#its been Hot but the hammock has been set up between two trees with a lot of shade pretty much all day under them

[sanchoyo]

been having a rly nice weekend :) i was taking a walk and saw a wild bunny (I have a . very blurry photo of it bc I kept a distance to watch it and not scare it) and then on that same walk found wild blackberries and picked a few to eat on the rest of the walk :D (most of them were still red, and the black ones were still pretty tart...I will return there in a few weeks to see if they're sweeter...) and then I finally set up the hammock I bought from a thrift store (BRAND NEW IN THE BOX FOR $5!!!) and just Leisured in it for a few hours while drawing. very chill. very Summer weekend

[cosmiclove-heavenstruck]

Gravity | JJ Maybank (Outer Banks, Season 1)

Pairing: JJ x fem!reader

Wordcount: 2100 words

Warnings: swearing, mentioning of underaged drinking/smoking

a/n: English is not my native language, so there might be spelling/grammar mistakes. Also, this is just a simple oneshot, so don't expect a great plot or anything. Have fun!

“because in my world, i'm constantly havin' a breakthrough or a breakdown, or a blackout, would you make out with me underneath the shelter of the balcony?”

─ clementine by halsey

[ Clementine, better known as Clem by the Pouges, lived on the southside of Outer Banks with her mum, near John B's home. Her mum worked pretty hard and was often out of town, so Clem was usually to herself. Since she began to work for Kiara’s dad two years ago, she sort of grew on the chaotic group and got involved in a lot more shit than expected. Besides serving tables at the restaurant, hanging out in the hammocks or on John B’s boat and handling the one or other mystery on the island, Clementines mind was occupied by a certain blonde guy. ]

The sun was nearly unberable, making me fan myself with my book. Summer had arrived, in full glory and a lot of hot air. I relaxed in my hammock behind our small bungalow and swung from side to side to keep myself from falling asleep, one foot on the dry grass.

Summer break just started two days ago and it was already boiling outside.

My hammock was placed between two thick trees, right beside the water and the wooden dock. Small waves sloshed against it from time to time and seabirds squealed above my head. I felt at peace and my body nearly forgot it already had more than ten hours of sleep last night as my phone vibrated. A new message from JJ lit up on its screen.

get urself ready

5 min.

A smile spread across my face. Within seconds I was back in my room, putting on my bathing suit, a pair of shorts and an open shirt with hawaiian flowers. I packed some drinks into my small cooling bag, slipped into my flip flops and wrote my mum a message in case she would be home before me.

With a towel over my shoulder and the cooling bag in my hand I walked outside again and onto the dock. John B was already steering his white boat towards the wooden planks as I reached the front.

“Aloha boys,” I greeted them with a big smile, and JJ held out his hand so I could easily jump on board.

“Hi Clem.”

“Aloha, darling. Watcha got there?” JJ asked, peeking over his sunglasses.

Once in a while, when I hadn't seen JJ for a day or two, I thought I wasn't completely head over heals for the sunkissed boy anymore and my heart had settled. But then he had the nerve to smile at me again and my whole body began to tingle.

“One for you.” I handed John B a cooled beer bottle which he thanked me for with a fast kiss onto my tempel. He was at least two feet taller than me. “And one for you.”

I threw another one in JJ's direction before getting myself one, placing my stuff under the bench seat and sitting down beside him.

“That just saved my day,” JJ answered and gave the cold glass a kiss, then he kissed me on my cheek. I hid my smile by taking a sip of beer.

“Don't lie, you already had two,” John B said grinning while he navigated the ship to where Pope lived. The boy was standing outside, helping his dad by cleaning some empty, second-hand boxes as usually.

“Hey, Pope, get your ass in here!”

“I told you yesterday, I can't!”

His dad came outside, a broom in his hands as if he wanted to chase us away. It wasn't a secret his dad disliked us.

“Oh, come on, it's summer vacation,” I interfered and waved him. Pope was already putting down the water hose and giving his dad an excusing look.

“I'll do it tomorrow. I promise!”

“Hell nah, you're stayin'!”

“I’ll be back for dinner!” Pope laid the pipe down and snatched a towel from the railing.

“Get in the boat, get in the boat,” John B whispered, whereupon Pope jumped onto the deck of the ship.

“Pope! Get back here right now!”

“We're getting him back safe, promise!” JJ yelled as John B turned the speed back up and we rushed through the waves up to Kie's house.

“Man, your dad is so unrelaxed. He should try one of my joints.”

“Don't you dare. He'll get us all killed.”

I laughed at the boys conversation. Such idiots. But I loved them nonetheless. They were my family.

Kie lived on the rich northside of Outer Banks, even though she hated it with nearly every fiber of her heart. The darkhaired girl was casually walking up to us, in her hand a bag fully of snacks ─ at least I hoped so.

“Morning y'all.”

“Welcome on board, pretty. Are those snacks?”

JJ got up to give Kie a hand, just like he did with me. Her hair was in a messy pointail, held together by a green cloth.

“Oh, you know. Some watermelon slices, stuff like that,” She joked, smiling.

Kiara was pretty. And not just that, she was smart and knew how to handle things. That didn't stay unnoticed by the guys. They were practically all into her, even if they weren't admitting it. Which wouldn't have been a problem if I was that confident in myself too. Or a bit more adventurous, inventive, whatever.

I wasn't jealous of her. In fact, she was one of my best friends, the only female one I may add. She made sure I got a job at her father’s restaurant, for which I couldn't be more thankful.

“Hey Kie.”

“Hey,” She greeted me, hugging me tightly before sitting down next to me. We provided everyone with drinks so we could touch glasses.

“Salud, guys. To the best summer of all times,” JJ announced, holding up his bottle.

“To the best summer of all times,” We echoed him and clinked our bottles together.

John B turned up the speed and the volume of the stereo as the waves splashed against the boat. I closed my eyes, smelling the salty water, my coconut sunscreen and the beer. I had missed summer.

We stayed out all day long on the water, sunbathing and diving in the ocean. Kie connected her phone with the stereo and put on some of our favourite songs. As the sun was slowly going to set, we all laid in the front of the white varnished boat, sandy and drained from all the sun. Within five minutes, we infested Kie's brought snacks and finished the beers.

JJ was passing around a joint he made himself. His skin glowed orange in the evening sun, even though there were some light bruises on his rips. His head was resting on my tanned legs.

After everyone had taken one or two drags, my body didn't feel as tired anymore. Kie started some more upbeat songs and while Pope navigated the boat back to John B's place, we danced. It probably looked horrible, but it was fun.

First, I was just dancing with Kie. Spinning her around and stuff, but she knew about my feelings for JJ. She was the only one I had told, ever. She was also the only one who believed JJ was interested in me too, as much as I tried to talk her out of it.

So, of course she used my blurry state to get me to dance with JJ. To make it less awkward, I stole his sunglasses and put them on, stupidly smiling at him.

“We dancin' now?”

“Absolutly.”

Grinning, he grabbed my hands and pulled me closer to him. Kie winked at me.

JJ put one of his hands on my hips, swaying me around in the front of the boat.

The sun was melting into the water and gave everything an orange touch. My body was glowing because of the heat, my heartbeat was going way too fast. JJ's blond hairstrands fell into his eyes and I couldn't stop laughing. Then he let me make a twist so my back was pressed against his belly and our hands were intertwined. Once he had unknotted us, he dipped me before pulling me up again. We were so close, our noses nearly touched.

“You look good with my glasses.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“Then I might keep it.”

I grinned and bit my bottom lip. His eyes looked so pretty. Blue like the ocean.

“Hey guys, not on my boat, okay?” John B reminded us that we still had company around us.

I rolled my eyes and ─ as much as I didn't want to ─ let go of JJ. My hand slipped out of his and it felt like I was suddenly bound to gravity again.

Pope and Kie attached the rope of the boat with the hook on the dock, and I grabbed my stuff and followed the others to John B's house. I placed the now empty cooling box and my towel on the porch. My body felt like the alcohol and weed had left out of nowhere. The sun was barely seeable by now and the wind was colder than expected.

Inside, I put my clothes back over my swimwear and tamed my frizzy hair in a loose bun.

“That. Was. So. Much. Flirting.” Kie bumped her ellbow into rips with a knowing smile on her lips.

“Shut up. That was nothing.”

“Are you kidding me? Have you seen the way he looks at you?”

I crossed my arms, eyeing her in disbelief. My head just couldn't comprehend the idea of someone liking me like that. Especially not JJ.

“He likes you. A lot. Trust me.”

“Come on, Kie. Just because he flirts with me once doesn't mean he has feelings for me. You know how many girls want him.”

She scoffed. “Okay, fine. I'm gonna ask him.”

“Wha─ No. No, Kie!” I whisper-screamed at her and tried to grab her arm, but she escaped my grasp and jogged into the kitchen where the boys probably looted John's fridge. Fuck.

“Uh, guys, my mum texted me. I'm gonna go now, see ya tomorrow!” I yelled and quickly escaping onto the porch. The warmth seemed to have disappeared, thick rain drops where pouring down onto the shelter of the porch.

There was no way I would just let Kie embarrass me because ─ surprise ─ JJ wasn't actually flirting with me. Absolutely not.

I was already on the last step and out in the rain, as someone called me.

“Clem? Wait.” JJ. Goddamnit. I shut my eyes for a second before facing him.

“Yup?” I asked, trying to sound casual.

He scratched the back of his neck. “You─ uh... You still have my sunglasses.”

My heart dropped. Had I honestly expected something else?

“Yes, right. Sorry.”

I shook my head, scoffing as I took them off and went up the stairs again. I left my stuff down on the paveway. Internally, I was shaking like hell. My heart was a wreck. Utterly nervous. Maybe Kie hadn’t said anything, maybe he hadn’t heard her, I thought.

I stood infront of him again, not as close as before though. Without thinking and instead of just handing the stupid glasses over like a normal person, I put them on his face. He didn't need them, the sun had already vanished beneath the ocean. I did it anyway.

JJ pushed them up in his hair.

And then we were just looking at each other and I hade to pull myself together so I wouldn't faint. I gulped and tugged at my own shirt, that ridiculous hawaiian shirt.

“So,” JJ spoke under his breath. The rain was still pouring down onto the plastic shelter. My heart beat felt louder, and I wondered if he could hear it. I was so scared.

“Goodnight, J.”

With that, I turned around and wanted to leave, like I always did when I was too afraid to face the truth.

“I like you too.”

Everything in me froze just to melt in the next second. My heart stumbled. So Kie did tell him.

Slowly, I turned back around.

JJ just stood there, hands in his pockets and sunglasses in his hair, chewing unsurely on his bottom lip. He seemed vulnerable. No smug grin, no stupid joke on the tip of his tongue.

“I mean I really, really like you, Clementine. More than that.”

For once, I didn't want to be afraid. If he could be brave, I could too. Within a second, I was back in front of him, though way closer. Even closer than on the boat.

And this time, I kissed him.

My hands grabbed his hair, pulling his face down to mine, and once he had understood, I felt his arms wrap around my waist. There was no gravity pulling me down when we were this close.

“I really like you, too,” I mumbled between two kisses. I could feel his lips forming a smile as he pressed them onto mine again.

“"I thought you'd never admit it,” He said, grinning.

“Don't get used to it,” I answered, grinning just as wide as he did.

And then he kissed me again under the shelter of the balcony, surrounded by the heavy sound of the rain, while I buried my hands in his hair and he pulled me off the ground.

[tree0frog]

memory maze runner x fem reader part two

masterlist

it had been three years since ably was sent up to the maze followed by newt and Minho and so on and on. the diaries had still not been found the new greenie for this month was chuck a small boy around 12-13 and was most likely the youngest in the glade he wasn't really doing much so he was just wondering around the woods when he notices something sticking up from the ground chuck being himself and brode out of his mind went over to the weird thing and pulled it out of of the ground it was a bag he wanted to see what was inside but couldn't open it he knew newt out be able to help him since he was meant to be helping him in the garden.

chucks pov

the bag was old and looked like it had been there for a while I tried to open it but it was tide too tightly I knew newt could mabey help me so I made my way back to the tall blond boy I hadn't had time to get to know each other but I was still happy for the few I did know once I made my way back to knew he looked at me confused "what you go there greenie "he asked "I'm not sure it was lying in the dirt beside a tree I wanted to look in it but I can't seem to open it"newt laughed "so you want to see if I can open your bloody bag for ya "I looked away rubbing the back of my neck newt took the bag from the theme and opened it everything seemed to be I'm pretty good condition "I have no clue what these are but tonight well show ably alright" newt Spock handing the bad back to me "ok"

time skip

it was later that night at dinner when chuck decided to bring the bad up he knew he wasn't meant to just go up to their leader like that but who the fuck cared not him anyway well Mebay a little but no one needs to know that now do they "ably "the boy said nervously "hey greenie you ok"the boy looked up from his food as well as some of the other keepers at the table "ah e ya I just found this and I wasn't sure what to do with it" Chuck glands at newt the back at alby and handed him the bag the older boy just looked between the two boys but takes they bag anyway.

after dinner newt minho and alby decide to go throw the bag "do you think it will have anything use full in it"?minho asked "probably not it most likely been left by the craters" newt stated as ably started to take the items out of the bag there were 4 book some 8 folded paper a silver band they looked at them one by one until newt Spock up "whos y/n" he looked up at the other two in the room the dairy he had to pick up seemed to be the oldest "are you going to open it"minho asked crossing his arms "ill get to that "the boy laughed the book was filled to the bring of different piced of paper newt started to read the first page.

day one

well hi, I would tell you my name but I don't remember that I'm not sure why though for now ill call myself greenie I don't know why buts let go with it for the now cool. well first of all I woke up in the mettel box thing that took me too long to get out of when I awoke here I'm not sure what ill call it but I don't think ill be leaving any time soon I'm surrounded by four big walls they aren't open but I can hear things moving inside of them oh ya and for some reason, there are animals in the box as well I'm not too sure what's that all about if you wondering why I'm writing this down it is because I for one want to remember this and two if I ever leave this place I can have something to look back on.

I want to say it's about midday or so well once I manage to get out of the box and get everything out as well I were who ever sent me here won't be too happy when I find that if I ever do I just spent today walking about this place it's really big and I seem to be the only one here the people that sent me up here gave some a hammock witch was nice of I guess so I set that up I really hope they send someone else up soon I'm lonely and fuck here.

there's these weird gree bug with that have W.IC.K.E.D. on them I tried to touch one it never went very well I think it will be nice here there's not much to do now but tomorrow ill find something to do it's late now I think, to be honest, I don't know what time it is but the light is fading to em I guess this is a good night

greenie

newt finished reading the three boys look up at each other with a shocked look on their face "should I read more"neat asked the other two just nodded

day 2

well today has been fun I get my name back it's y/n it is weird and I'm not sure if it suits me but at least I have a name to call myself now I started a farm and started to male some bits and bobs around this place I still need a name for it I started to work on making a kitchen like think to keep all of the food I have in I was give some cand food as well as granola bards and bread so that's what iv been eating and im happy to say it went well the walls opened up today I think this is some form of a maze im not sure yet the box hast came back yet im waiting to see how long till it comes up.

it's very hot here but it's nice I just hope it doesn't rain any time soon I found out most of the things here have the word wicked on the still not sure what that means  but you know what shuck that oh ya I also forgot to menschen I made up of new words shuck means such greenie means newbie klunk means shit that's all iv got, for now, I think ill like it here

y/n

"alby when you came up here what was all here, "minho asked still looking shocked "well there was the map room the home shuck the kitchen a smaller farm and the slaughterhouse and a small med bay as well" they all looked at each other "so you telling me that this y/n was here before you built this place and the left leaving their stuff here, "newt asked looked at there leader "look I know as much as you do, "alby said "hey why don't we just go to shucking sleep and come back to this in the morning "minha yawned.

minho had given the runners the day off and alby had called all of the keepers for a gathering about this y/n person "so if your wondering why you all here its because chuck found this yesterday and we wanted to see if we could find any use full info in it so take a piece of paper and get looking all right "alby was followed by mumbles and grows him newt minho and gally had one book each and the others had the pice of paper that had their fallen out of a book or was just there.

about an hour had passed and no one had found anything till gally Spock up "hey I found something "well don't just stand there read it out"alby ordered

day 163

well good even to whoever is reading this today has been a shucking great one I keep having these dreams about a boy called newt and whoever he is they keep saying were twins I don't understand what going on with my head mabey im just going crazy right iv been here alone for so long right

not the point of today I finished mapping out the full maze I the maze opens in bits so one part will open then the next a different one but I don't think it has anything to do with the maze I think it has something to do with the maps and grievers that's what im calling them anywhere there big creatures that have tried to kill me there easy to kill once you get the change of it, oh ya and the box came up again with more things I wish they would send someone else up here im border welp good night

y/n

gally look up to see all eyes on him "newt have you ever heard the name y/n before this "newt shook his head sighing he hadn't before "and what does she if she mean about its not the maze its the maps and grievers "minho asked "I'm not sure but there are somewhat maps they aren't very clear though "frypan stated

they were about to continue when the box alarm went off

[comebeonetwothree]

Blog #8: Country Roads

07/13/2021

Currently driving through roads where pro-life billboards are placed in front of graveyards… we are officially on the road back home.

Traveling fast but seeing the most we have while covering 1,500 miles and two time zones in the last week. 900 miles to go. We jumped from Portland to northern and southern Montana then all the way through to Chicago… our last stop ;(

We met some really nice people out here- the kind of people that want to take time out of their day to interact with you. People actually smile at you and mean it when they say “have a good day.”

There were a lot of experiences this week that were indescribable. All senses were at full throttle from sleeping in the heart of Portland to camping in National Parks.

Being our last stretch of the trip, it has been hard to not feel sad when we are closing such a big chapter of our life. It’s a weird feeling of being sad but also still being so excited for the next stop. I hope the excitement doesn’t end.

Who

Who is ready to rumble…

In Portland we got to meet up with Maya’s cousin, Michael and his daughter Thea. He moved out there 13 years ago and never looked back.

He was telling us he did a similar trip with his college buddies back in the day and fell in love with the city, so moved there shortly after the trip.

