SLV_2013_MarApr_NEWSLETTERWeb

2013

MAR./APR. VOL. 34, NO.5 9,166 Active Members • 45,515 Members Since 1979

Sports Leisure Travelers Sleep in Teepees Our Route 66 California Dreamin’ tour, February 11-13, was a hoot! We visited the Victorville version of a Route 66 Museum, where Carol and Pat took a “trip” back to the 60’s in a VW bug, Mark said hello to Elmer, creator of the unique Bottle Tree Ranch, and we dined at the Sycamore Inn, a SoCal and old highway classic. And yes, many of the gang even spent a night at the Wigwam Motel sleeping in a teepee.

2013 Holiday & Fall Preview Day

Friday, April 26 • 9:45am or 2:15pm Casa Garden Meeting Room 2760 Sutterville Road, Sacramento, CA 95820 Join us for a 90-minute presentation on our fall and holiday tours, plus a sneak peak of 2014 trips at the Casa Garden Meeting Center. Formerly known as Casa de los Ninos, this restaurant/conference center benefits the Sacramento Children’s Home and is staffed by volunteers, some of whom are members of our travel family. In lieu of admission, please consider bringing a donation of body wash, shampoo, conditioner and/or deodorant for the boys and young men served by the home. HINT: They particularly like the AXE brand! Seating is limited. Call the office to reserve your spot.

Our rental fee and toiletries go to a good cause. You can increase our contributions by enjoying lunch on your own in the restaurant. Seatings are at 11:30am and 1pm. Reservations are essential by calling (916) 452-2809.

If you cannot join us April 26, an abbreviated session will be offered at the Sports Leisure office on Saturday, April 27 at 1pm. Seating at this session is extremely limited. A donation of $10 per person is requested which will be given to the Sacramento Children’s Home.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Just One Man’s Opinion..................................... 2 Clayton Place......................................................... 3 The Customers Always Write........................... 4 Casino Trips and Baseball.................................. 5 The Human Side................................................... 6 Day Trips.............................................................. 7-9 New Vacations & Getaways..................... 10-11 Teasers...................................................................12 The Barber Pole..................................................13 Tour Calendar............................................... 14-19 Coupons and Tour Updates...........Back Cover HHHHHHHHHHHH Editor........................................... Mark Hoffmann Executive Editor .........................Kevin Murphy Staff Writers................... P. Hansen, R. Goodge, S. Angeletti & C. Whitehead, D. Anderson Contributing Photographer.........C. Galloway

9812 Old Winery Place, Suite 1 • Sacramento, CA 95827 • (916) 361-2051 • Toll-Free (800) 951-5556 • www. sportsleisure.com • CA Travel #2011549-40

Just One Man’s Opinion Still Crazy After All These Years…

They are the questions I get asked the most often these days, especially when people find out I’ve owned the same business for nearly 34 years.

“Do you still enjoy what you do? Don’t you ever get tired of traveling?” That’s often the follow up.

The answers are, yes I do. Yes, I truly still enjoy my work after 3+ decades, and yes, I occasionally get tired of travel. But only for a short time. If I’m home for more than a couple of weeks, I start to get that itch; the itch that seems to take me to so many interesting places, in search of the kind of things that make SportS LeiSure VacationS me (and many of you) happy after so many years in the same occupation.

It was on a recent trip to southern California, just a few days in advance of our Route 66 California Dreamin’ trip, when I was reminded how much I enjoy my work.

Pulling up in front of the Bottle Tree Ranch (see front cover), I knew I’d found the real deal. Where some see a pile of old bottles some fool has put on poles, I see wonder and art… Weird, huh?

When I met Jerry at Logan’s Candies in historic downtown Ontario (until that day, I didn’t even know there was a historic SUCCESS STORIES—A SpECIAl AdvERTISIng SECTIOn

9812 old Winery place, Sacramento, ca 95827 (916) 361-2051 www.sportsleisure.com • travelguysradio.com

After working in the Mission Oaks Recreation and Park District, Mark Hoffmann founded Sports Leisure Vacations out of his Fulton Avenue apartment in 1979. Though Mark admits to ‘just sort of happening into it”, he found his niche in the retail tour business, enabling folks to achieve their travel dreams. Given the fact that Mark and his staff strive to exceed customer wants, they’ve been most successful in serving a niche of mature travelers, often those who need a little extra consideration. Sports Leisure Vacations assembles and operates custom tours and vacations of one to fifteen days in length, and can accommodate a wide variety of travel interests. Check out the website to see an amazing array of travel options. The company culture has centered around refusing to put profits ahead of service, and a mantra: “We love our travelers and they love us back.” It’s working- not only is the company thriving in its 32nd year, but community support and acknowledgement have resulted, including a prestigious award for contributions to the Arts from the Sacramento Arts and Business Council. For twenty years Sports Leisure has been an underwriter of KVIE Public Television.

VP Clayton Whitehead has served on the KVIE Board and Mark was president of the National Tour Association in 2000. Mark and Tom Romano host the Travel Guys on KFBK, Sundays 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

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Attention Nevada Travel Club Members: We’re bringing our 2013 Holiday & Fall Preview Day to you!

Residents of Sierra Canyon by Del Webb in Reno are invited to a special presentation on Wednesday, April 24 from 4:30pm to 5:30pm in the Aspen Lodge.

You’ll learn all about our Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s-themed tours, plus get a sneak peak of our spring 2014 vacation lineup. Please RSVP with Ronda in the lodge office or by sending an e-mail to clayton.whitehead@sportsleisure.com. We look forward to seeing you on April 24th!

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downtown Ontario), I knew my travelers would be happy there. I only had to walk into the door at the Victorville Route 66 Musuem to know the people who ran the place had captured the spirit of The Main Street of America in their building.

I knew our more adventurous travelers would love sleeping in a tee-pee at the Wigwam Motel. Yes, after all these years, the excitement of discovering a new attraction or something truly unique still gives me a thrill. Finding a great guide for an off-thebeaten-track attraction, or discovering the underground city in Ellinwood, Kansas is available for our Santa Fe Trail tour group to enjoy almost gives me goose bumps. I told you it was weird. You know what’s even weirder? I’ve noticed a lot of you folks have the same illness. Roadie disease I think it’s called. There are different levels of the malady, but there is no known cure. Thank goodness for that.

It’s the reason we have so much fun when we are traveling together. We share that sense of discovery, of finding something truly different and unique. Some people find those things in museums, some find them in gift shops, some find them in pieces of old highway pavement – behind a building on the side of the road. It doesn’t even matter that you find them as much as it matters that you are in search… in search of that five-napkin hamburger or the soda pop store that sells every flavor you can imagine (like Pops, near Oklahoma City on Route 66). What matters is that you still approach life in search of something wonderful and unique. My job is not to decide what it is, as much is it is to help you find it/them.

So yes, I still enjoy what I do. I am a lucky and blessed man, to be given the opportunity to spend my life making the dreams of others come true. To get paid to go in search of the kind of things which will make your life a little happier, make you feel like you found something special, or to just stand in a special place and simply gaze at the scenery.

I have learned that special places are where you find them. You can’t predict

Sports Leisure Vacations / March–April 2013

when they will appear on your horizon.

But one thing for sure. If you aren’t out there looking, they won’t come to you. The internet is wonderful and pictures bring back memories, but I’m all for visiting as many places as our wallet and our legs will allow as soon as we can. Together.

Building New Dreams Speaking of great places to visit, I want you to know our team here at Sports Leisure is literally traveling the globe looking for exciting new adventures. Staff has been/ will be dispatched to Croatia, Scotland, Mexico, Israel and Jordan; all in search of exciting new adventures.

Meanwhile, Patti Thayer is ready to take you to Spain in the spring of 2014. Won’t you come out to the Casa Garden Meeting Center on April 26th, get a look at our new tours and help the kids a little? Check page 12 inside and weigh in on the new adventures that are on your dream list.

HHHHHHHH

Will The Ding-a-Lings in DC Impact Our Travels?

Maybe. Possibly. Unfortunately. The news is full of words of impending doom. Slashing federal spending a little couldn’t be that bad, could it? Yes, it could. Especially if the people making the cutting decisions are intent on making sure impact occurs where it is the most visible, like airport security lines and the like. It takes two completely out of touch groups to make this village. It’s a bi-partisan effort.

As a citizen of this country, I am so tired of the majority of the people who represent me being unwilling or unable to address the problem our great country faces, it makes me sick to my stomach. A pox on all of their houses until they return to the planet the rest of us live on. In the meantime, we will work hard to try and insure their colletive idiocy doesn’t get in the way of our travel dreams.

And so it goes…

Mark Hoffmann, CTP, Owner/Founder

Clayton Place our homeland. A recent acquisition by Norman Rockwell, pictured here, needs no introduction. And this is just one of the countless masterworks you’ll witness at Crystal Bridges.

My two most recent blogs report on other Arkansas experiences I enjoyed on the trip—my night at a real bordello and a visit to an Antebellum plantation that would make Miss Scarlett pea green with envy. You can check them out and subscribe to future blog postings at www.sportsleisure.com.

Or better yet, experience all this and more for yourself on my fall tour to Arkansas (see page 19). Or call the office and ask that we mail you an itinerary.

“Your Tour Guy,”

OTOGRA PH P UEBERR Y BL

Clayton Whitehead, CTP, Vice President

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1992, but his massive fortune survived him, landing in the laps of his three sons and only daughter.

From all I’ve heard, Alice Walton is someone I’d like. She’s independent, intelligent, has an eye for fine art and a heart for philanthropy. And she’s insanely rich. A few years ago she had an idea that began to take shape at a highbrow fine art auction in New York City. One of the rarest, most valuable pieces at the auction was purchased not by the Getty or the Metropolitan, but by the Walmart heiress.

The jokes began immediately. “Where’s she going to hang it? In an Arkansas outhouse?”

Arkansans have enjoyed indoor plumbing for a century or more, thank you very much, but this work of art was bound for something so very much better. Soon her plans for the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art were announced—a worldclass museum hidden away in the hills of northwest Arkansas. The museum opened to great fanfare on November 11, 2011. Art critics may have enjoyed their jokes at Alice’s expense prior to this date, but since the opening Crystal Bridges has quickly taken its place among the greatest art museums in the US if not the world.

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In Praise of WalmArt I’ve come to know there are three kinds of Americans: Those who shop at Walmart.

Those who don’t. And those who do, but would never admit it. They’ll go at odd hours or drive to a location across town hoping and praying they don’t run into anyone they know. If they do, a premeditated excuse is at the ready.

“Oh, I never shop here. But a sick friend needed me to pick up a prescription for her, and this is where they sent it. She normally trades with Walgreen’s, but her doctor’s receptionist, bless her heart, is deaf as a doornail and mistook Walgreen’s for Walmart, owing to the fact they both begin with ‘wal.’ Besides that, I needed a gallon of milk, a pair of shoe laces and a windshield wiper.”

I must confess I fall into the latter group.

This is an actual excuse I’ve used more than once in the past. I know it’s a sin to lie. But I truly wasn’t lying—just embellishing the truth a little. I really did need a windshield wiper.

There are a couple other kinds of Americans: The wildly rich and the rest of us.

Many of the former have a tradition of giving back to the people who made their success possible. Names like Carnegie, Rockefeller and Vanderbilt ring familiar thanks to their financial legacies, still integral parts of the American tapestry a century after their passing.

