tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90234729593998579572023-11-16T10:46:11.241-08:00Palms & PintsTravel Tips & MusingsMike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-70094564796033203882016-09-21T20:14:00.002-07:002016-09-21T20:15:33.894-07:00New Blog - The Cardio Canadian Thanks to everyone who checked out my first attempt at blogging, 'Palms & Pints', over the last 2.5 years. I know it wasn't many, but I am appreciative none the less.<br />
<br />
I learned so much about the world of travel blogging, specifically that there are many great bloggers out there that travel constantly and/or bring something unique to the community. I felt by only taking 2 or 3 trips a year I just didn't have consistent enough content nor did I have an interesting enough niche to really develop the blog the way I originally planned.<br />
<br />
With that said, I have decided to take a second crack at it with a more focused blog on something that is a part of my <i>daily</i> life... outdoor fitness.<br />
<br />
'<i>The Cardio Canadian</i>' will chronicle my running, hiking, cycling, kayaking adventures and more. It will feature discussion & reviews of fitness sites, apps and wearables, it will detail my outdoor exploration and fitness year-round, and of course will include a large travel focus whenever I am abroad.<br />
<br />
You can check out the new blog <a href="http://cardiocdn.com/" target="_blank">here</a><br />
My related Instagram can be followed <a href="http://instagram.com/thecardiocanadian" target="_blank">here</a><br />
<br />
Thanks again!<br />
Mike<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lIMKuRgdtoUd0thMJLtJlxZbrdZnCfD3WlmJLhBBleBUsAFKGYd7mnYuuNiV3K8ABcXPVop4zcktJMBFGfbvKstpdGhVWiJnobL2Rf6BoLt933pfqbzU5DV6cJrb32-JCJ7eysGOs3E/s1600/high+falls+algonquin+selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lIMKuRgdtoUd0thMJLtJlxZbrdZnCfD3WlmJLhBBleBUsAFKGYd7mnYuuNiV3K8ABcXPVop4zcktJMBFGfbvKstpdGhVWiJnobL2Rf6BoLt933pfqbzU5DV6cJrb32-JCJ7eysGOs3E/s320/high+falls+algonquin+selfie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-42654725681466030322016-09-06T18:27:00.003-07:002016-09-06T18:36:21.402-07:00Ontario Outdoor Adventures: Haliburton Highlands & Algonquin Park<span class="im">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
2016 has been an interesting year of travel for me.
With the birth of my first child, Florence, at the tail end of 2015 we
had to make several changes to our typical travel style to accommodate
having our new bundle of joy in tow. In early
June we had a <a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2016/06/a-virginia-beach-family-vacation.html" target="_blank">fantastic week in a beautiful townhouse in Virginia Beach</a>, along with my wife’s extended family. For our 2<sup>nd</sup> vacation with <i>my</i> family we chose a peaceful cottage setting deep in central Ontario cottage country, just on the cusp of the famed
Algonquin Provincial Park. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had been to this cottage (40 minutes north-west
of Bancroft), as well as Algonquin Park many times in the past, but
never for anywhere near as long as the full-week vacation we planned
this time around. The extra time allowed me to spread
out many activities over the course of the week throughout the
beautiful backcountry.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Hiking: </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The cottage is located only a 5 min drive from the
start of the Algonquin Park ‘High Falls’ hiking trail. The trail snakes
through the forest on relatively flat terrain for about 1km before
becoming quite steep and rocky over the next 500m
or so. It eventually approaches some picturesque river rapids and ends
with a great view of High Falls. The falls are photo-worthy for sure,
but would never be confused with world famous Niagara Falls. We tried to
bring Florence along in her quite rugged stroller
(Bob Revolution SE), but once we got to the rocky portion there was no
hope and she had to be carried the rest of the way, something I can’t
really recommend for obvious reasons. After you get to the falls
opening, there are options to rock-hop along the riverbank
and also some side trails back into the forest to keep you occupied. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyBNaKWDwArgTD2igqbfxJeGKQRRsjYhbRjxPRAdyQ1Y7Q1Ea4Q4s_YFRT52HEP9ijkbQWeYoIT9kHNvUM8zzqJ9-wFHBH2LMR-vX7rRxgesDwumPq6m2VNg870NFO-WjGQ7D1OlCEEU/s1600/florence+the+explorer+trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyBNaKWDwArgTD2igqbfxJeGKQRRsjYhbRjxPRAdyQ1Y7Q1Ea4Q4s_YFRT52HEP9ijkbQWeYoIT9kHNvUM8zzqJ9-wFHBH2LMR-vX7rRxgesDwumPq6m2VNg870NFO-WjGQ7D1OlCEEU/s640/florence+the+explorer+trail.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrying Florence along the home stretch of the High Falls trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF04-o6FPcHXxdQhXOqjZW7ISngQUV9ugcLQFNrFSQvHFEaqsyxrzK7pMWjBZ-xSXuxTeGgeODXlhzcJ1HSMZw1PjcDUyr2BiZFHQnXEnKfySSIop0kiWBq3wAt1Nlbjz8G-JxAahyQSk/s1600/high+falls+rapids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF04-o6FPcHXxdQhXOqjZW7ISngQUV9ugcLQFNrFSQvHFEaqsyxrzK7pMWjBZ-xSXuxTeGgeODXlhzcJ1HSMZw1PjcDUyr2BiZFHQnXEnKfySSIop0kiWBq3wAt1Nlbjz8G-JxAahyQSk/s640/high+falls+rapids.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">The rapids at the bottom of the falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEtVg_E_ROLniBw4NLt4CEbUKjSy8jMXusq-jan-d919lP_fNfeMhvXhJDO0KYKMgwMzS3l8jxcvH5MJ0DHYVLFOl2acQRM8dXKzpW5MAKAjkD_YeGr2bYojnQ9cZtKsgmwJwKz9-NZ0/s1600/high+falls+algonquin+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEtVg_E_ROLniBw4NLt4CEbUKjSy8jMXusq-jan-d919lP_fNfeMhvXhJDO0KYKMgwMzS3l8jxcvH5MJ0DHYVLFOl2acQRM8dXKzpW5MAKAjkD_YeGr2bYojnQ9cZtKsgmwJwKz9-NZ0/s640/high+falls+algonquin+park.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Finally, the majestic High Falls </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Running:</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I set off one morning on a run that I had
planned out ahead of time via Google Maps. From the cottage road I headed due north about 2km to Kingscote Road. This is a 7km long dirt road that
eventually leads into Algonquin Park and an interior canoe
access point on Kingscote Lake. The 7k run across this road provided
some great views of marshlands and was easily the most “backwoods” I
have ever been, but runners beware: this is a logging route and massive
logging trucks can rip around the corner at any
time. I ran in the oncoming lane to avoid getting clipped from behind,
unless there is poor visibility ahead where I moved to the right to
avoid not being seen in time. The run was hilly and fairly grueling, but
ended with a beautiful view of the pristine
lake. In addition, I also ran some of the snowmobiling routes near the
High Falls trail entrance, these were much less challenging and
generally safer than the Kingscote segment.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemw7UZ7kzBAY-PwFQRifg11w_8rtUIXW5Ql_0W_rDwnIS9PpJgIRW5XjGve1l6ZarchpIHAkbz_o4GIq4ypITUJ1mMrBUsa1MlSpiHrK257SYBHhwrEZvGngsJRIKCEg9uOOMIvIvY2Q/s1600/kingscote+lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemw7UZ7kzBAY-PwFQRifg11w_8rtUIXW5Ql_0W_rDwnIS9PpJgIRW5XjGve1l6ZarchpIHAkbz_o4GIq4ypITUJ1mMrBUsa1MlSpiHrK257SYBHhwrEZvGngsJRIKCEg9uOOMIvIvY2Q/s640/kingscote+lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kingscote Lake, an official Algonquin Park interior launch point</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38bGY4yaTk3qXXf9FXAYJWJiYm7PqM86hSAqpbUyo1H1fFPDrrq4GYt_3ma32mG1eipv9_Kcz8MaCbRjthdYVJhcYxO2PEu6JmA5-YOhUSYpTh5McHr5uecp4zauVxpTKnzhlScQYhqg/s1600/elephant+lake+road+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38bGY4yaTk3qXXf9FXAYJWJiYm7PqM86hSAqpbUyo1H1fFPDrrq4GYt_3ma32mG1eipv9_Kcz8MaCbRjthdYVJhcYxO2PEu6JmA5-YOhUSYpTh5McHr5uecp4zauVxpTKnzhlScQYhqg/s640/elephant+lake+road+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elephant Lake Road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Kayaking:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Our cottage was right on the shores of Benior Lake,
so clearly some water sports were in good order. The provided kayak was
great for exploring the lake. In addition to the cottage our family was
staying at, we had two other family members that own cottages on the
same lake, so the kayak became a great method of zipping around to pop
in for lunch or just say hi. On our final full day I took up the
challenge to paddle to the north end of Benior and exit the lake via a
river leading into Algonquin
Park and eventually the High Falls rapids. It was about a 5km one-way
paddle of what can only be described as one of the most tranquil
settings I’ve ever experienced. The gentle winding river traversed
untouched wilderness before ending where the rapids began.
I settled into a small bay where High Falls hikers approach the rapids
and as timing worked out, met up with my parents who were doing the hike
at the time. The paddle back to the cottage was a challenge, however.
When I re-entered the lake it was much choppier
due to increased winds and the afternoon motorboat traffic. My
recreational kayak held up quite well in the added chop though, and my
tired arms were able to eventually power me back.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErNXETFBTKg9zj7GqYhKTw-DHJ7d9zKXzv_mhb2Tqj5UZY4g4LCwGLLkyYCOA1sWRkTcE_cM48Qa4kr5DwQG37j12dNeFuAugev9MhuRKK96pXP3A2M3qfy5ScZaYIpKkMD4ZsCSssto/s1600/kayak+algonquin+park+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErNXETFBTKg9zj7GqYhKTw-DHJ7d9zKXzv_mhb2Tqj5UZY4g4LCwGLLkyYCOA1sWRkTcE_cM48Qa4kr5DwQG37j12dNeFuAugev9MhuRKK96pXP3A2M3qfy5ScZaYIpKkMD4ZsCSssto/s640/kayak+algonquin+park+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering the serenity of Algonquin Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjkKCDhdatANM3GFjpIDlrzDPPbkymv8r7fHG0yWFtcD34yUsDJ2tD6EdLTOza8BhA3ixI5QarL1m9erPIJWGci0yC9-H1yV8NFOwhYfAcuEaAcGl6tzw17G0mJxTggS19KmuPmx6lXA/s1600/kayak+algonquin+park+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjkKCDhdatANM3GFjpIDlrzDPPbkymv8r7fHG0yWFtcD34yUsDJ2tD6EdLTOza8BhA3ixI5QarL1m9erPIJWGci0yC9-H1yV8NFOwhYfAcuEaAcGl6tzw17G0mJxTggS19KmuPmx6lXA/s640/kayak+algonquin+park+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clutch photo from my dad, hiking the trail at the same time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupyP5PXMKS81FdGVU32z3Kq_kzijWM05ZW4QhASgYnaMQTVtxrLO_3ad0UDCrz3gbdp96wE_nsvKwsk8xMM5U0KrlkzXFazP0Qg73hvC4NSxft1K1v3J4sHIc_73LsT6dZjoF6zWwJfw/s1600/kayak+algonquin+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupyP5PXMKS81FdGVU32z3Kq_kzijWM05ZW4QhASgYnaMQTVtxrLO_3ad0UDCrz3gbdp96wE_nsvKwsk8xMM5U0KrlkzXFazP0Qg73hvC4NSxft1K1v3J4sHIc_73LsT6dZjoF6zWwJfw/s640/kayak+algonquin+park.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end of my watery road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
General Cottage Thoughts:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our cottage, while a tad rustic was perfect for our
group. We had as many as 9 people staying in it and it never felt
crowded. Being on a septic system for a full week was a new experience,
but hey, it’s a cottage not the Four Seasons.
As mentioned Benior Lake is great for water sports like kayaking,
canoeing, jet skiing, tubing etc. It is large enough to leave a lot to
explore and to connect to other bodies, but small enough to easily get
to friends and family staying at other parts of
the lake. We had a shallow sandy beach which is perfect for small
children, but the sand turns to mud and seaweed pretty quickly once you
walk in. We did a bit of fishing but without much success. In the autumn
my aunt and uncle have caught massive musky,
but apparently the summer is a quiet time for the fish. Florence was a
bit too young to really partake in activities, but she had a great time
hanging out with everyone and checking out the forest and lake scenery
for the first time. As a cottage staple we
had amazing bonfires each night and thanks to mostly clear skies the
stars were just spectacular.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8oErIuhHibrhkMDWr2bw6srlWL09sREqbJWpi5a2UpfpKYyom6XgA6X5i0FHupwNiamozfG7v8LWnGxAsM9-xjhksmnUMV6EhKw7Yh04NwdGA0j3Bn8djvV1x-jfqVSGVhdZiGS8yig/s1600/benior+lake+morning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8oErIuhHibrhkMDWr2bw6srlWL09sREqbJWpi5a2UpfpKYyom6XgA6X5i0FHupwNiamozfG7v8LWnGxAsM9-xjhksmnUMV6EhKw7Yh04NwdGA0j3Bn8djvV1x-jfqVSGVhdZiGS8yig/s640/benior+lake+morning.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surreal calmness of Benior Lake in the morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyGsZp5XR_1tXR01pxXBrdtIJJUyqq8lKe4pmvMz4gOXZU8NttOfY-vPQ9-TxgASwkTiPqQfk6lqWy86yJIr9GcgmWqYsZ6ZnixPFViYujD8bqEzSansjz1wzA3m1l8tQN_jVXSL7ueE/s1600/benior+lake+dock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyGsZp5XR_1tXR01pxXBrdtIJJUyqq8lKe4pmvMz4gOXZU8NttOfY-vPQ9-TxgASwkTiPqQfk6lqWy86yJIr9GcgmWqYsZ6ZnixPFViYujD8bqEzSansjz1wzA3m1l8tQN_jVXSL7ueE/s640/benior+lake+dock.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just can't beat that dock life </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Bancroft: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After several days of cooking our own (abundantly carnivorous) meals, we decided to treat ourselves to a dinner out in Bancroft. About 40min from the cottage, Bancroft is the biggest town of substance in the area. It has all of the amenities a town should, a large grocery store, beer and liquor stores and a hardware store. It also has a quaint main drag with lots of little artsy shops. Unfortunately for us, the evening we arrived many of them were already closed for the day. For dinner we chose the Bancroft Eatery & Brew Pub which had some great eats and delicious local Ontario craft beef. After dinner we took a short drive up a steep road to the locally famous Bird's Nest lookout for a fantastic view of the town and surrounding forest.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cjvSqzxblkHfxRlpZMFgBWHgB7LR4MbtKNX7krQ2A-UlKV4P8SaLUZ6i7VhUPGjtJojZwfn4o5lf46Gc0-MZ2CCWqW4zsYfyV-UUVVApBX0q2voyCW2x1XDUgXR5IW93j0veLvBmvZY/s1600/florence+the+explorer+bancroft+birds+nest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cjvSqzxblkHfxRlpZMFgBWHgB7LR4MbtKNX7krQ2A-UlKV4P8SaLUZ6i7VhUPGjtJojZwfn4o5lf46Gc0-MZ2CCWqW4zsYfyV-UUVVApBX0q2voyCW2x1XDUgXR5IW93j0veLvBmvZY/s640/florence+the+explorer+bancroft+birds+nest.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/florence_the_explorer" target="_blank">Florence The Explorer</a> enjoying the view at Bird's Nest Lookout in Bancroft</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If you are considering a trip to Algonquin Park, check out my <a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2014/12/algonquin-park.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Want to know more about the cottage we booked? Check out their website <a href="http://cottageescape.ca/" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mike @ Palms & Pints </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://twitter.com/palmsandpints" target="_blank">@palmsandpints</a></div>
<br />Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-26007350096424290272016-07-21T10:09:00.001-07:002016-07-21T10:09:20.833-07:00Running Review: Virginia Beach BoardwalkA few weeks back I had the chance to visit Virginia Beach with my wife, young daughter Florence and some extended family. As I <a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2016/06/a-virginia-beach-family-vacation.html" target="_blank">outlined in my previous posting</a>, the trip was fantastic! A huge part of that trip (and really anywhere I go these days) was the running. Virginia Beach offers a fantastic cardio experience for runners of all abilities.<br /><br />The VB Boardwalk is 4.5km long (about 3 miles) from end to end
stretching from 40th Street at the north end to just below 2nd Street,
Rudee Inlet and Grommet Island Park to the south. The west side of the
route is flanked by various hotels, condos and restaurants while the
east side provides a beautiful view of the beach and mighty Atlantic.
Each end of the boardwalk provides a small loop to turn around and head
the opposite way. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxzdf3eMaxgrVgq_BkA63jHEL79NeyFO47KAtIly21uJCUXkPLz5n2-t1eUkUaejWt1NVmP4kbn0iBjiuPg1ZwW5Apz_cgr_MsKlGlIbPtGIK9W969dpuW0Oruw_FkJ2HKjcC6mesPKg/s1600/CAF94B40-CB74-4384-AE1D-CA1EB90A6630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxzdf3eMaxgrVgq_BkA63jHEL79NeyFO47KAtIly21uJCUXkPLz5n2-t1eUkUaejWt1NVmP4kbn0iBjiuPg1ZwW5Apz_cgr_MsKlGlIbPtGIK9W969dpuW0Oruw_FkJ2HKjcC6mesPKg/s640/CAF94B40-CB74-4384-AE1D-CA1EB90A6630.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boardwalk on a fantastic cloudless day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />A nice thing about the boardwalk you will notice right off the bat is the unique paths for pedestrian and cyclist traffic. This is not just a painted line down the middle of the concrete, but two distinct, separated lanes. This assists with congestion, especially during the high season. That being said I would still recommend getting your running in prior to 9am for the benefit of smaller crowds as well as avoiding the worst of the Virginia summer sun. <br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kZUieW2p9QS1Y8schlM4pVhSLr0PQJw5bCInFqpIXmRFLPWZU34IKLrZtK2QWbpCkV9_pv5r3t8mEKKSKkUzvYhDom3pZUHT5lcUBr06Co7OEvXUojrNioH2C-jhyphenhyphenUysBl-lTztd-Wk/s1600/CACCC863-AD3D-4FC5-A7F9-AA8DF865C31B.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kZUieW2p9QS1Y8schlM4pVhSLr0PQJw5bCInFqpIXmRFLPWZU34IKLrZtK2QWbpCkV9_pv5r3t8mEKKSKkUzvYhDom3pZUHT5lcUBr06Co7OEvXUojrNioH2C-jhyphenhyphenUysBl-lTztd-Wk/s640/CACCC863-AD3D-4FC5-A7F9-AA8DF865C31B.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the separate bike path in front of King Neptune</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />The boardwalk has a couple of features which help you visualize your location and progress during your run. Every street from 2nd to 40th is marked by a large sign where the boardwalk steps down to the beach, so if you get tired of counting kilometers you can count streets! Secondly, sitting at roughly the 3/4 mark of the boardwalk at 30th street is the mighty statue of King Neptune, the crown jewel in the Virginia Beach experience.<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHV8gv3fFDQ24YkQ-ORPPSFEZxASFiwiVx4P1USA1BkNOVfWXurrT_xCek3AXxonILobIWhV0tEHgrDZs_JOLIXzdP2XNRCklUggl3gKn-uD77zCNIC58CbQGkz8p4L-GIy93PmzIKP0/s1600/IMG_2074.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHV8gv3fFDQ24YkQ-ORPPSFEZxASFiwiVx4P1USA1BkNOVfWXurrT_xCek3AXxonILobIWhV0tEHgrDZs_JOLIXzdP2XNRCklUggl3gKn-uD77zCNIC58CbQGkz8p4L-GIy93PmzIKP0/s640/IMG_2074.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign marking 22nd street</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LM5Y-DR_C1abSo6IyW65zc2MEWWg1nRBPiYOBKe1ydNB_83HFGVTDn2BDhUyhxRUMbZC7izixtRzHwNa0SrFjojA5apNAjbHzKN6S6WcK2LtKLGDTwsBGiziStTOldf1t5fca6OPYI8/s1600/IMG_2108.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LM5Y-DR_C1abSo6IyW65zc2MEWWg1nRBPiYOBKe1ydNB_83HFGVTDn2BDhUyhxRUMbZC7izixtRzHwNa0SrFjojA5apNAjbHzKN6S6WcK2LtKLGDTwsBGiziStTOldf1t5fca6OPYI8/s640/IMG_2108.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mighty god of the sea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />In addition to running on the boardwalk, you also have the option of stepping into the sand and running directly on the beach. I did this for the first time in Punta Cana, and really there is nothing quite like a morning run admiring the waves, enjoying the breeze and having the surf gently (or not so gently) lap against your feet. If you are new to beach running you will surely feel some tightness or moderate discomfort in your shins or ankles the next day as your body adapts to using those additional stabilizing muscles. <br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkP7mXa32P2L6EV5zppl-Y6Mdc8qW_J7AEO__KpkKTc_1YOCRGeZxNbxQq5d9n9j7FmqfdicMxlz_qkNsg_y3JUScWfD5cU8wIX_-bqV7jW04g9Mo2Uy6OVDEDRzK02aIAfAbnq8JChk8/s1600/IMG_2022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkP7mXa32P2L6EV5zppl-Y6Mdc8qW_J7AEO__KpkKTc_1YOCRGeZxNbxQq5d9n9j7FmqfdicMxlz_qkNsg_y3JUScWfD5cU8wIX_-bqV7jW04g9Mo2Uy6OVDEDRzK02aIAfAbnq8JChk8/s640/IMG_2022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wide open, soft sand beach!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyCFUylj4W9i6-C5XCetk-yhC6uA0whKYItqqc4ZayahP_D8moMmXNcmL7YIDbodQhRg1R2wXdac49uNEpUUQbefCelyo4hHDQg2kFDUGA6XAB74I120o_M_eU1_HKHseA8Qk9KOm0ew/s1600/IMG_1997.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyCFUylj4W9i6-C5XCetk-yhC6uA0whKYItqqc4ZayahP_D8moMmXNcmL7YIDbodQhRg1R2wXdac49uNEpUUQbefCelyo4hHDQg2kFDUGA6XAB74I120o_M_eU1_HKHseA8Qk9KOm0ew/s640/IMG_1997.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing quite like this feeling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unlike Punta Cana or Miami, there are no fresh young coconuts available for your post-run electrolytes so be sure to pick up a few cans of coconut water before hand. <i>Coco Joy</i> is a fantastic tasting brand I discovered while in Virginia Beach at the local Target. As is the case with many popular tourist destinations, there are several Strava segments available on the main strip for you to see how you stack up! <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFq7BVUFgfW7jtG073UuRkXndP_cjYlUqCVhDDF5ooHkM39TV_7-H-hbbMkK2tR-OnNTiXQ1L_HAmvmEtb5IzyOqTeQ9M_-tr8aRfZIwx5vmVoCFxWYmErsjOg4Nqp0QVPJc6OPlu_XkE/s1600/IMG_2002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFq7BVUFgfW7jtG073UuRkXndP_cjYlUqCVhDDF5ooHkM39TV_7-H-hbbMkK2tR-OnNTiXQ1L_HAmvmEtb5IzyOqTeQ9M_-tr8aRfZIwx5vmVoCFxWYmErsjOg4Nqp0QVPJc6OPlu_XkE/s640/IMG_2002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-run selfie with the waves and fishing pier behind me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b>Pro Tip:</b> When you switch from boardwalk running to the beach, leave your shoes and socks by one of the tall lifeguard chairs. These are also marked based on street number so they are very easy to find again after your run.<br />
<br />
Mike @ Palms & Pints<br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/palmsandpints" target="_blank">@palmsandpints</a>Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-31209803069039211522016-06-30T19:08:00.001-07:002016-06-30T19:08:40.696-07:00A Virginia Beach Family Vacation I had the pleasure of visiting Virginia Beach earlier this month as the first vacation of my six-month old daughter’s young life. Planning this trip introduced me to the wide world of family travel, something I hadn’t really paid much attention to in the past. Joining my wife, daughter Florence and I on the adventure were my wife’s parents as well as my bother-in-law with his wife and two children, five and three. The 12 hour (15 with stops) road trip from southern Ontario wasn’t always easy with the little ones in our group, but hey the journey is half the fun and we all survived!<br /><br />When planning, we noticed that hotels along the boardwalk were quite expensive, with even mediocre-rated options well over $150 CAD per night. After some serious research we decided to book a rental property through VRBO. We chose a <a href="https://www.vrbo.com/805315">modern 4-bedroom townhouse</a> just a few minute walk from the center of the boardwalk and the beach. The home was gorgeous, location prime and given the aforementioned cost of a hotel, the value superb.<br /><br />The main activities in Virginia Beach center around the boardwalk and of course the beach. I absolutely loved their boardwalk. It stretches for about 4.5 KM along the Atlantic coast where a hub of activity is taking place from top to bottom. The weekend we arrived was the popular ‘Patriotic Festival’, and while we didn’t stick around for the country concert at night, I enjoyed checking out the military exhibit on the beach during the day. The highlight of which was a US Army hovercraft parked at the water’s edge which could be boarded and explored. The weekend we left was a major beach soccer tournament with teams from all over the world, so needless to say the strip was always action packed.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CSDzMaYQh-AroyMiHaL_0sJK4ev9Hdf9EGEEwG2AWh8BR9vQ-j3FDlcOVGKkcVJ63xSFc4u0YNcjvicg5domMFH3LqPPdVcI-CYo26kYpniogmj-YlNPqyXQdDx8rZHjgN-BIFZugR0/s1600/IMG_2102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CSDzMaYQh-AroyMiHaL_0sJK4ev9Hdf9EGEEwG2AWh8BR9vQ-j3FDlcOVGKkcVJ63xSFc4u0YNcjvicg5domMFH3LqPPdVcI-CYo26kYpniogmj-YlNPqyXQdDx8rZHjgN-BIFZugR0/s640/IMG_2102.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The impressive boardwalk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVafqTNvokSk0fuU1MbLpDJZEmEiOBuYYO8HYVj03FpGnk_vqYSQq1-fBKNb-wg8w5N1-OIcFT_2u6PeDxv60CgSxjJ0mjErSz49hFdmOpxjVLBfOH9RG2cCi3Jsw-T1UriO5NGo88pCk/s1600/IMG_1743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVafqTNvokSk0fuU1MbLpDJZEmEiOBuYYO8HYVj03FpGnk_vqYSQq1-fBKNb-wg8w5N1-OIcFT_2u6PeDxv60CgSxjJ0mjErSz49hFdmOpxjVLBfOH9RG2cCi3Jsw-T1UriO5NGo88pCk/s640/IMG_1743.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How often do you get to see one of these up close?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
