chats with Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd before the club’s well-attended April meeting. Sheriff Judd, who was the featured speaker, was both informative and entertaining as he presented valuable information on insuring the security our homes and provided personal security tips when traveling.

Leslie and Steve Gordon take in the view from a Sky Walk s u s p e n s i o n b r i d g e i n Monteverde, Costa Rica.

The Solivita Travel Club is launching a new Suggestion Box p r o g r a m t h a t encourages members to submit ideas for club activities.

“We welcome all ideas, especially those concerning trip destinations and program subjects,” said Andy Miller, club vice president. “We also would like to hear from our members on any any travel-related subject they consider of interest,” he added. Members may offer suggestions by contacting R o s i e F o g a r t y a t 4 2 7 - 4 7 4 9 o r [email protected].

See Costa Rica, Page 5

mailto:[email protected]


I recently went online and read several articles about what makes traveling easier for people. A publication by Trip Advisor mentioned these ideas: most people travel for pleasure; they don’t like to make spontaneous decisions about travel, but like to plan several months in advance; many use the Internet as a resource to plan a trip; they like to look at previous travelers’ reviews; and they find detailed descriptions helpful to them when evaluating trips. Travel Club provides many of these services to members. We have a trip calendar that provides

information for trips being planned two to three years in advance. We think this is important for our travelers as they look ahead to where in the world they’d like to go next. However, I caution you to make a booking fee or deposit on any trip you think you would like to take as soon as you can. With a membership of 910, trips fill up very quickly. If there is a trip you’d like to take but it is full, put your name on the interest list because some people may be forced to cancel the trip for health reasons of their own or of their loved ones. With our new Website, solivitatravelclub.org, you can use the internet to find out about our trips in detail and who you can contact for further information – just click on the flier section on the site. Our newsletter, On the Go, is now on the club Website and it is beautiful in color —- take a look. We’re going to try something new. When you take a trip with us, complete the trip survey and make sure you complete the section asking where you’d like to travel next. We’ll not ask you to complete a survey this year, but will use these ideas and others from our suggestion box to plan future trips.

2 On the Go Spring/Summer 2015

By Jane Baker Soak up the sun and adopt the Caribbean’s laid back island mindset on this 10-day Eastern Caribbean cruise October 31 – November 10 . aboard the beautiful Royal Princess. This region boasts quaint towns alive with diverse cultures amongst a breathtaking backdrop of swaying pa lm t rees , velveteen sands and turquoise waters accented with rainbow fish. Breathtaking natural beauty combined with old-world charm defines the magic allure of the Caribbean. The five ports of call we visit showcase the diverse culture of the islands and p r o v i d e a v a r i e t y o f attractions that appeal to

everyone. In Antigua visit Jabberwock beach to relax in the sun or take a short boat ride to Barbuda to see the frigate bird sanctuary. When we dock in St. Lucia, do not miss La Soufriere Drive-in Volcano. You will have the chance to walk out to an overlook of the seven-mile caldera.

Visit Harrison’s Cave in Barbados, which is a great place to see green monkeys and the bearded fig trees from which Barbados got it’s name. Magens Bay in St. Thomas is one of the Caribbean’s top beaches. If you would like to have a true snorkeling adventure, take a ferry to nearby St. Johns

for the day. Enjoy a ride on the St. Ki t t s Scen ic Ra i lway. Originally built as a way to deliver sugar cane, the railway is now a fascinating way for visitors to see the island. Take a ferry to less-traveled Nevis, rimmed by coral reefs and miles of white sand beaches.

Club Provides Many Services to Make Your Traveling Easier

By Judy Riggs

Travel Club President

10-Day Caribbean Cruise Features 5 Ports of Call

http://solivitatravelclub.org/

By Charlene Blair The Giraffe Ranch day trip defini tely surpassed our expectations. Our journey began March 18…a beautiful sunny day. We stopped in Dade City for a light lunch at Kafe Kokopelli, a S o u t h w e s t e r n t h e m e d restaurant housed in a 100 year old building originally used as a Model T Ford dealership. After lunch we enjoyed some window shopping at the local boutiques and antique stores. Then, after a short ride on our deluxe Small World tour bus, we arrived at the Giraffe Ranch. The ranch is a family owned native wildlife preserve and working ranch which specializes in exotic animal species, domestic cattle and horses. While on a walking and riding tour aboard our safari vehicle, our husband and wife owner/guides entertained us with interesting information and fascinating facts about the zebras, ostriches, lemurs,

monkeys, giraffes, antelope, camels and more. The highlight of our visit had to have been hand feeding lettuce to the giraffes and touching their soft faces. They were so shy! We also had the wonderful experience of seeing and feeding the two 18 month old male Indian rhinoceros along with giving them a bath with a hose. They rolled with delight in the spray and we reacted with equal delight. What a wonderful experience!

For those of you wanting to go on your own please remember that a d m i s s i o n i s a l l o w e d b y reservation only. You can visit t h e i r W e b s i t e a t www.girafferanch.com for more information. But, since this trip was so popular we are thinking of repeating it again next year. Contact Marcia Sorensen at [email protected] if you are interested in joining us for this wonderful experience.

Spring/Summer 2015 On the Go 3

By Barbara Kane Did you happen to see any women walking around Solivita with a long stemmed red rose on February 12? Those ladies were part of the Solivita Travel Club group that visited the Orlando Art Museum for a pre-Valentine's Day outing. We were met at the museum by docents who gave us a detailed tour of the museum. All of the art work that we saw was created by American artists. There were objects made from wood, glass, concrete and pins as well as realistic and abstract paintings. A family style dinner at the fabulous Bravo Restaurant followed our museum visit. Bravo features delicious Italian food and

it seemed that everyone had a different favorite entree or salad. After eating there was plenty of t i m e f o r t a l k i n g , laughing and s h a r i n g stories with each other. E v e r y o n e raved about the food and service and s a i d t h e y would like to return. W h e n e v e r y o n e returned to the bus, each traveler was

surprised with a Valentine and mini box of heart message candies left on his/her seat. As

each lady left the bus a f te r her r e t u r n t o S o l i v i t a , s h e received a long s t e m m e d r e d r o s e i n commemoration of the upcoming holiday. It was really a special Valentine's Day o u t i n g f o r members of the Solivita Travel Club.