Enter Sam Walton. I don’t think he ever expected to become a billionaire, much less find himself at the throne of the largest retail institution in the world. If thoughts of a legacy ever crossed his mind, I think they were pushed away by the more immediate and pressing issues of his everyday life in Bentonville, Arkansas… like taking his favorite hunting dog Ol’ Roy out for a romp in the pasture. Mr. Walton passed away in

Rosie has found a new home in Arkansas

I had the distinct honor of touring the Moshe Safdie-designed museum on a recent trip to Arkansas. At the art, architecture and landscaping, all I could say was “WOW!” The museum boasts a collection spanning nearly five centuries, all by American artists or international artists working in

This month’s winner is SLV staffer Merrill Mixer.

Want to join Blueberry on a camel ride? See pg. 12.

Sports Leisure Vacations / March–April 2013

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The Customers Always Write Mark – When we get off at (the) Challenge (Way bus stop) it is dark because there are no lights to see as we walk to our cars. Not only that but the entrance to the lot has cones to block us from entering and we have to juggle around. Is there any way our pickup and drop off could be moved where there is light, maybe Tri Counties Bank, Coco’s, PetCo, Kohl’s? Your consideration would be appreciated.

N. Marre Editor’s Note: This pick-up location has a lot of construction going on. We have moved the parking location temporarily.

Please see page 13, The Barber Pole, or Once Over Lightly, for more on the parking issue at Challenge Way and other locations.

The days of free parking are rapidly drawing to an end I’m afraid.

Dear Mark: Many thanks to you and your staff for providing us with such great entertainment opportunities. Yesterday’s “Black Watch & Scots Guards” performance at the Gallo Center was spectacular. The “Amazing Grace” finale will be “talked about” for a long time.

Lunch at the Canal Street Grille was very good, and as always, Joey and Roger were at their best. Looking foward to your Santa Fe Trail trip.

Dick and Marie McClellan Hi Mark, I am fairly new to Sports Leisure Vacations, but before I had traveled with you I heard nothing but rave reviews from friends and family members. My experiences would validate most everything I had heard.

Yesterday’s tour to Brunch at the Hayes Mansion and Stars on Ice was no exception regarding promptness, articulate and caring SLV guide, treats on bus, etc…

However, when we were seated at the HP Pavilion to watch Stars on Ice, I was very disappointed to find many of our group, myself included, in the very last row of the lower level of the Pavilion.

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At this point in my life as a true senior, I prefer orchestra seats at theater performances, and much better seating than we had yesterday at that event. My observation regarding the travelers on each of the trips that I have taken is that they are not seeking economy travel or accommodations. Would it not be possible for future events to upgrade or at least have the option to upgrade the location of tickets?

This communication is certainly not to complain but to enhance the Sports Leisure experience and it is my hope that you consider it in that light.

Lois Mark Mark…

As a long time member of Sports Leisure I was very disappointed with the seating at Sunday’s Stars on Ice performance. The rest of the trip was excellent but the nosebleed seats were just not up to the quality I expect from you. I would rather pay more for better seats than to be unable to see which star was skating at the time.

Sincerely, Nicki Shearer Editor’s Note: Dear Lois, Nicki and others who were on the bus or are reading along: This is an interesting dilemma. The seats you had for the Stars on Ice event were the exact same locations we had for the US Figure Skating Championships last winter, and they received a 9.8 out of 10 rating from those on the trip.

We frequently request seats at the top of the lower level. Three reasons: At events with a sheet of ice, it is very cold down close to the ice itself. This is something people don’t think about, but it has been an issue for us in the past, and so we warn our travelers and try to protect against cold clients. Of course, that is not an issue in a theater or an a concert (generally).

There is a second reason we ask for seats at the top of the lower section (or the bottom of upper level). Many of the people who travel with us have a difficult time with stairs. If we had been 10-12 rows down,

Sports Leisure Vacations / March–April 2013

many folks would have had to get there and back, usually more than once in the course of the day. If we are at the top or bottom of the section, that isn’t as big of an issue.

Third, the closer you get to the ice on the arena floor for an event like yesterday, the harder it is to get any depth perception.

Baseball games are the same way, too close to the field is not always as good of a seat as it seems.

You may not agree with the reasoning here, but I wanted you to know those were not “discounted” seats. They cost the same as the seats halfway down the section. They were chosen by Sports Leisure. I’m sorry you were disappointed, but you would probably find the same type of seating at similar events we attend involving sports arenas. We try to use our many years of experience when selecting seating locations and generally try to be at the top of the lower bowl.

Regarding your request for upgraded seating, that is sometimes possible at an additional cost. You can inquire when you register and we can check on your behalf.

Thank you both for writing and giving me the opportunity to explain this situation to all of our members and travelers. Further comments are welcome and encouraged.

Continued on page 5

If you have a comment, suggestion or tour idea, we invite you to drop us a line. Due to space limitations, not all letters can be printed (others may be edited). Mail to: Sports Leisure Vacations Attn: Mark/Clayton 9812 Old Winery Place, Suite 1 Sacramento, CA 95827 Or e-mail Mark or Clayton at: markslt@aol.com clayton.whitehead@sportsleisure.com

Casino Trips and Ballpark Express An Evening with Joan Rivers Grand Sierra Resort, Reno June 22-23 Joan Rivers is a force of nature – one of the hardest working celebrities in the world. She has enjoyed an illustrious career spanning more than four decades in the entertainment industry and beyond, and as her recent accomplishments reveal, she’s as robust and hardworking as ever.

Joan is an internationally renowned comedienne, Emmy Awardwinning television talk-show host, Tony Award-nominated actress, bestselling author, playwright, screenwriter, film director, columnist, lecturer, syndicated radio host, and red-carpet fashion laureate. Above all things, however, Joan is a proud mother and grandmother. The overnight package to Reno includes roundtrip motorcoach transportation, accommodations at the Grand Sierra Resort, tickets to the show, a casino bonus of $5 and the services of a Sports Leisure Tour Director. 225/250 Gold Passport Points. $209 p.p./dbl.occ., $239 single

The Customers Always Write – Con’t from pg. 4 Dear Ramona, We all had such a great time on New Year’s Eve. I do hope that there will be another one like this one next New Year’s Eve. I certainly will take that trip again. I have a whole year to practice the SALSA. Ha ha!

Limo service will be great.

Fondly, Karin Holtz Ed. Note: Indeed, the Harris Ranch New Year’s Eve experience received top of the list reviews. We will be offering it again in 2013, and it will be announced at our Spring Preview Day. See the front cover for details on how to register, or watch your May newsletter for the tour announcement.

Dear Clayton, I wanted to thank you for joining us and presenting at Baywood Court this last Tuesday. We appreciate that you were able to make time in your travel schedule and drive down from Sacramento to deliver a fantastic presentation for our attendees. Our audience really enjoyed your informative and enthusiastic program.

Sincerely, Gary Pike, APR, President, Pike & Company Editor’s Note: A great opportunity to remind all our members that Clayton and I are available to come and speak to your group of 20 or more. We can bring door prizes and talk on a variety of noncommercial subjects. Write to us online or call the office.

The 2013 Ballpark Express For nearly 34 years, the BEST way to get to the major league ballparks in Oakland and San Francisco has been with Sports Leisure Vacations. Our original Ballpark Express allows you to travel to games in comfort without the traffic, tolls, gas, food stops, etc. Refreshments are served on board the motorcoach on your way to and from each game. You’ll enjoy Field Level seating for all A’s games and your choice of Field Level or View Level (3rd Deck) seating for all Giants games. Please request your seating area when making your reservations. Game times are subject to change.

World Champion San Francisco Giants Sun., May 5

Giants vs. Dodgers

5:00pm* $153/$150

Wed., May 22

Giants vs. Nationals “Sports Leisure World Championship Celebration”

12:45pm $108/$98

Wed., June 19

Giants vs. Padres

12:45pm $108/$98

Wed., July 10

Giants vs. Mets

12:45pm $118/$106

Sun., July 21

Giants vs. D-Backs**

1:05pm

$133/$121

Sun., July 28

Giants vs. Cubs**

1:05pm

$121/$109

Sun., Aug. 11

Giants vs. Orioles

1:05pm

$118/$106

Wed., Aug. 21

Giants vs. Red Sox

12:45pm $138/$127

Sun. Sept. 29 (Fan Appreciation Day)

Giants vs. Padres

1:05pm

$118/$106

*Time of game was changed to 5:00pm. **Game sold-out, waitlist available.

Oakland Athletics Mon., May 27 (Memorial Day)

Athletics vs. Giants

1:05pm

$117

Thurs., June 13

Athletics vs. Yankees

12:35pm $105

Sun., July 14

Athletics vs. Red Sox

1:05pm

$105

Sun., Aug. 4

Athletics vs. Rangers

1:05pm

$99

Sun., Sept. 22 (Fan Appreciation Day)

Athletics vs. Twins

1:05pm

$99

“Any minute, any day, some players may break a long standing record. That’s one of the fascinations about the game, the unexpected surprises.” ~ Connie Mack

The Champagne Express to Tahoe Harvey’s Casino Tuesday, April 16, Wednesday, May 15 or Tuesday, June 18 Our monthly trips to Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Casino on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe includes a 6-hour stay with a slot credit of $20 and a free buffet or $7 food credit. You must belong to Harvey’s Total Rewards program to receive the bonuses. $45 Sports Leisure Vacations / March–April 2013

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The Human Side Learn, Laugh, Reflect Hats Off to United Airlines Kerry Drake’s mother was dying. She’d suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for decades and the drugs used to treat her condition had decimated her immune system. One morning his brother called him to say her time had come.

Drake caught the next flight from San Francisco, where he works for the federal government, to Lubbock, Texas, via Houston.

“I knew this itinerary was a risk because the stopover in Houston was only about 40 minutes, and my connecting flight was the last flight to Lubbock that day,” he says. “But I needed to get there as soon as possible, so I took the risk.”

As it turns out, United flight 667 was delayed leaving San Francisco. Drake was visibly distraught. You can’t prepare for a moment like this, but now came the very real possibility that he wouldn’t have the chance to see his mother before she passed away.

A flight attendant, Sofia Lares, tried to comfort him. “She said she would do everything she could and brought extra napkins for my tears,” Kerry says. Another flight attendant, Lan Chung, asked Kerry for his next flight number and relayed it to the captain.

Flight 667 made up some time enroute to Houston, but not enough. By the time Drake’s plane landed, his connecting flight had left the gate. At least that’s what he thought.

“As I was running up to the gate, the gate agent saw me coming and shouted, ‘Mr. Drake? We’ve been expecting you’,” he said.

“That’s when I knew they had conspired to help me. She waved me onto the plane without looking at my boarding pass.”

United had held the aircraft for him. Not only did he make it to Lubbock as scheduled, but so did his luggage.

“Had I missed my flight to Lubbock, I would not have been able to tell my mom goodbye,” Drake said. “When she died, I

A Farewell Salute to Our Friends We pause for a moment to remember members of our travel family who have passed. Please, if we miss a friend of yours, or you hear of someone’s passing, give us a call or drop us an e-mail. May our departed friends fly on the wings of angels…

Janet “Elaine” Doerr Paul Boyte Doris Mayberry Elizabeth Sorge Annie Hoffmann, at 102 Lorelie Olin Gloria Ford Carmella Russell Stan Musial Miles Treaster

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Sports Leisure Vacations / March–April 2013

realized I was wiping away my tears with the extra United napkins that Sofia had given me the day before.”

