BEACON - Summer Traveler (June 2013)

Senior

Summer Traveler &Festivals

2013

Where are you going? page 4

Jeep tours may be the only way to get there

Photo courtesy of Crystal River Jeep Tours.

page 2

Produced by the BEACON’s Advertising Team

Your Guide to Summer Travel, Recreation & Festivals

Now on the web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

2 summer traveler

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Summer 2013

Jeep tours may be the only way to get there

By Liesl Greathouse

W

ith his company, Crystal River Jeep Tours, based out of Marble, Glenn “Smitty” Smith, 62, takes people up to Crystal Mill and other mining locations.

Smith grew up in the Crystal River Valley area. What he hoped to do in retirement was restore old Jeeps. The opportunity to live out that dream came when the original owner of Crystal River Jeep Tours, established in 1951, decided to sell it. Smith purchased the business in 2006. He now restores old Jeeps and uses some of them as tour vehicles, while living in an area he loves.

“I like to tell people that it is my church,” he said. “Something about this area is almost religious in nature.”

The main tourist attraction in the area is the Crystal Mill.

“If it were not for that being an icon of Colorado, we probably would not be in business,” Smith said.

“People have it on their bucket list to see.”

The company offers 3-hour, 5-hour and 7-hour tours to a variety of places. Smith considers the 5-hour tours to be the most picturesque.

“We go up to higher elevations and see beautiful wildflowers and peaks,” he said.

Smith and his tour guides do their best to make the ride as comfortable as possible.

“If people were to drive the roads themselves, they would be on the edge of their seat,” Smith said. “But we take our time. We don’t go fast.

Our motto is ‘We don’t bounce, we rock.’ We rock back and forth rather than bump up and down.”

With his tour guides ranging in age from 55 to 74, and having had customers in their 80s and 90s, Smith believes his company has great appeal to seniors. He said nostalgia draws seniors to the area.

“People get a tour of an old mining area in an antique Jeep with an antique driver,” Smith said.

A group with Dave’s Mountain Tours overlooking Telluride from Black Bear Pass.

His main goal is to introduce people to the area.

“There are no cell phones, no TV and only one radio station,” he said.

“It is a laid-back and relaxing place.

We tell passengers all about the flora, fauna, history, geology, and the names of the peaks and waterfalls. Probably more then they want to know. Once people come and experience the area, they always come back.”

Tours also go to the Lead King Basin, the top of Sheep Mountain and Treasure Mountain, the Devil’s Punch Bowl and more. For more information, call 963‑1991 or visit www. smithfamilycolorado.com/CRJT/.

Touring higher elevations near Telluride With everything from mining towns to thrilling mountain roads, Dave’s Mountain Tours in Telluride has something for everyone.

Dave Rote, 60, started Dave’s Mountain Tours in 1995. Having worked as

a tour guide since 1980, Rote moved to Telluride and worked as director of the Telluride Museum. He eventually decided to use his tour guide experience to start his own company.

Dave’s Mountain Tours places a large emphasis on the history of the Telluride area, specifically on all the mining that was done. Experienced guides tell stories of the colorful history of the region, explain the geology, and point out native wildlife and wildflowers.

The fact that they use pinzgauers to transport tourists is certainly unique.

Pinzgauers, which literally weigh a ton, are Swiss military transport vehicles made to travel the Swiss Alps.

“I wanted military equipment that could travel our mountain roads,” Rote said.

Unlike horseback riding or bicycling, Dave’s Mountain Tours allows tourists to relax and enjoy the ride.

“You can sit in a vehicle while someone else drives and get taken to

higher elevations and unusual places that you would be unable to reach on your own,” Rote said.

Rote’s favorite tour is Imogene Pass.

He has driven tours up Imogene Pass 1,200 times, proving that it is also one of the company’s most popular tours. It is one of the few places where people can drive up to 13,000 feet above sea level, and it is the second highest pass in North America.

Rote said his favorite part of the business is being surrounded by natural beauty while having fun.

“It is a vacation atmosphere,” he said. “My customers want an enjoyable experience. I enjoy helping people have a fulfilling vacation.”

Dave’s Mountain Tours offers half-day and full-day tours. For more information, call 728‑9749 or visit www.telluridetours.com.

Explore the geography of Gateway At Gateway Canyon Resort’s Jeep Tours, Adventure Services Manager

Summer 2013

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summer traveler 3

M o n day - T h u r s day u n T i l 6 p M Touring the Crystal Mill in an antique jeep with Crystal River Jeep Tours.

Early DinE for c ho o se f rom

11 dinners

Happy Hour

Greg Overton, 50, aims for people to have a fun time exploring the area, while learning about the many people who have lived there. The Jeep tours have been a part of the resort’s recreational activities since 2007.

Offering both 5-hour and 7-hour tours, people get taken out and about in the area around Gateway. There are great overlooks of the canyon, old mining camps and guides who explain what it was like to live in such a remote area.

Their most popular tours are Calamity Camp/Niche Road and John Brown Canyon/Dolores Point Mesa.

Calamity Camp is a ghost town with 12 buildings still standing, giving people a glimpse into life back in the mining days. John Brown Canyon/ Dolores Point Mesa provides outstanding views of the area.

