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There's no time like show time.  The PMVB will be at another travel show this Saturday and Sunday.  The Philadelphia Inquirer Travel Show is sure to attract thousands of vacationers from the Liberty City and beyond.  It is being held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. 

 As we often do, the PMVB will be giving away plenty of great prizes at this show.  These include overnight stays, tickets to our great attractions and many others that are nothing to sneeze at.  Plus, be ready for free giveaways like hand sanitizers, hats and other useful items.  Look for live entertainment like magicians and dancers while you're walking around.  Most importantly, save yourself the time and money of researching your next Pocono Mountains vacation by meeting face to face with us.  We can book your trip right then and there.

This travel show is a great way to plan your next vacation and make important contacts at the same time.  Saturday the hours are 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. - 4p.m. If nothing else, come to meet me!  I hope to see you there!

Lately, I've been seeing ice on my car in the mornings. Snow is great, but ice is a nuisance or at least that's the general consensus regarding winter weather. But ice can be your friend, too. Take ice fishing for example. This is a sport with a loyal following here in the Pocono Mountains.  

It's never too early to start preparing for ice fishing season. Start with clothing. You'll need boots that are comfortable, warm and insulated to keep your feet from freezing. Dress in thin layers to trap heat and make sure your outermost layer is water and wind resistant. And wear a hat of some kind. Your body releases warm air out the top of your head, up to 80% of the body's heat actually, keep it in with a beanie or at least a hood. Complete the ensemble with a pair of warm gloves.  

Favorite ice fishing spots in the Pocono Mountains include Mauch Chunk Lake, Lake Wallenpaupack, Beltzville, Tobyhanna, Promised Land and Gouldsboro State Parks in addition to Peck's Pond. But really, you can go anywhere its safe. Four inches of solid ice is the lowest thickness recommended for ice fishing.  And remember to follow all rules and regulations. This is a great way to continue to fish as the thermometer drops.  It won't be long now.

It's the beginning of November, and I find myself thinking about snow.  More specifically, I'm thinking about terrain parks, half pipes and chairlifts.  I'm thinking about fresh powder, lift tickets and heavy jackets.  Basically, I'm thinking about snowboarding.

I rescued my neglected Burton snowboard from under my bed, where it lay covered in dust.  A simple tightening of the binding screws will suffice to get the board in riding shape.  I might also wax it down if I find the time.  Most ski resorts plan to open around Thanksgiving.  Of course, the weather is unpredictable and you never know what the winter season will bring.  But rest assured there will ample time to hit the slopes. 

Last year our ski resorts saw record numbers in both visitors and length of the season.  So will it be Shawnee, Camelback, Blue Mountain, Jack Frost, Big Boulder, Alpine, Ski Big Bear or Tanglwood?  Each has something a little different to offer.  Maybe you want to try them all.  These resorts are so close to each other, I actually boarded down all eight of them in one day last year.  All eight!

Be sure to visit www.poconoski.com because people come from far and wide to experience what we have in our own backyard.  Our ski resorts produce every type of trail you could imagine, year after year.  November just started but I can't help but think ahead.  Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go find my goggles. 

Zane Grey is mostly recognized for dramatizing the early American West.  He has become known as the "Father of the Western Novel".  His books often adorned the top seller list, and he grossed over $37 million in his lifetime.  The author began his writing career on the Lackawaxen River in the Pocono Mountains, simply detailing his fishing trips.  Throughout his life, he traveled great distances in search of giant fish, even owning many fishing records along the way.  Grey later moved out to California, but he always had a place in his heart for his home along the Lackawaxen.  Some say, he resides there to this day.

Visitors have claimed to see Zane in his house (now a museum), sitting at his writing chair.  Others report feeling a "presence" around them, as if being watched.  The apparition appears to mean no harm, and thus poses no threat to visitors.  Grey would talk about his love for the home, and how we never should have left it.  Perhaps he's making good on that statement.   

Ironically, while staying in his home in Lackawaxen, Grey wrote about the presence of ghosts to his wife.  He said, "Oh, Dolly, the rooms are haunted.  Those are our spirits there..." he continued, "For the first time I went into the room where my mother died.  Something strange came over me there..."  Now, almost 100 years later, the questions of paranormal activity turn to Zane himself. 

*Source:  Pocono Ghosts, Legends and Lore. Reading, Pa.: Exeter House Books, 1991. Print.

It just so happens that owls are the main focus of an event being hosted by the Monroe County Environmental Education Center this Saturday, October 24.  It is being dubbed "Happy Owl-loween" and will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  The Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will bring live owls, offering a rare glimpse of these magnificent creatures.   Call the Center at 570-629-3061 for more information.

