Cachly App preference

I have an iPhone 11 Pro.  I use the Cachly app.  Cachly is a simple and powerful Geocaching app for iOS that includes many advanced features.

Cachly vs the Geocaching App.

I much prefer Cachly vs the Geocaching App.   I came across an interesting article: Cachly vs Geocaching® App: A Comparison Review | The Geocaching Junkie – The Geocaching Junkie.  Check it out.

More Travel Tips I have Learned As A Female Solo Traveler

Save money on food by going to the grocery store instead of eating out for every meal. Book hotel(s) with continental breakfast. Use Lyft or Uber to get around. Pack a fully charged power bank (or two). Take that power bank everywhere with you. Keeping the power bank in your bag comes in handy especially in the airport and on days where you are away from your hotel for long periods of time. Bus tours are a great way to see more of the country for an affordable price. 

Plan, but don't over plan. So, what works best for me is planning a few things to do every day then spend the rest of the day wandering. Go to free museums and libraries for restroom access. While you are there, check out the exhibits! Choose a landmark or memorable place as a point of reference to guide you back to your hotel and other places you frequent.  Be sure to plan a rest day on a long trip. 

Stay hydrated. Try to always carry a water bottle. In the airport, use the restroom before boarding the plane or going through Customs. Don't post where you are in real time, especially if your profiles are public. Also, don't post where you are staying until you've left! Expect bumps in the road and mentally prepare yourself to adapt. Always have a Plan B. A bump in the road is simply an opportunity for a new adventure.

Some travel lessons I have learned as a Female Solo Traveler

Lessons I have learned: Never let the gas tank get below half full. As my eldest son says if you can't see the gas station from the highway it doesn't exist. Make hotel reservations for the first couple days then wing it - you never know where you will end up. Always bring plenty of water and snacks. Eat at places where the locals eat. Restrooms: McDonalds and Libraries. Libraries also for Computers and Book sales. Always travel with a map or Atlas - do not believe your car GPS; it will lead you astray. Check in with someone every day on long trips. If your car overheats, open all of the windows and turn the heater on full blast. And travel safe.

It's Going to Be a Long Four Years

Four Days in Las Vegas 2025

I took a cab from my house to Portland International Airport on Friday, January 10.  I had an afternoon flight to Las Vegas traveling First Class.  I had a mimosa after boarding and later a cheese and fruit lunch.  I saw the Sphere upon landing.  My youngest sister met me at the airport.  We watched "Enola" in her Living Room in front of the glowing fireplace. 

I attended the Geocaching Event in North Las Vegas at Old School Pizzeria on Saturday.  I knew a Geocacher from Seattle.  My sister and I stopped at a Grocery store on the way back to her house.  We watched "Enola 2."  My sister gave me an interesting book "Floodpath" by Jon Wilkman c. 2016 about the St. Francis Dam catastrophe in 1928.

We saw the spectacular Chinese New Year display at The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden on Sunday.  We saw the chocolate fountain and had delicious but expensive Gelato.  We did the "Final Resting Place of Two Blues Greats" Virtual Geocache.  We saw actor Tony Curtis gravesite.  We did "The Amazing Las Vegas Sphere" and "Signs of the Times" Virtuals.  Photographed the glowing "Hard Rock Cafe" sign.  We watched Tom Hanks in "Greyhound" back at the house.

Slow start to the day on Monday.  I watched "The Mexican" starring Brad Pitt. We saw the first full moon of 2025 as we were driving toward the Strip.  The 'wolf moon" reached its peak this evening.  European immigrants would hear the nightly cries of wolves as they hunted for food in the harsh winter conditions hence the nickname.  We drove around the Fremont district looking at the Neon.  My sister accidently turned the wrong way onto a one-way street.  The officer used his vehicle to block the street so we could turn around.  We saw the Fremont Street Light Show at 6:00.  We watched "The Children's Train" an adaption of the 2019 novel of the same name back at the house.

After breakfast on Tuesday morning, we took an Uber to Las Vegas airport, leaving for PDX about 12:15.   I had a mimosa after boarding and later a cheese and fruit lunch.  Incredible view of the Cascade Range from Three Sisters to Mount St. Helens.  We took a Lyft to my house.  It was an interesting trip however I was glad to be back to cold/damp weather. 

Road Scholar 2024

When I first began to travel with Elderhostel (now Road Scholar) in 1997 you had to be 60 years old or older.  A few years later you needed to be 55 years old or older. Eventually the age limit was dropped altogether.  As a result the average age of people on a Road Scholar tour is now around 50 years old.  A much more active group.  I plan to check out other tour companies that do cater to older people.