81 Search Results for ""the wave""

• Young boy riding in a wave Young boy riding in a wave

  • From: rooneycat
  • Description:

    Early morning in Waikiki, a you boy also trying out the surf.

  • 10 months ago
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• Halong Bay islets Halong Bay islets

  • From: indochinasails
  • Description:
    Am Islet
    
    
    
    On the route to Quan Lan – Ngoc Vung islands; Am Rock or Kettle Islet is situated in Bai TuLong Bay. An island jutting out of the seawaters, the teapot of the Jade Emperor, who accidentally dropped it into Ha Longso, and its handle was broken.
    
    
    Ba Trai Dao Islet
    
    
    This island consists of three small mountains with the height of 23 m, seen from afar; resemble three peaches (Ba Trai Dao). The island connects to a legend of about the romantic love between a youngest fairy who was very pretty with a young and poor fisherman. Because of feeling in love with him, she stole three peaches from Heaven for him, which if he ate, would give him eternal life, allowing them to live together forever. The King of the Heavens discovered the robbery and turned the peaches into three stone islands. Chastised, the young fairy had to return.
    
    
    Today, Ba Trai Dao is a famous tourist attraction with three nice fairy beaches, romantic landscape. It is 22 km from south north of Bãi Cháy Tourist Wharf.
    
    
     
    But Islet
    
    
    
    Some 30-minute boating away from the Con Coc Islet, on the way to the Three Peaches Islet, visitors see a pen bobbing (But Islet) in the seawaters. This constitutes a monument of knowledge Mother Dragon wanted to pass down to the present-day generations. Lying adjacent to the Pen Islet is a small attractive beach. Tourists can anchor there to take a bath
    
    
    Cho Da Islet
    
    
    
    In the itinerary of Thien Cung – Dau Go – Ti Top, after visiting Thien Cung and Dau Go, one needs 10 minutes boating to the Cho Da Islet or Stone Dog Islet. Some 8 m up the islet one can figure out a piece of stone in the shape of a dog sitting with its back to the sea, standing guard for the safety of seagoing boats for millions of years.
    
    
    Con Coc Islet
    
    
    Con Coc or Toad Islet is one of the most exquisite works nature has presented Ha Long. Just imagine, an 8-meter-tall toad sitting to wait for rain amidst the vastness of the sea. The Toad Islet lies in the southeast of Ha Long Bay, 17 km away from the tourist boat wharf.
    
    
    Dau Moi Islet
    
    
    Dau Moi Islet lies in the middle of the route between Am Islet and Dua Islet in Bai Tu Long Bay. The islet resembles the head of a termite, a kind of insect often seen prior to the rainy season. Dau Moi Islet is listed in the diversified “animal collection” of Ha Long Bay.
    
    
    Dau Nguoi (Head) Islet
    
    
    
    From a far, you can see a 25-meter islet, which reminds us of a huge Egyptian head with a big nose. Its chin lies close to the sea surface. Many people associate it with the image of the Egyptian Sphinx. The Dau Nguoi Islet in Ha Long Bay, a masterpiece of nature, has its own poetic beauty as it lies amidst seawaters. The islet lies near Luon Cave, 13 km away from the tourist wharf.
    
    
    Dinh Huong Islet
    
    
    In the itinerary of Thien Cung – Dau Go – Ti Top, one finds Dinh Huong Islet or Lu Huong (Incense Burner Islet) to the southwest of Dau Go Island. Passing the Stone Dog Islet and the Con Meo Cat Islet, one sees an imposing stone slab resting on two other small stones stands blocked the way. The stone slab resembles a huge incense burner, which lies in the middle of the sea as a holy object to worship the Sky and Earth.
    
    
    
    Dua Islet
    
    
    In Bai Tu Long Bay, some 7 km east of Bai Tho (Poem) Mountain stands a stone islet, which resembles a huge magic wand in Andersen’s fairy tales. It clarifies the geological and geomorphologic significance of Ha Long Bay. Dua Islet serves as an interesting tourist site and a “lighthouse” for seagoing boats.
    
