50 Plus - September 2012

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FEATURE STORY:

Private ParadiSe Manitowoc couPle cultivateS exotic backyard habitat

10

late-SuMMer veggieS 2

hEAlTh cOlUmn: over the hill? no way! 3 DR. STAcEY SOElDnER

ADRc: PrograMS aiMed at fall Prevention 4

how Much doeS that doggie in the window really coSt? 5

Make elderly driver liMitS tougher 6

Social Security reciPientS eMbrace electronic PayMentS 7

trouble reMeMbering to take your MedicationS? 9

Planning key to develoPing water gardenS 12

ten Scenic driveS Sure to leave you breathleSS 14

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On the Cover: 10-11

Private Paradise linda Youngchild enjoys her well-manicured backyard, which includes ponds, waterfalls and plenty of foliage. matthew Apgar/50 Plus

staff Pat Pankratz, 50 Plus! Editor 920-686-2138 [email protected]

Tami Gasch, Advertising manager 920-684-4433 [email protected]

50 Plus! is published monthly by the herald Times Reporter. It also is distributed to select businesses in manitowoc county.

50plus! By DEAN FOSDICK Associated Press

Mid- to late summer is prime time for gardeners — a last chance to grow a second batch of fresh vegetables before the plant-killing frosts arrive. Add a few protective enclosures, such as cold frames, overhead sheets and hoops, and the harvest can be extended until Thanksgiving and beyond.

“The goal is to have fully grown, ready-to-pick plants that basically store themselves in the garden throughout the fall, so you can pick them as you need them over a long, sustained garden season,” said Renee Shepherd, founder of Renee’s Garden Seeds in Felton, Calif.

You can plant many of the cool-weather crops from seed if you time it properly,

she said. That means choosing fast-maturing varieties that can develop ahead of the average date for the first hard frost.

“Row covers for plant protection can always help extend the season when cold weather comes early, but if you plan and plant at the proper time, your fall harvests still will be abundant,” Shepherd said.

Think ahead though, because many neighborhood nurseries close or have picked-over inventories after the rush for spring supplies has ended.

“Some of the specialty garden centers and nurseries bring in extra plants for the fall, but you may have to purchase from another source and that takes

Late-Summer VeggiesCan Fill Garden’s Vacant Spots

lATE GARDEnS

Late-Summer Veggies continued on page 4

2 . September 2012 . 50 plus!

hEAlTh cOlUmn

Over the hill? I don’t think so. More and more people are feeling older than their age, but what if I said you don’t have to. There are ways that you can feel fully alive well into the best years of your life. Follow these physical and mental health steps to get started.

Back away from the tray. We have heard it time and time again.

Stop smoking! Research has

Over The Hill? No Way!

dr. stacey soeldner is a clinical psychologist and life coach with riverhill Psychological associates, s.C. in Manitowoc.

demonstrated how smoking can decrease the longevity of your life, damage your skin, and make you look and sound older than you really are. So why do we keep doing it? You can stop smoking now and return your body to a more healthy machine. So what are you waiting for?

Bounce back. Times are tough, but individuals that have developed

lATE GARDEnS a strong set of positive coping skills will be resilient in their life. Become an expert at bouncing back from the challenges in your life. We can’t control when adversity will hit us, but we can develop coping skills that will help us manage these tough times when they arise. You may need to do some reading or get a therapist, but you can learn how to cope with life’s curve balls.

Hold the beer and cheese. We have become a “super-size” society and get way more than we need to sustain our bodies. This puts excess weight on us, which leads to many healthy concerns and self-esteem problems. It is time to say “no more.” Set some goals to decrease your alcohol and fat intake. This does not mean that you can’t have a brat and beer at the game, but do you need to have three or more? Join a weight-loss group or start making some heath conscious goals to get you started.

Say, “I do.” Healthy relationships are needed to maintain positive mental health. They promote joy and

foster recreation. Research shows that married couples are more authentically happy and live longer. That does not mean that you need to rush out and get married, but developing positive and healthy relationships will benefit you in old age.

Dream big! Many of us get married, have a career and a family and then the dream stops. But why? Make a list of your dreams and dream big! Maybe you want to educate yourself. Take time to learn something that you always wanted to or take up a hobby. Maybe you want to volunteer or change to a more “fun” job. Whatever it may be, take time to invest in yourself. Dreaming can help you do this.

