SCENIC MOTORCYCLE RIDES IN THE UNITED STATES

PLACES TO RIDE & EXPLORE ON MOTORCYCLE

DEATH VALLEY
Well let's start out on the West Coast. We are talking way out west...Death Valley National Park.  I know its hot...but if you enter from Beatty, Nevada and stop for your photos about 30 minutes down the road at Hell's Gate you won't be disappointed.  You can see the entire Valley for this position.    Then if you head south on Highway 190 to Artist Palette, this rock face of the Black Mountains where the colors of the Rainbow naturally occur...gorgeous....now back to 190 and ride to Dante's View.  It's over 5000 ft above sea level and you can see far out into Death Valley.   Now after a full day of riding you will be ready to settle in for a rest.  Check out Oasis at Death Valley.  There is a natural spring on the property which feeds their pool.  You also must be hungry...try Gema's Wagon Wheel Cafe. Everything is homemade.  Again remember....it is hot in the desert during the day...whether summer or winter...take plenty of water and stay hydrated.  This may also be a nice adventure for an RV or Car as well...



THE LOWER CATSKILLS
If you are doing this on motorcycle, you may not want to do this during the winter...snow and ice...brrrr!  However, spring summer and fall, the lower Catskills will take your breath away.  During the spring...the area starts to bloom...in summer it is lush and green and fall...this is when the colors come alive with fall foliage.  There are a few bike groups, take Mountain Mamas, its's a 194 mile trip.  It takes you all the way to the Northern Catskills to see the local ski towns...of which I have visited in the winter....I don't ski, I lodge...but still fun.  During the summer months these locations are beautiful and fun little towns.  There is another group called Peace-Love-Motorcycles.  They do a 184 mile trip.  It's a Historical tour of the Catskills and it marks the site of Woodstock 69...and heads north all the way up to the famed Katterskill Falls. the route cuts through ravines with twists and turns.  This bike tour does set up camp at Landers Narrowsburg Campground which is right on the banks of the Delaware River.  Now bring your appetite because The Heron in Narrowsburg, I've been told, has the best spicy grits.  I will have to believe them.  I don't eat grits...but let me know if you try them.  



SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
I have only chosen 3 locations for your motorcycle adventures...but our friends at Conde Nast can help you with a listing of many more.  So that being said we are going to Virginia, Skyline Drive.   It is 105 mile long and runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park.  Now for our Biker friends that don't want to ride the full length on this 105 trek, there are a few different entrances to Skyline.  Front Royal/Thornton Gap/Swift Run Gap/Rockfish Gap, now be warned the speed limit is mostly 35 mph...you won't want to speed around the Skyline...this is best enjoyed at this speed so you can stop and take it all in.  Again...if you are into fall foliage...you will be delighted.  There are 5 campground that cost like 15.00 bucks, but if you are like me...I don't camp, there is Skyland Resort.  It is located at the highest elevation about 3680 ft.  And after a day of riding...you are going to want a treat.  How about Blackberry Pie with Blackberry Icecream, or even a blackberry shake.  Can you tell blackberries abound here.  Check out Elkwallow for one of these tasty treats.  Just to let you know there are 75 Scenic overlooks along Skyline Drive...

WISING YOU HAPPY MOTORING....ENJOY THE RIDE!

MOST DANGEROUS FOODS
ACKEE….Indigenous to West Africa, but most commonly associated with Jamaica….where it’s the national fruit…this fruit can cause severe vomiting if eaten before its fully ripe….
CASSAVA...Several African and South American Cultures turn this tuber into a filling mash or dense cake…but only after cooking it very thoroughly.  Raw cassava releases and enzyme which converts to a compound in the root into cyanide….
RHUBARB…Now this is something that I have been hearing about for years…I personally don’t like rhubarb pie…but lots of people do.  The rhubarb leaves (both raw and cooked) contain high amounts of oxalic acid which can quickly lead to kidney failure….however you would have to eat large quantities of the leaves to reach this lethal amount.
BLOOD CLAMS…Relatively hard to find…they are harvested in Gulf of Mexico…the Atlantic and some parts of the Pacific.  These guys filter more water to get the nutrients they need.  However, these guys may ingest more viruses and bacteria including hepatitis A…typhoid…and dysentery…and you may want to completely avoid those culled from China’s waters as they’ve been responsible for hepatitis outbreaks…

