Book Review - Clanlands: An Unforgettable Journey Through Scotland’s History, Legends and Whisky by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish

I'll be honest, I never finished watching the Outlander series because my Starz subscription expired and I didn't renew it. So a lot of the references in this book are lost on me. I picked up this book because Scotland is on my bucket list and I hope one day to visit. So if you're not a fan of the Outlander series, you will still find this book worth reading.

The book follows Sam and Graham, who worked together on the series, as they take a major road trip around the Highlands of Scotland stopping at historically significant places (such as Glencoe). Since the two men are good friends there is a lot of bantering back and forth and jokes. The antique motorcycle incident at the end of the book was amusing thanks to Big Tam until Graham runs into trouble.

Graham seems to be an expert on Scottish history and I thoroughly enjoyed his explanations on the various battles (such as the Battle of Culloden). In addition, there are discussions with experts and guides throughout which offer lots of good history or knowledge. For example, there's a small bit about Rob Roy MacGregor toward the end and where he may or may not be buried with several email exchanges to Graham.

I also enjoyed learning bits of Scottish Gaelic that is sprinkled throughout the book. There's even a two page spread of "Sam's Scottish Slang" midway through the book with some interesting phrases.

On page 49 is a nice "Key Dates in Scottish History". Page 238 has a nice "The House of Stuart" family tree of those who ruled England and Scotland from 1603 through 1714.

Interested in the movie making process? There's plenty of educational bits throughout the book.

Sam Heughan has ventured into the whiskey making business with his own brand, Sassenach. There's some interesting discussions of whiskey making as well as different types of whiskey and alcohol.

Overall, this is an entertaining read especially for anyone interested in Scotland or Scottish culture. Try to find it at your local library if you can. My library had a waiting list so it took a few weeks before I could check it out. I guess there are still people out there who loved the Outlander shows or books.

Please note that this book does contain some adult language and themes. Also this book was published in 2020 so be sure to verify locations before setting out as accessability might have changed.

Title: Clanlands: An Unforgettable Journey Through Scotland’s History, Legends and Whisky
Author: Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish
ISBN: 978-1529342024
Pages: 359

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Book Review - 50 Best Adventures on Earth by Richard Bangs

Richard Bangs has a lot of amazing credits to his name - he co-founded Sobek Expeditions in 1969, one of the original travel-adventure companies (it's now called MT Sobek). This award-winning company arranged small groups of adventurers into all sorts of experiences all over the world. If you browse the website (https://www.mtsobek.com/) you can find all sorts of options from luxury to roughing-it type trips.

The introduction lists out the activity levels (1 being the easiest up to 5 being strenuous) so you can decide where on the scale to focus on or to eliminate. Of course, most of the moderate trips can be customized to be harder or easier.

The book is then divided into locations starting with Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Oceania, North America, and the Polar Regions.

Each suggested trip includes information on "Best Times" to go, "Activity Level", "Accommodations" (suggestions), "Features", and "GPD Coordinates". Then the trip is broken out into day-by-day itineraries which can be customized as well depending on how long you plan to visit.

Some level 1 activities include Botswana Flying Safari. Accommodations are "high-end eco-lodges" and you will definitely be paying the price for these luxuries. This is a 9 day itinerary but could easily be shortened.

Level 2 which is a little more strenuous than level 1 but is still good for all ages. Cruising the Galapagos falls into Level 2 with a lot of traveling from Quito to Galapagos and other nearby islands. Great for nature lovers.

Easter Island is another Level 2 activity. The five day itinerary consists of just exploring the island and some local's unique culture.

Cuba is listed as a Level 2 activity, but getting to Cuba is challenging. Keep this in your back pocket until they lift the restrictions to visit as a tourist.

Rafting Guatemala is a Level 4 and the accommodations lists Tents and Eco-Lodges. It's 10 days of what I'd call "roughing-it".

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a Level 5. Ironically, the accommodations sound better than Guatemala - "comfortable camping" and "comfortable hotels". This one is also 10 days.

Hiking Wild Scotland is a Level 3. The best times to attempt it is May through September before the weather turns sour. Hiking Ireland North to South is also Level 3 and runs along the same months. This one is a bit longer at 12 days.

Another Level 3 in America is Rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Despite the summer months, May through September, I've heard the water is ice cold. So arrive prepared. This itinerary is a long one at 14 days.

Overall, this is an interesting book to get some inspiration and trip ideas. You could easily customize the suggested itineraries to your own needs. I'd definitely look for it in your local library or share through inter-library loans.

Title: 50 Best Adventures on Earth
Author: Richard Bangs
ISBN: 978-1493085453
Pages: 272

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Book Review - Accidentally Wes Anderson by Wally Koval

If you don't know, Wes Anderson is a filmmaker with a distinctive style and eye for places. The author, Wally Koval, mentions in his introduction that this book started as a bucket list of places that Wes Anderson has featured or has been shown through photographs in the similar style. But it expanded as other adventurers suggested places from all over the world.

