Clark Weeks is a bomb threat at Deer Valley. He loves to ski and he loves Deer Valley in Utah. It is not uncommon to see him bombing down the slope. However, he is not a threat. He is a great skier and although fast, always skis under control.
What Makes Deer Valley Attractive?
That is simple. It is beautiful. But that can be said for many ski resorts. Deer Valley is a bit more upscale and a bit more expensive but it is worth the added expense. This extra level of service is one of the things that appeals to Clark Weeks. The slopes are beautifully groomed. There is a variety of slope difficulty so it appeals to all skill levels. There are a number of black diamond slopes so it appeals to Clark Weeks because there is some variety for someone of his skill level. You don’t need to keep going down the same slope over and over. A big plus that makes it attractive is that it doesn’t allow snowboarders.
There are great amenities at Deer Valley. The restaurants are top notch. Everything from a grocery cafe to The Brass Tag with brick oven cuisine and the Goldener Hirsch Restaurant with top of the line contemporary cuisine. If you want to go all out, there is the Mariposa.
There are many options for places to stay from hotel type rooms to lodges. You can ski from your place to the slopes in many cases. In addition, they have great instructors who can give you lessons no matter what your skill level. Plus, they have a variety of kids programs.
Park City
The town/city of Park City is right next to the mountain. On the other side of the town on the next mountain is the Park City Ski Resort. If you get bored with Deer Valley or want a change or want to snowboard, head across town to Park City.
Park City itself is delightful. It is the site of the Sundance Film Festival. There are more fine restaurants here and a range of shops. You can get tourist knick knacks but there are many things you won’t find in most tourist locations. There are a variety of clothing shops, as well as jewelry and many fine art galleries. There are also stores with fossils and stones that range from common but pretty to gemstones.
So, if you go to Deer Valley and Park City, keep your eyes out. You might see Clark Weeks go bombing by.…
So, you are thinking about using your house for Airbnb. What next? A friend, Tenay Benes, of Calm Castle Home Staging gets to travel and write it off as a business expense because she is checking out what people are doing with their Airbnb rentals to get ideas and she prospects for potential clients at the same time.
Besides doing home staging for people who are selling or renting their home or condo or apartment, her company is now helping people maximize their returns from Airbnb. Following are some tips from her to help you out, but to get the maximum effect of her knowledge, you should schedule an appointment with her.
Photos of Your Home
You obviously need photos of your home and it makes sense that you are going to clean up and having it look nice before you do that, just as you would if you were selling or renting.
Make Your House Look Homey and Comfortable
You don’t want it cluttered but you don’t want it sterile either. Maybe have a cookbook out to a favorite recipe in the kitchen, reading material by the bed along with a carafe or bottle of water and some glasses.
Photos and Art in Your Home
Stay away from lots of photos of your family and your pets. Instead maybe have some art or photos by local artists or of local interesting sites.
Bathrooms are Important
Bathrooms should be clean and inviting. Don’t have too many things out on the counters or other surfaces. You probably want a box of tissues and maybe some soap or shampoo. Other things can be in baskets or possibly drawers such as towels and wash clothes.
Mirrors
Besides obviously needing one in the bathroom there are other possibilities. By having a large mirror in a room opposite a window, it effectively increases the light in the room and can almost function as a second window in the room.
Sitting Area
It can be a plus to have a sitting area in the bedroom. This presumes that the bedroom is large enough to do this without feeling too crowded.
Work Area
A small table or desk where someone can work is important too. People may be on a business trip, not a holiday and even if they are on holiday, many people bring their laptops with them.
Quirky or Local
You can also have something that is quirky that is a conversation piece or displays something uniquely local.
Flowers
These add a welcoming feel. You could do some cut flowers or use some higher end silk flowers which fool you into thinking they are real. Don’t get cheap ones that look tacky. Better to have none at all in that case.
Lighting
When you take photos of your home to post, try to take them when there is lots of sun and take some in the evening when the light is starting to dim and is softer. That gives two different looks that can both be very inviting. Besides lighting for photos, you want to have adequate lighting for people to read by. Remember, older people need 50% more light to see the same thing as younger people.