SCENIC TOURS

From River Cruises to Ocean Cruises to Escorted Tours, you won't want to miss out on one of these luxurious ships.  With Christmas right around the corner imagine yourself floating down the Danube and visiting those fabulous Christmas Markets...Or what about floating down the Douro River of Portugal and visiting those enchanting riverside communities and wonderful places to stop and eat.  But you may want save your appetite a little for your river boat as they will serve up some gastronomical delights.  Or why not head to Egypt and Jordan.  There is so much more and what better way to cruise the world then in one of Scenic's beautiful long boats or ships.  and don't forget about the Scenic Eclipse, this is where luxury meets discovery.   It is designed to deliver the ultimate experience of a lifetime for only 228 guests, only 200 in the Arctic and Antarctica, Scenic Eclipse takes ocean cruising to a whole new level – marrying luxury, discovery and safety, and giving guests the opportunity to explore above and beyond what was previously imaginable.  It even has its own helipad for Helicopter...WOW!  Feel free to contact Zee Michaelson Travel and we can get you on one of these exquisite adventures.

DESTINATION OF THE WEEK
So since Scenic Tours goes to Jordan and you can visit Petra...what do you say we go to
AMMAN JORDAN... 

Since 150 AD, the archeological ruins of the Roman Amphitheater remain a marvelous display of Amman’s history.  So grand, the stadium seated 6,000 spectators within its 33 rows comfortably to watch live performances and other ceremonial rituals.  It appears as a huge bowl deeply rooted in a vast hill of the city and it echoes true beauty with its stone-like interior and massive columns.  Its architectural design is an insightful view of the thrilling events and cultural impact of ancient Jordan.   Still in use today, the Amphitheater is an amazing example of why Amman, Jordan is such a captivating destination spot.

Amman is a densely populated capital and city of Jordan in the Middle East.  The bustling city is inhabited by over two million people and situated on seven hills.  Once renamed Philadelphia, meaning "brotherly love", this is a true testament of the warm, welcoming smiles and greetings of the Jordanian people.   Its history dates back to biblical times and invites you to a world like none other with the numerous attractions that decorate Amman.  To begin your journey head to the Citadel, this hill houses many of the preservations of the archeological ruins.  The Great Temple of Hercules is an unfinished attraction that overlooks the city at 33 feet. Corinthian columns of the Byzantine Basilica are a historic reminder of the Christian heritage that once prevailed in Amman.  The remains of Umayyad Mosque are still an important display of Amman’s history with its resemblance to a true Islamic mosque and a reconstructed dome that sticks out among the ruins of the ancient site.  The numerous tourist attractions provide a scenic look and cultural guide into the flourishing capital.

Souqs, boutiques, and designer stores all make up the shopping environment of Amman.  Everything from fabrics, jewelry, and handcrafts are within reach.  Shop at the designer stores and get the latest fashions and great deals on fashionable accessories.  Trendy shops are also available for tourists to purchase souvenirs and authentic Jordanian merchandise to add to their collections.   

The cultural influence of Amman is also presented in its culinary delicacies.   However, an abundance of multicultural foods can be found throughout the city.  Start your meal with mezze, which is a popular array of Arabic appetizers. Foods like stuffed vine leaves, eggplants, cheese, yogurt, and kebabs are delicious and capture the true tastes and culture of the city. Chefs prepare exotic cuisines that will hit the spot and appease your taste buds.

Amman experiences typically a moderate temperate.   Summers are usually hot and dry with the weather averaging in the 80s-90s during the day, with the nights cooling down to the mid 60s.  Rainfall is common in the spring and fall with temperatures averaging from the 80s-60s.  However, mornings are expected to be a little cooler with the climate ranging from the 40s-­­­50s.  Winter has the most abundant rainfall.  The temperature is expected to average around 50s and lower to the 30s.

Queen Alia International Airport serves flights to and from Amman.  Taxis are abundant and they are the best way to travel to your desired location within the city.  Public buses also offer rides and different routes to major spots in Amman.  In addition, train services are offered along the railroad to Syria, Amman, and Damascus twice a week.  Now don't forget in order to drive in Amman, visitors must obtain an international driving permit.  However, the best way to enjoy Amman’s weather, scenery, and locals is to take a leisurely stroll along the busy streets and lively markets.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

BISCOTTI
Ingredients

1/2 cup vegetable oil

3 eggs

1 cup sugar

1 tablespoon anise extract, or 3 drops anise oil

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder

Directions

1.      Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, beat together the oil, eggs, sugar and anise flavoring until well blended. Combine the flour and baking powder, stir into the egg mixture to form a heavy dough. Divide dough into 2 pieces. Form each piece into a roll as long as your cookie sheet. Place roll onto the prepared cookie sheet, and press down to 1/2-inch thickness.

2.    Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the baking sheet to cool on a wire rack. When the cookies are cool enough to handle, slice each 1 crosswise into 1/2-inch slices. Place the slices cut side up back onto the baking sheet. Bake for an additional 6 to 10 minutes on each side. Cookie slices should be lightly toasted

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