The Jeep tours take people into the surrounding area so they can learn about the geography and history of the area. People learn about what life was like before, from Native Americans to Cold War-era mining.

One of the things that surprises people when they visit the area is the scale of the geography.

“People are impressed with how big things are around here, like how deep the canyons are and how tall the mesas are,” Overton said. “People expect things to be flat, but it is almost an alpine mountain setting.”

There are a variety of vehicles used, from Jeeps to pinzgauers, which can carry 8 to 12 people at a time. As Austrian troop carriers, pinzgauers allow people a 360-degree view while being able to talk with each other.

Many groups through AARP visit for multiple-day trips. Not only do they visit the Gateway Auto Museum, which takes many people 50 and older on a trip down memory lane, but many also enjoy the Jeep tours.

“With Jeep tours, they are not exposed to the weather and they can sit back and enjoy the surroundings while we drive,” Overton said.

Overton loves to share the history of the area with guests.

“People have no idea that there is so much to see in this area,” Overton said. “It feels remote up here, so people are surprised at how many camps and homesteads were here.

People find that the area is not what they expected, but something even better.”

For prices and more information, call 931‑2458 or visit www.gateway canyons.com. ■

4-6

7 days a Week

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3

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$ Original rOcks

our original margaritas have three tequilas and are specially blended with our signature sweet and sour, orange juice and agave nectar.

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Call ahead seating 243-5700 2870 North Avenue

NEW TOURS FOR 2013

JULY ~ Wild Wild West Theatre Tour Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks Four exciting shows PLUS rootin’ tootin’ Western Fun! AUGUST ~ Alaska Cruise & Tour 5 day tour explores Fairbanks, Denali, and Mt. McKinley plus 7-day Inside Passage cruise on Sapphire Princess OCTOBER ~ Bob Hope USO Reunion Tour Nostalgic tour to Norfolk relives the Big Band Days with the Glenn Miller Band, Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, the Andrew Sisters…and ol’ Ski Nose himself!

DECEMBER ~ New Year’s Getaway – just announced!

The excitement of the Rose Parade plus New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner Dance..and more!

Terry Eakle

Escorting Custom Tours from Grand Junction Since 1985.

607 28 1/4 Road • Grand Junction, CO 81506 • 434-6494

4 Travel & gaming

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Summer 2013

Double Eagle Hotel & Casino Mega this and mega that Cripple Creek, Colorado - Wednesday, July 17th - Friday, July 19th

$189 per person single occupancy -- $ 149 per person double occupancy Price includes: Transportation, 2 Nights Lodging, & Breakfast For an extra treat add a ticket fot the musical “Singin’ in the Rain!”

Thursday, July 18th at 7 p.m. - $15 per person will be added to your reservation Wednesday, July 17th Pick Up Times: 7:00 a.m. City Market in Orchard Mesa 7:45 a.m. Delta Public Parking Lot (between 4th & 5th st) 8:15 a.m. Montrose Public Parking Lot (N 2nd & Cascade)

For more information: Call 970-240-0813 or Email: amy@tellurideexpress.com

By Mark Pilarski

Dear Mark: My question concerns the big progressive slots like the Wheel of Fortune and Megabucks. Is each machine programmed to the same payout amount or “looseness,” or would a machine in a small, local casino be more likely to pay off? Also, are all the machines, all over the country, tied in together? Or is it state by state? Victoria W. Megabucks and the Wheel of Fortune are a statewide network of progressive slot carousels that are linked together to produce those humongous jackpots. A small computer chip in each machine monitors every coin played and communicates electronically with a mainframe computer at IGT’s headquarters. The central computer keeps track of every Megabucks or Wheel of Fortune slot machine and maintains a constant tally of the jackpot. Then the computer projects the ever-changing jackpot total to all units, where it is displayed on the digital tote board. When the main jackpot is hit, a signal is sent to the other machines on the system to reset their progressive meters.

As with any slot machines hooked together to create those progressive jackpots, each electronic machine within that network plays independently. You are playing an individual machine that is linked to a statewide network of progressive slot carousels that produces those prodigious payouts. Each machine’s payback percentage, albeit extremely low because of its ginormous progressive, is the same as the payback percentage on all the other machines linked to it.

To grow any progressive, a portion of each bet made funds the win-

ning jackpot. The rate at which the meters progress upwards is based on a preset percentage of all the money cycled through the machine.

It is a percentage of your losses that provides a life-changing jackpot for someone else.

These monster progressive jackpots on machines, like Megabucks and Wheel of Fortune, are paid by the manufacturer of the slot—in your example, IGT. If someone’s stars do align, IGT (the game’s vendor) would send a representative to authenticate the win and pay off the winner.

The odds of hitting a life-altering Megabucks machine are approximately one in 50 million. For those interested in such things, with each reel on a Megabucks machine having 368 virtual stops and only one virtual stop assigned to the jackpot symbol, by multiplying 368 x 368 x 368, your calculator should spit out the chances of hitting the Megabucks at exactly 1 in 49,836,032. Either way, your chances of hitting pay dirt are slightly better than zero. Still, as they say, you can only win if you play. Plus, putting the top prize number aside, a Megabucks slot machine does offer an 80 percent long-term payback of the money wagered by its players.