Drake says he’s grateful to the flight crew that made his farewell possible, including the attendants on his San Francisco flight and Denver-based captain Edward Goldstein and Dirk Chilian, the flight’s first officer.

He also thanks Houston customer service rep Marie Robertson and all the Houston baggage handlers who got his luggage to his final destination. Nice work, United.

“The Land That Made Me, Me" A Salute to Growing Up in the Fifties It was long ago and far away, in a land that time forgot, Before the days of Dylan, or the dawn of Camelot.

For Ike was in the White House in that land where we were born, Where navels were for oranges, and Peyton Place was porn.

We longed for love and romance, and waited for our Prince, Eddie Fisher married Liz, and no one’s seen him since.

We fell for Frankie Avalon, Annette was oh, so nice, And when they made a movie, they never made it twice.

We didn’t have a Star Trek Five, or Psycho Two and Three, Or Rocky-Rambo Twenty in the Land That Made Me, Me. Miss Kitty had a heart of gold, and Chester had a limp, And Reagan was a Democrat whose costar was a chimp.

We had a Mr. Wizard, but not a Mr. T, And Oprah couldn’t talk yet, in the Land That Made Me, Me. We’d never seen the rock band that was Grateful to be Dead, And Airplanes weren’t named Jefferson , and Zeppelins were not Led.

And Beatles lived in gardens then, and Monkees lived in trees, Madonna was Mary in the Land That Made Me, Me. We hadn’t seen enough of jets to talk about the lag, And microchips were what was left at the bottom of the bag.

And hardware was a box of nails, and bytes came from a flea, And rocket ships were fiction in the Land That Made Me, Me. We had no patterned pantyhose or Lipton herbal tea Or prime-time ads for those dysfunctions in the Land That Made Me,Me. So now we face a brave new world in slightly larger jeans, And wonder why they’re using smaller print in magazines.

But all things have a season, or so we’ve heard them say, And now instead of Maybelline we swear by Retin-A. In the mail they send us invitations to join AARP, Lord it’s been a good journey, in the Land That Made Me, Me.

Day Trips and Theatre Outings 49-Mile Scenic Seagull Tour Tuesday, March 26 Follow the iconic blue seagull signs through the neighborhoods of San Francisco with our resident host and guide Craig Smith. These signs were originally designed to highlight the important sights for visitors to the 1939 Golden Gate Expo and Fair. Today you will enjoy a nostalgic spin about town and down along The Great Highway. Lunch is included at The Beach Chalet, located on the Great Highway, across from the ocean. $147

Tony Orlando in Concert Gallo Center for the Arts, Modesto Friday, March 29 Perhaps no entertainer can move and excite an audience quite like Tony Orlando. Tony recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of his recording of “Tie A Yellow Ribbon ‘Round The Ole Oak Tree.” He brings to the stage a warmth and exhilarating energy that electrifies an audience. From million selling records (five #1 hits), a popular television variety series, to movies and Broadway (Barnum and Smokey Joe’s Cafe), Tony Orlando has conquered every facet of show business. Dinner is included at the Canal Street Grill prior to the 8pm show.

Limited space available! $153

Easter Brunch at Ironstone Sunday, March 31 Return to the Sierra Foothills with our festive daytrip to enjoy an Easter brunch buffet at the beautiful Ironstone Winery, just outside Murphys, overlooking its green vineyards and orchards. Stroll through the blooming gardens, visit the history museum and, of course, sample some of the winery’s award-winning wines and maybe bring home a few bottles! You may also catch the area’s children in a spirited Easter egg hunt on the lawns of the estate. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the drive through the foothills and quaint gold rush towns. $124

Menopause the Musical Gallo Center for the Arts, Modesto Tuesday, April 2 It’s the hilarious celebration of women and “The Change!” Four women meet at a lingerie sale and discover they have much in common including a black lace bra, memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles! Dinner is included prior to the 8pm evening performance.

Limited space avialable! $156

Brunch with Snoopy Featuring the Charles Schultz Museum Sunday, April 7 Spend a Spring Sunday with one of Santa Rosa’s most famous residents: Snoopy!

Created by Charles Schultz, who worked from his home in Santa Rosa, you’ll discover how one man’s love for his dog turned into Peanuts, the most popular international cartoon strip. A fabulous Sunday Brunch buffet precedes your visit to the museum at the Flamingo Resort. $127

Roses & Wildflowers Monday, April 15 There is a springtime explosion of flowers in the little valley that is the 1895 homestead of Eleven Roses Ranch near Clear Lake. You will be greeted by Anne who will share some stories about her heritage and her connection to the ranch. Enjoy a wagon ride out through the valley and a chuck wagon BBQ. There is time to explore and take photos of the flowers and animals or just sit and enjoy the beautiful setting, visiting with friends. Stop briefly at Granzella’s in Williams to buy some local goodies. $121

You Have A Date for Lunch in Volcano Monday, April 22 Join us for lunch in the small Sierra foothills community of Volcano at the historic Union Inn. Built in 1880 by four itinerate French

Canadians, the inn was first a boarding house for miners. Learn more about the history of the inn and Volcano while dining on fresh, flavorful and seasonable entrees prepared with all local ingredients. (If you have dined with us at Taste in Plymouth, this is its sister restaurant). A brief visit to the Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park is planned to view its incredible collection of Miwok baskets. $116

Into the Wild with Jack Hanna!

Gallo Center for the Arts, Modesto Saturday, April 27 Recognized around the country as America’s favorite zookeeper from many television appearances, Jungle Jack Hanna took his infectious energy to the airwaves by creating two of his own nationally syndicated television programs, Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures and most recently Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild. Jungle Jack’s live show features many of his favorite animal friends, as well as fascinating and humorous stories and footage from his adventures around the world. Everyone from the youngest child to the oldest adult is entertained and inspired!

Dinner is included prior to the 7pm evening show. $150

Church Basement Ladies Fallon House Theatre, Columbia Wednesday, May 1 A funny, touching, down to earth musical celebration of the church basement kitchen and the women who work there, Church Basement Ladies features four distinct characters as they organize the food and solve the problems of a rural Minnesota church about to undergo changes in 1965.

From the elderly matriarch to the young bride-to-be, we see them handle a recordbreaking Christmas dinner, the funeral of a dear friend, a Hawaiian Easter Fundraiser and a steaming hot July wedding. They stave off disasters, share and debate recipes, and keep the pastor on due course while thoroughly enjoying (and tolerating) each

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other as the true “steel magnolias” of the church. Lunch (with all new menu choices) at City Hotel plus time to stroll through Columbia State Historic Park precede the 2pm matinee. $125

A Day at Safari West Monday, May 6 Nestled in the foothills of Sonoma County lies a unique 400-acre animal preserve for animals from around the world including giraffes, rhinoceros, cheetahs, lemurs, and monkeys. Safari West has on ongoing mission of wildlife preservation through breeding, education, research and public interaction. Your adventure begins with lunch, followed by a 45-minute ride on a guided tram tour. A 45-minute guided walk through the aviaries and small animal compound completes your visit. $141

The Capitol Steps Gallo Center, Modesto Tuesday, May 7 The Capitol Steps began as a group of Senate staffers who set out to make fun of the very people and places that employed them, making this satirical troupe the only people in Washington who attempt to be funnier than the politicians! In this act, no cow is sacred and no issue is left untouched. You may have heard them on NPR or caught the ‘Steps’ on any number of television shows. The Capitol Steps are what Washington would be like if everyone were smarter and could sing! Dinner is included prior to the 7:30pm performance. $141

The Covered Bridge Monday, May 13 One of our most popular daytrips! Spend the day in Chico beginning with a visit to the Orient & Flume Glass Studio where you can watch master artisans at work. Learn about the founder of Chico on a private tour of historic Bidwell Mansion and explore the adjacent visitors center. Finish the day with a visit to one of Northern California’s remaining covered bridges – the Honey Run Bridge. Lunch is served at Mom’s Restaurant. $112

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China’s Terracotta Warriors Asian Art Museum, San Francisco Tuesday, May 14 Described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Asian Art Museum presents artifacts from this exciting discovery from the burial site of the First Emperor of China.

This exhibition includes ten of the finest figures from the site, the most allowed outside China at any one time. With museum docents as your guides, learn the story and history of the First Emperor and his quest for power and immortality. Enjoy time after the private tour to explore other exhibits and enjoy lunch on your own in the museum café. $97

“Girl with a Pearl Earring” de Young Museum, San Francisco Thursday, May 16 One of the most famous and recognizable paintings throughout the world, Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer, comes to the de Young Museum. From the Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis in The Hague, the piece, accompanied by a prestigious collection representing the Golden Age of 17th-Century Dutch Masters, has not been lent out in 30 years. Also at the de Young is Rembrandt’s Century, an exhibit which explores the artist and his influence on other 17th-century artists, which includes etchings, drawings, watercolors, and prints.

An audio guide is included and lunch is at your leisure in the museum café. $98

A Dolphin on the Petaluma River Friday, May 17 Come enjoy a beautiful May day on the Petaluma River. Drive through Petaluma’s Victorian Old Town, once known as the “Egg Capital of the World,” and enjoy a docent led tour of the Petaluma Historical Society’s exhibit “Petaluma Remembered.” Lunch will be at Sonoma County’s oldest brewery, Dempsey’s, and then it’s “All Aboard!” for a narrated 2-hour cruise on the River Dolphin.

Enjoy cookies and drinks as you pass under the drawbridge and enter a different world, cruising down the winding river through the meadows and oxbows of the wetlands,

Sports Leisure Vacations / March–April 2013

learning about the history of the river and its importance to the region. $149

Getting Around San Francisco Monday, May 20 Our annual intermodal tour exploring San Francisco is always popular! Begin with SuperCoach III service to the East Bay to meet our buddy BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). A short time later emerge from under the bay in downtown San Francisco.