Exterior of Your House
Before you take any pictures you of course want to have the
lawn cut and any gardening done so that it looks nice. Having a bench or some
other sitting area is nice along with a table.
We hope this has been helpful and you can always call our friends at Calm Castle Home Staging. 443-990-1110…
Atlanta is a lively and large American city and is also the capital of the state of Georgia. Clark Weeks is proud to call it his home and hopes you enjoy it as well. It is the birthplace of noted civil rights activist, Martin Luther King Jr. and therefore witnessed the civil rights movement of the 1960s first hand. The city hosts a variety of sites and attractions for tourists. Here are some of the important sights to see while you are in Atlanta:
Georgia Aquarium (Clark Weeks’ Favorite)
Georgia Aquarium
A fun place for the whole family. Watch and learn about thousands of sea creatures. For an up, close, and personal experience book a “encounters and experiences” tour. There you can see sea creatures very closely and also get a chance to feed them with your hands. Plus, if you are a scuba diver like Clark Weeks, you can reserve a time to dive in the aquarium’s tanks.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
For nature lovers, this is a treat not to be missed. The garden is home to thousands of exotic trees and plants. You can take a casual walk in the pristine park and enjoy the scenic beauty and also watch special exhibits showcasing different species of plants. There are special events planned for the park all year, get information about their itinerary of events before you visit.
World of Coca Cola
Atlanta is the headquarters of this famous cold beverage company. It is natural that a museum would be there to commemorate this world-renowned drink. You will get to know the history of Coco-Cola and you can also taste many flavors of Coca-Cola that are not commercially available. You may be surprised to learn that it got its name because originally it had some cocaine in it when it was invented in 1885. At the time, cocaine was legal and thought to be beneficial in small amounts and was an ingredient in many medicines. Talk about an addicting drink. Today, coca leaves are still used in the process of making Coca-Cola to protect the trademark but there is no cocaine in it any longer.
Centennial Olympic Park
This park was developed in memory of the 1996 Olympics that were held in Atlanta. The park is the site of the 1996 Olympics. It is now a popular spot for a family’s day out. You will find fun rides and a whole lot of other exciting activities. The park hosts different events all year round to keep the residents and tourists coming back for more. There are other popular sights to see in the vicinity of the park; Georgia Dome, Georgia World Congress Center, and The Phillips Arena are some of them.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
This park is spread over 35 acres and includes several buildings that the great man used during his lifetime. This includes the church where he was baptized, his childhood home, etc.
Dr. King’s childhood home (Source: www.nps.gov)
Atlanta is home to many other places, dedicated to global human and civil rights movements. You can visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and a memorial for Mahatma Gandhi.
Piedmont Park
This park is spread over a sprawling 190 acres. There is a lakeside pool in it too, to cool you off during hot days. You can run, play, stroll, or just enjoy sitting there with friends and family or alone. The park will not disappoint you.
Other popular sites worth visiting in Atlanta include: Atlanta History Center, High Museum of Art, CNN headquarters, College Football Hall of Fame, Zoo, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Delta Flight Museum, Stone Mountain Park, Center for Puppetry Arts, to name just a few. Clark Weeks hopes you enjoy the city!…
Bermuda carries a lot of similarities with the Caribbean islands
Mistaken by some to be a Caribbean island, it is actually almost due east of Clark Week’s home of Atlanta out into the Atlantic. Bermuda carries a lot of similarities with the Caribbean islands. It has mild temperatures, glorious weather, and is small enough to be explored vigorously in less than a day. But why rush? Relax and enjoy yourself in this lovely spot. So, it is crucial to focus on its best features to distinguish it from tropical islands with seemingly similar appeal. Don’t fret because there are many unique places to explore.
Natural Scenery
Coral reefs and scenic beaches are common in the Atlantic and Pacific islands. What sets Bermuda apart from most are its pink-sand beaches. For those who like to take dives, you will not be disappointed. With Clark Weeks’ love of scuba diving, Bermuda is another location that has great appeal. You can swim with deep-sea fish. If you want a more sedate experience, the Aquarium can offer you a view of these same fish. Aside from the more than 200 species of fish, you also get to encounter 300 or more kinds of mammals and reptiles. Blue Hole Park, a Hamilton Parish natural reserve, can provide a slightly more secluded natural experience compared to the hustle and bustle of the Aquarium. Caves, pools, and grottos will provide you with a relaxing experience.
