#all-day beach cruise at Grace Bay Beach

[waterfunblog]

Experience the Best Tours in Turks and Caicos

Not many destinations come close to Turks and Caicos when it comes to a dream destination. From the endless turquoise waters, powder white-sand beaches to lush marine life, the islands are full of various outdoor adventures waiting for visitors. No matter whether you are after relaxation or adventure, the variety of excursions in Turks and Caicos means every traveler will find something special.

Adventure on the Water

1. Snorkelling and Diving Trips

The waters off Turks and Caicos boast one of the healthiest coral reef systems found anywhere in the world. Excursions offered most widely include snorkeling and diving trips. Places like the Bight Reef and Grace Bay offer shallow areas where colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and sometimes even eagle rays can easily be seen. For more advanced divers, other excursions are available that explore dramatic undersea drop-offs and twisting cave systems.

2. Kayaking and Paddle boarding

Kayaking and paddleboard excursions grant the thrill-seeker quiet cruises on shallow waters off coasts. Paddle through mangrove channels where you can encounter diverse wildlife, including stingrays, baby sharks, and exotic birds. It provides a way for visitors to see the quieter and unaffected nooks of the islands at a leisurely pace on an eco-tour.

3. Boat Tours

One of the best ways to fully appreciate excursions turks and caicos  beauty is by taking a boat excursion. These trips often feature stops at secluded cays, snorkelling spots, and possibly even dolphins-so take either a private charter or go on a group tour. A half-day or full-day excursion might take you to famous spots such as Iguana Island, home of the rare Turks and Caicos rock iguana.

1. Historical and Cultural Tourism

History buffs can enjoy excursions that delve into the culture and history of the islands. Take a visit to Cheshire Hall Plantation for a glimpse into the cotton industry and the stamp of the British Empire, or tour the Grand Turk Lighthouse, a relic of the island's rich nautical history.

2. Beach Horseback Riding

If you have ever dreamed of riding horses along a pristine beach, Turks and Caicos could avail you of just that. Horseback riding excursions take one along the coast and even allow one to wade into the water on one's horse.

Sunset and Night Tours The day can be wrapped up well in style or a sunset cruise and even a glowworm tour. Ideal for spectacular sunsets, the calm evening waters of Turks and Caicos offer just the setting; after dark, some tours let you see Bioluminescence-lighting-up of the water by bioluminescent marine life. Thoughts by the End The very nature of natural beauty and types of activities that are possible make the excursions in Turks and Caicos all-inclusive for every category of traveller. Be it going on a marine exploration in the crystal-clear waters or unveiling the historic perspectives of the islands, such adventures are there to ensure that your visit to this tropical position can never be forgotten.

[backlinksworld]

The Hidden Gems of Miami You Can Only See by Boat

When you think of Miami, vibrant nightlife, sandy beaches, and the stunning skyline likely come to mind. But the real magic? It’s out on the water. Miami holds secrets that most people will never see—unless they experience them by boat. At Miami Ocean Tours, we specialize in showing you these hidden gems, giving you a new perspective on this iconic city. Curious to know what you’re missing? Let’s dive into the treasures that are waiting to be discovered.

One of the first places that’ll take your breath away is Biscayne Bay. Sure, you can catch glimpses of it from land, but until you’re floating on its calm waters, you haven’t truly seen it. The bay offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. As you cruise along, you’ll see secluded islands, like Star Island, where some of the world’s wealthiest call home. Picture it: lush greenery, mansions that look like something out of a movie, and the tranquil sound of water lapping against your boat. It’s paradise, tucked away just minutes from downtown.

Then, there’s the famous Haulover Sandbar. This spot is a favorite among locals, and for good reason. The shallow waters are perfect for anchoring your boat and diving into a day of relaxation. You can lay back on a floating mat, toes in the water, drink in hand, while enjoying the incredible views. And guess what? You won’t find any crowds here. Unlike South Beach, the sandbar is a hidden gem that only those in the know get to enjoy. It’s Miami, but without the tourists.

Now, let’s talk about the wildlife. Miami’s marine life is just as diverse as its culture. From the comfort of your private boat, you might spot playful dolphins swimming alongside or graceful manatees gliding through the water. And if you’re up for an adventure, snorkeling in the clear waters of Biscayne Bay will bring you face to face with tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs. It’s like diving into an aquarium, but the best part? It’s all natural, all Miami.

Another spot you can only truly appreciate by boat is Millionaire’s Row. Yes, you’ve probably heard of it. You might have even seen pictures of the jaw-dropping mansions. But trust me, seeing it from the water is a completely different experience. Cruising past these estates, with their private docks and luxury yachts, gives you a glimpse into the lifestyles of Miami’s elite. It’s like a real-life episode of “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” and you have the best seat in the house.

So, why limit yourself to land when Miami’s best-kept secrets are floating just offshore? At Miami Ocean Tours, we provide private boat tours that take you beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply soaking up the sun, we’ve got a boat tour tailored for you.

Ready to explore Miami like never before? Book your adventure today at www.miamioceantours.com and let us show you the hidden gems of this beautiful city. Trust me, the view from the water is something you’ll never forget.

[romantic-ideas-for-a-honeymoon]

Romantic Ideas for a Honeymoon in Vancouver

Vancouver, the jewel of British Columbia, offers an enchanting blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for honeymooners. This vibrant city boasts a variety of romantic experiences that cater to every couple's taste, from tranquil park strolls to exhilarating seaplane tours. Let's explore some of the most captivating honeymoon ideas that Vancouver has to offer.

Ride a Horse-Drawn Carriage in Stanley Park

Step back in time and indulge in a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through Stanley Park, one of North America's largest urban parks. As you snuggle under a cozy blanket, the gentle clip-clop of hooves will transport you through the park's lush, ancient forest. Admire the towering cedars, hemlocks, and Douglas firs that have stood for centuries, creating a fairy-tale ambiance. The carriage will wind along the seawall, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Lions Gate Bridge, and the North Shore Mountains. This serene journey provides a perfect opportunity to hold hands, share intimate moments, and create lasting memories in one of Vancouver's most iconic settings.

Take in the View from Prospect Point

For a panoramic view that encapsulates Vancouver's stunning geography, head to Prospect Point in Stanley Park. This elevated viewpoint offers an unparalleled vista that will take your breath away. Watch as massive freighters and cruise ships navigate the Burrard Inlet, framed by the majestic Lions Gate Bridge. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Vancouver Island and the Olympic Mountains in Washington State. As the sun sets, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples, casting a romantic glow over the cityscape. Prospect Point is also home to a charming café where you can enjoy a warm beverage or a light meal while basking in each other's company and the awe-inspiring scenery.

Tour Vancouver by Seaplane

For an unforgettable honeymoon experience, take to the skies with a seaplane tour of Vancouver. These intimate flights offer a unique perspective on the city's diverse landscape. As you lift off from Coal Harbour, right in the heart of downtown, you'll immediately be struck by the juxtaposition of gleaming skyscrapers against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Soar over Stanley Park, getting a bird's-eye view of its dense forest and winding seawall. Follow the coastline past beautiful beaches and exclusive waterfront homes. Your pilot will point out landmarks like Grouse Mountain, where you might spot skiers in winter, and Deep Cove, a hidden gem in North Vancouver. The tour culminates with a graceful water landing, an exhilarating end to a romantic aerial adventure.

See the Northern Lights from the Spanish Banks

For a truly magical honeymoon experience, venture to the Spanish Banks on a clear winter night to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. This stretch of beach in Vancouver's west end offers an unobstructed view of the northern sky, far from the city's light pollution. Bundle up in warm layers, bring a thermos of hot chocolate, and spread out a cozy blanket on the sand. As you lie back, gazing at the stars, you may be treated to nature's most spectacular light show. The Aurora Borealis dances across the sky in shimmering curtains of green, pink, and purple, reflected in the calm waters of English Bay. This ethereal display, visible on dark nights between late fall and early spring, creates an incredibly romantic atmosphere, perfect for whispered promises and shared dreams.

Visit the Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Gardens

From late November to early January, VanDusen Botanical Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland with its annual Festival of Lights. This enchanting event is a must-visit for honeymooners seeking a romantic holiday experience. As you stroll hand in hand through the 15-acre garden, you'll be surrounded by over one million twinkling lights artfully arranged to showcase the garden's natural beauty. Walk beneath glowing archways, past illuminated fountains, and through a sparkling tunnel of lights. The highlight is the Dancing Lights show on Livingstone Lake, where colorful lights synchronize with festive music, reflecting off the water in a dazzling display. Throughout the garden, you'll find cozy fire pits where you can warm up and enjoy roasted chestnuts or s'mores. The Festival of Lights offers a magical setting to celebrate your new life together, surrounded by the beauty and warmth of the holiday season. Vancouver's diverse attractions cater to every couple's idea of romance, whether it's the tranquility of a horse-drawn carriage ride, the thrill of a seaplane tour, or the enchantment of the Northern Lights. After each day's adventures, you'll appreciate returning to the comfort of your chosen accommodation. While this guide focuses on romantic experiences, it's worth noting that there are numerous hotels at YVR Vancouver Airport, providing convenient options for your arrival or departure. However, for the most romantic atmosphere, consider staying closer to these captivating attractions in the heart of Vancouver. Each experience offers a unique way to celebrate your love, making your honeymoon in this Pacific Northwest paradise truly unforgettable.

[tucanestours]

Discover Paradise: Manuel Antonio Catamaran Adventure with Tucanes Tours

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Tucanes Tours on our Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour. Departing from the scenic Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, this 5-hour journey promises excitement and relaxation against the backdrop of stunning coastal vistas.

As you board the catamaran, get ready to set sail and cruise along the picturesque coastline of Manuel Antonio. With your camera in hand, capture the beauty of the islands, cliffs, and other natural formations that define the Central Pacific region.

Throughout the journey, your knowledgeable guide will point out notable wildlife and vegetation, enhancing your appreciation of the area's biodiversity. Indulge in refreshing beverages and snacks available on board as you soak in the sights and sounds of the ocean.

Anchoring at Biesanz Bay, dive into the crystal-clear waters for a snorkeling adventure. Keep an eye out for colorful marine life such as parrotfish, starfish, and angelfish, while dolphins occasionally grace the waters nearby. For those seeking thrills, enjoy slipping down the waterslides or simply bask in the sun onboard.

