New Zealand Coast: Cathedral Cove
On the eastern coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, about halfway up, is place called Mercury Bay. Before you get to Mercury Bay, you’ll pass Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, also known as Cathedral Cove. This is easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been, though in New Zealand, it’s pretty easy to say that … Continue reading
New Zealand Coast: New Chums Beach
Now that fall has come to New Zealand, and I’ve had a chance to settle into Christchurch, I’m dreaming of my summer spent visiting North Island beaches. It’s the perfect time to continue my series of beach blog posts while the rain falls outside my hostel window. First up: New Chums Beach! First, let me … Continue reading
New Zealand Coast: Simpsons Beach
On the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island of New Zealand, is a beach town called Whitianga in the Mercury Bay. It’s a sweet place, though heavy with tourists in the summertime. Luckily for me, and now for you, I know of another beach right up the road that’s perfect for … Continue reading
Crater Lake National Park
Back in the spring, I declared this 2014 summer The Summer of Camping. My goal was to camp at least once a month during May, June, July, and August, and I’m proud to say I made it! I wrote earlier about my Alaska adventure in May. Now for my Crater Lake adventure just a couple … Continue reading
Alaska: The Last Frontier
Alaska State Nickname: The Last Frontier State Motto: “North to the Future” Origin of the Name Alaska: The word Alaska is from the Aleut Indian word “alaxsxaq” or “agunalaksh,” meaning “the mainland” or “shore”. As you might have guessed, I’ve recently returned from my first trip to The Last Frontier. My best friend, Shane, moved … Continue reading
Lan Su Chinese Garden, Portland, OR
The Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland, Oregon is a square city block. It has trees, bushes, flowers, a pond, a waterfall, a tea house, several rooms featuring Chinese art, and, according to their website, “is the most authentic Chinese garden outside of China”. You can have lunch or a cup of tea, get your … Continue reading
Squam Lake, New Hampshire – May 2010
I attended a three-day writer’s retreat at the end of May 2010. Friends of friends have a property with two cabins, a dock, kayaks, and several large porches with comfy chairs, all of which we took advantage of in-between writing sessions.