Off The Beaten Path: Hiking The Appalachian Trail

For a number of people, thru hiking the Appalachian Trail is a lifelong dream. Others are just as happy section hiking the AT over a number of years, or simply exploring the AT over a few weekends. The Appalachian Mountain Club offers a number of resources, lodging options, and guided programs for whatever style of AT exploration fits your timeframe and budget. 

The trail is more than 2,000 miles long so we are just going to look at one portion of it that is within Virginia.  Virginia is home to more than 500 miles of the Appalachian Trial, more miles than any other state! And 101 of those miles lie in beautiful Shenandoah National Park and parallel to Skyline Drive. The A.T. also parallels the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, goes through Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, and ends in Damascus, known as Trail Town USA, where the trail goes right down its main thoroughfare. 

Begin your hike at the border of Virginia/West Virginia in Clarke County. Many backpackers consider this portion of the A.T. perfect for spring break! The Key Points are: 54 miles long and the best Time to Hike: Spring and September to early November

The next section is Shenandoah National Park of the Appalachian Trail Shenandoah National Park DeerThe Trail is well-graded, well-maintained and gentle grades for less-experienced hikers. The park facilities close in early November through March, and snow shuts down Skyline Drive to motorists. Although cross-country skiers and snowshoers are welcome! The Key Points are: 101 miles long. The best time to hike: Spring and September to October.

Follow that section with Virginia's Central Portion of the Appalachian Trail - Blue Ridge Parkway to Roanoke. The Trail becomes more difficult the further south you travel, with many 2,000- to 3,000-foot climbs, crossing ridges and valleys. to Roanoke. The Key Points are: 225 miles long. The best time to hike: Spring and September to October.

The end of the trail is Virginia's Southern End of the Appalachian Trail - Roanoke to Pearisburg. The A.T. travels more westerly through the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests from Roanoke County to Pearisburg in Giles County. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, this portion of the A.T. is the most remote and less traveled. The Key Points are: 166 miles long. The best time to hike: May to October.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

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Buttermilk Brined Fried Chicken Recipe

There is nothing like a southern dinner on a Sunday night, and families have been handing down their favorite recipes for generations.

Ingredients

8 pieces of chicken 

1 quart buttermilk 

1 cup water

1/8 cup kosher salt

1 Tablespoon Creole Seasoning

1 Tablespoon Frank’s Hot Sauce (or other vinegar based hot sauce)

1 Tablespoon Sriracha hot sauce

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/4 cup honey

cayenne to taste 

Coating

3 cups flour

3 teaspoon baking powder

3 Tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon Tony Chachere’s

1-2 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste)

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated black pepper

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/4 tsp cayenne

1/4 teaspoon paprika

2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 cups buttermilk

oil for frying (you need enough to come about 1/3 of the way up the pot or 2 inches)

Directions

For the brine: Combine all the ingredients for the brine except buttermilk in a small pot and heat over medium, dissolving all the salt and honey. Remove from heat and cool by adding ice cubes and stirring. In a large mixing bowl combine buttermilk and cooled seasoned water. Rinse chicken and pat dry. Divide all pieces of chicken between two large ziplock bags. Pour half of buttermilk brine in each, close, and place in the refrigerator over night, up to 12 hours. I have left them in there longer, 14-15 hours, with no ill effects. {note: I have also halved the brine recipe and used one large ziplock for 8 pieces of chicken and it worked out well, a good way to save.}

1-2 hours before you are ready to fry: Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry. Let the chicken come to room temperature, half an hour to one and a half hours, on a parchment lined baking sheet covered with paper towels.

Preheat oven to 350° F

Mix all of the ingredients for the coating together in a large bowl, transferring half to a second bowl. {note: The measurements given for seasonings here are approximate. I season my flour to taste. Yes, I taste the raw flour. It should taste salty & flavorful.} Fill a third bowl with the 2 cups of buttermilk. The easiest way to coat the chicken is to have a line set up: uncoated chicken, flour coating, buttermilk, 2nd bowl of flour coating, wax paper lined baking sheet for the coated chicken.

Pour the oil into your pot (preferably cast iron enamel like Le Crueset). It should come at least two inches and no more than 1/3 of the way up the side of the pot. Turn the heat to low, clipping a frying/candy thermometer to the side of your pot.