Refuel with a mouthwatering barbecue lunch served onboard, savoring the flavors of Costa Rican cuisine amidst breathtaking surroundings. Plus, take advantage of the opportunity to explore more of the region with our guided walking tour through Manuel Antonio National Park or chartering a sport fishing excursion for the day.

Our Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour caters to all levels of adventure, with activities suitable for everyone from leisure seekers to water enthusiasts. Whether you're snorkeling in the vibrant underwater world or lounging on deck, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Conveniently, we provide transportation to and from your hotel in Manuel Antonio, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience from beginning to end.

Remember to pack your essentials for a day at sea, including sunglasses with a retainer cord, a change of clothes, a bathing suit, a waterproof camera, sandals, and a beach towel.

Join Tucanes Tours for an unparalleled Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour that combines relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty. Book your excursion today and create lasting memories in this tropical paradise.

[villa-tropidero]

What Separates Villa Tropidero from other in Turks & Caicos Islands?

Colorful tropical marine life can be found in abundance in the rich water of Turks and Caicos Islands. The Bright Reef and Smith’s Reef part of Princess Alexandra Marine Park are delightful sites to witness them in their natural habitat. From Humpback Whales to wild bottlenose dolphins, travelers witness exotic marine life during tropical vacations in Turks & Caicos Islands. Water sports activities in TCI include snorkeling, scuba diving, kayak, paddle boarding, kite surfing, surfing, & sailing & boating. Villa Tropidero provides well-furnished, decorated and fully equipped 3 bedroom villa rentals TCI at affordable cost to traveler. The vacation rental villa is spacious, luxurious and loaded with world-class amenities and services to cater family functions, events, wedding ceremonies, and reunion party.

The turquoise blue and warm water of the sea is perfect to explore the riches and colorful underwater wonders in TCI. Providenciales is the largest and most eventful vacation destination explored by traveler season after season. Plethora of outdoor recreational in Provo includes horseback rides, day tours, island hopping, fishing, eco-tours, and boat tours, sailing, ATV rides, off-roading, and more. Tourists scout the Island via car or jeep rental services bringing more fun & entertainment with beautiful sightseeing. Beachside activities such as off-roading, jet skiing, sailing, parasailing, kayaking are more recreational in Provo. Touring families and group of travelers find all-inclusive vacation rentals excellent as their home away from home. These luxury rentals are excellent & ideal for family reunion venue Providenciales TCI. World class amenities and luxury services and access to private beach make them perfect get together venue in Provo TCI.  

The Turks & Caicos is defined by its unparalleled marine environment of pristine beaches, reefs, and mangrove wetland. Explore the Island through Snorkeling, scuba diving, kayak, paddle boarding, kite surfing, or simply take a boat cruise to the beaches and cays that is what makes the Turks & Caicos exceptional vacation destination in the Caribbean.  The Provo Golf Club on Provo is recognizes as one the top ten golf courses in the Caribbean. Some of the incredible beaches in Turks & Caicos are Provo, Grand Turk, North Caicos and Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Salt Cay, Grace Bay Beach, Leeward Beach, Mudjin Harbor, Long Bay Beach, Half Moon Bay, Governor’s Beach, Pine Cay Beach, Cedar Point Beach, and many more. The Provo Golf Club is among the top ten golf paradise in the Caribbean. The challenging and celebrity style golf course encourages golfer to swing their club for pots.

[daniellevel12]

Beach House Villas in Turks and Caicos

Whether you're planning a getaway to the Caribbean, or you're looking for the perfect place to host a special event, a beach house villa in Turk and Caicos has all the features you're looking for. And for less than a quarter of the cost of a comparable villa in London, you can have your own piece of paradise!

Hawksbill Beach House

Located on a pristine stretch of Grace Bay Beach, the Hawksbill Beach House offers guests the ultimate beachfront luxury rental. This property has been completely refurbished and features a private pool and screened in wraparound deck. The beach house villas in turk and caicos is ideal for couples and families looking for a tropical getaway in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Beach House features high vaulted ceilings and large windows that bring the sights and sounds of the Caribbean into the room. The main living area is open plan and features a modern kitchen and living room. The lounge area is designed for relaxing and entertaining. The Beach House has a spacious wraparound deck with ample seating, a private pool and barbeque area. This is the perfect spot for a romantic night under the stars.

The Beach House is located within a posh residential community of Leeward. This is a family friendly place to stay with a variety of restaurants, shops and services nearby. The villa offers guests a range of amenities including a gym, an oversized pool and a fully equipped kitchen.

White Osprey

Located on the highest point of the island, White Osprey offers panoramic views. The property is also set up for outdoor living. A partially covered deck provides a shady and sunny area.

The villa is set up with a large swimming pool and a gazebo. The gazebo has exceptional sea views and is a private place to relax. There are also a number of other outdoor amenities.

The master bedroom has a private balcony with ocean views. This suite also has a private outdoor shower. The second bedroom has a terrace and a kitchenette.

The villa is located on Silly Creek on the southwest side of Providenciales. It is within walking distance of a number of restaurants. This property is perfect for couples or families with older children.

The main courtyard features a pool and a small bar. The pool is partially covered, making it a great spot for dining. There is also a private gazebo, complete with a hot tub. The villa has a dock on the ocean. This is accessible by a wooden stairway from the backyard. The dock offers clear warm water up to the waist when the tide is high.

Salacia

Located on the upper echelon of Grace Bay Beach, Salacia is an elegant and well-appointed six-bedroom villa. The property is a 15-acre property, allowing the owners to maintain privacy without sacrificing luxury. The villa boasts a massive freeform pool and a two-tiered oceanfront terrace. The pool is accompanied by a modern water feature, making it the perfect spot for a day spent soaking up the Caribbean sun.

The villa's interior boasts a number of amenities that are sure to impress even the most discerning traveler. The large kitchen, for example, has all the modern amenities you would expect from a luxury villa. The master bedroom suite also boasts a lovely jacuzzi. The lower level is outfitted with a game room and gym.

The villa also features an outdoor pizza oven, an outdoor grill, and a heated pool. The property's swanky suites are equipped with Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Its most notable feature may be its location, which gives it an advantage over other properties on the island. The nearby Blue Haven Marina caters to a host of cruise ships. It also offers eco-tours, boat charters, and fishing.

Grace Bay

Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, family vacation or a honeymoon destination, you'll find plenty of options in Grace Bay Beach. With its crystal-clear, white-sand beaches, tropical scenery and luxury resorts, Grace Bay is one of the most popular destinations in Turks and Caicos.

Grace Bay beach house villas offer travelers the opportunity to have a more personalized vacation. Many of the villas are located on the beach, giving travelers access to one of the most pristine beaches in the world. Whether you're looking to snorkel, scuba dive, or just relax, there is something to satisfy everyone's interests.

Grace Bay is one of the most popular destinations for travelers from around the world. It offers a variety of services, including water sports, shopping, dining, and nightlife. Grace Bay is also home to several luxury resorts, including Beaches Turks and Caicos resort, and the Club Med Turkoise resort.

Grace Bay is known for its pristine white sand and shallow turquoise waters. You can find plenty of activities on Grace Bay Beach, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and windsurfing. If you want to take a break from the beach, there are many upscale restaurants located in Grace Bay.

[caicostubingandwatersports]

All-day beach cruise at Grace Bay Beach

Looking for an all-day beach cruise at Grace Bay Beach? Caicos Tubing And Water Sports help in enjoying a full-day cruise that includes snorkeling and a barbecue lunch. Also, you can discover Providenciales' natural beauty and surrounding isles. 

[hlficlibrary]

❤️ HL Fic Library's Soulmates Fic Rec ❤️

Remember to leave kudos and a comment on any of these Larry fics you enjoyed to show your appreciation! You can find the library's other recs here.

❤️ Love After the End of the World (series) by @mercurial-madhouse (E, 168k)

Society shattered when all electricity suddenly cut off across the globe, plunging the world into darkness. Now, Prometheus Industries is the sole remaining supply of power, a saving grace to those who survived Lights Out. As fugitives in no-man’s land struggling to break into Prometheus HQ, death lurks around every corner for Louis and Zayn. Things get complicated when a routine recon falls apart and Louis collides with Harry and his mates Niall and Liam, survivors with their own agenda.

When staying alive is already a constant battle, the deadliest weakness is to be in love. For Harry and Louis, finding each other sits on top of the endless list of What Else Could Go Wrong.

❤️ Nameless Night by green_feelings / @greenfeelings (E, 155k)

For their 18th birthday, every person receives a letter that reads a simple date. That is the date you'll meet your soulmate. Harry and Louis have different beliefs, live in different worlds and have different dreams, hopes and fears. Yet, they're not so different from each other when it comes to love. When their paths cross, there is no doubt they belong together. Except for that one, essential difference: they didn't receive the same date.

Or, a fic about differences that make no difference at all: Harry and Louis are soulmates. In every way possible. Featuring Niall as a role model, and Liam and Zayn as a different kind of role models.

❤️ Lend Me Your Hand by QuickedWeen / @becomeawendybird (M, 63k)

Society has long since decided that the soulmarks everyone is born with are entirely unfashionable. They're just another way for people of a lower class to scam their way into marrying above their station.

Lord Louis Tomlinson, Viscount Loring, on the other hand, has always believed that he will find his soulmate one day. Despite preparing for a match his whole life, he is entirely unprepared for the arrival of Gemma Styles' younger brother.

Harry Styles has been traveling and away from society for over a year. Coming back, he intends to spend time with his sister, and slowly reacquaint himself with life in town. He doesn't need to wait around for a soulmark to determine how his life will play out.

❤️ It's a Better Place (Since You Came Along) by phdmama / @phd-mama (E, 51k)

When Harry Styles, a mid-level talent, Finder, and small business owner, sets off on the vacation of a lifetime with his best friend, Niall Horan, he has no idea the changes his life will undergo over the next nine days. He's got it all planned - there's going to be shore excursions, lounging by the pool on the deck of the luxurious cruise ship, not to mention margaritas. What he does not plan for are the new friends, new bonds, or the mystery from his past that comes back to haunt him, and he certainly hasn't planned for Louis.

❤️ Full Moon Dreaming by jacaranda_bloom / @jacaranda-bloom (E, 43k)

Every month, Full Moon Dreaming reveals a person’s soulmate. Sometimes it’s an object or a place, or for the lucky ones, the love of their life.

Louis has given up hope of dreaming of a person, resigned to living a life devoid of that kind of all-consuming love for another and receiving the same in return.