State gaming regulations require networked progressives like Megabucks that are linked together to have the same payback percentages, but Megabucks machines do not cross state lines. Each state has a separate progressive total, with Joe in Michigan chasing one life-altering jackpot and Josephine in Nevada chasing another. ■ Send your questions to Mark in care of the BEACON or email pilarski@markpilarski. com or visit www.markpilarski.com.

Gambling Wisdom of the Month:

“Get this through your head. Slot machines, dice, cards, or any other gambling device, have no memory! They do not remember past results and they don’t give a crap whether you win or lose.” - VP Pappy

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Summer 2013

The joy is in the journey passengers along a 2,400-mile route ack in the day, between Chicago and railroads helped San Francisco, one of develop America’s the longest and most national parks as they scenic lines operated carried vacationers

by Amtrak. The leg to popular outdoor between the Western destinations. Today, Slope and the eastern travelers who are simplains includes some ply passing through 268 miles of breathmight still get a feel taking views from for the great outdoors Veteran volunteer Betty Henderson (left) the canyons along through the Trails & mentors newbie Judy Crook (right). the Colorado River.

Rails program.

Trails & Rails Grand Junction Crew Trails & Rails places National Park Coordinator Cuba Omohundro trains Service volunteers on Amtrak trains teams of volunteers who conduct the to engage passengers who are curiprogram between Memorial Day and ous about the scenic lands outside Labor Day for the trip from Grand their windows. They share education- Junction to Denver. al information to help foster apprecia“We talk about the roller dam and tion for a region’s cultural heritage Cameo in DeBeque Canyon, and the and bring awareness of the need coal seam fire at New Castle,” Omohundro said. to preserve and protect its natural The National Park Service supplies resources. iPads that serve as visual aids for The California Zephyr carries

By Carla Johnson

B

the interpretive talks given by Trails & Rails volunteers. Depending on the interests of the rail passengers, discussions range from the variety of native wildlife to the construction of the rail lines through the Rockies to the history of Colorado’s gold rush.

Maps and artifacts are also on hand in the observation car.

“We have a pine beetle display to explain why so many trees have a red appearance in the forests along the way,” Omohundro said. “[The observation car] is designed after the old double-decker dome cars with windows that allow passengers to look up at the surrounding mountains.”

The California Zephyr Number 6 travels eastbound from Grand Junction to Denver. The train leaves the station at 339 S. First St. on Thursdays and the California Zephyr Number 5 makes the return trip the next day. The daylong excursion includes stops in Glenwood Springs, Granby, and Frasier/Winter Park. This trip is repeated on Saturdays and Sundays.

Seasoned volunteers accompany the “probies” for their first two trips.

summer traveler 5 Trails & Rails volunteers receive a green uniform shirt with an official Master Ranger Corps patch on the sleeve.

“We are the National Park Service,” Omohundro said. “We are briefed on safety and standard operating procedures. The Amtrak conductors are very supportive of the program.”

Omohundro said the Grand Junction crew includes nearly a dozen volunteers who have worked with Trails & Rails for 10 years.

“I enjoy teaching people about Colorado,” Omohundro said. “I enjoy meeting people and I like to ride the train. I especially enjoy talking with the foreign travelers. We get lots of tour groups from England and Australia who are very interested in our country.”

If the thought of another “staycation” conjures visions of endless afternoons at the pool and evenings at the movies, consider a two or threeday adventure through the Colorado Rockies with the Trails & Rails program. It’ll prove once and for all that half the fun is getting there. ■

POINT A Put away to-do list Novel from book club Chatting with woman across the aisle Mountains carved by glaciers A glass of cabernet, please I think I’ve found a new hobby

POINT BE

Be transported in more ways than one this summer aboard the California Zephyr. Seniors save 15% on Amtrak. Book your trip today at Amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL. ®

®

Fares, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice. 15% coach discount applies to seniors age 62 and over. Offer not valid on all trains at all times and other restrictions may apply. Amtrak, California Zephyr, and Enjoy the journey are registered service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.

PointBe_Woman_10.375x5.2.indd 1

5/4/12 8:31 AM

6 summer Festivals

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Summer 2013

Soak up the sun at summer festivals Compiled by Cloie Sandlin

Country Jam June 20-23 Country Jam Ranch 1065 Highway 6 & 50 Mack, Colorado 1-800-780-0JAM (526) www.countryjam.com The largest country party of the year takes place only 30 minutes outside of Grand Junction. This year’s Country Jam features entertainment

by Montgomery Gentry, Miranda Lambert, Western Underground, Kid Rock, Uncle Kracker, Rascal Flatts and more. There will be regional and local bands performing on the side stages in the bar area. Even if you’re not a fan of country music, there are vendors, food and rides for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets for single and four-day general admission, reserved, VIP and sky box seats are available.

Call or visit the website for ticket prices and performance times.

Strawberry Days

Paonia Cherry Days

June 21-23 Sayre Park 1400 Grand Ave. Glenwood Springs, Colorado 970-945-6589 www.strawberrydaysfestival.com

July 3-5 Paonia, Colorado 970-527-3886 www.paoniacherrydays.com

Strawberry Days has entertained generations for more than 100 years.

