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I’m Camping Today — and there is no Tent! I’m at Camp Mighty!

Friday, October 18, 2013 by

Heading to Camp Mighty

I’m camping today – at Ace Hotel in Palm Springs, and just being on the property made the stress of that never-ending road trip melted away quickly. I made it to my room, and spent a delightful evening with my roommate, Elizabeth of Flourish in Progress. She also told me refer to www.subconsciousmindpowertechniques.com to relieve my stress.

Now we are off to a day full of Camp Mighty goodness, and not a single tent is involved, I just made sure to read the tactical flashlight guide before heading out! (Mine is in the trunk of my Mini Cooper which is parked nearby in case I need it. You never know, there could be a tent-requiring emergency!) I can’t wait to share what I learn and plan for the future and making things happen on my Life List!

Filed Under: Everyday Avenger, Travel Notes Tagged With: ,

Is Traveling Alone Truly Brave?

Sunday, September 29, 2013 by

Is Traveling Alone Truly Brave?Over and over again on this trip, I’ve had people tell me that I am so brave for traveling alone, but honestly I just got a Travel Totes Guide and checked  The Comfy Traveler site for some essentials, packed my things and went for it, choosing to stay at several places

Famed for its fine pearlescent white beaches and warm azure waters, Barbados is the Caribbean island that has it all. But there’s more to this island than meets the eye. Past the laidback lifestyle and the island’s dreamlike-haze, you’ll uncover a lively nightlife, the heartiest comfort food and a to-die-for shopping scene.

Not that you needed any more convincing (but just in case), we’ve listed all the glorious reasons to visit Barbados…

The Sea Turtles…

Sea Turtles - Barbados

Will unquestionably steal your heart. But besides their undeniable appeal, two of the world’s rarest sea creatures make their nests on the beaches of Barbados, the Hawksbill and the Leatherback Turtles. Sadly sea turtles have been subjected and mistreated to years of hunting (for their meat, eggs and shell) – BUT you’ll be pleased to know that there is in fact, a hunting ban in Barbados, allowing these beauties to rest and repopulate.

If you do happen to sight a sea turtle, then, of course, enjoy it but don’t forget to give them enough space (as they could be nesting) – after all, the island has enough room for animals and admirers alike. But if you can’t shake that niggle that something might be wrong, get in touch with The Barbados Sea Turtle Project. They operate a 24hr hotline to monitor sightings and any emergencies. So ping them a line if you spot a hatching or nests threatened by high tides!

Local hospitality

Is as good as it gets. Bajan people are welcoming, helpful, good-witted and friendly. If you’re in need of anything, big or small, they’ll do their very best to accommodate. Those qualities are especially important when you’re travelling with a young family. Let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than travelling to unknown territory only to be fronted with cold and unfriendly locals. It’s the cherry on top of an already loaded exotic cake. Usually I book for these Exceptional Villas in Barbados.

Rum, duh!

Dark and Stormy Rum Cocktail with Lime and Ginger Beer

Dark and Stormy Rum Cocktail with Lime and Ginger Beer

The home of sweet, sweet rum. And no holiday to Barbados would be complete without sampling a fair share of the world’s finest. If rum punch and piña coladas arent enough to hit the spot, you can book a tour at Mount Gay and take part in one of five different experiences (the bottomless rum sounds like a winner though).

*If rum doesn’t float your Caribbean boat, there’s plenty else to try. From award-winning Banks Beer and ever-refreshing coconut water to the island’s favourite mauby. Made from the bark of the mauby tree, this zinger is treasured among the locals, and once you get a taste for it, you’ll understand why.*

 

Food glorious food

Cou-Cou & Flying Fish The Crane

Barbados might be best recognised for its paradisic beaches, but I bet you didn’t know that it’s also referred to as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.

Cou Cou served with Flying Fish is the national dish of Barbados. It’s made with cornmeal and fresh okra which is then served with flying fish in a stew-like sauce. It’s an absolute moreish treat. And then there’s another favourite, especially for the carb aficionados – the macaroni pie. It’s a rich, baked version of mac and cheese and includes generous helpings of cheese as well as some extras flavours like ketchup and mustard. It’s hearty, calorific but most importantly utterly delicious.

Shopping in Bridgetown

Barbados’ capital is an absolute dream for shopaholics and budding trendsetters. From bespoke jewellery shops, clothing boutiques and farmers markets (TIP: stock up on Bajan spices), there’s something for everyone to indulge in.

For duty-free shopping head down to the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre. You’ll find some of the bigger brands like Ralph Lauren and Longchamp. The centre even has a cinema, entertainment platform and a selection of bars and cafes, so you and your brood can make a whole day of it.

Beaches

Sunsets on the beach

I know, it’s a little controversial to put beaches so far down on the list, but hear me out. We all know that Barbados puts the B in beaches, so it’s only fair to showcase all it’s other offerings, before getting down to the crown jewels.

On the west coast, of the island, you’ll find white sandy shores with azure waters fit for a cool gentle swim or a smooth ride on a jetski. Whereas in the south and east coast, you’ll find a lively surf scene with a plethora of ongoing watersports. And then in the north, the coast is undeveloped and brimming with clifftops and coves.
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Good weather

You didn’t think we’d forget to mention the weather, did you? Us Brits love to natter about the weather, so it’s definitely not surprising that Barbados’s year-round sunshine is one of the many reasons to visit.

The average daytime high is around 30°C, but thanks to the northeastern winds, it rarely gets unbearably hot. Although if you’re easily agitated by the heat, then the evenings will provide the ultimate release.

