Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Viking River Cruises - Holiday Cranberry & Apple Tart, Enjoy!


Just received this yummy recipe from Viking River cruises to share with you.

Now just close your eyes and pretend you are floating down the Rhine on the S.S. Antoinette admiring medieval castles, cathedrals and scenes that have inspired the great poets, painters and composers alike.

INGREDIENTS
1 roll almond paste 
1 9-inch tart shell, unbaked & room-temperature 
1 C fresh cranberries 
5 med apples (preferably Macintosh), peeled & sliced to make approximately 5 C 
1/4 C sugar 
1 tsp cinnamon 
1/2 C uncooked oats 
1/2 C all-purpose flour 
1/2 C brown sugar 
6 T unsalted butter, very cold or frozen 
1/4 C sliced almonds 

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Flatten almond paste onto a sheet of wax paper. With a rolling pin, roll almond paste to form an 8-inch circle. Press almond circle into bottom of unbaked tart shell. In a bowl, combine cranberries, apples, sugar and a 1/2 tsp of cinnamon. Pour on top of almond circle, into tart shell. In a bowl, combine the remaining cinnamon, oats, flour and brown sugar. Cut butter into very small pieces and blend into cinnamon an oats mixture until crumbs form. Spoon crumb mixture evenly over the top of apple mixture. Bake 50-60 minutes. Sprinkle with sliced almonds during the last 5 minutes of cooking time.
SERVING SUGGESTION
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy!
Cook time: 50-60 minutes.
Makes 6 servings.

ssssshhhhhh.... the Alaska Bear is sleeping

Did you know, in Alaska it's illegal to wake up a sleeping bear for the purposes of taking a photo? Sounds like a good law to me, let that beautiful creature sleep as I am walking by.


Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Life changing experiences - Canadian Rockies by Train - Now save up to $800 per couple

Become humbled by the majesty of Canada's most breathtaking and untouched landscapes



Why the Canadian Rockies?

This journey offers a romantic way to travel, your views of beauty and nature are enhanced with the  Dome windows.   These routes deliver legendary scenery beyond your imagination.




Your Michelin award winning Chef's are on board creating your breakfast and lunches and there is a open-platform should you wish to step outside to view the scenery.



Does the speed of your Train matter?
Yes, this train travels on average 30-35 MPH, and lends itself to slowing down for bridges, animals and flowing waters whereas a different train would barrel through all the action which could be lost in the blink of an eye.

Canada has a safe reputation for travels.  With the uncertainty surrounding other International destination, Canada is a good choice for families.

We love Denali, but not the lengthy and uncomfortable bus ride into the Tundra.  Ask us about which routes offer the best wildlife viewing*.  Did you know that open bed trains follow the same track and many times the grains will fall off?  Interestingly enough, the animals have become aware of this food source and now know the sounds of this train and gather near the tracks to feed off the food left behind, providing an opportunity to see wildlife at its best.

When to visit?

Spring - This is the end of hibernation, resulting in heightened animal activity

Summer - This is a good time for those sensitive to cold, as the day time can reach up to 80 degrees

Autumn - As an alternative to the Fall Foliage on the East Coast, Canada offers the most amazing colors during this time of year, accessible for folks traveling from the West Coast.

Recommended Journey:

This trip blends breathtaking adventure with plenty of time to relax and to take in the Canadian Rockies on your own.

Be whisked away in luxury to beautiful Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff.



Enjoy the beauty of the Rockies with a tour of Jasper National Park, Banff gondola ride and an unforgettable helicopter tour.

Hotel accommodations vary, we can customize a tour for all vacation budgets.



Vacation Highlights:

*  2 days rail journey (during daylight hours); in the evening check into hotel

*  2 breakfasts and 2 lunches on the train

*  9 nights hotel accommodations throughout your itinerary

*  Vancouver Lookout experience

*  Jasper Highlights Tour

*  Icefields Parkway Tour, includes embarking on Ice Explorer, Jasper to Lake Louise



*  Yoho Park Tour, Lake Louise to Banff

*  Banff to Calgary Tour, Including Banff Gondola



*  Summit Helicopter Flightseeing

*  Calgary Tower

*  Rail Station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops and Jasper

*  Luggage handling and National Park Pass

Consider adding this amazing journey before or after your Alaska cruise.

Experience all the beauty of the Canadian Rockies during the day on the train and sleep soundly in your deluxe or luxury hotel accommodations at night.

Special need accessible on train and in hotels, contact Diane for your non-obligation quote today.