The festival features a FamilyFest area with interactive, entertaining and creative experiences for the grandkids. There will be an arts and crafts fair, food court, an oldfashioned carnival at the Glenwood Shopping Mall, a parade down Main Street, the crowning of Miss Strawberry Days, and a full entertainment lineup. Of course, there will still be free strawberries and ice cream on Saturday. Admission to the general festival is free.

Hear it Through the Grapevine June 29-August 15 Grande River Vineyards 787 N. Elberta Ave. Palisade, Colorado 970-464-5867 www.granderivervineyards.com Enjoy a summer evening of live music, great wine and delicious food on the lawn of Grande River Vineyards. From jazz to Latin and bluegrass to classical, Grande River Vineyards’ Hear it Through the Grapevine summer concert series has something for everyone. This year’s lineup features the Frank Bregar Orchestra with Krystyn Hartman on June 29, Western Colorado Jazz Orchestra on July 6, Quemando on July 13, Stray Grass on July 20, John Adams (John Denver tribute) on July 27, Hazel Miller on August 3, Boys of Summer (Eagles Tribute) on August 10, and Remus Tucker Band on August 15. Each concert benefits a local nonprofit organization. Shows start at 7:30 p.m., rain or shine. Bring a picnic and lawn chair, buy a bottle of wine, and relax. Ticket prices vary, but are cheaper when purchased in advance at Grande River Vineyards, Fisher’s Liquor Barn and Roper Music.

A new group of Paonia locals is putting on the 67th annual Paonia Cherry Days. A parade, children’s fair, talent show, cherry pie contest and auction, cherry pie-eating contest, coal shoveling contest, dog show, live music, dances, art exhibits, a car show, wine tasting and a beer garden are among this year’s festivities and will be held at various locations throughout Paonia. Cherry Days is one of the oldest outdoor festivals and will have a mix of events both old and new.

Colorado Lavender Festival July 12-14 Palisade Memorial Park and other locations Palisade, Colorado www.coloradolavender.org The Lavender Association of Western Colorado is proud to host Colorado’s only lavender festival in downtown Palisade. This year’s festival includes an all-day motor coach tour to local farms including grower talks, activities and lunch.

The day concludes with a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception. Tickets are required for all Friday events. The free festival in Palisade Memorial Park takes place from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday. There will be over 30 retail and food vendors whose products have a lavender focus, along with live entertainment. There will also be seminars and workshops and a farm-to-table dinner, which require tickets. On Sunday, participants can take themselves on a free, self-guided farms tour, where local growers will have open houses and products for sale.

Deltarado Days July 18-21 Downtown Delta, Colorado 970-874-8616 www.deltacolorado.org www.facebook.com/DeltaChamber

“Embracing the present and celebrating the past” is the theme of the 78th annual Deltarado Days. The festival is still in the works, but the activities are bigger and better than ever. Street vendors line the streets of downtown Delta during this fourday event, which includes a parade, car show, live music in the park, street dance, barbecues, beer and wine garden, pancake breakfast, 5K, barrel racing, team roping, mutton busting and more. There will also be a street fair featuring artists, crafters and a farmers market. A World War II bomber plane will also be on display.

Visit the Delta Chamber’s Facebook page for new announcements of events and activities.

Telluride Jazz Festival August 2-4 Telluride Town Park Telluride, Colorado 970-728-7009 www.telluridejazz.org Telluride Jazz Festival is enjoying its 37th year of bringing world-class jazz to western Colorado. This event is not to be missed, as the Telluride Jazz Festival has earned national and international favor for featuring the best in blues and jazz music.

Performances are staged outdoors in the daytime, and in intimate clubs and historic concert halls at night. Along with a parade and wine tasting, this year’s performers include Dr. Lonnie Smith, Stanley Clarke Band, Galactic, Meshell Ndegeocello,

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com day adult pass and can be purchased at the gate.

Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials September 4-8 Meeker, Colorado 970-878-0111 970-878-5510 www.meekersheepdog.com

Paonia Cherry Days. Photo by Jim Brett.

Nigel Hall Band, New Orleans Suspects, The Motet, The Stooges Brass Band, Voodoo Orchestra and more. Three-day park passes are $115, which includes entry to all Town Park performances. Singleday passes are available for $45 to $55. Weekend all-access passes are $165, which includes entry to Town Park performances and participating night venues. Patron Passes are $625, which includes special stage-side seating at Town Park performances with food and beverage catering.

Patrons have priority entry to participating night venues and events. Order your tickets online or by calling the number above.

Palisade Peach Festival August 15-18 Riverbend Park Palisade, Colorado 970-464-7458 www.palisadepeachfest.com Savor the flavor at the 45th annual Palisade Peach Festival. This four-day festival has great food, entertainment, contests, activities and opportunities to explore Palisade via tours and recreation. Satisfy your hunger with both local and authentic food with delicious peach products, and enjoy peach-themed activities.

There will be an ice cream social and street dance, agriculture and winery tours, historic walking tours, a pancake breakfast, alpaca expo, peach-eating contest, recipe contest and more. Admission is $5 for a one-

The Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials offers five days of sheepdog herding competitions at their finest, as over 130 top international dog/handler teams vie for a grand prize of $20,000.