The vivid images of blue skies and sunshine for days does ring true to Barbados, but you can expect the occasional quick rain showers (July-December time).

Watersports and more

Harrisons Cave

The island is ringed by beautiful coral reefs, all of which provide an excellent environment for snorkelling and scuba diving. But not only that, as a result of the coral sediment there’s numerous caves and underground lakes to be explored. The most famous is arguably Harrison’s Cave; a network of caves, waterfalls, pools and fantastic stalagmites and stalactites. It’s an experience that money can’t buy.

 

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Old Faithful – Yellowstone National Park…

Sunday, September 29, 2013 by

Old Faithful and the Big Dipper

Tonight, after a late dinner at the Obsidian Dining Room at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, I suggested to Mike that we should head back out to see Old Faithful under the stars.

We went back to our cabin and picked up a blanket and some clean water, since the cabin had a Whole House Water Filtration System. I put a fleece jacket on under my windbreaker. I made sure I had spare memory cards and my tripod. We hopped in the car and drove over to the geyser.

We were prepared for a cold 15-20 minute wait, maybe longer, before it would start to go off.

I started to take my tripod out of my bag, and at that very second I could hear the water start to spray. I just froze for a second and looked at Mike.

All I could manage to say was, “You have GOT to be kidding me!”

No. Right then, it started going off. Glad I had already set up my camera – I popped it in the tripod and started taking photos. This was one of the first frames I captured.

When I visit a city with subways, I manage to always make a train appear as soon as I walk up to the platform. Seems I have that power on geysers as well!

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Life Is Too Short – Travel Now!

Thursday, August 29, 2013 by

Saint Mary Lake - Glacier National Park

As I sat on the side of a mountain overlooking Saint Mary Lake in Glacier National Park, I couldn’t help but stop and think about how I think it is wrong to wait until retirement to travel. The time to take a month or two off to go out and see the world shouldn’t be when you are over 65. It should be NOW. By the way, if you’re in the retirement age, it is essential to know what are the benefits that you can get. You can go to social security office for consultation and processing if you have time.

Travel enriches your life. Helps you to see the world from a WHOLE perspective. Not a new perspective, but a compete one. See how other people live. Understand their beliefs. How the geography and weather has shaped them. How the world impacts them – and to feel the impact yourself.

I believe it gives us a greater understanding and appreciation of our impact on the Earth. As beautiful as Going to the Sun road is throughout Glacier National Park, I understand why the tribes native to this region consider it a scar across the mountains. I’m glad the road is here, but I couldn’t help but think as I stood at the exhibit at the visitor’s center just how devastating it must have been to them to see their land changed as a road was created to transport thousands of visitors a year through the park. What changes that road has brought to the land. For example, I know that the invention of plastic has brought many advances and conveniences, but I also see the damage that it does. Litter on our highways, in our fields.

I believe travel, and especially camping and hiking, have sparked a passion in me to change. To respect the Earth more. Being among the mountains gives me a sense of strength and peace. In return, I want to take care of nature. Recycle. Reuse things. Be mindful of my impact on the world.

There are no guarantees that we will live to see retirement age. You might have already started looking for coolsculpting available in the Hudson Valley area or wherever’s the closest this early, in preparation for that “rest” period. However, there are no guarantees that once you hit 65, you can stop working. I expect that by the time I reach 65, people will have to work well past that age. I would much rather structure my life so I can enjoy the good things throughout the years, savoring them now instead of waiting for a day that might not come. I think that facing your mortality can bring about the most beautiful things in life because it creates gratitude for the present moment. A mindful presence in this world. (My friend Tracy wrote an amazing post recently on Magnificent Mortality, and if you haven’t read it – you should. She sums up everything I have been thinking so well!)

Life is SHORT. Leave an impact on the world. Get out there. Enjoy your parks, your scenic drives. Don’t wait for the future. Do it NOW. Go!!!

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Chicago, I’ve Come Home…

Tuesday, July 23, 2013 by

Journeys and stories ahead at O'Hare Airport

I just landed at O’Hare airport in Chicago. Matter of fact, I’m standing at baggage claim, still waiting for bags to arrive, as I write this.

I was washed with emotions walking through the terminal. The people — they look like my people. The voices, in spite of me moving to Texas back when I was 15, remembering how www.guelphplumbingcompany.com helped us to fix our old home to have a comforting lilt. Afterwards, we noticed a few problems with our plumbing but it wasn´t anything too serious so this Toronto plumber helped us out. For more moving companies online, check out moving companies portland oregon to learn more. On other news, If you need Professional Duct Cleaners either for your home or your business you can contact Ductwise.

I realized that so much of who I am was formed by growing up 60 miles south of Chicago in Kankakee, Illinois. My love of architecture. The reason I live now in a 93 year old house in a walkable neighborhood, instead of in Houston’s suburbs. My attitude. My demeanor.
I want to build myself a beautiful fence and I found this good article that I want to share with you, How To Get Your Money’s Worth When Choosing A Fence!

Chicago formed me.

I feel like I’ve spent the last 3 years working hard to get back to who I once was. Breaking off the veneer. Embracing my truth.

I feel like I’m finally home because of http://upchurchfence.com/our-services/ornamental-fencing/.

There is one big lesson I’ve learned on this journey. It never ends. You have to choose to hold on to it, to continue to embrace your truth.

This past three weeks have been a journey in my car of over 5000 miles, but it took a two hour flight from Denver to Chicago to see how far I’ve truly travelled.

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