Protect Your Camera From Humidity

If you plan a trip to a destination with high humidity, save the silica gel packets that come in purses or shoes. Or you can ask for them at your local camera store. When you pack them in a plastic bag with your medications, binoculars, camera or iPod they prevent the humidity from damaging or fogging them.

When you get home, put the gel packets in a 150 degree oven for about half an hour and you can reuse them your next trip.

For your clothes, pack a large garbage bag inside your suitcase or duffel bag and pack your clothes inside it. Everything will stay drier.

Where Am I?

Anyone recognize this site? Maybe a clue will help.

Or maybe anyone who watches golf will know where this is...

Caffe Delle Stelle

If you are in the Walnut Creek, CA area and want authentic Italian food you must check out this restaurant. Caffe Delle Stelle is located at 1532 N. Main Street in Walnut Creek.

It's been there a while and they know how to do food. My good friend, Anna, and I had a great discussion about food and Italy with our server, Domenico. He should know...he is from Italy.

Italians don't just eat a meal. They value it for what it is...a celebration of food, wine, friends, conversation and relaxation. He likened it to "getting away from your day" for this celebration. Forget your issues and take time to celebrate.

He's right. If you've ever been to Italy or have been around Italians at meal time...it's an experience. With all the gestures and loud voices you may think they are mad at each other. Not so...they are expressing what is important to them and allowing you to do likewise.

All the while...good food and wine complete the meal. I'll be back to Caffee Delle Stelle.

Don't Miss Your Boat

If you are planning a cruise vacation this winter...don't be left standing on the pier watching your ship sail off. And if you live or travel through winter related areas, keep these simple tips in mind.

Leave a day early. This gives you a buffer in case there are delays. Plus you can start your vacation with less stress.

Take a non-stop flight if you can, eliminating connecting flight issues. If non-stop is not an option, leave a minimum of one hour in between your connections.

Try for the earliest flight out in the day. That way if something goes wrong, you have options.

If something does go wrong, don't panic. Try to be friendly to the airline personnel. Your bags just might end up with you for your destination in Miami instead of some remote spot in Alaska!

Keep your itinerary with reservation numbers, flight numbers, and phone numbers to the airlines as well as the cruise line. Instead of going to the long line at the airline counter you can sit down and make some calls. Usually you will get some resolution quicker than standing in line.

Check out trip cancellation lost baggage insurance. It may save you some money or in some cases will pay for you to reach your embarkation port or fly to another port to meet your ship.

Sunset in Monterey

Waves were still rolling in late in the afternoon and towards sunset.

Sun is starting to sink.

And when it goes...it just drops into the sea.

Waves by Monterey, CA

Roll after roll of large waves hit the beach in Monterey, CA.

Surfers would have been busy...except for the rocks.

Sea spray could not be avoided. And these really did thunder as they hit the rocks.

The rolling just didn't stop.

Exposed rocks...for now. Wait a few seconds and another round of waves will hit.

Water colors range from bright blue to blue-grey.

San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission

When in Carmel, CA, take time to visit and reflect at the Carmel Mission. Built in 1771 this mission includes an "Indian Cemetery", which honors the Native Americans who worked and helped the Padres.

Stones, shells and simple headstones mark graves in the back courtyard.

There are five museums and a working church within the Mission grounds. This National Historic Landmark is a place to visit as you learn more about the Spanish and Mexican influence on the history of California.