Off the Beaten Path: Tasmania, Australia

Tasmania is a truly unique and beautiful Australian experience. It  is known as the natural state with pristine wilderness areas to explore, overland tracks to hike and some of best fresh produce in Australia to enjoy along the way.

Hobart, Australia’s second oldest city, retains so much of its historical and heritage buildings and atmosphere and has the stunning backdrop of Mt Wellington.

The Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula is Australia’s most intact and evocative convict site and one of Australia's great tourist destinations. The Site has more than 30 buildings, ruins and restored period homes, dating from the prison’s establishment in 1830 until its closure in 1877. During this time around 12,500 convicts served sentences and for many it was a living hell. Today, the site sits in 98 acres of landscaped grounds and you'll need plenty of time to fully experience all that it has to offer.

Cataract Gorge Reserve, known locally as the Gorge, is a unique natural formation within a two-minute drive of central Launceston - a rare natural phenomenon in any city. In an easy 15 minutes, you can walk from central Launceston along the banks of the Tamar River into the Gorge and from here follow a pathway originally built in the 1890s along the cliff face looking down onto the South Esk River. The First Basin on the southern side has a cafe and a swimming pool surrounded by bushland knows to locals as Launceston’s beach. In contrast, the shady northern side, named the Cliff Grounds, is a Victorian garden created with ferns and exotic plants. The beautiful Kings Bridge over the Gorge was floated into place in 1867. With a kiosk, restaurant and swimming pool, rolling lawns and a rotunda, a footbridge and chairlift across the river, peacocks, and wallabies at dusk, this may be Australia's most alluring urban reserve.

Mount Wellington is a wilderness experience just a 20-minute drive from Hobart and is much loved by locals. The 13 mile drive to the summit passes through temperate rainforest to sub-alpine flora and glacial rock formations, ending in panoramic views of Hobart, Bruny Island, South Arm and the Tasman Peninsula. No other city in Australia has a vista like this one. The interpretation centre at the top protects you from the blustering winds while an open viewing platform on the western side of the car park looks out to the southern World Heritage Area beyond. There are bushwalking trails suited to all fitness levels and barbecue and picnic facilities are provided. Mountain activities also include trail biking and abseiling.

Tasmania is a natural haven for Australian wildlife. Bennetts wallabies, seals, penguins and wedge-tailed eagles can be found without venturing too far from the state’s capital, Hobart, and encounters with friendly wildlife are an almost inevitable feature of travels around the state. 

About the size of a small dog, the Tasmanian devil is the world’s largest surviving carnivorous marsupial and is found only in Tasmania. The discordant snarls, screeches and growls they make are believed to have contributed to the naming of the devil and they are often heard fighting over food and during mating.

Looking for that uniquely different vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

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

Culinary Travel: Australia

Sydney offers plenty of historical and contemporary Australian flavor. The marvelous Sydney Opera House looks like a great origami sailboat, floating peacefully in a harbor.

Lovely, laid-back Melbourne has something for everyone: family fare, local and international art, haute boutiques, multicultural dining, Australian and Aboriginal history, spectator sports, and pulsing, swanky nightlife.

Australia’s third-largest city, Brisbane is the hub of Queensland culture, offering a peek at the past and a glimpse into the future.

The humble meat pie is as Australian as it gets. While Americans love hamburgers, Australians love their meat pies and sausage rolls more. The original settlers in Australia preferred low-cost, plentiful mutton as the meat for their pies. Beef is now the meat of choice in pies with a variety of styles.

Australian Meat Pies

Filling – Ingredients
2 lbs chuck or round steak
2 bacon slices  chopped
1  large onion, peeled and finely chopped
13 fl. oz water
½  teaspoon black pepper
½  teaspoon salt
¼  teaspoon thyme
2  tablespoons flour

Filling – Directions
Remove any fat and cube the chuck into about 1 cm (½ inch) pieces.

Fry the bacon and onion over a low heat and add the chuck when the onions are slightly soft.

Season with salt, pepper and thyme, add the water, cover and simmer for about 1 hour.

In a bowl, slowly add a little water to the flour and stir until it forms a smooth, runny mixture.

Slowly stir the flour-water mixture into the meat mixture until it thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Pastry:   Ingredients
2 cups flour
pinch salt
2 ounces margarine or butter
5 fluid ounces cold water
1 package commercial puff pastry

Pastry – Directions
In a mixing bowl, add salt to the flour and then cut in the margarine until mixed with the dough.

Add water and lemon juice to the dough.

Remove the dough and gently knead on a lightly-floured surface.

Let the dough rest for about 20 minutes and then roll it out.

The Pie – Directions
Line the small pie dishes with the pastry and fill with the cooled meat mixture.

Moisten the rim of the pies with milk or beaten egg so the tops will stick to it.
Place a layer of commercial puff pastry on top of each pie to form a lid and trim away the excess.

Press the edges together with a fork to seal.

Make a hole in the centre of each pie to allow the steam to escape and glaze the tops with beaten egg or milk.

Meat PieBake pies at 375° F for 15 - 20 minutes or until golden brown on top. Serve hot with tomato sauce on top.

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation 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

Happy Birthday Ron!

Guess what today is? It's Ron's Birthday!

We Would All Like to Wish Ron a Very Happy Birthday!