    
    Mat Quy Islet
    
    
    Boating past the Am Islet some 20 minutes, we see Mat Quy Islet or Monster Head Islet, which protrudes about 30-35 m from the waters of Bai Tu Long Bay. Nature has carved the rock in the shape of a monster head, with a rough big nose standing out from a distorted face. From whatever angle, one still find it horrible.
    
    
    Ngon Tay Islet
    
    
    
    On the way to Ti Top Island, visitors see a stone rock resembling a thump jutting out of the sea. Nature has put the Ngon Tay (Finger) Islet here as a reminder of many interesting extras in the discovery of Ha Long.
    
    
    Oan Islet
    
    
    Situated 300 m away from Bai Tho Mountain and 5 km from the Bai Chay Tourist Wharf, a 22-meter islet stands out in Bai Tu Long Bay. It has the shape of truncated sticky rice, which serves as an offering to Buddha. French tourists pay special attention to this rock as in 1992; a French famous actress came there to film some shots of the film Indochina. In the island, some settings are still preserved including the stone-paved road to the beach (often called the Slave Pier), the prisons, etc.
    
    
     
    Soi Sim Islet
    
    
    Soi Sim is an soil island 400 m away from Ti Top Island, and 7-8 km from the Bai Chay Tourist Wharf. In the island there are many ancient trees. The Ha Long Bay Management Board is going to build a system of guesthouses equipped with modern facilities. At present, a small beach has been improved and upgraded, adding more charm to the attractive holiday resort.
    
    
    Su Tu Bien Islet
    
    
    On the canoe route to Thien Cung - Dau Go Grottoes, one should visit Sea Lion Islet, which is 10 minutes away from the Bai Chay Tourist Wharf. Amidst the vast seawaters of Ha Long, you recognize a high rock jutting from the sea, resembling a lion stretching.
    
    
    Thien Nga Islet
    
    
    In the waters of Bai Tu Long Bay, a stone islet is bobbing like an alluring and graceful swan (Thien Nga) - a swan losing its herd. This stone swan has taken up countless time and rolls of film of tourist near and far.
    
    
    Trong Mai Islet
    
    
    
    Trong Mai or the Kissing Cocks is situated on the south-west side of Ha Long Bay, 5 km from the tourist wharf near to Dinh Huong Islet. In a somewhat large expanse of open sea, the island seems to grow up from the bottom of the deep emerald waters. At sunset, the island with the height of over 10 m is bright red and in a somewhat tottery position. Their tiny legs support heavy bodies, and it appears that one strong wave could throw the two stone blocks into the sea. However, hundreds of millions of years have passed, and the Trong Mai is still there. The image of the island is the logo of Ha Long Bay and Vietnam Tourism.
    
    
    Xep Islet
    
    
    Xep Islet or Layer Islet is a huge, multi-layered, square piece of stone which looks like an Egyptian pyramid built in the middle of the Bai Tu Long Bay, Cam Pha District.
    
    
    Yen Ngua Islet
    
    
    The Yen Ngua or Saddle Islet lies in Ha Long Bay, in the centre of the World Heritage Area. Nature has creatively shaped two pieces of stone, one high and one lower, which are linked together to form an imposing rock, looking like a saddle. Boats can go through underneath. The whole rock resembles a sewing machine. How wonderful to have such a magnificent but elegant “saddle”, jutting some 10 m above the sea surface.
    
    
    
  • Blog post
  • 10 months ago
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• Pony Swim Diary Pony Swim Diary

  • From: karthur22
  • Description:

    "So let me get this straight. They swim a bunch of horses across the water to Chickopeake?"

    "Yes, it's quite lovely. And they're ponies and it's called "Chincoteague! CHINCOTEAGUE!!"

    Although my memory of the original conversation is hazy, that's kind of how my wife Rachel first introduced me to the place she and her mother went to religiously every last week in July and where they dragged me along back in 2002.

    Flash forward to 2011 and I've come back for Pony Penning Week every year since. Like Rachel and her mom, I fell in love with Chincoteague, its people and its famous herd of ponies. What makes each Pony Swim extra special is the fact that we have a standing reservation with Captain Barry Frishman, who always manages to get us front-row seats. This past summer was no exception and it was, as usual, a day to remember.

