Bay Area Travel Buddies and Local Events

Aloha Adventurers ,

First rule :, P LEASE DO NOT BE A NO SHOW ! 2 MISSES & YOU ARE DROPPED FROM MEETUP !
Second rule : G o back to First rule .

****** Note : we did this last week & it was super !!! The falls are still running high !

***** Wear good hiking shoes or boots. I have hiking poles for any who want or may need them . ( Think, creek crossings) !!
I also supply great snacks, water, energy drinks, gourmet nut packs , trail bars & more ! BUT BRING A LUNCH ALSO !

****** Our always after event dinner option follows !!!!!

***** Dogs , love this outing, kids also. They attend for free !!!

***** Members fee is only 22.00 & their guests are only 15.00 !

***** ****SEE MORE INFO, BELOW *****

Ok: *****(( If you wish to carpool from just outside of Napa you can meet us in the parking lot at Stanley lane & Sonoma hwy . Just turn left at the light off hwy 29 ! After you go over the napa river bridge, & then a quick right at the stop light, to parking & cool food & cafe. (STANLY LANE SMOKEHOUSE )
Address : 3100 Golden Gate Drive ,Napa ,Ca. ***Note: Park against the bushes.
**** So you have 2 options !! Call me or text me if you are going to meet us at Stanley Lane. **** t's about a 1/2 hour drive North to St Helena from there. LEAVE TIME FROM SANLEY LANE IS ABOUT 9:00 TO 9:15 AM. MEET TIME AT Silverado Trail & Deerpark rd. is about 9;45 to 10:00 am. ******* Don.t forget this info !!!!
MY # IS: 925 787 3041 EM: boldbackroads@gmail.com **********
SEE YOU ALL EVERYWHERE !!!!!! INDIE TOM !!

March 2nd- 11th, 2026

Join here: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/thailand-small-group-tours/

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Our friends at PhotoFly Travel Club have created a brand new adventure to the Kingdom of Thailand! From Bangkok’s buzzing street food scene to the peaceful mountain temples of Chiang Mai, and finally to the island calm of the Phi Phi archipelago, this adventure unfolds in three vibrant chapters.

• 9 nights/10 days throughout Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phi Phi Island
• 5-star accommodation
• Elephant sanctuary experience
• Private transportation and private tours
• Breakfast daily
• Numerous optional activities
• Two domestic flights - $400 value!

Email us directly at joinus@photoflytravel.com to receive a detailed daily itinerary!

Bangkok

• Grand Palace Tour: Explore Bangkok’s iconic royal complex, home to ornate temples and halls since 1782.
• Emerald Buddha: Visit Thailand’s most sacred temple to see the revered 14th-century statue.
• Wat Pho: Tour one of Bangkok’s oldest temples, famous for its massive reclining Buddha and rich symbolism.
• Ayutthaya Day Trip: Discover the UNESCO-listed ruins of Thailand’s former capital, once a thriving cultural and trade center.

Chiang Mai

• Elephant Nature Park: Visit a renowned sanctuary to learn about ethical elephant rescue and conservation.
• Doi Inthanon Tour (Optional): Hike scenic trails and visit the Karen hill tribes in Thailand’s highest national park.
• Chiang Mai City Tour: Explore historic temples like Wat Pa Pao and Wat Lok Moli, showcasing exquisite Burmese-style architecture.
• Tuk Tuk Ride: Enjoy a fun, breezy ride through the city from your 5-star hotel.
• Free Time: Relax with a massage, shop local markets, or experience the lively night scene in this walkable city.

Phi Phi Islands

• Luxury Koh Phi Phi Escape: Stay at a 5-star boat-access resort away from the crowds, featuring private bungalows, pools, a spa, restaurants, a dive shop, and a serene beach.
• Optional Snorkel Safari: Spend a full day exploring hidden beaches, sea caves, coral reefs, and remote islands - with chances to spot sea turtles.