Bermuda is home to some beautiful pink-sand beaches
Historical Significance
For those who are interested in Bermuda’s historical significance, the National Museum will inspire your curiosity. It is in an old fort next to the British Naval Shipyard at one end of the island. The museum houses several collections, dating back to the 17th century settlement period. There are also pieces from the 19th century that provide you with a clear idea about the island’s cultural heritage and history. Meanwhile, Fort St. Catherine is on a promontory at the other end of the island. It offers adventure with history. Take note, though, that though the fort goes back to the early 1600s, it has been renovated many times. Despite this, you will still feel a lot of the historic atmosphere that you may crave.
Religious/Spiritual Experiences
For those who want to have a more religious or spiritual experience, you may wish to visit St. Peter’s Church. It is the oldest church on the island. It also has an unfinished look that gives it a rustic ambiance. This look is completed with the use of candlelit chandeliers. Its segregated graveyards for blacks and whites are a grim reminder of what had transpired on the island a century or more before.
…and more
The Bermuda Crystal Caves are truly awe-inspiring
There are many other attractions offered by Bermuda: lighthouses, crystal caves, and other historical or natural sights. What should not be forgotten is that Bermuda has a city for those who prefer to stay within the comforts of modern civilization. Being in the town also enables tourists to get some shopping done. The usual suspects would be souvenir shirts and novelties, as well as duty-free perfumes and jewelry and rum. Definitely try their famous rum drink, the Dark and Stormy.
Getting Around
If you want to get around Bermuda, you need to do so by bus or ferry. Those who wish to have more space to themselves will have to take a taxi. The cabs are trustworthy. However, you cannot rent a car for yourself to get around. Car rentals are not allowed but you can rent mopeds. These are a blast and you can zip around the island without having to worry about taxis. Still, the comfiest that you can get is to hire a taxi for the day, if the driver or owner agrees. On the other hand, walking and trekking should not be a problem on the small island.
Blow bubbles at our Clark Weeks if you happen to see him while scuba diving. By the way, the snorkeling is great too. There are reefs near the beaches where you can do some great snorkeling if you don’t have your scuba diving certification.…
Located in the southeastern area of the United States,
Georgia is the 8th most populous state and touches a number of
states. Georgia is surrounded by Tennessee to the north and North Carolina and
South Carolina to the northeast. Then the Atlantic Ocean to the East with some
great beaches and Florida to the south. Finally, Alabama is to the West. Starting
from those mesmerizing Blue Ridge mountains to Atlanta’s urban skyline and Savannah’s
excellence in its architecture, Georgia gives us major vacation spots that are
to be highlighted in your travel book. Let us talk about some of the
eye-catching scenery and breathtakingly beautiful places that are located in
the state of Georgia.
Savannah
Established in the year 1733, Savannah is a
national historic landmark that is famous for its glorious Gothic, Georgian and
Greek revival buildings. Places in Savannah like Forsyth Park, Savannah
waterfront, The University of Georgia aquarium, Roots Up gallery, City Market
of Savannah and many other exotic restaurants, historic homes, and museums of
the historic city are never to be missed.
Savannah Riverfront
Atlanta – A Clark Weeks
Favorite Since He Lives There
Next on the list is Atlanta, the capital city
of Georgia which is a vibrant city of modern buildings and a home of southern
architecture and lifestyle. Places like Georgia aquarium which is the largest
aquarium with almost 70 habitats residing in it is one of the must-visits.
Places like the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site, Center for Puppetry
Arts, Piedmont Park, Micheal C Carlos museum of Arts are some of the important
places to be covered. For the love of Coca Cola, visiting a museum in Pemberton
place, Atlanta is so much fun, informative and helps you know more about the
brand and its growth in the form of a 4-D theatre show.