But when a new neighbour descends on Louis’ beloved Hanson Bay and moves into the other beach house, could all that be about to change?

❤️ Something About Liminal Spaces by @kingsofeverything (E, 34k)

Searching for inspiration for his latest book, and hoping distance will help heal his broken heart, Louis Tomlinson heads to the village of Piha on the west coast of New Zealand’s north island.

There he meets Harry Styles.

Fifteen years older than Harry, Louis tries to keep his distance, but Harry is impossible to avoid and harder to ignore.

❤️ Make Your Words A Weapon by @helloamhere (E, 36k)

There’s no single path forward from the connection, no truth other than the truth that the person whose words you carry is out there, an undefined something that you’re going to have to deal with.

In whatever way you can possibly deal with meeting the stranger who's always been there, and always been missing.

OR: Louis is a music critic, Harry is a rockstar, soulmates are destiny but no one ever said destiny was easy, music is everything.

❤️ Only by @allwaswell16 (E, 33k)

Although Louis Tomlinson lived most of his life on the most remote island in the world, now he’s ready to leave home, attend university, and maybe have a chance at finding his soulmate. Prince Harry Styles reluctantly leaves London for yet another diplomatic visit, this time to the tiny island of Tristan da Cunha.

Or the one where the electric touch of Louis’ soulmate isn’t enough to discount that he's a bit of a dickhead.

❤️ with no way out and a long way down by we_are_the_same / @so-why-let-your-voice-be-tamed (T, 31k)

Prince Harry is ten when he receives his soulmark.

❤️ And That's The Tea by @2tiedships2 (M, 27k)

I’d like an Earl Grey with milk and sugar, please.

Louis had the phrase memorized, even though it had disappeared off its place on his upper arm over thirteen years ago now.

At fourteen he didn’t understand. Soulmarks don’t just disappear. Not unless…

Unless one of them dies.

Or, the one where Louis loses his soulmate before even getting the chance to meet them, and he is in no way prepared for the kind of distraction his new friend Harry proves to be.

❤️ Strong Enough To Get Us Wrong by thinlines / @thinlinez (E, 24k)

Should Louis just come clean and tell Niall? Fuck, maybe he should.

Hell, he hasn’t even shown anyone in the last seven years his damn etching. But then again, he knew that if he were to lay it all on the table, his omega friend would surely understand his predicament.

“Ni, it’ll never work coz… Coz that bloke out there, Harry Styles, he’s my fucking soulmate.”

OR Omega Louis has always considered the soulmate etching on his left thigh to be a curse. It takes a world tour, the bustling city of Tokyo, a hike to see Mt. Fuji, some hidden feelings, sea urchin sushi and the alpha he hates most in the world to change him.

❤️ bonded by @juliusschmidt (M, 20k)

Louis cannot remember his life before Harry. He had one- Harry is, after all, two years younger than he is- but he cannot pull up even one memory that is not somehow intertwined with Harry.

the one where they are bonded, but it's not like that and they have to pretend like it is

❤️ Souls; Plural, Parallel by LadyLondonderry / @londonfoginacup (T, 19k)

Soulmates are rare, the sort of rare that means everyone has a story about a friend's sister's coworker or a brother's roommate's cousin. But the fact of the matter is that most people never meet theirs. It's unfortunate then, that Louis finds out the hard way that he met his soulmate in a club, and the guy never texted him back.

❤️ The Journal by 4ureyesonly28 / @evilovesyou & RecycledStardust / @wait4ever (G, 14k)

When Harry finds himself purchasing an antique journal in the ancient bookshop of a town he's never heard of, he doesn't exactly want to admit that he has no idea how he got there. A myriad of odd coincidences and a few kind smiles from the shopkeeper have the two of them working hard to solve the mystery of this strange journal that seems to have been waiting for Harry for almost a hundred and thirty years.

❤️ Don't Let the Tide Come by @sadaveniren (M, 14k)

"It holds the peace, Louis. And peace is good for our people. And above all else what is our goal as leaders?” His father asked, at least once a week during their lunches together.

“To provide a stable and prosperous country so our people may flourish and want for nothing,” Louis said, the mantra he might as well cross stitched onto a pillow for how often he repeated it.

“Exactly. We go and meet with the other tribes once every ten years to hold the peace, agree decade long trade, and re-establish borders. And then?”

“We go back home and don’t think of them again.”

“And why is that?”

At this point Louis would have to hold in his sigh, his spine always feeling like it was starting to pulse. “Because fire is spread by air. Fire consumes the earth.”

“And water?”

The pulsing of his spine was most prominent when Louis said, “fire is snuffed out by the water.”

aka King Louis of the fire tribe has a week to find his water tribe soulmate. This would be infinitely easier if the four tribes on the continent were not isolated from one another.

❤️ my head's under water (but I'm breathing fine) by @infinitelymint (T, 13k)

Harry's a merman, Louis is a prince. Sometimes happiness can be found at the bottom of the sea.

❤️ Wasn't Looking by @berzerkshires (M, 10k)

It is well known that the first time soulmates touch they leave a vivid mark on their partner’s skin. Well one morning Louis wakes up with a bright stripe across his cheekbone and no idea what happened.

❤️ Swimming Against the Tide by @neondiamond (G, 9k)

In a world where soulmates are connected to one another by a golden string, competitive swimmer Louis Tomlinson has made it to the age of 29 without having encountered his own… Or has he?

Or Louis and Harry are rival competitive swimmers who kinda hate each other. Turns out they’re also soulmates.

❤️ Drawn to You by @lululawrence (NR, 8k)

It had started with Louis getting in trouble for coloring on himself when he hadn’t touched a felt tip pen the entire day. Through the years, the random drawings had evolved and changed. There was a period in sixth form when his soulmate must have gotten shy or something, because the drawings only happened after school hours and in places that others wouldn’t be as likely to see. The inside of his bicep, his thigh. A couple times he even had drawings appear on his ribcage. While he didn’t mind those few years, he did seem somewhat soothed when they began to appear on his left arm again. He’d missed them.

Or that completely self indulgent soulmates au that plays out in not always romantic ways.

❤️ So Paris When We Kiss by cherrylarry / @beelou (G, 4k)

Harry shakes his head to himself and gets situated with his laptop on the table and a sip of his drink.

Ah, that’s better.

That is, until he opens his laptop. “Dammit Niall,” Harry curses under his breath. There’s a travel website open that he certainly did not open himself. Niall has been trying to get him to Paris ever since he got his mark. There’s not any particular reason why he hasn’t gone, it just never felt like the right time. But he is 26 and maybe Niall is on to something. He starts checking fares and calculating in his head if he can afford it. A new environment might help him with inspiration for his novel as well.

Looks like he’s finally going to Paris.

❤️ Thank You (To the One Who Let Him Get Away) by @fallinglikethis (NR, 3k)

Louis' soulmark says "Will You Marry Me?". In all scenarios where Louis has imagined hearing those words, he never could have dreamed it would go like this.

[tabloidtoc]

National Examiner, April 19

You can buy a copy of this issue for your very own at my eBay store: https://www.ebay.com/str/bradentonbooks

Cover: Tony Bennett's brave last days

Page 2: Stars with Mad Skills -- they became fast experts for plum roles -- Daniel Day-Lewis, Timothee Chalamet, Natalie Portman, Ryan Gosling, Jamie Foxx

Page 3: Adrien Brody, Margot Robbie, Bryan Cranston, Shia LaBeouf, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert Downey Jr., Tom Cruise

Page 4: Susan Sarandon's roles and costumes

Page 7: Be Prepared for the Worst -- know these lifesaving tips before a crisis happens

Page 8: Lonely Stefanie Powers never wants to date because she still has gotten over lover William Holden's sudden death, even though it'll be 40 years ago this November -- the former star of '80s TV classic Hart to Hart, who's now 78, considers Holden the one true love of her life, even though she's been married twice to others and had a long-term relationship after the Hollywood legend's tragic death and she can't imagine being with anyone else at this stage in her life when Bill's memory is so sacred in her mind and his death still haunts her to this day, and it will only get worse as the anniversary approaches -- Holden, then 63, died at home in Santa Monica on November 12, 1981, of massive bleeding after falling and striking his head on a piece of furniture while heavily intoxicated -- it rips her apart to this day thinking how he must have suffered all alone in his apartment, bleeding to death -- the pair had a decade-long, passionate affair that lasted until his demise, which led her to carry on their mutual passion for wildlife conservation and Stefanie founded the William Holden Wildlife Foundation and is still the director -- she's tried being in other relationships, but it's been more about companionship than anything else and she doesn't have the motivation to date when the best man has already come and gone

Page 9: Vax Hacks -- avoid scammers who prey on fears of COVID-19

Page 10: His first day on the job as an honorary cop, Jeremiah met the other guys in blue and was the proud guest of honor at a special swearing-in ceremony just for him, and he's only five years old

Page 11: Important minerals for your body -- why you need zinc and potassium and how to get them

Page 12: Rude Awakening -- stars who don't mind their manners -- Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Christian Bale, Rachael Ray

Page 13: Sean Penn, Ashton Kutcher, Robert Pattinson, Russell Crowe, Cameron Diaz, Bruce Willis

Page 14: Dear Tony -- America's Top Psychic Healer Tony Leggett -- useful lessons learned from the pandemic

Page 15: Get well soon wishes go out to Chevy Chase, who just came out of the hospital after a five-week stay for heart issues -- in 2018, the star was diagnosed with alcohol cardiomyopathy, a weakening of the heart muscle caused by excessive drinking; he had dealt with his drinking back in 2016, when he entered the Hazelden Clinic to receive treatment for alcoholism

Page 16: Even though the century mark looms just around the corner, Betty White still radiates joy -- calling herself the luckiest broad on two feet, the 99-year-old Hollywood legend shares her advice for living a long and peaceful life -- she says her life is divided absolutely in half: half animals and half show business and you can't ask for better than two things you love the most

Page 18: When a California man won $145,000 on Wheel of Fortune, it turned out to be good fortune for a lot of people as he donated his entire winnings to the charity Uplift Family Services and Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, whose services support thousands of families

Page 19: These seniors are literally beating the coronavirus -- with 99 percent of them vaccinated, the 700 elderly residents of the Westminster-Canterbury on the Chesapeake Bay senior living community in Virginia Beach held a party and they had a lot to celebrate

