TRAVEL PLANNERS RADIO SHOW 5/1

HOUR1 Karen Vaughn, Green Chicago Mgr. of Communications http://www.explorechicago.org/ Carey Rivers, Co-director Kids day and sleep away camps for summer fun. http://www.tipsontripsandcamps.com/ Jack Perlman, Developer of El Taj Oceanfront newest luxury condo in Playa del Carmen http://www.condohotelsplayadelcarmen.com/ Kevin and Sue Travel News and Travel Tips HOUR 2 Tom Parsons, Bestfares.com Deals and Steals Michelle Newman, Regular Contributor Travelwriter Holistic Cruise http://www.atasteofhealth.org/

TRAVEL PLANNERS RADIO SHOW 4/24

LIVE BROADCAST FROM WILDCATTER RANCH RESORT & SPA located in the Brazos River Valley in Graham, TX Kevin headed to the ranch while Sue headed on a Theatrical trip to Alabama. HOUR1 Anne Skipper, Managing Partner Jason McAlister, Resort Manager Julie Albritton, Events Manager Bob "The Cook" Bratcher, F and B Mgr. HOUR 2 Jay Brewer, Horse Barn Mgr. Jim, Activities (Skeet Shooting, ATVs, etc.) http://www.wildcatterranch.com/

TRAVEL PLANNERS RADIO SHOW 4/17

LIVE BROADCAST FROM ST. JOSEPH, MO 150 Years of Pony Express HOUR 1  Beth Conway and Gary Chilcote  St. Joseph CVB and   Historic Patee House Museum   Jesse James Home Museum   www.stjoseph.net/ponyexpress Suzanne Lehr, Mount Mora Cemetary http://www.mountmora.org/ Andrea George, Remington Nature Center Tom Parsons, BestFares.com HOUR 2 Cindy Daffron, Pony Express National Museum http://www.ponyexpress.org/ Jackie Lewin, St. Joseph Museums Glore Psychiatric Museum, Black Archives Museum, and St. Joseph Museum

VOLCANO PARKING FEES

With everything happening due to Iceland's volcano blowing an extra added expense is parking at airports for those passengers not able to return home.  A few of the airports have waived charges for parking at JFK, Newark, Denver and Las Vegas.  Kudos to them!

The Wildcatter Family

I spent two and one-half days at the Wildcatter Ranch and Resort near Graham, Texas and in that short period of time I had the wonderful experience of Texas hospitality, fun activities and incredible cuisine. My cabin suite had a rustic ambiance but the amenities were definitely first class. I might add that the wireless Internet serviced by a T-1 line was flawless. The view of the Brazos river from the patio of my cabin was breathtaking. The Texas Bluebells, along with Indian Paintbrush flowers added a peaceful pastel beauty to the entire area. This was truly an idyllic setting, yet the true wealth of the Wildcatter Ranch and Resort is in it's staff. Jay, Don, Jim, Julie, Bob along with Resort Manager, Jason McAlister and Managing Partner, Anne Skipper are there to see that your visit to the Wildcatter Resort and Ranch will always exceed your expectations. While I was there I met the Bride and Groom who  held their wedding at the wildcatter, groups and individuals enjoying a weekend getaway, a romantic vacation and planning a corporate team building experience. To the person, they were all impressed with the Wildcatter's expertise and the ease of making arrangements for their visit. You will immediately feel that you are working with a family run operation that takes pride in everything they do. I asked Anne how she picked and trained her staff. She told me that most of the staff are from the Graham, Texas area and come from many varied backgrounds; finance, local government, law enforcement, recent high school grads  etc., etc. I told her that I had never seen such a dedicated, close knit team and questioned her about her training program. Her explanation astounded me. Anne told me that the Wildcatter Ranch and Resort and staff started working with the Wounded Warriors program a few years ago. In doing so, they closed the Ranch to the public for a week and she and her staff worked one-on-one with wounded veterans to help them develop their physical skills and re-build their confidence after experiencing the trauma of war. During this program the staff stayed on the Ranch and worked around the clock with these soldiers. They participated in all the activities with the Vets and even ate all their meals with them. After the first Wounded Warriors week, Anne said that she saw an immediate change in her staff. They jelled into the "family" that now awaits your visit to the Wildcatter Ranch and Resort. Anne and her staff continue their participation in the Wounded Warrior program each year and I think this speaks volumes to their sincere dedication to public service. If all of this doesn't win you over you will have to try Bob the Cook's two pound porterhouse steak and Anne's family recipe for banana pudding served in a jar. Both are irresistible! I really felt like I was part of the Wildcatter family and you will to. I highly recommend the Wildcatter for unsurpassed service and hospitality. I can't wait for a return visit. Wildcatter Ranch and Resort 6062 Hwy 16 South Graham, TX 76450 940-549-3500 www.wildcatterranch.com

Views From the Wildcatter

I just wanted to quickly share with you some of the magnificent views from the patio of the Wildcatter Steak House, my room and the infinity pool next to the Spa.   This is great stuff!