Georgia Coast and Beaches
The most beautiful and serene beaches of
Georgia should be added to your bucket list. Places like Tybee Island which is
famous for its sandy beaches, Cumberland Island National Seashore, which has a
small museum that explains the history of the island shore. Cabretta Beach is
another beautiful location that is famous for kayaking. Driftwood beach is a
beautiful and renowned place for wedding photography. No, this is not the end,
there are still so many beaches like the East Beach, Glory Beach, Gould’s inlet
and many more that reflect the marine life that Georgia treasures. Another city
that has great importance for history and art is Brunswick that has many
white-sand beaches, water parks, and biking trails.
Blue Ridge Mountains
The list goes on if we talk about the spectacular places to stay and get engrossed in the beauty of nature in Georgia. Sky Valley is one of the most serene and elevated gateways of Georgia that provides a beautiful view of the surrounding forests. Clayton, a serene and simple city of Georgia with a beautiful view of mountains. For the view of clear flowing rivers and hiking trails, Blairsville is a must-visit.
Caucasus valley in Georgia
Georgia is a state that fulfills versatile quests of different types of tourists visiting the state. It has all kinds of entertainment, fun, and tranquility. From beaches that treasure the marine life of the Atlantic ocean to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, and from rural farms to energetic urban centers like Atlanta, Georgia has something for everyone. If you visit, you will see why Clark Weeks loves it. …
Located in the state
of Montana, Glacier National Park is truly a paradise on earth high up in the
Rocky Mountains. It is not far from the oil fields a bit further east in
Montana. Clark Weeks decided to vacation in this beautiful area despite usually
being quite interested in what is going on in the oil industry. The enthralling
scenery, magnificent lakes, rugged forests, alpine paddocks, snow-clad peaks
and vast valleys carved by glaciers cast a spell on you. No wonder, it is
rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after tourist destinations.
My first visit to Glacier
National Park was an impromptu one with a group of friends in April 2012. Unfortunately,
the weather was inclement and roads at high altitudes were closed due to snow.
We couldn’t do much in the 3 days we had planned to spend. But I knew I had to come
back.
My and Clark Weeks Vacation Begins
In this article, I
share the experience of my most recent road trip to the park when I took Clark
Weeks on his vacation adventure. As a nature lover and solo hiking enthusiast,
I did the planning in advance and carefully chalked out a weeklong itinerary after
proper research.
I’ll confine myself to
describing the places and the activities of the trip. No praise will be enough
for the scenic beauty as every square-mile of the park is a sight to behold, so
I’ll cut that out.
Day 1
Landed at Glacier Park International Airport in the late afternoon. (I am always amused by small airports that say International because they also fly to nearby Canada.) Rented a campervan and drove straight to the village of West Glacier. Got a 7-day pass on the way at the park entrance. Did some local sight-seeing. Spent the night at a pre-booked lodge.
Lake MacDonald
Day 2
After exploring the
villages of West Glacier and Apgar for a couple of hours followed
by a hearty breakfast, headed to the popular Lake McDonald. Did some kayaking
and horse-riding.
After lunch, we drove
1.5 hours on Inside North Fork Road to Polebridge. Got dinner
packed. Drove another 45 minutes to the Bowman Lake on a rough, partly
gravel road. Selected a campsite and went swimming in the lake. Spent the night
in a tent by the lakeside.
Day 3
After enjoying the
breathtaking sunrise at Bowman Lake, drove back to Apgar via Outside
North Fork Road and Camas Road. Had breakfast and got lunch packed.
Drove to Avalanche Creek on Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Did the 4.5-mile hike
to Avalanche Lake and back in the afternoon.
Saw the marvelous
sunset at Big Bend and headed to Logan Pass on Going-to-the-Sun
Road.
Did the 3-mile
out-and-back Hidden Lake Trail hike before it got dark. Grabbed a bite
to eat at Logan Pass and spent the night at the campground.
I asked Clark Weeks if his vacation so far met his expectations and he said it was phenomenal. I said just wait till tomorrow and you might change your mind. It’s going to be some tough hiking.
Day 4
Started the day early
to do the Highline Trail hike with all meals packed. Many advanced
hikers call it the highlight of their Glacier trip and we could see why. The
initial hike to Granite Park Chalet was not simple in any way but the subsequent
one to Fifty Mountain Campground was absolutely arduous. We were exhausted
at the end of the nearly 35-miles out-and-back trek and hit bed as soon as we touched
back down at Logan Pass.
