Whenever I am in Fort Myers seeing family, a visit to the JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is always at the top of my to-do list. It’s a beautiful spot with walking trails, bike paths, an abundance of wildlife with over 245 species of birds. Ding Darling is located on Sanibel Island, a popular vacation destination […]
Adventures, Canada, Manitoba, Nature / Wildlife, North America
Experience Churchill’s Astonishing Beluga Whale Migration
29
Sep
Sep
Astonished, I am overcome with excitement. Following me is nearly a dozen snow-white beluga whales close enough to touch. As a rule, boats must stay at least 50 meters from cetaceans, but evidently, the belugas have no such regulations about humans, and I couldn’t be happier. When we set out, Lazy Bear Expeditions guide Jason Ransom […]
Adventures, Destinations, Nature / Wildlife, New York, North America, United States
Why the Zipline at Hunter Mountain is one of the Best in North America
26
Jun
Jun
One of the most memorable experiences you’ll ever have is one that frightens you then ends up being tons of fun. Such was the case with the SkyRider, the zipline at Hunter Mountain in New York’s Northern Catskills, one of the fastest, highest and longest in North America. Why was I afraid you ask? I […]
Cruises, Destinations, Mexico, Nature / Wildlife, North America, Travel Stories
UnCruise the Sea of Cortez: Don’t Miss this Amazing Small Boat Adventure
07
May
May
Updated: December 29, 2019 “Here they come!” Racing toward us a huge pod of dolphins eager to ride the bow waves of our boat, their dorsal fins slicing through the Sea of Cortez like hot knives through butter. Propelled by the swell, they weave in and around each other with the deftness of a con […]
Destinations, New York, North America, United States
Celebrating the NYC Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival
12
Apr
Apr
No one would ever mistake Manhattan for being a touchy-feely city. People mostly keep to themselves and the pace can make even the most type – A personality long for a breath. But now and then a holiday comes along and the city softens. Crowds brim with laughter and smiles and the only goal is […]
Destinations, North America, Pennsylvania, United States
See Al Capone’s Historic Prison Cell at Eastern State Penitentiary
25
Mar
Mar
Updated March 2019 If you’re like me, fascinated by the criminal mind, fading ruins, and history in its most infamous, Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia will make your day. It’s an icon of the world’s early penal system turned tourist attraction. You may recognize its cavernous cell blocks and post-apocalyptic vibe from the 1996 Sci-Fi […]
Cruises, Destinations, Mexico, Nature / Wildlife, North America, Travel Stories
Swim with Sea Lions in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez
18
Mar
Mar
As the sea lions swim past me––banking, rolling, diving, zooming around in loop de loops like Hotwheels on a track––I am sure of one thing, even if this UnCruise adventure sucked (which it doesn’t), the trip would be worth it for this one hour. The Island of Los Islotes We are at the base of […]
Destinations, Nature / Wildlife, New York, North America, United States
A Helpful Guide to the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx
02
Mar
Mar
I love Manhattan, but when I need a break from the concrete canyons I head to the Bronx and the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG). One of the country’s most beautiful historic landmarks, the garden is filled with lush flora, intriguing exhibits, and exciting family-friendly programs and activities. The botanical garden in NYC’s Bronx is […]
Alaska, Cruises, Destinations, Nature / Wildlife, Top Posts, United States
Holland America’s Alaska Land and Sea Cruise Adventure
01
Mar
Mar
I was embarking on the second half of my Holland America Alaska Land and Sea Cruise Adventure—the “sea” portion of my journey––and I couldn’t help but gape at the 10-deck Westerdam rising above the Seward pier. In the cruise industry, the Westerdam is considered a mid-sized vessel and carries a maximum of 2100 passengers. For […]
Cruises, Destinations, Mexico, Nature / Wildlife, North America, Travel Stories
How to Swim with Enormous Whale Sharks in Mexico (Video)
08
Feb
Feb
The idea of swimming with whale sharks made me nervous. I wanted to, a lot, but I couldn’t forget my bizarre reaction to a spinner dolphin in Costa Rica a few years ago. I was afraid I’d humiliate myself again. At the time, I’d been completely and utterly irrational. I was in the water near […]