No matter what life throws at you, don’t dare get in the trap of feeling old. Old is a relative term and you can turn your life around at any moment. If you need help, just ask. There is a therapist or a coach just waiting to help you move forward in a positive direction.

50 plus! . September 2012 . 3

ADRc: PROGRAmS AImED AT FAll PREvEnTIOn

By JUDY RANK

At the August County Board meeting, Chairman Biff Hansen and County Executive Bob Ziegelbauer proclaimed September as “Fall Prevention Awareness Month” in Manitowoc County. They further proclaimed Sept. 22, the first day of fall, as “Fall Prevention Awareness Day.”

Fall-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits result in over $7 million in charges in the county each year.

Injuries from falls are a preventable community public health problem. The Aging & Disability Resource Center of the Lakeshore (ADRC) and the Public Health Department are leaders in providing evidence based community fall prevention programs to older citizens. Manitowoc County will be recognizing Fall Prevention Awareness Month with a program from 10 a.m. until noon on Sept. 18, at the ADRC office, located at 4319 Expo Drive, to showcase its prevention programs.

Prior participants of “Stepping On” and “Living Well with a Chronic Condition” are encouraged to attend and bring a friend who has not yet taken that step to participate in a prevention

program. This is an opportunity to hear the success stories from individuals who have gone through the programs, learn more about the programs and their benefits, and participate in a potluck brunch. Attendees are welcome to bring a healthy brunch dish to pass.

Past participants, along with those interested in taking charge of their health, are encouraged to attend. Please RSVP to the ADRC office by calling (920) 683-4180.

‘Living Well’A “Living Well” program is scheduled to start on Tuesday, Oct. 9, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center. It is a six-week program, meeting once a week, that helps individuals with a chronic condition such as diabetes, heart problems, chronic pain, arthritis, etc, to learn how to cope with the condition, deal with the stress of not being able to do everything, and learn how to communicate with others regarding your needs. Please call the ADRC for more information or to register for the program.

Caregiver Tools

The ADRC is also accepting registrations for the upcoming “Powerful Tools for Caregiving,” that is scheduled to begin from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, Oct. 5, at the Aurora Medical Center. This is a six-week program for the family caregiver who is providing care for a loved one with a chronic condition. It is designed to help caregivers understand the added stress that comes with being a caregiver, how to deal with this stress, and communication techniques to use with professionals and others. Please call the ADRC for more information or to register for the program.

Open EnrollmentOct. 15 is the start of open enrollment into Medicare Part D and Advantage plans. Open enrollment runs through Dec. 7 this year. This is a time when Medicare recipients can change to a different prescription drug program or a different Advantage Plan. It is critical to look at your plan at this time of the year as drug programs can increase their monthly rate, increase the deductible, change their formulary, or decide not to continue to assist members in paying for certain drugs.

Advantage plans are also in a position to increase their monthly premium,

increase their co-payments, and increase their maximum out-of-pocket. It is important to look at the plan finder and determine whether your current plan will still continue to be your best choice into 2013.

The ADRC will be offering a workshop on learning how to check your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9, in room 300 at the ADRC, 4319 Expo Drive in Manitowoc.

Attendees are welcome to bring a laptop computer and a listing of their medications. You must have computer knowledge and be Medicare Part D eligible, or helping a friend or relative who is eligible for Medicare Part D to attend. Registration is required and can be made by calling (920) 683-4180 or 1-877-416-7083.

A safe and happy Labor Day to everyone. Enjoy your final days of summer as this does mark the beginning of the fall season.

Judy Rank is executive director of the Aging and Disability Resource Center of the Lakeshore.

some planning,” said David Hillock, an extension consumer horticulturist with Oklahoma State University.

Before planting a second crop, turn the soil and refresh it. Fertilize to restore nutrients lost to the spring varieties.

And be sure to water. The ground is hot in August, and new plants must get plenty of water, especially while getting started.

“Anything you can do to help conserve soil moisture should be done,” said Rosie Lerner, a consumer horticulturist with Purdue University Cooperative Extension. “Organic mulches cool the soil and decrease the need for moisture, a big plus when starting over in the

summertime.”