Sounds fun, might fuck around and move…

Batman was ready to rumble, and fumble and everything in between. While whitewater rafting in Glacier National Park, we had the pleasure of riding with Batman The Guide. Batman, because you can’t change who you are but if you can always choose Batman.

He had been living in Montana for 17 years after moving from Oregon. He had previously worked in the park as a shuttle bus driver and recently switched over to a whitewater rafting instructor.

He was a funny fucking dude; the whole crew was super hyped but he had a comedic sense that made it an entertaining day.

While on the water, we were joking around and splashing the neighboring rafts, an independent rafter said they will bomb us with beers if we splash them. One of the other people on the boat yelled back, “Are they full beers?” and they responded by launching three full miller lite beers at our raft.

At the end of our tour, Batman gave us the three beers then we dedicated those three beers to him with a funnel.

More Friends!!! Its wild how many people we got to see throughout this trip. Hitting Yellowstone National Park, we met up with Mayas friends from home: Cole, Jamie and Declan.

They were just starting their cross-country trip from Nyack, NY, hitting the Northern route to the southern, vs our trip ending in the North. Funny coincident.

We camped out with them for two nights… it was too beautiful to just stay one night, so we pushed back our trip to badlands and stayed the extra night.

We were all out at this joint called Buffalo Bar, it had a great outdoor area with corn hole, ring toss and puppiesss. There is something so fulfilling in petting random dogs with a beer in your hand.

This one dog I was petting had an exceptional owner who was traveling him across states to bring him home. I spoke with the owner for quite a while, she was so friendly about letting me pet her dog. She really was doing it all, back at home she has three kids and two other dogs.

When people hear about our travels, their reactions usually make us realize how cool it is to have the opportunity to do a trip like this.

Many times they wish they did the same when they were our age, *cough, cough, go travel right now, cough, cough.*

This woman explained how she jumped right into working out of school and has always regretted it. Her children were already teenagers so I told her she should get out there and do it. Traveling her new dog home was a great start to the on-the-go lifestyle, she seemed to be enjoying it.

I later found out she picked up our tables tab… thank you Jennifer, you have a heart of gold and a generous soul. She explained her hopes that her kids will one day get out there and see the world like she always wished, and we were accomplishing. It was a pass it forward request, when I am able to cover the bill of a lovely traveling stranger. I hope I cross paths with this family eventually and pay it forward for her children that may travel.

What

What a reality…

The National Park pass is something you buy and are given access to all the national parks in the US. We got one in the beginning of the trip knowing we would be reaching quite a few parks. Unfortunately, we lost it after just seeing the Grand canyon.

It fell in a black hole… the area where your dashboard and windshield meet. Remember this when you put shit on the dashboard. It can slide right down to its death, the only way to get the shit out is by taking off the windshield.

Those passes are irreplaceable, of course.

In badlands, we posted up around 10 p.m. in our hammocks. It was a new experience for us, we thought hey its our last time camping, lets try it a new way. 

We set our hammocks up underneath this podium and slept there. It was perfect for a quick and easy set up/clean up. There was a solid amount of people around us, so we weren't too worried about getting attacked by coyotes again. 

Where

When driving to Portland we drove through the Redwood National Forest. This made me realize how long this Earth has been around.

Trees take a while to grow, and these trees were as thick as three full grown pine trees and as tall as two stacked on top of each other.

Neck breaking tall.

After crossing through, we hit the upper west coast and traveled on route 101 until we hit Portland. It was filled with jaw dropping views, so much so I woke Mary and Maya up every 5 minutes to show them the views. Most times it was the same view as before, just with a new massive rock to look at.

It was a relatively foggy day, so we couldn’t see certain lookout points, but there was something so majestic about the fog within the forests and hanging on the coast.

There were points where you cross over a bridge and there was nothing around you, just white. It appeared as being stuck in a dream or driving my bitchass to heaven.

Arriving in Portland, we stayed at a place in ChinaTown. It was so cute and located on top of a great deli, Charlie’s Deli.

We checked out a bunch of shops and stores while in Portland. While we were walking around, this coffee shop had the sweetest workers. They enjoyed interacting with their customers and weren’t just looking to take your money.

Portland is filled with mockingly friendly people, they weren’t mocking anyone though, they were just that fucking friendly. They actually want to converse with people... what a concept.

For dinner we went to this food truck pod place, which is about 15 different food trucks serving food, with a communal sitting area to eat the food.

We met up with Maya’s cousin there for a drink and to catch up.

Hitting Glacier National Park, we started our camping excursion. We started off sleeping in our car since we arrived late to our campground after driving 10 hours to get there. It was pretty comfortable and with the knowledge of bear attacks in the area, it was a secure place to sleep.

While in Glacier, we decided to go whitewater rafting, a whole new way of seeing the parks. It was so dope, the rapids were on the weak side since the heat waves.

After rafting, we found a great lake front public access point where we hung our hammocks up and took a nice long nap.

There are lakes EVERYWHERE here in Montana and great fishing! Let’s travel and fish all over Montana, okay? Cool.

We waited until 5 p.m. when the park lets you in without a pass, to do a sunset hike in the park. We took Going-to-the-sun road to the highline hike, where we got to see some wild animals!

In the parking lot we got to see a horned sheep (looks like a ram) and more mountain goats!! We saw three full grown goats and one baby goat.

This horned sheep actually stormed at us and we had to jump into our car. The people that parked in the spot before us left their cheetos on the ground. This guy was hungry as fuck I guess. Relentless to say the least. 

This National Park is my new favorite spot-on Earth. Spread my ashes here. Moseying through the park was a full body experience.

All your senses are involved, the smells of the forest are beyond refreshing. The touch of the crisp air brings goosebumps to your skin, and the taste of wind in your face emphasizes the overload of oxygen in that area.

There are no commercialized areas for hours outside the park. Just a fuck ton of trees.

The sounds of different birds chirping harmonizes in your ears with the wind blowing and the rocks falling below you. Your sight is spiked the highest out of the senses. These views seemed so unreal they appeared fake. When you finally touch the grounds around you, you realize how really unreal this land is.

Heading to Yellowstone the following day brought a similar element of nostalgia. We camped right outside the park, on the state border lines of Wyoming and Idaho.

Our friends we stayed with luckily still had their national park pass, so we all took our car and got into the park early that next morning. We got to see some bison! Fun Fact: Bison and Buffalos are actually the same thing.

There were so many beautiful trees and hot springs throughout the park. So many cool colors to see. We also watched Old Faithful blow her hole!!

Getting to Badlands eventually, we got a campground directly in the park. Since we got there later than five it was free. We posted up our hammocks for our last night camping on the trip ;( when we woke up, the views were so cool.

Badlands is a shit ton of clay forming giant sandcastle hills all over. But there is so much green for a desert it was an interesting combination.

When

When can we shower…

We have completed so much of the drive home its wild. We stayed in an apartment for the first two nights in Portland and then spent the rest of the week camping.

We hit our record of days without a shower… 5 full ass days. I’m so proud of Mary and Maya, they really can’t stand being dirty.

When driving long ass 10 hour plus drives for a week you find yourself enjoying nothingness. Head empty is such a vibe after jamming to music and listening to murder mystery podcasts for hours on end.

Our music ranges widely, depending on crashing periods. Whenever Mary is driving, she is either blasting screamo edm music or 2000s pop music.

Maya plays some bomb bops; I really don’t know any of the songs, but it has opened my mind to all these new artists!!

I personally love the murder mystery podcasts, there were a few times I had to change it though because it got too spooky. In the case of this week, we were driving to camp in Montana and a murder mystery came on about the Montana Child Killer… dope.

Why

I have ruled out ever living in a city. From the driving on busy ass streets to the dirty smells everywhere, I will happily reside somewhere in the country. Where? Still have no idea… Why? Because there are so many pros and cons to all these places we saw.

I guess i'll just have to come back out here!

I’m really thinking somewhere up north on the west coast. The west coast will forever hold my heart, but I really don’t have the money or the ability to live in a city out there. Maybe one day with a bombass money making job.

Coming back to the East has made me realize how much nicer people are out west and how much slower of a pace it is.

How

How are we coming up on our last spot…

We are hitting our last stop… Chicago. Shoutout to my cousin for going to school here and letting us use and abuse his apartment! Hehe just kidding we will take care of it for ya, Owen!

It feels so strange to be this close to New York. Our license plates being from New York is no longer that cool.

I’m going to miss people peeping our plates and asking us about our travels and/or wishing us luck!

Thanks everyone throughout, we are almost accomplished with this chapter!

[starshinegoblin]

My Fated One

Notes: I originally wrote this for #XichenWeek2020 for day 2 (prompts: weapon, regret, and soulmate ) but I decided to write a different one. So here is the original idea that I rejected. In this au, every has soulmates but they don’t know that they are until one of them says their fated ones courtesy or birth name. When they do the soulmark will appear in their soulmates handwriting as a tattoo. It’s called a living tattoo because if you take blockers scar lines lines will go over the name. If a soulmate dies the name remains. Also, in this one Jiang Cheng is the older brother and Wei Wuxian is younger. Jiang Cheng is still a year younger than Lan Xichen though.

Thank you @ruensroad for the soul mark idea for Jiang Cheng ♥

---

"I am soooo sorry, Xichen-ge!" Wei Wuxian whined as he rushes up to him only to come to a stop in front of him. His newly cut short hair stuck out in all directions and his face is flushed from running from the parking lot. Wei Wuxian rests his hands on his knees trying to get his breathing under control. 

"It's alright, A-Wuxian." Lan Xichen chuckles as the other man stands up finally wiping the sweat off his forehead, giving him a charming smile. 

"I had really meant to be here on time. I've just been working so hard on this current project." Wei Wuxian explained. Lan Xichen nodded in understanding. He too had gone through the same experience when he went to college. 

"It's alright, really. No need to stress." Lan Xichen said trying to reassure the other. Wei Wuxian laughed, taking hold of Lan Xichen's suitcase. 

"We are so glad to have you back, Xichen-ge." Wei Wuxian beamed as the two of them headed out of the airport. "I know that Lan Zhan has missed you a lot since you went to New York."

"I've missed him but I needed the change of scenery." Lan Xichen stated. The two of them stepped outside. A beautiful day with sun out bright and the cool crisp March air made him smile in happiness to be home. It truly felt good to be back in his home country. 

"Well New York was a definite change. But you’re back now and that’s all that matters. We’ve missed your smiling face." Wei Wuxian stated letting the conversation go as they approached his car. They both knew why he needed the time away. Lan Xichen’s long time boyfriend had met his soulmate on a business trip and the break up had been horribly  messy. He shook his head reminding himself not to go down that road of regret. He hated that he ended things the way he did with A-Yao but he’d have to continue to live with his choices.  

As the two of them got into Wei Wuxian’s car, Wei Wuian’s phone went off with several rapid fire texts. Lan Xichen watched in amusement the other is in answering his texts. A gleeful smile swept across Wei Wuxian’s  face as he  texted back whomever it was. Just as he’s about to check his own phone, Wei Wuxian lets out a snort followed by a  giggle before realizing that they’re still sitting in the airport parking lot with the car still turned off. 

“I’m sorry, Xichen-ge. It was my brother. Are you in the mood for something to eat? Lan Zhan said that he’d meet us there.”

“Uh sure.” Lan Xichen nodded making his brother’s boyfriend giggle again. He watched Wei Wuxian send a few more texts before setting his phone finally turning the car on before pulling out of the parking lot.

“So we are we going?” Lan Xichen asked as he looked out the window.

“You’re not allergic to cats are you?” Wei Wuxian asked instead of answering him. 

“Uh..no?” Lan Xichen answered, his brow furrowing in curiosity. 

“Good!” Wei Wuxian replied and before he could inquire more Wei Wuxian started talking about what he’d missed in New York. 

“We are here.” Wei Wuxian exclaimed as they pulled into the parking spot in front of a cafe. Lan Xichen peered out the window to take in the sight of the building. A simple electric sign that read, Katz Kafe.  The front side of the building has two bay windows in between the entrance. In both windows he could see several cats already sunbathing in the window hammocks.

“This is cute.” Lan Xichen replied, unbuckling his seat belt.

“Yeah, my brother likes to think he doesn’t like cute things but he does. This is one of his favorite places to come too. They also allow you to adopt the cats inside.” Wei Wuxian replied before getting another text as the two of them got out of the car. Before Lan Xichen can say anything else. 

“Uh, Xichen-ge, Lan Zhan says that there aren’t any driver’s available. Why don’t I go get him? He’s just down the block. It won’t take long and my brother is already inside.” Wei Wuxian asks him looking over the hood of his car. 

“Uh, sure that’s fine.” 

“Great! A-Cheng is the one that’ll be in a dark plum suit like a body guard...because he is one actually! He’s just got off the job, and he will not be holding a rather adorable calico cat named Sushi.”

“I’m guessing he’s planning on not adopting Sushi.”

“You’d be correct.” Wei Wuxian winks putting his sunglasses back on as he gets into his car. 

A thin smile spread across Lan Xichen’s  face as he stepped inside. He carefully made sure to shut the door so none of the cats would escape not that they'd want too. The walls are painted a stark white with beautifully colored paintings placed perfectly to go around the wall perches and bridges for the cats to play. The inside of the café is breathtaking and immaculate despite all of the cats. An open terrarium in the center of the room boasts a beautiful willow tree in the center of it allows for the cats to roam its branches for the hanging beds in the shape of bird cages. He spots a lovely mackerel tabby in one watching him. Below the tree is an indoor pond for them to play and hunt in. He can see the small golden fish swimming around in the water. A mixture of couple's tables and group tables surround the terrarium.  The tables looked hand crafted with what look like natural paw prints in the stain and the chairs are a mixture of different styles. At the back of the building is where the massive counter and kitchen are.

That’s when he spots the table with the dark plum suit jacket hanging off one of it’s chairs with an unfinished boba tea and a pair of sunglasses. He walks towards the table feeling like this is where Wei Wuxian’s brother should be at. When he reaches the table he looks around again and spots a man in a black button down with black slacks on and black dress shoes,  laying down behind the tree. The man’s head is pillowed by an arm with his eyes closed breathing steadily with a rather adorable calico kitten loafing on his chest. It’s face curled down into him. 

That must be him. Lan Xichen thought. He crossed the room properly to get to the other man and the cat. He stayed quiet deciding that instead of standing he’d rather sit. So he sits down facing them wondering if Wei Wuxian’s brother had truly fallen asleep. After no response, he moves to let his hand prop up his head. His eyes tracing the sharp jawline, elegant neck, and the well sculpted form hidden beneath the clothes.

“Is there something you need?” the man’s timbered voice asks, sounding annoyed. Lan Xichen’s eyes widen and he wills the heat trying to rise to his cheeks not to rise. It’d be embarrassing for him to be caught gawking. 

“Wondering if this is the famous Sushi, I’ve heard so much about from Wei Wuxian.” Lan Xichen asks sitting up straighter as the other’s eyelids slide open revealing gorgeous sapphire eyes. The glare that’d been leveled at him by the other man melted away to a look of brief confusion before realization set in.  

“You’re... Lan Wangji’s bro...ther.” Wei Wuxian’s brother stuttered, flushing a beautiful shade of red, as he gently moved the tiny loaf of cat on his chest  into the crook of his left arm before sitting up facing Lan Xichen.

“Yes.” Lan Xichen chuckles reaching out his hand to shake the others, “Lan Xichen.”

“Jiang Wanyin.” Jiang Wanyin said taking the offered hand with a thin smile. 

“Well, Jiang Waynin, I tsch-” Lan Xichen starts confident with a bright smile liking the other’s name on his lips but ends up hissing as sharp burning pain spreads from the crook on the left side of his neck where it meets his shoulder, like he’s been struck with a hot fire poker. He knows that it’s his soul mark coming alive on his skin as a living tattoo. 

“Fuck.” Jiang Wanyin curses jerking his arm back as Lan Xichen reaches up to his own neck. He watches as Jiang Wanyin shakily sets the cat down in his lap to peel back the sleeve of his right arm. The burning sensation is already fading. His eyes, taking in the way the soul mark is written in his own elegant handwriting containing his name, Lan Xichen, on that smooth sun kissed skin. “What the…” Jiang Wanyin looks up at him with wide eyes that flick to his neck no doubt seeing his own name there for the world to see with him wearing a v-neck and over sized cardigan. 

“You’re my fated one.” Lan Xichen says blindly what he’s thinking. 

[unicyclehippo]

not on the list, but beaujester + rainy days?

it had started to rain at some point in the night, and the morning glooms into being, grey and slow and quiet. clouds heavy with rain roll overtop the city and, with her nose pressed to the chilly glass, jester swears she can see lightning crackling way up high. she only pulls away when she hears someone coming toward her; when she sees its beau, holding two mugs of something hot and sweet, she shifts to make room and beau perches next to her, hands off the second mug.

‘good view?’

‘mhm,’ jester nods eagerly. ‘the best. sorry—i should’ve told everyone what i was doing-‘

beau waves the apology away. ‘nah, i told ‘em. they went shopping but i know where they’re going, if you want to join.’ jester bites at her lip and beau shrugs, sips her drink. ‘you don’t have to. i know you like watching the rain.’

jester pulls her attention from the window, frowns curiously at her best friend. ‘huh? how?’

‘what do you mean how?’

‘how do you know that? and how come you knew i would be here? i mean - you told the others?’

beau shrugs again. ‘oh, that. i mean, yeah. i dunno, i pay attention to - to all kinds of stuff. you like to sit by the window and watch the clouds and the rain, you’ve done it pretty much every time. first, i figured it’s ‘cause rain is great and storms are fuckin’ sick.’

‘and then?’

‘huh?’

‘well, if you thought that first, it sounds like you think something else now?’

‘oh, no, i don’t-‘ beau looks a little uncomfortable and she mumbles a little before, under jester’s impatient, questioning stare, she says, ‘i figured it was because you were in your room all the time, or something.’

jester grins. ‘you put a lot of thought into little old me,’ she teases. watches as beau buries her face in her mug and mumbles, the words drowning in her drink. ‘i don’t know why i like it, i just do.’

‘that’s fair. is it cool... that i’m here?’

‘of course, silly!’