Giraffe Ranch Features a Variety of Exotic Animals

Hungry giraffe gets a handout. Gayle Phillips cools off the rhinos.

Orlando Art Museum Visit Is Special Valentine Treat

Jackie Kemple and Michael Luddy relax at the Orlando Art Museum.

http://www.girafferanch.com/


By Dee Lore

If you've yet to make travel plans for this year or next, you’ll want to look over the Travel Club trips that still have space. Early birds already have filled a number of 2016 trips, with some travelers making reservations into 2017. The Land Tour Committee offers visits to five continents through 2017…twenty trips in all! With the varied interests of our club members, our scheduled trips are simply astounding. Interested only in brief escapes? A pre-Christmas overnight to Mt Dora in December may still have space. Next year, don't miss trendy Palm Beach. Joe and Meg Burkhart are planning a Florida resort and golf package in 2016, and if you haven't been to Crystal River on Florida’s West Coast, you’ll visit manatees on an over-night trip in early 2017. Still wanting to see more of the United States? Mackinac Island and Chicago's art and architecture scene will be a popular trip next year, and gaining interest is a visit to the Big Apple in 2017. Next year’s visit to Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies is presently taking a wait list. Two United States firsts…seeing games at major league baseball stadiums in August 2016 and a land tour of the Hawaiian Islands in 2017. Discovering Hawaii overland is significantly different from a cruise shore excursion. Ready for that first European trip? You can't do

better than the scenic Alpine adventure to Switzerland, Austria a n d G e r m a n y i n September 2016, or c o n s i d e r v i s i t i n g Ireland and Scotland with us in 2017. There are a few t r i p s v e n t u r i n g

between continents, such as Bermuda next May and an Aruba adventure in 2017. Spend some quality time on these islands versus a quick visit from a cruise ship. For those who've been there, done that and ready for exotic adventures, you might still get space on the October South Africa trip. If you can't go on safari this

year, consider Tanzania in January 2017. India, Nepal and Bhutan have been filled for months, but remember that cancellations do occur. Lastly, Israel a n d T h e H o l y Land is scheduled for the first time i n M a y 2 0 1 6 . This trip reflects both Christian and Jewish heritage and perspectives. I t h a s e x t r a o r d i n a r y inclusions and highlights. You won't want to miss this memorable destination. I'm leaving you with two important thoughts: club members book trips up to two years in advance and popular destinations fill early. Cancellations do occur and wait-listed people get on trips. It is worth your while to sign up early for popular destinations, and it's even more important to sign up on wait-lists for filled trips. Safe travels to everyone. I’ll see you in September!


Can’t Decide on a Trip? Here Are Some Suggestions

On the Go On the Go is the official publication of the Solivita Travel Club. This newsletter is published three times annually for club members of friends of the Travel Club. For comments or suggestions regarding On the Go, contact Jerry Robbins, editor, at 852-7040 or [email protected].



embarked upon a “guided floating safari through the lower Sarapiqui River,” which turned out to be white water rafting. We were suited up, given paddles, some instructions and off we went. We didn't lose anyone! Most of us considered this the highlight of the trip. Later with light showers falling upon us, we were already thinking about the next day, which happened to include Costa Rica's largest volcano, Arenal. As we pulled up to our lodge, the volcano was front and center and my magnificent view when I woke up and went to sleep. That evening, we d i p p e d i n t h e h o t s p r i n g s f o r s o m e relaxation. It was great to soak my tired bones in the warm water. This helped me get ready for our morning hike to the mounta in wi th my group, walking at a slower pace, observing the vegetation. The other group, including joker, Steve Gordon, climbed to the lava beds

and (they said) had a lot more fun. Our fearless bus driver, Carlos, drove us to Monteverde (the mountain in the clouds) on a single lane dirt road in a 45 foot bus! Carmela Furia loved every minute of the drive, especially the single lane bridge that took a few tries to enter. Pulling up to our last lodge, we felt this was a great place to end our trip. The view was magnificent. Everyone sat on their porches watching the sun go down in a blaze of glory. Our last hike was the “Sky Walk” suspended in clouds. Afterwards, the discussion was

on who, if anyone, would attempt the zip lining? Six hearty souls (or crazy ones) went off to have more fun. Night fell and we headed to the restaurant for our farewell dinner. The zip lining crew showed up excited to share their end-of-trip adventure. Our trip began in the warmth of a tropical rainforest and ended with the Mountain in the Clouds where temperatures dipped to cold. Dee Lore, our land tour leader, asked if we had a good t i m e a n d C a r m e l a F u r i a remarked that it was a good thing we came in the non-rainy

season. Ha! March is supposed to be the least rainy month, but we had some of it every day. Talks on the bus returning to Solivita were, "Maybe we s h o u l d t r y t h e Amazon River next, o r t h e f r o z e n tundra?" And yes, we all had a great time and would do this again.


Showing off their boots before hiking through the wet tropical rainforest of Tortuguero are (from left) Phil Colllymore, Jeanne Benders, Beverly McCormick, Debra Hazenstab and guide Hector Castillo.

Costa Rica —————————— from page 1

Solivita travelers boating through Tortuguero's Tropical Rainforest.

Preparing to zip through the misty cloud forest in Monteverde are (from left) Lisa Collymore, Mo Habib, Carmelia Furia, Debby Hazenstab, Beverly McCormick and Phil Collymore.

By Andy Miller When you visit Israel for t h e f i r s t t i m e , y o u exper ience an ins tan t feeling of familiarity. So many of the names – Jerusalem, Sea of Galilee, Nazareth - have been k n o w n t o y o u s i n c e childhood. Imagine yourself joining us May 17 - June 1, 2016, as Travel Club takes this special journey to Israel and The Holy Land. You’ll walk in the footsteps of history as you retrace the steps of

Abraham 4,000 years ago, Jesus 2,000 years ago and the Crusades 1,000 years ago. There are many reasons why people are attracted to Israel. There is the rich variety of historical, religious and beautiful sites. There is the fascinating contrast between the ancient and the modern. Absolutely everyone leaves hav ing had a t ru ly memorable experience.