Regardless of which events are going on, the crown jewel on the boardwalk is the statue of King Neptune, located just north of the centre of the strip at 30th street. Great photo op’s are abound around the mighty sea god, but be sure to come early as his section of the path gets quite crowded with camera-happy tourists in the afternoon. The boardwalk also features a bikes-only path which is great for cyclists and also keeps the main path free for walkers and runners. I ran the boardwalk several times in the week I was there and it definitely ranks up with <a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2015/09/8-unforgettable-running-experiences.html">some of the best running routes</a> I have done. (I will go more in-depth with my running experience in a follow-up post soon!).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOHmfVvoJbuKUWjh9kUWy6yf9TnaPSD6X6FOURy1VaOJDA4hoN9F3WXic6Z4NfaE-wk68c30haQu6U8RkmXvdEY2GdeiEoLKUDXfyvvUPL7Yz0RMB4qhLOlhBTOZ86lXU9wfkZVT22Z8/s1600/IMG_1411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOHmfVvoJbuKUWjh9kUWy6yf9TnaPSD6X6FOURy1VaOJDA4hoN9F3WXic6Z4NfaE-wk68c30haQu6U8RkmXvdEY2GdeiEoLKUDXfyvvUPL7Yz0RMB4qhLOlhBTOZ86lXU9wfkZVT22Z8/s640/IMG_1411.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mighty King Neptune</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V0PRRRm_-Xn0UldL6Yo66v_GMg8wWIhF8jM5eA4dKD9egPCRGkFgwXf7jBLvOQDtSu_3W1AJkDlNWkX5s_fok7hyphenhyphenXwJrLZMLnICPegPu7oFZo02N5NCVd1IhHT8-NirA59iu6swL0wU/s1600/IMG_1981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V0PRRRm_-Xn0UldL6Yo66v_GMg8wWIhF8jM5eA4dKD9egPCRGkFgwXf7jBLvOQDtSu_3W1AJkDlNWkX5s_fok7hyphenhyphenXwJrLZMLnICPegPu7oFZo02N5NCVd1IhHT8-NirA59iu6swL0wU/s640/IMG_1981.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing up my run on the beach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
Even more than the famous boardwalk, the beach itself is what drives most visitors to the Virginia shore. My favourite American beach to date is <a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2015/08/why-i-love-running-south-beach-boardwalk.html">Miami’s South Beach</a>, partially due to its size both in length and width. Virginia Beach is laid out very similarly, such that even on busy days there is an abundance of space to be had for all. The sand itself while not pearl white like beaches further south is very fine and soft, great for setting up a beach towel. The water is clean and refreshing, not the soup you get during a Florida summer but perfect for cooling off on an 80+ degree day. The surf varied quite a bit while we were there. Some days it being so choppy it was borderline dangerous to get in, and other days it doing little more than lapping the shore. <span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: arial; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: arial; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7jrbSNSaaoQeMBebwv9eAG8PbKaKpgDc_47vAn7ylsRDAJFdVKx0CxYS5g2EVGzY9kp9oO1CjtXALeeDcBZwl0t23tn83JslEStmB12dlVhJP_nGdOS9iqkEWY-14Da0Y4VKMQTJf2M/s1600/IMG_1774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7jrbSNSaaoQeMBebwv9eAG8PbKaKpgDc_47vAn7ylsRDAJFdVKx0CxYS5g2EVGzY9kp9oO1CjtXALeeDcBZwl0t23tn83JslEStmB12dlVhJP_nGdOS9iqkEWY-14Da0Y4VKMQTJf2M/s640/IMG_1774.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/florence_the_explorer/?hl=en" target="_blank">Baby Florence</a> enjoying her first trip to the beach!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAUIOJRjOgQPPFJiGQNVdsio_UUb0xmHd_pLRogRo71tQecSok3oRPdbfWF9kAID7prrWJFicmZ6HF747XMj4a6vREujC6Bbr5WLMfGqMhuG_oF4jBvWmSzPJzqKLbLMhqleqBTYmVwk/s1600/IMG_1827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAUIOJRjOgQPPFJiGQNVdsio_UUb0xmHd_pLRogRo71tQecSok3oRPdbfWF9kAID7prrWJFicmZ6HF747XMj4a6vREujC6Bbr5WLMfGqMhuG_oF4jBvWmSzPJzqKLbLMhqleqBTYmVwk/s640/IMG_1827.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beating the June heat in the refreshing ocean. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: arial; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span>
One street west from the boardwalk is Atlantic Ave which has your usual tourist hot spots including beach wear, souvenirs & ice cream. Worth a stroll early in your trip to pick up anything you may have forgotten at home. There are a few drifters and homeless people on Atlantic as well as the boardwalk, but other than asking for change as you walk by they are not really bothersome.<br /><br />From what we were told from others who have visited Virginia Beach, (or really any beach town in the US), ‘happy hour’ eats and drinks are a must. I enjoyed more than my fair share of delicious oysters and pints at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g58277-d443457-r382438316-Mahi_Mah_s_Seafood_Restaurant-Virginia_Beach_Virginia.html#REVIEWS">Mahi Mah’s Restaurant</a> at the south end of the boardwalk. Sadly, we were not as impressed with some of our evening dinner outings, even at restaurants very well reviewed on TripAdvisor. Lucky for us we had a full kitchen in our house and some great cooks in the family to ensure we were never short on good eats from home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5ClSskLzLstS7sQqp68tjd4y4hvHKY2KaUknaOrVsGNUDhxYb_LrhEtJsRFK9pvBBPtPBg8ZlkiZzcSHttVCmHUnlxmLy3Vc2w5rinXL8o4VWrQ8gzBZQr5G4pLqcxbXG63-G6Cbs1Y/s1600/IMG_1763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5ClSskLzLstS7sQqp68tjd4y4hvHKY2KaUknaOrVsGNUDhxYb_LrhEtJsRFK9pvBBPtPBg8ZlkiZzcSHttVCmHUnlxmLy3Vc2w5rinXL8o4VWrQ8gzBZQr5G4pLqcxbXG63-G6Cbs1Y/s640/IMG_1763.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oysters, the culinary highlight of the trip!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />For a break from the beach and boardwalk life my father-in-law and I went on a couple cycling adventures. The first was to Sandbridge Beach just south of Virginia Beach. While it looked like a nice beach to stay at, I wouldn’t recommend traveling there for a day trip as it’s basically the same as the main beach, just without the action. The ride there wasn’t great either as about half of it was on a very busy main road. Far more cyclist-friendly routes are surely out there. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLKyWIsDwQHzhC4fS6WxfIwIdH6E5AXvthluj48PDNBkABSqe_FMUFPCa3q1-nVMuNpnO_TSDAPtUgSuUPyMSP_6zWLonh8MSndQiN87V2yimuYvi8Z4w2ICudW9IJTs2spxErf6Xrq4/s1600/IMG_1409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLKyWIsDwQHzhC4fS6WxfIwIdH6E5AXvthluj48PDNBkABSqe_FMUFPCa3q1-nVMuNpnO_TSDAPtUgSuUPyMSP_6zWLonh8MSndQiN87V2yimuYvi8Z4w2ICudW9IJTs2spxErf6Xrq4/s640/IMG_1409.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neptune amongst the palms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br />Our second outing took us 10KM north to the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse. Unbeknownst to us, you must check in at a guarded military gate before proceeding to the lighthouse. This was a little intimidating as we suddenly rode up to a group of a dozen or so military personnel, but they were very friendly and gave us all the info we needed to get to our destination. For a cost of $8.00 I was able to climb to the top which was fun and provided some nice views of Chesapeake Bay. If you have any sort of claustrophobia or fear of heights the climb may not be for you, just as a quick word of warning! There is also an abundance of outdoor activities available in nearby First Landing State Park, but we were eager to return to the beach thus did not do much after the lighthouse visit. Later in the trip we played a round of jungle-themed mini golf complete with near-life size animals, palm trees, tropical mists and even a volcano! The kids in our group loved it, as did the ultra-competitive rec sports adult (me!). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXf3Hi_yW2_V2QBZEveaffiXvB0Dg5m29pckHw2QTSQ8UlrylcFRQki60t9rBmDdycfcOwdce7wkxb7l0c7xYoF2WqlMyyRCAiQbUCQyCvv2LbLH-330-eUwFwKR8VZAuPJkbrKIT5HsM/s1600/IMG_1864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXf3Hi_yW2_V2QBZEveaffiXvB0Dg5m29pckHw2QTSQ8UlrylcFRQki60t9rBmDdycfcOwdce7wkxb7l0c7xYoF2WqlMyyRCAiQbUCQyCvv2LbLH-330-eUwFwKR8VZAuPJkbrKIT5HsM/s640/IMG_1864.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new lighthouse and Chesapeake Bay as seen from the top of the old lighthouse. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwCBZ2EhjOD7yu89Ktbbt-3QSatWrDcYzk_JubsXhSrfIWDIqdRFZkELwLnGaD6u90VSbHdAJaqlPusdWz7-NqrPyQQT-pP6aqAH4zq9CzZuwqrVOEFA9JNq20x1OArl6hiH5CP92EIU/s1600/IMG_1941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwCBZ2EhjOD7yu89Ktbbt-3QSatWrDcYzk_JubsXhSrfIWDIqdRFZkELwLnGaD6u90VSbHdAJaqlPusdWz7-NqrPyQQT-pP6aqAH4zq9CzZuwqrVOEFA9JNq20x1OArl6hiH5CP92EIU/s640/IMG_1941.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sofia lining up a putt alongside a volcano!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
Virginia Beach is a fantastic vacation spot and perfect for young families. My beach town bucket list is still pretty full (Myrtle Beach, Panama City Beach & South Padre Island to name a few), but I know this surely wasn’t my last visit to the land of Neptune.<br /><br />Mike @ Palms & Pints <br /><a href="http://twitter.com/palmsandpints">@palmsandpints</a></div>
Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-29441819706676434642016-05-31T10:40:00.000-07:002016-05-31T13:59:08.010-07:00Running Review: Lake Ontario Waterfront <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Running in my southwest Mississauga neighbourhood (west of
Toronto) is something I have done regularly for 3 years now. I had a couple of
suburban routes ranging from 6 -10km which I would rotate through depending on
the length of run I was looking for. All of these routes had one thing in
common… they were boring! A mix of residential, commercial and industrial roads
designed to be endured more than enjoyed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year I have been pushing closer to a half-marathon
distance, running lengths of 12, 15 and even 18km when I’m feeling up to it.
This extra distance has expanded my running radius from the neighbourhood
streets to the banks of Lake Ontario.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As boasted in <a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2015/09/8-unforgettable-running-experiences.html" target="_blank">an earlier post</a>, I have run in some pretty cool coastal locations such as Miami Beach, Punta Cana &
Malta. While I’m not about to compare residential Lake Ontario to any of these
world class destinations, I will say I have been amazed with the beautiful views
and serene atmosphere of the waterfront running offered right in my own neck of
the woods.<br />
<br />
Our neighbourhood of Clarkson sits smack in the middle of two affluent lakeside
communities in the Greater Toronto Area... Oakville & Port Credit. Oakville
offers runners over half a dozen beautiful waterfront expanses, from the
tiny Arkendo Park to the bustling beach at Coronation Park. Perhaps my favorite
location in Oakville is the expertly landscaped Gairloch Gardens, complete with
its own palm tree in the summer! To the east there is Port Credit with its
action packed harbour, plethora of restaurants and cafes and its pier extending
out from the mouth of the Credit River into Lake Ontario.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In between these two locations is Rattray Marsh Conservation Area. A protected wetland with walking/hiking/running trails leading through a forested marsh and ending with a fantastic view of the lake. <br />
<br />
It turns out you don’t have to travel to Europe or the
Caribbean to experience the zen of running with the calming waves and
vastness of open water. Here are a few of my favorite photographs of runs
alongside underappreciated Lake Ontario! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7HyMI-GBtDOkSyWpDmNRAy2AyENZfQHXho7woikjRZOtOJrlDjQycw7hR1s_U69j6jy0OwsFXARY9MODtThYUNqUoMCKC6VWa54wvrcPMJmXx7LWSCWkW4u327gJ9fqN_P-qYjaWR_U/s1600/IMG_1085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7HyMI-GBtDOkSyWpDmNRAy2AyENZfQHXho7woikjRZOtOJrlDjQycw7hR1s_U69j6jy0OwsFXARY9MODtThYUNqUoMCKC6VWa54wvrcPMJmXx7LWSCWkW4u327gJ9fqN_P-qYjaWR_U/s640/IMG_1085.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's not quite powdery white beach sand, but it sure beats a busy road.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSSv0P57yBazH7S05bu_Y2qnqwDcIE0KVrYqqBQ8RSuZP_tyN4xpIQeGA88Yed9PiGbE1p1CqmNQNdTRF4f0Oy1-iuai8ijEcduM8Thp0iRtlUWj5dCcKhLbaeWJHFVCiF9dZLSeswOc/s1600/IMG_1375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSSv0P57yBazH7S05bu_Y2qnqwDcIE0KVrYqqBQ8RSuZP_tyN4xpIQeGA88Yed9PiGbE1p1CqmNQNdTRF4f0Oy1-iuai8ijEcduM8Thp0iRtlUWj5dCcKhLbaeWJHFVCiF9dZLSeswOc/s640/IMG_1375.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atlantic Ocean-like waves on a windy day! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8-xHSROkrrpZkKHnROqgfnrhX4xjHEOt0f_CjHdqRUWnhbc34AluT2jvEy5cRs_cbkBBgpvXNFfOmaLmjpQHHHzhr0xH_pVNf-rWiZsr36ufhQ0s9lPFcKKAvLgaCRCbPxn447O_Xew/s1600/IMG_1423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8-xHSROkrrpZkKHnROqgfnrhX4xjHEOt0f_CjHdqRUWnhbc34AluT2jvEy5cRs_cbkBBgpvXNFfOmaLmjpQHHHzhr0xH_pVNf-rWiZsr36ufhQ0s9lPFcKKAvLgaCRCbPxn447O_Xew/s640/IMG_1423.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to beautiful Gairloch Gardens in Oakville.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacM9i1zbZUaMT02L-IhXhyOEcbBdNnNIs4JLm4hkstts8H_4Frd7-x6DVGGt6Al2J5AponamOw5AYKjhyhwxTLe69f9PSfcz1UWe8_dzjd68NNXpXPAPdguImMbQ2xoaHB-hNdgfBz0U/s1600/IMG_1574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacM9i1zbZUaMT02L-IhXhyOEcbBdNnNIs4JLm4hkstts8H_4Frd7-x6DVGGt6Al2J5AponamOw5AYKjhyhwxTLe69f9PSfcz1UWe8_dzjd68NNXpXPAPdguImMbQ2xoaHB-hNdgfBz0U/s640/IMG_1574.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahh the majestic palm tree... first time I have seen one in Ontario!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlLIVIZcjM1VeJrEmePIdOy4ch2teQVIrGg3pya5wF_cGA_ULpj4qCI6JtcFmJGaET3l9cZ2IKYg0yJ_ox2Rna3PRAeXnGJ8IdX-hU2BO3bk311MiSuyI7xEP-6T8jBr3TsAez1bkGQ4/s1600/IMG_1470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlLIVIZcjM1VeJrEmePIdOy4ch2teQVIrGg3pya5wF_cGA_ULpj4qCI6JtcFmJGaET3l9cZ2IKYg0yJ_ox2Rna3PRAeXnGJ8IdX-hU2BO3bk311MiSuyI7xEP-6T8jBr3TsAez1bkGQ4/s640/IMG_1470.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A ship and the Toronto skyline in the distance. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3I0sM_He-Nws87Y6vrjr6_yW4dFDviCCcA8xP-RjZ2g7_73O8VTMZom5TCo4s9jQNn39xWT-ivjSznXzPqoF_IukyrkTi6Mio_STE130lSWhDbZw8C1ZZFXX72jYqIJoeaG9p6ykOCA/s1600/IMG_0967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3I0sM_He-Nws87Y6vrjr6_yW4dFDviCCcA8xP-RjZ2g7_73O8VTMZom5TCo4s9jQNn39xWT-ivjSznXzPqoF_IukyrkTi6Mio_STE130lSWhDbZw8C1ZZFXX72jYqIJoeaG9p6ykOCA/s640/IMG_0967.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port Credit - the end of the pier </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
Mike @ Palms & Pints <br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/palmsandpints" target="_blank">@palmsandpints</a></div>
Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-26039716398616972392016-04-23T04:51:00.000-07:002016-04-25T10:43:51.827-07:00Everything Great About Airports<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
A friend of mine whom is constantly on the road making his living in a sales field once told me of how much he hates airports. Between the line-ups, the paper work and the hauling of luggage to kingdom come (or the next terminal at DFW), he has associated these hubs of long range travel with the same ill-will that the average commuter would place upon a big city highway at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_964633129" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">5:30pm</span></span>. This couldn’t be further from how I feel about airports.<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
I don’t work in sales and I have never had to travel for work. Also because of my job (which is steady, well-paying and one that I consider myself lucky to have) I don’t have the opportunity to jet-set around the world like some of the “digital nomads” we all love to read about online. The vacation time I have accrued allows me to take maybe two major trips per year. The good part about such infrequent travel is for one, the time I have on my side to plan the perfect vacation, and maybe more importantly the scarcity allows me to <i>fully</i> appreciate all that contributes to the magic of travel, of which the airport experience is an integral part.<u></u><u></u><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYfn23UGOvkSRpCRnIMdepFuuxtmPOk3gMJ2S_M1-Y3m3aUoTYWdUJ4Lql40DHhfesoTXEm0YqNsMG8_CAjmk0FJsaWfHDynYAwcROgpu2183ASp5T6z7P6tGMEORZNIayGJGNVolI7U/s1600/IMG_4598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYfn23UGOvkSRpCRnIMdepFuuxtmPOk3gMJ2S_M1-Y3m3aUoTYWdUJ4Lql40DHhfesoTXEm0YqNsMG8_CAjmk0FJsaWfHDynYAwcROgpu2183ASp5T6z7P6tGMEORZNIayGJGNVolI7U/s640/IMG_4598.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love getting up close and personal with one of these beauties </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">With my selective memory conveniently blocking out painful customs lines and the occasional flight delay, here is everything I love about airports and airplanes:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>The <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_964633130" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">4am</span></span> Wakeup Call<u></u><u></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
…and leaving the house well before sunrise. I don’t do this when I go to work. I surely don’t do this on the weekend. I only do this when I’m going to the airport. Thus <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_964633131" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">4am</span></span> wake-up call = vacation!<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>The Departure Board<u></u><u></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
Call me weird but sometimes I just love to stand in front of this thing and imagine all of the different places I could get to in a matter of hours. I could be in Lima for lunch or Delhi for dinner.<u></u><u></u><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqK_2NaUuAR1wVR5QuOaZjm3NT0EdlkUrgdHrPlVhZqaP976H1xne0Q6LhELZLIMvW_Nc-pbldDh30n_FiO85qx4N55ifPlBIXPL8AqgHeOwIp9A-b4P7WKBH9M6ianTiaD3cZBXbgFlA/s1600/IMG_3695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqK_2NaUuAR1wVR5QuOaZjm3NT0EdlkUrgdHrPlVhZqaP976H1xne0Q6LhELZLIMvW_Nc-pbldDh30n_FiO85qx4N55ifPlBIXPL8AqgHeOwIp9A-b4P7WKBH9M6ianTiaD3cZBXbgFlA/s640/IMG_3695.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, the places you can go...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-size: 11pt;">The Obligatory Facebook Airport Check-in</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
Remember all those times sitting at your desk eating leftovers, reading about who’s about to takeoff to Europe? Well now it’s my turn, and you’re getting an Eiffel Tower emoji with that too!<br />
<b><br />The Duty Free</b><u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
So what if I will have no shortage of opportunity to buy cheap booze while <i>at</i> my destination. I’m at the airport, I’m on vacation and dammit I’m going to at least look at all of the bottles and cigars. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<b>The Airline’s Destination Map<u></u><u></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
Similar to the destination board, look at all the places you can go! Beautifully illustrated with hub-and-spoke airports all over the map. I also enjoy the layout maps of the hub airports and info about the airline’s fleet. Other than Skymall, this is the pinnacle of inflight reading. Oh ya, Skymall!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWGF0HYolyw-nkStOU8T_-hIUuEZwzcOrz6v0-GN4nVR4x1b_zj2Z7Bzzs4iQqo60k2sZJHDWjECw08KSUFbKb2of6aJDL6zIQszHq5L7vZCcis80l2ixGD_k5qCLt610PNrGjFLZ-ig/s1600/IMG_3696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWGF0HYolyw-nkStOU8T_-hIUuEZwzcOrz6v0-GN4nVR4x1b_zj2Z7Bzzs4iQqo60k2sZJHDWjECw08KSUFbKb2of6aJDL6zIQszHq5L7vZCcis80l2ixGD_k5qCLt610PNrGjFLZ-ig/s640/IMG_3696.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unleashing my inner geography nerd on every flight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Skymall<u></u><u></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
No real explanation required. I will never buy a cat house or a Boston Red Sox themed BBQ set, but these are fun to look at for 5 minutes from the window seat.<u></u><u></u><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSQx6DGeiNXSrf8U7rbxQIsp-3g9HHenuF2VwBTYitHS0w3gQT601etBv-0cH_nsIzwf9W9PoCreDcL3ynBO5ZWOjCJjoCm3IR0VWM7JnTSWV5CeKH11o0f8mKVv0wTy66i9C5AKotb4/s1600/IMG_2483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSQx6DGeiNXSrf8U7rbxQIsp-3g9HHenuF2VwBTYitHS0w3gQT601etBv-0cH_nsIzwf9W9PoCreDcL3ynBO5ZWOjCJjoCm3IR0VWM7JnTSWV5CeKH11o0f8mKVv0wTy66i9C5AKotb4/s640/IMG_2483.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopping at it's finest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b><br /></b>
<b>The Views<u></u><u></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
I know, the major portion of an 8-hour trans-Atlantic flight is pretty damn boring, but man those views from above during take-off and descent are stunning.<u></u><u></u><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIy44EGIhmO9FKddl4EC2MR2cuy6n_1rwA2zFS-P0v3cSIDbrKVRcI3CLjURhjl5J4LjfTFh0dm5WcTex8UU-XOUvKo27yH8J0m0IdB2g5GEFv8ks2cs4c-SfJ4q5ONQ4HbBRnO6zEFV4/s1600/IMG_4265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIy44EGIhmO9FKddl4EC2MR2cuy6n_1rwA2zFS-P0v3cSIDbrKVRcI3CLjURhjl5J4LjfTFh0dm5WcTex8UU-XOUvKo27yH8J0m0IdB2g5GEFv8ks2cs4c-SfJ4q5ONQ4HbBRnO6zEFV4/s640/IMG_4265.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mediterranean is a sight from above</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-size: 11pt;">Deplaning</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
This only really applies when flying to the tropics. The heat and humidity you feel when stepping off the plane in Miami or Punta Cana is awesome, especially when there is no tunnel and you step off right on to the tarmac in the mid-day sun. #Summertimeandthelivinseasy<br />
<br />
Mike @ Palms & Pints<br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/palmsandpints">@palmsandpints</a></div>
Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-30596527097015509522016-04-04T18:50:00.001-07:002016-04-06T06:21:47.240-07:00Essentials for the Travelling Runner<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-534fd7e3-e1a8-8f15-255f-1d9970a33f64" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">For more than five years running has been a huge part of my life. I have developed a love for the sport such that not even the deep freeze of winter or piercing humidity of summer can keep me off the road, (and living in the Toronto-area ensures I see plenty of both!). In fact, my general mental well being of the day, especially on weekends, is often directly related to whether or not I completed my morning run.</span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaEQWDCAdhPJK_uI5fwV-ZmtdNltTTvLGbLrj4cYIgsCqW5MVU5Fi5xK8rXFCSLid08jyS9CHuHKsUzQAIL0t-9DdwmJdv_YwUTSz4qgu54wq6fvnOCVv9ZNQQM-6DcHVoQJaBWwhTtM/s1600/running+in+the+cold.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaEQWDCAdhPJK_uI5fwV-ZmtdNltTTvLGbLrj4cYIgsCqW5MVU5Fi5xK8rXFCSLid08jyS9CHuHKsUzQAIL0t-9DdwmJdv_YwUTSz4qgu54wq6fvnOCVv9ZNQQM-6DcHVoQJaBWwhTtM/s400/running+in+the+cold.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bundled to run on the coldest day of 2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Naturally, when the time comes for vacation, the activity doesn’t stop. Running, whether at the beach, in the big city, or on a back-country trail, is my favorite way to experience a new locale. I have written in the past about the <a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2015/08/why-i-love-running-south-beach-boardwalk.html">benefits </a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2015/08/why-i-love-running-south-beach-boardwalk.html">to running while traveling</a>, so that is not the focus of this posting. Instead I’d like to offer up a list of the “essential” items any runner needs with a bit of extra focus on running while abroad. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1) A GPS tracking device</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">There are a few options here. The most popular of which (especially amongst newer runners) is a smartphone. This is something that the majority of us already own, so all that is needed is an armband to secure it. Don’t worry about data roaming charges, as GPS tracking does not use data (only loading the maps does). When you are back on a Wi-Fi network you can review the details of your route. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhgNr6hIpTgfhlPknCyPQfA5YF5XVPrSNE5QVCKUFwndIXnzpAXL2eaB4acRZDym-ioZIYBMRQWUVx3gpt5VDW6VEWsR26PhAoog8mSLF9duIjwyQe-tPWFyWOXQD8hTXn-fP16I-tUA/s1600/running+barca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhgNr6hIpTgfhlPknCyPQfA5YF5XVPrSNE5QVCKUFwndIXnzpAXL2eaB4acRZDym-ioZIYBMRQWUVx3gpt5VDW6VEWsR26PhAoog8mSLF9duIjwyQe-tPWFyWOXQD8hTXn-fP16I-tUA/s640/running+barca.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trusty iPhone on my arm, tracking my running route in Barcelona</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The second option is a dedicated GPS smart watch. These range in price from a couple hundred to over a thousand dollars. They allow you to track your route and other stats on the fly without the need to carry your phone with you. On one hand this is useful if you are worried about your phone being lost or stolen, but on the flip side it’s always a safe practice to have your phone accessible when running in unfamiliar territory, just in case. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2) A Heart Rate Monitor </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Some of the aforementioned GPS watches include a wrist-based heart rate monitor (HRM). This is great for walks, light hikes and other moderate exercise, but for runs when your pulse is pounding at 160+ BPM, the accuracy of a chest-based unit is unmatched. Whichever route you go, a HRM is the best way to ensure you know just how hard you are pushing yourself. When running in new areas where the temperature, elevation change or terrain is harsher than you are used to, it is very important to keep tabs on your body’s limits. A basic HRM should set you back no more than $100-$150, which is more than worth the value it provides. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3) Running App/Website </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A running app or website will take the data from your run and translate it into several statistical and graphical breakdowns for you to review. Even at a basic level it will show you your total distance, route, pace, time and more. I highly recommend the app/website <a href="http://strava.com/">Strava</a>, as it contains not only all of this info but also allows you to compare your time in certain sections of road or trail all over the world with others who have run it. Imagine seeing how your time running the perimeter of Central Park or along sections of the famous Boston Marathon compares to those from all over the world! </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4) Music</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This is an obvious one, but oh so important. Make sure your phone or iPod has a great playlist lined up with songs that will keep you moving and feeling good. Get creative and build a list of tunes that matches your location like British rock in London or jammin’ Latin beats for your beach run down south. The stock Apple ear buds are great for this use, but I find a head band or hat is required to keep them securely in the ears. Even with the tunes pumping, always be aware of your surroundings, especially when running near live traffic or at night. <br /><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7ghbPL0jL34XnKczOukKcxqzgofxa77Dturni_HwB8ixFYB6SWxIHoURCN-LzZbjst37UodYjh_TRx4lVunf6GVJA3HrFXMCa1MfVZlJZooC7_FrbWgkV5K1yWpzogh_J426ukKMGho/s1600/running+punta+cana.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7ghbPL0jL34XnKczOukKcxqzgofxa77Dturni_HwB8ixFYB6SWxIHoURCN-LzZbjst37UodYjh_TRx4lVunf6GVJA3HrFXMCa1MfVZlJZooC7_FrbWgkV5K1yWpzogh_J426ukKMGho/s640/running+punta+cana.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick selfie during a beautiful beach run in Dominican Republic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><b><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></i></b><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Here are some other tips when running on vacation</i>:</span></i><b><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">-If your accommodations do not include laundry facilities, bring a plastic bag to seal your sweaty running clothes in. You definitely do not want to stink up the rest of your luggage. You can also give them a quick rinse in the bathtub and hang dry them on your balcony if the room/weather allow it. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">-Ask your hotel concierge if they know of any great running routes nearby. If your hotel is in a touristy city/area, they are likely asked that question all the time and will be happy to help. It may save you from a dangerous run in a dicey neighborhood or at the very least boring one in an commercial/industrial part of town.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">-Use the local geography as part of your post-run reward. Whether that be a dip ocean as an instant cool down, or replenishing your electrolytes with water from a coconut cut fresh from the tree.</span></div>