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Price: $3,895
Single Supplement: $1,095

Go here to sign up: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/thailand-small-group-tours/

March 2nd – March 11th, 2026

Optional Red Sea Extension: March 11th – March 14th, 2026

The small group travel community PhotoFly Travel Club (https://www.photoflytravel.com/) has a brand new trip to Egypt – check this out! Every accommodation offered is 5-star, including an overnight Nile River cruise. Here, ancient history pulses beneath your feet, and each sunrise illuminates 5,000 years of stories. Begin in Cairo at the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and the timeless Sphinx. Explore the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the full Tutankhamun collection and countless treasures. A Nile River cruise isn’t just transit—it’s a voyage through the cradle of civilization. From Aswan to Luxor, drift past sun-drenched villages, palm-fringed shores, and colossal desert monuments. In Luxor, Egypt’s magic peaks. Walk the towering Karnak Temple on the East Bank, then cross to the West to witness the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s Temple—sights that will leave you speechless. There’s also an optional extension on the Red Sea at a luxury resort for ultimate relaxation!

• 9N/10D throughout the best of Egypt
• 5-star accommodation throughout
• Privately guided adventures and local Egyptologist at all times
• Breakfast every day
• 5 Dinners, 3 Lunches
• Included domestic flight ($200 value!)

Join Here: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/egypt-small-group-tours/

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Cairo

• Grand Egyptian Museum: Explore on your own and with a guide the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on the planet
• Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx: One of the Seven Wonders of the World!
• Day trip to Memphis and Saqqara: Ancient city of Memphis with stunning statues of powerful pharaohs and near to the oldest pyramid in the country
• Old Cairo: The Hanging Church built by the Romans, the Citadel of Saladin built in the 12th century, and the picturesque Alabaster Mosque

Nile Cruise

• Luxury boat: Cabins with luxurious finishes, gourmet restaurant, elevated service, sun deck, entertainment, and multiple stops along the way.
• Abu Simbel: An ancient marvel carved into sandstone, this grand temple honors Ramses II with four colossal statues welcoming visitors at its entrance.
• Temple of Horus: Among Egypt’s best-preserved temples, its interior features original hieroglyphics and 2,000-year-old carvings honoring the falcon-headed god.
• Temple of Kom Ombo: Uniquely dedicated to two gods, this symmetrical temple has twin halls, entrances, and sanctuaries—reflecting the fusion of Greek and Egyptian traditions.
• Traditional Felucca Ride: Sail the Nile aboard a classic wooden felucca, drifting past palm-lined banks with views of the hilltop Aga Khan Mausoleum.
• Philae Temple: Rising from the Nile, this elegant temple to goddess Isis features colonnaded courtyards, detailed reliefs, and Roman-era shrines—its setting on the water is breathtaking.

Luxor

• Temple of Karnak: One of the largest religious sites ever built, this vast complex of sanctuaries and columns was constructed over 2,000 years, honoring the gods of Thebes and showcasing ancient Egypt’s architectural might.
• Valley of the Kings: A desert necropolis on Luxor’s West Bank where pharaohs like Tutankhamun and Ramses II were buried in richly decorated tombs, offering deep insight into ancient beliefs about the afterlife.
• Temple of Hatshepsut: Carved into the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari, this elegant temple honors Egypt’s first female pharaoh with terraces and colonnades that reflect her reign and divine legacy.
• Colossi of Memnon: Two massive statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have stood for over 3,000 years, once guarding a lost temple and famed in antiquity for emitting mysterious dawn sounds.
• Optional Hot Air Balloon: Soar above Luxor at sunrise for panoramic views of the Nile, temples, and tombs—an unforgettable and tranquil way to take in Egypt’s timeless beauty.

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Price: $4,095
Single Supplement: $1,195

Check out our club's official trip page: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/egypt-small-group-tours/

Optional Red Sea Extension: March 11th – March 14th, 2026

Nestled along the Red Sea, just 15 miles north of Hurghada, El Gouna is no ordinary resort town. Designed as a sustainable, upscale escape, it blends laid-back luxury with eco-conscious living. Saltwater lagoons wind through sun-washed villas, and mornings start with the scent of Arabic coffee carried on the sea breeze. Kitesurfers glide across turquoise waters, divers explore vibrant coral reefs, and tucked-away galleries and food trucks offer everything from falafel to fusion sushi beneath lantern-lit skies.

