The Elk mostly disappeared from the mountains of the eastern United States. Reintroduction of elk into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park began in 2001 when 25 elk were brought from the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area along the Tennessee-Kentucky border.
Despite early struggles, including predation by black bears on young calves, the elk population in the Smokies has been doing well since shortly after the reintroduction.
Best Elk Viewing Location In The Smokies
The Mountain Farm Museum
The park provides various locations to allow for visitors to see elk, but the best is in the open meadows near the Mountain Farm Museum. Elk can often be seen browsing for food in the area especially in the early morning.
The Iron Gate, also known as the Đerdap Gorge, is situated between Romania and Serbia and is one of the most scenic stretches along the Danube river. The Iron Gate is a natural gorge formed by the Carpathian Mountains on the Romanian side and the Balkan Mountains on the Serbian side. It stretches for about 134 kilometers and offers stunning views of cliffs, caves, and and rock formations.
The Iron Gates consist of narrow gorges and wide basins, making it one of Europe’s most significant natural features. While an important stretch of the navigable Danube it was actually very dangerous with challenges posed by the river’s rapids and many whirlpools. The construction of the Iron Gate Dam was crucial for controlling navigation. Construction of a dam began in 1977 as a joint project between Romania and Yugoslavia and was considered an engineering marvel. Completed in 1984 with hydroelectric generation from 16 units generating a total capacity of 432 MW.
A number of archaeological sites in the gorge have provided evidence of early human occupation. Classified as the Iron Gates Mesolithic culture they are dated between 13,000 and 6,000 years ago, shedding light on hunter-gatherer lifestyles in Romania and Serbia.
Some years ago we had a wall mounted pot holding orchids outside our front door with a small pond with goldfish and more orchids off to the side. For several months this little tree frog took up residence in the pot and more often than not he would be there, just sitting and watching the activity around our front door.
We’ve since moved but for over a year we now have a new resident tree frog outside our front door residing in a bromeliad. He disappears for a day or two but always seems to comes back.
Every serious traveler needs a pin map! And they make a great gift for the other travelers you know!
Years ago, shortly after we put ours up on the wall, we started getting requests from family and friends to make one for them. It became a favorite gift item and after a few dozen maps we decided we’d try selling them online.
We started selling on Etsy with a few world map color versions and added a United States map. We offered a selection of titles and provided personalization (all our friends and relatives wanted theirs personalized). Within a couple of months sales took off and soon I was spending hours printing and shipping maps. A few dozen a week wasn’t going to make me rich but unfortunately it was eating up a lot of my week. After about six months I shut it down because it was just too much work and I couldn’t keep taking orders while we were traveling.
If you love travel, keeping a travel pin map is a great way to keep track of where you’ve been while also a fantastic decorating accent. We started ours years ago and even today it is a fantastic conversation piece.
After a lot of prodding we decided to put in some more time exploring our travel pin maps again. After talking to a number of friends about the process and discussing options we developed a plan.
Our own travel pin map
This time we’re using a do-it-yourself approach and if you follow the steps here you’ll have a decorating accent to be proud of and for now you can download them for free!
Making Custom Travel Pin Maps
Here’s how to create your very own custom 16×20″ (or smaller) pin map for under US$50 all in with five simple steps:
Download your map below
Blue on brown version in jpg file format:
Download 16×20 brown on blue map without a heading
Print the map up to 16×20″ at home or at Walmart or Office Depot
Pick out a standard frame to fit the map print
Remove glass (plastic) in frame and back up map with a sheet of foam board
Close or seal the back and add a frame hanger if needed
Get a set of map push pins
Do It Yourself Instructions For Our Travel Pin Maps
Customizing Our Map To Make It Your Own
Instructions For Customizing Your Map
WithMicrosoft
Microsoft offers several software tools and services that can be used for annotating our JPG map file that include:
Our files are formatted in a 4:5 ratio that will produce prints from 4×5” through 16×20” and are provided in an open jpg file format that can be customized using many standard applications in computers using MS, Apple and Google operating systems by following the steps outlined here.
• Microsoft Paint: A basic image editing program included with Windows that allows users to add simple annotations such as text, lines, and shapes to images.
• Microsoft Office Picture Manager: A more advanced image editing program that comes with Microsoft Office and provides more features for annotating images, including the ability to add captions, watermarks, and other effects.
• Microsoft OneNote: A digital note-taking application that allows users to insert and annotate images, including JPG files.
• Microsoft SharePoint: A cloud-based collaboration platform that allows users to store, share, and annotate images, in JPG files.
WithApple Macintosh
Using the Preview application:
• Open the JPG image in Preview.
• Click the “Markup Toolbar” button in the toolbar.
• Select the annotation tool you want to use, such as the “Text” tool, “Shape” tool, or “Arrow” tool.
