The Senior Scene

Here we are back at the start of another year. The past one had its high points, with Audrey Stacy turning 100, and our low points, with the loss of two of our regulars, Ellen Mabie and Kurt Bargmeyer. We are now, however, looking to the future and what 2016 will have to offer.
I was recently invited to preview Teatro Zinzanni, Cirque, Comedy and Cabaret served with a multi-course feast. This is an adventure in itself, a spectacle not to be missed. The entire cast works constantly either waiting tables or performing and sometimes doing both at once. The food was nicely prepared with several options. I was so pleased that we will take groups in both February and March. Space is limited so make reservations early.
We will once again head north across the border to Langley and the Harness Races in March. This seems to be an annual event to watch the races, enjoy the sumptuous buffet and even do a little playing in the casino.
March also brings a trip to spectacular South Africa. This 14 day Collette tour includes Johannesburg, Soweto, Kruger National Park, a safari game drive, Cape Town and so much more. There are even optional extensions to Dubai and/or Victoria Falls.

April will bring us back to the Tulip Trek and the beauty that we have in our own backyard. We might even make a stop on Fir Island for ice cream.

Summer always brings a series of adventures. You will just have to stay tuned to find out what they are.

In September, we have a group which has already formed to take Viking River Cruises on a 12-day trip from France to the Czech Republic. All excursions, meals and accommodations are included. There is wine with lunch and dinner. Educational lectures and cultural entertainment abound. But then, you can also relax on the upper decks and watch the countryside slip by.(we do have a gentleman looking for a roommate if anyone is interested).

As usual, there will be other adventures added to the list as the year goes along. Join our e-mail list by contacting me at linda.finch@gmail.com or calling 253-927-8207.

Linda Finch writes the Senior Adventures column.

I have to go back a bit in what has been going on and tell you all how excited we were to be on “Good Morning America.” That is truly an experience well worth getting up early for.
The group that went back east in September rolled out of bed in New York City at 5:30 in the morning, walked five blocks to Times Square and stood around the railing waiting for the “outdoor” portion of the show which happened just before 8. There were several false starts as stars came out to build audience participation. Each time we were prompted to yell, scream and wave our arms. Thus, we did so and then waited again. Finally Robin Roberts came out and walked right to our group. What a delightful lady. I knew she was tall and slim, but was amazed at how true that really was. She was very gracious and spoke to several of our people, even allowing for photographs. It was all well worth the wait.

In October, we had an impromptu trip up Mount Rainier to Paradise for lunch and of course stopped at Copper Creek for blackberry pie on the return. They talk about the effects of global warming, and I’m afraid we saw some of those. Alder Lake was practically gone; Narada Falls was not a gushing waterfall; and our beautiful mountain was more rocks than snow.

Later in the month, we had a “mystery trip” back into the mountains for fall color, up over Stevens Pass. It is such a beautiful time of year. Lunch was in Leavenworth at the cafe we had found while visiting earlier in the year. We also got to be involved in some of the Oktoberfest activities.

Winter will be on us, and the majority will be staying inside. Stay in touch, as additions will be made to our calendar and you never know what can happen. Remember, there is South Africa in March, Alaska in May and a European riverboat cruise in September. (Looking for a male roommate on that cruise).

For further information and/or reservations, contact Linda Finch at 253-927-8207 or linda.finch@gmail.com

Here it is football season, and that always means we take a trip somewhere to a football game. The choice this year was back to Rutgers, New Jersey, an area we have never traveled before.
Our trip started with a day at Monmouth Park Race Track to see the horses run. We had reserved space in the picnic area right next to the track. It was their annual barbecue and beer fest, so the party was on. The weather was perfect and the day was fun. It was topped off by dinner along the boardwalk on the Jersey Shores.
Princeton University, with the campus and all the history, took another full day. The library is three floors underground and extends under the courtyard (Brooke Shields has her thesis stored there). Tuition is $47,000, but you get it back it you graduate and go into public service.
Lamberville, N.J. and New Hope, Pa. were quaint towns which are noted on the “Antiques Roadshow” program. We stopped in shops, ate in the restaurants and took an antique train ride.
A highlight of the week was a trip to West Point to learn about life as a cadet. The campus is over 16,000 acres, has 5 chapels, a dining hall that feeds 4,000 people at one time, and an extensive history with Robert E Lee as the only person with no demerits and General Custer as the one who had the most.
A New York Yankees game was supposed to be on our agenda, but it was raining so hard they called the game. We really found out how bad traffic can be in the area as we were in rush hour and rain at the same time. It certainly made Seattle look tame.
It was an exciting trip full of culture and history. A lot of little highlights that always make it interesting. We did end with a football game, but it is a little anti-climactic after all the things we were able to see.

Mention has been made out our big trip in September 2016 on a riverboat. It will be from Paris to Prague for 12 days. Space is very tight. If you are interested, call Linda Finch at 253-927-8207 or e-mail linda.finch@gmail.com

Linda Finch writes the Senior Adventures column.