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North America International Auto Show begins Jan. 20 in Detroit

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Two of the world's largest events – one featuring boats and the other cars – are taking place this month in Toronto and Detroit.

Toronto will be the site of North America's largest indoor boat show slated for Jan. 12-21 and Detroit, the Motor City, will host the North American International Auto Show Jan. 20-28. Officials of both shows are expecting record turnouts this year.

Those attending the boat show can enter to win a $34,000 Princecraft fishing boat, a Boston Whaler 150 Montauk, a 14-foot Lund fishing Package and even an Antigua sailing dream vacation.

The boat show will also offer more than 250 free seminars and workshops, as well as the latest boats, kayaks, canoes and water toys on the market.

And Twiggy the water skiing squirrel returns to the 2018 show. She's been entertaining audiences of all ages for the past 33 years.

The boat show will also feature the world's largest indoor lake where novice and experienced boaters can experience free boat rides. The lake also features the spectacular Winter Wake Fest, packed with pro wakeboard/wakeskate riders and stand-up paddleboard races.

Another feature is the great Canadian fish tank – a 40-foot-long aquarium filled with 5,000 gallons of water and stocked with native Ontario marine life. The Kids Fishing Zone is always a big hit with the younger crowd.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Detroit is about to be invaded by more than 5,000 journalists from 61 countries for a preview of the North American International Auto Show. The press preview takes place Jan. 14-16 and the doors open to the public from Jan. 20-28.

Experience an automotive event unlike any other. At NAIAS you have the opportunity to see up-close the vehicles and technologies that will shape the future automotive landscape. From muscle and electric cars to high-performance supercars and full-size trucks, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

During last year's show there were 71 vehicle introductions including 46 worldwide debuts. The numbers are expected to increase at this year's show.

Detroit is where future mobility innovations meet the pavement. With the largest concentration of the world's top automotive and technology executives, designers and engineers, the auto show serves as a global stage for companies to debut brand-defining vehicles and industry-shaping announcements. A preview of some of the big reveals include: a mid-engine Corvette has been rumoured for a 2018 debut and the Silverado and Sierra full-size pickup twins are set to receive an update at the show.

There's a good chance a new Ford Ranger will make an appearance in Detroit for the first time and there might be some new Mustangs in the form of a Bullitt Mustang GT500. Honda's new Insight will be on hand and Hyundai's Veloster is coming back for a second generation. Infiniti plans to reveal a flagship sedan and Lexus will preview an all-new crossover flagship concept called the LF-I limitless. Also on display will be Volkswagen's 2019 Jetta.

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Great to hear from "Marlin Maniac" Ralph Dick of Chatham-Kent who chalked up a grand slam on a recent sport fishing adventure on Pinas Bay, Panama, close to the border with Columbia.

Dick tells me he has fished in many countries including Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize and Nicaragua. He said he decided to bite the price bullet and paid big time for a charter at Tropic Star Lodge, a pricey world-class fishing trip that guarantees that one will return to shore with a marlin. The reef where he fished was discovered and named after famous western novelist Zane Grey.

In one day Dick reeled in a 300-pound blue marlin, a 350-pound black marlin and a 100-pound sailfish. By the end of the day he had caught and released five blue marlin and two black marlin, along with the sailfish and several dorado.

He said the last black marlin he caught put on a magnificent show of tail walking that was caught on video.

"It was easily one of the top five adventures of my lifetime and worth every penny,'' he said.

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The Scenic Caves Nordic Centre near Collingwood offers 27 kilometres of cross-country ski trails groomed daily for both classic and skate ski styles. The trails wind through 100-foot tall trees at the top of the Niagara Escarpment. There is a wax hut, equipment rentals and a main cabin serving hot/cold drinks and food.

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Telus is sponsoring a contest aimed at cheering on Team Canada at the World Juniors in the 2019 gold medal games in Vancouver and is offering a chance to win a trip for two.

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There's a reason Bracebridge is called the heart of the Muskokas and it's only because of its central location in the popular vacation destination. A huge event called the Fire and Ice Festival is taking place in downtown Bracebridge on Jan. 27. The day-long celebration features non-stop fun and the highlight is a massive double tube run that extends down the full length of the town's main street. The festival will win dup with a giant fireworks display.

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If you are planning to take the family to Disney World this winter keep in mind that Canadian residents save 20 per cent on the advance purchase of a four-day or longer ticket when purchased online or by phone at 407-939-4230.

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Readers are invited to submit their questions or suggestions on travel close to home or far away to travel writer Bob Boughner at bobgboughner@gmail.com

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