• Click and drag on the image to create your annotation.
• Adjust the properties of the annotation, such as font, color, and size, using the options in the Markup Toolbar.
• Save the finished file for printing.
Using The Google Operating Systems
With a Google computer using Google Cloud, This system offers a comprehensive platform for image annotation. It provides a suite of tools and services that enable users to annotate JPG images efficiently and accurately providing powerful image editing tools that facilitate the annotation process. Users can easily draw bounding boxes around objects, add polygons, or even create 3D annotations. These tools ensure precise and consistent annotation, which is essential for high-quality machine learning models.
Printing Your Map
If you have access to a printer that can print to a sheet size needed you can print the map yourself at either 11×14 (standard frame size) up to 13×19 or 16×20. Make sure there’s an off the shelf frame available.
Large prints can be ordered from a number of sites including Office Depot and Walmart. If you have a wide format (13×19) you can of course print it yourself.
Print yours with Walmart Custom Prints. The 16×20” print is the best format at under $14.00 and the order can be placed with your local Walmart online at the web page below.
Our maps when printed can be formatted to fit a 16×20” standard size frame, or 11×14”, 8.5×11” and 8×10”that are available nationwide from many stores like Michaels or Walmart as well as online. In order to convert the frame to a pin map all need to do is to remove the plastic or glass front, back up the map with a sheet of foam board and reassemble. See a good choice from Michaels HERE.
Pushpins
Hopefully you’ll be adding a lot of pins to your map and while you can find push pins in most office supply departments we recommend a smaller headed shorter pin made for that purpose and recommend Yalis Push Pins 600-count Map Tacks available from Amazon HERE.
Probably one of the most important stretches of water in the Mediterranean is the Straits of Messina that separates the boot of Italy from the island of Sicily. In ancient legend the straight is said to be only an arrows shot wide. With a majority of cruise itineraries going south and east out of Rome’s port of Civitavecchia traveling through the straights is a common experience.
The Straights of Messina were often written about in ancient texts regarding Scylla and Charybdis, two monsters who attacked ships traveling through the straight. Scylla was a multi-headed monster that plucked sailors from the deck while Charybdis was a sea monster that crushed and sank ships. The most famous tale of all being about the Greek hero Odysseus who encounters Scylla and Charybdis on his return journey from the Trojan War. Odysseus was urged to follow the advice of the goddess Circe. Circe told Odysseus to sail closer to Scylla, rather than Charybdis, for it was wiser to lose a few men than to sink the whole ship.
Additionally the straight also saw the establishment of the important Greek cities of Messana and was the location of numerous naval battles, most notably the Battle of the Strait of Messina between Pyrrhus of Epirus and the Carthaginians in 276 BC.
Where Your Ship Docks
The Messina harbor is situated right in the center of the city and equipped with a cruise terminal along with another cruise pier. Public facilities are available as well as some shops and a bus stop.
Wheelchair Accessibility – Disembarking is dependent on ships gangway designs. The cruise pier disembarks right into downtown. For passengers using wheelchairs there can be a moderate ramp incline to deal with. Locations.
Port City Characteristics – This port has a well developed wheelchair friendly infrastructure. The port area is flat or has few inclines. Intersection crosswalks have few issues with curbs or other wheelchair obstacles. Outside the port area the city does have an increase in elevation to deal with.
Public Transportation
The Central Station of Messina is the second most important one of Sicily. Nearer the port is a station called Messina Marittima and is there for connections with mainland Italy with ferries to both Reggio Calabria and Villa San Giovanni.
Most public transportation in the city is by bus with an 8 kilometer long, tram line. For the bus and tram a single use ticket costs 1.50 Euro and is valid for 100 minutes from the time of use stamping. At the bus the price is 2 Euros. A ticket for 200 minutes costs 2.50 Euro but must be stamped twice. A day ticket costs 4 Euro, a 72-hour ticket 10 Euro.
Tipping follows a general tipping culture similar to many European countries. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. If service charges are included in your bill, rounding up or leaving small change is customary. In restaurants, leaving between 5-10% of the bill is a common practice if you are satisfied with the service. Tipping tour guides is usually based on the tour cost with a few dollars being a minimum. For taxi drivers or service staff, rounding up the fare or leaving a small tip is often sufficient.
Local Attraction
Messina Cathedral – A stunning example of Norman architecture, the cathedral is known for its beautiful facade and the astronomical clock that offers a daily show.
La Spiaggetta – A beautiful beach perfect for sunning and swimming that offers stunning views of the Straits of Messina.
The Astronomical ClockOf Messina – Located in the main square, it’s one of the largest in the world, with intricate mechanisms and a show at noon that always attracts a crowd.