We are indeed in the spirit of Halloween these days.  I've seen many houses decorated for the Halloween season.  In many cases, there's an owl somewhere in the decoration.  Owls are incredibly quiet, even in flight.  As you trick or treat your way through the Pocono Mountains this year, there's a good chance an owl is watching you.  It could fly right over your head and you'd never even know it.  If that's not creepy, I don't know what is.  

Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

Upon arriving at the facility, I notice a few ducks and geese milling about.  I walked in the door and was immediately greeted by an albino squirrel, as well as Kathy Uhler.  Kathy showed me around, and we went over to see the animals just before their feeding time.  There were owls, vultures, hawks, fox and some other local critters.  Then, something caught our attention.  There was an owl sitting on the ground outside of the enclosure.  Kathy told me she'd seen it before, and it was presumed injured or unhealthy.  Her husband managed to scoop it up and take it back to the lab, where Kathy would check on its condition.  It was real live capture, right in front of my eyes!  And as if that wasn't enough, a bald eagle soared overhead as we made our way back to headquarters.  Needless to say, it was a very eventful 30 minutes. 

Monroe County Environmental Education Center

My first impression was simply "wow".  This facility really is amazing.  I met with Roger Spotts as we toured the classroom space and talked about the programs available.  Aside from bees, there aren't any live animals in the building.  But there are plenty of stuffed ones!  Everywhere you look there were mounts of bear, grouse, and other Pennsylvania wildlife.  Plus, there are hiking trails, bogs and streams nearby to allow guest to interact with the real thing.  I was most impressed with the experienced staff at the facility.  Most have worked there for over 15 years.  Couple that expertise with an expanse of program options and you get a wonderful outdoor education center.  

There are a lot of animals to love in the Pocono Mountains.  These two organizations are on the front lines, making sure we get to enjoy these critters for years to come.  For an enlightening experience, check out either one or both!

From the perspective of a visitors bureau, attending a travel show makes sense on many levels.  From the consumer perspective too, it can be a great experience.  This weekend, the PMVB will join up with several of our members at the Adventures in Travel Expo in New York, New York.  The event is being held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.  If you're one the fence about attending, here are some of the benefits to attending any trade or travel show:

Saves Time

You don't have to spend hours on the phone or researching the internet to make a deal.  The businesses at these shows can book your trip instantly.  It's a no hassle experience. 

Discounts

Most exhibitors will offer some sort of deal or discount to trade show attendees.  Often it is in the form of a promo code.  The bottom line is that you can really save some dough by booking a stay at a trade show.

Giveaways

At our booth, we're always giving stuff away.  Look for mugs, hats, hand sanitizers and much more at this show.  Our members will be doing the same.  You'll need a bag to carry all the free stuff!

Customer Service

Businesses do they best they can at personalizing the message over the phone or email.  But nothing beats that one-on-one interaction at a show.  You can put a face to the name and receive constant attention from the property.

Want to get outside and watch Mother Nature's greatest costume change?  Want to get some exercise and achieve cardiovascular and respiratory benefits?  Want me to stop asking you questions?  If you answered "Yes" to all three of these, then allow me to suggest biking as one of the most enjoyable activities in the area.  

There's a long list of choices for the avid or beginning cyclist.  My recommendation - go with a nature trail such as the McDade or Lehigh Gorge.  These trails and others offer scenic rides steeped in history.  Many houses, schools, camps, and farms once stood on or near these trails.  It's like riding through time.  Or better yet, go with an outfitter that will do all the legwork for you.  Pocono Whitewater, Blue Mountain Sports, Shawnee River Trips and Edge of the Woods Outfitters will all help you get going. 

Expect to see waterfalls, animals, and the remnants of historic buildings while cruising on your bike.  I partnered up with one of our outfitters a few months ago and had a wonderful time riding along the Lehigh River.  Trust me, after you go once, you'll want to go again.  Oh, and I have one more question for you:  What are you waiting for?  Call me for more details at 570-421-5791. 

How long has GoodGuys been around?

"Founded by lifelong hot rodder Gary Meadors in 1983, Goodguys events feature thousands of candy colored hot rods and custom cars sprawled throughout venues such as lush fairgrounds, super speedways and large outdoor stadiums. The cars, the vendor exhibits, the live entertainment and colorful people create a festive atmosphere charged with electricity. The events range from two-day affairs attended by 30,000 to 40,000 people to three and four day extravaganza's attracting over 100,000 auto enthusiasts."

What's the sole purpose of the event?

"Our aim is to provide car owners and enthusiasts alike with fun, family oriented events where the main objective is to have fun with automobiles."

How many people are there?

"An estimated 30,000 attendees."