As you flip through this huge book, you will start seeing similar pastel colors and imagery and you will feel inspired as well. Next time you pass a baby blue building or a pastel pink tower, you may add it to this list.

The chapters are divided by location - United States and Canada, Latin America, Central and Western Europe, United Kingdom and Northern Europe, Southern and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, South, Central and Eastern Asia, Oceania, and Antarctica.

There are several lighthouses and towers featured in this book - Old Barney on Long Beach Island in New Jersey; Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse in Ushuaia in Argentina; Lighthouse in Klein Curacao in Curacao; Pierhead Light in Milwaukee; The Island Lighthouse on Fire Island in New York, and more.

A few everyday items in odd places made the book - A bright yellow telephone in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Gustavaus, Alaska; a Viewfinder at Newport Beach in California; a Subway Pay Phone (against a bright red wall) in Toronto, Ontario; a Viewfinder on Reykjavik in Iceland.

Flip through the book and you will see lots of colorful, ornate buildings such as Yenidze in Dresden, Germany; New Palace in Potedam also in Germany; Hotel Moskva in Belgrde, Serbia, and more.

Overall, a fun book full of interesting photographs. This book was published in October 2020 so be sure to check ahead before deciding to visit any of the locations mentioned in the book. Also, try to find this book at your local library.

Title: Accidentally Wes Anderson
Author: Wally Koval
ISBN: 978-0316492737
Pages: 368

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Event - #Travel #Texas - Surfside - Texas Navy Day Commemoration - September 19, 2026

Surfside, Texas - Texas Navy Day Commemoration
September 19, 2026
Surfside City Hall

Texian Navy Day was established in 1835 on the third Saturday of September. There were three Texas navies originally. The first was established in 1835 and patrolled the Gulf of Mexico until 1838. The second was transferred when Texas became part of the United States. The third is an arm of Texas's civil defense.

This commemoration will honor the Navy with a speaker and some light refreshments. If you're already in the area or plan to be in the area, try to stop by to show your support of our great Navy. Otherwise, since it's only an hour long presentation, it may not be worth a long drive.

While you're in Surfside, check out the beach. There are special beach-friendly wheelchairs/mobi chair rentals you can reserve through City Hall (check the second url down below for details).

If you come a day earlier or stay until Monday, there's a nice, small museum to check out: Surfside Historical Museum, 1304 Monument Surfside Beach, Monday-Friday 9am-4pm

You can also find water sport equipment rentals. Or just beachcomb for seashells. If you enjoy birding, download the birding guide: https://www.visitsurfsidebeachtx.org/upload/page/0068/docs/birdingbrochure.pdf
Enjoy history? Check out what remains of Fort Velasco which, in 1832, saw the first battle for Texas' war for independence from Mexico. You can find historical markers.

Address: 1304 Monument Dr, Surfside, Texas
Hours: 2:00pm CST - 3:00pm CST
Fees: FREE

For more information, click here: https://www.surfsidetx.org/
Visitors can check out https://www.visitsurfsidebeachtx.org/
For more information on Texian Navy Day, click here: https://drtinfo.org/Members/Members/Events/Event_display.aspx?EventKey=TEXNAV26

Book Review - DK Eyewitness Travel - Off The Tourist Trail

This massive (and heavy) book is absolutely loaded with suggested places to visit that rival famous and very touristy locations and even popular festivals. Full-color photos will inspire you. Most of the suggestions come with Practical Information boxes with "Getting There and Around", "When to Go", and a useful website for more information. I like the This vs That format of each location and even offers a little side bar about why you should skip the more famous site.

My favorite part of the book are the chapters titled "Less-Explored" such as "Less-Explored New York" and "Less-Explored San Francisco" located toward the end. They offer unique and interesting experiences without dealing with the long lines or high prices. "Less-Explored New York", for example, has suggestions for Off-Broadway Theater and Performances, international foods to try, Hidden Parks, Music Venues, and suggestions on where to stay and where to eat.

Also at the end of every section are these great "44 More" sights to explore with pages full of great suggestions.

The section "Ancient and Historical Sights" highlights plenty of interesting alternatives such as Pyramids of Meroe in Sudan versus the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt followed by 4 more pyramids to check out. Avebury versus Stonehenge followed by 6 more prehistoric sites. Pula Arena in Croatia versus Rome's Colosseum. This is followed by 6 more amphitheaters to visit.

The "Festivals and Parties" section has suggestions all over the world including Salvador Carinval versus Rio Carnival. Both are in Brazil but the Salvador version offers more participation and is actually the biggest street party in the world. This is followed by 4 more Carnival parties to attend. If you enjoy music, check out the Montreal Jazz Festival versus the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland - it's much closer and much more manageable.