Page 20: Cover Story -- Tony Bennett is facing his brave last days as he battles Alzheimer's disease at the age of 94 -- the singer was diagnosed in 2016, but kept the terrible illness secret until recently and has not yet experienced common Alzheimer's symptoms like episodes of terror, rage or depression but the disease has progressed -- for now, wife Susan Crow and the oldest of Tony's four kids, 67-year-old Danny from his first marriage, are caring for him while he lives in the couple's New York City apartment

Page 22: Recycle your baubles, bangles and beads -- bored with your beaded necklaces? Blase abut those old bangles? If your costume jewelry collection no longer inspires, there are many brilliant ways to give it new life or earn you some cash

Page 24: The internet's newest fitness star is 102-year-old Julia Fulkerson, who had a ball participating in her great-grandson Brody's virtual gym class

Page 25: Young Darius Brown has a mission in life: to make shelter dogs look as spiffy as he can so they'll get adopted and to do that, he provides the canines with slews of adorable bowties that he sews himself -- five years ago, when Darius was eight, his sister Dazhai taught him to sew and the passion was good for him because he'd been diagnosed with speech and fine-motor skills that the craft improved over time -- he says he saw how happy the people at the shelter were to get the bowties and how much the dogs liked them, and he decided to make more and he came up with a goal to give bowties to an animal shelter in every state -- so far, he's sewn a whopping 600 of the canine accessories himself, and helped dozens of pooches find forever homes and he especially likes to focus his attention on older animals and pets with disabilities, since they're the toughest to find homes for and the shelter directors say Darius' efforts have made a huge difference in the life of hundreds of pups

Page 26: Summer Horoscope 2021

Page 28: It's not just for the birds -- tips for watching our fine feathered friends

Page 32: Reverse Gear -- walking backward is good for you -- here's something new to try the next time you go out for a walk: do it backward -- it may sound silly, but health experts say there are mental and physical benefits to the practice, but go slowly at first to avoid injuries

* If you're always putting the needs of others before your own, you could be at risk for compassion fatigue, a condition that can physically and mentally drain you of time and energy -- compassion fatigue is a state of emotional overwhelm that is constant and persistent, once in this state of emotional exhaustion, it becomes difficult to empathize with those they help and essentially, it's empathy burnout

Page 34: Grandads Before 50! No rocking chairs for these grandpas -- take a look at these celebs who had their grandchildren before their first gray hair -- Jim Carrey, James Brolin, Donny Osmond, Mick Jagger, Pierce Brosnan, Charlie Sheen

Page 40: The Element of Earth -- earth is the second of the four elements: fire, earth, air and water

Page 42: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Drew Barrymore

Page 44: Eyes on the Stars -- Dakota Johnson and her parents Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson (picture), Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana in the film Spencer (picture), Tina Turner admits she instantly fell for husband Erwin Bach in 1986 when they first met at an airport in Germany, Bindi Irwin gave birth to daughter Grace Warrior Irwin Powell, Michael Douglas is still going strong after 5 decades as an actor and loves what he does for a living, George Segal passed away due to complications from bypass surgery, Jessica Walter died in her sleep

Page 45: Eddie Murphy is inducted into NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame (picture), Diana Ross performs at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in California (picture), Mario Lopez helps christen the tables at Mohegan Sun Casino in Las Vegas (picture), Ann-Margret and Julianne Hough attend the Family Film Awards where the redhead received a lifetime achievement award (picture), James Middleton who is the brother of Duchess Kate says he and fiancee Alizee Thevenet are done with city living, Justin Bieber's mom didn't like his newest tattoo saying Don't you have enough yet?, Zac Efron was spotted flying to Sydney with Aussie girlfriend Vanessa Valladares, Taraji P. Henson asked fans for prayers for her pet pooch that was suffering from post-surgery complications but he unfortunately died

Page 46: A lottery winner in Tennessee was feeling like a million bucks, until he realized he'd lost his precious ticket but he didn't give up: he retraced his steps until he found the ticket again

[livefuntravelposts]

Best of Monaco

Monaco is  a small State that  sits on the breathtaking French Riviera and is headed by a crown Prince – the Prince of Monaco.  It severely lacks  in size but  certainly makes up for it in style and elegance –famously regognized as the world’s  most affluent country in the world endowed with a lavishness of nature. Kati has been there, partied with the rich and famous and has great memories of Monaco. Stretching along the French coastline, Monaco is flanked by France on one side and brushes the magnificent Mediterranean Sea on the other. This gorgeous and dazzling country is considered the most glamourous stretch of land in Europe.  Home to hundreds of the wealthiest personalities in Europe, Monaco is one of the affluent destinations preferred by casino lovers and gamblers. Renowned for its lavish and sumptuous lifestyle, this spectacular country also plays host to some fantastic natural scenery, brilliant old-school architectural landmarks, and unbelievably captivating tourist attractions. One exciting attraction you will notice when you visit is the steep, rugged promontory overlooking the Mediterranean sea, nicknamed "Le Rocher." (the Rock). On the same note, Monaco is not all about nature; it is also known for its extravagance, gambling, fine things, car racing, and romantic fairy tales. Even though words are not enough to describe the alluring beauty of Monaco, let's have a look at a few cities that you should consider while planning your trip to this trendy country.

  Beautiful places to visit in Monaco

Monaco-Ville (Le Rocher)

With a name that is similar to its country, Monaco-Ville city-state lies on a coastal peninsula stretching jutting towards the Mediterranean Sea, filling itself with a spectacular, endless nostalgia. Also known as "The Rock." Monaco- Ville is a town where you can get to feel the various medieval remnants that uphold Monacos's fascinating and majestic history. This historic town gives you a chance to stroll through the ancient pedestrian streets and alleyways giving you a perfect aura of the Old Town. As you awe-inspire yourself with the beautiful architecture, be sure to pass by the Prince's Palaces, also know as "The Palais Princier.". This magnificent fortress was used as the official residence by the Grimaldis family. Make sure you check out Place du Palais, a ceremonial site with palace guards, and be mesmerized with spectacular guard changing shift performance. Besides that, you can explore the St Nicholas Cathedral - a Roman church where you will find Monaco's ruling family's remains. Other notable attractions  comprise; “Princess Grace Botanical Garden|,” “The Museum of the Chapel of Visitation,” and “François Grimaldi Statue.” You can check out these hotels  Le Meridien Beach Plaza, Columbus Hotel Monaco, and  Hotel de France for accommodation.  

Monte Carlo

Renowned for its fantastic climate, Monte Carlo is one of Monaco's must-visit destinations. This city-state is dotted with numerous casinos and prides itself on having the only public beach in Monaco. For the best experience, start by visiting the Napoleon Museum, which showcases antiques that belong to Napoleon I, a French Emperor. As you hop from museum to museum, you will be treated to some fascinating views of authentic ancient and modern architecture covered with some beautiful sculptures and mural paintings. Visit the popular  Opera de Monte Carlo ("Salle Garnier") for a taste of French musical performances. Sports lovers must visit the famous F1 Grand Prix circuit for some perfect –picture moment. Be sure not to forget your camera. The Casino de Monte Carlo is another great  attraction that you shouldn’t  miss. Thanks to its heritage, iconic decor, and a vast array of table games and slot machines, the Casino de Monte Carlo tends to entice global clients. This renowned Casino has been renovated over the centuries to get to where it is right now. Even though we do not encourage gambling, you have to visit this iconic Casino for a perfect Monte Carlo experience.

  Café de Paris

Café de Paris is adjacent the Casino de Monte Carlo, sitting on an open terrace with a beautiful ambience, where you can see and be seen quite openly while in Monte Carlo. It’s a riveting place to be any time of the day, with the sun kissing on your chics at dawn, and  warm rays caressing your back at dusk.  The urbane café has slot machines on the outdoor terraces, for the smokers. Smoking is not allowed  inside Monaco casinos. The machine to aim for on this terrace is ‘Aliens .v. Predators’.  Immerse yourself in elegance and fine dining at this classic café , you’ll be spoilt for choice with their fantastic cuisines, fine wine and  a breathtaking view from the terrace facing the only casino in town.

  Jardin Exotique

Occupying such a small space of earth land, Monaco crams in wonderful magical  gardens. Floating high up at the entrance Jardin Exotique drops almost vertical down the rock face, making it quite cumbersome to clamber over. But  if you must, its well worth the effort, since the view from up there  is absolutely ravishing! Immerse yourself in a topnotch collection of prickly pear cactus and moist delicate flowers. The flora dates back hundreds of years back and have grown massively, you’ll feel like you’re  wandering through a dense forest in New Mexico with the exception of  the stunning  New Mexico sea views.  Beach lovers can explore the Monte Carlo Harbor, visit the Oceanographic Museum or opt to relax by the beach. You can also opt for a sightseeing adventure by boarding a yacht Cruise or taking a Bateau Bus (water taxi). You can check out these hotels  Port Palace, Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, and  Novotel Monte Carlo for accommodation.

  La Condamine

Sitting at the southwest corner of Monaco, La Condamine is known as Monaco's business city-state and spans across the Port Hercule region that's usually full of luxury yachts. This district is distinctively upmarket but has a calm relaxing feel, and is a fantastic place to explore for a few hours. Experience the Intriguing mix of colorful history and modern culture that makes Monaco so unique. While sauntering through the beautiful walkway in Princess Caroline District, you can visit some the local cafes offering fresh food and drinks, go shopping, or better yet, visit the open-air swimming pool and have fun gliding down the twisty water slide. Other must-see attractions include the Condamine Market, the Monaco harbor, and Princess Antoinette Park. You can check out these places for accommodation: Chateau Eza, Hotel La Perouse Nice Baie des Anges, and Hotel Juana.

  Les Révoires

Positioned in the north-west part of the country, Les Revoires is considered the smallest city-state in Monaco. Les Revoires is known for its steep Inclines that offer picturesque views. Don't forget to take photos of the beautiful "Rock of Monaco" (Monolith) and the Mediterranean waters' stunning view. When visiting Mount Agel, you can pass through Chemin des Revoires for some breathtaking views of the city and Mediterranean sea. Don’t miss out on  the "Exotic Garden of Monaco. " (Jardin Exotique de Monaco), which is full of different plants and animal species. While still in Les Revoires, you can visit the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology for some history lessons. You can check out these hotels, Le saint paul, Chateau De la Chevre D Or, and  Le Mas de Pierre, for accommodation.

