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

Presented By:

Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc

6008 West Bell Rd # F105

Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793

(602) 843-5100

rawhidetravel.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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