See wildflowers now in central Texas

Bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes
make an awesome combination.

2013 UPDATE ON WILDFLOWER SIGHTINGS:

Spring wildflowers are blooming now, so if you plan to take a wildflower drive this year, don't delay. Many lovely patches have been reported, even if they're a bit less than in previous years.

Drive between Hempstead and Brenham or from Columbus to Austin, including La Grange, on Hwy 71 to see some beautiful blooms. FM 2233 and 2900 around Kingsland have nice patches, as does Toll Road 130, although it's a bit tricky to stop there.

Near Austin, Cedar Park and Brushy Creek Lake Park, Marble Falls, and Llano along Hwy 71 or Hwy 16 are other good spots for snapping photos of bluebonnets.

Report from 2012: If you love wildflowers, now is the time to drive through the Texas Hill Country. Thanks to winter rains, bluebonnets are reaching their peak earlier than usual this year, although the striking red Indian paint brushes seem to be a bit later.  Roadsides and occasional fields are bursting with color, especially welcome after the drought of 2011 resulted in fewer and smaller flowers.  The next week will see an explosion of blooms, so get out there now!

Indian blanket

We headed out from Austin for a wildflower drive recently, turning west on Hwy 71 towards Marble Falls. We stopped along the highway at several thick patches of bluebonnets—the perfect backdrop for photos of kids and dogs. Thanks to seeding by TXDOT, roadsides have sprouted with thick carpets of bluebonnets in many locations. Just be sure there’s ample space to pull off the road and take photos without trampling the flowers.

Bright orange claret cups decorated a roadside patch.

Then we drove by Horseshoe Bay on FM 2147. There’s a long white wooden fence with bluebonnets in front which makes a lovely picture. A gorgeous patch of orange flowers, dotted with blue, pink, red, and purple caught our attention further on.  Plentiful bluebonnets lined the hilly, curvy Park Road 4, one of our favorite routes.  Several groups of bikers sped by, also enjoying this springtime ritual.  Later we traveled on FM 2341 near Burnet towards Canyon of the Eagles.

Bluebonnets and huisache daisies cover a roadside field.

Although we didn’t get to Llano, there are many online reports of beautiful bluebonnet displays on Hwy 16 and south of Llano.  One person reported seeing a large field of prairie verbena near Johnson City on the south side of U.S. 290. Since we had been in Fredericksburg the day before, we didn’t take that route as we usually do. We also missed the old school yard at Prairie Mountain, generally filled with pink and yellow flowers, which we would have passed on our loop to Fredericksburg.

As usual, reported sightings say Willow City Loop is gorgeous. If you chose to drive the Loop, remember that it’s a private road through private property, and it’s against the law to trespass. Take care and leave the seasonal show for others to enjoy, too.

We couldn't resist posing among the bluebonnets!

Another area within day trip distance from Austin includes fields and roadsides around Brenham an Chappell Hill. If you head that way, be sure to stop for some Blue Bell ice cream in the city where it was created.

Photos by Beverly Burmeier

Cruising Norway at all-time high

Whether you want to view spectacular scenery of Norwegian fjords, sample the culture of Norway's cities and coastal villages, or experience crossing the Arctic Circle, this could be a great year to visit Norway.

Cruise Norway is forecasting at least 2.4 million visitors in 2012, a forecast that reflects a 30 percent increase from 2011.

The season stared in February with six winter cruises from the United Kingdom, making a total of 40 calls at Norwegian ports in February and March.

This year, the port of Bergen will have the most calls with 334; followed by Geiranger 199, Oslo, 176; Stavanger, 166; Flåm 150, North Cape, 111; and Ålesund and Tromso, 108.

The biggest increase is coming from Royal Caribbean which will be calling 123 times in 2012, compared with 34 times in 2011. It appears that cruisers who have visited Mediterranean and other popular European ports are looking for new adventures and destinations to explore.

In 2011, 151,000 of the passengers were Germans, while 115,000 were from the UK, as the second single largest market; followed by 46,000 from the U.S. The average ship to the Fjords and North of Norway carried 1,326 passengers.

