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Imagine Going There Travel
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For Culture-Collecting Clients & Friends of Imagine Going There Travel THE COMPASS
NOVEMBER 2023
From the Mountains … We’re entering the holiday season where there is always lots of activity! One of the things I truly enjoy is getting together with friends and family, especially when someone else does all the planning!
Doug’s sister and family planned a wonderful trip to the North Georgia mountains right around apple-picking season. (A stop at Mercier’s Orchards inspired me to pick up apple cider for this month’s seasonal recipe.) The weather was beautiful and the mountain home they chose was absolutely gorgeous. On top of that, she had reserved spots for all of us on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway , a relaxing train ride through the mountains. What a great way to spend a fall weekend! Next up was a trip to Seaside for a wedding. If you’ve never been to this lovely town on the Florida panhandle, the water is Caribbean-blue, and the town has white picket fences and storybook cottages. It’s a magical vacation spot our family has loved for the many years we’ve visited there. (When our girls were young, we had often thought they would want to get married there until their travels took them to other continents.) Since many guests traveled long distances, we had a bonfire on the beach the night before so everyone could meet. The wedding in the chapel the next day was beautiful — the father of the bride wore the traditional Scottish kilt, and bagpipes were part of the ceremony,
which was very cool. The best part was that our daughter, Meredith, was able to join us, and getting some one-on-one time with her made the trip extra special. Next up is our Team Retreat to Barnsley Gardens. Most of us work remotely, so this is the one time of the year when we prioritize getting together and just relaxing and having fun. Barnsley Resort is on 3,000 acres in North Georgia, and we’ll have time to relax, enjoy the spa, and lots CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 ...
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Great Vacations Matter Because Great Memories Matter Most
These Are a Few of My Favorite (Travel) Things …
Having just returned from a trip where our flight was delayed so many times we missed our connecting flight, then our bags missed that flight, too, I was reminded of things that are my go-to travel essentials. 1. 3 DAYS OF CLOTHES (AT LEAST): This includes pajamas, a toothbrush, medications, makeup, etc. 2. CARRY-ON PLUS: I’ve tried a lot of different bags that slide on to the carry-on to maximize space. I like one I found on Amazon called Bagsmart. It provides lots of extra pockets and storage space and fits under your seat.
4. HEATED VEST: Client Carolyn Rackley recommended this, and it was great with the recent cold weather in Iceland and snow in Greenland, but it’s handy on a cold airplane, too. It comes with a rechargeable USB battery pack. 5. SEVERAL SIZES OF ZIPLOC BAGS: These are great for snacks to hold you over during those long shore excursions. Use them for make-shift ice packs for an injury, waterproof packaging for wet clothes, or to keep liquids from leaking. 6. TRAVEL-SIZE SOUND MACHINE:
3. PACKING CUBES: These are
It doubles as a Bluetooth speaker. You have nice music when you want it and drowns out outside noise when you don’t and need to sleep.
great for both space-saving with compression and organization.
Vaughn Shines Despite His Vertical Limit SMALL STATURE, BIG TALENT
It isn’t easy being 5 feet, 5 inches tall, especially on the football field! That’s why spectators were dazzled by Deuce Vaughn’s performance at the Dallas Cowboy’s first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. While his height was initially considered a hindrance, it’s actually Vaughn’s superpower. Surrounded by players who tower over him, Vaughn refuses to back down. He can sprint past opponents, fit through walls of players, and stay slippery enough in the open field to where he sometimes cannot be stopped! Now, not only are Cowboys fans cheering the rookie on, but the entire nation is, too! It’s clear people are supporting him as an underdog because Vaughn has serious talent on the field.
The 21-year-old rookie told USA Sports, “It’s just hard work, dedication, and being a professional every single day to just try to become a better player in any way I can. It’s the only way I know how to play this game. It hasn’t changed to this point. I’m out to gain the respect of the coaches and everyone in the building to show that I am able to play at this level, just like I did in college and high school.” Hailing from Kansas State, Vaughn has shared that his journey was in no way easy, and we believe him. Out of high school, he only had three scholarship offers, and when he finally got to Kansas State, he was the ninth running back out of nine running backs on their depth chart. But he worked hard and proved he has what it takes.
What makes his story even better is that he’s joining a team his father, Christopher Vaughn II, is part of as well. Vaughn’s father is the Cowboys’ assistant director of college scouting, and the moment he realized his son would be playing for the team, it went viral on social media. When asked how draft day felt, the sixth-round pick replied, “It’s crazy, man. Never something I thought would have happened. It’s hard to put into words how draft day felt. But then things got very real as you went into OTAs and now training camp. I’m getting ready to play some football.” We’re all rooting for Vaughn in his rookie season, and we can’t wait to see his future career!
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“Being prepared for the unforeseen is not about predicting the future, but rather cultivating the inner strength to face whatever comes our way with
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of outdoor activities like horseback riding and maybe even try our hands at ax-throwing! We’ll hopefully have time around the many firepits on the property where we’ll make s’mores and have late-night chats.
strength and resilience.” —MARCUS AURELIUS
Speaking of catching up, our girls who live in Australia will be flying in for
Thanksgiving, and my brother’s house in South Carolina will be bursting at the seams as they
graciously host both immediate
and extended family. It will be the first time in four years that we will have everyone in the family together at the same time, and we are so excited!
