Showing posts with label TRAVEL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TRAVEL. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

LOS DORADOS HOOKS YOU UP TO ADVENTURES IN CABO SAN LUCAS

Robert Arellano

When you stroll along Cabo’s marina boardwalk that snakes around the beautiful bay in this stunning area of Baja California, Mexi (Baja boasts the world’s longest peninsula), you’ll be accosted but oodles of people selling wares, including tour excursions. I was lucky to meet Roberto Arellano who reps for the tour company, Los Dorados; you’ll see his booth near the mountain. An affable non-pushy fellow whose English is perfect, Roberto took care of my needs to explore the Sea of Cortes.  

First off, he put me on a great little boat that took me on a tour that passed beaches and coastline all the way to Cabo’s famous Los Arcos. The waves were rough as we neared this impressive structure that juts out of the Sea of Cortez.



Impressive granite structures towering over a beach and the birds






The exuberant captain kept pointing out beaches, blurting   their names, including Lovers Beach that windowed into Divorce Beach on the Pacific Ocean, it’s called Divorce Beach, because the waves are impossible to swim in (like a bad marriage you’re drowning in), but also you can go pass through a stone entry from one beach to the other. First comes love, then comes divorce.

The "Window" that gives a glimpse into the Pacific

We also passed by many sand stone rock structures that has Rock, their own names due to their shapes: Pelican Rock, The Witch (La Bruja) the Finger, King Kong’s Hand, and finally Land’s End where two real pelicans perch. 








They seem to announce the very spot where the sea of Cortez merges with the Pacific.







Just before rounding the bend to get to Land's End, we came to a colony of sea lions.What a thrill!






Approaching the Arch




The famous Arch





The Arch is beautiful at every time  of day.






The water taxi was a glass bottom boat; we could see fish swimming at certain spots. It was really fun, and our eyes were kept busy looking up and then down to take it all in.
Roberto also set me on a sunset excursion on the double-decker Cabo Escape cruiser. It took us far out, and with whales in our midst, music at our ears, food galore and drinks to enjoy.




 The climax came in an inspirational finale: the sun sinking over the crest of the sea.





                                                 The sun is gone; the sky is gorgeous


 My snorkeling excursion on Oceanos cruiser was fantastic. We headed out for beautiful Chilenos Bay and dove in. This vessel carried very good snorkeling equipment.

                     I also went whale watching on a tour that Robert set up for me.






I recommend you take the tour to the Arch soon after you arrive, and if you like ti and the service Roberto provided, ask him for more. He also generously gives discounts. He wants to make every wish come true for you. And he succeeds.
Contrary to popular belief, Los Cabos is the playground for the wealthy and not-so wealthy alike. Its breathless beauty does not discriminate.
Contact Roberto at 52 -1 (624) 122 7391. He’s on What’sApp
His email is robertcrpy200@gmail.com


Monday, February 10, 2020

ELEGANT SAILING ON THE ECO CAT CATAMARAN IN CABO SAN LUCAS



 ELEGANT SAILING ON THE ECO CAT CATAMARAN IN CABO SAN LUCAS
In the marina of Cabo San Lucas, you have the chance to ride on the stunning Eco Cat catamaran. It’s the 9th largest sailing catamaran in the world. Its journey started in the French West Indies, when it was purchased by sailing enthusiast Robert Popp 18 years ago.
“I sailed it from St Martens to the Panama Canal and then to Southern California.  I finally ended up here in Cabo San Lucas.”
Robert knows his boats for sure. He started sailing at the age of 18, even raced, and placed, dreaming about owning his own sailing catamaran. Now it has happened, and he shares his passion for sailing by offering excursions on his eco-friendly vessel. It can hold 120 passenger. Not a clunker by any means, it measures 100’ x 50’, and it is ever so quiet. The boat is gorgeously sleek and sails smoothly. It makes its own drinking water from the sea; and for moving, it uses bio-diesel fuel and wind power. The ecological sailing catamaran beautifully brings Eco-Catters (my term) out into the open Sea of Cortes for whale watching, sunset gazing, snorkeling and more.