At the heart of our tour will be Jerusalem, where for thousands of years pilgrims have journeyed. Nowhere is the contrast between historical and contemporary more apparent. This mountaintop capital is holy to the world’s three monotheistic religions. The walls of the Old City and the malls of the New City, Roman A r c h e s , B y z a n t i n e m o a t s , Crusader walls and Ottoman ramparts make Jerusalem one big colorful mosaic. It contains shrines holy to Jews, Christians and Moslems. Seeing them all…the Western Wall, the Via Dolorosa, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Temple Mount and the Shrine of the Book that houses the 2,000

y e a r - o l d D e a d S e a Scrolls…is awesome. Israel is approximately the size of New Jersey. We have the opportunity to explore the entire country, beginning in Tel Aviv on the west coast at a first-class hotel on the Mediterranean Sea. We travel north to stay at the magnificent Kibbutz Lavi Hotel outside Tiberias and explore the region of

the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. Jerusalem is our next destination and our stay is in the five-star Inbal Hotel. Traveling east, we explore the ancient fortress of Masada and float on the salty water of the Dead Sea. Then, head to the southern coast and the amazing resort city of Eilat on the Red Sea. From here, there is an optional tour to Petra, a city founded approximately 312 B.C. Our journey ends in Tel Aviv for a final farewell and our return home. Don’t miss this tour of a lifetime. Limited reservations remain available. Contact Mona or Andy Miller, 863-353-5865 or [email protected]. Mobility - 4, Strenuous

By Steve Mattis Cuba, as we have known it for the past 50 years, is about to change dramatically. Here is your chance to see Cuba with the Solivita Travel Club on a U. S. government approved People-to-People cultural trip. This seven-night cruise on the S/C Panorama takes place April 2-9, 2016. Secure your berth and sail from Havana to Cienfuegos along with just 49 other passengers for a cabin rate of $4,999.

This price includes round trip air from Miami to Havana, Cuban visa, partial insurance, all daily excursions (including snorkeling) and all meals. This cruise is priced similar to an on-land People-to-People trip. The difference the cruise provides is the ease of travel without packing and moving each day to another hotel. Visit Havana, Cayo Largo, Trinidad, Cienfuegos and the Guanahacabibes National Park. Meet local artists, musicians, sportsmen, historians, naturalists, and newly emerging entrepreneurs. Tours are guided by both local and ship guides. Do not miss this sailing. Contact me at 427-3442 ([email protected]). Note: If you can’t reach me, contact Jane Baker, cruise committee chair, at 427-3193.

Club Schedules Two Firsts With Visits to Israel and Cuba

Don’t Miss Opportunity to Cruise Cuba Next April

Holy Land TripSet for 2016





By Caral Carlson

In early March, 21 Solivita Travel Club members enjoyed the voyage of a lifetime as we sailed on The American Queen. For many of us, it was our first river cruise on an authentic sternwheeler. We spent a full week gliding up and down the Mississippi River and stopping along its banks to visit towns and plantations. We experienced the grace and timeless beauty of the famous plantation “The Oaks,” after strolling down the incredible alley of hundred year-old-oak trees forming an arch that ran from the river up to the front entrance. We enjoyed a brunch at the h o m e o f C h e f R e g i n a C h a r b o n e a u , a u t h o r o f numerous cook books and a true expert in entertaining “Southern style.” In St. Francisville, Louisiana, Jean Johnson visited the famous Angola prison, formerly America’s most dangerous penitentiary. She learned about the K9 training facility, cattle herds and prisoner housing. She also heard about its troubling history, annual rodeo and numerous sightings in movies including “Dead Man Walking.” Our history buffs enjoyed the excursion into the Vicksburg battlefield “on the front lines of the Civil War.” No matter what you did, your day was filled with interesting things to see as you rode the Hop On/Hop Off bus around the area. Just ask Bernadette Lytwyn and Cookie D’Amato about the historic houses and churches they visited as they meandered through the towns. The history of river cruising on this mighty Mississippi River is interesting. Over many years Indians and fur traders used canoes to travel up and down the river. When canoes proved inadequate for the needs of the settlers, flatboats and rafts were used for one-way travel.

Traveling south from an upstream point, these cheap and poorly made boats had cargo unloaded, then were dismantled and sold for lumber. The Keelboat which was the first queen of the river trade came next. A two-way traveler, it was long and narrow with graceful lines and built to survive many trips. Holding 80 tons of freight it floated down the

r ive r, had i t s ca rgo unloaded and then was cordelled upriver. This process involved a crew of tough and hardy men walking along the riverbank pulling the boat with the lines upriver.

Despite difficulties from treacherous river currents, snags, shifting sandbars, hostile Indians and river pirates, river navigation grew quickly. The invention of the steamboat in the early 19th century brought about a revolution in river commerce. The first steamboat to travel the Mississippi was the New Orleans built in Pittsburgh in 1811. Since then many steamboats appeared and in 1995 the American Queen was built. It was refurbished in 2012, and this is the ship we boarded as we stepped back in time. Each area from the ladies parlor to our stateroom was decorated as it might have looked in Victorian times. There are many more miles of the Mighty Mississippi to explore. Perhaps in the future another steamboat trip will find you sailing along with your friends thinking about the past and exploring these and other towns along the river.