‘cool.’

they sit together in silence for a time, beau draping her cloak over both of them, even though jester doesn’t really feel the same chill beau does. as the storm grows in its intensity, grey clouds bruising with black and that green haze that hints at hail, and the lightning flashes and bursts through it, beau says,

‘i used to think that giants danced in the storms.’

jester whips her attention away from the storm front to her friend, who looks like she regrets saying anything about it.

‘you can’t leave it at that beau.’

‘i mean - there’s nothing more to it, though.’

jester slaps her forearm, a smack really. ‘i don’t believe you.’

beau rolls her eyes. ‘fine. okay. so when i was like,’ she scrunches her face up, ‘i guess, six? seven? i got really bored so i snuck out.’ she laughs a little at jester’s encouraging ooh. ‘there was this massive tree a bit of a walk from the house. massive to a six year old, anyway. probably like twenty, thirty feet tall.’

‘not like the arbor exemplar, huh.’

‘nah. not quite.’ beau’s lips curl in a faint smile, nothing harsh about it. fond and a little awed, as she stares out through the glass, to some old vision, to some old storm.

jester can’t take her eyes off her. there’s something about storms, something electric in the air, and it makes jester’s skin tingle.

‘anyway, i had this little treehouse—i say treehouse but it was just a board propped between two of the branches and, like, a hammock? so i climbed up to it and i guess i just hung out—pretended to be a, a pirate or a knight or whatever. read some books, chucked acorns at the fence.’

‘so, normal kid stuff.’

‘yeah, basically.’ beau grins right back at her. ‘i bet you were trouble on two legs as a kid, huh?’

‘i don’t know what you mean,’ jester lies, with a demure tilt to her head and a flutter of eyelashes. it makes beau throw her head back and laugh; jester eyes the line of her neck, listens to the laugh as it echoes against the glass, the stone around them. she clears her throat. ‘so...giants dancing?’

‘yeah, yeah, yeah, i’m getting to it,’ beau waves her down, leans back, hands behind to brace her. ‘so, i must’ve run out of dance class or something because i remember looking up at these storm clouds all coming in from the west and imagining them as carriages. these giant carriages, with the westwind horses pulling them across the sky.’ beau doesn’t seem to notice the way jester stirs with interest. her attention is fixed on the storm still, but jester’s mind is racing. she can’t remember beau ever telling her a story like this before, something with imagination like this. ‘and then the sky was covered in them and it looked weird. like the world was all flat on top. like the sky was lower than it had been. close enough for me to touch.’

‘oh no.’

beau throws her a careless grin. jester fumbles with it, feels almost like she has dropped it when her heart lurches with - with ?

‘i climbed higher in the tree, of course. it was the tallest tree i knew about, so obviously if the sky was lower i could touch it from there.’ beau shakes her head. ‘i was fine. i didn’t get struck or anything, the storm was way off. but from that little bit higher, i could see the lights, and the way the lightning, yknow,’ she lifts a hand, mimics an explosion, the lightning darting out. ‘and the thunder. like the loudest boots ever, crashing around.’ she grins again, smaller, crooked, achingly fond. ‘i remember thinking,’ she admits, and jester is struck by the desire to have known beau then, little beau with the big, beautiful brain, little beau who dreamed up giants in the sky, ‘i remember,’ she says, clearing her throat, ‘thinking it’d be fun to dance with them. they didn’t seem to care much about rythmn or being able to sing or be delicate or pretty. stomping around upstairs. i thought it’d...yeah. be fun.’

‘beau!’ jester nearly shouts, throwing herself over to grab at her face. she presses beau’s cheeks tight together, squishing them. ‘that is so cute!’ it doesn’t feel right—she doesn’t want to embarass beau or anything—but she doesn’t know what to do when beau just, just offers up something like that to her. she forces herself to settle, kinda doesn’t realise that she’s almost straddling her friend until beau lifts a hand to steady her, sets it on her hip. she’s still holding her face and they’re very close together and. ‘thank you. for telling me that. it is very cute, even,’ she says over the way beau tries to grumble, face still squished. ‘even if you don’t like that word, it is.’

she can feel beau’s cheeks heat up. feel the most delicate, soft lashes as they just barely flutter against her left hand, sitting a little higher up on beau’s cheek.

‘yeah, well,’ beau mumbles as best she can. ‘you’re welcome.’

[lodsamone]

the okay ones

select entries from ffxivwrite2020 that DON’T make me want to shrivel up and die from embarrassment

they are still really rough though and not proof-read so please please please ignore the sloppy, of which there is a lot

here’s a gdocs link for easier reading,probably, since tumblr kinda sucks at this

#1 Crux

The table is arranged for one. The parasol casts perfect cover and is adjusted every bell to keep it so. From atop this hill there is a view of the house, and a view of the sea. It is a scene from a painting, one you’ve seen before. It’s been some time.

You set the tray before him, though it is not your job to do so. That which is favored is put within reach: cherry tomatoes, caramelized pears, the yolks of hard boiled eggs. The tomatoes disappear first. He pops the skin with his incisor, sucks it dry, and swallows.

“Does it disgust you?”

The two of you have not discussed it yet. A sneer in his voice is nothing unusual, but this one, you can tell, has purpose.

“No more than it does you.”

Obscurity does not thrill him. Aggression does not suit him. If the tangerines still had skins to peel, he would do so vigorously.

“How mercenary.”

Now he is laughing. You do not share in the humor, but you will grant him his shield. That he told you, and that you still remain - it does not need to be said plainly. For you, there is something greater.

#5 Matter of Fact

“Don’t give the tarts to Mrs. Patsy, she hates sweets and you’ll upset her stomach.”

Lauda frowns at Mrs. Patsy. Mrs. Patsy smiles back, ever joyous.

Lauda moves the plate of tarts to the other side of the table. She holds it between the nails of her thumb and forefinger. Setting it between the teapot and the fruit basket is a precision art. She is careful not to disturb a single piece.

“Pour her some tea, Lauda. Be careful not to splash any on her dress this time, she was awfully down about that, for a whole sennight too.”

It feels a terrible waste to serve fine tea to toys, but that is not Lauda’s concern. The tea is still hot - it must be - and its miniature container is painful against her fingertips. Not a single drop astray. She returns the teapot to rest, and waits.

“Won’t you offer her some cream and sugar?”

“...Mrs. Patsy does not like sweets.”

“Silly Lauda, it’s only polite. She’ll decline and then you can offer her cheese and crackers, which I am sure she will like. But make sure you put those between her and Ms. Glorygold, she always wants some of whatever she’s not having.”

#7 Nonagenarian

He can smell her from the threshold of her room. Amidst the dark he can see her hand, the last branch of a dying tree, gnarled and giving way to rot. Her chest rattles with every breath. The weight of the linens seem enough to snuff her out entirely.

Eamon cannot see her face from where he stands but her fingers twitch, pulling at the sheets with paltry strength. Her rasps grow deeper. Eamon plants his feet but the weight of her call is too much, and she pulls at the roots he grows in vain.

His mouth is dry. As he grows close, rasps turn to mutters. Thoughts spill into broken words, ruined by lips too feeble to drink. She looks him in the eye and speaks in slurs. He hides the tremble in his hands behind him, and hangs on to every word in the hope the next releases him.

#9 Lush

A clear memory: you find her in the gardens, and she tells you she is with child. The hibiscus are in full bloom. Recent rain has weighed down the grandest of them and you watch moisture seep into the hem of her long skirt, her long sleeves. Marian pulls a flower close, jostling droplets from its leaves. It seems a comfort to her as she watches you sideways, an unsure smile on her lips.

She is blooming, brighter than any seed might grow, you are certain of it. With a smile you congratulate her and relief raises her shoulders. Why should she worry? It pulls at your chest but you dare not speak it.

You watch the sleeve fall from her wrist. You ask: “did you tell him?” 

“Yes, I did. In the morning, when I was certain.”

You push her further. “And?” It stresses you to press, but you cannot place her unease.

A blush rises to her cheeks. The memory brings her joy. The sight of it puts a twist in your stomach, painful and pleasing both.

“He was happy, very much so. And relieved. It seemed all sorts of things, really.” 

Marian smiles up at you and her eyes do not match it, yet there is no break in her expression otherwise. What she fears she will not speak, and you will yourself to be content with it.

“Good,” you say. She reaches out to touch your forearm, her palm smoothing down to your wrist. Her skin is cold. She squeezes to reassure herself, yourself, and you watch the falter of her smile, the pale line of her neck. You daydream your fingers at the base of her ear, the soft skin at her jugular, the ridge of her collarbone. Is she not cold? Would she shiver, if you touched her?

She jostles your wrist. “Oliver? Is something wrong?” She leans to the side and her smile grows wide, playful. “What are you thinking?”

Red hair spills over pale shoulders. An urge to chase them bubbles within. The memory grows unclear.

#11 Ultracrepidarian

It’s a Mhachi relic, he says, no two ways about it. A silk cloth covers his grubby little mitts as he turns the piece over, as if it might be dangerous. Etchings on each face of the fist-sized cube catch the light as it rotates. The auctioneer becomes overzealous in his motions, and pretends to let slip the silk as he catches himself with a nervous chuckle, and his eyebrows waggle in a suggestion of near-danger. Swyngeim snorts. It is a convincing display, if nothing else.

“What are its origins?”

“It came into my hands by way of an old associate - one who has dealings with adventurers. Why, he’s grown so bold he camps himself outside their popular jaunts and greets them on their way out, ready with offers!” The thought is humorous enough for both of them, he seems to think, and so he laughs twice as hard. His cheeks split wide open, turning sickly red.

It’s a hard task to look at him. Swyngeim focuses on the Meracydian relic. It is old, very pretty, but sadly useless. She thinks to tell him, to see if that face of his can grow any more red before it bursts.

“My Lord might be interested,” Swyngeim says. She holds a hand to the back of her neck and pops it loose. The plush bed awaiting her at the inn calls to her. “I’ll speak with him tonight, and we’ll see about the price in the morning.”

Nodding his head near off, the auctioneer returns the relic to its box, still careful not to touch it. He chuckles a few ‘oh hoo hoos’ and rubs his sweaty paws together. “Of course, of course my good woman! Do be sure to ah, warn him about the demons inside!”

#14 Part

“Why did you leave her?”

Oliver returns to his body. Trails of incense climb to the ceiling in loops and arcs and he watches, transfixed, as the smoke merges into scented spirits, and dissipates. The woman - he’s forgotten her name - lured him into his tent with dice and fortunes, bone etchings and stones painted with symbols of the twelve. He hears her shake them in her hand, spill them, listens as they rattle and come to rest.

“Leave who?” The woman’s tail brushes against his leg. Her living quarters are small, cramped, better than his. Home now is a damp hammock on a darker ship. It is nothing like it was before. His limbs are tired and sore from a long voyage and it drains his thoughts. Oliver does not think he will move from here for a long time.

“The woman you’re thinking about,” she corrects, “you were thinking about.”

Oliver looks to her backside, all that is in view, obscuring the ministrations of her private ritual. Her form is liquid metal: copper hair running down her back, bronze skin naked beneath her trailing nightgown of silver silk. Candlelight glints off golden bangles, earrings, as she removes each piece carefully, sets them down on a cloth at her side.

Oliver thinks about her now. He will again, into the night. Why did he leave? Where is he going? The clamor of his crewmates beyond her heavy tent dies down. The women outside have all gone with them.

“What are you doing?” Oliver asks.

The woman kneels at a small mythrite altarpiece she keeps at the foot of her bedroll, an icon of Nymeia, and prays in a low hum, in a language he does not recognize. It draws out the tenor of her rich voice, coaxing, promising, and when she stands up and turns to him there is a little more grace in the movement of her hands, the turn of her hips.

“Sorry for the wait,” she says, “I’m ready now.” She tugs apart the silk ties of her gown and perches on top of him. He takes her breasts in his hands and closes his eyes.

#15 Ache

I still feel it around my neck.

It’s long gone, Frida says. The bite in her laughter soothes the memory; she distracts me with curious things, disorderly words, riddles to unravel. There’s no harm in lying about one’s home, she says, it makes no difference in the now. She laughs and laughs and only in the quiet do I see the spectre of her misery: a far-off look half-lit by campfire, calloused fingers smoothing over the strap of her belt. Frida is right to keep it hidden away. I cannot help but wonder. Could I hold it in my palms slick with oil and sear it into my flesh? I would smear the remains on her cheeks and see her laugh, see her tears wash it away and take my hands in hers.

#18 Panglossian

“Do you think there will be any offers? For my hand, that is.”

The blush that blooms across Marian’s cheeks sets my stomach to churn. It’s not that it should happen, but that she should look forward to it. Marriage. How trite. A dead man with little money to impart was all it afforded me, and it would be wrong of me to hope much better for Marian. The twelve saw fit to bless her with sweetness but no sense to accompany, and even less coin to offer up in compensation.

“Oh, enough from you! You’ll set yourself up for disappointment - a girl with your breeding shouldn’t expect one within the week, let alone from a man of sound mind and body, or age, or any kind of means.”

“Oh.” Marian’s shoulders droop. She quickens her pace and comes up alongside me. The dirt trail leading from our home is damp with rain, and her pale blue slippers and hem are already stained with mud. “Well, that’s alright. I won’t burden you for long, Fanny, there’s always honest work to be had in the city. I could try my hand at the botanist’s guild, you know how I love to be in the garden.”

My nose wrinkles. “What nonsense! You’re still young, plenty of time to ensnare some simple-minded man willing to take care of you.” I sneer. “Work.” What a distasteful thought! It’s bad enough to consider their family being so debased by such a thing, more so to imagine Marian being depended upon by anyone. “Do you want to end up an old maid?”

Marian sighs. Her arms swing back and forth as she walks. “No… I suppose not.”

The post box comes into sight. A cover of thick morning fog obscures it - from the neighbors too, by the looks of it. I slow my pace with less reason to worry.

“Good, I thought so. If you don’t wish to burden me you ought to work on your conversation, it was dreadful to listen to you the other evening, it really was. Oh I thought I’d faint for sure!”

“If you say so. But some of the boys were very poor at it too.”

“It’s not their job to charm you, Marian. Will you not think of your position?”

“I’m sorry, Fanny.”

The moss growing about the post box dampens the sounds of it opening. Once the mail is in my hand I retreat back home, lest the fog clear, and the neighbors see. There’s more than I expect alongside the familiar texture of bills, the yellow ribbon of Seedseer business.

“Here’s a letter for you, Marian.” I squint at the seal, all flowers and fancy lettering. “...From that Eglantine boy. He did arrive after all, didn’t he?” I’m more surprised that I ever agreed to invite him in the first place. What a journey it must have been for him, for a girl so… bereft.

Marian snatches the letter out of my hand and skips ahead. “Ooh I wonder what it says!” She giggles and tears it open. “We danced together you know!”

“How charitable.”

She gasps. “His penmanship is so beautiful!”

Hers might be beautiful as well, if she had the mind to work on it. “Don’t get too excited, it’s a thank-you note for the invitation. It’s what’s popular among those types these days. What a useless sentiment! Copied by one of his sixty servants, no doubt. Oh yes! How generous of you to invite me to some farm girls’ debut! How thrilling it was to mingle among the commonfolk for a few bells, thank-you, thank-you! I tell you--”

“He says he means to marry me!”

“Don’t interrupt! Oh, these fantasies of yours-- stop skipping ahead Marian, I wasn’t finished!”

#19 Where the Heart is

Fire strikes the night sky. A thousand sparks skitter through ink before flickering into the black empty of the sea. Every light reflects in its calm surface: a mirror to the other side. All the city is alive with noise. A river of people pass behind you, the both of you, on a bridge overlooking the bay. Its current sweeps up your company, done with deals for the eve, leaving you at the edge of the way out and on the cusp of a decision - to retire, to remain.

It takes less convincing to get him in the local garb than it did when you first arrived. What was good for business now served utilitarian, starched cloth propping up weak shoulders, hiding sickly-thin limbs. With judging eyes now gone he loosens its grip around his neck and you can see the rounded peaks of his vertebrae. His grip braces white against red railing and you step a little closer.

A cold wind blows from the sea and you, the both of you, watch a parade of lanterns float through the canals and spill into the deep, a slow march at a pace neither of you can match. The fireworks’ finale phases him not, gaze glued to the horizon where hot embers stain the sea. A mirage of wine red hair swimming beneath, white hands adorned with jewels ebbing on the waves, beckoning you home.

#20 Extra Credit

I watch them from a distance. The boy (the rat-faced weasel, the base miscreant) asked to be alone with her and I denied him, as is proper. He was annoyed, that much was certain, but I do not intrude, as is polite, and he really couldn’t ask for much better, could he? He already has enough, and there’s a sharp glint in his eye that I do not like, not at all. Who knows what he might do to poor, sweet Marian, behind closed doors, with no supervision? The girl is so stupid.

Marian sneaks glances at me. I really wish she wouldn’t. The boy distracts her with a present from his pocket, a small box, and opens it for her, showing her what’s inside. It must be very nice because she slaps her hands to her mouth like some common idiot and makes noises that are distinctly not-speech. The words come after, all ‘ooh’s’ and ‘oh my’s’ and ‘thank you,’ there it is, finally. How embarrassing. The boy looks uncomfortable and I’m sure he’s thinking as I do, but I won’t let him walk back his mistake if he's smart enough to see he's made one, and dull enough to say so.

Marian reaches for whatever it is, I have to squint to see it, a necklace by the way she holds it. I can see the pendant but not the chain, which is either very fine or my eyes have gone worse. Perhaps both. The boy offers to put it on for her - does he even know how? - and she turns, all aflutter, hands at her chest, tears in her eyes.

“Please don’t cry,” says the boy, and he sounds like he means it. Marian spares us both.

#29 Paternal

The weight should be crushing him by now. Even twenty ponz more would be a burden on his frail frame. He’s much too weak. Kent could sprint to the mouth of O’ghomoro and back and yet have the strength to snap that bony back over his knee.

He doesn’t want to move. His body does, and his mind knows it’s best, but his eyes-- Pleading with me as I approach. Can I move something without disturbing it? He always asks the impossible.

“I’m in a fine mess.”

I stop in the doorway. “I can see. Anything gone numb?”

“Not yet,” he lies.