We sailed out about 9 miles to Santa Maria Beach for snorkeling. The boat has a cute series of steps that end in a small boards leveling with the water, so it’s real easy to get into the sea, and start your snorkeling. I welcomed this small jut-out level to the water, as I did not wish to jump in or navigate metal steps that most boats come with. Once in, I saw amberjacks, pompano and parrot fish, bur the life jacket rode too high up on me, and I left a flipper in the sea; it came off me.  Getting back onto the boat was a breeze. The ladder was not steep, and its steps were close to one another. 


 Then came a fabulous Mexican meal that filled me to the gills. Drinks are free and served right to you. Now this is the life!





The food is freshly prepared at Robert’s Eco Cat restaurant, and then taken to the catamaran just a few steps away from his restaurant.






 I also went whale watching the same day. I couldn't get enough of this boat. 
Once again, it was a thrilling ride. 



Spotting the whales, watching then come up and then breach was remarkable.  They’re Humpbacks, and that day many were to be seen. Thanks to Cutberto, our captain/guide, I learned more about these giants.  Females can weigh up to 42 tons and and are 16 metres long; the males weigh 40 tons and average 14 metres in length. They come all the way from Alaska to mate, stay three months, and then make their way back to Alaska, but they must wait until their young ones weigh 3 tons to make the long journey.
I recommend you take your glorious sailing experience on the Eco Cat.
For all information, visit www.caboecotours.com



Monday, September 24, 2018

MONT SUTTON… YOUR YEAR-ROUND PLAYGROUND




Magnificent Mont Sutton is one of the most celebrated natural wonders in Quebec’s Eastern Townships.  Part of the awesome Appalachian trail, the Sutton Mountains’ pristine reputation beckons recreation enthusiasts winter, summer and fall.

















Get ready for Your World-class Winter Adventure




Take out your skis and immerse yourself in Mont Sutton’s snowy heights. Not only do
local folks from Sutton and nearby cities come here, but skiers from far beyond at all ski levels come to enjoy Mont Sutton’s optimum skiing conditions: lots of natural snow here, and trees shield the trails from any wind. 





Over 856 metres in altitude with a vertical drop of 460 metres covers over 230 acres of skiable terrain. There are 204 on-slope junctions. What an awesome amount of ski fun to explore! 
           

Glorious Glading




 


                                                            Warm up at the chalet





Mont Sutton’s glade skiing is renowned. In fact, 45% of the ski terrain gets you into a dream-like winter wonderland of glade skiing descent.  Imagine skiing through the glens, passing trees on powdery white pathways that poke through the forest.




  Because of the plethora of junctions, glading is a Sutton star attraction. It’s exhilarating and gives a feeling of seclusion and grace. Mont Sutton has been ranked as the top mountains for glading in “Ski Canada Magazine”, and the “Independent” - one of the UK’s leading newspapers - ranked Mont Sutton as one of world’s top 50 best ski resorts.


If you get hungry, know that four chalet-restaurants dot the mountains at various places, starting at 400 metres on the mountain and at 840 metres. It's open only in winter. 


Dorm is open only in summer





Bring Out the Bikes
Seven kilometers of snow trails are designated for fat bikes. Now that’s an original kind of ride. As for kids, a section of the mountain is zoned for the family. Your kids can benefit from activities here, even take lessons while you ride off in the wild white yonder.



The Summery Side of  Sutton’s Mountains



Have you ever tried an electric bike? At the ski shop, you can rent one. JF who manages the mountain’s shop, is an expert at getting you started. This electric bike makes pedaling uphill easy. It has to do with a small motor. You still peddle, but you can adjust the ease of travel using the turbo, eco and tour buttons. It’s a heavier bike than the usual ones we ride, but think of the luxury of avoiding the sweat and pain as you peddle skywards. 

But if you want to do more pedaling, then mountain biking on 30 kilometres of trails awaits you.