    4 a.m., July 27, 2011: The alarm clock rings and it's pitch black outside. Rachel, why are we getting up so early on our vacation? As I clear the cobwebs from my head I remember that today is the 86th annual Chincoteague Pony Swim and it's time to haul ourselves over to the boat.

    4:30 a.m.: Stumbling out of our car in the parking lot in front of the Chincoteague Inn I notice that at this early hour it's so quiet that even the ducks must still be asleep. We head over to the dock where our host for the day and Chincoteague waterman extraordinaire, Captain Barry, is already aboard his pontoon boat, his headlamp cutting through the darkness as he makes final preparations. It's time to get going if we want to get a good spot for the swim.

    Rachel hops on board first, then her mother, Darby, followed closely by our 8-year-old niece, Penelope, and finally our good friends and fellow Pony Swim aficionados, Linda and Jeff Wild. With the exception of Penelope, who's seeing the event up close for the first time, we're all Pony Penning veterans (or some would say crazies). It's Darby's 16th year, Rachel's 15th, Jeff and Linda's 10th and my 8th.

    5 a.m.: We set off into the darkness. Ahh, there's nothing like the smell of the water at this time of morning. The Pony Swim gods have favored us this year with a completely clear sky from which peeks a crescent moon. Not so in previous years, when our pre-dawn excursion was met with a zero visibility fog or a pounding rain worthy of "The Deadliest Catch."

    And there, off in the distance over on Assateague is the Chincoteague Lighthouse, like an old friend keeping us company with its steady flashes. Hold on, we're not alone out here on the water. There are a few other boats making their way to the swim.

    5:30 a.m.: We have finally arrived at the channel between Chincoteague and Assateague, where the ponies will make their crossing, and there are already a lot of other boats on scene. I thought we left early, but have these people slept here all night? Oh well, there's still plenty of room for us and we set anchor a few boats over from the end of the marsh.

    By the way, marsh plus early morning on Chincoteague equals a skeeter red alert so it's time to bring out the bug spray.

    One of the great aspects of the event is the fact that there's a great camaraderie amongst all the boat captains; all the vessels on our side of the channel tie up to each other so that if you wanted to, you could almost literally walk from boat to boat from one bank of the waterway to the other.

    I haven't yet mentioned that over the past couple of days, word has been circulating on the island that this year's swim is slated to occur between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. when the tide is slack so the ponies won't have to fight the current. Okay, we got here and now we've only got about seven hours to kill. Seven hours! Anyone have a copy of "War and Peace"?

    7 a.m.: We see a tailfin in the water, then another. Cue the theme from "Jaws." Oops, those aren't great white sharks. They're dolphins. As they dive and surface right in front of our assembled armada they seem to be saying to each other, "What the heck are all these boats doing anchored here and what are they waiting for? Ponies swimming? It's time to catch some fish somewhere else."

    7:15 a.m.: I hear a sizzling from the back of the boat which I hope isn't the sound of the engine on fire. Not to worry. It's only Captain Barry, who's gotten his hotplate going to make us all egg sandwiches. Compared to Barry, Captain Merrill Stubing from "Love Boat" seems like a lowly deck hand. The entire Pony Swim experience wouldn't be the same without Barry, one of the most dynamic people I've ever known, whose joy about the natural beauty and wildlife of Chincoteague leaves a smile with all who have the pleasure of being aboard his boat.

    8 a.m.: The waiting continues. Still over four hours to go. By now a large crowd has already gathered on the other side of the channel at the end of Pony Swim Lane where the ponies come ashore.

    10 a.m.: Okay folks, no monkey business now because a couple of Coast Guard vessels have arrived. They're here to maintain order and safety amongst the assembled Pony Swim viewers but also they eventually get to shoot off a big red flare, not for fun, of course -- although I'm sure there's competition between Coast Guard officers for that honor, since how often can you shoot off a big flare? -- but to formally declare that the tide is slack and alert the famous Saltwater Cowboys that it's time to herd the ponies down the marsh and into the channel.

    10:15 a.m.: One of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company's boats makes an inspection of the channel and I wave to my good friend and CVFC member Roe Terry, who also happens to be one of the island's most talented decoy carvers.