Cruising the Mississippi on a Sternwheeler Is Memorable

The American Queen

21 Solivita Travelers Enjoy Historic Trip

By Leslie Gordon Considering the history of Tallahassee, who would have thought that we would be surprised by it! Not! The weather was against us as we left Solivita and ventured into northern Florida. Every day was packed with places to see, lessons to be learned and lots of old friends and new friends. As the clouds cleared, we stepped back in time to the Wakulla Springs State Park, which has been human occupied for 15,000 years. The Timucuan Indians named it Wakulla which translates to “mysterious waters.” From the mastodon bones found in the bottom of the spring to the guided boat tour, the area was delightful. Remember the movie “Creature from the Black Lagoon?” It was filmed there, so of course we were waiting to see if the creature’s relatives were still waiting for us. Each time we boarded our bus, we wondered what would we experience today? At the Mission San Luis founded in 1633, the exhibit centered around 1703 when Apalachee Indians and newcomers from Spain lived together. Mission San Luis was the 17th century western capital of Spanish Florida. Our guided tour included inhabitants telling

of their day-to-day life in the mission. We could see Indian boys playing ball on the grassy fields. It seems that the history just doesn’t stop. The new and old Capitol buildings were calling our names. The “old” Capitol was a log cabin built in 1821. The log cabin was remodeled and added to over the years. Furnishings are what you would expect to see in the late 1800’s. After a dash through the rain across the walkway, we were in the “new” Capitol building that was built in the 1970’s. What is remarkable is that the price of construction was paid in full before the first cornerstone was placed. No additional money needed to be raised to finish the project, unheard of in the present day. The building has 22 floors with a magnificent view of the panhandle coast line from the top floor on a clear day. We all sat and relaxed in the leather chairs of the house chambers and were treated to a history of how the legislature works. After all that history, we needed a break so walked around the Mac Clay Gardens. In 1923, Alfred and Louise Mac Clay build their home and the surrounding gardens. A walk through the area turns into an adventure with walled gardens, secret gardens, a reflections pool and hundreds of camellias and azaleas in evidence. Bradley’s General Store, built in 1927, stands the same, with third and fourth generations of Bradley’s still running the store. Our travelers stocked up on the original recipe of “country smoked sausage” and other tidbits. On our drive back to Solivita we munched on candy from Lofty Pursuits candy store. Everyone relaxed and thought about how much we had seen over three days and how glad we were to have had this opportunity to explore Tallahassee!


Maureen Smith admires a wide variety of goods in the Bradley Country Store near Tallahassee.

Solivita Group Discovers Tallahassee Rich In History

MaryAnn McLean explores the history of Wakulla Springs.

By Nancy Robbins Using the right Websites and apps can help you save money on travel reservations, find award space, choose the best seats and learn your options when a flight is cancelled. According to Jason Steele, The Points Guy senior points and miles correspondent, savvy travelers should try these online tools. TAI Matrix software allows you to find the lowest fares and cost per mile on multiple carriers. Check out entire trips, individual flights or travel time with layovers. This advanced airfare searching site is free. On AwardWallet, keep track of usernames, passwords, account numbers and reward balances for airlines, hotels, car rental programs and credit cards rewards. A total of 648 loyalty programs are presently included. Just click on a program; your

username and password will be entered. Upgrade to AwardWallet Plus with a donation of your choice and receive expiration notices, historical account balances and the ability to export these into Excel format. Using real-time data from air traffic controllers, FlightAware alerts you of arrival times, aircraft location, altitude and ground speed overlaid on a map that even includes weather radar. Use it for your own flights or when picking up others at the airport. ExpertFlyer allows you to search for award space and/or upgrade on many airlines. If your flight is cancelled, check for available seats on another airline, or use it to find flight status and details such as seat maps and fare information. The basic version is $4.99 per month. The premium version at $9.99 gets you flight alerts, aircraft changes and other plusses. Award Mapper is a valuable tracker of hotel points with the system supporting awards from Best Western, Club Carlson, Choice, Hilton, Hyatt, Intercontinental Marriott and Starwood. No charge for this Website that searches geographical sites powered by Google maps. Have fun checking these Websites and be travel savvy!


Use These Online Travel Tools and Save

By Jane Baker

On February 13, 28 people left on a quick three-night g e t a w a y a b o a r d R o y a l Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas. Check-in was a breeze in P o r t C a n a v e r a l ’s n e w terminal. Our first stop was Nassau, Bahamas, on a day that provided us with beautiful

weather, delicious food and a variety of shopping. Of course, no stop in Nassau is complete without a visit to the Tortuga Rum Cake Store to get a free sample and buy dessert to bring home. While in Nassau, Marsha and Wen Thompson thoroughly enjoyed a private tour of Atlantis. Jack and Eli Miller celebrated their anniversary by renewing their vows with several other couples. T h e c a p t a i n o f t h e Enchantment of the Seas performed the ceremony. They e n j o y e d a r e c e p t i o n o f champagne and hors d’oeuvres a n d r e c e i v e d a commemorative-framed photo

with the captain. That night at d i n n e r , D i c k L a C a p r i a serenaded the happy couple. Leah Camire and Harvey Nadeau celebrated their first Valentine’s Day as a married couple. Ship tenders were unable to dock at Coco Cays so our s e c o n d d a y b e c a m e a n unexpected relaxing day at sea. It was nice to spend time r e a d i n g , p l a y i n g c a r d s , e x p l o r i n g t h e s h i p a n d napping. At the beginning of the cruise, not many cruisers knew each other. It was fun to see new friendships form over our three-day Caribbean cruise.

3-Night Valentine Cruise Romantic and Relaxing

By Jane Baker Cruise ships are like floating cities with everything you could possibly want onboard. Today’s vessels are outfitted with wi-fi, cell service and satellite television to keep you in touch with the real world. Onboard shops sell toiletries you forgot to pack, medical centers can provide medicine or doctor services and laundry facilities let you wash your clothes mid-cruise. Then fold in all the fun things like restaurants, gyms, spas, movie theaters, swimming pools, bars and casinos. This might sound expensive, but cruises offer great value for your vacation dollar. Fares include nearly everything you’ll need for a fantastic trip: food, accommodations and entertainment. Cruise ships come in various sizes and personalities. Each year more than 30,000 cruises sail to 2,000 different destinations. Size matters. Do you want to sail with 100 or 5,000 people? The bigger the ship, the more the itinerary is focused on the ship rather than the destinations. One person’s ideal cruise may be on a mega-ship outfitted with onboard rock-climbing walls and outdoor movie theaters. Another may prefer an intimate ship with upscale ambience or even a charter cruise. Luckily, all types of cruise ships exist, and every cruise gives you a chance to see new places. You simply board and sail from one location to the next. The best part is you only have to unpack once! The Solivita Travel Club offers cruises on ships with 49 to 3,000 passengers.