There will also be a food and craft festival, educational programs and demonstrations, art show, flyball and dog agility demonstrations, and more.

Although this event is about dogs, no pets are allowed on site. Five-day passes for adults are $30 and oneday passes are $10. For seniors and children, five-day passes are $15 and one-day passes are $5. Purchase your tickets online or at the gate.

Mountain Harvest Festival September 26-29 Paonia, Colorado 970-433-3580 www.mountainharvestfestival.org Paonia’s annual Mountain Harvest Festival is a wonderful community celebration of agriculture, art, music and life on Colorado’s Western Slope. This festival draws people from around the West to share in the celebration and features locally grown and produced agricultural products, including local beer and wine. Come learn about and meet local farmers, artists, musicians, craftsmen and performers from the Western Slope. Enjoy interesting workshops and tours. Support various local nonprofit organizations through your participation in many different activities.

Fruita Fall Festival September 27-29 Downtown Fruita 970-858-3894 www.fruitafallfestival.com The 99th annual Fruita Fall Festival is a three-day festival located on the streets of downtown Fruita. It started

almost a century ago as a celebration of the harvest for the farming community. The festival features carnival rides, live music, food and craft vendors, and more. There will also be street dances, a magic show, bed race, a parade and contests.

Admission is free.

AppleFest October 3-6 Town Park and other locations Cedaredge, Colorado 970-856-6961 www.cedaredgechamber.com

summer Festivals 7 Cedaredge comes alive with music, food, art and more during AppleFest.

AppleFest marks the celebration of the apple harvest, and thousands of locals and visitors flock to Cedaredge to enjoy over 150 booths, a classic car show, antique tractor show and more. The festival starts on Thursday with a chili cook-off, a benefit for the Cedaredge Volunteer Fire Department. The Golden Gala takes place on Friday and Cedaredge Town Park comes alive with activity on Saturday and Sunday. ■

Presents

June 29 through September 21 Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Fruita Civic Center Park www.fruitachamber.org (970) 858-3894

8 summer traveler

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Travel insurance may save your bacon

Should you buy travel insurance or take a chance?

By Teresa Ambord

B

efore you decide if travel insurance is an unnecessary expense, read this. It’s relatively inexpensive and could save you a bundle if life intervenes and the trip you’ve planned and paid for gets cancelled.

Almost all travel insurance plans sold are for vacations, but you can also buy a travel medical plan. This type of plan is for those who are not concerned about having their trips cancelled, but who want to be sure they are covered for medical expenses and emergency evacuations for accidents while traveling. Generally, the vacation plan is more likely to be recommended since it combines the most coverage in a single policy.

Don’t pay it all up front You should know that if you are paying for your trip over time, you don’t have to pay the full cost of your travel insurance when you book your

trip. Instead, insure only your deposit. Then as you make more payments on the trip, increase your coverage.

Many vacation providers will give you a deadline by which the insurance must be purchased or you’ll miss the opportunity. My sister and I booked a cruise almost a year in advance and did not have to decide about vacation insurance until 10 months later. By that time, the price of the insurance had dropped.

Of course, if anything happened in those 10 months, we would not have been covered, so you need to decide whether to take that chance or not.

Also be sure the plan is offered by a licensed seller or is regulated by the state in which the policy is sold.

Whichever type of policy you buy, there are five broad areas where you can be covered.

1. Your trip is cancelled The policy you buy will give a list

COLORADO

of reasons for cancellation for which they will reimburse you, so if you have concerns, be sure they are covered. Common causes of cancellation are: • Sickness, injury, or death of you, a family member or a traveling companion.

• A hurricane or other severe weather causes damages at your destination, or causes your flight to be cancelled.

• You are required to work or are laid off from your job.

• The destination is hit by terrorism.

• Your travel supplier (as in, cruise line) goes bankrupt.

• You are called for jury duty.

You can also get trip interruption insurance, which is similar, but obviously kicks in if one of the covered reasons occurs while you are on your trip. If you must leave your trip and return home unexpectedly, you will likely be covered for the lost portion of your trip and for the additional cost of a sudden flight home.

2. Medical emergencies abroad FRI: All-day Guided Motorcoach Tour

of blooming lavender farms; activities, grower talks, picnic lunch, distillation, U-pick lavender. Wine & hors d’oeuvres at Grande River Vineyards. 8a-5p. (TICKET)

SAT: Colorado Lavender Festival in Palisade Memorial Park Enjoy an

intriguing array of lavender-inspired artisan products, food, cooking demos, music. 9a-4p (FREE). Seminars & wreathmaking. (TICKET) SATURDAY EVENING: Feast in the Field ~ Spike it with Lavender at High Country Orchards.

Elegant dining under the stars. (TICKET)

SUN: Self-guided Agri-tours Farms,

orchards, retailers, wineries. Meet growers, crafts, food, music, U-pick, crafts. Each location unique. Maps at Sat. Festival. (FREE)

July 12 ~ 14 • 2013 Country Orchards

PALISADE • COLORADO

coloradolavenderfestival.com

This is critical, especially for seniors. If you are outside of the U.S., your existing health insurance will probably not cover your expenses and Medicare will never cover you abroad. Medical care in other countries can be iffy at best, depending on where you are. If you are on a cruise and the ship is foreign-flagged (as most are), your health insurance may not cover you. Your health insurance may cover you for basic emergencies, but not for evacuation or repatriation.

