Capturing the Moment

  This one is for you mom. You don't need to do hard-charging adventures to make memories and discoveries here on an Alaskan expedition cruise. There are a lot of adventures on these UnCruise expedition cruises in Alaska. But even though everyday, activities like bushwhacks, kayaking, and hiking are offered, there are always more laid back options that are offered as well. Today we explored the rainforest fringed cove named Mueller Bay. One group bushwhacked their way into the forest and muskegs, another took off outbay in the skiff to explore, and a third group came with me to do some beachcombing. With tidal ranges of around 15ft, there can be a lot uncovered at low tide. Our shore walk started at the back of the bay. The tide was dropping as we explored, exposing more and more of the rocky shoreline. Most of the rocks near the water were covered in mussels and barnacles. The group loved flipping over rocks to find more hidden treasures. I made sure to put the rocks back in place...

High tides at Bay of Fundy Reminds me of this   I do love to explore new places so when the opportunity came up to travel 4,400 miles from Juneau, Alaska to Nova Scotia, Canada to hang out with my world traveling mom for a few days I couldn't resist. I had heard stories of Nova Scotia from my good friend Stalker, but never imagined that is would be this beautiful. It seems like there are picture opportunities around every corner. Plus these maritime islanders happen to be some of the friendliest, and proudest folks around. Wild Lupine   My mom met me at the airport after one flight cancellation left me stranded for a few hours in Vancouver. A shiny new red VW bug was to be our mode of transportation to places like the Bay of Fundy, Brier Island, and Prince Edward Island. Being July the wildflowers were out in force, making everything even more scenic. Digby Backpackers Inn    Our base of operations for these first few days was a hostel in the coa...

  Even on misty rainy days Lanikai can have its own batch of sunshine. The weather turned beautiful and sunny as soon as we started the hike.    The pillbox hike heads into the brush back behind the luxurious neighborhood of Lanikai. A bright pink sign tells you that you are on the right path. After a steep climb the hike emerges on the open ridge line. Beautiful views of Lanikai beach and the offshore islands greet you at each new stopping point. It's important to keep an eye on the trail though as a false step could lead to long tumble down the mountain.   Three old military pillboxes are set on the high points of the ridge. Colorful graffiti lines the concrete structures. It provides a lot of color to an already colorful scene. I've taken a picture of Heidi sitting on top of this structure before but the lighting today was perfect.   We continued on past the second pillbox where the ridge line turns away from the coast and heads back towards enchan...

  There are always new spots to explore, secret beaches to find, and solid surf spots to test out here on Oahu. My latest find was a real beauty. While thousands of tourists are climbing up the trail to the top of Diamond Head crater, just behind it locals are climbing down the cliff to a beautiful strip of sand fronted with some well formed, easy going waves.   There are a few breaks over the patches of reef which spreads out the crowd. And there is almost always a crowd. During the winter months this south shore break is great for beginners and intermediate surfers but I hear it can get pretty wild during those big summer south swells. From on top of the cliff it is easy to see the reef below the surfers.    The beach here winds down the beautiful coast, filled with palm trees, towards the million dollar estates of Kahala. Only a few people were strolling the beach. It is a steep trail to get down to the sand but well worth it for this little piece of se...

  I remember how excited I was when I found out there is a Tamarack beach in California, so when we stumbled across the fact that a Gillespies Beach existed here in New Zealand we immediately put it on the itinerary. What we didn't realize at the time is that it would prove to be an incredible stop with a not so bad drive to get there added in as a bonus. Fields of sheep and Fox Glacier We have been hanging out in Franz Joseph for a couple days waiting for a break in the weather in order to open up hikes on the glacier. But instead of sitting inside and watching movies we decided to explore the countryside and track down Gillespies Beach. On the way we past raging rivers, waterfalls falling right onto the road, sheep filled pastures, and we even got a good look at Fox Glacier when the clouds parted for just a few minutes. Mutant shorebreak at Gillespies Beach   The road out to Gillespies beach is unpaved and through dense wilderness. We came across a wild looking ...

Surfer's Yoga Hut Misty Mountains of the North Shore   Winter is here and that means the surf is up on the famous North Shore of Maui. When I moved here I told myself I would become a better surfer since I have some of the best waves in the world on my new island home. So far I have been amazed at the conditions here. The wind has been almost nonexistent, which never seemed to be the case on Maui. Also the sheer numbers of waves seem to be keeping the crowds down a bit. I do hear that these first few swell can be pretty special since all the winter surfing vacationers and pros are not here yet. But while surfing is definitely at the forefront of winter season, Heidi and I decided to spend a little time just relaxing at a secret getaway on Malaekahana beach. Malaekahana beach sunrise North Shore cabin   Our little beachside cabin turned out to be a 3 bedroom, hang out on the lanai, grill up some brats kind of place. Small waves made the ocean very inviting jus...