A cable car will whisk you over the hills to Fisherman’s Wharf for an included lunch at the venerable Franciscan Restaurant. After some time to explore the wharf, board the Vallejo Ferry for a cruise across San Francisco Bay where SuperCoach III will be waiting to return you home. $139

You Have a Date with History Tuesday, May 21 Let’s travel back in history to 1821 when Swiss native Johann Augustus Sutter arrived at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers. “Captain Sutter” will show us his New Helvetia Fort and then we will dine at Fat City Cafe, a landmark establishment in Old Sacramento, where a speaker will entertain us with stories from the 1850’s. After lunch, enjoy a drive through the scenic foothills to historic Coloma in the foothills of the Sierras to see James Marshall’s lumber mill where the discovery of California Gold changed history! $119

SF Symphony Plays Ravel & Gershwin Davies Symphony Hall, SF Friday, May 24 Ravel, who heard jazz in Harlem with Gershwin, was dumbfounded by the dazzling Rhapsody in Blue, which Gershwin played at a birthday party for the French composer. When Gershwin asked to study with him, Ravel said “It is better to write good Gershwin than bad Ravel.” Along with Gershwin’s best known work, the concert also features the jazz-influenced Concerto for the Left Hand, written for a pianist grievously injured during the First World War. The dark

undertones of La Valse, an homage to Viennese waltz, suggest a furious farewell to gentility in post-war Europe. Elliott Carter’s powerful Variations for Orchestra, another 20th-century masterwork, opens the program. Dinner is included at No. 9 Fishermen’s Grotto prior to the 6:30pm evening performance with orchestra seating. $161

Beach Blanket Babylon Club Fugazi, San Francisco Sunday, May 26 There’s nothing quite Beach Blanket Babylon. San Francisco’s longest-running staged comedy show poke fun at everyone – politicians, celebrities and other folks in the public eye. The songs are hilarious, the dancing wonderful, and the hats are really, really big! Reserved seats are upstairs (no elevator) in this historic theatre in the center balcony. Enjoy an included lunch at Sports Leisure Favorite Viva Italian Restaurant. $156

Celtic Woman Marin Center, San Rafael Wednesday, May 29 The incomparable singing sensation Celtic Woman, brings its latest show to the Marin Center. This spectacular musical experience features a group of talented women performing classic Irish tunes, such as “The Water Is Wide,” “Green Grow the Rushes,” and “The Parting Glass.” Timeless pop anthems such as “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Sailing” and inspirational songs including “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “Ave Maria,” are also performed with the signature Celtic Woman sound. Dinner precedes the 7:30pm performance at the popular Chalet Basque restaurant. $169

Foodie Fun in Winters Friday, May 31 We’re heading back to nearby Winters for more of that great grub they dish out at The Putah Creek Inn. You may recall the restaurant was featured on The Food Networks® Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. Our soldout trip last year was an instant hit! Start the day with a short walking tour of historic

downtown Winters. After lunch, browse the shops along Main Street. On the way home make a quick stop at Pedrick’s Produce Stand in Dixon where they have an assortment of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and sweets. $114

Brunch on the Bay Featuring a Hornblower Yacht Cruise Sunday, June 2 Dazzling waves and soft breezes set the mood for Hornblower’s Champagne Brunch Cruise, a good-morning getaway featuring free-flowing bubbly. The enticing outing includes a buffet stocked with classic breakfast dishes, lunch entrees and desserts. And, live music and views of the San Francisco Bay’s renowned sights make it the perfect way to spend the day! Pause in Sausalito before returning home in the late afternoon. $143

“Mumm’s The Word” Friday, June 7 Begin a delicious day at Mumm Napa Valley for a tour and tasting of its awardwinning sparkling wine, gallery of fine arts, and colorful garden. Experience stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and hills. At the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, enjoy a multi-course lunch that begins with tasty temptations and finishes with dessert crafted by its creative chefs. The delightful day in Napa Valley is completed with a short stop in Yountville to browse its variety of culinary and gift shops. $159

San Francisco Your Way Sunday, June 9 Demand for our daytrips to San Francisco remain high, especially in summer, but sometimes all you need is the transportation to get there. What do YOU like to do in the city? Maybe you have a favorite restaurant along Fishermen’s Wharf where the chowder is perfect? Maybe it’s a visit to the Ferry Building with its colorful food stores and outside market? How about shopping around Union Square? Today it’s San Francisco YOUR way with transportation in style on board SuperCoach III. Refreshments are served to and from San Francisco. $85

Cossi Fan Tutte San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House Sunday, June 9 San Francisco Opera presents the Mozart masterpiece Cosi Fan Tutte as a summer highlight for opera fans. A mix of farce, drama, disguise, and mixed identities, the production is set in 1915 Monte Carlo making for entertaining and vivid theatre enjoyment. Your choice of seating is in the side sections of the Orchestra or the Dress Circle of the first balcony. Be advised that Dress Circle seating involves use of steep stairs and there are no handrails. A stop is included in Union Square for lunch on your own prior to the 2pm matinee. Orchestra – $222, Dress Circle – $169

Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks East Sonora Theatre Saturday, June 15 Sierra Repertory Theatre presents this touching comedy about a formidable retired woman who hires a dance instructor to give her private dance lessons. Their antagonistic relationship blossoms into a deep friendship as each reveals their secrets, fears and joys while dancing the Swing, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha-Cha and Contemporary Dance. Lunch precedes the 2pm matinee at Christopher’s Ristorante Italiano in Sonora. $121

SF Symphony’s West Side Story Davies Symphony Hall. SF Sunday, June 30 A partnership for the ages, two Broadway legends—Bernstein and Sondheim—took Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet from Verona in the 1500s to New York’s Upper West Side in the 1950s, replacing the Montagues and the Capulets with American and Puerto Rican street gangs. Their unforgettable work, with tunes universally loved, comes alive in a dynamic concert version under the capable baton of Maestro Michael Tilson Thomas, the first time an orchestra has performed the complete musical in a concert performance.

An early lunch precedes the 2pm matinee performance at No. 9 Fishermen’s Grotto with orchestra seating. $185

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New Vacations and Getaways Cheyenne’s Frontier Days Grab your cowboy hat… let’s have some fun!

4 days • July 21-24 Since 1897, Cheyenne has celebrated its Old West roots with this annual festival.

This is your chance to be part of the fun and relive every kid’s dream of being a cowboy or cowgirl! Celebrating the spirit of the cowboy, the dreams of the pioneer and the culture of the Native Americans, this festival highlights the history and traditions of the American frontier. The centerpiece of this Western celebration is the world’s largest daily outdoor rodeo, which draws top professionals who compete for more than $1 million in cash and prizes. Behindthe-chutes tours, a Native American Village, an Old West town called “Wild Horse Gulch,” a saloon, pancake breakfasts, a nightly performance of a western melodrama, and an art show carry through the theme in Frontier Park. Rounding out the program is the grand parade that includes antique carriages, automobiles, and of course, cowboys! In addition to our time in Cheyenne, visit the historic Fort Laramie one of the most famous forts during the era of western expansion. Spend two nights in Cheyenne at the Springhill Suites; and one night in Laramie at the Hilton Garden Inn. Join us as the excitement and thrill of the American spirit is celebrated!

The tour includes door-to-door service, roundtrip air to/from Denver, motorcoach transportation, accommodations, 7 meals (3B,3L,1D), all tours and attractions listed, and a Sports Leisure Vacations Tour Director. 1850/2100 Gold Passport Points. $1850 p.p./dbl.occ., $2095 single $ave $60 until April 9

Years of Decorative Arts Under the Romanovs.

Experience the opulence and artistry of the personal possessions commissioned for these famous families. Explore the museum’s permanent collection and gardens before departing for the Marriott Newport Beach Hotel, your home for two nights. With fullservice amenities and variety of restaurants within walking distance, it is a comfortable setting for your stay. (L) 2. Explore the Sherman Library & Gardens on a morning tour. Ranging in plant life from the desert to vegetation of tropical climes, the Sherman is a museum of plants amidst fountains, sculptures, and flowers.

Tonight, the Art Festival and Pageant in Laguna Beach awaits. A tour of the art exhibit precedes dinner at the Tivoli Terrace Restaurant, followed by the Pageant.

Presented in an outdoor amphitheatre, we have reserved orchestra seating for the 8:30pm performance. This year’s theme is “The Big Picture,” and it will amaze you with the life-sized recreations of famous pieces of art. Words cannot explain the Pageant; you have to “see it to believe it!” (D) Day 3 – This morning return to Laguna Beach for an included lunch with a guest speaker who will provide insights and answers to all your questions about the Pageant. Depart mid-afternoon for flight home to Sacramento. (L) The tour includes door-to-door service, round-trip air, motorcoach transportation, accommodations, 3 meals (2L,1D), all tours and attractions listed, and the services of a Sports Leisure Vacations Tour Director.

1300/1400 Gold Passport Points. $1265 p.p./dbl.occ., $1395 single $ave $25 until April 9

“Gems, Gardens, and The Pageant of the Masters”

Santa Cruzin’ and The Follies

3 Days • August 25-27 1. A morning flight departs to Orange County for your three day Pageant adventure. Discover the Bowers Museum and a docent-guided tour of its special exhibits: Gems of the Medici and Two Hundred

Stay with us at The Dream Inn, Santa Cruz’s iconic beachfront hotel 3 days • September 11-13 Take in the Santa Cruz Follies show. The show is performed by a cast of those aged 55 or better. This year’s theme is “Those Magical

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Sports Leisure Vacations / March–April 2013

Musical Memories.” A ride on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk Carousel will leave you smiling and feeling like a kid again as you reach for the brass ring!

Breakfast is included each morning at the Dream Inn, your oceanfront home for two nights. Also included is dinner at the famous Shadowbrook Restaurant, one of the area’s finest dining establishments.

Lunch and wine tasting at Wente Vineyards will conclude this dreamy trip to the ocean.

The tour includes door-to-door transfers, motorcoach transportation, hotel, 6 meals (2B,3L,1D) and a Sports Leisure Tour Director. 1100/1300 Gold Passport Points $1095 p.p./dbl.occ., $1295 single $ave $35 until April 9

Catalina Island Getaway 4 Days • October 6-9 Our annual escape to the island “26 miles across the sea” features three nights at the Pavilion Lodge, in the center of Avalon on the harbor. Enjoy a tour and spectacular Sunday Brunch aboard the Queen Mary, moored in Long Beach. Travel aboard the Catalina Express ferry to Catalina Island. At the hotel, enjoy a wine reception each night and a continental breakfast each morning.

Our itinerary includes several adventures on the island as well as plenty of free time to enjoy activities on your own. Included in the package is a behind-the-scenes tour of Catalina’s famous Ballroom and Casino Building. Get a look at the underwater world surrounding the island by semi-submersible.

Additionally, view Avalon and its beautiful harbor from high above on the Inland Motor Tour: follow the island’s original stagecoach route aboard a specially designed bus and visit the Catalina Fox Island Habitat and the Nature Conservancy Center. A final night dinner is included at the Avalon Grill on the water, just steps from your hotel.

A mid-morning return to the mainland by ferry allows you time for lunch in Long Beach prior to your late afternoon flight back to Sacramento.

This tour includes home pickup, round-

trip airfare from Sacramento to Southern California, accommodations and three tours on Catalina Island, 6 meals (3B,1BR,1L,1D), deluxe motorcoach transportation, and the services of a Sports Leisure Vacations Tour Director. 1500/1800 Gold Passport Points $1495 p.p./dbl.occ., $1755 single $ave $40 until April 9

Mendocino’s Colorful Coast 4 Days • October 1-4 Explore the wonderful communities of Mendocino and Ft. Bragg at the best time of year to visit – after the summer crowds have long gone! Enjoy lunch and a visit to the Mendocino County Historic Museum in Willits on your way to the Harbor Lite Lodge in Ft. Bragg. With private balconies, nestled above Noyo Harbor, it’s a fine location for three nights with breakfast included daily.

Discover the village of Mendocino with a morning visit to the historic Kelley House followed by an optional docent-guided walk. Lunch is included at the popular Café Beaujolais, known for its delicious regional cuisine. Spend an afternoon discovering the unique shops of Mendocino or visit MacKerricher State Park for a rangerguided tour of the boardwalk to the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Visit Pt. Cabrillo Lighthouse and Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, the only public gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

End your trip with a little nostalgia – the view from the restored rail cars of the California Western Railroad, aka the “Skunk Train,” is pretty much unchanged since the route opened 127 years ago: towering trees, deer drinking from the Noyo River, an isolated fisherman’s cabin peeking from the forest. A steam engine delivers you halfway and an enclosed motor-car provides passage to Willits.