This summer, both Oslo and Trondheim will serve as turnaround ports: Royal Caribbean will sail from Oslo, sourcing some passengers in Norway, and Pullmantur will be sailing from Trondheim with Spanish passengers.

A variety of options are available from various cruise lines.

www.cruise-norway.no

Free photos of Norway www.bing.com/images

Celebrate special events of the past century during 2012

Whether you’re a history buff or pop culture afficianado, 2012 offers numerous opportunities to celebrate the centennial year of eventful happenings from our past—with a look to the future. You can build a trip around any of these special anniversaries and learn about times past while enjoying the present.

Celebrate with a 'Vette from
any year!
Photo by Larry Burmeier

• Although Chevrolet actually turned out its first automobile in November 1911, the real celebration comes this summer when the company rolls out the 2012 Corvette Centennial Special Edition. What better model to commemorate a century of car-making than the All-American sports car, spiffed up with ebony interior, suede accents, red stitching, and the latest technology to provide the best ride ever. www.chevrolet.com/corvette
•  Universal Studios was founded in Los Angeles in June 1912. Throughout the year they will introduce a new logo, special editions, and restorations of 13 classics including To Kill a Mockingbird, Jaws, and Schindler’s List. If you can’t get to California to celebrate, rent a favorite Universal flick and hold your own centennial party. www.universal100th.com
• Julliette Gordon Low started the Girl Scouts in May 1912. Visitors can explore changes and advances during 100 years of Girl Scouting at Lowe’s home in Savannah, Georgia or participate in a Heritage Visit until December 2012. www.girlscoutsrv.org/100th-anniversary
• Starting with 3000 donated cherry blossom trees, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, scheduled for March 20 to April 27 (Arbor Day) has become a special tourist attraction for Washington D.C. during the past 100 years. This year the blooms came a bit earlier than usual, but the event is being commemorated with release of a new Forever 45-cent stamp this month. http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/about/2012-centennial

   

Cherry blossom trees bursting with flowers
Photo from Bing.com

• Baseball fans should head to Boston, Massasschusetts for the centennial game between the Red Sox and New York Yankees, the same two teams that played against each other when Fenway Park opened on April 20, 1912. Recently named to the National Register of Historic Places, the stadium is hosting a free open house featuring historical artifacts, photos, and banners on April 19. www.boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark
• Titanic frenzy is happening all around the world. One hundred years ago, on April 12, the Titanic sailed and sank, but people are still fascinated by the fateful journey and stories of people who sailed on its maiden voyage. This ill-fated voyage is being recreated at Titanic museums throughout the U.S. Some of the most notable Titanic museums in the U.S. that are recreating the ill-fated voyage are in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts; Orlando, Florida;  Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; and Branson, Missouri. If you’re truly fascinated by the ship’s story, head to Belfast, Ireland, city where the ship launched, to visit the spectacular new Titanic museum opening on March 31. www.titanicbelfast.com

Tennessee commemorates 150th anniversary of Civil War Battle at Shiloh

Tennessee’s ShilohNational Military Park, a masterpiece of Civil War interpretation and preservation, will hold the 150^th commemoration of its strategic battle during a series of events taking place March 29-April 8.

The state’s 2012 Sesquicentennial Signature Event: “Invasions by Rail and River: The Battle of Shiloh” will be held April 4-5 at Pickwick Landing State Park in Pickwick Dam. This event begins with the Looking Back project hosted by Tennessee State Library & Archives. There will documentary The Story of Shiloh: Fiery Trial will premier at 7 p.m. on April 4.

Official Opening Ceremony will take place at April 5 will kick off with the firing of an official Shiloh cannon at Pickwick Landing State Park. Other features include a forum with America’s foremost historians on the battle of Shiloh, living history demonstrations, a special Sesquicentennial Civil War exhibit offering rare and unique artifacts from the Battle of Shiloh, and a musical performance by The 52^nd Regimental String Band.