  La Colle

Just like Fontviella, La Colle city-state is one of Monaco's heavily populated areas - not to mention that it is among the smallest districts in Monaco in terms of land and Population. La Colle prides itself on having the only hospital in Monaco, "Princess Grace Hospital." There are lots of places to see and enjoy around La Colle-Sur-Loup. If you enjoy hiking or riding, La Colle-Sur-Loup is an area where numerous secret gems are waiting to be discovered.  Even though La Colle is considered an Industrial area, machine lovers will be thrilled touring some very top-notch auto manufacturing factories like Venturi and Voxan. Other notable landmarks to visit include The Village of Fools, an amusement park for kids, Canyon Forest, an adventure park, and Escoffier Museum of Culinary Arts. You can check out these places for accommodation: La Bastide Gourmande, Hotel La Grande Bastide, and Domaine du Mas de Pierre Hotel & Resort.  

Larvotto

Considered by many to be a Monte Carlo sister, Larvotto sits on Monaco's coastline's eastern side. Larvotte has a free to all public beach that shares a border with Monte Carlo. But unlike many beaches in Monaco, Larvotte beach is made up of pebbles rather than sand. Although Larvotte beach is man-made, it is famous for its clean crystal-like waters, coastal charm, and an aura that's hard to compete with. You can start by exploring one of the most expensive streets to rent, "Princess Grace Avenue." Which is full of tall buildings facing the gorgeous view of the sea".while there, you can pass by the Japanese Garden for some picture taking before heading to Larvotto beach. Some of the pursuits that might fascinate you while at the beach include water-skiing, sea kayaking, and motor-boat riding. You can opt for a bike ride along the "Promenade des Anglais" coastal walkway in the evening. Besides that, you can decide to relax in one of the luxurious restaurants enjoy some French cuisine. For accommodation, you can check out these places Hotel le Prejoly, Residence Belle Plage, and Mandarina Hotel by Actisource.

  Les Moneghetti

Your trip to Monaco will not be complete without exploring its northern central region that is stacked with a gorgeous view of beautiful villas and apartments. First of all, you need to visit Moneghetti, a relaxing garden that prides itself on having the only railway station "Gare de Monaco-Monte-Carlo" in Monaco. While at the Moneghetti, you can head down to the Theatre des Muses for some excruciating afternoon performance. Adventure lovers can cross over to the motor racing arena for some action-packed evening at the Formula 1 Grand Prix track. Other notable attractions include the Sacred Heart, the parish church which houses the scouts association of Monaco. Another landmark not to be forgotten is the "Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince," a military infantry barrack that trains foreign soldiers. You can check out these places for accommodation: Monaco Penthouse Le Cesar, Vrbo Property and, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo.

  Our Final Word

Though not our typical destination, Monaco is definitely worth a visit.  Scores of vacationers  visit Monaco to experience the charming vibe of the French sea coast. Believed to be a luxurious destination in Europe, Monaco evokes an air of opulent wealth with its elegant five-star resorts, private yachts, luxury fashion shops, and state of the art restaurants. Monaco is mostly visited as a day-trip from Nice, which is about 30-Minutes away by train. it offers a great road trip ambience for countryside  sightseeing while touring on the French Azur. One of the best destinations Europe!

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Experience the Magnificence of Turks & Caicos with Thrilling Boat Tours

The beautiful Caribbean archipelago of Turks and Caicos is well-known for its immaculate beaches, glistening waters, and abundant marine life. There are many ways to discover this paradise in the tropics, but boat cruises throughout Turks & Caicos are among the most fascinating. These trips provide a wonderful open-water experience and a distinctive viewpoint on the natural beauty of the islands.

Investigating Pristine Waters

Visitors may fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking seascapes that the Turks and Caicos islands have to offer via boat cruises. The crystal-clear waters encircling the islands are perfect for diving and snorkeling. Numerous boat cruises make stops at well-known locations, like Grace Bay's colorful coral reefs and Smith's Reef's captivating undersea environment. There is an abundance of marine life in these places, such as vibrant fish, sea turtles, and occasionally even stingrays.

Find Uninhabited Islands and Hidden Cays

The chance to visit remote cays and deserted islands is one of the most thrilling parts of a boat trip across Turks & Caicos. These undiscovered treasures frequently can only be reached by boat, giving them an air of exclusivity and adventure. Tourists can unwind on immaculate, empty beaches, have picnics in undeveloped areas, and admire the untainted beauty of nature. Popular destinations include Little Water Cay, better known as Iguana Island, which is home to the endangered rock iguana, and Half Moon Bay, a gorgeous crescent-shaped beach.

Exciting Aquatic Sports & Activities

In Turks & Caicos, boat trips offer plenty of chances for exhilarating water sports and activities in addition to sightseeing. There is something for everyone on these tours, from thrill-seekers to those looking for a more laid-back experience, with options for jet skiing, paddleboarding, and tubing. Furthermore, some tours come with fishing gear so that guests can try their hand at capturing native species like barracuda and bonefish.

Moonlit Cruises and Intimate Vacations

Sunset cruises are a great option for those looking for a more sedate or romantic experience. An evening on the water is made even more spectacular by the sky's transformation into a colorful tapestry of hues as the sun sets. Enjoying a bottle of champagne, fine hors d'oeuvres, and watching the islands' coastline turn golden as the sun sets is a romantic experience for couples. A peaceful and private way to cap off a day of sightseeing is with one of these cruises.

Advice for Selecting the Best Boat Tour

It's crucial to take your hobbies and preferences into account while choosing a boat excursion in Turks and Caicos. There is a trip to suit your needs, whether you're searching for a romantic getaway, an exhilarating water sports experience, or a family-friendly excursion. Choose a tour operator based on your desired activities and price range after researching them and reading reviews. Above all, be sure the tour is led by certified and experienced guides who put safety first and offer insightful information about the islands.

In conclusion Turks and Caicos boat tours offer an unparalleled way to experience the islands' natural wonders. All kinds of travelers may look forward to amazing experiences on these tours, which include thrilling water sports, visiting colorful coral reefs, and finding secret cays. Set sail and discover Turks and Caicos' splendor from a boat's deck; it will be an adventure of a lifetime.

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How to Go to the Galápagos Islands: Land or Sea?

The Galapagos Islands, set roughly 600 miles off the coast of South American nation, remained a closely-guarded natural secret for countless years. Over that point, the terra firma evolved into a home for associate all-star solid of plants and animals. someday within the 1800s, some swashbuckling pirates and unfearing explorers started inbound within the Galapagos Islands. the foremost notable early visitant was Darwin, a young naturalist United Nations agency spent nineteen days learning the islands' flora and fauna in 1835. In 1859, Darwin printed On the Origin of Species, that introduced his theory of evolution — and therefore the Galapagos Islands — to the globe.

Since then, word of those islands and their impressive beauty has steady full-grown. In 1959, the island became Ecuador’s 1st parkland, and in 1978, it had been named a UNESCO World Heritage web site. Today, quite 275,000 folks visit the island once a year to check those unimaginable animals and landscapes for themselves.

5 Things to try to to in the island The Galapagos Islands, in Ecuador, provide life and landscapes found obscurity else on earth. Play VideoYOU would possibly LIKE NEWLY DISCOVERED island turtle could offer HOPE TO A taxon specialists BELIEVED WAS EXTINCT PAIRS OF SANDALS THAT ARE improbably comfy to run IN, in step with THOUSANDS OF REVIEWERS As wonderful as you think that the Galapagos Islands are, they habitually exceed expectations. It’s an area wherever lizards swim, birds walk, and humans — for once — don’t take center stage.

How to Get to the island Islands: Land or Sea? The first call you have got to create concerning visiting the Galapagos Islands is additionally the foremost tough. does one wish to remain during a building on one in every one of the 3 underpopulated islands, exploring different islands and areas via day-trip boat rides? Or, does one wish to be supported by a live-aboard boat, that provides accommodations and transportation from island to island?

There are 3 main factors to contemplate once selecting between land and ocean.

Cost: a visit to the Galapagos Islands are often dear. However, it’s easier to craft less costly expertise if you decide on to be land-based. These days, there are hotels and restaurants at several value points on San Cristóbal Island, Santa Cruz Island, and, to a far lesser extent, Isabela and Floreana islands. Live-aboard boats are available in a variety of value points, too. However, just about the foremost bare-bones boats still add up to quite a land-based vacation. Time Management: If you decide on a land-based vacation, expect to pay plenty of your time obtaining from your building, onto a ship, resolute the day’s destination, then back to your property. On the opposite hand, live-aboard boats do most of their navigating throughout the night once travelers are asleep in cabins onboard. this suggests passengers rouse during a new destination prepared for a full day of exploration. Access: as a result of land-based explorations are restricted to the 5 islands which will be reached someday, travelers won’t be able to visit a lot of distant islands that boat-based itineraries embody. Bottom Line: Unless you’re afraid of sailing, suffer from naupathia, or hate the concept of being on a ship for per week, book a cruise. You’ll waste less time back and forth, and you’ll see as several distinct areas of the Galapagos Islands as doable.

Cruise Ships, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

ULLSTEIN BILD/GETTY pictures Scuba divers United Nations agency wish to specialize in underwater adventures have a couple of choices within the Galapagos Islands moreover. The island Sky, island Aggressor III, Humboldt someone, island Master, and Nortada are live-aboard boats that were designed specifically for breathing devices diverse. They ply the waters all the thanks to the little-visited north islands within the terra firma, where deep, cold, current-filled diving yields time with manta rays, whale sharks, sunfish, and hammerhead sharks. Note that these are for skilled diverse solely.

Land-Based supply

Many of the islands within the island terra firma are abandoned. However, a large variety of hotels are often found on Santa Cruz Island and San Cristóbal Island, and several other boats operate out of harbors on those islands moreover. make sure to book a building that’s set close to the harbor (not within the highlands), thus you'll be able to be near to the boat's boarding spot for day journeys.

For example, the 21-room Golden Bay island is located right to the harbor of San Cristóbal Island. you'll be able to watch ocean lions frisk on a tiny low beach directly ahead of the property, and day-trip boats leave from a dock that’s no quite a three-minute stroll away. Book the corner suite, that options a living-room bathing tub and glass walls that slide receptive eliminate all barriers between you and therefore nature outside.

Meanwhile, the Angermeyer city district hotel is true on Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Their newest space has been smartly designed within an aground picket boat.

Or, book a building that owns and operates its own boats to confirm a seamless normal of service and therefore the most sensible and convenient itineraries. for instance, the unequaled Pikaia Lodge, set within the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, has its own boat that's used completely for guests on packages that embody land and ocean adventures.