There may be some overlap between spring and fall gardens. “Some beans and tomatoes might remain, perhaps — things that will ripen in cooler weather,” Hillock said. “But the typical fall garden crops tend to be more frost-tolerant.”

Tender plants that usually stop growing or die after being nipped by frost include celery, eggplant, lima beans, cucumbers and summer squash.

Second-season crops capable of shrugging off several fall frosts — especially if covered by inexpensive plastic “tents” and warmed with light bulbs — include broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, kale, spinach and turnips.

“Here in Oklahoma, we have people harvesting tomatoes well into December if they have them covered,” Hillock said.

And don’t forget herbs. Thyme is the hardiest, along with sage, parsley and oregano.

There are other advantages to gardening in autumn: “Fewer pests and insects are around,” Hillock said. “Temperatures are cooler with the fall rains. Disease isn’t as frequent as it is with the springtime plants but you do have to keep an eye out.”

Online: For more about second-season or fall gardening, see this University of Minnesota fact sheet: http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/M1227.html

Late-Summer Veggies continued from page 2


PETS: hOw mUch DOES ThAT DOGGIE In ThE wInDOw REAllY cOST?


If you’ve ever taken in a kitten found on the street or adopted a puppy from an unplanned litter a friends’ dog had, you know there is no such thing as a “free” pet. No matter how you acquire your new best friend, pet ownership comes with significant start-up costs and ongoing maintenance expenses.

With regular and emergency health care, food and the occasional impulsive indulgence of a chew toy here or a scratching post there, you learn quickly that being a good pet parent requires more than love, treats and toys — it

also requires financial planning.

Often, people and pets come together unexpectedly. Maybe you brought home a kitten that was hanging out in your office’s parking lot, or took in an older dog for a friend who was moving and couldn’t take the pooch with them. Sometimes, however, you do have the opportunity to plan ahead for pet ownership. When that opportunity occurs, keep these considerations in mind:

What does your budget allow? Take a critical look at your finances. Do you have at least $100 a month extra to cover regular pet costs like food and grooming? You need to incorporate pet expenses — both regular and emergency ones — into your monthly budget, just as you include utilities, mortgage or rent, and groceries for the rest of your family. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals provides a great breakdown of pet care costs on its website, www.aspca.org.

How will you fund your pet purchase?

While adopting a pet from a shelter can be relatively low cost, purebreds purchased from a breeder can cost hundreds — and in some cases even thousands — of dollars. Paying for your pet purchase with a credit card can provide you with certain consumer protections. But if you won’t be able to pay off the entire purchase cost right away, and will have to carry the expense on your balance, you may want to reconsider the type of pet you wish to buy. After all, what best friend would want you to go into debt — and possibly impact your credit score — in order to spend time with him?

What kind of pet will fit into your lifestyle? If you adopt a dog but work long hours, neither of you will be happy with the time apart. If you live in a small apartment, you might find a pet bird or some exotic fish will fit your home life better than a St. Bernard.

When a pet needs emergency medical care, loving pet owners may be tempted to reach for their credit cards. But just as you are cautious about credit use

for your own needs, you should be careful how you use credit for pet care. Before you adopt, build up a pet care emergency fund that can help ensure you don’t have to go into debt to give Fluffy or Fido the care they need.

Research pet insurance to see if it makes sense for your financial situation. When an emergency arises and you don’t have the cash to cover it, research other options before you reach for the plastic. The Humane Society provides a state-by-state list of pet financial aid organizations on its website at www.humanesociety.org.

Having a pet can be a wonderful experience. Families bond around pets, children learn responsibility, individuals find companionship, and pets can even help improve your health by lowering your blood pressure and improving your mood. With some advanced planning, you can help ensure pet-related money problems don’t detract from all the positives of owning a pet. ARA

BY JOYCE KING

My 75-year-old mother is fiercely independent, resents interference and loves the freedom of not having to wait on buses, vans, taxis or busy relatives. So she insists on continuing to drive.

Perhaps it’s only my imagination, but it seems that I’m increasingly hearing about older drivers who have lost control of their vehicle and crashed into other cars, businesses or worse. This year, a 76-year-old woman in Florida rammed her car into a crowded supermarket, injuring 10 people.

The fact that my mother is aging isn’t my only concern with her driving: She also has Alzheimer’s and has forgotten,

more than once, her destination and her way back home. Still, she won’t give up her car keys.

