Well, I'm off (or shortly, I am.)

Charlotte: I've often thought of the bus-tour thing. One thing I'd like to do (if my schedule ever permitted) was do a fall-foliage bus tour in New England. Or a trip around the Pacific Northwest.

I've also thought of the "small" cruises - like the Alaskan Inside Passage - where it's a small ship and it's more of an educational tour than a "cruise" cruise. (And I've heard there are ones for singles, or women-only trips...while the "singles" cruise holds out the possibility of meeting "someone" nice, I'm also kind of leery of anything that advertises itself specifically as "singles" because I've been disappointed before).

When I get a bit older there's always Elderhostel. My parents did a number of Elderhostel trips and really, really enjoyed them.

(And for my fall break, I'm already contemplating - possibly going to Siloam Springs or one of the other smaller "artist's community" type places in Arkansas. Or up to Guthrie, for a "pilgrimage" to Sealed With A Kiss knit shop. I do think this year I'm going to do a "get out of Dodge" type trip, no matter what gas may cost.)

But for now I'm content to have a compartment on a train and someone to cook dinner (and tomorrow's breakfast) for me.

I'll be back in about two weeks. I'm not anticipating having internet access on the road.