by Barbara Barton Sloane We are in the Adirondack wilderness, driving a winding road with snow covered pines forming a narrow passageway. Ahead of us, an intricate gate fashioned from logs and branches and spelling out “The Point.” After punching … [Read More...]
Christkindling Joy and Goodwill
by Susan Deefholts As my husband and I hurry through Kitchener's Victoria Park, I breathe in the crisp smell of winter. The bare branches of the trees and bushes are festooned with cheery lights that glow against the new-fallen snow. We cross … [Read More...]
Canada’s Jewel Still Sparkles: Quebec City Celebrates 400 Historic Years
Story by Chris Millikan A huge excitement surrounds Quebec City's momentous 400th-birthday this year. Launched by a spectacular New Year's Eve party and concluded with Cirque du Soleil's one-of-a-kind extravaganza. Even Quebec's native son, … [Read More...]
Exploring Cancun’s Big Neighbor, San Miguel, Cozumel Island
By Rick Millikan Isla Cozumel seems to float alongside the Yucatan Peninsula's eastern coast. Our day trip from Cancun includes a ferry ride to Cozumel's main port, where a Mariachi quintet joyfully strums guitars, blares trumpets and harmonizes … [Read More...]
Sweetheart Sites of San Francisco
by Jane Cassie How do time-deprived couples manage to stay blissfully connected these days? While juggling jobs, kids and homestead, who has the energy to keep love alive and sparks flying? Desperate for a pulse-quickening gift, and one that’s far … [Read More...]
Reims, France: A Champagne High
by Justin Jangraw A bubbly liquid runs through the veins of the French in the Champagne-Ardennes province and the heart pumping it is Reims. Reims is the epicenter of Champagne production for the world. In fact, Champagne worldwide is only created … [Read More...]
Relaxing at the Painted Boat Resort
by Darlene Foster Pender Harbour is a great place to visit by boat and we have always enjoyed the pleasant marinas and boating community. At one time we had an unplanned, extended stay as we awaited a part for our disabled boat and decided it was a … [Read More...]
Sooke’s Seaweed & Other Tasty Treats
by Lauren Kramer "Go ahead, taste it," says the Seaweed Lady, offering a long strand of bull kelp seaweed. I'm standing on a beach on the southwestern tip of Vancouver Island, inspecting an assortment of slimy-looking seaweed that Diane … [Read More...]
How to Stop Smoking in Two Days in Peru (and other feats)
by Maryalice Wood O.K. I’m not talking cigarette smoking here. In the Peruvian Highlands, women cook over open fires in their primitive mud huts and the soot-blackened walls attest to the state of their lungs! What to do? Volunteer … [Read More...]
Victoria’s Gardens: Free for the Viewing
By Chris Millikan Year round floral spectacles may inspire a day trip from Vancouver to Victoria, BC, where a passion for gardening is evident everywhere. Riotous flowers adorn boulevards and store fronts; hanging baskets, wooden tubs, classy … [Read More...]
Lund Treasures or Dinner Rock Sunsets
by Barb Rees The longest highway in the world starts in Lund, BC about 23 km. north of Powell River. In this bustling jump off point for the islands, Mile 0 marks the beginning of Highway 101 which ends 15,202 km later at the tip of Chile. Your … [Read More...]
The Giant Ogoh-Ogohs of Bali
by Connie Motz Located in South East Asia, the mystical island of Bali is only one of 18,110 islands making the world’s largest archipelago – Indonesia. I have had the wonderful privilege of visiting this exotic island twice – this second trip was … [Read More...]