Apple Cider Pound Cake
While I love planning and traveling on great bucket- list vacations, these short getaways remind me that many of our fondest memories can
Ingredients • 3 sticks butter • 3 cups sugar • 6 large eggs • 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
For the Glaze • 1/2 cup sugar • 1/4 cup butter • 1/4 cup buttermilk • 1/2 tsp vanilla • 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla • 3 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon • 1/2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp allspice
spring from living life in the simpler moments. It’s easy to overlook the value they bring in midst of the hustle and bustle of our busy lives. Knowing how much traveling our clients do over the holidays as well as the mass amount of mail received during this season, this will be the last issue of The Compass for 2023.
Directions 1. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar. Beat for 10 minutes until light and fluffy (the secret to great pound cakes!). Then add eggs, one at a time, beating just until incorporated. 2. In a separate bowl, combine apple cider and vanilla. In another bowl, combine flour and all other dry ingredients. 3. With electric mixer on low, add cider mixture alternately with flour mixture to the creamed butter, sugar, and eggs, mixing gently just until all ingredients are combined. 4. Pour into 2 8-inch Bundt pans plus one mini-loaf pan. Bake at 325 F just until cake tests done. 5. To make the glaze : In a saucepan, combine glaze ingredients. Bring to a boil, stirring until dissolved. Reduce heat and simmer without stirring for about 10 minutes or until amber-colored. While cake is still warm, poke holes with fork and drizzle with glaze (I like to double the glaze to saturate the cake!)
Wishing you wonderful times with family and friends for the rest of the year, and looking forward to visiting again in January! —Carol Shaddix
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Great Vacations Matter Because Great Memories Matter Most
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770.421.9627 | www.ImagineGoingThere.com 3600 Dallas Hwy, Suite 230-215, Marietta, GA 30064
Everything you love about Viking, only better! A great destination is just one part of an amazing vacation. Just like having a master chef prepare your meal at your favorite restaurant, as one of Viking’s largest representatives, we’ve booked these vacations countless times. We intuitively know how to enhance the outcome of your experience so it consistently delivers above and beyond your expectations (and know when those special promotions such as extra shipboard credit or free airfare are available that you might not know about). Whether you are interested in an individual reservation or want to travel together as a group, call 770.421.9627 for your free consultation on how to make your next vacation even better than you expected!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. 2.
FROM THE MOUNTAINS …
THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE (TRAVEL) THINGS … MEET THE 5’5” ROOKIE WE’RE ALL ROOTING FOR
3. 4.
APPLE CIDER POUND CAKE
TALES FROM OUR SAILS
EMBARKING ON VIKING ADVENTURES WITH RUTH AND STEVE Tales From Our Sails
For some, travel is more than a leisurely activity; it’s a passion that fuels the soul. Ruth and Steve Zachok have an appetite for adventure and have found their perfect outlet with Viking. Viking provides journeys that are both exciting and relaxing. So far, the couple has set sail on two 15- day cruises: The Grand Lakes Collection on Viking’s Expedition ships and France’s Finest on Viking’s Longships. “We loved everything about it from the moment we got on board,” they told us. “The crew was attentive to everything we could ever need, and the ship was elegant and spacious.” Speaking of accommodating, Ruth has dietary restrictions, but felt right at home as the Viking chefs went out of their way for her. Not only was
everything labeled in the World Cafe, but they supplied her with the menu for the specialty restaurants the night before so she could pick her meal and have it made specifically for her needs. Viking offers an unparalleled way to explore the world, and Ruth and Steve mentioned that every detail, from the expeditions to the onboard activities, was a testament to Viking’s commitment to providing travelers with a journey that transcends the ordinary. “We were also thrilled to have been introduced to Carol with Imagine Going There through our friends,” Ruth and Steve said. “The office helped us coordinate the whole trip, and we are more than thankful!”
are ever hesitant to give Viking or
a certain ship a try, we recommend doing it,” they say. “We were a bit leery at first about our ability to participate in some of the activities and expeditions, but the crew made us feel so comfortable and safe. We are glad we didn’t let our fears keep us from this amazing adventure!” RUTH AND STEVE’S VIKING TRAVEL BOOK: Expedition Cruise — Great Lakes Collection River Cruise — France’s Finest + Paris extension Upcoming Viking Voyages — Antarctic Explorer and Panama Canal & the Pacific Coast
For other Viking travelers, Ruth and Steve have a word of advice: “If you
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Even Better the Second Time! EXPLORA JOURNEYS FILLED US WITH WONDER
NOTES FROM CAROL What do I love about Explora Journeys?
• The slower pace so we can enjoy the journey. When the sea started getting a bit rough one night, the captain slowed the ship down so everyone could get a good night’s sleep. • Tea time to piano music while whale watching. • Extended hours sailing the beautiful Prince Christian Sound. We sailed past some icebergs they had been monitoring for three days with sonar, radar, and positioning reports to see how far they had drifted to make sure we could get past them. What majestic beauty! • Guest luminaries speaking on their areas of expertise — not just
port talks but real explorers and adventurers like Mike Horn, the first person to walk across the Arctic Circle via the North Pole; or a geologist who was in Iceland when the volcano Eyjafjallajokull erupted and disrupted air travel for approximately 10 million people over several weeks. Fascinating, real-life experiences! • Seeing Explora Journeys donate an amazing amount of fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products to the residents of Nuuk and Qaqortoq, Greenland. —Carol Shaddix
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