Both feet, his left hand, travelling up to his elbow. She’s positioned in an odd way. He must have shifted her while she slept, only to delay the inevitable. A wet spot blooms on his shirt. There’s a wince in his eye as he turns his neck. I commit it to memory.

“Shall I move her?”

His hand at her head, the shift of his legs. “Not yet.”

[lassluna]

Christmas in the Tower

AN: Hi @bleebug Merry Christmas Eve! It’s me, your Knight Rook Secret Santa! I had a lot of fun conversing with you through asks. I hope you like this little story.

It’s Christmas time, but despite all of Killian’s planning for giving his daughter the best Christmas yet, things still don’t go as planned…

ao3 FFn

“Papa! Papa!” Did you feel that?”

He blinks, feeling shaken awake suddenly.

“Papa are you awake?” He smirks at the blonde lass doing the shaking. He isn’t exactly surprised; especially since he sees Alice, practically bouncing on her feet, still in her nightgown, illuminated by the candle by the bed.

“No.” He responds, closing his eyes but he can’t help the grin.

“But you responded.” She points out, he can practically hear the eye roll from her, and she’s nearly 10 years old, filled to the brim with attitude.

Liam would say she acts identical to how he was at this age.

“Perhaps I am awake then Starfish.” He murmurs snapping one eye open. “The question is why are you? The sun’s not even up.” He asks, maneuvering out of his hammock. In one swift movement he grabs his daughter, making her shriek and laugh as he tickles her.

“Do you feel that?” Alice asks between laughs. He stills, trying to understand what she felt.

A shiver crawls up his spine.

“It’s cold.” She announces with a smile.

“Oh?” He replies, already knowing where her mind is going. “And what does that mean darling?”

He smiles grows wider. “Christmas Papa.” She insists, like it’s completely obvious. “Christmas is coming!”

//

Considering Alice was trapped in the tower, Killian always tries to come up with ways to keep her happy and entertained. He hates that every day was so monotonous for her so he decided to come up with as many special days as possible. They had a holiday for just about anything he could think of. Some days were Mr. Rabbit birthdays.

(He was from Wonderland so he had birthdays several times a year according to 5 year old Alice.)

Other days were silent days, where they tried their best to be as absolutely quiet as possible. An extra hour is added to her bedtime is added if Alice won.

There was a Tea Day, Pirate Day, Papa’s Day, Daughter’s Day, Marmalade Day, anything she could think of, he tried his best to make happen.

However, of all the holidays they had, Christmas had to be Alice’s favorite.

She’d read about it in a book when she was young, a holiday from a realm Killian himself had never visited and became absolutely obsessed with it. Therefore they had to celebrate it as well. Killian would never pass up an opportunity to make Alice happy. So he did a bit of research on ‘Christmas’ through a bunch of stories and fables.

“When do you think Christmas will be here?” Alice asks jumping up and down. They’d decided that Christmas was the day that snow fell around their tower, usually occurring a few weeks after it starts to get cold.

Killian shrugs. “It’ll get here when it gets here.” He assures her. “In the meanwhile, why don’t you get me your favorite book, and I’ll make us some tea?” He asks.

Killian isn’t surprised at all when the book she picks is a Christmas book.

Within the next few weeks, Killian plans for the special holiday, trying to find the best things to make Alice really enjoy it.

First off, he’d found a new set of books, a brand new chess set (as they had several missing pieces, slowly being replaced by random do-dads they found) and best of all, he’d found a sorceress who would make a charm to let it snow inside for a bit.

Secondly, he’d found a tree big enough for Alice to decorate, but small enough that he could haul it up to her in the tower. It wasn’t exactly a pine like in all the books, but Alice always loved their make-shift Christmas tree.

It wasn’t exactly practical, but Killian would gladly clean up puddles of waters if it meant Alice got to really feel snow for once.

It would be absolutely perfect.

“I’m almost done with your present Papa!” Alice says smugly, ink smeared on her cheeks and splattered on her dress.

“Oh really?” he asks. She nods excitedly. “I’m sure I’ll love it.” He says taking off his jacket and putting it on its hook. The tower seems warmer than it should. However, he notices Alice wrapped up in her favorite wool blanket.

“Feeling alright sweetheart?” He asks. He always worries over the possibility of Alice getting sick. He knew from experience that neither healer, nor a midwife would dare come near the tower. There was a bug going around in town, so he’d hate to transfer it to his girl.

Alice nods. “Of course Papa.” She confirms. He places his hand on her forehead and feels her temperature. She feels perfect.

“Are you alright Papa?” She asks.

Killian nods. “Of course.” However, maybe he was a little tired from the walk from the village, he’s usually fine, but Killian wasn’t as young as he used to be. He knew he was aging, saw the streaks of white in his hair, he’d jokingly blame Alice for it, her and her tendency to climb on the shelves as a toddler.

Perhaps he just needs more sleep. He’d feel better in the morning.

//

Perhaps he was fine then, but the next morning, he felt a bit less than fine. His throat felt soar and talking just made it worse. He also had a splitting headache.

Also, when had it gotten so cold in the tower?

Getting up that morning, Killian felt every day of his 300 years and it was awful. He could barely remember the last time he felt this way, sure he knew he was getting older, naturally older, but still. Despite it, he got breakfast ready for Alice before she woke up. Today was the day Alice finished making her decorations and he’d go haul the tree up to her.

“Papa? You don’t look so good.” She points out; a frown on her face.

“I’m fine Starfish.” He assures her. She shakes her head, bounds up to him and places her small hand towards his face. She pulls back sharply.

“Papa, you’re really, really hot.” She points out. “Your eyes are red and you sound funny.”

He shakes his head. “I’m fine Al, don’t worry, just didn’t get much sleep last night.” It’s a lie, he had been surprisingly tired the night before, had gone to bed nearly immediately after Alice.

She doesn’t seem so sure, watching him quizzically (reminding him of Liam with that look of theirs) until he finishes making her breakfast; oatmeal with blueberries. Once she has her food, she is completely enwrapped in her food.

She doesn’t at all notice Killian check on the make shift pulley on the tower, nor descend down the tower far slower than usual. Killian’s coughing and wheezing by the bottom, feeling completely drained by the effort.

Perhaps there’s possibly a problem. Killian thinks to himself, leaning against the cool stone. Perhaps Papa isn’t truly invincible. He shakes his head.

He has to get the tree, it’s only a ways away; he reminds himself. The last thing Killian wants to do is disappoint his daughter on Christmas. Alice waits all year long for this day, for these events. After all Alice is prevented from doing, Killian refuses to be the cause of any more pain.

So he does what he has to do, he pulls himself forward to find the perfect tree and get it to his Starfish.

//

Perhaps it would have been best to get a smaller tree. Killian muses. He’d imagined it smaller.

Or he’s just getting old and frail and sick. Captain Hook could lug two of these trees double the size without breaking a sweat. Killian thinks bitterly. It’s a toxic line of thinking, but he just can’t help it. He can barely move after lugging it through the entire forest on his back, now the idea was using the pulley to bring it up the tower…

He looks around, then up at his daughter’s worried face.

“Are you ok Papa?” She calls.

He’s fine. He can do this.

Killian secures the tree tightly with various knots and loops, and then begins pulling the rope. He has it secure around his hook, using his entire body to haul the tree up. It’s a slow long process but not an unusual one. He does this occasion when he gets large amounts of supplies from the local village. Those were often heavier than this tree.

He’s nearly at the top, so close; he can see Alice’s smiling face. He can imagine her dancing and laughing around the tree as they decorate it, humming lyrics to songs they’ve never heard; making up the tunes as they go along.

Killian can see Alice pressed against the barrier, trying to reach out and help the tree along, its so close.

He doesn’t know if it’s the exertion, or the cold that causes it, but then he starts to cough. It was the body jerking kind of cough. It was all it took for him to lose his focus and the tie around his hook to slip off.

He didn’t even need to look up to know what the terrible crash he heard was from. His heart practically shattered in his chest as he saw the perfect little tree reduced to splinters by a mere slip of the hand.

Alice was looking down at them looking absolutely devastated.

“I’m so, so sorry Al.” He calls up to her. “I’ll go find another one!” He assures her, already thinking where he could go to find a better tree. It was a bit farther but he could do it, he coul- He was interrupted again by a wave of coughing that shook him to the core.

“Papa!” Alice shouts, he can see her banging on the barrier, each hit making the magic appear briefly. “Come home.” She insists.

“The tree-“

“Come home.” She says sternly.  “Please Papa.”

Killian could never resist a ‘Please Papa.’ So he does make the climb, during which, he almost loses his balance a few times, almost becomes a pile of splinters himself.

He staggers inside, gasping and grateful for the tower’s warmth. Alice collided into him, making him lose his balance.

“I’m so sorry Alice.” He insisted. “I can go back and get another tree; we can still have a great Christmas.” He didn’t want to disappoint her. He couldn’t bare it.

But Alice shook her head smiling. “You’re sick Papa.” She reminds him.

“I’m fine Al.”

“Papa, you always tell me that no matter how much I deny it, the truth is the truth.” She says, sounding way too smart for her own good. “You need to rest. We can have a great Christmas without a tree.”

He could see her mind already racing. “Are you sure?” He asks again.

She nods, pushing him towards her bed.

“Alice, I have my own bed I can…” But she was insistent, even at 10 years old.

“You need a proper rest if you’re going to get better. I’ll take the hammock, I’m a big girl Papa.” Perhaps it was a testament to how badly he was feeling that he let his ten year old take care of him. He let her help him with his coat, and tuck him into bed.

It reminded him so much of her namesake.

Killian doesn’t remember closing his eyes. He just remembers opening them and seeing, where there once was a list of chores painted on the walls, now was a painting of a large Christmas tree in various shades of green.

(He had a feeling she did that on purpose)

//

He could barely move the next day, his breathing was worse, and according to Alice he felt hotter than the day previous.

Alice to her credit, refused to let him out of the bed, she made him tea and marmalade sandwiches.

“We’re going to get you all better Papa.” She insists, as he lays back and watches her decorate her tree. Her hand made ornaments secured with pins and glue. Garland made from paper and paint rather than cranberries as they were far too heavy for the pins and the glue. “And we can still have Christmas.”

He smiles and laughs at how much fun Alice is having. He thinks perhaps he hasn’t ruined everything.  By the time Alice is finished, the tree looks absolutely beautiful.

He knows he’s too sick to go back into town for the new chess set, but at least he has the charm and the books, Alice can play in the snow right here inside and she could read the books while he cleaned up the water. Killian knows she’ll love it.

“How are you feeling Papa?” Alice asks after a bit, “I can warm up some broth.” She offers.

He shakes his head, he feels fine. He feels perfect here with Alice…

“Papa, you’re still really hot.” She sounds worried, but Killian can’t imagine why. Milah comes over, tucking Alice close to her.

“He’ll be fine Alice, he just needs rest.” She assures her. But Alice doesn’t look satisfied.

“Milah?” He calls. For some reason he doesn’t think Milah should be here, but he can’t remember why. She’s as beautiful as ever, looking every bit The Pirate Queen.

“Milah’s not here Papa.” Alice assures him. “Papa, it’s just the sickness talking, you need to tell me what to do to make you better.

“Just let him rest sweetheart, your father will be fine with a little rest.” Milah says, she takes his hand and holds it tight, he doesn’t want to let go. He’s so tired all of a sudden… “You’ve raised a beautiful young girl Killian.”

“Just let me rest Alice, Milah is here…she’ll watch over me…” He repeats. Milah never used to leave his side. Back before…before….

“She looks so much like you, she’s strong and resourceful, she can handle anything the world throws at her.” Killian nods in agreement.

“Where’ve you been Milah?” He asks, because seeing her here reminds him how much he’s missed her.

“Just watching over you my love. You’ve suffered for so long, but finally you found peace haven’t you?” He shakes his head. There is no peace, not in this tower, not without being free…

“Papa? She’s not here. Papa. You need to stay awake and tell me what to do…” Alice says, she sounds frantic, but he can’t imagine why…

“Then let’s be free Killian.”

“Papa?”

“Papa!”

//

Killian is cold when he wakes. And wet. It’s an odd sensation if he’s being honest.

“Papa?” He blinks and it takes a moment to open his eyes.

It’s dark out. He didn’t remember it getting so dark. He blinks again and he sees Alice’s face in his view, she’s putting something on his head, it’s we and dripping, but also strangely solid…like…snow?

“Starfish?” He responds. She’s drenched, bundled up in his pirate jacket. Her eyes are red and tear streaked. But she’s smiling now.

“Are you with me Papa?” she asks.

“Where else would I be?” Because Killian doesn’t exactly understand what happened, how did it become night time and why is there snow in the tower?

However, he sees the blue charm around Alice’s neck and the reality hits him suddenly. “You were burning up.” Alice insists. She sounds hurried and scared. “I’m sorry for riffling through your things, but I didn’t know what to do, you were talking to Milah and then Liam and then even someone named Swan…”

His fever must have been really high if he was talking to birds…

“I found this and it was so cold, but when I touched it there was Snow everywhere!” She admits with a grin. He could only imagine the face she had when she saw it. “I used it to cool you off. I’m sorry, I know you were saving it for something, you must have been for it to be in your super-secret pocket of your jacket…”

“How did you know about that?”

Alice rolls her eyes. “You used to hide candy in there Papa, of course I found it.” His clever girl.

“I’m so sorry Alice, that was supposed to be one of your Christmas presents.” He admits. “The other is in my other jacket pocket.” He explains because if the charm was ruined, at least she could have the books.

“You mean these Papa?” Alice asks, picking up a wet stack of books, edges ruined by water; because of course that had to get ruined too. “It’s alright Papa only some of the bages got damaged, we can write in all the missing words. They’ll be our own stories!” She says excitedly, practically beaming.

His beautiful girl, always trying to see the best of every situation, he smiled at her optimism.  “I thought you deserved to have a day in the snow for once, but you had to use it to help me, I destroyed the tree and your presents are back in town…” He trails off. He’d ruined everything.

Alice shakes her head.

“Papa the only thing I need to have a good Christmas is you.” She says burrowing into him. “I was so scared that you wouldn’t wake up Papa, that I’d be alone. You being my Papa is the only thing I need.” Killian hugged her back, bringing his precious daughter close.

“You’re the only thing I need to Starfish.” He assures her.

“Do you think I can give you my present?” She asks with a hesitant voice. He nods.

“Of course darling.”

Alice goes to the shelf, fumbling to climb to a hidden nook she keeps; and pulls out a box, wrapped with her drawings and tied with a string. She places it in his lap.

Killian tries to be careful; keeping his snow drenched hands from damaging any of her pictures and carefully unwraps it.

It’s their chess set, but all the pieces are there. “Did you find the missing pieces?” He asks in surprise, picking up a black rook which he knew for a fact had been missing for months.

“Nope.”

He feels it in his hand and then he realizes. “You made it out of clay.” He turns it over, seeing her name etched in the bottom.

“The knight was the hardest one, but I like how it came out.” She insists. He picks that up as well, a white one this time. She’s right; it looks remarkably similar to its counterpart.

“Merry Christmas Papa.”

“Merry Christmas Alice.”

[tgaceworthbelievingin]

For 2019 my climbing partner and I decided to commit to a full five days in the Adirondacks (vs the two trips we did in 2018).

I put together an ambitious 15 peak plan starting with hiking out to the John’s Brook Lodge on Monday then summiting Big Slide Mountain. Tuesday’s plan was to traverse the entire Great Range. Wednesday we would hike out and go do Cascade and Porter, then go to Lake Placid for a recovery evening at a hotel. Thursday was to be an early departure for the trail-head to Elk Pass where we would set camp then climb Colvin and Blake. Friday would be a hump over Nippletop and Dial on the way back to the car for the trip home.

The first logistical hurdle would be getting to the Garden trail-head to get to the Lodge. The Town of Keene has the road to the Garden parking lot closed due to bridge repair and is only offering a shuttle service from Marcy Airfield on Rt 73 during the weekends. Fortunately the ADK Club provides a shuttle service for Lodge users so Brian and I departed Western NY at 0330hrs and made the parking lot around 0930hrs. The shuttle was waiting for us and we started our adventure.

From the trail-head is was about a 3.5 mile, relatively flat and dry (for the Dacks) hike into the John’s Brook Lodge.

The John’s Brook Lodge is a…well…Lodge…in the middle of the valley between Big Slide Mountain and the Wolf Jaw Mountains. It’s a comfortable place to make “home” while you explore the wilderness it is situated in. The Lodge operates in two different “service seasons”, Full Service and Caretaker Service. During Full Service you get meals included with your stay. During Caretaker Season you have access to the kitchen to prepare your own meals (you just have to clean up after yourselves).

We reserved two beds in one of the 4 man rooms. The lodge has two four man rooms and two ten person rooms. Each ten person room has a washroom with running water and “vault toilets” (essentially an indoor outhouse).

After we settled our gear into our room we geared up for the hike up Big Slide. Big Slide Mountain is the 27th highest peak of the High Peaks at 4199″. It was about 2.5 miles from the Lodge and the weather was fine.

After returning to JBL (the Lodge) I made Hamburger Steaks, Sweet Potato and Green Bean dinner with Sam Adams to wash it down (Yes, real food. The advantage of a full kitchen.). Then went to bed early for the anticipated long day ahead of us on Tuesday.

The forecast was for rain overnight with anticipated clearing over the following day. We had planned on a 0300 wake-up but decided to play it by ear based on what it was doing outside. A light drizzle was a “go” but a downpour was a “no-go”.

It poured all night long.

Around 0600 it had stopped raining and we had breakfast and set out, but our traverse of the Great Range had to be significantly altered.  The plan now was to do Saddleback, Armstrong, Gothics, Upper Wolf Jaw and Lower Wolf Jaw.

It took us a little while to get on our way. The volume of rain overnight had swelled all the waterways and the trail across the Ore Bed Brook was impassible short of a soaking wade across. So we backtracked to the suspension bridge near the Ranger outpost and began the ascent of Saddleback.

The weather was cool and somewhat windy. The wind was blowing the clouds along and there were patches of blue sky appearing and disappearing. For the most part there was no rain. Fortunately most of the clouds were above 4000′ so there were still views from the heights unless a low cloud blew over you.