The tour includes roundtrip transportation aboard SuperCoach III, accommodations, all attractions listed, all meals (3B,4L,3D), and the services of a Sports Leisure Vacations Tour Director. 1250/1450 Gold Passport Points $1235 p.p./dbl.occ., $1420 single $ave $35 until April 9

All Around California

by Rail 6 Days • October 5-8 Explore the Golden State by scenic rail adventure! Featuring four trips by train including a stretch of the Coast Starlight route by private railcar, SuperCoach III follows you throughout the tour so no need to worry about getting your luggage on or off the train! Limited to 32 passengers.

1. Begin with a short trip on Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor from Sacramento to San Jose. Arrive just in time for High Tea at the Fairmont Hotel. Spend the night at the Embassy Suites in Milpitas, featuring an evening manager’s reception and a full cooked to order breakfast in the morning.

(HT) 2. Board the Silver Lariat, your private railcar attached to the Coast Starlight.

Experience attentive service along with a full-service lunch and dinner en route to Oxnard. Hilton Garden Inn – 2 nights (FB,L,D) 3. In Simi Valley, explore the Reagan Presidential Library and a former Air Force One Presidential Aircraft! Pause at the California Oil Museum in Santa Paula to discover the history of Union Oil and its impact on the region and the state. (L) 4. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner is your next train, providing transportation to Union Station in Los Angeles. Enjoy lunch inside the station at Traxx Restaurant along with a personally guided tour by a member of the L.A. Conservancy. Holiday Inn Burbank (L) 5. Enter Bakersfield through the back door with a visit and lunch inside the historic rail depot in Tehachapi. Your accommodations tonight are in Bakersfield. Hilton Garden Inn (L,D) 6. Arise early this morning for a visit to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. The African-American settlement was unique for the time and marks an interesting period of California history. Lunch is included in nearby Hanford before boarding your final train, Amtrak’s San Joaquin to Stockton, where SuperCoach III will be waiting to escort you the rest of the way home. (FB,L) The tour includes roundtrip transportation aboard SuperCoach III, accommodations, all

attractions listed, 9 meals (1FB,5L,1HT,2D), and the services of a Sports Leisure Vacations Tour Director. 2200/2550 Gold Passport Points $2195 p.p./dbl.occ., $2515 single $ave $250 until April 9

Sedona & Grand Canyon National Park Featuring a visit to Bearizona Wildlife Park 5 days • November 3-7 1. Enjoy brunch at the Scottsdale Conference Center before arriving at the Red Rocks of Sedona and your beautiful accommodations with fireplaces, balconies, and a world class spa. Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa – 2 nights (BR) 2. A narrated trolley tour of Sedona includes a stop at the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross. Gaze through floor to ceiling windows at red sandstone cliffs during lunch at the Enchantment Resort. (B,L) 3. Journey through Oak Creek Canyon to Williams and Bearizona: a 150 acre drivethrough wildlife park with big horn sheep, buffalo, and of course, bears. View the IMAX movie “Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets.”

Best Western Squire Inn – 2 nights (B,L) 4. Enter one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, Grand Canyon National Park and take a guided tour along the rim to Hermits Rest. Enjoy lunch at the historic El Tovar Hotel, visit the Bright Angel history room telling the story of Fred Harvey and his Harvey Girls and stop at Mary Jane Colter’s Lookout Studio and the canyon-clinging Kolb Studio. (B,L) 5. The Desert View Watchtower overlooks the canyon and the Painted Desert and features murals by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie.

Your flight home from Phoenix departs in the afternoon. (B,L) The tour includes roundtrip air, airport service, accommodations, all meals and attractions as noted above and the services of a Sports Leisure Tour Director.

Prices available March 20. Call now to be placed on the Prioriity Notification List.

Visit us 24/7 on the web at:

www.sportsleisure.com

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Teasers Take a look at these unique trips we’re thinking about adding to the calendar for later this year, including the holidays. If you’re interested in joining us, please call or email us and we’ll put your name on the Priority Notification List. If we get enough people to proceed, you’ll be among the first to get the details, allowing you to sign up before we announce the tour to the Travel Club or the general public.

Rivercats Roadtrip 2 Days • July 2013 See the Sacramento Rivercats on the road in Fresno against the Grizzlies as these two Triple-A teams of the A’s and Giants battle for first place in the Pacific Coast League.

We’ll also see a Single-A game in Stockton.

Hooray for the Hollywood Bowl!

3 Days • August-September 2013 Enjoy back-to-back performances with legendary composer John Williams and actress Julie Andrews AND a special night of movie memories, out under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl. Williams conducts his music from the movies while Andrews pays special tribute to the music of Henry Mancini. A second evening features the L.A. Philharmonic accompanying scenes from Oscar-winning films projected on to the bowl’s big screen.

Luxury in La Jolla 4 days • November 1-4 Fly to San Diego and unpack once for your stay at the Embassy Suites La Jolla with made-to-order breakfast every morning and the Manager’s Reception every evening.

Tours of La Jolla, with time for shopping, and Balboa Park are included as well as Sunday Brunch on the harbor. Lunch at The Hotel Del Coronado with a tour of the island too!

Small Town Christmas 3 Days • Early to mid –December 2013 If you enjoy nostalgic Christmas experiences then this is the trip for you!

Enjoy the warm hospitality, charm and bounty of the Central Valley along with

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the lights of Christmas and Main Streets decorated for Santa. And there will be time for picking up a few unique gifts too in the shops along the main streets of the valley’s finest communities. The perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!

Holiday Magic at the Davenport 3 or 4 days • Early December 2013 Nestled along the riverfront, Spokane is home to one of our favorite destinations, The Davenport Hotel. Join us and give yourself the gift of being pampered as you enjoy the beauty and luxury of this restored grand hotel, decorated to the dome with the spirit of the holidays. Choose to stay in and relax; or explore the city with visits to local artisans, Manito Park with thousands of decorated poinsettias, and the nearby Hutton Settlement.

Christmas in Victoria 3 or 4 Days • Early December 2013 The holidays are special in Victoria. At Butchart Gardens tens of thousands of colored lights combine with evergreen swags and wreaths of holly and winter berries to line walkways and festoon lamp posts. The ever-popular Twelve Days of Christmas displays are tucked away about the gardens along with holiday music.

Likewise the fantastic Empress Hotel will be decked out in holiday finery. Can you imagine a better place for Holiday High Tea?

High Desert Holiday in Nevada 5 Days • Early December 2013 Discover the holiday traditions of Northern Nevada! Begin with a ride on the California Zephyr from Sacramento to Elko.

In the town of Ely, discover an indoor winter wonderland of decorated trees, a Christmas Crafters Faire, and a small town holiday parade. Travel along Highway 50 to Eureka and tour the restored Opera House and maybe take in a show. Virginia City may also be included. On the lookout for a no-fly trip that includes unique holiday experiences?

Call now!

Sports Leisure Vacations / March–April 2013

The Islands of Florida’s West Coast 5-6 Days • First Week of December Last year’s holiday Mystery Tour visited Naples, Sanibel and Captiva Islands and Fort Myers. We’ll adjust the itinerary a little and spend more time on the islands, because that’s where the fun is (including the famous crab races). Naples city tour (you’ll find out where the money went… it’s in Naples), holiday theater, tour of the Edison/Ford Winter Estate.

Newport’s Mansions & The Boston Pops at Christmas 5-6 Days • Second Week of December Tour the stunning mansions and enjoy a holiday concert, along with a host of Christmas-oriented festivities. Stay multiple nights at the Marriott in Newport and the Embassy Suites in Boston.

New Year’s in San Diego & A Salute to Vienna 3 Days • December-January 2014 Ring in the New Year in sunny San Diego!

Discover A Salute to Vienna at the Copley Theatre – a celebration of traditional New Year Eves in Austria complete with music, singing and, of course, waltzing. We’ll include a New Year’s Eve party – possibilities include a catered function aboard the USS Midway or a celebration at the Welk Resort in nearby Escondido. Call now to place your name on the Priority Notification List!

Israel & Jordan: The Magic of the Middle East Spring or Fall 2014 Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the amazing countries of Israel and Jordan.

Descend to the lowest point on earth and float in the mineral-rich Dead Sea. Explore Petra – one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. Explore the holy city of Jerusalem and Masada. Discover Roman ruins, Crusader forts, a Bedouin camp and Kibbutz, and so much more! Call now to get on the Priority Notification List!

The Barber Pole, or Once Over Lightly Important tidbits and pieces of information, odds and ends, announcements, reminders, items of interest to Travel Club Members, they are all found on this page…

The Bus Stops Here This item is of importance to all our travelers, but particularly to those who board SuperCoach at the Arden/Expo stop.

If you’ve been to that location lately, you know a lot of construction is taking place in that lot. Several long abandoned buildings have been torn down, and new ones are going up in their place. This is impacting our parking area off Challenge Way. For the time being, we are asking folks to park in a slightly different area, behind the Olive Garden Restaurant in the same lot. This is about 100 yards from the current parking, which is roped off for construction.

Do not park in the old spot, or your car may be towed or damaged. Instead, park behind the Olive Garden, far enough from the building so you don’t take parking for regular diners, and walk to the bus on Challenge Way when it arrives.

This is a good opportunity to discuss bus stop locations. Our permission for you to park in those locations is often based on a “yes” from one person, a store or property manager or owner. Over the years, that permission has been revoked in every single spot we’ve ever picked up at. Often, other groups see it as a “good spot,” and charter bus groups start parking in our locations, bringing far more than the 6-8 cars we have each day and creating a problem. Then we are often asked to move on, even in some cases where we were paying for parking privileges.

Two things. Please, please don’t suggest that your group use a Sports Leisure pickup spot. They don’t have permission and they will ultimately endanger ours. If you do that, you are doing your fellow Sports Leisure Travelers a huge disservice. And second, if you get on at Madison and I-80, or South Hills, or on Challenge Way, make sure you are parking in a location that doesn’t displace regular customers of the business.

For those of you who use the Arden stop, the reason we haven’t moved to another

part of the parking lot is because we cannot get permission to park near Coco’s or any other business there. That’s how tough it is to find parking spots. Your understanding is appreciated and your comments and suggestions are invited (particularly if you know a business owner on our routes with an open parking lot).

The Perils of Renting a Car Since The Travel Guys radio show is taking a break, Mark has nowhere to rant about poor service and unfriendly people and policies when he encounters them on the road. After a recent cross-country journey that had him stopping in four cities, he returned with these comments/warnings regarding car rental agencies.

“I know many of the people who travel with us don’t go on vacation and rent a car on their own, but I suspect some of them still do, either on personal travel or when their regular vehicle is being repaired. I know they know people who rent cars. I’d like to share a few tips: Check your personal insurance before leaving home. A five minute conversation with your insurance agent can save you a lot of money and give you piece of mind.

Generally, your personal auto insurance covers liability when driving a rental car. No matter what the salesman at the counter tries to tell you, if you have personal automobile insurance, you probably don’t need theirs at $25-50 a day. Ditto for many of the other ‘coverages.’ In many cases, the salesmen will try to scare or frighten you into buying the extra insurance, by using graphic terms and telling how much money you will lose if the car is out of commission for a week or two due to an accident. Don’t fall for these underhanded tactics.”