Charter Ship April 2-9, 2016 – Cuba – The S/C Panorama – Steve Mattis, 427-3442 Intimate Ship May 22–June 1, 2015 – Mediterranean Cruise - Oceania’s Riviera – Sharon Gauert 427-2880 or Ellen Millar 496-0368 August 9–21, 2015 – Blue Danube Discover Cruise – Avalon Waterways Expression – Jane Baker 427-3193 April 14–26, 2016 – Amsterdam to Basel Rhine River Cruise at Tulip Time – Avalon Tranquility II – Susan Schulman 427-0443 December 2–9, 2016 – Heart of Germany Christmas Markets – Viking River Cruises – Judy Riggs 427-3040 Large Ship September 26–October 17, 2015 – Transatlantic – Emerald Princess – Andy or Mona Miller 353-5865 October 31–November 10, 2015 – Eastern Caribbean Voyager – Royal Princess – Jane Baker 427-3193 December 31, 2015–January 4, 2016 – New Year’s Cruise – Celebrity Constellation – Ellen and Charlie Millar 496-0368 February 18–March 4, 2016 – Panama Canal Full-Transit Pacific to Atlantic – Island Princess – Mary or Bill Land 407-414-4164 March 14-19, 2016 – Ladies Only Cruise – Emerald Princess- Susan Schulman 427-0443 or Mary Land 407-414-4164 June 20 –July 2, 2016 – Alaska Cruise/Land Tour – The Star Princess- Ellen and Charlie Millar 496-0368 July 3–17, 2016 – Baltic Cruise – Celebrity Eclipse – Jane Baker 427-3193


Which Cruise Ship Is Right for Your Next Sea Adventure?

By Marcia Sorensen Day trips are a wonderful way to see and experience Florida, especially if you are new to the Sunshine State. Our day trip coordinators work h a r d t o h e l p m a k e y o u r e x p e r i e n c e s p l e a s a n t a n d memorable, so take a few minutes at Travel Club meetings or go online to see what’s available. Our premier event this year is the Disney holiday trip. Details with the date and cost will not be available until June. Those of you already on our interest list should be on the lookout for information

coming your way via e-mail by the middle of the month. We still have space available for the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and Gamble Plantation trip planned for October 16. First stop is the Gamble Plantation, then lunch at Troyers Dutch Heritage Restaurant. A guided tour of the botanical gardens tops off the day. We have scheduled some interesting outings for 2016 that will be advertised soon, but in the meantime, here's a peek at what we have in store. Since our brewery tour this year was so well received, we f o u n d t w o s e p a r a t e c r a f t breweries to visit next January. Ladies, we have a shopping and lunch outing planned in Mt. Dora for February along with a fall trip to the Southern Women's Show in Orlando.

How about a St. Patrick's Day cruise on beautiful Tampa Bay along with a traditional Irish luncheon? Or, for those a bit more a d v e n t u r o u s , w e h a v e a backwaters nature cruise along the St. Johns River basin in April. May will find us traveling to Sarasota to visit the Ringling Museum and Ca d' Zan mansion situated on Sarasota Bay. Then for those who love a luau, there's the Disney's Spirit of Aloha Polynesian Luau in November, 2016. Tickets for this will go fast so be ready to reserve a spot when details are released later this month. We have a few more 2016 events still in the planning stages that should prove to be unique and entertaining. So, keep checking out the Solivita Travel Club Website for new additions as well as details about the trips mentioned above.


Check Out These Exciting Day Trips

By Susan Schulman I cannot think of a better place to visit during the springtime t h a n A m s t e r d a m , T h e Netherlands. You will have this opportunity April 14-26, 2016, when Travel Club enjoys “tulip time” as we cruise on Avalon’s Tranquility II. Amsterdam and the surrounding countryside has so much to offer travelers no matter what your interest. In springtime, tulips transform large parts of The Netherlands into a colorful patchwork. When you visit

Holland in April to see the tulips bloom, no matter where you look, the fields will be different and no doubt gorgeous ly colorful. Our adventure begins when we fly to Zurich and then travel to Basel to board our ship for a Rhine River cruise. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Strasbourg, Koblenz and Cologne, as well as an excursion in Heidelberg.

You’ll see castles dotted along the banks as we sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge. A visit to the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz and the Lorelei Rock are other highlights of this cruise. Three full days and nights in and around Amsterdam will allow everyone to explore the area. The Keukenhof Gardens, known as the Garden of Europe, is the most beautiful spring garden in the world. We will also see windmills and enjoy a canal cruise. There are many historical sites to be seen in Amsterdam: Anne Frank House, The Hermitage, Van Gogh Museum and Rembrandt House Museum just to name a few. Call me for details at 427-0443.

Exploring The Netherlands at Tulip Time

By Nancy Gore If you haven't traveled to Europe, our Alpine adventure September 17 - October 2, 2016, is just what the doctor ordered. Be warned…this trip highlights breathtaking views! Begin in Frankfurt and travel via the medieval walled city of Rothenburg, then to

Munich at Oktoberfest. Experiencing Oktoberfest in Germany is beyond description. Participating in the party atmosphere, eating the savory brats and other wursts, and of course downing the German beer - there's nothing like it! Next we’ll travel to Austria for sightseeing planned in and around Salzburg and Vienna. The setting of Salzburg is the mountainous backdrop for the Sound of Music including the many musicians over the centuries who lived and composed there. Vienna is very Old World and a favorite for the music and history lover. Later, drive over the Semmering Pass to the mountain resorts of Carinthia and enjoy an overnight stay in Villach. An exciting visit is made to the world-famous Lipizzaner Stallion stud farm in Piber. The Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy and traveling through the Brenner Pass to Innsbruck in the Austrian Tyrol are all breathtaking sights. Another memorable excursion will be a boat cruise across Lake Lugano and dinner in the traditional "grotto" restaurant, Roccabella.