The ascent up Saddleback was the typical “boulder staircase steep” stairmaster workout. Crossing over streams (passable higher up) and some “slabby” parts till we broke out of the trees to a long stretch of slab that lead to a long wooden staircase.

Maybe a quarter mile up from the stairs the trail hits the intersection for Gothics and Saddleback. The weather got windier and grayer and after some more climbing we made it to the top of Saddleback Mountain. 4,528′.

We returned to the Gothics/Saddleback intersection where my climbing partner decided that, due to the worsening winds and the prospect of the “Gothics Cables” that were ahead, that he was going to descend. I decided to continue on solo.

From the intersection, the ascent up Gothics was mostly semi-steep slab walking till you emerge from the trees into the cabled section of the climb.

The cables are actually pretty sketchy. You can see that over the years they have been snapped and re-tied to the pitons. The last section was only the rubber sleeve of a cable that stretched and contracted with each pull.

After the cables you are near the summit with was all bare rock and slabs. The views from the summit were awesome, even in the windblown overcast conditions.

I descended the col between Gothics and Armstrong, which was pretty steep and mad my way up Armstrong Mountain for High Peak #17.

The col between Armstrong and Upper Wolf Jaws was also pretty steep…

The climb up Upper WJ was easier than the descent from Armstrong and I was rewarded with a clearing sky and increasing temperatures when I reached the summit.

My descent from Upper WJ was marked with a couple of slips and falls, including a bloody scraped shin.

When I reached the trail intersection for Lower WJ and the return to the Lodge I decided to return. I had seen no other humans in the mountains all day and the additional time to summit lower would have pushed me into the hours of approaching dusk. I would have pushed it if someone else was with me and could go for help if I twisted an ankle or broke a leg but the prospect of spending an injured night alone wasn’t appealing. I have to return to the area for other summits anyway.

I returned to the Lodge and found that a group of 10 Canadian women had descended on the place. They had brought in enough food to feed a veritable army and provided Brian and I with dinner…for which we returned the favor by washing the dishes. After an evening of conversation around the wood stove we went to bed.

The following morning (Wed) we hiked  back to the Garden parking lot and met the shuttle van for our return to the Marcy Airfield Lot.

From the parking lot we departed for the Cascade and Porter trail-head. It was a crystal blue day and warm.

For all the solitude at JBL, we had the polar opposite at Cascade/Porter. The closeness to the road, the short trail length to the summit(s) and the relatively easy ascent make Cascade and Porter one of the most popular beginner High Peaks hikes.

The short hike does make for a steep ascent. Not too far from the trail-head it’s nothing but “boulder staircases” through the woods. Nothing technically difficult but its up-up-up.

Not much to add about the climb, it was an easy ascent and the views from Cascade were an amazing 360 degree panorama. Someday I want to get up there and watch the sunrise.

Cant do Cascade without grabbing Porter Mountain too. A mile out and you reach the summit. There’s a 180 degree view there.

The reward for three days of climbing was a night in Lake Placid at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. A shower, some laundry, some beer, a great burger and stroll through town. Soaked my legs in the hot tub for a while and then some sleep in a real bed.

The weather for the rest of the week was mixed. Rain was the order of the day for Thursday and Friday so I made a change to the Dial, Nippletop, Colvin and Blake plan. Those peaks are known for mud and not too stellar views as it is. If we were gonna hump it through the rain I figured I’d rather do something else. We still needed to visit Mt. Colden.

So after breakfast we drove out to the Adirondack Lodge (different Lodge from Johns Brook) and hiked out to the Avalanche Pass Lean-to where we pitched our hammocks and set off onto the Arnold Lake Trail for the summit of Colden.

We were actually spared the rain and the weather was more like Tuesday was. Windy, passing sprinke, clouds, broken clouds, a streak of blue.

The Arnold Lake trail was “the typical”. Boulders, going up. 1.5 miles to Lake Arnold…

…then another 1.5 miles up to the summit. I have to say that I found the hike quite pleasant. Enough physical exertion to feel an accomplishment, but not so technically difficult after three previous days of climbing.

When going up the Lake Arnold trail to Colden you hit a “false summit” the higher peak to your left as you come out onto it is the actual peak. While I was standing on the false summit I saw a small creature sitting on the rock. I was very close, and it didn’t seem to see me and wasn’t moving. I wondered if it was injured. But I was downwind from it so I figured it just hadn’t winded me yet. As I withdrew my phone it spotted the movement. I was able to snap this photo of an American Pine Marten before he ran off.

Now there was nothing for it but to cross the col between the false summit and the peak. Even though it looked like it was going to be additional mileage, it was actually a pretty easy down-up assisted by ladders and stairs.

I made my way up to the Colden summit and started looking for the “actual summit”…the highest point to see if there is a benchmark. On Colden you have to look behind you for a trail up into the scrub-pine that goes up onto a boulder. There you will find the hole where the marker used to be.

They’re not many views from the marker so I went down to the Avalanche Lake side of the peak to take in the views. I could hear voices getting closer and could hear people bushwacking through the pines. Out on a boulder I spotted some movement and what do you think I saw? A Pine Marten!

I don’t know if it was the same Marten from the false summit that possibly followed me, of if it was another one. I don’t know what sort of territorial range they have. But there he was. These were the first wild mammals I have ever seen on my 21 High Peaks and I thought it was pretty cool.

The voices turned out to be a couple who climbed up the Trap Dike from Avalanche Lake and bushwacked to the summit. I think their bushwacking may have been what pushed the Marten from cover onto that rock. I chatted with them for a while and took in the views.

I took my leave of my trail acquaintances and started back to camp. The sun suddenly broke out and the skies cleared into a beautiful day. By the time I got back down to Lake Arnold I had to “layer down” to short sleeves and drink some water. I met up with the couple from Colden who were descending down the same trail and had an enjoyable chat with them all the way back to camp. Even though I love the Adirondacks for the wilderness, I find meeting the people out there almost as enjoyable. So far everyone of them have been friendly and open and interesting to talk to.

Back at camp I took a nap and then we decided to cook dinner and get to sleep early with a plan to pack up at 0200 hrs and hit the trail back to the car by 0300.

The hike back early Friday morning was wet and dark but the hike kept us warm.

From there it was just the drive back home. 8 peaks. Total of 21 for me now.

2019. A Week in the Dacks. For 2019 my climbing partner and I decided to commit to a full five days in the Adirondacks (vs the two trips we did in 2018).

[izzy-b-hands]

if it's not too late then skwistok fluff pls

Not too late at all! I’m at my family thing for most of the rest of the day here, so these prompts are perfect; keep em coming you guys!! I’m sequestered in a spare room with my IPad lol. Decided to go extra cutesy and fluffy here, just because I can but also because I’m feeling all cuddly myself (but the person I want to cuddle with is many miles away sadly.) So, two birds with one stone here in prompt fulfillment for you guys, and wish fulfillment of a sort for me! Had to put a little bit of sad in it, but let’s be real here you guys know to expect the Angst from me lol. Toki and Skwisgaar’s Excellent Adventure (of bugging the shit out of everyone else) He should have been happy. She was gone—really, truly gone. She’d died out of his way, hadn’t even had it set up so anyone would call him back for the funeral. Servetta Skwigelf was gone, the stress and fear she’d brought him was gone, but there he was—tucked up in bed, tears rolling down his face. He felt utterly stupid. No one had come to check on him yet. He’d told Charles to tell everyone else, but he hadn’t wanted to see it. Partially because he didn’t want them judging his reaction to them hearing the news, but also because he was sure Murderface would start ‘mournsturbating’ (a thing he had made up himself for whenever someone he found hot died) right there at the breakfast table. And no one needed to see that. “I can leaves if you wants,” Toki’s voice, very soft, very quiet, sounding like he was just at the doorway to his room. How the hell he’d snuck in so quietly, Skwisgaar didn’t know. He had to think about it for a moment. Did he want him to leave? It wasn’t like he wanted anyone to see him being upset, but then again he was also owed some comforting by Toki (who had used him as a source of comfort during their last Disney movie binge; Bambi’s mother dying had done him in.) “Stays,” he heard himself mumble, his voice thick and gruff, unused all morning. “Okays,” Toki’s reply was only a murmur itself, as he climbed onto the bed beside Skwisgaar. Toki’s weight up against him wasn’t a foreign sensation; Skwisgaar found himself as the go-to person for Toki to lean against and fall all over most days, and on date nights Toki could be especially clingy. But in this context, with his eyes burning from the tears and one of Toki’s hands softly patting his shoulder, it was different. “You amn’ts happy about its?” Toki asked. He’d been dreading that question, but he knew it was coming. “I...I don’ts know. I thinks I ams, just...not yets.” “Maybes yous need to does somethings happy, then yous feels it,” Toki suggested. He didn’t know what to say to that. He didn’t feel like doing much of anything, unless it involved staying in bed and just laying there. “Gets up. Wes goes and has fun,” Toki said, his patting hand now pulling at Skwisgaar’s arm. “Gots ideas for this, you ams goings to love them.” He sincerely doubted that he would. But no one else would come bother him if they saw him busy with Toki—no more chance of awkward well-meant platitudes, no Murderface asking for any of his mother’s old clothes or something fucked up like that, no Charles asking him if he wanted time off to go to Sweden and see her grave (he’d already asked him twice, but he knew he would ask again.) He let Toki pull him out of bed, and tried to get dressed as if he gave a shit, all the while Toki smiled and hopped about excitedly. Toki dragged him into the front yard from there. “Okays, here ams the first ideas. You sees Nathans?” He did. Nathan was asleep in a hammock set up on two of the few trees near Mordhaus, snoring as loud as fuck. Granted, he was only a few feet from the picnic tables and them, but he snored as loudly as he sang (really fucking loudly.) “Wes ams going to gives him a little wakes up calls,” Toki giggled, and pulled a bucket of firecrackers from under one of the picnic tables. “He will kills us, you ams knowing this?” Skwisgaar asked. It would be fun, but waking Nathan was like waking up a bear. Toki nodded. “Wes runs fast; he can’ts catch us then.” That much was true. Nathan could be fast when he wanted to be, but out of the whole band only Pickles could ever catch up to them if they took off. And that was probably more the cocaine than any actual physical ability. The first firecracker didn’t phase him too much. Toki had landed it right by his hip, but Nathan only half-woke up and swatted it away. The next one Skwisgaar tossed, right into his hair. Toki clutched at his arm, “Be readys to run.” It went off, and so did Nathan. His scream was animalistic, as he flipped out of the hammock onto the ground, a few smoking hunks of hair following him. He didn’t wait for Toki to tell him to go, he just went. Nathan’s boots pounded the dirt fast behind them, like a metronome tapping out the rhythm of how badly they’d fucked up. Toki ended up just ahead of him, at one of the big spruce trees at the edge of the yard. He scrambled up it, and Skwisgaar found himself following without even thinking about it (or how badly it would fuck up his hair as the branches caught on it.) “We mades it,” Toki said, his chest heaving from the run. Skwisgaar could only nod, it felt like his lungs were on fire. The tree shook just a bit as Nathan head butted it, still screaming incoherently and angrily. “I thinks wes ams stuck here for a whiles,” Toki said. Skwisgaar nodded again. It would be suicide to go down now, even as Nathan stomped away. They needed to give him time to cool down first. Not that he minded, actually. The branches were just big enough to sit comfortably on, and they’d gotten pretty high up—you could see for ages, and the breeze was nice. He let Toki prattle on for a bit about some model he was building, only half-listening as his brain threw him a bunch of memories about his mother. What she would have done if he’d done anything like that as a child and she’d caught him (nothing, which was even worse than something, because he knew it meant she didn’t care.) “Looks, it ams Murderface!” Toki chirped suddenly, pulling him out of his thoughts. He peered down. Murderface was sat at the base of the tree, mumbling sadly about something (probably Servetta.) “Wants to makes him thinks he ams losing it?” Toki asked, pushing a pine cone into Skwisgaar’s hand. It was almost too easy. He dropped the pine cone, right onto Murderface’s head. “Hey, what the fuck?” Murderface turned to look up the tree, but Skwisgaar realized they must have been just covered enough by the branches to be hidden. “Agains,” Toki urged, reaching out to another branch for a new pine cone and pushing it towards him. This time he gave it a good toss, and Murderface shouted as it hit him. “Thisch is bullschit, just scho you know!” He screamed up into the tree. “I am in mourning, and the fucking universche can’t let me do that?!” Toki was giggling hard enough Skwisgaar had to keep a hand on him so he wouldn’t tumble off his branch. The one Toki threw was perfectly timed; it nailed Murderface right between the eyes as he yelled into the branches. “Oh, fuck thisch schit!” Murderface was tomato red as he flipped off the tree and walked away, grumbling under his breath. “It ams too easy with him,” Toki laughed. “He ams always so angry. And alls wes did was throw a few of thems!” Skwisgaar let himself laugh and nodded. It felt good. Besides, if he knew anything for sure it was that Murderface was probably thinking about his mother in some disgusting way; he deserved a few pine cones to the head for that. “We shoulds go down, find Pickle,” he suggested. Toki nodded, but they didn’t have to go down at all to find him. “Okay, I’m s’posed to—this is fucking stupid—tell you, Mr. Tree, stop hitting Murderface with pine cones. Now, I’m not a dumb fuck, so I know two certain people are in this tree being a bunch of motherfuckers. I ain’t gonna rat you out, but you gotta stop throwing ‘em, okay? He’s already super sad and just gross, don’t make it worse,” Pickles shouted into the branches. Toki looked at Skwisgaar, at the pine cone already in his hand, and let it go. “I said, fucking stop! I am not the enemy here; I’m keeping him and Nathan from coming back out here and cutting the damn tree down to get to you two,” Pickles shouted. Skwisgaar kicked at a pine cone on the branch nearest him and sent it flying. There was the clunk of it hitting a dread-locked head. “Okay, fuck you both. I’m done with this. If they come back out here, you’re on your own. I’m keeping Charles in my room, so you can’t even call him for help,” Pickles yelled. They looked at each other and shrugged. Pickles walked off again, only barely visible between some of the bigger branches. “Whats now?” Skwisgaar asked. This was turning out to be more fun than he’d expected, even if they were just pissing everyone else off. But what else could be more fun? “Wes could make a runs for it, in a little bits,” Toki said. “Makes sure Nathans and Murderface aren’t comings out here first.” “And goes where, exactlys?” Skwisgaar muttered. He didn’t want to ruin the fun, but the forest just out from the edge of the yard didn’t seem too welcoming a place to spend the night without a tent or anything. Toki smiled. “I has a place. Charles has it builts for me, I shares it with you but you can’ts tell anybody else abouts it.” This was intriguing. “Okays, it ams our secrets. Why you ams not tellings me abouts it before?” Toki shrugged. “You probablys will thinks it ams lame. But I really likes it, so...” Toki was right to think that way, but it still made his chest hurt a little bit to hear it out loud. “I nots makes fun of its. No matters what. I promise.” Toki grinned. “You means it?” Skwisgaar nodded. He really did. Not just because they were dating now, and it felt fucked up to be that mean to a partner (even if Toki was, well, Toki.) Besides, everything so far had been simple but fun—maybe this secret place was more of the same. Toki started down the tree, and Skwisgaar followed. From there he took them down a path into the forest, which was dark and foreboding in a strangely nice way. “Here,” he said finally, stopping in front of a huge oak tree. “I reads about these, when I first gots to America. I didn’ts knows what it was until I looked it up, but I wanted one as soon as I saws it.” It was a tree house, very high up the tree, and enormous for such a structure, extending out into the branches of the trees beside it. He’d never wanted such a thing himself, as a child or an adult, but this one was pretty fucking cool. Toki walked over to the base of the tree and pulled a very long rope ladder from where it was wrapped around a low-hanging branch. “Comes on. Wes pull up the ladders once we ams up there, and thens they can’ts get to us no matters what.” It was surprisingly fun, climbing up after Toki. He would be glad to help keep this place a secret, not just because it was useful to them now to have someplace to hide, but because the whole thing was fun—honest, childish, freeing fun. For a split second, he could hear his mother’s voice, yelling at him for getting dirty climbing up trees. He told it to go fuck off, and immediately felt better. The inside of the tree house was somehow, impossibly high tech (for a tree house, at least.) There was a TV with a DVD and a Blu-ray player, a few video game consoles, and a laptop set up on a small desk with a router by it. How the hell Charles had gotten WiFi and electricity out there, he didn’t know. But he wasn’t going to question a good thing. “Bathrooms ams there,” Toki said, pointing to a small door at one end of the round room. “It ams not great, but ams better than a bucket.” That explained what had looked like a pipe running down one side of the tree, Skwisgaar was suddenly very glad he hadn’t touched it. “Wes got snacks and beer and stuffs in here,” Toki continued, gesturing to a huge cooler up against one part of the wall. “Takes whatever you wants, Charles makes sure there ams always more.” “I can sees why you kepts this secrets,” Skwisgaar said. “It ams really nice up here.” Toki nodded. “I loves it. I nevers has anythings like this whens I was a kid, so I gets to have it now.” He moved to the giant pile of blankets and pillows on the floor, and motioned for Skwisgaar to follow. It was even better than it had looked, it felt like there was some sort of mattress beneath them. With the extra blankets and everything, it didn’t just feel extra comfortable—it felt safe. Toki fanned a few different DVDs out as choices, and looked to Skwisgaar. “Whatevers you wants. Even somethings extra scary.” He was surprised Toki even had any of those out there, but sure enough there was a whole selection of horror movies set by one of the consoles on the floor. Either he was getting braver, or he’d been planning to bring Skwisgaar out there at some point no matter what. He went with Cabin in the Woods—scaryish, but funny enough it might not keep Toki from sleeping. They reclined on whatever the thing on the floor was as the movie played, and he realized it had worked. All of Toki’s silly little ideas, simple and quick, had been fun, fun enough that he’d been able to banish his mother from his head. There was still a strangle tightness in his chest when he let himself think of her, but it didn’t make him want to curl up in a ball anymore. “Thanks you,” he murmured, half-hoping Toki wouldn’t hear and wouldn’t make a big deal out of it. “You ams welcome,” Toki replied, scooting himself over until he was tucked up against Skwisgaar. He let his arm fall around Toki, and relaxed. This was what it was then, how it felt. She was gone, which meant he never had to think about her again if he didn’t want to. She was gone, and she wouldn’t ever be able to bother them or try and ruin this good thing that he had. She was gone, and he finally felt happy about it.