Dredge each piece in the coating, dust off all excess, dip into the buttermilk, and then into the second bowl of coating, letting the 2nd coating be clumpier but still patting to get rid of excess that might fall off in the oil. Place coated chicken on the wax paper lined tray.

Turn the oil up to high and let it come to about 350° F. Let the coated chicken sit so that the coating will thicken while the oil gets hot. When it reaches temperature, very carefully place 4 pieces of chicken at a time in the hot oil and fry, adjusting the temperature as needed to maintain a frying temperature between 310° -325° F. You start the oil at 350° because when you add the chicken to the hot oil, the temperature will drop. Fry dark meat first, as it takes longer. Fry the chicken for about 13-20 minutes, moving the chicken gently (you don’t want to knock the coating off!) after the first five to prevent sticking and burning on the bottom. Be careful to monitor your chicken, watching the oil temperature closely and not letting the chicken get too dark.

Remove chicken from the oil with a spider or slotted metal spoon when it is golden brown (metal tongs will knock off your precious coating), and place it on a cooling rack over a paper towel lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Check the internal temperature with an instant read thermometer. Fully cooked chicken will read 160 degrees and can be served then if desired. If it is lower than that, it must be finished in the oven. Fry the second batch and then place it on the rack. Place the rack in the oven for ten minutes. Check the internal temperature to make sure the chicken is cooked through, let rest 10 minutes, and serve hot. If all the chicken is cooked through and you want to keep it hot, you can hold it in a 250 degree oven.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

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Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793

(602) 843-5100

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Cruise America's Rivers

More than just the Country Music Capital of the World, Nashville, TN is a city that typifies the American Heartland. We offer two intriguing cruises, Nashville to St. Louis and Memphis to Nashville that journey along the Cumberland and Mississippi Rivers, showing off the rustic beauty of lands virtually untouched since the early days of American history. These cruises offer the distinct sounds of Nashville, St. Louis and Memphis, three of the country's most important music centers. Is it time for you to cruise America's Heartland rivers? River cruises are a very special kind of adventure.

Personal Service is a hallmark of distinction for American Cruise Lines. Each member of their staff is ready to create an exceptional cruise experience for you. Their guiding principle is simple; if it’s important to you, it’s important to them. An all-American crew will get to know you by name and quickly learn your preferences. They may even surprise you with your favorite snack when you return to the ship after a day of exploring the local culture. Their culinary team is ready to serve you the finest local cuisine plus your personal menu favorites, while meeting all dietary requirements.

Let them help you celebrate a special event in unforgettable style. Or, invite your friends to join you for dinner aboard the ship when they dock near them.

Cumberland River Cruise
The American heartland is a storied region steeped in history and culture. Relax on a first-class paddlewheeler as you pass rolling farmlands and tree-lined riverbanks as the leaves begin to change in September. Enjoy guided shore excursions including a tour of the River Heritage Museum in Paducah, KY and a walking tour of Chester, IL, situated atop the bluffs of the Mississippi River Valley offering unparalleled views.

Ports of Call - Nashville, TN - Clarksville TN - Dover, TN - Lake Barkley, KY - Paducah, KY - Cape Girardeau, MO - Chester, IL - St. Louis, MO  

Memphis to Nashville Cruise

A journey from Memphis to Nashville not only retraces the voyages of intrepid pioneers of American history but also features two cities known for great contributions to our nation's music heritage. From the rhythm and blues of Memphis to the bluegrass country style of Nashville, this river cruise traverses the Mississippi and Cumberland Rivers offering amazing scenery and lively entertainment. Explore the fascinating history of Cape Girardeau and its significance in the American Civil War and learn about the art of wine making during a visit to Clarksville. 

Ports of Call - Memphis, TN - Cape Girardeau, MO - Paducah, KY - Dover, TN - Clarksville, TN - Nashville, TN

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com

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Best Things to Do on a Cruise For Free

Stepping on a cruise ship can sometimes feel like walking into a Caribbean straw market, with vendors hawking their wares left and right. Don't forget to snap up a spa special before they're gone. With so many cruise ship dining venues and activities carrying surcharges these days, it's easy to forget there's still a lot of things to do that don't cost a single cent. So say yes to adrenaline-fueled activities like surfing, skydiving, ropes course climbing and culinary indulgences including great pizza, poolside milkshakes and meals created by celebrity chefs -- and you'll still ring up a total onboard expense of $0.00. 