<br />
Mike @ Palms & Pints<br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/palmsandpints">@palmsandpints</a>Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-63459723997600838122016-02-23T19:12:00.002-08:002016-02-24T07:32:40.159-08:00Travel Disappointments <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">My <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">favorite</span> type of travel blogger is an honest travel
blogger. As great as it is to read about 101 ways in which a particular city,
country, attraction or adventure blew your mind, it is so refreshing to hear
from fellow bloggers about why a travel experience fell short. I think too
often travelers shy away from criticism, even constructive criticism of their
travels because they either are trying to avoid offending a local who may be
reading, or they don’t want to admit to themselves that the trip they planned
meticulously for many months was anything but perfect.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The reason I cancelled my subscription to a popular travel
magazine was due to this “everything is always A+” mentality. The final straw
with said magazine was when they featured an article praising a new Paris hotel
as the epitome of chic luxury and a ‘game changer in the city’… only to
discover that reviews on TripAdvisor (i.e. the closest you are going to get to
impartialism) said the hotel was overpriced and underwhelming.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With that in mind, I would like to present my ‘<i><b>Top 5 Travel
Disappointments</b></i>’ (in no particular order):</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<h4 class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Disclaimer: These are mostly locations that I have visited
only<b> </b>once. It’s quite possible that any number of variables such
as time of year, weather, travel mates, my own mental state at the time of the
visit or just poor luck could have cast a negative light on my experience. Thus
it should be considered that if I visited these locations again the result may
very well be different.</span></i></span></h4>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Olympiapark in Munich, Germany</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I will preface by saying I loved Munich, the beautiful
architecture, the Bavarian culture and of course the world famous beer. The
Olympiapark, however, was a letdown. What may have been a world class facility
built for the 1972 Summer Olympics now just looks dull and dated over 40 years
later. I’m sure there would have been more activities going on if we had
visited during the warmer months (we were there in February) but even so, we
found it offered little to justify the train trip to get there. It was a lot of
walking around uninspiring buildings and average landscaping. Walking time that
would have been much better allocated to the city’s beautiful old streets. The only
thing we found moderately interesting were the views of the city and the
distant German Alps from the top of the Olympic Tower, but when you factor in
the cost of th<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">is</span> it is still a part of Munich worth skipping.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gOXG_-dAy_mj1hbqZ-HN3LqegcfqXCOFImV-vCGYZYZCLj-WxH9JMzTe-4Sb2sTDurcfKjbETV-1F5nHMgTj8BIzTcJVd_vqbef83QPD5-PSpLBYh1KEzMc_BnhRgqyrgvFMWLbKw40/s1600/IMG_0596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gOXG_-dAy_mj1hbqZ-HN3LqegcfqXCOFImV-vCGYZYZCLj-WxH9JMzTe-4Sb2sTDurcfKjbETV-1F5nHMgTj8BIzTcJVd_vqbef83QPD5-PSpLBYh1KEzMc_BnhRgqyrgvFMWLbKw40/s640/IMG_0596.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Alpine view was the highlight of this day trip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></b>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Los Haitises National Park, Dominican Republic</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">This was a somewhat expensive day tour offered through our
vacation provider while we were staying in the Samana region of DR. While the
boat ride through Samana Bay to the park was enjoyable and there were some
impressive views of islands and cliffs upon entering the park, the caves they
took us to were not overly exciting. The history here is interesting and we
were told the area was used as a filming location for some major Hollywood
productions, but we didn’t really see what the big deal was. The caves were
littered with graffiti from past visitors which pulls you right out of the
natural environment the guide is trying to convey. The caves were also
relatively small and packed way too tightly with several tour groups at once.
Maybe if you arrived via private boat and cruised around the islands and
cliffs while enjoying a rum cocktail this would be a fun experience, but I
wouldn’t recommend booking the group tour offered through your vacation
provider.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyUP50hCcBRdE4_I99uAqxDck-B4qA-XORutEE6FCTc9wMBgu0mTvhjpNABhxJOxcIxEa9UbJ3xk42xFeT0rTYwxbLp2NGn9t1FRf3hbRY_VcmTUFIG14K55nEuOYk-eytF8btgGelM8/s1600/IMG_1863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyUP50hCcBRdE4_I99uAqxDck-B4qA-XORutEE6FCTc9wMBgu0mTvhjpNABhxJOxcIxEa9UbJ3xk42xFeT0rTYwxbLp2NGn9t1FRf3hbRY_VcmTUFIG14K55nEuOYk-eytF8btgGelM8/s640/IMG_1863.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Impressive islands, caves not so much</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></b>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The Food of Venice, Italy</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Venice is a magical and unique city and something every
traveler needs to experience at least once. The food however, I cannot
recommend. Like many major European cities (especially in Italy) it is overrun with expensive, low-quality tourist trap restaurants that prey on travelers
that just don’t know any better. After finding this out the hard way the first
night, we did some serious</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> TripAdvisor</i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> research and looked for dinner
spots a little off the beaten track that were well reviewed. While these places
were definitely much better quality, the Venetian cuisine was just not to our
tastes. Instead of the classic Italian we all know and love, it was something
different with influences of its trading partners over the centuries like Turkey.
Sounds exotic and exciting I know, but I’ll take a classic Napoletana pizza any
day while in Italy. Even the quick-service food was disappointing. Sandwiches
that looked like they had been sitting under a heat lamp all day were selling
for 12 Euro, go figure! Our best culinary experience in Venice came from the
great selection of meats and cheeses we bought from a local deli and ate in our
hotel room. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuruuuSZMbNiif2XKLLvaXcng9xQLq0JPk4unRnXstHSuIfwkTsmNKToVe_lLPHtAVANNjjfa01rAwpKY-u_NtLFMPzcMA8xz0MWisCaKd-8W98nM_sckTUeyLxR-KBwihQvVTp0m9Spk/s1600/IMG_0913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuruuuSZMbNiif2XKLLvaXcng9xQLq0JPk4unRnXstHSuIfwkTsmNKToVe_lLPHtAVANNjjfa01rAwpKY-u_NtLFMPzcMA8xz0MWisCaKd-8W98nM_sckTUeyLxR-KBwihQvVTp0m9Spk/s640/IMG_0913.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If only we had a kitchen to cook our own meals in Venice, then we would be set!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Tampa, Florida</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I have been to Tampa a couple of times, either to see a
Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game or as a base to explore the nearby gulf coast
beaches. Lightning games are a blast, but if you are going for the beach do
yourself a favor and stay </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">on</i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> the beach. Driving from Tampa to Clearwater
Beach or St. Pete’s Beach is not as close as you might think, and if you
encounter any traffic along the way you are in for a frustrating drive/parking
search. I found the city itself lacked offerings for the intrepid traveler. The
historic Ybor City area with its cigar-making past is kinda cool, but other
than the highly recommended Tampa Bay Brewing Company, we were hard pressed to
find anything in the area that interested us. After the Lightning game we
wandered around downtown looking for a good bar, but everything was closing up.
I love the state of Florida, mostly because of <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">i<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">t's</span></span> world class beaches.
If you are looking for a city trip with sightseeing, dining options, bars etc.
there are many more better suited cities in America.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1i2R0fM6p-bCEdxchPo_hD3Q7ihizVb6Mub2KQKqWWpuFW-5a0PovmZD6R_8HkV9974vnVXg5CSGPw-ZL-dDcny_FWDQi1Lpjk8Pyd-UYm8uFPL4lAehB79ysE-V_qP6IX9c3t84KwM/s1600/IMG_2653.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1i2R0fM6p-bCEdxchPo_hD3Q7ihizVb6Mub2KQKqWWpuFW-5a0PovmZD6R_8HkV9974vnVXg5CSGPw-ZL-dDcny_FWDQi1Lpjk8Pyd-UYm8uFPL4lAehB79ysE-V_qP6IX9c3t84KwM/s640/IMG_2653.PNG" width="430" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good old fashioned traffic trying to get from Tampa to Clearwater Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Valletta, Malta</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">First and foremost, Malta is one of my favorite European
countries that I have had the chance to visit. We stayed on the rugged
northwestern coast which was absolutely beautiful. The problem was we were only
there for 3 days and thus could allot one of those days to exploring another part
of the island. We chose the capital Valletta, instead of the more recommended
ancient city of Mdina. Our entrance to Valletta was grand. It had a very North
African feel like we were entering Casablanca or something. From there we found
it offered quite little, just a lot of shopping and crowds. The views of the sea
were nice, but we didn’t need to travel from the coast we were staying at for
that. There did not seem to be many major sites of interest, and the one we did
try and visit (Shipwreck of St. Paul) was closed without any info on when it
would be open. We found we were quickly bored and wanting to head back to
Golden Bay. We were also quite upset we had missed out on our chance to see
Mdina. Oh well, next time! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxTQ4LGBNydieiN-dvjWVfkOMANwRsXH0o5cSO5fGxCEeOpkV5GSc-HGCgjX9fr3Elafgja3c2LFqPBx8HQv184v4xXqtIHeffwqJL97IjOb6QuFXIHH8Ip3YbnDYhijZmoYVJVNGFHI/s1600/IMG_4534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxTQ4LGBNydieiN-dvjWVfkOMANwRsXH0o5cSO5fGxCEeOpkV5GSc-HGCgjX9fr3Elafgja3c2LFqPBx8HQv184v4xXqtIHeffwqJL97IjOb6QuFXIHH8Ip3YbnDYhijZmoYVJVNGFHI/s640/IMG_4534.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to Valletta was sadly the highlight of the day trip to the Maltese capital</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mike @ Palms & Pints</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://twitter.com/palmsandpints">@palmsandpints </a></span></span></div>
Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-7903846432417027832016-02-01T18:22:00.000-08:002016-02-11T11:14:16.532-08:00I Love Europe, But Dream of The Caribbean...<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have been lucky enough to travel to Europe two springs in a row and four times in total. I have had the pleasure of experiencing so many of the cities I wanted to visit all my life; Prague, Venice, Barcelona, Vienna, Munich, just to name a few. I would surely head back every year if time and funds allowed it.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Europe, with all of its culture, food, architecture and history, sits comfortably as my 'number 2' favorite type of vacation. The 'number 1' spot however has always belonged to the Caribbean All-Inclusive… and here’s why!<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Price<u></u><u></u></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Vacations in Europe or North America just can’t get you the same bang for your buck as a Caribbean All-Inclusive (AI) can. To get to Europe (from Toronto) you are looking at anywhere from $700-$1500 depending on itinerary and time of year… and that’s for flights alone, we haven’t even begun to discuss hotel costs, food, bar tabs, sights or additional travel within the continent. As low as $1,000 can net me a round-trip flight, 4+ star accommodations and unlimited food and drink for a week. Even the little things like airport transfers and tips are included in the one-time price. <u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Weather<u></u><u></u></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Europe in the winter can be great, don’t get me wrong. There are Christmas markets, beautiful city streets and even at its coldest it is usually more tolerable than back in Canada. That being said, one of my biggest pull factors when going abroad is the sunshine. Aside from a brief hurricane season in the fall, the weather in the Caribbean is typically awesome year-round. As I mentioned in a previous posting, there is nothing quite like boarding a plane in -25C Toronto weather and disembarking in +30C island heat. <u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfuZh2DwXMaodG7iiuOZ5WLp-CL759YghrILKuY6wYZG5CJwm0VBHoujIU3JDpgOgh6z3VXRgRgElhnELyTGIv8Nt3VNm9ZcvHg19QeQZHKCLtRoqEoD070P7GE4Wj544jyq9jbP7rHQ/s1600/IMG_3776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfuZh2DwXMaodG7iiuOZ5WLp-CL759YghrILKuY6wYZG5CJwm0VBHoujIU3JDpgOgh6z3VXRgRgElhnELyTGIv8Nt3VNm9ZcvHg19QeQZHKCLtRoqEoD070P7GE4Wj544jyq9jbP7rHQ/s640/IMG_3776.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Caribbean sun just makes you fee good!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Beach</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The beaches in Florida are some of my favorites, and Europe has some good ones as well (I was in Malta last year and absolutely loved it!), but if you have ever been to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic you know there is just no comparison. Stretching as long as the eye can see, powdery white, lined with palms and warm clear waters all year long… a good Caribbean beach is simply in a league of its own.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJxRCfLVtf9jtRtVp6w8PRDoiIWUHXcKpiO4wNCCla7jakLYG3f9C6WYtLbwRl7AHTFmDwpNvPwrs2DEVU-owaPcMdKJVnAQR5ngZUYAPhYJa9FiNcxtALTo1R-0oRoFKRjwuvia21xI/s1600/IMG_1816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJxRCfLVtf9jtRtVp6w8PRDoiIWUHXcKpiO4wNCCla7jakLYG3f9C6WYtLbwRl7AHTFmDwpNvPwrs2DEVU-owaPcMdKJVnAQR5ngZUYAPhYJa9FiNcxtALTo1R-0oRoFKRjwuvia21xI/s640/IMG_1816.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not all beaches are created equal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Relaxation</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Most of us in North America are subject to the go-go-go lifestyle of working 40+ hours a week (not including rush hour commuting) and then spending our precious free time with the chores and errands required to maintain a household. When it finally comes time for a vacation, I just want to relax! In the Caribbean you are not trying to squeeze 10 famous sites into a day’s itinerary. You are not walking past countless restaurants each night wondering which are authentic and which are overpriced tourist traps. You are not rushing to the airport or train station at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1750760772" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">5am</span></span> to connect to your next location. You are chillin’ pool or beach-side, catching rays, sipping on a mojito and deciding which of the five gourmet on-site restaurants you want to head to that night.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZKNP5UWTYjdN74ctuP5OfHWKjm9CptB3bpkrsVF4OeBeUNlPvmj52NHPNEVTyyv9fv63eXUAkTOZDZvlA_ONDkxQZABX6lMU7IdF_V3DLservPOtcVjoD-CzTZHvCOJ1CaVX2hC5-mY/s1600/IMG_1911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZKNP5UWTYjdN74ctuP5OfHWKjm9CptB3bpkrsVF4OeBeUNlPvmj52NHPNEVTyyv9fv63eXUAkTOZDZvlA_ONDkxQZABX6lMU7IdF_V3DLservPOtcVjoD-CzTZHvCOJ1CaVX2hC5-mY/s640/IMG_1911.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The definition of a "vacation" for me. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I will end by saying my experiences do not cover the entire globe as I have never been in Asia or Africa. I have been doing a bit of reading this winter and it seems like some of the beach locales in the Far East have the potential to amaze. Thailand? Philippines? Vietnam? Hopefully someday soon! <u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Looking to book a Caribbean all-inclusive? Check these postings out! <a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2014/01/all-inclusive-vacation-planning-for.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a> & <a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2014/01/all-inclusive-vacation-planning-for_30.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a>.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mike <a href="http://twitter.com/palmsandpints" target="_blank">@palmsandpints</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-39229862620412572532015-10-31T15:12:00.001-07:002015-10-31T15:12:19.055-07:00How I Crush The Dreaded 'Winter Blues'<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
Well, the final couple days of October are upon us. For those in Canada (and many other places a good distance from the equator), any final hopes of that rogue warm and sunny day have passed us by.<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
I find the first frost of the season can be a depressing time, especially with the prospect of being stuck indoors for four months. Long gone are those sunny <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_163707698" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span> morning bike rides through the country, the warm evening runs with the sun still high in the sky, and of course basking the in rays by my backyard pool. While there is nothing I can do to enjoy my pool in November, there are many ways I keep both my fun and my cardio rolling from the first colours of fall, through the depths of the winter freeze, right until the flowers bloom next spring! Here are my favorites:<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Winter Running / Cycling </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Running in near freezing (or even sub-zero) temperatures basically has two important rules. Layer as needed and avoid the ice. You can’t run in a winter jacket, but you will be surprised how warm an active hoodie over top of a long sleeve running shirt will keep your core. Throw on some running/cycling tights for your legs and cardio-friendly hand and ear protection and you will be surprised both how warm and agile you are on the road/path/trail. Equally as important is to ensure your route is free of ice patches. Cycling is dangerous below zero, but very doable in November with the right gear. Get out and explore your neighbour from the perspective of winter! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HInSh1TdfV3F8-IOT2KbuhQGoFbszlFzwOqTXSLkxyAk5ffxS2adwHjpOjFCWTk36q7d2_AJ81yP4ooPZTAv7iKFLinfbQ9RudXraiyplVhCtdHJNIE8pD5UHL8rQibJVVLo11xvZRI/s1600/IMG_4118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HInSh1TdfV3F8-IOT2KbuhQGoFbszlFzwOqTXSLkxyAk5ffxS2adwHjpOjFCWTk36q7d2_AJ81yP4ooPZTAv7iKFLinfbQ9RudXraiyplVhCtdHJNIE8pD5UHL8rQibJVVLo11xvZRI/s640/IMG_4118.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You don't even need to leave your neighbourhood to seek outdoor fun this winter!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Snow Shoeing</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
The pastime I discovered last winter and one of my favorite outdoor actives. If you can hike a trail in the summer, you can snow-shoe it in the winter. I would argue that the experience is even better than hiking as the touristy crowds that plague many popular parks and trails over the summer months are long gone come the first snowfall. It is also much cheaper than other seasonal sports like snowboarding or skiing for beginners to get into. The winter scenery is beautiful and it is a fantastic workout. Check out a <a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2015/03/snow-shoeing-winters-cardio.html" target="_blank">previous blog post all about my love for snow shoeing</a>.<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRGwUggwVsraWpqW3I57GKOY4PhjNcDHhoErVOGv63go4aYq20WAj8voaS4SGtOIg5yOU1kNJwQ5F4XstzY0qgd3e8OBSmtdcKNHbRgBu3JWkgqKlDrL4gd8JiqWM_LHPKJiewW2Ar18/s1600/IMG_2180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRGwUggwVsraWpqW3I57GKOY4PhjNcDHhoErVOGv63go4aYq20WAj8voaS4SGtOIg5yOU1kNJwQ5F4XstzY0qgd3e8OBSmtdcKNHbRgBu3JWkgqKlDrL4gd8JiqWM_LHPKJiewW2Ar18/s640/IMG_2180.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A brisk November right to the Toronto lakeshore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b style="font-size: 11pt;">Indoor Workouts</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
If you are anything like me you understand that working out indoors during a beautiful summer’s day is a waste. Last winter I signed up for both an affordable boot camp and a spin class through my local rec center. The winter can be cold, dark & depressing and there is no better way to keep your fitness and spirits up than good ol’ physical activity. The structured classes make you less likely to bail and your spring self will thank you for the head start on the new season’s goals!<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPmsfFGlNRQgi_Rax8_hKUHKt-kjdnjZS35qV0X_dWC5v3se1W-mH_hAPxVOzzJif5vNDXL6TOv_YkbtoWk00PQtC1bf2CtUkwKwiJWSYHKJjaUu8DlBdY5Do8rPmvckgGTLsf_TLiIs/s1600/IMG_4178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPmsfFGlNRQgi_Rax8_hKUHKt-kjdnjZS35qV0X_dWC5v3se1W-mH_hAPxVOzzJif5vNDXL6TOv_YkbtoWk00PQtC1bf2CtUkwKwiJWSYHKJjaUu8DlBdY5Do8rPmvckgGTLsf_TLiIs/s640/IMG_4178.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wintery, winery snowshoeing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b style="font-size: 11pt;">Caribbean Vacation</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