[choicesruinedmylife]

Home (Jake x Imani)

Summary: It has been about a year since the gang defeated Rourke. They were unable to stop the volcano from erupting so they are now stuck living on La Huerta. During this past year, Jake has been secretly building a house for Imani. 

Warnings: Language, innuendo

“Just keep you knees bent, lean forward a little bit and stretch your arms out. It’s not that hard, Top Gun”, Imani laughed as Jake kept falling into the water. She had been trying to teach him how to surf the past few weeks and he was now working on actually standing up on the surfboard.

“Easy for you to say, Princess. You were born surfing.” He grumbled as he sat back down on the surfboard. He ran a hand through his hair and threw the seaweed that had stuck in it at Imani. 

Imani looked over at him and smiled. She loved being able to spend all of her time with him and not worry about what dangers were going to come next. He was happy all of the time, not worrying about how to keep her and the others safe. He didn’t have to worry about Lundgren coming after him. All the burdens that made him seem so much older were gone and she was able to see the Jake that did not need to hide behind sarcasm and a bottle of whiskey. Of course, he was still sarcastic as hell and enjoyed his whiskey but it was no longer a coping mechanism. He straddled the surfboard, soaking in the last few rays of sun that the were left in the day. There was a soft smile stretched across his lips. Imani noticed that he was totally content. He had the tropical paradise, the girl, the really nice whiskey, and his freedom. 

“I can feel ya staring, Princess”, Jake chuckled appreciatively, paddling so that he was right next to her. “What’s on your mind? You always stare when you’re thinkin’ about somethin’.”

“I was just admiring how hot my boyfriend is.” Imani winked at him. “You look like a super hot surfer dude.”

“Hey, I don't just look like one, darlin’. I am one.” 

“Eh, I think we need to work a little more on the surfing part before you can be a super hot surfer dude.”

“You’re such a lil rascal.” Jake playfully shoved Imani off her surfboard.

“I will fucking fight you, Jacob Lucas McKenzie.” Imani glared at him as she climbed back onto her surfboard. 

“Oh, I don’t doubt it, Princess. But I clearly remember how our last fight ended. It was with you screaming my name as I made love to ya because nothin’ turns you on more than getting physical with me.” He gave her that smirk that always caused a warm pool to form in her stomach. Imani rolled her eyes and looked behind her to see if there were any waves forming on the horizon. 

“I think our surf sesh is over. Doesn’t look like there’s gonna be any good waves.” She tilted her head towards shore and started paddling in. 

For being in the Navy, Jake was sure slow at paddling in to shore. He always told her that the reason was because he didn’t want to get chafing on his arms from the surfboard. The real reason was that he loved to watch Imani walk out of the surf and onto the sand. Her normally curly brown hair was made wavy by the salt water and fell at the middle of her back. The swing of her hips was always enough to make him want to swim back to shore as fast as he could and take her right there on the beach. 

Maybe this would be a good time to show her the house. Everything is perfect right now and this would make this life even more amazing. Jake thought to himself and he followed her onto the sand. Imani placed her surfboard next to one of the palm trees and headed for the trail that led back to Elyss’tel. 

“Imani, wait! I have somethin’ to show ya!” Jake jogged up to her and grabbed her arm. She turned at looked at him in surprise. He only ever used her real name in three situations: he was worried, sorry, or had something really, really important to tell her. Usually the last one was reserved for a stupid idea he had or some confession of his love. 

“Okay? What is it?” Imani cocked her head at him, seeing the slightly nervous look on his face. 

“Ain’t you ever heard of a surprise, Princess? Come on.” He grinned, intertwining his fingers with hers as led her down the beach. They walked in silence for about 10 minutes with Imani occasionally asking when she would see the surprise. 

Jake suddenly stopped and turned towards her, taking both of her hands in his. He took a deep breath before speaking.

“Before you see what it is, I just want you to know how happy I am to get to build a life with you. I know things didn’t happen exactly the way we wanted and that we’re stuck on this crazy ass island. I remember one night you were talkin’ about the life that you wanted for us when we got back home. You wanted, dependin’ on if I could get my name cleared, to have a ranch in Louisiana so I could be close to my mama. Or we would live in a beach house somewhere Lundgren could never find me. You were willin’ to give up finishin’ school so that you could be with me. You’re a damn good photographer so you don’t need that shit anyways. Living on this island, I want to make your life as close to one of those dreams for us that you could.” He dropped both of her hands and moved to stand behind her. “I gotta cover your eyes for this so it won’t be spoiled.” Using his hips, he gently nudged her to walk forward while his hands were over her eyes.

 “Okay, keep your eyes shut. No peeking.” Jake slowly moved his hands from around her eyes to resting on her waist. He turned her about 90 degrees before wrapping his arms around her in a hug, pulling her back against his chest. 

“Open them.” His voice was right in her ear, his breath tickling her slightly. Imani opened her eyes and gasped, quickly turning around to face Jake.

“Oh my god, Jake. Did you..?” She placed both hands on either side of his face, pulling him in for a kiss before he could even respond. She kissed all over his face, the saltiness of the hot tears mixing with the taste of her lips.

“Yeah, baby, I did. Took a ton of shit from the Celestial so that it wouldn’t be an actual mud hut.” He beamed proudly at her reaction to the surprise. “Lemme show ya the inside.” 

He scooped Imani up bridal style and walked her into the bungalow, giving her a quick kiss before setting her down. “It ain’t big but it’s ours and it’s gonna be home.” 

Imani practically touched every surface in the house, memorizing its every detail. Turning back to Jake, she smiled widely. “I don’t even know how I got so lucky to have you in my life. I can’t believe that you built this and made it so beautiful for us. God, I love you so much.” 

Jake crossed the room in a few strides and pulled her into his arms. He rested his chin on her shoulder, “I did all of this because you brought me out of the pit of hell and taught me how to love again.” Closing his eyes, he breathed in her scent, slightly swaying her to the sound of the waves crashing outside. 

Imani gently lifted his chin off of her shoulder so that she could look him in the eyes. “It’s beautiful and I am just wondering, how the hell you dragged that big ass bed from the Celestial to here.” She laughed loudly. “Actually, how did you get any of this stuff down here, besides the small pieces of furniture and the hammock.” 

“I may have recruited Captain America and Drax to help out. Skrillex managed to hack or fix some electrical shit so that we could have lights and a TV. Took about a year to work out all of the kinks but I’m pretty sure nothin’ is gonna set on fire or blow up” He sheepishly smiled at Imani. 

“You’re such a dork. I’m honestly surprised that Craig kept this a secret for a whole fucking year.” 

“Yeah, well, Skrillex threatened him with no sex for a couple of months so I guess that did the trick.” He chuckled and shook his head. “You better not get any ideas, Princess.”

“Right now the only idea I have is you and me, that hammock, and some beer.” Imani walked out the front door to the big white hammock that was hanging between two palm trees. 

“That is the second best idea that I have heard come out of your mouth.” Jake yelled from the kitchen as he grabbed a couple beers.

“Second best? What was the first one?” She turned so that she was laying on her stomach and narrowed her eyes at him as he walked over. 

“It was New Year’s at the Lodge and I think it went: you and me, less clothes, and a bed.” Jake smirked and lightly kissed down the back of her neck. He lay down in the hammock next to her, pulling her onto his chest. “Doesn’t that sound like a pretty damn good idea right now?” 

“Nice try, Top Gun. You won’t distract me from enjoying my time relaxing in this hammock with my beer.”

“Oh come on, darlin’. Isn’t bein’ with me relaxin’?”

Imani snorted, “Hell no, Jake. Weren’t you the one that agreed when I said that a ride with you was ‘rough, wild and fun as hell’ ?”

“See! We would have a hell of a lot of fun” He tilted her chin up towards him and murmured against his lips. Jake leaned in and softly kissed her, his lips barely a whisper against hers. 

“Maybe after we finish our beer. Wouldn’t want good beer to go to waste, right?” Jakes eyes widened and he quickly popped the caps off both of the beers, guzzling his in a matter of seconds. Imani gaped at him with her mouth open wide, before taking a sip of her own. 

“Chug, Princess, chug. I bet you can’t beat how fast I just drank mine.” He winked at her knowing that she has never backed down from a challenge like that. 

“Fuck you, Top Gun.” Imani groaned and rolled her eyes, before putting the bottle to her lips and tilted it until it was almost vertical. 

“You will be very soon, Princess.”

[mariaclaragomez276]

November Hot List: 6 new hotels to have on your radar

Crème Chantilly in a countryside château hand-made by a resident pastry chef, or an apple tasting platter in a quaint 17th-century manoir in Normandy. Swinging from a hammock overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, or a midnight swim with bioluminescent plankton in Cambodia. Get to know Mexico’s Tarahumara tribe in the Sierra Mountains, or the exotic wildlife along the Ecuador coastline – meet this month’s newest SLH members, including our first water-based boutique venture with Kontiki Expeditions.

VALA Hua Hin, Petchburi – Thailand

Opens 4th November 2020

Located between Hua Hin and Cha-Am, known to locals as Thailand’s royal town, VALA Hua Hin provides grounds filled with space to discover what it means to be disconnected but engaged, relaxed while active and at home among the unfamiliar. The hotel has been created to be a conscious, luxury escape for urbanites with Pool Villas, Mini Suites and an Olympic-sized oceanfront swimming pool blending into the pristine landscape. Nature abounds with green spaces offering shade under 100-year-old trees carefully preserved throughout the development of the resort. While offering an idyllic private retreat for couples, the hotel also caters for families with a tree-house inspired playground allowing children to explore creative pursuits and rooms with bunk beds. An organic fruit, vegetable and herb garden, chicken coop and rice field ensure WOODS Kitchen and Bar restaurant minimises all food miles and waste, while WOODS Upper Deck is a rooftop bar with panoramic sunset views over the Gulf of Thailand.

SLH Insider Tip: Book a Pool Villa for maximum privacy and enjoy a private saltwater swimming pool, garden area and a spacious terrace that can be customised for outdoor activities and dinners.

Kontiki Wayra – Toquilla Expedition, Ecuador

First voyage commences on 29th November 2020

As the first ever water-based member of SLH, Kontiki Wayra offers a luxurious and sustainably-minded way to explore captivating destinations along the coast of Ecuador. Departing weekly and travelling between Manta and Guayaquil, this eight-day sea expedition provides an authentic immersion into the local cultures, traditions and cuisine of each stop, all from the comfort of a state-of-the-art yacht. Nine state rooms are designed to provide a contemporary space to relax complete with spacious walk-in showers, while communal areas include an on-deck jacuzzi and Chill Parlour with soft loungers to soak up the sunshine or a glass of chilled champagne. The boutique expedition visits five provinces and reveals seldom-visited spots including deserted beaches, ecological reserves and natural treasures. A crew of ten is on hand to arrange activities such as kayaking, SUP and snorkelling straight from the deck – alternatively retreat to the on-board spa or enjoy a dinner of local delicacies.

SLH Insider Tip: Save your energy for the final stop on Kontiki Wayra’s voyage to explore the bohemian streets of Guayaquil, and the 444-step climb to the top of a lighthouse for sweeping views of the colourful city.

Koh Russey Villas & Resort, Bamboo Island – Cambodia

Opens 15th January 2021

A blissful retreat on Cambodia’s remote Bamboo Island, Koh Russey Villas & Resort is just a short speedboat ride from the Khmer Riviera. The resort offers 50 pavilions and 13 freshwater pool villas skirting 1.2km of private beach on the Gulf of Thailand. Inspired by the traditional geometry of Cambodian Krama fabric, and with the island little more than one mile wide, all the buildings blend into the palm trees and bamboo groves while the restaurant and infinity pool offer wraparound ocean views. Accommodation varies from minimalist ‘cubes’ with outdoor baths to a four-bedroom beachfront villa complete with a kitchen and butler pantry. Enjoy the spa or take a culinary trip to discover the pepper plantations in Kampot before sampling them in action at one of two restaurants, or a private table at a variety of locations around the resort.

SLH Insider Tip: Let the staff know if you’re keen to take a magical night-time bioluminescence swim so they can advise when will be best during your visit.

Tiara Château Hôtel Mont Royal, Chantilly – France

Just 35 minutes from Paris and 10 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport, Tiara Château Hôtel Mont Royal is easily accessible whilst immersing guests in all the countryside charm of the Chantilly Forest. This beautifully-restored château, originally commissioned as the home of French composer Fernand Halphen, blends Louis XV-style furnishings with a modern sense of space. Taupe, cream and gold tones provide the backdrop for grand double beds and toile de Jouy linen. Enjoy the opulence of swimming under chandeliers in the spa and the elegance of L’Opera Restaurant, once the château’s music room. Outside there are beautiful grounds to explore where guests can try their hand at a traditional activity like pétanque, or a cycle through the forest. Nearby, discover the story of Chantilly’s Bourbon-Condé princes with a visit to the magnificent Château de Chantilly, which also houses some of France’s most famous paintings in the Musée Condé.

SLH Insider Tip: Take luxury to new heights with a stay in the Rooftop Suite, a mansard-roofed apartment including bedroom, lounge, kitchenette and a magnificent 646 square-foot private terrace with views over the forest.

Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville, Canapville – France

An historic manor house that dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville is just 10 minutes from the bustle of Deauville, a seaside resort in Normandy known as the ‘queen of the Norman beaches’ and renowned for horseracing. Set in the calm of a six acre garden, the 27 rooms and suites are spread across the manor house, which is a listed Historical Monument, and nine cottages decorated in crisp white and pastel tones complementing the buildings’ rustic exteriors. While there is no restaurant on property, room service is provided by nearby restaurant L’Auberge du Vieux Tour. In winter, gather round the open fireplace to sample local poiré (pear cider) or Canapville’s famous calvados (apple brandy) from the honesty bar. In summer, relax by the outdoor pool in the sublime gardens.

SLH Insider Tip: Read up on your Pierre Corneille before visiting – widely considered to be the founding father of French tragedy, this prolific 17th century playwright, a contemporary of Moliere and best known for his tragicomedy ‘Le Cid’, was a frequent visitor here.

Hotel Mirador, Chihuahua – Mexico

Located just a three-minute drive, or a scenic hike, from the Copper Canyon Adventure Park, Hotel Mirador sits on the highest point of the canyon like an eagle’s nest – it’s the only hotel in the Copper Canyons of Chihuahua to have a panoramic view from the private terrace of every room. The hotel is surrounded by pine trees and its unique architecture and décor pay tribute to traditional Mexican style. In the rooms, guests will find beautifully carved beams made from local wood, hand painted tiles, fireplaces and bathrooms of natural stone complemented by modern comforts to create a truly luxurious yet authentic experience. The Adventure Park, as expected, offers plenty of activities from horseback riding and zip-lining to an annual ultra-marathon each March. Delve deep into the ancient canyon caves or explore the trails on the valley floor with a Tarahumara guide, whose native name translates as ‘those who run fast.’ Nearby, Creel is home to the otherworldly Valle de los Monjes (Valley of the Monks) and Recohuata hot springs.

SLH Insider Tip: People travel to Copper Canyon for the view but also El Chepe, which many consider the most spectacular train trip in the world. Every day since 1961, El Chepe ventures into the imposing landscapes of the Sierra Tarahumara, between Chihuahua City and Los Mochis in Sinaloa. Hotel Mirador even has its own Barrancas del Cobre stop on the El Chepe train, so be sure to set aside a day to take this scenic route.

The post November Hot List: 6 new hotels to have on your radar appeared first on Small Luxury Hotels.

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New Post has been published on https://travelonlinetips.com/zanzibar-hotels-and-beaches-where-to-stay-in-zanzibar/

Zanzibar Hotels and Beaches - Where to stay in Zanzibar

Going to Zanzibar? Congrats, Zanzibar is the perfect mix of beach and culture! If you love the beach but get bored easily, this could be the perfect destination for you! Now that you have decided to go to this beautiful island, y­ou must need of recommendations for great Zanzibar hotels – and you are in the right place!

Zanzibar is an African island off the coast of Tanzania. It’s a fairly small island and has about 1.3 million people living there.

With lots of activities to do like snorkelling, surfing, and kite surfing, as well as the opportunity to learn about the culture and history, this isn’t just a beach vacation. I’ll tell you all about the best Zanzibar hotels in different locations on the island!

If you’re already planning a trip to Zanzibar Island or want a great island vacation, there’s a lot you’ll need to know about this beautiful destination! There are different areas of Zanzibar, each with its own feel and vibe.

Stay tuned as here in this post we are going to go through the best places to stay in Zanzibar with hotel recommendations for each of them (I also broke them down into different price categories for your convenience)!

What you need to know before booking a hotel in Zanzibar

Do you already know when you are going to visit?

When planning your trip, I recommend you take the rainy season into account.

Dry season (June to October) – It’s best to visit Zanzibar in these months, when it’s cool and dry.

Hot season (December to February) – Another popular time to visit is during the hotter months of the year. I visited in January and, even though we had a couple of cloudy days, the weather was very comfortable.

Long rainy season (March to May) – While it can be rainy during this season, you might also get lucky and have no rain during your whole vacation!

Short rainy season (November) – In November it tends to rain every day, but just for a short while.

NOTE: Wondering when to go to Zanzibar for scuba diving? It is best to go from June to October on the North coast and between November and March on the South coast.

Zanzibar is a very interesting island in terms of accommodation choices. Why? There are really strong tides on the island and the ocean in front of your sea view room might disappear for hours! That is why I break down my recommendations by areas.

IMPORTANT: More about the tides – the tide goes out to a coral reef that’s 1 to 1.5 km off shore. The north coast is popular because you can always swim there, even at low tide. During high tide on the west coast, the beach entirely disappears as the water comes all the way up to the rocky cliffs.

The best way to know when high tide and low tide are is to check the Tide Forecast. It changes day to day so you can check out predictions for when you’re planning to visit.

Where to stay in Zanzibar

First of all, here is a Zanzibar map of all the best areas I am recommending:

Now let’s see the complete list of Zanzibar hotels that I can definitely recommend:

The North coast – Kendwa and Nungwi beaches

The North coast is popular because it’s least affected by the tides. There are two popular Zanzibar beaches in the north, Nungwi and Kendwa.