Dine at a Celebrity Chef-Affiliated Restaurant
Several cruise lines have partnered with celebrity chefs to offer extra-special dining experiences that would be nearly impossible (or very expensive) to have on land. But those experiences usually come with an extra price tag. On Carnival, you can fill up on juicy burgers at Guy's Burgers, the brainchild of Food Network chef Guy Fieri. Crystal offers each of its passengers one free dinner at Nobu, the acclaimed eatery from famed chef Nobu Matsuhisa. And on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas, cruisers get delicious but healthy cuisine at Devinly Decadence, care of NBC's Biggest Loser chef Devin Alexander.

Sip a Milkshake Poolside
Most cruise ships offer free soft-serve ice cream but tack on a surcharge for milkshakes (if they're even available). But milkshake-lovers on Oceania ships don't have to worry about spending a few extra dollars to indulge their dairy desires. Poolside crew members will whip up milkshakes (vanilla, chocolate or strawberry) on the spot for instant satisfaction.

Watch the Sunset or Sunrise Over the Ocean
It's one of the most beautiful sights in nature, and it doesn't cost a dime. Grab a loved one's hand (or your favorite cocktail), walk over to the ship's railing, and take a deep breath. You've seen it before, sure, but watching the sunset over the ocean never fails to give you that, "I'm on vacation, and life is good" moment. Enjoy.

Take in a Broadway Show
Snagging tix to a hot Broadway play is never going to be affordable unless you're doing so at sea. On the wide-open waters of the ocean you can see "Cats," "Mamma Mia!" and "Saturday Night Fever" on select Royal Caribbean ships or "Rock of Ages," "Legally Blonde: the Musical" and "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" on select Norwegian Cruise Line ships -- for nothing more than the cost of your already-paid cruise ticket.

Catch a Movie Outdoors
The movies might not be first-run, but admission is free, and you can bring in treats from your cabin or the buffet without having to smuggle them under your jacket. Outdoor Lido Deck movie screens, which can be found on virtually all cruise lines these days, are even more romantic than the real deal, with prime viewing from the pool by day and on snuggly loungers covered with warm blankets at night, popcorn included. 

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

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5 Reasons Why A Cruise Is The Very Best Vacation

Modern Cruise Ships Are Floating Cities

If you're concerned about being stranded in the middle of the ocean, relax. Cruise ships are like floating cities with everything you could possibly want onboard. Today's vessels are outfitted with Wi-Fi, cell service and satellite TV so you can stay in touch with the real world during your cruise (if you even want to). Onboard shops sell the toiletries you forgot to pack, medical centers can provide medicine or a doctor's services if needed, and laundry facilities let you wash your clothes mid-cruise so you don't need to over-pack. Of course, there's also the fun stuff like gyms, multiple restaurants, movie screens, spas, swimming pools, theaters and discos. And in the rare emergency, there are always enough lifeboats for everyone onboard.  

A Cruise Vacation Offers Great Value
Cruises offer great value for your vacation dollar because the fares include nearly everything you'll need for a fantastic trip: food, accommodations, daytime and evening entertainment and transportation between travel destinations. We regularly see cruise deals on mainstream cruise lines for under $100 per person, per night, which is astonishingly cheaper than you'd spend on land for a hotel, dinner and a show.

On some lines, kids even sail free or at discounted rates when sharing a cabin with two adults. Looking for luxury? Upscale lines are even more inclusive, with alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, gratuities, shore tours, onboard spending credits, and even flights often bundled into the base price.

See Multiple Destinations, Unpack Only Once
On a cruise, you unpack once and your floating hotel takes you from city to city or from island to island and there's no need to mess with train or ferry schedules, or lug your suitcase along cobblestone streets. Every morning, you'll wake up in a new place. Can't decide between St. Lucia and Barbados, or Italy or Spain? Why choose? Pick an itinerary that visits all the cities on your wish list.

Cruise Ships Are Family Friendly
From tots to teens, grandparents to grandkids, family cruises are fun for all ages. If you're struggling to find a vacation that your 5-, 10- and 15-year-olds will all love -- and that has adult activities, too -- ships now have extensive kids' facilities, split by age. Teens have their own cool hangouts, far away from the play areas for the little ones (and certainly a nice distance from parent-friendly pools and bars). How can you not love a trip that features video games and swimming pools, while offering time for families to be together at dinner or onshore excursions? And parents can even sneak in a romantic dinner alone, by taking advantage of late-night hours in the kids' club.