“If you aren’t renting from ‘the big three’ (Hertz, Avis or National), be very careful about inspecting the car before you drive off the rental lot. The second tier companies (including, but not exclusive to Fox, Payless, Advantage, Enterprise, Dollar, Budget) will often give you an ‘inspection’ form. Take the time to walk around the car and note any dents, large smudges or other discoloring.

Nothing is too small to note. If you don’t

record it before driving away, when you return, you may be put on the spot and forced to pay for ‘damages’ you had nothing to do with. Consider using your cell phone to take a picture of any obvious marks, and/ or point them out to employees.”

“The larger companies are still concerned about the condition of their vehicles, but don’t seem to be using it as a source of revenue. It’s no less important to note any damage to the vehicle when you receive it.

“Don’t fall for the ‘buy a full tank of gas’ and avoid the high refueling charge. Unless you are absolutely certain you will need at least a full tank of gas, you will be falling for an old trick. If you return the car with even a couple of gallons in the tank, you will be poorer for the experience.”

“When it comes to renting a car, you get what you pay for. Shorter lines, better service and fewer hassles come from the bigger companies. A counter agent for Payless outright lied to me about an insurance law in Arizona. I know, because I looked it up on my iPad when I got to the car. Keep in mind that most of those agents receive a commission on the insurance and upsells they make. It’s in their best interest to scare the money out of your wallet and into theirs.

They are not looking after you, only their company and themselves.”

Thank you United. Again.

Elsewhere on these pages, you’ll find a recount of a well publicized story about United Airlines holding a plane in Houston so a man could say a final goodbye to his mother. A touching story.

Here’s one not as touching and closer to home: On March 10, United held a Sacramento-bound plane for nearly an hour to allow our group of “Steamboaters” from Memphis to make their connection. It wasn’t life or death, but it sure was appreciated by all of us. Hats off to staff member Michael Downer, who on a Sunday helped make a small miracle happen by gently (?) appealing to the higher ups at United by phone. We give the airlines plenty of sass when they fail us. This time United came through with flying colors. Thank you.

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The Tour Calendar (Previously Announced Tours) 2 Days

Apr. 4-5

Foodie Fun In Santa Rosa

It’s all about the food! “Lunch and Learn” live cooking demonstration, dinner at Johnny Garlic’s in Santa Rosa (proprietor Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives®), overnight at the Hampton Inn. Sonoma’s Farmer’s Market is a Sunday morning stop, with lunch at the Oxbow Market in Napa. The encore is a break at Kara’s Cupcakes, from the TV show Cupcake Wars. Accommodations, 3 meals, Tour Director: Donnie Anderson, 500/550 Gold Passport Points. Add door-to-door service for $80 per person. $499 p.p./dbl.occ., $549 single 4 Days

Apr. 23-26

On the (Pismo) Beach

If you are looking for a tour that stays by the ocean for a reasonable price, you have found it. 3 nights beachfront accommodations, attend the Great American Melodrama in Oceano, off road tour on the Oceano Dunes, culinary walking tour in San Luis Obispo.

5 meals: 4L,1D; transportation on SuperCoach III. 1250/1400 Gold Passport Points. $1205 p.p./dbl.occ., $1385 single 2 Days

Apr. 29-30

“Those Were The Days” in Bodega Bay

Featuring a private concert with William Florian. Travel to Occidental for an Italian lunch served family-style. After lunch, travel to Bodega Head to catch sight of the Pacific Ocean. Your hotel is the four-diamond Bodega Lodge and Spa. Enjoy a docentled stroll through the ancient giants of Armstrong Woods. Join William Florian for lunch at a lodge nestled in the redwoods along the river, an upbeat musical journey of America’s great songs of the 1960’s.

The tour includes roundtrip transportation aboard SuperCoach III, 2 lunches, Tour Director: Ramona Goodge, 500/600 Gold Passport Points. Add door-to-door service for $80 per person. $490 p.p./dbl. occ., $565 single 3 Days

Apr. 27-29

Lilacs, Tulips & Gourmet Eats

Spring flowers and fun foods everywhere in Vancouver, Washington.

Visit the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens, home of beautiful hybrid lilacs; tour the Holland America (no relation to the cruise line) Tulip Farm. At the Wildlife Botanical Garden, learn how to create a backyard garden that will attract birds and friendly critters. Visit the Fort Vancouver Nat’l Historic Site – hear the history of gardens in the area and see the oldest apple tree in the state. Taste gourmet chocolates and roll your own tuffles, plus visit a local chocolate shop. 2 nights at Heathman Lodge, one of the Northwest’s finest, in Vancouver just across the river from Portland. 4 meals: 3L,1D, roundtrip air, 1050/1150 Gold Passport Points, Tour Director: Patricia Hansen.. $1045 p.p./dbl.occ., $1150 single

8 Days

May 15-22

Lake Powell, Monument Valley & Moab: Canyonlands of Utah & Arizona

See the eastern side of the Canyonlands. Enjoy lakeview rooms at the Lake Powell Resort, walk through spectacular Antelope Canyon.

Experience a boat tour on Lake Powell and an “off-road” tour in Monument Valley. Stay two nights at Red Cliffs Resort on the banks of the Colorado River in Moab. Tour Arches National Park, take a jet boat tour on the Colorado River. Witness the spectacular view of Canyonlands Nat’l Park from Dead Horse State Park. Guided tour of the Thanksgiving Point Gardens. 13 meals: 5FB,8L; 2850/3250 Gold Passport Points. Tour Director: Scott Angeletti. $2840 p.p./dbl. occ., $3210 single 3 Days

May 28-30

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

We are fortunate at Sports Leisure Vacations to have a lot of expertise to draw from within our staff. This trip is a perfect example, as Tour Director Ramona Goodge used to live and work in Sequoia Park. She will show you this natural wonderland like no one else can. 2 nights at the Wuksachi Lodge, within Sequoia National Park, sightseeing including the General Grant Tree, General Sherman Tree, Kings Canyon National Park, & Zumwalt Meadow. 6 meals: 2B,3L,1D; roundtrip on SuperCoach III, 1050/1250 Gold Passport Points. $1030 p.p./dbl.occ., $1220 single 2 Days

May 28-29

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

SuperCoach III meets you at one of our convenient pickup locations before heading east into the High Sierras. Pause in Truckee for a hosted lunch and free time to browse the shops before arriving at your mountain retreat. The Ritz-Carlton Resort is situated midmountain at the Northstar Resort. Experience luxury rarely found at any other mountain retreat. Return travel along the north and west shores of Lake Tahoe to Homewood and the Lake Tahoe Maritime Museum. Lunch is hosted on the water in Tahoe City. The tour includes transportation on SuperCoach III, accommodations, 2 lunches and 450/550 Gold Passport Points. Tour Director: Scott Angeletti. Add door-to-door service for $80 per person. $430 p.p./dbl.occ., $525 single

office hours:

8:00am – 4:30pm MON. thru FRI. Closed weekends & major holidays CLOSED TUES. 12:00pm – 1:15pm

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Sports Leisure Vacations / March–April 2013

Rustic elegance describes the Heathman Lodge, your home on our Lilacs, Tulips & Gourmet Eats tour

3 Days

June 22-24

Ships & Space, See the Space Shuttle & the USS Iowa

A brand new getaway to southern California to see two “new” attractions. At least new to us. The Space Shuttle Endeavour, which flew over Sacramento last year on its way to its new home, and the USS Iowa, rescued from the mothball fleet in Suisun Bay, are the featured attractions. (Wouldn’t this be an excellent GrandparentGrandchild travel opportunity?)

An evening tour at Hearst Castle provides new perspective on its place in history

4 Days

June 3-6

The Castle, The Ocean & The Inn

Featuring Hearst Castle, the mighty Pacific (stay at the BW Cavalier Inn, at the water’s edge) and, the popular Apple Farm Inn (2 nights) in San Luis Obispo. Your Hearst Castle visit includes the short orientation tour, and then a return visit in the evening when only a few special guests are invited. (Previous castle visitors can opt out of the orientation tour, receive a credit, and shop in Cambria. 5 meals, 1200/1400 Gold Passport Points, Tour Director: TBA. $1170 p.p./dbl.occ., $1370 single 3 Days

June 7-9

Somewhere In Time at the Portland Rose Festival

Celebrate Sports Leisure’s 34th anniversary with Clayton, Mark and lots and lots of flowers. A short mini-vacation with no crackof-dawn departure. Reserved, covered, in-stadium seating for the big Rose Parade, tickets to the exclusive pre-Broadway production of Somewhere in Time, one of the most wonderful love stories ever told. 34 years of touring memories are recounted at our anniversary dinner. Sneak over the Oregon border to Washington, for one of Mark’s favorite activities, the Farmer’s Market in Vancouver.

The cherries should be in season (and maybe even the boysenberries) and you can bring some home! Treat yourself to the floral beauty of the International Rose Garden and see the (indoor) flower show. 5 meals, two nights at the Country Inn & Suites, Clayton and Mark as your Tour Directors, 1100/1200 Gold Passport Points. This popular trip is nearly sold out, so call now. $1085 p.p./dbl.occ., $1190 single 2 Days

June 10-11

Fly to LA, and visit the California Science Center (similar to our Academy of Sciences in SF), home of the Space Shuttle. There’s lots to see. You’re accommodations for 2 nights are at the Embassy Suites near LAX, offering complimentary cocktails in the evening and cooked-to-order breakfast each morning. Visit a historic lighthouse on San Pedro Bay and enjoy Sunday Brunch on the Queen Mary. Your visit to the Iowa features a guided tour, including FDR’s private cabin. A private tour of the Long Beach Airport is offered before your flight home. 4 meals, airfare, 1200/1300 Gold Passport Points, Tour Director: TBA. $1165 p.p./dbl.occ., $1295 single 3 Days

June 23-25

Lassen National Park & Burney Falls

Many people who have lived in California for most or all of their lives have never seen the northeastern corner of the state. It’s a land of mountain peaks and volcanoes, of bubbling hot pots and thundering waterfalls. It’s an area of great natural beauty, yet often overlooked by travelers in search of more popular venues.

From the Sundial Bridge in Redding, to the McArthur-Burney Falls State Park in the Cascades east of town and the national park with the still active volcano, this is a great, close-tohome, non-flying outing. Explore Plumas County, the town of Chester and the county museum and the courthouse are all fun. Return via the Feather River Scenic Byway and visit the Chinese Temple in Oroville. 6 meals, SuperCoach transportation, 850/950 Gold Passport Points, Tour Director: Ramona Goodge. $825 p.p./dbl.occ., $945 single

Spacing Out or Horsing Around, A Mystery Getaway

Scott has found some close-to-home-but-overlooked activities and attractions he would love to share with you. If you’ve never been on a Mystery Tour and wondered what all the commotion is, here’s an opportunity to sample a mystery trip on a small scale.

Scott’s clues are… Sonny won’t steer (Is that referring to driving or a head of cattle I wonder?) you wrong. Visit the “people’s place.”

(What in the world is he talking about?) What is a “hyperbolic parabaloid” structure? (And more importantly, does anyone care?)