A 2008 study from the journal Neurology concluded that people with Alzheimer’s experience more accidents and also demonstrate poorer performance on road tests than those without it. My mom has continued to drive after her diagnosis. She is also among an estimated 90 percent of people 65 and older still licensed to drive.

Tougher, more uniform state laws are needed. Only six states have mandatory laws requiring physicians to report drivers with a disorder that could make driving dangerous. Twenty-two

OPInIOn

Make Elderly Driver Limits Tougher

states have voluntary reporting laws. Seventeen states do not place any extra limits on older drivers, while others only require vision tests, or shorten the time period for license renewals. Louisiana, where my mother lives, only requires drivers over 70 to renew every four years in person.

In New York, the family of Michael Stoldt has begun an online petition asking state legislators to support a law making it mandatory that the elderly be retested annually on their driving ability. Stoldt, 29, was killed two years ago when a 79-year-old didn’t yield the right of way and turned left into Stoldt.

Insurance companies are trying to do their part. Many companies, such as State Farm, Allstate and Farmers, offer discounts for computer-based training and defensive driving courses to help lower rates for all drivers, including the elderly. Rewarding older drivers

for updating their road skills and being accident-free is a good start.

Many seniors remain competent drivers and deserve their independence. But more uniform and regular testing of elderly drivers would protect not only the safety of others, but also people like my mom as well.

Joyce King is a freelance writer in Dallas.


If you receive one of the 6 million paper checks for your monthly Social Security or other federal benefit, the time has come to switch to the safety and convenience of electronic payments.

With less than one year until the March 1, 2013, deadline for all federal benefit recipients to switch from paper checks to electronic payments, a new U.S. Department of the Treasury study has found overwhelming support for its recommended Direct Express Debit MasterCard card. According to a cardholder survey, 95 percent of individuals who use the Direct Express card to receive monthly Social Security payments are satisfied with the card, and 93 percent also report they are likely to recommend the card to others.

“We hope that hearing about the extremely high satisfaction with the Direct Express(R) card will encourage check recipients to make the switch to the card or direct deposit as soon as possible,” says David Lebryk, commissioner of the Treasury Department’s Financial Management Service. “This card helps senior citizens, people with disabilities and others

who lack access to traditional banking services to pay bills, withdraw cash and make purchases without worrying about their paper checks being lost or stolen or paying check-cashing fees.”

Easy and SafeIntroduced in June 2008, the Direct Express card has helped more than 3 million Americans to safely and easily access their federal benefit payments. The card, which can be used with no or low fees, provides a more convenient way for all Americans to access their federal benefits, while also improving government efficiency and delivering more than $1 billion in savings. Federal benefit recipients also can choose to have their benefit payments deposited directly into their bank or credit union account.

The Treasury Department published a final rule in December 2010 to gradually eliminate paper checks for federal benefit payments.

Since May 1, 2011, anyone applying for new federal benefits, including Social Security, Supplemental Security

Social Security continued on page 13

Social Security Recipients Embrace

Electronic Payments


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Text message reminders may help.Americans are busy people, and with everything that goes on in our daily lives, remembering to take a prescribed medication can be a challenge. But studies show that forgetting your medications has consequences, including creating a more serious and

even dangerous health issue. According to The New England Journal of Medicine, nearly 70 percent of medication-related hospital admissions in the United States are the result of not taking a prescription medication as directed by a doctor.

The good news is that there are new technologies that are helping remind patients to take their medicines, such

TEXT REmInDERS

as text messages that arrive at a precise day and time. In fact, a recent study of 580 patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension showed that text messaging could help patients stick to their medication schedules.

The study, by OptumRx, a leading pharmacy benefits management company, found that patients receiving text message reminders had higher rates of taking their medication as instructed (known as “medication adherence”) than those who did not - 85 percent vs. 77 percent. The adherence rates for those taking medication for diabetes were even higher - 91 percent vs. 82 percent. Even patients older than 60 showed significant improvement in their adherence with the use of text messages.

“Many of us are using our phones to do more — check the weather, read a news article, research information on a medical condition. It makes sense that reaching patients through technology could improve their adherence, and now we have the evidence to prove

that it can, even among older patients,” says Dr. Brian K. Solow, chief medical officer of OptumRx.