Some state-sponsored plans will not cover doctor or hospital visits outside of your home state. National health plans may not cover you outside of the U.S. My aunt and uncle found this out the hard way. They had health insurance, but when my uncle had heart problems while on a cruise, they had no choice but to get off the

Summer 2013 ship and go to a hospital in Jamaica.

Because their health insurance policy would not cover them outside the country, the hospital required them to pay for in cash. Fortunately, my aunt said the entire cost of the hospital stay and treatment was $400. In the U.S., the bill would’ve been near $20,000.

3. Evacuation If you need to be airlifted or otherwise taken back home in a medicallyequipped flight, the right insurance can pay what would otherwise be a devastating cost (easily $50,000).

4. Lost or delayed luggage or flights Baggage coverage reimburses for lost, stolen or damaged bags. Baggage delay coverage reimburses for items you must buy when bags are delayed.

Travel delay coverage reimburses for expenses you may incur when your flight is delayed, such as an additional stay in a hotel and meals.

5. 24/7 phone assistance worldwide This provides a lifeline to help you out in a variety of situations—medical emergencies, canceled flights, stolen luggage, lost passports, etc. They can help you find the nearest medical facility, get transportation home, replace prescriptions, search for lost or stolen luggage, and more.

If you book your trip using a credit card, you may already have some degree of coverage, such as flight accident insurance, rental car insurance and limited baggage insurance.

If you’re not sure, call your credit card provider to find out what you have so you don’t pay for something you don’t need.

So should you buy travel insurance or take a chance? The answer depends in part on how much you had to spend to book the trip. If the full price is a few hundred dollars, it may not be worth it, but it’s your decision.

Also, it may be a good idea to buy a policy from an insurer independent of your vacation provider. The premiums may be lower if you purchase directly from the vacation provider, but if the provider (such as a cruise line, airline, resort, etc.) goes out of business, you could find yourself out of luck and out of a vacation. ■

Summer 2013

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summer traveler 9

Elder travel made easier

By Marion Somers

Q. My parents are older and quite frail now, but they still love to travel. In fact, it’s what they live for besides their grandkids.

But I worry about their safety.

How can I be most relaxed when they go on their adventures?

You want your parents to keep traveling if that’s what they enjoy doing, so I suggest you help them prepare for any worst-case scenarios so you can feel more at ease. My experience has been that once you have all of the bases covered, things usually go very smoothly.

Before your parents go on a trip, take the following precautions: • Visit the doctor with your parents to be sure that they are healthy enough to take the trip. Never go against doctor’s orders.

• Have your parents’ legal papers in order. I’m talking specifically about their wills, healthcare proxies, durable power of attorney, and DNR. They all need to be in order in case something happens on the trip.

• Gather all of your parents’ prescriptions (including eyeglasses) and photocopy them so they can be taken on the trip in case they need to be refilled. Also, if they have any allergies, include that information.

• Be sure they travel with their medications on them at all times.

Do not put them in the suitcase in case of theft or loss.

• Type out a short list of their key contacts, including two next of kin and other family members, lawyer, primary doctor(s), dentist, rabbi/ priest.

• If your parents wear medical bracelets or medical necklaces, be sure all information is up to date, including medicine, allergies, doctors’ numbers, email address and cell phone numbers. The same goes for key family members’ contact numbers.

• If they require any extra attention, such as a wheelchair, raised toilets, increased safety features, or special

meals, call ahead and alert the airline and/or hotel.

• Photocopy other important documents such as a passport, credit cards and driver’s license in the event of theft or loss. This can save time if replacements are needed. ■

Travel

 checklist

 Will  Health care proxies  Durable power of attorney  DNR  Medications  Photocopies of prescriptions  Eyeglasses  Allergy information  Short list of emergency contacts  Medical necklace/bracelet  Photocopies of passport  Photocopies of credit cards  Photocopies of driver’s license

The Original Love of Summer Enstrom Candies is famous for their rich, buttery Almond Toffee; however, Chet Enstrom started his sweet career making ice cream in downtown Grand Junction in 1929. The Jones-Enstrom Ice Cream Company made decadent homemade ice cream for 30 years before Chet founded Enstrom Candies in 1960. Today, Enstrom continues this tradition, serving customers World Famous Almond Toffee, fine confections, gourmet coffees and their premium ice cream.

Grand Junction Downtown • 7th & Colorado Corner Square • 1st & Patterson

Fruita In the Kokopelli Center

www.enstrom.com

10 summer traveler

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Summer 2013

Avoiding hidden flight, hotel fees

By Jason Alderman

T

he last few years have been tough economically for many people. Unemployment fears combined with plunging home, stock and retirement account values caused many to forgo big vacations. But stressful times are when we most need to recharge our batteries.

But with the economy turning around, many families are cautiously dipping their toes in the travel pool once again. Hotel occupancy rates have risen in many areas and airports are as crowded as ever.

