Showing posts with label San Juan Islands. Show all posts
Showing posts with label San Juan Islands. Show all posts

Friday, 27 December 2013

A LOOK BACK AT TRAVEL AND ADVENTURES IN 2013










Maui, Hawaii

At the end of each year, I like to look back on all my travels and adventures I have been lucky to do. For me, this past year has been especially lucky, as I've been able to bring along my family for many of my media trips.

So with that said, here is my year in review as a Canadian travel journalist.

Maui, Hawaii


Napili Kai Resort, Maui


Whale Watching on a Catamaran in Maui




















































                                                                                                                
Horseback riding on the Haleakala Crater






Grand Caymans 

Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort
Relaxing in the Caymans


Sunny day on the resort's idyllic beach in the Caymans




Clearwater, Florida


Winter The Dolphin & Me in Clearwater




Dinner in the Sand during Sugar Sand Festival in Clearwater



The beach in Clearwater, Florida during the Sugar Sand Festival



Banff, Alberta



Top of the Mountain in Banff, Alberta
Black Bear along the side of the road, Banff, Alberta
The Bow River, Banff Alberta



Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria Bug Zoo, Victoria, BC


High Tea at the Empress in Victoria


Family fun in Victoria, BC




San Juan Islands


Our boat the "Stardust" in the San Juan Islands


Cozy on the water in the San Juan Islands



Buffalo, New York

City Hall, Buffalo New York


Niagara Falls, Buffalo New York




Riviera, Nayarit Mexico


Hard Rock Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit Mexico




Morning Coffee at the Four Seasons Punta Mita


Four Seasons Infinity Pool in Punta Mita, Mexico

Can't wait until 2104!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Wednesday, 11 September 2013

Setting Sail in the San Juan Islands

At the Helm of "Stardust"
For one, glorious week this summer, I had the experience of a lifetime in the San Juan Islands. My family and I chartered a boat through San Juan Sailing and Yachting and were presented with the most beautiful vessel I have ever laid my eyes on. Her name was "Stardust" and she was definitely magic.

Stardust at her slip at San Juan Sailing and Yachting
Although I can't say too much about my experience (you'll be able to read all about my week on the water in the Calgary Herald soon enough) but I will say that there is something fantastic about being on the ocean, taking your time and feeling like you are the only people in the world.

Although "Stardust" took some time to adjust to (she's 50 feet in length) and we needed a day to learn how to maneuver her well - she was definitely worth the time spent learning.

The people at San Juan Sailing and Yachting were so incredibly helpful, patient and fun with explaining everything to us before we headed out.

Evening view each night in the San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands were both beautiful and idyllic. We truly felt like we were getting away from it all. We also met a lot of interesting people on the water and in the islands. There's a certain comradery when you have a boat, and time does tend to go slower on the water.

If you are ever thinking of chartering a boat, you will never regret it. Our family truly unplugged and for the first time, in a long time, all we had was each other - and that was truly a wonderful thing.

I'll be posting a link to my article when it is published in the Calgary Herald.