    10:30 a.m.: There are two guys on horseback on the bank in front of Pony Swim Lane. Our first cowboys have arrived. It can't be long now, we think. We're wrong.

    11:10 a.m.: The Saltwater Cowboys' signature red and white horse barge, on which the cowboys will transport their horses once the ponies have made their crossing, makes its way to the Assateague side of the channel. I could never get my horse even near a barge like that, so it's amazing that they're able to load their horses so easily when the time comes.

    11:25 a.m.: What do you get when you combine orange juice and champagne? If you said 'mimosas,' you're correct. But not ordinary mimosas, because on Pony Swim day they're made by Captain Barry, who -- and I'm not making this up -- actually hand squeezes the oranges with a juicer he keeps on board.

    11:52 a.m.: We must be getting closer to showtime because three advance riders arrive on the Assateague shoreline and their horses are loaded onto the barge and taken across to Chincoteague.

    1:10 p.m.: Can you see if they've got the flare gun? I think so ... no, false alarm. Wait a minute, I think I see it -- yes, there it goes! After much anticipation the Coast Guard finally lights the red flare. By now there are thousands of people ringing the shoreline on foot and in boats and a great cheer erupts from the crowd. The waiting is over.

    1:20 p.m.: At first you hear what might be a distant rumble of thunder on the wind, but then the sound become more distinct -- men shouting and horses whinnying that gets louder and louder. Finally you see what we've all been waiting for since 5:30 a.m. -- the Saltwater Cowboys on their trusty horses leading the wild ponies of Chincoteague, stallions heading up the herd as mares and their foals follow behind, paints, chestnuts, palominos, bays and buckskins all on the march. There's no time for dillydallying with only a small window of time for slack tide and so the cowboys urge the herd forward. The lead ponies -- is that Surfer Dude I see up front? -- hit the water first and initially it's shallow enough that they can walk into the channel. But soon enough the water deepens and they start swimming.

    "You want me to go across there?" the foals seem to say to their mothers, but eventually they're coaxed forward, too, amidst the constant whooping of the cowboys, and the entire herd is doing the doggie paddle. What a sight -- and best of all this entire scene has unfolded right in front of our boat.

    Four minutes later, it's all over when the last pony makes it ashore on Chincoteague.

    1:30 p.m.: Captain Barry raises anchor and fires up the engine to get out of there as quickly as possible to avoid the ensuing maritime rush hour of other boats trying to do the same. The fun's not over yet and thanks to the generosity of Daisey's Dockside, Barry is able to let us off there temporarily so we can watch the cowboys lead the horses down Main Street to the carnival grounds. I

    2:25 p.m.: We join the crowds that have gathered on both sides of Main Street. Right now I'm hearing Tom Petty singing "the waiting is the hardest part," which is what this day seems to be all about. Fortunately, as the sweat from the afternoon heat drips down our faces, we soon see the flashing lights of the law enforcement vehicles clearing the way and the Saltwater Cowboys make a repeat entrance, with the ponies this time, a few feet in the street in front us. Just like the swim, the parade goes like clockwork and it's time to get back to the boat for the final leg of our journey.

    2:45 p.m.: We arrive back at the dock at the Chincoteague Inn. Have we really been on the boat for more than 10 hours? Everyone's exhausted but, as they say, it's a good kind of tired, having had the privilege of yet again being so close to such a great spectacle.

    Who in their right mind would want to do this again --getting up before the crack of dawn, waiting for hours on a boat in the middle of the channel in all weather conditions? WE would! As we head back to our cars we all agree with Barry -- same time next year.

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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• Stirring up the Wildlife Stirring up the Wildlife

  • From: zephyrgal23@yahoo.com
  • Description:

    After 7 years of marriage my husband and I finally were able to take a kid free vacation.  We decided to join up with my husband cousin and his wife for a week in Daytona.  At the time I didn’t really know the couple, meeting them briefly at a family events years before.  After the flight, car ride, and check in, we decided to make our way to the ocean front.  My husband and his cousin went in first and were several yards ahead.  They turned to face myself and the shore as a large wave rolled toward us.  I turned sideways so I would not catch a full frontal hit, losing my top! Turning back towards the men I realized there were three sets of eyes staring at me.  The third belonged to a 1200 lb manatee which had popped his head up directly between the other two!