Ships Offer a Variety of Onboard Activities
Today's cruise ships are designed to keep everyone happy. Want to pamper yourself at the spa while your spouse hits the casino? Or lounge in the sun reading a book while your family plays basketball. You can go to an educational lecture, a wine tasting, a computer class or a dance workshop; paint pottery, play bridge, learn a language or do yoga; dine at a casual buffet, a fancy sit-down restaurant, a sushi bar, a diner or a steakhouse; watch a movie, a comedy routine, a song-and-dance show or live music performance. And if all you want to do is nothing while the ship sails from port to port you can do that, too.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

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6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
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Culinary Travel: Chicken Curry Japanese Style Recipe

For dishes like Japanese curry , pre-made mixes have become the norm rather than the exception and a trip to the supermarket will reveal an entire section of boxed curry mixes. Curry has become a staple of many homes, that's enjoyed by people of all ages. It's thicker and sweeter than most other curries of the world and has a depth of flavor that's unique, thanks to an ample dose of caramelized onions. With big hunks of tender meat, carrots, and potatoes, it's more like a hearty stew than a typical curry.

Ingredients

6 Chicken thighs - boneless skinless
1 teaspoon Salt 
1/4 teaspoon Black pepper 
1 tablespoon Oil 
2 large Garlic cloves finely chopped 
1/2 ounces grated Ginger 
2 large onions sliced thin  
2 1/2 tablespoons Curry powder 
3 cups Chicken stock 
2 carrots cut into chunks  
1 Small apple peeled cored and grated 
2 tablespoons Chunou sauce 
1 tablespoon Tomato paste 
1 teaspoon Cocoa powder 
1 teaspoon Salt 
1 Bay leaf 
2 medium potatoes cut into large chunks  
1/2 cup Green peas
1 tablespoon Butter 
1 tablespoon Flour

Directions

Clean any large bits of fat from the chicken and cut into large chunks. 

Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and mix to distribute evenly. Japanese Curry from Scratch Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy bottomed pot over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering and then add the chicken in a single layer. 

Let the chicken brown undisturbed (about 5 minutes). Flip the chicken and let it brown on the other side. Japanese Curry from Scratch 

Turn down the heat to medium-low and transfer the chicken to a bowl using tongs, making sure to leave as much oil in the pan as possible. Add the grated garlic and ginger and fry in the oil until it's not sizzling as much and it reaches a rich caramel brown color. 

Add the onions, and stir to coat with oil. Cover with a lid and let the onions steam until translucent and limp (about 10-15 minutes). Remove the lid, turn up the heat to medium and continue frying the onion, stirring constantly until it's reduced to about 1/8 of its original volume and it forms a shiny caramel brown paste (about 20-30 minutes). If the onion starts to stick to the pan before it's fully caramelized, try scrubbing off the stuck bits with a spatula. If that doesn't work you can add just a bit of water to the areas where things are sticking and then use the spatula to scrape. When the onions are fully caramelized, add the curry powder and saute briefly until very fragrant. Return the chicken to the pot and then add the stock, carrots, grated apple, chunou sauce, tomato paste, cocoa powder, salt and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce the heat. 

Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the potatoes, cover and simmer until the carrots and potatoes are very tender (another 15-20 minutes). Japanese Curry from Scratch In the meantime, make the roux by adding the butter and flour to a small saucepan over medium heat. Use a spatula to stir constantly until the bubbling subsides and the roux is a light brown color. Japanese Curry from Scratch 

When the potatoes are tender, taste and adjust salt to taste. If you like your curry sweeter, you can add some honey. Finish the curry by stirring in the roux and green peas and bringing to a boil to thicken the sauce. 

Serve over rice.

Talk to us about traveling to this exotic, adventure filled destination. Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com

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We Are Happy To Help Plan Your Next Trip

Rawhide Travel and Tours with combined total of more than “75 years of travel experience" provides amazing deals for your dream vacation with experienced, friendly travel experts.

Services offered include booking domestic and international air travel, hotel and resort reservations, car rental and cruises for individuals, corporate, group and incentive travel. Also tour packages of every type from a weekend getaway, to San Diego or Disneyland to involved and detailed vacations worldwide.