Continuing on this magical carpet ride through Europe's best landscapes, proceed to Lake Maggiore, Stresa and over the Simplon Pass back into Switzerland. Here, board a mountain train to Zermatt, at the foot of the world-famous Matterhorn - a high point of your trip. Last, travel via the Rhône Valley, Lake Geneva, Berne, Interlaken and Brünig Pass to Lucerne, for a two-night stay in one of Europe's most beautiful settings. Topping off the trip, visit the famous Rhine Falls and go through the Black Forest. The cost of this 15-day trip is $3,549 plus air with nice discounts available for Globus Journey Club members and early payment. Contact me for more information at 427-4594 or [email protected]. This will be a popular trip so book as soon as possible. Mobility - 4 - Strenuous


Alpine Adventure to Feature Breathtaking Sights

By Nancy Gore Only a few seats are left on the bus for the Travel Club trip to Mt. Dora December 8 - 9. Join us as we see the quaint

town of Mt. Dora in its holiday finery and enjoy an overnight stay at the historic Lakeside Inn. Highlights include a boat ride on Lake Dora and the Dora

Canal, dinner, breakfast and high tea. All this plus lodging a n d r o u n d t r i p b u s transportation are included for only $190 per person double occupancy or $250 for a single. The hotel is within easy walking distance to all the boutique and antique shops. We will have ample free time for individual exploring. You don't want to miss this popular pre-Christmas event! If interested, contact me at 8 6 3 - 4 2 7 - 4 5 9 4 o r [email protected]. Mobility: 2, Average

Reserve Now for December 8-9 Trip to Mt. Dora





By Judy Riggs Enjoy a delightful, festive river cruise where so many of our holiday traditions began. Glide through the countryside in a Viking ship decorated like a “Winter Wonderland.” On this December 2-9, 2016, trip we’ll spend time in Nuremburg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Rothenberg, Wertheim and Heidelberg. Nuremburg is Bavaria’s second largest city and we’ll take a tour of the city’s most prominent landmarks and delight in the iconic Christmas market. You can browse booths with colorful ornaments, handmade gifts, wooden toys and nutcrackers. You may also see Christkind, an angel who brings children’s toys, or hear carolers harmonizing a favorite holiday song. Taste the traditional lebkuchen (gingerbread), savory bratwurst and gluhwein (hot spiced wine). Bamberg has a medieval city center which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walking tour includes a visit to a cathedral reworked in late Romanesque style and the picturesque city hall built on an island in the middle of a river. In addition to Christmas markets, Bamberg also has a popular “Route of Nativity Scenes.” We’ll see two of Bavaria’s most charming destinations. In Wurzburg, we’ll tour the Bishops’ Residence and then travel the “Romantic Road” to Rothenberg to see its joyful Christmas market, v is i t Germany’s Chris tmas Museum and indulge ourselves in a pastry called Schneeball (snowball). Wertheim is at the confluence of the Main and Tauber Rivers and we’ll have time to experience life in a typical small German

town. Time will also be available to explore the Christmas markets and some of their local pastries. When we arrive in Frankfurt, we’ll have a full-day tour excursion to Heidelberg, home to Germany’s oldest university, founded in 1386. We’ll see the red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, and Heidelberg’s Old Town and marketplace. You’ll be able to shop for special gifts, sample scrumptious local treats or treat yourself to lunch at a local café. You’ll have a free evening to explore Frankfurt on your own. The Viking ship features staterooms, French balcony and veranda staterooms, and veranda and explorer suites. Prices range from $1,748 (standard stateroom) to $2,498 (veranda stateroom) to $5,398 (explorer suite). Most meals (six breakfasts, four lunches, and six dinners) are included plus complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with onboard dinner and lunch service. Airfare is extra. A $500/person deposit is needed to reserve your space. Contact me at [email protected] or 427-3040.


Don’t Miss This Festive River Cruise in Heart of Germany

Christmas Time in Rothenberg, Germany



By Judy Riggs The Midwest is beautiful in May. If you’ve never spent much time in Chicago, one of America’s largest cities, or seen the Great Lakes, why not take this opportunity to join us on this special trip May 1 – 10, 2016. There will be many highlights.

We’ll spend two nights at the world-famous Grand Hotel on Mackinac Is land wi th i t s Victorian-style architecture and décor. The hotel has starred in several movies and served as a summer getaway for presidents since its inception in 1887. You’ll be able to relax and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. In Michigan, we’ll visit the Henry Ford Museum, a National H i s t o r i c L a n d m a r k t h a t commemorates the achievements

of many American inventors. Investigate the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Point Shores where you can witness the past that inspires, educates and engages as well as be connected to unique art design and the environment. We’ll travel to Frankenmuth, which is called little Bavaria, and is home to Bronner’s, the world’s largest Christmas store. Our journey to the beautiful Upper Peninsula will give you a chance to travel through the Sault Ste. Marie Locks on a narrated boat tour. The parallel locks enable freighters, barges and other boat traffic to traverse the 21 foot drop between Lake Superior and the lower lakes. Our hotel that night will be the Inn at Bay Harbor where the heritage and style of the great turn-of-the century American inns are rekindled. Before spending two nights in Chicago, we’ll visit the Gerald Ford Museum in Grand Rapids. In Chicago our sightseeing tour will include the famous Loop, State Street, Wacker Drive, the Magnificent Mile and Michigan Avenue, Water Tower

Plaza, Lincoln Park, Wrigley Field and Navy Pier. A boat tour of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River is planned, with a live narration of

the architecture and history of this great city. You’ll have a free evening and an afternoon to see more of the city on your own. The land portion of the trip will be $2,875 based on 25 to 29 passengers. Cost will vary dependent upon the number of people. Air fare, gratuities and insurance are not included in the land portion price. A booking fee of $50/person is required to make a reservation. The book ing fee i s on ly refundable if someone else takes your place on the trip. If interested in this trip, call me at 427-3040 or email to [email protected].