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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• Uluru Rock Curl Uluru Rock Curl

  • From: nclausing
  • Description:

    The base of Uluru (Ayers Rock) is eroded in such a way that in places, it looks like a rock wave breaking over visitors' heads. It's almost vertigo-inducing--right after I shot this, I had to go step away from the rock for a moment to get my bearings again.

  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 395
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• Flags and Fountain Flags and Fountain

  • From: gdcall
  • Description:

    I took this photo of the Amarican flag at the At Museum in Forest park St.Louis Missouri. The flags were set up on Art Hill as a memorial to all who lost their life on 9/11

  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 259
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• Six Flags Magic Mountain Calif Six Flags Magic Mountain California Amusement Park

  • From: VJ Traveler
  • Description:

    One of the best all around amuesment parks for ages 8-and up. We went after school started. Why? Cooler tempatures, less crowd. The park is only open on the weekends after school starts.

    The roller coaster park is located in sunny, sometimes very hot, Valencia California. There is an adjoining water park- that we did not even attempt to go to because our trip was just over the weekend and we drove 10 hours from Oregon.

    We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn which, if we wanted to we could of walked or caught the hotel shuttle to the park. We drove, which for us that was a good choice because the hotel shuttle you have to reserve a time slot for both arriving and departing the park and we weren't sure what time we would be done. The hotel was clean, had a hot tub to soak in after long day of walking at park and buffet style breakfast which was good, but the Marie Callendar's breakfast buffet is far superior for about the same price and you can walk to it from the hotel.

    We had bought our tickets $36.99 online and had pre-printed tickets- which are a bit discounted from ticket booth. The parking is still $15. We did buy the Fast Pass ticket "Gold" but when we got to park to pick up little gizmo they give you to get on rides, ended up buying the "Platinum" because it cuts down on all the wait time, and if you want, you can ride the ride twice (except XMen, Green Hornet & Superman). If you are wondering if it is worth the extra money- BIG YES on that! If your on a budget, I would spare the souvenirs and get the FAST PASS. You will get to experience more of the rides and won't get all tired out and hot standing in line. Really good if you have kids.

    I saw people with babies in strollers and I was thinking "Are they nuts?!" too loud & over whelming for little ones. To ride most of the good rides you have to meet the 54" mark anyway. 42" for some of the less wild rides. But all the walking in the heat is bound to make anyone tired let alone a five year old. 

    We bought shoe gel inserts and wore enclosed shoes, I saw peoples flip flops down in some of the crevices on the ground underneth the roller coasters along with some barf on Green Lantern. Anything with a heal is out of the questions as you end up walking up and down some pretty steep hills to get to all the rides.

    We drank plenty of water before, during and after because most of the drinks offered at the park are full of High Fructose Corn Syrup and that is not a good choice to stay hydrated. There is a restaurant #63 on map Food Etc. that is air condidtioned and you can get something light to drink/eat and cool off.

    We did not go on any of the water rides like Tidal Wave or Roaring Rapids because we did not bring extra socks, shoes etc. Nothing worse than walking around in wet shoes. Yuck. But if you prepare, they have lockers and it could be lots of fun on a hot day. 

    One a scale of 1-10 - Six Flags Magic Mountain is a 10 if you plan a little, don't eat a bunch of junk to puke, because you will, and Fast Pass all the way!

    PS If you are thinking Iphone app- read the review on the Six Flags app before you spend 99 cents. I bought it and I thought it was a waste of 99 cents. Most of the other reviewers did too.

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  • 2 years ago
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• Big Wave Shrimp Truck Offering Big Wave Shrimp Truck Offerings

  • From: Megtff
  • Description:

    Yummy shrimp at the Big Wave Shrimp Truck on the North Shore!

  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 205
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• Big Wave Shrimp Truck on North Big Wave Shrimp Truck on North Shore

  • From: Megtff
  • Description:

    One of my favorite (as well as the LOST cast's favorite) shrimp trucks on the north shore.