Nungwi is known for its diving, while Kendwa has more nightlife to offer. In the north, you can also visit Mnemba Island, just a kilometer off the shore. This has great diving and snorkelling spots and is also a home to green turtles!

Here is my list of hand-picked hotels in North Zanzibar, all sorted by price and category so it’s easy for you to find what you need:

Luxury ($170 USD and above)

Riu Palace Zanzibar has a private beach, a spa, and a dive center. It truly offers a luxury, all inclusive Zanzibar experience!

Zuri Zanzibar offers beachside bungalows in Kendwa for couples or for families if you’re on a Zanzibar family holiday. When you’re not on the beach, you can wander through the garden or hang out by the pool. This is truly one of the best Zanzibar luxury hotels!

Zanzibar Queen Hotel is one of the best north east hotels. Located in Matemwe, this hotel has diving facilities, a barbeque, water sports facilities, and even a spa center! Mnemba Island is also just 6 km off the coast.

Z Hotel is a beautiful spot for an escape. It has everything you could want, including an infinity swimming pool and a spa. It also is known for its famous Z Hotel rooftop bar, which might be one of the best places on the island for drinks at sunset!

Middle-priced ($56 to $170 USD)

Nungwi House is a great spot if you’re looking for spacious rooms and a great, free breakfast. It’s centrally located and is a quick walk from the beach. This a great option among middle-priced Zanzibar hotels.

Natural Kendwa Villa has both a pool and a private beach area. I also recommend the restaurant, which offers a delicious buffet every morning. This hotel is also considered to be one the best 4 star hotels in Zanzibar!

Aluna Beach Lodge is only a few steps away from the beach; it has a pool, garden, restaurant, and bar. You’ll never even want to leave the property! If you do feel like leaving though, the Lodge is right next to a maritime conservation center where you can learn all about the turtles.

Warere Beach is right off the beach and some of the facilities it has include a pool with a bar. What more could you ask for? The hotel also has amazing views from the pool deck!

Budget (up to $56 USD)

Green’s Guest House Nungwi is just 300 meters from Nungwi beach. With a garden and terrace, as well as free Wi-Fi, you’ll have plenty to do after a long day on the beach.

Makofi Guest House is another option in Nungwi. You can either opt for a cheaper, hostel experience in a mixed dorm room or select a private room just for yourself. The patio also gets busy at night if you’re looking to meet other travelers!

Kidoti Wild Garden is perfect if you’re looking for some relaxation. Located about 6 km outside of Nungwi, this eco-friendly hotel is solar powered. I recommend it if you’re looking for a bit of a quiet escape.

Papaya Guest House is a great option in Nungwi. It has a bar and a restaurant, so you don’t have to go far for good food and drinks! It also has a garden and each room leads out onto a patio.

Best Hotels in Stone Town

If you’re looking for some culture and history, Stone Town is a must-see spot!

It almost feels like stepping into a time machine, with a variety of old colonial buildings lining the streets. You’ll be sure to get lost in the maze of narrow streets, but that’s half the fun! It’s also the best place to try the cuisine and learn about the history of the island. If you haven’t yet, make sure to check out my post on Things to do in Zanzibar, where I give tons of tips on what to see in Stone Town.

Moving on, here are some great Stone Town Zanzibar hotels with fabulous reviews and facilities:

Luxury ($170 USD and above)

Antonio Garden Hotel has a garden, a swimming pool, and a restaurant. It’s located within walking distance from most of the attractions in Stone Town and offers a continental breakfast before you set out for the day!

Kisiwa House is one of the oldest buildings in the city, but features a modern design. This boutique hotel offers all the creature comforts you’ll need to make you feel at home.

Zanzi Resort is one of several Zanzibar resorts near Stone Town. At 15 km outside of the city, this is one of the best hotels in Zanzibar because of its beachside bungalows. You can get a massage right on the beach or a take a free bicycle out for a ride!

Park Hyatt Zanzibar has almost everything you could ask for. Right on the beach, this hotel also has a pool, spa, restaurant, and fitness center. If you feel like heading out, their tour desk can arrange a variety of trips and tours for you!

Middle-priced ($56 to $170 USD)

Mizingani Seafront Hotel is right by the ferry terminal, so you won’t get lost trying to find your way there! It is decorated in traditional Zanzibar style for an authentic stay! Oh, and be sure to ask for a room with a sea view!

Zanzibar Coffee House will make you feel like you traveled back in time. The rooms all have antique details without sacrificing any modern comforts.

Mangrove Lodge is an eco-friendly spot for a great vacation. If you want to be close to the attractions of Stone Town, but also want a private beach getaway, this is the place for you! It has a bar, a restaurant, and a lounge with lots of hammocks for having a lazy day on the beach.

Kholle House was built for a princess – really, it was! Built in 1860 for Princess Kholle, the hotel has a rooftop terrace, a pool, and a teahouse! What more could you ask for?

The East Coast – Home to the Best Beaches in Zanzibar

A very popular spot on the East Coast amongst kite surfers – Paje

The East Coast features what some people consider to be the best beaches in Zanzibar and it is the area I chose to stay in as well! Typically a little less touristy than the North coast, the East Coast has beautiful, idyllic beaches like Pingwe, Paje, and Jambiani. I personally stayed somewhere between Paje and Jambiani; read more about my experience below.

These white sand beaches have water that comes up right to the palm trees along the shore during hide tide.

NOTE: Keep in mind that you can’t swim at low tide, but you can still enjoy walks along the beach.

If you’re looking for places to stay during your east coast holidays, you’ve come to the right spot for information!  I’ve found some great hotels along the east coast for you to choose from.

Luxury ($170 USD and above)

Kiwengwa Beach Resort truly has everything you could want. It has a pristine beach, pools, a spa, tennis courts, and a recreation area for kids. They are also able to help you book any activities you would like to try. A complete 5-star experience!

Baladin Zanzibar Beach Hotel has bungalow style rooms that look out onto an infinity pool and the ocean. It’s hard to get sick of the views from the infinity pool at sunset. Definitely Instagram worthy!

Milele Beach Resort, located in Pingwe, is a little slice of heaven. It’s a beautiful hotel with balconies that overlook the beachside pool. It also offers a full restaurant and the staff can arrange evening entertainment if you’re traveling in a group.

Ananda Beach House is in Paje Zanzibar. You can get a bungalow right on the beach and enjoy everything this hotel has to offer. You can wake up every morning to the sound of the ocean!

Middle-priced ($56 to $170 USD)

Nyumbani Residence – This is the hotel where I stayed and I really enjoyed my experience there! You can find my full, honest review with details below.

Kikoi Boutique Hotel has a private beach, pool, and garden, as well as a bar and lounge. You can also take advantage of great hiking in the area or rent a bike and go for a ride!

Tsunami Village is the perfect spot if you want some peace and quiet. You can come here to enjoy the beach without worrying about crowds! The on-site restaurant also features a wide range of options!

Villa Huruma is a beautiful villa steps from the beach in Paje. It also has a pool and offers a free breakfast.

Zanzistar Lodge is located in the town of Jambiani. Full of bright colors and modern décor, the true star of this hotel is the restaurant. The seafood dishes are to-die-for!

Budget (up to $56 USD)

Sagando Bungalows is a perfect spot for a laid-back beach vacation. It’s beachside and features a tropical garden so you’ll be sure to make new friends around the nightly bonfire or while grabbing a drink at the bar!

Barabara House is a great find for a budget traveler. It’s close to the beach and has lots of places to relax and enjoy the nature in Jambiani.

Jua Apartments in Kiwengwa are made for complete relaxation! With an outdoor pool and located just steps from the beach, you can go from check-in to the beach in minutes!

Demani Lodge Zanzibar has a beautiful garden and restaurant. A great place for backpackers as there’s also a night club right in the hotel!

Special hotels in Zanzibar

Underwater hotel

  If you want a truly unique experience in Zanzibar, consider staying in a Zanzibar underwater hotel. The Manta Resort has an underwater room off the shore where the bedroom is underwater. You may have heard of “sleeping with the fishes,” but never like this!

The top floor of the room is a lounge area where you can lay out in the sun and relax. The main floor has a deck, outdoor living room area, and a bathroom, of course. Then, you head down a ladder and experience the magic of the ocean. Windows in the underwater bedroom let you see the sea life around you. This is a one-in-a-lifetime experience that will let you be immersed in the ocean like never before.

Checking in a private island!

If you want to stay right on the water, check out Dreamer’s Island. You can rent a houseboat right off the coast of Stone Town and really enjoy the ocean.  From the boat, you can fish or just sunbathe on the deck. Imagine being able to snorkel right outside your front door!

Another amazing idea is to stay on Mnemba Island, a small island located around 3km off the coast of Zanzibar and probably the most intimate and secluded place you can stay in Tanzania. It is truly a beach paradise and it is also perfect for people who are going to Tanzania for their honeymoon, but not only them! If you want to truly feel like you are on your own private island paradise, I recommend staying at AndBeyond Mnemba Island! There are only 12 rooms on the entire island and each of them is equally gorgeous!

Feel the history of colonialism in style

Another unique hotel in Zanzibar is the Dhow Palace Hotel in Stone Town.  This hotel is a converted historical building that was built in 1559.  The décor is in true Zanzibar style. If you want to get the full Zanzibar experience, travel back in time in this boutique hotel! There’s also a pool, a restaurant, and a rooftop terrace.

Where NOT to stay in Zanzibar

You may have noticed I haven’t included any hotels on the west of Zanzibar, except for Stone Town.

The west coast is more remote than the rest of Zanzibar, but the beaches just can’t compete with the northern and eastern beaches. This is mostly because of the rocky shoreline in certain areas.

There are resorts on the West Coast, but I personally would rather hit the beaches up north or to the east. If you do head to the west coast and want to go somewhere besides Stone Town, you can consider heading to an island devoted to eco-tourism.

The South of Zanzibar is the most populated part of the island, which means it is a great place to visit to understand more about their culture and take some very interesting tours. But if you are dreaming of a beach vacation, staying in the South is not the greatest idea, as the height difference between high tide and low tide is more noticeable there.

My Experience Staying at a Hotel in Zanzibar

When I visited Zanzibar, we stayed at Nyumbani Residence. This charming hotel has a pool and is 2 minutes away from the beach in Paje.  I got to stay at this place when it was brand new – it had opened literally a couple of weeks before we checked in!

The owner of the hotel, Daniele, even woke up at 3:30 in the morning just to say goodbye to us when we left for the airport! And I promise you this wasn’t because he knew I was a blogger!

Most of the time when I travel I go “incognito” because I don’t want any extra attention and I want to get a real experience – without anyone trying to impress us for free publicity!

Daniele got up to say goodbye purely in the name of hospitality. He and his wife were also extremely nice and welcoming during our whole stay.

So, Nyumbani is actually a residence meaning we had the whole apartment (60 m2) to ourselves with a fully equipped kitchen and huge living room. They only have about 7 rooms I think and they all face the pool- how cool is that!  I loved making smoothies for us every morning and having breakfast with this wonderful view- it was an amazing way to start the day!

Laundry service and food delivery as well as the transfer from the airport can be arranged (I think it was about 40 USD one way to the airport). They can also call a taxi for you to get to the nearest “town” (Paje); this will cost about 7000 TSZ ($3 USD) one way. Otherwise, we found that there are tons of restaurants within a 5 minute walk (ask the owner for recommendations as they are Italian and they know the good places! 😉 )

If you’re addicted to Wi-Fi, I will tell you that the internet isn’t super fast (it’s not fast anywhere on the island to be fair!). But there is a router right in your bungalow, so no need to go to the lobby or anything like that.

All in all, I really enjoyed my time there and I highly recommend this place if you want somewhere tranquil and intimate.

Bonus – Practical info about staying in Zanzibar

Now that you know about all the best areas and hotels to stay at in Zanzibar, let’s take a look at some practical information about staying on the island:

Where is Zanzibar located?

If you ever find yourself asking, “Where is Zanzibar in Tanzania?” there is no shame in that! I, for instance, though it was a separate country before I started to plan my Tanzania trip. 😉

Zanzibar is a group of small islands off the coast of Tanzania, which lies on the Eastern coast of Africa. Although they’re commonly referred to as Zanzibar Island, the main island is actually called Unguja Island. The island is known for the white sand Indian Ocean beaches that surround the coast and the warm ocean water.

FUN FACT: Actually, the old name of the country was Tanzanika and it changed to Tanzania when they merged with Zanzibar!

How do I get to Zanzibar?

You can get to Zanzibar either by ferry or plane. Both leave from Dar es Salaam on the eastern coast of Africa. There are also plenty of international flights that land in Zanzibar. I arrived by Oman Air, and there was a transfer in Muscat Airport. Check the best rates from your city here.

By plane

Flights to Zanzibar run daily from Dar es Salaam and cost about $100 USD.  If you’re coming from Arusha at the base of Kilimanjaro, you can also catch a flight to Dar es Salaam for about $150 USD and then transfer to a flight to Zanzibar.

Please read more about my safari trip in Arusha here. I also climbed Kilimanjaro and I talk about my experience here!

If you are traveling from your home country, you are in luck since Zanzibar is a popular destination now and many international flights land there. For example, I arrived by Oman Air, (there was a transfer in Muscat Airport). Check the best rates from your city here.

By ferry

There are various companies that have ferries leaving from Dar es Salaam. Tickets one way cost between $20 to $50 USD.  Some ferries are faster than others. You can get cheaper tickets if you’re willing to take an older, slower boat.

Be sure to reserve ferry tickets ahead of time as the boats fill up quickly. You can book online with most of the companies to ensure you have a spot on the boat.

What’s the weather in Zanzibar?

The weather in Zanzibar is typical of a tropical island. Since it is located pretty much on the equator, it’s hot almost all year round and has two rainy seasons.

March to May is the longer rainy season. There can be monsoons and flooding.

Mid-October to early December a shorter rainy season, where it typically rains for a bit every day.

Expect high temperatures whenever you go with highs in the summer around 38 °C (100 °F). Even in the cooler months it still usually reaches 29 °C (84 °F) every day.

Even if it’s raining, the Indian Ocean is always warm enough for a swim and is usually between 25 °C (77 °F) to 29 °C (84 °F) depending on the time year.

Where is the best beach in Zanzibar?

There’s a lot of debate over where the best beach is on the island. It all depends on what you’re looking for!

In my personal opinion, Nungwi beaches are the most picture perfect. During high tide, east coast beaches are amazing! But, as I said, during low tide, the water is so far from the beach that you have to walk up to 1 km to reach it!

Where should I stay in Zanzibar for nightlife?

Even though the majority of people in Zanzibar are Muslim, you will not have a problem finding a bar or pub to go to at night for a drink.

If you want more traditional bars and nightclubs, Stone Town is the place to go. I recommend 6 Degrees South if you’re looking for the perfect place to have some cocktails while watching the sun go down.

For beachside bars, in the north you can head to Kendwa and Nungwi. Kendwa is also home to the once a month Full Moon Party (similar to the one on Koh Phangan in Thailand!), which is usually held the first Saturday after the full moon. It’s a recipe for a perfect night of dancing on the beach.

To the East, there’s Jambiani and Paje, which each have lounges on the beach. Jambiani has Monday night parties at the Red Monkey Beach Lodge. You can also head to Pingwe and hit one of the most unique bars, The Rock. You have to wade out into the water to reach this restaurant/bar, which is literally just on a rock in the ocean!

What should I bring to Zanzibar?

Once you have your hotel booked, you’ll need to start packing! Here are some things I recommend you bring with you to the island:

A bathing suit

Plenty of sunscreen

Some light-weight long-sleeved shirts and long pants – as I mentioned, Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim and there are areas, such as Stone Town, where it’s best to dress modestly. If you’re on the beach and heading into town, I recommend using a beach cover-up or a large shawl.

Mosquito repellent! – most hotels have mosquito nets or spray for mosquitoes, but it’s hard to avoid the little buggers while you’re out and about.

You may also want to consider getting a yellow fever vaccine and carrying a yellow fever card with you. The Government of Tanzania requires you to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate, but only in case you are from a country where there is a yellow fever risk or if you had an airport transfer in a country that is at risk (for example: if you are from the United States but you had an airport transfer in Nairobi, which is one of the risk countries, you will still need the yellow fever vaccine.)

Where should I stay in Zanzibar for a honeymoon?

Any of the luxury hotels I’ve mentioned before would be perfect for a honeymoon!

Another option would be the Konokono Beach Resort on the Michamvi Peninsula. With monkeys surrounding this beach hideaway, it has all the makings of an incredible honeymoon.  The restaurant also has spectacular views from the top of a cliff so you can take panoramic shots of the sunset.

Another spot for a romantic getaway is the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Zanzibar.  Located in Nungwi right on the beach, this resort will give you a fully relaxing experience. With yoga on the beach every morning, spa treatments available and a variety of tour options, newlyweds can spend quality time together in luxury.

For a more private honeymoon, you can rent a villa at The Residence Zanzibar.  You can get your own ocean-side villa with a private pool.  Wake up every morning to sunrise over the ocean and go to sleep to the sound of the waves!  Their location offers a wide variety of activities as well, from a wellness center and a glass-walled pool to tours of the nearby Jozani Forest Reserve.  Or if you want to just enjoy some alone time together, you have the privacy of your villa, pool, or the beach right outside your front door.

Conclusion

In this article, I recommend the 3 best areas to stay on the island of Zanzibar and the best hotels for each of them. I’ve handpicked each hotel based on price category and amenities so that no matter where you choose to stay, you can have the best experience!

I also mention areas where I don’t recommend you stay and I give you practical information about the island and other useful tips for your trip!

Depending on what kind of Zanzibar vacation you’re looking for, you can pick the perfect hotel for you depending on your budget! In the North you’ll see more travelers, but you’ll also get beautiful beaches. Stone Town offers so much culture and history. Then, to the East you get more remote beaches and exclusive resorts.

Each area of Zanzibar has amazing things to offer but only you can decide what kind of trip you want to have. Or visit them all, why not?

Whatever you decide, I hope you have a relaxing beach vacation!  If you have any questions, leave them in the comment section and I’ll get back to you!