Airlines and hotels are notorious for tacking extra charges onto their bills. Here are a few to watch out for: • A few airlines allow one free checked bag (Southwest still allows two), but most charge up to $25 for the first checked bag each way, and even more for additional pieces. Plus, most now tack on hefty fees for overweight and over-sized checked and carry-on luggage, so measure and weigh your luggage carefully.

• Expect to pay extra for things like changing flights, extra legroom, priority boarding, unaccompanied minors, pets, Wi-Fi access and food.

Some airlines even charge extra to speak to a live person or to buy your ticket at the airport counter or by phone.

• Airfarewatchdog.com, Travelnerd.com and Kayak.com offer great fee comparison charts for various airlines, but always double check the airline’s own posted rules before booking your flight.

• Some hotels charge extra if you check in before a certain time.

Ask whether they’ll store your luggage for free until check-in so you can begin sightseeing unencumbered.

• Many hotels charge a hefty penalty if you don’t cancel a reservation 24 to 72 hours beforehand and some also charge an earlydeparture fee—sometimes the equivalent of one night’s lodging. Read the

hotel’s cancellation policy before booking, especially if you’re looking at a discounted, nonrefundable rate.

• Minibars often have electronic sensors that trigger a charge if you simply move the contents. Also, water or snacks sitting on the dresser may appear to be complimentary, but double-check before consuming.

• Hotel parking in major cities can cost up to $50 a day and many have mandatory valet parking, which means adding a tip on top of that.

Research nearby municipal parking lots beforehand or check the city’s tourism bureau for hotels offering parking promotions. Sometimes using public transportation and taxis is cheaper overall than paying for parking.

• Some hotels and resorts automatically add housekeeping or spa gratuities to your bill, so ask first before leaving your own tip, unless of course the service was terrific.

• Most hotels charge exorbitant amounts for local and long-distance calls made from room phones, so use your cell phone.

• Resorts often charge extra for services they offer, such as gym access or daily newspaper delivery, even if you don’t use them. Find out the policy ahead of time and scrutinize your bill for unused services.

• Ask to see your bill the night before you check out, so you can review it carefully for overcharges.

• If you’re traveling abroad, be aware that using your cellphone can be mighty expensive. Research your carrier’s international calling plan and ask whether your phone is compatible with foreign networks.

You may need to rent an international cellphone, or buy or rent an unlocked phone and international SIM card.

If your budget’s in good shape and you’re getting wanderlust, maybe it’s time to venture out into the world again. Just be cautious about how hidden expenses can add up. ■

Summer 2013

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

5 reasons to love living here

By Melanie Wiseman

T

here are hundreds of reasons to love living on the Western Slope.

At the top of the list is its central location to a plethora of canyons, rivers, mountains, lakes and dramatic scenic drives.

Call it the hub and spoke concept, or simply call it fantastic, but we are fortunate to have such a huge variety of day trip options around us. If you hear people say there is nothing to do around here, they haven’t looked out their back door (or their front door for that matter).

“One of the major benefits to living in Grand Junction is its location,” Grand Junction Visitor and Convention Bureau Marketing and PR Manager Mistalynn Meyeraan said. “The town is situated to be the home base for extensive exploration. Grand Junction can be anyone’s gateway to explore the great West.”

Whatever your preference for seeing the sights, it’s time to get off the couch and take advantage of the multitude of majestic opportunities a short distance away. Need ideas?

So many hikes Just 112 miles from Grand Junction, Arches National Park in Moab, Utah has over 2,000 natural stone arches, and hundreds of massive pinnacles and balanced rocks. Early June is a great time to see flowering desert plants and cactus in this red rock wonderland.

One of the most spectacular places in the park is a relatively small area called the Fiery Furnace. This maze of narrow, sandstone canyons is easily navigated by a ranger. Signing up for a guided tour is required for access.

This two-mile loop hike is limited to 25 people twice a day and fills up weeks in advance. Call 435-719-2299.

Scenic overlooks Rising up as a backdrop to Grand Junction is the Colorado National Monument with 19 scenic overlook pull-offs along 23-mile Rimrock Drive. The newly remodeled visitor center is a must-see.

Black Canyon National Park, just

east of Montrose, was cut over two million years by weather and the Gunnison River. Many scenic overlooks allow you to take in this deep and narrow-sculpted, vertical wilderness.

Seeing Colorado by air If seeing this gorgeous country by air is more your speed, Gateway Canyon Air Tours offers custom trips right from their hanger at the Grand Junction Regional Airport. Choose from a helicopter or two size options of smaller airplanes, which fly at a lower altitude than commercial flights, offering you memorable views of red rock canyons, mesas, mountains, lakes and rivers. Call 243-4359.

summer traveler 11 CLASSIC CHRISTMAS MARKETS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! SPECIAL TRAVEL PRESENTATION

November 29 - December 7, 2013 Highlights… Black Forest, Strasbourg,

Tuesday, September 10, 2013 10:00AM - Montrose Timberline Bank 2:00 PM - Grand Junction Nellie Bechtel Gardens

Franconia Region, Wurzburg, Nuremberg, Neuschwanstein Castle, Oberammergau, Munich, Innsbruck, Christmas Markets Experience It!! A Christmas market, also known as Christkindlesmarkt, is a street market associated with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of Advent.