Plan your next great vacation with Rawhide Travel and Tours. Call today (602) 843-5100 or email us at flythis@rawhidetravel.com.

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Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
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Walt Disney World: Art in August at Disney Springs

by Darcy Clark, Disney Springs Marketing Manager

In Walt Disney World Resort you will find Disney Springs and their Grand Opening Summer Celebration – an event that combines new venues, added entertainment and special retail promotions, all happening through Labor Day. Today, I’m excited to share that our Celebration continues with new amped-up offerings in August; the latest additions focus on art … and lots of it! 

“Art in August” kicks off this Thursday, August 4, 2016, at Disney Springs Marketplace. With tents set up throughout the promenade, guests can expect to find Disney artists like Don “Ducky” Williams, handmade treasures including jewelry from Jortra and stationary from Boiled Books, and unique keepsakes such as the latest Precious Moments Dolls from doll designer Linda Rick.

Every weekend (Thursday through Sunday) in August, new artisans will be featured. Painters like Greg MCCullough, Darren Wilson, William Silvers, Joe Kaminski and Jasmine Becket-Griffith will sit alongside niche craftsman who sell items that include giftable plants (Petal Pushers), Handmade Soaps and Beauty Products (Rinse) and decorative house and garden flags (Swaying in the Breeze). Guests can expect to find jewelry made from recycled beads at Magic Ink and decorative Italian masks from Annalisa Masks. Pop Gallery, the eclectic art haven on the West Side, will have a booth featuring unique pieces, as will Name Works. And on select dates, these diverse artists will be joined by photographer Carlos Cuba, Precious Moments figurine sculptor Hiko Maeda, and game designer Quynh Kimball. Whether you prefer your art “fine” or simply “fun,” there’s something for everyone!

For the latest Disney Springs news and happenings, follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @DIsneySprings. Starting in August, keep an eye out for social content tagged with hashtag “#ArtInAugust” and through Labor Day, look for hashtag “#GoDisneySprings” to stay current on Grand Opening Celebration activities.

Every weekend (Thursday through Sunday) in August, new artisans will be featured. Painters like Greg MCCullough, Darren Wilson, William Silvers, Joe Kaminski and Jasmine Becket-Griffith will sit alongside niche craftsman who sell items that include giftable plants (Petal Pushers), Handmade Soaps and Beauty Products (Rinse) and decorative house and garden flags (Swaying in the Breeze). Guests can expect to find jewelry made from recycled beads at Magic Ink and decorative Italian masks from Annalisa Masks. Pop Gallery, the eclectic art haven on the West Side, will have a booth featuring unique pieces, as will Name Works. And on select dates, these diverse artists will be joined by photographer Carlos Cuba, Precious Moments figurine sculptor Hiko Maeda, and game designer Quynh Kimball. Whether you prefer your art “fine” or simply “fun,” there’s something for everyone!

Talk to us about traveling to this exotic, adventure filled destination. Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com

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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.

6008 West Bell Rd # F105

Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793

602-843-5100

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Etiquette 101: Be A Good House Guest In Tokyo

Inviting someone to dinner at home is sufficiently unusual in Japan that there's not much in the way of etiquette here, as people typically entertain by going out to eat. But as in the West, you're not going go wrong with wine or flowers. "Western" (grape) wine is the easy option, anything you'd drink at home will do fine as a gift. If you opt for flowers, avoid white flowers and chrysanthemums, since both are associated with funerals; a premade bouquet from a flower shop will be OK. 

Remember your hosts are from all walks of life, as you can see in these videos. Visit local families just like you with similar age kids, find foodies who will share their knowledge of Japanese culture. Miss your pets back home while traveling? Find a host who loves dogs just like you. They may have studied abroad in your hometown, are learning to speak your mother tongue, or want to share their traditional Japanese tea ceremony or calligraphy skills. You can confirm all these details before booking your Nagomi  Visit since all hosts go through a screening process and complete a full profile.

There are many hosts who live in the city center or a few minutes walk from famous tourist attractions. However, for those wanting to take advantage of visiting our hosts who live in more rural areas, travel up to an hour and surround yourself with beautiful rice fields or mountains. Either way it is always better to have enough time for good conversation and any unexpected pre- or post- Nagomi Visit plans with your host. Some are more than happy to take you to see or experience local hidden attractions, even if it is just a quick stop to a local supermarket.