"Great Journeys" section includes chapters "Less-Travelled China" and "Less-Travelled India" in addition to famous treks such as Coastal Route 15 in Mexico versus Route 66 in USA or a Pilgrimage to Rome vs Camino de Santiago in Spain.

"Architectural Marvels" section includes lots of famous structures including Haghia Sophia in Istanbul versus Basilica San Marco in Venice. Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles versus Sydney Opera House in Australia (and it's much closer for us). Notre-Dame d'Amiens in France versus Notre-Dame de Paris.

The next section, "Natural Wonders" has several good American options - Devil's Tower in Wyoming and Bryce Canyon in Utah, but then the authors choose Iceland over Yellowstone.

The "Beaches" section has some gorgeous pictures. Turtle Bay in Watamu, Kenya, Sabratha in Libya, Manzanillo Beach in Costa Rica, and more.

"Sports and Activities" section has some adventurous options. Skiing in Kicking Horse versus Whistler in Canada. Hiking Mount Stanley in Uganda versus Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Diving in Australia's Christmas Island versus The Great Barrier Reef.

"Art and Culture" section includes some interesting options such as Wine-Tasting in Mendoza in Argentina versus Napa Valley. Rock Art of Drakensburg in South Africa versus The Cave Paintings of Lascaux in France. Lyonnaise Cuisine versus Parisian Cuisine. New York's Independent Galleries versus MoMa also in New York.

And finally, "Cities" section featues a lot of "Less-Explored" chapters in addition to a nifty Geographical Index.

Overall, this is a great book to get inspired for some new places to visit and new experiences to try. The price of the book is pretty reasonable. I leave my copy on the coffee table so guests can also feel inspired by the beautiful full color photographs.

Title: Off the Tourist Trail: 1,000 Unexpected Travel Alternatives
Author: DK Publishing
ISBN: 978-0756653996
Pages: 336

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Event - #Travel #Texas - Marshall - Rueggenfest - September 12, 2026

Marshall, Texas - Rueggenfest
September 12, 2026
Rueggenbach Brewing Co
Men, put on your liederhosen. Women, done your favorite dirndls (dress). Let's head to Marshall for a German-inspired festival with games, live bands, craft beers, and lots of heritage.
Check the website for useful "how to get here" information and some links to local hotels.
Some other fun activities: Dauschund Races (at 2:30pm CST), Keg Rolling (at 3:00pm CST) and Yodeling (at 6:00pm CST). Plus costume contests and other fun activities. Prost!

Address: 108 W. Houston St, Marshall, Texas
Hours: 11:00am CST - 8:00pm CST
Fees: FREE but vendor costs vary

For more information, click here: https://www.rueggenbach.com/rueggenfest

Event - #Travel - #Texas - Slaton - 2026 Texas Banana Pudding Festival - September 5, 2026

Slaton, Texas - 2026 Texas Banana Pudding Festival
September 5, 2026
Slaton Bakery
There are people in my life who think they know how to make Banana Pudding. Well, they don't. It's terrible.
But, here is an opportunity for us to try four professionally made puddings (one is not banana) and $5 for every ticket is donated to charity. You will get 5oz of each flavor.
The website says we can bring coolers to take any leftovers home (which I doubt there will be any).
This is a bigger event than just eating pudding. There will be music, vendors and other entertainment as well. The whole town will turn up.

Address: 109 S 9th St Slaton, Tx 79364
Hours: 10:00am CST - 2:00pm CST
Fees: Puddin' Pass is $26.50 online ($25 plus $1.50 fee)

For more information, click here: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/slaton-bakery/2026-texas-banana-pudding-festival

Event - #Travel #Texas - #Lewisville - Lewisville Western Days - September 27-28, 2024

Lewisville, Texas - Lewisville Western Days
September 27-28, 2024
Old Town Lewisville
Head to Lewisville for some Old West themed fun and activities. Kids will enjoy the obstacle course, bounce house, arts and crafts, and more (wristbands to enjoy unlimited fun are only $15 each and includes a shirt for those aged two and older). Live music and food vendors. Check the website for help with free parking and free shuttles.
Address: Old Town Lewisville along Church and Main Streets
Hours: Friday, Sept. 27, 4 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Entry Fees: Free until 5pm; after 5pm will cost $15 per person 12 years or older.
For More Information: https://www.cityoflewisville.com/city-hall/city-departments/community-relations-tourism/special-events-festivals/western-days-festival/children-s-activities

