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Saturday, April 25, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Looking for Freelance travel writers to become independent contractors
Hi I am just overwhelmed here. I need to find some freelance travel writers that are available to assist me. If you are a freelance travel writer and have some free time email me at ultimateuntourist@gmail.com
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Hawaii....There is something truly magical about the word. It brings to mind so many exciting adventures...We spent a wonderful 10 days in this paradise.
A week in the garden island of Kauai. While there we explored Waimea Canyon, on Kauai's west side. It is more than 3,000 feet deep and provides stunning panoramic views. My camera clicked away as the sun reflected through the clouds resulting in brilliant rainbows arcing over crested buttes, rugged crags, and deep valley gorges. The grand inland vistas go on for miles, which is why Waimea is nicknamed "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Waimea Canyon Drive leads you to several lookout points, offering breathtaking views of Kauai's dramatic interior. The road continues into the mountains and ends at Kokee State Park. There are numerous trails to traverse for beginners and seasoned hikers.
We went on a 7 hour charter boat trip on the Holo-Holo, which we were told is Kauai's largest vessel and one of the fastest. At 65’, this powerful boat is long and wide enough to give you a swift, adventurous ride. The crew of the Holo Holo proud of it's safety record and takes every measure to insure their customers safety and comfort needs are met.
We headed first towards the Na Pali Coast. The North Shore of Kauai, the incredible Napali Coast overlooks panoramic views of the vast Pacific Ocean. Along this spectacular coastline, you can view velvet green cliffs towering into the clouds and cascading waterfalls plummeting into deep, narrow valleys. The only land access to this enchanted place is via the Kalalau Trail, 11-mile trail that crosses five different valleys and brings you to Kalalau Beach. The hike into Kalalau is often challenging, and sometimes even dangerous. Due to frequent and heavy rainfall when we were there, we were cautioned not to try it. So this will be an adventure that will await us on our return trip! If you do go plan on a 2 day trip. We were advised to break the trail up into two days, setting up camp at the beach of Hanakapiai, then heading to Kalalau the next morning. Camping permits are required from the State Parks office in Lihue. A trail guide is recommended and hiking during the winter months is discouraged.
We watched the dolphins playing near the bow of the Holo-Holo and observed the massive beauty of the humpback whales. After sightseeing and hearing the history of the Coast we headed across the channel to the “Forbidden Island” of Niihau. Our Captain chose our snorkel spot. We spent our next hour being awestruck by the wonders of the aquatic world. No other place in Hawaii offers you such unique formations. Niihau’s old age means it has been shaped and carved by ocean currents and waves the longest of all the Hawaiian Islands. These formations formed the backdrop of an amazing silent show of brilliantly colored marine life. I forgot to take pictures as I floated along watching the show of fish glide by me within inches. I tried to recognize all the species from our snorkeling trip we had taken a couple of days before. I soon recognized the brilliant colors of the parrot fish. An zebra eel lunged out of an unseen hole in the ridge below me. The water is so clear that you can see quite a distance. I became so absorbed in the show around me that I drifted out past where the boundaries that the Captain had restricted us to. Suddenly my leg above the flipper was gripped and I spun around to find a crew member reminding me of my safety boundaries. Way to soon, they were tapping me on the shoulder to tell us to head for the boat. While I started to swim over to the boat, a movement caught my eye and I saw a large white fin splash onto the water in the distance. I motioned towards it and asked if the others saw the whale, as I was sure that was what I was seeing. One of the girls said no but that she wanted to swim with the sharks instead! I knew they did not believe me. I was amused as we climbed up into the boat and removed our gear to hear their excited calls to each other about the whales breaching near by. I turned to her and with much satisfaction said, I told you I saw a whale!
Soon we were on our way back pounding the waves in our rapid journey. I loved it! The captain requested that we come off the bow and then when I took my position on the port side of the cabin, they told me I had to go back closer to the stern. I stood at the rail, feeling the power of the engines in the boat below me. Energized by the feeling of the power of the ocean as she kicked up her skirts around us. I have a healthy respect for the water, any water. I love it. Water has always sang a special song to me. The rippling of a quiet pond to the pounding of the mighty Hawaiian surf to me is a truly inspiring sight. My love of the water goes to my core. Here with the spray in my face and the power of the ocean rolling beneath my feet, I could easily picture myself sailing endlessly into the sunset. All to soon we were pulling up to the pier and off to another adventure.