Many hosts have acquired much of their language skill from travel, study, or work. However, always keep in mind that despite how excited the host is to communicate with you, many do not normally speak English on a daily basis so your patience would be greatly appreciated. Each participant may speak at different levels, and some may speak other languages. Many of these details can be confirmed on the host’s profile before booking.
What will I eat? 

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

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Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
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Crystal Serenity Begins Month-Long Northwest Passage Journey

In a rare endeavor, Crystal Serenity, owned by Crystal Cruises, has embarked on a 32-night journey through the Northwest Passage, the Arctic region north of Canada that was unattainable until just 100 years ago.

Following more than three years of planning and preparation, Crystal’s vessel welcomed nearly 1,000 intrepid guests aboard in Seward, Alaska.

“Every aspect of this voyage is literally unparalleled in the luxury cruise industry, and nearly the entire travel industry as well,” says Crystal president, Edie Rodriguez.

“It is a tremendous undertaking to embark on such a historic journey, but also an honor for us to be able to offer the world’s most discerning travelers the opportunity to experience a region of the world that so few others have or ever will.”

The voyage has not been without controversy, however, with environmental groups arguing the damage caused by large vessels passing through the Arctic will destroy the environment guests have come to see.

Throughout the voyage, which will conclude in New York City on September 16th, Crystal Serenity will sail with additional crew, training and equipment in consideration of the unique operating conditions in the far north. 

Two veteran Canadian ice pilots will be on board to advise the master of Crystal Serenity, captain Birger Vorland and his bridge team.

Earlier this year, the Captain and ice pilots attended an ice navigation simulator training in St John’s Newfoundland, and during a routine scheduled dry-dock in May, Crystal Serenity was outfitted with two ice searchlights, forward looking sonar, a thermal imaging camera and software to improve the ability to pick up small contacts on the radar such as small amounts of ice.

In addition, Crystal Serenity will be receiving constant ice condition updates form Canadian Ice Services that can be overlaid on its electronic navigation systems.

This technology is not typically found on cruise ships and represents the best possible preventive measures to detect any unforeseen anomalies along the ship’s path.

Talk to us about traveling to this exotic, adventure filled destination. Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com

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6008 West Bell Rd # F105
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Stay At The Four Seasons Resort O'ahu at Ko Olina

You’ve never experienced Oahu like this. Perhaps you have never even thought of this kind of luxury. On Hawaii’s most dynamic island, Four Seasons welcomes you to an exclusive five-star beach resort, combining thrilling adventure with authentic Hawaiian tradition. Discover your “place of joy” – the true meaning of Ko Olina.

On Oahu’s sunny western coast – wild, rugged and conveniently close to Honolulu and Waikiki Beach – five-star Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina balances a classic Hawaiian style with one-of-a-kind luxury.

Chic and light-filled with vast ocean views, they have 371 accommodations provide a personal sanctuary in this all-encompassing Hawaiian luxury beach resort. Restaurants and bars are infused with the magnetic energy of Ko Olina. Splash into lively pools and lagoons, with numerous water sports right off the Resort’s own beach. Play tennis and golf, then relax in the Spa – wrapped in the effortless elegance of Four Seasons. They can arrange to have you sleeping under the stars, Hawaii

A cool 250 million dollars was spent transforming the former Marriott Ihilani into the Four Seasons Resort O'ahu at Ko Olina.

With that kind of outlay, it's no surprise that vacationing in the Aloha State doesn't get much sleeker.  Although Mercedes-Maybach and helicopter transfers are one option, the 75-foot Four Seasons yacht may be the best way to arrive before you disembark to check into the Presidential Suite. The yacht boasts a private Sky Terrace where you can sleep out under the stars, but only after a 7-course dinner with Cristal and wine pairings at the chef's table presided over by executive chef Martin Knaubert.

Presenting dramatic views of the beach and ocean – this five-star Hawaiian beach resort offers the ideal size and layout for group gatherings, hosting up to 1,650 guests. Our two ballrooms and five function rooms provide beautiful settings for large social events, wedding receptions and business meetings, and several provide access to the outdoors. Adjacent to the Resort, the magical Lanikuhonua estate encompass 10 acres (four hectares) of oceanfront grounds for unforgettable events of up to 1,500 people.