Day 5
Wanted to keep the day
simple to recover from the previous day’s fatigue. Didn’t wander too far from Going-to-the-Sun
Road while driving to Saint Mary. Stopped at Wild Goose Island,
Jackson Glacier Overlook, Sunrift Gorge, Sun Point Nature
Trail, and Rising Sun to take in the views and/or for food. Spent
the night at a pre-booked lodge in Saint Mary.
Day 6
Drove early morning to
Many Glacier. After breakfast, joined a group of tourists (the bear
spray didn’t need to be used as we did not hear or sight any) for the 11-mile
out-and-back Grinnell Glacier hike. Spent about half an hour each at Lake
Josephine, Grinnell Lake, and Upper Grinnell Lake. Drove back
to Saint Mary in the afternoon. Grabbed something to eat and then took Highway
89 followed by Route 49 to reach Two Medicine campground.
Day 7
Was on the road for a long
time on day 6, so took it easy on the last day of the trip. After a late
breakfast, did the 1.4-mile out-and-back hike to Paradise Point and Two
Medicine Lake.
Drove to East
Glacier Park. Had lunch after some local sight-seeing.
Drove back to Glacier
Airport via Highway 2 in the evening.
My and Clark Weeks Vacation Complete
My and Clark Weeks vacation was exhausting at times but exhilarating and we recommend you try it sometime yourself. For more travel information, click here.…
Traveling is often
categorized as a hobby for the rich people. People with insane amount of money
in banks and ample of time at hand to explore exotic locations around the
world. Well, this is a misnomer!
One certainly doesn’t
need to be rich in order to travel. Even to the places that are cited as super
expensive. All it needs is a combination of meticulous planning and the ability
to shun luxury and sometimes, “perceived” comfort.
Try the following tips and thank us later after having enjoyed your trip to a place you always wanted to travel to… and at a much lesser cost than you ever imagined.
Plan Well
Well begun is half done. The first thing you need to do is select your destination and plan how much time you’re going to spend at each of the places you want to visit.
Choose the Off-Season
Air tickets are much cheaper during off-season as are the boarding and lodging prices at most tourist places. You need to be careful about the weather conditions being favorable for travel though.
Book Your Air Travel Much in Advance
Your air journey, including the return ticket, should be booked well in advance. Prices can be up to 50% lesser and sometimes even more.
Stay in Hostels or Homestays
Prefer dormitories, shared hostels or homestays to hotels or inns. Expect to meet and make friends with some like-minded people as a bonus.
Use Public Transport
Most cities have good
public transport. The locals use that and so can you. Also, it’s worth finding
out if getting a travel pass for bus/rail/both can save you some extra money.
Avoid cabs. Use a shared taxi service in case public transport is not available.
Pack Well
Strike a balance between traveling light and traveling with all the essentials. The idea should be to not have to buy anything during travel that you could pack from home at the offset.
Eat Healthy But Cheap
Avoid expensive
restaurants and pubs. Find out where the local working class eats… you’ll be
surprised how good and easy on pocket the food is.
Buying packed
lunches/dinners from a superstore is another economical option.
Better still, use the
hostel’s kitchen to cook for yourself.
Carry a water bottle and refill it from the hostel / public taps.
Avoid Tourist Attractions With a Hefty Entrance Fee
Every place has plenty to see. The national and public parks in most countries charge little to no free. Most museums, heritage sites and places of historical importance also have a free visit day or time slot. Plan accordingly. Avoid a place that charges a hefty entrance fee, unless you absolutely need to see it.
Take Up Odd Jobs
Why not? Opportunities are everywhere and picking up small jobs here and there during travel can help a long way in keeping you comfortable, wallet-wise.
India has always been a popular low-cost tourism destination amongst travel enthusiasts from all over the world. For example, tourism sites include everything from the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra to majestic boathouses in the backwaters of Kerala, and from rejuvenating Yoga Ashrams in Rishikesh to captivating forts and palaces of Rajasthan. The country has something to appeal to most types of travelers out there.
There’s one type, however, that might not find India an interesting enough destination. And that is the one that primarily travels to partake in adventure sports like skiing and mountaineering.