HERITAGE OF AMERICA

October 11 - 20, 2013 Highlights… New York City, Philadelphia, Amish Country, Gettysburg, Monticello, Shenandoah Valley, Colonial Williamsburg, Mount Vernon, Washington D.C., Smithsonian Institution Enjoy Spectacular Fall Foliage on the Tour!!

COUNTRYSIDE OF THE EMERALD ISLE March 8 - 18, 2014 Highlights… Dublin, West Cork, Killarney, Jaunting Car, Ring of Kerry, Farmhouse Stay AND MUCH More!!

Book Now & Save $250 Per Person

Raft or go underground Guided whitewater rafting is offered on the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers out of Glenwood Springs through numerous outfitters. See Glenwood Canyon from a whole new perspective.

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is a great family experience. Be a big hit with your grandchildren by taking them on a tour of Glenwood Caverns and the historic Fairy Caves. Gold panning, a climbing wall, zip ride, Canyon Swing and Cliffhanger Roller Coaster can also be part of your day.

Call 800-530-1635.

Enjoy our scenic byways You can’t beat the many designated scenic byways nearby to get a good flavor for the variety of landscape.

Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway is a 63-mile, leisurely drive meandering through rugged Plateau Canyon and topping out in cooler, lake-filled aspen and pine forests.

Drop down into Cedaredge and experience Pioneer Town.

The Unaweep/Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway is a 133-mile journey through history, red canyons and ranches, by way of Gateway, Naturita and Norwood. Make time to see Gateway Canyons Auto Museum and the Hanging Flume.

A good day consists of exploring this great area we call home and being able to crawl into your own bed at night. Enjoy! ■

Call for information, reservations, and to receive a free newsletter.

Payment plans available...call for details Margaret Krabbe

P.O. Box 2142 • Montrose, CO 81402

240-3020

Specializing in Escorted Local, National & International Senior Group Travel!

Phone (970)

Bill Heddles Recreation Center offers something for everyone.

Our Facility will be open all summer long as we expand our Fitness and Aquatics areas.

Water & Fitness Classes, Silver Sneaker Classes Racquetball Weight & Cardio Rooms Pickleball Leagues 25 yd. (6) lane Pool & Sauna

Email: mkrabbe@montrose.net

For more information on all our programs and amenities please visit our web site at www.cityofdelta.net or call the Rec.Center at 874-0923

COUPON

Buy One Breakfast - Get Second One of equal or with this lesser value at Half Price coupon Breakfast: Mon-Fri 7 am - 11 am Sat 7 am - Noon Sun 7 am - 1 pm

Lunch: Mon-Fri 11 am - 1:45 pm Dinner: Mon-Fri 4 pm - 10 pm Not good with any other discounts. Expires 06/30/2013

We are located in the Clarion Inn 755 Horizon Drive • Grand Junction, CO

(970) 255-0000 www.pantusos.com

12 summer traveler

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Experience Utah in Dinosaurland W elcome to the Uintah Basin, where you can experience all Utah has to offer in one place.

Dinosaurland, Vernal, Utah is the only place in the world where you can view and even touch over 1,500 dinosaur bones, all in their original resting place.

Dinosaur National Monument Quarry and Visitor Center reopened in 2011 and is eagerly awaiting the hundreds of thousands of visitors that will enter the park in the coming months. Dinosaurs are not all Uintah County has to offer. Camping, hiking, biking, boating, swimming, rafting, petroglyphs, museums and more are what makes this area loved by those that live and vacation here.

Enjoy a quiet hike on the Sound of Silence trail, or scream and holler as you experience white water rafting down the Green River. Dinosaurland is also about rivers. After all, a river is what created the wall of bones. Rafting the Green and Yampa rivers is

one of the best ways to see the area.

Don’t let this stop you. Steinaker is It will be an experience you will not home of the “Vernal Beach.” Enjoy a forget. day building sand castles, swimming Exploring the monument on foot or playing on the swim dock. will allow you to view massive arches Red Fleet has been referred to as and rarely seen petroglyphs. Don’t “Little Lake Powell” with its gorgeous forget to stop by Josie’s Cabin in Cub scenery and huge red cliffs. Don’t forCreek. (If you love stories from the get to watch out for dinosaur tracks Wild West, this is one you will want as you play and explore the land to hear or read about.)

Vernal is home to three state parks: the Utah Field House of Natural History Dinosaur Museum, Steinaker, and Red Fleet Reservoir State Park.

You can have your boat launched and ready for a day on the water in less than 20 minutes from downtown.

Don’t have a boat?

Dinosaur National Monument Quarry and Visitor Center in Vernal, Utah.

Summer 2013

around the lake. The Field House of Natural History Museum provides a hands-on experience where visitors can learn more about the history of the area, view rocks in the mineral room, watch a movie about the fossils that are found in the area, and view paleontologists as they work on newly discovered fossils from the observation window in the new curatorial facility.

If you really want to ride world-class trails, you can pick your pleasure: slick rock, alpine forests or desert canyons.

Make your next adventure getaway in Dinosaurland, Vernal, Utah. You’ll want to stay forever. The dinosaurs did. ■