A highlight will commemorate the Battle of Shiloh with a "Grand Illumination" on the evening of April 7. Luminaries will be placed around the battlefield representing the 23,746 killed, wounded or missing at Shiloh. Other special activities taking place April 6-8 including special ranger led hikes at the corresponding time and place--150 years later. For more information visit www.nps.gov/shil/shiloh-150th-anniversary.html.

Other events on March 29-31 are two reenactments that will feature more than 6,000 re-enactors and more than 100 cannons. The action will unfold during these locally organized reenactment events coordinated and sponsored by The Armies of Tennessee and the Blue-Gray Alliance. The Armies of Tennessee reenactment will feature a march to Shiloh from Mississippi. The Blue-Gray Alliance reenactment will transport soldiers by rail and river, as they were 150 years ago, directly into the battle.

The Signature Event is free and open to the public. For a complete agenda, visit www.tncivilwar150.com

Information and photos courtesy of Melanie Beauchamp, Tennessee PR Media Manager

                                                                                                                 

Branson airport announces nonstop service to Austin, Texas

The river light show in Branson
is still performing.

Branson Airport (BKG) announces seasonal nonstop service to and from Austin, Texas (AUS) beginning May 10. These flights are marketed as public charter flights by Branson AirExpress and operated by Corporate Flight Management (CFM).

The new non-stop service will operate on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Austin. This service will allow passengers to easily visit Branson, which offers more than 100 shows, several thrilling attractions, 3 pristine lakes, beautiful golf courses, and plenty of shopping. Branson claims to be the Live Music Show Capital of the world and shares many of the same entertainment vibes as Austin.

Allen Howell, CEO of CFM, stated “We are proud to support the Branson community and look forward to bringing air service to Branson, especially in light of the recent tornadoes.”

Downtown Branson is open for business.
Great shopping venues await visitors.

 “Austin was a strong market last year and the synergies that exist between Branson and Austin are fantastic,” states Branson Airport Executive Director, Jeff Bourk. “The joint venture between these cities, as well as Branson AirExpress and CFM, allows us to offer low fares and continued convenience for passengers getting to and from Branson, Missouri. “

Branson AirExpress will offer $99 introductory fares to and from Austin through March 14^th. For tickets, call toll free 1-888-FLY-BKG1 (1-888-359-2541) or visit www.BransonAirExpress.com  Book seven days prior to travel for the sale fare; fee for first checked bag is $20.

About Branson Airport

Opening in May 2009, Branson Airport LLC is the first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the United States. The airport is served by AirTran Airways, Frontier Airlines and Branson AirExpress. Located in the heart of the Ozarks and centrally located in the Midwest, the airport also offers a full service travel agency and public charter operator, FlyBranson Travel LLC. For more information on Branson Airport LLC and any of its subsidiaries, visit www.FlyBranson.com  

Update on tornado recovery

An EF-2 tornado touched down in Branson in the early morning hours of February 29, 2012. There were no fatalities in the Branson/Lakes area, although several minor injuries and significant property damage occurred.

In anticipation of the busy spring break season, recovery and rebuilding efforts continue rapidly, with many of the affected businesses reopening or scheduled to reopen in the coming days. “I’m so impressed with the determination to recover and get back to business for our citizens and guests,” says Dean Kruithof, Branson’s City Administrator.

Most of the storm damage to commercial areas was in localized sections of W 76 Country Boulevard (also known as the world famous “Branson Strip”) and the Branson Convention Center area. W 76 reopened to traffic on March 1, and visitors are traveling to and from attractions, shows and restaurants with only infrequent restricted access to certain sections.

Iconic store, Dick's 5 & 10 attracts shoppers.

Silver Dollar City, TITANIC Museum, and other major attractions are operating on schedule. Only two theaters of 50 had to delay performances after the storm, and only 22 of 200 hotels sustained damage. The city is open for business and eagerly welcoming visitors.

For updates, road closures, show schedule changes, affected attractions, restaurants, shops, etc. visit www.ExploreBranson.com or call 800-296-0463.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

Read more travel articles at Striped Pot and Austin Adventure Travel

Titanic centennial attracts visitors to Belfast in Northern Ireland

April 12, 2012 marks a hundred years since the Titanic sailed and sank, but people are still fascinated by its fateful story. About every 10 years a new movie comes out telling the tale or a documentary dredges up additional information about the event.  So it’s no surprise that a new museum will open in Belfast, Northern Ireland, city where the ship was built and launched, on the centennial anniversary of Titanic’s doomed voyage.