The event gets underway Thursday afternoon with a cruise to Mt. Airy followed by a kick-off party at Split Rock Resort.  The entire acreage of Pocono Raceway will be utilized.  The cars will even be cruising around the track!  The hours are 8-5 Friday and Saturday, 8-3 Sunday.  Adult tickets are $17, kids aged 7-12 are $6.  Check out http://www.greatamericannats.com/ for more info. 

Anybody who's ever entered a golf scramble at some point believes they can actually win it.  Of course, it almost never happens.  Well, I got as close as I've ever been last Friday at Water Gap Country Club's Friday Night Scramble.  They host 9-hole scrambles that often bring around 100 golfers.  Our group of three played exceptionally well that day.  Everything was set for the pride-boosting, first place finish.  But then, something strange happened, something that ended our chances right then and there.  But let's start at the beginning.  Our first hole was number three, a doable par four....

3 - A long, straight drive put us in good position for our second shot.  We all used wedges and ended up using my approach, which ran about 25 feet past the hole.  The greens were recently aerated so getting a smooth role was basically impossible.  One putt went about inch off the cup but none converted.  We tapped in for par.

4 - This is a short par three, downhill, about 110 yards.  We used my ball which again settled about 20 feet away.  I was last to putt and my Callaway stopped just one revolution too short.  So close.  Even through the first two.  A slight ticking in the back left tire is all that is wrong with this start.

5 - With a good drive, this is an eagle hole.  Fortunately, our big hitter put our first shot on the fringe.  Once again, one of our putts came up tantalizingly close.  We kicked in for birdie and went to the next uphill par four feeling like we missed some great opportunities.

6 - A tough hole, the green sits atop a high mound.  Our drive is okay, our second shot is excellent.  With a friendly bounce off the backstop, we were looking at an 8-footer for birdie.  It only took one putt.  The ticking tire is far from our minds now.  Two under through four.

7 - This is a birdie hole, provided the drive is accurate.  We used mine, which barely found the right rough.  An approach shot by our eldest member left us with a 13-footer for our third straight birdie.  It was straight as an arrow, and he drained it.  The birdie train was rolling.

8 - If any hole can stop the train, it's this one.  Uphill all the way, a tough par four.  Fortunately, my buddy carried over his perfect approach swing and somehow landed a ball within approximately eight feet of the pin.  We buried it, confident we just picked up one on the field.  Our shouts were heard two holes over.

9 - Another par four eagle hole given a well-shaped drive.  We used my safety shot off the tee and chipped on from there, close enough to nail the putt.  Five birdies in a row!  Two holes to go and we're feeling lucky today.  I can practically see the pro writing my name on the gift certificate. 

Now, remember that ticking we heard on our rear left tire?  It's quite loud at this point, and the sloping hill is putting undue pressure on this wavering wheel.  "I'm going to drive down to the flat part so we don't tip," my buddy says.  "It's not going to fall off," I say confidently.  No more than two seconds later and - "there it goes."  It wasn't a disruptive jolt, more like a riding with huge passenger in the back left seat.  The cart limped to a stop.  We vowed that we wouldn't let this disrupt our unprecedented rhythm.  We had to hoof it back to the first tee, about a hundred yards uphill, meeting up with our now laughing teammate.  Time to focus again.   

1 - This is a tough par 4 with an even tougher green.  Playing in a group, par is a great score here.  By yourself, it's magical.  Our drives fly through the air like errant fireworks.  All but one is lost in the woods, and the one that's not out of bounds is only about 110 yards in front of us.  We play a decent second shot to get back on track and are left with a long approach to the uphill green.  Things were unraveling right in front of us.  How would we even save par now?  A decent shot put is on the fringe, a good 20 feet away with at least 4 feet of break, a nasty right-to-left'r.   I was last to putt and felt uncertain at best.  I pushed the ball somewhere in between where the others had put theirs, it began collecting speed as it moved down the slope.  Still on course, it seemed to be magnetized to the cup, but no one says anything.  It's as quite as we've been all day.  We all watch silently until - Bam!  "Great save baby!"  High fives for everyone.  Still five under par with one to go.

2 - One of the easiest holes on the course and our last hurdle.  My drive is exquisite, almost too perfect as it rests just beyond the fairway.  We're left with 40 yards.  However, there's a mound on the front of the green, where the pin is placed.  I know I don't have this shot in my bag.  All four shots fall either short of the mound or on it, and the balls filter back down in front of the green.  "We just need to chip up and save par," I say.  Our chips are unimpressive, the closest being about eight feet away.  I see just outside right edge in the putt, and put one right where I want it.  It crosses in front of the cup and I can only hope my teammates saw the line.  Two more putts go begging and we have one last chance to salvage a perfect drive.  The putt isn't close, it never had a shot as it storms past the right edge.  Bogey.  Heartbreak.