Things Really are BIG in Texas

While Sue is in Alabama, I'm at the Wildcatter Ranch and Resort near Graham Texas. Our mascot, Doodles, has been winging her way back and forth and met me this morning as we were touring the Ranch. As you can see, she met up with "Big Boy". Big Boy is a true Longhorn, and in-fact, he has the 3rd largest horns in the state of Texas. At just over 98 inches, we were all impressed. To put that in perspective, if his horns were a couple of inches wider, he would be classified as a "wide load" on Texas highways! When I told Doodles we were going to the gun range to shoot trap, she decided to take off for safer grounds with Sue. There are many activities at the Wildcatter Ranch and Resort including horseback riding, canoeing, bicycling, hiking trails and more. All in a first class resort atmosphere. "Major" the bloodhound is a recent addition to the Ranch. He actually belongs to a neighbor, but seems to enjoy the attention he gets at the Wildcatter. If I didn't know better, I'd think he owns the place. Be sure to stop and pet Major when you visit the Wildcatter. You will have a friend forever. Tomorrow morning I will do our radio show live from the Wildcatter Steak House, after which, I think I'm off to the Spa for a bit of relaxation. I could use a little "whoa" in my life!

Texas Beef with "Bob the Cook"

I just arrived at the Wilcatter Ranch and Resort with a bit of apprehension as to what I was doing at a "dude Ranch". rest assured that the Wildcatter is not your average Dude Ranch. This is truly a resort, complete with spa treatments, infinity pools and GREAT FOOD!!   We were greeted at the Willcatter Steakhouse by Bob and his wife Sonja. They are the perfect hosts and they know what they are doing in the kitchen.   Sonja's salad was perfect and Bob's Baby-back pork ribs, and smoked beef tenderloin was sensational.Fried pepper strips and onion rings added to the meal.   Apple cobbler and homemade bread pudding with a bourbon sauce served with Blue Bell ice cream was too good to be true.   I must also add that Tito's Texas vodka and Crossroads Winery's CSM, a marriage of Cab, Syrah and Merlot were Texas homegrown surprises that were excellent.   I am eager to see what tomorrow will bring.

Fw: CHECK OUT OUR YOU TUBE

CHECK OUT OUR YOU TUBE We currently have 51 of our videos from all over the world on our www.youtube.com/kevinandsuetravel   Be sure to check them and it is free to subscribe.  If you subscribe you will know when the new videos are scheduled. We currently have 101,019 views and 321 Subscribers.

TRAVEL PLANNERS RADIO SHOW April 3

HOUR1  Max Hartshorne, Editor and Travelwriter for http://www.gonomad.com/ talked about the Azores Islands in the Atlantic Ocean west of Portugal. Jennifer Burns, Marketing and PR Manager for Warren County OH CVB talked about the Ozone Zipline Adventures in Ohio's Largest Playground. Kevin with the Travel News and Sue with Travel Tips. HOUR2 Tom Parsons of BestFares.com with his weekly Deals and Steals. "Bobby G", Robert Giangrisostomi, Deputy Executive Director of Business Development for the Canaveral Port Authority.  Port of Call for several cruise ship lines. Chef Darren McGrady, "The Royal Chef" talked about his years working for the royal family, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana.  He shared a recipe for his Coca Cola Chocolate Cake. Chef is planning on a Culinary Trip to Tuscany and still has a few openings on Aug. 2 - 8. http://www.theroyalchef.com/ Coca Cola Chocolate Cake 2 c. self rising flour 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1/4 c. cocoa 2 c. light brown sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla paste 1 c. plus 2 Tbs butter 3/4 c. coca cola 1/3 c. milk 1/2 c. unsalted butter 4 oz. semi sweet chocolate 1/3 c. coca cola 3 c. powdered sugar chocolate eggs to decorate top Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9" lose bottom cake tin.  In a large bowl mix together flour, soda, cocoa and brown sugar.  In a small bowl beat the eggs with the vanilla. Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in the coca cola and milk. Whisk the egg mix and coca cola mix into the dry ingredients until no lumps.  Pour into the prepared cake tin and bake for 45 minutes or until cooked.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool. In a large saucepan melt the butter and chocolate and add the coca cola.  Whisk until smooth. Spread over the top of the cake and decorate with candy bars, chocolate eggs or grated chocolate.  Refrigerate for up to one hour before serving. The Royal Chef will be cooking and sharing recipes at: San Antonio  - Central Market  - April 10 Houston       - Central Market   - April 17 Austin          - Central Market   - April 24 Contact him directly at http://www.theroyalchef.com/