A week in the garden island of Kauai. While there we explored Waimea Canyon, on Kauai's west side. It is more than 3,000 feet deep and provides stunning panoramic views. My camera clicked away as the sun reflected through the clouds resulting in brilliant rainbows arcing over crested buttes, rugged crags, and deep valley gorges. The grand inland vistas go on for miles, which is why Waimea is nicknamed "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Waimea Canyon Drive leads you to several lookout points, offering breathtaking views of Kauai's dramatic interior. The road continues into the mountains and ends at Kokee State Park. There are numerous trails to traverse for beginners and seasoned hikers.
We went on a 7 hour charter boat trip on the Holo-Holo, which we were told is Kauai's largest vessel and one of the fastest. At 65’, this powerful boat is long and wide enough to give you a swift, adventurous ride. The crew of the Holo Holo proud of it's safety record and takes every measure to insure their customers safety and comfort needs are met.
We headed first towards the Na Pali Coast. The North Shore of Kauai, the incredible Napali Coast overlooks panoramic views of the vast Pacific Ocean. Along this spectacular coastline, you can view velvet green cliffs towering into the clouds and cascading waterfalls plummeting into deep, narrow valleys. The only land access to this enchanted place is via the Kalalau Trail, 11-mile trail that crosses five different valleys and brings you to Kalalau Beach. The hike into Kalalau is often challenging, and sometimes even dangerous. Due to frequent and heavy rainfall when we were there, we were cautioned not to try it. So this will be an adventure that will await us on our return trip! If you do go plan on a 2 day trip. We were advised to break the trail up into two days, setting up camp at the beach of Hanakapiai, then heading to Kalalau the next morning. Camping permits are required from the State Parks office in Lihue. A trail guide is recommended and hiking during the winter months is discouraged.
We watched the dolphins playing near the bow of the Holo-Holo and observed the massive beauty of the humpback whales. After sightseeing and hearing the history of the Coast we headed across the channel to the “Forbidden Island” of Niihau. Our Captain chose our snorkel spot. We spent our next hour being awestruck by the wonders of the aquatic world. No other place in Hawaii offers you such unique formations. Niihau’s old age means it has been shaped and carved by ocean currents and waves the longest of all the Hawaiian Islands. These formations formed the backdrop of an amazing silent show of brilliantly colored marine life. I forgot to take pictures as I floated along watching the show of fish glide by me within inches. I tried to recognize all the species from our snorkeling trip we had taken a couple of days before. I soon recognized the brilliant colors of the parrot fish. An zebra eel lunged out of an unseen hole in the ridge below me. The water is so clear that you can see quite a distance. I became so absorbed in the show around me that I drifted out past where the boundaries that the Captain had restricted us to. Suddenly my leg above the flipper was gripped and I spun around to find a crew member reminding me of my safety boundaries. Way to soon, they were tapping me on the shoulder to tell us to head for the boat. While I started to swim over to the boat, a movement caught my eye and I saw a large white fin splash onto the water in the distance. I motioned towards it and asked if the others saw the whale, as I was sure that was what I was seeing. One of the girls said no but that she wanted to swim with the sharks instead! I knew they did not believe me. I was amused as we climbed up into the boat and removed our gear to hear their excited calls to each other about the whales breaching near by. I turned to her and with much satisfaction said, I told you I saw a whale!
Soon we were on our way back pounding the waves in our rapid journey. I loved it! The captain requested that we come off the bow and then when I took my position on the port side of the cabin, they told me I had to go back closer to the stern. I stood at the rail, feeling the power of the engines in the boat below me. Energized by the feeling of the power of the ocean as she kicked up her skirts around us. I have a healthy respect for the water, any water. I love it. Water has always sang a special song to me. The rippling of a quiet pond to the pounding of the mighty Hawaiian surf to me is a truly inspiring sight. My love of the water goes to my core. Here with the spray in my face and the power of the ocean rolling beneath my feet, I could easily picture myself sailing endlessly into the sunset. All to soon we were pulling up to the pier and off to another adventure.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Who am I?