           






However, if you like getting down and dirty in the mud, climbing ropes and more, the Xman race might be for you. One just finished, but you can register for the next one taking place next June (info@xmanrace.com)


Stats in a nutshell:

Services include heated reception chalet, heated waxing facility, refuge for rustic lodging, rental of equipment such as cross-country skis, snowshoes, crampons and fatbikes.
Altitude of the ski mountain: 856 meters (2,808 feet)
Skiing vertical drop: 460 meters (1,500 feet)
Total skiable hill acreage: 230 acres
60 trails in total.
204 junctions

For all information on specific winter, summer and fall activities, including ski packages, cross country skiing, ski rentals, fat bikes, electric bikes, mountain bikes, camping and more, visit these websites :


www.montsutton.com
www.montsutton.com/velo
www.montsutton.com/fallfest

                                        







Tuesday, August 14, 2018

MANCHESTER DOWNTOWN HOTEL





Everything Perfect, Everything Pleasing for that “I don’t Want to Leave Feeling

What a wonderful experience staying at New Hampshire’s Manchester Downtown Hotel. The hotel embodies class with just the right amount of excitement and peace. 



Unassuming from the outside, its welcoming interior is enriched with cherry-wood panelling, cathedral high walls awash in calming neutral colours. 






These favourable features are heightened by lots of stunning space, ultra-comfort high-end amenities and facilities that appeal to every type of guest: convention goers, athletes, bridal couples and their party (no matter the size) rocks stars, including Ozzy Osborne, moguls, dignitaries, and normal folk (like me). Media people covering the US primaries stayed here, as have presidents. 

The Downtown Manchester Hotel is the accommodation hub for those coming from all corners of North America and beyond.
The amply staffed reception never keeps you waiting. Despite my many queries or favours asked, they delivered every time. It seems nothing is beyond their reach. They're up to the challenge; they make it all happen for you. They did for me. And I had some doozy demands.

Despite all the action, there’s a notable lack of noise no matter where you are in this airy hotel, and  best of all, there are no line-ups at the friendly front desk. That’s part of the subtle magic here, helped along by the best organizers, event planners and managers in the business, such as Kim Roy, General Manager of the hotel since 2004. Formerly the Radisson, the hotel’s name changed to the Downtown Manchester Hotel in February of 2017. But that’s not all that changed.

Kim told me about all the new spaces being made will finish in October of this year – when it will be a Doubletree by Hilton. They’ve already completed the room renos. “We’re making a Hilton Honours Lounge along with a state-of-the-art midsized video space just opposite the Club. I saw these two new ingenious spaces materializing midway before me on the main floor past the elevators. Even a new restaurant is in the works. I ate at the present one; the buffet breakfast was a delicious, totally fresh feast. The fruit variety was outstanding, and the sausages were sensational.

A Welcoming Winner
Despite new beginnings, Manchester Downtown Hotel will always maintain its signature qualities: extraordinary space that doesn’t overwhelm; warmth, friendliness and extraordinary service. To me, its four-star rating seems misguided; this favourite hotel surpasses many of the highest ranking American and European hotels I’ve set my suitcase in.  A hotel can be elegant and dazzling, but Manchester Downtown Hotel avoids pretension. Authentic, it needs no $15,000 vases and kitschy statues standing in the lobby to win you over, yet art is certainly evident here. It begins right at your feet!



A Remarkable Rug that Reflects a City Wonder
You need only walk on the stunning exclusively-made massive blue and golden rug in front of the ballroom which also continues down the corridor whose walls are laden with paintings created by local artists.


 Interesting to know that the rug’s design reflects the colours and flow of the Merrimack River. Its gentle waters amble past Manchester’s historical millyard district. 


Now used for businesses, these red brick buildings once housed textiles factories. The Millyard Museum nearby details this history. 




                                             
             
                                                              Shall We Dance?
I began to grasp the immensity of the hotel upon entering the Four Rivers Ballroom. It's over 3000 square feet. Behind it, another 11,800 square feet announce the centuries-old armoury with its back brick wall.



                                     A stunning nuptial paradise












 Magnificently Multi-functional




Not only used for weddings, the Four Rivers Ballroom was the site for the New Hampshire Antique Show – the largest of its kind in New England.  People began lining up early in the morning. 




