Sandra Scott Travels

One of the best ways to see the USA is by train. John and I recently took the California Zephyr from Emeryville, Calif., to Syracuse. If you are considering a cross-country train adventure, there are some things to consider.

We were in Las Vegas for our granddaughter’s high school graduation. It was special because her father, our son, was an administrator at the school, so he personally presented her with her diploma. A cruise was her gift from her parents and our son wanted all of us to go along making it a family cruise. The Carnival Cruise sailed from Long Beach, Calif., to Catalina Island then to Ensenada.

Most people know that the Queen Mary was a luxury ocean liner, but forget the important role she played during World War II. The grand ship was converted to a war ship and painted navy grey. The stateroom furniture and decorations were removed and refitted with triple-tiered bunks. The crystal, paintings, and other valuables were put in storage and the fancy woodwork was covered in leather. The Queen Mary became the largest and fastest troopship involved in the war carrying as many as 16,000 men in a single voyage.

I was surprised my children were not familiar with the song “26 Miles” by the Four Preps. Twenty-six miles across the sea, Santa Catalina is a-waitin’ for me, Santa Catalina, the island of romance. John and I have been to Catalina twice and there is more than romance – there is fun, adventure and relaxation. The easiest and least expensive way to get to Catalina is by ferry from San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach or Dana Point. It takes a bit more than an hour.

There is always something new to do in Las Vegas including special events like the return of Barry Manilow and other performers. No matter how many times you have been to Las Vegas, you can always find something new and different to do – plus enjoy your old favorites. If you don’t like vocalists there is always Cirque du Soleil presentations and freebies such as the spectacular music, water and light fountain held on frequent intervals outside Bellagio. Most of the major casinos offer some sort of free entertainment.

I have never been a dedicated or diligent stamp collector and decided the time had come to see if what I had was worth anything. An internet search of places near me that would evaluate stamp collections brought up Mystic Stamp Company in Camden. I called and was told I could drop off my collection any day they were open. I expected to find a little old man with a green visor and a magnifying glass bent over examining stamps in a dusty, old store front. Boy, was I wrong.

Several places have called themselves the birthplace of Memorial Day, sometimes called Decoration Day. But, in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo as the official birthplace. On May 5, 1866, there was a ceremony to honor local veterans who had fought in the Civil War. It was a community-wide event; businesses closed and residents flew the American flag.

Think Maine! People who visit Maine for the first time leave planning their next visit. The choice of places to stay is many from backwoods camping to cozy inns to all-inclusive resorts. Reserve accommodations early during high season.

Ohio is known as the “Mother of Presidents.” Seven United States presidents were born in Ohio; plus William Henry Harrison made Ohio his home. On a recent trip to Ohio, John and I had the pleasure of meeting James Garfield. Well, not the original President Garfield but Edward Haney, a Garfield portrayer.