If you are on this trip, that piece of knowledge will come home with you. The package includes accommodations, 2 lunches and Scott’s company. 400 Gold Passport Points, add door-to-door service for $80 per person. $380 p.p./dbl.occ., $395 single

Discover the natural but very “active” beauty inside Lassen Volcanic Nat’l Park Sports Leisure Vacations / March–April 2013

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6 Days

July 30 – Aug. 4

Flowers & Fireworks in Victoria & Vancouver

Featuring the best of Victoria and the 23rd Annual Festival of Light fireworks. 3 nights at the Chateau Victoria, a terrific location in the heart of Victoria Harbor, tour Victoria by double-decker bus, have high tea with the “Queen” at the Empress Hotel. Enjoy an elegant luncheon at Butchart Gardens, 2 nights in Vancouver with a city tour and visits to Stanley Park & Granville Island. Dinner Cruise during the Festival of Light, Vancouver’s Annual Fireworks Spectacular. 6 meals: 1HT,4L,1D, roundtrip air, Tour Director: Chris Galloway, 2550/2850 Gold Passport Points. $2515 p.p./dbl.occ., $2825 single, this vacation requires a passport!

Guest Columnist

A Two Nation Vacation Exploding with Fun! I love, love, love Victoria, BC! Every year I look for a way to take a group there. This year I have paired it with Vancouver, BC. Why? I love, love, love fireworks and Vancouver is host to the Honda Celebration of Light. This is truly a spectacle to behold. Spanning three weekends from late July to early August, the event features pyrotechnic teams from three countries that share one common goal: To wow the audience and to outshine each other, making for one amazing show!

Last year there were 1.4 million attendees, but no need for you to worry about those pesky crowds. We are already reserved on a dinner cruise sailing on English Bay. Once your meal is finished simply step outside to the railings as the Fireworks over English Bay in Vancouver music begins to play and the night sky is illuminated in an array of colors. After the show, as the masses on the shore scurry for the exits, your boat will head back to a quiet cove where your motorcoach awaits. You’ll be back at your hotel before the regular folks even find their cars! Last year Italy took home the trophy. To view Italy’s 2012 performance simply enter the following link into your web browser. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMlhVowJhrU Remember Victoria, my favorite destination in Canada? Where you’ll enjoy a double-decker bus tour, high tea at The Empress and a visit including lunch at The Butchart Gardens. We will make our way to Vancouver on the ferry… motorcoach and all! Stop in Duncan at the Q’wutsun Cultural Center for a cedar plank salmon lunch. In Vancouver, enjoy a city tour and some shopping time at Granville Island before the fireworks. The last day we will cross back into home territory stopping in charming Snohomish, WA for lunch. We have about 6 seats left in our group of 30-35 people. Won’t you grab your passport and join me on this “just over the border” fireworks spectacular?

Chris Galloway, Tour Director

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Sports Leisure Vacations / March–April 2013

5 Days

July 3-7

Crater Lake & the Umpqua National Scenic Byway

Featuring a visit to Crater Lake National Park with lunch at Crater Lake Lodge, and travel on the Umpqua Scenic Byway. Up close animal encounters at Wildlife Safari and an excursion on the scenic Rogue River a jet boat tour. Optional (cost not included) show at Ashland’s Oregon Shakespeare Festival. 9 meals: 3B,1BR,3L,2D. Travel in comfort on SuperCoach III, 1500/1700 Gold Passport Points, Tour Director: Scott Angeletti. $1490 p.p./dbl.occ., $1675 single 5 Days

July 8-12

By The Seaside, On The Long Beach

A summer visit to the Oregon-Washington Coast. 2 nights in the upscale community of Seaside, OR (ocean view rooms at the Shilo Inn); and 2 nights in Long Beach, WA, (ocean view again at the new Adrift Inn). Walk the famous oceanfront promenade in Seaside – it and the ocean are right at the property’s edge. Browse the quaint shops in both Seaside and Long Beach. Admission to the Seaside Aquarium, Lewis & Clark history – optional (included) visit to Fort Clatsop near Seaside, and a stop at Cape Disappointment in Washington. Tour historic Oysterville and see the Cranberry and World Kite Museums in Long Beach. Great food – from a roadside seafood stop to fine dining restaurants. 10 meals, roundtrip airfare to/from Portland and 1400/1700 Gold Passport Points. Tour Director: Mark or Ramona. $1365 p.p./dbl.occ., $1640 single 12 Days Aug. 10-21

Switzerland, The Backroads of the Alps

This is the highest rated international tour ever offered by Sports Leisure Vacations. A unique itinerary which travels by plane, railroad, gondola, cog train, cable car, postal transport, ferry steamer, funicular and motorcoach. Think Mackinac Island, the automobile-less island we love, and you have the concept here. The itinerary features a 4-night stay in the car-less village of Wengen; 2-night stays in Rothenburg and St. Moritz; overnights in Oberammergau and Zurich. History and breathtaking scenic beauty at literally every turn. 20 meals include daily breakfast and dinner, roundtrip air from San Francisco to Frankfurt/from Zurich.

Home pickup and SuperCoach III to San Francisco. Tour Director Clayton Whitehead, 6600/7200 Gold Passport Points. $6640 p.p./ dbl.occ., $7235 single, this vacation requires a valid passport!

7 Days

Sept. 13-19

Michigan & Mackinac

A signature vacation featuring North America’s favorite island.

Only Sports Leisure stays three nights on Mackinac Island. Lunch at Mackinac’s famous Grand Hotel, tours by horse and carriage.

Overnight stays in Grand Rapids, Traverse City and the Bavarian village of Frankenmuth. Visit the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum; tour the Music House, filled with one-of-a-kind musical instruments; history abounds at The Henry Ford Museum’s Greenfield Village.

14 meals: Daily breakfast, 4L, 4D roundtrip airfare to Grand Rapids/ from Detroit, Tour Director: Clayton Whitehead, 2750/3100 Gold Passport Points. $2735 p.p./dbl.occ., $3065 single

5 or 6 Days

Sept. 16/17- In The Big Apple with the 21 World Champion SF Giants

A quirk in the schedule has the Giants in New York City for an entire week this year, playing the Mets and Yankees back-to-back.

Needless to say, these are not easy or cheap tickets to get, with the Giants having won two World Series in three years, and returning to their original home in New York.

There are two itineraries. The first is 6 days and includes a visit to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Fly to Albany, overnight, then head to Cooperstown for a visit to the Main Street of America.

While in Cooperstown, overnight and dine at the magnificent Otesaga Resort, a classic hotel. Enjoy a visit to the hall and stroll the picturesque downtown. The next day, make your way by coach to New York/New Jersey to join the second group.

Oregon’s little Bavarian town of Mt. Angel welcomes you with lunch in its glockenspiel clocktower

4 Days

Sept. 10-13

Oktoberfest in Oregon

Scott has created a new, “seasonal” Oregon adventure. It features a 3-night stay at the Oregon Gardens Resort in Silverton (near Salem).

Of course, you’ll visit the gardens and the Frank Lloyd Wright House there, but there’s lots more. The small Bavarian town of Mt. Angel welcomes you, with its Benedictine Abbey and glockenspiel tower.

There’s a day at the state’s oldest and most beloved Oktoberfest.

Live music, arts and crafts booths, German beer gardens galore, sounds like fun! Visit the Spruce Goose and the Evergreen Aviation Complex. 8 meals, round trip air to/from Portland, 1500/1700 Gold Passport Points. $1495 p.p./dbl.occ., $1695 single.

6 Days

Sept. 15-20

The NEW Ferries & Towns of Puget Sound

The second itinerary is just New York and baseball, without the Hall of Fame. Fly to Newark and spend 4 nights at the Sheraton Lincoln Harbor on the New Jersey side of the river (resulting in a hotel savings of about $150 a night). It’s a beautiful hotel, right at a ferry stop to take you into Manhattan. The second group has a morning of sightseeing in Manhattan, viewing the new 9/11 Memorial and the New York Sports Museum. The Hall of Fame gang joins at the end of day two and you head to Citi Field to see the Giants and Mets. Another game follows the next afternoon, with the Yankees and Mets on tap the next night. Nestled in between the games is a tour of Yankee Stadium and lunch and a tour in Hoboken, where the first baseball game was played.

30 seats only, and half are already spoken for. 6 meals, airfare, tickets to 3 ballgames, Gold Passport Points depend on your choice of itinerary. 6 Day with Cooperstown – $2895 p.p./dbl.occ., $3455 single; 5 Day New York only – $2545 p.p./dbl.occ., $3050 single

This unique itinerary is limited to just 25 persons because of the nature of our accommodations. Featuring 2 nights Rosario Resort in the San Juan Islands, 6 ferry rides, seaplane flight out to Rosario from Seattle, Whidby Island, Port Townsend. 11 meals, 2950/3000 Gold Passport Points. $2910 p.p./dbl.occ., $3260 single 8 Days

Sept. 19-27

Tracing Sherman’s March

Attend the 150 anniversary reenactment of the Battle of Chickamauga! 2 nights each in Chattanooga, Marietta & Savannah, 1 night in the land of Tara and a Gone With The Wind-themed dinner, Chickamauga, Kennesaw and Ft. Pulaski National Parks, Atlanta’s Cyclorama and the Margaret Mitchell Museum. Travel Jonesboro’s Road to the Tara Museum. Visit Milledgeville, Georgia’s Antebellum capital; and Savannah, President Lincoln’s Christmas present in 1864 (he left it alone). 15 meals: Daily breakfast, 3L, 5D; roundtrip airfare to Atlanta/from Savannah, 3000/3400 Gold Passport Points and the rare opportunity to learn Civil War history from a Southern Gentleman, Tour Director: Clayton Whitehead. $2960 p.p./dbl.occ., $3370 single th

Visit us on the web at: www.sportsleisure.com

“New” Yankee stadium hosts the World Champion Giants in September.

Will you be there?

Sports Leisure Vacations / March–April 2013

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4 Days

Sept. 25-28

The Great Custer Buffalo Roundup

Featuring Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial and Mt. Rushmore. Exclusive viewing of the Buffalo Roundup. 3 nights lodging in one of Rapid City’s newest hotels, 5 meals: 3B,1L,1D; roundtrip airfare, 1650/1800 Gold Passport Points. Feel the thunder and the heart pounding excitement at the 48th Annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup as over 1,000 American Bison travel by your viewing area. A short, compact visit to the Black Hills. $1615 p.p./ dbl.occ., $1765 single 7 Days

Oct. 1-7

Taos and the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Featuring the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad, a visit to an original Harvey House, guided tour of Taos Pueblo, Balloon Fiesta: balloon glow and mass ascensions with upgraded seating, lunch on Sandia Mountain. 14 meals, round trip air to/from Albuquerque, 2600/2950 Gold Passport Points, Tour Director: Scott Angeletti. $2590 p.p./ dbl.occ., $2905 single, reserve early, this new tour is selling quickly.