The oscine Bay island-building, set in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, additionally has its own yacht, dubbed the ocean Lion. This vessel will interruption to twenty passengers and 2 guides (many different day-trip boats carry sixteen passengers and have only 1 guide). eared seal itineraries additionally comprehend all 5 islands that day-trip boats are allowed to go to.

Boat-Based supply

Most liveaboard boats provide five- to eight-day itineraries, with set departure dates and routes. Routes are set by island parkland officers to mitigate state of affairs and environmental stress. Your boat can give a northern or southern itinerary (sometimes referred to as jap and western itineraries), alternating weekly. each embodies tremendous land excursions, lots of time within the water, and ample opportunities to check the notable flora and fauna of the island.

If you’re assault seeing a specific species within the island, seek advice from the tour operator and decide the month and itinerary that may offer you the most effective probability for an observance. Some species are seasonal, and plenty of exist solely on specific islands. for instance, the waved albatross, additionally referred to as the island albatross, isn't a full-time resident. These birds simply show up for coupling within the spring and summer.

Boats within the Galapagos Islands are restricted to most of a hundred passengers, however, most carry fewer than that. The good thing about traveling on a smaller-capacity vessel may be a lot of intimate aboard expertise and quicker transfer times between your main vessel and therefore the rubber dinghies. Smaller boats additionally tend to possess a lot of character and history. for instance, the 18-passenger M/Y Grace was a marriage gift from philosopher Onassis to Kelly and patrician Rainier III. The better half couple honeymooned on the boat, and a few say their female offspring, Stéphanie, was planned aboard.

Ecoventura, that has many vessels that yield up to twenty passengers at a time, is another glorious operator. additionally, 2 naturalists take guests onshore and justify each animal and plant in nice detail. The boats additionally provide a number of the foremost eco-friendly choices around, which are of growing importance to a section already seeing the negative effects of temperature change.

And if you’re traveling with an enormous cluster, don’t worry, as larger-capacity boats tend to possess a lot of aboard services, like guest lectures and medical facilities. For reading more click here

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Wednesday   Day 27  Beautiful Auckland Island

After a blissfully calm night, we started with a visit to Hardwicke in Erebus Cove in Ross Harbour.  A shot zodiac ride to an almost dry landing where there was a short boardwalk up to a small historical graveyard and then a ramble through the trees to the stump of the Victoria Tree.  (I almost expected a Hobbit to accost me along the way.)  This stump with its carved inscription is all that remains of a cache of supplies left there to assist ship-wrecked sailors cast away on Auckland Island.  Apparently a few such caches of basic essentials were set up, mostly during the 19th Century, on some of the remote islands, with signage along the coast to indicate to shipwrecked sealers and whalers (and others) which way to walk to find them.  En route to the tree, we encountered a few fur seals resting beside the track and posing for photos.  We also saw a few more small land birds, having only seen the Redpoll on ‘Macca’ since leaving Campbell Island 3 weeks ago.

We did a short zodiac cruise along the coast and then returned to the ship while it moved a little way from our overnight anchorage, but then reboarded the zodiacs to cruise around Ranui, another wonderful part of Ross Harbour.  Due to a weird mix-up, Heather and I ended up in different zodiacs so we probably saw a few things differently, but it was all a lot of fun.

It was pretty rough getting from the ship back into the lee of the island, but it was wonderful once we arrived.  We cruised into a little bay and through a sea-cut archway into the fantastic crater of an extinct (I think) volcano.  It was a unique experience going from some pretty rough and turbulent water into such a beautiful grotto a mere few metres away. The water was absolutely crystal-clear and we could see the several metres to the bottom with all its kelp and other sea-life – starfish, jellyfish and so on.  I even saw half a dozen little minnows a couple of centimetres long: the only other fish we saw on the entire voyage.  A big Sea-lion put on a display for us, repeatedly coming up to the zodiacs and diving under to surface again beside one of the other craft and back again.  It followed us around for at least half an hour and Heather tried to photograph it underwater with our GoPro, but it just wouldn’t cooperate.

We cruised deep into a nearby sea-cave (possibly an ancient lava-tube) where it was almost completely dark and we motored around in there, marvelling at the crazy textures and colourful patterns in the rocks above and around us.  A couple of torches helped us see a bit, but it was really too dark for photography.

Back on the ship I spent a surprisingly wonderful hour or so on the bow deck all alone.  The sun was shining and the sea was temporarily calm and although there were a few people on the Bridge, there were very few, and none in the bow where it was often quite crowded (if the weather allowed).  I was just communing with nature and watching the birds, mainly the wonderful albatrosses skimming the waves and wheeling back to do it all again. It was one of the most relaxing and peaceful hours of the whole trip for me – maybe just the chance to do my own thing with nobody else around.

In the afternoon, we landed on a beach called Sandy Bay on exotic Enderby Island (part of the Auckland Island group protecting the mouth of Ross Harbour) and had 4 whole hours to just wander and explore. Heather and I went off on our own, occasionally bumping into other explorers, but we just roamed the hillsides looking at the plants and birds, the Seals and Sea-lions, photographing the rare Yellow-eyed Penguins, lots of Giant Petrels and Albatrosses (mainly Royals and Light-mantled Sooties) as well as the tiny Tomtits that happily sat half a metre from the end of my lens, and lots of Bellbirds.  There was a lot of birdsong, but the Bellbirds were actually very hard to find even when they were only 2 or 3 metres away in the vegetation. There was a lot of long grass and even trees on Auckland Island: another thing we had not seen since Campbell Island.

A special bird I saw was the Auckland Island Flightless Teal: another rare bird that almost became extinct until New Zealand launched its excellent and highly successful pest eradication program.  I knew the teal were starting to recover so I was looking for them and saw one in quite a small sunken pond when the others were photographing penguins.  I got a few photos but when I told the others, they came to look too – and it had completely disappeared.  The pond was less than 50 square metres, but the banks were slightly overhung and the teal had obviously found cover somewhere very cleverly.  A few people did see teal later when one of our naturalists found two in a tiny inlet near the zodiac pick-up site.

We tramped around over quite a large area, managing to avoid a few big male Sea-lions that can become a bit dangerous.  They rest quite widely in the area, including in the trees, so when I was in there looking for birds, I had to be careful not to disturb them.  Eventually, Heather decided to take the zodiac ferry back to the ship, but I still had an hour before the last zodiac left.  Dan suggested I trek across the island on the boardwalk because he had just come back from photographing some Royal Albatrosses along the route.  I was a little concerned about timing – could I get there and back before the last zodiac?  Dan said that Agnes (the other main naturalist) and some others were on the other side of the island so I had plenty of time and would encounter them on their way back before I ran out of time anyway so off I went.  It was a wonderful trek through the trees, the lower scrub and then the grassland and I passed a couple of others from the ship but never saw Agnes.  I photographed some more Yellow-eyed Penguins close to the boardwalk and at least 20 Albatrosses sitting on the grass or cruising the breeze – they really are extraordinarily beautiful, not to mention graceful and so clever.  I got quite close to the cliffs on the opposite coast but couldn’t see anyone in front of me so turned back and eventually arrived back at the zodiac pick-up point – to see Agnes and the others returning from a completely different direction.  They had hiked up the coast and crossed back across the island a kilometre or more further north so I would never have seen them even if I had reached the cliffs. But I had thoroughly enjoyed my solo walk and the wonderful birds and plants I had seen along the way – so remote and tranquil.

All in all, it had been a wonderful day, probably almost equalling our day on Macquarie Island a couple of days earlier.

[travellianna]

Antarctica aboard the Ocean Adventurer... and yes there were a lot of penguins!

We made this unforgettable adventure by booking with Expedition Trips who then organised everything with Quark Expeditions. They were all amazing from start to end of the journey, and we would highly recommend them! People of all ages were on the trip, with the eldest woman at 97 years so it’s never too late.

My number one tip is to pack layers and pack less than you think you wil need because the weight limit on the slightly old and wobbly looking jet plane is 15kg per person! The coldest it got was -3C and maybe a little lower with the wind chill. Waterproof clothing is a must, not because of rain but because of the spray while on the zodiacs. It’s a good idea to take along some books as there is quite a bit of waiting time. If you get seasick, then motion sickness pills are also a good idea. Remember you are very far from any medical care so bring essential medicines.

You should try your best to go into the trip with the mindset that you will have to adapt to the weather conditions and Mother Nature is unpredictable. There is not point in getting mad or impatient (though some people spent a lot of energy complaining), because the company and crew are doing their best to get you safely on your way to an unforgettable voyage. The anticipation is great for whether your plane can take off... but when you are on the way it is an exhilarating feeling!

An alternate to the fly and cruise is cruising from Ushuaia, Argentina but be warned that the waters between there and Antarctica are very rough and it takes a lot longer to reach Antarctica.

The beautiful scenery was striking with blue-white icebergs and glaciers in all directions, pristine snowy mountains, penguins, seals, whales and an absence of most vegetation. We saw only one other boat with two people on it, and a few people at each research station, otherwise it was just our cruise ship of 130 passengers plus crew. There is peace and quiet, and being on deck early in the morning felt like an isolated encounter with grand nature all around.

The trip diary:

Our offical arrival day was 15th December though we were there a day early and I’d come straight from Torres del Paine.

15th December - Another day to explore Punta Arenas, the departure city for our Antarctic adventure with Quark Expeditions. We had to get our bags weighed by Quark adventures and pick up our heavy arctic parkas and waterproof boots. The parkas were bright yellow and very warm, and ours to keep! Our main activity of the day was a tour of the Austral Brewery, which was interesting, especially trying 7 different beers at the end. The La Patagonia brewery was started by a German man Jose Fischer and when he died it was passed to his son. His son committed suicide so then the family gave up the business and it was renamed Austral. All of the beers were quite good and I especially liked the Imperial lager and the Calafate ale, which was fruity.

We caught a Taxi to the hotel and arrived just in time for the 18h briefing meeting. We were briefed on the procedures like entering and exiting the zodiac rafts, timing and weather, and the Antarctic treaty and regulations. There were 4 cm of snow on the runway at King George island and the weather for the morning didn’t look favourable so our flight would be delayed. We were to check back after dinner for the timing update. We checked the update after dinner and it said we would have breakfast as normal, lunch at 11h30 check out at noon, depart at 12h30 and attempt to fly at 15h. The excitement and anticipation could be felt in the room and it was hard to sleep.