Recently I was asked this question and it really got me thinking. To really answer this question you have to closely examine your core values and where you are in your life journey. For that matter what is your life journey. Why are you here? To what end were you born? Who amoung us has not asked these questions to ourselves before?
It does not matter what exotic destination you are at, or which one you are headed to. Some people travel to avoid answering these questions, some work excessively. Most of us associate ourselves in relationship to others. I am someone's spouse, parent, child. We associate who we are by what we do. I am a writer, photographer, traveler, doctor, dock worker, etc. We associate who we are by our hobbies. I am a fisher, camper, biker, bowler, etc. When we strip all that away WHO ARE YOU?
This was what I came up with. May I encourage you to embark on your own journey of discovery.
I am in a discovery of self. On a journey of discovery, with an ultimate destination of returning home to my Heavenly Father. Along the way I hope to learn and grow. I hope to make new friends and encourange them to be the best that they can be while striving to be the best that I can be. I strive to love the Lord with all my heart mind and soul and to love others as I would want others to love me. I hope to be the voice of encouragement to all I meet and to always be a builder and not a destroyer ever. The most important thing I can do this day is to be a witness to my Lord Jesus Christ and I testify to you that He Lives and He loves you. May you learn to love him is my humble prayer. amen
It does not matter what exotic destination you are at, or which one you are headed to. Some people travel to avoid answering these questions, some work excessively. Most of us associate ourselves in relationship to others. I am someone's spouse, parent, child. We associate who we are by what we do. I am a writer, photographer, traveler, doctor, dock worker, etc. We associate who we are by our hobbies. I am a fisher, camper, biker, bowler, etc. When we strip all that away WHO ARE YOU?
This was what I came up with. May I encourage you to embark on your own journey of discovery.
I am in a discovery of self. On a journey of discovery, with an ultimate destination of returning home to my Heavenly Father. Along the way I hope to learn and grow. I hope to make new friends and encourange them to be the best that they can be while striving to be the best that I can be. I strive to love the Lord with all my heart mind and soul and to love others as I would want others to love me. I hope to be the voice of encouragement to all I meet and to always be a builder and not a destroyer ever. The most important thing I can do this day is to be a witness to my Lord Jesus Christ and I testify to you that He Lives and He loves you. May you learn to love him is my humble prayer. amen
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Reinvent Yourself in 2009
Take the most important Journey of your life!
When you look in the mirror are you happy with what you see? What is the inner dialogue that you engage with yourself? Does it go something like this? Wow! I look great! I look like a person that is happy. That person in the mirror is something really special.
Or does it go something like this? Wow! I don't know anyone that is this _______ (fat, ugly, bald, skinny, or other negative things to fill in the blank). Wow can anyone be this unhappy. That person in the mirror is really special, yeah like special ed!
If you are not happy with yourself then you need to reinvent yourself!
January is famous for being the time when people make resolutions to improve themselves. But this is often like the first chapter of a book. It is often the most visited, but then gets put aside and the forgotten until the next time that we decide to pursue it again.
Do you know that you can reach the goal? The final chapter is achievable, but in order to achieve it you have to make one small step before you start. You have to make a new best friend. This best friend will encourage you when you are down, will laugh with you, will help you take the small steps that are necessary to keep your journey in action. This friend will forgive you when you backslide. This new friend is yourself. You have to become your own best cheerleader. You take the action to prompt yourself throughout the year to continue on your journey. Make little notes on your calender at the beginning of each month to help you focus on your goal.
Give yourself permission to dream. Allow yourself the time each day to focus on where you want to goal. Keep your goals in your sight. Believe in yourself.
Remember that you are in the driver's seat. If your journey does not go where you want to travel then you are in charge of turning around and getting back on track. If you are interested in learning more tips on how to reach your goals email me with "reinvent yourself" in the subject line and we will start on the journey of making 2008 your best year yet!
When you look in the mirror are you happy with what you see? What is the inner dialogue that you engage with yourself? Does it go something like this? Wow! I look great! I look like a person that is happy. That person in the mirror is something really special.
Or does it go something like this? Wow! I don't know anyone that is this _______ (fat, ugly, bald, skinny, or other negative things to fill in the blank). Wow can anyone be this unhappy. That person in the mirror is really special, yeah like special ed!