You can’t let winter go by without some serious relaxing. There is nothing comparable to boarding a plane in -15C and getting off it at 30C. Do yourself a favour a book an all-inclusive resort. For as little as $700 per-person you can be lounging seaside with all of the included food and drink you can handle. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic is one of my favorite spots for quality and overall value, but there are plenty to choose from in the DR as well as Cuba, Mexico, Jamaica, Aruba etc. Here are some <a href="http:/01/all-inclusive-vacation-planning-for.html" target="_blank">tips on booking the perfect all-inclusive vacation</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZISH8bfSw-tWsbp_3AqCWZmUIwfsz-_Bm4Rn-jFljqaFNUkrm965QdcHIvqSGYxPOYgY33vStzwFYUrhY0Q5a14IA7drUILanpytnbNzX67ScHbueZY6Yiw0-iMnwpPmww3LEepYHj-s/s1600/IMG_3752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZISH8bfSw-tWsbp_3AqCWZmUIwfsz-_Bm4Rn-jFljqaFNUkrm965QdcHIvqSGYxPOYgY33vStzwFYUrhY0Q5a14IA7drUILanpytnbNzX67ScHbueZY6Yiw0-iMnwpPmww3LEepYHj-s/s640/IMG_3752.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What the DR is all about! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
Mike @ Palms & Pints</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://twitter.com/palmsandpints" target="_blank">@palmsandpints </a></div>
Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-30059723373087115742015-09-13T07:30:00.004-07:002016-02-11T11:13:59.280-08:008 Unforgettable Running Experiences <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In an earlier blog post I spoke about the <a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2015/08/why-i-love-running-south-beach-boardwalk.html" target="_blank">benefits to running while on vacation</a>. As this is something I am quite passionate about I wanted to consolidate some of my best running destinations/experiences onto one list, in no particular order:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Barcelona, Spain<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I had the opportunity to do my first (and to this day, only) guided running tour through the streets of old Barcelona. This was one of the most fun and informative travel experiences of my life. Major European cities are awesome to explore in general, with the combination of architecture, art & natural beauty. Seeing all of that during an early morning run as the city is just beginning to wake up is a unique experience I would recommend to anyone. Notable inclusions on the tour were Plaça Reial, El Raval, Las Ramblas, Parc de la Ciutadella & many more. <u></u><u></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjidAY4H5HVR1vZNU99geESLgG2uQQUj_Va3mZIruH0q3EmJhK-IT8XvazoayQao3UqIEsd1pv5qLrvSLPEPetjbiznAnOdo5gkavseJaPes_3QvZlHIBjx_8J5eGjW5pjkGJpbyVWD0/s1600/barcelona+run.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjidAY4H5HVR1vZNU99geESLgG2uQQUj_Va3mZIruH0q3EmJhK-IT8XvazoayQao3UqIEsd1pv5qLrvSLPEPetjbiznAnOdo5gkavseJaPes_3QvZlHIBjx_8J5eGjW5pjkGJpbyVWD0/s640/barcelona+run.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Punta Cana, Dominican Republic <u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I began my morning runs in Punta Cana through the winding pedestrian roads of the mega-resort I was staying at. This was fun as the grounds are quite impressive with thick patches of manicured palms and beautiful swimming pools. However the best part came when I left the paved roads for the edge of the beach where the sea meets the sand. Beach running is a little hard on your ankles, but the feeling of the crisp ocean waves gently crashing into your legs as you run across the seemingly never-ending Bavaro Beach is a true Caribbean experience. Be sure to grab a a drink from a fresh young coconut to refuel on those electrolytes when you finish.<u></u><u></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_hGsZJ-qXxMUeo1OTNC86e5ihO6KNcjp_WXDBTr7Suj7HA3O6TOXExgs50INN0BOGRwpT4jLQej-QKW3BDteMEJIBFDoObH7cU8JS9iJCYZ-XTd-6dVgSGc9Dr_tXyguaT2koIuyz00/s1600/punta+cana+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_hGsZJ-qXxMUeo1OTNC86e5ihO6KNcjp_WXDBTr7Suj7HA3O6TOXExgs50INN0BOGRwpT4jLQej-QKW3BDteMEJIBFDoObH7cU8JS9iJCYZ-XTd-6dVgSGc9Dr_tXyguaT2koIuyz00/s640/punta+cana+run.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Niagara Falls, Ontario <u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">People from all over the world flock to this natural wonder of the world on the Canada/US border. While most will only spend time from the main viewing decks surrounding the American & Horseshore falls, runners (or hikers) have the chance to explore kilometers of beautiful rapids and river views. Starting near the Rainbow bridge I made my way past both of the mighty falls and along the riverside, eventually turning back and testing my mettle heading up the steep incline along kitchy Clifton Hill. The paths are very runner friendly, but if you are there in the summer or other peak times, you will likely have to dodge some serious crowds along the main drag.<u></u><u></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_hkHE30CEJNHDI_ZeBNxVVr6OC7YCFJh85Kt8QdGAs300945f-0F_SahQGtEndXbjzoGHqn9Jtmu1YyP7Y2d40xodP39lZRAGeGoavzEF7CoAwhqFtGG3ol0WCzYrElC4A-hOSJGdmg/s1600/niagara+falls+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_hkHE30CEJNHDI_ZeBNxVVr6OC7YCFJh85Kt8QdGAs300945f-0F_SahQGtEndXbjzoGHqn9Jtmu1YyP7Y2d40xodP39lZRAGeGoavzEF7CoAwhqFtGG3ol0WCzYrElC4A-hOSJGdmg/s640/niagara+falls+run.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Golden Bay, Malta<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I can’t say enough good things about Malta, especially the rural northwest part of the island I stayed at. The Mediterranean sea is beautifully displayed in hidden coves viewed from the rugged cliffs above. I ran from my hotel and visited two different pristine beaches as well as an quaint 17<sup>th</sup> century watch tower. If you plan to run in Malta you better get those thighs working, getting up and down the cliffs from the the lookouts above to the beaches below is a nice challenge. <u></u><u></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGEmyLta5D683p3MIbb1evyniEGEqRitHlpwY3X94oGphCeFnn5cWrPpVx2ZaOmkYNKhPwQTRRY2sRlP0PLwHvQExdX74dYNd5Fp-R9J3fK2uK0D6hTDFiskITDzAYlYygTm7strfzlY/s1600/malta+golden+bay+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGEmyLta5D683p3MIbb1evyniEGEqRitHlpwY3X94oGphCeFnn5cWrPpVx2ZaOmkYNKhPwQTRRY2sRlP0PLwHvQExdX74dYNd5Fp-R9J3fK2uK0D6hTDFiskITDzAYlYygTm7strfzlY/s640/malta+golden+bay+run.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Quebec City, Quebec <u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Quebec City’s motto is “So Europe, So Close”, and you really feel like you are across the pond while running. From the Plains of Abraham to the majestic Chateau Frontenac, there is no shortage of beautiful and historically significant sights to take in on your jog. The city is so versatile for runners, offering large green expanses, top notch views of the St. Lawrence and demanding climbs between ‘upper town’ and ‘lower town’. There are several challenging staircases in the city to work those quads, without even running. Just be careful and watch out for the crowds! <u></u><u></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHcY89lsS7yfNdJjwr0SqPPsmlEfrWFNSuh0dUdz0UDRxde86l3OIPh66O98_Vw1KUONEwTOgQ8zkF1OnV6-Ja09h-rnBAXAV6Wm_xu8KKOocxQCVSLXrTKTOWc1_pR89tbL9U3qXXwQ/s1600/quebec+city+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHcY89lsS7yfNdJjwr0SqPPsmlEfrWFNSuh0dUdz0UDRxde86l3OIPh66O98_Vw1KUONEwTOgQ8zkF1OnV6-Ja09h-rnBAXAV6Wm_xu8KKOocxQCVSLXrTKTOWc1_pR89tbL9U3qXXwQ/s640/quebec+city+run.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Miami Beach, Florida<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As mentioned in an earlier blog post, running in South Beach is a strong tradition for both locals and tourists alike. The iconic beach destination has an impressive boardwalk that separates the businesses on Ocean Drive from the massively long and impressively wide beach. It is a great spot to people-watch as there are many other runners & cyclists throughout, regardless of the time of day or time of year. If you want to run and feel like a celebrity while you do so, this is the place.<u></u><u></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNA5jHnxE1oXPzWHAO9gg0fekbBDvRqg1JYGoZxCGmiQslwT3twtZ_Ibcwtnesno3oZp8dM7Pqg0FXWWSgbwPbuEKGyJoK4gUyJZVd6QuAOzmv6ve3EaTUtaH0kvjNHbB1DpAvVdh67oE/s1600/south+beach+boardwalk+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNA5jHnxE1oXPzWHAO9gg0fekbBDvRqg1JYGoZxCGmiQslwT3twtZ_Ibcwtnesno3oZp8dM7Pqg0FXWWSgbwPbuEKGyJoK4gUyJZVd6QuAOzmv6ve3EaTUtaH0kvjNHbB1DpAvVdh67oE/s640/south+beach+boardwalk+run.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">London, England <u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I imagine there are countless fantastic running spots in this major European capital. In my short stay I only had the opportunity to check out one of them; Regent’s Park, on a drizzly spring morning. This massive piece of parkland just north of the central part of the city offers runners </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">kilometres</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> of beautifully gardened trails to explore. Don’t miss the impressive entrance gates, the bridge over Boating Lake & Triton Fountain. I ran for nearly 10km and didn’t even scratch the surface of what the park has to offer it’s active guests. If you have Strava or another app that tracks ‘segments’, but sure to take a spin around the Inner Circle, and see how you stack up against others.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMO4EyWMKsAFl5lBy4Na7dnJKzNp3dxc4TICG3i3dEpQp3K6ojD4x_6kT9bUtobtuWAhZVVMePuyEA33NcqyCAbkh3kEG6IFGGze9lXPplPyyJxk7tU5RXE9NXyn68BZtTr_p-9PY4oIg/s1600/london+regents+park+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMO4EyWMKsAFl5lBy4Na7dnJKzNp3dxc4TICG3i3dEpQp3K6ojD4x_6kT9bUtobtuWAhZVVMePuyEA33NcqyCAbkh3kEG6IFGGze9lXPplPyyJxk7tU5RXE9NXyn68BZtTr_p-9PY4oIg/s640/london+regents+park+run.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Palm Springs, California<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Running in the desert seems a bit crazy, but if you go at the right time of year (see: winter) it can be a very enjoyable experience. Towering palm trees line the downtown core while cute south-western villas with their colourful gardens dot the small suburban streets. There are mountains everywhere you turn and the divide between the trendy downtown core and the peaceful natural environment transitions seamlessly as you run.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ewCQMmEQWnbmGAcbc4ANhn-5jhVBwnVnbcjUnj__CPiX7g_OB4BTK3kKr6i0dPfhnNqX3rQbzA1jQOj7PAwW7rL2IsIYVAyvFo2dVwDyl44J0TTgJF7gmoMyU4_Ug_2ZKQ47KQlWswY/s1600/palm+springs+run.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ewCQMmEQWnbmGAcbc4ANhn-5jhVBwnVnbcjUnj__CPiX7g_OB4BTK3kKr6i0dPfhnNqX3rQbzA1jQOj7PAwW7rL2IsIYVAyvFo2dVwDyl44J0TTgJF7gmoMyU4_Ug_2ZKQ47KQlWswY/s640/palm+springs+run.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Interested in reading more about my experiences in some of these locations? Check them out here:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2015/05/running-tours-barcelona.html" target="_blank">Barcelona</a>, <a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2015/01/punta-cana-all-inclusive-10-things-i.html" target="_blank">Punta Cana</a>, <a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2015/03/winter-weekend-at-falls.html" target="_blank">Niagara Falls</a>, <a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2015/05/five-tips-when-visiting-malta.html" target="_blank">Malta</a>, <a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2014/07/quebec-city-so-europe-so-close.html" target="_blank">Quebec City</a>, <a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2015/08/why-i-love-running-south-beach-boardwalk.html" target="_blank">Miami Beach</a>, <a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2014/01/how-much-do-you-know-about-palm-springs.html" target="_blank">Palm Springs</a> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mike @ Palms & Pints</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://twitter.com/palmsandpints" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">@palmsandpints</span></a></div>
Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-84684605062805369262015-08-19T10:35:00.000-07:002015-08-19T10:35:07.226-07:00Why I Love Running the South Beach Boardwalk<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->Earlier this summer I was in South Florida to attend the
2015 NHL Draft. Being the beach lover that I am, I spent a large chunk of my
time at world famous South Beach.<br /><br />For those who like to stay active while on vacation, the South
Beach boardwalk is a fantastic place to work some cardio into your routine away
from home.<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilU32_yKmuvTz7OBj8yPkand4CrANJv6L6lveKYXYAiQujY4VTYMx9Psoy6oKneinwD829jeV7wnRdmwYHFMkRXcv-NrOHpIEWQOlmtzyzt9JGK02Vr78L-J6DMyiflEjR80FaPeiu8DI/s1600/Miami-Boardwalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilU32_yKmuvTz7OBj8yPkand4CrANJv6L6lveKYXYAiQujY4VTYMx9Psoy6oKneinwD829jeV7wnRdmwYHFMkRXcv-NrOHpIEWQOlmtzyzt9JGK02Vr78L-J6DMyiflEjR80FaPeiu8DI/s640/Miami-Boardwalk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great shot of the wooden portion of the boardwalk - Source: <a href="http://goo.gl/tFx1YE">http://goo.gl/tFx1YE</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaYMAB-NFb2LYx49NlxTXNiOmL-hi6jMfQ_j31bAOYGkIQKorL4eIIof16b16hXYLlZkAI5qVGihO16nqb3vpFMnQkrZ_NSo_nTYp1KA1hibcB7KZ8p-tyn1TqDZ9hdBC3-4aaNZs5dk/s1600/IMG_4964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
The path runs for miles, switching between pavement and a traditional wooden boardwalk. It weaves through
the palm-studded parkland separating the SoBe businesses on Ocean Drive from
the sand and surf. It passes all of the ritzy mega-resorts that most of us
would not be able to afford to stay at (but hey, it’s nice to take a peek!).
You will find the boardwalk is very runner (and cyclist) friendly as running is
one of the most popular things to do for the health-conscious locals and
visitors alike. With the sun shining and the ocean scent in the air, there is
really no better setting for burning those extra mojito calories. <br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaYMAB-NFb2LYx49NlxTXNiOmL-hi6jMfQ_j31bAOYGkIQKorL4eIIof16b16hXYLlZkAI5qVGihO16nqb3vpFMnQkrZ_NSo_nTYp1KA1hibcB7KZ8p-tyn1TqDZ9hdBC3-4aaNZs5dk/s1600/IMG_4964.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaYMAB-NFb2LYx49NlxTXNiOmL-hi6jMfQ_j31bAOYGkIQKorL4eIIof16b16hXYLlZkAI5qVGihO16nqb3vpFMnQkrZ_NSo_nTYp1KA1hibcB7KZ8p-tyn1TqDZ9hdBC3-4aaNZs5dk/s640/IMG_4964.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming home from a great day at the beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />With all that said - Florida is hot, especially in the summer. So make sure you
listen to your body and do not push yourself too hard when the humidity is stifling.
Running in the (relatively) cooler fall and winter months is safer, but if you
can handle the heat you always have the beautiful and refreshing Atlantic ocean
waiting to cool your sweat-soaked skin <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>when
you finish. My other favorite post-run tradition on the beach is to grab a
fresh young coconut from a street vendor by the boardwalk and re-hydrate on those natural
electrolytes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Regardless of where you are, running is awesome when traveling
– <b>here’s why</b>: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-A solid run shortly after arriving overseas can help you
sleep well at night and thus more quickly beat the dreaded jetlag. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Running in a new city gives you an instant lay of the land
and can help you identify areas you would like to explore later in your trip.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Traveling typically involves a much less healthy diet than
at home. There is no better way to counteract these extra calories and lessen
the guilt at that night’s meal. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Often the combination of a long flight/drive, changes in
diet & new schedule can cause a bit of a “back up” if you know
what I’m getting at. Running is a great way to help keep the system flowing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-For those who track runs with tools such as <a href="http://strava.com/" target="_blank">Strava</a>, it’s fun to see how your time stacks up against others in famous locations such as New
York’s Central Park or the Las Vegas Strip. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-If you are a regular runner, it’s great to come back home
without feeling as if you've abandoned your training schedule and set yourself back. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />--</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If this post interests you, check out my earlier article about a <a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2015/05/running-tours-barcelona.html" target="_blank">running tour I took in Barcelona, Spain. </a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mike @ Palms & Pints</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://twitter.com/palmsandpints" target="_blank">@palmsandpints</a></div>
Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-43403295544168679092015-06-23T19:02:00.002-07:002015-06-23T19:02:41.583-07:00Minimalist Trip Packing (Guest Post by John J. Serre)<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Guest Blog by John J. Serre for Palms & Pints</i></span></h2>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Before you start packing your suitcase for you next trip, take a few seconds to read this: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Depending
on how long you're staying at a place, you might not need to pack a
suitcase at all. Here's my experience with being suitcase free:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A
few friends of mine planned a recent trip to Miami. At the airport all of the guys were hauling these massive suitcases that had to
be checked. As for me, I had a backpack. Not one of those epic round-the-world traveler's backpack, a small one you would use for school. I remember one of my buddies
saying something along the lines of, "You just have a backpack? We're
going for a week man..." </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But did I have enough with just one backpack? Yeah... and I had enough room to bring back souvenirs for my family, too.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mike asked me to uncover my "Secret" (Ha!) to minimalist travel for his blog. So here it is. Hopefully it inspires you on your next trip! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWOFi6Zwny0Dl7vF1BoLBqasn1yKzw1o_GJc1RJiP6MChGeU1dZ3o9QCxY46pmBqszAVpi6f39mz2NuRmz94gSJB2QVheKS5J009LVKMKX2Hjm89tBiDYM9SW060BCNJJowixW2Y5_HE/s1600/IMG_1571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWOFi6Zwny0Dl7vF1BoLBqasn1yKzw1o_GJc1RJiP6MChGeU1dZ3o9QCxY46pmBqszAVpi6f39mz2NuRmz94gSJB2QVheKS5J009LVKMKX2Hjm89tBiDYM9SW060BCNJJowixW2Y5_HE/s640/IMG_1571.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself & John (centre), plus two buddies in Miami Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
-----</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>1. Make a checklist of all the things you'll need for the trip.</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can make a checklist here: <a href="http://www.travelschecklist.com/" target="_blank">http://www.travelschecklist.<wbr></wbr>com</a>. But come on, just use the good ol' pen and pad. You don't really need technology for this part.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>2. Review your list, removing items that would not qualify as "bare necessities". </b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Not
everything is necessary. You don't need 15 T-Shirts for a week long
trip. You don't need to bring your tuxedo, unless you're going to some
fancy event. Don't bring sunscreen, buy it at your destination. If you
can, buy everything at your destination. Pretty much the only thing you can't buy at your destination is your passport! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>3. Collect all of your remaining items into one single location (like your bed).</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
From here you will be able to visualize the combined space needed to fit your "necessity" items and it may even encourage you to purge a few more off of the list. </div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>4. Pack each item in a way that will take up the least amount of room in a backpack.</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Roll
up your t-shirts. Buy a <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/658658/eagle-creek-pack-it-compressor-medium" target="_blank">clothes compress bag</a>. If you can't fit a
certain bulky item in your bag after trying it every which way (say like a 2nd or 3rd pair of shoes), leave it at home!
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
----<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-Altq6tCLRiTXe__hV9jmM8wkEA672VdB4m3Ov95sx834HjVmsLsZFu7naX8d28X7-v1x4gCsuG7-587meFjzMIzcaDTBSNId6Zjp1DuxtaR-lB1kWwJUTNMJQWan2tC453CBlfmksI/s1600/bags_herschel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-Altq6tCLRiTXe__hV9jmM8wkEA672VdB4m3Ov95sx834HjVmsLsZFu7naX8d28X7-v1x4gCsuG7-587meFjzMIzcaDTBSNId6Zjp1DuxtaR-lB1kWwJUTNMJQWan2tC453CBlfmksI/s400/bags_herschel.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example of the type of backpack used for minimalist travel. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
Learn more about efficiently packing a backpack here:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/packing-light/packing-smart" target="_blank">https://www.ricksteves.com/<wbr></wbr>travel-tips/packing-light/<wbr></wbr>packing-smart</a> </div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JqHyag29to" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr></wbr>v=4JqHyag29to</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Bonus,
and somewhat relevant... If you don't understand the concept of
minimalism and it's benefits, you should learn more about it here:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://zenhabits.net/a-guide-to-creating-a-minimalist-home/" target="_blank">http://zenhabits.net/a-guide-<wbr></wbr>to-creating-a-minimalist-home/</a> (Basically all of the author's written material is insanely insightful. Get on it!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Voila! Packing this way made it possible for me to have a single backpack for a
week long vacation. To be honest, I think I could have traveled
with much less.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Remember the benefits - You save both the cost (pricy airline fees) and time (waiting at a carousel) associated with checked baggage. Not to mention the freedom of exploring your new destination comfortably without dragging a suitcase through the Florida sun or across the bumpy Prague cobblestone. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
...And if you still doubt that a backpack isn't enough for a week, consider this story:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
was listening to a minimalist podcast,
and they talked about someone that traveled in a very unique way...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This
guy basically said "screw it" to, not only the suitcase, but the
backpack too. Can you believe he traveled with a single shirt, shorts,
underwear, pair of socks and shoes for the entirety of a week long
trip? They said the material of his clothing was easy to wash and dry. So every night before bed, he just washed them in the sink and hung
them to dry. Everyday he had fresh clothes to wear! When I heard this,
it blew my mind! I'm going to have to try this someday...</div>
<div>
<br />
<i>John</i></div>
<div>
----</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>In addition to being a minimalist traveler & P&P contributor, John is a musician/songwriter. Check him out on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/johnjserre" target="_blank">@johnjserre</a>. </i></div>
Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-60599285437944156252015-05-30T19:53:00.002-07:002015-05-30T19:53:21.653-07:00Five Tips When Visiting Malta Last spring after returning from my 2014 Europe trip <a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2014/05/anyone-been-to-malta.html" target="_blank">I mused about how Malta was a destination on my radar for future ‘Old World’ adventures</a>. A year later I was able to visit the small island nation (much
sooner than expected thanks to my wife being sent across the Atlantic for
work).<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In that earlier blog I suggested that Malta seemed to be the
perfect combination of the history, culture and food Europe is known for, with
an added splash of idyllic beach living normally reserved for more tropical
locales. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Malta slotted into our trip for three days between Barcelona
and London, two cities that demand extensive sight-seeing. We were more than
happy to spend these days enjoying the beautiful weather, gorgeous landscapes
and unique cuisine. Our expectations were high, but our experience surpassed
even those lofty standards. This was the perfect middle portion to a whirl-wind
10-day Euro adventure, and it was arguably the best part of our trip! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are a few photos of this beautiful island, along with
five tips I can offer up to future visitors: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Three days isn’t
nearly enough</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Malta may be small, but it has so much going for it.