• 5-Star All-Inclusive Resort: Relax at a luxurious beachfront resort and spa on a Red Sea peninsula in El Gouna, with stunning views of turquoise waters, lagoons, and lush gardens. Enjoy modern comforts, exceptional service, and a serene setting.
• Daily Activities: Savor diverse dining, unwind at the private beach or pools, and recharge at the spa or fitness center. Optional activities include kitesurfing, diving, golf, biking, or exploring town.
• Optional Snorkel Adventure: Take a full-day snorkeling trip to Giftun Island from Hurghada. Explore vibrant coral reefs, swim with colorful marine life—and possibly dolphins—and relax on idyllic beaches.

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Extension Price: $1,275
Extension Single Supplement: $240

Check out our club's official trip page: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/egypt-small-group-tours/

March 14 - March 25, 2026

Join here: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/australia-group-tours/

E-mail us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Our friends at PhotoFly Travel Club have invited us to this amazing new adventure! This exciting part of the world has been long overdue for another adventure! This time we will explore the beauty, beaches, & iconic buildings of Sydney, The Great Barrier Reef around the stunning Whitsunday Islands, and the history, food, & culture center that is Melbourne! We’re excited to show you some of our favorite parts of the great country of Australia!

• 11 Nights/12 Days
• Breakfast daily
• 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners
• 2 Domestic flights INCLUDED (Sydney --> Hamilton Island / Hamilton Island --> Melbourne) $240 value!
• Privately guided tours throughout
• All transportation as listed in the itinerary
• All taxes, fees, & transfers included

Sydney - 3 Nights

• Privately Guided City Tour: Highlights of Sydney (Opera House, Sydney Harbor Bridge, Darling Harbor, “The Rocks” historic district, Parliament House, Kings Cross, Watson’s Bay, Bondi Beach)
• Free time to explore the streets and world class beaches Sydney has to offer

The Whitsunday Islands & Great Barrier Reef - 4 Nights

• Great Barrier Reef: One of the great wonders of the natural world and a “must-see” for any visitor to Australia.
• Reefworld Pontoon: a choice of areas to relax and a great range of activities - underwater viewing chamber, semi-submersible submarines, or snorkeling & diving! Morning tea, afternoon tea, buffet lunch, and included snorkel gear (fins & mask, wetsuit) included. Intro and certified diving options available, as well as scenic helicopter flights (additional cost).
• Whitehaven Beach Cruise and Island Exploration: See the very best of the Whitsunday Islands National Park on our fully guided half day cruise.
• Hamilton Island: Get up close and personal with a collection of native animals, including koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, wombats, and various reptiles. Relax and explore the Catseye Beach, one of the best, with easy access from our hotel. Don`t miss a chance to also explore the sand flats at low tide and see the island from a different perspective. Use of catamarans, paddle skis, windsurfers, and snorkeling equipment. Use of gym, spa, & sauna. Unlimited use of the scheduled ‘Island Shuttle’ service.

Melbourne - 4 Nights

• Private guided city tour: Highlights of Melbourne - eclectic architecture of the central business district, Captain Cook’s Cottage in the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens, Botanical Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, Shrine of Remembrance, St Patrick’s Cathedral.
• Unique, privately guided Lanes & Arcades walking tour; 4 handpicked venues.

Puffing Billy Adventure Train (Optional)

• Drive through the picturesque Dandenong Ranges
• Hop aboard the Puffing Billy steam train for a Scenic one-way ride
• Check out the Lakeside Visitors Center

Mornington Peninsula Beaches, Chocolates, Wine Tasting, & Stunning Views!

Escape the bustle of Melbourne on this full-day journey through the Mornington Peninsula, with round-trip transport in air-conditioned comfort.

• Colorful Mt Martha beach boxes: Coastal esplanade drive.
• Gondola ride to the Arthurs Seat summit: Wine tasting with lunch at a local winery, and sweet treats at a boutique chocolaterie.

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Price: $3,849.00
Single Supplement: $1,195.00

Deposit: $600.00

Go here to sign up: http://www.photoflytravel.org/australia-group-tours/