One of the most interesting features of this natural wonder is that it constantly works to enlarge itself. Every second hot lava pours out from deep within the earth, flowing into the Pacific Ocean, eventually creating new land. It's how the islands of Hawaii were formed eons ago, and it continues endlessly. The fiery process is beautiful to watch, especially at night.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is on the largest island of Hawaii, about an hour from the city of Hilo. Entry costs $25 per vehicle for up to seven days. Entry is free on certain holidays, and also pass and discount programs offered by the National Park Service.

Guest Senior Gambler Art McT., Encino CA: My first casino experience was in 1954, just after coming home from the Korean War. For more than 60 years I enjoyed Nevada casinos, particularly Las Vegas.

Then, since retiring to Los Angeles, I now prefer Native American casinos. My favorite is the Morongo Casino Resort, about a 90-minute drive west on Highway 10. Today’s Indian casino resorts in Southern California compete with Las Vegas in terms of gaming, facilities and luxury.

At Morongo, they have excellent rooms, fine dining, resort pool, name entertainers, all at half the distance from Las Vegas. For me, it's perfect as I'm no longer able (or willing) to handle the physical requirements of a five-hour car drive or the hassles of airports and flights.

The experience can be very stressful for both you and your best friend. The hurry-up activities, strange sights, brilliant lights, loud noises and unfamiliar people can disturb a pet used to familiar, quiet routines at home. With intelligent planning and consideration for all involved, there are ways to make the trip easier to endure.

1. If you're planning to fly, consider leaving your pet home. Have a friend or relative take care of it, or board it in a kennel. It’s frightening and stressful to fly is as a caged animal in cargo.

Guest Senior Writer Philip J., Villanova PA: The brightest student in my high school class went on to college, grad school and then became an Oxford professor. Although we'd occasionally contact each other through the years, I was surprised when he recently called and said he'd be in town for several days.

He was in nearby Philadelphia for a series of lectures at the University of Penn, and I was happy to meet again with my classmate. We had an enjoyable lunch together talking about old times. When he was leaving, he told me that if I were ever in Oxford, I should contact him. I laughed, because just by happy coincidence, my wife and I were planning a vacation flight to London in just a few weeks. I gladly accepted his kind invitation.