Philadelphia, PA

What would a trip to Philadelphia be without trying a genuine Philly cheese steak sandwich? We asked around and learned that two steak shops are considered the best of the best -- Geno's and Pat's. And they're across the street from each other!

We got the pictures at Geno's ... but between us, we liked Pat's just a bit better. Order "with" -- that's with onions -- and "Whiz" -- with cheese whiz melted on the steak. Mmm-mmm.

Philadelphia, PA

Wisconsin Dells, WI

While in the Dells, we took a duck tour. That's officially D.U.K.W.s – which is a military code describing the WWII vehicle (D = 1942 , U = amphibian, K = front-wheel drive, W = rear-wheel drive), but the GIs just called 'em ducks. The Dells have one of the largest fleets of original ducks still in operation.

While we waited to ride, the boys were boys. While we rode, trying to avoid the splashes meant they did a lot of ducking!

Lion Country Safari

Lion Country Safari, Pt 2

Sure, it's a gimmick. You overpay for a couple of tiny medicine cups of sugar water, just for the privilege of going in the cage. But who cares? The lorries know what's in those cups and you'd better have a tight hold on them. And at least until the cups are empty, you get to play "Bird Man" ... or woman. It was a total hoot!

Busch Gardens, FL

Gulf Shores, AL

We’ve arrived on the Redneck Riviera, that stretch of white sand beaches along the Gulf Coast between Alabama and Florida. The weather is a temperate 67-77 degrees, and though the day was mostly cloudy, there’s no wind and threatened rain storms never materialized. Last night, we drove in to Foley to eat at the famous Lambert’s Cafe. I had the hog jowls (now, don’t look down your nose–it’s a real treat for bacon lovers!) and Cory had the pork chops–good, down-home cookin’ with plenty of pass-arounds, including sorghum molasses for the hot rolls. They’re the size of a twelve-inch softball, and that’s how they’re delivered, as well.

Every few minutes, a young man comes out of the kitchen with a cart, hollering "Hot rolls!" Give him the high sign, from ANYWHERE in the dining room, and he’ll lob one to you. Mmm-mmm. That’s why Lambert’s is known as "the only home of the throwed roll." Late today, we’re going down to the beach…and we’ll get some pictures.