The study’s findings on diabetes adherence also are important, Solow says. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 26 million people in the U.S. had diabetes as of 2010.

“Diabetes continues to be a growing, global health issue with devastating complications, including heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputations. Ensuring that people with diabetes stay on their medication as directed can go a long way in helping them maintain and improve their health,” Solow says.

To find out if text message reminders are available to you, contact your pharmacy benefits manager or visit OptumRx.com.

ARA

Trouble Remembering To Take Your Medications?


Fish swim in the pond in the Youngchild’s backyard. Matthew apgar/50 Plus

PRIvATEPARADISEManitowoc couPle cultivateS exotic backyard habitat

BY TaRa MeiSSneR 50 Plus Correspondent

MANITOWOC — Linda and Jan Youngchild have created a private paradise in their backyard.

A sprawling water garden takes up the majority of the backyard; it has a Chilton outcropping bridge and paths to allow walking from feature to feature. It extends from right off the patio to the edge of the back lot line and from the side lot line across the length of the house, creating an impressive ecosystem that is home to at times as many as 80 fish and attracts other wildlife.

“We didn’t want a pool,” Jan said.

“And we didn’t want a cottage,” Linda added.

So the couple agreed to put together a water feature as a place to relax and enjoy.

“This is my (summertime) passion,” Linda said.


a waterfall trickles in the Youngchild’s backyard. Matthew apgar/50 Plus

More than 10 years ago, the water garden was started with a perform pond. The following year, in 2002, Steinies Water Gardens Unlimited put a little pond in with a waterfall going over steps.

“One year later, I decided it still wasn’t big enough,” Linda said. “I went bigger and went bigger still.”

The couple had their pond torn out in August 2003 and expanded the landscaping project to include two long ponds with an immense Chilton Outcropping forming a bridge between the ponds. A wrecker was used to lower the landscaping piece in place. This larger garden was installed in about two weeks.

“It is our little haven in our backyard,” Linda said. “The sound of it is

relaxing.”

The fish have multiplied as the size of the pond increased; they started with seven fish, which were bought form Steinies when they were 8 inches long.

“The first couple years, we bought some, then reproduction took over and now the fish multiply on their own,” Jan said.

Last year, there were 86 fish, and they gave 43 away in the spring. This year the herons found the pond, and the Youngchilds had to bury three of the fish.

“After 10 years, the herons finally found the pond,” Linda said.

The grandkids have named all the fish. Checkers is the biggest and oldest Koi fish. Others are named Pumpkin and

Blueberry. They can tell them all apart by the coloring placement on the fish, and their sizes.

“When I would come home from work, I would get out here and relax for an hour and then go in to start making supper,” Linda said.

The ponds are waist deep. Linda, now retired, walks in the pond to clean the lily pads. The pond holds somewhere around 2,500 gallons of water.

“The fish swim right up to you,” she said.

The fish are fed a couple times a day.

“The first thing in the morning they swim right up to the edge of the pond begging to be fed,” Jan said.

The pond has been showcased in national magazines, including the publication, “Passion for Water” in May of 2007.

The neighbors will ask, “I’m having company, can I show them your pond?” Jan said.

Adding to the beauty of the water garden are plentiful, bright-colored flowers and plants that bloom

throughout spring, summer and fall. The ground, in places, is covered with natural moss and varieties of sedum. Some of the plants arranged include a Japanese Maple, petunias, sweet alyssum, impatiens, red mums, sea holly, delphiniums, ferns, double decker cornflowers, hostas, Echinacea, bleeding hearts, tulips, daffodils and all the spring bulbs.

This lush habitat attracts hummingbirds, finches, cardinals, blue jays and other birds, who take a bath in the waterfall. Squirrels come to the edge to get a drink.

“It’s a work in process; every year we tear something out to do something new,” Linda said.

In the fall, the pond gets covered with nets and the waterfalls are shut down. Two air pumps keep the water from freezing below the surface.

“The fish survive the winter just fine,” Jan said. “They almost hibernate, not really, they slow down.”

Tara Meissner is a freelance writer in Manitowoc. She can be reached at( 920) 860-6957 or [email protected].