If you are not happy with yourself then you need to reinvent yourself!
January is famous for being the time when people make resolutions to improve themselves. But this is often like the first chapter of a book. It is often the most visited, but then gets put aside and the forgotten until the next time that we decide to pursue it again.
Do you know that you can reach the goal? The final chapter is achievable, but in order to achieve it you have to make one small step before you start. You have to make a new best friend. This best friend will encourage you when you are down, will laugh with you, will help you take the small steps that are necessary to keep your journey in action. This friend will forgive you when you backslide. This new friend is yourself. You have to become your own best cheerleader. You take the action to prompt yourself throughout the year to continue on your journey. Make little notes on your calender at the beginning of each month to help you focus on your goal.
Give yourself permission to dream. Allow yourself the time each day to focus on where you want to goal. Keep your goals in your sight. Believe in yourself.
Remember that you are in the driver's seat. If your journey does not go where you want to travel then you are in charge of turning around and getting back on track. If you are interested in learning more tips on how to reach your goals email me with "reinvent yourself" in the subject line and we will start on the journey of making 2008 your best year yet!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Finders Keepers: Glass Floats on the Beach! Oregon’s own family tradition
The windows rattle as the wind shrieks by and the rain pellets them. We are sitting in Mo’s Restaurant. The full large bay windows allow us to see out into the storm on three sides. Each view shows the storm hitting a different body of water. The wind whips the waves Siletz Bay out the southern window. The ocean waves kick up their skirts as the storm comes in. The lights flicker, the sound of waves pounding the rocks on the coast assault our ears, a strong fishy crabby salt smell makes us smile, as we know high tide is coming in with the storm and the best of the sea’s treasures are being dragged up from the depths of the ocean. Beach combing is an adventure filled with mystery. What will you find? The ocean gives up treasures to beachcombers who have the patience and luck to find them.
Unique driftwood, agates, shells, sea creatures, fishing boat equipment including the most highly valued Japanese glass fishing float. They range in shapes, colors and sizes from two and three feet in diameter to the more common blue or green float ball shaped float that is four to six inches. Japanese glass fishing floats are rare because fishing boats around the world now use modern materials like plastic or Styrofoam to float their nets. When the glass versions do appear, they are usually very old and have spent many years drifting in the Pacific Ocean.
A blown glass float is a rare find - except on the 7 ½ miles of beaches in Lincoln City, Oregon, where more than 2,000 of them are found each winter, a few placed on the beach each day the ocean permits it between October and Memorial Day, as part of Lincoln City’s yearly glass floats “Finders Keepers” event. The number of floats put out is reflected by the year - so 2006 in 2006, 2009 in 2009, etc... Lincoln City’s Millennium Float project, started by a local artist for 1999-2000, is a perfect combination of art and water. These brilliantly colored glass floats are signed and numbered.
You find it. You keep it! Tourist of all ages come from around the globe to search for their own float. A new tradition is born as families return year after year. When you find a float, register it by calling the Visitor Center. You will receive a Certificate of Authenticity, information about the artists that crafted your float. Other treasures might await you as some numbers are selected at random to receive additional prizes. While in the area you can visit local art galleries or watch the artist blow the glass floats or you can blow your own float. Unnumbered floats are sold locally in the area galleries.
Unique driftwood, agates, shells, sea creatures, fishing boat equipment including the most highly valued Japanese glass fishing float. They range in shapes, colors and sizes from two and three feet in diameter to the more common blue or green float ball shaped float that is four to six inches. Japanese glass fishing floats are rare because fishing boats around the world now use modern materials like plastic or Styrofoam to float their nets. When the glass versions do appear, they are usually very old and have spent many years drifting in the Pacific Ocean.
A blown glass float is a rare find - except on the 7 ½ miles of beaches in Lincoln City, Oregon, where more than 2,000 of them are found each winter, a few placed on the beach each day the ocean permits it between October and Memorial Day, as part of Lincoln City’s yearly glass floats “Finders Keepers” event. The number of floats put out is reflected by the year - so 2006 in 2006, 2009 in 2009, etc... Lincoln City’s Millennium Float project, started by a local artist for 1999-2000, is a perfect combination of art and water. These brilliantly colored glass floats are signed and numbered.