Yulia

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Using Travel to Unplug and Connect With Nature for A Stable Mental Life

Our generation; tech savvy, mobile first, a middle corporate class etcetera. The titles go on and on and so are the high pressures of the life that comes with the labels. Unfortunately, such a vast percentage among us has become inherently predisposed to depression and all the burnouts that are brought about by the gravities of this fast-paced life. A life characterized by extreme high levels of competition in the workplace, a negative work environment that include harassment and bullying, family and financial instabilities among others.

According to 2017 statistics by the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 300 million people suffer from depression and anxiety globally, causing significant economic impact; with an estimated US$ 1 trillion per year in lost productivity. And yet, if only we can give ourselves a chance to unplug and reconnect with nature away from our daily routine, then we will have made the first step towards self-discovery and recovery. Here are some of the best accommodations from across the world, where one can begin the journey of unplugging towards a more stable mental life.

The Elegant Finch Hattons Camp in Tsavo West National Park, Kenya

Finch Hattons Camp in Tsavo West National Park, Kenya

Situated in the heart of Tsavo West, one of Kenya’s largest national parks, the Finch Hattons camp is surrounded by pure untouched wilderness with amazing views of the magnificent Chyulu Hills and the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. This is possibly one of the best destinations in Africa, where we can all disconnect from the day to day stressful life. Glampers get to enjoy infinite indulgence in the wild, as there is a large outdoor decking area with panoramic views across the diverse wilderness of Tsavo West.

This is a dream location for families and friends in search of a Kenyan safari experience which offers both elegance and luxury. Take a bath in the copper bath tubs located in both the indoor and outdoor showers, after which you indulge in an African cuisine under the empty hazy sky. One way to keep unplugged is by reading or writing, and you can do so on the beautiful hardwood writing tables beneath the intricate chandeliers, and ornately carved chests that maintain a rustic yet luxurious ambiance. Dip in the infinity pool which overlooks Mount Kilimanjaro and treat yourself to a massage at the on-site spa.

Besides, the park covers a huge variety of landscapes: from swamps and natural springs to rocky peaks; from extinct volcanic cones to rolling plains. Tsavo West is enshrined in legend, due to its famous man-eating lions in the late-nineteenth century, and as the place where Denys Finch Hatton (lover of Karen Von Blixen) called home. The park is home to an exceptionally diverse variety of wildlife, including Red Elephants, Giraffes, Leopards, and Impala to name but a few. Why would you not unplug with all this luxury and nature around you?

Peaceful Cedar Green House near Silverton, Oregon

Cedar Green House near Silverton, Oregon

Remember, when unplugging, peace is fundamental, and if in North America, this is the one place you will want to be. It is a peaceful luxury and delightfully converted cedar green-house near Silverton, Oregon; with a comfortable living room and a natural cedar hot tub. Upstairs features one-bedroom in a sleeping loft with a full-size bed. It has a gravel floor, and there is a water faucet inside.

The cedar green house is beautifully constructed using minimal wood and large glass windows to allow plenty of natural sunlight seep into the accommodation at any time of day. Dine outside at the picnic table while making use of the BBQ, or roast marshmallows over an open fire. The back patio looks out onto green foliage, providing a serene ambiance for drinking a glass of wine, reading a book or enjoying a blazing campfire as guests relax after having an exhausting, action-packed day.

Luxury Dome Getaway near Round Swamp, New South Wales

Luxury Dome Getaway near Round Swamp in New South Wales

This luxury dome getaway is nestled in the Capertree Valley near Round Swamp in New South Wales, Australia and can accommodate two guests. The unique dome features transparent walls and a spherical shape, enabling guests to take in awe-inspiring views of their surroundings and feel a sense of total immersion in their natural environment. The bathroom, with a private hot tub, is also spherical, but unlike the bedroom, it is not transparent.

Bring out the best of your cookery skills in the outdoor kitchenette on the lower deck and birdwatch some of the 235 species of birds in the valley. Binoculars and an iPad loaded with a birdwatching app will be provided. Later, enjoy a glass of wine and take in the majestic surroundings of the valley’s unparalleled beauty; nothing can be so therapeutic.

Extraordinary Tree House near San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Tree House near San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Situated near San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua – South America, this unique two-story tree house by Glamping Hub can accommodate up to four guests. It is supported by massive eucalyptus trunks and curved wood ceilings from sustainable timber. There are two incredible bedrooms and two full bathrooms, including a kitchen equipped with an array of cooking and serving utensils to ensure a homely stay.

Sit back and relax in the buttery leather sofas in the living area or on the decks that feature cushioned outdoor furniture, a barbecue grill, a hammock, and an outdoor shower for complete unplugging. Plunge into the pool just a short walk from the front door and immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of the jungle surroundings while still enjoying access to fabulous amenities and conveniences.

Unique Eco-Friendly Vacation Rental near Maribor, Slovenia

Unique Eco-Friendly Vacation Rental near Maribor, Slovenia

Modern simplicity is just what you get at this unique vacation rental in the rolling hills of Slovenska Bistrica near Maribor, Slovenia in Europe. Designed like no other, the intimate hut can accommodate two guests on a romantic getaway. The hut has been designed to blend seamlessly with the natural setting and to draw the eye outward from the large, floor-to-ceiling windows.

It provides guests with everything they need to disconnect from the strains of daily life and reconnect with nature. Delight in your romantic getaway while taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, hills, and valleys. The sunny and airy feeling of the rental will renew your energy and leave you feeling refreshed.

Wooden Bungalow Rental in Rural Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Wooden Bungalow Rental in Rural Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Are you looking for an authentic rural experience in Asia? Then this bungalow rental in Vietnam offers an unforgettable countrified adventure all year round. Glampers enjoy magnificent views across the lake and steep mountain ridges of Ninh Binh province. The bungalows can accommodate between two to four persons with each room’s interior meticulously designed with a delicate, functional romanticism to generate a harmonious ambiance perfect for an unplugged rustic experience. The balcony is furnished with a hammock, making it an ideal place to take in the natural surroundings over a calming up of local tea. The geography of the region affords fantastic cave exploration, mountainous hiking, and, of course, photography.

Jumia Travel Blog.

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My 21 Favorite Places to Visit in Colombia

Posted: 4/18/2019 | April 18th, 2019

From the blue waters of Tayrona National Park, the sweeping views of the Cocora Valley, and the ruins of San Agustín, Tierradentro, and the Lost City, to the white colonial buildings of Popayán and the hustle and bustle of its metropolises, Colombia is packed with things to see and do.

I’d wanted to visit Colombia for years. And after spending six weeks there, I must say, it lived up to the hype.

I mean I’ve been fawning over it a lot in my last few posts. And I know I’m the millionth blogger to do so, but it really is as incredible as people say. (Even getting knifed there couldn’t stop me from loving the country.)

I had falsely assumed that six weeks would be enough to get a good sense of Colombia. After all, six weeks is a fair amount of time to spend anywhere.

But I was wrong. Given its size and the sheer number of activities, it was barely enough to scratch the surface.

Yet I did manage to see a lot.

Today I want to share my list of what I think are the best things to see and do in Colombia. These are the activities and places you should try to focus on when you visit:

1. Cartagena

Cartagena is one of the most visited destinations in Colombia (thanks to a lot of direct flights and cruise ship visits). Dating back to 1533, the city is famed for its colonial Old Town: a maze of cobbled alleys, flower-covered balconies, and giant churches on spacious plazas.

But despite the crowds (and there are a lot of crowds), I really enjoyed Cartagena. While there aren’t a lot of tourist activities (you can do most of them in a single day), what makes it a wonderful place to visit is just that: it’s somewhere you can slow down, relax, and gorge on the phenomenal gastronomy.

For more, check out this blog post about Cartegena and all my favorite places to eat there.

2. Tayrona National Park

Located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Tayrona has long stretches of golden beaches lined with coconut palms and a dense rainforest with lots of easy day hikes. You’ll also find campsites for overnight stays, hammocks for rent, restaurants, diving, and horse riding.

It’s easy to visit as a day trip from Santa Marta. I highly suggest you start early at the big entrance at El Zaino and exit the park through Calabazo. This underused route takes a whole day, and once you pass the Cabo San Juan campground, you’ll get the last half of the trail to yourself. Try to avoid visiting during January and weekends, when the crowds on the beaches and hiking paths are at their peak.

3. The Lost City (La Ciudad Perdida)

The Lost City was built around 800 CE and contains 169 terraces carved into the mountains, as well as a network of tiled roads and small plazas. It’s one of the most beautiful treks in the country, and the site is older than Machu Picchu! To visit, you need to hire a tour operator (you can’t do it by yourself). It’s about $300-350 USD for the trek from Santa Marta through the jungle up to these beautiful ruins and takes 4–6 days. If you’re pressed for time, you can also do it in three days; the only difference is the pace you go at.

(Tip: You cross a lot of rivers, so be sure to bring an extra pair of shoes or flip flops for when you cross the rivers. You’ll easily ruin a pair of sneakers along the way.)

4. Salento

Surrounded by green mountains and coffee farms, this is one of the oldest towns in the coffee-growing region and the most popular for travelers. The houses are painted a variety of vibrant colors, and the high vantage points throughout town provide some stunning views (sunsets are quite magical). There’s not much to do in the city itself — it’s simply a base for coffee tours or hiking the Cocora Valley (see below) or the trails around town — so it’s easy to spend a few days here watching the world go by with a good book in hand.

5. Cocora Valley

The Cocora Valley is home to Colombia’s national tree, the wax palm, which grows to nearly 200 feet tall. This area has probably the most popular day hike in the country (which was also my favorite activity during my entire trip). You’ll cross jungle rivers, visit a bird sanctuary, and enjoy some stellar views and forest scenery. The route’s about five hours, and you can choose to either take the clockwise or counterclockwise route. The clockwise route, starting at the Wax Palm Valley, is easier, with fewer hills. Counterclockwise is easier at the end, though a little anticlimactic, as you end the hike walking down a boring road.

(Tip: Start early to avoid the brutal midday heat, since there are a lot of exposed areas here.)

6. Bogotá

Bogotá is Colombia’s vibrant capital. While it’s not the country’s most popular destination, it felt the most “Colombian” to me: there was just a certain edge and charm to it, and it seemed the least touristy, with the fewest gringo expats. The historic downtown, La Candelaria, is filled with bright colonial buildings, detailed museums, delicious restaurants, tiny fun bars, historic churches, and centuries-old houses. The north end of town is home to boutique hotels and entertainment areas like Zona Rosa and Zona G. The foodie scene in the city is incredible, with a lot of international options and cutting-edge gastronomic happenings. Throw in some amazing walking tours, day trips, and hikes and you’ve got a recipe for an astounding city.

For more, here’s a list of all my favorite things to do – and places to eat – in Bogota.

7. Cali

This hot, hot city is the salsa capital of the world, where people come to dance. A lot of the guests at my hostel had been there for weeks to learn (the hostels also offer free dance classes). If you like to dance, you can’t miss this city. Besides dancing, though, there are a number of parks, museums, and churches you can visit, plus free walking and food tours. While I didn’t stay long, I definitely enjoyed the scene.

8. Popayán

Popayán rivals Cartagena as Colombia’s most impressive colonial town. It’s known as La Ciudad Blanca (“The White City”) because all the buildings are painted white. Popayán is also a college town (there are three universities), and it’s produced 17 presidents too! Though small, I really loved the slow pace of life and the surprisingly robust food scene here (eat at La Cosecha Parrillada, Restaurante Italiano y Pizzeria, La Fresa, and Mora de Castilla).

While you don’t need a lot of time (take the walking tour, climb the hill, see the churches, and you’re done), I do suggest staying longer to enjoy the slow pace of life. So much of Colombia is go-go-go, it’s nice to find a place that’s more “stay and relax a while.”

9. Tatacoa Desert

Millions of years ago it was once a lush tropical forest. Now, Tatacoa Desert is filled with rocky canyons in shades of red and gray. It is also home to one of the most important observatories in South America, where you can gaze at the stars (weather permitting). If you want to be blown away by the universe, you really need to see this place! Other than that, there’s not much here. Bike into the desert, take some walks, stare at the sky. Stay a night or two. It’s not a popular area, but it is a picturesque way to break up the long bus ride from Bogotá to the south or vice versa.

10. San Agustín Archaeological Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Agustín is a small mountain town that’s home to hundreds of pre-Columbian statues and burial mounds. Its collection of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures is the largest in Latin America, for which you’ll need at least one full day (two to really see it all in depth). If you love history, this is probably the best spot in all of Colombia to experience it.

11. San Gil

San Gil is considered the outdoors capital of the country. Extreme-sports fans love it here. You can go white-water rafting, paragliding, caving, rappelling, trekking, and more from this city! This city is a great place to do outdoor activities and you’re going to find a lot of tour operators in the city. Try to plan at least three days here. It’s worth it.

12. Providencia and San Andrés Islands

These islands are actually closer to Nicaragua than Colombia. They are also considered some of the most unspoiled places in the Caribbean. You’ll find white-sand beaches, stunningly clear blue water, and few crowds (though, thanks to some recent press, Providencia is becoming a lot busier).

Try to make it when tens of thousands of black crabs migrate to the sea. This happens twice a year for about a 1-2-week period between April and July, so it’s not always easy to nail the timing.

13. Medellín

In a country full of hype, this hyped-up city is all that it’s cracked up to be. Set in the Aburrá Valley, Medellín is one of the fastest-growing cities in Colombia. It has enough activities and things to do to fill weeks on end: from microbreweries, museums, walking tours, spacious parks, street art, food tours and markets to incredible nightlife, and on and on and on.

It’s one of the most popular destinations for expats and tourists in the country. While it’s easy to get lost in Gringoland here, try to get out of Poblado or Laureles and see the locals’ side of town.

There’s more to the city than those two areas!

14. Guatapé

This pueblo is one of the most picturesque towns in Colombia and one of the most colorful in the world, as most of the traditional homes have murals painted on the bottom half of their façades that depict animals, people, and shapes. Just hanging out in one of the bright plazas, drinking coffee and people-watching, is one of the most pleasant things to do here.

Most people, though, come to climb the steep (and difficult) staircase to the top of the monolithic Rock of Guatapé (La Piedra) for some of the best views in the country. Guatapé is a long day trip from Medellín (hostels in the city organize them throughout the week) so I recommend trying to spend at least a night here so you aren’t as rushed and can enjoy the area little more.

15. Chingaza National Park

This is one of the biggest nature reserves in Colombia, home to more than 1,000 plant species and 187 bird species. Here you’ll learn about the Páramo ecosystem and how it affects the global water system. (Fun fact: Nearly 80% of Bogotá’s water supply comes from Chingaza.) If you’re going to hike, joining a tour is a good idea. The guides are usually naturalists who can explain the unique environment of the area. One of the best routes is the challenging hike to the summit of Lagunas de Siecha, with a great view over the lakes.

16. Barranquilla

Located between Santa Marta and Cartagena, Barranquilla is the spot to be during Carnival, the second biggest in Latin America. It starts on a Sunday with the Battle of Flowers (a big parade) and the coronation of the King and Queen.

But there’s a lot to do here when it’s not carnival season as well. Make sure you visit El Museo del Caribe, a museum offering an interesting insight into the history of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. There’s also a special exhibit dedicated to Gabriel García Márquez (the famous author who wrote Love in the Time of Cholera).

17. Tierradentro

Tierradentro is one of the most important archaeological sites in South America. It’s up there with San Agustín but gets less press since it’s located in the middle of nowhere and not on a main road. It contains over 100 hypogea (underground tombs) dating from the sixth to the tenth centuries, the only examples of their kind in the Americas. It takes a day or two to hike all the paths around the tombs. You can hire a guide if you want, but the trails are pretty easy to do on your own.

18. Manizales (and Los Nevados)

On the road from Medellín to the south is the city of Manizales. Here, you can take some tours at this northern point of the coffee-growing region, or roam around town, which has some decent restaurants and churches, and a scenic gondola ride. The main reason people visit is to hike Los Nevados, a mountain range with majestic snow-capped peaks. You can do a day or multi-day hikes, but whatever you do, don’t rush up to the top — acclimatize yourself to the altitude in Manizales for a few days first. The town is 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) above sea level, but mountains are about 6,000 meters (19,700 feet)! I wasn’t climatized and could really feel the altitude just walking around town. Don’t push yourself if you want to do the hike.

19. The Caribbean Coast

The beaches on the Caribbean coast might not win any awards (at least in my opinion), but the sleepy towns reminded me a lot of the tiny backpacker beach villages around Southeast Asia: a dirt road, lots of hostels, a relaxed atmosphere, and not much else to do. I could easily see why people end up getting stuck here for weeks at a time. The best beach towns to visit are Costeño Beach and Palomino.

20. Punta Gallinas

Punta Gallinas is the northernmost point in all of South America. Most people come here via a tour from Santa Marta or Cabo de Vela, with the latter (through La Guajira Desert) being the better option if you just want to take your time and relax because it’s closer so there’s a lot less drive time. In fact, the only way to see the area is via a tour. Most are two or three nights depending on where you’re coming from. Any hostel can organize a trip for you.

21. Minca

Minca is located in the foothills of the Sierra de Santa Marta Mountains. Once a sleepy backpacker town, it’s now a hot spot for tourists escaping the oppressive heat on the Caribbean coast and hoping to do some quiet hikes. One of the best hikes is to Los Pinos, but it isn’t easy: it takes about three hours from the center of town, and it’s a steady climb into the mountains but, like all things like this, it’s worth it.

There are a lot of waterfalls in the area as well. Two of the best are the Pozo Azul and Marinka. Both have swimming holes at them too.

Be sure to check out the sunset Mundo Nuevo Hostel. It’s an amazing vantage point.

***

Colombia has a million and one things to do. I lost track of all the places I kept wishing I had time to visit. You can spend months there (and a lot of people to do). However, I think this list is a great start. My recommendation is that if you’re short on time, fly (the bus rides are long) or just stick to one area of the country and go in depth around that region.

Trying to “see it all�� in Colombia is just a recipe for burnout!

Book Your Trip to Colombia: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

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Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

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Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Want More Information on Colombia? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Colombia for even more planning tips!

Photo credits: 4, 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 21, 22

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