  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 348
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• LOST cast loves Big Wave Shrim LOST cast loves Big Wave Shrimp Truck

  • From: Megtff
  • Description:

    The cast from LOST used to frequent the Big Wave Shrimp truck during filming of the TV show. This picture is at the North Shore shrimp truck as it's claim to fame!

  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 416
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• Blue Hawaii Blue Hawaii

  • From: kochmanski
  • Description:

    I took this picture of a wave crashing against a rock in Oahu, HI. The two toned blue ocean against the blue sky captured my eye against the contrast of the rock.

  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 4263
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• Riding the Pipeline Riding the Pipeline

  • From: Megtff
  • Description:

    Watching surfers at dusk at the Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach). This surfer caught a perfect wave...riding the pipeline!

  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 108
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• Banzai Pipeline Banzai Pipeline

  • From: Island Gal
  • Description:

    Probably the most famous wave in the world--The Banzai Pipeline--North Shore of Oahu.

  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 370

• Voluntourism in Paradise! Bodh Voluntourism in Paradise! Bodhi Surf School in Uvita, Costa Rica

  • From: mcoatley
  • Description:

    While scouring the internet to plan our most recent adventure, I stumbled upon a travel forum thread about surfing in Costa Rica. A simple quote from a post struck a chord for me: Don't surf places, surf people. I can't recall the name of the website or the the reviewer, but I owe him or her a debt of gratitude. Ever since I read it, I've felt grounded and comforted by the weight of that line. Leave it to a wandering hippie surfer dude to come up with the direct yet eloquent travel motto I've been desperately struggling to put into words!

    
    Since Josh and I launched our self-imposed volun-touring sabbatical a little over a year ago, people have often asked us how we choose where to travel, what to do while we’re there, where to stay, etc. Only now, after so much wasted time trying to wrestle fate and figures into tidy travel spreadsheets, can I fully appreciate the awesome, door-opening force of simple, one-on-one human connection. It is the one thing (besides online flight check-in and noise-canceling headphones) that we've relied on every time we travel. Initiating each of our trips by cold-calling a few locals has always (and often miraculously) landed Josh and I in the right place at the right time.   

    
    

    We flew to Texas on a whim after a few emails with the Habitat for Humanity crew leader.  We trekked half-way around the world to meet up with a good friend, a family of inn keepers and a biking travel guide in New Zealand.  We drove cross-country to meet an eco-spa guru and mingled with the owners of some very comfortable couches. Though there's something to be said for the picture-perfect beauty of rocky trails, city centers and sweeping vistas, each place we've visited has held no greater bounty than its people.

    
    

    Our new-found golden rule held true in Costa Rica as well! We drew the blueprints for our Latin America adventure after a brief online chat with the owners of Bodhi Surf School in Uvita/Bahia Ballena. While searching for volunteer opportunities and surfing lessons online, I discovered an ex-peace corps volunteer and his buddy, Travis Bays and Gibran Garcia, who were running a small, eco- and community-conscious surf school in a tiny fishing village on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. After hearing about our unconventional segue into voluntourism, these two took pause in the middle of their busy lives to help Josh and I plan our trip from soup to nuts!
    

    Helping Gibran with Grupo Surf - Bodhi's own Local Youth Group

    As we learned from Travis, the word 'bodhi' is Sanskrit for 'awakening' or 'enlightenment'. We soon discovered that this moniker perfectly portrays the ambitious undertakings of this progressive, family/friend operation. Travis and Gibran are not content to just earn a living playing in the water. Surf lessons are a means to their loftier goal - To awaken and enlighten others with 'experiences that connect individuals with nature and increase environmental and social awareness.' Yeah, it sounds a bit poetic and existential for a couple of surfer dudes. But after a week of tailing Travis and Gibran through Uvita, I can attest that these guys aren't just jumping on the 'green' bandwagon. They truly walk the walk, and they expect others to do the same. *Sign Bodhi Surf School's Ocean Guardian Pledge.* 

    

    Travis and Gibran treated us to a walking tour of the community and introductions to other local business owners. After several years working for the Peace Corps in Uvita, Travis knows first-hand the trials and tribulations of this 900-person community. Due to the recent development of a newly-paved highway and the influx of tourism on the central coast, Uvita is in the process of transitioning from a quiet, self-sufficient farming and fishing village to a hub for foreign travelers. The area is a goldmine for tourists interested in everything from beach-side relaxation, to jungle adventures and eco-tourism activities. *Read a brief history of Uvita and Bahia Ballena.*

     

    Every morning, as Josh and I ate our huevos at the hotel cafe, we'd watch a dozen pick-up trucks haul tour boats down to the National Park. Though many of the villagers are very proud to be able to show off their little piece of paradise, they understand that the increase in traffic comes at a cost.