Journey to Feature Many Chicago and Michigan Highlights

By Charlene Blair On March 29 we traveled to Howey-in-the-Hills for a spectacular champagne brunch at the Mission Inn. The r e s t a u r a n t o v e r l o o k s a beautiful lake and golf course and is surrounded by lush ro l l ing h i l l s . Wha t a picturesque setting! Our Solivita group had dedicated servers in a private r o o m w h i c h m a d e t h e e x p e r i e n c e e v e n m o r e

enjoyable. The food was presented at separate stations and included omelets, roast beef, seafood, casseroles, fruit, salads, pastries, desserts and yummy ice cream sundaes. Everything was delicious and included generous glasses of champagne or mimosas. After a fabulous meal we proceeded on our Small World Tour bus to Mount Dora's Sonnetag Icehouse Theatre to

see the Hank Williams: Lost Highway production. This intimate theatre was totally charming with special scenery backing the talented actors, singers and musicians. What a wonderful production it was, even for those who were not country music fans. We left for home having thoroughly enjoyed our day but also ready for our next adventure.

Solivita Travelers Dine in Style, Enjoy Special Musical



Editor’s Note - In a continuing effort to help travelers better understand the physical requirements for Travel Club trips, the club has adopted the following activity guidelines. Designed to best describe the level of activity for each Travel Club journey, the four levels are minimum, average, extensive and strenuous. Whether you are a frequent traveler or one who enjoys only an occasional trip, it is suggested you save these guidelines for future reference.

All Solivita Travel Club trips involve activities, including walking, standing, climbing steps; getting on and off different modes of transportation; traveling from one site to another independently by walking, using a mobility device like a wheelchair, walker or scooter; managing carry-on luggage, and taking it off an airport carousel. Travelers must be able to perform these minimum activities to participate in any trip. Accessibility for travelers with disabilities will be described in greater detail in the trip announcement. Travelers with disabilities should be aware that accessibility may be substantially different and less in other countries. It is the responsibility of travelers to review trips and their activity levels and decide if they are able to meet the guidelines for the trip. Travelers with disabilities are encouraged to inform their Travel Club coordinator of their needed accommodations upon making a reservation.

In order to assist travelers with decisions about Travel Club trips, the following guidelines have been developed to describe the level of activity for trips:

Level 1: Minimum Involves independent boarding and alighting from a motor coach to a port or airport, for example-cruise from a Florida port or some day trips.

Level 2: Average Getting on and off transportation as many times as needed. Leisurely walking pace with opportunities to rest every 20 minutes. Walking on mostly level ground that is paved. Climbing an occasional flight of stairs or incline. Occasional standing for 30 minutes in a venue or standing in line to gain entrance to an event/venue. Entering and exiting buildings which may include stairs or incline.

Level 3: Extensive Walking or hiking for up to one hour including hills, inclines, two or more flights of stairs, uneven surfaces that are not paved, with obstacles like rocks, tree roots, water, ice. Standing for more than 30 minutes in a venue or event. Getting on and off transportation as needed independently and at the necessary pace for the activity. Making lodging changes, relocating as necessary. Traversing time zones via airplanes or trains. Handling luggage. Airline flights up to three hours or more.

Activity Guidelines Help Travelers With Trip Selections

Save

for Future

Reference

Spring/Summer 2015 Continued on Page 16 15

Level 4: Strenuous Standing for extended periods of time for possibly more than one hour at a venue or event. Long airline flights longer than three hours, changing planes, and navigating foreign airports.**

NOTE; AS ACTIVITY LEVELS INCREASE IN DIFFICULTY, ALL ACTIVITIES IN THE PREVIOUS ACTIVITY LEVEL ARE APPLICABLE AS WELL. For example, all activities of Level 2: Average would apply to Level 3: Extensive; all activities of Level 3: Extensive would apply to Level 4: Strenuous. All activities above 5,000 feet altitude or above 90 degrees F (32 degrees C) can result in health issues. **Cruises, in and of themselves are not considered “Strenuous.” However, cruises leaving from ports outside the United States may be “Strenuous” because of longer flights, changing planes, navigating foreign airports or the mobility levels and requirements of shore excursions. Travelers should assess the mobility levels and requirements of shore excursions before final booking. Travelers should consult with their trip coordinator with questions or concerns about activity requirements of any trip.

Travel Club Activity Guidelines ------------- continued from page 15

The Solivita Travel Club welcomes travelers with disabilities to participate in Travel Club sponsored trips. People with disabilities using wheelchairs or motorized scooters (ECVS) can travel with the Travel Club. Transportation will be provided by lift-equipped vehicles with proper securement devices on the vehicle. Travelers using their wheelchairs or ECVS will use the lift to enter & exit the vehicle and will be seated on their wheelchair or ECVS during the trip. Travelers needing lift-equipped transportation should inform the Travel Club immediately upon making a reservation, but no later than ninety days before the scheduled trip.