Review - Texas - Dallas - Dallas Zoo - Destination: Dinosaurs

This past Sunday I had the opportunity to visit the temporary exhibit, Destination: Dinosaurs, presented by Reliant Energy. The exhibit ends September 30th, so try to squeeze in a visit if you can. It's one of the largest immersive dinosaur exhibits in America. I personally thought it was well laid out and offered plenty of hands-on fun for visitors of all ages.
The exhibit is located in the back of the North Zoo (near the Tiger exhibit and some monkeys) - follow the dino footprints on the ground. After you purchase your tickets (see below for prices) at the ticket booth, you will walk along the paved trail that loops around and returns down a long hill (for those in wheelchairs please be careful) back to the booth. You will find a few photo-ops at the front entrance.
A fun banner allowing you to compare the wingspan of several creatures hangs on a fence to the right. A photo-op sign and dino behind some benches are on the left.
Most of the dinosaurs are animatronic with moving parts and sounds. Some of the dinosaurs were just statues. All of them were nestled into the scenery. A few were placed into scenes (which I'll show in a bit).

Cute baby dinosaurs
Two "scenes" where several dinosaurs or dinosaur species are put together in an interesting display. There's a "splash" zone area with dinosaurs that squirt water and there are many signs to warn you about such a thrill in case you prefer not to get sprayed.
Here are some of the hands-on fun within the dinosaur trail. Go ahead and touch the dinosaur bones or teeth. Compare your hands or feet to dinosaurs' prints or other animals' prints. They do have a dinosaur dig site (ask ahead to be sure it's open during your visit) and a few other interactive areas.
The merchandise store/area was closed during our visit.
Overall, it was a nice walk through a well-created exhibit with lots of greenery and animations. It didn't feel crowded and youngsters seemed to enjoy it as well as older visitors.
Tickets: General Admission $6.00, Members below Patron $4.00, and Patron or Above Members Free
information, visit https://www.dallaszoo.com

Review - Oklahoma - Davis - Arbuckle Wilderness

My family enjoys visting zoos and animal parks (we try our best to avoid gimmicky places like Tiger King wannabe tourist traps). One place we wanted to visit was Arbuckle Wilderness which wasn't a long drive for us at all. We arrived on a Sunday after lunch and it was quite busy.

Arbuckle Wilderness Park is located in Oklahoma's Arbuckle Mountain area very close to Turner Falls right off Interstate 35. It's about 1.5 hours from Dallas and 1 hour from Oklahoma City.

For those readers who have not yet been to a drive-through wildlife park, here's what to expect: When you arrive at the park, you will pay an entrance fee (sometimes by car, mostly per person) and you can buy optional food cups to feed the animals. Some wildlife parks offer their own vehicle to tour the park, but usually you will stay in your own car and drive along a well-marked trail. Animals are spread out along the trail. Depending on when you arrive, the weather, how full, and the mood of the animals, they may or may not come to your car to visit. Late on a hot day, most animals will be hiding in the shade or wading in ponds of water so it's best to get there early.

When you arrive into the park, you will be greeted by a colorful sign and then you will enter a parking area. You can park and go into the visitor center where you will find restrooms, snacks, and a handful of caged animals (which we'll see a little later). At the end of the trail, you will come back to this area offering you another opportunity to park.

Now you will drive up the hill to the payment booth. Here you can purchase animal food. This is the only place you can purchase food. I think 6 cups was $11 which is enough to last you the entire drive.

Entry fees are $16.99 per adult and $14.99 for each senior and each child between ages 4 and 11. There are coupons on their website between October and February.


One important note - this park is in a very hilly part of Oklahoma and the road winds up and down. There are portions that are a bit gravelly and steep. If your vehicle (or your driver) cannot handle that, you might not enjoy this drive. Be sure to fill up on gas ahead of time as there's no facilities here. There are gas stations in the nearby town of Davis (and food).

As you drive along, you will notice some animals are in gated areas especially the horses and larger cows.


Here's a picture of the cup of feed that you purchase. You have to keep a good grip on the cup as a few of the animals will try to take the cup with them.

This bull ripped the cup out of a guest's hand in front of us and he nonchantly ate it all up. Sadly, you will see lots of discarded cups along the trail. I choose to roll the window up for this animal to keep our cups (and his belly) safe.

Here are some photos that show how the drive-through portion works - you drive along at a slow speed then you pull to the side of the road to feed the animals (allowing more impatient drivers to pass).


Here are some of the animals that we fed along our journey. None of them were aggressive and our car never got bumped or hit.


They had a nice white tiger behind some fencing.

These are a few of the animals you can see inside the gift shop. You will also find restrooms, tourist brochures, and merch.

For more information about this park, click on their website, https://arbucklewildernesspark.com/

Address: 6132 Kay Starr Trl., Davis, OK 73030

Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday 9am-5:30pm; you need about two hours to drive through the park.

Overall Family Review:

• 17 year old - Enjoyed feeding the animals
• 13 year old - Enjoyed feeding the animals
• 8 year old - Enjoyed feeding the animals
• 2 year old - Enjoyed watching the animals