    Community Tour with Travis & Gibran

    Members of Bodhi Surf School are actually leading the way in bringing best practices for sustainable marine tourism to Bahia. Pilar, (Travis's wife and Bodhi's yoga instructor) is working with the KETO Foundation Costa Rica and the Marino Ballena boat tour operators association to to coordinate their local marine sustainability efforts. In January, Bodhi also won the Making a Difference Award from SustainableTrip.org for their efforts in furthering social responsibility within the travel industry.

     

    While staying in town, we pitched in by helping a local tour company, Bahia Aventuras, build a recycling station and label the native plants on their property. 

    Painting Signs for Native Plants & Building a Recycling Station with Mikayla, Ramer and Katie

    As a country without an organized military presence, Costa Rica has been known to funnel substantial monies into education. Yet Osa area schools have a high dropout rate at the start of high school (between 6th and 7th grade). Children who do dropout of school typically start to work in the local 'informal' economy.  The youth of Bahia are no exception, and Bahia's children will need the skills to participate in the larger global marketplace, but it's a tough sell to keep them in school without supportive government requirements.
    
    We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to help Gibran run a surfing lession with Grupo SURF, a free youth group initiated by Bodhi Surf to help get local children engaged in surfing and community service and also keep them focused on their futures. Children of all ages and skill levels had a ball with the Bodhi team during 2 hours of surfing and a pick-up soccer game. 

     

    But these kids aren't just in it for fun! Members of Grupo SURF helped us to plant trees and pick up trash around the community soccer field. We also learned about a project they're undertaking that involves tracking any trash strewn around town using GPS coordinates and then create a community-wide plan for litter clean-up and prevention. *Learn more about Grupo SURF's projects and achievements.*
    

    Planting Trees around the Soccer Field in Bahia Ballena

    And, on top of all this, Travis and Gibran even found time to teach Josh and I to surf! We spent time on the sand with Travis, learning foot placement and how to pop up on the board. Then we waded into the waves, with our soft-top boards in tow. As we lay on the board, Travis turned us toward the shore and shouted for us to paddle. With just a bit of expert instruction, Josh popped up and caught the first wave that passed! All the while, Gibran was on the sand, snapping great photos and video to send home with us.

     

    

     

    After a second lesson with Gibran, Josh and I were both paddling into the waves, turning around on our own and finding our balance. We weren't sure that Bodhi could fulfull their mission of 'awakening our inner surfers'. But, after just 2 morning surf lessons on the Whale's Tail Beach, Josh and I built a connection to and comfortability in the ocean that will stay with us for life.

     

    Travel is supposed to be fun and exciting! However, for me, the thought of landing in a different city or country, not speaking the language or knowing what to expect, still falls somewhere between nerve-racking and downright terrifying! I can honestly say that, having followed the golden rule of the wandering hippie surfer, Josh and I have felt safe, comfortable and cared for in every place we've visited. In fact, we're so accustomed to being immersed in the local culture on our trips, that we find ourselves reminiscing about the people we've met more often than the things we've seen and done. Real, global friendships have been forged that will not soon be forgotten.

     

    So, for those of you planning to hit the open road, my fail-safe travel tip is best summed up in a quote:

     

    Don't surf places, surf people.

     

    Think of some amazing people; people you want to meet, to learn from, to be transformed by, to play with…  Then, go out there and find them! And, if you're not sure where to start searching for amazing people, I know of a few down on Costa Rica's wild blue Pacific coast who would be happy to inspire you. 