Planning key to develoPing wATER GARDEnS

Fish swim in the pond in the Youngchild’s backyard. Matthew apgar/50 Plus

BY TARA MEISSNER

50 Plus Correspondent

TWO RIVERS — Bruce Steinhauer, owner of Steinie’s Water Gardens Unlimited in Two Rivers, has been building water gardens for more than 15 years.

Steinhauer, with his team of employees, custom tailors each project to develop the right water garden feature for a customer’s yard. He talks with a new customer to get a general idea of what they are looking for and together they go through pictures and displays of established water gardens.

“Once I get a gut feeling of what they are looking for, I can have them find a project that can be custom tailored to their liking,” Steinhauer said.

He maintains a good long-term relationship with service after the sale, and many past customers are happy to have people who are looking to build a water garden visit their yards to see what is possible.

The size of the water feature should be proportionate to the rest of the landscaping. If there is room to work with, generally the larger a water garden is, the better it is. It becomes easier to maintain, because consistent water temperatures support a healthier ecosystem.

“When you are trying to create an ecosystem, consistency is your best friend,” Steinhauer said. “If you design and build it correctly, you can let mother nature take care of the rest.

According to Steinhauer, maintaining a water garden doesn’t have to be complicated.

“If it is properly done, it is going to be less maintenance than a piece of grass the same size,” he said.

The type and amount of routine care depends on hours of sunlight the feature gets each day, how


many fish are in the pond, and if you use city water or well water. Anytime people are changing things, adding things, adding different products, chemicals, it will take time for the ecosystem to adjust.

It is always the “right” time to start a water garden project. The team at Steinie’s Water Gardens has some projects that are just starting now.

“It is not like perennials or ground-loving plants, where you don’t want to transplant something in the heat of summer, water gardens are much more forgiving,” he said.

This time of year you can have a pond built and some of the lilies planted, which will give the plants a “winter’s rest.” To have a water garden mature to its full potential is about a 3-year process for everything to get stabilized.

“It is one of the few things in life that get better in time,” Steinhauer said.

At Steinie’s Water Gardens, most customers spend about a year from start

to finish developing a water feature, which includes initial consultation and time to visit and view some of them. The construction of the pond itself takes around one week.

“We work long days once we start to make a mess; we are there until it’s cleaned up,” Steinhauer said.

According to Steinhauer, customers are taking a more stretched-out pace to develop their water gardens in phases. Most water gardens cost in the ballpark of $5,000 to $7,000. Once built, some customers have remarked that they no longer have to go on vacation; it’s right in their backyard, he added.

“It is usually not a knee-jerk decision to make that investment,” he said. “Before 2007, it would happen quickly all the time, now the consumers are more likely to take their time and make an informed decision.”

For help on creating a water garden call Steinhauer at (9200 794-1983; hours vary by season, call ahead.

continued from page 7

SOcIAl SEcURITY

Income (SSI), Veterans Affairs, Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Personnel Management benefits and other non-tax payments, have had to choose direct deposit or a Direct Express card when they sign up for the benefit. For those who began receiving benefits earlier, March 1, 2013 is the final deadline, and all remaining federal benefit check recipients must start receiving their money electronically.

Learn MoreThe Treasury Department’s Go Direct public education campaign is working with more than 1,800 partner organizations nationwide to spread the message about the electronic payment rule and to educate federal benefit recipients about their options. The campaign recently introduced a new public service announcement as well as a series of educational videos and print materials that explain how electronic payments work and how

to use the Direct Express card. The videos and materials are available on the Go Direct campaign website at www.GoDirect.org.

Make The SwitchFederal benefit recipients can switch to electronic payments online at www.GoDirect.org or through the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center toll-free at 1-800-333-1795. It’s free to switch and takes less than 10 minutes.

Go paperless today and enjoy electronic benefits for many years to come.

The preceding information has been provided by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Financial Management Service. The cardholder survey was conducted by KRC Research and commissioned by MasterCard Worldwide on behalf of the Treasury Department’s Financial Management Service.


TRAvEl

With more than 100 scenic byways throughout America, there is plenty to see and do on the road no matter the time of year. So, as the seasons roll by, jump in the car and take in fall’s vibrant leaves, winter’s snowy wonderland, spring’s wildflowers and summer’s long hours of light.