Club Welcomes Travelers With Wheelchairs and Motorized Scooters


Solivita Travel Club Officers and Committee Members

President* Judith Riggs 427-3040 [email protected]

Vice President* Andy Miller 353-5865 [email protected]

Secretary* Leslie Gordon 496-0323 [email protected]

Treasurer* Nancy Gore 427-4594 [email protected] Assistant Treasurer Elaine Strong 427-4594 [email protected]

Membership Ellen Millar 496-0368 [email protected] Charlie Millar

Immediate Past President* Sharon Gauert 427-2880 [email protected] • Executive Board

Committee Chairs

Day Trips Marcia Sorensen 852-8670 [email protected]

Land Tours Dee Lore 852-7405 [email protected]

Cruises Jane Baker 427-3193 [email protected]

Member Services Rosie Fogarty 427-4749 [email protected]

Refreshments Toni & Tom Kettwig 852-8759 [email protected]

Ethnic Dinners Gloria Muci 427-1167 [email protected]

On the Go Editor Jerry Robbins 852-7040 [email protected]

Publicity Nancy Robbins 852-7040 [email protected]

Spring/Summer 2015 On the Go
















TRIP CONTACTS

Day Trips Selby Botanical Gardens & Gamble Plantation - Helen Burmaster, 547-8752

Tarpon Springs - June DeVito, 353-5301 Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy - Carolyn Schwarz, 496-1499

“A Classic Christmas Concert” in Winter Park - Dee Lore, 852-7405 Craft Breweries, Michael Luddy, 585-729-8028

St. Patrick’s Day Cruise - Barbara Kane, 353-8958

Land Tours Pacific Northwest Rail & Sail - Caral Carlson, 427-7233

South Africa - Judy Riggs, 427-3040 “Discover Florida” Pre-Christmas at Mt. Dora’s Lakeside Inn - Nancy Gore, 427-4594

India by Luxury Train, Nepal Extension - Dee Lore 852-7405 Israel & The Holy Land - Mona & Andy Miller, 353-5865

Burmuda Experience - Meg & Joe Burkhart, 427-9286 Chicago, Mackinac Island & Great Lakes - Judy Riggs, 427-3040

Glacier National Park & Canadian Rockies - Sharon Gauert, 427-2880 Switzerland, Germany & Austria - Nancy Gore, 427-4594

“Discover Florida” Escape to Palm Beach - Judy Riggs, 427-3040 Australia & New Zealand Highlights - Dick Dorsey, 427-3672

Cruises Danube River, Budapest to Prague, on Avalon Expression - Jane Baker, 427-3193

TransAtlantic/Mediterranean Grand Adventure on Emerald Princess - Mona & Andy Miller, 353-5865 Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Royal Princess - Jane Baker, 427-3193 New Year’s Cruise to Bahamas - Ellen & Charlie Millar, 496-0368

Panama Canal on Island Princess - Mary & Bill Land, 407-414-4164 Ladies Only - Mary Land, 407-414-4164, or Susan Schulman, 427-0443

Cuba, Person to Person - Steve Mattis, 427-3442 Amsterdam to Basel River Cruise - Susan Schulman, 427-0443

Alaska Cruise/Tour - Ellen & Charlie Millar, 496-0368 Baltic, Scandinavia & Russia - Jane Baker, 427-3193

European Christmas Markets River Cruise - Judy Riggs, 427-3040

General Information Judith Riggs, President - 427-3040

Andy Miller, Vice President - 353-5865


SOLIVITA TRAVEL CLUB - ACTIVITY CALENDAR

2015

August 9-21 Cruise: Danube River - Budapest to Prague on Avalon Expression

September 14-26 Land Tour: Italy: A Culinary Journey under the Tuscan & Umbrian Sun 18-Oct. 2 Land Tour: “Discover America” Pacific Northwest Rail & Sail 26-Oct. 17 Cruise: Mediterranean/TransAtlantic Grand Adventure - Emerald Princess

October 16 Day Trip: Selby Botanical Gardens & Gamble Plantation - Sarasota 16-29 Land Tour: South Africa: Cape Town, Wildlife with Zulu, Swaziland & Victoria Falls 31-Nov. 10 Cruise: Caribbean Cruise - Royal Princess

November 12 Day Trip: Tarpon Springs

December 8-9 Land Tour: Pre-Christmas at Mt. Dora’s Lakeside Inn 13 Day Trip: A Classic Christmas Concert in Winter Park 31-Jan. 4 Cruise: New Year’s Cruise on Celebrity Constellation TBD Day Trip: Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy

2016

January 14 Day Trip: Craft Breweries Tour in Tampa

February 11 Day Trip: Mt. Dora Shopping & Lakeside Inn Lunch 7-17 Land Tour: India by Luxury Train, Nepal Extension (Feb. 17-23) 18-Mar. 4 Cruise: Transit Panama Canal, California to Florida - Island Princess

March 14-19 Cruise: Ladies Only - Emerald Princess 17 Day Trip: St. Patrick’s Day Cruise in Tampa - Yacht Starship

April 2-9 Cruise: Cuba - Person to Person 14-26 Cruise: Amsterdam to Basel on River Cruise 18 Day Trip: Backwaters Nature Cruise - Deland

May 1-10 Land Tour: Chicago, Mackinac Island & Great Lakes 17-21 Land Tour: Burmuda 17-June 1 Land Tour: Israel & The Holy Land 18 Day Trip: Ringling Museum & Ca d’ Zan Mansion - Sarasota June 20-July 2 Cruise/Tour: Alaska TBD Day Trip: Tampa Bay Rays Baseball Game - St. Petersburg

July 3-17 Cruise: Baltic, Scandinavia & Russia

August 21-31 Land Tour: Glacier National Park & Canadian Rockies TBD Land Tour: Major League Baseball Games & Stadium Tours

September 17-Oct. 2 Land Tour: Switzerland, Germany & Austria TBD Golf Weekend TBD Day Trip: Southern Women’s Show - Orlando

October TBD Land Tour: “Discover Florida” Escape to Palm Beach TBD Cruise: Fall Foliage Repositioning Canada to Florida

November 2-20 Land Tour: Australia’s Highlights with New Zealand Extension 2 Day Trip: Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Polynesian Luau TBD Day Trip: Sand Sculpture Competition

December 2-9 Cruise: European Christmas Markets River Cruise


Fifty-seven Solivita baseball fans cheered their favorite team— some for the Tampa Bay Rays and others for the New York Yankees — during a mid-May game at Tropicana Field. The action-packed game featured exciting plays, heavy hitting and sharp pitching. Rays fans had more to cheer about as their team won, 6-1. The Travel Club bus trip was coordinated by Michael Luddy.

Go Rays

Go Yankees

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE PAIDORLANDO FLPERMIT #706

Solivita Travel Club 1245 Cambria Bend Poinciana, FL 34759

on the go spring-summer 2015

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