Beautiful beaches, historic old cities & legendary nightlife. If you are
coming to experience everything it has to offer, make sure you come for at
least a week. Also, if you have plans to visit the smaller islands of Gozo and
Comino (which apparently you should) you may need even more time. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqcsT-mBYoDcErP4QnMUpjIEHM7zU-iyPSq_FX5vqVbsK0DVISzWInWXbgOjDbql2jrWypR1_n9Hi2D8yHaMmbmH0n68XBNjMpWelJaBNIVUwyqaVQEpKGScylvgGbR_RRjnz2W480Ho/s1600/golden+bay+malta.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqcsT-mBYoDcErP4QnMUpjIEHM7zU-iyPSq_FX5vqVbsK0DVISzWInWXbgOjDbql2jrWypR1_n9Hi2D8yHaMmbmH0n68XBNjMpWelJaBNIVUwyqaVQEpKGScylvgGbR_RRjnz2W480Ho/s640/golden+bay+malta.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mediterannen beach living at its finest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfh8Xwn2jkrbobsy1dZHNTTQ2GxqXnialMPY3j_tAIFPChTbMTcRbejDA7rCgQa3ef6BPVT7O1iw9dfwPJsRG3Ya0YWfPND6ODtIs28G5b42lFMfyvX9EIu0mFd6ZX38E7Leb5aN1It4/s1600/golden+bay+malta+fort.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfh8Xwn2jkrbobsy1dZHNTTQ2GxqXnialMPY3j_tAIFPChTbMTcRbejDA7rCgQa3ef6BPVT7O1iw9dfwPJsRG3Ya0YWfPND6ODtIs28G5b42lFMfyvX9EIu0mFd6ZX38E7Leb5aN1It4/s640/golden+bay+malta+fort.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Never-ending pristine landscapes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Don’t miss Mdina </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I say this because we did. We were staying on rural Golden
Bay beach, as our main prerogative was some R&R. We set aside one of our
three days to sight-see and choose to do it in the capital, Valletta. While it
was an enjoyable day we found Valletta to be more of a relaxed shopping
destination and thought it lacked a little in memorable sights. Our cab
driver recommended Mdina and we should have listened as it is a beautiful
ancient walled city with huge tourist appeal. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQ0AHzTvvnnGZCUCwi-c88jGdo-Ft5D8CNLbyiGeKl4K8urHWgvnL9EfIIEfOLh3797o9euS-ydvoP-UFtWHJCvYD00zv5J52cWMGnmVCjB3GnDw3vvlEnQUDwSP1MwsoYEKTOsZ6dZE/s1600/downtown+valletta.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQ0AHzTvvnnGZCUCwi-c88jGdo-Ft5D8CNLbyiGeKl4K8urHWgvnL9EfIIEfOLh3797o9euS-ydvoP-UFtWHJCvYD00zv5J52cWMGnmVCjB3GnDw3vvlEnQUDwSP1MwsoYEKTOsZ6dZE/s640/downtown+valletta.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main drag in Valletta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Utilize the efficient
island bus system</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For 1.50 Euro per day you can ride an extensive network of
buses that travel all over the island of Malta. From Golden Bay we were able to
grab a bus right outside of our resort and travel to Valletta (at nearly the
opposite end of the island) in about an hour. Considering that a taxi from the
Airport to our hotel was 30 euro and a shorter distance, it’s clear how amazing
of a value the bus system is. The route map and time table are both extremely
easy to read. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcxrU0Rb1vvRPQPsSKeqjDiKL8uEz_mt33zUeyGHoHMlajKiz15kf0xWvL1sheLyytf__kOIts_IYN9zX1izg0zZYoxTGYw-A3YNpAl6bU2S8nc8ySLey-R_qlJuS5tb1jIh2UdCVRWM/s1600/IMG_4571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcxrU0Rb1vvRPQPsSKeqjDiKL8uEz_mt33zUeyGHoHMlajKiz15kf0xWvL1sheLyytf__kOIts_IYN9zX1izg0zZYoxTGYw-A3YNpAl6bU2S8nc8ySLey-R_qlJuS5tb1jIh2UdCVRWM/s640/IMG_4571.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great vantage point in the capital</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Try local cuisine </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This can be said for most places in the world, but it’s worth
mentioning for Malta. Two items I particularly enjoyed were pastizzi (I will
provide <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pastizz" target="_blank">this link</a> to avoid lengthy description) as well as rabbit in its
various forms including stewed. If you are staying in the Golden Bay area I
highly recommend <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g230152-d1944088-r271377335-Apple_s_Eye-Mellieha_Island_of_Malta.html" target="_blank"><i>Apple’s Eye</i></a> restaurant. It is nothing fancy but offers
great local comfort food at excellent prices. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJvuIx6PBNPKuo7MCyRZH8OEJwRfgSQeC8RUMlI60j38zrinMpaRREzIedT84LG1Z365aYric4ALPjbsYWIi-aQZWSwdVFQ8asxSLY3mY1tb-SoQy7UQ6cfbT_o5pbfr-n4Xr0A-Filc/s1600/pastizzi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJvuIx6PBNPKuo7MCyRZH8OEJwRfgSQeC8RUMlI60j38zrinMpaRREzIedT84LG1Z365aYric4ALPjbsYWIi-aQZWSwdVFQ8asxSLY3mY1tb-SoQy7UQ6cfbT_o5pbfr-n4Xr0A-Filc/s640/pastizzi.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious pastizzi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Embrace the shoulder
season</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Malta welcomes the majority of its visitors during the
summer season, June to August. We went in late-April and the weather was
absolutely beautiful, the crowds relatively thin and the prices still not fully
rebounded from their winter lows. The sea, while beautiful to look at, is a
little too chilly for most to swim in at that time of year, but the pros far
outweigh the cons in shoulder season.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDc4zLyc0denNhsfdZmsMq-OwjuY06uPFt-cNp2u1T2JxCPzXeqjDO5a82frtcxe-MtNz0qp4t4zsF0SP3kBcz6CSu_GSGNE6NZdGQWumbRlWv7vqXqDSxa1fN5JYu1TAPiz6Kbpd-SFo/s1600/gold+bay+malta+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDc4zLyc0denNhsfdZmsMq-OwjuY06uPFt-cNp2u1T2JxCPzXeqjDO5a82frtcxe-MtNz0qp4t4zsF0SP3kBcz6CSu_GSGNE6NZdGQWumbRlWv7vqXqDSxa1fN5JYu1TAPiz6Kbpd-SFo/s640/gold+bay+malta+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Even in mid-April I was enjoying the sea</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaO3FUDRwRlG8vLQ01v7nq0PnNohnn6nP6BSfXjfDzgTMPqUKIDBakHK62QYvECaqaYrpPvjUmZBlVdTm3F4IR43qKGjp885n66CCXkX1T-ZfIWzjDzwsHu4ARl6ZVGlJSQDWss-EOog/s1600/radisson+blu+gold+sands+malta.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaO3FUDRwRlG8vLQ01v7nq0PnNohnn6nP6BSfXjfDzgTMPqUKIDBakHK62QYvECaqaYrpPvjUmZBlVdTm3F4IR43qKGjp885n66CCXkX1T-ZfIWzjDzwsHu4ARl6ZVGlJSQDWss-EOog/s640/radisson+blu+gold+sands+malta.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our room at the Radisson Blue Golden Sands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Checkout my TripAdvisor review of <i>Radisson Blu Golden Sands</i> <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g230152-d573828-r268351698-Radisson_Blu_Resort_Spa_Malta_Golden_Sands-Mellieha_Island_of_Malta.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mike @ Palms & Pints
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://twitter.com/palmsandpints" target="_blank">@palmsandpints</a></div>
Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-30365320782715296222015-05-07T08:48:00.000-07:002015-05-07T13:23:51.214-07:00Go! Running Tours Barcelona<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
After arranging my flight into Barcelona to join my wife who had earlier gone over on business, I knew I would have one solo morning to kill while she was still in company meetings. I was looking for something active that would help me beat the jet lag but at the same time give me a quick introduction to the sights Barcelona has to offer. Initially I was thinking about a bike tour, but I noticed that <i>Go! Running Tours Barcelona</i><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">was one of the<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attractions-g187497-Activities-c61-Barcelona_Catalonia.html#TtD"> top rated activities in the city according to</a></span><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attractions-g187497-Activities-c61-Barcelona_Catalonia.html#TtD"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><i style="font-size: 11pt;">TripAdvisor</i></a><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attractions-g187497-Activities-c61-Barcelona_Catalonia.html#TtD">.</a> As I am an avid runner at home, this seemed like a fantastic option for Day 2 (my first full day) in Europe.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<i>Go! Running Tours Barcelona</i> offers several different options which vary in length, route, private vs group etc. I chose the 10K Old Town private run. I initially found the cost a little steep at 60 euro, but when you consider that it is essentially a private tour guide as well as a private photographer the price-point ends up being very fair for the service offered. I booked my run for 8am which was a little early, but provided some open space as well as the exciting backdrop of a city just coming to life for the day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
My guide Robin was awesome! We met at the convenient Plaça de Catalunya (they offer to meet at your hotel, but mine was a little too far out of the way for the tour so this central location was chosen). After a quick meet and greet we were off, with Robin allowing me to set the pace while he ran alongside with his pole-mounted GoPro camera in hand. For the next 2.5 hours we would explore much of Barcelona’s historic Old Town. Main stops included Plaça Reial, El Raval, Las Ramblas, Palau Güell, Parc de la Ciutadella, Santa Maria del Mar and many more. <u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
Our total time on the move was about half of the 2.5 hour excursion and the rest of the time was spent standing in/around the aforementioned sights while Robin provided both factual historic information as well as humorous personal commentary. Of particular interest to me was the history behind the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estelada">Estelada flag </a>that I saw all over the city. In all we ended up covering just under 12.5K, so even more than the 10K that was paid for. In my remaining days in Barcelona I was able to use this base knowledge of the city to further explore with my wife.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
The day after the run Robin emailed me over 70 excellent photos as well as a map of our route. He also offered for me to further contact him by email at any time later in the trip or even down the road if I had any questions about Barcelona.<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
I would highly recommend<i> Go! Running Tours</i> <i>Barcelona</i> for both casual and serious runners who want to keep up their cardio abroad while receiving an excellent jumpstart on their city sightseeing. Robin is a real pro and a great ambassador for his city. Here are some of my favorite shots from the run:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6F-ll-o0AOLhDK0Bd5w4L1rvs87haB284fZrBmvowjr97Hz9yVComxrsWOoou2eN0Adn3ZSBX1t__-Qm2yBvCdTT2RwZeY43EWSb2kpRREGt97dIRLT0rAoG33jbdykBoCf5pd5rWcuI/s1600/GOPR4562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6F-ll-o0AOLhDK0Bd5w4L1rvs87haB284fZrBmvowjr97Hz9yVComxrsWOoou2eN0Adn3ZSBX1t__-Qm2yBvCdTT2RwZeY43EWSb2kpRREGt97dIRLT0rAoG33jbdykBoCf5pd5rWcuI/s640/GOPR4562.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting up with Robin for the run!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQglGUMSX-CNiX9KgIvXi0fWsaQyryfeh2hHiK_G7IQ-yJaNj2Xa9xuKoQWhEBWNGSpiz6bWNUKVz7RV23GUo_lYME7HlXSfGScl0neErNfS_V29APGvrrzlYa-pjlaLS8r4jb5ZVmanQ/s1600/GOPR4567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQglGUMSX-CNiX9KgIvXi0fWsaQyryfeh2hHiK_G7IQ-yJaNj2Xa9xuKoQWhEBWNGSpiz6bWNUKVz7RV23GUo_lYME7HlXSfGScl0neErNfS_V29APGvrrzlYa-pjlaLS8r4jb5ZVmanQ/s640/GOPR4567.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">El Raval Cat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAKx4t-wJ2RutmTMmMhcPhP4nYucWTSUt-yJGu75hDrXga4CDsvwuMnbKesHmBG-jQVjUM6_W0DpX2EJV4lf9KzkUhvMgIbDRymq9oMJXlXTVNwCTP9aBJMJZYHNBxsOGOOvWe_yG4A0/s1600/GOPR4587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAKx4t-wJ2RutmTMmMhcPhP4nYucWTSUt-yJGu75hDrXga4CDsvwuMnbKesHmBG-jQVjUM6_W0DpX2EJV4lf9KzkUhvMgIbDRymq9oMJXlXTVNwCTP9aBJMJZYHNBxsOGOOvWe_yG4A0/s640/GOPR4587.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picking up speed through the old hospital</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiI0TAVkgVpIr2HBZBkGVHLiSLJ_KY81V_H4ptVmz-LC_nOgVp-ccGd28FEKmF3jsDfXODOv45euY_X3bUThsoZUqu2rUQ64CRZ6eRgqnob87sYxyTvOqL80zxUAWS2Vz8TfQgSIMGIs/s1600/GOPR4590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiI0TAVkgVpIr2HBZBkGVHLiSLJ_KY81V_H4ptVmz-LC_nOgVp-ccGd28FEKmF3jsDfXODOv45euY_X3bUThsoZUqu2rUQ64CRZ6eRgqnob87sYxyTvOqL80zxUAWS2Vz8TfQgSIMGIs/s640/GOPR4590.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Las Ramblas in the morning, before the crowds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZu_kuy5p2rABiw37bR614hbDQuFUi9c5LlF_obQJbUfANILuTKemMAh5K-PwwaFMJmn4KxfbHgbDsuTQoJ8IYgqdLnXq2B3C6aY8GQyKCJ_22FIl_mMokpJMoiwNdHOidICu4lka_VDI/s1600/GOPR4601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZu_kuy5p2rABiw37bR614hbDQuFUi9c5LlF_obQJbUfANILuTKemMAh5K-PwwaFMJmn4KxfbHgbDsuTQoJ8IYgqdLnXq2B3C6aY8GQyKCJ_22FIl_mMokpJMoiwNdHOidICu4lka_VDI/s640/GOPR4601.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading for the docks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmhd8gVXFAzA8T5R9boOrP6BvFwRpDfPau2_9k_ybQd3RlOXOm8QrRJKPAAngKqAnIvot_K3BskzNx8nVEfxCwD26jLLxE3Bp0j4kpJ5FonjE-s4uZJGpoAfmEdWGEd5DmPKTOejw_94/s1600/GOPR4622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmhd8gVXFAzA8T5R9boOrP6BvFwRpDfPau2_9k_ybQd3RlOXOm8QrRJKPAAngKqAnIvot_K3BskzNx8nVEfxCwD26jLLxE3Bp0j4kpJ5FonjE-s4uZJGpoAfmEdWGEd5DmPKTOejw_94/s640/GOPR4622.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Maria del Mar - The "People's Church"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMv0h2vsxro6QtdqLuKx0xZNqgdcObD6OL0FY9GSAlbBLDLx00vvdm67kPkIjamkoNVSoIb4vaLbY_EsaGGPNGmBXd9vQG76xgxezb0dpr-bNZJk2RzYE94vUT5R8la8GZK_kAxSCnddY/s1600/GOPR4649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMv0h2vsxro6QtdqLuKx0xZNqgdcObD6OL0FY9GSAlbBLDLx00vvdm67kPkIjamkoNVSoIb4vaLbY_EsaGGPNGmBXd9vQG76xgxezb0dpr-bNZJk2RzYE94vUT5R8la8GZK_kAxSCnddY/s640/GOPR4649.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fountain in Parc de la Ciutadella </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DiBDdG1PgEUe1fiNKzeIg2rpaemFFh2HFO2npwhJvZ1PWyc44matyw41-FjG421OhA7BFXGI4_77ql_9NLOPTiUm0vwwNlctB13mkfFqALuQxSLvtDlhI-tIgaCAfPczzYIIpkV7SLc/s1600/GOPR4676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DiBDdG1PgEUe1fiNKzeIg2rpaemFFh2HFO2npwhJvZ1PWyc44matyw41-FjG421OhA7BFXGI4_77ql_9NLOPTiUm0vwwNlctB13mkfFqALuQxSLvtDlhI-tIgaCAfPczzYIIpkV7SLc/s640/GOPR4676.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretending we are running the Barcelona Marathon through the Arch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Here is the <a href="http://www.runningtoursbarcelona.com/" target="_blank">Go! Running Tours Barcelona</a> website. <br />
<br />
Mike & Palms & Pints<br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/palmsandpints">@palmsandpints</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-68963877399402578652015-04-15T12:38:00.002-07:002015-04-15T12:38:18.971-07:00Wine & Snow Shoes! Before winter in southern Ontario met it's timely end about a week ago, my wife and I had the opportunity to try something unique. After a <a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2015/03/winter-weekend-at-falls.html" target="_blank">nice evening spent in Niagara Falls</a>, we headed to rural wine country, Ontario for a snow shoeing adventure. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I wouldn't call myself a wine connoisseur by any means, but to say I enjoy my wine would be a bit of an understatement. This winter also saw me uncover a new love for snow shoeing, something I picked-up out of necessity to fill the 3-month void where running is rather uncomfortable and inconvenient. After doing a bit of research looking for some winter trails in the Niagara region, I stumbled across the <i><a href="http://www.thirtybench.com/" target="_blank">Thirty Bench</a> </i>vineyard snow shoe tour and wine tasting. Needless to say I booked us a spot without much hesitation. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The tour was at a fairly gentle pace to suite the needs of the group of young and old, fit and... well, getting fit! Our guide was exceptionally knowledgeable about the wine as well as the vineyard's history. She also provided a quick but useful tutorial for anyone new to the sport. We sampled about 6 wines in total, mostly white. I'm a red drinker but I enjoyed the exposure to various whites and I think it may have somewhat converted me! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After the tour through the various plots of the property, we were given the chance to explore on our own for a little bit. I used this time to test out my "snow shoe running" techniques, using the rows of vines like they were lanes in an Olympic event. This is not as easy as it looks... <i>actually </i>it does not look particularly easy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The tour was concluded with a delicious bowl of Moroccan cauliflower soup whilst sitting around a little fire in the great snowy outdoors. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I highly recommend the <i>Thirty Bench</i> snow shoe tour for anyone in southern Ontario wine region whom enjoys wine or the winter outdoors (preferably both!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here are some of the best moments I captured from the afternoon: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwY6ZCgtMFMQBSBYjUrjNyY3X-yEU0ithhoMlt-4_jW_YT86fODVLm1GuN967Hd25KKTY1-8aocSde8aaC0m9F0gVJoxIiv_N8I-iDbByxX-9gKqIYCHr0aRbFL_RMsQhcvO1ks118Sfw/s1600/snow+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwY6ZCgtMFMQBSBYjUrjNyY3X-yEU0ithhoMlt-4_jW_YT86fODVLm1GuN967Hd25KKTY1-8aocSde8aaC0m9F0gVJoxIiv_N8I-iDbByxX-9gKqIYCHr0aRbFL_RMsQhcvO1ks118Sfw/s1600/snow+shoes.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wife and I getting ready to roll. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQfkso6pnN59H7KjCTD0jiu9a4QDxlRZmzAaV9T2yMB8mTetljpy_xHg5U5BAmTBcluKFVgbXgXlG4dcKlNjfMvSVTs2fW_hk2cskMm5XZp2xWi9MhI3rQPNGvu_aWrHuc7HHGIaWN9k/s1600/IMG_4184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQfkso6pnN59H7KjCTD0jiu9a4QDxlRZmzAaV9T2yMB8mTetljpy_xHg5U5BAmTBcluKFVgbXgXlG4dcKlNjfMvSVTs2fW_hk2cskMm5XZp2xWi9MhI3rQPNGvu_aWrHuc7HHGIaWN9k/s1600/IMG_4184.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sampling a delicious white wine (Riesling) amongst the beautiful winter vineyard setting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil24XDnTdsKSm4O4SnysNHQtUhcQ-tOlhxcjvLI9VP25aALdkm0t8xdmgrYdOizq2UTEC_pkfhE82Daw7zY_fyt08hspT5oJFe64_5AuRsjIsHrRamOiznicA77DW9dCregWITMJiWVD8/s1600/IMG_4172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil24XDnTdsKSm4O4SnysNHQtUhcQ-tOlhxcjvLI9VP25aALdkm0t8xdmgrYdOizq2UTEC_pkfhE82Daw7zY_fyt08hspT5oJFe64_5AuRsjIsHrRamOiznicA77DW9dCregWITMJiWVD8/s1600/IMG_4172.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chardonnay post marking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYlOdr6vp-JKnHG67Own2hCk4fL2cRvxoAMwMIoXGj8JlEXHj9Llbj4-t914qh210H6M8SHzNUZPIU9uz_HNZLPvYNNUyJD41qrJTasL5V0xYOfhltXEi0k1jSzLNWOeKJA73Z08JRSU/s1600/IMG_4162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYlOdr6vp-JKnHG67Own2hCk4fL2cRvxoAMwMIoXGj8JlEXHj9Llbj4-t914qh210H6M8SHzNUZPIU9uz_HNZLPvYNNUyJD41qrJTasL5V0xYOfhltXEi0k1jSzLNWOeKJA73Z08JRSU/s1600/IMG_4162.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieaNsTTOVw_S0ovbHgOz_DrJRM5-sBtsCHpuIocFGAPFoI_SaYR-eKX-uvfs54ZVLzXY1AQs-09k0uV1epac1LNC0QcyH25TVpNKMFDD57chCnP0Xrwr2Y5SKqyriYHK7fNitd8d5dWQ/s1600/thirty+bench+snow+shoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieaNsTTOVw_S0ovbHgOz_DrJRM5-sBtsCHpuIocFGAPFoI_SaYR-eKX-uvfs54ZVLzXY1AQs-09k0uV1epac1LNC0QcyH25TVpNKMFDD57chCnP0Xrwr2Y5SKqyriYHK7fNitd8d5dWQ/s1600/thirty+bench+snow+shoe.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time for a run!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1hjVHFDlA5c5vDbImBG6UleUpnsHuT1HKHkgEV4D_7eGdwAQD8zjZDUM6_hQKhvVEflKQzCO7HWvIJCRjYnZp1NuzB-jf8d2ExoBA_hdcqrpcmufTMGd_Cwx1_w5pAQquDd9uce_Dqs/s1600/thirty+bench+wine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1hjVHFDlA5c5vDbImBG6UleUpnsHuT1HKHkgEV4D_7eGdwAQD8zjZDUM6_hQKhvVEflKQzCO7HWvIJCRjYnZp1NuzB-jf8d2ExoBA_hdcqrpcmufTMGd_Cwx1_w5pAQquDd9uce_Dqs/s1600/thirty+bench+wine.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood Post Riesling - my favourite wine of the day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Mike @ Palms & Pints <div>
<a href="http://twitter.com/palmsandpints" target="_blank">@palmsandpints</a><br /><div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-61972397320814865402015-03-28T19:48:00.000-07:002015-03-28T19:48:10.154-07:00Winter Weekend at the Falls<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
Having spent my entire life in the Greater Toronto Area, I have been to <span class="il">Niagara</span> Falls more times than I can count. When family and Friends from abroad came to visit they were always eager to see either the iconic Toronto focal point, the CN Tower, or the world’s most powerful waterfall located just about an hour down the Queen Elizabeth Way.<u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
In my adult years trips down to Niagara have been fewer and further between. Maybe I took this wonder of the world for granted, or maybe it’s one of those things you can only see so many times. However <span class="il">Niagara</span> Falls is so much more than the falls themselves. The city is home to two world-class casinos, there is a plethora of fantastic restaurants, a brand new outlet mall and even the kitschy tourist trap known as Clifton Hill.<u></u><u></u></div>
<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
My wife and I decided to spend a night at the falls during a recent winter's weekend as a chance to see the falls in their partially frozen state (something, in my years of visiting the falls during the warm summer months, I had yet to experience).<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