    

    Morning Run with the Butterflies on the Whale's Tail Beach

    

    
     

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  • 2 years ago
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• On Astoria Megler Bridge On Astoria Megler Bridge

  • From: jpcjulia19
  • Description:

    My camera was perfectly straignt, not sure how the wave happened! Driving on the Astoria Megler Bridge heading toward Washington

  • 2 years ago
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• Ouch! Ouch!

  • From: Edward Bell
  • Description:

    Not the biggest waves they have ever had but big enough to enjoy.  Oahu's North shore (Sunset Beach)  There were some great 15 to 20 foot waves.  Watching these guys surf was killing me; they were so causal about it and made it look easy.

  • 2 years ago
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• Salida, Colorado Driving Back Salida, Colorado Driving Back Into 1955

  • From: barbara01
  • Description:

     When my husband and I drove into Salida Colorado, we thought we had driven back into 1955.  This small historical town was alive.  There were families on bicycles, with strollers, with dogs all walking about town.  The city parks were full with kids and families playing and having a picnic.

    The historic downtown was bustling with people going in and out of small shops,  art galleries and restaurants.  Then at the end of town, we ran into the Arkansas River and a large park over-looking the kayakers doing tricks in the river, kids getting their feet wet and dogs swimming after sticks.  Everything seemed so alive with activity.

    The streets in town are named F street, G street,  Fourth and Fifth streets. Lining these streets, there are 1900’s historical Victorian homes with no one home looking like another home.  You can walk the streets everyday and notice a different home that you had not seen before.  There are 16 blocks from the river to the main highway with lovely homes that line the streets all the way.  Again, people running, riding 1950’s bicycles with baskets and bells and gardening in their front yards planting flowers or just relaxing on their front porches watching the world go by.  There is also a trail system that you can access from town where you can walk from the river to the country in a short period of time.

    Surrounding the small town of Salida are 14 thousand foot peaks that were snow capped at the very tops and between town and the peaks are small farms and ranches.  There is just lovely county side lining the valley floor with the river meandering through it.

    We also found that there are so many events, activities and interest groups that you can get involved in so it is so easy to meet local people.  You cannot go to the grocery store and not run into several people that you know.  When you drive down the street, you wave at every other car going by.

    In the winter, there is Monarch Ski Area which is 20 minutes from town.  Again, it is just a good old fashioned ski resort, no lift lines and plenty of skiing.  If you want to teach your kids to ski, this is the place for them to learn.  Many people also enjoy snowshoeing, cross country skiing and snowmobiling.

    In the summer, there is hiking, biking, four wheeling, river rafting, festivals, car shows, art walks, hot springs and music venues, time with family in the park, Fourth of July with parades and fireworks, playing in the river or just relaxing on your front porch with friends.

    After driving back into 1955 and finding small town life, we decided to make this special place our full time home.  I have the opportunity to share this with the many visitors and people looking for this kind of place on a daily basis in my real estate business.

    If this lifestyle appeals to you feel free to contact me.  I will introduce you to the local activities and personalities who make up this wonderful town that makes you feel like you are living in iMayberry back in 1955.

    Barbara Pearson-Sawyer, GRI                                                                                                                                                      

    Cell: 719-207-3884

     email:barbara@pearson-sawyer.com  

    Web: http://www.barbarapearson-sawyer.com

              

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  • 2 years ago
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• Power Power

  • From: Klaus
  • Description:

    FA18 Super Hornet of the US Navy from the West Coast Demo Team piloted by Lt. Mike "Crack" Poe does maneuver which causes him to pull gggsss and show wave of air over the wings as he takes his plane into a high climb.

  • 3 years ago
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• Fall at Oregon beach Fall at Oregon beach

  • From: serenaviolet
  • Description:

    After much kite flying and wave chasing on a chilly autumn Oregon beach, we all sat down to enjoy the sounds and scenery. The family sat, lay, and dug in the sand in a perfect shot lineup begging to be photographed and the sepia tone made it even better!

  • 3 years ago
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• Agate Beach, Madeline Island, Agate Beach, Madeline Island, WI

  • From: openair
  • Description:

    Stones seen through a rippled wave - on the beach on Madeline Island.

  • 3 years ago
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