Well, there actually is a hidden gem that will likely change their opinion. That place is called Solang Valley.
Location and How to Reach
Solang Valley is
located in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Himachal, literally
translating to “laden with snow”, is known for its glorious mountain peaks, panoramic
landscapes, entrancing valleys, lush pine forests and cascading rivers &
rivulets.
Solang is 15 kilometers north of the town of Manali. Manali can be reached by a 12-hour bus journey from New Delhi, the country’s capital. Buses between Delhi and Manali run fairly frequently. These services range from economical state transport to luxurious private coaches.
One can also take a plane from Delhi to Bhuntar, the nearest airport 50 kilometers away from Manali. The flight option, however, is expensive and available twice a week only.
Climate, Boarding and Lodging
Solang is located at
an altitude of 2560 meters (8400 feet) above sea level. The temperature is between
-10°C to 10°C during winters and 10°C to 25°C during summers.
Adequate boarding and lodging options are available for travelers of all budgets, both in Solang and Manali. Manali also has a number of 5-star hotels and international quality restaurants.
What does Solang have to offer to an adventure sports enthusiast?
Skiing: Solang experiences snow from late December to middle of April. Therefore, Mid-January to Mid-March is the best time to visit for skiing. Experienced skiers can use the whole 5 kilometers or so of the main slope starting at the summit. To access the slopes, a cable car ropeway is available. Or, you can use one of the sizeable fleet of all-terrain vehicles.
Heli-skiing: Those with a little extra money to spend can use a helicopter service to reach the summit. The helicopter can also take you to a number of other starting points for cross-country skiing).
Paragliding and Parachuting: Solang offers paragliding and parachuting to everyone from beginner to expert. April-May and September-October are the ideal months.
River Rafting: The width of the Beas river is 25-30 meters at some places and a mere 10 at others. It flows in silent majesty at one moment and its waters can rapidly turn noisy and violent the next. Rafting in the Beas is thrilling and a very fulfilling experience.
Hiking: Solang is surrounded by many beautiful hamlets, lakes and temples. The mostprominent ones are Chandra Tal, Bijli Mahadev and Rohtang. A trek to each of those places makes for an adventure in itself.
Mountaineering: Solang has a number of mountain peaks nearby making it a mountaineer’s delight. Deo Tibba (6001 meters) and Hanuman Tibba (5982 meters) are the closest ones. Manali is home to the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports. At the institute you can rent equipment and request guidance.
Worth a Visit, indeed!
Solang has plenty to offer to adventure seekers. It is also worth visiting for its beauty even if you aren’t into an adventure sport. If you do love adventure sports, it is definitely worth considering as your next adventure destination! Please do your own elaborate research about the place now.
Clark Weeks Loves Sailing – Virgin Island Recommendations
Clark Weeks sailing recommendations. He loves sailing along with other water sports, from underwater hockey to scuba. The Virgin Islands, both US and British are a wonderful place to sail. There are many boat charter companies to chose from. Once you have selected your charter company, you then get to choose between a mono-hull or a catamaran.
If you have never sailed a catamaran before, it is actually easy to get used to. One nice feature is that they have an engine in each hull and by controlling the two motors you have a lot of control when you maneuver.
Another nice thing is that you can put kids in the cabin in one hull and have privacy in the other hull for yourself. Or, you can go with another couple and each has a cabin in a separate hull making for more privacy and intimacy!!!
Here is one possible way to go. Fly into Charlotte Amalie in the island of St. Thomas in the American Virgin Islands. Get your boat and prepare to take off by stowing your gear and getting provisions in the shops there. Then have a nice dinner in one of the many restaurants. As a suggestion, you might order the fried plantains, they are great. Sleep on the boat and get it organized and set sail early the next morning.
Jost van Dyke
Head out of the harbor while avoiding the large cruise ships and head east. Once you clear St. Thomas, head north between St. Thomas and St. John and make for the island Jost van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. Anchor in Diamond Cay between Jost van Dyke and Little Jost van Dyke. Why here? Foxy’s, of course. When you picture a bar and restaurant in the Caribbean, this is what you are picturing.