You find it. You keep it! Tourist of all ages come from around the globe to search for their own float. A new tradition is born as families return year after year. When you find a float, register it by calling the Visitor Center. You will receive a Certificate of Authenticity, information about the artists that crafted your float. Other treasures might await you as some numbers are selected at random to receive additional prizes. While in the area you can visit local art galleries or watch the artist blow the glass floats or you can blow your own float. Unnumbered floats are sold locally in the area galleries.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Christmas Valley in the Mirror
Christmas Valley, Oregon is Oregon’s fastest growing community. It is also one of Oregon’s newest communities. Learning that you will be traveling to Christmas Valley may lead you to visions of Rudolph the red nosed reindeer, Frosty the snowman, and Christmas Trees. At Christmas Valley you might slowly drive down tinsel road, or jingle bell road, but you will find that apart from the Christmas names on the roads and stores like Santa’s Hardware, Tinsel Tailor and Forever Christmas Gifts and more, there is little to find in Christmas Valley that reminds you of Christmas.
Asking a local what they do in and around Christmas Valley got some surprising answers. Explore the Crack in the Ground, Fort Rock Cave, Christmas Valley Sand Dunes, Fossil Lake and the Lost Forrest. These suggestions were followed with go fishing, and explore the new Basin and Range Birding Trail. When asked for an interesting facts about Christmas Valley I was told that electrical power didn’t reached North Lake county until October 28, 1955 and Froggy’s Pizza and Deli uses real black beer in their dough.
Things to do in and around Christmas Valley
Go Golfing on Christmas Valley’s championship course.
Explore the Basin and Range Birding Trail with its 19 hotspots for birders. Oregon ranks fifth in the country for bird diversity with nearly 500 species, Lake County boasts of 328 of those. Maps available at local businesses, Lakeview BLM Office and US Forest Service offices in Silver Lake, Paisley, and Lakeview.
Fishing North Lake County offers a variety of fishing opportunities for the novice and expert fisherperson. Pick from your choice of redband and brook trout found in the many small streams that flow from the East Slope of the Yamsey Mountain. Fishing the Silver, Buck, Coyote, Long and Bridge Creeks will land you pan sized mouth watering fish. Thompson Valley, Duncan, and Ana Reservoirs will provide you with fishing tales for many a campfire story whether you angle from the bank or from your boat.
Explore the Fort Rock Cave, Christmas Valley Sand Dunes, Crack in the ground, Fossil Lake and Lost Forrest.
We only spent two hours in Christmas Valley which was just enough to know that though Christmas Valley maybe in our mirror now. We would return again to explore the magic of Christmas Valley.
Asking a local what they do in and around Christmas Valley got some surprising answers. Explore the Crack in the Ground, Fort Rock Cave, Christmas Valley Sand Dunes, Fossil Lake and the Lost Forrest. These suggestions were followed with go fishing, and explore the new Basin and Range Birding Trail. When asked for an interesting facts about Christmas Valley I was told that electrical power didn’t reached North Lake county until October 28, 1955 and Froggy’s Pizza and Deli uses real black beer in their dough.
Things to do in and around Christmas Valley
Go Golfing on Christmas Valley’s championship course.
Explore the Basin and Range Birding Trail with its 19 hotspots for birders. Oregon ranks fifth in the country for bird diversity with nearly 500 species, Lake County boasts of 328 of those. Maps available at local businesses, Lakeview BLM Office and US Forest Service offices in Silver Lake, Paisley, and Lakeview.
Fishing North Lake County offers a variety of fishing opportunities for the novice and expert fisherperson. Pick from your choice of redband and brook trout found in the many small streams that flow from the East Slope of the Yamsey Mountain. Fishing the Silver, Buck, Coyote, Long and Bridge Creeks will land you pan sized mouth watering fish. Thompson Valley, Duncan, and Ana Reservoirs will provide you with fishing tales for many a campfire story whether you angle from the bank or from your boat.
Explore the Fort Rock Cave, Christmas Valley Sand Dunes, Crack in the ground, Fossil Lake and Lost Forrest.
We only spent two hours in Christmas Valley which was just enough to know that though Christmas Valley maybe in our mirror now. We would return again to explore the magic of Christmas Valley.
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