Ron is the original and current owner of Rawhide Travel and Tours. He opened Rawhide Travel and Tours on March 03, 1980.

Looking for that uniquely different vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

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

Fourth of July Fireworks

Fourth of July Fireworks should be larger than life.  Here are five of the best fireworks shows around the country

Macy's Firework Spectacular - New York, NY
New York City's fireworks have returned once again to the East River and the city is celebrating big time with the Macy's 38th annual display that promises to brighten up the Big Apple with plenty of evening sky sparklers.  The 26-minute show, which sets off approximately 75,000 pounds of fireworks, begins between 9 p.m. and 9:20. 23rd-59th Street along the West Side highway will be closed to traffic beginning at 4 p.m., so head over and nab a seat early – they fill up fast.

A Capitol Fourth - Washington, D.C.
Leading the way in true patriotic tradition, the nation's capital will host a fireworks extravaganza to properly honor Independence Day on the national Mall. The 20-minute show on the National Mall shoots 66,000 pounds of fireworks for its 500,000 visitors. The fireworks begin after 9 p.m., following a parade, and are set to a soundtrack by The National Symphony Orchestra. To sit on the Mall, be prepared to go through a security checkpoint where all bags and coolers are examined. It's worth it, though – the base of the Lincoln Memorial is a beautiful place to watch the show.

Lights on the Lake - Lake Tahoe, CA
Lake Tahoe receives around 100,000 visitors every year for its 23-minute show of 5,000 fireworks, which are shot from a barge in the middle of the lake. Watch the show, which starts at 9:45 p.m., from the shore, from docks, or even from a paddleboat on the lake.

Fisherman's Wharf Fireworks Extravaganza - San Francisco, CA
The 21-minute show expects a good 600,000 attendees every year, so make sure to get there on time – it starts at 9:30 p.m. The fireworks are launched from the foot of the Municipal Pier and off barges just north of Pier 39. When the show is over, go dancing – live entertainment is offered in the Pier 39 Entrance Plaza. Also, say hi to the sea lions.

Kaboom Town! - Addison, TX
Addison's 30-minute show is a three-decade old tradition that attracts a good 500,000 viewers. The fireworks can be seen from anywhere in Addison, including the city's 170 restaurants, which broadcast the show. The show itself takes place in Addison Circle Park and begins with an air show by the Addison Airport. Parking spaces, however, may be impossible to find – the best way to go is to park in a nearby town and walk.

Looking for that uniquely different vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

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

Experience Full Service

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

Off the Beaten Path: Hokkaido, Japan

Most travelers to Japan tend to focus on Tokyo and Kyoto, which are both amazing cities.

But if you want to get off the beaten path, here place that most travelers miss.

While not a complete “secret,” it’s a shame that so many Japan travelers miss Hokkaido.

Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island and a nature-lover’s paradise.

It’s home to national parks, lakes and hot springs, brilliant flowers, and some of the world’s best powder skiing and snowboarding, at famous resorts like Niseko.

It’s also a major foodie destination, offering some of Japan’s best seafood, and a variety of local specialties. 

While best known for its winter offerings,  including the impressive Sapporo Snow Festival, Hokkaido is just as appealing in summer.

The Furano Flower Fields are an amazing reason to visit in summer, and summer is also the perfect time to take advantage of Hokkaido’s many national parks, pristine lakes, adventure sports, wildlife, and fresh Sapporo beer.

On top of all this, Hokkaido offers some exquisite ryokans (a type of traditional Japanese inn), where you can enjoy traditional Japanese hospitality in beautiful natural surroundings, and an incredible meal featuring local and seasonal ingredients.

Looking for that uniquely different vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

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

Culinary Travel: Japan

Though very expensive, Japan is one of the most amazing, beautiful, and friendly countries in the world. 

Here are some Japanes fun facts.

More than 70% of Japan is mountainous terrain. There are over 200 volcanoes in Japan. Mt. Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan, is also an active volcano.

Japan consists of approximately 6,800 islands.

The fortune cookie dates back to Kyoto, Japan during the 19th century.

Tsukiji Market in Tokyo is the world’s largest fish market and the majority of fish in the world go through here.

Slurping your food is a sign that the food is delicious and a compliment to the cook.

Grilled Miso Chicken
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons light soy sauce (usukuchi shoyu)
2 tablespoons sake
2 tablespoons mirin
2 tablespoons light miso
2 green onions, crushed and slivered
1 teaspoon minced ginger root
1 garlic clove, minced
8 boned chicken thighs, skin intact
1 tablespoon seven-spice powder (optional)
Preparation/cooking time: 1 1/2 hours

Miso marinade adds a rich flavor to this country-style grilled chicken. Thigh meat stays moist and tender, but boned chicken breasts are delicious, too. The chicken can be sauteed in a skillet.

Directions
Blend soy sauce, sake mirin, miso, green onions, ginger root and garlic in a rectangular baking dish. Coat chicken with mixture. Marinate 1 hour or refrigerate overnight, turning several times.

Preheat a hibichi, portable tabletop grill or charcoal grill. Shake marinade off chicken; pat dry. Place skin-down on hot grill. Grill 4 to 5 minutes. Turn chicken; grill second side 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown and done inside. When chicken is done, sprinkle with sesame seeds and spice mixture.

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation 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