Yacht excursion transfer, one night in the Presidential Suite and chef's table from $20,000

Stroll the beach at Four Seasons as it sits on one of Ko Olina’s four white-sand beaches, connected by several miles of shoreline pathways for unsurpassed sea walks.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

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6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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How About A California Roll Sushi Recipe

The California roll; a favorite! First time sushi goer with no raw fish, but many people love California rolls. In fact crave these topped with spicy mayo and dipped in a wasabi/soy sauce concoction… mmm. It’s also pretty inexpensive to make sushi at home. With the right tools and this tutorial, you’ll be a pro in no time.

Ingredients for Perfect Sushi Rice:

2 cups Japanese short or medium grain rice (such as Homai or California Calrose)
2 1/2 cups cold water
5 Tablespoon Sushi Vinegar
(Make your own sushi vinegar by combining the following 3 ingredients and dissolving them together over low heat on the stove, then let the mixture cool):
4 Tablespoon Rice vinegar
2 Tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoon salt 

Many sushi places use Homai (California Calrose) rice to make their sushi. 

1/2 pound Imitation crab meat 
1 Avocado, ripe but still firm
1/2 medium cucumber, peeled and sliced into long julienne strips
Toasted Nori Seaweed
Toasted sesame seeds
A sushi rolling mat + Plastic wrap to cover the mat.  If you don’t have a sushi mat, try using parchment paper instead. 

Dips and sauces for California roll:

Soy sauce (regular or low sodium)
Wasabi paste or wasabi powder
For spicy mayo: Mayonnaise (~1 Tablespoon) and Sriracha hot chili sauce (~1 tsp)  or to taste

How to Cook Perfect Sushi Rice:

1. Wash the rice with cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well. If you have a rice maker, follow rice maker instructions (add 2 cups rice and 2 1/2 cups water) (no salt required!) and cook on the white rice setting then skip to step #4

2. For the stove top method: Put drained rice in a heavy sauce-pan and add 2 cups cold water. Cover tightly and set the pan over high heat and bring to a boil. Once it boils, reduce heat to medium and let cook covered until all the water is absorbed (7-8 min). Do not remove the cover to check, but listen for the bubbling to stop.

3. Once you hear a faint hissing sound, reduce the heat to very low and cook another 6 min. Remove from the heat and let stand 15 min covered. This is the basic white rice eaten with japanese meals.

4. Transfer the hot rice to a large bowl and break it up to get rid of all the hot clumps.

5. Let the rice cool down a little. It should still be very warm when you stir in your sushi vinegar

Assembling your California Rolls:

1. Wrap your in plastic wrap before using it (this makes it re-useable and you don’t even have to wash it!). 

2. Fold the pieces of nori in half to split them.

3. Toast your sesame seeds over medium heat, stirring constantly until golden. Slice up your veggies and crab meat. 

4. Spread a generous handful of sushi rice onto the 1/2 sheet of nori. Use your wet finger tips (keep your hands wet to prevent sticking) to spread the rice evenly over the entire surface of the nori.

5. Flip the rice covered piece of nori over so the rice is facing down (this way, your rice will be on the outside). Place your fillings across the center of your nori lengthwise (don’t overfill or the roll won’t seal).

6. Start rolling using your matt to firmly keep the roll in place. Apply some pressure to make a tight roll. If its not tight enough, it will be difficult to cut. Once the roll is complete, sprinkle the roll with toasted sesame seeds while it is still on the mat so you can turn it easily.

7. Run your sharp knife through a damp paper towel before slicing so the rice won’t stick as much. Cut the roll in half, then line the two halves up and slice into even 1-inch rings. I have found that it slices easier when you slice quickly. 

Talk to us about traveling to this exotic, adventure filled destination. Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Travel Services You Can Trust

Need to travel on business or leisure, Rawhide Travel and Tours will make it happen. We will arrange your flights, rail, hotel, car rentals and cruises. Let us assist you in planning your upcoming business trip. We are also available to help you plan that much needed vacation.

Want a small hotel or a luxury resort? Let Rawhide Travel and Tours customize the perfect spot just for you! We have many choices.  Let Us Help You Get Lost.

Call us at (602) 843-5100. Check out our website: rawhidetravel.com or email us at flythis@rawhidetravel.com.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

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Talk to us about traveling to this exotic, adventure filled destination. Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
rawhidetravel.com