Titanic Museum under
construction in Belfast

To commemorate the importance of this historic event, as well as celebrate the city’s industrial and maritime heritage, the private TitanicFoundation Ltd. is completing a project of epic proportions—a $126.5 million complex set to open March 31, 2012. This project, which beganin May 2009, is expected to be Belfast’s premier tourist attraction. If you visit Ireland this year—or in the future—be sure to put the museum on your itinerary.

During a visit last summer, I was privileged to see architectural drawings and take a hard- hat tour of the construction area located in the heart of the Titanic Quarter on the actual site where Harlan and Wolff Shipbuilders created the amazing ship. The iconic six-story silver building takes the shape of a ship’s bow, with the gleaming front resembling the Titanic as it stood in the boatyard. 

Original launch site of the Titanic--
and site of the new museum

Nine galleries on four floors will take visitors through time beginning with Boomtown Belfast (shipbuilding was a big part of Belfast’s economy--at one time the hope of Belfast’s working class) up to present day video footage of the Titanic at rest at the bottom of the ocean.

The museum is intended to be a destination where people linger as they hear stories of the ship, its design and construction, and the people who built it. One rusty wall of the building resembles the side of the ship, and blueprints on the wall will give visitors an exclusive look at building details.

Using a variety of techniques including photographs, video, actors, computer generated images, authentic sounds, and an educational dark ride, Foundation engineers have designed the museum that allows visitors to feel they’re in the ship as it was being built.

Stories of the 63-second launch, people traveling on theTitanic, and the sinking are told using interactive technologies, while audio from survivors provides poignant details of the event. Myths and legends are explained in an interactive true/false touch-screen format.

A two and a half acre plaza around the ship forms a map of the world, enabling visitors to trace the planned route of the Titanic. A replica of the Grand Staircase on the stage of the Ocean Exploration Centre Banquet Hall, a facility that holds up to 1000 people for special events, provides a stunning visual showcasing the ship’s elegance.

Buy tickets to the museum online at www.titanicbelfast.com. Read about four Titanic museums in the U. S. at http://stripedpot.com/2012/03/10/titanic-centennial-is-commemorated-in-u-s-museums/

Photos by Beverly Burmeier

Miami cruise traffic tops 4 million

The Port of Miami has reported that 2011 was the fourth year in a row topping four million plus cruise vacationers. "No other cruise port in the world comes close to matching our passenger traffic," according to Port Director Bill Johnson.  The Port of Miami also continues to rank as the number one container port in the State. In related development, Johnson said the Port is adding three additional cruise lines including Regent Seven Seas Cruise Lines, MSC Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line. Additionally, the Port will welcome three new-build ships this year now under construction in Europe-the Celebrity Reflection, the Carnival Breeze and the Oceania Riviera. More than 50 percent of its trade is with South and Central American nations. "The strength of the Latin American economies continues to benefit our port," Johnson said in a prepared statement. "Known worldwide as the Gateway to the Americas, Port of Miami continues to grow as a logistical hub linking North and South America." Johnson stated that Port of Miami has set an ambitious goal to double its cargo traffic over the next decade that would provide a boost not only to South Florida's economy, but the entire state. Cruise ships keep port of Miami busy. Photo by Beverly Burmeier Johnson expects the growth pattern to increase significantly once the expanded Panama Canal opens in 2014 and trade patterns shift in favor of Atlantic ports which meet depth requirements to accommodate the new, super-sized cargo vessels. Port Miami is scheduled to be at the required 50 feet depth to handle Post-Panamax ships at the same time the Canal expansion is completed. "As the closest U.S. port to the Canal, Port of Miami will be the first port of call out of Panama for shippers seeking all-water routes to East Coast markets," Johnson said. This is expected to boost Miami’s cruise traffic even more. Information from cybercruises.com newsletter Check my web site at www.beverlyburmeier.net