There are palm trees and you could say the building is
rustic. It is made of old wood and is mostly a roof and a wood floor with no
walls. The atmosphere is laid back and its just a fun time.
Virgin Gorda – Bitter End
The next day sail east to the island of Virgin Gorda and
moor off of the Bitter End Yacht Club. You will see a lot of other charter
boats but very likely some very large yachts as well. The Bitter End has hotel
rooms you can rent and there is a great restaurant. Unlike Foxy’s which is
almost more like a shack, the Bitter End is much higher end.
Hurricane Maria
Both Foxy’s and the Bitter End were badly damaged by Hurricane Maria that also destroyed Puerto Rico. They had to do a lot to rebuild along with many other places in the Virgin Islands. Besides Clark Weeks just sailing for fun, he also believes we should all help people who have been affected by disasters. If you want to find out more, or donate, go here.
The Baths
From the Bitter End, sail back along Virgin Gorda to its other end to get to the Baths. Why go to the Baths? Because, it is an odd formation of large boulders on the beach and in the shallow water. In addition, it is a fun place to walk around and explore and to snorkel around.
Ginger, Cooper, Salt Islands
From the Baths, you can sail to any of 3 islands in a row and do some snorkeling, moor off Cooper Island Beach Club and have a nice meal. It is a shame because while there is a lot of nice snorkeling, you can also see a lot of places where there is coral bleaching and damage to the coral.
Peter Island
But you really want to end up at Peter Island which is just past Ginger, Cooper and Salt. Anchor in Deadman’s Bay. It can be difficult to find good holding ground here. In addition, you need to be careful not to hook the anchor on anything growing on the bottom. You are here for the snorkeling but the food. Deadman’s Beach Bar & Grill has amazing food. Definitely worth stopping here. You are also likely to see some celebrities there and some very fancy yachts.
Norman Island
Norman Island is a pirate island. When a Spanish galleon ran aground off the coast of North Carolina, it was looted by 2 brothers. One went aground himself, but the other made it to the Virgin Islands and to uninhabited Norman Island. When people from nearby islands started asking questions, they buried the treasure. Supposedly, a chest of silver was discovered in a cave there not that long ago. Besides that, there is good snorkeling or scuba diving in caves there and a number of little bays around the island.
From Pirates Bight in Bight Bay you can hike up a dirt road to the top hill on the island and get to work off some of the pounds from the good food and drink. Since there are no trees, just grasses, there is a great view from there.
Cruz Bay
Finally, sail back into US territory and stop in Cruz Bay to
go through Customs. Then sail across from St. John where Cruz Bay is back to
Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas and pack up. Enjoy a meal at one of the great
restaurants then and get ready to catch the plane back home.
People that are traveling a lot is always recommending it to people that never have traveled before. They are saying that this is something that everyone should experience. But, the question that is why is this something that everyone should experience at least once? Why is it such a great thing to travel to other countries? These are the top reasons why everyone should travel at least once?
Learning about other cultures
We are getting so used to our own culture that we sometimes forget about other cultures. That there are other people that are struggling a lot more than us, and that are doing things completely differently than us.
When we are traveling, we are learning about different cultures and we are making sure that we get a much better idea about how the world is working. That there isn’t just one culture to consider. And, that we are all unique and special. No matter where we are living, or what culture we are in.
Making memories that will last a lifetime
By traveling, you are going to make memories that will last a lifetime. You will remember it for the rest of your life. Physically, you might not be traveling anymore, but in your mind, you can still visit the places that you visited before. Enjoying the memories, you have made with your friends, family and with the locals of the other countries.
This is something that no one can take away from you. And, you will have these memories, even if you can’t travel anymore.
Make new friendships that will last forever
When you are traveling, you will normally make friends in different countries. And, with the technology that we have today, this is friendships that will last forever. Friends that you can count on, no matter what. They might be living in a different country, and have different beliefs and a different culture. This will be friendships that will be unbreakable.
And, you will not understand this type of friendships, if you don’t travel and get to know new people.
There are so many reasons why you should travel and see the world. Even, if this is only once. These are the top three reasons why you should travel at least once in your lifetime. This is an experience that you will never forget. And, if you have traveled once, you will do it again and again. Learning more about the world, seeing new things and learning about other cultures.