16th December - Woke up at 8h and got ready but we had some time until the update meeting at 10h, and only about half of the people turned up since they had already announced we would not leave before 15h. The staff announced that we would not be able to fly at 15h. A group that had been waiting for two days due to bad weather already had priority and one flight was in the air with a second planned for mid-afternoon. Normally there would be two planes but two of the three planes owned by the charter company clipped wings in the hangar and were damaged. One had damage to the wing and another to the structure so they were trying to repair the wing damage. Bad luck! A waiting game untl the next update scheduled for 15h.

While we were stuck waiting, Quark arranged meals and if people would be stuck overnight then they arrange accommodation. It must be a nightmare to handle the ever-changing logistics! Many people were complaining but...no one can predict the weather and it’s unfortunate that the planes clipped each other but it was out of our control.

We rested in the lobby since we no longer had rooms, and at 15h we went up to see the update. Good news is we were cleared for takeoff and group one would meet in the lobby at 17h45 for 18h30 departure to the airport. Our flight would depart at 21h and land on King George island at 23h. The second group would depart at 3h and land at 5h tomorrow morning so they will get to have a beautiful view but after a tough long wait into the night.

Excited to get to Antarctica even if it’s 12 hours later than planned! We were in the lobby and boarded coaches at 18h30 to the airport. A separate truck carried our luggage and we checked that in at Punta Arenas airport. We were on an Antarctic Air charter flight and departed around 21h15 so 15 minutes later than planned. We got a cold dinner of sandwiches, yoghurt, fruit cocktail and an alfajore (addictive biscuits/cookies filled with dulce de leche/caramel). The flight went quickly and everyone queued up to use the loo since they announced that there would be no loos until we reached the ship. We then had to get into waterproof pants and boots. It was difficult especially for the older people to have to bend in the small spaces. We landed by 23h30 and then walked 1.4km to the zodiac launch station. When we got out of the plane it reminded me of Iceland with rocks and snow. Beautiful! We couldn’t take photos because the landing strip is on a Chilean air base. We took a zodiac to the ship Ocean adventurer. We did a water entrance so the boots were useful. It was very calm water and no wind so the zodiac ride was peaceful. The oldest passenger on the boat was 97 years old and this was her bucket list trip- good inspiration to keep on living!  We got into the boat via steep stairs and then checked in to our cabin 227 with two narrow twin beds, a starboard window, big double closet and a bathroom. Not so bad for an adventure cruise!

17th December - The second group arrived around 6h and the expedition lead Alison (Ali) announced that breakfast would be from 6h30 until 8h30 and then a mandatory meeting at 10h. We went back to sleep until 7h20. It felt a bit like camp with loudspeaker announcements. But it was much better than camp because looking out of the porthole at any time of the day promised stunning icy scenery in the 23 hours of daylight. We had a briefing and safety meeting at 10h and the expedition team introduced themselves. The ship Dr said the three most common problems are flu, bruises and seasickness. We are far away from any medical care so health insurance can be very expensive especially for the elderly....

We went back to our cabin and prepared for the abandon ship drill, a requirement. That went pretty quickly, though a few people went to the wrong place. The view of Greenwich island, part of the south Shetland islands, was beautiful. We passed a giant glacier and some penguins jumping out of the water on the side of the boat. The jumping is called porpoising - imagine mini dolphins jumping out of the water. Penguins are much more graceful and speedy in the water than on land. Amazing!

We went out on a cruise in the zodiac to see a giant iceberg and there were some penguins sitting on it and jumping off, gentoo and chinstrap penguins. The scenery was stunning with rocks, glaciers and the sea. Then we landed on the rocky beach of Point Fort and walked around to see penguins. One friendly chinstrap penguin, who the guide said they’ve named Charlie, came over to check us out. Many penguins were sitting on their nests as it was just a little early for the main hatching time. Ali the expedition leader introduced some of the staff specialists who gave short lectures on topics like whales and glaciers. Then she explained the upcoming weather conditions and plans for the next day. The plans are always changing depending on the weather and the ice, which can make some passages unpassable. The plan was to go through the Lemaire channel and get to Petermann island then visit Jougla and Goudier islands. We had dinner right after the presentations. I had antipasti salad, red snapper and ginger crème brûlée plus a scoop of coffee ice cream. The food is really delicious on board and we had not at all expected the gourmet dining and excellent service, so it felt like a real luxury.

18 December- We woke up at 6h30 and dressed warmly to go outside and look at the views of the Lemaire channel. It was a stunning clear day and we could see beautiful snow covered mountains and lots of ice. There were penguins swimming and jumping out of the water. We saw a fat weddell seal sunning itself on an iceberg. The captain broke through some ice and we made it partially through the channel but then the ice was too dense so we turned around and went back. Instead we went to Hidden bay for some zodiac cruising.Our driver Jens went very fast so it was fun but very cold! We heard the cracking of moving icebergs but didn’t see any calves. We got back to the ship and had a rest in the cabin until 15h. Sophie from the British antarctic heritage trust at Fort Lockroy came on board to give a short talk. There are 4 women in the team that stay here for 4 months from Nov til March. They run the British post office and museum there, and maintain the site. They have no running water so usually take showers and get fresh food from the passing ships. Tough life! We took the zodiac to Goudier island and visited Fort Lockroy museum and post office. The museum is a restored British research hut from the 1950s and still has canned food from back then including beans and Branston pickle! Our postcards were sent from the post office and it cost $1 to send one anywhere in the world. I walked to see more penguins but the snow was very deep so it was difficult. The lady there told us to try to fill in any deep holes because penguins can fall in to these post holes, get stuck and die. They make a lot of funny sounds, and they steal pebbles from each other’s nests. Very amusing to watch their natural behaviour. People on the cruise were very helpful in general and assisted the more elderly passengers since the zodiacs landed on rock, ice, or sand without any docks. We took a zodiac to the next island Jougla. It was a tough landing with a big step and slippery ice and rocks, then deep snow. It was quite a feeling of awe to make the first footprints in the fresh snow. I walked to see some old whale bones and penguins and cormorants on the rocks. The penguins use their little highways to go between rocks and to the water.

When we got back to the ship, it was time for the pre dinner cocktail with the captain. We got to see him and the main crew. They do an incredible job to take us to these remote places and navigate the ice. For dinner, I had seafood cioppino, prime rib with Yorkshire pudding and baked potato, and a beautiful French opera cake. Two of the expedition team sat with us. Jason from Arizona is a crevasse and ice expert. His job would be to scout the path for tomorrow’s walk to a viewpoint at Neko harbour. Acacia is the photographer and made the photo journal for the trip. She’s from Alaska, works the Arctic season too and spends free time often in Scandinavia. She must like the cold weather!

19 December- We woke up at 6h50 to get ready for breakfast at 7h30. The ship had already anchored in the bay for the landings on the Antarctic continent at Neko Harbour in Andword bay. Until then we had made landings in Antarctica but on various islands. The continent was the big bucket list goal for many of the people on the ship.

There was a rotation of group orders, although many people cheated and jumped on the first boat. My British training makes me follow the queue system out of a sense of duty! This time, we were luckily in the first group of zodiacs to the Neko Harbour Landing. We had to exit the zodiacs quickly because the glaciers can calve (break off into icebergs) and cause sudden waves. The scenery around was beautiful with mountains, glaciers, snow and icebergs. The snow was falling slowly. We took a photo with the Antarctic continental flag since it was our first time on the continent and not an Antarctic island. I took the steep path up the hill to the viewpoint and it was tough but worth it. The glaciers have lots of crevasses and a bright blue colour due to the light reflection. They’re also very active and pieces crack off/calve quite often. I was hot and sweaty by the top of the hill and took off my jacked to just (literally) chill out and enjoy the view until it was time to go down. The snow was deep and slushy. We took a zodiac cruise with Tom, the marine biologist. His specialty is whales and he spotted a minke whale and we saw it briefly breach then it went under never to be seen again. We then went to see a close-up of a Weddell seal and a penguin sitting together on an iceberg. Leopard seals are a penguin predator but Weddell seals are friends. It was fun riding and crunching over small icebergs in the zodiac. We went back to the ship and warmed up with some tea. Then it was time for lunch and the polar plunge. I watched a few people jump in but I decided that was one once in a lifetime opportunity that I could miss out on.

We passed via the Arera channel. We cruised with Cam in a zodiac for an hour and saw a seal, lots of gentoo penguins and a sailboat with an Austrian couple who came out to say hello. We chatted with them and they’d been sailing continuously for 8 years mainly with each other for company. They had just reached the Antarctic via the Drake passage a week ago. Impressive!

We saw a lot of huge glaciers and they were very blue and beautiful, and shaped by the movement of the water. Then it was our turn to visit Cuverville island. We landed and hopped from the water up onto the snow. I went up a small hill and the view of the penguins and icebergs was stunning! I could also see the sailboat. Then I walked the other way to see more penguin colonies. They’re so noisy and smelly, but also very cute! They have well established penguin highways from the water to their nests and some of them climb up a big hill. They have their nests high on the hills because that’s where the snow clears first. Sometimes the penguins decided to use our walkways and even laid on their bellies for awhile, so we had to wait until they moved since they always have the right of way. The day went by so quickly! Tom gave a short talk on seals then Acacia gave a short talk on photography. A passenger named Casey, who has been on the show Bachelorette, gave a talk about his project which was to travel to all 7 continents using commercial airlines in a world record time. He has a website 7 in 72 and has set the Guiness book of world records. He also applied for a drone permit and took some amazing drone footage especially the bird’s eye views of the areas. Ali gave us an update on the weather and plan for tomorrow which included Deception Bay, an active volcano, and a Polish research station on an island which has Adelie penguins.

We went straight outside for an outdoor BBQ dinner. It was cold but the scenery was stunning around us and the sun came out just then. There was so much food and mulled wine. I had a burger, salad, seafood skewer, rice, beans, corn on the cob, curry vegetables, chocolate brownie and bread and butter pudding. Each day is so full of amazement that it is tiring in a good way.

20 December- We woke up at 5h and it was tough to get up but we got dressed and went outside in the rain to see the narrow entrance (bellows) of Deception Island. It is an active volcano and we sailed into it to land at Whalers’ bay. We got out on the zodiacs around 7h30 and walked around the old whaling station. There are a lot of old decrepit buildings including a World War 2 hangar. The wind picked up quickly and the rain was icy. I was on one of the last two zodiacs and they packed it with 15 people (normally we had 10) to hurry back to the boat. The wind was blowing at 70 knots! We missed the landing ramp the first time and had to go back a second time. I was soaked and had to hang everything up. The boat was rocking a lot as we sped along to Arctowski station on king george island to see the Adelie penguins. Then at 11h we went to listen to Paola’s talk about penguins and other animals too. Antarctic toothfish are also known as Chilean sea bass. They are part of the food chain and are eaten by seals and fished (overfished) for humans.