7 Days

Oct. 2-8

Fall Foliage in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands

Visit the hometowns of Jimmy Stewart, Arnold Palmer and Stan Musial. Spend 3 nights at the renowned Seven Springs Resort in the scenic and fall foliage covered (especially at this time of year) Laurel Highlands, 2 nights in Indiana, hometown of Jimmy Stewart, a reunion from our 2011 Christmas Mystery Tour – tour the museum named for the town’s favorite son. See the new Flight 93 Memorial, honoring the heroes of 9/11. Lunch at the Latrobe Country Club, home of Arnold Palmer. Visit the Amish village of Smicksburg for an Amish Wedding Feast, meet Punxsutawney Phil of Groundhog Day fame. Photograph a covered bridge, see the autumn leaves and learn about the Whiskey Rebellion. Includes airfare, 15 meals, the services of a Sports Leisure Tour Director, 2550/2800 Gold Passport Points. $2530 p.p./dbl.occ., $2795 single, $40 EPD**

11 Days

Oct. 11-21

Route 66, The Main Street of America – Chicago to Oklahoma City

The repeat of a classic Sports Leisure adventure – our 8th journey down the classic highway. Two-night stays in Springfield, IL, and Miami, OK; and for the first time staying in the old highway towns of Pontiac, IL, and Miami, OK (pronounced mi-am-ah). Meet the people of Route 66 – special guides, speakers and guests. Includes airfare Sacramento/Chicago and Oklahoma City/Sacramento, a Sports Leisure Tour Director and 26 meals.

A journey down Route 66 is like cutting yourself a slice of AllAmerican Pie. You’ll discover people and places you didn’t know existed – like the murals that line the walls of Pontiac, IL and Cuba, MO; Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis and the magnificent new Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum in Springfield, IL. Meet published Route 66 authors and experts, roadies and characters like the “Four Ladies on the Road” in Galena, KS. If you love “off-thebeaten-track,” you’ve found your trip! 3400/3950 Gold Passport Points. $3370 p.p./dbl.occ., $3935 single, $50 EPD** 11 Days Oct. 16-26

Canada Coast to Coast by Rail

First-class train accommodations aboard VIA Rail as you travel across the continent (3 trains), Halifax: 2 nights at the Delta Barrington Hotel, city sightseeing including Citadel Hill; Montréal: Overnight at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel, visit Vieux Montréal (Old Montréal) and the Basilica of Notre Dame. Niagara Falls: 2 nights at the Embassy Suites, Maid of the Mist Cruise, Toronto: Dinner at the CN Tower, high atop the city. Visit picturesque Peggy’s Cove & quaint Niagara-on-the-Lake. 19 meals: 6FB,8L,5D; roundtrip airfare to Halifax/from Seattle, 5700/6150 Gold Passport Points. This vacation requires a valid passport! $5690 p.p./dbl.occ., $6140 single, $60 EPD**

Fall in the Laurel Highlands – American Heroes & Seven Springs Resort In October, you have a rare opportunity to honor America’s greatest heroes and enjoy the natural beauty of fall, on a week long adventure to places in central Pennsylvania often overlooked by those traveling from the west.

The itinerary features a three-night stay at the Seven Springs Resort, a renowned property in the heart of the Laurel Highlands, about 2 1/2 hours from Pittsburgh. You’ll have time to relax and enjoy your choice of optional activities at the resort (including tours, a zip line adventure, educational classes and more) and see the surrounding countryside when fall colors abound.

The resort offers contemporary luxury and fine dining with spectacular 360-degree scenery.

Just a short drive Welcome to your Laurel Highlands home...

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Sports Leisure Vacations / March–April 2013

from Seven Springs, you’ll find the Flight 93 Memorial. Near the tiny settlement of Shankesville, a group of heroes gave their lives to bring down an airplane that was only 20 minutes from its intended target in Washington, DC. A fitting memorial has been erected to tell the story of these everyday people and their heroic acts. You’ll experience it all.

The hometowns of movie star Jimmy Stewart, baseball legend Stan Musial, golfer Arnold Palmer and weather predicting star Punxsutawney Phil are all on the itinerary. Visit an Amish settlement others rarely visit, a real Amish community.

The Laurel Highlands are “low mountains,” and offer the best of high country scenery without the “high” part. Discover a new destination with Sports Leisure. ...the luxurious Seven Springs Resort

Taking panoramic photos with your iPhone

The art world is buzzing about Crystal Bridges

6 Days

Oct. 13-18

Arkansas & Art at Crystal Bridges

Clayton has just returned from Arkansas, where he saw the new, impressive Crystal Bridges Museum of Art. It’s in Walmart’s hometown of Bentonville and you are going to visit. In fact, Clayton spent several days scouting the entire itinerary. 2 nights each in Little Rock and Bentonville; and overnight in Fort Smith, home of Miss Laura’s Social Club (scandalous to say the least). There’s a full day to explore the new art museum. Tour the Clinton Presidential Library and Sam Walton’s original Five and Dime; visit Hot Springs National Park and Will Rogers’ Claremore, OK. 11 meals: Daily breakfast, 2L, 3D; roundtrip air to Little Rock/from Tulsa. 2250/2550 Gold Passport Points. $2250 p.p./dbl.occ., $2550 single 3 Days

Oct. 20-22

Fall in Yosemite

Always a popular excursion. Featuring the Mariposa Grove of Big Trees and Glacier Point. Stay two nights at Yosemite Lodge, right in the park. Dine on Sunday Brunch at the Ahwahnee Hotel and enjoy a tour of the historic accommodation. Ranger talks are available in the evenings. Lunch on the Glacier Point tour is at the Wawona Hotel. 3 meals, 1150/1400 Gold Passport Points. $1125 p.p./dbl.occ., $1380 single, $25 EPD** 7 Days

Jan. 18-24 or Feb. 1-7, 2014

Key West, Key Largo, Miami and the Everglades

Another Key West visit (this year was our fifth) is in the books and we can’t wait to get back. Next year’s January trip is sold out, but we have space on the February trip. It features four nights in beautiful Key West. During your visit, see the Hemingway Home, the nation’s very first public aquarium, Truman’s Little White House, and Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum. The dinner and drag show at La Te Da, and the small but amazing Butterfly & Nature Conservancy; plus Mark promises a surprise new attraction this time around.

Before you get to the Keys, overnight in Miami with an air boat ride in the Everglades and overnight in Key Largo with a visit to a Sea Turtle Hospital. Miami city tour including Coral Gables and South Beach. Roundtrip air, 13 meals, door-to-door service, Tour Director: Mark Hoffmann or Chris Galloway. For the 2014 tour, call now to reserve your seat with a $100 fully refundable (until May 1, 2013) deposit. 2013 prices were: $3435 p.p./dbl.occ., $3985 single, we expect a 3-4% increase for 2014.

We’ve all been there, standing in front of the most beautiful scenery we’ve ever seen desperately trying to capture it within 4x5 inches – it doesn’t do the scenery justice, does it? For those of you already snapping photos with your iPhones, here’s a quick tip that lets you take a whole bunch of those 4x5’s and puts them together for you.

They call it a “panoramic photo,” and it’s pretty cool.

To take one, launch your camera by clicking the camera icon on your home screen. Next, tap “options” at the top in the middle. The very last option you’ll see is called “Panorama.” Click it and you’ll see a slightly different camera screen than what you’re used to. Just line up your lens with the left side of the scene you want to capture. Click the camera button and slowly move your phone to the right side of the scene you are photographing. Here’s another tip: don’t look at the scenery, focus on keeping the arrow in the middle of the screen. It will give you the best shot.

Give it a try and don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions! I can be reached at ryan@sportsleisure.com.

Editor’s Note: If you have a question regarding your “gadget,” drop at note to Ryan at the e-mail address above, and he’ll answer it in a future newsletter. If time allows, he will follow up with you personally.

Dreaming about wonderful places to go is a lot more fun when the world is at your fingertips. Let us help you learn how to get there!

Things to Know Before You Go: Airfare: On all trips where air travel is indicated, airfares are included in the listed prices.

Home Pick-up: Our exclusive home pick-up is included on all trips listed here of three days or longer. Carey Limousines and their partners provide transportation to/from the airport, Sacramento’s Amtrak station or the Sports Leisure Vacations office.

Meals: Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for a break down of the included breakfasts, brunches, lunches and dinners. **Early Registration/Payment Discounts: Trips with a note like this after the price “$40 EPD**,” indicates there is a discount available for Early Registration and Payment. Please refer to the back page of the newsletter for more details on Early Registration/Payment Discounts.

The Fine Print: Our Special Tour & Vacation Notes brochure contains the answers to many often-asked questions. A copy is sent with your reservations.

Sports Leisure online: You are invited to visit our website at www.sportsleisure.com for more information on any tour listed here, or call our office and we will be happy to send you a detailed itinerary.

Sports Leisure Vacations / March–April 2013

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PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Sacramento, CA PERMIT NO. 517

LLC

9812 Old Winery Place, Suite 1 Sacramento, CA 95827 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

EARLY PAYMENT Di$count Coupon Early Registration/Payment Di$counts listed here expire on April 9, 2013; or may be withdrawn when 50% of the available space has been reserved. To receive the discount, you must pay in full within ten days of registration. If you accept this option, the monies paid, including the cost of Cancellation Protection, are returned to you in full if you cancel more than 60 days prior to departure for US and Canadian tours or 75 days prior for International tours, regardless of the reason for cancellation.

Within the time limits noted above, restrictions on refunds apply. See the Special Vacation Notes & Information brochure for complete details.

Sept. – Oktoberfest in Oregon – $ave $25 July – Cheyenne’s Frontier Days – $ave $60 Aug. – Gems, Gardens & The Pageant of the Mast. – $ave $25 Sept. – Santa Cruzin’ & The Follires – $ave $35 Oct. – Fall Foliage in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands – $ave $40 Oct. – Catalina Island Getaway – $ave $40 Oct. – Mendocino’s Colorful Coast – $ave $35 Oct. – All Around California by Rail – $ave $250 Oct. – Fall in Yosemite – $ave $25 Oct. – Canada Coast to Coast by Rail – $ave $60 Oct. – Route 66, The Main Street of America – $ave $75

VALUABLE Coupon

$ave $10–$40 per person on Cancellation Protection Valid only when used with the adjacent coupon on the tours listed. Your savings depend on the price of your tour. $ave $10 on tours priced from $451-$800, $ave $20 on tours priced from $801-$2250, $ave $30 on tours priced from $2251-$3500, $ave $40 on tours priced at $3501 or more. The regular cost of this protection is $15-$295, depending on the tour price.

To receive the above discounts, you must pay in full within ten days of registration and purchase the protection at the time you pay for your tour. Within 60/75 days of departure (see adjoining coupon), coverage is limited to verified medical emergencies.

Please refer to the Special Vacation Notes & Information brochure for details, or call our office.

TOUR UPDATE… A brief list of tours which are sold out, or have only a limited amount of space (10 or fewer seats, number in parenthesis) remaining. Day trips are not listed.

Sold-Out Tours (waiting list available) Colorful Carolina Coast Palm Springs Getaway NYC: Brooklyn, Broadway & the Bronx San Antonio: Deep in the Heart The Real Hawaii Kentucky Derby My Kind of Towns – Chicago/St. Louis Take The Empire Builder Washington DC & Gettysburg Glacier & Waterton National Parks The International Selkirk Loop Exploring the Seine: Paris to Normandy Key West (Jan. 2014)

Limited Space (10 or fewer seats) On the (Pismo) Beach (3) Lilacs, Tulips & Gourmet Eats (7) Somewhere in Time/Portland Rose Festival (6) Michigan & Mackinac (10) In the Big Apple with the Giants – 5-Day (6) In the Big Apple with the Giants – 6-Day (6) Tracing Sherman’s March (8) The Great Custer Buffalo Round-Up (3)

office hours:

8:00am – 4:30pm MON. thru FRI. Closed weekends & major holidays CLOSED TUES. 12:00pm – 1:15pm