Taormina
A great day trip to consider while visiting Messina is Taormina about an hour south along the coast. The town has a beach vibe about it but the main town is located above the sea and is also recognized as one of Europe’s best shopping destinations. A number of famous fashion houses operate salons in Taormina. There are 3 ways to get from Messina to Taormina
Train, Rideshare or Taxi.
Train from Messina Centrale to Taormina-Giardini takes about an hour and costs 4 to 9 Euros. Service is frequent. Rideshare (uber) also about an hour but varies by traffic conditions and will cost between 6 and 12 Euros. Taxi service should run about 100 Euros but fare can be negotiated and again the trip should take about an hour.
A Guest Post by Vivek Mukherjee. I’m envious of Digital Nomads and if I could start over again that would be my goal. We have friends that we travel with and they’re both digital nomads and their only requirement is a reliable internet connection.Images via Freepik
Breaking Barriers: Thriving as a Digital Nomad with Disabilities
The digital nomad lifestyle offers possibilities, particularly for individuals with disabilities seeking flexibility and autonomy in their professional lives. With the right tools and strategies, the challenges of remote work can be transformed into opportunities for personal and career growth. Technology plays a pivotal role in this transformation, providing the means to create accessible workspaces and connect with global communities. By understanding the nuances of cybersecurity and leveraging assistive technologies, digital nomads with disabilities can secure their digital environments and enhance their productivity.
Empowering Digital Nomads with Disabilities via Assistive Technologies
As a digital nomad with a disability, embracing assistive technologies can transform your remote work experience by breaking physical barriers and enhancing productivity. Tools like screen readers and voice recognition software are essential for creating an accessible and efficient workspace, allowing you to focus on professional growth. Investing in the right technology can establish a solid online presence, which is crucial for attracting potential clients and employers. Further, crafting a professional website and being active on social media platforms can showcase your skills and unique perspectives, opening doors to new opportunities.
Navigating Tax Benefits as a Digital Nomad with Disabilities
Understanding the tax landscape can significantly enhance your financial well-being as a disabled digital nomad. Many countries offer digital nomad visas that may include tax exemptions, which can be particularly beneficial if you frequently change locations. Additionally, you might qualify for deductions and credits related to disability expenses, further reducing your taxable income. Given the complexity of international tax laws, consulting with a tax professional specializing in the unique challenges digital nomads face is wise.
Pursuing Higher Education as a Digital Nomad
Earning an online degree is a great way to boost your career prospects while embracing the flexibility of the digital nomad lifestyle. For instance, cybersecurity programs and industry standards provide valuable training in protecting businesses’ computer systems and networks, equipping you with skills that are in high demand. Online degree programs are designed to fit seamlessly into your schedule, allowing you to maintain full-time work or travel while keeping up with coursework. This balance enables you to enhance your expertise and open doors to new opportunities, all from wherever you call home.
Embracing Telemedicine for Digital Nomads with Disabilities
Navigating life as a digital nomad with disabilities presents unique challenges, particularly in maintaining consistent healthcare. Telemedicine is a powerful tool to bridge this gap, allowing you to receive care from your established healthcare providers regardless of location. Such continuity is crucial, especially if you have an ongoing relationship with your practitioner, as it enables remote consultations and follow-ups without being physically present. If your primary provider is unavailable, another specialist with access to your medical history can step in, ensuring your care remains uninterrupted.
Flourishing in the World as a Digital Nomad with Disabilities
Embarking on a journey as a digital nomad can be an exciting yet challenging experience, especially for individuals with disabilities. By utilizing adaptive equipment—such as lightweight, foldable wheelchairs and portable ramps—you can transform potential travel obstacles into opportunities for exploration. These innovations have significantly enhanced accessibility, allowing you to seamlessly navigate diverse environments and engage with different cultures. As the digital nomad lifestyle continues to evolve, embracing these advancements can empower you to craft a fulfilling and independent journey.
Building a Supportive Network as a Digital Nomad with Disabilities
Engaging with online communities designed for digital nomads with disabilities can significantly enhance your experience by offering a platform to share insights and resources. These communities, such as the Digital Nomad Girls, provide a nurturing environment where you can connect with others who face similar challenges, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual understanding. By joining these networks, you can access practical advice and strategies to help you overcome the unique obstacles of a nomadic lifestyle. The journey of a digital nomad with disabilities is one of resilience and innovation. Integrating technology and community support can redefine your professional path and personal life. Each step taken towards embracing these tools and strategies not only enhances your independence but also enriches your experiences, allowing you to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and inclusive world. Embark on your next adventure with
The Intentional Travelers — where Judi & Dennis share their expert tips on cruising, frugal travel, and exploring the world one destination at a time! Take a moment to explore:
The Intentional Travelers 