Sometimes the penguins present gifts of stones and food to their partners. They also steal stones from each other’s nests. If a penguin partner doesn’t return with food then the other parent will have to abandon the egg to eat. Survival strategies in the harshest of climates. Intriguing facts!

We went back to the room briefly then went to the lounge to hear the disembarkation process. The airline uses the IFIS website for the weather and SCRM is the Chilean Air base on King George island. We planned to leave in the morning on the plane that brings the next passengers but it depends on cloud cover and the weather.

We landed at the black sand beach and disembarked at Arctowski Polish research station. We could see an Adelie penguin colony on the rocks and with the zoom and binoculars we could see a few penguin chicks. So cute, grey and fluffy! We also saw a lot of penguins on the beach and in the water. There were chinstrap and gentoo penguins around so all three species we had seen during this trip. We saw some whale bones which look very artistic with some of the only green algae visible in the mostly barren rocky areas.

We went back to the ship and the seas were very rough and rocking the boat a lot. It was difficult for people to walk. It was our last dinner on board and we had delicious food and excellent service as we had at every meal. The head of the service crew introduced everyone as they marched in to Despacito. Wow can’t believe it’s already the end of the Antarctic holiday adventure!

21 December- The alarm went off at 5h30 and it was very early! We got dressed and finished packing our checked in luggage. We had to put it outside by 6h. I picked up the China Great Wall station mobile signal briefly and a text came through but no WiFi until Punta Arenas. It was nice to be disconnected for a week. We had to get our carryons and move out of the cabins so we sat up in the main lounge with everyone else. At around 10h the first flight got called to board the zodiacs and go to shore. Then around 10h30 we got called to board the zodiacs and head to shore. Last zodiac ride was fun with Jens driving. We had to wait outside in the cold and wind for nearly 2 hours until we could board the plane and get in the air. As soon as the seatbelt sign went off everyone got up to use the toilets. Neither of the two toilets was flushing so that was kind of gross. The plane in general was a bit dirty cuz they do such quick turn around. We were just hoping that they actually checked maintenance enough.... The flight was only two hours so pretty quick. We got to Dreams Hotel in Punta Arenas and checked in then relaxed in the room until dinnertime with a nice seafood soup at Los Ganaderos.

22 December- We had a day in Punta Arenas as a buffer in case the flight back from Antarctica was delayed. We did some souvenir shopping and then I walked to see the cemetery and pick up some empanadas from Roca Mar for a midnight snack. We ate lunch at Le mercadito in the municipal market again.

23 December - We checked out around midnight and the Taxi came at 00h30 to drop us at Punta Arenas airport. When we went to drop luggage the lady asked if we wanted to take an earlier flight to Santiago at 1h26 so we said sure. We waited for awhile there then had another flight Lima and then finally on the way back to Los Angeles.

[caicoscactusmanagement]

Dream Destination & Vacation Paradise with Tons of Recreational Activities in TCI

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[la-appel-du-vide]

Lake Powell 2021 🌊

Ohhhhh Lake Powell. What a PLACE!

After we had such a blast last year, we wanted to do another trip this year - especially because now Brady has a Jeep that can tow! We figured it would be cheaper to rent a pair of waverunners in Utah and then drive them down ourselves. Plus, Brayden had NEVER SEEN Lake Powell, which is both crazy and not acceptable. (;

As the summer went on, and the lake levels kept dropping (they're currently the lowest they've been since the lake was originally filled up), we were getting nervous that our trip wouldn't happen. Ramps at Wahweap and Bullfrog were closed and auxiliary ramps had to be used instead - the photos of the ramps so far out of the water are absolutely crazy! Houseboats were encouraged to pull out of the water. Things weren't looking super good. But when the time came to pull the trigger, we took the risk and hoped things would work out. And they did!

We rented two waverunners from a guy in Provo, and that was a horrible experience. We told him we'd be picking them up on Thursday night between 7:30 and 8:30, and he said to give him a 45-minute heads up. We texted him when we were about 35 minutes out, and he didn't even leave until 40 minutes later. He literally did not get there until 9:15. I was livid - we still had a 5-hour drive to Page. On top of that, the waverunners were NOT in good shape. Deep gashes covered in paint/duct tape, one that was missing its registration sticker (literally illegal), one that had no mirrors, neither of them had dry box lids (he tried to tell me that was normal, that they ALWAYS break off on every machine he's ever seen - BS, and I called him on that), they had a tiny amount of storage space, and they were already low on fuel. Perfect. He insisted that we take 6 life jackets, even though we only needed three, so he didn't have to put a special note on the reservation. Annoying. He talked to us about useless information for almost an hour, so we left SO much later than we wanted to, and didn't get to Page until almost 3 AM. Good start to the trip, right?

We stayed in a little townhome Airbnb - it was fine, but a bit outdated (the green carpet was a clear giveaway haha). We got a quick four hours of sleep before we were up again, exhausted, to hit the lake. We stopped by the place Beach and I rented from last year to see if they wouldn't mind giving us a map - we LOVED the map they gave us last year. Clear, helpful, and plastic so getting wet doesn't hurt it. It was awkward though, when I explained we weren't renting from them this year, but certainly would again in the future because we were having a very bad time, but that we'd really love a map again. She gave us one, but didn't seem happy about it. Yikes. Then we stopped at the store to get some snacks for the day, and finally stopped at Maverik to fill the stupid things up. That's where the next sign of trouble occurred - Beach took the turn too sharp and rammed the trailer right into the bollard in front of the gas pump. It was SO loud and shook us all. And yep, it left quite a dent in the trailer. It was still functional, but that's no way to start a day. Morale was quite low for a bit.

But then we finally got to the lake. Much needed. The line wasn't long at all - I think many people are afraid to launch after hearing the things we'd heard. We launched like pros and hit the lake! I was really conscious of enjoying the sun on my skin, the sound of the water, and the way it felt to cruise around the lake. I get so sad at the end of summer, because the warm weather really keeps me going. We went to see the dam, and took an inaugural dip. We LOVE our little dips - always refreshing, and never too cold. Plus, you dry almost immediately when you get out! We drove the channel (insane, of course) down to Antelope Canyon, and then hit a no-wake zone up until we got to a spot to park. Because the lake levels are so low, there's a ton of muck in the water (I'm not sure how that correlates, but it must, because it wasn't like this last year) when you get to the ends of canyons. There was a THICK layer of sticks/debris coming into the Antelope Canyon parking area. Brayden and Beach had to swim us in so we didn't get the machines full of that crap and ruin the engine.

It's amazing how much less crowded it was this year than last year. We only saw a handful of people while we were hiking Antelope - last year, it was pretty packed and we had to do a lot of waiting to get photos. I liked this part of the change haha. It's such a stunning canyon and hike - the beautiful wave patterns along the red rocks are just unreal. It doesn't feel like it's something that could have happened naturally, and it's absolutely mind boggling. We are so lucky to have something like this so close to home, so we can experience the magic so easily. Ugh, I love it. I got a little nauseous on the hike back, because I always do when I don't sleep and then physically exert myself. BUT I didn't throw up, so W! We took a small break to eat an apple, drink some water, and rest in the shade before swimming the waverunners back out through the muck hahah (poor B and Beach - I got a ride). We did have to do some serious work to ensure that the engines were clean and clear of debris before we started them up again, and that was a little stressful, but it all turned out fine.

Then I hopped on with Beach and we drove Navajo Canyon, which is really just one of my favorite things to do. By the time you get to the end (it's pretty long) it smoothes out so nicely, and there is NOTHING better than absolutely cruising on glass water on a waverunner. We were gliding so fast, taking smooth, wide turns through the canyon... gave me absolute life. At one point, Beach hopped on with Brayden and they took a video of me riding side-by-side with them, and it's so great.

Then trouble hit us yet again. My waverunner alarm started going off to alert us of low fuel. We knew it was time to head back to the marina anyway, so we could load them up before it got dark. We started heading out and just decided to take the fastest path back to the marina, because we obviously weren't familiar with these machines and didn't know how far we could get once the gas light was on. We took a right out of Navajo Canyon to go look for the small channel that leads from Warm Creek Bay back to the marina - which we used quite a bit last year. But..... we couldn't find it. I was pretty sure I was losing my mind. We drove that whole bay up and down a couple of times, and I was getting so frustrated by how I could possibly be missing it. Eventually, we stopped by a houseboat to ask where it was, and apparently it's LITERALLY GONE. The entire channel DRIED UP. In the span of a few months. That is WILD. And we'd wasted all the gas I probably even had left looking for something that doesn't exist anymore. So the bad news was, now we'd have to go ALL THE WAY AROUND to get back to the marina. Their gas light was on too now (by the way, the alarm would scare us so bad when it went off, and it lasted like 3 minutes before it would turn off - so annoying) and we figured we would run out of gas before we made it that far. We ended up stopping by another houseboat (a SUPER nice one) to ask if they'd be willing to let us borrow a couple of gallons of gas. They were super nice about it and let us have some. Then we went guns ablazing to try and get back to the marina before it got dark. Going the long way, though, you hit THREE wakeless zones, so it just takes forever. We ended up completely forgoing the rules and flying through them. The sun was setting FAST and it was getting SO DARK. It's definitely not safe to be out there in the "pitch night" hahaha as Beach said. By the time we dropped Beach off to go get the car and trailer, it was literally black outside. I could hardly see anything. Some of the buoys had lights on, which was so helpful, but we still had to be so careful. Our only saving grace was a broken down boat at the bottom of the auxiliary ramp that had a light on, so we could find the ramp in the dark. Loading was difficult, especially once we realized that the roller poles on our trailer were SO LOOSE. We texted the rental guy about what to do and his response was "Lol, guess those need to be tightened." And he suggested we try to tie them on with a rope. SO helpful. All of his stuff was shotty.

But we DID IT. What an adventure. We stopped for dinner at Denny's on the way home, because we looked like hell and hadn't eaten all day. And then we were so exhausted, I'm pretty sure I've never slept deeper. I couldn't even keep my eyes open for a minute.

To be continued...