WHITE MOUNTAINS TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY (N.H.) — The 100-mile White Mountains Trail will take you through some of the most beautiful parts of New Hampshire. It passes through the famous White Mountains and goes past

Ten Scenic Drives Sure To Leave You Breathless

Mount Washington, which is stunning in both the fall and spring for scenic drives or hiking. Moose are plentiful in the White Mountains, so whether you’re on four wheels, two wheels, or two feet, keep a watchful eye.

SKYLINE DRIVE/BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY (Va., N.C., Tenn.) — Skyline Drive, which starts in the Shenandoah National Park, winds 105 miles through the western mountains of Virginia and links up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Away.com, a travel inspiration site, says to check out the wildflowers, ferns and mountain laurel in bloom in the late spring. The 469 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway then link Virginia to the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina and Smokey Mountains in southern Tennessee. Since the elevation ranges from 650 to 6,000 feet, there is a wide range of time to see fall color.

STATE ROUTE A1A (Fla.) — The historic Florida A1A byway runs almost the length of the eastern coast of Florida from Amelia Island at the Georgia state line to Key West. Along this route you’ll pass through

seemingly endless beachfront towns, including St. Augustine, which is the oldest continually occupied European settlement in the United States, Cocoa Beach, which was the site of NASA shuttle launches, and Miami’s famous South Beach.

NATCHEZ TRACE PARKWAY (Tenn., Ala., Miss.) — The Natchez Trace Parkway was long ago created by Native Americans and was later used as a link between the Mississippi Territory and what is now Nashville. With a little more than 440 miles to explore, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to be found. Camping is a budget-friendly option for a multi-day trip, too.

TALIMENA SCENIC DRIVE (Ark., Okla.) — The 54-mile Talimena Scenic Drive takes you through Arkansas and Oklahoma. You’ll drive along some of the highest ridges between the Appalachian Mountains and the Rocky Mountains in the Winding Stair and Rich mountains. This area experiences four distinct seasons and can be a great spot to see wildlife such as black bears.


ClubJointhe

Club

SKY ISLAND SCENIC BYWAY (Ariz.) — Just 27 miles long, the Sky Island Scenic Byway is literally a climb from desert to forest. Take a photo of a cactus at the beginning of your drive, and then, 9,000 feet up, take a photo of yourself in the forest. This route is one of the only paved roads to the top of Mt. Lemmon. Enjoy this area for hiking, backpacking and even skiing.

TOP OF THE ROCKIES (Colo.) — Feel like you’re on top of the world as you drive the Top

Welcome to the club!Wesley Trent Snipes (born July 31, 1962) is an American actor, film producer, and martial artist, who has starred in numerous films, thrillers, and dramatic feature films. Snipes is known for playing the Marvel Comics character Blade in the Blade film trilogy, among various other high-profile roles.Snipes formed a production company, Amen-Ra Films, in 1991 and a subsidiary, Black Dot Media, to develop projects for film and television. Snipes has been training in martial arts since age 12, earning a high ranking 5th dan black belt in Shotokan Karate and 2nd dan black belt in Hapkido. Source: Wikipedia

of the Rockies Scenic Byway. At 10,424 feet, the Tennessee Pass is breathtaking. Plenty of wildlife can be seen along this 75-mile stretch before you wind up in the old mining town of Leadville, which is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.

BEARTOOTH SCENIC BYWAY (Mont., Wyo.) — Providing a path to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Beartooth Scenic Byway in Montana and Wyoming reaches some of the highest heights in the northern Rockies. In fewer than 54 miles you’ll see snowcapped peaks, lakes and even glaciers. Plan ahead; this road is only open weather permitting, so check with the DOT before heading out on your trip.

SEWARD HIGHWAY (Alaska) — This 125-mile highway links the Alaskan cities of Seward and Anchorage. Starting at the Gulf of Alaska

and winding through scenic areas like Chugach National Forest, this road trip is probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This highway gives visitors a way to see both the water and interior of southern Alaska.

HIGHWAY 101/CALIFORNIA STATE ROUTE 1 (Calif., Ore., Wash.) — Both Highway 101 and California State Route 1 run north-south along the California, Oregon and Washington coastline. These routes are also known as the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, Pacific Highway and the Oregon Coast Highway. Start in southern California, and when Hwy 101 branches off inland, take SR 1 along the magnificent California coastline. Plenty of views of both the coast and forests, like Redwood National Forest, will be captured.

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50 Plus - September 2012

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