We started things off by taking a nice stroll across <span class="il">Niagara</span> Parkway, admiring the postcard-worthy views of both the Horseshoe and American Falls in their glorious part-frozen, snowy state.<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMF-M9j6RXxwZWkCrorFu1SIrYPzFyPBNG-IG2X_WQtdLJtN88rmH3hpksXNSK9ScnujNiQohsipoK4qvwLncLQlgR2iu6imI8fIfjijS4sSTTHHoIVJWUWLsNgQAYAJZqd1-b7GfiX48/s1600/american+falls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMF-M9j6RXxwZWkCrorFu1SIrYPzFyPBNG-IG2X_WQtdLJtN88rmH3hpksXNSK9ScnujNiQohsipoK4qvwLncLQlgR2iu6imI8fIfjijS4sSTTHHoIVJWUWLsNgQAYAJZqd1-b7GfiX48/s1600/american+falls.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The half-frozen American Falls, with the City of Niagara Falls, NY in the background </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJ_GI3B8DOupPIHG8H9fMC6j6z5brz2bYyWw2xn0w6mBHbtzWcxLoeaaicP4IlNtlxphPy6DIcrLxH9X7spqqk5qEWJD5-yy4FU8Or-laikOM39-iZUn7_gRddciTZaGhaxtTeM0sV2c/s1600/horseshoe+falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJ_GI3B8DOupPIHG8H9fMC6j6z5brz2bYyWw2xn0w6mBHbtzWcxLoeaaicP4IlNtlxphPy6DIcrLxH9X7spqqk5qEWJD5-yy4FU8Or-laikOM39-iZUn7_gRddciTZaGhaxtTeM0sV2c/s1600/horseshoe+falls.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The majestic Canadian Horseshoe Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
From there we headed up Clifton Hill where you will find a colourful, kitschy display of pop culture. A wax museum, a ferris wheel, an arcade and even a giant Frankenstein on top of a Burger King. We didn’t spend much time on Clifton, as it is easily one of the largest collections over-priced establishments you will find anywhere, but the uphill walk was refreshing and provided a few great photo op’s.<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9SvkpG6pNWTl41JzzpkWDIREZZSdB2k4M7o-HgpVXJRgTaJOtjjDcT7HdSbjjICbj1ruzHLo8lIwMcLV3seF9GiPJig8aFvWv4ssI2TrbztrDQAT_mYtu8QTDcsXtoCBiHjpU6CpBRQ/s1600/clifton+hill+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9SvkpG6pNWTl41JzzpkWDIREZZSdB2k4M7o-HgpVXJRgTaJOtjjDcT7HdSbjjICbj1ruzHLo8lIwMcLV3seF9GiPJig8aFvWv4ssI2TrbztrDQAT_mYtu8QTDcsXtoCBiHjpU6CpBRQ/s1600/clifton+hill+1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kitschy charm of Clifton Hill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9W240DVIXfHc6IM4yKTXMI-9Xrx7r9G6_8QVbhUYLs0AXoCItdtjHJtEnufl2ErNwR8I5cygaEAiLUQydGL8IvlgN6oslBnkq-Rh5L1xuMjaBby0b_17_y4zyKEN8U_TjJk8OCC5t0Y/s1600/IMG_4144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9W240DVIXfHc6IM4yKTXMI-9Xrx7r9G6_8QVbhUYLs0AXoCItdtjHJtEnufl2ErNwR8I5cygaEAiLUQydGL8IvlgN6oslBnkq-Rh5L1xuMjaBby0b_17_y4zyKEN8U_TjJk8OCC5t0Y/s1600/IMG_4144.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No shortage of activities (bring your wallet)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXDaxv2oL7t_Gpcda61bEnBNoWrKBq1Rti16-bfW4GxUlD5aHZ0OYqOMFIcEfzYnvJKV3f55qtic4diPGNMbizcVBbop6SfupIZ2U9NIxS8lzz5ixraBHBOhqAGaVyyNsGaWqAB6rS00/s1600/Ripleys+Clifton+Hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXDaxv2oL7t_Gpcda61bEnBNoWrKBq1Rti16-bfW4GxUlD5aHZ0OYqOMFIcEfzYnvJKV3f55qtic4diPGNMbizcVBbop6SfupIZ2U9NIxS8lzz5ixraBHBOhqAGaVyyNsGaWqAB6rS00/s1600/Ripleys+Clifton+Hill.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ripley's Museum - A Clifton Hill institution</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">At the top of Clifton Hill we settled in for dinner at Antica Pizzeria, a great pizza place we try to make it to anytime we are in </span><span class="il" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Niagara</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">. Then it was off to try our luck at Fallsview Casino.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
First opened in 2004, Fallsview Casino is about as close as you are going to get to a Las Vegas super-Casino in Canada. It is massive, chic and loaded with Vegas-style extras like boutique shopping, several restaurants including the classic all-you-can-eat buffet, a performing stage and much more. On a Saturday night the casino was expectedly packed and many games were hard to come by. I initially tried to get my hands on some digital roulette (prefer that over the standard table roulette which requires some etiquette), however there were no terminals available, and plenty of people circling waiting to grab anything that did open up. We decided to switch our attention to the slots and digital blackjack where we lost a combined $40, an acceptable “cost of entertainment” for non-gamblers such as ourselves.<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yl_J8dNBga7LEBQdpOfZR68xjHf-zc1opKl6GMOH00h2G8SAmnvumtVII15QcpzSDQ1LyXhb5I3wFbqKtKBnAJMMKYQr6V3dC56HS3lQ4Ch1CQp1vLoHg2oEnUNJZOaMCVOT8xUG3cM/s1600/IMG_2898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yl_J8dNBga7LEBQdpOfZR68xjHf-zc1opKl6GMOH00h2G8SAmnvumtVII15QcpzSDQ1LyXhb5I3wFbqKtKBnAJMMKYQr6V3dC56HS3lQ4Ch1CQp1vLoHg2oEnUNJZOaMCVOT8xUG3cM/s1600/IMG_2898.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fallsview Casino would not be out of place on the Vegas strip.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
Using our Player’s Advantage Card (the Casino’s loyalty program) we were able to earn free parking at the casino’s underground parking structure. Since our hotel was only about a 7min walk from the casino, this saved us the $20 the hotel wanted to charge us to park for the weekend. <u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span class="il">Niagara</span> Falls is rightfully one of the top tourist destinations in the world, and it doesn’t have to be expensive either if you do the right research. There are plenty of mid-week hotel deals available through sites like Groupon or WagJag, and sometimes they even include meal, attraction and/or gambling incentives. The falls are beautiful all year round, the dining options plentiful, and you can always find some action at the 24-7 casinos. There is a little something for everyone in <span class="il">Niagara</span> Falls. <u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
Here is our <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Review-g154998-d184289-Reviews-Radisson_Hotel_Suites_Fallsview-Niagara_Falls_Ontario.html" target="_blank">review of the Radisson Fallsview Hotel</a>. An affordable and conveniently located home base for your Falls trip.<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVnY6x4HVCbHPYw4XjHSOmMQsAewHfCC4-MFzi8NEcyDdbC4zu7KvptRMJYYoOWr88_pLvrpMxrFxPaEyerxYGTmE0__0mKgGuujLPHXWOrOr3SL5V-ibdO7KUv7L2UdY1Z-HXSF59W8/s1600/radisson+fallsview+hotel+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVnY6x4HVCbHPYw4XjHSOmMQsAewHfCC4-MFzi8NEcyDdbC4zu7KvptRMJYYoOWr88_pLvrpMxrFxPaEyerxYGTmE0__0mKgGuujLPHXWOrOr3SL5V-ibdO7KUv7L2UdY1Z-HXSF59W8/s1600/radisson+fallsview+hotel+view.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from partial fallsview room at the Radisson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
In my next post I'll get to the 2nd portion of our winter getaway weekend. Touring a winery by snow shoe!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
Mike @ Palms & Pints<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://twitter.com/palmsandpints" target="_blank">@palmsandpints</a></div>
Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-91862359166399381132015-03-07T10:01:00.001-08:002015-03-07T10:33:25.889-08:00Snow Shoeing - Winter's Cardio About 5 years ago I discovered the joy of running. At first it was all about fitness as I was terribly out of shape and looking to lose some weight. By the second or third year however it became more about my passion for the sport, the love of the outdoors and the desire to be in the sunshine on anything from a crisp April morning to a sweltering July afternoon.<br />
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGVKXHedOt9STeA-SQoFYJnrhzU0n6uS9uKLuYP1lL5LtE8YONk3lEwmzcp5J2G-AgQIRpdOKaVM9y3eEtbCszwbNJL1Qfv-oxDvYZmbYFxxBrv6ZUTROiaf6A5b6sDbrQYpPjo72FmU/s1600/IMG_0233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGVKXHedOt9STeA-SQoFYJnrhzU0n6uS9uKLuYP1lL5LtE8YONk3lEwmzcp5J2G-AgQIRpdOKaVM9y3eEtbCszwbNJL1Qfv-oxDvYZmbYFxxBrv6ZUTROiaf6A5b6sDbrQYpPjo72FmU/s1600/IMG_0233.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud of my first medal at one of my first running events</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br />
While my running evolved over the first four years, one thing stayed the same. I did not run in the winter. Something about the temperatures dipping below 5C just turned me right off the sport and had me indoors until the following spring. This winter, however, I was able to put that behind me and run right into the depths of January and February. This new found love of cold weather activity sparked a new interest which made use of the snowy, slippery terrain; snow shoeing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It started by chance. Early in the winter a buddy had bugged me to try cross-country skiing with him. I did... and I hated it. I had trouble staying on my feet and even when I could I must have looked like a drunk flamingo. He saw my struggles and recommended we try something with a lesser learning curve for the rest of the afternoon, so we strapped on some snow shoes and headed for the trail.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetgvpXd8w93LlouNYt5qZi_6BxqEn-V_GZriVS9OcmfO_-Wuom4yQG32z3XnkXbeZnQXSb5O8CtwbKQWijwRZ4oY5BXtQPwLCXcypCLFfhyphenhyphenwFYDjNImZslSMW9bvTOFYY2RIu-ZSmAiY/s1600/barrie+snow+shoe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetgvpXd8w93LlouNYt5qZi_6BxqEn-V_GZriVS9OcmfO_-Wuom4yQG32z3XnkXbeZnQXSb5O8CtwbKQWijwRZ4oY5BXtQPwLCXcypCLFfhyphenhyphenwFYDjNImZslSMW9bvTOFYY2RIu-ZSmAiY/s1600/barrie+snow+shoe.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First snow shoe adventure near Barrie, Ontario</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
Fast forward two months and I now own my own pair of snow shoes (Atlas 9-series), and have been out on many adventures both back-trail and urban. My first big run was High Falls trail in the southern tip of Algonquin Park's panhandle. Great views of a mostly frozen river/waterfall and beautiful forest scenery. Algonquin is one of my favourite places to visit, and the snowy winter setting puts a fresh spin on it.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJhjuqBL9GaAUonZw9OyjrqqOAIQEv-1KZfUq0cE32hCxhc8Evby-aHOQdjHihl32oKRqbcxFtiDImptdIzqAAMP1qxK1RFbZJyNnK3VYBy4pH048dcXRx60DHo8BA9m2uXlQDWYOuzU/s1600/IMG_4057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJhjuqBL9GaAUonZw9OyjrqqOAIQEv-1KZfUq0cE32hCxhc8Evby-aHOQdjHihl32oKRqbcxFtiDImptdIzqAAMP1qxK1RFbZJyNnK3VYBy4pH048dcXRx60DHo8BA9m2uXlQDWYOuzU/s1600/IMG_4057.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful frozen scenery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTN5ZwZ2SSLYYuCLZtkmyHxcdHG0SlFlMNPPL3z2d-IhURk6CLRWRXhmCV25s6ARPApD4EccIrMa9Il3BJVlPRnvAQlU-XJTOawUQ2gx0Fp9BiEAgsbWuqrqRXRqAh8gDgWl5Qrjf8JE/s1600/ALGONQUIN+SNOW+SHOE+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTN5ZwZ2SSLYYuCLZtkmyHxcdHG0SlFlMNPPL3z2d-IhURk6CLRWRXhmCV25s6ARPApD4EccIrMa9Il3BJVlPRnvAQlU-XJTOawUQ2gx0Fp9BiEAgsbWuqrqRXRqAh8gDgWl5Qrjf8JE/s1600/ALGONQUIN+SNOW+SHOE+2.JPG" height="178" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High Falls Trail - Algonquin Park </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7GJEp9zZz7ccOAy4Y0PWMallT6TuHXnd2xATCCh0bWNlyqKk3BTQQ5nNc3mZ3oeScIt_NeQj-DcLdGP5NnjTirggGdZJXlCaa8o9MMIQwUC04iLB4VJTX0753RysAJExIN3LRjGOupY/s1600/MOOSE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7GJEp9zZz7ccOAy4Y0PWMallT6TuHXnd2xATCCh0bWNlyqKk3BTQQ5nNc3mZ3oeScIt_NeQj-DcLdGP5NnjTirggGdZJXlCaa8o9MMIQwUC04iLB4VJTX0753RysAJExIN3LRjGOupY/s1600/MOOSE.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moose sighting after leaving the High Falls trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Not being able to 'get away' every weekend however has forced me to track down some great urban snow shoeing. I explored the parklands of my own neighbourhood here in Mississauga and while there were no wild life sightings, I had myself a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guqbpcCLqu4" target="_blank">great view of a passing GO Train</a>. I feel as though you don't really know even your own neighbourhood unless it is explored outside of a car. In the summer this can be done on a bike or even on foot, but in the winter time snow shoeing is a fantastic option.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDIJmMq1xXkubK9-7LfWHhZMrME9lpADTHtPt86Aa6SEu1jD9BiKWVywIV-Dvoav4I-votJs_6x-FOmQD0THe3l1tN4JQdIlDKVv-2ic2rwx57Dx8_fBqjwouRT3xVJRkrk3LT3fnoLs/s1600/ATLAS+9+SERIES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDIJmMq1xXkubK9-7LfWHhZMrME9lpADTHtPt86Aa6SEu1jD9BiKWVywIV-Dvoav4I-votJs_6x-FOmQD0THe3l1tN4JQdIlDKVv-2ic2rwx57Dx8_fBqjwouRT3xVJRkrk3LT3fnoLs/s1600/ATLAS+9+SERIES.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving my Atlas snow shoes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Many chilly Sunday mornings have been spent with my father-in-law in Brampton trekking across several city parks. We cruise through thick powdery snow that boots alone wouldn't dream of, passing by small half-frozen duck-filled ponds. These trips even include a bit of urban exploration checking out an abandoned highway overpass which had been decommissioned since the closing of a quarry many years earlier.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrhLRg2hIY5OH9AE6WTw1J6kZqpBFf__zF9VBF8kpknJYcXb2Z4GRBlnJktm2UvM8oFQKmrq__opDVZr0cgz8BWjL6RQ1ZtWewJRvxJE7MeoT-qp0jRVuljcIFYjDkj9GA2uy4Qpy8_Y/s1600/Franceschini+bridge+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrhLRg2hIY5OH9AE6WTw1J6kZqpBFf__zF9VBF8kpknJYcXb2Z4GRBlnJktm2UvM8oFQKmrq__opDVZr0cgz8BWjL6RQ1ZtWewJRvxJE7MeoT-qp0jRVuljcIFYjDkj9GA2uy4Qpy8_Y/s1600/Franceschini+bridge+2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Urban exploration - a decommissioned highway overpass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYw7AFbj8Bt5mcCOEI7I9jaJNJWujzhxkD80f2xUgnYJWx8bKUC67JC4PeKlPtXkkbFQ-hZ5JnFBSeWDSFbr_5pbENZIRL1NZLbpRPdTG2VI92jDUEF64VercW3JIYGXR3PuAH30J74o/s1600/Franceschini+bridge+selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYw7AFbj8Bt5mcCOEI7I9jaJNJWujzhxkD80f2xUgnYJWx8bKUC67JC4PeKlPtXkkbFQ-hZ5JnFBSeWDSFbr_5pbENZIRL1NZLbpRPdTG2VI92jDUEF64VercW3JIYGXR3PuAH30J74o/s1600/Franceschini+bridge+selfie.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out exploring, even on the coldest of winter days</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br />
While snow shoeing doesn't offer the adrenaline of snowboarding or downhill skiing, it is a great (affordable!) winter sport for those looking to explore nature, see their own local park from a new perspective or even just keep up with that outdoor cardio in the harsh Canadian winter. Just remember to layer up!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rw6jjX-tsejd3EYjFl9F0QTkp3BGZYFFzJ_YNBvj3rH9R-Pdtr2T4jkjTxVWamKweNPGZa8rVf9OcKGHcTDdau-E3QFWkzZ6QaXxW1CH-eOk7Mp5Zuac6HOjeChi5rlPwIhhrO0WWeA/s1600/brampton+pond+ducks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rw6jjX-tsejd3EYjFl9F0QTkp3BGZYFFzJ_YNBvj3rH9R-Pdtr2T4jkjTxVWamKweNPGZa8rVf9OcKGHcTDdau-E3QFWkzZ6QaXxW1CH-eOk7Mp5Zuac6HOjeChi5rlPwIhhrO0WWeA/s1600/brampton+pond+ducks.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ducks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Note - For those who like to track progress I highly recommend the <a href="http://www.strava.com/" target="_blank">Strava</a> app/site. It is great for running, cycling and even has an option to track other types of movement like snow shoeing. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Mike @ Palms & Pints<br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/palmsandpints" target="_blank">@palmsandpints</a></div>
Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-15647004150621424282015-01-26T18:56:00.002-08:002015-01-26T18:56:50.008-08:00Punta Cana All-Inclusive: 10 Things I LovedIf you are a sun-worshipper such as myself, the Dominican Republic cannot be beat. Temperatures almost always over 25C, blazing sunshine, pristine white sands and turquoise waters. Sitting on the eastern tip of the country, Punta Cana is widely considered to be the top beach destination in the DR and one of the best in all of the Caribbean.<br />
<br />
I was recently in Punta Cana to attend a friend's wedding, and I had a fantastic experience. Like is done by the majority of travellers to Punta Cana, we stayed at an all-inclusive resort. <i>Paradisus Punta Cana</i> excels almost everywhere with great food, well equipped rooms, beautiful landscaping and of course a prime slice of sun-kissed Punta Cana beachfront.<br />
<br />
Here are 10 awesome travel experiences I got out of my trip to this corner of paradise, in no particular order:<br />
<br />
<br />
1. Early morning beach runs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDX4MLPnGA_iyVtqnnFeYBLXk55XL8iJMbS42Q5RgFcimT_UtgL7SASoxqzjD71wXNsaapSFeZDetX2CCK-bHFZTYn20Bpow84Pj1-eVhiTGYljojRrg2Ps_iA3PhCToD9huCxPZHukhI/s1600/punta+cana+beach+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDX4MLPnGA_iyVtqnnFeYBLXk55XL8iJMbS42Q5RgFcimT_UtgL7SASoxqzjD71wXNsaapSFeZDetX2CCK-bHFZTYn20Bpow84Pj1-eVhiTGYljojRrg2Ps_iA3PhCToD9huCxPZHukhI/s1600/punta+cana+beach+run.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
2. Admiring the towering palms.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Av7vPv4oet_xo_CWkqDkHtqNdX53EY8QHC0q0qlnBNs1ut0gMN5zv5QykZ7x1qa1BSLlMJ85DFV5696JTpYses6LKs540LUcVILP7eKv3CWSUydQL9W4f_UDUJXZasFeume6QJp_Phc/s1600/towering+palm+trees.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Av7vPv4oet_xo_CWkqDkHtqNdX53EY8QHC0q0qlnBNs1ut0gMN5zv5QykZ7x1qa1BSLlMJ85DFV5696JTpYses6LKs540LUcVILP7eKv3CWSUydQL9W4f_UDUJXZasFeume6QJp_Phc/s1600/towering+palm+trees.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
3. Attending a beautiful beach wedding.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6syOK06i-qnYx6YQuKUi669dWwfJA4xCmbnTzED6xjWG6ri2uBz3iKf8x7yUh6cWXfEsoeWIG57iBbaaM6BRZxNewomcJRfJREQlEeIpL00-CMrz9H-6Ge1L-cRPsnsl16WcswD1wR8/s1600/punta+cana+beach+wedding.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6syOK06i-qnYx6YQuKUi669dWwfJA4xCmbnTzED6xjWG6ri2uBz3iKf8x7yUh6cWXfEsoeWIG57iBbaaM6BRZxNewomcJRfJREQlEeIpL00-CMrz9H-6Ge1L-cRPsnsl16WcswD1wR8/s1600/punta+cana+beach+wedding.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
4. Drinking coconut water fresh from the tree.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cBbA43w2vKINsfPOuryD8WqsNDlZ5UeMKFYHY_mgyeLVG6B7XIFwS4xZXEhb5O-TlKlJe-kkuM_PPIsQHfidilZ_fW6c88C91FlXri5gZAXKKicNPK4yCEh08iH_cZEm0zA_7np_6og/s1600/punta+cana+coconut+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cBbA43w2vKINsfPOuryD8WqsNDlZ5UeMKFYHY_mgyeLVG6B7XIFwS4xZXEhb5O-TlKlJe-kkuM_PPIsQHfidilZ_fW6c88C91FlXri5gZAXKKicNPK4yCEh08iH_cZEm0zA_7np_6og/s1600/punta+cana+coconut+water.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
5. Lounging (aka doing nothing) on a world class beach.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdri9Xgr4qaF8sVU2o5p1MxpRK9VQ4-XznkWEWunz99PSR5ehSSyDHCG9GiFPUzrMsP_nUE-F1CoC7IBUWHdEaucI1mh5goLOYO1-kmyprvTJXPqkVz3Wk4Xyh5USGIx-UKCxX2oouF4/s1600/IMG_3744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdri9Xgr4qaF8sVU2o5p1MxpRK9VQ4-XznkWEWunz99PSR5ehSSyDHCG9GiFPUzrMsP_nUE-F1CoC7IBUWHdEaucI1mh5goLOYO1-kmyprvTJXPqkVz3Wk4Xyh5USGIx-UKCxX2oouF4/s1600/IMG_3744.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
6. Consuming all-inclusive island cocktails.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZc6TbSvW_ZBw7yD6rJeRevvh3lPKxQDORtKQFhWMmDLZb0fccGrCr5Bx6s2zVDXH3rkb94V7kneKIN87wpx44pTmHjkh_0KYTl7MNb5qUk8yVVE3X0LxxlK8pbLBAwJwBVwHQaBIWr8/s1600/mojito+and+margarita.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZc6TbSvW_ZBw7yD6rJeRevvh3lPKxQDORtKQFhWMmDLZb0fccGrCr5Bx6s2zVDXH3rkb94V7kneKIN87wpx44pTmHjkh_0KYTl7MNb5qUk8yVVE3X0LxxlK8pbLBAwJwBVwHQaBIWr8/s1600/mojito+and+margarita.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
7. Strolling through the stunning resort landscaping.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5gif7jNEYuCF-VQV1oKiLdtxyvq0V5FeAauyhcnX65SDLrik1nfnXnrUsOxuRecSdPBT1WXAA2Yf327Jq0RSRkHLcwv4ooJoeyVDrY3ulu23zFDufkrgcOh4p8UUQmeATZpI9CdVftc/s1600/torpical+pond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5gif7jNEYuCF-VQV1oKiLdtxyvq0V5FeAauyhcnX65SDLrik1nfnXnrUsOxuRecSdPBT1WXAA2Yf327Jq0RSRkHLcwv4ooJoeyVDrY3ulu23zFDufkrgcOh4p8UUQmeATZpI9CdVftc/s1600/torpical+pond.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8. Taking full advantage of tank top and shorts weather, all-day everyday. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsiCCAVscDhVh1LHqqRvkVqDbTkRdF9GzP0xHPeT3DjogiLmYZZAXSaq4IaxIJUM3bNRL12Oe_91KD8tBX4oVkZEHIXnOin3wNudcACHLT_0HW8iKKDbJl3_Qu0lf5mYH-SrKNOEVA2Y8/s1600/IMG_3760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsiCCAVscDhVh1LHqqRvkVqDbTkRdF9GzP0xHPeT3DjogiLmYZZAXSaq4IaxIJUM3bNRL12Oe_91KD8tBX4oVkZEHIXnOin3wNudcACHLT_0HW8iKKDbJl3_Qu0lf5mYH-SrKNOEVA2Y8/s1600/IMG_3760.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
9. Indulging on high-quality meals at breakfast, lunch & dinner. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAjanlD6OgNsHfCgfMqjgW50SuOPBXfBSogr6bk_ZwLvje5eDeIag5NxSvN7q6Vx2km0icyXGkB-Paf-5B104Z5Ll80vmKcghxQLlzcFxh-cy9YYPyl644A1x4j26676zaFQP69E-kw8/s1600/tuna+steak.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAjanlD6OgNsHfCgfMqjgW50SuOPBXfBSogr6bk_ZwLvje5eDeIag5NxSvN7q6Vx2km0icyXGkB-Paf-5B104Z5Ll80vmKcghxQLlzcFxh-cy9YYPyl644A1x4j26676zaFQP69E-kw8/s1600/tuna+steak.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
10. Did I mention the sunshine and coconut water? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafo-cO9viy-Q4DDC3bH007ve2M_v7gTwO0n8pEtsh07M_xi_vyqbTi0nuprZZgWSGcsWIwgVzS-ZprvHzHp8ZBOEGEDC9FKcKjiPkMo0fk6YjzTb_s55S0J60sVIWaMxbJOyqv_3nWXQ/s1600/drinking+coconut+water.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafo-cO9viy-Q4DDC3bH007ve2M_v7gTwO0n8pEtsh07M_xi_vyqbTi0nuprZZgWSGcsWIwgVzS-ZprvHzHp8ZBOEGEDC9FKcKjiPkMo0fk6YjzTb_s55S0J60sVIWaMxbJOyqv_3nWXQ/s1600/drinking+coconut+water.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-Check out my full review of <i><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g147293-d149395-r245428554-Paradisus_Punta_Cana-Punta_Cana_La_Altagracia_Province_Dominican_Republic.html" target="_blank">Paradisus Punta Cana</a> </i>resort here. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-My review of the wedding venue <i><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g147293-d1050047-r245499174-The_JellyFish_Restaurant-Punta_Cana_La_Altagracia_Province_Dominican_Republic.html" target="_blank">JellyFish Restaurant</a></i> is here. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-If you are looking for tips on planning your own all-inclusive vacation, <a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2014/01/all-inclusive-vacation-planning-for.html" target="_blank">check this out</a>! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mike @ Palms&Pints</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/palmsandpints" target="_blank">@palmsandpints </a></div>
Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-85876379814533081362014-12-01T17:34:00.002-08:002014-12-01T17:47:02.817-08:00Algonquin Park <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some of my fondest childhood memories come from time spent camping with my dad in <span class="il">Algonquin</span> <span class="il">Park</span>. While only being a few hours’ drive from the Toronto area, there is just something enchanting about getting away from the urban sprawl to a place where the air is fresh, the water is clear and the outdoor recreation is endless. We would spend each 3 or 4 day getaway hiking the various interpretive hiking trails, cycling the daunting mountain bike routes and of course relaxing around a campfire under the stars at night. Years later I have rediscovered my love for Ontario’s most popular provincial <span class="il">park</span> and try to make it there at least once a year for my dose of Canadian escapism.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZ1PFojjobO3AVt1Imc_B6_cu9Tt7nrgtsDOPLClJka2Ee06YJzQ3lB6w1HybswQiZtYsxb9WdmvvCuLfh9bMUlDtFgwckh4oXbzQCwTfvnymAzNiWP7ZPnAOmppNn_m6MHXxly1H2Ck/s1600/Algonquin+park+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZ1PFojjobO3AVt1Imc_B6_cu9Tt7nrgtsDOPLClJka2Ee06YJzQ3lB6w1HybswQiZtYsxb9WdmvvCuLfh9bMUlDtFgwckh4oXbzQCwTfvnymAzNiWP7ZPnAOmppNn_m6MHXxly1H2Ck/s1600/Algonquin+park+1.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Towering Pines </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLLvjADsWHk7q7zyhODppz8LTZpYYPfgSSJwIWCi9IJvdywrv3r0ZZLMRSEIJyuLZg4Lv_qZTTZ9D9AqPBGoEVC9GYRbZx60W1TVm4II-YRJYdmL537ES5ETzq1t7x3S1WWVgXYfemq4/s1600/algonquin+park+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLLvjADsWHk7q7zyhODppz8LTZpYYPfgSSJwIWCi9IJvdywrv3r0ZZLMRSEIJyuLZg4Lv_qZTTZ9D9AqPBGoEVC9GYRbZx60W1TVm4II-YRJYdmL537ES5ETzq1t7x3S1WWVgXYfemq4/s1600/algonquin+park+8.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A beautiful vista, one of the countless in the park</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Transportation around the <span class="il">park</span> is easy. The main road (Highway 60) runs right through the <span class="il">park</span> from the West Gate to the East Gate, with visitor centers at each side. Pick up a <span class="il">park</span> map on your way in as all of the trails, campgrounds and other points of interest are mapped based on kilometre marking from the West Gate. This section of the <span class="il">park</span> is known as the ‘corridor’, whereas the less accessible ‘interior’ can only be accessed via portage routes and is recommended for more experienced and adventurous folk.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoilh152McT65WtT2dn_xQKDTcbJt4fW-yYFIFciM81xd_efp29VullL0nHu-xXyFwC8oQGF1CgP2FqD4nfLhxaqeqago_ThyLsAl8eqKRGd2We67PEXdeldqJiDTKdoGxOiTwwVjyi64/s1600/algonquin+park+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoilh152McT65WtT2dn_xQKDTcbJt4fW-yYFIFciM81xd_efp29VullL0nHu-xXyFwC8oQGF1CgP2FqD4nfLhxaqeqago_ThyLsAl8eqKRGd2We67PEXdeldqJiDTKdoGxOiTwwVjyi64/s1600/algonquin+park+7.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whiskey Rapids<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As an avid runner and cyclist I am always looking for a cardio-based outdoor adventure. The hiking trails of <span class="il">Algonquin</span> are unbeatable. Each one explores a different element of the <span class="il">park</span>’s geography, eco-system and history from raging rapids to beaver dams, early 20<sup>th</sup> century logging camps to peaceful spruce bogs. The views from these trails probably haven’t changed much in hundreds of years since the early settlers portaged through the land. Be sure to grab a guidebook (50 cents) at the starting point of each trail (or from the <span class="il">park</span> visitor centres during the off-season) to get an excellent description of each section of the trail via numbered posts.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFto624cKI1neOZ_FZsmQfc4Zd2f6aAHy0fMAztoONRd8kkuEU_s4ld6rHfOnlyMsF43rtRgWujlKlB-vNj_qXsHQfOw2_hq3NVrQtchkz5V_Lt_yZLR4Difm2Zs8nz3n58yqhnsAse8/s1600/algonquin+park+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFto624cKI1neOZ_FZsmQfc4Zd2f6aAHy0fMAztoONRd8kkuEU_s4ld6rHfOnlyMsF43rtRgWujlKlB-vNj_qXsHQfOw2_hq3NVrQtchkz5V_Lt_yZLR4Difm2Zs8nz3n58yqhnsAse8/s1600/algonquin+park+4.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lush forests and pristine waters</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxSKlZPp5-_aRoDoMrlLqL43CoZiTfX81UKbP17IIIkU1Q0LEeAtUuxUHhj6A6vWxIpeM16Z8YPw8_65usHdLzipxeQBF3gC9I7azZJwtzbqiJkoq5k2sj4m74IWbUTkBYv-knhIGT_M/s1600/algonquin+park+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxSKlZPp5-_aRoDoMrlLqL43CoZiTfX81UKbP17IIIkU1Q0LEeAtUuxUHhj6A6vWxIpeM16Z8YPw8_65usHdLzipxeQBF3gC9I7azZJwtzbqiJkoq5k2sj4m74IWbUTkBYv-knhIGT_M/s1600/algonquin+park+9.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A hiking trail post marker</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u></u> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt;">Unlike most of Southern Ontario’s well known lakes, many of the lakes within</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="il" style="font-size: 11pt;">Algonquin</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="il" style="font-size: 11pt;">Park</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt;">’s boundaries ban the use of power boats, meaning both the noise and oil pollution is non-existent and the water is calm and crystal clear; a canoer's paradise. Some of the golden sand beaches I would wager could compete with the best in the country.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTwEeQgt5qlm07HBAGkksuQEvZppO0sj9qE1dtNqGH8-_-hdfroPPuVe7HOlrreNHtWztRcLVzl2jUY2bK8gCRV_jjD54gDf2Jpm04ZW88bACjuTKR8PPfDxQ3t5ar37geaHrg9hS2p4/s1600/algonquin+park+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTwEeQgt5qlm07HBAGkksuQEvZppO0sj9qE1dtNqGH8-_-hdfroPPuVe7HOlrreNHtWztRcLVzl2jUY2bK8gCRV_jjD54gDf2Jpm04ZW88bACjuTKR8PPfDxQ3t5ar37geaHrg9hS2p4/s1600/algonquin+park+5.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blue sky reflecting off of clear waters in a typical Algonquin bog</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My most recent trip to <span class="il">Algonquin</span> <span class="il">Park</span> was this past October. Like the last couple of years we stayed at a very well located cottage complex in Dwight, only a 15 minute drive from <span class="il">Algonquin</span>’s West Gate. Full review of this property can be viewed <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g1370216-d1367837-r119714968-Logging_Chain_Lodge-Dwight_Muskoka_District_Ontario.html" target="_blank">here</a>, but in brief as long are you are not looking for luxury, this is a clean, well equipped and very affordable option in the area. On the way back to the city be sure to stop at <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g181752-d766967-r142486674-3_Guys_A_Stove-Huntsville_Muskoka_District_Ontario.html" target="_blank">3 Guys and a Stove</a> in nearby Huntsville for the best gourmet buffet breakfast you’ve ever had!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAQRUrplKX6BDf11EMBkqwEUMcA-nRgCJdVehnaGD56cxzg88JWG2WEJTuM0zxkND4EDiW69m9D9oVs6lhhcewIo4jkOaBGnSEnN1529E78kMP_P8HV7KnXZoi_OazyNa59xaW-vKbkE/s1600/Logging+Chain+Lodge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAQRUrplKX6BDf11EMBkqwEUMcA-nRgCJdVehnaGD56cxzg88JWG2WEJTuM0zxkND4EDiW69m9D9oVs6lhhcewIo4jkOaBGnSEnN1529E78kMP_P8HV7KnXZoi_OazyNa59xaW-vKbkE/s1600/Logging+Chain+Lodge.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Logging Chain Lodge - our base for all Algonquin adventures</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mike @ Palms & Pints</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://twitter.com/palmsandpints" target="_blank">@palmsandpints</a></span></div>
Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-36226249732330593242014-10-16T18:36:00.000-07:002014-10-16T18:36:05.208-07:00Ripley's Aquarium of Canada in Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past September my wife and I finally made it over to Ripley's Aquarium of Canada in Toronto. Working downtown, I passed by this highly reviewed attraction many times over the summer but chose to wait until the fall when the suffocating crowds they were reporting had somewhat died down. </div>
<br />
As the aquarium is open until 11pm on many nights, we made our reservations for 7pm and had more than enough time to explore the entire premises quite thoroughly and crowds were no issue at all.<br />
<br />
We had a fantastic time at this creative, interactive, state-of-the-art facility and would highly recommend it to anyone living in or visiting the Toronto area.<br />
<br />
Full details and review of our experience can be found on my TripAdvisor review <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g155019-d5031404-r231713563-Ripley_s_Aquarium_Of_Canada-Toronto_Ontario.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
These are some of our favorite shots from the outing:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGz7HJht7ULUgBCam2nDSXTnCgUC993PWlHNGPkF3CGegw6CNbdLCpMI5Rvrwrdof8PYJkTsP9HQbXYSVpT5VgioczF1E75Z9XdNQU-u7yyxrKpiNxnXtNLYQMMMXMJM14qa87qA9_hY/s1600/ripleys+aquarium+toronto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGz7HJht7ULUgBCam2nDSXTnCgUC993PWlHNGPkF3CGegw6CNbdLCpMI5Rvrwrdof8PYJkTsP9HQbXYSVpT5VgioczF1E75Z9XdNQU-u7yyxrKpiNxnXtNLYQMMMXMJM14qa87qA9_hY/s1600/ripleys+aquarium+toronto.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving at the Aquarium </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40sASai6NOHbtvpScWPNMaHav8RnZPFe58FwzG54FHtbMg2HniedgOhl_21rySkPOIHe57QNwU3Z9_pX52BFAS43hQbx8EIb6ODrcJyZiCkiejYCzfFalx972JRcRiP3Y-RVem37oB8o/s1600/dangerous+lagoon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40sASai6NOHbtvpScWPNMaHav8RnZPFe58FwzG54FHtbMg2HniedgOhl_21rySkPOIHe57QNwU3Z9_pX52BFAS43hQbx8EIb6ODrcJyZiCkiejYCzfFalx972JRcRiP3Y-RVem37oB8o/s1600/dangerous+lagoon.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharks overhead in the uniquely designed 'Dangerous Lagoon'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZHyvhRQx7Z09r-46vMY5KXfxG78yySrQB7RwvV8m0yieluZ50huD7hYEYaW24Ru4OYtQiP_ZnvvB895M92bYsvawh-BrR_WfSpuWl09-6RTdTkASA62TuxtSRl1zk05z1rwV7cAJJFQ/s1600/ripleys+aquarium+shark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZHyvhRQx7Z09r-46vMY5KXfxG78yySrQB7RwvV8m0yieluZ50huD7hYEYaW24Ru4OYtQiP_ZnvvB895M92bYsvawh-BrR_WfSpuWl09-6RTdTkASA62TuxtSRl1zk05z1rwV7cAJJFQ/s1600/ripleys+aquarium+shark.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Sawfish trolling the faux-ocean floor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvtbhN_pPoZh66X4r4pVbqCTUnAR4quOb0IZANCe3dPnZctZIPI-rBZPKzX9L-NCvC8nCHvCATLhVGlHhLH8T1n2mkb2yQjp_Q5bvgAI7kn5RTnHE-cu8w2RMpv6mL5ZB7Y214OwbGbY/s1600/smiling+stingray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvtbhN_pPoZh66X4r4pVbqCTUnAR4quOb0IZANCe3dPnZctZIPI-rBZPKzX9L-NCvC8nCHvCATLhVGlHhLH8T1n2mkb2yQjp_Q5bvgAI7kn5RTnHE-cu8w2RMpv6mL5ZB7Y214OwbGbY/s1600/smiling+stingray.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sting ray getting up close and personal in 'Ray Bay'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0k-HRUYt6cfMcvDtTSmJ43hJjDyIx5u66HnLaXTqc0dgLP2wC6IVVgjhv83nka4j5pDGM7cRAkq7Rf8_HjCMEWyFv-SAzODgoQymP6b35Mew-AU1wf6ltW0HJtgo97JNTgmAQcHgobw/s1600/clownfishg+tank.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0k-HRUYt6cfMcvDtTSmJ43hJjDyIx5u66HnLaXTqc0dgLP2wC6IVVgjhv83nka4j5pDGM7cRAkq7Rf8_HjCMEWyFv-SAzODgoQymP6b35Mew-AU1wf6ltW0HJtgo97JNTgmAQcHgobw/s1600/clownfishg+tank.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chillin' with some Nemos (clownfish)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjFR7kQcgSyciRmizt2FfsMiBq4V99bXM6J2vaoLwQ2bEU8pGYerhTg-rQS4q1krzk0dPVCf1XTePLYDrU7ji6gPZ1rXcpNlrR2vbtX07bMRsW1EUQXNILNqhRPJmKoRtza4bPwiesks/s1600/jellyfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjFR7kQcgSyciRmizt2FfsMiBq4V99bXM6J2vaoLwQ2bEU8pGYerhTg-rQS4q1krzk0dPVCf1XTePLYDrU7ji6gPZ1rXcpNlrR2vbtX07bMRsW1EUQXNILNqhRPJmKoRtza4bPwiesks/s1600/jellyfish.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stunning jellyfish in 'Planet Jellies'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-zw3l2Oz9w0v2XsXaI0cYPd6C_EnV4F47BgQ_XlOF1afCsbaDl6d5EyktYpVI_ihS6k4565q6_C2s0QMa4Jmj1frPBnmbhLSj5NFWZwrTKEx16a7N-P-XjHMZ0lBlceLU_8Hqn1eyRo/s1600/ripleys+sting+rays.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-zw3l2Oz9w0v2XsXaI0cYPd6C_EnV4F47BgQ_XlOF1afCsbaDl6d5EyktYpVI_ihS6k4565q6_C2s0QMa4Jmj1frPBnmbhLSj5NFWZwrTKEx16a7N-P-XjHMZ0lBlceLU_8Hqn1eyRo/s1600/ripleys+sting+rays.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wifey posing with the crew from 'Ray Bay'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mike @ Palms & Pints</div>
<div>
<a href="http://twitter.com/palmsandpints" target="_blank">@palmsandpints </a></div>
Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-38765570196547335982014-09-17T18:47:00.000-07:002014-09-17T18:55:59.825-07:00Manitoulin Island in Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I spent a sunny August weekend with my wife and in-laws on beautiful Manitoulin Island. As a life-long Ontario resident I was surprised it had taken me nearly 29 years to make it to the world's largest freshwater island. To be honest, a day and a half wasn't nearly enough time to take everything in, but we did our best, exploring on foot and bike as much as possible. Here are some of my favorite photographs from the adventure:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIWsGS4xrYY_WtJYbZwlEMuuzo1VgsyGdVR_mMfaN9VNP-gT-FUIRBUOPH-dCl6xPjI5IleqldWoox9g4P3o2RFl68T9obTleyLDRKjfFcqjee7gHL946lrwefKijBxFR2DejLDV4yac/s1600/gore+bay+beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIWsGS4xrYY_WtJYbZwlEMuuzo1VgsyGdVR_mMfaN9VNP-gT-FUIRBUOPH-dCl6xPjI5IleqldWoox9g4P3o2RFl68T9obTleyLDRKjfFcqjee7gHL946lrwefKijBxFR2DejLDV4yac/s1600/gore+bay+beach.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picturesque beach at Gore Bay - after a 20min bike ride from our cottage.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TbGDDrHRfSPPPLHNI41dlrokLSlmBWbmz5YvNfTfQfsnTwjNlyxQT1mDWZ8MXKIjJPOy6bH9o-qgZy2rdpKxsVJOvxtPNTDgtsYp7O72gOwsnuRjLQ07ltlZDRECy7a2BvtCQ0qGz1Q/s1600/gore+bay+dock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TbGDDrHRfSPPPLHNI41dlrokLSlmBWbmz5YvNfTfQfsnTwjNlyxQT1mDWZ8MXKIjJPOy6bH9o-qgZy2rdpKxsVJOvxtPNTDgtsYp7O72gOwsnuRjLQ07ltlZDRECy7a2BvtCQ0qGz1Q/s1600/gore+bay+dock.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gore Bay (the bay, not the town), as seen from dock level.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_vS3jEzZdW6wLEgv_qhkV98zd69VDxq5pmqo7Rr8MiZnvj6kcIObAb8wF6AiKnW7SqQlfqw28Atyuw9j0J9Cf6Xw17ndUNDW1t8TEAcmuEAC3Hr7xQXQXtm3WHeAQCQpHFccUYbcoZc/s1600/cycle+gear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_vS3jEzZdW6wLEgv_qhkV98zd69VDxq5pmqo7Rr8MiZnvj6kcIObAb8wF6AiKnW7SqQlfqw28Atyuw9j0J9Cf6Xw17ndUNDW1t8TEAcmuEAC3Hr7xQXQXtm3WHeAQCQpHFccUYbcoZc/s1600/cycle+gear.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready for the next cycling adventure, with Ice Lake in the background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisL-BG22OIod_Nx84bg1k09RGTPhviYeZEvA2ANZX7bmxD4gfEfRusPsOoTV41_r7dI5qQPGiZLC1oamJi7QRe3lhavWhDJEtAcWjy9MqB4HIHBRkoGu8Y4_dyRY76cLHi2PSNT5SwxKI/s1600/meldrum+bay+inn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisL-BG22OIod_Nx84bg1k09RGTPhviYeZEvA2ANZX7bmxD4gfEfRusPsOoTV41_r7dI5qQPGiZLC1oamJi7QRe3lhavWhDJEtAcWjy9MqB4HIHBRkoGu8Y4_dyRY76cLHi2PSNT5SwxKI/s1600/meldrum+bay+inn.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Meldrum Bay Inn, where we had a fantastic dinner - <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g670441-d706771-r227147589-Meldrum_Bay_Inn_Restaurant-Meldrum_Bay_Manitoulin_Island_Northeastern_Ontario_Ont.html">Full Review Here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDeQXMS_4s7PKhmswJo5DxrDQ1kMJI6BVdBxZe3EF9Q9c6UoXEKTY-ZKMktWpVo9L-yOtmkC_Sy0_WZEPOuAHjx1GXlU2G0YQgHoiDY868W3jlr5J24sL78mq3TvLabz_sGRnotScZYc/s1600/meldrum+bay+pier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDeQXMS_4s7PKhmswJo5DxrDQ1kMJI6BVdBxZe3EF9Q9c6UoXEKTY-ZKMktWpVo9L-yOtmkC_Sy0_WZEPOuAHjx1GXlU2G0YQgHoiDY868W3jlr5J24sL78mq3TvLabz_sGRnotScZYc/s1600/meldrum+bay+pier.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stone pier out into Meldrum Bay. It was cool to see, but likely not worth the hour drive from Gore Bay as there wasn't much else in the area. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEira0c9178JDdwlRI7FMeIbMFb0QVKe7xgS9s2WJvS0FEsJMUwa2DjMMFfv3WYideuAIijTwj8_YqfLEVXt75ULHSyhKbd5FGmMAbWm6kX1lqAJWF88G5Wy9vf_ytCnMxiUZlvX7GOE1XA/s1600/old+sign+meldrum+bay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEira0c9178JDdwlRI7FMeIbMFb0QVKe7xgS9s2WJvS0FEsJMUwa2DjMMFfv3WYideuAIijTwj8_YqfLEVXt75ULHSyhKbd5FGmMAbWm6kX1lqAJWF88G5Wy9vf_ytCnMxiUZlvX7GOE1XA/s1600/old+sign+meldrum+bay.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old sign that lists just about everything you are going to find in quaint Meldrum Bay.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MCW-pNQd47P_6d0-wj9gpm_5bNxPFqExz4_BFjtFX8XC86jzthfR76BTaRanRPGfzJmxeI5ZvNkOkxoSC6rS0xD8BRlQQMGNVQ40K_3ZFWHC9qn5fZ4uQ2Bg_-ehIf9LkWAkBLE_3go/s1600/bridal+veil+falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MCW-pNQd47P_6d0-wj9gpm_5bNxPFqExz4_BFjtFX8XC86jzthfR76BTaRanRPGfzJmxeI5ZvNkOkxoSC6rS0xD8BRlQQMGNVQ40K_3ZFWHC9qn5fZ4uQ2Bg_-ehIf9LkWAkBLE_3go/s1600/bridal+veil+falls.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Majestic Bridal Veil Falls. We wished we had more time to swim in the lagoon below like some were doing, but sadly we only got a quick visit on our way off the island. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsgfYJuWbRHDqvFQOE1gwoOrybnr0zEASKaBLD4lARV2ZrUcA0c_SvsxU3vDtpjCijeeFCl9UYm-1Y8XZCoajE6YpMprBjirfTMoFl6zbdpQ_C5vEvmqUessxx9xGg2zdpH1H9mm2zkQ/s1600/sail+boat+little+current.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsgfYJuWbRHDqvFQOE1gwoOrybnr0zEASKaBLD4lARV2ZrUcA0c_SvsxU3vDtpjCijeeFCl9UYm-1Y8XZCoajE6YpMprBjirfTMoFl6zbdpQ_C5vEvmqUessxx9xGg2zdpH1H9mm2zkQ/s1600/sail+boat+little+current.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many beautiful sailboats docked at Little Current, our entry/exit point of Manitoulin Island. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWA_zOrGu2rdBpE9RejMjj5hdtKMDTb9YQzhVn2CWzarPPU_UTcVwQnLp5W_65ft87LRGJ4I-kRzE3kJktAESSO3g_e_YYGw9j5A04iyCpu60NKwXeIJakMCcJl0snzPdLk3wATusiEl0/s1600/IMG_3320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWA_zOrGu2rdBpE9RejMjj5hdtKMDTb9YQzhVn2CWzarPPU_UTcVwQnLp5W_65ft87LRGJ4I-kRzE3kJktAESSO3g_e_YYGw9j5A04iyCpu60NKwXeIJakMCcJl0snzPdLk3wATusiEl0/s1600/IMG_3320.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manitoulin Island is a pretty well kept secret compared to other Ontario 'Cottage Country' destinations, so we were a little surpised to see a cruise ship making the rounds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpw1FWr7J2x_SwIk16tuHvIW93bIe88B1R96keOJVp3RYUrQEUG-ZI2Rus1dCyQVhoaKVDc2iVYt8O1bNoE5-8NhzGXuLMuNy5YSIP5Xy2vCoPEkTSlLAPJCbGVYIDa-a07xoNUj5-wQ/s1600/little+current+harbour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpw1FWr7J2x_SwIk16tuHvIW93bIe88B1R96keOJVp3RYUrQEUG-ZI2Rus1dCyQVhoaKVDc2iVYt8O1bNoE5-8NhzGXuLMuNy5YSIP5Xy2vCoPEkTSlLAPJCbGVYIDa-a07xoNUj5-wQ/s1600/little+current+harbour.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the sunshine and the view. If I want my own boat one day I may have to start a little smaller. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
Some musings about Manitoulin Island:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-There are two ways to get to the island, a 3 hour drive from the Toronto area, followed by a 1.5 hour car ferry, or a 6 hour straight drive. When you factor in having to arrive at the ferry 1 hour before departure you are looking at similar timelines. We choose the road route as it provided a much more flexible schedule. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-As the island isn't very accessible by car, there are surprisingly few on the road. This makes for fantastic cycling with little towns and places of interest separated just enough for a nice ride. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-Take a week if you truly want to experience the island. A weekend is far too short. Plan to picnic by beaches and hike the trails. The more you can cover on bike & foot the better as it's hard to really appreciate it's beauty from the non-coastal main road that spans across it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here is my review of <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g499260-d1187444-r226962283-Evergreen_Resort-Gore_Bay_Manitoulin_Island_Northeastern_Ontario_Ontario.html">Evergreen Resort</a>, the cottage we booked for the trip. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mike @ Palms & Pints</div>
<div>
<a href="http://twitter.com/palmsandpints">@palmsandpints</a></div>
Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-28337621687218135202014-08-26T19:24:00.000-07:002014-08-28T07:18:03.119-07:00Day Trippin' The Toronto Islands <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My wife and I made the journey down to the Toronto Islands to attend a kids birthday party on Centre Island. After the party was cancelled last minute due to a rainy forecast, we decided to board the ferry across anyways and explore this under-appreciated piece of Toronto parkland.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are several islands just off the coast of downtown Toronto in Lake Ontario. A ferry is needed to get to the islands, but once across everything (except Billy Bishop Airport) can be reached on land routes through a series of paths and bridges.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwd-pd9h3rEw7X9i8L0k_L5KD795P6qF-Htd0E6NnCf7KlSZ1B178lRWENJkSfESRfQX6T7Ufezxw9SNbApIio1_otViDp5mA_G7Yve3g6ESI4snyWyLbb2cKX5iwMO53h92LrNIuGq7s/s1600/toronto+island+ferry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwd-pd9h3rEw7X9i8L0k_L5KD795P6qF-Htd0E6NnCf7KlSZ1B178lRWENJkSfESRfQX6T7Ufezxw9SNbApIio1_otViDp5mA_G7Yve3g6ESI4snyWyLbb2cKX5iwMO53h92LrNIuGq7s/s1600/toronto+island+ferry.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toronto Island Ferry making the journey across - <a href="http://tugboathunter.wordpress.com/2012/06/27/redpath-part-ii/">Source</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the birthday was cancelled there was no need to linger at our child-centric ‘Centre Island’ entry point, and we quickly headed east towards the residential Ward’s Island. As the rain started to spit we decided that a roofed 2-seater pedal car (are these considered bikes?) was the best method of transportation. While the island won’t mistake for Algonquin Park, it is almost surreal to see the secluded homes and open fields while the Bay Street skyscrapers practically still cast a shadow over you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouWIjsnWEtzLIvVQcQSugsCZ6lDWLnuQkgcUMtH89R2sxXoQLGOyNHr4ik844vatrcalgBY6z_6nvHbPHT9icCNkTbTdlirLpnb8DXDFBc0q6VWHWeWVUZtwPqTCLbYkdiycWq2bXm0c/s1600/toronto+skyline.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouWIjsnWEtzLIvVQcQSugsCZ6lDWLnuQkgcUMtH89R2sxXoQLGOyNHr4ik844vatrcalgBY6z_6nvHbPHT9icCNkTbTdlirLpnb8DXDFBc0q6VWHWeWVUZtwPqTCLbYkdiycWq2bXm0c/s1600/toronto+skyline.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toronto skyline as seen from Ward's Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5mVcQQ8t1ecBCwn2zvAI49XyneyJ-Lsn6SjQ3hXd9mVff8Ym7YG01OZSOqdxdhUmlD3r1pSSQq9tuw3lhmPJOo9KqwDI1NHMwv13HZ0K-7N51wusIcRPw-iJeBOMonZ0rS-9-qqQVhw/s1600/house+on+toronto+islands.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5mVcQQ8t1ecBCwn2zvAI49XyneyJ-Lsn6SjQ3hXd9mVff8Ym7YG01OZSOqdxdhUmlD3r1pSSQq9tuw3lhmPJOo9KqwDI1NHMwv13HZ0K-7N51wusIcRPw-iJeBOMonZ0rS-9-qqQVhw/s1600/house+on+toronto+islands.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical home on Ward's Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jS7GzVw0WcaUIDCSZxnevfV7wi48HuwSdjQcCStE2yB-XM5cLKutLtI7a5Bth8pJ00ELFbtX8ADg_0XJGJawOlGOORjI52mFvEKQtFERHHFg1NrCCHFW7ZwH146liSzK1nAX14Tjj6E/s1600/2+seater+bike.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jS7GzVw0WcaUIDCSZxnevfV7wi48HuwSdjQcCStE2yB-XM5cLKutLtI7a5Bth8pJ00ELFbtX8ADg_0XJGJawOlGOORjI52mFvEKQtFERHHFg1NrCCHFW7ZwH146liSzK1nAX14Tjj6E/s1600/2+seater+bike.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding the 2-seater bike across the island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-PU7EbfX9mF3QqxtOAULDzoCqac9HY06WkKwq1AVR1-NHl9jGOf-ZzZBjurBEqxibshfjBAAee-e5ZVF3eujhVJwuFTFJv3wX0756vx9j0XuQhTRlKFu8_LZEVjrU8NO1UAXfZ2A_oU/s1600/IMG_1172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-PU7EbfX9mF3QqxtOAULDzoCqac9HY06WkKwq1AVR1-NHl9jGOf-ZzZBjurBEqxibshfjBAAee-e5ZVF3eujhVJwuFTFJv3wX0756vx9j0XuQhTRlKFu8_LZEVjrU8NO1UAXfZ2A_oU/s1600/IMG_1172.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wet conditions didn't deter from the adventure!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We wheeled around on leg-power to the far reaches of Ward’s Island, exploring the residential areas that dot the island in addition to an old church house and some marinas filled with nice little sailboats (one day!). As the rain was increasing and temperatures dropping we decided to head for shelter at the local island eatery. We just ordered drinks but they served all sorts of lunch and dinner fare for those whose picnics were cut short by the weather.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5vY0FcgZKLzdoIDpWfdCQGisHiyfuiymQeRULHxf57G2jSZfilo7U04gCIHJC1JzxxHm8Uo325roH0QaoBh-MaliQJQHjOevX8rlBt_S4B3x1k6zToFAzDYixJ0X6ppdU8xi6M7syeo/s1600/st+andrew+church+toronto+island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5vY0FcgZKLzdoIDpWfdCQGisHiyfuiymQeRULHxf57G2jSZfilo7U04gCIHJC1JzxxHm8Uo325roH0QaoBh-MaliQJQHjOevX8rlBt_S4B3x1k6zToFAzDYixJ0X6ppdU8xi6M7syeo/s1600/st+andrew+church+toronto+island.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Historic St. Andrew's Church </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMc2BRLBKRQ3uGMiuhB9GfBBJpARhgEJoMtf_OHM_bkH0DJqt0xwLLlMV7sZFz6YCPWMf6iv6pGTfOVxfFMUQ2xO4A5hj5ZFa-94IV4SJagVbj8TMqnyT2wU2iooInvFnb3mxqZ4b3NPU/s1600/toronto+island+harbour.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMc2BRLBKRQ3uGMiuhB9GfBBJpARhgEJoMtf_OHM_bkH0DJqt0xwLLlMV7sZFz6YCPWMf6iv6pGTfOVxfFMUQ2xO4A5hj5ZFa-94IV4SJagVbj8TMqnyT2wU2iooInvFnb3mxqZ4b3NPU/s1600/toronto+island+harbour.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picturesque marina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While we were able to make the best of the rainy and chilly conditions, the Toronto Islands would be much better served on a warm sunny day when you can bring a cooler and a hibachi BBQ and enjoy the cottage lifestyle in downtown Toronto.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mike @ Palms & Pints</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://twitter.com/palmsandpints">@palmsandpints</a></span></div>
Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-42363770041157250612014-08-07T09:05:00.000-07:002014-08-07T09:06:11.443-07:00Unlocking The Power of Hotwire <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->Hotwire is becoming more and more a go-to tool for even
novice vacation planners. While it can provide fantastic savings, it may also
deter from your trip if not used correctly. For those unaware, Hotwire is a
third-party hotel booking website which typically offers lower rates than
booking directly through the hotel or other common third-party sites such as
Expedia or Hotels.com. They are able to do this by allowing you to book a hotel
based on a set of criteria (rough location, amenities, star rating, customer review aggregate) without knowing the exact property ahead of time. The hotel name is
only revealed once your non-refundable payment has been made. While I don’t
fully understand the economics of this method, I have assumed it works because
hotels use the service to sell-off otherwise unfilled rooms at a discounted
rate which doesn’t contradict the ‘lowest <i>advertised</i> rate’ found on their website.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are six tips to help you decide if Hotwire is right for
you, and get the most out of it: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1) Not For Brand-Loyal Travelers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are loyal to a specific hotel brand or chain (i.e.
<a href="http://palmsandpints.blogspot.ca/2014/03/you-cant-beat-homewood-suites.html">you wouldn’t stay anywhere other than a Homewood Suites by Hilton</a> when
traveling in North America), Hotwire isn’t for you. Besides the fact that you
have very limited control over which brand you end up with, you are also likely
missing out on deals associated with loyally programs run by your favorite
brand. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2) Are The Savings Worth The Risk?<br />
<br />
Find a few hotels on a regular third-party booking site like Expedia. Pick ones
that you like based on area, reviews and star rating. Now compare the prices of
those hotels to what Hotwire is offering within the same criteria. If you are
saving under $20 per night you must decide if the risk of booking the ‘unknown’
is really worth it? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3) Area, Area, Area!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A major concern some travelers have with Hotwire is the
inability to know exactly where the hotel will be located. The website will
divide cities into ‘zones’ which can be as small as a few square kilometers,
but may be much larger. Carefully review their zone map and when you find the
zone you want to be in, imagine your hotel being on the far edge of that zone.
Is that something that would severely disappoint you? If so, Hotwire may not be
your best option as they cannot offer the location precision you are looking
for. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkwxIXX3YKKvdwsYyDnTA6shHyqrQt847el4kWjVRst4DH3yAiLKxxjH3RBZ7c9k5BfG6_bu9y724pnuV6yqw2bfV_t8depEne_NA8nMvClFBs7PYS1cuiGD2QiNMOUcI1MC6DD6u8Ko/s1600/Hotel_Intercontinental_Vienna_August_2006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkwxIXX3YKKvdwsYyDnTA6shHyqrQt847el4kWjVRst4DH3yAiLKxxjH3RBZ7c9k5BfG6_bu9y724pnuV6yqw2bfV_t8depEne_NA8nMvClFBs7PYS1cuiGD2QiNMOUcI1MC6DD6u8Ko/s1600/Hotel_Intercontinental_Vienna_August_2006.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intercontinental Wien (Vienna) - easily my best Hotwire find.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4) Consider The Bed Situation </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When booking a hotel direct or even via Expedia/Hotels.com
you are usually offered a choice of bed configuration. Two doubles, two queens,
one king etc. When booking through Hotwire they will only guarantee there will
be enough bed space for the people you’ve specified. If you are booking a room
for two people you will have no control over which configuration you will be
given. Thus two people expecting their own beds may be forced to share one.
This is typically a moot point for a traveling couple. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5) Insider Information</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because Hotwire assigns you a hotel based on a series of
criteria, chances are someone has previously looked for the same thing and made
the booking. There are websites where fellow travelers post their search
criteria and subsequent hotel bookings. This can be very helpful with narrowing
down the list of potential hotels you may receive. <a href="http://betterbidding.com/">BetterBidding.com</a> is a
well-known website which provides this information. While there may be many
hotels in a certain area with a certain star rating, if you pay close attention
to the exact amenities they are listing (pool, conference center, gym etc.) it
may rule some of them out. Explore sites like these and you may be able to
narrow down your choice to 2 or 3 possible outcomes. Please keep in mind
however that Hotwire can change the selection of hotels they offer at any time
and there is no way to identify the options with 100% precision. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6) Contact The Hotel </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After booking you can always contact the hotel directly to
discuss any special requests including the aforementioned bed issue, or to just
verify your details . Because you booked via third party and likely got a price
below their posted rate, they may be unable or unwilling to guarantee your requests
or may want to charge you an extra fee outside of your payment to Hotwire.
There is no harm in trying though as the worst they could say is no. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have any Hotwire questions, or know some other tips I didn’t
list? Drop a comment below! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mike @ Palms & Pints</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://twitter.com/palmsandpints">@palmsandpints </a></div>
Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023472959399857957.post-65811116549967709152014-07-30T19:51:00.000-07:002014-08-18T11:39:40.941-07:00Quebec City - So Europe, So Close <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">After using up quite a bit of my 2014 vacation time with a February trip to Europe, an April trip to Florida and my final week tied up for a December destination wedding in Punta Cana, I was excited when an opportunity arose for a little weekend getaway in Old Town Quebec City. </span></div>
<div class="im" style="; font-size: 13px;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I knew very little about Quebec City prior to arriving, other than that it was one of the oldest cities in Canada, the only North American ‘walled city’ north of Mexico and also the holy grail of French culture in the country.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div>
<span style="; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Upon pulling up to our hotel (<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g155033-d185750-r216800048-Le_Manoir_d_Auteuil-Quebec_City_Quebec.html">Le Manoir d’Auteuil</a>) within the fortified walls of Old Town, we were quickly immersed in shades of our European adventure a few months earlier. Old Town Quebec is split into two historic segments, Haute-Ville (or Upper Town) and Basse-Ville (or Lower Town). The Upper town sits atop a plateau overlooking the region and the majestic St. Lawrence River, with Lower Town down below. Both parts of Old Town are quite interesting, historic and worth exploring. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We began our time here with a walk down Rue St. Jean, a tourist hub with a variety of restaurants and shopping. The main part of the street was blocked off from traffic which turned it into a European style pedestrian zone which was pretty cool. When we were done wandering we set in for some good pizza eats at <i>Mille Et Une Pizzas</i>. The thin crust pizza was excellent and on par with one of my favorite Toronto Pizza restaurants, <i>Pizzeria Libretto</i>. As night was approaching and we were tired from the travel we decided to settle in for some gelato and catch a (fully bilingual!) street performance in a city square in front of the historic Notre Dame de Quebec cathedral. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunP6eTALST_TY51FIMqAaeT0ALJjPYLReNdPG5KJdAdF6WcnOine8aD79nqMOEZONrxOl5Bn8i6SOr4Wye0E9-fO8sdQaAUKx0UTde31k2hV1S2cPKsuncjPRMHiln3PyGhsasaHlajU/s1600/IMG_2977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunP6eTALST_TY51FIMqAaeT0ALJjPYLReNdPG5KJdAdF6WcnOine8aD79nqMOEZONrxOl5Bn8i6SOr4Wye0E9-fO8sdQaAUKx0UTde31k2hV1S2cPKsuncjPRMHiln3PyGhsasaHlajU/s1600/IMG_2977.JPG" height="480" title="rue st jean" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bustling Rue St. Jean</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCOEtNdC2zHVmcX2Vh2JM9F3WMQHwqKQtTcDq02faFhie44JdZR2I1RF5AeKpgfcWD3kQaqAO9WtW_nOiHMFkuP47plsbVPfiqqx92grDOJlb4JW0jFWHBXAFgs_Z5ck_MconkTaEJYo/s1600/IMG_3008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCOEtNdC2zHVmcX2Vh2JM9F3WMQHwqKQtTcDq02faFhie44JdZR2I1RF5AeKpgfcWD3kQaqAO9WtW_nOiHMFkuP47plsbVPfiqqx92grDOJlb4JW0jFWHBXAFgs_Z5ck_MconkTaEJYo/s1600/IMG_3008.JPG" height="480" title="quebec city street performer" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Street Performer in the square</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1943885725" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1943885725" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> we were up early and first headed to the Citadelle, a military fortress just outside of the walls of Old Town. While it may have been interesting to walk around the Citadelle, we were not prepared to pay $16 per person to enter its main core. We got there just in time for the ceremonial “changing of the guard” (<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1943885726" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">10am</span></span>) and were able to see some of the action from the common areas outside of the paid center.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiun7zWlvropA6PGaxvVL8HM_5TMneQvTMSzRVh3lxZ5doXk35e2nSm1PgjjBmEJ9y5fxVatmc7AHQtjjxSBm3drCcVgFdaccFtzOspB9YdSO8NAshDy17j5S1dUlhxh2kDynmNWWecUkM/s1600/IMG_1101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiun7zWlvropA6PGaxvVL8HM_5TMneQvTMSzRVh3lxZ5doXk35e2nSm1PgjjBmEJ9y5fxVatmc7AHQtjjxSBm3drCcVgFdaccFtzOspB9YdSO8NAshDy17j5S1dUlhxh2kDynmNWWecUkM/s1600/IMG_1101.JPG" height="426" title="changing of the guard" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'Changing of the Guard' underway at the Citadelle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="im" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">From there we ventured to the neighboring Plains of Abraham. A formal battle site turned public parkland. We strolled across some of the many different paths weaving through the rolling hills. There isn’t all that much to see here, but a visit to the south edge of the park which overlooks the St. Lawrence is a must. </span></div>
<div class="im" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMz6aAb458fMJxSBDaappBLxvtSsaoyeGpJwEUTPovLDrhrBafdjFdFkPkRBnUKDQzr5p3XiPbcUlFrD6DhtIQAIXn0VkieoklIkPBPNU_YMsxDju3B-NTtMRckFaB0CF69uJJqioqmgU/s1600/IMG_1107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMz6aAb458fMJxSBDaappBLxvtSsaoyeGpJwEUTPovLDrhrBafdjFdFkPkRBnUKDQzr5p3XiPbcUlFrD6DhtIQAIXn0VkieoklIkPBPNU_YMsxDju3B-NTtMRckFaB0CF69uJJqioqmgU/s1600/IMG_1107.JPG" height="426" title="plains of abraham" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finding our way at the Plains of Abraham</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">After taking in the views we decided to head down a massive wooden staircase to Lower Town. These stairs were unlike anything I had been on before and seemed to go forever. If you are nervous about heights then I would definitely avoid them as they are quite steep and imposing. Once we (finally) reached Lower Town we were able to walk alongside the river bed with some nice views, cool old houses and plenty of other walkers, runners and cyclists. We eventually reached Rue du Petit Champlain, a narrow pedestrian zone street with plenty of souvenir and boutique shopping along with a slew of restaurants. This was a charming area, if you can get past the thick crowds. Upon reaching the end we choose to skip the pay-per-ride funicular back to Upper Town and instead took another set of lengthy, however less imposing, stairs back to the top. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5c0-KbFVbKsdc142xXQHIZpFeBmsJp0L0ukLCMS-XUbmi2A4QxGyWC2Rhby8_qTgDoZRAolbVKfvuoW8wkC1-zmmxFMcXn7ktE2PMgUM7P7w2jTgbKw_cooyIxLMK_Teve21T_1l2Ak/s1600/IMG_1112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5c0-KbFVbKsdc142xXQHIZpFeBmsJp0L0ukLCMS-XUbmi2A4QxGyWC2Rhby8_qTgDoZRAolbVKfvuoW8wkC1-zmmxFMcXn7ktE2PMgUM7P7w2jTgbKw_cooyIxLMK_Teve21T_1l2Ak/s1600/IMG_1112.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cool looking homes along the river-front</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_z0SGzCASX_CKsF2XN0dtIXMkUTui1-D6mxtxiS3IwWnPwyqd0g_FMV9Aberc5NjrZV5kjoO8muFF5Nz6KInopseP10yFYaGd__tQKZUvss4tmfn6XbFoT-vHvlSLzCbehWw6x1bWgU/s1600/IMG_1135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_z0SGzCASX_CKsF2XN0dtIXMkUTui1-D6mxtxiS3IwWnPwyqd0g_FMV9Aberc5NjrZV5kjoO8muFF5Nz6KInopseP10yFYaGd__tQKZUvss4tmfn6XbFoT-vHvlSLzCbehWw6x1bWgU/s1600/IMG_1135.JPG" height="426" title="le petit champlain" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">View of Rue Petit Champlain</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Our next stop back in Upper Town was the centerpiece of Quebec City architecture, the Chateau Frontenac Hotel. This towering giant of a building can be seen from all over the city and we spent some quality time walking around it’s perimeter as well as the surrounding area known as the Dufferin Terrace. We were able to enter the hotel and explore the lobby areas, but felt the views from outside were much more impressive. </span><br />
<div class="im" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJvG_xDnJDvBQiB03ojgieXM10OR2eyK6HfVxNM5RZiTO-3Dg3vKaIBjYLVcjXnXe5YvX79po4Dyvj-ZUDAWk47PpHryDtrJ3_puZ5pUwfM4XTBozaCee8T_cWlytyo-QgUrApDBdAG8/s1600/IMG_3198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJvG_xDnJDvBQiB03ojgieXM10OR2eyK6HfVxNM5RZiTO-3Dg3vKaIBjYLVcjXnXe5YvX79po4Dyvj-ZUDAWk47PpHryDtrJ3_puZ5pUwfM4XTBozaCee8T_cWlytyo-QgUrApDBdAG8/s1600/IMG_3198.jpg" height="480" title="chateau frontenac" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The beautiful Chateau Frontenac</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQarW5OtX32Gv9zS7-0_78Nncsm67F4yLni2n2ZbAxpkQk72PkKxH_7XmCyWGxcZG8c1s3yu1S3thEDnv0QKnVTF2lOU8USr_pJGaNHQHyJVp8tq3lzUkDniw_jkg7_eu_MKGzlOGgFE/s1600/IMG_3195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQarW5OtX32Gv9zS7-0_78Nncsm67F4yLni2n2ZbAxpkQk72PkKxH_7XmCyWGxcZG8c1s3yu1S3thEDnv0QKnVTF2lOU8USr_pJGaNHQHyJVp8tq3lzUkDniw_jkg7_eu_MKGzlOGgFE/s1600/IMG_3195.JPG" height="480" title="dufferin terrace" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">View of the St. Lawrence River from the Dufferin Terrace</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="im" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">While in that area we stopped for lunch at <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g155033-d684847-r216814331-Le_Chic_Shack-Quebec_City_Quebec.html"><i>Le Chic Shack</i></a>. A trendy little quick-service spot which specializes in burgers and poutine. We were impressed with the food although felt it was a bit overpriced for a quick lunch. Afterwards we headed back to Rue St. Jean and enjoyed some sunshine on a patio with a beer. While the beer and people-watching were nice, the service was terrible so we quickly left and had a 2<sup>nd</sup> drink on our hotel’s patio. </span></div>
<div class="im" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha036UbCl_pLXLRdHjX4KvdQbrmkoezBGCCgruqlGPuKBzQZDp7YbYSz7JnHa86PNtjC3No9D38FdHsfAo6Sm_ufj0PxicIQCvhSQixAhBmDCohRMs_vJyiTFly47qmvnyvTHoGkMjuqI/s1600/IMG_3015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha036UbCl_pLXLRdHjX4KvdQbrmkoezBGCCgruqlGPuKBzQZDp7YbYSz7JnHa86PNtjC3No9D38FdHsfAo6Sm_ufj0PxicIQCvhSQixAhBmDCohRMs_vJyiTFly47qmvnyvTHoGkMjuqI/s1600/IMG_3015.jpg" height="640" title="le chic shack poutine" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Smoked meat poutine from <i>Le Chic Shack</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6NkaX79MKer-CWwLtYVbGL89qHsBTUxWk1YKMCine6BQzYXHwONoKQaTOknEiiwY5gbC1PPwk0VSXPUsH4f34rZEPKPog8nnN9FC9m3Mu0VFOy5nkOOF3sPoB6Ab5nwMjEQ1LhcgITE/s1600/IMG_1153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6NkaX79MKer-CWwLtYVbGL89qHsBTUxWk1YKMCine6BQzYXHwONoKQaTOknEiiwY5gbC1PPwk0VSXPUsH4f34rZEPKPog8nnN9FC9m3Mu0VFOy5nkOOF3sPoB6Ab5nwMjEQ1LhcgITE/s1600/IMG_1153.JPG" height="426" title="boreal beer" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ice cold Boreale on Rue St. Jean</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="im" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Dinner that night was spent at <i>La Pizzalo</i>, the top-rated Pizza spot in the city. While the pizza was unique and service excellent, we agreed that their signature cheese overflow was a little much for our tastes and made their paper-thin crusts almost disappear. </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Our final evening saw us grabbing a drink on Rue Grand Allee, a hotspot of nightlife with several bars/restaurants in a row all with jam-packed front-facing patios and music pumping. Definitely the spot to be if you’re looking to party in Quebec City.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
Mike @ Palms & Pints </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://twitter.com/palmsandpints"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">@palmsandpints</span></a></span>Mike Fantauzzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15318737480585739231noreply@blogger.com0