 Every Guest Room Gorgeously Creates Your Personal At-Home Haven
Twelve floors accommodate 248 rooms, including six suites: the Presidential, three Executives and two Junior Executives.








My room  was big and unbelievably comfy. It was classified as a standard. WOW! 

Partial view of my room

There was not only a gorgeous comfy love seat, but a huge TV was set into the wall over a long table that stretched at least 12 feet. All executive suites come with either king or queen size beds, but doubles can be had.
Countless pillows offered pampering comfort. Best of all, my bathroom was rich and sleek. Again the Zen feeling continues achieving total tranquility, not only because of the lovely layout and furnishings, but also because of sound-proof walls and ceiling. How nice is that!?

                                  Visit the website at end of article to get more visuals of rooms




Brilliant Bathroom Beauty
A gleaming black marble counter top framed my sink and the shower walls were done in a rich chocolate brown marble.  Finally, this hotel makes a built-in shelf in the shower to put the complimentary toiletries on, and there's a metal grasp handle on the inner wall of the bathroom for safety. The sensible and the sensual combination harmonize in this lovely private space.






Pool and Terrace Perfection.
Step in the indoor cozy Jacuzzi – big enough for three people, max. I like that; no one is hitting your feet. Its clean very warm turquoise water is silky soft and the jets are pressured just right. 



The big pool right in front of this Jacuzzi is heated too. I would come here every day to relax.  I was always alone; it was so peaceful. I have to say this seems to be a key asset to the hotel. Maybe I got lucky, but this has been designed to enhance and respect the need for people to have space and down-time. The peaceful area always beckoned me; it's was relaxing to swim in at any time of day.














Opening the glass doors to rest and read on one of the cushioned lounge chairs, I could admire the  panorama in front of me  of rooftops, steeples – all backed by the rolling White Mountains. The view was so captivating, I stopped brining up my book to read, so I could simply savour the almost 360-degree view. The magic is undeniable. You feel on top of the world, with open unobstructed sky, but reality is, this very expansive terrace and pool is only on the hotel’s third floor – as is the adjacent work-out gym and spa. Another brilliant design at the hotel.



Around Town







The Manchester Downtown Hotel’s location is convenience at its finest.  Step outside and you land on Elm Street – the hip place for restaurants to display not only their menu but their sense of humour as well.





Funky bars and one-of-a-kind cafes line the street. I was only in town for six days, and I hadn’t begun to bite into all the stuff here. Strolling along the side streets I admired the old New England architecture, buildings of character housing a myriad of artsy shops. 


Out of the City and Into Nature
Time for immersing myself in nature. Driving out of the super clean, huge indoor parking lot, I headed for Uncanoonuc Mountains. Twenty minutes later, I arrived at a lush forest with a warren of trails. I chose the 1,325 foot-high "white dot” trail – a difficult hike, but well worth it. 




Summit Silence with a view. 





The next day, I walked to Derryfield Park to follow the two kilometre-ascent up to the historical Observatory, and then beyond to the ski hill.







A Museum, A Loon Photographer and Fun Filling the Belly



There 's so much to enjoy in Manchester, including outdoor concerts during Summer Fest. This happens across the street from the hotel. 



I attended the Wizard of Oz live performance at the Palace Theatre only a ten- minute walk away. With art in mind, I visited the astonishing Currier Museum

Further afield, Kayaking on Lake Massabesic with the world-renowned loon photographer, John Rockwood and his wife, Sue was another highlight.

Click to read about restaurants:
Stimulation and outdoor activity builds up an appetite.
The Manchester Downtown Hotel’s website is: manchesterdowntownhotel.com
The address is:700 Elm Street, Manchester, New Hampshire

Call: (+1 603- 625-1000)




https://sntravelandartswithoutborders.blogspot.com/2018/08/kayaking-with-worlds-greatest-loon.html#.W3NzLdQrLVQhttps://sntravelandartswithoutborders.blogspot.com/2018/08/kayaking-with-worlds-greatest-loon.html#.W3RMBdQrLVQ