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Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Worcester Union Station

Built in 1911 by the New York Central Railroad along the Boston and Albany Railroad's main line it operated until 1974. Renovated by the Worcester Redevelopment Authority at a cost of $32 Million it reopened in July 2000 for passenger service supporting both the MBTA Framingham/Worcester Commuter rail line and for Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited passenger line.



Sir Loin

Open for more than 7 decades Fairway Beef is the oldest meat shop still in Worcester, MA, and the last surviving in a once a thriving meat shop district between the Canal District and downtown. Since 2015 “Sir Loin,” a 500+pound, rust-colored longhorn bull constructed from thin metal stands guard on the roof.


Coney Island

Originally established in 1918 as a luncheonette it was purchased in 1929 by George J. Tsagarelis and became George’s Coney Island. It was renovated in 1938 into the art deco building seen today. It specializes in hotdogs and their secret chili sauce.

Polar Beverages Orson the Polar Bear

The nearly 25-foot inflatable polar bear named Orson has stood atop the Polar Beverages factory for decades greeting drivers along I-290 west as they drive into the city.

Sanibel Island Light

The Sanibel Island Light or Point Ybel Light was one of the first lighthouses on Florida's Gulf coast north of Key West and the Dry Tortugas. The light,98-foot above sea level, on an iron skeleton tower was first lit on August 20, 1884 and has a central spiral staircase beginning about 10 feet above the ground.


South Seas Island Resort

The original 1898 160-acre homestead of home to George Washington Carter and his family at the north tip of Captiva Island has changed significantly over the years. After a terrible hurricane in 1921, it became a key lime plantation. In 1942 it welcomed its first vacation guests. Today South Seas Island Resort is a 330-acre resort with a ride range of accommodations including hotel rooms, timeshares, beach and marina villas, and private beach homes. In addition to its 465 units, it has 2.5 miles of private white-sand beaches, 10 tennis courts, 8 outdoor swimming pools, 4 restaurants, and a 9-hole golf course.



Thursday, February 21, 2019

Traveling with Your Drone

Traveling with my drone for the first time was nerve wracking. Today it isn't a big deal at all. Many airport personnel are accustomed to seeing drones and pay them little to no attention. This is true even in some third world destinations. During my first experience security held me, not because of any safety concerns but because they were curious to know more about my drone. Between the decreasing cost of drones and their popularity, drone's have become mainstream and many backpacking travelers are taking them along on their trips.

There are a few things to consider when traveling with a drone to ensure that you don't have any issues. Such questions I've been asked or should be considered are:

  1. Check vs. Carry-On? 
  2. Destination Drone Laws (International vs. Domestic US)
  3. Resort, State or Federal Park.

Check vs. Carry-On: 

Personally I'd never check my drone for a few reasons:
  1. Damage: Most drones are sophisticated electronic devices that are not designed to be handled roughly. I know everyone has seen video of luggage being thrown around or handled roughly. Even a well packed drone risks damage. I'd hate to get to my destination to discover my drone was damaged.
  2. Theft:  Every flight connection you make is a chance for the drone to be lost or stolen at the airport. People are inherently not trustworthy. In the event of a loss the Montreal convention states that airlines are liable for only up to around ~$1,000 USD of baggage losses. Since most drones are in excess of that by themselves never mind any other items packed with it you will surely add up to more then the $1,000 USD you might get back.
  3. Batteries: Batteries can't be checked for safety reasons and must be carried on so why not just keep all your drone gear together in a neatly packed case.
I am sure that many of you could probably list many other reasons why you shouldn't check your drone but the three above are reason enough to always carry it on.

What guidelines should you follow when packing it as a carry-on? Most airlines require travelers to follow the same rules for transportation of batteries.
  1. American Airlines: Battery Restrictions 
  2. Delta Airlines: Lithium Battery Rules
  3. Spirit Airlines Special Restriction Carry On Rules
  4. United Airlines: Battery Special Rules
  5. Southwest Airlines: Battery Rules
Additionally I always package my batteries in LiPo Bags that can be found on Amazon. Here are those I use for my Mavic, Phantom and Inspire.


Destination Drone Laws:

Every country has different and often changing rules around drone use. US laws are still evolving and even some states laws are different from others. It is important to research where you want to fly and follow the rules of of that state or country.

A great resource I often use is